Cherreads

Chapter 45 - Fallen Heroes (Chap 43)

Synopsis: Ranma has finally revealed his Last Trump Card. Will Daryl survive? Meanwhile, Light finally urges to Tasuku to allow him to use the SuperWeapon...

The battle was absolutely shocking as Vile Ranma unveils Destroyer's Final Form. Everyone is absolutely horrified while Vile Ranma smirks in Hate. And of all people who are scared most, Hou is the one as sweats run down his face.

Hou: There it is...The same Destroyer from my vision...

Garga: Oh No...Did he absorb even more power?

Vile Ranma: Daryl, Daryl, Daryl. You never cease to amaze me. You are Brave for applying a rush tactic. {cold-hearted} But also very foolish...

Daryl: Tch...

Vile Ranma: You won't win against me. Not in a million years. I will be the best fighter in Malaysia. And you won't be around to see it.

Daryl prepares his stance, but he also quite scared deep down as his expression shows stern & fear.

OP: Silhouette.

Vile Ranma continues his turn...

Vile Ranma: Vanity End Destroyer. No Size. 70000 power. 1000 defense. A critical of 2. He has triple attack. When Vanity End Destroyer enters play, all of my deck and my hand to his soul. Face Down.

As mentioned, his cards goes to Destroyer's Soul. Everyone is shocked!!!

Masato: All of them???

Garga: Impossible!!!

Amaterasu: Including the two hand cards, he now has a total amount of 22 cards in its soul.

Gwen: But I don't understand. Normally the game ends when your deck is out of cards. So why didn't the game end?

Vile Ranma: Even when my deck is out of cards, as long as Vanity End Destroyer is here, I remain standing in game.

Daryl: [Then this means I only need to wipe out his life points. Funny, he can only attack three times since Lostless Buster cannot attack. ] Okay. Bring it on!!!

Vile Ranma: Vanity End Destroyer. Annihilate Cross Farnese Astrologia!!!

Destroyer: I shall grant that wish.

Destroyer fires lasers through his other forms from above. The lasers are being fired at random directions before hitting the latter. Luckily, Cross revives.

Daryl: Are you okay???

Cross: Yes, I'm okay.

Vile Ranma: Double Attack!!!

Destroyers fires again and destroyed Cross...

Daryl: CROSS!!!

Vile Ranma: Triple attack. 

7 life left.

Vile Ranma: My turn is over.

Daryl earlier got knocked down but he was able to get back up on his two feet. His face is a bit wrecked.

Daryl: Vanity End Destroyer. So this is what Light was talking about...Anyhow, I must win. MY TURN.

Vile Ranma: Vanity End Destroyer's ability!!!

Destroyer: Dimension Door, Desist!!!

Everyone's surprised.

Vile Ranma: I have no cards in my deck. So I can't draw. Instead...

All of the soul cards went flying and reach in front of him in side by side format. The first row 10 cards. Another row is 10 and the last row is 2.

Vile Ranma: I select one card from my soul. Any card I want and add it to my hand. (Does So)

Daryl: Say What?

Masato: He can add whatever card he wants to his hand???

Agito: But that's just against the basic laws of Buddyfight.

Vile Ranma: Who Needs Luck when you can Decide? I am in charge of my destiny. And I shall overwrite those who dare to face me. 

Daryl: Whatever card you got, it won't matter. You only have one card left and I will still beat you. Draw. Charge & Draw. I call Cross Farnese Astrologia to the center once again.

Cross appears.

Daryl: Cross, I'm counting on you. Defeat Vanity End Destroyer.

Cross: On it. (Attacks)

20 cards left. And thanks to piercing penetrate attack, Ranma has 1 life left. 

Daryl: Double attack.

Cross: This will end you. (Attacks)

Again, the attack was hit. 19 cards left. Finally, the penetrate strikes forth and Ranma finally hits 0 life has he gets knocked down to the ground.

Ion: OH MY. Vile Ranma finally hits 0 life.

