Episode 3: Hollywood Heights Part 1: A Bitter Draught!

So who's it gonna be?
The one that you only need
I gave it all and all you gave
Was sweet misery...

Present Day: Hollywood Heights, During the Curse

The Silver BMW 6 series Alpina B6 marked with VS1 on the licensed plate arrived at the valet parking section of the Smith's Development & Community Design. The valet guy opened the door and she stepped out with her bright red stilettos from Louis Vuitton.

Veronica Smith wore her gray colored faux-leathered collar blazer with a gray shirt and skirt. Her handbag was crimson red like her heels. Her walking pace was more of a boss march with a direct vision in front of her. People were afraid of her authority and no one dared to question anything that she dictated.

At the reception desk, Blaze Crescent watched the video surveillance as the CEO was making her way from the front entrance. He pushed a button to send out the announcement on the floor. Despite this, some of the workers were ignoring him.

"My god she's not supposed to be here till 9," sighed Clarion walking in from the elevator on the 6th floor. The clock was only 8:40 A.M.

"Well what do you want me to say?" Blaze answered back sharply as he fixed up his glasses and quickly brushing his hair, "It's not like anyone's gonna listen to me. Remember what happened 3 Friday's ago?"

"Let me do the honors," he winked, heading to a glass door where a bunch of employees were chatting.

"That's because you're the CFO," Blaze muttered as he got up and prepared the tea.

"Okay everyone, gird your loins!" Clarion called out as all the employees who heard him quickly scrambled to clear and clean the area.

One of the waitresses ran into the CEO room and prepared a glass of sparkling water while another co-worker removed the excess magazines and replaced them with fresh, new issues.

"You clean that up! You take off that ridiculous tie! Everybody look busy and remember: no eye contact!" Blaze continued to remind the workers.

The male employee looked down at his tie while three ladies were clearing off the lobby table. Two men carried their packages out from the CEO room and to their office spaces.

The younger Crescent brother made his way to the elevator as they opened to reveal Veronica alone in the elevator. She looked up to see Blaze.

"Good morning," he smiled professionally.

"Is it? So tell me, why is it so hard to confirm an appointment?" she respond, handing him her bag and heading to her office.

"I am so sorry Veronica but I…" began Blaze, following her.

"Your incompetency does not interest me. Anyway, tell Jacob that I reject the application from the apprentice. I wanted someone of loyalty, keen, and swiftness not someone of dirty, tired, and paunchy. Also, RSVP the Golden Party for this Saturday and have my ride ready by 7:30 P.M. and pick me up at 8 o'clock sharp."

"Got that," he nodded.

"Oh and one last thing, why hasn't anyone from the Aeuropa Construction Company started to get rid of those pools from the rooftop yet?" asked Veronica, "They are to be replaced with a garden terrace as planned."

"I am not sure, we are trying to get a deal arranged with them to keep our financial budget stable," answered Blaze.

Veronica stepped to her room and turned swiftly to him before closing the doors, "Stop trying. Start succeeding. Or must I do everything MYSELF?"

In the Past: Tsukishima Manor
(Before The Curse)

Abigail returned to the manor with a coffin containing Akiteru's body. After getting some help with magic, she had to finish the job.

"A-Abi…" Takahiro gasped.

"He's gonna be alright, I have some magic that will save him," she replied, "Any word on Serena?"

"No…" he answered sadly, "And I'm gonna be going out of town soon for business up in the Northwest Pacific."

"It's alright. Once Akiteru wakes up, the kids will continue to play, study, and work together happily," the wife answered, "Go do what you need to do."

The mother brought the coffin back in just as Laura and Kei sat on the steps. Abigail reassured them that Akiteru was just sleeping and she had to smuggle him back to keep his identity safe from the witch.

"So we'll be a family again?" Laura asked.

"Of course. Remember, for my family…I'll always find a way," Abigail smiled.

They went to the living room and the two children closed the door and shut the curtains. Abigail opened the lid as Akiteru's semi-cold body rested peacefully and intact. She took out a glass bottle that she stole from the witch. She also took a book on various magical spells and curses, and a small box. The mother explained on how there is one breath of air left inside his lung to preserve him from death and decaying.

