Michele GQ

GQ - OP

[center]Shortly before the start of the great war with the gods, a mysterious black object lands in Lizeria's Republic of La Veda.

Curious, a young lady makes her way towards the strange object...[/center]


[b]Maiden in Red:[/b]
Pretty sure it fell around here somewhere...but...


[b]Maiden in Red:[/b]

What is this thing...?


It just looks like a lump of black metal...


[b]Black Object:[/b]
Mel...chi...o...


*Whiiiiirrrrrrr*


[b]Maiden in Red:[/b]

Huh?! Wh-What's happening?!

The lump of metal's moving?!


*Vrrowwwmmm*


[b]Black Object:[/b]
...............scanning system...stable.
Energy levels.........stable.
Expected results.........
30% discrepancy.

Initiating self-repair.


[b]Maiden in Red:[/b]

Umm...
Hey, you. Can you understand what I'm saying?


[b]Black Object:[/b]

Affirmative.
Linguistic functions remain intact.


[b]Maiden in Red:[/b]

So you can understand me, huh?


[b]Michele:[/b]
I'm Michele.

Do you have a name?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]
My name is Duel-GX.

I have come to defeat Melchio.

His only purpose is to massacre everything in sight, ultimately destroying this world.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Is that the "Ten-Winged Tormentor" everyone's been talking about?
They say he destroyed some village in the blink of an eye...

Are you really...gonna fight...that Melchio guy?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Affirmative. My orders are to exterminate him.


[b]Michele:[/b]

......

We're talking about the guy who's scaring away all the annoying nobles who plan to leave the poorest behind to suffer in their stead...right?

......


...this could turn out to be fun.


Okay, I'm coming with you!

The people of this country can't let a dangerous guy like that loose to wreck everything!
If no one's gonna do anything about it, then I will!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Alert: Mission difficulty too high. Battle proficiency insufficient.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Shut up!
I'm gonna help you, so you should be grateful to me!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Battle proficiency still insufficient.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Oh, be quiet. I'll get stronger along the way, so don't worry about it.

Now let's go!


Duall......YX, was it?

...or something like that?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

I am Duel-GX.


[b]Michele:[/b]

......

What a boring name...
Let's see here...


[b]Michele:[/b]

......


[b]Michele:[/b]

......


I got it!
From now on, you're "Crabby."


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

"Cra...bby"...?


[b]Michele:[/b]

Yeah, "Crabby."


It's way better than that super long and weird name of yours!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......

My designated name is "Duel-GX."
New names are unnecessary.


[b]Michele:[/b]

What is it?
Are you gonna tell me you don't like the name I gave you even though I worked so hard to come up with it?


Now listen, your name starting from today is...

*,type=PARAM,id=36,param=0:3:14:14
C-R-A-B-B-Y!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Linguistic functions malfunctioning. Does not compute.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Let's go already!


But you know, you're gonna cause quite the commotion out here in the open.

Follow me.


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Destination?


[b]Michele:[/b]

My mansion's not that far from here. People shouldn't be able to see you if we go inside.


Okay, let's go!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Understood.

Shall refer to you as my master from this point.

Looking forward to working with you, master.


[b]Michele:[/b]

"Master"?
You don't have to call me that.


If you want to refer to me in any way...then...


..."Michele" is fine! I'll make an exception just for you.


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Understood, Michele.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Yeah! That's much better.

All right, Crabby! Let's get going!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Michele, my name is not Crabby. I am Duel...

----------------------

GQ Part 1


[b]Lodin:[/b]
Grr...


Melchio... I'll remember your name...


You're strong, that's for sure.
But I can't lose just yet!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Ugh! Dad just doesn't get it!
If he's so worried about his daughter, then why doesn't he lead his own squadron to defeat Melchio himself!


How dare he tell me I can't do it!
That's not gonna change my mind!


And just what did he mean by "you don't know what you're saying"?!
I know exactly what I'm saying!

Hey, Crabby! Are you even listening to me?!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Paternal figure's response was logical.


[b]Michele:[/b]

......


I shouldn't have asked you...


*Sigh* Well, whatever.
Anyway, how are you feeling?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Stable.
System repairs are almost 100% complete.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Really? That's good to hear, I guess.

By the way, <wait=2->there's something I wanna ask you.
I know you fell outta the sky and all, but where exactly did you come from?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......

My origins are of another world.


[b]Michele:[/b]

......


Wow, that's cool.


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Are you not afraid?


[b]Michele:[/b]

No. Why should I be?
I just wanted to know the whole story after finding you, is all.

So, you came here from another world to destroy Melchio, right?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Affirmative.

I landed in this location during my pursuit of Melchio.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Melchio, eh...

Hey Crabby.
Can you tell me more about this Melchio guy?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Understood.

Melchio and I share the same creator.
Shortly after our creation, Melchio destroyed our world.


[b]Michele:[/b]

He destroyed a whole world...? That's crazy talk...


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

If Melchio isn't stopped...
...this world shall be destroyed as well.


[b]Michele:[/b]

But why?! Why is he doing this?!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Unknown.


[b]Michele:[/b]

I can't let that crazy guy blow up the world just like that!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

That is my reason for being here.
Why I came to this world.

My purpose.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Your purpose, huh? Hmm...


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Receiving readings of Melchio from nearby area.
Conclusion: Target is in close range.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Hmm...
Okay, I think I have an idea of what's going on here.


By the way, I heard that some town was recently destroyed by an angel.


......


So that'll be our first stop! We're going to that town!
We might be able to gather some information on Melchio there.


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......

Mobilizing with Michele would be inefficient.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Why you...little Crab--


I'm the one who chooses who comes along in this journey! You got that?!
You don't get the right to decide anything!

So listen up, because you...!

----------------------

Part 2

[b]Michele:[/b]
You're coming with me to defeat Melchio!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Duel-GX will defeat Melchio.
Michele represents a liability. Aid deemed unnecessary.


[b]Michele:[/b]

What are you talking about?!


I can't let such a fun opportunity pass me by just like that!!


Besides, you just finished your repairs. I can't let you go out there alone to break yourself all over again.


And now that I think about it, do you even have proof that you can beat Melchio by yourself?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......


[b]Michele:[/b]

Well, that settles that. I'm taking you with me.

Now you're under my orders!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......

Understood.
Melchio represents an imminent threat.
Precaution is necessary...


[b]Michele:[/b]
Now that we're good to go, let's make our way to that village!

Crabby! What are you doing all the way over there? Hurry up already!

----------------------

Part 3

[b]Michele:[/b]
You're staying right here! I'll go beat Melchio by myself!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Duel-GX will defeat Melchio.
Michele represents a liability. Aid deemed unnecessary.


[b]Michele:[/b]

What are you talking about?!
Are you gonna break yourself all over again after just getting yourself fixed?!
You stay put right here!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Repairs are 100% complete.
No obstacles anticipated for mobilization.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Are you deaf? I said stay put.

Listen when I'm talking to you!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......

