~18 Fr: Operation Last Rites – II: Furious All Out!
Storyline B: Our Free!
Day 6 Afternoon: 400-meter Men's Freestyle FINALS
As the Hidaka (Seijuurou, Asahi, Hikaru and Isana) and the Shimogami (Tsubasa, Kotarou, Ikuya, and Shin) readied themselves in their own finals, the other swimmers were tasked by Natsuya and Nao for certain errands. However, Alex was asked to go on a longer break and meet up with Masaki and Minato for another mental training session.
Kinda bizarre at this time of the day, he thought.
Nagisa and Rei hurried back to the dorms to finish up the last-minute touches on this new design they made. It was a bracelet like the other one, but different colors were arranged on here.
"These look beautiful too Nagisa-kun," Rei said.
"We'll wear these after tomorrow's event is done," Nagisa winked, "Haru-chan, Mako-chan, Rin-chan…"
"I honestly never thought that they'd approve something like this," the megane answered, "I hope this will seal the deal for our team."
"So many of us now compose of the Olympics team…at least those of us who made it to the semi-finals and finals," Nagisa said.
"Honestly I don't know why we even had this hierarchy going around," Rei replied, "Especially with the jackets."
"It's not like none of us won't ever have one," Nagisa answered, "In fact…we all will have them. Especially that one…"
He pointed to the closet, prompting Rei to open it. He saw the three jackets in there but upon inspecting what size they were…
"Oh my god…" he almost wanted to cry.
"Yeah, a nice little token don't you think?" Nagisa said, "After all…we owe this."
"I'm sure this will be the happy ending long waited for," Rei wiped the face off the tears.
"Haru-chan said he was going to rest up actually to reserve energy for tomorrow," he continued, "Same with Rin-chan. They both performed amazingly well today."
"I can't even imagine what tomorrow will be like," Rei said.
"Heehee, do you remember when we first met?" Nagisa asked.
"Why do you ask?" Rei looks at him.
"Heh, still kinda salty there?" Nagisa chuckled.
Rei sighed, "A lot has really happened…but I'm glad that things have finally become better. Especially on my own quest. I guess Alex and I both had a similar wish…to be with the people we love."
"Have you talked to your twin?" he asked.
"The other day, he knows what's going on too by the way," the megane said, "He promised to keep it hush as well."
"Good," Nagisa nodded.
A knock on the door was heard. Nagisa walked up and opened to see Ai, Momo, along with the Suizei Samezuka quartet.
"Ahhh, you guys are back!" Nagisa chirped.
"Yeah, it's great to be with people again for sure!" Momo agreed.
"A lot has really happened on your end too huh," Kazuki said.
"We also have made up our minds as well," Shouta revealed.
"E-eh?" Nagisa's eyes blinked.
"What's going on?" Rei asked.
"Well, since the powers of the Swimming Guardians aren't a thing anymore…" Takuya began, "It was kinda my idea but…"
"It was my idea too you idiot," Kazuki answered.
"Slow down, what's going on?" Nagisa looks at them.
"Basically we decided that we want to stay here on this planet for longer-term," Shouta revealed.
"W-WOW!" Nagisa's eyes sparkled up.
"I know right?!" Momo agreed, "It's like awesome to have more swimmers here!"
"That may be," Rei nodded, "However, does being extraterrestrial have its own unique stats and all?"
"Oh we'll adjust to this planet for sure," Toru said, "Who knows, we may be ready for the next swimming tournament sooner than you think."
"Now that you guys are here, think you can assist us on something?" Nagisa asked.
"Eh?" Momo looks at him.
"You guys need help on something?" Ai replied.
"We're making some final touches to Operation Last Race," Rei begins.
Tsubasa and Seijuurou readied themselves on the blocks as the spokesman called out the countdown followed by the beep. They dove in as their minds were talking to each other as one…
Red Shark, do you remember when we first met here in this world?
How could I forget, Wingman…you were feisty much with that crossbow of yours.
I wasn't that bad…give me a break! You know I was going through my own hell during that illness.
Yeah…I'm glad you didn't have to experience mine's though…that time was really dark with the world takeover.
They both flipped over at the wall and continued their freestyle across the pool as the audience watched with excitement and awe while the two teams were cheering each other on, hoping that at least one of them or both would get the medals.
But in the end, we found each other…and supported our dreams and rivalries.
After this race is done, there is something I need to ask of you, Wingman.
Oh? What would that be?
Let's find out after we win this race…
A pair of doves could be seen resting on the tree as both the teams struck the wall to allow their next member to dive in, making progress across the competition.
In the end, Hidaka made the silver and Shimogami with the bronze. Both teams were happily in tears with this great accomplishment.
