(I was planning to have this up over the weekend, but annoyingly I didn't have internet for my laptop. Sorry about the late upload)
I know it's been a long time since I've done any story content on this site, and I'm sorry for that. A lot of things came up and overwhelmed me, and that's why Midnight Sun isn't finished and won't be. But I've wanted to write this story for a long time. I had the original idea while working on Midnight Sun, and that idea's only grown and evolved over the two years since Midnight Sun went on hiatus, in part because of the same things that kept me from continuing Midnight Sun.
This story was always planned, and the basic premise was always the same. I always wanted to move away from Robert, Agatha and Samuel after Midnight Sun, for the simple reason that I wanted to expand their world and write new characters with new clans. I didn't plan for things to happen exactly as they did, I was imagining that Midnight Sun would be finished and have some plot hooks which could lead nicely into this. I'll try to pick up those hooks all the same so that you can get some idea of where Midnight Sun would have gone past the point I stopped (and if you ever want to know what the rest of it was planned to be, feel free to drop me a PM and I'll happily give you a synopsis).
Like Midnight Sun, this story isn't abiding by any particular restrictions on cards I use, with one caveat: Stride and Generation Break will not appear in this fanfic (as a consequence, no G-Assist as well). That's the only caveat, however, so you may still see some G-era cards appear, such as the legacy support released for certain Archetypes and iconic units. I am loosening my stance on using my fakes from Midnight Sun, in part because I want to use some of my own Clans and because of a certain plot element which will basically require me to use fakes. As always, if I use a card myself or someone else has created, its stats will be given at the end of the chapter in which it is first ridden or called (so I won't detail cards that appear in Trigger checks or the Damage Zone to keep their effects a mystery).
I don't own Cardfight! Vanguard, it belongs to Akira Itou and Bushiroad. Thanks to both for creating and continuing to make this game, the anime, and everything else about it I enjoy (and even the things I enjoy less).
With all that said, let's stand up the vanguard once again!
Ride 1: Seth Abbott
People crowded the card shop, even though the sun outside was glorious and you might have expected them to be basking in its rays. Indeed, normally some of them might have missed the shop tournament on such a day, with the full understanding of their fellow fighters. It was one of the last days of summer, clutching to life in late September.
But they wouldn't be outside on this day, not until the tournament was over. All of them wanted to be there to say goodbye and have one last tournament with their friends who were leaving soon.
It had been a great tournament already, with much joking and laughter and fun fights. But that fact still hung sombrely over the proceedings, everyone aware of it. It wasn't like those leaving couldn't visit or return at some point, but they wouldn't be at the shop regularly anymore.
For a while, though, everyone put that aside.
SS1
In a corner of the crowded shop, away from the tables where the last fight of the semi-finals were concluding, Seth Abbott sat.
Seth was in his late teens, almost a man, with blonde hair and rich green eyes. His hands delicately fidgeted and shuffled his deck, occasionally becoming still as he regarded a card before shuffling it once more. He was hunched over the table away from everyone else, dressed brightly in a white jacket over a green shirt and black jeans. He was silent and let the noise and excitement of the shop wash over him.
He wasn't alone, however. Stood beside him, craning her neck to better regard the fight across the shop, was a young woman his age, with long black hair and bright blue eyes. Blue was her colour, her shirt was cyan, and the fighter's gloves on her hands were navy. Only her skirt wasn't blue, the same bright white as his jacket instead. Even with him sitting it was clear she was taller than him, and where he shuffled his deck in silence, she was cheering across the shop.
"Come on, Joseph!" she cheered. "You've got her on the ropes!"
"Haha, thanks Sophia!" one of the players called back. Sophia's smile widened a fraction, and she glanced down at Seth.
"You can go watch if you want," he murmured. "I'm okay."
"I don't want to leave you here alone."
"In a week we'll be at uni. We'll be in different classes and housing blocks and stuff," Seth answered. "I'll be on my own at some point."
Sophia sighed. "Are you seriously trying the 'I'm a stoic loner' game when I've known you for years, Seth?"
That made him smile. "You've got me there."
"Come on, even if it's us in the final game, we should cheer on Joseph and Lucy," she said, gesturing toward the crowd.
Seth shuffled his deck again and stopped as foil flashed on the front card. He regarded it for a moment, then stood up and pocketed the cards. He let Sophia lead him over, and once he could see the field properly, he took it in.
Lucy
Hand: 3
Front Row: Dimensional Robo, Daibarret/Super Dimensional Robo, Diard/Dimensional Robo, Daidragon
Back Row: Dimensional Robo, Dailion/Dimensional Robo, Dailander/Empty
Damage: Dimensional Robo, Daiwolf (F), Dimensional Robo, Daishield (U), Dimensional Robo, Daicrane (U), Super Dimensional Robo, Daiyusha (U)
Joseph
Hand: 2
Front Row: Empty/Illusionary Revenger, Mordred Phantom/Overcoming Revenger, Rukea
Back Row: Self-control Revenger, Rakia/Empty/Tempting Revenger, Finegas
Damage: Revenger, Desperate Dragon (F), Nullity Revenger, Masquerade (F), Freezing Revenger (U), Grim Revenger (U), Dark Cloak Revenger, Tartu (U)
"Stand and draw!" Joseph declared. "Well done with that last turn, Lucy. You had me on the ropes. But now, I'll finish it!" He took a card from his hand. "Break Ride! Revenger, Desperate Dragon!"
Shadows engulfed the elven knight atop his pegasus, before blazing red eyes opened within. From the darkness emerged a monstrous dragon clad in black armour, a deep purple horn atop its skull and dark chains wrapped around its body. As it roared and spread its mighty wings, light blue lines burned into light across its form [Revenger, Desperate Dragon – 11000 Power]
"Break Ride skill! I Counterblast to Superior Call a Shadow Paladin from my deck and it gets 5000 Power this turn!" He plucked a card from his deck, throwing it down.
A knight in barbed black armour appeared in front of Rakia, wielding a monstrous cleaver-like sword [Nullity Revenger, Masquerade – 9000 Power + 5000 Power = 14000 Power]
"Now, I go into my main phase and Desperate Dragon's skill activates! I retire one of my rear-guards to make you retire one of yours!" He discarded Tempting Revenge, Finegas from his field and with a frown, Lucy moved Dimensional Robo, Dailander to her drop zone.
