Hope came into the Dojo and saw Gao throwing himself around the area.

"Hey, I'm here to get Gao. Uh, what is he doing, wasting his energy, Ms. Mikado?" Hope asked.

"Its an ancient Aki-Jujitsu technique that can help relax nerves in the body. I see you are his partner in this event." Suzumi said.

"Yeah, who else? A couple of my friends are helping out too. So, I see youre finally warming up to me." Hope said.

"Gao's told me all about you. Youre really kind, helping him get used to this game. That is why…" she said grabbing his arm and flipping him onto his back. "I will whip you in to shape with more intensity than the last time!"

"Hey, come on! What did i do?!" Hope said.

"Save it for the tournament, you two." Baku said as the others arrived.

"I will never understand the way you get into these situations." Kuguru said.

"Yeah." Hope said. "Believe it or not, I'm actually kinda used to getting myself into these things. But I just wanna make people belive I can do them!"

"Well, get it in gear. The cup's gonna open soon." Baku said.

"Oh yeah! Wait, whats the name of the team?" Hope said.

"Balle du Soleil." Kuguru said. "Sun Rocket in french."

"Sounds like a good name. Now lets go rock the house!" Hope said.

At the Aibo academy fighting stage…

"Welcome to this year's Aibo Buddy Cup Tournament! What atmosphere! You can feel the intensity in the air!" Paruko said. "We got a full house today, and why not? Over the next three days, we will have no classes due to the tournament, and we will cheer on our favorite teams! Now, lets hear a couple of words from out school principals!"

On the stage were two statues. One of them cracked to reveal a man with claw like hair.

"I am the Principal of Aibo's Elementary School Division, Iron Claw Ikarino!" he said. "And I am proud to announce that we have very special guest joining our teams this year!"

He then grabbed a flag.

"Okay kids, its time to...raise the flag!" Ikaruno said. "Come out, students and represent your school with pride! First, I call Team Rising Tiger to the right, accompanied by the new user of buddyfight, Dan Kuso!" Ikarino said as rising up was Noboru with El Quixote and Dan.

"So do you think I'm Ready?" Noburo asked.

"True warriors never doubt their skills. You did see how you beat that criminal fighter, did you?" El Quixote said.

"Yeah. Get pumped, man." Dan said.

"Next, I call Team Tatsu and Dai along with the gifted student, Twilight Sparkle to the Left!" Ikarino said as Tetsuya, Asmodai and Twilight rose.

"Yo, check it, this place is crazy!" Tetsuya said.

"Get used to it kid, this is your future. Though you should have no problem with a crowd, eh Twi?" Asmodai said.

"The crowd size has no problem with me." Twilight said.

"Then I call to the center, Team Kisaragi with failure student Yosuke Hanamura!" Ikarino said as a boy in white and glasses with a little kid in ninja garb, a small black ninja and Yosuke rose.

"Did he really need to say I'm a faliure?" Yosuke asked.

"Nin." the ninja said holding a scroll "He said it cause its true." it read.

"It doesnt matter as long as we go with him to the finals, Tsukikage." the boy said.

"Thanks, Zanya. Nice to see someone recognizes me as a partner. I wont slow you down seeing as youre the top fighter in the-" Yosuke began before Zanya hit Yosuke in the gut with his sword.

"Do not take part in foolish pride." Zanya said.

"Yes sir." Yosuke groaned.

"Now, I call to the flag area, Team Balle Du Soleil with the school janitor, Hope!" Ikarino said.

Out in the flag area came Gao, Drum, Baku, Kuguru, Kiri, Hope and Frill.

"Janitor. He could have at least spiced it up. Like, chief of sanitation." Hope said.

"Its fine for now. Just focus on winning the ABC Cup." Frill said.

"Bake in it, it feels like youre a celebrity here!" Kiri said.

"A dragon could get used to this!" Drum said.

"And now the Middle school teams will be announced." Hope said as the other statue cracked as a man with an afro like hairstyle appeared.

"Bonjour, I am the principal of the Middle School, Merikomu Nigirikobushi and my students are ze best!" he said grabbing his flag. "Okay, raise the flag, as you say. And so, first I call the President of ze Student council, Monsieur Magaroku Shido!"

Shido appeared in the flag area.

"Hold your applause, please. There'll be time for that." Shido said.

"So thats Shido, huh?" Hope said.

"He seems confident, I'll give him that much." Gao said.

