YuGiOh! Accel: Wings of Darkness [Chapter 109: The Battle Lines, Part Two]

[Synchronized]

New episode coming soon!

[Synchronized]

[spoiler=Episode 17: Promises Kept 1/2]

Day One of the Grand Thunder Clash has just gotten underway, and the first round matchup between Wind Gear's Skylar and Star Gate's Tenjo Ikaruma turned out to be a fierce one! Despite being severely outmatched by his much more powerful opponent, Skylar was able to tap into his reserves and use his arrogance to his advantage - the belief that he was better than his opponent no matter what and the refusal to accept anything less than victory gave him the means to unlock his second Stage, Wings of  Thunderous Light, and put an end to the battle even with interference from Tenjo's sister and fellow team-mate, Tenja.  Now that our heroes have established the first victory, +3 points on the scoreboard have gone to Wind Gear, putting them currently in first place! But there's so much more battle to go!

 

Episode 17: Promises Kept 1/2

 

In the medic hall underneath the stadium, Skylar is recovering at a normal pace.  Still physically drained, his body can't move all that much.

 

"That was a risky game you played out there."

Skylar sat up, cringing in the process, his body still very sore, as Calle entered the room, knocking on the door at the same time.  None of the others were with him, and as he entered, he quietly closed the door behind him.  Walking steadily and surveying the room for others who might be listening in, he grabbed a chair and propped himself down next to the bed.  It was unlike Calle to take such precautions, he noted, wondering what this was all about.  Surely he wasn't going to blast him for his actions on the battlefield - when it came down to it, he had no other choice.

"I know why you're here," he said, staring into the distance.  He didn't want to look him in the eyes; the two had never really gotten along, partially due to Skylar's refusal to work with the rest of the team.  In actuality, he still couldn't come to terms with the thought of needing a mentor of some kind; not after everything he'd gone through to get to this point.  But after his battle alongside Alistair,  he'd begun to realize that maybe there was more to all of this than he'd first assumed.  While it was obvious Beatrice wanted to use them as a fighting force, he got the vibe that Calle actually wanted to help them realize their individual goals.  There was definitely respect there, if nothing else.  "I'm not going to apologize for my actions.  I'm not sorry at all."

Calle smirked.  "Heh.  The old lady gave me an earful about it," he shook his head.  After the match, Beatrice had approached him with nothing but criticism, despite a stellar performance, in his own opinion.  "Funny enough I was the one hesitant about this competition in the first place; she was all for it.  Yet as soon as the first fight gets underway, she's already having second thoughts." He took a deep breath.  "My hesitation was different, though.  I was worried about the well-being of all of you, especially with an enemy we don't quite understand yet, and the added element of the Blaster Axis on top of that.  But watching you out there against an enemy far stronger than you, and seeing your resolve to win no matter what it meant, showed me two things."

Skylar turned to face him briefly with curious eyes, then caught himself and lowered his head.

"First of all, it showed me that there's much more to all of you than meets the eye.  Perhaps the best method of training is not to go through silly exams and tests, but to let you take the pain in order to grow stronger from it," he said.  "It reminded me of an old friend, the likes of who would never give up even when he was beaten.  Once he'd lost a fight, he'd still get back up and find a way to win."

Calle stood up slowly, exhaling as he did.  "And two, it showed me that despite what you show on the outside, you're beginning to realize the importance of a team.  I'm aware these past two months have been the most orthodox training, but I guess it'd be no fun that way, huh?"

"Heh, I guess you're right," Skylar flashed a smile, turning his head so that Calle wouldn't notice.  "So I'm not about to get an earful?"

Calle turned towards the door, smiling as he walked away.  "I can't promise one way or another the old lady won't have something to say about it, but at this point there's no backing out.  In other words, I'm already well aware that no matter what anyone tells you, you're going to do it your way.  The same with the others.  She'll realize it eventually, too.  But remember this; if you're going to play like a big time player, you need to win like one, too.  Got that?"

 

---

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the Grand Thunder Clash!  We're still buzzing after a thrilling first round encounter between Wind Gear's Skylar and Star Gate's Tenjo Ikaruma in what could only be described as a fight for the ages between two of the most confident fighters this tournament has to offer!  With Skylar's win, Wind Gear takes the lead by default with three points!  But there's plenty of hungry competition, so it's only fair to imagine that won't last too long!  So please, turn your eyes to the widescreen where we'll find out our next match-up!"

 

Well, the rest of you better win out there.  I may be the best, but training with me is sure to rub off on you. Skylar smiled to himself, watching the events unfold on the small television in the medic room.  All of the teams were anxious, watching to find out who would be the next two combatants to duke it out.

 

"You think they're ready for this?" Tres asked calmly.  They were only one fight in and surely Skylar's underdog victory had come as a surprise, but now the Blaster Axis was added into the pairings, meaning it was entirely possible that one of their own could be paired up against one of the 3-man team.  

Calle knew this, too.  And they had been his only source of hesitation with this competition from the get-go.  That, combined with the kids' lack of real training experience, everything having come from impulse and on-the-fly reactions up to this point made for an uneasy situation.  However, he'd said it best to Skylar; at this point, they were locked in it.  It's crazy to think we ended up here just a month after this whole thing began.  These kids couldn't hold their own in a fight against each other, nevermind against legitimate opponents.  And yet somehow, they always manage to surprise me. "As much as I'd love to give you a straight answer, I'll be honest and say I don't really know.  I've come to the conclusion that the best approach to take is to just believe in their abilities, and not assume any outcome.  This kind of environment means everything to them; it's a place for them to test their skills and truly get stronger.  It's not up to me to interfere.  Just as my Grandfather would have let me endure the pain and learn from my mistakes, I'm going to do the same."

"Statistically I would say we're outmatched against everyone," Tres said.  "But if there's one thing I've learned since D-Accel happened, it's the statistics and straight odds don't seem to apply to humans.  Or at least, some of them."  I suppose then, I'll try and tap into this 'faith' as well.

 

"Allllllllright then folks! It's time!  Direct your eyes to the screen and let's see our second first round match-up!"

 

Damien Tistro [Team Wind Gear]

 

Watching on the monitor, Damien flashed a smile.  His first time out on the battlefield since the fight with Terrance, a perfect chance for him to test the limits of his 1st Stage!

 

VS.

 

Should've figured we'd get it two times in a row, just more suspense.  Calle joked to himself, keeping his eyes fixated on the screen.  If anyone could handle themselves out there on a level equal to Skylar, it was Damien.  A fight between the two of them would be an interesting spectacle; the boy was a tactical genius, after all.

 

Rais Tyomaru [Blaster Axis]

 

The entire stadium froze at once, Calle’s intense stare fixated on the screen, so still you could see his pupils shaking.  He struggled to keep a grip on the metal barrier from the sweat on his palms.  Alistair leapt from his seat, nearly losing his balance in the process as Andrea did the same.  Her brother...against one of the Blaster Axis?

 

She still wanted nothing to do with him, but...someone of that skill level? The same team that had attacked Calle without any fear or hesitation at all.  While none of them directly diverted their eyes, the entire team glanced back and forth in Damien’s direction, as the boy kept his composure staring against the screen, depicting a small square photo of him and another of his opponent.

 

Calle’s overwhelming emotion was so strong that even inside his mind, Tres could feel it, the gradual increase of spiritual energy and tension flowing throughout his body.  They knew it would happen eventually, but to think this early on in the tournament the first battle with the Blaster Axis would already be underway?

 

His expression hardened. He let go of the barrier and turned away from the crowd. Even of all three of them, why did it have to be this guy?

 

---

 

Earlier in the day...

 

Walking towards him was the man the MC had identified as Voltaire, the leader of the R-Team.  His face was still concealed, but his eyes met Calle’s.

“Perhaps we could speak for a moment?” Voltaire requested.  His voice appeared different than his exterior would suggest.  Deeper, older even.  Something wise to it.

Calle nodded.  “What is it, exactly?”

 

Voltaire took a breath, and then began to speak.

 

“Intuition would suggest that just as much as you are here to partake in the competition, there is another reason,” he said.  Calle noticed his eyes as they gave off a very knowledgeable feel.  “While I would adore nothing more than for our team to be able to compete and win the competition simply for the merit that comes along with such prestige honor, I am afraid I too have another reason for accepting this invitation.”

I don’t get it; he’s beating around the bush, but it’s like he’s trying to tell me something at the same time. Calle thought.

“For the safety and security of both my team and myself, I cannot reveal to you those reasons, but I simply wish to issue you a warning.  You see, your team’s strength, while admirable, is nowhere near comparable to that of the other teams partaking in this competition.  Surely, you must understand that the reason you were invited here was not based on those evaluations.”

“With all due respect,” Calle said, “I’ve got no interest in listening to another degradation of our team.  We may not be the strongest, but we’re here, and we’re determined to give it everything we’ve got to win.”

Voltaire nodded.  “I can see that, and I respect your drive.  What I would suggest then, is that you take extreme caution.  Particularly as it pertains to the Blaster Axis.  Their team is the most formidable in this contest by leagues.  A three person team in a multi-team tournament should be more than enough evidence, but their true power comes from  their inhumane strength.  It’s like their levels of energy are limitless.”

“You seem to be quite an expert on them,” Calle replied. “Past interactions?”

“Such knowledge is a necessity when there are lives at stake, Calle,” came the stone-cold reply.  “Their leader, Shotei, is skilled in the arts of illusion magic.  Admittedly, I know very little about him.  Then, there’s Alexandra; known as the ‘Crimson Maiden’, she’s a fire magic expert.  She shows no regard for the lives or well-being of her opponents in battle, and seems to get a thrill from inflicting pain.  The quietest, Shadow, may be the most dangerous.  From what I understand, not a single soul has ever seen him fight; there is virtually no knowledge of his capabilities or how he fights.  Obviously this poses a huge threat, but not more-so than Rais, the third and final member.”

 

---

 

The crowd roared with excitement as Damien strode out onto the field, his hands in his pocket as he tried to keep a casual, calm appearance.  His mind was racing with thoughts as he prepared himself for what would undoubtedly be an extremely dangerous fight even in the context of the competition, but really, he wasn't afraid.  He couldn't afford to let his team down.  Especially not after Skylar had won, even against the odds.  

You may have belittled me during our duel, and rightfully so.  He thought, clenching his fists, feeling the tension in the air. But I should thank you for that, because it's all the motivation I need to win this fight!

 

A great surge of energy swept across the stadium as his opponent walked in.  There was one footstep after another along the clanking sound of Rais' blade rocking back and forth in its sheath.    The rest of his team stood atop one of the balconies at the top of the stadium; there was one for each team, but in the previous fight, that one had remained unoccupied.  Now, as Alexandra and Shadow took their places, that left but one balcony empty.  The intimidation factor was very real; this was going to be one hell of a fight.

 

---

 

"What makes him so dangerous?" Calle asked, looking up to meet Voltaire's mysterious gaze.  "In comparison to the others, I sensed no difference in spiritual pressure," he said.  "That's not to suggest that I'd make the mistake of underestimating them, but I'm not sure I understand."

Voltaire took a deep breath, standing idly as Calle stood to his side.  With no explanation , he began walking away down the corridor.  "What makes him so dangerous is not the level of his energy, but the existence that comes with it.  His blade, Gekidoku [deadly poison], is infused with a toxin that carries the power to kill an enemy from within.  Anything that comes in contact with it, living or not, will deteriorate at a slow, painful pace before meeting an unfortunate fate."

No... Calle shook his head, immediately thinking of Damien and how he would fare.  It didn't matter how strong they were, to put the kids in a real life spot where death was a very real possibility...that went beyond the idea of a competition.  And I assume he won't hesitate to take the necessary measures.

If Damien was hit with the blade, he would be...

 

---

 

“Well then...ladies and gentlemen, let the battle...BEGIN!”

 

“I can sense you’re a determined one, boy,” Rais acknowledged, keeping his hands calmly at his waist.  His face remained clear, not showing any signs of concern, but it wasn’t a matter of overconfidence, either.  Rather, he was well aware of his opponent’s abilities and his own power was far greater.  It was as simple as that.  There was nothing to this fight because from the moment it had been announced, it had been decided. 

None of these competitors posed a threat to him, especially not while wielding Gekidoku.  While he could care less for unnecessary violence, he would do what was needed in order to win.  “But out of respect, I’ll make it as quick and painless as possible.”

 

“Well, I guess I’m supposed to thank you for the generosity,” Damien replied, stepping forward.  “It’s very gracious of you.  Allow me to return the favor.  In honor of your kindness, I’ll make sure to make you look good in defeat, so you don’t have to feel the disgrace of letting your allies down.”  He grinned, giving one glance to Calle and the others standing up on the balcony. 

He could see Beatrice, too, seated in a skybox with all of the other Leaders, her eyes fixated on the scene and nothing more.

“What a fool,” Rais’ mouthed the words, challenging Damien to make the first move.  “It is never wise to make threats on which you can’t make good.  Come, let me slash you down to size.”

“I’ll give you everything I’ve got and then some! Rahhh!” Swinging for the fences, Damien charged his opponent, striking with rights and lefts in succession, all of which Rais was able to dodge with relative ease.  His speed isn’t even that remarkable, but somehow he’s able to move out of the way just in time with each strike.

“Tell me that’s not all you’ve got, because if so I’m already more than disappointed!” Rais exclaimed, elbowing Damien in the gut, and striking him with a knee straight to the head, followed by a kick to the face that sent him flying.

Determined to catch himself, Damien focused his energy and used the wall as a launching pad, flying backwards at his opponent and trying to catch him with a right hook, but again Rais blocked it with ease, using his his right arm, and sending the boy to the ground with another elbow.

 

“You’re acclaimed as a battle technician and yet you can’t even block the simplest of strikes, what a pathetic display,” Rais declared, striking Damien with another punch to the skull, drawing gasps from the crowd.

Calle gripped the barrier tight; the suspense was growing strong already and the match had only just begun.  Come on, I know you can do this.  You beat Terrance; don’t let this guy make a fool of you just because he’s stronger! What about your will?!

In that moment, Calle could’ve sworn he heard a tear fall from Andrea’s eyes as she watched her brother get tossed around the stadium, but she would never admit it.  She ran her palm across her face and watched the fight with an emotionless stare – she didn’t care about him anyway.  Let him lose, for all she cared.  What did a few points matter?

Calle turned back, half-smiling.  Funny, her eyes tell one story, but her heart tells another.  This girl is a piece of work.

 

Damn, I can’t even land an attack.  Damien thrust his fist into the dirt, stirring up a cloud of dust around him. He’s powerful, there’s a clear distinction between his strength and mine.  He doesn’t even need to strategize because he can defend himself with pure might.  I mean, he hasn’t even touched his sword yet, and I’m already down for the count.

“Come on mate, you can do this! Don’t let him keep you down!”

That voice? Is that? Out of the corner of his eye, he looked up to see Alistair’s smiling face staring over the barrier, giving him a “thumbs up”.  Calle nodded his head, and he saw Andrea, but she made no movements.  He had to win...for her.  He had a reputation to live up to, didn’t he? After all, if his sister’s dream was to someday surpass him, he had to become strong enough that he was worth surpassing! That was the promise he’d made to his father.

 

---

 

It was their last words before his father’s passing.

“You know, you could’ve let her come,” Damien laughed.  “Really, I don’t mind.  Besides, we’ll never hear the end of it later!”

His father shook his head with a smile, running his hand across the top of his son’s head.  “Just adds to her charm, doesn’t it?” Ever since his wife had passed, he’d always wondered whether or not he could be the kind of role model his children would look up to.  And seeing that smile on his daughter’s face, her friendly, pretend anger smile, was all the reassurance one could ask for.

“Son, I need you to make me a promise,” he said, changing from the happy-go-lucky tone he’d had moments earlier.  “I may not be the best father in the world, but I will always love you and your sister more than anything.  I would give my life to ensure that you meet your dreams.  And I know you’ll make me proud, always, no matter what.  The blood of our family runs deep within you, and so does the power that you will someday come to unlock.”

It was almost as if his father knew what awaited him, like he’d somehow become aware of his fate.  At the time, that thought had never crossed his mind but remembering it so vividly, these words were the most important he’d ever heard.

“No matter your differences, I need you to promise me that you’ll always look after her.  Losing your mother devastated her to limits out of my control, but there is hope.  Your sister dreams to someday become the strongest, and live on where your mother could not,” he said, wiping a tear from his eye as his hand shook.  “You, my son, will one day be a great warrior.  But I need you to be better than that; Andrea needs it.  In order for her to surpass you, you must become someone worth surpassing.  And I’ve no doubt that you will.”

At the time, he’d titled his head towards the glass of the window and stared at the cars passing by, deep in thought.  He said nothing.  But those were the last words his father had spoken to him.  And though he’d never said it aloud, from that moment, that promise had become his entire life’s purpose.

 

“I promise, father.  I will be the strength our family needs to live on.  I will protect her with my life.”

 

---

 

“It looks as though Damien may be down for the count!” The MC declared, drawing the crowd’s ire.  “Is this perhaps the end of the fight already?!”

Rais turned around, his hand on his blade; this was the end.  It had never even been a point.  Such pointless suffering for nothing.

“Are you walking...away already?”

He stopped in his tracks.  What’s this?  No way the boy would wish to continue.

“Man, that hurt like hell,” he said, brushing off his arms as he got back to his feet.  “For a minute, I scared myself; I rushed into the battle too quickly.  I can see now that you’re far stronger than I anticipated – a rookie mistake on my part.  Trying to fight you hand-to-hand was foolish.  I’d stand no chance at all,” he said.

“You truthfully believe you stand a chance regardless?” Rais asked, somewhat annoyed by this persistence.  “I don’t wish to kill you, but if we lock horns again, I cannot make any promises for your well-being.  You would be wise to accept defeat and live to fight another day.  It’s only a matter of three points.  Tell me, which is more important? A score or your own life?”

“Funny you should ask,” he replied, the images of his team-mates flashing through his mind one-by-one, joined by an image of his father.  “Because this fight for me isn’t about either of those things! It’s about becoming a warrior strong enough to surpass! And for that, I have no choice but to fight you with everything I have and more! And that’s a promise!”

 

“Now...” he said, holding out his right arm and grasping it with his left hand.  A sheet of ice began to expand across it, circling his arm and forming a pointed spiral.  “{1^st Stage: Lance of the Ice Goddess}!  Let’s see how good you really are!”

 

To be continued...[/spoiler]

[Aerion Brightflame]

I was planning on waiting till the second part was out because after reading it, I kinda felt it needed that for a proper review of it. But since no one has commented I should try and cheer you up, and make sure we get the new chapter.

 

I think the reason I didn't want to comment before the second half was out is... well it basically decides what the build up is going to show. Because if Damien did win... it makes it wrong to the story, because frankly the team needs a reality shock by now. It's a tournament of which only 4 teams were invited, everyone has said that the team is outclassed. After the first win, which I can understand happening, because they'd be under-estimated. But that was a newbie team, and this is the team you have set-up being the best. This rant might be premature, but I do feel I need to say it now.

 

But really... I think the issue is: Damien didn't go straight into First Stage. You built up to it. He knew Blaster Axis were meant to be leagues above them, and Skylar couldn't beat his opponent without a Second Stage. There's no sane reason for him not going all out to begin with and trying to end it quickly.

 

So there's that, which I kinda felt needed to be said. Because it'll be a bit... boring if all the fights follow the same formula: Namely, they fight, good guy falls behind, uses ability gets ahead, then either wins or gets beaten as the opponent becomes serious. And repeat. That sort of thing works in an anime because you've the visual, so it seems different each time, but the formula just doesn't transfer as well into fiction. You could've really had Rais just wipe the floor with Damien in one blow, and saved the revalation about the promise for latter. (It soundsa lot like what I suggested with Skylar, but there's a reason: It's the sort of thing that should happen at times)

 

Sorry for seeming negative again. It is just easier to do the bad than the good, because it was still good and stuff.

[Synchronized]

I was planning on waiting till the second part was out because after reading it, I kinda felt it needed that for a proper review of it. But since no one has commented I should try and cheer you up, and make sure we get the new chapter.

 

I think the reason I didn't want to comment before the second half was out is... well it basically decides what the build up is going to show. Because if Damien did win... it makes it wrong to the story, because frankly the team needs a reality shock by now. It's a tournament of which only 4 teams were invited, everyone has said that the team is outclassed. After the first win, which I can understand happening, because they'd be under-estimated. But that was a newbie team, and this is the team you have set-up being the best. This rant might be premature, but I do feel I need to say it now.

 

But really... I think the issue is: Damien didn't go straight into First Stage. You built up to it. He knew Blaster Axis were meant to be leagues above them, and Skylar couldn't beat his opponent without a Second Stage. There's no sane reason for him not going all out to begin with and trying to end it quickly.

 

So there's that, which I kinda felt needed to be said. Because it'll be a bit... boring if all the fights follow the same formula: Namely, they fight, good guy falls behind, uses ability gets ahead, then either wins or gets beaten as the opponent becomes serious. And repeat. That sort of thing works in an anime because you've the visual, so it seems different each time, but the formula just doesn't transfer as well into fiction. You could've really had Rais just wipe the floor with Damien in one blow, and saved the revalation about the promise for latter. (It soundsa lot like what I suggested with Skylar, but there's a reason: It's the sort of thing that should happen at times)

 

Sorry for seeming negative again. It is just easier to do the bad than the good, because it was still good and stuff.

 

I definitely understand that, and to be fair I appreciate the fact that you comment at all.  I have no idea what happened - we had a ton of readers and now it's like no-one reads anymore.  (Or they do, and they just don't like to leave feedback.)  Either way, it's not going to stop the story, I've just been busy getting ready to go back to school and enjoying what's left of this Summer so it's been a little slower than usual.

 

I'm aware that it seems like there's a repetitive aspect to this fight, but I can tell you (as I've already pre-planned most of these fights), no two will be the same.  I actually wanted the beginning of Damien's fight to somewhat be similar to Skylar's.  Having Rais win right away would've not only been boring, it would've been extremely un-realistic.  Damien is supposed to be the fighting tactician and a genius in combat; having him lose that quickly would diminish that aspect of his character.

 

Don't worry though - I'm going to make sure the fights start to become more interesting as well. :D

[Synchronized]

[spoiler=Episode 18: Promises Kept 2/2]

 

His entire arm is encased in a shell of ice, what kind of ability is this? Rais planted his feet into the soil, holding his ground as Damien charged at him with all his might, pushing him back but unable to land a strike.  Not only had the ice changed his look, it had increased his speed and his physical strength as well.  Before activating it, he could easily overpower the boy, but now they were almost evenly matched from a physical standpoint.

Each time he knocked him back, Damien would only come back twice as fast, relentless in his attempts to strike, forcing him to switch arms to block each successive move.  "It doesn't matter how much harder you try, you won't be able to break through, you're simply outmatched!" Rais declared, blasting him with a right hook and sending him back, but not much.  Damien was able to quickly catch himself driving his right arm into the ground with the help of the spiral point around his arm.

He used the ice to break his fall! He's innovative, I'll give him that. But Rais was getting tired of this nonsense.  Clearly it wouldn't make a difference.

"If I can't strike you with one, then I'll just have to try even harder!" Damien pried himself from the ground, leaping into the air high above Rais' head.  Looking upwards, the poison expert smirked; did he really think something like that was going to work? An aerial attack? It's no different, if anything it's easier to block!

 

As Damien came down, Rais put his right arm up to block it, but the boy spun around in a 180, and just fast enough for Rais to catch on, the spiral shell of ice surrounding his left arm was now accompanied by an identical one surrounding his right.  Switching arms, he knocked Rais back with the left arm, then spun around once more, slashing at his side with the right.  Blood spattered out as Damien flipped forward, landing on his feet a couple of meters away.

"No way, he actually landed a hit!" Calle exclaimed, his outburst joined by the shock of the others.  The crowd let loose with cheers.  Perhaps the underdog wasn't entirely out of the fight after all.

 

Beside himself, Rais was torn between keeping his frustration under control and preventing himself from losing too much blood.  Cupping his right hand and placing it over the wounds, he suppressed the bleeding, but the pain was excruciating.  How in the world had that kid managed to land even a single strike on him? He'd conditioned himself to block just one strike at a time, but there was no way he could've predicted such a reckless attempt at changing gears in mid-air.  

Even the MC felt the need to chime in; this change of pace was not something anyone expected to see.  "Ladies and gentlemen I'm in shock! We knew Rais is renowned as one of the strongest fighters this competition has to offer, and to see him thrown off like this after such a one-sided beatdown is completely insane!!!"

 

Alexandra was beside herself, watching the fight with blazing eyes, unable to grasp the reality before them.  She’d never imagined that Rais would’ve even been scratched by this kid, or anyone else in the competition for that matter.  He was almost the most calm, collected, and never lost focus not even for a second.  But there he was, blood soaking through his shirt from a wound that this...this weak kid had inflicted on him.

“Don’t look so surprised.  Ignorance is for the weak.” The voice came from Shadow, who spoke very somberly, without exposing himself to the direct light.  He was leaning against the wall, enjoying the cool shade and watching the fight, finding the battle to be very interesting, in all honesty. 

“Oh, so now you decide to talk?” She snapped, staring a hole through him.  “We have a reputation to uphold, how dare he allow himself to be struck by such a pest?! Does this not anger you?!” She found herself shaking in frustration; it was like Shadow didn’t understand the severity of this.  Rais’ mercy was his weakness.  She would’ve killed the brat already.

“Anger?” Shadow shook his head, hidden in the security of the darkness.  It kept a calm mellowness about him.  Her frustration and anger was such a nuisance. “That is not an emotion I care to expand upon,” he said.  “It’s merely a waste of breath.”

She shook her head, growing tired of his words already.  Sometimes she wished she could kill him, just so she didn’t have to listen to his smartass remarks and ignorant words.  It pissed her off.

“Even now, with each word I speak you get more and more flustered because I’m not taking this as hard as you are,” he said, taking a deep breath of the crisp air.  “You’re upset because the boy landed a hit.  Then I should probably tell you that it’s only the first, and a lot more are to come.”

“What did you say?!” She screeched, engulfing her fist in a flame coating.  “We have no time for weakness, I’m sick of listening to you!”

 

While she had no idea whether or not she planned to hit him, Shadow hadn’t given her the chance.  No sooner did she take just one step, lifting her foot into the air only barely to move forward, that the flames engulfing her hand were extinguished, her body frozen in place.  I can’t move...what the hell...

“Enough, let’s not make a scene,” he replied, not once moving from his stance. “The fight isn’t going to wait for us.  Don’t forget, we have a mission.  And it is of the utmost importance.  We must win.”

 

---

 

Inhale, exhale.  His breathing pattern was like a vicious cycle, standing a few meters away from his temporarily wounded opponent, but not doing so well himself.  The idea to switch his approach in mid-air like that was risky, but if he hadn't tried something different, he would've already lost the fight.  

 

In the weeks that passed since their first encounter with the Four Star Siege, Damien had taken some time to himself, without telling any of the others, in which he'd spent hours trying to practice and master the powers of his 1st Stage.  With no real knowledge and nothing but intuition to base it on, he could barely even grasp it.  The more he pushed himself, the more his body had no choice but to bend to his will, and after a while he'd begun to get the hang of it, to understand - at least a little - what real capabilities his drive granted him.

 

In essence, Lance of the Ice Goddess was simply a title, fitting in that the default form of the weapon was that of a lance.  He was able to manipulate the Rakurai inside of him to take on the ice element.  But what he'd started to learn was that a lance wasn't the only shape it could take; with the right amount of will he could form all sorts of weapons.  Granted, he hadn't gotten far into that at all - but he'd learned enough targeting trees and stones in the forest to save his ass here.