"He just needs one more card," Seth observed. "One card to complete this field."
Joseph looked over, as though surprised to hear Seth. "I thought you were still over in the corner."
"No, we're watching," Sophia smiled. "It's our last time here, don't want to miss any fights."
Joseph didn't reply for a moment. He was looking at Seth as though evaluating him. "I just thought… never mind."
Sophia looked like she was going to question him for a moment, but stopped herself. She didn't want to ruin the atmosphere by prying into an uncomfortable subject, Seth supposed.
He knew it was only right to be here on this day, because he and Sophia were leaving so soon, but the crowd was oppressive and intimidating. Focusing on the game brought some relief from its presence, but he could still feel it around him.
"I call Revenger, Dark Bond Trumpeter!" Joseph called triumphantly.
"There it is."
An angelic girl with dark blue hair appeared behind Rakia, and with a blow into her trumpet she sounded a melodious note [Revenger, Dark Bond Trumpeter – 6000 Power]. Beside her appeared an angel with jet black wings, clad in dark armour and kneeling [Freezing Revenger – 5000 Power].
Joseph turned over a Damage and played a Freezing Revenger from his deck. "Rakia and Rukea's skills activate. When I call a rear-guard whose grade is lower than theirs, they gain 3000 Power, so Rakia gains 3000 Power and Rukea gains 6000!"
The two knights flared with shadowy auras, readying their crimson blades [Self-control Revenger, Rakia – 10000 Power] [Overcoming Revenger, Rukea – 15000 Power].
"You think you can win here? Give it your best shot!" Lucy taunted with a smirk.
"I'm going to!" Joseph answered, meeting her with a smile of his own. "Desperate Dragon attacks! And Desperate Dragon's Limit Break! Since I have more rear-guards than you, I Counterblast a Revenger to gain 5000 Power and a Critical!"
With a roar, Desperate Dragon charged with its horn extended like a lance. A circle of shadows exploded around it as it flew at Diard, its whole body ablaze with power [21000 Power + 5000 Power = 26000 Power, Critical 2]
"Perfect Guard!" Lucy answered, playing the card and discarding a second Diard from her hand.
"Thought so," Joseph smirked. "Twin Drive."
[Drive Check – Dark Revenger, Mac Lir – No Trigger]
[Drive Check – Revenger, Air Raid Dragon – Critical Trigger]
"Critical Trigger! I give the effects to Masquerade!"
Lucy's smirk faltered.
"Is this it?" Seth thought.
"And now, with a boost from Rakia, Masquerade attacks! Since my vanguard's a Revenger, he gets 3000 Power!" Joseph announced.
Masquerade leapt forwards as Desperate Dragon landed, raising his blade in both hands for a mighty final blow against the colossal robot [14000 Power + 3000 Power + 5000 Power + 10000 Power = 32000 Power, Critical 2]
"No guard," Lucy sighed.
The blow fell, cleaving right through Diard in a burst of black and golden power. The golden robot fell back, torn in two by the raw power of Masquerade's swing.
[Damage Check – Dimensional Robo, Gorescue – Heal Trigger]
[Damage Check – Dimensional Robo, Daitiger – No Trigger]
Lucy slumped back in her chair, staring at her Damage Zone in resignation, before extending a hand over the table. "Well played, Joseph."
"Thank you," he smiled. "You played great too." He shook her hand and the crowd cheered. Seth joining in even though part of him wanted to be over in the corner.
"Well done, both of you," the shop's manager smiled. She was an old woman in a blue apron, grandmotherly and welcoming as ever. "Well, that puts Lucy in fourth place and Joseph in third. Seth, Sophia, you're up. Let's see who's the winner in your last tournament here before you're off to uni!"
Everyone clapped and cheered, and Seth wished he could have had a few minutes away from them all before this. He took his deck from his pocket and drowned out the world by fidgeting with it.
Lucy and Joseph left their seats, and Sophia was quick to take hers. "Ready?" she asked.
Seth nodded, and took his own seat. As he went to set down his deck, he realised that he'd shuffled his starter vanguard into it, and quickly made to retrieve it.
"Ditzy as ever, I see," someone chuckled, making him lower his head ever more.
"Come on, Sam, give him a break," one of the others muttered.
"I guess, maybe he's just distracted by his ex." Seth's hands slipped and the deck nearly fell from them.
"Dude, not cool." The words were hissed, but Seth still heard them. He closed his eyes for a moment. They always thought he couldn't hear them.
"Seth? Are you okay?" It was Sophia and he wished it wasn't her for a moment, before he forced those thoughts away and opened his eyes again.
"I'm fine," he said, and forced a smile. He finally found the card he needed, placing it face-down on his field before shuffling his deck once more and setting that down too.
"Who do you think's going to win?" Still they were gossiping.
"Dunno, Sophia probably. She is the better player, isn't she?"
"I'm not sure, Seth's pretty good."
"If he doesn't go easy on her." That was Sam again. "Though maybe he'd-"
"Sam, I swear to god, do you know a little word called 'tact'?"
The two finished their drawing and redrawing, even as Seth wished they didn't have the crowd looming over them like spectating giants.
"Ready?" Sophia asked.
"Ready," he replied quietly.
"Heads or tails?" she asked, holding up a coin.
"Tails." She flipped it and it landed on heads.
"I'll go first," she said. "Now, let's have a good fight."
He smiled. For a moment, the nervousness went away. "Let's. Stand up, Vanguard! Arboros Dragon, Ratoon!"
"Stand up, Vanguard!" she answered. "Stormbirth Dragoon!"
They imagined it and the battlefield appeared in their minds, a tropical island in the vibrant seas of Magallanica. The odd palm tree was all that rose from the sandy beach where they stood, though further away a palm jungle sprouted, with small huts nestled among the trees. Seth's astral form was engulfed in green, becoming an adorable green dragon with leaf-like wings, clutching a small branch [Arboros Dragon, Ratoon – 4000 Power]. Then Sophia transformed, donning blue armour and raising a spear, mounting a dragon with scales the colour of the nearby ocean [Stormbirth Dragoon – 5000 Power].
"Draw," Sophia declared. "Ride, Tidal Whelp!"