"Hey, wait a.." Hope said. "Hey, Shido! Wheres your partner?"

"I don't need a crutch to help me win." Shido laughed in confidence.

"I will call the other teams out, si vous plais!" Merikomu said. "Team Naniwa Card club, accompanied by Miss Sunset Shimmer. Team Seifukai with wild boy Toma, and Team Amanosuzu with the dazzling, most amazing fashion queen, Rarity!" he said.

The three spaces that were called were cardboard cutouts but with the actual partners on them.

"What the? Sunset, whats with the cut outs?" Hope said.

"Dont ask me, these were just here when we got here." Sunset said.

"Yeah, this guy looks cool, but wheres the real one?" Toma said.

"Of all the nerve, what is with this school division?" Rarity said.

"Yes, what is the meaning of this charade, you pampas puff pastry?!" Ikarino said.

"Zip if, you pirate wannabe. We both know my students would beat yours the moment the tournament begins!" Merikomu said.

The other teams were shocked.

"He's right, your school for babies should just forfeit. I know that Janitor beat Rouga, but he has no chance against these elite." Shido said.

"Hey, Mister Prez!" Yosuke said.

"What is it, you failure brat?" Shido said.

"Oh, just that in a few minutes, the drawings will commence. If anyone but your team is selected, since the other teams partners are up, that team will be disqualified by default." Yosuke said. "And that would be kinda embarrassment."

"What kind of school would lose by default rather than fight?" Ikarino said.

"Zip it, you iron clawed loser. We will win no matter what, so go away." Merikomu said.

"Okay, that tears it." Ikarino said as a boxing ring rose up as he tore of his shirt. "Prepare to face my iron claws!"

Merikomu jumped in the air and changed into a boxing uniform.

"I'll squash your face like ze grapes to make wine!" he said.

Both principals charged in and clashed Punch on claw as a shock wave burst through the arena. On their backs, kanji were there which together translated to "Raising the Curtain!".

"Let the ABC cup Begin!" they both shouted as the boxing ring lowered as they fought.

"Okay. And our opening bout will be between….Team Balle Du Soleil and Team Amanosuzu!" Paruko said.

"Yeah, were up first from the get-go!" Gao said.

"Well, what better way to start out. You better bring it, Rarity." Hope said.

"I most certainly will, and I dont intend on losing to someone as fashionably blind as you Hope." Rarity said.

"And the following match will be between Team Kisaragi and Team Sefukai!" Paruko said.

"Alright!" Yosuke said.

"Gonna rip you guys a new one." Toma said.

"And another will be Team Rising Tiger vs our Student Council President!" Paruko said.

"Hope youre ready to eat your words, Shido." Dan said.

"I do not intend to fail, peasant!" Shido said.

"And our final match up is Team Tetsu and Dai vs Team Nakiwa Card Club!" Paruko said.

"Just like in the friendship games. Well, this isnt fate or scientific at all." Twilight said.

"For the record, I dont think neither of us will be backing down." Sunset said. "But me and my friends all more than ready."

"Okay. So uh, wheres Team Amanosuzu? We cant start without her." Hope said.

"Oh, theres no need to worry. Shes already here. Open the roof!" Shido said.

The roof then opened to reveal a large blimp hovering right above the stadium.

"Holy crap, thats huge!" Yosuke said.

"Thats Lady Suzuha for you, big and bold. Thats her sky-styled blimp home. Her own personal castle." Kuguru said as flying down from the blimp was a girl in a dress and styled hair with butterfly wings followed by a stain glass looking creature.

"It's really her! Lady Suzuha has arrived!" Paruko said.

She then landed on her place beside Rarity.

"Well thats certainly one way to make an entrance. A pleasure, Lady Suzuha." Hope said.

"Tut tut. I only came for Gao Mikado, not you." Suzuha said.

"Huh?" Hope said.

"As a lowly janitor, you shall fall to the angelic forces above you." Suzuha said.

"I most certainly agree. I have found my people." Rarity said.

"Well, someones confident. Then lets get this started." Hope said.

"All other teams, please vacate the area, that means you people!" Paruko said as the other teams lowered. The crowd then cheered.

"I did say hold your applause, but… do it if you really must." Shido said as all the non competing teams left the area except for the two chosen ones.

"Now, per tradition, we each will now shuffle each other's decks." Suzuha said.

"Thats a really good way to look at things. Shuffling a deck is the most trusting thing you can do." Hope said as the four shuffled the others decks before returning them.

