We join our heroes as they are slowly descending down into Cho-Tokyo.
"Wow. Hard to believe it's been a while since we fought here against Yamigedo and Harlequin. Still, feels good to be back." Jexi said.
"You know it. It's like this place has always been part of us." Hope said. "And the best part? David gets to see the game for the first time ever."
"I've never really been that good at card games, so… I'm a little nervous about the game." David admitted.
"Aw, don't sweat it David. You don't have to play buddy fight if you don't want to." Rainbow said.
"But if you want, we can give you an explanation of the game along the way to Castle. How does that sound?" Twilight asked.
"Sure. Much appreciated." David said.
"Okay. So the game works like this. You have a deck of 50 cards and 10 life points. The objective of the game is to get your opponent's life down to zero." Sunset said.
"You can battle with monsters, spells, items and impacts. And there are 10 worlds you can choose to fight for." Lucy said.
"Sounds a lot like that other card game I used to play. Maybe it won't be so bad." David said.
"What game was that?" Hope asked.
"Yu-Gi-Oh. I was pretty good at it before...you know." David said.
"Well, Buddyfight can be a lot of fun if you enjoy it. Let's go over the worlds. First is Dragon World, a deck that uses dragons to battle. Its the most basic one." Natsu said.
"Then there's Magic World, which focuses more on spells than monsters and items." Twilight said. "Focuses around wizards and demons."
"Then comes Katana World, a balanced and super fast deck." Ichiro said. "It's based around japanese culture like Youkai and ninja."
"Then you have Danger World, a sort of steampunk and savage world that uses the lifepoints to deal massive damage." Sabo said.
"But don't forget about Ancient World! A world filled with ancient dragons that act like deities or ferocious guardians." Toma said.
"Guys! You almost forgot the fun one, Dungeon World! Filled with adventurers and dungeon enemies, it's like playing a card based RPG in real life." Rainbow said.
"Legend World is pretty good. Based around world famous myths and more on items than monsters." Jexi said.
"And then there's my obvious choice, Hero World! It's based on superheroes that risk their lives to protect the world by joining up and battling together!" Hope said.
"Then the rare pick, Darkness Dragon World. It has dark dragons that will bring pain and destruction in their wake." Riku said.
"And finally, the one that's the wave of the future, Star Dragon World. Futuristic Dragons and Dragon Arms that link up, or crossline, to become even stronger and gain more effects." Sora said.
"Well, you got that?" Hope asked.
"Yep. Although considering everything in these individual Worlds, it's a tough choice." David said.
"We know you like to add some variety by constructing a deck based on multiple worlds, but if you had to pick one to represent as a main structure for your deck?" Indigo asked.
"Hmm… I'd go with Magic." David said.
"I see. Considering the company you keep, Magic World would be most suitable for you." Erza said.
"Then let's head to Castle and get you a Magic World booster deck." Lemon said.
The group made their way down town and entered Castle where a large line had already started.
"Wow. Didn't expect things to be so busy already." Jexi said.
"I wonder if this means a new set's been released." Rainbow said.
"Regardless, we got a good chance to pick up some cards." Hope said. "We are back, Buddyfight."
(Cue-Buddyfight Triple D Opening: Chronograph by Natsuhiro Takaaki)
Dorekurai dorekurai kagayakeru no
Kowareta COMPASS o nigirishime aruku
Susu mitai modoritai wakaranaikedo
Miageta sora hoshi no uta ga kikoete ita
Akirameta mono dake ga kagayai teta
Kudaranai koto bakari o wasure rarenaide ita
Sekainoowari datte tokei ga tomaru sono mae ni
Kokoro ni kirameita kimi to mita mirai
Kibō ya akogare o utsushidashite te o nobasu yo
Kitto nandodemo nandodemo hibiku kodō no MELODY
"Wow. This running gag is starting to grow on me. Nice work, Rainbow." Jexi said.
"Thanks. Always gotta lighten the mood." Rainbow said.
"Hey guys, look who's here!" Hope said.
Standing with Baku and Kuguru further down the line was none other than Gao, who was a it anxious for the line to move.
"Oh right. Drum went back to Dragon World after what happened with Yamigedo." Natsu said.
"Hey, Gao!" Hope said walking up to him.
