『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 (You are here)
Book 1.5: The Prince of the West Star
Book 2.5: Rasputin's Trail Adventure
Book: 3.5: Magic Six of the Resurrection!
Book 4.5: Darkness of the Witch!
Free! Book 0.5 Mini-OVA series:
Earthly Tales of the Past
As the series of Free! grows into the realm of university/college, more tales of the adulthoods are finally revealed with their counterparts and ties to Suiei!Earth are at last revealed! Three tales shall be told with each holding a burdening secret!
Prime Setting: Gen 1.0, Suiei!Earth (during the flashback events from Voyage of the Magic Six, Book 3: Eternal Promise), mostly on the continent of Lywnin-Mu but Japan and other places and flashbacks will appear too.
OVA 1: Birth of a Devil Child – Kotarou Terashima
悪魔の子供の誕生 - 寺島 湖太郎
Time: 5 Years after "The Last Legend" (of Heart of the Sixth Magic trilogy)
The Lynwin Multi-Plaza was filled with families of the Terashima and the bride's as well as many friends from high school and the university. Since the continent of Lynwin appeared, they all moved forth with the massive immigration including Americans, Australians, and some scattered Europeans and Africans.
And now today…was another happy beginning…
"Do you, Kotarou take your wife and love her for all eternity?" the priest asked.
"I do," he replied in his white-tuxedo outfit designer style with silver and blue accents pattern.
"And do you…Misae take your husband and love him for all eternity?"
"I do," Misae smiled in her laced-designed empire silhouette wedding dress with a tiara and veil.
"Then it is time, I pronounce you husband and wife," the priest concluded as the newlyweds shared their kiss and the audience roared with applause and happiness.
As the wedding ceremony concluded, Haruka and Alex were finished shopping nearby to hear the event taking place.
"Another happy day," Alex smiled.
"It would seem so," Haru answered.
"A lot of people have immigrated here…I just hope that it doesn't get problematic in generations to come," his partner sighed.
"Perhaps not. Let's get home and prepare for the lunches this week," Haru said
"Of course," Alex nodded, and they headed back to their mansion.
3 Years After:
Misae screamed on the last push as everyone could hear the newborn baby making its first breath and cry. Kotarou smiled as the nurses quickly wrapped the baby in some blankets and brought it over to bond with the mother. Misae cried happily as Kotarou smiled and recognized that it was a son. The new mother also prepared her breast to give a first feed and warmth.
"He's so perfect," Kotarou smiled as Misae nodded in agreement.
"It's our Kaede…" she answered.
The Terashima family were so blessed and happy for the first child finally here in their arms. After a day or so, the they returned home to the suburbs of East Lynwin by their seahouse as both sides of the family welcomed the newest member. However, it was a brief celebration a both Misae and Kaede were tired. Thankfully they both had some time off from their jobs as the policies on this continent were like that of Europe when it comes to maternity and paternity leaves.
"I'm so glad we didn't move to America," Misae whispered softly as they cuddled in bed while the baby rested peacefully in the cradle next to them.
"Me too. They would've forced me back to work the next day," Kotarou shrugged.
"I wonder if we will ever meet the Suiei Gods…or rather the Legendary Magic Six," she answered.
"It's in the air but I am sure they are busy with their own lives," he replied, "But it's no doubt that such a tale can inspire our baby."
The baby cooed softly as they all closed their eyes to sleep.
Kotarou woke up around a field of flowers that were predominately blue bells. He recalled giving a bunch of this to Misae when they were dating back in Japan.
"M-Misae…? K-Kaede?" he calmly asked but it was only a soft response of the wind breeze. He walked down a path that led towards a nearby building. Recognizing it as the Suiei Temple, he had no idea why it appeared in this dream.
He approached to the temple where he saw a group of people of all kinds but gasped to see the Magic Six waiting for him as if….
"It appears that the temple will one day select you," Gen 1.0-Alex spoke.
"E-eh?" Kotarou asked, "S-select me…for what?"
"To join in battle and take on our names for a new generation," Gen 1.0-Haruka answered.
