Chapter 26: Reunion With The Old Friends!

(A few hours has passed as Sawano walked towards the stadium where his first big fight happened years ago.)
"Klaus: Sawano!"
(He'd turn around and sees Klaus in the distance.)
"Sawano: Klaus! You're Dalton's brother, right?"
"Klaus: That's right! I figured you didn't remember after all the crazy things that happened as of late. But I am glad to see you're still alive and well!"
"Sawano: Aw, thanks man. If it wasn't for everyone's help I would've been long dead right now."
"Klaus: You sacrificed a lot in order to win. Speaking of which, what happened to all that poison you was tainted with?"
"Sawano: HellBlazer took it all."
"Klaus: What do you mean by that?"
"Sawano: HellBlazer absorbed every last inch of the poison which actually made it a whole lot stronger now."
"Klaus: That's good, if that poison spread around, things would not be looking good."
(Sawano laughed at Klaus.)
"Sawano: Another problem I'd have to fix. But look on the bright side, with all these different races, there's going to be peace on this new world forever."
"Klaus: That reminds me, did you think of a new name for the planet?"
"Sawano: New name?"
"Klaus: Well, we can't call it Earth anymore if every realm is merged with it! So what are you renaming Earth?"
"Sawano: That's a good point.. I'll need time to think about a new name. By the way, how's your sister's business?"
"Klaus: Ever since The Order Of Encursed Elements was attacking Hakodate, Toni's been working like CRAZY! She hasn't been taking any rests or breaks, she kept welding, enchanting and crafting every weapon she has ordered."
"Sawano: Mind if I go talk to her?"
"Klaus: Not at all!"
(They'd take a walk towards the house. During so, they took a look around at the new business opening as for some are under new management.)
"Sawano: All of this. No violence, no problems. I didn't imagine something like this could happen..."
"Klaus: You and Gaito both did something unforgettable which will change the universe forever. Honestly, I'm happy for it."
(A glass was heard shattering in the distance, which made Sawano and Klaus check it out and as they arrive, they can see two people arguing with others nearby spectating.)

"Hornet: WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?! YOU'RE THE ONE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS, HE COULD'VE BEEN ALIVE RIGHT NOW BUT YOU HAD TO GIVE HIM THAT BOMB!
"???: I know you disliked the plan from the start. But HE decided to pull such a suicidal tactic which lead to this."
"Hornet: UGH..!! YOU'RE USELESS!!"
(She stormed out as the swordswoman sighed and Sawano and Klaus walked up to her.)
"Sawano: What's all that about?"
"Sarah: Huh?! Sawano! Oh- My dearest apologies, please let me introduce myself. My name is Sarah Amaranthe, I am one of the seventeenth ranked fighters among the Elemental Third Division. I've heard about your accomplishments and I am grateful."
"Sawano: Well.. its no trouble. Who was that just now?"
"Sarah: That was Hornet, she's one of the seventeenth ranked fighters as well. But unfortunately on a recent mission, she lost her partner Lexus in a mission in space. I'd tell you more but its classified..."
"Sawano: No worries really, don't bother telling me something urgent like so. (Thinking) I got a bad feeling something.. I don't know what it is but its... somewhat like my powers but far more terrifying.."
"Sarah: Oh my the time! I must get going, a pleasure to meet you Sawano!"
(As Sarah ran off, Klaus was confused on what happened.)

"Toni: Klaus!"
(They'd see Toni running towards them in the distance and she jumped and hugged Klaus tightly.)
"Klaus(Strained): T-Toni!! G-good to see you... again!!
"Toni: Oops, sorry!"
(She'd let go and smile.)
"Klaus: Toni.. I believe you remember Sawano, right?"
"Toni: Of course I do! Dalton's friend, its great to see you again!"
"Sawano: I'm glad you remember me! How's the business going?"
(Toni said nothing and grabbed both their hands.)
"Toni: Come with me."
(A while later, they made it in front of the newly improved shop.)
"Ta-daaa!!"
"Sawano: Whoa!
(He'd be surprised at the new workshop Toni now owns.)
"Toni: During The Order Of Encursed Elements nonsense, I've been busy those few months with weapons, upgrades and lots more! Go check it out!"
(Toni leads Sawano inside to see an entire room full of weapon welders.)
"Alright everyone, take five!"
(She'd clap her hands and the workers began to take their breaks then Sawano, Toni and Klaus sat down at a nearby café to catch up.)

