『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
Book 2.5: Rasputin's Trail Adventure
Book: 3.5: Magic Six of the Resurrection!
Book 4.5: The Power of Memories! (You are here)
Book 4.5: The Power of Memories
~FULL-LENGTH NOVEL SPIN-OFF~
Part 2
...Continuing from Part 1
These stories are spin-offs and will focus on characters that are not featured as much in Book 4: Return of the Magic Six.
This does include a crossover with Haikyuu! with intersections of Sk8 as they too will have their own storyline.
Once we hit Book 5: Lineage of the Elements (Date TBA) with BIONICLE, the majority of our crossover guests featured here will be drawn back to minor/cameo scenes.
Free! Close Up Memories
**PART 1: Episodes 1 – 2, taking place Post-Resurrection (Book 3.5) on Earth/Terabithia and Duniya.
**PART 2: Episodes 3 – 5, taking place Post-Book 4, prior to Artemis' Betrayal and a bit after.
Haikyuu! Who Needs Memories
**PART 1: Episodes 1 – 2, taking place Post-Resurrection (Book 3.5) on Duniya with flashbacks from Gen 2.0/Sportsbrooke.
**PART 2: Episodes 3 – 5, taking pace Post-Book 4, prior to Artemis' Betrayal, with flashbacks as previously noted.
Note: This will be the final half-number in book volume. No Book 5.5 is planned.
~Close Up Memories 3: Swimmer's Dream~
Post-Final Battle against the Shindo Sisters/Moirai
Despite defeating the Shindo Clan and their curse of the Elder Bairns at long last, the former Aeuropa City remained in a shroud of darkness. Many of the Mullerians were able to help evacuate a good portion of the human population but during the chaos, the dark magic unleashed from the Shindo Towers has blown up several of the facilities and homes within a great radius of miles as a final desolation to punish the people.
The Mullerians have then departed from Frostella, taking their newly reborn Ainosuke with them along with the Chivashi and Tadashi back to Chirottori.
Without any form of a leader, the city was in desperate need of a new beginning. The Skater clan and the volleyball gang, together with the Swimming Guardians, reached back to the megacity as Neo King Alexander and Neo King Odysseus surveyed the damages.
"The entire city…" Haruka's eyes widened.
"All damaged from the circus," Sousuke muttered.
"A tragic city in distress…like a time-bomb waiting to explode," Neo King Alexander turned to his husband.
"Who knows how many years these people had to suffer in paranoia and fear," Neo King Odysseus added.
The senshi approached the kings and kneel to them as Tsubasa asked, "Your majesties, what will you both plan to do?"
"Will both your powers help rebuild this?" Hikaru added.
Langa, Reki, and Miya paid close attention to hear this as they were worried about what is yet to come. This was their home despite all the mess they have gone through. The same with Joe, Cherry, Shadow, Oka, and many others.
"The Shindo Clan has done quite a number of horrid things indeed," Alexander continued, "But alas, magic comes with a great price. Even if the city is restored, someone has to be responsible for the civilization here."
"Someone to lead…" Cherry crossed his arms.
"Now before any of you suggest us, need I remind you it's not our time to assume that role," Odysseus replied.
"B-but...?" Makoto asked.
"I think...the right person will come here, to this city. Someone who is perhaps closest to us..." the other king smiled.
"Someone...but who?" Rin questioned.
"I can't play a role here since my home is Frostella. But I am willing to cooperate with whoever it may be," Langa offered his services.
"It's alright Langa, your role as prince is prominent and special. But I think…you also have a dream to fulfill first before taking on a bigger responsibility," Odysseus added.
"Their powers can really do all of this? Even after...?" Joe looks at Cherry and Shadow.
"Our powers are certain to restore this town," Alexander reassured them, "But it will look different."
With that said, the two kings raised their Astro Solar Destiny Tiare and the Astro Lunar Creation Tiare. Both their crystals budded out of their bodies as both the crystals and the staffs wiped a massive rainbow-golden light across the entire city, transforming it into a futuristic-crystalized style town with an array of more Eco-friendly environments, technology, and plants.
The pollution from the city finally vanished as several buildings are made of crystal similar to Frostella but with various shapes and sizes. The audience were in shock and awe to see all that happened to this once disgraceful metropolitan. At long last, the skies above returned to clear as the sun appeared itself.
All the Swimming Guardians smiled with hope in their hearts as the other communities were tearfully happy to see their home now in a better condition than before.
"This is a definite improvement," Seijuurou grinned.
"What a restoration indeed," Isana agreed.
"This is going to freak so many people out…" Takeshi shook a little.
"They can get over it. I like it already," Koyomi answered back.
"It's a much better town already..." Miya agreed as he looks at the two kings transforming back into their Ultra senshi forms.
Cherry held onto Carla as he knew that this next step had to be done. It was now or never. Without another hesitation, he walked over to the powerful guardians.
"Is something wrong, Cherry?" Alex asked.
"If I may ask one small request…" the pink-haired man replied.
"Y-yes?" he blinked his eyes.
"My… assistant, Carla. I never realized how pathetic I was until I had lost her. Now having her back, after everything she has been through, I don't think it should be fair reducing her back to such a minor role," Cherry answered, "Perhaps Adam…or whoever he was, was on to something when he gave her sentience and human form. This time, I want to make sure her humanity isn't used as a tool for destruction.
"Case in point, if you may…"
Alex makes a tearful smile with a nod, and he readies his staff again, sending warm ripples onto the Carla skateboard. The AI finally transforms into a more permanent human form, dressed in a kimono-outfit like Cherry's with jet-black hair, neon-purple eyes.
The teens gasped upon this as Shadow's jaw dropped while Joe was curious to see what would happen next after blinking his eyes in disbelief.
"I-It's her!?" Langa and Reki gasped.
"I guess this isn't a complete team," Miya shrugged, "Without her."
After manifesting, Carla kneels down to Alex and Kyle, "Thank you both, for giving me a new chance at life."
From there, she turns to Cherry, "I am incredibly sorry for what has happened between us but... there is one more thing I haven't told you about."
"What is it?" Cherry asked.
"When I was being created by your parents, they also made a secondary AI in case something happened to me. It was later scrapped but I think now that I am human mixed with AI, I might be able to talk to that one and bring it to surface as your new tool…if you wish," she revealed.
"They hid something like this all this time? Regardless, I don't want to consider you or this other one a tool. I don't want a repeat of last time," he answered, "A companion would be better."
"No worries, I'll be her caretaker too. We will work this out," she answered as she dug into her pocket and hands him a small piece of paper with Celene's name on it, "That's her name and the sketch. The materials are still in the shed."
"Thank you," Cherry answered, "But I promise you…and her…that we'll be a better family this time."
Joe smiles at this as Langa and Reki held their hands. Miya notices Shadow tearing up a little as Oka rests his arm over his partner.
"Remind me to get some drinks after this," Kazu turned to Harry, "This has got to be some high's dream."
A warm breeze sweeps in this new town. Kyle turned to the rest of the senshi, "There's a lot of work to be done, but for sure, this town will be a better home, for everyone."
"Agreed," Kotarou nodded.
"No more pain and darkness in this town," Shin added.
Aoba reaches his hand to Momo's by surprise as the latter blushed with a small smile. Anastasia turned to her fiancée with a nod as they too, were relieved that this battle has ended.
