Chapter 45: The Quarter-Finalist

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

(Scene: The Crystal Dome Games approach the climax)

[Millia Grendar]: *Smiling* I'm glad all of our friends made it to quarter-finals!

[Barrtio]: *Annoyed* Yeah, but some people shouldn't be amongst them or us…

[Mikodo Danzer]: *Cheering loudly* YYYEEEAAAHHH!!! LET'S GO JULIO! HAHA!!! WAWAWAYAYAYA!!!

[Millia Grendar]: *Annoyed* Oh yeah, I forgot about him…

[Finn]: Hopefully we get to see Baku get in a real fight! After what we saw the prince can do, surely Baku's picked up a thing or two from training with him!

[NIcolatrice Cree]: I know he's ready, but I still can't get passed the fact that my son will get put in any type of danger… *Thinking to herself* Especially after what had happened to Luke...

[Halenday Medellon]: Well that is manhood for you, milady. It also the burden the young master vowed to take upon for the sake of all of us, after all.

[Princess Savannah]: *Smiling* Hally's right mommy! Baku's gonna have to grow up someday, it just turns out that that's today! And don’t you worry, Baku is completely physically and mentally prepared to take on absolutely anything that comes his way! You have my guarantee on that!

[NIcolatrice Cree]: You know what? You’re absolutely right, Princess Savannah! Baku is participating in these games because he knows what is required for him to protect our world… It is his responsibility and he’s accepted that… So, it is time I finally accepted this as well...

[Mitsune Akamiko]: I wonder who's gonna fight who now!

[Announcer]: *Speaking into microphone* LAAAAADIIIEEESSS AND GENTLEMEEEN!!! IT'S TIME FOR THE CRYSTAL DOME GAMES TO ENTER THE QUARTER-FINALS BRACKET! WE STARTED WITH 50 WARRIORS AND NOW WE'RE DOWN TO 25!!! THESE NEXT MATCHES ARE SURE TO BE LEAD BY ABSOLUTE SAVAGES!!! AND NOW, WITHOUT FURTHER ADO! LET'S ANNOUNCE OUR NEXT PARTICIPANTS! WE DON'T KNOW WHO HE IS OR HOW HE MADE IT THIS FAR, BUT SURELY, HE'S GONNA GIVE US A SHOW! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WELCOME TO THE STAGE: BAKU CREE!!!

[Baku Cree]: It’s my turn again… *Deeply inhales* ... Here's goes nothing…

[Prince Majorku]: Good luck, little bro! You got this, just remember your training and you can handle anything this tourney throws at you!

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Don't lose, Hero Boy…

[Baku Cree]: *Sigh* Don't worry, I won't lose before I lose to you, milady…

*Baku appears in the stadium. His stance as well as the look on his face surges with confidence.

[Millia Grendar]: *Cheering* Yaaay, Baku!

[Barrtio and Finn]: *Cheering* Let's go, Baku!!!

[Nicolatrice Cree]: Please be careful, sweetheart… I believe in you...

[Princess Savannah]: *Smiles Flirtingly* This is gonna be so fun to watch…

[Halenday Medellon]: Hopefully this match will be more exciting than his last one.

[Mitsune Akamiko]: Let's hope Baku doesn't get his butt handed to him!

[Announcer]: AND HIS OPPONENT, ANOTHER FIRST TIMER IN THE CRYSTAL DOME GAMES WHOSE PREVIOUS PERFORMANCE SURPRISED ALL OF US! COMING IN HOT FOR HIS SECOND MATCH IN THE TOURNEY, HERE COMES JULIO AVAREEEEEZ!!!

[Badass Julio]: HEY! HEY! HEY! EVERYBODY!!!

[Baku Cree]: !!!

[Barrtio and Finn]: *Freaking out* WHAAAT!?

[Millia Grendar]: Oh... boy…

[Barrtio]: Baku's gonna fight the dumbass!?

[Finn]: HOLY GEEZ!!!

[Mikodo Danzer]: *Cheering loudly* AYYYEEE!!! LET'S GO JULIO! KICK HIS ASS YOU BADASS! WAHAHA!!!

[Badass Goons]: *Cheering loudly* LET'S GO BOSS!!!

[Princess Savannah]: Looks like it's time for Baku to prove himself this time…

[Mitsune Akamiko]: *Excited* Alright! This is gonna be a real fight now!

[Halenday Medellon]: I pray that he'll have an idea on how to beat Mr. Avarez... After his first match, I'm still trying to wrap my head around how Julio even won. Let's hope for the best for our Baku…

[Nicolatrice Cree]: ...... *Worried* Baku... Please remember what I told you...

