Welcome to the next chapter, I'm sorry if this took a while but I have so much on my plate and I am only human. Well enough of these excuses you all came for an exciting chapter and I'm going to give you one. It is time to end this round and get to the real excitement.
Announcements:
Well the wiki is up like I said in the author's note last time, you can both join and add your own changes or you can just PM me what you would like on your page because I may just use the profiles you all have sent me.
Also since it was unanimous that pairings be allowed, there will be some fluff and love here and there. Actually creating pairings when everyone doesn't care who they are set up with will be tough try not to hate me when you see the possibilities.
Now it is time for the reviews:
Renchard19: Sorry it had to be done, but don't worry about you may be surprised about your character in the end.
Illusionist Owl: The only one specific about a pairing XD, let's see how I spin this along.
Orihara-Heiwajima Sakuya: You're welcome.
Wolfpakersson09: I may have more people appear in the stands and later on much more people will be introduced. All I ask is to be patient.
Ravena Felidae: Well that's enough to convince me to add pairings.
By majority rule it seems people would like the dramatic and secret revealing path instead of the dark and destructive path so everyone will know the first fight of the semifinals. Well since all of this is done ON WITH THE SHOW!
"Aaaa"-Speech
'Bbbb'-Thought
'Cccc'-Flashback
"Dddd"-Attacks
Disclaimer: I do not own any reference to any anime/game/show/book, etc. that appears in this story. I own the original plot (at least I hope its original) and my own characters and OC's. All other characters and references belong to their original creators.
"I see my power like a nuclear reactor, you can only control it for so long before something bad happens and millions die."-Shadowlight0982.
Ch. 9: The Chaotic Storm and the Darkness Within
"What was all of that in the woods nya?" Ravena continued to pry information out of Shadow.
Ever since the confrontation with Aka and Sakura Shadow seemed to get more silent, Ravena saw Shadow eye the treasure attached to his wrist every now and again. Shadow sighed before he decided to finally say something.
"How much of the conversation did you hear?" Shadow asked. Punnya's ears twitched to the conversation as she enjoyed the ride on Shadow's head.
"Around the time when the seal appeared around your feet and you fainted nya?" Ravena answered.
"Passed out, I don't faint!" Shadow made that clear. "So you missed the part where they basically ambushed me after I checked our ride."
"Ambush, is that why only one guy showed up the fight, the others came to talk to you?" Ravena asked curiously.
"Punnya!" Punnya was surprised to hear the word ambush.
"In a nutshell yah" Shadow said.
"Then what was the seal about and who is Kusanagi nya?" Ravena wondered.
"The seal, not so really sure myself, maybe an intervention seal" Shadow answered the first question. "As for Kusanagi, maybe she's their team leader or something."
Ravena tried to read Shadow's emotions but he hid them well. 'He's hiding something nya.' Ravena thought.
'He's not exactly lying, but he is not telling the whole truth either.'
Ravena stopped mid walk and clutched her head. 'Why are you up, I thought you went back to sleep after last time the bell was off.'
'I got tired of the long catnap routine, besides your new friends seem interesting like the boy you're walking with.' The voice in Ravena's head continued.
'Shadow?' Ravena asked.
'Yes the last time I was released I did sense a dark power from inside him and now that power has grown. Maybe you should continue asking questions.'
"Rave, Rave, Felidae, earth to Ravena!" Shadow got Ravena out of her stupor.
"You can have your conversation later; we need to check out the final match." Shadow said.
"So you know?" Ravena asked. Punnya saw how quickly the mood changed between the two. Punnya then flew next to Ravena just in case.
"I have an idea but you can tell me whenever you want, god knows I'm the last one to be asking about others secrets." Shadow said.
Ravena agreed with that logic and let out a sigh. "So why do we need to hurry to the last match nya?"
"I need to see an old friend of mine." Shadow then started to walk again a little faster now. Ravena then continued after him.
"Hey wait for us!"
"Punnya!"
(Kurotsubasa)
D.B. was out of the bed and did a few light stretches. After a while he stopped to pick up his weapons and equipment and to change modes to make up for his lack of a shirt.
"You sure you should be moving D.B?" Illu asked.
"Of course, I heal much faster anyway and besides after this last battle the next rounds are tomorrow right?" DB asked.
"If they want to consider everyone's health and the chance of a better performance yeah, the Admin may just allow it to continue tomorrow." Key said. "The last battle is about to begin."
"DarkBlade, anyone else get a bad vibe from those guys?" Bella asked.
"Now that you mention it they do seem a little weird." D.B. admitted.
"A little, most of the guys on that team have committed several felonies, it is a miracle they were allowed to compete." Key said.
"What, shouldn't they be imprisoned or out of Server then?" Illu asked in fear.