The skies around them turned dark and they all melted away into the shadows. Kotarou turned to see a man with bright, neon orange hair with golden pair of eyes…for a moment he almost recognized as if…
The man in front of him grabbed him by the neck, choking as his sinister smiled haunted Kotarou to wake up from the nightmare.
"K-Kotarou?" Misae asked as she was also awake, "Did you see that?"
"You were in the dream, yet I didn't see you?" he replied, confused, "Who was that man?"
"I saw the Suiei Gods…they asked of me for something but I couldn't hear. However, I saw that man grabbing you by the neck and I screamed your name. What pain would trouble us now?" Misae fearfully muttered.
"Even so, you and my son are precious to me. I won't let anything happen to either one of you," he vowed.
"Maybe, but I just hope this was only a dream…and nothing else," Misae shrugged, "I've heard so many tales of these gods but none of us commoners have even met them."
The two fell back asleep after a bit of silence. Neither of them knew much about these legendary gods but the news and social media about them was at constant battle.
Both Kotarou and Misae happily spent much time with their baby son, going out on several walks to the ocean, visiting the areas around Mount Aluk and even traveling to other territories like Hawaii. Ever since the Land merged with the Hawiian islands, it led to a political conflict with the U.S government and the newly developed L.M government systems.
In a joint agreement, both parties decided to leave Hawaii a part of the U.S. but granted different ways for natives of Lynwin to visit the region in less restrictions. However, any immigrants who moved to Lynwin were still required to have passports.
Kotarou, Misae, and baby Kaede made it to Honolulu and traveled to other cities like Waimanolo, Kapolei, and Ewa Beach. There were still some beaches around between the mainland of Lynwin and Hawaii.
Baby Kaede cooed softly in his mother's arms as petal from the Frangipani broke off and landed on the baby's nose. Kaede sneezed softly a couple of times. Kotarou tried hard not to chuckle as it sounded so cute. Misae took out a tissue to clean up the saliva and nose.
"Oh look, is he starting to grow some hair?" Kotarou gasped as he noticed a little orange fuzz on top of his head.
"He had that since last week," Misae reminded him.
"Maybe I'll send a shot to my good ol'rival-friend…" Kotarou chuckled as he took a snapshot of the baby before sending it to Isana Kiyruu. A few seconds later, it somehow bounced back to him with a strange message.
"HUH?" he gasped, "Did he get a new phone or something…?"
"I-is something wrong?" Misae asked.
"No, it's nothing, I'll just…deal with it later," he replied and smiled.
However, it was not to say that this family was all of happiness…in a few months' time from here, Misae noticed something off about Kaede. By six months, he still didn't respond to any of the clamor that would go on in the house.
She took the baby to the hospital for a checkup along with Kotarou as they were both worried for what would become of their son.
"Mr. and Mrs. Terashima, we have the results about your son Kaede," the doctor told them.
The parents looked at each other nervously for a moment.
"We are at the conclusion that your son is suffering hearing loss," came the response.
Misae began to tear up and turned to her husband, "I…I knew something was wrong! I-I can't…"
"I'll give you a few moments," the doctor lowered her head.
"Oh honey, I…I should've done this sooner, but I was only hoping it was only a fluke!" Misae cried.
"At least we know now than later," he replied as he also cried silently. Both of their hearts sunk like the titanic. They took out some tissues to clear some of their tears as their son rested peacefully in the baby carriage.
After a heavy sigh, Kotarou turned to the doctor and asked, "So now what can we do from here? What are the next steps?"
"Well, there is the possibility of restoring your son's hearing but it might not be perfect. There are some complications that can go with this potential treatment. However, the project on this hearing restoration has not yet been in clinical trials. Two cases have been studied so far and both do have improvements but again, the project is going underway," the doctor explained.
Misae looked at her husband with increasing worry. Could they afford to take the risk? Or would they have to suffer for the rest of their lives to deal with this disability?
East-Lynwin
Allendale Community Pool
Despite the news, the family decided to go out to the community pool to at least ease their worries. Despite no longer being an active swimmer, Kotarou made sure to stay in good shape as he held the baby with some joy.
"One day you'll be big and strong like daddy!" he cooed as Misae chuckled in her bikini swimsuit.
"Honey please don't do anything reckless," she reminded him.
