Synopsis: In order to find more Answers on the Gaen Cup, Hou is forced to talk with that one person whom he doesn't wish to talk to. Meanwhile, Daryl & the rest are...
Night Time. Buddy Police Prison. The doors open. Hou walks in while feeling extremely stern. As he walks, prisoners look at him with envy. The latter stops in front of a room. Two officers are guarding it. One officer unlocks the door, and Hou goes inside while being followed. He stops for a moment.
Hou Ren: Leave us.
The officers bow before leaving and closing the door. The young king sighs.
Hou Ren: Destiny has a cruel sense of humor, huh?
What's before Hou Ren is none other than his ex-teacher, Ms Shafi. She is wearing prison clothes and is trapped in a glass cell. When Ms Shafi sees him, she feels regretful.
OP: Black And White.
Ms Shafi: Hey, Hou Ren...It's been a while.
Hou Ren: Spare the greeting. I really wish it hadn't come to this...
Ms Shafi: I know you still hate me. But I've given thought to my past actions. I see that Jealousy has blinded me, and I deeply regret what I have done.
Hou Ren: Mmh..It could be better.
Ms Shafi: I don't seek forgiveness, but I want to make things right with you. I'll do anything.
Hou Ren stares at her for a moment and sighs.
Hou Ren: During our previous interrogation, you said Kyoya sent you to do his bidding. How did you two meet?
Ms Shafi: I'll have to start from the beginning. Listen closely.
Flashback...
Ms Shafi: After I was fired, for days I could not get a job or even keep up with the bills. I was so angry, and I sought vengeance. So I broke CCP out of prison.
Hou Ren: Sadly for you, it didn't work.
Ms Shafi: I know. Because of what I did, I have to hide from plain sight. That's when I met Kyoya Gaen in person.
Hou Ren: Oh?
Ms Shafi: I was very astonished that he gave you the Dragon EIN flag. He wants me to join him, and even though I was reluctant, I accepted the offer.
Hou Ren: Desperation calls for desperate measures, they say. And I assume he enhanced your buddy?
Ms Shafi: He had this thing called the "Original Core". Similar to a Dark Core, but it's the main version. Kyoya used its power to amplify my Buddy, and as a result, Immobilizer evolved.
Hou Ren: I'm going to deduct that he tasked you to break in as well.
Ms Shafi: Not exactly. Once I joined him, he shared with me about his plans regarding the Gaen Cup. Apparently, it took him 6 months to prepare.
Hou Ren: And let me guess. He wants you to deliver a message. But because you are banned, you had to force your way in. I assume you received some funding so that you can buy stuff from the black market.
Ms Shafi: I have...you really caught on quick.
Hou Ren: Speaking of the Gaen Cup, there's a lot going on than it meets the eye. What are its true intentions?
Ms Shafi: I won't be able to provide much, but here's what I know. Listen carefully...
When the discussion is over, Hou Ren gets up without looking back. Ms Shafi stops him.
Ms Shafi: By the way...I'm proud of you. You've grown.
But the young king didn't look back...
Hou Ren: Yeah...I get that a lot.
The latter walks out of the prison. He stops in surprise as he sees Lost Ren & Rouga standing before him. They all watch sternly at each other.
Hou Ren: What?
The Next Morning, Tasuku confronts his apprentice in his office. The Commissioner berates him while the apprentice stays silent.
Tasuku: When I said don't do anything, I mean it. I'm glad you didn't do anything illegal, but interrogating your ex-teacher alone? What were you thinking?
Hou Ren: Commissioner. With All Due Respect. Unless we find answers, we'll be going in circles. I had to do something.
Tasuku: You're missing the point. First, you disobey my orders. Second, you placed your safety in danger. Think about your families. How would they think if you got hurt?
Hou Ren: She was literally trapped in a glass cage. No gadgets. Prison clothes. Nothing else.
Tasuku: But what happens if she breaks out? You could be in danger.
Hou Ren: I...I'M NOT A KID ANYMORE.
Hearing this, Tasuku is very shocked and worried. Realizing in fear, Hou Ren deeply regrets his attitude.
Hou Ren: I'm sorry...I just wanna help.
Tasuku: I know you do. But you must be patient. And I'm sure Guru would have said the same thing to you.
Hou Ren: (Surprised) You know him?
Tasuku: He was my master, too. The Same With Gao Mikado.
Hou Ren: The Mighty Sun Fighter...
Tasuku: (Nods) You need to understand that you can't do things as you please. Success requires patience. Great things--
Hou Ren: (reluctant) Takes Time...
