Fall in Purple
Disclaimer: Inazuma Eleven GO Galaxy (c) Level-5
Full summary:
Alternative story sets before the final match of Grand Celesta Galaxy. Earth Eleven are sabotaged on their way to reach the stadium for final. Thus, Faram Obius, with Tsurugi as their captain, are left to face Ixal Fleet, who also desire to take revenge on them.
Great changes from the original story including:
1) Manuuba (fake Tsurugi) came from a poor planet collapsed due to famine. He works under Ozrock to save his people. He and his people will have important role in the story.
2) Ozrock and Ixal Fleet members used to be under guardianship of King Akurous when they were children. Yet they still want to take revenge on the planet that has raised them, because blood is thicker than water.
3) Ruza Donolzen (the royal counselor who attempted coup against Queen Lalaya in canon) is Faram Obius' former coach. She will have her moment as a villain in the story, although won't be as prominent as Manuuba.
4) Something will go wrong with Cosmic Plasma Photon Cannon. The machine that was intended to destroy Faram Obius' black hole, will end up causing a major character's death.
5) Aliea Meteorite will make come back.
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Beginning of the End
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Page after page of data displayed alternately on a large computer screen. Somebody was studying it with a satisfied grin. Ozrock.
He never expected, the seemingly whim action of sending Shitennou members into Earth Eleven's earlier opponents, was to simultaneously investigate the complete data about the representative team of Planet Earth.
This old hag ... turns out to be more useful than I thought.
"How's that? Is that enough?"
Ozrock turned around to the elderly woman behind him. "This is better than I expected."
Donolzen smirked meaningfully. "As long as that damned planet is removed, Faram ... no, this entire galaxy will be mine."
"Congratulations on you, Coach Donolzen." Ozrock hid his displeasure very well.
The agreement between them was, for Ozrock to complete his revenge with the help of Donolzen, while Donolzen realized her ambition to win Faram Obius throne. Two things that would soon come true, if Ixal Fleet succeeded in gathering enough sacrifices to complete Cosmic Plasma Photon Cannon. Namely Soul Powers of the Faram Dite players―which they got today―plus those of Earth Eleven.
"Speaking of that damned planet, is it okay, that gofer of yours, who disguised as an earthling...? What was his name ...?" Donolzen did not try to remember. "Although it's not clear whether he betrayed you or not, but he is now mingling with Earth Eleven ..."
"Manuuba, huh?" Ozrock thought for a moment. Actually, had everything gone according to plan, Manuuba and his people had died after losing to Earth Eleven. But Earth Eleven's captain bothering to save them, had ruined everything.
"I already knew he had possibility of betraying me. He went to Earth Eleven before the final match to convince them to go home before I could use their Souls and complete that black hole destroyer machine. Luckily, the optimistic but idiot Princess Katora managed to hold Earth Eleven's captain—who turned out to be as dumb as she was—to remain here. Earth Eleven's defeat is the last piece we need for you, Lady Donolzen, to become the absolute ruler of this galaxy. Even if Earth Eleven gets a leak of data about us from Manuuba, knowing that will only add reasons for them to fall into despair. So, even betraying us, Manuuba is not a threat at all. "
Donolzen sneered. "Is that so? That's a relief."
The automatic door shifted, Ishigashi Gorham stepped inside. Realizing that Donolzen was also there, the right hand man of Ozrock nodded his head transiently, before delivering a brief news to his superior.
A news that immediately choked both Ozrock and Donolzen's breath.
"Tsurugi Kyousuke is still alive !?"
"He returned to Earth Eleven and declared himself to play on tomorrow's match," Ishigashi continued.
Impossible! Ozrock clenched his jaw hard. What is this? How could a soul trapped inside Cosmic Plasma Photon Cannon be released?
Did Potomuri fool him? No, that scientist did not have the guts to do so.
Or, perhaps ... .
"Very difficult to kill. Just like His Majesty Akurous, the previous king ...," the hissing whisper from Donolzen strengthened Ozrock's suspicions.
"Akurous ... is he really dead?" Ozrock glared at Donolzen, demanding certainty.
"Of course! After realizing the incompetence of my men, I myself intervened to manipulate the fighter he was going to take to the enemy's lair. I even followed him without him knowing, just to make sure the fighter was destroyed in front of my own eyes."
"But you didn't see his body destroyed, did you?"
"He is dead!" Donolzen insisted. "The robot I had infiltrated on his ship gave me a piece of his finger. Even if he were still alive, that would only be his ghost!"
"Ghosts ...," Ozrock repeated in a murmur. Remembering the story told by Manuuba in his report. "Potomuri Emnator is also ... actually dead. And he possessed the body of a certain earth girl who was in a coma in order to maintain his existence ..."
Realizing what Ozrock was implying, Donolzen gasped. "You mean ..."
"Huh ..." Ozrock's expression, that was full of anger and restlessness, gradually began to calm down. Squeezed lips turned into a smirk. Then a laughter echoed.
"Master Ozrock?" Ishigashi called out.
After his laughter subsided, the captain of Ixal Fleet threw his eyes across the window. "This is far more interesting than I thought, Tsurugi Kyousuke, ... no, King Akurous ..." His gaze on the boundless universe spreading beyond him, was full of destructive lust. "If you really want to stop me that much, I will gladly accompany you."
After Ishigashi excused himself, Ozrock lifted his mad eyes to Donolzen.
