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.
The Twelve Lights of Night
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Half-time. Tenma welcomed Faram Dite members at Earth Eleven bench with open arms.
After apologizing for their tardiness, Seren and friends also expressed admiration for Tenma's Soul debut, despite failing to score a goal.
"So, your strange behavior in the first half was to trigger the awakening of your Soul ?" Shindou asked Tsurugi and Tenma. "Where did you get the idea for that?"
"Actually," Tenma replied, one finger scratching cheek. "That was Coach Kuroiwa's idea ..."
"Coach!?" Shindou almost jumped. "Wait! Wait! That means, you also met him, before this match? When ...? And where?"
"Last night," this time, Akurous answered.
Tenma nodded in affirmation. Honestly, last night, he himself almost didn't believe it. That it was Coach Kuroiwa, the person Akurous referred to as his acquaintance who would join Sarjes to help Tenma's training.
The encounter between Kuroiwa and Akurous—according to those concerned—occured when Akurous, as a spirit, came to watch Earth Eleven's exhibition match against Teikoku Academy.
For Kuroiwa Ryuusei who had tasted the valley of death, it was easy to detect the presence of spirits, including alien spirits.
Of course, for the time being, Tenma persisted not to divulge the topic of Akurous in front of Shindou and the others. Instead he said, "It seems, Coach Kuroiwa still hasn't given up on saving Earth. 'Only victory that I want from you,' was his message yesterday ..."
Tenma didn't lie. In contrast, Shindou had to be skeptical of Tenma's recount about their coach. That junior of his, hadn't yet understand. What an enigma Coach Kuroiwa truly was.
He pulled Tenma and Tsurugi's hands away. Isolating themselves from the others for a moment.
"You mean ... Coach Kuroiwa was already around us since last night, and you just told me now ?!"
Shindou's expression was disheveled. For both being upset and ashamed. The coach himself just came to him this morning, and Shindou told his two juniors who secretly knew about that, as if the burden of sin for letting Earth Eleven utilize Aliea Meteorite, was fully on his shoulders.
"Well, you can say that," Akurous said. "But ... the coach didn't say anything about ..." Akurous's eyes moved. Towards the purple glows on their teammates' chests.
"We were truly shocked by that, as much as you, Shindou-san!" Tenma calmed Shindou, his expression was earnest. "The only thing Coach Kuroiwa told us about, was just how to manage my ability to access Soul Power ."
In terms of experience and resolve―according to the coach―Tenma had more than enough. What Tenma needed as a dribble-type Soul user , was the chance to face a formidable defense. Relying on the Black Room simulation facilities, Coach Kuroiwa urged Tenma to simulate facing various defenders from the various teams they had faced since they were on earth. The results were quite promising. Under Sarjes' instructions, Tenma began to feel a sign of the awakening of Soul's ability within him. But Akurous chose to save the important moments of Tenma's awakening for the match against Ixal. Coach Kuroiwa stated no objection. Before finally leaving yet reappearing the next day, together with Aliea Meteorite.
Shindou listened intently to his two juniors.
"So ... Tsurugi called Tenma 'Matsukaze' during the first half, was the signal for starting your tactics to force Ozrock to focus on Tenma?"
Shindou-san is indeed meticulous. Tenma nodded before adding. "Coach Kuroiwa said, the aggressive nature of Matatagi could really help our tactics in defending the ball while penetrating. So, we couldn't tell anyone about this earlier."
"Well, but if you say that now, Matatagi must be angry, for being used like that," Shindou began to follow Tenma's recount.
What a strange coach ... Even though he said he became Earth Eleven's coach for mere fame, but in this match, he was helping surreptitiously, as if didn't want his name known. What exactly does he want?
"Then? Is there something else you are hiding?" Shindou looked at his two juniors, demanding honesty.
"E-eh ...," Tenma struggled to lie. "Nothing else! Nothing!"
Shindou inspected the two deeper, sign of his uncertainty. Feeling threatened, Tenma immediately changed the topic.
"Shi-Shindou-san, let's go back! The second half will start soon!"
Preceding Shindou, Tenma walked back towards Earth Eleven bench. Tsurugi accompanied right behind him.
"Matsukaze ...," Tsurugi whispered. Tenma nodded in understanding.
"In this second half ...," Tenma said as soon as he arrived in front of his friends. "I want Shinsuke to replace Ibuki as the goalkeeper."
"Wha ...! Wait a minute, Captain! What do you mean ...?!"
Before Ibuki complained further, Akurous interrupted, "Ozrock will use Berserk Ray again."
Hearing those two words, Ibuki's fury receded, but immediately rose again.
"B-But ..., we, Earth Eleven, are different from yesterday! We ..."
"Berserk Ray will make all of you its puppets, whether you have the purple stone or not!"
Akurous' snapping forced Ibuki back to his seat. The goalkeeper bit his lip, his fist meeting the ground.
Inescapably, those bad memories haunted him again. The feeling of humiliation when he was forced to be helpless, and could only witness Matatagi and the others' own goals going through past him.
"I know, that Ibuki's performance in the first half was very good," flattered Tenma sincerely. "But what we need now is a goalkeeper who can move even under the pressure of Berserk Ray."
"But, Tenma ...," it was Shinsuke's turn to argue. "Even though I can move when all your Souls are being controlled, I don't think I can Tsurugi or Matatagi's shots if their use their Souls!"
"I will be a sole attacker," Akurous said. "That way, Ozrock will only focus his attention to me."
