Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

About a year later

Kosey took in the smells of the coffee shop. He had made sure to devote at least a day a week to having coffee with Shou. After all, they were the important grandfathers. Takara and Koura were growing like weeds. And sometimes, they needed the caffeine boost just to keep up with them.

But as much as he was enjoying this, as usual, he was antsy and ready to go home.

"Did you drink too much coffee?" Shou asked him.

"Maybe I haven't drank enough," Kosey responded.

"You're just excited because Shani is coming back today."

Kosey sighed and smiled. "I know she's only been gone for a couple of weeks, but I miss her. It's really hard having all of my babies home and safe and then they're gone."

"Kosey, she only went to Earth to visit her boyfriend. Her and Spada… they've been dating for a year now."

"I know, I know," Kosey said. He took another sip of his coffee. "But I remember her tiny little face, the day she was born. She just looked like she needed me. I took care of her, kept her warm, and kept her fed. Then her mother died, and she needed me more than ever." He sighed. "Now she doesn't need her old dad at all."

"Kosey, that's not true, not in the least," Shou said. "All of my children need me. All fourteen of them."

Kosey chuckled. "All of your precious Kyurangers, plus Justice and Kayda."

"They need me, Kosey. And they always will."

Kosey's chuckles turned into a full blown laugh. "Balance and Justice are older than you by centuries!"

"Doesn't feel that way." Shou sighed. "At least I still have Kayda."

"She's five now?"

"Yes. She may not know her mother's name, but at least she remembered the day she was born."

"Still no information on that?"

"Nope. None."

Kosey nodded. "She's fitting in though. And Terazi is a great mother to her."

"She really is."

Kosey looked down at his watch. "Echidna asked me to be home earlier today, I need to be home in about ten minutes."

"What's going on with her?"

"Nothing, she wanted me to help her clean before Shani gets home. And I don't want to do it, so I want to get started." He quickly finished his coffee. "You almost done?"

"No, it's ok, you go on," Shou said. "I have a couple of errands to run before heading over. Go take care of your house."

"You sure? I think Terazi is at the house already."

"She knows I have to do something. I'll be there in a little while."

Kosey stood up and pulled out his wallet, throwing some money on the table. "All right, but hurry over. Coffee's on me today. Talk to you later!"

"See you," Shou said as Kosey ran out of the coffee shop.

Kosey ran all the way to his car, which was parked pretty close by. He got into the car as fast as he could and hurried home. As he parked in the driveway and got out, he could hear a familiar noise… toddlers giggling in the backyard.

He grinned as he closed the car door. He ran up to the house and unlocked the door.

"I'm home!" Kosey cried out. "Echidna, sweetheart?"

"Backyard!" he heard a voice cry out.

Kosey knew that was definitely Balance's voice. He made his way to the backyard.

"Dad!"

Kosey blinked. "Shani, I thought you weren't supposed to be home until this afternoon!"

Shani grinned. "I caught an earlier shuttle. Hope you don't mind."

"Mother asked me to clean the house before you got home."

Shani laughed. "I live here! The house looks fine as usual. Mother takes good care of it, even though she's full time at the bookstore now."

Kosey opened his mouth to respond, but he felt something… someone… holding onto his legs. He looked down and grinned.

"Daa," baby Ty said, jumping up and down a little, somehow, without leaving the ground.

"Gampa!" baby Koura cried out. "You came home!"

"You two missed me that much?" Kosey asked, picking up Ty.

"We dig for treasure with Gamma Tezzi!" Koura cried out.

"That doesn't answer my question, but all right," Kosey said with a laugh. "Did you find anything?"

Koura held up one of Balance's fake gold coins. "Poppy said I have!"

"Oh, did he now?"

"Yeah! I go find more!" Koura cried out, turning around and running back to the sandbox. Terazi was laughing.

"You finding anything good, Terazi?" Kosey asked.

"Yeah, I'm finding I'm going to need some heavy duty polishing later," Terazi said with a chuckle. "I may need help getting up, too."

"I gotcha, Ma," Balance said, also chuckling.

Kosey laughed as well. "You having fun?" he asked Ty.

"Yeah," Ty muttered, and Kosey kissed him on the cheek.

"Are you being good for Balance and Aunt Terazi?" Kosey asked, smiling at Balance.

"He's an angel as usual," Balance said.

"Where's Echidna?" Kosey asked.

"Laying down," Shani said.

"She said she had a headache," Balance said. "She's not going to work again today."

Kosey frowned. "A headache?"

"Daa, down," Ty said.

"Ok, baby boy," Kosey said, putting him back on the ground. And Ty waddled off to play with Koura. He turned his attention back to Balance and Shani. "Should I take her to the hospital?"

"For a headache?" Shani asked.

"A three day headache," Kosey responded.

"She said she was fine, she just needed to lay down. And I was here anyway, so I offered to watch Ty," Balance added.

"Thank you," Kosey said. "I'm going to go check on her."

He got up and walked to the bedroom. He could hear the ceiling fan on, and the room was dark. Echidna was laying on the bed, and he noticed that she had the heating pad on her back.

"Sweetheart?" he whispered. He wasn't sure if she was awake or not, but she moaned in response. He walked over to the bed and sat down next to her. "Are you all right?"

"I am just a little sore," Echidna whispered.

"Balance said you still had a headache."

"A little bit, yes."

"But the heating pad is on your back."

"I am all right."

"What's wrong, sweetheart? You haven't been feeling well all week. What's wrong with your back?"

Echidna paused and whispered, "I may have injured my back while picking up Ty."

"Why didn't you tell me? I could examine you."

Echidna sat up and grabbed the heating pad. She held it tight. "I am all right."

"You're not. I could prescribe you some painkillers and examine you. I don't think you've broken anything, but you could have a sprain or a pulled muscle."

"I feel better now," Echidna said.

"Shinji rare nai," Kosey said.

Echidna managed a little smile. "I do not allow Naga to say that to me, and you are not allowed to say it to me, either."

Kosey smiled. "Are you hungry?"

"No, but I could use some tea."

Kosey nodded. "Wait here, I'll go get it for you."

"No, I will get up. I have to check on Ty."

"I just did that, he's with Balance. He's fine."

"I am all right," Echidna said again, and Kosey helped her off of the bed. "I just need to get up."

"If you're sure."

"I am sure." She smiled. "I love you, Kosey."

"I love you, too."

As they walked out of the room, Echidna grabbed Kosey's hand, holding it tight, as if she was afraid he was going to let go of it. Of course, Kosey wasn't going to. He knew she wasn't feeling well and he was not going to do anything to upset her.

They walked into the backyard, and Ty waddled over to his mother.

"Moh," Ty muttered.

"Oh, Mother's back is hurting," Kosey said, picking him up.

"No, Moh!" Ty cried out.

"It is all right," Echidna said, sitting down on a patio chair. "You can always sit with me, no matter how I am feeling."

Kosey smiled as he sat Ty down on Echidna's lap. Ty curled up to her.

"Moh," Ty said happily.

"However, Mother is leaving soon," Echidna said.

"Leaving?" Kosey asked. "Where are you going? Bookstore?"

Echidna shook her head. "Naga and Stinger are working at the bookstore today. I have some errands to run."

"If you're not feeling well, write them down, and I'll do them," Kosey said.

Echidna shook her head. "I will take care of my responsibilities. Shani… I was wondering if you would accompany me today."

"Me?" Shani said.

"After I have finished my errands, I would like to take you out to lunch," Echidna said. "I would like us to have some mother daughter time."

"Really?" Shani asked. "That would be so cool! Of course I'll go with you!"

"Since you're going, make sure you help her," Kosey said. "She's sore and she's not feeling well."

"Of course she knows to help me," Echidna said. "Kosey, why would you even have to say that?"

Kosey sat down next to her. "I'm sorry. I just don't understand why you need to leave if you're not feeling well."

"Life does go on," Echidna said. She looked down at Ty and grinned. "And we still need to do what we need to do." She paused. "Kosey, do you mind taking Ty while Shani and I go? I would like to spend some time with Shani alone."

"I'll watch him," Terazi offered. "I'll be watching Koura for a little while, maybe I can take them to the park."

"I can go with you," Kosey said.

"That would be fun," Terazi said. "Balance will be gone for a little while."

"Oh, you have something going on, too, Balance?" Kosey asked.

"Well…." Balance started.

"He has a date," Terazi said.

"A date?" Kosey asked. "Really?"

"Yes, really!" Terazi cried out. "It's been a year and it's time for him to move on. So I've gone ahead and set him up with one of my friend's single daughters."

"Move on?" Echidna asked, probably thinking out loud.

"You really set Balance up?" Shani asked.

"Yes, I did!" Terazi cried out. She walked over to Balance and put her arm around him. "Naga's moved on, Balance needs to do the same."

"I have not heard anything about Naga moving on," Echidna said.

"Oh, please!" Terazi said. "He's always asking you to babysit or dropping Takara off with Balance early. And he has been for months. You've even complained about it!"

"Maybe he just wants to let me see Takara," Balance suggested. "He's been letting me see the kids more often lately. And smiling."

"Is he smiling because he's got someone new?" Terazi asked.

"I have not heard anything about Naga dating anyone," Echidna said. "I am certain he would have told me."

"You've been telling him lately he should get back together with Balance," Kosey said.

"He has been feeling better, and smiling," Echidna said. "Have you all not noticed that when our family gets together, Naga seems more easygoing and relaxed? And that was the point of the separation… was for Naga to get his emotions together."

"And you don't think he was becoming more relaxed by getting laid?" Terazi asked.

"Terazi!" Kosey cried out.

"I think it's true, I'm sorry," Terazi said. She looked at Balance. "You go on your date, have a good time, and be home for our family dinner tonight."

"I'm going, Ma," Balance said.

Kosey sighed. He looked over at Echidna, and she had turned away from the conversation.

"So… family dinner with everyone tonight?" Shani asked, seemingly trying to change the subject.

"Yes," Kosey said. "You've been gone for a couple of weeks, so it would be nice to get everyone together."

"Oh, that would be perfect!" Shani grinned. "I have some news I want to share with everyone."

"News? What kind of news?"

Shani, still smiling, shrugged. "I guess you have to wait to find out!"

"It's big news?" Balance asked.

"Sure is!" Shani said. "I'll tell everyone together."

"You can tell your dear old Dad first," Kosey said.

Shani shook her head. "Everyone at once!"

"Fine, fine," Kosey said, shaking his head. "I'll wait. But I'll be thinking about it all day." He paused. "What could it be?"

"No guessing!" Shani cried out with a grin. "Mother, what time do you want to leave?"

"Soon," Echidna said. "As a matter of fact…."

"I'll take him," Kosey said, picking Ty up. "Gonna spend some time with your old dad and your old–"

"Pardon?" Terazi interrupted.

"With your beautiful Aunt Terazi," Kosey said quickly.

"That's better," Terazi said.

"Say, see you later, to Mother!" Kosey whispered to Ty.

"See!" Ty cried out, and Echidna grinned.

With one hand, Kosey helped Echidna up and watched her and Shani disappear into the house. He looked down at Ty and smiled at him.

"What is your big sister hiding?" Kosey asked. "She was smiling so it must be good news! Oh, baby Ty. I can't wait until dinner!"

"I wonder what she's going to tell us," Terazi said. She looked over at Balance. "What's she going to say?"

"Am I a mind reader?" Balance asked, shaking his head.

Kosey's phone started ringing, and he awkwardly pulled it out of his pocket while keeping hold of Ty. "Dr. Bastet."

"Kosey, it's me," Dr. Chara said.

"Hey, what's going on?"

"There's some extra paperwork from yesterday's rush and some of this is yours to sign. I know it's your day off, but can you come in long enough to sign?"

"Of course. See you soon." He switched the phone off. "Dr. Chara needs me to finish some paperwork, Terazi, can you…?"

"Of course." She got up and walked over to them. "Ty and I will have some fun with Koura today."

"I'll come home soon and play with you today, Daddy promises you, Ty." Kosey smiled at his toddler, and Ty grinned back at him.

"Be careful out there," Terazi said.

"I will. I'm ready for tonight!"

"Naga, those books need to be inventoried before they get put on the shelf."

Stinger watched as Naga absentmindedly carried a box of books across the room.

"Naga," Stinger repeated louder. "Jigama to Naga!"

"Hmm?" Naga mumbled, finally looking over at him.

"Those books haven't been inventoried yet."

"Well, why didn't you tell me?"

"I've been trying to tell you, but you're out of it today. What's wrong with you?"

"I should ask you the same question."

"Why? I'm actually working." Stinger shook his head. "You always get like this when your mom isn't here."

"I'm worried about her."

"She would let you know if there was a problem."

The door opened, and Scorpio walked in, carrying a baby in one arm, and was holding onto his namesake with the other.

"Daddy!" baby Scorpio cried out, running for him.

Stinger smiled and scooped him up. "You're here early."

"It got cold at the park," Scorpio said. "Didn't want them to catch a cold."

"How's Trava doing?"

Scorpio looked at the baby in his arms. "He's perfect as usual."

"We're still open, so I can't quite leave yet. Soon, though. We're all going to Echidna's for dinner."

Naga groaned.

Stinger and Scorpio looked over at him. "What's your problem?" Stinger asked.

"Balance will be there."

"Well, yeah. He's always there. Remember your kids?"

"I know, I know," Naga said. He sighed. "And the kids have a blast with him. Every time."

Stinger looked over at Scorpio and also sighed. He looked back at Naga and said, "You're upset because they have more fun with him than you."

"No!"

"Naga."

"Well… maybe."

"Takara and Koura love you, Naga," Scorpio said.

"I know they do," Naga replied. "But Takara has been begging me to go to Balance's more and more. She wants to be near Koura."

"She misses her sister. And you miss Koura, too."

Naga nodded.

"Naga, are you sure you're upset because of the kids, or are you finally ready to work things out with Balance?" Scorpio asked.

"What?" Naga chuckled, but Stinger knew he wasn't finding this amusing. "Of course not. We're divorced."

"Naga, you've been in therapy for months now," Stinger said. "Trying to work out your emotions."

"I haven't told anyone else," Naga said softly. "Just… you two. Not even my mother."

"I know that," Stinger said. He sighed. "You've been sneaking around so much, getting any appointment time you can. And you definitely have been dropping off Takara more and more."

"She should have time with Balance," Naga muttered.

"I don't disagree, but you're doing it, not because Takara asked you, but because your therapist said it was a good starting point for getting back together. And getting back together with Balance is your goal."

Naga shook his head. "It's not what I want!"

"Naga, I can see right through you," Stinger said. "And even Scorpio can see it, huh? You want Balance back. Tell the truth."

Naga sighed. "I still love him. And I know I asked for time, but… maybe I'm ready to talk to him. But it's been a year. Is he still going to want to talk?"

"You don't know until you talk to him," Stinger said.

"Just pull him aside and tell him straight to his face," Scorpio said. "I'm tired of hearing you pretending that you're over him."

"Scorpio," Naga said.

"Well, am I lying?" Scorpio said.

Naga succumbed and shook his head.

"I'll be there tonight and support you," Stinger said. "Just… stop talking about it."

"But I won't, Niveau wants to talk to me," Scorpio said. "But she works tonight, and I'm working today, so I'm going after work to see her." He paused before adding, "I'm hoping I'm gone for a while."

"When are you going to admit you're dating Dr. Atria?" Stinger asked.

"When the sex stops being good."

Stinger rolled his eyes. "Can you go one second without being horny?"

"Probably not."

Stinger groaned and turned back to Naga. "Just talk to him. Tonight's a good night, I'll be there to support you. And you know your mom will be there, too."

"What if he doesn't want me back?"

"He didn't even want the divorce in the first place." Stinger looked down at baby Scorpio. "I'm taking off. You two have fun with the store. Sorry you have to work late, Naga."

Naga shrugged and turned his attention back to the box. "Scorpio is going to close tonight so I can go pick up Takara and head home. See you later."

"See you."

Dr. Chara had explained to Kosey about the paperwork, but he wasn't expecting so much of it. Still, it hadn't taken him too long to finish… maybe just a couple of hours, maybe a little more. But Kosey had done his best to get back to Ty, he didn't have many precious days off these days and he needed all of the time he could get with his toddler.

"Thank you so much," Dr. Chara was saying. "This helps me. I didn't know some of these cases."

"It's fine, but I'm heading home to my son." Kosey smiled. "Anything else you need from me?"

"Hmm… can you just drop something off for me real quick?" Dr. Chara asked, holding up an envelope. "It's on the way to the parking lot."

"Sure," Kosey said, standing up and taking it. "More blood test results to the maternity clinic?"

"Yeah, this is my last lab result of the day. I should say, unless an emergency comes up."

"It's good news, I hope?"

"Everything's clear on this one, I just have to get them to Dr. Axilla."

"Got it. Anything else?"

"Nope. Everything else is caught up." He smiled. "You're having that big get together with the family later, aren't you?"

"It's the first time in a while everyone will be available. Plus, as much as I love being around the Kyurangers, it's the first time in a while that it'll only be family. You know what I mean."

"Oh, sure, sure. Hey, thanks again for the help."

"Don't mention it. Call me if you need me."

"I will, but hopefully I won't need you."

Kosey grinned and waved as he walked out of the office.

There had been a point where Kosey felt bad about not including all of the Kyurangers. He knew that Naga, Balance, Stinger, and Shou all considered every Kyuranger to be family. But Shou had sat him down one day and straight up told him that it was all right to not include the Kyurangers. Just the family. Stinger was the closest one to not being family, but Echidna considered him a son, and Kosey would never take that experience from her.

Echidna had even asked Stinger at one point if she could adopt him. Adult adoptions weren't legal on this planet, and even if they were, she should have asked Shani first.

Kosey loved Stinger though, loved Leoh, loved his kids. Although, he really felt at one point that it was too much. Naga and Scorpio barely got along, and it had caused some rifts between Naga and Stinger. Stinger had been pulling away a little lately, too, but Kosey wasn't sure what that was all about. Maybe because they worked together, but Echidna hadn't sensed anything wrong. Echidna would have for sure said something.

But… Scorpio. There was something about him. But he couldn't just tell Stinger not to bring him… that was his brother. No matter the circumstances. Family was family.

Just that… Stinger wasn't Kosey's family. Not really.

He sighed as he may his way down to the maternity clinic entrance. But suddenly, he saw something… someone… walking out. Somebody familiar… somebody….

"Shani?" he whispered.

Sure enough, it was Shani and Echidna walking out of the maternity clinic.

"Shani?" Kosey repeated to himself.

Shani and Echidna were holding onto each other, tight it seemed, walking a little slow.

"Shani?" Kosey whispered one more time. And then… he realized. "Shani… had something to announce to us at dinner…." He grinned. "You and Spada aren't married yet, but maybe just getting a head start. After all, Spada is one of nine kids…." He trailed off. "Nine. I doubt I'll get more grandkids from Naga, but is it possible I'll have nine more grandkids?" He started laughing. "She'll need to start now to do that!"

He watched as they crossed into the parking lot, but a car had pulled up and blocked his view. He tried to walk around, but didn't make it quite in time to see them pull away.

"Damn." Kosey blinked. As he walked towards the building, he pulled his phone out and quickly dialed. "Shou? Hey… can you meet me at the boardwalk in twenty minutes? I have the best news!"

Kosey had met up with Shou, giving him the news of the day. Of course, Shou had been extremely excited, and didn't even make time to ask questions.

Kosey did want to go home, enjoy his day off with Ty, but he couldn't help himself, and he bought a present for the new baby from the boardwalk. He put that present into a large bag so he could sneak it in, and he and Shou raced back to the house.

Echidna and Shani weren't back yet, and Terazi was still in the backyard with the kids. Based on the time, Kosey knew that Balance was already gone and that Naga would be home with Takara after picking her up from school. But first… Lusca and Alya were set to arrive.

"How are you going to keep yourself calm?" Shou had asked Kosey.

"I don't know. I don't want to spoil Shani's moment, she obviously wants to announce this herself. But another grandchild! Shou… this is fantastic!"

"I know!" Shou cried out. He peeked into the backyard. "We won't tell Terazi anything yet, right?"

"No, no, that's Shani's announcement," Kosey said, lowering his voice. "I hope it's a boy. I already have two granddaughters." He grinned and placed the bag in the front closet. "Do you need to go pick up Kayda?"

"No, Terazi asked Lusca to walk her home. I think Tiaret is going to catch up with them."

"Man," Kosey said. "The kids are getting older. Tiaret is in junior high now."

"Yeah," Shou said. "Good thing we're not getting any older, just the kids."

Kosey laughed. "Another grandchild for me. I just can't wait."

"Well, best to not let on. Don't want to ruin Shani's announcement anymore than you already have."

"Oh, yeah, yeah." Kosey grinned. "I need to spend some time with my kid anyway."

Shou chuckled and followed Kosey into the backyard.

"Gampa!" Koura cried out. "Gampa here! Two Gampa here!"

Kosey and Shou chuckled. "We're both here!"

Koura got up and ran over to Shou.

"I'm the favorite grandpa," Shou teased.

"She did see me earlier," Kosey responded with a laugh.

Shou picked up Koura. "Oh, you're getting so big, aren't you?"

"No, I baby," Koura said.

"That's right, you're the baby."

Kosey chuckled.

"What's up with you?" Terazi asked, walking over with Ty.

Kosey held his arms out for Ty, and Ty jumped right into them. "Nothing. I'm just excited for everyone to be together."

"We're hoooome!" a booming voice cried out.

"Alya!" Kosey cried out as Alya bounced into the backyard. Tiaret, Lusca, and Kayda were right behind her. Kayda immediately ran over to Terazi, throwing her arms around her.

"Hi, Mama," Kayda whispered to her.

"Hi, baby girl," Terazi whispered back. "How was your day?"

Kayda shrugged.

It was interesting to Kosey. At first, Kayda didn't want much to do with Terazi… she was always clinging to Shou. But one day, Terazi had shown up with her, and Kayda would not let her go. Kayda still made her way to Shou… but Terazi was definitely her preferred parent.

"Do you want to play with Alya?" Terazi asked.

"Alya said she had homework but I don't have any." Kayda looked around. "Can I play with Koura and Ty?"

Terazi looked over at Kosey, and he nodded, putting Ty on the ground.

"Come on, Ty," Kayda said, holding her arm out. "Let's go sit under the tree."

"Kay," Ty said, reaching for her hand.

"I play, too!" Koura cried out, and she followed Kayda and Ty to the tree. Kosey watched as they sat in the shade.

"They're going to get cold," Shou said.

"They can put their coat on when they do," Kosey said.

Shou nodded.

"I need to get the meat marinating," Kosey said. "Shou, a hand?"

"You got it."

"Naga, sit down."

