Cherreads

Chapter 46 - Back to Basics (Chap 44)

Synopsis: Tasuku vs Light. Daryl regaining memories. Hou's training once again and then Destroyer's new gifts. Things are happening and who knows when it's gonna stop.

OP: Silhouette.

The fight is still ongoing and it's now Tasuku's Turn. With Light's Specialty being defeated in place, How will he defeat his apprentice.

Tasuku: Draw. Charge & Draw. Rainbow Vision ShadowScare to the left. 

Shadow Scare: Okay Master.

Tasuku: J Star Saber's effect. I move J Igniter to the soul. Right, Let's power up. Golden Dragoner, Jackknife to the right.

Jack immediately transform into his Golden form, and double equipping J Igniters.

Tasuku: Jack. Attack Light.

Light: Cast. Curse Decline. Reduce Power & Critical.

Jack: It won't stop me. Double attack.

2 life left.

Light: I can still stop you. 

Tasuku: Final Phase.

Light: WHA?

Jack powers up as Gold Energy surrounds him big time, and together their combined energies create...

Tasuku: Impact!!! Jackknife....PUNISHER.

Punisher lands the blow, and All Light could do is watch powerlessly as the impact delivers his final strike. Finally, the flag is down. Light falls in defeat. Tasuku watches him sternly. The stage disappears.

Tasuku: I won the fight. I'm sorry, Light. (Walks away)

Light: You expected this, didn't you?

Tasuku: Hmm?

Light: You expected that this would occur, and that's why you tested Hou to see his worth. Further, you wanted both Ranma & Hou to win so that Hou could use the weapon. Is that why...you've been so calm and didn't allow me to take the chance?

Tasuku just stands there for 3 seconds before walking away. Light looks down in sadness. Geil then comes out of his card.

Light: I felt so weak...He's right, I'm not worthy...How...What can I do?

Geil looks at him for a while.

Geil: You can start by apologizing.

Light: (Looks up) Wha?

Geil: Your father is a world-class fighter. Apologize to him and ask him to teach you. 

Light: I...

Light looks at Geil with guilt, and the latter looks back seriously. Light then gets up and nods in agreement. Later at Tasuku's Office.

Tasuku: So it's finally time, huh?

Jack: Indeed. We've done our part. It's his turn now.

Tasuku: "I want you to do something about my rebellious son". Gaito has a weird way of saying things.

Geil: Tasuku & Jack. I thank you for everything.

Geil unmasks himself and reveals himself as Abygale, without the black hole.

Tasuku: Take care of yourself, Old Friend.

Later, back at the lab, Garga, the Gar Trio, Tasuku & Jack finally gather there.

Garga: Interesting. So this is the superweapon.

Jack: Yes.

Tasuku: (Hits a few keys) The moment the Tournament is over, we are going to take action and arrest Ranma & Destroyer.

Once the keys were hit, the Superweapon slowly disappears into blue sparkles. Bit by bit, it goes down and it transforms itself into the form of a sword in a buddyfight card. The card shows itself, and Tasuku takes it. Tasuku then takes it to Garga, who stands before him in calm.

Tasuku: As you are the Deity of Combat, followed by being the one who leads us against the War long ago, I entrust you & Hou Ren with this sword. Lend us your Aid once again.

Garga takes it and looks at it with seriousness.

Garga: It's possible that Destroyer & I will have to battle each other. Not in a buddyfight, but an actual battle with our lives on the line. Should this happen, however...

Garga imagines the Earth being doomed....

Garga: There would be Massive Casualties. I can't imagine how the Earth will handle the pressure...

Flashback End.

Garga: I don't have a choice. I have to battle Destroyer in the far reaches of time and space. Even if I'm victorious, It is likely that I'll never return. 

The Gar Trio is shocked.

Garcat: You're Serious, Master Garga?

Gardog: But you're Hou's buddy. This isn't right.

Garga: There's a reason why I brought you three along. No matter what, you must keep this a secret from Hou. (Shakes head) I don't want him to get caught in a larger mess than he already has.

Garbird: But...

Garga: Please. I'm begging you three. As my three loyal disciples...take care of Hou for me. 

Gar Trio looks at Garga with worry. And Tasuku & Jack react the same way. Later...

