Episode 6: Friar of the Shadows

Run love
I'm the truth that you're afraid of
I'm a fever that you made up
Just martyr on a bridge that's burning down

10 Years Ago, during the Dark Curse
Aeuropa Skye University – Courtyard near the Men's Dorm

Grigori breathed heavily as a knife was pointed at his neck while four other guys held him to the ground. Not long ago, this man left the afterlife realm and faced a series of adventures but all of that was erased from memory when he happened to be in the same place when the Dark Curse was cast

Now here he was about to be tortured by some college men who called him out on potentially queer or not being as interested in the ladies. Grigori attended to this school in hopes to study the miracles of nursing as well as helping the need.

"It's time you taste your own blood you freak!" the leader of the gang chuckled as he readied his knife to stab him.

Grigori unleashed a cry as the soundwaves struck the guys around him, releasing his grip. However…

"H-his eyes!? He's a demon! Just like what the legends and rumors were said about the Chiropterans!" one of the men gasped. The newly awakened Rasputin turned to the one with his green eyes before raging in a roar. The blood rapidly soared his veins and unleashed his demonic self once more, slewing them down one by one until a puddle of blood and a pile of dead bodies remained.

When it was done, the blood died down but the awaken man gasped in horror as his Grigori persona feared for the worst to happen. However, as Rasputin he felt relieved to at least be free from the horror that would've been trauma to him.

"I must flee and never return here!" he muttered before dashing off to the night.

4 Years Later: Brothers of St. Aeuropa

Grigori Lawrence sat within his fellow monks and friars as they were all about to be introduced as Great Schemas. He had never felt anywhere safer in his life than this while managing to hold back that horrific night, claiming it was a nightmare from the devil.

After the ceremony, there was a retreat as the chefs made soup, salad and holy-based items such as bread and water. Grigori and his two closest monks whom he calls 'brothers' laughed happily and reflected on their dreams to come.

"I wish to become a bishop," Luke stated.

"I just want to work as a healer at the Aeuropa Clinic someday," Fitz recited his dream.

"Both of you will have the divine and grace to do so well," Grigori smiled.

"Well about your dream, what do you want to do?" Luke asked.

"I'm not so sure yet…I do like being a healer, but I want to work on patients that need some serious prayers," Grigori replied.

"Like they say in the emergency?" Luke scratched his head in confusion.

"Perhaps," Grigori shrugged before brushing off the dust on his brown cloak, "I shall return to my dorm so we can prepare for some morning payers."

Grigori walked back to his dorm when he saw father superior waiting for him. To his surprise, Grigori approached to him, "Father, what has happened?"

"Our Sisters from St. Beaumont are under a plague and one of them is possessed with a horrible illness. I've watched your growth Grigori in the last few years since your initiation. Your keen in healing and chanting the holiest lines may be able to stop the demon," the superior explained.

"Then whom is it I must attend to?" Grigori asked.

Father Superior led Grigori to the Sisters of St. Beaumont facility which as only a couple of blocks away but a special passage through what was known as "the Secret Garden" connected both places. However, the garden was well of a labyrinth and only both the superiors knew the exact directions to get to each facility.

Grigori was then brought in by two sisters who led him and the father to a windowless room where a young lady rested in her bed, but two other sisters were trying to keep her steady. The victim had constant chills and moans of aches.

"Is this her?" Grigori asked.

"Yes, this is Sister Eva, a newly initiated member who was cursed with a demon trying to lure her away from the grace of our sisterhood. She started out with a cold but then the poison went through her legs as you can see," one of them replied as she pointed to some green-lines wrapping around like snakes.

Eva's face was also developing some growth of spores to her left cheek with some skin sloughing off to the right cheek.

Grigori sighed as he took out his amulet, "Give this to her. It will communicate with my miracles."

Upon putting it on, the man took out his book of the healing written in ancient language as he started to chant:

" Eodeo Domineoveniteosacramentum peccatum meum, soror tua mirabilia et non erraverunt a. Et intra se excitare ex daemonium ... Carpe perdidit quod erat in corde eius!"