Tasuku: Correct. But, seeing that it came to this, what did you find?
Hou Ren: Alright. Here's the thing.
Later, Ion & Takokichi appear on Live TV.
Ion: Hello Folks. Ion & Takokichi here. Bringing Updates from the Gaen Cup. It looks like Hou, Lost Ren, Shiloh, Rouga & J Genesis still have full points. Davide, Shido, Ageha & Shura are out. While the remaining ones have one or two lives remaining.
Takokichi: Fight hard, everyone, because there are only three days remaining.
Meanwhile, Hou and Garga are just out on the streets, while looking at the announcement.
Hou Ren: You gotta give props to Shiloh since she hasn't lost a single life.
Garga: Yes. She has definitely grown. Speaking of her, where is she?
Hou Ren: She's currently spending time with her brothers. She requested a day off.
Garga: I see. Well, the commissioner also gave you a "day off" after that reckless stunt of yours.
Hou: (sigh) Yes, I know. Don't remind me. That being said, what can we do?
???: Hey, Hou.
Suddenly, the two are interrupted by Daryl. Masato, Gwen & Natalie, alongside their buddies, are also there. They are feeling displeased.
Hou Ren: Oh, hey. How you doing?
Daryl: We texted you multiple times. No response. And you have the nerve to say "How we doing?".
Hou: Ummm...
Masato: Do you have any idea how worried we are? Like at all?
Gwen: Where were you these past few days?
Hou Ren: I was busy, okay? I have a lot of stuff going on right now.
Daryl: So we're not important then?
Hou: What? Why would you say that?
Masato: Because we're tired of you dodging us. Like, what did we do to offend you? Is there something that we don't know?
Hou: I...(serious) You do know I'm with the Buddy Police, right?
While the three Aces argue, Garga watches left and right in worry.
Masato: So what? Why can't you tell us what you are doing? Like, this is back to square one, I say.
Hou: I had to for a reason. I'm sorry, okay? I need to do what I must.
Daryl: And what reason is that? Like Masato said, we're really tired of you dodging us. (shows deck) Fight Me. I'm done letting you hide things from us. If I win, you'd better apologize and tell us what's going on ASAP.
Hou: I...(sigh) You never listen to reason, do you? (Shows deck)
Both Daryl and Hou are very serious with each other while holding their decks. Flames are running in the background, and Garga is watching them with concern while saying, "Oh dear...". Soon enough, the two players gather at the Ocean Stage while everyone else spectates from the side and at Home. While Ion commentates, Shiloh and her brothers are watching from their phones, too.
Ion: Whenever there's a buddyfight, you can find us, Ion & Takokichi. We have Hou Ren & Daryl facing off in the second round. The Ace of Study vs The Ace of Games once again.
Daryl: I'm guided by the celestial stars. Granting me my promised victory. Luminize, Ultimate Galaxy Triangulum Type 2.
Hou Ren: A deity's dragon brigade who rises to the top. Step forth to battle worthy opponents. Luminize, Dradeity's Pinnacle.
Ion & Tako: Buddy...Fight.
Both: Raise the Flag.
Daryl: Star Dragon World.
Hou Ren: Dragon World.
Ion: The first move goes to Daryl. He starts by equipping Lumun Deus, calling Seer Dragon Veil to the right and, buddycalls Cross to the center.
Daryl: I also call Tink to the left. I gain 3 life and draw a card. Now I cast, Proclaim, Battle Supplies. (Ability) Cross, Attack Hou.
Cross attacks and it hits.
Daryl: My turn is over.
Masato: For Share. Daryl's off to a good start.
Gwen: It may be his first turn, but he increased his life points to 13.
Hou Ren: Not bad. Draw. Charge & Draw. Equip...(pays 1 gauge & 1 life, equips) Deity Dragon Sword, Garblade "Z".
Ion: Oh My. Hou's got a new item.
Hou: I call to the left. Garcat "Z".
Garcat: (Appears) Check out my new form, cat.
Gwen: Garcat has evolved, too???
Hou: (Ability) When placed, look at the top 3 cards of my deck. One to my hand, gauge, and the remaining one to the dropzone. Now, I buddycall Deity Gargantua Zenith to the right.
Garga: (Appears) All are powerless before my blade.
Ion: There it is. Garga's new power. Deity Gargantua Zenith.
Cross: So that's...
Daryl: Deity Gargantua Zenith...How? How did you acquire such an evolution?
Hou Ren: Was it not displayed live?
