Episode 11: Operation Dissolution Part 2:
The Golden Call
So who's it gonna be
The one that you only need
I gave it all and all you gave
Was sweet misery
So who's gonna save us now
When the ashes hit the ground
I gave it all
But all you gave was sweet misery
Kunikida Resort
Misaki stood out at the balcony of his suite as he watched the darkness coming in from the south and covering all the skies. Lightning would occasionally strike in the background.
"Are you alright?" Ayumu arrived.
"I'm fine but…Kaoru…I don't like what the skies are showing," he replied.
"Hey Ayu, when are we going to have supper?" Shizuru asked as he and Romio appeared.
"In an hour," she replied.
"Hey, I think we should stay inside," Romio suggested, "It's not looking too safe out there."
Ayumu's phone went off. She saw another text message from Isuzu.
Bad news: this new threat in this city are these group of strange cloaked beings...perhaps witches? My brother and I are trying to help the heroes, but things are getting deadly soon! We're seeing some fires breaking out and my phone is having a hard time getting a reception. If you see this…please keep everyone else safe!
"Perhaps going inside may be all the option we have left," Ayumu answered.
Misaki was about to head inside with them when he heard a strange loud cry followed by a group of massive-winged creatures flying across the dark skies.
"W-what in the name of…!?" he gasped.
"What's going on!?" Shizuru asked.
"It's like…angels?" Ayumu looked confused.
"They look like darkness," muttered Romio.
Had any of them recognized what they were, the new arrivals were the Mullerians of Chirottori where mysterious folklore and creatures arose from.
In the skies, Stellualuna and Goliath led the massive army of the Chiroptfa and winged-anthro fairies. The princess received a call from Rasputin stating an emergency about to strike in Aeuropa City. Despite keeping their existence from the humans, it was clear that they couldn't afford to disappoint their legendary ancestors (one of which was Alex) from protecting this world.
When Rasputin shared the legend of the Magic Six to the royal family, he provided proof (photography, ancient relics, etc) that belonged to the heroes to show that despite their status of deceased, they were told in legends among the humans across several cities including Aeuropa, Neo Tabuk, Iwamara, Iglis Magna, Terra Magna, and Lha'li.
"We must trace Rasputin first…and then…we will fight!" Stellaluna announced.
The Town of Iwamara
As Shin and Hikaru were using some of their resources to renovate the former Lynhaven's building, they both sensed their transformation pens glowing.
"Did something happen to the others?" Hikaru asked.
"I have a feeling our assistance is required," Shin replied.
Hikaru looked at the abandoned interior of the former bar as he and thee others were told about this place back in the afterlife realm…it was once the home of the Rover Family including Alex who temporary lived here before rediscovering his identity as a Chiropteran and later as part of the Suiei Gods. It was then used by several of the former pirates for a period of time before it ended up being abandoned.
"I can feel how special this place was…even if we weren't involved in it," Hikaru muttered.
"Well maybe once all is said and done, it will be special to everyone here," Shin noted, "To tell you the truth, I never thought we'd be chosen to be a part of this massive legacy. It's like…not our story but yet…"
"It is a part of us," Hikaru finished, "Maybe only by a sliver?"
"…I honestly just want to find our stories," Shin replied, "Let's go!"
"ECHINOZOA POWERRRRRR…MAAAKKEEEEE UP!"
Hikaru's nails turned maroon while he glided his way through the background of red and purple hues. A blast of wind, rain and dust swept in the scene as several urchins and salmon swam their way past him, donning him his outfit.
His shoulders donned a pair of spiked-stylized pads as his Suiei Necklace appeared across his chest with the Hidaka symbol etched. The forehead was covered in a band made of precious metals that lifted his hair back a little before a few pieces of sapphire, diamond and orange crystals were added.
Downwards towards his legs, he gained a blue loose skirt with a white strap and orange buckle at the center. His arms and legs were both covered with wrist and shin guards respectively while he chest was left exposed containing a stylized tattoo of the sea urchin with other designs extending out of his trunk towards his exposed arms and legs.
Hikaru spun as his hands each held a spiked mace and chain that can be fused together. The man opened his eyes and smiled with a low grin before taking his battle stance.
"ELECTRIS POWERRRRRR…MAAAKKEEEEEE UP!"
Shin spun around in a field of electricity as several lightning sparks struck his nails to turn a dark mauve. The background rained in shades of maroon and purple as he crossed his arms to accumulate more electrical magic to his body. When they dissipated, He donned a long robe lavender outfit with chest and shoulder armor made of white-gold metal with his Suiei necklace was indigo with the Shimogami emblem engraved.
The rest of the robe extended down to his legs with a pair of white-colored pants inside. His head donned a crown with a bit of horns extended to the back side. Additionally, a black-colored turban covered his head.
A pair of wrist guards made of gold appeared while his feet were covered in strapped boots with jewels of diamond, sapphire, and amethyst at the rim.
Afterwards, the strap appeared and held the lower half of the clock to his waist that included the buckle in the design of the Shimogami. The colors were black and violet with white accents. Shin opened his eyes as he donned his Unagi Cutlass and a Shimogami Diamond Shield in both his hands. He took his battle stance with his knees bent and sword up and shield out.
The Crystal Chamber, Atlantis Castle
Julius's eyes widened in horror as the memories from his journey to the Delta!Earth and the side quest in the former Shadow Mafia Earth were finally piecing together as he and witch boy spoke back and forth…
"T-this can't be…the Alex that I met and the one who was long dead in the other land…"
"They are the same person…indeed…for after their deaths, they wished to reunite but unfortunately, the price wasn't enough for them to be granted. But then the witches intervene and separated the Magic Six apart…and tethered them into a part of their plans."