("Heavenly father, forgive my sister for being astray from your miracles. Wake her up from the demon inside and seize what was lost...back into her heart!")

The amulet glowed in response as the demon inside began to leak out slowly from her nose, ears and mouth followed by a loud cry of the monster exploding out like a rush of waterfall before appearing its true form to the group before them. As the other sisters readied themselves with the holy water and other sacred objects to combat with, Grigori wasted no time but to throw his vapor of holy water to banish the monster to darkness.

Eva's body was restored to normal as she woke up abruptly before looking at her fellow sisters crying with joy.

"You have done well Grigori," Father superior complimented him.

"W-who are they?" Eva asked, looking at the men.

"The brothers from St. Aeuropa were able to exorcise the demon out of you. You're safe now," Mother Superior explained.

Grigori recognized those eyes as his blood started to boil in fear. However, he maintained his composure before turning away.

"Is something wrong?" the father asked.

"No, it's nothing. I should be back in my dorms," Grigori answered, "Forgive me fellow sisters."

Before anyone could ask, the man fled from the facility, exiting through the main entrance as the weather began to rain and thunder. Grigori could feel his true persona as Rasputin lurking through him.

"Just please…let me be who I am," he muttered as he stumbled to one of the stone walls before his breaths started to get heavy, "Why does my past sin must haunt me!?"

Present Day:

Dodecadron was busy cleaning up for the next shift when someone was at the door. With a sigh, he walked over to open but stopped to see…

"R-Rasputin!?" he gasped.

"F-father…" the son breathed in relief.

"I…I don't understand, how are you here in this world?" he asked, "Come in, we have to talk!"

The two sat down at the bar area as Rasputin explained his journey to other lands before arriving in this land under the influence of the curse. Dodecadron listened to him about his time as a friar before leaving this city to find some clues about his past.

"Chirottori…it's different now?" Dodecadron looked at him.

"It's being ruled by a new generation of some species based from our kind," Rasputin answered, "Of course after staying there for a number of years allowed me to reclaim some magic that belonged to us. I kept them safe in a hideout."

"You think this magic can help us?" he asked.

"I know…that I have been poisoned thanks to our enemies but I'm sure I'm not the only one here with such a problem," Rasputin stated, "But yes, this magic might be able to become an antidote assuming I can get the rest of the ingredients."

"And where can these ingredients be found?" Dodecadron asked.

"…unfortunately, it's at the Brothers of St. Aeuropa. I have to break in to get what I need but because I vanished from there, they probably assume that the devil is in me or worse," Rasputin replied.

"Are we getting customers already?!" a voice called out.

Rasputin's eyes widened as he saw Artemis arriving on scene.

"A-Artemis!?" he gasped.

The other man stared at him in confusion, "D-do we know each other?"

"Of course not, but your reputation proceeds you," Rasputin brushed it off on the awkwardness.

Asahi and Ikuya were at their hideout in one of the alleys as they were relieved to have Artemis somewhere safe for the time being. Asahi messaged Joseph and Jordan on Artemis' status and they replied to attempt to return to this city.

"Do you think he remembers?" Asahi asked, "He became a swimming guardian rather so quickly."

"I didn't anticipate it this soon too," Ikuya agreed, "But I'm afraid he has not yet wake up."

Ikuya's phone vibrated; a message from Ben. The teal-haired gasp upon the news:

"W-what is it?" Asahi asked.

"We got some company…and more people woke up!" he said, "Let's go!"

The two Marotta brothers and Kyle booked a week's worth of lodging at one of the fancier hotels called Kimpton Palomar situated in the downtown section of Hollywood Heights. They decided to use this room as a place to rest up as well as a safehouse to find the girls and anyone who might be in a need of their help.

Alex looked through the book and read the pages of his life living in lies of becoming an Olympic swimmer only to be a fraud of using drugs. From there, it showed him and the arrival of an alternate version of himself who rescued him from this fate as well as everything that happened after. Their wedding, the arrival of Anastasia, the witches, the three half-sisters and the day when Alex was blackmailed to cast the curse.

