~Who Needs Memories 4: A Destined Dream…
Flashback: The Past (Gen 2.0)
Kourai Flashback/Origin Story - Part 2:
Events during Book 2: Unforgiven Ace
Returning to his condo after another day of risky adventures in Sportsbrooke, Kourai sighed and slumped to the couch. It wasn't only the Miya twins that were living here in this false reality but Sakusa too. He couldn't begin to fathom on what happened to the rest of the gang.
He had no idea how many other people were banished into this little gated community, but it was clear that the reign of Akashi has to end. Kourai took out the family photo before setting up a candle next to it. However, he was still in heartbreak and confusion that his brother would call him out on the sport like this. Was his brother just as brainwashed?
At nightfall he would practice his volleyball skills by doing self-toss, keeping tabs on how many hits vs misses he made.
Then, one fateful night…
Kourai accidently hits the ball over the wall. Terrified, he wasn't sure if it crashed into something or what. He stayed deathly still before slowly making his way in the house. After eating a solo dinner, he heard a knock on the door. He opened to see a buzz-cut haired man with bizarre strips on the side of the head in a symmetrical pattern.
"Was this…yours?" the man asked.
"Um…and if it was?" Kourai replied.
"Heh, I guess I'm not alone," he said.
"E-eh!?" Kourai gasped softly.
"Shhh. Don't speak too loudly," he carefully silences him, "I take it you're not affected by his curse."
"Of course not, I lost my family to the whole sha-bang," Kourai crossed his arms.
"My little sister was lost to the chaos likewise," the man answered, "Probably the trauma we both faced has not affected our minds enough to live like these neighbors."
With a sigh of relief, Kourai introduces himself, "Kourai Hoshiumi."
"I'm Wakatsu…Kiyruu," he greeted him, "I can train you…if you want."
"I-I have heard of you," Kourai said, "How come I never met you before?"
"Well…being in the top three," Wakatsu rubbed the back of his head, "Then again, Ushijima was mentoring all of you guys as well as Sakusa. They were both fabulous…"
"I'm sure you were just as awesome," he replied.
"I felt like I was in their shadow at times," Wakatsu said, "That's why I played more often at night with the…used to be facilities. Now I'm sure they were demolished…probably being remade into basketball courts."
An idea popped in Kourai's mind as he answered, "Maybe not? How about we check it out? I've been sneaking back into town sometimes."
"You're quite a risk-taker, huh?" Wakatsu shrugged.
"The truth is…I'm trying to find other survivors of the exile, but it seems there's not many of us left. I'm scared they are all dead out in the desert," Kourai answered, "…Shouyou especially. I was getting along with him quite well too."
"How exactly do you get through town?" he asked.
"I carry some disguises on me," Kourai said, "As much as it sickens me to blend in with the basketball but at least playing the part does help."
"Then let's head to Sportsbrooke, tomorrow," Wakatsu agreed.
Next Day:
Kourai followed Wakatsu to Sportsbrooke as they were dressed a bit more discreetly in cloaks with steampunk-based designs. There were hints of basketball accents to show their "faux support" to the sport.
Kourai looks at the old Volleyball court facility now being torn apart by construction, "I-I don't believe it. They're really on setting to destroy us."
"It's not only this place but the outdoor courts too are being bought out by companies in some dreadful bid," Wakatsu added.
"Is there even...anyone of our kind left?" he asked.
"There is…" Wakatsu begins but stops as they both hear an owl cry.
They both turned to see an owl injured on the ground as it was undergoing a mid-transformation back to its human form.
"I-is that...!?" Kourai gasped.
"Yes. That is him, Bokuto. One of the few players who inherited magic," he revealed.
They both approached the fallen volleyball player as he groaned, "H-Help…m-me…"
"We're here now!" Wakatsu arrives before telling Kourai to watch for anyone nearby.
"What happened?" he looks at Bokuto while getting him back on his rear bottom.
"I... I was doing...what's the word...?" Bokuto muttered before recalling, "Oh yeah! Recon! I went over to the tower to watch those smug basketball asshats. Then that scissor throwing psycho caught me.I tried to get away, but..."
He lifts up his shirt to show the bloody injury that looked as if he needed to go to the hospital.
"I don't know how he knew I wasn't a bird..." he breathed, "Must have had some kind of detection spell or something from that princess chick..."
"But if that's magic that they struck you with, I'm sure they are pulling strings," Wakatsu answered, "We have to get you to the Kita's. They'll try to heal this wound."
The trio reach to a safe haven in the trashy streets of West Sportsbrooke which was once a beautiful area but since the exile, it was rendered a 'dangerous zone'. However, a few rare areas that were indicated as 'safe havens' from any unwanted criminals were established.
They finally reached to the Kita's as Aran was also there in hiding but he was resting up in a different room. Yumie led the trio over to bring Bokuto to another empty bed.
"I just have barely enough ingredients to at least jump start his healing," she informed them before turning to her grandson, "Go check on the garden and grab the remaining herbs left."
Kourai and Wakatsu assisted on Bokuto to the bed as the latter winced here and there.
"I knew magic existed in some of us but...I didn't realize it was...prominent in some of the players," Kourai muttered, "The twins...they had their own powers too but now they're trapped in the condos along with Sakusa."
I wonder if Theagenes only selected a few of us to keep the memories intact, Wakatsu thought before looking at Bokuto, "Care to explain your powers to him?"
"Y-Yeah... I think the room's stopped spinning enough for me to do so..." the dual-haired man sighed before closing his eyes for a moment, "My whole family have always been owls, if you can believe that. Came from a settlement near the great Kingdom of Atlantis."
"A-Atlantis…" Kourai muttered, "The same city with the Great Prince?!"
"Why else do you think I can do this and not feel pain? Don't ask me to go the other way, that freaks people out," Bokuto answered with a nod, "As for the Prince, I don't know of him personally but…we knew of those Atlanteans for some time. Unfortunately, when the war broke out, all my sisters were killed off. Only myself and my father made it out through the Dark One's portal to this land."
"Next thing I know, we're here in this little city. But we have to retain our human forms as much as possible," he added, "Well…if only the old man was still here."
His hair droops down a little with the change in mood, recalling when his father was killed off during the Exile. Yumie receives the herbs from Shinsuke in the background and starts to work on heating up some medication.
"I don't know what exactly happened to my dad. I found his body the other day after the chaos broke out. Was it the police? The Generation of Miracles? I had to find out for sure," he continued.
"I lost both my siblings during the mess. What really sucked was...my brother accused me of this. He blamed me for picking volleyball over...basketball," Kourai revealed.
"W-WHAT THE!?" Bokuto gasped, "How heartless is that?!"
"Well my sister tried to get him to apologize but...then they died in front of me. I barely escaped thanks to the Dark One," Kourai said.
"Damn…is it safe to say we're all orphans here...?" Bokuto muttered.
"How are we going to get volleyball back in this town? We don't know what happened to the rest of our kind..." Kourai said.
"I wish this'd be the part I'd say I heard something in the tower..." Bokuto breathed, "But I couldn't...the windows were shut. Must have been soundproof."
"You must rest now. I'll wrap his bandage up. It will sting a bit," Yumie instructed him.
As Wakatsu and Kourai sat down talking to Aran, Akaashi arrived on scene after removing his own cloak disguise. He heard the news about Bokuto and was already annoyed and desperate to see him.
"He's inside, but probably sleeping," Aran said.
"That idiot...I'll go to him," Akaashi sighed.
The black-haired man walks in and finally finds Bokuto sleeping topless but has a big bandage covering his lower abdomen and his left side especially. He carefully approaches him.
"K-Koutarou...?" he breathes the real name.
"H-huh…K-Keiji?" W-where…?" Bokuto softly gasped as he grunted to turn around to see him.
"This isn't the only place of shelter you know. I was down by another one close to the Eco-Park. You've been there once or twice too," he sighed.
"Oh yeahhhhh..." Bokuto makes a sad chuckle.
"You idiot, why did you disappear like that?" Akaashi sighed.
"I wanted to know if the basket cases had an involvement...in dad's death..." he replied.
