Ch.110: Our Resolve Will Surpass All! A Trade of Guts and Glory!

The third day of the tournament finally arrived, with the crowd getting psyched for the second round. With the finish of the first round, there were quite a number of Pokémon taking sides and favors to their favorite teams, most notably the sides for the Shadow Bringers and Team Shatter Star. Banners were raised over their heads and chants were screamed with fortune to their teams.

Team Ravenfield and their group observed the starstruck audience as they waited for the battle to begin. "Wow, everyone's getting hyped," Ella commented.

Wes chuckled. "Ooh boy, I can already hear our fanbase cheering for us."

"There seems to be more support for Team Shatter Star," Gwyn pointed out. "Not seeing that many for the Shadow Bringers, not that I'm complaining…" she added quietly.

Tony chuckled. "Well, it's no wonder why. Didn't they compete in some tournaments in Gelid Peak before? They're practically celebrities in the fighting business." He pointed at one group higher up the stands. "Those guys up there even have personalized merchandise."

True enough, one group had banners and clothes with Team Shatter Star's image on the front. They weren't the only ones, either, as they could spot out a few other fanatics in the crowds waving their banners and flags and screaming out their names.

Flint grimaced. "How do they deal with all this?"

Tony laughed. "What are you talking about? I would love this kind of attention!"

"We noticed," Ella replied with a dry grin.

Morgan crossed his arms. "Hopefully it doesn't distract them. Regardless of this being a tournament setting, we can't allow the Shadow Bringers to advance further." He glared. "If I know Aeternus as the man I knew as Puck, he has something up his sleeve. He was never one for the easy way out."

Wes looked up at the doctor. "So, Aeternus does have a secret plan?" Tony's brows furrowed as he quietly listened.

"We don't know yet, but I'm sure." He glared. "Your suspicions regarding the Emotion Anima are credible, but that doesn't tell us what he did with the rest. He wouldn't stop at one type, otherwise he would've tried mixing them all into that Simisage."

Mack smirked. "Oh, I would've loved to see how that turned out. Either he becomes unstoppable or he explodes."

Griffin clenched his teeth. "I choose exploding."

Ava leaned down and touched Wes' shoulder. "How is Team Shatter Star doing? Better than the other day?"

Wes smiled. "They said they're raring to go. They should be fine."

"I only worry for their sake. They didn't deserve to be dragged into this chaos with us."

Wes shook his head. "No, they wanted to. After all, that's why we're doing it, right? For the good of everyone else?"

Ava smiled. "I suppose you're right." She glared down at the battlefield. "They're going to need our support in this one."

"I wouldn't worry too much." Eyes fell on Griffin as he rested his chin on his intertwined hands. His glare was focused on the field, a vile anger burning in his retinas. "I made sure to tell them everything they need to know. They're sending those bastards straight back to Hell."

Krystal took a deep breath, relaxing her muscles while jogging in place. "Phew…okay, we got this." She glared and threw a few jabs at the air. "Is everyone set on the plan?"

Saffiro sheathed his sword after sharpening it. "All set here~."

Oswald did some energetic exercises, like jumping jacks and push-ups. "I'm ready! Let's cream those guys!"

Cybil finished stashing bullet clips in her bag before turning to Krystal. "Griffin said our main concern is Edwin's allies, right?"

Krystal nodded. "Yeah. He provides the defense while they deliver the offense. We need to slow them down and take them out so we can focus on him." She punched into her wing. "I'll be taking the lead in dealing with Edwin. You guys stick to my orders and remember to keep them away from me. And Ebony?"

The Buneary, who was resting on the bench, turned her head and smirked. "Say no more. I'll take care of the rest if things go downhill."

Krystal smiled, then took one more calming breath. "Remember, guys, even though they are the enemy, this is a tournament. Don't let that affect your judgment. Either way, we're here to win. We're not in any worse danger than we've been before."

Cybil nodded. "We got the message." She strapped her rifle to her back. "Just remember to keep your cool."

"Don't worry." The Delibird spread her feet out and curled her wings into fists. She glared straight at the gates. "My resolve…is unbreakable."

"…Annnnd, welcome back, ladies and gentlemen!" DJ Chance exclaimed to the crowd. "We're in on Day 3 of the Gelid Peak Tournament! I would like to give a special thanks to all the teams who competed in our community battles yesterday. For tomorrow's events, along with another round of community battles, we ask if any volunteers would like to attend our Q and A session where they get to meet the budding younglings who wish to follow in your footsteps. We're always looking out for prominent fighters for tournaments!"

Gwyn held her chin. "That sounds fun."

"Thinking about participating?" Flint asked.

"Why not? Gives me something to do tomorrow!" she exclaimed. "Plus, I would love to inspire some kids to take up potion making!"

Flint chuckled. "Well, I think I'll pass, but you have fun."

"I will!"

"And now for an announcement to the participating teams. Be on the look out for any prominent onlookers in the audience. We've invited a number of academy headmasters who would love to enroll you in their battle academies. It's all the fun of college, but with more fighting!"

"Sign me up!" Wes shouted, shooting up from his seat. Flint grabbed his nape and forced him down.

"Be sure to prove your stuff in your battles! And don't worry if your teams didn't make it through your battles or the Puzzle Tower. You still have a shot at being accepted." The crowd heard the mic being muffled for a moment before the announcer returned. "Alright, apparently I'm not allowed to promote my services to any clubs. Although, if you are interested, I work birthday parties, clubs of all kind, dinner parties-!"

THWACK!

"Agh! Alright, alright, getting back on track!" He cleared his throat and continued. "Let's move on to the main event! Round 2, Match 1! Let's go!"

The crowd roared with cheers as the two gates opened, letting both sides out onto the battlefield.

"In the red corner, the rookies from down under! They're brutal, they're mean, and they don't take crap from anybody! Best not to meet them in a dark alleyway, if you know what I'm saying! Give it up for the Shadow Bringers!"

The team raised their hands as their fans cheered on for them, oblivious to their true nature. Edwin, leading the group, adjusted his jacket and gave the crowd a two-finger salute, showing off his cocky smile.

Wes narrowed his eyes. "They're certainly not worried."

"They will be…" Griffin growled.

"And in the blue corner, returning regulars to the tournament scene! When if comes to passionate spectacle, they bring the fire! Just looking at them is making me sweaty! Such passionate spirit! Give it up for Team Shatter Star!"

The five-man team struck dynamic poses with explosions going off behind them. The crowd went into a frenzy, clearly showing which team was more favored.

Hazel, with her team who were closer to the Shadow Bringers' corner, tilted her head. "Geez, they pose just as much as Gene, and that's sayin' a lot." She glanced at their team leader, then stared wide-eyed as he was vigorously scribbling on a notepad. "Uh…what are ya-?"

"Gene respects a team who understands the glory of posing, but Gene won't be one-upped like this! Gene needs to hire a full-scale pyrotechnics team, now!" His team facepalmed and sunk into their seats.

"The crowds are getting heated! Will Team Shatter Star take another victory or will the newcomers come out on top? The heat is on, folks! Let's see who survives this wildfire!"

Krystal sighed, then glared right at their opponents. "May the best team win, I suppose. Not that we'll let you go any farther than this."

Edwin smirked, arms crossed over his chest. "Well, if I was informed that I would be fighting a couple of goofballs, I wouldn't have taken that Grovyle's threat as seriously."

"Who are you calling goofs?!" Ebony barked. "I'm a drunk, not a clown!" Saffiro facepalmed.

