Episode 2: A Mahotsukai's Life!
Can you see my scars?
Can you feel my heart?
This is all of me for all of the world to see
Idaina Magna: Post-Epilogue of The Last World,
Some time after Pandora and Dodecadron's wedding,
Before the arrival of Hikaru, Isana, Shin, and Kotarou (OVA #4 of Book 0.5) & before the departure of Rasputin (in prologue)
Since that fateful day, all manner and matter in the afterlife was well. Redemptions were earned, happy beginnings and happy endings were real, no one had to face anymore unfinished business. Despite being such a near-utopian society, some issues do pop up such as dying crops, little kids arguing, minor disputes among some businesses, haters being bitches, and sometimes bits of remaining darkness left from the final battle.
After all, such a realm like this was violating the ways of the cosmic laws set forth from Kardashev. Yet it continues to exist thanks to the love and hope from all the people who truly wish well. Even with those who had great potential to turn dark still managed to do good and avoided all means of temptation.
Just why is this such a possibility a reality and who will pay the price for it to keep its existence?
The LeFay Manor
Pandora was reading a book written by her "biological" father that a friend managed to retrieve back in Camelot. She recalled from her training about the laws of Kardashev and how it ties to the Mahotsukai, Concepts, process of life, space, and time.
Her beloved husband held onto their baby Artemis while Morgan held another baby.
"So beautiful…" Morgan smiled.
"They really are something special…they can alter even the darkest of forces," Dodecadron nodded.
"I found it!" Pandora said as she pointed her finger on a chart filled with ancient writing. With a wave of her power, she began to translate.
The Kardashev Scale is known to only those who dare to utilize the energy and power that exist in each or all the realms. The lowest is embryonic where only basic elements like fire, water, and earth to survive the harsh elements of a planet.
As the scale goes up those who can utilize the planet's energy will rank from 0 to 1.
Interstellar civilization begins at 2, Galactic at 3, superclusters at 4, a single universe at 5, multiple universes at 6, outside of space-time at a 7.
Pandora gasped as she read the last level…one of which she knew too well from her father but that term was forbidden to even be written down.
"Omega…" she whispered, "That was what my father and Chaos are…they're the two sides of that level."
"Until he passed it down to you," Dodecadron answered.
"The Mahotsukai are at a level 5 as we know unless if one is an author and they can access to level 7 but…" Pandora began.
"Sister, is something the matter?" asked Morgan.
"It's just that…my sons…and now Artemis…all of them…they inherit a part of this power…that I hold," she answered.
"Why are you concerned?" her husband added.
"The Final Battle may have ended but that's just one story…any new stories could wind up en route to another final battle at any moment and Chaos will make more attempts to get what it desires," Pandora explained.
"You think Chaos is still out there?" Morgan questioned.
"Chaos is everywhere just as Cosmos," she said, "As I inherit my father's knowledge…I know what Chaos has been truly after."
She turned the pages back to the beginning showing an image that looked like a single bust of pocket-energy until it split into two and creating a massive explosion that began the first universe.
"It wants to go back to that time…that moment when they were one…that's why all must be destroyed."
"We were its puppets and yet it failed both times…how will Chaos succeed to make that happen?" Dodecadron asked.
"It's simple…Chaos is looking for a place where it will be guaranteed to end it all…"
"But we'll find a way to come back from it. I mean…hasn't it already happened before we even existed?" he asked.
"If that was true, then wouldn't we have already remembered?" Pandora answered, "All these endless cycles of birth and rebirth…could it really be broken?"
"As the Dark One…Chaos told me that my vessel was possible to grant its wish…" he muttered, "Until your story saved me…"
The wife looked at her husband as she began to tear up a little, answering, "The truth is…I've been scared ever since the birth…I feel like we are repeating our own cycle! I'm scared that…"
"Pandora…" he said softly before kissing her, "We are safe in this realm and we are no longer part of that darkness or its curses. All our children…and their families and friends will support each other. Our job is to give them all their best chance."
"I know they will survive," she smiled, "I just want us to be happy as our new family."
Morgan smiled at them as she looked at the baby. It was clear that a new story will begin someday but until then…the job of raising this new family is important.
