Chapter 489

The Two Hundred Twenty-Fourth chapter: Still Not Enough Heart

Facing the hand of tragedy surging forward, the hearts of the boys and girls looking towards tomorrow fused into one, several incomparably inclusive minds transforming into petals that constituted a great Heart Flower.

The result of countless miracles meshing together, and the perfect harmony of the light fluctuations and dark echoes, was this goddess known as [Infinite Shadow].

‘How奇妙啊, we’re fused into one now!’

‘It’s so熱啊… both my body and heart are so熱啊…!’

Individual consciousnesses forming Infinite Shadow fell into a peculiar state; their consciousnesses were thinking indiscernibly, as if merging into a completely new entity to serve as the mind of Infinite Shadow, yet still maintaining separate consciousnesses capable of independent thought.

‘It’s begun, focus, Earth is behind us.’

The internal reaction took not even a millisecond, Noah’s Wings released protective energy from behind, deflecting the incoming destructive beam, sending it into the depths of space.

Standing tall before Doon, with her arms crossed, she faced the now pink-tinted universe where it should have been cold and dark.

Swearing to the flowers opening in the cosmos, as long as there’s love, and as long as we’re together, there won’t be any unattainable dreams!

“The completed Infinite Shadow, don’t mistake me for an ordinary girl.”

The rampaging giant of the cosmos paid no heed to “It,” throwing a punch with an overwhelmingly magnificent force, a colossal quality that lacked finesse, aiming directly at It.

Radiant with the light of billions of stars, goddess’s left hand rose easily, palm open to catch the punch, more terrifying than the fact that two giant astronomical units were facing off, these entities didn’t produce a collision shock wave. The force of the massive star-annihilating fist was completely absorbed by the goddess’s soft palm, preventing any greater damage.

“Manager’s—” Noah’s Wings fluttered slightly behind, Doon’s figure instantly solidified in the current space.

“All of ours—” Infinite Shadow moved. Seeing her pink-white goddess tread through the cosmos, stopping her final step on an asteroid, dodging the incoming darkened claws, generating sparks with hands that instantly produced light, her burning light particle fist striking the opponent’s abdomen, sending them flying.

[PrecureSpark] (Pretty Cure · Spark)

“Our hearts fused inside are filled with strength!”

The infinite sacred light intensely clashed with the darkness within Doon, causing chaos. Flung far beyond the solar system by the power, Doon lost control entirely.

Why — why?! This power surges out of my control, even more explosive than my peak state, maybe able to destroy the universe — why,

If this is the case, I’ll destroy the Earth you love first!

With thoughts of vengeance, the colossal sinister form blazed red, accelerating faster than ever before, almost blowing away neighboring planets, closing the gap to the blue planet within moments.

The pink structure of Noah’s Wing instantaneously unfolded, splitting wings creating a circular dimensional rift behind Infinite Shadow. With a backward lurch, He instantly traversed subspace, reappearing, with Infinite Shadow standing before Doon.

Doon roared fiercely, spewing crimson destruction that covered the visible universe, akin to the cosmos itself releasing a scarlet ‘dagger of Damocles’, pouring devastating showers onto Infinite Shadow, leaving Earth behind exposed to danger—

Goddess smiled, lifting her hand, grabbing a pure white cape thrown before her. Anti-matter destroying energy touched it, sliding down the cape’s direction, scattering in all directions like a net passing over Earth completely dissipating.

Even the escaped particles could not breakthrough the ‘stellar loops’ the twin pigtails formed, encompassing Earth.

“Thinking you can destroy us with this?!”

Her noble face mirrored differently under the red glow. Her palms emitted gravitational waves, left leaning on right fist smashing towards Doon.

[PrecureBeeeeeeeam] (Pretty Cure · Beam)

“Ah—” A giant silhouette thrust away by the beam from its chest, pushing through the cosmos, passing Mars, Jupiter, Saturn nearing Uranus. A multitude of asteroids crashed into Doon’s back in explosions, leaving a clear path in space.

Perhaps due to the life threat, berserk Dark Power let Doon muster unexpected power, launching red “black hole” energy from his hands, swallowing the surrounding cosmic space, the beam pushing through to drive this evil luminescence back.