"We did it, Red Shark," Tsubasa answered as they both hugged.
"It's not gold but hey, I'm proud of you too, Wingman," Seijuurou replied.
"Awww look at them," Isana smiled.
"I think he's gonna ask him," Hikaru whispered.
"Heh, I'm glad we made it as well," Kotarou smiled over his bronze medal.
"Well since our race is over, I was going to ask you a favor Wingman," Seijuurou said.
"Oh?" Tsubasa asked.
"Tomorrow, after the Operation Last Race, there's a place I want to show you," he revealed.
Shin turned to see Ryouta sitting on the nearby bleachers waving out. He smiled and waved back. Misae was also present there too and she was tearfully in joy to see her husband win.
"I guess we'll be busy with a lot of interviews and all that," Hikaru said, "The press and all that…"
"I just wanna do the photoshoots," Isana replied, "Posing and all that!"
Haruka, Makoto, Rin, Alex, Kyle along with a few other swimmers congratulated their teammates for winning the bronze and silver before they returned to the lobby area.
"Well aside from tomorrow's event, Kyle, should we start to pack up?" Alex asked.
"I'm in no hurry," he shrugged, "Are you?"
"Oh no, not at all, just the traffic here well…" he makes a nervous sweat drop.
"Iwamara isn't going anywhere," Haruka said.
"I know…I just…well, I better head to my appointment with Masaki and Minato. They've been quite helpful for my mental health," he replied.
"Afterwards, Natsuya and Nao requested a word with you," Makoto added.
"Oh? Ok, I'll stop by afterwards. But wait, Haru…aren't you going to do the IM with Ikuya?" Alex asked.
"We decided to not participate in it," Ikuya said, "We're gonna focus on tomorrow instead."
"Tomorrow?! You mean that beta race whatever they're calling it?" he replied.
"Something like that," Ikuya kept his cool, "But don't worry about it. We'll be around."
Once they left, Ikuya sighed in relief, "I can't wait till we unveil all this tomorrow. I don't know how we managed to keep this all under wraps."
"Is everyone on board?" Asahi asked.
"Yeah…everyone knows, even our other sports allies…his family knows, both his parents and his children," Makoto said.
"You know, this kinda reminds me back when we had that surprise party for you Rin," Sousuke added.
"Oh yeah, that," Rin smiled a little, "But at least he's not racing because of some little toy."
"No," Haruka said, "This race is to make sure he is true to what he wishes to do for the rest of his life."
"I'm sure he'll make the right decision," Kyle nodded, "I just hope tomorrow will finally give him the path to happiness."
"I was pushing my thoughts back about The Final Reckoning," Rin said, "All the horrible things we've done to Alex…I know he forgave us, but I know my heart still aches terribly."
"He's forgiven himself as well," Ikuya recalled.
"I guess all that's left is up to us," Asahi concluded.
They turned to see Nagisa and Rei along with Momo, Ai, and the Suizei Samezuka quartet guys all carrying bags.
"We finished it!" Nagisa chirped.
"Did Alex go…?" Rei begins.
"Yeah, we got time now," Rin said.
"Take a look at this," Nagisa unveiled a bracelet that was a similar design to the one for Haruka, Rin, Ikuya, and Sousuke. However, this design…
"It does symbolize our union, huh?" Makoto commented.
"Dammit, don't make me cry this early," Rin said.
"You both did a wonderful job," Haruka smiled, "All of you, we thank you for keeping this all going efficiently."
Makoto's phone bleeped, prompting him to take a look before speaking out loud, "Hey! They're ready to set up!"
"Oh good!" Rei said, "We're gonna need all the hands we can get."
"It's too bad our magic doesn't exist anymore…well, at least not for us," Nagisa sighed.
"We mustn't take our old magic for granted Nagisa-kun," the megane said, "You know why the Greatest Light undid all that…"
"I know, I just miss transforming into our outfits and all. I hope my Mizu God has all my clothes saved," Nagisa makes a fish-face.
"I'm sure they can arrange something or two," Makoto said.
After the last of the races were completed, the STYLE FIVE, Kyle, along with the Samezuka Trio and the Suizei Quartet assisted Natsuya, Nao, and a few other friends in decorating the swimming arena for tomorrow's event. They were all shocked in awe with posters made by their friends from the volleyball, the skaters, soccer, and even other local athletes.
Some of the messages included:
"CONGRATS SWIM TEAM!"
"NEVER GIVE UP, MAGIC SIX!"
"THANK YOU FOR SHOWING THE TRUTH!"
"GO TEAM!"
"FOR THE TEAM, FOR THE FUTURE!"
"Wow, these are really amazing," Rei almost wanted to cry.
"We got your back," Kuroo said.