"If you have any sense of self-preservation, you'll back out of this tournament now. I can't possibly waste my strength on the likes of you." Edwin threw his head back and laughed. "Especially after that ridiculous entrance! What a joke! Hahaha-!"

"YOU BASTARD!" Both teams froze and turned to the raging Machoke in the stands. "HOW DARE YOU INSULT THE SACRED ART OF POSING?! KICK HIS ASS, TEAM SHATTER STAR!"

"Gene, you're embarrassing us again!" Orville shouted, trying to pull him down.

Edwin blinked twice, then sighed. "Is Team Ravenfield the only competent team in this tournament?"

"Mock us if it keeps you cool." Edwin turned to the Delibird, who held her hips and puffed her chest out. "But you stand before an unbreakable wall of our own! Your barriers and defenses will be futile against our resolve!"

He glared seriously at Krystal. "I'll be sure to make your defeat as swift and merciless as The Waves."

Krystal's glare darkened. "Thanks. We hope to return the favor before taking our win."

"Cocky little twits." Edwin snapped his fingers, ordering his team to get into position.

Krystal raised her fists. "Team, assume position! Formation: The Ice Breaker."

"Yes, ma'am!" The team split up, with Oswald sticking close with Cybil while Saffiro and Ebony paired up. Krystal stood in the middle of the formation, forming two bombs in her wings.

Edwin narrowed his eyes. They're seasoned battlers. I may have to stay cautious around them. Tch. So long as I can get my barriers up, this shouldn't take too long.

"Both sides are getting ready," DJ Chance announced. "The field is set, the teams are ready, and I'm getting SUPER bored! So…let the battle…BEGIN!"

"Attack!" Edwin ordered, sending his team into an immediate charge.

Krystal's team made no sudden movements. Perfect. "Saffiro, Ebony! Your move!"

Saffiro clenched Salamander's hilt. "Fuoco Blu: Muro di Calore!" He slashed the sword out and erected a wall of flame between them, cutting off the Shadow Bringers' charge.

Slowking bared his teeth. "Trying to stop us?" He crouched and leaped over the wall of flames. "This is hardly an obstacle I can overcome." He channeled his magic through his fist. "Great Seeker-!"

A strip of cloth found its way around his arm, stopping it in place. His eyes widened, suddenly feeling Ebony's presence from above. She smirked darkly. "Hello~!"

Where…did she come from? I didn't sense her-

Ebony cut his thoughts off by dragging him in and bashing her fist into his face. "You're the physical fighter, right?" Red energy seeped from the Slowking's body and traveled into Ebony. "Then this is going to really suck for you!" She undid her scarf from him and rammed her foot into his gut. His eyes boggled out before crashing right back to the ground.

His teammates jumped out of the way as he went skipping off the ground and into the far wall. Edwin bared his teeth. "Right…she has Theft Magic." He glared. "Or rather…Greed Magic."

Ebony freefell towards them, baring her unsettling grin. "What's wrong, boys~? I'm just a cute rabbit girl who wants to get to know you personally!" She reared his fist back and swung into the ground, bursting it open and throwing the Shadow Bringers back.

Edwin scoffed. "What an annoying magic. Keep her busy!"

Throh clapped his hands together and struck the ground, sending a barrage of stone pillars straight at the rabbit. Ebony smirked. "Hunter's World!" She vanished before they struck down.

"Her magical presence instantly vanished," Kadabra noted. "Is she masking it?"

Edwin narrowed his eyes. "No, it's something else. She shouldn't be able to hide it instantly. Regardless, we shouldn't worry about her. Her teammates still haven't engaged."

Throh nodded, then struck the ground, opening a hole that he jumped into. Kadabra and Lickitung exchanged a nod and raced to the flames. Kadabra pulled out his mirror and aimed it at Lickitung. "Speculo Entry." The Lickitung crackled and broke into nonexistence, transferring over into the flipped reality.

Saffiro glared through the flames. "He sent him through the mirror?"

"Understand the laws of the Mirror Realm, scum," Kadabra scoffed, aiming the mirror at the flames. "He is not in the mirror, but right next to you. Now, exit!"

Team Shatter Star heard crackling behind them. Oswald was the first to turn and see the Lickitung appearing out of thin air. "Impact-!" Oswald doubled over from the punch that Lickitung rammed into his gut. He fell onto his knees and wheezed, unable to draw a breath.

Lickitung smirked over him. "That Ultimate Fist technique is pretty useless if you can't breathe." He grabbed the Breloom's cap and pulled his face into his rising knee. Blood sprayed out from Oswald's face.

Griffin bared his teeth. "Just like before, they want this to be over as soon as possible."

"Oh no…" Holly muttered in concern.

Lickintung picked Oswald up by the shirt and held him in front of his shocked team. "If any of you even think of attacking me, I'll start with his knees next."

Krystal bared her teeth. "Oswald…"

"How about you just throw your hands up and surrender? We might let you off with a warning." Lickitung clenched his fist. "I'd be quick about it. My fist is itching for some blood-" Suddenly, the Breloom vanished from his gasp, not a trace of him left. "What-?!"

BANG!

Lickitung gasped as blue-trailed bullets shot into his back. He spun around, but couldn't find the sniper anywhere. Another round of bullets came from behind and shot him in the neck. Given their nature, they didn't pierce the skin, but left his body screaming with pain.

Krystal glared, then took flight into the air. "Don't underestimate my team." She spun around and flew towards Edwin.

The Simisage bared his teeth and started running away from the pursuing Delibird. Dammit, it must've been that Buneary chick. Where the hell is she?

Outside of the perspectives of friend and foe, Ebony observed the fight with a smirk. The world around her was dark and hazing, in a monochromatic view no different to how Flint saw stopped time, only with more activity. The winds were black and the background was inkier.

She had Oswald beside her, who was sitting in a meditative state to regain his breathing. "Thanks for the assist," Oswald thanked.

"You can thank me later, but we can't stay here forever."

Oswald nodded. "So long as we don't touch anyone, they can't perceive us?"

"That's the beauty of Hunter's World. Once I pulled something in, we're completely untraceable. Even our very footprints can't be comprehended until the spell wears off." She snickered behind her hand. "Oh, I'm going to enjoy this."

Oswald sighed, then stood up. "Alright, I'm ready." He took a deep breath, channeling as much air into his lungs. "And I think…I'll start with that bastard who nearly shattered my nose."

Outside of Hunter's World, Lickitung and Saffiro engaged each other. The tongue monster whipped his massive tongue at the swordsman, who deflected it back with Salamander. Lickitung applied a layer of magic over his tongue so it could take repeated beatings from the sword.

"Damage Multiplier!" Lickitung raised his tongue and swung wildly into Saffiro.

Saffiro quickly sheathed Salamander, then used his quick draw style to repeatedly deflect the tongue, matching its quickened pace. Saffiro grunted as he felt the impacts with the tongue increasing after every it. The weight going through his arm gradually got stronger, bordering on the maximum strain to his muscles.

Lickitung smirked and raised his tongue for a powerful blow, but soon received a return on his early attack to Oswald. A force bludgeoned the tongue monster's stomach like a sledgehammer fired from a cannon. Instantly, his eyes perceived Oswald and his outstretched arm, along with Ebony standing by.

"Impact Star!"

Lickitung spat blood before flying backwards into the walls. He planted his feet down to keep from falling over, but the punch left his stomach churning. He covered his mouth, feeling like he was about to throw up.