I cannot do as you command.


[b]Michele:[/b]


...!!


......
Fine. Have it your way.


If you're gonna do whatever you want, then I will too!!
I can take that Melchio guy all by myself!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Melchio represents an imminent threat.
Please, reconsider.


[b]Michele:[/b]


Shut up!!

I said I'd go, and I will!

So you stay right here and wait for the news of my victory over Melchio!

----------------------

Part 4

[b]Tiara:[/b]
I-I understand.
I-I'll see what I can do...


*,type=PARAM,id=8,param=1:0&0&0


[b]Tiara:[/b]
*Sigh*


[b]Michele:[/b]

You're Tiara, child of the gods. Am I right?

Or is "child of the demons" better? Not really sure.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

What?!

Wh-Who are you?! And what do you want with me all of the sudden?!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Me?
I'm Michele.

I'm on my way to beat up some guy named "Melchio."
But I heard he's gonna be tough to bring down...
...so I'm looking for strong people to help me out! That's how your name came up.


So, let's get going.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

What?!


N-No, I...

The villagers asked me to do something for them earlier, so...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Yeah, I saw that.


But it sounds to me like they're using you, more than just asking for a favor.
I didn't see them give you an ounce of gratitude for what you're doing.

So you shouldn't trouble yourself doing things for them in the first place.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Really...?

Because I don't think that would be--


[b]Michele:[/b]

Who cares! Let's just go!

----------------------

Part 5

[b]Michele:[/b]
C'mon, let's go!

I mean, you must've noticed after a while, right?
People either fear you or use you.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

B-But see...


I-I'm just grateful for them taking me in....
So I just want to show my appreciation...


[b]Michele:[/b]


Excuse me?! Are you an idiot or something?!


You have powers others can only dream of! Who cares about all this stuff?!
Live your life doing the things that you actually wanna do!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

But...I can't...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Oh, I get it.
You don't have any friends, do you?


It's because you're of divine descent that you feel so distant to others...
...and have turned out this gloomy, right?


......
Yeah, this should work out just fine.
Be my friend.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Excuse me?

F-Friend?

Aren't you...scared of me?


[b]Michele:[/b]

Why should I be afraid of you?


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Well, because I'm half a goddess, and half a demon...


[b]Michele:[/b]

So what?


Just because you're half of each...
...I'm supposed to either fear you or revere you?


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Well, no but...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Right?

Then what's the big deal?


[b]Tiara:[/b]

......


[b]Michele:[/b]

......

So, what's it gonna be?


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Huh?


[b]Michele:[/b]

Are you gonna be my friend or not?


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Oh!


......

Please become my friend...
Miss...Michele...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Sure, why not.
But just call me "Michele."
It's weird for a friend to call me "miss" and stuff like that.


Well, let's get going then.
You're gonna help me beat Melchio, right?


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Yes...


Oh, but that favor the villagers asked me for...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Just forget about it.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

But I already told them I would do it. If I don't, then...


[b]Michele:[/b]

I see...


Then why don't you just put it off till after we defeat Melchio?

I mean, it's not like they asked you for something urgent.
After we get rid of Melchio you can come back and do whatever you need to.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

......
O-Okay. I'll do that...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Great! Things should be pretty fun from now on, Tiara.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Yes, I do hope so...

......


...Michele.

----------------------

Part 6

[b]Michele:[/b]
C'mon, let's go!

I mean, you must've noticed after a while, right?
People either fear you or use you.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

B-But see...


It can't be helped if they feel that way about me...


[b]Michele:[/b]

What are you talking about?
Have you lived your whole life thinking like that?


[b]Tiara:[/b]

......


[b]Michele:[/b]
......


*Sigh*

You know what?
You disappoint me.


Have fun living your entire life putting yourself down.


[b]Tiara:[/b]
......

But it can't be helped...

I'm half a goddess and half a demon...

This is the only way...

----------------------

Part 7

[b]Zelban:[/b]
Hmm...
The dragon's nest is supposed to be around this area, but...

...finding this dragon the villagers want exterminated is quite the task in itself....


ROOOOOOAAAARRR!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Hmm? That roar!

It's on the other side!!


[b]Dragon:[/b]

ROOOOOOAAAARRR!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Not bad.


But how do you like this?!


[b]Dragon:[/b]

GRRAAAAWWW!!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Hmph.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

I shall assist you!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Huh?!

Wait! What do you think you're doing?!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Hyah!!


[b]Dragon:[/b]

GRRAAAAWWW!!


[b]Zelban:[/b]
Phew...

That was extremely dangerous.
It looks like you know what your weapons are for, but you shouldn't push your luck.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Wh-Wh-What...?!


EXCUSE YOU?!


I was just about to take down that dragon and you just waltz in here like you're the star of the show?!

You talk like you saved me or something...
...but the truth is that your skills are so bad that you needed me to weaken the dragon for you...
...so you hid the whole time until you thought it was almost dead, right?!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Grr...

Are you...mocking me?


[b]Michele:[/b]

Hah! Are YOU looking for a fight?
Bring it on then!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

I have no intentions of fighting a mere girl.

However, I think it's the perfect opportunity to teach you a lesson.
You shall learn that there will always be others who are better than yourself.

----------------------

Part 8


[b]Michele:[/b]
I like you!
Join me!!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

What's this all of the sudden?


[b]Michele:[/b]

Oh, I haven't told you yet, but I'm on my way to beat some guy named Melchio.
And I'm looking for people who might be able to help me out.


You've got pretty decent skills, so it might be fun bringing you along.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

I know not of what you speak, and I am very busy with my training.


[b]Michele:[/b]

So?
Going on a journey would be the perfect way to train.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

I don't do well with others. My apologies, but I must decline.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Are you serious?


Or are you just too chicken to fight Melchio?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Hah! I shall not be provoked so easily.

...but I shall ask you something, just out of curiosity.


[b]Michele:[/b]

What?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Is that Melchio of yours strong?


[b]Michele:[/b]

Yeah, he's strong.

Everyone says he's destroyed a bunch of villages already.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

......


[b]Michele:[/b]

It looks like he came from another world too.
Doesn't that make him a one of a kind opponent?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

......

It does. I believe I should also make my way towards this Melchio.
I'm sure he would make good practice for my La Veda fencing style.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Hmph. Why couldn't you just answer like that in the first place?

Okay then, now...


[b]Zelban:[/b]
Halt! Do not misunderstand me!

Michele...is your name, correct? I shall not become your travel companion.
I will go defeat Melchio on my own.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Say what?!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

......

However, if you decide to come along, I shall not stop you.


[b]Michele:[/b]

......


Hmm... Okay, I guess.

Let's see if you can show me the real essence of that sword art of yours.

----------------------

Part 9

[b]Michele:[/b]
I like you!
Join me!!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

What's this all of the sudden?


[b]Michele:[/b]

I'm looking for people to help me defeat this guy named Melchio.

So how about it? Wanna join me?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Melchio?