The Great Stonehenge, Idaina Shire
The Original Members of the Magic Six sat down together on the hilly landscape, watching the day passing by slowly. Knowing that their descendants found their happy endings, there was nothing much else to worry about. Their Suiei Gods also departed to explore other realms beyond here to avoid the boredom (well at least for Suiei Hazuki anyway).
Alex lowered down his head a little as Rei rested his arm over his shoulder, "Are you alright?"
"It's my mother…Pandora…I can feel her anguish…" he said.
"But…she has her happy ending finally," Nagisa answered, "She and Dodeca-chan are so happy…"
"Yes…but with that happiness comes a new test…" Alex replied, "The child…she fears that all will repeat itself again like how it happened to me and Rasputin. But…I have strong faith that they will do well without our guidance. We promised to give them their best chance without our shadow."
"Does this mean you won't ever see them again?" Haruka asked.
"I am sure one day in dire need I will return to them," he answered, "Along with Rasputin…because that's one of the many family ties."
"Speaking of…how is he?" Rin added.
"The biological mother agreed with him to arrange on how much time they spend with their children…anything else beyond that I do not know. It is not my business," he said, "But I know that a crime like that is typically impossible to forgive…"
Alex began to tear up as Rei hugged him while the former continued, "However…this paradise…I just wanted everyone to have their best chance…no matter how deep the scars are. But is it even possible for someone like her to completely heal?"
"It's like you said…she has to decide on how she feels…it's not your decision," Rei answered, "Maybe…"
"I believe they're gonna be alright…I continue to choose hope…" Alex answered, wiping his tears, "If she feels the same way, then it's possible that they will be alright too. After all, the Shadow Mafia were given a new story to redeem themselves as well as Stefani. I choose to forgive and allow them to start over."
"Sounds like you made peace," Haruka commented.
"We're proud of you no matter what…" Rin nodded as his face grew emotional.
"You've become strong in your heart," Makoto smiled, "Just like when we first met you."
"I was different and darker; filled with vengeance. It was because of you guys that made me realize who the real enemy was…" he said with tears, "Me."
"Oh Alex-chan," Nagisa answered sadly. Rei's face also began to tear up a little.
"Don't make us cry too now," Rin added as Haruka turned his head to the side and Makoto looking down sadly.
"But it's true. I've hated myself for a very long time…for throwing away that happiness of swimming as a kid. I let that anger take toll into vengeance to our so-called enemies. While I might have had happiness around me…it took me more than an eternity to see that it was already there…standing with me this entire time."
"Thanks to all of you…along with our descendants…friends…and family, I finally love myself."
With that, he hugged everyone together as they all spilled tears of love and hope. The seagulls soared across the background while calling out an echo to the scenery.
"Your heart is pure," Rei added, "Never forget that."
At the Golden Beach, the Kirishima Brothers, Asahi, Nao, and Hiyori have already set up the area with a beach volleyball, picnic area, and party supplies. Kisumi and Hayato eventually arrived to join the fun along with Miho Amakata, Goro Sasabe, Sousuke Yamazaki and his cousin Kazuma Kato.
"Where's everyone else?" Kisumi asked.
"They're busy at the temple, don't know what," Ikuya shrugged.
"The invitation has extended to everyone, but I guess even in the afterlife, people get busy," Asahi explained.
"I'm sure Mako, Haru, and everyone will get here," Hayato smiled as he turned to his new friend Satsuki Ryouta.
"Is this the place?" Satsuki asked.
"Well hello Misaki," Nao smiled, "I see you've joined us."
"A bright light brought my family here," Satsuki replied, "I'm still a bit confused…"
"You're safe with everyone that loves you," Hayato smiled before blushing.
"Hehe, Hayato, that's the way to look at things," Kisumi chuckled while trying not to tear up on the truth about this world's state of the afterlife.
The group sat down together at the benches and picnic tables as Hiyori and Natsuya were grilling up the hotdogs, hamburgers, and cheeseburgers. Further out by the water, a yacht approached their way with Seijuurou, Atsuko, Saburo and Gou. Satsuki ad Hayato waved to the family.
"It's done!" Miho smiled happily as she scrolled through her laptop on a word document. She had been in the process of writing a book and she finally finished her first draft. It explained about her life as a teacher, a politician, and her days at the pool observing the teams on Lynwin-Mu.
