Episode 3: 過去と現在の謎！Riddles of the Past and Present!
The Watcher's HQ
Takeshi stood in Jadwiga's office as the leader had a stern look on her face. She tapped her stylus on her tablet for a moment to think about what was said.
"…why didn't you tell me you had a daughter?" she asked.
"You know that if I had told you, I wouldn't been able to be much help…especially that night," he replied.
"True…your time here was valuable but so is your family. Your wife was killed too before you and your daughter fled to Iglis Magna," said Jadwiga.
"…I'm sorry," he replied.
"I'm not the one that needs an apology," she answered.
"I know that," said Takeshi, "That's why I'm thinking about finding her as soon as Alex was safe in Rei's hands. He's clearly a part of the Six Stars."
"And if you do find her, what would you with the truth?" asked Jadwiga.
"Nothing," he answered, "There's no need for her to know who Alex is or what the whole war has been about."
"Go take a break," said Jadwiga, "You need to realize your mistakes and achievements were before you explain to her…"
Takeshi nodded and left the room while the leader sighed and turned to get a cup of coffee for herself.
Flashback: 19 Years Ago
Location: Capstone's Hill, a small village east of Iwamara and south of Aeuropa City
It was a warm, sunny afternoon as the people of Capstone's hill were in a relative state of peace. The work hours were done and people were returning home.
Takeshi Kinsale walked into his house and called out, "I'm home!"
His wife, Elena turned her head while she was cooking some stew and saw him taking off his shoes and smiled.
"Welcome home sweetie," she said as he gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Anne! Anne!" called Elena, "Your father is home!"
The little girl, Anne rushed from her room and down the stairs to see her father reaching his arms out to her. Anne jumped onto him for a hug as he stood up tall on his feet and holding her.
"Hey heeey!" smiled Takeshi, "How was your school today?"
"Uhhhh, it was alright!" giggled Anne, "We were talking about myths!"
"Ahhh, mythology," he laughed as he rubbed his hand through her hair and setting her down on the floor, "I got to say that you're growing again! Did you had a growth spurt?"
Anne giggled and said, "Nope!"
Elena could only blush with a smile as she turned off the stove for the stew to cool down a little.
"So how was work?" asked Elena.
"…they want me to transfer to Iglis Magna for training programs," he answered.
The wife gasped and replied, "Bu-but Iglis Magna is…"
"I know," said Takeshi, "It's far to the south-east but it's the only other satellite company they have there. They'll pay for my trip and room at least…"
"But how long will you be there for?" asked Elena.
"I hope no more than six months," he answered before he looked at Anne and smiled, "So, you got to look at some Mythology...what kinds of monsters did they teach you?"
"Giant worms!" she answered, "Me-gea..mega…"
"Megascolides," said Takeshi, "Sounds like you're learning the true wildlife here!"
Anne blushed as he chuckled and walked over to his study room. He was about to close the door when he saw Anne following him.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
"Daddy…do you know something about…Chiropterans?" she questioned.
Takeshi's eyes widened a little as he answered, "W-well…um…what makes you think about them? Did they teach you that in class too?"
"Well our teacher didn't want to discuss about it because we had too much other monsters to talk about…I don't know why…" she began.
"It's probably best they didn't know them to you," he replied, "They are beyond a human's nightmare."
"W-why?" asked Anne, feeling a little nervous.
"…Chiropterans are the top feeders; they are beasts that live on blood just like the Megascolides. However, a Chiropteran has some limited-human intelligence," said Takeshi.
"W-what does that mean?" asked Anne.
"…Some of them can take on human forms and can speak our language," he answered before he stopped and saw Anne getting a bit scared.
"T-they could look like you and me!?" she cried out.
Takeshi hugged her and answered, "Only if you encounter them. Don't worry; you are safe here with mommy and daddy."
"H-how can they be defeated?" she asked, her curiosity wouldn't stop.
"…there is someone who walks on a high path than they are," he said as he put her down and walked to the desk.
"W-who?" she asked.
"There is a monster who looks like a young man...and people say that he really looks handsome...since it is said that those in mythology who are the strongest are said to look beautiful," he said as he looked at some brief photos, "He wakes up after a 30 year cycle of sleeping...or at least that's what the myth says..."
"Is he important?" asked Anne.
"It's his job to eliminate them…and keep our world safe," he answered as he carefully put his brief case on the desk and turned on the lights.
"His blood is the same as the Chiropterans so he's immune to their powers."
"But he must be lonely for sleeping that long!" said Anne.
"Well don't forget, it's only a myth...there's no guaranteed if he exists or not," he replied.
I hope you're okay, Alex, thought Takeshi, It's been 11 years so far…
"F-father?" asked Anne.
He shook his head and smile, "Now then, that's enough scary stuff. Let's go downstairs and get something to eat, okay?"
"Okay!" replied Anne as she giggled her way down the stairs to the kitchen.
His smile turned to a serious fast as he muttered, "Alex…"
Days later, a horrible incident struck Capstone's village as a mysterious plague was causing people to collapse. Elena was a victim of the plague and died during the middle of the night.
Horrified, Takeshi brought Anne to Iglis Magna where they sort of started a new residency life in the village. However, they were at a location in the village where a lot of stray dogs were around and not all of them were friendly. Not to mention the environment was loud with the mining district.
Iglis Magna – 1 year later after "The Plague"
Takeshi looked at the necklace that he and Elena used to wear together; it was a heart split in half that represented the union of both of the lovers. He could hear Anne walking to the room.
I have to go, he thought, but who will take care of her? Other than the Orphanage...?
"A-Anne," he muttered as he looked at her, "I…uh, just um…"
"Dad, what's going on?" she asked.
Takeshi split the necklaces in half and handed to her, saying, "This was your mother's half; I took it with us when we fled to this city."
"I see," she said as she put it on, making Takeshi smile a little.