"I'm so sorry," he sighed.

Kyle looked at the pictures of the witches and Kei Tsukishima.

"I feel like I've seen him before," Kyle pointed to the blond megane.

"He's the son of that CEO of the development company," Sergi replied, "From what I read about them, the older brother Akiteru died in an accident but was resurrected at the cost of their father's life. Kei vowed revenge to his mother and Akiteru because of the father's death but couldn't find the magic in himself until he met…"

"S-Shiloh!?" Alex gasped as he recognized the man, but the picture showed him with wings.

"His real name is Dodecadron," Sergi continued, "The former Dark One who tried to destroy all the realms but returned to the land of the living to find his children that were kidnapped from the family."

"That man…" Kyle trembled, "He was…this evil before?"

"So much for doing drug dealing," Alex crossed his arms, "But why did Kei and Verrado for forced me to cast the curse?"

"Maybe…they knew that you had some magic left despite not being able to actually use it?" Kyle suggested.

"They said that my blood was the final ingredient…one whose heart was darkened but cleansed by the powers of God. I think it was that magic from Alexa or however he used to save me," he replied.

Speaking of, how is he doing, he thought, I'd love to see him again…

"Brother?" Sergi asked.

"I think that's enough catching up. We have to find the girls before something happens to them…I can't imagine what pain they are going through," Alex clasped his fist over his chest.

"Alright, let's maybe go to Shiloh's first and see if he knows anything," Sergi suggested, "If he's awake, we might get some answers."

Flashback: 5 Years Ago
Brothers and Sisters Fest Night

Grigori sat down to eat with Fitz and Luke as tonight as a special night. Once a year, both the two institutions collaborate to the public on religious rites and activities and other festivities. Hence, both the men and women can work together to coexist.

"Hey, we didn't get a chance to ask you," Fitz began.

"Of what?" Grigori asked while eating his salad.

"Did you manage to exorcise the demon out?" Luke asked.

"…I did, but it was not easy work," Grigori answered, "The monstrosity was…"

"Hi you guys!" one of the sisters arrived as they along with Eva sat down at the table.

"Oh, Sister Franca!" Fitz bowed, "It is great to see you again!"

"It is nice to have this one year of celebration indeed," she agreed, "I have Eva, Jordyn, and Sarah with me here. The other tables were filled so we please beg your pardon to take this spot without asking."

"It's fine," Luke answered, "We appreciate the company, right Grigori?"

"I…yes," he replied, turning his head away with a sweat drop.

Sister Eva got up and approached to Grigori, handing him back the amulet, "Here…you forgot this after you did your ritual."

With a shrug, he looked at her and quickly but gently grabbed it, "I'm sorry to intrude you that night but I am glad you are well."

"Are you okay?" Eva asked, "You seemed a bit flustered."

"I…uh…I need to go," he replied as he got up and grabbed his plate.

"What's up with him?" asked Sarah.

"No idea," Fitz shrugged as he ate his bread.

"Did I do something wrong?" Eva looked saddened.

"I'm sure it's not it," Luke answered, "Grigori has worked his hardest here, trying to become a Class A1 Healer."

Oh my! So, he's really into the legends?" gasped Franca.

"Well it is said that he has memorized all the scriptures and is swift when it comes to cleansing the demons out," Fitz stated, "But not once has he ever shown weakness or any sign of pain."

"Where does he go to pray? I must talk with him," Eva said.

The two brothers looked at each other for a moment.

Grigori kneeled done alone in the Chapel, praying to keep himself from losing his mind. He couldn't bear to stay with them for much longer as his heart raced faster and faster. Footsteps could be heard. Without taking a chance, Grigori unleashed his abilities as a Chiropteran to hide and blended into his surroundings as Eva walked in with a lantern.

"Strange…I thought he would be in here," she muttered before departing.

Grigori sighed in relief and landed on the floor but sensed that he wasn't the only one here.

"How very bold that you are avoiding her," a voice said.

