Episode 10: Operation Dissolution: Part 1
The Pentacle Towers
Can you see my scars?
Can you feel my heart?
This is all of me for all of the world to see
The two Mikoshiba siblings rode on the carpet, heading up to the skies above Aeuropa City. Isuzu demanded to know what he is planning and what the hell is going on.
"…Dodecadron er um…Shiloh told me that Alex is married to Kyle," he said.
"…I see," she replied, "But what does that have to do with what's going on now?"
"Maybe not the present but the past…if Rei did love Alex…then why wasn't that love ever returned? I don't get it. Haruka and Alex were budding in romance until their betrayal…" Sei muttered.
"Reincarnation? After all…look at us," she shrugged.
"If Alex was reincarnated in another world separated from Haruka and the others…" Sei realized, "Then he must have met Kyle and started his life over!"
"Weren't you talking with um…Sergi earlier about some of this stuff?" she asked.
"Yes…he showed me a few pages of the book too but I didn't realize it then…the picture I saw of Alex back as Alexander showed him fighting with another man…I believe it was Odysseus," he continued.
"W-WHAT!? O-Odysseus…he's real!?" Isuzu looked stunned.
"Apparently so," Sei shrugged.
"But that's impossible…even if Odysseus was real…he's not from the same time period as Alexander unless…" she narrowed her eyes.
"Immortality…or at least lived to about 600 years," Seijuurou concluded.
Isuzu turned to see a fire erupting from a distance. The two nodded and the carpet soared its way over to the source of the mess ahead…
Judd's Tavern
"Do you think we should've told him the rest?" Zulion asked Tekela.
"About what may happen to Artemis and what is destiny may be? No. If we are wrong then it would be all for nothing…but if we are right then…the truth will only drive him to insanity," Tekela replied.
"Have some hot cocoa with Kalula…on the house," Dodecadron handed the couple over some warm spiked drinks.
"Oh, thank you," Zulion replied.
"Yes, we are grateful," Tekela smiled.
Alice, Mesa, Iberia, L'aura, and Eva were sleeping all over the lounge area in the other room. Sergi and Rasputin went out with Ben to release Abigail from prison as part of their "Operation" to stop the witches from wrecking chaos to the entire city and metro. Kyle was nowhere to be found while Isuzu and Seijuurou went on the carpet to go find the swimming guardians despite the risks.
A loud bang was knocked on the door. Dodecadron arrived to it and saw a black-haired man drenched from the rainfall as the weather was getting darker.
"Yes?" Dodecadron, "How may I help you?"
"Kei Tsukishima…is he here?" Kuroo flipped his hair to reveal more of his face.
"Who are you?" the stronger man asked, narrowing his eyes, "Are you part of the witches?"
"I am not with a clan of any kind. Kei was someone who came from our home long ago…where is he?!" he looked at him more sternly.
Dodecadron readied his bat, "Okay, listen you punk, if you even try to…"
"WAAAAIIIITTT!" another voice shouted out.
Kuroo turned to see Iwaizumi and Noya riding on the Kenma!Jaguar before arriving on scene. Kenma transformed back to his human form.
"Kuroo! Why the hell did you ditch us!?" Iwaizumi asked.
"We were so worried about you!" Noya added as they got off and Kenma's facial expression was just silent as usual.
"The black feathers that Shouyou gave to me were embodied with magic and since our arrival to this world, they wouldn't stop glowing, I traced them to this city," Kuroo explained.
Kenma was about to throw his two cents when Zulion and Tekela stepped outside to see the commotion but the latter gasped and felt sharp pain through his body.
"A-Are you alright!?" Zulion asked.
Tekela grunted as something was breaking free from his chest; revealing a strange golden-tooth like object. Moments later, Zulion felt the same pain and released his from his chest.
"W-what in the world…?!" Noya and Iwaizumi looked a bit terrified.
"T-the golden pipes…they're resonating like nothing before!" Tekela gasped.
Now it was Kenma's turn to feel nauseated before he fell to his knees and throwing up vomit and blood before something else appeared on the ground…the same golden pipe just like the other two.
"K-Kenma!?" Noya, Iwaizumi and Kuroo gasped.
But it was too late as Kenma's attention was fixed on the pipe and his eyes began to glow in an unusually blue hue…
Flashback: Long Ago… Planet Olympia Magna
King Atlas' Reign of Atlantis, several years before the downfall,
Note: This realm is from the Gen 2.0 fanfic series Eternal Swim Chronicle
Takela breathed heavily before pushing out a final cry of labor as the baby cried on its first breath of life. Zulion cried with joy as the nurse washed the newborn up in warm water and cleanser made from the herbs. Takela finally received the baby in warm blankets and kissed her husband.
