Previously on Doerai: Dawn of the Darkness...
"Flow!! Ryudou!!" Nick exclaimed, clapping his hands to form a ball of emerald energy.
"Flow!! Michishio!!" Yuki exclaimed, clapping her hands to form a ball of twilight energy.
"When a kusabana blooms into a hanabatake, we'll watch as the hanazakari becomes beautiful to look at!!"
Both Nick and Yuki were surrounded by a powerful silver aura, and Doerai was surrounded by a sharp looking shield of crystal-clear diamond.
Both Nick and Yuki smiled mischievously.
"What sorcery is this?!" Doerai exclaimed.
"Double Ojamajo Shattered Capella!!"
The shield exploded around Doerai, the shards of light energy severely damaging the dark prophet.
"Wretched little brats!!!" Doerai screamed, his staff glowing with an ominous light. "Now taste my power!! Lumen Nebulae!!!"
Nick was ready this time, channeling his energy and expanding it into a shield that protected himself and his friends from Doerai's attack.
"Seriously, Doerai, you're going to have to do better than that!!" Nick challenged.
"You want me to step it up, then? You asked for it, brat!!" Doerai shot back, channeling dark energy into his hands.
"Now be swallowed by the darkness!! Malicious Death Ball!!!"
The massive sphere of darkness shot for Nick at an alarming speed. The emerald witch stood his ground, ready for the attack...
...only to see it stop short of him and fly towards Akemi.
Nick gasped in shock, charging in front of the crystal witch and holding his arms out. The attack connected, breaking through Nick's guard and dealing quite a toll of damage.
"NICK!!!" Akemi screamed.
"Not bad, freak," Nick stated, still standing his ground despite the damage he'd taken. "But I'm still here. I won't go down that easily."
Akemi sighed in relief and draped her arms around Nick, glowing with a bright blue light.
"If you wish, brat," Doerai growled. "It's your funeral."
(Footage: As the opening begins, we can see a crystal-colored bird flying across the screen.)
Habata itara modoranai to ittte
(You say if you could fly, you would never come back)
(Footage: Nick and Akemi can be seen on the edge of the Burned Lands, looking into the sky towards the Floating Islands.)
Mezashita no wa aoi, aoi ano sora
(You aimed for that blue, blue sky)
(Footage: Nick stares towards the heavens, wondering if Yuki and Doremi are doing okay. During the instrumental, we pan into the sky. After about a second, Hitomi and Utau cross paths, and the Doerai: Dawn of the Darkness logo appears on the screen.)
"Kanashimi" wa mada oboerarezu "setsunasa" wa ima tsukami hajimeta
(You've yet to remember "sadness", just now began to grasp "pain")
(Footage: Hitomi can be seen walking forward with Torikki happily trotting by her side.)
Anata e to daku kono kanjou mo ima "kotoba" ni kawatte iku
(Even the feelings I held onto for you are just now turning into words)
(Footage: Torikki looks up at Hitomi with a sad look on his face. This causes Hitomi to giggle before reaching down to pet Torikki.)
Michi naru sekai no yume kara mezamete
(As you awaken from the dream of an unknown world)
(Footage: Doerai looks out over his lair, laughing softly. He then jams his staff into the ground and turns it, causing a dark energy to blind the screen.)
Kono hane wo hiroge tobitatsu
(Spread your wings and take off)
(Footage: Akemi looks skyward, her hands joined in a prayer. She then throws her arms out and smiles, and sparkling angel wings sprout from her back.)
Habata itara modoranai to ittte
(You say if you could fly, you would never come back)
(Footage: Doremi can be seen posing with her hand on her forehead. Quick cut to her performing an Ojamajo Storming Spike against the Destroyer.)
Mezashita no wa aoi, aoi ano sora
(You aimed for that blue, blue sky)
(Footage: Yuki can be seen posing with her hands on her hips. Quick cut to her performing an Ojamajo Twilight Rain on a collection of shadow creatures.)
Tsukinuketara mitsukaru to shitte
(If you break through, you know you'll find it)
(Footage: Akemi can be seen posing with her hands locked together. Quick cut to her performing an Ojamajo Crystal Cannon against the Golem.)
Furikiru hodo aoi, aoi ano sora
(So try until you break free to that blue, blue sky)
(Footage: Nick can be seen posing with a peace sign focusing towards the camera. Quick cut to him performing an Ojamajo Arrow of Light against the Dragoon.)
