Faeland, a colorful land distant to the universe of humans!
Fairies, pixies, mermaids, elves and other creatures lived there!
Among them were legendary warriors, destined to save the land!
ONWARD! EPIC PRECURE!
CHAPTER 5
The Saleswoman is
店員さんは
キュアルビー!
Cure Ruby!
"DUNGEONBORG!"
An umbrella Dungeonborg tormented the city, but not for long as the four Precure warriors rushed into battle.
"Quadruple Precure Kick!"
The quartet performed a powerful roundhouse kick, striking the monster with brute force. The Dungeonborg skidded and stumbled back.
"Dice Roll! Paladin!"
The Paladin PreCoin was inserted in the slot, and the dice was rolled. Water flowed in Matilda's hands.
"Surge!
Precure Paladin Stream!"
Streams of water were fired, causing the monster to fall off its feet.
CRASH!
"Booooorg!" Its eyes spiraled nonstop.
Venture, Paladin, Bard and Leaf landed safely. Meanwhile, Hotaru stood behind a pole away from the battlefield, watching the girls fight.
"Dice Roll! Leaf!"
It was Leaf's turn to attack. Inserting the Leaf PreCoin in the slot and rolling the dice, leaves bursted out of the Treasure Pact and began weaving themselves together to form the pair of chains. Leaf took them in her hands and swung them backwards.
"Surround!
Precure Leaf Chain!"
Then she swung the chains forward as they emitted a soft green glow. The vines, leaves and stems stretching out to tie themselves around the umbrella monster. It began to shrink and close up like an actual umbrella.
"Go, go, go! Epic Precure!" She pumped fists in the air, a glimmer in her eyes as she cheered on. "Purify the Dungeonborg!"
"Ngh!" Leaf gripped the chains tightly. "Quickly! We have to purify it!"
"Hm?" The Rogue turned his eyes to the cheerful human in the distance.
"What is this? A mere human encouraging the Precures?"
He pointed his finger at her. "Support from others is meaningless.
Dungeonborg! Get that girl!"
"Dungeon... BORG!!!"
Before Venture summoned her power of magic, the monster's Black Dice began to shimmer bright colors. The Dungeonborg recovered enough strength, and just like a normal umbrella, it opened out, breaking the glowing leaf chains as a result. The chains disappeared in magic dust.
"Leaf!" Senki, Matilda and Yuko approached Moriko as she collapsed to her knees.
"Are you okay?" Asked Yuko.
"I'm fine." Moriko panted heavily. "Thank you, everyone."
Senki confronted the Rogue, who was floating near the monster.
"Support from others is NOT meaningless!" She exclaimed. "It is because of my friends' support that I can continue on and surpass any challenges!
Matilda-san and the Pixies are helping me with my memories!
Yuko-san is teaching me music!
Moriko-san and I have the same love for trees and nature!
And Hotaru-san is cheering for us to do our best with all of her strength!"
"Do you think I actually care?" The Outlaw scoffed. "Dungeonborg, just go."
"Dungeonborg!"
The monster stomped away from the girls, but it was not long before they noticed it was going straight towards Hotaru, its head spinning at a very fast speed.
"It's going towards Hotaru-san!!" Yuko yelled.
With great speed, Cure Venture flapped her wings and dashed towards Hotaru, standing in front of her.
"Cure Venture!" Hotaru gasped.
Using Fairy Energy, Senki summoned a magical defensive attack.
"Protect! Epic Venture Shield!"
A glowing shield of pink appeared and Senki took it in her hand, dashing once more towards the Dungeonborg.
"DUNGEONBORG!!!"
"Haaaaaa!"
The Dungeonborg's gigantic head clashed against the shield.
BANG!
The impact brought forth a shockwave. Senki used her strength to try and push the head back and use an opening to her advantage.
"Nngh!"
"Not bad at all, Princess..." The Rogue smirked. "...but you could do better."
With a snap of his fingers, the Black Dice in the Dungeonborg's chest shone a brilliant crimson.
"! ! !" Senki gasped.
"Dungeon...BORG!"
The monster retaliated, destroying the magical shield with a blast of Dungeon Energy. The force was so great that Senki was pushed back.
"Aaaah!"
"Senki-san!"
SLAM!
The impact of her falling created a hole in the soil. But the fairy princess was still strong. She slowly sat up, groaning.
"Ngh!"
Hotaru knelt down beside the other, supporting her as she sat up.
"Senki-san! Are you okay?"
Venture glanced at the other. "Hotaru-san?"
A gentle smile brightened the saleswoman's face, relieved to know Venture was okay despite the fall.
"You're quite strong, Princess."
Hotaru frowned, looking away.
"But..."
"DUNGEONBORG!!"
The monster was about to fire a beam of Dungeon Energy at the two, the Black Dice charging up with zapping power.
"Look out!"
In a haste, Hotaru picked the girl in her arms and jumped out of the hole. The two made it out just in time before the beam was fired.
"WAAAAAAAH!" Senki yelped, holding onto Hotaru in a panic. "Hotaru-san, it is dangerous for you to be here! You should go to a safe place!"
Hotaru sighed quietly, finding a safe spot to set her down.
"Cure Venture, I feel like your team needs another Precure."
Senki blinked. "Hotaru-san?"
"Dice Roll! Bard!"
Yuko placed the Bard PreCoin in the slot and rolled the dice, waving her hands as musical notes popped out of the Treasure Pact one by one.
"Play on!
Precure Bard Symphony!"
Shooting the ring of musical notes at the monster, Cure Bard successfully held the monster in place with the gigantic musical barrier.
"Cure Venture! Your turn!" She looked back at Senki, nodding.
"Yes!" Senki nodded, then turned to Hotaru. "Hotaru-san, we will discuss this later, okay? Please stay here!"
She ran to the battlefield with her Treasure Pact and PreCoin in hand, prepared to attack.
"But...!" Hotaru held out a hand, but dropped it and sighed.
"Dice Roll! Venture!"
Inserting the Venture PreCoin in the slot and rolling the dice, magic swirled in her palms before clapping once.
"Fly forth!"
The magic in her hands grew in amount and shone brighter.
"Precure! Epic Venture..."
She then extended her hands forward.
"...BLAST!"
The magic was shot at the monster, surrounding it in a sparkling barrier.
"Finisher! Plus 100 Points!"
A number 100 appeared in magical light before the barrier exploded.
"Concluded..."
The Dungeonborg was purified, turning back into a normal umbrella. Its Black Dice shattered, revealing an aqua-colored PreCoin. The token fell to the ground and bounced to Senki's hand.
"Session complete!"
The Rogue squinted. "Tch."
He then disappeared in a portal, and all the mess and destruction in that place was reversed. Everything turned back to normal as if nothing happened.
Senki landed on her feet to meet with the girls. "Everyone! We did it! And we have a new PreCoin in our possession!"