Hou: Whaddup Pals!!!

But the Awkward silence fills in, Garga stares down for some reason.

Hou: (Whispers) It's your turn now.

Garga: Huh? Oh Right. Today, we will bring you a special digest. A mashup of all of our previous videos.

The Gar Trio is filming it, but the mood is down...Everyone but Hou is completely down in the dumps...

Hou: This is for you, Daryl. You'd better be watching it.

At his Hospital Bed, Daryl watches it in calm. As the video plays, Cross looks at him with worry...

Daryl: Cross.

Cross: Yes?

Daryl: Do you remember that time I played Minecraft together with them? 

Cross: Yeah? (realizes) Wait!!!

Daryl: I can't believe I actually let go of this memorable moment. 

Cross: You mean? 

Daryl smiles at the latter, and Cross then jumps onto his bed in joy. Later, At Vile Ranma's Base...Vile Ranma was shocked upon hearing something.

Vile Ranma: What do you mean?

Destroyer: My powers have gradually grown stronger. The moment the next opponent faces me and falls, the damage that befalls the defeated...shall be even greater than before.

Vile Ranma: Then what will happen to Hou?

Destroyer: He will lose all of his memories.

Vile Ranma becomes shocked upon hearing this revelation. He then imagines himself with Hou, who... is completely in a blank state, meeting him.

Hou: Who...are you?

Vile Ranma: I'm Ranma. I'm your friend.

Hou: My...Friend? 

The imagination ends. Vile Ranma smirks.

Vile Ranma: Well, this ought to be fun. I'm more pumped than ever. I can't wait to win. And I will CLAIM. MY. DESTINY.

At Gwen's Cafe, everyone's celebrating Daryl's Recovery. Everyone is holding orange juice.

All: Cheers!!!

Masato: Congrats, Daryl!!!

Daryl: Sorry to make you all worry.

Eden: It would seem that Hou's Idea of awakening your memories with all of his videos worked like a charm.

Seiji: I'm surprised. Even though I have known you for some time, I had no idea you had an interest in a video channel. I'm sorry that I couldn't help out.

Daryl: No worries. Old Friend. Apology accepted.

Gwen & Amaterasu then come in with pepperoni pizzas.

Gwen: We got some Pizzas.

Amaterasu: They're on the house. In Honour of Daryl's Recovery.

All: Yay.

Everyone enjoys their pizza with a smile. Hou enjoys his pizza with a smile, too, but Garga isn't, which caught Hou's attention. Garga continues to look down.

Hou: Are you okay? The pizza will get cold.

Garga: (realizes) Oh. Pardon Me. Of course.

Hou continues to eat his pizza with a smile. Garga also watches him for a while before looking down in guilt & sadness. Everyone is having a good time. The next day, under a bright morning, Hou gets himself ready. He eats his breakfast, much to his mother's surprise as she walks in with her pajamas.

Hou's Mother: You're Up Early.

Hou: Morning. Thought I get ready for the day.

Hou's Mother: (Chuckles) You're in good spirits. What are you doing today?

Hou: Just hanging out with my friends. No Big Deal.

His Mother crosses her arms while looking down and responds with a sarcastic "Of course you are".

Hou: Something wrong?

Hou's Mother: It's really surprising to see my baby growing up. You have good friends, helped so many. It's like you're...drifting away.

Hou: Ma, relax. I'm still your son. Just because I have my own thing now doesn't mean I'm going anywhere.

Hou's Mother: (Walks forward) I know. (Hugs him) I'm just so proud of you. 

Hou reacts to the hug with a sad smile. Meanwhile, Garga secretly watches over them with a smile. Later, at a park, Hou & Garga train with each other in swordsmanship. Both swing their swords with grace & elegance. As they move, so does the wind. Their mood, their mind, sharp as a nail. And Hou's friends are nearby, watching them. Once it's done, they bowed, and Hou's friends applauded for their performance.

Garga: Good Form Today. Your swordsmanship has improved.

Hou: Thanks. I had to remain in top shape in order to beat Ranma.

Garga: Well Said. 

Eden: Funny. Seeing you two practicing swordsmanship is really fascinating.

