#about the fighters ;; musings

[pyrosomatic-metamorphosis]

tbh i think that even unwinnable fights should be winnable. some of the BEST fights i've ever run as a dm were ones i built kill the players (in a fun way. I had some cutscenes prepped so even the loss would be a different flavour of win)- but then they were clever bastards and managed to either win the fights or pull themselves out of trouble. I think it's perfectly fine to plan for a fight that players aren't supposed to win, but you need to let them. if they can't win, they can't lose, and the meaning of that encounter is diminished. do that too many times, and they stop trusting you to give them roleplay prompts and start expecting to sit there waiting while you drive the story for them.

but if they can win... if there is always the chance to win, no matter how impossible the odds, then they ALWAYS have hope. they always get invested. they feel the big emotions of success or the big emotions of failure, and you fucking Win as a dm/roleplay prompter/lead bastard.

[th3houseofleaves]

my BODY is MY CREATION!

call me god, call me frankenstein, call me sculptor, call me creator because i am taking what i am owed i am shaping creating making myself over in the image of adam, i will rid myself of this extra rib called longing and i will be bloody and pure and new as i am born again in the body i forged for myself.

INTRODUCING christopher "kit" warren an original character based in the dc comics universe. he is portrayed by jordan gonzalez.

christopher "kit" warren is the civilian identity of the vigilante known as PORTAL, a twenty-six year old meta-human with the ability to warp or teleport short distances (safely). outside of hero work, he's an independent video game developer and graphic designer, though the latter job is more for bringing in a semi steady flow of income rather than a job he does for pleasure. ideally, he'd love to have more time to work on games but he knows that that's not feasible at this point; both for the lack of income and because of his commitment to protect his community. being a hero comes first to him.

kit is originally from star city but moved away in his early twenties. his birth parents died when he was just a baby, his godfather, cole carpenter, took him in and raised him. his home life was fairly chill, he was well taken care of and never went without necessities but it was incredibly clear that cole wasn't prepared to raise a child. he still had growing up to do when he took kit in, since he was only in his early twenties and still hadn't even decided what he wanted to do in life. and while cole did his best, he was more of an older brother figure rather than the parental figure that kit needed.

that being said kit wouldn't change a single thing. he loves cole so much. that's his only real family. plus, there were perks to growing up with a young parent — rules tended to be lax, he had an easier time getting his way if he needed, and, once he was older, he could have fun spending time with his godfather doing things that they'd both enjoy. (one thing they would do together regularly was training at the gym where cole works. it started off as easy stuff, where kit was trying to mirror what cole was doing and gradually became more serious and branched off into kit begging cole to let him seriously train to become a fighter like he was. cole caved fairly fast.)

growing up he, like so many other children, loved superheroes. he'd play pretend with the other kids in his neighborhood and they'd all have their own hero identity (no one ever volunteered to be the villain, it was always more fun to be the good guys because they got all the perks). if anyone asked him during that time, he would've proudly told them that he wanted to be a hero when he grew up, he wanted to save people just like the heroes on the news. it wouldn't be until he was a little older that he'd realise his childish daydream could be reality. (his meta abilities would first manifest when he was around nine or ten, thus paving the way for his eventual decision to become a hero.)

being a meta was only a shock to kit himself, his godfather knew there was a chance he'd be one since both his parents were. the only thing he wouldn't have been able to predict was kit's abilities, which were nothing like his parents'. having a superpower was cool as hell to kit but it was terrible for cole; he now had to wrangle a superpowered child, who wasn't easily convinced that he shouldn't show off his power, and who was capable of evading him without putting much effort into it.

shortly after his abilities first manifested, kit came out to his godfather which caused cole to become more protective of him. he enrolled kit into self defense classes, alongside the training he was already doing with kit, to make sure that kit was able to defend himself when he was on his own. he wasn't about to lose his kid because some asshole didn't approve of his identity.

cole had no way of knowing that kit was going to use those skills when he would sneak out at night, taking his first steps as a hero in his neighborhood. he should've expected it, he really should've, given how serious kit was about becoming a hero but it still nearly gave him a heart attack when he found out. not even because kit told him, no he saw something, when he was reading the news, about a new meta hero that popped up in star city... who appeared to be pretty young (there was questions about how safe it is for a kid to be fighting crime)... and who could seemingly teleport.... and he didn't have to be a genius to figure out that that was HIS idiot teenage wannabe hero. needless to say kit was grounded for a couple weeks after cole found out and they had to have a long discussion about safety and why he shouldn't keep going out, even though cole knew that it wouldn't stop kit from going out. unfortunately.

as he got older he got cockier. he'd investigate riskier cases, he'd patrol outside of his neighborhood, and he stopped trying to stay under the radar of other heroes and vigilantes that happened to be in star city.

at twenty-six years old he's a fairly well established vigilante (& if the whole no metas in gotham fanon rule thing exists, than he's pretty regularly breaking that rule because? he doesn't give a shit about what batman says. he can't stop him.)

additional link: pinterest.