 

It's true - the ability to change weapon mid-combat was a huge advantage for any warrior to have.  However, with this came the significant drawback; his body couldn't just change the ice's shape without a recovery period.  In other words, he could switch weapons, but the amount of energy it took was great.  So much so that it seriously hindered him in battle.  With time, perhaps he could learn to control it better.  But that wasn't an option now.  He had to persevere.

"So...what now?" Rais asked, neither one of them wanting to budge from their stance to allow the opponent an opening.  The tension was almost visible. "You struck one blow, and I'll give credit where it's due, but that's where it ends."

"Now...I strike a second!" He sprung into the air, flipping backwards, positioning himself right above Rais' head.  Overlaying his arms in an x formation, he plunged downwards; right into Rais' waiting blow, the man's right arm catching him straight in the face.  He gasped, flipping once again and catching himself in the air.

"That's enough, I'm done with these games.  You had your warning and you've chosen not to take it, so I'll end you!" Rais declared, pulling forth his sword.  Calle watched with tense, fearful eyes.  Many of the others who had heard of the sword's legendary powers did as well; they knew what was coming.  

As he prepared to make good on his word, Damien shocked them all - rather than use what little time he had to try and escape, he shot himself forward, straight into the heart of the attack.  Rais held the sword outwards, shocked by the naivety but attributing it to undeveloped skill.  

 

"What the hell he's doing?!" Alistair asked, watching stunned as his friend prepared to plunge himself right into the tip of a waiting blade.

"Has he lost his mind?!" Andrea too was gripped, watching with tense eyes.

This can't possibly be.  Tres couldn't fathom why...of all the children Damien was undoubtedly the most skilled on the battlefield, and yet here he was, making a move that would literally be the end of him.  Has he simply given up?

"Take this and die!" Rais shouted, until...wait.  He found himself unable to move his arm.  His sword, too.  It was like they were frozen in place. "What did you--"

When the smoke cleared, the crowd was stunned to find Damien on the other side once again, only now he was kneeling on the ground.  Only one of his arms, the left, was still encased in ice, but there was a chain attached to it now.  It only took a second to piece it together - he'd switched his weapon.  And this time, using the lance as anchor, had wrapped the chain around the sword to lock it in place.  Rais couldn't move it.

 

“I see now,” Calle observed, piecing together the puzzle.  He’d seen the boy’s movements, but it wasn’t until he actually landed that he’d noticed the chain of ice.  “Someone’s been training on their own.”

“Whoa, how did he pull that off?” Andrea asked, though it seemed more rhetorical than anything.  Her attempts at pretending she was disinterested had failed, being pulled into the moment just like everyone else – believing there was a legitimate chance her brother could emerge victorious.

 

Everyone’s eyes were locked to the stadium’s center.  A pan of the camera showed thousands of fans, silent, desperate to know what would happen next. Even Skylar, still resting in the medical room, found his eyes glued to the screen of the boy he’d once dueled.  And while he’d won that game with ease, it was clear that when it came to the battlefield, Damien Tistro was a different person completely.

 

“Did you see that?! How did he allow himself to be captured?!” Alexandra was livid, watching her partner struggle to break his sword arm free, completely held in place by Damien’s frozen binding.  “Pathetic!”

“I told you, the worst was yet to come,” Shadow replied, calm.  “Simmer down, girl.  It doesn’t matter – when the fight has reached its finish, Rais will be victorious.  Every underdog has his moment.”

“I may be young, but I’m not as naïve as I look,” Damien replied.  “A wise strategist learns all he can about his opponent before a battle.  If such information is not an option, then the next best thing is to analyze an opponent’s movements by simply testing their limitations.  When I was able to match your speed, you had no choice but to withdraw your sword, in essence beginning the real fight.  But without your sword,” he continued, pulling his hand from the ground and freezing the chain in place.  Having used up a significant amount of Rakurai, his arms returned to normal, but the chain stayed.

“I’m just one step ahead.”

“What are you waiting for; break free of that damn thing already!” Rais turned, partially surprised as he heard Alexandra’s cries from up in the rafters.  She was furious.  It wasn’t a plea for his safety, rather her refusal to accept failure.  She was always so damn annoying, barking orders as if she ran the place.

 

He ignored her cries and turned his attention back to his opponent.  Surprisingly, in that slight time he’d been focused elsewhere, the boy hadn’t even tried to hit him.  Not that he planned to do so for Alexandra’s sake, but breaking free of the chain was definitely his goal.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t that simple.  Somehow, he found himself unable to pry it loose.

“Forgive me; while I understand that my health is of very little concern to you, I never fight my battles in the mindset of my enemy,” Damien said.  “What I’m getting at is, I would prefer not to attack an enemy unable to defend himself with all his strength, but at this point, I’m left with no other choice.  I respect you and even admit that you’re the better man, but I can’t afford to lose!”

In a furious rush, he swept across the arena, with his left hand outstretched, and in one fell swoop struck Rais in the skull, prying the chain from the ground and blasting him into the cement wall lining the stadium.  The man’s sword flew into the air and landed a few feet away in the ground, while Rais himself ended up a crumpled heap on the ground.  The crowd, and all of the remaining spectators couldn’t help but gasp.

 

Unbelievable...is it over? Calle’s eyes lay still. 

There’s...no way...no way he could lose! His intensity was matched by Alexandra’s, but on the other side of the spectrum, as the Blaster Axis’ only female member kept her eyes glued to the battlefield, demanding that Rais get back in the fight and show he was only bluffing.

Even Shadow, though he’d been the one to advise Alexandra not to assume a thing, found himself stunned over what he’d just seen.

“Ladies and gentlemen...I never thought I would say this, but it would appear...” The MC seemed unsure of his own words speaking into the microphone, about to announce Damien as the winner, when Rais’ feet hit the ground, what little remained of his energy allowing him to get to his feet.  “Perhaps I spoke too soon! Rais of Blaster Axis has somehow managed to stand again after taking such a brutal shot!”

 

He’s still...standing? Damien wouldn’t let his confidence waiver, but really that had been his ultimate attempt at victory.  His energy was more or less out.  That should’ve been it.

“That was something else,” Rais acknowledged; sure, he knew the attack wouldn’t beat him, but damn if it didn’t hurt.  His body was extremely sore, and even standing had been a challenge.  Still, he couldn’t afford to lose to this mere boy.  “You are much stronger than I initially gave you credit for, and for that I acknowledge the error of my ways.  Truly, you have forced me to use my strongest of techniques to attain victory, something very few people have been able to lay claim to.”

What could he possibly do?  He was talking like he’d already had it won, but even his sword was out of his reach.  Yet Damien himself was out of breath, standing had become difficult. 

 

The ground shook as Rais' body became enveloped in a coat of visible Rakurai; the man stood, concentrating his energy as the sword Damien had knocked out of his hands moments earlier recoiled itself from the dirt, vanishing, and then reappearing in his right hand.

How in the world? At a loss for words, Damien couldn't begin to fathom how Rais was able to reclaim the weapon without taking a single step.  It just vanished and reappeared like some kind of magic.  Unless - no, it couldn't be.

"I can tell by the look in your eyes you've figured it out, and I must say you continue to impress me," Rais said.  "For someone so young, you have a wide array of knowledge.  My Gekidoku is not just a sword, but a part of me.  We are one in the same.  It is not the weapon itself which contains the power, but me. Just as I depend on it, it depends on me.  You cannot take away that which is a part of my physical being."

"That's more like it," Alexandra snapped.  "How it took him this long to get here disgusts me.  Finish him off."  One wound from Rais' Gekidoku and the kid's body would crumble from the inside, all thanks to the poison.  This would be his last fight.  Serves him right, thinking they stood even a slight chance against the might of her team.

"I offer you one final time, Damien Tistro.  Your surrender." Holding his blade at eye level, Rais readied for his one strike - that which would end this battle.  "You delayed the inevitable, but now, even you must realize that there is no hope for your victory.  Please, do the sensible thing."

With shadows in his eyes, Damien stared at his feet, ashamed.  His final show of offense, it had wowed everyone, but more importantly than that he believed it would be the key to his victory.  Yet now, his opponent had turned the tables and his strength had run out.

 

"Perhaps it's better for him to just surrender," Alistair offered.  "We've got plenty more ahead in this fight, and risking his life like this just ain't worth it."

"Brother..." Andrea couldn't bear to watch.

Do you think he'll heed the warning? Tres asked.

Calle hesitated.  I believe that you already know the answer to that question, my friend. It wasn't about a victory for Damien.  It was about his desire to rebuild a destroyed family. About his desire to give everything he had to prove he was the strongest. Anyone doubting how the remainder of this battle would play out, surely was someone who didn't know him as a person.

 

My child... Beatrice watched with saddened eyes.  She couldn't bear the thought of losing another one. 

 

"Well?" Rais demanded his decision.

"I think you're right," he sighed, prompting confusion.  "For the sake of my own safety, the best thing to do...would be to give up and live to fight another day.  But," Rais couldn't believe his own eyes as Damien spoke, encasing his right arm in a veil of ice, recreating the original lance.  How could the boy have enough Rakurai left to use his powers again?  "For the sake of my team and all of those depending on me, I can't surrender! So I'll come at you with everything I've got left, and if that means this is my last battle, then I'm proud to say I fought up until the very last second!"

He's a fool...but to say he's not a prideful warrior couldn't be further from the truth.

Rais sighed.  "If it is your wish to die, then allow me to be the one to make that wish a reality! Gekidoku, I command your power! Venom Darkness Slash!"

Those were the last words the two spoke before their final clash.  Despite Damien's best efforts, what little remained of his strength was overwhelmed by Rais' immense power.  As the ice faded away, Rais drove his blade right into his upper chest, spattering blood in all directions.  Everyone watching fell silent.

 

Second by second, the world faded out around him.  He could feel the thoughts of his teammates as he crashed to the ground, lifeless.

 

---

 

Calle was shaken; he felt his eyes begin to water, using everything he had within him to stop himself from crying.  Andrea, on the other hand, had no such luck, a river of tears flowing down her face as she watched her brother fall to the ground in a heap.  He was...he had put his own life on the line to prove how much the others meant to him.  To prove how much she meant to him.  How had she been so blind to it before?

So much hatred...I've always resented you for actions out of your control.  I think inside I've always known it wasn't your fault, that you did everything you could.  But to escape the harsh reality of it, I convinced myself you were the one to blame.  Thinking that somehow if there was someone to blame, a place for my hatred and loneliness, it would become easier.  But it didn't.  Life has never been easy.  The hardship is there every day, no matter how hard I try to put a smile on.  And yet...you never stopped believing in me, brother.  No matter how horrible I was to you.  Please...forgive me. "Please don't die!!" 

 

"Such hardship is never a pleasure for me.  I don't take pride in ending the lives of another, regardless of the reason," Rais said, sheathing his sword.  "I truly feel a sadness in my heart for having to take such measures.  The one thing that was proven is that you are a brave and valiant warrior, Damien Tistro.  And perhaps if this battle had taken place at another time, the outcome would have been different.  Farewell."

He turned to walk, heading towards the Stadium exit, as Alexandra sat with a sinister smile on her face.  That same smile would soon turn to shock.

 

"Ice Break Release!" The stadium rose into an uproar as Rais froze in place, feeling the sharp edges of the ice blade pierce through the skin of his upper back, forming a hole that almost went all the way through. 

Alexandra was speechless, there were no words to describe the lack of control over her emotions.

"But how?! How can this be?!" Rais compressed his wound as much as possible, but he was fading fast and couldn't remain standing any longer.  "No...don't tell me...you..."

"A real...warrior relies not on his strength alone, but the bond between those close to him," Damien barely managed to muster up the words amongst his misery.  "Before our battle began, my teacher told me...everything he knew about your Gekidoku.  A blade with the ability to release a deadly poison that would destroy the body from the inside.  A lethal feat that made you the strongest member of your team by far.  Being fully aware that there was no way to dodge your fatal blow, I took the attack head on, using the last of my resources to freeze the blood around the point you stabbed."

Ingenious... Calle thought, dumbfounded.

"In other words, when you...attempted to release the toxin into my veins, it was all frozen into one central point. And by using that frozen gathering of poison, I was able to turn it into an attack, piercing your skin and releasing that same poison into your body as well.  Gekidoku might be a part of you, but your body isn't immune to the poison anymore than mine is.  If I'm going down, then the most I can do for my team is take you down with me..."

 

He knew he couldn't win...so instead of just giving up he used the very last of his power to ensure I couldn't win either.  He decided to end the battle in a draw.  What a...remarkable...

 

To be continued...[/spoiler]

[Synchronized]

Just moving this up! Hoping to have the new episode done by the end of the day.

[Synchronized]

[spoiler=Episode 19: This is the Only Time!]

As we’re right in the middle of the Grand Thunder Clash, things have begun heating up as combatants of the competing teams do battle, throwing all risks aside to earn victory for their team.  Despite being paired up against a member of the famed Blaster Axis, our own Damien Tistro was able to hold his own until the bitter end of the fight.  Having been made aware of Rais’ Gekidoku and its venomous abilities, Damien lunged himself right into the heart of the blade, using the last of his Rakurai to freeze the poison from the blade inside his own body, and use that frozen fragment as a weapon.

 

While it was extremely risky, his valiant efforts and sacrifice allowed him to end the match in a draw.  With that same poison being released into Rais’ body from the final strike, neither one of them were able to continue, thus each team gained only one point on the scoreboard.  Now, as we await the conclusion of the 1^st Day’s events, Damien is in dire condition, and has been rushed to the medics as the others of his team join them.

 

---

 

Episode 19: This is the Only Time!

 

Calle stood at the doorway while the others had taken place around the cot they’d placed Damien onto.  According to the technology he’d been hooked up to, he was still breathing, but his body was in a dangerously weakened state, and they had only been able to remove some of the poison.  Even freezing it hadn’t been enough to stop it all, but with his Rakurai completely exhausted from the fight, there was no way for his increased healing rate to take effect.

The stress was great.  Even though the match had ended in a draw, his mind continued to race back and forth, an endless cycle as he worried about Damien’s health.  Surprisingly, Rais had carried himself much different than Alexandra.  His respect for battle and display of remorse was unlike the team’s overall vibe.  It was a relief.  While he still had no idea what the Blaster Axis’ intentions were, he had no doubt that Rais could have done far worse damage if he’d intended.  And he was thankful for that.

Your mind is wandering.  I can sense great disarray.  I do not believe you are to blame for his injuries.

Calle shook his head.  I may not have physically inflicted those injuries upon him, but this team is my responsibility.  Perhaps Beatrice was right.  Perhaps it is not worth the risk.

I find it strange that you would say something like that, given the circumstances.

Tres’ condescending tone was unusual.  What circumstances? It’s crystal clear.

I’ve never claimed to understand humans.  They’re a very complex element.  But, to borrow a term you’ve used rather often, what difference does it make at this point? Tres asked.  Do you honestly believe that backing out of the tournament would change anything? There’s a dark force at work here, tell me, do you believe that whatever force has targeted us will simply disappear if we choose to retreat?

As much as he hated to admit it, Tres had a point.  But still. What makes you so certain that staying in this is the best way to stop it.  It’s possible we could retreat and come up with a plan to stop whatever it is, but we don’t even know what it is we’re fighting to stop.

I cannot explain the logic behind it, but I can’t shake the feeling that somehow the key to discovering our enemy is winning this competition. Tres replied.  I’m aware that might sound crazy, but I believe it’s what we have to do.  I believe they invited us here thinking it would be an easy way to kill us off, or at least weaken us to the point where we were no longer a threat to them – retreating will only prove their assessment to be accurate.

 

“Besides, backing out at this point isn’t an option for us,” Skylar said, making his presence known for the first time, looking to be in much better shape now that he’d had time to recover.

Calle looked at him, perplexed.  Had he been able to hear their thoughts? That wasn’t even remotely possible.

“Don’t worry, I’m not reading your mind,” he assured. “Something about the look in your eyes.  You said it best – we’re already too far into it now to tuck our tail between our legs and walk away.  Weakness is not a trait I prefer to carry, but I acknowledge that it is in fact legitimate.  We all do.  And while none of us are really ‘team players’, I think that common trait is exactly what brings us together.  Because allowing ourselves to lose this competition would destroy our pride.”

“He’s right,” Alistair agreed, looking Calle right in the eyes. “I don’t care if every other team thinks we’re too weak to fight – we’ll prove ‘em wrong!”

Andrea nodded, her eyes filled with concern for her brother’s condition.

 

What...what is it about these children? Beatrice found herself nearly tearing up as she overheard their words from out in the hall.  Having watched Damien take that fall had scared her terribly, yet at the same time these weren’t the same kids they had evaluated when Calle had first arrived.  They had grown so much in such a short time.  She was terrified for their lives, but it had become clear that no matter what she said or did, there was no way she was going to pull these kids away from  the battle.  They had begun to produce results – so her only option was to hope they could keep it up.  She couldn’t afford to lose any of them.

 

"I'm gonna...take a walk for a little while," Andrea said, breaking the silence.  "The next round is about to start and since the chances are good that we won't be competing, I just wanna clear my head.  Keep a close eye on the competition for me, okay?" She tried to feign a smile, but they could see right through her false bravado.  She was extremely worried about her brother's conditon.

Alistair stepped forward, determined to try and comfort a friend, but Calle put his hand across the boy's chest, signaling with his head to let her go.  Though he didn't like it, he complied.

"That's fine," Calle replied.  "Just be careful."

 

---

 

About twenty-eight minutes have passed, and in that time, the third round has all but finished.  With not a single member of Wind Gear's team being chosen as competitors, the audience and remaining teams watched carefully, being sure to study their opponents, as R-Team's Daisuke Ritos clashing with Star Gate's Kissana Violet.  At this point, both sides have used up the majority of their arsenal; the fight was coming down to its final moments.

 

On one side of the stadium stood Daisuke Ritos.  At about 5'9", he was slightly taller than his opponent, Kissana Violet, the only female member of Star Gate (not including their esteemed leader), and a woman widely recognized as the team's strongest member.  Not particularly outmatched, but definitely against an opponent at least equal to his skill level, Daisuke had thrown everything he had at her to no avail.  His Rakurai, focused primarily on speed magic, allowed him to travel at extremely high speeds while offering a boost to his hand-to-hand combat skills at the same time.  He outmatched her tenfold when it came to speed, but her abilities were nothing to scoff at, either.

 

As he'd come to learn, Kissana's Rakurai and entire fighting style focused on the use of absorption magic.  Using her own Rakurai, she could manifest it into different forms that would not only act as a method of attack, damaging her target, but also draining energy from it, which she would then use to strengthen herself.  Therefore, the longer the fight carried on, the slower and slower his speed became.  Even with it, he couldn't dodge all of her attacks, and just now to the crowd's shock, she'd struck him with a stiff punch right to the gut that had rendered him unable to move.

 

His team's leader, Voltaire, had a vast knowledge of the many skillsets these fighters had to offer, but there was no real advice for him to give when it came to fighting against absorption; in essence, it came down to who could land a hit, and while he'd definitely gotten some in, the smug Kissana had kept her cool the entire time and played her strategy to perfection.  Her arrogant smirk had become annoying.

"This fight is over," Kissana said  smug.  "Our team has already been embarrassed once by weaklings, and you can rest assured honey that I'm not gonna let it happen again.  Now end this, Genesis Bolt!"  Using her hands as a base, she fired a bolt of pink-colored energy at Daisuke's lower body.  While quick, in a wounded state there wasn't much he could do to get around her.

He could sense his team-mates watching, Voltaire too, as the bolt got nearer and nearer to his grounded body.  If it struck, the physical pain combined with the draining of the last of his energy would knock him out of the fight for sure.  And while Star Gate wasn't their target, they were just plain unlikable.  This girl could more than hold her own - he had no qualms about taking her down.

 

He remembered just then; the words Voltaire had shared with them all before this endeavor had begun.

This event is the first of its kind, nothing like it has ever been done before.  But rest assured, it won't be the last.  You see, we're not here just because we have opposition, we're here because above everything else, it's time we prove ourselves to be the strongest team.  I don't show emotion much, and I'm not sure that will ever change.  It's who I am - how I was modeled. But I can say without shame that I'm proud to stand before a team of warriors who are not only strong, but morally true to themselves and others.  I believe in all of you; we've only just begun to learn what Rakurai can truly do, and yet we have so much knowledge already.  It's limitless, but you've all become such skilled wielders of your craft.  You might make friends, and you might make enemies, but above all else, it is necessary to stay true to yourself.  Remember that your entire team believes in you - don't do it for the mission, do it because you have the potential.  Whether it's Wind Gear, or any of the others, we all have one thing in common - we're all warriors.  And that's what this is about.  The honor and pride of a skilled tactician.  And if you should lose, do not feel disappointment.  Brush it off and come back stronger.  The most important thing to remember is that as long as you have a drive to win, somehow, you can find a way in any circumstance.

 

That was the only time since joining this team that they'd ever seen Voltaire act in such a way.  The leader was such a quiet man, he often kept to himself and in truth, none of them had ever seen his face.  Despite that, they'd placed their full trust in him and he'd been there every step of the way to help them succeed in any way they could.  He wasn't fooling anyone - they knew the Blaster Axis was up to no good.  While Voltaire wouldn't say it directly, they'd all caught on.  And they knew, too, that Wind Gear was fighting for a similar purpose.  As important as that mission was - proving themselves was right up there.

"This may be the first Grand Thunder Clash but it's no different than if it were the second, the third, or even the one-hundredth," he muttered.

"I can't hear what you're saying over the sound of my crushing victory!" Kissana exclaimed.  "But all the same, I didn't really care to begin with!"

 

"Hold on a minute folks, it looks like Daisuke is standing up! But with this attack just seconds from striking, is he too late?!"

 

"I'll tell you why you can't win this match," he said.  "It's not because you're not as strong as I am, or because I'm going to get lucky.  It's because unlike us, you lack the drive! You want to win for the sake of winning and being the most powerful, but there's more to a victory than that! It's about standing proud as a team and bettering yourself!"

"That's all a bunch of sweet garbage," she cackled.  "Power is what separates the weak from the strong - the same reason that Star Gate will crush all of the opposition!"

"Sorry," he whispered under his breath, his eyes meeting the gaze of the bolt searing towards him, it's flashy pink resonance heading towards him like a speeding bullet. "But I have to disagree!  I know what it's like to rely on nothing but power, and I know where it's gotten me! Joining R-Team has allowed me a chance to right the wrongs I've made before, and I can't afford to let them down now!"

 

"Mach Shadow" he uttered the words, and on cue, the bolt struck the sole of his shoes as he sprung into the air, a blackened aura surrounding his feet.  Incredibly, to Kissana's dismay, he ran along the bolt, using it as a track, at unmatchable speeds, so fast the audience could see nothing but the remnants of his shadow as he glided across it.  She couldn't move in time, and as he reached the end of the bolt, he struck her right in the chest, followed by a knee to the chin as she flew up into the air.  Landing on his feet, Daisuke simply lowered his head as Kissana struck the ground in a defeated heap.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I don't believe it, but it's over! R-Team's Daisuke Ritos is victorious! I've never seen anything like it, but this boy was able to run on Rakurai, using it as a base!"

 

I was defeated...but how?! Our team is the strongest! How is it we've lost twice? To these lesser brats!

She was shaken, both mentally and physically.  She couldn't bring herself to open her eyes again, to face the reality of her team-mates and Master Rain's disappointment.  This event was supposed to be the chance for them to step into the spotlight for the first time and show what they were made of - to prove that they were more than just talk.  That they were real warriors.  And yet so far, nothing but defeat.  What was it that they lacked that these other teams had?  What was it that had allowed that punk Damien to stand toe-to-toe with a member of the Blaster Axis? It wasn't strength - at least not physical.  Yet whatever it was, it was stronger.

 

“I can tell you’re wondering it now,” Daisuke was short of breath, walking slowly, his body still roughed up, as he made his way towards the arena’s exit.  While he didn’t lock eyes with her, his words caught Kissana’s attention, as the girl’s interest piqued in his direction.

“It doesn’t take a mind reader to understand the emotion in your eyes,” he said.  “Battles like these are unique because none of us fight based on a hatred for one another, or even a desire for revenge; we do it because we’re fighting for what we believe in.  We’re fighting for our whole team as well as our own individual goals.”

Ironically, he almost lost his footing as he neared the exit.  He played it cool, waving to the crowd to a raucous response.  “The Grand Thunder Clash.  Nothing like this has ever been done before; not on a scale like this.  And that means this is a historic moment for all of us.  Your team relies on nothing but power—there’s no synergy between any of you.  Even if you’re fighting alone, you can’t understand what it’s like to fight with the strength of your allies behind you if you automatically shut yourself off to the idea, see?”

He looked in her direction, and with his right hand, gave a “thumbs up”.  “That’s not to say your team’s not good.  More like, if you don’t have a reason to fight, if it’s only because you want to win and nothing else, then really, you stand no chance.”

“It was an honor to have fought you,” he said, taking his leave.  And with that, the crowd burst into cheers.

 

“The third round has now finished, leaving us with just one more fight until today’s events conclude!  As it stands now, in a shocking turn of events, Wind Gear, the – until today – unheard of team sits in first place with four points! With this win, however, R-Team is just one point behind them at three, followed by the menacing Blaster Axis with one!  Certainly not how things were expected to go given the status and reputation of these teams, but with an event like this you never know what you’ll get!  It’s history in the making, folks!  We’re going to take a fifteen minute break and we’ll resume with the final battle of the day!”

 

---

 

“Well, that was impressive,” Skylar noted, turning to Calle.  “So you’re saying these guys are supposed to be our allies or somethin?”

Calle shook his head, half-nodding.  “I didn’t have much of a chance to speak with him, Voltaire.  He’s the team’s leader,” he said.  “But I can’t imagine that if he was out to get us, too, he would’ve approached me like that.  His advice may have very well saved Damien’s life out there.  He made it clear his team was aiming to win this competition, but I have reason to believe his team is also targeting the Blaster Axis.”

A sudden rush of energy swept the room as the two turned their gaze to Alistair, standing and appearing quite energetic.  “So, we’ve got two teams on the same page, but both of ‘em determined to win above all else,” he said, clenching his fist with excitement. “Guess this whole thing just got a whole lot more interestin,” he remarked.

His cheerful tone came as a surprise to the others, Skylar in particular.  He scoffed.  “
You’re awful excited, but I wouldn’t be if I were you.  Those rats were on the thing, but these guys are on a different level.  I’m not so sure you’ll get lucky twice.”

“You crack me up,” Alistair said.  “I reckon you’re confident after your 1^st Round win, but don’t forget, I saved your ass once.  This time, I’m gonna show what I’m capable of.  And I’m hoping this battle will be one hell of a thrill!”

“Well well, look at you, actually looking forward to it,” Calle said.  “Not at all intimidated after seeing what happened to Damien out there?” There’s something about this kid that strikes me as different from the others.  It’s as if fear just doesn’t exist within his mind.  Damien was nearly destroyed out there and yet he’s excited for his chance to fight, even though it means he could be paired up against another member of the Blaster Axis. 

“Intimidated?” Alistair asked, rolling his eyes.  “If anything, it’s more motivation for me to kick some serious ass! After all, I’ve got an advantage,” he smirked.  “In Skylar’s fight, he spent a lot of time waiting to feel out his opponent, and in Damien’s, he tried to take things one step at a time before going full power.  I don’t care who my opponent is, I’m going to go all out from the second I step onto that field.”