[Queen Anastasia Cree]: This is going to be a real fight for Baku... How do you think he'll do?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: He's going to have to stay calm and remember his training if he wants to win this match…

[Prince Majorku]: *Thinking to himself* ... Baku... Get ready…

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

[Badass Julio]: Ahh, my good buddy, Baku! Glad to see ya! I'm surprised you won your first match and made it here! Did ya see my first game? What did you think!?

[Baku Cree]: …...…

[Badass Julio]: The way I had that old farmer flop and squeal was like an old cartoon! Haha!!! And now, I’m gonna do you the same!

[Baku Cree]: Julio, for everything you’ve ever done wrong to anybody… Please, understand that I’m going to kick your ass for it in return…

[Badass Julio]: HAHAHA!!! IS THAT SOME KIND OF JOKE!? DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR SPEAKING TO RIGHT NOW, FIELD SCUM!? I’M TOP CANDIDATE FOR THE NEXT BADASS BOSS! AFTER I DESTROY YOU AND THE REST OF THE COMPETITION, I’M GONNA BE THE STRONGEST WARRIOR IN THE KINGDOM!

[Baku Cree]: It sounds to me like you don’t know who you’re talking to… I am the World Guardian, and I will make sure you don’t hurt anymore people.

[Badass Julio]: Don’t make me laugh! Those royal shit heads really got you believin’ that you’re some History class fairytale! Hehehe… Ah well... at least this time around you'll get to see firsthand what I can do... That and I'll make sure this is a way more interesting fight to watch! I couldn’t really test out my skills, because that old man barely stood a fighting chance against me…

[Badass Julio]: So hopefully, the oh-so special World Guardian will give me a real chance to shine and get seen by the higher up Badasses who are watching us right now! After I beat you, and a few more weaklings, that sword is good as mine! And then, when I get that sword... hehe... Well, you know... You're used to being a weak loser, aren't you?

[Baku Cree]: I'm not gonna let you get that sword, dumbass. Your run in these games ends here! I dedicate this beatdown to my friends in the High University and the fields!

[Badass Julio]: *Smirking* Oh, so you think you're really gonna beat me, huh?

[Baku Cree]: That's right! It's payback time for all the crap you put me, my friends and everyone else in the entire kingdom through for all these years!

[Badass Julio]: *pfft* HAHAHAHA!!! You sound like the biggest nerd right now! What do you think you're a hero or something!? I thought I already told you, you're still a nobody! And that's what you'll always be!

[Baku Cree]: I'm not leaving this kingdom, until I'm sure you're not messing with anybody anymore! I hope you’re ready for what coming for you, because it’s way overdue!

[Badass Julio]: *Tch* You can try I guess... Or just die like the rest…

[Announcer]: *Speaking into microphone* AAALLLRRRIIIGGGHHHTTT!!! LET THIS BATTLE BEGIN!!!

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

*DING! DING! DING!

[Baku Cree]: *Shouts* LET'S GO! CRYSTAL... GAUNTLETS!!!

*Crystal shards appear to swirl around Baku's arms covering them completely before exploding in a burst of light revealing a pair of large golden gauntlets.

[Barrtio and Finn]: *Freaking out* HOLY CRAP! WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THIS!?

[Millia Grendar]: *Surprised* Is this Baku's Soul Energy!?

[Halenday Medellon]: *Intrigued* Oh my…

[Mitsune Akamiko]: Whoa! What the!? When can Baku do this!?

[Princess Savannah]: *Smiles flirtingly* Witness one of the fifteen powers of the universe… That of the Aventurine Crystal…

[Nicolatrice Cree]: .........

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: *Thinking to herself* Is this... the power of his crystal!? I demand he show me everything he's got!

[Prince Majorku]: Give 'em hell, Baku…

*Meanwhile, outside of the arena and away from the cheer and hype of the roaring crowd, within a cozy sports bars that smelled of burgers and cigars. Mr. Yarish is seen downing another beer with a loud cheer as he watches the Crystal Dome Games from a flat screen with other venue-goers.

[Mr. Yarish]: *Cheering Loudly* Yahooo! Come on Baku! That's my favorite student right there! Teach that bully a proper lesson in some manners, whom for some reason none of our teachers could have! You can do it, hahaha! *Burp*

[Ms. Cardell]: Umm... Seth? I believe you may have drunk too much, my friend.

[Mr. Yarish]: And I don't think you've drank enough, Cardell!

[Ms. Cardell]: ...... Cardell isn't my first name, you do realize that correct?

[Mr. Yarish]: Uhh... wait... What's your first name?

[Ms. Cardell]: ......... It's Stephie... Haven't I told you that before? After all of these years, I was under the assumption that we were on a first name basis, Mr. Yarish? *Sniffling* Perhaps I was mistaken...

[Mr. Yarish]: U-Uh... Oh, right! Of course! Ehh, sorry I'm not good with names. I hardly even remember the names of my own students. Aside from Baku and Princess Savannah... Which is strange because they are the only two who ever say anything in my classes...

