Chapter 20: Sunset
Now playing: Buddyfight Champions OP 1 - "Champions" by Hoho
https/youtu.be/VFz-WORkKFQ
The doorbell rang, and the door was opened by a brown-haired man.
"Aye, Akira. How's it going?" Another waved and smiled at him.
"Night, senior Masumi! Please come in, make yourself here as home."
"Mr Kitagawa is here already?" A woman stepped out of the kitchen and rushed back. "I'm gonna hurry up..." She murmured.
What are those noises? Oh...it is a guest. Who is he?
A much younger Morihito peeked behind the walls.
"Mori, don't be impolite. Come out and say hello!" Akira reminded him lightly near the dining table.
"I'm coming!" Morihito said shyly.
He looks older than dad.
"There he is." Akira smiled.
Morihito bowed softly at Masumi.
"He surely has grown a lot more than the last time I saw him." Masumi stared at Morihito with gleaming eyes. "He looks exactly just like you!"
"Dinner's ready!"
"Oh Mrs Amari, what a feast!" Masumi cried out in surprise.
Steaks, a jumbo size salad, a full-sized baked chicken, crabs, egg rolls, soup...it is going forever.
Morihito wondered and waited patiently with sparkling eyes.
"..."
"Congrats on the promotion, Akira."
"Wish for the success of the exhibition, senior Masumi!"
"Cheers!" Akira and Masumi drank a whole cup of beer.
"Dear, one more please!"
"You two, don't drink too much. Masumi needs to drive back home!"
"Ah no, I'm just going to call a taxi."
"But still..." Akio sighed.
"Mum, they aren't going to eat, are they?" Morihito whispered near Aiko's ears.
Akio shook her head and giggled lightly.
"Does dad know him well?"
"Your father and Mr Kitagawa are close colleagues and friends."
"Is he also a good scientist like dad?"
"They are like two greatest scientists with minds of genius."
"Syncing perfectly in melody."
"That's very impressive..." Morihito answered with slight astonishment while blinking his eyes, putting a roll of omelette into his mouth and peeping.
I wonder what kind of person Mr Kitagawa is...
*
Morihito's drago lance pierced into Masumi's chest and gleamed, close to the heart. His eyes remained shut. The darkness in his body was slowly vanishing, including his dark claws, horns and covered torso.
After the game system was disabled, all the visualised monsters and items disappeared in a blink.
The stage began to sink. Xander cut the rope on the wheels and put the hanged man away. Morihito approached the unconscious Masumi who lay on the floor. The tiny Xander jogged near Morihito.
"Rest for a bit, Dr Kitagawa Masumi..." He frowned and sighed deeply.
Excrucia revealed himself under the shadow. But instead of attacking Morihito, he bowed his head and kneeled with his left ankle. Morihito sweated awkwardly.
What's he trying to do?
It feels like he is begging for mercy for some reason...although it sounds kinda funny.
His master is in my hands. If that means he will have no one to follow, it is not unpredictable if he wants to return to his homeland.
"I will only let you go if you promise me not to hurt anyone."
Excrucia did a low growl. Morihito nodded lightly. The beast agreed and faded into the darkness.
Abruptly, he heard a man screeching behind him and took a glance.
"AHHHHHHH!"
He's also awake?
"Are...are you...are you..."
"As someone to take me to the limbo...?"
"...the hell envoy...?!"
"What...? We just saved you! You should at least be a little grateful!" Xander said confusingly. Nevertheless, the man ignored his sentence.
"DON'T WALK ANY CLOSER!!! I BEG YOU, PLEASE!!! PLEASE!!!! I STILL WANT TO LIVE!!!" The man shouted endlessly with tears bursting out at the corners.
"No one...no one had ever walked out of this room..."
"There were only bodies...bodies lying over THERE!!!"
"Once a prisoner had a meeting with Dr Kitagawa, the smell of blood spread in the air..."
"NO ONE HAD EVER IT OUT ALIVE, NO ONE!!! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!!"
"Please tell me...am I dead...?? Am I actually dead?!"
"I don't want to die...please."
"I DON'T WANT TO!"
"Hey, wait!" Xander shouted.
He shrieked and broke his voice. His fast stomping echoed in the hall. Until he reached his hands on the gate with sweaty hands, even forgot to close it back on, he groaned and panted insanely in the far corridor.
"He must be really scared by all of this..." Morihito sighed.
*
In a long hallway, Kiyoshi was found sprinting while gasping. Even though his eyes were almost sealed, he was aware of things around him.
Just a little more, I am very close to meeting Kai and Krieger!
"He went this way!" A voice yelled.
Damn it...!
Kiyoshi gazed at the tiny dragon napping and snoring securely in his hug.
Why would he fall asleep in such a critical situation?!
"There he is!" A man shouted, and several strong footsteps could be heard from Kiyoshi's back.
I must run faster to get rid of them...
But I am out of breath. At this rate, I will be dead before reaching the gate...!
He saw the corners and fastened his steps. He put all his breath into reaching it.
"Eliminate him!"
"Fire!!"
POPS!!!! POPPPSS!!! POPPS!! POPPS!!
The unending loud noises filled the hallways, numerous sprouts rained on the walls like stung by thousands of hives of bees.
They got rifles...!!
I won't survive if I get hit by any one of those.
I will be dead for sure, even if they hit minor body parts.
"He got away to the right!! Chase him!"
Looks like this is the end for me.
Kai, Morihito, Krieger.
Did you all manage to escape?
I wish you all the best...
Kiyoshi glanced at a figure who passed through him in a flash. He kept dashing nevertheless.
What was that...?
