~Episode 12: ジャーニーズエンドパート2: 始まりの「ルネサンス世界」!
Journey's End Part 2 – Renaissance World of Beginnings!
"Even after our last breath, I know that there's a place out there…that will start a new journey."
- Alex Marotta
Flashback 1: From Prologue…
Duniya…
"T-this wasn't in our plans, was it?" asked Sametsuka.
"No…but this was Camelot's copy…" muttered Iwatobi, "But why did he put this in here?"
"Look you guys!" gasped Sano as they saw Pandora walking through a shadowy, volcanic terran. However, her body had changed significantely as they were able to detect her blood through the book's memories.
"It's a blood of some monster," said Phoenix.
"Chiropterans," replied Mayfield, pointing to the gigantic-bat like monsters in the background.
Iwatobi took a copy of the Alpha Earth and saw that there were a few things different in this world compared to the time loop dimension. Some of which involved with the Main cast taking their roles in their swim teams while one of them had his father still alive compared to the Alpha world.
"I feel bad for the screw up on the data," sighed Sano.
"No don't worry," said Iwatobi, "As long as the 'world that we planned for' stays on the right path, everyone will be alright."
"Sounds like they'll have a tough road ahead," sighed Mayfield, "They haven't even met up with the last star."
"They will," replied Iwatobi, "I will make sure of that. However, we cannot let Pandora escape from that world."
"Her blood is different in which has prohibited her most of the magic but it looks like she has forgotten a bit about herself," said Sametsuka as he analyzed her.
"I'll go and see," answered Iwatobi.
"WHAT?!" gasped the others.
"What if she finds out about you and…" said Phoenix.
"We have no choice," replied Iwatobi, "If she tries to escape, she will set up revenge against our creations…and manipulate them for her own needs."
He got up and flicked his fingers, transforming into a lesser being with gigantic bat-like wings.
"Are you sure?" asked Sametsuka.
"Yes…please send me to Duniya. Oh and don't forget, when the Magic Six live on Lynwin for about 10 years, be sure to send the Compendium to them. They will need to extract their memories," he said.
"Why?" asked Phoenix.
"…I think it's best that they should go to Duniya also…and see what they can find out," replied Iwatobi.
"But…Earth and Duniya are not related worlds," replied Mayfield.
Iwatobi walked up to Mayfield and said, "Make them…the same world, the same place…however, I recommend that Earth should be moved to another Solar System and the continents merge together. It will prevent from others from knowing the truth. This is probably want Camelot wanted…don't you think?"
Flashback 2: Formation of Duniya….
Planet Earth – Suiei Timeline, Year: 4000 A.D
Many, many years after the final destruction of humans, the world took on a spin of energy as Mayfield, Sametsuka, Sano, and Phoenix chanted a set of spells while Phoenix wrote in the compendium, taking the world and sending it to a system far away from the Sun Solar System.
"Where are we going to take this to?" asked Sano.
"There is another Galaxy…the one that is closest to the Milky way…" replied Sametsuka.
"Andromeda," answered Phoenix, "Planet Duniya shall exist in Andromeda and the history of Earth will be forgotten by the humans once they are reborn to the planet."
Sametsuka wrote it all down in the Compendium and looked at the pages that connected Earth and Duniya's storyline together. Despite the fact that it was a lot of science and 'magic' involved, it was perhaps the only way to fill in the gap between both worlds.
"Earth will live on in its memories to those that can live in both realities…Magic Six…" muttered Mayfield.
"The Suiei Gods have been traveling to other realities as well, showing up in other Compendiums too," said Sano, "I had complaints from the other Mahotsukai that they're showing up at weird times."
"Then perhaps we should bring them back now," replied Phoenix.
The four chanted together as they brought the eight continents together as one and a new star shined above them, the star of Soleius Magna. Mountains were formed, deserts stretched the central area and the oceans became one super-ocean.
"Might be best if we leave," said Sano, "Pandora and Iwatobi will eventually show up here and I don't want to conflict…or screw up the storyline."
"Says the one who created the time loop," shrugged Phoenix, "We can only put our trust into them…"
It took another 1000 years but as soon as the human species rose again, all memories of Earth were forgotten, only Duniya was in their minds. Some of them grouped together to form the megacity of Aeuropa while a bunch of others lived out in various environments; from the harsh deserts of Las Jangwa to the mountain slopes of Iglis Magna. Several of them moved down to the canyons while others moved their way to an oasis region of Chirottori (before Pandora showed up).