"Who's there?!" Grigori growled.

"I suppose that calling you Grigori isn't who you really are…Rasputin," the voice continued.

"SHOW YOURSELF!" Grigori shouted.

"Grigori?!" a different voice called him. The Friar turned to see Eva walking in.

"I heard you shouting, is everything okay?" Eva asked.

"I…I am alright. But this isn't safe for you to be here," Grigori answered, "I think I sensed another demon around."

"You seem to not be very talkative," Eva said, "Why is that?"

Grigori sighed before stating, "Someday…when you realize it, everything will make sense. When you wake up one day, you'll know. Alas, I must make my leave and never return. Farewell."

"W-wait!" Eva cried out but Grigori fled through the shadows.

The friar sat by the pillars on the stairs to the cathedral all alone as the night skies thundered with rain. Grigori couldn't bear himself any more with Eva's appearance. While he was doing only his best for the sake of the community and the religion, his heart couldn't bear to confess his ultimate sin. All he ever did was save her from the demon, but the irony was too harsh behind this.

He continued reflecting on his past life as a monster on this world, recalling the early beginnings of his relationship with Alex before turning against him. His father, Dodecadron…where could he be right now if he was here? What happened to Chirottori? Are there still monsters lurking in this world?

Would Eva possibly be awake during the curse? If not, will she ever wake up and remember? He did not know. It didn't matter as he came to terms that he cannot stay here anymore. He certainly didn't want to be around when word would get out if she does remember him…

As soon as the last of the lights of the manor were turned off, Grigori brought himself to the shrine with his feet soaked and clothes dripping from the cold precipitation. He dipped the long wick into the oil ignited it before lighting up a series of three candles.

Grigori kneeled with a sign of the cross to himself, praying for forgiveness as the time has come to reclaim his original identity as "Rasputin".

After completing his prayer, he fled the area, sneaking his way into the manor and heading to his room where he kept a set of keepsakes as the skies exploded more thunder and lightning.

Rasputin finally found what he was looking for; a locket that he wore after leaving Idaina Magna. It symbolized the Chiropterans as the charm was a pair of bat-like wings over a stabbed-heart with a knife.

Turning to the mirror, Rapsutin was fed up with his longer hair and beard. He grabbed himself a knife and closed his eyes to make the cuts. The hair fell to the floor like fallen ashes, symbolizing the rebirth of a legendary hybrid. He tied up the remaining hair to make a man bun as there was no time to cut completely short.

He finally made his way across the hallways and dropped off his "license" in the father superior's desk quietly before breaking free from this place. With his clothes, Rasputin found his original outfit back as an undergrad but also the exact gear he wore when he left Idaina Magna. He changed into those, dropping the monk outfits on the ground with the hair pile.

Rasputin searched for the keys to his motor bike and found them in his keepsake. Without a shrug, he took the entire box and placed it in his backpack. Without regret, he broke free and went to the back yard where all the cars and vehicles stood.

He climbed onto his motor bike and turned on the engine. At first, it wouldn't turn on. Rasputin's heart beat went fast, fearing that he couldn't escape from this dwelling. With a silent prayer, he touched his locket as he felt power waving through its course.

Turning on the engine again, the motor bike vroomed with energy as Rasputin kicked off, departing through the darkness and beginning his journey to the outside world…

Friar Grigori Lawerence is no more…Rasputin Le Fay is reborn!

Father Superior Brian woke up with a gasp as the dream he foresaw was sure beginning to turn the wheels of fate. Grigori's license was indeed left on his desk. He got up and checked the room which sure enough was a mess with a pile of hair and the monk outfits left behind.

"All these years of suppressing your inner demon," he muttered, "Why now above other time must you flee?"

He turned to see Mother Superior Claire arriving to his room.

"The festival is over but…I have foreseen your child fleeing," Claire answered,

"Grigori…from the beginning I knew he was different, but I had him stay here for as long as he can. But it appears now that the seal in his heart has lifted," Brian said.

"Why then did you keep such a demon?!" Claire snapped.

