『Free! – Series Four – Cosmos World Chronicle 』
フリー！シリーズ 4: コスモスワールドクロニクル
Book 0: Road to the Curse
Book 1: The Curse of Hollywood Heights (You are Here)
Book 2: Transfiguration of the Bell
Book 3: Ever Blue Company
Book 4: Return of the Magic Six
Book 5: War of the Allegiant Twins
Movie: TBA
Series Synopsis:
The Final Battle ends in the hands of heroes again, but Chaos has driven itself to a new realm and discovers a possibility of destroying everything once more. Meanwhile, a new curse is enacted, separating love ones from reuniting and defeating the newest threats. The untold stories of many characters will finally be told in new legends that will spark the third generation of the Iwatobi Suiei Gods!
Author's Welcoming Message:
Once again, I violated myself into writing a new generation after a couple of years into retirement! Sorry! Anyway, welcome back to a brand-new series of heroes and villains and swimmers alike! Free! has really grown so much since TYM and who would've thought they would make their storylines go all the way out to the Olympics!? :D Anyway, I am glad to be back writing a new series after a hiatus of going into a certificate program as well as finding a career to start my life with!
This Generation…without giving spoilers…will be severely convoluted in plot! There will be some time travels and major knots happening. Of course, I'll try to do a better job writing some romantic scenes. (Gen 2.0 was waaaaay more action than yaoi per se *coughs*)
**Prerequisites before continuing with this Book!
Book 0: Road to the Curse
Book 0.5: Earthly Tales of the Past
These two books I do recommend reading prior to this one. Book 0 will tell you how the curse finally happens but it also introduces and reintroduce characters from Gen 2.0: Eternal Swim Chronicle. Book 2 of Gen 3.0 here will revisit Olympia Magna especially for a "curtain call arc". Asahi and Ikuya will also be in Book 0 as they are sworn to become the "leaders of the Gen 3.0 heroes team".
Book 0.5 will take place during Gen 1.0 in Lynwin-Mu's golden age (see Voyage of the Magic Six – Book 3: Eternal Promise for more details) with three of the college characters from Season 3: Dive to the Future.
Prologue: Your Wish…
Once Upon a Time…all of those who thought their happy endings were finally in fruit learned the hard way of reasons beyond understanding.
The colors of chaos finally appear in its devastating series of annihilations
This is how it happened…
I'll take my bow
I won't make a sound
I whisper truce as the ashes hit the ground
Idaina Magna: Some time after Pandora x Dodecadron's remarriage,
before casting of the new Dark Curse
As everything calmed down once more from the massive celebration, the skies continued to be golden and blue with a sunset that never left the horizon. It was as if time would stop but it was super slow. However, in various perceptions of inhabitants, some would go to bed while others would work, play, and grow.
In due time, a few incidents did strike, concerning the inhabitants of the deceased. Some came to believe that chaos has not been finally defeated while others assumed that the heroes were not doing their job. Doubts over doubts became their weakness…
And so, someone decided. Today was about to start a new adventure for one person after everything that has happened in between of events. The rumors of Chaos' potential return as well as the deeds it has begun to appear once more has brought concern to especially to that person…
The Le Fay Manor, Country Hills (East of Iwamara)
And somewhere in the beautiful, green hills about 20 miles from the silver sea…
Rasputin walked out of the family manor with a backpack over his shoulders. He was dressed more in street clothes and a haircut like a kid going to college. His face was also clean-shaven for the first time in his memory. Despite being the nature of a chiropteran, he maintained his lean-like, human-ish nature.
"Raspy are you sure about this?" Pandora asked, following him out to the front, "You know how much the children need you and…"
"I know but, this is the afterlife…everyone here is finally happy with their endings. Operation: For the Future is over, we did it. My kids are grown," Rasputin answered.
"So then why leave?" she asked with some more concern.
"You of all people know the answer…" he said, trying not to hold a heavy burden in his voice.
Pandora lowered her head in a hint of sadden-guilt before cupping her hands over his cheeks and looking to his eyes, "I know it has been my fault that I failed to support you like a true mother. It's just that…"
"I know," he replied, "But can you trust me now? I need to do this…finding my own story. I've already paid the price to witch boy too, so it is possible for me to go back to the realm of the living."
"…I do," she answered, "But ever since your father went out to find the others and Alex being so busy lately…"
"I'll be alright mom," he smiled, "I was able to take care of myself somewhat. However, after Alex showed me some of the books that were written by the Mahotsukai, I discovered…there are other stories of Haruka and the others…other stories of Alex…and even another story about me!"
"But even if that other Rasputin is a parallel version of you…why does it matter?" she asked, "Hm?"
"Because that Rasputin sold his soul to the devil and was never given a happy ending," the young man answered, "Anastasia of that realm defeated him by breaking his magical amulet. Also, there's another me who was also killed by homicide of fellow Russians. I want to prove all these versions that a happy ending can exist too."
"…I still can't believe Alex agreed to this…as well as the rest of the Magic Six and the others," she sulked a little and crossed her arms.
"Stubbornness does tend to flow in their blood," Rasputin chuckled.