"But what about Haruka and the others?! Were they all separated individually!?"
"The five of them were relocated on another world but faced their life on the streets…forced to work under the reign of Chaos and its world of Hyperion…while Alex…the one you met previously was reborn on that other Earth with his memories gone and his goals of becoming a swimmer dominated his personality."
"What are the witches trying to do?"
With this, Watanuki revealed the witches' plan to them as they all were speechless, livid and horrified by what the consequences could potentially be. Determined to not let it be the future or rather the downfall of the divine providence, Julius readied his Atlantean Dragon Crystal staff.
"I won't let this be the end…" he stated, "Not now, not ever! The Magic Six…of that other reality…they deserve to have a second chance! They must not be toyed upon anymore!"
"Julius!" the other kings cried out.
"There's no way he can perform such a feat, can he?!" Ulysses asked.
"Even if we do succeed…" Antonius muttered and trembled at what the price may be.
"Everyone, lend your power to the crystals here so they can resonate with them!" he ordered.
The eight looked at each other with increasing worry but it was already begun as the six crystals resonated to the kings' powers. Julius chanted an ancient spell, hoping to reach out to the others and connecting the realms. It was going to be a very difficult process…for one it could tear time and space, or it could take his life…or worse…
"Julius, if you do this…the price you must pay is beyond even my limits!" Watanuki warned him, "The warnings about not getting involved are signs of premonition!"
"I don't care anymore! Tell me the price!" Julius shouted angrily, "If we don't do something, our histories and our futures will crumble! If we do…there may be a chance to defeat those witches before they try to do something beyond irreversible…"
"Julius, don't do this!" Poseidon protested.
"We can't afford to lose you!" Trajan shouted.
"I don't care about the warnings...our past…our future…and their stories…all of it…are in danger worse than I feared!" Julius shouted, "If we standby to do nothing…all of this will end! Everything that we've done and what they've went through will be all for naught thanks to those witches! Olympia Magna wouldn't be here…the Shadow Mafia would still have Earth…and worse…"
"If that is your wish Julius then…your price…" Watanuki began.
Julius grunted as he couldn't bear no more but to reach out his power to the other world…he closed his eyes to listen to the price in private before calling upon the Solar Crystal as a magical circle swirled beneath his feet. The other kings tried to approach him, but power pushed them back.
"Julius…" Antonius whispered with a tear drop, "I don't want to lose you ever again!"
You won't, his voice echoed in all their heads, I promise you…what I am about to do will change the future…and it will give you all a chance to lead our people without my shadow…until my price is fulfilled…
"Magic Six," Julius whispered, feeling the power coursing through his veins "By fairest blood you will reunite! But to ensure that it happens…your story must recycle one last time!"
Back on Planet Duniya: Confrontation in the Sky
The newly awakened Seiya Mikoshiba stared at the group of witches led by Verrado. While the others were holding up the barrier, it was clear that only one path from this point was the answer…
"So you remember your homeland after all," Verrado answered, "I'm impressed."
"Our home was ruined thanks to you toying our world with the Shadow Mafia!" Seijuurou readied his Toothed-Claymore Swords, "I don't know what kind of magic you possess but either way we'll make sure you never lay hands on us ever again!"
Alucard and Dracula attacked the senshi with their dark magic. Seijuurou replied with his own water attack, propelling them to the side. With a wave of her magic, Isuzu was pulled into Verrado's arms as the older red-haired brother grunted.
"LEAVE HER ALONE!" he shouted.
Before she could reply, Alex surprised attack Verrado with a blast of his sword, prompting her to lose grip as the carpet caught her again.
"Hehe…so the former king decides to dance?" Verrado teases as the twins attacked Alex and Pegasus. The two narrowly dodged but some of the magic slashed through a small rim of Pegasus' wings, prompting him to neigh loudly in pain.
"Your plans end here! Whatever it is you're doing, I won't let you get away with it!" he shouted.
"Oh really? Do you know what we are really up to? Thanks to my members leaking out the 'Main Cast'…the time for them to appear is approaching," Verrado answered.
"What the hell are you saying?!" Alex asked, "What is the 'Main Cast'?!"
"You'll meet them soon enough…" Verrado replied as she and the other witches cast magic at Alex, Seijuurou and Isuzu, sending them back down to the streets below.
"W-where…?!" Isuzu asked.
"We're off the chessboard," Alex muttered.
Alex, is it really you, Seijuurou thought, you look older…different than what I remember…but are you really alive?
The trio turned to see a young man that Alex recognized as A.J. Somehow this crazy man was out of the hospital and already trying to find ways to escape.
"A-A.J?" Alex asked in confusion, but the man was already horrified to see the Pegasus as well as a weird moving carpet. He breathed heavily and fled in panic before running into another man. Alex hopped off of his steed and tried to follow A.J.
"S-SAVE ME! SAVE ME! PLEASE YOU HAVE TO HELP ME! GET ME OUT OF THIS TOWN! SAVE ME!" A.J cried in terror.
"Who's that?" Seijuurou looked confused as Isuzu was feeling a bit sick about what may happen next.
The man hugged A.J as all was calm. Seconds later, A.J screamed as blood gushed out of his neck, tearing out muscle as the manager's cry died out with his head detaching from its body.
I-Impossible, Alex thought, there's no way a mere human can do this unless…
"Looks as though he had too much of your blood earlier. You're not the only one who's back to normal," Verrado stated as she and her coven of witches appeared nearby.
Alex gasped in horror as he saw Kyle stepping into his visibility before him. His eyes were red in color likewise. The Pegasus neighed loudly in horror to see this before taking off. Alucard and Dracula went after the steed.
