Chapter 21: Art Bash
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. I had a lot of fun with this one and many of you will be very happy with what happens at the end. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
At the Mysticon Base, Ryou was sitting down with Dante, Zarya, Em, Piper, Arkayna, Sophie, and Zhalia as Lucas, Vivian and Lady Nimue told them a little bit about the past.
"So wait, you and I were rivals?" Ryou asks.
"Oh yeah we were so competitive." Lucas smirks.
"They were nearly as bad as you two." Dante said pointing to Sophie and Arkayna said.
"Seriously?" Arkayna asks as Dante took out his glyph.
"Have a look." Dante said playing a video and we see an 8-year-old Ryou and Lucas.
"I'm gonna bury you alive!" Ryou yells.
"I'll make you beg for mercy!" Lucas yells as the two of them met in the middle.
"It takes more than a stupid family name to beat me!" Ryou said punching Lucas.
"At least my family name isn't a bunch of nobodies!" Lucas said punching Ryou.
Locking arms both Ryou and Lucas glare at each other.
"Goodey two shoes!" Ryou snaps.
"Stupid nomad!" Lucas snaps.
Soon they were doing a series of competitive events to try and beat the other.
"126…127…128!" They both said doing pushups before Lucas drops to the ground exhausted while Ryou kept going.
Next was jumping jacks and Lucas was jumping around Ryou who was struggling.
"Keep up creampuff!" Lucas said as Ryou fell down exhausted.
For the final round, both of them were doing pull-ups.
"Is that all you got?!" Ryou said.
"Please my grandma could beat you!" Lucas said as they both did one more before falling to the ground exhausted.
Zooming out Ryou covered his face embarrassed.
"Kinda glad I don't remember that." Ryou cringed.
"Hey at least we grew out of it and this did make us crazy good seekers." Lucas said patting him on the shoulder.
"He is definitely Sophie's brother." Zhalia said.
"Hey." Sophie glares.
"Wow Ryou who knew you were so competitive." Em said.
"So how long did this crazy rivalry go on for?" Piper asks.
"About a year and a half. Afterward we got tired of it and became buddies." Lucas said.
"Wow and you two kept going for years." Zarya smirks looking at Sophie and Arkayna who looked away embarrassed.
"I am loving this Ryou stories. Do you have anymore?" Piper asks interested.
"Well one time Ryou thought he could do my job and tried holding his breath in my lake but the poor boy couldn't hold it for more than a minute." Lady Nimue giggles.
"Please stop." Ryou begs.
"Come on Ryou, for years you wanted to learn about yourself." Zarya smirks.
"Not like this." Ryou groans.
"Sometimes the past isn't always as great as we think it is." Em smirks.
"Watch it Pootinkle." Ryou glares.
"Pootinkle?" Vivian giggles.
"You win this round, Tactician." Em said.
"By the way Ryou, I've been curious. How did you stumble upon the Willblade?" Lady Nimue asks looking to the sword in Ryou's bag.
"And you know there's a spell that lets you summon it?" Lucas said.
"There is? I've been carrying this thing everywhere." Ryou said.
"It's called Bladecall. How do you not know about it?" Lucas asks.
"I uh was kinda pressed for time when I found this thing." Ryou admits.
"Necrafa had just been released and she tried to take over Drake City." Zarya said.
"Then Ryou was kidnapped by that awful Dragon of Destruction." Arkayna said causing a nervous look to appear on Ryou's face which Lady Nimue noticed almost immediately.
"Well I think we've shared enough stories for today. We better go before those Astromancers decide to pay you a visit." Lady Nimue suggests.
"Probably a good idea. We don't need any Huntik members thrown behind bars." Piper said.
"I guess you're right. Bye sis." Lucas said getting up.
"Bye Lucas." Sophie said as they hugged goodbye.
"Goodbye." Vivan said as she and Lucas went ahead.
"Ryou would you mind walking me out?" Lady Nimue asks.
