~14 Fr: Dark Waters
A warm breeze swept through the park as the Sakura petals swirled around; they got up and held their hands in a circle for teamwork, vowing that they will meet again someday. One by one, they withdrew, taking separate roads. – Narrator, "Free! The Last Race"
Storyline A: The Final Reckoning
Flashback – Ancient Greece
Sometime before the Elder Bairns' raid
Returning from the mainland, the ship docks on the island of Rhodes, Memnon stepped down from the ship before being greeted by his brother Mentor along with a few of the servants.
"Welcome home!" Mentor smiled.
"Good to be back," Memnon agreed, "It has been quite a trip, brother. The mainland has so many wonders. I never thought Macedonia would be so vast and so far."
"It's like I told you," Mentor winked, "How about we discuss this further alone somewhere?"
"Of course," Memnon nodded.
"Prince, you must get some rest," one of the servants said.
"Are you alright?" Mentor asked.
"We had a little storm at sea but nothing in terms of casualties," he shrugged, "Is father doing well?"
"He's…well…" Mentor hesitated but disregarded.
Once they returned to their castle, they were brought to Memnon's chamber as one of the servants prepared the washroom for him. After cleaning up, Mentor led Memnon to Artabazos's chamber as he was resting badly on his bed with chancres-like sores all over his body.
"W-what happened?!" Memnon gasped.
"An illness has struck your father, as some may say…the leprosy has taken him over," the one nurse revealed.
"But to whom would dare to strike him like this?" Memnon asked.
"The last person he ran into was Philip II," another servant revealed.
Devasted by this piece of news, Memnon clenched his fist, prompting Mentor to take him to another room.
"Brother, I'll go to Macedonia," Mentor said, "I'll avenge our father."
"But if they catch you killing him…" Memnon answered.
"I have something that might help us…" Mentor unveiled a small bizarre, shaped tube with red fluid in it.
"Blood?" Memnon asked.
"Blood of the predators who feast on our kind," Mentor revealed.
"T-The Elder…!?" Memnon almost screamed but Mentor hushed him.
"W-what do you intend to do with it?" Memnon asked.
"I'm keeping it close with me for the time being," Mentor said, "But when the time is right, I will consume this and then kill off the ruler."
"How did you get this?" Memnon was still puzzled.
"Never mind that," Mentor answered, "I'm going to get ready to return to the mainland tomorrow. I'll be back by the next full moon."
Macedonia, The Mainland
Abandoned Site
Far away from society, a 15-year-old Alexander sat alone on a small hill, overlooking the beach below with the waters hitting the area calmly. For years, he would have dreams of people surrounding him but couldn't make out for what they looked like. It was like mysterious, yet a welcoming company…
I wish I could see these people, he thought, closing his eyes for a moment, maybe then…I'll be free…
The waters continued to hit the shoreline. Finally, he opened his eyes with a lone tear down his face.
No, I don't want it to be just me…I want to make a home for everyone, he thought, a family that I could love…friends that I want to laugh…and the water…I want to understand it better.
I only wish I know why I am the way I am…what was I made for?
A warm hand touched his shoulder. He turned to see Hephaistion sitting down next to him.
"Hephai...why do we suffer conflicts? Could we ever have a world, one with love and joy?" he asked.
"I know one thing, for every darkness and chaos, comes with light and peace," he answered, "It's up to us on how we react to these things."
"I just…don't want to contain these feelings anymore," Alexander revealed, "I know it's wrong if I do this but…I need to take on the whole world. These monsters continue to threaten everyone and everything. It's possible to bring peace…it has to be."
"Whatever you decide, I'll stay by your side," Hephaistion said, "But I know we'll be facing a lot of hell."
"Then I'll do my best to adapt to every place I go," he replied, "I won't just conquer a place because of my own desire…it's to allow people have a better chance of life! I want to see more people make art, creativity, passion, happiness…I want to see more people being inspired by others and create their own world.
"More so, I want to understand the water and why I am so fixed by it!"
Finally, the waters stopped making noise which confused the duo. Moments later, five swirls of water erupted, forcing them to step back. They solidified themselves into five humanoid beings, each of them dressed in various robes like the fellow Macedonians. Was this real? Did they just appear…out of nowhere like this?
"Be not afraid, child," the first entity greeted them.
"Your heart cries out to us and we have listened," the second entity smiled.
"We couldn't be any more proud of you," the third being spoke.
"W-who are you?" Alexander asked, "Y-you're not…"
"No, we are not those flesh monsters," the fourth, sassy being makes a fish face remark.
"It truly is an honor to finally meet with you in person," the final entity greeted.
"Then what are you?" Hephaistion looks at them.
"We are the water…the seas, the oceans, your tears, everything of all sources of life that is here in this world," Nanase revealed.
"Wait…does this mean you know of Poseidon?!" he gasped.
"Poseidon?" Ryugazaki questioned this thought.
"Nah child, we go waaaay back before your people created these deities," Hazuki said.
"As in when this world was first created," Matsuoka added.
"A-amazing…" Alexander gasped in awe.
"We've watched many societies rise and fall, the land shifting and changing…nature evolving," Tachibana continued, "Always here in this entire world."
"And you child, are not like the rest of the humans," Nanase said, "You want to find the truth."
"Does this mean that the world will ever find peace?" Alexander asked.
"That is not up to us to decide on that," Matsuoka replied, "For we cannot change humans. Only humans can change themselves if they make peace and love."
"Then how is it that conflict, war, and darkness exist?" the human looks at them.
"It's a very simple, yet complicated answer," Ryugazaki answered, "The human thought, the limited lifespan, emotion, and of course the very essence of life…water."
"Water…has drawn conflict?" Hephaistion's eyes widened a little.
"For water has brought life," Nanase said, "But water can also bring death. What should have been a basic necessity for all on this planet has been politicized and competed for. Even the non-human animals fight for such resources. That's just the price of life."
"That's terrible!" Alexander replied, "I don't see it that way! It's not right for people to control others because of what this planet has to offer!"
"Anyway, one lesson we wish to share with you before we head back out," Nanase replied, "Look to your heart before you decide what you want from this world. Your heart is what will help you create the reality you wish for, as long as you are willing to fight for it."
With this, the five dissolved back into the water and merged in the sea. However, this memory and encounter was quickly forgotten as the Mizu Gods used the water to make them forget except the last phrase. However, the gods knew that this person will indeed, bring a revolution to this world.
1 Year Later: Ancient Olympics
As the festivity was taking place, Alexander sat down in the spectator's area along with Hephaistion, Cassander, and Ptolemy. The former was intrigued by the chariot racing taking place. Moments later, someone else came into their space.
"M-Memnon!?" Alexander gasped.
"Good day to you," he said.
