~Episode 6: 第六魔法のハート Heart of the Sixth Magic!
"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends… The mind can never break off from the journey."
– Pat Conroy
Memory of the Past…
The two followed Alex through the hallways of the high school, heading to the pool area as they saw several little kids waiting for their instructors.
"My younger self is probably in the lockers," said Alex as he walked into the corridor that led to the lockers/changing room with Haruka and Rei following right behind. Rei was fascinated at the amount of students of various ages while Haruka remained silent.
The Younger Alex stared at himself in the mirror, looking at his fingers and toes as there was a bit of a fuzz on the skin.
"Heh, it's not like anyone's gonna noticed," he muttered as he grabbed his bag and found his goggles.
The Older Alex smiled and replied, "Man I remembered I used to keep losing my goggles. That was probably my 10th pair."
"But I don't understand though," said Haruka, "Is this the Beta Timeline or the Original Timeline?"
"It's both," replied Alex, "Pretty much most of my life on both of these timelines were very similar…with the differences of me going to college at CSU and the other timeline of me going to Los Angeles."
The Younger Alex made his way out, joining his class for another swim lesson. The trio followed him out and watched the scene before them.
"They won't see us," said Haruka, "Right?"
"Yes, it's a memory," replied the Older Alex, "Oh, this looks like the evening class too."
The scene slightly changed as they saw a slightly older Alex around 13 years old or so as they watched several students around 12 – 16 year olds practicing their laps around the 25 meter length of the pool with flip turns.
"Back then, we had so many of us," said the older Alex, pointing at his younger self in one of the lanes, "There I am with the freestyle."
The two watched with a bit of awe as Rei replied, "Wow…you were better than I was at 13."
Haruka turned his head to see two young (good-looking) men as they were writing the amount of laps on the board (three lanes were more for beginners while another three lanes were more advance).
"Who are they?" asked Haruka.
"Oh that's Dan and Steve," smiled the older Alex, "Nice fine young men…they were our teachers. Steve is a bit more laid back than Dan but they were both powerful instructors."
"KEEP GOING!" shouted Dan.
"Yeah, he definitely pushed us beyond our limits," chuckled the older Alex.
Rei replied with a smile as the other boy continued, "However, there were times that since there were so many of us in lanes; some students had to "cut over" or were promoted/demoted from the upper lanes.
"Well you seemed a bit fast," shrugged Haruka.
"At times yes…but there were a few days I was slow too, those guys at the 4th, 5th, and 6th lanes…they are much faster," he explained.
"Really?" asked Rei as he carefully observed their speeds.
"I guess it depends who showed up too and what not," said Alex, "I mean, I am about 13 years old or so in this memory. This was perhaps one of the last memories I would have here before it all began..."
Before the others could ask, they watched the students leaving the pool and going to another pool with deeper in depth and had diving boards.
"Where are they going?" asked Rei.
Haruka watched as the two instructors brought over nets and a volley-ball over to the pool.
"Is that water polo?" asked Haruka.
"Yeah," smiled Alex, "We would play games too sometimes…including Water Polo and Sharks & Minnows."
"Sharks?" asked Rei as he thought about Rin with a little chuckle.
"Basically the sharks were the people that were "Tagged" and were to "play tag" at the minnows," he explained, "Many of us tried to hold our breaths underwater and go beneath as much as we could without drowning. The goal is to get to the other side of the wall there in each round."
"I see," said Haruka.
As the animated memories forward a bit, the students were brought into the office for a special treat with doughnuts and pizza for celebration of another wonderful "semester session".
"Aw, so it's like a last day?" asked Rei.
"I think this is when Dan had finished up his teachings because he is going to college," said Alex, "Man those memories were really filled with feels."
The scene around them changed into darkness before the trio were back at the old house of the Marotta family as they saw the younger Alex in some argument with his parents.
"What's bothering you?" asked the mother.
"I'm done…" said Alex, "I just don't want to swim anymore."
"Why's that?" asked the father.
"Nothing!" he replied, "I just…don't want to do it!"
Rei was already spilling tears at this scene and had to turn his head away to wipe them off. The younger Alex ran to the bathroom to look at himself as he removed his shirt and saw what was happening to his body. He heard a knock on the door so he quickly put his shirt back on and washed his hands to act like he used the bathroom before going to his room.
"It began around 12…but it wasn't until 14 when it got bad," said the Older Alex, "By 8th grade, I forced myself to stop swimming and to forget it all. I was looking so bad…"
"All this to give up?" asked Haruka.
"I had no choice. It was to either risk more bullying...because on how I looked. Or...at least keep myself away and not suffer that pain," he explained, "Of course I had the BIONICLE stuff too that kept me from going insane.
"However…"
The younger Alex threw himself to bed and started to cry, realizing how much he would have to give up on swimming to keep his own physique a secret…
"Oh Alex…" said Rei as he tried to hug him but Alex shook his head.
"I was so ugly…and that ugliness made me…" began Alex, "All that hair on me and…"
"You were never ugly," said Haruka.
"You were always beautiful," agreed Rei.
"No…you don't understand…still," he answered, "I couldn't fulfill that dream…to be an Olympic swimmer…even my mom had hopes of me that I would become one and I would join a team of my own."
Rei and Haruka gasped as they were not expecting this to be…
"Because I looked so ugly thanks to the heritage I grew in this family, I grew to be ashamed of being an Italian," said Alex, "Thus, I stopped swimming and I moved on, studying the medicine, biology and psychology so I could at least try to save my brother from his Autistic fate…while pushing swimming away from me as far as possible."
"So that's why…when we first met you in Japan, you were determined to save him," replied Haruka.
"I only wish you had someone there to help you with your problems," said Rei.
"Oh that's not all," answered Alex, "The ugliness I had inside of me…I would see the athletic people in my school after the bullying stopped in late middle school...or early High School. Many of the people that I know were pure athletes…and those kinds of people…I hate them."
"Wh-what?!" gasped Rei, "You hated…athletic people?"
"Yes," he said, "I grew jealous of them…and jealously turned to hate…and hate grew to resentment…I assumed that they were all dumb asses that only wanted to be attention whores to their talents. However, they were really beautiful looking but I could never show any signs or emotions at all…"
"B-but why though?" asked Haruka, "What do you have against us?!"
