KS: (exhales) What it do, everyone? It's your boy back at it again with Despair Revolt. Now, I am aware that a great number of you have been anxiously to see what's about to go down. Well, it's gonna happen now, but a fair word warning, this is my first time writing out a scene like this, if you have any feedback or opinions, don't hesistate to make them heard. Now... let's begin.
Makoto blanked out for at least a minute. He bumped into someone, the person did not take kindly being bumped into and chews him out for it, only for Slash to jump in and chew him out for overreacting. Then, he starts to tear into him for his pompous attitude, insulting him, and-
"Did you not register what I just said?"
Makoto blinked a few times before rapidly shaking his head. He blinked some more to see Byakuya glaring at him with his case raised towards him.
"Uh... what were you saying again? I kind of spaced out."
"Makoto," Slash said. "This asswipe challenged you to a Buddyfight."
Byakuya's eyebrow twitched at the insult. "Be silent. I don't recall speaking to you."
Slash turned to him scoffed. "Don't order me around like I'm some sort of servant, you prick."
"Why you..."
"Excuse me for a minute!"
Both of them turned to Makoto, who still appeared to have no grasp on the current situation.
"Why exactly are you challenging me to a Buddyfight?" he asked.
Byakuya stared at him in disbelief. "Where exactly do you get off?"
Makoto tilted his head. "What?"
"First, you bump into me. Then, you allow this..." he pointed to Slash. "This uncouth renegade to insult me. And now, you have the gall to ask me why I am challenging you to a Buddyfight. You have some gall."
"Alright, alright, back up for a minute," Slash interjected, stepping towards Byakuya. "I might be uncouth, but call me a renegade again and I'll slit your throat."
"Oh, really?" Byakuya said smugly. "And I suppose you have the tools for doing such a thing?"
Slash let out a low growl. "I would, but some meddling do-gooder happened to have my knives confiscated."
Byakuya smirked. "So, you threaten me, but you lack the necessary tools to back up your threat. How sad."
Slash chuckled dryly. "Yeah, smile all you want, you rat bastard. If it makes you feel better, I can kill a man with my own hands if I need to. I've had every form of hand-to-hand combat uploaded into my skull, so if you want to test me, now's the time." He then gestured to Makoto. "Just don't involve him. I'm the one who started beef with you."
"Whether you started this... incident is irrelevant," Byakuya said. "I challenged this brat to a Buddyfight and I expect him to take it." He quickly strode away from them to the entrance, only to stop and turn around. "Courtyard, one hour, don't be late." He continued walking until he was out of the cafeteria.
Slash let out a frustrated sigh. "Well, this is not good."
"What's not good?" Makoto asked.
"Well, I just pissed that guy off, but he challenged you. Even worse, he's picked out a location and time for us to have this fight. I don't know about you, but... I think you're screwed."
Makoto stared at Slash for a few minutes before speaking.
"Do you really think that?"
Slash was taken aback by his response. "What?"
"You make it sound like I'm going to lose, but you've never seen me fight. Doesn't that seem a little... I don't know, presumptuous?"
"That depends. Let me see your deck."
Makoto sweatdropped. "Huh?"
"You heard me. Let me see it."
Reluctantly, Makoto reached into his pocket and took out his deck, which had a rubber band keeping them together. He took the band off and showed his cards to Slash.
"You... all you have is generics?" he asked in disbelief.
Makoto chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah, I do."
Slash stared at him. "And you've been playing with them? H-How many fights have you won with these things?"
"Not a lot, really..."
It took every fiber in Slash's body to prevent his jaw from falling on the ground. This kid has been playing a deck full of generic cards his whole life. And he barely scraped by. Although, he had to give him credit. He was able to win a few fights, even if at a measly rate with this kind of deck.
"Well, at least you manage to win some fights. I'll give you that."
Makoto smiled a little. "Thank you."
"But, you need a better deck if you want to role with the big shots in this game, you know." Makoto was about to say something, but Slash put his hand in front of him. "Now, I'm not telling you to throw away your generic-ass deck, which I was almost tempted to do the moment I saw it, but try a new one. A deck that you're not familiar with at all."
"You mean... like Dragon World?" Makoto asked.
"No."
"Then... Magic World?"
"No."
"Danger?"
"No."
"Dungeon?"
"No."
"Ancient?"
Slash sighed. "It's not Dragon, Magic, Danger, Dungeon, Ancient, Hero, Darkness Dragon or Star Dragon. I didn't come from any of those worlds."
