Karma: What do you mean he's not here today?!

Karma was in front of Gao, who seemed mildly annoyed.

Gao: Just like I said. Ryu got sick today and had to stay home.

Karma: 'Arghh!! The one time this guy actually get's sick!! Seriously he's never missed a day the entirety I've been here!!' Well, can I at least ask you a question?

Gao: Class is gonna start soon, we don't have the time.

Gao started walking.

Karma: Gao please, this is something I really need to know.

Gao: Ughh, I can tell you after class! What could be so important that it can't wait?!

Karma: *Sigh* This is because I'm using the Dark Core isn't it?

Gao: No, it's not even that specifically! When I got home yesterday, I found Ryu crying his eyes out. What did you two talk about yesterday?!

Karma: I seriously don't know what's making him this upset!! Blaze wouldn't tell me anything after he ran!

Gao: Look, I promise we can talk after class, but we're gonna be late if we don't go now.

Karma: ... Fine.

They went into the class, barely making it. Karma rested her head in her arms, slightly dejected.

Karma: 'UGHHH, I just don't know why I'm feeling like this! I took the Dark Core to keep it away from anyone else, and get a little stronger. But seeing Ryu like that... It just felt wrong.'

Azure looked at the saddened Karma, a bit confused.

Azure: 'Looks like I'm not the only one dealing with personal issues.'

Classes started to go by, as soon lunch came.

Gao: I don't like telling his personal business, so if this dives too far into it I'm not answering.

Karma: Well, has he ever talked to you about the power he uses to make the cards reality?

Gao: No. The only times he has is when he's told me not to worry about it, and to keep Buddyfighting like I always have.

Karma: Well, do you know ANYTHING traumatic that might've happened in his life?

Gao: There is one thing...

Karma: What is it?

Gao: ... The Disaster 4 Years ago, and how he became Buddies with Blaze.

Karma was surprised by this.

Karma: How Ryu became buddies with Blaze?

Gao: Sorry, this is the last thing I can talk about. Something like this is something you should be asking Ryu. Or, someone who experienced it with him.

Karma: Who's that?

Gao: ... I doubt you can find him on short notice, but Tasuku.

Her eyes widened hearing this.

Karma: 'Wait, Tasuku was the only other person with that special power.' Thanks Gao, I won't bother you anymore about the subject.

Gao: It's fine, but let's eat lunch before we lose time.

MIKADO HOUSEHOLD

Ryu was laying in bed, seemingly having come down with a fever.

Ryu: -_- Ugh, I really hate being sick.

Blaze was laying down across the room, keeping distance from his Buddy.

Blaze: Considering how rare it is for you to even get a cold, it makes sense.

Ryu closed his eyes, trying to fall asleep.

???: Hey, Ryu.

Ryu looked around, slightly confused when he found himself in a void.

Ryu: Alright, where the hell are you?!

???: Turn around genius.

He did so, and was confused when he didn't see anyone. That's when a pair of wolf ears rose up.

???: Down here.

He looked down, seeing a small girl in black. However he had noticed that one of her eyes were blue, while the other was orange, while she also had a wolf tail to go with her ears.

Ryu: O_O

???: ^_^ Hi.

Ryu: WHA?!!!

???: What? There something on my face?

Ryu: Who are you?!! What are you doing in my head?!!

???: Oh right, not used to having monsters stuck in your head. Reasonable enough.

Ryu: Not a lot of questions being answered here!

She smiled, sheepishly sticking out her tongue.

???: Sorry. This is still kinda new to me too. My name is Shojo.

Ryu: Th-Then what are you?

Shojo: That's a conversation for another time. All you need to know is that I'm not from any of the currently known worlds.

Ryu: Wait, what?

Shojo: Complicated I know, but if I told you everything that would spoil the experience.

She held a hand out with a smile.

Shojo: All I'll say know is that I have a pretty close relation to the Hellfire Dragons you love. And truth be told, I think that's why I was actually able to enter you.

Ryu was slightly perplexed, before grabbing Shojo's hand to shake.

Ryu: Argh, this is so confusing!!

Shojo: I'd bet. Also, I was serious when I talked about coming danger. Later!

Immediately Ryu shot up from his bed, looking at the sleeping Blaze.

Ryu: ... Shojo's her name huh?

TIME SKIP!!

The next day, Ryu was back, seemingly back to normal. And like usual, he sat next to Karma, who seemed slightly tense.

Ryu: Morning.

Karma: M-Morning...

Ryu: Karma, listen. While I'm not exactly thrilled about you using the Dark Core, I'm not really mad either.