There was passion in his eyes – he wasn’t bluffing.  His energy levels were crazy high, even Skylar couldn’t help but notice it.  It was reminiscent of their battle with the vaych, only much more controlled.  Just how much Rakurai did this guy have inside of him?

 

 

Andrea stopped short in her tracks; she didn't need to turn around to recognize the strange presence.  In fact, she hadn't even heard it; her senses had simply kicked in.  She'd recognize that feeling anywhere.  Alexandra.  From the first time she'd seen the Blaster Axis' "Crimson Maiden", the feeling of anger had built up.  Not only was she arrogant, but pure evil.  Granted, she wasn't a fan of most other girls anyway due to their snarky attitudes, but this one took the cake.  She wasn't afraid of her - no, she actually wanted to pound her into the ground.

But what was she doing here now?

"How does it feel to know your pathetic excuse for a brother was almost killed right in front of your eyes?" Alexandra asked rhetorically, her lips curling to form a twisted smile.  Andrea only glanced behind her for a second, a solid distance between the two of them in the stadium halls.  "Especially knowing someone like you couldn't hope to do a thing about it?" The woman laughed condescendingly, sending chills up Andrea's spine.

She felt her rage beginning to build; it was obvious the woman was just trying to get under her skin, but it was working.  Still, fighting between tournament rounds was grounds for disqualification and she couldn't risk leaving her team like that.  Come on, she's playing with you.  She's trying to elicit this reaction.  Keep calm. She assured herself.

"What, no words?" Alexandra pressed on with a devilish grin.  "Come on, you were so fiery when we first met, and now it's like you've turned into some kind of coward.  Already eating your words, little girl?"

Did she respond? Was it worth it?  There was no way the woman would actually start the fight with her.  If Alexandra was able to anger her enough that she'd make the first move, she could simply claim defense and face no repercussions from the judge panel.  "Hmph," she said, breathing through her nose, prompting Alexandra to take offense.

"You think you're superior to me, you little brat?" The Crimson Maiden roared, remembering the purpose of her objective and trying to keep her own emotion in check, though she would've loved nothing more than to tear this girl apart.

"I just think it's funny is all," she laughed playfully.  "You're trying to hard to start a fight with me, it makes me wonder if our team is that much of a threat that you'd go to such lengths."

Alexandra snapped, smashing her fist into the wall, leaving a flame-embroiled crevice.  "You dare say something like that! I could kill you where you stand, bitch!" She remembered Shadow's words, and the orders Shotei had explicitly given them, but damn...she could kill this girl.  She wanted to, she deserved to.  After Rais' failure to win in such a dominating fashion, people were already beginning to doubt the abilities and the reputation her team held.  She had hated her from the moment she'd seen her, such a weak, pathetic excuse for a fire mage, just like the rest of her team.  They had no place in this tournament and she considered it a personal disgrace to everyone else competing.  The fact that they'd so much as won their first round and managed to stand toe-to-toe with Rais' was the icing on the cake.

"Then stop talking about it and do something," Andrea beckoned, turning to face the woman as her fists were engulfed with flame.  Her feelings towards her brother were still a mystery, but she knew that...after seeing what he'd done out there for them, there was some good in him after all.  She still had to sort it all out, but no way in hell she was gonna stand there and let someone else insult him.

 

Alexandra shook her head.  She couldn't do it any longer.  This girl had challenged her, and she had to answer that call.  "Crimson Flare Whip!" She shot her hand out, an array of flames taking the shape of a snap whip, about three feet in length.  She grasped the tail end, all flame, without feeling the effects of the heat at all.  "You dare mock the pride of our team when you're in no place to speak of such things, for that you deserve the ultimate punishment!"

She flung the whip, despite Andrea's resistance to flame, it would still far overpower any of her own abilities.  The girl closed her eyes, prepared for the worst - her anger and determination was strong but she was outmatched.

"That's enough," came the words as a hand blocked the whip's strike, repelling it.

"Skylar?!" Andrea exclaimed in shock as the boy stood in front of her, the right sleeve of his jacket somewhat singed from the flames.  Of all the people, he was the last one she expected to see.  "What the hell are you doing here?! I've got this under control," she lied.

"Another Wind Gear brat? You dare get involved in my affairs?" Alexandra challenged.

"Picking a fight with someone in a weakened mental state?" He asked.  "Maybe she's right - I'm starting to think you are intimidated by us."

Skylar... After all the things he'd said in the past, why would he choose to save her? No way his loyalty to the team was that strong that he'd risk his own life to save her of all people.

"Afraid of the likes of you?!" Alexandra shook her head, the intensity of her flames growing.  "That's rich! I am the Crimson Maiden Alexandra of Blaster Axis, fear is beneath me! Now remove yourself from this fight or I'll kill you too!"

 

"Just so you know," he said, turning to Andrea.  His arm was in great pain, and she hadn't noticed it until now as he cringed just trying to talk.  Without a resistance to fire, jumping in the way of that attack was extremely risky.  "This is the one and only time I'm gonna save your ass.  Next time you let your anger get the best of you, you're on your own." He turned around, back to Alexandra, who was noticeably frustrated with all this standing around.

"But why..." Andrea said, feeling tears begin to well up in her eyes.  She...who the hell was she to be crying? She was too strong for that.  And yet, the tears ran down her face like a waterfall. Is this what Calle meant by the bonds of a team? Have we really come this far?

"Such a touching moment...too bad I'll have to cut it short!" Alexandra declared, preparing for a second attack. 

"Now then, I have no desire to pick a fight with you," Skylar said.  "Fighting between rounds is prohibited and grounds for disqualification.  And since I plan to win, I'm not going to fall prey to your childish tactics.  However if you persist, I won't hesitate to put you out of comission."

This kid...he wasn't joking around.  He seriously thought he could take her.  She laughed at the idea.  "You think you've got what it takes to kill me? I'd like to see you try!"

"Kill you?" Shaking his head, Skylar looked her in the eyes, pointing his index finger outward. "Where did you get that idea? What I had in mind is something a little more...devastating.  Since it seems to me like winning this tournament is so essential to whatever your agenda is, I thought I'd simply render you paralyzed."

"What?!" Alexandra asked, eyes wide with confusion.

"It's just a temporary state of paralysis, but I couldn't imagine that the image of your team, something that appears to be quite precious to you, would be all that strong if you were chosen for the next round and forced to forfeit because you were unable to move," Skylar said, grinning.  "Is that a risk you're willing to take?"

What's he thinking... Andrea wondered, wiping the tears from her eyes.

"You're bluffing," the woman snapped.  "You think I'd fall for such a trick?!"

 

"Maybe I am," he said.  "But maybe I'm not." The glare in his eyes met hers. "With that said, let's find out." Charging a beam of light between his thumb and index finger, his arrow took life.  "Seishin kyota!" He fired the arrow.  Just before it struck, a dark shadow surrounded Alexandra, teleporting her away as the arrow pierced the wall, taking a good chunk of brick out of the hallway's foundation.

"Whoa, she's gone!" Andrea exclaimed.

Hm...just as I figured.  She's not the smartest, but she's sure strong. He noted.  I figured they were keeping an eye on her; even if they'd wanted her to try and provoke Andrea, they had to know that she'd take it too far.  Granted, my arrow lacks the power to paralyze an enemy, but they don't need to know that.  Looks like they bought it.

"You..." Andrea started to speak, but Skylar put his right arm up, the burn marks still quite evident.

"Enough," he said.  "I didn't do it because I care about your well-being, one way or another." His mind flashed back to those images once again, back when he was a young child.  You would've done the same thing, wouldn't you, Jess? "I just couldn't risk losing a second member of our team."

"Losing a second member?" She asked worriedly.  Her brother...

"His condition is stable; it looks like his will is strong enough to fight off the poison," he said.  "But the doctors say he won't be able to compete for the remainder of the competition.  As pathetic as he is, I give your brother all the credit in the world.  He risked everything to win.  He's a true genius in battle.  Anyway, I'm off.  The final round of the day is starting soon." He looked her in the eyes, and for a brief moment, gave a genuine smile that he tried to hard to hide.  "If anyone asks, this conversation never happened, you got it?"

She nodded, returning the smile with watery eyes. 

"Good."

 

---

 

Well that's an interesting turn of events, don't you think?

Indeed it is, Tres.  Indeed it is. Calle replied.  I guess the same brat who couldn't be bothered with the rest of his allies has learned a little something about the power of a team. He was proud.

 

"That being said, as good as it is to see everyone on the right track, we've got a more pressing issue on our hands," he said.  "It looks like the Blaster Axis has made their first real move.  Voltaire was right - there's a lot more to this than just the tournament.  They've targeted us and presumably R-Team as well.  Whether or not Star Gate is their ally or simply another team competing, I imagine now that they've shown there's no hesitation to take the fight outside of the official competition, we've got to be on guard."

 

The big question still lingered - just what was the Blaster Axis after?

 

To be continued...[/spoiler]

[Aerion Brightflame]

Hmm...

 

I apologise for not commenting after the last chapter, but because of how it ended... I kinda wanted to read this one before passing any Judgment.

 

I'll go right out there and say it: Damien should have lost in my honest opinion.

 

The reason why I say that... is because now you've underplayed Blaster Axis. You've essentially said: You are now weaker than a opponent who didn't need any set-up, because you were forced into a draw by a First Stage. When there was a essentially filler opponent who required a second stage to be beaten.

 

Combine that with Alexandrea running away from a first stage, which she had already seen in battle over some kind of paralysis. (I mean like I get the reasoning behind her running away, but still, you could have done that with the Second stage not as the paralysis, but by actually pointing out that Rais was forced into a draw by a first stage technique, that would have been a more convincing threat.)

 

The fact that.. well there's been no real difference it seems between him having drawn, and what presumably would've happened if he'd lost, which is why I was waiting. If the draw had specifically had an impact (If you make that 1 point he difference between them going through and not, I will be annoyed, sudden death would be much better)

 

So yeah, that's really my issue here. Is that you're destroying the... fear of Blaster Axis (I've said much the same before I'll grant you that but... The bad guys should win on the first time really. It keeps them being scary when the next fight it) Now, the next time they fight Blaster Axis, there is less fear because a First Stage tied With it.

 

Anyhow, that's the negative stuff done with: Like that there's now a bit more distinction between the teams, and that there is an ally team. It's cliche, but still great. Fight was decent enough to say the least.

 

One thing I'm kinda wanting to happen: Callie to do something. Like I get that he's the mentor and stuff, but.. he's not done much besides get taken away by a massive monster, and talk. Hell, just resolving the situation with Alexandrea by having Callie come and threaten her would've been nice.

 

So yeah, as ever apologies for being critical, but that's my two cents~

[Vector Nightmare]

Hello.

 

And now that we've got the re-introductions out of the way, let's get to the point.

 

Alright... I've been reading this on-and-off during my spare time lately. I did buckle up and read most of the first story sometime before and in-between that, minus some parts that were... somehow too mind-numbingly boring to sit through where I just skipped ahead a couple of chapters and didn't really feel like missing anything. Now, don't get me wrong. Despite its shortcomings, Accel was a great story, and if I was reviewing it as a whole my verdict would definitely be positive. But alas, I'm not - I'm looking at the sequel, which, let me say this outright: it's a very well-written mediocre story.

 

So yeah this was probably not the showering praise you were hoping for, so I'll elaborate. The premise of the story is good. The general plot works as a sequel. The characters are... well, the protagonists and their allies range between passable and good. The antagonists and villains... eeeh. More on that later. But you have a good recipe here and both you and Umbra also have good writing skills. What holds this story back are... things. And by things I mean the stuff that doesn't have to be in the story, that shouldn't be in the story, and yet still is in the story. This includes genre tropes, character stereotypes, author pets, unnecessary references and various other things. Basically it's the writing equivalent of building this awesomesauce ten-foot-tall mecha, giving it a super-shiny armor, genocide-tier weaponry, a hypercool sounding name and then giving it a crappy-ass booster system that barely lets it move and needs recharging every 10 seconds, and failing to include a sound system so it cannot shout its own name in a GAR voice. So what are the things that are mostly holding the story back?

 

1) Duels. I get it. They were in the original. They had... some place in the original (although they were probably one of the clunkiest parts). They had some plot relevance there. They worked. Here... they just don't. There hasn't been any remotely justifiable excuse for any of the duels here. There's no... logical... explanation why people who can fight using magic should duke it out in duels. There's no justifiable excuse why creatures from a different dimension should use duels to fight against people they are easily superior to in every other way. Let me mention Legacy of the Tormentor, Umbra's old story. Now I'm not bringing it up to be that romantic fool who praises old stories. I'm bringing it up because it's probably the best example I have of a story where dueling coexists and is used along with another form of fighting in a believable manner. Why was that so? LoT had unique powerful cards that were plot elements, directly tied to the whole plot. There were other factors, as well, but you didn't have interdimensional beastmen who were supposed to be hunting a couple of children engage in a card game just for kicks. To make things worse, the dueling in this story just... flat-out isn't very good. A staggering amount of custom-made cards are used per duel but most of them don't feel unique or relevant in any significant way, not to mention some are terribly underwhelming (that self-discard guy comes to mind, just look at these things, then look at Darkworlds). Given the high quality of the actual fighting (yes; I will eventually get to talking about the things that are good, bear with it), I think it'd be much better if you had just... not used dueling altogether.

 

2) Tournament. Yes. Tournaments are a practically necessary trope in toyetic series. I can't even think of one series that involves card games or really any other form of proxy combat, that didn't have a tournament of some sort in it. They're even used in other shonen subgenres, too. Understandably. I won't bother explaining why the trope works when done well, since that's neither here nor there. I will explain why it wasn't done well here. Basically you have 4 characters. They've been vaguely training for a while, except it wasn't really training since they spent most of that time incapacitated from the events of the one real battle they participated in. They've had some build-up in terms of interactions. We saw some things from their fighting styles. And we learned some of their past and motivations. The problem is that all those three "some" together amount to way too little to make us so invested in them that we are cheering for them to win in a competition. I can cheer for characters I barely know when they're fighting for their life, their pride, their friends, their goals, basically something that I can connect with them. But when they're participating in a tournament for... vague reasons? All-in-all I hardly see any reason to want Wind Gear (not even sure where the hell that name came from anyway, names are supposed to have a dynamic and connect the team members, not arbitrarily follow the rule of cool - and Wind Gear isn't even cool) to win any more than the other teams. Speaking of the other teams? They all make their debut either in the tournament or right before it. We get a bunch of characters we don't know antagonizing a few characters we barely know. Want a good example? Look at the Grand Magic Games in Fairy Tail, which given your name I assume you read. Fairy Tail's team was all long-established characters and we had a bunch of familiar faces around to keep things lively. Especially at the last chapter where two characters I read about for the very first time have a fight... I just didn't care about it at all. It would've had the same emotional impact to me as if you had written "In the meantime, X and Y fought and X won" followed by some 1-paragraph-summary of the fight and moved on. You need to get your readers invested in your characters. Suddenly throwing them in a very-vague-stakes tournament where they have to fight for points against other people with essentially sameish motivations does not do that. Basically what you should have done here would be to delay the tournament until we know a lot more about the main trio, bring some of the other teams to the spotlight before the competition, so we know where things are getting at, and finally build up to the tournament over several chapters, progressing the story during the wait, not just announce the tournament in one chapter and suddenly kick it off in the next.

 

3) Cohesion: And by "cohesion" I mean "what the hell, man". At some points things just happen that... shouldn't. A random flying creature abducts Calle, the superhero of the previous story. Yes, he comes back... after everyone else is finished. Beatrice is built up as this super mastermind behind the whole training project. Her stronghold is invaded and she has no defense except the children in training, and is entirely helpless when actually attacked. Rakurai being a huge popular "sport" apparently, enough that tournaments are organized with huge attendance, complete with MC and everything. People getting shonen power-ups during low-stakes fights. Card-playing lizardmen from the different dimension. The huge transitional gap between the end of Accel 1, and Calle suddenly being a teacher in some big shot's service and training kids. Just... some of the things that happen are so goddamn weird and are served to us with so little explanation that I can't really stretch suspension of disbelief any further here. It seems like, with a lot of characters, you're just stumbling around and can't decide what roles to really put them in. Beatrice appears like a character even Calle respects and is wary of, yet she can't even hold a candle to the... invader guy whose name eludes me atm and who Damien disposes of, even if it was through power-up. Speaking of power-ups... I can accept them powering-up against the beast things. I can accept Skylar's 2nd stage, because he had been building up to it all along. But Damien vs Rais felt really overcheap to me. And when I take into account the density of the power increases, it just seems like you're rushing too much to turn the main four from already pretty damn strong, much stronger than they should've been at the start of their adventure really respective to the stuff they've faced and what we know from the first story, to ohgodwhy. Which will either lead to a short story, or huge power creep, or power gaps so immense between the ranks that you have to wonder wtf is going on. But I'll admit that this whole part is actually not so much a problem with the heroes, but rather with the villains and how they're handled, and I'm getting to that immediately....

 

4) Antagonists and villains: So far we've had 2 different "kinds" of villains introduced to us (other than the mentioned Star Siege), and 1 different "kind" of antagonists. The first villains are the beast-men from Erebos that raid the training facility. The second are Blaster Axis, which as a name makes me visualize them as a quartet of nazis equipped with stormtrooper guns. And has nothing to do with anything about them as a team. As for antagonists, the one category right now includes all the other tournament participants so far. Now the Erebos folk were pretty well done. They were threatening (until they started dueling), they were a valid threat, they pushed the mains to the brink. They were legitimate, even though it felt like they had appeared kinda early. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the others. The remaining tournament participants sans Axis are all like... "eh". Generic motivations, generic attitudes, barely any backstory even though there's already been a lot of that. And Blaster Axis... god they're the most unconvincing villains ever. Rais getting matched this early was unacceptable. Don't you know that one of the primary uses for low-stakes fights is to give your heroes a chance to lose, without the world ending? There are two scenarios here - either the mains are already on par with Axis so the arc is pointless, or they are weaker and Axis are just that cocky and incompetent. Tsundere-on-steroids Alexandra doesn't impress anyone. Only Shadow's left that I can legitimately feel is a threat, and he can't carry the team alone after all that hype.

 

Alright so now that I've pretty much explained what's wrong with the story, let me give you some pointers on how to address them: for point 1 I can't say much more except... don't use duels. Not unless you can provide a fully reasonable justification as to why two particular characters HAVE to resolve their conflict via a card game, rather than by just duking it out. If you plan on duels remaining a part of the story, then make them more involved in the plot, rather than just a side-event.

 

For point 2, it's not too late even though the tournament's already started. Basically, space it out. Take a break after a few chapters, invoke a timeout of some days between the fights. Explore characters, especially the side ones. Do some side-event that explores the plot, that ties the tournament and especially the characters to it. It can work, and it can work well, you just need to not let it dominate the plot because what we need right now are not more tourney fights, it's plot and development.

 

For point 3... well. You just have to... carefully read your notes. Ignore your headcanon for a moment. Read it through the eyes of a person reading it for the first time, without having your whole world in their mind. Try to 'translate' your plot into a story you can easily identify with. Ask yourself, would this plot element or this plot twist or that kind of character work in Fairy Tail? (again bringing it up because I don't know what else you read, and because it's a generally good, solid story that you can draw examples from) If you think they wouldn't, then try to find the reasons why they wouldn't. Do they apply to your story? If they do, then you need to work things out before you use it.

 

And as for point 4, there's not much to do except development, development, development. Random low-stake fights =/= development. We need some real exposition here. Wrapping things in a fluffy fog of MYSTERIOUS only works until the blades are drawn, so to speak. After that we need to know the who, the why and the how. Also take your villains... a little more seriously. We need legitimate threats in this story. The kids already seem more than strong enough. Knock them down a peg. Soon. And by 'soon' I mean it should've already happen, so soon. At this stage, double knockout vs a superior opponent with an overpowered weapon doesn't make Damien a good strategist, it makes him a Stu.

 

Now if you've made it this far... good, you can handle criticism. Your reward is to read what actually made me read the story and eventually comment on it. Because if it was bad, or even if it was mediocre, it's unlikely I would've bothered. Certainly not with so much.

 

1) The characters. Yes, the villains need work. But on the other side of the scale, you've done very well with the main cast. So alright Alistair is a little iffy. But Damien, Skylar and Andrea are very solid and have a powerful team dynamic. Calle plays the role of returning as a mentor well. Beatrice is a little iffy to me, she needs much more exposition. They're good characters and I want to care for them. But the plot is not doing them justice right now. They needed more situations like the fight with the creatures (except with less card games) and more training situations, not a tournament just yet. As mentioned above you can make it work, but you have to move fast.

 

2) The fights. Though I put this as point 2 it's actually the flat-out number 1 ace-in-the-hole for the story. Fights are exciting, gripping, dynamic, good description, flow... basically everything. Some fights did need better motivation / character tension / background, but when it comes down to the choreography itself they're pretty top-notch. You're also doing a good job at describing various attack and defense styles. Though I'm looking forward to some more even fights. So far most fights seem to have a clear underdog, who then turns the situation around via generic power-up. Damien's fights are the best though.

 

I could go on a bit more about the high quality of the writing and the decent plot and its flow, which are really holding the story up. I liked the concept as well, and the first story's legacy gives it some good backing. But I don't have much to say here so I'll just leave it at this. Work on those problems I mentioned and quality should skyrocket. You have very good material in your hands, you just seem to be trying to fit it into the wrong mold. And I'll review more regularly.

 

Ciao for now.

[Synchronized]

Hmm...

I apologise for not commenting after the last chapter, but because of how it ended... I kinda wanted to read this one before passing any Judgment.

No worries.  I've been continuing to write despite the lack of comments lately - there's so much story to tell so I'm hoping people will eventually pick it up or continue reading regardless.

I'll go right out there and say it: Damien should have lost in my honest opinion.

 

The reason why I say that... is because now you've underplayed Blaster Axis. You've essentially said: You are now weaker than a opponent who didn't need any set-up, because you were forced into a draw by a First Stage. When there was a essentially filler opponent who required a second stage to be beaten.

Based on the feedback, I can see that it was a mistake to have Damien end it in a draw.  I went with a draw specifically because I didn't want to make Rais look weak by having him lose, but I think I should've gone ahead and had it much more one-sided.  Definitely something I'll keep in mind.

 

Combine that with Alexandrea running away from a first stage, which she had already seen in battle over some kind of paralysis. (I mean like I get the reasoning behind her running away, but still, you could have done that with the Second stage not as the paralysis, but by actually pointing out that Rais was forced into a draw by a first stage technique, that would have been a more convincing threat.)

 

The fact that.. well there's been no real difference it seems between him having drawn, and what presumably would've happened if he'd lost, which is why I was waiting. If the draw had specifically had an impact (If you make that 1 point he difference between them going through and not, I will be annoyed, sudden death would be much better)

Yeah, I think that's the thing I wasn't paying attention to.  Ending it in a draw really didn't do much to help Damien, while it hurt Rais and the Blaster Axis.  So there was really no benefit for either side, where I was looking to get benefits for both.  That one point does matter in the grand scheme, but for the individual characters, not so much.

 

So yeah, that's really my issue here. Is that you're destroying the... fear of Blaster Axis (I've said much the same before I'll grant you that but... The bad guys should win on the first time really. It keeps them being scary when the next fight it) Now, the next time they fight Blaster Axis, there is less fear because a First Stage tied With it.

 

Anyhow, that's the negative stuff done with: Like that there's now a bit more distinction between the teams, and that there is an ally team. It's cliche, but still great. Fight was decent enough to say the least.

One of the mistakes I made (and Saber addresses this in his post in great detail) was not really establishing the teams anywhere near as much as I should have.  Since we're already into the tournament at this point, there's a lot of work ahead to do that, and I'm going to spend a lot of time doing some re-writes for upcoming episodes to make sure that happens.  I do plan to address all of the criticism not just in responses but in the actual writing as well.  Obviously I can't abandon the tournament now, so we'll just have to make the best out of what's there.

 

One thing I'm kinda wanting to happen: Callie to do something. Like I get that he's the mentor and stuff, but.. he's not done much besides get taken away by a massive monster, and talk. Hell, just resolving the situation with Alexandrea by having Callie come and threaten her would've been nice.

 

So yeah, as ever apologies for being critical, but that's my two cents~

 

Don't ever apologize for the criticism! It's one of my favorite things because if everything was all positive, I'd have nothing to learn and no way to improve! I'm extremely appreciative of it!

 

Hello.

 

And now that we've got the re-introductions out of the way, let's get to the point.

 

Alright... I've been reading this on-and-off during my spare time lately. I did buckle up and read most of the first story sometime before and in-between that, minus some parts that were... somehow too mind-numbingly boring to sit through where I just skipped ahead a couple of chapters and didn't really feel like missing anything. Now, don't get me wrong. Despite its shortcomings, Accel was a great story, and if I was reviewing it as a whole my verdict would definitely be positive. But alas, I'm not - I'm looking at the sequel, which, let me say this outright: it's a very well-written mediocre story.

I appreciate you being completely straight-forward there.  I completely agree that there's been some issues with the plot.  When we started writing the first arc, I actually thought that the whole thing with Terrance needed to be drawn out a lot more - I was thinking at least double the amount of episodes (so another six or seven) at least to really make the arc meaningful.  That being said, I think that we actually produced a lot of quality content story-wise in the first arc, too, given what we ended up working with.

 

So yeah this was probably not the showering praise you were hoping for, so I'll elaborate. The premise of the story is good. The general plot works as a sequel. The characters are... well, the protagonists and their allies range between passable and good. The antagonists and villains... eeeh. More on that later. But you have a good recipe here and both you and Umbra also have good writing skills. What holds this story back are... things. And by things I mean the stuff that doesn't have to be in the story, that shouldn't be in the story, and yet still is in the story. This includes genre tropes, character stereotypes, author pets, unnecessary references and various other things. Basically it's the writing equivalent of building this awesomesauce ten-foot-tall mecha, giving it a super-shiny armor, genocide-tier weaponry, a hypercool sounding name and then giving it a crappy-ass booster system that barely lets it move and needs recharging every 10 seconds, and failing to include a sound system so it cannot shout its own name in a GAR voice. So what are the things that are mostly holding the story back?

So you're pretty much saying the set-up is there (and in a good way), but the actual execution of the story is not?

 

1) Duels. I get it. They were in the original. They had... some place in the original (although they were probably one of the clunkiest parts). They had some plot relevance there. They worked. Here... they just don't. There hasn't been any remotely justifiable excuse for any of the duels here. There's no... logical... explanation why people who can fight using magic should duke it out in duels. There's no justifiable excuse why creatures from a different dimension should use duels to fight against people they are easily superior to in every other way. Let me mention Legacy of the Tormentor, Umbra's old story. Now I'm not bringing it up to be that romantic fool who praises old stories. I'm bringing it up because it's probably the best example I have of a story where dueling coexists and is used along with another form of fighting in a believable manner. Why was that so? LoT had unique powerful cards that were plot elements, directly tied to the whole plot. There were other factors, as well, but you didn't have interdimensional beastmen who were supposed to be hunting a couple of children engage in a card game just for kicks. To make things worse, the dueling in this story just... flat-out isn't very good. A staggering amount of custom-made cards are used per duel but most of them don't feel unique or relevant in any significant way, not to mention some are terribly underwhelming (that self-discard guy comes to mind, just look at these things, then look at Darkworlds). Given the high quality of the actual fighting (yes; I will eventually get to talking about the things that are good, bear with it), I think it'd be much better if you had just... not used dueling altogether.