"Alone?" Shindou looked for certainty on his junior's face. "Will it not be too hard for you, Tsurugi?"
"Although it looks very dangerous, Berserk Ray will only be active when Ozrock and his team stand to form certain formation," Akurous explained. "At that time, they will not be able to move from their standing position. The only chance for Ixal to force the opponent to commit suicide, is to let the opposing attackers accept passes, then control them like a puppet."
Sakura blinked, "If that's the only problem, wouldn't it be better for Tsurugi-kun not to play too? That way, Ozrock can't do anything with his Berserk Ray either ..."
"If that's what we do, I'm sure Ozrock won't use Berserk Ray," Minaho said. "On the contrary, they will loosen their defenses and attack us to the utmost, knowing that we won't dare to attack as a result of being too aware of Berserk Ray."
Tenma nodded in agreement. "Matatagi and Zanakurou, for the time being, you are on bench," the captain decided.
Zanakurou nodded obediently. Meanwhile Matatagi only folded his arms while snorting, expressing his dissatisfaction. Although no words came out of him.
"Of course, Berserk Ray won't last forever," added Akurous. "If we manage to overcome the first attack, it will be a pretty powerful mental pressure for Ozrock and his team. Once the Berserk Ray effect disappears, you two can go back in, and play as usual."
"Wait a minute!" Matatagi still could not accept. "How can you be sure that they will use it in the second half?"
"Tsurugi has fought Ozrock directly before, right?" Tetsukado tried to argue. "It's only natural that he can predict it."
Seren, Faram Dite midfielder, tapped her chin. "That's true. If I'm not mistaken, when they fought against us, Berserk Ray also happened shortly after the second half."
"We're counting on you, Shinsuke!" supported Tenma.
"Only you can do this task," Akurous stressed.
Shinsuke swallowed, before nodding. Felt on his back, a strong pat. Tetsukado. The muscular defender held out a fist, smiled, and encouraged him.
"Tenma, is this an order from Coach Kuroiwa too?" Shindou asked in a low voice.
Tenma shook his head, slowly. "This is purely Tsurugi's idea," he answered in a whisper. Tsurugi he meant, of course, was Akurous's spirit.
Shindou muted for a while at Tenma's answer.
"Do you think ... that Tsurugi is alright?"
"Eh? W-what does that mean, Shindou-san?" Tenma asked back nervously.
"Well," Shindou himself looked confused at what to say. "Indeed, the strategy he thought of is good. But, how do I put it...? Don't you think he becomes a little too bossy ...?"
Tenma hurriedly cut off. "If it's about his attitude ..., I think it is because Tsurugi was said to resemble the previous king of this planet. You know, he may get carried away and ..."
Tenma bit his tongue. He had talked too much. Fortunately, Shindou didn't seem interested anymore in that topic. Together, the two followed the others into the field.
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Perhaps ... this is all my fault.
Tsurugi closed his eyes.
If only ... he hadn't turned to Faram's side, Ozrock probably wouldn't even think of using Faram Dite as sacrifices. The plan to extract life energy from the clash of the will between Earth Eleven and Faram Dite would have run smoothly, without the need to sacrifice anyone.
Even though his betrayal of Earth Eleven was Akurous's request, Tsurugi still felt responsible. If he hadn't just been convinced by a prompt desire to fight against Tenma, things might have been better. At the very least, Ryugel, Gandales, Rodan, Hillary, Barga and Argo would remain alive to rebuild the new Faram Obius, together with Lalaya.
And I can also stay by Tenma and the others' side ...
But it was too late. There was no meaning in regretting what had passed. He had become a lifeless soul. The only thing that could make him useful, was to be sacrificed as fuel for Cosmic Plasma Photon Cannon.
At the very least, the death of his and six other Faram Dite members would resolve the black hole terror threatening Faram. A tiny light of hope flashed through Tsurugi's mind, amid the boundless darkness that surrounded him.
But because of our loss—my loss ... Ozrock will conquer Faram. Whole galaxy, even. In other words, our Earth too ...
Tsurugi bit his lip. Ah, what a fool he was, not thinking that far ahead. He could not imagine that the people he loved on earth had to humble themselves under the feet of those crazy aliens. Or even worse, being driven out of their own land, while he was selfishly 'relaxing' in the dark, like this.
Tenma ...
Tsurugi closed his eyes, freeing his memories to wander.
Starting from their meeting which begin with a dispute, he later turned into Tenma's company. Becoming the forces of revolution and winning the Holy Road tournament.
Tenma ...
At first, he was only a small breeze. But little by little, the small wind was sending lights to every person he met. No matter how high any cliffs that hindered him, he kept trying to climb, like wind that never knew surrender.
That tiny gust had expanded into a storm surge, turning something impossible, into possible.
If Ozrock and his friends are the next cliff Tenma has to go through, it would be nice if I could climb it with him.
Tsurugi smiled wryly. Amidst this dark and empty blackness, what could he do? He couldn't even convey his voice to Tenma.
Without him realizing it, the darkness behind his back churned. With no sound. Creeping towards him.
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The second half was about to begin. Ixal Fleet formation changed little, especially the back line. Convincing Akurous that Ozrock would go for a Berserk Ray in this round.
In contrast, Earth Eleven only modified the front lines. Akurous, who was thought to be Tsurugi, appeared as the sole spearhead of Earth Eleven.