"You are right, he is indeed difficult to kill. But this time, he will not escape. No matter how strong Earth Eleven be, they will only fall prey to our Berserk Ray."
Ozrock moved, preparing a pair of wine glasses and filling them with some maroon-colored drink.
"How about a toast, for this already guaranteed victory?"
Donolzen stared briefly at the glass offered to her, before chuckling hoarsely.
"For Faram."
"For Ixal."
"Cheers!"
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Stealing a glance, before awkwardly looking ahead. A short sigh, before frantically shaking his head. Akurous didn't even need to turn his head to realize Tenma's suspicious behavior beside him.
"What's wrong? Is there something stuck on your friend's face?" Akurous was referring to Tsurugi's body he was possessing.
"N-no!" Tenma replied nervously, while looking away.
Not Tsurugi, but that was clearly Tsurugi's voice. His figure was also Tsurugi—wearing Earth Eleven blue and white uniform. Even his strict, rather rough manner of speaking was almost no different. But he is not Tsurugi ...
"It's just ...," Tenma hesitated, "Should we just be frank with everyone, if you aren't ..., and Tsurugi is still ..."
"I don't want any unnecessary ruckus," Akurous answered without waiting for Tenma to find the right words to finish his sentence. "Ozrock and his people hold a grudge against me. If they find out, not just his soul, even your friend's body that I'm using right now may fall in danger. You don't want that to happen, do you?"
Tenma gulped, before nodding in agreement.
Besides..., Akurous mused. If Lalaya knew that her father still existed, then discovered the fact that he was leaving soon—because as a dead person, he was not supposed to be here—it would only add new wounds to the young queen.
As almost all the residents were sound asleep, the hallway of Galaxy Nauts felt empty. Only a pair of captain and ace striker crossed. Therefore, the two did not expect to meet another figure of ace striker.
"Ah, Manuuba ...," Tenma greeted. "You have not slept?"
Manuuba, wearing an Earth Eleven jacket that was left unzipped, responded coldly.
"Haven't you figured this out?" Manuuba hissed. "If you lose the match tomorrow, you will die! Even if that machine of Kiel's scientist works and saves Faram—which also means saving your Earth—you will die too! Just like the man beside you!"
Manuuba said all in a quiet voice. But all the distress, exasperation, and resentment he felt towards Tenma, was clearly written on the face that copied Tsurugi's appearance. Tenma himself was stunned, his smile receding when he realized Manuuba's expression.
"Why not just surrender from the start!? If you leave now, return to Earth and live in peace, Ozrock can still find someone else to replace you as the sacrifices. Whether it's the people of Sazanaara, Gurdon, Ratoniic, Sandorius ... anyone! With his current powers, Ozrock can do anything! And you should too! Faram Dite could no longer stand on the field. By that logic, even though no one says it, your team are clearly the winner of this tournament! You have the right to determine your future! Don't keep acting for Ozrock's favor!"
Tenma seemed to want to say something, but Manuuba was not finished.
"Let me tell you one thing. Defeating Ixal doesn't even mean that everything will end well! Sure, Ozrock says that if he loses, he is willing to restore the Souls of Faram Dite players. And he and all members of Ixal Fleet will replace them," Manuuba turned to Akurous, pointed at him. "You, who once raised those Ixal's children, answer me! How many people on that team that have Soulsstrong enough to complete Cosmic Plasma Photon Cannon?"
Manuuba's sudden question clearly proved that he knew the identity of 'Tsurugi' in front of him. Akurous, though slightly astonished at this fact, only answered flatly.
"Five ... no, maybe six ... Ozrock, now, is almost the same as two people."
Manuuba turned back to Tenma. "Did you hear that, Captain? Six. Never mind six. Do you remember what Princess Katora said about 'seven people'?" Manuuba did not give Tenma time to remember and answer. "The amount that won't be enough to complete Cosmic Plasma Photon Cannon."
Silence for a while. Since there was no verbal reaction from Tenma nor Akurous, Manuuba continued.
"Ozrock and his people are not stupid. He's planned everything very carefully. He also has calculated if Ixal Fleet was defeated, he could still take his revenge on Faram Obius," Manuuba closed his eyes. Inhaling slowly. "How is that? After knowing this fact, will you still fight Ixal?"
This time, Manuuba gave a long break. Together with Akurous—who also seemed not interested in debating Manuuba's conclusion—they waited for Tenma's answer.
"Manuuba," for the first time in minutes, Tenma spoke. "Precisely because we are the winner of this tournament, we have to do it. After all, who said Potomuri's machine wouldn't work? Isn't there still another way that Katora mentioned? I myself don't want anyone to be sacrificed, even if it's Ozrock and his friends. As long as it's still possible to influence Ozrock to gather life energy with Earth Eleven, Faram Obius and the universe can definitely be saved! "
"You think Ozrock will listen ...!?" Manuuba's words were cut as Tenma approached him. Earth Eleven captain's hand patted his shoulder.
"Manuuba," Tenma said with a smile. "We will win. And I will tell Ozrock when they loses later, that Ixal Fleet do not need to be sacrificed. They only have to compete with Earth Eleven once more, so that Katora and Potomuri can realize the ideal Cosmic Plasma Photon Cannon, according to their expectations."
Manuuba's patience broke. But at the same time, he gave up. Roughly, he pushed Tenma's hand away.
"Suit yourself!"
Manuuba turned around. Leaving the stunned Tenma, and Akurous who still hadn't said anything.