"You all have been our heroes," Shouyou added.
"I hope tomorrow goes well for you guys," Reki looks at the STYLE FIVE.
"It will be," Haruka smiled, "All of us will finally be together."
"Was there an explanation to what happened to your um…teammate?" Langa asked.
"It's a little convoluted but it's also part of this operation," Makoto said, "But do not worry."
"The side pool in the other building is open," Natsuya reported to Nao.
"Good. We'll have him train one last time in there, with Albert," Nao said.
"I wonder how tomorrow will go," Yoichi looked at some of the streamer decorations.
"It'll be quite a show no doubt," Reo said, "I never thought swimming would be something interesting to watch but here we are."
For the final mental training session, Masaki and Minato led Alex to a pristine park nearby to listen to nature's beauty around. They had set up an area right off the trail.
"I never seen this area before," Alex muttered.
"This is the Sunrise Trail," Masaki explained, "I used to come here while I was still an apprentice for the shrine. I meditate and also learn how to fight in dreams to protect what is most precious.
"But for this session's purpose, you need to figure out what is the meaning behind the koi carp you've been seeing."
"I…I hope I can solve that mystery," he sighed, "It keeps asking me to follow it, but I can't seem to reach."
"Are you still holding onto something?" Minato asked.
"I think it's because…even though I try to accept the fact that I am disqualified, I feel bothered by it still. And now there's this event supposed to be happening tomorrow, but no one seems to tell me much about it," he revealed.
"Have faith and trust in your teammates," Masaki replied, "I think that's what is holding you back. The Final Reckoning traumatized you and the others, but they were able to keep moving forward but you are still where you started."
"I…I don't get it," he answered, "I never moved onwards? Even after I forgave myself and love again?"
"That was all real yes. You have forgiven yourself and love…but now you have to open your heart just the right amount of trust if you are to take this next step," Masaki replied.
Nodding, Alex closed his eyes to meditate on this thought, hoping to see the Koi Carp again. Moments later, he was definitely sinking underwater with the fish above him. To his surprise, he was able to breathe in this.
I'm not going to lose this time, he thought, using his strength to follow upwards.
He followed the fish and was almost about to break the surface when he suddenly found himself inside of a crystal-like palace of sorts. It was far different than the one Memnon was in. Alex followed the path towards a room where he saw what looked like…
T-that can't be, his mind screamed, i-is that…?!
Our World/Beta!Earth
January 4, 1993…Hilcrest Hospital
After a long day of intense labor, the little boy was finally born as he cried his first breath. The mother held him in his arms as the father was indeed filled with joy, this child being a son. The baby was then cleaned up and wrapped in blankets before returning back to the family.
"Sandro, my little pootsie," the mother kissed him on the cheek, "I'm so glad you're finally here."
The baby softly cooed before sleeping, his mind wanders in the abyss…an untold story, a mysterious destiny, and the road to happiness was only the beginning…
30 Years Later…
The young-mid adult woke up on a Water Wednesday as he was now indeed 30 years old.
How did I survive all this time, he thought, the school years, the stress, covid, now this illness…is it because I cling to that same dream as I want for my other self?
Regardless, he was home that day from work, taking some PTO for himself. There was going to be an anime event he booked to go to in the far east side of the Phoenix Valley. However, his heart was still reflecting on the past again as usual…the happiness, the tears, the family, the experiences…all of it.
After surviving that horrible camp program with all the sports, he moved onto a medical program series as well as some activities involving biology and scientific projects. They were all hosted by the Natural History Museum in Cleveland which was, in the short term, a good fix. However, the psychological trauma that he endured did make things slightly challenging for him upon meeting new people.
People come and they go, he thought, that is what makes life…life. To be perfect is an illusion, but to be flawed is also tragic…the balance of both is crucial. Finding that inner peace…especially with my illness.
He could hear the grandparents making coffee. Since living with them for the last 4 years (almost), he had seen the ups, downs, lefts, and rights. A part of him hopes one day, he'll find his own house to live in.
I can't give up either…for everyone that I do hold dear to, he thought, I hope that version of myself though finds his happy ending…
Far into the Future…
Odysseus watched his husband still undergoing the magical ritual. He couldn't bear to see him like this any further. What's done was done. But at the same time…he knew something felt off.
He approached the barrier and lightly brushed his hand on it, "I know you'll find the answer…my love. Just…please. Open your eyes."
A sound of footsteps could be heard, prompting Odysseus' attention but he didn't see anyone standing around. However, it felt like a phantom of a familiar spirit could be seen.
Neo Sportsbrooke
Alex snapped opened his eyes in shock as his mind went wild, W-was that…me? D-did I really become Neo King Alexander? But he was also in pain like me…I felt it…he too…like myself…we were both finding an answer. I don't believe it…was there something I had that he doesn't?
