~Episode 3: イワトビスイムクラブ! Iwatobi Swim Club!
"Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey"
– Fitzhugh Mullan
"The water is alive. Once you dive in, it will immediately bare its fangs and attack. But, there's nothing to fear. Don't resist the water. Thrust your fingers into the surface and carve an opening. Then you slide your body through that opening. Moving your arms, your head, your chest…"
~Planet Earth – Alpha Timeline
Iwatobi Elementary School:
A young boy with dark hair and blue eyes dove into the water, soaring his way across the freestyle as he could feel the security and the welcoming of the world beneath him, reaching out his arms and kicking his legs through the water.
At the one end of the pool, two other students watched with awe and amazement.
"Like always, his swimming is so graceful," smiled Makoto
"Yeah, just like a dolphin!" agreed Nagisa with a giggle.
The two turned to see a red-hair boy, stepping on the starting block while setting up his goggles and readying himself.
"So…uh, who is that?" asked the blonde
"Oh, that's Rin Matsuoka," said Makoto, "He transferred to our class just a week ago."
Rin snapped the goggles after the stretch and dove in, reaching his way out through the water as well. Haruka felt a strange disturbance in the water so he sped faster, hoping to reach the other end safely as the two flipped turned.
Once Haruka reached to the wall, he tore off his cap and flipped his hair a bit while Makoto reached his hand down to him and smiled.
"No one can beat you in the water, Haru-chan," said Makoto.
"You don't have to use the –chan," sighed Haruka as he grabbed Makoto's hand and made his way out.
"That was awesome Haruka!" smiled Nagisa, "I really want to learn how to swim like you!"
Rin took a breath from the water and drifted out at first to see the commotion and smiled, saying, "Well so that's what the rumors are said about you. What was your time?"
"…I don't keep times," said Haruka.
"Oh…? Well I suppose there's that rumor too," smirked Rin as he climbed his way out of the water.
"So then…Haruka, are you interested in joining me for a relay?" asked the red haired boy.
"…I only swim freestyle," he replied, climbing back onto the block and diving in.
That's right…all I only want is to feel the water…embrace it…we accept one another!
~Planet Earth – Beta Timeline
Mayfield Heights, OH
March 4, 2013:
A young man opened his eyes and gasped in shock as if he slept for several years. His head was spinning around him and he could hear his parents shouting for him to get up and help with the Morning Rush Hour. Grumbling in annoyance, he got up and slapped on some clothes he tossed the other day and made his way down the stairs.
"You have to wake up earlier than this!" snapped the father, "Just look at yourself!"
"Honey, we've been calling you and calling you!" cried the mother.
"Go take the garbage out and get yourself ready!" said the father.
Ugh, what was that dream, thought Alex, it was like as if I traveled and…
He rushed through the halls, collecting the garbage bags, wondering what kind of a dream it was. Who were these people? What happened in the dream?
Of course, I cannot remember, he thought, oh how I hate this…
Flashback: Year 2002 A.D
Mayfield High School Pool
The little Alex sat on the bench for Level I while his friend, Nicole sat in Level II. The time was 11:10 AM on a Saturday as they were both curious and anxious to try out the pool. The two were friends since around the fall of 1999 and have developed a bond of friendship that would test their relationship for the years to come.
Nicole was already more into the swimming than he has but he grew to love watching the water come alive so he too decided to join.
I wonder what I'll be learning to do, he thought.
At 11:15 the class begins…
Level I and II were both the beginner courses though Level I was more for the fun and games but they got to learn how to blow bubbles and kick the water while those in level II were learning how to stay afloat as well as using their arms and legs a bit. It wasn't until level III when the students would be tested to see if they can move onto the more advance levels.
Sometimes the both levels I and II would combine classes for a bigger game/activity.
After class, Alex walked to the changing room while his father was helping Sergi to change as well. Sergi was only around 8 years old but his non-verbal severe Autism has kept him from performing daily functions such as changing clothes. Sadly this class was roughly around a half hour or so per each session. Time would go by so quickly for the fun and what not.
"So did you like it?" asked Nicole after she was done changing and waiting in the hallways.
"Yeah!" smiled Alex, "What's it like going underwater?"
"Beautiful!" she replied, "Perhaps a sight that you have yet to see!"
"I would probably need goggles," he answered.
"I can do both with and without," she smirked, "But I must admit though that it can be a bit of a sting if you're not careful."
"You sure have developed swimming fast though," he said.
"Well I was doing this just a tad bit longer than you," she shrugged.
He nodded and answered, "I just wish everyday was a Saturday…I can't stand the recess at school. Everyone is always bothering me and chasing after us!"
"Me too," she agreed, "But no worries…our friendship will keep is strong!"
After coming home from the lessons, the mother smiled at him and said, "You know, I never really swam when I was a child."
"Why not?" he asked.
"Well it's just…I never had the time for it," she answered.
"I'll teach you one day!" said Alex, "Really, I will!"
"You possess rare talent in your swimming my love…in here," replied mother with a smile, touching his heart and added, "Never lose it. It will serve you well when you join the Olympics."
Alex giggled with a smile and replied, "Yeah mother! Don't you worry, I'll be the best swimmer around!"
Present Day
Alex sat in the car with his father as they were heading to downtown Cleveland, it was already another Monday morning. He was already silent as his memories were lost into the past but he shook his head to keep awake.
"What's the matter son?" asked his father.
"Nothing," he replied, "Just…thinking back a few things."
"You want to share them?" asked the older man.
"No, it's fine," said Alex, trying to look over his notes while avoiding getting motion sickness.
Planet Earth – Alpha Timeline
Season 1: Iwatobi Swim Club – Starting Block of Reunions!
Makoto, Haruka, and Nagisa were already exploring the old site of the Iwatobi Swimming Club after learning that it was going to be destroyed. They got to the old lounge room where they found a photo of themselves along with Rin back in the Elementary Medley Relay that they won.
"I'll show you a sight you've never seen before," echoed Rin's younger voice in Haruka's head.
"Haru! HARU! Let's go!" said Makoto as he and Nagisa were already going through the other side of the lockers while the blonde was tempted to find the marker.
"Can we at least hurry up here!" moaned Makoto before turning his head to see something heading their way. He tugged on Haruka's shirt while Nagisa turned to see the commotion.
"EH!?" gasped Makoto as the shadowy figure walked through the dark halls and into the moonlight.
