"Well...the day of Yuga and Subaru's match is fast approaching. Which means I'll be fighting Zan too." Francisca said. "This may be the chance to see which of us sisters is the better buddyfighter."

"You seem very determined about this, Francisca. Is something up?" David asked.

"Not much. Just looking back on some old memories, as well as what could've been." Francisca said. "I… haven't told you about how Berge, Zan and myself came to be in Hyness's services, have I?"

"No. You three mostly seem to keep your past to yourselves." David said

"Well...I don't know theirs but...it's time I shared mine. See...I wasn't always like how you saw me that first time. I used to be a normal girl. But one day, I got lost and wandered into a snowstorm. It was so cold, that ice was freezing over my body. I was at death's door, I thought I was gonna die. But then, Hyness appeared just at the right time. He saved me by giving me the power over ice. After that, I would follow him anywhere." Francisca said.

"So Hyness appeared before you as well, Franny." Zan said as she and Flamberge approached.

"It's so surreal, isn't it? The same thing happened to me too. But uh… I wasn't caught in a snowstorm." Flamberge nervously admitted.

"Oh? What were you caught in, Berge?" Zan asked.

"Well...like Franny, I was a normal girl too. But one day, a forest fire broke out and I got trapped. There wasn't any air so I was gonna suffocate. I only had enough energy to let out one final scream before I was ready to pass on. But then...Hyness. He came and gave me the power of fire to save my life. I followed him ever since." Flamberge said.

"I was a normal girl as well, I was climbing a tower after I've lost everything, and then I was struck by lightning and at death's door, Hyness appeared and I was granted the power of lightning, and you know the rest." Zan said.

"Do you girls think that...even after Void Termina was defeated, Hyness might still be alive somewhere?" Francisca asked.

"He was sent flying after we messed with Void Termina. Hell yeah he's still alive." Flamberge said.

"Yes, that would explain that feeling I have, he is alive that is true, but he's...in another dimension." Zan said. "I don't know how to explain it, but he was somehow corrupted by Void Termina and fell into a dimensional rift in the same place where the Jamba Heart once was."

"You know...now that I think about it...Hyness may have been an abusive leader but...I think the reason he became like that is because he was trying to save us...he didn't have any kindness left for himself." Francisca said.

"That's saying much, considering he was pretty much the only father figure you girls had." David said.

"Hmm, sometime in the future, I think we should enter the Dimensional Rift and go save him." Zan said.

"I'll think about that myself, but no promises on when a solid answer is made." Flamberge said. "What about you, Fran?"

"I'll think about it too. But that's all the more reason to keep traveling with these guys. So that we will be able to save him when the time comes." Francisca said.

"Well, I would still keep traveling with everyone here, even after." Zan said. "I'm sure you both would as well."

"Of course I would." Francisca said. "Zan...I just want you to remember...while we may be sisters, I don't want you taking it easy on me. I want your all and nothing but."

"Of course, I want you to do the same as well." Zan said. "Though we may not be related by blood, the three of us will always be sisters through and through."

"Damn straight. You two fight hard. I can't wait to find out which big sister I'm facing in the finals. Good luck you two." Flamberge smirked.

"Of course, Berge." Francisca said with a bow.

"Same. Even though I'll be taking victory." Zan said.

"In your wildest dreams." Flamberge said confidently.

The next day…

"And the time we all have been waiting for has finally come! The epic rematch between Subaru Hoshiyomi and Yuga Mikado as well as the matching of both Zan Partizanne and Francisca!" Ion said.

"So let's get ready and lumenize, chu!" Takochi said.

"I'm guided by the celestial sphere! And the Guidance of a Dragon. Luminize! Triangulum Galaxy!" Subaru said.

"Let the combined strength of Demons and Mages bring Unity and Peace. Lumenize! Order of Sorcery!" Zan said.

"A Deity's Dragon Brigade descends! Luminize! Dradeity!" Yuga said.

"Even the coldest blanket of snow...cannot smother the growth of a flower! A flower of serenity, a flower of peace! Lumenize, Cold Dungeon!" Francisca said.

"Here we go! And...Buddyfight!" Ion said.

"Raise the flag!" the four said.

"Star Dragon World!" Subaru said.

"Magic!" Zan added.

