♫14_chiaki♫

Soul, and following from behind, Scale, exit the aquarium building. Greeting the both of them one-by-one is an intense showering of rain, which splatters relentlessly from surface to surface. Although Soul only has her hat to keep from the drizzle, a barrier-like hologram protects Scale from such, although the weather seems to be the least of Soul's worries.

....You don't actually care, do you? You're only doing this because it'll make the runt happy. And that'll make Opera happy. You just wanna get closer to her, don't you?
(That's precisely it. But it would be rude to say that out loud.)
Ugh... Forget this whole shebang. It was a dumb idea from the get-go. No use changing who I am.
...I 've seen countless nobodies live and die alone, without having a loved one to share their burdens with. If you want to play hardass and deny all those benefits... that's at your own discretion.
What kinda schmuck do you take me for? They're the ones taking me for granted. I dunno what they'd ever do if I weren't around!

Putting more distance between the two, Soul takes a few steps further, then halts. As if to finally respond to the prolonged staring at her backside, she peers towards Scale, rearing her head to look back at him one more time.

Besides... better to go solo than with a stupid creep. You'll definitely try something crude if I stay around you for too long.
...Typical. Fine, then.

Soul tugs an eyesocket and pulls a raspberry at Scale, who is dead silent during such. His undeterred pokerface outlasts Soul's targeted attempts at derision. Finally, as if to say "Don't-say-I-never-warned-you", Scale shrugs, cycles around, and begins walking away. At the sight of this, Soul herself moves on. Opening a Space Orb, she-- Eh!?

Flash. A bolt of lighting strikes from a short distance as Soul is about to enter. Slightly startled, she glances back at the direction she last saw Scale in. But no sign of him remains... though she does hear the sound of one person speaking above a rooftop. She stares at the source of the noise.

Fighting in this weather is part of your training as well, boy. If you have truly gained control over your flames, they will be able to withstand this downpour.
!
Don't coddle me...! I am more than up to the task.
HEY!

Both of their attentions are diverted when Soul points from below, bellowing half out of ego and half so they can hear.

Heeeeey! The scrawny one! I know you, don't I? You had a stupid name, and I beat the f daylights out of you!
...
...I will amass exceptional pleasure in mutilating you.

---

That was a decent surprise attack... you may have gotten me, had it not been for my auto-defensive matrix.
That precision, and that timing... there's no doubt. You are an assassin, hired by someone to terminate me.

On the same block, Scale stands at the top of an entirely different roof. On the opposite side of the building's top, is a silhouette staring Scale down.

It sounds pretentious... but somehow... it felt like I knew it wouldn't be that easy to get rid of you. Perhaps it's your reputation. Or your personality.
...Although, to be perfectly honest... It's better this way. This makes for a clear conscience on my part... and a way less boring execution.

@Foxbow85 : Great to meet you! Nowadays the Discord is more active than the forums, but anywhere it is, the more the merrier. Hope you have fun with both the game and otherwise ;)

(Also no one will mind if you plug your channel)

♫ Hajime no Ippo OST 03 - eyes HQ ♫

Soul loops back around to Scale, with an unimpressed expression.

Bored now. C'mon, I wanna ditch the fish.
We just got here. It hasn't been five minutes and you're already tired of this place?
Well. I thought they were kinda cool at first... but now? I've seen pretty much everything worth seeing. Unless there's a superpowered radioactive laser beam shooting thousand row of saws-for-jaws sharkie that also has boxing glove arms to punch people in the face..
.....Then do you have any ideas?

Soul seems to contemplate from this response. She thinks long, and in intense fashion... and then, responds subsequently.

Nah... really the only thing I'm used to doing at times like these is making losers eat dirt.
*sigh*.... I was already aware of how much you loved fighting... but that is a serious amount of time lost to mindless violence.
I never lose when it comes to mindless violence! If there's a brawl, then I come out on top! That's why I'm the strongest!
Are you sure?

You are likely right to some degree... You've dominated every battle you've come across. And you are powerful. But we live on quite the humongous rock, and reside on an infinitely expansive universe... you can't say for sure that you are the toughest... or the best... there is.
(That... and I don't think she could compete with that man.)

Scale looks back up, and at Soul, who is in front of her. Without turning back, she replies.