"S-so that's why you were so quiet to me the other day. I-I'm sorry, for your loss. I didn't realize your father..." Akaashi gasped.
"He was slaughtered. More than likely by those guys. I don't care who it was, I have to know the truth of what happened to him," he answered as a lone tear went down on his face, "It sucks I can only go out at night to even do anything. But they know my owl form now. I can't leave anywhere…fuck."
"Maybe, because of my name, you may call me Keiji more often. I don't want anyone to mistaken me for...that bastard," Akaashi lowered his head.
"Bu-but…" Bokuto looks at him.
"We lost so many people...our family, our friends. I...I don't want to lose you," Akaashi locks his eyes to him.
"Heh, who do you think I am? I'm lightning in a bottle! I'm an earthquake in a can!" the owl man grinned before feeling the ache and winced a little more.
"That's enough for now," he rests his hand on Bokuto's shoulder. Without realizing it, he gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"T-thanks," he blushed.
Days Later
Once Bokuto was feeling much better, he along with Kourai, Wakatsu, Aran, and Shinsuke decided to investigate more on the mysterious scroll Akaashi found from one of the old libraries. It was indeed something about Atlantis and the Great Prince who held such enormous power, said to have shaped societies, and created many gifts.
"If this information is all true, how will we find the Great Prince?" Kourai asked.
"None of us even knows if he's even alive," Wakatsu commented.
"This space...this time that we live in...it's said to be nearly several millennia later. At least that's what the rumors were said," Aran observed.
"If only we knew someone who knew more about this kind of stuff..." Bokuto answered.
"Well there is...but if we even dare to..." Shinsuke muttered.
"Hee-hee-hee-he! My, what a great finding you have there!" a dark voice rumbled.
The group turned to see Theagenes finally appearing to them as the Dark One chuckled and paced around a circle.
"You," Shinsuke muttered as Aran narrowed his eyes.
"You always tend to lurk much whenever you sense magic that only benefits you," Aran said.
"That is my job as the Dark One dearies. I have brought you all here to this place under my wing. This land...this far future. Otherwise, you'd all be dead and shattered into the void of space," Theagenes explained.
"If you have brought so many survivors from the past here, what are you trying to do, hm? What sort of strings attached are there?" Aran asked.
"That's not what we are discussing about. You want to know...about this great power...this great prince," Theagenes replied.
"And I am sure you are asking for us to pay a price...if you give us this knowledge, hm?" Shinsuke asked.
"What do you want?" Bokuto added.
Theagenes reveals a vial of magic with the palm of his hand, "This. This is a bit of magic you can use to disguise yourself in whoever you most desire. Only one of you can use it though. But it can allow you to connect to any object and obtain its memories. A bit of...psychometry if you will."
"Not for me," Shinsuke stepped back, "That's clearly dark magic."
Aran also stepped back, agreeing with him as Theagenes turned to Kourai, Bokuto, and Wakatsu.
After a moment of silence, Wakatsu answered, "I'll take it."
"W-Wakatsu…?" Bokuto muttered.
"I'm sure it's only a temporary use. I can definitely research more on this Great Prince with Akaashi...maybe find a few more leads on how we can overturn the Generation of Miracles," he said as the Dark One hands the vial over.
"You're sure about this?" Bokuto turns to him.
"I'm in the top three aces. I can handle it," Wakatsu shrugged, "Once I get enough information, we can definitely use it against the Generation of Miracles."
Karasuno...the ruins...
Ushijima was sleeping somewhere out in a tent like camp area with several other exiled volleyball players. While the plans to construct this empire was set in place, the majority of the people were stuck outside at night where it was freezing often.
Finally, he steps out of his tent. Luckily a fire is still burning. Hopefully someone will be kind enough to keep it going for a while. He sits down near it, coming across the very shaken Kindaichi.
"You're still up?" he asked.
"I couldn't sleep..." Kindaichi breathed.
"Can't say I blame you. Tonight was rough," he agreed.
Kindaichi wipes a tear from his eye, "I had a feeling it was going to be me earlier but…it was Iwaizumi. Yet, I can still hear his screams when I close my eyes."
"That wasn't your fault, you know," Ushijima answered, "That dark power…it's manipulating them…Shouyou…Tobio…all of them…this isn't who they are."
"But why do we have to do this? Sacrifice ourselves for whatever campaign he's setting up?" Kindaichi asked.
"I may be older than the 'prince', but even I don't have the answer," he warms his hands by the fire.
At least Sakusa got away. Hopefully, he's still alive, he thought.
Kindaichi sighed and sat down by the fire too likewise, reflecting the horror of the exile as he couldn't bear to stay out here. However, it was clear that returning to Sportsbrooke would be deadly.
Suddenly, Ushijima grunted as he felt his chest tightening, his left arm going numb.
"Hey. Ushijima? You okay?" Kindaichi gasped as the muscular man fell to his side, nearly motionless. He starts to panic, looking around, hoping someone, anyone, would come out on their own.
"SOMEONE! HELP!" he screamed as Kuroo rushed onto the scene with Daichi, Lev, and Tanaka.
"W-what's happening!?" Lev asked.
"U-U-Ushi... Ushi..." Kindaichi pointed to the fallen man.
Kuroo kneel down and rests his hands over his body, sensing anything of life, he focuses on his shrine priest abilities. A soft glow connected him to Ushijima. Kindaichi was already crying into Daichi's hands.
"God I hope they didn't hear us," Lev muttered.
"Maybe they're too busy plotting inside," Tanaka muttered.
Kuroo gasps as a blast of dark magic repels him, "H-He...he's alive...but..."
"Out with it. What's wrong?" Daichi asked.
"Dark Magic...is being applied on him..." he looked at the others, "I don't know what spell this is."
"It's not the same magic Hinata's been using, is it?" Lev asked.
"I don't think he'd stoop this low," Daichi muttered.
"No, it's not by Hinata nor whatever the magic they're using…" Kuroo muttered.
Back in town, the newly transformed Wakatsu looked at himself in the mirror as he was now in the form of Ushijima.
He had carried a secret from everyone in the volleyball community...since being the third ace, he was intimidated by Ushijima and Sakusa...their talents were raw and pure...like his but...somehow, being at third was a curse to him.
His stress of being a mentor to new players and the pressure he faced from the managers...had led to this moment. He desired to be the face of hope...by leading a rebel group...using the reputation of the number one.
"Heh, the face of volleyball will rise once more. Now all I need is to find out their weak spots," the transformed Ushijima makes a fist, "And crush them."
Kourai hears this from behind a wall as he sneaks back to the outside, horrified on what he witnessed. He couldn't believe that Wakatsu would hold such dark feelings for Sakusa and Ushijima out of jealousy.
He finds Akaashi, Bokuto, Aran, and Shinsuke talking.
"K-Kourai, is everything okay?" Akaashi asked.
"What's the matter?" Bokuto tilted his head.
"W-Wakatsu...h-he..." Kourai begins.
"There's no need to be scared," the transformed Wakatsu/Ushijima approaches them.
The four gasped to see this Ushijima standing before them.
"W-what in the name of…?!" Bokuto cried out.
He hushes him with a finger on the owl man's lips, "It's alright now. A leader must take the role from here on out. He was a great inspiration for the aces of Volleyball. And thus, I will take in his shoes."
"This is not the way and you know better!" Shinsuke scolded him.
"I doubt the Great Prince will appear anytime soon to help us. This magic now makes sense to why we don't need to wait. We must act," the transformed man replied.
"And what do you propose we do?" Bokuto asked.
"I'll tell you more once we get to the city. For now, we gather up any survivors left and prepare our own attack," he said.
"And you are sure none of us will get killed?" Kourai asked.
"Not among us. I'll be observing for now. Go to any of the remaining hideouts and gather those who are able to fight," he answered as he left the group to use his new powers to call upon the memories of the sand.
In time, a group was formed with several traumatized volleyball players who wanted revenge against the Generation of Miracles. However, these few people including Kourai, Bokuto, Aran, Keiji, and Shinsuke would face the Generation of Miracles in a conflict of magic vs. magic.
