"Black's not wasting any time. He's got a whole army of his minions out in front of the school." Hope said.
"If we stay inside, we'll be sitting ducks. There's only one thing we can do. Go outside and meet his army head on." Ichiro said.
"What's the plan when we get out there?" Cure Sunny asked.
"Take out Black's army, find a way to get him to surrender. Direct engagement with him means we automatically lose." Hope said.
"So we can't attack Black at all?" Alear asked.
"No. But at the same time, it won't be necessary." David said. "Sometimes, you gotta play the long game."
"You seem to have an idea of how we can win, even though we're cornered." Soren spoke up.
"I think I've figured it out." Claude said. "He wants to wear Black's forces down. Draw the battle out, and force him to give up when he runs outta cards to play."
"The thing about egocentrics… They tend to crack and get desperate when the odds are turned against them." David said.
"That always tends to be a megalomaniac's weakness in many cases." Klonoa said.
"Can't argue with that logic." Zi-O agreed.
"And yet… I'm pretty sure he has an ace up his sleeves beyond his army." Geiz added.
"He'll definitely use his ace once the majority of his army are down." Houki stated.
"Then we'll just have to go with the straight and direct approach." Hibiki said, punching her fists together.
"Not the first time I've fought an army." Kiana said.
"Nor us. We actually do it more often than any of us are willing to admit." Leia said.
"Especially in the Warrior Universe." Saki said.
"Think these guys'll fold as easily as the mooks there do?" Eddy asked.
"Only one way to find out!" Mark said, cracking his knuckles. "Got my head in the game and cried my tears out. Put on your dancing shoes, boys and girls…cause it's showtime!"
Ace looked down at Veronica's Bracelet on his left wrist before looking back up in determination.
"Has Veronica recovered?" Lumine asked.
"Not yet. But I'm sure she'll reawaken soon." Ace said.
"I see." Aether noted. "No matter, we can still fight without the need of the Emblems."
"Sorry, guys. Looks like you're being shafted again." David said.
"Don't worry. Thanks to the Warmaster class, you got everything you need now. You got this." Claude said.
"Though, I wouldn't have gotten as far as I do in terms of strategy if it weren't for Leopardmon's tutelage." David said.
"True that. Now, you ready to school Black one more time?" Hope said.
"You know it." David said as he held his shoulder and cracked his neck.
And with that, the group barreled out of the front doors of the school and charged straight into Black's army, crashing into them full force.
"What the-?!" Black asked in shock.
"It's on like Donkey Kong, Blacky-boy! Let's rumble!" Dark Water typed as he and Inkling Amber blasted a bunch of minions with ink, before Inkling Amber brought the pain with some Tenta-Missiles, and Dark Water sliced through another portion with a Sting Ray.
"Prepare to be purified!" Laura A. said, taking a large group into a pocket dimension before warping high into the air. "Divine Assault! Ether Strike!" she called, gathering ether into her hands before it formed into a large sphere as she launched it down as it destroyed the portion of the army she targeted. "Your corpses shall feed the ravens!"
"Ride the wind!" Aether shouted as he and Lumine unleashed a combined upward tornado with one swing of their swords, sucking up a large group of the army inside.
"Mind if I bring the heat?" Simon asked.
"Go for it!" Lumine insisted.
Simon masqueraded with Phantasmaraneae before spinning like a burning top into the tornado as it caught fire, incinerating the group Aether and Lumine had gathered.
"Hmm…wow…almost terrifying." Black said, sounding unimpressed as he snapped his fingers as five figures joined the fray.
"Huh? Hey, look at those guys!" Peacock said, as the group saw the Bad End Cures for themselves.
"...You've gotta be kidding me. They're here too?!" Cure Starlight exclaimed in shock.
"Wasn't Joker supposed to summon them?!" Zi-O questioned.
"Apparently Black says otherwise." Geiz replied.
"Who are they? They look just like the girls! Only black and more… evil looking." Makoto said.
"They…are the Bad End Cures. Bad End Happy, Bad End Sunny, Bad End Peace, Bad End March and Bad End Beauty. They're the reason I abducted those girls. I farmed their inner darkness and crafted the perfect soldiers. I plan to make versions for those other Precure teams too after I'm finished with this world. They're just as powerful as their counterparts here." Black said.
"And we're going to enjoy beating you all down to the ground." Bad End Happy said.
"And once we do, the master says we can take your Emblem Bracelets so they can serve us, making us even more powerful!" Bad End Sunny said.
"Yeah…some of them are sort of attached to us so…" Dan said.
"Oh…that won't be a problem if we break off your arms." Bad End March said.
"Okay… Kind of morbid." Mayumi said.