Idiot. I know there must be some seriously tough people out there. That's why... that's why I have to fight. Otherwise, what's the damn point!?
Being the best is my claim to fame, and mine alone! It's what makes me me! Without it, even that brat would..
Would...?
......Would nothin'... I'm just speaking gibberish.

Soul continues wandering away. After staring at her from behind for a few moments, Scale proceeds at well.

Delta and Opera proceed knitting away, although the end goal is somewhat unclear.

This has been really fun, Opera! Spending time with you makes me happy!
Awww. Thank you, Delta. Truth be told, I think your company is what I needed as well... it has been lonesome as of late.
Mhm! But I wonder what Soul and Scale are doing right now!... I'm intriggered!
Intruigued. And... they have likely well already gone their separate ways. Those two can not co-exist peacefully.

As if to disagree, Delta shakes his head adamantly.

Nuh-uh! I told them I don't like it when they fight! So they said they'd stop fighting and be friends!
.... (Pure as that sounds... I doubt that either of them would comply. Neither of them are very submissive...)
(...A-actually... I could be wrong. They could be "messing around" like they were at my front door, earlier. Or like when they were trying to "push in a jammed quarter" at an arcade machine!)

---

---

(And then there was the time we had a picnic by the pool... and what they said right after they "just got out of the water".)

---

---

(And then there was the time Soul "felt an itch". and Scale offered to "scratch it".)

---

---

Opera grips her knitting needles. Her expression is rather strained to match her forced words.

S-surely, they must be doing just fiiiiine...!
Mhm! Eggs-actly!

What would you do with these?
I... I just think they'd make good company! Got a problem with that?
Yes. It's as if you're using my resources like a tool without any regard or consideration for my being.
A-uh... that's... is that... what... I'm doing?

Scale nods.

Ugh... um...
I apolo-ugh... Forgiii-ugh... So-ugh.
Is it that hard to express remorse for your actions?
I'm tryinguh! But being all sunshine and rainbows isn't my cup of tea! It's... I'm not that kinda person.

Scale folds his arms.

You seem to have no problem showing Opera or even Delta some care. Maybe you just don't like me!
H-hey! That's not fair! What makes you say that?


Soul rolls her eyes.

Okay. So maybe part of me doesn't like you.... W-well... It doesn't help seeing you hit on my sister all the time...
Because she is a marvelous woman. But I respect her. As I respect you. Alas, it seems you do not feel likewise.

Scale pouts, and turns his head away from Soul.

Okay, okay, I'm... sorry. Alright? That satisfy your ear candy? You're all flamboyant, and flashy, and smug. And somewhere, somehow... somethin' about that pisses me off. It might not be fair. So I am... sorry! How's that!?

Scale turns back around. He seems satisfied with her words.

☆ I am touched by your heartfelt apology. Truly, we can become friends... and something more intima-- ☆
Don't push it. Can I have the damn fishies I want now, or what?
Yes.
Oh~! Um. Than.... thaaaaaak...
I see we have more to work on.

HHHHHHHHHHHH-HRRAGGGHHHBGDDGHDGHDGGRRHHHGRAAAAAAAOH!!!
Indeed... this is your true strength brimming to the surface... and an astonishing one at that.
...However. Until you seize, discipline, and control it-... you will never be able to make use of your path to power.
GRHHHHH.... GRHHHHH!!!!
(Hmmm... the child seems somewhat respondant. He is fighting it... but can he win?)

Flamenco's fiery presence scorches the area. Hot geysers of lava sprout from the ground, and a steam seems to emit from him...

DrrRRrrrGGggghhh! HnnNGGHGHhshdrrd! RRGGHHHHDRFrfhgGH!!!!
(He is adapting quickly. How unforseen.)
Haaah.... HHAAAAAAGHHHHHGDHHH.... WooooOAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!
IIiiiii.... aAAM the MASTER!.... Of....
Of... my own... flames...

Flamenco's white-hot presence seems to slowly fade. The geysers decrease in volume... and the fumes steadily decline. Flamenco drops down on one knee, depleted.

Pardon me for my harsh mannerisms, boy. They were necessary to bring the best out of you.
I... t-told you... to stop... calling me... boy..!
I'm aware of my excessive usage of the word. Frankly, it just rolls of the tongue better than your actual name.

Flamenco tries to swing at Salsa, but cannot manage to pick up his dead heavy arms off of the ground.