"It's a boy," the nurse congratulated them.
"…so beautiful," Takela whispered, "My Amnek…oh my sweet baby Amnek…you are blessed to be under the wings of this fruitful kingdom."
"You two need to get some rest," the nurse added.
"Of course," Takela nodded, "Honey, can you go to the market and fetch more reeds for the aroma?"
"It will be done," he briefly nodded before heading out.
"You are lucky to have married this man," the nurse answered after Zulion took off.
"This child is destined to walk along our great prince Julius for when he becomes king…Amnek will be his right-hand lieutenant," Takela held to the baby.
"I suppose with such dreams and ambitions," the nurse shrugged, "But don't you think he would want a life of his own?"
"My family and Zulion's family were fierce warriors to the kings of the past…including Noesis and Dianoia, the original founders," Takela answered, "Our traditions were very strict on our free time and hobbies."
The nurse didn't want to argue with this despite having a different opinion on how things have changed in the course of hundreds of years and several generations. Most of the civilians had decreased the number of armies and navy in order to foster peace and good will to the other nations across the planet. However, a few families have remained in a stricter lifestyle to protect the royalty and the heart.
As Amnek grew up, he was learning how to hunt and to fish with Zulion while Takela maintained their humble home within the eastern quarter of the city. It was a small home but just enough room for a family of three and a single guest if necessary.
By around 5 years old, Amnek began to start studying at the Sarrang Youth School which was part of the Atlas Series Academy district of the main Atlantis island. He couldn't be happier with the life he was having but little did he realize that he had the power to change his own life if he chooses to…
One day, during his 7th year of life, Amnek was returning a book to the library and decided to take a shortcut through the Academy's gardens when he accidently bumped into two people. He gasped upon recognizing them.
"P-Prince Julius?! A-Antonius?!" the kid gasped.
The two 10-year old boys smiled as the prince greeted him, "Pleased to meet you…"
"Amnek!" he introduced himself before bowing, "I borrowed this book from my school's library, but it turns out it was loaned from your palace! I wanted to return it myself but…"
"I'll take care of it," Julius offered his hand, "Don't worry. It will be back home safely."
After a moment's hesitation, Amnek gave the book to the prince. In exchange, Julius handed him something wrapped in cloth.
"Your majesty, you can't give that to him!" Antonius protested.
"Why not? I think this gift will be perfect for him and his family," Julius smiled.
"B-but…" he began.
"When he time comes that he meets us again, things will be different," the prince answered.
"I…don't understand?" Amnek looked confused, "What's inside and what's different?"
"Keep this safe with you at all times," Julius instructed him, "It may one day become something precious and powerful."
The two walked back to the palace while Amnek unveiled the cloth to see a golden tooth-like pipe with a hole on the side. It was surprisingly not as heavy despite whatever it was made of, but it was about the size of an eating utensil.
Present Day
Tsubasa, Isana, Kotarou, and Toto were heading in a north-east direction to keep watch on the two towers looming over the city. Isana's x-ray vision sensed something dark and terrifying coming from them.
"So, they gotta come down eh?" Kotarou chewed on his gum.
"I would hope that breaking them will weaken the magic of this curse," isana said.
"Either way, if it gets those witches to not fulfill their evil plans, I'm down," Tsubasa grunted, "That bitch…"
Toto barked to keep his master from losing it. Tsubasa smiled and gently brushed his hand through his pet.
"So, what are we going to do from here?" Kotarou asked.
"We split up. I'll go alone with Toto to the North tower…the two of you can take the East Tower," Tsubasa answered.
"Are you sure you're gonna be okay by yourself?" Isana asked.
"…I have to," he replied, clutching tight on his weapon.
"Captain, don't be pushing yourself," Kotarou reminded him.
The human and his pet departed from them while the other two senshi took off in their own direction. Tsubasa could only feel the war flashbacks of being the adult performer and feeling all the cash raining down on him. The memories led him to watching the red-haired couple and their kids living happily.
Angered, he kicked a trash bucket as several of its contents tumbled out. Toto whimpered sadly.
Port Royale Forest
Verrado, Alucard, Dracula, Kei, Salem, Yuma and Cassio brought over Akiteru's body to their marked area in the forest where five massive stones rested with a candle on top of each site of the circle.
"The towers are not yet complete," Salem said, "One left…right?"
"The thing about those towers are just a ruse to trick the heroes," Dracula revealed, "It's to give them something to distract."
