In the beginning when Kengo realized he was confused about something, all he knew was that he felt something in his chest. He didn't know exactly what was bothering him though, just that he had a feeling. The only words he had to describe it was that it was...something. But once he was aware of this feeling, he was driven restless. And so he ran at top speed, as if something were calling to him. The only way he knew how to communicate was through his fists, and if he ever had a problem, he tried to resolve it in a fight. This was the one thing connecting him to his father, and this was the only way Kengo could convey his thoughts to others. This wasn't the case for everyone else though, so everyone kept their distance from him.
Hooligan. Thug. Danger to society. All sorts of labels were put upon Kengo, and he had no words to respond to them with. All he did was grow ever more irritated. He refused to put his instincts into words. With nowhere to belong to, he continued drifting from place to place, and not even his childhood friend nor his partner in crime in Kabukicho could keep him down. As a result, he based his activities in the City of Violence Ikebukuro, running to wherever he currently wasn't in. He did think he was turning stubborn, but he knew of no other way to be.
During this time, Kengo met someone. Or rather, after a certain battle he started changing greatly. There was someone he could throw his entire strength at in a fight and stand equally with, no strings attached. There was nothing to be burdened with, and flattery or pandering. That was enough for Kengo. Through this bond, the relationships he had with people he met before took on a new form. He also met friendly rivals who sought their own kinds of strength. And he even found a certain someone he'd call partner who he could trust to watch his back. He had changed, so, so much.
And so Valentine's came along. On that day, before he went over to Claude's, he went out looking for some chocolate he decided he'd give to his partner. During that time he met his old kouhai, and their conversation casually turned to the subject of Valentine's. Sitri had in all likelihood meant nothing much when he asked he question, and he asked "is that for a friend? Or is that for someone you care about?" Kengo could not answer this question, and he questioned his foundation once more. What if he never changed at all? He only had one way of communicating his thoughts both now and back then. All his fists can do is compare who is stronger.
Title card pops up, and this chapter is called Valentine Tag Match.
Back to the present, the audience continues watching as the Valentine Colosseo matches continue. The referee calls Kengo's match in his favor, and he cheers saying he'd never lose against someone like his (random no namer) opponent. Fergus is watching from a nearby ring and is impressed with Kengo. He comments that Kengo fights like a hero, someone who lives according to their own will. He then vibrates as he has a sudden premonition, telling him that he'll remember something after his fight with them concludes. The thought reminds him that he should finish up his present match first, and he wins quickly as the referee names him the winner.
The third match going on quickly gets glossed over as Kyuuma wins, and he thanks his opponent for sparring with him and says he'll use the experience to move on. The fourth match is with you against some governor, and of course it ends in your victory. You either thank your opponent, wonder if you went too far, or sigh that you barely won. With the extra stage done, Stage 2 now begins, and you guys continue with your winning streak and advance.
The Genociders are also in the spectator stands as Surtr starts commenting that watching the fights from a distance like this reminds him of how the warriors reputed as invicible he opposed back in his homeworld fought. Arc asks if he's talking about when he was back in Yggdrasil, so Surtr says yes and talks about how there were two warriors with the king of heaven Odin. One of them was the famous thunder king of infinitude Thor, and the other was his equal known as the Shining One.
Much of the audience is absorbed in their own discussions as they watch the battles, and Claude smiles in satisfaction as he watches from up high. He talks about how exciting it is to see the strong warriors returning and the new ones making their appearance. Snow talks about how Stage 2 was originally Stage 1, and while they may have set things up as a simple battle before, it looks like it's working out. Claude talks about how battles aren't just screwballs, as sometimes people want straight pitches too. It may be Valentine's today, but it's still Ikebukuro. People shouldn't forget that all this wild enthusiasm is due to the warriors on stage.
