Episode 8: オペレーションファントム- 第1部：ダークスペル
Operation Phantom – Part 1: The Dark Curse!
3 Days Later:
Haruka dribbled the ball, making his way across the court with the others. Kisumi monitored their progress and noticed a few things:
Rin and Makoto were adapting to this quite nicely…
Nagisa and Alexa are doing okay…
Haruka and Rei are having issues. (Though it's more of Rei's clumsiness while Haru's slowness made him further behind the others).
Kisumi sighed and said, "Keep it going! Remember to shoot up with the B.E.E.F that I taught you!"
B = Balance
E = First Eyes
E = Second Elbow
F = Flick/Follow Through
Makoto stood with the perfect shot, making the ball through the hoop. Rin had similar success, Nagisa missed, Alexa barely got it in, Rei was a total air ball while Haruka's just didn't get in despite hitting the board.
How can these guys even play up to the Generation of Miracles, thought Kisumi, at least this game won't be real once it all begins. But who is going to attack first?
He blew the whistle and said, "You're doing great, guys! Just do the best you can make!"
"I swear, we will have swimming un-banned," vowed Haruka silently.
"That's even if we're lucky," sighed Nagisa, "All this magical darkness going on is quite distracting our overall mission. I say when we're done finding Julius and the crystal, let's go back home…"
Rei looked at the blonde and replied, "I miss home too and I can't make a beautiful shot but…I'm glad that we are able to travel out."
"I guess so," smiled Nagisa, "Maybe it's the homesickness."
"We cannot give up you guys," said Rin, shooting another basketball, "I know this journey here so far has been uneventful but who knows what the future can hold for us. We have to believe in each other and in our powers."
"Yes that's right," agreed Makoto, "I know this hasn't been going well but we cannot afford to jeopardize the future."
The Magic Six were given a "schedule" by Kisumi for their rapid training in basketball in order to make things look legit for Midorima and Theagenes. They all agreed that by at least doing this will keep the city in peace. Then, on the night of the match, the game will turn to a battle in which they hoped that no innocent lives will be lost.
The Takao bird flew in, transformed back to his human form and whispered something to Kisumi. Once the two exchanged their messages, Kisumi blew his whistle.
"Okay you guys take a 10 minute break!" he shouted.
Rei nearly collapsed on the floor while Nagisa checked up on him.
"It's not beautiful…" he moaned, "I can't wait to summon my magic on that final night!"
"We can't make it look obvious," replied the blonde, "We can't just suddenly barge in a game and start fighting."
"That's unless demons show up," said Rin, "It's no doubt that Midoribaka has got some army at the ready."
"Mako-chan," replied Nagisa, "Have you received your Suiei Powers yet?"
Makoto felt frozen for a moment but shook his head, "Afraid not."
"I hope nothing's wrong with it," replied Rei, "We already got ours."
Makoto smiled and answered, "Don't worry about me. I know when it will come…and when it does, I'll take action that is necessary…to protect you all."
"What I don't understand is," said Gaardus, flying over to them, "Is that if the only way to save Midorima is the Solar Crystal…could it be…?"
"Maybe Midorima knows who has it?" asked Rei.
"He might have a lead…he's got Theagenes…controlling him with the orb," shrugged Rin.
"But if we can somehow get the orb away from him, we can have him answer for us!" said Haruka, "I'm sure he knows the answer!"
"It's too dangerous Haru," replied Makoto, "He's already becoming a menace enough as it is."
The Temple of Time, Miracle Palace
Kuroko sat down at the floor of the temple, praying at the sacred fire again. There had to be a way to save Midorima from the darkness that he already is in. From what he heard, only the Solar Crystal could undo this.
He looked up to see Kagami standing by him.
"Still searching for the answer?" asked Kagami.
"…if it was last year," began Kuroko, "Then it would be easy. I'm sorry…to put you through all of this."
"It's fine," he smiled, "Besides, I enjoyed it as a team. Though it was brief time of game play, we still managed to bring back the city."
"The Magic Six are still not complete of their team," said Kuroko, "Makoto…his powers haven't awaken yet."
"I see," he replied.
"But I'm sure…he will awaken soon…" answered the light-blue haired man, "We have to put our faith and trust in them."
"And what about us?" asked Kagami, "Our powers?"
"Together, we can defeat the darkness that are the remnants of the Dark Curse," said Kuroko, "Especially how I know of the way evil lures its prey…as being the shadow that I am…"
The Flashback you've all been waiting for:
1 Year Ago – The Dark Curse Revelation Part 1
The Generation of Miracles after their formation of the team, grew in popularity. Fans across the growing town would fight over tickets to whenever they played teams. They eventually became one of the top teams in the mega-city during their final years of Teikou High and made it to finals and won.
As soon as they reached adulthood, Akashi took in leadership activities and training in hopes to become a politician and become one of the top dogs of the city. Murasakibara got his family bakery business opened and even had some smaller satellite business under his name.
Aomine and Kise continued to pursue their basketball careers and became teachers while Kuroko helped with the community charities and other organizations.
Midorima on the other hand, worked at some of the unusual jobs that he kept secret (though most of it was with being at the Shop of the Mystics with Theagenes and helping customers). Ever since he arrived in this town, he continued to do research to find his origins. However, it took a toll on his emotions as he slowly grew darker and more jealous.
However, his days at Teikou have kept him into the light as much as possible as well as having Takao for a closer friend.
All of them have developed their unique talents in basketball and have applied some of their skills to real life scenarios, hoping to become the "Heroes" of the city.