"Did I say something wrong?" Tenma murmured, half asking himself. "I just want to return to Earth safely with my Earth Eleven friends. Whether it's Faram or Ixal, I don't want anyone to be sacrificed for our survival."
Akurous walked towards Tenma, standing beside him.
"I understand. I had also once wished for the same thing as you. As soon as I was crowned king, I stopped the war and freed all Faramian colonized planets. At that time, I thought that was the best thing to do to reach peace. I opined, Faram could still emerge as a planet genuinely respected by others without colonizing them. But in the end, they responded to our peaceful act as if we were a sleeping beast, preying on them at any time. Some planets that felt strong enough, finally united to attack us."
"Was it.. that finally cause your death?" Tenma asked cautiously.
Akurous silenced, did not say yes, nor did he deny.
"Well, it's not the time to discuss that. You forgot why we came here?" Akurous pointed at the door of Earth Eleven's simulation training facility, the Black Room.
Tenma realized and nodded. Of course. He came here to practice mastering the special power that allowed him to take part in this tournament. Soul. After Tsurugi had succeeded in mastering his Ookami in the previous Faram vs Ixal match, he was the only chosen member of Earth Eleven who had not mastered it.
Without wasting time, Tenma pressed down on the lock panel, opening the door in front of him.
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Just one step out of his room, Bitway Ozrock was surprised by the arrival of an uninvited visitor.
Moreover, the visitor turned out to be someone he was about to kill once.
Laughing amidst his amazement, Ozrock greeted, "I never thought, you still want to come here again. No one in their right mind would dare go to someone who ever wanted to kill them. Has mingling too long among Earth Eleven driven you crazy?"
Crazy? Yeah, maybe that word did best describe Manuuba's current situation. The irrational optimism of Earth Eleven captain had forced him to take this crazy bet.
"Ozrock," Manuuba tried to hide the hesitation that could arise in his voice. "Stop this already. Just cancel the match with Earth Eleven. Let me and my people replace them. We are..."
"Replace?" Ozrock laughed condescendingly. "Who do you think you are? You are just imitations. Copies, clones, or whatever they are called. I'm not interested in counterfeit imitations. Cosmic Plasma Photon Cannon needs the real Soul powers. After all, you've got the money I promised. So what else? Get lost and find your own planet before I change my mind. "
Without looking back at Manuuba, Ozrock walked away.
Manuuba pressed his jaws together, choosing to speak in his heart. Even if we find a place someday, if you conquer Faram, you will have a chance to control us too. I'd rather die than be your slave forever.
"Ah," Ozrock stopped. "If you really want to help us for last time, you can clean up the garbage inside. I don't need it anymore."
Manuba initially did not understand what he meant. Until he stepped into the room where Ozrock came out earlier, and found an elderly figure lying in the dimness. That wrinkled lips let out red liquid.
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Faram Obius welcomed the next morning gloomily. There was no noticeable stretch of activity. All languished in silence, waiting for a definite decision of their destiny after escaping from black hole crisis. Would they become a colony planet under Ozrock's mercy? Or could those Earth representatives create a miraculous opportunity for Faram? If considering the results of the previous match—between Faram Dite and Ixal, surely more people were pessimistic and inclined to the first possibility.
Ixal Fleet's feud against Earth Eleven this morning would determine everything. But precisely on that very important morning, Tenma made a fatal mistake. Waking up late.
What had succeeded in forcing him to awake was Tsurugi's voice, loud and snapping.
Although he was not yelling at him.
"Lalaya, what are you doing?! Why did you come here?!"
Without having time to change his pajamas, Tenma rushed out of his room. Passing by his teammates, who also for the same reason, rushed to leave Galaxy Nauts train. The difference was, they had been ready in their Earth Eleven uniforms.
On the platform of that space station, they found rear figure of Tsurugi who was standing against the queen of Faram Obius. They could see his fists clasped, as well as the shaking of his shoulders. Seemingly to contain extreme anger.
The queen herself was rooted to where she stood. Fear and confusion over Tsurugi's unexpected reaction to her arrival.
"Tsurugi ... I just ..."
"You know it yourself, how worse the condition of this planet is now!? One step mistaken, Ozrock can kill you!"
"I ... I'm sorry ...," Lalaya looked down, not moving.
"Where's Minel?" Akurous asked after his voice was calmer. "How busy is he to leave you alone like this?"
As if answering Akurous's question, a marching troops approached. Accompanied by a relieved voice, "Queen Lalaya! Thank Goodness!"
Minel's explanation that elite troops were guarding the capital and the palace under his command, did not settle Akurous. After the communication system, as well as the central security control system, were taken over by Ixal, their efforts could be considered as mere leisure time. Akurous knew that.
Last night, after all the members were asleep, Akurous released his spirit from Tsurugi's body. An uncomfortable feeling drove him to Ozrock's spaceship, and found Donolzen's body lying rigid in one of the ship's cabins.
Despite all the woman's bad deeds, Akurous still respected her, as an advisor and also a mentor. Her tragic death did not make Akurous happy. Moreover, this incident reinforced the fact that Ozrock was never reluctant to get rid of everything that was blocking his ambitions.
"... gi. Master Tsurugi!" Minel's call interrupted Akurous's restless musing. "I will escort Her Majesty back to the palace. Once again, I apologize for my negligence in letting Her Majesty wander alone."
"Yes ...," Akurous answered hollowly. "I'll leave it to you, Minel."
Although seemingly reluctant, Lalaya moved, followed by Minel and his troops.