"You knew what would happen when you gave it to him?" Alex growled.
"See, I knew you were back. How nice…you know who he really is now, yes?" Verrado asked.
"A Half-Elder Bairn…the Legendary Odysseus," Alex answered as he watched Kyle lifting A.J by the arm and tossing him to the slide like a pile of junk.
"Yes, the reincarnated of the Legendary Hunter Odysseus, born 600 years after your rise to power. Like your mother Olympias, his mother Athena was also a full-blood Elder Bairn with his human father Homer. The two of you bonded quite well back then and even after your reincarnations and your cursed personas," Verrado narrated, "Your budding romance with him led to a betrayal of both your people…entering the planet to global chaos with the Elder Bairns. It wasn't until your deaths severed the ties of the Shrovetide, banishing the monsters away to another realm…your reunion with him on Earth before the curse slowly stirred up the Elder Bairns once more…and now they will be deployed here to finish what they started!" she revealed.
Alex's eyes widened, recalling the fated tragedy when his soldiers and Odysseus' fought each other as one of them killed Odysseus, leading him to commit suicide. Their deaths put an end to the war of the Elder Bairns but mankind began to tear each other apart for several hundred years onwards. All he wanted to do was to scream as he could feel himself shaking and trembling with vengeance.
"And thus...even as your cursed personas as Matthew and Brendon, the true love's kiss couldn't work because of your true nature as Elder Bairns."
"Alex! Get a grip on yourself!" Seijuurou shouted, "Whatever happened in the past…it wasn't your fault! I'm sure Haruka and the others would agree that you are not a monster!'
"YOU STAY OUT OF THIS!" Verrado shouted, unleashing dark magic at the red-haired. He narrowly dodged in time but felt like he twisted his ankle.
"H-Haruka…" Alex muttered before he felt a massive pain erupting in his chest, prompting him to fall to his knees.
"He still hasn't remembered them," Salem whispered, "Yet he knows everything else but that story…"
"If he remembers them…the plan will fail!" Verrado hissed.
"What do you want us to do with the others in the sky?" Cassio asked.
"Let them drain themselves," Verrado replied, "This moment here is vital that it proceeds to the very end…"
This doesn't make sense, Isuzu thought, is he not the Alex from our home world!?
Or is our enemy here hiding the truth from us, Seijuurou concluded mentally.
"I suggest you two just sit back and watch the show," Verrado added as she waved her hand out at the two siblings, blasting them to the wall and creating tendrils of dark energy to bind them.
"Leave them alone!" Alex growled.
"Alex, if you wish to break the curse…you must kill him and then confront the main cast," Verrado replied.
His eyes widened in horror as he recalled the day he casted the curse through blackmailing. Not to mention what happened to Anastasia and the girls…
"And what about the rest of my family? They're still poison!" he narrowed his eyes.
"OUR family," Verrado corrected, "And I got separate plans for them when this is over."
Alex roared angrily as he readied his sword at the witch, but she froze him in place, "I know you want to kill me…but the time for that isn't here yet…for now…and it may never be…"
She unfroze and vanished to the shadows with her remaining clan. Despite this, Isuzu and Seijuurou were still bounded to the wall.
Kyle readied his sword followed by a silent cry before making his first move of the attack.
Judd's Tavern:
As Kenma and the others took off, Dodecadron was back inside to check on the girls when the earthquake struck. L'aura, Mesa, and Iberia were okay but Alice and Eva couldn't stop blushing after they got back on their feet. The five sat back down in the lounge area but Alice's head was throbbing a bit…as if…
"Are you alright?" L'aura asked.
Alice breathed deeply as her head continued to ache. She closed her eyes for a moment before turning her head to see Sergi and Rasputin talking.
Sergi and Rasputin decided to stay for now despite the former wanting to help his brother. However…
"The book…" Sergi muttered, noticing that it was glowing. He turned the page and gasped in horror.
"What's the matter?" Rasputin asked.
"…n-no! I…I don't understand…according to this page…" Sergi began.
Rasputin looked at the pages to see five strange looking entities in some monstrous forms of various sea creatures.
"No…NO!" Sergi trembled, "This…this is impossible! Is…this…what's happening now?!"
He turned several pages back to the betrayal of the team in a different land before looking at the present pages forming. Before his eyes, more pages appeared as the untold story that was missing was finally revealed before his very eyes…
"Sandro…no…he can't! If he…kills them…all of this WILL END! OUR PAST! OUR FUTURE!" Sergi freaked out, "The witches…they're trying to destroy the entire timeline! That's why they needed my brother to cast the curse…the curse may have been real in some parts, but it's only so they can build a gateway to whatever their world they are from…"
"I don't understand…" Rasputin replied.
"These five creatures…they were once humans but…somehow they are tied to the Elder Bairns…THIS IS THE MAIN CAST!" he explained, "If my brother kills them…our home world…will cease to exist and so will Olympia Magna…"
"Olympia Magna?" Dodecadron heard the last part.
"Yes…the world that you were trying to prevent as the Dark One…the witches are trying to ensure that the Final Battle ended in darkness…thus it will destroy all the realms completely…all of time and space…all the worlds and its multiverses!" he answered.
"If that's even the case…then why didn't they go back in time to stop the heroes?" Dodecadron asked.
They shrugged as Alice walked in towards them, "I need some answers…from you. Every time you keep talking about all these weird things, my head continues to ache."
Sergi looked at her as he knew who she really was…it was his brother's biological daughter Anastasia but cursed into this world as Alice Anderson.