"Huh? Oh, Hope! Been awhile!" Gao said.
The two did a special handshake which ended with a fist bump.
"Paruko broadcasted the whole fight with those other guys all fighting out against Dragon Fang. You did good against that sword guy." Gao said.
"Thanks man." Hope said.
"You and Gao seem to be getting closer every time we come here." Madoka said.
"Why wouldn't we? He's the first guy I tag teamed with." Hope said. "So, what brung you to castle."
"What else? Getting a new Buddy. I just wish the line would go a little faster…" Gao said nervously looking ahead.
"Calm down a little, Gao." Baku said.
"Thats right, the cards aren't going to run away." Kuguru said.
"I just know it. Today is the day, that I get a Buddy Rare." Gao said.
"You idiot. They don't turn up often. That's why they're called buddy rares!" Noboru said arriving in a new outfit eating an ice cream cone.
"Hey, Kitten Shirt!" Toma waved.
"It's not a kitten! It's a tiger!" Noboru shouted.
"Ah-hah! That never gets old!" Toma said.
They were soon leaving as David got his booster while Gao had torn open all his packs but one.
"Last one." Gao said. "Please, cmon! Im begging you! Come to me, Buddy Rare!"
Gao ripped open the pack as a card inside glowed.
"I did it!" Gao said.
"A B-Buddy Rare?" Noboru said in shock, so shocked in fact, that he accidentally chomped down on his ice cream and ate it in one go.
"Two in a row, that's Gao for you." Hope said.
"It was so worth it begging mom for an advance on my allowance!" Gao said as he soon noticed nothing in his hands. "Ah! Where is it?"
"Uh...Gao." Gemini said pointing to the ground as the group saw an egg on the ground with a strange symbol on it.
"My Buddy Rare turned into an egg..." Gao said.
"Thats ridiculous!" Noboru said in shock.
"That'd make one heck of an omelette!" Baku said.
"Baku, I don't think you should eat that…" Kuguru said.
"I think so." Luffy said reaching for it before the egg moved and hit him, Noboru, Baku and Gao before falling to the ground.
"Um… What just happened?" David asked.
"I think the egg just moved. I guess the monster's inside it." Jexi said.
"Seems like it." Jude said.
"So… When is it going to hatch?" Ming asked.
"Eggs have to be properly incubated, kept warm, before they can even hatch." Twilight said.
"So… It'll take a while." David said. "Good to know."
"Meanwhile, why don't we see what cards you're starting out with?" Leia asked.
"Alrighty." David said as he opened his booster pack.
"Hmm. Looks like a mix of Wizard and 72 pillars. There's even a few spell cards in here." Twilight said.
"Maybe I could make a 72 Pillars-Wizard mix. Yep. Sounds perfect." Tails said taking the cards. "I'll stay up tonight and have it ready for you by tomorrow."
"Thanks." David said.
"But as for a buddy, I think this card would suit you." Twilight said pulling one out as it showed a young man with silver hair and black clothing with runes on them. "Black Demon Swordsman, Jace Aldis.
"Yep. This one's perfect!" David said.
"He looks like Noctis." Rainbow said.
"Who?" Natsu asked.
"Noctis...from Final Fantasy 15? Am I the only one seeing this?" Rainbow asked.
"Not really. I can see the resemblance, too." Lloyd said.
"Not surprised you would see it. Your franchises are big rivals in the RPG industry." Scott said.
"It would probably be a dream come true to meet the real deal one day." Ming said.
"Well, one can dream." Rainbow said.
The next day…
At Aibo Academy, Gao was nesting his Egg under his shirt.
"What the heck is he doing?" Toma said.
"I think he's trying to hatch the egg, but under the shirt doesn't really work." Twilight said.
"Well, at least he's trying." Lucy said.
Noboru came in and was mocking Gao until the egg started moving again and rolled out onto the floor. It shook before two stubby legs broke out of the shell as the egg stood up.
'It hatched!" Pinkie said.
The egg looked around before smacking itself on the floor before running to the roof.
"Hey Pinkie, you got another….Egg Scramble! Hah-hah! Oh that was a good one!" Rainbow said.
"I don't get it." Pinkie said.
"Seriously?" Rainbow said as Gao approached the egg.