[Ms. Cardell]: Then perhaps you have had enough?

[Mr. Yarish]: No, that's not it... *glug* *glug* ... Ahh... Hey! You made it! Welcome to the party, Alina!

[Guidance Counselor Mrs. Alina]: That is Mrs. Alina to you, Mr. Yarish...

[Mr. Yarish]: Oh, right! Of course! *Ahem* And what may I ask, is your first name?

[Guidance Counselor Mrs. Alina]: We are not on a first name basis, Mr. Yarish. I would very much appreciate it if we were to keep our relationship professional, even if we are outside of the High University...

[Mr. Yarish]: Completely understandable! Very well then. Can I offer you a beer?

[Guidance Counselor Mrs. Alina]: Exactly what part of professional are you missing here?

[Mr. Yarish]: Right on! Hey barkeep, two green tea lemonades for the ladies!

[Ms. Cardell]: I wasn't under the impression that you were a fan of these games, Mrs. Alina.

[Guidance Counselor Mrs. Alina]: I'm not. As a matter of fact, I am very much against violence. But our Astronomy teacher here invited me to watch the World Guardian participate. So, against my better interest, I'm here to support.

[Ms. Cardell]: Likewise. Baku is such a pleasure I'm my classroom, that I also took Mr. Yarish up on his offer to view the competition. For my first time being here, I am quite entertained!

[Mr. Yarish]: Looks like the actions about to get started! Wooohooo!!!!

[Badass Julio]: What is that a pair of boxing gloves? I suppose that's pretty cool... Wanna see mine?

*Julio dons a pair of energized gloves.

*Brrrzzzzz.

[Baku Cree]: ... *Thinking to himself* ... I still don’t know what those do exactly. But after what’s he’s done to Mr. Luke… I have to be careful... Because I have to win this fight... For my friends, myself, and every student this jerk has ever bullied in the High University... If I want to be known as a hero, it has to be started now by proving to everyone how strong I really am... And overcoming this wall of mine known as Julio Bento Avarez... Okay, let's do this!

[Badass Julio]: Bring it on, you little punk!

*Baku makes the first move, charging for Julio preparing to land a large punch on his target.

[Badass Julio]: *Smirks* Hehehe... Hold on now…

*Julio raises his arm at Baku who suddenly stops in his tracks.

[Baku Cree]: *Struggling* ... U-ugh... H-huh!?

[Badass Julio]: NOW BACK OFF!

*WOOORRPP…

*Baku against his will is raised into the air. A powerful force hits his chest and launches the young hero at high speeds clear across the stadium.

*BOOOFFF!!!

[Baku Cree]: *Screams* AAUUGGHH!!!

[Barrtio and Finn]: *Freaking out* BAKU!

[Millia Grendar]: Oh my gosh!

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Gasp* !!!

*Baku lands on his feet at the edge of the ring, barely avoiding a ring out.

[Baku Cree]: … *Freaking out* … *Thinking to himself* …What the…!?

[Prince Majorku]: Hmm…

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: *Thinking to herself* What is it, my prince?

[Badass Julio]: Hey, what are you doing all the way over there, Baku? Are you gonna fight me or not!?

[Baku Cree]: So that’s what it feels like!? I almost got knocked out of the damn ring! He did this to Mr. Luke… *Glaring Angrily* Now I’m really mad...

[Millia Grendar]: Baku, please be careful…

[Barrtio and Finn]: Come on, Baku…

[Badass Julio]: *Ugh* Geez, if you're not gonna come over here. Then I'll make you come to me!

*Julio raises his arm again. Against his will, Baku is taken control of once more. His muscles stiffening and clenching up as he is pulled into his opponent like a puppet on strings.

*WOOORRPP…

[Badass Julio]: COME THROOUUGGHH!!!

[Baku Cree]: Huh!? AAGGHH!!

[Badass Julio]: TAKE SOME OF THIS!

*BAM!!!

*Julio reels in Baku from across the stadium and lands a hard left straight to Baku's skull. Baku is put in a daze, tumbles, and blood starts to run down his head.

[Baku Cree]: ... *Ugh* ... Ugh…

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Screaming* OH, MY GODDESS!!! BAKU!

[Barrtio]: OH DAMN, IS HE OKAY!?

[Millia Grendar]: Ouch, that had to hurt!

[Finn]: Get up, Baku!

[Halenday Medellon]: Ooohh, I felt that…

[Mitsune Akamiko]: This looks like it just got bad real quick…

[Prince Majorku]: ... Hmm…

[Princess Savannah]: .........

[King Jeremiah Cree]: .........

[Queen Anastasia Cree]: .........

[Mikodo Danzer]: HAHAHA!!! YEEEAAAHHH!!! GET ‘EM, JULIO! THAT'S MY BOI!!!

*Julio lifts up Baku whose laying on the floor by the hair.