"Have you heard of Matthew Benedict?" Sergi asked.
"…I have yes, but it sounded like he's quite full of himself and the rumors about him…" she began.
"They're not true. He is a very kind person and doesn't allow people to take advantage of him that easily," Sergi replied.
"To tell you the truth, it's hard for me to believe because now a days, we girls have a harder time trusting men…even me coming to you makes me a bit worried," she answered.
"Have no fear," Sergi stated, "This book here is the answer to all your questions…but you have to believe in yourself if you want to face the truth. This book…is magic."
"Magic? Right…" she shrugged.
"Suiei Shiina and Suiei Kirishima have magic…and you've heard their heroic deeds," he answered, "So why do you not want to believe in magic now and Matthew?"
"…It's just…I don't know…I am scared," Alice said, "I'm scared that the rumors of them are true…"
"That's just your fear…fear is what controls people…but belief is magic," Sergi replied, "Matthew and his boyfriend Brendon are in a very stable relationship. You haven't met them yet but soon you will…as a family."
"Family? My family died long ago…." Alice replied.
"And here I thought being subtle was going to lead something," he sighed before coughing up a moment, "Listen up…you and the girls are cursed with fake personalities and fake names! Your family is very much alive, and they need your help more than ever before."
Alice took a step back, "N-no…that can't be! My name is Alice…I am an artist…"
"Alice, what's going on?" Eva asked.
"This man here…he's…I can't trust him!" Alice replied.
"The witches were right…they really twisted your mindset into not believing others except for yourselves," Dodecadron muttered.
"That's because we become so self-reliant that we don't need other people, especially men!" Eva answered.
"How ironic…" Rasputin crossed his arms, "Yet you are curious about me."
Eva grunted, "Well you did save my life…"
"Alice…your real name is Anastasia…" Sergi continued, "Your fathers are Matthew aka Alex who is my brother and the other is Kyle…the one who is Brendon here. They raised you and allowed you to express yourself while being safe at all times no matter how bad things get."
"And how will I believe in that?" Alice grew skeptical.
"Read the book and believe dammit!" Sergi had enough of this as he showed her the page of Anastasia and the other girls in a family photo with Alex and Kyle.
Without realizing it, Alice took out the torn photo that she kept and realized something odd about it. She lined it up with the page in the book and…
WHOOOOOOOOOSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHH
The baby was covered in warm, white blankets, sleeping peacefully. Alex gently held onto her as Kyle smiled.
"She's beautiful…oh Anastasia…" Alex cried happily.
"Anastasia…Alice…" Kyle added.
"Right. We couldn't decide between those two names so well," he chuckled, giving the baby to Kyle to hold.
"Those girls that provoked you…" Alex said, "Did they trigger something?"
"Alex…" sighed Kyle, "Do you seriously believe that?"
"Says the husband who once did a magical transformation…" he said with a hint of sass.
"ALEX!" Kyle snapped, "That was supposed to be buried into the past!"
"F-father?" Anastasia was confused, "What is daddy talking about?"
"Please give us a moment Ana," Alex said as he and Kyle left the room, shutting the door before heading to the kitchen.
"However, these swimmer boys are not just fictional characters…they exist," Alex revealed.
"W-WHAT!?" she gasped, "R-REALLY?"
"I swim because I wanna belong to people who I can relate to!"
Niki grunted lightly and added, "I swim because my strong faith knows my family is watching me from the heavens!"
Maya smiled and shared her view, "I swim because I want to lead and get justice for all!"
Laura tearfully wiped her face and added between breaths, "I swim so I can finally love myself and others again!"
"I swam to achieve medals and fame but my true reason to swim is because it allows me to focus on the things dear to me," Kyle shared his thoughts.
"And I swim because it's my destiny…" Alex concluded.
Verrado waved out her hand towards the girls as the symbols on their wrists burned to life, forcing them to scream in agony. Alex and Kyle tried to shield them but Verrado and Kei laughed at this.
Anastasia gasped to see her wrist bleeding from the Star of Wicca. She could feel her life slipping away slowly with so much blood leaking out. The four girls fell to the grass as they were about to enter in a state of hypovolemic shock.
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THEM!?" Alex roared, holding onto Anastasia.
Alice's eyes widened as her memories finally returned to her as Anastasia…she stepped back and nearly fell as Eva caught her. Anastasia looked at her relative, "U-Uncle Sergi?!"
"Anastasia…" he trembled with joy before hugging her, "I KNEW YOU'D REMEMBER!"
"Oh my god! It's really you! I-I'm alive!? W-where's papa and father!? Are they okay?! What the hell happened and what is this world…!?" Anastasia looked around as her heartbeat raced with a thousand questions.
"A-Alice…are you okay?" Eva asked as the other girls walked in but their minds also screamed out to the past, remembering finally as a ring of magic erupted from Anastasia, striking the other girls thanks to the former's inherited magic from Verrado.
Anastasia turned to see Laura, Niki and Maya rubbing their eyes in confusion before crying out in joy.
"W-we're alive!? But the marks on our wrists?!" Laura asked.
"The curse is not yet broken but when it does…they will return and it will take your lives," Rasputin replied, "However…we may have found the antidote for it."
"EH?!" Anastasia asked.
Sergi flipped the page to reveal the golden conch shell and the three golden pipes, "This here…has a magical antidote based on sound…if it is blown by someone of light magic…it will cure you girls and anyone who was poisoned by the witches."
"Is it here? This musical instrument?" Laura asked.
"Yes…it's looking to reassemble itself but hopefully the witches don't get it first," Sergi replied, "I saw the three golden pipes earlier and its in the hands of a group of guys who will find the conch shell."
