Chapter Text
『Free! – Pre-Story: Road to the Curse! 』
フリー！– プレストーリー: Road to the Curse！
Greetings: It has been over 2 years since the conclusion of Free! Eternal Swim Chronicle and the completion of the original adventures. A lot has changed both in my personal and professional lives but I will once again, write on a new fanfic series. This is the start of the Generation 3.0. It is a "part-sequel, part-reboot and part-reset" as we will later dive further into the adventures ahead.
I will talk more about Generation 3.0 later on.
Do you need to have read both Generations 1 and 2? I would say be familiar with one of them at the minimal requirement. Gen 3.0 is gonna be for "advanced readers" and it will get very difficult to read. However, do that not let that stop you from enjoying all the moments. Even I had to take a break for a while so don't feel bad.
Anyway let's get started and I hope you enjoy the start of a new saga!
Story 1: The New Future
10 Years after The Final Battle, Olympia Magna enters the 2nd golden age of all new sports and new people. Yet, a new prophecy shimmers one day in the kingdom of Atlantis, prompting Julius and the others to start the wheel of fate once more. A bunch of characters will also have curtain call appearances to conclude their stories.
Guest Sports Anime Appearances: Hakyuu!, Kuroko no Basuke, Yuri On Ice, Daiya no Ace.
Other Guest Appearances: Tak & The Power of Juju
~Episode 1: The Birth and Rebirth~
The Kingdom of Atlantis
On a sunny day filled with tropical breezes, the residents rejoiced the fulfillment of the restoration of Olympia Magna. Festivities were taking place as guests from around the world attended the activities while several Atlanteans could visit all the other towns. Everyone in this world was finally connected as one. No more tensions between different sports and their cultures. Even if a problem did arise, they were solved quickly with peace and sincerity.
Neo King Julius along with his husband King Antonius attended to a theater play to help set up and to thank the sponsors. A bunch of teens and kids were reciting the story of the ancient past in a “general rating” style. They recited the shattering, the three saviors, and parts of the final battle. A couple of scenes included musicals.
The natives also were hosting their own stories and ancient legends to the audience to share their culture with the world as well. Some even had exclusive tours to the palace and its newly built museum.
King Poseidon, Marius, and Ulysses swam together with a bunch of other swimmers in a synchronized swimming. While they also did competitions, they donated all their prizes to their fellow competitors and friends as well as those in need. At one point, they did receive a special plaque of recognition and honorable mentions that was meant for theirs to keep.
King Suijin and Romulus waited for Trajan and Brutus to return from Phoenix (the former Sportsbrooke) by the Blue Bridge that connected the main continent to Atlantis. They were often asked to sign autographs by the newly visitors who traveled from afar.
By sundown, the festivities lit up with paper lanterns, fireflies, and fireworks. The crystal also glowed in its majestic sky blue above the palace.
Julius stared out on his balcony alone when he heard a knock on the door. He turned to see Trajan walking in.
“How was your trip to Phoenix?” Julius asked.
“It was wonderful but I’m afraid there’s something else…happening,” Trajan replied grimly, “It’s underground…”
Trajan led Julius down to the underground where the others waited for him.
“We tried to touch the water, but it kept boiling at our presence,” Poseidon answered.
“Yet we hear splashes down on the other end of the chamber,” Brutus explained.
“How is it possible? Did someone accidently fell to this sacred ground?” Julius asked as he approached the water. With a gentle touch, the water welcomed him in as it felt comfortable. He walked across the surface followed by the others where they saw a little child near one of the light stones.
The little kid gasped in fear, but Julius smiled and said, “The water suits you very well.”
He lends his hand out to the child and the kid grasped it in reply. A flashing image appeared in Julius’s senses and gasped to see the scene before him.
“This child…” he muttered.
“Is something wrong?” asked Antonius as Julius took a deep breath to relax.
“We must bring this one to our palace as a special guest. I’ll keep him under my wing with our trusted nurses,” Julius replied.
Once they settled the young one to a room, Julius returned to his throne room alone and called upon the crystal to reach out to the others in the eternal paradise. It was a difficult process since they separated their ties but Julius needed to know who this child belongs to and why it came here alone.
After a few failed attempts, Antonius lend his own power to him and together, they finally reached out to Pandora.
“Your majesty it’s been a long time,” she smiled.
“How have you been? The child here…” Julius began.