"Come on. I'm not gonna hurt you. Get over here." Gao said as the egg slowly walked over.
"Ahahahaha!" Pinkie laughed.
"How is that funny?" Zoro asked.
"No, I just got Rainbow's joke. Scrambled Egg." Pinkie said.
The egg having heard that hit Gao before turning to run up a chain link fence.
"What the? How is that possible?" Scott said as the egg was slowing.
"It's not. It's gonna fall!" Genis said.
The egg fell off the fence and Gao dove and caught it. "There. Are you okay?" Gao asked before the egg cracked apart the middle. "It's hatching!"
It cracked open in the middle slightly as a pair of eyes looked out. "Bal?" it said.
"Aw. What's your name, cutie?" Pinkie asked.
"Maybe it doesn't have a name yet." Nami said.
"Don't have a name yet, bal." it said.
"Well, he is a newborn." Baku said.
"Newborn, bal." it said.
"Huh…" Toma said.
"Okay, then in that case, your name is Bal!" Gao said.
"Seriously? Just cause he ends his sentences with Bal? I would have picked something much cooler like…" Noboru said before the shell hit him as a small orange dragon with red hair and goggles jumped out.
"Bal likes it, bal! Bal, bal!" Bal said.
"Thats right, you're Bal!" Gao said. "Im Gao. Gao Mikado!"
"Gao, bal! Bal, Bal, Bal!" Bal said licking Gao's face.
"Heya Bal. Im Gao's best buddy. Jonah Ginova, folks call me Hope." Hope said.
"Ah! Nope, Bal." Bal said.
"Oh, not you too!" Hope said.
"Hey, that's funny. He's calling you the same name I did when we first met." Toma said laughing.
"Hmm." Twilight said looking inside the shell to see it filled with cards. "Sun...Dragon? I don't think there's an attribute like this yet."
"All of these cards in the shell are Sun Dragon's." Tails said.
"A new attribute and monster. Interesting." Jexi said.
"Ah, you all seem to be doing well." a voice said as the group looked to see a familiar boy in white.
"It's….you." Erica said.
"Kyoya Gaen." Jexi said.
A large shadow them overtook them as they looked to see a large three headed purple dragon behind them.
"Azi Dahaka too." Natsu said.
"Been some time, Kyoya." Hope said.
"It has. I'm sorry i wasn't there when you beat Yamigedo and Harlequin." Kyoya said. "Strange thing, the promotion trial finals. Lucius wanted to consume all our hearts, someone you unleashed. And now, he's armless and defeated at the hands of you three."
"What are you getting at?" Jexi asked.
"I guess there can be more than one Savior in the worlds." Kyoya said.
"Technically, if there was a savior, it'd be Bass. If not for him, we'd never been able to beat Lucius." Jexi said.
"Ah, i see. But that's not what I'm here for. I'm here, to take custody of that dragon." Kyoya said mentioning Bal, surprising everyone.
"What? Why? What did Bal ever do to you?" Aelita asked.
"He came to this world illegally without permission. For all we know, he could be dangerous and it is the responsibility of the Gaen Financial Group to take away such illegal dragons." Kyoya said.
"There's no way Bal's dangerous! Bal is my buddy!" Gao said.
"If that's the case, then prove it to me. Through a Buddyfight, of course." Kyoya said.
"What's Buddyfight, Bal?" Bal asked.
"It's a card game where we battle alongside our monster partners." Gao said.
"Bal wanna Buddyfight!, Bal!" Bal said.
"Hmm. Seems we have an agreement. We'll fight at the Aibo Fighting Stage." Kyoya said.
"Now hold on one second!" Hope said. "In case you haven't forgotten, I was with Gao when we beat you and Flux. I want in on this."
"I refuse." Kyoya said.
"Figures…" Hope said.
"It's okay, Hope. You don't have to take the stage every time." Jexi said. "Kyoya...I will fight against you with Gao."
"Hmm. So to battle against the hero that defeated Yamigedo? Fine by me. We'll fight after school." Kyoya said walking away.
"Kick his butt for me, Jexi." Hope said.
"Jexi, bal?" Bal asked.
"Jexi, he's one of the strongest guys I know. He's gonna be in your corner with Gao as you and him fight Kyoya." Hope said.
"Jexi will fight with Gao, bal?" Bal asked.
