~07 Fr: Senshi vs. Senshi III
Planet Duniya
Team A: Iwamara
At last, the three Marotta half-sisters, Anastasia, and her fiancée arrived in town as Alex and Kyle were wrapping up their first meditating session with Masaki and Minato at the Mizu Temple. It was an introductory course of 10 minutes followed by intensive mind build-up to block out the dark intrusions.
When the duo arrived in the city, they saw the girls by the main town square at the fountain. They all embraced a happy reunion.
"I'm so glad you're all okay!" Alex said.
"Me too dad!" Anastasia answered, "We all sensed something awful the last few days!"
"Some great evil has come to this planet," Roxana replied, "We all felt it from the stars."
"A lot has happened yes," Alex continued, "There's a false group of Suiei Senshi…taking on disguises of some sort. They have killed off the Takagami Senshi so far."
"W-WHAT!?" Anastasia and the half-sisters gasped.
"They are after your power, isn't it?" Roxana narrowed her eyes.
"…More than likely," he sighed, "This enemy has dated back to well…a different era of myself and of course my hubby."
"A long time of grudge and malice has certainly made its way," Roxana said, "We have received word of the emergency from Governor Amakata and we're going to contribute to help making these…'celestial shields'."
"Is it just you guys or…?" Laura asked.
"The STYLE FIVE, as well as three new allies are with us," Kyle explained, "Rather those three were old comrades to Alex, but they have also become Swimming Guardians."
"In addition, we are getting our minds shielded by a pair of awesome archers who also work for a temple of peace from Neo Sportsbrooke," Alex added, "Even now I feel a little better from the training."
"Who is this enemy to be exact?" Anastasia asked.
"He goes as far back as Ancient Persian's Achaemenian Empire…Memnon," he revealed.
"Memnon of Rhodes, he's real?!" Maya asked.
"Well, someone has paid attention to history," Kyle shrugged.
"Memnon is after me because of what I did to his brother," Alex continued, lowering his head in guilt, "His brother…tried to tempt with fate and darkness…and became an Elder Bairn. He almost ate Memnon but…"
Kyle rested his hand on Alex's hand and added, "You were doing what you had to do. The darkness has twisted Memnon's understanding."
The girls kept quiet upon realizing what happened but with a nod, Roxana turned to the duo, "Neither of this was your fault. You both have overcome a lot of challenges."
"I just want to stop all this fighting," Alex sighed, "Why do we have to keep on having these wars? Why are we so doomed to have conflict after any form of peace we get?"
"Sometimes, conflicts exist to remind ourselves," a voice answered, "The physical universe is always evolving with the changes of Cosmos and Chaos. It's how life and evolution come forth."
Everyone turned to see Artemis now donned in his Suiei Oceania attire as he continued, "I'm sorry I have not been much help. The Shadow Achaemenian Empire is indeed a dangerous organization…I'm sure my twin Apollo has gone over there with the increased powers of Chaos."
"It's been bad Artemis," Alex said, "T-The Takagami…"
"I am aware, I felt their stars being burnt out," he nodded, "But alas, things are going to get worse from here. All of you need to be on your guard."
"Let's all secure ourselves at the Iwamara Swim World for now," Kyle suggested, "Tomorrow morning, we'll begin from here."
As they all gathered forth at the resting suites at the ISW, the girls decided to borrow the Takagami Suite for the time being while the Magic Six, Kyle, Artemis, and the Macedonia Trio tried to reflect a lot on what had happened.
"The way those evil doers took out our friends' crystals," Nagisa muttered.
"Just where the heck could they have gone to?" Makoto rested his fist beneath his chin.
"There must be a way to locate them," Rin said.
Alex rested his head on Kyle's shoulder, feeling a bit sleepy from all the stress. His husband gently clutched him around his arm for warmth.
"He seems tired," Haruka said, noticing him.
"I'll get him to bed," Kyle replied, assisting Alex to the destination.
"We need to inform the Mizu Gods," Rei said, "I'm sure they sensed it, but we are going to need their help more than ever."
"You five go on ahead," Kotetsu replied, "We'll stay and guard the prince and his spouse."
"It's kinda late," Makoto shrugged, "We don't know if our enemies are even out here."
"Probably best to go in the morning," Albert nodded.
"Either way, we'll stay in this room," Kotetsu said, "Since we're all stressed out about all this."
"Kyle…can you let the girls know we'll be over at Dodo's tomorrow?" Alex asked before finally dozing off. He nodded and complied.
Another Dream…
Alex woke up to see himself floating in some dark, massive, open-air hall as the pillars and floor were giving off an arctic atmosphere. For a moment he thought he saw six colored crystals that resembled the Takagami senshi but they looked more like stars drifting towards a lit-up room.
However, his floating body arrived at the destination, and everything looked dark and ominous like a massive black hole with the sound of water all around.
Wait, I remember this from the other nightmare, he thought, where I heard all these multiple voices! But…where am I? What's going on here?
"Ignite the flame…of the heart, for the future…to start."
Sunrise
"Eh?" Alex woke up after hearing that phrase. He noticed Kyle was resting his head onto his chest while sleeping on a chair.
Everyone else was asleep but it didn't stop Alex from getting up and waking Kyle up.
"You're not going to bother the others?" Kyle yawned.
"I'm just going to wash up," he shrugged, "We got a lot to do to protect the ones we love."
Mizu Temple
After taking a night's rest at a nearby inn, Masaki and Minato finally located the famous Mizu Temple as the latter brought flowers and the former holding a set of protection talisman paper messages.
"Do you think this is a good idea, coming here without any of them?" Minato asked.
"It's not much but at least we can offer our respects," Masaki said.
Minato nodded as they placed the flowers at the center of the altar table while Masaki placed each sheet at the statues.
"Interesting…I remember being told about only six statues," Masaki noted as he saw three more in place, "There are nine of them…"
Minato looked at the statues with such a fascinating look on his face. The place was mysterious, yet it was calm and reassuring. It gave him some sense of hope that there would be peace and prosperity for all.
"Now then, I think it's best we get our own rest," Masaki said after placing the last talisman sheet at the statue of Mizu Marotta, "And be ready."
Dodo's Lynhaven
The Magic Six along with the girls, Artemis and Kyle arrived at the restaurant early enough to contact the rest of Alex's family. Dodecadron opened up to them, noting the urgency for the family.
After leading them to the upper part of the place, Alex reunited with the parents and his brother with a sigh of relief, "I'm so glad you're all okay!"
"Same with you," Sergi answered, "I'm afraid things are getting worse, however."
"How so?" Kyle asked.
Sergi revealed the book to them as it showed the recent events that happened in Neo Sportsbrooke with the Takagami senshi being killed off followed by another shocking event happening…
"This was another city called Neo Tabuk," Sergi explained, "However, it appears that the threat already destroyed much of the city, forcing the inhabitants out."