"Maybe they did their time I don't know, but the tournament allowed anyone to fight, no discrimination." Key said.
"Either way let's hope they don't do anything too dangerous."
The rest of the guild turned and saw their missing two members. Ravena and Punnya took their original spots yet Shadow just walked and looked at the screen a little at DarkBlade.
"Shadow, Ravena you're back." Illu said. Mukurowl landed on Punnya and the two animals began to play around the room.
"Yeah sorry to make you guys worry" Shadow said sincerely before he gained a serious look. "Key did you see it?"
"Yeah I saw it" Key answered.
"Saw what, care to enlighten us?" Bella asked.
"DB where's the remote to this thing?" D.B. looked around his bed and handed the control to Shadow. After a rewind and a pause Shadow showed a familiar symbol that was on one of the members of DarkBlade.
"Chaos" Ravena said with a hiss. Punnya mimicked as they remembered the organization.
"What does Chaos want with this tournament?" Illu asked.
"We're talking about a group that wants to spread chaos and destruction, I think they can do plenty of that in a public event like a tournament." Bella said.
"I feel bad for Wave Storm, only one of them looks like he can actually fight the other…" D.B. then pointed to L.T. on the screen after Shadow hit play.
"That idiot" Shadow said silently.
"Shadow" Illu said.
"I'll be back, there's something I need to do first." Shadow then walked through the nearest shadow and disappeared.
"Magic nya!" Ravena said in surprise.
"You can say that, but what is he doing?" D.B. asked the others.
"We're about to find out." Key directed everyone to the screen and saw Shadow appear in the tournament.
(Tournament Stadium)
"Hey LT!" Lightning stopped walking to the stage as he heard a voice appear from behind him and Meteo. Shadow appeared out of their shadows and walked to them.
"What are you doing here, you already fought don't you?" Meteo asked.
"Don't worry about it Meteo, it's just a friend needing to talk to a friend." Lighting said.
"Yeah whatever you say, you aren't actually going to fight are you?" Shadow asked.
"And why not, we made it passed the preliminaries alright and I think we got a chance." LT said. "A small slim chance but we still have a chance."
"You idiot, not only are you outnumbered but these guys are bad news they will kill you if given the chance." Shadow tried to warn them.
"You are talking about the Chaos logo aren't you?" LT asked to Shadow's surprise. "Yeah you aren't the only one to know about them, don't worry if things get bad we'll get out of the battle."
"Light" Shadow then turned his back to them. "Fine, don't say I didn't warn you guys."
"Thanks for the fair warning." Meteo said after a while.
"Hey Light, be careful out there!" Shadow said.
"When have I ever not been careful?" Lightning asked jokingly.
"Don't make me answer that." Shadow then "stepped" away from the stage.
"Well now that that intervention is over let us begin the final round!" The crowd cheered as they already placed their bets on the winner, this fight seemed to be as one-sided as it gets.
(Audience)
"This seems a little unfair, six members against two." An Irish woman with bright red in a long dress said as she watched the battle while holding a book.
"Actually I think they have a good chance." The man next to her said.
"Moron, they are horribly outnumbered, they might just decide this with just one battle." The girl yelled back.
"Hey hey calm down Libra." The man calmed the woman down. "Special things always happen to the underdog just wait and see."
"Whatever BB" Libra turned to the battle.
(Scene Change)
"Man I can't believe Bunji and Phantom are missing this." A man said around the medical tents at one of the screens.
"Oh well their loss, this might be interesting considering the odds." The man said.
"Hey Wolfpack, hurry up and do your part!" A voice called.
"Coming!"
(Scene Change)
"This fight is unfair." A girl said as she watched the battle. She fiddled with the star shaped key that hung from her neck on a silver necklace as she continued to watch.
"I hope this won't be too harsh a battle." The girl said.
(Tournament Stage)
"Well everyone let's start this party, on one side we have the clear underdogs of this fight, the colliding elements, the forces of power and stealth, Team WaveStorm!" Plugman announced.
LT and Meteo walked on the stage and accepted the people that applauded them. They then looked at their opponents.
"On the other side of the ring we have these gruesome fighters, their motto Total Annihilation…Team DarkBlade!" Plugman announced.
After the noise from the crowd calmed down Kyoto took the time to begin what she thought to be a short match. "Ok team leaders decide the setup for the battles."
"Since we only have two people let's settle this in only one battle." LT offered.
"What fun would that be?" A member of DarkBlade asked and the rest laughed.
"How about this" Amaterasuice offered. "Let's make it interesting, you two against one of ours to make it fair."
"What is this, the leader of DarkBlade is allowing both of Wave Storm to fight just one of their members!" Plugman said in shock.