"Your brother didn't come along?" Ptolemy asked.
"He's working on a trade with a different acropolis," Memnon shrugged the lie, "He won't be able to attend."
"Well that's a bummer," Cassander replied.
Memnon sat down with the prince on his right-hand side as Hephaistion was on his left. The former tried to stage excitement and in awe of this, keeping the charade as much as possible.
"Is everything okay?" Alexander looks at Memnon, "I heard from Mentor that…"
"He's dead," Memnon said.
"W-what?!" he gasped.
"Mentor is fine but…our father passed away," Memnon corrected the statement.
"How tragic," Hephaistion answered, "We do give our condolences."
"I can't imagine all the responsibility on both your shoulders and his," Cassander agreed.
"We'll manage," Memnon said, "It's just our time I guess…that's all."
They watched the chariot racing taking place as well as other sporting events like Discus and Diaulos. However, in the Diaulos, Alexander thought he heard a phrase in his head…
400 meters to the future ahead!
That voice, he thought.
"Hey, don't miss that!" Ptolemy cried out in the cheering.
Memnon noticed something was interestingly off with Alexander, but he kept quiet likewise. He brushed his hand into his own pouch where he had a dagger in store but paused upon suspecting of getting caught. His mind got caught in a flashback of an argument with his brother Mentor who claimed that the people of Macedonia were cursed beings.
It doesn't make any sense, Memnon thought, we get along well during Aristotle's teachings…but I feel tension. Did something happen to my brother while he was here?
"Something wrong Memnon?" Alexander looks at him.
"N-no, it's nothing," he brushed it off.
Just now, I felt something warm…like an aura of hope, happiness, and freedom, Memnon thought.
Back in Rhodes, Mentor was busy preparing something with a hooded figure who introduced him to the sample of the Elder Bairn blood.
"Is this it?" he asked.
"Indeed," Verrado answered, "All the ingredients are here. Once you drink this, you'll never have to worry about your town, your brother…everything will be yours."
"But…what about…" Mentor paused as he remembered hearing rumors about a dark coven known as the Code.
"Will you let your own fears consume you? Or will you consume the fears and make power?" she looks at him.
"I…I will drink this," he replied, putting all the ingredients together before taking a sip out of a clay pot bowl. For a moment nothing happened but…
Back on the mainland, Memnon opened his eyes as he was camping out in the forests alone. He sensed something horribly wrong back on Rhodes. Without wasting time, he quickly gathered his things and got on his horse, heading over to the coastline.
He had to get to one of the ships as soon as possible. There was no time to lose. With a successful leap, he got on board, frightening the crew but he identified himself as the Prince of Rhodes, promising to give gold in exchange for direct passage.
By the time he returned to the island, he saw it quiet as usual, and he gave his sack of gold to the crew. He rushes to the palace where he sees Mentor conducting a meeting with the guards.
"M-Memon, weren't you going to stay longer in Macedonia?" Mentor looks at him.
"I felt something off," Memnon answered, "Wasn't sure if you were in terrible danger."
"Danger? Ha! But I do appreciate your concern very much," Mentor replied, "You don't have to worry anymore. There are enough supplies and soldiers to repel anyone trying to invade our home. Don't tell me you forgot our promise?"
"No brother, not at all," Memnon said, "You are the king now, I just hope you won't take the burden all to yourself."
This power, Mentor thought, it feels so liberating…any traitor to this land I'll feast on. We'll never have to rely on anyone or anything.
Present Day: Rhodinean Cathedral Palace
Memnon watched on the crystal bubble that showed Alex and the other guardians finally traveling in space together to reach his location. The way of getting to this specific point in space will not be easy for them. This domain has a lot of obstacles and traps waiting to be unleashed.
Suiei Glise Scorpius and Kepler Cygnus reported the casualties of their team but to Memnon it didn't matter. He needed the Greatest Light to be here.
He turned to Suiei Iwahara, Dalton, and Maurer and instructed them, "Alert the others at the Rivers of Hell and standby."
"And for both of you, tend to the Cursed Garden as usual," he added.
"Of course, your majesty," Glise Scorpius bowed.
Once everyone was out of the area, Memnon went to his bedside desk and pulled something out of the drawers. It was his own swimming gear when he was still Maxime Redding. When he was first reborn to modern day Greece, he really had no memory of his past life. For once, it did feel like a breath of fresh air.
However, once the memories resurfaced and the trauma of losing his brother to the wicked darkness, Memnon vowed to save him in hopes of starting anew without anything darkness involved. But alas, meeting Chaos and drawn into this place was certainly proven more difficult than he anticipated.
Chaos revealed to him that Mentor met with one of his subjects, using the power of that darkness together with the Elder Bairn blood. While Memnon was livid about the whole situation, he formulated a plan to try to double-cross Chaos in hopes of getting his nemesis to come here. And now that time was approaching.
Camelot Magna
Artemis finally landed in the half-charred land of destruction with the other half being somewhat intact but in great distress. It was no doubt this was the work of his twin, Apollo's doing.
I have to find Apollo, Artemis thought, this has to stop. Destroying this primordial realm would result in the end of creation for the future.
"Well, this is disappointing," a voice said.
Artemis turned to see his twin at long last, donned in heterochromatic eye colors.
"Turning yourself in that easily or are you going to brother me some more?" Apollo asked.
"I know this is hard for you to believe…but you are throwing away your own happiness," Artemis said, "All this…damage. It's not worth it. Chaos is only using you. Please, let me help you heal…"
"The only way I will ever heal…is by KILLING you," Apollo growled, summoning two swords, "But I'll lend you this to defend yourself. I am better than you."
"Brother, I don't want to fight you," Artemis answered.
"As long as you die, I don't really care," Apollo said.
Artemis looks at Apollo who was clearly not the person who was before. Why did Apollo consume this darkness? Was it the same curse that his late brothers have undergone long before?
I have to get that darkness out, Artemis thought, even if it means I have to fight him.
Apollo soars his way over to attack Artemis, prompting the latter to grab the sword and fend for his life. Their blades clashed as this final battle was now beginning.
Storyline B: Our Free!
Multi-Purpose Room, Arena South
Once he contacted and located Masaki and Minato, Alex reached to a room that was decorated in a Japanese-themed style similar to the shrine. The duo waited for and greeted him.
"So, Nao has told me about your recent plight," Masaki said, "We give you, our sympathy."
"I'm just…not in the mood to talk about it," he replied, "A lot has happened the last couple of days."
"Do you remember when we first met, and I asked you if you were the Greatest Light?" Minato asked, "You certainly have shown that and then some."
"That was…" Alex begins but pauses with a sigh, "What happened back there…"
"I see, so it really has been a rough journey for you," Masaki realized, "And that stress was brought over here during your swimming."