Haruka's eyes narrowed a little as Rin faced up to the trio before him.
"Yo," said Rin.
"W-who is that?" asked Nagisa.
"I-I don't know!" said Makoto.
"I didn't think I'd run into you guys here," replied Rin, stretching his hat strap to create the snap effect.
Makoto and Nagisa gasped as they finally remembered…
"RIN!" gasped Makoto.
"Rin-chan!" said Nagisa, running up to him, "You came back from Australia!"
"But why are you here?" asked Makoto.
"It must be hitsuzen!" said Nagisa, "Something unseen has brought us all here at the exact same time and place…"
"Haru," said Rin coldly, "Do you still hang out with these guys? Tch, you haven't improved."
"What are you talking about Rin?" asked Makoto.
"And what about you?" asked Haruka, "Have you improved?"
"Well I'm glad you asked," said Rin, stretching his neck, "Why don't I just show you? Let's race, Haru."
Planet Earth – Beta Timeline
March 6, 2013
200 Years after the Romanov's 300th anniversary, something was posted on the internet…a video…
One that would change the definition of anime…forever…and redefine it to a new level of audience…
A short video about four friends having the blast of their lives…at the pool and later one of them about to swim in a serious race…
Rumors are shared…people question themselves…
A group of girls began to protest and spread the video as if it was a virus and began to discover themselves…even some boys began to follow, asking the fate of destiny to create this "story". And fortunately, this wish has been granted…
The Birth of the Swimming Anime…later known as Free! and Free! Eternal Summer has been reborn!
1 Month Later: April 2013
Rhodes Tower, Cleveland State University
It was another ordinary day in the Math Computer Lab with the lesson finished and project deadlines coming up. Alex put his papers away when he heard some giggling from a couple of girls. He sat down and carefully kept his ear open to listen.
"So did you hear last month's swimming anime?" asked one of the girls.
"Yeah, I did and fuck yeah they were so smoking!" another girl giggled.
A swimming anime, thought Alex, what the hell is going on?
"My gosh, that one guy…was it senpai?" asked the first girl, "He's the hottest!"
"Well they're all hot if I say so myself," said the second girl.
Alex got up and left, wondering what the heck this mess was about.
I've read different stories…from the works of CLAMP, to the Elric Brothers…and Okumura Brothers…BIONICLE was my life…my childhood…but what is this swimming anime, he thought, no, I can't even think about it. My swimming days is all in the P-A-S-T.
After returning home with some time to spare, Alex looked up the swimming anime video and went to click the link on youtube. He sat down on his bed with the laptop on at the ready.
I guess it's only worth a try, he thought.
He watched as the animation began:
~A young boy with green eyes throwing the water out of the bottle with a huge smile on his face…
~Another young boy with blonde hair taking off his jacket…
~A third boy emerging out of the water, throwing his goggles into the air with a bright smile and laughter…
~A darker looking boy with a badass attitude, standing together with the three other guys…
~One by one they leave the scene with laughter (thought the first boy) had to get the navy hair's attention.
~The final scene…at the Olympics or some tournament…
Alex's eyes blinked with confusion at a bit of "WTF" at the same time.
Bitch please, he thought, it's just an advertisement for summer or something…like what are the odds of making this to a series?
"Do you wish to go back…or do you wish to stay here?" echoed a voice.
"EH!? Who's there!?" he shouted, looking around frantically.
He turned around and saw a small scrap piece of paper on the floor. He picked it up and saw the following:
"Take 41 – 35 into your heart of water, find the way that leads to that place…"
Planet Earth – Alpha Timeline
Season 1: Iwatobi Swim Club – Memories in the Distance!
Sametsuka Pool
Haruka and Rin readied themselves with the goggles and the swim caps while Makoto and Nagisa stood on by to watch.
"Like always Haru, I don't understand what you are thinking," said Rin.
"Whatever," replied Haruka, "Just get yourself ready…Rin."
"Ha, you never seem to lose your cool," smirked the red-hair before he muttered, "That really…pisses me off."
Haruka ignored him and turned his head saying, "Makoto. Give us the signal to start."
"Alright," he replied.
"This will be a 100 meter race…in freestyle," said Rin as the two bend over on the starting blocks.
"Ready…GO!" shouted Makoto.
The two took off and dove into the water as Nagisa and Makoto gasped in shock at Rin's powerful kick while Haruka was still going as fast as ever. While Rin was swearing inside his mind, they both made the turn while Haruka finally saw the darkness before his eyes…
I've seen this sight before…the sensation…I get it finally…this is what I needed…something that doesn't need to rely on or work with others…being…alone…I just want to be alone and drift in silence…
Are you sure this is what you wished?
Eh? W-who said that?!
Haruka slammed his hands to the wall just after Rin as the red-hair smirked in his victory while Haruka breathed to relax a little while trying to ignore what he just heard.
"Well you finally won," said Haru, "Congratulations."
"W-what!?" growled Rin as he felt this as an insult, grabbing Haruka by the goggles and pulling him close to him.
"Haru…" muttered Makoto.
"Haru-chan," said Nagisa quietly just before the doors slammed opened.
Next Day:
"You guys still need another member, right?" asked Gou.
"Eh?!" replied Makoto.
"Please let me join you!" she answered, "You guys are the ones that can help get my brother back! Please, I can serve you all as manager and help out!"
"What's this?!" shouted Nagisa while trying to clean up the flora from the pool with Haruka.
"Kou-chan is willing to join us!" said Makoto.
"That's great!" smiled Nagisa, "This means that the swimming club has finally established!"
Haruka smiled to himself as he knew that they were at least one step closer of being a completed team.
Planet Earth – Beta Timeline
"Just how…?" muttered Alex as he sat on his bed, still confused, "A swimming anime? A story of four friends? Are people are going nuts?! What the fuck has this world come to?!"
He closed his eyes and continued to wonder what the future will hold for himself. He remembered his days a swimmer too but could never be an attractive one. After all, it was only since around 12 years old when he realized that his own beauty was shattered away by the coming of age before him.
Why was I even born like this, he thought, I can never look beautiful…NEVER! What's there to do with myself anyway! I sacrificed everything from myself so I can forget and move on…
Are you sure you are willing to throw that away?
Alex got up again and tried to find where the voice was coming from when he saw a strange golden puppy staring at him from the bedroom window. It stared at him with a blank expression.
