Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Though it's a little shorter than usual, as we'll just be seeing the start of some characters collecting scans in preparation for the tournament. Along with a surprise at the ending, and not necessarily a good one. So, without further ado.
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"Okay, I got a new scan of UnderWorld City, but if I want a chance at winning the tournament, the key is getting the best Creatures. And I'll start with the fiercest fighter in Perim." Kaz said as he made his way to Chaor's throne room.
Having ported straight to the UnderWorld first to start building up his deck for the tournament, knowing he needed to get a new scan of Chaor to really have a shot at winning. Though when the redhead arrived at the throne room, he didn't see Chaor anywhere in sight.
"Chaor?" Kaz called out, wondering if he's in another part of the castle, before turning around when he thought he heard footsteps, missing Agitos moving behind him across the throne room.
"Uh, Chaor?" Said Kaz, moving to where he heard the footsteps, but still didn't see anything, making him nervous that a less-than-friendly Creature could be here, instead.
"Chaor!" Kaz said loudly, hoping the UnderWorld King was here, or at least someone that could help him find out where he is.
Before he gulped when he heard the sound of a Creature flying through the air, missing Takinom flying past the windows as his back was turned.
"I-I'll just come back later…and think of a plan B." Muttered Kaz as he quickly ported away, not wanting to risk being caught trespassing, while hoping he can find Chaor later.
*With Peyton*
Meanwhile Peyton had ported to the Mipedim Oasis, already having an idea for the first couple of scans he wanted to get, scanning the Oasis once he arrived.
"Tiaane! Looking good lizardy wizard!" Peyton said, waving to Tiaane, which the Mipedian Muge returned.
"Zhade, what's up?! Or should I say, what's upside down!" Said Peyton, giving the Mipedian Stalker a high-five, before he saw Siado standing guard.
"Yo Siado. Hot enough for ya?" Peyton asked jokingly.
"Hilarious Peyton. I wasn't expecting you to come by, so I don't really have anything available to scan at the moment." Siado said, with the Mipedian player shaking his head.
"It's cool bro, I'm actually here for a scan of you, the CodeMasters are holding a big game and I need to get the best scans I can find." Said Peyton, pulling out his Scanner and scanning Siado, only to be surprised when he saw his stats.
"Woah-ho-ho-ho-ho! Siado, dude, have you been hitting the gym?!" Peyton said, seeing how much stronger Siado was compared to the last time he scanned him, while the Mipedian Stalker smirked.
"Oh yeah, Prince Mudeenu and Prince Iflar have been having everyone training much harder than ever before. I'm sure you'll see the difference in a lot of Mipedians." Replied Siado, given after they saw Naruto's match against Crellan, Mudeenu's been increasing the training of the soldiers.
"Awesome dude!" Said Peyton, excited to hear that a lot of Mipedians have been getting even stronger before he went over to Tiaane, knowing he's always a good source to get different kinds of Mugic scans.
"Yo Tiaane! I'm looking for Mugics, you got any good ones?" Peyton asked, with Tiaane grabbing his bag and opening it, showing different Mipedian Mugics.
"I do. I believe you'll find this one particularly useful, Fanfare of the Vanishing, with it any Creature may turn invisible just like a Mipedian." Said Tiaane, pulling out the Mugic and showing it, making Peyton grin and scan it, seeing it'd really be useful for any non-Mipedian Creatures he scans.
"Thanks Tiaane, you are the Mugic man. I'll be back in a sec." Said Peyton as he ported away to upload the new scans he's gotten.
*Chaotic*
Returning to the Port Court, Peyton quickly ran to a Docking Table to upload his new scans, while seeing several other players running to the transporters and other Docking Tables as well.
'No telling who else is going to be the finals or what kind of scans they'll have. Some of them could even change up their entire strategies, I could face a Danian player that suddenly has wicked OverWorlder or UnderWorlder scans. Luckily for me, the Creatures I'm familiar with are even better than before!' Peyton thought, knowing that it'd be best for him to stick with Creatures he's familiar with.
