Chapter 43: The Crystal Dome Games Begin

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: Uptown City Area - Crystal Dome)

(Scene: Baku and the crew appear outside of the Crystal Dome)

*A massive colosseum with large glowing crystals covering the roof forming a dome stood proudly overhead of Baku and his friends who had just arrived on chariot. Stone pillars majestically lead paths to multiple entrances around the building.

*Even though they looked rustic and aged, the entire stadium was modernized with technology of the current day, making the wonderous structure a beautiful and spacious convention center.

[Narrator]: Today is finally the day the Crystal Dome Games commences. Citizens from all over Xeria lineup to watch the exciting matches that take place on this very special day. Baku and his friends appear just outside of the arena watching the massive crowd of people enter the building…

[Millia Grendar]: Wow, there sure are a lot of people here to watch the games this year... I sure do hope they're ready to see you kick butt, Baku! Are you excited?

[Baku Cree]: Yeah, the games don't even start for another hour and it's already super packed. I think I'm getting the pre-game jitters just thinking of all of the people who will be watching me…

[Millia Grendar]: *Smiling* Don't feel nervous, Baku! Besides, we'll be cheering for you from the stands and I bet the people of the Crystal Kingdom will also be rooting for you too!

[Baku Cree]: I'm not too sure about that, Milly... For some reason, I have a feeling that only a handful of people actually know my face, and even less know me as the World Guardian.

[Millia Grendar]: Well then, it will be even better when people realize who’s the champ's been all along!

[Baku Cree]: I guess it will be pretty cool when you think about it like that. Anyways, do you guys have your tickets? I made sure everybody is supposed to sit next to each other.

[Millia Grendar]: *Smiling* Mmhmm! I do!

[Barrtio and Finn]: *Coolly* Yeah, we do too... And we'll be rooting for you, Baku... So, remember to get out there, and be cool…

[Baku Cree]: *Confused* Uhh... What are you cool guys wearing?

[Barrtio and Finn]: Hehe... You like our stunner shades, Baku? Do you think they make us look... cool?

[Baku Cree]: Hmm... Ya know, they are kinda cool!

[Barrtio and Finn]: Hehe... Cool…

[Millia Grendar]: *Annoyed* Why are you guys talking at the same time?

[Barrtio and Finn]: *Coolly* Check it out, guys… The ladies, have arrived…

[Millia Grendar]: *Annoyed* Stop it.

[Princess Savannah]: *Singingly* Oooooooh! Baaakuuu!

[Baku Cree]: *Smiling* Oh, hey everybody! I'm glad you could all make it! Are you guys ready to watch me kick ass?

[Princess Savannah]: I'm ready to watch my cute little brother become a hero! But, I'm also excited to watch Lady Yamabushi mop the floor with the competition!

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Excited* This years games are gonna be awesome! Baku, these seats you got us are the best in the house! How’d you get them?

[Baku Cree]: *Coolly* Hehe, I guess you can say that I pulled some strings!

[Princess Savannah]: *Mockingly* He finally asked his daddy to borrow some money!

[Mitsune Akamiko]: Aww… How cute!

[Baku Cree]: *Ugh* He’s not my dad… And way to blow my cover in front of everybody, Princess...

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Hero Boy, I know you won't make it to the finals, but don't you dare lose a match until I face you... Understand me?

[Baku Cree]: *Sigh* Yes, Lady Yamabushi, I won't lose until I lose to you…

[Halenday Medellon]: Now, now, milady... We should be boosting Baku's confidence to win! After all, he hasn't won as many competitions as you have, so maybe we could try to give him some tips for success in the games!

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Hmm, alright then... Hero Boy... Don't break your legs. Got it?

[Baku Cree]: *Sarcastically* Okay! Great tip!

[Intercom]: *Ring! Ring! Ring! Will all contestants please report to the competitor’s booth for sign-in, please. I repeat, will all contestants please report to the competitor’s booth for sign-in, please!

[Baku Cree]: Sounds like it's time to go.

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Yes, let's make our way inside, Hero Boy…

[Baku Cree]: Alright. Oh wait, hey Milly. Will you hold onto this for me?

*Baku removes from his belt and hands Lady Millia his doll, it was soft and fluffy as always, but it was the first time the young royal had ever seen it.

[Millia Grendar]: Uhh, sure. What is it? Some kind of toy?

[Baku Cree]: It’s more like a good luck charm for me… I don’t want it to get hurt, so I need you to take care of it while I’m in the games.

*Lady Millia stares at the doll. Its smiling back at her is somewhat comforting.

[Millia Grendar]: *Chuckles* Hehehe! Okay, Baku! I’ll hold onto it for you, and keep it nice and safe!

[Baku Cree]: *Smiling* Thanks, Millia! Wish us luck you guys!

[Princess Savannah]: Alright you two! Remember to have fun!

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Excitedly* Let’s get this party started already!

[Millia Grendar]: Why don’t we go find our seats!

[Halenday Medellon]: *Smiling* Lead the way, Milady!

[Barrtio]: *Coolly* Yeah, let's go already... I'm tired of standin' around…

[Finn]: *Coolly* Follow us, ladies…

[Princess Savannah]: These premium tickets Baku got us better be worth the show!

[Millia Grendar]: Yeah, I'm so excited to watch him fight!

[Barrtio]: H-Hey! Wait for us!

[Finn]: We were supposed to lead you!

*The crew makes their way inside. The lobby was a wide open venue with schedules for today's events, gift shops, and food stands that served fan favorites like pop corn, ice cream, soda, hotdogs and hamburgers. It was crowded with chattering citizens of the kingdom excited for the games.

*Advertisement for companies and brands were also posted everywhere promoting new developments and trends. Baku and Lady Yamabushi walk up to the reception desk in order to acknowledge their participation in the games.

[Receptionist]: Name?

[Baku Cree]: *Confidently* My name is Baku Cree!

[Receptionist]: Okay. Sign here please.

[Baku Cree]: Oh, alright... *Signs paper* What does my signing of this paper indicate?

[Receptionist]: You are agreeing that any and all injures obtained while participating in the games are a liability and that the tournament organizers are not held to be responsible of any cuts, bruises, burns, broken bones, concussions, etc., etc.

[Baku Cree]: ... Oh, wait... Can I have an eraser?

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: *Ugh* Hurry up and get out of the way, you idiot... You’re holding up the line. Besides you signed in pen…

[Baku Cree]: Ah, geez…

[Receptionist]: Name?

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: I am Ayurielli Yamabushi.

[Receptionist]: Oh, a Yamabushi clan member, eh? How interesting, this year is gonna have quite the show... Sign here, milady.

*Lady Yamabushi signs the paper.

[Receptionist]: Please enter the room on your left.

[Baku Cree]: Is this the waiting room? Looks quite nice.

*It was a clean and well kept space for the participants with sofas, beds for relaxing and light treats with water and energy drinks. There were also screens that allowed the fighters to watch the events unfold.

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: *Begins meditating* .........

[Baku Cree]: Hmmm... *Thinking to himself* Geez, I'm getting butterflies… But this is no time to start getting nervous. Today's the day I become a hero and make everybody proud...