I will kill you, one day...
Because of a lack of hidden power, the process of awakening usually isn't necessary for members of our clan... especially not at your age. In the most candid sense... you are likely the single most talented Igna even I have laid my eyes on.
...But not among the strongest. Far be it. After all, one can't compensate for a lack of years with sheer potential.
Gh...

Salsa sniggers.

Be cheerful while you are still young... the most challenging part is now over. After we iron out a few kinks... you'll surely be capable of disposing of that hatted harlot in golden hair.

♫ 16_aishuu ♫

In a world, which seems far, far removed from Earth...

...

A large, marble-like crystal ball of sorts is displayed in full in the center of the regal room. Inside of such, there seems to be a replaying of events. Many hooded figures seem to be inside, but only one of them is active and mobile.

---

The sacrifice he made... and the egrigious strain put on all things... by all means, the existence of such a person should have been erased. Yet he still lingers on... perhaps he is one of the Divine?...

The figure removes their hood, revealing themselves to be a flickering entity. They approach the crystal ball, as the contents in it change, reflecting the present, rather than a past.

"Orutā Oriba"... or in other words, Walter Oliver, the perpetually evolving entity. A persona... or something more. You cherish the thrill of life. You contain raw, unbridles vigor... you too, have the potential to reign surpreme...
And... you cling to the life of the mortals!? For what purpose do you idle by, when you posess an extroardinary strength even gods may sought? Why raise your offspring a child, when you can raise it a deity? Why pursue further power when you insist to remain in such a lowly status?...

The flickering figure reveals himself.

My queries shall be answered, one way or yet another. The Gods shall expose the inner workings of your heart and soul... nothing shall remain an enigma to the likes of us.

Woah! Some of these fellas look damn cool! I like the jaws on that bad boy over there!

While looking at Scale, Soul points at a large shark swimming in isolated fashion. Scale rubs his chin at this news.

You would take a liking to something like that. That's a great white shark. It has the strongest bite of any sea creature.
No way. Get me one.
What would you even do with that? And where would you put it? You don't have a pool.
Then get me a pool, and then get me a great white to put in that pool!... N-nonono, get me three!
(She acts like such a kid... forget being a gold digger, she's a platinum miner.)

After signing an autograph, Scale looks to his left, which was where Soul was... before she had wandered off to look at more of the sea creatures behind the thick glass.

WHAT ARE THOSE.
Ah! Those would be orcas. Also known as the 'killer wha--
Five. I want five of them.
I didn't finish speaking.
Yeah? Well, I did finish making up my mind! That's 3 sharks, and 5 killers. I hope you have a pen and paper.

Scale sighs, relinquishing any bit of protest he had left with his exhale.

Exactly how long do you plan to go around looking for fish you find fascinating?
Until I get bored. Duh?

---

Three seeming teenagers sit in a roundtable, in a secluded room.

...Alright, guys. It's been about a whole week since the last day she's attended, and we've gotten no reasoning as to her repeated absences. This isn't the first class-cutting spree she's gone on... but she's stinking upn the class average. Y-yeah... B-but... maybe she's sick? It's not out of the question that maybe she had a cold, and-- Cut the crap. We all know you're her only friend. You have a clear bias. How are you to be trusted?
...Sorry.
Hey, Clair has just as much a right to be as concerned as we do. Vyolen our classmate-- not just some responsibility. Cello calmly diverts his attention towards Clair, with a look of worry of his own. Clair seems reluctant to return this gaze, however.

And I'm sure you wouldn't lie about something like that. You know her best-- Might you be able to get in touch with her?
She hasn't responded to any of my texts...
Oh?
...but! I can still try! And if she decides to ignore me, I could pay her place a visit as well!
Tch.
That sounds fair. We'll give it until the end of the week. If there's no dice, we'll have to take more drastic measures.
...Thanks.

Tuba, who has already gotten out of his seat, glares at the two with his arms folded.

Why is she such a burden on our conscious? She's been a loudmouth to us, and it's not like she's given our cares the light of day. I think we're concerned for the wrong reasons, here.
That's not how it works. It doesn't matter what we are to her. She's one of us.
...Whatever. Just... don't expect me to get all enthusiastic at whatever happens. She could be a sleeping beauty for all I care.
!!

While the both of them are shocked at Tuba's words, he pops a smirk to himself, and walks out of the empty room.

How do you like me now, clumsy monster?
You forgot to mute me.

Vyolen almost topples forward out of surprise from Walter.