"Flame burst!!!" A deep voice yelled. Followed by a sudden splash of flames spreading out in the corridor towards a group of members. They ceased their chase and stared at the wall of blaze separating them from the target.
"Flames...?!" Those at the front blocked them with arms.
This ability is...!
"Kiyoshi, you alright?"
"Kai...and Krieger?!" He raised his head with a startling sight.
"Who is this tiny sleeping dragon?"
"I'll explain it later."
"Come, let's get out of here!!"
Kiyoshi handed over Easton to Krieger. Kai quickly lent Kiyoshi a hand and supported him.
*
Meanwhile, an announcement was made along with a shocking alarm from the base's speaker.
[System speaking, self-destruction has been activated. Please follow the green lights to the departure before the countdown...]
They're going to destroy this place.
I must escape and meet up with them before that happens!
"Morihito, what's that?"
"Quick, we need to leave now!"
Morihito got Masumi up to his shoulders and hurried to the gate.
*
"'Self-destruction'?!" Kiyoshi exclaimed.
"But we haven't saved Morihito yet...!"
"What are we going to do...?"
"There is time before the time hits. But first, we need to locate him." Kiyoshi took out his mobile and tried to call Morihito.
"He hasn't picked up yet..."
"Me either..." Kai said in concern.
"Where are you, Mori?" Kai mumbled with pacing heartbeats.
"Kai?"
"Mori! We just escaped from those bad guys, are you fine?!"
"Yeah, I am good. I am on the bottom floor right now." Morihito replied.
"Bottom?" Kiyoshi rushed and stared down the huge pit.
What is he doing?
He saw a man running near the fences after using an axe-like object to cut off the elevator's strings. The platform brought down the hole and an extremely loud crash as it hit the underside. Kai and Krieger turned their heads on Kiyoshi after.
"What the heck?" Kai shouted and they ran near.
How are we supposed to get there now?
There is not even one bridge...!
[Repeat, self-destruction has been activated. Please follow the green lights to the departure before the countdown...]
Morihito walked out and gazed at the bottomless pit with emptiness.
Where did the lift go?!
"Morihito! You good?!" Kiyoshi called him. Kai grabbed the phone and shouted.
"Kiyoshi said he saw a freaking jerk who chopped down the elevator and ran away!!!"
Morihito moaned.
That could be him...
I need to find another way to reach them.
Will the previous room be linked to another?
Morihito recalled the fight with Masumi when he fired the lasers penetrating a room with falling glass pieces and fire. He remembered the man who escaped by entering the door for the first time.
"Kai, Kiyoshi, Krieger. I think I found a way. Three of you need to escape before this place explodes!"
"Are you sure you can handle this?" Kiyoshi and Kai shouted in worry.
"I will be fine! Let's wait outside, okay?"
"After you come out, we're gonna eat, travel and do so many things together!" Kai exclaimed.
"Sure thing, Kai." Morihito smiled warmly with a small giggle.
"If you don't, I will be crying for ages!!! You will never want to see that, right?" Kai covered his mouth with welled-up eyes.
"That will never happen. So don't worry."
"Promise...?"
"I promise."
"..."
"Kai?" Kiyoshi placed his hand on Kai's shaking shoulders.
"He hung up..." Kai said softly with a shivering voice.
"But he said he will be fine."
"Then he will. We need to believe in him."
"Let's go..."
Unexpectedly, they heard the opening gates of the base entrance. Some guards entered and noticed them.
"Outsiders discovered, begin elimination." The guards said coldly.
"Crap! They're going to kill us despite not making it out alive?! Does that even make any sense?!" Kai yelled.
They stepped back and back until they reached the fences near the pit.
"Woahhh!"
"Kai, Kiyoshi, Sieg can hold them a while, you guys run behind them and leave!"
"No! We can't risk it with your buddy!" Kai yelled.
"You got a better measure?" Krieger asked.
"We don't..." Kiyoshi sighed.
Krieger gave Easton back to Kiyoshi and it turned into a card after the blink. Kiyoshi grabbed it rapidly and placed it into his pocket.
When Krieger was determined to face off the guards, the screaming behind them stopped him.
"Report, an intruder from the entrance!! Further assistance required!!" The voice spoke with distortion.
"How many are there?" A guard said annoyingly.
"Uh, one..."
"'One'? What one?"
"There was only one intruder!! He's very strong and..."
The voice was cut after more distorted waves.
"Behind us!!!" The guards yelled. "Fire!"
The bullets all dropped to the ground. A tremendous figure approached with a low growl. He broke out of the mist and waved its claws at a crowd of guards.
"It is the three-headed wolf they were talking about!!"
"Help me! UGHHHH–"
A white-haired giant slapped at the targets. His indescribable movements, reaction and sense allowed him to fight freely. No matter which way they tried to attack him, he took them down with martial arts, even the firearms couldn't stop his way until the room was silenced.
"He wiped out the whole team within a minute..." Krieger looked at Rouga speechlessly with fixed eyes.
"How do we thank you..." Kai said softly.
"You three, come with me." Rouga commanded.
"Yes...!" They answered.
"Are there any survivors there?" He asked.
"Mister, we have a friend who is still there. He still hasn't gotten out. Can you please make sure he's safe?" Kai begged. "Please..."
"What is his name?"
"Amari Morihito."
"I see."
"Cerberus, take them outside."
"Roger!"
Rouga hurried. He made completely silent and swift steps despite the speed.
*
A group of students and teachers ran along the coast, while the sky turned dimmer. Finally, they reached the dock. There was no voice except panting and moaning. Some slipped on the sand and slept on them, hearing the sea waves hit the rocks and coast.
"We did it..." Kenji puffed with Makoto. "It was insane, so tiring, whooo..."