Watching this scene, the beautiful goddess gently closed her starlit eyes, then lifted her right hand.

Left hand resonating against the wrist, four light waves and two dark echoes overlapping, shining brightly, a golden bird-shaped light wing materialized over the girl’s chest.

Without joining hands, but expanding cross-like, the heart-shaped gem glimmered with seven colors of miraculous radiance erupting fully.

[LightningPrecure] (Lightning Pretty Cure)

The collision of miraculous light and destructive light illuminated the universe, destroying small celestial bodies drawn by gravity instantly, only to recreate them in bright light.

Both sides unleashed their powers, but the confrontation pushed visibly in favor of Doon at the intersection point, despite the howls of the Desert King seeking more power from the deep darkness.

In the last attempt, Doon threw himself wildly, barely evading the colorful beam.

But this light did not cease, guided by His control to sweep past the fragmented Jupiter, half-shattered Mercury, lunar debris, weathered Earth, revealing endless illumination, erasing darkness across.

The ultimate technique used by the legendary hero to defeat the enemy now served in cleaning the damages done by Doon.

Miracles done by Pretty Cure alone.

“Light—Mo—Cure!” The wind-swept candle of Doon cried out, lunging dramatically at Infinite Shadow’s back, shouting, “Fade away!!!”

“For everyone’s future and ours, who should truly disappear.” With a calm expression, Infinite Shadow declared without looking back, “Is Doon, your grudge.”

The large fist headed towards Infinite Shadow’s back, but halted just centimeters from her, unable to advance further.

One frustrated punch after another, the mightiest strikes couldn’t touch Infinite Shadow’s dress, her standing with crossed arms, deflecting all destructive attacks, even the strongest forcing recoil.

One arm previously grazed by the beam snapped due to the impact, cleanly breaking at the shoulder, falling heavily on Venus.

Doon’s power waned, wounded, Infinite Shadow only grew stronger as a symbol of miracle.

“Grudges only wound oneself.”

Facing Doon’s meaningless destructive onslaughts, Infinite Shadow closed her eyes, smiling圣洁地 as if a mother watching a child.

“This love, feel it!”

Love, invisible, no, powerful enough to make destiny kneel,

“Precure.” A plain punch, seemingly unremarkable, lightly struck against Doon, “Paradise End.”

Doon, supposedly driven mad with rage, regained sanity, even the heart of darkness that had destroyed countless worlds for mere amusement, feeling complete satisfaction.

A look of peace emerged on his towering face.

“Why is it love here?”

Sacred bonds calling upon light.

Infinite pure hope lighting the universe, stained by the colors of love.

—————————

“Shabak!” The five girls ran across the island of the Heart Tree, and upon sensing each other without barriers during their transformation, they became aware of Ash’s condition. It was because of this that they desperately wanted to see him at least one last time.

“Ash——”

Erika, running in front, wiped the sweat from her forehead with great effort and eventually came around the back of the Heart Tree. What she saw was the last thing she ever wanted to see.

Ash, with his eyes peacefully closed, had his hands gently crossed over his chest. His gear gun was resting on top of them, and his body had already turned cold.

“Why! Stop fooling around like that in such a situation… Don’t fool me now!”

Even though reality had struck twice, nobody truly wanted to accept this outcome. Quietly kneeling beside Ash, Erika hoped for a miracle.

If an ultimate miracle like the Endless Shadow could be triggered, why couldn’t Ash be brought back to life?

“Everyone always says I’m making trouble, but don’t you realize you’re the one causing more chaos? We can have fun, right? Wake up… come back…”

Filled with sorrow, Erika pleaded desperately, but received no response from the calm-faced Ash.

The other three girls who felt the same pain squatted down beside Erika and gently patted her shoulder to comfort her.

The Dark Pretty Cure, who relied on the tree, dared not look. She mechanically knocked her forehead against the trunk, her emotions completely tangled.

“Why… you still had to die, even after we all worked so hard. Why was the outcome destined to be like this?”

“There has never been a world where hard work guarantees success.”

An abrupt voice belonging to that man drew everyone’s attention. Someone quickly wiped the tears from their eyes as they listened intently for the sound of his approach.

“——” Placing a green leaf on his lips, Ash played a mournful yet melodious tune, walking out from behind the tree.