"Why isn't Balance here yet?!" Naga whispered loudly, pacing around Stinger.

Stinger groaned. "I don't know. Can you sit down, please?"

Naga slammed himself down on his seat next to Stinger. "How am I supposed to talk to him if he's not here? This is a family dinner. Takara's waiting for him. Plus, Dad's done barbequing. He's going to be late!"

Stinger looked over at Takara, who was busy playing with her sister and the other kids. She was laughing and playing, and didn't look upset at all.

"She's fine, Naga," Stinger said. "You're the one who isn't. And Balance doesn't eat anyway."

Naga sighed. "It's been too long. He isn't going to want to work things out."

"You don't know that."

Naga stood up again. "Maybe I shouldn't talk to him."

"You're going to talk to him, because you're driving me crazy. Sit down."

Naga sat down again, not saying a word.

"What's wrong with your dad?"

"Huh?" Naga asked, looking up.

"He's been acting weird since we got here." He blinked. "And he won't leave Shani alone."

Naga looked at Kosey for a second. He was definitely hovering over Shani. Stinger knew that Shani had been away for a while, but didn't know if something else was going on.

"He just missed her, I guess." Naga sighed, balancing his head on his fist, with his elbow down on the arm of the lawn chair. "What am I even going to say to Balance?"

Stinger groaned and turned his attention to Kosey.

Kosey was acting funny, even if Naga didn't agree. Stinger got up and walked closer to them, allowing Naga the space to wallow in his own self pity.

"You just need to relax a bit," Kosey was telling Shani.

"I don't need to relax," Shani said. "I keep telling you that."

"Why would she need to relax?" Stinger asked, sitting down next to her.

"Because…" He paused. "Because she just traveled here all of the way from Earth, that's why. And Mother had her going out earlier."

"Oh, that was nothing," Shani said. "Anyway, Mother is the one who isn't feeling well."

"I know. She hasn't been feeling well all week."

"Yeah, and she's still in there, making the potato salad."

"She said she was fine. She went out all day."

"Dad, seriously, I'm fine," Shani said. "I want to go help Mother."

"No, no. Naga will go help her."

Shani sighed.

"I'll help her," Stinger offered.

"If she needs the help," Kosey said. "Can I sit there?"

Stinger stood up. He was definitely confused. "Yeah, sure."

"Thanks," Kosey said, sitting down in the chair and never taking his eyes off of Shani.

Stinger walked into the house and Echidna was in the kitchen. She was moving a little slow, he noticed, but nothing else really seemed off.

"You need any help, Mother?" Stinger asked, walking over to her.

Echidna turned to him and smiled. "I am all right," she said. She looked out of the window. "What is going on out there?"

"I think Kosey's losing his mind. He won't lay off Shani. He wants her to sit down, but she said she wanted to help you. But he won't let her."

Echidna narrowed her eyes in confusion. "Why not?"

"Don't know. Shani apparently doesn't know, either. How are you feeling?"

"Oh," Echidna said. "I am feeling better."

"You're moving kind of slow. You should be the one sitting, not Shani."

"Well, I do not know what Kosey's problem is, but I feel all right. My back is just sore."

"I can finish cooking for you."

Echidna smiled again. "That is sweet, but I am able to handle it."

"I'm home," Balance called out as he walked into the kitchen.

"Welcome home," Echidna said.

"Sorry I'm late," Balance said. "Is everyone here?"

"Backyard," Stinger said.

"Ah, good."

"You ok?" Stinger asked.

"Yeah, I just… Naga's out there, right?"

"Of course he is," Echidna said.

Balance nodded, and didn't say another word. He marched right outside.

Stinger looked over at Echidna, who looked bewildered. They followed Balance outside.

"Balance!" Naga cried out, running over to him. "I'm glad you're here."

"You are?" Balance asked.

"Yeah, because I want to talk to you."

"I want to talk to you, too."

"Balance," Terazi said, walking over to him. She looked around. Stinger wasn't sure what she was looking for, but after a moment, she stopped and made a sighing noise. Balance didn't take his eyes off of Naga.

Stinger wasn't sure what was going on, and he wished that Balance would just… talk. For once in his life, he wished that Balance wasn't being silent.

"Are either one of you going to talk?" Terazi asked.

"I'll go first," Balance said.

Stinger looked over at Naga, who's face had blanked out.

"Naga…" Balance started.

"On with it," Terazi said.

"I went out on a date today," Balance said quickly.

Stinger watched Naga's face. At first, Naga just stared at him, unable to apparently process this.

"Um… her name is Kamaria," Balance said. "She's from Corona Borealis. Nukasan solar system, Jericho."

"A moon," Stinger said.

"You're dating a moon goddess?" Leoh asked.

"Yeah," Balance said. "I mean... she's not a goddess...."

"Why are you telling me this?" Naga asked.

"Um… I just… I thought you should know because... I'm thinking about... introducing her to the kids and the family. Yeah."

Naga just stared, blinking slowly, his mouth hanging open.

"You're really seeing somebody?" Leoh asked, walking up to them. She was holding Trava in her arms.

"Yeah," Balance said, looking directly at the baby. "Look at you. Getting so big."

"Oh," Leoh said, looking down at her feet.

"I'm sorry," Balance said. He put his hands on her shoulders. "Is it ok with you?"

Stinger frowned and looked over at Naga. Balance was asking Leoh if she was ok with it, but not Naga? Naga was hanging his head. Stinger had no idea what Naga was thinking, and wasn't about to ask. He looked back over at Leoh.

"I mean, I can't really stop you," Leoh whispered.

Stinger shook his head.

Balance let go of Leoh and looked over at Naga. "Naga?" he whispered.

"Yeah," Naga whispered.

"I want to bring her around," Balance said. "Meet the family and the kids."

"The kids?" Naga asked. He looked up at Balance. "No, I don't want anyone you date being around my kids."

"Our kids, Naga," Balance said. "She's really sweet. I think she and Koura would really like each other."

Naga groaned. "No, Balance. Don't bring her around. If I find out she's ever been around Koura or Takara–"

"Ok, Naga," Balance said. "I get it. I won't bring her around."

"Naga, that's not fair–" Terazi protested.

"It's ok, Ma," Balance said. "If Naga doesn't approve, it's fine."

Naga turned away from him and started to walk away.

"Wait, Naga, what did you want to talk to me about?" Balance asked.

Naga stopped, but didn't turn around. "Oh," he said. "Takara… Takara passed her quiz and she wanted me to tell you."

"The math quiz?" Balance chuckled. "We worked on that together. She did great!"

"She did," Naga said, still not turning around. He quickly walked back into the house.

"Why is he upset?" Balance asked. "Shouldn't he be happy if Takara's doing good in school?"

Stinger sighed. Balance couldn't see what was right in front of him?

"You think he's upset with me?" Balance asked.

"Why would he be?" Terazi asked. "He moved on, so should you."

Stinger paused. "He moved on?" he asked after a moment.

"It's obvious that he's seeing someone else," Balance said. "I bet he was about to tell me that and he chickened out."

"Balance–" Stinger started to say.

"It's fine. He doesn't want me anymore, he's made it clear and I've accepted it." Balance made a sighing noise and walked off.

"Fuck," Stinger whispered.

"Dinner's ready!" Kosey called out. "Come inside."

Stinger looked over at Leoh and the kids. He knew he should have helped Leoh bring the kids in, but instead he ran inside and went straight to Naga.

"We have to talk," Stinger whispered to him.

"There's nothing to talk about," Naga whispered back.

"Naga, Balance thinks you're–"

"I just want to enjoy dinner," Naga said, walking away from him.

Stinger groaned as quietly as he could as he watched everyone come in and sit around the table. Shou and Terazi had helped Leoh with Scorpio, Carina, Kopi, and Trava. He sighed a little as he sat down next to her.

"I can take the baby," Stinger whispered.

"I've got him," Leoh said, a bit of sadness in her voice.

"Don't tell me you're upset about Balance seeing someone else."

Leoh opened her mouth to respond, but suddenly, Kosey had gotten everyone's attention.

"I just think you should be taking it easy," Kosey was saying to Shani, a bit louder than he should have been talking.

"You've been hounding me since Mother and I got back," Shani said, sounding like she was trying to stay calm. "I keep telling you I'm fine."

"Don't talk to me like that," Kosey said. "I'm trying to help you!"

"Help me do what?" Shani cried out.

"Relax!" Kosey cried out.

Kosey was yelling at this point, and both Trava and Ty started fussing.

Echidna ran over to them. "Kosey, why are you screaming at her?"

"Because she won't listen to me!" Kosey cried out. "She hasn't listened to me since you two got home!"

"I don't know what the problem is!" Shani cried out.

"Neither does anyone else," Naga pointed out.

"It's… your… news," Kosey said.

"My news?" Shani asked. "I don't get it. What does my news have to do with anything?"

"Shani, I know," Kosey said.

"You know my news?"

"Yeah. Why didn't you tell me sooner? I could have helped you."

Now Shani looked confused. "Helped me with what?"

"With the baby!" Kosey cried out.

"Shani, you're pregnant?!" Naga cried out.

"Dad!" Shani cried out. "What are you–"

Kosey ran out of the room for a moment, and returned with a gift bag and handed it to her.

"What's this?" Shani asked.

"It's for you," Kosey said. "As soon as I found out, I knew I had to go out and do something. Open it!"

Shani was still looking confused. She opened the bag and pulled out a baby onesie.

"Dad?" she whispered. "What is this?"

"I can't believe you're pregnant!" Kosey said with a grin. "I know you and Spada aren't married yet, but you're going to be, right? This is great! I can't wait for another grandbaby!"

"That was your big news?" Terazi asked. "Congratulations!"

"We should celebrate!" Naga cried out. "I'm going to be an uncle!"

"Wait, wait, wait," Shani said. "Dad, I don't know where you got this idea that I'm pregnant. I'm not pregnant."

Kosey, frozen and looking like a fool, only moved to let his jaw drop. "What do you mean, you're not pregnant? That was your big news, wasn't it?"

"No," Shani said, shaking her head. "My big news was that Spada is moving to Jigama and is going to open a Grazie franchise here. We're going to be living here and not on Earth."

Kosey's eyes grew big. "You're stay here? Spada's moving here permanently?"

"Spada's sister is going to take over his restaurant on Earth," Shani said with a smile. "He said he knows how much being close to my family means to me. We've gone through so much and I just need to be close to you and everyone. So we had a long talk during this visit and made the decision to move here and eventually raise kids here. I'm not pregnant right now."

Kosey stared at her for a moment, and then threw his arms around her.

"Shani," Kosey whispered. "I'm so happy."

"It's great you'll be close!" Lusca cried out.

"Yay, my big sister isn't moving away!" Alya cried out.

"Does this mean we'll be planning a wedding soon?" Balance asked.

"We've set the date for Spada's mother's birthday," Shani said. "A December wedding."

"That's great!" Terazi cried out. "Congratulations!"

"I'm so happy for you!" Leoh cried out.

Stinger grinned. "I know you and Spada will be happy together."

Shani nodded, still smiling. "I hope he's happy here. He'll be away from Tsurugi and his sister, and I know that upsets him a little."

"Like Tsurugi won't be here all of the time anyway," Lusca said. "He can't quit Spada's cooking."

"Yeah, wouldn't surprise me if Tsurugi eventually moved out here, too," Shou said.

"Yay, my auntie is going to be close by!" Takara cried out. "And I get an Uncle Spada!"

Shani giggled. "I'm really happy and grateful for Spada. He's just a good person and I feel wonderful around him."

"And he's not Jark Matter," Naga teased.

"Thank goodness," Shani said, laughing.

"Wait a second," Kosey said.

"What is it?" Shani asked.

"The reason I thought you were pregnant was because I saw you and Mother coming out of the maternity clinic," Kosey said.

"You saw us?" Shani asked.

"Yeah, and I just assumed… that…."

And this was where it dawned on Kosey. Stinger could almost see him go pale.

Kosey turned and faced his wife.

"Echidna, sweetheart?" Kosey whispered, walking over to her.

Echidna blinked at him. "Kosey…."

"Echidna?"

Echidna slowly and quietly smiled. "Kosey, we are going to have another baby," she whispered.

"It was you all along," Kosey said. "It all makes sense. You're having the same symptoms as you did with Ty and I didn't even notice."

"Mother, you're pregnant?!" Naga cried out. "The baby's blood…?"

"That is what we were doing at the clinic today," Echidna said. She smiled. "I needed some help while taking the blood test. It is very painful. Since Shani was home, I asked her to go with me. She did not know where we were going to until after we left."

"That way, either way she would have support," Shani said. "I helped her. I didn't realize how much pain she had to go through to check the baby's blood type."

"The baby's blood type…?" Kosey asked, trailing off.

"The baby's blood type is mine," Echidna said with a smile. "I will give birth to a healthy baby."

Kosey threw his arms around her, gently but passionately. "I didn't know."

"I wanted to surprise you."

Kosey looked around the room, everyone smiling or crying or both, except for Kayda, who just looked confused.

"I am surprised," Kosey said. "We weren't going to have another baby. Didn't want to risk… anything." He paused. "You were supposed to get your tubes tied–"

"We will talk about that later," Echidna whispered.

"Ty, we're going to have a little brother or sister!" Alya cried out. Ty grinned.

"Well, sit down, sit down!" Kosey cried out, pulling out of the hug and pulling Echidna's chair out for her. Echidna sat down with a smile.

Stinger looked around the room. Mostly, everyone had sat down, talking about the new baby and how excited they were.

But Naga had gotten quiet.

Stinger knew that Naga had been working on things… working on himself. When Naga had finally realized his emotions were out of control, he had come to Stinger, pleading for help. Stinger knew that Naga wanted his family back and the therapy was supposed to help them.

And now Balance had moved on. Left their marriage behind as if it had never happened.

It sounded like Balance had only gone out on one date, but it must have been a good one, if he already wanted this woman to meet his kids.

Stinger sighed. Naga was already an emotional mess. And now… Balance said that Naga was the one to move on?

Naga didn't have any interest in dating anyone other than Balance. He had come right out and said it. Yes, they were divorced, but they were only divorced for Takara's health, leading to the nightmare on Rasalhague. They had separated, but permanently? Naga wasn't so sure.

And he knew Naga was working towards it. Eventually getting their life together, maybe even being able to adopt another child.

"Naga," Stinger whispered.

Scorpio had assumed that this was just going to be another night of passion, the physical release he needed. Another night of the intimacy he craved, with the beautiful woman he tried not to fall in love with.

After all, this was purely sexual, wasn't it?

He tried not to fall in love with her. He remembered what happened last time.

And he made sure the birth control was working. Every single time, to the point that he annoyed her.

He knocked on her door. And barely a second had gone by when the door flew open and he was pulled in, and was quickly thrown on the floor.

"Niveau?" he whispered.

"Why didn't you ever tell me?!" she cried out.

Scorpio stepped back, trying to separate himself from her. "What are you–"

She lurched forward, grabbing him by his shirt. She had a book in her other hand and she waved it in front of him.

"You're Jark Matter!" she cried out, pushing him to the floor.

"Niveau?"

"You're a liar and a fake."

"What do you mean?!"

"I know everything about you!" she belted out. 

She threw the book down. He looked down at it. A Kyuranger tell-all book?

Andi in the blink of an eye, she pulled something from her pocket. And it took Scorpio a minute to realize what it was. Shit.

"Niveau, you can't do this–"

"Scorpio…" she whispered.

"Niveau, please! I love you!"

She raised her weapon, shaking and sweating. "No… you don't. You can't."

"Niveau, put the gun down! Put the–"

Alya sat up straight in bed, startled, gasping for air.

As she tried to catch her breath, she looked around her room, slowly. She looked over at her clock. Morning time.

But something was off. Something she could not put her finger on.

She tried to remember anything at all. What had she done the night before? She couldn’t remember.

And then she looked down and realized she was holding something in her hand. 

The Tokei Kyutama.

Alya stared at it for a moment before she heard a voice.

"Alya…."

Alya jumped, looking up, seeing Ryoko looking back at her. She looked back down at the Kyutama.

"It worked," was the only thing Alya could bring herself to say.

Chapter Text

Alya stared at the Kyutama in her hand.

"It worked," she said again.

"It did," Ryoko said.

Alya looked at her again, this time in confusion. "What worked? And you came back?"

Ryoko tilted her head. "I don't know how... the mirror was permanently closed."

Alya held up the Tokei Kyutama. "Why do I have this? I'm not a Kyuranger." She paused. "Wait.. what's going on? Why am I…" She looked around the room. "What's going on, Grandma?"

"You don't remember, either?"

"What am I supposed to remember? What do you remember?" She paused. "Wait a second. Where's Lusca's bed?"

Ryoko's head tilted. "This is how your room looked before she got here."

"Lusca?!" Alya cried out, jumping out of the bed. "Lusca!"

"Alya, Lusca isn't here–"

Alya ignored Ryoko. She shoved the kyutama under her pillow, and then threw her bedroom door open. She raced down the hallway and down the stairs, nearly losing her balance on the way down.

And then she realized something.

She looked around. This wasn't her house. But she knew this place.

"Good morning, Alya!"

Alya jumped, turning towards Balance.

"Good morning," she said, trying to stay calm.

"You ok? You look flushed."

"I'm fine," Alya lied. "Um…"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Nothing at all." She looked around. She knew now she was in Balance's house, but… why was she there?

"Something's up, I can tell," Balance said with a chuckle. "You sure you're ok? You're not getting sick, are you?"

"I don't think I'm sick," Alya said. "I'll have Daddy check me out."

Balance paused. "Who?"

"Daddy."

"Alya… you mean Kosey?"

"Who else?"

Balance chuckled again. "Did you even ask to call him that?"

"Why would I have to ask him?"

Balance shook his head. "Maybe your blood sugar is low or something. Let's get you some breakfast, ok?"

"Where's Lusca?"

Balance stopped. "Who?"

"Lusca. My big sister."

"You mean Shani? She left already. Her friend and her dad were picking her up for breakfast this morning, then they were heading to the mall for–"

"No, I mean Lusca. Lusca Drake. My big sister."

"Um… I don't… I don't know who you're talking about…."

"Good morning!"

Alya looked up and saw Naga happily walking into the room.

She hadn't seen him so happy in a long time. He and Balance must have still been in their honeymoon stage.

"Naga," she whispered.

"Good morning, baby sister," Naga said, wrapping his arms around her. "Did you sleep ok?"

"I don't know," Alya replied honestly.

"Well, Mother is already making some breakfast. Hope you're hungry."

Alya paused a moment and took a deep breath. She was kind of hungry. Maybe she just needed a little bit of food in her.

"Yes, I'm hungry," Alya said.

"Good," Naga said, taking her by the hand and leading her into the kitchen.

Alya was trying to act calm, but she was having a hard time. She took a few deep breaths.

"Good morning, Alya," Echidna said to her, smiling. Kosey was standing next to her, smiling.

"Good morning, Mother," Alya said. "Good morning, Daddy."

"Daddy?" Kosey asked.

"Um," Alya said. "You're… kind of like my daddy."

"I suppose I am," Kosey said, smiling.

"Alya," Echidna warned. "We have not discussed this."

"She's fine, she's fine," Kosey said. "I don't mind at all." He smiled at Alya. "You all right?"

Alya nodded. "I'm ready for breakfast."

"Good." Kosey grinned. "Your mother is a great cook."

"I am all right," Echidna said with a smile. "Breakfast is almost ready. Did you wash your hands?"

Alya hadn't, but responded, "Yes."

"Ok. Please give me just a few more minutes."

"Thank you, Mother."

Echidna smiled and turned back to cooking.

Alya looked around, and was really confused at what she saw.

Naga… and Balance… smiling? Laughing? Acting like they weren't divorced and Balance wasn't dating a moon goddess?

And Lusca wasn't there. She always spent Friday nights. Didn't she? Maybe she skipped a Friday. She did that sometimes if she had something planned with Nora.

Wait… had she been there last night?

Of course she was. Echidna would never have announced her pregnancy without all of her children being there. Alya remembered clearly.

"Where's Lusca?" Alya asked after a moment.

"Lusca?" Kosey asked.

"Who is Lusca?" Echidna asked.

"Friend from school?" Naga asked.

"No, I…" Alya trailed off. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the family's calendar. She stood up and walked over to it.

"Alya? What is the matter?" Echidna asked.

Alya stared at the calendar. Echidna always marked the dates off, and unless she hadn't done so that morning… "Today's August 29th."

"It is," Echidna agreed. "I did not know you knew how to read a calendar, Alya."

Alya stared at Echidna. "Um," she whispered.

"Alya, if you are sick, perhaps I should take your temperature," Echidna said.

"Well, luckily, there's a doctor in the house!" Kosey said with a grin. He walked over to her and put his hand on her forehead. "You don't have a fever. Does your head hurt?"

At that point, Alya looked over and realized that Ryoko was standing there.

"Don't say a word about me," Ryoko said. "They don't know I'm here. And we can't tell them yet, we have to figure this out. Ok? Just answer Kosey and don't let on that I'm here. Please."

Alya looked back at her stepfather. "I'm fine," Alya said. "I guess I just didn't get enough sleep."

"Are you sure you are all right? You have school today," Echidna said.

Alya looked back over at Ryoko, who nodded. "I'm fine," Alya said, looking back at Echidna.

"If you are certain." Echidna smiled at her. "Breakfast will be ready soon. Please go get dressed and comb your hair."

"Ok, Mother," Alya said. She turned around slowly and followed Ryoko out of the kitchen and back up to her room, where she quickly closed the door. She sat down, calmly, on the bed, and pulled the kyutama out from her pillow.

"Why did I use this?" Alya asked.

"You don't remember anything," Ryoko said.

"I remember you," Alya said. She blinked. "But… you're not supposed to be here."

"What do you mean?"

"You weren't around when I was four. If I'm remembering right, this is like a month or so after Mother married Daddy. I didn't meet you until I was almost five."

"That's right." Ryoko sighed. "Do you remember anything? At all?"

Alya frowned. "Shani came back and said she and Spada were moving here. They're getting married soon. Naga and Balance are divorced. And… Mother is pregnant. She just announced it last night."

"Last night?"

"Yeah," Alya said. "She went and had the blood test and everything. We had a barbeque."

"That's the last thing you remember?"

"Yeah."

Ryoko sighed. "Alya… I don't know what's going on. You had a mission. And you can't remember it. You really don't remember anything else? What happened after that day?"

"After that day?"

"Don't you remember? Shani and Spada's wedding? Your baby sister being born? How about being in middle school?"

Alya stood up. "What?!"

"Shh, calm down," Ryoko said. "We're going to figure this all out."

Alya sighed. "I don't understand any of this."