"They aren't chasing after us, right?" Kenji asked.
"I assume it is..." Makoto replied with almost no breath.
"Hey, Kenji...you're smelly and sweaty."
"What...? You're the same, monkey."
They sighed deeply and fell on the sand.
"The sun is going to set soon." Makoto said softly.
"Night is going to be dark and cold." Kenji replied. "I heard you're afraid of the dark! I would love to see that, hehehe."
"No! I am not! I dislike black doesn't mean I am scared of it!"
Makoto groaned when she noticed Kenji wasn't around.
"Kenji...?"
"Boo!" After Kenji saw Makoto being startled, he burst out a laugh.
"Ah! Silly fatty, stop that!"
"I knew you would be scared, haha!"
"Humph!" Makoto stared away with crossed arms.
"Hey gorilla, look, the sun is making the sea red and orange, there are red sparkling on the water surface too, like red stars!" Kenji pointed.
"Where?" Makoto turned her head to the sea.
"Stupid Kenji, that's not red sparkling stars or something."
"It is from the ships!! They finally found us after all!!"
"Are we going to be saved?" Kenji gazed at them astonishingly.
"Miss Kuchinawa, look!" A teacher pointed at the ships.
"The red emergency lights...it is the police!"
"The police are arriving?" The students heard the news and gasped.
"Everyone, we're safe now! The police came to save us!"
After hearing the message, the students burst out into joyful tears and hugged each other.
"We are not going to die...we can still see tomorrow!"
"Finally...I still want to see my family..." A student kneeled on the floor and covered her face.
"It's over, it is all over!"
"I'm glad God had mercy on us..."
The armoured Police squads and navies stepped out of the boats in sequence.
"Survivors discovered. Now confirming numbers and identity."
"They are the students and teachers from Aibo Academy."
"Guard and lead them to shelters." A police officer spoke to the communicator.
"Copy that."
"Any more survivors?" The police asked the crowd.
"There are four boys that are still inside of the forest. Please find them!" Miss Kuchinawa shouted.
"No problem. Please tell me their appearances."
"They look like this." Terumi took out a few photos she took when arrived at Golden Island.
The police scanned her screen and auto analysed the appearances.
"Image copied."
"Madam, please do not worry. We'll find them and contact you as soon as possible."
"Thank you..." Terumi bowed and spoke sincerely.
"Oh look! It is the great trio, "The Big Three" of the Buddy Police!" A student said with gleaming eyes.
"Impossible...they're all here at once?!"
"Can't we only see them on the news?"
"Kisaragi Zanya, known as the commander of all kinds. His father, a retired commissioner, was also one of the greatest commissioners in the history."
"Ryuenji Tasuku is the current commissioner. Recently, he solved the exhibition terrorist incident and saved thousands of citizens, who are being called heroic officers."
"Oh. Commissioner Tasuku is my favourite out of the three!"
"And finally, commissioner-general, and the highest rank and chief of the police department, Mitsuo Kin. He is the most powerful officer in the country!"
"Wow! I can't believe they are all here! It feels like dreaming when they walk near us!"
Meanwhile, Kin walked past the students and giggled lightly with a friendly smile. He waved at the two who were in conversation.
"Hey, be polite!" The boy hit another.
"He...he just waved at you!"
"What?! Oh my God!!" The teenage boy started jumping around energetically.
"Dude, you good?"
"Yes. But I am just feeling too excited right now!"
"Maybe I should become a police officer in the future too?"
"Who knows?"
"Yes! I am going to become one! This is my dream job for sure!"
At the same time, Tasuku gathered some squads with him to the designated coordinates they received.
The coordinate is uphill...?
So it is inside the forest?
"Commander Zanya, we are heading off now."
Zanya nodded. He commanded the rest to find more survivors on the island.
*
A man was seen inside a room labelled as "Research Centre". He typed and unlocked a series of windows on the control panel.
"Withdraw fluid." He commanded.
The liquid was drained from an enormous container.
[Withdraw Completed. (100%) ]
[Now Releasing Entity, "D".]
"Entity D? What a name."
"You were one of them?" The gigantic monster spoke seriously, its voice was as deep as an infinite abyss. It landed its foot on the ground, causing multiple breaks and earthquake-like trembling. Anyone who approached the beast will witness the tremendous pressure, as evidence of power discrepancy. The immense aura spread within the room, calling out to its questioner.
"Yes." The man replied straightforwardly without hesitation.
A duel dragon with such overwhelming power and ambience. Danger replenished in all corners, even the shadows can not escape.
The base has contained such a monster all along?!
"There was a strong fighting spirit I felt recently. A person who is filled with determination and courageousness."
"And for now...he came." The beast stared at the tall man with a light smile.
"I don't understand the one who you mentioned."
"You. (Thou)" He pointed with his immense claws. The pressure splashed on the man's face. The beast continued, with a satisfied smile and giggle.
"It has been a long time since I've felt a spirit...I am pleased, very, very!"
"My soul is excited and delighted, from my heartbeats, my breathing, I could feel it..."
"I'm here to let you out of the explosion, as it was an order." The man spoke unconcernedly. "That's my only goal."
"What a shame..."
"Whether you want to escape or not, it is your choice." He walked away. But the undesirable tension from the creature called him.
"Is there any question?"
"How did you conquer my pressure?"
"An ordinary human would fear my will, as my bloodlust will trigger their instinct."
"Interestingly, you seemed to have immunity to my powers."
"I want to accomplish my will. (Therefore I fear no one.)"
The beast smiled and gazed at the man with a wish.
"You're different from the ones near you."
"Your intentions, they are never selfish and evil."