[b]Michele:[/b]

You've heard of him, right? The big armored guy with the wings and stuff?

The one everyone keeps talking about.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Yes, I had heard something about him...

But do you actually believe these stories?


[b]Michele:[/b]

Well, even if you don't wanna believe in the stories, the damage he's causing is still real you know!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

......

That may be the case, but...


[b]Michele:[/b]

......


*Sigh* What a let down.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Pardon me?


[b]Michele:[/b]

You know what, let's forget I ever invited you to join me, okay?

Even if your skills seem somewhat useful...
...I don't wanna be stuck with such a halfhearted guy the whole time.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

You dare mock me?!


[b]Michele:[/b]

I'm not. I'm just being honest.
I've lost all interest in you.

See ya, ya stiff old-fashioned knight.


[b]Zelban:[/b]
What in the...
The nerve!!

----------------------

Part 10

[b]Melchio:[/b]
......


[b]Melchio:[/b]
Initializing self-diagnosis...

Switching to auto-mode until diagnosis is complete...


[b]Lodin:[/b]
I finally found you.

But this time...
This time I ain't gonna lose.

You stole my pride as a knight.
But I'm here to take it back!


[b]Melchio:[/b]
Hostile presence detected.

Transitioning to auto-counter mode.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Shut your trap already!

Face me like a man!!

----------------------

Part 11

[b]Lodin:[/b]

How did ya like that?!


[b]Melchio:[/b]
Systems have taken...considerable damage...

Primary...functions...shutting...down...


[b]Lodin:[/b]

He stopped moving...

Did I pull it off...?

......


[b]Melchio:[/b]

......


[b]Lodin:[/b]

I won...
I beat him...


I WON!!!


I knew it!!
I'm the invincible knight of freedom!

I don't lose to anyone. No one can hold me back.
The Melchio who tried to break me has been crushed!!


*Whiiiiirrrrrrr*


[b]Melchio:[/b]
Recovery mode initiating.
System restoration in T-10800 seconds.

Analytical program's assessment:
Evacuation of current location...
...and relocation to another world deemed most optimal course.

Systems restarting... Proceeding with world relocation...


----------------------

Part 12

[b]Lodin:[/b]
Argh...


[b]Melchio:[/b]

Total number of enemies confirmed.
Extent of damage confirmed.

All systems and functions in defensive mode.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

C-Crap...


[b]Melchio:[/b]

......

Switching to energy restoration mode.
Moving to a safer location.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

W-Wait...


[b]Melchio:[/b]

......


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Blast it!!


He could care less about fighting me...

But I...


DARN IT ALL!!


Does this mean...I can't beat that monster...by myself...?

----------------------

Part 13

[b]Michele:[/b]

*Sigh*


It looks like there's no peace or order left around these parts either.
Is this Melchio's fault too?


We have to get rid of him before things get any worse...


[b]Lodin:[/b]
Did you say "Melchio"?!


[b]Michele:[/b]
Eeeek!!


Wh-Who the heck are you?!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Yo, lady.
You said "Melchio" just now, didn't you?


[b]Michele:[/b]

Y-Yeah... But what's it to you?


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Why do you know his name?


[b]Michele:[/b]

Why...? The real question here is why should I have to tell you anything at all.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Stop wasting my time and just answer the stupid question!!


[b]Michele:[/b]
Excuse you?!
And just what gave you the idea that you could talk to me like that?!

First of all, don't you even know how to ask questions politely?!
I have absolutely noooo intentions of dealing with the likes of you!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Whatcha say?!


[b]Michele:[/b]

I should be the one asking YOU why you know Melchio!
So you spill the beans first!

And depending on what information you have, I may or may not tell you what I know.


[b]Michele:[/b]
Hmm.... I see.
So you challenged Melchio to a fight, and then he beat you to a sorry pulp.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

......
You can say whatever you want, but that guy's no joke.

I mean, you said it yourself, the guy's trying to blow this world into pieces.
That alone should tell you how strong he is.


But it looks like you're after Melchio too, huh?
If that's the case, then I'll back you up.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Say what?

Back me up?
Didn't you lose against him?
How's a loser like you gonna be of any use to me on the battlefield?


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Tsch. Yeah, I did lose to him...


But...


*,type=PARAM,id=36,param=0:8:13:13
ROOOOOOAAAARRR!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Ugh...
What is it this time? Some kinda monster?

What are the knights of this town doing? They shouldn't be letting monsters in!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

......

Perfect timing.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Hey! What do you think you're doing with that weapon?!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Just shut up and watch.


And after it's all said and done, then you can see how much of a loser I really am!!

----------------------

PArt 14

[b]Lodin:[/b]
Rising Quasar!


*,type=PARAM,id=36,param=0.1:15:13:15

*,type=PARAM,id=8,param=2:210&255&0


[b]Michele:[/b]

......

Well, well. You didn't do so bad getting rid of that small fry.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Yeah, it's true that Melchio's beat me a bunch of times...


...but I ain't gonna quit till I take him down.
So I ain't no loser! Imma keep at it till I come out on top!!


[b]Michele:[/b]

......


Well, you sure like to talk big. But it sounds to me like you're just a sore loser.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Grr... Why you--!!!


[b]Michele:[/b]

But I don't mind you, even if you're a loser.
I'll let you come with me as a special favor.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

You don't mind me...even though I'm a loser...?


......
Tsch, fine. Whatever.

I've fought Melchio more times than I can count.
So I'll tell you this from the get go.
Preparation alone's hard enough.

So when we're out there fighting, you gotta follow my lead and--


[b]Michele:[/b]
Wait, what?
We're gonna go beat him right now! So get moving or I'll leave you behind!!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

H-Hey!
I wasn't done talking yet!!

----------------------

Part 15

[b]Lodin:[/b]
Rising Quasar!


[b]Michele:[/b]

......

Well, well. You didn't do so bad getting rid of that small fry.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

I'm telling you, you should take the help I'm offering you.
Our goals are the same anyway.


[b]Michele:[/b]

......

You're right.
But, that's as far as we go.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

But why?! I showed you what I can do!!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Yeah, and I do think you're pretty strong.
But aren't you just trying to use my power for your own ends?


[b]Lodin:[/b]

W-Well...


N-No! But what's wrong with that anyway?
That's what squads are made for!


[b]Michele:[/b]

When you put it that way, it doesn't sound so bad.

You use me, I use you.
Yeah, I guess it's not a bad trade off.

But I don't want that kind of relationship with my companions.
I want to fulfill my mission with people I actually enjoy having around.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

How can you act so laid back?!

Melchio's trying to destroy our world!!
We don't have time for all that mushy crap!!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Yeah.
You're right.

But those are my preferences...
...and I'd just rather fight without you.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Preferences...?!


Hah! I don't even know why I thought I could count on you!

Just forget it.
But once I beat Melchio, you're gonna regret this!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Don't worry.


I'll tear him to pieces for you instead.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Whatever, lady!!