Roxana was quiet about this as she knew that he was right, the last several days were rough and stressful.
"We're certainly running out of time," Rin said, "If we are going to add any barriers across the planet."
"I just hope the others are alright too," Makoto added, "We haven't heard from Sousuke or Nao."
Haruka's phone vibrated a bit, prompting him to answer to see a handful of text messages. His eyes widened a little.
"What's wrong?" Nagisa looked at him.
"Neo Tabuk wasn't the only city targeted…" he said, showing the pics of the land around Chirottori also blown to waste.
"Oh my god," Anastasia gasped to her horror.
"Dammit," Dodecadron growled, clutching his fist.
"I might be able to help with some of the barriers," Artemis answered, "The hard part is to pinpoint the locations of where the others are at precisely. Without the Chaomos Crystal, it will be a process."
"We'll do whatever it takes," Rei said.
Team C: Chirottori
The Samezuka Trio along with Asahi, Ikuya, Aoba, and Hiyori woke up after using one of the least damaged shelters to hide in as a place to rest. They were greeted by a few of the surviving fairies.
"Please leave," one of them said, "This land is not safe for anyone."
"We don't know what exactly happened here," Asahi answered, "Aside from the fact that this territory was under attack."
"Are the king and queen safe?" Ikuya asked.
The one fairy looked at the other with a sadden, concerned look on their faces. With a nod, they called forth their other friends to come in as a well-armored Manotaur with a pair of Chiropteran wings arrived.
"There is a way in," the guard said, "But I warn you, it will not be pretty. The castle has been besieged and a chunk of the structure is unstable."
"Aoba, when we get in there…" Sousuke said.
"I know," he nodded, "I'll find something that I can speak to."
With this, they followed the guard out through the gray-sepia toned landscape as the forests around were still burning some small fires and charred to dust. Momo almost considered using his magic to douse the flames, but Ai kept his hand down, hinting to stay hidden unless absolutely necessary.
Finally, the group arrived at the east entrance of the Chirottori fortress as sure enough, a large portion of it was destroyed and opened air with many rooms exposed and broken. With this, the senshi decided to use some of their abilities to levitate around the area for a better look.
"This place is really freaking me out a little," Momo muttered.
"We won't be here for too long," Ai reassured him.
Aoba found a central spot of the castle and placed both of his palms on the ground, hoping to call forth the water here to see if it will show something…
Hiyori took a moment to use his x-ray vision for data collecting and finding any potential survivors left while Asahi and Ikuya guarded Aoba for safety measures. Sousuke found a bizarre map pinned to the wall. The designs and the locations prompted him to take photos and send them to the others (if any reception could make it here).
Aoba closed his eyes to focus harder when finally….
"Honey, do you think the meteor showers are a bad omen?" Janella's voice could be heard, "What about Stellaluna?"
"Then we'll send a guard out to find her. She should've arrived in Neo Sportsbrooke already…" Goliath said.
"The committee said that she hasn't been found anywhere but yet the press hasn't…" Janella said when they both heard a loud explosion shaking the entire castle.
"A-Aoba!?" Momo gasped as he saw the blond struggling at the vision of chaos.
"M-Momo, wait!" Ai followed him.
Aoba's eyes widened as he saw an armored warrior figure standing in the middle of the hall against a whole army of Mullerians and fairies and such. With one swoop of his arms, the enemy unfurled several ring blasts of energy, striking everyone down.
Only a few of the members, along with the King and Queen had a magical crystal emerging out of their bodies. With a snatch, Memnon laughs as he declares his war campaign to this planet before sending another group of Shadow Guardians after Ainosuke, Tadashi, and the Chivashi. However, upon realizing that they were let go…
Aoba sees Memnon confronting the one Shadow Guardian who tried to explain the reasoning behind that specific attack from the other day.
"Sir! They are not the ones you're hunting down. Their crystals are not…"
"YOU COME BACK HERE TO SHAMELESSLY DISGRACE YOURSELF BECAUSE YOU DID NOT COMPLY!?"
"K-King!" the guardian gasped out, "They are not the warriors with the true heart crystals! Their magic is inferior! Even after when I encountered…"
With a shrug, Memnon got up and raised his hand, silencing this person. He calmly answered, "You are true about that. However, there are two things in life that I see…a warrior…and a trash. Those who kill, and those who get killed. And that's the same reason why trash like you will NEVER become a star!"
He points his finger at the incompetent guardian with a red glow of darkness radiating out of him to his servant. The senshi cried out in terror, begging for mercy but it was too late. Moments after, the dog tag necklace falls off while the being melted to dust and energy.
"What trash you were, Suiei Toi Cancri," Memnon muttered as he brushed his hand through the ash, "It's no wonder you were short-lived. A fungus can be eliminated."
Aoba's eyes flashed back to reality as he couldn't believe what he had witnessed. Asahi and Ikuya along with the Samezuka trio got him to relax a little from the disturbing scenes.
"This is a trap," Aoba said, "We have to hurry. They've been here…those false guardians."
"Is this barrier project not going to even be happening?" Asahi asked.
"At this rate, it might be pointless," Ikuya said, "But given by the recent findings, we have to let the others know."
Sousuke was about to say something when that same orange-red and black energy loomed behind them.
"RHINCONDON GLAIVE…SURPRISEEEEE!" Sousuke twirled his glaive with a background of aqua, sea green, and hints of dark blue and silver stars. He fired his burst of energy at Memnon's attack. It was quite a struggle as the powers were locked in a stalemate.
"SOUSUKE!" Ai and Momo gasped.
"GO! GET OUT!" he shouted.
"I'm not leaving until we stop this!" Momo answered back.
Ai spun with his Multi-faced Mirror, jumping in a sky-blue background with glittering stars around as he chanted, "SHIMOGAMIIIII, REFLECTIVE TIDEEEEEEEEEE!"
Momo readied his hands, one glowing in orange-yellow energy and the other in sea-blue and white, shouting, "RUMBLINNNGGGGG SEA DISTURBANCEEEEEEEEE!"
The three powers swirled together to repel the attack. It seemed at first the enemy was losing, giving them a sense of hope to finally end this. However, Hiyori's x-ray vision gasped in realization as the "enemy" was somehow not showing up on the radar. Almost as if…
An illusion, Hiyori thought before shouting, "GUYS! THAT'S NOT THE REAL ENEMY! CEASE FIRE!"
But it was too late, three bursts of spheroid-like attacks descended down from the skies rapidly, striking Sousuke, Momo, and Aiichirou.
Mizu Temple
As the Nine Mizu Gods assembled for another meeting on regarding the tragic loss of their allies, Yamazaki, Nitori, and Mikoshiba gasped in pain.