"So I wonder..."
"If I can take your 'orders' and 'goals' as mine..."
"Would you accept my power?" The words were spoken. The stress caused the room to shiver forcefully, almost collapsing with the ceiling.
The aura emitting grew even stronger than previously as if he was forcing me to bow.
What is this oppression?
To a level that every kind of life stopped moving, nothing could cease the pressure.
A wrong sentence could get me killed within a flash for sure...what a terrible request I have received?
"Please answer me." The beast spoke another word.
Will I get killed if I refuse...?
After a groan, the Dragon spoke in a higher voice. The man stared at him with wide eyes and mouth.
"UGH!! Why don't you just accept it?!"
"Let's see...'Acted cool', 'Show off my powers', 'Show an absolute dominance', 'Speak with a serious tone'..."
"They are all on the checklist! Well and done!" He moaned. "I knew it, that wizard head fooled me!!!"
"Another failed attempt...! Why?!"
"Did you know that wizard head already got one for himself?!"
"He thought it was so easy to find one, yes?!"
"Also how dare he make that stupid smiley face when leaving?!" He growled and grunted.
Am I drunk...? What did I just hear? What is he saying? What is he trying to do to me?
The man murmured those words in his mind, stepped backwards gradually and eventually left with a sigh.
This is the scariest thing I ever encountered...
"Wait, human, do not leave!!"
"Please accept my offer! Please!" While the man fastened his steps.
I must be hearing things.
My job is already done. There is no meaning if I stay here.
Noooo! He is ignoring me...! The beast thought in a stun.
"I will stay here until the explosion of demise, alone..." The beast said pathetically and cried without tears.
The man sighed. "I will be troubled if you don't leave."
"Does that mean a 'yes'?!" The beast returned with sparkling eyes. The man moaned deeply.
"I am not sure..." His voice was dimmer than the cheering of the beast.
"I am the Deity of Strength, Desmondera. Nice to meet you, human."
"Desmond?"
"If you wish to call me with that name, yes indeed."
"Titan, have you done yet? The countdown is starting! Else we are going to be fried shrimps in the oil!" A relatively younger teenage boy said in a relaxed mood. Titan nodded.
"Great! Off we go!" The boy smiled and Titan followed.
A card flew into Titan's pocket and disappeared after a blink.
*
Morihito and Xander rushed back to the hall.
Now I just need to activate Drago and jump up to the upper room.
"Morihito, I can turn back to my battle form and fly you..."
Vroom–
Morihito carried Masumi in his arms and bounced off, leaving a light blue lightning trail behind.
"UM...Mori?!"
Can a human even do that?!
"Xander, I'm up here, hurry!" Morihito yelled.
"Coming...!" Xander said with a startle.
Morihito saw the gate with red lights locked.
It's closed...
Can I just break the gates?
But will it trigger the security alarm?
After not a while, something caught his attention.
Is this some kind of biometric security device?
Maybe I can...
Morihito held Masumi's thumb on the pad. The door lights turned green after auto-opened.
"Yes!"
[More than 80% of the staff members have exited.]
[Self-destruction countdown begins.]
[Self-destruction in five minutes.]
"Crap!"
"Morihito, we must hurry!"
Morihito walked out and started at a long corridor with two sides.
Which way should I go?
I don't even know the structure of the base! I may even get lost there!
Wait...
"Departure by following the green lights"...
Their members must have known the entrances, to escape as a group.
Could there be more than one exit?
"Xander, follow me!"
"Yes...!"
*
Rouga bounced and dashed between the corridors at an indescribable high speed. He searched at every corner and avoided all combat if possible.
Where is that kid?
It would be troublesome if he got captured.
[Self-destruction in four minutes.]
First floor, clear.
Second floor, clear.
Is he below?
[Self-destruction in three minutes.]
"I must follow the green lights to the exit...!" Morihito murmured.
"Damn it! How far is the exit?!" Xander moaned and roared.
[Self-destruction in two minutes.]
If the kid is running upwards, and I did the reverse...
That means I won't be able to meet him forever.
The bottom floor has nothing but a massive hall after white corridors. An observation room is also located above.
The door is opened...?!
[Self-destruction in one minute.]
[More than 90% of the staff members have exited.]
"Morihito, look up!"
"The sign...?! It said for emergency use only!"
"That's it! The exit, the exit!"
[Self-destruction in thirty seconds.]
"Run faster! We're almost there!"
"I'm already at my full speed!" Said Xander in his battle form.
[Self-destruction in twenty seconds.]
"Morihito, I don't know whether we can make it on time!"
"I don't care!" Morihito yelled. "Save your breath for running!"
[Self-destruction in ten seconds. 10, 9, 8...]
"Mori, someone's chasing us behind!!!"
"What?!"
[Self-destruction now in process.]
"No!!"
After a moment of brief silence, a boisterous loud blast could be heard from the back. The ground rumbled intensely, the gleaming emerge, followed by falling pipes, ear-piercing noises from engines and steams rushed forth.
Abruptly, someone pushed them down and prevented the boiling and collapsing tubes from the ceiling. He yelled, as the numerous heating pipes whacked his back and crushed him on the ground.
"Who was that?" Xander turned back in shock.
"Mister...!"
"Kid...run!"
No! He saved me and got injured instead...!!
"Mister, we need to leave this place together!"
The overwhelming blazes continued to flood the place promptly. Ultimately hitting the corridor where they were standing. Xander screamed and stretched his hands at Morihito as he ran at Rouga.
I must protect all of them...!
"Hold Masumi for me!"
"Morihito!"