After several hours of prepwork and translation, Abigail produced a small sample of a clear liquid from the stove and took it to the body. She took a dropper to take the liquid and gently placed a drop on the boy's head. Seconds later, Akiteru gasped for breath as life refueled his body once more.

Kei and Laura were stunned to see this miracle just as Abigail watched with her widened eyes.

"M-mother…?" Akiteru asked, "What happened?"

Abigail smiled and said, "I saved you…oh my sweet Akiteru, I saved you! When it comes to my family…I'll always find a way."

Akiteru turned to see Kei and Laura and they both joined in for a hug.

Seconds later, the phone rang. Kei went to grab it and answered, "Hello?"

He then gave it to his mother as she answered, "Yes?"

"Mrs. Tsukishima, your husband is on his way to the hospital after suffering a heart attack and ending in a car crash," the first responder answered.

Abigail nearly dropped the phone in shock before looking at her children. Kei already feared the worst about the father and he ran upstairs to his room. He loved his father very much and just now…

"It's a life for a life…" a voice said.

Kei turned to see the witch that Abigail described to him a while ago. Verrado stepped into the light and added, "Your mother did a great job in reviving your brother. I can see how she truly loves him."

"She only cares for him!" Kei replied, wiping his tears, "I can't imagine what she'd do if she failed to revive him! And now father's gone because of her!"

"I sense that she's not the only one who knows in ways of magic…you, Kei, also have to cultivate yours. If you do that, you'll have no need for your mother. I can take you instead," Verrado offered.

"By becoming you?" Kei asked.

"You'd be a great contribute to our cause…and for yours," the witch added, "My family are always open to new visitors outside of our grounds."

Kei closed his eyes for a moment before hearing Abigail calling out to him.

"The offer's still on the table," Verrado said, giving him a coin-like object, "When you are ready, activate this coin and it will give an alert to my family at our headquarters."

He nodded as the witch vanished into the clouds.

Present Day:
Judd's Tavern, Hollywood Heights

Shiloh was busy adjusting his employees' schedule and checking to restock a few drink ingredients. Once he was done, he returned to the bar as he saw an early customer walking in.

"Well hello Matty, you're pretty early," Shiloh said, "Did something happen?"

"Oh no, it's fine, I'm just…" he replied, "Well…I don't know how much longer I'll be in town."

"Let me guess…Smith?" Shiloh asked.

"Yeah that bitch was talking to our president in possibly building a new facility in the southern half of the city. As much as it's good…I have a feeling she's gonna want someone like me there," Matthew sighed.

"She's been trying to kick every one of us out," grunted Shiloh, "How about a drink?"

"Just one…the usual," Matthew answered, taking out his wallet to pay up, "I gotta go to work soon in 35 minutes."

Shiloh chuckled and mixed up the Blue Lagoon and added a lemon, pineapple and cherry. Matthew thanked him and took a nice sip of refreshment with the slight pinch of alcohol.

"I gotta say, you're looking so fine," Shiloh smiled, "Soon enough someone's gonna swoon on you."

"I've already been hit on by both girls and guys," Matthew blushed, prompting Shiloh to laugh as the former added, "And what about you? You've been working out yet you're just as big."

"I guess you're right about that man, but you're still blooming. As for me, I'm out of your league when it comes to age," Shiloh shrugged.

"Someone's gonna get you too," Matthew teased and they both laughed. Once he finished up his drink, the two made a fist bumped and clasped their secret handshake before the trainer left.

"You two are pretty close," one of the employees commented.

"Let's say I'm like a father to him. He's lost his family before becoming a teenager so I've given him support," Shiloh explained, looking at the cash. He didn't want to take it but Matthew knew that he owed him for so much support and didn't want to take it for granted.

"I see," the employee said.

As Matthew arrived at the Life's Fit Recreation and Spa, he saw another man hurrying out the door and to his car with his bag and stuff. The guy already dropped a few things.

"Hey there!" Matthew called out, "You've dropped some stuff."

The other man turned and gasped before thanking him as Matthew handed over his goggles and swim cap.

"T-Thank you," he replied, "This is what I get for rushing…"

"Take it easy man," Matthew answered, "Don't let anyone take the best from you."

"Thanks, I'm Brendon," he quickly introduced himself.

"Matthew, nice to meet you," the other man said and Brendon thanked him again before taking off.