Given he has a very long list of potential opponents to be facing, he'll let them all worry about what scans to get and who they could be facing if they make it into the finals. While he'll be working on getting the ones he knows best and will work well together.
Once he was done, Peyton ran back to the transporters and ported back to the Mipedim Oasis.
*Mipedim Oasis*
Reappearing in the Mipedim Oasis, Peyton went up to Zhade.
"Now for my next Creature, I'll go with Zhade." Peyton stated, getting the Stalkers attention as he was scanned.
"What kind of match are you even part of, Peyton?" Questioned Zhade, intrigued at why he seems to be getting so many new scans that he already has.
"That's the best part, I have no idea!" Said Peyton with a smirk, knowing the best part of the tournament is they really had no idea who they'll be facing or what teams they'll build.
Like Hotekk said, they simply needed to be prepared for anything, and if there's one thing Peyton knew how to do, it's to be ready for anything.
*With Naruto*
Naruto had ported back to Prexxor Chasm, intending to get another scan of Ursis, Ariak, the Droskin, and the Tones of Tumult. With the whiskered blonde also making sure to get another scan of Prexxor Chasm as well, knowing it'd be a really useful Location to have.
Though, when he couldn't find them in their lair, Naruto went to where he last saw them. Only to frown when he didn't see Ursis or Ariak anywhere in sight, along with not seeing the latter anywhere in the sky either.
'Damn, they must've already left after fighting Proboscar. And don't see Proboscar anywhere either.' Naruto thought, disappointed that he might be unable to scan Ursis or Ariak for the tournament.
'Then again…maybe that isn't a bad thing. Everyone knows I use Ursis in nearly every match I have, so it'd be expected I'd use him in the tournament, along with Ariak since I have him on my team plenty of times too. So maybe it'd be good if I try finding some other Creatures here to scan, rather than ones others would expect me to get.' Thought Naruto before he jumped up into a tree and began moving through the Chasm to find any other Creatures he could scan.
Though while he should try getting Creatures that no one would expect him to have, the Uzumaki knew he should also make sure they're ones he can get a good handle of. Given he wouldn't really have a lot of time to train to use any new Creatures. So, finding Creatures that are new but also familiar would be his best bet to avoid making any mistakes.
Moving through the trees, Naruto focused for any sounds of nearby Creatures, while making sure to be aware of his surroundings. Given that if he could see or hear any Creatures, then they'll definitely be able to see or hear him. Only to quickly stop when he heard the sound of snarling and something being ripped apart.
This made Naruto slowly climb back down to the ground and focused on where the sound was coming from, before moving towards it. Eventually peeking out from a bush where he spotted Jackal, slashing his claws across the boulder. The whiskered blonde being amazed to see how he was digging into the boulder like it was nothing.
'Woah, I knew Jackal was strong from seeing Crellan use him, but he's really strong here. And definitely a Creature to have on my team.' Naruto thought, pulling out his Scanner and locking on Jackal before scanning him.
Grinning once he got the scan and seeing Jackal's stats, the former Ninja then quickly porting away. Doing so just in time as Jackal caught his scent. The Past Creature roaring and tackling the bush where Naruto was hiding, only to find nothing there, making him snarl and search for who was spying on him.
*Chaotic*
Returning to the Port Court, Naruto went to a Docking Table and uploaded his new scans, while thinking over what the next Creature he should scan is.
'Maybe I should scan Loup, I know that he's one of the strongest Creatures in Prexxor Chasm since he's supposed to have a rivalry with Smildon, another powerful Creature. I should also get another scan of Prexxor Chasm as it'll definitely be good to have multiple Location scans of it. Maybe I could also try seeing if there are any other Mugic and BattleGear I could scan, there. Shadow Clones would really help with the searching too.' Naruto thought, knowing with his clones he'd be able to cover a lot more ground in locating Creatures.
And while it may be considered cheating to do that, he also didn't want to waste too much time searching for Creatures and end up missing the deadline. Plus he still had to then go to where the Creatures were once his clones found any and scan them, himself.