"Its sorta a thing we kinda got into. We made a famous trend of helping Gao and his friends out in a buddyfight, and we both take the same turn. Cool right?" Rainbow asked the little dragon.
"Although it makes the game feel way too short." Indigo said. "Which is why I quit."
"Don't care, Bal! Bal likes the idea, bal!" Bal said.
"Then in that case, it's going down later!" Hope said.
After school, at the Aibo Academy fighting stage…
The stage was being set as Kyoya stood at one end as Jexi and Gao stood at the other end.
"After so long, it's finally time for another buddyfight! Paruko Nanana here, who have the exclusive footage of the Shining Hope Squad, Brave Adventurers and Dimensional Heroes, battle against the group of A-Class Color Fighters, The Dragons Fang! But now, Takosuke and I are back where we belong, and here to commentate on a surprising match, where Master Kyoka Gaen has appeared to challenge the Team of Gao Mikado and Jexi the Hunter!" Paruko said. "Wait, is that little dragon…."
"Bal is Gao's Buddy, Bal." Bal said.
Gao smirked before an explosion went off in the stands.
"What the heck?" Jexi said.
"I've been sleeping under Aibo Academy for countless years...I know everything about Buddyfights! I, Ozon B, will be providing analysis!" said a strange zombie that rose up.
"Haven't seen you before. But it's good to have you." Hope said.
"Can't hear you. Also, I'm currently on the lookout for a buddy!" Ozon B said spinning his head before he stopped it, but facing backwards, frightening Kuguru.
"His head's facing the wrong way…" Baku said.
"Duh, Zombie." Rainbow said.
"Bal, I'm going to protect you." Gao said putting his jacket on. "Eclipsing the darkness with flames, and brightening the hearts of the mistreated! The Mighty Sun Fighter is here!" Gao declared.
"Mighty Sun Fighter?" Mikleo asked.
"We'll explain later." Madoka said.
"Now, let's get started." Jexi said.
"Lets gooooooo!" Hope said getting the crowd hyped.
"In order to undo the curse of Babel, I will become the final destroyer! Dark Luminize, Wings of Demise!" Kyoya said.
"Rise, sun! Burn, Sun! Luminize! Scorching Sun Dragon!" Gao said.
"All over Mythology, heroes have been born and worshipped! Luminize, Heroes of Legend!" Jexi shouted.
"It's been awhile, but we're back, baby! Take it away, Paruko!" Natsu said.
"Right, Let's go! Buddy…" Paruko began.
"FIGHT!" the crowd cheered.
"Raise the Flag!" the three said.
"Dragon World!" Gao said.
"Dragon World, Bal!" Bal repeated.
"Legend World!" Jexi said.
"Dragon Ein." Kyoya said.
"Dragon Ein?" David asked.
"It's a special flag. It allows you to use any card with dragon in its attribute. It lets you start with 12 life but you can only have four cards in your hand at the start." Twilight explained.
"First move goes to Kyoya Gaen! I've memorized all dragon cards that can be used with this flag. But then again, when you're as experienced as I am with buddyfight, you never get surprised at anything!" Ozon B said slapping himself accidentally as his eye popped out. "Ah!"
"Did something just pop out?!" Kuguru asked, a bit surprised and scared.
"Charge and Draw!" Kyoya said. "I call to the center Purgatory Knights Leader, Demios Sword Dragon!" Kyoya said as said dragon appeared.
"A monster came from the card, Bal!" Bal said.
"Welcome to Buddyfight, Bal." Hope said.
"Demios will attack Gao." Kyoya said as Demios attacked Gao.
10-8
"I end my turn." Kyoya said.
"Why did you attack us so suddenly, Bal?! If you're going to bully Gao and Jexi like that, Bal will beat you up, Bal!" Bal said trying to get a shot in at Kyoya, but Gao caught him.
"Whoa, there." Gao said.
"The player who goes first only gets to attack once." Jexi said. "Besides, we'll get him back next turn."
"Right. Draw! Charge and Draw!" Gao said. "I call Bright Hammer Dragon to the right and Mera Blade Dragon to the left!"
Two new dragons appeared.
"I'm not getting any bright ideas. None at all!" the light orange dragon on the right said. He was thick with heavy armor and carried a large Warhammer.
