As Daru and Zodiac prepared to deliver the final blow to conclude their battle, they both lost consciousness just before making contact. Gram and the others quickly rushed to their side, relocating Daru and Zodiac to a safe area for recovery. After some time, both Daru and Zodiac regained consciousness.
Zodiac: What just happened?
Daru: (Yelling) Ancho! Ahh, w-what the heck… where am I?
Gram, Himitsu, and Kono observed as Zodiac and Daru stirred awake. They approached the pair, who were resting in beds.
Kono: (Smiling and waving) Hey, guys! How are you feeling? You're in a house that, surprisingly, isn't destroyed after the fight with Ancho.
Gram: Indeed… that was an intense battle. I genuinely thought one of you might not make it.
Himitsu: You both really gave it your all!
Zodiac: Hmph, unbelievable…
Daru: (Swinging his legs over the side of the bed) My arm actually hurts.
Gram: Oh, I can take care of that.
Gram walked over to Daru and handed him a bottle.
Gram: Here, drink this.
Daru accepted the bottle from Gram and began to drink.
Gram: You'll feel better in a few minutes.
Kono: I just want to say, you both are remarkable. The way you collaborated to defeat Ancho was impressive.
Daru: He escaped because of this idiot. (Glances at Zodiac)
Zodiac: Yeah, it was entirely my fault for allowing him to get away. (Sarcastically)
Himitsu: (Sighs) Not this again.
Kono: I think we should share the news with them.
Daru and Zodiac perked up at Kono's suggestion.
Daru: Tell us what?
Zodiac: Yes, what is it?
Kono: Himitsu, would you like to explain?
Himitsu: Huh?
Gram: You idiot, the information you shared earlier. (Whispers) The Zatarains!
Himitsu: Oh, right! Well, we have concluded that you two are brothers.
Daru and Zodiac's eyes widened, and they both exclaimed.
Daru: WHAT?! BROTHERS?!
Zodiac: You're joking, right?
Himitsu: No, this is not a joke. Consider it… Zodiac and Daru share nearly everything.
Daru: Like what?
Himitsu: For starters, your hair flickers almost all the time, not to mention you have the same… tattoos.
Daru: (Crosses his arms) Okay, I did notice Zodiac's hair flicker.
Zodiac: My hair flickered again?
Gram and Kono: Yes!
Kono: It was flickering white; it was so cool!
Gram: Yeah, it was scary.
Himitsu: Another thing is that Zodiac and I encountered an army calling themselves the Nitharians.
Daru: (Shocked) Nitharians! Wait, you fought them as well?
Himitsu: We didn't fight them; we only encountered them.
Zodiac: He is correct. Several years ago, our kingdom was raided by them.
Himitsu: The important point is that they were searching for Zatarian children.
Daru: You may be onto something. When I encountered them, I was with Zenshi and her father, who mentioned they were looking for Zatarians. Upon our return, Rito and Zenshi informed me that I am a Zatarian and have a sibling.
Kono: So that implies you two are indeed brothers.
Daru: I can hardly believe it!
Gram: What?
Daru: That my brother is so weak.
Zodiac: I was hoping for a brother who wasn't a complete moron.
Daru: Do you want to go for round two?
Zodiac: Bring it; I will finish it this time for sure.
Kono: (Excited) OH YEAH!
Gram: (Concerned) NO! We're not doing this!
Daru and Zodiac exchange hostile glares.
Gram: Himitsu, please continue with what you were saying.
Himitsu: Right. Everything that has happened is coming together. If that's not enough proof, you can look at each other's tattoos.
Daru looks at Zodiac.
Daru: Where is your tattoo?
Zodiac: It's on the left side of my neck. (Turns his head to the left) And yours?
Daru stands up, removes his shirt, and turns around, revealing his tattoo on his back.
Daru: Here it is.
Kono: Wow! They are identical.
Gram: They truly are brothers.
Himitsu: See, I told you both have the same ones.
Zodiac: I hate to say it, but I guess you are my brother then.
Daru: (Putting his shirt back on) Yeah, I hate it too.
Gram: Well, that's settled. What's next?
Kono: Well, I was going to—
Daru: We should leave and resume our search.
Kono: But I was going to—
Zodiac: Yeah, us too; we're leaving.
Kono: But I wa—
Gram: Well, I guess that's that.
Kono: Guys!?
Himitsu: I believe so. It was nice meeting you.
Gram: It was a pleasure.