(Team Mercenary)
"What kind of an offer is that?" Wolf asked.
"Not really much of an offer." Rose said.
"They know Wave Storm has no chance so they are simply toying with them." Naenia said.
Grim was silent as he watched the watched the battle, every now and then he would look to the logo on every one of DarkBlade's members backs.
'Chaos huh' Grim thought.
(Kurotsubasa)
"What kind of game are they playing toying with people's pride?" Bella shouted. The rest of Kurotsubasa agreed with her outburst as Shadow appeared just in time to hear it.
"You expect much less?" Shadow asked.
"It is still up to them whether they accept the challenge." Key reminded them.
"Please let this be the one time LT uses his brain." Shadow hoped.
(Tournament Stage)
"If that's the way you want to play it, we accept." LT agreed to the terms.
In the distance almost everyone could have heard a loud outburst.
"Son of a bitch!"
(Kurotsubasa)
"That idiot, I hope he at least challenges the leader and ends this." Shadow said.
(Tournament Stage)
"So who are we going to fight?" Meteo said as he lifted a large anchor.
"Good question, Zane you are up." Amaterasuice walked out the stage and another teen took his place.
"With pleasure" The boy said. Zane stood tall, average built and dressed like Ike from Fire Emblem except his armor was black and red and he had red spiky hair with green eyes.
"Well you heard it from here everyone; it's Lightning and Meteo versus Zane!" Kyoto announced. "Can the Silent Thief, the Ignis Flame, the Great Assassin and the Aquatic Master, the Ocean Spirit, the Blue Demon defeat the Burning Sword, the Swift Blade, the Elemental Fiend Zane?"
"Well we are about to find out, Wave Storm vs. DarkBlade for the final round…ready FIGHT!"
Meteo suddenly pulled out what looked a surfboard and took to the air. Lightning started to run circles around Zane. Zane looked at the tactic with an amused look.
"What are you insects up to?" Zane asked out loud.
LT kept running and running until it looked like multiple LTs were running around the stage. Meteo looked from his hover board and waited for his signal.
"Fall for the bait, fall for the bait." Meteo said silently.
"I think I have seen enough!" Zane pulled out a broadsword and slashed clean through Lightning. Zane was about to gloat about how useless their plan was until the Lightning he cut puffed into smoke.
"What but I could have sworn!" Zane blocked a Lightning that came after him with several knives.
Zane pushed him back and readied his blade. "So you are the real one!" Zane cut through that on and the copy puffed into smoke.
Meteo took advantage of the situation and focused his power. Out of nowhere the word water appeared over his head and was shot into the sky. Meteo then went through a series of hand seals as he watched Lightning distract Zane.
After slashing through his third clone Zane looked at the six smiling copies all around him. Zane thought they were afterimages but when they stopped moving they stood plain as day, solid clones.
"Shadow clones" Zane said through gritted teeth.
"And you know the good thing about solid clones?" All of the LTs held out their right hand and a seal flashed. "Their attacks are also real."
Zane blocked himself as best he could as all the copies snapped their hands and wave s of fire surrounded the swordsman. A shield appeared around Zane that was holding off the flames, Zane struggled through the burning onslaught.
"You really think this will work?" Zane shouted.
"We'll see" The clones kept the fire going and forced it into a burning dome around Zane's barrier.
"Meteo now!"
Zane looked up and saw a massive dragon made of water in the sky. The dragons burning yellow eyes glared at him as Meteo finished his jutsu. With a silent command Meteo unleashed the beast.
Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!
The dragon slammed into Zane's burning barrier, steam was sent everywhere as scolding hot water broke Zane's barrier and the man screamed in pain as the dragon hit its mark.
"Amazing using fire alchemy and water dragon to break through Zane's shield and unleash a powerful joint move, these underdogs aren't pulling any punches people!" Plugman said in excitement.
(Kurotsubasa)
"A scolding water dragon?" Bella asked what many in her mind were thinking.
"How did they focus it so that the dragon didn't just evaporate?" D.B. asked.
"Who knows, what matters are that the fight could be over now." Shadow said.
(Tournament Stage)
LT looked as the steam clouded the arena to where Zane was standing, Meteo continued to stay topside and survey the damage. Out of the steam they heard loud groans of pain, out the steam was a Zane with second degree burns holding his sword.
"Is that all you have?" The swordsman asked.
"Not yet" Lighting dashed and then disappeared.
Meteo then prepared his massive anchor and launched at Zane. Zane jumped away and dodged the anchor that left a large crater in the ground.
"Left you wide open!" Lightning reappeared with a revolver in hand and fired his six shots.
Zane blocked all the bullets with his sword and then sent a slash of wind towards Lighting. Lightning rolled away and disappeared again, Meteo used his magic and returned his weapon and got ready for a frontal attack.