Realizing their 'potential', the red-haired Akashi decided to not execute them but rather, return them back to the poverish areas but did take a killing on the false Ushijima. Kourai screamed in horror as he approached the fallen man.
"I-I'm sorry…Kourai…" Wakatsu answered as his transformation faded back to his regular self before taking his last breath, "Y-You need to keep going onward…"
"W-Wakatsu…" he answered, "D-don't…"
"Oi! We have to go before they stop us!" Bokuto shouted.
Akashi completes the remaining spell to send Kourai back to the condo areas as the others were sent back to their hideouts.
"Do you think this was a good idea?" Aomine asked.
"Our Princess Goddess knows that someday…the conflict will resume. We can only hope that the Swimming Guardians and the Great Prince will bring great assistance," he answered.
Akashi then returned the life back to the real Ushijima out in the wastelands, knowing that the real conflict will happen in due time. Even after the Magic Six would restore peace to Sportsbrooke, Kourai was so used to accepting the fact that he would never find anyone to be with...
Kourai could never forget holding onto Wakatsu's dying body during the conflict. Even making his own grave for the fallen sportsman afterwards.
With Ushijima's return to life however, he decided to sneak out and make the lone trip back to Sportsbrooke, realizing the power within him was starting to awaken...leading him back to the city in a short period of time.
From there, he would reunite with Bokuto and learn of what happened to Wakatsu and prayed to find Sakusa. Inspired by the Magic Six and Natsu, he was determined to rescue the remaining population with Sou, Aone, and Natsu in order to finally lead a real revolution against the Chaos was brought upon them.
Present Day: Duniya
Sachiro, since regaining some of the memories back, his attitude has somewhat changed enough for Kourai to notice but yet...his heart wouldn't let him take the course of what he would have normally done in his old ways. No.
Ever since meeting the guardians and using the flower crown, it has been, if anything, a blessing. But the memories he was too afraid to return to is the day when he was sent off from the team. It was a painful moment in his life, almost as if he was not wanted for love...
It didn't help that both his parents were dead too from those...monsters...for they were about to eat him too when they suddenly dissolved away...
Being with Kourai, however...felt like something new ignited his heart...more than he wanted to realize and accept...
Kourai was boiling some water to prepare tea.
Sachiro...I know it's only been a short time together but...why...am I feeling like this already, Kourai thought, the other guys may be happily ever after...but could I possibly obtain it too?
He goes over to his music player and puts it on shuffle when it suddenly plays 'Toki ni ai wa' in the background.
Oh god, this song...dammit, I thought I got rid of it, he thought, the last time I played it…
This rose is our destiny
Michibikare
Futari wa ima mou ichido deau
Sachiro finally walks into the room when he notices the song playing in the background, "Hmmm, what is this song? I never heard it."
"Oh no, just disregard it! It's just some lost romantic thing!" Kourai answers with a nervous sweat.
"I don't care what the theme of it is, I find it interesting," Sahciro sits down by the music player to hear more.
Donna toki mo
Ano yakusoku wasurenaide
Yatto koko made kita yo
"When did this come out and how am I now hearing?" the brunette-haired man asked.
"Well, I guess I'll start it from the beginning..." he restarts it with a blush.
"What are you getting so flustered about? It sounds like a good song," Sachiro answered.
"It's just...this song, usually goes in pair with a dance. A dance with someone you love..." Kourai explained, "Someone you wish to be with."
"Oh, is that all? Is there... someone you're hoping to share such a moment with?" Sachiro asked.
"I don't remember ever taking the moment to dance with," he said, "After losing my family...during the chaos of the exile...I was so dedicated into maintaining volleyball...keeping its voice to the city."
"You should give it a try. Dancing, I mean. I mean, I'm no expert, but I have been known to dabble in it a bit here and there..." Sachiro shrugged.
"I...I don't know," he sighed when he notices Sachiro's hand extended out to him.
Without realizing it, his hand links to Sachiro's for the first time, he feels a strong, yet soft hand wishing to bond with his.
"Follow my lead. Don't worry. I won't stir you wrong," he said.
His heart beats, he finally accepts the hand as his body is now close to Sachiro's, following his steps as the song continues to play…
Toki ni ai wa tsuyoku
Hito no kokoro wo kizutsuke mo suru keredo
Ah
Yume wo atae yuuki no naka ni
Itsumo hikari kagayaite
Kourai starts to smile as he continues to follow Sachiro's guidance in footing. They were moving around in a peaceful circle as for a moment they both felt like they were out dancing in the stars.
Ai wa tsuyoku
Hito no kokoro wo ugokashite yuku dakara Ah
Futari de iru kitto sekai wo
Haeru tame ni soshite subete wa
Hitotsu no chikara ni…naru…
Without realizing it, Kourai jumps onto him for a hug, holding onto him, "S-Sachiro..."
"K-Kourai…" he breathed as he nearly lost his footing but caught his balance back as he held tight to him.
"I'm starting to feel...maybe this is just the beginning. I know not all your memories are fully back but...I want to keep you strong and supported, though I'm not as strong and big enough..." Kourai started to confess a little.
"Size isn't everything. You have more strength than me, for sure," Sachiro answered.
"Well um..." he tries hard to not stare at the bara cleavage, he turns away for a moment, "Damn...when I first saw you um...you're hawt. But what makes you think I'd be stronger though? I...I don't understand."
"No volleyball player, or athlete for that matter, wouldn't have shown the amount of heart and courage you all did for this realm. Not once, but twice. If it were me... I'd have been too terrified to move or function," he replied.
"S-Sachiro...I think...I might know how to get the rest of your memories back...but," Kourai's eyes widened a little as his heart was telling him something important, "But only if you are ready."
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I finally realize...that the way to get something back...is the way how this magic can break any curse..." Kourai said.
Sachiro was now starting to blush a little as his heart was now on the verge of beating faster. With a bit of courage, both their eyes locked into each other.
"Do you trust me?" Kourai asked.
"Y-Yes...?" he breathed.
As they both leaned into each other's lips, a warmth of magic locked into them as they accepted each other. A wave of magic ringed outwards before back inwards as Sachiro's mind was now undoing its amnesic and TBI damage, rewiring all the memories that took place since being hit by a car and taken into the ER.
Despite a strong recovery, he grew a bit aggressive sometimes during matches and had bizarre expectations on himself and others. Then, out of the blue...during one of his "calmer episodes", he went up to Aran and begged to be released from the team in order to not cause any more pain.
Aran sadly accepts the resignation and deep down prayed that he would find the Swimming Guardians (if they truly existed) to help find a miracle for this powerful teammate...
After releasing the kiss, Kourai wipes a tear from Sachiro...
"Do you need a minute?" he asked.
Sachiro nods silently, then takes a seat in the living space area. Kourai pulls up a chair and asks, "Does your head hurt?"
"I-It's just…a lot to process. I-I remember now…I got too aggressive which led me to regret hurting my team…so I begged Aran to release me," he said, wiping a couple of tears off.
"If you want, you can stay here longer. Though I understand if you need to head back to town..." Kourai begins.
"N-No..." he shakes his head and holding onto Kourai's hand, "I'll stay. I mean…if that's alright with you."
"Of course," Kourai answered.
"Hey um…Kourai," Sachiro looks at him.
"Hm?" He replies.
"Kourai...have you, um…when did you...?" the brunette-haired man asked before pausing, "Did you feel this way?"
"I was once on the verge of getting to be close to someone but…they died before that could ever happen," Kourai said, "Well, I did had my family...but...that was taken away from me. I never once thought I'd share this kind of love with another person."
"There's always a first time for everything. Guess we both still needed some growing," Sachiro shrugged, "So um…?"
"Y-Yes?" Kourai asked.
"Um…" Sachiro taps his thumbs as he blushed slightly.
Without a second thought, Kourai leans in for a second kiss as they lasted a longer moment bonding their tongues together as one.
"Wow. That was better than I thought," Sachiro gasped, "T-thank you. However, you barely know me, not that I'm complaining. I just want to make sure… Are you positive this is what you want? I don't want to drag you down."