*Meanwhile, the princess and her friends along with Barrtio, Finn and Millia find their seats high in the stands in an exclusive V.I.P area. It was a section that was away from the other spectators that had its own amenities. These seats were spacious and comfy with soft orange cushions they had the ability to recline as well as request guest services.

[Halenday Medellon]: Wow, Baku got us all really nice seats! How much were these tickets?

[Princess Savannah]: Who cares? It was taxpayers who paid for it anyways!

[Millia Grendar]: Whoa! We can see everything from here!

[Barrtio and Finn]: *Coolly* After you, milady's... We hope you like your seats... Can we get you anything?

[Mitsune Akamiko]: How about some sodas?

[Barrtio]: Y-YES, MILADY! I'LL BE BACK IN A FLASH! C'mon dude, help me out here!

[Finn]: Yeah, coming!

[Millia Grendar]: Hurry up, before you miss the opening ceremony!

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Confused* Who are those boys, anyways?

[Halenday Medellon]: They're Baku's friends remember, sweetie? They went to the mall with us.

[Mitsune Akamiko]: Hmm... I can't say I do...

[Millia Grendar]: I can't blame you, they're quite forgettable…

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Confused* Who are we talking about again?

[Princess Savannah]: Hey, check it out! I can see Yuri's daddy from here too!

*The crew observes the Yamabushi clan sitting amongst each other in a reserved area. The chief of the clan, Yuri's father Wild Bison Yamabushi, who was a miracle amongst other humans, standing at an abnormal 10 feet tall with short cut black hair and a headband wrapped around his forehead, surrounded by his children, five sons and four other daughters all older than Ayurielli who are all wearing their traditional gi's representing their dojo.

[Millia Grendar]: Lady Yamabushi's father is still as scary as ever…

[Mitsune Akamiko]: Yuri-chan’s definitely going to give us a show since they’re all watching!

[Halenday Medellon]: I bet they're excited to watch their youngest sibling to take part in the games this year! If she wins, Yuri will be the first woman in her clan to be championed ever!

[Millia Grendar]: Wow, that would certainly be legendary!

*Suddenly, Nicolatrice appears. She was adorned in a beautiful royal blue gown with shimmering golden weaves swirling about the dress, picked out by the maids back at the palace. Complete with her hair done and wearing makeup that made her eyes pop and skin glow.

[Princess Savannah]: Hi mommy! I'm glad you can make it!

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Smiling* Oh, I wouldn't miss this for the whole entire world!

[Princess Savannah]: Are you ready to watch your little boy become a man?

[Nicolatrice Cree]: Indeed! I am quite excited to watch Baku's performance! I bet his training has paid off tenfold!

[Millia Grendar]: *Thinking to herself* Wait a minute, that's Baku's mother!? She's so pretty! Should I introduce myself? I don't know what to do, I'm so nervous!

*Suddenly, horns start blaring. They played the Crystal Kingdom's national anthem, everybody stood up with their hands to their hearts and the King appears on a podium with the Queen standing beside him.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Speaking into a microphone* Greetings, all members of the Crystal Kingdom! We appear here today to celebrate the lives of the heroes and warriors that have fought for our proud kingdom over many centuries! As per tradition, we hold the Crystal Domes Games once a year so we may praise the strength and glory of our kingdom and the people who live within it and the ones we protect! So, before we begin, may we please have a moment of silence for those who served this kingdom over its history *The king places his hand over his heart* ............................. Thank you, now we may finally begin the 349th annual Crystal Dome Games!

[Crowd of people]: *Cheering loudly*

[Announcer]: Helloooo, Xeria!!! Are you ready for the Crystal Dome Games!? CAN WE MAKES SOME NOISE!!!

[Crowd of people]: *Cheering loudly* YEEEAAAHHH!!!

[Announcer]: Alright! We are live in the greatest arena in the world, where we are housing nearly 15,000 spectators! For those at home, I hope you enjoy our limited commercials sponsored by Akamiko Co., and high quality and ultra-resolution crystal screens that will show you every angle of every fight we host today! Now then, let's begin by welcoming this year’s participants! This time around will be a real doozy! Our roster of fighters is packed to the brim with some real killers! So, let's unleash these beasts!

*The announcer begins to introduce the fighters one by one to the stadium. The stadium was ginormous, and the arena itself was a flat and square shaped ring that was approximately 40 by 40 meters.

[Announcer]: To start things off, let me introduce you to, the queen of battle, the mistress with the raw strength to defeat 15 grown men at once! Undefeated in the Yamabushi Dojo! The youngest daughter of our ancient protector’s head clan! LET'S MAKE SOME NOISE, FOR AYURIELLI FENG-SONG YAMABUSHI!!!

[Crowd of people]: *Cheering loudly* YEEEAAAHHH!!!

[Princess Savannah]: *Cheering loudly* Yeeeaaahhh Yuri!!!

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Cheering loudly* Kick some ass, baby!!!

[Wild Bison Yamabushi]: *Shouts loudly* YAMABUSHI CLAN! CHEER FOR YOUR SISTER!!!

[Yamabushi Clan]: *Cheering loudly* Y-U-R-I! AYURIELLI MAKE THEM DIE!!!

[Announcer]: Looks like the whole clan is here to support their young mistress!

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: .........

*Lady Yamabushi appeared on the battlefield geared up in armor once worn by her ancestors. It was made of black steel and leather held together by finely threaded rope to protect her vital areas. She also wore her traditional hakama under it.

*She stood straight with confidence, unfazed by the enormous crowd who watches her armed with her steel katana, which she earned through strict discipline and training for the license to wield such a deadly weapon at the young age of 17.

[Barrtio]: Hey everyone! We’re back with the sodas!

[Finn]: Yeah and I bought the extra buttery popcorn and candy!

[Millia Grendar]: It's about time, they've started to announce everybody!

[Barrtio]: Alright! This is gonna be great! *Confused* Uhh, whose wife is this?

[Millia Grendar]: Guys, show some respect! That's Baku's mother!

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Smiling* Hello, are you Baku's friends?

[Barrtio]: *Freaking out* Whoa! I'm sorry, milady! I had no idea Baku had a mom!

[Finn]: *Freaking out* I think what he meant to say was that it is nice to meet you, milady!

[Nicolatrice Cree]: I'm glad I can finally meet some of Baku's friends from school! So, how long have you known him?

[Barrtio]: Like, forever!

[Finn]: Yeah, we've quite literally have hung out with him since the third grade!

[Nicolatrice Cree]: Oohh! So you must be the boys that Baku skips school with, right?

[Barrtio]: Uhhh... Yeah... That's us... Hehehe…

[Finn]: Sorry for being bad influences on your kid...

[Nicolatrice Cree]: There is no need to apologize, for I am sure it's because of you two that Baku is the way he is now! For better or for worse! Either way, I’m glad you guys were there for him at times that I wasn’t.

[Millia Grendar]: Uhh well, at least she doesn't hate them. This is gonna be great! Now we can all cheer for Baku together!

[Announcer]: Continuing on with or contestants, our next player is the most handsome man in the kingdom, and the perfect definition of a warrior! Our future king and leader of our military force! Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for, the one, the only, his highness, Prince Majorku Diamond Cree!!!

[Crowd of people]: *Cheering loudly* YEEEAAAHHH!!!

*All of the women in the stands lose their minds at the sight of the prince who is geared up in silver royal armor that is lightweight yet maneuverable.