"Now it's my turn!" Meteo then launched his hover board down and towards Zane.
"You are going to charge me, think again." Zane readied his barrier again.
Meteo continued forward and focused all his power into his fist. Meteo continued until he was inches from the barrier and readied his punch.
Asura Strike!
The explosion against the barrier sent Meteo and his board flying in on direction and Zane and his tattered clothes in the other. Lighting then appeared with knives drawn in each hand.
"Let's finish this!" Lightning made the attack but Zane rolled at the last second. The stab that should have went between his eyes online cut his cheek slightly.
"Oh so close, Zane barrel rolled at the last second to avoid that devastating combo, wait what is he doing?" Everyone wondered as Zane was covering his face and twitched slightly.
Zane removed his hand from his cheek and saw that small amount of blood. "You, you cut my face."
The audience was silent as they looked at the scene. Lightning helped Meteo up as they were wondering what the deranged swordsman would do next.
"You cut my face, my beautiful face"
Everyone in the stadium felt a surge of power. Amaterasuice shook his head as he saw Zane was about to lose it.
"As much fun as the battle was, it's over." Amaterasuice looked at the scene.
A dark aura appeared around Zane as his eyes became red voids.
"My face, my face..."
"MY FACE!" Power then exploded from Zane's body. A large wind blew around the arena and fire appeared across the stage. Meteo created a wall to shield him and Lighting from the flames.
"Oh my, it seems Zane is going through some kind of transformation, the power is incredible!" Kyoto used her tail to shield her face from the wind.
(Destiny)
"Those guys never have any self-control." Sakura said.
"Why can't we just get rid of them now Sen?" Aka asked.
"Patience, for now we only watch." Sen said as they watched the battle.
Away from the group Renchard looked to the field as soon as he felt the dark power. "What the hell is that?"
(Kurotsubasa)
D.B's eyes flashed red as he sensed the evil inside the power Zane was releasing. "What is that?"
Punnya was shaking in fear as she hid in her master's arms. All of Kurotsubasa watched as even from where they were they could feel that dark power.
"What the hell is that nya?" Ravena asked as well as she tried to comfort Punnya.
"Is this the power of chaos, completely mindless power?" Key asked.
Shadow watched the scene in shock and with a little fear. 'It's almost like...' Shadow had a small flashback in his head.
"Shadow?" Illu asked and shook Shadow out of his thoughts.
"I'm fine; I just never thought I would feel an evil aura like that." Shadow said.
Illu seemed to accept his answer but she still couldn't believe the expression she saw on Shadow's face. The one emotion she thought Shadow never had…fear.
(Tournament Stage)
Zane stepped through the flames with his sword ablaze. Zane's evil red eyes stared into Wave Storm's souls as he slowly crossed the stadium.
"I'm going to destroy; I'm going to turn you to ashes!" Zane then suddenly vanished.
A kick was what sent Lighting into the air only to be repeatedly slashed by Zane's sword.
"Die die die die die die die…DIE!"
Meteo was shocked by the display of power and speed but Lightning's screams was what got him out of his shock. Meteo looked up to the scene and knew what he had to do.
"Looks like I have no choice, we may lose, but no one deserves this!" Meteo's body then became a large wave of water that shot upwards.
Lightning was unconscious from the onslaught, Zane continued to attacking his already pixelated body but a wave of water slammed him down to the ground and turned his flames to steam. The remained water turned into a weakened Meteo who caught Lightning's injured and bleeding body.
Meteo called his board and carried them both into the air. Meteo then raised a hand into the air and said with a heavy voice.
"We forfeit, we lose!"
Silence was what went through the stadium before one of the announcers regained their senses.
"Yes…WaveStorm has forfeited so the winner is DarkBlades' Zane!" Kyoto announced.
"No!" Zane said as his aura appeared again. "No this fight is not over, NOT OVER!"
Zane dashed faster than anyone could see and appeared in front of a shocked Meteo. Zane was about to attack before a pillar of like and several black and white meteors slammed him back to earth.
"That is enough!" Rina announced." DarkBlade has already won the battle, take your win and leave before I am forced to disqualify you!"
Cast stood by Rina's side ready to give the girl back up. Zane looked like he was about to attack again before he struggled to calm himself down. Green eyes once again took Zane's face as he smiled.
"Sorrow, I just lost control of myself there." Zane said.
(Kurotsubasa)
A loud sound of metal hitting the ground got the guild's attention. Shadow had punched the ground with his right hand and several spider web cracks were left behind.
"Dammit, if only I could have convinced him not to fight." Shadow said to himself.
"Hold on their mister, don't think in any way that this is your fault!" Bella said.
"They knew the risk when they accepted the challenge." Key said.