"Anne, I have been called for an important work for my job," he said.
"What do you mean? You'll be back soon; to where are you going now?" she asked.
"…I don't know when I'll be back," he answered, "I've already signed you up for the family orphanage."
"W-what?!" gasped Anne as she almost tear up, "F-father!"
"Anne, I'm sorry but this job is requiring my attention and I really don't want to lose you if you live by yourself, okay? They got plenty of resources for you so please…hang onto that necklace. Do not let go of it no matter what!"
"F-father," she cried as she hugged him, "I…I don't want you to leave me!"
"I won't!" he replied, "But…I have to do this or else we'll suffer both you and I. You have to wait for my return. You are my only child…you know that. Once I get back we'll start up again, okay?"
Anne nodded as she wiped her tears away. He brought her to the orphanage and hugged her for one last time. Anne did her best to smile while more tears rolled down her cheek.
4 Years Later
The dogs barked and growled and chased after Anne as the girl was trying to get back to the Orphanage from her school. Life here was not as warm and calm compared to Capstone's Hill where the school was filled with strange students and loudness of the coal mines in the mountains. Living at the Orphanage didn't help much for her comfort but it was at least safer than being out
Almost there, thought Anne, just hurry!
She tripped over from a rock and fell to the ground while the necklace broke off from her. The dogs growled and grew closer to her with their jaws snapping.
"S-stay away!" she screamed, "HEEEELPPPP!"
"Oi! You fifthly fiends!" shouted a voice.
Before the dogs could react, one of them got hit by a rock. The animals turned to see two young-looking boys that were standing side by side. One of them was taller than the other as his face was filled with a smirk-attitude.
"This isn't a good idea," said one of the boys, hiding behind Matsuura, "There's too many!"
"Like I care!" growled Matsuura, grabbing a big stick and running towards the dogs, "We have to help her!"
The other kid nodded and made his way to grab her and asked, "Are you okay?"
"I…I think so," said Anne, "T-thank you."
Matsuura scared away the dogs and returned to them, saying, "Yo! I am Matsuura Shirou, pleased to meet you!"
"And I'm Makoto…Makoto Tachibana," said the second boy and he turned to see Matsuura's injuries and gasped, "Matsuura!"
"Oh no, you're hurt!" gasped Anne, "It's all because of me…"
"Please, don't worry about it," smirked Matsuura, "My grandma can fix it later. And your name is…?"
"I'm Anne…Anne Kinsale," said Anne as she smiled.
"This is quite dangerous for you to be here, Anne-chan," replied Makoto, "Where you going home?"
"Back to the Orphanage," she answered, "I was taking a shortcut and then these dogs showed up and were trying to attack me. But…how did you guys get here?"
"We heard a scream while we were walking back go my grandma's," said Matsuura.
"So…Mako-chan is your friend…or?" began Anne.
"We're a family," said Makoto, "Not by blood…Matsuura's grandma was kind enough to adopt me."
"Why don't you come back with us!" smiled Matsuura, "You'll love it there!"
"Yeah I guess that's fine…but…is it alright with your grandma?" asked Anne.
"I'm sure she can make one more room for you!" he smiled, "Come on!"
Makoto turned and saw a necklace on the ground; he picked it up and asked, "Did you drop this?"
"Oh my gosh, yes!" said Anne as she took it, "I cannot lose this…it was my mother's!"
"I see," said Makoto, "Well let's go then! I hope grandma can let you stay!"
But their stay together did not last, as the war going on at sea began to intensify after the Tragedy of Herisia, a group of pirates invaded the village and took them away to the seas but after discovering Anne carrying that mysterious necklace and the green-rare eyes from Makoto, they declared them as rulers of the Tachibana Clan where they began their expedition from there on out.
Present Time:
Anne woke up from such strange memories and dreams and looked at her mother's necklace and said silently, "I know you had to go away but why didn't you come back? The last time I saw you I was six! Many years may have passed but I pray that you are still alive."
Makoto opened his eyes slowly and yawned, accidently hitting Haurka's face gently.
"Oi-oi…" moaned Haruka as he yawned.
Nagisa felt movement and opened his eyes also, "H-Haru chan…? Ma-Mako-chan?"
Rin was still snoring while Alex slowly woke up and saw Rei clinging onto him like a pillow. He sighed in annoyance as he tried to wiggle his way out.
Seriously, thought Alex, why is he that obsessed with me?
Rei hugged him tighter after the megane felt him moving.
"Oi!" said Alex, trying to shake Rei off.
Makoto turned his head to see the commotion while Rin finally yawned himself up. Rei felt being shaken and muttered, "5 more minutes…"
The megane cuddled further in as Alex sighed, "You really are such an obsession."
Nagisa giggled and said, "Rei-chan is so cute!"
"That sexy butterfly," agreed Rin, "He's at it."
Haruka turned to Makoto as the taller boy gave him a kiss on the forehead. Awlida woke up to hear the others talking as she saw Rei hugging Alex and smiled at them.
"So cuteeeee!" she said.
"Th-THIS ISN"T WHAT IT IS!" shouted Alex as he blushed and his eyes turned red in his blood mode.
Anne turned to see them and chuckled, "Well you both looked cute when you were hugging each other..."
Alex collapsed, falling back down with his face as red and a tomato while Rei finally woke up and saw him in a daze, "A-Alex? A-are you okay?"
"Just don't be embarrassing," sighed the Chiropteran.
Rei realized that his arms were around him and let him go, replying, "Ah! Sorry! I didn't do anything weird, did I?"
"You just didn't want to let Alex go. And you kept hugging him closer every time he tried to get away!" smirked Nagisa.
Rei blushed while Alex finally got up to remember what he recalled last night. He recalled of a horrible nightmare that he couldn't escape and he woke up horrified after the others fell asleep. However, he wasn't sure if he should share it or not.
"…I had another dream," he muttered.
