Tournament Stadium

A small fraction of a crowd for what was to come roared within Japan's Tournament Stadium. There were sparks in the air, pure excitement as confetti and fireworks were blasted into the sky. Soon, this place would be absolutely packed. But, for now, there was still a decent amount of seats taken up to see the promotional match of what was "Chronicle's Eve". Before the masses were the legendary rivals of blue and red: Royal Paladin and Kagero. Two men that stood as godly fighters among all those in the world. A king and one who is simply the best their is. A magnificent splendor of what was to come: a massive white guardian dragon versus a colossal flame dragon, blowing away the nation with the superevolved holographic technology supplied by the soon coming "Cardfight Association". White sparkles and stars twinkled about, stardust being flung left and right as fires clouded the inner ring of the battlefield, letting fans even experience some of the heat right from their seats.

A very important man with purple hair, black suit, and matching hat with a scar drawn diagonally on his face across is nose stood in a balcony.

"I give you...!!" The Prime Minister of Japan shouted.

"Cardfight Vanguard!!" Everyone screeched, as the legendary fighters collided.

Aoi stood outside of the stadium, slurping up a frosty beverage while looking at the posters for the tournament again. Something was very off about the "dragon" drawn on it, other than the fact that it didn't really look like a dragon at all. Where was the tail even? Regardless, "Chronicle" led her to think "Gear Chronicle", and everyone she's asked had no idea what it could be about. However, though Aoi was an idiot, she could put two and two together after some point. There was one man who would know about this.

A deep breath.

"CHRONOS!!"

On cue, a blue clock of energy appeared above, then Chronos came out of it with his mysterious time travel teleportation magic. "Listen, woman, have you accepted what I said or are you wasting my-" Chronos stopped, seeing Aoi instead of the Chosen Sword. Then, he groaned: "Oh, great... the dumb one." The being facepalmed, shaking his head. Gathering his composure, the Spirit of Time descended before Aoi, levitating very slightly over the ground, showcasing that he was taller than her. Aoi was always awestruck by his appearance, fascinated by his dark complexion going well with his brighter colored hair and clothing of black trimming. The blades protruding from the agent's arms were still quite a confusing sight, as she could only wonder how he folded his arms all the time with them.

"Do you have something to do with this tournament?" Aoi posted to the poster, and almost instantly, Chronos cringed with irritation.

"Girl, do you think I have time to question every stupid thing humanity does or sponsor some asinine event for you?"

"Yes."

Silence.

"... Alright, I do have the time. But no, I did not arrange for this. I don't know why my Lord is scribbled onto this either. What does this have to do with us?" Chronos seemed perplexed, folding his arms just as Aoi was busy imagining him accidentally stabbing himself with one. Does Chronos even bleed? What color is the blood of Gear Chronicle? On second thought, that's a gross picture to even guess at.

Haruto continued to walk for what felt like an eternity, he'd stay the night at different places, cycling between the Falcon Den, the Espoir Mansion and at Resistance HQ. Given how he'd felt he assumed that he was not as important, after all, all of the people he knows are busy with their business, even Xat had decided to walk down a path that could ruin her, while he was alone and unable to do anything about it...

During his time he came across the posters that showed the image of A Gear Dragon, signifying the start of a tournament inviting all the cardfighters.

"It''s the same dragon..." he thought.

Since he had nothing better to do he decided to go the stadium and take a look at the situation himself, he was pretty certain that he should not enter given his situation but he had to find someway to pass Xat's message to someone who can help.

He had made his way to the Stadium to see what the commotion was about, after all he had to be aware and Gear Chronicle fascinated him for some odd reason. Upon arrival he spotted Aoi and in front of her....Chronos....

"So this is about that dragon." he said, as he walked up to them. "It's good to see you again Aoi, I guess I shouldn't be surprised to see you here Chronos." he said.

"I wish I hadn't answered this idiot's call", Chronos greeted Haruto by insulting Aoi. Aoi somehow had gotten cotton candy in the span of talking to Chronos and Haruto showing up. The bubbly cheer gave the Liberator player a little wave as she took a bite out of the pink, fluffy cloud. Needless to say, the Spirit of Time wonders why he didn't leave awhile ago. Now even the boy is going to want to talk to him, and he doesn't want to be around one stupid human, let alone a second human at all.