Aoi, aoi ano sora
(That blue, blue sky)
(Footage: Quick flash of Doerai's lair on the Floating Islands, Doerai looking downwards.)
Aoi, aoi ano sora
(That blue, blue sky)
(Footage: Cut to Nick, Akemi, Hitomi, and Utau looking up towards the Floating Islands. Quick jump cut to them racing towards the islands, their hands all intertwined, and Doerai watching from afar as the song ends.)
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
(Even in the brightest light, there is always a little bit of darkness.)
YukiShinoya444 and S.P.D. Gold Ranger present:
Doerai: Dawn of the Darkness
Story Created: November 9th, 2008
Summary: AU. In the end, there is only a new beginning. The story continues as Nick and his friends go through another set of experiences... And what of the others?
On Today's Episode: As the final battle nears its conclusion, Nick and the girls seem to be in trouble, until Yuki reveals something she learned from Saiki that may be what they need to finish off Doerai once and for all...
Authoress' Notes: This time, I will do the odds and Nick-kun will do the evens! Wai~
Disclaimer: ...Shouldn't it be obvious by now we don't own anything? (by S.P.D. Gold Ranger: EXACTLY, Yuki-chan.)
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Phase 17: A Glimmer of Hope That Lasts Forever
If only... there was some way to defeat him...
Hitomi bit her lip.
I can't expect getting lucky anytime soon, but really... What have I even got to lose? I mean... Besides the obvious?
She gulped.
Am I willing to lose the princess again? Or even Nick? One thing's for sure, despite everything I know...
The young mistress' eyes darted to her beloved tanuki, her eyes a glimmering, crystal clear.
Torikki-kun... My precious Torikki-kun... How could I ever lose him, of all things to lose, huh?
A smile stretched across her lips.
Easy. I can't.
Nick gulped himself, and looked at Akemi.
"Akemi..."
Akemi's smile broadened, and she nodded.
"I'm right here... Now... and forever."
Nick couldn't help but return the grin, squeezing the hand of his girlfriend.
"Let's."
Utau nodded vigorously.
"Yes, yes, yes!!"
Yuki and Doremi beamed, showing their pearly white teeth, despite still being covered in ashes from the Burned Lands.
Yes... I just know we can do it... Despite all the odds, I just know we can!! I just know it!!
Yuki's own hand tightened around the pink witch's one, and a sigh escaped her lips.
We'll survive for sure... Won't we, Saiki-kun? We won't give up... No matter what happens, I promise you that. But...
Her gaze turned thoughtful.
What can we do, Saiki-kun? I'm confused...
Her lips pursued, and she just bit her lip.
Saiki-kun...
The black witch huffed, snapping her attention to Doerai.
Doerai!!
"The bow and string of a determined boy, take this!! Ojamajo Arrow of Light!!"
Doerai merely blocked the attack, hmphing. Nick took caution, and Akemi bit her lip.
He really is... much stronger than I remember, after all...
Yuki and Doremi looked at each other.
"Are we going to die again, Yuki-chan...?" Doremi asked, her expression dire as her fingers twirled around the black witch's.
Yuki's expression turned stern.
"I won't let that happen." She stated firmly, stroking the red head's cheek. "I definitely will not let that happen, Doremi-chan."
Doremi couldn't help but smile.
That's right...
"Thank you, Yuki-chan."
There's no way I can let Doremi-chan down!!
"Alright then, let's finish this."
Doerai chuckled, staring down at the green witch.
"I've had enough of you, boy."
Nick rolled his eyes, but nodded in Akemi's direction.
"Spirits of the earth..." Nick chanted, his hand tightening around Akemi's.
"Spirits of the stars...." Akemi continued, glowing with a silver aura.
"Lend us your wills and give up the power to grant a miracle!! Our beautiful souls shall crush your dark heart!!" they both exclaimed, the force around them becoming tense.
"Double Ojamajo Sparkle Screw!!"
Doerai cursed, blocking the attack, but still taking damage.
"Huh. Is that the best you really got?!"
Utau growled.
"Not likely, Doerai!" she exclaimed, raising her hands which were glowing with a neon blue.
Hitomi perked up, and Torikki nodded.
"Go for it, Hitomi."
Hitomi smiled brightly.
"Right!!"
"Phoenix Flare!!" she exclaimed as Utau shot a wave of blue energy, the two attacks merging into one that Doerai quickly formed a shield to block, but still trembled from the blow.
"Wow! Thanks, Hiko-chan!!" Utau exclaimed, earning Hitomi's nod.