Makoto tilted his head in confusion. "Then, which world did you come from?"
Slash smirked. "I come from-"
And once again, his stomach interrupted him, signalling that it demands food.
"Right... we'll talk some more after some grub. I'm going to faint from hunger here."
Chapter 2: Prince vs. Pauper! Royalty vs. Mediocrity! Silver vs. Plastic!
Sayaka walked around in the hall, looking to see if she would run into Makoto again. She really wanted to make her feelings towards him known and couldn't bear to hold it in anymore.
"Alright. I'm going to find Makoto and tell him how I feel about him," she said.
"That's the spirit," a voice said from her deck case. "All you gotta do is go up to him and say to his herbivore face that you love him. He's sure to pick you up in his arms, then take you-"
Sayaka blushed madly as steam blew out of her ears. "I don't want that! What is your problem?"
"What, did you forget? I can sense your true emotions from a mile away. You know this, Saya."
"Ugh... I don't know what's worse: you sensing my emotions or that dumb nickname you have for me."
"Eh, I'll let you pick."
Sayaka continued to walk down the hall, when she noticed a girl standing near a window. She had a lovely figure with milk chocolate skin, brown hair tied in a ponytail and eyes blue as the skies above. She wore blue shorts, a red jacket over a white tank top and white sneakers.
"Um, excuse me," Sayaka called out.
The girl turned to her and smiled. "Yeah?"
"What are you looking at out there?"
The girl turned to the window once more. It looks like something going to happen down at the courtyard. It looks like a buddyfight."
Sayaka tilted her head. "Buddyfight?"
"Yeah! Wanna go check it out?"
"Uh..."
Before Sayaka could answer, the girl grabbed her by the arm and rushed off.
"W-What are you doing?!" she asked in surprise.
"You were taking too long to answer, so I figured you wanted to go see it," the girl answered. "By the way, my name's Aoi Asahina. Call me Hina, okay?"
Sayaka had no time to answer as she was dragged along.
"How did it come to this...?" she thought.
"Well, well. You actually showed up," Byakuya said condescendingly with his arms crossed. "I figured you had cold feet."
Makoto stood a few feet away from him, with Slash standing beside him. "It's not like I had a choice. I just felt like I couldn't back out of it even if I wanted to."
Byakuya dryly chuckled. "What, are you that much in a hurry to be struck down like the worthless nail you are? Do you really want to be humiliated in every aspect? Do you want-"
"Do you want to be stripped down to your boxers and left hanging on the lightpost?" Slash interrupted. "No? Then shut the fuck up and whip out your deck, pal. And save the trash talk, we don't need it."
Byakuya scowled and grit his teeth. "Such insolence... I shall teach you manners soon enough." He brought out his case and raised to his shoulder.
"Those who stand in my way are destined to lose, for I show no mercy to the unwashed masses." Byakuya's case soon transformed into a cane with a falcon's head at the top, the jewel being at the center. "Luminize. Privileged Strike." He waved his hand over the jewel, and five cards appeared in front of him.
Slash groaned. "Good God, even the name of his deck sounds pretentious." He turned to Makoto, who was gripping a deck of cards in his left hand.
"We can take him," he said with confidence. "I know it."
Slash smirked. "Yeah, we will." He looked up towards Byakuya and pointed at him. "Hey, Togami! Don't get too comfortable with that crown, 'cause we're gonna knock it off of your head soon enough!"
Byakuya let out a low growl. "You... I will silence you soon enough. Continue to squawk at your own peril, fool."
Makoto brought his case out and loaded his cards into it. He swiped his hand over the case and five cards appeared.
"Now... let's raise the flag!" Both of them said.
"I fight for Dungeon World," Byakuya announced, the flag of said world appearing above him.
"And I..." Makoto started, as Slash lifted the flag above him, while letting out a loud roar that got the attention of anyone passing by. "I fight... for Virtual World!"
The flag that Slash held in his hands was a aquamarine triangle with seven circles linked to one another, forming a hexagon.
"Virtual World," Byakuya scoffed. "I've never heard of such a world. Do you really think you can beat me with a unknown world?"
"We'll just have to see," Makoto said confidently.
"Tch... Looks like I'll have to show you where you stand in this life."
Makoto: Life 10, Gauge 3
Byakuya: Life 10, Gauge 3
"I will start now. Draw." Byakuya took a card from his gadget and added it to his hand. "Charge and draw." Then he added a card to his gauge and drew another card.