(edit insp.)

[cxpperhead]

in battle your muse,

bold what applies - italicise sometimes. repost, don’t reblog.

fights honorably / fights dirty

prefers close - quarters /prefers range

chats during / goes silent

low pain tolerance / high pain tolerance

attacks in bursts / attacks steadily

goes for the kill / aims to disarm / fights defensively / strikes first

is provoked easily / provokes their opponent / teases

gets visibly frustrated / shouts while attacking

uses strategy / focuses on the battle / experiences conflicting thoughts during battle

rushes in recklessly / tries to read their opponent before engaging / fights wildly / fights calmly / fights apathetically / fights with anger / fights with excitement

fights because they have to / fights because they want to

fights without regard to wounds / runs away when wounded / hides wounds / takes a blow to protect another

prefers a blade / prefers a gun / prefers hand-to-hand combat / prefers a bow / prefers a shield / prefers a personalized weapon / prefers magic alchemy or spells

their greatest weakness is physical / their greatest weakness is mental / their greatest weakness is emotional

transforms for battle / fights as they appear

relies on strength / doubts their strength / relies on speed

uses everything they have / proceeds with caution / hides their full potential /

exhausts quickly / has high stamina

behaves arrogantly / brags after landing a hit / belittles their abilities

uses psychological tactics / uses brute strength

avoids civilians / strikes down civilians

damages surroundings / avoids damaging surroundings

signature fighting style / makes it up as they go

mastered skill-set / learning their skill - set

messy fighter / elegant fighter

accepts defeat / refuses defeat / begs for mercy

compliments their opponent / insults their opponent

uses unnecessary movements / moves efficiently / barely moves

prefers to dodge / prefers to block

defends their blindside / has no blindside / leaves blindsides vulnerable

uses all available advantages / strictly uses one main method

plays around / holds back / fights ruthlessly / shows mercy

waits for an opponent to be ready / strikes when opponent isn’t ready

fears death / fears pain / fears killing

has ptsd / avoids fighting

has lost a fight / has won a fight

has killed / refuses to kill

wants to die standing / would succumb slowly

Tagged byStolen from: @belost-the-watcher and @galranrepard (♡) Tagging: @bruz3r, @elisethetraveller, @question-marked, @red-hemlock and anyone else who wants to do this?

[apollos-boyfriend]

icarus pretty pls explain as much as u can of jaidens pov (and roiers if u can) i have no time at all and i wanna feel ur emoceans

YES i am late to answer but here is the gist of what happened (under the cut because OH BOY this got long):

jaiden spent the first hour-ish of stream out with bobby trying to find onions bc she needed them to make him roast chicken and complete the task of feeding the egg a food that starts with r. because of this, she and bobby were somewhat far away from the main area when things started going to shit

when she heard what was going on, she ran back home, both to have a bunker to hunker down in, and because tilin was still in their home due to having stayed over the night prior for a sleepover

tilin's still asleep when she gets back. bad drops by and further explains some of the situation. jaiden is Extremely panicked, but is reassured by roier messaging that he'll be logging on soon

tilin wakes up as bad drops by again. bad explains that he's going to go out and try to talk some sense into charlie, leaving dapper with jaiden for his safety. jaiden is now alone with three eggs and a madman on the loose.

one of the eggs asks what's going on. she cautiously explains that there was an accident with juanaflippa, and that her father is dealing with it in a less-than-ideal way. she herds the three down into the basement (behind a locked door for safety), distracting them by giving them seeds to plant and trying to not let her anxieties show for the sake of the kids

roier logs on. jaiden instantly runs out to greet him (attempts to, at the least, as he doesn't spawn in their house), hurriedly explaining the situation and the state of things. roier nearly instantly calms most of her worries, assuring her that they'll be alright. the eggs can defend themselves. charlie is just one man desperate for love and family. he's more dangerous to himself than he is to them.

bad and fit return to the house. there are now four eggs within.

charlie arrives. he's kind of instantly taken down by everyone in the house, rendered down to half a heart as they take him outside to talk him down. he places down a landmine that jaiden accidentally steps on, luckily only killing him. they remove all mines and weapons from his body in case he returns for them

everyone somewhat disperses. tilin stays with roier, jaiden, and bobby, not fully sure where their dad is (and not fully sure if they want to get back to him). the four of them sit around the campfire as roier tells the kids stories, which eventually turns into the two adults discussing tilin's current situation.