"No problem, Utau-chan."
Torriki then crouched, growling.
"Mistress... Looks like we have a few problems..."
"Wha... OH." Hitomi smacked her forehead.
"Doerai just won't give up!!"
Doerai smirked.
Nick groaned himself.
There has to be some way... If only...
Yuki blinked, letting out a light gasp.
If only...?!
Saiki-kun!!
At thinking his name, her heart immediately sped up, as if she just ran a marathon, and knocked the breath out of her.
Of course!! Of course, of course, OF COURSE, Saiki-kun!!
Her eyelids lowered, her deep brown eyes going blank.
Saiki-kun...
"Yuki-chan?!" Doremi exclaimed, shaking Yuki's shoulders, immediately snapping her out of it. "What's wrong?! Did something happen?!"
Yuki just shook her head, eyes wide.
The pink witch's lips parted helplessly.
"Then... Then what is it, Yuki-chan? I-I... I... I'm just so confused... Please tell me..."
The black witch smiled a bit.
"It's nothing wrong... I..."
"Yuki-chan... I..."
"—I want to show you something."
Yuki perked up as Saiki turned the notch, lowering the light in the dark room they were in.
The black witch blinked, utterly confused as to what her boyfriend wanted to show her in the first place.
"Sai... Saiki-kun?"
"Hm?" he turned to her, smiling angelically. Yuki instantly broke into a stutter.
"U-Um... What do you what to show me?"
He laughed, an enchanting sound to the girl's ears.
"Wouldn't you like to know..." he stated teasingly, shaking his head. "Tell me this, Yuki-chan dearest."
His eyes locked onto hers, and she froze into place, shivering as if she was freezing.
"Y-Yes...?" her voice faltered as a blush broke out.
A smirk played on Saiki's lips as he listened to her racing heartbeat before taking a breath.
"Do you know what I've always told you..."
"T-That dark magic doesn't have to be evil?" she wondered, her voice shaking with unease.
"No, not that."
He smiled warmly at her.
"They always say... Even in the deepest darkness, there is always a little flash of light... And vice versa. There is no such thing as 'true' darkness, or 'true' light."
Yuki approached him, eyes wide.
"Then... How do you defeat someone who is almost completely encased in it?"
"Aren't you the curious one?"
Saiki just laughed, turning back to the lantern.
"Let's see..." he started as he turned the notch again, the room swallowed up in complete darkness.
Yuki gasped, covering her mouth to muffle a scream.
"S-Saiki-kun!!"
"Shhh..." she heard his voice whisper as his warm hand caught her wrist pulling her close.
The light flickered on, and his face was mere inches from hers.
Yuki's eyelashes fluttered.
"Sai... Saiki-kun..."
He gave her a quick smile, placing a finger under her chin.
"Yuki-chan... The answer to your question is so simple, it's almost practical."
She finally found her voice, and the volume was barely above a whisper.
"Is... Is it really, Saiki-kun?"
He nodded, gently taking her face in his hands, as if she was a delicate flower, something that was not only fragile, but precious as well.
"Just show them the light."
She nodded, obediently.
"Yes."
"Oh!!"
Yuki covered her mouth, her cheeks turning a deep shade of a bright, crimson-colored red.
Doremi blinked in confusion, but Nick took no notice.
"Looks like there's no other way..." he started before Yuki latched onto his arm.
"Wait, Nick-kun!!"
"Huh?" Nick flickered his gaze to Yuki.
"Yuki-chan...?"
"Nick-kun... I know how to win this."
Nick's eyes widened at the simple statement. He then smirked.
"Do you really, Yuki-chan?"
Yuki nodded, completely convinced of her epiphany.
"Yes..."
Nick just grinned.
"Alright, I believe you."
Yuki looked surprised but smiled brightly.
"Thank you, Nick-kun!!"
Doerai's expression turned suspicious. "What are they..."
"NOW!!" Every single one of them exclaimed at the same time, giving the other a high-five.
Nick and Akemi nodded at each other, joining hands. Doremi and Yuki joined hands as well. And Utau, as soon as she complained about being left out, joined hands with Hitomi, all of them glowing with a bright, heavenly light.
"With all the tender feelings of a fully bloomed love..." Nick and Akemi started, glowing with a bright white light.
"To all the gentle emotions of a delicate embrace..." Yuki and Doremi continued, a bright, uplifting pink aura exploding out of them.