Everything was going well…or so they thought…
In a far, desolated, unknown location...
The "Dark One" sat in his chamber of thorns as he looked over the vast universes and realms beyond. Defeated by his brother, revenge was all that was in his mind. Revenge to all things, revenge to living, non-living, everything.
A part of his plan began in motion when he staged a cataclysmic event on Olympia Magna later referred to as "The Shattering". The inhabitants were infected by his dark magic and fought against each other until everything was all in ruins. All of the water was enveloped into a celestial body of its own; Aqua Duniya and all of the flora and fauna were casted into its own celestial body later known as the "Great Jungle".
From there, he set the minds of the people that remained on Olympia to ban swimming and to kill anyone who possessed water magic.
"All because of the Solar Crystal…" he muttered, "Prince Julius…such a fool…thinking that a war can end because of a piece of gem filled with love, peace, and tranquility."
Before the planet even shattered, he ran into a famous athlete that everyone looked up to. Curious, he brought him to this place and provided him a deal;
"I can give you more talents…if in return…your body becomes a host of my power."
Worried and horrified on the madness, The Dark One knocked him out and created an orb with dark magic inside and filling half of his heart with shadows. Once it was done, he sent him back to Olympia and was given a set of instructions;
*Find Prince Julius and the Solar Crystal
*Reassemble the Generation of Marvels and rename them
*Grant wishes and provide the proper payments (until the time comes)
*anyone who comes in contact with the orb, you must obey their commands, even if it to their benefit.
"Finally, the Generation of Marvels have reunited," said the Dark One, "Now it is time to enact the Dark Curse…"
Kise laughed as he and Kuroko and Aomine were chilling out at the Panana's Grill. They were eating some appetizers and drinking while watching a high school basketball game going on.
To them, it only felt like it was yesterday that they were a team in these intense games. Now here they are just doing all they can to support their city.
"I'm glad Akashi got his role as Prime Minister," said Aomine, "I swear, he should make some new legal holidays!"
"Haha, right," chuckled Kise.
"I'm glad too," smiled Kuroko, "But I wish he and the others were here."
"Yeah, Murasakibaracchi is busy with the business, Midorimacchi…god knows where the hell he's been other than spending time with Takaocchi…ugh, it's not the saaaameeee…" whined the blonde.
Aomine chuckled and said, "We'll hang out again, the six of us."
Kuroko turned his head and saw a strange flow of dark clouds heading from the south.
"Oh my god!" shouted some of the people, "Look at the skies!"
The winds began to pick up a little with a faint noise of thunder and lightning from the distance.
"Wh-what is that?!" gasped Kise.
Kuroko looked up to the skies and sensed dark magic flowing inside of it. He could hear Kaede's voice echoing inside his mind;
"RUN! KUROKO! You're not safe!"
"K-Kaede?" he muttered.
"Yes, it's been a while since we chatted. I've been watching you from afar…" echoed Kaede, "This cloud…is a dangerous power of magic soaring its way in."
"M-Magic?"
"You have to run from your friends and hide!" he echoed.
"I…I…" began Kuroko.
"What's the matter Kurokocchi?" asked Kise.
"RUN! HURRY!" cried Kaede's voice.
"I…I have to go," said Kuroko, running off.
"W-wait!" shouted Aomine but Kuroko already vanished away through the Misdirection ability, heading towards a different area of the city.
Akashi looked out from the window of his office where he saw the dark cloud making in towards the city.
"Master Akashi," said one of the secretaries.
"It's not safe," he replied, "Go and seek underground shelter. I will monitor this."
"But sir…" she answered.
"I'll be fine," he smiled, "I have faith in my friends…"
Midorima sat on his hideout in the forest hills section of the Eco-Park. Takao sat next to him when they both saw the strange cloud slowly covering the entire megacity.
"You have to get out of here," said Midorima, "I have no idea what this is…"
"I'm staying with you!" replied Takao.
"I…" began the megane while Takao answered, "Nothing will hurt us! We swore that remember?"
Takao held his hands to him and added, "You saved my life back when those bullies were harassing me at Teikou. In return, I cannot thank you enough."
Midorima opened his pouch where he had a potion kept safe inside. He was given this by Theagenes for Takao in case something were to happen to him.
"Take this," he said, "It will give you the ability to transform into a Black Raven."
"EHHH!?" gasped Takao, "But…?"
"No worries," replied Midorima, "It's to amplify your hawk abilities for real life applications. In case if you have to escape a sticky situation without me, at least you'll have one."
After a moment of hesitation, Takao took it and drank it. Moments later, he could feel his body shrinking down and growing wings and transforming into black feathers. The newly transformed raven screeched and looked at him.
"Hurry! Go find Kuroko…" said Midorima, "This storm is going to destroy the last of my goodness of my heart…tell Kuroko…I am sorry…"
For the last few years, ever since his quest for finding his family origins; he realized that the price of this was the draining of his "light" that kept him from turning evil…and now, it was at its toll…and he knew exactly who to blame for all of this…but now…darkness has claimed his soul…
Murasakibara walked out of the newly opened bakery business when he saw the clouds rolling in and it began to rain shards of glass that dissolved when it touched the buildings, trees, statues or the road. His eyes widened as the shards flew right into his eyes, feeling a pain going through his head as it throbbed.
All of his thoughts of the business and his friends…changed into nothing more but darkness and Kuroko…
Kuroko raced his way to the woods where Kaede stood in his spirit form.
"What's happening now!?" asked Kuroko, "What was that dark cloud!?"
"…The Dark Curse," said Kaede.
"Dark Curse?" he replied.