No complaints from me.  I actually didn't really like including the duels at all - I thought maybe it was something that would intrigue additional readers and increase the fanbase, but I think it takes away from the story more than anything else, especially within the world we've established.  It's not necessary - there's so much story to tell without duels.  I do think we'll see a couple of more down the line, but even then I'm not sure they're necessary anymore.

 

2) Tournament. Yes. Tournaments are a practically necessary trope in toyetic series. I can't even think of one series that involves card games or really any other form of proxy combat, that didn't have a tournament of some sort in it. They're even used in other shonen subgenres, too. Understandably. I won't bother explaining why the trope works when done well, since that's neither here nor there. I will explain why it wasn't done well here. Basically you have 4 characters. They've been vaguely training for a while, except it wasn't really training since they spent most of that time incapacitated from the events of the one real battle they participated in. They've had some build-up in terms of interactions. We saw some things from their fighting styles. And we learned some of their past and motivations. The problem is that all those three "some" together amount to way too little to make us so invested in them that we are cheering for them to win in a competition. I can cheer for characters I barely know when they're fighting for their life, their pride, their friends, their goals, basically something that I can connect with them. But when they're participating in a tournament for... vague reasons? All-in-all I hardly see any reason to want Wind Gear (not even sure where the hell that name came from anyway, names are supposed to have a dynamic and connect the team members, not arbitrarily follow the rule of cool - and Wind Gear isn't even cool) to win any more than the other teams. Speaking of the other teams? They all make their debut either in the tournament or right before it. We get a bunch of characters we don't know antagonizing a few characters we barely know. Want a good example? Look at the Grand Magic Games in Fairy Tail, which given your name I assume you read. Fairy Tail's team was all long-established characters and we had a bunch of familiar faces around to keep things lively. Especially at the last chapter where two characters I read about for the very first time have a fight... I just didn't care about it at all. It would've had the same emotional impact to me as if you had written "In the meantime, X and Y fought and X won" followed by some 1-paragraph-summary of the fight and moved on. You need to get your readers invested in your characters. Suddenly throwing them in a very-vague-stakes tournament where they have to fight for points against other people with essentially sameish motivations does not do that. Basically what you should have done here would be to delay the tournament until we know a lot more about the main trio, bring some of the other teams to the spotlight before the competition, so we know where things are getting at, and finally build up to the tournament over several chapters, progressing the story during the wait, not just announce the tournament in one chapter and suddenly kick it off in the next.

Huge Fairy Tail fan.  Both Manga/Anime, it's by far my favorite.  That, as well as Bleach, One Piece, etc. have all served as inspiration for ideas, character styles, and everything in-between at one point or another in the story.  The Tournament idea is one that we used in the first series, and I thought using it here would be a nice sense of continuity.  However, I also agree that it shouldn't have happened nearly as soon as it did.  Of course, it's too late to change that now, so the goal has become to make it as meaningful as possible and really establish the characters as best I can.

 

3) Cohesion: And by "cohesion" I mean "what the hell, man". At some points things just happen that... shouldn't. A random flying creature abducts Calle, the superhero of the previous story. Yes, he comes back... after everyone else is finished. Beatrice is built up as this super mastermind behind the whole training project. Her stronghold is invaded and she has no defense except the children in training, and is entirely helpless when actually attacked. Rakurai being a huge popular "sport" apparently, enough that tournaments are organized with huge attendance, complete with MC and everything. People getting shonen power-ups during low-stakes fights. Card-playing lizardmen from the different dimension. The huge transitional gap between the end of Accel 1, and Calle suddenly being a teacher in some big shot's service and training kids. Just... some of the things that happen are so goddamn weird and are served to us with so little explanation that I can't really stretch suspension of disbelief any further here. It seems like, with a lot of characters, you're just stumbling around and can't decide what roles to really put them in. Beatrice appears like a character even Calle respects and is wary of, yet she can't even hold a candle to the... invader guy whose name eludes me atm and who Damien disposes of, even if it was through power-up. Speaking of power-ups... I can accept them powering-up against the beast things. I can accept Skylar's 2nd stage, because he had been building up to it all along. But Damien vs Rais felt really overcheap to me. And when I take into account the density of the power increases, it just seems like you're rushing too much to turn the main four from already pretty damn strong, much stronger than they should've been at the start of their adventure really respective to the stuff they've faced and what we know from the first story, to ohgodwhy. Which will either lead to a short story, or huge power creep, or power gaps so immense between the ranks that you have to wonder wtf is going on. But I'll admit that this whole part is actually not so much a problem with the heroes, but rather with the villains and how they're handled, and I'm getting to that immediately....

That was something I worried about.  Obviously, there's so much story still to come, but I wanted to make sure that I wasn't taking too long to establish characters and their strength, too. In the first series, Calion only got to his 4th Stage in 75 Chapters, Sora/Kenji to their 2nd, etc.  So like I want to make sure that when the time comes that the series itself is completed, all of those characters (yes, some of the characters from the first series will re-appear in this story) will have their chance to reach their full potential.
 

4) Antagonists and villains: So far we've had 2 different "kinds" of villains introduced to us (other than the mentioned Star Siege), and 1 different "kind" of antagonists. The first villains are the beast-men from Erebos that raid the training facility. The second are Blaster Axis, which as a name makes me visualize them as a quartet of nazis equipped with stormtrooper guns. And has nothing to do with anything about them as a team. As for antagonists, the one category right now includes all the other tournament participants so far. Now the Erebos folk were pretty well done. They were threatening (until they started dueling), they were a valid threat, they pushed the mains to the brink. They were legitimate, even though it felt like they had appeared kinda early. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the others. The remaining tournament participants sans Axis are all like... "eh". Generic motivations, generic attitudes, barely any backstory even though there's already been a lot of that. And Blaster Axis... god they're the most unconvincing villains ever. Rais getting matched this early was unacceptable. Don't you know that one of the primary uses for low-stakes fights is to give your heroes a chance to lose, without the world ending? There are two scenarios here - either the mains are already on par with Axis so the arc is pointless, or they are weaker and Axis are just that cocky and incompetent. Tsundere-on-steroids Alexandra doesn't impress anyone. Only Shadow's left that I can legitimately feel is a threat, and he can't carry the team alone after all that hype.

Erebos itself is another world, so-to-speak, that is completely different from Earth.  The creatures there are not humans nor should they be.  That's where Calion (the main character from the first series) comes from, and many other Spirits as well.  There are humans there, too (the Four Star Siege, for example), but it's a completely different place.  That's where the vaych came from.  There's a lot of story to go with the Four Star Siege, but that's over the series as a whole.  They're like the "Orochimaru", if I can, of this story in that they're in the background for a while.

I definitely shouldn't have had Rais show weakness at all.  Maybe a hope moment or two for Damien, but nothing like I did.  I agree with that.  I'm going to work on rebuilding the Blaster Axis, too.  I'll probably take a "day or two" in story perspective before the next round of the tournament starts to build up some more drama and relationships between the characters.
 

Alright so now that I've pretty much explained what's wrong with the story, let me give you some pointers on how to address them: for point 1 I can't say much more except... don't use duels. Not unless you can provide a fully reasonable justification as to why two particular characters HAVE to resolve their conflict via a card game, rather than by just duking it out. If you plan on duels remaining a part of the story, then make them more involved in the plot, rather than just a side-event.

Got it.  I don't plan on using duels for a while, until maybe somewhere down the line as a plot point since they did have involvement in the first one, but they won't be needed for a while.

 

For point 2, it's not too late even though the tournament's already started. Basically, space it out. Take a break after a few chapters, invoke a timeout of some days between the fights. Explore characters, especially the side ones. Do some side-event that explores the plot, that ties the tournament and especially the characters to it. It can work, and it can work well, you just need to not let it dominate the plot because what we need right now are not more tourney fights, it's plot and development.

Definitely.  I'm going to dedicate about 4-5 chapters to a 'break' in the tournament to start to work on some more character development and plot, as well as find out what the Blaster Axis is really up to, and how the other teams correlate, too.  That way once the second round of the tournament starts, there's more to it.

 

For point 3... well. You just have to... carefully read your notes. Ignore your headcanon for a moment. Read it through the eyes of a person reading it for the first time, without having your whole world in their mind. Try to 'translate' your plot into a story you can easily identify with. Ask yourself, would this plot element or this plot twist or that kind of character work in Fairy Tail? (again bringing it up because I don't know what else you read, and because it's a generally good, solid story that you can draw examples from) If you think they wouldn't, then try to find the reasons why they wouldn't. Do they apply to your story? If they do, then you need to work things out before you use it.

 

And as for point 4, there's not much to do except development, development, development. Random low-stake fights =/= development. We need some real exposition here. Wrapping things in a fluffy fog of MYSTERIOUS only works until the blades are drawn, so to speak. After that we need to know the who, the why and the how. Also take your villains... a little more seriously. We need legitimate threats in this story. The kids already seem more than strong enough. Knock them down a peg. Soon. And by 'soon' I mean it should've already happen, so soon. At this stage, double knockout vs a superior opponent with an overpowered weapon doesn't make Damien a good strategist, it makes him a Stu.

Right, I get that.  It was a mistake to end it in a draw.  I'm working on re-planning some things so I can focus on improving the plot/development as a whole. Episode 20, which is already done, features the last fight of the first round.  I'm actually not going to change it, because the way it ties into the story is actually important, but after that I'm going to take some time to re-evaluate plot points and try to make things much more meaningful.

 

Now if you've made it this far... good, you can handle criticism. Your reward is to read what actually made me read the story and eventually comment on it. Because if it was bad, or even if it was mediocre, it's unlikely I would've bothered. Certainly not with so much.

 

1) The characters. Yes, the villains need work. But on the other side of the scale, you've done very well with the main cast. So alright Alistair is a little iffy. But Damien, Skylar and Andrea are very solid and have a powerful team dynamic. Calle plays the role of returning as a mentor well. Beatrice is a little iffy to me, she needs much more exposition. They're good characters and I want to care for them. But the plot is not doing them justice right now. They needed more situations like the fight with the creatures (except with less card games) and more training situations, not a tournament just yet. As mentioned above you can make it work, but you have to move fast.

Like I mentioned above, I'm going to do just that.  Before the second round starts, I'm going to improve the characters and their relationships so that the fights pack more of a punch.  More along the lines of "why do they have to win?" as more than just a pride thing.

 

2) The fights. Though I put this as point 2 it's actually the flat-out number 1 ace-in-the-hole for the story. Fights are exciting, gripping, dynamic, good description, flow... basically everything. Some fights did need better motivation / character tension / background, but when it comes down to the choreography itself they're pretty top-notch. You're also doing a good job at describing various attack and defense styles. Though I'm looking forward to some more even fights. So far most fights seem to have a clear underdog, who then turns the situation around via generic power-up. Damien's fights are the best though.

I'm glad you like it.  I spend a lot of time working on them and I try to make them all as if I could picture them in my head.  When I write them, I take a lot of time to just put myself there in the story, listen to music, and just focus and I end up making lot of changes before I have a finished product.  But I think it's going to produce some very different results once I re-evaluate things.

 

I could go on a bit more about the high quality of the writing and the decent plot and its flow, which are really holding the story up. I liked the concept as well, and the first story's legacy gives it some good backing. But I don't have much to say here so I'll just leave it at this. Work on those problems I mentioned and quality should skyrocket. You have very good material in your hands, you just seem to be trying to fit it into the wrong mold. And I'll review more regularly.

 

Ciao for now.

 

Thanks again for taking so much time to go through things.  Definitely listening to everything you said and going to implement a lot of it into the story! Hope you guys enjoy it!

 

[spoiler=Episode 20: From the Ground Up!]

After a day filled with tension, excitement, and everything in-between, the first day of the Grand Thunder Clash has finally reached its conclusion, with just one fight left to go! Though Wind Gear holds the lead, our heroes are only in 1st Place by a single point, meaning it's not going to take much for another potential team to take their place! As three more days remain of the event after today, the chance to grab the lead before the competition gets even tougher is here!  Now that Blaster Axis has made it clear they're not here simply for the purpose of competing, Calle has reason to be on edge as he and Tres try to delve deeper into what this team led by the mysterious Shotei is out to gain!

 

Episode 20: From the Ground Up!

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready?!" The MC bellowed into the P/A system, the thunderous roars of the crowd echoing back.  "It's time for the fourth and final round of the Grand Thunder Clash Day One!  We've seen some things today that I don't think anyone expected, and this is just the beginning! So if you will, please direct your attention to the big screen as our randomizer will reveal the fourth and final match-up of the day!"

 

WIND GEAR: 4 POINTS

R-TEAM: 3 POINTS

BLASTER AXIS: 1 POINT

STAR GATE: 0 POINTS

???

 

The randomizer switched on after a brief viewing of the current scores, the crowd (as well as the participants) watched in anticipation...

 

CLAY PISCHOTO

[R-TEAM]

 

vs.

 

ALISTAIR MAELSTROM

[WIND GEAR]

 

---

 

“Looks like Alistair gets his wish after all,” Skylar said.  “This should be interesting.”

“Hm, it looks like his opponent is a user of Earth magic, just like Alistair is,” Andrea said, acknowledging Clay’s strengths as the two warriors took their stance on the field.

“Interesting,” Calle agreed.  “Rumors are swirling that this guy is R-Team’s strongest member.  He’s a Master of his craft.”

“So Alistair’s totally screwed,” Skylar added.  “That’s what you’re saying, right?”

Calle shook his head.  “I wouldn’t say that; he wanted a fight, and he’s sure as hell gonna get one.  Now it’s just a matter of how much he can handle.”

 

“Well then, Alistair Maelstrom,” his opponent, a tall, burlesque man with dark skin and clad in an armor that appeared to be a mix of modern and medieval styles.  He wasn’t lacking in the muscle department, either.  At about six foot five, he was all kinds of intimidating.  “The rest of your team has set quite a standard, though no one expected such.  Rest assured, I won’t make the mistake of underestimating you like the other competitors have done.”

“Much appreciated, mate,” Alistair grinned.  “But unfortunately, I can’t afford to making friends with the enemy.  At least right now.  We’ve got a tournament to win.”

“Oh, don’t be mistaken,” Clay replied.  “In no way was I attempting to get in your good graces.  This was simply a warning out of mutual respect.  I intend to come at you with my full power and crush you where you stand.”

“Now that’s more like it,” he said, taking stance.  “That’s what I like to hear; cause I’ve got no intentions of holdin’ back! I paid close attention to the fights before me, and I’m not gonna make the mistake of not going in for the kill right from the start!”

“I see, well –”

 

“1^st Stage: Earthbound Star Shower!” Alistair exclaimed before Clay could finish the thought.  He’d taken to his knees, palms pressed against the ground, causing it to rumble.  Clay looked around, feeling the ground at his feet begin to shake as well.  From six different points around him, bolts of light shot up from the ground, surrounding him before meeting at the top almost like a giant arrow.

 

“Whoa, he wasn’t kidding!” Andrea said.  “He’s already using a 1^st Stage before his opponent could even take a step!”

“This is reckless, but I guess I can’t say I’m surprised,” Skylar said, looking to Calle to gauge his feelings on the situation.

“Hm,” Calle said.  “Looks like he learned from the others.” In Skylar’s fight, he fought on a lower level for a while until tapping into his first stage.  Damien tried to use his early, but even then it wasn’t enough to get the job done.  By using it right away, just seconds after the start of the match, he’s sure to catch this guy off guard.

 

“Earth Shield,” Clay replied, placing his hands together as the dirt rose around him, forming a spherical barrier, protecting him from Alistair’s attack completely, drawing amazement from the crowd and the other teams.

 

“Hold on, he blocked the whole attack without moving?!” Andrea asked, looking to Calle for an explanation.

I wasn’t expecting that... Skylar remarked, somewhat surprised himself.  Having seen Alistair’s 1^st Stage at full force take out at least twenty of those vaych things, to see this one guy block it without breaking a sweat was a little unnerving.

 

I’ve got no idea how the hell he blocked that, but I can’t stand around and think about it now! I’ve gotta strike while I’ve got an open shot! Alistair readied himself, leaping into the air and across the field, his right fist clenched and ready to go.  As Clay lowered the barrier, Alistair tried to clock him right in the face, but the man met his fist with a fist of his own, only Clay’s was covered in solid rock, reflecting his with ease and sending him up into the air.

“To think you could catch me off-guard so foolishly when you practically gave away your strategy from the start,” Clay explained, showing no signs of intimidation.  “Was a weak idea on your part.  My stone defenses can’t be broken through! Especially not when I use that same defense as an attack!  Earth Blast!”

 

Not moving from his spot and simply using his hands to control the fragments of rock that remained from his stone barrier, Clay fired an attack at a still aerial Alistair, hurling pieces of rock one after another in the boy’s direction.

 

He’s able to use his defense as an attack—that’s crazy! Alistair remarked, admittedly impressed.   This was just he kind of fight he was looking for.  If this guy wanted to step up the intensity, he could definitely return the favor.  Taking a few of the rocks to the midsection in stride, he fought through the pain, using the velocity of being in the air to launch himself back in Clay’s direction.

 

Again he blocked with his fist, but this time Alistair was determined to hold on with everything he had.  He had to, for his team’s sake.  Everything Damien put himself through, and even Skylar’s efforts – they’d come together as a team so quickly and without even taking the time to try and figure out why, they’d put everything they had into fighting.  There was a time and place for that, but right now he had one focus – to beat this guy!

“It’s pointless to try and hold on, you can’t overpower me! The rock encasing my fist is an incredibly powerful stone, using Rakurai to hold it together.  In addition to a strong defense, it’s got extremely powerful attack strength as well! Now fall back!”

“Sorry mate, I can’t do that right now!” He exclaimed, pushing forward with everything he had.  “I told you, I can’t lose! There’s nothing like the thrill of a real fight!”

How is this possible? I’m actually losing ground?! Clay feared, feeling his legs begin to buckle.  He was using all of his force as a defense, and somehow this kid had been able to match his power.  That was impossible.   He had to let go, there was no other choice.  As he started to pull back, Alistair spun around, kicking him in the side of the head, knocking him flying.

 

Taking advantage of the opportunity, he rocketed forward, hitting several blows to the chest and kicking him into the sky once again. 

 

"How did he break through Clay's stone fist with nothing but his own willpower?!" Skylar exclaimed, not expecting to see the kid gain that much of an upper hand from a hand-to-hand stance.

"He's something else, huh?" Andrea noted.  "Only Alistair could be completely reckless and incredibly strategic at the same time," she joked.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, I can't believe my eyes!  After being unable to break through any of Clay's defenses, Wind Gear's Alistair has made an incredible comeback, he's throwing this guy all over the arena! Despite being outmatched, it looks like Wind Gear continues to show their strength at every turn!"

 

Damn, how did he overpower me? Clay wondered, trying to pick himself up from the ground.  There was no flash or release of magic, whatever had happened just then was by sheer force alone.  The kid was quite determined, he'd give him that.  Perhaps this won't be as one-sided as I'd initially imagined it would.  I like those odds. He smiled. 

"No surprise to see you standing," Alistair said.  "I had no expectations that one flurry of offense would take you down for good.  But maybe, maybe a second one will!"

He kicked off the ground, blasting his opponent with a series of punches and kicks in rapid succession, with Clay blocking each one, keeping up with his attacks.  Clay hit him with a forearm, whirling him into the air.  Alistair turned it around, soaring back down for an attack.

"Earth Shield," Clay replied, placing his palms together and encasing himself in the stone barrier once again, the likes of which Alistair's fists were powerless to break through.  Quickly, he flipped backwards and landed on his feet to create some distance.

 

He took a deep breath.  No way he was going to get lucky a second time and get close to his opponent.  Unfortunately, Clay was a lot smarter than that, and that meant that as long as he kept his distance, he could maintain a nearly unbreakable defense.  But his mind was rattled - there had to be something he could do.  Skylar was outmatched, and he'd tapped into his second stage.  Damien was close to dying and never let his resolve fluster.  He had to do the same.  But how?

 

But then it came to him; what if his 1st Stage had more to it?  What if there was something other than just the Earthbound Star Shower attached to what he was capable of.  Just like Clay had a variety of techniques to utilize, who's to say he couldn't do the same?  If his resolve was strong enough, he could do it, too.

"Earth Burial," Clay's words snapped him out of thought, using the crumbled remains of the shield and thrusting them into the air directly above Alistair's head.  He dashed to the side, but the rocks followed on Clay's command.  "There's no escape from this, the more you run the more you'll tire yourself out!" This time swinging his hand down, the rocks shot down like a rainstorm each one hitting Alistair harder than the previous one until he was completely covered.

 

The others watched in shock from the balcony as Clay lowered his hands.  Was this fight over?

"Since this fight is over, I suppose I can clue you in on the reason you were unable to defeat me," Clay said.  "Being able to utilize a strong defensive magic is one of the most viable assets one can have in a battle.  But when you can turn those defenses into offense so quickly, you've got, as I'd put it, the total package.  Your opponent can't hit you, and by the time they do, you've already launched your next offensive strike.  It's taken many years of training to get to this point, but as a master of the Earth arts, I'm proud of my strengths.  Thank you for a great battle."

 

The ground at his feet began to rumble once again, catching him off guard.  "So you still have Rakurai left?"
There was no response, given Alistair's current state underneath a pile of stone, but the shaking intensified, as the pillars of light rose from the soil once more.  "Even if you have enough strength try this move a second time, I'll simply block it just like I did the first!  Earth Shield!"

 

"What's the point? He's wasting his energy now," Skylar said.  "This guy's already proven that technique won't work!"

"Hang on just a sec..." Calle told him. Just as I thought!

 

With the crowd watching with neither man visible, Clay surrounded by his own stone barrier and Alistair still trapped underneath the pile of rocks, there was anxiousness to see who would be free first.  As Alistair's points of light struck the top of the barrier to no avail, Clay cried out.

And all of the sudden, the rock barrier exploded, literal streams of light exploding from beneath it, destroying it from the inside at hundreds of different points.  As the fragments shot into the air, so did their controller, skyrocketed up by the impact of the attack.

 

"Hold on but how did he-!" Skylar exclaimed, nearly losing his footing.  It wasn't often he'd lose his cool, but after seeing what just happened he was at a loss for words.

 

"No way, he countered Clay's technique from the inside!" Daisuke declared, standing with his team as they all switched their eyes between the fight and Voltaire, standing silently a few feet away from them.  They were trying to grasp his reaction, but he showed no change one way or another.

"I've never seen that happen in my life," Sky remarked, trembling with excitement and fear.

 

I find it hard to believe this is the same guy I met just two months ago.  The same guy who was so carefree and happy-go-lucky that he didn't even take his first duel test all that seriously.  And then...during our battle with the vaych he still managed to keep a smile on his face and make the most out of every second.  I couldn't muster up the strength to fight, but he still risked his life to defend me.  There's something special about him.  Something that makes it so you want to see him succeed.  Go then, Alistair.  Finish him off.  Win this damn thing. Skylar gripped the balcony's steel.

 

"He...struck from underneath," Clay said, trying to catch himself in mid-air to no avail. "But how..."

Bursting free from the pile of rocks as if he'd never been truly trapped at all, Alistair soared into the sky, blasting Clay in the chest so hard it caused him to spit up blood, and not letting go as he drove him back into the ground with great force.  Only this time, as they crashed into the soil, their bodies left a crevice in the ground.

He could barely stand, but his body was still flowing with adrenaline.  Using his feet as a base, he forced himself to.  And the crowd went crazy.

 

Nearly breathless and struggling to stay on his feet, Alistair's focus was on his fallen opponent.  Was it over?  That last blow should've done significant damage.  Taking the Earth Burial attack in full allowed him to counter-attack despite serious pain, but really, he didn't have too much left at this point.  If it wasn't over...

 

"Is this it?" Andrea asked.

Both Skylar and Calle looked at her, but neither said a word.  They were immersed in thought.

"Uh...guys?" She persisted.

He's still in this fight - but I'm trying to figure out how. Calle thought.  That last blow should've ended it, but he's still going strong.

 

"That was..." Clay muttered, struggling to speak as he struggled to stand.  "An ingenius strategy.  Even if you don't win this fight, you'll have that to your credit.  I never expected you'd attack me from inside my own structure.  Taking my attack head-on without even trying to defend it was a truly remarkable risk to take."

He can still stand...aye.  Alistair rolled his eyes, not all that surprised by the development.  This guy was strong, and something told him he wouldn't be winning this match so easily.  Against a normal opponent, that move would've ended the match.  "Aye, but I guess it's not all that remarkable if it wasn't enough to beat you.  Against most, it would've been a finishing blow."

"That's where you're wrong," Clay replied, brushing the dirt off his arms as he readied a new stance.  "Had I been even slightly less perceptive, taken even another second to respond, you would've won just now.  You see, just as you drove me into the ground, I used my Earth Shift magic, softening the ground to almost water-like levels.  Doing so completely reduced the impact of the attack, allowing me to stay in this."

 

"That makes sense," Calle said, acknowleding his confusion.  "I can't believe I didn't put that together.  As a master of the Earth arts, he's completely able to bend it to his will.  If there was no serious crash from the attack, that was nothing more than a strong punch with some extra velocity behind it.  Because Alistair landed, more or less, on top of his opponent, he wasn't able to tell the difference in the ground's texture.

"This guy's good," Skylar noted, reveling in the thought of being able to test his own skills against such an opponent.

"You can say that again," Andrea agreed with a half-awkward smile.  "Glad he's on our side and not an enemy."

"He may be on our side outside of the competition, but he's just as much our enemy as anyone else within this realm," Skylar replied, scolding her.  "Don't assume that just means we've got any sort of upper hand.  He's still very dangerous."

 

"No matter what I throw at ya, you find a way to come back twice as strong," Alistair said, frowning.  This was just the kind of fight he was hoping for.  "Now that's what I call a thrill!" He smiled, leaving his opponent - and the others - bewildered.

What is it about this guy? Clay wondered, trying to understand how anyone could be happy about throwing everything they had and then some into a fight only to find out its not enough.
"Well then, if this win means so much to you as it does to me, Clay, come at me with everything you've got!" He felt the Rakurai surging through his body.  Closing his eyes, he focused it all as a whitish glow surrounded him.  I've got to give it my best shot.  Even if I'm against the wall; it's the least I can do for my team!

"You've still got that much energy left?!" Clay shouted.  Even after using so much Rakurai, the boy somehow had enough that it became physically visible around him.  It was like his power had no limits.

 

"But how, how can be that powerful still?!" Daisuke exclaimed, completely stunned by the sight before him.  The other members of his team shared the feeling, and even Voltaire seemed thrown off. 

 

"Well, he's stubborn, I'll give him that," Skylar added.

"Stubborn doesn't even begin to describe it," Calle replied. "This kid is something else."

"I can't even process this rationally, Calle," Tres said.  "Physically, after using as much energy as he has, there's no way he should still be able to perform at this level.  It defies everything we know about these powers."

 

"I think..." I may finally understand what he's looking for. Clay smiled for the first time since the fight began.  To him, no matter the outcome, the entire battle, giving your opponent everything you can and then some, for him that's what the thrill really is. Fighting an opponent, whether they're stronger or weaker than him, he gives it everything he's got, because it's his pride as a fighter.  And that's why, as long as he continues to believe in himself and never lose that thrill of the fight, he can continue to tap into his Rakurai.  It rewards his desire to fight at the highest of levels.  Incredible. "You want everything I've got?! I feel it would be disrespectful to give you anything less then! I shall finish this battle with my ultimate attack!"

"Now you're talkin mate!"

 

"He's resorted to using that?!" Daisuke questioned.  Voltaire finally acknowledged their comments, turning to them with a simple nod. 

 

"Alright then, here it goes! Earthbound Spirit Fist!" Alistair leapt into the air, charging every ounce of energy he had left into his left hand.