"W-who a-are…" began Alex before he collapsed on top of his bed, feeling sleepy…
Flashback: 2003 A.D
Alex gasped in horror as he saw Nicole being dragged in by a group of guys that captured her. It was during the middle of recess as she screamed at him to get help.
"I will!" he shouted as he ran the fastest he could, worried that she would get hurt.
By the time he got the Noon Aides to get to the scene of the crime, he saw her face filled with scratches and some blood while the boys were caught and reported.
"I...I failed to save you," said Alex as he cried.
"Please…" she replied, holding back her tears, "Just don't worry about it."
It was only a few days later when the two of them were confronted by the bullies in the Principal's office where this settlement was finally disputed and the two won the case while the bullies were punished with writing letters to them as well as having to get a phone call from their parents.
"At last…" said Alex as he went on the swings on the next recess, "Finally we can at least enjoy ourselves!"
Nicole could only smile but she had a dark thought about him…knowing that this boy before her was a person of innocence and happiness, making him a coward for not being able to stand up for who he is.
He screams like a girl…runs away from people that try to hurt him and hides like a coward, she thought, perhaps it's time I try to show him what it is like to stand up on his feet.
"Is something the matter?" he asked.
"No, nothing," she replied, "Just get ready for your swim test this weekend!"
"Yeah, thanks!" he smiled as the bells rang and they were called to go inside.
Saturday
It was the final session of swimming for the year as the students in level IV gathered up. Alex wondered how Nicole was doing in level VI, knowing that there was a level VII that focused on diving off the boards.
I have to stay focused, he thought as he sat on the edge of the pool to be wait to be called on. The level IV students were given the 25 meters lane to swim on as they were already into developing the five strokes; front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and the elementary back stroke. The freestyle was definitely easy for many people and so was the backstroke and the breaststroke and elementary back stroke. However, the butterfly was perhaps one of the tougher ones to deal with.
At his turn of the freestyle, Alex pushed off from the wall and made his through across the lap, breathing every three cycles of his arms/hand while reaching out to the wall. His goggles were secured and on as he saw the wall before him. The flip turn was definitely another obstacle that he had to conquer in order to pass.
Alex sat down on the bench as he was already filled with tears…realizing that he screwed up during the examination. Nicole didn't pass either which made him less sad but how could it be this difficult?
You mustn't give up…your destiny.
Present Day:
"Sanno! SANNO!" shouted the voice of his mother as Alex woke up with a confused look on his face. It was already night fall and the dog was no longer there.
"My destiny?" he muttered.
He quickly got downstairs to hear the commotion when he saw the dinner on the table.
"Come stay with us," said the father, "We're happy for you to join."
He grunted to himself as he sat down with a bowl of polenta at his face; prompting him to grab the salad bowl to eat instead.
"What's the matter?" asked the mother.
"Nothing," he sighed while trying to swallow his food.
Sergi hummed and giggle to himself while he twirled his fork on the food before eating. Alex watched his younger brother and wondered if this was what he still really wanted to do…
Or was he hiding something?
"You don't want to tell your family how you're feeling?" asked the father.
"It's none of your concern," he said coldly, "I must figure it out for myself."
Everything will begin…on April 26, 2013…that day when it was official…the day when their wishes came true…the day when the story will begin its tale on July 3, 2013…
Planet Earth – Alpha Timeline
Season 1: Iwatobi Swim Club – Captive Butterfly!
Rei sat down as the sun was setting down for the evening. He felt miserable after getting no where with the freestyle, the breaststroke and the back strokes.
Haruka walked over to check up on him as the megane turned his head to see him.
"Oh Haruka…" said Rei.
"Do what you want," replied Haruka.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Just don't think, dive in," said Haruka.
"But I don't understand that either," said Rei.
"It's simple…you dive in with your heart," answered the tsundere.
"I can't understand your thinking," replied Rei, "I…I'm very frustrated and I don't know how I can swim like you and the others!"
"Well I'm not free either," said Haruka after a moment of hesitation as a small butterfly landed on his collar bone.
Nagisa and Makoto watched the two talking and sitting down, wondering what would become of their team.
"Are they doing okay?" asked Nagisa while drying his hair.
"Just let them be for now," said Makoto, "It appears that they have a lot in common."
"You're right," he smiled.
However, it wouldn't be till the next morning when they discovered Rei unleashing the butterfly stroke, shocking them with amazement.
"Were you swimming the butterfly just now!?" gasped Nagisa.
"It was the only one that I haven't tried yet," said Rei, "As soon as I tried it, I was able to get through the laps."
"Can we see you do another lap?" asked the blonde.
"Sure thing," he smiled before grabbing his goggles and setting up another lap across the pool while Haruka stared at the two little butterflies before him. Wondering if one of them symbolized Rei…
Surely there are two, he thought, I wonder who the second one would represent?
Days Later…"Trial in Open Water/Shocking No Breathing!"
"Well then," said Miho, "We should get back to the cabin."
"Right," replied Gou as she turned her head to watch Haruka, Makoto, Nagisa, and Rei talking about who would sleep with who in the tents.
Just why, she thought, why isn't my brother with them? Not even for a few moments?
By nightfall, Nagisa and Haruka slept in one tent with Makoto and Rei in the other. However, the megane could not sleep as he was determined to improve himself so he could at least catch up to them. Rei silently snuck his way out and grabbed a kick-board and prepared his cap and goggles, heading out to the bay a little.
I…I have to work harder, he thought.
Rei looked up to the skies and for a moment he thought he saw a familiar face of someone with a warm smile and eyes that were golden but it was just two bright yellow stars in the skies.
It's beautiful though, thought Rei as he smiled.
The weather turned cloudy as the winds picked up, causing the waters to shift and turn as Rei gasped in fear, worried that he was going to end up drowning. The kick-board already flew off of his hands as he tried to stay afloat but the waters kept tossing him.
Makoto woke up to see the tents shifting when he saw that Rei was not in the bed. He quickly got up and saw the rain falling down hard as thunder and lightning clasped.
"Rei! REI!" shouted Makoto, trying to find him.
He turned his head and saw the megane far out in the distance as he was screaming and flailing his arms out for help but the waters tossed him down.
Makoto gasped as he ran out towards the water, stripping off his shirt and unbeknown that his eyes began to glow neon green as he screamed, "REI!"
At that instant, Haruka opened his eyes as they were glowing neon blue. He shook Nagisa awake and the blonde yawned in confusion.