"It's not something I am proud of," Alex replied, "Anyway, what do I need to do to alleviate this?"
"Like how you were when you fought Memnon," Masaki answered, "You need to ease the mind from that stress."
Alex set down his bag, "Then I guess I need to find the answer still, huh?"
Once he was changed into a meditating kimono outfit, Masaki and Minato linked their hands to Alex's in a triangular connection as the duo focused their energies to him.
JINGLE-JINGLE
JINGLE-JINGLE
The dragon swimmer found himself in a darken void again like how he saw in his vision while swimming against Natsuya. The Koi Carp floated nearby in the distance.
"You again," he muttered, walking towards it.
He was arm's length from reaching it when it flashed forward away from him. Annoyed, he started to run after it as the darkness around him began to shatter away into a bright light. Moments later, he found himself back in a very familiar place…somewhere he had not seen in a very long, long time…
"T-this can't be!" he gasped, "I-iwatobi?!"
He saw his past self-arriving there from the train with the girl Serah but of course, he was in a sulky yet determined behavior that was burdened from his trials of life.
T-this is a memory, he realized to himself, I remember coming here with that girl. But why now? Why am I seeing this again?
He followed his past self to the Iwatobi school where the clear sunny skies turned gloomy and dark as he remembered the massive snake-like Elder Bairn after his failed attempt for revenge. A part of him wanted to call forth his magic but realized….
I can't do this, he thought, feeling the sadness from his past, that's not what I have wished for…intervene with the past and the future will change.
He trailed his past self to Rei's home where he begged for help to save his younger brother. His heart ached upon seeing this as he remembered what it felt that time…but more so what would've happened after.
Finally, the scenery froze in time as Alex could tell something was about to happen.
"Why do you swim? Why did you go to them?"
"T-that voice!" he gasped, "I-is that you, Suiei Cosmos?!"
Sure enough, one of the primordial senshi appeared to him with a solid look on its face. The entity was dressed in a white tuxedo suit with several colors of the tassels across its chest, making a rainbow pattern. The hair was also long as silvery-white with the face as clear as water.
"Young warrior, you have experienced many things…even as far as to our origin," Suiei Cosmos spoke, "So many laws were broken, and destinies have changed."
"Is this really all my fault?" Alex looked at the entity, "Even back then when I…"
"That is for you to decide…" Suiei Cosmos answered, "The magnitude of that wish…comes with a price."
Alex watched to see Rei finally making the betrayal but noticed something was off. He remembered being killed perfectly but, in this version…they rescued him barely in time!
"I-is this the other universe?!" he gasped, "I've heard about it but…"
"To see it as real as what you see, is truly incredible," Suiei Cosmos revealed, "Your brain has wondered to this reality because you're looking for a reason why you still swim."
"But…if this is the other universe…wouldn't that other me…and myself…share the same wish?" Alex asked.
"That is a question that I cannot answer," Suiei Cosmos said, pointing at the Magic Six of Gen 1 standing together symbolically in their magical cloaks.
"If we are the same person, then are reasons to swim must be the same…we both are destined," Alex replied.
Suddenly the image shattered right in front of his eyes, throwing him back to the darkness as everything rushed around like falling. He turned his head to see the massive black hole from before but this time, he could feel his body starting to stretch out. His screams were inaudible.
Alex snapped his eyes back to reality, looking at Masaki and Minato with heavy breathing.
"I…I almost died…" he breathed to his horror, "What the HELL WAS THAT?!"
"That was your stress overreacting," Masaki answered firmly, "You said that you swim because it is your destiny. Tell me, why is it your destiny?"
He paused for several moments before replying, "Swimming was the only sport I ever loved…I hated the other sports because I…no. I can't go back thinking about that hellish place. I forgave them…why are you both trying to reopen a wound of mine?!"
"It's the same reason as to why you are still struggling and why you lost the Olympics," Masaki answered.
"W-what!?" he gasped, starting to back away, "No…why would my past still continue to haunt me to this day?!"
Minato finally rests his hands on Alex's shoulders, "You don't need to think about the bad of that place…however, there was good that happened there was it not?"
"Living in Mayfield…it was neither the best, nor the worst," he said, "It was all shades of gray. I fled there to start anew…I just…I fled because I felt unwelcomed from my classmates. But if I forgave them and sent them to start over anew…"
"It's like you did back at the Edge of the Omniverse," the voice of Suiei Cosmos echoed in his head, "You too, forgave them and allowed them to start over…"
Finally, a lone tear comes from Alex's face, "That can't be…I…I swim because…if it wasn't my destiny…then what would it be? Have I evolved beyond what my other, alternate self has faced?"
"Indeed," the voice continued in his head, "You have become a far greater version than any of them…"
"That's right," Alex muttered, "We don't give up…I remember that moment back then."
"Also, think back to when you did swim in the past Olympics," Masaki added another clue, "What was it back then compared to now?"
"I know what I did back then was wrong," Alex said.
"Besides the drugs," Minato replied, "Forget about that…just think it over, alright?"
"For now, let's conclude this session," Masaki answered, "We'll let you know if we plan to do another session."
Day 4:
Semi-Final Relay Teams
Morning Segment: Freestyle Relay
With three days into the swimming portion of the Olympics, the semi-finals for the medley teams were happening. In the first heat of the semi-finals, the Hidaka team were up as Seijuurou, Isana, Hikaru, and Asahi were on their way.
"Let's make it to the end team," Seijuurou grinned.
"This will be awesome!" Isana looks at Hikaru with excitement.
"I say you're awesome too," Hikaru flirts back.
"Okay you two take it easy there," Asahi smirked.
"What?" Isana looks at him when he realized he was holding Hikaru's hand.
"Put all the same kind of love you have for each other into this race!" Seijuurou added, "Especially during the transition!"
They finally got to the main deck as Isana manages to unlink the hands for the time being. They were certainly up against a few other teams from Lha'li and Neo Sportsbrooke. The four were set at Lane 5.
In the other room, the Shimogami team watched to see how their friends and rivals will make in this race. The Iwasame team were also here with Kyle, Alex, and the Macedonia Trio.
Haruka however, his mind flashed back to something yesterday while Alex was out for his mental training…
Mini-Flashback: Last Night
IOC Conference
Both the Iwatobi and Samezuka teams reunited together at the board room along with Natsuya and Nao. After realizing that the project was approved, there were changes to be made to the schedule and the roster.
"I'm sure you have heard from the email," Nao begins, "So with that in mind, we are going to need to make some adjustments here."
"So it's approved then," Rin said.
"Correct," Natsuya answered, "The roster will have to be adjusted in order to provide a fair match not just for the other teams but also for yours, especially during this operation."
"So then, what will become of the mixed medley?" Nagisa asked.