"Not to you guys…never!" he answered, "But I hated Taylor…that one who became the Shadow Mafia leader…but here in the Beta Timeline, he remained a normal human and so were his 'followers'. I pretty much blame it all on him for making me so insecure that I had to judge people based on their intelligence and athleticism."
"But you can't just blame everything onto him," said Rei, "You turned against your classmates…"
"I know…" he sniffed as he poured a drop of tear down his cheeks, "I wanted to be friends with many people…but it was hard! Not many people accepted my deep heart or anything emotional! But…it was myself who forced my own will to believe that…more than what they've done to me."
Alex turned around as the scenery changed from the darkness to the high school years. The trio watched as some of the athletic kids tried to talk to him but the young Alex ignored them, treating them harshly if they even got close.
"I don't talk to people like you! Go away!"
"You wretches, go away!"
"Imbeciles! Why are you so concerned about me? Go worry for your own games!"
Rei could only spill tears as he saw the younger Alex just focusing on his classes and not giving people second chances. However, even though he couldn't completely blame him for not trusting people; it was all still painful to watch.
"This is my dark personality…in the realistic side," said Alex, "I judged people…I ranked people on a 'scale' based on BIONICLE characters, creatures, villains, and heroes. If you were my friend, I ranked you as a Toa or Matoran…if you were an enemy, I ranked you as a Rahkshi, Visorak, or even a Makuta for tougher bosses."
"If you hated athletic people…" began Haruka.
"How did you treat the non-athletic ones?" asked Rei.
"Those that had lower grades than me, I stayed away," he revealed, "Those that were in honors and AP classes I gave them my utmost respect. However, some of them were manipulative and evil in their own way and I was a fool for trusting most of them…for even I began to realize my brain couldn't keep up with their insanity intelligence.
"I realized I walked on both worlds…of intelligence and athletics…so I called myself the neutral point of both worlds."
"Neutral point?" asked Haruka.
"It was a personal thing I trained myself to program with," he answered, "I hated athletic people because I assumed they were all heartless beings."
"But did you had any friends?" asked Rei.
"Oh I did, but many of them were either in AP classes or were younger than me and I too gave them some respect," said Alex, "However…there were a few people that I did talk to that had slightly lower GPA scales. Maybe it's because that they were really nice to me to the point that I realized that maybe grades don't always matter."
"Have you tried to workout in high school?" asked Rei.
Alex shook his head and answered, "I never even bothered. I was looking so ugly to the point I excluded myself…plus I was busy with homework and taking care of my family and my brother especially."
"How long were you like this?" asked Haruka.
"It wasn't until around winter of eighth grade when I met this one athletic kid…he had a cousin who was also Autistic…but had a mild case," he answered, "I was going to believe him at first but then I realized that he was an athlete and…"
"So you didn't trust him," finished Rei while fixing his glasses.
The scene turned darkness once more as Alex continued, "Correct. But then one day…I asked him…and that's when the first crack opened…that I have treated people harshly."
The blackness cracked open so slightly as a wave of light shined narrowly.
"That was then when I realized I have hurt a lot of people…but many of them were still heartless anyway…I got bullied for my real name too so I hated people still," he answered, "By the time I entered senior year, I realized that I was going to not see them again…gave me mixed emotions…but those that I grew to really care for, I began to open up more…but I couldn't tell anyone the truth about myself…many of the classmates were either truly being opened to other or were still acting phony."
"That part of you that you were a swimmer, right?" asked Rei, "Was that you kept the truth hidden?"
"Correct," said Alex, "Even though I was a swimmer…I thought I would never swim again. But then when I discovered about your story…I remembered my past…everything…but I didn't remember the time we were a team together…that was Pandora's part of her plan."
"Did you ever started to swim again?" asked Haruka.
"To exit the Beta!Earth, I did…despite how I looked, I took to my swimsuit and I answered a riddle that unlocked my Suiei powers once more and I was able to leave the dimension," he answered, "However on Suiei Earth, I began swimming again after I took new measures upon myself."
"And in the end," said Haruka, 'You found your way back."
"I really didn't want to reveal that past to you guys," he replied, "But I guess it's all a complete circle now."
"Well we want to thank you for telling us this, even though it was very difficult," said Rei, "But…to keep it all to yourself and not sharing that truth long ago…is in a way, arrogant. When we saw your past while you were sleeping, we were worried that you would turn your back from us, judging your appearance for not looking like what you thought we are."
The cracks in the darkness shattered open as bright lights sent them back to reality as they stood by the river that led to the Sakura Tree where Rin, Makoto and Nagisa waited. The trio made their way back to the others.
Makoto turned his head and saw the trio in the distance with a smile on his face. Nagisa and Rin waved out to them as Alex rushed over to them as he had tears in his eyes.
"We were so worried!" said Nagisa.
"Welcome back…" smiled Rin as he poured some tears.
"I'm so sorry for what I said earlier," said Alex, "I lost so much of myself growing up because of my insecurities for not being what I thought my own body was beautiful."
"Eh?" asked Makoto, confused.
"You were always alex-tractive!" smiled Nagisa, "Why did you doubt yourself?"
"It wasn't easy growing up for me," replied the last star, "Nagisa, didn't you once had a joke with Rei and…"
"Oh gosh, don't start that one!" said Rin, realizing what this conversation was going to go into.
"You mean with the Rei-frigerator?" he asked while skipping his way to the megane, "Come here my Rei of sunshine!"
"Oh please stop!" blushed Rei.
"He's talking about the razors," sighed Rin but the blonde was already laughing at Rei's blush.
"I made too many Rei puns…" said Nagisa, "I think I should call you sunshine Rei!"
"You're JOKING, right!?" asked Rei with a horrified expression.
"Nope!" smirked the blonde.
"Look Alex," said Rin, "We understand what you went through…I suffered that same physique and so did Rei…"
"EHHHHH!?" gasped Alex as he looked at the two of them, "But you guys are like models!"
Rin, Makoto and Haruka shared a sweat drop of nervousness while Rei said, "Well we had dark hair and my brother had the same problem too…"
"Oh to hell with it," sighed Alex, "Before I met you guys…for the very first time…I worked out to get stronger…but I also spent a fortune on electrolysis after winning the lottery."
"EHHHHH!?" gasped Makoto while Rin's eyes widened a bit while Haruka kept silent.
"But you never had any sign of that…" began Nagisa.