I just hope that most of the content will be kept intact but a draft can really undergo a lot of changes, she thought as she saved her work and shut down her computer before opening up her umbrella to set up her resting spot on the beach.
"It's done!" Miho smiled happily as she scrolled through her laptop on a word document. She had been in the process of writing a book and she finally finished her first draft. It explained about her life as a teacher, a politician, and her days at the pool observing the teams on Lynwin-Mu.
I just hope that most of the content will be kept intact but a draft can really undergo a lot of changes, she thought as she saved her work and shut down her computer before opening up her umbrella to set up her resting spot on the beach.
As it turned out, the Magic Six (while they would normally go to beach parties and stuff) had other plans going on even though they were invited. Nagisa decided to perhaps go as a representative but Momo and Nitori also voted in as the former would like to play with his niece and nephew. Nitori sent a message to Aki if she was joining but declined, stating that she was going to be out of town for a while.
"What's the matter Ai-senpai?" Momo asked.
"Aki and I are no longer together but we have made our peace," he explained as Momo gasped.
"S-Sousuke had the same problem with Chigusa," Momo commented, "I mean…they didn't end in a bad way but just…"
"I only wanted her to be happy, but it turns out that I was costing some of my own happiness too…so we already did the papers and stuff," Ai replied, "But it's gonna be alright. In a way, we're all together. It's just that we agreed to evolve our relationship."
Sousuke stared out at the sunset alone as his mind was lost in thought. After coming to this land, he confessed to Chigusa and they agreed to just be as friends and they would cherish their lives on earth forever in the book. Despite this, he felt freer to explore his dreams.
"I'm sorry you had to go through that divorce," Kazuma said.
"It's alright. We spent our relationship and now she and I are just going to live out with everyone here," he smiled, "Besides…I kinda have a change of heart."
"Huh?" his cousin looked confused.
Rei and Alex made their way to the Marotta household where the parents and Sergi resided. Compared to the old one in Mayfield, it was more of an Italian-rustic blend with hints of modern aesthetics.
"I've always liked that little vine you got," Rei blushed.
"Oh thanks, my mom grew it there," Alex said, "And thank you for walking with me."
"You're welcome," the megane smiled.
"So then how long you guys be at Neo St. Petersburg?" Alex asked.
"About three days. Nagisa-kun wants to visit Andreas again and maybe eat some tea biscuits," Rei answered.
"That's totally him. Have fun and be safe. Tell Anastasia and Beatrice I said hi, okay?" he requested.
"Will do," Rei nodded, "Are you still going to the party?"
"I might, but we'll see how long I spend with the family here," Alex replied.
"Knowing your family…" Rei began but stopped to see some shadowy figures from a distance. One had a dark, black trench coat and the other with a beige-colored coat.
"Is something the matter?" Alex asked.
Rei wiped his glasses, but the two figures were gone, "It's nothing. I'll see you soon."
2 Days Later:
The two Marotta brothers sat down on the hills of the Idaina Shire, looking far at the atmosphere to the endless sea. Their father was busy locating his Italian musicians to promote a new radio program while the mother was working happily in her new art and photography studio.
"My Sergi…how long has it been since we've been here?" Alex asked.
"An eternity here could be just as slow as a blink of an eye in the real world," Sergi said.
Cali arrived and meowed happily before another cat showed up. Alex recognized it was Steve, the Matsuoka family cat.
"C-CALI!?" Alex gasped, wondering if she was…
The cat meowed happily as Steve flirted with her head. The two brothers slightly blushed or a moment but were very happy for their sister.
"It looks like a new family will begin also," Sergi chuckled.
"Yeah," Alex smiled as he gently brushed her fur, "Hey…Sergi?"
"What's up?" the brother asked.
"I'm sorry…for everything that happened between us when you were non-verbal…and whatever happened afterwards that I put our lives in jeopardy," Alex answered.
"Brother, this is not your fault. You've managed to heal yourself and helped all of us reach to our dream…our love…our paradise…" Sergi said, "I love you."
"T-thank you…I love you too!" he answered tearfully as they hugged.
Steve meowed as they heard a low rumble of bells ringing. It was not a good sign. The brothers released the hug and wondered what that was.
"What's with the chimes?" Alex asked, growing concerned.
"Let's go!" Sergi replied.