"Klaus: So this is how busy you've been?"
"Toni: Yup! I had enough to even take things easy!"
"Sawano: That's really impressive!"
"Toni: Oh, Sawano I actually wanted to give you something!"
(She quickly ran to the workshop and pulled out a special sword wrapped up for him.)
"Sawano: No way! You shouldn't have!"
(She'd blush in surprise at his reaction.)
"Toni: Well.. its a thank you gift for fighting with my brother.. and the academy.."
"Sawano: Either way, I'm still thankful so thank you!"
(She smiled.)
"Toni: Your welcome! Consider your weapon orders free of charge for saving everyone in the world! OH! That reminds me, are you planning on fighting in the Elemental Free For All again?"
(He'd pause and remembers the last time he fought in a Free For All.)
"Sawano: To be honest.. I'm afraid of losing control like the last time.."
(Toni gasped and looked down as she remembered the incident.)
"Toni: I see... well you did go through a lot so I don't blame you..!"
"Klaus: Well Sawano, all we're glad to know is that you're doing better than ever after clearing every last member of The Order Of Encursed Elements from existence."
"Sawano: Even though its painful, the burn marks and scars remains deep."
"Toni: But every scar and burn mark on that body of yours proves how hard you trained and fought for every single person in the entire universe. You're more than just a fighter Sawano, you're a hero! An inspiration!"
(He'd gasped and realized Kiri's words back then.)

-Flashback-

"Kiri: You're my inspiration Sawano! You're my hero! I'm willing to fight by your side, you've always inspired me to get stronger and I thank you for that!!"

-Present-

(Sawano sat there and looked down at the ground in shame for himself.)
"Sawano: I'm so damn selfish..."
"Both: Huh?"
"Sawano: Kiri... she said those words to me and I acted like I cared.. YET BACK THEN, I IGNORED THOSE WORDS LIKE A COLD.. HEARTLESS IDIOT! ALL I CARED ABOUT WAS KILLING MY PARENTS BUT TO TOP THAT OFF.. I'M THE REASON KIRI IS DEAD..!"
(They both looked at him with worried looks as Sawano's guilt grew stronger on himself.)
"I was responsible... and now she's.. never coming back.."
"Toni: We both heard about Kiri... Vex's Heartache is impossible to resurrect someone from, even the Gods can't resurrect someone who dies from that curse."
"Klaus: Its sad to see her go, but you did your best to fight for her and with her."
(The three of them went silent for a while until Toni got up.)
"Toni: Sawano. We know your pain.."
(Sawano looked at her with a curious look.)
"Our father.. when we was young, we used to live in Kyoto until... we was attacked."
(Klaus sat in silence as Sawano kept listening.)
"We was kidnapped, placed on a ransom.. our father had to rescue us alone... if he didn't the three of us could've died. After he managed to save us... he was killed the next morning... They left a message coated in blood for us, mom couldn't take it anymore so we moved. We was placed in the Witness Protection Program and then... that's what happened."
(Sawano stood up and clenched his fist.)
"Sawano: Did you know who killed him..?"
"Toni: No... they never found the guy who killed him.."
"Sawano: I see... If I find the guy, I'll avenge your father."
(They both was surprised to his response.)

"Even if it kills me, I will make sure your father's death does not go unavenged."
"Klaus: Sawano.. its not your problem. Why waste your time on something like this..?"
"Sawano: Because.... I don't want sadness to cloud you two for the rest of your lives."
(Toni walked towards him and hugged Sawano with happiness from his words which she began to break out crying.)
"Toni: Klaus... let him.. I've always wanted to avenge our father.. But I was... TOO DAMN WEAK..!"
(He stood in disbelief and looked at her breaking down crying.)
"Father.... you was always there for us and now.. you're no longer here..."
(Sawano hugged her back for comfort.)
"Sawano: Its going to be ok Toni. Your father did the best he could to save you two, he did his job protecting you two. And now, I will avenge his death for you."
(Toni tightened her grip on his shirt and sobbed loudly. Dalton leaned on the wall and overhears everything then quietly walked off. A while later, Sawano left their house and was stopped by Dalton after waiting outside for him.)
"Dalton: Can we talk.?"
(A while later in the grasslands, Dalton and Sawano stood in the shade behind a tree.)

"So. How much did she tell you?"
"Sawano: Pretty much down to the point she broke out crying more."
"Dalton: Listen. I know who killed my father... but I want you out of it."
"Sawano: Dalton, what's the purpose of not wanting me to help?"
"Dalton: Two words, Family. Business."
"Sawano: I still want to help-"
"Dalton: THIS IS BETWEEN ME, KLAUS AND TONI! SO STAY THE HELL OUT OF IT, I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP! I WILL TAKE THE MURDERER DOWN MYSELF!"
(He stood there and walked towards Dalton.)
"Sawano: You're not making this easy. Dalton, we are friends, allies. Did you forget when you guys helped me with Kirby and Radella?"
"Dalton: I didn't give a damn helping YOU."
(He was surprised at his response.)
"I cared about protecting my family damn it.. WHY IN THE HELL WOULD I HELP A HALF-BREED WHO'S GODDAMN RACE WE DO NOT KNOW NOTHING ABOUT?! YOU TOLD US TIME AND TIME AGAIN THAT YOU'RE NOT HUMAN. IF YOU'RE NOT A HUMAN BEING, WHAT IN THE F**K ARE YOU!? HUH SAWANO? WHAT EVEN ARE YOU?"
(Sawano stood there and said nothing and looked down at the ground as Dalton clenched his fist at him in anger.)
"I despised you the second you said your father was Kirby Magachi back then. But actually.. I felt bad for you when Akari slapped you and personally made you leave the academy. But understand this... I don't like you. I never wanted to befriend you.. IN FACT, I'VE EVEN PLANNED ON KILLING YOU DAMN IT! Your family.. your ENTIRE FAMILY! Has done. Enough. Your father and mother are gone, your sister and you is all that's left!"
(Sawano's fist tightened and began to spark a few small flames of Inferno.)