"Finally with the true treasure of an everlasting friendship..." Utau and Hitomi chanted, glowing with a rainbow-colored aura.
Torikki grinned, encased with his very own crimson red aura.
"With all the combined feelings of our will and purity will go past beyond, and we won't give in to the darkness of our hearts!!"
Nick and Akemi threw out their hands.
"Everyone!! Send us your power!!"
The others nodded, and the couple glowed radiantly, shocking Doerai.
"Im... Impossible!"
"This is the end, Doerai!!" Nick exclaimed, tightening around Akemi.
"Nanimokamo!! Ojamajo Absolute Awakening!!"
The energy around them pulsed, combining into one as the energy rammed Doerai, earning a loud roar of pure agony.
The aura faltered as the damage was done, and Doerai shivered, seeming to fade away as the seconds passed.
"This... is... not... the end..."
"Just give it a rest," Hitomi shot back. "Now Torikki-kun's curse can be lifted... And this IS the end."
"Hahaha..." Doerai grinned wildly as he faded away into the wind.
"That curse... will never be lifted... Kokoro... And you'll... never even know how... I never did..."
And then he was gone.
Silence filled the area, and a voice spoke in the wind.
"It's alright Nick," Momoko stated. "He's gone for good this time."
Nick couldn't help but smile.
But Hitomi frowned.
"There... There's no hope for Torikki-kun?" she whispered, scooping up Torikki and hugging him to her chest.
Torikki coughed a laugh.
"It's alright Hitomi... It was hopeless for us, anyway."
Hitomi responded by muffling her sob in his fur.
Nick frowned.
"Hitomi-chan..."
Yuki held up a hand, and smiled.
"Don't lose hope, Hiko-chan!!" she exclaimed, cheerfully. "You'll turn Torikki-kun back someday!!"
The pair looked up, and Nick and Akemi stared at each other in shock.
"Turn... Him back?"
"Damn it Nick, you really are slow." Torikki growled. "Did you REALLY think this was my actual form?"
Hitomi laughed weakly, standing up.
"Torikki-kun's really not what he seems... He's a human. Just like you."
"Really?"
Utau nodded, and Hitomi grinned.
"The curse was laid onto him because we had separate families, per see... Not only reducing him to this form, but shortening his life as well."
Akemi gasped, but Nick gulped.
"Our families didn't approve of us being so... What's the word? Oh yes, intimate. So think of us as Romeo and Juliet, only with animal transformation instead of banishment... Doerai tricked me."
Her smile grew rueful.
"He was right... I did free him... But only because he deluded me into thinking he would uplift Torikki-kun's curse. I'm sorry for causing such trouble, guys."
Yuki smiled.
"We forgive you, Hiko-chan."
"Figures you'd be the one to say that, my princess."
The 'princess' laughed.
"Doing it for the one you love... How could I, of all people, hold you against that?"
Doremi flinched, but smiled.
"I guess I really shouldn't be surprised..." Nick laughed. "No wonder you could do all those things, Torikki-kun."
Torikki seemed to hold back a laugh.
"Quick question, though." Doremi started, waving her hand.
"How do we get home?"
Silence.
Nick sweatdropped.
"I forgot about that..."
"Oh, leave that to me." Torikki jumped from Hitomi's arms, glowing.
Hitomi's eyes then widened, flashing into a deep green, as she noticed her tanuki started changing shape.
When the light faded, in place of Torikki, was a boy around Nick's age, even with similar, but a much darker shade of brown, spiky hair. His eyes were the same different colors as Torikki's, one shade of red, and another shade of green. His attire was pretty simple, too, just a black vest over a pair of jeans, though his feet were bare.
"To... Torikki-kun?"
"Yeah, it's me." Torikki shrugged. "Looks like you succeeded after all, Hitomi."
Hitomi's fingers trembled, as if she wanted to embrace him but stayed frozen.
"Well come on," the former tanuki stated, spinning around so fast they couldn't see. "We're heading back to the city... To Hunter as well..."
He smiled at the group, grinning at the still shock on most of their faces.
"Let's send you kids home."
Nick and Akemi looked at each other, and Utau beamed. Yuki and Doremi smiled.
"Thank you, Torikki-kun."
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Next time:
Final Phase: A Bright World Up Ahead Followed By A Brighter Future
As Nick and his friends say their goodbyes to Hitomi and Torikki, not to mention Utau as well, they return to their world, completely convinced that there is still one thing that they may be missing as the wind blows in the right direction...