Path To Liberation, Secrets (Chap 48)
Synopsis: In order to find more Answers on the Gaen Cup, Hou Ren is forced to have a talk with that one person who he doesn't wish to talk to. Meanwhile, Daryl & the rest are...
Night Time. At The Buddy Police Prison. The doors open. Hou Ren walks in while feeling extremely stern. As he walks, prisoners looks at him with envy. The latter stops at in front of a room. Two officers are guarding it. One officer unlocks the door and Hou Ren goes inside while being followed. He stops for a moment.
Hou Ren: Leave us.
The officers bow before leaving and close the door. The young king sighs.
Hou Ren: To think I have to speak with you again....
What's before Hou Ren is none other Hou Ren's ex teacher, Ms Shafi. She is wearing prison clothes and is trapped in a glass cell. When Ms Shafi sees him, she feels regretful.
Anime Opening: Black And White.
Ms Shafi: Hey...Hou Ren...It's been a while.
Hou Ren: Spare the greeting. I know you haven't changed one bit.
Ms Shafi: I know you still hate me. But please, I've given thought on my past actions. I see that Jealousy has blinded me and I deeply regret on what I had done.
Hou Ren: Mmh..Could be better.
Ms Shafi: Please. I don't seek forgiveness but I just 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. Hear me out.
Flashback...
Ms Shafi: After I was fired, for days I could not get a job or even keep up with the bills. News Reporters even interviewed me but I just block it off. I was so angry and I sought vengeance. So I broke CCP out of prison.
Hou Ren: Sadly for you it didn't work. You were foolish to do so.
Ms Shafi: I know and I was even more furious. 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. In fact, I was even more shocked to find 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: How did you even make your buddy evolve?
Ms Shafi: He had this thing called the "Original Core". Similar to a Dark Core but it's the main version. Kyoya used it's 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: Partially. Once I joined him, he shared with me about his plans regarding the Gaen Cup. Apparently it took him 6 months to prepare and I joined him after he had finished.
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 catched on quick.
Hou Ren: Still, you really had to seek revenge on me. Luckily, Daryl stepped in, dismissing your chance. But aside from that, there's alot where it meets the eye. What are the Gaen Cup's true intentions?
Ms Shafi: I won't be able to provide much but.....Listen carefully....
When the discussion is over, Hou Ren then gets up without looking back. Ms Shafi stops him.
Ms Shafi: By the way, Hou Ren...I'm proud of you. You've have grown.
But the young king didn't look back...
Hou Ren: Yeah...I get that alot.
The latter walks out of the prison. He stops in surprise as he sees Lost Ren & Rouga stands before him. They all watch sternly at each other.
Hou Ren: What do you want?
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 hack the files or steal anything 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 in order to help us out.
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 happen 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: Hou Ren...(sigh) You must be patient. I'm sure Guru would have said the same thing to you.
Hou Ren: You know him?
Tasuku: He was my master too. The Same With Gao Mikado.
Hou Ren: The Mighty Sun Fighter...
Tasuku: (Nods) But enough of that. Continuing with what I'm saying. You must be patient no matter what. Success requires so. And thus great things...
Hou Ren: Takes Time...
Tasuku: Correct. You shouldn't be too reckless. Understand?
Hou Ren: Yes Sir...
Tasuku: That being said...what did you find?
Hou Ren: Okay. Listen up...
Later, Ion & Takokichi appears on Live TV.
Ion: Hello Folks. Ion & Takokichi here. Bringing Updates from the Gaen Cup. It looks like Hou, Lost, Shiloh, Rouga & J Genesis still have full points. Davide, Shido, Ageha & Shura are out. While the remaining ones have one and two lives remaining.
Takokichi: Fight hard everyone because there's only three days remaining. Good Luck, Chu.
Hou Ren: Okay Shiloh. No cap here. Seeing you surviving with full points is crazy.
Shiloh: I was shocked too. Not gonna lie. But, I'm worried that I might lose all three.
Hou Ren: (Pat her right shoulder) Don't worry. You'll do fine. By now, I've seen your progress and I must admit, you've grown. And I'm proud of you.
Shiloh blush for a bit but suddenly she feels abit guilt ridden and brush off his hand. This made Hou's a bit surprised.
Shiloh: (Guilt ridden) Sorry....I don't think...
Hou Ren: I...Oh...Sorry.
Shiloh: It's fine...
The two are feeling unjust around each other.
???: Hey Hou. Shiloh.
Suddenly, the two are interrupted by Daryl. Masato, Gwen & Natalie alongside their buddies are also there. They are feeling displeased.