Uh.... no I didn't? I never meant to! Because I have nothing to hide! At all!
...I see. I would've told you about how I wanted to introduce you to a certain someone... but I guess you met her yourself, didn't you?
Yep! And right after we met and we instantly became the bestest of friends and are currently living happily ever after! But she's busy, so I have to answer this call instead!
OH!... really? That's... wow! I thought you guys would surely end up doing something crazy.
Naaaaah. W-we're getting along fine!
....
...That's more than I could ask for. Thanks.

Walter's tone seems to sober Vyolen from her hasty disposition. Not waiting for a reply, he continues.

Cliche as it sounds... while I like to think I'm good at helping people... there's one person I just... couldn't save... I failed. Miserably.
...
That was someone I loved a lot. The person I didn't know I cherished so much until she was taken from me. It's... heh... kinda pathetic, I know.
N-not... really...
So I figured... even if I could never truly atone for my own failure... the least I could do was pour all the affection I had for her and more... into the one... momento of her she left behind. I've tried so hard... and it's true she's a little mischievous... but isn't everyone a little?
(A little...?)
But there are a few things that I can't be the one to give her. One of those are friends. But you... I don't have the words to express my gratitude to you. Thanks, Vy.

Vyolen is silent.
Hey, sorry for springing that on you. But is it okay if we keep this chat to us for a bit?
....Vy?

---

The guest room door makes an unlocking sound. It opens, and then there are footsteps coming out.

...

Vyolen simply stands there with her head and arms down.

Hellooooo? Vyolen?... Sweetie? Anyone?
...Go ahead. It's him.

Salsa stands right above an overcooked Flamenco, whom is dead center in the extremely large crater.. Nonchalantly, he rests a foot on Flamenco's ribage, talking down at the now-body.

...Eh? Finished already, boy? The whole point was to light a fire in you.... Metaphorically and literally.
...
Now, I wonder... what happened to all that excitement I saw from that other fight? Do I have to dress up as some haughty blonde girl to excite you, you little reprobate? How mighty the Igna have fallen.
...
...

After seeing Salsa's state once more, Flamenco lets out a chuckle, though it seems slightly bitter in nature. He grins with malice as he prepares a small Round Burner of his own in his palm.

...So you really are done. How unfortunate. Then there is nothing to do but eliminate you. Our clan needs not the weak. So you can die, right here. Not just like the weakling dog you are...
...but also the pitiful ones your parents were as well.
...
...
Farewell, lost child. May paradise treat you well.

Salsa releases the Round Burner... which releases a sudden spike in size, right before crashing onto Flamenco. Immediately a large explosion rangs out. Salsa still lingers in his current position...

...

...shocked, to see Flamenco standing as well, this time with strange flames envigorating and radiating through him sharply.

...Grrhh...! Gghhh... Gh!
..GHHHHHH!!!!
Ah... not out yet, are you? (What in increase in power!? The density of his strength has skyrocketed!!)
GGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!

Flashing his arms and legs in different directions, a white, flaming sphere of energy surrounds him, growing larger and larger before suddenly pressing against Salsa himself!

Well done... but now that we've brought your power to the surface... we need to work on your control.

Flamenco shoves his arms into the sphere of energy, imploding it and knocking Flamenco slightly backwards. This seems not to be enough to make Flamenco fall, although his lack of balance from inexperience makes it more a challenge. With a rather casual approach, Salsa does a spinning Red Roundhouse. However...

HROAHHHH!!!!
!?

Flamenco uses his foot to parry Salsa's, staunchly trying to push it back in defiance of the older Igna!

Th-this...!? (To make me readjust my power...! ... Can this boy really maintain the prodigious potential hidden within him?)

---

Round Burner (Flame/Missile)- The user throws out an oval-shaped heat-seaking fireball. Gains more speed and power the more distance has been traveled. over groun
Red Roundhouse (Flame/Impact)- Amplified a powerful flaming aura, the user does a strong roundhouse kick.

I'VE ALREADY BEEN THROUGH HELL ONCE AND I'M NOT GOING THERE TWICE!!

in an anxious rush, Vyolen picks up the phone off the ground, and accepts the call.

You have reached the Oliver residence.
Vy? So you did make it to my place! Sorry for being a bit va--
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!

She races away into the halls, in a very futile attempt to escape without haning up-- which would make her even more suspicious.

---

...Did I traumatize her?