"We're going to have one team of ours focus on it," Natsuya continued, "Kaede, Ikuya, myself, and Hiyori will take in the semi-finals tomorrow. Once we make it to finals, Haruka, you along with Rin, Sousuke and my brother will take on that match."
"It will be quite a gamble on our end," Nao warns them, "But this will be the time for you guys to be prepared for what is yet to come."
"At least some of us still have the individual matches," Momo crossed his arms a little.
"That day, everyone will participate," Nao added.
"EAHHHH!?" Ai gasped, "A-all of us?!"
"That was the deal arranged with," Natsuya said.
"I guess that would be fair, seeing the fact that it'll be like a redemption match," Makoto rests his fist beneath his chin.
"But a lot of pressure would be placed upon us," Haruka added.
"Fear not," Nao reassured them, "We haven't come this far to give up. Sandro wouldn't want us to give up."
"Yeah, he's done a lot for all of us," Rei said, "That promise…we all made together."
"We owe that to him," Sousuke agreed.
"So then, how are we going to approach this?" Ai asked.
"We'll have special training for you folks as well with approval from the IOC and the swim director," Natsuya revealed.
"Does Kaede know about this?" Rin questioned.
"He has been notified earlier," Nao replied.
Present Time:
Seijuurou readied himself on the diving block with a serious facial expression at the sight. The time has finally come.
"Take your Marks…"
BEEP!
The semi-finals begin as Seijuurou makes a well pointed dive, soaring through the freestyle with his great arm range of motion. Each slice of the water grew stronger and in rhythm, putting him at a good lead.
"He's starting off strong!" Asahi smiled.
"Let's hope he can push the wall even stronger," Hikaru replied.
At the right time, the flip turn occurs as the red head was now neck-to-neck, resulting in a bit of tension.
"We mustn't give up; you got this Isana!" Asahi turns to the purple-haired man.
"Oh, I'll give these swimmers a run for their money," Isana smirks as he readied himself on the diving block.
"ISANNAAA!" Seijuurou roars out upon striking the wall. The second swimmer dives in cleanly and is leading a bit, keeping up the pace.
"With this arrangement, we'll certainly give an edge," Hikaru assists Sei getting out as they watched their next swimmer on the go.
I am a genius, I am a genius, Asahi prayed to himself.
The others watched with joy as the Hidaka team managed to score second in this heat with the odds still favoring them for the finals. They returned to the base area as the Shimogami consisting of Tsubasa, Kotarou, Shin and Ikuya headed to the deck.
We'll make it to the finals, Tsubasa prayed to himself, this is going to be our time together.
The blue-haired man readied himself on the block.
"Take your Marks…"
BEEP!
After the Shimogami team struck first in their heat, both of them passed onto the finals on Day 6. It was now break time for lunch as everyone dispersed about while a good chunk of the swimmers hung out in the multi-purpose room with their lunch.
"You guys did great," Nagisa said.
"BAHAHA! That was just a little warm-up," Sei grinned.
"Onto the finals for you guys then?" Rei asked.
"For sure," Isana winked.
Alex smiled and added, "I'm glad you guys are kicking it well."
"Absolutely," Hikaru chuckled.
"So um, what about this afternoon relays…are you guys…?" Alex turned to the Iwatobi four.
"Actually, there have been some revisions," Nagisa said.
"Nagisa…" Rei warned him.
"R-Revisions?!" Alex gasped, "Oh no…don't tell me."
"It's not like that," Haruka said, "We're still on the board but we as a team decided to share among this relay as one instead of two teams."
"Are all you guys…okay?" Alex tilted his head, "Is someone sick?"
"Sick? Oh god no!" Momo answered with a nervous chuckle, "Just um…"
"We're trying to come up with a strategy that will increase our odds of winning," Ai said calmly.
"Ah, ok," Alex nodded.
Good one there Ai, Sousuke sighed to himself in relief.
"So then…are any of you guys gonna be in the semi-finals…or finals even?" Sei asked.
"The semi-finals will consist of myself, the Kirishima brothers, and Hiyori," Kaede stepped in, "All of you guys need to remember to focus your energy on yourselves. Any external stress will break your spirits."
"And if you guys make it to the finals, who will it be?" Isana looks at them.
"I, along with Rin, Sousuke and Ikuya," Haruka revealed.
Oh wow, Alex realized to himself, it's almost like that's the…dream team. Was that the same reason why those four were talking that night a while back before the Shadow Achaemenian Empire…?
"You know, watching all of you guys swim…it does feel like I'm at home," he said.
"Sandro?" Kyle looks at him.
"You're all fantastic…all of you are angels," Alex smiled.
"Are you okay?" Nagisa asked.
"I remembered something…while I was in mental training last night…well, it happened afterwards but I had a dream of the past," he revealed, "Back in Greece. I was with Hephai…and I asked him a question…kinda philosophical."
"Oh?" Kotetsu looks at him.
"I asked myself, what was I made for…" he revealed, "But out loud, I asked him…why do we suffer conflicts. My mother…after my first reincarnation, once told me of a lesson she learned. Every day, there is always some form of a conflict…a war…a lot of it unheard or seen on the media."
Haruka looks at him and replies, "I once told Makoto back in middle school…that Makoto should be Makoto…and now, I see you are asking yourself the same thing."
"Haru-chan's right…let you be you," Nagisa smiled, "And by doing so, great things will happen."
"I believe, the best is yet to come too," Kyle agreed, "You just haven't seen it yet."
"Well, I'm not sure what else I can do aside being a back-up swimmer," Alex sighed.
"Believe…like how you believed in yourself back then," Rin replied, "When you unleashed that Greatest Light."
Storyline A: The Final Reckoning
Alex opened his eyes suddenly and the first thing he realized was being on dry land again. However, his mind was having a splitting headache of some kind, worse than a migraine.
"W-where…?" he muttered.
"Are you lost little prince?" a voice asked.
He turned to see a young adult dressed in some sort of fancy suit-like attire but with a long trench coat of some kind. His vision was fuzzy to see but he guessed it was in some dark navy blue with a hint of scarlet and rose.
"W-who…?" Alex breathed quietly.
"You seem lost. Look behind you, are those your parents and brother?" the stranger pointed.
He turned to see what looked like mom, dad, and Sergi but his brain wasn't processing it. If anyone from the outside noticed his state of trance…
"You made a very difficult decision on leaving them," the stranger continued.
"D-Decision…leaving…?" Alex grew more unaware at the second, "Difficult…?"
"If you have family and friends, you're not alone…but if you die…then you become alone," the stranger added.
"Family…friends…I…I had them…?" Alex muttered.
"That bracelet you wear, was that from your mother?" the stranger asked, pointing at it.