"Playing with ten players? Plus, they change their goalkeeper ...," Loge murmured in puzzlement. The forward of Ixal Fleet, with his flat bangs, glanced at Ozrock.
Ozrock didn't comment. Just smirked and signaled to Loge to get ready for kick off.
That means ... no change in plans? Loge answered his captain with a grin, understanding. He advanced with dribbling for a while, before passing to one of Ixal midfielders, Tarvos.
Kusaka confronted Tarvos, and ended up having an one-on-one duel between the tallest player from each team. Kusaka who incidentally still lost in terms of size, not the least bit daunted by his opponent. With some feints, Kusaka managed to sweep the ball and take it away. Approaching Ixal's front line.
Visible to him, Tsurugi who was running towards the goal without any opposing players guarding him. Without thinking, Kusaka threw a long pass at the ace striker.
Akurous had predicted Kusaka's action, and received the ball that was fed to him without mistake.
As he dribbled across the field, Akurous watched the movements of Ixal Fleet's players. As per his calculations, Ozrock and his friends let him take the ball and move forward without any hitch.
Akurous stopped in front of Ishigashi ― who Akurous was sure would not do anything to him, or the ball at his feet. The feminine defender of Ixal was preparing to start their Berserk Ray.
My chance is only this moment. Akurous thought. At this point, Ixal Fleet should not be able to cancel the activation of Berserk Ray .
Standing at a point about twenty meters from Ixal's goal — in other words, 85 meters from Earth Eleven goal — Akurous turned one hundred eighty degrees. From challenging Phobos the keeper Ixal, Akurous twisted his body to face the direction where Shinsuke was standing.
And then, releasing a shot.
The twenty pairs of eyes - both those of Earth Eleven and Ixal Fleet - gawked in disbelief at Tsurugi's suicide act. Tenma was no exception. Even though he already knew that the shot was part of Akurous's plan to combat Berserk Ray, Tenma didn't expect Akurous to bet so boldly as to release his hissatsu shot. Which not only sped quickly towards the goal, but also zigzagged to avoid each player who hindered it, looking for the fastest way to the goal.
Up there, in the royal box, there were Commander Minel, Queen Lalaya and Princess Katora. The three were also gasped at Tsurugi's unexpected action. Although Minel had more reasons, which differentiated him from the two girls, to be surprised.
That hissatsu shot! Minel held his breath in disbelief. Impossible! Isn't that King Akurous' legendary Orbital Drive? How does Master Tsurugi...?
"Shinsuke!" Tenma exclaimed shakily. Those who gathered on Earth Eleven bench were also watching nervously. Ibuki didn't even want to put his butt on the bench.
Shinsuke's little fists wrapped in gloves clenched. He had no time to be afraid. Only a few seconds remained until the ball reached his place.
I have to try it! My newest Hissatsu! I won't let Tenma and the others become sacrifices to erase the black hole!
"GINGA ROCKET!"
Maintaining an upright position, Shinsuke took off leaving the field. His forehead met and blocked Akurous's suicide shot.
Shinsuke held back with all his strength, while pushing the ball far up. Not satisfied with passing the cross bar, Shinsuke carried the ball over the atmosphere. After feeling quite tall, the ball was headed back towards the ground. Shinsuke then followed down, confirming his possession of the ball he had caught.
Such a great kick power…, Shinsuke shuddered. Even after covering a distance as far as eighty meters, the impulse produced by the shot was not to be taken lightly at all.
Had Tsurugi released the hissatsu shot from close range, I certainly wouldn't have been able to hold it ...
Shinsuke looked down. The ball was still in his arms. Despite the various bad possibilities that might occur, he had managed to maintain an equal score against Ixal.
"I ... did it ...," he whispered in disbelief.
Even so, Shinsuke realized that his task had not finished. He was the only member of Earth Eleven that Ozrock and company couldn't control.
As much as possible you must keep the ball so as not to fall into the hands of your teammates, nor foes, Tsurugi's voice reverberated again in Shinsuke's head.
If everything is going according to the plan proposed by Tsurugi and Tenma before the three of us left for the stadium this morning, then everyone in Earth Eleven should be affected by the Berserk Ray right now. ...
Slowly, Shinsuke raised his head. Imagined in his mind, painful expressions belonging to his friends. But Shinsuke's job was not to worry about them, but to deliver the ball back to Ixal's goal and score a point, by passing through his friends being assaulted by pain.
According to Tsurugi, Earth Eleven under the influence of Berserk Ray, would not be able to move, unless they had the ball and Ozrock was willing to control them. Ozrock and company themselves would not touch the ball as long as the Berserk Ray effect was still valid. Those were the conditions they had to bear to activate this hissatsu tactics. And once activated, Ixal Fleet themselves could not cancel it at will.
Dribbling the ball past twenty teammates and opponents who could't do anything. There was no easier task than this. That being said, it would be the best opportunity for Earth Eleven to strike back, using the biggest weakness of Berserk Ray.
So, Shinsuke left the goal area, along with his tiny legs dribbling the ball. Not the slightest he dared to look at his friends, whom he believed were being tortured by the shackles of Berserk Ray.
Just a little longer, Shinsuke almost reached Tsurugi's position—twenty meters before Ixal's goal.
Ozrock's two eyes flashed as Shinsuke successfully dashed past him.
Damn it. So that's what they planned!