roier and jaiden end up coming to the conclusion of adopting tilin in a sort of co-parenting way. they're not taking them away from quackity, but also naming themselves as their caretakers and welcoming them into their family

bobby does not like this. bobby is very happy with being an only child. he starts a fight with tilin, one that he ends up winning, leading to tilin's death message appearing in chat. jaiden and roier quickly revive them, calming the two eggs down. roier chides bobby, saying he's plenty loved by both of them, and them taking in tilin doesn't mean they'll love him any less. there's no reason to be jealous.

quackity reaches out to jaiden, basically announcing a war against her and roier. because of charlie messaging him earlier, he mistakenly believes that she and roier have kidnapped tilin and are torturing them (further pushed by their death message in chat). jaiden tries to explain the situation, but quackity won't hear it

they return to the group, questioning quackity's rage. charlie admits to having given q the idea while in his rage, and the group sets out to find q so charlie can explain the situation (my memory gets a bit hazy on the sequence of events from here on out, so i apologize as things may be out of order)

they find q and explain the situation. he no longer wants to kill roier and jaiden, but the tension is still there.

the group discusses the prospect of bringing juanaflippa back through a trial. jaiden breaks off at points to hang around tilin, who reveals their fears that their dad doesn't love them, and how they only want a family in the sense that bobby, roier, and jaiden have. jaiden attempts to assure them that that's not the case, that quackity does love them (he was SO worried when he thought they were kidnapped), but tilin doesn't feel fully convinced.

after asking like, everyone else and being turned down, charlie asks if jaiden will be his lawyer for the trial on wednesday. she agrees, despite having no knowledge of the law. she wants to help charlie in any way she can, and vows to do her best.

as everyone once again split up to go their separate ways, roier and jaiden talk. most importantly, jaiden questions why spreen is allowed into their basement, when she wasn't given permissions until the night prior. roier explains the full situation, from starting it as a community house to spreen killing his dog, and how he vows to get his revenge. jaiden listens intently, assuring him that she's on his side and will be there to back him up and support him when he needs it. they name themselves as the only normal family of the server.

returning to quackity, jaiden finds him and charlie drinking. quackity semi-snaps at tilin, stating that he's trying his best, he's just busy, okay? jaiden semi-snaps back, bringing up that tilin doesn't even think he loves them, and that when tilin jumped off the wall earlier, he didn't even go to revive them--she and charlie did. fit breaks the tense atmosphere by yelling "OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" in the background

jaiden walks a drunk charlie home, tucking him into bed. the two recite a bedtime story together (a decade in blue by eiffel 65) until the sun rises.

[acr3ss-the-cosmos]

I began thinking so much today about the realization that chenhua perceives herself as a hypocrite in the sense that she hates war and violence, and yet she continues to help build the tools that aid them. She ultimately wants to help protect her home from the abominations, but that requires constantly fighting and eliminating said creatures. Those beings, the borisin especially, have committed countless abhorrent acts and caused so much suffering. Chenhua knows that the only thing they wish is for the total destruction of the Xianzhou Alliance, and yet there are moments where she feels conflicted about the fact that she's essentially making tools meant to kill. It causes her to start questioning aspects of her own character:

How am I any better than the ones who threaten my home? Does continuing to make weapons make me a bad person? Should I even stay working as a craftswoman?

But Chenhua loves her work. It had been her dream to work at the Artisanship Commission ever since she was little, and the process of manufacturing and inventing new creations to protect the Luofu and for her own leisure bring her so much joy. Yet... is it still worth doing if it causes harm, even if it's towards the enemies bent on destroying them?

[unrely]

vin has a very extensive hospital file, the important part for the sake of this post is this: there is a note that if unconscious by any means, he must be restrained so he won't cause harm to himself. this is there because there have been multiple occasions where he has startled awake in a hospital and ripped his stitches or otherwise Made Things Worse by darting awake and trying to move (Vin does not like hospitals). this is not an all of the time situation but it is an enough of the time situation that there is a Note on his File. the likelihood of this happening is boosted if his cognitive ability is somehow damaged (heavily medicated, woozy, blood loss, etc) and more so if he wasn't aware or conscious when being brought to the hospital (i.e. if he gets himself there or can process that he's going to the hospital, he will be much calmer when waking up).

the question is this: vin ends up at a hospital without being aware he was being brought to a hospital. perhaps he passed out before anyone even found him. maybe he was suffering from blood loss or drugged when he was taken there and so isn't aware of it. your muse happens to be at his bedside when he wakes up and immediately panics and tries to pull at the restraints, potentially injuring himself. how does your muse calm him down. (do they calm him down? or do they call a nurse??) there is a correct answer

[fastfists]

Ready For A Fight

[out-of-heaven-and-hell]

Lin tag dump

[the-ipre]

You ever come up with the best character names and know you will never reach that peak again

[knighteclipsed]

a wild abandon.

a drabble: for valter’s dread fighter mastery. word count: 667 words

There is a fierceness to the axe—a strength, if one may, that is required of one to wield it. It was slow, heavy, and lacking in range—a commoner’s tool for menial tasks, repurposed for the battlefield’s needs. It was not made for killing at first, but if it could be mastered, it was undoubtedly strong.