Matthew walked inside to the center as he prepared to set up the afternoon class for his Cross-Fit-Max Training session. It was going to be another long one so he already prepped up a few extra supplies of water and fans to the room.

After settling things in his apartment, Brendon made a run across the city blocks to get to the Safewaze store. He was already a couple of minutes late but it appeared to be another busy day so chances of getting caught were at a minimum.

He quickly put on his badge and went to one of the cashier drawers to start his shift.

Was he the Matthew…the trainer, he thought for a moment as he readied for the first customer at the checkout.

Alice's Apartment

"YEESSS! I got 10K HITS FINALLY!" Alice cheered happily as her latest artwork scored big time on her social media. Hopefully with this, her sponsors and patrons will give her more money for her work. It was a cute fanart of two guys dressed as pirates and readying for some sort of battle.

One of her internet friends congratulated her on the milestone and she thanked them. Her life as an artist was great because of the sponsors who supported her cause. She has been asked for serious commissions as well as contributing pieces of her art to some museums as well. While she also does fanart for her fandoms, she adapts a different name in fear of being judged from her professional artist environment as well as the potential for losing her audience.

This is because she is also does professional painting in varying styles she studied since childhood. While she achieved well on her internet milestone, she had to now focus on her daytime work.

Sisters of St. Beaumont Academy

The clock struck noon as it was lunch break for the girls of junior and senior classes. Iberia Curacao, L'aura Beau, and Mesa Reed sat down in the courtyard with their food. The trees blossomed its Sakura petals above.

"They're so pretty today," Iberia awed.

"I'm glad we caught a good time to see this," L'aura agreed.

A small petal landed on Mesa's hand. She looked at it for a moment until another breeze gently swept it away. This academy was an all-girls school with nuns, female instructors, and even the principal was a lady. It was known for its intensive college-prep courses with credits transfer to several universities across the metro.

"Girls, did you hear that Sister Eva is coming back?" Iberia smiled.

"She's not a nun," sighed L'aura.

"Well she's far better than some of them in this academy," Iberia argued.

"She doesn't want to live her life the way they do," L'aura answered back.

"Sister or civilian, it doesn't matter," Mesa said, "What I'm interested is where we'll go after graduation."

"Don't remind me," Iberia replied.

"Well I for one, I got accepted to La Salle University," L'aura said.

"That's the college of research, right?" Iberia asked.

"Yeah and they only take the best of the best students!" she boasted, "I've heard through rumors that there are also a few celebrities that were accepted there too!"

Mesa's phone vibrated. She took it out to look and saw Alice's latest work having 10K+ hits. She added her heart to the mass responses on the social media.

"Hey, do you girls wanna go to the Downtown Art Museum this weekend?" Mesa asked.

"For what?" they asked.

"I've heard of a well-popular artist who's said to have made a professional painting that will be soon hung there," Mesa answered.

"Oh you mean Alice's?!" Iberia, "I can't believe that girl…she's got the best of both worlds yet the media hasn't shunned her yet."

"W-what are you talking about?" L'aura asked.

"I've heard that she has a pseudonym and with that identity, she does more pop art based on cartoons, anime, manga, etc. Sometimes if she's commissioned high enough, she'll draw something…?" Iberia.

"Trashy?" Mesa rolled her eyes.

"It's NOT TRASH!" Iberia argued, "She's an activist for the LGBTQIA and even that celebrity Stefani has commissioned an art piece! As much as I admire Alice's work…I'm worried she'll get caught by the conservatives!"

"Speaking of, hasn't she released that new album?" L'aura added.

"Yep! She's even having it part of an opening theme for an upcoming anime!" Iberia smiled happily.

"Well I don't mean to change the subject but those guys from wall-ball…the original four…I've heard they're gonna retire soon!" Mesa added.

"One of them did walk out of the closet as gay…I think it was the head guy too," L'aura recalled.

Hours Later:

After Brendon did his part time shift, he made a quick stop at Judd's Tavern to purchase some cocktails to take home. The tavern also had a mini store which was a popular place to get the best booze and stuff.

"Oh hey there Brendon, been a while?" Shiloh asked.

"Yeah, busy with the store…despite being treated as part-time," he sighed.