----------------------


Part 16

[b]Melchio:[/b]
Auto-mode on.

Energy accumulated at 30%.


[b]Michele:[/b]
We're finally here...

......
You're Melchio, right?


[b]Melchio:[/b]

......


[b]Michele:[/b]

Say something!


[b]Melchio:[/b]

......


[b]Michele:[/b]

ARE YOU MELCHIO OR NOT?!


[b]Melchio:[/b]

......


[b]Michele:[/b]

Ugh! He's totally ignoring me!


Fine. Then I'll show you something you won't be able to ignore!!


[b]Melchio:[/b]
Hostile presence confirmed.

Proceeding to auto-counterattack mode.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Here I come!!

----------------------


Part 17

[b]Michele:[/b]
Eat this!!


[b]Melchio:[/b]
Systems have taken...considerable damage...

Primary...functions...shutting...down...


[b]Michele:[/b]
*Huff* *huff* *huff*


...looks like I beat him somehow.


Melchio...
You were just as strong as the rumors said you were.
You've earned my respect.


However, you were really unlucky that I happened to live in the world you chose to destroy.


[b]Melchio:[/b]

......


[b]Michele:[/b]

Well, I guess that solves our problem. Who'd think we'd be done so soon.
And where should I go for my next adventure?


I think I wanna try countries outside La Veda next.


*Whiiiiirrrrrrr*


[b]Melchio:[/b]
Recovery mode initiating.
System restoration in T-10800 seconds.

Analytical program's assessment:
Evacuation of current location...
...and relocation to another world deemed most optimal course.

Systems restarting... Proceeding with world relocation...

----------------------

Part 18

[b]Tiara:[/b]

What happened to this village?!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]
Melchio's reaction was hostile.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

I've seen this type of disaster one too many times.
It was his doing for sure.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

But to cause this much destruction...

We must defeat him at all costs.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Crabby! Do you know where Melchio is right now?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Readings are coming in from Golzo Forest.


[b]Michele:[/b]

If we go after him there, we'll only maximize the area of damage, so we should avoid that if we can.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

I fought Melchio a bunch of times, and I was never a match for him.

Make sure you all watch your backs!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Are you serious? Why are you bringing that up now?
We're obviously not just gonna let our guard down! Are you dumb or something?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Keeping your eyes on the target and being cautious during battle are basic fighting principles.
They all go without saying.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

......


[b]Lodin:[/b]

......


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......

Lodin, understood.
Let us do our best together.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Y-Yeah...


[b]Tiara:[/b]

...by the way, Mr. Crabby.
You know this Melchio we are about to fight, don't you?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Affirmative.
We both share the same creator.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Does that mean you two are...siblings?!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Whether or not that is the correct term for our relationship remains unclear.
However, it may be easier for humans to process when labeling it as such.

But there are others...
Four others who share our origins.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Hmm... So that makes six siblings in total.

But where are the other four?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Unknown.

Data and facts on them are available...
...but no encounters with said beings have occurred.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

But maybe if you contacted the other four somehow...
...they could come here and help us out.


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Unfortunately, communicating with the other four is quite difficult.

Their locations remain unknown.

Even if they were on this world, and communication was possible...
...the probability of obtaining their aid would be next to zero.


[b]Michele:[/b]

But why?
Aren't you guys related?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Each of us was built for a different purpose.
Free movement is restricted until our missions have been completed.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

......


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Well, that ain't gonna work out then.

I guess we shouldn't be counting on others to take care of our own problems.


[b]Michele:[/b]

And YOU out of all people have the nerve to say that?


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Wh-What...?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

By the way, there is something I have been wondering about...
I heard that Melchio destroyed the world he hails from, but was there a specific reason behind it?

He may be a being from another world, but that doesn't mean it was acceptable for him to do such a thing.


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Reason unknown.

Melchio's functions are currently haywire.
He is being directed by them to destroy everything.

His original purpose was that of protecting humans.
He has no reason to destroy worlds.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

But...he still destroyed yours, didn't he?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

We have a built-in evolutionary system.

My creator hoped that someday we would evolve...
...so he equipped us with evolutionary functions.

Melchio's malfunctioning system...
...seems to have been affected by his evolutionary functions.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Hold on...
So you're saying that he went crazy after he tried to evolve...?

Don't you have the same evolutionary functions installed in you too though?

Doesn't that mean you could go crazy on us too...?


[b]Michele:[/b]
Excuse you?!
The next time you say something like that again I'm gonna beat you senseless!!
Crabby is fine!

He's the one who came from another world to defeat Melchio in the first place!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Yeah, but...


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Lodin, gather some courage!
We shall find a way to deal with it should it become necessary.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

......

O-Okay...
My bad.
I just got a bit confused with all the stuff going on...

Crab, sorry for saying those things.


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Apologies are unnecessary. Your reaction was quite logical.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

But...can we really beat Melchio?

He has the power to destroy entire worlds...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Huh?　Do you hear yourself? Of course we'll win!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Huh?!


[b]Michele:[/b]

You guys are all team members that I handpicked myself.

So what if Melchio has the power to destroy worlds?


Who cares!
How could we ever allow ourselves to lose to that guy?!


Zelban, isn't Melchio the best opponent to test the power of that fencing style you're so proud of?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

My fencing style shall lose to no one.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Tiara, if you're really my friend, you need to start carrying yourself with some dignity!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

...o-okay.


A-And I'm definitely your friend.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Lodin, do you feel like losing again without having learned a thing from your previous fights?
I'm sure losing must be your favorite thing in the world.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Are you kidding me?


I ain't losing to that guy ever again!


[b]Michele:[/b]

And Crabby, why did you come all the way to this distant world?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

My purpose is to stop Melchio.


[b]Michele:[/b]

You guys got all that, right?
Now let's hurry up and beat Melchio already.


The faster we get that done, the faster we can go on our next adventure.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

You're already thinking so far ahead?


[b]Michele:[/b]

Well, duh!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Hmph.
I must say it is very like you to think that way.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

I agree.


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Such thinking does match Michele's behavioral patterns.


[b]Michele:[/b]

What? Is that a bad thing?


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Nah, it ain't bad.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Hmph!
Let's get going then!
You're all ready to go, right?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

What a foolish question. I am always ready for a fight.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Course I am!
And this time...I'm gonna win for sure!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Yes, I'm ready too.


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Destination:
Melchio's location.

----------------------

Part 19

[b]Melchio:[/b]
Auto-mode on.

Energy accumulated at 30%.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

The Ten-Winged Tormentor...
That white armor...


[b]Zelban:[/b]

And that double-headed spear...


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Ain't no question about it.
That's Melchio!!


[b]Michele:[/b]

This guy's the one...?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......


[b]Melchio:[/b]

......


Presence of similar origins confirmed.

Performing emergency shut down of self-diagnosis functions.

Auto-mode off.


Ｄuel-GX...
We share the same creator...


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......

You destroyed our world, and now intend to destroy this one.
I shall destroy you.