"Well what did you expect? We're called Bad End Cures for a reason, dummy." Bad End Peace said.
"And now….we will give you all…your bad endings." Bad End Beauty said.
"Akira, what's the play? Take 'em one on one or all together?" Bow asked.
"To be honest, I was not expecting something like this to happen so soon." Cure Starlight admitted. "But if I were a leader of the Pretty Cures, go for the separation tactic. Make sure they don't gang up on you as a group. But be careful, they're still strong even when separated."
"You should be more worried for yourself. Bad End Thunder!" Bad End Peace said, firing lightning before it was blocked by GS Pikachu. "Huh?"
"We'll admit…these girls are strong." Jexi said. "But…we're still stronger."
"How dare you!" Bad End March said, conjuring a giant soccer ball. "Bad End Shoot!" she said kicking it to the group before someone kicked it away.
"Nice play…mind if I tag in?" GS Cinderace asked.
"Awesome! You guys have a Cinderace in your guild now!" Ethox said.
"Our numbers right now. We currently have 323 members and it's still growing." Riolu said.
"Wait, seriously?!" Hibiki gawked.
"We're a combo exploration/rescue team. We meet new Pokémon and welcome new faces wherever we go." Meowth said.
"So…would it be all right…if you left these Bad Ends to us?" GS Pikachu asked.
"Knock yourselves out." Hope said.
"Hah! Think a bunch of Pokemon can stop my Bad End Cures?" Black said.
"Says the god too afraid to fight us himself." Bakugo said.
"What…did you just say?" Black asked.
"You heard him. You made such a big deal out of taking this place over, freezing its time before the final boss battle and capturing the girls… but even after we undid all your hard work, you're not man enough to come down here and face us yourself, instead leaving things to a quintet of Pretty Cure knockoffs." connor said.
"They're right. You talk all high and mighty when in reality… You're just a coward." David said..
"Coward…is it?" Black asked as he rose from his seat. "All right. I was planning to let the Bad Ends wrap things up…but…I see no harm in showing you mortals your place in this multiverse." he said walking towards them. "How long has it been since I've fought hand to hand…guess since Void over 200 years ago."
"Well, we bruised his ego to make him come fight us." Bow said. "Now what?" he asked before Black landed a kick to his head and sent him through a wall.
"Bow!" Glimmer said with worry.
"Wow…I've really gotten rusty. Back in the day…that would have completely destroyed his head." Black said.
"He just took out Bow with a kick…and he's calling himself rusty?!" Cobalt said.
"Okay…we may have poked the bear on this one." Connor said.
"Come now. Don't tell me you all are…bowing out." Black said with a sinister grin on his face.
"Please…this just makes it more exciting." Jexi smiled even as he shook a bit.
"Yeah… There is only one moment I want to see right now… The moment where we knock that asinine smirk off your face." David said as he cracked his knuckles.
"Nice attempt at bravado, but the only ones losing anything will be all of you." Black said. "Well…let's stop beating around the bush." he said as darkness intensified around him. "Don't you dare…leave me begging for it."
"Oh, believe me. You have no idea how long I have been waiting for this." David said.
Black simply smiled as he casually walked towards the two before zooming up close to crush their heads only for the two to dodge last minute.
"Geez. He's really not holding back, is he?" Jexi said.
"No, he is not. He's clearly not playing around." David said.
"Shadow Needle." Black said as his darkness and the groups shadows formed into needles as they all jumped to avoid them.
"Hoo… That was a wild one." David said as he caught his breath for a moment. "That reflex training really helped."
"As you can see, as the God of the Darkness Universe, all darkness bends to my will, including the shadows beneath your feet." Black said.
"Yes… Darkness… Nothing but a deep and empty void." David said.
"One you all will be glad to get to know better. Shadow Scythe!" Black said as scythes rose from the shadows to try and behead the group.
"Duck." David said as they all managed to avoid the scythes. "Alright then… Playtime's over." he said as he tightened his gloves.
"Funny, that's just what I was going to say to you! You, Jexi and all your annoying friends have been thorns in my side for the last time!" Black said.
"You've been a pain in the ass since we first met. I don't like being pushed around, get me? So I'll give you two options." David said. "Either you get out of our faces willingly… Or Masakado and I will MAKE you."
"I think I'll take my chances, pal." Black said.
"Suit yourself. Don't say I didn't warn you." David said.
"Dave, think about this. If you kill him, both of your universes go kaput." Rayleigh said.
"Trust me. I know what I'm doing." David said.
"I hope so." Cure Starlight said. "(No doubt the other Color Gods, and probably Woz, are watching this.)"