His eyes blinked in cyan lightning in a flash, blocking and pushing back the endless flames with belief and hope. Pair of tremendous shields shined bright, arose from his hands in commands, above and in front of them. One sparkled in the calming green of leaves, naturally and graciously. Another twinkled in blue like a peaceful ocean, tranquil, pure and majestic.
"These are...the True Force Dragon Shields? But they look even larger and indescribable beautiful..." Xander held his sight on them speechlessly.
The green gleams fell on Rouga. He could feel the warmth at his back, slowly it ended aching. He stared at Morihito who stood up, overflooded by a light blue aura. He watched him voiceless with vast eyes, being not able to spill out a word. Despite his mind being filled with questions and confusion, he was amazed by this astonishing view.
What?!
He...his cards was turned into reality, with an unknown force?
However...
It's pretty.
It doesn't matter how many flames, explosions and destruction outside the barriers, they all felt safe inside.
*
"What was that noise?!" The elite police team stared at the sudden eruption from the top mountain, which emitted long black smoke.
"A volcano?" A member adjusted its high-tech goggles and took a brief look.
"No. It is a mountain that explodes. According to the information of the investigation teams, there are no volcanoes on this island."
"That doesn't make any sense. A mountain can't explode by itself."
"Because someone caused it." One implied.
"There could be survivors." Another suggested.
"Sir, please allow me to report."
He displayed the virtual reality screen with a gleaming red light on the map.
"That is where the coordinates come from."
"The same place as the exploded mountain?"
"We need to hurry."
They trooped with fastened paces and moved toward the mountain with black clouds.
*
"He still hasn't come out yet..." Kai spoke in worry, while he kept looking at the back and wondered whether Morihito followed.
"Kai, we reached the end of the forest."
"It is the coast!" Krieger said with a smile. "The police have come!"
"We're safe on the island now." Kiyoshi explained.
"But Mori?"
KABoOoOoM!!
They could feel the ground trembling as the giant explosion behind. Kai, Kiyoshi and Krieger gazed back at the burning gates at a distance.
"Rouga!" Cerberus said in a gasp.
"NO!!! DON'T!!" Kai screamed as hard as he could. "Please!! He has to live on!! PLEASE!!!"
"Mori–!!"
The flames devoured the whole entrance filled with falling gravel. Kai kneeled with both legs, his fixed eyes of emptiness gazed at the fierce fires burning everything emotionlessly. He yelled with tears falling on the sides, punching the ground with straight fists. Bruises were shown after several punches.
"Kai, that's enough." Kiyoshi tried to pull back Kai's trembling arms. "This won't do anything."
"How would you know how I feel..."
"If you only met him for months?" Kai's hoarse voice almost could not be heard.
"Kai...it's not like that..."
"Morihito is our friend, who always shows his kindness and gentleness."
"We both miss him. We all have emotions and memories. It doesn't matter how long." Kiyoshi said with welled-up eyes. Krieger stared at them with a frown of sympathy.
"Let's go..." Blast got Kai up and they approached the coast deliberately.
*
"Are you all alright?" Morihito asked while holding two gleaming shields.
"Yeah...!" Xander tried to speak after the shock.
It seems the explosion stops here. Could it be they only focus on blasting the main areas?
Yet, we have to get out before the place collapses. This place could be unstable too.
"Xander, let's leave now. This place could be unstable, we need to leave we can."
Two shields cast by Morihito faded into light particles and vanished from sight gradually. Xander and Rouga followed him to the gate shined in the light.
They stepped out to a road. The soft wind blew on their face. Smooth sea waves came and whispered into their ears. The sun hid behind the golden orange clouds. Morihito took a long breath and relaxed his chest.
Finally, it is all ended...
"Mister, thank you for saving us!" Morihito turned back and bowed sincerely at Rouga.
"You were also the one who saved me, weren't you?" Rouga did a weak grin embarrassingly.
"I...not really heh. Mister, do you mind if I have a last request?"
"Yes?" He nodded.
Before all these incidents, I tried my best not to use it unless I am in danger. I never thought I would be using Drago in front of the others. Until now.
I come to think about if people know about powers.
Dangerous monsters like Aggravius seek my powers with any actions, I must not make people get into my trouble.
"Please don't tell anyone about this, okay?" Morihito said in a slight frown of uneasiness.
This kid...how many secrets is he hiding?
"Sure." Rouga agreed nevertheless. "Is that all of it?"
"Yea. I hope you do not mind it." Morihito replied with a warm smile.
"Well then. Farewell, young."
"Goodbye, Mister!" Morihito did a full bow and shouted earnestly.
"Amari Morihito, remember me with this name, 'Aragami Rouga'." He grinned.
"Yes, Mr Aragami!"
Wait a second...how did he know my name? Nevermind...
Rouga dashed and vanished into the shadows after a few steps.
"He's in a hurry." Xander wondered while Morihito glanced at the coast.
The red lights beaming from the outside...the police came!
"Xander, we are heading to the police first." He followed after Morihito's words.
*
A squad of police found villagers inside the cavern after walking through a burnt down village.
"Surviours discovered." Said a member with a flashlight headset. The villagers took a breath of relief after finding out they are not enemies.
The young one, he did it! The old lady of the village smiled in happiness.
Did our Lord grant him the wisdom?
The lady closed her hands and prayed in her heart, murmuring words.
*
Tasuku took a glance at the cliff. He gasped as he saw Morhito walking down the road, and rushing at him.
"Commissioner Tasuku?"
"Morihito, is anyone with you?"
"No. Just me and my buddy. We found a survivor. My buddy carried him all along." Morihito said calmly. "I got lost with my friends when I was escaping."
"I'm glad you are fine..." Tasuku took a sigh of relief. He took a glimpse of Morihito and gulped.