"You're right," he answered, "But like Rin and Rei…I suffered hair problems too on me. I stopped swimming because I was looking like an ugly duckling…and I…had to stop…"
He began to sniff some tears as he cried, "I had to give up that dream to not suffer anymore bullying because of how I looked!"
Makoto and Rin hugged Alex as the former replied, "Now we understand why you stopped after all those years."
Nagisa joined in and said, "But remember that the ugly duckling grew up to be a beautiful swan. And I think you did too."
Haruka and Rei joined in for the group hug/love as Rin admitted, "I did some shaving up too alright, and of course Nagisa would tease Rei about it too at times. So there, you have yourself three in total."
"Never doubt in yourself because of your looks," said Makoto.
"That's right," agreed Rei.
"I wasn't so bad, right?" asked Nagisa.
"You are the sexy penguin," said Rin as he gave the blonde a kiss on the head while the others chuckled happily.
After these final few talks, the gang turned to see the dark skies finally lightening up for the morning sun. The bright light shined on them with hope for a greater future now that at last…their personal issues about "quitting swimming" or "fear of swimming" was now complete;
~Haruka stopped swimming competitively at first because he hurt Rin's feelings. But now it was healed thanks to the world he has seen and how much his friends have grown around him.
~Rei almost gave up swimming for nearly losing his life and his initial judgements of 'beauty' and 'talent'. He healed this fear when he got lots of help from everyone, including Rin.
~Makoto almost gave up because of his fear for the water, especially after the incident of the fishermen. He gained confidence when learning the backstroke gave him the light.
~Nagisa almost gave up because of his school-related issues with his academics. He returned his ability when realizing that it is possible to do both worlds of school and swimming.
~Rin almost quit many times because he thought he wasn't good enough, but regained it after reuniting with his friends and taking on greater responsibility.
~Alex quit for 9 years due to his own body development from his family, but with hope and renewal of his 'destiny', his strength, he regains that skill with stronger determination.
"So in the end," said Rin, "We are a team…"
"The Magic Six!" they all chanted.
They watched the sunrise going higher and higher as the skies turned into a rainbow of life, vibrant colors.
"It really looks wonderful," said Makoto, "Seeing that light."
"So beautiful," smiled Rei before he whispered to Alex, "But not as beautiful as you."
Their hearts renewed, their past finally explained and forgiven…they knew that it will soon be time for them to leave this magical land and begin the final journey to defeat their final enemy. However, there were still other pieces of the puzzle that had to be put together.
Planet Duniya
The group made their way through the town of Terra Magna where Awlida and Shirahama waved at their ex-crew members of Haruka's clan.
Deana and Glena watched as several of the pirates were following as well.
"I never expected so many," said Deana.
"Yeah me too," agreed Glena as she looked around.
"It's so good to see you all again!" smiled Awlida as she hugged an ex-crew member.
Shirahama laughed and said, "I hope all is going well with you all."
Akane decided to warm things up so she took a smile on her face and began to twirl and dance around, causing some of the pirates to turn their attention onto her.
"My goodness, she's such a wonderful dancer!" said one of the pirates.
"Hey look! It's Awlida and Shira-chan!" said another.
"Are they visiting us for a bit?" asked a female ex-pirate.
"So these people once lived here like those from Iglis Magna?" asked Deana.
"Yes," said Shirahama, "However, the two societies have blended different cultures from each other so we are more like a family here."
"Hey you guys, we are having a celebration festival for the 4 years of restoration!" said an elder male ex-pirate.
"Oh?" asked Deana as she turned to Glena.
"Seems like you have traveled far," said an elder woman.
Masaru replied, "That's a nice offering yes, but we got important business here."
He took a glare at Akane's dancing as he knew that this was not the time to play around and get ready for the ultimate battle ahead.
"But can we please join?" asked Glena, "I've always wanted to go to a festival like this one!"
"Yeah, I think it's a great idea!" smiled Awlida, "We can use this day to campaign more recruitments!"
"It's not like it will kill us to have a little fun," nodded Shirahama as he grabs Anne hand and swirled her around playfully, giggling.
Masaru shrugged, "Well…we are going to be here for a few days…"
"YAYZ!" cheered Deana as she hugged happily with Glena.
"I can't wait!" said Awlida.
"We'll be having it at the newly restored Terra Hall this evening," said one of the other pirates.
Evening: Terra City Hall Restoration – Ball Room (Main Level)
Deana watched as the civilians of Terra Magna danced with an elegant, swift style. It was totally different to how the people were dancing and grinding back in Aeuropa City.
"My gosh," said Deana, "How do they dance so neatly?"
Akane smiled and watched the partners dancing together in a line and clapped their hands together, performing the Great March.
"Oh it's a very simple dance," replied Awlida, "Just watch and learn."
Shirahama turned to Anne and bowed with his hand extended out, "Will you dance with me milady?"
"Of course," she replied and took his hand, dancing off with Shirahama as the couple danced their way to the crowd.
Deana was amazed at how well the two were dancing while the violinists played various tunes while everyone marched and danced happily together with sheer joy.
"Shall we?" asked Akane to Masaru.
He blushed, "A-Akane…this dance is foreign to us…eahhhhh!"
She dragged him in as the two went off to join the crowd while Deana muttered to Glena, "Didn't our textbooks back in school...said something about these old style dances?"
"I think they did. You want to try?" she smiled.
"B-but the people here…" she began.
"Oh it's alright!" said Awlida, "We don't care about genders. It's all about love!"
"Well at least it's more open here than Aeuropa City," shrugged Deana.
"Oh do you see those two women near the exit? They're engaged actually," she replied.
Grace Skyette turned her head and gasped as she hasn't seen Awlida for the last couple of years, shouting with joy, "AWI-CHAAAN!"
Her partner, Ching Lang-Liu joined up with a wave before rushing over with Grace.
"My goodness girl!" said Grace, "I haven't seen you for the last couple of years!"
"Yeah it has," smiled Awlida, "Everything is going nice and smooth in Iwamara."
"I've heard you got some adorable ones. Are they doing alright?" asked Ching.
"Oh yes, my they're getting sooo big!" replied Awlida, "My friend is taking care of them. What about you? When's the wedding?"
"Oh we're expecting to go through in by the end of the year," said Ching.
"It's only like 3 months left though...we still haven't even finished repairing the city though," shrugged Grace.
