Episode 18

A Rough Fight

 

***WARNING***

This episode has some more violent scenes than previous episodes.  Just warning everyone before hand.

 

(outside training)

Nova:  Ok, Stardust.  You have eaten all of my apples already.  (on the ground are several apple cores.  Nova puts her hands on Stardust’s jewel.)  Concentrate on your energy.  (Stardust starts glowing red.  Nova closes her eyes.  She starts glowing red as well, and so is the star-shaped jewel on her forehead.  They continue glowing until Nova finally opens her eyes.  She looks around and sees a rather large rock)  Ready, Stardust…Attack Power!  (A large red beam shoots from Stardust and Nova.  The rock explodes into pieces that fly into the air as the beam hits straight through it.  It hits a tree behind the rock, which now has a hole in it, several inches long.)  Wow.  (Nova starts to collapse.  Tsuki runs to her)

Tsuki:  Nova!  (Nova slowly gets up)

Mika:  (on her ‘ghost’ Jewel)  Are you okay, Nova?

Nova:  I’m all right, just a little weak.  That attack really takes a lot out of me.

Tsuki:  Yes, but you really are improving!  Did you see how it went straight through that rock and hit that tree?  Do you know what you can do with an attack like that against Dark Star?  And if you keep practicing, you’ll be able to handle two Fruit Attacks!  You could use Stardust and Orange’s Fruit Power simultaneously!

Nova:  (falling to her knees)  I can barely do one.

Tsuki:  Practice practice.  Trust me.  It’ll all be worth it in the end.

Mika:  (jumping off her ‘ghost’ Jewel)  And I can help.

Tsuki:  (rolls eyes)  No offense, Mika, but if you don’t have a real Jewel, you can’t really help much.

Nova:  (standing up)  I think I should try some new attack moves now.

Tsuki:  New attack moves?  Like what?

Nova:  (grinning)  You’ll see later!

***********************************

(at school)

Mrs. Suisho:  Everyone turn in your homework.  (there is the sound of people shuffling through papers and opening up backpacks.  Noelle pulls out her homework from her backpack.  She takes the stack of homework from behind her and places hers on top.  As she is about to turn the homework assignments in, she notices a letter with “Noelle” sticking out of the pile.  Noelle pulls it out before passing the homework to the person in front of her.  She stares at it curiously and opens up the piece of paper.)

Noelle:  (thoughts; reading the paper)  Noelle,

                           Battle at 12am.  Meet me on the top of the hill.  Do not tell Tsuki or Mika.  This is                         between you and me.

                                                         Daraku

(out loud)  A battle???

Mrs. Suisho:  Noelle, do you have something you would like to tell the class?

Noelle:  (cramming the paper under her seat; embarrassedly)  No, no!  Just talking to myself!  (does  a loud, nervous laugh)  Hahahahahaha!

*********************************************

(Noelle, Tsuta, and Mika are leaving the school)

Tsuta:  It’s nice that you didn’t have detention today for once.

Noelle:  (laughing)  Well, that’s because I’m getting prepared for later.

Tsuta:  (Mika sighs)  What!?  Noelle!!

Kanshin:  Noelle.  (the three girls stop)  Since you don’t have detention today,  I want to battle you.

Noelle:  Hmmm?  You’re kidding, right?

Kanshin:  I’m tired of a girl beating me up…it’s just embarrassing.  But now, since I am prepared to fight, I am going to kick your butt!  And I won’t go easy on you, Noelle!  Come on now, and I’ll show you what I got!  (puts up fists)

Noelle:  (sighs)  I don’t like fighting outside of the classroom.

Mika:  (from behind)  That’s not true!

Kanshin:  Are you chicken?  Ha!  Noelle’s really a chicken!  Bock, bock, bock!  Noelle’s a CHICKEN!!!  (a crowd starts to form around the two)

Noelle:  (sighs)  Well, I didn’t really want to fight, but…(she walks up to Kanshin, her foot suddenly flies in the air)  HIYA!  (she kicks Kanshin in the face who skids across the ground and then slams into a tree.  An apple falls on his head, followed by two more)  (yelling)  Sorry, Kanshin!  (the crowd ooos.  Noelle gets several “congradulations”)

Daraku:  Let me fight you.  (Noelle turns around, surprised)

Noelle:  What…Daraku???

Tsuta:  Daraku wants to fight Noelle?

Daraku:  (muttering to Noelle)  I think I can handle you, Noelle.  Let’s consider this a warm-up for later.

Noelle:  (the surprised expression on her face disappears)  Fine, Daraku.  I’m always up for another challenge.  (the two face each other.  The crowd of students gather on one side.  Tsuta and Mika are with the crowd)

Mika:  I wish they wouldn’t fight…

Tsuta:  Yeah, Daraku is going to kick Noelle’s butt.