“Yes…he is one of my newborns,” Pandora revealed, “My dear Artemis…”
“What happened…why he is here in our world?” he questioned.
“…Chaos is back,” she said grimly.
They gasped while the daughter of Cosmos continued, “A new and terrifying prophecy has appeared in our sacred shrine. Because we have been both Dark Ones…the child has increased probability of becoming the next vessel of Chaos.”
“That’s terrible!” Antonius answered while Julius kept silent about “one of my newborns”. How many did she had?
“After what happened to us, I sent my husband back to the mortal realm. As you can see, Dodecadron is also own probation period for a redemption but I feared Chaos is doing something once again to prevent him from completing the journey,” Pandora answered painfully.
“We’ll take care of him as long as we can,” Julius replied, “If Dodecadron is back in this world…I might be able to find him quickly. But if not…”
“Don’t push yourself,” she said, “My sisters and I will do our best to find him.”
“Is there anything else you need from us?” Marius asked.
“Actually, there is…” Pandora replied, “A new curse was cast from another realm…just something that you might need to dig into if it has affected your world.”
“Sounds like a new trouble is brewing,” Romulus pushed his glasses.
“Then we should communicate more often,” Antonius added, “Especially now that this new crisis has begun.”
“We will talk again soon,” Pandora said as the communication began to break down, “Take care.”
Idaina Magna: The Suiei Temple
Pandora turned to her sisters as Morgan said, “What the hell!? Why did you just lie to them like that?”
“Because, if they knew exactly what happened to us…they will drop everything and be coming here to solve our problems. No. They fulfilled their happy endings. You know it,” she answered, “I can’t burden them anymore.”
“What do you plan to do?” asked Morgause.
“I…I don’t know,” Pandora said, “We’re gonna need help once more but we’re running out of options. Many us are here because we have our happy endings and thus there is no need to return to the mortal realms.”
“And you can’t return to the realm of the living either,” replied Elaine, “Your story is done.”
“But Dodecadron...” began Morgan.
“I have gifted my husband with a talisman so that he may stay safe and when he fulfills his destiny…he will one day return to us,” Pandora explained, “His redemption story has begun…”
***
Back in Atlantis
Julius peaked into the room were Artemis was sleeping. He put a protection spell to the room so no one of evil would dare to break in or for him to escape. There was access to a bathroom in case the child had to use it.
He made his way back to his master room with Antonius as his beloved sat outside.
“We finally have peace…but could this really be the beginning of a new premonition?” Antonius asked.
“Nothing will wreak havoc to this world again,” Julius reassured, “Our allies have made sure of that.”
“That may be true but this child…is alien…I’m worried it will try to break even the tiniest cracks,” he said.
Julius rested his hand on Antonius’ shoulder, “Nankurunisa…”
They exchanged a brief kiss on the lips, knowing that they will overcome whatever the future holds in store. It would be a long journey ahead but one day when they retire, they will join with their Generation 1.0 selves.
“Take me again…” Julius breathed silently as Antonius began to flirt his body again before crashing gently on their soft majestic bed.
Next Morning…
The little Artemis woke up and saw a note written from the man who discovered him last night:
Pleased to meet you Artemis. My name is Neo King Julius. Please use the washroom to clean yourself. One of my nurses will assist you if you need help. Afterwards, we would love for you to join us for breakfast.
Artemis shivered in fear from what happened before…a disaster struck and woke up in a dark cavern of water.
One of the servants walked in after taking off the protection barrier and saw Artemis’s face filled with tears.
“A-Are you okay?” the young maiden asked.
“M-mommy…where is my mommy?” Artemis replied, “I’m scared…mommy, where are you!?”
Julius walked in as he used the power of his solar crystal to bring in warmth and hope to the child. Artemis stared in awe by the beautiful king before him.
“I have sensed you are in deep worry,” Julius said, approaching to him.
Artemis nodded and started to cry. Julius gently patted him on the head and continued, “Your mother is alive and well. I have seen a vision of her and she’s praying for you to be safe. She can’t reach to you now, but I was asked by her to watch over you in her place.”
“I’m so sorry,” Artemis replied, “I…I don’t know what happened but all I remember is being with my family and then everything grew dark and lots of screaming happened before I woke up in the water where you found me.”
Julius turned to the maiden and said, “I’ll help him clean up. Tell the others that they can start breakfast without me.”
“Of course,” she nodded and left the room.