"We may need Raptor's help," Ryoko said. "You've got amnesia and I don't know why you went back into the past."

"I remember everything perfectly."

"Obviously you don't, Alya. Something happened when you used that Tokei Kyutama. I just don't know what."

"Then how did you know what's been happening? You know about the baby and Shani getting married and me being in middle school."

"The mirror was opened again right after your baby sister was born. You must have done this after it closed again. I don't even know how old you are."

"How was it opened with no power?"

"It was able to be powered again. One last time. We said our goodbyes… you really don't remember that?"

"No."

Ryoko sighed. "Whatever is happening right now, is probably unexpected. I'm sure you were working with Raptor and Shou, and they probably weren't expecting amnesia."

"What did I do?" Alya whimpered.

"It's ok," Ryoko said. "It's not like you're not in a safe place. Everything is going to be fine." She paused. "I just don't know why you can't remember anything." She pointed to the bed. "Look."

Alya looked at where Ryoko was pointing, and she saw the Kyoshichou Kyutama. She frowned, and held it up. "Why do I have Lusca's kyutama?!"

"That's yours."

"What? No, Lusca is a Kyuranger, not me."

Ryoko sighed. "You are a Kyuranger, Alya. You're Kyoshichou Eventide."

"That's Lusca. Gazing Star." She half-heartedly did Lusca's pose.

"She quit the Kyurangers. She did it before the mirror was opened again."

"You mean I became a Kyuranger before I even hit middle school?"

"Lusca stepped down. She wants to be a doctor. She passed the power on to you, but you don't fight. You were trained enough just so that you were attacked, you could get yourself out, but not destroy anything. You'll be fighting eventually, I suppose. At least, that's how it was when the mirror was closed. You don't remember that, either?"

"No, I don't remember!" Alya cried out. "I shouldn't even have these kyutamas! Why isn't Lusca here?!"

"Alya…."

"Why would they pick me and not anyone else? Can't you at least answer that?"

"I wasn't around, Alya. I was gone. Remember? Kagami Kyutama took me out. Plus, Tuca dying didn't really help."

"Tuca's dead?!"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

Alya stopped, and let a small tear slip down her cheek. "Did I come back to save her?"

Ryoko waved her hand. "She's at peace. She's fine. She was an old woman, Alya. Besides, at this point in time, we didn't even know about her, and she was healthy years down the road."

Another tear slipped down Alya's cheek. She quickly wiped it away as she got up.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting dressed," Alya said. "Mother thinks I'm sick."

"Maybe it's best to act normal," Ryoko said. "Until we figure out what's going on. Don't you agree?"

Alya sighed but nodded.

"Alya?"

Alya looked up at her mother, who was standing in the doorway.

"May I come in?" Echidna asked.

Alya nodded.

Echidna came in and closed the door. "Alya, are you sure you are feeling all right?"

Alya nodded again.

"You are not acting like yourself," Echidna said. "I have a meeting at work today, but if you are all right with it, Naga and Balance have offered to stay home with you. I will not be gone long. Kosey will be heading to work for a few hours. But if you are not feeling well, I will call be home from my meeting as quickly as possible."

Alya peeked over at Ryoko, as subtly as she could.

"It's probably a good idea," Ryoko said. "You can talk to them and they can get in touch with Raptor and Shou for you."

Alya looked back at Echidna. "I'm sorry, Mother. I guess I'm just a little tired. I didn't sleep well. I can stay with Naga and Balance while you're at your meeting. I just need to rest, so you have no reason not to go. Is that all right?"

Echidna smiled. "Of course it is. Would you like some breakfast? Or at least some orange juice?"

"I'll eat," Alya said. "Thanks."

"You are welcome. Please be back downstairs in five minutes." Echidna opened the door and, as calmly as ever, left the room and closed the door.

"Why do you think I'm here?" Alya asked, getting up and going to her closet.

"I'm trying to remember what the timeline was," Ryoko said. "Remember, I wasn't around when they rebuilt this kyutama. Because of how much energy it uses, it disappeared when they used it in the past. But that was before Rebellion created the technology of reproducing them."

"So you have no answers and neither do I." Alya paused. "I remember this dress! I used to wear it all of the time and I was so upset when I grew out of it. Mother made me donate it. I'm going to wear it."

Ryoko chuckled. "At least you're safe and you'll be reliving some good memories."

Alya sighed as she changed into her dress. "There were a lot of bad ones."

"Try not to think about everything," Ryoko said. "Just sit down and have your breakfast. We'll figure this out shortly. Ok?"

"Ok."

Alya finished getting dressed as fast as she could, running a quick comb through her hair. She took the kyutamas, shoving them in her pockets, and headed back downstairs.

No matter what Alya was doing there, she was going to enjoy a meal with her family. That was certain, wasn't it?

Alya rushed back down the stairs, making sure not to slip on them. And as she was running towards the kitchen, she stopped dead in her tracks.

Terazi.

Terazi.

"Good morning, Alya," Terazi said, her head tilted.

Alya threw her hand over her mouth, trying not to make any noise.

"Alya? Are you all right?"

Alya couldn't even answer her. She turned around and looked back toward Ryoko.

"Alya–" Ryoko started.

Alya started sobbing, and flew straight into Terazi's arms.

"Alya?" Terazi whispered.

Echidna, Kosey, Balance, and Naga came flying into the room.

"Alya, what is wrong?!" Echidna cried out.

Alya couldn't pull herself away from Terazi. It felt like years since she had last seen her. And the last time she had seen her….

"Alya, don't say a word," Ryoko warned.

With Alya's eyes shut, still remembering how to talk to Ryoko without speaking out loud to the others, Alya whispered to her, "You didn't tell me Terazi died! You were going to make me remember myself?!"

"Why would I have reminded you of that?!" Ryoko asked.

"Alya," Echidna said. "Please tell us what is wrong?"

"What do I do?" Alya asked Ryoko.

"Run outside," Ryoko said.

"What?"

"Run outside. Balance and Naga will follow you. Get them out of earshot of your parents and your aunt. They might be able to help you."

"Us."

"Whichever." Ryoko looked around and walked over to the front door. "It's unlocked. Shani probably forgot about it when she left this morning. Now, without hurting Terazi, pull away from her. I'll be right there with you."

Alya took a deep breath, and as gently but as quickly as she could, pulled away from Terazi and headed out of the front door, which was indeed unlocked. She'd have to remember to thank Shani later.

She could hear Echidna and Terazi calling after her, but she didn't stop.

"End of the block, maybe?" Ryoko asked.

Alya didn't remember being this fast, but then again, she didn't remember being a Kyuranger, either.

"Alya!"

As Alya slowed down, she heard Balance and Naga screaming out her name.

"You're ok," Ryoko said. "Just as I said, Balance and Naga are the only ones chasing you."

"I probably made Mother cry," Alya said.

"She'll be fine as soon as you come back in the house. I think you can stop running now."

Alya slowed down to a stop. She thought she'd need to catch her breath, but she didn't need to, not really. Her legs hurt a little, but nothing she couldn't handle.

"Here they come," Ryoko said.

"Alya!" Naga cried out, racing over to her and throwing his arms around her. "Are you all right?"

"Why were you sobbing and why did you run off?" Balance asked.

"I'm fine," Alya said.

"Then… why did you cry and run off?" Balance asked again.

"I need your help."

"Our help?" Naga asked.

"Not Mother's?" Balance asked.

Alya shook her head. "Sorry. I was upset, but something's going on."

"Alya, are you sure you're all right?" Naga asked. "You don't even sound like yourself."

"I'm me," Alya said. "Kind of."

"Kind of?"

"Just tell them," Ryoko said.

"I'm me, but from the future," Alya said.

"What do you mean?" Balance asked.

"I'm me, but from the future," Alya repeated.

"Alya, were you dreaming, maybe?" Naga asked. "People don't time travel."

"You guys time traveled," Alya said. "At least, the Kyurangers did, right?"

"Well, yes, but with the kyutamas," Balance said. "We didn't go, but–"

Alya pulled the kyutama out of her dress pocket. "With the Tokei Kyutama, right?"

"Where did you get that?" Balance asked.

"A toy?" Naga asked, taking the kyutama in his hand.

"It's not a toy, it's the Tokei Kyutama," Alya said.

"This kind of kyutama doesn't exist," Balance said. "The Tokei Kyutama is blue and red. This is green."

"What?" Alya asked, reaching out for the kyutama, but Naga didn't let her grab it.

"Some kind of knock off toy," Naga said.

"No, it's real," Alya said. "It transported me and Ryoko back in time to now."

"Who's Ryoko?" Balance asked.

"They are not ready for that," Ryoko warned.

"Never mind, but that thing is real," Alya said.

"Alya, this is a fake. It's the wrong color," Naga said. "I'm sorry."

"I don't understand," Alya said, mostly to Ryoko, but not only towards her.

"I don't understand why you were crying when you saw my mom," Balance said. "What's got you so off and upset today?"

"We can't help you unless you talk to us," Naga added.

"I'm trying to," Alya said.

"Look, you've stopped crying. The air probably did some good. Why don't we go inside, finish breakfast, and talk about this later?" Naga asked.

"Naga–"

"Alya," Naga said. "Here. You can have your toy back."

Alya grabbed it from his hand. "It's not a toy," she muttered under her breath.

Naga took her hand and the three of them walked back to the house, greeted by Echidna, who was crying.

"Alya," Echidna whispered.

"I'm sorry, Mother," Alya said. "I'm ok now."

Echidna held Alya tight. "You have me very worried right now. Kosey can take you to the hospital and examine you. Can you get your sweater?"

"I don't need the hospital," Alya said. "I promise, I'm fine."

"Alya…"

"I'm fine. I promise," Alya said.

"Well, we can keep a close eye on her," Kosey said. "Of course, I won't leave today. Kyon can cover me, I'm sure."

"I don't want you to miss work because of me," Alya said.

"Nah, he's just waiting around so he can help me!" Kosey said. "Dr. Atria is around, too."

Dr. Atria?

Wait….

No….

"Oh," Alya said, trying not to give away what she had just remembered. "I'm fine. Just hungry and tired."

"I will finish making breakfast," Echidna said. She left go of Alya and hurried back into the kitchen, Kosey following her.

Terazi took Alya by the hand. "Whatever it is, we're here for you, all right?"

Alya nodded and smiled. She knew that had always been true. No matter the circumstances, and there were a lot of circumstances, this was a family that could always smile. Her mother made sure of it.

She could hear Balance and Naga talking to her, but she wasn't listening to them. She followed Terazi into the kitchen and finally sat down at the table.

There was an awkward silence while Echidna and Kosey served up the plates, but Alya didn't care at the moment.

"I don't know what we're going to do," Ryoko said. "I'm not even sure how we even got into this situation, why we're even here."

"What about Dr. Atria?" Alya asked Ryoko.

Ryoko shook her head. "I don't remember the circumstances. Do you?"

Alya thought for a moment. "She killed Scorpio," she said softly. "Shot him in the chest, only took one shot to do it. Stinger went off the deep end and went after her. They both ended up in jail. Dr. Atria's still there and Leoh left Stinger and took all of his babies away from him."

"She got put away even though she said it was in self defense."

"She said he was Jark Matter."

"And they said he wasn't."

Alya leaned back in her chair and looked around the room. "Nothing made sense about that. Dr. Atria was always a good person. Daddy trusted her just as much as he trusted Uncle Kyon and looked at her like a little sister. It was so out of the blue."

"Alya, do you think that's why you went back in time?"

"Why would I have gone back this far? That doesn't happen for years."

"Alya, here is your breakfast," Echidna said, bringing Alya back into reality. "Are you tired?"

"What?"

"You have your eyes closed."

"Oh," Alya said. "A little tired, but I was just thinking."

"Thinking about what?"

"Just stuff."

Echidna nodded. "We are here for you if you need to talk about something."

"I know, thank you." Alya took a bite of her breakfast. "It's good, Mother."

Echidna smiled. "I am glad you like it."

"Keep your eyes open during your meal," Ryoko said. "You know how to talk to me without doing that."

"Yes," Alya told her.

"I don't know what we're going to do about Balance and Naga," Ryoko continued. "They didn't believe you and apparently, your kyutama is fake." Ryoko paused. "Alya, do you remember the Kagami Kyutama?"

"The mirror?"

"Yes. We combined it from three different kyutamas."

"You think this is more than one kyutama?"

"Would explain the color."

"But how would we know which kyutamas it's using?"

"We'd have to get Raptor to study it."

"How are we going to get Raptor to study it if everyone thinks it's just a toy? They weren't combining kyutamas at this point."

Ryoko sighed. "It's too early for anything. Shou and Terazi aren't even married yet. Balance and Naga are still very happily married, and Takara isn't even born yet."

"Wait," Alya said. "When did Mother get pregnant the first time?"

Ryoko blinked. "Do you think that's why you're here?"

Alya shook her head, but said out loud, "Mother?"

"Yes, Alya?" Echidna responded.

"Are you and Da– Kosey– going to have a baby together?"

Echidna stopped chewing. Kosey nearly choked on his food.

"A baby?" Echidna whispered.

"Yeah, a baby," Alya said.

"Alya?" Kosey asked. "Why are you asking that?"

Ryoko held her hand out. "Alya, you can't prevent Echidna's miscarriage, if that's what you're trying to do."

"Did you take the test?" Alya asked.

"What test?" Echidna asked.

"The blood compatibility test," Alya responded.

"Alya, all you're going to do is make it so that your baby siblings aren't born," Ryoko warned.

"You mean the one where we can make sure we can safely have a baby?" Echidna asked.

"Yes," Alya replied.

"How did you know about that test?" Echidna asked.

Alya shrugged.

"You don't have to worry about that," Kosey said. "The test isn't mandatory here, but we did take the blood test."

"You… you did?" Alya asked. She looked at Ryoko, who shrugged in confusion.

"Of course," Kosey said. "I'm a doctor. I want to make sure our entire family is happy and healthy."

"What?" Ryoko asked. "This... this isn't how it happened before..."

"So you can't have a baby together?" Alya asked.

Echidna blinked. "Alya, what is all of this about?"

"Maybe we should stop talking about it," Ryoko said.

"Nothing," Alya said. "I'm sorry for bringing it up."

"It is just something that we do not need to be talking about," Echidna said. "But we will talk about it later, all right?"

"Yes, Mother."

"Please eat your breakfast."

Alya nodded and took a bite of her breakfast. She closed her eyes, and she and Ryoko started speaking.

"This is really weird," Ryoko said.

"Mother was going to divorce Daddy because they were incompatible," Alya said.

"Right." Ryoko sighed. "What do we know so far? I guess not much. Everything seems to be the way it was, right? Except it's not. Originally, Echidna didn't take the test and Kosey just kind of brushed it off."

Alya thought for a moment. "That's weird, right?"

"Which part?"

"The part where Kosey wouldn't think to take the test. He's a doctor, right? He's really smart. He should know, right?"

"Yeah, he's very smart," Ryoko said, crossing her arms in thought. "Come to think of it, it doesn't make any sense that he wouldn't."

"Everything else seems to be the same?"

"Well, we don't know too much." She sighed. "I just don't understand any of this. Do you have any other memories?"

"Eren," Alya said to Ryoko.

"Eren?"

"He… helped me."

"But Eren isn't a Kyuranger."

"But he's really smart and is good at problem solving. But… we wouldn't have done anything without letting anyone know, right? Like, Lusca built an entire kyutama herself… with Typhon I mean… and she got into so much trouble over it, if she hadn't have saved Daddy's life, she would have been kicked out of the Kyurangers. So… I'm sure Eren and I didn't make this kyutama alone. If it even exists. It's not a toy, right?"

"It's not a toy."

"Right now, it's functioning like one. Looks like some off brand thing. Like when toy companies rip off popular stuff. But it can't be a toy. I'm here. We're here. It has to be real."

"I'm not questioning it."

"Me, neither." Alya looked around the table. Naga was smiling at Balance, listening to him talk about some shopping trip he and Terazi would be taking soon. Echidna was also listening in, but kept peeking over at Alya. Terazi was joining in the conversation. And Kosey just seemed to be lost in thought.

"Is he ok?" Alya asked.

"Who? Naga?"

"No, Kosey. He's not being talkative. He looks tired."

Ryoko looked over at him. "Maybe he's thinking about work."

"Maybe I'm stressing him out."

"I doubt that. He's always loved you from the start and he's always been ready to take care of you."

They were silent for a few minutes, before Ryoko said, "I'm getting scared."

"Maybe Raptor is going to come look for me," Alya said. "Or Shou."

"I wish I could contact him," Ryoko said.

After a few more minutes of silence, Alya finished eating. She excused herself and set her plate and glass in the sink, then headed back up to her bedroom. She gently closed the door and sat down on her bed, pulling out both of the kyutamas.

"None of this makes any sense," Alya said. "What else is different? How do I find out?"

"I guess we just need to ask," Ryoko said.

There was a knock of the door. "Alya? Could I come in?" Terazi asked from the hallway.

"Gods," Alya said.

"Try not to get emotional," Ryoko said. "We didn't lose her here. Not yet."

Alya nodded. "Come in."

Terazi opened the door and closed it, walking in slowly.

"Mother wanted you to check on me?" Alya asked.

"I offered," Terazi said. "She's cleaning the kitchen. She's very worried about you. And I want to know why you were so emotional when you saw me."

"I just missed you," Alya whispered.

"We see each other every day," Terazi pointed out.

"I know. I just really love you."

"I love you, too. Is there anything you want to talk about? I'm a good listener."

"Talk to her," Ryoko said. "We know she's trustworthy and maybe she can help us."

Alya nodded. She looked at her bed, realizing she never made it. Terazi seemed to notice and straightened it up a little before she sat down.

"Sorry," Alya said.

"That's all right. Talk to me, please."

"Ok." She took a deep breath. "Um…"

"Alya?"

"How are Balance and Naga doing?"

"What?" Ryoko and Terazi said at the same time.

"Yeah, like… are they ok? Their marriage is ok?"

"Marriage?" Terazi asked. "Did you hit your head, Alya?"

"What?"

"They're not married," Terazi said. "Naga's been with Nora for years and Balance just started seeing that Shishi girl. Why would you think they were married?"

"I get what you're doing now," Ryoko said, Alya nodding in response to her.

"Did you hit your head?" Terazi asked. "Kosey can probably take you in and get you checked out."

"I didn't hit my head."

"Had a bad dream?"

"No… but even if I did have a dream, would Naga and Balance being married be a bad one?"

"I suppose not. I don't think they'd even be interested in that kind of relationship. I mean, I'd be ok with it if it happened, but they've shown zero interest in it."

"So they're not married and Mother had the blood test to see if she could have a baby?"

"How'd you know about the blood test?"

Alya shrugged. "I don't know. Are they going to be able to have a baby together or not?"

"Lucky knows a guy who can help them have one."

"So the answer is no," Alya said.

"You want a baby brother or sister?"

"Yeah. I do."

"Well, I'm sure they'll do what they can. But don't be disappointed if they can't, ok?"

"So they're not compatible," Alya said.

Terazi shook her head. "Your mother was devastated, but Lucky seemed pretty optimistic that he could help."

"That doesn't surprise me." Alya blinked. "He's still king, right?"

"Of course."

"And Mother and Kosey did get married."

"Of course. You were there."

Alya paused and asked, "Do you like anyone?"

"Like?"

"Like a crush."

Terazi giggled. "A little. Why?"

"You have a crush on the Commander."

Terazi giggled again. "I do."

"He's a good person."

"He is. But it's not like I have a shot with a Kyuranger."

"Aren't you the mother of one?"

"That's a little different."

"Not really. They're all friends. And the Commander sees all of the Kyurangers like they're his children."

"I'm not sure what you're talking about anymore."

"That's ok."

"Alya, are you sure you're all right? We can take you to the doctor."

"No, I'm fine."

"Your mother might insist."

Alya nodded.

"There's something different about you," Terazi said. "You're talking a little bit differently and you're quieter than normal. Is it because you're not feeling well?"

"Maybe."

"But you're ok?"

"Yeah."

"I have an appointment later, but Balance and Naga will be here while your mom and stepdad go to work. But you can call me if you need to, all right?"

"Thank you."

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

Terazi got up and left the room, the door closing behind her.

"Now what?" Ryoko asked.

"Why didn't Naga and Nora break up?" Alya asked. "Before, it was because Nora was trying to be in the spotlight and she didn't approve of Naga and Balance sharing a room. And Naga also found out that Balance was in love with him."

"And why is Naga still living here if he's with her? Surely they would have moved in together by now."

They were silent for a few moments, but then Alya smiled.

"Nora was Isufetto," Alya remembered. "He kidnapped her and made her take care of the girls he created to be sold."

"That's right." Ryoko blinked. "I vaguely remember."

"Right, almost like it was a dream, but Lusca insisted she was there."

"But there was no record of it."

"It's how they knew each other. And they bonded enough until Nora married Ladon."

Alya suddenly stood up. "I have an idea," she said.

"Do tell."

"I need a seiza blaster."

"You're going to star change?"

"I'm going to play the sick card."

"You want to find Nora and use the Eridanus Kyutama on her?"

"It'll expose Isufetto in a heartbeat. They'll be able to fight them and then we can save the girls and prevent anybody else from losing their families."

"I get it," Ryoko said. "But what if she's not at the hospital?"

"She will be. She always worked on days that Daddy did."

"So what do you have in mind?"

Alya grinned. "Can you help me sneak into Naga's room? It's closer to the stairs and then I can grab his seiza blaster."

"Yes, but we have to figure out how to hide it. It's bulky and you can't just be carrying it."

"How can I hide it?"

"Just get your sweater. You know how to tuck it in."

"Got it!" Alya grabbed it and put it on.

Ryoko smiled and nodded at her, walking through the door out to the hallway. After a moment, she called out, "It's clear! They're still downstairs and Terazi's joined them."

Alya made sure she had both kyutamas with her, then as quickly and quietly as she could, left the room.

"You just need to get upstairs," Ryoko said. "They keep their seiza blasters in their room. I'm still watching."

Alya hurried to the stairs, and even though Ryoko was looking out, still keep looking back.

She had forgotten about the climb up to the rooms, but got up there as quickly as she could, sneaking into Naga's bedroom, still trying to stay as quiet as possible.

"Nightstand," Ryoko said.

Alya jumped at her voice.

"Sorry," Ryoko said. "Your mother is getting ready to leave. Should we wait or–"

"I'm going now," Alya said, tucking the seiza blaster into her sweater. "I got the kyutamas. I'm ready."

"Right behind you."

Alya hurried down the stairs, but slowed down before she got to the kitchen.

"Make it look good," Ryoko said.

Alya nodded and took a deep breath, walking into the kitchen.

