Fubuki Sumiye: The Escape from Dread Tower (Book 2)(Completed)

Ep 28: Settling the Score!

The next morning started off with Boa and Hae Jin Oh. Boa won, sending Hae Jin into the shadowy depths of the Dread Tower.

At this point things felt like they were picking up. There were only 9 bladers left and soon the semi finals were going to start after today's last battle.

After talking to Boa he too suspected there was something bad going on that involved Theodore and Phi. That only helped Valt, Aiger and Fubuki build up a case against them.

The stakes were getting higher and soon only a couple of bladers would be left. Fighting for survival and the possible chance to challenge Phi.

The first couple of battles were a bit more on the relaxed side but after seeing what's truly going on that only inspired Fubuki to do more training.

But after lunch the next battle only seemed like torture. Valerie vs Vincent. A long awaited battle to finally settle the score.

This time it was Fubuki's turn to talk to Vincent. All morning he hadn't been seen, not in the hallways or in his room. Not even at the cafeteria. Fubuki suspected he was in the training room.

Opening the door Vincent stood over the stadium launching.

"You okay Vincent?"

"Yeah I'm  just nervous that's all before the battle comes the battle of your mentally. Sometimes things can depend on your mindset on whether you're thinking clearly or not."

"If you...fall, I'm going to miss..."

"I'm not going anywhere, Fubuki. I may not be here after this battle but I can assure you that we will meet again."

Vincent went back to launching and Fubuki watched.

"You want to take a break? You're starting to make a puddle of sweat."

"Sure."

Even though Vincent said he was taking a break he turned on the TV looking at battles of Valerie.

"Hey Vincent, when you're up there I want you to remember what I'm about to say."

"Okay."

"Just breathe, this is what you have been training towards. Face it with the same confidence you had before."

"Thanks Fubuki."

"No, thank you Vincent. For a while now you've been my teacher while I've been away from Shu. And I guess it's time for me to be yours."

"That is true we can always learn something from someone else."

"So how would you say I should battle? I've got a few ideas like charging in or..."

"Charging in won't do anything, Valerie is a strong opponent and she knows what's coming. But so do you which is why you concentrate on Vahagn and not Valerie."

"Thanks Fubuki, I guess the student has become the master."

Before leaving the boys hugged and Fubuki walked off getting the message.

******

After getting an early dinner Fubuki made his way to the Dread Tower arena.

The seats were packed and Fubuki almost tripped getting to his seat.

Sitting next to Valt and Aiger he sat down.

Valerie came out wearing a smirk while Vincent was not even cracking a smile. He was very serious and determined.

Once they stepped up to the stadium that's when the trash talking started. Fubuki could tell Valerie was taunting and toying with him but he was not budging.

The first battle started off with Venatrix attacking Vahagn. Valerie was silent, still smirking while Vincent was laser focused on the battle.

Venatrix slammed into Vahagn. It flew out of the stadium bursting. Vincent was smiling and having fun. While a shadow had crossed over Valerie's face.

The realization of Vincent being stronger hit Valerie. Hunching over her then she got serious. A dark purple aura surrounded her and her hair was glowing through the wind.

Vincent got the message, unlike Valerie's aura his was white and green like nature. Venatrix the Huntress stood behind Vincent. Her hood was mainly covering her face and her cloak was camouflage.

While a knight riding a dragon with an ominous glow was behind Valerie.

Both beys bursted, Valerie was lucky because looking back on the video footage Venatrix bursted a bit earlier.

At this point Vincent was starting to lose his cool. Valerie was picking him apart. But then just as she thought she had the upper hand she was wrong.

Closing his eyes Vincent slowly breathed in and out. Fubuki knew exactly what he was doing and it only made him smile even more.

Lowering his head his eyes started glowing and his energy picked up.

Valerie did the same.

Holding out their launchers the battle began. This time Vahagn started attacking with its move: Blazing Burn.

Venatrix was still hanging on but Vincent was starting to have trouble again.

But what Fubuki couldn't figure out was what was going on down there.

Vahagn and Venatrix collided in a duel of resonance. The fight was so fierce, Fubuki could feel the wind from his seat.

Valerie started laughing and that's when Fubuki realized what she was after.

Through the fog Vahagn had broken Venatrix. Vincent was silent on his knees, staring down at the pieces of Venatrix. Fubuki felt for him but he was more angry at Valerie.

She was laughing hysterically, while Vincent was just silent. Picking up the pieces Vincent left. He jumped over the trap doors but he never gave in.

And that's something Fubuki admired about Vincent even though he lost he still didn't give up.

So that's why we have to keep fighting. Even when everyone is missing,
Even when it feels like they're winning,
And especially when all hope seems lost. Because that's what makes a true blader. Fighting to the end.

Fubuki wandered if he would see Vincent again but he already knew the answer, in due time they would meet again.

Valerie walked offstage and everyone started heading out.

Fubuki headed to bed, changing into his pajamas he opened up the balcony doors. The cool night air felt good. Leaning against the railing Fubuki stood there thinking about everything. But other than thinking he sat there enjoying the view.

Even though the Dread Tower was creepy the sunset was something that always made Fubuki smile.