"A hopeful tomorrow," Rei said.
"I think it's time we start this new beginning," Reki said, looking at his family.
"I'm so happy you're finally back," Masae hugged him again with a soft kiss on the forehead. The twins giggled happily as Koyomi smiled likewise.
"Mom, dad…I'm so sorry I disappeared like that," Miya looked at his parents, "I was trying to find Reki and Langa…my friends…"
"We know," the mother touched beneath his chin, "And now that it's all over, we're finally safe."
He hugged his parents again in tears.
"It's good to see you back," Takeshi greeted him.
"Yeah, I'm glad to be home," Miya wiped his face.
"Let's head home," Shouyou turned to his volleyball group.
"I couldn't agree more," Tobio nodded.
"Another hell of a mess is done," Ushijima grunted.
"I hope this is it too," Atsumu sighed, "We still gotta get ready for the Olympics."
"Agreed," Oikawa added.
Once the three groups split off back to starting over once more, the Swimming Guardians, Kyle and Sergi were brought over to the former Aeuropa Shoreline where the Mizu Gods finally reappeared to them once more. The Takagami senshi stayed a few yards away to let them talk to them in a bit more private-like conversation.
"Where have you guys been?!" Rin shouted.
"These battles we fought were total nightmares!" Makoto added.
"Not to mention the kind of people we had to dealt with…" Alex sighed.
Mizu Marotta approached to his human self, "You've become strong, yet you can be a little child sometimes."
"Well, when does any of us grow up anyway?" the human shrugged.
"All of you have become stronger guardians. Your final forms as Ultra Suiei Senshi is the highest levels provided to you by Cosmos itself," Mizu Nanase explained.
"And with that, we opt to watch you from afar but...some of us did do a few things, at least to initiate," Mizu Tachibana answered.
Mizu Yamazaki made a fake-like cough and crosses his arms, "Well...I did one thing for you…"
Sousuke thinks for a moment but realizes, "W-wait a second...W-Wilbur?!"
With a swift of magic, the Mizu God presented the pig to him as he was sleeping in his arms like a baby, "I sent him to help you."
"N-No way! So that's how we managed to escape?!" Rin gasped.
"WAIT! Then was that you sent little not me to the rescue?!" Momo turned to his Mizu God.
"Well...it was fun collaborating with your Chibi Guardian..." the Mizu god rubbed the back of his head.
"Regardless, we're really grateful for that, and everything," Ai smiled.
"Are you all going to reside here in the ocean?" Nagisa asked.
"Actually, no. We have found a nice-sized lake outside of the city," Mizu Matsuoka revealed.
"It will be our new base of operations to be precise," Mizu Marotta added.
"You're residing here? I would have thought you would be staying on Terabithia?" Rei tilted his head in confusion.
"As pleasant as Terabithia is, the magic there feels different than our natural flow. Here, on the other hand, feels like we were meant to be here. Don't worry, the power of Articora seems to be able to sustain it as we would have back in the other world," Mizu Ryugazaki explained.
"Now with Aeuropa City...restored...well...changed, we still don't know who will be in charge there," Ikuya added.
"That name...Aeuropa...why does it sound so old?" Momo grunted.
"Because it sounds like America and Europe for Pete's sake!" Rin answered.
Both Alex and Kyle cringed on the America part as Nagisa chimed in, "Is that it? Now the corrupt politics makes sense!"
"I vote a change!" Asahi raised out his hand.
"Now what are they talking about? Tsubasa asked, looking at Seijuurou.
"No idea," the red-haired man shrugged.
"I might have an idea or two, right…Ikuya?" the pink-salmon haired man turned to him.
"I'm afraid to ask what your lil'ol monkey brain is thinking," Ikuya turned his head to the side.
"Oh dear..." Makoto muttered.
"Bite me!" Asahi briefly snapped before regaining his calmer self, "I was thinking we could… borrow the name of that grand city."
"A grand city?" Nagisa asked.
"The one in Julius' world?" Asahi replied.
"Okay now I'm confused…" Rei sighed.
"Wait...Atlantis?!" Alex recalled his journey there with Kyle and the girls with Asahi and Ikuya.
"Well, the city does have a lot of crystal-like Atlantis..." Ikuya shrugged.
With a sigh, the younger Marotta brother opens the chapters of the Olympia Magna arc and said, "I don't think he meant the water city."
"Hehe, I've always wanted to say this, and hopefully it's approved…Welcome to Sportsbrooke?" Asahi grinned.
"S-Sportsbrooke?" Haruka asked.
"W-wasn't there a show we watched back...well in Arizona?" Makoto looked at the others.
"Wait, the one with the fairy tales, right?" Rin recalled.
"You want to be in charge, Madam Mayor?" Nagisa answered back.
"No, and no," Asahi crossed his arms.
"I didn't realize you watched that show too," Ikuya realized what they were talking about.
"Ummm…what show? What am I missing?" Asahi tilt his head.
"We'll talk about it later," Rei sighed, "For now we need someone to lead this new city."
"Gah, I hate working with the mortal race," Hazuki crossed his arms while Ryugazaki smacked him on the shoulder.
"They still have more…confrontations ahead…" Ryugazaki warned him.
"I have a better idea…" Nagisa said.
"Oh?" Rei looked at the blond.
"What were you thinking, Nagisa?" Makoto asked.
"Someone in particular?" Natsuya turned to the blond.
"Well yeah. I mean, they were doing a good job back home when they were in charge," the blond hinted.
"Who?" Momo tilted his head.
"The one and only…Ama-chan!" Nagisa grinned.
"EHAAAHH!?" Makoto gasped, "But isn't she…?"
"She's not in charge of Tokyo anymore, remember?" Rin asked, "Though I'm not sure how many years it's been for her since her experience."
"Will she even come to this world?" Ikuya turned to Asahi.
"Interesting choices…" Rei muttered with his fist beneath chin, "Amakata-sensei…Sportsbrooke."
With the ideas now brewing and opportunities forming, Miho Amakata decided to agree on this and move to the other world while also planning to bring the other Asahi, Ikuya, Natsuya, Nao and Kisumi over likewise once things get settled.
She appointed Nao to watch over the rest of the group in the meantime and will communicate back and forth. The five were excited indeed to start a new chapter in Duniya but wondered what would happen upon meeting their other selves? They were warned by Articora!Rei about potential consequences but things couldn't get much worse, could they?
Back in Articora
A bit of time has passed since the newlywed couple have established their new lives here in this northern most magical land. Despite the setback of not being able to swim, Alex was able to pick up a few new hobbies including reading, climbing, and a bit of running/track.
With this, Rei would go to Polaris every other day to attend to its cosmic readings of the past, present, and future with Artemis. Whenever he didn't need to go there, he was always by his husband's side. The giants would offer gifts sometimes to Alex as a token of appreciation for the positive energy he brought to this land.
Finally, with some equipment found from Duniya, the Articorans were able to establish a tower to receive signaling but connected to the Guardian's Quail to hide their location from the rest of the world. This brought some sort of internet connection finally which allowed Alex to talk to his folks virtually.
On one such day, at the timer, Alex readied himself on three. At the signal, he makes a run-like sprint across a makeshift track for a 50-yard dash, beating his previous time by 1.1 seconds.