"But there is something in one of those, right?" Cassio asked.
"The Conch Shell of Calypso," Yuma muttered, "But its missing the pieces necessary for its function."
"Oh, those pieces are finally appearing at long last," Verrado revealed, "The family has reunited but it won't be long till all of our ingredients are finally at hand."
Kei looked at Akiteru's body, noticing it was on its way of dying if not already dead.
"Akiteru is alive but its magic will be required for service," Verrado looked at him.
"Allow me to take it so I can fulfill the rite," he replied.
"Very well," she answered, handing him some wrist-like bracelets, "Put these on you and him and hold his hands."
The blond did so but upon touching his hands, he felt the world spinning around him as Akiteru's body was glowing in a golden-color. After several seconds, Kei was knocked down as Akiteru woke up in confusion of where he was at.
"K-Kei…where's mother?" he asked her.
"W-what the hell is wrong with me?!" Kei looked at his hands before looking at Verrado, "What did YOU DO?! WHERE'S MY MAGIC THAT YOU PROMISED ME!?"
"You've been a valuable member to my beloved family…however…you did exactly what I hope you would do," she answered, "That stupid vine didn't collect his magic to you…I transferred all your magic into him!"
Kei's eyes widened in shock, "Y-you betrayed me?!"
"Aww perhaps you should've reconciled with your mother then," Verrado smiled wickedly before using her magic to flung him over across the area, throwing him into a pit.
Akiteru was too horrified to even run as Verrado turned to him, "My apologies for frightening you dear older brother Akiteru…but your younger brother has been quite a bad, bad, bad boy."
"W-what the hell do you want?!" he asked.
"Now that you have the combined magic of yours and Kei's together…you can do something for us thanks to your pure heart," Verrado replied.
"…Give me back Kei and my mother," he said.
"I'm afraid that's not in the bargain," she answered, "Your mother is already locked away and your brother is powerless to even care about saving you."
"VERRADO!" one of the witches shouted as a red-shoed stiletto narrowly missed her.
The witch turned to a nearby shrubs before casting her magic to blast the plants as Abigail and Ben were caught hiding and watching.
"Well…I see that my former colleague has become a bigger problem than I anticipated," she tilted her head.
"Give me back my children..." Abigail began.
"You may talk to Kei if you wish," she replied as she used her magic to throw her also into the pit as Kei was already busy trying to find a way to climb. The blond turned to see her as he grunted softly.
"Don't even look at me!" Abigail hissed.
Back above, Verrado bonded Ben in some plant-like vines, "I knew where you've been the whole time but of course I was too powerless to stop you thanks to my prison in the tower. Did you really think that your little immune potion would protect you during this curse?"
"So you knew?" he grumbled.
"Of course…from the moment you reluctantly joined us, I had marked you and the others with a bit of…chips if you say. These chips were also used on some characters in our little story project of Dark Mirror thanks to your late wife and…"
"Don't you DARE talk about them!" he growled before a vine covered up his mouth. With a shrug, Verrado used her magic to add spikes and needles to the tendril, causing Ben to explode with blood before falling to the ground in slain.
"Your resourcefulness is over…enjoy your family reunion if you ever find them on the other side..." she whispered before turning back to Akiteru but realized that he ran off but found him in struggle against some of the other witches.
"Magic is only temporary for your anemic health," she told him, "We can grant you a cure of this condition if you are willing to participate in our ritual. The medicine in this world won't be enough to save you. In return..."
The East Tower
Isana and Kotarou arrived at the massive wall where the East Tower stood. The shape of it was wide at the bottom but narrower towards the top like a pyramid but taller than wide.
"This kinda reminds me of Tokyo or Eiffel Tower," Koutarou muttered as he recalled one of his early trips with his wife Misae.
"Should we make sure there's no one around first?" Isana asked, "This is gonna get dangerous here once we start breaking it."
The two scanned through the area through their x-ray vision of their senshi forms before taking the clear. With a nod the two jumped up from the ground and readied themselves.
"THUNNNDAAARIIIISSSSS SLAAAAASSHHHHHHHHH!" Isana twirled his Thunder Sword before making a series of slashes of thunder and lightning.
"YOODEELLLAAAYYYY-HEEEEE-HOOOOO!" Koutarou sang in echo before chanting with his Rotating Blades spinning, "TSSSUUNAAAMIIIIII SOONNNNNNGGG!"
The two attack spells struck the base of the tower as a loud bang could be heard.