He looks at Masaki and Minato, "I might be onto something."
"Hm?" Minato looks at him.
"What did you see?" Masaki asked.
"I think I saw the future…" Alex replied, "But I can't go there because of what I did at the Final Reckoning. All the magic…was used. However, when I was walking in that palace…I sensed magic again."
Does this mean that the war between Chaos and Cosmos resumed, his mind started to panic a little.
Masaki rests his hand on Alex's shoulder, "Whatever will be, it will be. You still have a job to do as Sandro. You are a swimmer today and tomorrow. Your fate as Neo King Alexander is for a different time and different place."
At the same moment, the phone flashed a message. With a shrug, he took a look at it before his eyes widened for a long moment. Finally, a tear drop fell from his eye.
"I…I'm qualified to swim tomorrow," he gasped, "Oh my god. But there's still nothing else about the event."
"At least that's a good sign, right?" Minato asked.
Alex nodded, "A second chance…I…I'm going to cry."
Is this way Natsuya and Nao were keeping me up with these couple of training sessions, he thought.
"Well then you best warm up for tomorrow," Masaki said, "They're waiting for you at the other pool facility."
He nodded before getting up and packing his belongings, but his heart was still confused about something just based on what Masaki said. However, he shook his head and thanked the duo for all their support.
After arriving at the other pool stationed at the other end of the main facility, Alex had already changed up and found Natsuya, Nao, and Albert standing at the diving area. This location was not in the same building as the Olympics pool but the length and the settings were adjusted accordingly.
"You have done really well," Nao said, "This is your final test for tomorrow."
"Natsuya, Nao…you don't have to explain," Alex smiled, "I know something big is about to happen."
"You do?" Natsuya looks at him.
"Well, I don't know all the details but…when I got the email from the IOC about me returning to swimming tomorrow, it gave me hope," he said.
"The truth is, there is a lot that is happening behind the scenes," Nao replied, "Unfortunately we are restricted to giving you small bits of information as per IOC's deal."
"I just want to make sure that I am still in good standing with the IOC and with you guys," Alex said, "In my past, I have made poor decisions. But now, I am doing the best to make sure that this is all genuine and true.
"With that, I believe you will do very well," Natsuya replied, "Just give it your all and then we'll see what they say."
"Right," he nodded.
Alex and Albert got onto the blocks in ready for the freestyle. At three, they dove in as Albert was certainly much ahead of him. However, the endurance in Alex's body has barely depleted. Albert's fierce waves sliced through the water like nothing.
Finally, approaching the wall, Alex unleashed all he had with his kick to push outwards, hoping that this speed would help him. Moments later, he was even with Albert, giving the two a sign of hope for tomorrow's competition.
"I have a feeling you'll do great," Albert said, "But remember to be yourself and trust in the water."
"That sounds like something Haru would say," Alex shrugged.
They both got out of the water and shook hands with Albert concluding, "Good luck. You'll do fine."
Okay, something is definitely going on, he thought, but I guess I'll be patient and see what happens.
Kyle waited for his husband outside of the pool (as to make sure the operation kept going) and once he did, they greeted each other with a hug.
"Kyle, something amazing happened," Alex said.
"Oh? Do tell?" Kyle asked.
"The IOC approves of me to swim tomorrow's event," he smiled.
Kyle smiled and answered, "And you were too worked up for nothing. I knew something had to be up! But I still feel bad you didn't get to go onto the semi-finals nor finals."
"Kyle…I think we both know that I don't have many miles left in my swimming," Alex replied, "I'm not fully sure what tomorrow's race will be about but…no matter what…I'm going to do what I can to find my reasoning."
The husband smiled and rested his arm over Alex's shoulder before kissing him on the cheek.
"I also thought about…how much I have won during my big lie," Alex recalled, "In a way, the drugs…not only robbed of my authenticity, but it also robbed the happiness of others. I'm glad I made that wish long ago to remove my false victories and erase it from the world."
"Sandro?" Kyle looks at him, "A-are you okay?"
"As sadden as I am, I have come to terms with myself," he said, "I'm happy that the others have won their medals. They deserved that for the longest time. Before I go in tomorrow, I need to tell them how I truly feel…"
"I understand," Kyle replied, "And I know you'll make the right decision."
"Kyle…" Alex rested his hands over Kyle's cheeks, "Being alone…during that final battle…I was really torn."
"I'm glad we got over with that," he sighed.
"I think that's part of the reason why I was so stressed out during my competition," Alex theorized, "My body was still shaken and devasted on what I had to do…"
"We all have been shaken from The Final Reckoning," Kyle answered, "I couldn't imagine what you were thinking when we did all those horrible things."