Stormbirth Dragoon vanished in a spiralling surge of blue water, replaced by a noble blue dragon. It was only small, the size of a horse, but its green eyes were deep like water and its scales shimmered radiantly [Tidal Whelp – 6000 Power].
"Stormbirth Dragoon moves to my rear-guard, and I end my turn."
Sophia
Hand: 5
Front Row: Empty/Tidal Whelp/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Stormbirth Dragoon/Empty
Damage: None
Seth
Hand: 5
Front Row: Empty/Arboros Dragon, Ratoon/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Empty
Damage: None
"I draw," Seth murmured. He didn't want to be doing this, not really. He didn't want to be fighting Sophia now.
Not so soon.
"I Ride Arboros Dragon, Branch."
Leaves swirled around Ratoon and a larger dragon took its place, visibly an aged Ratoon wielding a staff set with a shining crystal [Arboros Dragon, Branch – 7000 Power].
"Since Ratoon is in my Soul, Branch gains 1000 Power, and since I rode Branch, I look at the top seven cards of my deck and add an Arboros Dragon, Timber or Arboros Dragon, Sephirot to my hand." She knew that, of course, but reciting the gameplay was distracting and calming.
Sophia nodded, and he felt like her eyes were drilling past his face and into his soul. Forcing himself to look away, he took the top seven cards from his deck and retrieved a Grade 3 card from them, before shuffling the others back in.
"Call, Branch."
A second Arboros Dragon, Branch appeared behind the original [Arboros Dragon, Branch – 7000 Power].
"Branch boosts, and Branch attacks!"
The Vanguard Branch raised his staff, conjuring a tornado of leaves that flew at Tidal Whelp [8000 Power + 7000 Power = 15000 Power].
"I don't guard," Sophia replied.
"Check."
[Drive Check – Chestnut Bullet – Critical Trigger]
"I give all the effects to my Vanguard!"
The tornado impacted, hurling Tidal Whelp across the sands.
"Damage Check, first, no Trigger. Second, Draw Trigger!" Sophia answered. "I give the Power to Whelp, and I draw."
[Damage Check – Guardian Sage of Mirrors, Kathreptis – No Trigger]
[Damage Check – Tempest Emissary, Raina – Draw Trigger]
Seth was still for a moment. It was okay. He could do this. No matter how much the crowd loomed, no matter how much Sophia's presence was comforting and yet not in some strange way.
"I end my turn."
Seth
Hand: 6
Front Row: Empty/Arboros Dragon, Branch/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Arboros Dragon, Branch/Empty
Damage: None
Sophia
Hand: 6
Front Row: Empty/Tidal Whelp/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Stormbirth Dragoon/Empty
Damage: Guardian Sage of Mirrors, Kathreptis (U), Tempest Emissary, Raina (U)
"I draw," Sophia said. "Are you upset because this is the last tournament we'll have here?"
He didn't answer for a moment. It wasn't that. At least, not just that. It was a lot of things all swirling together like a storm in his chest and he didn't know how to describe it all. He didn't even want to, not right now, not in this place.
"Kind of," he said. "It's just a lot to take in. It's going to be such a big change."
She nodded. "I know. But you're not leaving everything behind, right? I'll be there, and I'm sure there'll be other fighters we can make friends with."
"I guess, yeah," he said, and smiled.
"Come on. Let's have some fun," she smiled in return, and drew her card. "I Ride Dragon Sage, Hideo!"
The water surged again and a man took Tidal Whelp's place, dressed in sea green robes and wielding a simple staff. His long white hair blew in the wind, neatly groomed despite its length [Dragon Sage, Hideo – 9000 Power].
"Tidal Whelp's Counterblast!" Sophia called. "Since I rode a Mourning Tide over it, I Counterblast one to look at the top seven cards of my deck and add a Grade 3 from them to my hand." She picked up the cards, fanning them out and picking a card from them. "I'll add Poseidon to my hand, then the rest get shuffled back in." She shuffled her deck quickly.
"So your ace is here," Seth thought. "And I already have mine too. It's a perfect showdown…"
"I call Dragon Knight, Critias!"
With a roar, a dragon swooped down to the field, a deep dark blue like the sea amidst a storm, its body covered in scaly plates. Astride it rode a knight in dark blue armour, brandishing a lance and a shield. He glared down with fierce pride at Seth's dragons [Dragon Knight, Critias – 10000 Power].
"Critias attacks!" Sophia commanded.
Critias spurred his mighty steed onwards, drawing back his lance to strike at Branch.
"I don't guard," Seth answered.
The lance thrust forward and Branch roared in pain as it struck home, Critias sneering as his dragon carried him back.
[Damage Check – Corolla Dragon – No Trigger]
"With a boost from Stormbirth, Hideo!"
Hideo lunged now, leaping over the field and twirling his staff around him, ready to strike with it [9000 Power + 5000 Power = 14000 Power].
"I don't guard," Seth repeated.
"Check… no Trigger."
[Drive Check – Squall Barricade Wyvern – No Trigger]
Hideo struck, smashing Branch aside with a graceful sweep of his staff before jumping away.
"Check… no Trigger," Seth answered.
[Damage Check – Maiden of Cherry Bloom – No Trigger]
"Hideo's skill," Sophia continued. "I Counterblast to look at the top five cards of my deck and add a Grade 3 to my hand." She drew the cards, plucking one out. "Another Poseidon." She chuckled. "I guess he really wants to be used."
Seth smiled. "I guess he does," he murmured. "Maybe she is going to win."
"I end my turn," Sophia finished.
Sophia
Hand: 8
Front Row: Dragon Knight, Critias/Dragon Sage, Hideo/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Stormbirth Dragoon/Empty
Damage: Guardian Sage of Mirrors, Kathreptis (F), Tempest Emissary, Raina (F)
Seth
Hand: 6
Front Row: Empty/Arboros Dragon, Branch/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Arboros Dragon, Branch/Empty
Damage: Corolla Dragon (U), Maiden of Cherry Bloom (U)
"Stand and draw," Seth said. "Why did it have to be me and you? Why did it have to be us here? Why… why couldn't I have lost earlier? Should I have just…?"
He forced himself to draw. "No. It's fine. It's okay. You shouldn't have thrown a game just to avoid this. It doesn't matter what happened. You can do this, Seth."
