Episode 7: Forbidden Sacrifice

Can you see my scars?
Can you feel my heart?
This is all of me for all of the world to see

Flashback: Camelot Magna
1 year before Pandora became the Dark One, Coastal City of Veiland

In a cottage not far from the great city of Camelot, where the town stood by the great sea filled with oceanic, beach-themed artifacts, palm trees, and endless smiles marked the beginning of a new birth.

Emilia cried out during her labor while her husband Iago held her tight. The nurse encouraged her completion and requested to push once more. With the final cry, the baby was finally free and took its first breath of whines.

"Congratulations," the nurse smiled as Emilia cried with joy, eager to see the child. Once the nurse cleansed the baby from its filth, it was wrapped in blankets and handed over to her.

"Othello…" Emilia, "You are finally here."

The nurse took some data and submitted it to a tablet. Since their evolving into human forms, the Mahotsukai were required to ensure that their bodies could stand these forms properly. Upon their first evolution, several of them died from the shock of such evolution while others crumbled into dust or worse…

But since then, after an undefined amount of time, another evolution took place and the Mahotsukai were able to resume a humanoid-form with their magic suppressed at birth until around the equivalent of 5 human years old.

"Your wife needs some rest now," the nurse told Iago.

"Alright," he answered and gave Emilia a kiss before leaving the cottage.

The nearby neighbors could hear the baby's cry as they gasped to see Iago walking out of the house to give the good news.

"Did you name the child!?" Desdemona asked.

"We named the child Othello," Iago said.

"Wait…why would you name a child if it is based on thy enemy?" Brabantio questioned.

"Does it really matter?" Iago replied, feeling offended before taking some pride, "This Othello shall rise among the eagles…becoming an excel Mahotsukai. Names should not have to define the fate of someone."

The others looked at each other while Iago walked down towards the beach. Once he sat down, he saw someone familiar from the distance…

"Iwatobi? Is that you?" Iago called out.

The Mahotsukai turned to him, "I didn't expect you to be here."

"Aren't you supposed to be at work constantly?" Iago asked.

"I begged for some time off after three unsuccessful tries…only three days," he replied.

"I see. Are you liking your work?" Iago added.

"I do…watching our creations fulfilling their pre-determined dreams well…is nice but…" Iwatobi began but stopped for a moment before continuing, "I feel like we are just pushing these characters under our shadow."

"I see," Iago said, "Kinda like as if all these stories were only written for the sake of our existence…to ensure that Cosmos and Chaos doesn't do away with them. Are you doing well with your team?"

"We are…but one of my colleagues lost her dearest sister, the last of her family," Iwatobi stated.

"I'm so sorry," Iago replied, "And she still is working?"

"Yes but…I fear that she may tumble down a dark path," he answered, "I hope she doesn't ever give into Chaos."

"Anyway, did your spouse…?"

"Yes, she's given birth to our beloved Othello," Iago replied.

"Tell her congratulations for me," Iwatobi smiled.

Present Day: Drury Condos

Ben/Iago sighed to himself as he cleansed up his face. With the news of Veronica being imprisoned and the missing "green witch" finally free, he feared the manner of time before the Shrovetide.

"Hello there again," a familiar voice was heard.

Iago turned to see Verrado alone as the former replied, "Must you be here while I'm cleaning up?"

"My magic is limited," Verrado stated, "Until the Shrovetide hour arrives when those pesky Elder Bairns finally feast on those humans and countless sacrifices rejuvenate our family."

"Don't you forget on why I only served you," Iago threatened her.

"Oh, I know," Verrado reminded him, "And for that reason alone is why you are still alive. You honestly believe that power in your ch-"

"Don't you EVER speak of that name!" Iago turned sharply towards her.

"Hehe well that struck a nerve," Verrado chuckled.

"You had no right to ever touch my family like that," Iago reminded her.

"And yet you still came to us," Verrado said.

"I had no other choice!" he snapped, "Now get out!"

Verrado vanished to the shadows while he started to tear up about all what has happened in the past. He didn't want to resurface it by any means but…

Alice's Apartment: 3rd Floor

The two young ladies made it safely to Alice's apartment as the artist tried to clean up some of the messes of paint and tablets she had prior to leaving. Eva was awe-struck by the artistic talent she was.

"So, you've done both digital and traditional paints?" Eva asked.

"I did more traditional when I was younger," Alice explained, "I couldn't afford the tablets until I got patron sponsors to support my works."

Alice brought Eva to a different room where she had the painting of the watery-crystal kingdom. Sure enough, Eva's eyes were in awe at such majestic, rare beauty.