"Perhaps they went to the restroom?" asked Nagisa while Haruka got out and the two saw the empty green tent. Haurka turned to the ocean and his eyes widened in horror at the sight.
"Rei!" shouted Makoto as his eyes glowed brighter green, allowing him to see Rei before his eyes but the megane was still struggling through.
Haruka and Nagisa got into the ocean as well while the latter's eyes began to glow neon pink, trying to reach out to the others while Haruka realized he was closer to Makoto, grabbing him by the shoulders.
"I'll get Rei-chan!" shouted Nagisa as he tried to get his way closer.
"REI-CHANNNN!" shouted the blonde as he reached out his hand to Rei. The megane saw Nagisa and was about to reach his hand out when a massive wave struck the four, knocking them away to different areas of the island.
Makoto's POV
The taller boy opened his eyes and found himself in a space of white void. He saw the golden doggie sitting right before him.
"W-who are you?" asked Makoto.
"Do you wish to return…or do you wish to stay?" asked the doggie.
"R-return…? S-stay?" muttered the taller boy.
"You have two options," said the dog, "And only one can be decided."
"I…I have to return to Haurka and the others!" shouted Makoto, "Rei is in danger and…!"
"Return…or stay?" asked the dog, "Clearly you have forgotten who you truly are…"
"What are you talking about!?" shouted Makoto.
"A decision," echoed a familiar voice.
Makoto turned to see a taller boy with bright pink hair and a smaller boy with a more samon-pink hair color. He gasped as he somewhat recognized the taller one before him.
"It's been forever…Makoto," said the taller boy.
"W-wait!" shouted Makoto.
Makoto coughed and opened his eyes while vomiting up the water from the ocean.
"Makoto!" gasped Haruka as he watched him struggle on his breaths.
"Ha-haru-k-ka?" asked Makoto while the other boy's eyes were widened with worry.
"Are you okay!?" he asked.
"W-where did we end up?" asked Makoto.
"This is probably Sukishima," said Haruka, "The island that is facing the tents on the other end."
"Where's Rei!?" gasped Makoto, "I have to save him!"
"Nagisa went to save him!" said Haruka, "You have to rest! Please don't worry."
The two made their way to an area to keep themselves a bit dried up even though the rain continued to pour down. Makoto lowered his head as he remembered the past while Haruka stayed silent.
Finally, Makoto said, "I…I had a dream."
"A dream?" asked Haruka.
"I saw a golden doggie and it kept asking me if I was to either return or to stay," he explained, "I didn't get any of that and before I woke up I saw someone that I should have recognized but his shadow was in the way and…"
"You're still scared of the ocean, aren't you?" asked Haruka.
"I…I thought I would get over it…but it…" he began, "It's all my fault! I dragged all of you all into this, haven't I?"
"No, it's not," replied Haruka.
"But it was my choice though…as leader…I wanted to swim with everyone together in the relay…especially with you Haru. It's meaningless if I don't swim with everyone I care for…even you!" said Makoto.
T-those words, thought Haruka, I've heard them before…
"Haru-chan! Mako-chan!" shouted the familiar voice of Nagisa as the two turned to see the blonde and Rei running up towards them.
Planet Earth – Beta Timeline
Flashback: Mayfield Middle School, Fall 2004 A.D
Alex returned to his homeroom for the end of the day session ("intervention") where it was either a time to study or use the computer or read a book, etc.
He got to his desk and opened up and saw a bunch of weird things that he knew was not his. He sighed and closed it shut with annoyance.
Who keep leaving their stuff in my desk, he thought as he grabbed out his book and read. However, the stuff in the desk couldn't keep him away so he opened again and read the name of the person.
"R-Ryan…" he muttered, "Who is he?"
He heard some of the students to shush him down even though he was hardly making any noises. Earlier in the day his homeroom team lost a basketball game which angered him since he was determined to defeat his enemies with a swift of talents he knew that would one day be disposable. However, the teacher snapped at him in warning of getting a detention for acting out so dramatic and for the rest of the day he hardly said a word to anyone. He turned to his teacher for a split second before turning back with fear in his heart.
She got mad at me too, I guess I was being a brat, he thought, trying to keep reading.
In his life, he rarely had any problems with the teachers on his own fault. In fact, he could remember that horrible day back in 3rd grade for being falsely accused of throwing a ball at someone's face in some stupid game involving plush balls, hockey sticks and bowling pins. (Like who in the hell develops these games?) However, he was so filled with anger that day that he couldn't recall anything.
Was it true that I hurt someone, he thought, but why would people out there try to be so harsh on me? Why do these stupid games even exist in the first place?
The truth was this…
He hated to compete…especially when forced to. He hated the P.E. classes because it was the place where one would either gain status…or fall into the victims of bullying. Dodgeball was a super popular thing and he hated that sport with a deep passion, praying that it would one day be illegal in schools.
His only true sport was swimming…for it was a place that he can escape to without having to hear the echos of bullying.
Months Later
"Congratulations, you passed Level 6," said the instructor.
Alex gasped as he received the card with success of completing of all six levels finally; it took a period of time but he was far beyond happy that he finally made it. However, seeing that Level 6 was the final level available (level 7 was disbanded), he knew that this would be the level to stay at in order to continue and improve.
Then one day, at the Middle School, a set of flyers were displayed out on one of the bulletins as he saw that there was a set of new instructors that were willing to put up a session during the school week for extra swimming and strengthening practice. He and Nicole both joined up for a bit of time, continuing to enhance their skills and taking their exercises to a new level.
But then…one day in the hallways,
"If you want to be friends with him, BE MY GUEST!" snapped Nicole as she looked at him sharply.
"W-why are you acting like this!?" asked Alex, "You are the one with all the friends in the world and here I am just nothing!"
"Nothing!? HA! Look at yourself!" she growled, "I saved you in kindergarten, I saved you in first grade, I saved you in second grade, I protected you with MY LIFE!"
Alex almost wanted to cry but he knew that he had no choice left but to accept this fate. In the past, their contract was that he was to respect Nicole's wishes in return that she would defend him from all the bullying and pain that he went through.
However, in the recent years, she tried to get him to do things against his will…and he knew that deep down that it wasn't right…and now it was his only chance.
"I had enough," he said as he walked away while trying to hide his tears while she stood there in shock but she too passed on, knowing that this friendship was falling into pieces.