They both got up and ran as Alex prayed to himself that no more of darkness or Chaos dare to enter this place.
By the time they made it back to the city, a large crowd of people were in panic as a lockdown was announced throughout the area.
"Brother!" Rasputin shouted from a distance.
Sergi and Alex turned to see the half-human/half-Chiropteran approaching to them.
"What the hell is happening?" Alex asked.
"It's mother! A group of hooded figures appeared and caused some ruckus around here before kidnaping Artemis and…"
"NO!" he gasped, "What the hell do they want from that family?!"
"I'll leave you two to go deal with this. I'll check up on mom and dad," Sergi said.
Alex nodded before turning to Rasputin, "Let's go!"
The two left the city, heading their way to Stonehenge. However, they too encountered a hooded figure whose blonde-orange hair with a sinister grin greeted them for a second. Alex tried to attack with his dragon powers, but they vanished from site.
"It's like they appear and disappear," Alex muttered.
"I've gathered reports that they've caused some minor damage in several different areas," Rasputin said, "Come on, we have to hurry!"
The two brothers found Pandora crying in despair as Dodecadron tried to calm her down. Asahi and Ikuya were also present on the scene as a group of investigators were putting tape around ground zero. It was this very said spot were the last sights of…
"M-mother…" Alex said.
She turned to see the two of her boys before hugging them. Dodecadron informed the two what happened in detail as they were surrounded by these cloaked figures who cast them under some sort of an illusion of darkness before snatching away what was precious to them.
"They also said something in the lines that Chaos will return," Dodecadron concluded.
"We have to do something. We can't let Chaos win!" Rasputin gasped, "How are we going to get back to reality if…?"
"I'll go," Dodecadron said, "It should be my price. I've done terrible things as a Dark One…only this can be an opportunity for me to do the right things now."
"You're not going alone. We'll assemble a group together at once!" Alex replied.
"Let's not push into that agenda right away," the father replied.
"This is an emergency, we have to find a group of people who are willing to go back," Alex argued, "It's not our price to pay but if you are willing to go…"
"If you're going to go, I need to prepare some talismans," Pandora answered, "I can't lose you to whatever is happening out there."
"What do you think is happening?" Rasputin asked.
"…this," Pandora replied, revealing a new storybook in her hands, "This was found just after the incident in the Suiei Temple thanks to my sisters."
Alex took the book and opened it as he and Rasputin saw varying pictures and texts. The former gasped as he recalled this location from his descendant…
"Julius, h-he spoke about this land to me once…" Alex muttered, "But now a new dark curse is cast?"
"It appears so," Asahi said, "Someone managed to make it happen."
"But how is that possible?" Rasputin asked, "Who are these beings?"
"…They're witches," Pandora revealed, "I've knew their existence when I was the Dark One, but I ignored them as they could never serve my needs according to my plan."
"The others and I will stand guard at the Suiei Temple. Hopefully there was no damage there," Alex answered, closing the book, "I'll take this with me."
"Oh, and to answer your question…Alex," Ikuya added, "Asahi and I will help gather people to stop these witches and save the family."
"Very well, I've trusted you two with your previous experiences," the other man nodded, "We'll set up a base here and the temple to keep the communication going."
Later on: The LeFay Manor
The muscular half-Chiropteran, half-fairy adult was already busy stuffing his bag up with various clothes. He was so focused on his son that Pandora had to gently smack him on the face to stop freaking out.
"Hey, we're gonna be alright," Pandora replied.
"This isn't like you…so calm like that, an hour ago you were panicked to no shit," he said.
"And hours before that incident we were doing just happily ever after," she crossed her arms, "But yeah, maybe I am calming down a bit too much. However, I want to lead example for our family to be strong even when darkness returns."
Dodecadron started at her sky blue eyes as he could feel the same sensation of hope during their wedding here. He sighed before sitting down on the bed, "Do you think I will find the answers to I seek?"
"You have them here, but I know you want to do something good for the real world…I believe you will achieve it," she answered, sitting down next to him.
"And Rasputin?" he asked.
"He'll miss you no doubt, but we'll be sure you get home safely," Pandora said, revealing a small charm in the design of angel wings.
"This is…?" he looked at it.