David took a deep breath before firing blasts of ice at Black. What follows after that was a cascade of ice and darkness all across the area. David even had to undergo Sapphire God Burst Mode just to keep on equal ground as Black was continuing to go on the offensive as he landed a number of hits on David, making him bleed where he was struck.
"Not gonna lie… This is actually quite exhilarating. I haven't gotten this pumped in a long time." David said.
"Even about this?" Black smiled as he landed a punch to David's stomach. "Just give it up. You couldn't beat Kaido with that…you have no chance with me." he said, knocking him back.
"Oh, is that really what you think?" David asked. "I don't think you have any room to talk in that department."
"What gave you that impression? You're talking to the one who defeated Void before you were even conceived." Black said.
"Simple, I may not be strong against Kaido… But you seem to have forgotten a little something." David said.
"What? That you're half lunarian? Everyone here knows that already." Black said.
"Wrong again. Guess I'll have to give you a little refresher course." David said as he drew a very special blade, the only blade that he knows would be capable of killing him.
"Wait, no way… You… You still have that?" Black asked. "H-hey… Just… Just hold on a second. Let's not get hasty here. Y-you don't really want to kill me…do you?"
"Go on, give him a reason not to. Say the wrong thing, and it's your funeral, along with two whole universes." Hope said.
"What you just said is a VERY viable reason! I die, both the Darkness and Standard Universes vanish. You're FROM the Standard Universe, dummy! You'll erase yourself and your friends." Black said.
David did not respond, only dashing right at him. Just when it looked like he was about to deal the killing blow…he stops just mere inches from his neck. And as for Black, he was forced into shock from the attack.
"What.. how.. Why…?" Black stuttered.
"Heh… I would've got you." David said as he powered down.
"Oh…you like jokes do you?" Black said as he slowly recovered. "I got a funny one for ya. What do you get when you mix steel with steel?"
"Man… You're such a party pooper. Maybe I should've gone through with it." David said.
As they made this exchange, Cheetah noticed the shadows moving between David and Black. "Ishihara!" she called out as a shadow rose up and broke Masakado in two.
"You get a broken blade." Black said.
"Gah… Close one. But… Damn. So much for that." David said.
"That blade was the only true threat to my life…and now it's snuffed out." Black said as his darkness started to spread. "I'm tired of playing these childish games. Tired of always losing to you, White…everyone."
"Uh oh… I think he's snapped." Entrapta said.
"Yeah, that's completely obvious." Mermista said.
"Is it really so much for me just to get a win? All I wanted was to rule the universes to show White I could do it better than she ever could. But I can't even have that. And do you know why?" Black asked.
"Uh…cause you're too egotistical?"
"No…it's because of mortals like you. The Ginova Family, the Anarchy Kings, even during harmonic convergence. All of these have one thing in common." Black said.
"I don't like where this is headed." Pit said.
"It's all of you!" Black said, raising a sea of darkness and preparing to end it all.
"Hold it!" a voice rang out as Cure Starlight stood there.
"What are you doing? This reality isn't even yours. Don't get in the way of my victory." Black said.
"It doesn't matter. The Magical Girl Universe…they say it's the weakest right?" Cure Starlight asked.
"Yes…that's right. And with good reason. It's mostly just girls running around in dresses and magic wands." Black said.
"It's actually more than that. Fairies from other worlds asked for their help. So they decided to help them despite the risks." Cure Starlight explained. "Sure it sounds cheesy, but it's better than doing nothing and watching their world, including their own, die."
"Is that so? What you're saying is that this universe is actually more powerful than it appears?" Black asked as the darkness died down a bit.
"Looks can be very deceiving." Cure Starlight replied. "They may look childish, but they chose to fight. And during their times as magical girls, not only their powers began to grow, but their own lives as well. If they chose to stay ordinary, they won't be able to make new friends, forge new bonds, or have amazing adventures together, or even have their own futures to dream of. Though now that I think about it, if there's no evil to exist, then neither will good."
Black then started to laugh at this as did the rest of his minions. "Okay…Sailor Starlight or whatever you call yourself. I'll humor you. Show me exactly what this universe is really made of! Defeat me…here and now." he taunted.
"Hey, sis-" Zi-O spoke up, until Cure Starlight raised her hand.
"Stay back… he's mine." Cure Starlight insisted and taunted the Color God with a "Come on" gesture with her hand. "Your move, Black."
"Hmm. If you insist." Black said, focusing the darkness into a singular point as he rose into the air. "Shadows of Oblivion!" he called out as he fired right at the single Cure.
Starlight rotated her PreBrace several times. "Starlight Shield!" She summoned an energy barrier in front of her, preparing to block the attack. And once the attack collided with the shield, she tried her hardest to block it.
