The bus rumbles to a stop, and the brawlers step off onto the bustling streets of Dark City. The towering buildings and neon lights shine brightly in the evening sky, giving the city a lively, almost mysterious atmosphere. Kouchu and his friends look around in awe as they step onto the pavement, ready for the next challenge.

  Kouchu: grinning “Dark City, huh? This place has some serious energy to it.”

  Shauna: nodding “Yeah, but we’re here for the next medal. Let’s not get distracted.”

  As they move through the crowded streets, Kouchu suddenly freezes, his eyes narrowing as he spots a familiar figure standing ahead of them. The figure is leaning against a large pillar, arms crossed, and wearing a smirk that Kouchu knows all too well.

  Kouchu: under his breath “Marcy…”

  It’s Marcy Kimensho, the stubborn and sometimes taunting member of the Menace Five. She stands confidently, almost as if waiting for them.

  Shauna: whispering to Kouchu “What’s she doing here?”

  Kouchu: clenching his fists “I don’t know, but I don’t like it.”

  Marcy notices Kouchu and flashes him a smug grin.

  Marcy: mocking “Well, if it isn’t the Crystal Brawlers. You guys really think you can just waltz into Dark City and get a medal? Not if I can help it.”

  Kouchu: stepping forward “What are you talking about, Marcy? What happened to Darkia?”

  Marcy’s smile fades slightly as she crosses her arms.

  Marcy: “Darkia? She’s not here. She… had an accident and had to go to the hospital. So, I’m stepping in to take her place.” She smirks “And I’m going to make sure you regret ever stepping into my turf.”

  Kouchu’s jealousy flares up, the thought of Marcy taking Darkia’s place stinging his pride.

  Kouchu: gritting his teeth “You think you’re tough? Bring it on.”

  The challenge is clear. Marcy has no intention of letting Kouchu walk through Dark City without facing her first. The tension builds as she stands tall before him, almost daring him to challenge her. And of course, Kouchu’s competitive side can’t resist.

  ?

  The Challenge: Dark City’s “Sports Arena”

  The scene shifts to a large, open arena in Dark City, surrounded by flashing billboards and cheering spectators. It’s a mix of sports and challenges, where competitors face off in various events to show their strength and skill. Marcy stands on one side, her confidence clear, while Kouchu and his friends are on the other.

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  Marcy: grinning “You may be good at collecting Crystal Balls, but I’m better at winning games. Prepare yourself.”

  Kouchu squares off against her, determined to show her up. The first event is an intense series of physical games, including climbing, sliding, and dodging obstacles. Marcy’s agility and precision quickly put her ahead, but Kouchu isn’t backing down.

  Kouchu: panting “I… I’m not giving up that easily!”

  He pushes himself, scrambling up the obstacle course, but despite his best efforts, Marcy’s athleticism shines through. She speeds past him effortlessly, showing no signs of slowing down.

  The crowd is on edge, watching as Kouchu struggles to keep up. Shauna and Sakuro watch from the sidelines, offering words of encouragement, but Kouchu can feel his frustration building.

  Shauna: shouting “Kouchu! Don’t give up now!”

  Sakuro: sternly “You’ve come this far, Kouchu! Show her what you’re made of!”

  Despite the tough odds, Kouchu makes one final push, using every ounce of his strength. He reaches the last part of the challenge—a high-flying jump through a series of moving rings. As he leaps into the air, his feet catch one of the rings, and he just barely manages to clear the final obstacle. But it’s too late. Marcy has already crossed the finish line ahead of him.

  ?

  The Aftermath:

  Kouchu stands, winded and frustrated, as Marcy crosses the finish line first with a victorious smirk on her face. The crowd roars with approval, but Kouchu can’t help feeling the sting of defeat.

  Marcy: taunting “What did I tell you? You’ve got no chance against me.”

  But just as Kouchu begins to lower his head, a new voice rings out from the crowd—one that Kouchu recognizes instantly. It’s Leo, Darkia’s brother, who steps forward with a serious yet encouraging expression.

  Leo: calling out “Hey, Kouchu! Don’t hang your head. You’ve got something she doesn’t.”

  Kouchu looks up, surprised. Leo steps into the arena, walking confidently toward Kouchu.

  Leo: placing a hand on Kouchu’s shoulder “It’s not just about winning the competition. It’s about strength of character. Darkia always said you had a lot of heart. And that’s why I’m giving you this.”

  Leo pulls out the medal that Kouchu had been competing for—the one that would grant him access to the next part of his journey. He hands it to Kouchu with a smile.

  Leo: smiling “You’ve got more charisma and strength in your spirit than anyone else here. You don’t need to win every challenge. You’ve already shown that you’re a champion.”

  Kouchu looks at the medal, humbled, but still burning with determination.

  Kouchu: grinning “Thanks, Leo. I won’t let you down.”

  ?

  The Marukas Interfere:

  Just as Kouchu accepts the medal, Marcy’s mood shifts again, and the Marukas suddenly appear, surrounding him. They seem to want to take the medal from Kouchu, their eyes glinting with malice.

  Maruka 1: snickering “You think you’ve earned this? We’ll take it from you, Kouchu.”

  The Marukas begin to advance, their presence menacing as they try to intimidate Kouchu and his friends. However, just as they attempt to grab the medal, Ninecoat steps forward, unleashing a dazzling blast of light that causes the Marukas to recoil in fear.

  Ninecoat: growling “Stay away from our friend.”

  The Marukas, terrified of Ninecoat’s power, retreat quickly, their retreating steps echoing in the arena.

  Kouchu: laughing “Looks like Ninecoat’s got our backs again.”

  Marcy: scowling “This isn’t over, Kouchu. I’ll be back. And next time, I’ll make sure you lose.”

  Marcy storms off, the Marukas following her, as Kouchu, Shauna, Sakuro, and Leo share a moment of relief.

  ?

  The episode closes with the brawlers walking off into the distance, the medal securely in Kouchu’s hand. The next challenge is ahead, but they know that together, they can face whatever comes their way.

  ?

  End of Episode 51