[Princess Savannah]: *Cheering loudly* Go bro, go! Go bro, go!

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Dreamily* I can't wait to watch him fight… The prince is such a treat, don’t you agree Hally?

[Halenday Medellon]: *Sigh* Please don’t get me started, Lady Akamiko…

[Barrtio]: So that's the prince, huh? Geez…

[Finn]: That guy looks like a beast!

[Millia Grendar]: I can't believe Baku's gonna have to fight one of those two, if not both!

*The King and Queen observe from throne like pedestals.

[Queen Anastasia Cree]: There's our son. I simply can not wait to see how he's evolved from last year.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Yes, I can sense his Soul Energy from here... And it's much different from before…

[Announcer]: Wow! Did you hear those cheers!? Those ladies must've been begging to see the prince come out to play! I can already smell a heated match coming from him and his opponents!

[Prince Majorku]: Good day to you, Lady Yamabushi. I'm glad to see you made it here. Are you excited for today's matches?

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Yes, I am... And I'm glad to see you are doing well enough to participate in the games today. I trust your training will prove to be successful throughout the tournament?

[Prince Majorku]: Yes ma'am, I believe it will. I wish you luck in your run through the bracket. And may we cross blades, as well…

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: *Knods* Likewise…

[Princess Savannah]: *Smiling* Those two look absolutely adorable together. They should just hurry up and make the sweetest of teen love already!

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Dreamily* I agree, and I’ll be there right beside you watching when it happens...

[Halenday Medellon]: It will be a sad day for girls all across the kingdom when his majesty marries... But that won't be for a while, so we still have time to adore him and his 12 out of 10 body. Until Lady Yamabushi steals it away all for herself, that is.

[Announcer]: AAALLLRRRIIIGGGHHHTTT!!! Moving right along, it's time to introduce our next contestant! Many of you may not know him, but that's okay! Making his debut in the Crystal Dome Games, weighing in at 130 lbs., standing at 5 feet tall, at 15 years old, comes the kid born and raised in the fields and now living it up in the Royal Palace with the king himself! Put your hands together for, Baku Cree!!!

[Millia Grendar]: Baku's here! Gooo, Baku!

[Barrtio and Finn]: *Cheering Loudly* LET'S GO, BAKU! THAT'S OUR BOY!!!

*Baku appears in the stadium wearing his gym clothes and a pair of sneakers.

[Baku Cree]: ... Uh... Hehehe... Hey everyone!

[Crowd of people]: ... Uhh... Who’s that kid? What was his name? Baka? No, it was Kaku... right? Did the ref say his last name was Cree? No way! He said he was living in the palace though... I'm lost... He looks lost, too!

[Baku Cree]: Dang, no clapping or cheering for me? *Siigghh* Well at least I can see my friends... Hey guys, Mom, check me out!

[Barrtio and Finn]: *Cheering Loudly* WOOOO!!! GOOO BAAAKUUU!!!

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Smiling* Hi, Baku! Be careful, sweetie!

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Laughing* Baku looks so out of place standing next to your brother and Yuri-chan!

[Princess Savannah]: I know they're not going to, but I hope they show him some mercy…

[Halenday Medellon]: Something tells me mercy is out of the question, milady. These are games of sport and honor, after all!

[Millia Grendar]: I can't believe Baku's seriously down there... Please be careful… *Slightly squeezes doll*

[Queen Anastasia Cree]: Today, we finally get to witness at first hand what our new son is capable of... Are you excited, my love?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: I have many feelings conflicting within me... However, one of them is hope... Show me, your friends, and the kingdom, what you can do... World Guardian…

[Prince Majorku]: Are you ready to get down and dirty, Baku?

[Baku Cree]: I guess we'll find out in due time, huh?

[Prince Majorku]: Don't worry, you'll do great regardless of the outcome of your run in the games. Just hope we don't face each other in the first match!

[Baku Cree]: *Sigh* Yeeaaah... *Thinking to himself* Geez, this is gonna suck a hard one... But I gotta stay confident in myself! I've been training like crazy for this day, so I have to prove myself to everyone today!

[Barrtio and Finn]: C'mon, Baku! You can do it!

[Millia Grendar]: I wonder what exactly Baku can do compared to the likes of the prince and Lady Yamabushi?

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Thinking to herself* ... I know you can do it, Baku…

[Halenday Medellon]: I bet little Baku's just shaking with excitement!

[Mitsune Akamiko]: It looks like he's shaking in his boots from here!

[Princess Savannah]: I can't wait to see how well he does. I really hope he knocks out the competition enough to at least get people rooting for him. I guess the Crystal Kingdom really doesn't know who he is, despite being the World Guardian. Then again, it's not like he was going around bragging about it. He's really just a boy from the fields, after all…

[Barrtio]: Dude, watch Baku kick so much ass! I'm so hyped!

[Finn]: Yeah dude, I bet he's gonna bust out a super special attack, or a transformation or something!

[Millia Grendar]: These fights are gonna be so intense! I wonder who else will be --

[Mikodo Danzer]: Hey, hey baby! Is this seat taken?

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Excitedly* EEEKKK! IT'S MY BOYFRIEND! How are you? I'm so glad you could make it!

[Barrtio]: What the!? WHAT THE HELL IS DANZER DOING HERE!? BAKU DIDN'T GIVE THAT DUMBASS A TICKET DID HE!?

[Mikodo Danzer]: *Lovey Dovey* I wouldn't miss this for the whole world! Besides, there's nothing better than hanging out with the most beautiful girl in the kingdom and watching some cool action, eh? Amiright!?

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Lovey Dovey* Aww, baby! You’re so cute and funny! Would you like some soda and candy?

[Barrtio]: *Furious* Damn it! This sucks! He's sitting right next to her too! What the crap! I was trying to be cool all day, but this dumbass is gonna ruin everything I've worked for!

[Millia Grendar]: *Ugh* Geez, I just hope he doesn't talk through all of the fights…

[Finn]: Seriously, what is he doing here, anyways?

[Mikodo Danzer]: This is great! I got my girl, some popcorn and some sodas! And now, I get to watch my bro kick some ass too!

[Millia Grendar]: His bro? Wait, he doesn't mean...

[Announcer]: AND NOW, INTRODUCING OUR NEXT FIGHTER!!! HE'S BIG, HE'S BUFF, HE'S ROUGH, AND HE'S TOUGH! HE'S STANDING AT 6'6", WEIGHING IN AT 180 LBS., 17 YEARS OLD WITH THE HEART OF GOLD! THE SELF ACCLAIMED MOST BADASS IN THE ENTIRE CITY! LET OUT A SHOUT, FOR JULIO BENTO AVAREZ!!!

[Baku Cree]: *Shocked* What!? You mean to tell me he's here!?

[Badass Julio]: *Loudly* Hahaha!!! Hey everybody! Can I get a what what!!!???

[Crowd of people]: *Cheers loudly*

[Barrtio]: What the hell!?

[Finn]: What in the world is he doing here!?

[Millia Grendar]: This can't be real! Why is he participating in the games!?

[Mikodo Danzer]: HAHA!!! THERE'S MY BRO!!!

[Badass Goons]: *Cheering loudly* YEAH! KICK ASS, BOSS!!!