"Mother?" she whispered.

"Alya, are you all right?" Echidna asked.

"Maybe I don't feel very well," Alya said. "Maybe Da– Kosey can look me over."

At first, Alya thought that wasn't going to be enough. She had even started thinking about faking a fainting spell, but Echidna stood up.

"You have not been right all morning," she said, taking her by the hand. "Kosey, perhaps it is for the best that we get her checked out. Perhaps she has a head injury."

Kosey nodded. "Do you want to call in?"

"I have to go open the library, but I will call Livana and let her know what is happening." She smiled at Alya. "Is that all right? I am the only one with the key this morning. Kosey can get you situated and I will be there as quickly as I can."

Alya nodded.

"Good girl." Echidna looked over at Naga. "Will you please–"

"We both will," Balance said.

"You will?" Naga asked.

"When have I ever not supported you, Naga?" Balance asked.

"I'll come find you right after my appointment," Terazi said.

They continued talking for a moment, but Alya wasn't listening to them. Instead, she and Ryoko began to plan what they would be doing next.

The plan was foolproof. Alya got this. And nothing could go wrong.

Until Naga's seiza blaster went off. Just at that stupid moment.

Alya's eyes got big as Balance and Naga rushed over to her.

"You have my seiza blaster?" Naga asked, reaching into her sweater and pulling it out.

Alya didn't even know what to say. "I don't–"

Naga wasn't even listening. He quickly reached into Alya's sweater and grabbed the seiza blaster.

"Commander?" Naga said into it.

"Naga, is Balance with you?" Stinger could be heard saying. Alya had nearly forgotten he was the Commander at that point.

"He is."

"There's trouble and we need you both," Stinger said. "Immediately."

"Where are we going?" Balance asked.

"Rasalhague."

"My home planet?!" Naga asked.

"Yes. We're receiving distress signals."

"Distress signals?!" Naga cried out.

"Naga can't go!" Balance cried out, a little more worried than Alya expected him to be.

"Balance, I know he shouldn't go, but he's the only one who knows his way around and coordinates are coming from a place call the Izar Building."

"I know where that is," Naga said. "I'm going."

"Naga..."

"Balance, I'm going," Naga said. "Stinger, what's the plan?"

"I'm sending Garu and Champ to you. Balance, stay with Echidna and Alya. We don't know what they're planning. Hammie is convinced this might be a trap."

"Oh, gods!" Echidna cried out, tears slipping down her cheek.

"It's going to be ok, but we need to get going. We don't know what to expect," Stinger said.

"Okyuu!" Naga cried out. He looked down at Alya.

"Take me with you!" Alya cried out.

"I'm not doing that!" Naga cried out. "Stay here with Balance. I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Naga," Echidna said, gently and emotionally.

Naga raced over to her and threw his arms around her. She was crying.

"It's going to be ok, Mother. I have a lot of backup. We're going to figure this out."

"I do not want you to go. I cannot lose you!" Echidna sobbed.

"You won't. I'll come home in one piece," Naga promised.

"Gotta go," Balance said.

Naga nodded. "I love you, Mother."

"I love you, son."

Naga gave her a kiss on the cheek and ran out of the house.

"What do I do?!" Alya asked Ryoko, trying not to show her fear on the outside.

"Stay calm," Ryoko said. "I'm going to see if I can find Typhon."

"But he's on Rasalhague!"

"I know, but we can't just do nothing," Ryoko said. "I'm going to go find Nora, and then find Typhon. I don't know what could be going on there right now that's causing this. What did you come back in time to fight that wasn't there before?"

"We have to find Lusca," Alya said.

"But she was safe. At least, she was alive when she was brought here."

Alya stopped for a moment. She was having a hard time remembering so many details. What had happened the last time? Was there a fight at this time, before Lusca arrived, that she didn't know about?

And she suddenly remembered.

"Ryoko…" Alya said.

"What did you remember?"

Alya looked at her, her silver eyes glistening. She looked over at Echidna, and then back at her.

"Alya?" Ryoko asked.

"We have to find Belenda," Alya said. "Now."

Ryoko nodded and disappeared.

When Lusca had first arrived on Jigama, she hadn't been able to talk. Alya had never been sure if it was an emotional thing, or something she was just told to do, but either way, it had taken a while for her to speak up. When she did, she mentioned the death of her mother. She had first said her mother had died from disease, but when Lusca later met up with Garu, she, most likely out of fear, let it slip that Belenda had died from a punishment. Punishment for what, Alya couldn't remember. But she had been thrown to the venomous wolves. Something that definitely existed on that planet, but not Jigama. Naga said most planets didn't have them and even spoke about them possibly being manufactured, just like the humanoids on that planet.

Alya, trying not to draw attention to herself, looked at the calendar again. August 29th on the Earth calendar.

If she remembered correctly… August 30th was the date of Belenda's death, according to Rebellion records.

Kosey was now comforting Echidna, who was sobbing uncontrollably. Terazi was on the phone, most likely to Livana, explaining to her why Echidna wouldn't be there to open the library.

Alya took a deep breath, and turned to Balance.

He was the only here she could talk to.

Chapter Text

Alya could only watch as Kosey and Terazi tried to console Echidna.

She didn't know what to do, or say. She knew that Naga was going to survive this, somehow. They were emotionless. They wouldn't even care about Naga being there, right? Especially if he was saving somebody?

No, that didn't make any sense. They attacked him and faked his death when he desperately asked them to save his daughter.

Izar Building. The same building that Isufetto did all of his business. His main office. Girls were kept there while they were being trained. Wait, were they kept there? Alya couldn't remember. Lusca hadn't spoken much about her time there, but it always seemed like she was only there during the day, almost liked she compared it to going to school. But… the details were so hazy. It was so long ago and eventually the details didn't even matter, because things worked out.

But there was one thing that she knew. None of this happened the first time around.

There had been no warning of this day. The day before Belenda's death. Alya didn't know if this was something they had known about before, but it didn't seem that way, not with Lusca lying about what was going on.

So… how were they alerted this time?

Echidna was sobbing, harder than Alya had ever seen her sob. But between sobs, Echidna managed to say, "My baby needs to go to the doctor and get checked out. Her head…"

Kosey had immediately gotten up and grabbed his bag. He walked over to Alya and looked at her closely.

"My head is fine," Alya said. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean–"

"Just a few minutes ago, you were asking to go to the emergency room," Kosey said, in his "father" voice. A voice Alya knew just too well. "If something's wrong with you, we need to know."

"You've been acting weird all morning," Balance said. "You looked flush earlier, you were referring to Kosey as Daddy–"

"I don't mind that," Kosey said.

"I know you don't, but it isn't normal," Balance pointed out. "And Alya even burst into tears when she saw Ma this morning."

"I'm sorry," Alya said. "But it's not my head."

"Then why were you asking to go to the emergency room?" Kosey asked.

Alya opened her mouth to answer, but before she could, Champ and Garu had burst through the door.

"Something weird is going on," Champ announced.

Naga hadn't even hesitated once he stepped foot on Rasalhague.

It was all familiar… the sights, the sounds. No sense of urgency anywhere. Just his people in Tanith, people he knew all too well but weren't his friends.

He had lead the Kyurangers, the ones who were present anyway, down to the Izar Building. They had already henshined, partly because they didn't know when they would run into trouble, but also, they didn't know if there would be any sort of attack on Naga for heading back to his hometown.

And he was stopped dead in front of that building.

Usually, a distress call indicated some kind of issue, but this place was quiet. All seemed normal. It was a government building, and there didn't appear to any problems. People were coming and going as normal. It was so calm, they didn't even feel the need to be henshined anymore and powered down.

"Commander, are you sure this is where the distress call came from?" Shou had asked.

"I had specific coordinates sent to me," Stinger said.

"From who?"

"Didn't say."

"Distress calls don't need a name attached," Spada pointed out.

Naga looked around. "I don't… I don't know what to do. What did the message say?"

"The message simply asked for us to be here."

"Is something going to happen? I'm so confused–"

"Naga Ray?"

Naga quickly turned around.

A little boy was standing in front of him. Didn't appear to be much older than Alya, maybe a year or two? He was staring at Naga intensely, as if he was trying to send him a mental message that Naga just wasn't understanding.

"How do you know who I am?" Naga asked gently.

"I'll tell you later," the boy said.

"Are you all right?" Stinger asked the little boy. "Were you the one who called us?"

The boy nodded. "Yeah. I'm fine."

"Then what's going on?" Stinger asked.

The boy looked around. "I don't have time to explain," he said. "But there's going to be a couple here soon with a little girl. She's six years old. They can't go in the building."

"I'm confused," Shou said. "You called us all here… to keep a family from entering the building?"

The boy nodded.

"Care to explain?"

"I'll tell you later," the boy said. "But we need to protect this family at all costs. They cannot go inside. Especially the mother."

"Wait, wait," Stinger said. "Where's your parents?"

"My mother works at the hospital nearby."

"Where are you from?"

"I don't know."

"You don't know where you live?"

"I live over by the hospital with my parents and my brother."

"But you said you didn't know where you from."

"That's right."

Naga could see Stinger's head spinning in confusion, and he knew everyone else was, too.

"Look, that family will be here soon," the boy said. "I don't have time to talk to you. They have to stay away from this building."

"What's going on in there?" Hammie asked.

The boy paused and looked around. "They're not going to stop," he said.

"Who's not going to stop?" Raptor asked.

"Everyone," the boy said. "On any other planet, a group of outsiders like you would be cause for some attention, but no one here has emotions. They don't know how to be curious. They only work if there's a threat."

Naga paused, remembering the night he first met Balance. Security guards had rushed after Balance, but he had stolen something prior. He looked around, and realized that the little boy was right, no one seemed to care that the Kyurangers were standing there.

"What's going on inside the building?" Stinger asked the boy.

"At the moment, nothing," the boy said. "But Jark Matter is in the basement."

"Jark Matter?!" Kotaro cried out.

"Shh," the boy said. "He isn't violent. That's why there's no sense of urgency."

"How do you know he's down there?" Lucky asked.

The boy looked at Lucky and bowed at him. "Your Majesty, I know he's down there because it'll eventually be revealed what he's doing down there. He's the Karo of the Hebitsukai system."

"How did you know I'm a king?" Lucky asked.

"I know who all of you are. We've met before."

"When? I don't remember you."

"That's not important right now. What's important is that–" the boy suddenly stopped. "That's her! Right there!"

He was pointed at a family casually walking by, and Naga was confused. "They look exactly the same as everyone else."

"How do you know that's her?" Spada asked.

"It's a long story," the boy said. "They can't go in there. Jark Matter is waiting for them."

"How do we know this isn't a trap?" Hammie asked.

The boy then held up a kyutama.

"What is that?" Hammie asked.

And Naga had seen this kyutama before. It only took him a second to realize he needed to trust the little boy. He took off quickly.

"Naga!" Hammie cried out.

Kotaro and Stinger took off immediately after Naga, with the others right behind, including the little boy. Kotaro had actually gotten there first, and he stopped in front of the family.

"I beg your pardon," Naga could hear the father saying as he approached them.

"Kyurangers?" the woman had whispered.

"We're the Uchu Sentai Kyurangers," Stinger said. "We don't want you to go in there."

"We have to," the man said. "We have an appointment with the consulate."

"Please excuse us," the woman said.

The little boy rushed to the little girl and grabbed her. Gently and almost… lovingly.

"Let go of me," the girl said calmly, trying to pull away.

"You can't go in there," the boy said. "I won't let you go in there."

Naga noticed the little boy had a tear in his eye, but he didn't look injured or sick. And that made him realize that something was definitely going on. Because a small boy here was not going to have any kind of emotions.

"Emotions?" Naga asked.

"Lusca," the boy said.

"How did you know my name?" Lusca asked.

Naga blinked. "Lusca?" he whispered to himself.

"What is Typhon saying to you right now?" the boy asked.

"Typhon?" Naga whispered.

"Lusca, what is Typhon saying?!" the boy asked.

"No one's supposed to know about that," Lusca said.

"Yes, but I do. And he's telling you not to go in there. Lusca!"

And, as suddenly as anything, the woman began to sob.

"Be careful," the boy whispered. "She's emotional and nobody is supposed to know."

Naga grabbed the woman, and pulled her into a hug, just letting her sob onto his shoulder."

"People are staring," Hammie whispered.

"We're getting them out of here," Shou said.

"Commander–" Stinger started.

"You're actually arguing with me over this, Stinger?" Shou asked.

Stinger shook his head.

"Take the family," Shou said.

"That's kidnapping–" Stinger started.

"Oh, stop making noise!" Shou cried out. "That's an order."

And as quick as anything, Stinger used the Fuuchou Kyutama to get all of them on the Battleship Orion.

"Did something happen?!" Echidna cried out, jumping up. "Champ–"

"No, it's really all right!" Champ said. "Everyone is fine. There wasn't even a fight."

"Not yet, anyway," Garu said. "But they're warping it back here. Something weird is going on."

"I don't understand," Balance said.

"What happened when they got to Rasalhague?" Terazi asked.

"There was somebody waiting for them," Garu said.

"Jark Matter?" Kosey asked.

"They're not entirely sure of who is he yet," Champ answered. "No one's sure what's going on at all."

"But he had a kyutama," Garu said.

"He's a Kyuranger?" Balance asked.

"If he is, he wasn't henshining," Champ said. "Raptor didn't say what kyutama it was."

"It's this one," Garu said, holding up his datapad.

And it was a picture of the kyutama that Alya had tried to show Balance before.

"No," Balance whispered. He turned and looked at Alya.

Alya started to cry. Balance ran over to her and threw his arms around her.

"Alya," Balance said. "You were trying to tell us something earlier. And Naga and I didn't take you seriously."

"You didn't believe me," Alya said in between tears.

"Something's happening," Balance said. "I am so sorry. We should have believed you."

"What is going on?" Echidna asked, also in between tears.

"We're all listening to you, Alya," Kosey said.

Out of the corner of her eye, Alya saw Ryoko. She didn't know how long she had been standing there listening, but Ryoko nodded at her.

Alya hesitated, and then slowly reached into her sweater pocket and pulled out the kyutama.

"I have… I have the same kyutama," Alya managed to whisper.

"You never told us your name or who you are."

Naga sat away from the others. The three people they had rescued, a man, a woman, and a girl apparently named Lusca, were sitting at the pool table. Spada had brought them water, and the woman was still crying, but it was a soft, gentle cry. Other than her cries, there were no other sounds coming from her. She just wouldn't speak.

Now Tsurugi stood in front of the little boy, who had refused to sit down or drink water. Naga wasn't sure why Tsurugi was being so tough on him, but he knew he needed to speak.

"My name is Eren Namu," the boy finally said.

"That doesn't tell me anything!"

"It literally answered the question."

Tsurugi sighed. "Where do you come from?"

"I'm not exactly sure at the moment, sir."

"You said you lived near the hospital."

"That's where my house is, yes."

"Are you fucking around on purpose?!" Tsurugi cried out.

"Tsurugi," Spada said, putting his hand on his shoulder. "He's just a little kid. He's probably confused."

"He's just a little kid who won't answer my questions!" Tsurugi cried out.

Naga stood up quickly. "Tsurugi."

Tsurugi stopped and looked over at him. "Naga? What's going on?!"

"I don't know, but would you please stop yelling? It isn't helping."

Spada looked at Tsurugi, silently telling him to listen. Tsurugi looked back at Naga and nodded.

Naga walked over to Eren and kneeled down in front of him. "Eren…"

"Naga," Eren said.

"This is really weird."

"I agree."

Naga cleared his throat and took a deep breath. "This… this morning, my baby sister was asking… about Lusca."

"Alya!" Eren exclaimed. "Is Alya ok?!"

"I didn't say her name," Naga said.

"You didn't have to. I know who you all are."

Naga was confused, and Eren rushed over to Lusca.

"Alya and I are here because of something that happened to you," Eren said. "The details are foggy, but I managed to remember why we came here in the first place."

"You and Alya?" Lusca asked.

"What do you mean, it's why you and Alya are here?" Shou asked. "Alya was already here. She's four years old."

"No, she's fourteen years old," Eren said.

"No, she's–" Naga started.

"We used an altered version of the Tokei Kyutama to travel back in time," Eren said. "Alya is a Kyuranger, ten years from now. We snuck onto the Battleship Orion and made two copies of this." Eren reached into his pocket and pulled out a kyutama.

And Naga recognized the kyutama.

"It's… the Tokei Kyutama," Naga said. "But it's the wrong color."

Eren shook his head. "In the future, Ryoko Ronpo helped develop a technology to combine the powers of the Kyutamas–"

"Ryoko Ronpo is my mother's name," Shou interrupted.

"Yes, and she developed the technology," Eren said.

"My mother passed away some time ago," Shou said.

Eren shook his head. "Look, I'll explain that later. But if you take this kyutama, which Alya and I both have a copy of, you'll see that it's a combination of the Tokei Kyutama's technology and the Rashinban Kyutama's technology. We used it to pinpoint an exact day and time to travel back to."

"Raptor, Stinger, please analyze that kyutama," Shou said.

"Okyuu!" Raptor said, taking the kyutama carefully from Eren. She and Stinger got to work trying to analyze it.

"Ok, so let's say you're telling the truth," Tsurugi said. "Why did you come back in time?"

"To save her," Eren said.

"Save who? Alya?"

"No. To save Belenda Drake. Her."

Everyone turned to look at the crying woman.

"Belenda," Eren said, walking over to her. "I'm going to help you."

"I cannot be helped," Belenda said.

"We can protect you from Jark Matter," Kotaro said.

"You're on this ship, you're safe," Hammie added, and everyone agreed.

"It's not that simple," Belenda said, standing up. Everyone watched, cautiously, as she seemed to be walking towards the helm, but she stopped, and was simply staring out of the window.

Eren walked over to her. "Why not? I came back to–"

"I know exactly what you came back for, Eren," Belenda said. "And you wasted your time. You wasted a perfectly good kyutama–"

"No," Eren said. "Do you know that you die tomorrow? Isfuetto throws you to the venomous wolves. And then coerces your husband and daughter into lying to cover it up. Only Lusca gets emotional and she can't lie about it. She goes quiet and gets taken away from her father. She ends up on Jigama with Echidna and her emotions about you are unlocked the second she meets Ookami Blue because she's scared to death of him."

"Lusca is scared to death because she already has emotions," Belenda said. She turned back to the Kyurangers. "I am really sorry. Please return us to Rasalhague so I can fulfill my destiny."

"Your destiny of death?" Stinger asked.

"It isn't death," Belenda said. "That's not what's happening tomorrow."

"Wait a second," Eren said. "How do you know that you're not going to die tomorrow?"

Belenda shook her head, letting another tear flow down her cheek. "Eren–"

"How do you know?!"

"Eren!" Belenda cried out. "You're not the only one reliving the timeline!"

"Gods," Eren whispered. He ran over to Lusca. "Lusca, what's Typhon saying right now?"

"How do you know about him?" Lusca whispered.

"I'm not explaining myself again," Eren said. "What is Typhon saying to you?"

"That… that Belenda is going to die tomorrow," Lusca said, a tear slipping down her cheek.

Eren looked over at Belenda.

"It's not true," Belenda said. "And you shouldn't believe it. Typhon doesn't know what he's talking about."

"Who is Typhon?!" Stinger cried out, but no one paid any attention to him.

"I traveled back in time ten years because it's true!" Eren said.

"Well, then, you should have just let me die!" Belenda roared.

Eren stopped dead in his tracks. He looked over at Lusca, who had burst into tears. Naga noticed that the man sitting next to her didn't seem to know what to do. But Hammie had quickly run over to her and threw her arms around her, letting her sob as much as she needed.

"I need to talk to Alya, please," Eren said, taking only a quick glance at Naga.

"Eren, Alya isn't–" Naga started.

"I need to talk to her and Ryoko right now!" Eren nearly screamed.

"Raptor," Shou said. "Warp, engage, please!"

"Okyuu! Engaging warp!"

"Alya, how did you get this?" Balance asked gently. "Can I look at it?"

Alya nodded and handed Balance the kyutama. Champ and Garu looked over his shoulder.

"It looks real," Champ said.

"What is going on?" Echidna asked.

Alya walked over to Echidna and hugged her. "Mother, everything is going to be ok. I'm going to make sure of it."

"You are just a little girl," Echidna said.

"I'm a Kyuranger," Alya said.

"You are four years old!" Echidna cried out. "You cannot possibly be–"

"I'll explain everything, Mother," Alya said. "Including why I asked to go to the hospital. My head is fine. I promise."

"What do you mean, you're a Kyuranger?" Champ asked.

"I'm a Kyuranger," Alya said. "From the future."

"The future?!" Balance cried out. "Wait, the Tokei Kyutama…."

"That's actually called the Isekai Kyutama," Alya said. "It's altered from the Tokei Kyutama and the Rashinban Kyutama."

"To get you to a specific point in the past?" Champ asked.

"Yes, but somehow, I've lost part of memory on why I went back in time," Alya said. "I woke up not knowing exactly what's going on. I have somebody here helping me." She looked up and smiled at Ryoko. "But everything is jumbled right now. I can't quite figure some things out."

"Who's the little boy?" Garu asked.

Alya looked at Ryoko.

"It's Eren," Ryoko said.

And just with those two little words, everything came back to Alya. The mission, her age, what had actually happened. She felt nervous, but relieved.

"His name is Eren. Eren Namu. He's… kind of my brother."

"Your brother?" Kosey asked.

"You only have one brother," Echidna said. "Naga is your brother."

"Mother, you've given birth five times," Alya pointed out.

Echidna stood up. "You mean…"

"Eren was born during your second surrogacy," Alya said. "So we have the same biological parents… you and Typhon… but he was raised with his adoptive parents, and his brother, your third surrogacy."

"How do you know all of this?" Echidna asked, another tear slipping down her cheek.

"Because I'm from ten years in the future," Alya said. "I'm a fourteen year old Kyuranger."

"An actual Kyuranger?" Balance asked.

Alya pulled the Kyoshichou Kyutama out of her sweater. "Kyoshichou Eventide. I'm not sure if I can use it right now, I don't have a seiza blaster at the moment, but this is my kyutama."

"The toucan," Garu said.

"Yes."

"So why did you come back?" Terazi piped up.

"It's Lusca's mother. Um… her mom. Her adopted mom," Alya said. "She was your first surrogacy, Mother. Her mom is Belenda Drake, and she's killed tomorrow."

"Killed?" Echidna whispered.

"Yeah," Alya said. She sighed. "Look, a lot of things happen to us in the next ten years, and Eren and I suspect a lot of things that happen… including to our family… could be prevented by preventing her death. Plus…" She sighed. "Lusca lost her beloved mom."