Pandora hugged him, "How long will you be gone?"
"As long as it takes to fulfill my destiny," he replied, holding the hug also.
After a moment, she released him and watched him getting on his motor bike and putting on a helmet. He took out a magical bean he received from a friend and threw it to open a dimensional gate.
"Raspy if that's the only form of magic you got, getting back here will be…" she began.
"An adventure," he smiled, "That's what I'm doing…I love you, mom."
Trying hard not to cry, she held him by the arm, "I love you too."
Rasputin took off on the bike, entering the portal and disappeared into the unknown as Pandora could only pray for a safe quest with hopes of finding his happy ending at long last. After all, if she was able to do it…
Our World: Beta!Earth
June 20, 2017
"Yes, and I was interested in your laboratory…" Alex replied on the phone when he suddenly heard his mom and brother running around the house.
"I have to go to nonna's!" the mother cried out.
E-eh, what's going on, he thought before focusing back to his phone interview. After they left and growing more concern, he pardoned the interviewer and declined this interest. Another dead end.
Ever since his graduation from CSU, job hunting based on his double major had not been easy. His interview at John's Hopkins University at one of their genetics labs didn't end too well despite being selected for an interview in person. He hated the competition of this world…it was nowhere to be like his fanfics and his freedom to imagine…
His father always reminded him of the "nothing personal, just business" and he would always cringe. It was perhaps one of the greatest sins in this world that mankind has ever developed. All because of god forsaken money that humans must thrived on.
After all, he was all of emotions…and that's exactly what happened when he found out the incident at grandma's house. Such horrific tragedy struck there that resulted in everything taken away from that family. Speculations on who did this could float around but without proof, nothing could be put to justice.
I just wish I was in Japan to see those movies, he thought, Timeless Medley, Take Your Marks…why am I still living here…trapped in the walls of my own regret? I want a dream…and it's not here in Cleveland. I don't want to live here in this city anymore! I'm sick of it!
October 2017: The CSU Career Fair
As the alumnus arrived at the Wolstein Center, he could only imagine another dead end. He had been on these career fairs twice and nothing was successful. Again, nothing much was to be expected.
Alex walked in and found the two booths he wanted to go to and discovered that one side was for a couple of post-bac/licensed/training programs and the other for careers. He started at the career table for the said hospital.
"So yeah, please leave your name and email on the form sir," one of the HR ladies said.
"Thank you," he replied, signing his name on it, "Do you know if there is anyone who I can contact to know more about these jobs? It's been rather difficult lately for some of the responses."
The HR lady stared at him with a blank expression. It was clear to Alex that these people at the booth didn't want to come here to answer such questions. His blood was ready to boil but knowing that one again…nothing personal, just business struck.
Fuck it all, he thought, these bitches aren't even going to help me on finding a job, they are just here to pretend something happened today and shred everything like nothing took place!
With a shrug, he moved over to the next booth where he looked at some of the hospital's post-bac programs. While he was personally done with school, he really had not much options to go to unless he dared to go to retailer like all the other students with terrible, bottomless pit of debt. His mind and personality was far to subpar of a medical student yet he desired to reach his dream to study Autism.
"The field of Cytotechology is a great opportunity. Our program primarily works on microscopy on finding various kinds of human diseases," the program director introduced herself.
"Ohhhh, I do love the microscope," Alex smiled, "And according to this, you guys work with cancers?"
"That but also other infections and diseases across the human anatomy," the program director explained, "It is a one-year curriculum in a series of topics all under the umbrella of cytotechnology."
"Hmmmm, one year," he muttered, "I might give this a shot. Is there a way for me to come visit the facility and tour?"
"Oh of course! We'd love to have you visiting us!" she answered.
A warm smile was brought to his face, somehow…this may be the answer…or at least the beginning of finding an answer. Despite his desire to save his brother and Autism, it was clear that the political climate was destroying a lot of opportunities here in the country. If research was going to be batted down to almost non-existent, at least working in a biological/clinical like setting would buy time and money.
Later that same month, after Free! Take Your Marks was set in Japan…he scrolled through social media as he heard rumors of a sequel project…sure enough, it was Season 3!
Months Later: The Interview (approx. Feb. 2018)
Alex sat down in the huddle room as he took a deep breath and relaxed despite his heart racing. He knew that his last interview at Johns Hopkins didn't go the way he wished it could be.
He answered several questions, throwing key phrases such as flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and his familiar knowledge about cellular biology back from his undergraduate university. Other questions included teamwork, his communication, and other 'soft skills' as it was called.
He met a couple of pathologists and a Doctor of Management during the process. One of the current cytotech students was a former pathologist from Egypt, an older man who smiled at him with encouragement about this program. The current students were so experienced and filled with knowledge (even though graduation wasn't until June 2018).
I think for now on, he thought, I'm gonna rename myself as "Sandro". If I get selected to this program, I want to be reborn…
About two months went by as Sandro continued to hate his so-called 'gap year' very much. He was so worried that he would end up like every other college graduate; being forced to work in retailer.
The phone rang around noon that fateful day, he grabbed it as he recognized a certain number. His gut feeling told him to answer it.