"It's because I believe he can have a change of heart…be closer to a human or a saint if possible," Brian stated, "However…"

Rasputin soared on his motor bike for what it felt like several days into the wilderness of grasslands, forests, deserts, and until finally a strange forest with mountains that he didn't even recognize. He remembered this place being shadows, volcanic, and creatures whose faith were broken.

"C-Chirottori?" he muttered, "It's back to what it used to be?"

The former shadowed and volcanic land was restored with marvelous waterfalls and rivers, flowers of many species and trees blooming with fruits. He sensed some great magic flowing through here. A few fairies spotted him but fled to watch from behind the trees.

He got off from his bike to wash his face in one of the rivers. In the distance stood two statues of whom he recognized as his parents. He ran over to read the message:

"All was well for the two after many trials that tested their true love."

A loud grunting noise followed. Rasputin turned to see three winged-creatures in a semi-humanoid appearance. Each of them had weapons pointed at him.

"I come in peace," Rasputin reassured, "Who lives here now?"

The trio brought him in chains to the main castle of Chirottori which was still somewhat gloomy as he can remember. However, he did not expect to find a perfect family together in one room. To his surprise though, they had wings similar to his father. One of the guards who brought him in reported his sighting and where he was by the statue.

Queen Janella stepped down from her throne, "It appears that the gifts of this land has attracted you here. Tell me, human, how did you manage to make it so far."

"I…I am not a human or…at least not purely one," Rasputin replied, "This place was my home but a very long time ago…when it was under the Pandotess Lab."

The queen gasped softly before turning to her husband King Goliath. The king shrugged at this but was indeed fascinated by this person.

"The rumors of the legend were true if what you claim is the truth," Janella stated, "But I'm afraid we can't let you roam free for a while. You will stay here under our watch."

Rasputin didn't make a slight remark as he knew that this was where he needed to be. This was his home, but he had to find out the truth on what happened to this place and how did everything began in this world. After all, there were a lot of secrets that not even Pandora told him about. Now it was almost finally upon him to reclaim all that knowledge.

"Mom, please let him be treated as a guest and not a prisoner," a voice said. They all turned to see a young princess dressed in silky-like clothes with bat-like wings with auburn, shoulder-length hair and green eyes.

"Stellaluna, this is a person who came from the outside world. We have a lot to learn about this, but we must take serious precautions," Janella answered, "If he proves to be of some serious value, then perhaps we can spare him a room."

Present Day:

Rasputin and Artemis went upstairs to Dodecadron/Shiloh's apartment where it was a lot of a home gym mixed in the loft-style industrial type of aesthetics. At one of the comforters, the two sat down to talk.

"You've grown up so fast the last time I was told about you," Rasputin complimented, "I didn't think you'd have such fine, silky, and silvery hair too. A rare thing indeed."

"T-Thanks," Artemis blushed, "I've had this for as long as I can remember. I used to live in this town with my two fathers until we lost the space due to that development company trying to fancy all of this."

"I used to work as a Friar at the Brothers of St. Aeuropa but I left this city to travel around the world," Rasputin answered.

"I see. But then why did you return here?" Artemis asked.

"To save what is precious to me," Rasputin smiled, "My family is here in this town and need your help to find them."

"H-how can I do that?" the other man looked at him.

"I think you know the answer to that question…become that hero in your heart," Rasputin replied, "There's a lot of weird things happening in this town lately but without a hero pure of heart, the darkness will destroy this world."

Artemis got up for a moment before answering, "For a long time…I've been on my own. I don't remember who my mother was. If only…I could see her again. People at my school would sometimes make fun of me for being so different…even a couple members of my swim team. Most of them were cool and kind but a few would try to ruin me…"

"Artemis…" Rasputin answered, "You can find those answers…but you must awaken. Show me the hero who will save this town and you will find what you seek."

Artemis turned to him, "You do not…know me."

"On the contrary…I do…more than you realize," Rasputin answered, "Please help this town…those monsters will soon ransack this place."

"Wh-what do you know about the Elder Bairns?" Artemis turned to him.