"I'm surprised you don't call this done yet," she answered, "What do you think is missing?"

"I don't know yet but I'm hoping the answer will come to me soon," Alice said.

This apartment tower in general seems a bit pricey, how much is it here a month?" Eva added.

"About 5K or so," Alice shrugged.

"EHHHHHH?! Your patron sponsors support you that wealthy?!" Eva gasped, "Goodness…"

"5K is pretty good yeah but…being here alone isn't," Alice said, "My double life working at the café doesn't even fill me."

"In my studies as sisterhood, we always learn to give our hearts to others and not into materialistic wants and desires," Eva replied.

"I see, maybe…" Alice began.

"Hm?" Eva looked at her.

"I want to use my skills to help all the people in need!" Alice stated, "People who were banished into poverty and abuse and other problems that require attention and support!

Eva smiled, "You would've been an awesome sister for our parish."

"It's only because I am starting to learn from you," Alice answered, holding her hands, "Thank you for showing me what lies beyond the fantasies of this town."

"Alice I…" Eva began but stopped as she saw a horrific shadow looming above, "GET DOWN!"

The two ducked below in time as a gruesome arachnoid Elder Bairn appeared. At the last second, Eva took out a grenade of holy water to stun the monster.

"This way!" Alice smashed open one of the window and they escaped via the metal staircase down to the street level.

Back at the apartment:

Fed up by this, Sergi grabbed Rasputin by the cheeks, "Tell me, how much do you know about the Suiei Gods!?"

"Sergi! What the hell are you doing?! LET HIM GO!" Alex cried out as Kyle's face looked shocked.

"No!" he snapped, "I'm getting fed up by how much he knows of things!"

Rasputin struggled to breathe, prompting Sergi to release him, "Again, tell me…what do you know about the Suiei Gods hm?"

"…I was their enemy at some point," Rasputin revealed, "Don't you know it all in the book?"

"This book doesn't know anything of you," he replied, "That's why I am asking."

"Because that book isn't the right one," Rasputin added, "This book is the same one that showed us about a different story."

Sergi stared at him more darkly, "Then tell me why you became an enemy to the gods?"

Rasputin chuckled sadly, "Oooooh now that's a tragic tale; basically Alexa…or as he renamed himself Alex is my brother."

"I don't know or remember you…" Alex said.

"That's because you are NOT THAT Alex," Rasputin looked at him sternly.

Alex looked down for a moment, recalling if he was talking about the other one…the same one from long ago who came to him back during his swimming days.

"Heaven and earth, has all of space-time finally began to mix up realities?" Rasputin muttered.

"Look, we have to find our children," Kyle said, "We know the one has magic and she might be able to break the curse."

"Listen you gentlemen, if the curse is broken, people are going to die…including your child," Rasputin reminded them.

"Then how are we supposed to save Anastasia and the girls if they can't remember who they are!?" Alex snapped.

"I woke you up with the book here," Sergi said, "But I have a feeling those girls won't wake up by touching this."

"Then how did we exactly wake up?" Alex looked at him.

"Because a part of you...while cursed...the photo drew you into it," he answered, "I don't know what sort of magical object of value that will wake up the girls...unless they believe in true love."

As he spoke, Sergi flipped the pages but stopped to see something new appearing. With a glance, he saw what looked like two ancient warriors fighting some gigantic beast followed by two massive creatures breaking free from the human bodies.

"What is that?" Alex asked.

"I…I don't know…it supposedly is set around during Greek?" Sergi shrugged.

Kyle's eyes widened a little, but he shrugged it off after a moment. Before they could continue, a loud series of hyena screeching noises followed by a thundering sound boomed downstairs.

The four ran to see the commotion to see Dodecadron confronted by Verrado, Kei, and a third member with sky-orange hair and yellow-lime eyes. Thanks to Sergi, both Kyle and Alex remembered who these witches were as the former was exceptionally pissed from before.

"Well, well," Verrado sneered, "You are back…or almost."

"You…coward," Alex growled, wanting to beat the shit out of her but Kyle held him back again.

"I am impressed that you found a loophole so easily," the witch said, hinting an angry glance at Sergi, "But just because you guys are all awake doesn't mean that the rest of this town is…the curse is still very much active…the project is not yet complete."

"What he hell did you do to Anastasia and the girls?!" Alex shouted.

"Oh they're here…but they don't remember a single thing. Even if you do find them, they'll dismiss you as creepy old men like they say so in social media."

Sergi and Kyle grunted in disgust as Alex scowled, "Even if you are mother to them?!"

"Ohhhhh so you finally acknowledge me as mother to the kids then?" she teased.