"I have an idea...but I want this to be your decision..." Kourai answered.
"Huh?" he looks at him.
"How about you be my Middle Blocker? If you want to get back to this...let me be your Ace," Kourai proposed.
"I'm not sure why I'm stalling. It's not like you asked me to marry you," he chuckles, "Well, anyway, if you're sure…no, you probably are. I'll give it a shot."
Meanwhile, Ushijima sat on one of the benches, looking at the Iwamara beach. His mind was in a bit of lost and wonder until Sakusa, Atsumu, and Shouyou arrived on scene.
"Yo!" Atsumu greeted.
"Hey there Ushi-chan!" Shouyou greeted.
"Oh, hey," he greeted them back.
"You wanna join us on our jog?" Atsumu asked.
"A nice day like today is perfect for such a thing!" Shouyou added on.
"You're high spirited as ever. Sure. Why not?" Ushijima accepted.
Maybe I can pick his brain on being a volleyball ninja, he thought.
The four make their way across the Iwamara beach before heading onto one of the main roads towards one of the trails.
"I wonder how the rest are doing?" Atsumu muttered.
"The Olympius Duniya, right?" Sakusa asked.
"Yeah. The Swimming Guardians are getting some new jackets in designing," the blond answered.
"I think I heard about that. I'm kind of in the dark since the last update," Ushijima recalled.
"Almost like they're being a little too hush hush about it," Shouyou replied.
"We got some of our banners made already...how many do we have left still?" Atsumu asked.
"Ummm…five?" Shouyou tilted his head.
"Four. We finished one earlier," Ushijima corrected.
"Any word of the other sports participating too?" Sakusa asked.
"There were the skaters, I think…" Shouyou recalled.
"Anyone catch one of their races? Intense stuff. I wonder if the rest of the world will be ready for it," Ushijima answered.
"Are you kidding? It'll be great!" Shouyou grinned.
"There are not that many other cities...Lha'li...Neo Tabuk...Chirottori...what were those other smaller villages again?" Atsumu asked.
"Still haven't memorized them," Ushijima shrugged.
"Terra Magna...Iglis Magna...but aren't those villages even around? Not to mention that one tragic middle of no-where...Herisia," Sakusa recalled.
"I didn't pay that much attention to history class or current events in school," Shouyou sighed.
"How did you graduate?" Ushijima asked.
"B-but…we didn't even go to school here!" Atsumu looks at Shouyou.
"Well, I did… or at least this version of me did…" Shouyou blushed.
"Dumb blond..." Sakusa mumbled.
"I heard that Omi-Omi!" Atsumu glares at him.
"Tobio might know more. Doubt Bokuto even knows what planet he's on half the time," Shouyou sighed.
"And Kourai?" Ushijima asked.
"No idea," he said as they continued from the short trail before heading back onto the main road towards the beach area where they heard some laughter.
"W-who is…?" Shouyou muttered.
The four gasped to see Kourai playing volleyball with some brunette-haired man. Clearly its hair was more straight down than curved to the side like Oikawa's.
"Who is that man? I've...?" Atsumu muttered
"Never seen him?" Sakusa finished his statement.
"Kourai doesn't usually pick up strays…?" Shouyou rested his fist beneath his chin.
"Well, that's one way to put it," Ushijima rolled his eyes.
"Wow, he does seem happier…I haven't seem him smile like that as much as he shows joy in our matches. Just this…feeling looks different," Atsumu analyzed.
Both Kourai and Sachiro were practicing the volleyball before after a few tosses, the ball hits the ground as they both sighed in relief. Kourai leaped onto Sachiro on a hug as they both tumbled over into the sands.
"Oh my…" Shouyou blushed a little.
"Let's leave them be," Ushijima suggested, "He'll tell us if he wants."
At the food truck, Osamu was preparing for the day's run while mapping out on his tablet where he wanted to go for Neo Sportsbrooke. He especially wanted to go there during the Olympics in order to score major profits and further expansion of his business.
He counted down the days and prayed that this event will be a peaceful one without any new threats or enemies.
"Hey! Osamu!" a familiar voice was heard.
"And there goes the peace…" he muttered, turning to see Oikawa and Iwaizumi arriving.
"We thought we'd stop by and show some support," Oikawa greeted.
"We're hungry, in other words," Hajime added.
"Heh. Should have known. I don't have any milk bread in stock, but I can prepare some agedashi," he offered.
"You got a deal," Hajime accepted.
"Well, in that case, how about some oyakodon?" Oikawa proposed this idea.
"Someone's feeling adventurous, huh?" Osamu smirked.
"I've been craving some lately. Weirdest thing," the brunette shrugged.
"Told you to use protection. Now he's pregnant," Osamu winked at Hajime.
"Shut up, dammit!" Hajime blushed.
"You were a little rough last time…" Oikawa winked.
"OI! Don't disclose that information!" he cried out.
"Aw, he's blushing. You snagged a cutie, Mr. Oikawa," Osamu chuckled.
"Who snagged who?!" Hajime crossed his arms.
"Anyway, how's business been?" Oikawa switched the subjects.
"Moderately steady. Unless, of course, that Shadow guy doesn't cut through…or Nagisa…" he answered, "I swear, I feel like they're going to eat me out of business with what they order."
"Do they order the whole inventory?" Hajime asked.
"Just about. Nagisa dang near ordered an equivalent of 8100 yen by himself…Shadow, on the other hand…11,000…" Osamu calculated.
"What the hell?!" Hajime gasped.
"You let them order that much? By yourself?" Oikawa asked.
"That Gou girl kept Nagisa from doing it. Shadow was probably drunk or coming off an S high," Osamu shrugged as he began to warm up the kitchen area to start cooking.
"Must've been a good beef," Oikawa grinned.
"Close. He ordered fish, and lots of it," Osamu answered.
"Good god, I hope it wasn't mackerel," Hajime replied.
They sat down at one of the bench areas as Osamu was busy cooking away on their orders. Oikawa and Iwaizumi looked at each other as they were trying to quietly bicker about their moment last night.
"Seriously, did you have to leak that?" the dark-haired man muttered.
"Sorry. I couldn't help it. Besides, it was… sort of my first time in this lifetime…" Oikawa blushed.
"No wonder you were tight," Hajime silently smirked.
"I swear, it was like you were the one possessed this time," he winked.
"Well…I…I was wanting to get with you for a while…" Hajime shrugged.
"Regardless, that night was truly magical. Thank you for that…and even using prot…" he begins.
"How's the food?!" Hajime cuts off the conversation to not let Osamu hear anything among them.
"About to whip up the meat!" he answered back.
"And the way you were screaming my name, I'm surprised no one called the cops," Iwaizumi looks back to him.
"Hey um…there's something I need to ask," Oikawa said.
"Yes?" he replied.
"I need to know for certain. You're sure you want to continue our relationship? I mean…" Oikawa answered.
"You're asking me this now?" Iwaizumi nearly facepalms.
"Well…it's just…um…s-surreal that we actually…?" he begins.
"I have passionate fornication with you, and you're dipping out?" Iwaizumi calls him out, "Where is this coming from?"
"Well, it's not like after everything that DID happen between us back then…in Sportsbrooke…" he sighed, "It took me a long time to get back with everyone else here...but I know out of everyone…I affected you the most, Iwa-chan."
Iwaizumi took a little pause as he knew Oikawa was right about this. He did almost killed him that day long ago but he also sensed a hint in him that kept away from doing the deed.
"I know you didn't want to kill me…" Iwaizumi answered, "True the knife was at my neck and such…but I did felt a very small part of you, holding on. True, Kagami didn't give you a chance to live it out but at least…Sousuke gave you that second chance."
"And with that in mind, I want to pursue not just a love seemingly unquakeable. I'd like to keep doing volleyball. Ascend the rankings. Face my rivals. That kinda thing," he revealed.
"Well, if you're wanting to meet your rivals, you'll need five other people to help make up that special something. You know, a team," Iwaizumi replied.
"Will you be joining?" Oikawa winks
"Whoa, slow down. I'm an athletic trainer these days. I wouldn't stand a chance at the field like the good ol'days," he said.