Hou Ren: Oh hey guys. How you doing?
Daryl: Bro. We texted you multiple times. No respond. And then here you are hanging out with Shiloh even though you broke up? Are you okay?
Hou Ren: Uh Yeah? What about it. I mean. We're just friends. And friends hangout with each other. Right Shiloh?
Shiloh: Yeah. What he said.
Masato: Yeah...is something going on right now that we don't know about? Like literally?
Hou Ren: Um...No. I mean we're just doing our own stuff. Continuing with the Tournament. Speaking of which, how many lives do you guys got?
Daryl: Oh so now you're asking? After you ignored our texts multiple times?
Hou Ren: I...I'm sorry okay. I was busy.
Daryl: So it seems. Face Me Right Now.
Hou Ren: Why?
Daryl: I know there's something going on right now. And I...I mean We need to know. Fight Me Hou Ren. I'll confess the truth out of you if I have to.
Hou Ren: I....(Serious) Fine.
Shiloh: Hou Ren...Daryl...
At a buddyfighting stage, The two aces are facing off. Ion & Takokichi appears.
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. Who will Win?
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 rises to the top. While also shielding allies left and right. 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, increasing his gauge and Buddycalls Cross to the center. By also calling Barry to the right and Tink to the left...
Daryl: Shine Bright. Diamond of the sky. Galaxy Dragod Formation. Activate.
All of Daryl's cards glow.
Daryl: Cross. Attack the fighter.
Hou Ren's Life: 10 -> 7
Daryl: My turn is over.
Hou Ren: Draw. Charge & Draw. I equip...(Equips a new Garblade) Deity Dragon's Peak, Garblade Zenith.
Ion: A new item right off the bat.
Hou Ren: Garcat Zenith to the left.
Garcat: (Appears in new form) Finally I can show my new power.
Gwen: Garcat evolved too.
Hou Ren gains 1 gauge and draw a card thanks to Garcat's effect.
Hou Ren: 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? Tell me.
Hou Ren: I....
Daryl: You always kept secrets from me and the rest. First the training with Guru. Then your affiliation with the Buddy Police. Garga's evolution and then the Dragon EIN flag. Now this? Why is it that you can't trust us?
Hou Ren: I....
Daryl: You know doesn't matter. New power or not. I will defeat you.
Hou Ren: What's up with you today?
Daryl: I don't know. Probably because I'm tired of you hiding a lot of important things from us.
Hou Ren: You...(sigh) I have my reasons okay? Garga. Destroy Cross.
Garga: As you wish. (Attacks)
Cross: I have 18000 defense thanks to Galaxy Dragod Formation.
Garga: But I have 20000 power.
Cross: WHAT?
Cross loses one soul card.
Hou Ren: And I cast. Loud Voice. I discard two cards from my hand reduce Cross's defense by 9000. Garcat. Link attack with me. (Right)
Garcat: Right. (Attacks)
Once again, Cross loses another soul card.
Hou Ren: My turn is over.
Ion: Oh my. Hou Ren just ended his turn after two attacks. Weird.
Daryl: So, you feeling coward? Thinking that you couldn't win?
Hou Ren: As if. Dude, you know I have my own reasons on why I have to keep my own secrets. Why can't you just let me do my thing?
Daryl: Because. I don't want to feel left out. We all do. Literally, you couldn't just share with us on how you do it? Why are you so greedy and so selfish?
Shiloh: (Worried) Daryl...
Hou Ren: Greedy? Selfish? Dude. You're one to talk. You literally have to butt into my mess. Judged me here and there. You might as well think twice on blaming someone.
Daryl: Oh so you're better than me?
Hou Ren: I never said that. (sigh) You want to know why I never share about my training with Guru long ago? It's because Guru himself told me not to share anything about my training. Not even his secrets.
Garga: It's true. You are only keeping your promise.
Hou Ren: Yeah. What Garga Said. Calling me selfish and greedy is like you're asking me to turn back on my promise.
Daryl: I....
Hou Ren: As for the second one, literally after you guys, my teachers and parents berated me and so on, I joined the Buddy Police because I want to make a good use for myself. I kept it as a secret so that you guys won't get into harms way.
Garga: As for the Dragon EIN flag and my evolution as Deity Gargantua Dragon, back then we just found out about it. Moreover, you betrayed him previously. So what for telling you about it?
Daryl: I....
Hou Ren: All because I was keeping my promise and doing my thing led you guys to this. I guess I can never escape my fate of having broken parts. And what next? If I say no to you regarding me and Shiloh's work, would you have done the same thing? Being Jealous?