"She does not have emotions," Echidna said.

"She has plenty of emotions," Alya said. "But that's not important right now." She turned to Champ and Garu. "What happened on Rasalhague?"

"As far as we know, they never found anyone except for the boy, a man, woman, and a little girl."

"Eren," Alya said. She looked at Ryoko, who nodded. "The family is Ladon and Belenda Drake. And the little girl is Lusca."

"They're warping it back to Jigama with them," Champ said. "Should be here soon."

Alya sighed. "There's nothing we can do until they get here. I need to talk to Eren." She paused. "He was the one who sent out the distress call?"

"Yes," Champ said. "He was waiting for them when they arrived."

"And they didn't go into the Izar Building?"

"Not as far as I'm aware."

Alya nodded and sat down.

After a moment of silence, Echidna whispered, "Alya, you are really from the future?"

"Yes, but… things are different than how I remember them," Alya answered.

"What do you mean?" Garu asked.

"Things are different," Alya said. "Not by much from what I've seen, but maybe I need to see more. Everything here feels… normal… and not forced. But things happened in the past that aren't happening now."

"Bad things?"

"Nothing terrible so far." Alya sighed. "Mother, sit down. It's really ok. There's no urgency right now."

"But you said Belenda will die tomorrow," Echidna said, sitting back down.

"If she's with the Kyurangers and on her way here, she isn't going to die tomorrow."

"So did you two just save her life?" Balance asked.

"I guess Eren did."

"So why are you still in the past?"

Alya sighed. She sat down on the floor next to Echidna, and wrapped her arms around Echidna's legs.

"Mother?"

"Yes, Alya?"

"Did you really take the blood compatibility test to see if you and Daddy could have a baby together?"

"Of course we did," Echidna said. "Why are you referring to Kosey as ‘Daddy'? Do you call him that in the future?"

Alya blinked. She didn't want to tell the whole story, but she could probably at least talk about their family. "I'm sorry, Kosey," she whispered. "But you did end up adopting me. And Lusca. But Lusca's adoption was void… long story. And I called you the same thing that Shani did. And Naga ended up doing that, too. Sometimes."

"It's actually all right with me if you call me that," Kosey said. He smiled. "I told your mother that I wanted to raise you and be there for you. And adoption has been on my mind as well. I want to be your dad."

"You already are," Alya said with a smile.

Kosey said. "Thank you, Alya." He paused. "Why are you asking about the blood compatibility test?"

"Because, originally, you two never took the test, and Mother had a miscarriage. She was so upset that she almost divorced you," Alya said. "But she really loves you and couldn't go through with it."

"I would never leave Kosey," Echidna said.

"I know you wouldn't, Mother."

"Were we able to have a baby?" Echidna asked, and Alya noticed her eyes glistening.

"Yes," Alya said with a smile. "With medical intervention, a doctor from Lucky's home planet."

"Dr. Kefir?" Kosey asked.

"I think so."

Kosey smiled. "We're already in contact with him, thanks to Lucky. He really came through for us."

Alya smiled. "I'm glad. Mother really wants more children."

Just then, the door burst open. Alya stood up, and smiled when she saw Eren, who ran straight for her, throwing his arms around her.

"Eren," Alya whispered.

Echidna and Kosey stood up quickly. The remaining Kyurangers rushed into the house, and then Alya saw them… Ladon, Belenda, and Lusca.

"Lusca," Alya said.

Lusca looked confused, staring down Alya.

"Lusca, I'm Alya," Alya said. "Do you–"

"You're my biological sister," Lusca said. "That's what Typhon said."

"Who is Typhon?" Echidna asked, a little nervously.

"You already know, Mother," Alya said.

Echidna stopped, and put her hand on her chest, breathing in deeply. "Typhon is–"

"Our biological father," Alya said. "Mine and Eren's and Lusca's and Naga's."

"And my brother," Eren added.

Alya walked over to Echidna. "I'll explain everything later, but Typhon is here with us right now. Only Lusca can communicate with him, but he can see and hear anyone." She turned to Shou. "Commander Shou, your mother is here, too."

"She's here?" Shou asked. "She's deceased. I don't–"

"Tell him about how he broke his arm when he was ten years old," Ryoko said.

Alya nodded. "Lusca and I… were created… how do I put this, Lusca?"

"Artificially?" Lusca suggested.

"Somewhat," Alya said.

"You were conceived by in vitro fertilization," Echidna said. "That is how all of our species is."

"Yes, but there is a universal donor. To make sure that everyone's the same," Eren said. "But Lusca and Alya… and myself and mr brother, are not the same. We were created with slightly different DNA."

"From a species in the Kyoshichou system," Alya said. "They have a unique DNA. The mother's physical genes aren't passed down at all, but she can pass down any mental ones. And there's a woman named Touca. She was attacked by Jark Matter and they took a feather from her. They used the DNA in the feather to create a sort of super species, which the four of us are."

"And us girls have spirit guardians," Lusca said. "Chosen from deceased family members, who were brought to a plane that only we can see. We can talk to them. They know a lot of things and they help us. My spirit guardian is my biological father. And Alya's spiritual guardian is Commander Shou's mother."

"How do I know you're telling the truth?" Shou asked.

"Your mother said to tell the story of when you were ten and you broke your arm," Alya said. "You told everyone that you broke it falling off your hoverboard, but really, you just missed the last step and you were humiliated and begged her not to tell anyone, so she helped come up with the story for you so your friends wouldn't laugh at you."

"I never told anyone that," Shou said.

"Exactly." Alya smiled. "You guys don't have to believe us, but they're right here."

"That's my father?" Naga asked.

"Typhon?" Echidna said.

Alya nodded. "They're here and they can hear you."

"I cannot believe this," Echidna whispered. Kosey put his arm around her as she started to gently cry.

"And this is how you knew about everything happening on Rasalhague?" Stinger asked.

"Yes," Alya said.

Eren walked over to Belenda. "I'm really sorry to pull you away from your home, but you're supposed to die tomorrow and I can't let that happen."

"I am not going to die," Belenda said.

"Isufetto is going to kill you," Eren said. He looked at Shou. "Commander Shou, Isufetto is the Karo of the Hebitsukai system."

"I've never heard of that name," Shou said.

"Probably because he's not violent," Eren said. "He's all about money."

"He plants the DNA and uses surrogate mothers who have sinned to create them, like Echidna," Eren continued. "All four of your surrogacies used the altered super species. You and Typhon are still the biological parents, but extra DNA was inserted, and physically, you can't tell the difference."

"The only way we found this out before was because I was acting up," Alya said. "Mother and Daddy were divorcing and I wanted to see him, so I faked being sick at school so they'd send me to the hospital. And Daddy kept doing tests on me to keep me there longer, and that's when he did the DNA test and everyone found out."

"So this altered DNA gave you powers, and spirit guardians?" Lucky asked.

"Yes."

"Who is your spirit guardian. Eren?" Lucky asked.

"Males don't have spirit guardians, just females," Eren said. "And Belenda had found this out and got emotional. See, the babies are adopted out, but the girls are later taken away from their homes and sold. Since they're a super species, Isufetto and his wife, Makara, were making money."

"They were selling the little girls as slaves?" Champ asked.

"Not as slaves exactly, mainly families who wanted a certain type to be successful, take over family businesses, make a lot of money for the family, but also wouldn't complain about it," Eren said.

"You can DNA test us if you want," Alya said.

"But first, we need to figure out how to save Belenda," Eren said.

"I keep telling you, I do not have to be saved," Belenda said.

"Belenda," Lusca said. "They said you were going to die tomorrow. I don't want you to die!"

"Who told you that?" Belenda asked. "These two children who claim they are time traveling, or your invisible friend?"

"We are time traveling!" Eren said. "Otherwise, how would we have even known that you die tomorrow?"

"Maybe she doesn't die tomorrow," Lusca said quietly.

"Are you saying we're wrong?!" Eren cried out.

"No," Lusca said. "But something doesn't feel right. Don't you feel it, too?"

"What do you mean?" Alya asked.

"Ask Grandma Ryoko," Lusca said.

"Grandma Ryoko?!" Shou cried out.

Alya looked over at Ryoko. "What's wrong, Grandma?" she asked.

"Well, Lusca is right," Ryoko said. "It's… the whole timeline. Have you noticed things are different? Not happening the way that they did before?"

"She's right," Alya said. "Things aren't happening the way that they originally did."

"Have we entered an alternate universe, and not the original timeline?" Eren asked.

Alya frowned, and looked over at Naga. "Are you sure you and Balance aren't married?"

"Married?!" Naga cried out.

"We… we're not like that," Balance said.

"But you were," Alya said. "At this point, you were married… and…."

"You were having a baby," Lusca said.

Alya turned to her. "Lusca, how did you know that? You didn't time travel with us."

"It just… popped into my head," Lusca said, a little bewildered.

"We were having a baby?" Naga asked.

"Don't mind, desu!" Balance cried out.

Naga rolled his eyes. "We're definitely not married, and as a far as I know, no one's having a baby."

"Don't you both have girlfriends?" Stinger asked. "I mean, if I remember correctly."

"We do," Naga said. "I've been seeing my girlfriend for four years."

"So you never broke up?" Alya asked.

Naga looked puzzled. "Why would we have?"

"Does she live here?"

"Did you just respond to my question with a question?"

"Alya, look at Belenda," Ryoko said.

Alya looked over at Belenda, and she seemed… nervous? Fidgety?

"Are you all right, Belenda?" Eren asked, and that got everyone's attention.

"I'm fine," Belenda said. She paused a moment. "You should take us back to Rasalhague. We need to go to Izar Building."

"Jark Matter is there and they are going to throw you to the venomous wolves," Eren said.

"You can't say that for certain." Belenda stood up, and grabbed Ladon's hand. "Ladon, we're going."

"You're not going anywhere," Shou said. "Not until we figure this all out. And as long as you're here, you're safe."

"Nobody is safe here, Commander Shou," Belenda said.

"What do you mean? This is a safe place."

"He is going to know that something isn't right."

"Do… things pop into his head, too?"

"No, sir. He's just the brains behind this operation."

"You know what I think?" Stinger asked. "I think you're hiding something."

Alya looked at Ryoko.

"What?!" Ryoko cried out.

"Hiding what?" Shou asked. "Wait… Belenda… ma'am, do you know something we don't?"

"You have to tell us," Tsurugi said.

"We can't help you if you don't," Kotaro said.

"Maybe I don't want to be helped," Belenda said. "Ladon, come on–"

"No," Ladon said. He grabbed her hand and threw it down.

"Ladon, you have to listen to me," Belenda said.

"No, I do not," Ladon said. "If my daughters say that we can't go back home, we're not going back home."

"Daughters?" Echidna asked.

Ladon turned to her. "You are Echidna Ray, correct?"

"Formerly, yes. Why?"

"I am Ladon Drake," Ladon said. "You carried Lusca. You also carried the girl known as Alya. However, her real name is Nyoka, and on paper, she is our adopted child."

"I took her from you?" Echidna asked, hushed and weak.

"It's not important right now," Ladon said. "But, yes, those are my daughters. We are not a species of liars and we can easily tell when somebody is not speaking the truth. Right, Naga?"

Naga nodded, unable to speak.

"If these little girls say that something is not right, then something is not right," Ladon said.

"Ladon," Lusca said.

Ladon walked over to her. "I do not have emotions, but I know that you do. And I do not understand them. Perhaps… I never will."

"Nora taught you emotions," Alya said.

"Nora?" Naga asked. "What do you mean? Like, my girlfriend Nora?"

"Nora was once Ladon's wife," Alya said. "In the future. Or the alternate timeline. I don't know anymore. But she gave him emotions."

"I'm dating Nora," Naga said.

"I told you already, you were married to Balance." She paused. "Does this… does this mean that Takara and Koura are never born?"

"Who are they?" Balance asked.

"Would she have been pregnant already?" Alya wondered out loud.

"Was who pregnant?!" Stinger cried out.

"Obviously, you needed a surrogate," Alya said. "And you hired one. Who ended up marrying Stinger before she gave birth."

"I'm married?" Stinger asked.

"You were. You were married to a girl from Lucky's home planet. A girl named–"

"Leoh Denebola?" Balance asked.

"That's her!" Alya asked. She blinked. "How did you–"

"You know Leoh?!" Belenda cried out, running over to Balance. "I've been looking for her!"

"Wait, how do you know Leoh?!" Balance cried out.

"Where is she right now? I want to see her!" Belenda cried out.

"Um," Balance said. "It's Saturday. She's off. She's probably home with–"

"Her little girl," Belenda said. "Balance, tell her to come here! Please!"

"Okyuu!" Balance said, still confused. He ran off to call her.

"I don't understand any of this," Shou said, looking around. "Belenda is… emotional. And Naga said his people aren't." He paused. "And why do you keep calling my mother Grandma? She's not–"

"Just tell him," Eren said.

"Tell me what?" Shou asked.

"Maybe she's not really my Grandma, but she's part of this family," Alya said. "You and Terazi were happily married."

"Terazi… and me?" Shou asked.

Alya looked over at Terazi, who seemed a little… embarrassed? The emotions were hard to believe.

"Yes," Alya said. "You love her and she loves you and…" she trailed off.

"They adopted a daughter," Ryoko said. "But… that daughter… she was…."

Alya, remembering more from the future, did not want to bring Kayda up, not now. "Married," she finally said. "Very married."

Shou chuckled nervously. Terazi remained difficult to read.

Balance ran back into the room. "She's on her way. She's confused."

"Is she bringing Tiaret with her?" Belenda asked.

Balance was taken aback for a moment, but said, "I don't see why she wouldn't bring her daughter. She's a single mom, no babysitter. You know her daughter, too?"

"I've never met her," Belenda said, more tears falling down her cheeks.

"How do you two know each other?" Tsurugi asked.

Belenda didn't answer. She sat down on the floor, tears flowing.

"Belenda," Ladon said, sitting down next to her. "I don't know what to do."

"It's ok," Belenda said. "We're going to figure this all out."

"I do not want you to die."

"I'm not going to. I never died. Not in this universe, or any other ones."

"You can't say for sure what's going to happen tomorrow."

"Sometimes, you can." Belenda took a deep breath. "The truth is, I know exactly what's going to happen tomorrow… but by not going today, Isufetto and Makara will know something is up."

"Do they have spirit guides, too?" Lucky asked.

"No, they just created their own technology for them," Belenda said. "The spirit guides are recent. And all of the babies have been adopted out, but right now, no one's been taken away from their homes."

"Can we prevent that?" Hammie asked.

"I don't know," Belenda said. "Isufetto is strong enough. I don't know what he's going to do." She paused. "I couldn't stop him. I get too emotional."

Alya walked over to her. "Maybe that's why he killed you."

Belenda shook her head. "It isn't that."

"Then what is it? Why would he want you dead?"

Belenda looked at Alya and smiled at her through her tears. "Alya," she whispered. "You're my daughter, my Nyoka. But I'll never get to raise you. You belong to Echidna. That's always been your fate, no matter what. You gave Echidna her emotions, you and the doctor. No one with a good heart will ever separate you. Not even the Rasalhague government. I won't let them."

"I remember," Alya started. "I remember that Ladon eventually, legally, signed me over to Echidna." She smiled. "No one seemed to have a problem with it. They just took note of my emotions. And it was only that, a piece of paper."

"You were technically kidnapped," Belenda said. "But I made sure that no one was charged and you legally belonged to Echidna."

"How? You were dead!"

"No," Belenda said. "I wasn't dead."

"What?" Alya whispered.

"Alya," Belenda said. "The kyutama you brought with you… the Isekai Kyutama… is a combination of three kyutamas, not just two."

Alya pulled the kyutama out. "It's the Tokei Kyutama and the Rashinban Kyutama. We used it to travel back in time."

Belenda shook her head. "There's a third kyutama. And remember… this is called the Isekai Kyutama. Meaning…"

"Eridanus Kyutama," Alya said. "This means…"

"You didn't go back in time. You went back to an altered reality."

Alya looked over at Ryoko, who was speechless.

"Am I dreaming? Is Eren dreaming with me?"

Belenda shook her head. "No. You're not dreaming this."

"How do you know what the kyutama is made of?"

"Because you're not the only one currently living in this reality," Belenda said.

"How do you know about the different realities?" Eren asked.

Belenda sighed. "I need to talk to Leoh."

"What does Leoh have to do with this?" Balance asked.

"Well, she's certainly not the cause of this," Belenda said. "May I see the kyutama, please?"

Alya mentally hesitated, but handed Belenda her kyutama.

"You started combining the power of the kyutamas. You created what was called the Kagami Kyutama, which was a mirror that allowed everyone to see the reflections of the plane that Typhon Ray and Ryoko Ronpo are currently in. Everyone got to talk to each other."

"Yeah, but we could only use it three times. There was something wrong with the kyutama powering it up."

"Which kyutama powered it?" Raptor asked.

"Hikari," Alya said. "The lights were backwards. And every time we tried to see if we could fix it, there never appeared to be anything wrong. But we stopped charging it and said our goodbyes to Grandma and Father."

"Typhon said that he likes that you called him that," Lusca said with a small smile.

"It's who he is. And Kosey is my dad." She smiled back.

"Belenda, how do you know all of this?" Eren asked.

Belenda handed the kyutama back to Alya and stood up. She was quiet for a moment, but then said, "I never died."

"You said that, but it went on record, and Ladon was able to marry Nora," Alya said.

"Nora." Belenda chuckled a little.

"You know Nora, too?" Naga asked.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and Belenda couldn't answer him.

Or maybe she could. Alya didn't know.

Balance rushed to the door to let her in. She smiled at first, her hand holding Tiaret's. But when she saw the Kyurangers standing around, her smile dropped.

"Balance?" Leoh asked, holding Tiaret back a little.

"It's okyuu, desu," Balance said gently. "There's somebody here who wants to see you."

"Who?" Leoh asked, stepping forward.

And Belenda rushed to her, as fast as Alya had ever since anyone move.

Alya knew that Leoh was nervous. She watched as Balance got closer to them, seemingly to protect Tiaret, not sure what was happening.

"Um, Alya?" Ryoko said. "That… this is–"

"Iravati," Belenda said, holding Leoh close.

"Iravati?" Balance asked.

"What's going on?" Kotaro asked.

Belenda pulled back. "Iravati… it's me."

Leoh stood for a moment, staring blankly. And then, slowly, her eyes grew big. She began breathing a little heavier.

"Shesha," Leoh whispered. "Is… is that you?"

"What's going on?" Tsurugi asked, doing his best not to burst out in angered emotion.

"What are you doing?" Leoh whispered to her.

"We can't fix this ourselves," Belenda whispered. "We need help. The Kyurangers are here. They said they would help."

"But they can't help," Leoh whispered.

"They can and they will," Belenda said. "But we have to tell them the truth. We can't hide this anymore."

"Hide what?" Naga asked.

"Shesha," Leoh whispered. "He'll find us. I don't know what else he'll do to me!"

"I would risk my life to protect you," Belenda said. "We need help. We can't keep doing this again and again."

Leoh burst into sobs, and Belenda held her tight.

"Tell us," Stinger said. "Tell us and we can help you."

"It doesn't matter what it is," Spada said. "We're right here and we'll protect you."

Belenda hesitated a moment, holding Leoh close in her arms.

And finally, she spoke quietly. Her voice shaking, tears falling down her face again.

"We're sisters," Belenda said.

"Sisters?!" Balance cried out. "But you're from Rasalhague, and she's from the Shishi constellation–"

"Our father has the ability to shapeshift himself and other people," Belenda said, and Leoh cried even harder.

"Who's your father?" Shou asked.

And Alya knew before she even said it.

"Our father is Isufetto," Belenda said. "Karo of the Hebitsukai system." She started to cry. "We need help."

Chapter Text

Alya woke up to the phone ringing. She sat up quickly, breathless and sweaty.

As she tried to catch her breath, she noticed a silver light. Was it a light? Looked like an orb.

It was flying out of the window.

Alya blinked.

What was that?

After a moment, Alya figured it was probably just a figment of her imagination. She took a deep breath, finally able to relax a bit.

Looking around the room, she saw Lusca's bed, and Lusca was fast asleep, snoring lightly.

Alya grabbed her tablet from her end table, immediately looking at the date and time.

The actual date. The day after Echidna had announced her pregnancy, and Balance had started dating the moon goddess… and….

Alya sighed in relief, but was confused.

She had gone back in time, hadn't she? With Ryoko. Everything had been different… Naga and Balance were never married and Echidna and Kosey had never tried for a baby. Nora was still dating Naga and Leoh was dating Balance.

Alya shook her head. Had she been dreaming?

She looked around the room again, trying to stay quiet. It was definitely early, and Saturday morning. Saturday mornings were always chill, everyone sleeping in. Even Kosey didn't work that early.

Except that the downstairs phone was ringing, and she could hear somebody running to it.

She jumped out of bed and quickly headed down the stairs. She could see Kosey disappearing into the kitchen, and she headed that way.

"Alya," she heard from behind her.

Alya turned quickly. "Mother?"

"Why are you awake?"

Alya blinked. "The phone was ringing. It never rings this early. And plus…."

"Plus what?"

Alya blinked. "I was having this really weird dream. So I didn't want to be in bed anymore anyway."

Echidna pulled Alya into a hug. "I am sorry."

"It's ok," Alya said.

Kosey rushed out of the kitchen.

"Kosey," Echidna said. "What is it?"

"Niveau," Kosey said, breathlessly. "She didn't show up to work last night."

"That is not like her," Echidna said.

"Yeah, and Dr. Chara's up to his ears in work, so I'm going to head in and help him." Kosey started to rush off.

"Kosey," Echidna said.

Kosey stopped and turned. "He can't get a hold of her. I know it's too much to ask, but can you–"

"I will go check on her," Echidna said.

"Thanks," Kosey said as he ran back into the bedroom, ripping his pajamas off as he did.

"I can go with you," Alya said.

"No," Echidna said. "Please stay here. When Shani wakes up, tell her what is going on so she is not worried."

"You don't think she'll worry about Dr. Atria?" Alya asked.

"You are probably right." Echidna leaned over and kissed Alya on the forehead. "I am going to get dressed and then hurry over. I am hoping this is just Niveau simply oversleeping, or perhaps she has misunderstood the schedule."

"Ok," Alya said. "I love you, Mother."

"I love you, too."

Kosey had gotten to the hospital as quickly as he could.

Dr. Chara, definitely panicked, had run up to him.

"She won't answer her phone!" Dr. Chara cried out. "That's– that's not like her!"

"I know," Kosey said. "Echidna is on her way to go find her. Maybe she just got sick or something."

"I don't like this, Kosey. I have a bad feeling."

"So do I, but let's not assume the worst. Who's here?"