"A powerful dark magic used to turn people against each other…or to have them rallied up against an organization or whatever it is intended to be used upon," explained the ancient phantom, "That spell is what was used during the Silver War long ago…that destroyed the world…leaving it into ruins."
"What's it going to do now in Sportsbrooke!?" asked Kuroko.
"I don't know, but it is not safe for you to be there," he replied.
"But…my friends…are they…?"
"They're under the spell now and they're going to become dangerous," said Kaede.
"…I lost Chihiro…I lost other friends…and now I cannot afford to lose more," answered Kuroko, starting to get angry, "Let me return and fight back!"
"I know of someone who can help you…do you remember the man I told you, 'The Savior'?" asked Kaede.
"Yeah, what about it?" asked Kuroko.
"Now's the time that you find him…and get him on your side," he said.
Akashi and the other GoM members stood at the shadowy center of the city where the skies rolled thunder and lightning. They waited a few hours to see if Kuroko would show up and be on their side.
"Where is Kuroko?" asked Akashi.
"How would we know?!" replied Kise with a dark attitude.
"I cannot believe he is such a coward," smirked Midorima, "He abandoned us…but we'll find him…and make a death match!"
"I agree!" said Murasakibara, turning to see a bunch of people fighting.
"It would be nice to see Kuroko's screaming in pain…" chuckled Aomine, "I know his weakness since I was the closest to him."
"So how are we going to kill him?" asked Kise, "Kurokocchi must die!"
The Takao!Bird flew high above and was horrified to hear this. He sensed Kuroko in a distant area of the city. Flying in that direction, he had to warn him!
Seirin Street Basketball Club
"BASTARD!" growled Shougo Haizaki as he tried to throw a punch at Kagami.
The red-black haired narrowly dodged his attack, grabbed him by the arm and threw him to the ground.
"How many times did I told you to stop that?" asked Kagami.
"That's enough Kagami!" shouted Teppei, "Haizaki! This isn't like you!"
"Yeah? Then why does Kagami get all the credit?!" growled Shougo, "It's like he's a Savior or something!?"
"I might be," smirked Kagami, "This team has been grateful because of my help in street ball! You on the other hand just take it like a joke!"
"Well I don't give a shit about basketball!" replied Shougo, "I'm just killing time!"
"Then get lost and kill time outside!" snarled Kagami, dragging him out of the door.
"Fuck you!" shouted Shougo as he tried to knock him down but Kagami slammed the door on him. He pounded on it before giving up and kicking at it and leaving. He wiped the nose from the blood and muttered revenge.
"Kagami," sighed Teppei, "Why did you had to do this? I know he's been such a douchebag but must you fight him?"
"I'm sorry," he answered.
"Never mind that," replied Junpei, "We get it that this neighbor isn't the safest but that attitude of yours won't get you anywhere. This is why you've been rejected from other teams despite your excellent skills!"
"I've decided! I'll take all these guys down and become the number one in Sportsbrooke!" said Kagami, "Basketball isn't just a sport to take so lightly…it's love and the passion of skill and the competition."
"That's a long-term goal there," replied Rinnosuke, "Can you really accomplish that?"
"I will," replied Kagami, "I want to bring us together…and become the team that the city needs!"
The doors slammed opened as a gust of wind blew inside with the leaves and petals flowing around from the outside.
"W-what the?!" they all gasped.
Moments Earlier
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" asked Takao.
"From what I was told…he's inside," said Kuroko, "I was told that I knew this guy for eons but I have no memory of him. However, if his skill can be of some value, we might be able to save my friends."
"Even Shin-chan?" he asked.
"Yes, Midorima too," nodded Kuroko.
Kuroko called upon his phantom abilities while Takao transformed back to his bird form as a gust of wind flew in at perfect timing at the door.
"W-who's there!?" asked Kagami, getting ready to fight.
"Tell me," echoed a voice, "How much do you love basketball?"
"The reason I like playing basketball is because I can compete with lots of strong opponents!" said Kagami, "Who are you!? Show yourself!"
"I am a supporting actor, a shadow. But a shadow will become darker if the light is stronger and it will make the white of the light stand out. As the shadow of the main actor, I will make you, the light, the number one in Sportsbrooke."
"Is this the heavens talking?" asked Teppei.
Seconds later, Kuroko stepped into the scene with the black bird hovering next to him. The guys stared at the shorter guy and his sky blue hair while the sunlight in the background shined from behind.
"W-who are you?!" asked Junpei.
"As I said, I am a supporting actor…" said Kuroko, "I am looking for 'The Savior'."
"W-what?!" gasped Kagami, "I…h-how…?"
"Sportsbrooke is under a terrible curse…everyone is fighting amongst each other," replied Kuroko, "Only the Savior alongside with me can bring them back."
"…and what does this have to do with basketball?" asked Kagami.
"We can become a team," said Kuroko, "And become the light to save this city. Or we can let it fall into ruins and the Dark One will return."
"D-Dark one!?" gasped Teppei and Junpei.
"Are you saying that 'he' exists?" asked Teppei.
"The Dark One has been waiting for eons…" answered Kuroko, "Since this world shattered into pieces, darkness has been waiting to strike again."
He turned to Kagami and said, "My friend here…this bird…Takao, told me that my friends were under the spell and they are threatening me to play a game of basketball against them or else they will destroy everything. So please…will you join me?"
"But…what kind of powers do you even have?" asked Kagami.
"…powers that even they are afraid of," smiled Kuroko.
"Wait a sec," began Junpei, "You can't be!"