"I ride Arboros Dragon, Timber!"
For the second time, the leaves swirled and Branch grew, emerging as an even more mature dragon wielding a larger staff. Leaves and foliage blossomed all over its body, like the dragon was overflowing with life [Arboros Dragon, Timber – 9000 Power].
"Since Timber was ridden over Branch, I choose one of my rear-guards, and call another copy of it from my deck," he continued, taking his third copy of Branch from his deck and placing it down, before shuffling his deck. "And since Branch is in my Soul, Timber gains 1000 Power."
A second Branch appeared to the left of the first [Arboros Dragon, Branch – 7000 Power] as a green aura glowed around Timber [Arboros Dragon, Timber – 10000 Power].
"Call, Glass Beads Dragon!"
A shimmering purple dragon appeared at Timber's side, spreading iridescent butterfly-like wings [Glass Beads Dragon – 9000 Power].
"How do you feel?" he asked. "About leaving?"
"Kind of nervous, but excited too," she replied. "It's something new… but I'm sure it'll be great. That we'll make friends there, and have a lot of fun."
"You're so optimistic about it…" He looked into her eyes, but he could only bear it for a moment before looking down at Timber's card. "I hope so. Don't you think you'll miss it here?"
"I will," Sophia said. "But it's not like we're gone forever. And like I said, we'll make friends there. There'll be so many people, there must be at least a few interested in Vanguard."
"And what if… what if they don't like us?"
Sophia's expression wavered towards a frown. "Seth, are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm just wondering." He rested a hand on Glass Beads Dragon's card. "With a boost from Branch, Glass Beads attacks."
Glass Beads opened its mouth, breathing a stream of rainbow colours at Hideo [9000 Power + 7000 Power = 16000 Power].
Still almost frowning, Sophia placed down a card. "Atlanta guards."
A beautiful female monk dressed in blue took shape, blocking the attack with a shining sphere [9000 Power + 10000 Shield = 19000 Power].
"Stopping him drawing. That's clever."
"Do you expect anything else from Sophia?"
"Wonder if Seth has a chance here."
"Boosted by Branch, Timber attacks!" Their whispers were silenced as he continued.
Timber conjured the same whirlwind of leaves its previous form had used to attack, hurling it at Hideo [10000 Power + 7000 Power = 17000 Power].
"No guard!" Sophia answered.
"Check."
[Drive Check – Maiden of Cherry Stone – No Trigger]
The leaves tore into Hideo, but the sage elegantly danced back, taking only glancing impacts.
[Damage Check – Dragon Knight, Critias – No Trigger]
"You haven't answered my question," Sophia murmured. "Are you okay about going away? If you're not, I'm sure we could sort something-"
"I'm fine!" he insisted, before shrinking back. "I'm fine. It's just…" He wished he wasn't there, that the crowd wasn't there. "Just kind of intimidating."
"You've got me," she said. "We're friends. That hasn't changed, Seth."
He wished that was true, that things were still the same.
"I end my turn," he murmured.
"Seth, it's going to be okay," Sophia insisted.
Seth
Hand: 6
Front Row: Glass Beads Dragon/Arboros Dragon, Timber/Empty
Back Row: Arboros Dragon, Branch/Arboros Dragon, Branch/Empty
Damage: Corolla Dragon (U), Maiden of Cherry Bloom (U)
Sophia
Hand: 7
Front Row: Dragon Knight, Critias/Dragon Sage, Hideo/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Stormbirth Dragoon/Empty
Damage: Guardian Sage of Mirrors, Kathreptis (F), Tempest Emissary, Raina (F), Dragon Knight, Critias (U)
"Stand and draw," she continued. "What do you want out of going to uni, Seth?"
The question threw him for a moment. "What?"
"Why are you going?"
"Because I want to meet people," he murmured. "Because I want to go somewhere new and learn what it's like to be away from home."
"You will," she said. "And it's going to be great. We're both going to have a great time. It's okay to be nervous. I am too, but it won't last. Once we're there, it'll go away."
Seth nodded.
She smiled at him. "Come on. Let's finish this fight and give everyone a good show." She took a card from her hand, holding it up. "Roar, great king of the surging oceans! Sweep away the enemies who threaten your subjects with your tidal fury!"
Sophia slapped the card down atop Hideo's.
A storm exploded into being, the ocean lashing onto the beach as a furious whirlpool engulfed Hideo. Lightning flashed and thunder howled, and a colossal silhouette rose up within the writhing waters. Its eyes blazed alight, burning a deep blue.
The whirlpool was ripped asunder and he emerged, a mighty dragon walking like a giant. He wielded an ornate golden trident that gleamed with sapphires, and his horns shone with gold like a crown. His scales were like sapphire armour, shining in the flashes of lightning. With a roar, the dragon king stared down upon Seth's units, the water still lashing the shore as though his mere presence could command the tides [11000 Power].
"Sage King of the Tides, Poseidon!"
"Poseidon's here!"
"Now, how many copies does she have? Seth might be in trouble if she has enough…"
"Ready?" Sophia smiled, playing two more cards. "I call Dragon Dancer, Thetis and another Hideo."
A young girl in blue scaly robes appeared behind Critias, while a second Hideo took shape on the opposite side of Poseidon [Dragon Dancer, Thetis – 7000 Power] [Dragon Sage, Hideo – 9000 Power].
"I'm ready. Come on," Seth answered.
"There we go," she chuckled. "With a boost from Stormbirth, Poseidon attacks! And now…" She slowly plucked two cards from her hand and revealed them. Two more copies of Poseidon glared at Seth, their foil shining in the sunlight that bled in from outside.
"She had another one from the start?!"
"I send these reflections to the drop zone, and Counterblast," she continued. "Personae Blast! For each Poseidon I discard, I retire one of your Grade 1 or lower rear-guards, and Poseidon gets 2000 Power for this battle!"
"He's going to lose both Branches?!"
"I can't believe she had three gathered already… amazing…"
"Rise up, Dragonic Whirlpool!" Sophia commanded, placing the two cards into her drop zone. "Both Branches are retired!"
The storm howled into life again, and the tides raged against the sands. Surging bolts of water flew through the air and smashed into both Branches, shattering them into green motes with cries of pain.