[Badass Julio]: What's the matter, little buddy? You're not looking to hot... Don't tell me you've gotten tired already? Why don't you show me what a superhero can do!

*BAM!!!

*Julio sends Baku flying again with another hard knuckle. Baku slides across the floor and slowly struggles to get back up.

[Baku Cree]: *Beaten* What... the hell... what is this crap!? Damn it, I can't keep letting this bastard keep throwing me around... I have to beat him... I have to figure out what he's doing to me!

[Millia Grendar]: It's just like that first match!

[Barrtio]: Except Baku's actually still in the game…

[Finn]: Yeah, considering the fact that the dumbass finished his first match in less than a minute, meanwhile Baku's lasted three so far... That counts for something right...?

[Nicolatrice Cree]: Baku... please…

[Queen Anastasia Cree]: This is... rather interesting…

[King Jeremiah Cree]: The technology that young man is using against Baku is unlike anything I've ever seen before... How did he get ahold of such machinery?

[Baku Cree]: *Deeply breathing* ............. Damn it.........

[Badass Julio]: *Yaaawwwnnn* Man, this is boring... I was expecting at least a challenge coming from the "World Guardian"... In fact, this whole tournament has been a big snore fest. I've been one shotting every loser I come across... I guess you're an exception, Baku. I'm surprised you're still standing! But, I'm getting kind of bored... So, I'm gonna go ahead and call it quits for you, okay?

[Baku Cree]: ...!

[Badass Julio]: Now... COME HERE, BAKU!

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* Here it comes!

*WOOORRPP…

*Baku is lifted and pulled up again towards Julio who reels up and powerful hit aimed for Baku with the intent of finishing him off.

[Badass Julio]: Hehe... See ya later!

[Baku Cree]: No, you don't!

*CLASH!!!

*The fist of the two fighters collides with a big bang. The force of energy from the attack shakes the spectator stands and releases a surge of power felt by some of the spectators.

[Queen Anastasia Cree]: Did you feel that pressure, my love? Despite all of the matches we've watched today, that was the most Soul Energy output in one singular instance in the entirety of the tournament...

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Yes... However, that didn't come specifically from Baku alone...

[Prince Majorku]: That was quite impressive...

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Did all of what we just felt come from those two idiots simply colliding with eachother?

[Prince Majorku]: Indeed, it was... It seems this fight is just getting started.

[Badass Julio]: *Struggling* *Ugh* ... What the hell? How'd you stop my attack!? Is this thing still working!?

[Barrtio]: Whoa! Baku didn't get his face slammed again!

[Finn]: How did he do that!?

[Millia Grendar]: I'm still confused as to how Julio's pushing and pulling him around like that using a pair of gloves!?

[Leonidas Quark]: *Nervous* ... I... I can tell you…

[Barrtio]: *Freaking out* What the hell!? Leo what are you doing here!?

[Finn]: Yeah, how long have you been sitting there!?

[Leonidas Quark]: *Nervous* I-I've been here the whole time! And... Baku got me a ticket to watch him fight in the games…

[Finn]: Oh, that's nice.

[Millia Grendar]: You were saying something about explaining those gloves?

[Leonidas Quark]: *Nervous* Uhhh... hehehe... You see…

*Baku continues to fight Julio Avarez up close and as he tries to land heavy blows with the use of his golden gloves. The time dwindles down to less than five minutes remaining and the duel gets intense as the teen boys attempt to beat down the other using their unique fighting styles.

*Baku strikes Julio with many blows and the adversary attempts to push Baku away and reel him in for his own devastating attacks. However, Baku also manages to defend himself from the dangerous strikes and even lands on his feet more often than not when being forcefully repelled by the mysterious power coming from Juilo's powered gloves to return blows to his opponent.

[Announcer]: JUST LOOK AT THEM GO, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! THESE TWO MONSTERS ARE JUST UNLEASHING WHAT SEEMS TO BE YEARS OF ANGER AND RAGE AT EACH OTHER AS IF THERE IS A DEEPER MEANING BEHIND THIS FIGHT! HOWEVER, BAKU SEEMS TO BE SLOWING DOWN AS HE STILL MUST FIND A WAY TO OVERCOME MR. AVAREZ’S ABILITY TO AVOID AND REPEL HIS ATTEMPTS TO LAND A SOLID BLOW!

[Leonidas Quark]: The gloves Mr. Avarez is equipped with are built with a function of sensing the enemies Soul Energy, locking onto it, and attracting or repelling it with great force…

[Nicolatrice Cree]: Attracting and repelling?

[Millia Grendar]: You mean like a magnet or something?

[Leonidas Quark]: *Nervous* Hahaha! Yeah, exactly like that! Each glove is designed to either push or pull a target based on how their Soul Energy is reacting to the users with the use of Soul Inhibitors!