"Your clothes...!"
They're all brown and look burnt.
Did the explosion hurt him?
"Haha. I guess I will never be able to wear this again." Morihito giggled and scratched his head briefly.
"Are you hurt?!"
"No, I am good. There are no wounds, so don't worry."
Tasuku pushed the dust aside on Morihito's shoulders.
"I can handle this on my own, you don't have to worry about me." Morihito smiled. "Now go, the team is waiting for you to command."
Tasuku thanked and ordered the medic team to take care of Masumi. The squad guarded Morihito safely. He stared back and forth at the medical team lifting Masumi to the bed and left.
"How's the progress?" Tasuku asked the squads with communicators.
"Squad B speaking, we found a few survivors near the cliff."
"Squad D found three, near the forest."
"Squad A here, the investigation team was found, arrived at the coast. Captain Kurokawa is injured, undergoing medical help."
"Copy that. Squad C is now returning."
*
"Kai, Kiyoshi and...where's Morihito?" Terumi stared at the three sobbing and frowned worryingly.
"Why...why aren't you all answering?"
"What happened?"
"Miss Kuchinawa, Morihito is..." Kiyoshi sighed tremblingly and blinked his eyes repeatedly, his tears at the corners were being pulled back and fell naturally. While Kai covered his face and avoided looking into anyone's eyes.
They turned their back after hearing something was moving in the underbrush. After a glance, they raised their curved eyebrows.
Cerberus dashed near in chibi form without a thought, cuddled at Rouga's legs with his head and brushed his fur. His tails shook right and left rapidly as Rouga patted him lightly.
"It's him...!" Krieger gasped.
"Mister, if you're here, does that mean...?"
"He's fine." Rouga blinked his eyes and left a soft smile.
"Really?" Kai sniffed and rubbed his eyes. "Where is he?!" The rest of them showed widened eyes astonishingly and followed Rouga in a rush.
"Kids, be careful!"
"Miss Kuchinawa, we will be back very soon!" Kiyoshi explained.
"Yeah, me too, me too!!!" Kai shouted like a megaphone. He ran with his hands in the air, stopped far away from the group and dashed back.
*
"To students, please follow the instructions and onboard..." An officer yelled with a speaker continually.
"Kenji, we have to go on the ship!" Makoto reminded.
"I can't. I want to wait for Barnat. She hasn't come back yet."
"Maybe we will wait for her onboard?"
"She said we will meet at the coast, so I am going to wait until she comes. You may leave first if you want to."
"No, I am going to stay here with you. I still haven't thanked her for saving us yet. I will be thinking about it all night when I don't do so." She giggled lightly and stared around to kill time.
"Kenji, can you see the police crowded over there?"
"Hm? They just stood there like nothing but a rock. They seem to be discussing something."
"Should we take a look closer? Or maybe around here? We might see Barnat on the way too."
"Well, if that's it, sure."
*
"Investigation team. What is that bear-type monster behind you?" Police took a small device with a handle, it revealed red laser lights on Barnat when checking. He gulped and sighed.
"It is an illegal type." He said to another. "What are we going to do with it?"
"Wait. She's a special case." The vice-captain explained.
"Special case?" The police frowned and asked doubtfully.
"She's friendly to individuals and assists our team's combat."
"That's really unexpected...I wonder if I saw this monster somewhere?"
He took the electronic version of the last investigation team's report and read it briefly.
"This beast... looks extremely identical to the monster in the image."
The vice-captain glanced at the tablet and nodded.
"As we thought, it is possible that this is the beast we were aware of."
"But we failed to alert other more serious dangers of the island." The other sighed. "At least now we made everything understandable and clear."
"She requested to meet an individual..."
"And this is why she is here? Nevertheless, we can't completely ignore the consequences of letting an unknown threat of the beast into the safety areas."
"But likely she's not. Don't you all think so?" Light wandered nearby with curiosity and said in an unconcerned tone.
"Assistant Light, what is your theory?" The police inquired.
"If she's so specific about finding someone, isn't it obvious that she already had contact with people on the island?"
"From what we saw, the beast was there before we arrived."
"So we can assume two different groups of people - the criminals and the Aibo Academy students."
"But then, why would she protect the students if she is an ally of the criminals, and did not retreat with the gang when it was her only chance?"
"But that doesn't wipe out the fact that she is an illegal monster, which arrived from another world without legal verification and may inevitably cause destruction..."
"While illegal monsters may just be normal monsters, too. Under some circumstances, they are labelled as illegal. But does that mean they are all destructive?"
"Assistant Light, we have to follow the basic instructions of witnessing an illegal monster, that's the primary thing of what buddy police do."
Light did a wry laugh. "I can't help, but if you assume they are all evil, you are quite narrowing your vision. Well, although I saw many of us think of it in pure black and white."
"Huh...?" That man made a slight scowl.
"I'm sure everyone knows commissioner Tasuku, but do you think you know him that well?"
"How is commissioner Tasuku related to this?"
"Have you ever heard of the tales of his buddy monster?"
"Jackknife Dragon?"
"A great disaster took away lots of innocents' lives, but the commissioner was lucky to be a survivor."
"At that time, a green dragon came to protect him from danger all day and night before the arrival of the police."
"And in fact, he was not registered on that day, who entered the gate to the human world without permission."
"We all know, Jackknife is now the commissioner's greatest buddy."
Commissioner Tasuku's buddy...was once like that?
The assistant of commissioner Tasuku, is not as easy as he looks, despite being a child.
"So, what would you say?"
"Just remember that you need to take responsibility for your actions."
The police left his way for Light and fellows to continue. Light smiled victoriously at his success and turned back briefly.