"The GENERATION OF MIRACLES?!" gasped Kagami and Teppei.
"The descendants to the Generation of Marvels!" said Teppei, "They're reborn as Generation of Miracles! But…how…?"
"My teammates are endangered with the spell…I need you to join me as a team to get them back to the light…" explained Kuroko.
The Seirin crew watched as spirits of the Generation of Marvels appeared before them as ghosts. Toru Hanagata, Eiji Sawikita, Minori Kishimoto, Ryouta Miyagi, Kaede Rukawa and Nobunaga Kiyota all stood behind Kuroko with warm smiles on their faces.
"T-this…so the legend is true!" gasped Kagami, "All of you guys were killed during the mythical war and were brought back to life as descendants!"
"I don't remember much about my past life," said Kuroko, "But that doesn't matter. For now, we have a game to face off and friends to rescue."
"But…these people," replied Kagami, "What do I have to do with them?"
"I feel like we have a connection from the past," he answered, "But until then, we have to trust in our senses."
Kuroko exchanged his fist bump out and said, "I believe in you."
Kagami could feel a warm flow of energy entering his system; after a moments of hesitation, he shared the fist bump just as a vision showed him of two people from long ago doing the same exchange.
"Alright," replied Kagami, "I'll go. I did say that I will become the number one."
Momoi rushed through the city, looking for Riko. After seeing how dark Aomine treated her due to the curse, she was horrified beyond words.
She found her lying on the ground.
"RIKOOO!" she screamed, rushing up to her, "What happened!?"
"I was beaten by some random girls," she answered, "This is madness! Is everyone under the curse!?"
"Well I'm not…Aomine tried to seduce me thanks to this dark spell! Thankfully a few punches and kickig in the nuts bought me time to escape," said Momoi, "I know this isn't him but this magic is bringing out the worst in everyone."
"M-magic?" asked Riko.
"I've read a story about the Dark Curse…the one that destroyed Olympia Magna," she replied, "I never thought it would be this terrifying and real."
Riko barely got up on her feet and said, "We have to find Kuroko…maybe if we're lucky, he's immune to this."
The two turned to see a black raven flying down next to them.
"Such a pretty bird," said Momoi.
"Yeah I didn't think a bird would be close to us and looking as if…" began Riko.
Seconds later, the bird transformed into Takao, surprising both of them as if he scared them.
"EEHHHHH!?" the two gasped.
"Riko, M-Momoi!" said Takao, "I'm glad to have found you both alright!"
"Y-you're not affected?" asked Riko.
"Of course not, I managed to evade the curse," he said, "Anyway Kuroko is alive and he managed to find some people to join forces with."
"Join forces?" asked Riko.
"You mean a basketball team?" asked Momoi.
"How did you…?" began Takao.
"Aomine found me and was trying to be a creep. However, he said that he and the others were planning to have a revenge match against him for abandoning their friendship," she revealed.
"That's what I heard too!" he said, "But are they THAT SERIOUS!?"
"The spell…it's a relapse of the past…" she answered, "And who knows what it will do if we don't get everyone back!"
"What I don't understand is…" replied Riko, "How did you know about the Generation of Miracles? Were you at Teiko?"
"I was," he said, "I used to hang out with Midorima all the time. However, I am not from the same district as they are. I live an apartment just to the north of the metro with my folks."
"And do you play basketball too?" asked Momoi.
"Yeah, I was part of a local club until they defunct," he said, "By then, I learned I had powers of my own…the hawk eye…for example."
"Where's Tetsu-kun?" asked Riko.
"I've been here," said a voice.
The three turned to see Kuroko leading the group of the Seirin Street ball Club standing behind him. His jersey donned the #11 on it with Kagami as #10.
"J-Just like the legend," muttered Momoi, "Could it really be?!"
"I see you have formed an alliance after ditching us," hissed a group of voices.
Everyone turned to see the corrupted Generation of Miracles with sneering faces and shadow auras around them.
"This isn't like you! NONE OF IT!" shouted Kuroko.
"It was over 150,000 years ago," smirked Akashi, "Though I must admit, the one who became the guardian of the Zone Gate really had it in him."
"What makes you think you can surpass him!?" shouted Momoi.
"Shush now!" growled Aomine, unleashing a simple shadow blast that threw her across the scene. Kagami caught her at the last moment safely.
"Because we are so close to you Kurokocchi," said Kise, "We decided to arrange a deal."
"We want to challenge you and your weakling freaks to a match," continued Midorima, "It is clear that we will crush you before you can even try to save us."
"But since we feel so sorry for them, we'll give you one week to prepare your demise," said Akashi.
The Seirin guys grunted while Kuroko answered, "Impossible means nothing…we will not give up. Even if we must die…we will get you all back to the light!"
"I'll sacrifice myself any day, to protect everyone," agreed Teppei.
"Then let us see…when that day comes," chucked the corrupted GoM before they vanished into the shadows.
Present Day: Kagami's Loft, Sportsbrooke
The Day before the "Match"
"What a lonnnnng day," sighed Nagisa, licking his ice cream.
"Nagisa, how much are you going to eat today?" asked Rei.
"I'm an eating machine!" he chuckled.
"Well this is gonna be crazy tomorrow," said the megane, trying not to feel too nervous.
"I'm ready!" smirked Rin, "Well…even though it won't turn out to be a basketball game…I still look forward to playing one."
Makoto chuckled while Haruka kept silent. Alexa was already lying down on the bed, wondering if he will have the same dream again about the man.
"Mako-chan…did your powers come yet during today's practice?" asked Nagisa.