"G-GUYS!?" Hazuki cried out.
The three of them sensed their human hosts breaking apart from the attack from the Shadow Achaemenian Guardians. Moments later, their bodies began to dissolve back into the water.
"I-it's over…" Yamazaki breathed.
"NO! EVERYONE HANG ON!" Tachibana shouted as the others tried to use a bit of their water molecules to hold them on.
"T-the Greatest Light…save us…" Nitori breathed as he turned his head to Mikoshiba.
"Yes…we have to b-believe…" he breathed.
"STOP!" Marotta cried out as he also used his own force to preserve them, but it was no use.
"Let us go…" Yamazaki smiled sadly, "Or else you'll be drained too."
Marotta lowered his head as he could only imagine the agony his human self was facing. The other gods watched sadly as their allies smiled with hope before they fully dispersed back into water and merged into the sacred lake.
Back in Chirottori
Their bodies were then turning to dust as Asahi, Ikuya, Aoba and Hiyori gasped to their horror as the Heart Crystals were now floating above their bodies.
"G-Go…" Sousuke warned them.
"We'll be f-fine…" Ai smiled, "Don't forget us…"
"Aoba…I-I love you…" Momo added.
Aoba wanted to cry but a tug from Hiyori and Ikuya prevented him. Asahi's face was also making a silent tear with these three taking the hit. With no time to waste, the four fled from the area as Aoba's face was now twitching badly for losing not just a competitor…but also his lover…
"I swear, I'll avenge our friends!" Aoba grumbled with a fist clenched.
Iwamara
Rin's body jerked suddenly as his heart ached horribly, clutching his own chest in stress. He heard a voice of panic from his Mizu God, stating that some more stars were gone out. Moments later, the other senshi felt a great sense of pain in their chests as Alex's crystal flashed everyone to the nightmare before their eyes.
They saw the team being ambushed in Chirottori as Memnon crafted this 'illusionary' reflection to trick the group and finally having three mysterious beings kill Sousuke, Momo, and Ai. Alex's eyes turned blank upon the horror, falling down in a semi-comatose state.
"P-Prince!" Kotetsu cried out.
"What the hell just happened?!" Kaede asked.
"Sousuke…Momo…A-Ai…" Rin's face finally flooded with tears.
"Rin-chan," Nagisa hugs him with Rei as they too were tearing up.
Makoto, Haruka, and Kyle assisted on Alex's wellbeing while Albert nodded to Artemis, Kotetsu, and Kaede to send alerts to the others in Neo Sportsbrooke.
Team B: Neo Sportsbrooke
The main 8 skaters joined forces together as they could all feel this looming darkness making its way to the planet. Since the encounter with the senshi and the weird centaurs stampede, they were able to hide themselves at the S 2.0 park before taking chances to make the next move.
"There's only one thing that might help give us clues," Ainosuke said as they all skated towards their destination.
"What would that be?" Shadow asked.
"If this place even still existed…" Tadashi muttered.
"It has to be," Ainosuke said, "I'm sure the magic has to have kept the library safe."
"This library…was it from the old office?" Cherry asked.
"Yes," he revealed, "There might be some more clues in there about the Final Reckoning and maybe…a possible location for Chaos."
"C-Chaos?" Joe gasped.
"Heh, I guess even such philosophical entity has to be in some slime," Miya grunted.
"This isn't funny," Reki said.
"How do we even stop Chaos?" Langa asked.
"Our powers alone aren't enough," Ainosuke said as they finally arrived at the government office, "But…only the Greatest Light might. You saw when I spoke to Suiei Marotta. His shine, his aura goes beyond the normal limits."
After getting a request by security to meet with Miho, they arrived at the office. She was also talking to Kriko from the recent attacks on Chirottori which surprised Ainosuke for a moment.
"M-Mother?" Ainosuke gasped.
She turned to her son, "Oh my goodness! How did you managed to survive all this?!"
"The same could be asked with you," he narrowed his eyes, "What happened?!"
"…Chirottori is no more," she revealed, "Our enemies are expanding their attacks to other nations."
"We have come here to find the old library of my fathers," Ainosuke said, "There has to be some clues about the Final Reckoning and Chaos. I read it once long ago."
With a nod, Miho got up and grabbed a candle on a metallic handle as they proceeded through some darken hallways before finally opening an old door that led to a preserved room of the Shindo's office with the library in it.
"I'm surprised the two kings even allowed this to be preserved," Cherry muttered.
"Magic has a way of talking to each other," Tadashi shrugged.
Everyone grabbed a set of books to try to find the one Ainosuke was talking about. After about a half hour or so, Tadashi happened to find a page which looked like…
"Yes…" Ainosuke breathed, "This…is it! The location of Chaos and Cosmos first erupted from."
"These pictures look odd, almost like a surrealist painting," Tadashi replied.
"To be clear, I think the mysteries of the universe aren't always quite so obvious," Cherry shrugged.
"Is it just me or did this room get warm?" Miya started to fan himself with one of the thinner books.
"No…something is wrong," Langa's eyes widened, "We're being watched."
"Dammit," Shadow growled.
"Keep your guard up!" Joe shouted.
Langa closed his eyes and tried to use his powers to cool the room down, but it was almost as if…
"Langa, it's getting worse!" Reki gasped.
"We need to get out of here!" Kriko gasped.
Miho approached the door while trying to keep her composure but found that it was locked.
"That does it!" Shadow growled, "Stand back!"
He threw his little bomb-like poppers as a small explosion did cause the door to weaken but the room was getting hotter and hotter. Langa tried to use his powers in finding another way to cool off the air.
Moments later, the door finally broke open as Cherry's eyes widened in shock.
"C-Carla?! Celene?!" he gasped.
"Hurry! Let's go!" Carla shouted.
The group escaped with the two girls before realizing that the rest of the building was also starting to feel warm likewise. No doubt this had to be an enemy's attack. Cherry was very impressed and amazed that Carla and Celene were able to find him and everyone in this time of crisis.
"You definitely outdid your parents for sure," Joe rested his arm around his partner, "I'm sure they'd be proud of you."
"We have to evacuate out now," Miho said, "Neo Sportsbrooke isn't safe anymore."
The others were feeling crestfallen about this. However…
"I'm staying to fight," Langa said.
"Me too," Reki agreed.
"The Swimming Guardians have done all what they could to help us," Miya said, "We owe that to them."
"Even with your current powers…" Kriko began.
"We'll help them out. They won't be the ones fighting alone," a voice said.
Everyone turned to see a small group of the archery folks along with the soccer guys. With a nod, the skater folks greeted them in this unique meeting while Miho and Kriko nodded. Tadashi was able to keep the page from the book as he vowed to send this to the Swimming Guardians.