"It belonged to my father…Cosmos that is. After he was killed by the Dark One, I had witch boy retrieve this for me," she explained, "Should something happen to you on the journey, this will protect you."
"T-thank you. Listen, when I do get back to the real world…I'm going to head to our old kingdom to find some stuff. I had some tools and weapons that might be of value for us," he said after taking the necklace.
"Please be careful…I don't even know if there's even a castle left in Chirottori ever since the first final battle," she sighed.
The two almost kissed but were interrupted by Morgan, Elaine, and Morgause arriving.
"What's up?" Pandora asked.
"We got new…humans arriving in this world," Morgan said, "Alex wanted me to deliver the message to you. He was with Sergi, Rei, Hiyori, and a few others at the Stonehenge."
"Thank you for reminding me, as a matter of fact there's someone who also came to this world, but I had him go to the woods for some time, training him on some of his potential skills," she answered.
"Who?" Morgan asked but Pandora vanished into the clouds of magic.
"Now what is she up to?" Dodecadron sighed, "Ugh, now I might as well wait for her return."
Tsubasa's Cottage
Out towards the endless woods north of the heavens, a lone man fired another of his arrows, striking his target while his dog started to bark. Moments later, Pandora appeared from the clouds and caught one of his arrows.
"I'm impressed," Pandora said.
Tsubasa lowered his bow, "I was practicing…"
"I know but…this archery thing isn't your true self," she answered, "But what I don't understand…is that when you first came here, why did you not come to us?"
"…I didn't know how I could trust everyone here. I may be dead but what I faced in my life was nothing but pain," he said.
"You don't have to go through with that alone," Pandora replied, "When I first found you…it was hours after the wedding party, and I gave you some of the leftovers to eat and with my magic I gave you this house here."
"I do thank you for it," he said, "I'm sorry I kept myself in the shadows…but to tell you the truth…I really wish I could be in town with everyone else."
"You do?" she asked.
"…there was a type of person whom I had feelings for, but he was already married and had kids," Tsubasa revealed, "Red hair…muscles that could rival my own…"
Pandora's eyes widened a bit as she knew exactly who he was talking about, "Seijuurou…?"
"Whatever his name was," Tsubasa commented.
"Listen. I think there might be a way…for your story to have a better ending," Pandora smiled as she approached him more closely, "There might be a way for you to come back to life and find your story."
"I-is that even allowed?" he asked, confused.
"If you are willing to pay the price for it…maybe…but I'll give you some time to think about it. When you are ready to decide…"
She snapped her fingers as a pair of silver slippers appeared on his feet and instructed, "Click those heels three times and you will get the help needed."
"T-toto too?" he asked.
"Yes, Toto too," she chuckled, "Anyway, I'll leave you be."
Rasputin walked alone towards the Suiei Temple where he saw Natsuya, Nao, Sousuke, Rin and Makoto doing some stuff. He would rather have come alone but if he wanted to find answers…he had to break barriers.
Natsuya was the first to see him from a distance and beckon the others to join.
"Are you looking for something?" Nao asked.
"Books…but not the one from a library, I need to see the books here in the temple," Rasputin said.
"Let him in," Rin replied, "We can assist."
The Chiropteran followed the five humans in and went towards the far side of the temple where a series of books rested on shelves. These were no ordinary books but ones filled with magic. Several of them were from Camelot's story tower before it was destroyed while others were crisp and untouched.
"Which one are you looking for?" Makoto asked.
"I want to know…if there are more versions of me and if any of them had a happy ending," Rasputin answered after a moment of hesitation.
The group went to work and researched via computers and looking at each of the books that had a "Rasputin" in it. However, upon reading the two results that were on display, neither of them had a chance to live to old age.
"Why…why is my story all but darkness?" he muttered before feeling like he wanted to cry, "What did I DO to deserve this!?"
"Alex has told us what you've done too…we are confused and fascinated your being here in this paradise," Natsuya replied.
"It's because…I love my children very much. I couldn't be by their side…watching them grow up and…just being a family for once," the Chiropteran answered, "But even after what I have done…I know that it won't be much longer until I feel like an exile."
"You are not an exile," Nao answered, "Just because you made one bad move…or 30…does not mean now's the time to give up."
"But I can't go talk to her…I-I'm afraid she wouldn't give me the time of the day," Rasputin replied.
