Stage 6: The Ice Prince Thaws, A New Melody Awakens

There were three new topics of gossip spreading throughout Cornelia High School. The most popular was the Magiboys' newest member, Justin Ushiyama and his debut with Alex as they sang a duet called "Our Path". Second was Joichiro being one of two new students joining. And the last topic of gossip was Kairi Tsukino.

Kairi was, from what others had heard, a transfer student from a wealthy family. He started school at the same time as Joichiro so everyone flocked to the two new boys in school. But Kairi kept to himself. Many students, especially the girls, approached him only to be brushed off with a cold, demeaning sneer.

It had been three weeks since they started and he had earned the title of Cornelia's Ice Prince. He showed no interest in socializing with anyone. In his mind, Kairi didn't want to get close to anyone since what happened at his last school. He had trusted someone he thought was a friend and maybe more than that. But this person betrayed him.

"Never again." he said to himself.

There was only one person at this school that caught Kairi's attention. Daiki Nishikawa. There was something about him that Kairi felt drawn to. He couldn't put his finger on why Daiki fascinated him. He was good looking, kind and had this brilliance about him, but Kairi felt that Daiki was someone special to him. He couldn't understand why since he had never met him before. He wanted to approach him many times but he was surrounded by his two friends.

Do you believe he can be trusted? whispered a voice in his head. He will only be interested in you for your money.

No, Kairi thought in his head, Not him. He would never betray me, would he?

************

Daiki and Toma's weekly traditions continued as they always did, but now the duo had become a trio. Joichiro had become part of the group and for the first time in his life, he was experiencing everything that he saw other kids his age were doing.

At school, everyone wanted him to join their clubs, and the only one that interested him was the basketball club. He was polite to everyone and all but he was not ready to make more friends at the moment.

As for his Idol Identity, Justin, many fans seemed to like his persona as the shy, reserved one of the group. Their song, "Our Path", had reached the top of the charts last week and truth be told, he enjoyed being an idol just for the music.

"When do we get to perform again?" Joichiro asked.

"We have a concert planned in a few days," answered Cosmo, "In the meantime, we have to locate that monster."

Joichiro had been using his gift to search for Aquamarine's newest Dark Spell, but his crystal showed him nothing but a crab in dark mist. Joichiro couldn't make out what his vision was foretelling but one thing was clear. The crab was surrounded by gold and jewels, as well as family crests. "I still can't make it out. Aquamarine is definitely becoming more crafty with these Spells."

"I guess we just have to wait until she makes her move," Daiki said, "So far no one has gone missing or been attacked, right?"

"That's what worries me," replied Joichiro, "Why would she cast this Spell and not attack or enslave anyone?"

"Well let's call it a day," said Cosmo, "You have to go back to school before Toma leaves without you."

Daiki and Joichiro grab their backpacks and leave Tamoya Shrine and make their way to Cornelia.

"And while you're away, I can work on our Command Center." said Cosmo as he picked up a flyer for Castle Arcade.

************

Kairi decided to skip his last class and head to the roof. He sat down on the bleachers and started listening to "Our Path" from the Magiboys. He was tired of being in class where people either try to befriend him because of his status, or pretend to take an interest in him just to take advantage of him. He couldn't stand people like that. Even in his old school, people would flock to him for one reason or another. They pretended to be his friend and he believed their lies. Especially Hisao, his supposed best friend.

Kairi had confided in Hisao that he had a crush on Atsushi, an upperclassman at his old school. Several days after he had done so, he became the laughing stock of the whole school. Atsushi had publicly humiliated Kairi by rejecting him flat out. Hisao even laughed at his misery. Kairi decided then and there that he would never trust anyone ever again. That is until he saw him.

He could still hear the disgust in Atsushi's voice as he scolded him.

"Hey Tsukino," Atsushi had called out, "What is this I hear about you liking me?"

Kairi immediately froze, scared to respond. "Wh-what?" He couldn't believe that the object of his affection would ever treat him this cruelly.

"You are so disgusting," Atsushi told Kairi, "Do you really think I could ever be interested in you, freak?"

"Atsushi-Sempai," Tears began to form in Kairi's eyes as he heard not just Atsushi's insults, but those watching.

"I like girls," Atsushi said. "Not freaks like you."

Kairi looked at Hisao with a pained expression, only to be matched by Hisao smiling and laughing. "How could you?" asked Kairi, "I thought you were my friend?"

"Me? Your friend," replied Hisao, "You were only useful to me. That's all. Now, I no longer need you, Tsukino."

Since that day, Kairi endured relentless bullying until his father arranged for him to change schools.

That's all anyone sees you as. Useful, said the voice, No one will ever be your friend.

"Ugh," shouted Kairi, "Shut up, shut up SHUT UP!!!!" Kairi left the rooftop with his bag and ran down the stairs. He made his way out the door and towards the front gate. He ran covering his ears to keep the voice out but he could still hear it. He ran instinctively towards the gate that he ran into someone and they both fell to the ground.