But something's wrong. Silence fills the room and the game is...still ongoing??? Vile Ranma slowly gets back up. Everyone's surprised.

Vile Ranma: You should have seen your face. I told you. I am in charge of my destiny. And my destiny is to not LOSE.

Daryl: But...How?

Vile Ranma: I told you. As long as Vanity End Destroyer is here, I remain standing in the game. Even if you wipe out my life points, I remain invincible.

Daryl: {Shocked} No Way!!!

Hou: {Terrified} Oh No...That means...

Garga: Unless he destroys Vanity End Destroyer Completely, Daryl will lose!!!

Daryl: That's Just Dirty. Why can't you fight me with Honour?

Vile Ranma: {Smirks} Honour? There's no such thing. Life isn't fair, and neither do I. I play by my own rules. And it's like you said, it's strategy.

Daryl: Tch...I don't have a choice. Barry!!!

Barry reduces his soul. And then Daryl attacks with Alnasl twice. He also used spells to increase the number of attacks. Eventually, it was down to 12 cards left and Daryl has 3 cards & 6 life left.

Daryl: (Bangs the board) It's no use, I can't destroy him.

Vile Ranma: Oh How Sad. I thought you're gonna win like you said. (Shrugs) Oh Well. Vanity End Destroyer's ability.

Destroyer: Dimension Door, Desist.

Vile Ranma once again adds a card to his hand.

Vile Ranma: Iregeit Delusion to the left.

Iregeit enters.

Vile Ranma: Cast. Dimension Jamming. Discard two cards from your hand. 

Daryl reluctantly discards...

Vile Ranma: Destroyer, Defeat Cross.

Destroyer fires his lasers and destroys Cross twice!!! 

Cross: Ahhhhh. (Destroyed)

Daryl & Hou: {Terrified} NOOOO!!!!

Vile Ranma: Destroy Him. Destroy Him. DESTROY HIM. SLASH TO RIBBONS. EVERYTHING!!!

Ire attacks twice. Leaving Daryl at 2 life. Iregeit strikes again. 

Daryl: Cast. Mars Barrier. (Blocks)

Hou: This is bad...He's out of hand cards. And Ranma has one last attack left.

Everyone's very worried.

Vile Ranma: Destroyer. Finish Him.

Destroyer launches one last attack. It was in slow motion as the lasers slowly hit him. Daryl was in wrecked mode as he looks down defeated. He then looks at Hou sadly for 5 seconds before taking the hit.

Daryl: [I'm sorry, Hou...]

Finally, the attack was dealt with, and the flag is down. 

Hou: NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Ion: {Terrified} Game End...the winner is Vile Ranma...Oh No...

Vile Ranma stands proudly with an evil smirk on his face. Meanwhile, Daryl is...fainted on the ground, wrecked. Cross comes out of his cards at once and checks on him.

Cross: Daryl. Daryl!!! Wake up!!! Daryl!!!

Hou: Garga. Get me down here.

Garga then transforms and carries Hou on his right arm and flies him down. When he reached, Hou immediately rushed in.

Hou: Is he Okay??? (Checks) Daryl. Wake Up. Please!!!

But the latter remains unconscious. Everyone else is completely devastated. 

Hou: No...

The Screen then slowly fades black. Suddenly, the next three hours, at the Buddy Card Office, Daryl is lying unconscious in a hospital ward. Cross is beside him, sad. Slowly, Daryl starts to wake up, much to his surprise.

Cross: Daryl? 

Daryl: Cross.

Cross: You're awake. Thank goodness. The Doctors said that you did not suffer any major injuries. They say you can leave anytime you want.

Daryl: What do you mean by injuries? What happened to Hou & Masato?

Cross: What are you talking about? You were there when you witnessed Hou...(realizes) It can't be...

Daryl looks at him with a confused look. The next day...

Hou: WHAT? 

It is revealed that at the main entrance, Cross explains the circumstances to the gang. Eden is also there, followed by a shocked Hou.

Cross: Keep it down. You're making a scene.

Hou: I know, but WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE LOST HALF OF HIS MEMORIES?