Nodding to himself, Naruto returned to the transporters to return to Prexxor Chasm to start searching for where Loup could be.
*With Tom*
Meanwhile, Tom had ported straight to Castle Bodhran to get another scan of it before going inside.
'Castle Bodhran, this Location is one that'll really be useful, with all the twists, turns, and different angles, any opponents I face will be too busy trying to find out where I'd even be. While I will have the one Creature that knows this place inside and out.' Tom thought as he entered the castle, feeling himself getting dizzy just from looking at all the paths, stairs, and doors that were turned every which way.
"Uh, Frafdo! Are you here?!" Tom called out, hoping that Frafdo would be here and willing to let him get a scan.
"What're you doing back here, human?" Frafdo said right behind Tom, making the OverWorld player jump and turn around, finding the OverWorlder Guardian floating in the air behind him.
"O-oh, sorry, uh…I was hoping that I could get a scan of you? It's for a tournament that's being held in Chaotic." Said Tom, with Frafdo narrowing his eyes before he floated to the ground.
"Fine, you can scan me." Frafdo said, much to Tom's gratitude as he scanned the OverWorlder, along with scanning his Evergreen Tunic as well.
"Thanks Frafdo, you'll be a great addition to my team." Tom said before he ported the way, the Guardian smirking at his words before he flew back up into the Castle.
*Later-Kiru City*
"Okay, got a new scan of Kiru City and now to get one of the strongest and wisest Creatures in Perim." Tom said as he made his way up to Maxxor's Castle.
Having ported to Kiru City after uploading his new scans, getting a new scan of the city and now was hoping to get a new scan of Maxxor as well. Knowing the most important thing about the tournament is the Creatures you have. As there's no way to know who your opponent will be in the finals or what their teams will be like, it'd be important to just make sure your own teams are as strong as you can make them.
It took a few moments before Tom eventually reached the top of the stairs to the castle, where he spotted Bodal coming out of it.
"Bodal!" Tom said, going up to the short Creature, getting Bodal's attention.
"Ah, Tom. I take it you're here for new scans." Stated Bodal, with Tom nodding in response.
"Yeah, I was hoping to get one of Maxxor. Is he here?" Questioned Tom, only to be disappointed when the Caretaker shook his head.
"I'm afraid Maxxor's out of town at the moment and likely won't be back for a few days. I was just delivering the latest report from the armory for when he returns." Bodal replied, making Tom sigh that he likely won't be able to get a scan of Maxxor.
Though he also remembered Crellan's advice during their match, that it's the player and not the cards, along with how he was able to beat Tank before.
"Well in that case, can I get a scan of you?" Tom asked, surprising Bodal.
"You'd want to scan me over Maxxor?" Said Bodal, with the OverWorld player nodding in response.
"Yeah. While I would like to scan Maxxor, you're still one of the smartest Creatures in all of Perim and sometimes that is better than getting a powerful Creature. And you also know everything about Kiru City, so getting around will be way easier." Replied Tom, making Bodal smile happily.
"Then you may scan me, as well as this." Bodal said as he pulled out a dagger, while Tom scanned the Caretaker.
"Is that BattleGear? What does it do?" Tom asked, curious of what kind of BattleGear it was.
"It's my personal Dagger and perhaps it's not the most glamorous BattleGear, it's incredibly useful in boosting the power of non-Elemental and non-Discipline Attacks." Replied Bodal.
"And with how quickly you can get around the city, it helps to make even more powerful sneak attacks. Thanks Bodal, it'll definitely be useful to have." Said Tom as he scanned Bodal's Dagger, seeing if he combined it with his Bodal and Kiru City scans, it'd be a powerful combination.
"Of course, I'm happy to be of assistance. And should you find yourself back in Kiru City, feel free to stop by the armory if you require any BattleGear scans." Bodal offered, making Tom smile and nod in thanks before he ported away.
Seeing that while he may not have gotten a Maxxor scan, he now had access to get all kinds of different BattleGear to scan.
*With Sarah*
"Thanks for the help Wamma, Tassanil and Dasalin in the Reservoir will be incredible together." Sarah said as she and Wamma moved through Mount Pillar.