"Then fight to protect our home," Miho blessed them, "We will evacuate in the meantime and help the citizens who are unable to fight back."
On the other end of the city, the Suizei Quintet along with Natsuya and Nao were continuing to assist people on evacuation. During downtime, the latter two decided to get some more information about these five guardians and their prince.
"Seeing you guys are swimmers and Swimming Guardians," Natsuya said, "I got a little question for you."
"Um, sure?" Kazuki shrugged.
"Who has been your coach?" he asked.
"C-coach?" Takuya gasped in surprise.
"You don't have someone to train your swimming?" Nao looks at them with some confusion.
"No, we do, he um…was also a victim from the old world…that good ol'Sasabe," Toru revealed.
Natsuya's eyebrow lifted there at that response, "S-Sasabe? The same man who used to run the Iwatobi SC?"
"N-No way…" Nao gasped.
"I know it's a bit of small talk but yes," Prince Yamato revealed, "Coach Sasabe was also reborn on our planet Suizei and has been one of the first people to reinvent swimming there. Spent quite a lot of resources and what not but we did manage to build up our own league for some time.
"Thanks to the magic that was bestowed from the Greatest Light from long before, we were able to create a team with these guardians."
"Where is this planet to be exact?" Natsuya asked.
"Well, that's the complicated part," Shouta rubbed the back of his head with a nervous sweat.
"I'm afraid to ask," Nao sighed before regaining composure, "Anyway, we need to make sure that no more lives are taken by anyone…civilians, our teammates, etc."
Moments later, Natsuya's phone vibrated. He took a moment to read the text and paused upon seeing the horrific news taking place. He showed it to Nao as it showed the 'meltdown' situation in the downtown area as well as the death of Momotarou, Sousuke, and Ai.
"We should go and check on the governor at least," Natsuya suggested.
"Knowing her position of power, it's no doubt the enemy will attack her next," Nao agreed.
Natsuya turned to the five Suizei and asked, "You guys are okay with this procedure?"
"We'll do whatever needs to be done. Evacuation has been common with us back home," Toru shrugged it out.
With this, the two readied their crystals and cried out their transformations:
"OLYMPUS TIGRINUS CRYSTAL POWERRRRRRRR…
"OLYMPIUS MORUS CRYSTAL POWERRRRRR…
…MAAAKKKKKEEEE UP!"
Natsuya's forehead shimmered with the Tiger Shark symbol before he spun around, flexing his arms out with two oncoming waves of the ocean bathing his transformation scene. The magic then exploded as several of these sharks swam in the background in colors of Chartreuse, Arctic Lime, Lawn Green, and Electric Lime.
Walking side by side with these sharks, a set of ribbons then began to add his following pieces together. The torso gained the long-length bright lime, fire red, and chocolate brown ribbon material ringed around his open corpse. A metallic piece held at the center of these ribbons, and it etched out his Tiger Shark animal symbol in design.
Natsuya donned his white tight pants afterwards along with the skirt. It was a dual layer with a darker brown black as the base and a neon green as the secondary layer. His boots appeared in a base of white, with similar accents from the skirt pattern likewise.
He then donned a pair of golden loose cuffs with anklets of gold by his feet as he obtained his upgraded Tigris Soufukan Crystal Shield on his right arm. On his left side, he donned a set of hula-hoop bladed knives on a wrist and arm pad.
Natsuya opened his eyes with a grin and a wink before leaping back to stand out with his pose. The background behind him was a ying-yang of lime and yellow with white spheres of energy with a sunset like feature.
Nao's forehead shimmered with the Northern Gannett symbol before he spun around, embracing his arms tight with two towering walls of water bathing in his transformation scene. The magic then exploded as the birds flew outwards from him, undergoing a wild pattern of flight.
The background of shadows glowed in iliac, sky blue, and hints of lavender and highlights of yellow. He skated his way across the scene with the birds as he slowly shimmered his Ultra form piece by piece.
His torso gained the long-length bright pale blue, iliac, and spring green ribbon material ringed around his open corpse. A metallic piece held at the center of these ribbons, and it etched out his spirit animal symbol in design.
Nao donned his pants right after. They were white tights, but the skirt was a dual layer with a lavender gray as the base, and a pale blue as the secondary layer. His boots appeared in a base of white, with similar accents from the skirt.
He stopped in place and held out his hands as a cluster of feathers fused together and transformed into his Soufukan Spiked Spear followed by a crystalized arm shield. Nao opened his eyes as he grabbed both the weapons and twirled briefly before taking on his battle pose.
The background behind him was like the night sky with several feathers floating symbolically as beneath his feet was the reflection of the stars.
"Protected by the Tiger Shark, master of Solitude and Union, I am the Swimming Guardian of the Tropic Water domain! Ultra Seiya Kirishima!" he introduced himself, readying the blades, "Anyone who fights me, be prepared to not be favored on your luck!"
"Protected by the Northern Gannet, master of knowledge and medicine, I am the Swimming Guardian of the Polar Water domain, Ultra Suiei Serizawa!" he twirled his spear before pointing it outwards to his enemy, "All it takes is one hit."
The two took off into the skies as they were heading towards the newly smoked down government office building towards the central area. Nao called forth on his X-ray vision to see what was happening there.
"Someone must have either set the controls out for the building or another attack…" Nao muttered.
"The Shadow Achaemenian behind this?" Natsuya asked.
"No doubt, they're trying to weaken the hope of all these civilians," Nao said.
They finally landed down to meet with the skaters as well as Miho and Kriko. They brought the two ladies to the side for a quieter conversation while the skaters sat down at a low wall to wait.
"Glad to see you both alright," Miho greeted.
"Unfortunately, we got some bad news," Nao said, "We lost three more of our teammates to the Shadow Achaemenian Empire."
"W-who…?" Miho narrowed her eyes.
"Momotarou, Aiichirou and Sousuke," he replied.
A brief period of silence loomed among them. However, there was no time to waste.
"For now," Natsuya said, "We should contact the others that escaped from Chirottori. I believed my little bro said they were heading to Iwamara. We'll need reinforcements."
"And the Celestial barriers?" Miho asked.
"Probably won't be happening unless we get maybe Artemis to help. His powers are a direct descendant to Cosmos. However, he said that he has no access to the Chaomos Crystal since his twin took it," Nao explained.
First it was the Hidaka trio, then the Shimogami, then Momo, Ai, and Sousuke, Miho thought with concern.
"There is a safe haven that I might be willing to offer," Kriko said, "It won't be enough for everyone but for your team perhaps. I had a hideout not far from the beach."
"We may consider that," Nao nodded.
"What about us?" Langa stepped in, "Should I perhaps take our group back to Frostella?"