"Oh did the Magic Six returned yet?" asked Ching.
"They haven't yet...but I'm sure they will return soon!" she answered.
"We haven't had the chance to say goodbye to them 4 years ago," said Grace, "But I know we'll remember Mako-chan and Haru-chan!"
Ching turned her head to see Deana and Glena standing nearby, "Oh are they your friends?"
"Yes they are. They're called by Deana and Glena," replied Awlida.
The girls met up together as they properly introduced to each other and began their own wild conversations.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," said Glena, "This is my Deana…my girlfriend."
"Awww, well that's nice!" replied Ching.
"We're happy for you all to join tonight here!" smiled Grace.
"I knew a bit of the Magic Six...well...I knew Rei since we were kids," said Deana.
"Rei? Oh, the blue-haired one!" laughed Ching, "I've heard he's been in love with that other boy...uh...what was his name?"
"You mean Alex?" asked Grace.
"Ha, right!" she giggled while Deana had a sweat drop of nervousness with a weak smile.
"May we ask where you are from?" asked Grace.
"Aeuropa City," said Glena.
Ching gasped and turned to Grace for a moment.
"I see. I used to live there too back when I was a young girl," said Grace.
"You were?" asked Deana.
"Well it's a long time ago but I think I was raised in the Southern District. Where well you know...bad things happened around there," she explained.
"Oh just cut that out," sighed Ching, "I'm sure you ladies are aware of the corruption of that town, right?"
"I remember Rei would used to hack so much information...and he would give us the news a lot, remember Glena?" asked Deana.
"Yeah, it was done so we could stay away from dangerous places," said Glena.
"But then," asked Deana, "How did you two become pirates?"
"Well for one, I was in Iglis Magna...the clan of Makoto," explained Ching, "I was born there long before the tragedy even occurred in Herisia and after it happened, I was drafted to the war with other women and men."
"Well my sister and I escaped and fled to the south but we were captured by a group of bandits that were looking for some "girls"," coughed Grace, "But we ended up in Terra Magna when it was also in business."
"Your sister was a bit high, wasn't she?" asked Awlida.
"Well she did had her moments of pleasure," blushed Grace while rubber the back of her head, "She passed away though just a year after we returned to this town from the Chiropteran Wars."
"Oh I'm so sorry!" gasped Deana.
"Please don't worry about that," shrugged Grace, "She at least was happy to see the war ended."
"Grace! Ching!" said Shirahama as he and Anne joined up to them, "How are you lovelies doing?"
Anne smiled at them while Grace blushed at Shira's muscles, saying, "AAAHHH! Shira-chan!"
"I see you're looking stronger every time," smirked Ching, "Oh gosh, Anne! How long it's been!? I'm so sorry on your loss of your father and Matsuura.
"Are you two together?" asked Grace.
"Yes we are," said Shira as he hugged Anne happily.
"Well that's good, at least you got support for each other!" she replied, "I would like to invite you three to the wedding at the end of the year!"
The others nodded but were a bit worried on what was yet to come for the final battle against Pandora. Grace realized their expressions as Ching asked, "Is something the matter?"
Masaru stpped in with Akane and said, "We are on serious business here in town."
"Oh?" asked Grace.
"It's the Magic Six," said Deana, "They need everyone in this world as a planet to fight against an evil enemy lurking down in Chirottori."
"C-Chirottori?!" gasped Ching, "That region hasn't been explored for dozens of years!"
"Of course," said Akane, "But our true enemy lies in the heart of that region. It was said that long ago, that land used to be ruled by special people until that evil witch came along and changed everything for the worse."
"Well that's no good," replied Grace.
"We're going to stop her and end this misery that destroyed this world for years," said Glena, "Are you girls willing to join us?"
"The Magic Six have returned to their homeland in another world but they are counting on us to get ready for what may be our last battle," explained Masaru.
"Sounds like another 18 years?" asked Grace.
"It won't last that long," said Deana, "We'll make it short as possible so we can all live happily ever after."
"Well if this will result in Eternal Peace, I'm up for it!" replied Ching as Grace nodded.
"Thanks," smiled Anne, "We'll definitely see you two in the wedding!"
"I want to continue dancing for a bit more, we'll explain more later!" said Awlida as she dashed off to a random partner while Shira and Anne resumed as well.
Chirottori Castle, Chirottori
Pandora looked over her Crystal Mirror with a bit of anger, knowing that the fairest of them all was obviously the one who was still alive this whole time.
She has constantly harassed everyone and manipulated people to do her bidding while using her 'spare time' to create the Box of Dimensions. She has since send it over to Earth where it was now in the hands of one of the people…one who would use that box to open and connect Earth and Duniya.
The dark mahotsukai walked her way down the steps and arrived at her lab chamber where the stasis tubes were finally ready to unleash their contents. Monsters such as Chiropterans, Acephaliterans, and other creatures now infused with fire from the volcanoes around the region. They were twice the threat and many times more powerful than their original counterparts.
"I must have his heart…" she hissed, "He will return…in time to say goodbye to everyone. I cannot even destroy him as long as he is with them! And also… powers in Camelot are limited but I have delayed their journey...sending them to those other now that they have returned, I must make haste."
She walked over to a long, thin, green tube and spoke softer than the shadows, "You will play a role in my final revenge…Abigail."
Planet Earth – Suiei Timeline
After escaping from the city, Abigail stopped in the forest, holding the box in her hands. She was already instructed by Lydia (Pandora) to get to the forest and wait for "someone" to show up. The traitor continued to make her way where she saw a small clearing where five other beings waited.
"Sooooo, I was supposed to meet someone here and…" she began.
"One has become five," said Haruto.
"So I see," she muttered.
"We are the Chivashi," added Mariko, "Though that was once our old name…but we still use that as a title to hide our true identities. One could say that we are similar to the species of those Shadow Mafias from long ago."
"So history is tending to repeat itself," said Abigail.
"In a twist," smirked Mariko.
"Do we look too much like them?" asked Rikuto.
"Probably but you guys look better than they are," she nodded.
"We take on forms similar to them as a way to "mock" their looks," answered Natsuhisa.
"So it looks like she finally finished it," said Reiji, pointing at the box.
"You mean this?" asked Abigail.
"Yes, that box you carry there is called the Box of Dimensions," he replied, "Once you open it on the night of the full moon, this world will be connected to the world where Lydia is from...and from there she will send out a wave of her armies to this world."