That was Duessel’s weapon.

Likewise, there is a grace to the sword—a civility, as it could be ascribed, that its bearer would possess in choosing that for their blade. Light-weight, discreet, but sharp—a weapon as commonly used for warfare as it was for self-defense. It was a noble weapon, all things made plain, but undoubtedly polite. People were killing each other long before the first was crafted.

That was Duessel’s weapon also. Further: it was Glen’s.

There is a rawness to the lance—a wild abandon, that which you possess, that any master of the weapon must learn. From the very beginning, its purpose was to slaughter (on the offensive in intent), a translation from base hunting directly into war. Any coward could wield it, kept safe by the distance inherent—but one who knew the shaft; the cord; the steel could easily utilize it as something far more dangerous.

That was Duessel’s weapon as well. And Glen’s. And yours.

And perhaps, there is a utility to knowing other blades—to be able to switch to the most advantageous as the need struck—but there is an even greater strength to be found from sticking to just the one choice. Options in the form of tools could be taken away from you—but in limiting that, you learned to find advantages; to make them, if necessary, and that knowledge could not be taken. Those wits were all you needed.

So magic was unnecessary—its only advantage was in its ability to break past one’s physical defenses (and perhaps strike from afar), but you made up for that with speed, strength; you flew so quickly a mage couldn’t dream to escape. Again, magic was but a tool, and tools could be taken away.

Arrogance overtook you then, you recall—that observation alone could translate into practical knowledge; at the thought of wielding Thunder (her preference, of all things), you had expected an easy battle. Two failed castings were all it took to humble you.

Even if, by technicality, you had won—a success rate of one-third could be nothing more than unsatisfactory. (And so, you determined, you would master it—just as you have mastered the lance.)

So you clawed your way—through tomes—illusory battlefields—unfathomable circumstance—foreign magic—burning classrooms—to prove it to yourself. Because you are capable. Because you are strong.

Metal clangs—steel against steel—before you step back (and they step away), flipping your grip: to throw, forcing your target right where you want them; and there is where you catch him—when you suddenly dart forth, the speed and force it all knocking him to the ground; a hand at his throat; and in your free hand: the dark murmurings of Hades and the other side, death reflected in its glimmering stray dust like sunlight off a cursed blade.

“ Have I passed now? ”

Magic was a tool, after all—but in Fódlan, it was a tool you ingrained into yourself. Certainly, you could use a tome and learn its contents if you knew how to read it, but over the leather-back burdens of Magvel, here, magic was a tool you could not lose.

The proctor sighs (however he may mask it as exhaustion), before nodding: “Yes. You have.”

And it is only then that you free him—standing up to full height to first recover your lance (your extension of yourself, wild and raw and free). Whatsoever happened, it would remain your preference, no doubt—to disentangle the weapon from your core was neither wanted nor likely possible—but a supplement in magic did not hurt you. It weighed nothing; it was graceful; it was fierce.

And you were better than those two (the Sunstone and the Obsidian). This was simply another method by which to prove that.

[darabeatha]

This meme but feat all my muses playing m.onopoly

[pyreshe]

livvy’s on a first name basis with all the firefighters in her zipcode and the opinion on her in the station Wildly Varies depending on who you ask about her tbh. like. you’re going to hear everything from “oh! how is little livvy? she’s so sweet, she brought us cookies last week, she’s very thoughtful.” to someone straight up going “ ... that girl aint right ”

[chronal-anomaly]

I should really write a headcanons about the different ships that Lena's has over years and their personalities, along with the jobs she flew in them. But also, I'm tired

[fastfists]

Knuckles will only brawl or spar with those he knows; both on a personal level and knows they can take a hit from him. This is mostly due to knowing just how hard he can hit and how much he has to adjust his strength during.

[amothersvow]

>> relistening to Hadestown and having thoughts..... I love the story of Orpheus and Eurydice and I LOVE making characters who are an Orpheus at heart. Loving so much and so deeply and who will turn because they love and Eliyen is so much like that. She'd turn for her beloved, she'd always make sure they're there, she couldn't NOT turn, it's against her very nature. It's an old song, and she'll always know its tune

[universestreasures]

Release: Future Force! (Drabble)

(Note: This drabble is a 'canon' event for my Mokuba (both anime and manga wise, though it is written in the context of the manga for this drabble) as well as Tasuku and Gao's Yu-Gi-Oh! verses. What that means is this event might be referred by all three of them during interactions they have in these verses. This, though, as with my other headcanons or elements involving Mokuba and his friend group, can be discussed on the individual level if it is something my writing partner is not comfortable with having occurred for whatever reason)

Man, he didn't expect to be so busy. While Mokuba expected the disputes between Battle City competitors to be a moderate occurrence, mainly due to the ante rule his brother imposed, he wasn't prepared for just how many he'd have to do back-to-back not too long after the event started. It seemed like left and right he was running into issue upon issue. Did these duelists have no honor?