It was about 5013 A.D. (E.C) when Alex and Rasputin were born and the year was 5138 A.D. (E.C) when the rest of the Magic Six were beginning to be reborn along with other dates of events that were recorded:
Birthdays of the Magic Six:
Alex – January 4, 5013
Rin – February 2, 5138
Haruka – June 30, 5138
Nagisa – August 1, 5139
Makoto – November 17, 5138
Rei – December 14, 5139
Events on Planet Duniya:
Reunion of the Magic Six – August 11, 5157
Foundation of Aeuropa City – April 28, 5005
Expansion – July 20 5005 – Current Date (over 100 years of expansion)
Chiropteran Wars: March 20, 5019 – September 20, 5157
* Declaration of War/Rebellion of the Pandotess Lab Scientists – March 20, 5019
* Foundation of "The Watchers" – March 30, 5019
* Tragedy of Herisia – May 2, 5139
* The 18 Years' War – May 13, 5139 – August 5, 5157
* Battle of Makoto and Haruka (Island of Ackins) – August 5, 5157
* Battle at Aeuropa Casino – September 17, 5157
* Alex vs. Rasputin: Chiropteran Kings' Battle – September 20 – 21 , 5157
Departure of the Magic Six to Earth – October 21, 5157
Destiny War (Duniya) – October 22 – 24, 5161
Now the final question is:
What will be the outcome of this "Destiny War"? What will happen to Earth? Duniya? Other worlds?
Present Day:
Pandora looked at the Magic Six and the others like the fools that they were. She couldn't help but laugh for a moment while maintaining her composure and replied the following:
"Correct. This world was once known by the name of Earth. Earth was written to become Duniya as a result of the catastrophic disasters it will one day face…and right now…down below the seas…"
The light in the ocean of Duniya glowed as a small container breached to the surface, revealing the medal that Rin left behind. The glass cracked opened and exploded as the gold medal glowed in a sickly green color. The Suiei Gods gasped and tried to protect it but Pandora's magic brought it back and she carried it above her hand.
"Th-that's the medal that I won!" gasped Rin, "From the Olympics!"
"Yes," said Pandora, "The very same object you left behind before you turned back time. That object has power…and with that and the other sacred gifts, I will use them to destroy time and reality…finally the most basic rule of the universe…will be mine!"
"JUST HOW COULD YOU TAKE SUCH A THING!" shouted Rei, "RIN LEFT THAT BEHIND IN HOPES THAT EARTH WOULD BE SAFER FOR EVERYONE!"
"YOU CAN'T JUST TAKE THAT!" snapped Nagisa.
"Oh?" laughed Pandora, "But soon…I shall finally fulfill the dream that even Camelot could NOT achieved! Besides…didn't you dream to go to the Olympics my son?"
Alex gasped as he recalled from that wish as the medal floated away and headed towards the older Beta!Alex before it merged inside his body.
"I-I can't move!" growled Rei as he and the others tried to reach and attack Pandora but she already locked their legs to the ground with an evil smirk on her face.
Suddenly, they all felt a shift in the universe as Pandora said, "At last…with the power lied in the oceans…combined with a body who was thought to have gained potential…now…the first basic rule of all matter will break! The rule that a Mahotsukai cannot revive anyone for his or her own benefits…at last…I have surpassed it!"
If anyone and everyone were to describe what was happening now; the Mahotsukai back in Camelot were in for a scary moment…
Lines of stories and pictures began to leak away, turning each world to shreds.
In each world across the time and plane, everything of all matter began to crack and fall apart like pieces of broken glass, turning everything into the void. It was a slow process at first but slowly collapsed faster and faster…
The battle on Earth was also shattering apart in the same way it was happening on Duniya and in the "past dimension".
Now that the fact that Earth and Duniya were the same world but from the past and future, all events that were recorded have been changed, twisted, and altered while shattering into the void as well.
Haruka turned to Pandora's victorious smile and raged loudly with vengeance, his eyes glowing with blue light. He took out his sword and leaped towards her along with Makoto and Rin.
"Just when I thought I will taste my victory," smirked Pandora, blasting them down again.
This time, Awida, Shira, and Anne charged while Deana and Glena fired their radioactive guns but still no avail. Masaru and Akane chanted and danced their way through the attacks but met no success either.
Alex turned to the others with worry and fear, feeling how weak they were.
"SANDROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" they all shouted.
Alex finally took a grip on himself and turned to the younger Beta!Alex about to be concealed into the shadows, he finally propelled himself out towards his hand, reaching out…almost there…
The others barely gout up and tired to attack again, this time, combining their powers as one; the magic water attacks to the radioactive guns to the magic of dancing, finally it all smashed into Pandora as an explosion of light struck out, sending shock waves across the area.
Alex gasped as he finally grabbed the hand…and pulling the younger Beta!Alex to himself while crying silently, saying, "I'm so sorry…you were doubting yourself because of what you're going to become into…if only I could help you to keep on swimming…"
"So you finally took it…his hand…" smiled Pandora, getting up from the attack as her clothes were partially beaten, "And with that choice…the final chain has been destroyed."
The others gasped as Alex widened his eyes a little as the villain explained, "Those feelings…that final choice…you once made that wish to go back to that day but it could not be granted…for taking that choice will not only change the path of Beta!Earth…but also to this world and Duniya as well. And now, there are others who will suffer the same fate as all of you!"
"ALEX!" screamed Rei, trying to reach out with his hand.
Alex lost his grip on his younger Beta!Counterpart and watched as it merged into the older Beta!Counterpart…transforming into an exact copy of himself with the same muscular level and hairstyle and smooth looking.
"W-what's going on!?" shouted Rin.
"T-there's two of HIM!?" gasped Nagisa.