"How was it?" Romio asked.
"He did it!" Shizuru answered.
"That's great!" he replied as Alex breathed in and out for air.
"I never thought I'd do this kind of thing…" he muttered as Shizuru provided him a tower and water bottles to cool off. At the cottage was one area of gym equipment to also help him stay in some shape (albeit for a leaner and toned body).
"Thank you," he accepted the bottle.
"You've been improving a lot lately. Impressive work," Romio smiled.
"Well, it's because my folks are prone to...heart disease...diabetes...high blood pressure...all that," he chuckled nervously, "I need a bath. Is there any soap left?"
"I'm sure there are a few bars left in our stash. Maybe you'll have to head down to Phoenix for some shopping?" Shizuru asked.
"Perhaps," he shrugged, heading back to the cottage.
Guardian's Quail
Fountain Hills, AZ
After Amakata's departure to Duniya and leaving Nao in charge of the group, the remaining members were hoping for Rei to keep his word on their eventual move to the other planet likewise. However, they were warned for what may happen if they encountered their other, ancestor selves.
"I just hope this doesn't cause a tear in space-time," Ikuya sighed.
"We'll be fine," Natsuya reassured him.
Kisumi lowered his head as he could only pray to himself is his brother is alive in this other world. Nao rested his hand on the pink-haired man's shoulder to reassure him.
"If this all works out, will all of you go back to swimming again?" Kisumi looked at the others.
"From what the rumors were said, they are building the Olympics," Ikuya replied.
"Hopefully you all have kept your proper forms here with the resources," Nao reminded them.
Natsuya got into the room where they were talking as he said, "Hey! There's something going on with the radar."
"Natsuya?" Nao turns to him.
"The disturbance from yesterday, no one has figured it out yet what it was? It looks like they're on the move," he replied.
"Out by the Tucson area...what did you see?" Ikuya asked.
"Last time I checked there were a handful of dots on the radar," the older brother explained.
"I did ask those folks from Articora to look into it. Ryuji and Mikhail, I believe their names were," Nao recalled.
"The really bizarre couple?" Kisumi tilted his head.
"I think the blond one was ogling me a little," Asahi shudders on their recount in Articora before getting back to his senses, "You think they can pull off such a task?"
"They were able to hold their own against the Shadow Mafia," Nao reminded them.
"So then what?" he asked, "Are we still going to Duniya?"
"It's gonna have to wait a bit longer, not till we figure out who these arrivals are and what do they want," Natsuya answered.
I have to remain patient, Asahi thought, but I feel something…different since that trip. That vision…I'm sure the other me has something planned.
Mini-Flashback: North Phoenix
Texas Roadhouse, Shops at Norterra
The Three girls of Anastasia's half-sisters reunited at a restaurant for a little girl talk or two, catching up on their lives as well as sharing their university experiences. Still, Alex, Kyle, Anastasia, and Elise have yet to return from whatever was happening on Duniya. Laura told the girls after Kyle departed to the other world not too long ago and mentioned about the weird happenings in his health.
"Girl, I hope he's alright...that wasn't good," Maya sighed.
"Some magic dose was given, right?" Niki asked.
"Y-yes...he did seem a bit better but I'm worried regardless...we only got a small glimpse of that other world," Laura recalled.
"I hope we get invited to their wedding...they better not have said their vows without our presence," Maya threw her two cents.
"Girl, chill...they'll be fine," Niki reassured her, "Anastasia wouldn't abandon us like that."
"Wait…how about…oh what's his name…oh, Uncle Sergi?! He's the author and knows of the magic!" Maya recalls this.
"That's true. Maybe he could give us an update," Laura agreed, "I'll send him a text."
However, the message didn't go through at all, prompting them to realize…
"Don't tell me he's in that other world too…" Maya sighed.
"I'll ask grandma," Laura replied.
Present Time: Sometime after their return
With the Magic Six returning to Terabithia and splitting off to recount their memories, the four families reunited with Rin, Haruka, Nagisa, and Makoto respectively. It still shocked them a bit that neither version of the Rei's can return to this part of the world due to the mere fact that it was the price to maintain the peace of the planet.
So, to compensate the views, they sent videos and pictures of the town to Rei as he was spending the time up north with his other self, staying safe and eluded from society.
Articora!Alex was busy training on different types of exercises including calisthenics, yoga, and a bit more of outdoor hiking and the like. His muscle form has changed to a more toned form but still holding the remnants of volume from his "wholeness" with his original half. Together with Romio and Shizuru, they made sure he would have something fulfilled for the days he spent living out here.
Ayumu was busy talking to the Kaoru and Misaki about the current status of Ryuuji and Mikhail since they were requested from the Guardian's Quail to investigate the Tucson area of Arizona. It was no doubt something new could be lurking around the corner.
Finally, after a few hours, the other Rei arrived at the cottage to meet his original half as he gives him some hot cocoa.
"I'm glad you made it back, safely…" he begins but pauses, "Do...they know? About us?"
He lowered his head, "Yes. I had to tell them before they made the mistake of dragging me there."
"Guess it couldn't be helped...better to be safe than to be ostracized globally...or worse..." Articora!Rei lowered his head before continuing, "When we first landed back here, my Alex had some anxiety attacks and fear about that. He's worried that even if we are safe here, the rest of our friends and family won't be."
The original counterpart scoffed before taking a sip and answering, "Wasn't this place supposed to be a paradise for them? A new home? Guess I screwed that one up, huh?"
"Don't blame this on yourself," the other half replied, "Besides…that's not the only problem. There was something in Dutsen that my Alex saw. I think he knows what the runes are saying...but he won't tell me. Even after I tried to clean some of the memories of the trip, that piece of knowledge wouldn't reveal itself."
"'Runes'? You mean, you came across...?" the megane looked at him before receiving a photo.
"I took Alex along with Ikuya, Asahi, and Kisumi...from the Guardian's Quail...on an expedition. Alex said that he saw a disaster in a vision...waiting to happen," Articora!Rei continued, "I checked in with Artemis...turns out something may be happening in the near future. Another disaster may strike."
"We bring a paradise to the lost souls, it's not enough. We save Duniya from witches and the Fates themselves, and it's not enough," Original!Rei mumbled, "We can't even go home properly without fear of being lynched. Can't anything in our lives be fixed for once?! Why does one conflict have to arise no sooner after the other is dissolved?!"
"Artemis said one thing; the end is approaching. No matter how much we want to separate ourselves from the darkness, it will always find its way to the light," Articora!Rei answered.
"This isn't some typical doomsday prophecy, is it? This is it. The genuine finality," Original!Rei looks at the fireplace.
"Artemis also said that there's...a location in the very far beyond reaches of space time...where the chosen one will face the conflict, alone," he replied, "That is where everything will finally draw itself back into singularity."
"Makes you wonder why we even bother banding a team together if only one person goes it alone. It's like nothing has changed and never will," the original half sighed.
Before the other Rei could answer, Alex walked in from his exercise, "Hey Rei there's um…oh?"
He looks at the two Rei's before his head started to pound violently. A flood of memories swept back into him as he saw himself back in Dutsen and the runes. He stumbled backwards as Articora!Rei cried out before grabbing him to safety. However, his husband's body was in sheer vibration from every cell in his body.