Makoto, Haruka, Nagisa, and Rin gasped and turned to hear to what their fallen friend has said while Rei replied, "Really!? What did you remember this time!?"
The Chiropteran lowered his head in silence in fears of what would the outcome be.
"…did something happen?" asked Haruka.
"A nightmare?" questioned the blonde.
"…I was looking for someone...apparently and I couldn't see his face...but..." said Alex, "The next thing I felt, I was stabbed and I asked this person, 'Why did you kill me'?"
The other swimmers were in shocked to hear about this as they remembered that day when Rei was cursed by the Shadow Mafia to kill Alex should the megane and the hybrid mortal shared a relationship of each other. It was then where the gods altered the relationship and put Rei in Rin's hands while Alex with Haruka in hopes to at least prevent the worst from happening.
Rei turned away in sadness as he remembered when he clashed against Alex when his jealously of losing Haruka from the threesome sparked anger in him.
"R-Rei?" asked Alex as he somehow recognized that sad face before.
What if his memories are giving him the wrong idea, thought Haruka.
Will this whole ship thing happen again like last time, thought Makoto.
Rei, thought Rin, I hope you and Alex find happiness…
Rei turned around with a fake smile and said, "Oh it's nothing; let's get something to eat!"
"Yes, let's go eat! I'm hungry and you are probably too!" agreed Nagisa.
The gang and the pirates warmed up some breakfast of sorts with some meats as well as some fish and fruits and nuts. The campfire was set as everyone (even Alex) pitched in to help.
As they sat down to eat, Rei was really worried that if Alex were to regain his memories, would he still love him the way it was that one night?
What if he doesn't love me anymore, thought Rei, even if he got his memories back…will he reject me?
"Thanks Anne," said Makoto as he handed the plate of food to Haruka, "Here, Haru-chan."
Rin split up a bunch of grapes to Nagisa while Alex was eating silently while looking at Rei a few times. Somehow, it bothered the Chiropteran when he saw saddened expressions and something had to be done.
"Thanks Rin," smiled Nagisa.
Alex closed his eyes for a moment to remember the argument he and Rei had back at The Watcher's;
I followed you because I was worried something might happen to you and I would LOSE YOU!
I tried to ignore ALL THE INSULTS YOU THROW AT because I hoped that you would get your memories back! Do you think that it was easy for me to see YOU IGNORING ME?!
This is NOT your war Rei! Go home…and forget everything.
The Chiropteran got up and sat down next to Rei and said, "Here, you can have this...I don't have much of an appetite."
Rei looked over at the bowl that had the meat soup inside. Rei was a bit surprised on the tone of voice and replied, "A-are you're sure?"
"The fruit bowl is enough for me," he answered.
"T-thanks then," nodded the megane as he took his chance to eat. Alex lowered his head down for a moment as he could almost feel a strange familiarity about this person.
W-why does he feel so familiar…that hug from earlier…that face, thought Alex, and not just him…the others too…why? How do they act like family and know so much about me?
"I…I'm sorry, Rei," said Alex.
Rei looked at him shocked and said, "W-why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything wrong!"
"…if I could only understand, I shouldn't be like this," he answered, "I've hurt you and the others ever since we grouped up back at the temple."
The others felt silent and a bit saddened by this while Rei replied, "That's not true!"
"A-Alex…" began Makoto.
"Alex-chan," said Nagisa softly in a near audible tone.
"Why do you think you've hurt us?" asked Rei
"B-because," replied Alex, "The more I look at you guys…the more I start to wonder. Do you really think that dream I had about the race…was it really all of you…and myself?"
They remained silent for a moment in wondering if they should answer this or not.
"I…I can't help it anymore," said the Chiropteran, "I just feel like that those people I saw were very important to me and I need to know who they are…but if it's you guys…"
Before he could finish, his head was filled with pressure as a loud ringing banged in his ears, causing him to clasp his hands to his head as he screamed in pain. Anne and the other pirates stared at the boy in shock by all of this.
"R-Rasputin!" growled Rin.
"Get him down, quickly!" said Haruka as he and Makoto tried to lie Alex on his back.
"Alex!" gasped Rei.
Makoto summoned his vase while Nagisa called forth on his spell book.
"Quickly! Don't let him get too scared!" said Rin.
"Oh waters of our friendship...give our friend the stability of his mind, heart, and soul!" chanted Makoto as he poured the liquid to Alex's mouth. The Chiropteran collapsed as Rei held onto him, holding him close to his chest as possible.
"W-what was that?" asked Shirahama
"…this happened before when we first teamed up together again," said Makoto.
"We believe it's Rasputin doing this to him," shrugged Haurka.
"His twin!" gasped Awlida, "He told me about him!"
"Let's get him inside," said Nagisa.
The gang were bringing their fallen friend back to the tents when Makoto heard a branch snapping nearby from the forest.
"I thought I heard something," muttered Makoto.
"We'll go see what that noise was," replied Shirahama, "Keep him safe!"
"I'll alert the crew members with Awlida," said Anne as the girls dashed off to gather the pirates.
The team brought Alex inside while Anne and Awlida got the crew to focus on their attention to their next mysterious enemy. Shira and Matsuura stood out by the forest entrance to wait for their prey.
"What do you think is coming now?" asked Shirahama.
"I hope it's not a monster…perhaps some lost wonderer?" shrugged Matsuura.
Shit, I hope they didn't hear me, thought Takeshi as he jumped from tree to tree, trying to get as close to the campsite as possible.
He was rather nervous on what has become of his daughter after hearing the war about Iglis and Terra Magna. However, thanks to the legend of the Magic Six, the two sides have got along but it was all in a matter truth to see if Anne was still alive or not.
If it wasn't for Alex's scream, I wouldn't have found here, he thought.
He jumped down to the camp and snuck his way through as Shirahama turned and saw the elder man, shouting, "OI! Get him! He's heading to the tent!"