Over in the lobby, Moritaka notes that you're all winning your respective matches somehow so it doesn't look like he has to worry about you guys. This lobby is apparently a few rooms away from the arena separated by thick walls, but Moritaka can still hear the cheering from there. What was before a staff only area is now filled with people, and he and Shuuichi head over to a work room. Shuuichi comments that you guys have more power than you know what to do with since you guys have been constantly fighting since the sideshow. He then notices that Moritaka is carrying a bunch of meal tickets in his hands and asks about them, so Moritaka answers that Snow gave them to him since there's going to be a bunch of stalls set up. He and everyone can use them as they like, and Moritaka mentions there being a lot of mouthwatering smells outside.
Shuuichi is impressed by Snow's consideration and says he may as well accept his kindness. Moritaka offers to go buy food for everyone then, and Shuuichi warns him to not go crazy and buy too much. Moritaka protests that he knows that, then excuses himself. After he goes, Shuuichi thinks on how Moritaka had said "winning somehow" earlier and comments that he had noticed too. And by that he means that there's one person among the four of you out there in a precarious situation.
Duo says nothing, and Shuuichi notes that Fergus's blade is still wavering. He's only winning because he's not up against anyone strong. Shuuichi then jokes about sounding like some sort of sword master, then asks Duo for his analysis and plan. Duo says that's meaningless data and says that there's 'no point in him sticking his nose into an event like this.' Shuuichi doesn't respond to that, so Duo continues by saying that Fergus's method of winning is wrong because he is abandoning his role and fighting style. That said they want to see what happens after that, so Duo wants to stick around longer, poke at Fergus, and observe his response. Shuuichi acknowledges the plan and says he'll get it implemented since that's his job in the Wisemen. He says he'll be going and asks Garm to watch over Duo.
Garm gets up sleepily and says he was napping since Duo's lap felt nice. Shuuichi is just about ready to murder Garm over this and says Duo's lap pillow is on par with a national treasure, which freaks Garm out for a second. Garm then processes that Shuuichi asked him to protect Duo and says Duo told him it was fine to nap because everyone else was around. Shuuichi explains that Moritaka is buying lunch while he has to leave for a second, so he's asking just in case. Duo silently makes a face after Shuuichi leaves, prompting Garm to ask if he's okay. Duo tells him he's fine, and he says that watching him reminded him of someone who...used to be his friend (Bertro). He talks about needing to do something before he 'wears out,' which is why he needs data from this event.
Back to the arena area, Snow informs Claude that he's returned. Stage 2 is about to end, so there's going to be an intermission before things move on to Stage 3. Claude directs him to tell the participants to rest up and get ready for that then, and Snow moves to obey. Scene then shifts to the Berserkers' central lobby where a bunch of stalls have been set up for the day. Kyuuma is amazed by this and compares it to a food court at a baseball stadium as he wonders if they have their own bento box available. Kengo notes that things have changed a bit over here and says there's a lot more stuff than usual, or at least not like it used to be. Fergus laughs about all the hustle and bustle and says this must be a party area. You are lost for choices as to what to eat, but then you're taken aback to see one stall listed as Valentine Yakisoba.
Nomad is manning this store of course and welcomes you all before noticing it's you again. But anyways he asks if you guys want any and offers to throw in some cider in someone's image if you guys get some now. You either say you figured he'd be here and ask him to do his detective work right or be baffled that the cider has Claude's face on it. In A and B, Nomad complains that he's sick of hearing that and says he needs to make money to pay for living expenses and taxes. In C, Nomad says it tastes nice at least, and there's a lot of berries in it so it's bitter and sweet.
Either way, Nomad makes a point of informing you that the Valentine yakisoba does not have chocolate in it. It is however put into a heart shape and topped with a lot of red pickled ginger and pork. You are surprised at it being such a meat lover's meal, but you do think it sounds great. Fergus decides to order seven orders of yakisoba as he calls Nomad a noodle cook. Nomad agrees, then insists that he's a detective dammit.
