Path To Liberation, The Last Waltz (Chap 31)

Synopsis: Two players fueled with sheer determination & fury. Ranma being fire of compassion and Hou Ren being the darkness of hatred. Both of their trump cards are released. Which side will win?

Everyone is incredibly shocked as they see the young leader's trump card. Transformed into a godlike warrior, Hou Ren has achieved nothing that people has ever seen. Shiloh fell in aww after seeing his boyfriend's new form. 

Vile Ranma: What are you man?

Hou Ren: What I'm really supposed to be. Impressed?

Vile Ranma: Yeah Of course I am. But Why?

Hou Ren: It's called "playing tryhard". I don't want to use this power but if it's the only way then it's the only way.

Vile Ranma: Intense.....

Hou Ren: I can only use this power when my life hit 0. I can pay the cost to transform and my life become 1 instead. That being said...(Point at Vile Ranma) Time for the Last Waltz. You and me. One man standing. And One man fall.

Vile Ranma: In that case, Vanity Ace Destroyer's ability.

Destroyer: Dimension Door, Desist End.

Vile Ranma: At the beginning of each player's turn, I place the top 10 cards of my deck to it's soul. Then I select 2 cards from the soul and move them to my hand while I send 1 of my hand cards to the gauge.

Gwen & Eden: His Soul Increased.

Lost Ren: So Unless Hou Ren attacks him 19 times, Ranma will Win.

Hou Ren: You think that's gonna stop me? My ability activates. I discard two dragods from my hand.

Hou Ren's Life: 1 -> 20

Gwen: WHAT THE?

Vile Ranma: HE'S AT 20 LIFE?

Shiloh: Reviving with 1 life is shocking but 20 life too? That's Unbelievable.

Hou Ren: Work Smart. Not Hard. If I can't gain life, I might as well CHANGE my life.

Garga: (Impressed) Quite the phrase.

Hou Ren: Cast. Gar Oracle. (Increase Resources) 

All of the sudden, Hou Ren's wings appeared behind him and he flies mid air. 

Hou Ren: Allow me to show you.....(Lit up energy from his palms) What I'm capable of. (Attacks) This is what the Draknights can do.....when they're not being held back by the likes of you.

Hou Ren zooms in and flies around Destroyer & Ranma at immense speed.

Shiloh: So fast.

Hou Ren: Shatter Now, Oh Shackles of False Worlds. (Fires Attack from his palms) AZIEVE OF LIBERATION.

Hou Ren's ray charged at Destroyer. Destroyer try flies away from the attack but eventually the attack sliced a hole towards Destroyer. As a result, Destroyer lost a soul card.

Vile Ranma: DESTROYER.

Hou Ren: I can attack everything on the opponent's field. Including the fighter.

Destroyer: What Immense Power.

Hou Ren: BEGONE FROM SIGHT ALREADY, VILE RANMA.

Vile Ranma: I cast, Blue Dragon Shield. (Blocks the attack)

Gwen & Eden: He blocked it.

Hou Ren: Have it your way. Garga.

Garga: As You Wish. (Attacks Destroyer) Fall before Our Sights.

Destroyer Soul Cards: 17 -> 16 -> 15

Hou Ren: Frabjous Day, Callou Callay. TRANSCEND.

Garga changes to Gargantua Liberator.

Garga: Destiny called upon my powers once again. I will grant my Buddy the Happiness and Freedom he deserve. I....AM.....GARGANTUA LIBERATOR(Howled Out)

Everyone is shocked to see Gargantua Liberator.

Gwen: No way, its that card.....

Hou Ren: Thats right, its the same Garga that defeated that traitorous vixen. Now, I will use it to grant my own freedom once again.

Vile Ranma: Not Good....

Garga: Shall We?

Hou Ren: Go for it.

Liberator attacks.

Hou Ren: Say goodbye to your last card. (Snapped his finger)

Ranma's last hand card is discarded as he grunts. Garga wipes Destroyer out twice.

