Day 0: An Encounter with a Knight and a Base in a Dense Forest

I can't believe it... I never dreamed she would set such a diabolical trap, no!

No matter how strong I am, I can't possibly fight in a tag team match by myself!

That would go against everything lucha stands for, yes...

Ahh, where am I going to find a righteous luchador or luchadora who can fight by my side...?

I trust this goes without saying, but just in case, remember that having Master join you in the ring is not going to be an option.

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That's okay. I could never actually drag you into the lucha ring, even if I wanted to.

I still don't know what I'm going to do, though... Hm?

Did you hear that? ...It came from that alley.

I...don't think that's a pile of rags. Are you sure that isn't just a person all bundled up?

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Oogh... So hungry...

I don't think...I'm gonna make it... I'm sorry...

...No. No! I'm not giving up now. I've been through much worse than this in my travels...!

Still, starvation might be a first for me. Who knew going so long without eating could do this to you...

...Khh, now that I think about it, this might be the most humiliating thing that could happen to a knight. Just go ahead and kill me now!

Not that there's anyone around to actually do that for me. Ah man...

...I could reaaally go for some bread right about now...

...

Wh-wha...? Oh man, I must be even closer to death than I thought.

Now I'm hallucinating a tiny animal that somehow reminds me of Lord Merlin booping me on the nose to see if I'm alive...

Fou fooou, fo fo fooou!

I'm guessing you've put it together already, but that's a Servant under those rags.

This particular Servant appears on the verge of disappearing due to severe lack of magical energy.

It's the Servant equivalent of dying in a ditch on the side of a road. So, what are you gonna do about it?

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My Master is so kind, yes! I love how you never hesitate to help someone in need!

I'll help you. Come on, let's get them up and give them some water, too. Levántate.

...

...Huh?

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Huh? I don't understand... What's going on?

And why can I still taste delicious wheat!?

Wait a minute... Did you guys save me or something?

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Oh man, I knew it!

I'm so sorry for the trouble! This is so embarrassing. Knights are supposed to help others, not be helped...

Oh, but where are my manners? Thank you so much!

It's okay. All we did was provide you with a few supplies.

A little bread and water for nutrients, and a bit of magical energy from Master's Mystic Code has you back on your feet.

We have plenty of supplies to spare, so please, don't worry about it.

I have to say though, I'm surprised there was such a beautiful woman beneath all those rags.

Your shield is amazing, too. Like a burst of light. As a Shielder myself, I'd love to hear all about it...!

Hm? You're using magecraft to see and talk to me from far away...? Does that mean you guys are mages?

Not me! I am a Servant who brings joy to everyone with dancing and presents, yes!

A dancer Servant? I didn't know those were a thing... You know, your outfit looks kind of familiar. Is that what's trendy right now?

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I knew it. Oh, I haven't heard many good things about mages, but I guess you did save my life. Then again...

Fou, fooou.

Huh!? Wait a sec... I knew that animal reminded me of Lord Merlin! Err...well, it smells kind of like him.

In fact...I kind of sense Lord Merlin in you two, too!

Would you... Would you two happen to have some connection to him?

？！

Great! Then I know I can trust you.

I don't care for mages muchin fact, I kind of hate thembut Lord Merlin is another story.

He's helped me out on my journey plenty of times!

So you're a relative of Lord Merlin, huh? Great! You're not the first people like that to help me out of a jam!

Oh, right, I almost forgot to introduce myself. My name's Bradamante. As a loyal knight to the Kingdom of the Franks, I travel the world, righting wrongs in the name of the true king!

Bradamante of the Franks? Does that mean you're one of the Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne?

So you've heard of us? Yes, I serve His Imperial Majesty Charlemagne alongside my brother, Rinaldo.

You know Stolfo, too!? I apologize on his behalf if he's made any trouble for you!

He's a good guy, really! He just...doesn't always think things through! Or, um...ever...

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Hmm, so many questions, so little time... Okay, let's start with this: Can you tell us how you got here?

Or at least how you ended up covered in rags, almost dead in an alley?

I-it's, um....kind of a humiliating story... Especially for a knight...

But since you did save my life, I suppose you deserve the truth. Okay, here's what happened...

Hmm, I've been summoned... I have no idea where this place is! Now what do I do?

I don't see a spellcaster anywhere... Maybe I was summoned by some sort of relic or something? ...Hm? What's that?

Whoa, this treasure must be awfully powerful. Is this what called me here?

I'm not sure... But I am sure there's only one thing to do when you find a powerful relic like this! You have to pray to it!

Okay, uh... May there be peace on Earth and happiness for all in God's name.

And, uh, speaking personally...there's this person I'm looking for, so...

Whaugh!

This Holy Grail goes only to the victor. I won't have anyone trying to steal it on my watch.