Saffiro sighed and sheathed his sword. "You two have things covered over here?"

Ebony smirked. "Leave the bruisers to us. I'm still brimming with power and I want more of it."

Saffiro nodded, then glared at the ground. "There's still that Throh who went underground. Keep an ear out." He made his way to the center of the arena.

Lickitung pried himself from the wall, then glowered at the martial artist and thief glaring down on him. "Cheap shot…"

"We're not nice folks," Ebony retorted sinisterly. She bent her legs. "Let's rush him down!"

"Good idea!" Oswald exclaimed.

They kicked off the ground and threw a barrage punch attack into the Lickitung, who immediately crossed his arms to defend. Fortunately for him, a green barrier cascaded over his body sponging up the attacks. He smirked at the green tether floating over his head.

"Thank you, boss!" Lickitung shouted before shoving the two brawlers off. "Damage Rush!" Lighting up in a pink aura, he charged into the two and barreled through them. They went flying in opposite directions, but caught themselves and glared at the Lickitung who was now between them. He slammed his fists together and beckoned them both. "Come on! I'll teach you the real meaning of pain!"

After deploying his Fastidium Connection, Edwin kept his distance from Krystal as she hunted him down. She tossed bombs that were barely out of reach of scorching his back. This chick isn't giving me any time to think. If I hadn't deployed this when I did, the rest of my team would've been toast.

"Magno Chain!" Krystal created the arch of bombs and fired them in streams.

Edwin jumped around them while observing his surroundings. Good, the others are out of range. He landed and spread his arms out. "Fastidium Force!" The green swirling aura surrounded him into a dome, then expanded outward. Krystal, unable to turn in time, braced herself as the spell slammed into her. The ground broke up and uplifted with the barrier.

"Grr!" Krystal pressed her feet against the barrier and kicked off, taking to the skies and away from the barrier.

Once the spell ended, Edwin proceeded to run back towards his team, keeping the energy orb securely in his hand. "Don't waste too much time! Get rid of them quickly!"

The Slowking pulled himself together, cracked his knuckles, and dashed straight for Team Shatter Star. He glared around the arena and pointed out another missing member. "Boss, their sniper is missing!"

"She hid herself underground somewhere! Keep an eye out for any-!"

BANG!

Edwin barely deployed a barrier over his body as a bullet struck his side. His eyes flickered vigilantly, but he couldn't pinpoint where the trail started. It flew around from so many directions that detecting a point of origin was next to impossible.

That damn sniper. I knew she would be a problem. He smirked. However, you can't keep shooting forever. You're not as safe as you think you are.

Hidden from view while keeping her own unobstructed, Cybil poked her head up from a shallow ditch carved into the ground. Ambush Camouflage. I can depress the ground and create a thin layer of material over me to cover my position. The barrel of her sniper barely poked out from under the sheet, nearly impossible to detect. From an aerial view, it was impossible to point her out. From a ground view, even then, spotting her was difficult.

She set up her Ricochet Mirrors and lined up her next shot, aiming at the mirror-wielding Kadabra as he traded blows with Saffiro. She pulled the trigger and fired a red-trailed bullet, which bounced off the near invisible mirrors and struck Kadabra in the neck, exploding on impact.

"Agh!" Kadabra cried.

Saffiro sheathed his sword, then dashed right past the mirror user with a blue trail following behind. His sword, partially unsheathed, slowly returned to the scabbard. "Fuoco Blu: Assalto di Drago!" Kadabra let out a horrific scream as he burst into flames.

Cybil smirked and adjusted her shot onto the Slowking, who went to assist the Lickitung with Ebony and Oswald. And another for the road. I'll tie those two up and-

She paused at the sound of crackling beneath her stomach. She gazed down and found the ground breaking open. Her eyes widened, then she tried to scurry out of her cover. She didn't have time to before a dozen pillars flew out and struck her in the stomach.

"GAH!" Cybil coughed up spit as the pillars sent her sailing into the sky, possibly bruising her abdomen and ribs. She even lost her grip on her rifle.

Throh popped out from the ground and caught the rifle, smirking at the flying Furret. "Enjoy your flight into the next life, sniper chick." He thrusted his hand and sent two large pillars after her. They curved towards her and slammed between her.

Krystal gasped. "Cybil!"

Throh clenched his fingers, putting more tension into the pillars. "I'll crush her until she stops squirming. Did she really think she could hide underground against a master of the earth like me?" He clenched his fist, applying more pressure. "You've got a lot to learn, girly!"

Krystal bared her teeth. "Don't you dare underestimate my girl!" She poured her magic into a larger of her standard bombs and chucked it into the pillars. The rumbled from the explosion, but the damage was only superficial.

Throh laughed. "What? What's she going to do? She doesn't have any other weapons on her!" The surface of the pillars cracked open a little more. "Come on, Furret girl! Let's see some of that fighting spirit you idiots like to brag about-!"

A brief shine came through the crack before something flew out. Throh's eyes widened, feeling something sharp poking at his retina. A few seconds of processing later, the red bullet pressed against his shielded eye detonated. The explosion itself, while unable to break the barrier, sent the Throh flying onto his back and grabbed his head as an obnoxious ringing echoed inside his head.

"GAAAAH!" Throh cried, rolling around and screaming at the head-splitting sound.

With his concentration broken, the pressure being applied to the pillars eased up, allowing Cybil to crawl her way to the top and take a sigh of relief. Her arms shook from the strain of being pressed between stone. Her magic aura flickered weakly, not used to taking so much physical stress.

"I don't always…need my rifle…" Cybil panted. "But…it's really damn useful…"

Krystal swooped down, grabbed the rifle, then soared back up to collect Cybil, who grabbed hold of the Delibird's ankles. "Cybil, shoot Edwin, now!" Krystal ordered, dropping the rifle down to her.

Cybil caught it in one hand and took aim. She quickly set up her Ricochet Mirrors and fired. Edwin deployed a barrier over his body and stopped the bullet. Cybil unloaded the clip on him, firing a stream of yellow-trailed bullets. Edwin watched them fly overhead before spreading his arms out.

"Fastidium Force!"

Krystal pulled Cybil up and held her close as they were struck with the expanding barrier. The front row audience screamed and moved up a level as the two came slamming into the wall, with the barrier shoving them into the seats. They rolled out from the stands and landed back in the arena, with Krystal dazed from the impact.

Seeing his chance, Edwin raced to the downed girls. "Take these two down, then the last three should be a piece of cake!"

"Greed's Reach!"

Edwin's hand suddenly felt lighter. He stopped and saw that the orb for Fastidum Connection was taken from him. He glared at the Buneary bouncing around in the air while Oswald held off the Lickitung and Slowking. "Looking for this?!" she yelled before slamming both hands between the orb and shattering it.

Lickitung and Slowking stopped when they felt their protective barriers give out from around them. Oswald, who felt worn out from fighting them, smirked. "Oh yeah! Payback time!" Before they could get away, Oswald swept his leg and knocked them off their feet. For the brief moment they were suspended off the ground, Oswald drew in a deep breath and pulled both arms back. "Dual Combo!"

He drove a barrage of rapid punches into the two brutes, rippling their bodies with each impact. Their magic auras shimmered with each blow while their bodies contorted in brutal manners. Ending it off, Oswald spun on his heel and slammed his leg into the two, knocking them far across the arena and towards Saffiro.

Saffiro reached for his sheathed blade as they drew closer. "Now, Fuoco Blu…" He gripped the sword, glared, then slashed into the two brutes with unreadable speed. "Poesia delle Lucciole!"