Byakuya's Gauge: 4
"For my first move, I call to the center Dachs, Cobalt." He threw the card to the center position, and a brown dog with silver armor appeared, armed with a spear and shield.
Dachs, Cobalt
Size: 1
Type: Monster
Power: 5000
Critical: 2
Defense: 1000
World: Dungeon World
Attribute: Dungeon Enemy
"Now, attack the fighter," Byakuya ordered.
Cobalt barked in agreement and charged towards Makoto. He braced himself for the attack as the dog struck him in the chest, bring his life point count down.
"Agh!"
Makoto's Life: 8
Byakuya: End of Move
"That's it for my turn," Byakuya said, crossing his arms. "Good luck recovering after that."
Makoto: Your Move
Makoto took a deep breath, then exhaled. "I draw." He took a card from his gadget and added it to his hand. "Charge and draw." He then added a card to his gauge and drew another one.
Makoto's Gauge: 4
"Which one should I go with first?" he wondered as he looked through his deck. He gave a thorough look at all of the cards he had on hand, but he was unsure as to which one he should pick.
"Don't over think it," Slash said. "You played this game before, so you should be alright. Just don't let that slimeball get under your skin."
"Uh... okay," Makoto replied. He gave the cards a second look, and decided to make his move. He picked up a card and prepared to summon a monster.
"First, I'll call to the center Wave Program, Nereid to the center."
A young woman with green blue skin, short white hair and yellow eyes appeared in the center position. She had fins on both sides of her head, a neon blue bikini top and a long tail. For some reason, there were glowing lines on the visible parts of her body.
Wave Program, Nereid
Size: 1
Type: Monster
Power: 4000
Critical: 2
Defense: 2000
World: Virtual World
Attribute: Program
"Wow, this monster is pretty cute," Makoto said.
Nereid blushed and covered her face after hearing that. Slash chuckled and scratched his head.
"Yeah, might want to keep that to yourself, kid," he said. "Trust me, she gets embarrassed pretty easily."
Makoto blinked. "She gets embarrassed easily?"
"Just focus on the fight, man. I'll explain later."
"Um, okay." Makoto raised another card. "Next, I call to the right Fire Program, Ifrit."
He threw a card to the right position and appeared another girl, only with lighter skin, short black hair and purple eyes. She had horns on top of her head and wore a white tank top with flame decals and gray shorts.
Fire Program, Ifrit
Size: 1
Type: Monster
Power: 3000
Critical: 2
Defense: 1000
World: Virtual World
Attribute: Program
"Okay, who's ready to get roasted?" she said enthusiastically.
Makoto sweatdropped. "Okay... and now, I call to the left, Phantom Malware Dragon.
And finally, to his left, a small white and purple dragon sitting on a large ball.
Phantom Malware Dragon
Size: 0
Type: Monster
Power: 2000
Critical: 1
Defense: 1000
World: Virtual World
Attribute: Virus Dragon
"These monsters are unlike any I've seen before," Makoto said in surprise.
"Well, now you got them before anyone else," Slash replied. "You should feel some pride in that, kid."
"Maybe I will."
"Excuse me," Byakuya called out. "But are you going to attack or not? I may not look it, but I have a meeting."
Makoto chuckled awkwardly. "Oh, okay." Makoto composed himself and prepared to strike. "Nereid, attack Cobalt!"
The mermaid rushed towards the armored dog and shot a ball of corrupted data at him. Cobalt attempted to block it, but he got hit with it, destroying him completely.
"Now Ifrit, attack the fighter!"
Ifrit smirked as she leaped up into the air and aimed her hands towards Byakuya, shooting out balls of fire towards him.
Byakuya's Life: 8
"Okay, Phantom, you're next. Go and attack Byakuya."
Phantom began to rev up his ball, then dashed off towards Byakuya, hitting him in his leg.
Byakuya's Life: 7
"Those attacks were amazing," Makoto said. "I wonder what the other monsters are like."
"Don't get too excited," Slash chided lightly. "There's still a long way to go before we can beat this asswipe."
Makoto nodded. "You're right."
Makoto: End of Move
Byakuya did not look impressed in the slightest. "So you managed to get a few lucky shots in. Big deal."
Byakuya: Your Move
"Draw. Charge and Draw."
Byakuya's Gauge: 5
Byakuya repeated the same process as before. "To start things off, I pay one gauge to equip Adventurer's Staff, Alcsbane."