'G-Ga…Gaaeea…" he breathed.
"Gaea? Alex, please say something!" the megane shouted in panic.
"Gaea Terra," Alex breathed out the words, "Unity...Duty...Destiny. The Elements…of the BIONICLE. Jungle...Rock...Sand...Water...Fire...Ice...Iron...but...Earth...bears it all."
"Was that what you saw in the runes?!" he asked loudly.
The husband nod with a lone tear, "Yes…"
Articora!Rei brought him over to a sofa to lay down on before using his magic to sooth out the pain that was going on. From there, he put him under a soft sleep spell to keep the conversation mostly private.
"Other elements than our own are coming into play?" Original!Rei pushed up his glasses.
"I should've known. No, we...should've known. Do you remember back in the old world?" Articora!Rei asked as he used his magic to reveal the Ignika symbol in midair and also casts the Vahi symbol likewise."
"I…I remember!" Original!Rei gasped, "That was the one he wore…but the other one…?"
"Is the Mask of Time...placed on his brother. He used it to escape from...our grasp back then," he continued, "But these two are just mere samples of powers. Articora may have elemental powers...but if the realms of BIONICLE do exist...we may soon face more of them."
"W-what are we going to do?" the original asked.
Marotta Family House
Surprise, AZ
Since his reunion with the family, Alex decided to spend time with his folks while Kyle and Anastasia spent time with the other girls in Desert Ridge. They planned to have a big meet up in the following days ahead. Once the girls reunited and went on their way together for a day or so, Kyle joined with the folks in town.
While taking a nap on the couch, Alex woke up suddenly as his brother was busy reading on his phone. Sergi looked up, "B-brother?"
"Such a weird...dream," he muttered.
Sergi kept quiet before looking at the book to see what it was about. Sure enough, new pages revealed what was happening a moment ago.
"I'll study this out for you," he said.
"T-thank you…" Alex answered, "I..um…I can't imagine how tiresome this task is for you."
"It's already a part of my life anyway," Sergi shrugged, "Thank god for photographic memory."
"That's totally you," he chuckled before turning to see Kyle arriving to the house as everyone greeted him.
"Well, the girls are having a blast shopping. Not that I mind but they're old enough to do their own thing," Kyle shrugged.
"Where is dad?" Alex realized the father wasn't around.
"Doing the radio show in the studio. We can't disturb him," the mother sighed.
"Right," he brushed it off.
"How about we go out somewhere ourselves?" the mother offered an idea, "Perhaps the little bakery on Bell Road?"
"I like that," the older son smiled.
"Yeah, let's enjoy ourselves!" Sergi agreed, "I want cookies!"
The four went to the Italian Bakery to find some desserts and treats as well as some deli (now that the place expanded its business).
The mother turns to the service counter and begins her order, "Hi, yes. Let's get some stuffed peppers there. And a quarter pound of prosciutto."
"Anything in particular?" Kyle turned to the brothers.
"Hmmm," Alex looks at the seven-layered cookies versus the cannoli, "Tempting but…that might ruin my form."
"Mama, how about the tiramisu'?!" Sergi asked.
"Sergi, that's too much! Look at that price there too. Even I could make it like that and then some," the mother shrugged.
"This is going to take some time..." Kyle made a facepalm.
"Fine…how about the cassata…" the younger brother suggests.
"Don't. You. Dare," the mother makes a soft glare.
"Oh dear," Alex makes a nervous sweat drop with Kyle.
"I'll grab some cannolis, alright," the mother sighed.
With that, Alex sits down by the window area followed by Kyle. The latter noticed a bit more silence from him lately.
"Sandro, what's going on?" Kyle asked.
"It's nothing," he turns his head to the side.
"Just like a tsundere. You're hiding something. I can tell when you're stressing on something," Kyle answered.
"I had a dream. I hope it's not a prophecy," Alex replied, "I saw this world being destroyed. Even worse than the Shadow Mafia. It's like...no matter what, we are always forced into conflict. Everyone...that I love...is always facing a crisis."
"And there's no telling what is causing it, huh?" he asked.
He shook his head, "No. The world was in ablaze...but I thought I saw someone. However, the intensity of the flames made it difficult to see who the stranger was."
JINGLE-JINGLE
JINGLE-JINGLE
The two look up to hear that noise before Sergi noticed it likewise. Moments later, they saw what looked like the other Rei and Alex outside of the store. The trio nodded before heading out.
"S-Sergi?! Sandro?!" the mother turned to them departing the shop, "Hold on! I need someone to hold the bags!"
"Sergi, what's going on? You don't have the book on you?" he looks at him.
"No, it's secured away at home," he shrugged.
"What in the world is going on?" Kyle muttered.
The trio met up with the duo by the parking lot on a desert patchy area.
"Something tells me this isn't a good greeting call," Original!Alex looked at his other self, "What's going on?"
With a sigh, Articora!Alex replied, "Do you remember...when we used to play the BIONICLE toys?"
"How could I ever forget. Why?" he asked.
Articora!Alex shows him a photo of the runes as the original half gasped, "W-wait…this is the Matoran Language!"
"These were some runes back up north. I wanted to see what you thought about them," he said.
The Original!Alex shakes his head in disbelief, "This is...bizarre...why would there be runes here in this world?"
He looks at the two Rei's, "Do either of you know anything besides him?"
"As much as I want to say that is not the case…I'm afraid there is some truth to this," Articora!Rei sighed.
"How so?" Sergi asked.
The mother finally comes out of the store with three bags in tow. Kyle went to assist her as she grumbled on the lack of help but was surprised to see her twin son here with his husband.
"Oh, Twin Pootsie!" she greeted softly.
"Hi mom," he approaches to help her with the remainder of the bags.
"Is everything alright with you and Rei?" he asked before realizing there are two, "Oh, whoops."
"How about we discuss all this at the house," Original!Alex suggested, "Somewhere safe and no eavesdropping, please."
Iwami, Japan
Once the four have spent some time with their families for the last couple of days, they all met up at the Gazebo Park that was on the cliffy side of the town. They saw the ocean for miles around.
"This place does bring back memories," Makoto said.
"Yeah," Nagisa agreed.
"A distant memory," Haruka muttered.
"Haru?" Makoto turned to him.
"It's nothing," he shrugged as Rin sighed.
"This was where we first reunited with your sister..." Haru revealed to Rin.
"Heh, is that so?" he replied.
"Yeah...funny how she ended up in the school with us...and all that journey began onwards," Makoto said.
"God she hated it when I said her real name and preferred to be addressed as Kou," Nagisa chuckled.
Rin was about to answer that when…
JINGLE-JINGLE
JINGLE-JINGLE
"T-the bell!" Haruka gasped.
"R-Rei-chan?" Nagisa looked concerned.
"We're not being summoned to Articora apparently," Rin said after a few moments of silence.
"…then…what was…?" Makoto asked.
Before their eyes, the four were cast into an apocalyptic scene as the skies were red and the oceans dried up with chunks of earth breaking free from the planet, launching into the skies. It was sheer horror to their sight as the extreme heat of the planet radiating out from its core was overwhelming them very quickly.
They were about to pass out when the vision suddenly stopped as they were back in reality. Makoto was already terrified, hiding behind Haruka from the horror seen.