"The same that there are two of you. I have taken various souls and created my own beings but of course they were just failures and used as armies for battles." said Pandora, "But now…with the body of the original and memories of the Magic Six…in which that reality could NOT achieve…along with the power stored in the seas for eons…I HAVE IT ALL!"
"Camelot once did the same thing but failed to do succeed…which is why the Mahotsukai were cursed to create stories off all kinds…creating universes, storylines, characters, and most of all…their DESTINIES. None of them could surpass the limits of the Mahotsukai…but I CAN AND I WILL!"
The Beta!Alex opened his eyes but it was all blank, lifeless and dark without a single color.
"The golden color in your eyes is what gives you the magic," said Pandora, "As a Mahotsukai. But as a Suiei, your magic lies in the crystal inside those necklace which then draws to your eyes. However, in him…once I drain all of your existences out, I will put them in him and he will finally fulfill my desires."
"YOU LEAVE THEM ALONE!" shouted Rei, readying his Suiei Magic, "WE WON'T LET YOU TAKE THEM!"
Pandora turned around and snapped her fingers, shattering Deana, Glena, the pirates, Masaru, Akane, and the group, leaving the Magic Six by themselves.
"W-WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THEM!?" screamed Rin.
"T-THAT'S!" gasped Nagisa.
"I turned them back to the dust that they were," she said, "And the same will be said for you...you're nothing more than just a creation!"
Haruka, Makoto, and Rin combined their powers again while Alex combined his powers with Rei and Nagisa, hoping to trap Pandora inside a seal but the Mahotsukai backfired the magic on them, burning them (excluding Alex) into nothing. After the flames turned off, Alex gasped and fell to his knees, seeing nothing but charcoal.
"N-no…NOOOOOO!" screamed Alex, "W-WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS!?"
The death of the boys before him left spheres of light floating and merging into the Beta!Alex, enhancing the forbidden power within along with the medal and the past and present as one power.
"You failed," said Pandora, "Kaarina's prophecy has failed…it will NOT come to pass! I will make a new reign…"
"DRAGON SEA KING!" shouted Alex but no magic came out.
Pandora used her power to lift Alex up, choking him saying, "I've tried to do the best I could do for MY team with Iwatobi and the others, but it wasn't written in my destiny! I ended up being their janitor who had to clean their mistakes. This is WHO I am…and this is WHO YOU are!"
"Don't TELL ME…WHAT, I, CAN, BEEEEEEEE!" he screamed.
Watanuki could feel the same power that Fang Wong Reed has done while Yuuko was alive. Now while his time was frozen on his accord, it has nothing to do what is about to happen…however…
"Each of them, with their separate hearts…and their separate feelings. They've waited a long time for this moment."
He walked into a hidden area of the storehouse and unsheathed the sword that Alex once used in exchange for his Dragon Kopis Sword.
"This sword looks mundane but it has once belonged to Dodecadron before the Pandotess Lab took it with them," he muttered, "But now…"
Witch boy arrived at where he kept hidden, a sacred object that was given to him a long time ago; back when Lynwin was ruled by the Magic Six. It was the original medal when the Magic Six won that fateful race after the Shadow Mafia were defeated.
"In exchange for keeping the ones safe…I have preserved living copies of them…one whose blood is the same as theirs but hidden in different bodies...Sousuke, Ikuya, Nao, Shiina, Kisumi, Matryona, Varvara…all of you…"
"The five boys…just like them…they turned back time…left this world behind…waiting until the Magic Six were reborn on Duniya…and now…they too…have finally been called…"
"All of you…you waited for a long time…now…USE YOUR POWER!"
Watanuki unleashed the magical circles on them, sending the five to the spot on battle.
Pandora stopped as she saw five massive magic circles spinning around the void, unleashing a shattering surprise before her and Alex.
"W-what in the name of…!" she growled.
Alex turned to see Haruka, Makoto, Nagisa, Rin, and Rei standing side by side with him. However, Alex detected something strange about this appearance yet…
"It will all be alright," said Rei, "We will get them back."
"W-what are you guys?!" asked Alex.
But the others didn't answer as they unleashed magic circles all around them, trying to reserve the damage that Pandora has already done. Alex watched as the shattering pieces of reality tried to reassemble together but Pandora was already growing with anger.
"YOU LITTLE!" she shouted and tried to fight back.
"DRAGON SEA KING!" screamed Alex, unleashing a blast of water to propel against Pandora's attack.
Alex turned around and gasped, seeing Matryona and Varvara standing before him.
"W-what?!" he gasped.
"We never left," said Matryona, "Now our time has come too."
The Chiropteran twins combined their powers, adding to the battle as the pages of each compendium from other worlds were beginning to rewrite themselves, restoring the stories as each fragment piece reunited once more.
"R-Rei!" shouted Alex, "Is it really you!?"
"Don't distract me!" he replied.
Pandora gasped in shock as she could see the group trying to reverse the damage she's done.
"I WILL NOT LET YOU TAKE BACK THAT WISH! I WILL NOOTTTTTTTTTTTT!"
Unleashing another blast, she fired up a spiral lightning blast of energy, soaring towards them. Time seemed slow in seconds as Alex tried to block it again but the water only made it worse and it struck themselves but suddenly, a strange magical circle in a shape that Pandora recognized shielded them from suffering worse injuries.