Ichigo and Ringo flew towards the Precure. "Amazing work -gogo!" Said Ringo.
"All of you were incredible -gogo!" Said a smiling Ichigo.
Only Hotaru stood back, a dull look as she glanced at her friends.
"As expected of the Epic Precure." She said with an equally dull tone.
The girls looked over at the distanced saleswoman.
"Hotaru-san?" Senki blinked.
"You did amazingly." Hotaru turned her gaze away.
"...?" The girls tilted their heads a tad, and so did the Twins.
"Everyone... I have had it.
I cannot just continue sitting back and watch as you fight those tough Dungeonborgs!
Support is always good, but... I want to do more than that!"
"Gogo?" Ichigo and Ringo blinked.
The young lady balled her fists and squeezed her teeth before turning to everyone.
"Everyone! I wish to become a Precure!"
There was a momentary silence before the group shouted with comically widened eyes.
"EEEEEEH?!"
AT EVERSPRING COLLECTIBLES SHOP...
It was lunch break at the Everspring Collectibles Shop. The girls relished on a succulent cheese pizza and the sweetest chocolate cake, resting plenty after such a tough fight.
"We need to find a way to become stronger." Matilda pondered. "Those Dungeonborgs have become more powerful."
"Do you think the Rogue is using that substance that withers the trees?" Asked Moriko with concern.
"No." Said Matilda. "That poison has nothing to do with Dungeon Energy.
However..."
She frowned, thinking of the amount of times that Senki's Fairy Energy was stolen by the monsters.
"The amount of Fairy Energy stolen from the Princess... that Fairy Energy which we could not recover...
...that is what is making the Dungeonborgs stronger."
Senki gasped, remembering the Ranger's words...
"Beloved Princess Senki of Faeland, if only you could see the capabilities of your own power.
Your Fairy Energy has an entire world of possibilities! It could even enhance my poison!"
She also remembered what happened in the recent fight. She saw the colorful magic in the Dungeonborg's Black Dice.
She held a hand to her chest, feeling her heartbeat accelerating as she started to panic.
"And that's why a fifth Precure is needed!" Hotaru stood from her seat with boldness and strength in her voice. "One to fight the toughest Dungeonborgs!
Give me a Treasure Pact and Key, and I'll lend you all my strength!"
The frightened Senki just listened to their conversation.
"Hotaru-san, I am not sure you understand how this works." Said a concerned Matilda while comforting the fairy princess.
"Right. Ichigo and Ringo are the ones assigned to choose the candidates to become Precure. We can't give you a Pact and Key ourselves." Said Yuko.
"No!" The upset saleswoman slammed her hands on the table. "None of you understand!"
"H-Hotaru-san..." Senki trembled.
"I carry an immense strength within me, and yet I can't use it except when I'm working or tending to chores!" Hotaru yelled. "I want to use this strength to help you!"
RIIIIIIIING!
The shop's telephone interrupted their conversation. It distraught the anxious princess, but its loudness made her cover her ears.
"WAAAAAH! What's that noise?!" She exclaimed. "It is so loud!"
"The telephone!" Hotaru turned around. "I'll go get it!"
Hotaru rushed to pick it up and answer the call, and spoke.
"Hello! This is the Everspring Collectibles Shop!"
"Are Faelandians sensitive to loud noises?" Asked Yuko, who was as concerned for Senki as everyone else. "The Jester had a similar reaction."
"Some do, some do not." Responded Matilda. "Do not worry about me. Such noises do not bother me."
Hotaru listened to the caller through the telephone, keeping another dull expression before her eyes widened.
"Ah! Mama! How have you been?" Her tone brightened up, and a smile appeared in her face.
Senki, Matilda, Yuko and Moriko paid attention to Hotaru, who paced left and right as she spoke.
"Oh, that's right!" Yuko whispered. "Hotaru-san inherited this shop from her parents, is that correct?"
"Right. She told us how she has progressed after her parents began working full time on their company." Explained Matilda. "After her training, she has run this shop by herself."
"That is very admirable." Smiled Moriko. "I commend Hotaru-san for her hard work.
Come to think of it, I think Hotaru-san would be a great Precure herself."
"I think so, too." Replied Yuko. "But it's up to Ichigo and Ringo to decide if they will choose her. It's not in our power to do so."
Matilda kept her eyes on Hotaru. She was still curious to know more about Hotaru's origins, although her suspicions were high.
"Her strength. That meal. And now her eagerness to become a Precure.
It is without a doubt that she could be a descendant of the Vigor Clan. Such determination is one of their most known attributes."
"I miss you too! It's been so long since I last saw you!"
Hotaru continued talking, nodding every time.
"Yes! Yes! The Pretty Holic Store has supplied merchandise to the shop as well as other suppliers! The shop has been running nicely!
A friend of mine suggested painting the bunny figurine collection and-
Say what?!"
There was a sudden excitement in Hotaru's voice.
"Eh?" The girls were curious, and listened further.
"Okay! Okay! I'll be sure to make all preparations! Yes! Please excuse me!"
Hotaru ended the call and placed the telephone back in its holder, then rested her hands on the counter, letting out a heavy sigh.
"Hotaru-san?" Senki tilted her head. "What's going on?"
For a moment Hotaru became silent, before turning to Senki and the others with a big smile and sparkly eyes.
"MY MAMA AND PAPA WILL COME TO SEE THE SHOP SOON! I'M SO EXCITED!!!"
"EEEEH?!"
The girls' smiles grew big. They knew how hard Hotaru worked to keep the shop nice and tidy.
"Hotaru-san, that is great news!" Said a smiling Matilda. "This is your chance to show them your accomplishments!"
"Yes, yes!" Hotaru nodded. "I'll prepare a Vigorous Plate for them when they come, too!"
The saleswoman couldn't help but hop with utter joy and excitement. Even Senki could feel how joyful she was.
Her panic dissolved and her anxieties turned into joy.
INSIDE DUNGEON ISLAND, TENGOKU'S LAIR...
"What do you mean another Precure has awakened?!" Asked an irritated Tengoku. His eyes glowing an ominous shade of crimson.
"It is what happened, Tengoku-sama." Said the Rogue. "Those 'Epic Precure' have a new recruit.
Her power opposes my poison...
...Cure Leaf."
"HAAAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" The Jester laughed. "Where in the world do they get such silly names?! It makes me want to laugh and cry!"
"Tch. It is far from my importance." Said the nonchalant yet annoyed Rogue.
They were interrupted by a loud STOMP. Another member of the Outlaws crushed the soil with his feet as he approached his imprisoned master. He was much taller than the rest, and had a bulky, muscular shape. In his tough fist he held a Black Dice.
"AH!" The Jester flinched. "Brawler! Quit making such an entrance!"
Only a single glare of the Brawler's crimson eyes was enough to make the Jester run away in cowardliness.