Destroyer Soul Cards: 15 -> 14 -> 13

Hou Ren: I cast. Exspectas Rise again. (Takes 2 damage) Garga & I....stand back up.

The ability activates and both cards stood back up. Everyone's surprised.

Hou Ren: I don't care how many souls you have. I'll chip them off piece by (attacks) piece. 

Destroyer's Soul & Vile Ranma's Life: 12, 0

Hou Ren: All yours, Garga.

Garga: Roger that. (Attacks and reduce Destroyer's soul)

Hou Ren: Revert at once.

Garga does so as requested and destroys Destroyer twice.

Destroyer's Soul: 11 -> 10 -> 9

Destroyer: Destroy me All You Want. As Long as I'm on the field, You won't lay a finger on my Buddy.

Hou Ren: (Thought) The Trap is Set (Thought) My Turn is done.

Daryl: I seriously can't believe it. 20 life and being a size 10? How is Hou Ren so strong?

Jack: Normally Ranma would have lost, but Destroyer prevents that.

Tasuku: (Thought) Interesting (Thought)

Vile Ranma: Guess I gotta step it up. Vanity Ace Destroyer's effect.

Destroyer: Dimension Door, Desist End.

Destroyer's soul: 17

Vile Ranma: Draw. Charge and Draw. Vanity Husk Destroyer REB to the left. 

Another Destroyer is summoned.

Garga: Now there's two. 

Vile Ranma: Destroyer on the left. Attack Garga.

Destroyer: I shall grant that wish. (Attacks) Dimension Door, Origin Slayer. 

Hou Ren's Life: 20 -> 18

Garga lost a soul card and counterattacks on Vanity Ace Destroyer.

Vile Ranma: Double attack.

Destroyer: Dimension Door, Origin Slayer.

Hou Ren's Life: 18 -> 16

Hou Ren: I cast, Deity Dragod Shield. (Blocks attack) 

When Hou Ren draws a card, he reacts in shock.

Vile Ranma: Looks Like Your Luck is running out. You're Mine.

Hou Ren: (Thought) No....(Thought) YOU'RE MINE. 

Immediately, Hou Ren takes 2 damage and summons his sword. He charges his sword with massive amount of lightning. Overcharge it so to speak. With the sword charged at full capacity, he swung it towards Destroyer.

Hou Ren: Vanishing.....Slayer. (Charges the attack at Destroyer)

Vanity Ace Destroyer was hit by the ability.....

Destroyer: NOT AGAIN..... (Destroyed)

Vile Ranma: DESTROYER!!!!!!

Everyone was shocked that Destroyer is down for the count.

Daryl: HOWWWW?

Hou Ren: During the opponent's turn, I can choose to take 2 damage and eliminate one of the opponent's cards regardless of effects. Your Buddy is an eyesore, so i might as well dispose of him.

Vile Ranma: You can't....

Hou Ren: And now that he's out.....Adios, Mi Amigo.

Vile Ranma: Not Yet. I cast, Dimension Revival. (Discards one hand card) Until the opponent's next turn, I cannot lose the game.

Hou Ren: Que Carajo You kidding me?

Ranma's Side shows a sigh of relief.

Gwen: Thank goodness.

Light: I thought he be goners....

Vile Ranma: I still have my Item. (Attacks)

Hou Ren: No You Won't. G-EVO activate. (Holds out a card from his hand) Change. GARGANTUA EXSPECTA.

Garga: (G-Evo) GARGANTUA EXSPECTA.

Hou Ren then takes 2 damage and then add a card of his choice to his hand.

Vile Ranma: I don't know why you did that but I'm gonna.....

Hou Ren: When will you learn? (Caught the sabers and paid 2 life)

Lostless Saber was singlehandly crushed.

Vile Ranma: WHAT?

Hou Ren then ruthlessly kick his friend back, right in the gut.

Vile Ranma: Ahhh.....(Knocked down)...Ough.....

Destroyer: RANMA.

Shiloh: He can use that ability twice in a row?