"I do accept that you gave birth to Anastasia and the girls, but I still have one question," he snarled, "What did we ever do to deserve this?"

"It's simple…you are all heroes," Kei remarked, "Isn't that what you said…old man?"

Dodecadron narrowed his eyes, "You know what, I might not have my magic back, but a baseball bat will certainly do the job to you and that bitch."

"Swing away as much as you won't but we all can agree that this curse cannot be broken unless you're willing to sacrifice your loved ones," Kei replied.

"Just why are you willing to let other people get killed?!" Alex asked.

"It's easier for us to have the main cast to survive…we have no care for this town or all the extras that live in this mega city," Kaede replied.

"What the hell? Main cast?" Kyle looked confused as Verrado gave the young man a deadly stare to leak that information out.

Alex's eyes flickered for a split second as he could feel anger coursing his veins. This prompt Kei and Verrado to step back a little.

Is this too early for him, Verrado thought.

He doesn't have all his memories back…nor does Kyle, Kaede noted mentally back to the witch.

We don't have to wake him up fully, just enough for his persona as a hunter back then, the witch nodded, shall we?

"Speak up you cowards!" Alex growled, "What do you want from us!?"

"Suffering will soon begin to this town…and it will spread to this world…and then it will reach out to other realms. Our deity of Darkness awaits its rebirth to destroy every existence possible," Verrado paced in a circle, "Chaos will be the new order and Cosmos will be forced to serve it."

Dodecadron looked down for a moment, recalling his times as the Dark One and what Chaos wanted to accomplish. However, he couldn't smell the entity here within these witches. Were they some form of worshippers?

Flashback Continues: 3 Months after Pandora became the Dark One and was banished

Over a year and a few months have gone by as the infant tried to run around without falling over. Iago watched him while reading the newspaper as the baby's footsteps could be heard from a mile away.

Emilia was reading for some recipe ideas when she saw the baby trying to open the cupboard. With a last-second save, she pulled him out before a pile of flour fell to the floor.

"Oh you…" the mother chuckled before using her magic to have it clean up on its own. The baby watched in fascination and awe.

"Sounds like Othello wants to cook?" Iago asked.

"A spill of flour is more like it," she replied.

Othello giggled and cooed happily in the mother's arms. Iago put down the newspaper as the family were just happy and at peace with their child.

"I hope he doesn't become an author," Emilia said, "Especially after all what has happened."

"We shouldn't have to question the dream for this child on what the future holds," Iago said, "Yeah, Camelot isn't exactly safe right now but we're far enough to not have to worry."

Before Emilia could answer, she turned her head to see the window as the skies were turning darker by the minute. Iago walked outside to hear strange noises that sounded like a prolonged squeaky door with calls of hyenas mixed in. Followed by thunder, a strange cloak figured appeared.

Iago took his battle stance as the figure spoke, "You expected me to be her, right?"

"Who are you!?" he shouted.

Verrado unveiled herself as Iago gasped, "Y-you…you're alive!? But how!?"

"Did you think that the family would easily banish me away?" she asked, "I used the resources of my new home and have taken babies and children…turning them to my family."

"You will not be taking mines!" he shouted angrily.

"Oh who says that the child will be used for slavery?" Verrado added.

Iago turned to hear Emilia crying out as two more cloaked figures used magic to lock her and the baby in chains.

"Pandora's revenge to the authors will not be left unchecked," Verrado continued, "Suffering is the only beginning…"

Before Iago could reply, they disappeared to the darkness. He grunted angrily as he had to figure out where they went and the only possibility…

The Mahotsukai arrived at Camelot, looking for Iwatobi. However, it didn't take much for Camelot Jr. to appear as the master of botany sensed his arrival.

"You…" Iago said.

"Indeed," Camelot Jr. spoke, "The trees have spoken me of your tribulation. I fear that their threat is only the beginning."

"What do you know about them?" Iago asked.

"They're witches…our former friends who were inspired by the Dark One's rising," he replied, "They are rebelling the laws of magic and cosmos."

"Take me to them! Clearly they must be somewhere in this world," Iago demanded.

"That's not going to be easy," a voice said.

They turned to see Iwatobi and Sametsuka arriving on scene.

"Y-you guys…" Iago trembled.

"I'm afraid you're not the only one who lost something of value. The witches also took one of our books that are still ongoing," Iwatobi revealed.

"Team up then," Iago replied, "We can't let these witches or the Dark One accomplish their objectives!"

Present Day: Asahi, Ikuya and Artemis fight the Elder Bairns

The crowd of Ninja Elder Bairns clashed against Artemis, Asahi, and Ikuya; each of them getting scratches from their enemies.