Present Day: May 2013
The rebirth of Free! Iwatobi Swim club, massively soared its way through the internet, as fans of anime and manga continued to speculate, love, and hate on what is yet to begin for this mysterious series. No one could predict the future of this but everyone kept making up names, writing stories, drawing, and more. People even cosplayed and celebrated on this final countdown…
Alex woke up from another strange dream as he recalled that it had to do with the characters from this upcoming show but they were all trying to reach out to him, saying that everything will be alright once more.
"It can't be them," he muttered, "This is insane. Why does this show have to do with me?!"
He checked on the calendar and counted down the days left for the convention; he was really excited to go with two of his high school friends for this lovely trip to Sandusky. However, it was only for the Saturday that he and his friends paid for but he already got his things together.
Planet Earth – Alpha Timeline
Season 1: Iwatobi Swim Club – One Style Final/Revenge in the Medley!
"Go back or remain…"
"Win and leave…or lose and stay…"
"You must decide on your future…"
The two strong fated opponents soared their way through the water while the one was smiling deep down knowing that he will fulfill his wish and move on while the other remains to be alone regardless of his times.
"So then…Haru, I win," smirked Rin, staring down, "I won't swim with you again! Never!"
Haruka gasped in his mind as he realized that the whole world was spinning around him, causing his mind and soul to be elsewhere where he saw a lone being crying by himself. Haruka was about to walk over and see who this person was when it stood on his feet and his face was filled with tears.
"Haru…" said the lone figure, "You have to get him back! All of you guys!"
"W-who are you?" asked Haruka.
"Haru it's me…" said the boy in front of him, "You have to remember or all of you will be trapped in a dream!"
"A dream…?" asked Haruka.
"HARU!" shouted Makoto, getting Haruka to wake his senses.
Haruka shook his head and saw Makoto reaching out his hand to him, pulling him out of he water.
"What happened to you?! Why didn't you...?" asked Makoto but Haruka walked over to the shower room to wash over his thoughts alone.
Meanwhile, Rin sat down with a satisfaction on his face, knowing that this curse was finally over…but little did he knew that another curse was about to be laid on him…one of which will shake his past, the present, and the future.
"You did great Matsuoka-senpai!" smiled Nitori.
"Yeah, and good luck to you too!" replied Rin.
Rei, Makoto and Nagisa rushed through the hallways to find Haruka, worried that something happened when they sort of stopped and saw Rin walking towards them.
"Where's Haru-chan?" asked Nagisa.
"Haru?" asked Rin, "Ha! I thought he said he never cared about timings or winnings! Was losing to me such that BIG deal!?"
"He has to have a different reason," muttered Rei.
"WINNING only gets you anywhere!" growled Rin.
"Perhaps it was more than that…Haruka would never think that way," said Makoto, "Especially since that day back in Elementary school and…"
"Shut up!" snapped Rin, "I defeated him and that's all that…EH!?"
The other boys turned but saw nothing while Rin saw a strange looking boy standing before them with his golden eyes and a hair almost as dark as shadow.
"You have forgotten…" said the voice.
"WAIT!" shouted Rin.
Rin dashed his way past them, trying to ignore everything while the others were looking a bit confused but didn't see anyone else in the halls.
"What was that all about?" asked Nagisa.
"I didn't see anyone," muttered Rei.
"This isn't like him either..." shrugged Makoto.
After the long day of tournaments, they realized that many didn't get much progress in but were wondering if they could at least win the relay tomorrow.
"I have hoped at least one of us would make it…but I guess it's not all that easy," said Makoto.
"Actually there is one thing…" began Gou when she revealed about getting them signed up for the Medley Relay, shocking them at the moment of truth.
"This is our final chance!" agreed Rei, "We have to find Haruka-senpai!"
Planet Earth – Beta Timeline
Flashback: 2006 A.D - Mayfield High School Pool Room
Alex got out after another evening of a swimming workout and smiled with some of the classmates, "Well that was another fun night!"
"Tiresome if you asked me," sighed Sam, grabbing his goggles.
"I agree," nodded Nathan, "But I do enjoy it."
"But even still, I'm glad that I love doing this!" smiled Alex, "After all…I'm glad to escape from reality when I go in."
The two chuckled and went to the room to change up while Alex went over to the toilet/urinal. He looked up at the ceiling for a moment before looking down to the toilet when he saw something on his feet. He looked at it closely and gasped a little.
W-what's that, he thought, seeing something like strands growing on his digits.
He finished up and changed too when he saw the same thing happening on his fingers, forcing him to drop his stuff in a bit of some fear. However, he chuckled to himself and shook his head.
It's nothing, he thought, it's just nothing. I'll be alright. I'll probably not look like what I am today.
After he got home, he slumped down on his bed, feeling exhausted from the workout of swimming but he was all too happy; again, it was his talent...along with his love for the BIONICLE collections. He looked up to his shelves where he had collected a bunch of characters from 2001 – 2006, with the recent Toa Inika heroes.
He picked up a couple of the comics and read them over and over until he got sleepy, resting peacefully.
Present Day: June 2013
A dream…of five friends…trying to swim…but one gets captured…should I even write this down? Powers are drawn into both the past and the future…
A story where they can be forgiven…a story of water powers given into their hearts…it all begins…back in that day.
Alex wrote down these thoughts and closed his eyes, wondering if this dream that he recalled will match perfectly to what was about to write down…
Suiei…Suiei…Suiei…
Words flooded into the paper as his thoughts ran wild, creating a world in his mind…a place to belong…with people that can understand…
It began with a question like this:
Who is this Rin? Is he their enemy? What if they defeated him in a race but he really harbored feelings to them, knowing that he truly belonged to them since childhood?
It began with these lines:
"Standing outside of his room, Haruka closes his eyes and remembers when he set the foundation of the Iwatobi High School Swim Club. He remembers the first days of the group between him, his two friends and a new member [Rei Ryugazaki]…their goal…defeat Rin."
Which later ended up with an ancient story that went like this:
"No one knows the true legend of the Suiei Gods (well except for those who hack information) but the deep story lies as far back as when the universe formed the known solar system with many planets, but only one can truly sustain life.
These five super-beings; Nanase, Tachibana, Hazuki, Matsuoka, and Ryugazaki weren't always just visible till several hundreds of years ago in the height of Ancient Greeks and their gods. Prior to any human contact, they were just the nature…the wind…the ice…the water…and many others.