"Tha-that magic…isn't that…CAMELOT'S!?" gasped Pandora, "NO! THIS IS HIS SPELLS ENTIRELY! HOW ARE YOU GUYS ABLE TO USE IT?!"
"Because it is Camelot himself that gave it to them," echoed Watanuki's voice, "They are the same ones whom you have told Rin…"
Pandora gasped as she suddenly remembered that moment in time long ago…
Flashback 3: The Netherworld
Matryona and Varvara woke up and found themselves in the dark void as their bodies reassembled themselves after a strange, long nap of slumber.
"W-what is…" began Matryona.
"The World between Life and Death," said a voice.
The two ladies turned to see a strange man smoking on a pipe before them, saying, "You two ladies were the children of Rasputin, aren't you"
"O-Our father," said Matryona, looking at her younger sister, "How did you know?"
"I know a lot of things, both real and the surreal," replied Watanuki, "However, I have watched the two of you and your relations to one another as well as your other 5 siblings."
"Why aren't they with us?" asked Varvara.
"Perhaps…they simply didn't wish to answer my call," he answered, "In this case, only you two showed up."
"What call? What do you want?" asked Matryona.
"I can give you both life…" he said, "A chance to relive but you will be put under conditions though."
"Reincarnation?" questioned Varvara, "I don't understand."
"If you agree to the terms, you'll have Rasputin as your father once more…but he will be born to a brother…whose blood is the first part of the six that makes them all the fairest," said witch boy, "And also…your existence will be tied to him."
"Tied to…" muttered Matryona, "Are you saying that we have a relative?"
"More than a relative…he is the two of you of the same yet you are different," said Watanuki.
"But why would we live under such a fate?" asked Varvara.
"To stop a great evil from terrorizing the past and the future," replied Watanuki, "The two of you will live out your new lives. However, there are five other children that you will encounter someday…and they will also be an important role to those 'children' that have been prophesied."
"I'll go," said Matryona
"Sister!" gasped Varvara, "Why?! Why would you?"
"I sort of wanted to make up for the things I have lost. I don't want to see anyone suffer ever again," she replied, "But there is one condition I want to take."
"Yes?" asked Witch boy.
"I wish to be born as a male," she said, "So I can live a new experience and a perspective similar under my father's works."
"The two of you will be reborn under super-human traits," replied Watanuki, "You'll be sent to that other world. After this, I cannot help."
"Sister? Are you really okay with this?" asked Varvara.
"If it's something that we can do, I know I want to see it through to the end," answered Matryona.
The two sisters looked at each other while Matryona's body began to shift a little, taking on a more masculine form while they dissolved into feathers, entering their new lives…
Flashback 4: Post-Reign of the Magic Six
Lynwin-Mu
Chigusa went outside slowly and watched Sousuke heading up the mountain towards the Suiei Temple. She was in a debate if she should really go after him or not but he told her that he and five other people were. Already the land was going through a turmoil and her own health was beginning to deteriorate.
Sousuke finally scaled up the steps with his elderly strength and saw the others waiting for him.
"It's about t-t-time!" coughed Ikuya, holding himself up with his cane.
"Now, now," replied Nao, "It's not easy for him, you know that."
The five elderly men stood in the main temple of the Suiei Gods. A little time ago, the Magic Six had "faked their deaths" and turned back their time to be in the process of reincarnation on the next world. However, Sousuke and these four other gentlemen were also in a state of their deteriorating health.
Sousuke turned to see Aki as well and said, "W-what are you doing here?!"
"Our time has begun," she replied softly, "Witch boy said that the Magic Six have fallen to another world."
"Will you go?" asked Nao.
"…I guess there's something I have to get back to, I don't know if I ever will get it back but…I have to at least give it a try," he replied.
Camelot unleashed its petals and said, "I will send you and Aki to Duniya while the others will be preserved in this temple until the time has come for the Magic Six to return to this world."
Aki and Sousuke closed their eyes, falling into a slumber as they finally began their journey, meeting with Witch Boy before proceeding to Duniya.
As for Ikuya, Nao, Shiina, and Kisumi, they fell into a slumber, locked away in the tombs, waiting for the Magic Six to return to this home while the land began to face destruction and later evolution into its swamp landscape.
Present Day:
"T-then this WHOLE TIME…" shouted Pandora, "YOU ARE NOTHING MORE THAN THE ONES WHO I CREATED!?"
The Doubles of the Style Five dissolved their forms, revealing themselves to be Sousuke, Ikuya, Nao, Kisumi, and Shiina.
"We are the other half of the Magic Six…and our existence is tied to them!" replied Sousuke, "Rin and I swore to stay together for a life and the others have kept their own vows hidden until it was time!"
"Alex, you must go and defeat her!" said Nao, "While we hold up the worlds together you have to take this chance!"
"But if I go and…" began Alex.
"Just hurry!" answered Ikuya, "Your Chiropteran blood…"
Alex realized he had an extra vial hidden in his pocket with a little note on it from Jadwiga. Taking a sip, his eyes turned red once more and he broke away from the magical shield, soaring towards her.