"I know that but…" Shadow then felt the darkness stirs inside his body. 'Dammit'
"Shadow are you alright nya?" Ravena asked.
"Fine, just a small migraine" Shadow lied. "Did they announce the listings for the semifinals yet?"
"They are just about to start" D.B. said. All of Kurotsubasa looked to the screen as the four winning teams' logos were displayed.
(Tournament Stage)
"Alright, whether or not the fights were pretty or not we have our four teams going to the next round!" Plugman announced. "Now to let the computer do its thing and select the smack downs for tomorrow!"
The logos were shuffled together rapidly for a while until they began to slow down. The computer stopped and the teams were matched against each other.
"Look like we are in the mood for some interesting matches, first off tomorrow is Team Kurotsubasa versus Team Mercenary and Team Destiny versus Team DarkBlade! You want to get here early tomorrow because sparks are going to fly in the semifinals!" Plugman announced and the crowd cheered.
(Kurotsubasa)
"Alright, finally some payback nya!" Ravena said with fire in her eyes.
"Mercenary is full of thieves, mercenaries, and assassins right, they aren't going to be a hard team to beat." Illu said.
"Doesn't matter really, we're going to win, I know it!" D.B. said confidently.
Shadow got to his feet and looked at the screen, from a distance he could feel Rose's presence and knew what she was thinking.
"Alright, what are the pairings for tomorrow?" Shadow asked.
"We don't control it." Key said. "They are putting members on a randomized board for the semifinals; we don't know who will fight or who we are fighting."
"Hmm, that doesn't matter." Shadow said. "We'll all use the time to train and try some strategies before meeting back tomorrow."
"Where are we going to train without us being spotted?" Bella asked.
"Leave that to me, come on." Shadow then walked out the tent as the rest of them followed.
(Mercenary)
"I don't care if the board is randomized, I am fighting Shadow regardless!" Rose yelled as Naenia told her the news.
"I know that and I told you before you will fight Shadow so do not worry." Naenia said.
"Calm down girl, besides we have to worry about the rest of his team too remembered." Wolf reminded them.
"They got a guy who can control flames, a keyblade master, a shapeshifter, and we have no idea what the other two girls can do." Grim said.
"I know what they can do and I already have a strategy for them." Rose said. "And of course we all have an idea about how Shadow fights."
"You know more than us." Wolf said. "Care to enlighten us?"
"No because you won't get a chance to fight him." Rose said.
"Alright you guys let's call it for now and meet back tomorrow." Grim stood up and left the booth.
The rest of the group said nothing but left after the shadow user.
(DarkBlade)
Zane was slammed against the wall as Amaterasuice looked down at him with an amused look. Before Zane could stand up again a large sword was held to his neck.
"What did I say about using that power; you could have jeopardized our mission by giving the crowd a sneak peek." Amaterasuice said calmly.
"I'm…sorry, they they…" Zane said with fear.
"You think I care about that ugly face of yours, remember who is supplying you the power to keep that form." Amaterasuice took the katana away and sheathed it into the sheath on his back.
"Doesn't matter, we have all that we need we don't really need to advance further in the tournament." Amaterasuice said.
"What, I thought the point of all this was to win!"
"Why are we fighting in the tournament if we are not going to gain the prize for all our efforts?"
"Fools!"
Everyone stopped the argument as a man walked into their meeting spot. The man was wearing what looked like a purple tattered tux, green dress shirt and purple pants with dress shoes. Everyone watched the joker-clad man walk to Amaterasuice.
"So Trysten, I see the plan is going well." Chaos said.
"I don't know why you call me that but yes; I got the scans you requested." Amaterasuice or Trysten handed the scouter to Chaos.
Chaos began to skim through the data. "Hmm, excellent and this is just data from the competitors."
"If you mind me asking sir what is that data for?" Zane asked as he got off the floor.
"A little surprise ending for the tournament." Chaos then let out a maniacal laugh.
(Destiny)
"So what is this power you are going to give me?" Renchard asked as Sen and the rest of Destiny dragged him to the forest outside the stadium.
"The power, the power of our mistress, our leader, is an intense power" Sen began. "Not many people can handle the strain that it puts on the body."
"As far as we know one person survived with a not intended result." Sakura said thinking back to Shadow.
"So what do you say now, gonna chicken out?" Aka then began making insulting clucks noises.
"No, if this power is enough for me to win the tournament, I'll take all the pain that comes with it!" Renchard said.
"Suit yourself, first we need a medium, your sword will do." Sen pointed to the zanbato.
"My zanbato, a medium" Renchard said.
"A little something to help channel the power into your body" Sen placed a hand on the large sword and a seal appeared on the center.
"And now, you will receive your wish."
