I decided to do this fic for two reasons, the first and least important being that I'm not continuing Midnight Sun until we get Set 12 (which will likely be in July, given the Shadow Paladin Trial Deck is in June). The second is that I had ideas for Team Bright Dawn in Midnight Sun anyway, and I wanted to focus on them a little to develop their characters in preparation for that. Also because I figured I could use the chance to show off some decks I either didn't get to in Blue Hour or didn't really show in much detail and which may not appear in Midnight Sun. In terms of timing, this is set about seven months after Blue Hour. Team Avalon are still National Champions, having won a second Nationals in addition to the first they won in Blue Hour, and many of the other pro teams from Blue Hour have maintained their status in the leagues, with a few exceptions. One of these exceptions is Team Bright Dawn.
With regards to set releases, I am only going to use Season 1 and 2 era cards (spanning between Sets 1 and 9) for this fic. As with Blue Hour and Midnight Sun, Blaster Blade and King of Knights, Alfred are especially rare cards not owned/used by many people, but this will not be applied to anything else so I have freedom to use cards if I want to. Also, although this is set in the Season 2 era of the game, I am not applying the sealing of Royal Paladins, Shadow Paladins and Kagero, just as I didn't in Midnight Sun. My major reason for not applying it is admittedly bias (to be honest I was fine with RP and Kagero going, but it felt mean to get rid of Shadow Paladins for a season after they'd only had two sets of support, Crossride or no Crossride). As such, Luke is still using Royal Paladins in this fic.
I don't own Vanguard, Akira Itou created it and Bushiroad owns it. All credit for Cardfight Vanguard goes to them, with a special word to the artists such as Ryota Murayama (who I have had the pleasure of getting an autograph from) for their work on card art for this awesome game.
And without further ado, it's time to continue the story of Team Bright Dawn! Stand up, Vanguard!
Ride 1: Shattered Seal
The corridors of the college were filled with students, slumped down and chatting to each other, devouring lunches eagerly. Their legs formed obstacle courses over the carpets, passing students and staff having to pick their way through the mazes.
Two girls picked their way through the crowds, one barely regarding the owners of the legs, the other shooting withering glares at the people, who just glanced them off.
"Chloe, people are staring," one girl murmured. Strands of light brown hair danced across her eyes as she walked, the eyes they swished past a warm shade of brown. She wore white and blue, a loose, baggy white shirt and tight blue jeans, a blue rucksack secured by straps over both shoulders. Freckles dotted her face, and something bulged in a side pocket of the rucksack, something rectangular and solid.
"Yeah, well, they should try not to block the corridor," the other muttered. She was taller, with black hair and fierce blue eyes, her features sharper than the first girl's. She wore crimson and white, a red skirt and a red and white shirt, a silver pendant slung around her neck and a white rucksack over one shoulder.
"I know... but still, just please stop glaring at people," the first said softly. Chloe sighed but relented, keeping her gaze fixed on her friend. "So, how was Philosophy?"
"Fine, I guess," Chloe said. "Plato's a pain to get to grips with, and some of what he says is creepy."
"Creepy?"
"Well, he says babies with defects should be left to die," she replied, prompting a horrified look in return. "I know. I mean, this was two thousand years ago, but it's still... horrible. He has some good ideas, I guess, but I can't get past some of the stuff he says." She paused for a while to pick through a thicket of legs. "What about your lessons?"
"They're fine," she answered. "The Aeneid is interesting, and I'm liking the Crucible... we're doing a lot of reading right now, heh. But that's fine, it's fun."
"The Crucible... I remember doing that at school," Chloe mused. "How far are you into it?"
"Act Three, just where Giles was talking with Danforth."
Chloe chuckled. "Oh, it is a proper lawyer!" she quoted with a smile, receiving one or two odd looks from those nearby. "Sorry, I just can't get over that line, Mary."
Mary smiled. "Heh, it is a pretty funny line with how the guy says it in the film." They turned a corner and came to a room labelled 105. "Well, here we are, Chloe. The Cardfight Club."
"So this is it, huh," Chloe mused.
Smiling, Mary turned the doorknob, opening the door and stepping through. Noise washed out from within, the sounds of Cardfights and of people enjoying themselves.
"Attack, Beaumains!"
"Boosted by Bicorn, Sara attacks!"
Chloe stepped in, gazing around. Playmats were laid over tables, people fighting all around. All of them seemed content and happy, facing each other with all their determination and with the power of the cards in their decks.