Flashback 5: The Night before the Winter Plague, Erax Nui, Camelot Universe
Igraine sat at her desk, writing something down with her feather quill pen. It was only a matter of time before the plague will begin to erupt in town and already, some of the people were showing early signs such as the measles and mumps.
"Honey! What are you doing!? The people are getting sick!" said Goloris.
"I have to finish this!" she replied, writing down as quickly as she can.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" asked Goloris, "Are we doing the right thing?"
"Yes! It's for her own good," said Igraine, "If every world out there beyond this one is going to survive…Pandora must realize this. She must know the truth! It is the only thing that will save one and all!"
She put down the quill and read the letter, making sure it was written correctly. Nodding, she flicked her hands and put the letter inside a glass bottle. Igraine walked over to the room where Pandora slept peacefully.
"Heavens of the light…please seal this in her heart…so that one day, if she does end up destroying everything…let this letter be the one last thing…" she chanted silently and the glass bottle merged inside of Pandora's body, shimmering small waves of light with golden dust.
"Her powers will only continue to grow?" asked Goloris.
Igraine nodded and said, "Her destiny…she changed it…or at least she believes that…I've kept this secret too long…but I can't just tell her now. It will only drive her mad."
Goloris held his hand and answered, "I'm sure she'll find her happiness in the end."
"I know," she replied, "Six Stars will lead her to that place…a Mahotsukai will create the Six Stars and they'll bring every world to a safer place…"
"But…I feel that it's the sisterly bond between them…her…Morgan…Elaine…and Morgause…" he answered, "The three were very happy to have her even though she may be different…she's family too. They have the Sakura petals as promised for each other."
"When the time comes for her, she'll finally understand…" replied Igraine, spilling a silent tear, "I just hope she understands that WE love her."
The two returned to their rooms where the plague finally took affect and Goloris took the infection and attacked her, slewing her to a violent end.
Present Day:
Alex was about to reach her but she violently grabbed him and tried to choke him to death, dissolving his Chiropteran powers and punching him away, throwing him across the black void. Furious, she unleashed a wall of fire around them and on Alex.
Pandora then snapped her fingers, choking the others to their deaths as everything stopped in place.
"YOU CAN NOT DEFEAT ME!" shouted Pandora, stepping into the fire line, "I've lived…countless lives…ravaged various worlds that I have consumed! I've been given powers even as a Mahotsukai cannot even control! My own abilities are far greater than a god's in which you cannot even fathom! I will never stop! Never!"
She step out of the fire as her face healed up from the burns and hissed, "I will give those wretched worlds…the queen…they deserve!"
Alex could barely get up as she made her way over towards him, preparing to throw another punch in the face when a bright light shined between them as a massive sword stabbed down with electrifying energy. The bright light forced her to jump back.
"W-what's this?" muttered Alex as he saw the sword in front of him.
He reached out to the sword and instantly felt a raw course of energy flowing through him, hearing the voices of the others.
"I swim…" echoed Makoto's voice.
"Free…" echoed Haruka's voice.
"For the team…" echoed Rin.
"My precious bonds!" said Nagisa.
"To strive all beauty together…Alex you have to end this!" echoed Rei's voice.
"It is our destiny together!" echoed Beta!Alex's voice.
"Y-you…" gasped Alex, "My other self!?"
"Yes!" he answered, "The journey…the story…I may have written it…but only you can decide how it will all END!"
Alex turned to see the five spirits of the group floating side by side with him, knowing that this was all going to be an end here regardless who will end up the victor. He couldn't find the Beta!Alex around but he must have transformed into the sword here and now.
"I am the sword which is also the pen…" said Beta!Alex's voice, "Please…you have to end this!"
Time seemed to have froze a bit as he could feel all the emotions of the past and present, knowing that this was the final decision of all of reality.
"By fairest blood it is DONE!" shouted Pandora, soaring over towards him for the final blow.
Alex charged up as he screamed in silence, heading right to his prey that affected billions of trillions of lives in not just this universe but in other worlds that the Mahotsukai made. He stared at Pandora's eyes with cold fury until he could see her dark, lost soul, causing her to stare at him with slight confusion before finally…
Pandora gasped as the sword stabbed through her with Alex's blood flowing inside of her body while his other arm blocked her arm that was holding the dagger for the kill. Time seemed to have stood still as Pandora's eyes were still widened in shock as she looked into her son's eyes with almost a hint of sadness.
"And only by the fairest blood is it undone," breathed Alex, "The combined blood of my loved ones and my own…our blood together…is the fairest of them all."
Time slowly moved again as the fragments of the universe continued to repair itself once more in all the other worlds while Pandora was breathing heavily, feeling all of the energy and power she absorbed all these years…backfiring on her as her skin was starting to age up slowly.
Before her eyes, something emerged out of her body; a glass bottle with a note inside. Pandora grabbed it and opened to see the message inside, reading the note;
~My beloved Pandora,
Your father and I, along with your sisters…we love you very much. I am sorry for hiding the truth about your powers but you hold the strongest blood in all of the Mahotsukai, in fact…your true father isn't Goloris…it is Camelot Guinevere the First…the one who founded the city of Camelot Magna and the Story Tower. Our relationship wasn't as lasting as we wished but…he wanted at least to have a daughter that would one day help him keep this world alive and happy. Your true brother is Camelot Guinevere II, the one who is speaking to the trees. Your three sisters' father was Goloris Le Fay.