"RIPPPP SUNSHIIIIINNNNEEEE TIDEEEEEEE!" Asahi fired his harpoon cannon, unleashing rapid blasts of energy and water towards the blood thirst beasts, blasting them to bits of blood.

Ikuya jumped up and used the weight of his body to squash them down while using his x-ray vision to see through the barrier as he could see the others lurking around hopelessly. He stabbed another one down with his Three-Pointed trident before trying to aim a blast of water at the town line. To his surprise, it went through and accidently splashing Isana and Tsubasa.

The two went up to the barrier to try to break through.

Artemis as pinned down by one of the ninjas but he unleashed a cry from his magic, blasting the enemy back. A random civilian was watching from the corner but before he could cry out, one of the ninjas stabbed the person to death.

"N-NOOOO!" he shouted before breaking free and stabbing his Atlantean Spear at the ninja to death. Some blood splashed to his face.

Asahi turned to see Tsubasa and Isana trying to get through the town line with their magical attacks.

"Ikuya, they can't get in!" he said.

"I know that!" he snapped, "But we can't let them escape and hurt anymore lives!"

Artemis jumped and ducked several slashes of the ninja's sword attacks, heading towards the town line. The ninja lashed out at him but it struck at the barrier before it crumbled to dust.

"T-this barrier…" Artemis muttered, "YOU GUYS! I HAVE AN IDEA!"

The trio stood together in a circle as more ninjas appeared to surround them. Asahi was feeling nervous about this idea but Ikuya couldn't afford to wait anymore time. The ninjas attacked but the trio flew up high as the Elder Bairns dissolved through the barrier to dust.

"Well that did stop them, but we have to do something about that barrier," Ikuya noted, "Artemis…do you remember a point in your life that you've been searching for answers?"

"I…" he began but was in awe of the entire city around them from the air.

"Such a view huh?" Asahi added, "Maybe someday all of this will be a better place once we find an antidote and break the curse."

"I…I wish to find the answer to who I am and what is my destiny," Artemis said.

The two smiled briefly before linking their hands to Artemis again. This time, a soft glow appeared between them as the sunset was near its horizon. Artemis' eyes also went neon in synchronize with the others.

"Suiei Oceania…please lend us your strength so we can help our team grow…our mission is to build our new team…the Hidashimo Senshi!" Asahi and Ikuya prayed.

"Then a team you shall have!" Artemis' deeper voice echoed as a rain of magic descended to Hollywood Heights, dissolving the barrier, "And more so…your powers…"

The two gasped as the Shionezaki and Kazami Crystal wands appeared in front of them. Artemis touched the wands together, unleashing a mega blast of light warming the city with hope.

"Asahi…Suiei Shiina…Ikuya…Suiei Kirishima…you shall now become stronger with the birth of your Spirit Animals!"

Artemis released the wands as they spun in front of them, slowly at first before going faster and turning into a blur.

Ikuya's eyes widened as his Shionezaki Crystal Wand shifted and transformed…becoming the Beluga Shimogami Transformation Dagger Wand with colors of silver, lavender, teal, and hints of lime-green, red and gold.

Asahi watched his Kazami Crystal Wand adjusting into his new Phocidae Transformation Dagger Wand with colors of orange, blue, white, and hints of salmon-pink and gold flecks.

"NOW…TRANSFORM!" Suiei Oceania chanted.

The two grabbed their new wands:

"BELUGA PRIMAL POOOWWWWEEEEERRRRR…MAAAAAKKKEEEEEE UP!"

Ikuya threw his Beluga transformation pen upwards as the background turned lime and emerald green with reddish-brown multiple combination. His nails glowing in red chestnut color. The background morphed into lavender, white, and sky blue with a horde of the beluga whales swimming and making a cry call.

He silently walked with his hands clasped in prayer as the beluga whales followed him slowly before he unleashed a series of kicks with his legs in karate style. He punched to the left as two of the whales 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 silver knee pads followed by his lavender sash. He spun around as his shoulder pads were formed from the crystal shards decorated with peridot and purple amethyst. His Suiei Necklace appeared on him now in its true form of the whale that he is a part of, glowing in a dark-teal color.

Whipping his hair a little, he donned a pair of golden loop earrings as well as his bandana in mauve, silver, iliac, and black accents. His Crystal Five-Pointed trident floated next to him before grabbing it.

Ikuya's forehead glowed the symbol of the Beluga while he finally opened his eyes in a more serious tone facial expression and taking his battle pose of determination as his animal spirits floated side by side.

"PHOCIDAE PRIMAL POOOWWWWEEEEERRRRR…MAAAAAKKKEEEEEE UP!"