"Sawano: Mention my sister again... and I will make you regret it."
"Dalton: Is that so?"
(Dalton tries to cheap shot him but Sawano end up blocking it and tightens his grip on his hand and Dalton grunts from the pain then escapes his clutch.)
"If I catch you ANYWHERE NEAR MY FAMILY AGAIN, I WILL KILL YOU!"
"Sawano: Same goes to you! Come near Okisaki again, I will not hesitate to grind your bones into nothing but dust!"
(His eyes glared red and his fangs grew as he meant his words towards Dalton. After so, Sawano and Dalton parted ways. A few hours went by and Sawano was training alone back at his dojo.)
"Alright.. lets do this.."
(The dummy was prepared and Sawano punched it with a thundering blow.)
"Death's Blow: Four Strikes Of Hell!"
(The three thundering blows was heard as Sawano charged his final fist and punches it with such force, the dummy rockets into the sky past the clouds.)
"Damn..! I may have went a tiny bit too far, I think I sent it into space."
(Okisaki came running to Sawano in a panic.)
"Okisaki: Brother! Brother!"
"Sawano: Hm? Okisaki, what's wrong?"
"Okisaki: You need to come see this!"

(She pulled Sawano into the living room see the latest interview from Chimon.)
"Interviewer #1: Headmaster Chimon! What do you expect will happen to the future of Saikan Academy?"
"Chimon: Look, I've dedicated my heart and soul into protecting both this academy and my students. Even if I have turned it into part of the Elemental Divisions now, I will still keep my promise and protect everyone enrolled into this school! We are Saikan Academy, where we scholar the next generation and push them into becoming great fighters!"
(Spectators clapped and whistled as pictures was being taken and another interviewer asks another question. As Sawano smiled for him.)
"Sawano: Is this what you wanted to show me?"
"Okisaki: Yup! Chimon has words of both wisdom and power!"
"Sawano: He sure does."
(He smiled and began to head back.)
"Interviewer #2: Mister Chimon, what will you do about the unstable power that is currently flowing in the cosmos?"
(Sawano paused with a chill being sent up his spine and turned back around to hear closely.)

"Chimon: According to the fourth division, they've sent two seventeenth star ranked fighters into space not too long ago to tackle the issue at hand. Both fighters was attacked and in the report stated, there are currently six humanoids found in that exact spot, their energy is beyond any of our own conception. Lastly, they've also reported that behind those six humanoids was an open portal to an unknown realm we have yet to know about. As for the two fighters, Lexus remains in critical condition as Hornet suffered minor arm injuries and in conclusion, I will be assigning most sixteen stars and above fighters to help with the current situation. No further questions thank you."

(Sawano quickly cuts off the television and sits there with a serious look on his face.)
"Okisaki: Big brother..?"
"Sawano: Okisaki. I need your advice, what should I do. If this is what I think it is.."
"Okisaki: Sawano, I know what's going on with you.. just relax for me."
"Sawano: Ok.."
(He'd take deep breathes and feels a little more relaxed.)
"What can I do? Better yet.. what AM I gonna do..?"
"Okisaki: You need to gather with Chimon and the rest of the fighters."
"Sawano: What about you, Okisaki?"
"Okisaki: It would be best if I stay here, who else is going to watch the dojo while you're gone?"
(He'd pat her head which Okisaki blushed and smiled.)
"Sawano: You're right... Ok. I'm entrusting you with the dojo, I'll call you as soon as I'm on my way back Okisaki."
(She hugged him.)
"Okisaki: Be safe, ok big bro?"
(He smiled back.)
"Sawano: Of course!"
(Sawano walked to the door and closed it and began to fly off then looked up to the clouds while flying to the academy.)
"(Thinking): I pray and hope this isn't what I'm thinking of.."
(A while later, Sawano made a stop at Xiazress's mansion where movers was seen going inside and back outside.)