"Come on," Mary said cheerfully. "I'll take you to Luke." She led Chloe through the mass of tables, around passionate Cardfighters engaged in fierce battle, to the front of the occupied classroom. There, happily overlooking the scene, was someone Chloe knew even though she hadn't met him in person. With sandy blond hair and warm eyes, green-blue like the sea on a summer day, he seemed bright like the seashore under the sunshine. His clothes were as bright as his face, a white shirt and pale cargo trousers, a blue case at his belt presumably holding his deck.
"Hey, Mary," he greeted.
"Hey, Luke," she responded, warmth and friendship in both their voices. She gestured to Chloe. "This is Chloe. She wants to join the club."
Luke nodded, his eyes sparkling with delight. "That's good, it's always nice to have more cardfighters in here. Of course you can join, Chloe." He looked to her directly now. "If you come with me once we're finished, I'll get that sorted down at the activities office. In the meantime, why don't you fight someone?"
"Uh, sure," Chloe glanced around. "It looks like everyone's taken... I guess I'll have to wait."
Luke chuckled. "Don't worry. Mary and I are members of this club. You can fight one of us."
Chloe looked at him again, astounded. "But you guys are like... you were the second best team in the country! And people reckon if you'd fought at last Nationals you'd have swept it! I can't fight one of you guys, you're way too-"
He raised a hand. "Don't worry. You've got a great chance. Any fighter can win against any other fighter, no matter what people say. It's not all about being strong. Even the 'strong' people can be beaten by a newbie having their first time." Looking at him, Chloe saw flickers of sadness in his eyes as he said 'strong', wondering briefly what exactly roused that in him. "So... do you want to fight me or Mary?"
Chloe considered in turn, staring between the two. Both were strong, both had stood at Nationals and earned their place as part of the second best team in the country. Luke Adams, the leader of Team Bright Dawn, and Mary Prescott, the third player on the team, the one who had fought so hard to the end there. The girl could only consider, wondering if she could really fight such legendary players.
"I'm sorry... I don't mean to offend you," she said, "but I want to fight Mary, if that's okay." Luke nodded as though he had expected this decision.
"That's fine," he said. "Here, you can use this table." He indicated an empty one next to them, the two taking their seats as Luke retrieved a pair of playmats from nearby and spread them over the table. Mary retrieved her deck from her rucksack, as did Chloe, the two placing starter Vanguards down on the Vanguard Circles. The decks were shuffled and placed down, hands drawn and redrawn.
"Let's go," Mary said. "And good luck."
"Good luck," Chloe murmured in return. "Stand up, Vanguard! Divine Sealing Kid, Soh Koh!"
"Stand up, Vanguard!" Mary answered confidently. "Soldier of Destiny, Dai!" The two pictured it in their heads as they turned over their Vanguards.
The shining vista of a futuristic metropolis rose around the two as they stood ready, brilliant lights radiating over their forms. The two burst with that light, Chloe's form cracking with lightning as she transformed into a demonic teenager dressed in red, bearing a great pot atop her head, while Mary became a young warrior clad in blue and grey, a shining watch attached to her wrist [Divine Sealing Kid, Soh Koh – 6000 Power] [Soldier of Destiny, Dai – 4000 Power]
"I'll begin," Mary said softly. "Draw," she took a card, staring at her hand for a moment. "I Ride Karenroid, Daisy!"
Dai transformed in a flash of light, a lithe feminine purple android rising in the Soldier of Destiny's place. Blades flickered out of Daisy's wrists as it rose, adopting a combat stance [Karenroid, Daisy – 8000 Power]
"With Dai's Pioneer, he moves to my rear-guard," she continued. "I end my turn there."
Dai reformed behind Daisy, clenching a fist as he too settled into a combat pose [Soldier of Destiny, Dai – 4000 Power]
Mary
Hand: 5
Front Row: Empty/Karenroid, Daisy/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Soldier of Destiny, Dai/Empty
Damage: None
Chloe
Hand: 5
Front Row: Empty/Divine Sealing Kid, Soh Koh/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Empty
Damage: None
"I draw," Chloe mused. "Ride, Red River Dragoon!"
There was a brilliant flash of lightning and with a roar, she rose clad in crimson armor, brandishing a mighty lance [Red River Dragoon – 8000 Power]
"Soh Koh moves to rear-guard, and I call Red River Dragoon!" she continued, sliding out her starter's card, then playing another.