[b]Melchio:[/b]

I shall destroy every world.

I have no need for worlds in which my creator does not exist.
I deemed our world not worth protecting, and thus rightfully destroyed it.


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......


[b]Melchio:[/b]

If you mean to stop me...

...I shall destroy you as well.
Along with this world! I'll destroy it all!!


[b]Michele:[/b]
Guys, get ready!!

----------------------

Part 20

[b]Tiara:[/b]
Ahhhhh!!!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Wh-What the heck is this light?!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

It's the aftermath...
Though I do believe we defeated him.

But what now?


[b]Melchio:[/b]
What is this power surging through me?!

GRAAAAAHHH!!!


[center]Ten-Winged Tormentor, being from another world...

I grant you this power...
The power to destroy it all...[/center]


[b]Melchio:[/b]
Argh...


I'm...losing...
consciousness...

......


[b]Lodin:[/b]
Crap.
I didn't know he had this much juice left in him...


[b]Zelban:[/b]

So this is his real power...


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

That power does not originate from Melchio.
Inconsistency with Melchio's data found.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Whatcha talking about?!
He sent us all flying, didn't he?!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Will you shut up already?!
Let's just try it one more time!!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

A-All right then!


*,type=PARAM,id=8,param=2:210&255&0


[b]Melchio:[/b]
......


[b]Lodin:[/b]
Argh!!


[b]Zelban:[/b]
Gruh...


[b]Michele:[/b]
Agh...


What do you guys think you're doing?
Don't let him psyche you out!!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

......
B-But it's impossible...
There's just no way we can win against him...


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Data analysis failed.
Probability of being annihilated has increased exponentially.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Say what?!
Why are you chickening out now?!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

The gap between our abilities is just too great. We should consider evacuating the premises...


[b]Lodin:[/b]

So he can't be beat, even with backup. Does that mean I'll never win against him...?


[b]Michele:[/b]

Why you...


...fine.
That's just fine!

You're all gonna run and hide just because our enemy got a little bit stronger?!
I misjudged all of you!!

Lodin...
It looks like you're a real loser after all.

Watching your knees rattle like that sickens me.
Don't you ever show your face around me again!!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Grr...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Zelban...
It looks like only people weaker than you  will be able to wield that sword of yours in the future.

People may call you "Zelban," but it looks like you're not the real deal after all.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

What...?!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Tiara...
You haven't changed a bit since we first met.
And you know what, I don't think you even tried.

I thought you'd be fun to be around, but...

...you might as well not be here.
I don't need friends who are gonna bore me to death.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

B-But...


[b]Michele:[/b]

And you, Crabby...
Why did you even bother coming here?
If you came this far just to give up, then you're better off as a piece of junk.

Though now that I recall, you were a piece of junk to begin with.


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Michele...


[b]Michele:[/b]

You just watch!
I am not as useless as the rest of you!!

----------------------

Part 21

[b]Melchio:[/b]
......


[b]Michele:[/b]
Grr...


How dare you...


I won't lose...
I'm not gonna lose to you!!


[b]Melchio:[/b]
......


[b]Michele:[/b]
Agggghhhh...!!!


*Huff* *huff* *huff*


[b]Michele:[/b]
...told ya....I wouldn't lose...


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Michele...


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Why...
Why does she keep going...?

Does she really think she'll eventually win if she keeps fighting him?


[b]Tiara:[/b]

...I think that's what it is.

Michele got really angry at us earlier...
We truly hurt her feelings...

That's why...


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Michele has not looked in our direction since.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

She won't even acknowledge our existence, is what you're saying?


Darn it...
Why the heck do I feel so weird about that...?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

......


[b]Melchio:[/b]
......


[b]Michele:[/b]
......

I...won't...lose...

I...don't care...who you are...


[b]Melchio:[/b]

......


[b]Zelban:[/b]
Blast it!!

You're different than us, are you not?! Hang in there!!


[b]Michele:[/b]

...Zel...ban...?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Just moments ago, you said that only people weaker than myself will be able to wield my sword in the future...

But it's quite the opposite!!
The La Veda fencing style was made for continuously challenging stronger opponents!

Orbit Folia!!


[b]Melchio:[/b]
......!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

And whether you like it or not, I am the true "Zelban"!
Do not underestimate me! And do not take me lightly!
And after this battle, I shall make you regret what you have said!!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Darn it all!
Eat this!
Thunder Collision!


[b]Melchio:[/b]
......!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

You say I gave up?! When did I give up?!
I'll never give up!!


Michele.
I seriously hate...how much of a brat you are!

And I know I ain't the only one.
We're all sick of your abusive personality!!

But...
Nah, that's exactly why...
...I can't let this end with you thinking yourself so above everyone else!!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Lodin...


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Hmph. And when you really think about it, Melchio's got nothing on Michele's insanity...


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Michele! I'll heal you right away, hold on!

Divine Frost!


[b]Michele:[/b]
Tiara... You too...?


[b]Tiara:[/b]

I'm still just as scared as ever, and want nothing more than to run away...


But I won't.


I'll stay by Michele's side so I can gain the confidence I need.

Until I'm finally able to like myself as much as I like her!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Restart complete.
Must protect Michele.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Crab!
I thought you were outta the game, but look at you go!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

It wasn't nice to trick us like that, Crabby...


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Your linguistic output has been deemed incomprehensible.


[b]Michele:[/b]

......


*Sigh*
You guys, I swear...

Well, you're the companions I handpicked myself, so your comeback was only a matter of time.

There's no way any of you would just sit around whimpering!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Hmph, you said it.


[b]Melchio:[/b]
*Ratatat-tat*


[b]Michele:[/b]
Melchio, you've done pretty good so far yourself.


But now I'm...
No, WE are different than before!!
You better brace yourself!

----------------------

Part 22

[b]Lodin:[/b]

*Huff* *huff* *huff*

[b]Tiara:[/b]

......

[b]Zelban:[/b]

Grh...


[b]Michele:[/b]
Taaaaake this!!!


[b]Melchio:[/b]
Argh...
*Ratatat-tat*


[b]Melchio:[/b]
Functional...damage...
...exceeded...limit...

Systems taken...considerable damage...

Melchio...forced...shut...down...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Make sure he's done for real this time!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......


Melchio's system termination confirmed.

Michele, mission accomplished.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

We...did it?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Phew. It looks like we managed to defeat him somehow.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

I finally...did it...


[b]Michele:[/b]

...we did it.

You guys!
We beat Melchio!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

He he. Looks that way, Michele.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Hah! Piece of cake!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Yeah right! You can barely even move right now.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Whatever! It's not like anyone else is doing any better!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

That would be because I joined the battle before you did. This was to be expected.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

What's that supposed to mean?!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

He he. You two seem well enough to me.

But I'm afraid I can't move much either.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Well, we did just have the fight of our lives. I'm sure everyone's super tired.
I mean, even I can't--


[b]Melchio:[/b]
......


[b]Tiara:[/b]
Eeeek!