After the blade struck, Lickitung and Slowking felt their skin catch fire. Unlike previous fire spells, however, the heat wasn't spreading through their body, but individual points across their whole bodies. Concentrated sources of heat that were burning into their skin. Less damage across the whole body, but far more pain focused on single points.

"GAAAH!" they cried out, rolling around on the ground to try and put the flames out.

"It feels like chickenpox from Hell!" Slowking cried. He scratched at his skin, but that worsened the heat. His skin started to smoke, even. "AGH!" He tripped and held himself as he tried to endure the pain.

Kadabra glared at the pair, clearly annoyed. "These clowns, I swear. Edwin! I'm going to get rid of their numbers!" He sprinted for Saffiro. "And I'll start with the swordsman!"

Cybil pushed herself up from under Krystal and aimed her rifle. "Not on my watch…" She fired a bullet, ricocheting it into the back of the mirror user's neck.

"AGH!" Kadabra stumbled forward, but didn't falter. He glared at the sniper. "Change of plans." He held up the mirror.

Cybil gasped, then shoved Krystal off her. "Get out of here!"

"Speculo Entry!"

Krystal gasped. "Cybil?!"

As soon as Cybil pushed her away, the Furret crackled into glass, crumbling before Krystal's eyes and disappearing into nothingness. Krystal stumbled over herself, then patted the ground for any sign of Cybil.

"Cybil?! Where did you go?! Cybil?!"

Kadabra huffed in relief. "No more of that sniper's interference. I sent her to the Mirror Realm where she can't cause any trouble." He lifted the mirror. "See for yourself."

Krystal looked at the tiny mirror and, despite not being close enough to see much, she could see the image of a Furret looking around in a panic right where Krystal was standing.

"Cybil! I'm over here!" Krystal called out.

"Krystal?!" Cybil called back, but she couldn't see where the voice was coming from.

Krystal flapped her wings and flew at the Kadabra. "Release her at once!"

Kadabra raised his finger and, in an instant, stopped Krystal in her place. She grunted and squirmed as the mirror user held her with his telekinesis. She tried to summon a bomb, but he pinned her wings to her sides. He scoffed and approached the restrained leader. "If you wish to join her so badly, I'll send you in there with her." He raised the mirror to her face. "In pieces." Krystal's eyes widened.

"Krystal, hang on!" Kadabra felt the approaching aura and ducked in time of a sword swipe. Saffiro sneered and raised the sword over his head. "Fuoco Blu-!"

"Speculo Entry: Partial Access!" He shined the mirror at Saffiro and sent his right arm, which held Salamander, into the Mirror Realm. In place of his missing arm was the blue, glass-like space.

Saffiro bared his teeth. "Shit-!" He felt a psychic blast to his chest and flew into the arena wall, shocking the crowd.

"Ooh! Seems the Shadow Bringers are giving Team Shatter Star a run for their money! Folks, I'm not liking their chances!" DJ Chance announced.

Throh clapped his hands and sunk them into the ground. "Tribunal of Earth!"

Walls of rock erected from the ground, surrounding Oswald and Ebony. They tried to jump through the top, but the exit was immediately sealed and left them to hitting their heads against it.

"Ow, ow, ow…" Ebony moaned, rubbing her sore noggin. Oswald clutched the sides of his head and groaned, pressing his back to the wall. "Oz, mind breaking us out? I've got too much of a headache."

Oswald shook his head, then cracked his knuckles. "Shouldn't be too hard."

Outside, however, Edwin pressed his hand against the wall Oswald intended to strike, while setting his other hand on the ground. He smirked. "Damage Transfero."

"Dual Impact!" He stretched both arms back, then slammed them with great force into the wall. They assumed this was enough to shatter the walls.

Instead, the kinetic energy transferred to the center of Edwin's palm and traveled down from the arm connected to the wall down to the one connected to the ground. The energy flow found its way back into the earth prison, tracking the only two lifeforms inside and…

"GAH!" Ebony and Oswald screamed as a force struck into their abdomens. Ebony spat out blood and flew across the prison while Oswald endured it, instinctively reinforcing his stomach. It still hurt like crazy, something he never felt by anyone else in his career of fight. Except…

"That…felt like…one of my punches…" Oswald wheezed as he clutched his stomach.

"Oh, I'm going to…throw up…" Ebony groaned, doubled over on her knees.

Edwin smirked with satisfaction and stepped away from the earth prison. "That should keep them preoccupied." He folded his arms behind his back and approached Krystal, who remained suspended by the Kadabra's psychic hold. The grass monkey grabbed her chin and pulled her to his face. "So, you said you were the leader of these weirdos? You could've done better."

Krystal bared her teeth. "I'm not out yet, you jer-!" She gasped, eyes nearly glazing over, when he slammed his knee into her stomach. Spit dripped from her gaping beak as she wheezed pitiful coughs.

Edwin grunted and adjusted his jacket. "You're in way over your head." He pulled her closer and whispered in her ear, "Do you really think you'll get anything significant out of this? Wasting your time fighting a true enemy? If it weren't for us trying to keep a low profile right now, you'd already be dead." He slammed his fist into her stomach, nearly forcing the poor girl to vomit.

"Krystal!" Wes shouted from the stands, nearly jumping from his seat.

"Wes, sit down!" Tony yelled, shoving him back down. However, he couldn't deny he was feeling just as angry about it. "If you go down there, you may end up disqualifying them." Wes bared his teeth furiously.

Griffin narrowed his eyes, remaining calm at the scene. Come on…

The crowd got pretty concerned as well, with some of Team Shatter Star's fans booing at the torturous display. Some threw food at the Shadow Bringers, who just ignored it while recovering from their injuries. Edwin lifted his head and smirked. "Ah, it seems you're well loved around here. Good. We could always use a little more misery to lighten the mood."

Krystal narrowed her eyes emotionlessly, hanging her head.

Over at the private box, Benedict observed the scene with mild annoyance. "Clearly someone doesn't understand the spirit of the tournament."

Seth leaned against the window and looked on curiously. "What did you expect from a nasty lowlife working with the shadows? I can sense that tainted aura all the way from up here."

Cicely glared. "Benedict, it would be wise to intervene before someone gets hurt."

"Maybe you're-"

"No." They turned to the old mage next to them, who stared intensely at the fight. "Don't stop the fight," Cielo ordered.

"Sir?" Seth asked.

"I want to see…this young lady's passion. And her team's fire." They stared at the old mage curiously, then looked back out the window.

Edwin took his time with Krystal, striking her with heavy punches across the face and in the stomach. Unable to move her body, Krystal took them without so much as a reaction. Either her body had gone numb or she grew use to them.

"Do you honestly think you're anything special?" Edwin taunted, slamming both fists down on her head. "You're just walking yourselves to your deaths." He grabbed her by the shirt and pulled her face into his knee. "This is the culmination of the shadows' glory. Why risk your pathetic lives when that future is inevitable? Stop wasting our time." He struck her in the stomach twice. "Team Ravenfield is a bunch of fools trying to get in the way of our king's vision. Don't follow in the footsteps of fools. You should be smarter than that."

He stepped back and smirked as Krystal hung silently in the air, head hanging limply. Her breathing was ragged while her body quivered with aches and pains. She sounded like she was trying not to vomit. The grass monkey crossed his arms and listened to the booing going on from the stands.