"And it will destroy the Magic Six?" she asked.
"It will be the starting point to Eternal Destruction," said Mariko, "But yes, the Magic Six will face their demise soon."
"You also wish to destroy your friends, yes?" asked Rikuto.
"Yes," she growled, "They don't deserve to be alive...EVER!"
"It is still some time before the full moon will arrive, we must wait. Let them think they've won…that is the greatest weakness of heroes," said Haruto, "It will make them overconfident and when we take action, they'll be surprised and stunned and will be destroyed."
"Ugh, I want to smash them all down right now!" hissed Natsuhisa.
"If we do it too soon, the plan will not work," sighed Rikuto.
"You'll get to bath in blood soon," agreed Reiji.
"We previously served a different master...one of which whose brother is one of the Magic Six," explained Mariko.
"I know that," hissed Abigail, "Lydia already told me of him."
The seven hid themselves deep in the dark side of the Celestial Forest, waiting for the final countdown to Eternal Destruction of all realities…
Planet Earth, Suiei Timeline
Back in Lynwin-Mu
Johann and Claudia sat together by the shoreline of the Lake Lynwin while the former feels something dark in the forest. They were trying to reestablish their friendship when a dark presence was felt from this point in the city.
"Is something the matter?" asked Claudia as she saw the wings shaking a little.
"I just have a werid feeling about that forest ahead," said Johann.
"They look pretty on you," she blushed.
"Thanks," smiled Johann as they both chuckled.
The two girls turned to see Xing running with exhaustion as the former leader of the Sametsuka Covenant was almost out of breath.
"Xing!" gasped Claudia, "What's the matter!?"
"Abigail has escaped!" she shouted, "She's fled into the forest!"
"WHAT?!" gasped Johann.
"W-where was she last seen!?" asked Claudia.
"She broke from the prison cells and was heading north, escaping the city gates and going to the Celestial Forest," explained Xing.
"So that's why I had this weird feeling…" muttered Johann.
"We need to set a lock down to the city! She might plot revenge against us!" said Claudia.
"Let's go then!" agreed Johann as the trio dashed their way back to downtown.
In a different side of the town, Seijuurou was chatting with Gou when they both turned to see the girls rushing down the streets with panic.
"Did something happened?" he muttered.
"Not sure, Johann! What happened?!" asked Gou.
"It's Abigail! She's escaped!"
"WHAT?!" gasped Gou while Sei cursed, "Shit!"
"We're having an emergency meeting in the council!" said Xing, "Go find Sousuke, Sergi, and the others!"
"Right," answered Gou as she and Sei took off towards an alley, heading to the other plaza.
Main Lynwin Plaza
Sousuke, Chigusa and Sergi sat down on the steps of the main plaza while a few pigeons were walking around, feeing on bread crumbs.
"How's your arm?" asked Chigusa.
"The same," replied Sousuke.
"That's not enough information," she answered, "We're all worried for you too. Anyway, Has Kisumi replaced it yet?"
He shook his head while Chi turned to Sergi, asking, "You doing okay?"
"I'm only scared," he said, "I want my brother back!"
"You'll see him soon, don't worry. I too, have kept my faith in them," she smiled.
"GUYS!" shouted the voice of Sei as the trio turned to see him and Gou arriving.
"Gou, did something happen?" asked Chigusa.
"Xing and the other girls said that Abigail has escaped!" she answered.
"W-what?!" gasped Sousuke, "How did she even get out!?"
"There have been reports on it, we're gathering as much people as possible to this meeting," replied Sei.
Lynwin Council Center
A few dozens of people showed up here in the main chamber while Nitori, Aki, and Momo walked in towards the front rows of the seats in the auditorium.
"I've heard this isn't good," said Aki.
"Just when will they return!?" sighed Momotarou.
Aki ignored him and turned to see Gou walking over, asking, "Have you heard?"
"By words…but we'll need a full report on this," she answered.
Sei sat down as he saw Beatrice, Xing, Claudia, Johann, Demitra, Denise, Atari, and Annabelle walking in to the main podium and the front stage, all dressed in tuxedo-like outfits as if they were working in the government.
After they sat down, Kazuteru ("Kazuki"), and Takuya arrived on stage as well as the former took to the podium.
"Evening everyone. I am Kazuki Minami, many known me as Kazuteru. Anyway, we are here to inform the people here of Lynwin that Abigail Clarice has officially broke out of her confinement earlier this afternoon. The guards were unable to keep her restrained and was last seen heading north towards the Celestial Forest," he said, "Based on the report from the guards, Abigail was somehow given a box and used some sort of magic from it to break out and escape."
"Sounds like something Lydia would do," replied Claudia, "Excuse me on that interruption."
"Do we even know where she's exactly at right now?" asked Gou.
"The Av-Matoran were dispatched for a search. However, they have not been heard back so we are still waiting for what is going on," answered Kazuteru.
Johann stand up from her seat and said, "Earlier I had a bad feeling about the forest. It's no doubt that she's hiding there, waiting for an opportunity."
"Was she with anyone when she escaped?" asked Chigusa.
Sergi stand up and said, "It's highly likely she'll rebel against us. My brother told me some things about her…about Pandora."
The audience turned to him as Xing asked, "What did he told you?"
"He said that…she's been waiting for an opportunity for Earth and Duniya to suffer in both worlds…and that once the Magic Six will return to Earth, she would stage an all-out attack on both here and on Duniya," he said.
"And just now do you know if that's all true?" asked Nitori.
"His power to feel emotions and thoughts," replied Sergi, "They've never been wrong."
"We cannot afford to take a risk just based on telepathy and assumptions," said Aki, "But…I feel like what we should rather at least do is to fortify this town and keep the city under lockdown."
"So then…if both of these worlds crossed over, will everything be destroyed?" asked Gou.
"Why do you think she'll cross both worlds?" asked Beatrice.
"Pandora is powerful," said Sergi, "They said that she has been able to manipulate special type of magic called the Fourth Dimension. It's no doubt that she is going to try to sened out an army out here."
Annabelle and Atari turned to Beatrice while Denise looked at Demitra for a moment.
"There's no need to panic right now, we have to make sure we can catch her and stop the worst from happening. However, if we fail to do so, we can only prepare ourselves for the worst," said Beatrice.