Regardless of his slight irritation, he does his job well. His elder brother trusted him with this position, and he wasn't about to let him down. Not only that, he felt a sense a pride being able to have such an important part in the tournament despite not being a competitor himself. He was helping make sure his brother's hard work wasn't going to be ruined by some sore losers or cheaters.

Mokuba now finds himself in one of the many alleyways of Domino City, places that he had quickly noticed became somewhat popular dueling spots for duelists looking to cause trouble. After all, being away from the central areas of the city meant there were fewer eyes on them. Well, as far as they knew, anyway. Kaiba Corporation had security cameras placed all throughout the city, something not just for the tournament but also so they could monitor anything in the future since his brother was now the city's official owner.

It doesn't take him long to find more duelists, or rather, a group of them. Weirdly enough, all of them were dressed in what appeared to be black robes, the group giving off a pretty creepy vibe if you asked the kid. That's when it hit him though, the realization that he might have just found who his brother had intended to lure with this tournament in the first place: The Ghouls.

They certainly matched the vibe of what had been reported about them through the media, and looking at their faces, Mokuba didn't recognize any of them from the registration list. He personally reviewed each and every duelist they invited to ensure he could recognize them while in the field. These guys didn't match up at all with anyone he reviewed, and yet, they had duel disks on their arms anyway. Seems like he hit the jackpot.

Mokuba moves then to take out his phone, fully intending to contact his brother that he found who he was looking for. Sadly, his idea is interrupted as soon as the group finally turns around and spots him. Seeing their creepy eyes made the pre-teen groan in disgust, all his instincts telling him it was time to get out of there now.

"Hey isn't that Seto Kaiba's bratty little brother?"

"What's he doing alone out here?"

"Who cares!? That kid's our ticket to one of our biggest targets! We can use him to lure about his brother!"

"Get him boys!!!"

Without delay, the group of five immediately begin to charge forward towards the younger Kaiba, who then starts to give chase himself. As he is running, he attempts to call out for help through Kaiba Corp's security team, knowing even with his recently taught self-defense skills, he wouldn't be able to fight back effectively, especially with a group this big.

Sadly almost before he can exit the alley and go back into the open streets of the city, a few of the men manage to block his view, having managed to pass him. In the shock of being stopped in his tracks, his cell phone drops his hands. Mokuba quickly tries to grab it before the effort is in vain as one of the Ghouls crushes it under his foot. This meant his location could no longer be tracked and he had no way of calling backup.

Oh, he really was in hot water now...or so he thought.

"Hey! Isn't five against one just a little unfair, guys?"

The group, along with Mokuba, then look over in the direction of the voice. The new individual on the scene was seemingly being framed by the harsh sunlight overhead, its light almost overpowering their sight. However, it didn't take the youngest Kaiba long to figure out who it was, for the voice and that silhouette he'd know anywhere by now.

"G-Gao?!"

"Whose this bratt? One of your little friends trying to play hero, huh?"

"Keh...Not quite..."

The confidence brimming off of his friend's voice and his sharp grin was striking, one that reminded the younger kid of his big brother. That confidence of Gao's was soon followed by him starting to remove his jacket, an action that seemed to cause a slight gasp of joy to escape his lips before it turned into a grin of his own. For he knew exactly what was about to go down.

"Eclipsing the darkness with flames...and brightening the hearts of the mistreated..."

"Oh, you guys are so in it for now..."

"The Mighty Sun Fighter is here...!!!"

"Now then, why don't I even things up a bit? After all, it wouldn't be fair to expect my pal to fight a whole mess of thugs at once, right?"

Mokuba could see the Ghouls getting no doubt annoyed by his friend's speech and 'theatrics', certainly underestimating him. Well, they were going to be in for a surprise for their foolishness, then. Since it was clear they did not know they were dealing with a martial arts national champion who had competed and won against adults countless times. If they did, they surely would have run off by now.

"Alright, you're asking for it, tough guy!"

That's when two of the five members then carelessly charged forward, preparing to grab Gao and no doubt subdue him. This, of course, the Mighty Fun Sighter saw coming, for he caught both of the men's arms, one in each hand, before flipping them both to the hard concrete ground.

"Nice one, Gao!" Mokuba exclaims as the rest of the creeps looked on in absolute shock. The younger Kaiba decides to take this chance to make his move, setting his sights on the two card hunters in front of him. He remembers what Gao's mother, one of his self-defense senseis, told him about dealing with guys like this. That one must be smart with what they use to attack with and where and when they wish to strike.