"No…" Seth muttered as he put the cards into his drop zone. "I don't guard."
"Poseidon's Twin Drive!" Sophia continued. "First check, Critical Trigger! I give the Critical to Poseidon and the Power to Hideo! Second check, no Trigger!"
[Drive Check – Dragon Squire, Hermos – Critical Trigger]
[Drive Check – Dragonic Sapphire – No Trigger]
Poseidon's trident smashed down, crushing Timber into the hard sand with overwhelming force.
"Damage Check… no Trigger. Stand Trigger! I give the effects to Timber."
[Damage Check – Arboros Dragon, Timber – No Trigger]
[Damage Check – Watering Elf – Stand Trigger]
"Stormbirth's skill!" Sophia declared. "When it boosts a Grade 3 Mourning Tide and the attack hits a vanguard, I send Stormbirth to the Soul to add a copy of the boosted unit from my deck to my hand!" She slid Stormbirth into her Soul and took her final copy of Poseidon from her deck, putting it into her hand.
"She got another one that easily?"
"There's the Sophia we know… amazing!"
"She's always been stronger than me," Seth thought. "Always… especially now…"
"Hideo attacks Glass Beads Dragon!" she called.
"Guard!"
A green chestnut coated in spikes rose in Hideo's path, blocking his lunge [9000 Power + 10000 Shield = 19000 Power].
"Why guard that? He'd lose less Shield just letting the attack go through, wouldn't he?"
"Timber has the same skill as Branch. He wants to keep a rear-guard out to copy it when he rides the Grade 3."
"With a boost from Thetis, Critias attacks your vanguard!"
Once again Critias spurred his dragon into the air and readied his lance [10000 Power + 7000 Power = 17000 Power].
"Dancing Sunflower will guard!" Seth answered.
A sunflower man dressed in a vibrant Hawaiian shirt appeared, blocking Critias' charge [15000 Power + 5000 Shield = 20000 Power], causing the Dragon Knight to draw back with a contemptuous glare.
"Nicely done," Sophia said. "I know you've got Sephirot, so let's have our aces face off. Let's make our last fight here end with a bang."
Seth nodded.
Sophia
Hand: 6
Front Row: Dragon Knight, Critias/Sage King of the Tides, Poseidon/Dragon Sage, Hideo
Back Row: Dragon Dancer, Thetis/Empty/Empty
Damage: Guardian Sage of Mirrors, Kathreptis (F), Tempest Emissary, Raina (F), Dragon Knight, Critias (F)
Seth
Hand: 4
Front Row: Glass Beads Dragon/Arboros Dragon, Timber/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Empty
Damage: Corolla Dragon (U), Maiden of Cherry Bloom (U), Arboros Dragon, Timber (U), Watering Elf (U)
"I stand and draw," Seth recited. He slowly took a card from his hand, looking at it for a moment before holding it up. "Guardian dragon who watches over the forests! Manifest now and become the sword of the wilds! Ride! Arboros Dragon, Sephirot!"
A tempest of leaves and flowers exploded around Timber, wrapping the dragon in a storm of flora. The hurricane abated after a moment, unleashing a colossal dragon the size of Poseidon. Flowers, vines and leaves coated its body, making it seem like a mountain of greenery, and the staff it had wielded since it was a baby was now a mighty tree gripped in one hand. Gracefully raising its head, Sephirot gazed at Poseidon, the two sagely dragons exchanging looks of respect [Arboros Dragon, Sephirot – 10000 Power].
"Sephirot's skill! Since I have Timber in my Soul, he gains 1000 Power! And Timber's skill! When I Ride Sephirot over him, if Branch is in my Soul, I choose one of my rear-guards and call another copy from my deck!" He took a card from his deck and played it, revealing another Glass Beads Dragon.
In a flash of green, a second Glass Beads rose at Sephirot's side [Glass Beads Dragon – 9000 Power].
"I call." He played two more cards behind a Glass Beads and his Vanguard.
Two units appeared, one a cute green dragon with butterfly wings [Corolla Dragon – 8000 Power], the other a blonde-haired maiden in white and pink, brandishing a morning star with cherry stones for heads [Maiden of Cherry Stone – 7000 Power].
"It's a bit risky to call so much here, don't you think?" Sophia said.
"Maybe, but I have to try," Seth answered. "And now, Sephirot's Limit Break! If I have two or more units with the same name, each of those units gains 3000 Power!"
Sephirot raised his staff, casting brilliant emerald light across Seth's field. The two Glass Beads Dragons were engulfed in the glow, shining radiantly [9000 Power + 3000 Power = 12000 Powerx2].
"It doesn't matter, does it? He's too far behind after that Personae Blast."
"Come on, don't count him out now. Vanguard isn't decided until the last damage comes down."
"Glass Beads Dragon attacks your vanguard!" Seth declared, putting their voices out of mind.
"I guard with Raina!" Sophia retorted.
The lone Glass Beads Dragon breathed its iridescent stream at Poseidon, only to be blocked by a mermaid dressed in the now-familiar blue robe [11000 Power + 5000 Shield = 16000 Power].
"Boosted by Cherry Stone, Sephirot attacks Poseidon!" he continued. "I can do this."
Sephirot raised his staff and a storm of petals and leaves roared into being, striking towards Sophia's vanguard [11000 Power + 7000 Power = 18000 Power].
"I don't guard!"
"Twin Drive, first check. No Trigger. Second check, Stand Trigger! I give the effects to Glass Beads!"
[Drive Check – Maiden of Blossom Rain – No Trigger]
[Drive Check – Watering Elf – Stand Trigger]
The raging flora tore across Poseidon's scales, ripping into them with all of Sephirot's magical power. The Sage King was forced to take a step back, and his eyes glared with surprise at the unexpected might of his opponent's attack.
[Damage Check – Dragon of Mournful Silence – No Trigger]
"Glass Beads attacks again!" Seth continued.
"I don't guard," Sophia answered.
The rainbow breath lanced forth and crashed into Poseidon, but the kingly dragon stood firm against it.
