The Galactic Knights: Third Dimensional War

Empire Games Arc

A/N: The quarterfinals of the Empire Tournament is about to begin, but it also seems that the enemy is closer to revealing themselves. As the Galactic Knights prepare for the matches, rivalries begin to form. Can the knights keep their attention on their main goal? Will these rivalries distract them? Find out in 'Chapter 9: Quarterfinals Part 1.'

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to the Dragon Ball Z, Bleach, Naruto, Inuyasha, Fairy Tail, or One Piece.

*SC* = Scene Change

"Talking"

'Thoughts'

Chapter 9: Quarterfinals Part 1

The day of the quarterfinals has come. People travel through the city, heading towards the biggest arena, where the final competitors will head to fight. For the past two days, it has been raining, but this does not stop anyone from experiencing the biggest event of the universe. As the audience reaches the arena, unknown to them, seven figures watch them from afar. A dark aura sprouts around them, telling anyone nearby of their incredible evil.

Pluton appears from the shadows of the forest, noticing the lights of the large city below. He looks around and smirks as all of his targets are in the city. This is the most opportune moment for him. Eliminate all of his threats in one day. Now, he simply needs his spies to prepare the last few parts of his plan. Icarus, Balder, Wotan, Belenus, Midas, and Fearghas appear from the forest, also staring at the group of people below them.

"Are we actually going to wait?" asked Balder.

"The last few matches will draw the attention of the knights and Orion," said Pluton. "Plus, they don't know who to look for. To think Orion will attempt to cut me off here. Fool, you have only led to your demise."

"We should go," said Icarus. "We don't want them discovering us."

"Let's leave," said Pluton as he and his legion leave the area.

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Travis sits down on his chair on the balcony. He just watched as Thalia opened the eighth day of the tournament, but he looks around, searching in the outer city. For a second, he felt something familiar, but as he looks at his fellow rulers, nobody seemed to notice anything. Travis takes a deep breath as Lucia places her hand on his leg.

"I felt it too," said Lucia. "He's out there somewhere," said Lucia as they return their attention to the arena.

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Standing in the middle of the arena are two familiar fighters. The first person to arrive is Natsu, representing the Lionheart Forces. His opponent is Goku, who also represents the Lionheart Forces. The two fighters remain motionless, staring at each other for the past minute.

"We might as well give it our all," said Goku.

"I will win this time," said Natsu with a serious expression.

"I've beaten you in all of our practice matches," said Goku. "I won't give up."

"I won't either," said Natsu.

Despite the situation, both fighters want to fight with all of their strength. Even as the enemy surrounds them, they will use this chance to give a great show to the audience. Natsu rushes forward, flames covering his hands as he swings his hands forward. Goku jumps above Natsu, causing Natsu to miss as the saiyan counters with a powerful hit to the back. Natsu grinds his teeth as Goku punches him in the face. As Natsu lands on the ground, Goku appears above him with a ki ball in his hand. Goku unleashes the ki ball, causing a large explosion to occur. As the cloud of dust clears, Goku narrows his eyes as a stream of fire erupts from the remaining cloud dust. Natsu rushes forward, slamming his fist into Goku's face, sending a wave of fire from the impact. Goku takes a few steps backwards as Natsu punches Goku repeatedly.

"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" exclaimed Natsu, slamming a strong punch into Goku's stomach.

Goku jumps back while holding his stomach, but he takes a deep breath as the pain subsides. In a split second, Goku disappears only to appear behind Natsu punching the dragon slayer to the ground. Goku rushes forward, kicking Natsu in the stomach, sending the mage into the air. Goku appears above him, using both hands, punches Natsu towards the ground. As the dragon slayer hits the ground, Goku lands nearby as he gathers energy into the palm of his hands. Goku shoots off numerous energy balls at Natsu's position causing numerous explosions to occur. Goku flies to the air, but stops the moment a ball of fire nearly hits him. Suddenly, a stream of fire slams into Goku forcing him to fly back the ground. The moment he touches the terrain, Natsu charges from the cloud of smoke, but has numerous wounds on his body. A few seconds later, Natsu unleashes a powerful stream of fire, but this time, lightning is also with the element. Goku places his arms in front of him, taking the full brunt of the attack. Goku slides across the ground, his arms burning due to the fire and lightning. Goku takes a deep breath as Natsu lands on his knees. Of the two fighters, it is clear to the audience that Goku has the upper hand, but it only requires a simple move to win a fight.