The card Byakuya selected transformed into a golden staff. He twirled it around using his fingers with very little trouble.
Adventurer's Staff, Alcsbane
Type: Item
Power: 6000
Critical: 2
World: Dungeon World
Attribute: Adventurer/Staff/Weapon
Byakuya's Gauge: 4
"Look at this prick showing off," Slash grumbled. "Who the hell does he think he is?"
"Now, I shall call to the right Big Surprise, Pandora."
Appearing in the right position was a sinister-looking treasure box with legs holding a flag in its hand and a few bombs in his mouth.
Big Surprise Pandora
Size: 1
Type: Monster
Power: 5000
Critical: 2
Defense: 3000
World: Dungeon World
Attribute: Dungeon Enemy
"And to the left, Doberman, Cobalt."
Appearing in the left position was another armored dog, but it was slightly taller than the one Byakuya previously summoned and was armed with a halberd.
Doberman, Cobalt
Size: 2
Type: Monster
Power: 5000
Critical: 3
Defense: 3000
World: Dungeon World
Attribute: Dungeon Enemy
"Now, let's start by taking out the trash. Doberman, attack that pitiful excuse for a dragon this instant."
Doberman barked in agreement and charged towards Phantom. The small dragon yelped in terror as it was sliced in half by the dog's halberd. But then, a ball of light stood where the dragon was.
"What is that?" Byakuya asked.
"An ability from Phantom Malware," Makoto answered. "Whenever he is destroyed by a Size 2 monster, he goes into my gauge instead of the drop zone."
"Oh, really? Well, we'll see how that lasts for you. Pandora, attack Nereid."
The treasure box started jumping around in joy and threw a bomb at the mermaid. Nereid gasped in shock as the bomb detonated, destroying her.
"And now, I attack with Alcsbane!"
Byakuya charged towards Makoto with the spear in his hand, and stabbed him right in his chest.
"Gah!"
Makoto's Life: 6
Byakuya jumped back to his side of the field and adjusted his glasses. "Oh, I almost forgot."
Makoto held the spot where he was stabbed. "What? What did you forget?"
Byakuya sighed, then let out a smug grin. "Whenever I attack a monster or fighter with Alcsbane and have a Dungeon Enemy on my field, I am able to add the top card of my deck to my gauge." And he did just that, adding onto his total.
Byakuya's Gauge: 5
Byakuya: End of Move
"You might as well give up now. Your chances were low the moment I became your opponent."
"We'll see about that."
Byakuya blinked. "What?"
Makoto stared at him, determination burning in his eyes. "I show you that I'm not to be underestimated!"
(Flashback)
"Okay, Makoto. I've taught you the basics of this world. Now it's up to you to decide how you want to use it," Slash said.
Makoto looked at the cards Slash had given him. They were all from a world he was not familiar with, so he was unsure that he would be able to use the deck without any trouble.
"I'm not sure if I can use this," he said. "I've never seen this world in action. What if I mess up? What if I don't get right card?"
Slash sighed. "Makoto..."
"What if don't have gauge, what if my monsters aren't enough, what if-"
Makoto would have ranted some more, if Slash hadn't chopped him on the top of his head.
"Oww..." Makoto rubbed the sore spot and looked towards Slash. "Why did you do that?"
"You were panicking," Slash answered.
Makoto looked away in embarrassment. "Oh... I guess I was."
Slash sighed. "Makoto, look. I know you're nervous as hell, but if you let take you over, that posh prick is going to use it against you."
"It's hard not to be nervous. I'm going to fight him with a deck I'm not familiar with," Makoto said.
"Well..." Slash was silent, thinking for a brief moment. He had to find a way to make Makoto get his nerves in check, or else it will cost him in the fight. Then, it came to him.
"How about this: think of something that makes you calm. Something that, I don't know, makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside."
"Like what?" Makoto asked.
Slash shrugged. "It can be anything you want. Just so long as it keeps you calm in battle."
"Well, if you say so..."
(End Flashback)
"I can do this," Makoto whispered to himself. "I just have to focus and I'll be fine."
Makoto: Your Move
"Draw!" Makoto drew a card and added to his hand. "Charge and draw!" Then he took a card from his hand and added it to his gauge.
Makoto's Gauge: 5
"Now, I call to the left Spyware Dragon."
Makoto threw a card to the left position, and was soon replaced by a tall, lanky dragon wearing gray armor from head to toe (or tail, if you want to be technical). The dragon was armed with two pistols.