"Indeed! Ha! Roaring Earth Dragon!" Changing up his stance once more and leaping into the skies, Clay mustered up the remnants of his own power, calling forth a craggy, menacing beast from beneath the ground.  With razor sharp spikes from its tail to the top of its head, the near ten foot dragon comprised entirely of rock let loose a shrieking roar upon the field.  Upon Clay's command, it charged forward with its mouth wide open.

He felt no fear, Alistair, flying straight towards the beast and meeting its fearsome structure with his fist.  A huge explosion of light left the arena rattled for a moment.  The last sound was the roar of the dragon as the smoke cleared, revealing Clay as the last one standing.  He used his arms to prop himself up against the wall, completely out of power and hardly able to stand.

 

Across the field from him, Alistair lay on the ground, more or less out of it.  But as he opened his eyes, a great smile lined his face.

 

"And there you have it!  The winner of this epic brawl is none other than R-Team's strongest mage, Clay Pischoto!"  The crowd roared with approval.

 

With his team cheering in the background, calling for him to celebrate, Clay walked over to his opponent.  Though Alistair could barely move, he saw the man's hand reach for his own.  Using what little strength he had left, he offered his own hand and Clay pulled him to his feet.  He turned away with a nod, and leaving Alistair to receive a standing ovation from the grateful crowd, proceeded to rejoin his team.

 

"I'd love nothing more than to insult him, but right now I've got nothing to say," Skylar joked, completely amazed by the spectacle he'd witnessed. 

"He's...so strong...and he's got such passion!" Andrea said, leaping into the air with a smile on her face.

"What is this feeling, Calle? Being lost for words, is this a human emotion, too?"

"This feeling is something you very rarely experience.  There's no definition for it, because truthfully there's no way to really inspire this feeling in a person.  When a human feels something like this, it's something that brings such a mixed range of emotions, something I can't even describe.  I've only felt it once before," he said, remembering that day.  "We may not have won the battle, but it doesn't matter right now.  Alistair went out there and taught us something that we can't learn on our own - more importantly, the rest of the team.  But now I see - why this tournament means so much to them.  And for that reason, I get it; we need to win."

 

To be continued...[/spoiler]

[Vector Nightmare]

Chapter 20 was a large step in the right direction. You pulled off Alistair's character well here and by the end I was empathizing with his efforts. Having him lose here was the right thing to do, as others and myself already mentioned, a defeat for Wind Gear should've probably happened earlier but in this case it's much better late than never, obviously. Fight quality is up to par, so zero complaints there.

 

...though you do have to explain to me why Calle keeps being so astounded at feats that are still relatively lackluster compared to what he's already achieved.

 

Only thing I dislike is that Andrea's slowly sliding into the starstruck cheerleader with some tsundere on the side role since the tournament started. I'm hoping she'll get a chance to prove herself too, soon.

[Aerion Brightflame]

So we had a loss which was good. I'm expecting there to be some kind of properly demoralizing loss later in the story because, that's part of what there should be at some point.

 

I agree with Saber's points about Calle. I mean, he's done that quite a bit throughout the series iirc. And I can get him being shocked by some of the stuff like the kids being better than he first thought, but now it makes less sense, given how much he himself has been through.

 

Otherwise yeah, it was better. The loss being there is a great start to things, and losing after going all out is the right thing as well, because it's showing tht he is outclassed (Like they should be given well... they're still technically newbies)

[Synchronized]

Chapter 20 was a large step in the right direction. You pulled off Alistair's character well here and by the end I was empathizing with his efforts. Having him lose here was the right thing to do, as others and myself already mentioned, a defeat for Wind Gear should've probably happened earlier but in this case it's much better late than never, obviously. Fight quality is up to par, so zero complaints there.

Right, like I said, there's definitely things that should've been done differently but I had to work with what I had, so I think with that considered it came across well.  I think this was the right example of making Wind Gear look strong in defeat while maintaining the fact that they're outmatched by the other teams and keeping R-Team looking strong since, while they are allies in the grand scheme, they're a very powerful team.

 

...though you do have to explain to me why Calle keeps being so astounded at feats that are still relatively lackluster compared to what he's already achieved.

After you said this (and Barty, too) I went through this particular Chapter to find instances of this, and I didn't see any.  I'm aware I've done it in the past, but I tried not to do it too much here.  Mind pointing out like what specific example you were referencing?

 

Only thing I dislike is that Andrea's slowly sliding into the starstruck cheerleader with some tsundere on the side role since the tournament started. I'm hoping she'll get a chance to prove herself too, soon.

 

She will, as a matter of fact I'm actually working on Chapter 21 now and that's the beginning of a 3-part Chapter/Episode that focuses on (mostly) Andrea and the others.  Don't want to give too much away, but I know she's got to be built up, too.

 

So we had a loss which was good. I'm expecting there to be some kind of properly demoralizing loss later in the story because, that's part of what there should be at some point.

Completely agree.  But given his opponent and the fact that R-Team is more of an ally than a hated enemy, it didn't make sense for their to be like an overboard beating or anything else on Clay's behalf.  Clay didn't even use his full strength, so that should say something.

 

I agree with Saber's points about Calle. I mean, he's done that quite a bit throughout the series iirc. And I can get him being shocked by some of the stuff like the kids being better than he first thought, but now it makes less sense, given how much he himself has been through.

I mentioned it to Saber too that I know I've done this before, but I didn't see any specific examples of it in the past Chapter.  Which ones were you talking about?

 

Otherwise yeah, it was better. The loss being there is a great start to things, and losing after going all out is the right thing as well, because it's showing tht he is outclassed (Like they should be given well... they're still technically newbies)

 

Glad you liked it.  I'm working on a lot of revising and stuff to make it a much more enticing story, so let's hope I can get a better flow with that as the planning and storytelling goes along.

[Aerion Brightflame]

"Well, he's stubborn, I'll give him that," Skylar added.

"Stubborn doesn't even begin to describe it," Calle replied. "This kid is something else."

"I can't even process this rationally, Calle," Tres said.  "Physically, after using as much energy as he has, there's no way he should still be able to perform at this level.  It defies everything we know about these powers."

 

It's like, the bolded part was kinda superfluous, and made it seem a lot more, impressive than it should've been.

 

"What is this feeling, Calle? Being lost for words, is this a human emotion, too?"

"This feeling is something you very rarely experience.  There's no definition for it, because truthfully there's no way to really inspire this feeling in a person.  When a human feels something like this, it's something that brings such a mixed range of emotions, something I can't even describe.  I've only felt it once before," he said, remembering that day.  "We may not have won the battle, but it doesn't matter right now.  Alistair went out there and taught us something that we can't learn on our own - more importantly, the rest of the team.  But now I see - why this tournament means so much to them.  And for that reason, I get it; we need to win."

 

Then there was this at the end. I mean it was technically Trey who said it, but still. Neither of them should've been lsot for words after all that happened in the first  series.

 

That's what I picked up in this chapter from my interpretation of it, and there's been bits before.

[Synchronized]

"Well, he's stubborn, I'll give him that," Skylar added.

"Stubborn doesn't even begin to describe it," Calle replied. "This kid is something else."

"I can't even process this rationally, Calle," Tres said.  "Physically, after using as much energy as he has, there's no way he should still be able to perform at this level.  It defies everything we know about these powers."

 

It's like, the bolded part was kinda superfluous, and made it seem a lot more, impressive than it should've been.

 

"What is this feeling, Calle? Being lost for words, is this a human emotion, too?"

"This feeling is something you very rarely experience.  There's no definition for it, because truthfully there's no way to really inspire this feeling in a person.  When a human feels something like this, it's something that brings such a mixed range of emotions, something I can't even describe.  I've only felt it once before," he said, remembering that day.  "We may not have won the battle, but it doesn't matter right now.  Alistair went out there and taught us something that we can't learn on our own - more importantly, the rest of the team.  But now I see - why this tournament means so much to them.  And for that reason, I get it; we need to win."

 

Then there was this at the end. I mean it was technically Trey who said it, but still. Neither of them should've been lsot for words after all that happened in the first  series.

 

That's what I picked up in this chapter from my interpretation of it, and there's been bits before.

 

Alright, fair enough.  I thought that was somewhat...more subtle, but since more than one person pointed it out I'm guessing that's not the case. 

 

That being said, here's Episode 21!

 

[spoiler=Episode 21: The Mystery Unfolds 1/3]

Episode 21: The Mystery Unfolds 1/3

 

“I presume you’re following the results closely,” came the light-toned voice belonging to a young man in his early twenties.  The room was very dimly lit, so much so that he could barely see a thing.  But he could clearly sense his Master’s presence.  “I haven’t seen you out there, sir.  People are beginning to question things and I – I imagine that’s not the kind of thing you want to happen right now.”

“Do not fear, I’m well aware of the situation at hand,” the voice replied, this one far different, almost eerie in nature.  “There’s a...situation I’ve been attending to that has, unfortunately, held my attention a bit longer than I would have liked.  But from what I can see, everything is coming along just as it should be.”

“I’m relieved to hear it, sir.” His words weren’t a ruse, either.  All of them had been worried, aware of the Master’s task at hand and fearing what possible consequences might come with it were things not to go as planned.  “I imagine we all are.”

His Master replied with a gentle laugh.  “There is no need to show such fear, boy.  I truly am grateful for all of you and the work you so excellently do.  Rest assured, once we’ve finally achieved our goals, there will be vast rewards for each and every one of you.”

He laughed awkwardly, trying to hide that same fear made no less evident by his Master’s tone.  “Thank you, sir.  But we do what we do out of respect; we’re aware failure is not an option.  Forgive me for asking but, have the first round results brought any means to worry?”

“Worry?” He asked condescendingly, not laughing but certainly smirking at the thought.  “To tell you the truth, I couldn’t be happier with the proceedings.  The underdogs are coming along nicely; they believe they have some kind of understanding of the situation.  But with each step, as they believe they are gaining, the game changes,” he said, his reply filled with confidence.  “Let them believe they are stronger, in fact, let them get stronger.  It will only make our job easier.”

How could the Master be handling this so calmly? The others were worried, and understandably so.  With the way the first day had played out, what was supposed to be a complete and total sweep had ended up far differently. Some of it due to the randomness of the results, however they were not anywhere near the level they needed to be.  The focus of everyone was on Wind Gear, the same team that had been intended to serve as an example.

“I can see the worry in your eyes, and while it doesn’t surprise me given the naivety that many of you carry, I assure you that all is going according to plan,” he said, his hellish eyes burning in the dim light.  “Continue to carry on as you have, and I will continue to pull the strings.  That, Misael, is an order,” he smiled a sinister smile, ordering the young man to see himself out.  What they fail to realize is that this tournament as a whole matters not.  It does, however, serve as the ideal distraction.  And since all I’m waiting on is time, I’ll continue to enjoy these battles.  Nothing quite as enjoyable as seeing those who will eventually be an enemy beaten down and weakened.  The stronger their drive to win, the more energy they put forward.  If all goes as it should, by the time this competition reaches its final stages, they’ll destroy each other if necessary to win.

 

While he hadn’t orchestrated the Grand Thunder Clash, the timing of such an event couldn’t possibly have been more convenient.  Plus, with their victory, at least the others would get the sense that accomplished something, saving him even more trouble down the line.   Everything was lined up perfectly.

 

---

 

“Come on, this ain’t cool at all! Two days until the next round?! I’m rearing for another brawl!” Alistair exclaimed, nearly jumping out of the bed in the infirmary as Calle and the others entered.  Damien, still in a near unconscious state from the effects of the poison, was asleep on the bed next to him.  Cringing as he sat up, Alistair felt the urge to lay back down again; his body was so sore.

“Don’t be an idiot,” Skylar spat, rolling his eyes.  “You don’t have enough Rakurai in your body to stand right now, never mind fight.  Even if there were more fights today, you can’t go out there and fight in your condition, we’re already behind in the leaderboard now after the results of your match.”

Alistair took exception. “What’re you sayin?!  You think you could’ve done any better? If that’s some kind of a dig at me mate, I’ll-”

“Calm down, though his word choice was poor he’s got your best interests in mind,” Calle ordered, and just like that the boy started to simmer down, feeling ashamed of his outburst.  You did very well out there, Alistair.  Not only did you almost win, but you fought till the very end and represented our team well even in defeat.  But we’ve got two days until the next round, and I see that as a good thing.”

“Yeah,” Andrea chimed in as her face lit up.  “Calle’s figuring we can do some training over the next couple of days to fine tune ourselves before the next round starts!”

“Pfft, like I need any more practice,” Skylar said.  “Best of luck, I’ll sit this one out.”

“Not gonna happen,” Calle said, his voice sharp as a tack.  Skylar wasn’t expecting it, slightly tilting his head so as to look him in the eyes without doing so directly. “This whole thing came about somewhat randomly, and while we’re too far in it to back out now, I haven’t had a chance to evaluate your abilities at all.  I don’t know if you’ve forgotten, but we’re not just competing in a tournament here; there’s something much worse going on behind the scenes and while we haven’t been able to piece it together yet, you’re all still very clumsy in combat.”

Skylar looked stunned by the response.  Him? Clumsy?  He opened his mouth to retort, but decided against it at the last second. Wait a minute, what’re you trying to pull here? For just a moment, his eyes met Calle’s, and their mentor’s gaze shifted to Andrea’s, in a wordless explanation allowing Skylar to put two and two together – she had yet to fight.

 

He couldn’t help but remember the first time they’d seen Andrea in battle.  The same day Calle had arrived at the facility, he’d ordered Skylar and Andrea to spar.  The girl could barely control her own Rakurai, if even at all.  Skylar had almost killed her, letting his anger get the best of him and finding her arrogance to be quite irritating.  But in the midst of it all, while he’d found himself insulting Andrea and her capabilities, his own Seishin kyota had failed.  He couldn’t produce more than two attacks.  All of his power had been drained because he couldn’t use it properly.  It was a real reality check.

He still had a lot to learn, too.

 

But as much as he did have a lot more to learn, Andrea was in a far more compromising position.  She had yet to fight, and with her skill in battle, if she were to get paired up against a member of the Blaster Axis or even R-Team, she could be in serious trouble.  The girl wanted nothing more than to get her hands on Alexandra, but she’d get absolutely annihilated in a real fight.  He hadn’t stopped to think about it until now.

 

“So what’s your idea of a training exercise?” Skylar asked.  “Unless you plan on beating the hell out of us, there’s not much else we’re gonna pick up on in the matter of a day and a half.”

Calle smirked, shaking his head.  “It’s funny you say that, because that’s exactly what I had in mind.”

Andrea gasped; Skylar wasn’t quite as taken aback, but his reaction told the same story. 

“H-hold on, so you’re saying we’re gonna fight you?” She asked, still stunned.  “We’re right in the middle of the tournament, that’s a huge risk!  There’s no way you could take on three of us at once! What if you get injured or one of us gets hurt? We’re already...” her eyes drifted off to the side in a sad glance.  “We’re already short one member.”

As rash as it seems, I’m not sure I hate that idea. Skylar smirked.  Since Calle had first arrived, none of them had seen what he was capable of.  Everything they knew was nothing more than talk; the same guy giving them orders despite being not much older than the kids themselves had done nothing to show he deserved that right.  Skylar himself could probably take him down, but with three of them, there was no way they’d lose.

“I don’t see what the big problem is,” Skylar said, looking to Andrea.  “This guy’s done nothing but talk since he first got here.  We’ve never even seen him fight.  Not only did I defeat a member of Star Gate, but Alistair went toe-to-toe with the guy from R-Team.  There’s no way Calle’s got anything on them.  This could make for a nice reality check.”

Andrea stared at him for a moment, rolling the idea through her mind.  She hadn’t thought of it that way before, and it was certainly an intriguing perspective.   But still, they didn’t know a damn thing about Calle’s fighting style or what he was capable of.  The same benefits that came from a fight like this were up against some legit downsides.

 

“This is certainly an interesting approach to take, Calle.” Tres observed.  “You’ve somehow created the idea that they can defeat you in a real fight.  I’m impressed by how little effort that took.  But where do you go from here? I know there’s a break in-between the rounds, but still, if this becomes an all-out brawl, there’s no way they’ll recover in time.”

Calle smiled, knowing full-well what Tres was saying; he’d run the idea throughout his mind all morning before deciding for certain that it was the best way to train them in a short period of time. Don’t worry, I’ve thought it out. The second round starts exactly two days from now.  In that event, the only one who will be competing that day is Andrea – the others had their matchups already and the first two days are designed to allow every participant a chance to battle and earn points for their teams.  Assuming there was an injury of some sort, Alistair and Skylar would have three days to rest up.

“So what does that mean for Andrea?” Tres wondered, knowing she was the weakest as it pertained to combat.  Not to say she hadn’t improved, but she was seriously outmatched against everyone in the competition. “She’s already at a disadvantage regardless of who she gets paired up against.”

That was a naïve way to look at it, Calle figured.  While it might have been the case that Andrea was the weakest now, in truth he saw the most potential in her. She needed some serious training, but with time she could become just as good – if not better – than the others. Well, it’s been a while since we’ve had to do any fighting – since the aethelis, actually.  I imagine you’ve made a full recovery as well despite the drastic measures we had to take to defeat that thing?

He’d heard the question, so it only took him a second to realize what Calle was getting at.  He was going to ask him to cast a healing spell. “Of course; it’s been more than enough time.”

Then I need to ask you a favor. Calle hesitated, remembering the amount of energy it took from them the first time, but he owed it to these kids to do everything he could to help them win.  The only other time he’d seen Tres’ healing magic was during their clash with the aethelis, the hellacious dragon from Erebos that had been summoned by the Four Star Siege.  While the dragon nearly killed him, Tres was able to use almost all of his Rakurai to cast a healing spell that fully restored Calle’s power, and then some.  Despite being in the same body, their spirits and Rakurai were separate; and asking this, he knew, would take a lot out of Tres.

“I believe you already know the answer to that question.” Tres replied.  “I’ve seen you put your life on the line countless times, and while I’m not sure it’s a trait I truly understand, the more I learn about the way of the humans, the more I realize there are some things you just don’t question, or plan.  They just happen.  So tell me, your plan then; it’s to fight all out with them until there’s nothing left?”

Exactly. Calle replied.  I want to force them to use their full strength to try and defeat me.  Because while I’m strong, there are participants out there that would probably give me a run for my money.  If they can’t handle a fight against me, there’s going to be some serious trouble.  He nodded, thinking this would be a thoroughly interesting experience.

 

“Don’t tell me you’re making excuses,” he said to Andrea, trying to draw into her inner flame. “If you’re scared to fight at all costs, then I think you’re in the wrong place.  You might as well not even bother competing in the tournament.”

“But I-” she cringed, making a fist and staring at the ground with anger in her eyes.  He was right. Up until now, she’d been standing on the sidelines while the others did the fighting.  Sure, she had the one fight against that rat-thing she’d been able to win, but other than that she felt like nothing more than a cheerleader on the sidelines. It was time to change that.  Her eyes lit up. “If it’s a fight you want, it’s a fight you’ll get!”

“Aye! I’m rearin’ to get back out there, too!” Alistair exclaimed, his body still somewhat sore from yesterday’s fight, but there was no way he was going to pass up an opportunity like this. “Three against one, you’re just askin’ for us to take you down!”

“Tell me, just how easy to we have to go on you?” Skylar asked, more than ready for the opportunity to show his true power.  The nervousness was still there – they were about to fight their mentor, an ally; certainly not something they’d expected with the Blaster Axis running rampant, but it was as good a training exercise as any.

The three of them stood there, tense, as Calle said nothing.  The cool, blissful breeze of the forest winds whisked past them as a very powerful feeling rushed over them.  His eyes more serious than they’d ever seen, Calle looked up to meet their stare.

 

“If you want to walk out of here in one piece, I’d imagine going easy might not be the best way to go.”

 

Whoa... Andrea said, her whole body shaking. Even the others realized the seriousness of the situation.  With the tournament now past its first round, they were getting closer to an eventual showdown with the Blaster Axis.  They were well aware, though the reasons why were still unknown.

“Now, listen closely,” Calle ordered, pointing behind him.  “Anywhere in this forest is part of the battleground.  Anyone exiting the perimeters of the forest will be disqualified and removed from the team as a whole.  The fight is over when either myself or the three of you are no longer able to compete.  There are no other rules.  As of this moment, you’ve got exactly sixty seconds to strategize amongst yourselves.” He said, offering one more sentence before taking off into the forest.  “Be sure to use it wisely.”

 

---

 

Strategy wasn’t a simple task.  In the sixty seconds they had to ‘talk it over’, their thoughts had been so jumbled amidst everyone trying to get their own comments in that the time had passed before they knew it.  Splitting up into separate persons, they each took a section of the forest to find where Calle had hidden himself. 

Skylar was the first to go, taking the center path.  He didn’t say a word, but he was hoping that he’d encounter Calle before the others.  He was confident in his own ability to take him down.  Don’t get me wrong, I respect you, and you’ve definitely got knowledge.  But when it comes to a fight, as far as I’m concerned unless I see otherwise I’m better than you. Secretly he wondered how far Calle was really willing to go with this exercise.  Could Alistair and the others even hold out long enough once the brawl got down to it?

Honing his senses, he tried to search for a trace of Calle’s spiritual pressure, but he wasn’t getting much.  Bastard must have concealed it to make himself harder to find; a smart tactic, but an easy one at that.

 

Meanwhile, on Alistair’s path...

 

I’m still a bit banged up, but I’ve got a feelin’ this guy’s gonna give us one hell of a fight! Though slightly intimidated, Alistair wasn’t at all worried. He was excited, more excited than he could remember being in a long time for a fight like this.  “I hope you’re ready, mate.  Cause teacher or not, you asked for my best and that’s what I’m gonna bring you!

 

Meanwhile, on Andrea’s path…

 

The first time she met Calle, she’d instantly disliked him because of what his appearance represented.  The thought that an outsider could come in and start training them at the facility as if he knew what they’d gone through and how hard they’d worked to get to where they were made her extremely frustrated.  She’d come to believe that he was just doing it for the money and that he could care less about their well-being.

Then, he first arrived and put her in a duel against Alistair right off the bat.  Not only did she lose, but she let her anger get the best of her and looked like a total embarrassment when it was over.  She’d disliked him for that, too; she’d let herself believe that Calle was out to get her and that he was going out of his way to make her look bad because of the attitude she’d shown.

All she wanted was a chance to prove herself to everyone, especially those who called her a weak link and ridiculed her for her flaws.  In her fight against Skylar, she’d been so determined to win no matter what to prove this, and in her rage, she almost got herself killed in the process.  All of this had built up to a hatred towards the one who was supposed to be their mentor.

 

But that all changed when the Four Star Siege struck the facility – they all became targets.  And while Calle could’ve just run away and left a payday behind, he stuck around just like the rest of them and put himself in danger to protect everyone.  And of course in the fights, Skylar, Alistair, even her brother...who she had hated for so long for reasons even she couldn’t bring herself to fully rationalize—they had given in their all for the sake of the team.  All these random kids who couldn’t stand one another came together for a common goal and because of that a bond had formed between them.

 

She felt like she belonged now.  She...felt like she owed it to the team and to Calle, and even Beatrice, to approach this tournament with everything she had and then some.  One day she would become the strongest mage, but first she had to work hard.  Just like the others.  “I won’t be on the sidelines anymore, I’ll prove it, I’ll prove I belong just as much as everyone else.  Calle, prepare for me to take you down!”

 

To be continued...[/spoiler]

[Aerion Brightflame]

Oh good. Calle is doing something. That's an improvement already.

 

Mysterious introduction to begin the chapter with, of what I can only assume is the missing team. Yay.

 

Which brings me to my second point: If there's a team missing, how can the first two days of events have everyone from a team fight against each other? It doesn't make a whole lot of sense there to me...

 

As for the training method... Hmm... It's risky. The issue with it is that either 1) Calle does what he should, and is capable of doing, and basically dismisses all 3 of them with a flick of his wrist (Though how come Alistar is taking part in the training if he was barely able to walk a few moments before?) 2) Calle doesn't do this, and the other characters seem to be more powerful than they allrights should be... I mean I can understand holding back for the sake of training, but it still seems unfair.

 

So like... I get why you are doing it this way, but it's going to be tricky to balance. I mean obviously Andrea is going to get some new power by the end of it, because that's going to be helping her get better.

 

Also Skylar being that confident felt... Not out of character, but misjudged. Yes, they hadn't seen Calle fight. But they also know that a Dragon was sent directly for him to make the rest of them an easy target, and then he beat said dragon. Combine that with the fact that Beartrice did hire him... It didn't feel like arrogance, it felt like he was being idiotic.

 

Anyhow, writing was good enough, the mysterious part was mysterious, Andrea herself thought she was a cheerleader which felt a tad out of place. Also I would've prefered the ending line to be have been in her head instead. I just don't personally like the random declarations of that sort when no ones around to be verbal. I'm fine with people talking to themselves, because that's natural. It's just dramatic announcements like that don't quite sit right with me.

[Synchronized]

Oh good. Calle is doing something. That's an improvement already.

The plan had been for Calle to do something more relevant all along.  I was actually going to wait before introducing that, but since people seem to want it, I made some changes to the story layout to start it slightly earlier.

 

Mysterious introduction to begin the chapter with, of what I can only assume is the missing team. Yay.

Can't say one way or another. 

 

Which brings me to my second point: If there's a team missing, how can the first two days of events have everyone from a team fight against each other? It doesn't make a whole lot of sense there to me...

If you read the introduction Chapter (15, I believe), it's explained that the fifth and final team won't be taking part in the first day's events.  They will be taking part in the second day's events; this was done specifically because of the power gap between the teams and the fact that the fifth and final team is regarded as much more powerful than the others.  From the perspective of the judges, it wouldn't have made any sense because it would've put all the other teams at a disadvantage.  You'll understand better once you see it.

 

As for the training method... Hmm... It's risky. The issue with it is that either 1) Calle does what he should, and is capable of doing, and basically dismisses all 3 of them with a flick of his wrist (Though how come Alistar is taking part in the training if he was barely able to walk a few moments before?) 2) Calle doesn't do this, and the other characters seem to be more powerful than they allrights should be... I mean I can understand holding back for the sake of training, but it still seems unfair.

 

So like... I get why you are doing it this way, but it's going to be tricky to balance. I mean obviously Andrea is going to get some new power by the end of it, because that's going to be helping her get better.

Don't forget the reference to Tres' healing spell.  We specifically didn't show the battle between Calle and the aethelis so that we could reference it later if need-be.  Tres' healing spell (because he's primarily a user of defensive magic) has the ability to fully restore its target(s).  In other words, once the fight happens, regardless of the outcome they'll be healed before the next round starts.  They don't know that, but Calle does, so he can fight as freely as he chooses knowing that he'll be able to heal them.  The only thing is, Tres' healing spell takes a lot of energy and isn't something he can just use whenever.  It's been a month since he used it last, so there's definitely a recovery period.

 

Also Skylar being that confident felt... Not out of character, but misjudged. Yes, they hadn't seen Calle fight. But they also know that a Dragon was sent directly for him to make the rest of them an easy target, and then he beat said dragon. Combine that with the fact that Beartrice did hire him... It didn't feel like arrogance, it felt like he was being idiotic.

I think this is just part of Skylar's ignorance.  He's warmed up to his allies, but he's still arrogant and puts himself above everyone else.  That's an important trait to his character and not something I want to just throw away.  I think he knows Calle is a match for him, but he's telling himself otherwise as a confidence booster.