In the data provided by Donolzen, there was no record of Earth Eleven reserve goalkeeper mastering hissatsu shot . Either this tactic arose because King Akurous knew that Ixal had leaked data from Donolzen, or not. What was clear, Ozrock must recognize the effectiveness of the reckless strategy that could only be thought of by someone who understood well how Berserk Ray worked.
Nothing less from you…, Your Majesty ...
As expected by Akurous, Phobos did not move when Shinsuke's Buttopi Jump dived sharply through Ixal's goal. 2-1 for Earth Eleven.
A smirk was secretly applied to Ozrock's face. No problem. Conceding one goal won't make too much difference.
Shinsuke's success in earning one point against Ixal, releasing the effects of Berserk Ray over Earth Eleven. Thanks to Shinsuke who used up all his stamina to run as fast as possible across the field, then did a hissatsu shot, the Berserk Ray effect did not last long enough to knock out Earth Eleven completely. As the proof, Tenma and his friends could still stand and move freely, ready to face the next kick off from Ixal.
Shinsuke was replaced by Ibuki—who obviously had to recognize Shinsuke's huge role in winning their second goal. He bumped Shinsuke's small fist, then threw a gesture when he turned his back on the petite goalkeeper. I will not let them change this 2-1 lead into a draw!
To the surprise of Earth Eleven, Faram Dite, and even Ixal Fleet, was the fact that Tsurugi also resigned. He left the front line entirely to Matatagi and Zanakurou. Having previously advised both of them not to rush to get the ball after kick off.
"Let Tenma steal the ball from Ixal," Akurous ordered Matatagi. "You just need to follow Tenma. The teamwork between your and Tenma's Soul during the first half was actually quite good. It's just that you were in too much of a hurry. You always unleash your shot with the same course every time you use your Soul power. Even though the opponent's goalkeeper fails to block it at the first try, he may be able to anticipate the next ones."
Instead of being offended by Tsurugi's straightforward comments, Matatagi raised his chin in challenging manner.
"So, what should I do, then?"
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Right after kick off, the ball was immediately swept by Tenma. Alternating with Shindou, and assisted by other friends except Matatagi and Zanakurou, Earth Eleven as much as possible to extend their possession of the ball, without having to pass it to their forwards.
Akurous deducted Ixal Fleet still had the power to launch Berserk Ray once more. Therefore, keeping the ball away from the attackers was the best way to prevent Ixal from using the hissatsu tactics.
Ixal Fleet was certainly not stupid enough to not realize this simple strategy.
Extend your l ives as much as you can, Earth Eleven ...
Ozrock's signal was received by Despina, and then Loge, to the all midfielders and defenders. One by one, the members of Ixal nodded their heads.
" HISSATSU TACTICS ! BERSERK RAY !
Tenma gasped. "Again?!"
Hurriedly throwing the ball off the field. That was all that occurred to him.
"Nice, Captain!" Tetsukado exclaimed in relief. Just like Ibuki, he also no longer wanted to be a puppet for their opponent as happened in the underground field the other day. Now he was just waiting for the damn pain from Berserk Ray to strike him again. But that was far better than the shame of scoring an own goal.
Faram Dite players also regarded Tenma's actions as appropriate. If the ball going out of the sidelines came from Tenma's kick, then Ixal's player must do the throw-in. Earth Eleven's second goal earlier, made Seren and her friends realized, Ixal could not actively do anything when they were activating Berserk Ray.
"Still…, if Earth Eleven keep being exposed to Berserk Ray effects like this ..."
Salfer completed Seren's murmuring. "They might not be able to continue the match."
Aoi and Shinsuke looked at each other in worry. The two held their breaths while returning their focus to the field.
"Tenma ...!"
Seconds after seconds passed, Tenma and company prepared themselves to endure the pain. As thinking so, they agreed to believe that Ixal Fleet would not do anything, in order to concentrate with their Berserk Ray.
Strangely, nothing happened. Even one member of Ixal Fleet, Sinope, casually stepped out of the field, picked up the ball, and did the throw-in.
Sinope's actions were completely beyond Earth Eleven's estimation. Next thing they knew, that throw-in turned into a quick counterattack in an instant.
"Don't tell me...!"
Even though he realized it was too late, Shindou couldn't just let go of the ball Despina was taking. He hurriedly chased her, while shouting to his teammates throughout the field.
"Everyone! Don't get deceived! Berserk Ray isn't activated! It's a trick!"
"T ... trick ?!" Tetsukado blinked. Then he tried moving his feet ..., and sure enough. There was no severe sensation like before when Ixal really used Berserk Ray.
"Block him, Tetsukado!" Shindou shouted again, waking Tetsukado completely.
"Too late!" Despina bounced the ball up. Tetsukado could not help but look up, waiting for who would receive her pass.
Ozrock.
As much as possible trying to hide his fear, Tetsukado involuntarily touched the Aliea Meteorite on his chest.
It's okay. I will not lose again. If Kusaka and Matatagi can master this stone, so can I !
And Tetsukado roared. Running and jumping after Ozrock.
The Ixal's captain who did not expect to be confronted so recklessly, was stunned for a second. But Bitway Ozrock wouldn't be shaken just because of a roar.
"Craving for death, huh ..." hissed Ozrock, before snickering. "Fine ... if that's what you want ..."
In a flow of time that seemed to slow down, Tetsukado could see clearly, Ozrock's hideous smirk, giving him cold shivers. But the resolve that had been built up inside him, urged Tetsukado to ignore the threat.