With little movement, Alex barely lifted his arm to see the black "Love you Forever" bracelet on his wrist. Moments later, the stranger used his hand to magically force him to fall on his knees. Alex grunted painfully.
"Such a waste that your memories are lost now in this River of Hell," the stranger mocked, "I, Suiei Malebolge will extract your useless body and discard it into this damnation!"
The dark senshi raised his hand and sent electrical blasts at the family members as Alex gasped in sudden shock and horror.
Mizu Temple, Idaina Magna
"S-SERGI!?" Gen 1.0!Alex turned to see his brother now collapsing on the ground likewise.
"Your family…I have to…" Mizu Marotta summoned the parents here likewise as now their bodies were becoming transparent. Alex's eyes widened in horror as indeed something was far incredibly wrong outside of the afterlife domain.
"We don't have enough guardians to stop this threat?!" Alex shouted as he looked over his parents and brother.
"I can preserve them but it's going to require all the strength I have," the Mizu God looks at him.
"Just keep them safe!" he replied, "I need to find a way to see what's happening out there."
"Go to Pandora, she might know!" the Mizu God nodded.
River of Hell
Gen 3.0!Alex's heart was screaming despite not his brain clicking the way it was normally. The dark senshi laughed and was ready to finish executing them when the dark waters suddenly collapsed open. A rift brought the parents and Sergi out of the scene. Malebolge growled but he returned his attention to Alex.
"I'll get them later once I settle the score with you," he looks at him sharply readying his attack, "ACHAEMENIAN TRITIUM ABSORPITION!"
A small explosion of energy threw Alex several yards, knocking him down as his mind is screaming, "W-why are you doing this?! I did you no harm!"
"Winning does not go without losing," Suiei Malebolge replied, "Those who live must die eventually. Your live has been nothing but a cursed blessing which in return damns our kind from even having the basic needs of living."
T-that's not true, Alex's mind screamed again, to lose my name, my life…everything…I-I can't die here like this. I know these have to be lies! B-but my strength…its depleting quickly…I…I can't…
"STOP THIS ONII-CHAN!" A second voice was heard. Malebolge gasped to see Suiei Caina running over, crying into his arms, "We've hurt Suiei Marotta enough already! Leave that final battle to our lord as it was foretold!"
S-Suiei…Marotta, Alex thought.
Seconds later, his forehead finally glows the neon dragon symbol. His body then moves up in the air briefly as the underwater exploded with a great vortex of power growing stronger and stronger by the moment. Regaining his Ultra form, he opened his eyes as his heart and soul reconnected once again.
"Dammit Caina!" Malebolge growled.
"No! This is gone enough!" Caina snapped, raising his fist to freeze Malebolge in place.
Alex turned to see Caina approaching him slowly.
"W-why are you…?" Alex asked.
"We have to talk…but for now…your traveling companions…" Caina pointed to the direction where they were at.
Alex raised his tiare and located them at different points of the river. Malebolge growled as Alex and Caina located the others and released them from their own separate tortures of the dark waters. Kaede, Kotetsu, and Albert opened their eyes first as they saw Alex and Caina releasing them from the seaweed bonds that were wrapping them in like coccons.
Moments later, they located the other guardians and Yamato with Kazuki and Takuya stuck together back-to-back like glue while Hayato was badly beaten by what appeared to be burnt marks. Toru and Shouta were also somewhat beaten up but not by flames but rather by slashes and cuts. Finally, Yamato was seen in a sleeping-curse like state.
Finally, everyone emerged out of the River of Hell and collapsed on the dry land, coughing, and choking from the encounter below. Alex used the tiare to heal up the wounds and injuries as well as repairing any internal damage.
"His power…is truly incredible," Caina gasped.
"Why did you betray me?!" Malebolge glares at him.
"This has gone far too long brother," Caina argued, "Even now I feel relaxed with that power from Suiei Marotta."
"And that's the same exact power that has plagued our homeland!" he said.
"H-homeland…?" Alex turns to the duo, "W-who are you two exactly?"
"We are two of the River Guardians that circulate around the Rhodinean Palace," Malebolge sighed, "I am the Guardian of Wrath and Violence, Suiei Malebolge."
"I am the Guardian of Limbo and Reflection, Suiei Caina," he added.
"And who are the others?" Yamato asked.
"Dammit! I can't believe I lost those guys…" a voice shouted as they turned to see the other two river guardians.
"I am the Guardian of Lust and Greed, Suiei Antenora," the third member introduced himself.
"And that leaves me as the Guardian of Heresy and Treachery, Suiei Nimrod.
Each of them was dressed in suits with ties, but they also wore some sort of a tiare and dog tag necklaces. However, unlike the previous encounters, these four had bizarre looking cuffs on them, indicating some higher status.
"Suiei Marotta, you are not allowed to leave this place unscathed. You must die," Suiei Malebolge continued.
"MALEBOLGE!" Caina shouted.
"DAMMIT CAINA, CLOSE YOUR EYES IF YOU CAN'T HELP IT!" he growled.
"Malebolge, you do realize if we kill him without Memnon's approval…" Suiei Antenora added.
"SHUT UP!" Malebolge glares at him, "Have you all forgotten what happened back then?! Our cities were at war with each other because of the lack of resources! There wasn't enough water on any of the planets!"
"N-not enough…water?" Alex's eyes widened.
"We all made a pact with Memnon to ensure our own happy endings," Nimrod revealed, "When he appeared, the wars ended but everyone died all around us. We were then bestowed with powers from Chaos, but we have remained here in this domain for the very purpose of this day."
Alex could see their pain as memories of their world was seen…in a distant solar system of sort, these four cities were at some conflict for a fresh water massive sea in the middle of their continent. While it was indeed a 'neutral territory', the water was depleted over the years because the humanoid population was growing out of control.
He could see the four of them, each representing their own city trying to become Swimming Guardians, but their pools were destroyed by the war and their families and friends being killed. Finally, Memnon appeared in the flashback and raised up his hand to level down all the territories, turning the entire planet into a desolated waste of space.
"Come with me," Memnon said to the four, "And you will never have to worry about hunger, thirst, or love ever again. All will be provided to you. Your latent powers as Swimming Guardians will be exchanged for greater power."
"What will happen to this planet?" Malebolge asked.
"In time, once our mission is fulfilled, I will grant you a new world to rule upon," he replied.
"And what mission would that be?" Caina questioned.
"By getting my revenge…this individual who took everything away from me," Memnon answered.
I-I can't believe this, Alex thought, so not only did you make artificial false swimmers, but you also took away those of potential and warped their existences! It's like what he did to Nicolas, Kosuke, and Ken!
"All we want is to secure our future," Caina added, "The lack of water and life has caused our homeland to crumble."