Azure walked into the class, jolting up from the news.

Azure: 'Karma's using a Dark Core?'

Ryu: Just please, if you ever feel that thing trying to get a grip on you, don't hesitate to destroy it. The thought of you being a Criminal Fighter really isn't a happy one.

Karma: ... Alright, I promise.

Ryu: Good.

He stretched in his seat finally grinning like usual.

Ryu: Then let's just treat it as a friendlier Keith situation!

Karma: But Ryu, right before you ran, you said-

Ryu: Yeah I know, it's kinda hard to explain.

Ryu turned to her, with his grin much less visible.

Ryu: Truth be told, that's kind of a rough topic for me. I'm not really ready to talk about that with anyone outside of those who already know yet so... Just give me a little time alright?

Karma nodded looking forward.

Azure: 'Just what do these powers mean to Ryu?'

Walking into the room himself, Elf Kabala looked at Ryu.

Kabala: 'Ryu Mikado. You're quite the elusive preteen. Master Kyoya is right, Disaster Force would be a much better fit for you than that shining power. Future Force, you call it?'

ONE MONTH LATER!!

Ryu: Kiri too now

Ryu clenched his fist, walking through fog.

Ryu: What the hell are those guys up to?

Blaze: It can't be good.

Ryu: Blaze, do you think we can get the Buddy Police involved?

Blaze: I don't know about that. From what I can tell, this will go farther than those new idiots can go.

???: I think you may have a point Blaze.

They looked up, seeing Tasuku flying down.

Ryu: Hey Tasuku, what brings you around here?

Tasuku: Ryu... I'm thinking about taking a temporary leave from the Buddy Police.

Ryu: What?! Dude, you know that can end up badly, you staying on the inside while I'm working on the out has been doing so well.

Tasuku: I know, but I just have a bad feeling.

Ryu: *Sigh* Well I can't blame you on that. I've been a little in edge. Ever since I found out Karma's gotten that Dark Core.

Tasuku: How's she been?

Ryu: That's the thing. Other than being a little more vicious in Buddyfight's, she's been unaffected.

Tasuku: Well that's at least good to hear.

Ryu: Kiri however... Gao says he was completely different. Azure hasn't shown any signs of the Future Force since that day too.

Tasuku: It's probably for the best. He hasn't asked much has he?

Ryu: No. To be honest, I don't think I was ready before to even answer why it's called that.

Tasuku: ... I understand. Neither of us ever really were the same.

Ryu: But, I think that pretty soon... I'll be able to say.

Jack and Blaze both came out.

Jack: You sure about that?

Blaze: Ryu, don't force yourself on this.

Ryu: Guys, it's fine. It's not like I'm gonna try today.

Shojo Hey, Ryu?

Ryu: Shojo?

Tasuku: Who?

Ryu: The monster in my head.

Shojo: Just a heads up, that Storm his about to start.

Ryu: And that means?

ELSEWHERE

In the mountain where the Disaster Force users use as base, Keith was impatiently tapping his finger on the table, as Gremlin sorted cards in his deck.

Keith: Are you finally done with the balancing?

Gremlin: Yes.

He put the cards together, and then placed them in Keith's Dark Core.

Gremlin: This may be my greatest work yet. You'll simply have to let the deck guide you to-

Keith snatched his case, not even letting Gremlin finish speaking.

Keith: Get real. The Buddyfighter is the one who brings out the full potential of a deck. I admit you're a good deck builder, but you're way too single minded to be telling me to do. Beat me in a Buddyfight, and then MAYBE I'll consider your words.

Gremlin: Hmph.

Keith: Anyway, I've got a debt to pay.

He took out a card from his pocket, before a portal opened. He walked through, before appearing at a school. He looked around, before finding Gao and Drum waiting at the entrance.

Keith: Yo, Mikado.

Gao seemed a bit surprised, as Drum turned to Keith.

Drum: YOU!!

Gao turned as well, shocked to see the other fighter.

Gao: Keith?

Keith: I'm gonna take a wild guess, and say you're looking for your friend.

Gao: You know where Kiri is?!

Keith: I don't know his exact whereabouts, but if you Buddyfight me, then I'll give you a little info you could use.

Gao: You're on!!

They activated their Buddy Skills, flying into the air.

Gao: Cracking the skies and Rumbling the ground!! Luminize: The Forceful Tempest Thunder Knights!!

Keith: Witness the Power of Dragons Blacker than Night!! Our power will distort even the light!! Dark Luminize: Endless Void Fangs!!

Gao&Keith: RAISE THE FLAG!!!