[Badass Julio]: Haha! Yeah! The crowd loves me!!! Eh? Oh, what the hell are you doing here, Baku?

[Baku Cree]: I could be asking you the same thing, dumbass... Why the hell did you sign up for the games? Don't you have some glue to eat or something?

[Badass Julio]: C'mooon, don't be like that, lil buddy! We're all just here to enjoy some sport! Besides, my eyes are on that grand prize!

[Baku Cree]: Why the hell would you want the sword!?

[Badass Julio]: Because swords are awesome! DUH! And that one's legendary! Just imagine how many losers I can mess up with that weapon!? Man, I'll get promoted to Badass King! I'll be stronger than all of the idiots at Dumbass Badass school!

[Baku Cree]: You moron, it's not used for pushing people around! It’s a relic of our kingdom’s history!

[Badass Julio]: *Psh* Says you! That weapons a one way ticket to a better life, for me!

[Baku Cree]: There’s not even a single chance in hell I'm gonna let you get it!

[Badass Julio]: Is that a challenge? Cause it sure as hell sounds like one to me!

[Baku Cree]: *Angrily* Grrr!!!

[Barrtio]: I can't believe that dumbass Julio is seriously participating in the games!

[Finn]: I hope he gets knocked out so fast!

[Millia Grendar]: Seriously, there are way too many strong warriors like the prince or Lady Yamabushi in this bracket for him to actually get passed round one.

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Worried* What's the matter with Baku?

[Millia Grendar]: Uhh... Mistress Cree…

[Announcer]: Alright!!! And with that, we've finally introduced all fifty contestants!!! It's time we got this show on the road!!! Now, let's reveal, the tournament bracket! This screen will show us the schedule of today's matches which have been randomly generated! While this screen is shuffling the fighters, I will explain the rules!

[Announcer]: This tournament will consist of ten minute, one versus one matches! Each participant's goal will be either to knock their opponent out of the ring or be the last one standing by the end of the timer! In the result of a double knockout, or in the chance both fighters are still standing at the end of their match: both warriors will be eliminated and will not proceed to the next match! Any questions? Good! Let's see the results of tournament bracket select!

*The widescreen finishes shuffling the names of the participants of the tournament and organizes them into battles across the board.

[Announcer]: The tournament bracket has been decided! Alright, participants please return to the waiting room until your match is called! Ladies and gentlemen, the Crystal Dome Games, will begin momentarily!

[Crowd of people]: *Cheers loudly* YEEEAAAHHH!!!

*Baku appears in the waiting room as many fights occur in the meantime.

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* ... Prince Majorku... Lady Yamabushi... and now that idiot Julio Avarez... I'm going to have to defeat all three of them if I want to win the Crystal Dome Games... I need to destroy that dumbass, so I can get that sword and he won't be allowed to use its power... I'll have to defeat Ayurielli if I want to prove to everybody my strength as a hero... And finally, I'll have to overcome my mentor... Prince Majorku... He very well may be the difference between victory... or defeat…

[Intercom]: *Ring! Ring! Ring! Will Baku Cree please report to the arena! I repeat, will Baku Cree please report to the arena!

[Baku Cree]: It's time for my first match... Okay, let's do it!

*Baku makes his way to the stadium. When he appears, he can hear his friends and family cheer.

[Barrtio]: *Shouting loudly* COME OOON BAKU!!!

[Finn]: LET'S GO, BAKU! LET'S GO! *CLAP* *CLAP*

[Millia Grendar]: This is gonna be Baku's first fight... From what we've seen so far... He can fight any type of opponent…

[Halenday Medellon]: It's finally time for our little boy to become a handsome young man.

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Excitedly* I'm on the edge of my seat!

[Princess Savannah]: *Flirtingly* Let's see just what exactly Baku is capable of after his training…

[Nicolatrice Cree]: ... Baku… Good luck!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Let's see who Baku's first opponent will be…

[Queen Anastasia Cree]: *Smiling* Let's hope for a good show!

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* Alright... My first match... there's a lot of tough guys lurking around. So, I have to give it my all. My friends and family are all cheering for me... So I have to win this! Bring it on!

[Announcer]: *Speaking into microphone* Ladies and gentlemen! It's time for our first match! In this corner, we have Baku Cree! And his opponent, a proud service member of the Crystal Kingdom's large and strong military! I present to you, private Bobby Johnsons!

*A scrawny boy looking to be in his early twenties wearing military armor wielding a spear appears on the battlefield.

[Bobby Johnsons]: *Scared* *Shaking* ...... Uh, um, err, uhm, uh......

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* So, this is my opponent... A knight of the kingdom's military, he's probably tough. So, I shouldn’t take him lightly... *Confused* W-wait a minute... Why is he shaking? Is he okay? Uhh... Hey, are you doin' alright there bud?

[Bobby Johnsons]: *Thinking to himself* Holy crap, this sucks! Of all the people to go up against, my first match is against the freaking World Guardian!? What the hell, I'm about to get slaughtered! I didn't even want to play in these stupid games! The only reason why I signed up for this crap, is because my stupid sergeants forced me to accept a stupid bet! I'm about to get obliterated by this guy!

[Baku Cree]: Uhhh... Geez, this guy's sweating buckets... Hey man, do you need some water or something?

[Bobby Johnsons]: *Thinking to himself* Wait a damn minute! What am I thinking!? This is the freaking World Guardian! If I take him out, then I’ll become a legend in the barracks! Everybody will accept me, all the girls will fall in love with me, and I'll probably get promoted straight to freakin' General! I have to kick this kid’s ass! Besides, I've been to Basic Military Training! I've been prepared to handle anything! Also, the damn kids like fifteen! This little twerp is nothing to me! This is it! I gotta do it!

[Baku Cree]: *Confused* Ummm...???

[Announcer]: Alright! Let the battle begin!

*DING! DING! DING!

[Crowd of people]: *Cheers loudly* YEEEAAAHHH!!!

[Bobby Johnsons]: *Thinking to himself* Here's my chance! I'm gonna be the guy, who defeated the World Guardian!

*Bobby Johnsons charges straight toward Baku armed with a lance. He closes in on Baku, preparing to strike with a lunge. The soldier leaps forward with all his might, but Baku steps slightly to the left and--

*SMASH!

[Bobby Johnsons]: *Crashes onto the floor* …

*Bobby Johnsons is laid out after taking a overhead hit from Baku who barely used so much of a hint of his Soul Energy...

[Baku Cree]: …... Enough of that....

*DING! DING! DING!

[Crowd of people]: ............

[Barrtio]: ... Uhh, what?

[Finn]: Wait, did I miss something?

[Millia Grendar]: ... Was... that it?

[Halenday Medellon]: Oh... well, that was interesting…

[Mitsune Akamiko]: Oh, how boring…

[Mikodo Danzer]: BOOO!!! LAAAAME!!!

[Princess Savannah]: Well, I mean... It's good that Baku didn't lose his first match…. But...

[Nicolatrice Cree]: Uhhh... I'm confused…

[Announcer]: ... Uhh... I-I guess... Uh, Baku wins... B-Baku Cree wins by knockout! Poor Bobby's gonna be feeling that the morning! Someone take him to the infirmary! I hope the military provides free healthcare! Hahaha! Baku! Congratulations on winning your first match! What do you have to say to the crowd?