"Now then, let's get started!" Rarity said. "From a faraway world, new styles and amazing things are being made. Lumenize! Magical Artists!" Rarity said as her core was a bow.

"Yeah!" Hope said. "A united force of love, truth and justice! Shine forward, heroes of the world! Lumenize! Shining Light Squad!"

"Showering the sky with scorching sun rockets! Soleil Dragon Deck, Luminize!" Gao said.

"Not bad, but now you all see what I can do." Suzuha said as a dessert tray core deck was brought out by her servant, Sebastain. "Prepare yourself for a miracle! Angel Queen Serenade, Luminize!"

"Four star buddy fighters are ready to kick this tournament off with a bang!" Indigo said.

"Their monsters are waiting in the wings for their big entrance!" Rainbow siad.

"So without further ado, lets get on with the show!" Pinkie said.

"Its time for… the main event! Hit it!" Jexi said.

"Say it with me people! Buddy…" Paruko said.

"Fight!" they all said.

"Raise the flag!" the four said.

"I fight for Dragon World!" Gao said.

"It's Hero World for me!" Hope said.

The glass mural creature then giggled and floated in front of a flag that had an emblem on it.

"Whats with that flag? A new world?" Hope asked.

"If I'm not mistaken, that's the Amanosuzu Group emblem." Paruko said as Gao, Drum, Hope and Frill face faulted.

"Come now, show the right one." Suzuha said as the flag changed. "I fight for Magic World!"

"I'm with Magic World as well." Rarity said.

"First moves all ours, Gao!" Hope said. "Charge and draw!"

"I call Extreme Sword Dragon to the center!" Gao said as it appeared. "Attack Suzuha!"

Extreme sword slashed at Suzuha.

Suzuha LP: 10-7

"Now I get to go next." Hope said. "I call Ironing man to the Center!"

Ironing man then appeared in center. "I am Ironing Man." he said muffled.

"Attack Rarity!" Hope said.

Ironing man Leaped into the air.

"Steam Buster!" he said hitting her.

Rarity LP: 10 9

End of Move

"FYI, each team member has different life counts, so if one of them loses all 10, its a win for the other team." Paruko said.

"Draw." Suzuha said. "Charge and...Draw. I'll call three monsters at once. Starting with Magic Knight of Light, Licht, to the center and then Magic Kight of Darkness, Dunkelheit to the left and then I call Magician of Glass, Glassart to the right!"

Three humans appeared at once. Two of them wore identical clothing with one being black with long hair and the other white with blonde hair. The human on the right also wore white, but held a glass staff.

"And now I equip Gunrod, Bechstein." Suzuha said as a gun appeared in her hands. "Fun fact, I can fire it at the opponent even if the center is occupied."

"Now I'll call my monsters. First, I'll call this one." Rarity said as a centaur like blue demon in construction equipment appeared on the left.

"Demon Realm Architect, Gamajin at your service! So, need me to build up a set spell for ya, miss?" Gamajin said.

"Yes indeed. I'll go with, hmm...Magic School, Sephirot." Rarity said.

"On it, little lady!" he said as said spell was built.

"A set spell remains on the field for the duration of the match. Wonder what that one does?" Hope wondered.

"Oh, I would just hate to ruin the surprise, my dear Hope. But my turn isn't over yet. Demon Sommelier, Zagan to center!" Rarity said as a ram demon with wings in a suit with wine appeared.

"The finest for our dear lady." Zagan said.

"Finally, I call Magic Artist, Andy to the right!" Rarity said as a human with a brush and a palette of paints appeared.

"Wait a second, Gamajin's size 2 and Zagan's Size one! SHe cant have another monster out!" Natsu said.

"Uh, natsu? Gamagin's size one. They all are." Lucy said.

"Ignoramus. But its lucky we all are, so i can still paint a portrait of our lady's victory." Andy said.

"Now, its time to attack, Hope, all of you. But first, Zagan, do away with that icky Ironing Man." Rarity said.

"Bold choice." Zagan said as he destroyed Ironing Man.

"Follow him, Dunkelhight,and attack extreme sword." Suzuha said.

"Done." Dunkelhiet said as he sliced apart Extreme Sword.

"And thanks to the combo, both Licht and Dunkelheit are more powerful than it." Rarity said.

"Youre up Licht. Teach Mikado a lesson." Suzuha said.