The two finally embraced a hug as the sun was beginning to set slowly. From there, they met up with the Iwasame teams along with Asahi and Ikuya waiting on their return.
"Everything alright?" Nagisa asked.
Alex smiled, "I'll be swimming tomorrow."
They all gasped and looked at each other happily before Momo and Ai answered, "Congratulations!"
"I knew you'd be back!" Rei smiled.
"That's good," Haruka nodded.
The news about the Day 7 race was beginning to trend on social media as both the public and locally famous people were intrigued by what was happening. They all were aware of the Swimming events that took place as well as the disqualifications and victories.
At the same moment, the story of the Magic Six was also coming into the picture as some have created fanarts based on their legendary story of the Swimming Guardians. Some have even tried to cosplay and created all kinds of fan-merch to celebrate this ongoing legacy.
As for the NSFW…well…who knows what kind of strange peeps are there?
What mattered to them was that this long journey of finally getting to the Olympics has certainly paid off. But with this Operation Last Race still ongoing…it was all in a matter of time before the truth about this secret event would come to light.
More people have begun to fill the city of Neo Sportsbrooke including more of the Mullerians from Chirottori and the Sierra Forest. The night skies were filled with light and excitement as if a great party was happening.
By nightfall, most of the swimmers had returned to their dorms as they were all excited about the special event for tomorrow. Alex sat down on the balcony area again as he looked at the stars, wondering what would happen.
He was anxious on what tomorrow's 'race' was going to be about as he still wasn't sure if this was an individual redemption or a team or something…
At least being back in the pool will be nice, he thought as he took a sip of flavored water. He sent a text message to his twin earlier as Articora!Alex also congratulated him and wished for the best of the event.
However, he still needed to tell this team about how he truly feels from the very beginning of the entire journey. A lot of emotions were still kept inside. It was no doubt that the Koi Carp meant something and that he needed to overcome this turmoil once and for all.
If we are swimming in a team, I don't even know who I'll be with. It's too bad they only consist of four people, he thought, wouldn't it be nice if we did something unique?
Storyline A: The Final Reckoning
Romio, Shizuru, Artemis, Apollo, Kaoru and Misaki watched as they could see the magic finally coming out of Alex as he readied himself to fight back at the former teammates.
"MACEDONIAAAAA DRAGOONNNNN, LIBERATINNNGGGGG, BLISSSSS!"
Alex twirled on his Astro Solar Destiny Tiare while spinning briefly in a darken blue-ocean blue ombre with sparkles of the stars and the heavens as one. After raising his weapon upwards, great beams of light swirled out before blasting out the attack into feathers.
At first, the blasts were striking them with ease, but something wasn't right. Moments later, the spell shattered and became useless. Makoto, Seijuurou and Natsuya quickly dispelled the attack with their hands.
"Heh, so this is what it's like to have a taste of the heavens," Makoto said, "That forbidden power…how weak."
I-I can't kill them like this, Alex's mind wanted to cry, this isn't…how our story…should end…
All the Swimming Guardians chuckled as they surrounded Alex alone, their bodies glowing in their respective colors. Each of them raised their left hand as Alex closed his eyes, bracing for whatever attack they were going to unleash upon him.
Moments later, a glow of energy encapsulated Alex as everyone spun around in the darkness with a symbolic design of the Shadow Achaemenian Empire logo spiraling slowly. Finally, they chanted their greatest magic against their beloved teammate.
"ACHAEMENIAANNNN…OMMMNNIIIIIVERSE…ATTACKKKK!"
The ground beneath his feet exploded as Alex gasped out in horrific pain, grunting as his wings tore off his body and the Astro Solar Destiny Tiare was snapped in half and thrown out of his hands. A great shockwave wrecked his entire body followed by a moment of suffocation in his lungs before he could breathe again. His head felt like it could split in two or more.
With this, he collapsed down on the stairwell that was just a wrecked mess. His mouth was bleeding a little bit with several scratches on his arms, chest, and legs. The outfit was also beaten up with frills and shreds.
"NOOOOO!" Romio and Shizuru shouted.
"STOP THIS!" Misaki cried out.
"Oh my god," Kaoru could barely speak.
"This is horrible! We have to do something, NOW!" Apollo shouted but Artemis held his twin back.
"We can't! This is HIS battle…we've done all we could to help but the rest…is all on him," Artemis said.
"B-but I…" Apollo grunted.
"We can't get involved any further!" Artemis answered, "That goes for you four as well!"
"W-WHAT!?" they gasped.
"BELIEVE!" Artemis reminded them.