... That's not a threat. That is a warning of apocalypse ... . Akurous' instincts that had long been honed as through oscillating between the world of life and death, told him.
In front of Tesukado, Ixaal—the eight tentacle Soul—slowly swallowed Ozrock's humanoid figure. At the same time, Buffalo—Tetsukado's soul incarnation—began to materialize, unsheathing his horns in order to block Ixaal's shot. Mutual thrust between the two was inevitable.
Buffalo gritted teeth tightly. Being confident in his expertise as a counter-shooter, Tetsukado swore to fire the ball back into Ixal's goal.
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Gestho mkejakop io. Hertya poqui mai. Gelerya poqui xea.
Wea mkopima goi whedaza mauiyya. Gaiho ymorea lexa ho kein kewea.
Wea xatia zermeta okte rtakae vetra vi lerwa rtope varnya.
(O wandering souls. Thy journey has been over. Thy loneliness has ended .
Here I stand for thine anchor. Relinquish all those piercing thorns and binding chains to me.
Till I able to avenge on who have tormented thee.)
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Once upon a time, Planet Ixal's inhabitants were known as magic-users.
Some explorers from neighboring planets often stopped by. Either to simply have their fortune told, or receive health treatment from the famous spell-casters of Ixal.
Ixalians were proud of their innate talents. However, no matter how miraculous the spells they mastered, there was no spell that could take them to explore the outer space.
Interaction with neighboring planets blew some fresh air into monotonous life full of rituals, spells, and magic circles. Some—especially young people—were keen to study technology, and began to forget the teachings of their ancestors. Slowly but surely, technology began to replace magic as the main pillar of lives on Ixal.
Bitway Ozrock was born in this transition period.
His father was one of the conservative who still retained magic as the identity of an Ixalian. Defying the heavy modernization that occured, he passed on the forgotten teachings to his only son.
Until that fateful day came. The day when Faram Obius' forces arrived on the land of Ixal. It was also the day when both parties with different views realized that to defend their homeland, cooperation and unity were everything.
Leaving aside their differences, Ixalians fought all out. Unfortunately, the tremendous name of Faram Obius, went far beyond their efforts.
Aware that their planet was on the verge of collapse, the elders of two sides—magic-users and scientists—decided to try their first and last collaboration. Escaping their children from execution, was to be their top priority.
Hence, spell-casters of Ixal put a hundred and sixty surviving children into a deep, long slumber, and planned for them to be able to wake up on their own, if the time came. Meanwhile, the scientists created a stealth aircraft that was not only able to hide itself from the radar of Faram Obius's troops, but also floated independently in space for hundreds of years.
"Avenge us. Remind them of what they have done to us."
Of all the lessons he had received, only one spell was recorded clearly in the mind of the young Ozrock. Although two hundred years had passed during his long slumber.
Earth Eleven, Ozrock hissed in his heart. You are not my main target. However, to overthrow the king, I must first devastated his small soldiers.
Even for such trivial purposes, I have to sacrifice my life.
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Tsurugi's eyes jerked open. A few moments earlier, he was sure to hear some screams. Fear was reflected clearly there.
Tsurugi knew the owners of those voices. And it's not the kind of scream that people like them would do without reasons.
Barga ... and Argo?
Although Barga's attitude towards an Earthling like him, could never be said to be friendly, Tsurugi acknowledged Barga—and also Argo—as capable and tough players of Faram Dite. Tsurugi wished to call the two's names, asking 'where are you?' or 'what happened?'. However, his own voice could not come out, as if being immersed in the darkness itself.
"W-What the―!? Don't play around with me! Let go!"
This time, a woman's yell. Hilary ...?
"Ryu ... Ryugel-nii ...! He ... help m... hmph ...!"
"Gandales! Wait! I'm going to sa-AARGH ...!"
Ryugel ...? Gandales?
Tsurugi ran, though blindly, hoping to find those whose screams had caught his ears.
Far and long he had run, without even meeting another figure.
The only one who hasn't screamed yet ... Rodan! Tsurugi hopes that the midget is fine.
Faram Dite uniform with number eleven on his back ... that's him!
Rodan! Tsurugi called out in silence as the smallish striker turn around.
"Tsurugi ?!" Rodan looked shocked. "Don't! Don't come here! You'll get—"
Rodan's shout and figure trying to drive him out, became the last things that reached Tsurugi's senses, before the fingers of darkness warped the small body.
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Earth Eleven's rear line was enveloped in smoke haze. Akurous, Aoi, Shinsuke, as well as Faram Dite players who filled the bench on sidelines, were compelled to tame their curiosity. Waiting for the smoke to thin out.
Aoi and Shinsuke stood up to get closer as best they could, in order to see more clearly what had happened to their friends.
Ibuki collapsed in front of the goal. Along with three other Earth Eleven defenders: Konoha, Minaho, and Manabe.
The four's bodies scattered like wooden planks hurled by tornado.
But, the one thrown away the most from his initial position, was he who had faced Ozrock one on one. Tetsukado. He was thrown far to the front line, not far away from Tenma. The captain was now trying to help the former boxer get up.
"Are you alright? Tetsukado?" Tenma asked worriedly.
"Yeah ...," Tetsukado answered breathlessly. He himself was not sure what had just happened. One thing was clear, he failed to hold down Ozrock's attack on their goal.
The whistle, and the score panel that turned into 2-2, confirmed everything.