“All there is, is human endeavor.”

“Don’t cry, Little Dark.” Unlike the struggling Dark Pretty Cure, Ash’s face showed no regret, only a little disappointment. “This is your group victory. Shouldn’t the winners laugh?”

“Why… all I want—”

Despite trying, Dark Pretty Cure could not laugh as instructed, and the golden hue in her other eye gradually faded. “Be it Shabak or Ash, all I wanted was some peace and contentment, but why can’t even that simple wish come true?”

Calling herself another pretty cure while fighting the real ones, it’s really useless, isn’t it?

“Didn’t you already gain new friends?” Ash scanned the others. “Trust me, you’ll find something that will make your soul rest easy and bring you happiness.”

“But—for me, the existence called Ash is unique!”

Dark Pretty Cure, who had been silent and enduring since teaming up with Ash, finally collapsed to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. Black tears dripped to the ground through her fingers.

She didn’t want anyone to see her in this state, so she stumbled to sit aside.

That one unique “person,” gone forever!

“Ash, are you a ghost?” Slightly approaching, Wuki found Ash theatrically extending his arms; Wuki cautiously opened her embrace until she staggered forward. Passing through Ash’s body, she fell forward.

The girls’ hopes for a miracle were utterly shattered. Sensing their disapproval, Ash deliberately laughed with Wuki.

Witnessing Ash playing with Wuki, the others couldn’t help smiling; brilliant tear drops squeezed from their eyes.

“Really! Even now, you’re still messing with us!”

Though she said this, Wuki was happily engaging in the playful game with Ash.

Honestly, when you first approached me, I was genuinely scared. But later, with your guidance, you never denied what I liked; instead, you supported it. Although you were this weird “bad guy,” that beautiful chapter taught me how to seek genuine strength, and I’ll never forget this.

However, it seems our time together is over.

“In the end, I couldn’t catch up with you either.” Wuki, twirling a bright yellow strand of hair behind her ear with her fingertips, smiled sadly. “Remember, when you said I looked better after transforming, I had already grown my hair long.”

“You’re beautiful, Wuki—both cute and powerful, dazzling and captivating.”

Looking at Wuki covering her face and turning away alone, Ash explained his situation while blowing a melody.

“Although I accepted death, it appears that this desire also kept my soul saved temporarily by the Heart Tree, sustaining a while.”

“Come to think of it, you seem closest to being a lady when crying; Erika,” noting the pearl-sized tear, the man commented. His hand, meant to wipe it, passed right through her cheek.

“Don’t cry. Seeing such a lovely sight makes me heartbroken.”

“You…you—”

“That’s unfair! You’re worse than immature middle school boys.”

So, you’re not okay with me being like this?

“That’s not how a lady should act.”

Wiping her reddened eyes repeatedly, Erika couldn’t help but smile beautifully. But each smile caused tears to well up.

“My remaining moments are few.” Glancing at her non-existent watch on her wrist, Ash warned. “About three minutes, I guess.”

Realizing this was Ash’s farewell, Sakura, who had snapped out of daze, hurried towards him.

To be held, to be kissed, the feelings between you and me after linking those lives are no illusion. I love you.

Simple admiration for her beloved filled Erika’s chest, yet unable to express it, the last moment…

“Ash, tell me.”

“What was it you sought from the start? The one I sought was the legendary title of a Pretty Cure warrior. Added to that were uncharted memories当时的上下文。

“没想到最后会被问这个问题，但我还是要解释。我想培养你们，无论是作为敌人还是指导者，都想让你们茁壮成长，最终成长为真正的战士，让我见证专属于你们的奇迹，满足我自己。”

“那么，现在，满足了吗？”

“老实说，和一开始差了很多。” 回顾过去，阿修无奈地摇了摇头。”原本只想复制别人的成功方法来帮你们成长，为此伤害到你们我也无所谓。但是归根结底，我不是无情的外星人，无法做到完美的程度。”

随着与你们的接触，作为店长、指导者和朋友，经历的喜怒哀乐竟然让我感到依依不舍，甚至比你们更早被改变。作为一个幕后操控者，我不合格啊。

“但是与此对应的，作为交易。”

