Unexpected Allies: In the name of honor

Zackary Fang's plan to ensure the future of Ascension Academy begins with his ambition to enter the prefects' circle to get closer to Kei Noriaki, the deputy headmaster responsible for overseeing the prefect program. However, Kei remains skeptical of Zack, given that he was evaluated and found unworthy of the prefect position. 
Additionally, Zack was part of the group that nearly betrayed the Cross Allied Forces due to Professor Finn's strong support for researching 'The Darkness.' Kei hands Zack an envelope containing a mission that he must complete before Kei will reconsider his eligibility. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this mission is far more challenging than it initially appeared when he encounters someone he wasn't expecting.
= Participants =
Nanoade August 28th 2021-Chipz yr3.png|link=Chipz - Season 5|Chipz StealthRG
RangerSavage August 28th 2021-ZackYr3.png|link=Zackary Fang|Zackary Fang Kazuki
Y3 Aida Closeup.png|link=Aida|Aida Sham- hurish Nekobot
= Events =
==Arriving at Seafront==
Zackary arrived at the nearby town of Seafront, where he spotted his fellow classmate Chipz in a conspicuous position. Zack asked Chipz what he was doing there, and Chipz explained that Kei typically sent him to this port to collect supplies. As they conversed, Zack and Chipz began to suspect they might be on the same mission for Kei. The friendly locals seemed to know Chipz well due to his frequent visits, especially to the tavern.
Guided by the town's children, Chipz and Zack made their way to the central area, where they interacted with Chipz's acquaintances. Their day took an unexpected turn when they were asked to help with a shipment of milk, leading to a race against the locals to transport the milk crates to the store as quickly as possible.
Following the milk crate race, the duo sought an audience with the town's mayor to inquire about their shipment. Unfortunately, they learned that Kei's supplies, along with a significant portion of the town's resources, had been stolen during a raid by organized bandits who claimed to be from the Kouga clan.
Determined to gather information, Chipz and Zack asked around the town. The mayor introduced them to a town guard who knew where the Kouga bandits were last seen. With the assistance of a secret ally, the duo embarked on an expedition to confront the Kouga clan.
==Confrontation with the Kouga==
After being escorted by the town guard, Chipz and Zackary arrived in a cave just outside the bandit camp. They debated how they would approach this unexpected situation and decided to negotiate. If they had to fight, then they would not kill. What they did not expect was the vastness of the camp, filled with platforms connecting throughout an entire quarry. The two approached one of the platforms, occupied by a single member of the Kouga clan, and attempted their negotiation. The member declined, refusing their 100 gold offer and beginning combat.
Chipz and Zack split off, each dueling a member. Their weapons clashed through the ravine, alerting the bandits of their presence. Zack pinned a bandit on the ground, attempting to subdue them, but they were quick to stab themselves in the chest and ended their life. More bandits entered the fight. Chipz faced two bandits, frantically switching between the two when purple daggers were thrown into the chest of one of them. Confused, he turned and saw Aida for a split second.
The fights grew more difficult as they traversed the camp, forcing Zackary to change forms to stay on par with the stronger enemies. Eventually, Chipz and Zack defeated the best bandits in the camp, and the rest stood down. As a result of their win, they were escorted into a forest to meet the leader of the Kouga clan, Oda Kouga.
==In the name of honor==
The Kouga members lead Chipz and Zack through the forest until they arrived on a hill to meet Master Oda. Wasting no time, Oda asks why the two have "come to butcher the rest of [his] clan." Chipz reaffirmed that they wanted to make a peaceful negotiation. Oda said that he wants to rebuild the Kouga clan to what it used to be and that he will deal with the dishonor of thievery as long as the future generation thrives. The duo tried to help, but Oda declined, stating that the Kouga fight and take what they want. 