Gram and Himitsu exchange glances as they begin to tear up.
Gram: (Tearing up) I'm going to miss you, man.
Himitsu: (Tearing up) Me too, man, me too.
Himitsu and Gram embrace, crying.
Gram: (Crying) I'M GOING TO MISS YOU!!
Himitsu: ME TOO, MAN!!
Kono: GUYS!!!!!
Everyone turns to Kono, who appears frustrated. Himitsu and Gram cease their embrace.
Kono: Thank you.
Daru: You good?
Zodiac: Why are you raising your voice?
Kono: Because I was trying to say something, jeez.
Gram: Well, what is it?
Himitsu: Yeah, what's up?
Kono: You guys can't go back.
Daru: Excuse me?
Himitsu: Why is that?
Zodiac: I can go back if I want to.
Gram: What do you mean we can't go back?
Kono: There is no D jumper present.
Daru: What? Where is he then?
Kono: I do not know.
Gram: WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON'T KNOW!!!
Himitsu: You're joking, right, Kono?
Gram: (Crying) WE'RE TRAPPED! OH… GOD, WE'RE TRAPPED HERE FOREVER.
Kono: Don't panic, there's another way for you to get back.
Gram stops crying.
Gram: Huh? (Smiling, raising his hands) Yes!! Yes, we are not trapped here.
Zodiac: What is the alternative route?
Kono: The only way back is if you accompany me to… Sampostis.
Himitsu: What is that?
Daru: Sampostis?
Zodiac: How do we reach there?
Gram: (Crying) THANK YOU, GOD! THANK YOU!!
Kono: Sampostis is a large city with many people. That's where the D jumpers come from, like me.
Himitsu: You are a D jumper!
Kono: Well… (Pausing to think) Yes, I am a D jumper.
Gram: (Crying) THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Daru: Gram, shut up!
Zodiac: D jumper this, D jumper that; can you explain who those people are?
Kono: Alright, I was about to explain that; no need to be rude. D jumpers are part of an organization in Sampostis called "The Order of Triumph." Our mission is to traverse dimensions and restore order. We aid, resolve, and eliminate any issues on our mission board.
Himitsu: Wow, "The Order of Triumph" sounds impressive! I suppose it makes sense that you carry a crystal for travel.
Kono: Oh, you are referring to those advanced portal crystals.
Gram: Oh, so that's their name.
Kono: Yes! We do not have many, as they are still in early development.
Zodiac: How do you navigate through dimensions?
Kono smiles widely.
Daru: I'm not sure I like this.
Kono: Come on, I'll show you.
Gram: Alright, let's go.
Daru: Fine, but you better bring us back to our dimension afterward.
Everyone rises and begins to follow Kono, engaging in conversation as they walk.
Zodiac: Where are you taking us?
Kono: Just come along, stop asking so many questions.
Daru: Seriously, stop asking so many questions.
Zodiac: Shut up before I kill you.
Daru: (Smiling) I'd love to see you try.
Gram: Are we nearly there?
Kono: Just a little further.
Himitsu: I have a strong feeling this is going to be a fantastic surprise.
Kono: Trust me, it will be!
Upon arriving at their destination, they discover a cluster of spaceships.
Kono: We have arrived.
Daru: Wow…
Zodiac: I wasn't expecting this.
Himitsu: (Standing beside Gram) THIS IS AWESOME!!
Gram: Can you not yell in my ear?
Himitsu: Oh, sorry.
Kono: This is the ship dock, where everyone stores their ships when traveling to a new dimension. Some dimensions have docks, but not all do. At times, you simply have to find a place to land.
Zodiac: That's good to know.
Daru: So, which one belongs to you?
Kono: Right over here.
Kono begins to walk, and the others follow her once more. She stops and gestures toward her ship, which is accompanied by two vessels: one strikingly attractive and the other rather unattractive.
Kono: Here she is.
Gram: Wow, this is amazing! It's beautiful!
Daru: Yes, not bad at all.
Zodiac: It'll do.
Himitsu: (Tearing up) This is extraordinary!!!
Kono: Thank you, I know she's a beauty.
Kono approaches her ship, passing the attractive one to reach a small, unattractive yellow vessel. Everyone looks on in disbelief.
Gram: T-t-t-this is your ship?
Kono: Indeed! This is her. I call her Mav.
Himitsu and Gram stifle their laughter at the name.
Daru: You've got to be kidding me.
Zodiac: This is ridiculous.