************

Joichiro and Daiki had returned to school just in time. However, as soon as they made it through the front gate, someone ran right into Daiki and they had both fallen to the ground. The one who ran into him, Kairi Tsukino.

"I'm sorry," said Kairi, "Nishikawa?" 

"Oh, Tsukino," Daiki answered, "Are you okay?"

Kairi was shocked to see the one person he wanted to see. He just wished it was under better circumstances. "Um, I'm ok. I didn't hurt you did I?"

"No, I'm ok," Daiki replied, "Just a bit surprised."

Before another word could be spoken, Toma arrives and Joichiro immediately grabs Daiki. "Sorry but we have a project to work on." Joichiro said.

Daiki looked surprised at Joichiro, "What project?"

Joichiro grabbed his Constellation Amulet and answered, "You know the project on the COSMOS." He emphasized Cosmos to signal to Daiki that they needed to discuss Crusader business.

Daiki and Joichiro go off to a spot away from Kairi and Toma, who just look at each other awkwardly.

"What's the deal, Joichiro?" asked Daiki.

"That Tsukino kid," Joichiro answered, "He's not normal."

"What do you mean?"

"He has some sort of dark energy surrounding him like a shell. But there's something else underneath that."

"So is he one of Aquamarine's Dark Spells?"

"I don't think so," answered Joichiro, "He might be affected by it."

Daiki looked back at Kairi and Toma who were standing by the gate in awkward silence. "Then let's invite him to Castle and see what he is."

************

Kairi agreed to join the group going to Castle Arcade only for Daiki. He felt uncomfortable around Toma and especially Joichiro who was eyeing him like a police officer on a stakeout.

"So Kairi," Daiki said to break the awkward silence, "Tell us about yourself. Do you like games? Sports? Movies?"

Kairi was at a loss for words. He was finally able to speak with Daiki, but his friends tended to be a crowd. But still, he tried his best to interact with everyone. "Well, I do like video games, reading both books and manga…"

"Have you read Mystic Hero: Black Mage?"

Kairi beamed like a fanboy in front of his bias for a moment before composing himself and answering. "Yes, I love that manga."

Daiki laughed and replied, "You don't have to act cool in front of us. Just be yourself."

Yes, said the voice, Be yourself so they can see how pathetic you really are.

"Umm," Kairi started until he saw someone he recognized at Castle. "Nishiyuki?"

Everyone saw who Kairi called. Daisuke.

"Oh, Tsukino," Daisuke answered, "Haven't seen you around school lately."

"I transferred," answered Kairi, "I was tired of that place."

"Oh hey 1024," Daisuke said when he saw Daiki, "You're going to Tsukino's new school?"

"Yeah," Daiki answered, "We thought we'd take Tsukino out to have some fun."

"Excuse me," Kairi said, "I forgot I have to get home and help my mom with dinner tonight. Maybe next time?"

Kairi didn't even say goodbye. He just left out the door and ran.

Now you see, said the voice, You can't escape the humiliation. They will know about you and they will shun you like the others.

Tears ran down Kairi's face as he started to believe what the voice was telling him. Why would anyone be his friend? Especially now that Daiki will know why he transferred schools. He is just like Atsushi and he will treat you the same way. Or worse, he could be like that false friend Hisao.

"I'm better off alone." Kairi said as he surrendered to the voice.

************

After Kairi left, the Trio was left with Daisuke. Joichiro and Daiki took turns playing games with Toma while they discussed Kairi.

"1024?" Daisuke asked Daiki, "How is Tsukino at your school?"

"He's a bit of a loner," answered Daiki, "But he seemed different today. At school, people try to be his friend but he acts like they don't exist or like we're beneath him. But with us, he was acting like he wanted a friend."

"It's just with you Daiki," Joichiro cut in, "He didn't pay any attention to Toma or me. He was only interested in you."

"Please," Daisuke asked Daiki, "Look out for him. He had a rough time at school when he was there."

"How so?" asked Daiki.

"He had a crush on an upperclassman." Daisuke said as he recounted Kairi's humiliation, "He had trusted someone he thought was his friend. His friend told him to confess and the upperclassman humiliated him in front of the whole school. And he was ridiculed for it."

"What was wrong with him confessing to his crush?" asked Toma.

"The upperclassman was another boy." answered Daisuke.

"That's terrible," answered Daiki, "Poor Tsukino. Just because he likes other boys doesn't give anyone the right to make him feel ashamed."

"He's a good guy," Daisuke said, "I'm sure he'll be in good hands with you guys. You all seem like a great group of friends."

"We will," answered Daiki, "We won't let anyone bother him."

************

Cosmo had established the Crusaders' Command Center inside Castle Arcade using a sacred subspace spell. The command center looked like a mix of an ancient temple and a school computer lab. There were also spaces for training and what looked like an actual laboratory.

Cosmo then brought the computer terminals online and saw that Daiki and Joichiro were in the vicinity.