"W-what the hell was that!?" he shouted.
"That nightmare scene…" Rin muttered, keeping it low-key as possible.
Suddenly, Nagisa's phone rang as he answers it before setting it on speaker, "Rei-chan! Is that you!?"
"I'm glad I was able to reach you. We're here at the Marotta household... me, and the other me, and his Alex," the megane revealed.
"What's going on? We just...saw...something..." Haruka begins.
"Um…were they... visions of the world's demise?" Rei asked.
"Yes," Rin sighed as Makoto continues to whimper in fear.
"So, all of you have seen it...you, the two Alex's... It's as my other self has said... It seems this world is on its way to a global disaster," he revealed.
"But you and him made this new home for us!" Haruka replied.
"Why would everything fall apart again so soon?!" Rin asked.
"I'm not sure… Not completely. I get the feeling it's not just us that will experience this. Terabithia is the start," Rei added.
"What?!" Makoto shouted as his voice cracked.
"Certainly everything and everyone will be affected. There isn't much time," Rei said, "If what Artemis says is true…we might not even exist anymore to the point of all matter being destroyed."
"N-No…this can't be!" Nagisa teared up a little, "Our dream…the Olympics…our families!"
"None of that would matter under Chaos's scheme," Rei said, "I'll summon you four to where we are at so call upon your crystals as my talisman will connect with yours."
"But what about our families?!" Haruka added.
"For now, our allies at the Guardian's Quail will handle that," Rei said.
"We were given this new opportunity to thrive. Now we're being told to leave? Can't we do anything to stop this?!" Nagisa shouted with distress.
"Afraid not," he continued, "Articora itself can only provide enough time for Terabithia to hold the planet itself, but humanity won't survive much further."
With sadden, heavy, disbelief hearts, the four used their crystals to reunite with the rest of the folks at the Marotta household as they appeared on the driveway before they walked up to ring the doorbell. Original!Alex opened the door and led them to the family room just as the father finally got out from his radio studio.
"Oh um...we got a crowd here," the father said but the mom remained silent.
"Uh, honey, what's wrong?" he looks at her, "Sweetie?"
"There's a lot that needs to be discussed," Sergi replied in her place, "Something…that needs to be addressed."
From there, the conversation about the global catastrophe was discussed as well as the potential disaster in other realms. Original!Alex contacted the girls to join as soon as possible despite not wanting them to pull/drop out from college.
It was clear that ever moment was bringing more panic and fear. After considering all factors, only one possibility that may work for the time being.
"Do we even have enough of our own powers to get to Duniya?" Original!Alex asked.
"If we go to Polaris, there's a higher chance of succeeding," Articora!Rei said.
Sergi scans through the book and has found new pages forming that were detailing some new and unusual natural disaster events slowly happening on the other side of the planet, "It's true...there is something abnormal happening even now, but it's subtle."
"What do you mean?" Rin asked.
He shows them the bizarre hurricanes and typhoons looming over at areas that they usually don't bring the storm to.
"It's subtle, but I never expected these places to get hit by storm…earthquakes maybe but…" he muttered.
The pages suddenly spun again, leading to a map of Arizona and the Sonoran Desert. A new illustration then appeared, showing the scene…with a bizarre group of shadowed figures. One appeared to be human but the rest…
Sergi narrowed his eyes a little to himself, They almost look like…
"Brother, what do you see?" Original!Alex asked.
"Th-this…" he points to the picture.
His eyes widened upon recognizing the characters appearing, "T-this can't be…n-no…no…NO! There's no way…that world…exists does it?"
"What are you talking about?" Nagisa asked.
"…the realm of the BIONICLE, of course," Articora!Alex sighed, "To think that those toys are evidence of their existence…"
"How is this possible?" Original!Alex looked at his twin.
"What are we even supposed to do?" the mother sighed, "First this world appears to be coming to an end and now your toys are coming to life?"
"I think it's best all of you guys get to Duniya," Original!Alex answered back, trying to change subject before he turns to Kyle, "Can you handle taking the girls to Duniya?"
"Yeah, that should be no problem…if I can get them to some of the universities there too," he shrugged.
"I'm gonna stay and investigate this further," the king said.
"S-sandro?!" Sergi looks at his brother.
"No, go to Duniya with the rest of the group," Articora!Alex answered, "We'll investigate this ourselves."
"I think it's best to follow their advice…" Original!Rei agreed.
"I'm staying," he replies again more firmly.
"King, it's not safe for you to be here," Haruka said, "Who knows what these new arrivals may be."
"It's not like I want to stay here, but...I have a strange feeling that those runes might be important," he replied, "I know the language of it. Maybe it's not the only clues there are on this planet. I just need a few days, how about that?
"I'll come to Duniya after, I promise."
"Just...don't overdo it," Makoto answered.
"Makoto?" Rin looks at him, "You approve this?"
"As leader of the Iwasame Senshi, I understand what is best for you. However, don't die in the process," he crosses his arms.
"Sandro-chan," Nagisa added, "We don't want to lose you again, alright?"
"I promise to return to you all," he smiled before he turned to Sergi who then pointed out that the mysterious group arrived in the outskirts of Tucson according to the map.
Plans were made, hugs and kisses were exchanged. It was time to start the next phase of this potentially new mission.
"Don't forget Cali, alright?" Original!Alex handed the cat over to his brother.
"She seems to have more intelligence so I'm sure she'll stay with us on the trip without problems," Sergi reassured him.
"We'll start to head south after my Rei gets back from sending them to Duniya," Articora!Alex added.
Once the rest of the people departed magically, they both looked at each other almost like a mirror.
"It really has been a while," Original!Alex said, "Just us."
"I suppose," Articora!Alex shrugged.
"I see you are taking care of your health too…" he replied.
"Doing more running and track, keeping myself leaner," the twin shrugged, "I um…"
"Yes?" he asked.
"…It's just, um…well, I am glad your swimming is going well," the twin replied.
"We're going to set up the Olympics…well…hopefully soon. If none of us gets blown up first," he answered.
"I do hope you get you dream…" the twin smiled.
"Well, the one dream has been fulfilled," he rubbed the back of his head.
"There's always another dream," Articora!Alex stated, pacing back and forth, "As long as we are alive, so do our dreams. They evolve with us…change us…sometimes…"
"Sometimes…what?" he asked.
"Well, the wrong dreams…those that of darkness, they can be destructive too," the twin answered.
"…I see," he lowered his head, "I'm glad neither of us…well…we did nearly destroy ourselves numerous times. But do you believe we will have a future after all this?"
"Whatever you feel, I am too," the twin spoke.
Original!Alex rested his hand over his own heart, "…It's been tough. Swimming again…it's a lot harder without the drugs. Though I am keeping up for the most part, we have had some challenges that push us down."
He sat down on the couch to wipe a lone tear, "I've been trying to see if I could get into a medley relay. Something that…we, never have done. Unfortunately, the Iwatobi and the Samezuka have enough experience on that…and we don't."
Articora!Alex lowered his head down, "I'm sorry. I wish I could help but…I can't."
"It's not your fault," he answered.
"It's not that…I cannot swim anymore," the twin revealed.
He looks at him with a shocked look, "W-what?!"