[Barrtio]: Soul In-what-ators?

[Finn]: Can you try again with less nerd jargin or something?

[Leonidas Quark]: *Sigh*... Okay... A Soul Inhibitor is a device that is powered by the users Soul Energy and in turn is able to either manipulate and even nullify the enemies Soul Energy. The way Julio is using it is like the north and south poles of a magnet. He's using it to repel Baku, avoiding his attacks, as well as attract Baku into his attacks…

[Nicolatrice Cree]: That's ridiculous!

[Barrtio]: How can anything like that exist!?

[Finn]: Seriously, how does one get a hold of such a weapon!?

[Leonidas Quark]: Well... Parts for Soul Inhibitors can be bought and sold separately in technology and machinery stores... Then, with the proper skill, they can be equipped to any type of weapon the user designs to be compatible with it…

[Millia Grendar]: Leo, I get that you're like, a genius or something... But how do you know so much about Julio's weapons?

[Leonidas Quark]: Because... Well... I... I invented them!

[Barrtio and Finn]: WHAT!? DUDE, ARE YOU CRAZY!? DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH TROUBLE YOU PUT BAKU IN!?

[Leonidas Quark]: I'm sorry! Mr. Avarez forced me to make them!

[Barrtio]: Geez, ever hear of "no means no", Leo!?

[Finn]: For real, Baku's getting his ass kicked because of you! And that poor guy from earlier! He got real messed up because of your inventions, Leo!

[Leonidas Quark]: I said I'm sorry! Besides, what am I supposed to do!? You all know I like to engineer things!

[Millia Grendar]: *Sigh* Geez, well there's nothing we can do now except hope that Baku can manage a win out of this one…

*Baku and Julio brutalize each other as the time ticks down to three minutes remaining. Baku tries to land powerful hits straight to his opponent’s face, but the height comparison between the two is so great that Baku either misses or his attacks are blocked by Julio's longer arms equipped with magnetized power gloves.

*Julio proceeds to smack Baku around like a ragdoll, all while pulling him into attack strings by stunning and locking up his body with combos that are near unescapable. Julio knees Baku in the groin, yanks his hair and punches him in the face, and roundhouse kicks him onto the ground sending him sliding across the floor beaten senseless.

[Baku Cree]: *bleeding profusely* ... *Struggling for breath* .......... Damn it… How is it that I'm hitting you as hard as I can with my gauntlets, but you aren't going down!? I’ve been training like crazy in order to win this tournament, but this dumbass isn’t freaking budging!

[Badass Julio]: HAHAHA!!! What’s the matter, Baku!? You look confused! How come I get the feeling that you weren’t expecting me to be this awesome! C’mon, man… Did you really think you and a couple other people would be the only ones to control their Soul Energy? Get real, dude! Anyone can train enough to beat the World Guardian! HAHAHA!!! EVEN ME!

[Baku Cree]: … No way… You don’t mean…

[Badass Julio]: That’s right! I’ve been training my own Soul Energy for as long as I can remember! I trained endlessly, meditated for hours and worked out like crazy with personal trainers every day! And because of it, I’ve always been able to be as badass as I can be!

[Baku Cree]: ………

[Badass Julio]: Thanks to my power, I’ve been able to do anything! My mile and a half is barely ten minutes. My pushups and sit ups are in the hundreds! And I’m an absolute beast at sports like dodgeball! To top off all of that, I get to be the big dog in the High University! No one can even dream of stepping up to me, because I’m the strongest badass in the school!

[Badass Julio]: Nerds and losers, such as yourself, have no chance of competing with the likes of me! And after I get that sword, I’ll be freakin’ unstoppable! I’ll crush all of the weaklings and then make my way to be feared by even the idiots at Dumbass Badass school! …And then… That old man up there will finally learn to show me some goddamn respect!!!

*Julio points out to the crowd of people spectating the match. He’s pointing to a man with short hair and a scar covering his left eye wearing a long black jacket. The man looked completely unamused and even sneered when Julio pointed him out.

[Mr. Avarez]: *Displeased* Hm...

[Badass Julio]: *Shouting* Once I finally win this stupid tournament, my pops will have no choice but to finally respect me! That’s what all of my hard work has been leading up to this point! My perfect grades, my perfect training, my perfect style and composure! Everything I’ve done since mom died has been so I can prove to him that I can be strong on my own, and not rely on his poor excuse of a parent!

[Badass Julio]: That bastard’s put me through so much shit since third grade, that I don’t even remember the last time I either laughed or cried! After I get that sword, it’s only up from here, and when I get there, I can finally do whatever I want as I please!

[Baku Cree]: ……… *Deeply inhales* ………. *Shouting* YOU STUPID DUMBASS!!! Soul Energy isn’t supposed to be used to bully others! That’s all you’ve been doing for all these years! You’ve forced people into the doing your bidding, but that doesn’t make you any stronger because you aren’t the one doing any of the work! Soul Energy is used to protect the ones you love and defend whatever cause you stand for! What you’re doing is tyrannical because your suppressing other people to get ahead!