"Dragon World!" Yuga said.

"Dungeon World!" Francisca said.

"Now...Yuga and Francisca have first move!" Ion said.

"Okay! Draw! Charge and draw! I equip Garblade!" Yuga said as he leapt into action and slashed Subaru.

10-8

"That's it for me. You go, Francisca!" Yuga said.

"Alright then. I draw!" Francisca said. "I call Wandering Knight, Roy to the center, Missile Magician, Addrick to the right, and Thunder Warrior, Ocker Glaser to the left! And now… Roy attacks!"

10-8

"I end my turn." Francisca said.

"Very well. Draw. Charge and draw! I equip, Seerbow Babylon!" Subaru said. "I then call Govern Star Dragon, Fret to the left. And then, Buddycall Skyseer Dragon, Cross Astrologia to the center!" Subaru said.

8-9

"It is now set. The Galaxy Formation! I cast! Proclaim: Battle Supplies! With this, I put the top two cards of my deck into the gauge, draw two cards and gain 1 life." Subaru said.

9-10

"Heh. I was hoping he'd try that. I cast! Dragon Spell, Hiding Bomber!" Yuga said as Fret was destroyed. "Sorry but no Galaxy Formation today."

"He...copied me. That's ...my fighting style." Ranma said.

"You've improved since our last match. But I will not back down so easily." Subaru said firing his arrow.

10-8

"Bury him...Subaru." Ranma growled.

"Cross, attack the fighter!" Subaru said.

8-6

"That's it! Defeat Yuga!" Ranma shouted.

"Double attack!" Subaru said.

6-4

"Crush him to pieces!" Ranma said.

"Uh...Ranma? You okay, buddy?" Dan asked.

"Huh? Oh...sorry. Guess I got caught up in that." Ranma said.

"What he was doing just now… I could feel it. The mass of darkness in his heart swelling up again after Yuga used one of Ranma's spells to counter subaru." Akira said to himself. "That was no mistake. Something is definitely going on with him."

"That is all I can do. Zan...its your turn to take the stage." Subaru said.

"Alright. Draw. Charge and Draw. I pay 3 gauge, and call forth Great Duke, Astaroth to the center and put two 72 Pillar Cards from my hand into his card's soul, next I cast Solomon's Great Barrier which will reduce the size of my size 2 72 Pillar Monsters down to size 1. Normally, Solomons Great Barrier Requires 1 gauge to set on the field. However, thanks to Astaroth's ability, the gauge cost of all my spells is reduced by one, so this one was free. Now I call Eastern Demon Sword Emperor, Baal to the left and Overturn Demon Lord, Asmodai to the right. Finally, I pay one gauge to equip Sorcery Book, Goetia, and since I have three 72 Pillar Cards on the field, Goetia gains 2000 power and one critical increase."

"That's quite the field she's setup." Hope said.

"No kidding." Gemini said. "Franny did say to Zan to not take it easy on her, and boy is she doing just that."

"You did tell me not to go easy on you Franny, I'm pulling out all the stops to make this match all the more exciting." Zan said.

(Cue- Vs. Three Mage Sisters- Kirby Star Allies)

"That's what I like to hear, otherwise why come this far?" Francisca asked.

"Exactly, my sister." Zan said. "Now it's time to attack! And I will pay one gauge to activate Asmodai's Overturn ability! This can allow me to grant Baal 50000 power, 10000 defense, Critical +3 , along with Penetrate and Counterattack! Baal, breakthrough Roy and attack Franny!" she said as Baal did so.

"If this goes through, Francisca's gonna suffer 5 damage all at once!" Eijiro said.

"Franny, you gotta block it!" Flamberge called.

"I… I cast… Divine Protection of Shalsana!" Francisca said.

10-11

"It's not over." Zan said as she attacked this time.

11-9

"Go now, Asmodai, Astaroth!" Zan called as Asmodai attacked first.

9-7

Astaroth attacked next.

7-5

"Astaroth also has double attack!" Zan announced.

"I cast! Thunderbolt Marked Urn!" Francisca said.

"Oh that was close…" Hope said.

"I hear you. If it weren't for her spells, that would've been a one-turn KO." David said.