The North Tower
Tsubasa and Toto also managed to reach to the far northern area of Aueropa City and broke through a few forbidden zones to reach to the tower. This one had a bit more security and Toto distracted the guards and security to get their attention diverted.
The blue-haired senshi also subdued a few guards by punching them in in K.O and used his crossbow to destroy any cameras he encountered.
When he made it through the secured areas, he finally was outside again as this structure was more of a radio tower.
Charging up his bow with his powers, he tossed his Agua Fria bow upwards to absorb energy before catching it and chanted, "AQUARIUSSSS…PRECISE…BULLSEYE!"
The bow fired several arrows at once, stabbing at the weak spots. At first it seemed to be working as a violent reaction occurred with water and electricity exploding into a fire growing upwards through the tower.
"Well at least that will do the work," he shrugged.
Toto arrived back on scene barking. The man turned and picked up his pet before jumping out of the crime scene but also fired a few more shot on the tower to increase the reactions and flames.
Back at the East Tower, the combined powers from Isana and Kotarou were struggling against the building. Isana turned his head to see the north tower finally up in flames.
"Damn…he's probably going a bit too much," he muttered.
"That idiot, if he doesn't get out of there," Kotarou breathed the same thought out loud.
The two could hear something gusty blowing towards them followed by a loud neigh. They turned to see Ikuya along with another man riding on a horse with wings.
"I-Ikuya!" Kotarou gasped.
"And…a guest?" Isana muttered.
"Don't get distracted! We'll help you!" Ikuya said.
"I'll pitch in," Alex agreed as he yanked the reins of his steed and it lifted its front legs upwards followed by a large slash attack from his Dragon Kopis Sword.
Ikuya twirled his Five-Pointed Crystal trident and chanted, "MELLOOONNNNN ECHHHHOOOOOO FREEEEZZEEEEEEE!"
"THUNNNDAAARIIIISSSSS SLAAAAASSHHHHHHHHH!" Isana twirled his Thunder Sword before making a series of slashes of thunder and lightning.
"YOODEELLLAAAYYYY-HEEEEE-HOOOOO!" Koutarou sang in echo before chanting with his Rotating Blades spinning, "TSSSUUNAAAMIIIIII SOONNNNNNGGG!"
The combined four attacks struck at the weakest point of the building as the iron and steel buckled and collapse, prompting the tower to tip over before crashing to the ground.
"We did it!" Kotarou cheered on.
Alex's Pegasus neighed loudly before flying down towards the rubble. The other three followed him when they all noticed a soft glow of light coming from the shadow of the tower.
"This light…" Ikuya muttered.
They began to dig around the area before Isana found what looked like a big-sized conch shell made of gold and other minerals mixed in that was making the soft glow.
"What is this?!" Kotarou looked confused.
"Whatever it is, I sense magic in it," Ikuya replied.
Isana took the shell and safely kept it in his sack, "If the witches are after this, we can't let them find it."
Atlantis, Planet Olympia Magna
Neo King Julius collapsed from his throne and onto the floor as a sharp pain was felt through his chest. Antonius and the others were discussing in council when they saw the high king in some agony.
"Julius!" Antonius shouted.
"My king, are you well?!" Brutus asked.
Marius and Poseidon got him back on his feet as he looked at his team, "I'd be lying if I say I was…"
"What the hell is going on? Are you ill?" Ulysses asked.
"It's much worse than that," Julius answered, "Something…is very wrong…the solar crystal...it's speaking to me."
"You're not making sense," Suijin replied.
With a shrug, the king readied his Dragon Crystal staff as they all reappeared at the Crystal Chamber below.
"Since that day I adopted Artemis to our family…a warning has told me to not get involved with him…and his story. It turns out that even a short time of him staying with us has affected the universe in something…horrific beyond our imagination," he explained himself.
The eight looked at each other as they recalled that strange warning…was it already too late now? Did something happen to Artemis?
The king tapped his staff to the water to call upon an old friend.
"Hear me now…Watanuki," Julius answered, "I have a wish…"
The water revealed a reflection of witch boy sitting on his sofa dressed in kimono and his foot-long pipe.
"I know exactly what you want to do…Julius…" he replied, "But even so…the consequence of doing such a thing…"
"Those crystals that appeared here…they're not from our world, I know they're not and yet we feel ourselves drawn to them," Julius argued, "During our final battle…our ancestors…in which they share our identities but different souls…is this their doing? Are they trying to warn us something?"
"It's not exactly coming from them but a version of them…think hard your majesty…you met them before…" Watanuki answered.
Julius closed his eyes as he and the crystal staff drawn themselves back in time…when he was Alexa and the others were Haruka, Makoto, Nagisa, Rin and Rei…their journey…their road to Olympia...