Master Oda took Zack and Chipz to an open field and claimed that if they would get their wish if they defeated him in battle. The fight began, and Zack and Oda traded blows as Chipz, with an injured foot, watched. Master Oda was powerful, taking on Zackary's beast form with strength alone. Chipz knew that he had to assist, or Zackary would lose. Suddenly, Oda revealed his magic, erupting spikes from the ground. Chipz joined, grappling and dealing punches when Oda was distracted with Zack, but Oda continued to isolate them. Chipz and Zack grew exhausted. Zack's muscles were seizing from Oda's punches, and the hits were taking a toll on Chipz. Chipz's sheath began to glow a faint blue light. His scar wanted blood. Oda threw a punch at Chipz, and Chipz blocked with his blade, drawing Oda's blood. Chipz became empowered and fought alongside Zack as his scar spoke, "more..." Refusing to listen, Chipz put away his sword and continued to fight. Eventually, Oda could not continue and surrendered to the students. He directed them to his house, where they could claim their packages.
Zack and Chipz followed the clan to Oda's home, during which Zack mentioned that he feels like the world continues to move on without them. With the amount of time spent at the Academy, Zack feels like the world is advancing while the students are doing the same thing. Chipz agreed with him. They arrived at the house and were met with bows from the Kouga clan. They began to search the house when they heard whimpering from the second floor. Chipz investigated and found a little girl, guarded by a clan member. Chipz said they were friendly and had came to pick up a package. The little girl asked for her "papa," telling them that she is the daugther of Master Oda, Oishi Kouga. As Oda entered, Oishi ran to him, allowing the students to collect their cargo. Chipz decided to give Oda the gold despite their refusal, and Oda reluctlantly accepted. As they grabbed the crates, Oda told Oishi that they had to move locations again, to which she was deeply saddened. Chipz tried telling her that things will get better, but she assured that they haven't due to her mother's death and constantly moving homes. Zack told Chipz they would take four crates and leave the rest to the bandits. They agreed to lie to the mayor and tell her the rest were destroyed.
Chipz, Zack, and Aida made their way back to the quarry, watching the Kouga clan prepare their move, and returned to the city. They returned the shipments to the town, and collected their own before taking a boat back to Ascension.
==Aftermath==
A week or so later, Zackary requested to meet with Kei about his consideration. Zack gave a debrief of the mission, leaving no details out. Kei asked if Zack felt like he needed to call for backup; Zack replied that he didn't consider it as an option. He then asked if Zack would gone through with the mission if he knew what the package was. Zack said that he knew Chipz would frequently go out to retrieve tea for Kei and knew that it was a possibility he was as well. Zack stated that if it was Kei's orders, he would do it again. 
Finally, Kei came to a conclusion. He would not give Zackary the prefect position, but he would utilitize him similar to Chipz, a courier of a sort. Kei asked if Zackary still wanted to be a prefect, and Zack affirmed that he did and was willing to do more to prove that statement. While Zack didn't fully accomplish his goal, he became a bit closer to Kei Noriaki.
= Overall Mission Results =
* Some city supplies were retrieved.
* Kei's shipment was successfully delivered.
* Chipz and Zackary gained the respect of the Kouga clan.
* Clan leader Master Oda Kouga defeated and spared.
* 100 gold coins persuaded the Kouga to halt their robberies and relocate.
* Chipz's scar was heard for the first time, asking for 'more' during the duel with Oda.
* Chipz and Zackary suffered non life-threatening critical injuries.
* After meeting with Kei, Zack achieved an unofficial courier position.
= Trivia =
* Stealth ended up with a broken toe and Kazuki hurting his hand IRL.
== VODs ==
===Participants===
* Chipz's POV: StealthRG
* Zack's POV: Kazuki
===Army of Darkness===
*DM's POV: Howlcifer
*Seafront Mayor/Kouga Clan POV: TheSeer
*Seafront Old Man/Kouga Clan POV: Ariyana
*Seafront Milk Vendor/Kouga Clan POV: SilentLady
*Oda Koga's POV: The_Friendliest
== Clips ==
* Racing to the stall 
* Street performer
* Scar speaks
* How respectful
* Chipz did the anime thing
* Aida popping off!
* Surprise Aida
* Tag team block
* Boss fight
* Aida reasons
= Gallery =
ZackxSeafrontGuard.png
ChipZackBanditPrefight.png| Zack and Chipz confront the Kouga Clan
ChipZackTagTeam.png
ChipKatanaClash.png
ZackEliteBandit.png
ChipZackOda.png
ChipZackVsOda.png
ZackInOdasHouse.png| Zack and Chipz retrieve the package
ChipMeetsOishi.png
Category:Ascension Events
Category:Ascension Lore