Renchard suddenly fell to the ground as he felt power course through his body, Ren began to twitch and convulse as he started rejecting the foreign power.
'I need this power' Renchard then thought back to his sister, he then rose to his feet and a dark aura appeared around his body.
"Aaah!"
'Excellent, simply excellent' Sen thought as he watched Renchard accept Kusanagi's power.
"Hey Sen, when are our other two guys coming?" Aka asked.
"One is on their way here; the other said he wanted to observe something before meeting us." Sen said.
(Tournament Outskirts)
"Alright this looks like a good spot." Shadow then pulled out one of his kunai and placed it in the ground, a translucent "X" shone on the ground before it faded. "When we next log on we will appear in this spot."
"So how are we going to get a lot of training done nya, its getting dark here and let's not talk about home?" Ravena asked.
"Punnyaaaa" Punnya agreed.
"They're right, we won't get much done just training in this forest." Illu agreed.
The three founding members of Kurotsubasa nodded to each other with frowns before they braced themselves. Shadow let out a small chuckle before he held out a hand.
"Trust me we'll have enough time, now I usually don't do this but with this tournament we'll need an edge." Shadow readied his hand. "Try to land softly…"
With a snap of his hand a portal appeared under their feet. While the others knew what was going on Illu, Ravena, and Punnya all screamed as they fell through the portal. Shadow looked at the portal before he turned around.
"How long you gonna be watching us?" Shadow asked.
"Impressive, that a mere human could sense me." A figure then lowered their camouflage.
The person or machine had a large body wearing a large tattered blue cloak that covered his form. The head however was visible, it was like a human size Gundam head, Burning Gundam's head, and its red metallic eyes glowed menacingly.
"So you are the one Mistress has set her sights on." The metal giant said.
"So you're with Team Destiny or Kusanagi." Shadow reasoned.
"I see the conference between you two was successful, what I do not understand is why she did not want me to execute you now." The monotone voice said.
"Maybe she has something planned in that little black heart of hers if you guys can have hearts." Shadow said. "Now if you excuse me, we need to train to beat you in the tournament." Shadow put one foot into the portal.
"The darkness in your soul."
Shadow's eyes widened a bit.
"Like a human, you reject what you do not understand; you reject your own power growing inside you."
"So you're the big expert on humans huh?" Shadow said.
"Yes, humans are predictable and stubborn, even if you say that you are all unique and individual you all have the same thoughts, the same wavelength to me." The machine continued. "And you for example hide away a power that is too much for you to control."
"Maybe you right" A dark aura surrounded Shadow. "Or maybe I don't want the thousands players at the Tournament's blood on my hands if I use this power.
Shadow looked at the man with glowing red eyes which even caused him, a machine, to slightly flinch. "Don't think you know about humans, just when you think you know about us, we humans like to surprise you."
Shadow then went into the portal and the portal vanished. The man's Gundam helmet then developed a crack and was split down the middle and fell to the ground. A Halo Mk IV helmet looked at the fallen mask.
"Humans like to surprise you, huh"
(Training Space)
Out of the sky several screams filled the air. A large impact hit the streets of the mysterious area as Kurotsubasa was now a jumbled mess of limbs.
"Punnyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"
"Ouch watch where you're poking!"
"Get your but out of my face!"
"Owe, Muku-Chan are you okay?"
"Hooot!"
"Owe, I think I broke my everything!"
"Hey who touched my breast?"
Shadow dropped from the sky and landed on his feet and stared at his fighting teammates. "Well at least they're in the mood to fight."
It took a few minutes to unscramble everyone before they looked at the massive dimension they were in. Stadiums, lots of them located all around at every street and corner. When everyone was settled Shadow decided to start the explanation.
"Welcome to Training Space, a massive dimension inspired just for training." Shadow said briefly.
"Oh so this is how we train, is it like a time chamber nya?" Ravena asked.
"Not really, but training in here adds forces to our bodies." Shadow said. "This is the best place to master skills and train with our powers."
"What are we going to train in?" Key asked so they could get started.
"I say we can talk about team training." Shadow said.
"Team training, why would we need that nya?" Ravena asked.
"Joint moves right?" D.B. said answering the question.
"Right, for all we know the other teams know who can fight well with whom in case of a two on two fight." Shadow began. "That said we need to create some team moves."
"Um if I could ask something can I please ask to train alone?" Illu asked.
"Huh but why Ilu, we're going to need everyone here to see who is compatible." Bella asked.
"It's just that…compared to everyone else I feel I'm the weakest, while I have a lot of support skills and I'm not a frontal attacker…" Illu paused. "I want to test something out something new I have."
"Illu no one here thinks you're the weakest." Key tried to reason.