"Just give it up! I single handedly took this world from under your fellow Cures. And you…you're just one…little….girl." Black said.
"She's not alone!" a voice called out as the Smile Pretty Cure team stood by Cure Starlight's side with their hands on her shoulders.
"Hey! This is my fight!" Cure Starlight retorted. "You need to survive for the fight against the Bad End Kingdom!"
"What's the point of saving our world…if we can't even protect a Cure like us?" Cure Happy asked.
"You may not be part of our team, but you're still a Pretty Cure like us!" Cure Sunny said.
"Pretty Cures are supposed to help each other, right?" Cure Peace reminded.
"You're not the only one who won't look away from this. If someone is in trouble, we'll help them without a second thought!" Cure March stated.
"And besides, you can't handle this alone without friends, right?" Cure Beauty smiled.
"Girls…" Cure Starlight whispered after hearing their words before smiling. "Heh… well, I guess you can help just for a while. That being said, lend me your strength… Smile Pretty Cure!"
"You heard her!" Cure Happy said as they all channeled their strength into Cure Starlight, causing the barrier to strengthen.
"What is this? It should have broken by now." Black said.
"Let's just say they're not the type to give up, even at impossible odds." Cure Starlight chuckled. "They will fight to protect everyone's smiles, AND SO WILL I!" She then unleashed a powerful beam of light from the barrier, pushing Black's attack back.
"What? This shouldn't even be possible!" Black said in surprise. "How can a magical girl…be on par with a god?!"
"I'm more than just a magical girl… I'm a passing-through Pretty Cure! You better remember that, Color God Black!" Cure Starlight roared as her beam intensified to a rainbow color, pushing the attack further back.
Suddenly, the PreCard Carrier on her hip began to glow brightly, as did the Smile Precure team.
"That glow!" Kiana recognized.
"Then that means…!" Zi-O added in realization.
The group could see the glow from all across the battlefield as it shined brightly like a star, which also blinded Black in the process, causing him to lose concentration before taking a direct hit from Cure Starlight's beam as he looked on in shock before being knocked high into the air as he came crashing into the ground.
"Wow…not bad at all." GS Cinderace said standing over the defeated Bad End March.
"Those girls really are something." GS Froslass said having frozen Bad End Beauty.
"Yeah! Those girls are amazing!" GS Machamp said having beaten Bad End Sunny.
"Of course, we are playing on their home turf." GS Inteleon said, having beaten Bad End Peace.
"Plus…they're heroes." GS Pikachu said having beaten Bad End Happy.
"Grr…" Black growled as he rose back up. "What was that? How could….ah!" he said looking at Cure Starlight in shock.
The PreCard Carrier on Cure Starlight's hip shot out three glowing cards and landed on her hand. "This is…" She examined the cards as the light faded.
The first card has Cure Starlight's silhouette with the name 'Smiling Tale' on the left, a silver tiara with small wings and a 5-star multi-colored gem (pink, orange, yellow, green and blue) on each side, small winged earrings, and a red choker. The second card has a short red dress with dark red detail and crimson ruffled sleeves have a feathered white layer with two crimson spheres on top, and on the chest is a crimson bow with a gold medallion in the middle. A pair of short tails hang from the back of the skirt, and crimson shorts. And the third card has white knee-high boots with red soles, white fingerless sleeves, and a red ribbon on her sleeves and boots. And lastly, knee guards and elbow guards with a red gem each.
"Cure Starlight… what are those?" Cure Happy asked, looking at the cards.
"...My new power, thanks to all five of you." Cure Starlight smiled at the team that's still glowing in their respective colors while she took out her PreChange Mirror. "Color God Black! I'm not gonna forgive you for what you did to this world, for trapping the girls and faeries, and for messing up the Precure timeline, but I will thank you for one thing. Your actions have granted me a new power. And as a token of gratitude…" She inserted the cards into the mirror and raised it skyward. "You'll be the first person to test my new power on! Pretty Cure! Kururin Mirror Change!"
And with a push of a button, the PreChange Mirror let out another large flash of light, covering Cure Starlight as she transformed again. Her Base Form vanished and then appeared the red dress, then the sleeves, then the boots, then the elbow and knee guards, and then the earrings. And lastly the tiara appeared above her, grabbing it and slammed it on her hair.
"The shining light rising through the stars! Cure Starlight, Smiling Tale Form!"
"Alright! A new form for Cure Starlight!" Paimon cheered.
"Heh, Black screwed up big time." Zi-O smirked.
"As for that form… must've gotten from the Smile Precure team." Geiz observed. "A power from her senpais, huh?"