"This…kinda reminds me of a game I used to play," Anastasia tilted her head.
"Yeah it does…the one with the mystery fish solving cases right?" Niki recalled it.
"Oh my, you're right!" Maya gasped.
Eva could only stand there in confusion as her mind was not yet sure on what just happened. It was like at one moment, she could understand Alice but now…
Anastasia turned to her, "Elise…it's me!"
"Who's…Elise?" she asked.
Rasputin looked for a way to walk out of the area again as he could only fear for what may happen next. He certainly did not want to be around once she remembers…
Before Anastasia could answer, they all heard a howling noise followed by screeches of hyenas. The group of witches appeared as Verrado looked at the group. Dodecadron readied his bat while Anastasia and the three sisters readied themselves.
"I guess you lovelies couldn't stay asleep forever…but I guess I have to add one more story to your lives," Verrado answered.
Rasputin tried to leave but she froze him in place, "You too little bad man…"
"Don't you dare call my son a bad man!" Dodecadron threatened her but she also froze him in place.
"That's enough!" Anastasia snapped, "What business do you want now?!"
"This is for your fiancée…" Verrado said.
Anastasia grunted, "So you knew?"
"Of course I knew…I am your mother," Verrado replied.
"You're nothing to us" she answered, "You'll never get our respect or kindness!"
"Who is she?" Eva asked, "And who is your fiancée?"
"Eva…you don't remember me or the others but…" she began, lifting up her hand to show her the ring, "You asked me for my hand before we appeared in this land…during our graduation. You couldn't attend to our ceremony because you were at a different school but…"
"I…I proposed you?!" Eva gasped.
"…yes," Anastasia blushed.
Elise…did you finally move on, Rasputin thought, noting what he was seeing, you finally found a happy ending!?
"Verrado, do you think we should be focusing on the author? He is after all…the one you were after when you told him back when the empire was going on," Salem proposed.
Sergi grunted as he clutched on the book tighter. After recalling what the book taught him, he knew that the witches will try to interfere with it to fulfill their dark plans. It was after all how the parallel universe was created.
Port Royale Forest
The two brothers buried their mother in a makeshift grave and used some of the flowers grown nearby. Despite finally in full health, Akiteru's combined magic from his own and Kei's felt a bit overwhelming to hold onto.
It was hard for Kei to even speak a single word to his brother. He knew that his memories from Olympia have returned and it was no clear that his past sins would finally come to pass.
"Brother…I…I don't know how to rectify all my actions…for I probably do deserve to suffer in the endless pits of hell," he said.
"The old me would probably agree…for you have done countless horrible things to our family both then and even in the present. However, just because you made one wrong move…or 30…doesn't mean you can't make a good one now. Kei…look at me," Akiteru replied.
The younger brother looked at him as Akiteru continued, "You can come back from this…mother may not have loved you enough, but she was proud of you in her final moments. She finally realized the truth of how she escaped, right?"
"…yes," he said as he looked at the wand. While it was true that he couldn't bear magic…
"Why am I even going to do this?" Akiteru shrugged.
"Do what?" Kei looked confused.
"Kei…can I really trust you if I hand your magic back?" he asked.
Kei's eyes widened in shock and confusion at first but answering, "There is one thing I have left to do first."
"And what is that?" Akiteru looked at his eyes.
"…I have to finish what mother started…defeat those witches," he said, handing the wand over to Akiteru, "You hang onto my magic safely with yours, alright?"
"Then let's finally fight together and show those witches that the power of true brotherhood is invincible," Akiteru smile a little, flicking the wand as they each both grew a gigantic pair of wings. Neither of them noticed a group of other guys approaching the scene as they took off.
"Dammit! Was that them!?" Kuroo growled.
"They're heading back to the city?!" Kenma asked.
"So much for trying to get to them," Iwaizumi face palmed.
Kenma growled before shifting back to his jaguar form, prompting the others to climb on and hang on tight. They had to get to the Tsukishima brothers before it was too late. Kuroo called upon the two talisman feathers to trace their journey to locate their next destination.
Kyle vs. Alex:
Kyle dashed towards his partner as Alex narrowly dodged him before trading blows on his sword. Seijuurou and Isuzu could only watch hopelessly at this.
"Kyle! Get a grip of yourself!" Alex shouted, "You know that you don't eat humans! If you really are Odysseus, remember why we had our relationship in the first place!"
The other half-breed roared angrily before making more attempts to slash him down. Alex's heart was screaming in ache by this whole mess. What did Verrado do to Kyle? Was it fate that would repeat the Shrovetide as a result of this Dark Curse he casted?
Their swords were grid-lock but Kyle reached out to Alex by his grip before throwing him across the alley. His knees were starting to scrape and bruise. Alex barely looked up in time to dodge Kyle again as he threw himself across the ally while struggling to get up.
With no other choice, Alex glowed his eyes red.
"Dammit!" Seijuurou growled as he struggled on the magical chains, "We can't let the keep fighting like this!"
"Brother…do you think this is the end?" Isuzu asked.
"NO! I refuse to give up! I don't care how much more pain we have to get through to find peace!" he shouted.
"…I wish the others were here," she answered.
"So do I…but…" he began.
A soft bell was heard in both of their heads…before their eyes, the chains broke apart as a blurred-ghostly figured in white light appeared to them.
"W-who are you?" Seijuurou asked.
"Never mind me," the voice spoke to them, "This world is under a serious threat and soon all of realities and other worlds will be affected with dire consequences should the witches succeed in their plan."
"What plan? And how do we know we can trust you?" Isuzu looked skeptical.