Spyware Dragon
Size: 2
Type: Monster
Power: 4000
Critical: 3
Defense: 3000
World: Virtual World
Attribute: Virus Dragon
"And to the center, I call Buffering Mage, Avira."
A tall woman with long black hair, red-rimmed glasses and a long, gray flowing cloak appeared on the field, holding a staff with a ball of data at the top.
Buffering Mage, Avira
Size: 1
Type: Monster
Power: 3000
Critical: 2
Defense 2000
Attribute: Administrator
Slash smirked at the field, impressed with Makoto's selection of monsters. He was certain that he had some kind of plan for attack.
"Now, before I attack," Makoto started. "I pay one gauge to activate Avira's skill."
Right on cue, a card from the gauge flew towards Avira's staff, powering it up.
"When one gauge is paid, she is able to add one critical point to a monster with the Program attribute."
"Only one?" Byakuya scoffed. "You must not think highly of your cards to use such a cheap trick."
Makoto let out a rare smirk. "We'll see. Avira, power up Ifrit!"
Avira nodded as she pointed her staff towards Ifrit, sending a stream of data to her, increasing her critical to four.
"Okay Spyware, attack Pandora!"
Spyware leaped up into the air and fired at the demonic treasure box, destroying it. But to Makoto's surprise, Byakuya smirked.
"You just triggered Pandora's effect," he explained. "Whenever it has been destroyed in battle, we play a little game."
"You mean rock-paper-scissors, right?" Makoto asked. "Whoever loses takes one damage, and if it's a tie, we both take one damage."
"That's correct. Honestly, I'm surprised you even knew about that."
"You're not the first Dungeon World fighter I've come across."
Byakuya's smirk grew. "Then in that case, I won't be the first Dungeon fighter you've lost to. Now prepare yourself."
Both of them got into position, ready to choose their weapon.
"Rock..."
"Paper..."
"SCISSORS!"
Makoto: Paper
Byakuya: Scissors
"Rats... I lost," Makoto groaned as a bomb was thrown to him, quickly exploding in his face.
Makoto's Life: 5
"That was unpleasant," Slash grumbled, fanning the smoke away with his hand. "You alright there, Makoto?"
"Yeah," he coughed out. "I'm not out yet, am I? I still have my other monsters. I can still win this. Avira, attack the fighter!"
Avira glared at Byakuya while she charged her staff, and shot out a stream of data. But before it could even hit him...
"I cast Divine Protection of Shalsana."
The image of a woman appeared in front of him, blocking the attack.
"And since this card stopped your feeble attack, I gain one life."
Byakuya's Life: 8
Byakuya's Gauge: 4
"Well, good thing I have one more monster," Makoto said with confidence. "Ifrit, attack!"
Ifrit let out a battle cry and jumped towards Byakuya, who shot more balls of fire towards him.
"Argh!"
Byakuya's Life: 5
Byakuya staggered a little due to the attack he just received, feeling the additional boost. He managed to regain his bearings and adjusted his glasses, glaring at Makoto.
"He's close to losing now," Slash said, growing a wide smirk. "Just keep hitting him hard and he's sure to fall off of that high horse he loves so much."
Makoto: End of Move
Byakuya grit his teeth and clenched his cane tightly. There was no way that his boy was close to beating him. He was playing with a world that he has never even heard of before, and he's brought him to the brink of defeat.
"This is unacceptable," he muttered. "How can this commoner play so well? I won't let this stand."
Byakuya: Your Move
Byakuya drew a card, added it to his gauge and drew another. All while glaring at Makoto.
"It's time that I dealt with you once and for all," he growled. "I am going to make sure you never pick up a card for as long as you live when I summon this grand being!"
"Grand being? What the hell is he going on about?" Slash muttered.
Byakuya picked a card from his current hand and grinned darkly. "Finally, a card that will ensure you never forget your place. Because honestly, someone so unremarkable, so uninteresting, so dull as you have no right to exist!"
He raised the selected card up into the air, as dark clouds began to form.
"I call to the right, Guardian Dragon of the Ruins, Meteor Rain!"
A pillar of fire appeared on the right, and from it, a large, red and gold dragon stood, giving a menacing glare towards Makoto before letting out a roar so loud, it shook the earth.
Guardian Dragon of the Ruins, Meteor Rain
Size: 3
Type: Monster
Power: 10000
Critical: 3
Defense: 4000
World: Dungeon World
Attribute: Dungeon Enemy / Dungeon Master
"Then, I add two cards to his soul... Is what I would say, but I have no need for it, because I happen to favor his other unique ability."