As Soh Koh rose behind her vanguard, a second Red River appeared beside her, this one male and blond [Divine Sealing Kid, Soh Koh – 6000 Power] [Red River Dragoon – 8000 Power]
"My rear-guard Red River attacks Daisy!"
"No guard!" Mary answered.
The Dragoon lunged, striking Daisy with his lance.
"Damage Check," Mary answered. "No Trigger."
[Damage Check – Miracle Beauty – No Trigger]
Chloe smiled. "Yes... that's one of those gone... now, boosted by Soh Koh, I attack!"
"I?" Mary questioned.
"I mean, my vanguard!"
Mary chuckled. "No, it's okay. I get what you meant. I did that a bit when I started."
Blazing with crimson aura, Chloe's vanguard burst forwards and readied her lance [8000 Power + 6000 Power = 14000 Power]
"No guard," her opponent continued.
"Okay... Drive Check!" She revealed a card. "No Trigger."
[Drive Check – Seal Knight of Demonic Lance, Thunder Fang – No Trigger]
Red River Dragoon struck wrapped in lightning, ramming her lance into Daisy with a wicked smirk before leaping back.
"Seals..." Mary said softly, recognising Thunder Fang. "Well, I have to say I'm surprised. Not many people use that part of Narukami." She revealed a second Damage card. "No Trigger."
[Damage Check – Cosmo Roar – No Trigger]
"Well, I guess that was kinda what drew me to them," Chloe said. "They're something distinct and interesting to play with. Something I can really make my own. Now then... it's your turn."
Chloe
Hand: 5
Front Row: Red River Dragoon/Red River Dragoon/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Divine Sealing Kid, Soh Koh/Empty
Damage: None
Mary
Hand: 5
Front Row: Empty/Karenroid, Daisy/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Soldier of Destiny, Dai/Empty
Damage: Miracle Beauty (U), Cosmo Roar (U)
"I draw," Mary said. "Ride, Operator Girl, Mika!"
She transformed in a flash of light from the android, adopting the body of a young woman dressed in blue and white, smiling as digital zeroes and ones danced around her form intricately [Operator Girl, Mika – 9000 Power]
"I call Twin Order!" she continued.
Next to Mika rose a crimson and black android, which drew two beam swords and ignited them with a snap-hiss sound [Twin Order – 10000 Power]
"Twin Order attacks your vanguard Red River!"
The android lunged with its blades ready.
"No guard!" Chloe answered. "Damage Check... no Trigger."
[Damage Check – Exorcist Mage, Roh Roh – No Trigger]
"Boosted by Dai, Mika attacks!" Mary continued.
Mika raised her hand, unleashing flashing beams of sapphire light over the field at the opposing vanguard [9000 Power + 4000 Power = 13000 Power]
"No guard."
"I check... no Trigger," Mary frowned.
[Drive Check – Cosmo Roar – No Trigger]
The beams slammed into the Dragoon, exploding with light which crushed her to her knees.
"Damage Check," there was a golden flash, "Critical Trigger! All effects to my vanguard!"
[Damage Check – Yellow Gem Carbuncle – Critical Trigger]
"Mika's skill," Mary said. "When her attack hits, I Counterblast two and draw a card." She made a draw, looking at her hand. "Good. I've got everything I need right now." "I end my turn."
Mary
Hand: 6
Front Row: Twin Order/Operator Girl, Mika/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Soldier of Destiny, Dai/Empty
Damage: Miracle Beauty (F), Cosmo Roar (F)
Chloe
Hand: 5
Front Row: Red River Dragoon/Red River Dragoon/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Divine Sealing Kid, Soh Koh/Empty
Damage: Exorcist Mage, Roh Roh (U), Yellow Gem Carbuncle (U)
"I stand and draw," Chloe mused. "I Ride Demonic Dragon Berserker, Garuda!"
With a boom of thunder and flash of lightning, her vanguard transformed, a monstrous orange-scaled dragon with mighty cannons protruding from its hips rising up over the field [Demonic Dragon Berserker, Garuda – 9000 Power].
"Call, Seal Knight of Demonic Lance, Thunder Fang!" she continued, sliding Red River Dragoon back to play the new card.
In a flash of lightning a crimson-armored figure rose, brandishing a mighty lance with a scythe-like violet blade. Glaring over the field, Thunder Fang stood in silence [Seal Knight of Demonic Lance, Thunder Fang – 10000 Power]
"Thunder Fang has Restraint," Chloe said. "But so long as my vanguard is a Narukami, I can Counterblast one to release it!" She turned over a Damage card. "Now, boosted by Red River, Thunder Fang attacks your vanguard! With his skill, he gets 2000 Power when he attacks!"