Kaede softly giggled at the splash of water. He flailed his hands a little before relaxing.
"Honey they're gonna call a break soon," Misae added.
"Alright," he replied as they got out.
All of sudden, Kaede screamed for a split second.
"Honey! Baby! It's alright, the water won't go anywhere," the mother answered.
Kotarou turned to see the skies turning a bit green with a strange looking mist.
"Uh, Misae…look at the sky," he said.
She turned to see the horrifying mist out in the skies. It clapped with lightning followed by a thundering noise.
"This is quite an unusual storm at this time of the year, is it a typhoon?" she asked.
"The clouds don't do something like this," he replied,
At the Marotta-Nanase Residence
Haruka looked up to the skies form the kitchen window to see the strange cloud acting up. Not wanting to waste time, he called up Alex.
"Heya, that strange cloud is doing something again," he said.
"Oh?" Alex answered on the phone, "Where is it now?"
"I imagine its coming from the east side," Haruka replied.
"Very well. Nagisa is busy, but I can go investigate. I'll call Rin and see if he's available," the husband shrugged.
Matsuoka-Ryugazaki Residence
"Oh my god Rin, Rei's muscles are just as fantastic!" Gou blushed at the magazines.
"Yeah he's pulling quite a number this time," Rin answered, "Maybe at this rate, he could go into acting…"
His phone vibrated.
"Hm?" Rin muttered as he slid his phone open. He read the text.
"Onii-chan, what's wrong?" Gou asked.
"It's from Alex. That green cloud that was investigated a while back…apparently its starting to spread a bit," he replied.
"I'll go with you," Gou said.
"You have your kids to deal with, I don't want to endanger you," Rin answered.
"Hey, I got my own magic too!" she replied.
"Do you want the kids to live a normal life?" he asked.
"Well yes but…" she sighed, "This isn't good. Alex and Nagisa have tried to do something about it but it was only a dead end."
"I'll reach out to my Suiei God and see what he thinks," Rin said, linking his powers after closing his eyes.
Three of the Suiei Gods arrived at the cloud as summoned by their human counterparts. Marotta, Matsuoka, and Ryugazaki surrounded it.
"So this is that strange cloud we saw before," Ryugazaki muttered in fascination.
"It's not safe to get too close, who knows what it can really do," Matsuoka said.
"Perhaps we take more samples of it and deliver it to Alex and Nagisa?" suggested Marotta.
"Nagisa wouldn't bother with it again, he had a bit too much adventure that last time," the red-hair god shrugged.
"I heard that!" Hazuki's voice echoed in their heads.
A thundering sound rumble from the cloud as the trio turned to see something growing from it. The gods readied themselves on what would emerge from it. A piece of the mist broke off and soared towards the continent.
"We gotta stop it!" Marotta gasped but it was too late, it rumbled through the land, looking for its target.
"Fuck, I'm taking another sample," Matsuoka growled as he twirled a piece of rope like a cowboy before dragging some of it into a glass container before handing it to Marotta, "Give this to Alex personally. We'll track down where that beast is going…"
"Here, this is the sample from the cloud again," Suiei Marotta handed it to Alex.
Alex took the container and looked at it, "I don't know if there is much I can do with it…but I guess with some new toys I have…"
"Just do whatever you can discover," his Suiei God shrugged before vanishing off.
The Terashima family returned to their home but the front gate was blocked by a green cloud.
"I-is that?" Koutarou asked.
"I've heard about that cloud from the scientists!" Misae gasped, clutching the baby closer to her.
"Why is it blocking our entry way?" he muttered.
Seconds later, it disappeared as if it sensed them. The two looked at each other in sheer confusion but walked back inside like nothing happened.
Days After:
The scientist took the green cloud sample inside the vial while another vial contained a sample of ocean water. He recalled something back in his BIONICLE stories and wondered if it was a similar connection despite being a fantasy realm. Out of curiosity, he took the two substance and mixed them together. So far no reaction…
BANG!
The substance reacted but to his surprise, the glass did not shatter. With a shrug, he took a plain maple leaf and submerged it with the new liquid. Seconds later, it grew 'hair-like' projections on it. Shocked, he took a wooden pencil and watched it transform into some hybrid of a pencil and a worm.