"I gave you all my passion of swimming, the drive…and the heart for it…as payment for my redemption to exist," Articora!Alex smiled sadly.
"Wait…does this mean that…both you and your Rei…have paid prices on our behalf?" he gasped.
"Both of them paid different prices, I'm sure you learned of those," the twin added, "But my gift to you…is belief that you and I will become our own best versions of our own existence. Even if you can't make it to the pros this time around, I am sure Duniya will have more opportunities."
"Even if…we don't know how much time there is left for everyone?" the original asked.
"That's where the belief comes in," he said, touching his other half's heart, "Remember the reason why you swim…and turn that reason…into a reality. Even if all existences come to an end, don't let that star in our hearts to be blown out."
Original!Alex tried not to get too emotional on this but he answered, "So you really have heard my prayer…back then?"
Articora!Alex smiled as he held both their hands, "And now I'll return the favor…with my own message.
"I must keep on existing and find happiness of my own…so I can continue to be with the people I love. Oh star, tucked away in my heart…this light is the greatest shine. And to you, my other half…let me share that smiling baby with you that rests in our hearts for always and forevermore!"
Planet Duniya: Sometime later...
The rest of the swim teams continued their training as well as starting to "beta test" some relay racing. A plethora of challenges were made in the progress in order to make such teams possible.
The project of designing the jackets were put on hold until they could find the right seamstresses and tailors to assemble the patterns together. In addition, the volleyball gang and the skater groups were also busy preparing for their futures.
On one such occasion, a new swimmer was finally recruited to join the Iwamara Swim World. He sent his application to the group before booking his appointment to visit the said site.
Natsuya looks at the application as he noted to himself, A swimmer from Aeuropa Academy...
He looks at the brown-haired man, "I take it you have heard of us from word of mouth?"
"Hmph. And if I did?" he smirks in response.
"Not that it matters," Natsuya muttered before clearing throat, "I'll have Nao show you around of our facility."
He leads the man over to the office as Nao greets him, "Good day to you sir. I am Nao Serizawa. It's a pleasure to meet you...um…?"
"Kotetsu. Let's leave it at that for now," he replied.
"Okay, Kotetsu-san, let me show you around the facility as we talk," Nao answered, leading him through the hallways before following a set of stairs to show the suites, the gyms, etc.
"Now then, was there a specific stroke you may like to train in?" he asked.
"I don't suppose 'all of them' is an option," Kotetsu replied with a subtle, yet cocky aura.
"Well, if you want to burn yourself out on the first day, be my guest," Nao answered.
"If I have to choose, perhaps the breaststroke. After all, these arms here could very well cut the sea in half with a single wave," Kotetsu shows the well-built muscles of his arms in midair of the breaststroke.
Keep telling yourself that, Nao thought to himself before continuing out loud, "We do have the proper facilities here that can you hone your craft. Top of the line equipment for maintaining composure and form. The pool meets all the requirements for any swimmer, up and coming or veteran.
"Oh, and there is a hot tub to sooth those aching joints and muscles."
"Good. Say no more," Kotetsu grinned.
They finally get to the pool where a breaststroke beta relay was taking place. On a whistle, the two swimmers make their trials.
Ikuya performs his breaststroke on a strong start, but head-to-head with Ai as the latter pushed himself to high gear, keeping up.
"Huh. Well, would you look at that?" Kotetsu smirked, "Guess I won't be alone in a match."
"Those are two of our breaststroke swimmers - Ikuya and Ai," Nao pointed to the race.
"Not bad. But I'd like to take a race with them sometime for sure," Kotetsu replied.
Kaede walks in after trotting behind a group of other swimmers when he saw the man in the distance talking to Nao.
Tsubasa was looking on the timer with Seijuurou while watching the two swimmers, "Their performance is definitely improving."
"What did you expect? After all, one of them is a former elite of Samezuka. Kirishima, don't want to underestimate him. I get the feeling he's seen his fair share of relays," Seijuurou remarked.
The two swimmers make their flip turns from the wall as they were still neck-to-neck in this race.
"So, are these your only breaststroke swimmers? I thought clubs were known to have others in the wing," Kotetsu remarked.
Before Nao could answer, an orange-glass portal opens by the side as everyone stopped (excluding Ai and Ikuya) to see what was happening. Moments later, a large group of people stumbled over with a semi-crash landing.
"The hell is going…" Kaede muttered with a sweat drop.
"Um…" Nao tilts his head as Kotetsu narrowed his eyes in confusion.
The group consisted of Haruka, Makoto, Nagisa, Rei, Rin, Kyle, Sergi, the three half-sisters, and a calico cat.
"Get off you guys!" Rin shouted with a grunt as they all dispersed and rolled off.
"Again, with this landing…" Rei breathed with a cough.
Once they settled the dust off of each other the three sisters looked at each other before Maya picked up Cali as she meowed.
"Why didn't we get Ana to join us?" Niki asked.
"She's going to keep an eye on Papa Alex for me," Kyle said, "I didn't say anything to him because I know he's…gonna need someone close to him in case something happens."
Ikuya and Ai reach the wall but upon lifting their faces to see the commotion, they lost track on who won this little race. Hiyori went to grab Ikuya's hand while Ai was greeted by Momo.
"You did great Ikuya," Ai smiled.
"Thanks," he answered before noticing the group, "Um…are they…?"
"Eh?" Ai turned to see the others.
"Okay, when did you guys get back?!" Asahi asked as he and Sousuke arrived on scene along with Gou.
"O-Onii-chan!?" she gasped.
"G-Gou!" Rin rushed to her for a hug in a reunion.
"What happened? Where's Alex? Everything okay back home?" she asked.
"It's a long story," Rin replied, "We need everyone gathered now."
"Did something happen back on Terabithia?" Hiyori asked.
"There's a lot we have to cover," Makoto said as he turns to see Seijuurou and Tsubasa arriving with their respective teams.
"Where's the other king?" Tsubasa asked.
"There's...rather an emergency," Haruka answered.
"It'd be best if we get everyone together," Rei agreed.
"W-what?!" Ikuya gasped as they all began to turn around and leave the pool deck.
"What the hell happened back on Earth?" Sousuke muttered.
"Why can't it ever be good news?" Asahi sighed.
"Oh dear…" Nao siged.
"What's…going on?" Kotetsu watched them leave.
"I think it's time you get to understand…" Nao begins but Nagisa turns his head to see this newcomer.
"Uh, Nagisa? Now's not the time for trailing off. This is kind of important," Rei nudged his attention back.
"Just give me a minute," the blond answered as he went off to greet the new swimmer, "Hi there! Welcome to the club! I'm Nagisa Hazuki! Breaststroke extraordinaire! I could tell you what muscles of mine are best, but I don't think that'd fit what we're going for."
"Uhhhh…what...the...?" Kotetsu makes a nervous sweat drop, "W-weren't you in that pile of people just now?"
Gou went over to get Nagisa's attention back when she saw the muscles on Kotetsu and she blushed madly.
Oh my god...another one...such arms and trunk too, this guy, she thought.
"They both have one track minds…I swear. We're doomed," Rei sighed.
"Tell me about it," Rin agreed.
"Girls, I'll lead you up to the guest suites after we run through this meeting," Kyle noted.
"Sounds good," Niki said.