"Yeah owl girl, get all that negative talk out your head!" Bella said.
"Just because you're not a frontal person doesn't mean anything, where would we be if you weren't around without you're herbs and things?" D.B. said.
"Meow, come on we need everyone together to win!" Ravena said.
"Punnyaaaaaaaaa!"
"When this guild was formed we thought nothing of strength, we are all equals." Shadow said. "I don't care who can do what, we are a team and we will conquer anything in our path!"
'Everyone' Illu thought as they saw how they supported her. Mukurowl landed on her head and hooted which caused her to smile. "Ok, let's do our best everyone."
"Since you brought it up, let's see this new skill you have Illu?" Shadow asked.
"Alright, let's find a large arena first." Illu agreed.
In one of the empty arenas Kurotsubasa watched as Illu got into form. She then reached into her jacket and pulled out a scroll and held it outwards. As she unrolled it she began the technique.
"I summon you, ye who encircle the world and bear its fangs…" Illu started her chant.
"Is that…?" Key asked.
"Hold up, what's that power I'm feeling?" Bella asked.
"This is making my fur stand on end nya." Ravena said.
"Punnya!" Punnya agreed.
"The serpent god huh" Shadow said.
"Poison and blood come together and heed my summons!" The scroll glowed and Illu slammed one hand and the scroll on the ground.
"Yamata no Orochi!"
The white light surrounded the scroll grew into a colossal ball. Eight tendrils spread from both sides, one side form eight tails that began to slither along the ground. The rest became eight snake heads who all roared and bared its fangs.
"A summon, when did Illu get a summon?" D.B. asked.
"Now here comes the hard part!" Key yelled.
"Who is the one that summoned me?" One of the heads asked mentally.
Illu and Mukurowl looked in fear but answered the spirits' questions. "That would be me, I summoned you."
The eight heads then peered down at the one holding their scroll. The heads then went down to Illu's level.
"It seems you are indeed speaking the truth, do you feel that you are strong enough to be my master?" All eight voices spoke in unison.
Illu thought back to what her friends said and shook her head. "Yes, I know I am and my friends believe I am too, I hold your scroll and I am your master!"
Deep hissing that sounded almost like a chuckle escape the spirits jaws. "Interesting, finally a master with a strong will and a pure spirit."
All sixteen red slit eyes stared at Illu's equally red eyes. "Very well, as long as you hold my scroll I accept you as my summoner."
The large demon spirit then faded away, the scroll stopped glowing and Illu then fell to the ground. Mukurowl was shocked and grew in size to put Illu on his back.
"Is she alright?" Bella asked.
"First summoning can tire you out." Key said. "Especially summoning a demon spirit."
"So that's the scroll she had that day, personally I'm surprised she had enough stores of energy to summon." Shadow said. "But I'm not complaining, always knew she had something hidden."
"Speaking of hidden, what are you hiding about that Team Destiny nya?" Ravena asked.
After Illu recovered everyone looked at Shadow after Ravena brought up the topic.
"Couldn't leave it alone could you?" Shadow asked. "Alright everyone listen up because I don't want to repeat myself."
After repeating the experience minus a few key things Kurotsubasa began to think about the new threat at the tournament.
"So this Team Destiny is up to no good too huh?" Bella said.
"Let's not forget about Chaos' DarkBlade." Key reminded them.
"Regardless of who we are up against we'll defeat them like anyone else." Shadow said. "Now back to training!"
(Time skip-tomorrow)
"Welcome back everyone to the semifinal round of the Eclipse Tournament!" Kyoto announced. "From the massive crowd of fighters down to the eight starting teams we now only have four teams fighting for us now!"
(Admin Booth)
"Four guys now huh?' Deus said. "This is taking too long, when do I get to fight!" A chibi Deus complained.
"Calm down Deus, we still have the final round before you can fight." Cast said as she sweatdrop at the older teen's childish act.
"Even so just watch, the way these fights are going we can have the final fight today." Rina said. "They will be using all they have in these last few fights."
(Tournament Stage)
"You got that right Kyoto, we saw a lot of asskicking and destruction but all of that led to the four badass teams in front of us now everyone!" Plugman then displayed all the teams on the giant screen.
Team Destiny!
Team Mercenary!
Team DarkBlade!
And…Team Kurotsubasa!
The crowd cheered as the four teams were on the stage. Everyone began to size up the others; they all seem to notice the three new members of Team Destiny.
'Three new guys and one of them is the guy from yesterday.' Shadow thought.
"Great, more unknown factors." Key said. "This tournament is more trouble than it's worth."
"Let's just pray for an easy match-up" D.B. said.
"You forgot we're fighting Mercenary right." Bella said.
"Oh yeah I forgot that." D.B. said dejectedly.
