Messiah Scramble Arena - Day 2

Despite the bit of unfortunate happenings yesterday, the Messiah Scramble still presses on for its second day of the week with the Best Eight decided. Tamotsu, Haruto, Mirai, Aoi, Kazuki, Jellal, Hana... and Azazel were in a contest to decide the strongest that deserved a unique future shaped for and to them by the Divine Powers. The winds blew fiercely underneath the hot sun that oversaw the next round of the pseudo-world tournament, leaving Great Nature, Gold Paladin, Royal Paladin, Aqua Force, Cosmic Defenders, Bermuda Triangle, and the centerpiece of a greater plot beyond it all: Shadow Paladin. While everyone may have been a bit cautious and skeptical of the proceeding events, Yukino Espoir's voice told them not to worry, as they have everything under control and the masses are safe. Unfortunately, the participants knew that may not be the case. There is no guarantee Azazel will be controlled if they wait to take action like they did with Gastor's match yesterday. But Yukino was a hero... the super soldier that stood as one of the leaders in the war against Link Joker. While it would damage her reputation if something happened after saying this with her credibility on the line, it just goes to show how they have to tiptoe around this situation. The Chosen Sword is risking her own standing and - much to her dismay - the lives of others to ensure the civil war has a proper conclusion.

Lest this situation gets worse.

Regardless, the ignorant masses cannot help but cling to a voice that tells them they're safe.

That the officials have it handled.

Yet, the participants know otherwise the darkness lying underneath the proceedings.

Earlier today, Yukino spoke to those remaining and those interested out of the participating players and others who fought in the war.

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"The civil war between Royal Paladin and Shadow Paladin was never truly finished."

"How can that be?" Solis asked the other Singularity Point, well aware of their history as it even took place in his own timeline.

"Phantom Blaster Dragon - the Dragon of Hell - was defeated... but his remnants still remained. The creature is made up of two entities: the light of the fallen guardian dragon who was reincarnated into a dragon-shifting knight: Mordred Phantom to Dragruler Phantom. Seifer, this connection is why you're here so you become part of the know, to know that you like others are part of this conclusion. Jellal, Hana, Haruka, you three as well must be here for the definitive finale, as the other entity is the issue - the entity we all fought. The evil, despair-hungry spirit.

This Messiah Scramble was designed to be packed with a great deal of emotion - emotion that would lure the evil dragon toward us."

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With this knowledge, what the participants and those who have lost decide to do is up to them. Causing island-wide panic has its own share of problems, but Azazel being a part of the tournament can easily get someone hurt like Gastor again. Solis and Hana in particular were angry, but they knew Yukino wouldn't go out of her way to let someone get hurt, so there's more to this if the association is being incredibly patient about their movements. Generation Rare is back up and dancing away while Yukino even remained in her cheerleading outfit - covered up with the sports jacket and sweatpants, mind you - to keep attention focused on her body. It was embarrassing... but it calmed the civilians down.

Aoi kept her arms folded, head tilted curiously as she stared up at the Chosen Sword, then at the holographic monitor showing the remaining brackets. "Hana is against that dragon lady thing..." Her tone stayed child-like, despite the circumstances, but was also filled with concern. "She beat Bashy and that Solis guy, so she's really strong, I think. Maybe she won't lose to Azazel...?"

Azazel hadn't even shown up yet, once again being late.

"Let's keep up the momentum we have on this hype train to the finale! It's round three with the best eight going at it to make it to tomorrow's best four!" The announcer hollered into the microphone, the audience roaring with power as they were yesterday.

Day 2 of the Messiah Scramble, a time to enjoy vanguard and enjoy the competitive environment among kids and adults alike from many different nations, ethnicity, and backgrounds: all coming together for Vanguard!

Or so, was the idea before being informed of yet, another, threatening issue through the usage of their game.

It seemed things kept escalating higher and higher, from wanting to avoid the Resistance, to now having being dragged into another battle: this time against his most hated and most feared opponent, Phantom Blaster Dragon, the original evil incarnate. Despite the stakes being raised, this got Jellal..."motivated." Granted he wasn't expecting this to happen, but, now that something interesting has shown up, he is left in a storm of mixed feelings but all of it leading to an intense thrill. Angry? Disappointed? Confused? Scared? Anxious? Pleasure? Joy?
Happy? Regardless of which emotions, because he probably would have a reason for them anyway, Jellal consumed them and was determined.