Lalaya was indeed the queen, and Minel was the commander. But for a moment, from Earth Eleven's point of view, Tsurugi seemed to be more authorized than anyone there.
After the group of uninvited guests left, Tsurugi entered the train. Without words, ignoring his friends who had clearly witnessed the incident.
Seeing how even Tenma failed to greet Tsurugi, the other members did not even dare to comment, until Tsurugi had completely disappeared into his room
"Gosh, Tenma! You haven't changed your clothes yet?!" Shindou's yell made Tenma realize.
"Ahh! I completely forgot!" Hurriedly, the captain returned into the train. Hunting down the sink, washing his face and brushing his teeth. Because of his rush, he almost did not realize Shinsuke was as busy as him. The boy also woke up late, apparently.
"Hurry up, Tenma!" Shinsuke jumped down from his footing, pulling the towel draped over the wall to wipe his face. "We'll get left behind!"
"O-okay, just a moment!"
"Tenma!" Shindou looked through the bathroom door. "We leave first! You and Shinsuke will soon catch up!"
"I'll make sure they won't be late."
Tsurugi suddenly appeared and offered himself. Shindou frowned, seemingly objecting.
"Is that okay? If three of you are late—"
"We will arrive on time," Tsurugi assured.
Not wanting to waste time arguing, Shindou was forced to agree to leave them. He approached the other Earth Eleven members who were engrossed in conversation about the incident just now. Tsurugi had scolded the number one individual in Faram Obius—for fear of her safety.
Minaho suspected that Tsurugi got Stockholm Syndrome—a psychological condition when a hostage develoved an emotional attachment to his captor. Matatagi considered it reasonable, seeing the status of his abductor as the number one person on the number one planet in the galaxy. Matatagi even admitted if he were in Tsurugi's shoes, he would also get the same syndrome. Sakura began to worry that Tsurugi would not want to go home, and make their captain sad. Tetsukado denied all presumptions because he was sure that Tsurugi was not that cheap.
Shindou's arrival stopped their debate session.
"Let's go!"
"What about Captain, Nishizono and Tsurugi?" asked Ibuki.
"They will catch up later," Shindou answered. "At least, we should have—"
"Earth Eleven."
One familiar voice was heard, following a big tall figure, with his white hair and beard due to age.
Shindou's eyes widened.
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"If Captain and the others don't show up, Aoi-san can be our eleventh player!"
At Sakura's conditional request―which had never even crossed her mind―Aoi was clearly shocked.
"Th-that is impossible, Sakura-san!" Aoi denied. "I'm just a manager, I've never really played soccer before. Besides, Tenma and the others must have arrived on time. I'm sure of it!"
"You can do it, Aoi-san! Even if you've never tried playing before, as long as you wear this ...," Sakura pulled out something glowing from under her Earth Eleven uniform. "You will definitely be able to catch up with us right away!"
Aoi looked at the purple crystal-like stone in Sakura's palm. The tip of the stone was hung by a thin chain around its owner's neck.
"Sakura-san ... is that stone safe?"
Responding to Aoi's doubts, Ibuki butted in. "Of course it's safe! With this stone, I feel I'm ready to face any kind of shot."
Aoi sighed, knowing that Ibuki's chest had the same shimmer as Sakura's. Also other Earth Eleven members.
Shindou was the only one not wearing the stone. The playmaker's sharp eyes wandered to detect Tenma and the others' arrival. Although it was only from stories and rumors, he had a convincing idea of what and how the glowing purple stones that suddenly became his teammates' idol.
The arrival of Tenma, together with Tsurugi and Shinsuke at Grand Celesta Stadium, was greeted by Shindou's hand waving, telling them to immediately approach.
"He's back," Shindou said quickly. So quick, that he forgot to mention the name. "Coach Kuroiwa is back."
"Coach!?" Shinsuke spontaneously looked right and left, looking for the figure mentioned.
"He left after showing off those purple stones to Ibuki and the others," Shindou said at Shinsuke's unspoken question.
"Purple stones?"
"You have also heard of it, right? Endou-san's experience ten years ago ..., about the meteorite which is able to drastically increase the wearer's physical strength?"
Tenma and Shinsuke were shocked. Even Akurous, who actually just heard the story, widened his eyes.
"Those stones ... Aliea Meteorite ...?" hissed Tenma in disbelief. "But where did the coach get them? Didn't all get destroyed when Endou-san and company defeated Genesis?"
"I have no idea, but you know where we are now, and where we have been around all this time. It's not strange that he might already know the origin of the meteorite, and even how to acquire it easily."
Shindou then recounted. Shortly after touching the stones, the gaze of Ibuki and the others changed. They, without exception, acknowledged something—like overflowing power— suddenly possessed their bodies, so much that they declared their capability to destroy anyone, including the demon Ixal who was now waiting for them on the opponent's bench.
"Have you tried to tell them the truth about Aliea Meteorite, Shindou-san?" Shinsuke asked.
Shindou shook his head, helpless. "It's no use. Their ears have been clogged by the charm of the stone. No one wants to take theirs off now."
It was now Tenma who shook head. "But ... we shouldn't use that kind of power. Soccer doesn't want—"
"I know," Shindou said in a snap. "But do you think they even consider soccer's feeling right now? Power is needed. Our opponents are a group of demons who have pushed even the strongest planet in the galaxy that far!"