Shiloh: Hou Ren...
Daryl: I....We...
Suddenly, everyone on Daryl's side are starting to feel guilty about it.
Hou Ren: I've said enough. Hurry Up with your turn.
Daryl: I....Draw. Charge & Draw. Cast. Proclaim: Battle Supplies. (Gain resources) And I cast. Proclaim Decisive Point. All of my cards gain 3000 power.
Ion: Daryl's Cards amped Up.
Daryl: I'm ending this now. Cross. Attack Garga.
Cross: Leave it to me. (Attacks)
Hou Ren: Cast. Exspectas Never Die. (Takes 2 damage)
Garga: Counterattack. (Destroys Barry)
Daryl: Barry.
Hou Ren: Can't have you attacking more. And that's not all. G-EVO Z Activate. (Draws a card) Change. Gargantua Dragon Dual Mode. (P.S From his dropzone by the way)
Garga: (G-EVO) Dual Mode.
Daryl: I don't care if you change modes. Cross, Attack Garga.
Cross: Right. (Attacks)
Cross attacks Garga but Garga summons a shield and blocks Cross.
Cross & Daryl: What?
Gwen: Why didn't Cross hit?
Garga: When G-EVO Z is being used, since Hou has 6 life, All cards On Hou Ren's field gain 20000 defense. Thus we cannot be chosen by the opponent's effects.
All: WHAT?
Hou Ren: That's Not all. (Stabs the Ground)
Daryl: (Electrocuted) AHHHHHH.
Daryl's Life: 14 -> 12
Hou Ren: When I G-EVO, Garblade deals 2 damage to the opponent. Plus with Garcat Zenith's effect...
Garcat: Another 2 damage. (Blasts Lightning)
Daryl's Life: 12 -> 10
Hou Ren: Exceeding themselves, reaching the peak, shielding their allies. That's Zenith.
Shiloh: Incredible...
Masato: For share...
Hou Ren: Garga. Don't counterattack. Spare him.
Garga: Okay.
Daryl: You'll regret doing so. Cross. Attack the fighter.
Hou Ren's Life: 6 -> 3
Daryl: Tink. Link attack with me.
Hou Ren: Cast. Deity Dragod Shield. (Blocks the attack)
Daryl: Lumun Deus doesn't have enough power. In that case, Notify, Victory Equation. I stand all of my cards back up.
Hou Ren: What?
Daryl: Tink. Link attack with me. (Attacks)
Hou Ren: Cast. Deity Zenith Shield. (Blocks the attack) I gain 1 life equal to the number of cards I have on the field. If I used G-EVO Z, I gain 10000 defense.
Daryl: Cross. Link attack with me. (Attacks)
Hou Ren's Life: 8 -> 2
Ion: Hou's like a candle in the wind.
Daryl: Cast. Cellosciation. (Pays 1 life) Once Again, Barry to the right.
Ion: Oh My. Daryl is increasing the number of attacks. But it won't surpass Hou Ren's 30000 defense.
Daryl: Cast. Notify Skyseer Pulse. Cross stands back up and deals one damage to the opponent.
Hou Ren's Life: 2 -> 1
Daryl: Finish him. Barry. Cross.
Both: Right.
The link attack lands and Hou gets knocked down.
Ion: Oh Snap. The attack lands. But...
Hou Ren gets back up unfazed and his eyes are clouded with shade.
Hou Ren: Not. Impressed.
Daryl: Huh?
Hou Ren: New power or not. You will defeat me. Really?
Daryl: How did you...
Hou Ren: I cast. Immortal Draknight.
Suddenly, all of Hou Ren's cards from the dropzone, hand and gauge are returned to the deck.
Hou Ren: Me and my cards cannot be chosen and until the opponent's turn begins, I cannot lose the game.
All: WHAT?
Shiloh: Is that even possible???
Hou Ren: I also draw 6 cards from my deck. I don't want to be harsh but even after I trained you and even after I acquired new gifts, you haven't changed one bit. Looks like I had my hopes too high.
Garga: Hou Ren...
Hou Ren: You're right when you said there's something going on. In fact, I was testing you to see if you're worthy to know the truth but...I've changed my mind.
Daryl: I...(Thought) Just how strong has he gotten? (Thought)
Ion: Incredible. Hou Ren survives by the skin of his teeth. How is he so amazing?
Hou Ren: No, I'm not amazing. I tend to doubt myself not gonna lie. But...regardless of how I am, I can't resort to defeat easily. I will always rise up to the challenge.
Garga stares at him sternly.