"It doesn't matter" Shadow said. "All we can do is fight and hope our luck is with us."
"Yeah and this time we can get payback nya!" Ravena said.
"Punnya!" Punnya hissed.
Rose saw their stairs and gave them a smug look that sent the two nekos' furs on end. They would have fought then and now had Shadow not hold on to the two.
"Rave please calm down." Illu said.
"Come on Ravena, if you start anything now we're disqualified." Shadow said.
"Now let's have the two leaders meet center stage!" Kyoto said.
Shadow and Grim then walked forward. Destiny and DarkBlade both went to their booths to watch the battle that was about to begin. Grim let out a yawn before getting serious about the match up.
"So you're Shadow, lots of talking about you in the mercenary world." Grim said.
"I'm sure there are, who knows I may have a fan club somewhere." Shadow said.
"Hehe, funny guy huh, maybe you should have taught Rose more sense of humor." Grim laughed.
"Handful right" When Shadow saw Grim nodded he let out a sigh. Shadow then turned to Kyoto. "How are we supposed to do this, I thought the battles were randomized."
"Yes but the issue is about a special condition Team Mercenary has added!" Kyoto answered.
"Condition?" Shadow looked to Grim.
Grim let out a tired sigh. "The condition is we have five matches, the first four will be randomized but the last one…"
"Will be you and me." Rose said as she walked forward.
"What you expect Shadow to agree to that nya!" Ravena argued. "That's low Maid Fetish!"
"What did you call me?" Rose took a minute to calm herself. "If your team and your leader are so strong they shouldn't have a problem with this set up."
"So what will it be, will you accept or are you not confident in your guild's power?" Rose said as she laid her own bait.
"Laying out bait, don't forget who taught you that style of strategy." Shadow said. "Since you're so serious about this…I accept."
"What!" Bella, Ravena, and D.B. yelled.
"Did Shadow just accept that challenge?" Illu asked in shock.
"Yeah he's strange like that, but shadow must have a reason to do this." Key said.
"It seems that Kurotsubasa has accepted Mercenary's battle request, well now that all the chitchat is over let us start the semifinal round!" Plugman then began the randomizer to select the first two fighters.
"The first two in the ring are…Illusionist Owl versus Wolfey141, let see if these two can start out the semifinals with a bang!"
"Ok Illu you're up!" Bella said.
"You got this nya!" Ravena cheered.
"Punnya!" Punnya said.
"You may want to be careful, Wolf and you are about as opposite as you can get." Key said.
"Remember what we said Illu, and don't forget that speed of yours!" D.B. said.
"You might want to keep moving, his earthbending could give you trouble, other than that, good luck you can win this!" Shadow said.
"Right, I'll do my best everyone!" Illu then walked towards the stage.
"Try not to screw this up and give us our first win." Rose said.
"This one has some strange aura about her, I advise to end this quickly." Naenia warned him.
"Please, like I'm gonna let it end that quick but look at her she won't last long." Wolf said as he walked to meet his opponent.
"Don't get cocky out there." Grim said.
"Whatever" Wolf then stood and looked to his opponent.
"Try not to make this a boring match ok" Wolf pulled out two baseball bats.
"Fine, just don't complain when you lose." Illu brought out her glaive. Mukurowl then took off to the skies.
"There you have it everyone, Illu vs. Wolf…ready…FIGHT!"
TBC…
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I know what you might be thinking but to me it seemed right to end it right here. What other way to have you all come back than to make sure you all comeback for the next exciting chapter. Closing note, Ravena created more new art and some of them are hilarious and funny, I thank her for more of her skills and artwork. Also if you would want to add extra things to your character don't be afraid to PM me, of course the four power limit and everything else is constant but maybe you left some things out you want to add.
Also on a random note I don't know why this popped up a theme song or opening for this whole thing. I don't know why maybe it's my crazy anime sense of thinking but that's what on the top of my head. Well now that is over, see you guys next time.
Shadowlight0982-out!
(Authors that appeared)
Blood Brandy
Turquoisepeanutbutter
Wolfpackersson09
(Insert announcer voice here)
The Semifinals have just begun, its Illu versus Wolf! Both fighters' battle styles are as different as night and day, can Kurotsubasa overcome Team Mercenary's challenge! Meanwhile Chaos is plotting something that may put everyone in the stadium in danger, will someone discover this plan and stop him or will his evil plan bear fruit. And what was the signal that Speed and Leon picked up.
"Is that…?" Leon asked in surprised.
"Yes, this is Chaos' residence." Speed said as the stood outside the large barrier over the area.
"So what do we do now?" Leon asked.
"Shut this area down for now; let's see if we can find the other mysterious energy." Speed said.
Next Time: The Semifinals begin: Illu's Determination!