Formed into a private team called the Suiei Gods, the five eventually entered into the minds of these ancient societies long before the Greeks started. Ancient Japan coined the term "Suiei" for swimming because they often saw strange things happening to the waters around their country and it looked like as if something was swimming beneath the seas."
"The Last Race…Memories of the Sea," muttered Alex, "They will be bonded by a powerful fate that waits for them…to save both worlds…of athletics…and their own world entirely…waiting for someone as well who would one day…be a part of their lives."
He sighed and lied down on his bed, wondering if this anime was going to either be realistic or fantasy…
"It's not CLAMP…it's definitely not BIONICLE…I doubt it that this story will ever have a touch of fantasy," he sighed, "Just how more dull can it be? How can I even RELATE to this?! Why am I even going to watch this?"
~Planet Earth – Alpha Timeline
Season 1: Iwatobi Swim Club – Episode 9: Hesitant Loosen Up!
"Why is someone like you swimming with them!?" growled Rin silently as he watched Rei making his way through the butterfly. He turned his head and gasped as he saw Haruka readying himself while both of their eyes met. Haruka lowered his head and readied his goggles, ignoring Rin as if he never existed.
Rei touched the wall and Haruka dove into the raging waters, making his away across the freestyle as fast as possible, passing up the other swimmers while making the flip-turn as strong as a spring. Rin's eyes widened in shock as time slowed down for him, watching Haruka reaching out to first place and ending the match with the victory to Iwatobi!
W-what in the name of…thought Rin, I defeated Haruka so I can move on! But why?! WHY IS THIS BOTHERING ME!?
"You did it Haru!" smiled Makoto, reaching his hand out to Makoto.
"Haru-chan that was amazing!" agreed Nagisa.
"It was really inspiring Haruka-senpai!" added Rei as they all blushed happily.
The four grouped up together happily while Rin's mind drifted back to the past…watching himself and Nagisa, Makoto and Haruka sharing the victory together. Growling to himself, he dashed his way back inside while passing by a few of the Sametsuka members.
He stopped at the end of the hallway where he saw the golden doggie staring at him.
"A…puppy?" asked Rin as he walked up to it. However, it turned away and ran towards the exit (oddly enough no one even noticed it but him) and Rin followed it out.
Do you wish to go back…? Or do you wish to stay?
"WAIT!" he shouted when he stepped outside and the world around him changed.
He gasped as he saw what looked like his sister Gou talking to someone almost like her…in fact…
"An older version?" he muttered, confused and stunned.
The Gou from the Suiei Timeline looked at her other self from the Alpha Timeline and smiled while the former was in her own state of confusion.
"Are they over there?" asked the older Gou.
"I don't understand you," she answered.
"Haruka, Makoto, Nagisa, Rin…and Rei," replied the adult Gou, "They are here in this world, correct?"
"Well of course! They're busying swimming though, I think you got a mistake here…" said the Alpha Gou.
"I am making a dangerous mistake yes," said the older Gou, "I should not be interfering with this timeline…however, there is something of ours that is in your world…and we need it back before things get ugly."
"You're not thinking of taking them, are you?" asked Alpha Gou.
"The body is their own…their souls…are not," she answered, "Their souls were overridden by the Haruka and the others from our world...against their will."
"Well what am I supposed to do!?" replied the Alpha Gou, "None of this makes any sense! It's almost like a nightmare of a science fiction movie or something!"
The other Gou handed over a wooden staff to her and said, "This is something precious that I must entrust to you. I know their future but you have to make it happen not only by their efforts to swim…but by you to entrust this power hidden in this."
"W-where am I going to put this though?" she asked with a duck face.
"The Sakura tree in your world will tell you what to do…just follow the petals," said the older Gou, "Until we meet again…farewell."
Rin opened his eyes and found himself standing out by the parking lot while Nitori shook him his senses back.
"N-Nitori?" he asked.
"What happened to you!?" asked Nitori, "You were just standing there very still as if…!"
"Sorry," he replied, "I must have just hit a wall or something."
The two got onto the bus to return back while the Iwatobi teammates returned back to their homes for the night, filled with excitement and curiosity to the future of this team.
The Matsuri Festival
Rei snuck his way through the festival and followed Rin up to a particular site where the Sakura tree stood before. Even though the petals were already replaced by the leaves, the area here was where it all began for Haruka, Rin, Nagisa and Makoto.
Rin clutched his fist over his heart as he could actually see the memory of their wonderful, Medley Relay and how the team won from there. Rei gasped in shock by the change of Rin's attitude from darkness to sadness but still kept silent as Rin rushed past him unknowingly.
Meanwhile, Makoto and Haruka stood over at the overlook as they watched the wonderful festival going on.
"You know Haru," said Makoto, "I remember when we swam that day we were seeing a wonderful sight before us. It sort of happened again back during the prefecturals. And I was happy that I got to swim with you and the others of course."
"I…" began Haruka, "I really don't know…I mean…so much has happened back then and even now, I just don't have a solid reason on why I swim…I just want to reach out to the water."
"Well that's certainly you," chuckled Makoto.
"However, after Rin defeated me…everything was all gone," said Haruka, "He really doesn't want to swim with me ever again after surpassing me."
"Haru…" muttered Makoto.
"After that, we got into the relay and…I suddenly remembered how it felt like for everyone to see me at the end of the race…I felt happy!" blushed Haruka.
Makoto smiled happily for that moment when Haruka said, "But then…I had a dream."
"A dream?" asked Makoto.
"That night after we won…" said Haruka, "I met someone...who looked like me...or rather it was me from another place. He asked me if I was to stay here or to return to that other place."
"Return or stay? But..." began Makoto.
"Is something the matter Haru-chan?" asked Nagisa.
"Haruka-senpai?" asked Rei
Haruka replied, "It's nothing. However, Makoto…Nagisa…Rei…I've decided. I'll continue to swim the relay with you guys!"
"Haru!" smiled Makoto.
"Haru-channn!" giggled Nagisa.
"Haruka-senpai!" replied Rei as he blushed a little.
"So this means we'll train hard and reach to Nationals!" said the blonde, "I know we can do it!"
"More training will have to be done indeed," nodded Rei.
Makoto could only smile while they walked back down to the festival to get a bag of goldfish.
Meanwhile, a familiar being stood not far away from the scene and wondered to himself.
"Have they really forgotten?" he asked to himself, "Or have they just wanted to live out their lives that don't belong to theirs?"