The ghostly figure grabbed both of their hands as power flowed between the three of them. After several moments, the two siblings stared at each other in sheer horror.
"W-wait a minute…are you saying…?" Seijuurou looked at the stranger.
"Yes…you must save Alex…before he does something irreversible to all of the realms…" the stranger stated, "Your past…and my past…and all our futures…please…you must…"
"W-what are you going to do?" Seijuurou asked.
"…I will prepare all my powers to help the Magic Six should they find themselves in the final chain of the plan," the voice continued.
"The Magic Six, are they still alive?!" Isuzu's voice squeaked.
"…I cannot explain everything but yes…they're alive," the voice answered, "Now hurry!"
The two began their hunt for the combatants as they could only brace themselves for what would happen next.
"I…I have many questions to ask," Seijuurou muttered, "Like what happen to the others? What was that thing that Gou used? And more so…could the team finally reunite despite all what had happened previously?"
"Onii-chan, I think I hear fighting this way," Isuzu answered.
Despite being a few blocks away, Alex and Kyle continued to fight each other endlessly. The awakened Odysseus slashed his sword at Alex but missed as the latter narrowly dodged him and using his sword to discharge the sword from his hands.
"Kyle, stop this! Verrado is trying to destroy our relationship!" he cried out, "WE HAVE TO FIND ANASTASIA!"
Kyle stopped for a moment as the words of the past could be felt in his heart. Alex sighed in relief, but it was too late. His partner charged at him, grabbed by the wrist and threw him across the alley. Alex got up in time before Kyle could land another blow.
Having no other choice, Alex slashed an attack at Kyle as a little explosion of blood spewed out as the latter fell to his knees.
"Clearly you're not strong enough as a human to kill him…time to change," Verrado's voice echoed.
Alex gasped as Kyle's body twisted and morphed into some mixture of Odysseus with Medusa-like hair and some black and red colored furry-based animal with humanoid-paws. He also grew in height of nearly 10 feet tall. Retrieving his sword, the two sides once again clashed their blades, but Alex could feel the brute strength unleashed from the transformed Elder Bairn.
Judd's Tavern
"You'll never be able to touch this book!" Sergi stared at the witches angrily, "It may have worked for you once but…"
"Oh, I know it has chosen you to become the author silly human," Verrado answered, "But even what you can do…you can't. You don't have the ink nor the pen to do what we want…but it won't matter soon. You know what is about to happen…"
"What the hell did you do to papa and father!?" Anastasia asked.
"Verrado, we can't let them undo our plans! Let us kill them!" Alucard shouted.
"It won't matter whether we kill them our not, the Elder Bairns will feast upon this entire city," Verrado answered.
"Aright, I had enough of this," Dodecadron charged up to hit Verrado with a bat but she splintered it into shards, leaving a larger split in its wake.
"You know that alone won't stop me," Verrado looked at him sharply.
"I got nothing to lose!" he snapped, "Now get the fuck out of my bar 'cause we do have a strict no whisky for witches policy!"
"Well then, I guess someone will have to sign off on that sheet of paper that you refused to agree to a while back," Verrado answered as she readied her fireball at him.
Before she could make an attack, a blast of light struck Dodecadron from behind, binding everyone around. He grunted in ache for a moment before realizing that his long-lost wings reattached to his body. The front of the door blasted open, revealing Kei and Akiteru.
Laura gasped in shock to see her step-brothers standing once more together.
"Y-you…" she began.
"Hello sis," Kei answered.
"We need to talk about what you've done!" Laura narrowed her eyes as she was unimpressed.
"We'd like to but now's not the time," Akiteru said.
"SEIZE THEM!" Verrado shouted.
Cassio and Salem turned to attack the Tsukishima brothers but Akiteru stepped in and flung his wand to bind them to the wall with chains locking them in. Dodecadron soared over to attack Verrado but she vanished into the darkness along with Cassio and Salem.
"In case you're wondering…it was my idea to give your wings back," Kei said.
"So Verrado took your magic?" Dodecadron asked, annoyed.
"More like she gave his magic to me," Akiteru replied.
Kei sighed before stepping towards the winged-man and replied, "I…should've never left you back in the desert all those years ago."
"Well yeah, I guess I can say that I have experienced in what's it like being a difficult student," he grunted.
"All those lessons about family and love…I thought it would weaken my magic…but, I finally understand…it's how it gets stronger," Kei said.
"Um…are you implying that you're gonna leave?" Dodecadron looked at him a bit closely.
"…yeah…I know…I made this a big…big mess and I cast the curse and…you're probably…angry with me," Kei felt a bit nervous.
"Angry…you've tried to kill my daughter and my sons along with other unspeakable damage you've created. Angry is just an understatement. But I also know that you weren't alone…Verrado and the others manipulated you."
Laura looked at the big man talking to Kei as her mind also flashed back to the past, remembering her one year stay with him.
"Y-You…" she began.
Dodecadron turned to her with a smile, "Yes…do you remember now too?"
"So you were the one who got me out of the family…but then…" she began.
"The witches took you away and tried to raise you but thankfully you've met Anastasia and the others," he explained.
"…I'm sorry Laura for betraying our family. I'll probably never atone for what I've done but…" Kei began.
"I'm not impressed for what you've done but…if Akiteru does believe in you, then I will to," Laura answered, "But speaking of…what happened to…?"
"She's dead," Akiteru revealed, "Our mother died to save us from the witches' deadly ritual. In return, my anemic condition is cured…and mother saved Kei's life."
"This is getting really complicated here," Laura answered, "Maybe when we're not at war or some battle, we can try to piece everything that happened to us."
"…we have to find father," Anastaisa answered, "They could be in danger and may need our help."