Casually walking down the Arena hallway with a bag of popcorn in his hands and crunching each corn in his mouth one by one after catching them with his teeth from tossing them in the air. His spirits were high after yesterday because it was the continuation of the tournament, where he'd get the chance to fight both a user of a new clan and his enemy and point of interest: Azazel and Phantom Blaster.

"I'll just wait here in the shadows." he said confidently looking at Blaster Dark with his eyes widen. No, it wasn't the insanity kind of widen, but a very cheerful wide eyes that were full of optimism and radiance. But only half real as the other half was hiding his intent and anticipation for both round three fights that held an interest for him.

"Glad to see you're in... a 'good mood'." The knight became visible leaning on the opposite wall facing his master glutting down his bag of popcorn. Jellal kept chewing loud and kept eating faster and faster. "Just don't choke."

"Huh? That's all?" Jellal said curiously innocent. "Isn't this the part where you call me a fatass or make a quip about me needing to go on a diet or something?"

"You're right but... I have other thoughts on my mind."

"Oh really? What a coincidence! I also had something on my mind too! Care to tell what it is?"

"Heh. Of course, but then, it'd be pointless. We're both thinking of the same things." Blaster Dark's eyes also had a sinister look to them, like two kids up to no good: trying to scam people out of their quarters for jawbreakers or something.

They both lowered their expressions to a mellow nonchalant one as they awaited for people to walk down the hallway, well... specific people.

"Bets to who shows up first?"

"Hm. Well it wouldn't be you-know-who. They'll be making a haughty grand entrance despite being late."

"That's true."

"The Cosmic Defender guy seems like a slouch of sorts, so I don't expect him to be early either."

"Same."

"Don't really know Mirai, Tamotsu, nor Haruto but they don't seem like they'd be late."

"But I doubt they'd be super early either."

"So that leaves... Hana and Aoi."

"My bet is on Hana. She probably wants to get her fight done and over with."

"Yeah but, do you really think she'd be eagerly ready to go toe-to-toe with Azazel and Phantom Blaster? Some people aren't like you, charging into a fight like daredevil."

"That's true. She could be a bit concerned or even scared."

"There's also the fact that if there is some plan going on, that they're going over what Hana needs to do, preparing her and whatnot. So, my bet will be on Aoi."

Jellal grew quiet when Blaster Dark said Aoi's name. He still hadn't seen her or spoken to her, but he still... is curious about Maelstrom and his old deck. Jellal proceeded to sigh loudly, with Blaster Dark closing his eyes and opening his mouth.

"I just don't see why you don't talk to her or ask her about your dragon. Not like she'll bite your head off."

"But I already told you why I couldn't face anyone, previously. This also applies to her, and especially her."

"Not the point. She respects you and you're avoiding her? Maybe she wants to catch up and see how you are and whatnot. Maybe she's looking forward to fighting you? Not just her, maybe everyone is. Neo wanted to fight you but he couldn't since he lost round one."

"I know bu-"

"No. You don't." Blaster Dark gave Jellal an annoyed look to try and help his master understand the faults in his logic. "I think it'd be better if you just approached them or even attempt to mingle with everyone. The past is in the past, you have to move on!"

"I'm trying to but you won't let me!"

"I won't? Or you won't?" Jellal was about to speak but Blaster Dark's comment caught him like a cat caught his tongue. He quickly backed down and listened to his partner. "You say you don't want to be reminded of when you were afraid to fight, and that you were ashamed of your behavior. How is it any different from what you're doing now? Being afraid to fight is one thing, but being afraid to see people who would probably be happy and overjoyed to see you healthy and well? I dunno. I may stay in the shadows, but even in the shadows,
one can tell just how backwards that is. However, this is just something to think about for the future. Just stay focused for this round."

Jellal was utterly crushed by the weight of Blaster Dark's words and his own behavior.

"Was I really...?" he said to himself. Looking at the palm of his hand, thinking back. The two continued to keep watch from the shadows and silence, waiting for the first person to enter the arena.

