2nd Album, Track 8: Come Together

Heart of charity. Heart of justice. Free the tainted souls.

They waited in silence – the manager and the Neverlanders – with their brainwashed companions looking on from behind them... The streets of Tokyo were cold and lifeless; the evening vastly approached.

...

"How long have they been in there?"

"About twenty minutes, Criss."

"What – Twenty minutes? But Mimi, that explosion, it could've—"

"Calm down, Criss. Have faith."

"Yes, Mimi. I should do that..."

...

Crispin was worried.

Almost half an hour passed since they last saw their friends, Venus and Mars. Sounds of warfare boomed from the derelict Club 100 Aces. The club's foundation shook amidst the fray, including some parts of the neighborhood... What normal man could remain at ease, while his loved ones risked their lives to protect him – as he stood idly by, praying for their safe return?

Bubbles scuttled up to the manager. "Oo-oo", she pulled at his pants leg, and earned his attention. "I know it's hard Mr. Criss, but you shouldn't worry yourself. Venus and Mars, oo-ah – they're very strong-ookey."

"I know, my little furry friend. But I haven't the will not to worry about those angels... Aelita and Damita are like daughters to me – and I care for little Ryu, who has become such a big star while we weren't looking, like a son... If any ill-chance were to happen to my little ones, I wouldn't be able to stomach it – knowing that there was little I could do to help them. I wish I could. But I'm an old sucker yeah... not much I can do."

Eon's reflection appeared in the Flash Mirror. "That's quite untrue, my friend", the King kindly differed. "there's always something we can do in times like this, even in our old age..."

"Such as, Mr. Eon?"

"...believe. Hope is a powerful tool, although many misuse it or take it for granted. Crispin, if you believe they'll return – trust me – they will."

"Are you sure of that, sir?"

Bubbles chattered happily, "Oo-oo-ee. Stella becomes more powerful when feelings are put into it. Hope, conviction, faith, love, passion, courage, and even joviality-ookey. Stella is sentient, just like we are-ookey."

"And this is the power our angels possess?" the manager intrigued.

"Absolutely-ookey."

...

Crispin suddenly noticed the gloomy atmosphere. "The sky seems much darker than usual", he observed. "and the streetlights are somewhat faded. Nobody seems to be out here but us. How curious..."

The Queen explained, "What you see before you is the Darkness of Nightmares. Apparently, this part of Tokyo was under Eternal's influence prior to our arrival. Dreams – I feel none on these cold streets..."

"Was it those two young ones we saw earlier?", Crispin investigated.

"No Criss, it wasn't. Rowen and Diana are powerful soldiers, but they lack the energy to produce such output... Only an executive of Eternal could cover such a wide area, not an excavator."

"Executive? What are these people, some kind of conglomerate?"

"Yes, but they're more than that", the King replied. "Eternal is an underground organization – somewhat like a cult – that preys upon the dreams and aspirations of pure hearts. They steal dreams and convert them into Nightmare energy, which is then stored inside a large collection tube called the Nightmare Gauge..."

"Nightmare Gauge?" the manager intrigued. "Curiouser and curiouser... Tell me – What happens when this gauge is completely filled?"

"...the entire universe will be consumed by nightmares", King Eon looked to the inquisitive Crispin. "It's the duty of the Stellar Warriors to prevent this from happening. By believing in the strength of their hopes and dreams, Venus, Mars, and several others will find the power to thwart this terrible fate. For, if the worse-case scenario happens... everything will meet its end. A universe consumed by nightmares is akin to the apocalypse."

...

The sound of heels clicked in the distance. "We will find the strength to prevent it", the manager and the Neverlanders were drawn to a beautiful voice that quickly approached them. "we decided that long ago – when we made that promise in Papa Joe's backyard..."

...

Venus and Mars emerged from the darkness of the streets. "...that we wouldn't stop until our dream was sought", the former continued. "Everyone. The entire universe. Mars and I want to see their dreams granted."

Crispin ran forward and embraced the Stellar Warriors. "Lita, Ryu – oh thank God, my angels are alright", the manager relieved. "You had me worried, being left in that god-awful place with those barbaric youths."

The Stellar Warriors were tickled by the manager's behavior. "We are just fine, Ojisan (Old Man)", Mars patted Crispin's back, accidentally pinching a muscle. "Venus-chan and I can handle a few ruffians, no problem."

"Ouch", Crispin cringed.

"Is something wrong, Ojisan?"

"...I think you gave me a cramp there, my boy. Nothing major – but I can picture it now – me calling in the cows come the morning."

Everyone was tickled by Crispin's wit amidst his pain. "You should watch your strength, Mars", the King advised. "You may not realize it yet, but a Stellar Warrior's strength far surpasses that of a normal dreamer."