"They are byproducts of the curse…they haven't attacked only Hollywood Heights but other cities too through the metro, including your alumnus," Rasputin replied.

Asahi and Ikuya arrived at the room as the former called out, "The other senshi have arrived but they can't get into the heights. Please help us Artemis! Call your power once more!"

Artemis turned to Rasputin who nodded in support. The young man could feel his heart burning again with magic as this time…he couldn't hold back. In his hand appeared a transformation pen with an eagle-shaped hilt on the end surrounded by a five-pointed star.

"HALIAEETUS SUIEI POWER…MAAAAAAKKKKEEEEE UP!"

Artemis threw the pen upwards as the world around him turned white with accents of gold, silver, and sky blue as several massive eagles soared around the background. A magical circle with an unfamiliar font and several zodiac symbols scribed on it with colors of the rainbow. Artemis's silvered hair transformed into a rose-gold ombre with extensions.

He donned a choker necklace with rainbow-colored jewels embedded in its circumference with the same design appeared on his wrists. His nails were also in rainbow color with each nail a different hue from the other. Artemis spun around with his loose-skirt and a long sash that went across his shoulder down to his left side of the skirt with a buckle made of several unique symbols appeared.

A pair of spiked-shoulder armor appeared with long sleeves while his bare chest donned a lengthy-chained Suiei Necklace with the eagle on its brooch. The mirror turned to dust with sparkles, adding a glitter pattern across his body. Artemis donned a pair of blue-colored water sandals that matched with the sash.

The background turned into a thundering-like scenery as the newly awakened senshi opened his eyes and donned his Atlantean Spear from the transformation pen and his Golden-Armed Shield. He twirled on his spear before making his official battle stance.

"KAZAMI CRYSTAL POWERRRRRR…MAAAKKKKKEEEE UP!" Asahi shouted, raising his Kazami Crystal Wand as it glowed in orange and purple dual combination as his nails glowed in lavender color. The background became white with orange with hint of melon, red, and gray.

Asahi skipped around in circles with a trail of fragmented crystals following him in the way of light. The crystal fragments fused together to form his sleeveless-hoodie vest in orange and white hues. Raising his fists up donned him his silver cuffs as well as the shoulder pads.

His Suiei Crystal appeared in the shape of a long, hexagonal-prism. He lifted one of his legs up, starting with the right and then the left as they gained his skirt-leather pants hybrid with multiple colors of black, orang, and purple. The ankle bracelets appeared afterwards followed by his harpoon cannon.

Asahi's forehead glowed a neon symbol of the Aries with two curved lines converging together at the middle. He opened his eyes and took his battle stance with a smirk on his face.

"SHIONEZAKI CRYSTAL POWERRRRRR…MAAAKKKKKEEEE UP!" Ikuya chanted as he raised his Shionezaki Crystal Wand, glowing in emerald green and reddish-brown dual combination. His nails glowing in red chestnut color. The background changed into a lime-green and lemon-yellow design with accents of white swirling around.

Ikuya silently walked with his hands clasped in prayer as the crystals followed him slowly before he unleashed a series of kicks with his legs in karate style. He punched to the left as the crystals formed his left sleeve followed by the right and its respective sleeve. His frontal side down to his waist remained exposed.

Kicking with his left land right legs in sequence, he donned his knee pads followed by his sash. He spun around as his shoulder pads were formed from the crystal shards decorated with peridot and amethyst.

Whipping his hair a little, he donned a pair of golden loop earrings as well as his bandana in green, gray, and black. His Three-Pointed trident floated next to him before grabbing it.

Ikuya's forehead glowed the symbol of Pisces with two curved lines and a single straight line cutting through the middle. He finally opened his eyes with a more serious tone facial expression and taking his battle pose of determination.

Rasputin smiled upon seeing the three Senshi assembled. While he had no means of that kind of magic, he could only provide support from behind the scenes.

"You guys go on ahead…I'll be talking to Shiloh here," Rasputin replied.