"Hiiii", Aoi finally said.

"So are you going to try to lecture me again?" Chronos raised an eyebrow, wondering if Haruto will start yelling about his brother and insulting the agent again.

"Don't underestimate her, she has a way with lifting up the moods of people I have to say." he said, at this point it was obvious how much of a bubbly and precious human being Aoi was, come to think of it they are the same age...why isn't he like her? "I'm glad we have an optimistic ally like her, it's something we're missing, even you could use some optimism once in a while Chronos."

At Chronos's question Haruto found himself clenching his fist, it was not that he felt like he wanted to harm Chronos, it's just that the topic regarding his outburst that day bothers him, "...I'm too tired to lecture anybody, and....I should not have said what I said, you were right my brother's time had come, I just...I wish he was still here we do need him....or maybe it's just I do...I guess I have not come to terms yet with what happened those months back." he said, seeming rather sincere, it was a strange turnabout considering his previous behaviour but after what Chronos said to him that day it was difficult.

"I was selfish, I took it too far when I made the claim that you should have saved my brother since you could, I may not like your style and how you approach us and handle the situation at hand...but I know when I took it too far, so I apologize." he said, shutting his eyes.

It was sadly true, he may have covered his anger with the arguement that having Tsubasa with them could have helped against the Reapers but it stemmed from his insecurity and desire for someone close once again...

"Lifting moods doesn't change that she's an idiot!" Chronos shouted.

"I'm not dumb, I'm just not quick!" Aoi shouted. Wasn't it the other way around after running at the speed of light in the park?!

"Ugh..." Chronos groaned, ready to go. A minute with Aoi was like an eternity in Hell. He wants none of this optimism if it means a migraine. An angry sigh, ready for Haruto to dig in with another emotional "fuck you" speech. That's all humans were good at, may as well let them have it. ... Though, much to his surprise, the boy... apologized? The Spirit of Time was genuinely surprised by this, hearing him speak of how while he wished he was here, he had to accept Tsubasa being gone. For once, mankind wasn't acting like a bunch of arrogant fools who didn't know their place. Amazing. Chronos needed to get a tape recording of this from the Akashic Record.

"Haruto..." Aoi softly called out, offering him some of the cotton candy.

"... The past is filled with pain, and for humans to see their kin go, is agony." Chronos started somberly, not presenting his usual rude attitude. "I am sorry for your brother's passing... But I really must know. Are you simply going to follow in his footsteps, or will you be your own man in the future? He's gone, but you can keep his spirit alive..."

A question of fates, actually. Two paths the Bluish Flame inheritance can take.

"She may not be quick but she gets the job done Chronos, thanks to her a lot of people are still holding on from our end." he said, as the two went back and forth. It may have seemed like Haruto was overcomplimenting her but in some ways he admired her, how she can smile in the face of all of this and help others fight on like her, to him she was very strong.

He took the Cotton Candy from Aoi and ate a bit of it, "Thanks Aoi..you don't have to worry.." he said to her, before turning back to respond to Chronos.

"..Thanks...My brother was a great man, he helped me every step of the way and thanks to him i'm still here and so are many people who are in his debt...but try as I might i'm not like him, I may have inherited the Bluish Flames but i'm not Tsubasa...I'm Haruto Hayato....I'm weak and unprepared for what is next but, i'll figure it out somehow...i'll keep his spirit alive and honor his legacy by being who I am in the future, and maybe then I can discover more about myself." he said, responding to Chronos, he was still unsure how he would accomplish this but he believed that there is a chance that he can after all it's what has kept him going this whole time when no one stood by him.

"What in the world does optimism do against an invincible Reaper?!"

"You never know until you try!"

Chronos began pulling his hair out. Why did this stupid girl not have a negative thought, and why did Haruto even vouch for her?! Aoi bounced excitedly with pep, ready to fight against the infinite, even punching the air a few times for added effect just to show she's training for the big round two. Is this the human arrogance he hates, or is it just blind stupidity? Either way, he's about done with this chick for the next millennia or seven, if there's any after this. Pushing aside the twit from his mind, he listened to Haruto's answer. Acceptance of inferiority, that's what Chronos wanted to hear. He wanted humanity to stop thinking they can always do anything and they're always ready when they don't know anything.