I was worried that your decision in becoming an Author would only hurt you because of your powers. You were already a young lady when you mastered so many skills. However, I cannot be forced to decide on your destiny…it is your decision to decide for your future.
Please…if you find yourself lost and alone in the dark…just remember that your sisters and your family will always be with you in spirit. As for your megapowers…I had a dream in the past that one day, you'll make a big miracle at the darkest time of all things…in pure destruction, you'll be able to rebuild with those who also share the fairest blood.
Touch this sakura petal crystal below and it will contain all the happy memories of your sisters and your family. I have saved them for you should anything happen with yourself along the way.
I'm so sorry for not telling you the truth… we love you very much…please forgive us…and we'll wait for you in the other side of life.
~Mom
Pandora touched the crystal mark on the letter and saw everything flashing around; from her childhood days with her sisters to the people of the town and the Mahotsukai she was with for the contest. Her eyes widened in shock and pure sadness and joy at the same time, realizing that all this time, her siblings still care for her and realizing that she has hurt so many lives from here to other realities.
"Oh mother, f-father…Elaine…Morgause…m-my Morgan…" she said silently, spilling a tear, remembering her childhood as she held the letter close to her heart.
Alex immediately realized that the darkness in her finally vanished as her emotions, her feelings were back to her original self. Pandora pushed the sword out and made a sad smile for a moment before resuming her serious expression.
"W-what have I done? I need to reverse this…I have to undo everything that I caused," she said, feeling upset, "I'm dying now but before I pass…I have to fulfill my final act before I destroy myself."
She got up and turned to the Crystal mirror that was strangely still there. She turned around and pointed her fingers up, about to chant a few spells.
"I..," began Alex, "No wait!"
"There's no other way. I am a monster…not because of my powers…but because of the choices I've made along the way…to hurt others…" she said, "I have to undo this!"
Pandora chanted out something as swirls of light wrapped around her decaying body and extending to the void beyond, turning the darkness to bright light.
"W-wait!" said Alex, "Why are you doing this?! You're going to end up…"
"I know. It's okay," she smiled, looking at him.
"Sandro…you have five other men that love you…along your family and friends…you deserve them…even if you didn't get to look like the way you wanted to look like as a true swimmer…back then." said Pandora, trying to hold back her tears, "We both shared the same pain…for not believing to look beautiful due to our self-consciousness."
"If only I could've understood…" he began.
"My son…I have consumed worlds to maintain my beauty…but…I can bring them back…because you and I…we share the fairest blood…together with the blood of your teammates; "By Fairest Blood it is undone" as you said," answered the Mahotsukai, "The curse of beauty was originally to protect me from the painful death my family suffered…but in the end, it consumed me…just like how when you stopped swimming…"
Pandora coughed up some blood as she could feel herself weakening more rapidly. She turned to the Beta!Alex (who un-merged from the sword) and waved a small cast of magic, sending him back to reality.
"Your other self deserves a happy ending," she smiled, "He will grow stronger and will finally get his wish; to swim again…and to find a way to help his brother in that world."
"But reviving the dead though…" said Alex, "It's impossible unless if it's exchanged by the right amount!"
"The Compendium…it can 'restart' the story and start a new life…Alex…you and the others must do this as soon as I disappear! This is my true wish! I am worth billions of lives…use that…together with the hearts of the other half…to build that place!" she replied, "Build this new home! Please…I failed to achieve my destiny when I worked with the others!"
"How are you telling this the truth mother?!" asked Alex, gasped at he realized he said mother for the first time to her.
"I know what the powers of the Compendium can do…and also, you found your family. I know I've never been the right mother for you… because I doubted myself too far that I've lost who I truly was," she answered, "I put all the pain, anger, jealously, and grief into Rasputin…turning him against you in which I should've never have done."
Alex really wasn't sure whether to really believe this or not but Pandora said, "You…you deserve my memories…"
She flicked her fingers as a purple stream of energy flowed into Alex's head as he saw a thousand flashing images of her life from the past and up to now.
"T-there has to be another way…" he said, "You shouldn't have to suffer!"
"In that letter…my mother foresaw…that one day, you and the others will lead me to my own ending…and this is it!" she smiled with tears.
Alex spilled out some tears as she concluded, "All I ever wanted… was to be loved and accepted by those around me…including my family and my sisters. I was worried that I'd be too different from them but…in the end, they still love me and now…I'll finally reunite with them! Th-thank you…Alessandro…thank you…M-Magic Six…"
His eyes widened a little with more tears in response to her final words as he watched Pandora's face wrinkling up, her hair turning silver and aging to an old woman's form before it too finally disappeared into the light, shimmering away with a genuine smile.
