[Opening Scene – Outside a Market in Dark City]
Kouchu, Shauna, Sakuro, and their Crystal Monsters (Roaracryst, Mouselette, and Plantmore) are walking through a bustling street. Music plays softly as the market buzzes with people.
Shauna:
“Dark City feels way more intense than Blossomite. Look at all the weird signs!”
Sakuro (holding a map):
“Third medal’s nearby. We just have to head up this street…”
Suddenly, a large shadow looms over the group. A towering teenager, arms crossed and face blank, blocks their way.
Bully:
“You. Blue head.”
Kouchu (confused):
“Uh… me?”
Bully (serious tone):
“I’ve been lookin’ for someone like you.”
Kouchu gulps. Roaracryst growls protectively.
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[Cut to Alleyway – Moments Later]
The group steps aside as the bully continues to stare at Kouchu.
Shauna (whispering):
“Kouchu… you think he’s… a bully?”
Kouchu (nervous smile):
“Y-yeah… probably wants to shove me in a trash can or something…”
Sakuro (serious):
“This is your chance to stand up to guys like that! You’ve battled monsters, jumped through fire, survived that trap house—this is nothing!”
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
Shauna:
“You got this, Kouchu! We believe in you!”
Kouchu (laughs awkwardly):
“No no! I—I’ve got this. I’m a grown-up now! Totally don’t need backup!”
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[Scene: Staircase Beside Alley]
Kouchu dramatically walks up the stairs toward the bully—trying to be cool, but suddenly…
Kouchu:
“Time to—WHOA!”
SLIP! THUD!
Kouchu tumbles down the stairs and lands with a loud smack. His face hits the ground gently but firmly. When he sits up… he has a black eye.
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[Cut to: Inside a Café – Minutes Later]
Kouchu sits with a soda can on his eye. Shauna and Sakuro stare in horror.
Shauna:
“He beat you up, didn’t he?!”
Sakuro:
“You don’t have to cover for him, Kouchu! We’ll handle this guy!”
Kouchu (waving hands):
“No! It was the STAIRS! I tripped! He didn’t do anything!”
Shauna:
“Why are you defending your enemy?!”
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[Cut to: The Bully Returns]
The bully steps back in—still stoic. Everyone braces.
Bully (pulls out a card deck):
“…You ready to play cards or what?”
Kouchu (blinking):
“…Huh?”
Bully (confused):
“You’re the guy with the sick Crystal Monsters, right? I was hoping to do a card sim battle. Not… fight you.”
Shauna and Sakuro (facepalming together):
“Oh.”
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[Scene: Inside Café – Card Battle Simulation Begins]
The table turns into a light-projected field using the cards. Crystal Monster cards are slapped down, effects swirling in mid-air.
Kouchu (laughing nervously):
“Wow! This is… way better than getting beat up.”
Bully (smirking for the first time):
“You’re not bad. What was with the dramatic stare-off earlier?”
Kouchu:
“Honestly… I thought you were gonna toss me across the street.”
Bully (laughs):
“What?! Man, I just don’t smile much.”
They both laugh as their card monsters clash.
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[Scene: Late Afternoon – Leaving the Café]
Kouchu, now on friendlier terms with the “bully,” waves goodbye.
Bully:
“You ever wanna trade cards, come find me. Name’s Dane.”
Kouchu:
“Thanks, Dane! And… sorry for thinking you were gonna beat me up.”
Dane (grinning):
“Fair enough. I do have a scary face.”
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[Cut to: Street Heading Toward the Medal Field]
Shauna (teasing):
“So mature, huh? Didn’t need help, huh?”
Kouchu (rubbing eye):
“Okay, okay! Lesson learned. Next time I’ll ask before assuming someone wants to fight me.”
Roaracryst (snickering):
“You’re lucky your battle record doesn’t count falling down stairs.”
Mouselette:
“Heh! Kouchu, 0. Gravity, 1!”
They all laugh as the group continues toward their next destination.
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[End Scene – Road to the Medal]
Sakuro (checking map):
“Looks like the third medal field is just up ahead. Ready?”
Kouchu (smiling):
“More than ever. No more distractions—just me, Roaracryst, and the path to Champion!”
Shauna:
“Unless the stairs challenge you again.”
Kouchu:
“Don’t even joke.”
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[To Be Continued…]