Cross: I don't know. When he woke up, he seemed fine. But for some reason, it's like he experienced some Amnesia...He only remembered until when Hou won in the Helping Hands Cup.

Daryl is just sitting on his bed, completely calm and also confused as he looks at his cards.

Masato: How is this...possible?

Cross: We don't know. The Doctors are looking into it right now. But it's going to take some time.

Gwen: I could be wrong, but do you think Destroyer has something to do with it?

Eden: That seems greatly plausible. 

Gavrail: Can't you use your fortune-telling to see when he gets better?

Cross: I did. But I couldn't see a thing. My fortune-telling was blocked for some reason. I don't even know how that's possible. In any case, I fear that if you visit him, he won't recognize you all. So please, I beg of you, go home for today. 

Hou: Oh...

Hou suddenly kneels down in defeat, much to everyone's shock. He starts crying. His eyes are blocked with shade. He is completely depressed.

Hou: It's all my fault. I should have stopped him while I still can. If only I told him about my vision, I could have at least tell him to forfeit so that he won't get into harms way. (Shivers) I should be the one suffering. Not Him.

Gwen: Hou...

Garga: (Pats him) Don't blame yourself. You did the right thing by helping him. But Destiny is cruel, as Ranma played a step ahead. 

Masato: (Pats him) Garga's right. It's not your fault, Hou. We didn't even know about Destroyer's new abilities.

But Hou did not respond as he feels angry at himself and continues to shiver.

Eden: (Gets in front & comforts him) They're right, Hou. Don't let Daryl's injury affect you. 

Gwen: (Hugs him) There, there. Everything's going to be okay.

Hou wipes off his tears and lets out a sigh. While all of this is going on, Light & Geil, who are really far away, watch them from afar in worry. They walk away into the Elevator and reach the basement.

Light: This is getting out of hand...Daryl suffered twice and that means Hou is next.

Geil: Yes...This is really Bad.

Light: Grrr....We should be at the frontlines. I should be the one handling Destroyer. I need to stop him before anyone gets hurt.

Geil: But Light, you know Commissioner's Orders...

Light: Screw that!!! I'm handling this myself. (Runs off)

Geil: Wait!!! (Follows Him)

At the Lab, where the Superweapon is located, Light Barges in, and Geil follows him, attempting to stop him.

Geil: Light!!! 

Light: There's No Time. (Reaches the keyboard) I'm going to use the superweapon. No...The Anti-Lost Weapon!!! I'm going to use it and bring Destroyer down to his knees. (Nearly touches the keyboard.)

???: What are you doing?

Tasuku & Jack enter.

Light: Commissioner.

Tasuku: You're not supposed to be here unless under my permission. 

Light: Let me use the Anti-Lost Weapon!!!

Tasuku: Huh?

Light: Let Me Use the Weapon to Defeat Destroyer. I can't let any more innocent people suffer.

Tasuku: You know what I said. You're not allowed to use the Superweapon. 

Light: It's Hou, isn't it?

Tasuku: What?

Light: You're gonna let Hou use the Superweapon, aren't you? After all, why else would you want me to test him that day? And why else would you gave him new cards? It's Always Hou this. Always Hou That. You always placed your faith in him. Why can't you give me a chance?

Tasuku: Light...I...

Light: But let me tell you this. Hou is not worthy. He's strong, but He's reckless. I've seen it firsthand. He wouldn't want to hurt his best friend on top of that.

Tasuku: Then answer me this. Isn't what you're doing the same thing? Reckless?

Light: (Struggling) I...

Tasuku: While I agree that what you said is correct, I still cannot allow it. Children should be enjoying their lives instead of bearing the burden of handling bigger responsibilities. It is the adults's Job to make sure of that.

Light: But Hou is...

Tasuku: Different. He himself proved that he's worthy. I was really reluctant at first, but in the end, he passed in front of our own two eyes.

Jack: The cards we gave him? He earned it. We saw potential in him and he continues to grow every day. Thus, like so.