"W-what is this…?" he muttered.
The newly mutated objects he experimented were flared to life like he had never seen but after a couple of seconds, they crumbled to dust. He quickly wrote down his observations before performing a few more experiments and taking pictures.
"This cloud…if mixed with water from the ocean, it can cause mutation…almost like that of Chernobyl's radiation…" stating his hypothesis in his notebook.
2 Years Later
The Terashima family took the young child to swimming. After a couple of first times in a baby pool and discovering his potential for swimming, it was time to get their son exposed to the world of athletic people. An interpreter who was trained in sign language with an advance team of people to ensure he completed the basics were provided.
The parents watched in eager to see their boy already mastering to tread on the water with a whopping 35 minutes of keeping the head above.
"T-this is amazing," Misae smiled.
"Indeed…at least he does have something of a gift," Kotarou smiled as she huddled her head on top of his shoulder.
The green cloud was also present but hidden from the crowd as it was connected to someone or something within the dark magic…
The Coven Cave of East Mountains of Camelot, Head base for the Witches of the Adversary
A group of seven witches formed an incomplete circle as they watched the joy and happiness of people who rebelled their brothers and sisters and family of the Mahotsukai. Ever since Pandora rebelled the Authors and became a Dark One, they too…were inspired by her and decided to exile themselves in order to not get caught.
Verrado unveiled her dark hood after watching the joyful scene presented to her with a sigh. She could not stand pure love and happiness. No.
"What do you want us to do now?" Alucard asked.
"Nothing for the moment," Verrado said as they gasped.
"You always have a plan," Dracula, Alucard's twin answered.
"Indeed, but this child is…unique, born without a voice nor ears yet he can still find his way to get up to fame in humanity," she nodded.
"But what about the Suiei Gods? They are quite a formidable match," Salem added.
"We will just have to make sure they're not around then," Verrado replied, "Those gods…act like they are the world but none of the humans even know what our powers can do…our world…rules them all with a scribble but in our case…our world…rules them with a sacrifice, blood, and ink."
"But we still do scribble," Yuma shrugged.
"Not for much longer…with the right ingredients, we can obtain powers and call forth our goddess of the shadows to grant us more," Verrado smiled.
"She still hasn't reached out to you?" Cassio asked.
"No. But I am sure as a Dark One, she will come to us in need," Verrado said.
After a brief pause, Alucard added, "So then…if you plan to take the child…?"
"He will be great for our cause because his innocence is currently pure. We take that away and instill the right ingredients and soon we'll have our final member for the coven," Verrado replied.
"But he's a human," Cassio argued.
"That's right…and they will do anything to achieve their own desires. With that, he is perfect," Verrado smiled as she continued to observe through the green cloud. While it was created by Pandora indeed, they managed to hijack some of the sample thanks to the Suiei Gods provoking it for sampling as it became a vessel of theirs.
Misae woke up to hear a terrifying scream from Kaede in another room. She and Kotarou got up and ran over to see a hooded figure grabbing the child. While the deafen-child couldn't hear his own cries, for a moment he could almost say the words "mommy and daddy" out of his mouth thanks to the strange magic that was flowing through him and his kidnapper.
Kotarou tried to lunge an attack but the two vanished through the dark clouds. Misae screamed in horror as all what was left was a puddle of green water that was then collected for evidence.
Upon arriving at the cavern where the coven waited, Kaede tried to find an exit but stopped to see a pile of toys and things beyond his imagination.
"That should cover you for some time," Verrado sighed.
"Honestly did you really think this is gonna create a bigger mess?" Alucard asked.
"Not with him being spoiled and taking a time of initiation," she shrugged before summoning his swimming gear before him. Confused, Kaede looked at it.
"You are a swimmer are you not?" she asked.
"Who are you?" Kaede asked before realizing that he could hear himself and, "I-I can hear!?"
"Yes, my dear, your parents failed to grant you means for your hearing…so I figured by taking you to us, we would grant you that wish," Verrado explained.
"I want to go home…" Kaede said.