"What's that?" Makoto asked, fearing the answer.
"Once I discard two Dungeon Enemy cards from my hand, I can destroy one of your monsters. And I choose... Spyware Dragon."
Meteor Rain let out yet another earth-shaking roar, only this time, it caused meteors to fall from the sky and strike down Spyware with ruthless force.
"No!" Makoto cried out.
Byakuya paid no mind to the dragon's destruction and focused on his next target. "Doberman, take out that mage immediately."
The armored dog charged towards Avira and slashed her in half, destroying her.
"I attack again with Alcsbane."
Once more, the heir charged towards Makoto and stabbed him with his spear.
Makoto's Life: 3
"And now, to finally end this farce," he turned to the large dragon beside him. "Meteor Rain. You know what must be done."
The dragon flapped its large wings, creating large gusts of wind that nearly blew the crowd away.
"Wow!"
"He's gonna attack with that dragon!?"
"The kid's done for! No way he can survive that!"
Makoto was deaf to the crowd's reactions as he saw the dragon slowly flying towards him. When it reached the center of the field, it stopped and opened it's mouth, creating a large ball of fire.
"This is it! This! Is! It!"
"That kid's gonna be roasted!"
"Here it comes!"
The dragon shot the fire ball towards him, with every intent of burning him to ashes.
"Looks like's all over," Byakuya said, adjusting his glasses. He prepared to walk away, as if he was already bored. Until...
"I cast...!"
He swiftly turned around at the sound of Makoto's voice, filled to the brim with determination as held a card.
"Code 400, Bad Request!"
As the ball of fire reached ever so close to Makoto, a purple wall appeared with the words "error" strewn across it. The moment the fireball touched the wall, it disappeared completely.
"H-How is this possible?" Byakuya gasped in shock. "You should have been defeated. My dragon should have defeated you completely!"
"Well, I have my spell to thank for that," Makoto replied. "Code 400, Bad Request can be only be activated if I pay two of my gauge and have 3 life points or below." He then smiled. "Lucky for me, it was one of the first cards I had in my hand."
Byakuya's eyebrow twitched from hearing the news. "Luck? Are you trying to piss me off? You had that card the entire time, waiting for the right moment to play it, and you have the gall to call it luck?"
"Uh... yeah."
Byakuya grit his teeth, slowly breathing in a menacing fashion.
Byakuya: End of Move
"Hey, play me next," Slash said eagerly.
"You want to step in?" Makoto asked.
Slash nodded. "Yeah, yeah, I wanna be the one who puts the nail into that prick's coffin.
"Hmm..."
"Come on, man," he pleaded. "Let me do it. Put me in the ring."
Makoto thought for a moment, and made his decision.
"Sure. I'll put you in, Slash."
His eyes widened. "You mean it?"
Makoto nodded. "Yeah. It's high time we put an end to this."
Makoto: Your Move
"Draw! Charge and draw!"
Makoto's Gauge: 4
"For my first move, I Buddy Call to the center, Virus Hunter, Slash."
As soon as his name was brought up, Slash slammed the flag into the ground, then jumped into the air in a spectacular fashion, all while doing a backwards somersault before landing on the ground, materializing his knives in his hands.
"Alright! Whoever's ready to die, step forward!"
Virus Hunter, Slash
Size: 1
Type: Monster
Power: 4000
Critical: 2
Defense: 3000
Attribute: Program
"With his appearance, I gain a life point with Buddy Gift."
Makoto's Life: 4
"Hey, Byakuya. There's something I've been meaning to ask you."
"And what would that be?"
"Don't you have a buddy monster? If you had one, you could have regained your life, even by a little bit."
Byakuya scoffed. "Don't insult me. My skills are so great, I could win a fight without one."
"Really? If you ask me, your life points don't seem to share your sentiment."
Byakuya opened his mouth to protest, but Makoto continued.
"Also, if you hadn't equipped that staff you have there, you could have played Meteor Rain to the center to protect your life points. And if you did, you could have utilized its Soulguard ability. That way, you would've won for sure."
Byakuya couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was so sure that he could defeat Makoto... and yet, he explained in full detail that all of his moves were his undoing. All because he underestimated him.
"Well, no sense leaving the crowd waiting. Time to wrap this up. Ifrit, attack Byakuya."
