NOVEL NEXT Episode LXXXVI: Put a Check on the Royal Defeat
The Mystical Force team retreated to their resting area, finding the other teams scattered about in various positions of repose as they awaited further instructions. The intercom crackled to life, announcing, “We are going to take a break on the matches and will resume in twenty-five minutes. Congratulations on making it to the final four; all of you will receive an invite to the end-of-the-year tournament.”
"Awesome!" Kiyoshi cheered.
"But what's the catch?" Lionel queried Zebeon.
"Probably your lives," Zebeon replied with a smirk.
FJ approached the Mystical Force team. "Congrats on making it to the final four."
"Thanks, same to you," Jax, Lionel, Felix, and Kiyoshi responded in unison.
"We're looking forward to meeting you guys in the finals for our rematch from earlier this year," FJ declared confidently.
"Yeah, but first we have to get past our opponents," Lionel reminded him.
Yosuke joined them, nodding in agreement. "They're both formidable opponents."
"I believe there's something off about that Faded Legacy team," Juro mused aloud.
Rin-Rin agreed, noting their antisocial behavior since the start of the tournament. Lionel added his observation of a dark aura surrounding them akin to a spell he'd noticed since their first gathering at round one.
"If you guys can't handle them, we'll see you in the finals," FJ stated boldly.
"Don't underestimate Royal Gold because Cloven is not a weak fighter at all; Lionel faced him last year and lost badly," Jax warned.
Lionel shot him a look. "Thanks for reminding everyone." Everyone laughed as they settled down to eat and wait for the next round announcement.
With five minutes left before match time according to another intercom buzz, Kiyoshi wished Team Checkmate luck against the Royal Gold team. Both teams made their way to the platform, Cloven declaring his intent to fight despite being bandaged and injured.
"Welcome to the first match of the Final Four; this is for all the marbles," Hiroko announced, inciting roars from the crowd as he introduced each team and their merits. As both teams took their positions, Rin-Rin volunteered to start things off for Team Checkmate.
Ashtiani was already waiting on the platform. The two bowed before launching into a flurry of punches and kicks, with Ashtiani landing a few solid hits that knocked Rin-Rin down. But Rin-Rin got up again, transforming into her half-kitsune form and clashing with Ashtiani's half-alligator form. Their tails became entangled as they traded blows, but Rin-Rin managed to land a powerful combo followed by her Ultra-Move: Nightshade Bomb of Terror! The resulting explosion left Ashtiani unconscious on the ground once the smoke cleared.
"There's no way Ashanti could have dodged that," Hiroko stated. Ashanti had lost twice in the tournament already, and this latest failure made Cloven seethe with anger. Limping, he ascended to the platform.
"We need to intervene or we risk losing everything," Junji warned.
"I'm up next, right?" FJ asked.
"Yep," Team Checkmate chorused. FJ leapt onto the platform, facing Cloven. "You were last year's champion," FJ acknowledged.
"Yes, and I sense a powerful spirit guardian within you," Cloven replied.
"I do have a reliable partner inside me and am prepared to take down a champ like yourself," FJ confirmed. Cloven then transformed into Zyjipsue, the Inferno Prometheus while FJ morphed into Oga, the Toxic Dragon.
"They're getting serious before even bowing," Hiroko noted as a gust of wind swept across the arena due to their power-ups.
"Hold onto your seats; this is going to be an epic battle!" Hiroko announced as both fighters bowed towards each other signaling the start of the match.
Cloven’s feet ignited with infernal heat as he darted towards FJ at lightning speed. He attempted a double kick but was blocked by FJ. Undeterred, Cloven launched an Inferno Punch which connected successfully; sending FJ flying backward.
FJ managed to remain on his feet but was forced back slightly by Cloven’s attack. As he watched Cloven kneel in pain, clutching his leg, he cautioned him against fighting in such conditions. Dismissing his concern with a brief "I am fine", Cloven got back on his feet and resumed his stance.
The fight escalated quickly with both fighters exchanging blows - toxic punches and kicks from FJ met with Inferno attacks from Cloven who managed to dodge some, but not all of FJ’s attacks due to his injured leg.
After a particularly powerful punch from FJ, Cloven fell but managed to land a swift kick on FJ's chest before hitting the ground. Shaken but undeterred, FJ retaliated with a Toxic Blast which Cloven blocked and countered with an inferno attack of his own.
FJ dodged the counterattack with a flip and charged towards Cloven landing a successful toxic punch. Cloven fell again but not before landing another blow on FJ's gut. The fight continued in this back-and-forth manner until Cloven attempted to kick with his bad leg which was promptly deflected by FJ causing him immense pain.
"Why are you trying to fight me with your bad leg? This isn’t fair," FJ protested.
"Because I am a warrior trying to survive, and it is futile for my team to go against you only to get defeated," Cloven retorted.
"That's not right; the whole point of this tournament is to believe in your team," said FJ.
"It's hard to have faith when they aren't performing well," replied Cloven, standing up unsteadily on one leg.
The battle resumed with both fighters unleashing their ultimate moves resulting in an intense clash that sent shockwaves through the audience. The platform cracked under the immense power while their clothes were torn apart from the sheer force.
"Give up!" yelled Cloven defiantly.
"Never!" roared back FJ as he pushed back against Cloven’s attack causing him to lose balance and miss his final kick. Seizing the opportunity, FJ landed his Ultimate Move: Toxic Overburst Flame which it drilling into Cloven’s body triggering a massive explosion followed by blinding white light.
"You were indeed a formidable opponent; my winning streak has been broken," admitted Cloven graciously.
"I will pass my torch to you for winning this tournament," Cloven declared. "This doesn't feel like a fair fight," FJ responded. "I chose to fight; it's my fault that I lost. Don't feel guilty—win this tournament for me and my team. When we meet again, I'll be ready for a rematch. Good luck in the Finals," Cloven said, bumping his fist against FJ's. As he finished speaking, the lights dimmed, returning them to reality. FJ looked down to see Cloven collapsed on the ground.
"What an incredible finish from these two fighters! However, it's a significant loss for Cloven," announced the commentator as he surveyed the damage left in their wake—the platform was demolished, leaving only a small circle intact where FJ stood, nursing his injured arm while Cloven lay unconscious on the ground with his team close by.
FJ sat down and bowed towards Cloven in a show of respect as his body faded completely from sight. Rin-Rin, Juro, and Yosuke rushed over to FJ immediately after.
"You showcased remarkable power in that fight," Yosuke praised. "Yeah, who knew you had that kind of strength hidden within?" Juro added, eyes wide open in astonishment.
"You big dummy! You scared us half to death! You could've killed yourself!" Rin-Rin scolded him as she knocked him on the head lightly; however, unlike usual times when such action would send him flying away playfully, FJ remained still which left Rin-Rin and the twins shocked.
"Am I getting weaker or did FJ become stronger after this fight?" Rin-Rin wondered aloud. Standing up slowly but firmly, FJ turned towards his team with a smile on his face before pulling them into a hug.
The crowd erupted into cheers at seeing FJ rise victorious over last year's champion. "Will the next match meet or surpass this one in terms of intensity? Stay tuned to find out!" Hiroko teased, leaving everyone in anticipation.