"…I don't think it did, I felt nothing," he said, getting up. Gaardus turned to him and followed him.
"Gaardus-chan?" asked Nagisa.
"I'm going for a walk," said Makoto.
"Let me go with you!" replied Alexa, getting up.
"…I kinda need to speak to Gaardus, alone," he answered, "I'm sorry. But it won't be long okay."
He smiled to his love and gave him a kiss on the forehead, "It'll be alright. Just keep your faith and your prayers strong."
The two rested by the Town Plaza not far from the statue of the goddess stood. They have been here now for almost a couple of weeks and already they were getting their heads into several mysteries.
"Makoto," said Gaardus, "I have kept it safe in here. Do you want it now?"
"No," replied Makoto, "I'm worried that if I do take it…the enemy might strike."
"Then I'll leave it in," answered the Phoenix, "But I'm worried about you as the others do. Out of everyone, you're hiding the most secrets all while you are smiling away."
"Everything began on that last day of the purification," he said, "I will never be able to love the man with me because he will soon die."
"Maybe we can still find a way," replied Gaardus, "You mustn't give up!"
"Not even this world could help me," he said, lowering his head down as he silently spilled a tear.
He took out the necklace that had the hour glass on it as the sands were still seeping down. Theagenes gave it to him as a timer to measure how much there is left before the Death Mark activates. To his surprise, there was still plenty at the top but it will soon began to decrease.
"However," he continued, "If this object is a key to our past…maybe it can be a way to help him."
"Possibly," agreed Gaardus, "Your body is strong and so is your heart. You love him and he loves you too. Maybe it's time you both go a bit further?"
He blushed and turned his head to the side while the phoenix chuckle.
"H-how could you say that?!" he gasped.
"Just saying," replied the bird, "You have to have some memories...both the mind, the heart, and the body."
Makoto lowered his eyes for a bit as he remembered that day...
Flashback: Dark Mirror
Alternate Universe: Wichita Metro, Outside of the Shadow Mafia Empire
Note: This scene is a "bonus, uncut" material from my prequel story: "Before it Begins". (Read Dark Mirror Episodes 1 – 3 if you haven't read it)
A group of men invaded the kingdom as they were screaming and attacking all of the citizens. A powerful prince panicked to see the sight as he was worried for his beloved partner and the other friends.
"ANTONIUS, HURRY AND FIND THE LEGENDARY SOLAR CRYSTAL!" screamed a voice.
Hotel Night Vision
Makoto woke up rapidly from the dream as he tried to make out what it was, "That person again?"
He and the others arrived in this land after another wrong turn which was a world ruled by the Shadow Mafia with its leader; Shadow Ryugazaki. The team had made alliances with the people here including an alternate Rin and Sousuke. However, they managed to get a place for the night at the hotel while trying to survive in this dangerous reality.
Makoto got up and walked to the window where he saw the "moon crystal" glowing low light; signaling it was nighttime back above ground. During the daytime, the moon crystal would brighten enough like the sun and would provide more visible light in the massive cavern.
He rested his hand over his heart, praying that he and the others will survive and reach Olympia soon. A few moments later, his Suiei necklace glowed much to his surprise. He turned to see Gaardus who was also stunned as well.
"M-Mako-chan…" said the bird softly while trying not to wake Alexa, "Your powers are ready!"
"T-this soon?!" he asked silently, "No…I'm not ready."
"Eh?" asked Gaardus.
"…Gaardus, I have decided; I'm going to wait before the others get their powers first. Once they have it, I will then call upon mines," said Makoto.
"But...we may need them for the final battle here in this world," replied the phoenix.
"I know," he smiled, "I believe in my teammates. I am sure one of them will have it too and we will triumph over the shadow mafia."
Makoto removed the necklace and handed it over asking, "Please keep this safe for me, okay?"
Gaardus looked at him with a concerning look but he didn't want to upset him, so with a nod, he opened its beak and sucked the necklace and its powers hidden inside.
"Thank you," said Makoto, "The time will come for me to use it…but until then…I must wait."
Present Day: Day 7, "Morning" of the Operation
The scheduled game was for 7:00 P.M. However the was to be a pre-game group up about 20 minutes before which required the players to attend. No one knew if Midorima was going to show up or not but all it said that it would be 6 on 6.
Rin looked at the newspaper while Rei and Nagisa watched the T.V. with Kagami as the broadcast of Good Morning Sportsbrooke was live.
One of the segments was a personal interview of Atsushi Murasakibara who was given questions about the demons as well as the visitors. (This was pre-recorded several days ago but was finally revealed to the megacity's audience)
Question: So tell us about how those demons were wreaking havoc? What did you see?
Murasakibara: I was basically seeing a rain of unrealistic creatures taking on the lives of the people. But then, I saw an amazing miracle before my eyes.
Q: Did this miracle had to do with the visitors that met with the Princess Goddess?
M: Probably, but the visitors had been told to keep silent. I wouldn't know.
Q: How about the rumors of tonight's big game? What do you think?
M: It'll be an interesting chapter to the story of Sportsbrooke.
Q: one of your fans asked you about your family business; how is it going?
M: There will be another bakery shop open in West Sportsbrooke later this year.
"Such a long interview," sighed the blonde, "What are we going to do?"
"Kisumi said to not practice today," replied Rei, "Perhaps we should try to investigate more?"
"I don't think that's a good idea," said Rin, "If Midorima is out there still, he might try to attack or unleash more demons?"
"Tai-chan, what do you think?" asked Nagisa, "About tonight? Are we going to be alright?"