Mars panicked and checked Crispin's condition. "Ā, iya (Oh no)", the Stellar Warrior pled with praying hands. "Gomen'nasai, gomen'nasai, hontōni gomen'nasai. Ojisan, anata wa daijōbudesuka? (I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm really sorry. Old Man, are you alright?)"

The manager stood holding his pulled left shoulder muscles. "I'll be fine, but", Crispin turned to their brainwashed comrades who stood behind him. "the Martians, the Royal Family, and the Shibuya 5. They're all still under Eternal's control..."

Crispin, the Neverlanders, and the Stellar Warriors observed the nightmares consuming the district. "...and so is the rest of this area", the manager continued. "I'm afraid we don't have much time. Damita and Bubbles said something about 'harmony' – something only you two can do."

"Harmony?" the Stellar Warriors wondered.

King Eon kindly explained, "Yes. It's an ability given to all dreamers – the power of Harmonization. When dreams are harmonized, they create Miracles. Beautiful things happen... As Stellar Warriors, your Harmony has the potential to protect the entire universe..."

Venus and Mars held their hands before their eyes. "...and in order to do this, Venus, Mars", the King continued as the Stellar Warriors ogled. "you must join your Flash Gloves and call the words resonating in your hearts. But you must be in perfect harmony – if not, your wish will be unheard and the Miracle will remain quiescent. In order to save the dreamers of this city, a Harmony must be performed... Venus, Mars, make that change. Please."

...

...

...

The Stellar Warriors turned to each other and placed their Flash Gloves front and center. "Mars, let's do this", Venus splayed her left hand to the sky. "Let's make a change, old friend. Together."

Mars splayed his left hand to the sky as well. "Hai, Oneechan (Yes, Big Sister)", he resolved with a fiery smile. "for everyone. Together."

...

The Flash Gloves illuminated vibrantly, generating a pillar of rainbow light around the Stellar Warriors. "Dual Stellar Harmony", Venus and Mars' hearts harmonized. "Healing – Exécuter!"

The harmonized Stella traversed all of Tokyo, disbursing the Darkness of Nightmares, and reviving the lost dreams... When the light faded, the people woke from their nightmares, remembering nothing prior to falling asleep... As a matter of fact, the Royal Family, the Martians, and the Shibuya 5 were just as confused – ogling their surroundings, looking for answers.

...

The Royal Family overflowed with questions. "What happened?" Jack wondered. "Why are we standing in the street?"

"Beats me", Spade replied.

Diamond noticed Damita, "Boss Lady?"

"What are you doing here?" Ace asked of the Queen.

Damita held her hands up with a nervous smile. "Relax, relax", she eased. "We were just out on a little tour of the city. Nothing major."

"We were walking?" Club cocked his head.

"Where to, Mimi?" Joker scratched his temple.

Damita innocently fibbed with a smile, "To grab a bite to eat."

Clover felt her stomach rumble. "Oh man", she held her empty tummy with a weak grin. "I think that sounds about right. I'm starved."

...

The Shibuya 5 noticed the A-listers in their midst, "Eh? (Huh?)"

Venus and Mars silently morphed back into their civilian forms, after executing their Harmony. "I take it they know who we are?" the emcee asked of the rocker, receiving an affirming nod. "Thought so. The look says it all."

The young rap group humbled themselves before their superiors. "I can't believe this mane", Ziggy marveled. "Shōnen Māzu (Boy Mars) – Kuīn (Queen) – Purinsesu (Princess) – Roiyaru Famirī (Royal Family)..."

"We are very fortunate, yo", Tak bowed in unison with his group.

The A-listers beamed with flattery. "Please, please, don't be angry with us?", Remy pled. "I hope we can still be bros, ya know."

Bones and Kaz, who were twins, apologized, "We are very sorry. Please forgive us if we caused you any trouble?"

Ryunosuke approached the humbled lyricists. "It's quite alright my friends", the rocker's kindness eased the Shibuya 5's worries. "you did us no harm. If you'd like, you could join us for dinner..."

The Shibuya 5 lit with joyful character. "...it's my treat", the rocker continued. "I've been meaning to speak with you guys anyway. I know a few people at Nihongo Platinum Studios. Maybe, I could pull a few strings – see if we can't get you signed up as 'official talent'?"

The young rap artists wept with emotion. "Aniki (Big Brother)", they clung onto the rocker, somewhat smothering him. "Arigatōgozaimasu. Saikōdesu, Aniki. (Thank you very much. You're the best, Big Brother.)"

Ryunosuke beamed proudly, "Boku no yūjin dōitashimashite. Boku wa nakayoku nega~tsu (You're welcome my friends. I hope we get along well.)"

...