Kono: What? This ship is fantastic! Come on, let's get moving.
Everyone follows Kono inside, but as soon as they enter, a horrendous odor assaults their senses.
Gram: (Covering his mouth and nose) EWWW! WHAT THE HELL IS THAT SMELL!?
Himitsu: (Making gagging noises) I think I'm going to be sick.
Zodiac covers his nose.
Daru: Let's just go.
Kono: Roger that! Everyone, take a seat.
They all find a place to sit.
Kono: This is Captain Kono, preparing for takeoff in three.
Gram: Please, God, keep me safe. I don't want to die.
Kono: Two.
Himitsu: Yeah, what he said.
Zodiac and Daru sit down with their arms crossed.
Kono: One!
As Kono initiates the jump, the ship powers up and lifts off the ground but suddenly drops back down and shuts off.
Gram and Himitsu: What just happened?!?
Kono: Oh… Not again.
Zodiac: That doesn't sound promising.
Daru: What seems to be the issue?
Kono: It appears we need a kick start.
Daru: Hmm… Alright, I can handle that.
Gram: Excuse me?!
Kono: You can!?
Daru: Yes, it's a kick start.
Gram: What do you know about ships?
Daru: Not much.
Daru stood up, and Gram followed him to kick start the ship. As they took their positions behind the ship, Daru shouted to Kono from outside.
Daru: Alright, on three!
Kono: Understood!!
Daru: One, two, three!
Kono activated the ship, and Daru kicked the back with all his strength.
Gram: What the—YOU IDIOT! THAT'S NOT GOING TO WORK!
Daru: What do you mean? She said to kick start it.
Gram: That's not how you jump start something; it's not goi-.
Before Gram could finish, the ship roared to life.
Daru: Ah-ha! See, I told you.
Gram: WHAT!! HOW!!
Daru and Gram climbed back into the ship.
Himitsu: Excellent job, Daru. How did you manage to start it?
Gram: He kicked it.
Kono: Really??
Zodiac: (shaking his head) Dumbass.
Daru: At least I contributed instead of just sitting inside.
Kono: Well, you got it started. Now let's initiate the jump!!
Gram and the others settled back into their seats, ready for the jump.
Kono: Take off in three, two, one!!
As Kono pressed the button, the ship accelerated faster than light into the air, plunging them into a swirling portal of colors. The ship disintegrated into particles.
Gram: Ahh! I can't breathe! I'm going to die!
Himitsu: M-me too!
Daru: Weaklings.
Zodiac chuckled softly. After a few moments, they arrived at their destination.
Kono: Oh, did I forget to mention not to hold your breath?
Gram and Himitsu: NOOO!!
Kono: Oh, sorry.
Zodiac looked out the window and saw countless ships soaring through the sky.
Zodiac: There are so many ships.
Kono: (laughs) Yes, this place is vast!
Daru glanced outside and noticed the ships as well. Gram and Himitsu pressed against him for a better view, pushing him aside.
Daru: Hey!
Gram: Woah!
Himitsu: I've never been this high up before!
Kono: (laughs) Well, everyone, we've arrived!
As they all looked out the window, they beheld a massive floating futuristic city.
Gram: THE CITY IS IN THE SKY!!!!!
Himitsu: THIS IS AWESOME!!
Zodiac: It's okay.
Daru: Can you all move?
Daru gently pushed Himitsu and Gram aside.
Kono: Indeed, it's a floating sky city.
Kono proceeded to the loading dock to land the ship.
Kono: We have landed; let's proceed outside.
Himitsu exited the ship urgently, calling out.
Himitsu: SAMPOSTIS!!!
His loud voice attracted the attention of people in the loading dock.
Guy 1: Is he alright?
Guy 2: Who is that?
Zodiac and the others disembarked, noticing the stares directed at them. Zodiac gave Himitsu a light smack on the back of the head.
Himitsu: Ouch!
Zodiac: Fool.
Guy 3: Wait, is that Kono?!
Guy 4: It is! Hey, Kono!
Kono: Oh, hey guys! How's it going?
Guy 4: Quite well, thank you.
Guy 3: Hey Kono, who are those guys? (Looks at Daru and the others.)
Kono: Oh, they're my… umm… (whispers) my crew.
Guy 4: Seriously!?
Kono: Yes, but don't tell anyone yet.
Guy 4: Why?
Kono: Just trust me, don't mention it to anyone, alright?
Guy 3: Of course, we won't say a word.