"There can be no peace or happiness if you associate yourselves with that destructive guardian," Yamato protested, "You know Memnon has killed many innocent lives and guardians alike! Even if you go through with the plan, he'll double cross you eventually!"
"Suiei Marotta," Suiei Malebolge continued, "The power within you is indeed the Chaomos Crystal that drifted into your Macedonia Dragon Crystal. As long as you live, the war will never end. This is the same power that attracts conflict and darkness to the light you carry."
With a heavy sigh, he looks at the four senshi and answers, "If you truly believe that after all that has happened, if you truly believe that this is the only answer…then kill me."
Everyone gasped to their horror as Malebolge was shaking, tempting to cast his attack but something…somewhere…deep in his conscious. It was preventing him from doing so.
"However, I have come to this place to end the war, that is my mission. I too, want a happier future…just like the four of you. No matter what, I do believe there is a future for everyone."
A small gust of wind swept through the vicinity, finally prompting Malebolge to lower his arms. With a lone tear, he finally replies, "Then go. If our wishes are the same…I guess that means that there is no point of fighting anymore…"
"Suiei Marotta, once you get to the edge, please remember us…" Caina requested, "You'll find that…"
"FOOLS! HOW DARE YOU FALL INTO THAT HOPEFUL SPEECH!" a loud voice shouted.
Everyone turned to see Kosuke, Ken, and Nicolas again along with two others, Suiei Gliese Scorpius, and Suiei Kepler Cygnus.
"Dammit," Yamato growled.
"HEH!" Suiei Gliese Scorpius chuckled as he lowered his saber like weapon and blasted the four Rivers of Hell senshi to dust as they briefly screamed.
The Suizei Senshi quickly threw a force field together in case of sequential attacks. Ken, Kosuke, and Nicolas dismissed themselves as the other two then combined their powers together to attack the rest of the group.
"The barrier won't last long!" Kazuki shouted.
"We have to get rid of those two!" Toru added.
"Protect Suiei Marotta!" Hayato answered.
"W-what are you…!?" Yamato's eyes widened.
"SUIZEIIIIII…BLISTERINNNNNGGGGGG…HYDROLYSIS!" Hayato spins with his hands gesturing various sign-language gestures as he unleashes his attack in a sun-like symbol in cotton candy pink, salmon, and violet background hues.
"SUIZEEEIIIIIIIIII, SPIRALINGGGGGG HURRICANE!" Kazuki adds his own attack by tracing with his index finger before firing his blasted wind attack in a background of gray, brown and purple hues.
"SUIZEIIIIII, DASHINGGGGGG, MALESTROM!" Takuya chanted his attack as he extended both his arms out after flicking his wrists, unleashing two different ocean waves from both sides. The background colors were olive green, dark forest green, and a bit of trunk bark brown.
"SUIZEEEEIIII, SOARRRIINNNNGGGG, VORTEX!" Toru contributed his powers as he twirled his Vortex Rod before unleashing out a series of vortices across the background of golden-yellow and violet hues.
"SUIZEEEEIIIII, THUNDERRRRIINNNGGGG, AGGRESSION!" Shouta flexes his arm muscle before making a punch like gesture, unleashing his own blast of attack in a background of brown, crimson, and golden-sand hues.
The five powers twirled together to oppose the upcoming attack from the dark senshi. Gliese Scorpius grunted angrily as he and Kepler Cygnus pushed back the combined powers. They closed their eyes to call upon the strength of Memnon and Chaos, fueling their powers more.
"KAZKI! TAKUYA! HAYATO! TORU! SHOUTAAA!" Yamato cried out in panic as Alex held him back.
"HOW FOOLISH!" Gliese grins wickedly as he and Kepler finally push their attack towards the quintet. Already, the five of them were starting to feel exhausted as their powers were not on the same level as Alex or the other Ultra senshi.
With that, they turned to their prince with sadden smiles on their faces.
"Prince…don't cry for us," Takuya smiled.
"All the crystals…they truly are the answer to survive," Kazuki said.
"We will swim again…" Shouta added.
"Our lives are devoted to you," Toru replied.
"Because we are the Suizei Swimming Guardians," Hayato concluded.
The ground beneath their feet erupted as they were thrown into the air. Slowly but surely, their heart crystals were coming out of their bodies. Moments later, their bodies began to dissolve to dust.
"NOOOOOO!" Yamato screamed, reaching his hand out towards them, "EVERYONNEEEEE!"
The two senshi laughed wickedly, taking the five crystals before disappearing from view. Yamato was breathing heavily with anger, sadness, and horror mixed as one.
"Yamato! We know for a fact that their bodies can be restored!" Alex shouted, "We have to remind ourselves that the lights in their hearts are the key to a new beginning!"
The Macedonia trio kept silent as Yamato took a few minutes to take a breather. Alex rested his hand on the other prince's shoulder.
"We have to go," Alex looks at him, "If we stay here then for sure they'll be gone."
"S-Suiei Marotta," Yamato replies weakly.
"We have to keep moving," Kotetsu step in.
"We'll dedicate all what we can to help," Kaede agrees.
"I think it's safe to assume that we need to upgrade ourselves," Albert nodded.
"Y-You guys…?" Alex looks at the trio as they were now glowing in gold, silver, and bronze. The time for their Ultra forms was called.
Kaede finally raises his right hand with the symbol of the Atlantic Blue Marlin swordfish along with the Bohr's Model of the Gold Element with the protons and neutrons in clusters. The electrons were orbiting around the model as his nails flashed gold yellow and neon orange halves as he shouted the following:
"OLYMPIUS MAKAIRA PANTHERA CRYSTAL POWERRRRRRR"
Albert raised up his right hand with the symbol of the Blue Whale with a Bohr's Model of the Silver Element as his nails flashed the said color with also white halves. He too shouted his chant:
"VALHALLA RORQUAL PRIMAL POWERRRRRRR…"
Kotetsu raised up his hand likewise as the symbol of the Devil Ray could be seen along with the Bohr's Model of Bronze. His nails flashed reddish copper and brown halves.
"OLYMPIUS MOBULA PRIMAL POWERRRRR…."
In a three-split screen, the trio shouted together, "MAAAAAAAAAAKKKKEEEEE UP!"
Kaede bathed himself in a golden-orange and neon-yellow lights as several marlin splashed in and out of the scene. The forehead also flashed his spirit animal briefly. He spun briefly to the side with an explosion of ribbons from his back before it wrapped around him and obtaining his Ultra form.
He donned a two-layer skirt in dark navy blue and a dark golden-brown color. A long-length lime yellow, pale blue, and blue-black set of ribbons appeared, connected to a metallic piece with an etched design of the spirit animal.
Afterwards, a pair of skin-tight, white colored trousers covered his legs beneath as well as a pair of boots with their own ornate designs. His hair briefly was pushed back before it shifted back to normal position.