Kyle makes his way down the steps to see the damage on his 'husband'. He smirked upon seeing how well the swimmers did to break him apart.
"Such a waste," Kyle sighed, "Forget settling a divorce. This is a far greater punishment for you. Once you are wiped away, every variation of your existence will be gone."
Kyle looks at the other corrupted swimmers and adds, "If you guys wanna play with him, so be it. You got my permission. He could use some touchy hands or many since he's been so infatuated by your looks."
Is this really, all my fault, Alex thought, was I really…a burden to them this entire time? Has everything that we've done together…our future…?
"He's still breathing, barely," Haruka said.
"His body is certainly limping," Rei answered.
"Now that we got his blessing, maybe we should give him a little bit of fun as a sendoff?" Tsubasa asked, "After all, Seijuurou told me how much of a slut this guy was in Iwatobi."
"He certainly caused a rift for sure," Makoto agreed, "How about we'll bring him to Memnon and show him our best performance?"
"I wonder how many inches he got?" Nagisa winked.
"Either very long or very short," Rin shrugged.
"After that Memnon can do the honors and remove the crystal," Sousuke added.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Seijuurou makes his dark chuckle, "Let's make this a feast!"
With this, Alex's heart was starting to beat normally again as it was warning him of this potential torture about to take place. However, he was so torn by this encounter so much, finally coming to terms that these words, these attacks…there was no time to lose. He wanted to just cry right there in hopes it would all just go away.
In his mind, he could see an image of everyone happily together like the old days. But sadly, it was getting further and further from his reach.
I am not giving up on this, Alex thought, it's time that I own and accept my misdeeds! But first…I need to do some damage control.
Ai, Momo, Hiyori, and Aoba decided to inspect Alex but once they were close enough to arm's length, his body began to glow, forcing them to step back.
"WHAT?!" Kyle gasped, jumping back towards the foyer entrance.
"Impossible!" Ai and Momo gasped.
"That bastard is still alive!?" Hikaru asked as Isana and Seijuurou frowned.
"Well, if we can't have an orgy we might as well just end this here," Shin sighed.
"Stand down now and get ready to attack!" Makoto answered.
Alex could feel the power of the crystal in his heart healing him slowly but surely, feeding him with energy to face his former friends. The sense of duty, promise, and his bonds to them wouldn't give into their lustful fantasies and destruction. This was after all, what he once was when he arrived in their town.
Everyone, I love you so much. I can't picture a life without anyone of you, Alex looks at them sadly with his truest vulnerable tears.
His head is then flashed with memories of all the happy times with them, from exploring Iwatobi, to traveling to the other cities, reuniting in Iwamara and swimming. He could feel Nagisa's giggle along with Rei's backfiring panic together with Haruka's stoic behavior and Makoto chuckling. Rin would make a smirk while Sousuke had a rare smile. Ai would calm Momotarou down of any hype in the way.
However, those memories then turned dark as he recalled his misdeeds left and right. From getting his revenge from being provoked to his false career life. And even after the team's resurrection on Duniya, there was still conflict every so often.
I finally realize it now; I made you suffer all the time because of me. My revenge, my desire, the fallouts…all this began from the moment I appeared in your lives. I have to end this pain…RIGHT HERE AND NOW!
His brooch glowed even brighter as the forehead shimmered his dragon neon symbol, finally granting him the strength drawn from the Chaosmos Crystal's power in his Macedonia Dragon Crystal. The Tiare reconnected itself and shimmered back in front of Alex. Behind him, his wings regrew from the shattered feathers.
A gust of wind swept through the area, pushing back the brainwashed guardians. Finally, the dragon senshi is ready to let them go.
"DAMMIT! STOP HIM!" Kyle shouted as he and the others were blinded by the great light erupting out.
Finally, Alex grabs the weapon and magically spins in a background of dark navy and sea blue hues with various stars and nebulae all around him. Closing his eyes with the newly produced tears, Alex screams out the words to end their suffering:
"MACEDONIAAAA DRAAAGOOOOONNNN CRYSTAAALLL POWERRRRRRRR…
LIBERATINNNGGGGGG BLISSSSSSSSSSS!"
Raising the staff up high above his head, great beams of light blended with rainbow pastels blasted each of the individual swimmers left and right as the area around them shook violently. It also struck on the dog tag necklaces that held them in this brainwashing spell.
The structure and architecture continue to crack, crumble, and explode like a miniature apocalypse. Beneath their feet, the senshi gasped upon being thrown into the air by the attack being unleashed with an explosion of feathers and energy beams wiping them out.
"KYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
All the Swimming Guardians present here at this moment cried out in various tones of pain and agony as Alex's face twitched heavily with grief. He couldn't bear to watch them disappear again, but they were so brainwashed and lost in the corruption.