Meanwhile, Shindou and the others rushed over to Ibuki and the others—who likely had just been crushed by Ozrock's Ixaal. Yes, only the word 'likely' could be thought of by Shindou. As he himself could not be sure, how one shot from Ozrock could wreck four defenders ready in their form of Soul, plus all four burly legs of Ibuki's Mammoth. In a flash, even.
The four players' promptness—when they realized that Tetsukado alone could not hold Ozrock—was praiseworthy. Shindou knew that.
But there was no point in thinking that now, if those four had already ...
Ibuki coughed while bringing his towering body back to his feet, before Shindou arrived by his side.
"Damn ...," he cursed in a hiss. "I never thought they still have the power to do hellish shots like that ..."
Shindou blinked, a mixture of amazement, relief, and disbelief.
"You ...," said the playmaker. "I thought you were dead ..."
"Hey! Watch your mouth!" Ibuki pouted.
On the other hand, Kusaka and Sakura rushed towards Konoha.
"Konoha, are you alright?!"
Konoha nodded at Kusaka. Sakura helped the little girl get up.
"It was very tough of you to survive that," Matatagi said to Minaho and Manabe. He was just as surprised as Shindou. "After all, that shot was clearly no kidding, huh? Ichikawa?"
Ichikawa Zanakurou nodded, affirming his fellow striker's comment.
Standing up, Minaho and Manabe looked at each other.
"I'm not sure myself, but ...," Minaho touched the Aliea Meteorite necklace under his shirt. "Maybe it's because of this ..."
Minaho's gesture spontaneously erased Shindou's amazement. I see, it's because those stones...
Turning to Ibuki, the playmaker asked. "Can you still play?"
"Of course!" Ibuki remarked quickly. The look on his face hardened, full of desire to strike back. Before something reminded him, and turned his expression into solemn, with a pinch of worry—which Shindou might not have noticed.
"More importantly, Shindou ...," Ibuki said. "What about you? And Captain ...? Both of you don't utilize this stone, right? Next time, if Ozrock attacks you with power like that—"
Shindou was silent, facing his back to Ibuki, before answering. "I won't use that person's gift."
Ibuki clenched one hand, while the other hand turned Shindou's shoulder roughly, and pulled him by the front of his shirt. The former basketball player's lips twitched, though no sound came out. Shindou himself only stared back coldly.
That small ruckus attracted Tenma's, as well as the other players' attention. The captain rushed over to two people who were known to be difficult getting along.
"You blockhead!" That was all Ibuki could say, before releasing his grip on Shindou.
The tension that was still floating between the two made Tenma unable to say anything.
"Let's get back to the front line, Tenma," Shindou's invitation sounded more like an order.
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"You're restraining yourself too much, Ozrock," Loge chuckled.
Ozrock glanced at the fellow striker by his side.
"Yes ... I know ... We must destroy the stones," Ozrock said, half to himself. "I feel they're doing more than just protecting them."
"But, as you can see. The captain doesn't wear it. The playmaker too. How about just eliminating them first?" suggested Loge nastily.
"Yeah, that's a good idea," Ozrock responded. But that smirk suddenly disappeared, followed by one of his knees falling on the ground.
"Ozrock !?"
The captain of Ixal hurried back to his feet before the others realized his condition.
"I'm fine," Ozrock replied quick. "We will finish them off."
Not far behind them, Ishigashi's poor expression of eyes stared intently. Even though Ozrock didn't say anything, he could predict what was happening to his captain.
So could Akurous. Those eyes of Tsurugi were filled with concern.
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Potomuri frowned. His mouth released a murmur that caught Manuuba's attention.
"What's wrong?"
Potomuri did not immediately answer. The scientist's two hands no longer wrestled on the touch keyboard and monitor screens.
"Six of seven souls trapped in here managed to get released. Although in a slightly rough way ..., but we have no other choice ..."
"Six?" Manuuba winced. "Then, the other one is...?"
"Tsurugi Kyousuke, the member of Earth Eleven ...," answered Potomuri. His face wrinkled, implying uncertainty. "Only him whom I couldn't touch. It's like some veil is blocking him from escaping with the others..."
"Six is better than none."
"Yes, but ...," Potomuri mused, "Isn't he ... the one Tenma-kun hopes to return the most...?"
Manuuba sighed, leaning his back on the main engine of Cosmic Plasma Photon Cannon.
"So what? You still want to try until he can escape this machine?"
Potomuri hesitated, "If I do it more roughly, it might work. But on the other hand, if I force him too hard, it will end up damaging the soul. Even if I succeed this way, and he returns to his original body ..., at best, he may lose his memory. The worst ... he can lose his sanity."
"Just do it," pushed Manuuba. "He's not that weak to the point of going insane just because he's forced to get out and go on living."
"He's right. Just do it," another voice unexpectedly supported Manuuba.
Recognizing the figure with sunglasses who had just spoken, two pairs of Manuuba and Potomuri eyes glared in unison.
"You...?" Potomuri gasped.
Manuuba, who recovered from his surprise first, said his name in a mutter, "Kuroiwa ... Ryuusei."
Somehow, the man, whose real name was Kageyama Reiji, could enter this room tightly guarded by Ozrock's security system. Had he been in there from the beginning, or did he enter using illegal methods like them. Potomuri was too surprised to ask, while Manuuba chose not to care.
The reason why this coach who had abandoned his team, suddenly appeared and supported Manuuba, in a manner implying that he knew everything, was more intriguing for Potomuri.
"What do you mean...?"