"Heh. Run, you pathetic Jester." He almost grinned at his counterpart's fears.
The Rogue stepped forth with a black flask in his hands. "Anyways, Tengoku-sama, I have retrieved some of the Princess' Fairy Energy.
Along with our Dungeon Energy, it can further break the seal and strengthen our Dungeonborgs."
Tengoku grinned. "I am aware of it. Now, open it."
Opening it with a wave of his hand, the Ranger released some of the Fairy Energy that was inside. The Dungeon Energy made the opposing colorful magic shoot out of the flask as a beam, hitting the crystallized chamber in which Tengoku was in.
The dent in the crystal grew much larger, but not enough to break it.
"Is that... Fairy Energy?" The Brawler's eyes grew big. "I have longed to grasp it in my hands!
No, I have yearned to use its magic to increase my strength!"
"Then today is your lucky day, Brawler!" Said Tengoku. "Bring forth the Black Dice in your possession."
"Yes, Tengoku-sama!"
The Brawler stretched his hand holding the Black Dice out, and Tengoku's eyes glowed crimson. His power manipulated the Fairy Energy that remained in the flask, shooting it out of the bottle and infusing it into the dice. The item glowed the same shade of crimson for a moment before it began to shake and rumble in the Outlaw's palm.
The Brawler's mouth dropped.
"I can feel its power growing..."
"Such is the capability of Fairy Energy." Tengoku grinned. "If you wish for more, go to the human world and capture the Princess." Said Tengoku. "Bring her to me, and we will use her Fairy Energy to become stronger."
The Brawler grinned big, balling a fist tightly.
"I will be the strongest Outlaw that has ever existed! Tengoku-sama, I will not let you down!"
Saluting his master with a fist to his chest, the Brawler disappeared in a black portal.
LATER, AT HOTARU'S HOUSE...
"Zzzzz..."
Meanwhile, the Pixie Twins took a nap on the couch. And it was all of a sudden that Ichigo woke.
"...!
Psst! Ringo!" She shook her brother by the shoulders to wake him up. "Ringo!!"
The Pixie of apples groaned and turned to lie on his side. "Five more minutes -gogo." He mumbled sleepily.
But the snappy Ichigo shook him again, harder this time, and shouted...
"RINGO!! I SENSE THE POWER OF A PRECURE -GOGO!!!"
"EEEEH?!" Ringo jolted awake, instantly floating as his wings fluttered. "A Precure?! Where -gogo?!"
"You do not get it yet, do you -gogo?" Asked Ichigo. "Hotaru! The saleswoman! She is a perfect candidate -gogo!"
"Hotaru?!" Ringo's eyes grew big. "The saleswoman -gogo?!"
"Yes -gogo!" Ichigo nodded, keeping a serious look. "Her will to help the others is massive! And her strength is enough evidence that she is a descendant of the Vigor Clan -gogo!
She is the perfect image of the Precure of fire and courage! And at this current rate, only three more Precures would remain to be chosen -gogo!"
Summoning the Treasure Pact and Key, she handed them to her sibling.
"Ringo! Take the Treasure Pact and Key and put them in a place that only Hotaru can see them -gogo!"
Ringo nodded. "Yes -gogo!"
...
"Alright, everyone!" A smile adorned Hotaru's face. "We need to work extra hard today! We'll have lots of customers who'll want to buy our new arrivals, so we must do our absolute best!"
Yuko and Moriko nodded, looks of determination in their faces. "Yes!"
"We'll lend you our full support, Hotaru-san!" Yuko's eyes glimmered.
"Just tell us what we need to do and we'll get it done!" Smiled Moriko.
Matilda and Senki watched the young women at work. Hotaru had just received several boxes full of new merchandise from her many suppliers, including the Pretty Holic Store.
While Moriko tended to the transactions at the cash register to complete the customers' purchases, Yuko organized the shelves one by one, nicely stacking the merchandise according to their brands.
Hotaru helped the customers find what they looked for and answered any questions that they had.
Senki sighed. "Auuuugh! I want to be an adult so I can work with Hotaru-san."
Matilda chuckled. "It will be several years until you have come of age, Princess.
If you wish to contribute to this company, then we must discuss it with the Queen first."
A small frown as the knight turned away.
"After we have saved both Faeland and this world."
Senki turned sad as well. Deep down she wished to remember more about Faeland, but she had almost no recollection of it except for the few images in her mind.
The Legendary Precure ceremony and the following battle.
The mermaids of Siren Society.
The treehouse at the Gnomeling Garden.
". . ."
Resting her arms on the table, Senki sighed once more. She felt an indescribable aching in her mind due to her inability to recall such things.
She longed to remember... to reminisce her past adventures.
MEANWHILE...
The Black Dice in the Brawler's hand began to shake violently, glowing a crimson shine.
It was because of its infusion of Fairy Energy that the Black Dice could sense it.
"I got you now, little Princess."
The Brawler smirked. He was floating several feet above the Everspring Collectibles Shop.
LATER...
Ringo cautiously flew around the shop, being mindful to not stumble upon the chattering humans or the items in the shelves.
He landed on one and stared at the crowd as they were busy looking at the many items around the shop. In his hands was the Treasure Pact and Key.
"Jeez -gogo..." He muttered. "With so many humans around it will be difficult for me to deliver the Treasure Pact and Key to Hotaru -gogo.
I cannot let anyone see me -gogo."
"Mama! Mama!"
A girl no older than 5 pointed at the tiny Pixie, who froze in one of the shelves as if he were a figurine.
"Waah!" He gasped quietly, accidentally dropping the Pact and Key.
"Mama! I want that figurine!" She jumped, still pointing at Ringo. "It's a fairy boy!"
Senki, who sat near the table, heard the little girl's conversation with her mother.
"Fairy boy?"
Turning to see, she noticed Ringo in the shelf, and gasped.
"EEEEEEH?!"
"Nngh!" The nervous Pixie stood still, sweat dropping a tad.
"Oh, that?" The girl's mother looked at the Pixie, then down at the child.
The mother rested a hand on her shoulder, smiling gently. "Sweetie, what about your other dolls? You have many little fairy friends in the garden, too."
"No!" The little girl shouted, pulling her mama's hands. "I want that fairy boy! I want that fairy boy!"
"Fairy boy?" A group of teenage girls looked at each other after hearing the child, and out of curiosity, approached the shelf in which the Pixie was.
"Nnnnnnngh!" The poor Pixie was still unable to move, sweating even more out of nervousness.
"I have to deliver the Treasure Pact and Key to Hotaru -gogo! I am a Royal Pixie of Faeland, not a little girl's doll -gogo!"
'So cute!" A junior high school student and her classmates stared at the Pixie closely and smiled.
"Where did Miss Hotaru get this fairy boy figurine?"