Once again, the demon-like girl shot a barrage of fire balls at the heir, nearly burning him.
"Agh!"
Byakuya's Life: 1
"And now... Slash," he said, smiling. "Care to do the honors?"
Slash turned around with a big grin. "You know it, compadre."
"Then finish him off!"
Slash turned to Byakuya, growing an ever-sadistic grin as he prepared to charge him. He spread his feet apart, gripped his knives tightly and eyed his target like a wolf stalking his prey. He finally dashed towards Byakuya, jumped up and raised his knives above his head, with full intent to make like his name and... well, slash him.
"ARGGGGH!"
And slash he did. Byakuya felt the full impact of the attack, gripping the spot where he was struck as he staggered backwards before falling flat on his back.
Final Results
Makoto – Life: 4
Byakuya – Life: 0
Game Over
Winner: Makoto Naegi
Makoto was speechless as he heard those words. He had won. He won a Buddyfight with a world he had just heard of. To say he was in shock would be nothing short of an understatement.
"I... I won?"
The crowd went into an uproar upon witnessing his victory first hand. There were cheers and compliments all around, and for some reason, there were flowers as well.
"I really won, didn't I?"
Makoto felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see a uniformed man with tanned skin, green hair and pink eyes standing near him.
"Yeah, you won," he said. "But don't cocky just 'cause you did. Sure you might win a couple of times, but losing helps you grow as well. Don't forget that."
"I know that much," Makoto said. "I lost more than few fights myself."
The man turned him and blinked in surprise. "Really?"
"Yeah."
"Oh... Well, I guess that little speech was all for nothing."
Makoto shook his head. "No, I think it was inspiring."
"You think so?"
Makoto smiled. "I know so."
The man smirked. "You're an odd one, kid. Don't change one bit." He turned his attention to the crowd. "Alright people, fight's over! Get your asses to your classrooms before I drag you there myself!"
The crowd quickly dispersed under the man's intimidating gaze.
"Hey kid," he said, turning back to Makoto. "You better get to your classroom as well."
"I would, but I don't know where it is," Makoto said.
"Really?" The man reached into his back pocket and pulled out a slip of paper. "What's your name, kid?"
"Makoto Naegi."
"Alright, then. Naegi, Naegi... ah, here we go. You're in Class 78, the bottom floor of the main building."
"78?" Slash said, appearing between the two. "Hey, that's the same number of people I've fought against. What are the odds?"
"Where did you come from?" Makoto said in surprise.
"Not important. Now let's go check out this class you're in." Slash turned to the man. "It was nice meeting you..." He looked close at his nametag. "Juzo. Alright, let's go, Makoto."
Slash carried Makoto over his shoulder and dashed off, despite the younger boy's protests. Juzo watched in amusement as he was carried away.
"Heh, never thought he could win that one," he muttered. He turned to Byakuya, who still laid on the ground. "Better pick him up before he catches a cold."
Makoto and Slash stood outside of the classroom door. The sign above said "#78", so it had to be the class he was in. By all rights, Makoto was so nervous that he was shivering and sweating uncontrollably.
"So... you ready Makoto?" Slash asked.
Makoto swallowed a nervous lump in his throat and nodded. "Y-Yeah. I'm ready."
Slash raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "Doesn't sound like it."
"What do you mean?"
Slash let out a sigh. "I mean, you look like you're gonna faint any time now."
Makoto chuckled awkwardly. "Really? I didn't notice."
"You're shaking like a leaf and you're sweating like a pig," Slash said flatly.
"I... didn't notice until now."
Slash faceplamed. "Makoto... you've been doing it on our way here. Get your nerves under control and let's go. No sense waiting around here."
"Uh... okay."
Makoto opened the door and walked in, when all of a sudden...
"HYAH!"
"AH!"
He swiftly ducked a sword swing directed at him. Slash quickly entered and saw the attacker. A man with short black hair and light grey eyes wearing what appeared to be armor from the Edo period.
"What's your deal, man?" Slash growled as he branished his knives. "Why did you have to do that?"
"I only intended to see his reaction to my attack," the man stated bluntly. "Had he been a second late, his head would surely have been lost."
"Oh, is that right?" Slash pointed his knives to the man. "Then how would you like to lose your head?"
The man smirked as he raised his sword. "Bold words from a child. I doubt you would match for me at all."
"Then we'll just have to see about that."
"We shall."
Both of them stared intently at each other, as if they were attempting to read each other's moves. Slash gripped his knives while the man positioned his sword to strike. And Makoto? He stood to the side as he watched the tense standoff.