Thunder Fang lunged, a bolt of lightning framing him as he burst over the field in silence [10000 Power + 2000 Power + 8000 Power = 20000 Power]
"No guard!" Mary called in return.
The Seal Knight's blade struck, ripping over Mary's embodied form with sparks flaring on its edge. Mika cried aloud in pain as Thunder Fang leapt back, still silent.
"Damage Check... get, Stand Trigger!" Mary announced. "Dai stands and I give the Power to Mika!" Chloe frowned as the Stand Trigger was revealed.
[Damage Check – Cosmo Fang – Stand Trigger]
"Boosted by Soh Koh, Garuda attacks Mika!"
"I guard with Cosmo Fang!" Mary answered.
As Garuda unleashed bolts of crackling lightning from its cannons [9000 Power + 6000 Power = 15000 Power], a large blue mecha in the shape of a wolf took form to shield Mika [14000 Power + 10000 Shield = 24000 Power]
"Drive Check... got a Stand Trigger! I give the effects to Thunder Fang!" Chloe announced.
[Drive Check – Zephyr Kid, Hayate – Stand Trigger]
Garuda's blasts struck, atomizing Cosmo Fang and leaving Mika unharmed.
"Thunder Fang attacks Twin Order!"
Thunder Fang lunged again, slicing Twin Order apart with a blow of his weapon before retreating.
"I end my turn there," Chloe finished.
Chloe
Hand: 5
Front Row: Seal Knight of Demonic Lance, Thunder Fang/Demonic Dragon Berserker, Garuda/Empty
Back Row: Red River Dragoon/Divine Sealing Kid, Soh Koh/Empty
Damage: Exorcist Mage, Roh Roh (F), Yellow Gem Carbuncle (U)
Mary
Hand: 5
Front Row: Empty/Operator Girl, Mika/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Soldier of Destiny, Dai/Empty
Damage: Miracle Beauty (F), Cosmo Roar (F), Cosmo Fang (U)
"Stand and draw," Mary said quietly. "You've watched my fights, haven't you, Chloe? You saw us fighting at Nationals, right?"
"Yeah," Chloe answered, glancing to Luke. "You both seemed different then. He was... cold." She murmured the last word and yet both of them knew what it was, sadness spilling into their eyes at memories of that darker time. "And you seemed shy... I saw that final match back then. How you all fought against Team Avalon and how much of a fight you put up... I just wasn't sure whether to root for you or not." She paused. "I'm sorry, this is-"
"No," Luke cut in. "I understand... I wouldn't root for the me you saw either. I was an idiot who let myself believe a lie. I let it destroy who I was, and I'm just glad I have friends who pulled me back out of that in the end." He smiled to Mary. "Mary... Peter... without them, I'd still be like that. And I have to thank Team Avalon too. All of them helped me. That's why I'm better now." Despite his words, there was still melancholy sadness plain in his eyes, and shadows haunted their depths.
"We've changed since then, you're right," Mary said. "But some things about us haven't. We're still as dedicated as ever, and we're going back into Nationals next time to try and reach the top as the team we always dreamt of being. Let me show you how dedicated I am to that, to fighting as part of the true Team Bright Dawn!" She held up a card, beginning her chant. "As long as our hearts burn with love, none shall stand alone! Behold the light of love which conquers all! I Ride Enigman Rain!"
A shining flash of beautiful light engulfed her Vanguard, transforming Mika as she closed her eyes with a smile. A majestic figure arose, a titanic superhero with angelic wings, clad all in white and shining like a sun in the midst of the battlefield. Her curvaceous form clearly female, Rain hung over the field on her brilliant wings, her warm blue eyes staring down at the opposing Narukami forces [Enigman Rain – 10000 Power]
"I call Cosmo Roar, Miracle Beauty and Cosmic Rider!" Mary continued, playing three cards.
A silver mechanical lion rose up behind a dazzling superhero with pale blue hair, clad all in pink and white and wielding twin white heart-shaped blades. On the other side of the field, a futuristic crimson car took shape, laser cannons unfolding from its bodywork [Cosmo Roar – 6000 Power] [Miracle Beauty – 10000 Power] [Cosmic Rider – 8000 Power]
"With Cosmic Rider's skill, when it's called, I give 2000 Power to another of my Dimension Police," she said. "I give that Power to Rain, then activate Cosmo Roar's skill. By resting it, another of my Dimension Police gets 2000 Power, and I'll give that to Cosmic Rider." She turned Cosmo Roar's card sideways.