Hou: Yeah, well, I got to do what I can, that's for sure.

Daryl: In that case, why not have a fight?

Hou: Huh?

Daryl: (Holds out his deck) I've been wanting to face you again on equal grounds. Even though I've trained with you, I felt that it was not enough to help you. But still, I want to return the favor. What do you say?

Hou watches it for a shock before smiling with serious confidence.

Thus, Hou & Daryl are facing each other. Cross in the center. Barry on the right. Alnasl is equipped. Meanwhile, Hou has Gargasabre equipped & Garga on the right. They both have 6 life points & 2 gauge. Daryl has 4 hand cards. Hou has 3. It's currently Daryl's Turn.

Daryl: Cross. Attack Garga.

Cross: Leave it to me. (Attacks)

Hou: Cast. Gargantua Blocker. Reduce Power. 

Cross: You still don't have enough power.

Hou: Which is why I cast Gar Energy to keep him safe.

Garga amps up and blocks Cross's attack with one arm.

Garga: 8000 defense.

Cross: Darn it.

Garga: And. Thanks to Gar Energy, Counterattack. 

Garga counterattacks on Cross by landing a sword punch. Cross revives with soulguard.

Hou: D G-EVO Activate. Change. Gargantua Dragon, Cyclone Mode.

Garga: (G-EVO) Cyclone Mode.

Hou: Destroy Barry & Cross.

Garga does so...Barry is out & Cross yells out loud while saying "Sorry Daryl...." before being destroyed.

Daryl: CROSS!!!

Masato: Whoa, Hou's not showing any signs of weakness.

Gwen: He destroyed both Barry & Cross without even trying.

Eden: All that's left is Alnasl, and thus Daryl can't use his impact or finish him off with it.

Daryl: Oh, Dear...My turn is over. {Impressed} [He's grown...] You know...

Hou: Hmm?

Daryl: The first time I fought you, you were a complete newbie. Now look at you, able to make it this far. 

Hou: But at what cost?

Daryl: {Surprised} Sorry?

Hou: {Regret} I'm glad I get to fight Ranma. But at the price of you losing? I mean...I usually don't have an issue, but in this case it's different.

Daryl: What do you mean?

Hou: I should have stopped you from fighting him. That way, you didn't have to suffer at the hands of losing half of your memories. If anything, (bows in regret) I'm sorry.

Daryl: {Surprised} Hou...

Everyone's quite surprised.

Daryl: Lift up your head.

Hou: Huh?

Daryl: It's not your fault. You helped prepare me for the worst. Besides, I'm not the type to refuse a challenge. If I just lose by default, that would mean I didn't lose earnestly. I would rather fight fair and square, even if it means suffering.

Hou: You...

Daryl: And you should too. After all, you always "stand high". Moving forward, no matter what. You're the Ace of Games, Hou. If this is how you are, then you're gonna experience the same thing.

Garga: I told him that too....He's right, Hou. Accept your guilt. Take it as an opportunity. Move forward nonetheless.

Hou hears this aloud. Slowly, he closes his eyes and reopens them with sheer bravery.

Hou: DRAW!!! CHARGE...AND...DRAW!!!

Everyone watches Hou in shock.

Hou: Garga. Let's win this right now. 

Garga: YES. 

Hou: High Spirits Garcat to the left.

Garcat: Let's win this, Cat. 

Hou: Successive Cast. Dragonic Charge Plus. Dragonic Grimoire. (Gain resources) Garga. Atta...

Daryl: Hold it. I cast. Notify: Immobilize Tactics, Garga cannot attack.

Garga's suddenly immobilized.

Daryl: You didn't think I would fall for that, did you?

Hou: Neither will I. Cast. You forgot I have Gargasabre on the field.

Daryl: Oh Crud...

Hou: G-EVO Activate. Change. Gargantua Dragon, Blast Mode.

Garga: (G-EVO) Blast Mode!!! 

Hou: With Garcat's second skill, 2 Damage to the opponent.

4 life left.

Daryl: Say what?

Hou: High Spirits Garcat has two abilities. The first is to draw a card. The other, when Garga G-EVOs, I can choose whether he gains double attack or 2 damage to the opponent.

Masato: For Share!!!