After an hour, Julius brought the young Artemis to the outside patio where the others were chatting away and eating happily.
“Everyone, this little one is Artemis,” Julius introduced, “We are going to help this kid by raising him as if he is our child.”
“P-Pleased to meet you all,” Artemis bowed before them, “I am new to this place, so I apologize if I am not formal.”
They introduced themselves while Artemis smiled and ate a bunch of fruit and fish while Julius thought about this child more in his head.
The child is mysterious, but Artemis goes by a male identity, I wonder if there’s more to this person than what meets the eye…Pandora, what the hell happened to you and Dodecadron, Julius noted quietly.
“Arty-chan, do you like penguins?” Suijin asked.
“Penguins?” he replied, confused.
“EHHHH!? Don’t tell me you never seen a penguin!” the king gasped.
“Suijin relax!” Romulus replied.
“No, I have heard of them…I just never met one before,” Artemis shrugged.
“We’ll give you a tour of our kingdom,” Marius smiled, “And as a bonus you’ll have a VIP pass from us to visit all the animals including penguins.”
“May I ask where am I at? It’s such a grand place…” Artemis began.
“Welcome Artemis…to our beloved Kingdom of Atlantis,” Romulus introduced, showing the view out with his hands, “We are the Iwasame Kings of this massive kingdom with our own castles and smaller realms on other islands. But we come here a lot for most of our work.”
“We’re happy to have you here,” Brutus chuckled, “You’ll love what this kingdom has to offer! Do you perhaps want a stag beetle souvenir?”
“I…uh…Julius told me about Atlantis a little bit, but I never thought it would be such a huge place,” Artemis nodded.
“You haven’t seen the rest of the world. This is planet Olympia Magna,” Antonius added, “There are many other cities on bigger continents including Phoenix or aka Sportsbrooke.”
“S-Sportsbrooke?” Artemis’ eyes raised a little.
“Y-you heard of it?” Poseidon asked.
“Yes! My mother once told me about it…a town where all sports reside in coexistence,” the child said.
“Indeed, Sportsbrooke was a unique town but it was also corrupted for a time. Certain sports were illegal to play but after a group of heroes arrived, they helped bring them back,” Trajan smiled.
“Is there a way to visit that town? I would like to go see it,” Artemis asked.
“We will go there very soon,” Julius answered.
The Miracle Palace, Phoenix
(Formerly the city was called Sportsbrooke from Free! Eternal Swim Chronicle, Gen 2.0 saga)
The sun rose in a gradient of rainbows as the day began anew for the megacity. So many different sports inhabited and coexisted with acceptance and pace for each other. It was almost hard to keep track who, but everyone got each other’s backs.
Kise, Yukio, Aomine, Takao, Midorima, Murasakibara, Junpei, Teppi, and Rinnosuke peaked through the doorway leading to the Temple of Time and the sacred fire as they saw King Kagami Sakuragi along with Kuroko and Akashi in a conversation.
“What’s going on?” Yukio muttered.
“Did one of them foresaw a vision?” Takao commented.
“It’s been a while that they used this sacred place,” Aomine nodded.
“Perhaps they don’t want anyone in?” Rinnosuke shrugged.
“Please chew your food quietly…” Midorima stared at Murasakibara sharply, “Or else…”
Seconds later, they felt something banging on the door. It turned out Akashi threw three scissors towards them.
“Honest to gods they never change,” Akashi sighed, “Aren’t you all gonna come in?!”
The group stumbled over as Kuroko and Kagami shared a sweat drop of nervousness and low chuckle.
“What news do you bring?” King Kagami smiled.
“Neo King Julius is coming to town with a new guest!” Kise said, “We heard the gossip going around through the girls and…”
“Momoi and Riko sure like to talk,” Kuroko chuckled.
“Speaking of that child…that’s exactly what I was told in the sacred fire,” Kagami revealed.
“EHHH!?” they gasped.
“I thought you don’t…” began Takao.
“I was trained by Akashi and with help from Kuroko…I now have the emperor eye,” Kagami explained.
“Our Kagami has finally grown up hasn’t he…?” Aomine flirted around him.
“Take it easy now,” he answered sternly.
“S-Sorry!” the blue-hair blushed as the others laughed.
“So now what?” Murasakibara asked as he finished up his chips.
“We’ll do like we did for the good ol’times,” Kuroko nodded, “A celebration of our city in 10 years of existence with freedom, peace, and love.”