Oikawa slightly lowered his head but Hajime rested his hand on his partner's shoulder, "Don't worry. This is a simple task for you, I'm certain you can pull some persuasion on your future guys."
Finally, Osamu arrives with their orders of food as he cut in, asking, "Heya, how's your cousin doing?"
"Huh? That's a random thing to bring up," Oikawa sightly titled his head.
"I haven't heard anything in a while. Is he training for the Olympics, too?" Osamu questioned.
"Well…about that…" Hajime was about to get him up to speed on this.
"Albert's doing good for himself," Oikawa revealed, "He had a couple of rough patches… really rough, He's been trying and succeeding to find his resolve. He found his way thanks to a special someone."
"Heh, aren't we cocky now?" Osamu smirked.
"He's not referring to himself," Hajime corrected him.
"Oh? Then who?" Osamu asked.
"Our good ol' Swimming Guardian, Nanase," the brunette revealed.
"Huh. Well, our Haru does tend to perk people up," Osamu noted.
"Gave people the right amount of encouragement," Hajime added.
"Especially when bonding over saba," Oikawa tries hard to not laugh.
"Yeah. Saba - Wait, what?" Osamu shakes his head upon realizing it was mackerel.
Kuroo, Kenma, Bokuto, and Tobio teamed up with Joe, Cherry and Shadow at the former two's mansion as there were plenty of supplies to make poster decorations for the upcoming Olympius Duniya event.
"We got paints, glitter, streamers, ribbons, whatever we can to make these posters look like their team. It's just a bummer not all of us...are...um...artists..." Kuroo shrugged.
Kenma peeks over his handheld at the skater trio.
"Uh… Kenma? You going to help sometime today?" Bokuto tilts his head.
"Well, why not ask him?" Kenma smirked as Tobio followed the fingers towards the trio.
"Hey, the guy who kinda looks like Nanase is staring at us…should I be alarmed?" Shadow grew confused.
"He doesn't look a thing like Nanase," Cherry answered.
"The Swimming Guardians are going to be having their swimming debut soon at the Olympics. We want to show our support," Kuroo cuts to the chase, "We know that you have been making a lot of calligraphy designs."
"Figured you can make messages that could go like…POW! WHAZAM! SPLASH!" Bokuto grins.
"A bit of action, I like that," Joe snaps his finger.
"Ignore the idiot…" Tobio rolled his eyes.
"Something to draw attention to them without disregarding their true talents. So no ninjas, Bokuto," Kenma looks at him.
"Aw man, that sucks," Bokuto pouts his face like a fish.
"Perhaps we can use the ninjas for Shoyou later on...with his team," Kuroo reassures him.
"That'll make Ushijima happy!" the other man agreed.
"ANYWAY…" Tobio crosses his arms.
"Well, let's consult our options," Cherry steps in.
From there, they began designing various messages in both calligraphy kanji, and in English. The colors of Iwatobi, Samezuka, Hidaka, and Shimogami were used on different posters. Cherry lectured a few tips and tricks on making the art stand out but not enough to distract the athletes.
"This reminds me that we need to make posters for Reki, Langa, and Miya likewise," Joe noted.
"Should be making one for me…" Shadow muttered before Cherry smacked him down with his folding fan.
"I thought we agreed…" Cherry glares at him.
"Yeah, yeah whatever," Shadow rolled his eyes.
"So strange. I don't know if I recall skateboarding in Sportsbrooke," Tobio muttered.
"I'm sure it was there," Kenma shrugged.
"This is going to be so awesome!" Bokuto grins, "Oh! That poster there…you think they will…?"
"Hey, don't give away the surprise!" Kenma barks at him.
"A surprise, huh? I wanna see!" Shadow said.
"Me, too!" Bokuto replied.
"Look. It's not even in the works yet to be fair. The planned poster is meant for one particular team. But can they make it happen is the big question..." Kuroo steps in, "But…I do hope their dreams come true..."
"I think they will. After all, look how far everyone has gotten," Tobio nodded.
Iwamara Beach...
Sachiro and Kourai have practiced keeping the volleyball up in the air. At one point, they accidently got too close again with each other and fell onto the sands like a romantic couple.
"Ooof!" Kourai grunted as he was on top of Sachiro.
"Heh, um…sorry about that," Sachiro answered.
"Y-yeah..." Kourai rubs the dust off his nose before realizing he was on top of him. He quickly recoils back to the side.
"U-um…are you alright?" Sachiro asked.
"Yeah um…it's…never mind," Kourai shrugged it off.
"It seems you both have made peace," a voice said.
They both turn to see Shinsuke, Aran, Yuudai and Gao arriving on scene. Kourai turns to Sachiro with a sincere look on his face, "It's gonna be okay. This is your time to shine."
"Sachiro, the team was made by all of us back when Aeuropa City was still a dystopia. Granted, we never fully told you the truth about myself and Shinsuke...nor to the others," Aran said.
"Huh? What now?" Gao asked.
"The two of us, we are not native here. We chose to come here to preserve the legacy of Volleyball. Teaching it to folks like you," Shinsuke revealed.
"Oh dear now I'm confused…" Yuudai answered.
"Sadly, I have let our past trauma come forth to us in the present...which is why I was terrified to see your anger unleashed. True, anyone could be angry at a loss of anything," Aran said, "But then you asked to resign and...I respected your decision in the end."
"Look, I told Sachiro the truth...about Sportsbrooke and what happened to us," Kourai said.
"I can see that very well Kourai. You and him share a bond now," he answered.
"He… really helped me see past my obstacles…" Sachiro answered, "I truly was reckless and full of myself. None of you should have had to deal with the old me. I apologize for it all. If I hadn't met Kourai, I don't know what I would have done."
Kourai smiled as Sachiro added, "Perhaps, I should have heeded your advice back then, too.
"Your talents and skills are not being unnoticed...we have reflected your progress. Along with Gao and Yuudai's too," Shinsuke said before finally clearing his throat, "How about...we meet up with more volleyball players here...and see if we too...can make our own Olympic Team?"
Kourai and Sachiro gasped as Aran smiled, "I think it's time we show this world who we really are."
"Oh this is gonna be sooooo much fun!" Kourai raised his fists in the air.
"Yeah…I'm willing to give it a go too!" Sachiro's heart was felt, knowing this was going to be a big change in his life for the better.
Iwamara Swim World
Haruka reaches the wall after another lap of practice. The current group were at the end of their morning training. Makoto greets him with his hand ready, "Good swim."
The dark-haired man accepts the hand and gets himself out. Rin was busy reading the time sheet stats with his sister as Rei and Nagisa were done with their practice likewise. Alex wrapped up with his post-swim stretches with Kyle.
"This doesn't make sense...why is the times for..." Rin muttered.
"It's the same problem back in Iwatobi..." Gou sighed.
"Well, there's still time. We can improve. No need to worry, right?" Nagisa asked.
"There may be about a year or so but it'll go faster," Alex shrugged.
"Has that much time passed already?" Rei questioned.
"Are the facilities even ready yet? Did they say the buildings passed their inspections?" Makoto asked.
"Still no word from the city council there. Amakata-sensei is still waiting on their response," Gou said.
"Aeuropa may be under new management, but we still have to play the waiting game," Rei nodded.
Rin turns his head to see Asahi, Ikuya, Ai, and Momo arriving on scene along with Sousuke, "Yo!"
"Rin-senpai!" Momo grins happily.
"You're wrapping up for the morning?" Sousuke asked.
"Yeah, but I'll be staying here with you guys for now," Rin replied.
"How is your freestyle going?" Alex turned to Kyle.
"A bump here and there, but I'm improving each time. Nothing like Haru, Ikuya, or Rin, but getting there," he shrugged.
They isolated themselves from the others as Alex continued, "We just need to match or beat the 'required time' to get in. Then again...they are running out of spaces..."
"It might not seem like it, but we can do this," Kyle replied, "But…in your opinion, who should be in? Don't tell me what you think I want to hear," Kyle answered.