Gao: Dragon World!!

Drum: Thunder Knights Drum Bunker Dragon is here to fight!!

Keith raised a flag unfamiliar to Gao.

Gao: W-What Flag is that?!!

Keith: Say hello to Darkness Dragon World.

Gao: Darkness Dragon World?!!

Keith: Surprising right?

Drum: What's going on here?!

Keith: I told you, next time I would use my real deck. Try to keep up. Charge and Draw!!

Keith
Life: 10
Hand: 6
Gauge: 3

Keith: Now, I call to the Center: Dark Void Dragon!!

Keith summoned a dragon to the center, as it looked to have a body that was completely black, while fangs and claws protruded from it's limbs.

Dark Void Dragon
Size: 2
Power: 6000
Defense: 1000
Critical: 2

Gao: What is that thing?!

Keith: Dark Void Dragon. This guy has a pretty helpful ability. I can chose 2 cards from my hand and send them to my gauge.

Shadows came from the dragon, encasing two cards from Keith's hand, and they teleporting them to the gauge.

Keith Gauge: 5

Keith: Now it's time to attack!!

Dark Void: Abyssal Fang!!

The dragon went through a portal, before appearing bellow Gao, and slashing him.

Gao: ARGH!!

Gao Life: 8

End of Move

Gao: My turn. Draw!! Charge and Draw!!

Gao
Life: 8
Hang: 7
Gauge: 3

Gao: To the right, I call Thunder Knights Halberd Dragon, and to the left, Thunder Knights Broad Sword Dragon, and then pay 2 Gauge to equip Thunder Blade, Dragobreaker!!

The Triple Offensive Maneuver had been set, much to Keith's expectation.

Gao: Now, time for Thunder Formation!!

Keith: Good. Come at me with all you've got!

Gao: You asked for it!! Halberd, attack Dark Void Dragon!!

The dragon was attacked, with Halberd slicing through him.

Gao: Now Broad Sword, you attack Keith!!

Keith: Cast, Psycho Cut!!

Keith used one gauge, before swinging his arm and cutting Broad Sword in half with a shadow slash.

Gao: Alright, Dragobreaker!!

Keith: I Cast: Infernal Dragon Shield!!

A Shield with a black and red dragon nullified the attack.

Drum: Is this really the same guy? He's using the cards in his hand like crazy!

Keith Life: 11

End of Move

Keith: Come on Gao, I know you've got more in you than that! Draw!! Charge and Draw!!

Keith
Life: 11
Hand: 2
Gauge: 5

Keith: Now for the real fun. Let me ask you this Gao. What do you know about distortion?

Gao: Uhhh, I'm pretty sure that it messes with things?

Keith: Good enough. Now, here's a lesson about my Void Dragons.

He held a card in his hand.

Keith: With the right condition, they can cause distortions in Buddy Fights, and become even more powerful.

Drum: What are those conditions?

Keith: I'll show you. Now, I Cast: Set Spell Eternal Distortion!!

He threw a card onto the field, as an orb with a dark sky above a red eye appeared.

Keith: Once per turn, I can get chose two cards from the top of my deck. I can add 1 to my hand, and send the other to my drop zone.

He drew two cards, before grabbing one as the other vanished.

Keith: I Call: Void Dragon Bloodlust to the right!!

He called a fierce black dragon with red armor, as it roared.

Void Dragon Bloodlust
Size: 1
Power: 5000
Defense: 1000
Critical: 2

Keith: Now I Equip: Dark Emperor!!

A black armor chest plate appeared on Keith, with it glowing in a purple aura.

Dark Emperor
Power: 6000
Critical: 1

As soon as he did, Bloodlust was covered in a pitch black aura, with lightning of the same color shooting out.

Gao: What's happening?

Keith: Just like I told you. The ability Distortion can vary for some monsters. For Bloodlust, he gains 4000 Power and 3000 Defense!

Gao: Unreal!

Keith: You're not out of the woods yet.

A purple orb appeared around Keith's Set Spell.

Keith: When Eternal Distortion is out, every time a Distortion ability is activated, it gets a counter. Once getting to 7 something special happens, but I doubt you'll last long enough to see it. But while it is out, monsters with Distortion get 1000 Power during my turn for each count.

Drum: That's nuts!!

Keith: But this isn't limited to monsters. My Dark Emperor also has one. By resting, I can give one of my monsters the ability to penetrate, along with 2000 defense until the next turn. And even before, size 3 or lower monsters get to be called until the end of the turn. And 1 more Void Counter.

Gao: I've never heard of cards doing this!