"REJOICE!" Woz suddenly appeared beside Cure Starlight, which surprised the Smile Precure team. "The one who inherits the power of the next generation of Pretty Cures! And her name is Cure Starlight, Smiling Tale Form! This is the moment where she inherits another form change! But this time, from her predecessors! The Smile Pretty Cure team!"
"Heh, kinda figured you were gonna pop out when I gained a new form." Cure Starlight chuckled. "Watching us from afar as usual?"
"Fufu, you know me too well." Woz chuckled. "By the way, there's something I need to tell you before you fight."
"And that is?" Cure Starlight asked.
Woz quietly whispered to Cure Starlight's ear, and made her eyes widen in surprise at his message. "So that's why…" She spoke, earning a nod from the chronicler. "You're one sneaky son of a gun, you know that? Either way, thanks. I know what I have to do now."
"Then I leave the rest up to you." Woz bowed and stepped aside while Cure Starlight stepped forward.
"Cure Starlight?" Cure Peace asked.
"I got an idea. Wait for my signal, okay Cure Beauty?" Cure Starlight replied.
"You have a plan…" Cure Beauty realized before nodding. "Very well, I'll wait."
"Hey Black! If you're done being dumbfounded, get your butt over here and punch me!" Cure Starlight taunted while rotating her PreBrace.
"Wait, what?!" Grey gawked.
"Hold on, the look on her face says she knows what she's doing." Aile stated.
"Alright then…forget blasting you into oblivion with nothing but darkness." Black said as he balled his fist. "Just as you want it… I'll blow your head clean off your shoulders with one strike!" he declared, charging right at Cure Starlight.
As Black was quickly closing in, Cure Starlight finished rotating her PreBrace as her gems changed into blue. Then she took a deep breath, closed her eyes and stood still without moving an inch. The moment Black punched her, he grinned… then turned to a state of shock that the one she punched… was actually an ice clone, causing his whole body to freeze.
"Wait, since when was she able to use ice?!" Cure Sunny gasped. "I thought it was light!"
"It's because she gained our powers thanks to her new form, and my element is one of them." Cure Beauty replied as she summoned a pair of ice swords using her Smile Pact, fused them into a bow and took aim at the frozen Color God, conjuring up an ice arrow.
As for where Cure Starlight actually is, she's above the frozen Color God while performing the same action as Cure Beauty and aimed below.
"Pretty Cure!
"Double!
"Beauty Blizzard Arrow!" Cure Beauty and Cure Starlight fired their arrows at the same time, causing Black's body to freeze even further, turning into a large ice crystal.
"You're up, Sunny! Pass it to me!" Cure Starlight shouted.
"Gotcha!" Cure Sunny complied, using her Smile Pact to conjure up a stronger fireball above her. "Pretty Cure! Sunny Fire Burning!" She leaped up and smacked the fireball towards Cure Starlight as her gems changed to orange after rotating her PreBrace.
As the fireball closes in, Cure Starlight curls her glowing hand into a fist. "Slam…!" She reeled her fist back. "Dunk!" Then she punched the fireball towards the frozen Black as the fireball intensified and became larger. "Aim for the fireball, March!"
"Okay!" Cure March complied, using her Smile Pact to conjure up a stronger wind sphere. "Pretty Cure! March Shoot Impact!" She then kicked the sphere, launching it towards the fireball as the elements fused into a windy fireball, and then scored a hit on Black as the ice crystal began to shatter.
Cure Starlight quickly dashed towards the combined fireball while rotating her PreBrace as the gems changed into green and her right leg generated wind energy. "Maximum… Impact!" She then kicked the combined fireball, completely breaking the crystal and sent Black flying with the projectile still on his chest. "Peace! I need your lightning next!" She ordered while landing on solid ground and rotated her PreBrace again, changing her gems to yellow.
"Right!" Cure Peace complied, raising her right arm and making a peace sign. An even stronger bolt of lightning struck her hand from the sky. She then spun and pointed at Cure Starlight, making peace signs with both hands. "Pretty Cure! Peace Thunder Hurricane!"
As Cure Starlight took a running stance, she was hit by Cure Peace's thunder, causing her whole body to surge with large amounts of electricity. And then she bolted towards Black like a lightning bolt in a zigzag pattern. She then caught up with Black and appeared behind him with her electrified hands with her right in a peace hand sign. "Scissors…!" She delivered a cross slash with her fingers. "Paper…!" She followed up with an electro force palm from both hands. "STONE!" And then delivered an electro punch, pushing Black as they approached Cure Happy.
"Cure Happy, get ready!" Cure Beauty said.