Time passes a bit, and Shuten notes that you guys finally showed up and says the rest of them started without you. Alp says everyone did great out there and that he was cheering for you guys with Shuten. Shuten says he doesn't have a reason to fight in the event anymore, so he'll be sitting in the stands. He also says Kyuuma is playing second to you guys, though he feels a little bad for the people who were beaten. Cait Sith says everyone is thinking about stuff, though now it's break time. And since it's that time now, they figured they'd get stuff to eat.
You comment that everyone's friends now and ask if this a party now. Fergus proclaims that it's a great party and that he will happily join in on things. Shuten asks if something nice happened, then shrugs and decides to raise a toast anyways even if all he's drinking is juice. Fergus laughs and says it's a nostalgic feeling, and Alp comments on all the weird lunches in the food court. Snow even has stamina lunches out. Kyuuma is amazed to see one of the lunches being a hamburg steak topped with a fried egg, saying that's a very baseball stadium sort of lunch and asks if he can have it. Alp agrees and tells him to break a leg out there.
Bathym drags Seth over ignoring his protests, calling him a shy boy and noting that he doesn't hate banquets like this. Seth agrees for a moment before backtracking and trying to insist that he's a lone wolf. Kengo advises Seth to just give up because Bathym will totally go through hell to chase him down, which Bathym doesn't deny. Seth pouts as he joins in and asks for some yakisoba, so Cait Sith and Kyuuma pass it over.
You wonder if it's okay to relax like this since you guys will be fighting each other later, but then you shrug and roll with it. Everyone gets to eating lunch, and Shuten starts commenting that fighting and having a party like this doesn't seem much like a Valentine's thing to do. Bathym points out that this is still an event with colosseo in the title, and even with Valentine's as the other part of that, it would be hard to confess in circumstances like this. Kyuuma agrees that battles and Valentine's doesn't have much to do with each other, but Fergus disagrees.
Alp is surprised and asks Fergus to explain. Fergus talks about how he's always loved banquets since a long time ago. After he's done with a hunt, everyone would be treated to some food. The animals would be prepped and cooked, and everyone would talk with one another. Everyone would laugh and smile and give thanks. You note that it sounds like what you guys are doing at this party now, and Fergus says that he's confirmed one thing by doing something similar here in Tokyo like his home world. He's heard that Valentine's is a time to show your love, friendship, and thanks, and it's a thing that you cannot do alone. What goes for Valentine's also goes for parties and battles. He suggests that there's a common thought behind those things, and he says gathering together and enjoying yourself is needed for it all.
Fergus swishes his cup around, and the surface of his drink reflects his mixed expression. Shuten agrees with the point and talks about how while you may be giving someone chocolate, that doesn't necessarily mean you're conveying your feelings as well. Alp asks if the idea is to achieve the suspension bridge effect with battling, and he thinks that sounds kinda romantic. Fergus talks about how pretexts are important since they can help push you forward if your heart isn't determined. That goes for giving chocolates as well as in battle as a way of letting someone know how you feel...just like how his feelings are communicated here with everyone as you all eat and drink. Seth stays quiet at this point.
Fergus calls the fact that he can be with everyone like this right now both a miracle and a start of something. He then loudly wishes everyone a happy Valentine's and proclaims his love for everyone. You either nod and say he's said something good, wonder if he's getting drunk, or be surprised at the applause and say it's getting even more like a banquet now. Kengo sighs that Fergus sounds like his dad now and thinks about how you can't have a fight by yourself. Kengo's phone starts ringing at this point, and he's mildly annoyed as he checks the caller ID. Once he sees who it is, he panics and throws it to you.
You are surprised but answer the phone anyways. Shirou is on the phone of course, and he assumes you're Kengo as he demands to know what you've been doing all this time ignoring his calls and if you plan on staying out today. There's still time in the day that he's not bothered yet about Kengo not coming back, but he insists that Kengo needs to fill out a staying out request form.