"Do our cell phones work in this world?" Maya asked.
"We have extra phones for you in case it doesn't" Kyle shrugged.
"Perfect!" Laura said, "Because mines aren't getting anything so far."
With that said, the entire group went to one of the halls where they finally sat down to discuss all what has been happening on Terabithia. The grim news settles in for all the guardians, concerned for what the future may hold if time is indeed running out. Yet, this secondary anomaly also brings confusion...
"Another doomsday cycle," Kotarou rested his arms behind his head.
"This isn't just another doomsday cycle..." Isana muttered.
"So then, it's really happening then...?" Asahi asked.
"And the clock is ticking," Rei replied, "The other…me…has detected so much, anomalies happening but still cannot find where the source is."
"In the meantime, whatever happens next...we are here to swim our best," Haruka answered.
"And we're supposed to pretend this isn't happening?" Hikaru frowned.
"That's not what they're saying. I hope," Shin muttered.
With a sigh, Seijuurou makes a grip of his fist and translated, "Live your life to the fullest and cherish every day as if it were your last. I mean, why not? We've been having to struggle, fight, and do everything but what we wanted to do for so long.
"I doubt this apocalypse is coming any time soon. In the meantime, we live life to the fullest before we're called to action once again."
"And Alex? Where is he?" Natsuya asked.
"He is on Terabithia still...investigating something with our allies," Makoto replied.
"We tried to get him to join us but says he needs some time. He knows some runes that he can translate with so...whatever that means," Nagisa explained.
"Runes?" Tsubasa questioned.
"These some kinds of runes in play that seem to...give visions?" the blond shrugged.
"Alex says he might be able to translate them if the language is what he thinks it is," Rei corrected this.
"That makes sense..." Isana shrugged.
"We just have to trust him. That's all," Momo said.
Towards the back side of the meeting, Kotetsu turned to Nao and asked, "Um…I only signed up to swim here and yet they're talking about some apocalypse?"
"Well, you could say it's official guardian business," Nao said.
"G-Guardian?" Kotetsu narrowed his eyes, "W-wait…you don't mean! You can't be serious. These guys are..."
"You're looking at a good fraction of the complete team. Some of us aren't present at this time, but... this is it," Nao revealed, "We are the Swimming Guardians, defenders of water and the Mizu Gods."
"And you…?" Kotetsu looked at Kaede.
"I…um…just a swimmer," Kaede shrugged, "I don't have magic."
"Hm," Kotetsu grunted, "So then, what is your specality?"
"Used to do butterfly but I'm focusing on the freestyle," he replied, "I only do the former if asked to."
"I see," Kotetsu answered before turning his attention back to the meeting.
"Well guys, we also need to continue discussing on the status of the swim jackets. Has there been any word in our absence?" Makoto asked.
Ai raised up his hand in excitement, "Yes! Someone in the city is willing to design and piece everything together! Every stitch! Every fabric!"
"That was... a bit much..." Rei muttered.
"Is that so?" Rin asked, fascinated.
"There has also been interests from other cities that do want to join the Olympics...including the Mullerians. Meaning we'll need to make a human and a superhuman divisions eventually. For now, they are going to send their princess to be a part of the IOC," Natsuya explained.
"Wow, that's incredible!" Nagisa's eyes lit up.
"Heh, isn't it? I couldn't believe it myself," Momo agreed.
From there, the emergency meeting settled down despite the warning of the future. Kotetsu decided to take a match against Nagisa, curious to see how well his swimming is against his own force. They both performed a 50 m breaststroke and were in neck-to-neck the whole time with Kotetsu barely winning by a split microsecond. They both pulled off their swim caps and turned to each other.
"Wow, you are very strong Ko-chan!" the blond smiled.
"Ko-chan?" he looks at him.
"It's been a while since I had an intense race like that! You should consider joining the team! Make the breaststroke medley a four-way competition!" Nagisa replied, "I'm sure Ai-chan and Ikuya-chan wouldn't mind your company."
"Uh... sure? I'll take that into consideration if you don't mind," Kotetsu rubbed the back of his head.
"That's not a no," Nagisa said.
"But it's not a yes either. Give me time to think about it," he said before pulling himself out of the water.
Once the swimming sessions were done for the day, Kotetsu was about to head back to Neo Sportsbrooke when arrives at the door, "Yo. You're going to head back?"
"Yeah. For now. I was mainly in town to scope out the area. See what the hype was about," he replied.
"I take that this whole sha-bang is too much. The superhero genre...if you call it that," Kaede answered.
"Just a little bit. Then again, it's not like I wasn't aware of the weird happenings going on. After all, there was some weirdness going on while this one kid was enrolled in our school. I think he might have been one of you guys, too...I think," Kotetsu replied.
"I only know bits and pieces of what happened before. I'm sure someone else would know better," Kaede shrugged.
"Either way, Aeuropa was really strict on what we could and couldn't do. I was surprised they'd allow swimming," Kotetsu said.
"If you do come back here, you wanna get some coffee," Kaede offered, "I definitely enjoyed you being around since neither of us…well…are like them."
"I don't see why not. Maybe next time you can show me your skills, too," Kotetsu grinned slightly.
"Heh, I look forward to that," Kaede makes a fist bump with him in response.
Sia La Luce Due Ristorante
Ever since the restoration and a new name to the former Aeuropa City, Joe modified the name of his restaurant as a "second edition" from the old times. The exterior was remodeled the most thanks to the crystalized effects of the powers released by the two kings but the interior was mostly kept the same.
A familiar group of friends reunited together for the first time in months with additional people this time around surprisingly. After all that has happened, the beef and their drama was finally buried into the past.
Joe finally serves a gigantic pizza with plain on one corner, supreme on another, pepperoni on the third, and a spicy meat on the final quadrant, "Eat up, buon appetite!"
Langa and Reki dig in by splitting a pepperoni one together while Miya was feasting on the cheese version.
"Hell yeah! Your cooking is top notch yet again, Joe! You really know how to please a guy!" Shadow grinned as he munched on the supreme one.
"Careful. His significant other is right there," Reki teased.
"Shut it, pipsqueak!" Shadow replies while Cherry rolls his eyes.
"Oh dear..." Harry muttered while Kazu smirked.
"So, how has everyone been since last we met?" Cherry asked.
"The new shop has been open now and sales are going up the roof!" Oka smiled.
"I'm scaling the mountain that is the rankings of 'S' in no time. Maybe faster than Miya," Koyomi winks.
"Oh please...I'm already about to join the Pre-Olympic league later this year in training for the Olympius Duniya," Miya answered.
"Wow, already?!" Langa gasped.
"That's amazing! Both of you!" Reki grinned.
"I'm beginning my lessons in swimming medleys. Maybe before too much longer, I'll be competing alongside those guardians," Takashi added.
"Heh, maybe you should do a transformation dance like they do!" Miya chuckled.
"In your dreams," he answered with a smirk.
"I've been taking up more on photography...hopefully I can use this to do some documentary stuff...maybe on with all of you guys' journey," Harry offered.
"I could hire you for a wedding later on down the road. Oh yeah, that's right. Me and my hot nurse girlfriend!" Kazu said, "Too much caffeine to keep up with her job, but she's sure a spitfire. I'm even trying to teach her to be pro like me."