Hou Ren: Yes I can. This game is mine. GARGA!!!

Garga: BEGONE, VANITY HUSK DESTROYER. (Proceed to do so)

Destroyer: (Being Hit) Ranma.....I'm Sorry (Destroyed)

Vile Ranma: DESTROYER.

Everyone is shocked that all of Vile Ranma's cards are vanished.

Hou Ren: I cast, Gar Heilen. (Sacrifice one of Garga's soul cards) No Buddy, No Item and No More Hand Cards. How does it feel to lose everything? Your bonds. Your Trust. Everything.

Vile Ranma: This is so wrong...Why are you doing this, Hou Ren? Why Hou Ren? Why?

Hou Ren's eyes glared with dissaproval.

Vile Ranma: Why can't you see that we're trying to help you? Why can't you just.....COME BACK TO US HUH?

Hou Ren: Come back to you? Like I'll ever do that. I made a promise to myself to never return to those who never understand me at all. Just admit. You're only spilling poison. You despise me deep down. SAY IT.

Shiloh & Gwen: (Worried) No.....

Vile Ranma: That's not true. Please. Come Home.

Hou Ren: LIES. I HAD ENOUGH OF ALL OF YOUR (Stomps the Ground and Release a gigantic shockwave) LIES.

Everyone got knocked down from that shockwave and is now even more scared and worried about Hou Ren. They all get back up.

Vile Ranma: You Know What? FINE. Tell Me. What is it that your new life have that we don't. What is it that(Points at Draknights and Shiloh & Bros) THEY have that we don't?

Hou Ren: You Really Want Me To Spill It Out? It's LOVE.

Everyone is surprised when Hou Ren made that statement.

Hou Ren: Lost Ren.....Garga....and everyone else.....are more than just my team. They are my true Family. They stucked by me. They understood me. They even gave me a second chance after I pushed them away. And I'm forever grateful to them.

The Draknights are moved by Hou Ren's speech.

Hou Ren: The same thing for Shiloh & her brothers. Especially Shiloh herself.

Shiloh: (Blushed and curious) Me?

Hou Ren: To me, I don't see her as my girlfriend. I see her as a compassionate and kindhearted Angel. She's the real symbolism of love and I really admire that. She even cope with me when things got tough. I want to know her more. I want to be with her for the rest of my life.

Shiloh: (Overjoyed to tears) You Really Think of that of Me?

Hou Ren then heard what Shiloh asked and smiled. He then flies down to her side.

Hou Ren: (Softly tapped his hands on Shiloh's shoulders) Of course I do. (Kissed her forehead) I wouldn't have confess my feelings otherwise. You even joined my team despite my reluctance. And my birthday. You were the first person to remember it. And I don't mean to say this but...I should be kneeling down before you....my queen.

Shiloh: (Blushing) I....don't know what to say.

Hou Ren: And Micah. Remember that Lightsaber duel we had? It was so fun and I had a blast. Judah, you even said I inspired you guys to start buddyfighting and....well I'm so glad. You guys....are my everything you know that?

Shiloh's Brothers: (Touched) Hou Ren....

Hou Ren: For the first time, My voice.....My Wish....is being heard and I want be by your side No Matter What. 

Draknights: You're kidding....

Hou Ren: I'm not. What do you say, You all with me?

Blaze: (Mesmerized at first but then smiled) Of Course. 

Judah: Draknights Forever.

All Draknights: YEAH.

Shiloh was flowing with happy tears and hugged Hou Ren more tightly than ever. Once again, She was moved by Hou Ren's words. As Hou Ren hugged Her Back, Garga looks at them while smiling like a proud father. The Draknights stood proud while some are secretly crying. The Gar Trio even cried in the dropzone after hearing Hou Ren's statement.

Hou Ren's Father: But Hou Ren. What about us? Your parents.

Hou Ren: (Enraged while gently Letting Go of Shiloh) Don't make me laugh. Were the both of you there for me during my tough times? No. I was called a Liar and An Idiot By YOU. (Points at his father) MY FATHER. You even said "who is this person and where is my Son" RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE. I'm not your son anymore.