"Let us help you," Makoto said, "Rin and I will go with you."
Rasputin gulped in anxiety before nodding, "A-alright."
The trio arrived at the Meadow's Edge where a simple cottage rested in the fields of green. It was here were the victim resided as well as the children during their rotation custody. Rasputin felt horribly sick to his stomach to meet with her again. The last encounter after the wedding was very awkward and it almost led to an argument.
"I…I can't do this!" Rasputin stuttered.
"You have to try," Makoto said, "It will be tough but we're here too."
Rasputin knocked on the door and it opened as Elise stood at the other side.
"Hello," she answered flatly.
"Hello Elise," Rasputin answered, "M-Makoto and Rin are here."
"I see that," she replied, "I suppose this is more than just a social call…come in."
The trio walked in before she went to the kitchen and grabbed out a tea set. Rasputin couldn't even stare at her in the slightest.
"Forgive us for getting ourselves into your business here," Rin said, "But I am sure you know of Alex, right?"
"Of course," Elise replied, "He's told me a lot of what has happened with all of you as well as him."
"Elise…I…." Rasputin began.
"Hm?" she asked.
Rasputin turned to the victim and finally answered, "I cannot ask for your forgiveness…for what I have done was unforgivable. I do not know why fate favored me to come to this paradise when you probably wished for me to be in the eternal fires of hell for my sin."
"…I never even had the chance to live my life," Elise replied, "I don't know what I could've been…a nurse, a housewife, a scientist, a politician."
"What if I told you that you can have that chance?" Rasputin proposed.
"And what if I refuse?" Elise asked.
"Well then you're making a mistake for sure," Rasputin said, "I went to the temple today and looked at my name…looked at every version of myself in all the realms. Not a single one of them had a happy ending."
"Oh boo-hoo," Elise replied, "You are here in paradise! Whatever you compare yourself to those other versions of you…"
"Am I?" Rasputin got a bit stern but sighed, "Long before I even met you, I was a lot like you…innocent, cheerful, and pure. Sure, it was only the first few years of my life and I had no excuse nor control of becoming a villain. No…I know the real reason why I am here; I'm going back to the mortal realms and start my new story. In my humble opinion, you should go to."
"I don't want to go if you are getting involved," Elise crossed her arms, "You are just a sick twisted bastard who thinks you can do whatever you please!"
"If I was a sick twisted bastard, I would've never have come here nor love OUR children," he looked at her sharply, "Take my advice; if you want to be happy…the first thing you gotta do…is forgive yourself. Evil isn't born…it's made.
"And lastly…I'm asexual."
Elise grew speechless at this. A part of her wanted to smack the living heck out of him but somehow…another part of her forbad her to do so.
Since when did he become filled with wisdom but can't even say a simple apology, she thought.
"Whenever you're ready to go back…my mother will help you," Rasputin concluded as he finished his tea and got up, "Now if you excuse me, I am going to make my new destiny. And lastly, I'm sorry that I took that away from you originally...but do try to consider this option."
Rin and Makoto looked at each other with a nod and took their leave. Elise watched them head out as she could only wonder if this man was foolish enough to do such a thing. However, a part of her was a bit more curious…could she really come back to life and have a better story?
By nightfall, Dodecadron was finishing his bag with clothes and tools he had imported from the warehouse of witch boy's shop. On the nightstand was a family photo with him and his wife during their second wedding. A larger photo of them was in the main hall of the manor.
Pandora walked in to see him, "So you really are going back?"
"Do you think I just want to sit here and do nothing about it?" he replied, "And where have you been today?"
"I had to check in with a friend whose other friends just arrived here with their missing pages," she answered.
He walked over to her with a hug, "I promise…we will be a family again. I will do whatever it takes to end Chaos once and for all."
"But honey if you do that…" she gasped softly, "All of this will end!"
"I know but…how much more can conflict exist? Why do our children have to suffer all of this?" he answered back, "No matter what comes of us…misfortune tends to stick around!"
"Just focus on getting our family back together," she insisted, "Maybe by that point I can try to do something…"
Dodecadron grunted before finishing his bag and kissed her farewell. She followed him to the foyer before they exchanged farewells. From there, he walked towards the Suiei Temple where the Magic Six along with a hologram of witch boy waited.