"Got it!" Cure Happy complied, using her Smile Pact to conjure up energy in her body. "Pretty Cure! Happy Shower Shining!" She then unleashed an even stronger shower of light from her hands as the attack landed on Black while Cure Starlight changed her gems to pink after rotating her PreBrace again.
Cure Starlight then jumped away from Black and prepared the same stance as Cure Happy. "Shining Storm!" She then unleashed the same attack on Black from behind as the force of the attacks caused a massive explosion before Cure Starlight regrouped with the Pretty Cure team.
"Uh… Zi-O?" Geiz spoke up as he and Zi-O watched in a state of shock.
"Yes?"
"I think her new form made her OP."
"Yeah… I was thinking the same thing. But considering the situation, I'll let that slide." Zi-O replied.
The sky started to clear up as time started to slowly resume as Black was lying flat on his back in the smoking crater. "I can't…believe it. Beaten…by a magical girl." Black said. "Damn it…" he said, pounding the ground. "I lost again."
Cure Starlight then approached the tired Color God as she took a deep breath. And once she got close, she went down on one knee, moved Black in a seated upright position and… hugged him?!
"What? What is this?!" Black said in surprise. "Why are you doing this?"
"...I'm sorry you had to go through all of that." Cure Starlight apologized. "After what you've been through this whole time. Once Woz told me about what you've been suffering, I finally understand." She released the hug. "You're just jealous of the Color Gods that they have more vibrant worlds while you got the short end of the stick and got nothing."
"Hey, I have worlds. Granted they aren't as incredible as the other universes worlds but…" Black said. "Ugh…forget it. I mean, doesn't matter anyway. This is the role I'm stuck in. The God of the Darkness Universe, the one called the most evil. The one always blamed when some new threat comes into being."
"What's so wrong about that? You're technically doing your job as a Color God. Though I have to admit, the others should at least give you something for your hard work." Cure Starlight stated.
"Hmm…" Madoka pondered. "Black…I have a proposition. What if I gave you rights to create the darkness needed to balance out my world? You wouldn't get my whole universe…just half. Will that work?"
Black pondered for a moment before he got up. "It is…acceptable." Black said.
"Another thing I need to mention." Woz spoke up. "I recently had a discussion with your sister White about giving you worlds that the other Color Gods do not need. She and the other Color Gods are currently discussing it."
"I see. Well, suppose that's that then. Thanks." Black said.
"So…are you going to try this conquest thing again?" Madoka asked.
"No. I think I'm done with conquest for a while. It's clear I need to…re-evaluate mine and the gods' views on this universe." Black said.
"I just hope they uphold their end of the deal. If not, there's gonna have to answer to me and the Rebellion. Heck, I'd even give you a helping hand." Cure Starlight smiled, offering a hand.
"Are you sure you aren't an agent of chaos in disguise?" Black asked as he took it.
"Maybe, maybe not." Cure Starlight winked. "Still, you're doing a good job at maintaining balance on the Color-Verse, so keep it up. You have my support."
"Thank you. I won't forget this." Black smiled as he and minions vanished as any trace of his being there vanished with him.
"It's…finally over." Madoka said as most of the group seemed to collapse from exhaustion.
"Thank god. I thought he was going to kill us." Usopp said.
Cure Starlight however… reverted back to a civilian and fell into exhaustion.
"SIS!" Zi-O exclaimed, running towards and supporting her.
"Sorry… guess I overdid it with my new form, huh?" Akira muttered.
"Yeah, you did. And I'm glad you were able to help Black." Zi-O smiled.
"Always knew you'd do the right thing the moment you saw the bigger picture." Geiz also smiled.
"I'll say. You managed to actually change Black instead of trying to destroy him." Madoka said.
"There's always another option, Madoka." Akira smiled. "You just need to hear his story first so you'll know how to solve it so everyone can smile, even Black."
"How fitting…given this is a world of happy endings." Madoka said.
As most of the group celebrated, David however looked down at the broken parts of Masakado.
"So…the legendary god slayer sword has finally been defeated." Hayase said approaching. "How ironic it was broken by the hands of the thing it was meant to kill."
"Yeah. But the thing has had a good run. We went through a lot of gods together, but… As the saying goes, all good things have to come to an end sometime." David said.
"Hmm…that's the reason I want to collect the slayer blades. To end the hatred and fear. But…that broken sword's journey does not have to end just yet." Hayase said.
"What do you mean?" David asked.
"It likely won't be a god slaying blade, but with the metal…I can forge a new blade that could be on par with Masakado." Hayase said. "But…it will take time."
"There is a place I know of." Nedris said.