Kaede makes motions of his arms and hands like the freestyle as couple of marlins fused together and transformed into his Upgraded Crystal Marlin Thin-Sword with an elaborate handle made of gold and glowing crystal.
He opens his eyes and grabs the sword before taking his own bent battle pose with the ocean of water behind him as a symbolic spirit animal flashed beneath his feet. He takes on his smirk-like grin as he posed a flash in his newly upgraded design.
Albert briefly spins to the back, showing his detailed muscles from the neck to the lower back and shoulders. The background around him was cream-like with an ombre of purple with reddish and golden accents of the stars. His forehead flashed the whale for a short moment or two.
A massive blue whale looms above him, unleashing ripples of its echoing calls before it dissolved into bubbles, descending down to its summoner to dress him.
He donned a two-layer skirt in dark gray-blue and a lighter gray neutral color. A long-length of red crimson, gold-gray and purple set of ribbons appeared, connected to a metallic piece with an etched design of the spirit animal on it.
Albert flexes his back muscles briefly as several bubbles fused together to create his white leggings and the matching pair of boots to go with his current coloring designs. From there, his newly upgraded Valhalla Forked Blade with a 'shooter' element appeared. He gently grabbed it before opening his eyes.
With this, he finally takes on his own battle pose, jumping slightly backwards as he looks from behind with his new weapon up in the air. The background behind him flashed in vibrant colors of the cliffside of a sunset scene.
Kotetsu hugged himself, closed his eyes as he spun in a tight circle. His forehead flashed the sting ray for several moments. The background behind him was bronze, orange, and some reddish hues with glittering stars. Following this, several electric bolts from the sting ray flashed as it zapped his body to obtain his Ultra senshi form.
He donned a two-layer skirt in a crimson color followed by a whiter-gray color . A long-length black, white, and blue-black set of ribbons appeared, connected to a metallic piece with an etched design of the spirit animal.
Afterwards, a pair of skin-tight, white colored trousers covered his legs beneath as well as a pair of boots with their own ornate designs. However, it was slightly different than the others as he also had some bronze finishes.
The sting rays continued to swim around before dissolving into bubbles, transforming into his upgraded Crystal Stinger Claymore. In addition, he also gained a bronze shield similar to the ones back in Ancient Greece. It attached to his arm on some specialized straps.
Kotetsu finally opened his eyes before taking on a pose with his arms crossed with the background behind him now flashing a deep-sea theme with several sting rays ready for combat.
"Protected by the Warrior of Naribusawa, I am the Swimming Guardian's protector of the Golden Rule! I am Ultra Suiei Kinjou! I'll show you my freestyle that will shut you all up!" Kaede chanted with yellow-orange-colored cherry blossom petals and a few maple leaves.
"Protected by the Odin of Valhalla, I am the Swimming Guardian, destined jack-of-the-trade of the sport. I am Ultra Suiei Volandel! The weight of my strength will crush the darkest of souls!" Albert chanted with silvery petals and vine leaves.
"Protected by the Warrior of Macedonia, I am the Swimming Guardian's ancient protector of tough love! I am Ultra Suiei Sudou! Messing with me is only a one-way street to your defeat!" Kotetsu chanted with a breeze of metallic bronze scaled atoms and slash effects.
The trio now stood ready with their upgrades as a sense of relief could be felt despite the losses earlier.
"A-Amazing…" Yamato breathed.
"You guys managed to pull it off!" Alex smiled before asking, "But how?!"
"We had some help…well…while we were trapped in the river below before being ambushed," Albert revealed, "Some friends back on Duniya gave us their power…"
"Wait a sec," he answered, "W-who gave this to you?"
"For me, it was Masaki," Kotetsu said, "My old neighbor…all the powers of the archery were bestowed to me."
"I met some guy named Yoichi," Kaede added, "That ego of his kinda reminds me of my own back in the day. Anyway, I guess the soccer guys wanted to pitch in."
"And then you might have remembered Atsumu," Albert replied, "Self-explanatory."
Alex's eyes widened in shock, realizing that those three and their respective sports gave them the powers to assist them. With the skaters seemingly killed off from the Shadow Achaemenian Empire, he could only pray that their crystals were also somewhere.
Kotetsu kneeled briefly at Alex and kissed his hand before replying, "Ultra Suiei Marotta, let us fight alongside with you to the end. We will do all what we can to fulfill the mission."
He nodded as they readied themselves to take off to find the Rhodinean Cathedral Palace. However, Alex felt something twitching inside his heart.
Something's not right, he thought, how many more obstacles are we going to be facing?
Storyline B: Our Free!
Semi-Final Relay Teams
Afternoon Segment: Mixed Relay
"All of you, best of luck," Nao greeted Natsuya, Ikuya, Kaede, and Hiyori.
"We got this," Hiyori smiled.
"Absolutely," Natsuya grinned.
"A bit noisy much," Kaede grumbled.
"Way to shut down," Ikuya rolled his eyes.
"Agh, shut up," the neon-orange haired man makes his tsundere expression.
With this, they headed through the hall, wondering what challenge they would face together as a team. For once, Kaede felt something unique about this already. However, his little stubborn mind kind of pushed back at it again.
However…that noise brought his attention in a subtle manner…
JINGLE-JINGLE
JINGLE-JINGLE
"A great sport, or activity. Something that we learned to help traverse the waters without fear of falling into the depths. Although it seems stationary, bet you didn't know that water is alive. With that came another tale told to us of entities born from the primordial drop of water that helped maintain the balance of the world.
"Some stories tell of five. Others say six. Regardless, their goal was always the same. Keep the balance of nature and the species."
That voice, Kaede thought as they finally stepped into the public view on deck.
"Win this, Kaede," Kotetsu narrowed his eyes.
"He'll do great Ko-chan," Nagisa winked.
"I'm glad we have made ourselves a community," Rin nodded.
"Doesn't Ikuya have the IM afterwards?" Ai asked.
"He does, with me and…" Kotetsu glances at Haruka.
"EHHHHH!?" Nagisa looks at Haruka.
"Haruka…doing the Individual Medley!?" Rei gasped.
"It was requested," he turned his head to the side briefly, "Well…more like a long-time promise."
"Wow…I can't wait to see you doing the other styles!" Alex gasped in awe.
"It's a rare opportunity but one I won't do again," Haruka shrugged.
"At least it'll be fun facing you both off," Kotetsu smirked.
Cascade Falls Inn
The five Extraterrestrial swimmers from the other planets grouped up in the room where Sota, Marchand, and Ebisu shared and watched the events of the swimming races. They were also trying to catch up from the preliminary events of the prior days.
"Dang, they seem to perform very well," Sota said.
"I wish we could do something with them," Marchand sighed.