[Damage Check – Dragon Sage, Hideo – No Trigger]
"Glass Beads' skill! I Counterblast to draw one card!" He took the card and regarded it, trying not to show his disappointment. "Wisteria… not now. I don't need you now." His hand now consisted of two copies of Wisteria, Maiden of Blossom Rain, Watering Elf and Maiden of Cherry Bloom. "Boosted by Corolla, my other Glass Beads attacks!"
A third stream of rainbow light lanced across the field at Poseidon [12000 Power + 8000 Power = 20000 Power].
"I guard with Hermos!" Sophia called, placing down the card. "No more draws for you!"
A knight in crimson riding a small dragon appeared, raising his shield against the attack [11000 Power + 10000 Shield = 21000 Power].
"I… end my turn," Seth murmured.
"Having fun?" she asked.
"Of course," he replied. "Always."
"Well, let's see how this ends," Sophia smiled. "My turn."
Seth
Hand: 5
Front Row: Glass Beads Dragon/Arboros Dragon, Sephirot/Glass Beads Dragon
Back Row: Corolla Dragon/Maiden of Cherry Stone/Empty
Damage: Corolla Dragon (F), Maiden of Cherry Bloom (F), Arboros Dragon, Timber (U), Watering Elf (U)
Sophia
Hand: 4
Front Row: Dragon Knight, Critias/Sage King of the Tides, Poseidon/Dragon Sage, Hideo
Back Row: Dragon Dancer, Thetis/Empty/Empty
Damage: Guardian Sage of Mirrors, Kathreptis (F), Tempest Emissary, Raina (F), Dragon Knight, Critias (F), Dragon of Mournful Silence (U), Dragon Sage, Hideo (U)
"Stand and draw!" she declared. "I activate Thetis' skill. I Counterblast and move her to my Soul to add a card with the same name as my vanguard from my drop zone to my hand!" She slid the card into her Soul, then took a Poseidon from her drop zone.
"Again? Seriously?"
"This is Mourning Tide," Sophia smiled at the crowd. "This Clan's all about Persona Blasts and using them over and over again. That's my power. Even skills which are normally limited to three times by needing a Persona Blast can be used more. And my skills which can Persona Blast multiple cards at once can be used more too. I'll drown my opponent with unrelenting, powerful Persona Blasts!"
"That's right," Seth said. "I've seen it so many times before. And you're always so strong with that style."
"Thank you," she replied. "I call Dragonic Sapphire."
Behind Poseidon, the blue light flashed, unleashing a sapphire sphere which hovered in the air. Bright blue light flowed out of it, forming the silhouette of a dragon, as though the sphere contained a spirit which now manifested beyond its container [Dragonic Sapphire – 5000 Power].
"Dragonic Sapphire's Soul Blast." She discarded Thetis and Stormbirth Dragoon from the Soul, drawing a card. "And now I call Thetis and Tidal Whelp."
Another Thetis appeared behind Hideo, while the young dragon took shape next to Critias [Dragon Dancer, Thetis – 7000 Power] [Tidal Whelp – 6000 Power].
"With a boost from Sapphire… Poseidon attacks!" Sophia called. "And now, Poseidon's Personae Blast!" She turned over a Damage and discarded both copies of Poseidon from her hand. "Dragonic Whirlpool! Cherry Stone and Corolla leave the field! Poseidon gains 4000 Power!"
The spirals of water roared forth and crushed down onto Seth's units, smashing them apart as a blinding blue glow shone around Poseidon [11000 Power + 4000 Power + 5000 Power = 20000 Power].
"Perfect Guard!" Seth answered, playing Maiden of Blossom Rain and discarding a Deep Green Lord, Master Wisteria.
A beautiful woman in a pretty pink dress appeared, raising her hands and conjuring a barrier of flowers and leaves to block Poseidon's charge.
"Twin Drive!" she retorted, tearing the first card from her deck. "No Trigger. And second…" The card flashed with gold. "Critical Trigger! I give the effects to Critias!"
[Drive Check – Guardian Sage of Mirrors, Kathreptis – No Trigger]
[Drive Check – Dragon Dancer, Sirena – Critical Trigger]
"Another Critical?" Seth gasped.
"But… he's lost his back row, and he'll have to guard that… he'll lose almost everything!"
"This has gotta be it. Even if he survives, surely-"
"Come on guys," Sophia said. "Stop with the doom saying."
"Sorry, Sophia. Just stating the facts."
"They're right, aren't they? I can guard Critias, but even if I do-"
"With a boost from Thetis, Hideo attacks… Glass Beads Dragon!" Sophia continued, cutting off his thoughts.
"Glass Beads… I see," he murmured. "Trying to stop me drawing more cards." He looked over his hand, but he already knew he couldn't guard both this and Critias. Not without losing all of his rear-guards and most of his hand anyway. "I don't guard.
Hideo's staff struck harshly and Glass Beads Dragon wailed as it shattered into green motes.
"And with a boost from Tidal Whelp, Critias attacks Sephirot!"
Critias charged, wrapped in a golden aura as he brandished his lance [10000 Power + 5000 Power + 6000 Power = 21000 Power, Critical 2].
Seth took two cards from his hand and threw them down. "Watering Elf, Cherry Bloom, guard!"
An elf in light green clothes and an elegant maiden wearing a flower-like green and pink dress appeared, stopping the Dragon Knight's fearsome attack [11000 Power + 10000 Shield + 5000 Shield = 26000 Power].
Seth moved the two to his drop zone. He had just one card left in his hand, and his field had only a single Glass Beads Dragon and Sephirot left. Sophia's field was full and she was holding four cards now. He knew what the crowd was thinking. It was pointless for him to continue in the face of those overwhelming odds.
But Sophia wouldn't want him to give up, no matter the odds. He didn't want to disappoint her like that.
"It's always kind of exhilarating, isn't it?" she said. "Just barely holding on, knowing that everything comes down to the next draw. I've been there so many times."
"Yeah," he nodded, but secretly he hated it. He hated being stuck on the edge with no control over his destiny like that. He hated overwhelming situations.
"Well, let's see what that draw has in store," Sophia smiled, and the rhyme made him smile just a little.
"Let's."
