Chapter Two Hundred and Ninth: Elders
The former Pretty Cures who borrowed the image from the Heart Tree to converse with Ash, the mastermind that had been sealed by the previous generation decades ago, came into existence as the legendary warrior known as [CureFlower] (Flower Angel). Now, in reality, she appeared before her stunned juniors.
“Is this… really her?!”
Lily, Erika’s senior, widened her eyes despite role breakdown, because she knew more about this veteran from the sprites. What faced them was simply too shocking.
After all, the warrior from decades ago should have been an irreproducible legend emerging from a scroll to fight alongside them.
Moreover, this appearance… How is this possible?! Although her grandmother might be robust, aging signs on her face and body were inevitable. Yet, transformed in front of them, the youth and luster remained at their peak; it was truly remarkable—no, astonishing.
Upon hearing Lily’s incredulous exclamation, the woman in front smiled and struck their familiar pose with interlaced hands forming a blossom—a hallmark of Heartcatch singing.
“Holy radiance, shining flower, CureFlower!”
A reckless desert demon approached CureFlower mid-recitation, but before anyone could alert her, it collided into the green fuzzy projectile launched out, which turned out to be “Kopo,” the grandmother’s sprite partner, usually a cuddly mascot used for consolation in the botanical garden.
In the past, when the girls were facing strong enemies or just needed rest after enduring hardship, they would seek solace at the garden, embracing the huggable Kopo and finding comfort in soft fur. No one ever considered this huge plushy in battles.
But now, Kopo had transformed—a far cry from its cute and endearing appearance. Its fierce and predatory gaze now fixed on the enemy, baring fangs in its large gaping mouth. It swung powerful and sharp claws, once used for hugs, to rip apart the foe rapidly.
“Grandpa, that’s so cool!” her partner’s voice from the shoulder stole them back from awe, much like if your history-obsessed classmate revealed being the Overlord right before your eyes.
“This must be Kopo’s true strength…” Knowing that Kopo could transform into a handsome young version of her grandfather, this ferocious state left her with heartfelt admiration for her grandma’s centuries-old sprite ally.
She patted the furry shoulder instinctively, admiring its spiky hair standing upright.
“Even when you were in your mother’s womb, I was protecting this world. Don’t forget.”
“Grandma looks like this when transformed… So cool!” Erika gazed at the tall, elegant, and cool CureFLOWE. Daydreams of her becoming similarly dazzling almost made her drool.
“But, weren’t you drained of power and couldn’t transform anymore when defeating Doon decades back?”
Quickly steering the conversation away from misdirection, Rei asked the question everyone was most curious about.
“Normally that’s true, but not today.” She lifted a circular pendant at her chest, revealing writhing dark matter within.
“My past power went into sealing Doon here, but on special days like Christmas, miracles happen.”
“Joyous spirits from festivities revitalize my Heart Flower, which in turn blooms more abundantly for Heart Tree, providing me additional transformative energy.”
By the time she finished gathering energy, it was already too late.
“Grandma!” Rei was overwhelmed, tears welling up seeing a likeness so similar. She ran into her embrace, feeling pats on her back affectionately. “Still such a clingy one…. What’s wrong, Rei?”
“We fought with all our might and brought everyone to safety, but—!”
Rei met her mentor’s mature eyes again, hope swelling in her heart despite fighting back tears. “We can’t find Ash anywhere!”
“I cannot believe someone like him would vanish quietly without a trace!”
Ash would roar dramatically even in death!
“Rei…” Holding her granddaughter tenderly, CureFLOWE felt the girl’s emotions and couldn’t help but curse the perpetrator.
Not only Rei, but all current Pretty Cures stared this way.
Indeed, the Heisei mentality differed from Showa. This culprit had selfishly stolen everyone’s Heart Flowers, neglecting them and committing grievous acts. Still, pretending to be oblivious, he acted alone.
Though unknowingly or intentionally, you’re the worst foe of Pretty Cures!
“Rei—I know this may sound harsh—but prepare for the worst.”
Hand in hand with comforting words, another blow was delivered.
After all, their nemesis Doon’s lack of goodwill could exploit Ash’s situation to create vulnerabilities.
“But if he still lives…” A sense stirred inside her.
“He must be alive! Somewhere, possibly at the enemy’s base, pulling off a dramatic solo act!”
Amid the Pretty Cures’ internal torment ignited by烈火, former Dr. Shabak, now Tsukikage Eimei, donned his old antagonist’s coat, silently placing the weapon inside his pocket.
Before leaving, he felt embraced from behind, a sensation from his most missed wife, her sorrow evident through her tears dampening his coat.
“Leaving me again?”
“Sorry, but I don’t want to,” after a silence, the man who escaped the darkness pushed away the offered hand. “But two daughters need protection. As a man and father, I must take action!”
“They won’t forgive you if you don’t return. Everyone, absolutely!”
Reluctantly breaking away from tenderness, Tsukikage nodded decisively until gone, retrieved a revolver.
“If you meant to leave this behind, it must serve its purpose.”
“If someone needs to sacrifice, let it be me, not you.”