"But we need to add defenses to the city!" replied Denise.
Kisumi stand up and said, "Well we got the Terran Nost. Why can't we get in contact with them?"
"If they helped the Magic Six in the past, I am sure they can continue to help us," nodded Aki.
"Perhaps that's one idea," said Annabelle.
"Probably the best we have left," answered Seijuurou.
"I agree," said Gou.
"One of us has to reach out to the Main Division in Los Angeles," replied Sousuke.
"I can reach out to the Russian Division in St. Petersburg," nodded Kisumi.
"I'll go to the one in Phoenix," said Sergi.
"That's going to take all of you time to get there and back," sighed Aki.
"We cannot split up right now," replied Beatrice, "But messages will be sent to all three divisions. We must wait for the Magic Six to return as we set the city up for the lockdown."
Various members in the audience muttered amongst themselves for a few moments, all worried and panicked for what is yet to come.
"Calm down," said Johann, "We must not give up hope!"
"Let us dismiss the meeting and start up the operations," replied Annabelle.
"Yes, we must not waste time," agreed Xing.
The crowds made their way out slowly while several of the people stayed behind including the former Clan Girls, Kazuki, Takuya, Nitori, Sousuke, and Aki.
"Do you really think this is the best decision?" asked Anabelle.
"The Av-Matoran should be able to reach over and spy on Abigail once they get in," said Atari.
"What do you think she'll do this time if she's out for revenge?" asked Denise.
"But what I don't understand is the crossing over of Duniya and Earth…just how could such a world play for the future of all of this?" asked Demitra.
"The Terran Nost will send us the supplies we need," said Claudia.
"I'll see to my witches then," nodded Annabelle as she flicked her fingers and vanished into the smoke.
As Beatrice dismissed the others, she turned to Johann and asked, "Can you stay for a little longer? I need to talk to you alone."
Celestial Forest
Amnat, Kelos, Raditor, and the other Av-Matoran soared silently through the woods, heading over to a nearby lake. It had been a few hours since they were dispatched by Beatrice through the news of Abigail's escape.
"I don't like this," said Kelos, "We could be walking into a trap."
"It's no doubt that we are," shrugged Kotoph.
Lucem and Hikari walked over to what looked like an explosive crater that was recently made. Hikari dragged one of his power swords across the edge, realizing how soft the ground was.
"It's fresh," said Hikari.
"Was she over here?" asked Amnat.
"This couldn't have been done by her," said Kotoph.
"You think she found some allies out here?" asked Kelos.
"Who knows what she found," sighed Raditor, "That bitch ought to be killed if you ask me."
"She was once an innocent girl like Beatrice and the others," replied Kelos, "And we do not kill innocent lives."
Amnat was about to say something when they heard a soft click nearby before another explosion struck, blasting away the trees down.
"Well…well…well," hissed a dark voice, "Isn't this our lucky day!"
The robots turned to the Chivashi as the mutated-vampire-near imortals plunged their way over towards them, slashing out but they narrowly dodged.
"I was hoping for the Magic Six to return here…" said Haruto, "But we'll just kill off these pathetic robots that started it all!"
"Where is she?!" asked Kelos, readying his power sword.
"My, my, aren't we right to the point?" asked Reiji, snapping his fingers as another explosion struck, revealing seven Megascolides.
"Oh this is just great!" snapped Raditor as he fired blasts of light from his swords, striking one of them down but Natsuhisa smashed into him, throwing him across the scenery.
Amnat threw a shield of light to back away Mariko and Rikuto but narrowly dodged an attack from the gigantic worms.
Abigail walked into the scene and snapped her fingers, dissolving the worms into mush, "My, my, sounds like we got some company here. You Av-Matoran were such fools to think that I would rot in a prison cell!"
"I'm not surprised you didn't last," shrugged Kelos, "And hand that box over!"
The exiled girl smirked before laughing, "Oh in this box…is the key to my salvation…but the key to your hell. All of you WILL DIE!"
Planet Duniya, 3 Days Later:
Since their settle in Terra Magna, word began to spread out about an upcoming battle and a desperate need of combatants, pirates, and others who were willing to fight.
However, many of the ex-pirates were frightened to go back fighting because of the 18 years war and the Tragedy of Herisia, worried if the same mistake was about to happen; a war with no end!
"How can we be sure this will change things?" asked one of the pirates.
"I don't want to risk another life in this!" shouted another.
"Calm down, we won't force you," said Shirahama, "But we know this battle will definitely change something. We we can this enemy, they won't have to attack the other world that the Magic Six were form. It will levitate the problems both here and there!"
"Is it true what the rumors have said?" asked another ex-pirate, "That one of the mother's belongs to that boy?"
"Yes, the mother of Alex…is the same enemy whom we are after," said Awlida.
"Why are you asking?" asked Anne.
"Not everyone is up to date on things," replied the ex-pirate, "Many of us don't even know about the Magic Six unlike you and the others that have met them."
Grace turned to them and said, "Well it's all in the past now. It's been 4 years since that war ended."
"Grace, don't get too fierce yet," sighed Ching.
"Anyone else got more questions?" asked Anne.
Masaru and Akane brought over a dozen more ex-pirates as Shira thanked them for joining.
Deana was just stunned to see the people as she turned to Glena, "To think that these people…they're only villagers!"
"Yes and now they're all getting ready to fight again," nodded Glena.
"I have to say that what we learned in class…is NOTHING compared to this…nothing like the real thing," she replied.
"I know right?" smirked Glena.
"When this is all said and done, I want to stay in Iwamara," said Deana, "It's much more peaceful out there. No laws...no censorships...better atmosphere of people."
"Or maybe you just want the same things that Rei has?" teased Glena.
"Oi!" replied Deana, "That's just…oh fuck it, I love you!"
"And I love you too!" she answered as they shaired a brief hug while Awlida, Anne, and Shira shared a sweat-drop of nervousness as they watched the two girls embracing a little.
After more planning and getting more pirates to join, the group decided to return back to Iwamara to settle the armies there while they would try to negotiate with Aeuropa City and Lha'li. Deana and Glena were tasked with Akane to go to the Aeuropa City while Shirahama and Masaru were to return to Iwamara along with Grace and Ching and the other willing pirates.
Fields of Sakura, Camelot Universe
As for the Magic Six, they were having some bit of a morning breakfast with the fruits that they found in the forests and the fish from the river and lake.