Light: {Desperate} Then Why Not Test Me? You know as well as I do that I have the larger experience. He just got lucky, you know it.

Tasuku: Light. I will not discuss this any further. Leave right now, or I will call security.

Light: Grrr.

Tasuku then pats his left shoulder and leaves him be. Jack follows, and when they pass Geil, they look each other in the eye for a split second before leaving. Light is still there, standing, really angry. But then...

Tasuku: Do you really want to use the weapon that badly?

Light: (Turns around) Huh? 

Tasuku: Then perhaps, like you said, consider it a test. If you beat me, the Anti-Lost Weapon will be yours.

Light: Ah? (Smiles) Deal.

Immediately, the fight stage is set. However, this will be a private match.

Light: Luminize. Cursed Knights.

Tasuku: Luminize. Future Dragoner.

Both: Open the flag.

Light: Darkness Dragon World.

Tasuku: Star Dragon World.

Light: I will go first. Draw. Charge & Draw. Set Spell. Sentence of Curse.

Once again, the cursed puzzle is set, and Tasuku looks at it, unfazed.

Light: Belze to the center. Cast. Curse Destruction. (Destroys Belze and reveals Geil) Alright, begin.

1 card.

Light: 2 cards. 3 cards. Belze's effect increases my life and my opponent must discard a hand card. 

Tasuku does so in calm.

Light: Cast. Underration. Geil returns to my hand. (Does So) I gain 2 gauge, 2 life. (Does So) I buddycall Black Dragon Knight, Geil to the center.

Geil: (Appears) Light. Fight to your heart's content.

Light: I equip Geilblade. (Stabs the ground) Due to the effect, 4 cards. My turn is over.

Jack: Just like that time, he's going to use this tactic to beat us. 

Tasuku: But it won't be that easy to beat, sadly. My turn. With Sentence of Curse's effect, 5 cards. (Does So) Draw. Charge & Draw. I buddycall Star Dragoner, Jackknife to the right.

Jack: (Appears) Right.

Tasuku: Jack's ability activate. Jack arms, J Igniter to his soul.

Both: Crossnize!!!

Crossnize Sequence.

Narrator: Rule Shift. Variant Form. All Devices Engaged. FCS Active. Load Finished.

Jack: Ignite Blade!!!

Tasuku: V Gradation, Quantum Ruler to the left. 

Quantum Ruler appears. 

Tasuku: With its effect, I gain 1 gauge & draw. Now I call Jackarms, J Enhancer to the center. (Does So) Once Again, Crossnize!!!

Jack Crossnizes again.

Jack: Enhance Blaster.

Tasuku: Cast. DragonArms Produce!!! I discard 3 cards from my deck. Any Dragonarms revealed will increase my gauge & life by 1.

2 is revealed. 13 life & 4 gauge left.

Tasuku: I equip J Star Saber. (Does So) Due to the effect, I place J Arsenal to Jack's soul. Quantum Ruler. Attack Geil.

Quantum ruler destroys Geil.

Light: Geil's ability activates. 6 cards.

Tasuku's flag is cursed, and now he's on the offensive. 12 life left.

Tasuku: Jack!!!

Jack: Leave it to me. (Attacks)

Tasuku: With J Enhancer in the soul, I draw a card every time Jack attacks.

Jack: With a critical of 4. 

Light: Cast. Black Dragon Shield. 

Jack: Double attack. Arsenal Fleet. (Shoots)

Light: (Hit) Dah.

5 life left.

Tasuku: My turn is over. 

Light: Tch...[I will win. I will prove that I'm worthy. If Hou can do it, then so can I.]

Meanwhile, Hou is sitting in his room, contemplating life. He looks up at the ceiling, and then suddenly, he gains an idea as his expression becomes light-bulbed. Back to the fight.

Light: Draw. Charge & Draw. Geilblade's ability. 7 cards. Geil to the center.

Geil appears, and his ability eliminates Jack's Soul.

