> Equestrian Girls Buddyfighters > by NinjaMare > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue: the Request > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summer is the season that many people love, and who can blame them. Kids have three months out of school, families & friends have parties, camping trips, and everything else in between. And for one young man, this was a given fact. Adrian Hartman is your typical 21yr. guy. Average height, decent looks, and a sunny disposition, all-in-all he’s generally a nice guy to be around. Today marks the first day off of school that he’s had for a long time, and he plans to enjoy every moment of it. At the moment the young man was at home in his room, writing something on his computer, while listening to some slow jazz music. While Adrian was writing away on his computer, listening to his music, a small quadrupedal lizard, wearing some armor was rest on his bed, enjoying the soft comforter, and the rays of the sun bathing its body. The lizard was actually a monster from another world, of course, this small size of his is not his true form, if was in his true form while in Adrian’s room then Adrian’s bed and half his room would be wrecked. The lizard stretched out its body before giving off a long yawn, smacking its maw the lizard rose like a cat and hopped off the bed, and made its way over to Adrian. “Enjoy your little nap Mander?” Adrian said to the lizard as it hopped up onto a side-desk stall. “Indeed I have Adrian, but now I’m starting to feel a little hungry.” The lizard said in a rather soothing masculine voice, as his tail lazy swayed. Adrian’s own stomach gave off a little grumble. “That sounds like a good plan.” Adrian said as he stretched out his back. “Doesn’t help that’s been up since 3 in the morning.” Mander said with a snicker, as Adrian bopped the lizard on the nose. Lifting himself from the chair, Adrian made his way over to his dresser, pulling out a fresh black shirt, and swapping his grey sweats for a pair of dark purple jeans. Once he was changed, and putting on some fresh socks, Adrian & Mander made their way out of the bedroom—not before Adrian grabbed a black & purple deck case and strapping it to his belt—they made a beeline for the front door as Adrian dawns his shoes then exiting the single bedroom apartment. “So where do you wanna go eat today Mander?” Adrian asked the lizard as they descend the apartment’s stairs. The lizard stroke his chin while thinking, before a decision came to him. “How about that dinner on 12th Street, they got some good sandwiches, and milk shakes.” Mander remarked as he licked his chops. “Sounds good to me, let’s go.” The pair reached the bottom of the steps, and proceeded to make their way to the dinner of their desire. As they walked the two talked about what they should do after getting breakfast, and saying hi to anyone that greeted them. along the way, a few scrappy kids and two of their own little monsters were playing, and when they saw Adrian & Mander one of them challenged the young man, but they declined the offer as they were to hungry. Another twenty or so minutes later the pair reached the dinner called Blue Moon, a nice little place that’s got some great comfort food for all stages of the day. When they got to the dinner they were able to get a table pretty quickly, and getting their orders shortly after placing them. guess today was a slow day for the dinner, as it’s usually pretty loaded with people. But Adrian & Mander weren’t going to complain, as Adrian was able to eat his steak sandwich with fried onion rings, and Mander munches away on a large cheeseburger, fries, two dill pickles & a chocolate shake. “Hey, you know what we should do today?” Mander said after swallowing his latest bite of burger. After finishing chewing his seventh onion ring, Adrian asked what they should do. “We should head over to B.P Station, it’s been awhile since we’ve had any action in while, so why not see if we can help out.” “Come on Mander we’re supposed to be enjoying our summer break. Plus, were not technically part of the Buddy Police.” Adrian said before taking a small bite out of a onion ring, before continuing. “We only help out when Liam or Sasha ask’s for our help.” “I know that. Still…wouldn’t hurt to check. Not only that but its been awhile since we’ve actually had an actual Buddyfight.” “Mhhh. True.” Adrian said as he tapped the ring against his lips. “Alright. After lunch, we’ll go check out the Station kay.” The little monster gave a smile before nodding, and taking a big bite out of his burger. ~~Equestrian Girls Universe~~ The bell sounded at Canterlot High School, where the students began filing out of their class rooms, their teachers waving them goodbye as the Summer Break starts. One particular group of friends were excited that school was ending, and they were dubbed as the ‘Hero Seven’, as this group of girls have actually saved the school from several crazy things. So calling them heroes seemed like the proper thing to do. The group made their way out of the school, with the pink skinned girl of the lot singing a little tune, while dancing her way to the school steps. All the while her friends watched with amusement. “It’s Summer Vacation, it’s Summer Vacation, and we’re going to party all night long!” Pinkie Pie sang as she busted a move down the steps of Canterlot High, her friends laughing at her excitement as they watched her. “All night long! Oh yeah baby!” “Pinkie I know you’re excited that its Summer Break, but tone it down a bit.” Sunset said to her hyper active friend. “Ah come on Shimmy, we get to have three whole months to hang out, party and have crazy adventures. Plus!” the pink girls rushed over to Twilight’s side, causing the speckled girl to wobble a little before regaining balance. “It’s our first summer with our new besets best friend Twilight. Not the pony princess one, but our very own Twilight Sparkle! Squee!” Pinkie chirped as she hugged her new friend who couldn’t help but giggle. “Thanks for the warm reception Pinkie.” Twilight said as she returned the hug. “It is good to being able to spend the summer with people other than my family, and Spike.” “Speaking of the little feller, how is he still getting used to talking?” Applejack asked quizzically while scratching her head. “He’s…adjusting. Still pretty awkward now that I can understand him, and what some of his old cues actually mean.” Twilight said as she let’s Pinkie go, who went about dancing around her friends, while quietly whistling her summer break song. “What about you’re folks?” Rainbow asked. “Do they know Spike can talk, or is it just you?” “No, they know he can talk. They’re also still getting used to it thought—Pfft!” Twilight tried to suppress the snicker that almost escaped her. “You should’ve seen how startled my parents were, when Spike belched and said, ‘Excuse me’. Their faces are priceless!” The girls could only imagine two adults freaking out, after hearing a tiny puppy talk like an actual person. The group of seven left the school grounds behind as they began walking through the town, talking, and discussing, and getting wrapped up in Pinkie’s ever-growing excitement, they started to come up with how to spend their summer. The idea of actually going camping seemed like a good idea, and it would be like spending more time at Camp Everfree, without the need to save their class from a corrupted person taken over by Equestria Magic. Rainbow thought that it could be a wild adventure to actually go to Equestria, visit Sunset’s old stomping grounds, and get to see whatever looked like ponies. But as they walked about, and finally settling on their first planned event, a simple slumber party, the statue at their school started to glow with energy and light. Before four shooting orbs of light shot out in all directions. ~~Buddyfight Universe~~ Adrian & Mander were walking through the front door of the Buddy Police Station in their city, and it was a lot more active than usual. The pair were curious and tried to find out what was going on, but they couldn’t get any solid answers. “Guess coming here was a good call, things are certainly hepatic today.” Adrian said as he & Mander wondered around the stallion. “Certainly looks like it.” Mander retorted as he watched the busy humans go by and past him, and Adrian. “What do you think is going?” “Adrian, Mander, perfect timing!” Before Adrian could respond to his Buddy, the pair was interrupted by the voice of a young woman with a floating heart mural behind her. It was Sasha, one of Arian’s oldest friends, and her Buddy Monster Center of the World, Mary Sue. Sasha was a bit taller than Adrian, and a year older, but she’s second in charge at the Buddy Police Station, and is one of their best. The tall blonde woman was coming towards them at a brisk pace, skidding to a stop when she was a few feet from them. “You’re timing couldn’t be any more perfect.” “What’s going on Sasha” Adrian asked as he gestures around himself. “Is there a big illegal monster we don’t know about?” Adrian asked as he looked back at Stacy with a questioning look. “Not exactly a large illegal monster, but it’s defiantly something we could use you’re help with.” Sasha said with a pleading tone in her voice, while Adrian & Mander gave each other a look before looking back at Sasha. “Care to explain what’s going on?” Sasha nodded and ushered the pair to follow her. as the pair did so, Sasha began explaining how just a few moments ago, the B.P got signs of several dozen of illegal monsters breaching not only Earth, but a few other worlds as well, and have been reported causing trouble. From monsters simply disturbing the peace, or simply wrecking have. There were others that weren’t doing anything, but they couldn’t be overlooked, because they could decide to cause trouble. And because the station itself was small, it didn’t have enough B.P officers to look into all of these in the region. “So we’re just scrambling to see if we can get these situations under control.” Sasha said as she pointed at the digital map of the city, then pointed to the five worlds on separate screens. “So far we got the city under control, but the ones in these other worlds, we’ve got most of them except two. The Magic World and…” Sasha paused as she pointed at the fifth world. “…we’re not sure what, this, world is. It just popped up.” “You mean, there’s a new world out there?” Adrian asked as he quirked a brow. “Looks like it, but it shouldn’t be that hard to believe. I mean, new monster worlds pop up whenever a new illegal monster shows up. And reveals their home world. Remember when Star Dragon World was discovered a year ago?” Sasha stated as she stood up straight, getting a nod of understanding from Adrian. “So, I was hoping that you could go there, and check up what illegal monster activity is going on.” Adrian looked at the new world on display, weighing his options before looking back at Sasha. “You sure you want me to handle this?” He asked concerningly. “You know I’m not an actual B.P Officer—” “I know that, but you’re one of the better Buddfighters I know who can hold their own, plus…after all the time you’ve helped us out, I think you’re good to be a honorary Buddy Police Officer.” Sasha said confidently as she looked at the pair, while Mary Sue just giggled in agreement. Adrian then looked down at his buddy, who looked up back at him. “What do you think Mander? You think we should do this?” The little lizard thought for a moment. While it was true that he was looking for some excitement, as he and Adrian haven’t had any Buddyfighting for a month or so, this maybe pushing it a bit too much. An unknown world with unknown monsters, he could probably make the trip and handle himself. But Adrian probably couldn’t, plus he’s never been to another world before, not even his home on Dragon World. Then again, his buddy does tend to surprise him every now & then, especially when they get into a Buddyfight. Mander looked up to his body with a assuring smile. “Whatever you decided to do Adrian, I’m with you 100% of the way.” Adrian thought for a moment about the proposal, running through the implications, and what could go wrong. But after a minute or so, he looked back at Sasha with a small smirk. “Do I get to wear the uniform?” > Chapter 1: Beginning of the Assignment. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Far outside the boarders of a city, near the side of the road leading to a hiking trail, a small orb of light appeared. Which turned into a large cylindrical beam of light appeared. The beam only lasted for a few seconds before fading out, revealing a slightly woozy Adrian, wearing an official Buddy Police Officers uniform, with his buddy still in his chibi-form. Wobbling over to a nearby sign post, Adrian supported himself by placing a free hand on the sign post, while Mander patted his buddies thigh. “Ohhhhh…I don’t think, I could get used to that.” Adrian said as he held his head with his other hand, his brain feeling like it just went through a blender. “That’s part of dimensional travel Adrian, warp-sickness. You’ll get used to it.” Mander said before looking around their current location, before briefly smelling the air, noting some familiar smells like those on Earth. However, the monster could tell that this world had its own scent, making it unique in its own way. “This place almost smells exactly like Earth, but…” Mander sniffed the air again to get a better whiff of the air, and a more, detailed, scent of the world. “It smells somewhat different, but I can’t place my finger on it. “Well if this world is like Earth, it might be a lot easier than I thought.” Adrian said as the vertigo affecting him started to disappear. Once he felt like the floor wouldn’t be pulled out from under him, Adrian pulled out a small device from his vest’s left breast pocket. The device was a small round gadget, no bigger than a softball, and after pressing the green button on the side, the device displayed the immediate area around Adrian & Mander within 50 miles. The two looked at their portal digital map, and noted they were a mile or so from the nearest city, but what was interesting was that they couldn’t pickup any life signs of monsters in the city. The device should be able to detect the unique energy signature that all monsters have, but for some reason the map was showing nothing, nothing except for a blank map. “You don’t think the cities abandon do you?” Adrian asked his buddy, who only shrugged as his guest is as good as Adrian’s. “It’s possible. But we won’t get any answers from just standing around, we should go check the city out.” Agreeing to the idea, Adrian turned the map off, before pocketing back. Mander then took a few steps away from Adrian, where his body shined in light for a brief moment, before his body grew! In terms of size, Mander was now at least the size of two large male lions, his white and light purple scales shimmered in the light post along the road, and the glow of the stars, while his mane of purplish pink hair wafted in the soft breeze. The simple armor that he was wearing before became oh so much more, impressive. Mander’s head was adorned in a helmet that sported a bladed horn, with two ‘antlers’ jutting out from both sides. His withers, shoulders & flanks were adorned in heavy duty looking armor, his forelegs & back legs adorning the same armor. Extending from his elbow guards, and attaching to his back plating, were two armored cables, each segment having a single sharp blade. This was Mander’s true form, a large Armordragon from Dragon World, and his true name was Systemic Commander Dragon. Once he was fully transformed, Mander knelt his body down, allowing Adrian to hop onto the dragon’s back, before they set off in a full gallop towards the city. “So Mander, where do you think we should start our investigation?” Adrian asked his large buddy. “We should probably checkout the general location in where the anomalies came from.” Mander suggested as they neared the city. Adrian pulled out the device again, after pulling up the map Adrian began looking for the entry point, which if he remembered correctly should be easy to track because of its unique energy signature. After a little searching for the signature, Adrian eventually found it and started to direct Mander where they need to go. Traveling through the city was pretty easy, hardly any of this worlds resistance was out and about, and judging by the sizes of most of the doors the pair are passing by, these monsters might be as big as humans. Galloping through the streets for another twenty or so minutes, the pair came upon what looked like either a high school, or a college building. Dismounting from his large buddy, Adrian walked over to the sole statue in front of the building, which showed signs of some kind of dimensional breach by his device’s scan. “I think we found the entry point, now if I remember how to do this right…” Adrian mumbled to himself as he presses a different button, pulling up a digital screen with different controls. Fiddling around with a few options, the device beeped, before switching back to the map, and showing some lingering traces of something. “Looks like we got four contacts, each one seemed to be going out in different directions.” “Which one is the closest?” Mander asked as he walked over to Adrian as he enlarged the map, and uploaded the invaders own energies to the map. Showing the general directions where each one went off to, but not where they ended up. “Looks like the closest one is in this general vicinity.” Mander observed as he pointed to a section of the city, where the trail of one of invaders tappers off. “Then we should start looking there, but seeing as its night time. Let’s try to be quite about it.” Adrian said as he made his way over to Mander before hopping back up onto his back. The pair made their way through the city, as quietly as they could, looking for any traces of the illegal monsters signature, till they ended up in a rural neighborhood looking district. Carefully maneuvering through the streets, and the cars parked on the side of the roads, Adrian & Mander kept searching for the illegal monsters trail. But the device wasn’t picking up any more traces of energy, which probably means the monster either converted to its true form, or they somehow teleported to a different area. “Looks like the trail cuts off here.” Mander says as he looks around the neighborhood. “Looks like it.” Adrian said as he was about to turn the device off, but it started to beep a little. “Hold on! I think we got something.” “Is it the illegal monster?” Mander questioned. “Not sure, but my device is picking something up.” Adrian said as he moved the device around, trying to get a better signal. But whatever the device picked up, it was faint, so it wasn’t registering clearly. “Head in that direction, it seems to be beeping a lot more there.” Adrian said as he pointed to a road just up ahead. Mander began walking in the specified direction, and as they got closer the device started to beep a bit faster with each step. Just as they rounded the corner the pair heard not only the device give off a lot of loud beeps, but the startled shrieks of what sounded like girls. looking down the pair spotted seven girls, only…they weren’t, normal, looking girls. they all had bizarre skin tones, like one was pink, another had blue skin, one even looked like she had dyed her skin purple. Now Adrian as well as Mander were as startled as the seven girls, but it was mostly because they weren’t expecting to see humans in this world…then again, other worlds have either human or human-like monsters. Why should this one be any different. But when Adrian looked down at his device, it was beeping and flashing a positive illegal monster signature. ‘Is one of them the illegal monster?’ Adrian thought as the girls were still freaking out. “—I don’t know, but I know for sure that isn’t from Equestria!” one of the girls voices said, snapping Adrian out of his own thoughts. “Take it easy now ladies, we’re not here to hurt you.” “It just talked!” the pink skinned girl shouted in a high squeaky voice, while pointing at Mander. “Ugh, Mander, why don’t we have you shrink down for a bit, kay?” Adrian said as he hopped off his buddies back, getting a nod in confirmation before shrinking back to his chibi-form. Once Mander had shrunk in size, the seven girls were still looking at the both of them with shocked, and very questioning looks. “Alright I’m pretty sure you girls have some questions—” “That’s for sure!” the blue skinned girl said as she looked at the two with a now more, watchful look. Like if one of them did anything, she would jump them. “But short answer is, I’m a cop from another world looking for a trespassing monster that could cause trouble. Once I got the monster, me and my little friend here—” Adrian said as he pointed at Mander who was sticking close by his side. “—will be out of your hair.” “…you two are from another, world?” the orange skin girl dressed like a southern belle gal, asked as she looked between the two. “Yeah.” Adrian said honestly. But before any one of them could continue, the device in Adrian’s hand started to beep, but this time louder. Ignoring the girls for a moment, Adrian looked back at the device, and saw that there was a confirmed illegal monster…somewhere in their immediate vicinity. Walking around trying to get a better signal, and to pin-point the monsters exact location, Adrian began aimlessly following his device. With Mander sticking by his side, while scanning the area. As for the seven girls, they just watched the pair with unsure looks, but they soon decided to follow them, curiosity now fully enveloping them. “…soooooooo.” The orange skinned girl said, trying to get the pairs attention. “Where are you two from?” she asked as she and the other continue to follow the pair. “Earth.” Adrian simply said as he focused on the device. But a groan quickly escaped him as the signal on the device, disappeared. “Damn it!” “What’s wrong Adrian?” Mander asked his human buddy. “The signal vanished.” Adrian grumbled for a bit. “But that means that one of the illegal monsters is definitely in the area.” “Should we scout the area then? Maybe well find the monster if we continue to look around.” Mander suggested, to which Adrian shook his head. “We should back off for a bit. I think the monster knew were catching onto its trail.” Adrian said as he turns the device off, and pockets it as he turns to look at Mander. “Let’s see if we can find a motel, or something to rest up.” Mander nodded and the pair were going to walk off, only to stop and noticed that the seven girls were just a foot or so from them. all having varying degrees of intrigued curiosity. “Uugh…hi. Didn’t think you girls were still here.” Adrian said to the group. “Kind of hard not be intrigued by visitors from another world.” the white skin—and by white Adrian meant color, not nationality—girl said as she crossed her arms. “Plus, we’re no strangers about visitors from other worlds.” The blue skinned girl said as she tossed an arm around the orange skinned girl. “So, who exactly are you two, and what are you doing here?” “I think I already told you.” Adrian said bluntly. “Actually, I think you only told us a short version.” The pale-yellow skin girl said, before scooting over to one of the other girls when Adrian looked at her. The young man then ran a hand through his hair. And just as he was about to say something, the group heard a police car coming their way. The group decided to move. The girls told the pair to follow them, which Adrian and Mander were hesitant, but seeing as they didn’t have any place to go, or know this city well enough to look for a place to stay. So with no other option, the pair followed the girls to one of their houses, the pink skinned girls house from the talking the girls were making. But as they walked off, and the police car drove by, and went in the other direction, on a nearby rooftop crouched was some humanoid figure, watching the group walk off. Or more specifically, was watching Adrian & Mander. The figure kept watching them till the group was no longer in view, and vanished in a puff of black smoke. ~~~~~ Ten or fifteen minutes of walking later, and the group made it to the pink girls how’s, whose name was oddly and comically was, Pinkie Pie. To Adrian & Mander, it sounded more like a nickname than a proper name. in any case once the group made it to the house, they congregated in the living room and the girls started to bombard both of them with question. Like where did they actually come from, what is Mander, why are they here, and many other questions. Now, B.P protocol usually had officers not really indulge in answering questions, but since Adrian wasn’t technically a B.P officer he thought it wouldn’t hurt, plus these girls seem like their good kids. So Adrian indulged the girls questioning, to an extent. “…and so you and other Buddy Police Officers insure that no monsters, who travel to other worlds, cause trouble and send them back to their own worlds?” Sunset asked Adrian who nodded once she processed what she was just told. “Yeah that’s pretty much it. Although I’m not technically part of the Buddy Police, I’m more like a guy whose just giving a friend a hand because they were short-staffed.” Adrian said before a snicker caught his attention, looking over at Rainbow. “Still can’t believe you guys call yourselves the Buddy Police. Sounds like something a kid came up with.” “Actually it was something a kid came up with.” Adrian said. “The first kid who made friends with a monster, became the first Buddy Police Officer. And the force has been going by that in honor of him.” Adrian said with a small smirk. “Oh.” Was all Rainbow said with a bashful expression. “So, how many of these illegal monsters are here, in this world.” Applejack asked as she leaned slightly forward on her spot on the couch. “From what I could gather, at least four of them. though the real problem is tracking, and finding them.” Adrian said as he looked over to his buddy, who was enjoying having his mane rustle by Fluttershy, whose seemed to have taken a shine to the little armordragon. “But when you do find these monsters, you fight them by playing a…card game?” Twilight asked skeptically. “Pretty much.” Adrian said bluntly. “But it’s not as simple as it sounds, and it’s hard to describe what actually goes on.” “Try us?” Sunset asked as she leaned back on the chair next to the couch. Adrian went into explaining how the game of Buddyfight worked, told them the various types of cards, and monsters that come from the various that made up a deck. And that some of the monster cards are actually the monsters portraying them, who are sort-of like destined partners. Fluttershy asked how do monsters know if they have the right partner, Adrian just shrugged and asked Mander what he thought on the question. But all Mander did was simply say: ‘It’s just this feeling that monsters have, and they have to learn why they are paired with the human they did get paired with’. After Adrian basically told the girls how the game worked, and tried to explain how actual buddy fights go, he eventually showed the girls his own cards, which most of the monsters looked a little like Mander. But with their own differences and looks about the. The girls asked if any of these cards could become actual monsters, unfortunately though Adrian said the only real monster he has, was Mander. Later into the night, after the girls changed into the pajamas, and Adrian was just wearing his thick pants, and shirt with his vest and jacket on the chair he was sitting on. It was very weird, and a little un-comfortable that Adrian was basically crashing at a slumber party full of high school girls, but where was he supposed to go? He could try to find a motel, but he doubted that even a cheap motel would over look Mander, or even take the same currency he had packed into his vest’s packs. Which were various types of currency from the other monster worlds. The doorbell rang, and Pinkie was up and at’em in a flash. And soon enough the group had six boxes of pizza from classic pepperoni, to a six cheese, and even Hawaiian. As the group ate their dinner, Adrian wondered how he was going to track down those four monsters, after all he doesn’t know this world. And this was an official B.P assignment, not some vigilante or good Samaritan passer by doing a good deed kind of thing. A nuzzle to his leg caused Adrian to be pulled out of his thoughts, and looked down at Mander with a pizza slice hanging half-way out of his mouth, and giving his human buddy a reassuring grin. Smiling back Adrian ruffled his buddies mane, before grabbing a slice of Hawaiian pizza, and eating it. ‘Well, however I go about this assignment. At least I won’t be alone.’ he thought as he finished his slice. Adrian reached for another slice, but then a thought came to him. “Where would I be sleeping exactly?” “Oh you can sleep in the den over there!” Pinkie said as she pulled Adrian up, and dragging him over to a pair of sliding wooden doors. The den was pretty nice, a big window in the back facing the backyard, a few large bookshelves covering the sides with a desk near the window. There was also a nice TV on the other side of the den, where a couch & table was. Pinkie then walked over to the table, before moving it and fidgeting with the couch, where it turned into a pull-out bed. “It’s been awhile since anyone has slept in here, so I’ll have to bring you a spare pillow & blanket.” Pinkie said before doing just that, leaving Adrian alone in the room. Walking over to the couch bed, where sat down on the end before stretching out his back. “Well…I guess I could do worst.” He said before flopping on the couch bed, and using his feet to remove his boots, then listening to them clump on the wooden floor. “Things are going to be crazy for a while.” ~~~~~ Another hour or so has gone by and when it hit midnight, Adrian was already fast asleep, with Mander sleeping by his feet like a dog. But Sunset & her friends were still wide awake, talking, playing games, or watching a movie, all the while talking about the guy sleeping just below them. “I still can’t believe that Adrian’s people have invented cross-dimensional travel! That’s stuff is usually only in science fiction books.” Twilight commented as Rarity fiddles around with her hair. “Indeed darling, but considering what we usually see…should we really be surprised?” the fashionista asked no one in particular. “Ah’m still having trouble believing that there are four monsters out there, just waiting to cause trouble.” Applejack said as she, Fluttershy & Rainbow were playing a game. “Yeah but it sounds pretty awesome, kind of like us.” Rainbow said as she tried to gain the lead in the game, which to both hers, and Applejack’s surprise, Fluttershy was the leading gamer. “Oh I just hope nobody get’s hurt during all of this, cause it sounds like these monsters are more dangerous than anything we’ve come up against.” Fluttershy said as she made her character gain 10 more points, leaving her two friends to groan and grumble to try and catch up. “I’m sure Adrian and Mander have everything under control, besides, they said they’ve dealt with stuff like this before.” Pinkie said cheerfully as she reads a magazine as Sunset does Pinkie’s toe nails. “Still, we should probably keep our eyes & ears open.” Sunset warned her friends. “We may not be able to do much, but we could probably help Adrian and Mander in finding the monsters.” “Or we could just kick the monsters butts ourselves!” Rainbow said before attention went back to the TV, showing that Fluttershy had a landslide victory, with Applejack in 2nd place. “OH! Come on!” “I don’t think that’s a good idea Rainbow. We don’t know what these monsters are capable of, plus our powers are not really suited for actual combat.” Twilight said as she readjust her glasses, while Rarity finishes her hair. Sunset agreed with Twilight. Their powers may allow them to be able to fend off wayward plants, and tricky traps, but actual fights, their powers weren’t that useful. All except maybe Applejack’s super strength, Rarity’s diamond projections, Twilight’s levitation & Pinkie’s explosives—when she has access to sprinkles—but the others didn’t really have any direct combat powers. So while the girls agreed to keep their eyes & ears open for anything, monster related, they decided to leave the actual capture and defeat of the monster to Adrian & Mander. But as the girls were discussing this, outside of Pinkie’s window, the same shadowy figure from earlier was spying on them, before vanishing in another puff of black smoke. Leaving to plot its own plans, and hopefully, rid itself of the Buddy Police Officer. > Chapter 2: First Contact & the Start of a Battle > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sound of an alarm clock beeping began to ring out, but only for two seconds, as Pinkie’s hand smacked it like a snake striking its prey. Once she was up, stretching out her body in the process, Pinkie hummed a little tune as she gets out of bed, and maneuvers around her friends as she makes her way to the door. Exiting her room Pinkie went to the restroom to not only freshen up, but to make any deposits to the oval office, before heading down stairs to make breakfast for everyone. The kitchen of the pie household was soon the scenery of a culinary musical number that Guy Fettuccine would be proud of. As Pinkie whipped about all over the place, preparing pancake batter, various eggs prepared to each of her friends specific taste, and some other stuff one would eat for breakfast, the pink skin girl was sing her summer time song. “Oh I love summer and summer loves me, no one other than me can take the heat! Oh summer love, oh! Sweet summer loves me, loves who? Pinkie Pie that’s who!” the pink girl sang as she twirled around the counter, and caught the two pieces of toast that popped out of the toaster, before blind tossing them onto a nearby plate with eight pieces of toast. “Looks like someone is certainty a ball of energy today.” Sunset said as she shambled into the kitchen, with Rarity & Applejack following behind her. “Considering who it is Sunset, should you be all that surprised?” Rarity joked as the group laughed while Pinkie passed them empty plates, so they could get their food. “Is everyone else still asleep?” Pinkie Pie as she sets down three other plates, before reaching out for another one. “I think Rainbow is still fast asleep, but Fluttershy is awake, she’s brushing her hair. And I think Twilight went to the restroom.” Sunset said as she finished grabbing her food, and sitting down at the large dining table. “Have you gone to check if Adrian and Mander are awake?” “Not yet. But I will now!” Pinkie said as she leaved the kitchen. Strolling through the hallway, and entering the living room Pinkie made her way over to the dens doorway. But once she opened the door and looked to the couch bed…Adrian and Mander were gone! Looking around the room for a bit, Pinkie’s eyes came to the desk where a sheet of paper on it, held in place by a book. Walking over to the desk, Pinkie removed the book and grabbed the piece of paper, which turned out to be a note. Sorry to leave on such short notice Pinkie, but me and Mander appreciate you putting us up for the night, and for the pizza. But we had to get ahead start in our assignment. Thanks for everything. Pinkie finished reading the note before putting it back on the desk. “Well I hope we get to see those two again. And that things go well for them.” Pinkie said to herself as she leave the den, and heads back to the kitchen where all of her friends were now eating their breakfast. ~~~~~ In front of Canterlot High a small ball of light appeared, right next to the statue, before it became a pillar of light for a few seconds and then disappearing. Adrian & Mander now stood where the pillar was once before, and just like their first arrival onto this world, Adrian had to support himself as the vertigo sensation assaulted him. when the pair woke up early in the morning, they headed back to their world to give a brief report to Sasha, about what the new world was like, and that they might be close to finding one of the illegal monsters. While home, Adrian changed into more civilian looking clothes, so he wouldn’t stick out to much in the new world, and this time, he brought money along with him so that he could fend for himself. “You feeling any better Adrian?” Mander asked as he looked up at his buddy in concern. “Just give me a minute.” Adrian said as he held out a single finger. “I really don’t think I’ll get used to this whole traveling between worlds thing.” Adrian grumbled as his buddy patted his leg. “Well you’ll just have to get used to it, otherwise you won’t be able to get home.” “…sometimes I hate it when your right.” Adrian groaned as he continued to lean on the statue. The little armordragon chortled at his friends remark as Adrian continued to support himself on the statue, but after another minute or two, the young man stood up and said he was ready to get the job done. Leaving the school building behind them, Adrian pulled out the tracking device and tried to pick up the energy signature from last night, if they’re lucky enough to even find the trail they had last night that is. As the pair were traveling around the city, nobody seemed to startled by Mander’s appearance, then again he wasn’t a large armored quadrupedal dragon right now. “Adrian do you have a plan for when we encounter one of these illegal monsters?” Mander asked his buddy as they entered a park. “I hope these monsters are either friendly and can be reasoned with. Or that their a push over, and we can beat them in a battle and send them back home on their marry way.” “Well, I guess that as good as any plan for the time being.” Mander said as the pair headed a bit deeper into the park, passing by a rather impressive flower bed by a large pond. Just as they passed by a large willow tree, the device in Adrian’s hand begins to beep rapidly! Acting quickly the pair followed the signal they managed to pick-up, and began running through the park, before reaching one of the exits of the park. But just as they left it, the signal pointed back to the park, causing the pair to run back into the park. This went on for about a minute, of the pair following the signal out of the park, only to go back a moment later. “GRRR! Alright that’s it!” Adrian said as he skidded to a stop, before looking up to the sky. “I know you’re out their messing with us, come out and show yourself!” The pair waited for any kind of response, any sign that it was an illegal monster that was messing with them. Then the pair heard something…a boy giggling. Looking over to the willow tree the saw what looked like a little boy in a blue yukata, but his skin was a ghostly pale color, and his messy looking hair was a very light, almost faded, blonde color. He was also wearing a kitsune mask, while he juggled a black die between his fingers. Pointing the device at the boy, Adrian pulled up the monsters info, and a second later Adrian was shown the monsters name. Boy Transformation, Yamigitsune. “Alright kid, you’ve had your fun messing with us, but it’s time for you to go back to Katana World.” Adrian said sternly. “Now you can go back peacefully, or we’ll have to force you.” but instead of taking either suggestion, Yamigitsune just giggled at the pair, before vanishing like a mirage. “He’s getting away!” Mander said worriedly. “Don’t worry Mander, he won’t get away that easily.” Adrian said as he fiddled with the device, which glowed green, before sending out a pulsing line towards an area of the park. “Once I pulled his data up, the device now has a firm lock on his signature. So we won’t lose him!” “Then let’s go after him.” Nodding, both Adrian and Mander following the pulsing line, which lead out of the park and heading into the city. As they ran through the city, the pair kept seeing Yamigitsune appear just ahead of them, giggle, and disappear again. Of course this act did cause a few of the bystanders off guard, and even some filmed it just as Yamigitsune appeared then disappeared, before catching Adrian & Mander running past them. during the chase Mander tried to leap and tackle the monster, but Yamigitsune would either vanish again, or used his mysterious power to change Mander’s trajectory. Often ending up crashing into a wall. “Okay it’s official, I don’t like this monster.” Mander said as he rubbed his snout, before resuming the game of chase that Yamigitsune was clearly enjoying. Adrian & Mander continued to chase after Yamigitsune, almost catching him twice, but the monster always manages to slip pass them. but the game of chase has now evolved into a game of tag, although instead of simply smacking one another, the Skull Warrior monster instead decided it would be more fun to toss small blue fireballs around! Mander was able to bat the fireballs away, before they could hit anything else, or anyone else. Adrian was able to do the same with an extendable baton, but not as efficient as his buddy. “Alright Mander, I think it’s time to stop playing around.” Adrian said as he batted his fifth fireball to embers. “I couldn’t agree more.” Mander said before transforming into his true form, scaring several of the civilians that were in their general location. Adrian then jumped onto his buddies back, and now both of them were staring down at the Skull Warrior monster, who seemed to acted bewildered by the transformation. “We’re giving you one last chance to come peacefully Yamigitsune, otherwise we’ll be forced to use less than hospitable methods of restraint.” The monster didn’t giggle or do anything for a few moments, as if he was actually thinking over his options. But it would seem Yamigitsune still wanted to ‘play’. The monster created several fireballs that circled around him, and after giving off a more mischievous chortle before the fireballs were sent flying to several random bystanders! Acting quickly the pair split up, and dealt with the fireballs before anyone was hurt, but the act caused the Skull Warrior to escape. “Damn it! The punk made a break for it.” Mander growled as his mane bristled. “Don’t worry Mander, we still have his signature. It’ll just take a bit more time to track him down.” Adrian said as he hopped back up onto his partners back, and activated the device. “It looks like he went in that direction!” Adrian said as he pointed to the west end of the city, causing Mander to run in the chosen direction. Leaving bewildered and heavily shocked civilians behind, watching the pair leave, with one girl using her phone to record them. ~~~~~ Sunset and her friends were enjoying a nice little stroll around the city, talking about what their first major summer adventure should be. So far they came up with going on a camping trip, and actually try to enjoy the outdoors without something crazy going on, like what happened at Camp Everfree, but this time it will be just them. as they continued to discuss about how they would go about going about setting up this camping trip, the group made their way down town and saw a ton of police cars just, everywhere. Wondering what was going on, the girls ventured around a bit, and over heard about a boy throwing fireballs, and an older guy chasing him with a lizard. “Do you guys think it’s Adrian & Mander the people are gossiping about?” Fluttershy asked her friends as they continued to walk about the down town section of the city. “Do we know anyone else that runs around with a large armored lizard?” Rainbow Dash asked as she walks backwards while ahead of the group. “But it sounds like they finally found one of those illegal monsters they were sent to take care of.” “They certainly work fast don’t they.” Applejack chuckled as the group rounded the corner of the next street. “So what kind of monster do you think they’re trying to capture is like?” “I’m guessing…a little boy no older than the crusaders, whose wearing a traditional Japanese yukata, and a fox like mask, with very pale skin, with light blonde hair.” Pinkie said in a one go as she stares off into space. Her friends looked at each, a confused look on her face. “…just out of curiosity darling, what made you make that kind of assumption?” Rarity asked as the group stopped, and looked at Pinkie. Who just pointed towards the courtyard of the downtown plaza. “Because Adrian & Mander are trying to catch him over there.” Pinkie simply said as her friends looked in the direction she was pointing. True enough, the girls saw Adrian and Mander were running around, chasing a boy that Pinkie described to the letter. Except she left out the bit about the boy throwing fireballs around. The group just watched as the little boy either made impressive jumps, or teleported in puffs of smoke, or by simply vanishing and reappearing, all the while Adrian and Mander in his true chased after him. the girls continued to watch the sight before, seemingly unable to look away from what they are witnessing. As they were not used to others doing strange and magical things, that didn’t involve them. the chase began getting a little more intense, as the girls watched the boy creating more fireballs and haphazardly shooting them everywhere, a few heading towards the girls causing them to scatter and dodge the flaming projectiles. “Get back here you little twerp! You’re only making things worst for yourself!” Adrian cried out as he lept off of his buddy, and tried to catch the human looking monster, but again the monster disappeared. “Is everyone alright?” Fluttershy asked as she recovered from her sudden dodge roll, ending up rolling into a light post. Each of her friends gave her varying replies of being fine. As she rubs her head Fluttershy noticed a shadow looming over her, and when she looked up Fluttershy found the little boy standing in front of her, head titled to side in a curious manner. As the little boy monster just looked at her, Fluttershy tried to back away, but she was stopped by the light post she was pressed against. The monster let out a childish giggle before placing an index finger on Fluttershy’s forehead, where a soft blue light emitted from, before Fluttershy’s eyes glowed the same color. And her face became more calm and composed, before a sly smile came to her face. “Back away from the girl Yamigitsune!” Adrian said to the monster, with Mander standing next to him, and baring his teeth. To not only their surprise…Yamigitsune did as he was told, he slowly backed away from Fluttershy, allowing her friends to rush to her. “Fluttershy are you alright?” Twilight asked worriedly as she looked her over. Then to everyone’s shock, the pale-yellow skinned girl lept ten feet into the air, and landed perfectly fine next to Yamigitsune. “Fluttershy?” Pinkie said as she and everyone turned to look at the girl, who just brushed her long hair out of her face, before giving a delightful giggle. “I’m getting board of chase & tag.” Fluttershy said in a rather uncharacteristically playful mischievous voice, as she placed a hand on her hip and looked coyly at her friends as well as Adrian and Mander. “How about we have a fair competition, eh’ Buddy Police?” Fluttershy said as she pointed at the pair, who both eyed her critically. “Fluttershy, what’s gotten into you girl?” Applejack asked as she took a step towards her friend, but was stopped by Adrian holding a hand out, with a stern look on his face. “That’s a dirty trick Yamigitsune.” He said in a not so amused tone. “Let the girl go, and we’ll settle this.” The girl shook her head. “Nah, this would be so much more fun if I had a ‘buddy’ to battle with me.” Fluttershy said before holding her right hand out, where small white deck case appeared. “How about this, we have a Buddy Fight. if you win then I’ll give myself up, and let the girl go.” “…and if you win?” Adrian asked which caused the smile on Fluttershy’s face to grow just a hair. “I get to stay here for as long as I want, while keeping this girl as a trophy.” Fluttershy said as she stroke her own cheek, before flicking the hand to the side and snapping the fingers. “What do you say officer…are you game?” before Adrian could give a reply, Sunset stepped up to him and spoke up. “Adrian what’s going on?” she asked worriedly, concern evident on her face, as well as her friends. “Your friend is unfortunately under Yamigitsune’s control, and I’m afraid that if we don’t indulge him…” Mander said ominously as Adrian reaches for his own deck case. “He won’t let Fluttershy go.” Now off course Rainbow Was about to charge in, and try to catch the monster. But a quick warning from Adrian stopped her, before the situation could possibly go into an even more difficult situation. With no other choice, the girls stood back, while Adrian and Mander stepped forth, a determine look on their faces, while Fluttershy had a questioning look on hers as she tosses her deck case up and catching it. “You better not break your deal Yamigitsune.” Adrian warned to little monster, who only just scoffed. “Never. But why don’t we go to a more, suitable location for our little battle.” Without warning, Yamigitsune snapped his fingers and the group was assaulted by a blinding blue light. When the light faded away, and their eyes recovered from the sudden assault, Sunset and the others found themselves in what could only be described as a coliseum! The six girls were just absolutely flabbergasted at the sight, and many questions were running through their minds, like where are they, how did they get here, and many more. However their questions would have to be put on hold, as they saw both Adrian & Fluttershy rise from a hidden section, under the coliseum, with Fluttershy on the right side at a lower elevation, and Adrian on the opposite at a higher elevation. Mander then appeared a second later in a rather flashy fashion, appearing from what looked like a magic circle. The little boy monster that Adrian’s been calling, Yamigitsune, also appeared by Fluttershy’s side, flicking a die in the air before catching it. Both humans held their deck cases, before they each spoke, with Adrian speaking first. “With peerless speed and precision, we charge head first into battle without fear! Lumanize!” Adrian said before his deck case changed before the girls eyes, into what looked like a gauntlet on the left arm. “Systemic Edge!” “We wander through the night, brining mischief & delight in our wake. Lumanize!” Fluttershy chanted before spinning in place, while her deck case turned into a simple