"Right." Licht said. "Heed the Blinding blade of light!"

Gao's LP: 97

"And Andy, Gamagin, attack Hope." Rarity said.

"Take this!" Gamajin said.

"And take that!" Andy said.

"I cast...I've seen Through your…" Hope began before his spell broke as Andy struck.

Hope's Lp: 107

"My spell broke? But how?" Hope said.

"That is what Magic School, Sephirot does. By discarding an art card and paying one life, I can destroy a spell you cast one per turn." Rarity said.

Rarity LP: 98

"Glassart, do your magic and strike Gao!" Suzuha said.

"Ja." Glassart said. "Glass Crystal Torrent!"

Gao LP: 7-5

End of Move

"Man, theyre good together." Hope said. "But we arent losing here."

"Yeah! Draw! Charge and Draw!" Gao said. "I equip steel fist, Drago Knuckle!"

5-4

"And now I call Thousand Rapier Dragon to the Right! And Halberd Dragon to the left!" Gao said as Thousand appeared on the right as a large dragon with red wings and armor with a halberd appeared.

"Whoa, epic! SO youre Thunder Knights, Halberd Dragon, huh?" Hope sid.

"I am. Do not worry about Gao Mikado any longer. I will protect him with my life." Halberd said.

"Okay. I call Stray warrior, Vier to the left!" Hope said as a green suited human with the number 4 and a pencil like weapon appeared.

"Ugh, I gotta go first?" Vier said.

"And I also call Second Warrior, Zweider to the left!" Hope said as a blue one with a spear appeared.

"Zweider!" Zweider said.

"I'll equip Blade of Light, Shining Aegis." Hope said leaping in.

"I cast! Dragonic Shoot!" Gao said destroying Glassart.

"Why would he use that now, isnt that more effective on the opponents turn?" Kiri said in the Buddy Pit.

"I know what hes up to. And I got a hunch what his next card will be." Baku said.

"Here we go. I cast Dragonic Grimoire!" Gao said. " I get a whole new hand now."

"Nice work, Gao." Hope said. "Now, I think I better pick up my pace too." Hope said. "Zagan's defense is 2000, Alright Zweider, take him out!"

"Roger!" Zweider said.

"Do your worst you ruffian!" Zagan said before being stabbed. "So sorry my dear!" he said before vanishing.

"You and Me, Vier! Attack Rarity!" Hope said leaping in to action.

"Guess i got no choice." Vier said aiming his blaster.

"Not as quick as you think, Hope. I cast Magical Goodbye!" Rarity said sending Vier back to Hope's hand, but still took damage from Hope's sword.

86

"Thousand Rapier, let's link attack on Licth." Gao said moving with Thousand Rapier as they battled Liect before Rapier eliminated it.

"Yes. The combo's broken." Hope said.

"All right, Halberd!" Gao said as Halberd moved to attack.

"I like Rarity cast Magical Goodbye!" Suzuha said sending Halberd back to Gao's hand.

End of Move.

"Who knew they'd have the same card?" Hope said.

"Our turn now, darling." Rarity said. "And I must thank you for making this easy. Gamigin and Andy, link attack on Hope in the center."

"Right, little lady!" they both said moving at Hope.

"Cast! I've seen through your moves!" Hope said.

"Chain cast! I'll activate my set spell again! Your spell is useless!" Rarity said.

Hope smiled. "I cast… Or So the Dream I had Went!"

"What?!" Rarity said.

"Dont think I wouldnt know you'd use Magic School, Sephiot again. With Or So The Dream I had Went, I pay 2 gauge to nullify Magic School Sephirot's effects for this turn." Hope said as Andy still attacked him.

75

"Hmm. Then I don't see what else I can do right now. I end my turn." Rarity said.

"But I still have to go. Its time to shine, my most precious friend. Buddy Call Center of the World, Mary Sue!

78

The stain glass creature then flew to the center of the area.

"With my buddy at my side. I too am the center of the world. Whenever I call her, I get to search my deck and take out any spell card I so desire." Suzuha said taking a card. "Cast, Key of Solomon, First Volume." she said regaining gauge. "And now, I cast Great Spell, My Grandfather Clock!" Suzuha said as a large clock appeared above the fighting stage.

"WHoa, thats huge." Hope said.

"With that, all her drop zone cards go back in her deck." Paruko said.'

"Yes. But...it comes with another perk darlings." Rarity said.