He then rushes forward towards one of the two thugs, lashing out his leg to kick him in the most sensitive spot he can think of: the crouch. His hit was hard, so hard that it caused the one Ghoul to stumble and crash into the other one, both falling to the ground. Mokuba smirks a bit in victory before heading over to join his friend, the two standing back to back.

"Keh. Guess you Ghouls ain't so tough, after all! If you think we're bad, just wait til my big brother finds you guys! He's going to eliminate all of you with his new power!" He then turns his head back towards his friend. "Come on, Gao! Let's get out of here!"

"Don't think you've won so easily, bratts!"

That's when, out of nowhere, a whole horde of Ghouls appeared on the rooftops, causing both kids' eyes to widen in shock. They quickly slide down the walls and surround the gaming duo, the entire group seeming to have tripled in size. Seems like during the commotion the two kids caused, the leader called for backup. Guess they really did speak too soon and should have just made a run for it the second they cleared the way forward.

"Got any bright ideas, Gao?"

"N-Not yet...but don't worry, Mokuba. We just gotta keep our cool and figure out how we can beat these guys!"

As the horde of hunters starts to take steps forward, both boys start to sweat. Mokuba tried to think of a way out of this, but he just couldn't. Not with this many people! Maybe he should have taken his brother's advice to have a bodyguard or two with him.

Suddenly though, as if answering the two kids prayers, the entire alley is cast in an orange barrier, one that seemingly blocked the only exit out of there. The forcefield not only seemingly trapped them all, but also caused all the security cameras to go temporarily offline, so what happened next could not be recorded. Everyone, including the two kids, looked to the sky, confused as to what was going on. Though, it didn't take a certain Buddyfighter too long piece it together.

"Hey...I know what this is. This is a Buddy Police Barrier!"

"A Buddy Police...Barrier? Then...does that mean-"

"Mind if I step in?"

That's when, as quick as the wind, Tasuku Ryuenji descends from the sky on the green rings from Jack's Buddy Skill, the sight causing the two boys to grin and the Ghouls to grit their teeth in anger. The Buddy Police had been the leading organization investigating the Ghoul's activities for some time now. So, it's only natural they'd show up at some point during the tournament. Mokuba was just surprised it was so soon. He certainly didn't leak his brother's plan to his friend. Did someone on the staff did, or did they figure it out from their own intel?

Speculation on that would have to wait as they had some creeps to deal with. The officer landed in front of the two boys, the Star Pulsar floating near him as well. Mokuba looked at the device with some curiosity, it seemingly having been upgraded since the last time he saw it. Was it because of the collaboration between the Amanosuzu Group and Kaiba Corporation? More questions he'd have to save for later.

"Tasuku Ryuenji...The Buddy Police Boy Wonder...Should have figured you'd show your face around here and use this cheap trick of yours..."

"My Buddy Police Barrier is no trick. You criminals can't run now." As the foes try and fail to escape the area, he then glances over his shoulder to his friends. He provides them a reassuring nod before looking back at the group's current leader. "As I see it, you Ghouls have two options before you. Surrender yourselves or else...accept my gaming challenge! I'll fight each and every single one of you if I have to!"

The Buddy Cop's words, accompanied by the serious glare of his ruby hues, are met with laughter by the group of Ghouls. Mokuba and Gao, in contrast, could only look at the other in admiration. The youngest Kaiba could feel the raw power of Tasuku's strength in the air, similar to how he could feel his big brother's. It made him wonder what would happen if the two of them clashed in the gaming area.

"You sure are bold Buddy Cop. I'll give you that...but...I think I got another option that's much...much more fun..."

Without any warning, that is when both Mokuba and Gao are grabbed by two pairs of hunters, strong-armed with guns pointed at their heads. Both of them attempted to break free, but the other's grip was just too tight. They made sure especially to be tight on both Gao's arms and Mokuba's legs, the two body parts they used in the earlier fight.

"Gao!!! Mokuba!!!" Tasuku shouts as he turns around and notices his friends' current conditions, his eyes widening as soon as he sees the weapons in their hands. "You...You bastards! Leave them out of this! Your battle is with me!"

"One of the first rules of gaming is that you should never play by your opponent's rules. Even if you'd stand no chance, we don't have time for you to battle every single one of us! So, be a good little boy and lower that barrier and hand over your Jackknife Dragon, or else these bratt's blood will spill!"

The sound of the gun's trigger being slightly pulled, but not enough to fire, causes Mokuba's heart to race in his ears, his breath increases, and his palms to start to sweat. He remembers that sound, it was the sound Pegasus' men had when he was kidnapped. Being restrained like this by the enemy reminds him of that instance too. It was happening again, he had allowed himself to get foolishly caught off guard and held hostage, but this time...he had no key, no 'saving grace' to prevent him from being kept alive.