---

After dragging him an extremely far distance away from Opera's house, Soul grabs Scale by the collar.

Do you wanna die?
Not exactly, but not because of fear. I can't end up perishing in some trivial manner when I'm destined to outlive the ultimate fate of the universe.
In English, jerk! Not in Dork!
....No.

Soul lets go of Scale. While she responds, he takes the time to dust himself off.

Th-then... don't call me soft. I'm not that kind of person. And I don't need others getting the wrong idea about that as well.
I'm not insulting you. I'm just saying you can be more sensitive then you let on. And I admire that.
Keh! Good for you, Player. but I don't need admiration. Least of all from the likes of you!
...Right. I'll see you around, then, 'Strong Independent Woman'.

Scale begins to start walking away... before a strong force from behind yanks him back.

I didn't say leave, stupid. I'm bored, and I can't beat people up anymore. You're rich. So... I figured you could make me not bored.

N-not like that night! That was a one time thing, and--
Alright, fine. I myself am quite bored, anyway.

Soul squints at this lack of reluctance.

And you promise you won't do anything embarrassing like call me "princess", or anything like that!?
...I had an interesting talk with Delta not so long ago. He said he did not enjoy seeing us argue.
So... I am not averse to making amends.

Scale extends a hand in front of Soul. She stares at it, and then back at him, before eventually turning her back on Scale.

Uhuh. Sure. Where to, then?
Have you ever been to an aquarium?

She turns around again to look back at him.

...The hell's that?

♫ Making The Action ♫

Arpeggione walks onwards with a slight limp. He curses under his own breath.

Nrgh... those little pests...! I coulda gotten 'er if the other one wasn't in the way!
Excuses. You were warned of their combined presence of a threat, and underestimated them. By the time you took them seriously, it was too late. Every second makes a difference.
Ah, shaddup. I'd tear all four've 'em up if I went at it again.
Don't even think about it. Report back. You've already shown your hand to them once, they'll be prepared for you a second time. Thanks to your screwup, an entirely new angle is necessary.
...Tchhht. Whutever.

---

A figure continues to sip Cappucino while looking towards a motherboard.

I hope this is a lesson to you... for your sake. I won't tolerate any haphazard slip-ups from you again.
Uhuh. There ain't no pleasin' you Oh Cee Dee folk, are there?
On the contrary. I believe my expectations are very easy to meet... so long as you can actually do what's expected of you.
Then havit your way, partner. You won't catch me lackin' like that again... you got my word. And I ain't never. Abandon my word...
...Very well. I suppose I can vouch for you there. Thank you, Arpeggione... a quite reassuring statement from your behalf.
...

---

Arpegionne looks up at the sky... then chuckles, contuining his walk.

Eyup... just she wait.

Ja! Danke scheon, freund!

Walter quickly begins dialing someone up...

---

Spooky. Thy most evil ways surely know no limitations... OoooOooOoOoOoooO....

Vyolen eyes the cup of green tea very carefully, but briefly enough for her not to seem creepy. After determining it eligible, she grabs the mug.

Whatever you say.... -except. "old" ones? Really? Aren't those proclaimed abominations just a bunch of fake mytho---
*generic telephone music used to indicate someone is calling*

...

Vyolen's attention is captured as she stares at the cordless phone ringing. She then looks back at the nefarious creature. Vyolen herself seems unsure of what to do in this situation.

(Well, it's not my house. I'll just let that thing take care of it. Hell, it's probably some just some nobodies there to advertise there own business. No biggie...)
(But... maybe it's Master? I wouldn't put it past him to call. That's also fine...)
(...fine... until the green monster I'm facing tells her I ate his stuff, broke his property, and acted mean to it.... fine... fine...)

Vyolen gets up without a word and begins walking towards the phone.

(If that wretch tattles on me my life is over!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Crash Man is a double-edged sword (maybe not as much as he should be, due to opponent AI). His skill does mean that boosts have a greater effect on him, but the same goes for debuffs. He is just as susceptible to be weakened as he is strengthened depending on what the opponent has.

Furthermore, any robot with access Water, Flame, or Cutter-type moves will have the ability to remove any positive stat boosts with Laser Trident or Fire Sword. So there are many ways his skill can be exploited.

(The boy is at a crossroads... He won't make any significant jumps in prowess If he does not learn to truly channel himself.)
(He will either become a warrior, enlightened by control... or a monster, consumed by rage. I wanted this to be settled far later... but it cannot be helped.)