up-side down pyramid. “Fiend’s Parade!” then behind Yamigitsune & Fluttershy something like a banner appeared. “We fight for Katana World.” Fluttershy said in a confident, yet still playful tone. The girls then looked over to Adrian and Mander, where a flag pole was planted into the ground just off to Adrian’s right. “And we fight for Dragon World!” a drawn out silenced held over the arena, before both Adrian & Fluttershy spoke out at once, both having a determined look on their faces. “Time to…BUDDYFIGHT!” > Chapter 3: the First Battle - Adrian vs. Fluttershy > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Things have certainly took a sudden strange turn for the group of high school girls. one moment they were just having a nice stroll through town, then they end up finding one of their new friends chasing a monster from another world, who possessed one of them and is now in some kind gladiatorial battle! Now this sudden occurrence of course has the group worried, especially for their friends safety, even after Adrian has told them what occurs during these ‘buddy fights’ they truly don’t know what to expect. And there’s no way for them to intervene, as the stands they were in has an invisible force field separating them, from their two friends. “Looks like we’re stuck on the side lines girls.” Twilight said as she stood by the railing of the stadium’s stands, watch her two friends talk to each other, before watching their deck cases change shape, and have six floating glowing white cards in front of them. and two larger cards off to their left side. “I just hope poor Fluttershy doesn’t get hurt.” Rarity said with great concern, after all Fluttershy is a sweet & gentle girl. She would never engage in violence, but in this situation, she doesn’t seem to have a choice. “Do you think Fluttershy will be alright, even after this whole thing?” Pinkie asked no one in particular. “We’ll just have to wait and see, and hope she’ll be fine as rain.” Sunset said as she decided to take a seat, with the others following in suit. “She better.” Rainbow said indignantly. “Hey Adrian, you better not rough up our friend to badly, you hear me!” she shouted at the young man, who nodded and looked back towards Fluttershy. After the six girls took their seats, the game officially started. “Draw!” Adrian said as he began the first move of this battle, before placing the new card into his hand, before tossing a different card over to his gauge. “Charge and draw!” drawing his second card, Adrian studied his hand, before pulling a card out. “To the center I call Comrade, Systemic Dagger Dragon.” The card in Adrian’s hand was out in front of the young man, where it vanished and its place a monster appeared! It wasn’t as big as Mander was, but it looked a lot like him, minus the glorious mane, and the fancier armor. When the monster appeared on the field, one of the three cards off to Adrian’s side turned into a little star, before flying over to the monster and appear to enter its body. Now even after seeing Mander in both his small form, and his true form, the six girls in the stands were still surprised to see another monster. The monster looked around for a bit, before its eyes landed on Fluttershy. “Well ain’t she a cutie, hard to believe she’s a buddy fighter.” The monster said in a more younger voice than Mander’s more deeper voice. “She’s not actually a buddy fighter Comrade, she’s being possessed by him.” Adrian said as he pointed at the monster beside the girl. “So go easy on her.” “I’ll do my best!” Comrade said as he leapt from his perch, and ran over the wide central area, before leaping towards Fluttershy who had a guarded look on her face. “Sorry to do this to you sweetie, but in order to free you I must attack you! Dancemarkable!” Comrade shouted as he spun like a disk, flinging various blades at the girl, cutting into her body before being slashed at with Comrade’s claw. The moment that they saw this, Sunset & the others bolted from their chairs, and shouted in various forms of worries and horror, as they watched their friend get sliced up! But a moment later, the girls saw that Fluttershy was alright, and the scars she would have received from such a ferocious attack, began to fade away. During the storm of blades and claw slash, the girls failed to noticed the large 10 that appeared behind Fluttershy, and watch it shatter till it was now an 8. Then an ambiguous voice called out from, somewhere in the arena, saying: End of Move. Seeing that her friend was alright, the six girls gave out a collective sigh of relief. “Okay…that was way to realistic for me.” Twilight said as she slumped back into her chair. “I guess this is what Adrian meant when, it was hard for him to describe what actually happens in these battles.” Rainbow said as she, and the others, slumped back into her seats. They then watched Fluttershy stand up like nothing happened to her, and brushed her hair back into place. “Not a bad opening move officer, but, I think I can do one better.” Fluttershy said in a mocking tone as she performed the same draw and re-draw actions that Adrian did. “To my center I call Steel Wall, Beheading Crab, and to my right I call Blood Knife, Kimensai.” As Fluttershy calmly called out her move, she tossed two cards out to her field, and when her monsters appeared on the field…the girls cringed at the sight. The center monster was huge, as big as a semi-truck, and has the lower half of a giant red and white crab, with the body of a samurai armor on top. But instead of arms, the monster has two massive crab claws, as ghostly pale blue smoke emitted from every joint and crack on its body. But the really horrifying one was the other monster that Fluttershy called out, resembling a Japanese oni, with ominously flowing black hair wielding a slender katana, as it cackled manically. The girls then noticed the third card that Fluttershy played, turned into a large purple sphere that floated over to her left side. “Kimensai why don’t you be a dear, and go attack that Armordragon for me.” Fluttershy asked sweetly, to which the monster cackled again. “It would be my greatest pleasure.” It said in a sinister voice. The oni warrior leapt from his spot on the field, and landed on the central arena, where Comrade leapt as well. The two monsters squared off against one another, both sizing each other up to see if they could find an opening. Kimensai then lunged forward with an overheard sword strike, but Comrade bolted to the left, where he lunged at the Skull Warrior, claws ready to slice right through him. But Kimensai vanished, seemingly teleporting out of the way. Comrade looked around to see where he went…but then his body then developed five massive scars through his body, just as Kimensai appeared behind the dragon. However the dragon didn’t disappear, instead a single card wrapped in a green glow as it was ejected from Comrades body, before shattering. “Nice try, but you won’t get passed me so easily!” Comrade said to the ghoulish monster. “Maybe not…but your fighter.” Kimensai said ominously as he turns his head slightly to look at the dragon. “Will still feel my attack!” The oni warrior then drew his sword so fast, that he created a bright red crescent sword slash that raced towards Adrian, cutting the young man right down the middle! Adrian grunted in pain as a large 10 appeared behind him, and shattered down to an 8 as well. Comrade growled in frustration as he couldn’t protect his fighter perfectly, and retreated back to his original position. Kimensai however, turned a bright shade of reddish orange, before shattering into a flurry of smaller cards of the same color. “Hey what happened to Fluttershy’s monster, it just went poofed!” Pinkie said confusedly. “…it must be some kind of effect.” Twilight summarized. “Maybe that monster can only stay on the field for a single turn.” “That just means she has 1 less monster for Adrian to worry about.” Sunset said as Adrian drew cards, and tossed another one to his gauge, brining it back up to three. “To the left I call Blue Sky Knight, Systemic Dagger Dragon! And I equip Dragon Staff, Drogogift!” the girls watched as Adrian tossed a card out to his field, and held out one card in his hand, which turned into a rather ornate looking staff which his spun around like a pro. But when they saw Adrian’s other monster, they were awestruck. In basic form, this dragon was an exact copy of Comrade, if maybe a bit bigger. But this dragon was wearing some more impressive armor. The armor was a beautiful sky-blue color, with golden edges and designs, brandished with red cables & gold blades. The most prominent feature was the dragon’s metallic wings, each one brandishing golden bladed feathers. “I am at your command brother!” the newest addition to Adrian’s battle group said. “What is it that you need?” “Sky, I need you and Comrade to do a link attack!” Adrian said as he pointed at the large crab monstrosity, who clamped his claws in a threatening manner. “You got it!” both Armordragon’s said in unison as they leapt to battle. Unleashing a horrific wail Steel Wall, Beheading Crab leapt to the center area, his sheer weight causing the ground to shake, before swiping at Comrade with a claw. But the smaller, and clearly more agile monster dodged the attack by sliding to the side. The crab monster then tried to crush Sky with his other claw, like using a hammer, but with a beat of his metallic wings, Sky shot into the air. Then in unison, the two dragons lunged at Steel Wall, both shouting Dancemarkable! Comrade rocketed skyward like a buzz saw, while Sky came crashing down like a dive bomber, both dragons launched their attacks at an angle, cutting down their large foe in an X formation. Causing Steel Wall to burst into a flurry of red cards. Fluttershy just smiled as her monster was destroyed, before speaking up. “Not bad, you’ve destroyed my wall. But you’ve wasted your attack in doing so.” “I still have one more attack.” Adrian said with a smirk as he brought attention to his staff, which only caused Fluttershy to giggle. “In case you’ve forgotten Adrian, you have a monster in your center area, you can’t attack me.” Fluttershy said as she did something akin to a cocky rich girls laughter. But that just made Adrian’s smirk grow just a hair. “Normally that would be the case, but my staff has a nice little effect.” Adrian said before looking at Comrade. “Care to demonstrate?” the dragon looked back with a knowing smile, nodded…then teleported to the open right position, catching both Fluttershy & Yamigitsune off guard. “How did—” “My staff gives all size 1 or less monsters the Move ability, so now I can do this!” Adrian said before leaping and bounding across the entire field, surprising the six girls in his dexterity and agility, before watching him jump five feet into the air. The young man then spun his staff around as he lingered in the air for just a second, before he began falling, but as he did so he swung his staff down. Causing the head of his weapon to slam down onto Fluttershy, as a rather large gust of wind burst upward, and reduced the large 8 to a 6. After dealing his two points of damage, Adrian leapt backwards, and leaped and bound back to his spot of the field. But his turn wasn’t over yet, Adrian used his staff’s power to allow Sky to move from the left field, to the center field. The ambiguous voice then said: Your Move, while Adrian developed a triumphant look on his face. “…I wasn’t expecting Adrian to be so, limber.” Applejack said with a whistle. “Indeed darling, he must be quite the athlete.” Rarity said as she leaned slightly forward in her chair. The other nodded in response to the white skinned girls words, except for Rainbow, who was totally caught off guard with Adrian’s athletic skills. “You will pay for making a fool out of me. Draw!” Fluttershy warned as she drew her next card. “Charge and draw! Now to start things off, I call to the center another Steel Wall, Beheading Crab.” The crabby monstrosity appeared back on the field, unleashing another wail in the process. “And I’ll summon another Blood Knife, Kimensai to the right, and this time I call to the left Steel Head, Helmet Bear!” The girls watch as again Fluttershy resummons the ghoulish oni warrior, but the new monster was just as terrifying to look at. Almost standing as tall as Steel Wall, Fluttershy’s newest monster was really bulky in appearance, wearing some jagged heavy armor with chains wrapped around it. In it’s hands the monster held an even thick length of chain, but with a large wrecking ball on the end. The girls then noticed that instead of a normal head, this monster has a bear skull wearing a samurai generals helmet, with glowing red eyes burying into the other monsters. “I have return from the darken shores to spread misery.” Kimensai said wickedly. “As I come forth to spread despair!” Helmet Bear growled before letting loose a bestial roar, causing the six girls to cover their ears. “Slay that dragon in the center Kimensai, and reduce Adrian’s Life again!” Fluttershy commanded and the warrior obeyed. Leaping high into the air, Kimensai cackled as Sky flew into the air to strike back, but with one quick motion of his sword…Kimensai split Sky in half. As the girls watch Sky disappear in a flurry of red cards, they once again saw a crescent red sword slash sail through the air, and cleave Adrian in half further reducing Adrian’s Life from 8 down to a 6. Fluttershy then commanded Helmet Bear to attack Adrian directly, to which the monster gave another howling roar, before lumbering across the arena over to Adrian’s side, and once he’s reached the edge of the center area, Helmet Bear swung around his wrecking ball before sending it rocketing to Adrian. Just as the ball was about to crush Adrian, the girls stood up and told Adrian to dodge, but instead, Adrian pulled out a card from his hand. “I cast…” two cards from his gauge turned into stars, before shooting towards Adrian. “Red Dragon Shield!” In a burst of light, a large shield baring the head of a red dragon, appeared just a foot from Adrian which the ball collided with. And then proceeded to bounce off, and make its way over to Fluttershy, where it crashed into her. reducing her 6 life to 5 to nearly evening out the score. The six girls took another sigh of relief as they slumped back into their seats. “Okay that was way to close for comfort.” Sunset said as she wiped the sweat from her brow. “I think I almost felt my heart leap out of my chest.” Pinkie said as her hands were on her chest, feeling her heart beat at a rapid pace. “Yeah, this may be just a little to intense.” Rainbow said, actually thinking this maybe to intense for her. and yet, she has to admit that this was probably the coolest thing she’s ever witnessed in her life, so far. “Clever move Adrian.” Fluttershy said as she recovers from the backlash of her attack, and her lumbering monster returns to her field, as Kimensai disappears in another flurry of red cards. “But you won’t able to save yourself with little tricks like that forever.” “Maybe not.” Adrian said as he began his turn, and preformed the draw, then charge & draw phase. “Which is why I need to end this battle as soon as possible.” Adrian then held one card in his hand, before tossing it to his center, which absorbed the only two cards in Adrian’s gauge. “I call Systemic Dagger “Onca” to my center!” a more slender version of the previous monster appeared on the field, with similar armor but chrome grey in color, with a bit more plating than the others so far. “It would appear that you’re in a sticky situation Adrian.” Onca said in a more smoother tone of voice, almost sounding feminine. “More than you know Once.” Adrian said as he looked at his cards, then at the field as a whole. “Alright Onca I need you to clear the center for us!” “With pleasure.” Onca leapt to the central arena like a graceful cut, while the Steel Wall just jumped and crashed down on the ground, and two monster began to brawl. Unlike Comrade or Sky, Onca seemed to be more of the fast agile fighter rather than the beefy brawler, bobbing and weaving around the wild thrashing of Steel Wall, lashing out with his armored tail, or bladed coils. Just when Onca slipped past Steel Walls attempt to grab him, and leapt into the air to strike, Fluttershy pulled out a card from her hand. “Time to play one of my spells. I cast Demon Way, Shienrekka!” when Fluttershy played her spell, Steel Wall was enveloped in purplish fire, which seemed to empower him and allow to counter attack Onca’s forward spinning strike, by knocking it away with one of its claws. “With this spell my monster gets 3000 power & defense and the ability to Counter Attack.” “But that means…” “Both our monsters get destroyed.” Fluttershy finished with a small smile, as she watched Once pierce through Steel Wall’s head with its tail, while having one of the Skull Warriors claws clamp down on the dragon. Steel Wall then burst into a flurry of red cards, but as Fluttershy & the six girls looked at Onca, he didn’t vanish. Instead a green card was ejected out of his body, while the dragon landed back on the ground and shook his body like a dog. “It would appear that your dragon had Soulguard.” Fluttershy grumbled as she watched Onca returns to Adrian’s center like nothing happened. “That’s right. and now that your center is wide open, Comrade attack Fluttershy directly!” “You got it!” Comrade said as he leapt high into the air, and came bolting down upon the girl. “Dancemarkable!” the dragon cried as he unleashed a flurry of blades and claw slashes, bringing the girls life down to 3. But that wasn’t all that happened, once Comrade made his attack, Helmet Bear suddenly burst into a flurry of cards, and Adrian’s 6 went back up to 8. “What happened to my Helmet Bear!?” Fluttershy shouted as she glared at Adrian. “It’s Comrade’s ability. When he deals damage to my opponent, while I have a monster with ‘Systemic’ or ‘Drum’ in its card name on my field, then he can destroy an opponents monster and then gives me 2 Life.” Fluttershy grumbled, as Yamigitsune seemed to be just as angered while also balling up his fist’s. “Fluttershy is almost out of life points!” Pinkie exclaimed. “And once they hit 0, we’ll get our friend back.” Applejack said as she stood up in her chair. “Come on Adrian you almost got this!” Adrian looked up to the stands where the girls were. “Don’t worry I’ll have this over in a second.” The young man promised while Fluttershy began her draw phase. And as she charged a card, and drew…a smile came to her face. “I wouldn’t count me out just yet.” Fluttershy said before she began playing her cards. “To my center I call Tempest, Garo-oh, and to my right I call Aftermath, Gagaku.” When Fluttershy’s newest monsters appeared on the field…let’s just say they clearly outclassed their predecessors in frightful appearance. The central monster just looked like a bulky dark-skinned man, wearing the skin of a bear, and armor made from various animal bones, with a skull of a large feral animal with glowing yellow eyes. The other monster was a bit taller, but looked like a large bipedal crocodile, whose scales have become a thick layer of spiked armor, while wielding the spinal cord of another crocodile as its weapon. Both of these ferocious monsters gave a guttural roar that echoed through the arena, causing the six girls to cover their ears, but the force of the roars was enough to cause the girls to actually feel their power. “But I’m not down yet.” Fluttershy said with a wicked smile on her face as she held a card in her hand. “To my left area I buddy call...Boy Transformation, Yamigitsune.” Adding to the echoing roars emitted from the two monsters, a low eerie flute played as the little boy monster disappeared from Fluttershy’s side, and appeared on the field. Giggling as the flute music tapered off along with the echoing roars, while Fluttershy’s 3 went up to 4. “And now it’s time to put this game in my favor. Gagaku, go and destroy Onca.” Letting out a low rumbling growl, the large Skull Warrior hopped from his location to the central arena, where Once meet him and the two squared off. But after only a few seconds, Gagaku lunged at Onca with his weapon, snapping the crocodile skull to take a bite out of the dragon. Using his tail Onca deflected the attack, but when he spun around to counter attack, Gagaku was right in his face, jaws wide open. And clamping them down on Onca’s head, crushing it, and causing the dragon to erupt into red cards. Gagaku then unleashed an ear-splitting roar in victory, as Fluttershy continued her turn. “And now that you’re bodyguard is gone, I’ll use 1 gauge to activate Garo-oh’s ability. Garo Slash!” The girls watched as Garo-oh’s entire body was bathed in sickly yellow, and dirty brown aura, as he swung his naginata around while screeching like a banshee. Leaping off his area on the field, and lunged at Adrian with a malicious look in his eyes. Brandishing his weapon Garo-oh unleashed a mighty swing, hacking Adrian in two while also unleashing torrent of rushing wind, and reducing the young man’s 8 to 6. But things didn’t stop there. unlike the other monsters who only got to attack once, Sunset and the other watched as Garo-oh made a second attack, again slicing Adrian down to size and turn his shortly lived 6 to 4. “Oh man that must’ve been painful.” Pinkie said as she cringed after watching the massacre. “I just hope Adrian can hang in there.” Rarity said as she clasps her hands together. “Now I think I will make my move.” Fluttershy said, which confused the girls by what Fluttershy meant. But that’s when they remembered that Yamigitsune is possessing Fluttershy, so whatever she says…it’s actually the monster that’s speaking. “With my ability, if a Skull Warrior deals damage to my opponent…I can deal damage to my opponent by the amount of that Skull Warriors size, and since Garo-oh is a size two monster, well......you’re a smart guy.” The girls watched as a small blue fireball appeared in front of Adrian, before exploding directly in his face. Adrian cried out in pain as his 4 life was reduced to a depressing 2. “OH NO! Adrian only has 2 life left, and Yamigitsune still hasn’t attacked!” Twilight shouted. “The girl is correct.” Fluttershy said as she brushed her hair. “Time to end this match, and earn my freedom.” Yamigitsune then created five blue fireballs, and launched them. “Adrian!” the six girls shouted as they jumped from their seats, and watched as the fireballs soared straight for them. but then… “Cast! Blue Dragon Shield!” A large broad shield with a shining blue head appeared right in front of him, blocking the fireballs and bathing the whole stadium in bright blue light, while the top card from Adrian deck is added to the gauge. Adrian released the breath he was holding and was now panting in both relief and shock, while Yamigitsune & Fluttershy growled in anger. As for the group of girls, they all collapsed to the ground, gasping in shock and absolute relief. “I don’t think I can take much more of this y'all, my heart feels like it’s going to burst out of my chest.” Applejack said as she grasps the area over her heart. “I couldn’t agree more Applejack.” Sunset said as stood up and watched Adrian regain his composure. “That was way to close Adrian, you nearly gave me, and those girls a heart-attack.” Mander said to his buddy, who looked over his shoulder with a worn out smile. “That’s why I always keep a shield card in my hand at all times, for a situation like this.” “But now you only got one shot left.” Mander said as he looked over to the opposing side, watching Garo-oh & Gagaku disappear in a flurry of red cards. “If you don’t make the best of this one chance, then we lose, and fail to get Fluttershy back.” “Yeah Adrian, we gotta make this turn count boss!” Comrade said to his fighter. “You won’t get that chance.” The dragons and Adrian, as well as the six girls looked over to Fluttershy. “I cast Demon Way, Jigokuezu. This spell allows me to call a Skull Warrior to my field, and I’ll call back to the field Steel Wall.” “Oh no not that thing again.” Rarity said as she leaned on the railing. “It takes at least two monsters to beat that thing, especially if Fluttershy plays another card to increase its power.” Rainbow Dash said as she also leaned on the railing. “Now Steel Wall bring me closer to victory, NOW!” the giant crab monster wailed before jumping across the arena, before leaping at Adrian to crush him under its own weight. Adrian couldn’t defend against this attack, so his 2 now became a depressing lonely 1. “Now all I have to do is survive this turn, and I’ll win.” Fluttershy said in a gleeful tone as she watched Adrian drew a card from his deck, before charging it and drawing a new card. All she needed to do was just withstand whatever assault Adrian had, and she will win, but that when Fluttershy noticed something. When Adrian drew the new card she saw the young man developed a small smile, before chuckling a little bit to himself. “What are you laughing about?” Fluttershy asked the young man. “Cause I think I have this match in the bag.” Adrian said as he places the card in his hand, before drawing out a different card, before looking fully at Mander. “Alright buddy it’s your turn to shine.” The dragon developed a smile of his own. “And here I thought I was going to play bench warmer all game!” Adrian turned to face Fluttershy. “To my left I buddy call, Systemic Commander Dragon!” Mander jumped over Adrian, and landed on the center platform, before giving off a fearsome war cry. while Adrian's 1 Life went up to 2. “And now this match is as good as ours, cause with my buddies ability, not only do all my ‘Systemic’ monsters get the Penetrate ability. But they all gain 1000 power and defense for each different ‘Systemic’ in my drop zone!” Fluttershy, Yamigitsune & the six girls watched as both dragons roared with power, as their bodies shined with a golden energy. “With the power of our fallen brethren, we will rise to victory!” Mander roared. “Comrade care to do the honor of clearing the way with me in a link attack?” Adrian asked. “Like you need ask!” Comrade said as he leapt straight into the air, before blitzkrieg towards Steel Wall, while Adrian leaped and bounded to the monster. Their collective power was more than enough to defeat Steel Wall, but now with Comrades new ability, one of his flying blades shot straight towards Fluttershy, cutting down her 4 life down to 2. And as if to add salt to the wound, Comrades original ability destroyed Yamigitsune, and restored Adrian’s 2 to a more positive 5. After retreating to their original positions, Adrian looked over to his buddy. “Care to finish this Mander?” “With pleasure.” Mander said as he leaped to the center arena, and made a full gallop towards the now panicking Fluttershy. “It’s time to give up the girl Yamigitsune!” Fluttershy cried out as she was about to make a run for it, but Mander was able to close the distance in the blink of an eye, and in one quick movement became a charging cyclone of wind and blades. “Dancemarkable…Hurricane!” Mander barreled through Fluttershy as blades and wind currents ripped through her, while the large dragon skidded to a stop in a dramatic pose, while Fluttershy’s final 2 life dropped to the punishing and fatal 0! As that zero appeared, and a blue mist seeped out of Fluttershy, and formed into Yamigitsune. The ambiguous voice then declared Adrian the winner, and the six girls practically jumped with joy as they heard this, and watched Adrian win the match, and were cheering and almost crying as they got their friend back. A moment later the group were again surrounded in a flash of bright light, and reappeared in the plaza they were in before the battle. Sunset and the others rushed over to Fluttershy’s side, all of them fussing over her, while Adrian walked over to Yamigitsune and with a different device that looked like smart phone, scanned the monster before turning him into a card. “Well that’s one down so far.” Mander said tiredly as Adrian picks up the card, then opens the device and placed the card inside. “And that just leaves three, and if Yamigitsune is any kind of indication of what the others are like, then we better stay on our toes.” The young man said before going over to the group, where he saw Fluttershy has recovered. “Hey there Fluttershy, how are you feeling?” the girl sat up as she looked up to Adrian. “I feel fine, why do you ask?” she asked before looking around. “What happened to that monster?” “I looks like she doesn’t remember what happened.” Twilight whispered to the others. Adrian just scratched his head before giving off a very exhausted sigh. “This is going to take a while to explain.” Adrian said before going into a full on explanation of the events that just happened. > Chapter 4: What Is To Come. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Back on Earth Adrian was at his cities Buddy Police Station, watching as Yamigitsune was placed on a special platform in a large room. the room always reminds the young man like something one would read in a science fiction book, specious, and having various machines and gizmos all over the place, with people in lab outfits. Speaking of said lab people, one of them at a control panel pressed a series of buttons, causing the platform the illegal monster was situated on to spark with energy. A moment later and a portal opened up in front of the subjugated monster, before Yamigitsune was sucked through the portal as a ball of energy. Once the ball was sucked through the portal it started to close itself, just as the monster reformed back to normal. “Monster has successfully been transported to his home dimension.” The woman at the control panel said before powering the machine down to stand-by levels. Sasha nodded to the woman before turning to face Adrian and Mander, an appreciative expression etched on her face. “With your capture along with the other three, things are proceeding faster than expected. Thank you again guys for helping us.” “Not a problem at all Sasha, but I still have three monsters back on that new world.” Adrian said before turning slightly. “And if their as difficult to deal with as Yamigitsune, then I need to quickly round them up.” Sasha nodded her head in understanding. “Just try not to wear yourselves out, you, especially Adrian. You looked like you were ready to collapse when you came back.” Mander then spoke up as he swatted Adrian leg with his tail. “Don’t worry Sasha, I’ll make sure Adrian takes cares of himself.” The little dragon said. “I already do that anyway, so it’s no big deal.” Adrian then gave a sarcastic laugh as the pair stood on the transport pad. The pad again sparked with energy, as another portal opened up and Adrian, and Mander were turned into balls of light. As Sasha watched the balls of light get sucked through the portal, Sasha began to wonder if it was an actual good idea to outsource Adrian like this, true he may be a good Buddy Fighter, but he’s not trained to be an officer. While her mind was occupied by this fact, Sasha was quickly brought out of her inner discussion, when the doors to the transport chamber opened, and in came another officer, the same height as Sasha but with short brunette hair with the bangs covering her left eye, and by her side was her buddy which looked like humanoid robot. “Are sure you don’t want to send back up with them, Adrian looked like he just ran a marathon.” The woman asked Sasha who sighed and looked at the girl. “I probably should. From what he’s said, this world new world has defiantly given a power boost to the illegal monster he captured, as well as his own monsters.” Sasha said as she looked at the girl. “I know you’ve just got back from your own assignment, but could you go and back them up?” the girl just smiled before making her way over to the transporter. ~~~~~ “I still can’t believe I was so horrible to Adrian.” Fluttershy lamented as she buried her face into her hands. Once Adrian had captured the illegal monster, he along with the others began explaining everything that happened to Fluttershy, and as expected, the shy girl wasn’t taking the news to well. “Hey now sugarcube it wasn’t yer fault.” Applejack said as she tried to comfort her friend, while the others were getting drinks for them. “It was that low-down snake monster, he made you do what you did. You’re not at fault here.” “But still.” Fluttershy said before a hand on her shoulder caused her to look behind her, seeing Pinkie with a cup of ice coffee in her hand. “Don’t worry about it Shy, it’s all over now.” Pinkie said as she handed the drink to her friend. The rest of the girls eventually joined the trio, drinks, and bags of food in hand, as they sat around the schools statue and waited for Adrian to come back. But as they were waiting for him, a figure floating over the school, icy cold blue eyes scanning the girls as they talked. Two of the girls caught the figures eyes instantly, and those two were Sunset Shimmer, and Twilight Sparkle. To the figure they could see something in those two girls, something that intrigues their curiosity, especially with Twilight. The figures attention was drawn away from the girls, and towards the statue, where Adrian and Mander appeared. Acting quickly the figure vanished in a swirling rush of cold wind. “Adrian!” the seven girls said as they all stood up, but noticed that Adrian looked a little, woozy. “Hey are you alright?” Sunset asked. “Yeah. Just a side effect from dimensional traveling.” Adrian said, getting a ‘I know that feeling’ look from Sunset. Once he has recovered he straighten himself up before looking at the group. “Were all of you waiting here for me?” the seven girls nodded in confirmation. “We wanted to make sure if you were alright.” Applejack said as she patted the young man’s back. “You looked really winded from your battle with that illegal monster.” “Which is why I think he should take it easy.” An unknown voice said out of nowhere, causing the group to look around for the source. As for Adrian, he just stiffened up when he heard the voice. Everyone then turned to the front steps of the school, where they saw a ball of light turn into a pillar, which only remained for a few seconds before disappearing. And revealing a girl that appears to be the same age as Adrian. The girl was at least a few inches taller than the young man, with short brunette hair, the bangs covering one of her eyes, which were a dark blue color. The outfit she was wearing looks like the same as the one Adrian was wearing, but less bulky. Standing by her side was a humanoid robot that was generally the same size. The seven girls were confused as to who this was, but it seemed that Adrian and Mander knew who she was. “Liam what are you doing here?” Adrian asked as he walked over to the girl. “I came to make sure you don’t over work yourself, and to provide backup.” The girl said as she brushed her hair out of her eyes. “And it looks like I was right, you could barely walk straight.” “…Sasha gave me this assignment—” “And you’ll fulfill it because you don’t want to disappoint Sasha, or let her down.” Liam said as she shook her head with an exasperated sigh. “Honestly, Adrian you put too much pressure on yourself, always pushing yourself because you feel some need to prove that you can do it.” Liam then placed a hand on the young man’s shoulder. “You really need to learn to pace yourself, and ask for help when you clearly need it.” The girl then walked past her friend, the robot following behind. “So for the rest of the day, I want you to rest up. I’ll do some investigating, see if I can find any of the illegal monsters energy signatures.” Adrian sighed before rubbing the back of his head. “Fine. I know better than to argue with you when you have your mind set on something.” Sunset and the other girls watched as the girl and robot walked past them, and then witness a motorcycle just appear out of the blue. The robot transformed into some kind of backpack, and latched itself onto Liam, before she mounted the motorcycle and drove off. As the girls watched Liam drive off, they turned to see Adrian sitting down on one of the steps, with Mander beside him and giving him a comforting pat on the back. “So.” Sunset said as the group gathered around the pair. “Was that girl a friend of yours?” “Yeah.” Adrian simply said. “Her name is Liam, and yeah, that is her actual name.” Adrian said with a small smile. “Is she a Buddy Police Officer as well?” Rainbow asked. “E’yup. Not only that, but she’s also one of the top officers.” Mander stated before looking up at Adrian. “And I agree with Liam in her statement. That battle certainly took a lot out of you, you should rest up for the rest of the day.” “I have to agree with them Adrian.” Twilight said as she adjust her glasses. “It’s only been a few hours since that battle, and you still look pretty warn out.” “…maybe your right.” Adrian said as he leaned back a bit. “I can’t explain it, but that fight took more out of me than usual. Not only that…” Adrian trailed off as he just stares up at the sky. “What is it Adrian? Is something wrong?” Fluttershy asked worriedly. “I can’t be sure, but I think something about this world is giving the monsters some kind of power boost, but I can’t confirm that hunch.” Adrian then slowly rose to his feet as he stretches out his body. “But I’ve been ordered to take it easy today. So I’ll just have to deal with this later.” “Well if you want Adrian, you could hang out with us if you want?” Pinkie asked, always eager to help out others. Figuring why not, Adrian accepted the pink girls request. As Pinkie leads the group to…who knows where exactly, the group started to ask Adrian even more questions about Buddy fighting. He maybe off duty from performing tasks, but not from answering questions. One of the questions that the girls didn’t ask last night, was if it was possible for them to get a buddy monster, sadly Adrian said it wasn’t likely, since it seemed their world didn’t have anything related to Buddfight the game. Without the game, then the girls couldn’t draw Buddy-Rare cards, in order to get a buddy monster. Which made a few of the girls a little bummed out, but they quickly got over it and continued to head into the city. “So where are we gonna go?” Mander asked his escorts. “Well, how about we go see a movie!” Pinkie said as she pointed to the theater across the way. “Ugh Pinkie, I think your forgetting something.” Rainbow said as she pointed down at Mander. “They don’t let animals, no offense, inside the theater.” “Oh no worries.” Mander said, before transforming into his card form, once again shocking the group. “…you know, I shouldn’t be surprised at this point, but I still am?” Applejack said as she watched the card float into Adrian’s deck case, before watching the group crossed the road to the theater. Shaking her head, the farm girl chased after the others as they entered the building. ~~~~~ In another part of town, a trio of girls were sitting around a large van that was parked around other trailers, RVs, or mobile homes. Two of the girls were pretty much just lounging around, while the third member of the trio was pacing around, a deep thoughtful look on her face, with a touch of added frustration. These girls are the Dazzlings, a trio of siren sisters that are from another world called Equestria, who were throttled into this world by Starswirl the Bearded. And in recent months this last year, the sisters have been on a rather step losing streak. First off they’ve been unable to satisfy their hunger for negative emotions, and three months ago they lost their only means to utilize their own magical abilities, and the means to feed on the negative emotions which empowers them. Ever since then the Dazzlings have been getting by pretty well, so far. Each one taking up two jobs to make sure they don’t starve, but they didn’t make enough to afford an apartment, so they resorted to living in large van they’ve spent a lot of money on to be converted into a decent living space for them. sure they had to pretty much bundle up, and even spoon one another most of the time, but its something they’re already used to. “Adagio you really need to relax; you’ll just give yourself grey hairs.” Sonata said before taking a sip of soda, then taking a bite out of a taco. “Easy for you to say Sonata!” Adagio snapped back, causing her sister to jerk, and nearly choke on her food. “You may be satisfied with how things are now—” “Pfft. Like what, the fact that we all work two jobs, and have no magic....and live in a customized van.” Aria said offhandedly as she slouches in the lawn chair she was sitting on. “YES!” Adagio screeched, causing not only her sisters to nearly fall out of their chairs. But started some of their neighbors. “Ever since those girls destroyed our gems, I’ve been trying to figure out how we could get not only our powers back! But also how to get our voices as well, and how we could get back at those show stoppers!” “Well…the only way to do that, is somehow get our gems fixed.” “Which is impossible.” Aria retorted to Sonata’s words. “This world just doesn’t have the magic need for such a thing to happen.” “The only way to restore our gems is possibly to find a way back to Equestria, but we don’t know if there is such a way back.” Adagio said as she continues her pacing in front of the van. “We don’t even know how those seven girls got access to their own Equestrian magic.” “Oh, oh, oh!” Sonata said eagerly as she bounced in her seat. “Why don’t we spy on those girls then?” her two sisters looked at Sonata with raised eyebrows and a questioning look. “Think about it. Those seven girls somehow managed to get their hands-on Equestrian magic, and somehow managed to pull of big spells. So if we follow, like spies, we could figure out how they got their Equestrian magic, so we can get our own back!” both Aria & Adagio looked at each other for a moment, before looking back at Sonata as she finished eating her taco. “…that maybe the best, or possibly, only plan that you suggested that sounds, plausible.” Adagio said in actual surprise, especially considering how scattered brain Sonata can be. “But aside from the school, we don’t know where they live.” “Then I guess we better start looking for them.” Aria said as she stretches out her back. “But where do we even start? Summer just started, so school is out?” Sonata said through a full mouth. Just as the sirens were trying to come up with a plan, they heard something. It sounded like someone was playing a bass, but it wasn’t just any bass, just by listening the sirens could tell that something was, different. With their curiosity now peeked, the girls left their van and started to follow their ears, which was leading them to a back alleyway behind the nearby bar. And what they found caused the sirens to look bewildered. Leaning against the wall of the building was a girl no bigger than them, with pale white skin, and very bright neon blue hair, and looked to be wearing some kind of gothic clothing, while strumming away on a very ornate looking bass guitar. But what really caught the sirens attention about the girl…was the wisps of blue fire that sparked from her, every time she plucked a chord on her guitar. This girl obviously has some kind of magic, but the sirens knew it wasn’t Equestrian magic, but, they couldn’t tell what kind of magic the girl was using. The Dazzlings noticed that the girl was now looking at them, and was giving them a small smile. Finishing her little strumming session, the girl was lifted off the wall by a few wisps of fire, before turning to face the sirens. As the girl looks at the sirens, the sisters could defiantly tell that this was no ordinary human girl, but…they couldn’t tell what she actually was. “…who are you?” Adagio asked as the girl approached them, never losing her smile. And with each step she took, the Dazzlings felt more and more unusual magic emanating from her. when the girl was now just a foot from the sirens, she spoke in a quite yet, soothing voice. “Magic Bassist, Asagi…and I think we can help, each other.” the girl said as she strummed a few chords. “And what makes you say that?” Adagio asked as she crossed her arms, while looking at the mystery girl with uncertainty. Instead of speaking, Asagi starts playing a little tune on her guitar. And just as the sirens were about to ask her what is she doing, they watched as they’re shattered gems float out from their pockets, and over towards Asagi. Once the shattered gems were floating in front of the girl, Asagi starts busting out a rocking solo, wrapping the gems in the blue flames that the guitar was producing! The sirens then watched as Asagi’s appearance slightly changed, getting more frills to her outfit, gained some make-up and has a few floating fire cats that orbit her. the Dazzling only stood there as they could see the magic at work, and after a solid minute of strumming her guitar, the flames dispersed from their gems…and saw that they were fully restored! The sirens could only stare in disbelief at the fact their gems were restored, while Asagi starts to play a more gentler tune as the three rubies floated over to each siren, where they hesitantly took them and looked at the girl with shock on their faces. “So…do you wanna hear my proposal now, or do you need another demonstration?” the girl said with a slightly bigger smile as she plays one last chord of her guitar before the sound fades out, leaving the group in thoughtful silence, before the sirens looked at each before looking back at Asagi. “Let’s talk at our place.” With that Adagio and her sisters walked back to their van, with the mysterious non-normal human girl following behind them. still plucking a few strings of her guitar, and causing more wisps of fire to flick out. > Chapter 5: Simply....Intrigued. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The blaring sound of an alarm clock started to sound out, as the digital face read 7 am. Slowly waking up from her sleep, Twilight Sparkle tries to turn it off, but her uncoordinated hand flops just couldn’t make it. But after her fifth attempt, she was able to stop her alarm clock’s blaring beeps. Once the alarm clock was dealt with, Twilight slowly sat up in her bed and stretched as she gave out a long yawn. “Morning Twilight.” Spike said from the foot of the bed as he watched his owner get out of bed, and made her way to the door, giving him a small pat on the head. “Morning Spike.” Twilight said groggily, as she was still partially asleep. Leaving her room Twilight headed to the bathroom of the house to take a nice shower, as she was getting the shower ready, Twilight started to think back to yesterday. After she and her friends took Adrian to the movies, the group spent the rest of the day just hanging out, and of course constantly barraging the young man with questions. Rainbow & Pinkie were always asking if there was any way for them to possibly get a buddy monster, but as Adrian stated before the only way that would happen, if there world had access to the Buddyfight Card Game which acts as a catalyst for not only the monsters, but the spells & items of the other Monster Worlds. Twilight was just fascinated by everything that Adrian was explaining about his world, and the Monster Worlds. To think that Adrian’s world has various peace treaties with other worlds, worlds that have their own economics and people, it all sounded so fascinating! “I wonder if Adrian would take us to his world so we can see what it is like?” Twilight mumbled to herself as the hot water cascaded over her body. “Although, considering that he’s not an official Buddy Police Officer, I doubt he has the authority to allow that. Also…” Twilight then thought back to Adrian’s female friend, Liam. She seemed to be a very by the books kind of person, not only that, but she seemed pretty intimidating. Granted Twilight has only meet Liam when she initially came to their world, and later on when she came back from her solo patrol across the city, but even then Liam didn’t really interact with her or the others, and just talked to Adrian and Mander. “I don’t think she would allow us to visit.” Twilight concluded as she finished her shower, and was drying herself off. As Twilight finished drying herself, she headed to the sink to comb her hair, brush her teeth, and other cleaning priorities. But she jerked back when she saw something in the mirror…a face! turning around, Twilight saw nothing but the door. Looking back over to the mirror, the teenage girl didn’t see anything aside from her own reflection. “What was that?” Twilight muttered under her breath as she tried to figure out what it was she saw in the mirror. That’s when something came to her. “…could’ve that been…one of the illegal monsters?” Twilight had to tell Adrian about this, so she quickly finished her prep, and went back to her room for a change of clean clothes. Spike noticed the somewhat frantic state that Twilight was in, and asked what’s wrong, when Twilight told her puppy that she saw a strange face in the bathroom mirror, Spike left the room as Twilight was finished getting dressed. Taking a look around the bathroom, Spike sniffed around to see if he could pick up any unusual scents, and he did. At least, he thinks he has, it’s hard to explain. Aside from Twilight’s own scent, and the smell of the shampoo that she used, Spike could pick up…the VERY small hint of another person’s scent. But the thing, it wasn’t like a complete scent, more like someone left something in the room for a second, before quickly taking it away before it could linger in the room. “Spike, did you pick something up?” Twilight asked her puppy as she stood in the bathroom doorway. “I think so?” Spike said unsurely. “It’s like someone was here, but…I don’t know if I can put it into words.” Twilight bent down to pick Spike up, and held him closely while giving him a pat on the head. “It’s alright Spike. I do appreciate you looking after me, but I think Adrian might be able to help with this.” Twilight then made her way down stairs, where she said good morning to her parents, and her brother, before leaving the house. Course they asked why Twilight was in a hurry, but she simply told her family that she in a hurry to go meet up with her friends. leaving the house, and putting Spike down so he could follow her, Twilight started to make her way to the motel where Adrian was staying at. But as she ran through the city streets, passing by whatever people were awake this early in the morning, Twilight started to feel like she was being, watched. And every know and then she would