"It's not safe to go out there," Dodecadron reminded them, "The Swimming Guardians have added barriers around buildings across town to keep us safe should the monsters appear in full force."
In the upper apartment, Rasputin's phone vibrated. Opening it, he saw a message from Stellaluna, noting that they arrived and are across the main towers' rooftops in the central city. He replied with a statement that should the Elder Bairns fully appear, they would attack them to battle.
Back in the skies, the senshi struggled to keep on the barriers as they felt a dark presence looming high above the atmosphere.
Fuck, this is distortion of space and time, thought Kotarou, what's going on with the others down below?!
Artemis grunted heavily as he could feel something about his powers struggling to keep up with the mysterious threat. The conch shell from Isana's sack fell off. He wanted to go after it but a sharp look from the others forbade him otherwise.
God, I wish we had the others here, though Tsubasa.
Seconds later, two beams of maroon and mauve light appeared as Shin and Hikaru joined in finally. The other senshi sighed in relief as they too called upon their powers to help with the barriers across the city and trying to block whatever was above them.
"What lies beyond the other side of that darkness?" Ikuya muttered.
Is it just me or do I feel like…someone we know is over there, Asahi mentally thought to himself.
Down in the deepest areas of the city, Alex's injuries were getting filled with cuts and gashes of blood and flesh across his body as the Kyle!Elder Bairn couldn't stop attacking him. Kyle kicked him at the face, propelling the human across the area before crashing at the wall. Alex tried to get back up but a massive paw from the legs pushed him down, forcing him to cough up blood as Kyle pointed his sword at him.
"Kyle…please…remember who you are," Alex breathed.
For a moment Kyle's hand trembled as his body was indeed trying to tell him to stop fighting.
"S-Sandro…" he whispered.
"KILL HIM NOW!" Verrado's voice echoed.
Kyle roared loudly, jumping into the air as the sword was ready for the kill. Terrified, Alex's eyes glowed both red and yellow, prompting him to slash off the arms of Kyle as a massive explosion of blood flooded around the vicinity. As soon as his eyes were normal, Alex turned to see his fallen husband dying from all the blood loss.
"D-did you…finally remember why we were cursed?" Kyle asked.
Alex nodded, dropping his sword before holding onto him.
"You should know…both being with you in the past…and the present…made me happy," Kyle answered, "…You were only the one who is ever like me. I think that's why...despite all that has happen...you are my husband...thank you for that. "
"Kyle…I…" Alex began to tear up, "Odysseus…please…don't go…if you die…the Elder Bairns…"
"I know you will stop them…break the covenant once more…make it permanent," Kyle whispered before closing his eyes.
Alex stared to cry but stop when the blood swirled upwards before a red glow of energy linked to the blood and up to the skies. The earth started to shake and tremor as Alex gasped.
"I-Is this a trap?! Was killing Kyle a plot for something far worse!?" he cried out.
"Indeed…" the voice of Verrado echoed, "Now that you've finally destroyed your husband…the final stage will begin!"
Kuroo, Kenma, Noya, and Iwaizumi collapsed as they felt the earth shake as the skies above started to turn blood-red. The senshi above were starting to feel extremely overwhelmed as their combined magic was weakening. The red tower of blood and energy struck through the clouds, connecting to a newly created portal above.
"W-what in the name of?!" Kuroo gasped.
"We have to hurry and find Kei and Akiteru!" Kenma answered.
Iwaizumi looked up to the skies and saw something falling towards them. Catching it, he looked at the strange object. Kenma gasped upon seeing it as his memories from Amnek informed him what it was…
"Y-you know this?" Noya asked.
"How could I have forgotten. The Golden Conch Shell…the Golden Pipes…the royal family in Atlantis used this for celebration of the water sports and festivities of our people," Kenma explained, taking out the three golden pipes, "Now I understand why…Julius gave one of these to me…and the others to my parents."
Putting the pieces together, the completed Golden Conch Shell was assembled at long last. It glowed a golden-yellow hue as Kenma sensed great magic powering up.
"So…what does it do?" Iwaizumi questioned.
"A person…must blow into it to make a sound…" Kenma said, "But if I remember what my parents told me…someone who carries great magic can produce the right tune. A legend said that the sound can also cure inflicted individuals."
The earthquake struck again as several abandoned buildings began to collapse a little.
Fortress of Chaos, Hyperion
The blood gate activated at long last as Ataxia smiled sinisterly in its dark chamber. Despite not wanting to work with the witches initially, they have proposed a deal by selecting the best survival individuals from his realm into giving them the forbidden power.
Ataxia turned to look at the Main Cast that were once upon a time…human beings with no hope, no emotion, only survival and fought the dirty jobs. Upon suspecting that they were beginning to return to their 'former selves', they had to be put down and transformed into the ultimate weapon that will be linked to the final chain of existence.
"And by the time is all said and done…" Ataxia spoke, "The witches will no longer be needed. All the existences will crumble and be forced to elect the new order upon space-time…not even the newly incarnated Cosmos can defeat me. All the realms and stories will serve me!"
The main cast were slewed on the floor, but blood began to retract into their bodies as Ataxia inserted two drops of black-colored blood, transforming them…
As the skies continued to turn blood red, Anastasia and the three half-sisters were getting more nervous and worried. While Laura was able to talk to Dodecadron to fill in on each others' adventures, Eva was still confused about everything that happened.
With a sigh, Rasputin walked in and handed her a vial, instructing her to have Eva drink this. She as skeptical if it was poison but he replied that it will hold answers to her questions as well as remembering her and the other girls.
"Why do you keep yourself away from her?" Anastasia asked.