Cosmo pressed a few buttons and called Daiki and Joichiro. "Ok, boys come to the photo booth and place your constellation pendants on the scanner."

A few moments later, a bright flash brought Daiki and Joichiro into the Command Center.

"Wow," exclaimed Daiki, "What is this place?"

"This is our new Command Center," answered Cosmo, "Now that there are two Zodiac Crusaders, we need a base of operations where we can all meet."

Daiki went to one of the computer terminals and typed in a few keys and a screen popped up with Kairi Tsukino's information.

"Kairi Tsukino?" asked Cosmo.

"Cosmo," asked Joichiro, "We may need you to come with us. There is something about him but I also felt a dark energy surrounding him."

"He might be the target of a Dark Spell," added Daiki, "Either way we must help him."

"Hmm," Cosmo examined the picture of Kairi, "There is something familiar about him."

"Is it possible," Jooichiro said, "He might be one of us?"

"Even more reason to help him." said Daiki.

************

Kairi stood by the river bank with his headphones on trying to block out the voice in his head.

He will never like you. You are different, and no one likes anything that is different.

Kairi did not want to believe Daiki would be like Atsushi, Daiki did not seem the type to be cruel.

Atsushi also didn't seem the type to be cruel but he was.

Kairi decided to run away when he bumped into someone.

"I'm sorry," Kairi said, "Atsushi-sempai."

Atsushi sneered and said, "Well, well, if it isn't Tsukino the freak."

Atsushi was with his friends and a girl who seemed a bit out of place. All of them started laughing at Kairi who was about to cry until he heard someone defending him.

"Kairi is not a freak!" It was Daiki followed by Joichiro and some old man.

"And what do we have here?" Atsushi asked.

"Kairi is a very nice guy once you get to know him." Daiki continued.

"So is this your new boyfriend, Tsukino?" asked Atsushi in a demeaning tone.

"And shame on you," said Daiki, "How dare you take someone's feelings and trample on them like you did his."

Before Atsushi could respond, Joichiro placed a talisman scroll on Atsushi's forehead and shouted, "Evil power, be gone."

Atsushi fainted as well as the others. All except the girl.

"Daiki," Joichiro said, "She's a Dark Spell. She was controlling the others."

"How dare you?!" said the girl angrily, "I will teach you not to mess with me."

The girl began changing shape, She transformed from a beautiful high school girl into a female pirate looking pig.

"I am Circe," said the monster, "And I will consume your will like I did with these boys and him."

She pointed to Kairi who was swirling with dark energy.

"Boys, Transform now!" ordered Cosmo.

"Scorpio Constellation Power." Called Daiki.

"Taurus Constellation Power," called Joichiro.

"Armor on." They both shouted and they transformed into Zodiac Crusaders.

Scorpio and Taurus attack Circe but they struggle greatly with her. Taurus summons his scimitar and shield and tries slashing her but she evades and with a punch to the stomach, sends Taurus flying. Scorpio tries to keep Circe away from Kairi and takes a punch which also sends him flying as well.

"Now," Circe said, "Give in to me. Listen to my words. You know I'm right about you. No one will be your friend.

Kairi, holding on to his sanity, keeps the memory of Daiki defending him. "No," he said, "Daiki defended me and I will not listen to you anymore. You can't control me."

Kairi's wrist began to glow, driving away the dark energy that was trying to overcome him. "What is this?" asked Kairi.

"Hey you," shouted Cosmo as he threw a constellation pendant towards him. "Put it on and transform."

Kairi puts on the necklace and the words appeared in his mind. "Cancer Constellation Power, Armor On." Kairi transformed into a knight exactly like Scorpio, even with the blue under armor. Only difference was the design of the armor. Cancer had a crab instead of the scorpion.

"I'm the fourth warrior of the Zodiac, Under the protection of the Moon, the compassionate boy clad in heavenly light, Crusader Cancer. In the name of the Moon, I shall punish you."

Circe angrily charges at Cancer as he summons his weapon, a dual blade glaive boomerang. The glaive spins in his hand and water begins to gather around the glaive. "Cancer Water Spiral, Spin!" Twin jets of high pressure streams fire from his hand and hit Circe. The water pins Circe in place and begins eroding her leaving nothing but black viscous liquid. Cancer destroys Circe and those under her influence begin to regain consciousness.

"Welcome to the team, Crusader Cancer." said Scorpio,

"The Dark Spell was trying to influence you, but you fought it off." said Taurus.

"Cancer," Scorpio said, "We know what happened to you with that jerk," referring to Atsushi, "I promise you, you will never suffer like that with us. You're one of us and we welcome you. We accept you for who you are."

"Thank you, Nishikawa," said Cancer.

"You don't have to be so formal with us, Kairi."said Scorpio.

"We have a lot to fill you in on." said Cosmo, "Now we have three Zodiac Crusaders that have awakened. It's only a matter of time until we find our Great Ruler and we can put an end to this evil once and for all."