stop, and simply look around, but nobody, or anything stuck out as unusual, but she still felt like she was being watched. Even Spike was starting feel like someone was watching Twilight, but was unable to see anything out of the ordinary himself. The pair continued to walk to the motel, trying to brush off the strange sensation of being watched, they eventually made it to their destination after twenty or so minutes. Going to the main office, Twilight asked the owner which room Adrian was in. Now the older lady looked at Twilight with slight suspicion, but ended up telling the teenager which room was Adrian’s. Leaving the office Twilight made her way across the main courtyard of the motel, and started to climb the stairs to where Adrian’s room was situated, but after reaching the top steps, Twilight saw a shadow on the wall. But the shadow had the outline of someone wearing a witches cap. Looking to where the shadow was originating from, Twilight saw nothing. Ignoring the shadow for now, Twilight and Spike found the door to Adrian’s room and began knocking on it. “Give me a second!” Adrian’s voice called out from the other side of the door. A few minutes go by and the door finally opened, revealing Adrian in loose black shirt, and a pair of grey jeans. “Twilight what are you doing here, especially this early.” “Actually Adrian, I think…I’m being, stalked.” Twilight said in a hushed voice, but she continued as Adrian gave a curious look. “And I’m not sure, but I think it’s one of the illegal monsters.” Looking around for a brief moment, Adrian ushered Twilight and Spike into his room, before giving one last look around before closing the door. After entering Adrian’s motel room she had a quick look about. It was a decent size place, really clean to her surprise, it even had a small kitchen. When the door closed Adrian guided Twilight to the only table in the room, where she sat as Adrian fetched them something to drink. “Where’s Mander?” Twilight asked as she waited at the table. “He’s still asleep, but he’s in his card form.” Adrian replied as he sat down at the table, handing a cup of water to Twilight, while he had a cup of coffee. “So Twilight, what made you think there’s an illegal monster stalking you?” Twilight began telling Adrian what has happened through out the morning. From seeing a strange face in the bathroom mirror, always feeling that there was someone watching her, and then telling him about the shadow with no physical source that was just by the stairs. “Hmmmm. Well, it does sound like something is up.” Adrian looked away from his cup of coffee and over to Twilight, who looked be really nervous. “I’m guessing that this isn’t a normal thing, despite all the magic stuff that tends to happen sometimes.” The teenage girl could only shake her head. “Whenever something magical happens, it usually pretty direct, and mostly obvious. Sometimes.” Twilight tried to clear up. “Well in that case it could be an illegal monster, but whenever one shows up, they don’t usually do something like stalk someone.” “So what do think Twilight should do?” Spike asked, feeling more worried for his owner now. Adrian leaned back in his seat a bit, and began thinking as he drums the fingers of his left hand on his right forearm. “…I think for the time being, you should stick close to your friends and me. I’ll let Liam know that some strange activity is going on. Then will have a look around, and see if me and Mander can pick something up.” Adrian said as he got out of his chair and began putting his socks and shows on, giving Twilight some comfort as she lets out the held in breath she was holding. “Oh, thank you Adrian.” Twilight said as she looked over at Adrian…and noticed that he was stuck in mid stride. “Adrian?” The young man didn’t respond to her words. Slowly standing up from her chair, Twilight took a step forward, and almost tripped on something. When she looked down, Twilight saw that Spike was also frozen. Now slightly panicking a little, Twilight looked around the room and noticed that the wall on the clock, and the digital clock on the counter was also stop. Walking over to the window, Twilight looked out and saw that cars where stopped in odd spots, and that a few birds looked like they were about to land on the fence, but were suspended in midair. Stepping away from the window slowly Twilight turned to face Adrian, but when she did, she gave out a high pitched ‘eep!’ as she saw a new person in the room. Seamlessly floating in the middle of the room, was an older looking woman, somewhere around Cadences age. Her skin was a pale color, and her long flowing head of hair was also a pale blue coloration, with a pair of steely cold blue eyes staring at Twilight. The woman was wearing an outfit that looked like something a witch would wear, pure black, and looked really tight fitting, but it also had various blue marking all over. She was also holding a metallic looking staff that looked more sci-fi than fantasy based. The woman gave a small smile to Twilight as she crossed her long legs, and re-adjusted the position the staff she was holding, all the while never taking her eyes of Twilight. “W-who…who are you?” Twilight asked nervously as she just sat there on the floor. The woman’s smile grew just a tad before she spoke, her voice calm, yet hollow in a sense. “I am Witch of Destruction, Hearty the Devastator my dear.” The woman then rested her chin in her free hand. “But you may address me simply as, Hearty.” Twilight slowly got up to her feet, never taking her eyes of the strange woman. “Y-you’re one of the illegal monsters, c-correct?” Hearty nodded. “And you’re the one I saw in my bathroom mirror, and the shadow I saw?” Hearty nodded again, never loosing the smile she was sporting. “Why are you stalking me.” Twilight asked nervously. “…” Hearty didn’t immediately answer Twilight’s question, but after a brief delay, as if she was pondering on how to actually reply. “Because my dear, I find you…Intriguing.” Twilight raised an eyebrow at that, getting some level of confidence back. “What do you mean, intriguing?” she questioned. Hearty’s smile grew just a hair before replying. “Ever since I came to this world of yours, something about it has been giving me this strange, vibe, I think is the right word to use.” Hearty summarized before continuing. “Yes, Something about this world is giving me this strange vibe, as if two sets of different magics are, scrapping against each other. naturally, my genuine curiosity got the better of me, which why came to investigate. And as I was studying the two forces of magic their independent signatures lead me to the school…and you and that fiery haired girl.” Hearty said as she leaned slightly forward. “Something about you two is setting off my inquisitive nature, and I would very much like to find out. However, since he’s here—” Hearty abruptly said while pointing at Adrian. “I would undoubtedly be sent back to Magic World before I can figure out why you, and that other girl are generating two different kinds of magic, that are like fighting dogs.” “So…your just, stalking me, because I have magic.” Twilight said as she tried to figure out what Hearty is really after. The woman however just gives a nod. “I can sense that the magic in you is not natural…and yet, there is a natural magical force surrounding you.” Hearty said as she began to lazily circle Twilight, like a shark. Which is only causing the violet girl to squirm under the scrutinizing gaze of the woman. “So tell me girl…what. Is. You’re. Secret?” Hearty said, her voice now sounding a little more foreboding, her hat obscuring her facial features, causing her eyes to glow an ominous glow. All the while Twilight shakes under the monster women’s no unsettling presence. But then in a flash of light, Mander erupted from Adrian’s deck case, in his full form. Claws outstretched and mouth wide open. Hearty was able to react in time, and teleported away, while Twilight was able to duck just in time as the large Armordragon burst through the door…and part of the wall. Mander looked around the area, where time seemed to have resumed. Adrian finally grabbed his deck case, but when he looked back to Twilight, needless to say he was shocked at what he saw. “What the heck just happened?” Adrian asked in a baffled manner as he looks at Mander, and the busted wall. “It was the illegal monster!” Twilight quickly said. “What?” Adrian replied back. “Some kind of witch was hovering around Twilight. I only just managed to break out of the stasis field that was somehow placed on the deck case, so I could grab her.” Mander said as he shrink to his mini form. “But she got away.” Adrian walked over to Twilight. “Are you alright?” he asked worriedly to which she nodded. “I’m fine, she didn’t hurt me, just…just frightened me is all.” Twilight said as she took Adrian’s hand to help her up, and as she got to her feet she looked at Adrian with a slightly worried look. “We need to find Sunset.” The group left the motel and made their way to Sunset’s apartment, while some of Adrian’s neighbors left their rooms to begin their days, only to freak out at what they saw of Adrian’s doorway. High above in the sky, overlooking everything, and watching the group leave the general area, was Hearty sitting on her staff. “Don’t think you’ve seen the last of me girl, you will answer my questions. So that I maybe able to further my own magical research.” Hearty muses to herself as she slowly starts fading away, like mist clearing up over the land. ~~~~~ In Downtown Canterlot, near where the main train station is where a good amount of stores and shops were, people could been seen, or more predominantly heard, screaming, and arguing with one another. And as the people argued with one another, veils of green mist could be seen drifting off their bodies, and slowly wafting over the ground. standing in a parking lot, by a van, with four people playing instruments, were the Dazzlings, their musical voices back to being perfectly in-tune. The mist that’s being generated from the arguing mob, were slowly being drawn to the three siren sisters, absorbing it, and feeling the nourishing power that it gave them. But the amount of mist being generated is becoming more abundant than what the sirens would normally get from people. If they had to guess, it was probably due to their new friend Asagi, and her Mystical Knight friends, as their music not only complements their voices. But seems to be empowering their own magical abilities. After performing for about five or so minutes, the sirens absorbed the last of the mist, a satisfying sigh left their lips as Asagi and her fellow Mystic Knights finished their songs. Before turning back into cards, and flying back into the white upside-down pyramid core gadget. “What do you think girls, did I deliver good on my promise.” Asagi said as she strummed her bass. “Oh yeah you did!” Aria said, sounding actually thrilled and not snarky for once. “We finally have our magic back, and we were able to eat more of these peoples strife.” “I forgot how good it all tasted.” Sonata said as she rubs her stomach, and licks her lips. Adagio turned to face Asagi. “So…you’ll help us do whatever we want, as long as we keep you and the others in here—” Adagio said as she pointed at the core gadget. “Safe and away from people who would send you back to your world?” Asagi nodded as she leaned against the van, still strumming away on her bass. “That’s the deal girls.” Asagi said as she looked at the three. “So. Is our deal finalized?” the sirens looked at each other, all three of them having smiles on their faces. They turned to face Asagi who was still waiting for their response. “We have an accord, Asagi.” The monster girl smiled a little wider. “BUT!” Adagio said abruptly, causing the smile to falter slightly. “We also want your help to get a little payback, on a few people that nearly ruined our lives.” The smile on Asagi’s face grew into a more wicked grin, teeth showing as her eyes glowed with power. “A revenge scheme, huh?” the sirens nodded in unison. “Interesting.” Asagi was lifted off the van by a few wisps of blue fire, before fully facing the three sisters. her smile now looking a little sinister, as the light of the wisps of fire illuminated her face. “Tell me about these people you want revenge on.” > Chapter 6: the Unusual Challenge > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was now early evening, nearing twelve in the afternoon, and Adrian, Mander were following Twilight as the violet skin girl lead the two to Sunset’s apartment. But as they did so the trio kept their eyes peeled for that witch monster, who Twilight said was called Witch of Destruction, Hearty the Devastator, as they weren’t sure if the witch was watching them. in fact, Twilight most of all was nervous, always feeling like those cold piercing eyes were staring down at her. eventually the trio reached Sunset’s apartment, and the fiery haired girl answered the door and saw the worried looks on her guest, Sunset let them in and listened to what they had to say. “—and because of our Equestrian magic running through us, this illegal monster has this bizarre interest in both you and me Twilight?” Sunset asked after hearing everything that happened to her friend, mere minutes ago. And from what she was just told, it sounded like things were going to get a little strange. As she and twilight were talking, Sunset noticed that Adrian was talking on a phone while off in a corner, and she could almost make out what he was saying. Which sounded like he was talking to Liam. “—Yeah, and it sounds like this monster has a real interest in the girls.” Adrian said as he leaned against the wall, listening to what Liam was saying on the other side. “Alright I’ll keep an eye on them, while you scour the city. Just be careful okay, this monster sounds like a tricky one.” The conversation trickled on for a bit longer, before hanging up the phone and turned to face Sunset and Twilight. “So it sounds like Liam is on the case.” Sunset remarked as Adrian and Mander re-joined the two girls at Sunset’s dining room table. “Yup.” Adrian said as he sat down. “And for the time being she wants me, and Mander to keep an eye on you two. While she and her buddy check out the city for this witch monster.” “Do you think she’ll find her?” Twilight asked as she was still a little unnerved about the encounter. “I’m certain she will. Liam is a pretty top-notch battler.” Mander said as he hopped onto the table. “But even with her searching for this monster, we should be cautious. We still don’t know what this witch’s motive is.” “Other than that she’s attracted to you two because of this magic you two have.” Adrian said as he leaned against the table. “Still didn’t expect to hear that you were from another world Sunset, where everyone is a small colorful pony.” “Yeah. But why would this witch be interested in Equestrian magic?” Sunset questioned. “Not sure. It’s hard to tell why a monster does something.” Adrian said as he made a sideways glance at Mander, who looked back, and the two shared a knowing smirk. “But in any case, we’ll just have to be careful for a while until Liam finds the monster.” The girls nodded and began to talk about what they should do for the time being. ~~~~~ Riding around her buddy monsters bike, her own tracking device trying to pick up any form of monster signature, as she zips through the streets of the city. She was already a little frustrated about yesterday, where she was supposed to be the one searching for the monsters, while her friend gets some rest before heading back into the fray, but on both cases, things didn’t go well. Not only did Liam not manage to pick up a trace of a monster, but Adrian was already mixed in with one of the three remaining illegal monsters, when he’s supposed to be taking it easy. “Liam.” The voice of the young woman’s buddy, Cyber Police, Lightning Chaser, spoke up from the backpack she was wearing. “Are you feeling alright? You seem anxious, more so than usual.” “I’m fine Chaser.” Liam said as she blitz’s through the streets. But as she does so, a shadowy figure inside an empty room in one of the many building watched her. its red eyes narrowing in what looks like a gleeful manner. The officer and her buddy continued to drive through the city, stopping at points that had slight spikes in activity, but ending up being false trails. And with each false lead she was getting, Liam was growing more frustrated, if there is one thing she doesn’t like, it’s being lead on like an idiot. But just as she parked her bike in a parking lot to take a small break, the device she had out and strapped to her vehicle started to go off, picking up an actual illegal monster signature! And it was close to! having the bike disappeared, and her buddy transforming back into his normal form, the two began following the device as it leads them to where the signature of the illegal monster was coming from. Winding through a back alley, the officer pair came out into another parking lot, where they came upon a group of girls. Three of them looked like normal teenage girls, each one dressed up in a pretty gaudy yet flashy outfit, green mist swirling around their feet before creeping up their bodies, and seemingly being absorbed into a red gem on a choker around the girls necks. The fourth girl was different from the other three, dressed up like a Gothic punk rock musician, strumming away on the bass guitar she held, but the device that Liam was holding was directing her towards the bass guitarist. The four girls noticed Liam and Chaser after a minute of the pair entered the parking lot. “Looks like the fuzz found us girls.” the guitarist said in a low voice as she continues to strum away on her instrument, causing the three teenagers to look towards the pair. “And who are they supposed to be?” the boysenberry haired girl said as she crossed her arms and glared at the two. “Those would be the people that would want to take me away, and send me back to my own world.” the gothic rocker said in tune with each note she played on her bass. The orange haired girl then took a step forward, a defiant look on her face. “Well I’m afraid that won’t happen.” “All we’re after is the monster.” Liam said as she pulls out a special taser gun from her belt, which strong enough to stun even some of the toughest monsters when on higher charges. “Step aside and we won’t hurt you.” the three girls chuckled at threat, which only made Liam a little more annoyed. “How about this instead officer.” The monster said as she turned to face Liam as she stood side-by-side with the orange haired girl. “If you beat us in a Buddyfight, I’ll go peacefully, but if my new girlfriends win, I get to stay.” “Fine monster, I’m game.” Liam said as she holstered her taser gun and pulled out her core gadget. “Wait.” The blue haired girl said. “We don’t have one of those things, or a deck of cards.” The boysenberry girl shook her head as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Sonata…Asagi can manifest a deck and deck case for us, REMEMBER!” the blue haired made on ‘O’ face, as Asagi summoned said core gadget in a plume of blue fire, and handed it over to the orange haired girl. Which turned into the upside-down pyramid core gadget. “Up holding the law and taking down crime, we honor our duty as Buddy Police Officers! Lumanize!” Liam tossed the case up, where it turned into the form of black and white taser gun with blue markings. After the transformation, Liam caught it like a pro, and spun it around before aim it at the group. “Assault Squad!” “Time to raise the Flag!” “I fight for Hero World.” Liam said as Chaser’s bike materialized behind the pair before he jumped on it, while the Hero World flag appeared just above the pair. “And we fight for Magic World.” the orange haired girl said as the other stood off to her right, while the monster Asagi stood beside her left as the Magic World flag appeared behind them. “The first move is ours.” The orange haired girl said as she began her charge and draw stage, before starting her turn. “To the center I call Magic Drummer, Byakuren. And to my right I call Magic Guitarist, Hisui.” As the cards were sent out, two bonfire fires appeared one yellow, and the other being green. The flames died down and revealed two human looking monsters, one being a rather bulky young man that was dressed like a punk rocker, drumming away on a set of drums. The other monster looked more like little boy dressed up as a rock and roller, holding a little bright green guitar which he was strumming away widely, as sparks of green fire flicked each time the pick struck the chord. “Hisui be a dear attack the opponent please.” The orange skinned girl said sweetly. “Sure thing.” the boy said as he really started to rev up his guitar playing, causing more green fire to be produced, before becoming a spiraling vortex that charged at Liam. “And don’t forget my ability now, when I attack you drop a card from the deck, and if it happened to be a Fire card it gets added to your hand, and I deal 1 extra point of damage!” The orange skinned girl drew the next card from the deck, and placed it in her hand, which caused Liam to be engulfed in a quick burst of green fire, causing her 10 life to be dropped to 9. As those flames died down, the cyclone of green fire crashed into Liam, furthering reducing the officers life down to 7. The other two girls gleefully watched as Liam was drowned in the flames, as they watched the life point shatter to its new value. As for Liam, she actually felt like she was just assaulted by something hot, which surprised her. battles between battlers usually don’t have other damage effects, aside from the shock of being attacked. ‘So this is the effect that Adrian meant that the battle he had was, different.’ The officer thought as she began her own charge and draw phase. ‘Looks like I’ll have to tred lightly with this battle.’ “To my left I call Cyber Police, Hold Hunter, and to the center and right I cal Cyber Police, Stealth Hunter!” Liam declared as she tossed out the three cards to her field. The first declared monster took the form of what looked like a cyberized police officer, holding a energy bladed knife. The other two monsters were the same, robotic looking guard dogs in the shape of dobermans, all though the one on the left had a different color scheme compared to the center dog. Liam then order the right robotic dog to attack the center monster, where it ran at full speed before tackling the drummer, where it’s red visor glowed with energy before unleashing a powerful blast. The drummer was reduced to a flurry of red cards, as the dog gave a victorious howl, before bounding back to its original position. “Alright, now Hold Hunter and center Stealth Hunter do a link attack!” Liam commanded her forces, sending the two roboitc figures on the war path. Hold Hunter was skating across the asphalt of the parking lot, brandishing the knife in its hand as it gets ready to strike, same with the other robotic dog running at full speed, it’s own visor pulsating with energy. But the orange skin girl pulled out one of the the cards in her hand. “Sorry but I don’t plan on being injured today, so I cast Deep Blaze Singularity.” The card in her hand glowed with light, before turning to sparkling dust. “This spell allows me to nullify your attack, while also giving my Mystic Knights a 3000 boost to their power. now damage for you this turn.” The orange girl said with a confident, almost smug tone of voice. But Liam just smirked back, causing the three girls to look slightly confused. “I’ll see your spell, and raise with my own. I cast—” Liam said as she pulled out the center most card of her hand which glowed brightly. “Or So the Dream I had Went! By paying two gauge I can nullify your spell!” the girls looked shocked as the card she played disappeared, negating it and the light that was forming around Hisui disappeared. The girls turned back to Liam’s monsters, only to see them be an inch from the orange skinned girl, where they both struck out causing the three girls to cry out in surprise, followed by the shattering of their 10 life down to 7 life, evening up the score. After the cybernetic monsters have done their duty, they retreated back to their side of the field, where Liam smiled confidently at them. “I believe it’s your move now.” “Don’t get to cocky you hussy!” The orange skinned girl growled as she began her turn. ~~~~~ Adrian was sitting by the window of Sunset’s living room, looking out into the street to keep an eye out for any sign of Hearty, while also waiting to hear back from Liam. While she maybe a top-notch battler and officer, but she can be egged on if challenged, and because of that she often gets in more trouble. While the young man was sitting by the window, Mander was with Twilight and Sunset as they went through the cards that Adrian’s deck is comprised of. And both girls were pretty impressed by the artwork of the guards, as they held so much detail, not just with the characters but the background illustrations as well. “So Mander, are all these monsters part of the same organization you’re part off, back in your home world?” Sunset asked as she holds two cards, one in each hand. “Not exactly.” The monster said as he places a paw on one card on the coffee table. “Black Edge is technically not part of the Systemic line, as he decided to deviate from the order.” Mander then held his other paw over the card in Sunset’s hand. “This monster is still technically part of the Systemic dragon order, but these members decided to also join forces with the dragons of the Blue Sky Knights order.” As Mander continued to go over each of the cards specific origin, Twilight was going over the cards that weren’t part of the Systemic order, but as she went through the deck, she found two cards that caught her eyes. Both of which had a picture of Adrian, wearing a strange get up that looked part tight fitting combat suit, with armor that looked like the ones that the Systemic dragons wore. Twilight looked from the card currently in her hand, and over to the young man, then back to the card, wondering if Adrian made this specific card. Standing up from the couch Twilight made her way over to Adrian, both cards now in hand as she stood beside the young man, who turned to look at Twilight. “Is something wrong Twilight?” Adrian asked the teenager. “I was wondering about these two card.” Twilight held out the two cards, the pictures facing the young man. “What about them?” he asked as he looked back up at the teenage girl, actually noticing how cute she. Which instantly made a shiver run down his spine, she was after all a high school girl, and he’s a college student. “Did you make these cards? Because, they both have you in the picture on them.” Twilight asked. But instead of Adrian answering, Mander was the one who answered. “Actually those cards were created when Adrian had to take on a difficult adversary.” “Wait! You mean, those cards Twilight is holding were just…created?” both Mander and Adrian nodded. “How does that work?” both girls asked in unison, but both Adrian and Mander shrugged. “We’re still not sure how this works, but it seems that when a fighter and his/her buddy go through trials, trials meant to test them, or challenge them like none before. Some form of cosmic force creates new cards to celebrate them for their hard work.” a cold and yet mirthful voice said. Everyone in the room looked to where the voice came from, and directly in the center of the room was the illegal monster they were supposed to be watching out for. Hearty for her part was just floating in mid-air, readying something. Mander was about ready to assume his true form, but since he was in one of his newest friends houses, he might end up doing more damage. Adrian however quickly got up from his seat, and put himself between the witch and Twilight, while Mander did the same by hopping onto the table in front of Sunset, snarling all the while. Closing the book and placing it under her hat, Hearty floated to a more standing position, her staff once again being used as a seat as she sat down on it. “Now, now my lovelies no need to get all defensive. I’m not here for a fight.” Hearty said as she looked to each member of the room, her eyes mostly focusing on Twilight and Sunset. “If it’s not a fight you want Hearty, then why are you here? To turn yourself in?” Adrian joked, but deeply hopped that was the case. “Hardly my boy, I’ve come to not only check up on these two—” Hearty said as she pointed at each girl. “I also came to tell you something.” “And what is it that you want to tell us.” Mander said suspiciously. “That friend of yours, the buddy officer…seems to be in a rather sticky situation.” Everyone jerked back a bit as they heard this. Adrian however took a step forward, a stern expression now plastered on his face. “What do you mean by that Hearty, is Liam in some kind of danger?” the witch leaned back a little bit as she seemed to stare off into space. “…she might be.” ~~~~~ Things don’t seem to be going to well for Liam, as she has only 2 lives left, and the only monster on her side was her buddy monster while she was dawned in her Explosive Takedown, Rampage Sonic card. But her field and current Lives isn’t what’s worrying, it’s the amount of burn marks covering her body, and the angered look on her face. As for her opponents, who eventually gave their names, were just totally at ease, looking as if they didn’t have a care in the world. The Dazzeling’s were even harmonizing a little melody, which was accentuated by three monsters on their own side. Hisui’s guitar playing went well with the digitized rhythm being played by the Magic Manipulator, Night’s soundboard. And bringing it all together was the deep and powerful melody from the bass guitar, played by Asagi, but in her elevated form—Blue Rose of Fluttering Sorrow, Asagi. Adagio ceased her part of the song as she went about her charge and draw, bringing the Dazzeling’s total gauge up to five. “I believe it’s time that we end this~” Adagio sang as she drew one card from her hand. “We cast the spell Wings of Revolt, and I choose to use its ability to give all Mystic Knights 6000 power.” all of the Mystic Knights on the field were bathed in magical energy, taking the form of flames representing their own power. Hisui’s is green, Night’s was black in coloration, and Asagi’s flames which were encapsulating the entire parking lot, their shimmering blue color creating an ominous yet alluring blue aura. But the flames weren’t the only thing that was aiding in providing the locale an ominous aura, was the green mist seeping off Liam and Chaser, and was flowing over to the Dazzeling’s side of the lot. “Now, time to end this battle.” Asagi said as she readied her guitar pick, followed by her fellow Mystic Knights. “Night start things off for us please.” Aria said as she pointed at the officer, which the DJ only nodded before turning the records on his turn tables, sending out waves of black flames racing towards Liam, who braced herself before the flames rocked her body. As the flames washed over her as the 2 lives shattered down to a single 1. “Oh Hisui, be a doll and end this for us please!” Sonata cheered as she hopped in place. “Just leave it to me babe!” Hisui bellowed as he really revved up his guitar playing, causing torrents of green fire to erupt all around him. Adagio drew a card from the deck, but it was dropped to the discard pile, unable to use Hisui’s power. but that mattered little as the torrents of green fire made their way over to Liam! “I cast; I Won’t Let that Happen!” Liam quickly lashed out as she held out a card. “I move Lightning Chaser to the center to block the attack!” the monster drove in front of his buddy, where the green flames incinerated the monster almost in an instant. But even with the monster being destroyed, the Dazzeling’s were still not done. “Now Asagi show her the power that WE have together.” Adagio said in an alluring tone as Asagi paused her playing, causing the surrounding blue flames to die down a bit. “Just leave it to me.” Asagi gently plucked her bass…before really strumming away on her instrument, sending out a tsunami wave of brilliant blue flames. But once again Liam pulls out another card from her hand, leaving her with two cards. “I cast, I’ve Seen Through Your Moves!” Liam said as the card glowed in her hand. “With that I cancel out your attack, ending your turn!” Adagio smiled at Liam proclamation, causing that victorious smile to falter slightly, as the girl pulled out a card from her hand. “I cast....Nightmare Cage.” Adagio said as the card glowed with intense light. “By paying 1 gauge and 1 life—” the Dazzeling’s lives were reduced from 4 down to 3. “I can up-keep all of my Mystic Knights…and declare another attack.” Liam’s eyes went wide as she looked at her hand, seeing that none of her cards could help her in this critical situation. The three Mystic Knights began to turn up the music they’ve been playing earlier, followed by the Dazzeling’s ramping up their own singing, as Asagi created another tidal wave of blue fire, which was accented by her fellow knights own flames. Liam could only look on with defeat in her eyes, as the wave of fire crashed down on top of her, leaving the excess flames to geyser into air. Where Adrian, Twilight and Sunset riding on Mander’s true form saw, and were making their way towards the parking lot. Then the moment they landed on a overpass that looked over the parking lot, the group heard the familiar announcer voice. “Game Over. Winner…Adagio of the Dazzeling’s. “Liam!” Mander and Adrian shouted as they saw their nearly burnt friend, before bounding down into the lot and rushed over to her to check up on her. As Adrian and his buddy checked over Liam, Sunset and Twilight looked over to the Dazzeling’s, who all had gleeful smiles on their faces. “Well, well, well. The very people we’ve been looking decided to show up themselves.” Adagio and her sisters giggled. “What did you do to her!” Sunset asked angrily. “We just had a little game of Buddyfight, is all. But that’s neither here nor there right now.” Adagio said as she pointed at the two girls. “Now that you’re here, we can have our revenge on you two for not just ruining our plans, but for nearly ruining US!” “Wait! I don’t even know who you three are.” Twilight said, confused as to why this trio of girls seemed so angry. And apparently, her words only made them even more angry. “…so you’re playing the naive card huh, well then…let us clear things up for you then!” Adagio growled as he held the deck case in her hand more tightly, while her sisters looked just as angry. That’s when Adrian and Mander stood beside the two high school girls. “The only one whose going to be taking you on is—” “Her.” every turned to see Hearty leaning over Twilight with a hand on her shoulder. Adrian was about to say something, but the witch stopped him. “You should take care of your friend, instead of trying to get back at these three.” Adrian gritted his teeth but acknowledged that what Hearty said was correct, right now they don’t know how severe the damage that Liam actually took. Picking Liam up bridal style, Adrian then used the re-call function on his dimension cross badge to teleport back to Earth, leaving Mander with the girls in case they needed added protection. “So, where’s you’re buddy?” Hearty asked which was answered as Asagi stepped out from behind the Dazzeling’s, who didn’t seem to be pleased at seeing the witch. “Hello Asagi, haven’t seen you since we came to this world.” “And I thought that we agreed to not middle in each other’s affairs, Hearty.” “Well when your buddy there—” Hearty pointed at Adagio. “Threaten this girl that I’m interested in, I think that agreement is null and void.” Hearty then produced a deck case of her own, and placed it in Twilight’s hands. “Wait, you want me to Buddyfight?” Twilight questioned as she gripped the deck case, to which Hearty just nodded. But that’s when Sunset intervened. “Twilight has nothing to do with this witch! The Dazzeling’s are after those who—” “Oh don’t worry Sunset!” Aria snapped. “You’ll be getting your beat down after her, and once we’re done with you two…we’ll go looking for the others that had a hand in our lot in life.” “It doesn’t look like you have a choice Twilight.” Mander said as he shrunk down to his mini form. “These girls seem intent on taking you and your friends out.” It would seem that Twilight did indeed not have a choice. Calming herself down, Twilight took a step forward and declared that she was ready for the fight. Adagio activated their core gadget, followed by Twilight as they took their positions. Like before Aria and Sonata stood off just to the side of Adagio, with Sunset reluctantly doing the same with Mander joining her. As Asagi stood beside her buddy, Hearty gave a smile before snapping her fingers, instantly transporting everyone to the same arena that Adrian battle Fluttershy when she was possessed. Both girls called out to raise their worlds flags, both ending up with the Magic World flag rising up from behind both of them, as they drew their hand of cards and stored their two gauge cards. “TIME TO BUDDY FIGHT!” > Chapter 7: the Second Battle - Adagio vs. Twilight > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight was already a bundle of nerves from today’s events, and then seeing Liam in such a terrible state, and NOW being the one to actually be the person battling to capture an illegal monster, all the while Adrian wasn’t here. Sunset was trying to encourage her friend from the stands, but Twilight’s pounding heart was thumping in her ear, canceling out all of Sunset’s words of encouragement. This was situation was nothing like the one at the friendship games, this was far more intense, and people can get hurt in this battle. ‘I…I…I don’t think I c-can do this.’ Twilight lamented internally as her breathing began to become unsteady. But then, something strong and firm was gently placed on her back, and when she looked behind her Twilight saw Mander behind her. “Mander.” “Take a deep breath Twilight. You need to calm down.” The armor dragon said calmly, while giving a reassuring look on his broad face. Twilight began breathing in slowly before releasing it, before repeating it several more times. “I know this is a bit overwhelming for newcomers, but rest assured, I’ll be right by your side.” “And I’ll be by your side as well.” Hearty said as she floated beside the violet skin girl, hand placed on her right shoulder. Twilight seemed to have calmed down significantly, before looking at both monsters, and giving them her thanks. The trio then looked over to the other side of the arena, where the Dazzling’s and their buddy monster stood, all with confident smiles. “The first move is yours.” Adagio said with an air of smugness. Twilight then looked over to the floating core gadget, and began performing her initial charge and draw phase. “Mander what should I do first?” Twilight asked the dragon. “I can only give you advise Twilight; I can’t make moves for you. The decisions you make is all dependent on your judgment.” Mander said to the teenager. “Just remember what Adrian showed you, and your friends when he showed you how the game works.” “Alright.” Twilight then scanned over the cards in her hand. Remembering how Adrian showed her how to play the game, and chose from one of the two monsters in her hand. “Okay…I call to the center 57th Generation Great Magician Merlin, Unryu Togetsu.” The card then flew out of Twilight’s hand, soaring over to the center position of her side of the field, while one of her 3 gauge cards turned into a star and merged into card, where it dispersed and became a summoning circle. The circle then vanished a second later, and a tall old man with a grey beard, dressed up in an extravagant robes and wielding a large wooden staff stood. The old man then turned to face Twilight, his wrinkled face and deep green eyes looked down at the girl. “So you are my battler this day young lady.” The old man said, his voice strong, yet caring. “What do you wish me to do for you this day?” “Umm…I want you to, attack Adagio. Please.” Twilight said meekly, still not one-hundred percent used to the situation she was in. The magician just simply nodded, and turned to face the opposition, then with a quick incoherent chant the magician released a barrage of lightning that struck the Dazzling’s, causing them to give out girlish shrieks, while their 10 life were reduced to 6. Once the lightning had finished sparking around the girls, the disjointed voice of the arena declared that Twilight’s turn was over, and announced that it was Adagio’s turn. The pale orange skinned girl wasted no time in going through her turn. “To the center I call Magic Drummer, Byakuren. And to my right I call Magic Guitarist, Hisui.” As the cards were sent out, Twilight watched as two bonfire fires appeared on the designated areas, scaring her initially before Mander, and even Hearty steadied her. The flames died down and revealed two monsters that both Twilight and Sunset could mistake for humans, one being a rather bulky young man that was dressed like a punk rocker, drumming away on a set of drums. The other monster looked more like little boy dressed up as a rock and roller, holding a little bright green guitar which he was strumming away widely, as sparks of green fire flicked each time the pick struck the chord. Both monster continued to produce a low steady beat with their instruments, while they looked over at Twilight with the same cocky attitude as Adagio and her sisters. But Adagio wasn’t done yet. “Next I cast Flame Quartet. I take the top two cards of my deck, and place them into my gauge—” said two cards were drawn, and were then tossed to the side where they became part of the Dazzling’s gauge, brining it up to 5. “Not only dose my gauge increase, but I also gain 2 lives.” Twilight then watched as Adagio’s 6 lives were brought back up to 8. “But I’m done yet, cause now I cast Trans-flame to deal 1 point of damage.” The violet girl watched as the card Adagio pulled out destroyed itself, before becoming a searing yellow and white fireball. The fireball then raced across the arena, whizzing past Twilight’s magician, and striking the violet girl in the chest, causing her to scream in fright. It was indeed hot, but it wasn’t anything to hot that it hurt, and while Twilight recovers from the shock Sunset watched as Twilight’s life was reduced to 9. “And now Hisui, get rid of that old man~” “Leave it to ME!” the guitarist shouted as he strummed a chord on his instrument, sending out a pulsing wave of green fire. As the guitarist unleashed his attack Twilight saw Sunset check the top card of her deck, before frowning in disappointment as she discards the card. “Quick girl use a spell to defend your center!” Hearty said as she looked down at Twilight. Twilight frantically looked through her cards, and found one that could protect her magician. “I-I cast, Magical Goodbye!” The card then turned into a yellow version of the blue summoning circle, confused as to why nothing was happening, Hearty told the girl to throw the circle. Twilight threw the circle with everything she had, the circle flown through her magician, and started to absorb all of the green fire as it continued to soar over the arena. The magical circle then came crashing into Hisui, capturing him in a yellow ball, before the monster turned back into a card, and flown back to Adagio’s hand. Causing the girl to scowl at Twilight, making her flinch back a bit. “Well played princess.” Adagio said with a tempered voice. “I’m not princess Twilight!” Twilight shouted back, trying to convince the three sirens that she’s not her pony princess double ganger. But the sirens just seemed to ignore her words, as Adagio continues with her turn. “Feigning ignorance is a little pathetic, when we know the truth. I cast—” the card in her hand glowed intensely as she plays it. “—Selector of SIN! I put the top two cards of my deck into our gauge, and for the rest of the turn all Mystic Knight monsters gain +3000 power and defense. And thanks to Byakuren’s ability, when his own power is 6000 or more he gets Penetrate.” The drummer began to be bathed in yellow flames, as his drumming got just a bit louder. “Now do you’re thing Byakuren!” “You got it!” The drummer said as he tapped his sticks together, before unleashing a barrage of yellow flaming projectiles, soaring over to Twilight’s side. And this time she couldn’t defend herself, or protect her monster. The magician was bombarded by the flaming projectiles, causing his body to burst into orange cards, but the assault didn’t end until the barrage of fiery projectiles collided with Twilight, starling her and causing her to fall on her butt. Which caused the sirens and their buddy monster to laugh at her. as Twilight re-composed herself and got back onto her feet, the teenager saw her 9 life get knocked down to 7. “This maybe an even easier battle than I thought.” Adagio said confidently, her sisters agreeing as Twilight begins her turn, or at least tries. “I don’t know if I can do this, this is more intense than what happened at the Friendship Games.” She said to herself as drew her last card, Mander brushed up against Twilight, his mane brushing against the girls skin. “It’s alright Twilight, just calm down and remember, you’re not alone in this you have me and, her, by your side.” Hearty seemed to ignore Mander’s little jab, and give Twilight a reassuring smile. Twilight seemed to have calmed back down before looking through her cards. “I’ll call Dragowizard Medium to the left, and to the center I call…Herb Magician, Soichiro Tenjiku—” Twilight then felt Hearty gently tap her on her shoulder, causing the girl to look up at the witch. “I recommend you play that card.” Twilight looked at the card that the witch pointed to, and read it. “Alright. I then equip Gunrod, Stradivarius.” Two of Twilight’s three gauge cards flown over to Twilight, and the third card she played materialized and turned into something that looked like a silver, and black sniper rifle. When Twilight held the weapon, it didn’t weigh all that much, but it did have some heft to it. as Twilight fumbles to hold the weapon, her two monsters materialized. The one on the left field appeared in a swirling sphere of crimson fire, before it was dispersed, revealing a rather tall red scaled bipedal dragon in grey armor, with several orbs of rubies embedded into the armor. The center monster simply just appeared in a split second flash of light, and appeared to be a man in his twenties, and looked like a scientist. “How may we serve you today my dear?” Soichiro asked as he turned to face the girl. “I want you to attack that drummer.” Twilight said, sounding a bit more confidently. The scientist made a polite gesturing bow. “Just leave it to me my dear.” Soichiro then levitated a few vials in front of himself, all of them trading various colored liquids for a few seconds, before on large flask filled with shimmering multi-colored liquid was tossed over to the drummer, which upon contact with the drummer exploded in a fireworks of color, causing the drummer to burst into orange cards. “The way is clear my dear.” “Alright, next I tap my gunrod to deal 1 point of damage to your life Adagio, but I also get to give one of my monsters an additional 3000 power. so I’m powering up Dragowizard Medium.” The dragon gave a rather dramatic cackle as everyone saw a red aura gloss over the monster, while Twilight holds up the rifle in her hands, before aiming down sight and firing a piercing narrow blue energy blast. Adagio guarded against the blast out of instinct, the blast just phasing through her while her 8 life shattered to 7. But Twilights turn wasn’t over just yet, as she had her other monster attack the Dazzling’s, by creating three fireballs the size of a small car, and then chucking them at the sirens who cried out in shock as the three flaming orbs, crashed into them and created a large fiery explosion furthering reducing their lives down to 5. “Way to go Twilight!” Sunset cried out from the stands, where Twilight waved back to her with a more confident look on her face. “Looks like she’s getting into the swing of things. I just hope she can win before things get to out of hand.” Sunset said as she looked over to the sirens, seeing Adagio starting her turn. ~~Earth~~ After returning back home, and everyone saw the state that Liam was in, she was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical treatment. Now that his friend was going to be fine, Adrian was about to return to the other world, but he was stopped by Sasha. “Adrian what exactly happened to Liam?” the woman asked with concern in her voice. “I’m not sure.” Adrian said. “All I know is that Liam found one of the illegal monsters, and it seemed to have partner.” Sasha then thought for a moment, presumably thinking about something. “Adrian, I want you to go back and keep an eye on the situation. And IF you manage to capture this illegal monster, you are to return immediately. Do I make myself clear?” Adrian noted the serious tone in Sasha’s voice, as well as her stern expression, and could only give her a resolute nod. After the machine was prepped and ready, the young man was sent back to the other world, and this time with the added overlook of the city that these illegal monsters seem to have settled in, the people were able to send Adrian directly to the parking lot, rather than the schools statue. Arriving back in the parking lot, Adrian expected to see everyone battling there, but instead all he was meet with was an empty lot. Except for what looked like a crystal sphere in the center. Walking over to the sphere Adrian saw that everyone was in the Buddyfight Arena. “This has to be Hearty’s handiwork.” Adrian said as the image of the ball showed Twilight was putting up a good fight, but the young man could tell that the teenager was really nervous and anxious. “Wish I could be there to give Twilight a hand…but all I can do is just stand, watch, and wait for the outcome.” ~~Arena~~ After increasing her gauge to 6 Adagio resumed Hisui, but this time to center, and two new monsters appeared on the left and right side platform. The monster on the right was called Magic Keyboardist, Shion, who was playing a few notes on the keyboards he has in front of him, wisps of pale blue and pink flames. The other monster, which was called Magic Manipulator, Night, was gloomy dressed and had a real advance looking soundboard set up, as wisps of black