Hou Ren: I won't deny that I'm okay and not okay when hanging out with Shiloh. Still, as someone vowed to shield her, as someone who has guided her, I will always look out for Shiloh no matter what.
Shiloh: You....
Hou Ren: I send Garblade to the dropzone...(Transforms)
Hou Ren transforms into Genesis and Garga and Garcat bowed before him.
Hou Ren: I am....Dawn Of Resilience, Hou Ren "Genesis".
Everyone is very surprised that Hou Ren unleashed his other new power.
Ion: THERE IT IS. HOU REN'S OTHER NEW POWER. DAWN OF RESILIENCE, HOU REN "GENESIS". The glorious armour. The headgear. His Long Hair. It's beautiful.
Cross: So that's.....
Daryl: Hou Ren "Genesis".....
Masato: Incredible.....
Gwen: You said it...
Hou Ren: While Genesis is my God Form, it still possess the same role as a knight. He who exterminates evil and shields allies left and right. A resilient soul that never wavers. Even when he falls, he always gets back up.
Daryl: You...
Hou Ren: And Daryl, don't get me wrong, It's not that I don't want to accept your help. It's just that it's too dangerous for you. You're not ready yet. I don't want to see you getting hurt.
Shiloh: (Worried) Hou Ren....
Garga: My Buddy.....
Daryl: But We want to help. We don't want to feel left out. You yourself should know that.
Hou Ren: And you should know that there are limits. Clear A Path. (Creates A Strike With His Sword)
Cross: (Being hit) AHHHHH.
Daryl: CROSS!
Cross is destroyed and so does Lumun Deus & Tink.
Masato: All Of His Cards.....
Agito: They Got Wiped.
Shiloh: And Genesis gains 1 life and deals 1 damage for each card eliminated.
Daryl's Life: 9 -> 6
Hou Ren: Garga.
Garga: Right. (Attacks)
Daryl's Life: 6 -> 2
Hou Ren: Garcat.
Garcat: Yes Sir. (Attacks)
Daryl: I cast. Earth Barrier.
Hou Ren: I'll deal with you myself. (Attacks)
Daryl: I cast. Mars Barrier.
Hou Ren: You fell for it. I cast. Hou Ren's finale, Piercing through Heavens. I nullify your spell.
The Earth Barrier is nullified as it shatters to pieces by Hou's Sword.
Daryl: Not again.....
Ion: Unbelievable, The Earth Barrier Once Again is Shattered.
Hou Ren slashes Daryl with his sword.
Daryl: AHHHHHHHH.
Daryl is defeated as his flag is destroyed.
Ion: Game End. Winner. Hou Ren.
Hou Ren: C'est fini.
Everyone is astonished on how the knight become so strong.
Masato: So that's how strong he's gotten.
Shiloh & Gwen: Hou Ren...
In the aftermath with evening arrived....
Daryl: You win.....I'm sorry for being a jerk to you....Have fun with....whatever you both are doing.
As Daryl and the rest walks away....
Hou Ren: Wait.
Daryl and the rest stops and turn around.
Hou Ren: You really want to know what's going on? Like, really badly?
All: Yes?
Hou Ren: (Feeling reluctant and sigh) I'm sorry too. I should have replied to your texts. And you know what, I'll explain everything you want to know. Consider it as an apology gift.
Daryl: You mean it?
Hou Ren: On one condition, never speak to anyone about this.
All: Deal.
Hou Ren: Shiloh? Garga? You okay with it?
Garga: Of course.
Shiloh: The more the merrier.
Daryl: Sweet. But.....what changed your mind?
Hou Ren: Let's just say.....It comes to my mind I guess...
Shiloh: (Thought) Earlier....the way he say looking out for me....Does he....(Thought)
BCI
Hou: It's time for...
Garga: Hou & Garga's...
Both: Card of the Day.
Hou Ren: We're going to be taking a look at the spell "Immortal Draknight".
Garga: You can only cast it when you're in the brink of defeat.
Hou Ren: When you cast this spell, return all of your hand & dropzone cards to the deck and shuffle it.
Garga: And after you draw 6 cards, you cannot lose the game until your opponent's turn begins.
Hou Ren: And as a bonus feature, you can use this flag in all worlds so long as you have a Dragod in your field or dropzone. Pretty awesome huh?
Garga: So what do you think everyone?
Hou Ren: Think you can open up one of these?
Both: You never know until you try.
Anime Ending: Gonna be right.
Preview:
Hou Ren: With Daryl and the rest joining, I want to also invite a few new recruits to join us. Next time, "Oceans of Justice". Join Us For A Buddyfight.
Story End.