"You're still stronger than me," said Natsu as he stands up slowly. "But I won't give up. I'll show you my strength!"

Fire erupts from Natsu's body as he charges forward, his hands on fire again. Natsu swings his fist at Goku, who readies himself to defend, but Natsu stops as he changes his punch strike to a kick. Natsu slams his foot into Goku's face, causing the saiyan to take a few steps back, while the dragon slayer continues his assault. Suddenly, ducks to the ground, his hands touching the terrain as Natsu trips over his body. Natsu's eyes widen in surprise as Goku twists his body around, allowing both of his feet to face Natsu. Goku smiles as he kicks Natsu in the stomach, causing the pink-haired mage to double over in pain. Goku twists his body around again, landing his feet onto the ground as he upper cuts Natsu in the chin. As the dragon slayer flies upwards, Goku grabs Natsu's leg and then slams him to the ground, creating a small crater underneath Natsu. However, Natsu's body erupts in flames burning Goku's hand as he takes a few steps back.

The fight begins to slow down, as Goku remains motionless. Natsu stands back up, but he struggles during the process. The two fighters remain motionless, the wind blowing by them picking up a small amount of dirt. Natsu takes a small breath, looking at his hands. He notices them shake a bit, but he smiles knowing that he is getting a good fight. He looks at Goku, who smiles back. Despite this being a fight, they are both having fun. They might as well enjoy this, they do not know if they will get another chance. Natsu enters a fighting stance, as Goku does the same.

"You're bleeding," said Natsu.

Goku wipes the blood from his lips, as he cracks his knuckles, preparing for another round of fighting.

"You did hit me well," said Goku. "I'm having fun."

Natsu smirks as he lights his hands on fire. He too is having fun and right now, he seeks a chance to win. Natsu charges forward, as does Goku. Goku appears faster than Natsu and swings his fist at the dragon slayer, but Natsu manages to block the attack as he unleashes a burst of fire. Goku's eyes widen as he takes a few steps back, but Natsu continues his attack, striking Goku in the stomach with a powerful punch. Natsu swings his other fist at Goku, but suddenly, the saiyan disappears only to reappear behind Natsu. Goku grabs Natsu's head and then slams him to the ground before jumping into the air and unleashes beams of energy. Natsu grumbles a bit as he manages to stand up and run from the blast. Goku stops his attack and flies in front of Natsu, stopping the mage's escape. Goku flies at Natsu while the dragon slayer gathers fire into his right hand. Both saiyan and mage prepare to strike at Goku gets closer to Natsu. Time slows down for the two fighters as feet become inches. Soon, they strike, swinging their fist at each other with rapid speed. The moment of impact occurs as a powerful shockwave erupts from the two fighters.

The audience remains in shock as Goku and Natsu remain motionless while in a striking stance. Soon, Natsu moves forward, revealing his missed punch as Goku's fist firmly connects with Natsu's stomach.

"Good fight, Natsu," said Goku as Natsu falls to the ground.

Travis and Lucia watched the fight with interest. They smile seeing the faces of the other rulers, who did not expect either fighter to show such strength.

"They really did hold back," said Lucia.

"At least they did not show their full strength," said Travis. "We might surprise our enemies just yet."

Around ten minutes later, the arena is in better shape as the announcer proclaims the next round. The first person to enter the arena is Tera of the Raptis Empire. She remains silent as Ichigo walks into the arena. The audience cheers between Tera and Ichigo, some due to Ichigo's rise to popularity and others due to the lack of trust in Tera. The two fighters stare at each other as Ichigo speaks up.