"You speak of the swordsmith village? Every blacksmith knows of its existence. But they only repair nichirin blades. This one…requires a much more…special touch." Hayase said.
"Hayase is right. A Color God forged this blade. This isn't something any ordinary joe can handle." David said.
"Heh…ordinary? My friend…you'll find my skills with crafting are far from ordinary. I promise you, this new blade…will surpass the beauty and grace of Masakado 10 fold!" Hayase said.
"You really believe so?" David asked.
"Crafting and smithing are in my blood. I know it can be done!" Hayase said.
"Very well. I'll leave it in your hands then." David said.
Hayase just smiled as David handed him the broken pieces. "I'll take these to the forge where they can be repurposed for the new blade." Hayase said.
"Hey, you're welcome in there anytime, buddy." Bismuth said. "Didn't know y'were a smithy though."
"You know I was working there before you even joined!" Hayase said as the group was dispersing.
"Huh…you know…it kinda feels like we're forgetting some…." Riolu said as he stopped. "The Bracelet!"
"Oh, you mean this?" Woz revealed what he's hiding on his robe, an Emblem Bracelet. "I found it inside the school while all of you were busy."
"The Bracelet of the Shepherd Exalt!" Tiki said.
The bracelet itself had the design of a familiar sword, as everyone, including the Precures, looked at it.
"So, this is what you guys originally came to look for?" Cure Sunny asked. "What's so special about it?"
"I can show you." Alear said as she took hold of it. "Awaken, Emblem of Bonds!" she called out as the bracelet glowed before two figures appeared before them.
"Greetings, one and all. I am Emblem Chrom." the first one said.
"And I am Emblem Robin. A pleasure." the other said.
"Whoa… Seeing these two really brings back memories." David said.
"Yes, as if it was only yesterday." Alphamon said.
"Ah yes, I've heard of that story in the Color Codex." Woz said. "Quite an interesting tale, in my opinion."
"Whoa…that is so amazing!" Cure Happy said.
"Just like Edelgard's bracelet. There are multiple figures inside this one. It must be very powerful." Cheetah said.
"With these two, there's no 'must' about it. They ARE powerful." David said.
"Indeed, Robin and I being together isn't that surprising. After all, the two of us are bound by ties stronger than fate." Chrom said.
"So…that makes six. Just need one more." Jexi said.
"Yes. The Bracelet of the Brash General. But…for some reason…I can't really detect it." Tiki said.
"If it's not too much trouble… I think there is an ad I need to show everyone." Sachiko said.
"What are…" Theo said looking at the ad. "It's for a fighting tournament hosted by Dark Garden."
"Wait, them?" Houki blinked.
"That's not all. Take a look at what's offered as the prize." Sachiko said.
Theo just gasped as he held the ad. "The prize for survival is…an Emblem Bracelet!" Theo said.
"It must be the one we're looking for." Adora said.
"You've gotta be gacking kidding me." Gunvolt remarked with his eyebrow twitching.
"There's no proof that it's the real thing or not. But…not like we have any better leads." Jexi said.
"(This ad… It has to be him. There's no mistaking it.)" David thought. "(Cooler and I were just discussing this guy before I left.)"
"Well, if it's up for grabs in a fighting tournament…" Hope said. "I think we'd be more than happy to play."
"Oh, you bet!" Goku said. "It's been awhile since we've all participated in a tournament together."
"Hmm… Sure, why not? I think some of us can use the exercise." David said.
"I don't mind joining… just give me a moment to rest for… a while…" Akira added before falling asleep.
"Get some rest, sis. You've earned it." Zi-O replied, picking her up in a bridal carry. "I'll bring her back to the Galaxy King so she could recover. See you guys in a bit." He added before leaving.
"Looks like it'll be a team event too. That shouldn't be a problem for us." Theo said.
"Where is this fighting tournament?" Mark asked.
"Says here it's in…whoa…Cross-World, Las Vegas." Theo said.
"Las Vegas? That's where we hail from!" Captain Parkour realized. "A homecoming, then! Marvelous!"
"You guys better not gamble while we're there." Geiz joked before glaring at Vector. "Especially you, you gacking crocodile."
"Hey, I'm not that hopeless. Sure I sold your DNA to some mad genius but hey, you got cute kid clones outta it. That's good, right?" Vector said.
"Cute isn't the word I'd use to describe the Seraphim…" Sakura sweated.
"Especially when S-Angel and S-Prince tried to kill us." Kazuma said.
"You know something's wrong when I agree with Bakazuma." Chris added.
"Just…make sure the firm is legit next time." David said.
"Or else…" Houki added, pointing at her holstered katanas.
"...Duly noted." Vector said.