"It's all going to work out," he answered, "We'll do our best to stop Midorima from fulfilling his plans."
"What I don't understand is this…" replied Rei, "You guys knew about Prince Julius? And the Legendary Solar Crystal?"
"Kuroko knew something about it…and told us after we saved the city. He thinks that if the Dark Curse is still in effect which it is; the powers from that crystal could perhaps finally wipe out the darkness in Midorima," he explained, "But I don't know if the crystal still exists."
"Well that's what Aomine and Kise told me," said the megane, "I've overheard their conversation one day and I asked them what they knew. Ah well…another dead end."
Rei took out the book and looked at the pages again, studying the images as he somehow recognized that big blast of light just like Alexa back in the other realm with the battle against the Shadow Mafia.
Kagami heard a knock on the door. He got up and walked over to see Kiyoshi, Junpei, and the other Seirin members.
"Y-you guys…what's going on?" he asked.
"We decided to give you all out support for tonight!" said Rinnosuke Mitobe.
"Yeah in case if something happens, we'll be there!" smiled Shinji Koganei.
"So is it true?!" asked Rinosuke, "They really do possess that magic?"
"Rumors really do travel around," sighed Kagami, "Yes they do. They're here to help solve the case of the demons and now tonight is going to be very important for the sake of the city."
"We'll try to reach out to other players and see if our powers can be used to trap Midorima down," said Junpei.
"Who's there Kagami?" asked Makoto.
"We got allies and supporters," he replied, "They'll help us out tonight for the Operation."
Nagisa walked over to see and was happy to meet more people. The others joined up and they exchanged introductions to each other.
Finally Kagami's headset went off, after a few moments of listening to the message, he turned to everyone and said, "We have to go now, to the Miracle Palace."
Kuroko and the other GoMs waited for the others to show up. It has already been a week since training and Midorima was still not found. Already most of the city was under a lock down with extra security even though many of the people wanted to go to the "Special Game" tonight.
Once the Magic Six and their allies arrived, Kise smiled and waved while Aomine, Murasakibara and Akashi joined up to them.
"How are you guys feeling?" asked Akashi.
"A bit nervous," said Rei, "Obviously our skill in this sport is very unbeautiful."
"Don't worry about it," replied Aomine, "We won't have the game being played but we will try to make it seem like it is."
"Then what are we going to do?" asked Rin.
"We have set up a trap for Midorima should he show up," said Akashi, "We got allies and agents across the town and we have magical barriers that will protect the innocent lives."
"And the town borderline?" asked Makoto.
"Still up and running," said Kise, "Those external shields keep the city from outside intruders ever since anyone could remember. However, they were modified over the last year thanks to Kagami."
Kuroko walked in as he used the Naismith Crystal Rod to create six jerseys for the Magic Six:
Tachibana - #11
Marotta - #1
Nanase - #6
Matsuoka - #2
Hazuki - #8
Ryugazaki - #12
The outfits themselves were primarily in yellow and white with blue kanji/writing.
"Wow!" said Nagisa.
"These actually don't look too bad," agreed Rei.
"This is our gift to you…take it as a souvenir," smiled Kuroko, "You'll be wearing this tonight as well until we fight."
"We'll have a real basketball match someday," said Akashi, "So be sure to keep these safe. The materials are made from the purest cotton and fabrics made from the plants."
"Thanks so much!" smiled Makoto, "We'll keep these as treasures!"
"I do have one thing to say," said Haruka, looking at Kuroko, "Princess…we are swimmers from our land and we do appreciate learning new things. However, is there anything we can do to bring swimming back?"
Kuroko smiled and said, "We are doing our best to bring the sport back. However, the water supply in this world is very scarce but I am sure your water magic can at least bring some nice pools for everyone to try."
The Magic Six gasped and smiled, almost feeling like as if everything about their lives were bringing back to life.
"THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANKS SO MUCH!" cheered Nagisa as he glomped on him for a hug.
"However," said Kise, "It will be very difficult to convince the rest of the city. There are people in town that are probably going to protest about this and bring more chaos."
"I'm sure they will at least try to understand," replied Rei, "We never want to bring fear or danger to anyone."
"Help us tonight…save Midorima," agreed Kuroko, "And we'll do our best to spread the word about swimming and to make it legal."
"DEAL!" said the Magic Six.
Hours Later: Evening, Forest Hills
Black Kurorima opened up a set of boxes that had outfits he kept after using the orb to control Theagenes. He took out a long, black leathered jacket, a pair of black gloves with green emeralds on the knuckles.
He took out a pair of shady glasses with streaks of electric design on the frames. Once he was done, he looked at himself in the mirror and smiled, knowing that it was time to destroy a basketball game and take down his brother.
The Sportsbrooke Naismith Basketball Arena
In the heart of Sportsbrooke Metro were a set of different stadiums; one of which is a basketball court with plenty of seats, stores, vendors, suites, and other fancy things. However, in fear of a massacre, the city managed to convince most of the population to stay at home to watch the game though several hundred tried to get in regardless.
The Magic Six changed into their outfits and reminded each other on their positions with Kisumi.
Momoi and Riko checked on the Generations of Miracles and realized that due to Midorima's darkness, there were only five of them left. Kagami volunteered to play but an idea struck Kuroko, saying that if five vs five would work, it may bring attention to Midorima's deal and hopefully they can set the trap to function.
Makoto decided to bench out for the first round while the others nodded and were ready to make this game a ruse.
"Is Mako-chan going to be okay?" asked Nagisa as they stepped onto court while the audience roared with excitement.