Asahi flung his Phocidae Transformation pen as it glowed in orange, melon, and purple multi combination as his nails glowed in lavender color.

The background unleashed a storm of ribbon seals swimming rapidly in a white, orange and hints of melon, red, and gray before it transformed into a bluer hue with different shades of the sea.

Asahi skipped around in circles with a trail of fragmented crystals following him in the way of light. Two of the seals fused together to form his sleeveless-hoodie vest in orange and white hues along with blue and red streaks. Raising his fists up donned him his golden cuffs and shoulder pads made of the strongest metals.

His Suiei Necklace glowed in a melon-orange color on its ribbon seal pendant. 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, orange, and purple. The ankle bracelets appeared afterwards followed by his Enhanced Crystal Hammer Harpoon tip.

Asahi's forehead glowed a neon symbol of the seal as he opened his eyes, taking his new battle stance with a smirk on his face with a background of his spirit animals.

Tsubasa, Isana, Seijuurou, Kotarou and Toto watched the city finally appear as they saw a bright light hovering high above.

"T-the same power we felt before…." Isana muttered.

"It's them…isn't it?" Kotarou asked.

"I sense a greater power finally coming to life," Tsubasa added.

While Seijuurou couldn't tell what was going on…he could feel the familiar presence in that light. He was about to say something when the other three readied their pen-like objects.

"AQUARIUS POWERRRRRRRR…MAAAKKKEEEE UP!"

A mega-blast of wind swept through the magical man as Tsubasa's hair rapidly spun while he danced in circles. His feet glowed to don the silver slippers as the rest of his body was covered in streams of magic. The blue hair was pushed back by his right hand as the ribbon flickered into a white headband but still had the fluff on his one side.

His Suiei Heart necklace was made of blue-sapphire engraved with the symbol of Shimogami on it. The ribbons then swirled across his trunk as it transformed into a black vest-like outfit with hues of blue and light purple with accents of white on the buttons. However, it was designed to be nice and open to see his necklace and some of his chest.

Both of his deltoids had shoulder pads made of leather but had silvery crystal-pads. The vest extended to cover the groin area and his upper legs to complete its design.

A pair of vision googles made of crystal lenses were colored in aquamarine like his swimmer goggles and black-colored wrist bands with hand guards also appeared.

While walking in the backgrounds of sky-blue and violet with high winds and several miniature-sized typhoons spinning around him, the ribbons flowed down to form his shin guards in designs like his vest and shoulder pads along with a simple pair of river sandals.

His nails were then painted in light forest green to match his eyes as he donned his Agua Fria Bow with arrows made of pure energy. Tsubasa struck his pose with his aim and fire position with a soft smirk on his face.

"THUNDARIS POWERRRRRR…MAAAKKKEEEEE UP!"

Isana closed his eyes skated his way through a background of violet, purple, and other similar shades of magic as the clouds rumbled with sound all around. The camera briefly zooms to his nails turning violet to match his eyes before the clouds wrapped around Isana's body and donning his battle clothes…

A big white full cloak with a tucked purple inner loose garment appeared with accents of orange and blue triangular-rectangle patterns around his waistline. The v-neck area was loosely open to see his chiseled chest along with his Suiei Heart necklace in lavender with the Hidaka symbol engraved. His hat was simply of a white turban with matching accents of his waistband.

The wrists were covered in golden bands as a pair of soft-slippers covered his feet. His Thunder Sword was tucked to the side as its design was in blue and white with hints of orange and a blade of black-steel.

A small pair of loop earrings appeared on both of his ears as they were made of silver. Finally, Isana opened his eyes and readied his sword in his own battle position with a soft smile yet subtle enough to keep his guard balance.

"TOXOTES POWERRRRRR…MAAAAKKEEEE UP!"

Kotarou's nails glowed in light indigo as massive waves in the background roared behind him in this magical transformation. As he walked in forward fashion, the foam from the waves swirled around his groin, biceps/triceps, abdomen, and his legs and feet.

The foam dissolved into bubbles before revealing his upper arm guards as well as a pair of armored gloves with jewels of diamond, amethyst, and orange-colored crystals. The shoulder pads also appeared to protect his deltoids, but his muscled chest was left expose with its own ethnic tattoo-markings based on the design of the archerfish with lines expanding around his back and parts of his lower arms.

His long-length skirt formed in the colors of lavender, white, sky blue, and gray accents. Kotarou lifted his head up as his Suiei Necklce formed with a golden-chain design and locket as the Shimogami symbol was etched on the shell. A headband also appeared but it was more like a white bandana with similiar markings from his chest.