*Whiiiiirrrrrrr*


[b]Michele:[/b]

Crabby!
What's going on?!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Melchio's systems have restarted.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

He...came back to life?!


[b]Melchio:[/b]
Final mode initializing.

I...unforgivable...world...


[b]Lodin:[/b]

This...can't be good.


[b]Melchio:[/b]

Safety mode off.
Aborting emergency defensive measures.

I...destroy...everything...


[b]Zelban:[/b]
Argh!


We thought we had stopped him, but now he has gone completely berserk!
What in the gods' name is happening?!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Strong energy readings coming from Melchio.
Conclusion: Melchio's systems 100% haywire.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Haywire?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Affirmative.

By putting down his defenses, Melchio is using all his functions to collect massive amounts of energy.
He plans to use that energy to destroy this world.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Then, this world is already...


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

The probability of this world suffering the fate of my world of origin is quite high.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

That's so messed up...


[b]Zelban:[/b]

If that's the case, then we have to tear him into pieces!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

But we're in no condition to fight...!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

So we should just sit here and watch that hunk of metal destroy our world...?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

We have to stop Melchio, even if that means putting our lives on the line.
Zelban will not go down without a fight.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Show off! Trying to sound cool in front of everyone else.
I'm the one who's gonna beat Melchio, because that's what I set out to do.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

I-I can still fight!


Urgh... It's only a scratch... I won't give up yet!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......


[b]Michele:[/b]

......

Hey Crabby, isn't there any other way we can get rid of him?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......

There is...one last alternative.


[b]Michele:[/b]

I knew it! Spill the beans already!

These guys are acting all tough and whatever, but they can hardly move! Even I'm struggling to get up!
Aren't you in pretty bad shape too?


[b]Melchio:[/b]

GRAAAARGGHHH!!!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Darn it all...
He just keeps getting crazier and crazier...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Crabby! Hurry up and tell us already!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......

The only course of action left to stop Melchio...
...is to activate Code 666.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Code 666?
What's that?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Everyone please, distance yourselves from the vicinity.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Crabby...what are you planning to do?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......

There is no time.
Everyone, please take Michele with you, and evacuate the premises.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Wait...you're not gonna do something stupid, are you?!


No! I won't let you do it!!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

This is our last resort.


[b]Michele:[/b]

And I said I won't let you do it!
Aren't you supposed to listen to your master?!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

My primary mission is to stop Melchio.

However, I must also protect my master...


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Mr. Crabby...


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Please seek refuge in a safe location far from here.

Leave Melchio to me.


[b]Michele:[/b]

But wait! You can't do something that selfish!!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......


[b]Michele:[/b]

Say something!!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......

Final mode initializing.


Switching to auto-mode to activate Code 666.
Accumulating power.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Are you... Are you ignoring me?


[b]Melchio:[/b]

Grrr... Argh... AAAGGHH!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Urgh, such unbelievable power... And it only keeps growing...


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Michele! Let's go!

We can't stop Crab! And you can't let his sacrifice be for nothing!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Shut up!


I... I'm not gonna give up! Ever!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

M-Michele...?!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Crabby!

If you're just gonna ignore me and do whatever you want...
...then I'll do whatever I want too!!

You want me to run away?! Fat chance!!
I won't let you blow yourself up!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

You gotta consider his feelings too though!
This ain't the time to be acting like a spoiled brat!!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Spoiled brat?!

Yeah, maybe I am a spoiled brat.

But that's what's gotten me this far...
...so I'm just gonna stay that way!


Because that's who I am!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

But what will you do?
Those two are--


[b]Michele:[/b]

I'll just knock them out, duh!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Knock them out...?


[b]Lodin:[/b]

That ain't gonna stop them...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Why do you keep spewing all that nonsense?!
Just shut up and watch from here then!


[b]Melchio:[/b]
Grrr... Argh... AAAGGHH!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]
Energy accumulated at 10%...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Prepare yourselves, you two!

Because I'm gonna stop you, no matter what!

----------------------

Part 23

[b]Duel-GX:[/b]
Energy accumulated at 99%...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Argh...


Crabby!!
No, you can't! Don't do it!


...please, stop!!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Michele, thank you.

Code 666 activated.


[b]Melchio:[/b]

Argh...!


GRAAAARGHHHHH!!!


[b]Lodin:[/b]
Ack...!


[b]Tiara:[/b]
Urgh...


[b]Zelban:[/b]
...!


[b]Michele:[/b]
Argh...

Crabby...


Huh?

Tiara!
Zelban!
Lodin!
But why...?


Did you...protect me from that explosion?!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Ya idiot...
You should've just backed off...


[b]Tiara:[/b]

I wanted to help Mr. Crabby to fulfill his mission of protecting you...


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Michele...
You need to learn...that there are people who treasure your friendship very much...


[b]Michele:[/b]

But...
But with wounds like that, you'll--


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Yeah, right... Like I'd ever want you to be worried about me...


*Ruuuuuumble*


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Wh-What's that?
There's a hole...in the sky...!


[b]Michele:[/b]

I've seen that before...
It looks just like what I saw the day I met Crabby...


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Does that mean that hole is a gate to another world?


......


Wait, what's this?


[b]Michele:[/b]


It's a...piece of...Crabby?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

......

Michele, you should keep it.
To think that even a fragment of our friend still remains after that explosion, it is truly a miracle.


[b]Michele:[/b]

......


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Michele...


[b]Lodin:[/b]

......

What happened to Crab ain't your fault, you know?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

He is right. You are not the only one mourning him.
It pains me that I was unable to help at the time. It made me question what meaning all the training I've done so far holds...


[b]Michele:[/b]

......


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Michele...
You shouldn't blame yourself for this...


[b]Michele:[/b]

...huh?
What are you guys talking about?


[b]Lodin:[/b]

What do you mean what are we talking about?


Don't you feel bad that Crab blew himself up?


[b]Michele:[/b]

Excuse me?!
Why would I have to feel guilty about that?!


I was thinking of something different.
That hole that opened up in the sky. That gate to another world.
I was wondering to myself about what's going on in there.


And then I decided!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Decided? Decided what?


[b]Michele:[/b]


I'm gonna enter that hole, and bring Crabby back!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Say what?!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

But Michele!

That gate will take you to an entirely different world!
You don't know if you'll be able to return!


And what's more, we don't know if Mr. Crabby is really on the other side of it or not...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Here, take a good look at the fragment that Crabby left behind.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

It's faint, but...there's a flashing light!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Exactly! That means Crabby's still alive!
I'm pretty sure that the explosion sent him through the gate to another world.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

But...how can you be so sure?


[b]Michele:[/b]

I don't care if my hunch is ultimately right or wrong.
If there's even a possibility that Crabby is still alive, I can't just sit here and do nothing about it!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

W-Well, if that's how you feel...


Th-Then, I'll--


[b]Michele:[/b]

Don't bend over backwards for me.
You guys got beat up pretty badly already trying to protect me earlier.

So...