"What's with them? I'm just winning." He closed his eyes and chuckled. "Oh, how the mighty have fallen, so do their fans." He dusted off his hands. "I give you permission to surrender now, Frostwood. Best you take it while I'm being merciful-"

"Hehehehe…"

Edwin narrowed his eyes with confusion, then looked back at the Delibird. Her head still hung, but her beak curled into a light smirk as she…laughed? Edwin turned himself around and glared at the chortling penguin.

"…Did I actually break you that bad?" Edwin grumbled. "You're laughing?"

Krystal snickered, then shook her head at him. "N-No…no, nothing like that. I'm just…hehehe, laughing. Laughing…at you. Hehehe…hahahaha!"

Edwin clenched his teeth, growling in annoyance. "Did I say something funny? What the hell's wrong with you?"

"Because you think you're winning." She threw her head back and laughed with genuine joy. "I'm really sorry. I don't try to act like I'm mocking someone, but…well, in all fairness, you're being quite the jerk. Hahahaha!"

Edwin's eye twitched. He growled vehemently, then drove his fist into her stomach. Krystal gasped in pain for a moment, then resumed her laughter. Edwin actually snarled and struck her repeatedly across the face, rippling her magic aura. Her laughter didn't stop, furthering Edwin's anger. No matter how hard he struck, she wouldn't shut up!

"Stop laughing, you stupid twit!" Edwin roared, slamming his fist into her abdomen. "Do you think this is funny?! Do you know who you're dealing with?! I won't be mocked by some annoying jester who dares put herself on the same pedestal as-!"

"Ebony," Krystal suddenly called out, her tone instantly shifting to seriousness. "You have my permission. Go and have some fun."

"Finally!" Ebony cheered from within the stone prison. She threw her jacket off and raised her arms. "Let's rock this party!"

"Oh boy…" Oswald crouched down and braced himself.

What is she doing? Edwin questioned.

"Viribus Swipe…" Ebony lifted her arms over her head, then crossed them with the palms aiming out. "Physical Ransack!"

Suddenly, a vacuum effect occurred around her, centered solely on her. This vacuum effect could be seen from outside the stone prison, drawing into the Buneary. At first, the Shadow Bringers couldn't determine what she was doing, until Lickitung dropped to one knee and started panting. If he wasn't weak before, he suddenly looked exhausted.

"W-What? My strength…"

Slowking and Throh collapsed onto their knees, too, shaking from sudden fatigue. Edwin clenched his fists as drowsiness overcame his body. What is she…? He looked around and notice even Team Shatter Star was growing weaker. It's doesn't discriminate? He heard a chorus of groans and looked up at the stands.

To his shock, members of the audience were collapsing or passing out in their seats. A wave of red aura left their bodies and traveled through the vacuum, with Ebony taking it all in. The Buneary clenched her teeth as her normally lean, muscular body started expanding. Nothing drastic, but her physique was gradually becoming bulkier.

"Ladies and gentlemen…it seems Team Shatter Star…is pulling off one last trick. Oh god, I don't feel so good…" The DJ seemed to collapse after that.

Ella staggered forward and panted as red energy left her body. Everyone, aside from Ava and Morgan, felt themselves growing weaker. Cheri even passed out from it, now being cradled in Tony's arms. "What the hell…is going on?" Ella rasped.

Hugo clutched the seat in front of him to keep himself up. "It's one of Ebony's most powerful spells. Viribus Swipe: Physical Ransack. It doesn't take as much strength as her normal Viribus Swipe, only half, but it draws in strength from every lifeform within a certain radius. She's taking everyone's strength to push herself to her absolute limit."

"Is this…even legal? Attacking the crowd like this?" Flint panted as he and Gwyn tried to keep each other up.

"There is some…restrictions against moves that could attack the crowd, but…they made an exception since the effects are temporary and not harmful. It just feels like a brief dip of fatigue." Hugo found his breath and straightened up. "Fighting may not be my passion, but you're about to see the true madness that is their teamwork."

The Shadow Bringers pushed themselves to their feet and glared at the stone prison as the vacuum started to fade. Edwin growled and pointed at it. "Don't give her a moment to attack! Take her down!"

"Yes, sir!" Throh extended his arm. "Razing-!"

A pebble shot through the prison walls and struck his finger. The pebble struck with such immeasurable force that it not only bent his finger back and broke it, but it forced his entire arm to bend backwards, followed with a sick, crackling sound.

"AAAAAAAH!" Throh screamed, clutching his now-broken arm. "She…She just broke my arm! AAAAHHHH!"

Kadabra stumbled back, completely forgetting his psychic hold on Krystal. "Is she crazy? How much strength is she packing? That bitch might actually kill us!"

"H-Hey…" The Shadow Bringers looked down at Krystal, who smirked right at them. "You started it." Edwin growled and tried to kick her, but she grabbed his foot and slammed a bomb right in his stomach.

"AGH!" Edwin cried as he flew backwards. He landed right in front of the stone prison, which was cracking open due to the pebble that pierced through. He scrambled to his feet and jumped away just as the walls came crumbling down.

Ebony stepped out from the dust, rotating her shoulder. She discarded her scarf with her jacket and stretched out her arms. She packed more muscle given her small size, but her aura blazed with a menacing red color. She shined her glare on the Simisage, proceeding to crack her knuckles.

"So…you like to be the wall of your team?" She crouched down, then flashed an unsettling grin. "Let's play a game! You'll be the immovable object! I'll be the unstoppable force!"

It took very little energy for her to essentially teleport in his face. Edwin barely casted a barrier over his body as Ebony rammed her fist into him. The barrier, however, couldn't handle the weight of her punch and shattered instantly as he went flying. Ebony briefly touched the ground before rocketing after the grass monkey, socking her fist into his exposed stomach.

Edwin felt his breakfast surging up his throat, but he kept it down. He socked Ebony across the face, but it did nothing to faze her. In fact, she got excited that he was fighting back.

"Ah good, for a moment there, I thought you were going to chicken out!" Ebony clasped her hands together and swung them into his face. Edwin sailed through the ground all the way across the stadium and struck the far wall. Ebony jumped high into the air and angled herself in his direction. "Friction Theft!" Having stolen some friction from the ground, she placed it into the air and launched off the space.

Edwin pushed himself up and gasped as the rabbit careened on his position. He crossed his arms and yelled, "Damage Transfero!"

Ebony slammed her fist into the monkey's face, but the force went down his body and passed into the ground, shattering it beneath him. Edwin, however, didn't expect the massive crater it would end up making. He nearly lost his balance when he sunk in.

"So…" His eyes widened as Ebony smirked down on him. "Any and all damage just wash off you? I'm not convinced!" She pulled back her fists. "More smashing! Ra-Tatatatatatatatata!" she cried, dealing an attack rush down on the monkey.

Edwin tensed up as the ground gradually sunk under his feet, stressing from the repeated blows of Ebony's fists. Just how long can she sustain that power boost?!

Edwin's teammates saw he was in trouble and raced to help him. However, a wall of flame cut their path off, directing their attention back to the one-armed Saffiro. He panted, but was on his feet smirking. "I can still use my flames without my sword."

Kadabra sneered and raised his mirror at him. "I've had enough of this. I'm sending you into the Mirror Realm with that sniper."

Suddenly, Saffiro spun around and pointed his back at them. "Cybil, shoot him now!"

"Huh?" Lickitung and Slowking gasped.

Kadabra smirked. "You fool. No matter how hard she tries, there's no way for her to shoot out of the Mirror Realm." He shined his mirror. "Now then, Speculo-!"