Finally, the senshi crumbled into dust again like the previous attacks on Duniya, revealing all their heart crystals glowing peacefully once more. Alex opened his eyes after the air settled and the echoes of their screams added another scar of trauma to his heart.
"E-everyone's crystals?!" Alex gasped as he saw them all right before his eyes, all shimmering normally with life. They started to spin away slowly before hovering past Kyle.
H-He did it, Artemis thought, he finally broke through.
The brainwashed husband grunted angrily before he vanished, running deeper into the palace with the crystals. Alex rushed after them, desperate to get them all back in his hands.
"W-WAIT!" Romio shouted.
"Let's go!" Shizuru agreed.
"Be alert and stay on your guard!" Kaoru added.
The six flew into the shadows to find Alex but they were indeed not finding him easily.
Dammit, I guess my way of finding through privileges were revoked, Apollo thought.
Further ahead, Alex kept on flying through the tunnels and the halls of the palace.
They must lead me to him, Alex thought, it's like they know where he is!
Kyle disappeared into the shadows as the crystals zoomed away faster towards the other side of this labyrinth. The architecture was indeed incredible beyond words, massive, ancient and yet a bit modern and somewhat futuristic all in one. It was like as if one was looking at life and death all at once. The cold aura was numb to him at this point.
Finally, there was a brief intersection of the hall, but the crystals kept going ahead, heading to their destination. Alex pushed himself briefly to levitate after them before finally landing at the end. The crystals floated in place as a lone man stood several yards away from him. Memnon turned his head at first to see his enemy finally in the flesh before turning his full attention.
"My, my, looks like the golems did quite a number on you," Memnon said before properly introducing himself, taking one step down from the stairs, "In the past…I was merely a Persian warrior…Prince Memnon of Rhodes. Now…I am the sole Omniscient force of all realities. My name echoes in every and all the realms…King Memnon and Suiei Rhodes. The Guardian of Singularity.
"Welcome, to my domain…the Rhodinean Cathedral Palace, Suiei Marotta!"
H-he really is alive, Alex's mind screamed, I-I finally made it to him…Suiei Rhodes!
"They injured you, tore off your wings…" Memnon answered, "But it seems that your fuel for hatred has allowed you to regain them."
"No. This power I hold is not out of hatred," Alex replied, tightening the grip on his staff, "It comes from the power of my teammates, my family, and all those who I hold dear."
Alex looked up at the crystals above Memnon and added, "No matter how far we've been separated, I always believe that the future will be ours!"
"I hope someday…we will be reborn again without such horrific conflict," Yamato's voice echoed in Alex's head.
"That is what I choose to believe after everything that has happened!" Alex concluded.
"A future with your beloved ones huh?" Memnon sneered slightly, "Even after all of your crimes that were not called for?"
Alex grunted as he held onto the staff a bit, trying not to let the horrific memories of his misdeeds resurfacing his brain.
"Oh yes…I know how it all went down…all three versions of you. Need I remind you that you took revenge on your classmates and a celebrity because of your reincarnated name and being a selfish crybaby for not being perfect at everything? All for the sake of your brother?"
"Stop it," Alex whispered loudly as he couldn't bear to see the images flash in his head again. He looks at Memnon straight in the eyes and cried out, "I forgave her and my classmates about that! Wasn't that enough?!"
"Eons ago, you slaughtered and pillaged many lands, SLEW MY BROTHER, while in the modern era, you lied to the whole world about your swimming! Along with that madness, you coerced these unfortunate swimmers to have pity for you and toyed with their feelings, taking away every opportunity from them to achieve their dreams!
Out of the shadows came Kyle walking straight towards King Memnon as the latter continued to narrate,
"Worst of all…your pathetic smile and joy thinks it can magically fix things and change people!" Memnon shouted, "You can keep lying to yourself, to your friends…your family…but you can't lie to me, to Chaos and Cosmos for that matter! Time is an illusion; nothing can ever revert back to the light once you sinned!"
Alex watched in silent horror as Kyle paused his tracks, looking at him with a disgraceful look. Moments later, he smirks before standing by Memnon's side. Kyle then kissed Memnon on the lips as Alex gasped.
"ODYSSEUS, NO!" Alex cried out, shaking his head with distress, "STOP IT! DON'T LISTEN TO HIM KYLE!"
He then kissed Memnon's hand and the floor between the legs before being kicked to the side. Memon stepped on Kyle's hand for a bit of torture as Alex's face was tearing up with rage and horror.