"Sure." Ryou nods as he leads her away from everyone.
"How long do you plan on keeping the truth from them?" Lady Nimue asks.
"What do you mean?" Ryou asks.
"Ryou, you don't live as long as I have without noticing a few things. Why do you think Dante originally sought me out? Dragon of Destruction." Lady Nimue said causing Ryou's eyes to widen in horror.
"Sssh." Ryou shushes. "Don't say anything."
"Why are you hiding this from them?" Lady Nimue asks as Ryou leads her outside.
"Because when Necrafa revealed my other form she had fooled all of them into thinking I was my own kidnapper and Zarya tried to kill me." Ryou said.
"Oh so this is more about Zarya than the others?" Lady Nimue smirks causing Ryou to blush.
"What? No I-I mean." Ryou stutters.
"She's a very interesting girl. Maybe you would feel less at ease if you two spent some time together." Lady Nimue said.
"This isn't about my social life. This about my friends not trying to kill me." Ryou said.
"No, but it might help you come to terms with your other problem." Lady Nimue said.
"Sure and while we're at it why don't we find a way to get my memories back." Ryou scoffs as Lady Nimue walks away.
"Not a bad idea." She said getting an idea.
"I think that lady has spent too much time underwater." Ryou mumbles when a gust of wind blows a flyer into his face. "Ugh! Come on!"
As Ryou pulls it off and smiles. "Oh boy, I know someone who is gonna love this."
Back inside, Em was examining the Willblade.
"Such amazing craftsmanship. Clearly this was forged by dwarves." Em said.
"Don't tell me Mysticon Knight is jealous of another Mysticon's weapon." Zarya smirks.
"Yeah you better not try and steal it." Piper said.
"Steal? Oh my goblin I am so sorry I would never do such a thing." Em said quickly putting it down.
"Relax Em we know you weren't." Arkayna said.
"Weren't what?" Ryou asks walking in.
"Em wants your Willblade." Dante said.
"What? No I don't!" Em said causing Ryou to chuckle.
"I don't know Em. You're my friend and all but I had to jump through quite a few hoops to get this sword." Ryou said picking up the sword. "But I guess I can call Kitty and get Cherit's opinion. He's been guarding this thing for so long he must know what the proper custom is."
"I believe if one challenges you for the Willbalde tradition is a battle to the death." Sophie smirks.
"I know you want that sword but is it really worth killing a friend for it?" Zhalia asks causing Em to scream in horror causing everyone to laugh.
"Just messing for you Em, there is no tradition for the Willblade because Lord Casterwill was the only one to ever use it." Sophie said.
"Like we would honestly let you and Ryou kill each other." Zhalia said.
"Oh thank good goblin." Em sighs.
"Hey Zarya I found something outside." Ryou said.
"Cool what?" Zarya asks as Ryou handed her a flyer and gasps. "No way! A Dragon Gladiators Expo!"
"Oh boy." Piper and Choko giggle.
"What's going on?" Arkayna asks
"Zarya's a hardcore gamer. She once played Dragon Gladiators for 2 days. It took me, Ryou and Choko at full strength just to get a controller out of her hand." Piper said.
"No wonder I can never beat her." Doug said walking in.
"Doug you can't beat anyone." Arkayna said.
"It's at the Art Museum." Ryou said.
"Finally, something Art people did right. Who wants to come with me?" Zarya asks standing up.
"No thanks. I don't want to have be there when they pry you away from the controllers." Arkayna said.
"That was only one time." Zarya said.
"No it was 5 times." Piper said as Choko shook his head.
"Well someone has to step up. I'll go with you." Ryou said.
"Yes! Come on Ryou! Dragon Gladiators await!" Zarya said grabbing his arm and pulling him out.
"Wow those two are close." Dante smirks.
"So am I." Piper said with puffy cheeks.
"I never said you weren't Piper." Dante said defensively as Piper walked away.