[Baku Cree]: That’s not how you grow as a person! You’re no better than any other dumbass who thinks they’re hot shit just because they’re tougher than everyone else! But you have to understand that using other people to acquire your own personal benefit isn’t living independently! You’re still relying on other people to fix your problems for you instead of facing them yourself, you jackass!!!

[Badass Julio]: …… *Grrr* ……...!!! WH-WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST SAY!? DON’T THINK SOME SPEECH IS GOING TO MAKE ME SEE ON THE SAME LEVEL AS FIELD SCUM!!! YOU SELF RIGHTEOUS LOSER, YOU CAN USE YOUR OWN SOUL ENERGY HOWEVER YOU PLEASE! AND I CHOOSE TO USE IT FOR MY OWN PERSONAL BENEFIT!!! SINCE YOU THINK YOU’RE BETTER THAN EVERYONE ELSE, MR. WORLD GUARDIAN, LET ME GIVE YOU A TASTE OF HUMBLE PIE!!!

*WOOORRRPPP…

[Baku Cree]: Oh crap! UUAAGGHH!

[Badass Julio]: EAT… THIS!!!

*BAM!!!

*Julio lands a heavy punch right onto Baku’s gut upon reeling him in using his magnet gloves, knocking all of the air out of him.

[Baku Cree]: *Struggling for breath* ……… U-ugh……. G-guh…….

*Baku collapses to the floor.

[Barrtio and Finn]: BAKU!!!

[Millia Grendar]: BAKU, PLEASE GET UP!

*The entire crowd stares in silence as the young boy lays messed up on the floor of the battlefield.

[Mikodo Danzer]: HAHAHA! THAT ASS IS GRASS!!! THERE'S NO WAY HE'S COMING BACK FROM THAT! HAHAHA!!!

[Prince Majorku]: Baku…

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Are you serious!?

[Halenday Medellon]: That poor boy…

[Mitsune Akamiko]: I mean, I've seen and done some shit, but damn…

[Ms. Cardell]: *Holding back tears* .........

[Guidance Counselor Mrs. Alina]: ......... Oh... My... Goddess...

[Mr. Yarish]: ......... *Burp* ... Oh shit...

[Princess Savannah]: .........

[Queen Anastasia Cree]: ......... Is this it?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: .........

[Announcer]: *Speaking into microphone* ...I-I don't think he's getting back up, ladies and gentlemen... I think we have a winner…

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Crying* ... Baku...

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* ... I... can't get up... This is it... isn't it? I'm sorry... Everyone... I just wasn't strong enough… after all…

*Chime!!

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* No… God, stop... I can't keep going... This isn't a simulator anymore... If I get up, he's gonna fucking kill me…

*Chime!!!

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* I know that! But he's just too powerful... No amount of training would have prepared me for this…

*Chime!!!!!!

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* You stupid idiot! I know what's at stake! But the odds just aren't in my favor! What am I supposed to do, huh!?

*Chime!!

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* Wait a minute... You might be onto something... This whole time, I've just been angrily trying to punch him... And in return, been getting punched back or sent flying here and there... I have to try out something else... I still might have a chance…

[Badass Julio]: HAHAHA!!! I GUESS THAT MEANS I--

[Baku Cree]: Hold up, just one glue eatin’ second…

[Badass Julio]: HUH!?!? HOW THE HELL ARE YOU STILL STANDING!?!?

[Baku Cree]: *Smiles* Come on, is that all you got? I’ve taken worse birthday punches from Barrtio!

[Badass Julio]: YOU LITTLE BASTARD! YOU FIELD PEASANTS ARE ANNOYINGLY PERSISTENT!!!

[Barrtio and Finn]: C’MON BAKU, WIN THIS ONE FOR THE LITTLE GUY!!!

[Millia Grendar]: Please, Baku... I know you can do this… *Slightly squeezes Baku’s doll*

[Leonidas Quark]: ... B-Baku…

[Princess Savannah]: *Intrigued* Hmmm...

[Halenday Medellon]: I can't believe my eyes... Baku’s stood back up even after all of the damage he’s sustained throughout this battle… This... is utterly fascinating… If all of this pain is what the World Guardian is capable of taking, then surely, he can do even more, right? This information will be absolutely crucial for my notes about him...

[Mitsune Akamiko]: Wow! Baku’s just not giving’ up! How super heroey of him!

[Mikodo Danzer]: WHAT THE CRAP!? BREAK HIS DAMN NECK, JULIO!!!

[Prince Majorku]: ... Baku... You have to do this…

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: *Thinking to herself* ... He's completely torn and mangled... However, he's still standing... Is this just insanity or is this the strength of the World Guardian!?