Hinata-Kuwahara Apartment
Natsu Hinata turned to her beloved Sayako Kuwahara while cooking breakfast. The latter woke up late as usual, but it was at least a day off from work.
“You’re so cute with that apron,” Sayako commented while brushing her hand through Natsu’s hair. The two were happily married for quite some time now as it felt like it was only yesterday.
“It’s the one you bought for me,” Natsu chuckled as they kissed briefly.
Natsu’s cellphone rumbled a little. Picking it up, she read a text message from her brother:
Guess what? Julius is coming! And he’s got a new guest from the kingdom!
“EHHHH!? It’s been 2 years since he was here,” Natsu gasped as she began to reply back.
“Julius eh?” Sayako laughed, “That man sure knows how to make his announcements.”
The timer beeped for the eggs as Natsu panickily finished her message and tried to save the breakfast from burning. They both ate a nice breakfast and readied themselves for practice. From there, they prepared themselves ready for their sports of volleyball and kendo.
“I’ll call you when I’m on break!” Sayako waved.
“Yeah, love you!” Natsu smiled back as she walked to the other direction.
Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden
Viktor and Yuuri K. took a walk down through the Desert Botanical Garden to enjoy the sightseeing. Their 10th wedding anniversary was coming up and they decided to do a double date with Otabek and Yuri P. but for now, this was their time.
The garden itself was filled with cacti, succulents, sculptures from different cultures as well a bunch of unique trees found around the world.
They both retired from figure skating about 6 years ago, but they made special appearances for a short while. With their collection of gold medals stored safely in their new home, they sometimes look back and feel satisfied.
Yuuri also thought back to when he did his archery training and considered going back into it and be a teacher. Viktor on the other hand wanted to work more with the gardens like this.
“So what do you think?” Yuuri asked.
“Hm?” Viktor answered.
“You wanting to work here?” he completed.
“I like it…it’s definitely a new chapter from skating but…it’ll definitely keep me busy. What it needs is a few roses in the mix,” Viktor smiled, “And I think you’ll be a great teacher too with your bow and arrow.”
They cuddled happily and continued to walk through the flora maze. A bunch of quails ran around in circles and tweeted.
Neo Karasuno: The Great Town Park
Away from the massive desert lies the grassy prairies blessed from the reformation of the world. With the miracle cleaning the radiation from site, it was possible to move in and restore the town further.
The city grew to almost 250,000 people since its inception. Transportation was also built in connection to Sportsbrooke and Atlantis.
Meanwhile, our beloved volleyball gents were teaching new students on several defensive techniques and passes.
Shouyou smiled as his students were already on their way to becoming new athletes for this team. The White Doves created their own school district as well as the new White Doves Elementary, Middle and High School Teams. Tobio arrived a bit late after having a doctor’s appointment but assisted the new students as well.
More districts were built as well with their own teams including: Nekoma, Date Tech, Aobajousai, and several others. Their friends including Kenma Kozume, Kuuro Tetsurou, Sou Inuoka, Takanobu Aone, Hajime Iwaizumi and others decided to help raise these other teams but at the end of the day, they were all “White Doves”.
While volleyball was most common here, they were collaborating with King Eijun Mihashi to bring baseball as well. There was plenty of flat area in this region of the world that would allow a dozen of diamonds to be built.
After practice, Shouyou and Tobio joined up with their friends at the Wildlife World Zoo to catch up on updates. Kenma was in the zone of his portable game while Kuroo watched the others teasingly bet on their teams.
“Our team is looking strong and ready to start some matches!” Sou smiled.
“You best be ready for us,” Aone smirked.
“None of you guys know what we have to show,” Hajime laughed.
“AH…Shou-chan! Tobi-chan!” Sou cried out happily.
“We made it! By the way, did you hear the news?” Shouyou asked.
“Yeah, I wonder who Julius will bring this time?” Sou replied as they exchanged a hug.
“The king hasn’t really set forth from his kingdom though in the last few years…I pray that he is doing well,” Aone answered.
“Well as king, I’m sure he must support his people,” Kenma replied.
“Kenma…” Shouyou sighed.
“Shou-cha,” Sou held him back.
“I appreciate that he resurrected me and Noya but still…the name…bothers me a little,” he bluntly answered.
“Look, he didn’t mean to kill you or Noya-chan, we were all betrayed by Kei and that’s how it all fell out. Anyway, I don’t wanna consider the past anymore,” the ginger-man said, “I’ve regretted the things I’ve done, and I am sure that he feels the same too.”