The Martians were surprised by Bubbles, who they believed was a normal baby simian holding a pretty mirror. "Eh? (Huh?)" Rizzo warmly took the doe-eyed fairy into his arms. "Chinpanjī? Nē, naze anata wa dōbu~tsuende wanaidesu ka? (A chimpanzee? Hey, why are you not at the zoo?)"

"Oo-oo-ookey", the fairy chattered.

"Kanojo wa kawaīdesu (She's cute)", Mel cooed at the fairy.

"Oo-oo", Bubbles blushed.

Eon appeared in the Flash Mirror. "Eh? (Huh?)" Beat was taken aback with surprise, pointing frantically at the Mirror. "Min'na, kagami no naka otoko ga iru! (Everyone, there is a man in the mirror!)"

The other Martians noticed, "Ittai nanida yo? (What the heck?)"

Eon amused himself and stuck his tongue at the Martians, before his reflection left the Mirror. "Oo-oo-oo-ah", Bubbles chattered, behaving like an average chimpanzee. "Oo-oo. Oo-oo-ee-ah-ah-oo... Oo-oo... Oo."

...

Aelita approached Rizzo and took Bubbles into her arms. "She's actually my pet", the emcee beamed a white lie. "We've been travelling together for a few days now. Her name's Bubbles – but I call her 'Bubby' for short."

Aelita looked to the fairy, "Bubby, say hello to our new friends."

The fairy waved to the Martians with a toothy smile, "Oo-oo-oo."

"She is so cute", Treb and Tone cooed at the fairy.

"Oo-ee", Bubbles blushed and hid her face in her hands. "Oo-ah."

Everyone was tickled by Bubbles' darling behavior. "Well isn't she a sweet little something", Crispin beamed. "All chatter and charm I tell you."

Damita rallied her party. "Okay everyone", the Queen's word gathered her company's attention. "I'm feeling like a little Italian tonight. Hey Ryu, do you know of any good restaurants in the area?"

"There's one on Old Edo Street", Ryunosuke replied. "It serves a large assortment of European food. The Martians and I are regulars there. It's called Makoto's Pizzeria. It's a very nice place with many nice people."

"Then it's settled", the Queen resolved. "We dine at Makoto's."

The Shibuya 5 were elated, "Yosha! (Alright!)"

"Supa kuru! (Super cool!)"

"This is so awesome, yo!"

"Couldn't ask for a better night mane."

"Kuīn (Queen), you are the bomb!"

"She already exploded, bro!" their gratitude made Damita blush.

...

Aelita looked to Bubbles. "But what about Bubby?" she worried. "I know our little lady wants to eat something too. It's been a minute since we last grabbed a bite to eat. Right, my little Bubby?"

"Oo-oo", the fairy nodded.

Crispin approached the cuddling twosome. "I'll take her off your hands, my dear", Aelita handed Bubbles over to the manager. "I actually have a few family recipes I've been meaning to try out. Fast food was never my thing – have to watch that cholesterol level in my old age, you know."

Crispin winked to Aelita, signaling his assistance. "Alright", the latter beamed a comprehending wink. "I know how you like to turn in early anyway."

The emcee looked to Bubbles with mothering character, "You behave yourself until we get back. Uncle Criss will take good care of you, okay?"

Bubbles nodded and chattered, "Oo-oo-oo-oo."

...

Aelita turned to everyone with elated character. "Alright, besties", she charmingly beamed. "Time for some awesomely stellar dining!"

Everyone cheered along with the emcee.

...

Although the evening was sour at first, it ended on a good note: The dreams were revived once again, Tokyo was saved, and everything was back to normal... It was such a beautiful gathering – the large party of 21 at Makoto's Pizzeria... After ten years, Aelita and Ryunosuke were reunited, enjoying their time with their loved ones. It was a moment they'd never forget; their first buffet at Makoto's, where they bonded with their fellow dreamers.

The battles ahead, however, would test the strength of this bond. The adventure was just beginning – and a concert would happen in a matter of hours. A joint concert – Queen Damita and the Royal Family, Shonen Mars, and the soon-to-be signed Shibuya 5 – all at Tokyo Stadium. On that night, their spirits were on high in anticipation of the sensational day ahead of them.

...

Tokyo, Japan would soon witness the concert of a lifetime.

Hey there, everyone. I'm back :). I pulled this one off, hoping that it wouldn't be too long, but it's a little longer that I thought it would be LOL XD. So tell me, what do you think of the Stellar Warriors' Harmony power? I kind of went totally magical girl/magical boy with that one, but it was cute nonetheless - at least it was too me. Oh well, I have to get going - gotta be in to work by 5:30. See you folks later, and I'll have the next Track up very soon... Time for a little "meeting". Take care and God bless :).

~ Dion Mystique, Author