...thanks.

And just leave Crabby to me.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Hmph...


[b]Zelban:[/b]

......


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Michele...


[b]Michele:[/b]

C'mon, this isn't goodbye!
I'll be right back, promise!


And don't worry, I'll be bringing Crabby back with me too.
And even if he's been torn into pieces, I'll just fix him up!
After all, there's nothing I can't do!


Crabby!
Just you wait!
I won't let you get away that easily!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

She's gone...


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Michele...


[b]Zelban:[/b]

She threw herself into that gate without a moment's hesitation. She is really something else...


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Heh! A spoiled brat till the very end!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

...this won't be the last time we see her. I just know it.
Michele's going to bring Mr. Crabby back, and come back to us for sure!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Yes. She is most definitely not a woman of empty words.
Even if she cannot manage to find her way back, I'm sure she will at least meet that Crab...


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Tsch. You're right...
She ain't my cup of tea, but she'll definitely be back...


[center]There are no accounts that tell of Michele's return to Grand Gaia with Duel-GX.

There are also no records that tell of Tiara, Lodin, or Zelban's exploits after the grave injuries they suffered.[/center]


[center]However, there is one story related to them that still remains.

The story of how a strange mechanical fragment mysteriously found its way to Michele's estate.[/center]


[center]Many legends were created by the following generations based on this sole story.[/center]


[center]The legend of how Michele and Duel-GX reunited in another world, and stayed to live peacefully amongst its inhabitants.

The legend of how Michele set off on a journey to collect the parts necessary to fix Duel-GX.

The legend of how they both walked into the claws of an evil dragon once they crossed the gate.[/center]


[center]The story of these valiant heroes will continue to live on.

Even if the truth is finally uncovered...[/center]

----------------------

Part 24

[b]Michele:[/b]
How long are you gonna continue defying me?!
You WILL listen to me!

Understood?!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]
*Clang* *crrreaaak*


Due to severe functional damage, Code 666 cannot activate...

System...emergency...shut down!!


......


[b]Michele:[/b]

You thought I'd just let you self-destruct like it's no big deal?!
Hah! As if!!


[b]Melchio:[/b]
GROOAAGGHHH!!


[b]Michele:[/b]

Melchio!
You blockhead!!
Thanks to you Crabby almost blew himself up!

Just quit it, and go down already!!


[b]Melchio:[/b]
*Clang* *crrreeeaaaaak*


*Ratatat-tat* *ratatat-tat*


......

All systems...down...
Recovery...improbable...


Memory...lost...


[b]Michele:[/b]
Phew...
Looks like he's finally done for good...


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Michele, everything's fine now...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Huh? Oh, yeah...
No big deal, really...


[b]Zelban:[/b]

As always, you took it upon yourself to break all human limitations...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Why do you have to put it like that? Making me sound inhuman and whatnot.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

That's cuz you ain't human...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Where do you guys get off saying that?!


Ugh, whatever.


Hey Crabby, did you see that? We finally beat Melchio!
And we did it without having to sacrifice anyone in the process too!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......


[b]Michele:[/b]

What?
Say something!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......


[b]Michele:[/b]

What's wrong? Why are you so quiet?
Are you mad that I had to set you straight or something?


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......


[b]Michele:[/b]

Cra...bby...?


H-Hey! You should answer back when someone's talking to you!

Craaaabbbbyyyy!!!


[center]A few days after defeating Melchio, close to Michele's estate...[/center]


[b]Melchio:[/b]
Master Lodin...
Duel-GX's maintenance for the day has been completed.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

O-Okay...


[b]Melchio:[/b]

Mainframe repairs 100% complete.
Hypothesis for inability to activate points toward a system problem...


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Is that right...?


Can't you repair that instead?


[b]Melchio:[/b]

I have no memories of the events prior to meeting Master Lodin.
All that memory data has been lost.

Consequently, I do not possess the knowledge to repair Duel-GX's system.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

......


[b]Melchio:[/b]

My apologies...


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Nah, it ain't your fault...


[b]Melchio:[/b]

Ms. Tiara.

Concerning the irrigation system you requested for the flower beds...
...construction will begin shortly.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

What?!


I mean, okay...
But there's really no need to hurry or anything...


[b]Melchio:[/b]

Understood.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

I still can't believe my eyes...


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Yeah...

To think that after Crab stopped working, Melchio'd start moving again...
It's just...


[b]Tiara:[/b]

It's all so strange.
But the fact that he calls Lodin his "master" on top of it all is even stranger.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Indeed it is.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

......

The whole goal of my journey was to beat that guy...
I never in a million years thought things would end up like this...


I dunno how I'm supposed to feel right now...


[b]Tiara:[/b]

But it's not like you plan to battle Melchio again, right?


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Well... I guess not...


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]
......


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Hey Crab, I don't wanna put you on the spot or nothing...
...but ain't it about time you woke up already?

Everything went nuts after you stopped working.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Yes it did.
It was quite a feat trying to calm Michele down after she became so consumed by rage.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

After her furious outburst she blamed herself for breaking Mr. Crabby...
...and felt into a state of depression I've never seen her in before...
Even now she still refuses to come out of her room...

I never thought I'd see the day when Michele would behave like that...


[b]Zelban:[/b]

However, her actions show just how much she cared for her friend Crab.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

......


Craaaab!!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Mr. Crabby!!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Awaken, Crab!!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Tsk...
Guess today's no good either...


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Let's come again later...

As many times as it takes...until Mr. Crabby wakes up...


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Yes...


.7

*,type=PARAM,id=8,param=0:255&255&255


[b]Lodin:[/b]
......!


*Whiiiiirrrrrrr*


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]
Energy levels... stable.
Mainframe status...stable.
Initiating...recovery mode.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Crab!!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

No way! You finally woke up?!
Took ya long enough, ya hunk of junk!!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

I-I'll let Michele know right away!!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Mi...che...le...


[b]Rhynt:[/b]

Remarkable.
You added this possible outcome to the simulation as well?

[b]Noel:[/b]

Why not, right?

I mean, according to historical facts, Michele was concerned for Duel-GX...
...so she didn't want to attack full force, and ended up being unable to stop Duel-GX's self-destruction in the end.
But if at the time she had chosen to follow what was truly in her heart, I wonder how it all would've ended.


Because when you think about it, even by our standards nowadays, it's clear that Michele was quite the willful person.


Though I'm sure that made her personality a bit more complicated to deal with...


[b]Rhynt:[/b]

Hmm...

......
She resembles him, wouldn't you agree?


[b]Noel:[/b]

Yeah right!

It does look like Michele had a cold personality in general, and wasn't really into building deep relationships with people either, but...
...they are still two entirely different people for sure!


[b]Lugina:[/b]
ACHOO!!


*Sniffle*
Was someone talking about me just now?


Well, when you keep in mind that I'm the most talented Summoner of the Hall...
...I guess there's no way people can avoid singing my praises!


[b]Rhynt:[/b]

By the by, I did find something quite intriguing earlier...