"Hi is this Mr. Marotta?" the voice asked.
"Yes, this is him speaking," he replied.
Moments later, his heart raced and screamed in joy as he was accepted to the School of Cytotechnology. While retaining his physical screaming of joy, he willing accepted the offer as he knew this was his chance to finally get into a career and start his life…especially in Arizona.
There was going to be one major challenge however…as the third season of his favorite series was gonna be aired in July. He would have to be up to his studies and enjoy this series simultaneously.
If Haru and the others can survive college and get to the world, so can I, he vowed to his heart.
Somewhere out in space-time:
The remnants of Chaos swirled and warped across the empty field. The heroes have banished this concept into the unknown, but Chaos knew far better where it exactly was at.
They think they can send me back to where it all begin in hopes I don't antagonize them or anything anymore…heh.
It was true. Chaos and Cosmos were the only two concepts that cannot be destroyed nor created. They were both the very essence to how a universe is constructed. Before the first universe was even constructed, the two concepts were always in yin-yang of each other…they were both their equals.
The elements that made up the planck shell as they called it kept everything all contained with no need for expansion However, Cosmos let them all out in a big bang after learning what Chaos wanted to do with them. Chaos' plan was to make use of these elements all for itself; never to share, never to expand. No. It was a sacred agreement that all was to be contained and breaking the law would spark a terrible, endless war no matter how many battles were won or lost.
Focusing on the present, Chaos found itself at a wormhole that it didn't recall lately.
It's fresh…made because of the final battle…
Chaos drifted itself into the wormhole, traveling beyond fast yet so slow until it struck to the other side.
W-what is this…space? Could it be…the answer to my problems?
The darkness found itself in another sort of space-time but it contained more stars and more life beyond this point. After a simple analyzation…
I'm in the universe where all is possible…without paying a price!
Using its own dark magic, a planetary system was made with a "black star" and dark-scorched series of planets. The entity solidified into its own original figure after taking over so many innocent beings it gained from. With a wave of its hand, a new fortress stood as the master of shadows walked inside.
"Now…to begin a new project…one that will guarantee my absolute consumption of Cosmos and all his toys…we shall become one again with the planck…that is what is foretold…we must become nothing again…"
Eons Later:
In another land…
The dominant forces of the Ataxia League kept the world under its dark control. Anyone born into this land never experienced blue, crystal skies, with an ocean so pure of life. Instead, any humans, animals, plants, and other domains of life were filled with toxic and poisons to the point that it was normal for them.
It was a world with acid oceans, burnt grass, skies made of flammable combustion gases, and twisted forms that no normal human from an alternate Earth would recognize. Most of the citizens lived in the northern region of Vaalbara where the odds of living a luxury were impossible unless one was willing to give their life to Ataxia. Those who did were either scientists working with dark magic, guardians who patrolled the city, or agents who worked with other cities across the continent.
The southern region of Pilbara contains endless lightning storms, fauna of microscopic to mega bodies. Hardly any so called "humans" lived there for its fatal surprises.
One of the servants brought up the newest map of their world, showing the capital of Rana and its suburbs.
"Sir, we are facing a conflict in one of our supply trains containing ore," the servant said.
"Explain," Ataxia replied.
"One of your competitors is trying to take our goods," the servant continued, "How do you want your troops to eliminate them?"
"Our soldiers do not have the capability like my elites," Ataxia said, "Have they been contacted?"
"T-They?" the servant asked.
Ataxia turned swiftly and grabbed the servant by the neck before answering, "I'm interested in them…they are the ones who will carry out my task. Go to the Ever-Blue Company at the Laifi Lagoon and tell them to send out their two gun mans!"
The Dark One released the servant who scurried away to carry out on the order. Ataxia walked to a private chamber where five pillars of glass surrounded a sixth glass. The five of them were just emptied but still contained with bubbling fluid that once occupied his greatest creations. Thanks to that, they have become the most faithful forces to his cause.
I've had enough tales of them being heroes, Ataxia thought as he arrived at the central glass containing a prisoner inside the fluid, Let's see how their stories are told as villains. Do they get a happy ending too? Or will they just be another waste of my creation? More so, are they connected like the others…or will they become fully faithful servants to my cause?
Get down on your knees, Get a good head on your shoulders
If it's for your guys, Go to the end of the earth
Do what you think, Give it with dedication
I'll put out your misery
You made a mess
For Christ sake, this rotten world
Shit out of luck, Go with my vision
Light up the fire, Right on the power
Weapon, I have it all…
-Red Fraction by MELL
What is this new world? What did Ataxia mean by being told as villains? More so, why is Chaos so persistent on its goals to return to nothingness?
What has happened to Alex/myself in the last couple of years since graduation of college? Is a happy ending finally in sight for the future?
What happened to Free! and what will its fate become with the future becoming more crystal clear to the 2020 Olympics?
And lastly, what will this new saga be about?
A endless list of questions and plot holes soon finally being filled and explored as we head over to a familiar realm and begin there…starting with a dark curse plaguing a city called Hollywood Heights…
Water Wednesday October 16, 2019...a new era begins!