"EH?!" Senki gasped at what she heard and scurried towards the girls, hastily picking up Ringo in her hands.
"E-excuse me! This figure is not for sale!"
And just as how she suddenly rushed in, she rushed out as well, carrying Ringo in her hands to take him upstairs to Hotaru's house.
"Eh?" The girls blinked and sighed.
"What a disappointment." Said a girl with short hair.
"Be glad! We were the first to see it! It looked so cute and unique!" Said another with twin ponytails. "Perhaps it was only put up for display?"
"Hey! Did you notice that girl's ears?" Asked another with long hair.
"I thought it was my imagination too!" A blonde girl replied. "Let's approach her when she gets back and ask!"
...
"W-wait! Princess! I have got to do something -gogo!" Ringo desperately squirmed in the princess' hands.
Senki entered the bedroom and gently set the tiny Pixie in the bed, letting out a relieved sigh.
"Ringo! You must be careful when lots of people are around!" She kept a serious face and posture.
"B-b-but Princess!"
She gently patted the Pixie's head, smiling warmly.
"Please stay here and relax. No one will see you nor think of you as a figure here. I will be back in a minute!"
Senki closed the door, leaving the room to go back downstairs.
"The Treasure Pact and Key..."
Ringo was left speechless. The Treasure Pact and Key were left behind, and now he had no way to retrieve them.
...
The school girls seemed to be debating on who should talk to Senki first as they gathered together in a circle, muttering and whispering words to one another.
"You should be the one to ask her, Minako-chan. You spoke to her first." Said the blonde-haired girl.
"But I'm scared!" Minako's hands shook. "What if she doesn't want to talk to us?"
"Don't worry! I'm sure she will." Smiled the girl with short hair.
"I agree! She seems friendly." Replied the girl with two ponytails.
Minako nodded shakily. "O-Okay."
Finally, Senki paced downstairs. The four schoolgirls observed her, and the jittery Minako hesitated.
"Uh..."
"Minako-chan, now's your chance! Go talk to her before she walks away again!" Whispered the short-haired girl.
"You can do it!" Cheered the blonde.
"U-u-uh..."
Senki was about to walk back to the table to sit down before the girl found the courage to approach her.
"Um... e-excuse me, Miss!"
"Eh?!"
Senki quickly turned, her eyes shrinking at the sight of the girls. She thought they still wanted to see Ringo.
"U-u-um..." She dropped a sweat again. "I apologize! Th-that fairy boy figure is not for sale!"
The girls, except Minako, looked at each other, then back at Senki, smiling.
"E-ehh?!" Senki was confused and nervous, she didn't quite understand why they smiled, until the blonde spoke.
"Hey, it's okay! We're not here to talk about the fairy boy figure." The blonde smiled reassuringly.
"Oh? You are not?" Senki blinked.
"W-we had a question!" Spoke the shaky Minako. "May we ask..."
The girl didn't dare to ask, shutting her eyes and bowing her head down. Initially, she was afraid of Senki's reaction, but she was utterly curious about her pointy ears.
"M-may I ask where'd you get such realistic pointy ears?"
"...!"
Senki started to sweat more out of nervousness. She thought and thought hard of an answer that could further hide her identity as a Faelandian fairy princess.
"What am I supposed to tell them?! Nobody can know that I am a fairy! Matilda-san told me so!"
"Stare..."
The girls, except Minako, leaned towards Senki, squinting at her.
And after a few long seconds of absolute silence, Senki responded with a nervous smile.
"A-ah! I am praticing for next year's costume contest!" She spoke loudly, scratching the back of her head. "Y-you see, these are made of a material which I forgot the name!
What was it again?"
She put a hand on her chin and pretended to think, glancing away.
"Are those silicone fairy ears?" The girl with the ponytails responded, smiling. "That's so cool! We look forward to seeing your full costume soon!"
Senki's worries melted away as she smiled at the group as they conversed with each other.
"Well, have you all decided on what to buy?" The blonde asked.
"Yes! I'm buying this lip balm and this cute bunny figure!" Said Minako.
"I'll buy a whole set of figurines!" Said the girl with the ponytails.
"Same!" Said the short-haired girl.
Turning to Senki, the girls smiled.
"It was nice meeting you, Miss! We are students of the Everspring Junior High School! We come to this shop to buy all sorts of collectibles!" Said the blonde.
"We are on summer break, but soon we'll be back to school!" Said Minako.
"By the way, girls, did you all finish your summer work?" Asked the short-haired girl.
"Summer work?" Senki tilted her head. She didn't know what it was or what it was all about.
"Yes, yes! It was super easy for me!" Responded the girl with the twin ponytails.
"Do you mind helping me out?" Asked the blonde. "I still don't understand some of it."
"Of course! We can all study and finish our work together before school starts!" The short-haired girl replied.
"Hey, hey! What is a 'school'?" Asked the curious Senki.
The girls turned to her.
"A school is a place where we study, learn different subjects and make lots of friends!" Explained Minako.
"You can also join clubs and continue your studies after school ends for the day." Said the blonde. "Actually, we're all part of the school's art club! We make crafts and paintings of things that inspire us, and we participate in many school activities!"
"School clubs? Activities?" Senki was very intrigued by the things the girls mentioned. "I have no idea what those are, but they all sound epic epic!"
"'Epic epic'?" Smiled Minako. "That's right!
By the way, Miss, what's your name? My name's Minako!"
"I'm Rika." The girl with the twin ponytails waved.
"I'm Hanako." The short-haired girl smiled.
"I'm Mia, and I'm new to Everspring Junior High!" Said the blonde.
"I am Senki Hanaoka!" Senki smiled and bowed. "It is nice to meet you, everyone!"
"Senki Hanaoka? What a lovely name!" Smiled the girl with the two ponytails. "It's almost like a fairy princess of the flowers is among us!"
A sound rang and Mia checked her phone. It was getting late for the girls, and they had to leave the shop.
"Well, it's about time we pay for this stuff and leave." Mia smiled warmly at Senki. "We all look forward to seeing you again, should you decide to come to our school when it starts, Senki-san!"
"School sounds epic epic!" Senki smiled big. "I will be there, so please wait for me!"
The girls nodded and bowed. "Please excuse us!" They all said in unison and went to pay for their items.
Senki's smile never ceased, she walked upstairs to talk to the Pixies about what she learned, singing and humming all the way.
"Epic epic adventures await ~"
...
It was on the moment that Hanako was about to stand on the line to pay that she stumbled across two items on the floor. The tip of her shoe nearly stepped onto the Treasure Key before she picked it up as well as the Treasure Pact.
"Wow! A cute box and a matching key!" Her eyes glimmered. "I might as well buy this!"
"Hanako!" Mia and the others waved. "Hurry up! We have to go now!"
"Yes!" The girl hurried to pay for the items.
At the moment it was Hotaru who worked with the cash register. Completing a transaction, she bowed to the customer.