Haruka called upon the copied version of the Compendium to see what all has gone through as the others began to put the pieces of knowledge together, knowing that it was perhaps the key to figure out why everything was the way it has been thus so far.
"Three Earths," said Rin, looking at the map of the three worlds, "Just like what the Mahotsukai said."
"A world where we lived out our lives as swimmers with no magic...a place where only Alex has lived and our "lives" are nothing more than a "story"," added Makoto.
"And a world where we have interacted thus so far," said Haruka.
"So then…what are we going to do now?" asked Rei.
"Any plans?" shrugged Nagisa with a duck face.
"Well…to be honest, how do you think about all of this?" asked Alex, "Does it bother you guys about these worlds?"
"Well we knew of the Time Loop Pocket Dimension once we realized that," said Nagisa, "I remember I've wanted to fall in love but I was worried that…Mako-chan wouldn't reply the same way…because they were happy with the way things were. But now that we realized that our choices have allowed our enemy to escape…"
"We will defeat her," replied Rin, hugging behind the blonde, "We just didn't know who she was nor that she existed in our lives until Duniya."
"Other than the fact that we were separated...I thought the world we lived in was fine. At least there was nothing serious going on…" shrugged Makoto.
"I was the first to remember…when I fought Haru by the cherry tree," said Rin, "Haru eventually remembered when I took him to Australia."
"I know I was remembering things when we jumped into the sakura pool back in Sametsuka…but Rei-chan was certainly frightened and horrified," added Nagisa.
"I feel like we have LIVED there before…long before we even met the first time," said Rei, "However…everything in the timeline we lived through was all different from one another. Cetainly it's not beautiful…"
"But if the Alpha Timeline was intended to keep us from returning and allowing us to live our normal lives…how did we even escape in the first place? There was no way the others knew about our lives from other worlds that easily…and vice versa," replied Haruka.
"Back when I lived on my Earth…I was in Cleveland State University when I began to work out but I wasn't in top shape back then either. However, I kept having dreams…and imaginations…" said Alex.
"About what?" asked Rei.
"Dreams about this whole journey…you guys…fighting…loving…living our lives…" he replied, turning the pages to the Beta!Timeline, pointing at himself typing on his laptop.
"This story…the Iwatobi Suiei Gods…and Voyage of the Magic Six…"
The others gasped as Rei said, "Wait…you mean that…this is…!?"
Nagisa looked at Alex in a bit of a shock while the others were a bit confused.
"I didn't realize it back then but…remember what the Mahotsukai said? That Authors had the ability to create worlds and…"
"Yes," replied the tree, "You were born from the Chiropteran King Dodecadron…and a Mahotsukai, Queen Pandora."
Camelot unleashed his petals, resuming his Mahotsukai form as the others gapsed in shock at Alex.
"Alex is a HALF Mahotsukai?!" asked Nagisa.
"By fairest blood it is done…and by fairest blood it is undone," replied Camelot, "Yes…in the Beta!Timeline, he has written the Voyage in order to preserve your existence…that is why you all managed to reunite together once more after Pandora separated all of you.
"But he's not alone…five others before him share a small fraction of that power."
"Wait what?!" gasped Rei.
"Your blood has been long fought by many evil beings…from the Swim-Cadet X to the Shadow Mafia…your blood…when put together…" began Camelot.
"Is the fairest of them all…" finished Alex, "The combined blood of our existence is the fairest blood!"
"All of you share some part of a Mahotsukai trait inside of you…but that power is inaccessible because of your blood is tied to the Suiei Gods," said Camelot.
"So we have to break our ties to them to access this power?" asked Rei.
"That's for you all to decide…" he replied.
"I know Nagisa has longed to be a human back in the Time Loop...he said so himself to Makoto...so why are we once again not human beings?" asked Rin.
"It's not the fact whether you are human or not...it's the fact on what you decided to do as a human...as a demigod...and now..." said Camelot.
"Why did you choose to make this journey since Earth?"
The six looked at each other for a moment about this question; it should have been an easy answer to reply to but this question was deeper than what it was just being asked for.
Finally, Makoto said, "We wanted to help Alex find a way to save his brother...from his Autism and his capture from the Shadow Mafia. He came to Japan to look for answers…"
"That's right," agreed Rei as Nagisa nodded.
"He came to us, asking for our help…unlike others who tried to use our powers for selfish gain; he…he only wanted the person dearest to him to one day overcome his non-verbal, Autistic, speech apraxia," said Rin.
"But it of course took us a journey…and maybe an arm and a leg along the way," chuckled Nagisa.
"And despite how tiresome it was…there was one thing that never changed," said Camelot.
"Which would be..?" asked Haruka.
"The time you all spent together," answered the Mahotsukai, "You became a true fellowship both on Earth and on Duniya…six different paths of life…now become one."
"I was half Mahotsukai which was why I was able to understand and learn things back when Tesseract…or Iwatobi has taught me…after I was brought to Beta-Earth, I was somehow able to use my Mahotsukai powers…that allowed me to dream…and reach out to you boys on Alpha-Earth even though I would forget the next morning…" said Alex.
"So that's why…I was able to see you in the dream!" replied Makoto.
"You managed to reach out to us, even when we have forgotten," said Haruka.
Alex called upon the compendium and flipped the pages over to a display of Alpha and Beta Earths, showing how Alex in that timeline was able to reach out to those in the Alpha Timeline with the help of witch boy.
Rei crawled his way over to hug him, spilling tears of happiness while the others joined in for a group hug as Rin began to cry as well.
"T-thank you…" said Rin.
"Yes, thanks so much!" agreed Nagisa.
"We are so happy you saved us," smiled Rei.
After a nice long moment of hugs and happiness, they released from each other and sat back down, wondering on what future they will have to take on next.
"We should get back to the city and the library," said Alex, "I still need to find some answers there…"
"The city is undergoing a lockdown because of Pandora's presence there in her phantom form...however, I'll get the others if you want," replied Camelot.
"Yes that would be great," answered Makoto.
"Absolutely," agreed Haruka.
Camelot nodded before his body dissolved into the petals, drifting to the north towards Camelot Magna. Rin turned to the others, knowing that after their final mission of defeating Pandora…there was another decision that had to be made…
"So then…what do you think we'll do?" he asked, "We got Earth…and then Duniya."