"I know you'll do alright…father," Alex said.
"Y-you never called me that before," he gasped.
"It's who you are," Alex replied, "Even if you weren't my first blood relation."
His wings fluttered for a moment before closing them down. After being instructed by Watanuki on where he was going, the portal opened, beckoning him to return to life. The father of the Chiropterans and fairies walked through the unknown…
"Do you think he'll be alright?" Rei asked.
"He has to be strong both in his mind, body, and heart," Alex replied.
"But do you think it was appropriate to send him back earlier?" Haruka objected, "Why not send him after the curse washed over?"
"Because there is a risk that if he does find Artemis…the curse will sense that he is awake and it may do something bad," he answered.
"Then we have to trust that this mission will be successful…but if something backfires worse than we anticipated…" Makoto began.
"I am sure the people who are affected by the curse will find a way to break it," he said.
"And if that's the case, I'll be leaving too," a voice answered.
The group turned to see Rasputin standing at the exit of the temple. As Alex was about to object to this, Makoto and Rin revealed that they confided with him and they visited Elise.
"EEEHHHH?! You visited E-Elise-chan!?" Nagisa gasped.
"Were you comfortable enough to confront her like this?" Rei asked.
"Even if you do go back, what price are you willing to pay?" Alex questioned, "Your father paid a big price of coming back to life."
"Then my price will be my horrible reputation…I'm willing to give up the anxiety and trauma and start fresh," Rasputin answered.
"Such a high call for your wish," Watanuki answered, "If you truly wish to start over, you must first prepare to make your departure. Whatever happens to you outside of this realm will be out of our control."
"Witch boy…" Alex began, "Are you sure he's going to do this?"
"A person's sins of the past will only linger if one chooses to hang onto it. Even if he does redeem himself fully, the sin will diminish but it will never go away completely…unless something of equal and opposite to his violation is met," the hologram answered.
"It is a risk I am willing to take," Rasputin replied.
After a group consensus, the Magic Six authorized Rasputin to do part of his new Operation: Rebuild project. He thanked the group before returning to his home as his children were in bed sleeping. He knew that a lot was about to happen, but it didn't matter. For now, he had to prepare for this new quest. As for Elise, he decided to just move on from here unless she decided to say something to him.
Meanwhile:
Elise opened the door and stepped out to watch the sunset from her porch when she saw a small black dog that looked like a Cairn terrier walking and sniffing the flower fields nearby.
"Awwww, what a cute doggie," she got up and followed it. The dog turned to her and barked softly.
"Are you lost? Do you want something to eat?" Elise asked.
"That's my dog…" a male voice said.
The young lady turned to see a blue-haired man dressed in a blue & gray with white accented hoodie-jacket with a pair of shorts of the same colors and a white baseball cap.
"Apologies my lady," Tsubasa added, "Toto, I told you to not run off like that."
Toto barked a few times before freeing himself from the lady's arms. Elise felt something off about this man in which typically she would never approach to a male stranger since her trauma back on Duniya. However…
"Is there something wrong?" he asked.
"How about I give you some of the best chamomile tea you ever tasted?" Elise greeted.
"Got anything stronger?" Tsubasa requested.
She led him inside as Toto followed his master to the kitchen area and jumping on his lap. Elise took out a pair of glasses with a couple of alcohol-drinks available.
"Which one fancies you?" Elise asked.
"Uhhhhh I think the blueberry vodka lemonade will do," he answered.
She poured him a glass before giving herself a plain whisky drink. After setting the drinks up and relaxing at the table, they both drank up.
"I pardon to intrude your place here but are you the only one in this house?" Tsubasa asked.
"I am…however, I do have two kids of my own whom are living with their dad for this week," Elise replied.
"Sounds like a tough relationship," he commented.
"And how about you?" she asked.
"Been only me and my dog Toto," Tsubasa answered, "I once had a crush on someone, but it turns out they were already married and have kids."
"I am so sorry," Elise answered.
"Meh, it's whatever. But in light of recent events, I might be leaving here soon," he added.
"Leaving? You mean going back to the mortal realms?" she asked.
"Yes. I might have a new story to redeem myself," Tsubasa answered.
Elise looked down and wondered about the words from Rasputin earlier. Is such a feat possible? Could the dead really return?