[Baku Cree]: *Freaking out* Wait, that was it!?

[Announcer]: You heard it here, folks! Give it up for, Baku!

[Crowd of people]: *Claps unenthusiastically*

[Baku Cree]: Okay, I guess that's that…

*Baku leaves the arena returning to the waiting room.

[Barrtio]: Well, good for our boy.

[Finn]: Yeah, at least he's still in the games!

[Millia Grendar]: *Smiling* So far so good, I guess!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Well, that was interesting... To say the least…

[Queen Anastasia Cree]: Indeed! Hopefully he'll be able to keep the ball rolling!

*Baku appears in the waiting room.

[Baku Cree]: *Sigh* ... Well, that was fun…

[Prince Majorku]: Hey, little bro! That was a nice game you had there! You didn’t even have to use a special attack! Keep it up!

[Baku Cree]: Uhh, sure I'll try to... I was expecting something crazy, but a free win's a free win.

[Intercom]: *Ring! Ring! Ring! Will Julio Avarez please report to the arena! I repeat, will Julio Avarez please report to the arena!

[Badass Julio]: HAHA! Alright! It's time to kick some ass!

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* What an idiot... I hope he gets destroyed out there... Anyways, hopefully my next match will be a real show. That way I can show off what I can really do to my friends!

[Prince Majorku]: What do you think of the competition so far Baku? Some pretty tough guys so far, huh?

[Baku Cree]: Yeah, I didn't imagine so many military members would be participating. Then again, the Crystal Dome Games is an event celebrating them and their sacrifices…

[Prince Majorku]: That's correct. Many soldiers, knights, sergeants, and officers are in fact battling today. Perhaps you could learn a thing or two from the battle styles, strategies and techniques.

[Baku Cree]: Hm... Maybe your right, good thing we can watch the matches unfold from these screens... Wh-what the!? Why the hell is he here!? *Shouting* What’s Mr. Luke doing in the freakin' arena!?

*Mr. Luke stands on the battlefield geared up in makeshift armor. Badass Julio faces him.

[Badass Julio]: Oh come on… My first opponent’s some field scum? *pfft* How pathetic…

[Mr. Luke]: *Takes fighting stance* Alright, ‘ere goes my first match… I have to win this…

[Baku Cree]: I don’t understand why he’s here!?

[Nicolatrice Cree]: What’s Mr. Luke doing participating in the Crystal Dome Games!?

[Millia Grendar]: *Worried* What’s going on? Who is that man?

[Badass Julio]: *Sigh* Whatever, at least I’ll finally be able to test these out…

*Brrrzzzz…

*Julio dones a pair of gloves.

[Badass Julio]: *Grins menacingly* Hehehe… Let’s get started, shall we?

[Barrtio]: I have a bad feeling about this…

[Finn]: Yeah… what’s with those gloves…?

[Mikodo Danzer]: C’MOOON JULIO!!! GIVE US A SHOW WORTH PAYIN’ FOR!!!

[Announcer]: *Speaking into microphone* LET THE BATTLE… BEGIN!!!

*DING! DING! DING!

*Mr. Luke charges towards Julio Avarez, prepared to attack. However, the badass is unfazed.

[Badass Julio]: *Grins menacingly* Hehehe… Alright then, scum… Time to send you back to where you belong…

*Julio raises one of his gloves. Whhhiiirrr....

[Badass Julio]: It’s over for you, old man…

[Mr. Luke]: !!!!!!

*Suddenly, Mr. Luke stops in his tracks, unable to move a single muscle.

[Badass Julio]: Now… EAT THIS!!!

*Mr. Luke is then raised into the air and reeled into Julio.

*BAM!!!

*Julio lands a crushing blow onto Mr. Luke, punching him clear in the jaw.

[Mr. Luke]: AAAUUUGH!!!

*His scream of pain echoes through the entire stadium.

[Baku Cree]: *Frozen in shock* …………… *Shouting* Mr. LUKE!!!

*Mr. Luke falls to the floor after taking a massive blow. He seems completely unresponsive.

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Shocked* *Shaking* Oh… my… L-Luke!?

*The entire crowd is silent.

[Barrtio]: WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT JUST NOW!?

[Finn]: I don’t understand what I just saw!!!

[Mikodo Danzer]: WOOHOO!!! THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKIN’ BOUT, JULIO!!!

[Announcer]: *Speaking into microphone* I-It’s seems the battle is decided… Julio Avarez… Wins by knockou-- …

[Mr. Luke]: *coughing blood* W-wait.. N’one said... I was done…

*Mr. Luke, after taking a massive blow, struggles to get back up. He was dizzy and blood was trickling from his mouth.

[Badass Julio]: What the hell!? How are you still standing!?

[Mr. Luke]: *panting* I can’t give up… Not now… Not ever!

[Badass Julio]: *pfft* Whatever… It’s your funeral old man…

*Still struggling to stand straight, Mr. Luke prepares to attack again…

[Badass Julio]: You’re not coming back from this one… Good riddance, peasant scum!

*WOOORRRPPP…

*Julio raises his glove again and Mr. Luke is stunned once more by an unknown force. The beaten man is swung through the air and whaled by another blow straight to the gut. Knocking the air out of him.

[Mr. Luke]: *coughing blood* *Gasping* Ahh… Auughh.. Ugghh… !!!

*Mr. Luke falls to the floor for a second time. Silence sweeps the stadium again.

[Baku Cree]: *Frozen in shock* *Voice Shaking* … No… S-stop…

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Shocked* *Shaking* … My… God...

[Barrtio]: This is… Messed up…

[Millia Grendar]: This isn’t even fair!

[Finn]: Why aren’t they calling the fight!?

[Announcer]: *Speaking into microphone* O-okay! I think this fight is over! The winner is…

[Mr. Luke]: *Shouting* I’m not done yet, dammit!

[Badass Julio]: What in the-- !? *Annoyed* You’re starting to piss me off!!!

[Mr. Luke]: *panting* It’s gonna take... a lot more than... *panting* a couple punches to take me out… I made a promise to my family… That I’ll win this tournament... and get them outta the fields… *panting* We need the money… And I won’t give up… Til I get that prize… And provide for them what they deserve… *panting* as their father!

[Baku Cree]: *Frozen in shock* … Mr… Luke…

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Teary eyed* *Shaking* … Luke…

*Suddenly, shouting is heard coming from the stadium.

[Security]: Hey! You two can’t go that way!

[Lulu and Little Lucy]: *Shouting* PAPA!!!

[Mr. Luke]: !!! Girls!? What are you doing here!?

[Lulu]: *Crying* Daddy! You don’t have to fight here over us!

[Mr. Luke]: But we need the money! For your Grandmother’s health and both your educations!

[Little Lucy]: *Crying* Papa! Please stop fighting and come home before you get hurt!!!

[Lulu]: *In tears* Daddy, listen to us! We’re happy right where we are! You’ve done more than enough for us! Nothin’ you get out of these games will ever amount to all of the struggles and hard work you’ve done for us to keep us happy since mama died!

[Mr. Luke]: But your mother died cause I couldn’t provide for y'all!!!

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Crying* ……...

[Baku Cree]: ………

[Lulu]: *In tears* If Mama was alive right now, she’d want you to be happy by your own means! Not through some silly game full of violence!!!