"Thank you very much."
The customer left with their items, and it was Hanako's turn to pay.
But first, she had a question for Hotaru.
"Hey, Miss Hotaru! How much for these?"
"E-Eh?!"
Hotaru's eyes could not be wider. Looking at the Treasure Pact and Key on the table, she remembered how the Precures were chosen.
Senki's Treasure Pact and Key made their way to her, first being discovered by Hotaru herself before being set on a shelf and eventually bought by Matilda to deliver to the fairy princess.
Matilda discovered hers by the shore of the Knight Clan's island after her wish of adventure beyond the horizon came true.
Yuko found hers by her belongings during work, and Moriko found hers by a colorful tree when she and the others visited the Everspring Grand Mall.
Neither Hotaru nor the others knew of anyone else with the potential to become Precure, so she was certain that the Pact and Key presented to her were actually hers, and that Ichigo and Ringo chose her.
"U-um... I'm sorry!" Hotaru picked the Pact and Key, putting them away in her pocket. "Those must have fallen off of one of the display shelves! They're not for sale!"
"I understand." Responded Hanako. "It's like a treasure box, right? Be sure to never lose it, Miss Hotaru!"
"Sure thing!" The saleswoman smiled big.
...
The saleswoman closed the door to the restroom, eyes still widened in pure shock and utter joy.
"Could it be?"
She held the Treasure Pact and Key close to her heart, her smile widening as a tear fell off her cheek and onto the magical compact.
She was the next chosen to become a Precure.
AT HOTARU'S HOUSE...
"ICHIGO! RINGO! I WANT TO GO TO THAT PLACE CALLED SCHOOL!" Shouted an excited Senki after bursting the door open to see the Pixies.
"GOGO!" Ringo yelped, then relaxed. "Ah, it is you, Princess."
"About time you decided to do so, Princess Senki." Said the sassy Ichigo. "It is a good chance to help improve your memory -gogo."
The fairy princess climbed on her bed and happily jumped.
"I am going to tell Matilda-san and the others once they are done with their work! And THEN I will go to that school place and talk with the girls I just met!"
Sparks glimmered by her side as she imagined herself wearing a school uniform.
"They had such epic epic uniforms! I want one of my own, too!"
"Princess Senki!" The snappy Ichigo bursted her bubble, flying close to her face. "School is not just about wearing an uniform -gogo! You will have to study for each class, do homework, and pass every test -gogo!
As I mentioned, it is a good chance to improve your memory, so I suggest you go there -gogo!"
"I see." Senki pondered over what the girls said before. "They mentioned something about school work.
Well then!"
The ecstatic fairy princess gently grabbed Ichigo's hands with her fingertips and started spinning around, giggling.
"WAAAAAH! PRINCESS! STOP THAT -GOGO! YOU ARE MAKING ME DIZZY -GOGO!!!" The Pixie's eyes spiraled around and around.
"I will go to school, learn each lesson, make lots of new friends and join those activities called 'clubs'! I will tell Matilda-san and the others about this!"
She then proceeded to hug Ichigo. The Pixie of strawberries froze at the princess' hug.
"Ichigo, thank you for your suggestion!"
Once Senki let go of the Pixie, Ichigo sighed, and responded...
"Just do your best and do not push yourself too hard -gogo. Be sure to ask for help from a teacher if you need it -gogo!"
"Okay! I will be going now!"
Senki ran back downstairs to meet with Matilda and the others.
"Ichigo, we need to stay close to her -gogo." Said a concerned Ringo.
"Right -gogo." Ichigo nodded. "With the Outlaws and Dungeonborgs appearing, we cannot let Princess Senki run off on her own -gogo.
I will ask the Royal Knight to go to that school with her -gogo."
Ringo nodded.
LATER THAT EVENING...
"Everspring Junior High School?" Matilda's eyes widened at Senki's request. She had told everyone about school and how much she was interested in attending.
"It's not too far from here." Said Hotaru after munching a bite of a chocolate bar. "However, you'll need an adult to sign you up, otherwise you can't enter."
"Can you do that, Hotaru-san?" Asked Senki. "I mean, you have lots of work almost every day."
"Of course! I can take you to school every morning, Monday to Friday, before I get to work!" Hotaru smiled. "It's truly no problem! Plus, it's a good excuse to use my family's ol' van."
"Van?" Both Senki and Matilda blinked.
"Yes." Hotaru replied.
She then remembered what occurred earlier, and her expression changed. Although she hesitated to tell them about the Pact and Key.
"Should I tell them I'm chosen?
No... maybe it's for the best I keep it a secret until the time comes."
"Hotaru-san?" Senki rested a hand on the other's shoulder. "Are you okay?"
"Eh?" Hotaru perked up, and her expression shifted to a smile. "Ah! I'm okay. Please don't worry yourself, Princess."
The girls chatted and laughed all night long, until it was time for bed.
THE NEXT DAY...
"Welcome!" Hotaru greeted the incoming customers at the shop. It was another productive day at work, more and more people visited the Everspring Collectibles shop in search of goods to buy!
Hotaru smiled at what she saw. She was immensely proud of her progress with her shop, eagerly awaiting the visit of her parents to show them what she has achieved.
"Mama... Papa... I can't wait for you to come."
"Hotaru-san!" Senki called.
"Huh?" Hotaru turned to the two girls. Senki and Matilda were about to go outside.
"We are going to the grocery shops!" Said Senki. "Is there anything you need for the... the, um..."
"The Vigorous Plate?" Hotaru asked, smiling big. "Worry not! I still have plenty of ingredients for it! Should you happen to find some onions, however, please buy at least two!"
"Okay!" Senki smiled big and waved. "We will be off now!"
Before Senki and Matilda headed out, Hotaru waved.
"Have a good day, you two!"
...
The two strolled through the lively town. They walked past families and friends who played in the sidewalks. Joy and laughter filled the place.
"Onions... onions... what are onions again?" Senki spoke.
"They are vegetables from this world." Said Matilda. "So, where are the grocery stores?" She thought to herself, hand on chin. "There are many buildings around here."
"Hey, Matilda-san..." Senki spoke, looking up at the knight. "...how are the shops in Faeland like?"
"Uh..." Matilda looked down at Senki. She was still sad that the princess couldn't remember, so she tried to explain as simply and briefly as she could.
"There are many shops in Faeland, all with different items to buy. Some clans grow and sell their own goods, and merchants greet you at the front of every shop."
"It sounds epic epic!" Smiled Senki. "I bet lots of people visit every day to get everything they need!"
"Yes." Matilda nodded. "Visitors from each of Faeland's islands come every day to trade and buy items at Pixie Kingdom's Central Town. It usually gets crowded, and everyone enjoys the sights and sounds of the town.
Sometimes the Bard Clan comes together to bring joy to the people with music, and seasonal activities are one of Faeland's many traditions.