Alex looks at the others before turning back to his husband, "At first...I wasn't sure. I thought I was on the road to get there, but now I'm starting to see the reality."
"What do you mean?" Kyle asked.
"…Isn't it obvious?" Alex replied, "…I'm still guilt ridden."
"Oh Sandro…that was the old you. That you have washed away. Both of our old selves are no more. We are who we are meant to be. And you are going to make it on your own merit," Kyle answered.
"B-but...even if I do make it to the final cut...what about you?" he asked.
"Even if… neither you or I get in… I'll never stop supporting you or us. There will be other times. It's not the end," Kyle replied.
"I wish I could say the same," he sighs, "I'm worried that...we might grow old all of a sudden. We've lived such long lives already back on Terabithia."
"Then perhaps this is the reason behind our unnatural youth: to accomplish our goals without regrets? It's a thought," Kyle shrugged.
"Haru?" Makoto looks at him as the tsundere was looking at Alex and Kyle talking at a short distance.
"It's nothing," he said.
"Okay, let's rotate now!" Rin calls out.
Chirottori
A newly reformed Tadashi has walked into the room where a young child Ainosuke was sleeping in a nest-like bed. Being a Chiropteran required a bit of modifications though the blue-haired child as a half-human and half-Chiropteran based entity.
By receiving the blood from the child with help from the Chivashi, he accepted his new role and his fate of not being able to age at a normal human rate. His attributes have changed as he is swifter, faster, and can heal injuries without major repercussions.
No matter the cost, I will never leave your side again. You will always be my most important person, Tadashi gently rests his hand over Ainosuke's little hair while Kiriko stood outside the room.
"May you grow wise and diligent and resist all temptation from before," Tadashi prayed.
Kiriko finally walks in to see her little child sleeping peacefully, "How's he holding up?"
"Sleeping," Tadashi said, "But something tells me he'll grow up rather quickly…"
"Most of the Mullerians don't stay infant nor childhood for a long time. They grow up quickly but upon adulthood, they age far slowly. Because he is still half-human...there's a probability of his memories returning," she explained.
"If that's the case, I will help him through everything. I will not be swayed away again," he said, "I failed too many times before. I will not fail again. This vow I shall uphold for eternity."
"And if he learns how to skate again...?" she asked.
"He will be taught the correct way. One without resorting to dastardly tricks or deceit. He will be taught how to love the sport and others without inflicting pain. He will not be that man again," Tadashi vowed.
"Then...as his mother, I will do what I can to make his wish come true," she brushes her hand gently on the baby hair.
"There you guys are," Queen Janella walks in finally.
"What's going on?" Kiriko asked.
"Stellaluna...she's been accepted to the Olympics Committee!" Janella clasps her hands with joy.
"Oh-oh my…" Kiriko gasped.
"That is incredible news, Majesty," Tadashi smiled.
"I know it's just a small step but maybe someday our kind can join these activities too! Maybe they can make a Superhuman division!" Janella goes on.
"Why do I get the feeling that's a bad idea? The humans need to amuse themselves...not to suffer on our account," Kiriko kills the opportunity.
"It could be something to pass along. Merely a suggestion," Tadashi threw his two cents in.
"But still, we are beyond human attributes," Kiriko argued.
"Then we can make up our own sports if you're so conservative," Janella glares at her as the two sisters got into a moment of awkward silence.
Finally, Tadashi sighed and answered, "Even the young master was superhuman, in his own way, but even he managed to share the road with other competitors."
"As a detective, I could have arrested him...but as a mother, and a Chiropteran, I couldn't bear to see him suffer in the nightmare he was in," Kiriko crossed her arms over.
"And it will be another nightmare if we choose to bar his people from having the same joy the humans will have when their Olympics begin," Tadashi answered, "We are part of this planet, too. Going back to isolation from the humans will be no better than what the Three Fates have done to the former Aeuropa City. Thus, it is our duty to show them we are not ones to fear, but to be welcomed."
"I just hope the human race won't fear us again. They have stained bad blood onto our kind for centuries," Kiriko said before recalling her late husband centuries ago. She wiped a tear off her own face.
"Sister..." Janella rests her hand on her shoulder, "We've seen the purest hearts of the Swimming Guardians...and they are perhaps between our kind and the humans. I am sure they will help everyone set aside their origins and celebrate life. That's the real reason why Stellaluna wanted to join the committee."
"Don't forget, even the princess of Lha'li is getting her people involved in some way, too," Tadashi reminded them.
"There will be a lot of work for all of us ahead...but it's a start," Janella agreed.
The baby Ainosuke was snoring in his REM sleep, finally muttering the words of 'skate'.
I hope your dreams of skating are more pleasant, Young Master, Tadashi thought.
Iwamara Town Square
After decorating a bunch of poster and signage designs for the upcoming Olympics, Joe, Cherry, and Shadow skated their way through the town square as they went through specialized areas that allowed skateboarding.
They were in awe of the sights of the livelihood of people going in, out, shopping, laughing, eating, playing music, listening to stories, and other sappy and cute things going all around.
"It's like they're celebrating every day," Joe watched the people.
"Can you blame them? Look at this view!" Shadow grinned, "Squeee! I could always take on a time share and get a second place for me and Oka! This place would be so worth it!"
"And King Moron emerges again. Do you even know what a time share is?" Cherry asked.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Shadow shouted back.
"Maybe Reki was right. You are getting old. Hearing is the first to go," Cherry readied his fan.
"YOU MOTHERF…" Shadow begins but Joe steps in between the two.
"That's enough now!" he separates them.
"He started it..." Shadow makes a fish face.
"And now we regress to childish excuses. Besides, everyone knows time shares are a scam. What's wrong with what you and Oka have now?" Cherry sighed.
"Besides it's in...not Aeuropa?" Shadow's head tilt a little.
"Things have gotten better though," Cherry answered.
"That may be true, but if that's what he wants well...that's his decision. Let him and Oka decide on their future," Joe answered.
"Dear me. The gorilla has evolved," Cherry remarks to this.
At a split second after, Joe makes a playful attack, shouting, "OH! I'll SHOW YOU THIS GORILLA YOU!"
Cherry freaks out in the ticklish galore as Shadow watches the two in their playful fighting. At the right time, he finally smacks the fan on Joe's head.
"Do NOT. DO THAT. Again," Cherry glares at him, "Or I will pain all the incriminating words all over your uniforms. All of them. Even that one."
"Ummm, our old uniforms won't fit anymore," Joe said.
"And your brain went back to a primitive monkey. I meant your work uniforms! Maybe even your 'S' uniform. I'm thinking "big, dumb gorilla"! Hehe!" Cherry smirked.
"You're lucky I don't have any mustard on me. I'd stain the hell out of your stuff too!" Joe argued.
Cherry produces a paintbrush next, "Is that a challenge?"
"Where the hell did he get that?!" Shadow gasped.
"Where's your ink hmmmm? That brush is as dry as a horse tail," Joe smirked as he already snuck the ink bottles safely in his own pockets.
"Oh, really? Let's get creative. This brush isn't the only thing going to be dry," Cherry said.
"Huh..? What...? Is he insinuating..." Shadow grew more confused.
Before Cherry could finish, Joe tackled him down in time as a flying projectile narrowly missed them, hitting at some brick wall but it left a burnt mark.
"What the…?!" Shadow gasped.
The trio heard a solo loud screech...followed by loud clanging steps nearby.
Moments later, out of the nearby forested area, a red-shelled crab-like entity with two massive jaws and four legs appeared. It made a series of low growls before pinching its jaws.
"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!" Shadow shouted.
The new monster screeched again, trying to deafen their ears while preparing another projectile from its back. A wheel of energy spun out, heading towards the trio.
"WATCH OUT!" Joe shouted.
Before the attack could burn them, a mega blast of water stops the flaming disk from reaching the target. The projectile turned to gas and evaporated away.
"Such a waste...in all sorts of levels," a voice was heard in the air, "Remind me again that this is just between us, right? You won't sell me off to the others?"
"You can leave it to me! Hehe!" a second voice grins.
"W-who...?" Cherry looked to see the source.
Moments later, Kaede steps in with Nagisa as they were both in their senshi forms.