Daryl: I don't care. I know what I saw. But I know there's more than just your speech. You don't deserve such an evolution.
Hou Ren & Garga facepalms.
Daryl: You always kept secrets from us. The training with Guru. Your affiliation with the Buddy Police. Garga's Evolution and the Dragon EIN Flag. Why is it that you can't trust us?
Hou Ren: I already told you why I kept Guru's training a secret. And besides, why do you think I couldn't trust you, like you said?
Daryl: So you won't deny that you don't trust us. Fine. I'll make you eat your words.
Hou Ren: You're being immature about this. I cast, Across the Zenith Step. (Pays 1 gauge & 1 life) I place this into Garga's soul, and for this turn, it gets to attack all monsters on your field.
Masato: Say what?
Hou Ren: And to top things off, I set Combat Deity Hall. Garga. Destroy them all.
Garga: As you wish.
While Garga yells aloud and attacks, Cross, Tink, and Veil attempt to strike back. Garga shoots his weapons behind him and destroys Tink and Veil. Cross and Garga duel, with Garga using his sword and Cross blocking with his wings. Both sides clash, but Garga pulls an Excalibur and destroys Cross. Luckily, Cross revives but...
Garga: Penetrate!!!
Daryl's Life: 13 -> 11
Daryl: Ergh...Garga doesn't have penetrate.
Hou: It's because of my spell earlier. Garcat, Link attack with me. (Attacks)
Garcat joins in.
Ion: Because Daryl no longer has a monster on the left, Cross only has 8000 defense.
Daryl: Cast. Notify, Blessed Rain Tactics. (Blocks)
Ion: Cross just survived on the field, and Daryl just increased his life.
Daryl: You trained me and my friends, remember? I'm not the same Ace of Study that you've known for a long time. Draw, Charge & Draw. I call Barry to the right.
Barry Appears.
Daryl: And Fret to the left. (Fret appears, ability) You know, Hou, I swear. Here I thought you would present a challenge, but I'm disappointed in you.
Hou: What makes you say that?
Daryl: You always kept secrets from us. Never mind Guru's, but others? Do you really have to keep them to yourself?
Hou: For the last time, I have my reasons. Daryl, do you even know the meaning of privacy?
Daryl: All I know is some guy is unable to trust us. Why did you leave us out on important details? You're really greedy and selfish, you know that?
Upon hearing those two words (greedy and selfish), Garga, Garcat, and Cross are shocked. There's even glass shattered in the background.
Garga: He did not just say that.
Hou: (Menacing, shadowed-eyed) Greedy? Selfish? You've got some nerve saying that.
Daryl: It's true--
Hou: BE QUIET.
Everyone's shocked by that shout.
Hou: You just couldn't keep quiet at all. Always have to be nosy in everything I do. And what next, if I say no, then you'll show the entire world that keeping my own secrets is a bad thing?
Daryl: I---
Hou Ren: (interrupts) But if you must know, I never shared anything about my work because The Commissioner sealed my lips. I wanted to include you, but he told me no, so to speak.
While Hou continues his statement, everyone else watches in worry.
Hou Ren: And you know what? He was right to do it. Seeing you like this. Constantly attacking me. Thanks for giving me a straight answer, idiot.
Garga: Hou...
Hou Ren: You really had to say this and that all because I was doing my thing. In fact, you want to know why I joined the Buddy Police? Why didn't I tell you about the Dragon EIN flag and Garga's evolution sooner?
Daryl: I...
Hou Ren: You and your friends berated me. So did my parents. And my Teachers. I joined the Buddy Police because I want to make good use of myself. Heck, I thought it might fit in with you lot. I thought I can impress you with that fact.
Daryl: I...
Hou Ren: But no, because that method is wrong. Regardless, the Commissioner told me to keep my identity shut in order to protect my loved ones unharmed.
Jack: (also watching from his office) This is true...
Tasuku: Hmm...
Hou Ren: The Dragon EIN flag and Garga's evolution? Back then, we just found out about it. But let me ask: why would I tell this discovery when you guys left me in the dirt? (Enraged) TELL ME NOW!!!
Daryl: (taken aback) I...
Masato: So that's why...
Gwen: Hou...
Hou: I'm done rubbing salt in the wound. Hurry up with your turn!!! I don't have all day.
Daryl: (afraid) I...
Cross: Daryl. Best not to provoke him further. Let's finish what we've started.
Daryl: Okay...Cross. Attack Garga.
Cross attacks Garga.