"What's this about a wedding? The way you're talking, there's no way it could be yours," Shadow replied with a hint of sarcasm.
"Oh, ye of little faith. How you wound me," Kazu sighed.
"Well, if you do plan to make a grand celebration, will this venue suit you fancy?" Joe offered.
"Hmmmm, I dunno. A little drab, but I think we could make it work," he shrugged.
He's so going to get dumped if he keeps acting like that, Shadow thought.
"How about you Langa?" Miya asked.
"It's been surreal for me...lately," he feels the warmth in his heart, "Normally I'd feel this because of well...him but...this warmth is different. It's a power of my own now...the Vorpal Sword must be protecting me."
"Are you going to move back to Frostella?" Joe asked.
"When I do ascend the throne...I will have to. But...I'll still be allowed to come here of course, just...not as often," Langa said.
"Royal obligations and whatnot. What a pain," Cherry rolled his eyes.
"Those men...they too are waiting for their time," he recalls Alex and Kyle as the two kings, "They want to fulfill their dreams beforehand too."
"And shouldn't we be pushing for the same? I mean, it won't be too much longer, than all of us will have to be "adults"," Reki commented, "We should be able to explore our options a little further. See the world some more. Try out many other things we couldn't have before the insanity started."
"You guys are still young yet...even after legal age," Oka said.
"I say we should all push for the Olympics, don't you? I mean, we all still have time to qualify, right?" Reki asked.
"You really want to barge into Miya's territory that bad?" Cherry sighed.
"That's on their choice, not mine," Miya crossed his arms.
"The Swimming Guardians and the volleyball crew are in the process of making their sports a reality. Perhaps with enough people on our end, we could bring skating to the table likewise," Joe threw his idea.
"HELL YEAH! I'll be the one on the top of the podium! Looking down on all the little people as I ascend to god status!" Shadow raised up his fist in the air.
"In your dreams! You'll have to get past me first!" Kazu smirked.
"And don't forget this prodigy here..." Miya turns to the two guys."
"Oh dear…" Oka makes a nervous sweat drop.
"Something tells me no one will be alone when that time comes," Langa smiled.
"Of course not. We're in this to the end," Reki agreed.
"In that case, we can always get a good start tomorrow. Celene? What does the weather look like in the next day?" Cherry asked.
"High probabilities of thunderstorm and rain," the AI spoke.
"Well... thank you for the information, Celene," Cherry sighs a letdown.
"With pleasure," she answered.
"Another rainy day?" Joe asked.
"It's been nonstop the last 2 days..." Miya answered.
"We could ask the Swimming Guardians to bring back the sunshine," Kazu shrugged.
"I…don't think that's how their power works…" Shadow muttered with a nervous sweat drop.
The two Kyan siblings returned home after spending time at the restaurant. They are reunited with their twin siblings and their mother.
"Oh, lord. Look at the two of you," she greeted them after seeing them soaked.
"Yeah, yeah. It got a little wet out there," Reki answered.
"I told the two of you to bring umbrellas and ponchos, but you clearly didn't listen," Masae sighed.
"Oh, Mom. Lighten up. We're not kids anymore," Koyomi answered.
"Speak for yourself, young lady," she replied as they went to their rooms to change into drier, more comfortable clothes.
The entire Kyan family has gathered for coffee and a chat in the dining room. Chihiro and Nanaka were arguing over the cookies.
"Hey! You two need to settle down!" Masae splits the cookie, "There. You can each have one."
She turned to the other two young adults as they were sipping on some hot cocoa. The younger twins enjoyed the cookies and other pastries. However, the rain would still not let up.
"Hard to believe we'd be here after all that's happened," Masae finally starts the conversation.
"I'm just glad we were able to bring you back when we did," Koyomi added.
"I didn't mean to worry any of you," Reki answered, "It was…such a dark time."
"I know you're an adult now. You make your own decisions. That doesn't mean I can't stop worrying about you, though," Masae replied, "I'm sure even when you make it big in the skating world, your dear old mom is still going to be ringing your phone off the hook to make sure you're okay."
"Better hope I don't block ya," he remarked.
"You wouldn't dare, mister," she makes a playful threatening glare.
"For real, though, Reki. No matter what you do or where you go, we're still going to be here for you," Koyomi answered.
"Reki: Guess it's going to take more than running away and joining the circus to get you guys off my back, huh?" he said but quickly drew it back, "Sorry…"
"It must have been a horrible nightmare of its own," Koyomi answered, "Remind me to never go to another circus."
The grandmother finally walks in with her freshly baked rhubarb cherry pie.
"Fresh from the oven and ready to serve. I figured we could use something sweet with our warm beverages," she said.
"Thanks, grandmother," Koyomi smiled.
"Seriously, Reki, how could you?" the grandma looks at her sole grandson.
"I didn't mean for my disappearance…" Reki sweat dropped on this.
"Why haven't you introduced me to that nice boyfriend of yours?" she asked.
He nearly drops his cup on the table, shocked that she would ask that instead.
"W-Well...uhhh," he begins, "You see..."
"Reki's embarrassed to bring PRINCE Langa over because he's unsure how everyone feels about it," Koyomi answered.
"Hey!" he glares at her.
"Well, you weren't going to say it," she crossed her arms.
"And what a looker, too. A prince, no less. It truly feels like a fairy tale," the grandma smiled in awe, "Maybe I should get you my glass slippers?"
"What does that mean?! Stop it!" Reki backed in his seat, "This is all wrong!"
"How is it wrong? Love is love, after all," Masae smiled.
"No, it's wrong that's I'm getting harassed like this! Lay off, guys!" Reki cried out.
"Oh, fasten your seatbelt, bucko, there's plenty more where that came from," the grandma answered.
"And now I see where the sass comes from," Reki glares at Koyomi.
"Not my fault it skipped a kid," she shrugged.
"To be fair, I never would have thought you'd be paired with the prince of a legendary kingdom. A primordial realm, no less," the grandma continued.
"You're making it sound way more mystical than it needs to be. It's not that primordial," Reki shrugged.
"But the fact remains that the two of you were captured almost strictly for that reason…if what I'm hearing is the truth," she noted, "That vile man, I never would have thought he'd be in leagues of the gods to try to overturn the fate of our planet."
"But in all honesty, he was a victim in all of this, too, just like us. Abused and manipulated by his aunts, his father, and that evil man from the ancient past," Reki said, "It's not like he wanted to put us all in harm's way."
"Ummmm, didn't he break your arm?" Koyomi asked.
"To be fair, I fell off my board before he could touch me. So, technically, no, I broke my own arm. And secondly, if the guardians hadn't gotten involved..." Reki sighed, "Well, I don't want to imagine what could have happened."
"I still can't believe the Swimming Guardians were true, too. I remember hearing stories of them even in my youth," the grandma recalls the legendary tales, "That museum. What a shame they had the exhibit closed off after that incident. Hopefully now they'll reopen it to the public."
"We should definitely go whenever they do," Koyomi agrees.
"Maybe this time it'll be truthful. The way it was meant to be told," Reki nodded.
"So then, when will you and Langa tie the knot?" the grandma asks.
Reki spits his coffee everywhere as he screams, "GRANDMA!"
~Close Up Memories Episode 3 END~