Veronica looked at her wrists, reflecting the scars from long ago when she ventured to the garden and became a prisoner to Verrado in her magical tower. She could only predict that the witch may have taken some of her blood in the process, but it didn't matter to her. Even if she was to be locked up again, she had her plans of breaking out…assuming once everything is said and done.

Outside the solitary room was Kei and a policeman who led he former to Veronica inside. A loud buzzer rang as Veronica looked up to see who would dare to visit her.

"Hmmm…orange looks better like the women on that Netflix show," Kei stated as he fiddles his fingers.

"My wardrobe has something common in you, as my son. In other words, I am stuck what was thrust upon me," she replied, "Why are you here Kei?"

"No, you're right…that's enough small talk," Kei answered as he sat down across from her, "You…have kept my brother hidden away from me. Where's Akiteru…hmmm?"

"You want his body, right?" Abigail replied.

"And I can complete on what you started…by getting him back to his health completely from anemia," Kei answered.

"No…you want to take the last magical breath of him and once you do have it, we both know what you plan on there," she narrowed her eyes.

"Hmmm, from what you've taught me back in the manor before I ran away…controlling others with fear…learning to seize control. I have all your assets now. You have no money, no lawyer, no Chanel. Telling me which hospital that Akiteru is in will be your only way of getting out of here," Kei stated.

"I don't need you to get me out of here," she replied.

"Fine. I'll find him myself. I have Verrado working with me now," he answered.

"I bet you do. You always did gravitate to any motherly figure you could," Abigail snarled.

"And you always gravitated to the love of your one son!" Kei snapped.

"Ohhhhh, did someone not get enough hugs?" Abigail asked in a sassy tone.

For a moment, he almost wanted to cry but Kei remarked, getting up and heading to the door and stated, "Have fun in prison."

"This isn't the first time someone tried to lock me up. Apparently, you forgot the lesson they learned," Abigail stated, "When it comes to my family…I will always find a way."

Alex, Kyle, and Sergi arrived at Judd's Tavern as the sign finally switched to "OPEN". They walked in as a few of the bartenders welcomed them.

"Is Shiloh here?" Alex asked.

"Oh, I think he went out for a moment, but I'll go check," one of the staff members replied, "You're Matthew, right?"

"I am," he smiled, "I need to talk to him when he has a minute."

Sergi settled a set of three barstools for them to wait. After about 10 minutes, Dodecdron arrived on scene.

"Hi Matthew," the owner greeted.

"Hello," he answered, "We have to talk about some stuff…this town…the people…and more so…why the fuck we are here?"

"I can see that…Alex…Sergi…and Kyle," the Chiropteran-Fairy hybrid answered, "Let's take this upstairs then shall we?"

The trio were led to the apartment as Rasputin was busy staring out at the window. Dodecadron introduced them to his son and they exchanged greetings.

"Well the bar won't be closed till after midnight, but please make yourself at home for the time being. We'll figure out what to do next," the owner stated.

The trio sat down on the couch as Rasputin analyzed them. His keen senses were enable to detect them where they are from and how much magic they got involved. To his surprise, he didn't except them to be as far back as…

"Is there something on my face?" Kyle asked.

"No, it's just that your reputation proceeds you," Rasputin answered, "Forgive me for my rude stare."

"It's fine," Alex stated, "Sergi?"

The younger brother nodded and took out the book to Rasputin as they sat down to analyze the pages. Rasputin saw a few pages that showed a dragon and a phoenix but when he asked if they saw it, none of the trio did.

"It's blank," Alex stated.

"I see, maybe I'm just imagining things," Rasputin shrugged.

What the hell, does this mean if they cannot remember that far back, he thought, they don't see it?

"Have…have you heard of the Suiei Gods?" Rasputin added.

"Can't say that we have," Kyle answered, "But…I do remember calling myself a Suiei."

"Like a Suiei Senshi?" the other guy asked.

Sergi stared at him carefully, curious to know on how much knowledge this stranger had. It was clear that this person may be of an ally…or an enemy that he cannot point out.