"It may be a safer place for you guys yes," Miho agreed, "I'll contact your parents and the royal family to ensure shelters for you and your family as well."
I just hope no one got attacked there, Langa prayed to himself.
Somewhere in the Las Jangwa Meadows…
Alone in the woods, Stellaluna woke up as she coughed up some of the blood. Her traveling to Neo Sportsbrooke had not been an easy one. She was supposed to join the committee and assist at the Olympics. However, not far from the territorial lines, something happened followed by a great blast of energy throwing her off course.
The last thing she saw was a shadowed, menacing figure firing ovaloid-sphere attacks towards her. Her wings and the airflow were in her favor to dodge these blasts, but the panic state forced her to crash into the woods and being knocked out.
Believing that she died, the intruder continued its conquest. During her semi-comatose state, the princess had horrible nightmares involving her kingdom falling apart and her parents being killed off by someone likewise.
It wasn't until finally she woke back up into her current condition. Her wings were definitely damaged to the point of needing medical attention. However, she was too far away from any possible resource.
Her ears perked up as she started to hear some voices.
"I-is she waking up?" one of the voices asked.
"We can't let her leave in that condition," the second voice added.
"But she's not a bird," the third one replied.
"It doesn't matter…anyone who flies like that is a Mullerian like us," the first answered back.
M-Mullerian, she thought, wait…they live here too?
Finally, three young to mid-teenagers appeared: two girls and one guy. They were dressed in feather-like outfits and appeared humanoid with arms and legs, but with unique features that Stellaluna only heard about once in the textbooks. However, their faces were not of humans…
"W-who are you?" Stellaluna asked.
"We're the Children of the Sierra Forest. Our kind is known as the Karura," the oldest girl replied, "I am Princess Pip."
"Prince Flitter," the second teenager introduced himself.
"Princess Flap," the youngest girl bowed.
Pip looked at Stellaluna more closely on her wound and said, "You're injured. Our mother, Queen Ava can help."
"Q-Queen Ava…wait…" Stellaluna's mind flashed and recalled about this queen and the forest from her education.
"Don't worry. She knows about your mother, Queen Janella," Pip said, "It's truly an honor to meet you at last, Stellaluna."
"How come we never met before?" she asked.
"We're still under curfew restrictions here due to our age," Flitter crossed his arms over, "Mama won't let us venture too far outside here. With the recent happenings to this world with the meteor shower…for sure we're at risk of going anywhere."
"Come with us back to our fortress nest," Flap said, "We'll get you back on your wings."
Mizu Temple
Deciding to take a second trip to the temple, the Mizu Gods gathered forth to help Alex wake up from the trauma that took place. However, Matsuoka was able to get in contact with Gou and Miyako under an alias to bring them here. The older brother hugged both his sister and mother with sadness.
"Onii-chan," Gou whispered sadly.
"We're still here," Miyako reassured him.
"T-thank you," he sniffled.
After several long moments, the Six Mizu Gods were finally able to reawaken Alex once more as his heart was still beating rapidly. His face was still numb and pale.
"Sandro…" Kyle brushed his hand over his husband's cheek. However, he shook his head to the side as he was still in some distress.
"Are you alright?" Makoto asked.
"Tired…stressed…numb…I don't know anymore," he sighed, "It's clear now that we can't make the shield barriers at this point. The enemy has already infiltrated this entire planet without anyone of us noticing."
"We'll stop them and save the others," Haruka said.
"Absolutely," Rei nodded.
"If Memnon is the one behind all this, then for sure the other crystals must be in his domain," Nagisa added.
"In the meantime, should the rest of us be taken down, your mental health needs to be strong," Kyle said, "Giving into anguish by the enemy will destroy you."
"Then we need to keep taking these mental training sessions with Masaki and Minato," he answered, "Immediately."
Nagisa's phone flashed an oncoming text message. It came from Asahi as it was now revealed that the former and Ikuya will meet up in Iwamara while Hiyori and Aoba will return to Neo Sportsbrooke.
"I'll locate those two," Artemis said before taking off as Suiei Oceania.
Neo Sportsbrooke
With almost 75% of the population of the mega city now evacuated from the central city region escaping to either shelters in the suburbs or full evacuation, the remaining senshi bid a farewell to the skaters as they were taking off to Frostella. Now there was a need for more allies.
The remaining archery folk and the soccer players decided to pitch in their efforts for the final conflict. By nightfall, Aoba and Hiyori finally arrived back in the city to meet up with Natsuya and Nao for comfort as well as the next step.
They decided to go to a small, private coffee shop nearby. The blonde was still upset and shaken by seeing Momotarou killed right before his very eyes.
"I don't know what else we can do…" Aoba shook his head.
"We must keep protecting the ones who are still alive and dear to us," Natsuya answered, "And our faith to our prince."
"But we don't even know where exactly this enemy is coming from aside from the meteor shower," Hiyori said, "Going by my gut feeling, these imposters are foreigners…something alien."
"It's no doubt that they do not belong to this world," Nao agreed, "However, I think we may have one possibility on how we'll find their base."
"W-we do?" Hiyori's eyebrow lifted.
"The Final Reckoning talks about the concepts of Chaos and Cosmos and the endless war between them," he continued, "There's only one person that might hold the key…"
They both looked at each other in realization, "A-Artemis…"
"Even without the Chaomos Crystal, I'm sure the bloodline or magic-line within his existence will be of some great help," Nao concluded.
Flashback: Delta!Earth/Terabithia
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Drug Testing Station
Alex sat down in the waiting room as he was still undergoing pending results from the recent urine and bloodwork sample. The "amazing" records he had broken in the freestyle has brought the attention of social media and his questioning of performance. Thankfully, he was able to ignore most of the garbage as his ego was totally inflated and skewed.
His relation to the rest of the family definitely grown quite a distance. All he cared at this point was to be respected and feared so that no one would ever mess with him again.
Finally, the nurses revealed the results as 'negative' as usual. With this, he got up and walked away, heading back to his room at the hotel. Kyle was also in the room waiting for him.
"I'm good," he said.
"That's good news," Kyle sighed in relief.
"Yeah. Hopefully this will put the social media drama at ease," Alex shrugged.
"Have you talked to your family?" Kyle asked.
Alex kept silent about it, sitting down on the bed, "I'm sure they're fine."
"Why didn't you call them?" he looks at him.
"Kyle…it's not easy for me to talk to them," Alex answered, "I…I don't know what to do. I have already made so many bad choices in life. This thing with me and the Olympics is probably the only good thing that has ever happened to me."
"If you win the gold…then…?" Kyle looks at him.
"I…I haven't told anyone this but…I have sent my folks some of the prize money I've won, as a long-distance gift," he revealed.