抬头望向头顶的巨树，修复的蓝天与广阔的宇宙，充满了爱的世界。

与其他丑恶和欲望纷争的世界不同，这个充满纯真之爱和平的世界，和拥有美好回忆的人们，我真的很喜欢！

可以说，我已经满足了。

“我得到了更为宝贵的礼物：这个星球和你们的‘心’。”

带走如此重要之物而去，太过分了。

得到了让她满意的答案，百合心中的负担终于得以释放。她轻轻地摘下了伤痕累累的戒指，递给了阿修，并让它穿过他的手而落到他身后的地面上。

“再见了，店主，谢谢你。”

直到蕾感觉到白百合轻轻拍了拍她的肩，她才知道最后的时间属于她。

取下眼镜，那双不及无限剪影光芒闪烁却只属于蕾的樱花般柔嫩的眼睛默默地注视着开始消失的阿修。

想要说的话有很多，但其中没有一句是告别之词。面对此时的阿修，她想要说的是什么呢？

“我喜欢你。”

“我知道，你已经说过一次了。”

“你答应过要让我心灵之花再次绽放的，接受这份爱吧？”

所以，真是遗憾啊。

“是吗。那么，我问你，花开得美吗？”

察觉到阿修言外之意的蕾迅速取出震撼灵魂的幻影镜，对准最后的阿修。

“啊~” 握在怀中晃动的震撼灵魂的幻影镜上映出了沙漠中泪之种子和笑意。

petalsflower, Lei’s cheeks flushed rosy as joyful flashes sparkled in her eyes.

“Black Lycoris, the flower of the netherworld. Its symbolism is unpredictable darkness, death, and drifting love.” As always after battle, Lei admired the dark flower that was brightly blooming amidst the desolate desert and the fierce wind. “There’s a legend that when this flower blooms, one can no longer see its leaves. Flowers and leaves forever gaze at each other from afar, yet their life cycle continues without ceasing.”

“Now, it is indeed flourishing splendidly — Ash?”

Ash on the ground transformed into sand under the influence of the System, with only a ring half-sunk into the sand indicating his former self. The soul of the Ash they had conversed with before…

“Hey, Heartcatch Pretty Cures, over here, look this way.”

Looking up and following the voice, one could discern a cloud that bore a striking resemblance to Ash in the interwoven shadows of the branches.

“In these six months with you all, I was very happy. Though there are still some regrets, it doesn’t matter now. Just eat well, don’t be too vain, learn more, don’t go out to play in the rain to avoid catching a cold; oh,…”

“Though I wanted to say some cool final words, I don’t know what to say at this moment. Anyway, just as it is.”

The beautiful, smiling cloud-Ash said:

“I’m gone, take care.”

The branches of the Heart Tree swayed continuously in the wind. To ensure the utterly exhausted existence, who once vanished, could rest peacefully, the dancing tree and wind played a cradle song for him.

“Aah…”

The girl slowly lowered her outstretched hand.

So many things we should have said.

“Goodbye, Ash.”

“Goodbye.”

No tears were shed.

In sync with the actions of their hearts, their heart seeds were discarded high. In the sunlight, five differently colored seeds more brilliant than crystal emitted rainbow light.

Time was frozen at this moment.

[End of Volume Two: Heartcatch Pretty Cure!]

[Volume Three: Smile Pretty Cure! On standby!]

Afterword of Heartcatch Pretty Cure!

“Zaa—”

A figure walked across the dunes of the scorching Sahara Desert, covered head to toe in black robes. As if unaffected by the unbearable heat around her, she stepped firmly forward. Her footprints were soon covered by swirling sands.

A gust of hot wind from the desert blew off her hood, revealing the pale, exquisite face of the Dark Pretty Cure.

“Hu.” The Dark Pretty Cure was undisturbed by the temperature, even exhaling a slight coldness.

With no more purpose to her mission and enemies nowhere to be found, having no need to fight anymore, she left her father and started a solitary journey aimed at every desert on Earth.

Dark, with her unique heterochromatic eyes, surveyed the endless expanse of dun-colored desert, feeling a sense of emptiness from within.

“It’s been a long journey. Let’s get some water.” A tiny hand appeared from nowhere with a bottle of mineral water. Dark nodded and unscrewed the cap.

“Thanks, Kayin.”