A bullet pierced through Saffiro's shoulder and struck through the Kadabra's mirror, hand, and shoulder. Kadabra, stunned with silence, was unable to scream from pure shock alone.

"Whaaaaaat?!" the brutish duo cried.

The mirror shards rained on the ground, where they could see Cybil's eyes glaring up at them. "An interesting little trick, but not something I'm unfamiliar with. When you separated Saffiro's arm, it's still able to move in conjunction with his body at his normal position. It's separate, but still connected with him. He just can't use it out there. A low tier form of a Spatial Magic that I'm familiar with."

Kadabra, as he tripped backwards, stared at the mirror pieces in horror. She…She actually SHOT him just so her bullet could reenter this realm?! Who DOES that?! I've used that spell on hundreds in the past! No one's ever done something as stupid and reckless as that! He collapsed onto his back, stunned by his injuries and the action that brought them.

Unable to maintain control, his spell broke and Cybil reentered the normal realm, as well as Saffiro's arm. Saffiro clutched his shoulder and grimaced at the blood dripping from it, as well as the entrance wound at the very top of his arm. Cybil looked at him apologetically. "You alright?"

Saffiro smirked uneasily at her. "Heh, I will be once Hugo heals me up. This is nothing~."

Lickitung glared at Slowking and said, "We need to get rid of them. These guys are insane!"

"Good call." Slowking slammed his fists together and channeled his magic. "Great Break Demise!" A pink aura flared up around him, then he charged at the sniper and swordsman. "I'll turn you into paste!"

Krystal glared, then gestured Oswald over. "Give them the Razzmatazz Surprise, Oz!" She channeled her magic into his hands and coated them with the Crepitus Virus. Since he didn't have any magic to infect, the virus stayed isolated in his hands.

"You can count on me, boss!" Oswald slammed his fists together and charged.

Slowking lunged and swung his fist for Cybil, but Oswald intercepted and slammed his fist into his side. Slowking spat air and flew a couple meters from the hit. He grabbed his side, then gasped as the Crepitus Virus was spreading up his body.

"Dual Shoot!" He looked up and took a drop kick to the face. Oswald kicked off his face, then rammed his head into his gut. "Impact Star!" He struck into Slowking's untouched side, spreading more of the virus. "Dual Combo!" Taking in a deep breath, he unleashed a furious flurry of punches, spreading the whole virus over Slowking.

Krystal raised her wing. "Now explode!"

The virus detonated on both fighters, with Slowking taking the worse of it. Oswald was blown back while his hands detonated from the blast. He tumbled across the ground and landed flat on his face, burnt by the explosion. He grunted and tried to lift himself, but he was at the end of his ropes. He collapsed onto his stomach.

Slowking, meanwhile, teetered on his feet, jaw hanging open with eyes completely blanked out. He fell forward onto his knees, then landed on his face.

Krystal ran over to Oswald and scooped him up. "Oz, hanging in there?"

Oswald grimaced, then smiled apologetically at Krystal. "Sorry boss, but…I think I'm wiped. I gave it my all, right?"

Krystal smiled. "As always." She lay him down, then turned to the other fighters.

Throh, whose left arm hung loosely by his side, stepped back. "Shit, what do we do?"

Lickitung sneered. "We turn back everything they threw at us. Take them from afar, I'll go in up close. Damage Levo!" Taking all the accumulated damage he endured, his muscles expanded to their brink. He roared and rushed for Krystal.

Throh pressed his hand on the ground. "Razing Earth Assault!" Spires of rock shot out from behind him and followed the Lickitung towards Krystal.

Krystal glared, then extended her wings out. "Stun Cannon!" She emitted a piercing flash, instantly blinding the Lickitung.

His eyes shrunk, causing him to stop and double back with his hands pressed to his burning retinas. "Agh, my eyes!" He stumbled around completely unaware of the spires surging past him.

Throh threw out hands gestures with his only good hand, controlling the flow of the spires. "Pierce her to the ground!"

Krystal jumped back from the spires, then scooped Oswald up. She spun and dodged through the spires, shouting, "Saffiro, take them down!"

Saffiro raced to the spires and slashed through them. "I'll eliminate these two! Get Oswald to cover!" He blocked a spire with his sword, then slashed it apart. He dashed into Throh and socked his fist into his stomach.

"Gah!" Throh gasped. He then clenched his fist and struck down on the Hakamo-o's head. "Unbound World!" A circle carved into the ground, then released a bright, orange light pillar. Saffiro crossed his arms, feeling tiny specks of rock slashing into his scales. It was like dust particles suddenly had incredible mass and were tearing into his skin.

Lickitung's blurry vision finally subsided, then he turned his attention on Saffiro. "Damage Levo: Maximum!" His body bulked up further than before, rippling with impressive muscle. He charged, lunged in the air, and struck down on Saffiro's head. "Now DIE!"

"GAH!" Saffiro cried. His vision blurred before faceplanting into the ground. Lickitung raised his foot and stomped on the scaly dragon's back.

"How do you like that, punk?!" Lickitung shouted, now agitated beyond normal.

More of the crowd booed at their actions. Even a group of girls in support of Team Shatter Star, specifically Saffiro's own fangirls, screamed out in horror, "SAFFIRO!"

"Not his beautiful face!"

"I can't watch!"

Lickitung pressed his foot down on Saffiro's head. "So, you have fangirls?" He put pressure on Saffiro's head, cracking the ground as he sunk in. "At least you'll be remembered fondly."

"You can't kill him, idiot," Throh whispered harshly. "Aeternus will kill us if we get kicked out like this."

"Count Aeternus is making us take part in a tournament when we can easily raze this damn city," Lickitung whispered back just as harshly. "Who the hell cares if we kill them?"

"His maid is a puppet and he has killed over something as petty as cold soup! Who do you think you're talking about-?"

"If you two are done talking…" Their eyes widened as Saffiro suddenly appeared behind them, hand clutched over his hilt. "I believe you have a date with Salamander's flames."

W-What? How did he-? Lickitung looked back down, then gasped at the remnants of swirling flame under his foot. Right…this bastard can cut portals open with fire. Shit!

Throh swung around. "Take him down!" Saffiro raised his arm and blocked his punch.

"I'll have to end you two right now." He pushed him back, then kicked Throh in the stomach, which knocked Lickitung over as well. Saffiro raised his hand to the concerned crowd. "I'm good! And ladies…!" He winked. "This next one is dedicated to you~."

His fangirls screamed with relief and admiration, with hearts practically filling their eyes. Tony smirked. "Well, I see I'm not the only heartthrob taking part in the tournament."

Saffiro focused back on Lickitung and Throh, then proceeded to draw his sword out. Unlike before where he utilized his quickdraw style, he didn't go for the fast approach. He spun his sword and performed a dance-like maneuver with it. He spun on his foot, twirling the sword over his head, and swung with elegant, controlled strikes, more for show than combat.

The two Shadow Bringers pulled themselves up and glared with confusion. "What is he doing?" Lickitung asked.

"I don't know, but I don't like it." Throh curled his fingers. "Strike hard and fast. Don't let him finish what he's doing." They nodded and rushed for the swordsman.

Saffiro narrowed his eyes as they quickly approached, then raised his sword over his head. "With my teammates out of harm's way, I do not fear having to use this little spell~." He spun the sword and aimed the blade towards the ground. "Let us go out with a dance of glory among the flames!

"Fuoco Blu: Incenerimento Danza!"