"Nyil and Lukida. Both have been an amazing help."

"Ok," Kosey said. "Kyon… it's really going to be ok. We're going to find her."

Dr. Chara shook his head, a tear slipping down his cheek. "I can't–I can't do this."

"You can. It'll be fine. She probably just overslept. What time are Disel and Eingana coming in?"

"Seven," Dr. Chara replied. "Kosey–"

"Give me the chart you're working on. Go get some water. I don't want you as a patient."

"What if she–"

"I'll keep you updated," Kosey promised. "I'm going to call in reserves and tell Disel and Naledi not to come in today. Get out of here."

Dr. Chara nodded, wiping away another tear. He turned around and walked away.

Kosey took a deep breath. Right now, there was nothing he could do, and Dr. Chara's patients needed to be attended to.

"Dr. Bastet?" a soft voice spoke.

Kosey turned around. "Lukida…."

Lukida had been one of their most recent hires… hired on the day that Nyil and Manasa's daughter was born. She was from the Kogitsune system, and reminded Kosey of himself in many ways. He took after the lynx; she took after the fox. She had bright amber eyes, triangular ears, whiskers, and a bushy tail. Right now, she looked exhausted, and in pain. Kosey knew she had been crying, but she appeared to be calm at that moment.

Kosey put his arms around her, hugging her tight. "It's going to be ok," he told her.

"I've never seen Dr. Chara so worried," Lukida said.

Kosey pulled away from the hug. "Dr. Atria's been with us for nine years, studied directly under him. She's never once been late without calling and certainly wouldn't just not show up."

A tear slipped down Lukida's cheek, which she wiped away quickly. "Um… all of the rounds are done, Nyil's finishing up the last one. We were lucky, not so busy tonight."

"Ok," Kosey said. He took a deep breath. "Go take a break, ok? Get some air, get some water. I'm here and I'm going to call a couple of nurses from the reserves. Nyil will be right behind you. Everything's probably ok, we're just short staffed. Ok?"

"Ok," Lukida said. "I mean… on it, Dr. Bastet."

Kosey shook his head. "You're fine. Go."

Lukida nodded and walked away.

Kosey had no idea what was going on.

"What are you doing up?"

Alya jumped. She looked up when Shani walked into the kitchen.

"Didn't mean to scare you," Shani said.

"Sorry," Alya said. "Guess I'm just jumpy."

"What's wrong?" Shani sat down at the table next to her. "I figured today would be a happy day. I'm home and Mother's going to have another baby."

"Did you hear the phone ringing this morning?"

"No." Shani's smile dropped. "Did something happen?"

"Dr. Atria never showed up to work. Didn't call or anything."

"What?"

"Daddy was really upset," Alya said. "Mother went to her house to see if she was there. And Daddy went to the hospital because Dr. Chara was still there."

"No," Shani whispered. "Maybe… maybe she's just sick or something. Or overslept."

Alya shrugged. "They'll find her, right? Everything's fine."

"Yeah," Shani said. "Everything is fine, baby sister. We'll figure it all out. Probably just a stupid misunderstanding."

"Yeah."

Shani stood up. "Are you hungry? I can make pancakes."

"Sure."

Shani walked over to the pantry and started pulling out ingredients. "You want to talk?"

"Talk?"

"Yeah. You're not being yourself. Are you worried about Dr. Atria?"

"No. I'm sure she's at home."

"Did you sleep ok? Are you overwhelmed with the news of the baby?"

Alya sighed. "I just… had this really weird dream."

"A dream?" Shani blinked. "Do you want to talk about it? We're alone."

Alya didn't want to talk about it… but she also didn't know what to do about it. Or if it meant anything. Surely Shani would be able to offer her advice.

"It was weird," Alya said. "I went back in time. Eren did too. And Grandma Ryoko was there. We went back to when Mother and Daddy had just gotten married, but everything was different. Naga and Balance weren't married and Balance was dating Leoh. And Eren managed to find Lusca's mom before she died and he tried to save her. So he brought her here. And it turned out that Belenda and Leoh were sisters and their dad was… was Isufetto."

"Wow," Shani said after a moment. "That's… really quite a dream."

"It felt like more than a dream," Alya said. "Do… do you think I should tell Naga?"

"I don't know. Maybe." She paused. "You think Leoh and Belenda were sisters?"

Alya shook her head. "That wouldn't make any sense, right? Leoh's definitely from Cayenne. Lucky would have caught on by now if she wasn't."

"You think so?"

"All of that work he did for her… when her house burned down… he had to search to find that family portrait for her… I'm sure her background came out at least once. If the Kyurangers didn't see any red flags, there are probably no issues."

"That's true."

Shani held up a glass. "Do you want some juice or milk?"

"Juice, please."

Shani nodded and poured Alya some orange juice. She sat the glass down in front of her.

The phone rang, and Alya jumped up for it.

"Hopefully it's Dad with an update," Shani said.

Alya answered the phone. "Hello?"

"Alya, it is me," Echidna said.

"Hi, Mother," Alya said.

"Is Shani awake? I am lost."

"Yeah," Alya said. She turned to Shani. "Mother's lost."

Shani walked over to the phone. "Hello, Mother…. Yes, you're close…. No, it's left at the gas station, not right…. Ok…. Ok…. Yes, I'll wait." She put her hand over the receiver. "Lusca isn't awake yet?"

"Not yet."

Shani nodded. "That's fine." She took her hand off the receiver. "Yes, Mother, I'm here…. No, it has a brown trim now, she painted it, remember?... Scorpio's car?"

"Scorpio?" Alya whispered.

"If Scorpio is there, it's possible she just lost track of the time," Shani said hopefully. "Yeah…. Yeah…. Ok…. The door is open? That's odd…. Definitely not like–"

And even Alya could hear it. A bloodcurdling scream.

Alya had never heard a sound like that coming from her mother's mouth.

"Mother?!" Shani cried out. "What happened?! What's going on? Mother!"

Alya sat on a bench in the emergency room.

Shani had pulled Lusca and Ty out of bed and rushed them to the hospital. Currently, Shani was panicking and Lusca was crying. Alya was speechless. So much going through her mind… she didn't know how to feel.

Shani was holding onto Echidna, who held Ty tight as she sobbed.

From what Echidna had said, not that she was coherent enough, was that she had walked into Scorpio and Dr. Atria, both unconscious, both covered in blood. She had seen a "weapon". She didn't say it out loud, but Alya knew it was a gun.

Stinger had marched into the hospital, demanding information. He insisted that Scorpio couldn't have done such a thing, and after a screaming match with the unit secretary, security was called in.

"He didn't do it!" Stinger had cried out. "He didn't even own a gun! He wouldn't hurt her! He loved her!"

"Sir, do you know why he would have gone over to her house?" a security officer had asked.

"They were dating! He went over there all of the time!"

"Sir, calm down–"

"You're basically accusing my brother of murder! I will not calm down!"

"Stinger," Echidna said, walking up to him.

"Mother," Stinger said.

"We do not know what happened for sure."

"Echidna, they are accusing Scorpio of–"

"They are investigating," Echidna said. Another tear slipped down her cheek. "Nobody is accusing Scorpio of anything. He is not under arrest."

Stinger managed to stop and breathe. "I can't lose him again."

"No one wants to lose him," Echidna said. She wiped a tear from Stinger's cheek. "We just need to figure this out."

"I'm scared," Stinger said.

Echidna embraced him. "We are all scared. For both Scorpio and Niveau."

They held each other for a few minutes, the only sound was sobs.

But they didn't come from Alya.

Alya was stunned, but something about all of this… just wasn't feeling right.

She wished Ryoko was there.

After a few moments, one of the doors slammed open. Dr. Chara had come barrelling out of the room, visibly shaken and crying, and Kosey was right behind him, trying to grab his arm. Dr. Chara waved his arm, trying to keep him away. Finally, Kosey gave up on him and walked over to Echidna, his eyes filled with tears.

Alya stood up, as did Shani. They rushed over to Echidna.

"What is it?" Echidna asked.

Kosey took a deep breath. "Niveau…." He trailed off and tears fell down his cheek.

"No," Echidna whispered. She pulled Kosey close. "She's…"

"Gone," Kosey whispered back.

Echidna started sobbing again and they held each other tight, Ty being sandwiched between them.

Shani had started sobbing again, and Lusca threw her arms around her.

Stinger was also crying. He threw himself down on the bench where Alya had been sitting.

As she watched her family in mourning, she found she couldn't shed a tear.

Something was weird about this.

She had been around death before and knew the feeling that came over her when it happened…. That wasn't even a question. But now… now she wasn't feeling anything. Including sadness.

Kosey had pulled away from Echidna after a couple of minutes, and wiped away a couple of tears.

"Should I go find Kyon?" Echidna asked.

"He'll probably be outside in the employees only area." Kosey turned to the security guard. "It's fine for this reason. I'll let surveillance know."

Echidna nodded.

"I can take Ty," Alya said, holding her arms out.

Echidna nodded again. "Are you all right, Alya?"

"Yes, Mother."

Echidna placed Ty in Alya's arms and quickly ran off.

Alya looked down at Ty, who was blissfully unaware of what was going on. Thank goodness.

Shani and Lusca were in absolute hysterics.

Why wasn't she?

None of this made any sense.

"Scorpio's awake."

Stinger breathed a huge sigh of relief. "Aniki…."

"You know he's going to need to be questioned," the security officer said.

Stinger was angry. "He just woke up from being shot," he cried out. "He needs to breathe!"

"We need to know exactly what happened. This was fatal."

"He didn't do it!"

"Stinger," Echidna said calmly, walking over to him. "No one said he did."

"Murder-suicide," he said.

"We do not know what happened," Echidna said.

"We have an idea now," Kosey said, walking over to them.

Everyone turned their attention to Kosey.

"What do you mean?" Stinger asked.

"Well, we did a test," Kosey said. "There was definitely a weapon fired."

The security officer's phone rang. He quickly answered it and excused himself, running quickly down the hallway.

"Is he going for my brother?!" Stinger cried out.

"I don't know what he's doing, but Stinger, you need to know that–"

"Dr. Atria shot the gun," Alya said suddenly.

Kosey blinked, and everyone turned to her.

"It's true, isn't it," Alya said, not even questioning her own words.

"How did you know that? Is Ryoko there?" Kosey asked.

"He didn't do it," Stinger said. "I said that–"

"Wait, wait," Kosey said. "Alya. What is Ryoko saying?"

"Ryoko isn't here."

"Then how did you know? We just got the test result back and–"

"It's true?" Shani cried out. "She shot Scorpio?!"

"Why?!" Stinger demanded.

"Obviously, we don't know that," Kosey said. "But we can get a statement from Scorpio. See what really happened."

"He's not going to talk," Alya whispered.

"No," Stinger said, shaking his head. "He's innocent. He'll talk."

"No," Alya said. She stood up. "Something's weird here. Things are just not adding up."

"Call Eren," Echidna said bluntly.

"We can't drag him into this," Kosey said.

"For the sake of Scorpio… and Niveau… you loved her, Kosey," Echidna said. "You always said that. Kyon always said that. Does he know that Niveau held the gun?"

"I hope he does, because I don't have the balls to tell him," Kosey said.

"Don't tell him yet," Alya said. "Lusca and I can figure this out ourselves."

"We can?" Lusca asked, wiping away a tear. "Alya–"

"Yes. That's why we have our powers, right? We were worth so much money… is this why?"

"Maybe we should call the other Kyurangers," Kosey said. "Especially Naga and Balance. They'll want to know what's going on. Especially since Scorpio was a former Jark Matter."

"I'm calling everyone," Stinger said, running off.

"Alya, Lusca," Echidna said. "Come and stand in front of me."

Lusca and Alya did what their mother asked.

Echidna, with tears streaming down her face, said, "I do not know why I am crying, and you are not. But I trust you both. If you believe that something is not right, I am not going to argue with you. But I expect you to do your best."

"Are you sure, Mother?" Alya asked. "We're little."

"You are not babies anymore. Please… help us."

Now Alya felt really weird.

She looked over at Lusca, who had gone expressionless.

And then Alya decided on a little test.

"Daddy?" Alya whispered.

"What is it?"

"Can Lusca and I talk to Scorpio alone?"

Lusca blinked and looked over at Alya. "Alya, what?! I don't want to do–"

"I don't think they'll allow that," Kosey said.

"Do you have any ideas what might be going on?" Echidna asked. She turned to Kosey. "I think we should let them figure this out."

Alya looked up at Echidna. Tears were still falling down her cheeks, but she was calm. And amazingly trusting… putting trust into two preteen girls over a murder investigation.

Now Alya felt really weird.

"Echidna, sweetheart," Kosey said. "That is not a good idea."

"Do you not trust our daughters?"

"They are children, sweetheart. They should not be involved in this type of investigation."

"But they have the answers!"

Alya peeked over at Lusca. Her expression was still blank.

"There isn't anything they can do right now," Kosey said. "I think we need to get you home."

"Kosey–"

"Go home, Echidna."

Echidna opened her mouth to speak, but quickly closed it. She turned to Shani and took Ty.

"Girls, you are coming home with me," Echidna said.

"Yes, Mother," Alya said.

And they followed Echidna out of the hospital.

Alya watched through the window as Echidna paced through the kitchen. She was holding Ty, and definitely talking to him, but she couldn't read her lips.

She leaned back against the tree. Lusca was right next to her, laying on the grass.

"I had this dream last night," Alya said.

"A dream? About Dr. Atria?" Lusca asked.

"No," Alya said. "I dreamed I went back in time and Eren saved Belinda before she died. And… she and Leoh were sisters and their dad was Isufetto."

"You dreamed all that?"

"It was weird," Alya said with a sigh. "It was like I was there. And Belenda was talking directly to me."

Lusca sat up. "Belenda's dead, Alya. She got thrown to the venomous wolves for being emotional and trying to save me."

"Typhon and Ryoko are dead too and we can still communicate with them," Alya pointed out.

"You think Belenda is trying to send us messages? Through your dream?"

"It's possible, isn't it?"

"Why would she send you messages? You're not even a Kyuranger."

"I could be someday!"

"Besides, if she didn't contact us before, how would she be able to now?"

"I don't know. We could open the mirror again."

"We can only open the mirror one more time and then we lose contact with Typhon and Ryoko forever."

"I know. But it's the only thing I could think of."

"Maybe you're thinking too literally."

"What do you mean?"

"Maybe there was symbolism in it," Lusca said. "Maybe Belenda wasn't actually contacting you. And she and Leoh definitely were not sisters. Lucky would have known. He did a lot of research on her trying to find that picture of Tiaret's dad."

"Maybe there's another connection between them."

"What do you mean?"

"Maybe they have something in common," Alya said. "Something we've never noticed before. Something we overlooked."

"What could they possibly have in common? Belenda was the child of a diplomat on a planet that forbade outside contact and Leoh was a single mother after her husband was killed by Jark Matter."

"Wait," Alya said.

"What?"

"Can you go through Rebellion records?"

"Doubtful. Why?"

"Do we know what governor killed Tau Denebola?"

"Alya…."

"Was it ever defeated? It happened before the Kyurangers were all gathered, right?"

"You think that governor came back and killed Dr. Atria?"

"Isn't it possible?"

"But what does that have to do with Belenda? And it doesn't explain how Dr. Atria was the one who pulled the trigger."

Alya leaned back against the tree. "I don't know. And until Scorpio talks, we aren't going to have any ideas on what happened between the two of them."

"He's not going to talk."

"I had the same thought, too."

"Maybe we're wrong."

"But we aren't." Alya sighed. "I know we aren't."

"He could have already talked."

"You and I both know he didn't."

Lusca sighed. "What do we do?"

Before Alya could answer, Naga came running into the backyard. Both of the girls stood up.

"What's going on?" Alya asked.

"We don't know yet," Naga replied. "I just got too emotional and Raptor insisted I come and–"

"Get us?" Alya asked.

"Stay with you," Naga said with a confused frown. Alya noticed his face was red and tear-stained.

Alya sat back down again. "Sorry."

"Are you two ok?" Naga asked, and he and Lusca sat down.

"Not really," Lusca said.

"I'm sad about Dr. Atria, too."

"She isn't dead," Alya blurted out.

"What do you mean? Dad already pronounced her."

"I don't know," Alya said. "None of this makes any sense to me."

Naga pulled both of them close to him, holding them tight. "It's ok to be upset," he said softly. "I understand the denial. I didn't want to believe it at first, either."

"Naga, no," Alya said. "I had some thoughts."

"It popped into your head?" Naga asked.

"Yes," Alya said. "Belenda came to me in a dream and said that she and Leoh were sisters."

"They can't be sisters," Naga said thoughtfully.

"I told Alya we would have figured that out already if they were," Lusca said.

"Naga, is there any way we could look into Rebellion records and see what governor killed Tiaret's dad?" Alya asked.

"You think that same governor is involved in this?" Naga asked.

"We don't know," Lusca said. "But it's possible there's some kind of connection between Belenda and Leoh."

"Didn't Belenda die because of Isufetto?" Naga asked.

"He was a shapeshifter," Lusca said, knowing she didn't actually answer the question.

"But he's dead, right?" Naga asked. "You helped defeat him."

"But he still could have had something to do with all of this," Lusca said. "Maybe he's the one who killed Tau."

"But it doesn't explain Dr. Atria," Alya said.

"There has to be a connection." Lusca paused. "Naga, please?"

Naga stood up. "I'll see what I can find out. Raptor's setting up base next door."

"Thank you," Lusca said as Naga ran over to Balance's house.

For a few minutes, it was nothing but silence.

Then Lusca whispered, "What if you're wrong?"

Alya didn't know how to respond.

Kosey had made his way outside. He knew that he was going to be walking out to a very upset friend, but he had to do it.

"Kyon," Kosey whispered.

Dr. Chara looked up. "Kosey, I can't do this."

"I know." Kosey sat down on the bench next to him and noticed something. "You're lighting up again?"

Dr. Chara looked at the lit cigarette in his hand. He shook his head and flicked it to the ground. "It's been a year," he whispered. "I promised my kids I'd stop. They never understood why a doctor would be stupid enough to smoke cigarettes."

"They don't know what you did in the past."

"I'm not telling my children what I was into when I was their age," Dr. Chara said. "I'm lucky it's just down to the cigarettes. I even stopped drinking altogether, too."

Kosey paused. "I'm sorry."

Dr. Chara waved him off. "I feel responsible."

"How were you responsible?"

Dr. Chara sighed and didn't answer.

"Kyon? Do you… know something?"

"Kosey…"

"Anything you can tell me right now will help her," Kosey said. "If something happened, we need to know so we can clear her name. Right now, she's just–"

"She was pregnant," Dr. Chara said quickly.

"What?"

"Pregnant," Dr. Chara said. "Eleven weeks."

"Eleven?" Kosey was puzzled. "No one mentioned that to me."

"She found out a couple of weeks ago. She was nervous for it to be out in the open. That's why she didn't tell you. She didn't want any of your family members to find out."

"Did Scorpio know?"

"I don't know. She was scared to tell him, but she said she was going to tell him. Last night."

"Why was she scared?"

Dr. Chara paused. "He was Jark Matter," he whispered. "She didn't know, but I did. And… I told her."

"You told her?!"

"I thought it was the best thing at the time," Dr. Chara said. "She was talking about marriage and babies and I… I just couldn't let it go. I can't let that little girl marry someone she didn't even know."

"She wasn't a little girl, Kyon. She was able to make her own decisions."

"I didn't tell her not to tell him or to marry him," Dr. Chara said. "I just told her the truth about him, that's all. And now she's dead because of me and Scorpio is seriously injured."

"Kyon, you didn't cause this. You also don't know that that's the reason why this happened. Maybe she had some perinatal psychosis we didn't catch."

"I didn't even know she owned a gun," Dr. Chara said. "Let alone one of those old ones with gunpowder."

"I've never seen one in her house," Kosey said.

Dr. Chara didn't respond.

"Kyon," a voice said from behind them after a moment.

Kosey turned around. He knew Dr. Chara's wife would show up.

Dr. Chara stood up. "Vena…."

"I came as soon as I heard," Vena said, running over to him. He stood up and they embraced.

"Who called you?" Dr. Chara asked.

"Lukida," Vena said. "I think she's having a really hard time with all of this."

"Niveau was her mentor," Dr. Chara said, a tear slipping down his cheek. "And they were friends outside of work, too. They liked to go have dinner together."

Vena wiped the tear away. "I saw her on the way back here. I don't know how she's holding it together."

"She's too strong for her own damn good," Dr. Chara said.

"I'm sending everyone home once the reserves get here," Kosey said. "Including you."

Dr. Chara shook his head. "I just needed air. I have other patients to take care of."

"And there are other doctors," Kosey said. "We all need to be with our families right now. In fact, you and Vena need to go home. You need to be with her and you need to let out your emotions."

"I can't leave you with all of this."

"I'll be leaving, too. Echidna is hysterical. I'm worried about her blood pressure. You know she's pregnant."

"She is?" Dr. Chara asked.

Kosey blinked. "You… you didn't know?"

"How would I have?"

"Didn't she come see you yesterday?"

Dr. Chara frowned. "No…."

"But she went to the maternity clinic with Shani. I assume Dr. Kefir helped her with the blood test."

"Kosey, I have no idea what you're talking about. I didn't see Echidna yesterday and you saw the paperwork of the only patient I sent to the clinic yesterday."

"She had the baby's blood tested."

"Are you sure about that? Maybe it was another doctor she went to go see."

"Yes. I'm sure," Kosey said. "She just announced it yesterday. I don't want it to end badly. I need to go take care of her. I don't want her here and I don't want to even think about what would happen if Echidna loses the baby."

"He's right," Vena said. "We all need to go home and… mourn. It doesn't matter right now who Echidna's doctor was."

Dr. Chara began to sob, and Vena held him as tight as she could.

After a moment, his sobs died down long enough for Vena to ask, "How's Scorpio?"

"He's awake and in pain, but alive, and not talking," Kosey said. "Security is in there with him. They've requested us to not be in there while he's being questioned. But they said he refuses to speak anyway."

Vena nodded. "Keep us posted."

"I will," Kosey promised.

"Let me get you home," Vena said. "Please."

"What about Lukida?" Dr. Chara asked.

"All of our team will be heading home as soon as the reserves get here," Kosey said. "I called off Disel, Eingana, and Naledi, and let them know what happened. Disel isn't doing so well, but she has her family with her."

"Promise you're sending Nyil and Lukida home?"

"Of course I promise."

"Has Kosey ever let you or the team family down?" Vena said with a small smile.

"Just the one time he was going to die and didn't want me to do anything about it," Dr. Chara said.

"I'm sorry about that," Kosey said with a soft chuckle.