"I'm getting all fired up, Mera!" the deeper orange dragon on the left said. He was more skinny with lighter armor and carried a flaming sword.
"What's with those monsters? I've never heard of them before, B!" Ozon B said in surprise.
"You're acting way too surprised about it. But then again, these are Monsters you've seen for the first time, and they are the first time they've ever been used." Hope said.
"They're the Sun Dragon cards we found in Bal's shell." Tails said.
"Now, I pay one gauge and equip...Sun Fist, Bal Knuckle!" Gao said.
"Bal Knuckle? He keeps calling out cards I've never seen!" Ozon B said as he head opened to show a tan cat reacting in surprise as well.
"I just saw a cat!" Kuguru said.
"Yeah, you arent seeing things, there's a cat in his head!" Jibanyan said.
"Complete! Gao Formation!" Gao said.
"Vintage gao." Hope smiled.
"Is gao going to fight too, Bal?" Bal asked Jexi in excitement.
"WHen you equip an item, you can give up calling a monster to the center and fight yourself." Jexi said. "Course, it's not for everyone. My turn now. I call Fairy Knight, Daoine Shee to the right! Then I call Divine Dragon Knight, Jeanne d'Arc to the center." Jexi said.
"We serve to fight for the fairies." said two fairies in armor on the right as a woman with short blond hair stood in the center with a spear.
"I...will fight for him...and my country! For France!" Jeanne said.
"Oooh, now there are some monsters I'm familiar with, b." Ozon B said.
"I guess you really do know everything about buddyfight." Hope said.
"Wait, I thought Jeanne was a fighter from Dragon world though." Ozon said.
"She's a dual card. She fights for Dragon world and Legend World." Jexi said.
"A Dual Card? Oh, you mean the cards that everyone are talking about lately!" Ozon B said bringing up a chart with Jeanne D'Arcs stats. "The player can use this card in two different world decks. See the different borderlines? They are the borders between the two worlds. The red one is Dragon World and the yellow is Legend World. Plus they can have two attributes. Jeanne has Dragon Knight and Hero attributes."
"Will Jexi equip an item like Gao, bal?" Bal asked.
"Afraid not. Jeanne's in the center so I can't." Jexi said.
"Here I come!" Gao said before leaping and Punching Demios straight in the chest with his new fist weapon. Since Sun Fist, Bal Knuckle has a power level of 4000 compared to Demios's defense of 3000, Demios lost the battle and was destroyed. Now it was Bright Hammer and Mera Blades turn to attack directly.
12-7
End of Move
"Now, Jeanne, attack Kyoya." Jexi said.
"For France!" she said lunging at him and piercing him with a spear.
7-6
"I end my move here." Jexi said.
"Draw! Charge and Draw! I call Thunder Knights, Halberd Dragon to the left. Then I set the spell Dragon Throne. I sacrifice him and buddy call…" Kyoya said.
6-7
Halberd screamed as he vanished as a much darker dragon was taking his place.
"Demonic Demise Dragon, Azi Dahaka!" Kyoya said as Azi Dahaka unleashed a fearsome roar that shook the stadium.
"Azi Dahaka is here!" Rainbow said.
"The gigantic Rule-Breaker, a size 4 monster with 10000 power and defense!" Natsu said.
"He has lots-of-faces, Bal!" Bal said.
"None can stand before me, and none can come after me! Fear Me, Dread me, Kneel before me!" Azi Dahaka said charging up his attack. "Erasure of History!"
Massive beams from his hands and center mouth blasted everywhere, taking out the monsters on Gao and Jexi's field, and destroying Gaos item.
"We couldn't protect the gates to our master…" Diaone Shee said vanishing.
"Even if i die...I will still fight….Viva la France." Jeanne said vanishing.
"Gao and Jexi's fields have been wiped out! And Azi Dahaka can also inflict 3 damage to them!" Paruko said.
8-5
10-7
"Always forget that ability. But...can't worry for it now. Its our turn again. Draw! Charge and Draw! I Buddycall Warrior Emperor, Red Arthur to the center!" Jexi said.
7-8
"Thats Jexi's buddy, Bal?!" Bal said in surprise.
"A dual card from Legend and Hero World as his buddy?! I would never imagine it in all my life, B!" Ozon B said as his cat companion was also surprised.