Kengo complains that he can still hear Shirou from where he's sitting and calls Shirou a nag like always. He's never been able to win an argument verbally with him. Shirou also demands to know what's going on with you since he figures you two are together, so you go oops since you forgot to file the paperwork too, comment that Shirou was worried about you guys, then thank him. Shirou is surprised when he realizes that he's talking to you, so he backtracks a little and says it's okay as long as you understand. If you are staying out tonight, Shirou says he'll figure something out and asks that you not make him worry. He also asks that you tell that dope Kengo about that, then hangs up.
You sigh in relief and/or start yelling at Kengo. Alp, Shuten, and Fergus are impressed at how you guys handled that call. Shuten notes that even though Kengo tried to avoid some trouble, you managed to turn it around and get permission for yourselves. Fergus laughs as he comments on that being how you guys communicate, something that he understands even though he's only known you two for a short while.
Time passes to the point where you guys have finished lunch. Kyuuma notes that there's still time and asks if you want to go back to the arena or waiting room, or do something else. Alp notices that Fergus is gone and asks about him, so Shuten says that Fergus went outside talking about wanting to feel the breeze. Alp is disappointed by this and says he had plans to break dance with him. Seth sighs at Alp and tells him to help clean up, then says he can't believe a punk like him has to act all conscientious.
You think to yourself and consider going after Fergus, so Kengo tells you to go since that's what you want to do. He also tells you to smack him in the ass and get him to straighten out, or else Fergus will lose to him. You decide to go see Fergus then and tell Kengo you'll see him later. After you go, Kengo grumbles that he hasn't gotten his determination together either as he thinks about having a no holds barred fight with you. He looks at his hidden chocolate when a voice calls to him from behind, and this turns out to be Sitri.
Scene jumps to your end where you find Fergus practicing sword swings in front of the Berserkers' guild entrance. Nobody else is around, probably because the Wisemen are here watching the cameras. Fergus's sword swings are noted to look straight, with no wavering to the sides. You call to Fergus when you spot him, and Fergus is surprised to see you and asks if you came to get him. You either say it's something like that or ask if he needed someone to get him. Fergus apologizes for worrying you and says he still can't figure out what's bothering him. He knows it's almost time for the last stage and is aware he made a geas to fight Kengo with everything he has. He's seen Seth's and Kyuuma's youths play out, but his sword still won't answer him. There's some sort of communication block, but he doesn't know what that is.
Shuuichi and Moritaka walk up as Shuuichi says this isn't like Fergus, asking if he's still a rising star in high school kendo. You are surprised to see them here and in kendo outfits, and Shuuichi asks if you'd believe him if he said he came to kick his kouhai's ass to motivate him. You either ask if that's true, tell him no, or call him shady. Shuuichi laughs at your disbelief in him, though he's already figured as much. But he's honest about how it'd be a problem if things stayed as they are as he turns to Fergus, and Fergus is unsure what Shuuichi is getting at. Shuuichi tells Fergus to pick up his shinai since it's time for some training, and you either say Shuuichi's name in concern or wonder what's going on as Shuuichi is acting out of character.
Shuuichi laughs and says he's talking about making use of his specialty of pointing out weak spots on his kouhai. You are either confused by this or say he's his usual self and that he really likes poking at weak points. Shuuichi laughs some more and says he doesn't doubt himself even if you say that. Moritaka says he's also going to be joining in on the training, and Fergus is surprised they'd both do this. He shakes ever so slightly, then grips his shinai hard. If Shuuichi is saying he needs to do this to understand his doubts, then he agrees to spar with him.
You tell Fergus that you'll fight too. Fergus says he knows it's unreasonable, but he asks you to fight along with him as another sword fighter. You nod and declare your name and school affiliation before formally declaring your participation in the spar. Shuuichi, Moritaka, and Fergus follow suit, and you all declare battle in unison as the episode battle begins.
No comments:
Post a Comment