Shit-shit-shiiiit, he thought as he tripped down, trying to get back on his feet when a sword was pointed at his neck.
"Who are you?" asked Anne, keeping the blade beneath his chin, "Why have you come here?"
Takeshi's eyes widened in shock as he recognized the eyes of Anne, but he had to make sure it was her.
"…I know you very well who you are…but the question is…who I am?" he asked.
"Hm," she replied, "You look familiar but the person you remind me of is probably dead."
"Oh…and how about that boy, Alex; isn't he quite the Chiropteran?" asked Takeshi.
Anne gasped and stepped back in shock, wondering to her thoughts, H-how does he know him?! The only person that would have known him…was…
"How do you know about him?" she growled, "Are you a spy?"
"A spy?" laughed Takeshi, "You could say he's dangerous…but he's the only hope left in this world as the Weapon of Duniya."
"You're just improvising!" said Anne, "Get him tied up!"
Takeshi shook in fear as his necklace was exposed from the shirt beneath him, causing Anne's eyes to widen in shock.
"W-wait!" she called out, "H-how…th-that necklace is…"
She took hers out and remembered that this was her mother's necklace while the man before her had the other half that represented the marriage of her mother and father.
"Y-you kept it safe…my daughter," smiled Takeshi.
Matsuura gasped as he remembered when he and Makoto first met Anne and that necklace had some significance; now it all made sense.
"F-father…oh my father!" cried Anne as she hugged him tightly, spilling endless tears on this shocking reunion before her.
"I did what you told me to do!" she breathed, "Oh why…why didn't you come back!?"
"I'm sorry Anne…" he answered, "I didn't want to scare you back when you were a child. I was called away for an emergency of our organization."
"An emergency? Of what?" asked Anne, "Tell me everything, please!"
They released the hug as the two sat down together and he explained to her;
"Chiropterans were invading Herisia…just like how they invaded Capstone's Hill," he said, "Alex's twin brother, Rasputin…he was trying to build a trap. Not knowing we were tricked, we woke Alex up prematurely in his hibernation cycle and things were seemingly to work out…but then, Rasputin took control over Alex's emotions and his blood, causing him to kill everyone."
He took a breath to reflect and continued, "I work for the organization called "The Watchers"...and it's been our duty to end the war and defeat Rasputin, twin of Alex."
"But you couldn't come back for not even a day!?" asked Anne, "Not even to tell me you were safe!? Oh I was so frightened if you were dead!"
"I'm sorry, but our Headquarters if far south…we are located at the southern tip of the continent to hide from our enemies at the Pandotess Lab," he explained.
"Pandotess Lab?" asked Shirahama.
"The origin where Rasputin and Alex were from," said Takeshi, "Their family is nothing but scientists and monsters and they've been trying to find Alex."
"Why?" asked Anne.
"The Chiropteran line is an incest breed and since Alex was born as a male and not female, they wanted him dead. And also...since it was discovered that he is one of the "Six Stars", they prepared for Rasputin's reawakening and resume the war," he explained.
"We have to fight this!" said Anne, "It'll be us versus those monsters!"
"Listen to me carefully," replied Takeshi, "It's not just us here…the whole world is at war. Maybe we've been in war since the day the rebellion occurred in the Pandotess Lab. And in war, you don't always get to choose your allies or test them to see if they are pure enough. I would recruit criminals from Lha'li and people from Aeuropa City and Neo Tabuk if I thought it would bring Pandora and Rasputin down."
"Pandora?" asked Matsuura.
"…the mother of the Chiropterans," he answered, "She is the ultimate foe in this world…our records of her have stated that she's been the one making all sorts of monsters and she sends them off."
"…t-the hell!?" growled Shirahama, "So she's been sitting back like a queen with no life while we've fought off her shit?!"
"Are you going to leave then?" asked Anne.
"No. All of you guys will receive help and alliance from members with "The Watcher's". They will help you prepare you guys for battle ahead. We will join the Magic Six and Alex to fulfill this mess," said Takeshi.
"F-father…" replied Anne as she cried happily, "Oh I am so glad you made it back alive!"
"T-thank you," he answered as he spilled a silent tear.
Meanwhile, the others brought Alex back in the tent as they settle him to rest. They sat down in a circle around their lost friend, wondering what the future will hold.
"Is you going to be okay with all of this?" asked Rin.
"I hope he will," said Rei, holding his hand.
They all heard crying and laughter going on from the outside.
"I'll go look," said Makoto, taking a peak from the tent as he saw Anne and an older man hugging together for a reunion. Makoto's eyes widened in shocked as he remembered Anne talking about her missing father.
"W-who is that?" asked Nagisa as he took a peak out the tent with Makoto.
"ANNE!" shouted Makoto as he rushed out with Haruka following right behind him.
Anne turned to see Makoto and introduced him to her father as the three along with Matsuura joined, sharing a happy reunion on this. Once they were done, they headed to the tent as Haruka led them inside.
Takeshi looked at the six stars before him, a blonde, a red-hair, and a dark-navy blue hair, while recognizing Alex and Rei and starting to know Makoto.
"Makoto," said Takeshi, taking out a vial, "You have the powers of the vase…I need you to make this treatment for me."
"A…treatment?" asked the tall boy.
Takeshi held the vial out and said, "I need you to use what you can to enhance and activate this drink. Jadwiga carefully designed it but it requires your powers to create a fluid that will help Alex not get any more mental breakdowns from Rasputin."
"W-wait a sec, does this mean that…?" began Makoto.
"He can build up his memories safely!?" asked Rin.
"It's not 100% guaranteed but it's worth a risk we are going to take," said Takeshi.
"We can at least try," agreed Rei as he looked at Alex sleeping, "I don't want him to suffer anymore breakdowns."