“Not at all~”

Watching the droplets slip down her delicate cheek and neck, finally pooling in a hollow above her collarbone, a small purple ball emerged from beneath her hood, shaking its crest.

I—I, Kayin, am still alive.

Perhaps Ash and even that astute System hadn’t expected such a fate.

With no other choice, the present Kayin could only wait for Ash to come and pick him up someday. Can Pretty Cures do a showdown like in a Kamen Rider series? No, if the demon died, so did the memories, right?

“Actually, Dark, you don’t need to be so stubborn, do you?” Kayin felt a headache, similar to when he accompanied Ash, facing little Dark alone. “I understand your rivalry with Lily, but there’s no reason to keep fighting. Everyone isn’t excluding you. Your father hasn’t abandoned you like in other shows, and neither has your mother.”

“Yet the only true family is in that family together, and their happiness lies there. I’m not part of that.”

“You…” Kayin placed his forehead in his hand, wondering how this girl had picked up all of Ash’s bad habits.

“Alright.”

Putting away the water bottle, Dark continued her solitary journey.

Ash, the black Lycoris, was the Heart flower that bloomed defiantly on this perilous desert despite everything.

So I want to see, to feel.

To witness the scenes you’ve witnessed.

To feel the emotions you’ve felt.

“In this way, I can become closer to you.”

“Zaala~”

After their final farewell, Tsukikage Lily was not lost in sorrow. It was as if she merely accepted the news calmly and quietly. There were neither mournful emotions nor tears.

Days passed day by day until one day, as if God had decided to replay the scene again out of sudden whim.

“Ah, it’s raining again.”

That was a rainy day. Lily got soaked through under her umbrella which was blown out of shape by fierce winds, much like another day. Ash had warned them against playing in the rain because of the risk of catching a cold, but in the past, he had often ignored those cautions. As revenge, Lily had defied him once, too.

Tsukikage Lily walked alone through a familiar rain, taking her time walking down the alley, not rushing to seek shelter.

Her close friend Umi Momoka had said she changed, becoming gentler but colder inside. She had disagreed at first, but thinking now, isn’t life full of gains and losses? Being more distant now must imply some form of change since then.

Unconsciously, she arrived at the café door that would never be forgotten.

“!”

Leaning under the eaves to take shelter from the rain, she realized suddenly that Nasta Café had been destroyed due to its owner’s mayhem. What now?

She habitually tried to push open the door, which wouldn’t budge. Despite the lights inside, business had long ceased, of this she was sure.

She searched her wet bag for keys, a key that once meant much to her, but found nothing.

While scattered keys lay underfoot, none matched what she sought.

“Pang!”

“Pang!!”

Knocking again and again, hoping to enter.

“Bam! Bam! Bam!” The knocks grew louder, angrier.

Blossom finally collapsed, sobbing. Tears mixed with rain, dripping onto the place where she knew Ash had hidden a spare key.

The broken tears splattered greyish-white iron droplets.

—

Recently, Erika’s father had begun wanting her to take up photography with him again. However, Erika seemed uninterested. You would probably find her in the awkward and helpless situations interesting, though?

Next to the roots of the Heart Tree, Rei, dressed in a kimono, spoke to a wooden plaque bearing Ash’s name.

There was no trace of Ash’s body left, and the café which once proved his presence had been destroyed, disappearing entirely without any evidence. The girls felt this was too cruel, so they built a memorial tombstone here, occasionally visiting at designated times.

“As for this, my younger sister Futaba has been born, extremely cute, very, really cute! I will give her the gift you prepared once she learns to read. Unfortunately, I can’t bring her here, or I’d show you.”

“As for your gift to me, I haven’t opened it. I think I know what it is but don’t want to confirm. I’m afraid seeing it will make me cry out of regret. So I’ll leave it this way. I will keep it safe.”

“Can you believe it? Elder Sister Lily seems to have received someone’s sponsorship, enabling her to return to the track team from which she had resigned earlier.”

[End]

, I know you certainly—

“He would definitely be very happy.”

“Erika?” Hearing the voice behind her, Lei turned around and saw her best friend. “I thought you wouldn’t…”

“It’s the day we first met him, I naturally remember it.” Erika, wearing a pure white dress and holding a sunhat in her hand with several bouquets of flowers in her arms. “To avoid you feeling guilty over talking to yourself, I went to the store first and brought some flowers for him too.”