"Looks like you've also gained more muscle?" he added, "I see your legs are more toned."

"Yeah, I got a photoshoot in three weeks with…" Brendon began but hesitated for a second. He quickly turned left and right before whispering to Shiloh's ear.

"Man, you got yourself a big hit!" Shiloh chuckled.

"Shhhh. I don't want any prying ears," Brendon whispered.

"l got you," Shiloh smiled, "You know I also did some modeling back in the days. The trick is to be yourself and relax. Let your body do the talking."

"Ohhhh, sounds like you're gonna have to tell me next time," Brendon replied.

Matthew walked into the tavern as his body was still somewhat sweaty and a little stench.

"Matty, looks like you just got out of a warzone," Shiloh commented.

"I know I'm gross but today's class was really epic and alive," Matthew answered. Brendon blushed upon seeing the arms and the legs and by the outfit outlining his entire anatomy. There was a slight bulge protruding on his wiener which made Brendon feel slightly stiff.

Fuck, why is he so hot, it's like I just wanna bang him, Brendon thought, but yet…it's like…do I know him? My body wants him yet I'm…

"A-Are you alright?" Matthew asked.

"Y-yeah," Brendon said, turning his head to the side as he blushed, "I-I'm sorry…"

"Looks like you two could use an ice breaker," Shiloh said, handing over some mixed shots he prepared for, "On the house."

They sat down on the barstool seats with their drinks. Thankfully it was still a bit early before the typical night customers would show up. However, it was the only time that they could start to open a little.

"So, you also work out at the fitness center?" Brendon asked.

"I'm a trainer," Matthew smiled, "For about 5 years or so but I've used to go there for as long as I can remember. I only completed my high school education though…I cannot afford college."

"Who does?" Brendon remarked, "Well I did make about 2 years for an associate's but…I just felt out of place there. Thankfully I discovered my inner talent and run a few gigs here and there."

"You know what…you do look familiar…" Matthew respond, "Those eyes…even your facial features…"

"I-um…I'm a model," Brendon blushed.

"Ooooohhhhh, yes…I think I happen to have a magazine with you in it. You were in the Rapport and Les Yeux issues," he realized, "You wore those clothes like a boss."

"I-I'm glad you noticed," he said as the other man took a shot.

"I've been attracted by both men and women," Matthew chuckled.

"Haha, so are you…?" Brendon asked, taking his shot.

"Maybe yes…maybe not," Matthew winked but whispered, "I guess I'm open and single if you will."

"Oh...well I uhhh…I suppose I am flattered but no man has ever complimented me like that. The girls usually hit on me," Brendon blushed, "Yet I don't seem to feel too comfortable with them."

"I see," Matthew replied, "And you're single?"

"Yeah…and still a virgin," Brendon blushed again.

"Hehe, such a good boy," Matthew said, "As much as I've been hit on both sides, I've never slept with anyone either."

"Oh?" Brendon asked, a little surprised.

"The truth is…I've had to hustle growing up. My family all died from the fire long ago and I couldn't save anyone of them," Matthew explained, "But I was able to preserve our family ring that belonged to my father."

He took out the ring and showed it to Brendon. As he touched it, an instant flash of image appeared in his head, showing a family of two adult men and a young girl but it was too brief.

"I-is something wrong?" Matthew asked.

"No, it's nothing, I'm fine," Brendon replied.

The doors opened as Veronica Smith and A.J. Clemort walked in. Matthew turned to see and his eyes widened to see A.J.

"A-A.J…" Matthew gasped.

"I see you like to take risks out here," his boss replied, "And you know not to call me that when Veronica is joining us."

"Look I was just talking to this nice guy," Matthew answered, "No one else is here yet at the bar and…"

"You may be a respectable man at work but you coming to this bar is hurting your reputation," A.J. said, "I don't want the worst to happen for you. People will take advantage of your attraction and will use it to exploit the dark parts of you. Look at what happened to a bunch of guys on the news lately with their careless actions upon the women."

"Don't you dare talk about me and other men like that! Did you forget that I have been single!?" Matthew replied sharply.

"Right now, you're acting up thanks to whatever you're drinking. Imagine what would be if you had a few more," A.J said.

"It was just one," Matthew grumbled.