"You are different from your comrades," said Ichigo. "There's something about you."

"You know nothing of me," said Tera as she looks at Travis, how sits at the edge of the balcony.

Ichigo notices Tera's action and turns his attention to Travis. He looks back at Tera, who returns her attention to Ichigo.

"What do you want with Travis?" asked Ichigo as he draws out his zanpakutos.

"It is not Travis I want," said Tera. "It is somebody he knows. If I must defeat you to gain one-step closer to that person, then so be it. Travis is the key to that person. I will not stop here."

Instantly, Tera appears in front of Ichigo, surprising the substitute shinigami.

"Your powers are different than most people," said Tera. "They seem to come from somewhere different."

Tera disappears again before appearing behind Ichigo swinging her trishulas at Ichigo. Luckily, Ichigo turns around fast enough to block the attack. The two fighters stare at each other for a moment, before Ichigo's eyes widen. Tera suddenly releases a large amount of energy, forcing Ichigo to jump back. However, Tera does not let up as she strikes Ichigo in the face with a powerful knee, sending Ichigo crashing to the ground. Ichigo jumps up quickly, barely avoiding Tera's next attack. Ichigo swings his zanpakutos around, hitting Tera in the chest, sending her crashing to the ground. Tera jumps back up, staring at Ichigo with interest.

"You are different," said Tera. "It makes me wonder if your allies are different as well."

Ichigo charges forward, swinging his zanpakutos at Tera, but the female warrior dodges the attacks with ease. A few seconds later, Tera creates a yellow orb of light, which Ichigo hits with his zanpakutos. Ichigo's eyes widen as he jumps back, looking at his zanpakutos. For a moment there, he could have sworn his zanpakutos lost power. Suddenly, Tera charges forward, swinging her trisulas forward. An attack similar to Ichigo's own strike shoots out from her weapons, forcing Ichigo to block the energy attack at full force. The force of the attack sends Ichigo crashing to the ground. Tera lands in front of Ichigo, a powerful aura surrounding the female warrior.

"You will never win this fight," said Tera. "I am stronger than you."

"No," said Ichigo. "You are not. I have a reason to fight, I cannot lose here."

"You are not the center of the universe," said Tera. "Everyone has their reason."

Ichigo looks up, raising his zanpakuto forward, causing Tera to raise an eyebrow.

"Bankai," said Ichigo as a huge amount of spiritual energy erupts from him.

Tera takes a few steps back as Ichigo walks forward, his clothes different. Ichigo now has one zanpakuto in his hand, a powerful aura surrounding him. Terra narrows her eyes, wondering how this man gained so much power, especially for a human.

"This does not change anything," said Tera. "I'll show you power!"

Tera shouts as a powerful aura erupts around her. Ichigo raises his zanpakuto and a few seconds later, appears in front of Tera, but to his surprise, she blocks his attack. Energy emits from Tera as she disappears, surprising Ichigo even further. Suddenly, Tera appears to Ichigo's left side kicking him in the face before slashing his arm with her trisula. Ichigo grumbles in pain as he jumps away.

'I have to be careful,' thought Ichigo as he and Tera stare at each other. 'No joking around.'

"Ready to be serious," said Tera.

"Of course," replied Ichigo.