Hou Ren's father: No....

Hou Ren: And my mother. You reacted strongly even if it's a small action. Point me this, point me that. I felt so retaliated when I just want support. I'm nothing but a burden to you.

Hou Ren's Mother: That's not true....I'm Sorry.....I read your letter and I felt guilty. I didn't mean to push you away. I should have calmed down and listen attentively to you.

Hou Ren's Father: Same Hou Ren. I should have supported and listened to you too. I shouldn't have insulted you. I felt guilty and I want to make things right with you. Please.

Hou Ren: Well its already too late. Apology Unaccepted.

Tasuku: Please Hou Ren. 

Jack: You must forgive them. 

Hou Ren: I said No. Now Get Out. 

Daryl: Don't say that Man.....(Regretful) It's all my fault. I should have took you seriously instead of calling you a joke. I should have stand up for you and I should have make you felt less alone.

Light: And us too. I know you didn't involve me, Eden & Ranma in the scenario but we still want to help you. 

Hou Ren: Shut up....Shut Up...SHUT UP. (Release a Huge Shockwave and knocked them down) I Don't Want Your Poison. GET OUT OF MY SIGHT RIGHT NOW.

Shiloh & Garga: (Worried) Hou Ren...

Vile Ranma: We're not going anywhere...Please Hou Ren. Think back. Don't remember the bad things you encountered. Remember the good instead.

Gwen: He's right. Remember what you said before you left HIS?

(Flashback)

Past Hou Ren: Considered what I did today and in the past was SO BAD, you all would rather have me expelled doesn't it. I guess I'm a hero and a traitor at the same time.

(Flashback End)

Gwen: You're Not A Hero. And You're Not A Traitor. You're our greatest friend. Think back. Remember every loving memory you encountered. Even now.

Hearing this, Hou Ren remembers every lovely moment encountered in his days. His anger slowly becomes sadness as he remembers them all. Memories are flashing right before his eyes at a very immense speed. When he finished remembering, his eyes are flowed with tears.

Hou Ren: I'm....your friend?

Vile Ranma: That's right. And now, I'm going to cherish everyone's feelings into my new ace. 

Hou Ren: But you have no cards left. Vanity Zero Blazer deals 10 damage.

Vile Ranma: That's true but.....Final Phase.

Hou Ren: What?

Gwen: I don't get it. Ranma has nothing on the field. So Why?

Vile Ranma: I ACTIVATE A VILE ROAD'S ABILITY FROM THE DROPZONE.

Hou Ren: What?

Daryl: Isn't that?

Gwen: Yeah....What is he doing?

Vile Ranma: I discard the top 3 cards of my deck. If I have No Impacts on the field during my final phase, I can cast one among those 3 cards. Here Goes. First Card. (Reveals a spell) Darn. Second Card. (Reveals a Monster)

Daryl: Its a Monster this time.

Light: Darn It.

Vile Ranma: Even still.....I still believe in hope. And third times is always the charm. 

Destroyer appeared from the dropzone to help his buddy out.

Ranma: I believe in my...

Destroyer: We believe in our....

Ranma: Together...

Destroyer: You And I

Ranma & Destroyer: WILL SAVE OUR FRIEND NO MATTER WHAT.

They both flipped the Last Card Together and it Shows Ranma's Final Impact.

Gwen: AN IMPACT AT LAST.

Garga: Oh No.....

Daryl: Come On Ranma.

Vile Ranma: I Pay 3 Gauge And CAST.........

Destroyer once again emerge as a skull form in his dropzone. His other forms even showed up in spirit. Passing their powers onto him.

Hou Ren: Even if you can deal damage to me, you won't be able to finish me off.

Vile Ranma: Eternal Zero Endgame. Due to it's being called by A Vile Road's effect.... At the same time by calling One LostVader Monster from my dropzone, it posses Infinity Power and Deal Infinity Damage to the opponent. 