Keith: Now that we've got distortion covered, let me tell you about something else. Resurrection.

Gao: What now?

Keith: Voids are a gap between things. Void Dragons are never truly destroyed, and some of them can even emerge after destruction. Like my Buddy!!

4 Gauge was consumed, as a dark portal formed in the center in front of Keith. Right then, Ryu and Tasuku could sense something happening while flying in the air to find Gao.

Tasuku: Ryu, do you feel that?

Ryu: Yeah, it feels insane.

Shojo: It's started.

Ryu: Whatever it is I don't like it.

Tasuku: It feels like it's coming from where you said Kiri's school is. We should hurry.

Ryu: I know, Gao could get caught in some kind of crossfire.

Back at the fight, Gao and Drum looked at the portal.

Gao: What's gonna come out?

Drum: I have a feeling it'll be big!

Something began to rise, as it was revealed to be a giant dragon, with wings darker than possibly darkness itself.

Gao: What the hell is that?!!

???: A shame. It hasn't been that long for you both to have forgotten me, has it?

They both recognized the voice, shaken.

Gao: I-Is that?

Drum: True Lord Dragon Fafnir?!

Keith: Not quite. This is my Buddy's true form.

Keith Life: 12

???: I am Emperor Void Lord Dragon: Fafnir!! Even the monsters of Darkness Dragon World fear my name.

Emperor Void Lord Dragon: Fafnir
Size: 3
Power: 11000
Defense: 8000
Critical: 2

Keith: First things first, he gets 2 cards into his soul. Now for Fafnir's ability. Whenever he's summoned, all my opponents cards are returned to the bottom of their Deck.

Gao: All of them?!

Keith: I'll be it, you get to draw 2 to make up for it, but seeing as how you're Set Spell is gone, it's a price I can pay.

Fafnir: We said we wouldn't hold back. Now, witness my true power!! CATASTROPHE!!!!

Black winds swirled, making Gao struggle to not fly back. Portals appeared behind Gao, Halberd, and Thunder Formation, with Gao letting go of his item, and the rest being pushed into the portals as well.

Drum: These guys were amazing before, but now it seems like they're already at a completely different level!!

Gao: Yeah, but we can't give in!

Gao drew 2 new cards.

Keith: Now Fafnir's Distortion. He gains 4000 Power, 3000 Defense, and a third attack. And one more Void Counter please.

Gao: Gotta hang tight drum!!

Keith: Now Bloodlust, attack Gao!!

Bloodlust flew forward ready to rip into the fighter, but he had other plans.

Gao: I Cast: Green Dragon Shield!!

Gao Life: 9

Keith: Go Fafnir!

Fafnir: Wrath of the Void!!!

Fafnir opened two portals beside Gao, as soon dozens of lasers shot out, hitting him constantly.

Gao Life: 7

Fafnir: Double Attack!!

Gao: I cast: Blue Dragon Shield!!

The attack was blocked, giving Gao 1 gauge.

Fafnir: Triple Attack!!

Another barrage of lasers hit Gao.

Gao Life: 5

End of Move

Blood Lust was destroyed, being sent to the Drop Zone.

Keith: You hung on Gao, I'll give you that.

Gao: I'll do more this turn, cause you gave me options to work with! Draw!! Charge and Draw!!

Gao
Life: 5
Hand: 5
Gauge: 2

Gao: I Cast: Dragonic Charge!!

Gao Gauge: 4

Gao: Now, with 1 Gauge I call Thunder Knights Double Flail Dragon to the right!!

An armored dragon with two flails appeared roaring.

Thunder Knights Double Flail Dragon
Size: 1
Power: 3000
Defense: 2000

Gao: A neat effect of his is that when any of my Thunder Knights use the move Ability, he can remove a card in one of your monsters soul!

Keith: Now you're talking!! Come on, show me exactly how far you've come from Sengoku!!

Gao: Gladly!! I pay 1 Gauge, and Cast Dragonic Gate Breaker!! With that, your Center monster is destroyed!!

A drill appeared, going through Fafnir destroying him, only for the dragon to revive.

Gao: Now, I Buddy Call Thunder Knights Drum Bunker Dragon to the Left!!

Drum flew in, letting go of the flag, with Gao placing a card from his hand into Drum's Soul.

Gao: Time to get serious!! Drum, move to the Center!!

Drum teleported with a smirk, as Double Flail began to swings his weapons. He attacked Fafnir, destroying him once again.

Fafnir: You're getting closer Mikado.

Gao: I don't have the power to defeat you with my monsters now, but I promise next turn you're going down!