Seifer returned to the arena, not as a competitor, but merely as an observer of the matches to come. His head still felt like it was going to split from the day before, and even more so as he looked at Mordred, remembering Yukino's words. What was all this about? What war? A conclusion? The more he thought on it, the greater the pain was for him. Leaning against the railing, the silver haired Espoir boy watched, waiting for the fights of the day to begin and end. If he was a part of this, at least he'd be here to see what happened.

Sighing as his headache didn't subside, he leaned back off of the railing, producing a pill bottle from his coat, popping two into his hand and knocking his head back, swallowing them quickly. Hopefully they'd help stem the pain this headache was causing him. Returning the bottle to the innards of his coat, he chose a seat and sat down, waiting for the events of the day, thinking back on what was said once more. All of it still confused him. How could he even help? He was out of the tournament now. So what was his purpose really? He could just give Jellal the Mordreds he had, and the Dragruler Revenants and bam, there was their fix. He could help, he was stronger for sure than Seifer. Right? He was still in this tournament... so why...?

Looking down at the Mordred card still in his hand he sighed, knowing full well he wouldn't hand over the card, even if they tried to force him. This card, for some reason, meant more to him than the entirety of his Revenger deck. Why? It was such a basic card, a Break Ride, a trial deck card no less! Yet to him, it felt... precious. This piece of cardboard was precious to him, for whatever reason. And he wouldn't give it up. Even amidst the pulsing headache still plaguing him, he decided it best to try and help however he could... do whatever they asked for now.

Day 2 of the Messiah Scramble, another day yet again to head out there. Top 8 of the event was gonna take place today in which everyone who won or got a pass in round 1 as well as won in round 2 were able to proceed to round 3. Only the 8 strongest people of the 30 members in Messiah Scramble are able to participate today. With that aside the top 8 entered the arena 1 by 1 as they all had things on their minds.

Kazuki making it to top 8 is walking through the halls getting ready to enter the arena. He stops before entering the arena once again and thought to himself “One Step Closer. I wonder who the unlucky bastards are today.” as he let off a grin to himself. He knew that so much was riding on this event for him and hand no intention of letting easy things stop him. His ego was big as they come but not because he was confident but because a lot was riding one what he had to do no matter what it took.

He finally entered the arena looking at the crowd seeing that there are just as much people as there was yesterday maybe event more. Kazuki punch his palm with his right hand as he started to get psychotically happy. “It’s go time baby!” he said outloud.

I will not do things your way, I will solve Vanguard by my own means. Hana's mental declaration to her sister resounded, the wind howling as it blew with Isabella Hope's entry to the arena. Bermuda Triangle's Vanguard arrived, her long, navy blue locks flowing with the breeze as eyes turned to her. Aoi stared at the other Espoir with a level of interest she hadn't felt with a new face in a long time. Hana was strong - a new rival within the competitive scene the gumball hadn't fought before nor seen. It was exciting as it was nail-biting for not being able to face her and knowing she would fight a supernatural entity of ages' past. Yukino, Artorias, and Enma were watching cautiously over the arena while Generation Rare kept the attention of the masses.

"Your sister... is going to fight Azazel." Enma didn't know what else to say, putting the situation bluntly that they all already knew.

"We cannot stop her, because we still must see what Azazel is capable of. We've seen two G Units and a new Grade Three, but that Grade Three does not do anything beyond searching another? That cannot be all of it." The king explained, knowing his subordinate would put an end to this immediately since her little sister was at risk. He would have stopped this himself if the situation wasn't so... delicate. Even so, he kept a stern expression that managed to show a bit of concern and sympathy. "It can't be helped."

"It's fine." Yukino chirped, surprising them both. "When it comes to sheer ability through Vanguard, Hana was always stronger than me. She was stronger than everyone in raw Vanguard skill. As far as combat prowess goes, Cero, Karin, and I top her. But... in the purest form of the game, Hana's return will be remembered as one of the absolute strongest of a generation. Because of that... heh, I'm not worried." The Chosen Sword praised her kin's reputation as Japan's first National Champion, having defeated Cero Kirguis and constantly being able to climb the summit through skill and talent alone. With a chuckle, the elder sister had faith in Hana's survival and potential victory.