"And if we lose, we will die," another voice suddenly butted in. Matatagi. Seemed that he approached without anyone realizing it. "Well, except for the captain and this little goalkeeper, though. As for you," Matatagi pressed the tip of his index finger to Tsurugi's chest. "Yesterday you might have survived, because you just mastered your Soul. But this time, you might not be let go again."
"What exactly do you want to say?" Akurous asked, distracting Matatagi so that Tsurugi did not continue to be the subject of conversation.
"Even though our death can erase the existence of black hole and save the Earth, I'm sure no one here would like to be the candle," Matatagi instead touched his chest, the place where Aliea Meteorite clung to his body. "I don't care where these things come from. To fight equally with them, we need these stones."
Meanwhile, Shindou's mind replayed a small dialogue between himself and Kuroiwa, just before the man decided to quit as Earth Eleven coach.
To become a god, whose name would be eternally etched in the history of the universe. As absurd as it sounded, that was his real purpose that he revealed regarding his actions accompanying Earth Eleven all the way to the semifinal.
"Tsurugi," Shindou called, turning Akurous' attention to him. "When you were on the Faram Dite team, did Coach Kuroiwa tell you about Aliea Meteorite?"
"No, not at all," Akurous answered, honestly. He found no signs that Faram Dite members knew anything about the meteorite.
"We understand your real intention of betraying us at that time. But did the coach also come to you for the same reason?"
Here, Akurous was silent, not immediately responding.
"He ... The coach only said that if we won, he wanted his name to be recorded as the savior god of Faram Obius."
Called it, Shindou thought. Unlike Tsurugi, Coach Kuroiwa did not care about the fate of the earth or the universe. It could be, he actually had sniffed out Ozrock's plan, ever since he realized that Tsurugi had been replaced by an imposter. That might also be the factor in his withdrawal as an Earth Eleven coach. Because the one who would fight in Grand Celesta Galaxy was Faram Dite. Earth Eleven only got their roles far underground, facing a group of mere imposters. If he wanted his name remembered, it was clear he would choose Faram.
Shindou really wanted to jerk those purple stones from his friends' necks. Receiving the stone was the same as smoothing their coach's crazy ambitions. But just like Matatagi said, they needed the power of the stones, whatever it was.
Never before had Shindou felt torn like he was right now.
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One by one players―Ixal Fleet and Earth Eleven―took their place. 'Tsurugi' returned to his position to accompany Matatagi, as one of two-top strikers.
"I see that your forwards are now complete," said Ozrock, instead of welcome.
"And I see that your formation hasn't changed from yesterday," Akurous replied under his Tsurugi mask.
Ozrock raised one corner of his lips. "You're right ..." Your Highness ...
"As you see," Ozrock continued. "The audience is almost non-existent. It seems like all the inhabitants of this planet are ready to accept the worst of their destiny. Too bad, even though I want to show your massacre in front of them, not just to Queen Lalaya."
Akurous glanced at the royal box where his daughter was, accompanied by Minel and the girl from Kiel. Realizing the overreaction he showed at the station this morning could expose his disguise, the king chose to remain silent.
Meanwhile, Matatagi leaned forward, in challenging manner. "We'll see soon. Who will win ... and who will die!"
"Hoo ...," Ozrock made his mouth sarcastic. "I'm also looking forward to it."
Behind Tsurugi and Matatagi, Tenma checked out Ixal players' expressions. Such confidence. Looked like Manuuba's words were true, whether it was a loss or win, Ozrock had ensured his revenge will be carried out.
I will not let that happen ...! Tenma narrowed his eyebrows, glaring resolutely. Either Tsurugi, Earth, Faram Obius and this galaxy ..., we will definitely save them all!
The kick off whistle echoed. As the challenged team, Earth Eleven had the opportunity to have the ball first. Matatagi surged quickly after kicking the ball at Akurous. Akurous himself left the ball to Tenma, then advanced to consort Matatagi not far behind.
Deimos, one of Ixal's defenders, blocked Tenma's advance. His large body shrank, transformed into his Soul form, Kulupe. With his long claws, he snatched the ball from Tenma.
"Soul !?" Shindou's eyes widened. Even though it hasn't been five minutes since the match began. Ixal Fleet are playing seriously!
Chasing the stolen ball, Shindou was overtaken by Sakura.
"Too slow!" the former rhythmic gymnast exclaimed, whether at Shindou or Deimos. "Kusaka!"
The ball bounced into the middle through Sakura's volley kick.
Grizzly, the incarnation of Kusaka's soul, managed to drive two Ixal players who tried to approach him. "Matatagi!"
The long pass, which looked like a random kick, was answered perfectly by Matatagi's running speed. But soon, Ishigashi was about to hinder him by sliding.
Jumping away, Matatagi returned the ball to Kusaka―surprisingly managed to line with the forwards at the front line. Shindou was again astonished, this time by his own teammate. Was Kusaka really that fast?
The distance and the gap that stretched in front of the former delinquent was pretty good.
"KYOBOU HEAD!"
Phobos, the goalkeeper, squinted. This third class hissatsu should be nothing in front of his Soul—Gigiras.
However, Gigiras' two whips were only able to bounce the ball back into the air. The fact that surprised Phobos when he returned to his original form. I could have caught it ... What kind of strength was that?
Gotcha! Matatagi jumped, along with his form which had transformed to Hayabusa. Grabbing and rushing the ball towards the goal.
Phobos didn't even get a chance to move.
One point for Earth Eleven in the first five minutes.
Even Tenma himself could hardly believe, if there were no whistle howls that validated it.