He plunged the sword in the ground, pumping his magic through. Lickitung and Throh stopped as the ground sporadically heated up. They gasped as the ground split up and released a torrent of blue flames, catching both them and Saffiro in them. They nearly took up the entire arena, with his team and Edwin, still preoccupied with Ebony, out of range.

Throh and Lickitung screamed as they faded into the flames, while Saffiro grunted against the recoil of his own magic. His scales slowly blackened, as did his skin. He only endured it just to guarantee the two Shadow Bringers would be out for good.

Reaching his limit and believing they've had enough, Saffiro pulled the sword out and collapsed onto his back. His skin smoked and his breath was hoarse from the lack of air in the fire. He couldn't move his body, too hurt to move a muscle.

The affected land was charred to a crisp, blackened like the night sky with the heated embers of the blue fires scattered about. Laying unconscious on this charred ground were the two Shadow Bringers, just as burnt up as Saffiro.

Krystal set Oswald down and ran over to him, immediately checking his injuries. Cybil hobbled over, using her rifle as a cane. "How is he?" the sniper asked.

Krystal sighed and stood up. "Fine, but he won't be getting up after that." She glared ahead. "Now that just leaves…"

Over with Edwin, the grass monkey was breaking into a sweat. He and Ebony stood in a deep hole in the ground after the repeated beatings on his Damage Transfero. His body was covered in bruises, softened blow thanks to the barriers he used to stop Ebony's punches.

The Buneary wasn't doing any better. She panted on the spot, arms hanging loose against her. Her muscular physique slowly deflated as the stolen strength gradually leaked from her body, leaving her in a semi-state to earlier. She wiped her brow while retaining eye contact with the monkey.

Edwin bared his teeth. "I won't be made a fool of by some drunken thief…"

Ebony raised a tired smirk. "Heh…many guys have said the same thing. I broke their skulls."

Edwin raised his fists. "The Shadow Bringers will prevail, as well as our masters!" He sprinted into Ebony and socked her across the face.

With most of her stolen strength gone, the punch did quite a bit, especially given her exhausted state. Any second now, my body's going to give out on me. That's the downside of stealing so much strength with that spell. I better do as much as I can. Ebony curled her fist and returned the punch into Edwin's face.

"Damage Transfero!" Edwin quickly activated the spell before most of the punch registered and struck back, delivering a punch with his strength and Ebony's.

"AGH!" Ebony flew across the pit and slammed into the wall. Edwin lunged and socked her in the stomach. Ebony growled and slammed both fists down on his head. "Viribus Swipe-!" She screamed as red energy crackled over her body in response. She felt her muscles straining and pulling as she tried to force more strength to be stolen.

Edwin grabbed her face and slammed his knee into it, then pressed her into the wall. "Fastidium Force!"

Ebony grunted as the expanding shield slammed into her and pushed her through the pit. The walls of the pit were forced to split open against the unstoppable barrier. Rocks tumbled down, but were quickly repelled by the barrier as it increased in size.

Edwin ceased the barrier and panted, glaring at Ebony as she hung against the wall. "Still not down? Then I'll-"

BANG!

A non-lethal bullet shot against his neck. He gasped and spun around before getting a face full of explosives. Edwin skipped across the ground and slammed into the other side of the pit.

Krystal and Cybil scaled down the pit, glaring right at Edwin. "Looks like he's reaching his limit, too," Cybil commented.

Krystal nodded. "To keep all those barriers up, he expends more magic than anyone else in the Emotion Anima spectrum. That's what Griffin said." She crossed her wings. "And Fastidium Force, for as unstoppable as it is, has a serious drawback. After using it, he's forced into a five second cooldown for his magic. To create an unstoppable barrier you can't even pierce, it makes sense it would need that cooldown."

Edwin pushed himself up against the wall. They know about that? Shit…

Cybil scurried over to Ebony and pulled her up. "You alright?"

Ebony bared a forced grin. "Never better…just, you know, feeling every inch of my body screaming in pain…" She moaned weakly and collapsed into Cybil's arms.

Cybil set her down, then glared at Edwin. She pulled out her rifle. "We know how to counter your spells. And now that Ebony has left you as weak as the rest of us, this shouldn't take too long."

Edwin growled as she and Krystal approached him. He moved his hands behind his back. He closed his eyes and sighed. "I admit, I underestimated your team. Truly you aren't as incompetent as I thought." He glared. "Allow me to make up for my ignorance." He pulled his hand out from behind his back.

Krystal glared. "Wait, what are you-?"

Cybil gasped. "Krystal!"

Edwin chucked a knife of darkness as Krystal. Before she could react, Cybil tackled her out of the way right as the knife plunged into her side. Krystal fell on her back, then gasped as Cybil plopped onto the ground. The shadows of the knife burned across her fur.

"CyCy!" Krystal dove over and touched the shadows. She set the shadows to turn into a harmless explosion, not enough to aggravate Cybil's injuries. She looked down at the cut in the Furret's side. "CyCy! Cybil!"

"HA!" Krystal turned and was struck square in the face, knocking her away from Cybil. Edwin waved his fist, then looked over the fallen Furret. "I've had enough of you all." He pressed his foot down on Cybil's wound, which made her wince.

"Cybil!" Krystal cried.

Edwin pressed down, causing Cybil to groan. "Surrender and I'll spare her the torture."

"Folks, I have no idea what's going on down there, but it can't be good!" DJ Chance announced, having just woken up.

Krystal dug into the ground, snarling. "I won't surrender!"

"Not even for your precious girlfriend?" Edwin stomped on Cybil's side. Cybil screamed out in pain. "Clock's ticking. Don't waste my time."

Krystal growled furiously. "I won't surrender!" she repeated.

"What is with you? I'm not playing around here. I can do so much to her without killing her." Edwin summoned more shadow knives. "Don't tempt me to give a demonstration."

Krystal curled her wings. "Sick twisted scum of the earth…if you think this will stop me…" She tapped the ground and applied her Crepitus Virus to it. "Then you don't know who the hell I am!"

Edwin's eyes widened. "Wait, what are you-?!"

Krystal detonated the ground and propelled herself forward, slamming herself into Edwin. They tumbled over each other, then rolled to their feet. Krystal spun and slugged Edwin across the face, knocking a tooth from his mouth. She went in again, but he caught her punch and struck her in the stomach.

"Fall!" Edwin shouted.

"Never!" Krystal banged her head into his, then slammed two bombs into his chest. "Magno Chain!" She fired the arch of bombs.

"Obice Cancel!" Edwin pulled up the barrier and canceled out the bombs, then raised his arms. "Fastidium Force-!"

Right as he got the spell activated, Krystal tackled his midsection, then jumped up the pit. She managed to get to the top before being blown back by the shield. Thankfully, no one but her was hit.

Edwin landed on surface level ground and glared as Krystal crashed down. To his shock, she landed on her feet. She didn't even tumble on her back. Aggravated, Edwin threw a flurry of shadow knives at her. "Fall already!"

Krystal deflected the knives, but took a few to the shoulders and wing. "I said never!" She touched the knives and detonated the shadows off her. She roared and fired off another chain of explosions, ones that Edwin canceled with his Obice Cancel.

He flinched as the barrier flickered weakly after impact. I'm running low on stamina. He lunged at the Delibird and dropkicked her in the face. He flipped off his back and struck her in the chest, then the face, then kicked her in the side.

Krystal ducked under one of his next punches and drove her fist into his cheek. "No matter how many times you hit me, I won't fall! I refuse to lose to the likes of you!"