Planet Earth – Beta Timeline
Fall 2013
The first season ended with hope for a second season. However, debates and arguments began to spur all over the media, wondering for the future of these characters.
However, threats were made, hatreds grew, and opinions with parodies spun out, throwing people in the face. Just how can people even fight for characters that don't really exist? (Or do they?)
However, Alex was facing his own problems in the meantime, wondering if his wishes for studying Pre-Med was really the best option. His own brother was non-verbal Autistic and ever since he stopped swimming, he totally focused in on hoping to save his brother, knowing that one day he will have to be on his own without his parents' help.
But these last several weeks, after Season 1 ended, something changed...
Is it possible...that I could swim again?
November 2013
One day, his father sat down with him as they got into the conversation.
"So it's pretty much the professor's doing that is casuing your grade to not be where you want it to be?" he asked.
"Father…I know that class was going to be hell, but I never expected this to be outrageous; sure it's a 300 level class but I just wish I could do more to help Sergi and…" said Alex.
"Are you sure that's what you really WANT to do? Or are you just doing this just to sacrifice your time and doing it ONLY FOR HIM and NOT for yourself?" his father asked.
Alex could only look to the side for a moment, feeling almost heartbroken by this thought.
I could have done more things…but I threw them away, he thought, but then…
"Just remember that you're doing this for 3 things; one of which is something that YOU ENJOY, another is that you are GOOD AT IT…and the third, well that's only depending on how the flow of economics work in your favor or not. But money is the other element that makes one happy."
Alex nodded and turned to his papers to look over his notes for the Animal Biology class.
Planet Earth – Alpha Timeline
Season 1: Iwatobi Swim Club – Episode 11: Furious All Out!
Rin stepped outside from the pool hall of Sametsuka when he saw Rei standing right by as if he was waiting to catch his prey.
"It's you…" muttered Rin darkly, "From before…"
"I need to have a word with you," replied Rei.
"So what do you want?" asked Rin.
"I got two things actually," he answered.
"Eh?" said Rin.
"First off…why did you decided to join the relay?" asked Rei.
Rin sighed and answered, "Look, I was only changing my mind."
"I am not convinced," said Rei, "I've seen you and Haruka constantly face to face up until after the prefecturals. After you defeated him, you declared that you moved on from him."
"That wasn't really the complete plan!" growled Rin, "I am aiming far higher than this country…I want the world."
"Very well," muttered Rei, "Onto the second part…what are you currently feeling about Haruka-senpai?"
"Eh?" muttered Rin.
"You were clearly their friends back in elementary school," said Rei, "You joined together for a relay and won and shared many precious moments with them. I was told that you were then going abroad for a period of time. And now here you are…why haven't you contacted them? Why is all changed!?"
"That's nothing for you to get concerned about!" snapped Rin as he clutched his fists, "Why do you even bother!?"
"Because I was originally on the track team but after being pulled in to join the swim team, I've seen a lot of things," replied Rei, "I had some difficulty in practice at first but I slowly made my way up with them. After going through that relay, I really had a lot of fun and I can still remember it as if it was yesterday!
"However, they all kept talking about you!"
"THAT'S NOT MY PROBLEM!" snapped Rin.
"LIKE HELL IT'S NOT!" growled Rei as he dashed over and pinned Rin to the wall.
"It's your fault for hurting Haruka's feelings which made him stop swimming!" said Rei.
"WHY SHOULD HE!?" asked Rin.
"YOU BASTARD! HE FELT GUILTY ABOUT BEATING YOU BACK IN MIDDLE SCHOOL!" answered Rei, "You finally beat him in that race…so why are you still doing this?!
"And what about you?" asked Rin, getting angrier by the moment, "None of this is yours to be concerned! WHY ARE YOU STEPPING IN!?"
"It's because…I too…want to swim in the best team," replied Rei.
The megane stepped out of the way and grabbed his bag while Rin stood there in a daze of confusion. He was about to return back inside when he saw that golden puppy again not far. It took off as Rin chased after it.
Rin made his way down the streets and the golden puppy raced through the streets, heading to the Metro Park that linked to both sides of the Iwatobi City. He stopped right at the park entrance and seemed to remember this place.
"I…I don't remember this here though," muttered Rin, "I need to be getting ready for the regionals but yet I feel like that this place…"
"Return or stay?" asked the voice.
Rin turned around and saw the dog right before him as it said, "Only one decision can be made."
"Who are you?" asked Rin, "Why do you speak? Am I just dreaming?"
"A dream can appear to you as realistic as it can be," replied the dog, "Those who dream hard enough can make their wishes come true…however, the deeper the desire, the greater the price will be."
"Well I'm off, I have to return," said Rin.
"You're willing to leave and return back to them?" asked the dog, "Or is there something else that you are hiding?"
"J-just leave me alone!" he snapped, leaving the park when he saw a group of people hanging out together but all of a sudden…
"Hey I think we should go to the -," said the young girl when she suddenly melted into a blob of silvery fluid.
Rin's eyes gasped as he also recalled hearing about this but something was throbbing him on the back of his mind, he tried to run back to the academy when he suddenly fell down to pass out.
"Senpai! Senpai!" shouted Nitori when Rin woke up in a daze, confused from what happened. It was already 11 at night but Nitori was of course being loud.
"Are you alright?" asked Nitori.
"Did you see anything…?" muttered Rin.
"Eh? See what?" he asked, "You were passed out by the school grounds!"
Rin's eyes widened a little and wondered in confusion but he was in no mood to deal with the hocus pocus. He sat up on his bed while Nitori sat in front of him.
"We're going to be heading out tomorrow, aren't we?" asked Rin.
"Yeah, but I know you'll do fine!" said Nitori, "You were always strong!"
Rin turned his head and saw Nitori's desk surprisingly clean but felt another tension in his head.
"Senpai?" asked Nitori.
"Just go rest up, I'll be fine," he answered as he covered himself up with the blanket. Nitori shrugged and climbed back up to his bunk.
Day before Regionals…
Makoto chuckled while Haruka got out of bed and went out for the walk. He knew Haruka would do this each time before such big event was going to happen.
He got up himself and walked over to the outside mini balcony as he watched the town before him. Here in the greater city, the Iwami Standium stood on the most prominent feature that could be seen for miles all around.
His phone suddenly vibrated from the table. He walked up to answer it, "Hello?"
At first it was only silence in the background but then a strange, deep voice answered, "Did you by chance have talked to Rin recently?"