He was...in true danger, at gunpoint with no Seto in sight or way to contact him. He was...He was going to...

"I..won't forgive you..."

The youngest Kaiba looks up then, the voice of his friend seemingly overlapping with the voice of his elder brother. It wasn't just his voice that was off. Mokuba can visualize it...visualize Seto's image overlayed with his friend's. Was his mind playing tricks on him because he was so stressed, or was it that Tasuku's strength was truly similar of that to his elder brothers, akin to that of a mighty dragon?

The boy's contemplation, along with the criminal's movements, was paused soon as a strange light noise began emitting from the Star Pulsar. The sounds were akin to that of locks being released, the clicking sharp. Then everyone in the area bore witness to the device slowly changing its appearance, with its inner machinery being revealed.

"What the..?" Mokuba thought to himself as he watched. "His Core Deck Case...is transforming?"

The green and blue electronic panels that were once hidden beneath the yellow exterior of the Star Pulsar soon began to cast a golden light. The glow not only blinded everyone around them, but also began radiating from Tasuku as well. With squinted eyes, both Gao and Mokuba see what happens next, a sight that seemed...impossible. For Tasuku's hair began to grow long, and his Buddyfight cards turned into light and were now floating around him on their own, similar to how they were in Lady Suzuha's live demonstration of the Core Deck Cases' holographic technology not too long ago. The cards then went back into his deck, as if they had just been shuffled for battle.

Though, as they would all soon find out, this wasn't a mere light show. Instead it was a miraculous power Tasuku has had dormant inside of him, a power hailing from the potential and strength of his future self. He just wasn't ready to awaken it until this moment, the moment he truly needed it to save those he cherished now in the present.

The blinding light begins to wane, and as it does, the Ghouls all stare in shock at the boy's power and change in appearance. They all started mumbling to themselves, wondering what this was, but they soon would have their answer. They would all bear witness to the full capacity of the power the young boy dubbed 'The Boy of Destiny' possesses: The Future Force.

"This...is..." Tasuku goes to draw one of the cards from his deck. The card soon vanishes and becomes replaced by a much larger object. A large halberd sword with a golden hilt manifests before him, along with silver armor for his arms and legs. With the Buddy Cop now equipped with protection, he grabs the blade in both his hands and picks it up with ease. Moving to swipe the sword causes the Ghouls to jump back to dodge, a massive gust of wind being felt with the huge blade's motion. The sight of this elicits shock from everyone around them, but especially Gao and Mokuba who also recognized the weapon itself.

Their friend wasn't using just a random sword. Rather, it was the Buddyfight card...Dragonblade Dragobrave, the item card Gao gave to Tasuku upon the Sun Figher's victory and as thanks for Tasuku giving him his rare and one-of-a-kind Gargantua Punisher impact card.

"Did Tasuku just..."

"Make the cards real? B-But that's impossible! Not even my big brother's Solid Vision technology could do something like this!"

"Then maybe it's not tech at all, Mokuba...Maybe it's...magic."

"M-Magic?"

That word immediately elicits a flashing image in the boy's mind, of the golden eye of Pegasus had and the blinding light he was exposed to before everything for him went blank. He never quite learned just what had happened to him in between being in the cell and waking up in that room in the castle surrounded by Yugi Muto and his friends, but whatever it was wasn't natural. The same went for when he was put into a capsule by his brother's rival after having lost to him in a game of Capsule Monsters Chess. Could there be a connection somehow?

Tasuku then points his blade at the Ghouls holding the two younger gamers hostage, his teeth gritted intensely. The fierce glare of his ruby hues sends a shiver down the thug's spine, as it should. It felt as if a dragon had descended and was ready to tear them limb from limb.

"H-Hey...! Don't forget we're the ones with the advantage! One wrong step and we pull-"

"I cast, Dragon Crush!!!"

Before the miserable Ghoul holding Mokuba can finish his sentence, Tasuku has already taken another one of the cards and seemingly activated it. A blue dragon manifests from the card and quickly bites the hands holding the guns of both Ghouls one after the other. The humans were unharmed but the same could not be said for their weapons. The guns broke and turned into scrap metal on the cold stone ground, the sight causing the two Ghouls holding the two boys to loosen their grips on them somewhat.

Quick to notice the opportunity for escape, both Gao and Mokuba land kicks on their foes that cause their grip to be fully released. They then run back towards Tasuku, all three of them standing back to back to ensure none of them would be snuck up on again. All of their hearts were racing, since they were not entirely out of the woods just yet.

"You little bratts...! Don't think we're done with you yet!" That's when the kids see all their enemies take out their guns, the size of them seemingly bigger than the small handguns the other two had. They were all pointed right at them, with the sounds indicating they were locked and loaded.

"'When you play with fire, you're gonna get burned'. Seems like it's time someone teaches you that lesson..."