Both Rain and Cosmic Rider lit with light, their auras cutting through even the brilliance of the city to illuminate them [Enigman Rain – 12000 Power] [Cosmic Rider – 10000 Power].
"Now, Cosmic Rider attacks Garuda!"
Cosmic Rider opened fire with its laser cannons, sending beams racing towards Garuda.
"I Intercept with Thunder Fang!" Chloe answered, sliding the knight's card into the Guardian Circle.
Thunder Fang leapt out and was obliterated by the lasers [9000 Power + 5000 Shield = 14000 Power].
"Miracle Beauty attacks Garuda!" Mary commanded.
The superhero leapt forwards, swathed in light as she drew back one blade to strike.
"I guard with Hayate!"
Smirking, an orange-haired young man with cute fangs, dressed in a white kimono, appeared before her Vanguard and was smashed to motes by a blow from Miracle Beauty [9000 Power + 10000 Shield = 19000 Power]
Mary stared at Enigman Rain's card for a moment, taking in the shining figure of her avatar. That was what it was to her, Chloe knew. Every fighter had a card special to them, a card which embodied everything they believed in and which led their deck. Rain was Mary's, that much was clear from how much the deck centred on that one beautiful alien superhero. "Here I go," the girl said softly. "Boosted by Dai, Enigman Rain attacks!"
Rain raised a hand, power crackling through her body and igniting sparks from her shining flesh. It collected in her hand and light ripped over the field, blazing warm with the compassionate might of the superhero [12000 Power + 4000 Power = 16000 Power]
Chloe knew full well what the opposing Vanguard was capable of, in fact she was counting on it. "I don't guard," she responded.
Mary took the first of her two next cards in hand, staring at it. "First check, no Trigger," she declared.
[Drive Check – Glory Maker – No Trigger]
Placing the card into her hand, Mary reached to take a second. "Second check... get, Draw Trigger!" she announced, revealing a crimson icon glowing in the card's corner.
[Drive Check – Army Penguin – Draw Trigger]
She made a draw. "I give the Power to Miracle Beauty."
Rain's light flared forth, spearing into Garuda and smashing the Demonic Dragon Berserker down into the hard ground with ease.
"Damage Check," her opponent said, revealing and setting down a dull card.
[Damage Check – Wyvern Guard, Guld – No Trigger]
"Enigman Rain's skill activates," Mary declared. "Since her attack hit the Vanguard and she had 12000 Power when the attack started, I get to stand a rear-guard! Stand up, Miracle Beauty! And then Beauty's skill activates, when she stands, so does a rear-guard in the same column! Stand, Cosmo Roar!" She turned the two cards to vertical positions. "Boosted by Cosmo Roar, Miracle Beauty attacks Garuda!"
Miracle Beauty leapt forwards again, shining with brilliant light [10000 Power + 5000 Power + 6000 Power = 21000 Power]
"No guard!" Chloe answered, revealing a Damage card.
Miracle Beauty struck, her superhuman blow smashing Garuda back down into the concrete.
[Damage Check – Hex Cannon Wyvern – No Trigger]
"I end my turn," Mary finished.
Mary
Hand: 5
Front Row: Cosmic Rider/Enigman Rain/Miracle Beauty
Back Row: Empty/Soldier of Destiny, Dai/Cosmo Roar
Damage: Miracle Beauty (F), Cosmo Roar (F), Cosmo Fang (U)
Chloe
Hand: 4
Front Row: Empty/Demonic Dragon Berserker, Garuda/Empty
Back Row: Red River Dragoon/Divine Sealing Kid, Soh Koh/Empty
Damage: Exorcist Mage, Roh Roh (F), Yellow Gem Carbuncle (U), Wyvern Guard, Guld (U), Hex Cannon Wyvern (U)
"I stand and draw," Chloe announced. "Now... I'll show you what this deck is really capable of! Mighty dragon born of the storm and sealed since eras long past, be freed from your prison and pass judgment on the world! I Ride... Divine Seal Dragon, Dungaree!"
Lightning consumed Garuda, a new figure rising with a roar. It was a titan swathed in lightning, a monstrous crimson-armored dragon with ornate armor trimmed in gold. A long mane of golden hair streamed from its head, and a mighty bow was raised in its hands. Roaring, Dungaree loomed high over the field, easily as tall as Enigman Rain [Divine Seal Dragon, Dungaree – 11000 Power]
"Dungaree's skill activates, when I Ride him, I Bind my deck's top two cards!" She took two cards from the top of her deck, setting them aside. "Now, I call Dragonic Deathscythe, Djinn of the Lightning Flash and Seal Demonic Dragon, Indigo!"