“But…that time, I could have saved him.” Lei still harbored grievances about that trade. “The world is at peace now, we’re all happy, but to him, that must be too sad. How can we feel at ease…”

“Lei.”

She placed the flowers next to a wooden plaque, among other gifts, and solemnly bowed before him.

“This overly kind heart of yours is your strength, but you can’t let it affect you instead. Do you think the manager wants you to be lost or live well?”

Erika took Lei’s hand and flew off with the fairies towards the distance.

“So we need to live even happier.”

—

“Gulp—”

The golden hair brushed past her shoulders as she energetically moved, fluttering up into the air, mixed with sweat which slightly dampened the back of her gi.

Since her brother recovered from his illness, his inherently frail constitution had markedly improved; and paradoxically, perhaps due to that monstrous transformation experience, his constitution was gradually surpassing that of an ordinary person.

At present, the two “inhuman” siblings of the Mingtangyuan family were engaging in a fierce martial arts duel.

Though her brother was exceptionally gifted, Wuki defended successfully against a critical kick, immediately sidestepping and retaliating with a precise palm strike, which she was confident would seal the deal, yet her eagerness led to a flaw in her attack.

By the time Wuki reacted, it was already too late; sure enough, she was grabbed by her brother, Mingtangyuan Gao, and thrown to the ground with a shoulder throw.

“Huff… huff… I lost,” Wuki gasped.

“No, I should have been the one who lost.” Her brother, whose face was more delicate than most women, gave her a gentle smile. “But you revealed your weakness, what’s wrong, Wuki?”

“Mm… I… thought of someone.” After a moment of silence, Wuki revealed the truth. “This intense sparring reminded me of that period.”

“Was it that masked man who coached you?”

Wuki nodded; at that time, he was still called Timons.

The similar scene reminded her of him, yet she felt no sadness, only a faint sense of nostalgia and regret.

“I heard that man on that day…” Her brother shook his head, not saying more directly. “Do you like him, Wuki?”

“Should—I like him?” The young girl scratched her cheek shyly; she wasn’t sure if her feelings counted as liking. “But unlike others, I don’t have Erika’s enthusiasm for idolizing him, nor do I commit to him like Lei. I certainly don’t reach the depth of Lily.”

“I just hoped that being by his side and helping everyone would make me happy enough.”

While everyone else strives for love and closeness, I find satisfaction in what I have now, even if there isn’t fiery reciprocation, as long as we remain close.

How could my earnestness be seen? This is why I shine but not conspicuously.

“Heh, this is how you show affection, Wuki.” Her brother gently encouraged her with a reassuring smile. “And you’ve suppressed that sorrow?”

“Yes…but I don’t want to be forever entangled. I don’t want to disappoint him. Neither does he.”

“I pray for his happiness, peace, and company. I hope he’s no longer alone.”

“Now, I’m just…”

Missing him a bit…

“Wuki!”

A voice from behind awakened her deep thoughts; turning around, she saw her three friends waving at her.

The winds of peace blew across the tranquil world.

Maybe those who came later would struggle to comprehend the story of the Desert Apostle King’s plan to turn the entire Earth and its myriad lives into dust. Only a legend, the beam of light spanning the galaxy, ended everything with a brilliant flash that healed all wounds.

The Pretty Cure legends saved the world again and will continue to be told.

Of course, even the most dazzling stories eventually fade.

Now, four of the five girls who once saved Earth were playfully teasing the baby sister in their mother’s arms.

“Hehe, so cute~” Erika repeatedly poked the soft cheeks of the baby. “Because I’m the younger sister, I never knew being one could bring such benefits… But it’s hard to imagine it, soft Rei becoming a big sister, poke~”

“Shouldn’t Lily and Wuki give it a try?” Both eager, they couldn’t resist stroking the baby’s unusually smooth skin lightly, a peculiar sensation arising from deep within.

This is the new life we protected after overcoming despair.

“Seriously, even if she’s adorable, I resist pinging Fuyou’s cheeks! I haven’t done it once!” Facing Lei, who was getting protective, the mother and everyone laughed kindly.