"Let's get to work." Jexi said.
"Right. I call two Mera Blade Dragon's to the left and right and Flarefang Dragon to the center. Then I cast Shine Energy!" Gao said.
"Attack!" they both said as the monsters link attacked.
"I cast Dragon Barrier!" Kyoya said blocking the attack.
"Darn... that's the end of our turns…" Gao said.
"Ah, looks like Jexi and Gao have no other chances to win." Ozon B said as he breathed out and scratched his head. "When you're experienced as I am, you can easily tell who's going to win and lose."
"It ain't over until the fights over. Don't go calling out the win just yet." Luffy said.
"Erasure of History!" Azi Dahaka said attacking once more.
5-2
8-5
"Gao, Bal want in now!" Bal said. "Bal beat Lots-of-Faces! Bal will do his best, Bal!" Bal said.
"He's your buddy. Your call." Jexi said.
"Of course i'm gonna call him. Here we go, Bal, Jexi!" Gao said executing his draw phase. "I pay 2 gauge and buddy call to the right!"
"Bal, Bal!" Bal said jumping to the right as he was swathed in flames before he was in his true form. He still had his signature look as in his mini form, he was now wearing body armor and pauldrons on his arms and legs. The yellow spot where his stomach was now had a sword embedded in his chest with a symbol blasing from it, and also making fire come out of his back.
"Dragon of the Sun, Bal Dragon!" Gao said.
"Bal is gonna defeat Lots-of-Faces, bal!" Bal said.
"I equip Bal Knuckle. Now, attack Azi Dahaka!" Gao said as Bal charged in.
"But, he doesn't have enough power." Levy said.
"When Bal attacks, for this turn, he has double attack power, bringing it to 10000." Gao said.
Bal was running all over Azi Dahaka slashing him up before finishing him. "And...Penetrate!"
7-4
"But...his critical should just be 2." Kyoya said.
"When I have Bal Knuckle, his critical increases by one." Gao said. "Now my turn!"
"I equip...Demonic Demise Sword, Aqulta Gwaneff." Kyoya said blocking the attack.
"There's the item he can equip when Azi Dahaka is destroyed. It blocks all single attacks." Hope said.
"NIce to see one of my opponents didn't forget." Kyoya said.
"I didn't forget either." Gao smirked. "Final Phase!"
"Here it comes! Gaos gonna finish the match in style with an Impact!" Rainbow said.
"Ha! No matter what happens, I won't be surprised." Ozon B said.
"Surprised is all you've been since this whole thing started." David said.
"Impact Call!" Gao shouted.
"Impact Call?!" Ozon B said with him and his cat shocked.
"I pay three gauge and transform Bal into...and Impact Monster!" Gao said.
"Impact…" Jexi began.
"Monster?" Hope finished.
"You ain't the only one Surprised, B. This is the first time we've heard of it too!" Natsu said.
"Oh good, i'm not alone on this one, B." Ozon B said. "But just what is an Impact Monster?"
"This is an Impact Monster!" Gao said as Bal shed his shoulder and knee pads as they became muscular. He jumped into the air as power gathered. "Bal has become a size 2 monster with 11000 power and a critical of 4. His attack cannot be nullified." Gao said as Bal jumped back down wielding a giant steam punk like hammer.
"Oh hooo! Hes about to drop the hammer!" Indigo said.
Bal began to swing the hammer round and round before raising it. "Hrrraaaaah…..! Bal Burst….Smasher!" he shouted smashing it down on Kyoya.
4-0
Game Over! Winners: Gao Mikado and Jexi!
"What a finish! Impact Monsters are Awesome!" Rainbow said.
"I gotta get me one of those." Toma said.
Gao and Bal celebrated their victory as Kyoya walked off. "An Impact Monster. How interesting." Kyoya said.
"So, David, how do you feel now after seeing a Buddyfight up close?" Titanica asked.
"It's actually a good sight." David said. "But… I'm not sure if I can handle tag teaming right now."
"Understandable. You need to see what you can do with your deck before you jump into these kinds of things." Teba said.
"Impact Monsters, new cards, whole new ways to play…" Hope said. "Looks like Buddyfight is gonna get one heck of an upgrade."