"Wow...a non stop assault from both Subaru and Zan. Incredible. But now it all comes back to Francisca and Yuga. But can they pull off a miracle?" Ion said.

"Franny...you got this." Yuga said.

"Right. You know, it's kind of funny, Zan. Back when we were with Hyness, you two have always been the ones looking out for me." Francisca said.

"You're our sister after all." Zan said.

"And when we think about it… Going with these guys was the best thing that happened to all of us." Francisca said.

"Indeed, and if it wasn't for Ace and Kirby, we wouldn't have these human bodies now." Zan said.

"And ever since then, we've been experiencing a lot of things in our lives that we never thought would've been possible." Francisca said.

"Indeed, when we seperated for that short time after Void Termina was defeated, I saw Devaloka, fought the Moon Queen on Arnice's world, and helped defeat a Dragon God on Ryu's world as well." Zan said.

"For me and Berge, it was rescuing Kaede from a greedy former tycoon while solving Pokemon-related cases, traveling to Meliodas' past, and...stopping a couple of weddings, believe it or not." Francisca said.

"And it was then that we reunited and journeyed together, fighting the Titans, playing Tennis, stopping Galeem and Darkhon, saving the Digital and Human Worlds with the Royal Knights, many things have happened since then." Zan said.

Francisca laughed. "We've racked up quite a list of accomplishments, haven't we?"

"Indeed, and we did it all with our comrades by our side." Zan smiled as Ramuh's shadow appeared behind her before vanishing. "Ever since, I've felt part of Ramuh's soul in me. What about you?"

"Same goes for me, for Shiva." Francisca said as Shiva's shadow appeared behind her before vanishing. "Which considering the circumstances of our pasts, is kind of ironic."

"Indeed." Zan said. "It kind of felt like Ramuh rained his Judgement Bolt on me back then."

"Same for Shiva's Diamond Dust. I can't imagine how that must've felt." Francisca said. "But, no matter what happens, you, me, and Berge. We will always be connected. Whether through the Eidolons' spirits, or through the bonds we share."

"We will always be sisters, now and forever." Zan said.

"You've got that right." Francisca said. "Now… It's my turn. I draw! Charge and Draw! First, I'll cast my trademark Rolling Stone! This card sends all souls on our center monsters to the drop zone and destroys them! Next, I'll cast Pre-emptive Strike! By paying one life, I can destroy a size 2 or less monster on the field! And I'm gunning for Asmodai!"

5-4

"Well done." Zan said.

"But I'm not done yet. Next, I'll equip Brave Sword, Soma Sword!" Francisca said. "Now, an all-out attack!"

8-2

"Oh man. She's so close." David said.

"One chance. I have a card that can win this. I know David doesn't like them much but...It looks like I have no choice! Final Phase!" she said. "Full Strash Formation! I can only cast this card if I have two adventurers out but none in my center. With this card, all Adventurers on my field restand, and they can attack once more!"

"What?!" Zan said surprised.

"I was planning on saving this, but… I couldn't help it. You're very skilled in this, Zan." Francisca said.

Zan chuckles at this. "It makes sense, though. You've been trained in strategy by both David and Leopardmon. Honestly, I couldn't expect any less from you. Go for it, Franny."

"Right… Addrick, Ocker Glaser… Attack!" Francisca said.

2-0

Game over: Zan! Winner: Francisca!

"Nice work there. Now...it's time for my time! Draw! Charge and draw! I call Gardog to the left and then...Buddycall Gargantua Dragon to the right!" Yuga said.

4-5

"I had foreseen this. Cast! Notify: Immobilize Tactics! Force Gargantua Dragon to rest!" Subaru said.

"I was totally expecting ya to do that. I cast! Gargantua Switch Mode! G-EVO! Blast Mode!" Yuga said changing Garga to blast mode. "Now go attack Cross!"

Garga then drew his blades and slashed as Cross the first time and then the second to defeat Cross.

"Gardog, attack the fighter!" Yuga said.

10-8

"Hey, it's my chance!" Yuga said.

8-6

"Double attack!" Yuga said.

"I cast! Earth Barrier!" Subaru said.

6-7

"Okay then...I cast! Gargantua Switch Mode! G-EVO! Sonic Mode!" Yuga said. "I draw two cards."

"I cast! Crystallization Phenomenon!" Subaru said.