*The stadium is full of silence.

[Security]: You two are now trespassing! It’s time for you to leave!

[Lulu]: *In tears* Daddy, please! Just come home and stop fighting!

[Little Lucy]: *Crying* Papa!

[Mr. Luke]: ……… My girls… *Smiles softly* … I guess it was foolish of me to think this was a good idea… Fine then… Let’s go--

*BAMMM!!!

*Julio Avarez punches Mr. Luke square in the skull. Blood and teeth come flying out as the man falls face first onto the floor for a third time…

[Lulu and Little Lucy]: *Screaming in fear* PAPAAA!!!

[Nicolatrice Cree]: LUKE!!!

[Baku Cree]: *Barely containing his anger* … Julio… How dare he…In front of... his own... children... I-I’m… Gonna… *Shouting* K-Kill him!!!

[Prince Majorku]: Baku, contain your anger… You are being blinded by your feelings…

[Baku Cree]: *Angrily* But he--

[Prince Majorku]: All he did was clear his objective… If you wish to retaliate anything toward him, it’d be wise to save it for the battlefield… At the end of the day, that man knew and understood what he signed up for… You have to respect his decision and accept that these games can be very dangerous… That’s what I’ve trained you for… To be prepared for stuff like this...

[Baku Cree]: ... *Grrr* Damn it, of all of the low things… This is unforgivable… I’m gonna make him freaking suffer for what he’s done…

*Medics appear to carry the crippled and mangled farm man off of the battlefield and to the infirmary. His daughters run up to him as he is being carried off by a stretcher.

[Lulu and Little Lucy]: *Crying* PAPA!

[Mr. Luke]: *Weakly* Ahh… There’s my little girls… Looks like your old man bit off more than he can chew with this one… *cough* *cough* I’m sorry I put y’all through so much heartache… I wish I were stronger for you two… Maybe if I was in my prime I could’ve done better to get you girls the educations you deserve…

[Lulu]: That’s not true, Papa! You’ve been plenty strong for all of us!

[Little Lucy]: *Teary eyed* That’s right, Papa! You’re the strongest daddy ever!

[Mr. Luke]: *Weakly* *Smiles softly* Hehe… Well, I may not be the strongest in the kingdom… But at least my girls will keep me strong… I guess that’s all I need...

*The medics proceed to take Mr. Luke to the infirmary.

*DING! DING! DING!

[Badass Julio]: HAHAHAHA!!! OH YEAH! LET ME HEAR YA SCREAM!!!

[Crowd of people]: *Watches in silence* ……...

[Announcer]: *Speaking into microphone* W-we have a winner! Congratulations to Julio Avarez, for moving on to the next round! Do you have anything to say to the crowd?

[Badass Julio]: Did you expect any less!? I'm a badass!!! HAHA!!!

[Badass Goons]: *Cheering loudly* YEAH BOSS! YOU'RE A BADASS!!!

[Mikodo Danzer]: *Cheering loudly* YEEEAAAHHH BUDDY!!! THAT'S MY BOY! WOWOWOWO!!!

[Mitsune Akamiko]: Well, that just happened...

[Millia Grendar]: That was… utterly despicable...

[Barrtio]: I can't believe what I saw… So not only is this dumbass participating in the games, he's managed to show he can win too!?

[Finn]: I don't know what I just watched, but I don’t think I ever hated someone anymore than I do right now...

[Halenday Medellon]: That's an interesting outcome...Granted it was a bit one sided… But I wonder how he'll fair against someone like the prince or Lady Yamabushi?

[Princess Savannah]: This tournament just got a little more interesting…

[Nicolatrice Cree]: … Baku …

*Nicolatrice suddenly stands up and leaves the stands where the group was watching the games.

[Millia Grendar]: ……… *Stares longingly at Baku’s doll who smiles back at her*

*Julio enters the waiting room.

[Badass Julio]: Haha! First place here I come! If every fight I have is as easy as that, the sword's as good as mine! HAHA!!!

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* That bastard’s officially done it… He ruined the gift of the girls, whomst father nearly raised me like a son, then he brutalizes the man… If I could kill him right now I would… But, I think I need to see to Mr. Luke’s recovery…

*Baku prepares to leave the waiting room. Upon exiting, he runs into his mother.

[Baku Cree]: *Surprised* Mom! What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be watching the games with my friends?

[Nicolatrice Cree]: … Baku…

[Baku Cree]: … This is about Mr. Luke, isn’t it…?

[Nicolatrice Cree]: ……

[Baku Cree]: Don’t worry, Mom… I’m going to make sure justice is served… *clenches fist* He’ll pay dearly for what he did to Mr. Luke… I’ll teach him a lesson, he’ll never forget…

[Nicolatrice Cree]: Aventurine.

[Baku Cree]: !!!

[Nicolatrice Cree]: Do not participate in these games with malicious intent… I did not raise you to be a furious or vengeful person…

[Baku Cree]: ……

[Nicolatrice Cree]: As the World Guardian, promise me you will only ever fight for the good and protection of others and those you love.

[Baku Cree]: … I promise…

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Smiles softly* Good… I understand how you feel right now… But you must focus on the games… Please…

[Baku Cree]: … … But what about Mr. Luke…? And the girls…?

[Nicolatrice Cree]: Don’t worry, I’ll make sure everything goes right by them… Just return to the stadium, and remember what you promised me…

[Baku Cree]: … Okay... I will…

*Baku turns around and leaves his mother headed back to the waiting room.

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* I’ll make sure everything goes right by them, too...

*Nicolatrice enters the infirmary where Mr. Luke is staying and is meet by Lulu and Little Lucy.

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *knock* *knock* May I come in?

[Little Lucy]: *Surprised* It’s Baku’s Mama!

[Mr. Luke]: *Surprised* N-Nicolatrice? What’re you doing here? I feel like I ain’t seen you in forever… What the heck happened to you and buddy a month ago?

[Nicolatrice Cree]: I know, I’m sorry that we disappeared, and please try to conserve your energy, Luke… To tell you everything that’s happened in the last month, would quite a long story…

[Mr. Luke]: *Sigh* … I really went and messed up didn’t I? If I hadn’t went behind my girls back and try to play in these games… I would never be in this spot, and they wouldn’t be in so much heartache… And now Granny’s out there in the field unaware of what’s happened… How could I be so selfish? *Sigh* I could just hear Starla now… She’d be head over heels gigglin’ at me saying how silly it was for me to try and do this… Hehehe…

[Nicolatrice Cree]: Luke… You did what you thought was good for your family… I think Starla would be proud of you for risking your wellbeing for your family… And I know your daughters are proud of you regardless of what you manage for them.

[Lulu]: Papa, I know you very work hard everyday for all of us… But I rather stay in the fields than live with any money you got by getting hurt! No education is worth your health, Daddy!

[Little Lucy]: That’s right, Papa!

[Mr. Luke]: *Smiling softly* Hehe… Even though what I wanted was a better life for my family… Everything I ever really needed was right in front of me the whole time… Hehehe… Ain’t it funny how life works?

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Smiling softly* Yes, isn’t it really?

[Lulu]: … Umm… Miss Nicolatrice… If you’re here… *shyly* then where’s Baku?