---

♫ Hajime no Ippo New Challenger OST 14 - Footwork HQ ♫

Flamenco raises an eyebrow.

A duel? What is the purpose of this?
You will quickly find out child. Now, if you've finished your nagging, feel free to come at me as you wish.
Hmph... your funeral!

Flamenco creates two Fire Streams which launch him upwards, as during his descent he raises his arms wide open to slam at Salsa with an Overheated Leg-Dive. Salsa, on the other hand, merely holds an arm up to block the oncoming heel.

(I see... after those repeated drills, his precision has gone up a level... but!)

Salsa swings the arm he used to block Flamenco to the side, causing Flamenco to use two more Fire Streams to maintain himself afloat, this time on his legs. He throws two Round Burner at Salsa, who jumps over them with his arms behind his back, kicking a third Round Burner to explode before he touches ground. He uses the same leg to pick up a pebble, and kick it at the first one, which explodes, knocking the pebble back for Salsa to again kick towards the second Round Burner.

(He's trying to... toy with me..!?)
If you want me to take this seriously, you know what you must do.
Rrgh!

Flamenco de-equips the streams, dropping to the ground. He equips two Bonfire Bullwhips and swipes at Salsa with the fiery ropes. Salsa, however, easily tilts his body to avoid the whips, and parries off the ones which come from unfortunate angles!

RRRRRGH!

Fed up, Flamenco reels the bullwhips aside, and then steers them towards Salsa, but Salsa manages to grab them.

Your weapons should be used as an extension of yourself, foolish boy. Not an excuse to inflict pain.
YOU DARE TO CALL ME FOOLISH!!!!
No, I do not... a real dare is one with consequences.

With a light tug of the rope, Flamenco goes flying towards Salsa, who grabs him by the neck. Flamenco repeatedly punches and kicks at him, but Salsa shrugs it off, as he doesn't even budge at the threat of his attacks.

Who ever heard of such a young boy with the movements of an old woman? Your movements are so linear, so stiff, that they bring me to tears.
DGH... TGHR... GHH!!!!
Yes, I concur.

Salsa rearranges his arm's position, grabbing the front of Flamenco's face instead of neck. He then leaps several meters into the air with a running start...

You are extremely pathetic.

With lethal raw power, Salsa slams Flamenco down to the ground, releasing a huge crater.... which in of itself is engulfed in a gigantic orange explosion!!!

---

Fire Steam (Wind/Flame)- The user sprouts a geyser of flames which can be used as either a flamethrower or to modify their own trajectory, with more momentum the greater the volume.
Round Burner (Flame/Missile)- The user throws out an oval-shaped heat-seaking fireball. Gains more speed and power the more distance has been traveled. over ground.
Bonfire Bullwhips (Weapons)- Flamenco's personal weapons. Two flame-constructed whips which can each extend up to a mile long in total radius. Can be used in various ways. Are made out of a unique radiation which keeps them from being doused or fizzled out otherwise.
Come on and Slam, and Welcome to the Jam (Impact/Shield), (Flame/Explode)- Two part sequence. Salsa picks up the target and slams it down on the surface beneath them. Once slammed, he then releases a gigantic electromagnetic explosive heatwave, swallowing the target.

I just used my own to call Chase, so uh... I'm probably gonna pass.

Walter looks back at his cellular device, and nods to himself... then shakes to himself. He seems to have realized that being in the midst of the Bermuda Triangle means he no longer has any signal.

(I... I don't need to make a call regardless, right? Who would I call? My own protege whom I abandoned with only few instructions left behind? My child who I gave no warning about said protege of?...)
(...That's not a proper way to think. I can't run from my own responsibilities. After all, I'm the adult. I should make proper contact to make sure everything goes well.... I at least owe that much to them.)

Walter suddenly speaks out.

Pretty pleeeeease? I would like to make a very important phone call.

---

Vyolen half-scoffs, half-groans. She sits upright.

Cut it with the crazy talk, cat-cyclops idfk whatever your name is. It's not like he's gonna kill me... probably. Perhaps, maybe. Actually I don't want to discuss the likelihood of that..
Jeez. Your old man is weird... and you're as weird or weirder (Also, I'm noticing a distinct lack of a maternal figure.... probably best not to ask, though...). I wonder if all "gods" are like this...