"I bet I could find something fun to do with Ryou." Piper mumbles.
At the Art Museum, Zarya and Ryou were waiting in line.
"Man lot of people want to see Dragon Gladiators." Zarya said.
"Yeah or it could be the other exhibit." Ryou points to a banner of art and statues.
"Seriously?" Zarya asks.
"Not everyone thinks old paintings are boring." Ryou smirks.
"What do people see in old paintings?" Zarya asks.
"Well these old paintings are pretty valuable. They show us the world through other people's eyes, they see things creatively." Ryou said.
Little did they know Kymraw was a few blocks away looking at the museum with an evil grin on her face.
As Ryou and Zarya got their tickets they walked in they passed by a lecture group.
"And then we go to this piece on the Mysticons." A male voice said stopping them.
"Mysticons?" Zarya asks interested.
Walking over they saw a man with black hair and a man with blonde hair in suits in front of a painting of the first Mysticons each holding an amulet. These were Metz and Guggenheim.
"You see while the Mysticons had their powers they needed a little extra boost to defeat Necrafa and so Lord Casterwill gave each one of them a powerful Titan to fight at their side." Guggenheim explains.
"And to this day even the current Mysticons use Titans to fight at their side." Metz said as he looked around and noticed Ryou causing his eyes to widen at first before he smiled. "Alright folks that's it. Enjoy the rest of the museum."
As everyone walked away, Zarya and Ryou made their way to the Dragon Gladiators exhibit.
Looking inside they saw booths on game design, sketches of characters and even a few demos.
"This is heaven." Zarya sighs.
"You against me? Best of 3?" Ryou offers.
"You are on." Zarya said when they felt two taps on their shoulders.
"Uh excuse me. Can we have a word with you two?" Guggenheim asks.
"Depends on who's asking." Zarya narrows her eyes and Metz took out a Huntik symbol causing them to gasp.
Leading them to an empty room Metz almost immediately ruffles Ryou's hair.
"Oh man Ryou, look at you. You look like just like your father." Metz smiles.
"I'm sorry but I don't know who you guys are." Ryou said breaking free.
"Yeah Dante warned us about that. My name is Guggenheim and Ryou this is Metz. You see he trained your father to be a Seeker."
"You trained Dante?" Zarya asks interested.
"And even Ryou from time to time." Metz chuckles.
"Wow so you're like an expert on this." Zarya said.
"So what are you guys doing in an art museum?" Ryou asks.
"Yeah why aren't you guys joining us on the front lines?" Zarya asks.
"Sorry but we're too old to be fighting evil. We use our knowledge and links to search for titans that are located all over the world." Guggenheim said.
"We're right now trying to uncover the location of some really strong ones." Metz said.
"How strong are we talking?" Zarya asks interested.
"The beating Necrafa kind." Metz smirks causing both of them to grin.
"Oh man when dad hears about this he'll freak." Ryou said.
"So I don't suppose we can interest you two in a tour?" Guggenheim offers.
"Sorry but this guy owes me a night of Dragon Gladiators." Zarya said grabbing Ryou.
"Uh see ya. Great to meet up." Ryou said as they left.
"Well looks we've been gone for a long time." Guggenheim smirks.
"I'll say, the way he acts around that girl reminds me of how Dante acted when he started dating." Metz chuckles.
In the exhibit, Ryou and Zarya were facing each other in Dragon Gladiators.
"You're going down." Zarya said as her character went on the attack pushing Ryou's character back.
"Not a chance!" Ryou said as his character nailed a powerful uppercut sending Zarya's crashing to the ground. "Yes!"
"Oh you are so getting it next round." Zarya smirks.
"Is that a challenge?" Ryou smirks.
"You bet it is." Zarya said.
As Zarya started a new game Ryou looks at her smiling face and couldn't help but enjoy it.
Down below Metz and Guggenheim were leading a tour to a fancy painting.