"You have been staring at me for quite a while. I wonder what your Buddy looks like?"
"He is a boy called Kenji."
"You even know his name, that makes things easier."
"Barnat!" A voice from their back shouted.
"Oh! There he goes." Light put on a smile after a small astonishment.
Barnat popped into mini size after a circle of small clouds. The boy ran into her and hugged her straight away.
"You make it!"
"Thank you, Barnat!" Makoto embraced Barnat. "Aww! She's so cute!"
"The great danger..." Barnat murmured while Makoto pinched her face.
"Do you think we need further inspection?" The vice-captain of the squad questioned Light.
"That will be decided by authority or even greater powers. But not us." Light explained, gazed at Kenji and Barnat giggling and chatting.
"They already showed the proof of the buddy relationship. Now it depends on how they think they really are."
*
A large group of ships are near the shore.
Looks like we are much closer to the hostels.
I can finally meet Kai and everyone else.
Speaking of them...Yes, the connection is restored now, maybe I should call them before I arrive. They must be very worried...
"Moriiiiiiiiiii–" A yelling could be heard from the far, a group of three were running, one dashed at the front and left a trail of deep footsteps on the sand.
They even hurried to find me?!
"Uh...Kai?!"
"Mori! Oh my gosh! You're fine!! And Xander too!" He gave Morihito a quick hug and kept shaking his shoulders. Morihito opened his eyes broadly and attempted his best to react.
"I got into quite a lot of things...heh. I will explain them later." Morihito giggled lightly and Kai clasped him again after breaking into tears.
"Morihito, that's well done, indeed." Kiyoshi embraced Morihito with a warm smile after Kai.
Morihito felt a soft heat on his face. He held both of them tightly while munching his lips lightly with accumulated tears. Until he saw Krieger standing and watching them on the side, he nodded gently with a smile and let Krieger join them.
"Oh...It is not good to make people wait." Kiyoshi stared back at the team of cops after a while.
"I think you're right." Kai rubbed his eyes and got Kiyoshi and Morihito up together.
"So, Mori, did the mysterious man save you from the explosion?" Kai asked.
"Yea. Right before the area was destroyed, he saved me from falling pipes. Then we walked out of the gates together."
"That sounds very risky. Did you get out before the explosion came?"
"Uh..." Morihito tried to make up a word for his story.
"Mori, what happened to you when we were separated?" Kiyoshi wondered.
"Well, that's a long story..."
Rouga stared at them and was ready to leave, but a voice stopped his steps.
"Mister, wait!" Krieger shouted.
"I am not sure if you remember, but..."
"Thank you for saving me again." Krieger bowed sincerely at Rouga.
"I don't remember the people who I saved. If I did save you in the past, I want to say..."
"You've grown a lot." Rouga patted Krieger's head lightly.
"Thank you..." Krieger beamed warmly.
"What? Why does only Krieger have the praise?" Kai peeked near Krieger and the fellas saw him.
Rouga sighed briefly, rubbed on Kai's head and said repulsively.
"You, good job."
"Woah...!! He just...oh my God, oh my God!!" Kai held his head in joyousness and cried out in amazement.
"You, also." Rouga placed his on Kiyoshi.
"Uh...?" Kiyoshi stared at him speechlessly. His mind stopped working for a moment.
"And you...too." Rouga patted Morihito and left with a grin.
"Mori...did he just smile?" Kai asked curiously and popped near Morihito.
"I...I have no idea. But happiness filled me." The corners of Morihito's mouth curved slightly upward.
They walked on the beach as the setting sun sparkled in warm orange, driving half into the ocean and casting a line of blaze on the surface, transiting to a dimmer blue sky with gleaming stars.
*
One week after the Golden Island incident. An investigator arrived outside a ward.
"Good afternoon, doctor. How's the condition of the patient?"
"He's awake. In a healthy state. But we haven't performed a full examination."
"We have something to ask the patient. I hope you understand."
"Here." The doctor opened the door for the investigator.
In the sick room, Masumi was staring outside the windows. The warm sunlight shone into the room.
"Mr Kitagawa. I am an investigator of Buddy Police. We would like to ask you some questions. Mind if we bother you for a few minutes?"
Masumi remained silent when the man questioned him. He gazed at the moving vehicles on the road.
"Mr Kitagawa?"
He then questioned a few times again, but Masumi did not reply to him. The man stepped close and waved his hand at Masumi.
"Excuse me, are you Mr Kitagawa Masumi?"
"Huh?" He turned back at the investigator flabbergasted.
"Mr Kitagawa?"
"You have mentioned the name a few times just now..."
"Who is 'Kitagawa Masumi'...?" He asked softly.
"Is he someone you know? Or is he one of the patients in this room?"
The investigator could feel his heartbeat frozen for a moment and left open-mouthed.
"Mister, can you remember your name?"
"My name...? My name is..." He murmured repeatedly in a low tone.
What is my name...?
Who am I? What am I?
I don't remember?
"I can't remember..."
"It is fine. You don't have to force yourself to remember things."
How did I end up here?
Why am I in an unfamiliar room?
"Where am I...?" He stared at the investigator with widened eyes and a worried frown.
"This is a hospital. The doctor said you fell into a coma for a week."
"Coma...a week?" He gazed at his white bedspread and paused.
"Do you remember anything before you were unconscious?"
"Before I was unconscious...?"
Masumi glanced at the sunlight running through the windows for a long time and mumbled softly.
"A shining hope of light, it banished the dark and brought warmth in my chest."
"It is the calmest and most pleasing light I have ever seen."
"Then I cried senselessly with tears falling off my chin. But instead of sadness..."