On his left hand was a shield-like weapon with spinning blades made of protosteel that can be controlled by his will. Finally, Kotarou opened his eyes and readied himself for his own battle with a serious facial expression.

Iwamara Village

Kenma and the others finally arrive at a coastal village with people pleasantly happy with their lives. However, according to Tsubasa, they were informed that two of their teammates were out here waiting for their return.

"So then, does this look good on me?" Hikaru asked as he twirled around his heavy fur coat.

Shin looked at him while blushing, "Uhhhhhh...I think at this season only cats would wear fur?"

"Hehe, I know I shouldn't have asked this but I guess this what happens when Isana isn't around," he crossed his arms.

"Right. he'd probably smack you there..." Shin smirked.

Hikaru started to laugh while Shin sensed a change in the air. They both turned to see a group of gentlemen approaching to them.

"Um, is there something on my face?" Iwaizumi asked.

"Lighten up why don't ya," Noya whispered in his ear.

"Oh no, we just...uhhhhhh..." Hikaru coughed up.

"I do apologize for the gayness of my friend here," Shin stated.

"Nah, we don't mind that ol' stick in the mud! Back home, we call that Tuesday! Bwahaha!" Noya chuckled.

"Uh... sure?" Iwaizumi looked at him.

"Don't mind him. He's an idiot," Kenma crossed his arms with a sigh.

"Excuse me?! C'mon! You gotta agree there are some of the other guys on the teams that flaunt about the same way!" Noya jumped out.

"I don't care..." Kenma turned away.

"Well then, ahem. Welcome to Iwamara! We're not exactly tour guides for you but..." Hikaru began.

"I assume you're coming to us because you met some colleagues of ours?" Shin asked.

"Some guy in blue hair, crossbow, loud puppy?" Noya asked after he stopped jumping around.

"He does have a grudge against witches, doesn't he?" Iwaizumi added.

"Yep...that sounds like Tsubasa alright," Shin sighed.

"Shin, let's not go on that topic for now..." Hikaru answered as Kenma raised his eyebrow.

"I do apologize if our leader was acting a bit rash. He's been through some trauma when he was younger. But I shouldn't be saying more," Shin continued.

"Rash isn't the word I'd put it," Noya shrugged.

"Okay, your turn to shut it up, idiot Noya," Iwaizumi announced.

"But I - "the other man began.

"Do what he says and shut up. For everyone's sake," Kenma added.

"Ughhhhh, you guys are so mean!" Noya started to make a fake cry.

"So it's just the three of you?" Hikaru asked.

"Three? What do you mean? There should be five...?" Iwaizuzmi's senses heightened as he turned to see Noya and Kenma just standing.

"Welp, Kuroo is gone," Kenma shrugged out.

"EHHHHHH!? W-WHER-RE?" Noya freaked out, "Kenma why are you so calm about this!?"

"I'm sure Kuroo will find his way. He's not that stupid," Kenma answered.

"The red-hair also disappeared too with the flying carpet," Iwaizumi noted, "No wonder things were too quiet lately."

"Well this isn't good," Shin replied.

Before anyone could add, they all heard a soft bell being rung. Then, it appeared that time stopped as the trio looked at each other in confusion at this.

"It's been some time…fellow travelers," the voice of Neo King Julius echoed in Kenma, Noya, and Iwaizumi's heads.

"T-the king!?" they gasped.

"My apologize to disturb your travels but...my fellow dream seer and myself have witnessed Kuroo departing from you guys,"the king continued.

"He is going to be okay? Where did he go?" Iwaizumi asked.

"If he stays away from the city he will be safe but I'm afraid he's already detecting...something," Julius answered.

"Of course…Kuroo was the shrine priest of Karasuno, lest you forget," Kenma recalled.

"So, he went to investigate whatever's going on, huh? Stupid, should've told us," Iwaizumi muttered.

"My fellow seer and I have connected to someone who's already in Aeuropa CIty and things are moving quickly there...and it's not for the good," Julius added.

"What in the world is going on back there?" Iwaizumi asked.

"Monsters that feed on humans have resurfaced...but that's not the only problem there..." Julius replied.

"What else could go wrong?" Noya called out.

"When my fellow senshi Sousuke swung the glaive in the underworld...combined with the powers of the final battle...several souls were resurrected in full...some have moved to this same world that you are on..." Julius narrated.

"That explains it...someone that we know of…or that he knew of…must be in the city," Iwaizumi realized, "I can only imagine whatever else happened to those souls down there."

"Oikawa isn't the one who you should worry about…"Julius answered before pausing a moment.