---

Sitting down on a boulder up high, Salsa sighs to himself as he looks down on someone from above.

One more time should be enough. Again.

Salsa snaps his fingers, coming large sparks of flames to come flying out of it... and towards Flamenco!

I will no longer fail!

Though their timing is unsteady, Flamenco parries the sparks one by one. His defense seems to be unable to be penetrated.... until it is by sheer volume alone, as a fleet of sparks overwhelm him, resulting in a large explosion that knocks him down.

I failed...!
As I thought... thus amplified by the insecurities brought to you by your nemesis... this has turned into a rather troublesome predicament...

Dusting himself off, Flamenco eagerly gets in Salsa's face.

This is pointless! No matter how many I attempt defend, I will always be struck from sheer volume in the end!
Not quite. You cannot deflect them all due to a fault in your own character.
...?
I am referring to your rashness. You are hot-blooded, which is good for Igna. But you let your emotions run wild, instead of putting them on a leash. Or rather, maybe you are wearing the leash to begin with.
It's not that there's too many sparks to parry successfully. You are irritated by the amount, and thus rush to block them all, which interferes with your timing and accuracy.
...And the solution to this would be..!?
A simple one. Listen up, boy... to further access your latent potential... we are going to work you into gaining full control over your emotions.

The woman and her horse obtain 3 Coupon Booklets, and 3 Gym Memberships.

---

After entering Stat Training 5x (500), Sleipnir exits almost instantly, gaining 10 Speed!
Speed: 90 --> Speed: 100

---

Sleipnir and Valkyrie Woman then takes 2x new Skills (750), obtaining...

Fastest Stallion --> Fastallion
-This unit gains one AP if they move at least third. If they move earlier, then they gain one action point for every place earlier.

Divine Protection --> Celestial Might
-Increases the unit's stat stages by one every turn. This unit starts the raid with Light Scourge status.

Valk then walks Sleipnir over to the other shop areas to see if there is something that he would like them to purchase.

---

He takes 3x Large Coffees (900) and 2x Large Bacon Pizzas (3000). Valkyrie seems a little taken aback by Sleipnir's seeming tastes...

---

Finally, returning to the training grounds, Sleipnir nabs an Upgrade Ability (375), turning Speed Star into...

Speedy Star | 12 WE (6 for STAB) | 100% Accuracy | 45 Damage
Gains two additional hits for every Level the user has, and two additional hits for ever 10 Speed the user has. Accuracy is depleted by a percent for every hit which connects.

---

Total Zenny Spent: 5525Ƶ
Total Crown Coins Spent: 6

And where are you going? Surely, you know we must discuss what just happened?
...
What more's there to discuss? A bozo came. We stopped them. We head our separate ways... ain't gotta be any more complicated than that.
I am no fiddle to be played, sister. It is your fault this entire occasion happened in the first place.

Soul hesitates; Opera continues.

Huh? Uh... well, that's... not quite the full picture...
I had tried to warn you to cease your constant, wreckless street fighting... but you will learn only the hard way. As I should have expected from the only one I know as stubborn as I.
...Hnph..
Do you truly think my worries for Delta's safety were a mere superstition now? That I was exaggerating when I said you could drag him into something dangerous? We are very lucky the situation had managed to be dismantled.
Sh-sheesh! Delta this, Delta that! If you're so concerned for that little midget's safety, can't he stay with you? I don't need that runt slowing me down anyway!
...
...I had never considered that!

Opera puts her hands to the side of her head....

It is quite lonesome without you or he to visit me... a-and, his company would be much appreciated... but I would not want him here against his own will...!
(She's already a slave to the idea.)

---

So... I'm staying here???
Yes. I have... very important business to attend to on my own. So I can't take you with me, kid.

Soul takes a knee, and puts a hand on Delta's head.

But if you're a good kid, I'll see you around.
Okie. I'll be extra good, so we can have extra fun next time!
That's what I like to hear, brat.
What if there is a chance you hurt someone to the point of threatening their well-being?
I mean, I'll pray for em'...
...But still beat 'em down anyway!
...

Opera sighs, seemingly a signal of giving in.

You will never change, sibling. You will never change.
Really? Then I gues she won't ever stop being such a softieow hey ouch ouch OUCH! Unhand me, brute!

Soul drags Scale all the way outside by the ear while giving Delta a final look. The latter whom waves at Soul, who gives a small wave of her own, while leaving.