"I suppose she hasn't told you the truth about me," Rasputin said, "I certainly don't want to be around when she remembers. She will never forgive me as long as she stands. If she tells you, then well…I guess this is good-bye."
With that, he put on his cloak to hide himself and left the bar. Dodecadron shouted him to come back but a piece of paper with a note inside was the answer to his question:
Father, as you know…the girl who suffered because of me is here. I cannot be around once she finally remembers. I'll do what I can to help the others – which by the way, Stellaluna and her clan are here. If you do plan to return home, I hope to see you all again soon. Thank you…father.
He lowered his head in silence and watched as Anastasia gave Eva a drink. Seconds later, the two embraced with joy and tears as the other girls gasped to see Elise finally back to her normal self.
"H-how did you managed to wake me up!?" Elise asked.
"…someone gave me this to give to you," she shrugged.
"I see…this person must have been a hero," Elise replied but tilting her head in confusion about Anastasia's silence, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah…it's just…father and papa…I hope they're alright," she answered.
Seconds later, she felt something struck her heart as she gasped and clasped her fist on her breast.
"W-what's the matter?!" Elise asked.
"F-father…I-I can feel his cry! Something happened! We have to go NOW, NOW!" Anastasia barked.
"W-wait it's too dangerous to go!" Sergi protested.
"Uncle, you know that we cannot standby and hide behind these walls any further," Anastasia, "We have to find them!"
"Alright, please do not do anything that will kill you," he responded.
"Is it alright if we join you?" Akiteru asked.
"There's no time to argue then," Laura replied, "Hurry!"
Seijuurou and Isuzu arrived too late to see Alex and a slewed Kyle on the ground. The former was already shaken and teared up.
"Don't…come any closer," Alex looked at them, "It's not safe!"
"Alex, this isn't the time for what you've done. We have to fight those witches back!" Seijuurou answered.
"For what?! They've already won! Whatever happens next it will…" he began when another shake struck the city.
This time the skies began to swirl as the swimming guardians up above saw a massive portal-like black hole looming downwards. Out of the very hole were shadows and blood leaking out followed by a stream of grotesque-looking monsters of all shapes and sizes finally descending to the city. The Elder Bairns were finally appearing but the barriers from the guardians were blocking them from feasting on the humans.
Nonetheless, those that were left stranded outside were crushed, torn, and eat upon while several larger-looking humanoid-bunnies tried to claw at some of the towers but the barriers would crumble their limbs.
One massive rabbit-like monster saw the four and headed its way over. Seijuurou replied with a water attack from his swords, drowning it to dust.
"The Elder Bairns…" Isuzu looked horrified.
Anastasia and the girls used their magic to repel the monsters out of their harms way while Akiteru flicked the wand to turn the beasts into ashes. However, the numbers were growing, and the barriers were starting to break down slowly.
Kenma and the others were fleeing from group of centipedes when a group of winged-like creatures slewed the monster down with their claws.
"W-who are these?" Iwaizumi looked confused as the Chiroptfa and the fairies were fighting down the Elder Bairns too.
A bunny monster grabbed Kenma and was about to feed on him when its arm was crystalized before it shattered into dust. Zulion and Tekela attacked in their arrival to save their son while the former stabbed a nerbil-sized creature into shards while the other held Kenma safely in his arms.
"You reassembled the Golden Conch shell?" Tekela asked.
"I…yes?" Kenma looked confused.
"Good. Because now the right person has to blow into it that will tide the war to our favor," Tekela answered, "A person who carries strong light magic."
"Do you think Artemis is…?" Zulion asked.
"No…Artemis…despite his unfathomed power…is not compatible with this," Tekela answered.
Meanwhile, Stellaluna roared a charge attack as her army chopped off the heads of the bunnies and the ninja multi-armed monsters.
Several Elder Bairns were heading north towards the Kunikida resort. A group of Chiroptfa chased after them. Verrado watched the scene of unleashing chaos from one of the skyscrapers as the time for the main cast was approaching. She tapped on her dark staff, unleashing another quake followed by a discharge of lightning across the skies, striking several of the barriers.
"Alex, come with us. We have to find the others!" Seijuurou pleaded.
"I swore to never leave his side…never again!" Alex answered.
"But the Elder Bairns are attacking the city!" Isuzu shouted, "We can't mourn for one person."
Alex grunted but looked at Kyle one last time. He kissed the corpse on the forehead before glowing his eyes red again. He could only pray that there will be a time to remember him later.
The trio got out to the streets as several Elder Bairns were breaking the barriers but stopped to see the trio ready for battle.
"Isuzu, use my carpet and hang onto it," the older brother instructed while handing her a personal blade, "Use it to distract these monsters and stab then when you can."
Alex growled and readied his sword when five beams of red, blue, green, yellow and purple struck the ground in front of him. The Elder Bairns moved to the side as the new arrivals appeared before them. When the light disappeared, the new arrivals were grotesque in various forms of facial sea creatures and humanoid-like bodies.
"I-It can't be…" Seijuurou whispered.
~Episode 11 END~
~Episode 12 PV~
Seijuurou: Alex, you can't kill these guys! They're not Elder Bairns! They're…
Alex: I am the hunter, the Shrovetide…it must stop!
Artemis: Do you remember them…? Do you remember how you got here?
Alex: I cast the Dark Curse…we were all taken to this town and…
Artemis: No…your story…is not yet revealed to you…remember who you really are…with your teammates!
Sergi: Brother please…remember the reason why you wish to swim!
Alex: …I swim because it's...
Julius: Next time, Free! Legend of the Magic Six – your destiny lies the truth before you at last…