"Anyway…we've discussed about your performance at work and we've come to an agreement about the new center," Veronica explained.

"What are you saying?" Matthew asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.

"Starting next month, when the center opens, you'll be going there…permanently," Veronica answered.

Matthew's eyes widened in shock, but his facial expression was mixed with anger and sadness. He got up and stormed his way out as Shiloh narrowed his eyes from the shadows. The bar owner was angry at how those two decided to dictate like that to their employee.

"And for you Mr. Lewis, I see you've been a loyal customer to our center," A.J switched subject.

"Let me guess, I'm kicked out from there?" asked Brendon.

"Oh no, we got a special offering for you if you're interested," A.J smiled.

"I'm afraid that whatever you're going to offer, it won't make up for what you've done to Matthew. Now if you excuse me, I'm leaving," Brendon said, finishing his shot.

"Look we're just doing business…for the good of the company," A.J replied.

"Well fuck your business and your money! Your bigotry and arrogance aren't attractive!" Brendon growled as he got up from his seat and grabbing his bag. A.J's face was neutral but of course not easily offended as this wasn't the first time someone flipped out on him. Veronica crossed her arms in suspicion about his attitude. It was clear that something about him and Matthew just by the looks of their eyes…

Like the rest of the city, such romance or attraction is forbidden, that's the ways of life here, she thought, no room for them.

Brendon thanked Shiloh for the drinks and left, heading back to his place.

Earlier in the day: The Townline of Hollywood Heights

Asahi, Ikuya, and Artemis arrived in a familiar place and the latter's mind twitched a little. Now that Artemis was finally done with school and graduated, his new journey started with these two swimming guardians.

"T-This is…" began Artemis.

"Hollywood Heights. Look familiar?" Ikuya asked.

"S-Somewhat but…" Artemis said.

"The place has changed a lot since you left but some places that stood up to Veronica Smith are battling everyday here," Asahi explained.

"I mean, the neighborhood was filled with diversity and plenty of wonderful architect and designs…" Artemis muttered, "Why did it change so much?"

"Well it's all becoming gentrified and expensive," Ikuya explained, "The hearts of the people have shrunk while business people and the economics took root. However, in our latest observations, we are detecting some awful dark magic looming around. We think it's going to cause a major catastrophe if we don't find out what it is and stop it."

"What sort of magic is this?" Artemis asked.

"We think it's something due to the field of space-time being warped," Asahi replied, "Whether by design or by accident, our observations speculate that it is a point of entry to some other land."

"So then…what do we do?" they young man questioned.

Ikuya took out a rolled-out map with several key locations pinpointed, "There are towers here were built in such a pattern that could possibly contain the harnessed magic. They need to be destroyed in order to buy time."

"B-but if there are people living in them…" Artemis protested, "No way! We can't just destroy a building and cause casualties!"

"Actually, they're not for residency; they're signal towers for mobile devices and whatever this land uses for communication" Asahi replied, "You don't realize it yet, but you have magic like us. After all, when was the last time you felt like a trance and did something that no ordinary human can do?"

Artemis' eyes widened as he did recall both the museum and the Suiei Temple in Iwamara. He narrowed his eyes, "Who the hell are you people?"

"Before we go further, we have someone to introduce you to…let's say it's an old friend," Ikuya answered.

The Drury Condominiums

The elevators opened at the top floor as the trio made their way through a hallway before arriving at a massive suite. While Artemis has never been to this location, the aura that he sensed as awfully familiar.

"W-who lives here?" Artemis muttered.

A tall man of dark skin walked in with a series of long dreads and a pair of spectacles. He was dressed in more of a summer-like outfit than his usual professional attire.

"B-Ben?" Artemis questioned.

The stranger's eyes widened with a big smile, "Oh Artemis…my, my, how have you've grown!"

"Y-you look different? Your hair…wasn't it…?" he began.

"Shorter? Professional? Yeah, this is my true form," Ben smiled, "My name is also an alias as well…I'm Iago. Sadly though, I am kinda in hiding here to avoid a scandal."

"A-a scandal!?" Artemis gasped, "What happened here since my family and I were kicked out!?"

Iago sighed sadly and beckoned the trio to sit down before bringing out some tea and cookies while continuing his story, "In recent years, Veronica has expedited the gentrification process of Hollywood Heights which I am sure you've learned what this place was once called."