Vic...tor...?

But you do appear to be some sort of hero yourself. Then I'll settle for stripping you of your power.

Under the circumstances, I should even be able to add it to the Christmas Grail.

Khh... If you're only going to humiliate me, then

Kill you? No, I don't think so. I can't just reduce the number of fighters before the tournament starts.

There shouldn't be a problem gathering more than enough, but better safe than sorry.

(My magical shield should be able to...! ...Oh no, I'm too lat)

Khh... Gaaah!

Hehehe... Hahahaha... It will be me who becomes the true Santa, but I should at least give everyone else a chance at it.

If you wish to take back your power, your only recourse is to enter the Santa Tag Team Tournament! Haaahahahaha!

...And there you have it. Oh, this is so embarrassing...

Now I see. So you're a victim of Black Quetzal Mask, too.

But I am still a knight, sworn to see justice served! I don't know the meaning of the words "give up"!

So I decided to take her advice, enter the tournament, get my power back, and rub it in her smug face...

...but then I found out you need a partner to participate.

I tried exploring the town, but since I don't know my way around this place, I haven't been having any luck

And eventually, your magical energy ran out and you ended up collapsing in the alley where we found you.

Fou, fou.

Such a kind gaze... Are you trying to cheer me up? Oh, Lord Fou, you and your Lord Merliny smell are so wonderful!

Still... Hehehe, your timing couldn't be better. Don't you agree, Fujimaru?

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Fou fou, fooou.

...Oh yes. As a matter of fact, I've been examining you for a while now...

A sexy, yet flexible leotard... A blue and white color scheme that would stand out beautifully in the ring...

And above all...!

You said your name was Bradaman!? It's like you were born with a great ring name...

Oh, you would be...nueva luchadora perfecta! Or rather, a technica and limpia, to use the official terms!

Wh-what? My name is Bradamante, not Bradaman!

Oh, really? Well, no problem. I'll just have to come up with a ring name for you myself then, yes!

I will be using a ring name for myself as well!

Besides, this is the homeland of the faith that worshipped me, so better if I don't go around showing my face and using my True Name here. Instead...

Ta-da! And for my ring name, I'll go with...Quetzal Mask, Luchadora of Mystery!

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Huh!? You're the one from those ruins!? I THOUGHT I recognized your outfit! Now you're in for it!

W-wait, please! Look, the mask is a different color! You've got the wrong god!

So she didn't even notice up till now... Well, that's okay. This is a good chance to explain why we're here.

So, you want to enter the Santa Tag Team Tournament too...?

Sí! If Black Quetzal Mask is going to be the ruda, then I'll be the technica who'll take her down!

I was just out looking for a baby-faced teammate to join me in the ring when we found you, yes!

And as I said earlier, you would be perfect. Will you be my partner, por favor?

...

It doesn't look like I have any choice.

I don't care about being Santa, but I do need to win if I'm going to reclaim my knightly powers.

And most importantly, I owe you guys my life.

All right then. On my honor as one of the Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne...

...I, Bradamante, vow to fight by your side as your tag team partner to the very last!

By the way, I might as well ask: You haven't seen Ruggiero anywhere, have you?

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In the legends of Charlemagne, Bradamante is generally depicted as pursuing her lover, Ruggiero.

They started out as enemies, but fell in love after fighting a duel, only for fate to tear them apart...

Then she goes on to search far and wide for her lover, refusing to give up no matter the hardship she encounters.

I remember that story well. It's a wonderful tale of bravery and adventure!

I-it's a little embarrassing, hearing you all saying it like that...

But yes, that's pretty much what happened.

Even now, chasing after things is just in my nature. I can't help but try to look for them.

I'm sorry, I haven't seen anyone like that. You're the first Servant we've met here.

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Gotcha... Maybe he's just nowhere to be found anymore...

...But that doesn't mean I'm giving up!

Whether I'm being pushed off a cliff or getting trapped in a mage's illusions, I don't ever give up!

I can still see justice done, whether Ruggiero is here or not!

So you can always count on me to do my very best, Manager!

...Manager?

Oh, right! I almost forgot.

Now that Bradamante and I are a tag team, we share the same goal: winning the tournament!

As for you, I told her you were our trainer-slash-manager who will help us with everything besides the fighting itself, yes!

As a knight, I never forget the debts I owe to those who support me in my adventures.

In fact, I've also heard that you gave the order to help me when I was on the verge of disappearing.

Your kindness reminds me of Lord Merlin, Fujimaru. I have nothing but respect for you!

Fooou? Fou fou fo fo fo fooou?

Damn, I've never heard anyone actually speak fondly of Merlin. Not even the Knights of the Round Table like him.

Honestly, I have to wonder... Was it really his spirit that helped Bradamante out on her adventures...?

