As they charged with their swords, two glowing symbols appeared behind them: one representing the Azure Dragon, and the other the Crimson Wyvern.
The moment the two creatures appeared, Yukiko's katana, Ema's necklace, and Lara's scythe suddenly burst into light. Behind them, three majestic symbols emerged: a pink nine-tailed fox behind Yukiko, a yellow falcon behind Ema, and a purple peacock behind Lara. Then, the world around them faded for several minutes.
In a pink void, Yukiko saw sakura petals drifting in the wind. Then, the nine-tailed fox appeared before her, just as the Azure Dragon had once appeared to Taro.
Yukiko was stunned, and the fox began to speak:
"You seem familiar... YukikoHiroshi?"
"H-How do you know my name? Who are you?" She asked.
"I am the Legendary Creature: Sakura Kitsune," it declared. "I was once ShizukaHanabira's companion."
"My sensei? You've been living inside my katana all this time?" She asked.
"I was sealed when she died. But now, you've awakened me," the kitsune replied. "Let us unite and fight the darkness!"
"I count on you, Sakura Kitsune," Yukiko said.
Then, the creature entered Yukiko's body.
Meanwhile, in a yellow void, Ema stood under a glowing golden moon. From it emerged a grand yellow bird.
"It has been a long time, EmaKenjiro," it said.
"You look familiar... C-Chucky?" She responded, eyes wide.
"That's right. You used to call me that," it replied. "I'm the Legendary Creature: Moonlight Falcon."
"I remember when I first got my power... You were just a tiny spiritual bird," she said.
"I've always been inside your necklace. I'm glad you still remember," the falcon replied.
"It's great to see you again, Chu... Moonlight Falcon," Ema said. "Let's work together to defeat Armageddon."
"I'm in," the falcon agreed.
It then entered her body.
In the violet void, Lara found herself standing before what looked like a large, shimmering fan... but they were peacock tails.
"Let me guess. You're the Legendary Creature inside my scythe, right?" She asked calmly.
"Correct. I am the Violet Peacock," it answered. "How did you know?"
"I've seen your symbol appear behind me many times," she said. "Just like Kevin's Crimson Wyvern."
"Good observation. I've been supporting your attacks all along, as the other creatures do," the peacock said.
"Happy to finally meet you, Violet Peacock," Lara replied. "Now, let's enter the stage."
And with that, the creature entered her body.
Moments later, all three girls regained consciousness. Vincy, who had been watching the entire scene, looked utterly confused.
"So, did you meet your companions?" Taro asked.
"We did. But how did you know about this?" Ema asked.
"I read about them after awakening the Azure Dragon," he replied.
He continued:
"Each Legendary Creature enhances our combat in different ways. The Azure Dragon boosts defense, the Crimson Wyvern grants strength, the Sakura Kitsune brings swiftness, the Moonlight Falcon boosts charge speed, and the Violet Peacock enhances awareness. You can think of them as buffs. They appeared when the Azure Dragon and Crimson Wyvern made contact."
"Subarashii. That'll help against the Dark Lords," Yukiko said.
"Exactly. That's what I meant when I said we'd terrify Armageddon," Taro said.
"Now that everything's clear, ready to resume our duel?" Kevin asked.
"Sure. Sorry for the long explanation," Taro replied.
They charged forward, resuming their battle. Meanwhile, Vincy was still trying to make sense of everything... until a voice called from behind.
"That looks familiar," someone said.
"Can you stop with the annoying jump scares, Mrs. invisible fiendish princess?" Vincy snapped.
"Listen, kiddo, I think you're going to meet a creature too," Zara replied.
"What kind of creature?" He asked, confused.
"I don't know yet. Let me guide you away from here," she said, turning.
Vincy followed her, separating from the others.
Minutes later, they reached a distant hill. Zara opened a glowing red portal.
"Hey, where are we going?" Vincy asked.
"To meet the creature I mentioned," she answered.
He entered the portal and found himself standing before a massive, eerie dark red castle.
"What is this place?" He asked.
"Our fiendish castle in our realm. Beautiful isn't it?" She said coldly.
"Meh... my sandcastle was better," Vincy joked. "Anyway, show me the way."
They passed through the gates and into the castle. Vincy looked around.
"I don't see any fiends around. Where are they, princess?" He asked.