Kono: Thanks, guys. You're the best.
Guy 4: Anything for you, Kono. (smiles)
Daru approached Kono.
Daru: Is everything alright, Kono?
Kono: (startled) Huh!? Yes! Everything is fine, let's go.
Daru gestured for Gram and the others to follow. As they began to catch up with Kono, Zodiac walked past the group Kono was conversing with and glanced at them.
Guy 3: (smiling and waving) Hello!
Zodiac did not respond, maintaining a serious demeanor.
Guy 4: That guy is scary.
Guy 3: Yes, I must agree.
Kono and the others started walking toward the gate.
Gram: So, where are we headed now?
Kono: Umm… to my house.
Zodiac: Stop.
Everyone came to a halt, and Kono realized she had been caught.
Zodiac: Why are we going to your house? You mentioned we needed to come here to return to our dimension.
Kono: Alright, you caught me.
Himitsu: What do you mean?
Kono: While we were on the ship, I noticed it required fuel.
Daru: And?
Kono: Well, refueling my ship takes, uh… a full day.
Gram: (upset) Ahhhhhh!! I can't handle this!! I just want to go home!
Daru: A full day!?
Himitsu: Damn.
Zodiac: Why didn't you inform us sooner?
Kono: I wanted to discuss something with all of you.
Daru: About what?
Kono: About joining my crew.
Gram: (upset) We're stuck here for a day AHHHHH!!!
Himitsu: It's alright, Gram; don't worry.
Zodiac: That still doesn't clarify why you brought us here.
Kono: I hoped that visiting the place might persuade you to stay and join my crew.
Zodiac steps closer to Kono, who becomes visibly frightened.
Zodiac: One day, then we leave.
Kono: (nervously) O-okay.
Zodiac begins walking ahead.
Gram: (crying) Ahhhhh!!
Daru: Gram, shut up!!
Gram: (crying) I'm trying.
Himitsu: It's okay; don't worry. Himitsu is here.
Kono moves in front of Zodiac, and they all start to follow her. Kono reaches the gate of Sampostis, where guards stand on either side, wearing armor and carrying tech assault rifles.
Sampostis Guard: (raises hand) Halt!
Kono and the others stop.
Sampostis Guard: State your name.
Kono: Kono Sawuda.
The Sampostis Guard pulls out a smart tablet and scrolls through a list of names. Shocked, he finds Kono's name.
Sampostis Guard: Kono!?!
Kono: Huh?
Sampostis Guard: (removes helmet) It's Fin!!
Zodiac and the others exchange glances and shrug.
Kono: FIN!!! Oh my gosh! You became a guard, Fin!?
Fin: Yes, I just became one today. I got my helmet.
Kono: That's fantastic! Oh, and these are my friends. (points)
Fin looks at them, smiles, and waves.
Fin: Hello! How are you all?
Gram: Horrible.
Himitsu: (smiling) He's fine; don't worry.
Zodiac: Are you going to let us through or not?
Daru: I hate to say it, but I agree.
Fin: Oh, sorry! Yes, you may proceed. We'll talk later, Kono.
Kono: Absolutely; you know where I live.
Kono waves goodbye to Fin as she leads them to her house.
Kono: Ahh! Here we are!
As Kono says this, the others see a half-broken-down house with bugs flying around the front door.
Gram: (crying) AHHHHHHH!!
Himitsu: It doesn't look that bad.
Zodiac: Yes, it does.
Daru: It looks disgusting.
Kono: No, it's fine; trust me. Come in! I'll prepare some food and show you to your rooms.
Kono takes them inside the house. As they enter, the place appears to have not been cleaned in ages. When Gram steps through the door, a spider falls onto his face.
Gram: AHHHHHH!! SPIDER!! THERE'S A SPIDER ON MY FACE!!!! GET IT OFF, GET IT OFF, AHHHHH!!
Daru punches Gram in the face where the spider was, knocking him out cold.
Daru: Finally, some peace and quiet.
Zodiac: I agree.
Himitsu picks up Gram from the floor and begins to carry him.
Himitsu: I've got you, buddy.
Kono: Oh, one more thing.
Daru: (Sighs) What is it?
Kono: Before you leave, you have to meet my brother.
Zodiac: Didn't I just say that we were leaving right after?
Kono: No, you all need to meet him. It's his requirement.
Himitsu: His requirement?
Kono: Oh, I should have mentioned… my brother is the President of Sampostis.
Everyone: WHAT?!
To be continued…