7-6

"I cast! Gar-C'mon!" Yuga said switching Gardog with Garcat. "Okay Garcat, go attack the fighter."

"I cast! Mars Barrier!" Subaru said. "Sorry...but the game is over."

"Sorry...but for once you're wrong. With Garcat's ability, I drew a card. So...I cast! Gar-c'mon! And call Garbird!" Yuga said. "Now...go attack Subaru!" Yuga said.

6-4

"Heh...now...let's do it! Final Phase! I cast! Deity Gargantua Punisher!" Yuga shouted as the sword itself came crashing down on Subaru.

4-0

Game over! Winner: Yuga Mikado!

"Incredible! With that explosive blow...the second pair of finalists are...Yuga Mikado and Francisca!" Ion said.

"Well I'll be darned!" Emo said. "Yuga won the rematch! Guess that means their even now."

"You did well sister. I honestly thought I was going to overtake you." Zan said.

"So did I." Francisca said. "Honestly, I didn't expect to pull that last turn off like that."

It was later outside…

"Nice work you guys. You really pulled it off." Jexi said.

"Yeah. For Share. But...you all will be facing me and Flamberge in the finals." Masato said.

"Like Zan, don't expect me to go easy on you, Franny." Flamberge siad. "And I'm gonna play extra hard for Zan too!"

"I wouldn't expect anything less, Berge." Francisca said.

"Yes...you did well. All three of you sisters have improved greatly since joining the game." Akira said.

"You really think so?" Francisca asked.

"Of course. Zan, your expertise with the 72 pillars was tremendous. Using Asmodai's overturn really had Francisca cornered for the duration of your turn. Were it not for the spells she cast, you would've taken the match." Akira said.

"Yet Franny was able to turn the tide against me effortlessly, I couldn't be more proud." Zan said before she looked to Ranma. "Ranma…"

"I noticed it too. Something's definitely going on with him. I never imagined he would root AGAINST Yuga." David said.

"And the things he said too, that wasn't like him. Whatever it is, that shadow in his heart came back." Ace said.

"It did more than come back. It's grown much stronger than the first time we saw it." Akira said.

"It's like he's undergone a complete personality change. Like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Tsumugi said.

"Without the turning into a monster part." Mari said before she closed her eyes in thought before typing into her gauntlet.

"It still doesn't change the fact that some sort of change is going on within Ranma's heart. I don't even want to imagine what is going to be born from it." Akira said.

"The best we can do right now is look into it and gather information, it could be connected to one of the Buddyfight Worlds." Mari said.

"Maybe. But we can't be too sure." Vera said.

"Pretty much anything can be going on with the guy at this point." David said.

"Don't worry about Ranma. I'll keep a close eye on him from the shadows and see what's happening." Akira said donning his mask.

"Right. And Berge… No matter who wins, no regrets." Francisca said.

"None at all. Let's have fun, Franny." Flamberge said. "For all three of our sakes. Right Zan?"

"Yes Berge." Zan said.

"Yes...we're going to have a lot of fun." Francisca said.

Meanwhile as Ranma headed home, a hooded figure approached him….

"You and Yuga...your friendship is doomed you know?" they said.

"What...what are you talking about?" Ranma demanded.

"I mean...let's look at the facts. Yuga is getting better and better and he's still new to the game. He even got a Buddy Rare, and you've been at this longer than he has. And have no buddy to show for it. Tell me, how fair does that sound?" they asked.

"I don't know… back there at the last match… I wanted Yuga to lose. He...he copied a move I made… I don't know what to think." Ranma said.

"What if...I could help you. I know a good monster who really wants to become buddies with you." they said.

"Who?" Ranma asked.

"He's already waiting for you. The pack you bought the day Yuga got Garga...you haven't opened it yet, have you?" they asked.

"That's right… I didn't." Ranma said. "But… how do you know? Who are you?"

"My name is of no importance right now. For now...you can consider me your friend." they said. "And unlike Yuga, I will never leave you behind for better ones."

"My friend huh? Okay...let me meet them then. Show me...my buddy." Ranma said.

"Yes… I can guarantee...your life is about to change." they said.

Inside of Ranma's desk drawer, a single card pack glowed with a dark aura as a skull was shown within said aura.