"At least we ran into Suiei Marotta that night, it was fun," Ebisu nodded.
"Maybe we can ask again tonight," Gaia-Ya suggested.
"Perhaps but we don't know if he's got other plans or what not," Kentaurus shrugged.
"It's still worth a chance," Marchand argued.
Hiyori dipped himself into the pool and readied off the diving block and wall to initiate the race in backstroke.
"Take your Marks…"
BEEP!
The brunette megane pushed off the wall with a strong start, taking on a good lead as the Kirishima brothers smiled in hope while Kaede kept his somewhat tsundere look.
"Amazing start!" Ikuya gasped.
"Heh, that's our Hiyori!" Natsuya grinned.
In the other room, the Shimogami trio were in awe to see this.
"That's how you do it there Toono!" Tsubasa smirked happily.
"Keep it going!" Shin smiled.
Hiyori makes it to the wall and flips properly, pushing with all his strength to continue the strong lead. Ikuya gets himself ready on the block.
"You got this lil'brother," Natsuya said.
Striking the wall, Hiyori cries out, "IKUYAAA!"
Ikuya dives in perfectly on with the breaststroke as Hiyori pushed himself out of the pool.
Hopefully he'll have enough energy for later, Natsuya thought, the IM and the Mixed Medley final…
"Picking a poison," Kaede muttered, "This or the IM."
"Okay you guys, let's focus on the present," Hiyori said, "He's definitely a lot faster than before."
"Shut up," Kaede turned his head.
Ikuya makes his turn and continues to go on with his speed. Natsuya got himself ready on the block as it was his turn.
"We're both brothers in an awesome team!" he greeted the water.
Upon striking the wall, Ikuya cries out, "ANIKI!"
Natsuya dives in, unleashing his butterfly, still taking the lead.
Hehe, be careful with that energy of yours Natsuya, Nao thought as he was watching this from the tablet at the lobby area.
Back in the multi-purpose room, the rest of the swimmers were cheering on their team.
"A-amazing…" Sousuke breathed upon seeing Natsuya in action.
"He's definitely there," Rin agreed.
"Everyone has been fantastic," Kyle commented.
"Maybe we should have a dinner celebration?" Alex suggested.
"That might be an idea perhaps," Makoto said, "But I'm sure we'll be limited on what we can eat."
"Oh, right," Alex sighed.
As Natsuya was making his return, Kaede finally got on the diving block with his signature serious face. However, when Ikuya dove in earlier, he felt something deep in his heart…did something came to life?
"Kaede…" Ikuya said.
"I got this," he replied, "This won't be too difficult."
He lowered himself to his diving position, waiting for Natsuya to strike the wall. At the appropriate timing, he dove right in as he took on a neck-to-neck position with two other swimmers. However, he wasn't going to give into despair…
"Let the water answer you…" the voice of Kiyohumi.
K-Kiyohumi, he thought, a-are you…?
The waters flared to life as he saw a great light beaming towards him. Moments later, he saw himself along with his past self as Cassander smiling at him.
"This is your time to show them," Cassander replied.
"I finally can feel the water...it's like...something...organic. Something...liberating. I don't feel scared anymore..." he saw his somewhat younger self talking to Kiyohumi.
"And you were worried. I'm glad I was able to change your mind," Kiyo smiled.
"I still haven't mastered swimming yet. But...what was that story you were going to tell me? You said a legend of swimmers could exist somewhere?" Kaede asked.
"You want to hear about it now?" he looks at him, "I wasn't expecting you to finally ask me to tell you the tale."
"It's just...if you say there are more people like me, I'd want to go there. Do you think I'll be well received by those people?" Kaede shrugged.
Finally, the present day Kaede makes a grin as he finally realizes it, "That's it! THIS IS THE LEGEND! NOW I'LL SHOW YOU MY FREE!"
Breaking away from the other swimmers, Kaede pushes himself to the lead upon hitting the wall and pushing outwards with all his strength. The trio at the other end were excited and encouraged their final member to keep going.
Finally, at the strike of the wall, Kaede breathes out and tears off his cap and goggles to see that this team has indeed been qualified indeed to the finals. He gets out of the water to see the others.
"You were awesome there," Hiyori said.
"We're happy you joined us," Natsuya greeted.
"Great job there Kaede," Ikuya smiled.
"You guys and those mushy cute faces," Kaede smirked as they all exchanged a high five together before heading back to the base.
After returning to the other room, Ikuya sat down for a long moment as he knew that he still had the upcoming IM preliminaries.
"Thinking you can keep up?" Kotetsu asked with a wink.
"And if I don't, I still have the finals," he said.
"True but make this race meaningful too with me and Haruka," the brunette reminded him.
"Hey you guys!" a familiar voice was heard.
They all turned to see Gou at the doorway, "We um…have a visitor request."
"From whom?" Alex asked.
"Um well…they requested for Kotetsu-kun," she answered.
"Eh?" Nagisa turned to Kotetsu.
"Who would it be…?" he tilted his head, confused.
With a shrug, Gou beckoned the visitor to come in. Everyone gasped to see Apollo standing alone but he was dressed in his old swim attire from the ACA.
"A-Arte…no…Apollo…" Kotetsu breathed.
"W-what's going…?" Rei narrowed his eyes.
"I came here on behalf of my brother and Suiei Cosmos," Apollo revealed, "Fear not."
Kotetsu wasn't sure how to respond to this greeting. A part of him was still devastated by the betrayal but at the same time, he was friends back in the day. With his own courage, Apollo walks in further towards Kotetsu and confesses, "I have hurt quite a few people, even you. While I don't deserve this, you have been someone I looked up to."
"I'm just…glad you're at least come to your normal self once more," Kotetsu answered, pulling him for a hug to everyone's surprise as he continued, "You idiot. That whole treachery shit really put a line between all of us."
"I know it did," Apollo answered, releasing the hug, "But…thanks to the Greatest Light, that darkness is no longer a part of me."
"If you're here…does this mean you'll be swimming?" he asked.
"I'll start over," Apollo said, "After these tournaments are complete. I wish to make it up to all of you…and start anew."
"A fresh start," Kyle nodded.
"Like all of us," Nagisa agreed.
"We need to have a talk after this and you know it," Kotetsu replied.
"Absolutely," Apollo said, "Anyway, I'm gonna be back later for the finals."
"You better," Kotetsu grunted with a small chuckle.
Welcome home there, Apollo, he thought to himself, I'll have to get used to that name.
He looks at Ikuya and Haruka with a nod as it was almost time for the preliminary races of the Individual Medley. Regardless of who would win or not, the atmosphere was very much alive and free-spirited. A long journey it has been for everyone to join together as a big team. Now it was all about making history and set new records to inspire many for the future…