"Really?!" Senki's eyes sparkled. "And the people dance around and sing to the music, too?" She spun around, imagining a festival with her friends. "I want us to do that here sometime!"
Looking up at the knight again, she smiled. "Can we do that, Matilda-san?"
Matilda chuckled. "Of course, Princess! We just need to ask the others when they get the day off work. I know how a Faelandian festival is like."
"EPIC EPIC!!!!" Senki hopped in place happily. "Let us go tell the others!"
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
The Brawler's bold laughing surprised the two, with Matilda hastily standing in front of Senki, who gasped.
"A festival, Princess? Do you even have the time for that?"
He tightened his hand into a fist. "Your kingdom lacks strength, so you must build it with all your might!"
"Matilda-san, who is he?!" Her voice trembled.
The Outlaw grinned.
"Heh.
I am the Brawler." He spoke and pointed a finger at the fairy princess. "The one destined to be stronger with your astounding Fairy Energy!"
Matilda extended her arms to her sides, protecting the princess, who gasped.
"I have seen its potential, and with it, only I can fulfill the mission of Tengoku-sama!"
Holding the shimmering Black Dice up, the Brawler set his eyes upon an object of interest. A sign of a local food shop.
"Starting Point! Dungeon Energy, emerge!
Go, Dungeonborg!"
Throwing the Black Dice at the sign, its power, combined with Fairy Energy, brought forth a bulky monster with big hands and feet. Its singular eye glowed red.
"DUNGEONBORG!"
The commotion caused the people to run as the monster stomped around.
...
RUMBLE RUMBLE...
"...!"
Hotaru felt the sudden shaking of the ground. By the time the Dungeonborg was summoned it was her lunch break, no customers were in the shop.
"Hotaru -gogo!" The Pixie Twins flew towards the saleswoman in a rush.
"There is a Fairy Energy anomaly nearby! We suspect it is the Outlaws -gogo!" Ichigo's eyes were big with fear. "Princess Senki forgot to wear the Fae Brace today! Without it, she could be in trouble -gogo!!!"
"Did you receive a Treasure Pact and Key -gogo?" Ringo asked.
Hotaru knew it was time. She held the Pact and Key for the Pixies to see.
"I have."
Ringo let out a relieved sigh. "Thank goodness -gogo."
"Ichigo, Ringo... thank you for choosing me." Hotaru smiled, then turned to the door. "Let's go help Senki-san and the others."
...
Opening the door to the garage in the back of the shop, she glanced at a rather old minivan of her family's.
"Let's get you up and running again, old friend."
Keys jingling, Hotaru started the van's engine and opened up the garage door. To her relief, the van worked normally.
So, she took off in direction to where Senki and Matilda were.
"Jeez -gogo!" Huffed the snappy Ichigo as she held the Fae Brace carefully. She and Ringo sat in the front passenger seat. "The Princess ought to be more careful with this -gogo!"
"Don't worry, Ichigo." Said Hotaru. "We'll give her the Fae Brace so she can keep her Fairy Energy. Let's just hope those Outlaws didn't take it from her."
Focusing on the road, she thought to herself...
"Wait for me, everyone. I will lend you my strength!"
The tires of the van screeched as she turned left to leave the Central Everspring Avenue.
...
"Senki-san!"
Yuko and Moriko arrived to the scene, items in hand to transform. Senki and Matilda turned to them and nodded.
"Everyone! Let us go, onward!" Said Senki, holding her Pact, Key and PreCoin in her hands.
In a background of pink, blue, yellow and green, the girls' outfits turned into shiny gowns and their hair accessories dissolved into magical sparkles.
"Treasure Pact, Unlock!"
Together, they unlocked the Pacts and inserted the PreCoins in the spaces below the dice.
"Paladin!"
"Bard!"
"Leaf!"
"Venture!"
And together, they chanted...
"Precure! Dice Roll Start!"
...before rolling the dice. The numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 appeared in magical light.
Stems covered Moriko's hands and created the gloves, then magical music notes swirled around Yuko's feet to create her boots.
"Flowing rings!"
Rolling the dice, rings of water encircled around Matilda, weaving every part of her uniform.
"Epic epic change!"
With one more roll of the dice, more magic spewed from the Pact as Senki spun, her hair growing in length and changing from brown to pink. Braids weaved together with ribbons tied on each end. A magical light designed her circlet crown and more sparkles created her earrings, ear cuff and necklace before her eyes turned sparkly pink.
Lastly, their belts were created using the powers of magic, water, music and nature. Placing the Treasure Pacts on their left sides, the girls tapped them twice, each being covered in a pouch.
Together, the Precure team posed.
"Wave of calmness! Cure Paladin! Bathe yourself in deep tranquility!"
"Melody of the heart! Cure Bard! Listen to the song of your spirit!"
"Sprout of growth! Cure Leaf! May abundance grow as tall as trees!"
"Spirit of adventure! Cure Venture! Let the epic adventures begin!"
After introducing themselves, the team posed once more.
"Onward! Epic Precure!"
Sparkles bursted outward.
...
"DUNGEONBORG!!!"
"Haaaaaa!"
The quartet jumped at the monster, attacking with a series of rapid punches before pushing it away with a group kick.
"Let us finish this, and quickly!" Said Matilda.
"Dice Roll! Paladin!"
Once placing the PreCoin on the slot and rolling the dice, water swirled on her palms as she readied her attack.
"Spread out!
Precure Paladin Stream!"
The stream was shot at the Black Dice in the Dungeonborg's chest, knocking the monster away and creating a dent in the dice.
"Nice one, Cure Paladin!" Senki pumped up a fist to the air.
But the knight observed the monster. It jumped to its feet mere seconds after being knocked off.
But what surprised the knight was that the dent in the Black Dice was slowly fixing itself by a familiar magic.
"...!
It cannot be!"
"Cure Paladin!" Cure Bard stepped forth. "Let me handle this!
Dice Roll! Bard!"
Yuko was surrounded by musical notes made of magic as she prepared to strike.
"Play on!
Precure Bard Symphony!"
Yuko's attack prevented the Dungeonborg from further moving as it was surrounded by a barrier of sound. She held the attack for as long as she could, looking over at Moriko.
"Leaf!"
"Yes!" Moriko nodded and used her Treasure Pact and PreCoin.
"Dice Roll! Leaf!"
After rolling the dice, leaves and stems weaved together, forming a pair of long chains.
"Surround!
Precure Leaf Chain!"
Swinging the twin chains forth, the leaves and stems tied up around the monster.
"Dungeonboooooorg...!" The monster squirmed, trying to set itself free, but couldn't.
"Now, Cure Venture! Purify it!" Said Moriko.
"Yes!
Dice Roll! Venture!"
After inserting the Venture PreCoin and rolling the dice, magic swirled and spun in Senki's palms before clasping her hands together.