Kyle smiled upon hearing this, "T-that's great."
"Sometimes, it's easier for me to love those from afar," Alex said.
4 Years Later
Post-2024 Olympics
Arizona
The duo were back in the desert as the Olympics in Paris were completed but a blank memory of what happened since their dining out with Kosuke, Ken and Nicolas.
"We gotta find a venue for us," Kyle said.
"There's a lot to figure out for sure," Alex shrugged, "I'm sure my relatives will want a mass ceremony of course too…"
"I was going to ask Ken if he wanted to be the Best Man…but I can't," Kyle sighed.
"I still can't believe those three just disappeared without warning," he said.
Rhodinean Cathedral Palace
Kosuke, Ken, and Nicolas woke up and found themselves on the cold, stone floor of a massive hall looming around them. A lone figure stood several yards away talking to a couple of other guys before realizing the trio was waking up.
With that, Memnon walked over to the trio as Kosuke gasped, "W-who are you?!"
"Let's say that I am a savior," Memnon replied, "I have brought you three here after realizing that you're not fully trained as those…Swimming Guardians."
"You know about us?" Ken narrowed his eyes.
"I know a lot of things," Memnon answered, "The past…the present…the future…anything and everything…can be granted before me."
"You were the one who approached us the first time after that weird blast," Nicolas recalled.
"Indeed…and your first task was to try to derail my nemesis' morals," Memnon, "However, that plan was blocked by someone…but regardless, I figured I'd bring you here after whatever was done."
Memnon snapped his fingers to summon three Shadow Tag Necklaces, "These are laced with a portion of my powers. Accept this and your abilities will become much greater."
"W-what do you intend to do with us?" Nicolas asked.
"To kill the Greatest Light," Memnon revealed, "However, I need that person alive and brought to me. He must face his comeuppance…his penance, his justice."
"K-Kill…?!" Kosuke felt a bit of distaste.
"Here in this land, killing is without anything consequential…with this power, nothing will stand in your way," he explained.
Memnon approached Ken and added, "Think about it…wasn't there someone whom you had the hearts for…but he ditched you for someone else, no?"
"I…what?" Ken gasped.
"You wanted to be with him…you saw how beautiful he looked, and yet your current feelings prevent you from doing so," Memnon teased.
"Don't you dare insult Ken's obesity!" Kosuke growled.
"Did I ever say anything about that?" Memnon asked, "No. I'm talking about the one whom my enemy is with…"
Ken's eyes widened as he realized, "K-Kyle…Alex…"
"Yes…" Memnon's face grinned a bit wider, "I have saw your first meeting with Kyle a long time ago…you two were separated until only in the recent years. Of course, the world nearly fell apart before my plans could be set in motion but thankfully, we are one step closer to completion."
"Okay that's a bit creepy," Nicolas said.
"Could you let us go home?" Kosuke sighed.
"I'll send you three back home at some point," Memnon answered, "After a bit of training…accept this power and you'll be able to go home with ease. You'll finally know the truth about everything and the universe itself."
Present Day:
From the eastern edge of Neo Sportsbrooke, the three shadowy figures appeared at the apex of the town line and forested lands. They each took off their hoods one by one before tearing off the cloaks.
"So, this is the fabled Neo Sportsbrooke that was once Aeuropa City," Nicolas said.
"The senshi have split up since our attack in Chirottori," Kosuke narrowed his eyes, "Not that it matters. We'll get them all cornered up."
"And when we do…my deal?" Ken asked.
"Of course, Master Memnon will be proud of you, and he will grant you your wish," Nicolas reminded him.
"I say we do some fun game of hunting," Kosuke grins, turning to three other figures behind them, "It's time you guys have a chance."
Three more humanoid figures of the Shadow Guardians appeared. Two of them were twins while the other was a standalone person.
"Suiei Corot Monoceros, Suiei Gliese Hydra and Suiei Gliese Libra, your first task is to hunt down the Swimming Guardians," Nicolas instructed, "However, if you happen to find the Greatest Light and his partner, do not attack them."
"Should we succeed in our task…?" Hydra asked.
"You will rank up to our level," Ken revealed, "Now go! Do not fail us and Memnon!"
Marron Café
While still in their senshi forms, Natsuya, Nao, Aoba and Hiyori sat down at the nearest coffee shop while Nao was waiting for a response from the others in Iwamara. With Asahi and Ikuya rerouted with Artemis, they would be at least somewhat safer.
Nao sent a series of messages earlier on getting more information about Memnon and the past with help from the author. Sergi was able to get the earlier days of Memnon and Alexander, indicating that they were once royal subjects of their empires and Memnon and Mentor both snuck into a class taught by Aristotle.
But in terms of the actual tragedy, only Alex wrote it down after recalling the events that took place. With help from the others, a longer-text message flashed to Nao's phone.
"I see," he narrowed his eyes, "So it seems he has had a history with Memnon long ago…"
"And is he progressing on his mental training?" Natsuya asked.
"Yeah, he's done another session with Masaki and Minato," he said.
"What is this mental training to be exact?" Aoba looks at Nao.
"It's a technique to mentally shield your mind from external intrusions," Nao explained, "However, since we are pressed on time, Masaki is doing a highly intensive version of it involving Alex to think of happiness and joy while having to fight "high-pitched" noises."
"Kyle is also doing this too with similar protocol," Natsuya added.
"If Alex is the Greatest Light, then why hasn't he been able to find Memnon?" Hiyori asked.
"Magic comes at a great price," Nao reminded him, "I'm sure when the final confrontation happens, Alex will reach to Memnon."
Having enough of this, Aoba slams his fist on the table, "Dammit. We have already lost so many of our allies! How many more have to be before all that can happen?!"
"We won't let anything else happen," Natsuya reassured him.
The server arrived and gave them their drinks one by one to the table. Natsuya's phone flashed an updated message from Makoto.
"They're here…Ikuya, Asahi, and Artemis," he read.
"That's good," Nao took a sip of his coffee but paused and nearly choked on it.
"N-Nao?" Natsuya checks up on him, "Did you drink it too…?"
The server and two employees watched this before finally flashing their true forms as the three senshi sent from the others.
"GET DOWN!" Hiyori shouted.
"SHADOW, ACHAEMENIAN NUCLEUSSS!" Suiei Corot Monoceros chanted, unleashing an atomic-like attack that struck down various objects and turning them into dust and atoms. Once the dust settled, the other employees fled in horror, leaving a showdown of the six.
Angered, Aoba readied his Soufukan Spiked Warhammer, chanting, "SOUFUKAN, CAPYBARAAAAAA SLAAAAAMMM!"
He twirled it over his head and smashed it to the ground, erupting various blasts of water from beneath the ground.
"What are you people?!" Hiyori shouted, "Why do you attack us?!"