"Mother…" he breathed sadly, holding a small piece of the light in his hands before it dissolved away, "You really were the same as me…because of those feelings…"
Echos of laughter and joy filled in the heavens as the four young girls held their hands together and ran happily into the light of the afterlife. The sisters were finally reunited once more with eternal love and peace…
The "defeat and sacrifice" of Pandora's life ended the cataclysm of Earth and Duniya, putting the worlds together in synch of time from past to present correctly while the Alpha Earth of Free! and Free! ES was restored back to its correct timeline events and the Beta Earth returned to normal state.
All of the other worlds created by the Mahotsukai were released from the library as the world of Camelot faded away into the void, creating the birth of a new era of destiny. Every world and its beings were now able to make their own decisions on their own free will.
As for the worlds that Pandora "ate", they all came back to existence as well as those that were killed by her and the Chivashi…
As for the fragments, all the pieces were put together once more but Alex still stood alone in the void, wondering what will become after all of this while feeling all sorts of emotions taking on his existence.
"And in the end…I am alone…always alone…until I met you all…" he muttered, looking at the sword that was once the lives of Makoto, Haruka, Nagisa, Rei, and Rin. The Beta!Alex already returned to his world however, the complex design on this weapon was in sheer beauty but…
He dropped the sword and cried for a few moments as his tears dropped onto the blade. He fell to his knees and cried a louder moan alone into the darkness.
Now what? Was everything going to end with this? Will Pandora keep her word?
"…I…I love you…Haru…Rei…Makoto…Rin…Nagisa," he sniffed, grabbing the sword again, pointing the blade at himself, "If this is truly the end…if I am to end up alone…at least…we finally completed our journey together…t-thank you…"
He suddenly felt a warm hand on his shoulder. Alex turned to see Sousuke, Kisumi, Matryona, Varvara, Ikuya, Shiina and Nao standing before him.
"H-how?" he gasped.
"Have no fear," said Sousuke, "They still live in you."
"There's no way to revive them..." replied Alex, breathing heavily in tears, "It's all my fault that they're dead! Was Pandora even telling the truth!?"
"Who says they're dead?" asked Kisumi, "You are linked to their existence as one. In other words, you are the prism that shines all of their light."
"What Pandora said…is the truth," said Nao, "You have to love yourself as much as you love all others."
Alex nodded, closing his eyes, allowing his heart to become one with his power.
He gasped as necklace glowed brightly; five springs of blue, green, red, pink and purple light shined out, striking five different spots ahead of him. The Compendium ahead spun its pages faster and faster until it stopped on the pages when they put a part of their blood into the book pages long ago. The megasword shattered intro droplets of water, mixing in with the blood as the magic was reforming the boys standing before him on those spots of light.
"E-everyone…" trembled Alex as his face was filled with tears.
"Alex!" shouted Rei, running up towards him.
"Alex-chan!" cried Nagisa, joining up with them.
Makoto, Haruka and Rin joined up as well as they hugged together. Was it really true? Were they really alive this whole time? The six embraced a hug of reunion as they were at least happy to be alive.
"You guys!" cried Makoto, "W-we…we're finally together!"
"I was worried you were all dead!" shouted Alex.
"We never left," smiled Rei, spilling a happy tear.
By fairest blood…it is done…and by fairest blood…can it be undone…
Rin looked up towards Sousuke but gasped in horror at the sight! Sousuke looked down at his legs as they began to dissolve away into ribbons of light.
"Even if I am reborn…" said Sousuke, "Once you all have fulfilled your destiny…we would move on. That was the price we were given by him…we were told this in advance by the witch."
"NOOOO!" screamed Rin as he broke loose from the group and hugged Sousuke tightly. The others turned and gasped as Sousuke's body began to twist and warp into energy followed by the others as they too, were beginning to shimmer away.
"W-what!?" gasped Makoto as he saw Kisumi beginning to vanish into ribbons of energy as well.
"We all have been proud of you," said Nao, "We knew you would finally triumph."
"W-why are you guys?!" gasped Nagisa.
"But what about Gou and the others!?" asked Rin, "Are they going to die too?!"
"She, the Mikoshiba brothers and Nitori…are different…" explained Shiina, "Both in their wishes and the price they paid as well as their existence they are tied to."
"But…S-Sousuke…you cannot disappear!" said Rin, already tearing up, "You and I…!"
"Yes I know, but now that price has come to pass…" he answered, "I have always loved you Rin…and I know I couldn't be able to do much for you…but please…"
Sousuke looked at the others with a weak smile and said, "Everyone, for now on…let the world you decide…be based on your true feelings…use that power and return to that world."
"S-Sousuke…" breathed Rin.
Makoto tried to reach to Kisumi for a hug as well but the pink-peached hair boy smiled and said, "Even if we lived in a twisted world of lies…Makoto…I'm glad for you."
"M-Matryona, V-Varvara…" said Alex as he tried to reach out for them but his legs couldn't move as much.
"You know Haru," sighed Ikuya, "As much as you were an 'interesting' one to deal with, I'll admit, I did appreciate your swimming."
"Please use our hearts," said Nao, "Use the power in them to leave and return."
"Nao-chan…Shiina-chan," muttered Nagisa sadly.
Rei was already tearing up by this as well even though he wasn't too familiar with Nao, Ikuya, Shiina and Kisumi as much. However, seeing Sousuke and Rasputin's children dying was already making this whole scene sad.