Makoto took out his vase while Takeshi poured the liquid inside. It was all in the matter of a success or failure now. Makoto's eyes glowed green as he sang…
Kokoro wo saa asu e tsunagu youni
Ega ite motto motto jiyuu na jounetsu de
Ore tachi nara doko made mo ikeru
Shinjite meza shite susun deku sore zore no sutorooku
(English: For our hearts to feel the same tomorrow, let's create more
And more memorable moments, showing our passion freely
As long as we're together, we can go anywhere
Believe, strive, and advance, each with our own stroke…!)
The vase felt warm to the touch as the liquid was activating and he poured it inside Alex's mouth. The Chiroptrean moaned lightly and opened his eyes finally as everyone was amazed in relief by this.
"A-Alex-chan?" asked Naigsa.
"How do you feel?" asked Rei.
"…tired," sighed the Chiropteran.
He turned to see Takeshi and gasped, "Y-you?! H-how did you…?"
"You can thank Jadwiga later," he replied.
"Alex, did you knew that he was my father?" asked Anne.
"I never told him," said Takeshi, "It was out of the point for him to know."
The Chiropteran shook his head for a moment but his face was getting filled with tears as he remembered that mysterious person in the dream.
"A-Alex!?" gasped Rei.
"T-there was someone…he looked so much like me…but he had shorter hair…it wasn't Rasputin but his face was so happy and warm," said the Chiropteran, "The year that I lived with Anya and Aki... it felt like home."
Rei turned to hug him and said, "Don't cry, everything will be okay soon."
Anne wasn't sure about all of this as she hasn't seen such sadness from a monster, was it even safe to hug him? Before the other pirates could react, she hugged him and said, "I'm sorry."
"I…I have hurt so many people," answered Alex as he sniffed, "But why? Why is it I cannot remember? I don't think I'll ever…"
"It'll be alright, I promised you," smiled Makoto.
"None of this is yours to blame, you know what you have to do," said Taekshi.
"I…I promise to protect everyone…and defeat Rasputin," replied Alex.
"And we'll be by your side!" answered Rei.
"We won't let you face him alone!" said Nagisa.
"We'll find a way to get your memories back," nodded Haruka.
"And then we will have a big sleepover and we will invite everybody!" smiled Nagisa, "There will be a big pool and lots of snacks! And we will play spin the bottle and paint our nails!"
The others chuckled while Nagisa muttered, "Well…my sisters used to paint my nails."
The group began their journey across the continent...for the last 3 weeks. After learning more information between the parties, they all decided to go to Terra Magna.
"So…Haru," said Makoto, "What is Terra Magna like…?"
"Well…" replied Haruka, "It's sort of a city beneath the ground…but it's open in the air like a canyon."
"And we have pools and hot springs!" smiled Awlida.
"Hot Springs!?" gasped Nagisa as his eyes widened with excitement, "Rin-Rin! We have to go there!"
"Well why don't you ask Haru? It's HIS town," smirked Rin.
"Forget it!" snapped Haruka, "It's too much effort!"
"Oh Haruuuu, pleaseeeee?!" begged Nagisa as he glomped behind him.
"unffff, Na-Nagisa…" moaned Haruka.
"I…I don't think we'll have much time to go to the hot springs…Nagisa," said Rei.
"Pleaseeee…I won't ask for anything else!" replied the blonde.
Awlida turned her head and joined on the glomp and said, "Yeah Haru…we can go find the pool later? Please?"
At this point, he broke free from both of them and was beginning to strip off his clothing. Makoto freaked out and grabbed a hold of him.
"Don't be undressing in front of everyone!" said Makoto.
"As long as there's no danger," sighed Haruka.
"We lost Iglis Magna though…" replied the taller boy.
"…what about Iwamara?" asked Alex, "It's badly damaged…but…maybe we can all live there after the war is over?"
"Iwamara?" asked Shirahama.
"Well I used to live with some people there and we had a bar and a café," blushed the Chiropteran.
"We will live there, don't worry. It's still standing and after we win we will go back home," smiled Rei.
Alex blushed and turned his head to the side while Rin yawned and said, "Can we camp out here?"
Takeshi looked around and replied, "It looks somewhat safe here, are you okay with this Anne?"
"Of course," she replied.
The entire gang and the pirates agreed to set up the camps for the night as they prepared the dinner and what not. By the time of sunset, dinner was being ready as several of the pirates ate along with their friends and the six stars.
Afterwards, the six stars stood a bit away from the camp while Rei was counting down the minutes left based on the theory of the stars in the skies.
"Y-you seem a bit happier than usual?" asked Makoto.
"Today is a full moon," smiled Rei as he watched Alex putting down his sword.
"I-I haven't seen him drop his sword like that!" gasped Rin.
"A-Alex?" asked Nagisa.
The Chiropteran walked around a gigantic rock as Rei saw the full moon finally appearing in the horizon. It was any time now…
Alex turned to the full moon as his body floats up a little and begins to glow yellow. The gang gasped in shocked by the light coming from the rock.
"W-what is this?!" gasped Makoto.
"W-what's going on?" asked Haruka.
"…Rei…I don't remember you saying something about Alex with this…did you?" asked Rin.
"I must have forgotten," relied Rei, "On the night of the full moon…as long as there are no cloud coverings…Alex turns back to his normal self!"
"W-wa-wait, what?!" asked Nagisa, "You mean that…he's…"
"Let's go!" said Rei as he led them to the boulder. They rushed around the corner and saw Alex floating his way back down to the ground as his clothes even changed to white-like robe outfits similar to his Suiei God.
He opened his eyes and smiled happily with all of them here, "My beloved teammates…"
Rei glomped a tight hug on him while the others cried out with joyful tears; hugging him together with excitement and relief to see things alright.
"I am proud of you Rei," said Alex, "You've been so brave…all of you."
"I told you I will wait!" replied Rei.
"Alex-chan!" gigged Nagisa.
"Damn…I totally forgot how tight our…" coughed Alex as he tried to breathe.