Sophia
Hand: 4
Front Row: Dragon Knight, Critias/Sage King of the Poseidon/Dragon Sage, Hideo
Back Row: Tidal Whelp/Dragonic Sapphire/Dragon Dancer, Thetis
Damage: Guardian Sage of Mirrors, Kathreptis (F), Tempest Emissary, Raina (F), Dragon Knight, Critias (F), Dragon of Mournful Silence (F), Dragon Sage, Hideo (F)
Seth
Hand: 1
Front Row: Glass Beads Dragon/Arboros Dragon, Sephirot/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Empty
Damage: Corolla Dragon (F), Maiden of Cherry Bloom (F), Arboros Dragon, Timber (U), Watering Elf (U)
"Stand and draw," he said quietly. "Maybe…" He played the card that had been left after Sophia's last turn. "I call Master Wisteria!"
A regal warrior clad in green rose up, his hair made of lavender flowers and more of those flowers adorning his sword's cross-guard [Deep Green Lord, Master Wisteria – 11000 Power].
He paused. "I want to attack with Master Wisteria first in case I get a Stand Trigger, but… she can just Intercept Hideo and Glass Beads won't be able to hit if I don't pull a Trigger. No. It's safer to attack that way instead."
"I see you're thinking about it," Sophia said cheerily. "Come on, Seth! Show us your best!"
"My best… that isn't enough,"
"Glass Beads attacks Hideo!"
"Critias will Intercept!" That was a small win at least. Tidal Whelp would be difficult to make an attacking lane with without Critias in front.
"Sephirot attacks your vanguard!"
The storm of flowers tore across the beach towards Poseidon.
"Guard!" Sophia answered, placing down Sirena.
Blue light flashed and an elf in a white toga arose in front of the Sage King, blocking the petals with a barrier of water [11000 Power + 10000 Shield = 21000 Power].
"Twin Drive! First check!" He turned the card over, only to be met by no flash of light.
[Drive Check – Arboros Dragon, Timber – No Trigger]
"Second check…" This time, the card flashed green.
[Drive Check – Sweet Honey – Heal Trigger]
"A Heal Trigger! That could get him back in the game!"
"Check his damage. It doesn't mean anything right now."
Seth had already noticed that. He wasn't sure if Sophia had attacked Glass Beads on the last turn for that reason too, to make it so even a Heal Trigger couldn't get him out of this near-hopeless situation. Because his damage was lower than hers, the Heal Trigger wouldn't let him heal a damage. "I give the Power to Wisteria," he said quietly.
The flower storm smashed against Sirena's barrier and broke apart.
"Wisteria attacks." He turned the card sideways.
"I guard with Atlanta," Sophia answered, and placed down a card.
An elf holding a sea green orb appeared, preventing Wisteria from striking at Poseidon [11000 Power + 10000 Shield = 21000 Power].
"I… end my turn," Seth concluded quietly.
Seth
Hand: 3
Front Row: Glass Beads Dragon/Arboros Dragon, Sephirot/Deep Green Lord, Master Wisteria
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Empty
Damage: Corolla Dragon (F), Maiden of Cherry Bloom (F), Arboros Dragon, Timber (U), Watering Elf (U)
Sophia
Hand: 2
Front Row: Empty/Sage King of the Tides, Poseidon/Dragon Sage, Hideo
Back Row: Tidal Whelp/Dragonic Sapphire/Dragon Dancer, Thetis
Damage: Guardian Sage of Mirrors, Kathreptis (F), Tempest Emissary, Raina (F), Dragon Knight, Critias (F), Dragon of Mournful Silence (F), Dragon Sage, Hideo (F)
"Stand and draw," Sophia said. "I wonder what that card in your hand is. Do you have enough shield to survive this turn? Let's find out." She played a card. "I call Kathreptis."
The waters surged up and a dragon emerged, a regal blue creature with scales so shining they were like mirrors. A mask covered its face, with a mirror set into the forehead [Guardian Sage of Mirrors, Kathreptis – 11000 Power].
"Sapphire boosts, and Poseidon attacks your vanguard!"
The Sage King lunged, trident ready to strike [11000 Power + 5000 Power = 16000 Power].
Seth looked at his hand, which consisted of his two drive checks and a Maiden of Cherry Bloom. "I can't guard everything, but I'm only on four. She can't win without another Critical Trigger. I'm fine. I can take this."
"I don't guard."
Sophia smiled. "So you're certain. Let's see if you're right, Seth! Twin Drive!" She drew the first card and slowly revealed it. No flash. No Trigger.
[Drive Check – Dragonic Sapphire – No Trigger]
"Second check." Everyone watched with breaths held as she drew the card. No one moved as she turned it over.
There was a golden flash, and Seth stared into defeat.
[Drive Check – Dragon Squire, Hermos – Critical Trigger]
The crowd exploded.
"A third one?!"
"That's gotta be it, right? There's no way-"
"Amazing… that's our Sophia!"
Sophia looked as surprised as any of them as she stared at the revealed card. "I… I give the Critical to Poseidon and the Power to Kathreptis."
"That's it, isn't it?"
He took the first card from his deck and turned it over. It flashed gold. "Critical Trigger! I give the effects to Sephirot."
[Damage Check – Chestnut Bullet – Critical Trigger]
Setting the card down, he turned back to his deck. "Come on…" He slowly drew the second card and everyone looked on as they had before. They didn't seem to want the fight to end, and somehow, Seth did want it to. Just so he could escape the forest of eyes.
"Second check." He wanted it to end and he flipped the card over quickly to know if the fight was finished.
It was.
[Damage Check – Arboros Dragon, Sephirot – No Trigger]
Seth let the card fall to join the rest in his damage. It was done.
A hand entered his vision and he looked up to see Sophia holding it out. "Well fought," she smiled at him.
"Thank you," he replied quietly, and shook her hand.
"Well done, both of you," the manager smiled. "That was a great fight. I can tell you were giving it your all for this."
Seth looked back down at his cards. "Thank you," he mumbled.
"We all got you something," she continued, and he glanced up to see her take a cake from behind the counter. Written on it in icing were the words "Good luck Seth and Sophia!"
"Aw, you shouldn't have, Diane," Sophia smiled. "Really."
"We wanted to," someone said from among the crowd. "You guys are great. We wanted to do something special for you before you go."
Seth felt ashamed. Here they were congratulating him and Sophia like this, and he couldn't bear being there. He wanted to fit, he wanted to not want to hide away. He hated being so intimidated by the crowd.