"EH!?" gasped Makoto, "May I ask who's calling!?"
But the other line hung up, leaving Makoto in a bit of confusion.
Sousuke opened his eyes and found himself walking alone in the dark void of time and space. He saw a figure standing right before him.
"H-hello?" asked Sousuke.
The figure turned his head and smiled, "At last…we finally meet."
Sousuke gasped as the stranger before him was…
"W-why are you?" he asked.
"I am almost the same as you…we look the same, but we are from different realities," said Sousuke from the Suiei Timeline.
Alpha Sousuke stared at the long cloth that wrapped around his left arm like a mummy. This other Sousuke looked more like a detective/agent based on the array of weapons he had on his belt. While the Alpha Sousuke just had his casual clothes.
"I need you to do a favor," said Sousuke of the Suiei Timeline.
"What favor?" asked Alpha Sousuke.
"You just came back home and I need you to see to Rin," replied the other Sousuke.
"R-Rin?!"
"Yes, I just want you to make sure that he'll be alright. However, there is also one other thing that I need you to do and it will involve with someone that I'm afraid you're not to thrilled to deal with," he explained.
"And what will I do if I say no?" asked the Alpha Sousuke.
"The truth of the matter is…something is not right with them," said Sousuke, "Someone…told me and a few others that they have disappeared from our world and are living in your world. We have to get them back to our world as soon as possible."
"Another world?" asked the other Sousuke.
"It's rather complicated to explain but just listen to what I have to tell you and go from there," explained the Sousuke of the Suiei Timeline.
Episode 12: Distant Free!
"I'm not even good enough to race you guys in a relay!" snapped Rin.
"Rin, calm down!" said Haruka.
"SHUT UP!" he shouted, "Like hell do you even know?!"
"It's because I know it too," answered Haruka, "I begun to realize how fun it is to swim with friends…how it is to work together in a relay. It was you who taught me that Rin!"
Rin dashed over and grabbed Haruka by the collar as he was already freaking out, "Just cut it out!"
"I understand it now!" said Haruka, "I found my reason! Who I am swimming for…!
"SHUT UP!" screamed Rin as the two tackeled down for what looked like a final battle but their argument and combating brought them to the Sakura Tree where Rin gasped at the three words written before him.
A flood of memories flooded into Rin as he remembered his past, his friends, and even…a place where they once stood together as one.
S-Suiei, thought Rin, as he could hear Matsuoka's voice in but realizing that Haruka had not yet recovered his memories, Rin's eyes began to tear up.
"Why can't I ever be free?" moaned Rin, spilling some tears onto Haruka, "I really want to swim with you guys…in a relay."
Haruka was about to say something when Makoto, Rei and Nagisa showed up as Rei offered to switch his role to Rin for the butterfly.
"Let's go Rin…now it's my turn to show you what you have yet to see," said Haruka.
And ever since that day, Rin remembered all of them together, however, after observing the other's behaviors and their reactions, he realized that the dog from before was someone indeed very important and he had to see him again.
It wasn't until a week later when he saw the dog sitting on the bunk in front of him.
"You remember now, do you?" asked the dog.
"You're witch boy…and there was a team of us six," said Rin, "However, even though I have remembered this…the others have not. And Alex...he's not here, isn't here?"
"It will take time for them to remember," explained the dog, "And yes, the Last Star does not exist here. However they too, given under the correct circumstances, they will realize that this world belongs to no one. You on the other hand, you have an important task that needs to be done."
~Planet Earth – Beta Timeline
December 2013
Alex sat down on his chair as he watched through several news articles online. It as been a few months since the first season ended while everyone speculated and prayed for a second season. However, his story was finally wrapping up as he wanted the people from that "world" to live happily in a place to belong to:
"The ocean swirled and grew higher and higher as chunks of the earth emerged from the seas, locking together as one giant landmass before their eyes. The mere energies of the Ignika and Vahi along with the power of the Suiei Gods, together created an explosion of rebirth across the empty barren land.
Life flourished and bloomed as mountains rose, rivers flowed, forests grew, desert sands scattered, and grasses and flowers sprouted. The animals that witnessed this miracle took forth on the land to celebrate the rebirth of this long-ancient continent.
The gods soared across the landmass as they created a flood of rain to create a massive lake in the center of the continent filled with islands of its own The island chains of Hawaii and Easter have merged into the newly landmass and the people witnessed a massive miracle before their eyes, wondering if this is the end…or a new beginning…
Across the globe, the cities of Cleveland, Mayfield Heights, Highland Heights, Gates Mills, Richmond, Paris, and the other towns that were destroyed by the Shadow Mafia were struck with a wave of power as the buildings were restored, the parks cleaned up, monuments and statues restored to glory. The businesss were running normally again as a new population of people replaced the old and the deceased.
The very few survivors from Mayfield were joined along with the surivivors of the towns that escaped from their imprisonment back in the Tower of Caserta. Everything was revitalized once more to their great glory.
Waves of power were unleashed everywhere to finally restore what was taken away from evil as humanity finally realized the true meaning of "one".
And at last…the Continent of Lemuria (Mu)…is finally reborn! The lost land that vanished before humans came to existence rose back to the surface once more with help from the two strongest powers of the universe. The sun rose above the new land as everyone saw the gigantic landmass filled with the richest gifts of nature of all kinds.
The day of "Awakening" has been fulfilled!"
He stopped typing for a moment and went back onto the internet to refresh the news page and saw something interesting about Free!
"So it was based out of a real life place…" he he muttered, looking at the maps and images.
Curious, he typed up the location on Wikipedia to look at the geographical facts when he saw a number that seemed interesting…
"35 degress…" he muttered, "Latitude…and in Longitude, it's about 134."
He looked up for his coordinates for his hometown and gasped at the number for latitude…41.
"Take 41 – 35 into your heart of water and find the way that leads to that place…"
~Episode 3 END~
~Episode 4 PV~
Alex: So I'm finally going to Italy this summer!
Rei: I cannot wait to show off my new swimming!
Rin: Haru, let's go out! Get your stuff ready!
Makoto: I have already decided my future…
Nagisa: I DID EVERYTHING THAT YOU ASKED FOR! BUT I WANT TO SWIM THEM THEM!
Haruka: Who was that boy? Was he a dream…or an illusion…or was he?
Insert Your Voice: Next time, Free! Eternal Summer!, The story begins once more…but…where will they go to now?