"Alesander: Easy! Easy!"
(The movers loaded Xiazress's things onto the rental truck.)
"Sawano: Alesander?"
"Alesander: Hey Sawano! Don't mind us, we heard about your baby with my daughter and now she's all grown up.. finally a mother!"
(Alesander began to get emotional and cried tears of joy.)
"Sawano: Aw, don't worry. She's in good hands and I guarantee that!"
(He'd hug Sawano tightly with happiness.)
"Alesander: Just make sure.. you treat her with care ok..? I believe and trust you far enough, Sawano my boy!"
"Xiazress: Darling!"
(Xiazress appeared from the mansion, holding on to their baby.)
"Sawano: Its a blessing to see you again, my love."
(They'd kiss and Sawano held their baby.)
"Xiazress: Father, is everything cleared from my room?"
"Alesander: Yes indeed. Where will you be living at?"
"Xiazress: On Earth, with Sawano of course. We can't be parents if we both live far from each other in separate worlds."
"Alesander: I suppose that is true, just be careful down there."
"Xiazress: Dad! I'm a mother now and besides, I gave my entire heart to Sawano, he's my one and only!"
(Alesander smiles and hides his tears.)
"Alesander: This is going to be tough for me to handle but I wish you two the best of luck on your marriage!"
"Xiazress: Don't worry dad, we'll be fine!"
(They'd both walk off and teleported to their home behind the dojo. Sawano was holding their baby and instantly created a crib for him which after he was placed in the crib, sleeping peacefully.)

"Sawano: Have you thought of a name for him?"
"Xiazress: Its a boy! You should pick it!"
"Sawano: Aw... hmm... if I was to name our baby, I'd call him.. Kazuya."
"Xiazress: Kazuya Magachi. I love it."
(Sawano began to grab his bag and walked out the door.)
"Heading out already?"
"Sawano: Yeah, I'm called in from the academy for business. I'll return soon though and by the way, Okisaki is next door in the dojo."
"Xiazress: Got it!"
(They'd both smile and blush as Sawano left and flew towards the academy. After four minutes flying through the skies, Sawano made it to the academy and entered the Elemental Division's building and made his way to the main office. A few seconds later, Sawano sees every seventeen to twenty star ranked fighter assembled.)
"Chimon: Alright. Attention, everyone. I have news."
(Everyone in the room listened into the announcement from Chimon.)

"Most of the fighters could not make it to hear this, which I will be sending by mail to those who did not make it or did not want to come. Anyway, as you're all aware of the issue going on in space. For the time being, everyone will be given communication devices just in case there's a suspicious issue. Every since The Order Of Encursed Element's elimination, there has been a massive decease in monster sightings but that doesn't mean we're in the clear. We have to make sure there are NO monsters in the city exactly. Everyone, as the Elemental Free-For-All is tomorrow, I pray that you all work together and keep this city and all of its areas guarded."

"Everyone: Yes sir!"
"Chimon: Very well, until further notice, you're all dismissed."
(Everyone left the office and started spreading out for patrol. As the hours went by, the fighters worked tirelessly guarding the city. Sawano sat on the top of a roof building for a higher view.)
"Nightwave: Sawano. Aren't you tired?"
"Sawano: No. I only sleep when needed, I've been awake for almost a few days now. What about you, Nightwave?"
"Nightwave: I don't sleep unless my shift is up. In fact, mind if I ask you a question?"
"Sawano: Sure."
"Nightwave: Where exactly are you from?"
"Sawano: Figured it out huh?"
"Nightwave: Well, your power greatly surpasses the logic of Earth. I know you're not from this dimension, so really where are you from?"
"Sawano: I... really don't know.
"Nightwave: Strange..."
"Sawano: One day, I'll find out where my home truly is."
(As the sun was rising, Sawano looked down at the banners being posted.)
"I'm going down for a bit."
(Sawano walked off the roof and caught himself with his wings and landed on his feet. He'd walk towards the empty stadium where the Elemental Free For All will be held. A short walk later, he looked around the battlefield and stopped when he remembers his fights against Ash and Crystalline.)

"Good memories. If only I could fight here again but just one more time."
"Crystalline: It was fun."
(Sawano turned around to see Crystalline followed him.)
"Sawano: So you followed me huh?"
"Crystalline: Yeah, I never got the chance. I'm sorry for almost, killing you years ago..."
"Sawano: Its fine..! I'm sorry too.. But hey, the past is the past."
"Crystalline: Well, the Free For All is actually main event, what do you say to a rematch?"
"Sawano: Sounds like a great Idea."
(They'd shake hands and smiled.)
"Crystalline: This time, I will beat you!"
"Sawano: We shall see, Crystalline."
(They laughed and began to leave. In the shadows, was a crow which began to transfer a recorded audio and video into space which connected to the Anti-Gods.)
"Aemis: So.. the Elemental Free For All hm..?"
"Xadite: We wait."
"Aemis: But that Crystalline girl actually makes me curious. How strong is she..?"