"Kei and Akiteru are in this world…they are in the Hollywood Heights of Aeuropa City."

The trio gasped in shock, recalling the Tsukishima brothers and their tragic legacy that struck their volleyball sport into exile before realizing that it was Kei all along that orchestrated the evil.

"What a predicament," Kenma grunted.

"A-Akiteru…" Noya muttered before wanting to shout, "AND KEI?!"

"I have a feeling Kuroo is trying to stop their conflict that began from their previous lives...but Hollywood Heights is becoming a dangerous area now that the monsters are resurfacing. And it's likely that Kei or someone with him may be controlling them," the king echoed.

"Sounds like old habits are hard to kill even after being reincarnated," Noya shrugged.

After a moment of silence and a sigh, Kenma finally asked, "What should we do?"

"Two of my colleagues are also in Hollywood Heights...they have some magic with them from Atlantis. I will contact them so you'll be safe when you arrive there," the king replied.

Kenma nodded as he then received a personal message from the king that the others didn't hear…

I know I am the last person you want to deal with, but I am asking you as a human...do not let go of your wish...whatever you do from here. Put your faith in Kuroo...for the sake of your dream.

Kenma's mind replied: Very well. But just so you know…things might never be the same between us, Your Majesty, but I do thank you for granting me this ability to journey forward. Maybe someday I'll thank you personally.

And in response from the king: And I should thank you for reminding me of the darkness in my heart.

"Very well, go find Kuroo and do not let the Tsukishima brothers fall apart again!" the king echoed as time moved forward around them again and the vision ended.

"Hell yes! Let's get going!" Noya smirked, fist pumping upwards.

"Wouldn't it be rude not to thank our 'tour guides'?" Kenma looked at Noya. Hikaru and Shin looked at each other in confusion when they saw the trio turning around to leave the coastal city.

"Where are you guys going?!" Hikaru called out.

"Gotta find our friends! Super important task!" Noya shouted.

"We'll have to take you up on your offer of a tour another time. For now, we must locate our missing comrades," Iwaizumi nodded before waving.

When they were out of sight, Kenma got down on his knees in the jungle and closed his eyes to focus on his inner spirit animal that he once called upon a long time ago…

King, please grant me that strength, he prayed to himself, allow me to carry my friends with the strength that I have.

"Wh-what's going on with him?" Iwaizumi looked at Kenma.

"If I think what he's going to do…we'll get to ride faster to our destination," Noya chuckled.

With a loud growl, Kenma resumed his leopard form before turning to them. He adjusted his size large enough to become a Persian-type.

"Well then…let's go, shall we?" Noya looked at Iwaizumi.

"Yeah, let's make sure we don't miss Kuroo along the way," he said as they both got on.

The Kenma-Leopard roared before taking off through the forests, heading towards a long trail that would bring them back towards the city.

"I just wish we had a map though…the one we were given isn't quite…" Noya muttered.

Another one appeared in Iwaizumi's hands with the signature from the king's handwriting. It showed a bit of magic on where Kuroo was at as well as the two Atlanteans in town. The leopard smirked a smile in knowing that the king still had some tricks up his sleeve despite how things were before.

Flashback Continues:
The Birth of a Parallel Universe…

The four Mahotsukai found their way to the Black Mountain where the witches had an empire of their own. They were expecting to get their way up there to find them but it turns out it wasn't necessary. Clouds rumbled down the mountain before revealing the witches along with Emilia and Othello in hostage.

Iago tried to reach to them but Verrado's gesture warned him otherwise. Another cloaked figure revealed the Suiei!Book that was already written up through the point when the Shadow Mafia began their global strike.

"Give us back our…" Iwatobi began.

"Uhhh no," Verrado used her magic to shut him up.

"Hey!" Sametsuka cried out but he too was feeling his voice being silent.

"Your books are protected by the power of Cosmos…meaning that as long as there is ink from him, we cannot write what we want," Verrado said, "However…I found a loophole not too long ago and I wanted to see this for myself."

"Just what the hell do you think you can do?" Iago asked.

"It's simple…we make our own ink," she answered.

"That's impossible," Camelot Jr. stated, "That requires blood magic."

"By a single person alone it is impossible but with this family we can achieve anything," Verrado replied, "Now I suggest you sit back and watch…"

She flung them down to the ground as they brought Othello to the center of their created pentacle with candles and black flower petals. Emilia screamed but was also muted upon the horror being unleashed.

"Let the ritual begin!" Verrado stated as the cloaked witches raised up their hands to drain the magic out of Othello.