They were learning. When they learn, they can do anything.

He did not smile, however, the faith Chronojet Dragon put in man wasn't entirely in vain see Haruto like this.

"There may just be hope for you yet as an individual", Chronos told him, which surprised Aoi. He's being nice?! "You're weak and unprepared, but you are your own soul. Now, you must grow. You've inherited his will and not his soul, which pleases me to hear. That Prominence Core is a member of the Blaze Paladins summoned by Guidance Sage, Zenon from the United Sanctuary's past, and he is a potential candidate as a Guardian Dragon. You realize that potential, you stand a slightly better but still slim chance of surviving.

You all can't kill Harbinger, but you can at least live through everyone else except Sovereign."

Aoi still continued her usual optimism coupled with a cute show of her fighting skills and motivation, watching Chronos react to that made Haruto slightly giggle. "I assume you came here to ask Chronos about this tournament then Aoi?" he asked.

"So that's what he is.." said Haruto, as he took out his deck and looked at Core. "So you're saying there is more potential to be found...interesting." Obviously Haruto knew that there could be more but given his mental state earlier he needed a wake up call before he could believe.

"At this point yes we can't kill Harbringer, I doubt any of us can......not yet at least." said Haruto, he did have some glimmer of faith especially since Chronos told him that there is more to the Blaze Paladin faction of his Gold Paladins that he needs to uncover after all he had not yet used Magnus's power.

"To be honest I was not sure if I should take part in this tournament as of late, but given the circumstances i'll continue to try, though I'm surprised that Chronojet is on the poster though...kinda wish I can meet him one day there's a lot I want to understand about him and Gear Chronicle also why he believes in us so much.." Haruto's fascination with Gear Chronicle was clear at this point, he remembers seeing Chronojet long ago when he showed up during the Seed invasion afterall. "To be honest part of me wants to see Gear Chronicle in a Cardfight."

"Is he seriously challenging Gear Chronicle to a game?"
"I don't know bruno, it does not look like he is sure of himself yet, it's probably his curiousity talking with that one." replied Aglovale.

"Yeah, since he has so much time on his hands. But he doesn't know anything!" Aoi responded, casually speaking of how Chronos indeed stated he had the time to cater to stupid human needs. Then, her hyperactive mind came up with an idea, and began quickly texting: I know where we can go camping! to Fubuki before displaying a location in the mountains. The Agent was about sick of this, finally ready to leave after giving Haruto his parting words and information of his own unit-

great he wants to fight.

"Do you think I have the time to cater to human curiosity and play stupid card games with you for fun?"

"Yes." Aoi replied to Chronos.

Silence.

"... Alright, I do have the time, but I'm not doing it."

"He does not know anything?" definitely a surprise, since this tournament seemed to be posted by the Gear Chronicle, though in this case it seems to have been done by Chronojet only. "Interesting.."

Admittedly the Aoi and Chronos back and forth was still as amusing as ever to watch, but it seemed like she was also texting someone, plans? "You got something planned Aoi?" he asked.

Chronos seemed to be ready to leave before Haruto posed the subtle challenge, "Don't worry, I can wait besides I want to be worth the time if we do end up having a match, but if you have any information to give me before leaving please do." he inquired, at this point he wanted to know all he could about Gear Chronicle, his own units, anything.

"Here's some information: this brat is going to be the cause of many deaths through insufferable migraines."

"You should get time aspirin."

"Time... aspirin? What's the time part?"

"I'unno. You're the spirit of time, so I assumed it involved time stuff."

That's it. Chronos immediately left without apologizing to Haruto for giving him no info on Gear Chronicle. Vanishing through a summoned clock, with Aoi waving cheerfully and hoping to see him again in the future, but he can probably see them in the past. That's probably how time works, right? Anyway, the bubbly gumball turned to Haruto, showing him the text she sent to Fubuki.

"We're gonna go camping to train for the next Reaper fight! You wanna come?"

Chronos took off too quickly, not enough chill to handle the bubbly gumball but Haruto still took it upon himself to try and reach him again, otherwise his curiosity will never be satisfied. Now Aoi on the other hand, she made Haruto an interesting offer.