"I'm Tsubasa Hoshikawa," he introduced himself.
"Elise…Elise Zhi. I was a princess back in my homeland," she revealed her identity.
"Oh wow…that sounded like an interesting story," he complimented.
"It was…but it was also too short. My homeland was plagued by a terrible villain and he destroyed our city into ruins. My family was killed and then…"
Tsubasa could feel his heartbeat rising as he could only guess what was coming through her past, "If you don't want to tell me…I understand."
"My kids…I love them but the father…was the one who laid waste to my life," she trembled before tearing up.
Tsubasa wanted to approach her but she gestured him back, "I'm sorry…I shouldn't have spoken this much. I'm sure you're a nice man but I can't be near people of the opposite sex. I don't know why I was able to approach you normally but…"
"Well if it gives you some sympathy…I too…was violated," he revealed.
"E-Eh!?" she gasped softly.
"Back in my homeland…I worked as an adult entertainer and performed many shows. One of my colleagues…was a witch in disguise of a man and she gave me an infection that would ultimately kill me in due time," he continued, "To help with my anxiety, Toto came to my life."
"I see," Elise nodded.
"My goal for when I do return to the living world is to stop that witch from hurting other people's lives and help victims along the way," Tsubasa vowed.
"I didn't think a man like you would be taken advantage of," Elise said, "Back in my homeland…our city…our culture was so different. Some would say that our town was one to die for because everyone felt safe regardless of being in royalty or a worker. Even the most vulnerable people felt safe."
"I'm afraid it wasn't like that in my homeland…sure it was ruled by the Magic Six and the Suiei Gods with extensive protection laws and rights but…people of corruption did leak their way into that sacred place. Most of it was barred off but a few evil ones lurked from time to time…and then the witch showed up," he spoke.
"To backtrack about what you said earlier, I saw the father today and he spoke about starting his story over. Do you think it's possible that he's changed?" she questioned.
"Well I do not know this man, but I know this…if he is willing to forgive himself and try to find happiness…I think a second chance is a possibility," Tsubasa placed his two cents.
"Would you give that witch a second chance?" Elise questioned.
"…depends on what that witch is doing now," he said, "I'd have a hard time to believe it at first but…"
"Well that's my point with Rasputin; I can't trust him but…he does care for the children very much so. I don't know if I will ever be happy again but…maybe I should go back too and find my story," she replied, "I'm sorry if this conversation was awkward but…"
"No…I appreciate your honesty. At least we both feel a similar kind of pain," Tsubasa nodded as he got up with Toto. Elise took the glasses to the sink.
"Very well then, safe travels," he saluted as they left the house. Elise walked up to the door and watch them heading towards the forest in the moonlight. After they disappeared, she returned to her room and lied down on her bed, wondering about all of what has happened today. If it was possible to return…would this new story be happier? Could she finally have the life of her dreams?
Back at the Suiei Temple, Alex reviewed the pages that showed the Tragedy of Lha'Li. After receiving the page from Rasputin, he saw the uncensored truth that led to the birth of Matryona and Varvara. Something about the pages…
"N-No…it can't be…" he muttered, "I…I thought she…?"
Alex's hand trembled at this page of the book as he couldn't bear to realize what happened in the past. He had to get to Rasputin and Elise as soon as possible!
Present Day:
Artemis tried to follow all the scenes he watched from this mirror. While he didn't understand all of what it showed, he speculated that this was what Asahi and Ikuya wanted him to see. His reactions varied so much as he teared up to see his real family before curious about this Rasputin and Elise. The last scene of Alex at the temple was cut up abruptly.
However, it was already time to get to his last day of classes and prepare for the graduation ceremony.
I better get ready, he thought as he placed the mirror beneath the pillow.
~Episode 2 END~
~Episode 3 PV~
Ikuya: Welcome to Hollywood Heights Artemis…
Artemis: This city looks like…?
Asahi: Yeah, it's been cursed off to high ends.
Veronica: Tell me why are these ingrates entering this town? They have no business to be here!
Blaze: Heh, mom has no idea about all of this does she?
Verrado: As long as you make her look like she's in charge, she won't lay a finger on you.
Artemis: Next Time, Free! A Bitter Draught! Just where did all of these people come from and what are their stories?