Roaring, three forms arose, a monstrous crimson dragon wielding a scythe with a blade of lightning, a blue demonic figure dressed in Arabian robes and bearing a crown-like turban on its head, and finally a crimson and golden dragon with demonic horns [Dragonic Deathscythe – 9000 Power] [Djinn of the Lightning Flash – 10000 Power] [Seal Demonic Dragon, Indigo – 6000 Power]
"Deathscythe's Counterblast!" Chloe declared. "Cosmo Roar, exit the field!" She turned over two Damage.
Roaring, her dragon swung its scythe, loosing an arc of lightning which obliterated Cosmo Roar.
"And now... to show you what Dungaree can really do," she murmured. "Great sealed dragon, shatter the limits! Limit Break!" She turned over a Damage card. "With this Limit Break, I Counterblast one and put back one of the cards Dungaree Bound to retire one of your front row rear-guards! Strike down Miracle Beauty!"
Roaring, Dungaree strung a crackling arrow to his bow as a crimson circle ignited under his form. The Divine Seal Dragon loosed the arrow, which burst into a bolt of lightning and split through the air, until finally it struck Miracle Beauty. On impact the bolt exploded, consuming the superhero and atomizing her.
"Now, with a boost from Red River Dragoon, Deathscythe attacks Rain!"
"I guard with Army Penguin and Rider Intercepts!" Mary answered.
Deathscythe lunged, drawing back its weapon [9000 Power + 8000 Power = 17000 Power] as Cosmic Rider shot forwards and was joined by a blue penguin robot, the two being sliced into motes with a swing of the dragon's scythe [10000 Power + 5000 Shield + 5000 Shield = 20000 Power]
"With a boost from Soh Koh, Dungaree attacks!"
Dungaree notched three arrows to his bow, the shafts giving way to lightning as he drew back the bowstring. With a roar, the Divine Seal Dragon loosed his attack and sent three lightning bolts hurtling towards Rain [11000 Power + 6000 Power = 17000 Power]
"I don't guard!" Mary answered.
"Twin Drive, first," Chloe called. "No Trigger."
[Drive Check – Red River Dragoon – No Trigger]
"Second..." there was a golden flash, "get, Critical Trigger! Critical to Dungaree and the Power to Djinn of the Lightning Flash!"
[Drive Check – Malevolent Djinn – Critical Trigger]
Crackling with golden aura, Dungaree's thunderbolts struck home and exploded, wrapping Rain in blazing lightning.
Mary made two Damage Checks in quick succession. "First check, no Trigger. Second check... no Trigger."
[Damage Check – Diamond Ace – No Trigger]
[Damage Check – Cosmo Roar – No Trigger]
Chloe smirked. "Yes! Here I go! Boosted by Indigo, Djinn of the Lightning Flash attacks! With Djinn's skill, he gets 2000 Power, and with Indigo's it boosts for an extra 3000 Power!"
Laughing darkly, the Djinn hurled a volley of lightning bolts over the field at Rain [10000 Power + 2000 Power + 5000 Power + 6000 Power + 3000 Power = 26000 Power]
Mary took a card from her hand. "You're doing well... really well. But I can't let that pass. Guard, Diamond Ace!" Chloe's eyes widened as the card was played.
"No... not that!"
"With Ace's skill, I discard a Dimension Police," she said, discarding a Justice Rose, "to completely stop your attack!"
A shining silver, crimson and gold robot took shape in front of Rain, conjuring a shield of light which the lightning impacted with to no effect. With a nod to the mighty superhero, the guardian faded away.
"You... you really are still that good..." Chloe murmured. "You're still a nationals level fighter... I guess I didn't stand a chance."
"You still do," Mary smiled. "You're not bad at this at all, Chloe. And I never thought that you were."
"Really?"
"Of course I don't think you're bad," her friend said. "You're not a bad fighter, not in the slightest."
"Mary's right," Luke nodded. "You're doing really well, Chloe."
The girl smiled. "I guess... if you're both saying it, then it's right. Let's finish this up! It's your turn!"