"We'll have to keep our faith and trust for him and for each other," said Rei.
The five stared at Kuroko, Kise, Murasakibara, Aomine, and Akashi as Rin and Akashi took their positions to start at the tip off.
High above, Gaardus turned his head, hoping to see Makoto on the bench but saw that he was absent. Horrified, he used his detection powers to see if he was around.
He's still in the lockers, thought Gaardus.
"Ready…" began the referee.
At the moment the ball was thrown up, a blast of shadow energy struck, exploding into charcoal. The audience gasped and cried out in fear as a blast of wind shook through the stadium.
Rin, Akashi, and the others turned to see Black Kurorima standing by the end of the court with a shadowy smirk on his face. He walked his way down to the center of the court while the security tried to grab him. However, he blasted them away and pinned them down with shadow tentacles.
"I thought I asked for a game of six on six," said Black Kurorima, "Why didn't Kagami volunteered? And most of all…where is he?"
"Who?" asked Akashi, trying to act stupid about this.
"Don't be playing the innocent card one me Akashi," he hissed, "My brother…where IS…HE?!"
Everyone remained silent while several people in the audience quietly fled for their lives. Black Kurorima smirked and sealed off the exits with shadow.
"No one is going anywhere until Makoto makes his appearance. And if he does not appear in five minutes…" said Black Kurorima, waving the orb to summon Theagenes.
"I'm going to let the Dark Magician off his leash."
Gaardus managed to get into the locker rooms while Makoto was feeling horrified and scared about all of this. The Phoenix realized that all of this fighting was bringing him back memories from the past when he failed to protect Alexa.
"Makoto," said the bird, "Why do you keep dwelling on this?"
"…I…I…I can't do it!" he replied, "I don't have my powers because I gave it to you for safe keeping and without them…I won't be able to fight with them!"
"But you're afraid that Midorima might do something to your powers?" asked the bird.
"…yes," he answered, "I don't know what to do!"
Gaardus flapped its wings and unleashed a blast of magic striking on the bench. Once the light vanished, a tall, narrow vase stood.
"W-what is that?" he asked.
"Someone gave it to me long ago…" said Gaardus, "This vase has powerful magic and it can function without your Suiei Powers for a bit. All you have to do is pour some water inside and it will transform into whatever your mind thinks about. Then once you throw the contents out, it will do as you bid."
"It won't save Alexa though, won't it?" asked Makoto.
"…it will help you in this fight," replied Gaardus, "I'm sorry…but I do not know how to get rid of the Death Mark."
"Then why?" he asked, "What am I supposed to be fighting for!?"
Makoto started to tear up and said, "It hurts me whenever I see Rin and Haru-chan and Nagisa and Rei being so happily together! It won't ever be the same for me and Alexa even if he does love me in return!"
Moments later, he and Gaardus could hear some of the people screaming in fear. His eyes widened and he got up on his feet.
"Makoto," said Gaardus, "Don't give up. Even if the time is limited. I will do my best to find the treatment. You know that I will do whatever I can in my power."
Makoto nodded and grabbed the vase, heading out to the action.
Back on court…
"Times up," said Black Kurorima, "Who do you want to kill first Theagenes?"
Before the mastermind could answer, Alexa walked up and replied, "He's not killing anyone. If you want to fight someone, fight me Shintarou."
"Sorry, but I don't go easy on amateurs," he answered with a snarl.
"I'm not an amateur, I'm the Suiei God of Destiny," replied Alexa.
"Hmmm, sounds like one needs to know of what his final destiny is," he smirked, gesturing to Theagenes to act against his will.
Theagenes pushed out his magic, throwing Alexa down as Rin and Rei barely caught him before they all hit the ground. Kagami got up and readied his powers but Black Midorima used his magic to froze him and the other GoMs in place for a few moments.
The trio got up while Black Kurorima walked around saying, "Anyone else want to give it a go!?"
"I do," said a familiar voice.
Everyone turned and gasped as Makoto walked into the scene with a not so warm/welcoming face, looking straight at the basketball megane and saying, "Didn't anyone tell you? Green…is MY color!"
Black Kurorima giggled and replied, "But it looks so much better on me."
Makoto stared at him, not taking a single shit as the elder brother said, "I was beginning to think you weren't going to show up."
"I couldn't let my brother to go that off easily," he said.
"Ohhhhh," he smirked, walking closer around him, "So you finally accepted me into the family?"
"I've accepted that we shared a mother yes," replied Makoto, "But I still have one question."
Makoto stared at him darkly and asked, "What the hell did I ever do to you?"
"Isn't it obvious?" replied Black Kurorima quietly, "You were born…"
Seconds later, Makoto struck him across the face, causing his lip to bleed a little. He chuckled and touched the blood off. However the slap distracted his concentration of the magic and freed the GoMs from being frozen.
"I've been waiting to do that…ALL DAY," growled Makoto.
"Your mother can't save you this time," he chuckled.
The audience watched with great worry as the two half-brothers stared at each other for a showdown. What was once a simple basketball match turned out to be a soap-opera drama of some sort...exactly as it was going so far in "Operation Phantom".
"She should've chosen me," growled Black Kurorima.
"Who?" asked Makoto.
"Mother!" he replied, getting a bit angry.
"That's what this is all about?" smirked Makoto, "You're 'jealous' of me?"
Makoto splashed out an acid fluid from his vase towards him but the megane redirecting the attack towards the audience. The people scrambled out of the way as the splash burned through the ground.