 

Anyhow, writing was good enough, the mysterious part was mysterious, Andrea herself thought she was a cheerleader which felt a tad out of place. Also I would've prefered the ending line to be have been in her head instead. I just don't personally like the random declarations of that sort when no ones around to be verbal. I'm fine with people talking to themselves, because that's natural. It's just dramatic announcements like that don't quite sit right with me.

 

I see what you mean.  I guess that doesn't make a huge difference one way or another; I just thought it might have a little more meaning behind it if she came right out and said it.

[Synchronized]

[spoiler=Episode 22: The Mystery Unfolds 2/3]

Episode 22: The Mystery Unfolds 2/3

 

On Alistair’s path...

 

“Looks like I got lucky and found you first, huh?” He spoke out into the open woods, but the presence he felt was unmistakable.  Calle had definitely made some sort of an effort to hide it, but as he got closer, it would’ve been pointless to do that anyway.  Sure, he didn’t want to make it easy for them to find him, but at the same time, this was a training exercise and a surprise attack wasn’t the kind of thing they’d be up against in the next rounds.

“So you just gonna stand there and hide, mate? I’ll be honest – I was lookin’ forward to the opportunity to throw down before the others found ya.  See just how much you can take!” He exclaimed, feeling his strength beginning to rile up in him, though his body was still somewhat sore.

Calle shook his head, smirking.  Kid wasn’t thinking this through at all.  He was so focused on a fight that he’d made himself wide open. 

“You’ll strike now, I presume?” Tres asked.  “How hard do you intend to go on the boy? Certainly my healing spell can bring him back to full health but, I imagine a swift defeat will severely hurt their morale.”

He had no intention to hold back at all.  The only way they would learn is with the real experience.  Certainly he wouldn’t fatally wound them, but the Blaster Axis and maybe even the others would show no hesitation in doing so.  Taking it easy on them just for the sake of their safety would do nothing but leave them unprepared for seriously dire situations.

“Enough waiting around, let’s do this already!” Alistair demanded.  And so, he’d get his wish.  He heard a rustling in the air – Calle was making his move.  It was time to be on guard.  It was time for a fight!

He stood his ground, planting his feet in the dirt to really hold his ground.  He’d be able to defend against an attack from any angle; Calle may have been superior, but when it came to defense he’d learned a thing or two from his battle with Clay. Come at me with everything you’ve got, I’ll—

“Raisen Whirlwind!”

Alistair heard Calle mouth the words, but he wasn’t able to even see his movements until he was way too close.  Whatever the base of his weapon was – it felt like air – sliced right through his upper chest, drawing blood almost immediately.  Before he even had a chance to react, Calle was standing behind him – the attack had already gone through.  He dropped to his knees, holding his chest to stop the bleeding.  Oh man...I didn’t even see him move...He let me get a sense on his movements but only as long as he wanted me to...

Evidently Calle had controlled his attack enough to avoid fatal injury; it didn’t take him long to figure that out, as he realized the slash could’ve gone much deeper if he’d only moved it a little closer.  But the pain was seriously real. He wanted nothing more than to stand and show that even though he’d been caught off guard, he was still in this fight...but no matter how strong his will, his body couldn’t comply.

“What you’ve just witnessed is the power of my Kazesai, the blade of winds,” Calle said, sheathing the short sword that no one had even seen him produce.  “My Rakurai grants me the power to control the wind element.  While it requires greater precision, there’s not an object alive that the power of air can’t slice through.  In addition, when in my 3^rd Stage, my movement speed is increased almost one-hundred percent; my body is able to travel at the speed of winds.  Even with your defense at the ready, you were hopeless to defend yourself from my attack because you had no idea what to expect.”

 

He turned around to face him.  Alistair was still trying to stand, but to very little avail.  “By putting yourself right out in the open and directly challenging me, you’ve already failed.  I can understand and appreciate the thrill of a good fight, but giving away your advantage to your opponent simply for that thrill is not a worthwhile strategy in the slightest.  If you had been up against someone other than myself, you would’ve just gotten yourself killed, and that’s a fact.  But instead, you’ve gotten yourself eliminated.”

“Hold on...” He said, barely mouthing the words.  

Huh? Calle turned around once more, somewhat surprised by the sight of a bloodied Alistair pulling himself to a vertical base. I didn’t expect he’d be able to stand so soon.  This is certainly an interesting development.

“By my calculations, he shouldn’t be.” Tres added.  “Based on the strike of your sword, his body should’ve been rendered more or less useless for the time being, at least until I cast the healing spell.  This is somewhat...remarkable, for lack of a better term.”

Even if he can still stand, what difference does it make? Calle shook his head; such a foolish action. “Standing up in this condition? You risk further damage to your body this way.  You’re best suited to stay down for the remainder of this exercise—you’re in no condition to fight me.”

“All the more reason to fight then...I reckon...” He took a deep breath, a difficult feat given the wounds in his stomach. “What were you expecting me to do, just lay here?  Come on, you should know me better than that now mate! As long as I’ve got a breath of life left in my body I ain’t about to lay down and take defeat so easily.”

“It’s moving, but naïve,” Calle scolded him. “If you didn’t learn your lesson already, you leave me no choice but to take you down again.”

“You’re really going all out with this, huh?” Tres asked.

Calle nodded.  I’ve got no other choice.  I owe it to them to make them legitimate fighters for this thing.  It’s the least we can do.  We’ve got two days to turn these kids into high level warriors.

Alistair knew it was silly on his part to even bother, but he had no choice—he had to try.  The others were probably taking this just as lightly, and they’d meet a similar fate if he didn’t at least try and hold Calle off long enough for them to get there.  If they all failed this exercise, it’d all but destroy the team’s morale.  And there was no way they were gonna lose the tournament!

“You may have cut me open, but I’ve still got fight left in me!” He declared, his right fist at his side swirling up with a mass of white energy.  “Time to see how your wind does against full force! Earthbound Spirit Fist!”

 

Focusing all of his energy on Calle, he soared through the air, but again their mentor’s blade cut through him, this time dissipating his attack in the process.  He spit out blood in the air before dropping to the ground.  He’s just too...strong...

“The power inside you is strong, Alistair,” Calle acknowleged.  “But you’ve got a long way to go before you can use that power to fight on the same level I do.  That being said, I commend you for your efforts.  Just by getting back up you surpassed my expectations.”  To say there wasn’t something special about the boy would be a lie, though Calle couldn’t quite put his finger on it.  “Now then, I—”

The arrow whisked by his right ear just in the nick of time as he dodged it, ducking down and leaping to a tree on his right.  Still charged, the arrow struck a nearby tree and left a huge blast in its trunk.  Interestingly enough he hadn’t even been able to sense the attack.  That was some seriously good timing.

Looks like the second challenger has arrived.

 

---

 

Skylar had made his presence known, though it was like he expected Calle to dodge that first attack.

 

“Interesting,” Calle turned to acknowledge him, as Skylar revealed himself on the thick branch of a tree a few feet behind him.  He’d just used his Seishin kyota, but looked good as new.  Certainly a change from the kid who couldn’t manage to muster up more than one when they first met.  The surprise attack element wasn’t what actually surprised him, though.  It was Skylar’s ability to conceal the arrow entirely.  Until it got within range, Calle had no idea the attack was even heading towards him; admittedly, it was clever.  But that sneak attack had failed.

“Where Alistair made himself wide open, you chose to utilize a far more effective method of attack,” he said.  “Attacking me from behind while somehow concealing your spiritual pressure long enough to use Seishin kyota is an advanced technique.  Unfortunately, it’s not going to make a difference.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I respect you,” Skylar said.  “Though I may not like you, I respect what you stand for and the fact that you’ve helped us to get this far.  But let’s be honest Calle, a lot of what we’ve learned so far has been our own doing, not by your influence.  We’ve never seen you fight.  And that’s why I think taking you down is all the proof I need that I’m exactly where I should be.  Since the first day you landed at the facility, I’ve been awaiting the chance to fight you.”

“I could say the same,” Calle replied, tightening his gaze.  “Each of you have a trait that makes you stand out from the rest of the group in different ways, but I think it’s clear that when it comes to literal skill, you’re a slight step ahead.  And I can respect that.  Come on then, take me down.  Or tell me, is your body still limited to one attack?”

Skylar scowled at the smartass remark, aware that Calle was trying to get under his skin but falling for it anyway.  His first attack had failed but he’d figured it would.  He had the leverage.  “You may have dodged the first one, but let’s see if you dodge the second one too! Seishin...kyota!” He clasped his thumb and finger together, releasing them to fire a second arrow.  It headed straight in Calle’s direction, but he showed no fear one way or another.

“You’re just going to take it?! You think mocking me is gonna be enough to stop me?!” Skylar raged, hoping to see Calle’s smug attitude backfire on him completely.

“3^rdStage: Okibi-beru” Tres mouthed the words on Calle’s cue, the orange sphere barrier covering him completely, shielding him from the arrow which was powerless against Tres’ defense spell.

He stopped it just like that? But that’s not possible – he didn’t even budge! Skylar took a breath; he had to stay calm, this was just the kind of reaction Calle was hoping to draw.  He wasn’t going to give him that satisfaction.  Alistair may have gone down pretty easily, but he was totally different.

“Your attitude has always been what holds you back,” Calle said, dispelling the barrier.  “There’s a difference between confidence and arrogance, and that’s a line you’re not able to walk.” With time, sure, Skylar could learn and continue to shape himself into a person he could be proud to be – but he was still young.  So was Calle, though. “You’ve yet to grasp the concept of teamwork, something the others have begun to come into quite nicely.  If you have any desire to win this tournament, you have to—”

 

“Go ahead and get ‘em!”

Calle felt the shock as Alistair grabbed his right leg, barely able to move.     It was completely unexpected, as was the grin on Skylar’s face as Calle put it together. They’d planned this from the get-go.  Had they really used the time that wisely? No, there’s no way they...

“It would appear they used what you  would consider Alistair’s weakness against us…” Tres chimed in.  “He went down easily, but you had no reason to believe he’d serve as a distraction for Alistair’s attack.  And they came up with this? How unexpected.”

“I’m not much of a team player, but we’ve all got something in common here,” Skylar said, charging up a third arrow.  “Just as much as we need to win the Grand Thunder Clash, we need to beat you in your little challenge here.  To prove it—to prove that our work hasn’t been for nothing.  Alistair took one for the team, but I’m sure he’ll tough it out; he’s too much of a stubborn idiot to lose just because of a few battle wounds.”

“Come on, enough with the talkin’ already, I can’t hold him forever!” Alistair added impatiently.

“Right, Calle, consider this challenge over,” Skylar said, releasing the strike.  “Seishin kyota.”

 

---

 

“It’s senseless, I’ll block your attack just like the first one!” Calle exclaimed, admittedly impressed by the display of teamwork but not at all concerned about the outcome.  You ready for round two, Tres?

“It would appear I can’t seem to...” Tres’ voice trailed off for a moment as Calle watched the arrow getting closer to him.  There was no way Tres’ energy had already run out; he’d only used the shield once. “Okibi-beru is designed to shield one person at a time, there’s a limit to the spectrum of energy it can protect.  Because Alistair is in contact with you, there’s too much loose energy for me to use it!”

Oh you’ve got to be kidding me, Calle groaned.  Perfect timing.  Damnit, I’ll have to block it with the sword then.  He reached for it, but found himself unable to retrieve it in time as the arrow struck him straight in the upper chest, tearing a small hole and creating a large blast in its path.

The impact caused him to fly back quite a bit; he hadn’t been able to ready a defense in time, so he was relying on his own power and not intuition to prepare for their next move.  He caught himself in the air regardless, landing back on his feet and not badly wounded, but definitely feeling the pain of Skylar’s attack.  I’m impressed – I wasn’t expecting them to hit me at all.

“Looks like we got him, mate!” Alistair exclaimed, trying to forge a smile. “Nice shot.”

“Heh,” Skylar said.  “It’s all in a day’s work.  See what I was trying to tell you, Calle? You can’t win! You’re completely outnumbered.  Even if you’re good, you can’t take on the three of us at once, those are just crazy odds.”  Calle? Skylar looked around—their teacher had vanished.  He’s still going? Gr—ahh!

Skylar grabbed his chest as he flew into the air; a slash wound just like the one Calle had given Alistair appeared.  Damnit, but how?!

“Overconfident as always,” Calle said.  “I’ll give you credit in that you struck me pretty hard, but it’s nothing like I’ve experienced in the past.  You don’t have close to the amount of power someone in your position has the potential to achieve.  It was nothing more than a scratch.”

He cut me down just like Alistair, he only pretended to be intimidated by our double-team combo. Skylar realized, falling downward from the tree into an uncomfortable landing on the forest floor.

In disbelief, Alistair watched his comrade fall to the ground, wondering above all else how Calle had been able to move that quickly.  Aye, he didn’t think for even a second that he was in a tough spot, even with me holding him for Skylar’s arrow.  Just how good is this guy?

“How did you...manage to...” Skylar lost track of his words.  “The arrow...it hit you...I watched it, I know it hit you.”

“You’re right, it did hit me,” Calle said, jumping from the branch down to the ground where the others were laying.  He kept his guard up – Andrea had yet to arrive.  He had to imagine there was an element of their plan he hadn’t yet figured out.  Otherwise, why would she have taken this much time? With the fighting going on between them it would’ve been effortless even for someone with her skill level to pick up the spiritual pressures.

 

“My Rakurai is based on the element of wind, and naturally my body is infused with that same power,” he explained.  “In other words, when my 3^rd Stage Kazesai is active, my body is able to become one with that element, so to speak.  My body becomes no different than the wind itself.”

“I’m confused,” Alistair barely managed to add, his body still in a ton of pain.  “That doesn’t explain how you were able to take Skylar’s attack head on and not have it slow you down at all.”

“Actually it does,” Skylar said, grimacing.  He could barely move; that wind had sliced through him like a sharp knife to butter.  “His body becomes one with the wind, so thinly constructed that he can move as though he were the wind itself.  When the arrow struck, he simply split those wind particles apart, so it was almost like it went right through him.  What’s more, because of the energy and acceleration released from my attack, he was able to move even faster, which would explain how he was able to get behind me so quickly.  All our double team attack did was make it easier for him to take me down.”

Skylar was humbled; there was no need to say it aloud.  He had been certain they would have been able to defeat Calle easily with their odds, but in reality they were nowhere near his level of ability.

Calle nodded.  “You put that together rather quickly.  No matter what your weaknesses might be when it comes to actual combat, your battle prowess as a tactician is extremely impressive.”

“Heh,” Skylar rolled his eyes, scoffing at the remark.  He felt his eyes begin to well up as he slammed his fist into the dirt repeatedly, unwilling to accept his failure.  Losing would have been one thing, but he’d never even stood a chance.  He’d assured himself that there was no possible way he could lose and yet it was the only thing to happen.  How could it be? How could he have been beaten so easily? What was the difference between Calle and himself?  Experience? Sure, he was younger, but he spent day after day training and honing his skills without help from anyone. He swore he’d never allow himself to become weak, in her honor.

 

Skylar... Alistair looked across from him as the same kid that he carried himself above all the others, with that same attitude and demeanor that would suggest they were nothing to him.  He was so different now, his eyes filled with disappointment and fear, like the false reality in which he’d immersed himself had just been shattered and he couldn’t handle the actuality of it.

He actually felt himself sympathizing with the kid, something he never thought he’d say based on Skylar’s actions in the past.

 

Maybe that was the purpose behind this exam.  Maybe Calle had seen through Skylar like the others hadn’t; maybe he’d seen through all of them.  Each of them came together to form a team with no common goals other than the fact that they had goals.  They spent so much time arguing with one another because in reality they only cared about what they set out to accomplish; there was no sense of unity because none of them, despite the friendliness on the outside, really had a bond with one another.

Alistair had wondered that day, the day he risked his life to protect Skylar in their battle against Terrance, whether or not he was making the right decision.  Whether or not he should worry about saving himself and let Skylar fight his own battles, but something inside of him wouldn’t allow him to carry out such an action.  As if through no action of his own, he threw himself in the way of danger to save someone he despised.  But he’d never taken the time to think that there might have been more to Skylar than what he saw.

 

Now, in this weakened state, having been defeated, he was beginning to see things differently.

 

Calle was shaken by the scene, but would not let it be shown.  Fighting his own students knowing there was no possible outcome that involved his defeat was not something he enjoyed, but he had to do it.  He had to get them here.  In this state.  And now it looked like the message he had been trying to convey had finally gotten through.

 

They had nowhere to go but up.  Hating and trying to out-do one another was not going to get them anywhere.  And he’d had to break them down in order to build them back up.  It was hard, but he kept a strong, barely believable smile.

 

Just as he was about to address them, he felt a seriously incredible pain jolt through his entire body.  He cried out, gritting his teeth as he dropped to one knee almost instantly.  With what little strength they had left, Skylar and Alistair marveled at the sight with wondrous eyes, stunned.

“Are you alright?!” Tres exclaimed, having felt no pain himself, but clearly able to sense what Calle was going through.  There was no way this was part of the exam.  Andrea didn’t have the power to do something like this.

“What the...” Skylar said, realizing that as well.

It wasn’t Andrea; they sensed a different presence, or multiple presences, rather. Is this part of the test? I’m feeling a totally different vibe.

“Calle, don’t you think this is enough?” Alistair asked.  “It looks like we get it mate, I understand what you’re trying to show us but come on, we can barely stand!”

He could barely turn his head; it was like his entire body had gone into a state of paralysis.  “I wish...it was but...this isn’t my doing!” He replied.  “I don’t know what’s going on but you guys have to get out of here now! Before the exam began, the plan had been to cast a healing spell on all of you once it was over, restoring you all to normal.  Of course I couldn’t tell you this because you wouldn’t try nearly as hard.  But I can’t...I can’t move! And if Andrea hasn’t shown up yet, she could be in trouble! If I can’t use any of my power than I can’t restore you right now! Go, get out of here now and find her!”

 

They both looked up in unison.  Alistair had been on the ground for a while, he could probably force himself to stand, but the speed at which he could move would be greatly reduced.  Skylar was in pain too, but if Andrea was out there and there was someone targeting them, she’d be powerless to defend herself.  But at the same time, if they abandoned Calle in this state, he’d get himself killed.

 

---

 

Whatever this is, Tres, it’s sealed my Rakurai completely.  I can’t move a damn muscle!

“I can sense them; two individuals, they’re close,” Tres replied. “From what I can tell my Rakurai remains unaffected, but there’s not much I can do if you can’t move.  We’ve got to protect the kids!”

Calle roared in frustration, trying to break whatever restrictions had been placed on him, but he was powerless to move.

 

And just as Tres’ suspected, two sets of footsteps dropped onto the branches of the trees in the clearing.

 

To be continued...[/spoiler]

[Aerion Brightflame]

Hmm...  I'll leave the ending till last

 

I'm kinda in disagreement with how you handled some things in here.

 

It was nice to see Calle doing what should've happened here but I felt... I felt the manner you did was different to how I would've approached it. Namely there was to much talk for my liking. I for one think it would've been better if for the beginning segment with Allister if there had been less talking, the interaction between Tres and Calle in particular. Even just shortening it down to:

 

“Looks like I got lucky and found you first, huh?” He spoke out into the open woods, but the presence he felt was unmistakable.  Calle had definitely made some sort of an effort to hide it, but as he got closer, it would’ve been pointless to do that anyway.  Sure, he didn’t want to make it easy for them to find him, but at the same time, this was a training exercise and a surprise attack wasn’t the kind of thing they’d be up against in the next rounds.

“So you just gonna stand there and hide, mate? I’ll be honest – I was lookin’ forward to the opportunity to throw down before the others found ya.  See just how much you can take!” He exclaimed, feeling his strength beginning to rile up in him, though his body was still somewhat sore.

Calle shook his head, smirking.  Kid wasn’t thinking this through at all.  He was so focused on a fight that he’d made himself wide open. “Enough waiting around, let’s do this already!” Alistair demanded.  And so, he’d get his wish.  He heard a rustling in the air – Calle was making his move.  It was time to be on guard.  It was time for a fight!

He stood his ground, planting his feet in the dirt to really hold his ground.  He’d be able to defend against an attack from any angle; Calle may have been superior, but when it came to defense he’d learned a thing or two from his battle with Clay. Come at me with everything you’ve got, I’ll—

“Raisen Whirlwind!”

Alistair heard Calle mouth the words, but he wasn’t able to even see his movements until he was way too close.  Whatever the base of his weapon was – it felt like air – sliced right through his upper chest, drawing blood almost immediately.  Before he even had a chance to react, Calle was standing behind him – the attack had already gone through.  He dropped to his knees, holding his chest to stop the bleeding.  Oh man...I didn’t even see him move...He let me get a sense on his movements but only as long as he wanted me to...

Evidently Calle had controlled his attack enough to avoid fatal injury; it didn’t take him long to figure that out, as he realized the slash could’ve gone much deeper if he’d only moved it a little closer.  But the pain was seriously real. He wanted nothing more than to stand and show that even though he’d been caught off guard, he was still in this fight...but no matter how strong his will, his body couldn’t comply.

“What you’ve just witnessed is the power of my Kazesai, the blade of winds,” Calle said, sheathing the short sword that no one had even seen him produce.  “My Rakurai grants me the power to control the wind element.  While it requires greater precision, there’s not an object alive that the power of air can’t slice through.  In addition, when in my 3^rd Stage, my movement speed is increased almost one-hundred percent; my body is able to travel at the speed of winds.  Even with your defense at the ready, you were hopeless to defend yourself from my attack because you had no idea what to expect.”

 

Now whilst it doesn't do much, to me it maintained the atmosphere that there should've been in this situation. Playing Calle as an outside character, so not getting insight onto his thoughts of it would've been in keeping with the whole idea' For this he is your enemy' situation you'd set up. Not having that inner thought process would've let us see things from kids perspective, and give us more insight into them.

 

Nextly: The bit with Skylar. I get that all the characters need to get some major development around them soonish, but cramming it all in one space isn't the best way to do it. The thing you do so well in the last chapter was dealing with Andrea, and setting her up to be the focus of this group of chapters for who will develops the most from it. So then to have her neglected for this entire chapter, and focusing on Skylar's development instead... it underminded that set-up essentially. You're right, Skylar needed that development, but it would've been better off at a different time, when he'd had time to mull over what happened, and if it got reaffirmed later in the competition. (Because face it, you don't have that much of an arrogant streak then change your mind after one thing going wrong, because you can dismiss that one thing rationally. (Like he can say, it wasn't fair, because Calle knew all about his abilities beforehand). Having that realisation after a second event would've been more natural in my eyes).

 

Not to mention this was the main area with to much talk and not enough action. When Alister grabbed him you could've quite easily have easily just gone onto say:

Right, Calle, consider this challenge over,” Skylar said, releasing the strike.  “Seishin kyota.”

 

Because that line in and off itself is slightly arrogant. Instead you had the talk in between... which felt unnatural, and illogical, because it was giving Calle the chance to piece things together, or to shake off the very loose grip that Alister was giving him (Like seriously... that speech would've basically been 20 seconds for Calle to shake off Allisters hand, given the guy could barely stand in the first place...). And why not second stage from Skylar... when Calle had already established he was using his third stage? I mean... common, if he knew that Calle was using his third stage I'm struggling to grasp the sane reason for why he didn't use second stage.

 

So there's that.

 

And then there's the ending... I think it was magnified by the sheer lack of Andrea in this chapter... but the ending just felt wrong for the set-up you'd given it.

 

Establishing a threat that stops Calle from doing anything already means it should to be to powerful for the kids to deal with... so Andrea cant really develop her fighting ability that way. It distracts from what's going to happen in the next chapter because there's going to need to be explanations about it, and it doesn't have the mystery behind it that it could be Calle testing how they react to unknown circumstances, or to give them an opponent on there scale, because you've established from Calle's inner monologue that he isn't faking it. (Because you can't have the perspective lie like that, you can have the characters lie, but not the perspective). It even detracts in theory from the very idea of this being character development time.

 

So I just don't get why it needed to be done, other than dramatic moment to end the chapter for it's own sake. When you'd have been better off maintaining the atmosphere the last chapter had, and the situation of it, because it was a nice set-up for the whole thing. Even if it wasn't perfect fro Andrea's character, you could have followed it up with her upcoming fight, which would've been a good way of combining things.

 

Anyhow, that's my takes on it. I admit, you handled the actually way Calle was doing things well, because he did essentially do the right thing and dissmiss the two with a sweep of his hand. And the actually quality of what was written was good as ever.

[Vector Nightmare]

Hm, I was gonna wait till the final part, but eh. Barty voiced most of my concerns anyway.

 

The thing started out quite promising, Calle taking the three out for some training was a good idea, even if the implementation kinda faltered here and there. What really rubbed me the wrong way was the sudden attack interrupting the training battle. There's... such a thing as too many twists and turns honestly and either this was used simply for gasp factor, or was quite misplaced, and in both its cases it shouldn't have been here. These were supposed to be breather chapters, where the characters regroup, evaluate themselves and get some development. Action's good, twists are good, but not when shit happens to everyone ALL THE TIME. These kids have barely had a moment of peace since the story began - they are in the island training bam! DDLizardmen attack, they're watching a duel bam! random tournament invitation, they take a break from tournament to train bam! mysterious ambush!

 

Basically what I want to say is that while putting twists in things occasionally you just have to follow through with what you presented, because that's what the story needs at the moment. The attackers are either Blaster Axis or the reclusive final team, in which case them appearing here is redundant since they're gonna make their debut soon anyway, or some other uninvolved party, in which case they shouldn't appear here because we're still in the BEGINNING of the previous storyline and there's plenty of people to fight for several more chapters. Also you seem to be suffering from a compulsive desire to make people and things look stronger than Calle, which honestly feels too early in the story for and doesn't let him live up to his legacy from the last story. Also yeah, building things up for Andrea then having Skylar and Alistair hog all the spotlight in the second part was a letdown, even though I assume Andrea is gonna play some critical part in the battle that's gonna break out in the third part.

 

So yeah main points:

 

1) Cut people some slack with the twists and ambushes and what-have-you

 

2) Stop making Calle look bad in order to provide legitimacy to threats, we already know Calle is absurdly strong so rather than have us go GASP WITH SURPRISE when he's knocked down, we mostly go eeeeh with disbelief.

 

3) Less talking! We get Skylar's arrogant but why does his arrogance have to explode all over every second word he speaks? Some of the explanations that were blurted out would've worked better as part of characters' thoughts and some dialogue was entirely off-place (Barty explains this pretty well so I'm just summing it up here)

[Synchronized]

I actually wrote up a much more detailed response a couple of days ago, but I accidentally hit the back button, and push led to shove, and yeah.  So here I am with a new Chapter.

 

I definitely agree with some of your complaints, guys (and disagree with others).  I don't mind this twist because it finally ties together a lot of the missing plot elements and gives us actual direction. This is a long one, but I think once you've finished reading it and see that we actually have a plot (and a motivation for the characters instead of just randomness), it's going to be a lot more smooth from here on out.  I'd like to think everyone came out of this looking strong, with Calle's ability being reinforced above everyone else's, which was a primary complaint. So yeah.

 

[spoiler=Episode 23: The Mystery Unfolds 3/3]

 

With the first round of the Grand Thunder Clash written in the record books, a two day break has been issued until next round begins.  Aware of the challenges that still await them, Calle has decided to have the kids, barring Damien due to his condition and inability to compete in the remainder of the event, partake in a training exercise with one simple order: they have to take him down.  While 3-on-1 odds are massively in their favor, Alistair and Skylar are dispatched of with little to no effort at all thanks to Calle's marginally greater expertise.  While that leaves just Andrea, our heroes' training exam is momentarily paused thanks to the arrival of two unknown forces.  Their identities still unknown, they were able to completely seal Calle's Rakurai, and with Skylar and Alistair in near critical condition, they couldn't have chosen a 'better' time to show up. 