Chloe
Hand: 3
Front Row: Dragonic Deathscythe/Divine Seal Dragon, Dungaree/Djinn of the Lightning Flash
Back Row: Red River Dragoon/Divine Sealing Kid, Soh Koh/Seal Demonic Dragon, Indigo
Damage: Exorcist Mage, Roh Roh (F), Yellow Gem Carbuncle (F), Wyvern Guard, Guld (F), Hex Cannon Wyvern (F)
Mary
Hand: 2
Front Row: Empty/Enigman Rain/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Soldier of Destiny, Dai/Empty
Damage: Miracle Beauty (F), Cosmo Roar (F), Cosmo Fang (U), Diamond Ace (U), Cosmo Roar (U)
"I stand and draw," Mary said quietly, looking at her hand. Glory Maker, Cosmo Beak and Speed Star. Only one attacker, and not a particularly impressive one. "I activate Dai's skill. I Counterblast one and move Dai to the Soul to check the top five cards of my deck, and if I have a Grade 3 Dimension Police in those cards," she drew the five cards, checking them, before smiling at the second to last, "it goes to my hand." She turned the card around, revealing another Miracle Beauty, placing it into her hand and shuffling the other four cards back into the deck.
"I call Miracle Beauty, Cosmo Beak, Glory Maker, and Speed Star!"
Miracle Beauty rose to Rain's left, supported by a sleek, futuristic silver motorcycle, while a crystal blue alien woman rose behind the Enigman and finally on the right appeared a crimson and silver mecha in the shape of an eagle [Miracle Beauty – 10000 Power] [Speed Star – 6000 Power] [Glory Maker – 6000 Power] [Cosmo Beak – 8000 Power]
"Speed Star's skill! When I call this Unit, another of my Dimension Police gets 2000 Power and I choose Beak! And then, Cosmo Beak's skill! I Counterblast two and another Dimension Police gets 4000 Power! I give that Power to Rain!"
Cosmo Beak and Enigman Rain flared with light [Cosmo Beak – 10000 Power] [Enigman Rain – 14000 Power]
"Cosmo Beak attacks Deathscythe!"
Beak opened fire, sending two laser blasts hurtling towards the demonic dragon.
"No guard!" Chloe answered, retiring Dragonic Deathscythe.
"Boosted by Speed Star, Miracle Beauty attacks Dungaree!"
Miracle Beauty leapt forth, glowing with a fearsome light [10000 Power + 6000 Power = 16000 Power]
"No guard," Chloe repeated.
The superhero smashed into Dungaree, knocking the Divine Seal Dragon reeling with an almighty punch.
A card slipped onto Chloe's Damage Zone.
[Damage Check – Seal Demonic Dragon, Indigo – No Trigger]
"And now, boosted by Glory Maker, Rain attacks! Glory Maker's skill! When she boosts my Dimension Police Vanguard and I have four or more Damage, she boosts for an extra 4000 Power!" Mary called.
Shining with brilliant light, Rain sent her power lancing across the field at Dungaree [14000 Power + 6000 Power + 4000 Power = 24000 Power]
"Malevolent Djinn, Red River, Hex Cannon Wyvern, guard!" Chloe answered.
A crimson red Djinn rose up, accompanied by Red River Dragoon and a large demonic dragon wrapped in a glowing pentagram [11000 Power + 10000 Shield + 5000 Shield + 5000 Shield = 31000 Power]
"I see," Mary murmured. "So it comes to this... Twin Drive! First check!" She revealed the first card, frowning slightly at it. "No Trigger."
[Drive Check – Cosmo Beak – No Trigger]
"Come on... second check," she continued, picking up the second card and slowly turning it over.
Sapphire light flashed and Chloe's eyes widened. "No..."
"Get, Stand Trigger!" Mary announced. "I give the effects to Miracle Beauty! And with Beauty's skill, Speed Star stands too!"
[Drive Check – Guide Dolphin – Stand Trigger]
Rain's light flared, atomizing the three guardians but failing to harm Dungaree.
"I guess this is it, unless I get a Heal Trigger..." Chloe murmured. "Go on, Mary. Finish this."
"Boosted by Speed Star, Miracle Beauty attacks again!" Mary said finally.
Miracle Beauty leapt forward, swathed in power and blazing sapphire light [10000 Power + 5000 Power + 6000 Power = 21000 Power]. With a fist drawn back she lunged at Dungaree, punching the mighty Divine Seal Dragon with all her strength. Dungaree howled, tumbling back from the force of the punch, cracks running through its majestic armor and fracturing its bow. Finally, the dragon crumbled, falling into sparks of crackling lightning which winked out as the dragon's allies faded too.