Mika:  What???  Why are you voting for Daraku?

Tsuta:  (eyes glittering)  Daraku is so cute!

Mika:  (sighs)  Come on, Noelle!  You can beat Daraku!

Tsuta:  Daraku, don’t listen to her!  I know you can win!

Noelle:  (turns around angrily)  Tsuta!  (Tsuta nervously waves at her)

Daraku:  Are you ready, Noelle?  (Noelle turns around)

Noelle:  Yes.  (the two both get into fighting positions.)  Hi….(starts running toward Daraku, her foot is ready to kick him in the face.  Daraku moves to the side.  This shocks Noelle who’s foot in the air causes her to trip and all on the ground.)

Tsuta:  Oh!  (Daraku turns around.  Noelle starts to push herself up)

Daraku:  Have you had enough already?

Noelle:  Of coarse not!  (she springs back to her feet and charges at Daraku, her hands clenched in fists.  Daraku avoids her again.  Noelle skids for a bit, catches her balances, and then charges at Daraku again.  This continues for awhile.  Finally, Noelle stops to catch her breath)  (thoughts)  How does he keep avoiding my attacks?

Daraku:  Well, this is getting boring.  Time for the fun to begin.  (he runs to Noelle who looks up surprised.  He punches her, from the chin up.  A little splash of blood emerges from Noelle’s mouth.  Daraku punches her again.  A little more blood.  Then Daraku kicks her hard causing Noelle to tumble on the ground.  Daraku stands, watching her, as she gets up)

Daraku:  I am not as weak as you thought I was.

Noelle:  (turns her head and glares at him, her right eye twinkles with mischievously)  Neither am I.

Daraku:  Hmmm?  (Noelle gets back on her feet and charges at him again, like she had tried before.  This time, however, she does a quick serve to the left.  Daraku is unable to avoid her attack and she punches him hard in the face.  Daraku foot slides across the ground as one hand covers his eye.  Tsuta looks up at him)

Tsuta:  Daraku?  (Daraku coughs up a little blood.  Tsuta runs to him)  Daraku!  (Mika also runs in between the two)

Mika:  You guys have to stop this fighting!  Look at yourselves!  You’re both bleeding!  (Daraku pushes Tsuta away)

Daraku:  I’m going to keep fighting, no matter what.  Unless Noelle wants to give up.

Noelle:  Of coarse not!  (she goes at him again.  Daraku charges toward her as well.  Tsuta backs away with Mika.)

Mika:  Tsuta, what are we going to do?

Tsuta:  Hmm…(winking)  I have an idea that I’m sure will work!

***************************************

(a while later.  Noelle and Daraku are both extremely worn out, yet their spirits are still strong.  The crowd has decreased)

Daraku:  (breathing heavily) You still have moves left that I wasn’t expecting.

Noelle:  (also breathing heavily)  Same with you.

Daraku:  But, I’m not going to quit.

Noelle:  Neither am I!    (the two go at it again.  Tsuta and Mika come up)

Mika:  Tsuta, are you sure this is going to work?

Tsuta:  I’m sure.  Ready?  (Mika nods her head)  Then let’s go!  (the two girls start running toward Daraku and Noelle, who are both on the ground, pinching each others cheeks.  They both look up.  Tsuta and Mika both pull out frying pans which they bang on Daraku and Noelle’s heads.  Both go unconscious)

Mika:  (from above)  You were right, Tsuta.  That did work!

******************************************

(the sun is starting to set.  Tsuta is sitting next to Daraku, Mika is with Noelle.  Everyone else has left  The two slowly open their eyes)

Noelle:  What happened?

Mika:  You two were fighting so hard…Tsuta and I had to knock you out with these frying pans!  (her little smile quickly fades when Noelle jumps up to her feet and starts shaking Mika)

Noelle:  So you’re the one who knocked me out?  Why did you do that?  I almost won!  I almost beat Daraku!

Mika:  Aaaaah!

Tsuta:  (shakes her head)  Neither of you were going to win!  You would have killed each other if Mika and I didn’t do anything!  (Daraku doesn’t say a word.  He stands up)  Daraku?

Daraku:  I’m leaving.  (starts to leave)

Tsuta:  Daraku, where are you going?

Daraku:  I’m going home.  (gives a little wave)  See you later, Noelle.

Tsuta:  (doesn’t get up)  Daraku

******************************************

(it is dark out.  Noelle is lying on her bed with a wet cloth on her forehead.  Mika comes in)

Mika:  Noelle, are you feeling better?

Noelle:  Yes.  I just need to rest up.