"This place is abandoned. You won't find anyone," she replied.
"Makes sense. No one would feel comfortable here," he teased.
"That's not the reason. Most of them were killed by Armageddon. The rest fled... I don't know where," she explained.
"Oh... is that why you want to kill him so badly?" He asked.
"Not just that," she said. "He killed the king."
Her father? Vincy thought. Oh wait... nevermind, she was human.
"I liked him. He treated me like his daughter," she added. "Does that convince you?"
"Meh... it's not like I had a choice. You saved me after all," Vincy replied. "And honestly, I never liked that Armageddon guy."
"Let's continue," she said.
In the throne room, Vincy spotted a red ring encased in a slimy crimson cube beside a window.
"Blah, what's that thing?" He asked.
"That's a barrier. Only fiends can touch what's inside," she said.
"Can you get it for me? Pretty please?" Vincy asked, begging.
"Can you do it yourself? Pretty please?" She asked back, clearly bored.
"Ugh, fine," Vincy said, reaching in.
The moment he grabbed the ring, the barrier vanished.
"Sheesh. Something tells me this isn't just any ring," he muttered.
"You're right," Zara replied. "That ring holds incredible power."
As soon as he put it on, a red light burst out. When he opened his eyes, he found himself surrounded by flames.
"What... is going on here?!" He exclaimed.
Suddenly, a massive bird emerged from the fire.
"W-What are you?!" Vincy shouted.
"I am the Legendary Creature: Blazing Phoenix," it declared. "And who are you?"
"Vincy, That's my name. I... I guess I came to free you?"
Then, there was a long pause...
"Nice flames, by the way," Vincy added.
"I was sealed in that ring. This is the first time I've been unleashed as a companion," the phoenix said. "Be warned... I'm the most dangerous of all Legendary Creatures."
"No problem, buddy," Vincy replied, flicking a flame from his hand. "I can be dangerous too. Let's be the dangerous team!"
The phoenix looked closely, then said:
"Flames... interesting. Then it's settled. I will be your companion. What is your objective?"
"There's this crazy creature named Armageddon who wants to destroy everything," Vincy answered. "We need to show him who's the boss. You in?"
"Then... let me lend you my power," the phoenix agreed.
Then as with the others, It entered Vincy's body.
Moments later, Vincy regained consciousness.
"So? How was it?" Zara asked.
"You didn't see it?" He asked.
"No, but I felt something powerful," she said.
"Whatever. Let's head back!" Vincy said.
Meanwhile, Taro and Kevin were still clashing, exchanging strikes and using their unique powers. Taro relied on his shield and sword combination, while Kevin kept up with relentless strikes. Around thirty-five minutes later, both were breathing heavily, drained.
"Same technique, same timing," Kevin said. "But will it end the same way?"
He charged, using his buff. Then, Taro dashed toward him.
"Don't blink!" Kevin warned again.
Dust covered the area, blocking everyone's view. When it cleared, Taro stood glowing with power, his shield blocking Kevin's strike, his blade pointed at Kevin's chest.
Kevin smirked and stepped back.
"Incredible. You blocked my powerful slash," he said.
"So... a draw?" Taro asked.
"Call it what you like," Kevin replied. "As promised, we'll handle the raids."
"Thanks, Kevin. I appreciate it," Taro said.
They shook hands after.
The girls approached, impressed by the intense battle. Taro and Ema quickly noticed Vincy was not nearby.
"Where's Vincy?" Taro asked.
"I thought he was here," Yukiko replied.
"I'm here, with a special guest," someone called from behind.
It was Vincy, waving and showing off his new ring.
"Meet the Blazing Phoenix. Buff of Burning," he said.
"Perfect. Now we're all ready," Taro replied.
"Where'd you find it?" Ema asked.
"That's a secret. Just like your necklace," Vincy said with a grin.
Kevin and Lara then left the group, heading home.
"It ended in a tie, huh?" Lara muttered.
"No. He clearly won," Kevin replied.
"How can you tell?" She asked.
"The Azure Dragon matched my Crimson Wyvern. However, he had the upper hand, creating a powerful combo with his sword and his shield together."
He looked at the horizon and added:
"Even then... he still refused to hurt me. I can confidently say..."
"...He will defeat Armageddon!"