The king opened his eyes as he recognized this scene all too well…the world in darkness…a massive city underground…and a rebellion that led to the downfall of evil as Alexa's awakening into a Swimming Guardian finally saved the world from the Shadow Mafia…
"T-they're dead…though…" Julius muttered, "Aren't they? Tell me the truth…ARE, THEY, DEAD?!"
"Julius what's going on!?" Marius questioned.
"What is witch boy talking about?" Suijin asked.
"Whatever the price is…" began Romulus.
"There will be a price but for now…the truth…which was paid for by someone close to you" Watanuki answered.
"Someone close to me?" Julius looked confused.
"This person paid a heavy price to give you the truth about what I am about to tell you. But…whatever you plan to do from here…is on you," he warned the group.
Watanuki unleashed a series of paper-based talismans, striking each of the nine kings as memories from the journey resurfaced all those years ago…
Port Royal Forest, Planet Duniya
Abigail tried to get her fingers onto the wall of dirt, looking for something to pull herself up. Kei was already leaning against the wall, knowing that he was ready to give up.
"Where's the fairy godmother when you need one?" he looked at her.
"Stop complaining and for once be some sort of some use!" she turned to him sharply.
"Why in the world would I ever help you?" Kei asked.
"Perhaps to rectify your own," she suggested, "Verrado stole your magic and while the mother in me wants to leave you here to rot…unfortunately, I don't want to be a bad example to my other son…so if you are READY to listen, I think I know how to get us out of here."
"By tearing those nails of yours?" Kei shrugged.
Abigail sighed before patting through her coat when she realized something was in her pocket, "Yes…why use manual labor if…a bit of a bibbidi bobbidi boo helps!" Abigail unveiled the wand.
"H-how did you…!?" Kei looked at her sharply.
"Not that it matters…the magic here is weaken but it's enough to get us out of here," she twirled it, creating a climbing vine.
Kei approached to the vine, but Abigail grabbed him by the wrist, "Look…I know we haven't always seen eye to eye…but we do accomplish great things when we are aligned. I want to end this petty feud and we can start anew by saving Akiteru together."
The younger son looked at her sadly before answering, "Of course…any kindness of you always has to do something with Akiteru. I can't think of a SINGLE TIME when you looked at me and saw someone deserving of YOUR love!"
Abigail gasped softly and said, "It's perhaps you've never done anything to deserve it."
Kei's heart fluttered as he couldn't bear to hide the truth in his chest but…a single tear drop fell from his face, "Here's something you missed…those lanterns…the wishing well…all those stories of magic you and father told us about…they were my idea…to save you."
Abigail's jaw dropped as Kei took on the vine and climbed his way out slowly to ensure the witches weren't looking before leaving the area. However, he didn't get too far as he felt himself being flung over back to the area of the circle as Akiteru was bonded up by the witches' magic.
Kei scowled at the sight of him.
"Now then…to save Akiteru's life…another one shall be put in his place…let the ritual begin!" Verrado answered as red beams of energy struck at Kei.
"KEEEEIIII!" Akiteru screamed.
Abigail made her way out of the hole to see this and gasped before running over.
"W-what in the name of…?!" she gasped.
"Save your breath!" Kei snapped, "You knew I was going to be dead! This was what you wanted!"
"No! STOP THIS!" Abigail shouted as she grabbed Verrado by the shoulders, "I won't let you take any of them!"
"What do you think you can do!? You know Akiteru's health will deteriorate unless another life is put in his place!" she replied.
But Abigail looked at Kei, "You don't deserve this my son…I…do…"
Abigail walked into the circle while shoving the wand inside of Kei's cloak and pushing him out as he landed next to his brother.
"If a life is needed to save my family then let it be mine!" she shouted.
"So be it!" Verrado answered as she waved out her hands.
Abigail cried out in pain and agony as Kei looked at her confused, "M-Mother!? What are you doing?! I thought you wanted me dead!"
"N-No…I-I'm so sorry I made you think that!" she answered tearfully as she clutched her fist over her breast, "I…I spent so much time hurting everyone in all the worlds I lived. I…I should've appreciated my second chance and notice my new family that held me…all this time…I…UAHHHHHHHHHH! I AM SO SORRYAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!"
"MOTHERRRRRRR!" Akiteru and Kei screamed, reaching out to her as she collapsed down to the grass. The candles were blown out and the witches disappeared in the shadows. Akiteru felt his body strong again and warm while Kei looked at Abigail.