"...it filled me with pure joy and happiness."
"That's everything...I can remember."
"I see, thank you for your cooperation." The investigator recorded the conversation with Masumi and left the ward noiselessly. He saw him staring at the windows without a word.
*
The news about the terrorist attack on Golden Island boomed up the Internet just in one day.
A few hundred criminals were captured by the navies and swats. More than a hundred year 8 students and teachers from Aibo Academy are involved in the incident. Surprisingly, no one was injured. Everyone spends the last days of summer chilling out and recovering from the nightmare before the new semester starts.
The police conducted a massive and rapid investigation and will announce its results at the end of next month.
Despite the response, the authorities still receive a lot of criticism from the public for misleading innocents into unknown and possible danger areas. It was said they will have more strict and advanced measures on an area's safety level.
Some people are supporting the authority's quick reaction and efficiency, minimising the casualties as much as possible.
The school is also a target to blame, being criticised on the Internet for its low awareness and terrible planning of not considering students' safety.
After the incident, numerous students received therapy and mental aid from school free of charge, hoping they recover from the trauma.
Krieger travelled back to Germany and promised to send us a letter about his life in Germany.
And we continue to enjoy the last few days of the summer holidays.
...
Beep, beep.
"Morihito, your phone is ringing!" Xander reminded him and he picked it up.
"Hey, Kai."
"Mori, we are going to The Castle, several fighters are already there! Are you coming with us?" Kai called Morihiro on the phone.
"Well...uh..." Morihito gazed at the rooms he just cleaned and walked back to the living room.
"I guess I'm...'
Ding dong. The bell rang. Morihito turned back at the entrance in a stun.
Who's that?
"Hold on a second, I will be right back."
"Alright! Call us when you make up your mind!"
After Kai hung up, Morihito approached the door with a frown and peeked at the camera showing a young boy in white hair.
"Buddy Police here."
The boy showed his job identity card to the camera.
Why are the police coming to my home without any message?
Morihito opened the door for him and the boy grinned with shut eyes.
"Anything I can help you with?"
"Oh, hello there. I am Kurouzu Light, a fellow investigator of Buddy Police. We would like to conduct an in-home investigation."
"Good afternoon investigator. I was not notified that you will be coming to my home, so I wonder, did something happen?" Morihito blinked his eyes several times in confusion.
A young police officer? Is he an assistant? A part-time job? But could he be older?
"Oh about that...that wasn't a huge matter. Sorry for the inconvenience, I think they forgot to inform you about the investigation. It will be quick, no worries!" Light giggled.
"But before that..."
Light opened his purple eyes and glared into Morihito's eyes.
"Shall we talk, deceiver?"
[To be continued...]
--
'Chibi-Buddyfight!' (As there are no cards to review in this chapter.)
[Chibi Buddyfight Title: "The Perfect Plan"]
"Aye, wizard head, are you sure this is going to work?" Desmondera asked doubtfully.
"It is the perfect plan, indeed! The humans will understand so easily!" Easton replied firmly.
"Fine then, I will follow yours."
Checklist and guide to the communication and finding human friends.
1. Act cool. (This is simple communication between humans, so they won't feel discomfort!)
2. Show off powers. (Show the power difference and ability of Dragod!)
3. Show absolute dominance (So the humans will fear and bow to our powers!)
4. Speak with a serious tone (Make us sound mature.)
5. And so on...
"Step one, act cool. So it won't feel awkward?"
"Well. The first impression of ours is important. It gives a brief introduction of others."
"I see, I see." Desmondera nodded. "What is showing off powers about?"
"Do you know what is the dominant feature of Dragod?" Easton asked.
"They're all dragons...?"
"NO! It is 'power'! POWER! We have to know how powerful we are to gain the humans' trust!"
"That's incredible."
"Alright, onto the next step, 'absolute dominance'..."
"How do you make a human listen to your words?"
"Umm...I talk?"
"Of course not! If you want them to communicate with you seriously, you have to show your dominance over them!! So they will listen carefully!!"
"Ohhh! That kinda makes sense."
"So we need to speak in a serious tone to make them feel we are mature and the matter is serious?"
"Yep! That's the simplest one, I am glad you understand."
"Wizard head, now what?"
"Now we wait..."
"And?"
"Wait..."
"...and wait..."
"..."
The chill wind blew from the base's air conditioner endlessly.
"I have a bad feeling about this..." Desmondera moaned.
[Thx for reading]
Ending 1 - Tomorrow
https/youtu.be/tfRsyXIRQtY
~PREVIEW!~
What the hell?
What does he mean by I am a "deceiver"?
Do they already know things about me...?
"'Amari Morihito', that's your name, right?"
"Yes..."
"How old are you?"
"Fourteen...?"
"Calm down, it was just a question." Light explained.
But I feel like the threat is more than a "question".
Morihito stared at Light and started wondering.
An angelic face with a demon inside...
That's the scariest existence I could think of.
"Oh look. You won't be able to answer me if you continue to be in this state."
"Should we play a game?" Light suggested with a smile. "How about a Buddyfight match to chill out?"
"I don't know...maybe?" Morihito spilt the words out of his mouth one by one.
Hey, readers. I am here to tell you straightforwardly and aggressively that I am going to write and spend years writing this fiction, which will be a long journey. I will treat this fiction like my son. I want to write an epic Buddyfight fanfiction, which is even better than the original series! To accomplish that, I will need your help and ideas for cards, characters and the story. Everyone is welcome to the discord server of this fiction! Get free spoilers and chat with the author, muahahaha! I appreciate your aid and support!! :D
Join Discord: https/discord.gg/78mVzYK7YB