"The Aeuropa Casino…the battle of the Magic Six and Rasputin," Artemis muttered.

"Yes…as I assume you have learned through history, the remnants of this former casino was then built into several shacks and some local businesses, bringing into some form of life in this town despite having criminal ratings off the roof," Iago continued, "Then of course something happened overnight and the next thing anyone can remember is that this town grew but partially gentrified."

"What do you mean it just grew?" Artemis asked.

"Magic…he thinks that magic came into this town and it changed the balance of life here," Asahi replied.

"This town wasn't just made from magic…it was from a curse," Iago said, "Someone set this town up with dark magic and now it's only accumulating more and more, leading up to something horrible.

"However, a team of three will not be enough to stop this threat. I received a message from a friend that there are more heroes coming to this town."

"M-more?" Artemis looked fascinated, "Like the Magic Six?"

"I'm afraid that the Magic Six team are not destined to return to the land of living…for they have fulfilled their missions here. No, there are other people whose stories have not been told yet that will finally have its pages flip to their conclusion," Iago stated.

"It must be the Hidaka and the Shimogami team," Ikuya said, "Our members will soon increase in numbers and we hope that as a full-fledged team…we will stop this new threat and break the curse."

"There will be a lot of work to do if we are to succeed in this mission," Iago nodded, handing him a scroll, "This is a list of people who were victimized to the curse. I marked a few of them who are key players to this. Find them and observe their behaviors and send me a report of your findings."

Ikuya received the scroll and observed the list of people before seeing one name on the list that made him blink a few times.

I-It can't be…he…he can't be alive, Ikuya noted to self.

"Ikuya? What's the matter?" Asahi asked.

Iago watched them as Ikuya revealed the one name on the list as Asahi's stare grew confusion and disbelief.

"Why is his name on the list?" Asahi tuned to Iago.

"Did you really think that only two of him existed?" the mahotsukai asked.

"No, this must be a mistake," Ikuya looked unconvinced, "No one has told us that another version of this man existed."

"What if I told you that such a place existed? A land of where one story's happy ending was another story's dark destiny," Iago added.

"If it's just his name on here then where are the others, hm?" Asahi added.

Iago handed them a black crystal he received, "This came to the afterlife realm as an emergency call. A friend of mine is undergoing investigation of that realm which is the past. However, in the present…the last star is here but the other stars are unknown."

"You're not making any sense," Ikuya said.

"Trust in that list and you will find the answer," Iago shrugged.

Artemis looked a bit dazed in this conversation as his mind was elsewhere for several moments before his eyes twitched and his hand hovered over the names.

"W-what are you doing?" Ikuya asked but Artemis' eyes glowed.

"Are you beginning to wake up…Cosmos?" Iago asked.

"The Magic Six…of that other realm…have died…but they wait…waiting for a miracle beyond its borders. However, the price for that miracle may bring about the final destruction…"

Asahi and Ikuya's eyes widened, realizing that this was a prophecy coming out of the young man's mouth.

"And if this version of the Magic Six is dead…we can't save them?" Asahi asked.

"Not without the strongest of prices…can such a miracle be performed…"

Ikuya looked at Iago sharply and added, "What is going on here? What Magic Six is he talking about!?"

"I think Artemis has seen the future a bit too much. For now, let us focus on the present and I will tell you guys more about this team later," Iago replied as he placed Artemis under a short-term sleeping spell to doze off the visions.

Asahi and Ikuya remained silent as they picked up Artemis, carrying him on their sides before Iago dismissed them to their new mission. Ikuya vowed to learn more about this other "Magic Six" team after breaking the curse.

"Could there really be more of them?" Asahi muttered.

"If even that was a possibility, what would the price be to resurrect them?" Ikuya replied, "We don't know anything about them…what if it's a trap?"

"But you showed some interest earlier," Asahi grumbled while trying to keep Artemis from falling.

"I think it's because…I want to fight alongside with them. Just like how we did back on Olympia and Aqua Duniya," Ikuya answered, "Don't you remember what happened to us back in Middle School and why we could not interfere with Gen 1's story?"