"This is so great of you," Sophia said as the cake was set down between the two, Seth awkwardly shuffling his cards out of the way. Diane came over, producing a knife to cut it.
"There should be enough for everyone, but you two get the first slices, of course," the manager said. "I hope you both have a wonderful time at uni and make a lot of friends there. To a bright future."
"To a bright future," Sophia cheered as the cake was cut.
"To a bright future," Seth murmured, and hoped it would indeed be so.
SS1
Card of the Day:
Sage King of the Tides, Poseidon
Grade 3/Twin Drive
Tear Dragon – Mourning Tide – Magallanica
11000 Power/No Shield
Auto [V]: [Counterblast 1 & Choose any number of cards named "Sage King of the Tides, Poseidon" from your hand, and discard them] When this unit attacks, you may pay the cost. If you do, choose a number of your opponent's grade 1 or less rear-guard up to the number of cards discarded, retire them, and this unit gets [Power]+2000 for each card discarded until end of that battle.
Continuous [V/R]: If you have a non-«Mourning Tide» vanguard or rear-guard, this unit gets [Power]-2000.
Rouse not the fury of the Sage King, or else know power unrelenting. Rage forth, Dragonic Whirlpool!
He is the fearsome Sage King of Mourning Tide, an ancient Tear Dragon of unparalleled wisdom and power. Of all the sages, he is the wisest and most ancient, and thus he rules them with justice and knowledge. Normally, he is calm and unflappable, to the point that younglings have tried to rouse his emotions to no avail, but in times of war, his rage emerges from behind the mask. It is only at this moment that one can understand why he discourages war up until the moment it becomes a necessity. When the Sage King of the Tides unleashes his rage, the ocean will drown all his enemies until not one is left to bring word of his fury. It is for this reason that few would seek to provoke Mourning Tide's fury. When the sagely dragons are called to war, their king is first to the battle and the last to leave, and his presence can obliterate entire armies beneath unstoppable, unfaltering storms of water.
SS1
Created Cards:
Stormbirth Dragon
Grade 0/Human – Mourning Tide/5000 Power/10000 Shield
Auto: Forerunner
Auto [R]: [Put this unit into your soul] When an attack hits a vanguard during the battle that this unit boosted a grade 3 «Mourning Tide», you may pay the cost. If you do, search your deck for up to one card with the same name as the boosted unit, reveal it to your opponent, put it into your hand, and shuffle your deck.
A storm can rise from the smallest of breezes.
Tidal Whelp
Grade 1/Tear Dragon – Mourning Tide/6000 Power/5000 Shield
Auto: [Counterblast 1] When a «Mourning Tide» rides this unit, you may pay the cost. If you do, look at up to seven cards from the top of your deck, search for up to one grade 3 «Mourning Tide» from among them, reveal it to your opponent, put it into your hand, and shuffle your deck.
Auto: [Choose a grade 2 or less «Mourning Tide» from your hand, and discard it] When this unit is placed on (RC), if you have a grade 3 or greater «Mourning Tide» vanguard, you may pay the cost. If you do, search your deck for up to one card with the same name as your vanguard, reveal it to your opponent, put it into your hand, and shuffle your deck.
Even an impetuous whelp may one day become a majestic, serene dragon.
Dragon Sage, Hideo
Grade 2/Human – Mourning Tide/9000 Power/5000 Shield
Auto [V/R]: [Counterblast 1] When this unit's attack hits a vanguard, you may pay the cost. If you do, look at up to five cards from the top of your deck, search for up to one grade 3 or greater «Mourning Tide» from among them, reveal it to your opponent, put it into your hand, and shuffle your deck.
I understand why you weep. But this must be done
Dragon Knight, Critias
Grade 2/Human – Mourning Tide/10000 Power/5000 Shield
A Dragon Knight will fight with the pride of dragons.
Dragon Monk, Atlanta
Grade 0/Elf – Mourning Tide/5000 Power/10000 Shield/Heal Trigger
Water soothes, calms, and heals the wounded.
Dragon Dancer, Thetis
Grade 1/Human – Mourning Tide/7000 Power/5000 Shield
Activate [R]: [Counterblast 1 & Put this unit into your soul] If you have a «Mourning Tide» vanguard, choose up to one grade 3 «Mourning Tide» from your drop zone, and put it into your hand.
As the tears of dragons fall, the dancers mourn their broken serenity.
Tidal Emissary, Raina
Grade 0/Mermaid – Mourning Tide/5000 Power/5000 Shield/Draw Trigger
I come with a question. What is a good life?
Dragon Squire, Hermos
Grade 0/Human – Mourning Tide/5000 Power/10000 Shield/Critical Trigger
With lance in hand, the squire fights in the name of wisdom.
Dragonic Sapphire
Grade 1/Ghost – Mourning Tide/5000 Power/5000 Shield
Auto: [Soul Blast 2] When this unit is placed on (RC), if you have a «Mourning Tide» vanguard, you may pay the cost. If you do, draw a card.
Even the lost sages can aid us in times of need.
Dragon Dancer, Sirena
Grade 0/Mermaid – Mourning Tide/4000 Power/10000 Shield/Critical Trigger
Auto [R]: [Put this unit on top of your deck] When an attack hits a vanguard during the battle that this unit boosted, you may pay the cost. If you do, choose up to one grade 3 «Mourning Tide» from your drop zone, put it into your hand, and shuffle your deck.
To stand with the dragon sages is a true honor.
Guardian Sage of Mirrors, Kathreptis
Grade 3/Tear Dragon – Mourning Tide/11000 Power/No Shield
Auto: [Limit Break 4] When a «Mourning Tide» rides this unit, choose one of your vanguards, that unit gets [Power]+10000 until end of turn, search your deck for up to one card with the same name as that unit, reveal it to your opponent, put it into your hand, and shuffle your deck.
Auto [V]: When this unit is boosted by a «Mourning Tide», this unit gets [Power]+2000 until end of that battle.
Continuous [V/R]: Lord
The mirror's surface is serene. But beneath, a raging, unstoppable tempest howls.
SS1
Next time, Seth and Sophia arrive at uni, and amidst the chaos of settling in, they encounter an elusive and mysterious fighter. Who is he? And what kind of deck does he use? Find out in Ride 2: Tahir El-Amin!