"Jellal," Hana called out to, turning to face him before going any farther. "Watch my Vanguard here, and I'll show that we've both moved on from who we used to be, just like everyone else, despite the circumstances." Hana Espoir and Jellal Kisaragi vanished for a period of time for various reasons, but that did not mean they were forgotten nor left behind. They still had a place in the world... She didn't know how Jellal felt on the matter exactly, but wanted him to know she was in a similar boat as him. The two of them made it to the Best Eight and they would show they're still a part of history. So, the Princess of Cray began walking forward, mentally prepared to fight against the evil dragon.

At the end of Generation Rare's last song, another run of "Bravery Flame", a burst of flames interrupted the idol group's performance- Thankfully, the viewers simply thought this was another visual effect added for dramatic flare or the like, even if the idols themselves looked a bit surprised at the sudden fire. What would surprise them- and the audience- even more, however, was what stepped out from the blaze: Dragonic Overlord The Cross emerged, taking the center stage and grabbing hold of the mic they'd set up for Yukino, the flames behind her dying down.

"Participants, spectators, and esteemed members of the Grand Sanctuary! I ask that, today, you lend me your ears!"

The Overlord addressed the entire arena, her voice booming loudly for all to hear. Under the cover of her armor, Karin's identity was completely concealed- The helmet distorted her voice enough, and only a select few people actually knew of her true identity as an Overlord. Like this, the arena would see her as a being truly from Cray.

"I am Dragonic Overlord, a warrior from the planet Cray, as many of you may recognize.

Yesterday, we witnessed the appearance of a malicious force. A force that is using your Vanguard to further its own ends, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake. It is because of that incident that I have appeared before you today. It is because of this grave misuse of power that I am here now, and it is because of the danger that now hovers over this event that I have come. Many of you came here today feeling nervous, tense, or even unsafe after yesterday's ordeal, and so I have come to put your fears at ease. I swear, on my title, I will do my utmost to protect this Messiah Scramble, and all who have gathered here to witness it. We will not allow that evil force to break the delicate peace of this place.

But there is more to be said concerning this!

More important than this looming evil, is the purpose of this event, of this tournament!"

The Overlord pointed a finger to the Messiah Scramble trophy, and the unformed card it held.

"To grasp hold of a future not yet known to you, to seize life by the reigns and push your way to tomorrow. Those who have come to participate in this Messiah Scramble, that is their end goal. And that-"

The Overlord turned to point at the rest of the audience, her finger passing across the entire arena. "-is what all of you should strive for as well! Right now, the future has turned dark, shrouded by dark clouds. But such a future can be avoided. Just as the generation that came before avoided disaster in the past, the new generation is capable of the same feat! Two years ago, both humanity and Cray were returned the gift of Stride, the ability to surpass our present selves and reach new heights beyond our limits; And it is that gift that is the key to our growth. Let me share with you- Participants and spectators alike- this wisdom."

She turned again to the trophy, this time focusing on the two figures that adorned it- The past form of the Overlord, and his eternal rival, Blaster Blade.

"Blaster Blade... For years, I have faced him as my rival, clashing swords with him until the very end. Even now, our rivalry persists. And it is through this rivalry, through us constantly pushing against one another, that both of us have grown and evolved so much. By challenging ourselves against one another, over and over, we went beyond what was thought to be our peak, and attained even greater heights. Fighting, growing, changing, and fighting again... It is by testing ourselves against others that we move forward. Just as those participating in this tournament pit themselves against one another, in an effort to reach a new height! It is when one reaches such a peak, that they receive new power, just as I or my rival have before.

And it is exactly that which I urge you to do. As we of Cray test ourselves in combat, you of Earth test yourselves with Vanguard! So fight on, New Generation! Fight against each other, and become stronger together! Believe in your Fight, in your Vanguard, and reach out towards the future you all desire! One day, surely, you will grasp it with your own hands!"

The Overlord took a bow, replacing the mic on its stand. And with another sudden blaze, she vanished from the stage.

The sudden flames, and loud booming noise of "Overlord's" voice didn't help Seifer's headache, and the talk about striving to seek a future... something using Vanguard as a means to an end for it's own nefarious goals. This all sounded like a bunch of just... ridiculous hype building the more things that happened, with the knocked out contestant having a hard time believing even the things Yukino told him still. It was just a game right?