"Hey, Toyo," a familiar voice called out. "Cut that shit out already, will ya?"
All three of them turned to none other than Leon, who was sitting at a desk in the back with an annoyed expression.
"Leon, this is not the time," the man protested. "I need to see if this boy has any potential."
"Well, you're not gonna find it by chopping his head off. And besides, if you actually do that, I'm gonna get canned for it. I'm responsible for you, remember?"
"Don't speak as if I'm some sort of pet," the man growled.
Upon see him, Makoto shoved past him and walked over to where Leon was sitting.
"Leon, was it?" he asked.
"Yeah, that's me. Looks like we're in the same class here." Leon looked over his shoulder to see Slash. "What's that guy doing with you?"
Makoto scratched that back of his head. "Well... he's my buddy now."
Leon's eyes widen in surprise. "G-Get outta here. He's your buddy?"
"Damn straight," Slash answered with pride. "Even more, he won his first fight using the world I'm from."
The news was too much. Leon jumped out his desk and rushed towards Slash with stars in his eyes.
"You've gotta be freakin' kidding me! That's awesome! Who did you fight against?"
"Eh, just some rich bastard. No big deal." He looked towards the man beside him. "Is this guy your buddy?"
"Yup?" Leon patted his back. "This bad boy right here is Dragon Knight, Shimazu Toyohisa."
"Wait... I've heard that name before," Makoto said, walking towards him. "You fought in the battle of Sekigahara, right?"
Toyohisa grinned as he hit Makoto's back hard, causing him to stumble. "I'm surprised you know that. Nowadays, almost nobody has talked about my exploits."
"Well duh," Slash said smugly. "Who'd want to hear about some dead man from the past in this day in age?"
Makoto swiftly turned to his new-found buddy in shock. "Slash, I don't think you should-"
"INSOLENT BRAT!" Toyohisa screamed as he raised his sword to strike. Had it not for Leon restraining him, Slash would be cut in half.
"Come on, Toyo! Cool it! He didn't mean anything by it!"
"HE MUST PAY FOR HIS DISRESPECT!"
As Leon squabbled with his buddy on the subject of killing Slash, Makoto looked around to see that nobody else was present in the room.
"Um... where's everyone else?" he asked.
"You didn't know?" Leon said, still restraining Toyohisa. "From what I heard, attendance at Hope's Peak isn't mandatory, so long as you're focusing on your talent."
"Oh."
"That reminds me. What's your talent?"
Makoto chuckled awkwardly. "I... don't have one."
Surprisingly, Toyohisa stopped thrashing about upon hearing those words.
"What was that, boy? You have no talent?"
"No."
"Then how, pray tell, did you get into this school?"
"Yeah, don't leave us hanging," Leon said, wanting to know.
"My name was selected in a random draw."
Both Leon and Toyohisa stood in shocked silence.
"A... a random draw, you say?"
Makoto nodded.
"I see." Toyohisa sheathed his sword, much to Leon's relief. "Well, whether you have talent or not is of little matter to me. So long as you treat my ally here as an equal, I see no reason to quarrel with you." He then turned to Slash with a harsh glare. "However, should he let his tongue slip once more, I will personally see to it that it is swiftly removed."
Slash waved dismissively. "Yeah, yeah, throw out all the empty threats you want. I don't care."
Leon stepped in front of Toyohisa before he could do anything further. "So Makoto, how about we take a little walk around?"
"Really? Where to?" Makoto asked.
Leon smirked. "To find our classmates, of course!"
KS: Man... that was tiring. It didn't help that I was sidetracked by my college work as well. Anyway, I'm glad I got this done with. I hope you enjoyed it. Oh, and one more thing. For those who have seen Buddyfight before and are somewhat familiar with it, I would really like to hear your suggestions on what worlds the other characters fight for and what their Core Gadgets should be. Keep in mind, I have some ideas, but I'm open to your suggestions.
Preview of Next Chapter
Slash: So, who's this lovely lady?
Sayaka: I'm Sayaka Maizono.
Slash: Sayaka? Wow, a pretty name for a pretty girl. Now I see why Makoto likes you.
Sayaka: Huh?
Slash: Yeah, he has told me a lot of great things about you. In fact-
Makoto: Slash, no!
Slash: But I haven't even told her about that dream you had-
Makoto: DON'T!
To be continued in Chapter 3: Meeting the Classmates