 

Episode 23: The Mystery Unfolds 3/3

 

What had been a half-cloaked presence was fully released into the crisp, dampened forest air as the two boys took to their positions, one on each side of the clearing in which Calle found himself in the most uncomfortable of ways.  To his left, Alistair was more or less out; his wounds had ceased bleeding but his body had exhausted uncanny amounts of energy in the process.  And of course on the right, the arrogant but effective Skylar was neither or, still hanging in there but with very little Rakurai of his own left, breathing heavily as the frustration in his eyes over his failure (and at such a simple level) was fully evident. 

From his own point of view, Calle's Rakurai was still fully intact.  Whatever it was they'd cast on him appeared to lack the power to drain it, but rather put a seal on it somehow.  Whatever they were up to, it was obvious from the start that they were below his own skill level, else-wise taking such measures before the real action even began wouldn't have been necessary.  He had a sneaking suspicion that he might have known their origins, but delving into that at this moment wasn't exactly high atop his to-do list.  A very short list in-fact that consisted of breaking free of this seal and knocking them both into next week.

 

The clearing had a handful of trees that made up a surrounding area, almost like a dome made from natural processes.  Two of them, however, towered over the rest in an almost symmetrical fashion, with one on each side.  The boy standing on the tree to the left, above Alistair's grounding spot, was a slim figure with sleek black hair, clad in a strange attire straight out of a rich man's business meeting.  His face was smug and in the time he'd been standing there surveying the situation, it had stayed the same, that pseudo-grim smile reflecting his youthful arrogance.

Because it made things even more fitting, the other boy (who in truth was more of a man) took his stand on the opposite side of the clearing, and in an almost direct contrast to the first one, was extremely heavyset, dressed in a business suit just like his counterpart, though to be fair it looked like it was about three sizes too small.  His face, much like the rest of his body, appeared to be smushed together, borderline flat, even. But as large and grotesque as he was, being able to hide his spiritual pressure and move at such high speeds meant more than made up for it in the intimidation department.  Under normal circumstances, he could dispatch of them both easily, but dammit, he couldn't use any of his power.

 

Andrea was the primary concern.  It was obvious these two had targeted them specifically, but if they'd been aware of the training exam going on, then more than likely they were up-to-speed on who was and wasn't involved as well.  In short, it was highly likely that they'd encountered Andrea on their way to the main location.  And if they had the ability to lock Calle down, as much as he hated to say it, Andrea would've been no match for them.

"Don't even think about trying to move, you're in our grasp right now," the younger one said, his voice just as cold and calculating as the look on his face.  He definitely gave off the illusion of being in control, but Calle wasn't so sure he was all he built himself up to be.  "Look, I'm not one for violence so we'll make this short and sweet, I promise," he said with a twisted grin.

"Arya, however, is a bit different," he continued, making reference to the heavyset man standing across the way.  "On the contrary, he takes great joy in his work."

"Why do I get the vibe his 'work' is something along the lines of raiding an all-you-can-eat buffet?" Skylar quipped, smiling to himself, before quickly cringing at the very-real pain his body was still in.  Both he and Alistair were concerned for Andrea, but they couldn't just leave Calle here, either.  He was defenseless.  On top of that, neither of them could really stand, so it was quite the predicament.

"Let me ask you, is it really wise for someone in your position to be making snarky remarks?" He asked, smirking.  "Don't let his exterior fool you; Arya is a vicious warrior."

"I crush them now, Misael?" The fat man asked in a thick Russian accent, pounding his fist into his palm.  "All of them at once, no sweat.  Like killing fly."

"Heh, let's not get too ahead of ourselves, Arya," Misael, as the heavyset man had identified him, replied, running his hand through his hair and smiling once again.  "We've got them in a no-win situation.  Perhaps if they're willing to cooperate, such measures won't be necessary.  Rather, I could just let you rough them up."

Somehow I've gotta buy time to get to Andrea. Skylar thought.  If he could just will himself to stand and fight through this pain, he could get up, he just knew it.  Totally inconvenient timing for this exercise.  Calle mentioned a healing spell - that made sense.  Obviously if he was able to heal them completely he could go all out without worrying about actually injuring them.  But from what he could see, with Calle unable to use any Rakurai right now, he couldn't cast it.  If they could figure out how to break that seal, they could free Calle and he could heal them.  On a level playing field, these guys wouldn't stand a chance.

"Now then, if you-" Misael began to speak, but found himself stopping short as the visual of the young Australian boy about his age below them, pulling himself to his feet through sheer willpower, caught him extremely off-guard.  

 

"Since we got here, this whole thing's been nothin' but twists and turns," he said, shaking.  "Nothin' makes sense around here and just when you think you get it, the whole story changes.  But even with that in mind, I ain't just gonna lay here helplessly while my allies are in danger, I don't care what you say."

He's standing again.  Damn, before I could at that. Skylar scowled to himself.  He took more damage than I did and yet he's still standing.  What an idiot.

"As long as we're bein' honest, I don't really wanna hear why it is you're here or what it is you're tryina' pull," Alistair balled up a fist, his whole body still incredibly sore.  Realistically, it wasn't even wise to push his limits like this, but he had no other choice.  They had to buy time for Calle.

"Look, if you can break that seal, we can hold these two off for time being," he turned to their mentor.  "But make it quick mate, I don't have much strength left and Skylar's worse off than me," he winked in the boy's direction.

"Think before you speak, dumbass," Skylar retorted.  "If you think I'd stay on the ground and let you show me up you've got another thing coming."

"It's intriguing, but it appears their rivalry is what's keeping them going." Tres acknowledged.  "It would appear, as well, that we've been placed under what's called a Bind.  It's a type of Rakurai-influenced seal that prevents any of one's Rakurai from cycling throughout the body.  If you can buy me a couple of minutes, I should be able to break it. It's all a simple mind trick.  If you can focus your Rakurai at the right locations, we can break it free.  They may look powerful, but this is a very simple magic that weaker mages will use to try and overcome a stronger opponent.  I've seen it before in Erebos."

Calle grinned.  Had to know I could count on you then, Tres.  Still a little too formal for my tastes, but we'll work on it.  How long do we need? I'm not sure they can hold up long at all.

"About five minutes." He said regretfully.  "It's much longer than I'd like but this is a high level Bind.  It's the best I can do.  We just have to believe they'll be able to hold them off long enough for us to break this bind and cast the healing spell."

"So we're both trying to play the hero now?  How pathetic.  And to think I was just hoping to make some friendly conversation," Misael quipped.  "Well then, Arya, why not put them back on the ground where they belong and show them how futile it is to try and fight back in such a pathetic state?"

"I crush them like boulder," Arya said with delight, jumping straight off the branch and towards the ground with no intents of breaking his fall.  He crashed into the ground with a thud, landing on his feet and shaking the whole area.

"Think you can hold out long enough to try and fight this guy?" Skylar challenged. "Cause I can't really save your ass right now."

"Hey, I ain't even in this to win right now, mate," he said.  "All we've gotta do is buy some time.  Once we can fight 'em at full strength, just make sure you don't get in my way, or I might have to throw you around a bit too."

"Heh," Skylar said under his breath, just loud enough for Alistair to hear it.  "You're a riot.  Now let's do this already!"

 

"Hey, you two, don't go any further than you have to," Calle cautioned.  "You're both extremely low on power right now and I don't get the vibe that this guy's playing games."  Surely they didn't pose a threat to him directly, but these two would undoubtedly be able to overpower Skylar and Alistair in their current conditions.  He couldn't stop wondering about Andrea's whereabouts.  If they'd gotten to her already...

"Don't focus on that now, I understand your concern but if we're going to break this Bind we have to be completely focused on it," Tres said, trying to comfort him but more importantly get his mind back on track. "Trust your students to use what you've taught them so far and let's get them back to full health."

Calle nodded.  Right.  He had to focus.

 

"So, I go all out now, yes?" Arya looked to Misael for approval.  With a cackling smile, the boy simply nodded.

"I just need them to cease playing the hero for now," Misael said.  "However you feel you can get that done, by all means by my guest."

Arya grinned, belting with laughter.  "I like the sound of that.  Now, who choose to fall to my power first?"

"Get ready, it's on now," Skylar warned.  He and Alistair stood their ground, side-by-side, an unpleasant alliance but a necessary sacrifice."

 

"Gravity Force: Downward Plunge!" Arya muttered, placing his palms together at the helm of his chin.  Calle could sense the man's energy beginning to gather within him, instilling a discomforting presence in the air.  Arya closed his eyes, simply focusing his power while Misael watched from his position out of harm's way with a nonchalant smile. 

"Well, where is it?" Alistair asked, awaiting a move of some kind.

Before he could reply, Skylar noticed the extremely powerful current coming from above them.  The magic - it was affecting the air pressure around them; he could feel it intensifying by the second.  It began to force itself down on both of them, restricting their movements as though it was trying to squeeze the very life out of them.  "It's coming from above us, damn it picked up speed so fast!"

At that point, Alistair hadn't needed a clue-in; his entire body was in grueling pain as Arya's magic took effect, the forces behind it unbelievably powerful.  Neither of them could seem to move; the downward force was holding them in place. 

"You trap like mouse in cage, now I go in for the kill!" Arya exclaimed, rocketing towards them completely unaffected by the pressure of his own magic.  Skylar was defenseless as the man's giant fist struck him in the gut, followed by an elbow to the throat that hurled him into the air.

"Skylar!" Alistair exclaimed, bewildered by the large man's speed under these conditions.

"Don't worry, you join your friend in despair!" Arya reassured him, moving so fast to his location and crashing into him, thrusting him into a nearby tree.

Damn, because of his body structure, he's unaffected by his own magic! Skylar noted, barely able to move his head, just enough to get a look at his opponent's next move.  With both of them down and helpless, he could only imagine Calle would be the next target.

Their mentor was still in the center of the clearing on his knees, but his eyes were closed and it was clear they were still trying to repel whatever magic Misael had used.  Still, he was defenseless and if Arya got to him, their chances of restoring their Rakurai were more or less gone.  He had to muster up the strength to move, even if it meant he'd get knocked down again, the pain would be worth it if they could cast that spell.  Once he got back to full power, he'd give this guy a taste of his own medicine. 

But even with him simply standing, Arya's magic was still in full effect.  They were functioning off a two-man combo.  Misael provided the magic that would restrict one's power, while Arya was the muscle of the team.  Whatever magic Misael was using was pointless to waste on Alistair and himself, because they were so badly beaten that it wouldn't make much of a difference one way or another.

 

"That was a fun show," Misael chuckled, clapping with a mocking applause.  "Such a short-lived heroism, though.  It's a shame, I was hoping we'd be able to see a bit more from people partaking in the Grand Thunder Clash.  It appears the rumors about you are true.  You know, I was given orders to do whatever I saw fit.  We could leave you alive, or we could kill you.  This entire forest is covered by a unique Bind, the likes of which prevent the Clash Committee from being made aware of any fighting that's going on within it.  Sure, that took some time to set up, but it's no matter.  The reality is, you're not strong enough to bother keeping alive.  Arya, feel free to finish them off.  We'll attribute it to an accident or something."

Mused by the idea, the large Russian man nodded.  It was like music to his grotesque ears.  "Alright, I crush them.  Let's end it in one crucial blow.  Gravity Force: Pulse Explosion!"

Watching in ire as Arya launched himself right towards the center of the clearing, Skylar and Alistair closed their eyes, anger boiling inside them as these two bastards had complete control over the situation; there was nothing they could do.  And that's why he found himself gasping for air as a glistening stream of flames struck Arya in his gut, blasting him out of the clearing entirely.

The shocked lull that overtook the entire area for the next two seconds was something none of them had been expecting.  Misael gritted his teeth--this was unexpected.  This brat again, he thought they'd already taken care of her.  With her crimson-red hair by her side, somewhat tattered from the effects of her earlier battle with the two men she now confronted, Andrea touched down in the center of the clearing, the only thing standing between Arya and Calle.  She appeared to be unaffected by the gravity, and though her body was in rough shape, she was nowhere near as badly wounded as her allies.

"Didn't think I'd be the one saving you guys," she said, laughing playfully.  "But it's more fun this way."

 

---

"You're looking rough," Alistair said.  "Run into trouble?"

"So, our chivalrous attempt to spare your life was for naught," Misael quipped, answering Alistair's question in the process, making it clear the two had run into her before arriving here.  Though he was still surprised to see her here and able to fight no less.  "Arya, such a shame.  At this point, I'm growing tired of this, what do you say we wrap this up?" He suggested, as the large Russian man answered his request with a nod.

"She caught me off guard, but I focused now," he said, reintroducing himself into the fray. "I shall crush her, woman or not."

"Hold on, how did you survive his Bind magic?" Calle asked, frantically trying to delay as Tres worked to piece the puzzle together.  He was relieved to see Andrea in one piece.

"Funny, you're the one looking for answers now, I'm not sure if I should help you, we're still in the middle of an exam after all," she joked, half-smiling in his direction.  "I mean after all, I could take them both down and then take you out all at once, just like you challenged us to do."

"She's certainly a lot more confident than last time," Tres said, admittedly somewhat interested.  "At the very least, far more determined.  This should be interesting."

"All comments aside, the only reason I'm still here right now is because these two, as strong as they are, suffer from a serious confidence problem.  We're talking Skylar levels, if not more," she said, throwing that little dig in there.  "When I first ran into them, I thought maybe they were people you'd hired to help deter us in the exam.  After a while though, it became evident that wasn't it.  I tried my best to fight, but with the scrawny one's magic, I couldn't use any of my Rakurai at all."

Calle nodded.

"That's what happens, see," she continued.  "Misael's magic locks you down, and Arya's magic is the force that takes you out.  But his magic has a weakness," she locked eyes with Misael, who seemed thrown off by her comments. "It's done so they can take you out in one blow, but if you survive, it's where their teamwork has a critical flaw.  That Bind wears off as soon as you come into contact with another Rakurai based attack."

Everyone shared the same sentiment of shock, Misael included.  It came rushing back to him, explaining how she was able to survive their attack and live to tell the tale.  Obviously, being a girl Arya had taken it somewhat easier on her.  She was weaker, they shouldn't have had to go to such lengths in the first place.  He didn't kill her, though, and the Bind had worn off.

"So once I realized it was pointless to fight, I took the attack in stride, and pretended to be knocked out cold," she explained with a smile.  "They walked away and onto their next target, and the Bind wore off.  I'm more or less good as new.  Sure, I'm hurt, but these boys can't even stand, and I've still got plenty left in me."

"Heh, so you figured out my magic's one weakness," Misael scoffed.  "What's it matter? You missed one crucial point.  There's nothing to stop me from using my Bind magic on you again! And this time, I won't be so foolish as to let you survive!  Arya-"  H--hold on a second! He cut his own commands short, and it became clear that Andrea wasn't just bluffing; she was more than ready to bring the fight.  Using her own fire as a launching base, she leapt into the sky, blasting him square in the jaw and knocking him from the tree to the ground below.  He tried to break his own fall, but with nothing to grab onto, there was no way to prevent himself from taking a hard fall.

It makes sense, Calle noted.  He can't use the Bind magic on two people at one time.  So if he were to use it on her, he'd have to release the Bind he's got on us.  Somehow she figured that out, and took advantage of it in the mean-time.  We'll never hear the end of this one, but she's totally saving our asses right now.

"Gravity Force: Nightmare Pressure Blast!" Arya exclaimed, spinning around in a circle, firing pulsing blasts of energy from his palms in succession. Andrea dodged a few, and he was sure not to hit Calle so as not to break the bind.  But as Misael struck the ground, one of the blasts hit Andrea, knocking her for a loop. 

If only we could fight at full power... Wait a second, Skylar thought, replaying Andrea's words in his head.  It was risky, he'd surely use the very last drops of his Rakurai in the process, but if it worked, he'd be able to save all of them.  Here went nothing.

After failing in the exam, he couldn't allow himself to lose to people like this.  No way; no matter how stupid it was his pride wouldn't allow it.  He would contribute to the team's victory.

"You no get away with this, Arya will beat you all!" The Russian man declared.  "Now, to make this final attack the strongest!"

"You're not gonna get that chance!" Skylar called out, barely able to balance himself on one knee.  "Calle, forgive me for this, but hey, it might be my last effort, I'm gonna enjoy it."  Shaking, he extended his right hand to form an opening with his thumb and index finger.  "She said a Rakurai based attack breaks the Bind, right? Well then, here goes nothing!   Seishin kyota!"

 

No way, he's attacking his own ally?! Misael exclaimed furiously, unwilling to accept such a foolish idea, and also being aware of what it meant.

"Whoa wait a second, what are you..." Andrea said, her sentence drifting off as the arrow fired, almost instantly sending Skylar to the ground in a collapsed mess.  He truly had nothing left.

"Arya you can't let that arrow hit him!  Intercept it now!" Misael barked, but to no avail.  Arya couldn't get there in time. 

Calle closed his eyes, letting the strike hit him completely without worrying about the pain.

The white arrow struck, releasing waves throughout his body.  He felt the binds blocking off his Rakurai begin to break, energy flowing through his body once again, completely refreshing them both at that. It's now or never, let's do this, Tres!

"Right!" The Spirit shouted in agreement.  "Spirit's Veil Restoration!"

 

In one swift motion, Rakurai swept over the area like a tidal wave, hitting Skylar, Alistair, and Andrea too.  As Calle's body was surrounded by a glowing orange light that nearly blinded the bystanders, the kids felt their energy beginning to come back to them, and then some.  It was like someone had injected them with adrenaline and completely healed their wounds.  Their normal energy had been restored, but it kept increasing, their power levels at heights they'd never even felt before, almost visible in nature.

"He cast the spell," Misael spat.  "But it doesn't matter! We'll simply take them all down, are you ready, Arya?!"

"I'm done." Skylar got to his feet, his black overcoat blowing in the wind behind him from the sheer presence of his Rakurai.  Calle, too, felt himself healed but also exhausted at the same time.  Using it had exhausted nearly all of Tres' energy, and it would take a long time to recover.  He could let the kids handle this one; at this point, there was no doubt about it.

 

"You got in your shots and you pushed us around a little bit, but this fight is done," Skylar said, his body feeling like a hot spring of limitless energy.  He was fired up.

"Aye, enough being pushed around, it's time we give these clowns a little taste of their own medicine!" Alistair joined him.

"Wait."

The two froze in their place for a moment as Andrea uttered but the one word, taking the center stage in between them.  "Guys are always so rash to rush right into things," she shook her head.  "I'm more than ready to take these idiots down, but I think we're all ignoring the big picture here."

Skylar shifted his gaze as if to ask her to go on, but in the process came to the realization that she was right.  They had been targeted, and it was anything but randomly.  If they took these guys out before getting answers, things would be no better off than they were when this all started.

 

Regrouping, Misael shook off his battle wounds and joined Arya's side, the two of them facing down three individual opponents and a somewhat woozy Calle.  In truth, because most of the magic from the spell had come from Tres, he still had power left, but he felt it best to leave this to the kids; it wasn't the exam he had in mind, but it would suffice.  He was glad to see Andrea's hotheadedness not cloud her judgment for once, though.  She was right; they needed answers.

"Damnit, we gave them too much time," Misael snapped under his breath.  "We were supposed to finish them off before he was able to restore their strength.  A miscalculation on my part, allowing the girl to live without thinking so much of it.  The Master will be most displeased."

"No need to concern, we just crush them all.  None of them leave here alive," Arya assured him, but the words weren't all that comforting.  He'd already made a grave mistake by underestimating his opponents, and would pay for such insolence regardless of the outcome of this battle.

 

"Tell me something, why have you chosen to target us?" Skylar asked, drawing both their attention and ire. "The way I see it, there's two possibilities.  Either you're associated with the Grand Thunder Clash and as such, have chosen to compensate for your weaknesses by attempting to manipulate your surroundings in order to take advantage of the situation, or you have another motive."  He said.  "As much as I wouldn't put it past someone like you to do the first one, I can't imagine that if you were trying to get an upper hand on the competition, we'd be your primary targets.  Reputation wise, we're the lowest on that chain, so what would you have to gain from our elimination?  Unless, that is, you see us as a threat."

Misael shook his head, laughing crudely. "Don't flatter yourself.  Rest assured, none of you with the exception of Calle Anden have been labeled as a threat to us.  Even he's helpless in the grand scheme of things, but orders are orders and must be followed. If you must know, while our orders were to eliminate the members of Wind Gear, at this point we've already succeeded."

"Already succeeded?" Andrea remarked, her eyes blazing.  "What the hell do you mean by that?"

"Eliminating you now was simply a measure taken to make things easier down the line," he explained, turning to Arya and sharing a sinister grin.  "The real goal here was to buy enough time for our Master to complete his task.  And since he's now completed it, our work here is done."

Skylar's eyes widened, put-off by the confidence still present in their eyes.  Calle, too, heard those words are something more than they were on the surface, and he had a very, very bad feeling about it.

"That's not the kind of information I'm authorized to share with the likes of you," Misael replied, remembering the boss' strict orders.  Despite the reaming out he would get for their failure, at the same time he would be most pleased with the fact that they were able to stall long enough to give him time.  It was give-and-take, but the overall positives of this mission would certainly keep them in the Master's good graces.  "Forgive me, Arya.  But I've thought better of it.  Perhaps now is the ideal time to retreat," he said with a smile, much to the Russian's disappointment.  "Don't fear though, we'll have plenty of time to play with them later.  As for the rest of you, I thank you for a musing time, but I'm afraid we must be off.  We'll meet again soon, you can sleep peacefully knowing that our next encounter lies close at hand."

 

"They're running away?!" Alistair shouted, determined not to let such a thing happen.

"Like hell!" Andrea shared the sentiment.  "Let's teach them a le--"

 

"Perhaps you misunderstood my question."  The two of them stopped chattering amongst themselves, looking back into the fray to see that Skylar had taken to the treetops above the clearing, his eyes glaring at both Misael and Arya with a renewed passion that was lacking in them before.  "If so, please forgive me.  But I asked you a question and until you answer it, I'm afraid you're not going anywhere."

"Quite an empty threat, thinking you have the power to-" Misael cut himself off, overtaken by the sight in front of him.  Using his index finger, Skylar had begun to draw small white circles in the sky, in the span of seconds at least ten had formed.  Not taking his eyes off his opposition, he continued to draw them, simply looping around in a path that matched the clearing itself.

Whoa, hold on! This is that move we saw him whip out of nowhere in the first round of the tournament! Alistair exclaimed, stunned to see Skylar drawing so many circles at once.  How much power would something like that use up to launch so many attacks?  Granted, they'd just been restored but he'd exhaust all his power again!

"Looks like he's not up for another round of guessing games," Tres commented, remarkably impressed by the number of circles he'd managed to draw in such a short time.  But as he'd come to learn, things with these kids weren't nearly as surprising as he'd found them at first.  Somehow, when they needed it most, their Rakurai returned the favor and answered the call.  "His Wings of Thunderous Light home in on a target.  From what I can see, he's drawn twenty in a circular formation around the two of them.  He's always been the fastest in terms of speed, but that movement was something else."

"Typical Skylar," Calle smiled.  Anything for the chance to show-off, he joked to himself.  "It looks like your spell healed them and then some.  Somehow, the Rakurai inside them hadn't been fully depleted even though they no longer had the strength to fight.  If he's able to perform at this high a level right now, his body is overflowing with energy."

"Not quite part of the plan, but I'll take credit for it nonetheless," Tres remarked. "So what now?"

 

"An impressive light show, but that's all it is! You think we're just going to stand here and take it?!" He challenged, shaking his head at the thought.  "Come on, Arya! Let's get out of here."  They sprung into the air - a fatal miscalculation, and one that Misael only noticed when the circles themselves changed their angle, modifying the direction in which they'd fire. It was only then he'd realized this was a homing attack. Arya's lack of common sense and blind desire for destruction probably caused him to overlook what had instantly become a very troublesome situation, but he figured he'd give it a shot in getting the man's attention regardless.  "We've got to move, if we stay here for too long that circle is gonna lock onto us completely, and if that happens-" He trailed off, there was no need to explain it any further.

"Don't bother trying to dodge it now, at this point, your only hope is to answer my question and then maybe I'll call it off," Skylar offered.

"Heheheh," Misael shook his head, trying to maintain the image of assurance.  "What kind of fool do you take me for?! You think I'd sell out my own allies and betray my Master just because you've threatened my life? Go ahead and kill me - I don't care! My loyalty will not break!"

 

"You don't think he'd actually..." Andrea whispered to Skylar, somewhat disconcerted.  "Go through with it, do you?"

"Tell me somethin', that don't look like the face of a guy who's playin around," Alistair replied, making note of the serious nature of Skylar's words; his entire embodiment, even.  It was almost chilling.

He wouldn't dare take my life, Misael thought to himself, smiling as he tried to keep his worry in check.  It was all a bluff; these brats wouldn't dare risk getting themselves disqualified from the tournament, never mind have the wherewithal to take the life of another. Even his friends were standing silent, shaking, worried about the actions he might take. This brat could talk a big game but he would never do something so foolish.

"Is that your final answer, then?" Skylar asked, drawing a final circle. So be it then. They'd assaulted his team, ridiculed them, and above all else, ridiculed him. That was unforgivable.  "Fair enough. Release." As Misael and Arya lowered back to the ground, Skylar uttered but one word as the first circle glowed an immense light, releasing a blast of statically charged energy in their direction.  Just one out of twenty-one circles, and Arya stepped in to take the blow, using his incredible weight to soften the impact.  But the look on Misael's face as he'd actually fired was surefire fear.

No way he... Misael said, finding himself at a loss for words as he watched Arya's body barely absorb the blast.  He actually fired.  Master said they...

"2nd Stage: Wings of Thunderous Light!" One by one, the circles lit up, a massive gathering of energy that shook the entire clearing, visible forces of wind causing even Alistair and Andrea to be rustled up.

"There no way I can block twenty more," Arya said, his intimidating, bulky figure brought down to size as he looked to Misael for answers. "We have no other choice."

"Wait..." Misael pleaded, looking up to Skylar.  "Enough, we surrender! I'll tell you what you want to know if you call of the attack!"

"What's this?" Skylar asked with a smirk, meeting Misael's gaze with one of his own.  "What happened to un-deterred loyalty? Now you're willing to sell out just to save yourself? Fine," he scoffed, looking down on them with a pathetic sympathy. "Answer my question, and I'll call it off."

"Call it off first, why should we trust you?!" He spat in rebuttal.

"Somehow I'm wondering if you should really be worrying about who you can trust and accepting the fact that you attacked our team completely unprovoked," Skylar said.  "You attacked my allies, you insulted us and threatened our lives, and above all else, you had the balls to suggest that I wasn't on your level. At this point, I could never forgive you for that."

 

"He may not be a team player," Alistair joked, "but I'd rather have him on our side than against us, aye?"

Andrea nodded.  There was something about Skylar that she just couldn't figure out, but it was enticing, it drove her mind crazy.  By all means she wanted to hate him, but something held her back. She swore she'd find out what it was one day.  But today didn't have to be that day.  She just wanted things to return to a sense of normalcy; it had only been twenty-four hours and she was already amped for the competition to resume.