...Right? Or was it more than that? The feeling he had with the Mordred card, was there more there? The headache worsened, and he began feeling nauseous. Did he get sick? Standing up, the silver haired young man attempted to leave, stumbling on his way toward the exits.

Mirai was semi-oblivious of the events that happened the day before. Well, not oblivious, she just tried to not worry about it until it was time for her to deal with it. IF there was even a need for her to deal with it to begin with. Yukino was there, so her and the rest of the old crew can take care of it right? Right? However...

Phantom Blaster Dragon huh? Mirai thought to herself. She looked at her Seeker deck once again, a Royal Paladin deck themed on units from the past. During the time where Shadow Paladin never existed and when the Dragon of Hell was once the holy Guardian Dragon of the United Sanctuary. And this particular troop was seeking... something. Looking through the deck and looked at a particular unit. I wonder what will happen if this unit meets Phantom Blaster? It will be probably as awkward as arguing with your reflection of a mirror

As Mirai thought of that, she noticed a certain person making an attempt on leaving the arena... but was doing a terrible job at it if it was meant to be discreet. "And where do you think you are going mister?" Mirai called out to Seifer as she saw him attempting to leave. "You look like a roughed up drunk guy running away from the truth!" It was from that moment, she took it upon herself to keep Seifer on her sight in case he tried running away. All the while she waits for the announcer to call her name for her next round.

Just before he got to freedom, Seifer was being spoken to. Placing his hand on the wall to steady himself, he turned his head around to see... Mirai? "Can you keep it down... I don't feel well as it is..." he sighed, popping another few painkillers. He may have a problem. "I don't know what you're talking about truth either... I don't know you, and I've never heard anything about living cards and wars and... just... leave me alone..." he sighed, turning back toward the gaping exit and using the wall as support while walking away.

The young dog might as well have been the blue blurr the way he made for the arena from where he and the boys had been hanging out. As he bolted past a number of civilians, there were various people calling out to the pup or commenting to friends that it was that dog that could talk and was in the tournament. Others felt it was all just a clever trick, like someone was just trying to get a laugh out of the audience by making it look like their dog was playing for them. To all of these people Tamotsu might have stopped and introduced himself and sought some pets or snacks. But now was a time of business.

As the spirit arrived, he saw a large burst of flames ascending up above the arena. Unbeknownst to him, this had signalled the departure of Dragonic Overlord. But to the dog all it was was something pretty to look at which he did for a moment, finally stopping his sprint. But now he was here. Just a day ago he'd gotten his memories and ability to talk back and he'd had some good fights. Now he just needed to locate the gumball. Locked on target. The girl was standing around, staring at Hana as the Espoir girl moved about and talked with other competitors. The perfect chance presented itself.

"Aoi!" he called out as he tackled the girl from behind and began his excited greeting. In between licks and nuzzling her face he managed to speak, "I can talk again Aoi!" he said. Nothing fueled the pup's excitement more than being around the true hero and this was no different even if he had some of his old self back.

Kazuki headed towards the fight table to get Day 2 of Messiah Scramble started. As he arrived he noticed a slightly familiar face heading towards him which was unusual since he doesn't know anyone. A boy with white hair appeared before him. Kazuki suddenly got a flashback to yesterday "He's that kid who tapped me on my shoulder and I brushed him off." he thought to himself. Kazuki started to wonder why this guy seemed to have been popping up in his tracks for no reason. He didn't think about it too much and got ready to for the fight, he set up the deck and everything.

"Stand Up, Thy Vanguard!" he said as the cardfight started. The fight was going smoothly, but for some reason Kazuki's deck was rather quiet during this fight for some reason. As the game continued they finally arrived at grade 3 in which Jellal had the first stride. Still wasn't able to deal damage to Kazuki. Kazu counter attacked right back with his own stride although his Avatar seemed to no have been showing up which was rather strange. Kazuki was only able to do 1 damage during his stride turn but it was still progress.