[Damage Check – Exorcist Mage, Rin Rin – Stand Trigger]
"I guess you win," Chloe softly said.
"Thank you."
The defeated girl looked up, seeing Mary smiling at her. "What for?"
"For the fight," Mary replied warmly. "You fought well, Chloe. You have a lot of potential, I can see that. Right, Luke?"
He nodded. "Yeah. I can see you getting far if you practice and work hard, Chloe."
She looked at them, awestruck by their praise. "You really mean that?"
"Of course," Luke smiled. "I wouldn't lie about it if I wasn't confident about you. You have potential, Chloe, believe me. Keep at it, and maybe one day we'll fight you at Nationals."
"Thank you... both of you..." she murmured. "If it's okay... I'm gonna go find someone else to fight."
"Do," Mary said. "Keep on fighting and keep learning from those fights. And eventually you'll reach the limits of your potential. One thing. Maybe you should consider using Draw Triggers. From what I saw, you're using a lot of Stand and Critical Triggers, and while that's great for offense, it can harm your defense."
"I'll think about it," Chloe promised, getting up and walking off to find another fight.
"Seal Narukami," Luke mused. "You don't see that very often."
"Yeah," Mary commented, gathering her cards and standing up. "I hope she does practice. I could tell she was enjoying herself."
"A lot of people enjoy Vanguard," he said softly. "Having fun with your friends... that's what this should be about. I hope she finds a team she can have fun with, and maybe even get up there with. To Nationals..."
"I hope so too," she replied. "It'd be nice for her to get into this game... it's made a lot of people happy and led them to great friends." She smiled. "If it wasn't for Vanguard, we wouldn't have met Peter."
He nodded, and he seemed elsewhere. The shadows in his eyes told her what he was thinking of. Vanguard had led them to great friends, true, but it had also inadvertently caused them a lot of pain. Even now she saw the scars behind Luke's smiles, the darkness lurking buried behind his happy face. She silently rested a hand on his shoulder, making him look at her, and she gave him a reassuring smile. No words passed, but no words needed to. They both knew. The shadows retreated and Luke's eyes were warm again, his memories fading back from his attention to restore his smile.
"Speaking of Peter," he said. "Let's go round the shop after college."
"Something else first, in case you're forgetting," she teased playfully. "Don't tell me you've forgotten that, Luke."
He chuckled. "Of course not. Don't worry. I'll be at the river, waiting for you." He glanced at his watch, considering. "Can you handle things here? I need to go speak to Ruth."
"Sure," she nodded. "I'll see you later, Luke."
"See you later," he replied, navigating the way through the tables. He paused at the door, casting a last warm, friendly look to her, before leaving the room. The door closed behind him and Mary turned her gaze over the tables. Everyone was fighting and yet everyone was content. Wrapped in the joy of Vanguard, they were smiling and content, enjoying attacking with their avatars and their allies. Their enemies were more friends still, the bitterness of defeat or the triumph of victory never allowed to overwhelm that fact. Luke was right.
That was what this should be about.
VFS01
Card of the Day:
Divine Seal Dragon, Dungaree
Grade 3/Twin Drive!
Dragon Empire – Thunder Dragon – Narukami
11000 Power/No Shield/Critical 1
Activate [V]: [Limit Break 4, Counterblast 1 & Choose a card that was bound with this unit's ability, and put it on the bottom of your deck] Choose one rear-guard in your opponent's front row, and retire it. This ability can only be used once per turn.
Continuous [V/R]: If you do not have any cards in your bind zone that were bound with this unit's ability, this unit gets [Power]-2000.
Auto: When this unit is placed on (VC), bind two cards from the top of your deck.
'I'll show you. Even the followers cower in fear of the sealing powers!'
A dragonic warrior of "Narukami" that controls the power of Demon and Dragon Seals. Because the previous king feared the overwhelming power of the "Seals", it was placed in an underground prison for a long time. By changing the commandments and ordering its release, it came to be impressed by how great a leader the current king is, as the current king apologized again and again with a deep bow. This made it swear once more, that as long as it's alive, it will remain loyal to the Dragon Empire. The detestable seal placed on it is still not fully released, and therefore will take some time to regain the powers it had during its prime. However, there is not the slightest fluctuation in its fighting spirit. To dedicate infinite glory to its lord, the warrior wields the Demon Sealing Bow "Ouranki" and heads to the next battle.
VFS02
Next Time
Ride 2: Blazing Light