When Michele defeated Melchio the very first time, he was somehow able to attain enough power to fully recover afterwards.
How was that possible?

I do not believe that was one of Melchio's original abilities...


[b]Noel:[/b]

About that...

We could tell it came from an external source while we were doing our research...
But that's all we've got so far.
We don't know much else about it at this point.


[b]Rhynt:[/b]

I see...
I would very much like to gather more data on the subject.


[b]Noel:[/b]

That makes two of us.

It might be a pain, but we're gonna have to ask her to help us out with this too...

----------------------

Part 25

[b]Michele:[/b]

Grr...!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Argh... Girl, you are stronger than you seem.


[b]Michele:[/b]

Don't call me "girl."
My name is Michele.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

I see...
My name is Zelban.
The La Veda fencing style ma--


[b]Michele:[/b]
I know.
It's the name La Veda fencing masters inherit from the founder of their sword art, right?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

My, to think you would know the origin of my name...


[b]Michele:[/b]

Yeah, I heard it a long time ago from somebody who likes that kinda stuff.
It bored me to death.


*Prrrrrrrrrr*


[b]Michele:[/b]

Wh-What's that?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

A dragon?

But it's so small. Perhaps the hatchling of the dragon we defeated?


[b]Dragon Hatchling:[/b]
*Stare*


*Thump* *thump* *thump*


[b]Zelban:[/b]

......


[b]Michele:[/b]

......
It's running away.

I don't really care, but I don't think your villagers would be too happy about it.
Aren't you gonna go after it?


[b]Zelban:[/b]

At its current size there is very little harm it can cause to anyone.
There is no reason to pursuit it.


[b]Michele:[/b]

But once it grows up it could eat a bunch of people.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

It's possible...

......
Just the other day I was teaching a youngster how to wield a sword.
He shows a lot of promise, but his spirit is still weak.
Whether he will end up as simply "a man of talent"...
...or forever sung in poems as a great hero, I do not know.

That is ultimately what possibilities entail. We cannot make a judgment of the outcomes for ourselves.

Yes, there is a chance that small hatchling may grow up to feast on humans.
However, there is also a chance that it will not.
And if it ever does become a threat to the lives of others...
...then I'll slay it myself when the time comes.


[b]Michele:[/b]

......


You look so uptight and stuff...but you do say some funny things now and again.


I like you!
Join me!!

----------------------

Part 26 {END}

[center]A few days after defeating Melchio, close to Michele's estate...[/center]


[b]Melchio:[/b]
Master Lodin...
Duel-GX's maintenance for the day has been completed.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

O-Okay...


[b]Melchio:[/b]

Mainframe repairs 100% complete.
Hypothesis for inability to activate points toward a system problem...


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Is that right...?


Can't you repair that instead?


[b]Melchio:[/b]

I have no memories of the events prior to meeting Master Lodin.
All that memory data has been lost.

Consequently, I do not possess the knowledge to repair Duel-GX's system.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

......


[b]Melchio:[/b]

My apologies...


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Nah, it ain't your fault...


[b]Melchio:[/b]

Ms. Tiara.

Concerning the irrigation system you requested for the flower beds...
...construction will begin shortly.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

What?!


I mean, okay...
But there's really no need to hurry or anything...


[b]Melchio:[/b]

Understood.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

I still can't believe my eyes...


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Yeah...

To think that after Crab stopped working, Melchio'd start moving again...
It's just...


[b]Tiara:[/b]

It's all so strange.
But the fact that he calls Lodin his "master" on top of it all is even stranger.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Indeed it is.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

......

The whole goal of my journey was to beat that guy...
I never in a million years thought things would end up like this...


I dunno how I'm supposed to feel right now...


[b]Tiara:[/b]

But it's not like you plan to battle Melchio again, right?


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Well... I guess not...


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]
......


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Hey Crab, I don't wanna put you on the spot or nothing...
...but ain't it about time you woke up already?

Everything went nuts after you stopped working.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Yes it did.
It was quite a feat trying to calm Michele down after she became so consumed by rage.


[b]Tiara:[/b]

After her furious outburst she blamed herself for breaking Mr. Crabby...
...and felt into a state of depression I've never seen her in before...
Even now she still refuses to come out of her room...

I never thought I'd see the day when Michele would behave like that...


[b]Zelban:[/b]

However, her actions show just how much she cared for her friend Crab.


[b]Lodin:[/b]

......


Craaaab!!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Mr. Crabby!!


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Awaken, Crab!!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

......


[b]Lodin:[/b]

Tsk...
Guess today's no good either...


[b]Tiara:[/b]

Let's come again later...

As many times as it takes...until Mr. Crabby wakes up...


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Yes...


[b]Lodin:[/b]
*,type=PARAM,id=36,param=0.1:2:10:13
......!


*,type=PARAM,id=8,param=0:255&255&255


*,type=PARAM,id=8,param=0:255&255&255


*Whiiiiirrrrrrr*


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]
Energy levels... stable.
Mainframe status...stable.
Initiating...recovery mode.


[b]Zelban:[/b]

Crab!!


[b]Lodin:[/b]

No way! You finally woke up?!
Took ya long enough, ya hunk of junk!!


[b]Tiara:[/b]

I-I'll let Michele know right away!!


[b]Duel-GX:[/b]

Mi...che...le...


[b]Rhynt:[/b]

Remarkable.
You added this possible outcome to the simulation as well?


[b]Noel:[/b]

Why not, right?

I mean, according to historical facts, Michele was concerned for Duel-GX...
...so she didn't want to attack full force, and ended up being unable to stop Duel-GX's self-destruction in the end.
But if at the time she had chosen to follow what was truly in her heart, I wonder how it all would've ended.


Because when you think about it, even by our standards nowadays, it's clear that Michele was quite the willful person.


Though I'm sure that made her personality a bit more complicated to deal with...


[b]Rhynt:[/b]

Hmm...

......
She resembles him, wouldn't you agree?


[b]Noel:[/b]

Yeah right!

It does look like Michele had a cold personality in general, and wasn't really into building deep relationships with people either, but...
...they are still two entirely different people for sure!


[b]Lugina:[/b]
ACHOO!!


*Sniffle*
Was someone talking about me just now?


Well, when you keep in mind that I'm the most talented Summoner of the Hall...
...I guess there's no way people can avoid singing my praises!


[b]Rhynt:[/b]

By the by, I did find something quite intriguing earlier...

When Michele defeated Melchio the very first time, he was somehow able to attain enough power to fully recover afterwards.
How was that possible?

I do not believe that was one of Melchio's original abilities...


[b]Noel:[/b]

About that...

We could tell it came from an external source while we were doing our research...
But that's all we've got so far.
We don't know much else about it at this point.

----------------------


[b]Rhynt:[/b]

I see...
I would very much like to gather more data on the subject.


[b]Noel:[/b]

That makes two of us.

It might be a pain, but we're gonna have to ask her to help us out with this too...