"You'd better be," Dr. Chara said, trying to smile back.

"Come on," Vena said. "Let's get your things out of your locker and get you home into a warm bath."

"Ok." He paused. "See you, Kosey. And congratulations on the baby."

"See you, Kyon. Thanks."

Kosey watched as Vena led her husband back into the hospital. He stared at the door for a few moments before leaning back and starting to sob.

"Isufetto didn't kill Tau."

Lusca looked up at Raptor. "What?"

"Isufetto had nothing to do with it," Raptor said.

"Let me see that," Lusca said, taking the datapad from her.

Alya thought that that Raptor would say something about that, but Raptor didn't. She must have known there were too many emotions to process and Lusca hadn't intended to be rude.

"Looks like it was a karo named Masutabba," Raptor said.

"Masutabba?" Lusca asked, staring at the datapad. "Karo of the Phoenix system?"

"What would the karo of the Phoenix system be doing in the Leo system?" Champ asked.

"There's no information," Raptor said.

"He's never been defeated," Spada said.

"He probably hasn't made any noise," Raptor said.

"He killed Tau!" Lusca cried out. "That's noisy!"

"That was before the Kyurangers were arranged. He may have been hiding out since then," Raptor said.

"I guess," Lusca said. "But Tiaret's daddy didn't have to die."

"You're right about that," Naga said. "I don't want anyone else to die."

"Dr. Atria died," Alya said softly. "She didn't have to, either."

"But this had nothing to do with Jark Matter," Champ said. "This was something between the doctor and Scorpio."

"I'm not so sure about that," Alya said.

"Alya," Naga said, taking his sister by her hands. "You don't have Ryoko with you."

Alya shook her head.

"This is a real criminal investigation," Naga said. "Dr. Atria attempted to murder Scorpio. For whatever reason. She was the monster this time."

Alya stood up and dropped Naga's hands. "She's not a monster!"

"Alya, I didn't mean–"

And as fast as she could, Alya ran out of Balance's house. She could hear Naga calling after her, but she didn't care.

She could barely breathe, but she knew at that point she had to do something. Her dream, the timing of it all. Something was wrong.

And she'd figure it out on her own if she had to.

Alya had been right.

Stinger watched as security officers and hospital staff did what they could for Scorpio. He was definitely awake and alert, but he hadn't uttered a word. He had made eye contact and hand gestures, and his body language definitely proved that he wasn't just in a coma with his eyes open. He was definitely alert and responding.

But silent.

Security questioned him. Hospital staff… people Stinger didn't recognize… silently stared at him, waiting for answers. None.

Stinger hadn't been there when they wheeled Dr. Atria out of the room she had died in, but he had known that they had done it quickly, heading down to the morgue. He had overheard some of the staff whispering.

Stinger didn't care about her, not now, not after what she had tried to do. Not only what she had done to Scorpio, but to herself. He couldn't think of any damn reason why this happened.

He thought back to the day before. Nothing interesting had even happened. Scorpio had said that Dr. Atria wanted to talk to him and was hoping he'd be gone for a while. There were no other hints. Scorpio didn't even seem to know.

Had she called him out there just to murder him?

He had met her a few times before she had started seeing Scorpio. Obviously, at the hospital. And while he knew that she, Kosey, and Dr. Chara had all shared a bond, especially her and Dr. Chara, they just didn't meet up enough. From what little he knew about her, he knew that she was a loner. She was considered an outsider as a kid and always had her nose stuck in a book. Pretty sure he remembered that she had a twin brother, but had skipped two grades in school and they weren't classmates as high school kids. Knew her parents were still around but didn't get around much to seeing them, but sent them money when she could.

She was caring and sweet and, according to Kosey, had an excellent bedside manner. Was too detail oriented for paperwork errors. Kept her house immaculate. She had a housekeeper's help for that, but she paid her well and apparently didn't leave a mess for her. Also had taken great care of her cat, but she had lost him earlier in the year when he was just too old and her heart had been too broken to adopt another one.

She didn't seem like the type to be capable of murder. He didn't know she even owned a gun. Let alone an old-fashioned one that still used gunpowder.

Those were collector's items, weren't they?

This didn't make any sense whatsoever.

"Mr. Denebola?"

Stinger jumped. He looked up and realized a security officer was standing over him. He hadn't realized how lost in thought he was. He was about to stand, but the security officer motioned him back down.

"Just a quick word about your brother."

"Is he under arrest?" Stinger asked quickly.

"Of course not. There was no residue on his hands. No signs of any other injuries or struggles for either one of them."

"Then why are you still here?"

"We can't do our jobs if he's not going to help us."

"Someone just attempted to take his life, he's allowed to be traumatized."

"That's true enough."

One of the doctors walked over to them, and the security officer walked away.

"Can he go home?" Stinger asked right away.

"We still have more tests to run, and we're worried about his mental health," the doctor said. Stinger peeked at his badge. Dr. Gumala. Someone he didn't recognize.

"Because he's not talking?"

"We do understand he's traumatized, but he can't even tell us whether he's in pain or not," Dr. Gumala said.

Stinger stood up slowly and walked over to Scorpio, who turned his head to look away from him.

"Aniki," Stinger whispered. "They need you to talk to them. They don't know how you feel."

Scorpio didn't speak.

"No one can help you unless you talk to us," Stinger said.

Still no response.

"Can you tell Dr. Gumala if it hurts? They need to know if you're in pain."

Nothing.

"He's not leaving until he talks, is he," Stinger said, not even asking a question.

"You already know the answer to that."

Stinger nodded. "Aniki…."

Alya had no idea where she was going.

She moved a lot quicker than she thought she could, but at that point, nothing was stopping her. She had run away from Balance's house and headed toward the path to the lake, but she knew that if she went that way, she would be found in a heartbeat.

And, while she still didn't know which way to go, she knew she wasn't ready to be caught. She figured she was being followed, but if she could manage to stay ahead enough, it would probably be ok.

She just needed time to think.

She ducked down behind a tree, just trying to catch her breath. She knew she needed to keep going.

She knew where she was. Toxotes Woods. A place she had been to before. There was a campground close by with a pool and a few cabins set up. But there were paths and trees and rocks and probably wild animals. She remembered that once, Lusca had run away and that's where they had found her.

She was a little nervous, heart pounding hard. She was tired and thirsty, but she had to keep moving. She didn't know why, but she just… had a feeling.

And then… she saw it.

The same little light she had seen that morning. A silver orb, glowing in it's own light.

But it wasn't just a light.

The orb danced in front of her, seemingly trying to get her attention.

"Who are you?" Alya asked.

The orb glowed and made a high pitched ringing noise.

"I don't understand," Alya said. "What do you want from me? I'm just a little girl!"

The orb stopped bouncing around, but got closer to her.

"Please don't hurt me," Alya whispered. "Please."

"Alya!" she could hear Naga screaming. "Alya!"

"Alya! Where are you?!" Spada cried out.

"I gotta go," Alya told the orb for some reason, standing up.

The orb positioned itself in front of her face again, blinking and making the ringing noise again.

"Are you trying to tell me something?" Alya asked.

The orb danced around again and quickly floated off, but stopped just as quickly.

"You want me to follow you?" Alya asked.

The orb rang and danced once again.

"Ok, but if I get lost, I'm blaming you," Alya said, not sure why she needed to add humor to the moment.

She looked around a bit, and the orb took off in a weird direction. She immediately ran after it.

She could still hear Naga and Spada, but the sounds were fading quickly. She ran as fast as she could after the orb.

Her legs were hurting as she pounded her way through the woods, secretly praying that no wild animals would jump out at her. And even though she was a snake creature, she feared the bite of any snake she could find on Jigama.

The orb was still ringing and now it was starting to blink again. And just as Alya thought she couldn't run anymore… they approached the entrance to cave. The orb stopped, and Alya stepped back.

"What is this place?" Alya whispered to the orb, not that it could answer her.

The orb rang again and disappeared inside.

Alya started shaking. She did not want to go inside of this cave, but if the orb was taking her there, she knew it was important.

She had to be brave. Especially if she ever wanted to be a real Kyuranger, and not just one in her dreams.

She took a very deep breath and entered the cave.

The first thing she saw was the flicker of the orb. It was dark, even though it was bright enough outside. She wished she had a flashlight or something, but the orb was probably just as good.

The orb rounded a corner. Alya turned behind her to remember the entrance to the cave, but turned back around again.

This could be important, right? She was helping, right?

She sighed and made her way around the corner.

A few lit candles in the room, but still dark.

And as quietly as anything, she heard somebody whisper to her.

"Alya?" the voice whispered. "Is that you?"

And she knew exactly who that voice belonged to.

"Mother?" Alya whispered back.

Chapter Text

"Alya?"

The voice was soft. Trembling. A voice from another lifetime, fragile as spun glass.

"Mother?" she whispered back, her voice cracking under the weight of something she couldn't name. "That's you, isn't it? But… I don't know where we're at… I don't know…"

"It's very dark in here. I apologize for you not being able to see."

Alya blinked. She couldn't see anything clearly, but she saw the shape of a figure walking towards her.

And then she realized she was mistaken.

"You're not my mother."

The figure pulled her closer to her. Alya wasn't sure how to react, but for some reason, she felt… calm. Like wherever she was, this was ok.

"I could have been."

Alya blinked again, allowing the figure to pull her into the light.

Definitely one of her people… well, not really her people anymore… but her… species.

"What do you mean?"

Alya was able to look at her. Her face, her dress. She had seen it all before. Somehow. She was just… a common person from Rasalhague. A layered, somewhat shimmering silver dress, high collared and a little too long for her liking. It looked… familiar.

And then it popped into Alya's head.

"Aren't you dead? Lusca said you were thrown to the venomous wolves."

"Is that what she was told?"

"Lusca is very sure of that. Her mother, Belenda, died that way."

"I was supposed to be your mother, too."

"I know. Ladon had to sign paperwork to let Echidna keep me. But it took him a long time to do that."

"He couldn't do it. Not as long as she was around."

"Lusca?"

"No. Makara."

"Belenda," Alya sighed, finally saying her name. "Am I dead?"

"Not even close."

"Where am I? Something dragged me here."

"You're safe here, for now."

"Where's here?"

Belenda sighed. "You are in the Silvering."

"The Silvering?" Alya blinked.

"Do you know what it is? I know things pop into your head."

Alya thought for a moment. "Silvering… as in the process of creating a mirror?"

"The mirror is real, Alya. You and Ryoko created it."

"The Kagami Kyutama."

"That's the one," Belenda said. "When you created it, it also created the Silvering."

"How did we get in here?"

"Well," Belenda said. She held up what at first looked like a kyutama, but it was… different. The tama itself wasn't clear like the actual kyutamas, but instead, it was iridescent and resembled broken glass, somehow holding together.

"What is that?"

"This is called an Astral Fragment," Belenda said. "Created by a very talented, very smart man, who has done a lot for those of us behind the Silvering. This specifically, is the Traverse Fragment. We used it to create the orb to lure you in here."

Alya took a step back. "You wanted me to be trapped in here?"

Belenda shook your head. "We're not trying to hurt you, child. We need your help to get out of here."

"My help? Why?"

"Because you created the Kagami Kyutama, which opened the doorway between this plane and yours. We need to open our own portal. It's the only way out."

"Who's we?"

Belenda smiled. "Follow me, Alya. Don't worry, you're safe with me."

Alya wasn't so sure about that… but she went willingly.

Echidna sobbed as her arms were wrapped protectively around her abdomen.

"I do not understand why she left," Echidna was saying. "It has been such a terrible day. I do not understand anything anymore."

Terazi stood by her, her arm around Echidna's shoulders. "It's ok. You're right, the day has been horrid and we didn't need any of this. But Naga and the others are out there, following her. She has little legs. She surely didn't get very far."

"Then why has she not returned?"

"Maybe they're talking to her. Trying to find out why she's so upset." Terazi paused, and looked over at the children playing on the floor.

Takara sat between Ty and Koura, a book resting in her lap. She wasn't reading– just turning pages, murmuring little stories to the babies in a sing-song voice.

Terazi's heart clenched. Even Takara knew something was wrong, even if she didn't understand it.

She turned back just in time to see Echidna's body go unnaturally still.

No more sobbing. No more shaking.

Echidna sat frozen, her arms still wrapped around herself, her eyes wide and glassy.

"Echidna?" Terazi said quickly, her voice low but firm.

No response.

Then Echidna's hand moved, pressing lightly against her lower abdomen.

She flinched.

A tiny, sharp breath escaped her lips, and she hunched forward slightly in her seat.

Terazi was by her side in an instant, speaking in a low, steady rhythm.

"You're ok. Just breathe. In and out. That's it."

Echidna obeyed, more out of instinct than understanding.

"You're just upset. Nothing more," Terazi soothed. She reached out and helped guide Echidna's hands away from clutching herself so tightly. "You need to stay calm. Let's get you something warm to drink."

Echidna blinked, her breathing beginning to steady, but she still looked so lost, like a storm had picked her up and set her down somewhere unfamiliar.

Terazi moved to the small kitchen, her motions quick but careful, filling a kettle and setting it to boil.

Behind her, the room stayed hushed.

Ty and Koura played silently now, watching Takara turn another page, whispering her made-up story with a little more urgency, as if trying to drown out the tension she could feel in the air.

The kettle whistled softly, not a sharp scream, but a tired sigh of steam.

Terazi poured the tea, something calming, a mixture of chamomile and mint, and brought the cup back to Echidna, kneeling beside her.

"Here. Small sips," she said. "You're safe now. Just stay with me."

"Alya!" Naga cried out. "Alya!"

"Alya!" echoed the other Kyurangers through the trees.

"I can't see her!" Lusca called, panic rising in her voice.

"Stay close to me!" Raptor shouted back.

"I swear I saw her go this way!" Naga yelled, searching the darkening woods, his heart hammering in his chest.

"Naga, it's ok!" Balance called. "We're going to find her!"

Naga skidded to a stop and whirled on him. "You didn't see how upset she was!" he screamed. "You never see anything that's right in front of your face!"

"I was taking care of our kids!" Balance shot back sharply.

"Oh, shut up, both of you," Champ snapped. "This isn't the time for marital issues."

"We're not married!" Naga roared, his voice cracking across the clearing.

The woods seemed to hold their breath.

Spada stepped forward, laying a steadying hand on Naga's shoulder.

"We need to focus," he said calmly. "We'll find her."

Naga stood there for a moment, breathing hard. Then he nodded, determination settling into his features.

A faint breeze stirred the trees, and for the first time, they all felt it, a strange heaviness in the air, like the weight of a storm that hadn't broken yet.

Raptor frowned down at her datapad, tapping rapidly.

"Hold on," she said. "I'm picking up something. Very faint energy. It's nearby."

"Kyutama energy?" Champ asked, immediately alert.

"It's... not like any Kyutama I've seen," Raptor said, her brows furrowed. "It's unstable. Flickering."

"There!" Lusca pointed ahead.

Half-shrouded by trees, standing at the mouth of a small, shallow cave, was a boy.

Naga's heart leapt.

"That's Eren," he said, stunned. "What's he doing out here?"

They moved toward him carefully, instincts kicking in.

Eren turned at the sound of their footsteps, clutching something glowing tightly to his chest, the Isekai Kyutama, pulsing faintly in the fading light.

Raptor raised her hands slowly, signaling no threat.

"Eren," she said carefully. "It's all right. You're safe. But we need to know what you're holding."

Eren looked down at the kyutama, his grip tightening unconsciously.

"I... I don't really know," he admitted. "I woke up this morning, and it was just... there. In my hand."

"You built it?" Spada asked, stepping closer.

Eren shook his head. "No. I just had a weird dream. I barely remember it. But when I woke up... I just knew I had to come here."

Raptor ran her scanner cautiously across the object, frowning at the readings.

"It looks like a Kyutama," she said. "But it's different. The structure's wrong."

She reached out to touch it, but Eren immediately flinched back.

"Don't!" he blurted. "I, I don't know why, but... I feel like if I move it, something bad will happen."

The Kyurangers exchanged uneasy glances.

Behind Eren, the cave gave off a low hum, a resonance that seemed to vibrate through the trees and into the ground beneath their boots.

"We have to go after her," Naga said urgently.

"Hang on," Champ said. "Let me check it first."

Champ moved forward, cautious but determined. He reached the mouth of the cave, and was thrown back, almost casually, by an unseen force.

No blast, no flash of energy, just a solid, absolute stop, like slamming into invisible glass.

Champ grunted, steadying himself as he stumbled a step backward.

"I can't get through," he said grimly.

Raptor checked her datapad again, frustration deepening on her face.

"It's not solid. It's... more like a reflection. Facing the wrong way."

"Then how did Alya get inside?" Lusca asked, her voice tight.

Eren stared at the mouth of the cave, the kyutama pulsing in his hands.

The answer wasn't something he thought about, it simply appeared in his mind.

He looked up, meeting their eyes.

"Emotion," he said.

Raptor's fingers immediately flew over her seiza blaster.

"Lucky," she said into it, her voice sharp but controlled. "We need backup. Now."

Shou tapped the windowsill again, his gaze flicking nervously toward the empty street.

His Ryutsueider buzzed faintly in his hand, Raptor's urgent call for backup still ringing in his ear.

Across the room, Kayda sat curled up on the couch, her blanket bunched up around her like a cocoon, her legs swinging restlessly.

Shou sighed, rolling his sore shoulder with a grimace.

"Change of plans," he said, trying to keep his voice light. "We're not staying here."

Kayda looked up, wide-eyed. "We're not?"

"Nope." He stuffed the Ryutsueider into his jacket and adjusted the fit like he was bracing for battle. "I'm better off back at the Orion. Bad back, bad knee... probably allergic to laser fire at this point."

Kayda gave him the tiniest smile.

Shou crouched down in front of her, more serious now. "You want to come with me? You can hang out by the pool table, maybe beat me at it later."

It wasn't really a choice, he couldn't leave her alone, but Kayda nodded immediately.

"I'll sit at the pool table," she said quietly, hugging her blanket closer.

"You're a good kid," Shou said, reaching out to gently ruffle her hair.

He straightened up, held out his hand, and without hesitation, Kayda grabbed it.

Together, they slipped out the door quickly, Shou calling out for his voyager.

Stinger looked down nervously at his seiza blaster.

On the one hand, the Kyurangers had this. They knew he had his own problems to deal with.

On the other hand... he was sitting there doing absolutely nothing.

Scorpio was awake, wide awake, but silent. Watching him was like watching paint dry, painful in its stillness.

"Stinger?"

He looked up, startled. Leoh had entered the room, and he hadn't even noticed.

"Sorry," she said softly. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's me," Stinger said, standing quickly and pulling a chair closer. They both sat down. "Who's got the kids?"

"The Pincoyas," Leoh said. "They're fine."

Stinger nodded. He trusted the Pincoyas, the elderly couple who lived next door and had helped them through the fire, helped rebuild what was lost. He knew Tiaret would be there, strong enough to chase after the little ones if needed.

"You didn't have to come," he said.

"I wanted to," she answered. "Besides... I needed to get out of the house. I'm not feeling too well."

He glanced at her, eyebrows lifting. "Are you pregnant?"

Leoh smiled faintly. "No. Just a headache. It's been... a lot."

"Yeah," Stinger said, voice rough. "The kids are all right, though?"

"Yeah," she said again, softer this time.

Stinger sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "Scorpio won't talk. He's right here and he won't talk. Won't tell us if he's in pain. Won't tell us anything."

Leoh's smile faded. She stood and crossed to Scorpio's bedside.

"Hi," she whispered, crouching slightly. "Are you all right?"

Scorpio didn't move.

Gently, Leoh reached out and took his hand.

Scorpio flinched, barely, but it was something.

Stinger stepped forward, heart catching.

Without letting go of Scorpio's hand, Leoh sat down in the chair beside him, settling in as if she had all the time in the world.

"I'm sorry you're lying here," she said softly. "I'm going to do whatever I can to help you."

She reached into her purse with her free hand, pulling out a slightly crumpled piece of paper.

"The kids made you a get well card," she said, smiling a little. "Well, Tiaret actually wrote something. The others just kind of... scribbled."

She offered it to Scorpio. His hand moved slowly, taking the paper. He looked at it, not reading exactly, but seeing it.

"We're all waiting for you," Leoh said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We'll be here when you're ready to come home."

Scorpio closed his eyes.

And Leoh stayed by his side, holding his hand, refusing to let go.

Alya stumbled forward out of the darkness, being led by Belenda, who had her by the hand.

She was expecting to be back in the woods, but she ended up in a building. Or rather, some kind of room…part lab, part command center, but something about it was wrong. The ceiling stretched too high, the walls bent at odd angles. The air buzzed faintly with static, as if the whole place were flickering between real and not real.

Belenda's hand stayed firmly wrapped around hers, trying to keep her calm.

"You're safe," Belenda said gently. "Stay close."

Alya swallowed and looked ahead.

Six strangers stood waiting across the open floor, armored, battle-worn, and solid, and a man about Kotaro's age crouched near a glowing console, fiddling with something strapped to his wrist.

They looked real. Solid. But the room itself shimmered faintly around them, like the world couldn't decide if it was real or not.

"Who... who are you?" Alya asked, her voice small.

The tallest one, a man with steady eyes and a quiet weight about him, stepped forward first.

"We're the Seikengers," he said simply.

Alya stared, confused.

"Seikengers?" she echoed. "I've never heard of you."

"It doesn't matter right now," Belenda said softly behind her.

Another figure, a girl with faint silver scales on her arms, gave a brief, tired smile, but said nothing.

Before Alya could say anything else, the man at the console pushed himself up sharply, shoving his glasses back into place.

"We need the Kagami Kyutama," he said, his voice sharper than he probably meant.

Alya flinched, stepping instinctively closer to Belenda.

"Who… who are you?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

The man blinked, as if only just realizing how harsh he sounded.

He stepped back a little, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Rix," he said, quieter now. "My name's Rix. Sorry. We're just… we're running out of time."

Alya nodded shakily, but stayed close to Belenda's side.

"I didn't build it," she said after a second, stumbling over the words. "Ryoko and I... we built it together."

Rix frowned. "Who's Ryoko?" he asked.

Alya hesitated, feeling her throat tighten.

"She's... my spirit guardian," she said softly. "She was supposed to help us."

Rix's face scrunched up in confusion. "Can you contact her?" he asked, trying to stay calm. "Can you reach her somehow?"

Alya shook her head quickly.

"I can't," she whispered. "When we used the Kagami Kyutama... something went wrong. I lost her. I haven't been able to reach her since."

Rix didn't argue this time.

"Ok," he said after a second, steadying himself. "Then you have to try. Please. Try to remember what you did."