"I'm afraid going back there will be impossible. You see child, that city…that continent, will soon face a horrible threat and your life would be taken for nothing. You have dreams…you have something that will benefit you…and maybe for us too," the witch replied, "But in return, this world is your new home…everything you need is right here."
With a flick of her fingers, the group reappeared what looked like a resort of human-like beings and strange creatures co-existing and working and playing like nothing ever seemed wrong.
"W-where are we?" Kaede asked.
"This is where special people like us were exiled to…we were banished from our realm home, but we created our own paradise here based on worlds like yours and many others to suit our needs. These people here also have jobs and work for us by supplying magic that they dig from the mines in our caves," Verrado explained.
"Welcome to East Mountain Valley or simply known as Pleasure Valley…Kaede," Alucard added.
"Since Terashima isn't quite a last name you will need…a new one should suffice…" Verrado muttered, going through her book of names, "…Shinra…Okumura…Naomi…oh…perfect! Kinjou."
"Kaede Kinjou?" the child asked.
"Yes! I love it how it suits so well!" she clasped her hands, "You are Kaede Kinjou…and once you are old enough, you will have special access to work with us directly!"
Back on Earth: Emergency Meeting at 2 PM
The loss of Kaede traumatized the parents as they performed endless search parties for the child. This new spread to even the Magic Six team as they even met in secret at the Marotta-Nanase household.
"This was what was left behind in the household," Alex lifted a vial of the green liquid that was taken by a small portion by the Suiei Gods before the police cleaned it up.
"Yeah and then…?" Nagisa asked.
"This and the green cloud appear to have some connection to them," he replied, revealing a gas filled vial of the green intact cloud from ages ago, "This was put into a freezer of liquid nitrogen to keep it preserved after we had our experiment.
"I performed a basic experiment with a leaf, pencil, a piece of my hair, a bottle cap, and a blade of grass. Each of them reacted in ways I could beyond understand. However, I do know that when it touches something from something organic, it brings life to it…but it doesn't explain to why the pencil grew legs suddenly?"
"I still wonder if that green puddle and the cloud had taken the child," Rin said.
"Judging by the news on this, rumors are being spread on social media," Makoto added.
"I do think this cloud is a threat to all of us," Haruka replied, "If it took that child from the family's arms…how many more incidents will it take?"
"And that is something unbeautiful," Rei crossed his arms.
"What's worse is that the Terashima parents are begging so many civilians to help find their son. But I have a feeling we have something bigger in our hands," Alex concluded
"So what do we do now?" Nagisa asked.
"…I have a feeling our time as a group to the public may be sooner than we expected," he replied.
"We'll be risking our exposure to the world if we do so," Rin argued.
"Not if magic can make them forget," Alex said, "Enough magic to know that we got involved at least."
"This isn't right…I feel like we are just…" Rei sighed, "Doing this and knowing that this may end up a failed search party."
"We'll focus on that when we get there," Makoto answered, "As much as I do not like it either…why did we end up this way…retiring our lives as heroes?"
"I for one…am kinda relieved to not be doing much," Nagisa said, "The time loop, Alex-chan's arrival, the shadow mafia…all of that already was bad enough."
"And you are saying that a missing child isn't?" Rei stared at the blond sharply.
"That's NOT what I'm trying to say!" Nagisa gasped, "It's more like…people trying to take advantage of us knowing that they come here for better lives with a government that's almost…unreal."
"You know, this isn't like you…" Makoto replied, "I sense something…off?"
Alex could also feel a jolt in his mind, telling him that something or someone is already here…
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
"E-eh? Who and how is someone at the door?" Haruka looked confused.
"Is it the pizza man?" Nagisa asked.
Alex magically waved his hand as the door opened, revealing Misae and Kotarou along with a cop. The former got up and greeted them and signed off on a sheet for the cop.
"Very well," Alex nodded, "Thank you for your time."
"Wow…such an amazing…house," Misae was stunned, "Is it made of…?"
"Yes. The floors and the pillars here are made from Italian marble with a twist of Japanese screenings further down," he smiled briefly.
"So it's true that you and the others are…?" Kotarou began.
"Yes…we are the human hosts of our Suiei Gods…but we separated our existences from them so we can live out a normal life," Alex explained, "Let me introduce you to the other five."