"Our loyalty lies to our King, o Great Memnon!" Suiei Gliese Hydra answered, "You cursed Swimming Guardians have always had good fortune blessed upon you! While the rest of us are just the unfortunate ones from other worlds!"
"O-other worlds…?" Nao slightly gasped.
These guys are a bit different than the other three, Natsuya thought, their outfits weren't as exaggerating…could they really be…?
"SHADOW…ACHAEMENIAAAAANNNN…TORNADOOO!" Suiei Glise Libra cried out, unleashing a wind-based attack towards the four. They were impacted by it and thrown out of the café and onto the streets.
The four managed to get back up and brush off the glass and dust as the trio appeared in front of them. Hiyori decided to take a quick x-ray scan on them but gasped to see something…
T-they have crystals too, he thought, but they also have those dog tag necklaces as well.
"Enough talking of this boring shit," Suiei Glise Hydra said, "It's time for you guys to die and surrender your crystals!"
The trio raised their fists as the same spheroid attacks fired out. Time seemed to have slowed down as Hiyori and Aoba gasped to see what was happening.
Natsuya stepped forth as he readied his bladed knives while glowing in a lime-yellow background, shouting, "TIGRINUS, BLADEDDDD SLASSSSHHHHH!"
Following right behind him, Nao twirled his Soufukan Spiked Spear as he was shining in a lavender-blue background, "MORUS, ICY SYMPHONYYYYYY!"
The two attacks swirled together before finally stopping the attack from the trio. Aoba, Hiyori, Natsuya and Nao fled the area, trying to avoid getting caught by their enemies.
"We need to get to Iwamara as soon as we can," Nao suggested.
"But what about the other guys?!" Hiyori asked.
"I'll let them know," Natsuya said, "Once we find a safe spot."
They made their way towards the southern exit of the city. Getting a train would be very difficult so they decided to link their powers to Alex in hopes of magically arriving at Iwamara.
"Leaving so soon?" a dark voice could be heard.
The four saw three more senshi appearing in front of them. Aoba turned his head to see the other three finally arriving.
"Dammit, we're surrounded!" Aoba growled.
"I certainly had enough of this," Hiyori agreed as he readied his attack from the Shimogami Forested Pickaxe, shouting, "URSUS…CRACKLINNNNGGGGG TIMBERS!"
An explosion from the ground erupted at the six evil senshi, binding them by tree branches and what not. This attack impressed Kosuke, Ken, and Nicolas before they used their powers to burn the trees into flames and redirect the attack towards the four.
Nao and Hiyori combined their powers to create an icy barrier around themselves, buying some time to think.
"Both of you need to go to Iwamara," Natsuya said.
"W-what?!" Aoba and Hiyori gasped.
Nao makes a sadden smile, "Don't worry about us…have faith in the light."
"You're making it sound like…" Aoba's face twitched.
"GO!" Natsuya barked, "You need to get to the others as soon as possible!"
With this the ice barrier collapses as the six corrupted senshi readied their individual powers together. However, a flash beam of light could be seen as the Suizei Quintet Senshi with Prince Yamato soared in and attacked.
"SUIZEEEIIIIIIIIII, SPIRALINGGGGGG ADHESIVEEE!" Kazuki shouted, unleashing droplets of gel to get the six senshi stuck to the ground. However, it only got one of them.
"SUIZEIIIIII…BLISTERINNNNNGGGGGG…HYDROLYSIS!" Takuya chanted as his attack, striking down Suiei Corot Monoceros as his body then collapses and the dog tag necklace chain fell.
"SHADOW, ACHAEMENIANNNNNN VORTEX!" the twins combined their powers at the Suizei team.
However, a quick hand prayer with a signature spell of his hands crafted a magical barrier by Yamato to protect his team. Natsuya, Aoba, Nao, and Hiyori readied again.
Now's the chance to strike, Aoba thought.
Hiyori was ready to attack on that distraction but pauses upon feeling something in the air.
Moments later, Natsuya and Nao felt something hot striking from behind as they both screamed at the blasting light with their crystals now emerging out of their bodies. The others turned to see a phantom Memnon laughing and snatching the two crystals before disappearing along with the rest of the remaining Shadow Guardians.
Everything was silent again as the graveyard, but Aoba and Hiyori fell to their knees upon what just happened.
"N-Natsuya…" Aoba's eyes widened in horror.
"N-Nao-s-senpai…" Hiyori's face teared up.
Yamato and his group landed down on the ground as he approaches them, "Let's go to the Greatest Light. We're no longer safe here."
ISW Facility, Iwamara
Using one of the rooms in Iwamara Swim World, Alex and Kyle were doing their mental training there when the deaths of Natsuya and Nao were felt. Alex could hear Memnon's laughter in the background as the villain snatched those two heart crystals.
"N-No…" he paused before shouting, "STOP! STOP THIS NOW!"
"What's wrong?" Masaki looks at him sternly.
"…H-he killed them…N-Natsuya…Nao…" he breathed.
A-are we really going to swim together, he thought, Memnon…this has to stop!
The Southern Lands
The Articorans already crafted their own new space for themselves while Kronos was busy meditating on the horrific events happening. Articora!Alex wanted to approach him, but he too sensed the pain and the cries from his original self.
I have to go to him, he thought, w-we're losing everyone…but I don't know what or why?
"Lord Kronos," Articora!Alex bowed, "Please bring me to him…"
"Child, the war between Chaos and Cosmos is far too dangerous for you," Kronos warned him, "You can only fight this by keeping the faith in yourself and him…"
"But I can't just sit here and do nothing!" he cried back, "I don't know why I feel like everyone is dying! Please…tell me, what's going on to the Swimming Guardians?!"
With a heavy sigh, Kronos finally says, "The Final Reckoning…one that could spell the end of all things. It's being orchestrated by someone you may remember…from your time as Alexander."
"Someone from far back has that much of a grudge?" he gasped.
But who, who would be doing this, he thought.
"I need to go up North," Articora!Alex continued.
"You will not go," Kronos warned him again, "If you get killed, your original self will weaken! You and him are still tied by fate."
Articora!Alex lowered his head before looking at this entity with a determined look on his face, "Then it's time I fulfill my destiny with him."
"Oi!" the voice of Romio could be heard as he turned to see the trio.
"Master Kronos, we apologize for disturbing you," Ayumu said.
"It's nothing," Kronos said, "This child here is right about one thing…about destiny."
Kronos turns to Articora!Alex and continues, "Your other half…has so much power from the stars and beyond, it's terrifying. But being a swimmer too, he struggles with both these realities. The Final Reckoning is the test not only for everyone and everything…but also for you and him."