[Announcer]: *Speaking into microphone* Ladies and gentlemen! This next fight will be a great match between two fierce warriors! The coming competitors are considered the best in the arena! Masters of steel and the art of fighting! EVERYBODY MAKE SOME NOISE FOR THE YOUNGEST DAUGHTER OF THE YAMABUSHI CLAN! AYURIELLI YAMABUSHI!!!

[Baku Cree]: Oh crap! It's Lady Yamabushi's match now!

[Prince Majorku]: *Smiling* Interesting…

[Crowd of people]: *Cheers loudly* YEEEAAAHHH!!!

[Princess Savannah]: *Screaming at the top of her voice* GOOOO YURIIII!!!!

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Screaming at the top of her voice* LET'S GO BABY! KILL EM DEAD!!!

*Lady Yamabushi appears in the arena. Her family goes wild.

[Yamabushi Clan]: *Cheering loudly* Y-U-R-I! AYURIELLI MAKE THEM DIE!!! YUUURIII YAMABUUUSHI!!!

[Millia Grendar]: I can't wait to watch Lady Yamabushi fight! It's been so long!

[Barrtio]: I feel bad for the poor sap who has to face her in battle! This is gonna be pure domination!

[Finn]: *Dreamily* Oh man, domination? This is gonna be hot…

[Announcer]: WOW! CAN YOU HEAR THE NOISE COMING FROM THE YAMABUSHI CLAN? Let's see if the young mistress will make them proud by defeating her opponent! Put your hands together for Ryo Tsuzumi!!!

[Crowd of people]: *Cheers loudly* YEEEAAAHHH!!!

*A teenage boy wielding a katana with long black hair tied in a ponytail appears in the stadium wearing a black hakama with draconic designs on it, and armor above it. He has a confident look on his face as he stares down his opponent.

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: *Intrigued* ...... So... You're my opponent?

[Ryo Tsuzumi]: It's been a while, Lady Yamabushi... I prayed to the gods of battle that they would allow us to fight... It seems they smiled upon me today, as their will had us duel in our very first match of the tournament.

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Did you pray for victory as well, Master Tsuzumi?

[Ryo Tsuzumi]: I need not to pray for victory... Because it is already ensured through display of my skill.

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Hm…

[Barrtio]: Who the heck is this guy? He's facing Yuri like she's not a warrior goddess or something!

[Finn]: Yeah, is he supposed to be awesome or something?

[Halenday Medellon]: Ryo Tsuzumi is not only an excellent warrior in the art of kendo, he is the one man in the entire kingdom that can call himself an established equal of Lady Yamabushi, as he is the best in the rival dojo of Tsuzumonji. On top of all of that, he's the only human that has ever defeated Lady Yamabushi in competition…

[Barrtio]: WHAT!? There's no way she can lose to anyone! She freakin' invincible!

[Finn]: Seriously, have you seen her PT test!?

[Halenday Medellon]: That's simply from what only you've observed in gym class, my friends. Outside of school, Yuri-chan trains endlessly and intensely in order to perfect her skill and master her abilities, so that she may never fail again. Granted, her last defeat was a very long time ago, but it's needless to say, he is the only warrior ever to stop the beast known as Ayurielli Feng-Song Yamabushi…

[Princess Savannah]: This battle is going to be incredibly important for Lady Yamabushi. Not only is her first match in the entire tournament against the one man in the kingdom that can defeat her, but her entire family is watching as well, she intends to win the tournament so she may be noted in her family’s history to be the first woman to win the Crystal Dome Games... She understands what's at stake, and because of that... she simply cannot lose this battle…

[Announcer]: ALRIGHT!!! LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!!!

[Crowd of people]: *Cheers loudly* YEEEAAAHHH!!!

*DING! DING! DING!

*The two fighters bow to eachother.

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: *Grips katana* ...Let's begin…

[Ryo Tsuzumi]: *Smirks*

*At the sound of the bell, both warriors simultaneously draw their katanas and strike each other dual-handedly at a blinding speed appearing on the side opposite of where they started the match. A loud ringing noise coming from the contact of metal echoes through the stadium. The vibration rattled the benches the crowd sat upon, sending shivers up their spines.

*Before Ryo can make a move, Yuri backflips high through the air in order to land a falling strike. Her yell as she soars downward was like that of an eagle. However, Ryo swiftly dodges to the left, avoiding the crashing attack and goes on the guard as Lady Yamabushi begins another assault of multiple strikes.

*Each thrust is dodged, and every slice is parried and met by a counterattack coming from the young man in the black hakama. The two warriors move so quickly through the battlefield that it is hard to keep track of them as their positioning constanly shifts which each attack.

[Barrtio]: *Surprised* Holy cow! This battle got hot real quick!

[Finn]: Seriously, is she like this in a regular match!?

[Halenday Medellon]: Not exactly, you see my friends, the art of kendo has a specific set of rules that have been followed strictly through the ages of its history. When in the dojo, Lady Yamabushi is very calm, collected, and reserved... But, this isn't a dojo... Today, she is in a colosseum, where she can truly let loose in ways that we only get to see once a year at the very least.

[Millia Grendar]: Wow... This is insane movement coming from the both of them! I can barely even tell what's going on!

[Baku Cree]: Is this Lady Yamabushi at full force!? She's going insane! I can't believe the other guys actually keeping up with her! I can barely see who's hitting what!

[Prince Majorku]: Really, Baku? Are you having trouble keeping track of the movements between the competitors? Try to focus on their Soul Energy, that will allow you to lock on to them and see what's truly happening…

[Baku Cree]: Focus on their Soul Energy? I can do that all the way from in here? Well, if it works the same way like I did against the dinosaur back in level 10... Okay... I'll give it a shot... *Baku stares deeply at the screen for a moment* ......................... !!!

*Suddenly, he sees a flash of Yuri striking Ryo and landing a hit!

[Baku Cree]: Whoa! I can see them now! Crystal clear!

[Prince Majorku]: Congratulations Baku, you just learned how to track a highspeed targets Soul Energy…

[Baku Cree]: Totally awesome!

*The fight continues with 5 minutes left on the clock, the crowd is at the edge of their seats with excitement. They cannot remove their eyes from the battlefield, les they miss a second of the fierce duel between two of the youngest and officially recognized warriors in the kingdom.

*Neither fighter seems to be slowing down, as letting up even a little, will give way to an opening for the opponent to land a more critical strike and cost them the match.

*They are both covered in cuts and tears in their battle uniforms as blood and sweat runs through their bodies after fighting at inhuman speeds. Ryo Tsuzumi begins his assault, it was one Yuri was all to familiar with as his aggressive fighting style has been improved on to be more strategic as he aims for her weak spots and attempts to fake her out.

*His attacks began to cut through her armor and slice her skin, but the pain wasn't enough to stop the battle maiden, as she attempts to block her rivals strikes and keep a stable mind.

[Announcer]: *Speaking into microphone* Are you seeing what I'm seeing, ladies and gentlemen!? Because these two monsters are moving so fast, I can barely even commentate the battle itself as it unfolds right before my eyes! Lady Yamabushi's fierce onslaught of slices are being blocked and parried with swift technique coming from Master Tsuzumi! This fight is so intense! If you are enjoying these matches, let out a cheer and support your favorite competitor!!!