As the battle was heating up Kazuki started to smile as if he was sorta enjoying it a bit but the fact that his deck was still quiet bothered him. "You know to be honest I thought you was just gonna be another half ass standing in my way, you still in my way but not as much of a half ass as I thought you were gonna be." he said to Jellal. Jellal's turn game to a stand and instead of Striding went for his Limit Break which brought Kazuki from 1 damage to 5 in an instant and ended his turn. Suddenly Kazu heard a whisper from his deck as he drew from it which made him grow silent. "S-so he's just another one..." he whispered to himself.

Kazuki's attitude changed as he strode with his eyes blinking red he brought forth one of his strongest strides. Jellal trying to withstand it was holding on as he put down a 2 to pass. Kazuki drove check getting a heal trigger and draw trigger breaking through it, HOWEVER Jellal was not done as he pulled a miracle 6th heal. "Y-you won't get away with this! I just realized who you are." he said to Jellal. Jellal continued on to his turn bringing out a demonic stride to bring an end to this fight. Kazuki's hand started to shake as he made a fist with it. The Unit struck Kazuki with a 2 crits taking Kazuki from 4 to 6 at least... it would of been 6 if Kazuki didn't respond with his own 6th heal. Kazuki drew from his deck as he took the top card slamming it into the drop zone. "I'll burn everything to ashes with illuminating light that bring forth flames of purification! STRIDE GENERATION!" Kazuki let out an onslaught of attacks letting him take the win over Jellal.

Kazuki once again took energy from his opponent's deck, his deck then started to glow bright as he was getting ready to put it in his deckbox that is attached to his belt, hoping nobody would really notice it and just assume it was just the sun getting brighter or an illusion. After he packed up his cards as he passed by Jellal stopping by his side. "You know.. your lucky Aqua Force wasn't by your side today." Kazuki said to him as he grinned. He then got away from Jellal and walked awake getting ready to leave the stage. With his back turned to Jellal walking towards the exit he put his hand up a little "Catch you later.. General." He said before letting out a merciless laugh as if it was a all a joke to him.

The masses watched the proceeding games after listening to Dragonic Overlord's speech and watching Karin try to talk them down and remind them of what was important. Generation Rare - with a few quiet quips from Koga - stood back and allowed her the stage without any conflicts. Though, Tomozo had a number of questions about a big, armored flame dragon taking the microphone... The select few who were aware of the flame dragon's identity through the helmet perked up, Enma in particular leaning forward. It was hard for those who remembered... those who remembered the terror of the Reaper Invasion, and those who suffered from the Star-vader invasion. They wanted to cling to the voices of the leaders that promised them safety, but they needed more than that.

However, after a few moments needed to register everything the flame dragon spoke, it finally began to click.

It would be slow and it would be gradual, but the spirit of competition and the desire to be granted a uniquely shaped future before anyone else eventually ignited the passionate Vanguard enthusiasts. That - for this week - rivals would duel each other like the most iconic duo of Vanguard and push each other to their limits. The thought of obtaining a new power for victory that would aid in protecting them all urged them to cheer for the participants. It was the job of soldiers and heroes to cast away the darkness, and heroes could be born at any moment they grasp the power to drown out evil with light.

It clicked.

There was still doubt present, but that doubt kept people on the edge of their seats for excitement and the chance of really trusting the people who already saved them once before.

"... New Generation...?" Aoi murmured, staring at the stage as Dragonic Overlord vanished. "I don't know about any of that, I think... I'm not very smart, so I don't know anything about this Azazel or civil war stuff either... But I know that - since I was there - we can push anything back that comes at us. Maybe the prize is the way to do that... So I'll do what I can, like I always do." The gumball felt her large ponytail blow with the wind conjured by her resolution, giving a confident smile. Though, a distraction suddenly thrust itself into her life: Tamotsu! "Fuwatan!" Chipper Undyne corrected herself, hugging and petting the young canine spirit that jumped at her. "You know words!! You can speak! Good boy, you can talk!" Aoi was one of the lights that people were confident in knowing she could carry out the hope from the hero's words. Being a bundle of invincible cheer, the little Chinese Champion snuggled up to her companion, blissfully moving on.

Unfortunately, Hana and a quietly moving Solis had other things on their mind.