"Training Camp huh <though knowing her it'll be more than just training...I need to make sure no gumballs will be needed> sure I would love to go camping and the training should be of help." he answered back with a smile as he placed his hand in his pocket and felt something that brought his smile to and end. "Oh yeah..."

He still had not been able to reach Yukino to show her this letter, then again he has never been able to reach Yukino for basic conversation to begin with....after what Chronos told him he had to not try and give it to someone else to handle.

"...After this trip I will need your help, Xat decided to go down a path that is only gonna affect her negatively...I was originally going to give it to someone else to handle it because of how badly I felt in my ability but...I've decided to go after her, but having you along should help." he said, taking out the letter and handing it to Aoi.

"Huh? I thought Xat didn't go try to be a double agent though." Aoi tilted her head in confusion. "Give what to who? What's going on? Is this part of the camping? Will there be ghost stories to tell to Xat?"

The lass bit into her cotton candy, confused.

This girl is too bubbly, but Haruto was not against it, unlike Chronos he was not annoyed by her style with interactions so he can handle. He opened the letter and began to read it to her, with sadness on his face, it was obvious that this choice was heartbreaking.

Dear my friends,
I'm sorry to say that I am leaving. I have decided to go back to my village and will remain there so you all won't get hurt. I had lots of fun, and learned lot of new stuff. Next time we meet I might not probably be friendly due to them planning to re-train me in the assassin life. I'm so sorry to have to leave after all these battles. Please don't come for me.

Sincerly,
Xateramusa

"She chose to go back to her village for our sake.....she's being forced to change her good nature...because she cares about us, I can't let her do this I have to go get her back as soon as possible but...i'm not ready I need more training." he said, his hand shaking with anger and sadness. "If you don't want to come with me that's fine."

"Whaaaat?! I thought we went over this! She didn't have to go back home and bow to those bullies if she didn't want to!" Aoi shouted after reading the letting and listening to Haruto in shock. They stopped her from going with Chris, so why did she leave anyway?! She took the letter, gripping it tightly and threatening to rip it up. People are way too stuck in the limbo of despair after Harbinger, and she wants everyone to try being happy again. With resolution, the lass balled up the letter in a fist. That kind of defiance Chronos hated - it was still in this lass not for fighting the Reapers, but to defy sorrow.

"We're going to find her on top of camping!!" Aoi declared to the heavens and Haruto, pointing skyward.

She doesn't even know where the village is.

Her attitude brought a smile on his face, it was just the right amount of optimism and goofiness needed to wake a kid up. Sometimes it's a surprise such a person even exists at these times...

"Glad to have you on board Aoi, with you I'm sure we'll be able to get her back." he said, extending his hand for a handshake, after he took back the letter he might need it for later.

At that moment the Reality Bangles started beeping, relaying the danger in bound by Harbringer's drone.

"...Looks like this little trip is over, shall we?" he said, as he began his way towards the area the bangle specified.

Aoi cracked her knuckles, deciding to punch and kick against a malignant future in order to go camping with her friends - saving Xat from the despair of the assassins. Darkness and hatred will be crushed by the united Ripple forces under the prodigy - the Chinese Champion of Vanguard who came to the land of the Rising Sun in order to simply share the experience of Japan. To end this nightmare is a dream beyond dreams she'll grasp with Haruto here, and many others at her side.

A real hero.

All of the Reaper drones simply being normal human beings with an agenda today arrived at the stadium. Surprise, surprise, Harbinger herself walked there with them. Hands on her hips, grinning maliciously, she watched all of them sign up accordingly and have their decks scanned. The power to erase was not printed on the cards themselves, so there would be no trouble or suspicion whatsoever. Of course, a point was made by Fuki to not alert the Cardfight Association by using them anyway. Today, they were ordinary fighters.

That could potentially end time itself with this tournament.

Chronos floated above the stadium, watching the masses gather. In truth, he knew of this tournament. He knew everything, and lied to both Aoi and Haruto.

This is your only chance, humanity, Chronos mentally stated.