fire floated around him. and to add more fuel to the fire, so to speak, Adagio then equipped herself with an item card called Magic Guitar, Kinari. “Next I pay one gauge to activate Power Ray Maximum, to destroy all of your monsters that 6000 defense or less.” The card then dispersed into a collection of pale yellow orbs, that floated around Adagio before firing towards Twilight’s monsters with blinding speed, destroying both of her monsters. “And now that you don’t have any bodyguards…oh Hisui dear.” Adagio cooed to the guitarist. “It’s payback time for disrupting my performance!” Hisui said as he began strumming his guitar, generating flecks of green flames. Adagio once again drew the top card of her deck, smiling before dropping it into her discard pile, sending out a small green fireball at Twilight to deal a point of damage, reducing the violet girls life to 6. After the blast of fire struck Twilight, the violet girl watched as Hisui unleashed a wave of green fire towards her, but before the flames got half-way across the arena, Twilight quickly drew one of her hand cards. “I cast Quick Summon!” the card in Twilight’s hand then dispersed into little particles, before a card from her hand flies out to the center area. “This spell allows me to summon a monster from hand when I’m attacked, and that monster get’s counter attack!” Another Dragowizard Medium was summoned in a display of fiery explosions. The wizardly dragon then created a giant sphere of fire, using it to absorb Hisui’s own fiery wave, turning the sphere of fire into a blistering mass of red and green. Everyone from Twilight, Sunset and the Dazzling’s just watched as the massive ball of fire was then lifted over Medium’s head, a wicked grin on his scally face, before the dragon lobbed the sphere of fire across the arena. Hisui tried launching more waves of green fire at the ball of fire, but it just kept making it bigger, and bigger. And by the time it reached the siren’s side of the arena, the ball of fire detonated in a magnificent inferno of fire, destroying Hisui in the process. “Excellent move dear, I’m very impressed.” Hearty said as she gently patted Twilight on the head. “Ugh, thanks?” Twilight said as she rubbed the spot where the witch patted her. “Don’t start puffing out your chest yet princess, this is far from over.” Adagio said as she pointed at the center medium. “Night, eliminate that dragon!” The dj simply nodded, before scratching out tunes on his turntable, sending out pulsating waves of black fire, engulfing the dragon in the center, causing him to cry out in a panic. Before being turned into a flurry of orange cards. Once Twilight’s center was open, Adagio then start strumming on her guitar, sending out pulsating waves of white fire that caused Twilight to try and block the attack, but she just continued to bare the brunt of the heat that was actually starting to hurt. As Twilight continued to be assaulted by the waves of white fire, her 6 life was shattered into a 5. Once Adagio was done with her attack she then glared down at her other monster. “I hope I don’t have to spell it out Shion?” “Just leave this to me mistress.” Shion said as he starts plays out a techno music on his keyboards, causing pillars of pink and pale blue fire to erupt all around the arena, as they made their way over to Twilight. The violet teenager then looked down as the platform she was standing on was glowing, before have a massive pillar of fire erupt from below her, causing her to scream in fright as her as her life was reduced to 4. The pillar of fire then dispersed, leaving Twilight shaking as her body was now starting to give off a small amount of steam. “Twilight!” Mander said worriedly as he held the girl up, while Sunset covered her mouth with her hands, looking extremely worried for her friend. “Are you alright?!” “It’s starting to hurt Mander…” Twilight said as she began to shake. “I…I don’t think I can keep going.” Mander was about to say something, but the sound of Hearty’s staff clashing with the ground stopped the dragon, as he looked over to the witch and see her now standing proudly beside Twilight. The witch then snapped her fingers, which caused a small amount of some kind of blue mist to appear, which then swirled around Twilight. The teenager then felt like her body was starting to cool down, and the ache and pains she was feeling was, disappearing. “Don’t loose heart Twilight Sparkle.” Hearty said as she looked down at Twilight, a small almost caring smile on her face. “This match will be ours, you just gotta be strong for a little bit longer.” “I don’t know if I can.” Twilight lamented, her confidence from before reverting back to what it was before. Hearty then turned to face Twilight fully, she then turned to make the girl look at her. the smile a moment ago now gone, replaced instead by a more serious looking expression. “…I know that this is very frightening child, but you must trust me…for without it, our defeat is almost guaranteed.” Hearty then knelt down slightly, looking Twilight dead in the eye. “Do you trust me Twilight Sparkle?” Twilight thought about this question for a bit, should she really trust Hearty? She’s only had brief encounters with the witch, and only knew that the witch had some kind of interest in her, and Sunset for…whatever reason. But, at the moment, Twilight didn’t seem to have any other choice. The girl then looked up to the witch, and gave a small nod, smiling at Twilight’s answer the witch stood back up and prompted Twilight to begin her turn. After completing her charge and draw, Twilight then held out the two new cards she just drew. “I first cast Key of Solomon, First Volume. This increases my gauge to two.” Two cards flew from the core gadget and took their spots in Twilight’s gauge. “Then I cast Key of Solomon, Second Volume. This increases my life by 1—” Twilight’s life was bumped back up to 5. “And if I have Key of Solomon, First Volume in my discard pile, I get to draw an additional card.” Right now Twilight doesn’t have any monsters in her small hand, so if she doesn’t get something good on this draw, Twilight was done for. closing her eyes, Twilight then drew from her core gadget, then as she held the card in front of her she opened her eyes slowly, and when she saw the card she was holding a shocked look took over her face. Twilight looked up to Hearty who just smiled back before nodding. “To my center I Buddy call Witch of Destruction, Hearty the Devestator.” Twirling her staff around Hearty then floated to the center platform, where she stood proud and tall, as Twilight’s 5 was restored to a 6. “Hearty, attack Adagio!” Brushing some of her long silvery hair out of the way, Hearty twirled her staff a few times before holding it straight, the head piece aimed at Adagio where the central barrel of the contraption affixed to it glowed. Then in a split second the staff fired two glowing blue energy blasts, both bolts racing across the arena and striking Adagio square in the chest. Adagio gave out a rather startled squawk, nearly dropping her guitar, while her 5 lives were reduced to a messily little 1 thanks to the witch’s double attack. “Excellent work ladies.” Mander said to both Twilight and Hearty. “Hang in there Twilight!” Sunset shouted from the stands. “You almost got this match in the bag!” “Don’t celebrate to soon.” Asagi said as Twilight’s turn came to a close. “I think it’s time for us to try and end this game, don’t you agree?” Adagio nodded with a confident smile. “My partners turn is not quite over yet.” Hearty said with an air of smugness in her voice, as she stepped off to the side slightly…where Adagio, her sisters and Asagi saw Twilight holding up her gunrod. The barrel glowing! Adagio was about to shout some kind of swear, but it was drowned out by the blaster fire. The neon blue energy bolt continued to sail through the air, striking Adagio directly causing her to be knocked flat on her butt, while her final life dropped to 0. Once Adagio’s final life was taken the ambiguous voice declared Twilight the winner, before everyone was returned back to the parking lot. With Adrian standing nearby…and the capture device already primed and ready! Asagi tried to use her power to try and escape, but Adrian was to quick on the draw. The capture device was already activated, and began transforming Asagi into her card form, all the while the monster tried to resist the change. But ultimately, Asagi was reverted back to card form. “This isn’t over princess!” Adagio screamed at the group. “One way or another, we will get you back!” the sirens then took off to a nearby van, jumped in, and drove off with great speed. As the van disappeared Sunset rushed over to Twilight, who looked ready to pass out from exhaustion. “Is she okay!” Adrian asked as he approached the two girls. “She’ll be fine, she’s just drained from all the excitement.” Hearty said as she hovered by the group. She then looked at Adrian with a small grin, and questioning look. “So officer, will you be taking me in?” Adrian just looked at Hearty for a moment, before shaking his head as he stood up. “Unfortunately I was ordered to return to my world once I got the illegal monster that hurt Liam.” “Seriously Adrian?” Mander asked as he looked at his partner. “Sasha’s orders. But…she never said anything about the both of us returning.” Adrian said walked over to Mander, so he could talk more quietly to the dragon. “I want you to stick around with the girls, keep an eye on them. especially if Hearty or those three girls try anything.” Adrian then reached into his vest and pulled out the plainest white deck case, before pulling out his own deck out of its own case, and slipping it into the plain one. “I’m going to leave my deck and a spare core gadget here, so they’ll be able to battle if the need arise.” Mander seemed to catch on to what Adrian was planning, and agreed to the plan. As the armored dragon reverted to his min form, the plain deck case in his mouth, Adrian used his own deck case to teleport himself back to Earth, while Sunset helped Twilight to her feet. Hopefully he would be back soon to finish the assignment that he was entrusted with, but with that look Sasha gave him before he came back to this world, something tells Adrian that is going to take some time. > Chapter 8: Back on the Case! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Back on Earth Liam was immeidalty brought to the nearest of hospitals within the city. Thankfully she wasn’t in mortal danger, but she was really banged up from her encounter with the Dazzlings and their Buddy monster. Luckily though she’s regained conciousness and as expected, wasn’t pleased on how she failed in her mission, but her gripe about her faliure was short lived as she accepted that she wasn’t up for the challenge. As for Adrian himself, he spent most of the day with Liam, making sure she was indeed alright. And to make sure that she wouldn’t beat herself up to much. During the next day though, Adrian went to the Buddy Police station to try and talk Sasha in letting him continue with the assignment, she, intrusted to him. Which is where we find Adrian now. ~~~~~ Adrian was sitting in Sasha’s office, the two not really saying anything at the moment, as the two were mostly just sitting across from each other. Ever since Adrain returend to Earth, and left Liam’s side to talk to Sasha, the two have been in a debate on whether or not Adrian should continue in taking part of this asignment. “Adrian try to understand that I’m just concered with your well-being.” Sasha said to the young man. “From what you’ve said, and the data that you’re core gadget and the device we gave has documented, this new world is giving monsters a power boost, even when the game is supposed to confine it.” “I understand that Sasha. But I’m not some guy that simply plays the game—” “I know Adrian.” Sasha says as she leans back into her office chair. “But this asignment has grown more serious, than a normal case that I would have you help out in.” “If your concern about my safty, then why even ask for my assistance in the first place, if you don’t even trust me to do this when things get tough.” Sasha groaned as she rubs the bridge of her nose. “Look Sasha I know you’re worried about my will-being, but have a little faith in me to see this through.” the woman lets out a sigh as removes her hand, and looks at Adrian who was giving her a confident expression. “…very well Adrian. You’re still on the case, BUT!” Sasha says as she holds up one finger. “If I think that this case is getting to dangerous, I’m pulling you and Mander out, understand?” “Yes.” Adrian simply says. Once everything was smoothed over, Adrian bid Sasha farewell and left for the teleporter room. as Adrian left, Sasha gives out another tired sigh as she rubs her face, before glancing at a picture frame on her desk. Showing a picture of Sasha, Adrian and Liam as high schooler with their buddy monsters. “Adrian never stops making you worry over him does he?” a female voice says as a card slides out from her coat, and materializing as a small little girl in a very ornate oriental outfit. It was Sasha’s buddy monster, Great Electrodeity of Freedom, Izanami. “That’s true, but what else should I expect from him.” Sasha said as she turned to face her buddy, who was watching Adrian step onto the teleport platform from the offices large window, before vanishing. “Whenever he’s asked to help someone with something, he won’t stop until he gets everything done.” “An admirable qauilty to have.” Izanamu says as she turns to face her buddy, who still has a worried look on her face. “I just hope he doesn’t hurt himself to badily with this case.” ~~Eq.Girls Universe~~ At Sunset’s apartment the fiery haired girl was hanging out with her friends, as well as Hearty and Mander. The group was mostly wondering on what they should do if Adrian doesn’t come back. Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Sunset were of the oppinon that they should try to pick up their friends assignment, after all they’re no stranger to saving the world. Or at least the city from some magical threat from the world of Equestria’s past. But countering this dission Rarity, Fluttershy and Twilight believed that the group should wait, and see if Adrian will come back or another member of the Buddy Police would be sent to their world to pick up the case. Pinkie for her part, was willing to go with the more popular of the votes, so she was mostly just waiting for the group to come to a plan of action. “Come on girls, we’ve dealt with the sirens, crazy plants coming from Equestria, Gloriossa when she was possesed by our geodes. We can handle single monster!” Rainbow rambles as she tries to get the others to agree, her recently sense of heroic’s pride bubbling to the surface. “Rainbow I know you want to help out, but this seems to be above what we’re normally used to dear.” Rarity says as she tries to calm her friend down. “These monster seem far more intense then what we’ve faced, even the Dazzling when they regained a good amount of their power they never tried anything as dangerous.” “Rarity’s right.” Fluttershy agreed with her fashionesta friend. “We don’t know what these monsters are capable of…and if they can posses us, they can make use do soemthing horrible to each other.” Fluttershy wrapped her arms around herslef as she thought back to the first illegal monster. “If the remaining monster takes contorol over one of you… then I d-don’t want fight y-you.” Pinkie, Sunset and Rairt scooted over to Fluttershy and gave her comforting hugs, and pets on the back to calm her down. Even Hearty joined in by patting the firls back to try and comfort her, and with Mander hopping up onto the girls lap to provide comfort as well. As the shy girl was being comforted it seemed that Fluttershy’s words have reigned in Rainbow’s rambo enthusim, as well as making the others who agreed with Rainbow to re-think their approuch to this. “I think I have to agree with Flutters after hearing that.” Applejack said as she tilts her hat back. “We don’t know what this last monster can do. For all we know it could be a giant centipede or something else, and if the last two were anything to go by they’re more dangerous than anything we’ve tangled with…no offense you two.” Applejack says to the two monsters in the room. “None taken.” Both Mander and Hearty says simutaniously. “When dealing with monsters, especially those who have less than friendly expectations, you should always air on the side of caution.” Mander says to the group of girls as Fluttershy strokes his mane, feeling a little calmer than a moment ago. “A wise assesment my dear armor dragon.” Hearty says as she goes back to floating about the room, but as she does so, Mander gives her a sceptical stare. “I’m still counting you among said monsters Hearty, for all we know, you’re just biding your time for something.” Mander said as he stood like a little guard dog. “Not to mention your fascination with Twilight and Sunset is still questionable at best.” “Oh my dear dragon, there is no need to fear me.” Hearty says to the little monster as she drifts over to the two girls, floating right above them. “The two girls and I have already ironned things out, and true, my initial introduction was a bit…cavalier on my part.” Mander looked to the the two girls for confermation, both giving reassuring smile and a nod to ease the little dragons worries. “Very well, but I’ll still keep an eye on you, in case you’re simply pulling one over on us.” “Fair enough, it matters not to me in the slightest.” The witch says to the dragon as she shruggs her shoulders as she goes back to floating about the room. As Fluttershy was calmed back down, the group goes back to discussing what should they do. But before their discussions could go any further, they were all interupted when a sudden knock came from the door, causing the group to jolt up in surprise, while Mander jumped off Fluttershy’s lap and onto the table, and Hearty weilds her staff. Removing herself from the hug pile, Sunset made her way over to the door, and upon opening it she, and everyone who peered around the corner, saw Adrian standing in the doorway. “Adrian!” they all said excitadly as they rushed to the door. The witch relaxed and returned to using her staff as a seat as the girls gave Adrian a group hug, as for Mander he was happy to see that his Buddy was allowed to come back. As the group of girls gave Adrian a collective hug, the young man was a little taken back by the action, making him feel slightly un-comfortable. Given he was a collage guy being hugged tightly by a bunch of perky high school girls. But he recovered reletivly quickly, and just accepted it. “It’s good to see you back, we thought that woman wouldn’t let you come back.” Sunset said to Adrain as she and the others broke the hug and pretty much pulled him in through the door, and lead him to the living room. “Yeah, but the discuison on whether or not I come back was, tenuious at best.” Adrian said to the group as he was guided to the couch, and chairs, and the table that Mander was standing on. “How you doing buddy?” the young man asked as he gave his monster partner a head pat. “Not to bad.” Mander says as he jumps into Adrian’s arms, before moving around to his back to rest on his head and shoulders as the young man sits on a lone stool. “How’s Liam? Is she doing well?” “She’s alive. She was pretty grouchy on how she failed her part of this assignment, but she good now and is on the mend.” Adrian elaberated as he looks over to Hearty, who just gives a simply wave. “I assume you’ve been on your best behavior?” “Of course. And just to let you know, I’ve cleared up my rather, rude, first impression up. And now—” Hearty zipped over the group of girls, floating just above Twilight and Sunset. “We’re all friends now, and I’m willing to help you in your assignment.” Adrian seemed skeptical of Hearty, but a look at the girls told him that she’s trustworty. “…alrighty then. First things first, has anything unusual happened at all yesterday? After I left for my home dimension?” the girls shook their heads. “Nothing out of the ordinary, well, at least fer us.” Applejack says as she kicks back on the couch, crossing her legs as Rainbow and Pinkie joined her. “What about those three girls?” Adrian asked the group. “Have they popped back up to cause any trouble?” “No, but I’m pretty sure they will pop back up, eventually.” Sunset says to her male friend. “But don’t worry about them, we’ll deal with them after we figure out what to do about the last illegal monster.” “Well in that case then, we won’t get anywhere by sitting here.” Adrain says as he fishes out his tracking device. “I would like for all of you to stay here, cause if this monster is as dangerous as the last two, who knows what it’ll try and do.” “Oh come on Adrian, we can help you out on this.” Rainbow said as she tired of just sitting around waiting for action. “Sorry Dash, but after what happened with those three girls and Fluttershy, I’m not taking any risks.” The girls seeme dto understand Adrain’s reason. while they maybe good in hadling normal threats, including those with magic, these monsters however are far more dangerous and seem to have no problem in inflicting grave injureis. “Hearty if anything happens while we’re out searching—” “Leave the safty of the girls to me.” the witch says as she twirls her staff. Once the assurance of the girls safty was secured, Adrian and Mander left Sunset’s appartment and went about to find the last illegal monster, before it finds them. However as the young man and his partner left the girls, and heads into the city on top of another building over looking the neighborhood…a tall heavily robbed creature, weilding an ornate staff watches Adrain go off on his search. The monster red eyes narrowed as it turns its attention to the apartment the young man came out of, and could sense the power of Hearty in it. After the monster has looked over the building for a few momnets, and looked in the general direction where Adrian and Mander went, before turning into its card form and flying off after the young man. > (Updated) Chapter 9: the Final Challenge Issued > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Not more than half an hour of returning to finish his assignment, and checking up on his new friends in this new world, Adrain and his partner Mander were on the hunt for the last of the monsters that came to this world. with two of the four monsters dealt with, and one that is under surveillance and will be dealt with in due time, there was only one monster to deal with. And hopefully it will be a more easier challenge. But little did either Adrain and Mander know, the last of the monsters were following them, and was already hatching a plan of its own. It just needed a host to aide it in its plan. “So Adrian, what’s the plan on finding the last Illegal Monster?” Mander says to his partner as they made their way to a large parking lot, one that was more or less away from any major populated area of the city. “Simple. We try and get it’s attention, bring it to us instead of searching for it.” Adrian said as he looks around the lot, and the surrounding buildings, making sure that no one was around. Once he saw that no one else was around he looked to his buddy monster. “So far we were lucky that no one else was hurt, but we can’t afford other people to get dragged in this case.” “Agreed.” Mander stated as he shifted from his small chibi-form, to his true Armordragon form. “But that still begs the question on, how do we get the monsters attention.” “That…I haven’t thought out yet.” “And unnecessary.” A deep gravely voice spoke out of nowhere, causing the pair to be on guard, and looked around the lot but found no one else. As the pair looked around, the two of them then saw another teenage girl, with pale green skin, dark green messy hair, and wearing a stripped sweater and dull blue jeans. The two partners looked at each other confusedly before looking back at the girl, but once she got closer the pair noticed that she seemed to be, dazed or sleep walking, as her eyes were half-open and seemed to be in a trance. Adrian and Mander then saw a blue card float from behind the girls head, and transformed into the last Illegal monster. The monster was a bipedal dragon with edgy deep dark green scales, was a head taller than Adrain, and was fully dressed up in an elaborate dark purple robe. The robe was decorated with beads, a chest plate with shoulder guards, on the back of the robe are six bejeweled wings, and two antlered horns that arch behind his head. And to finish off the dragon’s wizardly or sorcerer motife, was the impressive scepter he was wielding. “So you’re the last monster that came to this world.” Adrian stated as he took a step forward. “Yes. I am the Death Wizard Dragon…and my name is not just for show.” The dragon said as he lifted his scepter an inch from the ground, and the girl standing just a foot in front of him floated an inch off the ground as well. “Let the girl go Death Wizard.” Mander said as he snarled at the dragon. “One more step Armordragon, and the girl—” the girl groaned in pain as red marks appear on her body. “Well, you know what will happen.” “Let the girl go!” both Adrain and Mander said in unison. “I