"You still don't realize what you have, didn't you? You never did," hissed Black Kurorima, walking in circles with Makoto while pushing up his glasses, "You had everything that I ever wanted AND YOU DIDN'T EVEN DESERVE IT! But I'm going to take IT ALL FROM YOU!"
He used his skill for making long shots by using his telekinesis to throw Makoto down across the court, crashing him to the seats.
"MAKOTO!" screamed Rin, Haruka, Alexa and Rei.
"MAKO-CHAANN!" shouted Nagisa.
Makoto's anger fueled up and to their surprise, he got back up as if he didn't suffer any damages in his body. Once he stepped back on court, his eyes were fixed on him as he readied his vase to unleash a splash of gasoline benzene but the half-brother saw his plan so he snapped his fingers as the gasoline turned into fire before dissipating. Makoto gasped at this and the older half-brother used his magic to choke him in the air.
"You can't beat me, little bro," smirked Black Kurorima, "Everything that you've learned in that vase…I've already analyzed it and know how to counteract it."
He threw Makoto again but this time at the observation box where the announcer narrates the game. Makoto crashed through the glass and spat out some blood while he appeared moments later with a look on his face; a hungry wolf.
"Well what are you waiting for? Kill me!" growled Makoto.
"I never said I wanted to kill you…I said I wanted to destroy you," answered Black Kurorima, "And to do that…I'll need your Suiei heart!"
Makoto remained silent as the elder half-brother stabbed through his body to find the magic inside but gasped in shocked and moved back in disbelief.
"WHERE IS IT?!" he shouted.
"Our mother taught me one thing," said Makoto, narrowing his eyes, "Never bring your heart to a basketbrawl. Something you know if she haven't…abandoned you…"
Makoto used his powers to push him back as the megane was a bit in a state of shock. He felt really insulted and growled back, "You haven't won Makoto…I will get your powers…I WILL GET EVERYTHING YOU EVER HAD!"
He summoned up his dark wings as Makoto smiled, "Not today…"
Black Kurorima growled and teleported away into the dark green mist. The shadows that blocked the exits dissolved away as more people evacuated the place in horror and the police forces managed to get them to safety and bringing everyone out.
Meanwhile, the others arrived at the observation box to get Makoto back on his feet.
"MAKO-CHAN!" shouted Nagisa.
"MAKOTO!" cried Alexa, hugging him.
"Are you alright?!" asked Rin.
"I'm still alive, aren't I?" replied Makoto.
"Theagenes disappeared," said Kuroko, "We thought he would…"
"Kill me? No, hardly…it turns out that he was after my Suiei Necklace," revealed Makoto.
"EEHHHH!?" gasped the others.
"But if your powers didn't activated…" said Rei, "How did he…?"
Makoto looked down at his chest before he looked at them and said, "Actually…not exactly."
"What are you talking about?" asked Haruka.
After a moment silence, Makoto got on his feet and looked at Gaardus for a sec before turning to the others, saying, "I actually have my Suiei Powers."
The others dropped their jaws in shock and stared at Gaardus as the Magic Six were dying to know the truth.
"I kept it hidden inside of Gaardus."
"W-WHEN!?" asked Rei, "How long did you had your powers for?!"
"…back when we were in the world of the Shadow Mafia," he answered.
"W-wait a sec, you mean…?" began Rin.
"Yes, the same world where Shadow Ryugazaki ruled the realm," said Makoto, "My powers turned up after I had a strange dream. However, I was warned by my mother while she was alive. She told me that if my powers were too premature, she instructed me to hide them through Gaardus until the time was needed. Now I understood why; mother foresaw this fight and wanted to make sure I still had my powers safe."
Rin whistled while Nagisa and Haruka gasped at this. Alexa hugged Makoto again as he was relieved to hear this.
"Your mother foresaw this dream from long ago?" asked Rei.
"Yes," he nodded, "I didn't understood her back then…but now I do. But what I don't understand though still…did she really abandoned him? Something must have happened and I really don't know what still. The letter that she wrote said that he and I were brothers but I don't know how he was separated from her."
"Well now that the fight is over, can you call upon it?" asked Rin.
Makoto shook his head and answered, "I cannot risk it now. Black Kurorima will definitely try to steal it."
"But he'll be after Gaardus though," replied Nagisa.
"It's alright," said Makoto, "For now we are safe."
Quick Flashback: 2 Years Ago – Graduation from Teikou High
"Hey Shin-chan!" smiled Takao, "Let's keep a promise."
"A…promise?" asked Midorima.
"Yeah, I can't believe we are graduating but…things have been hectic lately," he replied, "Listen…I want to keep a promise…to stay friends forever, no matter what happens. You and your team were outstanding in the finals and now we're like moving on…"
Midorima smiled as he noticed some tears from Takao, replying, "I promise. Sorry for acting a bit tense as of late. I've been doing some research on my family and I found a few unpleasant clues but hopefully the truth will come out soon."
"Then let me upgrade that promise," said Takao, "That no matter what you find; don't get upset or stressed about it. Everything you have…is all here now."
"That…will be a tough one," replied Midorima, "But…I will do my best."
~Episode 8 END~
~Episode 9 PV~
Black Kurorima: *growls* I am the darkness of Chaos! I am Black Kurorima! I will kill Makoto and his family! I am no longer the Shin-chan that everyone knows me for!
Shintarou Midorima: *softer voice* But wait…why am I all alone? Wait a sec…this feeling…of losing someone…why does it flow into my heart so fast?! Why can't I STOP CRYING!?
Alexa: Next Time, Free! Episode 9: Operation Phantom – Part 2: Awakening of Vorpal Swords! Hang in there, I know this isn't who you are!