"It's really hard to choose," sighed Nagisa, "Earth is technically our home and beginnings…but our friends on Duniya…"
"You think we should take them to Earth perhaps?" suggested Rei.
Alex, on the other hand, had differnet ideas, "What about a place…for everyone? A place where we can all belong to…together?"
"But the price…?" asked Haruka.
"I know…it's unrealistic…but…mayber we can talk to the Mahotsukai about it," he replied, "We can set up something and maybe…"
"Ahhhh, I see where this is going!" smiled Rin.
"A new home…for us?" asked Makoto.
"Yes, but…under one condition; that we…WE will decide OUR future…not to be written out by them or myself in the Beta-Timeline…we will write our happy ending," said Alex.
"This is brilliant!" agreed Rei, "To think that we've been under their noses this whole time…"
"Yes…but…do you think they'll actually agree with this?" asked Nagisa.
"We can prove it to them!" replied Alex, "We ARE the Magic Six are we not?"
"For the team!" agreed Rin.
Makoto smiled even as Haruka grunted with agreement to it; this was after all their lives and they deserved to choose their own future without having a shadow looking over them whether it was for good or ill.
After a bit more time into discussion, Iwatobi and Sametsuka returned with Camelot. The other Mahotsukai didn't showed up with them.
"Mayfield is taking care of the students while Sano and Phoenix are inspecting the building," said Iwatobi, "They wanted to say at least good-bye to you guys."
"It appears that you have something desired in your hearts," added Sametsuka.
"Yes…" replied Rin as he turned to the others.
"We want to thank you for helping us...but...please...entrust us to our own future," said Makoto.
"After finding out about you and the true nature of every world, we won't be able to just go back to our lives the way we can normally see it," added Nagisa.
"So we came up with a request," said Rei as he held Alex's hand.
"Please allow us to take the original compendium so we can find our true destiny…and…let those other worlds that the other Mahotsukai have written, be independent from them. The inhabitants in each of those stories deserve to decide their own future," finished Alex.
"But…" began Camelot.
"Humans…and we too are guilty, but bad choices are made here and there but good choices are also done…without the bad, there good cannot exist…and vice versa," replied Alex, "Good and Evil must become one."
"Such a request…it's practically impossible," said Iwatobi.
"By fairest blood…it is done," answered Camelot.
"Camelot!" gasped Iwatobi and Sametsuka.
"It's the only option we have left," he replied, "If these guys were able to come to our world to discover everything, it is no doubt that others will soon follow. Everyone deserves to have a happy ending."
"Very well," said Iwatobi, turning to the boys, "We will fulfill that request but in exchange…"
The Magic Six looked at each other with worry until Sametsuka revealed, "You have to stop Pandora. Defeat her, and we'll see what we can do."
"But doing that though…if we end all of this…" said Camelot.
"Yes, we too will be non-existence…" replied Iwatobi.
Rei got up and hugged Camelot as the Mahotsukai of the trees and flora shed some petals down, knowing that the megane was obsessed with him since the beginning of the entire journey.
"I know you loved to spend time with me Rei but…" began Camelot.
"Is there no other way?" he asked, sobbing onto his cloak, "Tree-san!"
"I'll watch all of you guys in battle…and guide you to her…I will stay with you all in your hearts until the end," said Camelot, "Listen to me Rei. Don't cry. You made a promise to Alex and the others…you know what you must do."
Rin smiled and joined up with Rei and Nagisa as the others hugged around Rei and Camelot released himself.
Rei sniffed out the tears and said, "You're important as they are too! I love them as well as you!"
Camelot could only chuckle and snap his fingers to the Original Compendium, creating an image of himself on the pages as he replied, "That way…you can remember me."
"You're really hilarious, sexy butterfly," smirked Rin.
"Now are we going to do with you, Rei-chan?!" asked Nagisa while Alex gave the megane a kiss on Rei's ear, causing him to blush.
"We give you as an honory member, Camelot...you are an honorary member of our team," said Haruka.
"Yes, thank you for helping us so much!" agreed Makoto.
"Now then, I think it's time for you all to return," replied Iwatobi as Camelot snapped his fingers to create a portal before them as the two compendiums flipped its pages magically.
"We'll take the copied version to ourselves…but be warned, the Original one is alive of its own," warned Sametsuka, "Be extra gentle with it."
"Will this take us back?" asked Makoto.
"Back to Earth yes, they're waiting for you there…we can't do much for Duniya because it's not under our domain," said Camelot.
The team looked at each other as the portal before them was a diamond shape tear in the space with bright, golden colors streaming out before them.
"Well…you guys ready?" asked Rin as their clothes transformed to their Arabian forms once more.
"It'll be time for battle soon," nodded Makoto.
"Yes, let's get moving!" said Nagisa.
The Magic Six finally took a step into the hole and one by one, they passed through, entering back into the time and space. As the portal closed up, Iwatobi gasped and remembered something.
"Is something wrong?" asked Sametsuka.
"I remembered something…" said Iwatobi, "About Pandora…"
"Huh?" asked Camelot.
"It's a long story but…maybe there is a way we can get her back," he replied, "But I don't know if we'll be able to make the effort ourselves."
"Are we going to put all the pressure on them?" asked Sametsuka, "Not to mention, shouldn't we have told them…?"
"About what will happen? And what their true destiny may be?" replied Iwatobi, "In terms of how the Fairest Blood Legend is related to them? No…if we are wrong, then it's all for nothing…but if we are right…well…the truth will drive them mad."
The Three Mahotsukai snapped their fingers and returned to the city, knowing that it was all in a matter of time before this world too…shall pass…if the boys were to succeed in their mission. If not, then everything in every world would be destroyed…
~ END OF PART I – To Be Concluded in January 2015! ~
Author's Note: THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING THUS SO FAR! It's been a loooooong journey since March/April and even more so longer since June of last year! I hope everything you've read so far FINALLY makes sense to how I map out the entire stories together! ^_^
Because December 24 and 31 are both on Water Wednesdays in the next two weeks:
BONUS CHAPTERS/EPISODES/OVAs!
~ Happily Ever Holidays OVA 1: The Enchanted Christmas of Eternal Summer! – December 24 (Christmas Eve/Day)
~ Happily Ever Holidays OVA 2: The Promising Year…For the Team! For the Future! – December 31 (New Years Eve/Day)