"Ookami is one of twelve Souls who inherited the twelve lights of night. It won't be that easily destroyed."
"Twelve ..." Manuuba repeated.
"Lights of night ...?" Potomuri completed.
"I'll explain if you succeed in releasing him from there," Coach Kuroiwa answered, pointing at the machine. "Besides, don't forget. Tsurugi Kyousuke's body is currently occupied by another soul."
"Akh ...!" Manuuba bumped his palm, as being reminded. "That's right. The king of Faram Obius ..."
Potomuri blinked, "Wait. What do you mean, 'king' ...?"
Isn't the current ruler of Faram a queen?
"The previous king," Manuuba corrected himself. "Right now, his soul is occupying Tsurugi's body."
Potomuri still stared in amazement. Although then he said, "Now that you mention it,... Pixie-I mean, Sarjes-indeed once said that he was with the spirit of the late king of Faram. But, why?"
"He's doing it to interact with Earth Eleven," Manuuba informed. "Even right now, he and that body are fighting together with Tenma and the others."
Potomuri gasped. Turning quickly to face the main screen of Cosmic Plasma Photon Cannon machine, one thought crossed his mind.
"Could it be ... that's the reason why you can't extract Tsurugi's soul?" Manuuba voiced out Potomuri's suspicion.
Potomuri nodded slowly. "Probably..."
"So..., you can't get his soul out of there, if his body isn't free?" inquired Manuuba.
"I don't know but, if we just release it without a certain body as returning point, who knows where the soul will end up into," said Potomuri, somberly. "As happened to my soul ... after barely escaping the black hole that swallowed Kiel ..."
Manuuba went silent. He almost made a suggestion to forget about Tsurugi and leave him there, had Coach not revealed another idea.
"Send his soul to Earth Eleven."
Manuuba raised an eyebrow, not understanding. Even Potomuri was not able to immediately grasp the intentions of the former Earth Eleven and Faram Dite's coach.
"Please don't say nonsense!" snapped Potomuri. "The members of Earth Eleven have their own souls! To direct Tsurugi-kun there ... is the same as to force him erasing his own friends!"
"What you mean by 'send'.., is it to one of the them ... or all members of Earth Eleven?" asked Manuuba.
"All of them. Or, to be more precise, all Soul users of Earth Eleven," Kuroiwa replied without hesitation. Answering the increasingly distrustful look of Potomuri, he continued. "There's no need to send him directly to their bodies. You just need to point him to the stones they are wearing."
While saying that, Kuroiwa took a small stone from his suit pocket. Exactly the same worn by Matatagi and his friends. The purple color, also the size and shape. The difference was that only Kuroiwa's stone was not attached to any chain or necklace.
"But ... there are eleven of them, right? Even if there are eleven stones, how do you put one Soul in eleven people?" chase Manuuba.
"Easy."
Pinching it between his thumb and forefinger, Kuroiwa held out the stone—Aliea Meteorite—until it was level with Manuuba and Potomuri's eyes.
The opportunity which was then used by both of them to look at the stone more closely. But before they could, the pressure from Kuroiwa's two fingers had turned it into tiny purple fragments.
A grin appeared on the old face of Kuroiwa as he said, "Destroy him into eleven pieces, before sending them to Earth Eleven."
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Matatagi jumped down from a galant, golden-maned white horse who soon reverted into Tenma's humanoid figure. Getting the ball passed from his captain, Matatagi then dashed like a shooting star. None of Ixal's defenders was able to chase the speedstar of Earth Eleven.
Running to the front of opponent's goal, in front of Phobos, Matatagi rolled the ball on his left foot to his right foot. Phobos interpreted the gesture as preparation for attacking with Hayabusa.
But that's not what Matatagi wished to do.
"BLACK ... DAWN!"
Phobos was astonished. Not Soul !? he hissed in disbelief. Especially when he realized that what Matatagi had done was not a shot, but a backward pass.
The miraculous pass was received skillfully by Ichikawa Zanakurou.
Without even bothering to break through Ixal's defense, the kabuki actor opened his barrel of shot right where he was standing.
"GREAT MAX NA ORE!"
Such great power of shot, mercilessly came to Ixal's goal. Phobos gritted teeth, seeing their opponent kept using techniques not included in Donolzen's data.
But, no problem... My Soul, Gigiras fueled by hatred, definitely can handle that!
Turned out the attempt for the next goal from Earth Eleven wasn't complete yet.
In tune with the wind around him, their captain, Matsukaze Tenma was chasing after the ball, injecting his speed and power into the already godly shot of Zanakurou.
"ARASHI TATSUMAKI HURRICANE!"
Phobos readily embodied himself as Gigiras , and restrained the shot-chain's tremendous current using his two whips.
Not long before the struggle ended with score of 3-2 for Earth Eleven.
Matatagi exhaled in satisfy. He took the high-touch from Tenma, while throwing a proud smirk of "How was that?" towards Akurous in Tsurugi's body.
Ozrock didn't move much during Earth Eleven's penetration. Something that did not escape Shindou's attention. Therefore, the playmaker did not immediately feel calm over his team getting the lead.
"Players substitution!"
Shindou flinched. Earth Eleven was currently competing without a coach. So no one should have the authority to issue such order from Earth Eleven bench - the place where the voice just came from.
Besides, isn't that v oice ...?
"Mrs. Kamata ?!" Aoi and Shinsuke exclaimed in unison, "W-why are you here?"