Alya nodded, closing her eyes tightly.

She dug back through her memories– through panic, hope, everything tangled up together.

"The Eridanus Kyutama," she said finally, her voice shaking.

She could feel the weight of the Seikengers' attention shift toward her.

"And the Cup Kyutama," she added, a little stronger now.

She froze.

There was another… there was definitely another… but it slid away from her like water.

Belenda crouched quietly beside her, her hand resting gently on Alya's back.

"You're doing fine," she said. "Just breathe."

Alya gritted her teeth and tried harder, forcing herself to push through the fear.

A flash of darkness, folding inward.

"The Black Hole Kyutama," she gasped, the words tumbling out.

Rix was already moving, pulling pieces of shimmering equipment from his satchel, his focus razor-sharp.

"Good," he said. "That's what we needed."

"You didn't go home with Echidna?"

Shani looked up, startled. "Dad…."

Kosey sat down next to his daughter, still sitting in the waiting room. "You could have gone home."

"I didn't want to leave you."

"I work here."

Shani sighed. "Dad, come on. Something big just happened. And Dr. Gumala is here. I know Uncle Kyon went home."

Kosey sighed. "I know. I just… I don't know what to do."

Shani reached over, her hand resting awkwardly over his.

"You don't have to do anything," she said. "You just have to be here."

Kosey tried to smile, but couldn't.

"Feels like I should be fixing something," he said. "Saving somebody. That's what I'm supposed to do, right?"

"You're not supposed to save everyone," she whispered. "You're just... supposed to care. And you do."

Kosey exhaled slowly, looking down at the floor.

"Niveau..." he said, his voice rough. "She worked so hard. She fought for everything. She was finally happy. Kyon said she was pregnant."

"Pregnant?" Shani asked, blinking back tears.

Kosey could only nod.

They sat there for a moment, the hospital around them too quiet.

After a few minutes, Shani squeezed his hand a little tighter.

"Let's go home," she whispered. "I think we need to get out of here."

Kosey shook his head. "I don't want to leave yet."

"Because if you leave… it's real?"

A tear slipped down Kosey's cheek. "Shani… will you…?"

"We'll stay here as long as you need."

Kosey broke down in tears, and Shani joined him, never letting go of her father.

Rix tightened the last connection, his hands moving fast but precise.

The shard in front of him pulsed violently, a heartbeat that didn't match anything Alya could hear.

She stood frozen, her hands clenched at her sides, heart hammering against her ribs. She could feel it, the pull, the wrongness, like the world itself was about to tear apart.

"She's been born," Rix said quietly, almost reverently.

Alya didn't understand.

The shard floated above the pedestal now, pulsing like a living heart, and the whole room seemed to lean toward it– listening.

Lights overhead flickered.

The faint hum in the walls deepened into something that sounded almost alive, a low vibration, steady and slow.

Across the open floor, the Seikengers tensed instinctively, hands close to their weapons.

Rix stepped back, not taking his eyes off the shard.

"Everybody get ready," he muttered. "She's waking up."

Alya gripped the edge of her sleeve so tightly her knuckles ached.

The room filled with blue energy.

It started small, swirling around the shard like a vortex, and in the center of the swirl, a tiny black hole emerged, pulling the air around it inward with a soundless roar.

Everyone watched, frozen, as the blue energy spun faster, wider, growing strong enough to rattle the floor beneath their feet.

Alya staggered backward, but Belenda's hand found hers, steadying her without a word.

The swirling blue deepened, and for one terrible second, Alya thought the black hole would swallow them whole… then the blue energy surged.

It overtook the blackness in a blinding flash of light, and a split second later, all of it collapsed inward, leaving behind a single, shimmering fracture across the back wall.

"Move!" Rhaedyn barked, snapping them out of the frozen moment. "Everyone through!"

Thorne was already at the rear, motioning them forward, his stance wide, steady, ready to hold the door if he had to.

Rix grabbed the newborn shard, still hot to the touch and smoking slightly, and tucked her against his chest like something fragile and sacred.

Alya ran, gripping Belenda's hand so tightly she thought she might break it. They raced through the portal opening, Alya gasping as she started to lose her breath.

The sunlight was blinding, and despite the warm weather, the wind was freezing on her face.

As she ran, she noticed the Isekei Kyutama, still in her pocket, glowing.

She wanted to stop, but physically couldn't. She let go of Belenda's hand and pulled the Isekai Kyutama out of her pocket. She held it up to the light, and realized there was a light… and the light seemed to be connected to something.

She looked up quickly, and could see Eren racing towards her. And… his Isekai Kyutama was also glowing, the same green light.

Eren ran directly into Alya's arms, and for a moment, they just held each other.

"Are you all right?" Eren asked.

"I don't know how I got here," Alya responded.

"It's ok, the Kyurangers are here. Well, most of them. Stinger and the Commander aren't here."

"Eren–"

Before Alya could get another sentence in, she noticed a new, dark figure that hadn't been there before.

The figure peeled away from the others, and Alya froze. His disguise cracked apart like smoke, and he changed right in front of her. He was tall, black like polished stone, but cracked all over like something had broken inside him. His hands were sharp, shaped like chisels. Shards of mirror floated around him, warping the light and making everything shimmer wrong. Every step he took made the cracks on his body glow faint silver. And when he spoke, it wasn't one voice, it was dozens, piled on top of each other, fighting to be heard. Alya didn't know who he was. But she knew what he was. Jark Matter.

"Where… did…." Rix started to ask.

"Rix, look!" Luma cried out, pointing to the ground.

Rix saw what she was looking at, and raced over to it. Picking it up. Whatever is what. Alya had no clue what was going on.

"Who are you?!" Rhaedyn cried out.

"I am Pikutaro," Pikutaro announced. "Hidden in plain sight, and you ruined my moment."

"Gods, you're ugly," Balance told him, his voice carrying across the clearing.

Pikutora turned toward him, slow and deliberate, the shifting mask-face twisting into a sneer.

"Flattery," he said, that layered voice grinding through the trees.

Nobody laughed.

Rhaedyn stepped forward, planting himself squarely between Pikutora and the others.

His voice cut through the heavy air.

"Seikengers," he commanded. "Astral Shift!"

The six warriors lifted their Astral Fragments high, then brought them down into their reflection braces, setting them quickly.

Light burst outward, not stars, but the raw pulse of memory igniting into color.

Armor locked into place, sharp and brilliant.

They stood together, unshakable.

One by one, they stepped forward, names and souls bared.

Rhaedyn slammed his boot into the ground, planting his sword like a shield. "Shield of protection, Seiken Aegis!" he roared.

Thorne cracked his knuckles and lifted both arms wide in a powerful, defiant stance. "Force of strength, Seiken Bastion!"

Corza spun lightly on her toes, crouching low with sharp precision, ready to strike. "Speed of the tides, Seiken Surge!"

Luma brushed her heart with one hand and lifted it skyward, silver light dancing from her fingertips. "Light of healing, Seiken Lumina!"

Veyla crossed her arms into an X over her chest, then broke outward into a perfect symmetrical arc. "Balance of truth, Seiken Equinox!"

Rix spun a fragment between his fingers and pointed forward with a cocky grin, gloves sparking faintly. "Mind of invention, Seiken Grid!"

The earth pulsed beneath their feet. For just a breath, even Pikutora hesitated.

And then he attacked.

The Seikengers moved like water and fire.
Rhaedyn caught the first strike, shield braced solid against the blow.

Thorne countered immediately, his hammering punch cracking the ground with raw force.

Corza blurred around Pikutora's side, cutting deep with swift, sharp strikes.

Luma wove through the chaos like a shining thread, healing light radiating from her every move.

Veyla pivoted smoothly, redirecting every blade and mirror shard that came near.

Rix fired sharp bursts of energy from his fragment, picking weak points in Pikutora's defenses with terrifying precision.

Sparks burst in every direction.

But Pikutora was faster than expected, lashing out with spinning mirror shards, warping weapons from thin air. He slammed Thorne backward, forcing Luma to throw up a protective shield to cover him.
He caught Corza mid-dodge and sent her skidding across the ground with a brutal hit.

Watching from the treeline, Lucky clenched his fists, his whole body tensed with urgency.

"Kyurangers!" he shouted. "Star Change!"

"Okyuu!"

One by one, everyone's Kyutama's began to shout as the team quickly set them.

"Shishi!"

"Ookami!"

"Tenbin!"

"Oushi!"

"Hebitsukai!"

"Chameleon!"

"Washi!"

"Kajiki!"

"Koguma!"

"Houoh!"

"Kyoshichou Kyutama!"

"Seiza Change!"

"Come on, the Change!"

"Star change!" cried the Kyurangers.

Kyutamas locked into place with a click of light and sound.

"The ultimate saviors!" Lucky cried out as the team took their poses. "Uchu Sentai!"

A rainbow storm of energy filled the clearing as their voices roared together.

"Kyuranger!"

"Let's test your luck!" Lucky yelled out.

With a final burst of color, the Kyurangers charged forward, their powers crashing into Pikutora's like a second wave breaking against a crumbling wall.

Stars and Fragments– side by side.

The Kyurangers charged forward, their colors streaking like comets across the battlefield.

Lucky led the charge, slashing his sword in a brilliant arc of red energy. Garu followed at his side, claws bared, slashing Pikutora back with a flurry of wild, relentless blows.

Balance spun into the fray next, flipping and dodging with grace as his crossbow shot out laser arrows. "Try harder, baka!" he taunted, firing off a quick energy blast that ricocheted off Pikutora's warped armor.

Champ slammed into the fight with sheer brute force, his ax glowing with surging power as he collided with Pikutora head-on, pushing him several feet back with every earth-shaking attack.

Naga moved like a ghost, weaving through the battle with Hebitsukai Silver's silent elegance. He struck with precision, his scythe whipping outward, snagging one of the floating shards and yanking it free from Pikutora's control.

Hammie darted in from the side, almost invisible against the chaos, her rapier piercing neatly across one of the larger mirror projections. She flipped backward out of reach, her energy flashing like a breath of wind.

Raptor swooped overhead, Washi Wings flaring as she rained pink energy blasts down from above, driving Pikutora further onto the defensive.

Spada fought with methodical, sharp movements, wielding his slasher like a chef carving up chaos itself. His strikes were fast, deliberate, one wrong move and Pikutora would have been diced into pieces.

Kotaro darted in, a blur of blue and silver, leaping onto Pikutora's back and jabbing him with a blast of concentrated star energy from his seiza blaster. He laughed, full of wild energy, as he flipped out of the way before the monster could retaliate.

Tsurugi arrived like a falling star, sending down with a spiral of Houou energy that cracked the ground beneath them. "Holy moly, you're going to be easy to get rid!" he declared, his voice ringing like a hero from legend.

Lusca hovered just a little behind the others, but when she struck, it was with devastating precision. A beam of deep lavender energy from her Kyoshichou scythe, slicing into Pikutora's side and throwing him off balance.

Pikutora reeled, mirror shards spinning wildly out of control around him.

The Seikengers moved in next, their Astral Fragment powers burning bright.

Rhaedyn shielded the front line, catching and shattering the mirror weapons one by one. Thorne struck like a hammer, each punch heavier than the last, forcing Pikutora to stagger back.

Corza darted low, slicing through the monster's legs in a blur of ocean-blue speed. Luma's healing light kept everyone moving, knitting shallow injuries before they could slow anyone down.

Veyla danced through the fight, her motions clean and graceful, balancing the Seikengers' line with surgical precision. And Rix. Rix was everywhere, blasts of energy tearing through Pikutora's defenses wherever they wavered.

The combined might of Kyurangers and Seikengers hammered down again and again.

Pikutora stumbled backward, cracks running deeper across his corrupted body, the warped light around him sputtering and screaming.

And still, he didn't fall.

Corza flashed past Raptor, the two weaving together into a perfect slicing spiral.

Thorne locked shoulders with Champ, creating a living battering ram that shattered mirror shards on impact.

Spada and Luma flowed back to back, cutting and healing in the same breath.

Veyla caught a thrown shard mid-spin, hurling it back with Naga's whip lashing out to break it into pieces.

Lucky and Rhaedyn charged together, shield and star crashing into Pikutora's defense.

Kotaro and Lusca darted around the edges, their small size turning the battlefield into chaos.

Sparks flew.

Ground shattered.

Memory and starlight smashed into mirror and hate.

Pikutora reeled, cracks splitting deeper through his form, silver leaking like light through broken glass.

"He's unstable!" Rix shouted.

"Then we finish this now!" Lucky called back.

In perfect unity, the Seikengers and Kyurangers lined up, one pulse, one breath, one unstoppable force.

"Galaxy!" cried the seiza blasters.

"Awaken! Resonance!" cried the reflection bracers.

They launched as one.

Energy bursting forward, all colors of the rainbow.

Pikutora let out one final broken howl before the light swallowed him whole.

Mirror shards exploded outward in a shockwave of silver and black.

And when the dust settled, Pikutora was gone.

The battlefield hung in thick silence, the only sound the faint crackling of shattered mirror shards dissolving into dust. Even with so many people around, it was still silent.

Eventually, Lucky lowered his Seiza Blaster slightly, eyes sharp and wary. "Stay alert," he called out. "Sometimes they come back. Bigger."

Rix, still catching his breath, gave him a nervous sideways glance. "We... we don't have mecha," he said, almost apologetically.

Lucky cracked a grin, wiping sweat off his forehead. "That's fine," he said. "Since we killed off Don Armage, sometimes they don't come back. I think he would've come back by now. Yossha, lucky!"

A ripple of relief passed through the Kyurangers and Seikengers alike.

And then… it happened.

A strange brown light began to swirl around Naga. It came from nowhere–spiraling up from the cracked earth around his shoes, rising like mist, thick and slow.

Everyone turned to look.

The energy wrapped itself around Naga's body– not painful, not violent– just there, humming low and deep like a forgotten heartbeat.

Naga stood still, staring down at himself, bewildered.

Lusca gasped, rushing toward him. "Naga!"

Spada moved right behind her. "Are you hurt?"

Champ and Lucky were close behind, ready for a fight, but there was no enemy. Only Naga, glowing strangely, caught in something none of them understood.

Before any of them could make sense of it, the brown energy began to pull inward– like it was folding itself into his chest– and then, without a sound, it vanished.

Naga looked up. And for a moment, he seemed lost. Unaware of where he was or what he had been doing.

Then his gaze found Balance.

Without thinking, without a word, Naga shoved his way through Lusca and Spada, and then ran, right up to Balance, grabbing him in a tight, desperate hug, burying his face against his chest.

Balance staggered slightly from the impact, blinking in confusion, but his arms instinctively wrapped around Naga, steadying him.

"What's wrong?" Balance whispered, his voice soft with surprise. "You're ok. I've got you. That idiot's dead."

And then the brown energy returned.

This time it didn't engulf Balance's whole body, it shimmered only over his face, like a half-finished mask peeling away.

Everyone nearby froze, watching, stunned, as the last traces of the false shade burned off of him.

Balance looked startled for a moment, and then his arms tightened around Naga again.

"I love you, Naga," Balance said simply, fiercely, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Naga clung to him harder, the silent tears soaking into Balance's plating.

Balance didn't push him away, or tear away from the hug. He just stayed there, holding him tight.

Echidna gripped the edge of the couch, wincing as another cramp rolled through her lower abdomen.

Terazi knelt beside her, murmuring softly.

"You're all right. Breathe. It's just the stress."

But before either of them could react further, a faint brown, swirling energy began to rise, dancing lightly across Echidna's abdomen like mist caught in a current.

Echidna froze.

The energy shimmered once, then peeled away and vanished.

She let out a soft, almost startled breath, her body going still. The tension drained from her frame like water slipping through cracks.

Terazi leaned closer, not sure of what was going on.

"Echidna? Are you ok? Is the baby ok?"

Echidna blinked slowly, looking around the room as if seeing it for the first time.

Then she met Terazi's gaze, confusion flickering behind her silver eyes.

"What baby?" she asked simply.

Kosey and Shani sat side by side, not speaking, each lost in their own thoughts.

And then a strange shimmer filled the air between them.

The same brown energy, soft, swirling, almost hesitant, began to gather around them both.

It wrapped low around Shani's chest, like a ghostly embrace.

It curled higher around Kosey's head, a misted halo flickering across his temples.

They both stiffened instinctively, not from pain, but from the sheer wrongness of it.

Their eyes met.

Neither spoke. Neither moved.

The energy pulsed once, twice– then shattered into nothing, vanishing like mist in sunlight.

For a long moment, neither of them breathed.

Kosey's mouth opened, but no words came out.

Shani stared at him, wide-eyed, her fingers digging into the arm of the chair.

The bridge of the Orion was eerily quiet.

Shou was hunched over the controls, fingers flying as he tried to bring up any data he could find on the energy surge they'd just felt from the planet's surface.

Behind him, a small voice cracked through the stillness.

"Something's happening."

Kayda's voice. Tight, panicked.

He spun around and froze.

Kayda stood in the middle of the bridge — completely engulfed in swirling brown energy.

It wrapped around her like a living thing, spinning faster and faster until she was nearly impossible to see.

Only flashes of her silhouette flickered through the maelstrom — arms flailing, her small voice crying out again:

"What's happening?! Help me!"

He took a step toward her, heart in his throat.

"Kayda, just stay calm! I'm here! I won't let anything happen to you!"

The light intensified, blinding.

For one terrible moment, it seemed like she vanished completely — as if the energy had swallowed her whole.

And then, just as suddenly, the light collapsed inward with a sound like breaking glass.

Standing where the small girl had been was someone new.

A teenage girl, tall, taller even than Terazi, with long, unruly brown hair spilling down her back.

Her skin was lightly freckled, her body lean and strong.

And swaying behind her was an orange scorpion tail, tipped with a glinting stinger.

Shou staggered forward, staring at her like he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"Kayda!" he gasped.

She shook her head once, her brown eyes glistening.

"I'm not Kayda," she said, voice soft, steady… and utterly heartbreaking.

The hospital room was quiet, heavy with the low hum of monitors and the late afternoon light slanting across the floor.

Stinger sat close to Scorpio's bedside, his armor dismissed for now, his voice low and steady as he talked.

"You're doing good," he murmured. "You're still fighting."

Across the bed, Leoh sat stiffly in a chair, cradling Scorpio's hand between both of hers, her grip light but desperate.

At the foot of the bed, Dr. Gumala was jotting something down on a clipboard, glancing at Scorpio's monitors, nothing out of the ordinary.

And then… a ripple.

A sharp, brown energy crackled at the edge of his vision.

Stinger bolted upright instantly.

The energy coiled tighter, gathering around Dr. Gumala like a living thing. Dr. Gumala then reached his arms out, leaning towards Scorpio.

"Get away from him!" Stinger barked.

Without thinking, he lunged across the bed, shoving the doctor back with both hands.

There was a flash a sound like shattering glass, and Dr. Gumala broke apart.

Not fell… broke.

Chunks of false skin, fabric, and swirling energy exploded outward, revealing a monstrous figure beneath, towering, cracked black armor, mirror shards embedded deep into every inch of his body.

Dr. Gumala… was Jark Matter?!

Leoh screamed, stumbling back from Scorpio's bedside.

Scorpio struggled to move, weak but instinctively reaching toward Leoh, trying to protect her.

The Jark Matter spun toward the window without hesitation.

Stinger was already moving.

"Star Change!" he roared, slamming his kyutama into his seiza blaster.

Orange light burst around him, locking his armor into place just as the Jark Matter hurled himself at the window.

The glass shattered outward in a blinding spray of shards.

Without a second thought, Stinger launched after him.

He dove through the broken window, twisting midair, the wind screaming past his helmet.

He hit the ground hard, crouched in the street below, pain jarring up his legs — but he forced himself to stand, scanning frantically.

Pedestrians screamed, scattering.
Cars slammed on their brakes.
But the Jark Matter was gone.

Cursing under his breath, Stinger brought his seiza blaster to his mouth.

"Kyurangers!" he snapped. "Enemy disguised as Dr. Gumala at the hospital! He escaped through Scorpio's window. I'm on the ground. No visual."

The line crackled with static.

No answer.

Grinding his teeth, Stinger turned and sprinted back into the hospital, bolting up the emergency stairwell two steps at a time.

When he slammed the door open into Scorpio's room again, his heart pounding. He stopped dead in his tracks.

Scorpio was out of bed. Weak and trembling, but upright, holding Leoh in his arms.

Leoh was sobbing against him, her fists clinging to the back of Scorpio's hospital gown. She didn't even seem to notice that Scorpio's hand was covered in blood, probably from having to rip his IV out just to get away from the bed.

Stinger stood frozen for a moment, breathing hard behind his helmet, before removing his kyutama and going back to his civilian form.

He had no real idea of what was going on. But for now… he was just glad that his wife and brother were safe.

Alya stood frozen, her heart hammering against her ribs, as she watched the scene unfolding.

In the clearing ahead, Naga clung to Balance, and, for once, Balance didn't crack a joke, didn't pull away.
He just held him, silent, steady, like he knew if he let go, everything might shatter.

Alya didn't understand any of this. Not fully, but she felt it. Something had changed.

Her attention shifted when she caught a flash of movement out of the corner of her eye.

Belenda was running straight toward Lusca.

Before Lusca could react, Belenda caught her up in a fierce hug, tears already streaming down her face.

"Lusca..." she gasped out. "It's me."

Lusca froze, and then her knees buckled, her own arms wrapping around Belenda so tightly it looked like she might never let go.

"Belenda?! You're alive?!"

The words cracked out of her in a sob.

Both of them clung to each other, crying openly now. Alya smiled. It was all she could do.

But then, Alya stiffened.

She blinked hard, rubbing her eyes… but no, she wasn't imagining it.

Ryoko stood a few feet away, smiling at her.

"Grandma?" she whispered, as Ryoko walked closer to her. "Is that really you?"

"It's really me," Ryoko said. Ryoko's smile deepened.

And then she took Alya by the hand.

Alya froze. Her entire body went cold, couldn't even shiver. She didn't even know what to say… a physical touch?! How?!

"Look," Ryoko said, her voice like sunlight cutting through clouds.

Still dazed, Alya turned — following Ryoko's pointing hand.

Across the clearing, Typhon had walked over to Lusca.

"Typhon, you're here too," Lusca said. "It's Belenda! It's my mom! She wasn't killed by the venomous wolves! Typhon!"

Typhon smiled silently. He slowly lifted his hand up and placed it carefully on Lusca's shoulder.

Alya couldn't see Lusca's face, not from that angle, but she saw Lusca slowly looking at the hand placed on her shoulder.

Her heart was pounding. She was both nervous and excited. She wanted to shout from the rooftops, but she couldn't speak.

How was any of this possible?