Both fighters disappear only to reappear in the center of the arena, their weapons clashing with tremendous force. A few seconds later, the two fighters exchange a series of attacks trying to gain the upper hand. Tera passes through Ichigo's defense, slashing him across his chest. Ichigo grumbles in pain as he counters with the hilt of his zanpakuto, swinging his arm around and hitting Tera in the back. Despite the warrior's armor, the spiritual energy Ichigo releases, causes her pain. Tera turns around quickly, unleashing a powerful beam of energy, striking Ichigo in the chest. She follows the attack with numerous blue orbs of lunar energy. She shoots the energy orbs straight into Ichigo causing numerous explosions. Ichigo jumps back, blood dripping from his fresh wounds, as he unleashes a black wave of spiritual energy towards Tera. Tera jumps to the right avoiding the spiritual energy only for her to step in front of Ichigo. Ichigo slashes her across the chest, piercing her armor before kicking Tera in the stomach. Ichigo charges forward, slamming Tera to the ground, but before he has a chance to do anything else, a black orb appears in front of Ichigo, surprising him. Soon, the black orb bursts open releasing a large amount of pressure upon Ichigo's body. Ichigo coughs out blood as Tera unleashes a series of attacks upon him. Ichigo clenches his left hand swinging it at Tera's face, knocking her away from him before he unleashes another Getsuga Tensho at the female warrior. The attack sends her flying across the arena as Ichigo lands on the ground in pain.

Ichigo stands back up after a few minutes on the ground, he feels his power slipping a bit, but he knows his opponent is not in any better shape. Ichigo takes a deep breath, allowing his muscles to relax. Ichigo clenches his zanpakuto, as blood drips down his cheeks. Tera stares back at Ichigo, studying him with a calm expression, as she stands back up despite the numerous injures on her body. She raises her trisulas, but she notices her arms shaking a bit.

"You are strong," said Tera. "But do not expect to win yet."

In a matter of seconds, the two fighters charge forward, moving faster than most of the audience is capable of following. Ichigo and Tera clash, exchanging numerous blows against each other. Ichigo swings his zanpakuto, as Tera raises her trisulas to block his attack. Tera grumbles a bit before unleashing two blue balls of lunar light. The balls hit Ichigo in the chest, causing numerous explosions to occur. A few seconds later, a single red ball appears above Tera, as she begins to glow red as well.

"Power of the moon, grant me your strength!" exclaimed Tera before she disappears.

Ichigo raises his zanpakuto just in time to block Tera's attack, causing a large shockwave to occur. Ichigo clenches his teeth as he tries to hold his ground. Suddenly, Tera breaks through Ichigo's defense, forcing him back. Tera slams Ichigo to the ground as she gathers energy into her trisulas.

"Goodbye," said Tera as she unleashes both balls of energy at point blank range.

Tera jumps back, as a cloud of dust rises from the terrain. The female warrior raises her trisulas in victory, while she breathes heavily. The audience watch in suspense as Tera walks towards the doors.

"Well, I won, announce me as the victor!" exclaimed Tera.

Tera turns her attention to Travis, who simply smirks at her, causing Tera to clench her teeth. Suddenly, a huge gust of wind erupts from the center of the arena, as Tera turns around. The female warrior's eyes widen as Ichigo walks forward, from the cloud of dust. Ichigo breathes heavily, his upper body completely deprived of clothes. He raises his zanpakuto, his arms shaking a bit before he finally composes himself.

"How?" asked Tera in a surprise tone. "You shouldn't be moving!"

Ichigo disappears before appearing in front of Tera, surprising the female warrior. Tera tries to move, but the last attack has left her drained, leaving her open to attack.

"You lose," said Ichigo as he raises his zanpakuto. "Getsuga Tensho!"

Ichigo hits Tera directly with his black spiritual attack, creating a massive explosion. The force of the attack sends Tera soaring into the arena walls, creating a large dent in the concrete. Tera hits the ground, her eyes in pure anger.

"D-Damn you," said Tera as she tries to move, but fails.

"Tera is unable to continue!" exclaimed the announcer. "Winner, Ichigo of the Lionheart Forces!"

The audience cheers at the display before them. This is truly a round of the quarterfinals. With Ichigo now passing his fight, he will face Goku in the semifinals. The question is who will win? Thalia stands up and declares the eighth day of the tournament over. The audience leaves in contentment, but unknown to them, the danger only rises.

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A/N: All right, this chapter came out just as I thought it would. It is around this chapter that things begin to pick up. I had so many fights before that I limited the length of each fight to keep everyone from revealing too much. Even in this chapter, none of the fighters shows their true power. Regardless, thanks for reading and please review.