But we know the truth. Hana scowled, We know this Messiah Scramble is just another plan to use Vanguard as a means to end conflict.

This conflict caused by the Association's scheme risked my subordinate's life... and can risks other's. Solis marched through the hallways of the arena, heading toward the entrance to the fighter's stage.

"That friend of yours - Karin - is something else." Enma grinned, talking to the bluenette who stared intensely at Overlord throughout the speech. Though, the brunette's words caught her off guard. How did he know Dragonic Overlord's human identity?! "We're not dumb you know, Arthur probably figured it out too. But - as a Kagero player - I have a special sense of intuition." He added with a thumbs up, then leaned closely to his associate, nudging her with his shoulder. "I don't know all the details of what you and your people specifically went through. But I know that if the 'Crimson Reaper' has changed this much to actually encourage humans and try to calm them own, I say some of the things that happened between you all helped you grow positively."

"... I suppose so." Yukino didn't know how to respond beyond a sort of prideful, pleased smile. Those from the wars in her generation had all developed significantly for the greater. And - as Exculpate - she felt the sentiments of their age-old rivalry to the point where she was genuinely happy Overlord has become more... humane.

Yet, the evil presence began to move toward the arena - fashionably late.

It took the recently returned spirit a moment to reconcile what he had simply accepted in the past. That being Aoi's unique name for him. Was he Tamotsu or was he Fuwatan? He'd have to think on this in depth at a later time. For the moment he was fluffy, Aoi's Fuwatan. And he couldn't be happier than to be called a good boy. Fuwatan attempted to describe some of what had happened to Aoi, how Bashiro had entered him in the tournament and Jessie had returned his sash and deck which brought back his memories and speech. But a lot of that got drowned out in the two barking and yelling and each other.

When the initial surge of energy settled, as much as it could for the two knuckleheads, it got a little easier for Fuwatan to actualy speak and not simply continue shouting or licking his friend. As she held onto him he expressed a thought that had his tail wagging like mad. "Aoi, I made it to round three just like you! And if we both win our matches today, we'll face each other in the semifinals!!!" he said. He couldn't help but let out another bark at the idea of facing his friend for such an important part of the tournament. The dog seemed completely forgetful of the dangerous shadow paladin player that would be returning today. "We gotta promise to make it to the semis together okay?" he said, with a serious yet playful face. This was serious business. The sort of we-should-make-a-pinky-promise kind of serious that meant the world to children.

Fuwatan described some of what happened, what was happening, and what's going on with him, his memories, and his appearance, and his entry into the tournament... and most of it flew right over Aoi's head. She's dumb and doesn't think all that deeply into anything, so she expressed that she was just happy to see him and even more so to hear him talk. These two on a permanent sugar rush were having the times of their life reuniting, and they weren't even playing each other. At least, not yet... "Oooohhh!! Yeah, we gotta make it to semis!! I gotta show you what I'm made of now that I got Stride back!" Aoi literally trembled in near-unrivaled excitement. This girl was the embodiment of hyper, as shown by her bouncing in place. "It's a date!" Aoi cheered, messily trying to attempt some sort of pinky promise but finding it a tad difficult considering... well, hand versus paw. So, she fumbled a bit and settled for frantically shaking his paw.

Hana had a smile on her face from the positive energy those two chuckleheads radiated.

The journey to the Arena was rather stressful for Haruto, he wasn't sure what to expect from his next opponent especially now that he is much deeper into the brackets, adding on the stress of knowing that Fei was in the tournament and still is here.

"Relax, just do your best."
"Like always." said aglovale with a thumbs-up

"Thanks guys." he said, taking a deep breath as he stood ready to enter the arena for his match.

Fuwatan was a happy pup as Aoi held him and shook his hand as a sign of their promise to make it to the semis together. The two had a moment to just bounce around together as neither of their opponents had approached them yet. Despite the things swimming in his mind that wanted to be put into place, the spirit was happy to be there in the girl's arms and simply enjoy being with his friend. There were a lot of sad memories he'd experienced but this one, this one was good.

Eventually Haruto arrived and began looking for his opponent. Tamotsu didn't think most would know to come look for a dog to fight so he had to make sure to find his opponent himself. He wiggled a bit before addressing Aoi. "There's my match, see you in the semis!" he said excitedly as he ran off with a bark to get to his fight.