End of Move

Keith: That's assuming I let you have a next. Draw!! Charge and Draw!!

Keith
Life: 12
Hand: 1
Gauge: 2

Keith: Now I-

Keith's phone rang, much to his confusion.

Gao: Uhhh, so you wanna?

Keith: Yeah just give me a minute.

He picked up, seeing the number belonged to Kyoya.

Keith: Yeah what's up?

Kyoya: So, you're going against Gao Mikado hm?

Keith: Really? Are you seriously doing this right now?

Kyoya: I don't know what you mean, but I do remember saying that Gao Mikado was a special case that we shouldn't touch just yet.

Keith: This is a normal Buddyfight! No normal opponent could be better than him to finally test out this Deck's real power against!

Kyoya: I get that, but I promise you'll get a chance to battle Mikado again, likely even stronger than he is now. The true power of the Void Dragons should be shown in front of an audience. So all I ask: Don't reveal more than you need.

Keith: Argh, fine. Now buzz off.

He hung up seemingly annoyed, with both Gao and Drum confused.

Keith: Sorry, just a slight pest.

Drum: Can you get a read on this guy Gao?

Gao: Not in the slightest.

Keith: Back to the battle, I'm a step ahead of you Gao. I don't exactly know for sure, but I'm betting you had another card in hand that might be able to take out one of my monsters.

Gao looked at a card in hand, seeing Thunder Knights, Thunder Halberd.

Gao: 'He actually predicted it?!'

Keith: I use Dark Emperor's effect, allowing me to summon another monster. With a Resurrection, I call to the Right!!

Paying 3 Life, a monster appeared through another portal.

Keith Life: 9

Keith: Void Lord Dragon: Tiamat

A dragon somewhat similar in appearance to Fafnir flew into view.

Tiamat: So Keith, these are the two you deemed worthy challengers?

Keith: Yup. Meet Fafnir's sister: Tiamat.

Void Dragon Lord Tiamat
Size: 3
Power: 9000
Defense: 9000
Critical: 3

Drum: Sister?!

Keith: And now her effect. When she's summoned, I can place 1 card in my opponents hand and make them draw a new one.

Gao: B-But I only have 1!!

Tiamat: Strike of Chaos.

Tiamat held a hand up, as a shadow surrounded the card in Gao's hand, teleporting it, and making him draw a new one.

Keith: Now, I activate Void Charge. Just a simple thing giving me 4 Gauge.

Keith Gauge: 6

Keith: And now for Distortion.

The Void Counters increased to 6, while Tiamat and Fafnir roared.

Keith: Tiamat get's 3000 attack, while also gaining 1 Critical.

Drum: Man, there was no chance we would've been ready for something like this!

Keith: Now, Fafnir, attack Drum!!

Fafnir: Wrath of the Void!!

A portal appeared around Drum, destroying him twice. Another portal appeared before Gao, striking him.

Gao Life: 4

Ryu and Tasuku flew in, seeing Gao and Keith Buddyfighting.

Ryu: Gao?! Keith?!

The two looked up, seeing the pair.

Keith: Well, you just about missed nearly all the action.

Tasuku: Ryu, I don't recognize that Flag!

Ryu looked at Keith's Darkness Dragon World flag, slightly confused.

Ryu: W-What... Could that be what I'm thinking it could?

Shojo: Darkness Dragon World.

Ryu's eyes widened.

Keith: Tiamat, end this!!

Tiamat: DRAGON VOID FANG!!

Gao was confused as a portal appeared under him. He appeared in front of Tiamat, before being bitten.

Gao: AHHHHHH!!!

His Flag was destroyed as his life dropped.

GAME OVER

Winner: Keith Victor!!

Keith: Next time, the outcome may change.

Gao: Argh... Man, I can't believe I couldn't damage you myself.

Tasuku: Did I hear that right?!

Ryu: Gao couldn't damage Keith?

Keith: I had the right cards, and you knew nothing about this deck. Now, I'm holding up my end of the bargain.

Fafnir reappeared, entering a new mini form.

Blaze: So Fafnir is from Darkness Dragon World?

Fafnir: Blaze, our battle will come soon as well.

Keith: Anyway, right now Kiri isn't exactly the same as when you last saw him. I doubt you'll like the change.

Ryu: What do you mean by that?!

Keith: Can't be specific on this one. Tasuku.

Tasuku was surprised to be called out by name.

Keith: ... Watch out for the Buddy Police.

He held up a card, before teleporting, leaving the other Buddyfighters at a loss.

CHAPTER END!!