After bidding farewell to their mother, they chatted about recent events, like someone being confided in and then politely declining, walking until they reached the grassland where Lei first met the fairies and transformed.

“We’re incredible!” With hands on her waist, Erika exclaimed smugly. “As middle school girls, we save the world, and make the current world so bright!”

“This is the three thousandth time hearing Erika say this, my patience is wearing thin…” Lei retorted, but was contradicted immediately.

“But you used to be amazed too, right?! And consider our infinite shimmers, infinite love and power! Ah, what could be better after that?”

“Giggles, looks like Erika’s ready for this glory.”

With three little fairies in her arms, Lily, older, started lecturing seriously, “Being too fixated on past glories stops one from progressing.”

“Apologies…”

“Previously, it was the Heart Tree and him guarding us. Now, it’s our hearts nurturing the world.” Lily’s eyes sparkled. “So we can’t rely too much on infinite powers and love.”

“This is our own life.”

After some contemplation, everyone nodded.

“How profound this life truly is…” Erika, pretending wisely, made everyone chuckle again. “Anyway, I’ll strive to become a world-famous fashion designer!”

“As for me, I’ll continue practicing the Mingtangyuan martial arts, overcoming challenges. What’s Lily’s dream?”

“My… dream?” Holding a familiar key from her pocket, she mused. “It’s time to plan my future… Starting as a wife surpassing men.”

“I—” Looking up at the distant sky, Lei’s eyes seemed filled with countless stars. “I want to go to space, cultivating flowers blooming there!”

That day’s gentleness has lingered in my eyes.

The five Pretty Cures and the Kamen Riders defeated the Desert Apostles, safeguarding Earth, will fade along with memories of that coffee shop and sour-sweet moments.

However, Erika, Wuki, and Lily won’t forget this six-month journey of growth and discovery.

“—”

Awakening next to her sleeping mother, Hanaaki Futaba didn’t cry or fuss but curiously crawled to her sister’s room.

Despite her young age, she remembered her sister sticking an envelope on the table but not opening it.

Carefree, she climbed onto the table, her soft fingers curiously tearing open the envelope. While she tore the paper relentlessly, she missed a photograph slipping out silently.

Landing on the floor, the photo showed four girls in café uniforms together, one being her sister. These girls seemed frozen in joyful celebration of something wonderful.

The photograph captured a moment of serene celebration.

Katageri.

However, apart from the girls, there was another person in the photo, a black-haired man standing behind them, his hat covering his eyes, wearing an elegant expression despite having a blue-haired girl stepping on his foot, causing an odd expression to appear on his face.

It was this strange group of five that formed a unique composition; there was no false color in the varied expressions on their faces.

An irreplaceable moment had passed, giving birth to something new.

* * *

★ Volume Three Smiles Will Be Guarded By Us! (Gentle Smile) ★

Prologue A Story No One Knew Before It All Began

Sure enough, after being casually sent out of the world by some giant beautiful girl from a certain astronomical organization, Eddie ended up in prison for unauthorized action against orders.

However, he didn’t stay in the small cell for long before he was released again, declared innocent.

Upon investigating, he discovered that this operation’s records were mysteriously erased from the management database, thus wiping away his experiences and the associated blame.

He tried to probe further, but encountered unimaginable resistance. Eddie couldn’t understand what was going on; he felt there must be something sinister at play among the higher-ups.

Yet, these matters were no longer relevant to him. After being released from prison, Eddie was indeed met with ridicule and backbiting from his peers. They all believed it was because he had a powerful foster father who allowed him to get away with things. True, he was considered a spoiled brat.

In the past, such rumors would have made Eddie indignant, but now, hearing them, he felt less bothered. After the not-so-dramatic yet unforgettable adventure, Eddie no longer cared what others thought—he realized he was beyond that stage.

After all, he had witnessed a hero’s sacrificial journey for love and the world.

What troubled him now was this:

“I reported to the Commander, asking to lead the investigation,” said Eddie, relaxing while sitting next to a tall red-haired woman.

“Denied.”

“This can’t be helped, right?” Catherine naturally tilted her left leg, keeping a gentle smile on her face. “After all, he is your superior—he doesn’t want you risking too much, right?”