"Hehehe, if you want your guardians and your man back that BADLY, then you better fight me! Be warned, I hold ALL THE POWER OF EVERY SPORT GUARDIAN CRYSTAL IN THE OMNIVERSE!" Memnon teased, holding out his fist in a tight grip, "Try ripping everything away from me this time! I DARE YOU, FIGHT ME! SHOW ME THAT DISGRACED POWER OF YOURS! YOU UNGRATEFUL, DESPICABLE PRINCE!"
"I, I WILL BRING THEM BACK!" Alex roared, feeling his blood boiling while readying his weapon, "THIS FIGHT ENDS…NOW!"
Alex's aura glowed in white with pastel of rainbow while Menmon's aura radiated out with red and black interlaced with neon purple bolts of lightning. Memnon fired several shadow balls as Alex could hear those disturbing words again…
"SIT OUT! SIT OUT! SIT OUT! SIT OUT! SIT OUT!"
He dodged the shadow balls as they impacted the walls and the pillars, triggering more damage as the cathedral shakes. Annoyed, Memnon fired more projectile blasts as Alex swung his tiare, unleashing bursts of light to shatter them apart to dust.
Memnon smirked and raised his hands upwards towards the ceiling, unleashing electrical blasts to tear down and send the debris on top of his foe. Alex could barely soar with his injuries despite the wings giving him some lift. More of the ceiling collapsed down, forcing Alex to shield himself.
When the debris cleared, he saw several nerbils of varying species ready to attack.
"GRGRGRGRGRGGRRGRRRGGRGRGRGRGRGR!"
The two big electrical nerbils fired balls of energy, forcing Alex to dodge them. He quickly spun his tiare to fire light bolts of energy to break them to dust. A few flying nerbils almost got him but he struck them physically with the tiare, breaking them to bits.
Memnon raised up his hand again, summoning more shadow balls after him. Alex threw up a force field as the blasts shook the palace. The king shrugged and sent down five of the crystals, transforming them into the Elder Bairns Alex encountered in Hollywood Heights. When the dust settled, Alex saw the Elder Bairns in front of him.
I…I can't, Alex thought, he's toying with me again!
He knew they had to be subdued but at the same time, he just 'killed them' moments earlier as corrupted senshi.
"Are you still a murderer? Or a prostitute? Or even a prince?" Memnon teased, "Go on! It doesn't matter if you do kill or cure them with sexual intentions for later. No? I see. Then again, it would be quite boring if you keep having to fight with the same toys over and over. Let's cut to the chase now, shall we?"
With this he dissolves them back to ashes and the five crystals resumed with the rest of the group above. Memnon then closed his eyes and focused on his inner darkness powers, grinning evilly as he makes a series of hand gestures as if he was making some sort of a prayer symbol. Moments later, a spheroid of sun-like energy emitted from his hands, hovering above with fury.
The background behind the King turned into a complex fusion of colors like the shrine but of darkness, blood, and gold. It was like looking at a nightmarish kaleidoscope of some sort. Memnon's hands glowed stronger by the minute. Finally with a determined look on his face, he shouted, charging to his prey…
"PERSIANNNNNNN CHAOTICCCCC INFLATIIIOOOOOONNNNNNN!"
Alex quickly raised up the tiare, spinning in his background and shouted in response, "MACEDONIAAAA DRAAAGOOOOONNNN CRYSTAAALLL POWERRRRRRRR…LIBERATINNNGGGGGG BLISSSSSSSSSSS!"
They roared at each other before leaping into the air to collide like two atomic sub particles. The ground beneath their feet erupted as cracks and rubble tore apart around them with energies of power being unleashed.
Finally, the other six teammates flew right in to see the battle happening before their eyes.
"SANDRO! MEMNON!" Apollo cried out.
The magic of light and darkness erupted out like random lightning strikes. Artemis threw a shield up to protect themselves.
"I don't believe this," Romio muttered.
"So this is where our true enemy has been hiding?" Shizuru asked.
"It's worse than that," Apollo revealed, "Chaos is in a different room…no…a different dimension of this place. The true boundary of all that exists is not far from here. We're so far away from all other realities that it would take endless redshift space travel to break the physics."
"But then, how exactly did we managed to get here if…?" Misaki questioned.
"Kronos, remember?" Kaoru reminded him, "Isn't that true Apollo?"
"Suiei Kronos has been able to warp and bend physics to some extent," Apollo answered, "But doing so puts a random selection of realities as risk…"
"A risk for becoming non-existent?" Romio asked.
"That's part of it," Apollo said.
"Artemis…Apollo…what are you both exactly?" Kaoru looks at them, "Do you really know what the outcome of this fight will be?"
The twins turned to the four of them as Misaki added, "You both know something! Please! Is there really not much else we can do to help him?!"
"The price of magic has become very steep…" Artemis said, "It has become his responsibility to decide on what to do with it."