“He’s right…” Nishinoya arrived at the scene, “I may not be happy about what happened, but this is a great miracle…because now we can get to share our love of our sport as well as living happily ever after.”
Kenma sighed and answered, “The truth is…I’m not good with people and I don’t always like to interact.”
Kuroo rested his arm around him and answered, “You might have died but don’t forget…you were able to save us when we were in dire need. Julius was able to give you another chance so why can’t it be said the same?”
“It’s because that power…is both majestic and terrifying…it’s the same reason why our world fell apart in the first place. Sure, the truth of history is recorded and it was the Dark One manipulating through that man’s body but…I fear that this peace may be temporary. The news today about Julius coming back to the continent, I have a feeling there’s more to it,” Kenma revealed.
“We’ll find a way to overcome whatever gets in our way,” Shouyou answered, “Remember that we are together now.”
Kenma nodded as the others cheered him up a little while they entered the zoo. However, Kenma's heart was not feeling the same as the others...he has to talk with the king and it had to be done as soon as the opportunity opens.
Old El Dorado: Tak’s Palace
Queen Jeera sat alone in her private chamber, praying to the Moon Juju for assistance. After a long period of incantations, the goddess appeared.
“My sweet majesty Jeera, what troubles you?” Moon Juju asked.
“I’m worried…in my dreams…I foresaw Julius walking with a child…and I saw another child in the background trapped behind a glass casing with water. I managed to contact the Dream Juju and it spoke a riddle to me…” she explained.
“What was the riddle?” the goddess questioned.
“Only two words: Allegiant Twins,” the queen said.
King Tak arrived in Jibolba’s room as the former shaman was dying on his mat. The other villagers moved out of the way to allow him through. He saw Tak kneeling next to him, begging to stay alive.
“It’s been a long journey for all of us but now that our world is restored…time finally flows once more for all of us,” the shaman muttered.
“It doesn’t have to be,” Tak replied, “I’ll save you.”
“No…Tak…I’ve seen your development and you finally have become a better king to all of us,” he smiled.
“I-I don’t know how to say goodbye,” Tak tearfully answered, “You were like a father…”
Jibolba smiled, “I’m glad I was able teach you everything…remember your duty…and your queen…she’ll need you more than ever…”
The old shaman closed his eyes as Tak’s eyes drenched his face. Jeera walked in and huddled with her husband as the servants prepared the deceased man for departure and eventual burial.
Back in Atlantis
Artemis followed Julius though the wonders of the water kingdom. The villagers were doing their daily activities through the markets, schools, and recreation. Two guards were commissioned by Julius as an extra layer of defense.
The little one was in total awe at the sight of the atmosphere. Everyone was happy. A bunch of little kids were running around in the beach while an elderly brought an order of caught fish.
There were several different vendors that clearly were not from this kingdom as part of trading with the other regions.
“Hi there!” a little kid waved to Artemis.
“h-hello,” Artemis replied.
“Are you new to this town?” the kid asked.
“Y-yes,” Artemis blushed slightly.
Julius chuckled as he watched the two talking. The kid bowed upon seeing Julius.
“No need to be formal,” the king said, “Our new friend is exploring the city.”
“I love Atlantis! It’s one of the most aesthetics places in the world!” the kid replied.
“I think so too, it’s beautiful,” Artemis agreed, “What’s your name?”
“I call myself Shushepen,” the kid said, exchanging a handshake to Artemis as the latter introduced himself his name.
“I have to go,” Shushepen replied, “Have fun looking around Artemis!”
Julius and Artemis continued their way through the streets before heading to one of the beaches as well. The great crystal continued to shine above, protecting everyone.
Artemis sat down on the sands as he suddenly felt a bit sad.
“I wish mother was here…” the child spoke sadly.
Julius dug through his cloak before handing Artemis a heart-shaped necklace containing a small piece of the crystal inside.
“This was given to me from your mother. She wants you to wear it, so you’ll feel safe,” he replied, “One day you’ll find your way back to her.”
Artemis took the necklace and put it on as a bunch of seagulls soared through the scene. The sun was almost going to set soon but nobody was in a hurry to go anywhere. The two smiled at the wonders of their world as the ocean remained its calm and peaceful state.
~Next Water Time: Episode 2: The Forbidden Prophecy!~