"OHMYGODDDDD! THEY'RE HEREEEE!" Shadow's eyes sparkle in joy.
"Noise...loud…" Cherry blocks his ears.
"Protected by the Master of Happiness, I am the Swimming Guardian who fights for Breaststroke and Fun! I am Ultra Suiei Hazuki! You won't get away with my stuff that will bring you down!"Nagisa introduced himself before turning to Kaede, "Your turn!"
With a sigh, Kaede makes his own introduction sequence, "Protected by the Warrior of Naribusawa, I am the Swimming Guardian's protector of the Golden Rule! I am Suiei Kinjou! I'll show you my free that will shut you all up!"
"Umm, that works too!" Nagisa makes a thumbs up.
"Ahem! Giant crab thing trying to kill us!" Joe cried out.
The monster readied itself another spinner attack as Kaede narrowed his eyes, muttering, "A wasted opponent...how borish...using fire against us like that?"
He narrows his eyes and readies his ninja stars in shape of Maple Leaves, shouting his incantation, "SPIRAL, AQUAAAAAAA SLICERRRRR!"
Throwing the ninja stars, they both enlarged into water disk-like projectiles, smacking into the enemy and causing it to crash into a rock and break apart dead mechanically.
"Heh, not bad Kae-chan," Nagisa watched this.
"THAT WAS SO COOOOOOOOOOL!" Shadow fanboyed this moment.
"The hell was that thing? Is it dead?" Joe asked.
"We should examine it with caution," Nagisa answered.
"I'm sure with the sparks flying, it's 'dead'," Cherry shrugged.
Kaede approaches to the fallen enemy as it was clearly mechanical but there was something leaking from the front of its shell, a green fluid leaking out.
"You got the camera?" Kaede asked as the blond was taking the pics.
"That should be more than enough. Guess the rest is up to them," he said.
"Um, aren't you guys going to tell us what that thing was?" Shadow asked.
"We'll tell you once we get enough data," the blond answered.
Iwamara Beach
A large group of the volleyball players were getting themselves in training for the Olympics. While there was at least a whole year or so till the big day, time was of the essence.
The two teams of MSBY and SA went all out on a 3 vs. 3 with periodic rotations of other members.
Satori was trying to record the match going on, but Kenma had other plans as the latter explained, "You know, maybe if you didn't focus with one of those inky dinky little cameras, you'd probably get a better shot. Focus on these babies, for example."
He points above, showing a display of drones to capture the action, adding, "This is how you stream with style."
Satori stares in amusement, but somewhat embarrassment, muttering, "Why didn't we think to use drones...?"
"Because you had a corrupt government that didn't allow fun in the slightest?" Kenma shrugged.
"You didn't have to take it that far... But yeah. You guessed that right," Satori sighed.
"Don't feel down on yourself. I can show you a thing or two on how to operate them," Kenma offered.
"You would? Really? What's the catch?" Satori asked.
"Don't bore me," he said.
Nearby, Iwaizumi and Oikawa had a moment to take a breath as the latter rotated back on the bench to take a break.
"You looked impressive out there," Iwaizumi said, "You're progressing quite well."
"Well, I don't have the same swiftness I did in my jump serve, but I'm getting there," Oikawa rubbed the back of his head.
"Have you been looking for people to make your team? We still have a year to go, you know," he said.
"You worry too much. I'm not like that Oikawa was yesteryear," Oikawa chuckled, "Besides, I have been scouting two guys from Aeuropa... Neo-Sportsbrooke. Real top-notch fellas, too."
"Oh really now?" Iwaizumi crossed his arms in fascination.
"Yeah. Their names are Gino and Gabriel. Me and Shouyou actually faced off against them a short while ago on a beach back in the city," he revealed.
"That had to be interesting," Iwaizumi smirked.
"They challenged us to buy their drinks for them," Oikawa grinned.
"Excuse - WHAT?!" he gasped.
"We won, of course. Oh yeah, I guess I didn't send the picture to you. Sorry," Oikawa makes a nervous sweat drop.
"AND you took a picture. You sure you're not the same Shittykawa?" Iwaizumi asked.
"So mean...Iwa-chan," he sticks out tongue before they both chuckled a moment.
"Now that I think about it., why were you and Shouyou together on the beach?" Iwaizumi narrows his eyes a little.
"We were going down there to scout out potential players. Atsumu knew we were going together and already gave us the blessing," he shrugged, "I thought he may have said something too…?"
"Nice try, buddy. You forgot to tell me," Iwaizumi answered back.
"Nothing happened, okay? Jeez, never pegged you for the jealous type," he said before kissing him on the cheek.
"Still can't believe you went with Shouyou of all people. Guess you like them short, after all," Iwaizumi shrugged.
"Leave the guesses to Satori," he remarked before his phone received a notification of a text message. After reading it, his eyes sparkled.
"It's from Albert! He's being discharged soon! He's finally okay!" he gasped in joy.
"That's great news!" Iwaizumi smiled.
Atsumu and Sakusa sat down nearby with Shouyou as they were relived to be on a break finally likewise.
"Don't push yourself too much," Sakusa said.
"Omi-kun! I was too thrilled to be back in action!" the blond answered.
"And you still couldn't hold yourself there. No wonder your twin says your brain ages back," he replied.
"I only allow him to say that! Not you!" Atsumu turns to him, annoyed.
"Hey, hey. Let's not fight, okay? We're here to have a good time, remember? Sakusa, you should apologize, too. No insults," Shouyou said.
"I can't allow to be blunt with my own statements?" Sakusa asked.
"Well then again, maybe he does have a point, Atsumu. You really shouldn't push yourself. You'd blow yourself out too soon in the match," Shouyou shrugged.
"Hey don't worry about it, I'm just your setter, remember?" Atsumu replied.
"You're not JUST my setter, okay?" Shouyou gently pokes Atsumu on his nose.
"A volleyball ain't the only thing he's setting," Oikawa remarked as Iwaizumi spat out the water from his sip.
"Just...what are you trying to IMPLY?" Atsumu looks at the brunette while Shouyou's face turned red as a rose.
"Nothiinnngggg…" Oikawa winks.
Nearby, Kei and Yamaguchi watched the two setters bickering in the background over Shouyou. Akiteru chuckled while Ushijima sighed.
"At least we're not trying to kill each other this time. I mean..." Bokuto begins while tilting his head, "Unless…
"Just stop that," Ushijima adjusts his head back to normal with one hand.
"Well, say they have their match, who's going to be on Oikawa's side?" Bokuto looks at him.
"In a past life, I'd say it'd be a cold day in hell before that happened," he shrugged.
"Does hell ever actually get cold? Does it have a thermostat to adjust the settings?" Bokuto asked.
"Clearly you haven't read the story about Dante," Kei answered.
"Dante? Who's that? Did you know him personally?" the owl guy looks at him.
"Let's...not, get into that talk," Akiteru answered.
Kourai and Sachiro were hiding themselves in a bushy area while keeping enough distance to still be near the others. Since the recent events have brought them closer to each other, they were already becoming very close in their personal spaces.
"A-are you sure this is a good i-idea?" Sachiro asked quietly.
"Well, some of them are already dating," Kourai shrugged.
Kourai sat on top of Sachiro's lap before they were face to face with each other at close proximity. Their eyes locked in place, their lips finally touch before finally engaging in a passion.
"S-Sachiro...I need you..." Kourai breathed.
"I...I'm nervous..." Sachiro answered.
"So am I...this is my first. But as long as it's with you..." he said.
"This wasn't how I pictured my first time with you…or anyone," the brunette replied.
"I think after a long time of where I've gone through, this will be well worth it," Kourai said.
Their clothes tossed aside as they explored their musculature bodies with Sachiro as big as bara like Kourai predicted. The tone and lean muscle and subtle volume from the white-haired volleyball player attracted the brunette to explore further. Forgetting the outside events, the two fell into a passionate session.
The foreplay, the frottage, keeping it all simple and effective for their inner pleasures while staying as quiet as possible from the others.