Tenma almost called for praise, but given that Aliea Meteorite was very likely involved in the struggle for this first point, with a disappointed face, he lowered his fist that was almost stretched out.
Matatagi realized Tenma's strange manner, after doing a high five with Kusaka. He approached the captain, hand on one waist.
"Captain, please don't be a hypocrite," he said, surprising Tenma. "Isn't that the Mixi-max that Manager Sorano told us before is the same as borrowing other people's powers?"
Tenma gasped. "That…."
"Captain," Kusaka moved closer. "I know that you might not like this method. But ... we don't want to be just spectators like the match with Fake Eleven yesterday."
Tenma was stunned when he realized it.
I see…. It's not just a matter of life and death. Everyone feels flustered because they were almost useless in the previous match. But.. is this really the only way for us to win ...?
"It's okay. It's only one point," Ishigashi calmed Phobos. "This has just begun."
"I let my guard down. Sorry," Phobos admitted.
Ishigashi glanced at Captain Ozrock, to see whether conceding the first goal had burdened him or not. But Ishigashi knew Ozrock more than anyone. The captain would return the pain they received, multiple times.
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"Good! We can enter now."
'Ozrock' turned to Potomuri, after the intruder detecting machine had accepted his authorization.
"Thank you," Potomuri said, almost muttering. Together, the two stepped in. Into an underground chamber full of machines and computer screens with complicated graphics. All were interconnected, forming the forbidden machine of Kiel, Cosmic Plasma Photon Cannon.
Once inside, Potomuri didn't do his job right away. He watched the figure of 'Ozrock' whose bluish-green bob hair started to turn into a spiky night blue with a curly tail sticking out in the middle.
"You don't need to wait for me, right? Just finish your job immediately!" 'Ozrock' ranted while changing his appearance back to 'Tsurugi'.
Potomuri got back to his sense, then approached the machine.
"I'm not sure I can free the souls of Faram Dite players who are trapped here. But to change the system that Ozrock has installed, it seems possible... Although, it might take some time."
"Then hurry up and do it," 'Tsurugi', or rather, Manuuba crossed his arms, while sitting cross-legged not far from where Potomuri worked.
Potomuri's hands movements stopped. He turned to Manuuba. "There is a security system installed. They asked us to enter the code number and swipe the Galactic Council member card."
Grumbling, Manuuba stood up. "As for the number, I know. But I don't have the card."
He approached the machine supposedly able to destroy black holes. "Move aside for a sec!" he ordered, and Manuuba's fingers began the action of entering the code. When asked to swipe a card, Manuuba chose the 'emergency' menu. Soon, lines of dialog boxes appeared.
Feeling temporarily unnecessary, Potomuri could only watch Manuuba struggling through the tight security that Ozrock had installed.
After a few moments, Manuuba's hand movements stopped. But that face similiar to Tsurugi's was not immediately relieved. His face was contorted with anxiety, waiting for the security system's response.
Potomuri felt this was the right time to ask. "I heard from Princess Katora. Isn't it true that once you change yourself to one hundred percent into another person, you should not be able to return to your original form, let alone to take another form ...?"
Manuuba snorted, "All my friends have changed their faces to help Ozrock penetrate Faram's security system. After that, they never change their appearance again, even though they can."
"But..., why?"
"An able eagle hides its claws. After all, do we need to exert all the power we have on people who obviously only want to use us? Moreover, the possibility that I will betray him is quite large. Well, that is no longer a possibility, though," Manuuba shrugged with cynical smile. "Anyway, it's far better if he thinks we are no longer useful after being used. He won't feel the need to be aware of us."
Potomuri was almost speechless. "You guys ... are really good at lying."
Manuuba smirked. At the same time, the monitor stated that the security system was successfully breached.
"Now, it's your turn, Mr. Scientist." Manuuba stepped aside, invited Potomuri. "Hurry up and finish, and make your Princess Katora happy!"
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Seren, Argo, Neol, Xenon, Radon, Salfer, even Ashubina and her three friends. Faram Dite players who had been determined to be the reserve players for Earth Eleven, arrived in the middle of the first half. To be exact, at the crucial moment when Earth Eleven's goalkeeper displayed his skill.
Ibuki, the guardian, raised the tips of his lips proudly. The ball shot through Despina's Soul incarnation, Begiran, spun helplessly under his palm―a few moments ago was the front leg of his Mammoth.
"Turns out, Ixal's soul user isn't just Ozrock ...?" Seren murmured in surprised.
Xeno growled. "Even though they didn't use them when fighting us. What a jerk! What did they take us for?!"
"That was because they were sure they would win just by using Berserk Ray, right?" said Salfer frankly.
"I know!" growled Xeno. "But that's cheating! I'm sure that if competing properly, Barga and the others wouldn't lose!"
"You are so noisy, Xeno! If you have time to complain, pay close attention to this match!" Radon, Xeno's fellow defender, snapped. "Remember! If anything happens to Earth Eleven, we are going to be their replacement!"
Ibuki bounced the ball to Minaho. Despina and Ozrock immediately chased after the detective's son. Aware of being stalked by the two forwards, Minaho passed the ball to Konoha.
" KONOHA RENDEZVOUS! "
Waltzing across several opponent players, Konoha, assisted by Kusaka, managed to connect the pass to Shindou.
Visible to the playmaker, Tsurugi who was running alone. Without thinking, Shindou passed the ball to the ace striker.
Syat! A shadow suddenly launched itself between Shindou and Tsurugi, snatching the ball, astonishing the two.