"Fly forth!
Precure Epic Venture...
...Blast!"
The sparkles flew at a quick speed towards the Dungeonborg, targeting the Black Dice. Her attack created a much larger dent on the dice, once more knocking the monster back.
"Dungeonboooooooorg..." The monster's eye spiraled.
The Precure team watched the downed monster after a moment.
"Session... complete?" Senki blinked.
But it was moments after that the Brawler stepped in, chuckling a tad.
"It is amusing how you think you have won, Precure." His voice was low yet intimidating.
With a single snap of his fingers, the large dent in the Black Dice was undone, leaving the item intact. The Dungeonborg rose once again, but this time another pair of arms and sharp claws popped out of its sides as it grew twice its size. Now it was a dangerous, four-armed gigantic monster.
"WAAAAAAAH!!" Senki screamed. "NO WAY!!"
"The Dungeonborg..." Yuko's eyes widened.
"How is it stronger now?" Moriko gasped.
"Simple, Precure!" The Brawler's voice boomed. He floated near the monster, grinning. "It is all the work of Fairy Energy! That magic which runs in the blood of the Princess of Faeland herself!"
"! ! !"
Everyone gasped at this, even Senki. She could feel it, the Fairy Energy which she could not recover and recharge. Now it was within the monster.
"With Fairy Energy, my Dungeonborg is UNBEATABLE!!!" The Brawler yelled, holding a fist up pridefully.
"Princess, stand back!" Matilda pushed Senki away before the monster could attack.
"DUNGEONBORG!!!"
"Aaaah!"
With its four arms, the monster struck the soil with such force, knocking three of the four Precure off their feet one by one.
"Everyone!" Senki cried, seeing her teammates knocked down by the monster. She was about to strike when the dark aura of Dungeon Energy covered her.
"...!"
"Now, Princess..." Spoke the Brawler as the Dungeonborg's magic lifted Senki off the ground to be face to face with him. "...if you would come with me to Dungeon Island, Tengoku-sama would have the necessary Fairy Energy to undo the seal which you casted.
You would do him a great favor and make him the next King of Faeland!"
"I would NEVER!" She yelled, squirming to be let go.
The Brawler squinted. "Then I have no choice but to take it from you myself.
Dungeonborg!"
"DUNGEONBORG!!"
The monster complied to the Outlaw's command, using the Black Dice to steal Senki's Fairy Energy. Due to its size and power, it took more Fairy Energy from Senki at a fast rate. It left her body as colorful magic sparkles. Her wings disappeared.
"Aaaaaah!!!"
Hotaru's car parked somewhere nearby, and the saleswoman ran to the scene, taking a trash bin with her strong hands and tossing it at the Dungeonborg.
"HEY!"
This called the monster's attention as well as the Brawler's. Both drew their eyes to the source of the attack, which was Hotaru.
"Borg?"
"Hm?" The Brawler raised a brow.
"...eh?!" Matilda, Yuko and Moriko sat up, taking note of the sudden commotion.
"Hotaru-san!"
The woman was furious, breathing heavily. "Would you quit it?!"
"H-Hotaru-san!" Senki looked down at her friend, using the strength she had left to yell... "Hotaru-san, get out of here! It is dangerous!"
The Brawler and the Dungeonborg turned to face her.
"And what business does an ordinary human like you have here, anyways?" The Brawler inquired.
Hotaru bowed her head. She was scared deep down her tough shell, but regardless confronted the situation with a smile and courage.
"I am here to help the Precure!
Because..."
She shut her eyes close, hand rolled into a fist before holding out the Treasure Pact and Key.
"Because... I have been chosen!"
The girls stared with widened eyes.
"H-Hotaru-san..."
Senki's strength depleted as she passed out, still being held by the aura of Dungeon Energy.
Hotaru held the Pact to her heart. "I never thought standing in front of a Dungeonborg would be so scary.
But...!"
The Brawler laughed. "Hahahahaha! If it scares you then just run away, you little coward!"
"How dare you?" Growled Matilda, who stood on her feet, being careful with her injuries. "Hotaru-san has a heart that is as big as her courage!
Even if she is scared, she still faces all obstacles!"
"...!" Hotaru's eyes widened.
"It's because of this that she can become one of us!" Said Yuko. "We will not let you ruin her chance!"
"Everyone..."
"Hotaru-san, I am sorry. We all are." Said Moriko.
"Yes." Replied Matilda. "We knew how much you wished to help us as a Precure, but we were so carried away in our concerns that we never considered your feelings."
"This is your chance to become what you want to be!" Said Yuko with a smile.
"Everyone..."
Tears ran down Hotaru's eyes. She was so happy to have everyone's support.
"...thank you."
"Such blabbering is nonsense." The Brawler huffed. "What you need is pure strength and nothing else!"
"You're wrong, Brawler!" Yelled Hotaru. Her words were bold and strong like fire. "My physical strength may be great, but the strength of our friendship is greater!
And I will use it to purify your dark heart!"
It was then when a light shone in her heart and her body was engulfed in a red aura.
"Eh?! This light..." She looked down at herself in shock.
"Ringo!" Ichigo turned to her sibling.
"A new PreCoin -gogo?!" Ringo's eyes widened.
Ichigo's magic purse shimmered. "Yes! Get ready -gogo!"
Holding hands, the siblings chanted together...
"Ruby PreCoin, come out -gogo!"
A red beam shot out of Ichigo's purse and up to the sky, revealing the new PreCoin. Falling to the soil, it bounced with a ding, reaching Hotaru, who caught it in her hand. She looked at the token as it shimmered the same aura of red.
"What...?" Her eyes glimmered at the sight.
"The Precure of fire... AWAKENING?!?!" The Brawler shouted, eyes growing big before pointing at her. "NO PRECURE WILL STAND A CHANCE AGAINST MY DUNGEONBORG!!!"
"Hotaru, quickly! Transform into the Precure of fire and courage -gogo!" Ichigo shouted.
"Precure of fire and courage?" Hotaru stared at Ichigo, then at Ringo as he explained...
"Unlock the Treasure Pact with the Treasure Key and insert the PreCoin in the slot! Then say 'Precure! Dice Roll Start!' before rolling the dice -gogo!"
Hotaru nodded. "I have seen the others do it. So shall I!"
In a bright and sparkly red background, Hotaru's outfit turned into a gown of red light, her hair straightening down. She tossed the Treasure Pact, catching it with one hand.
"Treasure Pact, Unlock!"
Unlocking the Pact with the Key, she inserted the token in the slot below the dice.
"Ruby!"
The dice above shimmered a vivid red light.
"Precure! Dice Roll Start!"
Rolling the dice once, a number 5 appeared in magical light.
Flames erupted from the Pact and waved around her arms and legs, first creating a pair of gloves and then her shoes.
"Dancing flames!"