"I…I didn't know…I…I didn't know...I didn't..." Kei's face teared up as he cupped his hand to her face. Abigail gently hushed him with a sad smile.
"I forgive you...my boys. I love you…be free and break thhheeee cursseeeeee," she whispered sadly, touching both of their faces before finally closing her eyes.
Akiteru's reaction was filled with hyperventilation with shallow breaths as he was beyond horrified to see their mother dying before them. As Kei cried in full angst, the older brother held his hand and for the first time in living memory, the two cried in each others' arms.
Judd's Tavern
Zulion, Tekela, and Kenma opened their eyes as the other watched them in silence.
Tekela approached to Kenma, brushing his hand through his hair and cupping his face as the latter looked confused and stunned. With a cry of joy, Tekela hugged him, "You found us…Amnek"
Zulion joined in the hug as he spilled tears, "Do you remember?"
Kenma gasped softly, "I…I do…but…why? Why did you both…disappear?"
Before the parents could answer, Kenma shoved off a little, "Where have you been all these years?!"
Tekela cried in sadness, "We never wanted to lose you but that day when Atlantis fell…we were forced to be evacuated and we lost you during the chaos."
"Kenma…are these…your parents?" Noya looked at him.
"…I remember my name as Amnek," he said, "The seas…the food…the people…it was all so calm and peaceful…Atlantis was my true home. Despite my personal opinion of Julius…I finally realize now…why I've wanted to travel onwards."
"To find you parents?" Iwaizumi looked at him.
"To start a new family," Kenma answered, "But we are not done yet. We have to save Akiteru and Kei…whatever the danger lies."
Kenma looked at his parents, "We will discuss more of this matter with the king later."
Sergi and Rasputin returned to the area as they realized more people showed up. The book revealed that Abigail did sacrifice her life while Ben was seemingly killed among the witches. However, there was no time to shed tears as the world itself was cloaking more into the darkness.
"We're gonna be running out of room if we bring more people inside," Rasputin answered.
"Leave it to us," Kuroo answered, "We have to rescue our friends."
"Who are you people?" Rasputin asked.
"For once you don't know," Sergi remarked.
"Shut up!" Rasputin rolled his eyes.
"We're here to save our friends…Akiteru and Kei," Kenma revealed, "We know they've been up to no good but they once lived in our world. Please believe in us so that we may save them."
Sergi and Rasputin looked at each other before nodding as the former replied, "The Tsukishima brothers have had a very long history of feuds. I do wish that a miracle can put an end to this mess. If you guys are destined to do so, then go…"
"Amnek, wait," Zulion prompted him to wait as he and Tekela handed their son the two other golden pipes, "Take these with you. I think they may have some magic that can help."
With a nod, Kenma took the three pipes together and placed them safe in his pouch.
Back inside the bar
L'aura, Mesa, Iberia, Alice, and Eva watched from the window, confused and in awe by what just happened.
"M-Magic…?" L'aura asked.
"Don't be ridiculous, there's no such thing!" Mesa answered.
"I think L'aura is right about this…after all…my duties as a nun involved with exorcism," Eva recalled.
"But that's not magic is it?" Iberia looked confused.
"It's involving of something supernatural…like magic," Eva explained.
"…If only I had magic, I'd stop all this darkness and save the world," Alice wished.
"Alice…I apologize to ask you something personal but is it true that you lived on your own since childhood?" Mesa asked.
Alice smiled sadly, "I did…sort of. My parents died when I was young and thus, I was stuck in an orphanage…but thanks to the YWCA, I was able to find my talent in drawing," she explained, revealing a half-torn photo of herself with both of her parents cut off.
"Wait…is it just me or…are these both pairs of men's shorts?" Iberia looked at the photo more closely.
Alice looked at the photo again, "You're right…did…I have two fathers?"
A loud ring of tinnitus struck her ears, prompting her to fall on her knees. Eva held onto her, "I got you! Hang in there Alice!"
Moments later, the ground began to shake as everyone fell to the floor as the chairs crashed and glasses from the bar tumbled over and shattered. Alice woke up to see herself on top of Eva in an awkward position, prompting them to blush.
"I'm so sorry!" Alice squeaked.
"Don't be…you have nothing to apologize for," Eva answered.
Alice felt her heartbeat and Eva's as if…
The North Tower
As Tsubasa held onto Toto while soaring out of the fires, they could hear more noises coming from other buildings. They landed to the ground and readied themselves as a group of three Gryphon Elder Bairns appeared on scene. The blue-haired readied his crossbow.
"Petty human…nothing but food for us," the center one spoke.