"What was that supposed to mean?" Earth Eleven's dormitory mistress who also acted as Galaxy Nauts' engineer, put on a pout. "I also wanted to see your match sometimes, instead of waiting in the train, you know?"
The plumpish woman appeared as a stranger to Faram Dite's members. But Mrs Kamata did not return their surprised eyes with the same astonishment. Instead, the woman just threw a grin, convincing Seren and the others, that she was not an enemy.
"Well, anyway, the substitution!" Mrs. Kamata, one hand on her waist, repeating her command for Earth Eleven. "Matsukaze Tenma and Shindou Takuto, replaced by Ryugel and Gandales Baran!"
"Eh ?!"
Not just Shinsuke and Aoi. The owners of the first two names mentioned also blinked, not believing in their own hearing. Especially when they saw the owners of the last two names really appeared from behind Mrs. Kamata, grinning. Followed by the others: Hilary Flail, Rodan Gasgus, Barga Zacks, and Argo Burgess.
The looks on Faram Dite members changed from astonishment into joyfulness, welcoming their comrades' return from death.
"Wait a sec, Ma'am," said Gandales to Mrs. Kamata. "Rather than we brothers playing as the two's substitutes, I think it's better to have Hilary and Barga added to the defence. The most important thing for Earth Eleven is to maintain the lead and stop every attack the enemy launching. Right? Ryugel-nii?"
Gandales, as usual, asked for his brother's support. Ryugel put on a smile, agreeing.
"Oh, is that so?" Mrs. Kamata rounded her mouth. "What a shame, since I really wanted to see you brothers in action, after hearing Minaho-kun's story about your silliness on Planet Ratonic."
"Ah, it's sure hard to have lots of fans," Ryugel shook his head. "Right, Gandales?"
"It's sure hard!" Gandales laughed, ignoring the sweatdrops appearing on the others' heads. "Still, it's not our time to show off."
"Yeah. Barga and Hilary should take the honor," Ryugel winked at the two teammates he mentioned.
"Well, if that's what you think the best, go for it then," Mrs. Kamata gave her approval.
"Hey, it's Tsurugi!" remarked Gandales, soon distracted by the fact that his former captain sat on Earth Eleven bench. "No wonder when we woke up, your body was already gone. Turned out you were brought back to life before us, huh?"
"Well, about that ...," Tsurugi—Akurous—obviously couldn't reveal the truth. But he was taken over by Shinsuke.
"Yes, Tsurugi has returned as Earth Eleven's member since yesterday!"
Yesterday? Rodan winced at Shinsuke's remark.
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"Geez, how dare that scientist of Kiel be so discriminating," Hilary crossed her arms, walking into the field. "He revived and freed Tsurugi yesterday. While we had to have Argo screaming for us to let the mortuary officers know we're still alive and get us out of those tubes today."
"It's not our place to complain," Barga noted. "Our souls are free thanks to that scientist of Kiel. In fact, we should be grateful to him ..."
Tenma who was watching from a distance, was busily guessing. If the other Faram members have returned, who is in Tsurugi's body now ...?
Curiosity pushed Tenma back to Earth Eleven bench. Seeing Tenma who leftthe field voluntarily, Shindou couldn't help but follow him.
"These are from Coach Kuroiwa," Mrs. Kamata offered something, in exchange for a welcome to both of them.
"These...?" Tenma looked at the pair of objects on Mrs. Kamata's hand.
Shindou sighed as soon as he knew what were there, losing interest.
If Tenma decided to take one of the stones—even though he didn't wear it right away, then Shindou chose to stay away from them.
"I'm sorry, Kamata-san. I don't want to accept that person's gift."
"Shindou-kun," Mrs Kamata spoke seriously. She lowered her voice so that it could only be heard between the three of them. "What if I says, this is to help the real Tsurugi-kun back to life?"
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Hilary and Barga took positions on the field, replacing Tenma and Shindou.
"Welcome back," Despina greeted, in place of Ozrock, who for some reason, did not make his cynical talk as usual. "How was your journey to the death realm?"
"Pretty neat, I should say," Hilary answered smugly. "No thanks to you."
Despina didn't bother the two anymore. Instead, she glanced at Ozrock.
Excessive sweating, agitated expression, bitten lower lip, both hands hugging his body as if holding something from bursting out. Only insolent members wouldn't realize that much of changes in their captain.
But Despina—along with other Ixal Fleet players—also realized, there was nothing they could do. Except for protecting Ozrock, until it was time for the captain to attack.
Which meant: unleashing everything he had been holding up.
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"But it's strange," Rodan's voice was faintly heard by Tenma and Shindou, who were still in seclusion with Mrs Kamata.
Rodan looked at Ryugel and the others. "Do you remember? Before we were back to life, it felt like we were forced out of the darkness right?"
After receiving his friends' nods, Rodan went on, "At that time, just before I felt being pulled, I was pretty sure I had met Tsurugi. He ... didn't seem to be forced to get out. Instead he ran towards me, reaching out. As if wanting to help me."
Rodan's eyes turned to Tsurugi. His gaze turned suspicious. "If you really were back to life yesterday, while whom I saw at that time was indeed Tsurugi ..."
Stares of wonder, astonishment, and suspicion instantly converged, aimed at Akurous. Shindou, who was putting together the meaning of Mrs Kamata's last sentence to him, became one of the owners of those stares.
Tenma, on the other hand, could only swallow.
"Then, who are you ...?"
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