Making his way from the beach, Seifer came to show he was there, and able to participate. Was he ready to take on another tournament? ...Who knows. Last time he was in one, he had Great Nature. And it... Wasn't something he could handle... It didn't matter how hard he struggled against it, he was probably bound to lose here to. But even then, he was here to support his friends... And that, brought a slight smile to his face as he made his way to meet with the others. Hopefully Rosalia wouldn't be that far behind him, as they were both at the beach at the time of the text. Handing in his deck to be scanned, Seifer glanced around, noting that even the drones were here. Hm... Well it could be bad, but oh well. Getting his deck back after it was scanned, the brunette glanced around to see if any of the others were here already.

On his way home, Haruto made a quick stop to the tournament stadium to file his application for the tournament. It was not long back since he had came here after all he did leave for the camping trip right after coming here and talking to Chronos. On his way to register he noted the presence of familiar faces, namely drones and even Harbinger, there was also Seifer who Haruto still did not know how he could face him after what happened the last time.

"...These drones acting like normal people...better be careful in case they try something during this tournament." he thought, as he filled out the application form for the event and had his deck scanned.

"I wonder what Chronojet is after by hosting this, if the drones are involved then this could be dangerous...nevertheless I have to stay focused on getting past this event." he thought.

Just as expected, the pinkette was tailing by the brunette's side. Rosalia glanced around the stadium while remaining within arm's reach of Seifer. It was the first time she was really in a stadium, now that she thought about it. Considering her disappearing acts, it wasn't hard to believe that she had never been in one before, and definitely not participating in one. She copied her fiancé's "instructions", having her own deck scanned as well as filing the rest of her application so she could take part, but what she also didn't know was that the Reaper Drones were around. She never met any of them according to what she remembered anyways; just a giant alien named... uh... did it have a name?...

Whelp, this was still her first tournament, and she didn't want to let anyone down. "Are you feeling any better?..." Rosalia asked softly, entwining her fingers with Seifer's as they walked. "I-i'm kinda nervous about the tournament. Think I'll be okay?..." she mused as well, hoping that the conversation would lighten the mood.

From the skies above, Darren Shurensei came down from the hand of Metalborg Sin Buster. He stepped down. The flight there had been helpful to him. With focus, he could concentrate his abilities, but he didn't know if he could do it during a fight. His eyes opened as he saw the Reaper energy around him. The focal points of it were clear. Multiple drones. He grinned at the sight. At least it won't be boring.

He started to walk forward, turning as he saw another energy. "So that's Chronos..." he said as he looked above. He gave the figure a wave but nothing more as he went to see who else he could find.

Meanwhile another figure walked towards the arena. It was a... less graceful entrance. He looked up, his deck in his hand as he said, "I can't just let everyone else fight... even if I can't do anything..." It was Raiden Mujo. He had to be here, he owed it to Yukino, Noel, and the others to help however he could.

Jessie and several others had received a notification on their phones that the tournament would be beginning shortly. The boy had showed his phone to Okuri who looked curiously at the message and picture of the strange dragon creature on it. It was time to be on their way and so as the members of the resistance poured out of the slums toward the stadium, Okuri followed them alongside Jessie. "It's time then. I can't wait to learn more about this dragon." he had said excitedly as they departed.

Upon arrival at the stadium the area was bustling with people, the area for the fighters to go was clearly marked. Okuri had had to make sure he was properly managing who all could and couldn't see the real him to avoid trouble. Thankfully they merely wanted to scan the decks of all participants once it was confirmed they had properly registered. A bit of difficulty in reading them aside the people had found Okuri's documentation to be in order and a few minutes his deck was handed back to him. Taking it he moved further in closer to the stadium waiting for Jessie and the others to make it through before proceeding inside.

Panting, Noel finally made it to the tournament stadium, somehow catching up to Rosalia and the others. When she finally caught her breath, she looked and was surprised at how huge this stadium really was. "Damn this place is ridiculous!"

Noel has entered tournaments before but they were never in venues of this scale. It's always been in local shops or small convention centers but never in an actual stadium. She took out the forms needed for registration and found a table to sit on so she can fill them out.

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From the other side of the stadium, Mirai arrived as well. She tried to be as much as her usual old self as possible, before regaining her memories as a Seed. It was almost as if she was never on Harbinger's side anymore. Even her old clumsiness returned. She was also filling out an application for registration and turned it in as soon as she was finished with it. A small, twisted grin, came to her since she can't wait to start fighting her former Resistance comrades.