"I want to help him," Articora!Alex said, "I cannot wait any longer. I don't have magic, but if I am that little push that he needs to, I'll do whatever I can!"
"Once the dust has settled, I will bring you to him," Kronos answered.
Hiyori and Aoba finally made it to Iwamara safely after a few hours of fleeing with the Quintet senshi. However, the news about their deaths brought everyone into some moment of despair while Ikuya sat alone outside, crying with Asahi, Haruka, and Makoto.
"A-Aniki…" he breathed.
Asahi wrapped his arm around Ikuya's shoulder for comfort. Hiyori rested his head onto Ikuya's opposite shoulder while Aoba stood in silence. It had been about 3 days since these attacks and the defense of the senshi were getting weaker.
Out by the shores, Yamato, Alex, Rei, Nagisa, and Kyle were in a conversation about the deaths of Natsuya and Nao as well as the observations of the dark senshi.
"These dog tags…are they some sort of a cult?" Kyle asked, "For the Shadow Achaemenian Empire?"
"It's a possibility that it may be their life force as well," Yamato said, "But Hiyori noted that these new false guardians were a bit different than the others from earlier."
"What do you mean?" Alex asked.
"There are more Swimming Guardians than you have previously imagined," Hayato revealed.
"E-Eh!?" Nagisa gasped.
"M-More Swimming Guardians?" Kyle's eyebrow lifted, "Does this mean we could maybe get help?!"
"Not many worlds are fortunate to get water whenever a new planetary system is made," he continued, "Many planets are either just barren and rocky, or fiery with chemicals, or gaseous without a proper substance to hold them.
"Those that actually are terrestrial with water don't always get the magic either from Cosmos. They are just ordinary Earths if you will, assuming they are in the habitable zone across space."
"That would make sense," Rei rested his fist beneath his chin.
"Well, planet Earth of the old world and Terrabithia had water brought from the comets and meteors," Kyle crossed over his arms.
"Not all planets can inherit its own water…it requires a team effort of time and resources," Yamato added, "We believe all the water ever existed came from the same moment when Chaos and Cosmos separated each other…during the Planck Epoch."
"Interesting theory," Rei replied, "But not to break into the science…but these other Swimming Guardians, are we able to contact them?"
"We were once allied with a group of other Swimming Guardians, especially those of the Monoceros Star and the twin Hydra and Libra Stars. But they too…" Yamato paused.
"W-who were they?" Nagisa asked.
"Suiei Marchand of Planet Toulouse," Kazuki replied.
"And there was also Suiei Ceccon of Planet Thiene," Takuya added.
"Don't forget, that awesome Suiei Sota from Planet Saitama," Toru makes a sad smirk, "He would always visit us during our competitions."
"Every universe with magic has at least one, singular Swimming Guardian," Yamato continued, "Those without magic well…they don't have a guardian."
"If those three guardians you mentioned, could they have been killed off too?" Kyle asked.
"They certainly have not replied to us in a while…" Shouta sighed.
"But there's also a chance Memnon could have turned them into his pawns," Kazuki said, "And with that…well…it would take a miracle to save them."
"Alex," Yamato looks at him, "You do understand that…Memnon…the King of Rhodes, he is an extremely powerful Swimming Guardian. We don't know his swimming record history, but he has certainly become the Guardian of Singularity."
"I still don't understand how he even became a Swimming Guardian," he answered, "I don't remember anytime in my life of him ever competing."
His phone finally vibrates. Taking a peek, it was a message from Haru indicating that everyone was about to get some rest.
"Sounds like we better get to bed too," Rei yawned.
"A strawberry milkshake would've been nice," Nagisa sighed.
As they began their trip back, they saw a group of volleyball guys also returning to the village with stressed looks on their faces from the recent events. Alex could easily sense how upset and devastated they were, seeing that the Olympics had certainly been cancelled.
Frostella
With the power of their own crystals connecting to the sacred village far north, the group of skaters finally make it into the city safely with their beloved ones.
"Mama? Where are…?" Chihiro asked.
"N-Nanako?!" Masae gasped in relief as the two mothers embraced a reunion hug.
"Glad to see you still alright," Oliver greeted Ainosuke and Tadashi.
"Barely alive from that mess," Tadashi sighed, "The Chivashi decided to head south."
"South?" Oliver asked.
"The governor back in Neo Sportsbrooke revealed that Chirottori was under attack," Ainosuke revealed, "both the King and Queen were taken down. Only their princess is nowhere to be seen."
"Oh my god," Nanako gasped.
"We'll be safe here, right?" Langa asked.
"Absolutely," Oliver reassured him and the group.
"I guess we'll need to find somewhere to rest," Cherry said.
"There's plenty of room at the palace," Nanako insisted, "Please rest yourselves there."
Shadow grunted with a nod as he could hear Harry, Kazu, and the latter's fiancée in awe of this paradise. The whole downfall in the city forced them to evacuate as well. Miya walked with his mother and father while Reki walked with his family.
Iwamara Swim World
As the senshi were readying themselves to rest, Kotetsu, Kaede and Albert sat out at the balcony area to look at the night stars. They were clearly just there without any meteors flying around.
"You know, I made a wish on a star long ago…back then," Kotetsu recalled, "To be with him."
"Yeah?" Albert asked.
"Well, it's clear to me more than ever that…it just wasn't meant to be," he said, "So many people love this man…the average person would never understand that."
"But with that love also comes hatred," Kaede replied, "Obviously with Memnon being one of them."
Albert yawns, indicating his exhaustion likewise. With a shrug, they go into their suite before cutting off the lights. As a safety precaution, the remaining senshi here made a protection barrier at this location and a few others for their loved ones.
Alex slept on his bed as the dragon symbol on his forehead was glowing softly.
Dodo's Lynhaven
Sergi couldn't help but stay awake with the book, watching the recent events taking place as he saw Natsuya and Nao dying off. However, the information said by their enemies and allies caused more papers to appear.
He reviewed them and sure enough saw symbols of other Swimming Guardians from many planets besides Earth and Duniya.
"Suiei Marchand of Planet Toulouse of the Monoceros Star. Suiei Ceccon of Planet Thiene of the Hydra Star. And Suiei Sota of Planet Saitama of the Libra Star," he read.
He flipped to the next page where he saw each of their planets under attack by Memnon followed by their deaths. However, something led to another…
"W-wait a sec…th-they're…!" he gasped.
The pages then flipped over to the Terabithia storyline as he remembered Alex being saved by Neo King Julius then Alexa. A new page appeared showing Memnon attacking Nicolas, Ken, and Kosuke as they too suffered the wrath.
"This is not good," he muttered, "Memnon is taking advantage of authentic people and brainwashing them into this inter-galactic war!"
He quickly grabs his phone and PC, trying to get the information sent to the senshi as soon as possible.