"Hmm…says here it doesn't start for a week." Mark noted.
"We'll be able to get to Cross-World and be in time for the tournament. Time difference and all that." Hope said. "I'm honestly excited. It's our first Fighting Tournament in a long time."
"I guess this is where we say our farewells?" Cure Beauty asked the teams.
"Wait, we're not going with them?" Cure Happy questioned.
"Our role in this story is not over yet. We still have a score to settle with the Bad End Kingdom." Cure Beauty stated.
"She's right." Geiz agreed. "You're the only ones that can finish this story. Also, remember what Cure Starlight told you?"
"No matter what happens…" Cure Peace started.
"Never give up." Cure Sunny added.
"Never lose hope." Cure March also added.
"Never stop fighting." Cure Beauty also added.
"And remember the smiles of the friends we've made along the way. That's what we're fighting for." Cure Happy smiled.
"Exactly." Geiz nodded and smiled back. "The rest is up to you, Smile Pretty Cure."
"Kick Pierrot's giant clown butt for us." Glimmer said.
"We sure will!" Cure Sunny said.
"So, what say you, Chrom?" Hope asked Chrom and Emblem Robin. "We're working to make sure Alear gets back to Elyos safe and sound. Would you and Robin be willing to put your efforts to making another happy ending?"
"Of course. We'd be honored." Chrom said.
"Wait, just like that?!" Cure Happy asked. "But they haven't even told you the whole story yet!"
"I knew I could trust all of them the minute I looked into their eyes." Chrom said.
"Chrom follows his instincts. He trusted me right away too, even though I'd lost my memory." Emblem Robin said.
"Sounds like the sign of a great leader." Esmeralda said.
"It is Chrom after all." Roy said.
"We look forward to joining you in the battles to come." Chrom said.
"And on that note, let's head to Cross-world. We've got a tournament to get to." Hope said. "Well, see you girls around."
"Hope we meet again someday!" Hibiki smiled and waved.
The Pretty Cures simply smiled as they waved off their new allies as they headed off to a new adventure. And as they did, someone was watching the entire scene from start to finish, secretly.
"Bad End Cures, hm? Why thank you for the inspiration, Black." said a man in a jester outfit as he smiled, holding a few cards in his hands. "I'll make sure to make them in the image you had… but mine will trump yours."
Every story must have an end, happy or bad. But when one story ends, another begins. So is the cycle of the Pretty Cure story, as new heroines rise up to defeat the evils that plague every world.
As the Hero Alliance leave behind the world of happy endings, they now head towards Cross-World, to compete in a new Tournament where the final emblem bracelet is on the line.
Elsewhere, in the Shinto Universe…
A number of soldiers from Dark Temple lay on the ground as a few captains and branch leaders assessed the damage.
"You're kidding? This was just done by a few people? Who were they?" one of the captains asked.
"The League of Villains, under orders from the Universal Villains." a soldier said.
"Hmm…I hear Flux was brought back in a leadership position. He's been targeting more of Dark Garden's storage places lately." The Blade said.
"Geez, he's this pissed about what Negativity said about him?" Kintoki asked.
"Well, such things can happen. How much have we lost?" Sensei asked.
"Actually, that's the weird part. They didn't take any money or weapons." the soldier said. "The only thing that went missing were the boxes of matcha we use for our tea house scandals."
"Matcha? What the hell would they want with that?" Kintoki asked.
"Maybe they're planning to start a tea shop somewhere." a captain joked.
"It is not a joking matter. In my years of experience, no one has ever dared tried to attack any of our operations, not once." Sensei said.
"At least you guys have it better off than Dark Hell does these days. Chainsaw Man has been recently sighted, ripping their small time operations apart." a soldier said.
"We have heard." The Blade said. "Thorn must have his hands full dealing with such a relentless menace. Especially since Chainsaw Man has declared he is after his head."
"Hmm…I can't help but feel this is an omen." Sensei said. "Thorn is a devious one. If he hasn't had anyone to look into those attacks, that can only mean…"
"...He has a plan." The Blade finished. "He wants the Chainsaw to find him. But why?"
"It's a devil that even the oldest of beings feared. There isn't a demon or devil that hasn't heard of it. It's likely a way to gain prestige, but who can say." Sensei said.
"Uh…sir? What should we do about our situation? I mean, Flux and his men just stole from us." a soldier asked.
"It's just some boxes of matcha. Just leave it be." Kintoki said.
"Kintoki is correct. Amadeus did not order the League to take anything of more value from us. We can always resupply with more matcha." Sensei said.
"Yes sir!" they all called out.
"Although…why the hell would he bother taking matcha?" Kintoki said.
To be continued…