"Get down!!!"

Tasuku, dropping Dragobrave which makes it vanish into light particles, grabs the shoulders of the two boys and pulls them to the ground. The Star Pulsar flies in front of the eldest, so Tasuku can draw another card he can use here to hopefully end this little charade once and for all, since it's obvious they don't want to fight with cards anymore.

"FIRE!!! SHOOT THEM DOWN TILL EVERY ONE OF THOSE BRATTS IS DEAD!!!"

"I cast, Red Dragon Shield!!!"

Just as the bullets are fired, unrelenting in their assault, a card in Tasuku's hand manifests in the form of a giant red shield with a dragon's head on it. The shield is placed over the kids like a dome, protecting them from the blasts. However, that was not the only thing the shield did, for in the game it has another ability than just 'negating an attack'.

Once the bullets hit the shield, they reflect off of it and start heading in the direction of the Ghouls who had no type of protection. Their own dirty weapons, which they unleashed on mere children, were now being used against them, the opposite of what they intended. Some of the stray bullets hit the ground or the walls, causing minor damage. Others hit some of the Ghouls themselves in non-lethal wounds, and were starting to drop to the ground like flies. Served them right for what they did.

"Remember it well, you outlaws. This is the blade of justice that terminates evil!"

After the commotion dies down, the shield dissipates. Gao helps Mokuba stand to his feet, with the two watching over Tasuku who was now standing above their fallen enemies. They all, including the group's head, cowered before him, as if they were frightened animals. Ruby hues with nothing but contempt stared them down as he made his final statement.

"What was it you were saying about 'playing with fire'? Seems like us 'bratts' just taught you guys that lesson." He then looks to the entire group of them, his anger-filled eyes being clear for all to see. "And just so we're clear. If you or your allies ever go after my friends again, you will regret it."

After his last words had been spoken, the Buddy Police Barrier finally dropped as several helicopters and police cars flooded the scene. The floating Core Gadget then turns off, as does Tasuku's powers, resulting in his physical appearance returning to normal. He then looks over at Gao, his expression having softened since talking to the criminals.

"Gao, get Mokuba out of here and somewhere safe. We'll take things from here."

"You got it, man." Gao nods, understanding his friend's wishes and agreeing it be for the best. "Thanks for saving our hinds."

"Yeah, thanks...We owe you one big time." Mokuba says just before the Buddy Cop starts walking off, which is when he then speaks again to interrupt that motion. "Tasuku, wait! I need to know how you did all that! How did you make the cards-

"It's better you don't know, Mokuba."

Tasuku stops and turns to face the pair again, his eyes conveying his conviction on this matter despite not being fully able to answer the other's questions. He did not exactly have the full information as to how this happened either, but he is certain Jack would be able to provide some answers. The dragon always seemed to have one at times like this.

"Gaming is supposed to be fun. I don't want that to change for the both of you. Besides, you two have been through enough for one day." He pauses then before continuing on, the two kids seemingly understanding they won't get an answer out of him. "Now, please, don't tell anyone what happened here today, and be on guard, especially you, Mokuba. I wouldn't be shocked if more of these Ghouls come after you."

"I know. I'm going to try and find Seto as soon as possible! With him around, no one will dare try to mess with me!"

"Sounds good. Take care you two. I hope our next meeting will be under better circumstances."

With that done, the boys take their leave. Gao, as Tasuku instructed, guided the younger to the safest location he could think of: Kaiba Corp HQ. It is there that Isano greets Mokuba and his friend, with the VP introducing Gao to his brother's right-hand man for the first time. The Kaiba's broken cell phone was then the topic of conversation, with both boys making up a story of it being accidentally stepped on after having dropped it while in the street. It was enough to be convincing, and Mokuba is provided a new phone right then and there, much to Gao's shock.

Mokuba then bids farewell to his friend, saying they'll hang out sometime after the tournament is over. Gao nods and gives him a high-five before running out to make it in time for his mom's class, something he was reminded of by the woman on the phone. It isn't too long before Mokuba himself heads back out in the city, making sure to grab a snack along with a pocket tazer and pepper spray before heading out. He made sure to bring proper safety equipment this time, even if he was proud of being able to implement some of what he learned from his self-defense classes today.

What transpired that morning would be something the gamer wouldn't ever forget. How could he after how insane it was? Keeping this under wraps from his brother was going to be tough, but knowing about it would just worry him more. He had a tournament to focus on that they both worked so hard into organzizing. Who was he to ruin that right out of the gate?

However, that doesn't mean his mind isn't curious as to the nature of both Tasuku's new ability and why he saw his brother's likeness in him. They would be questions he'd eventually get the answers to, but for now, he vows to continue to do his best as the Battle City Committee Chairmen, a job his brother especially assigned for him and him alone to do.