"I…," said Matryona, "I'm sorry for acussing you."
"Ma-Matryona!" replied Alex.
"Sorry we couldn't understand the truth earlier," added Varvara, "But please…your heart has decided on your final wish, we'll grant it for you. As for us, we'll finally reunite with our father…and his soul has been healed thanks to you and grandmother!"
"Even if I have only been born as a double to you…I am glad to have live at all…" said Sousuke, smiling with a tear drop.
"SOUSUKEEEEEEE!" screamed Rin.
"Thank you…everyone…" said Sousuke as the last of his face finally dissolved away along with the others, as they all transformed into spheres of light while Rin tried to grip on Sousuke but his other self was no more.
"KISUMIIIIIII!" shouted Makoto.
"MATRYONAAA! VARVARAAAA!" screamed Alex.
Haruka, Rei, and Nagisa could only stand in shock and sadness as the people that stood before them were gone as if they never existed in the first place.
"They all disappeared…only so we can live together once more," replied Nagisa sadly, his face spilled with tears, "Sou-chan…Kisumi-chan…everyone…!"
"They were our 'doubles'," said Rin, barely making the words out, "They were us…and we were them."
Rei was barely speechless but he nodded with tears while looking at this sphere of light that was once a living being of Nao before him.
"Let's go…" said Alex.
"Let's return…" agreed Rin even though his face was still wet.
"BACK TO WHERE WE BELONG! FOR THE FUTURE!" they shouted.
The six combined their hands together as a bright wave of light struck them, sending them back out to the world where they found themselves ontop of a hill where the skies were still dark by the night. They couldn't see much of where they were at but they knew that this had to be the world that they were told to return to.
Rin was still spilling tears as he held the light from Sousuke while Makoto sniffed out his sadness from Kisumi. While Haruka knew very little of Ikuya's true thoughts, it was somehow painful for him to know that these people were giving up their lives for their own sake. Nagisa held the light as it was once belonged to Shiina and Rei holding out Nao's light.
"As long as we still stand together…as long as our memories and our existences still live…," said Alex, looking at his spheres of light that once were the existence of Varvara and Matryona.
"It won't be the end…" said Makoto, "They won't be dead in vain…"
"And so…" answered Rin, holding the sphere of light in his hands from Sousuke.
The six let out the spheres of light in their hands, looking at each other with sadness before closing their eyes to allow the light merge into their bodies. Their necklaces glowed as the light touched their clothing before being swallowed into their skin by the magic. At a particular moment their bodies were floating a few inches off the ground as a warm breeze swept through the empty area.
After the light merged back into the boys, they all collapsed to the ground, exhausted and filled with tears.
Gerogia caught Rei while Sergi got Alex safely in his hands. Beatrice held Nagisa on her lap while Gou kept Rin safe with her and Haruka in the hands of Awlida and Shirahama while Makoto's head rested on Anne's lap along with a revived Matsuura.
Awlida and Shirahama could only stay silent in sadness while Anne spilled a few tears and brushing her hand through Makoto's hair. Matsuura smiled to Awlida as this journey was finally reaching to the end.
"Onii-chan," said Gou quietly her eyes were saddened as well while resting Rin's head on her lap.
"You should rest now," said Georgia, gently brushing his hand through Rei's hair.
"It's been a long road for us," muttered Anne, looking at Makoto's semi-opened eyes.
"And finally…" said Beatrice, "It is done."
"Haru-chan," whispered Awlida, "We're here now…we'll never leave your side."
Shirahama could only spill a few tears with Awlida as they both knew that even though a lot of people died, this was finally the end of an eternal darkness.
Nearby, Nitori, Seijuurou, Aki, Deana, Glena, Ching, and Grace stood nearby with tears as well, knowing that this was finally the end.
"You can make your new beginnings from here…brother," whispered Sergi as he saw his brother's tears silently dripping down.
"T-thank you…" moaned Alex quietly as his head rested on his brother's lap with his face all moist form his sadness.
Tears could only fall from all of their cheeks as the drops of water from their bodies restored life finally. The trees grew, mountains rose up, water flooded the areas, flowers bloomed, the skies glittered with stars, and a massive town growing into life with the people opening their eyes from a long slumber…
All of their friends and family from Earth and Duniya saw the group on the hill, resting in the hands of those who have helped them on their journey. Knowing that the battle was finally over, they smiled happily and shed a few tears for finally being "free" from an evil curse that tried to destroy both realities of the past and the future… finally being free from being a "story" that was once controlled by Mahotsukai…finally free from being nothing more but just pure thoughts and imagination…
This...is…reality now…this is where the story has finally begun…
Wishing for their happiness and peace, the bright morning colors of the sun's lights dawn finally reached to the skies, illuminating the world in its most beautiful, endless, vibrant glory…
At long last…this whole journey since the beginning of "The Last Race"…
Finally these rays of the sunlight marks the end of this 'dream'…
~Epilogue~
A Final Farewell…Prepare your freels! The Last Summer is finally here!
What does the future hold for the team? A special finale epilogue will hopefully answer them all!
Friday January 30, 2015…"The End"
その最終的な闇が分裂, 何壊れては、再会しますします