"Oi! Let him breathe first!" said Rin as he and the others released the hug while Alex coughed out for a moment or two before clearing his throat.
"Alex, you have to tell us everything," said Makoto, "We need to know."
"Yes, there's a lot we don't understand," agreed Nagisa.
"Let's sit down and talk things out then," replied Alex.
He told them about his days as a hunter and the origin of his family…being born in the Chiropteran species with supernatural abilities of their own. While he couldn't remember too much exactly about his 100+ years of existence, he gave them an overview of his duty and the effects on his abilities.
"I've waited for a long time…for you guys," said Alex, "However, as a Chiropteran, I cannot access magic of the Suiei."
"I see," replied Makoto, "And you're using your sword to fight?"
Alex nodded and continued, "However…just a bit ago…I felt my Suiei God…but…"
He lowered his head for a moment and clasped his hand to his chest, feeling how weak his connection was to Suiei Marotta.
"W-what's the matter?" asked Rei.
"It's as I feared," he replied, "S-Suiei Marotta…he…he's dying."
The others gasped as they did not even believe what they just heard.
"W-what?!" gasped Nagisa.
"HOW!?" asked Rei.
"I do not have my magic back...even on a full moon…" he answered, "As long as I am a Chiropteran, my Suiei will get weaker and weaker…we have to defeat Rasputin. But I cannot guarantee if I will regain my magic or my memories…or even become a human again."
"You will get them all back!" said Rei, "I promise you! We will make sure of it!"
"We're here now," smiled Rin.
"That's right," agreed Makoto.
Alex nodded and turned to Rei, "I…I know we can't do much…but…uh…?"
Rei smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek and the other boy blushed, "T-thank you."
He turned to the others and said, "I cannot apologize enough for my hurtful words against you."
"We know that it's you…deep down like this; don't feel bad," answered Rin.
Haruka nodded in agreement as Makoto added, "We'll have fun soon."
"Yes we will…so don't feel bad!" smiled Nagisa.
Alex turned to the skies and gasped as he and the others saw a series of clouds/overcast heading to the moon. It was all in a matter of time before Alex would turn back to his Chiropteran-self.
"Rei," said Alex, "Listen to me carefully."
"Y-yes?" asked the megane.
"…It sounds weird…but it's possible that Rasputin may even have my memories. Based on Takeshi's research on myself during my entire existence…he's recorded my movements, my actions, and my thoughts as well," he replied, "Go talk to him."
"I will," muttered Rei as he felt really bad for his partner now, everything was making sense on how and why Alex couldn't remember his past life as easily.
Alex quickly got up and grabbed his sword just as the clouds covered the moonlight and his attitude turned dark again. He turned around to see them and said, "Oi! What are you guys doing?!"
"Um…uh, we'll be on our way to the camp!" replied Rin.
"Ugh, whatever," sighed Alex as he and the others returned to the camp while Rei made his way to find Takeshi.
"You think we should accompany Rei?" asked Rin.
"I don't want to leave him alone..." replied Nagisa.
"I remember Rei told me that you liked him a lot when you recruited him," he answered.
"Who wouldn't like him? He was really beautiful and smart...but you are beautiful and smart too!" said Nagisa with a chuckle.
"But what I am worried about...is how Haruka thinks of Alex. They were together really well...at least back on Earth. I haven't seen the two of them talking…" replied Rin.
"I know but I think Haru and Makoto are really good together. The same goes to Rei and Alex. When you think about it...it's just feels right...Everything fits together and everybody is feeling happy," answered the blonde.
Takeshi scanned through the pages of a journal that Jadwiga gave to him prior to his departure. Inside had every single data and information about Alex, the Pandotess Lab, The Watcher's and everything that went on over the last 144 years.
He turned to see the megane and could already tell he was looking for answer.
"Here, I want you to analyze this," said Takeshi, "This is journal that was passed down from each generation of "The Watcher's". It has a lot of data and notes about Alex's behavior and his cycles as well as some possible connections to the monsters in this world."
"I would be honored to read it," answered Rei as he took a brief look at the pages.
"It'll be a bit confusing because it's a lot of science and theories about the humans and the Chiropterans. It has also some stuff about Alex and Rasputin's abilities but it's written in a language I cannot translate," sighed the older man.
"Maybe if I can give it a try, I took a language studies course back in Aeuropa City…" said the megane.
After a brief read or two on some of the strange words, Rei translated;
Incest of Chiropterans = Full Power Chiropteran Offspring; must be original generation too.
Non-Incest of Chiropterans = about 80% as powerful
Mating of Non-Breed and a Chiropteran = 40% or less depending on the person/victim
Blood of a Chiropteran King can be weakened if mated…once mating occurs, hormones break down the blood's destruction powers and other abilities.
"What the hell could this be about?" muttered Rei.
"It's a risk we are willing to take...only his blood can defeat Rasputin...but that doesn't mean that he is immune to his brother's either," he answered.
"So then…do we know anything about Rasputin mating with somebody?" asked the megane.
"No one knows about that. I think he's not that stupid to do that because it will drain some of his powers," replied Takeshi.
Rei gasped to himself as he realized that he mated with Alex once already and was worried that his time with his would have cost his powers!
"D-does it happened every time one of them mate?" asked Rei.
"Well for Alex, if he was to mate on the night of the full moon, he's not affected since he's temporally reverted to his human side," said Takeshi.
Rei sighed with relief and replied, "Well that's good to know."
Oh thank the heavens, thought Rei, I would have made Alex weaker if this wasn't the case.
"Um if it sounds personal, forgive me. But, why are you so interested in him?" asked Takeshi.
"Well…I don't know how to explain this, but, when I look at him, I feel happy and safe," answered the megane.
"I suppose that it is part of the prophecy of the Six Stars...Kaarina...the blind prophet...her words are absolute about the future," muttered Takeshi.