Mika:  Noelle.  (slight pause)  You know…the only reason why I did that was so you wouldn’t get hurt.  I mean, look at you!  You could have been killed…Noelle, what would I do without you??  (Noelle looks at Mika and can sense her concerns)

Noelle:  I am sorry, Mika.  I know I should have stopped.  I guess, when I looked at Daraku…I saw Dark Star…and then I just had to keep fighting until I won.  I’ve never lost before…I feel like I have a hole inside of me…because I couldn’t beat him…and a piece of me is lost…

Mika:  Dark Star is your enemy, Noelle.  Our enemy.  Do not let Daraku put you down…I’ll always be there, Noelle.  And so will Tsuki…and Tsuta too.

Noelle:  (smiling)  Thanks, Mika.  (thoughts)  But you won’t be with me for my next battle…

*******************************

(Nova walks up on the hill along with her three Butterjewels.  Dark Star is already on top waiting.  He has his own personal Firewidow along with two others on the side.)

Dark Star:  I was wondering if you were going to make it.

Nova:  I would never give up a fight.  You should have realized that after today.

Dark Star:  (looking down)  The reason why I asked to fight with you is because I wanted a battle with just you and me.  Fair on both sides.

Nova:  (shakes head in agreement)  It’s a challenge for me without having Tsuki and Mika by my side, but I will accept that challenge.  (gets onto Stardust)  I’m ready when you are.

Dark Star:  (gets on his Firewidow)  Let’s go.  (and the fight begins)

Nova:  Orange, Attack Power!  (Orange rams into Stardust.  Stardust growls as she falls over.  Noelle starts to fall when Sunstar grabs the side of her jacket with her mouth.  Nova stands up on her feet.  Stardust and Orange start battling.)  Well, if that’s the way you guys are going to be, then fine.  I’ll just get use Sunstar…(Sunstar lets out a cry as Dark Star and his Firewidow send out a fireball to her.  Sunstar manages to catch her balance)

Dark Star:  FireBreath Duo!  FireBreath attack those two Butterjewels!  The Firewidows aim their attacks and just as they are about to hit Stardust and Orange, Nova jumps in front of the fire attack and takes the hit.  She falls, rolling to the ground, which luckily engulfs the flames in the process.  Dark Star is stunned at Nova’s actions.  Sunstar quickly makes her way to Nova.  She pushes Nova’s head with her muzzle.  Nova does not move.  Sunstar leans down and proceeds with a Healing Power.  Dark Star shakes his head)  For a princess, you are very poor at raising your Butterjewels.  And incase you did not notice, none of your Butterjewels have their golden tail strands.  (He holds up the three golden tail strands in his hands.  Nova gives a weary grown)  Though, I must compliment you on your motives.  Then again, kindness does not win battles.  FireBreath Duo, FireBreath attack!  (the two Firewidows start their second attack.  Nova, looks up.  She is weak, but she is able to mutter the words)

Nova:  Fruit Power.

Dark Star:  What?

Nova:  Apple and Orange Power.

Dark Star:  (shakes his head)  That won’t work.  (Stardust and Orange start glowing.  The FireBreath attack bounces off of them and disintegrates in the air.)  What the…

Nova:  They fought.  They finally fought…for me. (standing up)

Dark Star:  Hmmm…All Firewidows!  Volcano Eruption Attack!  (The attack aims toward Nova and her Butterjewels.  With their fruit powers, Stardust and Orange are able to block the attack, but it is so strong, they are unable to block it all.  The attack hits Nova, who falls again, and Sunstar.  By the end of the attack, all three Butterjewels are weak.  Nova can barely move)  You have definitely improved, Nova.  However, this battle is a victory for me.  Thank-you for your time.  (Dark Star leaves.  Nova starts to lift up, but falls again.)

***************************************

(it is morning.  Noelle is lying in bed.  She slowly opens her eyes to see Mika staring at her)

Mika:  Noelle…you’re ok!

Noelle:  (sitting up)  What happened?

Mika:  Well, I had a feeling something was wrong last night…and when I saw you weren’t in your room, I went out looking for you.  I found you unconscious on top of the hill…your Butterjewels helped bring you home.

Noelle:  My Butterjewels…

Mika:  They’re ok.  I put them back in the cabin.  And I took off your rings and locket and put them on your dresser.  I hope that was ok.

Noelle:  That was fine, Mika.  Thanks.

Mika:  I told your Mother that you were sick.  I’ll take notes for you at school.  You really need to rest up.

Noelle:  (nods her head)  I really appreciate it.  You’re a great friend.  (Mika smiles and leaves the room.)

Mika:  Bye, Noelle!  (Noelle lies in bed for a long time, staring up at the ceiling.  She closes her eyes, and then opens them again to notice a big gash on her left arm.  She pulls down her sleeve to cover it, closes her eyes, and falls asleep)

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