[Queen Anastasia Cree]: .........

[King Jeremiah Cree]: .........

[Nicolatrice Cree]: ... Baku... Please…

[Announcer]: HOLD YOUR HORSES LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!! IT SEEMS BAKU CREE IS STILL STANDING, SO HE'S NOT OUT YET! HOWEVER, THERE'S ONLY ONE MINUTE REMAINING! IF EITHER CONTENDANT DOESN'T WIN NOW, THEY'LL BOTH BE DISQUALIFIED!

[Baku Cree]: Let's end this here and now... Julio Avarez!

[Badass Julio]: You piece of crap! You asked for it!

[Baku Cree]: I have to switch forms, unequip Gauntlets and give me... Crystal... BOOTS!

*The golden gauntlets disappear in a burst of green crystals and are instead switched with a pair of large golden boots.

[Baku Cree]: Okay, let's do this!

[Badass Julio]: You think just because you put on a new pair of shoes, you stand a better chance of beating me!? Don't make me laugh!!! I'll break your legs, then take that stupid crystal around your neck for myself!

[Baku Cree]: This crystal is my strength! And the necklace attached to it is the symbolization of the unbreakable bond me and my mother share! If you want to take this from me, you'll have to pry from my cold dead hands!

[Badass Julio]: ......... Your bond... with.... YOUR MOTHER!? CRY ME A FREAKIN RIVER, YOU DON'T DESERVE THAT CRYSTAL OR SOMEONE TO CALL A MOTHER AS MUCH AS I DO YOU LITTLE SHIT!!! NOW GET OVER HERE AND DIE ALREADY!!!

[Baku Cree]: IT'S TIME TO ACT NOW!

*Without hesitating, using his crystal boots, Baku jumps high into the air.

[Badass Julio]: YOU CAN'T ESCAPE ME FROM ALL THE WAY UP THERE YOU IDIOT! SOUL ATTRACTION!!!

*WOOORRRPPP…

[Baku Cree]: *Shouting* YOU FELL FOR IT, DUMB BASTARD! HAVE A TASTE OF MY: CRYSTAL... BIG FOOT!!!

[Badass Julio]: *Freaking out* WH-WHAT THE HELL!? HE WAS DOING AN ATTACK!?

*The power coming from the magnet gloves by the use of its owner, reeled Baku into the true target. Baku is pulled in at high speed crash landing right onto Julio Avarez with the full force of his golden stomp attack.

*CRRRAAASSSHHH!!!

[Badass Julio]: AAAUUUGGGHHH!!!

*Julio Avarez is crushed straight into the floor cracking it and leaving a wide hole in his wake.

*Julio Avarez lays in defeat on the shattered surface of the battlefield. A giant foot print imprinted on his face left his nose messed up and teeth knocked on the ground, and his iconic shades completely shattered...

[Baku Cree]: *breathing heavily* ............ You... are done... being a douche... got it...?

*Baku pulls off the gloves from Julio and crushes them with his boots. The crowd stares in complete awe and silence.

[Announcer]: ... I-I... I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! BAKU CREE, WITH ALL OF THE ODDS STACKED AGAINST HIM, DEFEATS JULIO AVAREZ!!!

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

[Barrtio and Finn]: *Crying tears of joy* OH MY GODDESS! BAKU WON!!! OUR BOY WON!!!

[Millia Grendar]: *Cheering loudly* Yes! Yes! Yes!

[Nicolatrice Cree]: ......... *Smiles* *Teary eyed* ......... Baku, you did it…

[Halenday Medellon]: Wow... That was... *Blushing* Absolutely stunning…

[Princess Savannah]: My little brother did it... He overcame his wall…

[Prince Majorku]: *Smiles* Good job... Baku…

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: That was... pretty good, Hero Boy…

[Guidance Counselor Mrs. Alina]: Holy hell... Why in the world do we celebrate this nonsense?

[Ms. Cardell]: *In awe* Wow... That was incredible...

[Mr. Yarish]: WOOOHOOO!!! I TOLD YOU HE COULD DO IT!!! I ALWAYS DID!!! HAHAHA!!! Hey barkeep, next rounds on me!

[Crowd of people]: *Cheering* Hooray!!!

*The medical responders appear to take Julio Avarez to the infirmary.

[Mikodo Danzer]: AWWW COME ON!!!! WHAT KINDA BULL WAS THAT!? SCREW THIS, I'M OUTTA HERE!

[Badass Goons]: W-wait for us, Sub-Boss!

[Mitsune Akamiko]: Baby! Wait, where are you going?

*Lady Akamiko follows Mikodo outside of the V.I.P area.

[Barrtio]: *Ugh* Just leave him alone, Lady Akamiko…

[Queen Anastasia Cree]: Well then, that was a surprise, don't you agree sweetheart?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: I have to admit, I had my doubts at one point... But, after that final attack... Baku's proved me wrong about him... Good job, my son…

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

*Baku raises his arm victoriously.