She rolled the dice again and a ring of fire appeared above her, motioning downwards and creating the top, skirt and chest bow with the golden shield and insignia.
"Blazing change!"
Rolling the dice once again, her hair grew in length and two more rings of fire divided her hair into two, forming twin ponytails and changing its color to bright red. More magic flames designed a golden diadem with a red ruby, a pair of earrings and a necklace.
Then, she placed the Treasure Pact on the left side of her waist, a belt being formed by chains of fire. Tapping the Pact twice, it was covered in a pouch with a heart charm.
"Flame of courage! Cure Ruby!" As she introduced herself, flames exploded behind her.
"Stand courageous and humble!"
"WHAAAAAT?!" The Brawler was furious and shocked that now he had an opponent, which was Hotaru herself.
"The fifth Precure has awakened -gogo!" Ichigo and Ringo danced and cheered in pure joy.
When the light faded, Hotaru looked down at herself, a smile growing in her lips at the realization.
"So, this is what I have become."
"Heh! Even if you became a Precure, you are still a loser in front of my strongest Dungeonborg!" The Brawler mocked.
"Now, Dungeonborg, ATTACK!"
"DUNGEONBORG!!!"
The giant monster stomped towards Hotaru. Taking a step forth, she closed her hands into fists and took a deep breath.
"The time has come to help my friends..."
Her steps became faster and faster, and soon she started running.
"Everyone... I will lend you my strength!"
Leaping into the air, Hotaru's fists were alit with flames.
"HAAAAAAA!!!"
Hotaru struck the Black Dice with a combo of ten punches before sending the monster flying up with a kick. Swiftly jumping high into the sky, she summoned more fire power in her hands.
"Burst! Ruby Impact!"
BAM!
Hotaru performed a powerful attack with a single fist engulfed in flames. The Dungeonborg crashed to the soil. Her attack was so strong that a much larger dent grew in the Black Dice, it was enough to disrupt the Dungeon Energy's power holding Senki up in the air.
Hotaru then jumped to catch Senki. The fairy princess landed safely in her arms before her feet touched the ground.
"Princess... Princess!" Hotaru shook Senki awake, and she opened her eyes to her.
"...huh?" Her eyes immediately grew big. "Eeeeeh?! Hotaru-san?! You..."
"Yes." Hotaru's lips curved up in a gentle smile. "I'm a Precure now, Cure Ruby, thanks to all of you."
"Cure... Ruby?"
Hotaru helped Senki stand on her feet, and was immediately met with a warm embrace from the princess.
"...?!" She was taken aback by Senki's kind gesture before returning the hug.
"You did it! You are a Precure! I am so happy!!"
"Cure Venture!" The Pixies flew towards the two as they withdrew from the hug.
"The Fae Brace! You can capture the stolen Fairy Energy with this -gogo!" Said Ichigo.
"Quickly, before the Dungeonborg recovers -gogo!" Yelled a desperate Ringo. "Say 'Fairy Energy Recharge!' and aim the Fae Brace toward the Black Dice -gogo!"
"Okay!" Replied Senki.
The Fae Brace was set on her right wrist. Once activated with a tap of her hand, sparkles flew out of it.
"Dungeonborg, your campaign of darkness concludes now!"
Holding her arm in front of her, Senki chanted the words mentioned by Ringo.
"Fairy Energy Recharge!!!"
A beam was shot at the Black Dice. Instantly, the colorful sparkles flew out of it and into the bracelet, shimmering bright colors once all of the Fairy Energy was captured. And with that, Senki retrieved the Fairy Energy she lost, her tiredness being replaced with plentiful energy and strength.
"Fairy Energy recovered!"
Hotaru looked back at Senki. "Cure Venture, rest for now. This Dungeonborg's mine!"
Senki smiled, proud of her friend. "Yes! Go now, Cure Ruby!"
Matilda, Yuko and Moriko watched their teammate as she prepared herself.
"Here I go!"
Unlocking the Pact with the Key, Hotaru placed the Ruby PreCoin in the slot.
"Dice Roll! Ruby!"
After rolling the dice, flames erupted from the Pact and engulfed her fists.
"Light up!
Precure! Ruby Ignition!"
Pushing a fist forward, Hotaru shot a fireball at the monster, hitting the Black Dice. It was then surrounded in a bright red barrier.
"Finisher! Plus 100 Points!"
A number 100 appeared in magical light atop the monster. Subsequently, the barrier exploded.
"Concluded..."
The Black Dice shattered, and Hotaru caught the PreCoin after it fell and bounced on the ground.
"Session complete!"
...
"Do not think this is over, Cure Ruby." Said the Brawler before disappearing in a dark portal.
LATER...
Everyone returned to the shop, joyful and proud of Hotaru, the newest member of their team.
"Cure Ruby! Cure Ruby! Hotaru-san is Cure Ruby!" Senki, Yuko, Moriko and the Pixies sang together.
Matilda smiled. "Welcome to the Epic Precure team, Hotaru-san."
"You were absolutely incredible and brave -gogo!" Ichigo smiled big at Hotaru.
"You are a great representation of the Precure of fire and courage -gogo!" Said the happy Ringo.
The saleswoman received the compliments with a humble smile.
"Everyone, thank you! Now I can finally contribute to helping you all stop those ugly Dungeonborgs!
And also..." She paused before taking a breath, then continued. "...I finally have a chance to talk to you about my origins."
"Origins?" Everyone blinked and listened carefully.
"Origins -gogo?" Ichigo and Ringo tilted their heads.
"Yes." Hotaru nodded. "You see, I'm a..."
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK!
The noise interrupted their conversation, and Hotaru rushed to the door.
"I'll get it!"
Upon opening the front door, Hotaru's eyes opened big in surprise. The visitors were...
"Mama! Papa!"
"Our brave little Hotaru!" Said the father as he and the mother embraced her.
Everyone watched with smiles on their faces as the family reunited. But then they remembered that they could see Ichigo and Ringo.
"WAAAAAAAAH!" Senki screamed, turning to the Pixies. "ICHIGO, RINGO, HIDE!!!!"
"Huh?" Hotaru's mom looked over at the troubled Senki, and smiled gently. "No need, my dear! We come from Faeland!"
Now the girls were in pure shock.
"FAELAND?!?!?!"
"That's right!" Hotaru's dad smiled. "We're part of the Vigor Clan in Faeland! I met Hotaru's mother when she first came here."
"And then we fell in love and got married in Faeland!" The mother said, holding hands with her husband. "Our daughter, Hotaru, is the clan's descendant!"
"I knew it." Muttered Matilda.
"Come in! I have much to show you!"
As the day went on, Hotaru showed her parents her achievements with the shop, and also told them about how becoming a Precure changed her life.
Everyone shared a meal of Vigorous Plate that evening at dinnertime as well as stories of their most recent adventures!