Hou Ren: No...No Way. This was....meant to be.....my Victory.

Vile Ranma: Not Today Man. I will carry all of Our feelings and show you our love. BECAUSE I'M ALSO....YOU'RE FRIEND OKAY.

Destroyer & Vile Ranma: IMPACT. ETERNAL....ZERO...ENDGAME.

Destroyer launches a poweful attack. As the impact was about to him, All Hou Ren can do is watch in calm surprise. When the impact hit him, He got knocked down but the attack felt warm instead. 

Garga: HOU REN!!!!!!

At last, Hou Ren's flag is destroyed. Suddenly, Hou Ren(no longer transformed) was lying down unconscious in some sort of rainbow subspace. Garga appears beside him and wakes Hou Ren up.

Garga: Hou Ren.

Hou Ren: (Open his eyes and gets up while grasping his senses) Gar...ga...where am I.....I see....I lost, Didnt I....

Garga: (Regret) Yes.....

Hou Ren: I'm sorry.....(Hit the ground) Darn It. After Everything I worked so Hard For....Why.....(Crying)....Why do I always suffer....(Puts his hand over his face)....I don't understand.

Garga: (Comforting him) No Hou Ren. Don't say that. You're Wrong.

Hou Ren: Yeah But....

???: He's right.

Ranma Appears beside them.

Hou Ren: Where did you come from?

Ranma: That doesn't matter. Look around you.

All of the sudden, more and more happy memories of Hou Ren's adventures and moments appeared around them.

Hou Ren: This is?

Ranma: You can see it can you? More of Your Happiest Memories.

Garga: You did not lose any of your joy. You look so...cheerful.

 Hou Ren: I know.....but it doesn't change the fact that I commited alot of sins.... I'm cursed.

???: That's not true.

Now Shiloh appeared beside them.

Hou Ren: Shiloh? How did you get here?

Shiloh: Honestly, I don't know. But hear me out. You're not cursed. You're someone...extraordinary.

Hou Ren: But....

Shiloh: (Comforting Hou Ren by tapping his shoulder gently) Listen, your former companions may not care for you back then. But they are here now. I know it's hard to trust them but you should give them a chance. Remember earlier when you give me a chance to fight Gwen?

Hou Ren: That was different. And If I do that.....that would mean.....leaving you.

Shiloh: (Cries) It's Okay....(Hug Her Boyfriend) I don't care about that. You're still a good man. You're just....often misunderstood and ignored. That's why you're like this. 

Hou Ren: Then why....

Shiloh: It's because I love you. I will always be with you, even when far apart. (Kissed his cheek)

Hou Ren: Shiloh....(awkwardly hug her back)

Ranma: Hou Ren....you made a huge impact in all of our lives. Like You kept pursuing to save me when I was consumed by hate. You see the good in me no matter what and I'm so grateful. You were never a joke to us all.

Garga: Ranma's right. You even helped me evolved too. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have gotten Stronger and Learned the ways of Victory and Defeat. You showed Compassion no matter what. I'm proud to call myself your buddy and your friend.

Hou Ren: You guys.....(Wiped off tears while smiling) Up until now, I never thought this whole time I made a good difference in life. Ranma..... You Win This One.

Everyone Smiled. And with that, it faded back to sanctuary. Everyone is watching as Garga carries an unconscious Hou Ren on his arm. His disaster force faded away. Everyone looked worried.

Gwen: Is he going to be okay?

Garga: It's one of the consequences of using too much Dark power. He just needs some rest for a while. 

Gwen: Thank Goodness.....(In Tears)

Hou Ren's Mother Cried in Hou Ren's Father's arms. Everyone cheered for Ranma. The Draknights look abit upset but also happy at the same time. Gwen and Shiloh checked on Hou Ren and then Shiloh kissed Hou Ren's forehead while Gwen decided to tap on Hou Ren's chest. At last, it's finally over. The Battle Between The Two Aces.

Shiloh: Rest well....Sweetie.

Story Ends.