 

Misael dropped to his knees, his eyes ridden with despair and disappointment at his own failure.  Though he feared for his life, at the same time he feared more the consequences that would await.  Maybe it made him weak, the inability to let everything go for the sake of saving himself, but it made him human. They'd been beaten, fair and square. "My name is Misael Izaraki, I'm a member of the Chimera Night, the fifth and final team in the Grand Thunder Clash.  If you want the truth, we didn't target you to eliminate you from the competition, but rather because our Master ordered it. Surely a punishment awaits us, but fear is an emotion I cannot seem to overcome, and for that we concede defeat to you.  You are far stronger than any of us could have imagined, and even what you lack in physical strength, you make up for in your unbreakable resolve."

His hands shook as he spoke.  "To say that me telling you this now would make any sort of difference is a pointless comment, we've already achieved our goals and now there is no hope for you, but your efforts are to be commended.  The woman, Beatrice, she was Chimera's primary target.  And now that we've stalled long enough for the remainder of our forces to retrieve her, I suggest the Master could care less whether or not you're made aware of it."

"H...h--hang on, what?!" Andrea belted.  The whole place froze; not a single one of them moved, almost paralyzed from pure shock.  Lady Beatrice hadn't said much to any of them with the exception of Calle since the competition had begun.   In fact, she had been somewhat against it after seeing what happened to Damien and had taken to a 'silent rebellion' sort of approach.  But they never imagined, not even for a second, that someone of her credo would be targeted.  Therefore, it didn't really occur to them, Calle in particular, as problematic to leave her be and do whatever she felt like.  Whatever it was older women enjoyed, he was in no position to try and argue with her that she come along, especially for the training exercise. 

"This is certainly a twist I was not prepared for," Tres said.  Calle nodded in agreement. 

"You're not the only one," he sighed, turning his attention to Misael.  "What is it your team wants with her? You can't possibly think you'll get away with something like this.  Beatrice is known globally, not only that but she's extremely wealthy, if she's missing, people will notice."

Misael shook his head.  "Under normal circumstances, yes.  But everyone is fixated on the Grand Thunder Clash," he explained, grinning from cheek to cheek.  "Particularly Team Wind Gear, the underdog team no one has ever heard of, the people are engrossed in their journey to the top.  Right now, no one's going to pay attention to Beatrice's disappearance, making it the perfect time to act."

Calle considered charging at him, but thought better of it.  He knew better than to be reckless.  "There's a flaw to your plan.  A few, in fact, but none moreso than the fact that Wind Gear can drop out of this tournament," he replied, no hint of regret in his voice.  The kids froze, but at the same time they knew there wouldn't be much of a choice.  They couldn't exactly sit here while Beatrice was in danger.  None of them were super close with her on a personal level, but she was the one who had given them the opportunity to join a team and make their dreams a reality.  Abandoning her was out of the realm of possibility.

"Sure, you could," Misael quipped, smiling uncomfortably.  "But without going any further, I'll simply suggest that doing so is not in your best interest.  More importantly than that, it's not in Beatrice's best interest, either."  Placing emphasis on those last few words, he shared a dark and twisted look.  Calle wasn't sure what it meant, but the implication was clear.

"Our Master has so kindly shared the information with us that if something were to happen to Wind Gear in the competition, the end result for Miss Beatrice would not be very pleasant," he said.  "If you wish to see her again, then perhaps you'll reconsider your brash actions.  Harming us won't do you any good."

 

Andrea, Alistair, and Skylar looked to Calle for answers, with Skylar lowering his magic.  This put all sorts of new implications on the tournament itself.  Whatever the reason, Chimera Night wanted them in the competition.  If they quit, they'd just let Beatrice die.  And that meant one thing; now more than ever, they had a real reason to win.  But what did they do about these two? Just let them go? Skylar couldn't bring himself to fire the attack, now wondering what such a thing meant for Beatrice. 

That's why it caught them all by surprise when it happened.

 

Seemingly releasing a rage they'd never seen from him, Calle drew his sword so fast it practically appeared in his hands.  As Misael stood with a smug look on his face, still slightly in fear but confident that his reveal had actually saved their lives and psyched out their opponents, Calle swept across the clearing with his sword moving at the speed of the wind itself, slashing through Misael's midsection with one swipe.  It was the same technique he'd used to take Skylar and Alistair down, only from their position they were able to see the actual mechanics behind it.  The blood spattered from Misael's chest almost instantly, but Calle's speed allowed him to avoid any of the backlash.

The heavyset man turned to face him, unprepared for an attack and as a result lacking the time he needed to prepare a proper defense.  Calle slashed him in two places, across his right shoulder and his midsection, drawing blood in both places at the same time. Arya cried out into the skies, crashing to the ground alongside his fellow team-mate.  Calle refused to face the children in his current state, but they could feel the different air about him, the tension and the anger rising up within him.

"It's true, I'm not Beatrice's biggest fan.  I've risked my life the way I have because of what it means to be able to mentor these kids," he said.  "But that doesn't change the fact that scum like you have no excuse to put your hands on her.  You think you can manipulate us and bend us to your will just based on the fact that you have her under your control? What might seem like a brilliant plan on paper might be worth a second thought.  Because now you've put us in a must win situation, and that's far more dangerous for you than you could ever imagine.  I could've just killed you, but I'm above such actions.  Consider this a message; share it with your Master when you return to your lodgings.  I don't know what your reasoning is for taking her, but I assure you, you're going to regret it.  No, I promise.  You won't disgrace our name."

 

To be continued...[/spoiler]

[Aerion Brightflame]

I've not commented before now because there's just not been a lot from it to comment about that's not stuff exasperated by how you handled the last chapter.

 

I mean like, it was a good chapter in and off itself, nothing out of place there. It's just yeah it was the wrong way you should've appraoched it, because you essentially dismissed the character development of Andrea that you'd set up so perfectly for. For introducing the final team.

 

When really the kidnap of Beartrice could've been done as an ending to an entirely different chapter. The idea that that would make them go all out to win seemed flawed, because they'd never been doing anything else. You didn't need to force a reason for why they had to stay in: They already had it, they were finding out why they of all people were invited in the first place.

 

 

So yeah, I can only hope that the next chapters deal with Andrea's character development better. Having her to be the one who saved the others slightly does not count in my eyes.

[Synchronized]

I've not commented before now because there's just not been a lot from it to comment about that's not stuff exasperated by how you handled the last chapter.

Fair enough; I generally have come to understand that most people comment every two chapters, so I don't really take it all that "personally" when there's no responses after one.  Still, I'd like to have some of the other readers back that seemingly disappeared, but I'm glad we've still got some regardless.

 

I mean like, it was a good chapter in and off itself, nothing out of place there. It's just yeah it was the wrong way you should've appraoched it, because you essentially dismissed the character development of Andrea that you'd set up so perfectly for. For introducing the final team.

I disagree, but that's the beauty of writing.  In my opinion, Andrea got a shine by being the one to come to the aid of all of them.  One, that gives her character something that she can (somewhat jokingly, given her nature) hold over their heads in the future, and at the same time sets up an occurrence down the road where they can save her for the sake of story continuity.   At the same time, introducing the final team as a real and relevant threat (because as much as the Blaster Axis is going to play a relevant part, they don't necessarily seem evil, as much as they do vicious.  

 

When really the kidnap of Beartrice could've been done as an ending to an entirely different chapter. The idea that that would make them go all out to win seemed flawed, because they'd never been doing anything else. You didn't need to force a reason for why they had to stay in: They already had it, they were finding out why they of all people were invited in the first place.

Again, I find myself on the other side of the fence.  Something was needed as a hook to make it so this tournament meant something.  Sure, I rushed into it earlier than I should have but just going with the "we need to win for pride's sake" doesn't make any sense when it was only recently established that they were a team.  Sure, they wanted to find out why they were invited but that's not solid motivation to risk your life to win at all costs, to stress how much it means to them to win and to make it so the matches actually have meaning behind them.  Now, the woman who brought them in and gave them a chance to make something of their lives has been taken and they owe it to her to save her, whether they're close to her or not.

The hook that's established now with Beatrice's kidnapping is that we have real villains with a real motive and now we can start to unravel why and really move forward with the plot.  It's something I should have done earlier and I admit that, but better late than never and now that we've gotten that establishment out of the way (and the fact that Chimera Night is obviously up to no good), it creates multiple elements of the story in that "our heroes" have not one, but two teams that are legitimate threats outside of just the tournament and no one knows whether they're aligned or whether there's more at work.

So yeah, I can only hope that the next chapters deal with Andrea's character development better. Having her to be the one who saved the others slightly does not count in my eyes.

 

Like I said, I appreciate the feedback and we're all entitled to our opinions.  It's nice to be able to debate this with someone because it really gets the creative juices flowing.  Hopefully as the story continues the plot will begin to become a bit more compelling, as that's the intent.

[Synchronized]

Took a week or two to get around to it, but here's the premiere of the 3rd Arc, The Perfect Soldier Arc.  I'm thoroughly happy with how it came out, so I look forward to reading feedback!

 

[spoiler=Episode 24: Assassin of the Night]

Episode 24: A Changed Perspective!

 

About twenty four hours have passed, as we now sit calmly, less than that same amount of time remaining before the beginning of the 2^nd day of the Grand Thunder Clash.  Wind Gear’s resolve has been shaken, but they’re far from out.  Rather, the disappearance of Beatrice – which they later confirmed to be true upon returning to the Tournament Grounds – has given them a new perspective on the tournament itself.  While the reasons themselves remain a mystery, the 5^th and final team, Chimera Night, who are set to make their first appearances in the 2^nd day of the event, have kidnapped Beatrice, using the distraction provided by Calle’s training exam as the backdrop.

 

Naturally, Calle’s first thought was to drop out of the tournament, to withdraw the team entirely.  While it was an important life experience, Beatrice’s actual life could very well have been on the line, and while he and her weren’t exactly the best of friends, he couldn’t just let her fall into the hands of the enemy.  However, the words of those two members Night had sent to hold them off warned strictly against it; stating inherently that if they were to withdraw, it would not be in Beatrice’s best interest.

 

As much as he hated it, Chimera Night had a slight leverage.  Being that they were involved in the competition too, there was obviously a reason they needed Wind Gear to remain a part of it.  At the same time, by staying they were playing right into the enemy’s hands.  The only realistic option was to try and buy more time.  Retreating wasn’t an option.   The exam had been his last-ditch effort to prepare them for the next rounds, and hopefully despite its interruption they had learned something.  Now, with what little time he had left remaining in the day, he’d ventured out on his own to do a little exploring.

 

The Grand Thunder Clash being the major spectacle that it was, the tournament grounds had been set up around a small village, built obviously for the purpose of giving tourists and competitors alike a place to sleep, explore, and other essentials throughout the competition.  There were more or less lots of hotels and shops, with some vendors trying to get the tourists to buy their rare items and memorabilia.  Everything from t-shirts representing each individual team (clearly not licensed, but that was irrelevant) to Duel Monsters Cards and everything in-between.

 

He wasn’t sure really what he was searching for, just trying to familiarize himself with the area and get to know his surroundings at the same time.  But, like any normal human, his hunger began to overtake him.  Stopping to indulge in a cheeseburger and French fries from a nearby stand, something caught his eye.  Just as he’d reached into his pocket to retrieve the cash, he spotted a cloaked man dressed in all brown wandering off into the distance.  Word was that there was nothing but desert beyond the airport and the outlying village, and it appeared the man was heading off into that direction.

 

Under normal circumstances he’d pay it no attention, and to be fair it was probably nothing, but he couldn’t bring himself to let what was a possible lead slip away from him.  Assuming the guy (or girl, for that matter; he couldn’t make out a face from that angle) did have some understanding of what was going on, there was no telling whether he would react kindly to being followed.  Common sense suggested otherwise. 

“Why do I get the feeling we’re about to go on a wild goose chase?” Tres asked sarcastically, disapproving of the idea he could sense Calle formulating.  “This is more reckless than something the kids would pull, don’t you think? It’s late at night and we’re going to make a scene.”

“You got a better plan?” Calle asked rhetorically, unless of course Tres really did have a better plan, in which case he was all ears.  Though, he was only half-listening as he tried to piece together the best way to follow this guy without being noticed.

“This is totally insane and completely illogical,” Tres sighed.  “But I assume you’re already well aware and nothing I say is going to convince you otherwise, so try not to handle it too foolishly, would you?”

“Look, I know it’s not the best idea, but with each day we let slip past us, the enemy is getting stronger,” he said, the playful tone in which the two had been arguing no longer evident in his voice. “We’ve been fighting all these battles without the slightest idea of what we’re fighting for, and it’s time we change that.  Maybe this guy is nothing but a quirky tourist looking to get away and drink in the desert, or maybe there’s a reason he revealed himself to us.”

His hands were shaking by his side as he dropped the change he’d collected onto the vendor’s stand.  “Nevermind man, keep the grub.  Here’s something for your hard work,” he smiled, shifting away from the table to let the others in line get their share.  “I owe you one, Tres,” he said, though the spirit hadn’t expected any compensation.  “We didn’t acknowledge it then but it took more than a lot out of you to save their lives back there.  You could’ve just as easily let them die.  I couldn’t protect them, that’s supposed to be my duty.”

“Though it may be the Erebos’ way, I guess you could say living in the mind of a human has caused me to adopt just a few of the human ways,” Tres replied.  “As my purpose in life is still undiscovered, I couldn’t bear to let them die.  You know, you’re awful hard on yourself for reasons I can’t seem to process.  From what I’ve gathered it is not your job to protect them, but to give them the tools to protect themselves.  And based on what transpired, I’d say you’re succeeding in that area.  Everyone needs a little help along the way, I suppose.”

“Hm,” Calle snorted, breathing in through his nose.  “Whatever,” he replied playfully.  “Let’s do it then; see what the old man’s up to.”

“Fine, just let it be noted beforehand that I ‘m still suggesting this is a terrible idea,”  he said.  “But since we’re going to do it anyway, let’s get it over with.”

 

 

"Tell me, Calle Anden, surely you don't believe you've done a reasonable job of concealing yourself from me, do you?"  Calle stopped in his tracks; they were mid-way into the desert now and had been using Tres' enhanced sights as a spirit to guide themselves through the blistering sandstorms.  While Calle had lost sight of the man they were following after some time, Tres' senses allowed him to keep just enough of a lock on him to keep him within their reigns.

They had followed the man to what looked like a desert cave, carved straight out of the endless mountains of rock that hovered above them on both sides of the canyon.  It was strange because the entire tournament grounds had been fashioned to look like such a beautiful tourist area that the desert surrounding it was extremely off-putting.  He had no idea what to make of it.  But they had trecked on endlessly for nearly ninety minutes, and only now the man had ceased moving to address them.  He couldn't quite make out whether or not the tone was threatening, but it was definitely that of a man who refused to be intimidated.  The words he chose to respond could be extremely important, so he was hesitant and shaky to spew out a random line. 

 

The two stood in tense silence for about a minute, the sandstorms continuing to rage and not intending to slow down.  Their Rakurai reduced the impact of the storm itself, but it still made for an extremely uncomfortable environment.  And an almost blinding one at that.

"Despite your impressive prowess, you are still but a novice," he said.  "I find it amusing that you're a teacher to those kids, yet you yourself still have such vast things to learn."

Calle hung his head, not sure how to respond, but certainly feeling a bit pathetic since his attempt had more or less failed completely.  He had no desire to fight this guy, and really hoped it wouldn't come to that.

"Rid yourself of shame, it was not an insult but simply an observation," he said.  "Just because you have much to learn does not mean you have not come very far from where you used to be.  I still believe you have what it takes to carry out the task I will soon request of you," the man turned to face him, his eyes still covered by the cloak, acting as both a concealment and a mean of protection from the sand.  "Elsewise I would not have revealed myself to you, fully aware that you'd follow me here."

"How do you...how do you know who I am?" Calle asked, a lame-brain response but in truth the only thing he could muster up.  He hadn't sensed it before, but there was great energy exuberating from this man.  Certainly much more than his own.

"I expect you have many questions, but unfortunately we have very little time to see to it that they're all answered.  You may call me Hiyoru.  I may not look the part now, but when I was your age I was quite the excellent fighter myself.  Let us go inside, I will do my best to explain all of this within our limited time frame."

 

---

 

Though it was against his better judgment, he followed the man inside to a dimly lit cave that didn't look like the most comfortable of sleeping quarters.  The crevice carved into the stone probably went back about ten feet, if even, and was relatively empty at that.  There was a table carved from the remains of the stone that he'd use to create the structure, and two torches hanging on the walls.  In the corner of the room was a gathering of clothes, notebooks, and what looked like a supply of food.  In other words, it was likely that Hiyoru didn't spend too much time here, not with that small an amount of space and supplies.  Why not just get a hotel?

"Pardon the apperance," Hiyoru said, placing two cups of water onto the table at which they sat.  He pulled back his cloak, revealing the face of a middle-aged man, his hair a colorless blend of white and grey, and his face showing many signs of aging.  It was clear he'd been through quite a bit, though Calle didn't dare ask what.  "Just here to watch the competition."

"With all due respect, wouldn't a hotel work just as nicely?" Calle asked, rolling his eyes.  "It'd probably be a bit more spacious, too."

Hiyoru humored his attempt at a joke with a friendly, half-hearted laugh, before resorting to his serious tone.

"While it sure sounds a bit more comfortable, I've grown accustomed to this style of living," he said.  "For reasons I can't delve too deeply into right now, it's best that I not interact with the general public.  There are many risks involved; I simply keep to myself.  It's far more peaceful."

He took a deep breath, standing for a moment and walking over to the makeshift counter.  Picking up a cracked mug, he poured a glass of water and took a few sips, before looking in Calle's direction to offer him a drink as well. 

"No thanks," Calle replied. He was a bit too anxious right now, an unsettling feeling in his stomach.  Whatever Hiyoru was alluding to, he could tell, was going to drastically change things.

"I assumed as much," Hiyoru acknowledged, pressing the mug to his lips once more, gently placing it on the table.  He looked around, his old, almost soul-less eyes reflecting the torches' dim flames. 

"With all due respect, can we get on with the story?" Calle inquired; it was getting late into the night and he hadn't returned by the morning the kids would begin to wonder.  "Since you lured me here intentionally I'm sure this comes as no surprise to you, but the team will grow suspicious if I don't return at a reasonable time."

"Of course," Hiyoru nodded, placing his hands on the table.  "I'll make it short and sweet then.  I presume that the longer the two of us are here, the better the chances someone identifies this location, and that creates un-necessary hassle.  Now then, close your eyes for a moment. In order to tell this story effectively, I'll require the aid of my visual magic."

"Visual magic?" Calle asked, closing his eyes as requested.  He felt a strange presence sweep through the air, as Hiyoru released energy steadily from his body.  After a few moments, he opened his eyes; they were no longer in the cave.  Hiyoru himself was no longer there, even.  What he saw was the outer limits of a small village, straight in the dark of night.

 

"The village of Takor," he heard the voice, clearly Hiyoru's, as the scene in front of him changed ever so slightly, taking him deeper into the village square.  "What was once a peaceful and prosperous town no longer exists today, it's very remains having been annihilated and any traces of its existence outside of those who were able to experience it first-hand, and those were few and far between, have been wiped out."

 

As the visual continued to shift and change, morphing into different adaptations of a similar scene, he could see children playing in their houses, families preparing dinner, normal, every-day life, but with a dark feeling looming over all of it, like none of them had even the slightest idea what awaited them.  Calle didn't know either, but he got the sense he was about to find out.

 

"Takor was home to a young man by the name of Hayate Asaki, an aspiring duelist with all the talent in the world.  In addition to being a skilled tactician, Hayate was trained in multiple martial arts, taking on a sort of leadership role within the village, his friendly and outgoing demeanor endearing him to all the townsfolk," Hiyoru said, as the visual shifted to a young boy training in a field, donning a black gi and sparring with what appeared to be another boy. In fact, there was a lengthy line of people waiting to challenge him as they went back and forth in friendly competition.  And yet with each shift of the screen, the boy with the gi emerged victorious every time.  Again the visual changed, but not before Calle's thoughts froze for a moment--this wasn't the first time he'd heard that name.

 

Instantly his mind flashed back to multiple images of Calion and their sporadic conversation, particularly the former's history with Hayate.  It had been discovered that Lucien Grasciou was working for someone, though they had never been one-hundred percent certain.  It had been a few months now since he and Calion had any sort of contact, but depending on where this story was going, if Calion discovered that Hayate was still alive, it could lead to all sorts of problems.  The Spirit's blind hatred for the man he'd called his former mentor could end up getting him killed, if he weren't careful.  But he stopped his mind's flustering; Hiyoru hadn't even gotten through the story yet.

 

---

 

"As the years passed and Hayate's journey continued as a big fish in a rather small pond, he began to grow discontent.  Despite being extremely gifted physically, Duel Monsters was his true passion, and yet both physically as well as the game itself, he was unmatched," Hiyoru explained, the visual changing once again to depict various townspeople fallen around him, some armed with Duel Disks and others with various weaponry.  They were not injured, but exhausted from the sting of defeat.  "What began as frustration slowly turned to anger, you see Hayate was not posed with any challengers, though his desire to strengthen himself even further continued to grow.  It made for a discomforting situation, he would spend countless nights trying to figure out ways to challenge his own strength without the reliance of others.

 

The man sat against a wall in a darkened room, only his shadow on the outline of the wall was visible as he sat in agony.  "It was around this time that I stumbled upon the village of Takor, around the same age as Hayate himself.  You see, I had departed from my own hometown after a falling out with my mother and father," he explained, depicting images of himself in traveling gear carrying but a small bag on his pack, looking fatigued and dehydrated.  Contrary to my original beliefs due to my previous experiences, the townspeople were very welcoming and took me in, offering me shelter and food, seemingly excited about the idea of a new young prospect who might be able to pose a challenge to Hayate himself."

 

Shifting once again, the visual depicted two young boys, one obviously Hayate and the other Hiyoru, standing face-to-face with one another.  Though not outright anger, there was more than tension between the two, the competitive nature of a young man trying to make it in the world against another who believed himself to be vastly superior.  He craved greater challenges, but was unwilling to accept the potential of someone being his equal.  "It wasn't long before Hayate came to me with some choice words of his own.  He labeled me an outsider and asked the people how they could support someone like me in the village.  I didn't understand his motives, but as the years passed I came to understand them fully.  While I had no desire to fight - rather a desire to get back on my feet and continue with my travels, searching for something that at the time I was unaware of - Hayate's persistence began to take a turn for the worse."

 

The sky darkened as the two boys continued to stand face-to-face, before bodies began to fall around Hayate.  "My refusal to fight him lead him to take more drastic action.  Over the next two days, he took the lives of five different village members, young and old alike.  People began to fear for their lives, and he made it clear he would continue to take the lives of, as he called them, "meaningless failed experiments", until I agreed to do battle.  At that point, what choice did I have?" He asked, causing Calle to gasp as the visual showed the distraught looks of the villagers in absolute panic.

 

"How could he..." Calle swallowed, learning for the first time about a man he'd simply been told to fear, without being given a reason why.  "How could he so easily take the lives of the people who looked up to him? What kind of monster could so easily manipulate people, even children?"

 

"He has no moral conscience," Hiyoru explained, the visual beginning to shift again.  "You see, more than anything else he wished to be the strongest.  His obsession with Duel Monsters was just that.  As he'd begun to learn about the powers of Rakurai and what it was capable of, he began to formulate an idea that would combine his real magic with the game he held so close.  Somehow, he would become the perfect duelist.  But not just perfect, more than that."

"So that answers the question about why Duel Monsters has played such a relevant part in much of what we've gone through in the past year," Calle acknowledged, and that was one of the questions that had long puzzled his mind.  Realistically, it didn't make a lot of sense, especially given their abilities, why they would choose to settle things over a card game as opposed to fighting it out.  Obviously Duel Monsters was still a worldwide phenomenon and there were rumblings of its ties to ancient pasts and other worlds, but he'd never bought into any of that.  Still, the Numbers had to have come from somewhere.

 

"In some ways, yes," Hiyoru said. "The battle in which all of you took part with Lucien Grasciou on Houshou Island, the battle with all of his minions and the likes, he was working directly under Hayate's commands.  When it became clear that he would be defeated, Hayate took off to re-formulate the next stage in his plans."

 

The visual switched to an image depicting their battle with Lucien, and it was strange to see Calion again so realistically, like he was just standing there in front of them.  Xiael, too, the one who'd given his life to help them finish Lucien off for good.

"All of this has happened because Hayate is determined to find the one person with the perfect combination of dueling prowess and Rakurai, you see?"

Calle nodded.  He wasn't sure he understood exactly what Hiyoru was getting at, but he got the important message; Hayate was a twisted dude.  "I'm with you, but what's that got to do with now? It's been so long since I've heard about Hayate that I figured he just kind of vanished."

"Not by a long shot," Hiyoru replied, shaking his head, disappointed.  "I've stumbled upon a discovery that I found so dire, I'd need to contact you sooner than I planned.  Hence why you're here now," he said.  "We have reason to believe Hayate has resurfaced and is directly involved with the Grand Thunder Clash."

 

Hearing those words as soon as they came out of Hiyoru's mouth, Calle froze in his place, his face a blank, wide-eyed stare as his mind tried to come to terms with what that really meant. 

 

"There are five teams competing in this, four if you don't count yourselves," he explained.  "Of those four teams, one of them is working directly under Hayate and there is a good reason to believe they intend to cause significant harm to the other competitors."

 

The kids were Calle's first thought, followed shortly by the Blaster Axis.  Since their arrival he had wondered why the Blaster Axis had taken the liberty of inviting them to partake in the competition, but if they were working for Hayate, much more of that would make sense.  Tying up loose ends, perhaps? Revenge for what happened to Lucien? Although that last part was unlikely, in truth Hayate probably had no feelings one way or another towards Lucien's downfall.

 

But it wasn't just the Blaster Axis; there was also Chimera Night, the team that had attacked them in the forest and kidnapped Beatrice.  No matter what way he looked at this, it wasn't good.  In some capacity, they were up against two different enemies targeting them for different reasons.  At least now, he had somewhat of an idea as to what one of those reasons were.

"Tell me something, then.  Where do we fit into all of this? I don't get that part, it's not making sense," he said.  "Surely we're the weakest team in the competition, it doesn't explain why we're here."

"I'll get to that, there's much more story to tell," Hiyoru replied, anxious to continue his tale.

But Calle's next response cut him short.  "I don't have time for that right now!" He exclaimed, his mind now racing with thoughts as the answer to this question, were it what he was beginning to fear, could mean absolute horror.

"I understand your concern but-" Hiyoru pressed on, prompting Calle's outcry again.

"No, I don't think you do," he snapped.  "With all due respect, they're still kids out there.  If they're being targeted by this lunatic in some way, there's no way they have the strength to defend against someone like that.  I have all the confidence in the world in their abilities but we're talking someone on a totally different level," he said, his tone changing as he forced his way out of the visual magic.  "Tell me, why are we here?"

 

Hiyoru sighed; he had expected this might happen, but had hoped against his better judgment that it wouldn't.  The story he had to tell was extremely important, there was much more Calle needed to know.  But his mind wasn't going to stay clear right now if he was worried about the children.  "Alright," he took a deep breath, visibly uneasy.  "What we've learned so far leads me to believe that Hayate intends to measure the strength of all of the tournament's participants.  This is the reason he's entered a team of his own, the strongest underlings he has at that, to partake," Hiyoru took another breath, already aware of how Calle would react to the rest.  "He intends to bring out the real, full power of all the competitors and then the ones that win...he intends to take their lives and use their energy to finally create the perfect soldier."

 

To be continued...[/spoiler]

[Synchronized]

New Chapter tomorrow.   Just promoting it, hoping that YCM Channel interview might at least bring in some new readers.