Having ported to Mount Pillar to get another scan of it before going to find Wamma, getting a scan of him as well before porting back to upload her scans. With Sarah then returning and following Wamma to the Mount Pillar Reservoir to scan that Location as well. Along with getting scans of Tassanil and Dasalin, giving her a good start on her team.
"No problem Sarah, glad I could help and that you're feeling better too." Replied Wamma, happy to see Sarah seemed to be getting back to how she used to be.
"Yeah, but it's…it's still a work-in-progress. Though it does feel great to start scanning again." Said Sarah, knowing while this is a good start for her, she'll still need time to get better.
"Well, like you humans say, baby steps and all that." Wamma said, with Sarah nodding in agreement.
"So, any new Mugic or BattleGear?" Sarah asked, wondering if there's been anything new here since she last came to Mount Pillar.
"Absolutely. Queen Illexia and Princess Aszil have been making sure Mount Pillar is prepared for the M'arrillians, having more BattleGear made and the Mandiblors carrying more Mugic. I know where we can get some good stuff, you might even get lucky if Lore is overlooking the Mugic today. And if he's there, then you'll also get to scan his Armbands too" Replied Wamma, the Danian player smiled in excitement at the chance to scan the Danian High Muge and his personal BattleGear.
'Maybe I'll even get the chance to scan Princess Aszil again, if she isn't still upset.' Thought Sarah, hoping she'll be able to scan the Danian Princess again as well.
*Glacier Plains*
"H-h-h-he-he-he h-h-h-ha-ha-ha-has t-t-t-t-t-to-to-to b-b-b-b-be he-he-he-here o-o-o-o-of-of-of a-a-a-a-a-all pl-pl-pl-pl-pla-pla-places?!" Tank said as he walked through Glacier Plains, following large pawprints while his teeth chattered from the cold.
Already knowing the first Creature he intended to scan was Tangath Toborn, unfortunately Tangath wasn't anywhere in the OverWorld, only learning he'd gone to Glacier Plains. Much to Tank's annoyance at having go there, but couldn't risk wasting time, refusing to miss his chance to enter the finals.
Luckily, Tank soon arrived at a cave where he found Tangath sleeping inside, much to his relief.
"F-f-f-fi-fi-fin-fin-finally." Muttered Tank as he pulled out his Scanner and scanned the OverWorlder, before quickly porting out to escape the cold.
Only to end up missing Tangath waking up for a moment as he sneezed, groaning as he rubbed his nose before going back to sleep, hoping his cold will go away soon.
*With Krystella*
As all the contestants were porting around Perim to scan everything they wanted for their teams, Krystella had gone to Everrain.
'Last I heard, Nauthilax was seen here. I should also get a scan of the Location too, especially if I can find the spot where that lava was pouring through.' Krystella thought with a smirk as she scanned Everrain while looking for Nauthilax.
Remembering Naruto's match against Crellan and how lava was pouring into Everrain from somewhere. The UnderWorld player knew it'd be good if she found where it was and broke it open during a match to bury her opponent in lava.
'Like any of the losers that entered will be a challenge, anyway. The only one I need to worry about is Phantom.' Thought Krystella, not doubting that if anyone else will qualify for the finals, it'll be the Uzumaki.
And out of everyone else, he'd be the most dangerous opponent, as much as she didn't like admitting it, Krystella has seen just how unpredictable he can be in his matches. Even managing to defeat a player like Hercu-Leon with a bunch of useless Creatures. So, rather than prepare to face any random opponent, Krystella was preparing with the expectations of facing Naruto. Knowing if she's prepared to face him, then everyone else will be a piece of cake to crush.
'I can't wait to see the new scan I'll be getting.' Thought Krystella with an eager smirk, looking forward to having a Creature from the CodeMasters added to her deck.
Before the brunette stopped when she heard something nearby, frowning when she recognized it was coming from Nauthilax, making her head towards where he was.
'I swear he better not be in a fight.' Krystella thought, annoyed that Nauthilax could be fighting someone and injured, meaning she'd end up getting a weaker scan than she'd want.