"Ozrock!?"
Shindou was forced to turn around, to chase after Ixal's captain. He doubted that Ibuki, despite being strengthened by Aliea Meteorite, could stop Ozrock's attack alone.
On the back line, Tetsukado, Manabe, and Minaho advanced to face Ozrock. From the account of Faram Dite's players, they had figured how terribly strong the captain of Ixal was. The three of them prepared to release their Soul power―Buffalo, Owl, and Ratel. But when confronted, Tetsukado just realized that Ozrock did not have the ball.
What!? Where did it go …?
Using Ozrock as bait, and leaving the final execution to their other forwards—Despina and Loge.
Ibuki, who did not expect this tactic, was in the wrong position when Loge released Stargazer.
1-1 now.
"Thank you for your futile efforts," Ozrock hissed into Tetsukado's ear.
"Don't mind, Tetsukado!" Ibuki exclaimed from his position under the crossbar, undoing Tetsukado's urge to insult Ozrock back.
Tetsukado took a deep breath, then turned around to Ibuki. Showing his grin, and giving a thumb up.
"You too, Ibuki!"
Peeking in from a triangular shaped slit formed by his left index and his right thumb-index fingers, Manabe looked at Ibuki and called him out. As usual, the glasses boy issued some incomprehensible, mathematical instructions.
"I think what Manabe-kun meant is...," Minaho took over. "By the time the ball crosses the middle of the field to our territory, Ibuki-kun should have seen all the forwards who have entered. Once you saw a player unguarded, communicate to us. Because, the most able to see and assess our position as the defenders, is you, Ibuki-kun."
Manabe added, this time he tried to use easier words. "In case where the enemy's forward gets past the four of us, Ibuki-kun can get out of the goal line to close the opponent's attack space and reduce the angle of their shot. A striker who is pressed like that, tends to rush to shoot and ends up making mistakes."
Ibuki looked thoughtful, his forehead under the black bandana furrowed.
"Oi, Manabe!" he called.
"Yes?"
"I want to ask a favor."
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Tenma had known for a long time, there was no point in regretting the goal that had conceded. Therefore, Tenma also understood, there was no point in regretting his friends' choice using Aliea Meteorite.
Aliea Meteorite only increased one's strength and stamina to near superhuman levels. Aliea Meteorite would not improve the ability to work together, let alone forming a solid teamwork. That was Coach Endou's conclusion when retelling his experience ten years ago to Tenma and the others.
Because I had friends whom I trusted, and who also believed in me, we could finally surpass them.
All unitedly supported each other when there were opportunities. All covered each other's gaps when opponent's attack occured, and reprimanded each other when someone made mistakes.
Earth Eleven that he led now, reflected all of those. It made Tenma aware of how Earth Eleven had matured. Even with Aliea Meteorite, they still played their own soccer.
Currently, Earth Eleven's organized passes courses brought Matatagi closer to the penalty box.
The second goal!
Unfortunately, just like before, a shadowy figure suddenly stole Matatagi's ball. Matatagi almost blurted out curses at the figure, before realizing who he was.
"Tsurugi!?"
Faram Dite on bench were also astonished. "What is he doing!? That was a good opportunity!"
Not to mention that, a few moments later, they witnessed Tsurugi passed the ball far to the rear line.
"Matsukaze!"
Reacting to his ace striker's call, Tenma, who did not come forward to attack in the first place, received the back pass. Resuming Matatagi's task to charge towards Ixal's goal.
Soyokaze Step, Kaza-ana Drive, and Z Slash. He kept doing one after another. No intention to pass the ball, even to his teammates.
Realizing that, Matatagi ran to Tenma. "Captain! What are you doing!? Let me shoot!"
But Tenma's dribble skill was no joke. To boot, this time he was really concentrating. Matatagi, as well as other Ixal players who tried to snatch the ball from him, were passed easily. Until he arrived in a position that makes it possible to shoot into the goal.
Shin Mach Wind from Tenma was captured perfectly by Phobos, without Soul or Hissatsu.
"That the only thing you got?" Behind his smirking lips, Phobos was actualy confused on what Earth Eleven were up to. Or rather, Tenma and Tsurugi.
The next few minutes after Phobos threw the ball back into the field, was filled with Earth Eleven ace striker and captain's strange behavior. Tsurugi snatched the ball in the middle of a pass—not caring whether the ball was his teammates' or his foe's―before passing it to Tenma. The captain advanced to Ixal's goal with awesome dribble techniques. But he always closed the show with some anticlimactic shots.
Being no longer patient, Ozrock ordered all their midfielders and defenders to attack Tenma. Deimos and Ishigashi were even ready to change their form to Kulupe and Redio .
"Captain! Pass to me already!" From Tenma's right side, Matatagi shouted.
Tenma only glanced briefly. Matatagi growled in annoyance. He approached the captain until he was right next to him, and repeated the same instruction.
Rows of other Ixal players docked, surrounding Tenma and also Matatagi. Cornering both into no choice, except colliding themselves with Kulupe and Redio which had been perfectly manifested.
Matatagi clucked his tongue, he didn't want to be stopped by those two ugly creatures. But he also did not find any gap that could lead to a way out, to escape these vigilant Ixal players.
"Let's run, Matatagi!"
"Huh?"
Tenma's shout was sudden. As sudden as his hand grabbed Matatagi's wrist, and pulled him to run along.