The others got up and greeted their guests while Haruka wasn't too thrilled about revealing their identities to them. However, by the looks of their concern of Kaede's disappearance, none of them could bear to what it was like to lose a child.
"We thank you for coming here to join us," Alex said, "The cries of your son have been heard and we decided…that we will do what we can to help you. However, if your child is no longer in this world, I'm afraid we'll have a bigger problem in our hands into tracking him down."
"Do what you must," Kotarou grabbed his hand while on his knees, "We beg your assistance!"
"Would you like something to drink first?" Haruka asked.
"Some water will do," Misae replied.
By sunset, the group exited the mansion before splitting up into teams to start a search party through their private property and other forbidden areas that were restricted to outsiders. The policemen put some tape around the outer perimeters to keep the scene of the crime stabilized.
Nagisa and Makoto joined with Misae heading north towards Mount Aluk while Alex and Haru went with Kotarou heading east towards the Sacred Gardens while Rin and Rei did their own search in a western direction where the spiked rocks resided.
As Haruka remined silent about this, Alex asked Kotarou a few questions about himself as well as the child. Kotarou explained that he was an immigrant from Japan who heard about the Suiei Gods back during their high school days. Upon learning that the Shadow Mafia killed one of their friends, Alex could only provide sympathy (as his memories about them were altered thanks to his wish).
"Well then, how did you guys managed to fight so well?" Kotarou asked, rubbing the back of his head.
"It wasn't easy," Haru said, "But we managed to hold for our backs even when we were in Italy."
Misae carried a lantern while Nagisa was being deadly silent, much to Makoto's dismay.
"Nagisa, are you alright?" Makoto asked.
"Yeah…just…not understanding why we are going this way?" the blond question.
"Do you have a better suggestion?" Misae shrugged.
"Look, we are doing our best," Makoto shared a sweat drop, "Nagisa here has always been a hard worker, an excellent swimmer and a caring friend."
"I think that we are not looking for the right source," Nagisa replied, "Mount Aluk is a high altitude and I don't think Kaede would go that way.
Strange, though Makoto, he normally adds -chan…
Rin and Rei walked towards the spiked rocks when they saw a group of cloaked figures investigating the area nearby. They both used their x-ray visions to see what they were before recoiling.
"This isn't good," Rin whispered.
"Are we being led into a trap?!" Rei gasped silently.
"We have to warn the others…" Rin nodded.
"I'm afraid it's already too late," a voice echoed in their minds.
The two turned to see another hooded figure with a full-grown body of a male appearance. His hair was spiked-orange with a pair of yellow eyes. Before the two could react, Kaede cast his hand at them, putting them to sleep.
Haruka and Alex gasped at some evil presence lurking nearby as their connection to Rei and Rin were gone.
"What happened?" Kotarou asked.
"We're in a trap!" Alex said, "RIN!? REI?!"
"Let's go!" Haru added as he and Alex linked their hands to Kotarou to try and teleport, but something was preventing them to do so. However, everything around them changed as they were out in the meadows by Mount Aluk where Makoto was tied up to a pole with Rin and Rei and the real Nagisa was rested on some created-magical circle with candles around.
Misae was gripped by two of the cloaked witches while the Nagisa that was with them on the search party smiled at the newly captured heroes.
"N-NAGISA!?" Alex gasped, "WHO ARE YOU REALLY?!"
The Fake Nagisa chuckled before shifting into the witch Verrado before them in her coven cloak.
"I have heard many tales of you…Magic Six…quite a formidable name. Your reputation sure does proceed you," the witch said, "I am Verrado, the leader of my cult group, the Witches of the Adversary."
"What did you do to Kaede!?" Haruka asked as he tried to step forward but neither he and Alex could move.
"Oh…him, yes," Verrado smiled, "We raised him for 21 years and a day."
"THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE!" Kotarou gasped.
"H-How…!?" Misae trembled as she tried to break free from the witches' grips, but they held her in place.
"What sort of ceremony are you going to do?" Alex asked.
"We have set a failsafe here in which if you do not comply, your beloved stone cord…that held up your continent, will break and your home will be sunken to the abyss," Verrado replied.