Huh? Did I just sense someone doubting Lord Merlin...?

♪♪ (Whistling innocently)

(Well, I guess this just goes to show how earnest she is? Makes sense, given how her thing is being in love.)

How much longer until we're there? It feels like we've been walking a long time now, no?

We're almost there, all right? Would you just shush for meow and let me lead the way?

I mean, it's not easy charting routes to keep all the different teams from running into each other, you know?

In fact, it really wets my fur being caught between a good Kuku and a bad Kuku like this.

Even if I did already decide to side with the dark, scary Kuku, since she got to me first and I really, really don't wanna make her mad!

I see... It sounds like you've had it hard too, Jaguar.

Okay then, as soon as we get to our assigned gym, I'll pay you back by practicing my plancha on you.

You'll be the perfect sacrificio to try out this Spirit Origin's new Noble PhanI mean, lucha technique.

Whoa, whoa, slow your roll there, Kuku! I'm just on the administrative team here, remember? This cool cat's gotta take care of all the fighters!

So you keep your toe beans to yourself, you hear? And seriously, stop using me as your emotional (and physical) punching bag!

Hmph. Claro. That just means I'll have to dance the samba right on top of you, yes!

Now feel this censuring rhythm as it speaks directly to your conscience!

Please, stop! I honestly can't take it! Man, why're you the only one who gets to be a different class!?

I feel I should ask why you are going to all this trouble to keep different teams from running into each other.

Oh, that? Dark Kuku said it was to keep the matches as fair as pawssible.

That's why we're keeping the fighters' info top secret, even from the other fighters. We're also keeping the brackets all hush-hush, meow.

Otherwise, the matches might be decided by whoever has the most intel, rather than who's really the strongest, meow.

I see. I should have known my other half would be so thorough...

Of course, that isn't stopping the townspeople from trading rumors and placing bets, but that's not my domain, so.

Anyway, we purrvide as fair a venue as possible, and all you fighters have to do is give it your all!

So that's why you're giving us all our own gyms out here in the jungle.

Enemy or not, I must commend your chivalry in this!

Right? And it's not just the gym. This whole jungle is great for training, too. The reason being

It's chock-full of monsters like these!

There shouldn't be anything like these creatures in modern Mexican jungles.

Black Quetzal Mask and the Christmas Grail must have brought them here, just like the snow... At any rate, I can't let them run around doing whatever they please.

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Correcto, Master! Let me just put my mask on to get in character...

Well, partner, are you ready?

Don't worry! These are weak! We can carve our way through them as easily as dancing a samba, yes!

Right! Thanks to Fujimaru, I've got a good amount of magical energy back, too!

Let's go, Quetzal Mask! I'll show you firsthand how brightly my magical shield of justice shines!

Um... Jaguar Warrior? What was that...?

The video? The boss said to play it after showing each team to their gym-base thingy, meow.

It's a smart, stylish way to get the fighters fired up in lieu of an opening ceremony. You should be glad you got to see it!

We also had all the fighters wear disguises so they wouldn't spoil anything!

I guess you could call them Mysterian Servants?

So why was I the only one you didn't do that for?

In fact, our whole section of the video was taken from the battle we had with those monsters just now!

And I am quite sure that you chose that only to make it look like I was talking trash, yes!

I think I even saw "Confusion" written on the screen right after! This is absolutely malicious editing!

Yep, that footage was one-hundred-purrcent fresh! Right from the camera to the screen!

Dark Kuku said to go ahead and use it since nobody would know who the mysterious masked woman was, so I did.

This isn't my fault! Please don't samba on my conscience again!

What about that part at the end where it said one hundred teams would be competing? Is that true?

Sure is. We're talking about a weeklong tournament where one team could end up fighting in up to seven matches.

That's not even counting the four seed teams Dark Kuku has waiting in the wings. They're kind of like the Four Heavenly Kings, and they're scary as hell, meow.

Oh, and fur your information, there's no telling if any of the teams you saw in that video are one of the special seed teams...

...and there's also no guarantee that you'll be matched against one during the tournament.

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Let's see... You guys are in the special slot, so...you've pretty much got at least a whole day.

'Course, the first round's got the most fighters, so it's gonna be reeeally rough. I ain't kitten you, there'll be familiars, clones, the works.

Anyway, I'll come get you right before you're up, so go ahead and spend your time however you like until then. In fact...go do what you want, and like it!

The first match will be especially important, so we'll have to make sure we're ready for anything.

Let's see... What do you want us to do, Fujimaru?

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Makes sense to me! Will do! I promise I'll do everything I can to get ready for our match!

No objections here! Let's make sure we're in tip-top shape for our match, Bradaman!

...Um, could you just call me by my normal name when we're not in a match? It feels kind of weird otherwise...