"As part of the spell….I get another turn." Suzuha said.

"Oh crap." Hope said. "Gao, get ready! Youre about to get hit hard!"

"Dunkelhight, Clear away Zweider!" Suzuha said as he slashed him. "And Mary Sue, attack Gao!"

Just as Mary Sue unleashed her vines…

"I cast! Green Dragon Shield!" Gao said blocked and regaining a life.

45

End of Move.

"Great. Now we can…" Hope said.

"Not so fast darling, she gets another turn." Rarity said.

"And since Rarity is my partner, she gets another turn as well." Suzuha said.

"Crap." Hope said looking at his hand. "And I already used up most of my spells."

"Oh, I shall forever enjoy this." Rarity said. "Andy, Garigin, you know what needs to be done."

"Yes Maam!" they both said attacking Hope.

52

"And now, I cast Overstand!" Rarity said. "I can only use this spell when my monsters land a hit on the fighter. With this card, I gain gauge dependant on the number of life you just lost." Rarity said gaining three gauge.

"Why do I get the feeling this is bad?" Hope asked.

"You aren;t the only one with a rare weapon. I pay two gauge and one life to acqure Diamond Bow of Generosity!" Rarity said as a bow appeared in her hands. "With this, I can attack you even if you cast a spell." Rarity said drawing the bow. "Take this!" Rarity said.

21

"Unfortunately...I have to end my part of the turn. Suzuha continues." Rarity said.

"Its really unfortunate that you both are like this. And now I know you are not fit of being Tasuku's rival.' Suzuha said.

"So thats why you were after Gao?" Hope said.

"Yes, and its clear the only one worthy of that title, is me. Me and my prince charming." Suzuha said.

"Oh...I get it now." Hope said.

"Ah. Young love. You can see why I wanted to team up with her." Rarity said.

"Yeah. I get it." Hope said.

"Mlady, youre doing it again." Sebastian said bringing Suzuha out of her daze.

"Your tournament is over Gao. After my attack with Beshten, Mary Sue, finish him!" Susuha siad.

"Gao!" Hope said.

"Not done yet! I cast Dragonic Paratrooper and call Halberd Dragon to my center!" Gao said, blocking the attack.

"I will protect you, Gao Mikado." Halberd said.

End of Move.

"You may have survived that, but youre still finished." Suzuha said.

"Nah." Hope said. "From where wee standing, youre the ones who're done." Hope said.

"Because were planning on finishing tihs, right here, right now!" Gao said pulling a lever and bringing his core to the center of his body.

"I get Gao, but Hope' darling. You only have 1 life point left. Even when you damage me, you simply cannot last till the next round." Rarity said.

"Don't count on it! Draw! Charge and Draw!" Hope said. "For my finishing move, I call Uniform Warrior, Military Frill to the left and Buddy Call Uniform Warrior, Blazer Frill to the right!"

12

"Now, as part of Military Frill's ability, she gets an extra critical when another Superheroine is out." Hope said.

"Yeah! Blast the baddies!" Military Frill said firing at Rarity.

63

"THousand Rapier, attack Mary Sue!" Gao said.

Thousand made quick work of Mary Sue.

"Blazer Frill, give Rarity a specialty kick." Hope said.

"I cast...Magical Goodbye!" Rarity said sending Blazer Frill to Hope's hand.

"Sorry, but its not gonna work. My sword gains a critical for every superhero or superheroine on the field. You're done!" Hope shouted slashing Rarity.

30

Game Over: Rarity! Winner: Hope the Victor.

"Oh, such cruel fate. And I was so well dressed for this occasion." Rarity said fainting on a couch that was somehow there.

"Sorry Rarity, thats just how I roll." Hope gloated.

"You realize we live close to each other's proximity, right?" Rarity said.

"And you were the better fighter." Hope said.

"That's more like it." Rarity said falling back on the couch.

"Where did that couch even come from?" Military Frill asked.

"She must have brought it with her." Hope said before seeing Gao cast the Gargantua Punisher Impact and finished off Suzuha.

Game over! Winner: Gao Mikado!

"And with that spectacular finish, Team Balle Du Soleil is moving on up!" Paruko said.

"Hah! Thats how we do things downtown!" Gao said.

"I misjudged you both. You both really are good fighters." Suzuha said.

"Darling, let's just go. Their musky odor will rub off on us." Rarity said as the two left.

"Man, they never change." Hope said.