Hou: I cast. Deity Dragod Shield. (Blocks) Now I cast, Dragotrap. Lumun Deus cannot attack.
Garga: And that's not all. Counterattack!!!
Garga destroys Barry.
Barry: No...(Destroyed)
Daryl: Barry!!!
Hou: G-EVO Z Activate. (From the dropzone) Gargantua Dragon Dual Mode.
Garga: (G-EVO) Gargantua Dragon...Dual Mode.
Hou: With Dual Mode's effect, I draw 2 cards. Garcat's effect. Upon G EVO, I destroy one of your hand cards.
Garcat lights up his claws and shoots lightning at Daryl's hand cards. Destroying one in the process.
Daryl: Ergh. Cross. Double attack on Garga.
Hou: No Chance. Dragon Guard. I take on the attack.
Cross attacks, but Hou glows his eyes, and Cross is suddenly brainwashed to attack him with his claws. Except that the attack does not hit as Hou blocks with his sword.
Cross: What?
Hou: With G-EVO Z, I gain 20000 defense, remember?
Masato: No Way!!!
Agito: Cross didn't make a dent.
Daryl: Doesn't matter. I cast. Notify: Missing Mission. I bring Barry back in.
Barry appears.
Ion: Barry is back. But even if they attack alone. It's still no use.
Daryl: Which is why I'm sending my monsters on a triple link attack on Hou. GO!
Cross, Fret, and Barry attacks.
Ion: Their combined critical reaches 10, and they have over 20000 power.
Hou: No Big Deal. I activate Combat Deity Hall's effect. (Destroys it)
Their attack hits still, but Hou only receives 5 damage???
Cross: 5 damage???
Hou: When Garga G-EVO Z, damage I take is reduced by 2 for this turn.
Daryl: How can this be??? Screw it, I cast. Edict: Return to Mission
Suddenly, all of Daryl's monsters return to his hand, catching Hou's attention sternly.
Daryl: I can then call three monsters from my hand at no cost. I choose Cross, Barry, and Fret.
Cross, Barry, and Fret reappear once more. Everyone's shocked.
Ion: OH SNAP. Daryl resummoned his monsters again!!! This means they get to attack again with a critical of 10!!!
Daryl: One more time. Attack Hou Again.
They attack once more, but Hou suddenly discards a hand card??? Daryl is shocked.
Hou: I cast. Immortal Draknight.
Suddenly, just as the attack is about to hit, a golden armor attached to the young king came out of nowhere and bunts the attack off.
Cross: What???
Ion: What just happened!!! The attack was stopped???
Hou: (Forehead shadowed) Garga and Garcat cannot be attacked for this turn. And until the opponent's next turn begins, I cannot lose the game.
As said, the two monsters embody a gold spirit around them, and Daryl is incredibly shocked. P.S. Immortal Draknight also requires an extra card on the field to be destroyed and 1 more gauge.
Gwen: No way...
Masato: He can't lose??? At All???
Agito: Just how much has he grown???
Hou: And further, I draw until I have 6 cards from my hand. And all cards from my dropzone are returned to the deck.
Ion: I don't even know how to describe this!!! Hou survived two attacks with 10 critical in just one turn!!! Our Ace of Games is not playing around.
Hou: Daryl. I don't want to be rude, but I seriously pity you. Unable to understand and just act rashly? This is not something I appreciate from the Ace of Study over here.
Daryl: Hou, I...
Hou: (continues) Just like that time, too.
Hou remembers the time Daryl and the rest constantly asked him to tell them about how he got stronger. And when he refused, for the last time, they cut him off out of their friendship because he doesn't "trust them".
Hou: You had to lay out a bunch of cease and desist letters. Wanting me cancelled. All because I refuse to share anything that's top secret. When you hit your final straw, you completely cut me off.
Flashback end.
Hou: Need I say, because of that, alongside that one incident where I saved you once, that caused your insulting attitude, is what made me no longer trust you? Why is it that I can't do my thing? TELL ME NOW!!!
Everyone is quite scared of Hou's response.
Hou: (sigh) I'm done with this conversation. Draw. Charge...And...Draw!!! You, who protect those you love, I beg of thee. Transform thyself and descend the almighty.
With that statement, Hou glows bright and floats, which makes everyone astonished. While Garga and Garcat bow, he transforms into his God Form.
Hou: I am Dawn of Resilience, Hou Ren "Genesis"
Ion: THERE IT IS. HOU REN'S OTHER NEW POWER. DAWN OF RESILIENCE, HOU REN "GENESIS".