Light: Cast. Abyss Symphony. (Draws) And I cast. Soul Steal. (Gain 2 gauge) Black Dragon Knight, Arbol to the left. (Arbol appears) Due to the effect, I gain 1 life and draw a card. Black Dragon Knight, Zest to the right.

Zest: (Appears) Give me commands.

Light: Geil. Attack Jack. 

Geil defeats Jack, but the latter revives. Jack only has J Igniter & J Enhancer in the soul. 

Light: Zest. Attack Quantum Ruler.

Hit.

Light: Arbol doesn't have enough power. But I don't mind. My turn is over.

Tasuku: You know Light. I can see you're desperate to prove yourself. Tell me, are you really ready to bear the burden? Are you prepared to put yourself on the line?

Light: Well, I...

Tasuku: I've seen your work progress. You're usually not into Buddy Police Work, such as Surveillance. You think I wouldn't see through your act?

Light: If I wasn't into it, then I wouldn't be here, wouldn't I?

Tasuku: Perhaps. But I know you want to use the weapon to also prove you're better than Hou himself.

Light: So What if I am?

Tasuku: It's simple. Hou changed his tactics, learned from his mistakes, and persevered through the chaos. You, however, you're completely opposite. What have you done to change? What makes you think you have the right to wield the superweapon?

Light: {Angry} Grr...Enough About Hou. I don't want to be rude, but you sound like you're sucking up to him, and it's getting annoying. You're facing Me, Light Kurouzu. I don't want to hear you comparing me to him.

Tasuku remains calm before letting out a sigh.

Tasuku: You're right. I've said enough. Draw. Charge & Draw. Star Saber's effect. J Arsenal to Jack's soul. Once again, Quantum Ruler to the left. (Increase resources) Quantum Ruler.

Quantum Ruler Attacks & Destroys Geil.

Light: Geil's ability activates. 9 cards.

Tasuku: My turn is over.

Light: WHAT? Just one attack?

Tasuku: Go Ahead. Prove yourself.

Light: Grrr...You'll be sorry that you've done that. Draw. Charge & Draw. Geilblade's ability activate. 10 cards. Cast. A Curse Knight's Hex. 

Light draws 2, and Tasuku discards 2.

Light: Geil to the center. (Geil appears) [I have Curse destruction in my hand. But...chances of Geil appearing are quite slim...Screw it. ] Cast. Curse Destruction!!!

Geil is destroyed, and the top 2 cards are revealed. One being a spell, much to Light's Dismay. While this occurs, Tasuku watches the latter in calm. Light struggles to keep calm as he's feeling very anxious.

Light: [Geil...I need you...]

The last card is Geil, much to Light's Delight. Thus...

Light: 11. 12. 13. And with Geil's ability, 14 cards. I told you I have the larger experience. Zest. Attack Quantum Ruler.

Quantum Ruler got eliminated.

Light: Funny. I don't have to rely on Geil to attack you. My turn is over. And thus here it comes.

The last card is being placed...

Light: Under the twilight of Darkness, your destiny has been sealed. This is the last card, and Darkness shall swallow you whole.

The Last Card fills the puzzle. It's officially complete, and the flag is fully blackened out. The puzzle disappears and the flag suddenly....Shatters to Pieces.

Light: {Excited} Nice One. I win the Game.

Tasuku: Pride goes before a fall.

Light: Huh?

Tasuku: This game isn't over yet. I sacrifice J Arsenal and drop a hand card and cast...Star Jack Revival.

Suddenly, the Flag is being repaired??? Light was shocked.

Tasuku: Until your turn begins, I cannot lose the game.

Light: {Shocked} N...No Way!!!

Tasuku: I've seen your fighting style, and you think I wouldn't do a thing about it? I told you, you're not ready to bear the burden yet. You still have a long way to go, my pupil.

Light: I...

Tasuku: {Serious} Time's Up. I have a game to win.

ED: Hello, By Zabon.

Hou: Commissioner is about to win his match. I have an idea on how to revive Daryl's Memories. A lot of things are happening, but let's just say "Back to Basics" is going to be wicked. Join us for a Buddyfight. 

Story End.

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