Daryl: Not Bad. However...Cast Again, Notify: Immobilize Tactics.

Suddenly, Garga's on rest. 

Daryl: Whoopsie Daisy.

Hou: Nope. Gargantua Again.

Garga stands and powers up, much to Daryl's Dismay. The latter attacks. Garga flies high while wielding his two swords ablaze. He flies in all of a sudden and...

Daryl: (Pierced) AHHHHH....

Daryl's Flag is down. Hou wins, much to everyone's delight & cheer. Hou & Garga cheer & high five. Daryl's shocked first, but he looks down while smiling & sitting proud.

Daryl: [He's good. Too Good For me.]

He gets back up and walks forward to the two.

Daryl: You've beaten me. Congrats. 

Hou: Thanks. 

Masato: (jumps in and grabs him) For Share, Hou. Nice Fight.

Eden: Fight me next.

Gavrail: I concur as well.

Hou: You In Garga?

Garga: Of course. We'll take you all on.

The matches continue, with Hou winning every single one of them. Later, while walking on the streets. Kanesada & Note appear and challenge him to a fight. Of course, they fought too. Soon enough, almost everyone challenges Hou to a fight. Eventually, the day is over by a long shot.

Nighttime arrives, all of Hou's friends & buddies gather at Hou's House for dinner. Tons of delicious food are being laid out on the table, much to everyone's delight.

Hou's Mother: Enjoy yourselves.

All: Thanks for the meal.

Garga: I give thanks for the meal.

Everyone enjoys their meal, and Hou drinks some orange juice.

Hou: Ah. I'm more pumped than ever.

Masato: You sure are.

Daryl: You were totally invincible today. I sometimes wonder how you get so strong.

Hou: It's called 'Training', dude. Check it out sometime.

Daryl: Maybe I will.

Hou's Mother: You all sure have a long day. Come on, finish your Dinner while you still can.

All: Okay.

The meal continues. After that, Gwen & Amaterasu help Hou's Mother to wash dishes. Others are enjoying a good time. Soon enough, everyone went home. Hou lies down on his bed, exhausted.

Hou: Phew. What a day.

Garga: You tell me. It was quite fun. Although we still have 4 days left before the final.

Hou: True...I wonder what I should do before then. I mean, I can keep training, but this kind of feels also boring...

Garga: Good Point. It's like driving a car that leads to nowhere. Why don't you get yourself some sleep? We'll think about what to do tomorrow. 

Hou: You sure? Okay then. (Walks away)

As Hou walks away, Garga slowly looks down with small sadness. He then flies to the roof before sitting down. He lets out a sigh and looks at the stars.

Garga: [Wanting a normal life, but then your worst enemy appears. And now I have to leave him or else...What can I do to prevent that...]

Then he hears someone behind him. Or rather...some ones.

Garga: Something wrong?

Gardog: Master Garga...are you sure you want to do this...It's all very sudden...

Garga: (Surprised before regrets) As much as I don't want to, I don't have a choice...Parting with a farewell is the last thing I want to do...

Garbird: Then we have a request, bird.

Garcat: Can we record a video of you sending a goodbye message, so that Hou won't feel lonely?

Garga: A video, huh? I like that.

One Camera is set and Garcat is recording. 

Garga: Whaddup Pals!!!

The Gar Trio suddenly starts to cry...

Garga: My Dear Hou Ren. If you're watching this, then I am gone forever...I know it's very sudden, but right now I'm about to battle Destroyer in the far reaches of time and space. I'm very sorry...

Garcat: (Cries) Master Garga, No!!!

Garbird: (Cries) No...

Gardog: (Cries) Cut it out, you guys. We don't want your Sad noise in the video.

Garga: Nonetheless, spending time with you has been a blessing. You've brought me so many wonderful discoveries to human life. I'm so glad to have met you, and I will always remember you in my very heart. Lift your head high till the end. And know that no matter what...

As the full moon shines bright...

Garga: I will always be with you.

ED: Hello, By Zabon.

Hou: Garga says he wants to spend time with me before the final match. I have no idea what's going on, but I'm sure it will be fun. Next time, "Calm Before The Storm". Join us for a buddyfight.

Story End.

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