Cross & Agito: So that's...
Daryl & Masato: Hou Ren "Genesis"...
Hou Ren: Garga is the "Zenith of Combat". And while I do go by many names, today, I'm the God of Resilience. I always get back up after I fall. I'll exterminate those who do me wrong. And I'll shield those I deeply love.
Hou then points his sword at his opponent.
Hou Ren: You, however. Your jealousy & envy have consumed you. I'll have to teach you a lesson on "privacy," so to speak. (prepares sword) Clear a Path.
Hou rushes forward at quick speed, and in a flash, he destroys all of Dary's monsters.
Cross, Fret, Barry: AHHHH!!! (Destroyed)
Daryl: Cross!!!
Hou then moves forward once more and destroys Lumun Deus with his sword.
Daryl: HUH!!!
Masato: All of his cards are out!!!
Gwen: No Way!!!
Garga: And for each card destroyed, Hou gets to deal 1 damage while regaining 1 life. Never underestimate the power of Gods.
Hou stabs the ground, and Lightning comes out of his sword and electrifies an unarmed and yelling Daryl!!!
Hou Ren: Garga. Strike Thy Enemy Down.
Garga: As you wish. (Attacks)
Daryl: (Blocks) I cast. Earth Barrier.
Hou Ren: Garcat!!!
Garcat: Meow. (Attacks)
Daryl's Life: 10 -> 9
Hou: One more time. Garga.
Daryl's Life: 9 -> 7
Hou attacks too and hits.
Hou: Revert.
Garga reverts, and Hou and Garcat stands.
Hou: Strike!!!
Garga and Garcat attacks.
Daryl: I cast. Mars Barrier. (Blocks Garga's attack)
Ion: Daryl's still standing, but now he has no cards left!!!
Hou: (Raise his sword) Coup De Gras!!! (Strikes)
Daryl: (Being Hit) AHHHHHHH!!!
Daryl's flag is destroyed. Hou returns to normal.
Ion: Game End. Winner. Hou Ren.
Hou Ren: C'est fini.
The crowd cheers loudly. Everyone is astonished by how the knight became so strong.
Masato: He's strong...
Gwen: So that's the power of Gods...
Garga watches sternly about what happened. In the aftermath, evening arrived....Hou and Garga stand before the group as they are feeling worried.
Daryl: Hou, we're really sorry about everything. The truth is, we just don't want to feel left out about everything.
Masato: We shouldn't have been so pushy. But we're also concerned about everything you're going through.
Gwen: Your work with the Buddy Police. The breakup with Shiloh.
Cross: Even the Tournament. You have a lot on your plate, and we just want to help.
Hou Ren: Listen. No matter the circumstances, you all should be patient, no matter what. (Reluctantly scratches his head) But I owe you an apology. I should have responded to your texts, even when I'm busy. For that, I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?
Daryl: (smiles) Of course. What are friends for?
Everyone else also smiles.
Hou: (smiles) Alright. Since it's my fault for all of this, why don't I invite you all to my Top Secret Work?
Daryl: (surprised) Huh? You don't have to.
Hou: I'll try to convince the Commissioner about it. Consider this as my "apology gift".
Everyone stares for a while, and then they smile.
Daryl: If you insist. Sure.
Hou: (To Garga) You okay with it?
Garga: Why not? The more the merrier.
Hou: Okay. (To his friends) Promise me you won't tell anyone about it.
All: Deal.
Masato: It'll be just like old times.
Daryl: Yes.
Hou stares at them with a worried smile and looks at the golden sky with the beautiful sunset attached to it.
Hou: Well...this is destiny.
COTD
Hou: It's time for.
Garga: Hou and Garga's.
Both: Card of the Day.
Hou: Today, we're looking at "Deity Gargantua Zenith". This is Garga's newly evolved form, but it is quite difficult to master.
Garga: While it does retain a few abilities, there are some changes. After you G-EVO, you can only gain the power boost provided if your life points are 6 and below. This ability lasts until the end of your opponent's turn.
Hou: The standing effect MAY only be activated when you revert Garga himself. But only once per turn. And, when you're about to use G-EVO Z, keep in mind you can do this during any player's attack phase, but also only once per turn. It's all about timing.
Garga: So, what do you think, guys?
Hou Ren: Think you can open up one of these?
Both: You never know until you try.
ED: Gonna be right.
Preview:
Hou Ren: With Daryl and the rest joining, I want to invite a few new recruits to join us. Next time, "Oceans of Justice". Join Us For A Buddyfight.
Story End.