"Will you shut UP?!" Edwin flailed his fists furiously into her face, whipping her head against every blow. "Stop being so stubborn and give up! You have no right to challenge the likes of us!" Blood sprayed from the next punch, pushing Krystal back. "Why are you still standing?! Just GIVE UP!" He coated a bit of darkness around his fist and punched her square in the face. "You're worthless!"

Krystal flew back, but shot her legs down and planted herself into the ground. She panted heavily, growling through her teeth. "Even if I'm not the one you're after, the one your precious master is hunting down…" She lifted her head and casted a dark glare at him. "I won't give you the satisfaction of winning this tournament with your pride intact. No matter what, you won't take home a victory against me!"

"You're speaking nonsense!" Edwin rammed into her and tried to push her over. "Fall! Fall down! Drop! Surrender! Give up!"

Krystal bared her teeth and resisted. "I said…NEVER!" She bashed her head into his again, then raised a bomb over her head. "RAWR!" She slammed it down on Edwin with brutal force.

"Fastidium Force!" Krystal's eyes widened as the shield rammed through the smoke and blasted her across the arena, shocking the crowd. Krystal crashed into the wall of the arena, covered in a veil of smoke.

Edwin stumbled back, bleeding from the head with the pompadour of fur disheveled. "Stupid bitch…how dare she act so tough before…me?" His eyes widened as the smoke cleared from the impact.

His eyes widened further with horror and rage.

Krystal was still standing, head hung low and wings hanging loosely. Her expression was covered in shadow.

Edwin gawked in disbelief. "H-How…are you still…?" He bared his teeth into a bloodthirsty snarl, then he roared like a ferocious monster. "I'VE HAD IT!" He charged at full speed, wrapped shadows around his hand into claws. "I'M GOING TO SHRED YOU INTO BLOODY PIECES!"

"Krystal!" Wes shouted. Tony sprung up and started up Light Speed.

"NO!" Hugo cried, raising his staff to fire at the grass monkey.

Edwin got within range and swung his claws down at the motionless Delibird before, suddenly, a hand caught him by the wrist. "That's enough." Edwin's eyes widened, the rage leaking out from him, as a powerful presence stood over him. "You've already won. Do not sully your victory with petty revenge."

"W-What…?" He looked over his shoulder, then his eyes shrunk to see it was the champion of the tournament, Benedict. The Beartic's icy cold glare struck down on the petrified Simisage, who was also confused by his interference. "Wh-What do you mean I…?" He looked back at Krystal.

Her eyes, while very much open, were glazed over. Sweat dripped from her motionless body, as did drops of blood running from her wings.

"She's…unconscious?" Edwin whispered in disbelief.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm…completely lost, in all honesty. The champion has just entered the arena without warning and stopped the match."

"Benedict," Morgan mumbled.

Ava sighed. "Thank goodness."

Wes narrowed his eyes. He could sense the champion's immense magic. Even from their level, he could sense the strength it carried when he last encountered him. There he is…

Benedict dropped Edwin, who remained petrified at the unconscious Delibird. "If you had struck her then and there, you would've been disqualified." He crossed his arms. "Consider my interference an act of mercy."

"Sh-She…after everything I've…" Edwin's eye twitched. "How…How can someone so…?"

Benedict turned away. "You've almost crossed many lines during this battle. However, I will not have you kicked out for it." He glared. "You don't frighten me." He stepped away from the stunned monkey, then raised his hand to the crowd. "Team Shatter Star is unable to continue. The Shadow Bringers…or what's left of them, will move on to the final round!"

Immediately, boos erupted from the crowd. Edwin didn't acknowledge them, even as tomatoes were pelted at his head. He was locked on Krystal's glazed eyes, welling with anger and shattered pride. "After…After everything…and she's still…? Why is she still standing?"

Medics immediately went out on the scene and started to the fallen fighters. The Shadow Bringers were carried off first, then Team Shatter Star. Four men went down the pit to collect Cybil and Ebony.

One medic came up to Krystal and grabbed her shoulder. Instantly, the Delibird collapsed into his arms, her body finally relaxing itself. She was set down on the stretcher and dragged off.

Even with Krystal taken away, Edwin was stuck staring at where she was standing. He only stopped as a medic grabbed and dragged him off to be checked for injuries, and possible head trauma.

Over the booing, DJ Chance could be heard mumbling something over a covered mic before saying, "Um…well, it seems the Shadow Bringers will be going on to the finals. I, uh…wow, that was…wow. Um, due to damages to the arena, we will need some time before the second match of the day begins. W-We will be sure to get the next match started soon."

The Wild Fangs were glaring as the Shadow Bringers were carried out. "Disgraceful varmints," Hazel spat.

Yon sighed. "A hard-fought battle with a rather distasteful execution. It is like breathing in the toxic air of a fresh meadow during the finest sunset-"

"Gene's going to pummel that monkey when he gets to the finals!" Gene roared, slamming his fist down on the seats in front of him. "How dare he insult the noble art of battling?! A coward who must be extinguished by Gene's hands!"

"Please stop ignoring me…" Yon mumbled.

Wilbur sighed and leaned back in his seat. "Well, I'd say they dealt a number on the Shadow Bringers. I don't think they'll be recovering anytime soon."

Over with Team Ravenfield, they clambered out of their seats and pushed through the audience. "Come on, we should go check on them," Wes said.

"Yeah," Ella agreed. She glared back down at the arena. "Make sure when you get to the finals, kick that asshole twenty feet under."

Wes glowered. "No promises." He dug his claws into the floor and bared his teeth. "I might go fifty."

"Well, you handled that well," was the first thing Benedict heard when he returned the private box. He glared at Seth, who reclined back in his chair with his notepad and quill, jotting down the data he collected from the match. "You sure you didn't want them kicked out? They are the enemy."

Benedict planted himself back in his seat. "Sadly, this isn't the first time a team got a little too rough in their matches. I'm sure he knows not to try and kill his opponents anymore." He glared seriously. "Or else."

Cicely shook her head. "Even so, you're letting a team affiliated with the shadows compete. You can sense that aura as well. Why let them go on?"

"Because Benedict sees Team Ravenfield's potential through Team Shatter Star's." Cicely turned to Cielo, who was writing something up on a clipboard. "Ravenfield and his team are more involved in this key case than Shatter Star, yet they fought with that same passion." Cielo narrowed his eyes. "If someone who has no true involvement in these affairs would go so far to stop them, then it's telling the kind of allies Team Ravenfield has amassed."

"You really think so?" Cicely asked.

"We'll see soon enough," Seth chirped in, putting his notepad away in his sleeve. "So, old man, what are you writing down there?"

Cielo narrowed his eyes. "They were all great…but I was most impressed with Ms. Frostwood's passion. You don't find that much spirit often. She's still unrefined…but she has true potential to become an unstoppable fighter. It's something that can be tempered with the right training." He finished writing, then pulled the sheet out. "I'll request an audience with her team after the tournament. They'll need a few days to relax afterwards."

Benedict nodded, then glared. "What about Team Ravenfield?" Cielo narrowed his eyes. "They lost a handful of the keys they were supposed to keep safe." Benedict raised his wine glass. "If they're truly the figures in the prophecy, can we really trust them to defeat the Shadow King?"

"…Benedict, my friend…" Cielo leaned back into his seat and cupped his hands together. "I have an eye for spotting a creature's potential. Team Ravenfield…I see untapped reservoirs waiting to be discovered."