"Who is she?" asked Rei.
"A blind prophet...she was actually one of our people back when the Pandotess Lab was still going on...but after the corruption, she vanished but one could hear her words when an event is about to happen," explained the older man.
"You know someone who's seen her since then?"
"No…no one has ever since that day…when we were forced to evacuate," said Takeshi.
Alex sat down on a rock as he watched the clouds departing the moonlight. He could feel the light glowing on his body again as the pirates watched in amazement and confusion at the sight.
He turned around to see them and said, "It's a nice evening…isn't it?"
The pirates looked at each other in confusion but nodded while Awlida rushed up to him and said, "Yes it is! How do you feel?"
The two sat down on a log and Alex replied, "Well I guess you can already figure out by now...only on the night of the full moon...I am not a Chiropteran. You might have seen that flash of light earlier. However, I cannot use magic though."
"I see," she answered, "But still, it's good that you have some time to spend with people you love even if it's just for one night."
"I just hope the moon can last all night," he replied as he turned to see Rei walking out of the tent.
"Maybe you should take this chance?" chuckled Awlida as she got up and walked away.
Rei arrived and sat down, asking, "What was that all about?"
"She was curious about my change in attitude," said Alex, "It is a full moon tonight."
"Oh I loved watching full moons from my bedroom..." smiled Rei, "It was always silent in my home and I could just stare at it and think."
"R-Rei?" asked Alex, feeling a bit of a blush.
"Yes?" he replied.
"I remembered when I asked you...back on Earth, if you liked me," said Alex, "After that night when Haruka took me…but you were only curious about my tattoo and stuff."
"Yes, I was..." blushed Rei as he turned to the side for a moment.
"I cannot thank you enough for staying...it must have been tough for you and the others," he answered.
"Not really; sometimes it was…but it's all worth it," said Rei.
"…I…can we find a place for ourselves?" asked Alex, "Just…you and I?"
"I think I saw a place where nobody can interrupt us," he answered.
Meanwhile, Awlida and two of the pirate girls were talking about what they were seeing with Alex and Rei talking so close.
"Look at those two...is it because of a full moon?" asked a female pirate.
"Yes," smiled Awlida, "I asked him and he said that on full moons his Chiropteran side disappears."
"Are you jealous?" asked a voice.
Awlida gasped and turned to see Shirahama and Matsuura walking up to her and the girls.
"W-what?!" she answered, "Of course I'm not jealous! Can't you see how perfect together they are? Just look at them! I wish I had somebody like that!"
Hmmm, thought Matsuura, I can be that…
Inside a tent
"Oh Haru," said Makoto, "It feels like… even though we've been separated for 18 years...we've known each other so much longer."
"Y-yeah, thanks to our lives on Earth," replied Haruka.
"Nagisa really topped me a lot...I hope I am not being too forceful..." said Makoto.
"It's fine," answered Haruka, "But I would love to top you soon."
"You'll have to get me before I get you then, Haru-chan!" smirked Makoto.
"You really can't drop that," sighed Haruka.
"It's a "Trademark!" laughed Makoto while Haruka facepalmed. The two looked at each other and closed their eyes for another kiss on the lips.
In another tent…
Rin was getting pinned down by Nagisa but he was going to fight back and he replied, "Oh you won't get away with this!"
"You really think you can top me?" asked Nagisa in his sexy-psycho smile.
"Makoto let you get away," said Rin as he pushed Nagisa to turn him around but Nagisa smirked and kicked Rin's chest, knocking him down and almost caused the tent to crash.
"Dammit! That would have been a hot mess!" growled Rin.
"Sorry," giggled the blonde, "But I won't give up topping you!"
"Fuck, I should just use my magi-" began Rin when he stopped as he saw Nagisa's shocked face.
"Rin-Rin…oh you sneaky little…" began Nagisa as he pinned Rin down again and looked at his deep red eyes, "Did you say you're going to use magic? Definitely now I won't let you be on top!"
Rin grunted as Nagisa began to lick on his body and flirt around, answering, "Do-does this logic of yours still apply to me then? Being a human?"
"Yep!" smiled the blonde as he began to rub on Rin's pants, "That time loop back long ago was a hot mess…I knew what I wanted to feel and I'm glad we broke it."
"Makoto told me that you wanted to feel like a human...and not be a god, right? Even though we share the same existence..." muttered Rin.
"Yes…I wanted to feel free," chuckled Nagisa as he descended down for a long locked kiss on the lips and putting his hands under Rin's shirt.
Back outside, Rei hovered above Alex over the grass as the two stared at each other in their eyes as a cool breeze swept in around them.
"R-Rei…" moaned Alex as he could feel the megane's hands going all over him.
"Oh how much I missed you," replied Rei as he gave a soft kiss.
Alex opened up his own shirt and pulled Rei down again for a deeper kiss and flirting on their bodies together. Rei began to lick and kiss his lover's neck while the Alex noticed Rei's glasses about to slip slowly.
"Maybe you should set your glasses down?" asked Alex, "Don't want that to slip off."
Rei took it off and set it down to the side and rubbed his chest and licking his way down to the strong abs and by the pants. Alex reached out to unbutton Rei's shirt and the two began to press and grind on each other as they both moaned softly in passion.
Meanwhile Awlida is watching the two while fangirling to herself.
Oh my gosh, this is the best thing, thought Awlida, I can't believe this!
She watched as their bodies were stunningly strong and beautiful and almost pee her pants.
Oh my god, their muscles…are just…perfect, she squealed to herself.
Matsuura arrived and found Awlida, asking, "Wh-what are you doing here by yourself?"
They both heard Rei and Alex moaning as Rei was opening Alex's pants to taste his shaft. Matsuura grabbed Awlida and whispered, "Give them some privacy, dammit! Let's go!"
Once they were away from them, Matsuura said, "I can't believe you! Are you really that jealous?!"