Eddie found himself mesmerized by her warm smile of perfection.

Yes, no matter who I am, you believe and encourage me, always.

Such a smile, I want to protect it forever! So if I can become a great hero…wait, better not get carried away!

Getting back to his senses, Eddie continued. “But after returning, instead of blaming me, he patted my shoulder and said I did well!”

Perhaps, I have grown, and now just want to help where I can.

“Really?” The smile that had intrigued Eddie seemed a bit stiff. “So, Eddie, what happened to make you feel like this? Or is it about wanting to become a hero like the commander?”

“Heh, I now understand. I still have a far way to go before being a true hero.” Eddie laughed hesitantly, revealing more. “I still need to start helping others genuinely, like the one who is full of darkness but shines with light.”

“When that time comes…”

“Full of darkness?!”

“Yes, different beings coming together, unbelievable.”

“So, I think he’s the one we’re really looking for; however, he also protects others with his light!”

By the time I can do what he does, become a true hero, Catherine, then I’ll come to tell you—

“Catherine?”

Eddie glanced around, finding no sign of the object of his affection.

“Yes, truly, there exists one who collects darkness across different worlds!”

Pressing an unseen device near her ear, Catherine’s former gentle smile quickly shifted into something intense and wicked.

“Though unknown how, if the rumor of different universes’ darkness converging is true—”

“If we could take it, you’d surely—gain our freedom!”

—

“Mmph—”

On the rainbow-colored temporal tunnel leading to Kamen Rider World, the train aimed at either past or future moved swiftly.

For Rei and the others, it was a memory from long ago, whereas for the demon gods as passengers, it was recent.

“So the kid’s not dead after all!” Patakos said happily, tapping the table as he sat with his legs crossed. “No wonder I haven’t seen him; even the Demon King couldn’t find him, running off to such a strange world. Others will feel at ease knowing this.”

“It’s rare to see Sempai so happy!” Utatos whispered as he tapped the table, Eddie’s unlimited ticket placed there. “And look, he returned the item properly this time.”

“But when leaving, those self-righteous folks claiming to be the Administration—”

“Indeed! In truth, there’s something fishy going on here!” Kintaros snapped his neck, the familiar sound echoing.

“Sure is, strange indeed.”

“Right, Eddie, you also—”

Patakos suddenly realized whom he was addressing. Eddie?!

The demon gods turned in unison, facing an outrageous scene. “Eddie” emerged from the opened unlimited ticket like a ghost, wearing what appeared to be a watch-style belt at his waist.

“Now, just bring me along, Knight to Knight World, so natural, no unnecessary attention.”

“You—Who are you?”

“I’m Eddie. Of course, don’t you remember? As a Knight? You wouldn’t, sad.”

*Transformation!*

“[Gaoh Form]”

Amidst the tense atmosphere in Dentarion, the crocodile’s jaw transformed into dark armor, covering its body. As the electrified helmet masked its face, this self-proclaimed “Eddie” morphed into the enemy once known as the [Knight Ya King].

“Just, please, take me back to the Knights’ World. Please, Kamen Rider Dentorion.”

Removing components, forming Ya-King Slashers, Ya King took steps toward the fully transformed Kamen Rider.

“Please, oh Kamen Rider Dentorion.”

*Mumble…*

Unable to speak, unable to see, unable to think—none of this existed now. Lying in darkness, Eddie felt nothingness. Suddenly, amidst the void, a moan.

It was neither Eddie’s nor any of the other Eddies, but a woman’s delicate voice.

A blue-haired girl emerged beside Eddie, standing up slowly from seemingly nonexistent ground, her eyes glowing with golden and pink hues. Behind her, powder-like purity cascaded like a waterfall, contrasting with the darkness.

“Achoo—” The sudden sneeze startled her as she turned hastily, catching sight of the sleeping Eddie.

Without a gasp or movement, she watched him quietly until wisdom dawned in her eyes, revealing a perfect pink-white armor enshrining her body.

She gently touched her silky cheek and curiously poke the man’s face.

“Am I… a Precure?”

“Am I… Eddie?”

At this point, Eddie knew nothing, but what lies ahead will be quite significant for both him…

Oh, perhaps I went overboard.

Apologies, given these events still lie in the future. You don’t know yet.