Iago called upon his inner strength to break free from the bonds and ran his way over to grab the child, but the witches blocked his path. He turned to see Emilia and ran to grab her before they tried to get back to their child.

"Not everyone can have a happy ending," Verrado hissed, "Those heroes will suffer under our reign!"

"Just what are you trying to do to them!?" Iwatobi shouted.

"Giving what our kind deserves…" Verrado replied.

"Honey! Please save yourself!" Emilia begged.

"I CAN'T LEAVE YOU NOR OTHELLO!" he shouted.

"They told me everything when we were in hostage…about how the magic works in these books. If they succeed in taking Othello's life…that storyline will be a gateway for Pandora to utilize…I can't let it happen!"

"W-what are you doing to do?!" he asked, feared for the worse.

"I'm going to change the future!" she said, running towards Othello in the ritual circle.

Iago screamed as Emilia stabbed herself to pour out magic upon her and Othello as the book that hovered above them began to twist and turn, splitting into two separate books. When the light dimmed down, all what was left in the circle were two books and a pile of blood and ink mixed.

Before anyone could react, Iago snatched the original copy and rescued the others in time as Verrado silently stared at them before they vanished to the shadows. Iago cried in Iwatobi and Sametsuka's arms on the loss of his family.

The original story has been saved, however, Iwatobi thought as he could only fear what the other copy would become in their hands…

Present Day: Hollywood Heights

Artemis, Ikuya and Asahi landed back on the ground as the other senshi finally arrive on scene. Toto barked happily while Seijuurou watched the group hugging happily in reunion. At this moment, the red-hair felt a throb in his head…as if something important was telling him to remember…

The senshi turned to see the red-haired struggling on his knees.

"H-Hey is he alright?!" Asahi asked.

"Who is he?" Artemis asked.

"Forgive me for bringing him along," Tsubasa replied, "We have told him to not follow us but…"

"It's fine," Ikuya answered, "He has the face of an old friend. Maybe he can help."

"I-I can?" Seijuurou looked a tad confused.

"Ikuya, you don't suppose he…er his name…that list from Ben earlier?" Asahi whispered.

"We'll settle the score on that magician later," he said.

"Well then, now that we are assembled, what do we need to do?" Kotarou asked.

"We have to evacuate everyone from the town so that if any more Elder Bairns appear, no blood will be shed," Asahi answered, "Already there have been some casualties and it's only getting started."

"We can take him to Shiloh's for safety," Artemis suggested, "The red-hair…?"

"I'm Seijuurou…Mikoshiba," he introduced himself.

"Right. Let's get you to him. He has barriers that will protect you from the monsters at least," Artemis nodded.

Upon seeing the news that his mother was arrested, Clarion could only tear up silently before closing his eyes. However, his headache grew worse and worse by the moment until the EKG machine began to panic on his heart health.

The nurses arrived in to maintain his health.

Back at Judd's Tavern

"Why does it have to be this world!?" Alex shouted angrily, "Just what gives you the pleasure to give others pain?!"

"I guess you don't get it…do you?" Kei replied.

Verrado approached to Alex slowly before adding softly, "Tell me, is this town enough for you?"

"You stand back!" he snapped.

"You heard him!" Dodecadron agreed.

Verrado and Kei used the magic to pin the others to the wall while putting Alex down on his knees.

"Tell me that you brought it," Verrado said.

"Yes," Kei answered, revealing a glass vial of blood in his hands.

"W-What is that!?" Kyle shouted out.

Sergi could only remain speechless about this…as he knew deep down from the book.

Brother, please remember us when you remember yourself, he prayed.

"Now then, all you have to do is drink this. Trust me," Verrado said as Kei opened the cork before pinching his cheeks.

"It's the blood of what you once feast upon…the Elder Bairns…"

The blood drained from the vial to Alex's mouth as he tried to spit it out for its awful taste but Kei ensured his head was upright to digest it. At first it was all quiet for a moment but then Alex's body began to vibrate from his arms and hands. The others tried to break free from the magic but they were just as stuck.

Alex looked up as his eyes turned red, echoing a long distant memory that was now resurfacing his head for the first time in eons…

~Episode 7 END~

~Episode 8 PV~

Verrado: Do you remember…now, human? Or are you still one of them?

Kyle: W-what did you do to him?!

Kei: It's called remembering his identity.

Kyle: Alex is my husband! We already know that! The curse brought us here to forget our lives thanks to you bitches!

Kei: But there's always more to his past besides the drugs he used for his swimming career. Maybe you should read the fine print about his entre, multiple lives.

Kyle: What does that supposed to mean?!

Sergi: I…I…

Alex: Next time, Free! The Dragon and the Phoenix…I remember now…