"Let's do this!" he said with gusto to his opponent, his sash pulling out his deck to prepare. He was ready to take another win, he only hoped Jessie and Bashiro were watching.

Xat watched the rounds happened but kept an eye out for the one that was causing a disterbance in the tornament, she had a feeling hte worse was yet to come and that alone worried her. SHe looked to the VIP box and frowned. "I have a feeling Kao that they know something about whats going on." she wipsered to kao who nodded and agreed before taking the card xat gave him and going underneath the seat summoned the critcal cat devil with the gem on his head. "Do not be seen and go and find out what the vips know." kao told cat devil who nodded and xat placed a hand down and let a fox fire cover cat devil to hid him from there and humans eyes. with that the cat devil left their seat and began to do there mission.

it sooned arrived at the VIP box and began its invistagation.

Haruto had told the two that he was going to do his best but for some reason the nerves got to him and he forgot to read the name of his opponent, luckily there was the tabloid of the opponent's face so he need only find him although something felt odd on the matter. Until he was approached by Tamotsu, quite frankly making him stare a little bit at the spectacle in front of him.

"Pleasure to meet you, never thought i'd be fighting a dog ever, wow haha let's do our best!" the sight gave the young man a goofy smile at Tamotsu's energy.

The fight began with a lack of triggers on both sides but Tamotsu had the stronger grade 2 ride to Haruto as well as the board to back it up. Without aglovale or any other grade 2s Haruto was stuck with only his vanguard as he desperately struggled to keep Tamotsu's "no repercussion" attacks from pushing him too far, but that came to a halt when he checked a critical on the chatnoir swing pushing Haruto to 4 damage. Thankfully Haruto strode into Holy Flame replenishing his front row with him in combination with magnus, and with a critical and heal in his triple drive he was able to push Tamotsu to 5 damage and put himself back to 3. Still Tamotsu answered with an incredible legion and breakride turn, creating powerful columns for his attacks and pushing his hand to 9 with Haruto to 5 in damage. Haruto had to respond with another Holy Flame to fill his board and power up his columns a bit, but mainly to keep his hand stable enough to survive Tamotsu's next turn, with a heal adding some assistance to the matter. Haruto survived Tamotsu's next turn which was a stride for another strong rear-guard column but he was able to hold it off and survive with himself back to 5 damage, now it was his turn to unleash his legion. Prominence Glare and Aglovale legioned, along with cheer up trumpeter's skill to give power to them for each call along with Bruno supporting their assault, with a force of 69000 along with the Explosion Blue Legion skill Haruto was able to break through Tamotsu's hand and deal the 6th damage.

With a quick yet warm exchange the two departed as Haruto advanced to the next round, still eyeing the crowd looking for Fei.

Tamotsu had been been relieved to see Haruto was a nice person. But that didn't change his drive to win. He had promised Aoi after all. The semifinals would be gumball and fluffy. It felt like his comrades in Great Nature shared the drive for victory. However, Haruto had quickly pushed the dog to five damage, putting him in a tight spot. Instead of striding he used the Fox Legion combined with breakriding over Chatnoir for a powerful turn. The Bluish Flame Liberators responded with Stride and then a powerful legion skill after the spirit used the Immortality Professor. In the end, Tamotsu couldn't guard the powerful vanguard attack and no heal triggers came to him.

He was friendly to his opponent after the loss and even wished the man good luck in the semifinals. But as he trotted away the pup was heartbroken. His promise was broken; what could he possibly say to Aoi? The brothers were both watching him, counting on him to carry the Hakaisha name to the finals; how could he face them? The old him wouldn't be taking this so hard but the newly awakened Tamotsu was still a puppy at heart and this whole trip was one of the more exciting things the family had ever done. But this was the end. So instead of sticking around to watch Aoi he somberly wandered toward the entrance to the arena, his ears flat on his head and tears running down his face. Eventually he slumped up against a wall and started howling and crying more freely. It would be hard to hear inside with the noise of the arena but not impossible.

It's hard to be young.

kao was running around when he heard crying and went to check it out. He saw Tamotsu and went up to him. "You ok?" he asked him