Eva returned to the café where she met with Alice the first time. Upon greeting her, they decided to go to the library after her shift was done.

They walked down through the main street, heading towards the Books & Treats where it was a dual-combo of a library and a book store. Alice was amazed at Eva's desire of books and how she just wanted to solve mysteries, laugh, cry, and fantasize in another world.

"Ever since I graduated from the program, I didn't want to go further into religious studies," Eva stated, "I realized it would've been boring to stay in one place and do things over and over again."

"I see," Alice replied, taking out her phone, "I want to show you something."

"Oh?" Eva asked.

Alice pulled up a drawing of hers still in WIP but to Eva's eyes, it looked like it was already beautiful enough.

"This watery kingdom made of crystal, tropics, and indigenous people…" Alice stated, "I don't know what world it could belong to, but I had this place in my head. It's what I want to submit to the museum."

"Oh my god, this is a masterpiece! And you call this a WIP?" Eva's face looked stunned.

"Yes, it's not quite done yet, I don't have a name of this place nor…" Alice began when the phone vibrated for a second before she dropped it on the floor.

Upon picking it up, it showed a blank screen followed by an orange, fiery-looking pentacle. Eva thought it was her screen saver for a moment.

"W-what is this?" Alice muttered.

"I don't like that symbol…it looks like an occult," Eva answered as she took out some of her sacred talismans before smacking it to the phone.

Seconds later, it disappeared as the phone resumed to normal. Alice thanked her for the miracle.

"I still carry some protection spirits with me," Eva stated, "I won't let you get hurt."

Alice smiled just before a loud explosion was heard followed by screams on the other side of the book shop. The two ran to see what it was as a massive looking centipede monster trying to eat some people and its blood.

Eva almost fainted at the sight but Alice grabbed her by the hand to escape the danger. However, her heart was racing as badly as Eva's.

"I…I didn't think they were real b-b-but the news at the Aeuropa Capital A-Academy…" Eva stuttered.

"It seems that the city is in great danger," Alice concluded, "Come on, we need to get out of here. I'll take you to my place."

Asahi, Ikuya and Artemis arrived at the town line but they can see the chaos of people fleeing the nearby area as the massive centipede Elder Bairn appeared.

"Right here!?" Asahi growled, readying his weapon.

"We have to blast it down!" Ikuya answered, "Artemis?"

"Yep!" he nodded as he readied his Atlantean Spear and Golden-Armed Shield.

The Centipede cried a loud hiss before morphing into a group of a dozen ninja-like elder-bairn-human hybrids dressed in black samurai outfits.

"This is gonna be a mess," Asahi muttered.

"We can't let them hurt anymore people!" Artemis agreed.

"Let's fight them to the death!" Ikuya agreed as they crossed their weapons together, fueling with their Suiei magic within.

The sun began to set down as the trio could feel the hunger of the Elder Bairns appearing into the town. Whether it was by nature or by someone trying to summon them didn't matter. It was clear for one thing…

Hollywood Heights may be facing the gruesome Shrovetide…

Ben stared out at the window from his condo place as he sensed a change in the air. Now that Verrado has escaped her confinement, the Elder Bairns were beginning to resurface.

So not only did she used that blood into ink but used that blood mixed with his to control these beasts, he thought.

He looked down at a couple of sheets of paper that contained stories from long ago…belonging to a book that should've never existed, but it did…the sacrifice…the betrayal…the parallel universe…the what ifs…all finally in full circle…

I must make my move soon or else this is gonna be a bloody apocalypse, he thought, is this the right thing to do…Magic Six?

~Episode 6 END~

~Episode 7 PV~

Narrator: The curse and its poisons…

Alex: What exactly are we going to do to save our family and friends? If we just break the cure, they'll just die.

Kyle: But if we don't break the curse, everyone will die!

Ben: That's not entirely true…the curse is...

Sergi: Just who the hell are you really?

Artemis: A-all this blood…

Asahi: Next time, Free!, Forbidden Sacrifice…someone has to pay the price…

Ikuya: Artemis, you must wake up…