[Crowd of people]: *Cheers loudly* YEEEAAAHHH!!!

[Ryo Tsuzumi]: Whoa, Lady Yamabushi, I can tell you’re restraining from using your full strength against me! How despicable of you... I've been looking forward to this fight for ages, and you dare not give your own rival your best!?

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: ...Your strength is admirable as always, Ryo Tsuzumi... However, I'm saving my complete strength for somebody else specifically... I thought presenting to you myself at 30% would suffice your thirst for this battle... I'm sorry I was wrong…

[Ryo Tsuzumi]: Only 30%, huh? *Sigh* ...That's a shame... I thought that all of my training prepping for this fight would be enough to beat you, however I failed to realize you of course would be training equally, if not harder than myself... That was my first mistake... I know your training is relentless and unending, something no other kendo student I’ve seen could ever do to themselves...

[Ryo Tsuzumi]: But that's why I respect you! You push yourself to beyond human limits, and you won't give up until you've surpassed gods! You even punish yourself by training harder and harder! I wish there were more people like you and I in this world, Lady Yamabushi... It'd be more fun for both of us…

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: ... Yes... That it would... However, I would rather live in a world where I would be the strongest, and no other mortal would ever dare to match me. As much as I love this competition between us, Ryo Tsuzumi... I'd prefer to only be challenged by other gods, once I reached that status.

[Ryo Tsuzumi]: Hehe... haha! HAHAHA! You never fail to amaze me Lady Yamabushi!

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: *Smiles* And neither do you, Master Tsuzumi…

[Millia Grendar]: *Shocked* Lady Yamabushi smiled!

[Halenday Medellon]: Yep! I guess she is truly having fun! There’s nothing better than a healthy rivalry, after all! Good for them…

[Ryo Tsuzumi]: *Clenches katana* There is one-minute remaining on the clock. If one of us don't go down, neither of us will proceed in the tournament. Why don't we make this fight count, and please the gods who watch us for entertainment?

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: I'd want it no other way from my rival... *Grips katana*

[Ryo Tsuzumi]: GOOD! Lady Yamabushi! Prepare yourself, for a technique I've practiced, mastered, and saved just for you!!! If you want to be a god, try to survive this!!!

*Suddenly, Ryo Tsuzumi's blade begins to glow a bright red crimson and shine intensely!

[Baku Cree]: *Shocked* That Soul Energy coming from his blade is insane! What the hell is he doing!?

[Prince Majorku]: He's simply focusing a large amount of energy to his blade enough to radiate a highly concentrated fire-based attack. Pay attention to everything your about to witness Baku. This is important…

[Baku Cree]: *Gulp* Okay…

[Barrtio]: *Freaking out* WHAT AM I LOOKING AT!?

[Millia Grendar]: *Blocking her eyes* That light is freaking blinding!

[Finn]: This must be a super special attack! Good thing we have these shades!

[Halenday Medellon]: This is going to be quite a big hit... How will Lady Yamabushi respond to it? Will she dodge, defend herself, or parry the attack?

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Smiling* Here it comes!

[Princess Savannah]: *Flirtingly* Don't die, baby girl…

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: *Unfazed* .........

[Ryo Tsuzumi]: Are you ready, Lady Yamabushi!? I'm not going to hold back on this one! Prepare to be split in half! CRIMSON DRAGON: BLINDING FLAME SLASH!!!

*Ryo Tsuzumi slowly rotates and unsheathes his blade, revealing a burning flame swirling around the steel like a serpentine. The heat coming from the sword started to cook the air in the stadium, as hazey waves lifted from the white floor of the battlefield.

*He launches a blazing attack straight toward Ayurielli with a power that could surely melt iron upon touch. The full intention was to defeat her, and ensure she would never get back up ever again.

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: ......... *Deeply inhales* ................. *Closes eyes and clears mind of all thought* ... The Weeping Lotus Sleeps Alone in the Moonlight ...... CALM... RIVER!!!

*Yuri slowly rotates and unsheathes her katana, unleashing a white glare that flashes across the stadium and slices through Ryo in a blink of the eye. A loud clash is heard from the charged up metal making fierce contact. When the light fades from both of the warriors' attacks, they appear facing opposite of eachother. Standing in silence, much like the spectators watching them.

*Lady Yamabushi raises her katana above her head and swiftly lowers it, cleaning Ryo's blood off of it.

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: ......... *Sheathes sword* ... It was a great match, Ryo Tsuzumi…

[Ryo Tsuzumi]: ......... *coughs* ...*Smirks* Yes... It was truly excellent... Lady Yamabushi... May our blades cross again in the future...

*Ryo Tsuzumi collapses onto the floor.

*DING! DING! DING!

[Announcer]: WE HAVE A WINNER!!! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, AFTER A DISPLAY OF TRUE SWORDS PLAY, LADY YAMABUSHI APPEARS ON TOP AFTER DEFEATING HER RIVAL, RYO TSUZUMI!!!

[Crowd of people]: *Cheers loudly* YEEEAAAHHH!!!

[Princess Savannah]: *Screaming at the top of her voice* YAAAAAAAAY!!! YURI!!!

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Screaming at the top of her voice* SHE DID IT! SHE WON!

[Halenday Medellon]: *Smiling* I didn't doubt her for a second…

[Barrtio]: Whoa... That was intense!

[Millia Grendar]: Talk about a thrill ride!

[Finn]: That was the craziest thing ever!!!

[Yamabushi Clan]: *Cheering loudly* LET'S GO YURI!!! MAKE YOUR FAMILY PROUD!!! HUUAAHH!!!

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: I don't know why you're all cheering for me... That was only round one…

[Baku Cree]: *Scared* Holy crap, that's what Lady Yamabushi's capable of? And that was only 30% of her true power!? I hope she's not saving her full strength for me... Oh man, what the hell am I kidding!? Of course, she is!!!

[Prince Majorku]: That was a pretty good battle! Hopefully one of us get to fight her next!

[Baku Cree]: Are you crazy!? You can have her! She'll freakin eat me!

[Prince Majorku]: Haha! C'mon Baku! Where's all of your confidence?

[Baku Cree]: That goes straight out the window when it comes to Lady Yamabushi! She knows all the right words to use to make me feel small and insignificant!

[Queen Anastasia Cree]: That was quite a spectacle coming from our ancient protector’s youngest daughter.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Yes, it truly was. I can see very clearly why the Princess treasures their friendship. Lady Yamabushi carries the true qualities of a warrioress, just like her mother did…

*Lady Yamabushi prepares to leave the stadium. Before she does, she faces Ryo Tsuzumi before he is carried away by the responders.

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Ryo…

[Ryo Tsuzumi]: Lady... Yamabushi... *Smirks* Are you going to win the tournament?

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Yes, I will… I swear myself to it...

[Ryo Tsuzumi]: Good... Do it for your family... I wish I could do it for mine…

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Your parents would be proud, Master Tsuzumi…

[Ryo Tsuzumi]: *Smiles* ... Thank you... And good luck to you... Win the tournament... So I can take that sword for a spin sometime... Okay?

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: I will... *Smiles* And thank you…

*The responders take Ryo Tsuzumi to the medical room. Lady Yamabushi leaves the stadium headed for the waiting room.