But when she arrived, Krystella quickly ducked behind a tree when she did see it was Nauthilax and that he was holding his head as if he's in pain. Along with the fact he wasn't alone, seeing a red, bipedal amphibian looking Creature wearing gold armor with green jewels was with him. Noticing how his eyes also had a pinkish-violet glow as well.
'Never seen that Creature before.' Krystella thought with a frown, having never seen or heard of a Creature like this one, especially not in the UnderWorld.
With this only intriguing her before deciding to scan this new Creature instead, figuring she can just come back later to scan Nauthilax. Smirking that she'll also be getting a Creature no one else likely has, Krystella pulled out her Scanner and scanned the red one.
'Phelphor huh. You'll do nicely.' Thought Krystella before she ported away, doing so just in time as Phelphor and Nauthilax quickly turned towards her, the latter's eyes now glowing just like Phelphor's were.
"Frost Blight!" Nauthilax shouted, shooting a massive blast of snow, freezing winds and razor-sharp ice shards at Krystella, only for the attack to miss as she ported away.
"Hmm, so that was one of these humans I've heard of." Said Phelphor, having heard of them from Aa'une informing him about Naruto and Sarah, intriguing him to actually see one in person.
"I take it the human came here to try and…scan you, Nauthilax." Phelphor stated, turning towards his new minion, with the UnderWorlder nodding in response.
"Yes Phelphor, humans always try to scan us for their game. Some humans even work with the tribes to get scans by either acting as spies, getting us BattleGear or Mugic, and luring enemies into traps." Said Nauthilax, with this making the M'arrillian smirk.
"So, the Drylander Tribes have humans working for them. Yet it seems the M'arrillians don't have such a thing, perhaps it's time that's changed." Said Phelphor as his eyes glowed to contact Aa'une.
"Agreed Phelphor. If the Drylander Tribes are able to use humans to assist them in exchange for scans, then it's only fair the M'arrillians have their own spies." Aa'une said, pleased at this new development.
As while they may not have powers like Naruto, it would still benefit them to have a few spies in Chaotic, especially with their ability to teleport all across Perim with their Scanners. Even better that they'd willingly serve the M'arrillians just to scan them, having seen how far they're willing to go to get scans from Sarah's memories.
"Then tell me, Nauthilax, which humans would want to get powerful new scans." Phelphor said with a smirk, knowing the M'arrillians would soon be gaining a very useful advantage.
So, what did you think, good. Yep first we see Kaz going straight to the UnderWorld to get a scan of Chaor, only for him to not be anywhere in the UnderWorld, with Kaz then quickly leaving due to Agitos and Takinom lurking in the shadows. Before we also see Peyton in the Mipedim Oasis collecting scans, along with not worrying and overthinking who he'll be battling like in the episode, as he has a larger roster of potential opponents so is sticking with what he knows.
Then we see Naruto heading to Prexxor Chasm to get more scans of Ursis and Ariak, only to not find them anywhere in sight, before deciding to try getting some other Creature scans, leading to him eventually find Jackal and deciding to track down Loup to scan him as well. Before we then go to Sarah in Mount Pillar, getting a good start on her scans with Wamma's help and hoping to get another scan of Aszil.
Before we then go to Tom getting a scan of Castle Bodhran along with Frafdo and his Evergreen Tunic, with him then heading to Kiru City to get a scan of Maxxor. Only to learn that he's not in the city from Bodal, with Tom deciding to get a scan of Bodal instead along with Bodal's Dagger, knowing they'll go well with his new Kiru City scan. We also get a look at Tank getting a scan of Tangath Toborn, unaware that he's sick.
Finally we see Krystella going to get a scan of Nauthilax, while showing that she's preparing as if she's facing Naruto, believing he'll be the only threat against her in the finals. Only for her to end up stumbling on Nauthilax being placed under Phelphor's control, leading her to scan Phelphor instead before porting away. While seeing that now Phelphor intends to get human recruits to serve the M'arrillians in exchange for scans. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out