[Baku Cree]: *Smiling* Hey guys, check it out! I did it! I didn't die!

[Crowd of people]: That was pretty cool! Yeah, even I gotta admit, that kid won my fan mail! Seriously, like what his name again? Uhh... I think it was Kaku? No, it was Baku! Yeah, he's the World Guardian! Give it up for Baku! BAKU! BAKU! BAKU! BAKU!

[Baku Cree]: *Smiling* Whoa, there all cheering for me! This is awesome! I haven't even won the tournament yet!

[Halenday Medellon]: Looks like our little Baku's not only become a man, but also won over the favor of the crowd!

[Princess Savannah]: Yeah! This is great! Aren't you happy too, mommy?

[Nicolatrice Cree]: Yes... I can't put into words how proud I am of him... My child... Baku…

[Millia Grendar]: Now Baku just has to win the finals!

[Finn]: Yeah, I wonder who he'll end up meeting there!

*Baku returns to the waiting room.

[Prince Majorku]: That was a good display of your training, little brother. I’m glad you managed to pull a win out of that one!

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Congratulations on almost not dying, Hero Boy…

[Baku Cree]: Thanks guys! I can’t believe I made it to the finals! One more game and I’ll get that sword! *Thinking to himself* I hope you watched me win, Mr. Luke… That one was for you guys after all...

*Meanwhile, in the infirmary, Julio Avarez, begins to come to after his defeat.

[Badass Julio]: *Groggingly* Ugghh… What the hell... God damn it… I can’t believe I let that bastard slam me like that in front of the whole kingdom… I was… so freaking close to… Everything I’ve worked on for years… My training, my grades, my street cred… All of it... Was trampled on… in just ten minutes … *Snniiff* Damn it! This isn’t fair! … Huh!?

*Julio’s father enters the infirmary.

[Mr. Avarez]: ………

[Badass Julio]: What the hell do you want, old man? Are you here to gloat about how you were right about me not being strong enough to win? Well, save it… I don’t wanna hear your crap, alright!? A deal’s a deal… When I’m outta here, I’m packin’ my bags and bunkin with Danzer! So, save your condescending comments, will ya!?

[Mr. Avarez]: Julio!

[Badass Julio]: !!!

[Mr. Avarez]: The loss you’ve sustained today shouldn’t change or hinder your goals for true strength! That boy in the stadium made it extremely clear as to why you would be defeated, and it was because instead of relying on your own might, you crutched yourself on the labors of others! If you don’t take this lesson to heart, you will only remain to be weak!

[Mr. Avarez]: In order to become stronger from here, you must first learn to sacrifice the pride and hubris that blinds you with the facade of your power! To begin this, you must change your ways! I raised you to be strong and unfeeling, and that clearly didn’t work. So, I’ll leave it up to you to decide how you move forward from here!

[Badass Julio]: ……… Ever since mom got sick and died, you dragged me through the mud every single day with your bull crap military exercises, and your dumbass chores… You made your short comings my problems saying it was training to prepare me to be a real man, because the real world doesn’t wait for the weak…

[Mr. Avarez]: ……..

[Badass Julio]: BUT IF THAT’S TRUE THEN WHY DID I LOSE TO BAKU!? All I ever did was train my ass off and get stronger everyday! So, if I lost to a piece of field trash like him, does that make me weak, even after all of this time and effort!? What was all of my work for if it surmounted to nothing in the end!?

[Mr. Avarez]: The difference between you and the World Guardian, is that beyond his strength is a will that crushes yours in terms of what the goals you aimed to achieve in winning this tournament! Your whole intention was to get stronger in order to prove me wrong in my ways of raising you, when you should have been focused on demonstrating how you already were strong as a person to begin with, whether you acquired a lousy sword or not.

[Mr. Avarez]: All you did today, was prove how weak you are mentally compared to the boy who defeated you. If my respect was the final goal you were aiming for, then you just missed your shot. Your performance today was nothing to write home about…

[Badass Julio]: ……….

[Mr. Avarez]: But, if your mother was alive to watch you today… Knowing her, she would be proud of whatever man you ended up becoming in the end… I just wish my mistakes in the military wouldn’t have led to her life slipping away before our eyes all of those years ago… So, for that, and the way I raised you afterwards… I’m sorry for not being better…

[Badass Julio]: Pops… *Siigghh* …

*Julio stares at his smashed pair of shades held in his hands, longingly thinking about his future. How will he go about getting stronger now that everything he's worked for has no value? Perhaps he will find something to fight for. Perhaps he'll find someone to fight for.

*Regardless of what it turns out to be, Julio Avarez now has to figure out how he will go about walking the path he chooses for the rest of his young life.