"And this one is the crown jewel of the exhibit. Said to have been painted right after Necrafa was defeated and depicting the world as it began to repair and rebuild from the all the horrors and damage of war." Metz said when they suddenly heard a loud engine roar.
Everyone looked around curiously when from the windows, Kymraw and her Road Ragers crashed in through the windows alerting everyone, including Ryou and Zarya.
"Hello Kymraw looking for new painting. Old one so boring. Any requests?" Kymraw asks.
"We have a decent selection in our gift shop." Guggenheim offers.
"Kymraw no want that. Kymraw want original!" Kymraw said swinging her arm knocking the two men to the ground.
As the orcs made their way to the painting two arrows flew in and knocked them to the ground.
"You know Kymraw it wouldn't kill you to buy a ticket for once." Looking up they saw Mysticon Ranger and Mysticon Tactician glaring down at them.
"Mysticons, you think you can order Kymraw around? Kymraw greatly outnumber you." Kymraw said.
"Not for long. Come on out, Caliban!" Ryou said taking out an amulet and his warrior appeared.
"Fenris!" Zarya said summoning her wolf titan.
"Well we'd be pretty lousy employees if we let our workplace get robbed." Metz said.
"And even worse seekers." Guggenheim said taking out an amulet. "Go Bulreguard!" Appearing from his amulet a brown furred bulldog titan appeared.
"Arise, Elf King Oberon!" Metz yells as an armored elf appeared with a leaf like sword in its hand.
Leaping in Caliban, Fenris and Ryou charged ahead while Zarya fired her arrows at the orcs knocking them.
"Come on Lucas. Bladecall!" Ryou said holding out his hand and the Willblade appeared in his hands. "Sweet it works!"
The orcs went to get the painting again when Bulreguard jumps in front of them and barks loudly stopping them in their tracks.
Using this opening, Elf King Oberon leaped in and attacked knocking them to the ground making them crash into some exhibits sending pottery flying.
"Oh no! Quick don't let them hit the ground!" Guggenheim panics.
Gasping Ryou and Zarya leap up and catch two large vases.
"This is why I don't like art, it's a pain." Zarya said.
"I promise to never get you one of these. Augerfrost!" Ryou said blasting an orc with a blue blast making the painting he stole fly into the air.
"Hyperstride!" Metz yells leaping up and putting the painting back on the wall.
"You're the best." Zarya said as they put the vases down while Caliban and Fenris caught stacks of pottery when 6 Orcs came charging towards them. Tossing the pottery up Fenris punches one in the face before catching the pottery and Caliban sweeps his legs knocking them to the ground before kicking them away.
Kymraw swings her hammer making Ryou and Zarya dodge as they grabbed the pottery and moved out of the way of danger.
"Haven't you ever heard you break it you buy it?" Ryou asks.
"Kymraw never pay, Kymraw gets paid!" Kymraw said.
"Not this time." Zarya said as Kymraw charged at her. "Armorbrand!" Zarya held up her hand and a barrier appeared around her deflecting the attack.
"Whoa not bad." Ryou said looking at her.
"You're not the only one with sweet Seeker moves." Zarya winks as Kymraw recovers.
Ryou and Zarya look to each other and nod charging in.
Kymraw swings her hammer but Ryou ducks under and swings his sword clashing with her while Zarya swings her bow nailing Kymraw in the gut while she was distracted.
As she cringed in pain Ryou swings his hands up and knocks her hammer into the air before kicking Kymraw in the face making her stagger back.
"Is that all you got?" Kymraw mocks when both Mysticons took a big step back. "Huh?"
Ryou and Zarya smirk as they point up and Kymraw saw her hammer smash down right on her face knocking her to the ground.
Kyrmaw groans in pain as she looks up to see Ryou and Zarya glaring down at her.
"Uh any chance Kymraw can go to this gift shop you mentioned?" Kymraw asks.
"Dragonfist!" Ryou and Zarya said as their fists glowed and they punched her sending Kymraw flying out the door and crashing into the bikes.