It's useless! Ozrock thought from afar. No matter how fast you are, you can't avoid the Kulupe's attack range !
A gleam of wind enveloped Tenma and Matatagi. Instantly disguising the figure of both. As soon as the wind passed, what appeared in the eyes of the players on the bench was a white horse with golden mane, neighing loudly. His four tall legs were dauntlessly running, crashing through Redio's block and Kulupe's slashes. On his back, Matatagi jerked along with the horse's motions.
"Cap-captain ... ?!" Matatagi looked down, finally aware of what had happened. This white horse ... is Captain's Soul!?
"That is ... Tenma's !?" Shinsuke exclaimed in amazement.
"A white horse?" murmured Aoi. "It suits Tenma well..."
In Queen Lalaya's private box, Katora was stunned. "How beautiful..."
While the queen herself did not fully focus on the field.
"You know it yourself, how worse the condition of this planet is now!? One step mistaken, Ozrock can kill you!"
No. Not that it was impossible for Tsurugi to say it. On the contrary, Lalaya felt that Tsurugi had always prioritized her safety, compared to his own. It was just that, Tsurugi's words and anger at that time ... reminded her of an incident in her childhood.
At that time, there were rumors of attempted murder of the royal family. In such tense situation, little Lalaya secretly left the palace, playing with some neighborhood children, only because she could not stand waiting for her father's return.
That was the first time — and the last time — father was really angry at her, for worrying about her safety.
"Queen Lalaya?"
Jolted, Lalaya raised her head. The confused expression of Princess Katora welcomed her who had just left her reverie.
"Are you okay?"
"Of ... of course," Lalaya forced a smile, and turned her attention back to the field.
The attempt for a goal from Matatagi and Tenma were apparently foiled by Phobos, being earnest and serious. Ixal's counterattack followed quickly.
Thirty meters, twenty, nineteen ... Ixal's striker numbered eleven, Loge, was advancing closer to the goal area. But the double sliding from Tetsukado and Minaho forced him to pass on Ozrock. Who apparently had been marked by Konoha, who then stormed as her Soul, Fox.
Ishigashi's involvement, though, managed to win the ball back. Despina, Ixal's third striker, then took over, and intended to settle for a goal. She shot the ball up, preparing to shoot.
" STARGAZER! "
Despina released a thousand star arrows from behind her back. At the same time, Ibuki ran forward to leave the goal, until he reached the limit of the penalty box, side by side with Manabe.
Two..., one...
"Now, Ibuki-kun!"
Responding to Manabe's command, Ibuki jumped high, leaving a trail of whirlwind in the form of a white dragon from his right fist.
" GEKIRIN— "
Ibuki slammed the 'dragon' to the ground.
" —DUNK! "
The jaws of the dragon made from whirlwind, swiftly pressed the ball, trapping it between the ground and Ibuki's palm. Canceling Ixal's 2-1 advantage over Earth Eleven.
A whistle marked the end of the first half. Despina cursed softly, while turning away. Around her, Earth Eleven players scrambled towards their goal. They enthusiastically asked Ibuki about his new Hissatsu .
Manabe's voice explained, how he had been given a task by Ibuki to calculate the exact position and time for the goalkeeper to jump.
The efforts of Konoha and the others to keep the ball away from the penalty box while guarding Ozrock and Loge, were to create a situation where the existing distance made it difficult for Despina to use Soul .
"Therefore, it was very likely that she would use a long-range hissatsu shot that could be received by her teammate up front. Unfortunately, Ibuki-kun left his position and faced Despina directly, thus negating the opportunity to do a shoot-chain."
Minaho's next sentence was no longer heard by Despina. Shinope, her fellow girl on Ixal Fleet, gave a gentle pat on her shoulder. Following Shinope's eyes, Despina found Ozrock sneering as he went back to Ixal's bench.
"The remaining age spans of those earthlings are only this break time," whispered Shinope, consoling Despina.
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"I never thought Aliea Meteorite could enhance their strengths to such degree."
"It's not like that, Shindou-san," Tenma answered. "It's not Aliea Meteorite who made them this unified. They are ... playing their own soccer, that no one else can imitate. Ah..., I really want to show Tsurugi our teammates being like this soon."
Tenma uttered the last sentence without much thinking, but had enough impact to make Shindou raise his eyebrow.
"Tsurugi ...?"
Shocked, Tenma hurriedly corrected his sentence. "Eh, I mean ...," Tenma turned to Akurous, waving. "Tsu ... Tsurugi! Come here!"
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Potomuri let out a sigh of relief.
"Finished ...," he sighed, teasing Manuuba who sat absent-minded not far from him.
Manuuba stood up and approached Potomuri. The look on his face was uncertain.
"Really?"
Potomuri turned and nodded. "With this, the souls of Tenma-kun and the others will not be threatened."
"Likewise with Ozrock and his people."
Potomuri looked at Manuba who put on a cynical expression. "That's true. But I'm sure Princess Katora is the same as Tenma-kun. She doesn't want anyone to be a victim."
"Such an optimism ..."
"Now we just need to wait for the Life Energy from the clash between Earth Eleven and Ixal Fleet to be fully gathered."
Manuuba stepped to the other side of the machine. "What about those Faram Dite players trapped in here? Can you get them out too?"
Succeeding in the first mission, more or less gave confidence to the scientist of Kiel. "I will try."
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In the midst of darkness, a pair of eyelids opened slightly. The owner of the eyes looked up, facing an endless black tunnel around him.
"Tenma ..."
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