As they both climaxed in pure ecstasy and joy, the two looked at each other before kissing again and lying down. They couldn't believe they had their first time here let alone outdoors and mostly hidden from the rest of their fellow teammates.
"Damn..." Kourai breathed as he looked at Sachiro's abs splashed with both creams from each of them.
"S-Sorry...if I made a mess..." Sachiro blushed.
"That was incredible. I meant what I said a moment ago too...I do love you," Kourai answered as they both kissed again briefly.
They took a peak from the bush to see another match happening as they realized Atsumu and Oikawa were going against each other.
"Dang, someone is fired up," Kourai said.
"If only we could catch more of the game. Probably should go get cleaned up first..." Sachiro replied.
Hours Later: Miya-Hinata Residence...
After a nice series of beach volleyball matches, the team planned out to create an official group for the Olympius Duniya. Oikawa went back Neo Sportsbrooke to build up his new team with Gino and Gabriel as the others were finally beginning to build their official team for the eventual Olympius Duniya Olympics.
A few fundraisers were also in the works in order to have their own court that is going to be used from the former Aeuropa Ace It Volleyball team but planned for modifications.
But then, a warning was heard from the swimmers, about another potential threat that could possibly happen…
"Dammit!" Atsumu clenched his fist after reading the text message, "Why!?"
"Wh-what happened!?" Shouyou asked.
"…the Swimming Guardians, they were having an emergency discussion recently from the other world…or whatever that realm is. Something bad is about to happen again…" the blond answered.
"That's certainly a problem now, isn't it?" Sakusa muttered.
"We all have crystals...maybe not like the Swimming Guardians but...could our light attract this darkness?" Atsumu replied, "And that's not all…the threat may already be here."
"W-what?!" Bokuto and Shouyou gasped.
Atsumu revealed the pictures from the ISW senshi team, showing them a pile of robotic pieces from the attack earlier.
"We still don't know all the details yet, aside from the threat happening on this...other world?" Sakusa asked.
"T-that picture, doesn't this look sort of familiar from when that one cybernetic princess visited Sportsbrooke? Could they be of the same species?" Tobio asked.
"Oh, I forgot about that," Bokuto crossed his arms.
"No surprise there," Tobio sighed.
"I wasn't even there...no...I sort of heard about the princess but...Osamu and I were...still trying to move back to the main metro during that time," Atsumu recalled.
After the defeat of the strange monster, several of the guardians were dispatched, led by Nagisa to show the site. Knowing that he cannot risk his involvement, Kaede stayed behind as he was waiting for Kotetsu to finally return to town to start his official training.
However, Kaede also knew that he cannot speak a word of his magic to him. He wanted to trust Nagisa but he also senses that the blonde will accidently say something out of his mouth. Should that time come, would he be next?
Natsuya, Nao, Makoto, Hiyori, and Rei followed Nagisa to the pile of metal near one of the alley areas by the forest.
"Is that it?" Natsuya asked.
Hiyori approaches the defeated monster, "It appears that whatever it is made out of, doesn't look organic to me."
"It's not beautiful, for sure," Rei agreed.
"Raise your hand if you knew he was going to say that?" Nagisa smirked.
"This isn't the time for laughs, Nagisa," Makoto hushed him back.
Hiyori narrows his eyes to see something dripping out of its mouth, "It's...green?"
"Some sort of saliva?" Nao muttered.
Hiyori digs in his bag to pull off a flask to get some of the fluid in. Once it was filled ¾ of the container, he capped it off with a cork.
"What do you think it could be? Its blood?" Rei asked.
"I assume Alex would know," Hiyori said.
"We definitely can't let our guard down. Kaede handled this thing like a champ, but who's to say this is just the beginning?" Nagisa crossed his arms.
"K-Kaede?!" Natsuya, Hiyori, and Nao turned to the blond.
"What are you talking about? Kaede defeated this!?" Rei gasped.
"Well, it's true that is a guardian now. But why would he do this? I doubt it was his own volition," Hiyori muttered.
Nagisa gasped as he realized it was too late to take it back what he said.
"In the meantime, we should get this sample back to Alex, like Hiyori suggested," Rei answered before looking at Nagisa more quietly, "We'll discuss Kaede later."
ISW Fitness Center & Spa
Alex was running on the treadmill while listening to his music while Haruka was pushing the tires around. Sousuke was busy using the ropes to make waves while Rin was stretching his muscles.
Asahi was busy with the hand weights while Seijuurou doing a series of squats at the base.
Upon hitting 45 minutes on the treadmill, Alex shuts down the machine before taking a sip of water. From there, he silently heads to the onsen spa area quietly. Haruka watched him with a slight look on his face.
"Haru?" Rin asked.
"He's been quiet lately..." Haruka observed.
"Who? Alex?" Sousuke replied.
"He hasn't really been talkative since he got back, huh?" Seijuurou noticed.
"No, he told us a lot of things happening...but, afterwards, he's been more quiet than usual," Rin answered.
Sousuke opens his phone after it receives a text from Natsuya with photos of the enemy defeated, "They found it."
"Have they said anything about it?" Asahi asked.
"Hiyori thinks it's robotic..." he said.
"Robotic..." Rin muttered.
Haruka's mind lit up as he realized, "W-wait a sec…you don't mean…?"
Alex arrives at the spa-onsen area before going in to relax his muscles. He sighed in relief to enjoy the warm water finally bathing him. There was a lot to think and reflect and what better moment could it be than…
"Oi! Alex!" Rin's voice was heard.
Haruka and Sousuke followed the red-haired up to him at the edge of the onsen. Alex seemed a bit less than thrilled upon turning to see the trio.
"Is something the matter?" Sousuke looks at him
"Um, no?" Alex replied.
"Look, we might not possess the same emotional lie detector as you but you're certainly hiding something," Rin calls him out.
"Leave me. I just want to relax in this warm water," Alex answered, turning his back.
"Sousuke has a picture of something from Natsuya. They want your input," Haruka said.
Annoyed, he turns to see what's on the phone, but he nearly drops it into the water in horror, giving the phone back to him safely.
"Do you know what that is?" Haruka asked.
"Y-Yes…" Alex said quietly, "V-Visorak…"
"Visorak?" Rin questioned the term.
"Long story. I'm gonna stay here for a bit," Alex brushed it off before adding, "Look, I don't mean to be extra silent, I haven't been my normal self since the expedition on Terabithia. It's really overwhelming. I am not giving anyone the cold shoulder, I promise."
"Alright," Haruka nodded.
"We'll wait for you return," Rin said.
The trio left the onsen as they met up with Seijuurou and Asahi with a nod before departing the fitness and spa center. Alex slumped himself a bit more into the water as his mind echoed the day he recalled about the Visorak…but back then was different.
Now, he's in a different problem not just what's happening on Terabithia…
I can't keep hiding like this, he thought, almost wanting to cry, I'm not as good as any of them. World ending or not…I might as well retire and be an old man…
"N-Nagisa! Wait! We don't know if anyone else is..." Makoto's voice shouted in the distance.
"Lighten up, Mako-chan! If there is, we can have some quality time!" Nagisa giggled.
"Only you, Nagisa," Rei sighed.
"Yahoo! Let's go! Onsen! Onsen!" the blonde cheered up.
"How old are you anyway?!" Rei asked.
"Last one in is a... a... oh screw it! You suck! There!" Nagisa ignored the question.
"NO RUNNING!" Rei shouted.
"W-wait…who's…?" Makoto stopped the two.
Alex stayed into the shadows of the onsen but it was no doubt his power could attract their attention.
"S-Sandro…?" Makoto asked.
"You were here the whole time?" Rei added.
"Not too long ago," he finally appears to them in the low light.
"You usually be with other folks, is everything alright?" Makoto looks at him.
Kyle finally walks in as he received word from Haruka and the others about Alex's mentality.
"H-hey, are you okay?" Kyle looks at him.
Near his breaking point, Alex finally confesses, "No. When is ever a good time? Not when I am finding out I might not make the final cut to the team for the Olympics..."
The trio gasped as Kyle's eyes widened, "W-what?!"
~Who Needs Memories 4 END~