"And stay out!" Ryou yells.
"Ugh you win this round Mysticons! Road Ragers retreat!" Kymraw roars as they made their escape.
"Come on let's get'em!" Zarya said when they saw Nova Terron and the Astromancers.
"Or not." Ryou cringed as they ran inside.
"Where are they?!" Nova Terron said.
"Quick hide." Metz said as Ryou and Zarya ran to the back rooms.
"Something we can help you with?" Guggenheim asks walking up to the Astromancers.
"Mysticon Tactician and Mysticon Ranger are here. Where are they?" Nova Terron asks.
"I'm sorry but you just missed them. After they beat the troll they swung off into the city." Guggenheim said.
"Drat!" Nova Terron said.
"We'll get them sooner or later." Proxima said as they walked away.
Coming out of the back rooms in their normal clothes, Ryou and Zarya walk up to Metz and Guggenheim.
"Thanks for save." Zarya said.
"Glad we could help." Guggenheim said.
"Sure you guys don't want to join us in more fights from now on?" Ryou asks.
"Nah. We'll help but from the back. Make sure you guys are one step ahead of the Astromancers and even more ahead of Necrafa." Metz said.
"Works for me." Zarya smiles.
"Now you two get outta here." Metz said patting them on the back.
"The night's still young." Ryou offers.
"Hmm why not." Zarya shrugs as the two of them walk away.
"Boy, Ryou's sure grown up." Guggenheim smiles.
"I'll say. Like father, like son." Metz smiles.
Sitting atop a skyscraper, Ryou and Zarya looked down at the city.
"Well this night was certainly one to remember." Ryou said.
"Video games, kicking orc butt and new friends. You really know how to show a girl a good time Ryou." Zarya chuckles.
"Maybe next time we can find time to mess with Mathis." Ryou said.
"Wait, there's a next time?" Zarya asks interested.
"Well yeah I mean if you don't mind hanging out with me again?" Ryou said nervously causing Zarya to chuckle.
"If I didn't mind I wouldn't have had you stick around." Zarya smiles.
"Hey uh Zarya there's something I've been trying to tell you. Remember when we went to that old temple and I was out of control then you said you loved me?" Ryou asks causing Zarya to freeze.
"Uh yeah." Zarya said looking at him.
"Well ever since then I've been thinking about it and I realized I never told you my feelings. Zarya, you are the most amazing girl I've ever met. You're tough, awesome and stubborn, but you're also kind and sweet when you want to be and…I love that about you." Ryou confesses causing a blush to appear on her face. "Zarya I love you too."
And just like that Zarya had never felt so happy in her entire life but no words came out of her mouth.
"Uh Zarya are o—" Before Ryou could finish Zarya tackles him into a hug and pins him to the ground. "Whoa I guess you're happy."
"You bet I am." Zarya smirks before leaning down and kissing Ryou on the lips sealing it which he happily kissed back.
After a few minutes the two of them sit up and Zarya was chuckling.
"What's so funny?" Ryou asks.
"I just realized something. The Son of Necrafa is dating a Mysticon her greatest enemy. I guess you can never introduce me to her." Zarya said.
"You're right." Ryou pauses before getting an idea. "Oh my precious Zarya my evil mother must never know. She'll never let us be together." Ryou said acting all dramatic.
"But Ryou we were destined to be together. Our love was written in the stars." Zarya said mimicking his dramatic tone before they both burst into laughter.
"Written in the stars? That is so cheesy." Ryou laughs.
"That's what they say in all those lame soap operas Arkayna watches." Zarya laughs.
"I know, how can she listen to all that garbage? It's ridiculous." Ryou asks.
"That's what I'm saying." Zarya chuckles.
Sitting back down Ryou wraps his arm around Zarya and she rests her head on his shoulder.
"I could get used to this." Zarya sighs.
"Me too." Ryou sighs.