The heroes grunted angrily at this as they recalled discovering this secret very recently back in the Lynwin Master Library.
"How long have you been here?" Haruka questioned.
"Enough to figure out how to destroy your home so that your future won't continue," one of the other witches replied.
"Where's our son?!" Kotarou shouted as he too couldn't move from where he stood.
Another hooded figure walked out and revealed his face at last as Kaede Kinjou smiled, "I'm here…do not worry."
"Kaede, whatever it is you're doing! You don't have to work with them! Come back to us!" Misae answered.
"He's not going to listen to you," Verrado replied, "Now then, we are here to collect a precious life of someone for our own purposes. We have selected the real Nagisa to be as our chosen one."
"NO!" Makoto angrily growled as his eyes glowed green for a second before they flickered off.
"Your Suiei Gods cannot access this area because we set up a barricade," Verrado added, "Nice try though. Let the ritual begin!"
The circle glowed red as Nagisa grunted in pain on the response of energy being sucked away from his body. Rei and Rin combined their strengths to break free from the rope with Makoto, but more witches grabbed them.
Misae formulated a plan by pretending to collapse before breaking free from their grips. She ran over towards the circle as Kotarou also broke free and followed her, trying to rescue her.
"W-What are you doing!?" he shouted.
"Honey, if they lose a hero of their team…our home will be defenseless!" she cried out.
"And If you do this…" Kotarou trembled, "YOU'LL DIE!"
"I know!" she spilled a tear, "And if we don't do this…Lynwin will sink! Go…save Kaede…"
"M-Misae…" he could barely whisper as the wife ran towards the circle and pushed Nagisa out. The blond fell to the ground as Makoto rescued him but everyone watched in horror about what would happened next.
"If a life is needed to save this continent then you take mine!" Misae shouted.
"So be it!" Verrado growled as she amplified the process while Misae screamed in agony. Kotarou fell to his knees and cried out her name while the mother fell to her knees, looking at her husband before turning to see her grown, corrupted son, hoping that her smile will bring him back to the light. She whispered the words of love to her son before closing her eyes.
The last bit of thunder and lightning struck as the red candles fluttered out into smoke and everyone disappeared except the Magic Six and a semi-conscious Kotarou after losing his family.
"W-what in the hell were they?" Alex asked.
"They are seekers," the familiar voice of witch boy in the dog appeared.
"Y-You couldn't help us?!" Rin shouted.
"These witches use magic that I do not have," Watanuki explained as he approached to a sleeping Kotarou filled with tears, "He will soon wake up, but his memories will be altered and he will return to Japan."
"B-but why? We can't save Kaede?!" Haruka questioned.
"His story and yours…are not destined to collide. One day, you will understand…but until then…" witch boy said before they all fell asleep.
From here, the Magic Six would wake up the next day normally and resume their lives while Kotarou would end up suffering Hikikomori for a long period of time to old age somewhere in Tokyo.
As for Kaede, his reign of terror is only the beginning…but with Nagisa spared, the witches continue to wait in the shadows for a new opportunity…
Watanuki looked saddened to do this but he had been watching those witches and their origins as well as their motives. Knowing that the past and future are not meant to mix together, he had to prevent the worst from happening even if it meant to wait several eons for help to come along the way. Down the road, he knew that these five swimmers will get the help they are seeking but the road to get there is only cloudy.
"Kotarou...Tsubasa...Isana...Hikaru...and Shin...your untold stories will one day be told...but until then..." he watched at the red moonlight with concern about the Magic Six on Lynwin and their potential futures beyond this world.
~END OF OVA 1~
OVA 2 Preview:
Moving to Lynwin as the next big top stripper and male model, Tsubasa hits it big there with lots of money and a new friend along the way. However, hidden emotions are surfaced slowly where his lust and desire boil over after discovering 'his type' of people is already married and with a family. In desperation for a one night stand, the stripper learns a dark secret of who to trust and the consequences are worse than a nightmare!
(Warning: this OVA will have yaoi)
OVA 2: Promiscuous Fire – Tsubasa Hoshikawa
火の売春婦 - 星川 翼