"W-why are you acting like this? I just wanted to see something," sighed Awlida.
"Well do you want to know!?" asked Matsuura.
"Yes, if you don't mind!" she answered.
"I just can't stand it how you look at them! Are you in love with both of them?" he asked.
"Of course not! How could you think that? I just want them to be together!" she replied with a sweat-drop.
"By stalking them and watching them having sex?!" answered Matsuura.
"Alright I can admit that maybe I took it too far but you still haven't told me why it bothers you!" said Awlida.
"…beacause I love you and…" began Matsuura when he stopped and blushed.
"Y-you what?!" gasped Awlida.
"…you heard me, I won't repeat it," said Matsuura.
"Do it again!" smiled Awlida.
"Do what?" asked Matsuura.
"Just please repeat it, I want to make sure," she sighed.
"I-I love you…huh!?" gasped Matsuura as Awlida hugged tight around him for a moment before giving a kiss on the cheek."
"I thought that you didn't feel the same! I was sure that you see me as a younger sister!" she blushed.
"What?! I was sure that you just ignored all my signals and that you still loved Haru!" said Matsuura.
"What?! I…I loved Haru as a sibling…like family," she said.
"So…you love me?" he asked.
She replied with another kiss and this time on the lips and answered, "Does that answer your question?"
The two smiled and chuckled before going on with another kiss and heading their way back to the campsite, holding hands together.
"Ha-Haa-Haaaruuu!" moaned Makoto as Haruka licked on his chest and making his way down to the pants. He stripped off his shirt and pinned Makoto down for a kiss.
Makoto moaned inside as the saliva drenched their tongues, creating a bond of love. Haruka took a breath and rubbed his hand around Makoto's groin area on the pants while the taller boy arched his back a little.
"M-makoto…" said Haruka.
"H-haru…" replied Makoto.
Haruka opened Makoto's pants and removed them off along with the underwear to see the erected tower before him. Makoto blushed red as Haruka took a teasing lick on the tip.
"Ahh…aaaah! H-Haruuu!" breathed Makoto.
Meanwhile, Nagisa was already down on Rin's shaft as he licked at the tip, making the red-hair moaned in pleasure.
"You love it?" asked the blonde in a teasingly manner.
"D-dammit…" replied Rin.
"Hehehe," smirked Nagisa as he takes the tower to his mouth and going deep in.
"Ah…AHHHH!" breathed Rin as he could feel Nagisa going in and out and bobbing his head faster, "N-naagissaaahhhh!"
Seconds later, Rin finally spewed inside as Nagisa tasted the load and dripped some of it out on Rin's body before making his way up for a kiss and tasting the fluid together.
"Na-Nagisa…" replied Rin as he looked into the pink irises.
"Rin…" smiled the blonde as they shared another kiss again.
Back outside, Alex looked at Rei as the megane lined himself up and pushing in.
"Ack...aahhh…AHHH!" breathed Alex as he could feel his own shaft increasing the pressure.
Rei takes on his lover's tower and stroke on it with his hand, increasing the sensitivity. They both moaned and felt their bodies drenched in sweat and love as Rei swayed faster and faster into him.
"A…Allexxx," moaned Rei as he throbbed his tower faster and faster.
Ahh...AHHH…R-REIII!" he replied as his shaft was about to erupt.
They both struck together as Rei filled up the tunnel while a fountain sprayed both of them together. Rei breathed heavily and slide out before falling on top him, pressing their chests, abs and their sticks together. Alex's eyes widened as he saw something strange around him;
A floating book with a sword, a set of crystals, and a mirror swirled around faster and faster, glowing in bright excellent colors; Alex zoned out from reality to understand this 'vision' he was seeing.
"Alex! Are you okay!?" asked Rei.
"Y-yes…my butterfly of love," smiled Alex, nodding his head.
"I love you," replied Rei as they both shared another kiss.
Once they took a breath Rei replied, "I'm so glad that we have this chance...even if it's just on full moon."
"Rei," said Alex, "Listen to me carefully, I saw something while we were doing the thing."
"What did you see?" asked Rei, "Was it another dream?"
"It spoke to me about 4 riddles…" he replied, "A powerful sword with a design so rare, a set of gems with vibrant colors, a handheld reflection, and a Compendium of Memories."
"Is that what we need to do to save you?" asked the megane.
"Maybe…it seems to have some significant power. Find them all and it may help us," said Alex, "They'll set for a mirac-"
Alex coughed up some blood as he turned to see the moon making its way down as more clouds were approaching.
"Alex!" gasped Rei.
"I'll be fine…go!" he answered, "I can't let my Chiropteran side see this! Hurry! Tell the others!"
"I swear to you, we'll get you back to normal!" vowed Rei as he got up and rushed to the campsite while Alex's mind turned back to his darker self and rested alone, feeling the wind chilling his body.
What is this feeling, thought Alex as his darker mind took over, I feel my body in ache like I've never felt before…
~Episode 3 END~
~Episode 4 PV~
Alex: My family…I was born in the line of Chiropterans.
Rasputin: Alex, nee-sama…your name was Alexa, yes? HAHA, Alexa-nee-sama!
Alexa: We have to get out of here, I don't want to lose you!
Pandora: I'm going to be Tesseract's Empress now…I cannot afford to have Dodecadron's child around me at a time like this. I WISH YOU'VE NEVER BEEN BORN!
Alexa: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Rasputin: BROTHERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
Mei: Alexa is the only one…who can destroy them.
Akemi: He must not tell anyone…no one in this world must know this horrifying secret.
Alexa: Next time, Free! Brothers; Alexa and Rasputin! The secret is finally exposed…
NOTE: Because I am going on vacation next Wednesday for a week, I will upload Episode 4 & 5 on TUESDAY, May 13, 2014!
Stay tuned for any updates on my tumblr (the-golden-demigod) is regards to the fan-fics!
See you water next time!