think not, I think I’ll keep her for, insurance.” The black dragon said to the pair as he lowered his staff, which in turn lowered the girl. “This isn’t making things easier for you Death Wizard.” Mander said to the black dragon. “Perhaps, but it’s the only way I can garner your attention.” The black dragons says as he steps forward. “I’ve watched you try to track us monsters down, and even beating one of us. And your new friends even managed to beat one of the other monsters, while also befriending another. But things won’t the same with me.” the dragon said as he walks about the lot, the girl being dragged along with each movement. “In the Darkness Dragon World, I have very little authority or power when compared to my fellow Black Dragons. Even if I traveled to other monster worlds, I would still be overpowered by stronger monsters, and be unable to live the life I deserve. But here…” the monster spun around in place once as he gestures all around himself. “I have all the power! There’s nothing else in this world that can even come close to match me, including those friends of yours. The power they have is hardly enough to defeat the weakest of monsters, even if they work together.” “So that’s your plan? You came to this world so you can live in a luxuries life you can’t get at home, and rule over the people because they can’t fight back?” Adrain said as took a step forward, followed by Mander. “In the Darkness Dragon World, you only survive if you are stronger than any other monster, and if you are clever enough to thwart their attempts to remove you from your position of power…or before you can even gain your power.” Death Wizard says as he looks over his shoulder, his menacing eye staring the young man and Armordragon down. “And that is why I am here.” “Regardless of your reason Death Wizard Dragon, this is not your world. And we can’t stand by and let you try and establish your dominion here, you have to return to your own world.” Adrain says as he matches the dragons own glare. The well-robed dragon turned to face the young man, and the Armordragon, an aura of dark magic surrounding the dragon. “Then it would seem we only have one means to move forward…we fight.” the dragon thrusted his scepter at the pair. “If I emerge victorious you will leave this world to my rule. “But if we win!” Adrain says as he reaches for his transformed core gadget. “You get sent back to your world without issue!” “Then let our duel, COMMENCE!” Death Wizard Dragon slams the butt of his scepter onto the concrete ground, using his magic to create the Stadium that Adrain and Mander fought Yamigetsune in. As the walls form, the floor rises and creates the platforms, and invisible dome surrounds the structure to ensure no onlookers will notice the structure. While also making sure that the fight won’t disturb the world and its surroundings. Just as the Stadium finishes being constructed, Adrian and Death Wizard Dragon arm their decks. “With peerless speed and precision, we charge head first into battle without fear! Lumanize!” Adrian said before his deck case changed before the girls eyes, into what looked like a gauntlet on the left arm. “Systemic Edge!” “We deal with dark arts, and bring the despair to our enemies! Lumanize!” Death Wizard proclaims as a core gadget appears by the girl, acting as the dragon’s stand in for the battle. “Dragon’s Devilry!” once both battlers were set, and the Stadium was finished being constructed, Adrain and Mander stared down at Death Wizard Dragon who matched their gaze, before they all shouted. “LET’S BUDDY FIUGHT!” Adrain and Mander looked up to the tallest platform that Death Wizard Dragon was standing on, waiting for the dragon to make the first move of the game. The black dragon’s unfortunate puppet draw a card, then proceeded to charged and draw. Looking at the cards that made up their hand, Death Wizard scanned over each one before whispering something to the girl, before looking back at Adrain and Mander. “For my first move, I call Sealed Black Crest Dragon, Elgod to the center. And to the right I call Black Dragon, Cold Blade.” The first of the black dragon’s monsters was huge! Its head alone was as tall as a two-story building, which emerged from a large portal with chains binding it to said portal. The other monster was about the same size as Mander, but its body was purely black with a grey sheen to it’s scales, while angular horns and spikes of ice and cold steel emerge from its body. And a cold mist surrounded the monster, as it hissed and growled. Once the dragons were summoned, they both let loose a wailing roars to try and discourage the pair, but Adrain and Mander remained resolute. “Cold Blade, teach those two to fear us.” the icy dragon roared as it leaped and bound across the stadiums battle field, racing towards the pair before lunging at them while swinging its icy bladed tail, striking Adrain while creating a rushing wind of freezing cold air, reducing the young man’s 10 life to 9. “End of move.” The ambient voice of the stadium proclaimed as the dragon sorcerer’s turn ends. “The first strike, is mine.” Death Wizard says as Adrain goes through his own Charge and Draw phase. Brining his gauge to 3. “Don’t get to full of yourself Death Wizard, this battle just started.” Adrain says as he starts his turn, holding a card in his hand. “I first equip my Dragon Staff, Dragogift—” the card transforms into the staff that Adrain holds as he continues with his turn. “To my left I call Blue Sky Knight, Systemic Dagger Dragon, and to my right Systemic Dagger Dragon!” After tossing the two cards to the designated platforms, the two purple scaled dragons emerged onto the battle field in spectacular manner. The former doing a little aerial swoop, while the later spun around in place like a top before stopping, and both dragons unleashed a roar of their own. “Systemic, attack Elgod to clear us a path!” “Leave it to me!” The purple dragon exclaimed as he leapt from his platform, and raced across the battlefield. Elgod wasted no time in trying to stop the Armordragon, as he pulled a large thick muscled arm from the portal, and swung it down to flatten Systemic Dagger. The large claw came crashing down onto the stadium central platform, causing the structure to actually shake. But the Armordragon was to fast for the lumbering behemoth! Racing up the large limb, Systemic jumped as high as he could before lunging at Elgo like a spinning disk, blades being shot out before the dragon collided with his target while exclaiming, Dancemarkable! Elgod reeled back and roared in pain as the large dragon turned into a flurry of glowing orange cards, all the while Systemic landed back on the central platform, before racing back to Adrain’s side of the field. But the young man’s onslaught wasn’t over. Adrian and the winged Armordragon made their way towards Death Wizard, joining in a link attack. Where Adrain struck with a spinning staff strike, while the flying Armordragon lashed out with bladed feathers, both attacks reducing Death Wizard’s Life all the way down to, 6. After the duel attack was made the young man and his dragon went back to his side, but Adrian’s move was still not done. “I’ll now use Dragogift’s ability to move Systemic Dagger from the right to my center.” The monster was then teleported from its original position to its new space, where the ambient voice proclaims end of move. Prompting Death Wizard to command the girl to charge and draw. And as the girl performs the actions, both Adrain and his buddy notice the frustrated expression on the black dragons face. “It looks like we knocked him off his high horse.” Adrain commented as he chuckled slightly. “Maybe. But we shouldn’t think we’ve got the leg up on him.” Mander cautioned as the girl grabs a card from the hand. “I call upon Black Dragon, Dividers to my center.” The newest monster to be summoned to the game was basically a combination of a dragon, and a centipede, which stood eight feet tall. “Next I cast, Lunatic!” the card glowed as the girl held it out as Death Wizard explains the spells effect. “With this spell I can take one of your gauge and send it to the discard pile, but not only that—” the black dragon grinned as Adrain’s gauge was decreased to 2 before continuing. “If I have two, or more Black Dragon’s on my field, you choose a card in your hand and discard it.” Adrain grumbled as he looked at his hand, scanning over the 4 cards and ended up discarding the farthest left card. “Now that is settled, Cold Blade will attack your Systemic Dagger!” The black dragon roared as it leapt down to the main platform, followed by the Armordragon with a roar of its own. Both dragons then charged at each other, Systemic sliding to the left before coming into contact with Cold Blade, then in a quick dash the Armordragon slid across the ground on his side like a buzz saw. But the black dragon quickly countered the attack by slamming its tail right on top of the purple dragon, turning the monster into a flurry of orange cards…but that’s not all that has happened. A glowing blue orb appeared where Systemic Dagger was defeated, and with one deft motion, Cold Blade smacked the orb with its tail sending it towards Adrain. Where upon contact detonated like a bomb, brining the young man’s life down to 8. “Now Dividers, go on the attack!” the centipedal dragon lets loose a screeching roar, before making a mad dash across the field, its limbs moving at great speeds before ramming into Adrain with its four clawed arms. Shredding Adrian down to 5 life. “End of move.” The voice of the stadium spoke. “Still believe that this game will be easy?” Death Wizard mocked as Adrain charges and draws. “Don’t get to full of yourself Death Wizard.” Adrain smiled as he held a card out. “To the center I Buddy Call the leader of our little army, Systemic Commander Dragon! Give us a hand Mander!” “With pleasure!” As Mander leaps from Adrains side and onto the field, one of Adrain’s 3 gauge was inserted into the Armordragon while Adrian’s life was increased to 6, and because of Blue Sky Knight’s ability the young man’s life was increased by 1, now making it 7. But, he is also able to draw one card. “Alright Mander, time to clear the center.” Adrain says as he points at Dividers, who hissed and snarled. “Just leave this time me.” Mander said as he leapt across the field, landing on the central field platform but then launched off it and dived bomb towards the black dragon, who reared up and attempted to slash Mander. “Dancemarkable…Hurricane!” In a flurry of twisting motions, Mander swiveled around the black dragon, while blades were launched off from his armor, hacking and slashing the monster in various ways. Upon reaching the platform, the black dragon screeched before erupting into cards. And as the orange cards shower over Death Wizard’s field, Mander spun around in place and sent out several more blades, slashing the robbed dragon sorcerer and reducing his life down to 4 thanks to Mander’s Penetrate ability. “Nice work partner.” Adrain says as Mander comes back to his side of the field. “All in a days work.” the Commander says to his human partner. “Alright Blue Sky time for a follow.” “I’m on it.” the winged Armordragon said as he took flight, and soared over to Death Wizard. But the robbed sorcerer seemed to be unfazed by the attack, as the girl quickly pulled out a card from their small hand. “Cast!” Death Wizard calls out as the card glows, before transforming. “Black Dragon Shield!” the card become a variant of Adrian’s dragon shield spells, but this one has a purple glow to it. the Armordragon came in contact with the shield, slamming into it and being pushed back to Adrain’s side of the field. “This spell reduces all damage you would’ve dealt as 0, and gives me 1 life.” After the dragon was knocked away Death Wizard’s life increased to 5. After Blue Sky’s attack was negated, and he was knocked back to the humans side, Adrain used his Dragoon Staff to use its Move ability to have Mander move from the center to the right platform. Once the monster has moved, Adrian made his own attack by striking Death Wizard Dragon with his Dragogift, reducing the dragons life down to 3. After damaging the robbed monster and making his way back to his side of the field, the stadiums ambient disembodied voice proclaimed end of move, signaling the black dragons turn. “This may not be a cake walk as we thought partner.” Mander said as the black dragon’s unwilling puppet charges, and draws. “Yeah. But, we’ll just have to hang in there, and try to beat him.” Adrain replied as he readied himself for the dragon’s next turn, and with the cards he currently has in his hand…he’s not liking his odds. ~~~~~ Sunset and her friends were either pacing around the fiery haired girls apartment, or patiently waiting for Adrain to return. Hearty was least worried out of the occupants of the apartment, she has a good feeling that Adrain and Mander will do well on their own, as the witch knows what the last monster was and knows that if the pair play smart they could best the last monster. But then again, there are never any guaranties when comes to fighting and opponent. “I hope Adrain and Mander are doing alright.” Fluttershy says as she fiddles with the end of her long pink hair. “I’m more worried about what this last monster is.” Twilight says as she neverouslly taps her feet on the ground. “Do not worry my friends.” Hearty says as she floats over to buddy, giving Twilight a comforting pat on the shoulder. “You’re friends are more than equipped to handle this challenge.” “Ah sure hopes so.” Applejack says as she adjust her hat. “I still think we should’ve gone with them.” Rainbow grumbled as she fidgeted in place on the couch. “And then what Rainbow, none of us are actual Buddyfight players, so we can’t help them even if we wanted to.” Rarity replied to her friends statement. “If we did go with them the last monster could’ve used us against Mander and Adrain.” “Just like when that ghost boy took over Fluttershy.” Pinkie Pie said as she gave said friend a hug. The group continued to talk about whether their friends were alright, and if they should have gone with them. while the group were talking, Sunset looked out a nearby window, and wondered how things were going for Adrian and Mander. “Just be careful guys.” ~~~~~ Current standings Death Wizard: 5 Life/2 Gauge/4 cards in Hand. – Adrian: 7 Life/1 Gauge/3 cards in Hand. “To the center I call Blood Moon Dragon, and I equip my puppet with Death Claw, Grim Reaper.” The monster card flew out to the designated location, before creating a summoning circle that brings the new monster into the fray. The new black dragon was a tall and rather slender creature, covered in jagged bladed purplish red armor and scales. When the dragon has fully arrived onto the field it gave out a manic chuckling screech, which Cold Blade joined in as the second card that Death Wizard said would be used, transformed into a three-bladed scythe that the girl held in one hand. “Now to really cause some havoc!” Death Wizard proclaims as he slams the butt of his scepter onto the ground. “Go forth my black dragons, tear those Armordragons to ribbons!” Both dragons gave out their horrifying wails before leaping into action, with Cold Blade lumbering across the central platform, while Blood Moon jumped about while cackling like a mad man. Both Blue Sky and Mander leapt into action as well, with Blue Sky colliding with Blood Moon in mid jump, and the two began tussling with each other. meanwhile Mander and Cold Blade clashed with one another, the Armordragon’s armor meeting steel like scales and icy blades. The clashing dragons fought with everything they got, claws and fangs striking armor and scales, but in the end the black dragons won out. Blood Moon managed to get above Blue Sky, and thrusted his bladed claw through the Armordragon’s back, and through his chest! Mander was eventually bested in strength by Cold Blade, and had his face smashed in by the black dragon’s mace like tail. “Now black dragons…engage your Spectral Strikes!” The two Armordragon’s shattered into a flurry of orange cards, and like with Systemic Dagger, left a glowing blue orb behind in their defeat. Both Blood Moon and Cold Blade swatted at the orbs with a claw, sending them rocketing towards Adrain, which upon contact exploded and dealt two points of damage to the young man. Bringing his life down to 5. “Now go forth my little puppet, reduce more of this fools life!” The girl wobbled a little bit, before leaping from platform to platform, and racing across the main stadium field with great speed. Once the girl has raced across the field, she leapt high into the air and cocking his right arm back, she swung the scythe weapon she was equipped with at Adrain. Slashing right through his body as he cried out in pain as his 5 life dropped to 2. As the young man recoils from the attack, which actually felt like actual pain, the girl races back over to her side. “You have served me well Blood Moon, but now you your usefulness ends here! I cast—” the girl pulled the central most card from the hand as it glowed. “Devil’s Stigma!” A curved blade sickle came flying out of nowhere, and imbedded its blade within the black dragons forehead, causing it cry out in pain as it was destroyed. Once the dragon had disappeared, two cards shot from Death Wizard’s deck up to the gauge making it four, as well as increasing the dragon life up to 6. “And now to end this battle, I cast! Blood Dragon Ceremony, Bloody Operate!” the card on the left glowed with power before flying off to Death Wizard’s center, where a red-colored summoning circle appeared. “This Impact card allows me to pay two gauge to call a Black Dragon from my drop zone. So return to battle and end this fight, Black Dragon Dividers!” The centipede dragon emerged from the circle with a harrowing screech as the summoning circle vanishes. Once the dragon was fully summoned, it raced across the field towards Adrian, claws ready to end this battle with its critical of 3. “Cast! White Dragon Shield!” Adrain quickly used his only defensive card to save himself. While spell didn’t fully save him, it did reduce the three points of damage he would’ve taken by two, leaving him only a measurable 1. “You’re now hanging on by thread boy.” Death Wizard taunted. “You’ve only only one life left, one gauge, and two cards in your hand. What can you possible due to save yourself.” The dragon mocked as Adrain draws, then charges and draws again.” “Right now this is the only thing I can do.” Adrain says as he holds a card. “I cast Dragonic Grimoire, I ditch my hand so I can draw three new cards. The card then turned into a stone tablet surrounded by a thin green aura, while a bluish spectral dragon emergences from it and devours the two remaining cards of Adrains hand. ‘Come deck, give me something good!’ Adrain prayed as three new cards were placed in front of him…and they just might be able to help him! “To my right I call Systemic Dagger “Onca” to the field! And I equip my own personal Item card…Systemic Scalemail!” The monster cards traveled to the designated platform, summoning forth the longer bodied monster as the remaining two gauge were absorbed into its body, as well as a card from Adrain drop zone. And as for the young man, the item card he played burst into light and when it faded away, he was now wearing his own variation of a Systemic Dagger Dragon’s armor. The card not only gives him 4000 power, 3 Critical, but it also has it’s own ability. “Onca, I need you to clear the path for me.” “It shall be done brother in arms!” The long bodied dragon leaped and bound across the field, while Dividers hissed and snarled as it to made its way across the field. And when the two monsters reached the center of the stadiums main platform, Dividers reared and and quickly brought its upper body down. But Once slipped past the improve strike, and bolted past the monster…slashing it with its armored body. “Now brother, finish this battle!” Onca calls out as Adrain makes his way across the field. “Count on it!” “And how are you going to end this battle? That item only has a critical of three, while I still have six life.” Death Wizard questioned as Adrain leaps high into the sky, and spins his body to send out a flurry of blades, reducing the robbed dragon’s life to 3. “Maybe, but it has a nice ability that always comes in handy!” Adrain says as he comes rocketing down towards the black dragon. “Once per turn, whenever a monster with ‘Systemic’ in its card name destroys a monster, this card gains the Double Attack effect!” “WHAT!” “And now it’s game over!” the young man says as he spins his body like top, and crashed down onto the field, sending more blades out…taking out the last of Death Wizard’s life down to 0. “Game over! Winner, Adrain Hartman.” The stadium disembodied voice announces, as Death Wizard cries out in defeat as his body transforms back into a card, which Adrain quickly places in his capture device. When the black dragon was defeated, the girl that was used by the dragon seemed to regain consciousness, before falling backwards. But thankfully Adrain caught her before she dropped to the floor. The young man lets out a sigh as the stadium starts to disappear, and Mander rejoins his buddy as he spoke. “Phew! That was, way to close.” > Chapter 10: Mission Accomplished > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roughly an hour has gone by, and Sunset and her friends are still waiting to see how Adrain and Mander were doing. They have debated whether or not to go looking for their new friends, and while they initially thought that they should stay at the apartment and wait, they changed their minds and decided to go out look for their friends. and see how they were doing. But before they could leave the building, a knocking at the door causes the group of girls and Hearty to look at the door to Sunset’s apartment. the fiery haired girl makes her way to the door, and as she does so Pinkie looks out the window, where a smile came to her face and she rushes to the door. As Sunset opens her door she saw a slightly exhausted Adrain, and Mander, giving her tired smiles. “You’re back!” Sunset said as she gave the pair a hug, followed by Pinkie when she reached the door. The rest of the group were about to make their way to the door, but they stopped when the two girls brought the young man and Armordragon inside. “You two look really worn out, what happened?” Pinkie asked as Adrain sat on a chair that Rarity offered. “Just had to deal with a dragon wizard that wanted to make your world his.” The young man commented. “But Ah take it you won?” Applejack asked. “E’yup.” Mander asked. “But it was a close one, If Adrain didn’t draw the cards he needed, we would’ve lost.” The Armordragon gave out a tired sigh, even if he didn’t take part in the battle that much, simply watching the events unfold was tense enough. “Well the important thing is that you won!” Pinkie says joyfully. “Though…I guess this means your assignment is over with, and you’ll be heading home to your world.” Twilight says, sounding a little sad to say goodbye to her new friends. “Not yet.” Adrain says as he looks over at Hearty. “We still have to deal with you.” the girls look surprised to hear this, they thought that Hearty’s situation was cleared. “You’re still categorized as an illegal monster Hearty, and until something about that is changed, officially, I’m going to have to return you to your world.” the witch seemed to understand this, and gives a defeated sigh. “Very well officer, I won’t put up a fuss this time.” Hearty says as she looks to Twilight. “I’m sorry my dear, but it appears it was not meant to be buddies after all.” “Does she really have to leave?” Fluttershy asked. “Hearty has been on her best behavior.” “Maybe Fluttershy, but since your world doesn’t have an agency to make sure she does not abuse her power, I have to take her back to her world.” Mander explains as he looks up to the shy girl. “So to make our assignment officially done, we have to take Hearty with us when we go back to our world.” “Well in that case!” Pinkie says as she rushes out of the living room, and headed to the kitchen…where a bunch of noise from kitchen utensils and the sound of food being prepared, and made. Then a minute or so after entering the kitchen, Pinkie came out looking like she was just in the midst of a food fight. “Let’s have a ‘going away and hope to see you again’ party!” the group got up from their seats and headed into the kitchen…and saw that there were cakes, pies, basically anything that can be called party food made and spread out on any free counter space. Adrian was pretty baffled on how this girl was able to make all this food, in such a short amount of time. “How did—” “Don’t ask.” All six of Pinkie’s friends say in unison. “Trust me.” Applejack says as she places a hand on the young mans shoulder. “It’s best not to question how she does things, it’ll save you the headache.” Deciding to go along with the cowgirls advice, the group had a small little farewell party for both Adrian and Mander, as well as Hearty. And while the young man was a little sad to say goodbye to some new friends, this party was a nice way leave on a happy note. ‘If anything, this assignment has been one amazing little adventure.’