"We humans do not owe ourselves to you!" Tsubasa growled.
"But you must…oh you must…" the left one replied, "The covenant has not been honored."
"There is NO covenant!" the human answered back, "You're being lied to!"
Annoyed, the center Gyphron shrieked and soared towards the human, ready to feast on.
"AQUARIUSSSSSS REVENGEEEEEE!" Tsubasa chanted as he fired three arrows simultaneously from his crossbow before it multiplied to around hundreds of arrows, stabbing the elder bairns.
Toto barked and growled as other Elder Bairns appeared; some in the form of ninjas, others in worm-like creatures and a group of skeletons with long, wavy hair.
"So, they're finally showing up!" he growled, "We have to put the barrier up before they go around eating people!"
The crowd of the monsters surrounded him and Toto. To the blue-haried, all he care was to break those witches down once and for all, even if it meant to break down the monsters to reach them.
"SUNSHINE…PHOCIADEEEEE…SWIRRRRLLLLLLLL," Asahi chanted as beams of light with the ribbon seals swimming from his hands struck down several of the Elder Bairns to blood and dust.
"Asahi!" Tsubasa gasped as he saw him and Artemis coming to the scene.
"I know I'm not exactly Ikuya but we are a team after all…swimming or not," the salmon-haired man winked his left eye.
"Well I'm glad you made it here but these Elder Bairns are finally showing up…and we have to set up the barrier before they realize it's the hour of the Shrovetide," Tsubasa replied, "Artemis…that is where you come in."
"…what do I need to do?" he looked at him.
"Your powers as Suiei Oceania is potentially powerful…together with our team…we must enclose Hollywood Heights and any targeted locations of the Elder Bairn's appearance based on our radar," Tsubasa answered, "Let's get back to the skies and begin…."
Chirottori
The crowd of the Chiropteran-Fairies and several flying-anthro based creatures shaped from various wildlife gathered around outside the fortress.
Stellaluna landed down amongst the crowd and revealed the news that she received from Rasputin. Several of them debated whether to reveal their existence to the humans or not but other stated that the entire world will soon be endangered by outside forces of dark magic. The princess managed to calm them down just as King Goliath walked out all armored up.
"Honey are you sure about this?" Queen Janella asked while following behind him.
"Once this is all said and done, we'll be sure to use the memory vials on the humans that our existence is only in legends," he replied, "If our daughter is right, then our world may soon crumble…we might not have a home left."
The queen nodded as the royal family announced their involvement into battle in Aeuropa City against the Elder Bairns and whatever their enemies lie within.
On the roar of the horns, everyone in the crowd soared up, heading in a north-western direction. Stellaluna flew by her father's side as the latter stated, "You've really grown up, didn't you?"
"I guess I couldn't remain a kid forever," she answered, "Rasputin…I feel sorrow every time I talk to him. It's like he's holding a terrible sin that makes him a prisoner. I wish I could free him from it."
High above Aeuropa City, Artemis, Tsubasa, Kotarou, Isana, Ikuya, Alex, and Asahi gathered up in a circle with Artemis in the very center and the other six surrounding him.
"We will not let these Elder Bairns break free from the other side and take away the humans of this world!" Tsubasa, Kotarou, Isana, Ikuya, and Asahi chanted together. Each symbols of the Aquarius, Toxotes, Thundaris, Beluga, and Phocidae appeared on their foreheads as their weapons glowed. They raised them up as a ring of light appeared, sealing downwards to seal off Hollywood Heights as well as other areas that were previously identified as potential gateways of the Elder Bairns.
There were a total of six of them; one in Hollywood Heights, another by the North Tower, a third one near the Aeuropa Central Academy, a fourth one by the beach area, the fifth located by the southwest gate and the last one near the southeast gate.
Pegasus neighed a bit as Alex calmed him down, reassuring that they will win this battle.
The six of the could hear echoes of laughter as the witches appeared to the group with Verrado replying, "Trying to seal us away hm? The Elder Bairns from Hyperion are finally ready for chaos! Your puny powers protected by the seas are no match for us! You can't even compare to the Magic Six who were always the ones to save the day!"
Tsubasa growled angrily as Verrado laughed wickedly. Verrado was about to add something to her conversation when she felt something stabbed her followed by a cough of blood. The witches turned to see Seijuurou and Isuzu on the flying carpet as the former used his blade to stab the witch.
Angered, Verrado turned to the red-haired and choked him. Isuzu tried to break the witch's grip but another one pushed her off of the carpet, prompting her to fall and scream as the carpet flew after to save her.