Asahi remained silent at first, "I do…and to tell you the truth, I hated it. We couldn't be there for them just because of our doppelganger ties to them. But now that we are our own individuals…"

Ikuya made a sad smile, "Because I too…want to feel the same love they have for each other. I had enough sticking to the sidelines."

Asahi smiled in response, "Then let's make sure that it finally does happen. But for now, we have a job to do; our team members, Artemis…the curse…"

"I just hope that…no one suffers anymore no matter the magnitude," Ikuya replied as they stepped outside to the night.

After the last of the crowd left the bar, Shiloh listened to a boring 10-minute lecture and reminder from Veronica about her business and what they were doing with the neighborhood.

"Now that it's just us…I have A.J here because he proposed on turning this bar to a nutrition center for Life's Fit," Veronica said, "We discussed yesterday that you're ready to sell the place to us."

She handed over the papers as Shiloh read the terms and conditions. He knew he couldn't say no to the money, but something throbbed in his mind. He picked up the pen but then placed it down.

"Nah, I don't think I'm gonna give you my bar today," Shiloh replied.

"What?" Veronica asked, "We had a deal!"

"Well yeah that was yesterday," Shiloh said.

"And what happened today? Now what sort of excuse are you going to tell me?" Veronica replied.

"Those gentlemen today…inspired me," Shiloh smiled.

"By running away?" Veronica reassured.

"By NOT giving into you," he corrected her sharply in his tone while maintaining professionalism, "You know, all your attempts failed to convince me, but I think it's time I told you why I keep refusing. You're so used to pushing everyone around town and I believe you should learn what happens when someone pushes you back!"

"You can't win," Veronica mocked, staring at him sharply.

"Maybe…maybe not," Shiloh winked his left eye, "Today, I watched you two marched into MY bar, acting like you own the place. And you know what? I didn't like it. And if I sign this piece of shit of course you'll own this place and that I REALLY don't like…"

"This is MY bar. It's MY home…it's MY life. After Judd passed it down to me, I did all my hardest to make it the best place in town. Sure, it has seen better days but that won't mean it'll have them again. And just because that life doesn't give you lemons right now doesn't mean it never will…it doesn't give you the right to tear others apart and get what you want."

"If we admit to ourselves that what we want to achieve is out there…then we can fight for it.

Matthew opened his eyes after he rested on his bed, all sweaty and emotional from the experience today. He felt his heart ache a little after meeting Brendon. Still pissed at Veronica and A.J., he got up and went to the bathroom to take a warm shower.

"Doing that alone is halfway to fulfilling it."

Brendon returned to his place, wondering if Matthew was doing alright. He took out his phone to send a text to someone.

Asahi and Ikuya returned to their hideout in the city where the placed Artemis on a sleeping cot. The former volunteered to wait for him to wake up while the latter left the area for the store.

"That's exactly what the people are in this town. Things may be hopeless but when one give others the inspiration, that's what gives the town it needs."

Alice saw a few messages online with haters bitching about her stuff with some of them trying to threaten her reputation. With a shrug, she blocked them on her social media. Something fell from the shelf. She got up and picked up an old photo that was torn in half, leaving only a picture of herself when she was younger. As for the parents, it only showed them up to their chests.

"The first step for a new beginning is to have that imagination that it is possible."

Iberia Curacao, L'aura Beau, and Mesa Reed are laughing happily with their friend Eva as their night life continued to be a blast on this reunion.

Iago stared outside from his suite, staring out at the evening horizon in the city, wondering how much longer will it be before everything starts to change the wheels of fate.

"I'll be damned if I stand by and allow some bully like you takes that away from us," Shiloh concluded as he ripped the papers in half and walking back to behind his counter before grabbing a glass, "Now if you excuse me."

"You'll regret this Shiloh," Veronica warned him as she and A.J left.

"Nah. Regret's not really my thing," Shiloh smiled as he mixed up his own drink and raised it up before taking a sip.

~Episode 3 END~

~Episode 4 PV~

Brendon: Hey, I think there's something about you…that attracts me.

Matthew: Huh? Since when did this photo appear to me…?

Asahi: Sounds like someone is finding out who they really were.

Artemis: What is going on in this town!?

Ikuya: Hey, I think we got a bigger problem brewing here.

Kei: Next Time, Free! Wake Up-Call! I think it's time to get these people to reap what they sew!