"You…filthy LITTLE HUMAN!" Verrado growled, trying to crush his windpipe but recoiled as something felt out. To their surprise, the red-hair didn't fall to his doom as a red aura glowed on his body.
"What the hell is happening!?" the witch snapped.
"So, I see now…" Seijuurou muttered before increasing the tone of his response as the power flowing through him, "What you've done to our homeland…the Shadow Mafia…they took over our world because of your assistance! You gave them power that we couldn't defeat! Well no more…I won't let you do the same to this world!"
"I-It can't be!?" Tsubasa grunted, "I…Is he…?"
Seijuurou's Gladius Wand Dagger appeared in his hands, prompting it to raise it up and shouted, "GLAAADIIUUUSSSS POWERRRRRRR…MAAAAKKKEEEEEE UP!"
The background was filled with fiery red with hints of black, deep blue, and orange accents as he could feel himself flying. He flung the wand upwards, transforming it into a group of sword fish swimming.
They swam behind Seijuurou as his eyes flickered neon golden-yellow with a hint of electrical sparks. A blue headband with orange and white stripes appeared on his forehead with a pair of red crystals embedded a logo. His hands donned a pair of gloves of black, white, and red in a pattern similar to his Samezuka design. His shirt was an open, crimson and rose red color with blue sashes that covered a part of his chest and his shoulders.
A pair of shoulder armor made of silver and crystal appeared while his lower half of the body donned a black skirt-like pants with a golden buckle. A pair of chain earrings appeared as well as a Suiei Heart necklace glowing in rose red. His left wrist donned a buckle while his right were some bracelets made of wood and metals mixed.
Seijuurou opened his eyes as he donned two Toothed-Claymore Swords both with a red and blue handle with the blade embedding a few golden-crystals. His eyes glowed in neon for a moment as he took on his battle pose.
The carpet saved Isuzu and brought her back to the scene as she gasped on her brother's transformation now looking like the others ready for battle.
"I am the Swimming Guardian who fights for prudence and serenity, I am Seiya Mikoshiba! For my family, friends, and my duty, I will not lose this battle!" the red-haired introduced himself.
A-A Seiya, Tsubasa thought.
I never heard that term before, Kotarou added his thought, unless…
He has another brother who can transform and has the title of Suiei, noted Asahi, wait…Momotarou?!
It doesn't matter, as long as he can fight with us, Ikuya nodded to himself.
Mayo Crystal Hospital, Idaina Magna
Abigail woke up and found herself in a fresh, clean bed in a small infirmary-like room. Realizing she was youthful again, it was clear that she must have made it to the afterlife.
"Hello there," a familiar voice was heard.
The lady looked up to see Beatrice standing at the doorway with all the other girls that were once her friends back on Earth. Abigail's face began to tear up as they all approached her.
"I…I don't deserve this," she confessed, "Not after what I've done to all of you…"
"You became a mother Abigail," Beatrice replied, wiping her tears, "You did something quite the impossible despite the complications that followed."
"I didn't mean to kill off my husband but…he died because of me," Abigail cried.
"But in the end…you saved our sons…our family," a familiar voice was heard.
The wife gasped as Takahiro walked in dressed in white clothes. Finally losing it, Abigail sobbed heavily as Beatrice, Denise, Claudia, Johann, Xing, Demitra, and Annabelle rejoiced on this reunion. It took a long time but at last…the old friends of Lynwin-Mu were reunited as whole.
"Now we must believe in your children and everyone out on Duniya will overcome the Dark Curse and save everyone," Beatrice instructed to everyone.
"Kei…Akiteru…please be safe," Abigail prayed.
Takahiro approached to her before she clung onto him. Beatrice smiled before turning her head to see a familiar shadow. She walked out.
"I can't go in there," Pandora said.
"Maybe not now. She needs time to heal," Beatrice answered, "For now, Duniya is facing a horrible strife. I do hope the heroes can overcome whatever is happening."
The two watched from the doorway as Abigail cried in joy with this reunion…for the first time…she could feel herself happy again and her heart filled with love like how he was with her baby sons. But now it was only the beginning of what lies in the unknown.
~Episode 10 END~
~Episode 11 PV~
Asahi: What the hell are these witches talking about?!
Ikuya: The Main Cast...could it be...?!
Tsubasa: Tell me, who are you?
Seijuurou: I…I told you already did I not?
Alex: K-Kyle…y-you…
Isana: The golden conch shell…it's resonating to some other magic!?
Noya: Next Time, Free! Operation Dissolution Part 2: The Golden Call…
Kuroo: Kei…please…come home!