After suffering that major defeat against the demon tokens, Saffron thinks about training again. Then he scoffs.
I don't need training.
The Epic Tournament of Year 300 is about to unfold! Rushing quickly to the scene, Saffron excitedly scribes his name on the signup list.
"Hey kid," says a shady yet noble looking man. He bears long black hair, and wears a long dark-scarlet cloak that flows in the evening breeze. Saffron looks at him. Warily, he asks, "Yes?"
"You're signing up for the tournament, I see."
"So what if I am?"
He smiles, grinning with just a hint of maliciousness..."Think you got what it takes?"
Saffron smiles back, "Is that a challenge?"
"You decide. My name is Lord Blackfire."
"My name is Saffron"
We go into a battle!
Chapter 2 - A New Rivalry, and a Defeat
Here we go!
The Opening Shuffle...Dealing the hands...We cut the other opponent's deck...now to see who begins...
Saffron: "I have B'!'"
Blackfire: "I have 'S.'"
Heh, I guess I go first.
Saffron's Turn.
Saffron plays a Forest, taps it and summons Glistener Elf, a green creature with 1/1 and INFECT.
"Blackfire, though you seem friendly, you must know that I will not go easy on you," I state.
"Your arrogance may cost you, Saffron," grins he.
"I end my turn. Let's see what you can do!"
Blackfire's Turn.
He draws, plays a Mountain, and Ends.
Saffron's Turn.
Saffron Draws, and plays a Swamp.
Okay, Blackfire, Let's see how you like Venom Fury!
"Go! Glistener Elf!"
Then he uses Glistener Elf to Infect Blackfire.
"I forgot to mention something, Blackfire," I call out, "My deck is completely loaded with poisonous creatures. I call my deck 'Venom Fury,' because when you are poisoned 10 times, you feel the fury of defeat!"
He just smirks. I feel as though he has great wisdom, and I wonder about his intentions. No matter.
Blackfire's Turn.
Draw, plays a Swamp, Looks at cards and ends.
Saffron's Turn.
Untaps Glistener Elf and lands. Draws, plays Swamp, Taps all and summons Rot wolf, who has 2/2 and INFECT, and then Infects his foe again with Glistener Elf.
I cross my arms and cock my head to the side.
His grin fades, "You really need to CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE."
He then ends.
Blackfire's Turn.
Draws, plays Swamp, then, taps all three of his lands...
"Now," he begins, "You shall regret that."
...to bring Crusher Zendikon into play. This card is Enchanted Land that brings a 4/2 red Beast into existence. It also has trample, which means it cannot be blocked easily when it attacks. Then he Ends.
Saffron's Turn.
Untaps Glistener Elf again. Draws, plays Swamp and Taps Forest to summon another Glistener Elf and infects Blackfire twice, once with Rot Wolf, and the other time with the first Glistener Elf.
"How do you like that," I ask, "We may be tied for health, at 20/20 HP, but you are poisoned at 4!"
Blackfire's Turn.
Draws, Plays Swamp, taps all three Swamps to bring out an artifact - Strider Harness. This colorless equipment card gives any creature of his choosing +1/+1 and haste! He attacks Saffron with Crusher Zindikon, dealing 4 damage and Saffron takes the damage.
"I end my turn," declares Blackfire.
"I won't go lightly on you."
"Yes," states he, "Though your offense will be your weakness."
"We'll see."
Saffron's Turn.
Now, he Draws, plays a forest, then taps for a Viridian Corrupter, whose effect destroys any target artifact on the field. He uses it to eliminate Blackfire's artifact equip card. Then Saffron infects him thricefold, leaving Blackfire with 7 poison - only 3 remaining until death.
Blackfire's Turn.
Untaps Crusher Zindikon and his lands. Draws, and looks at his hand disdainfully, then attacks with Crusher Zindikon, which Saffron cannot block, and afterwards tapping 2 swamps to bring forth Ichorclaw Myr, an Artifact Creature with 1/1 AND infect.
I clap sarcastically, "Good thinkin'! You were planning to use infect on me, too eh?"
Blackfire scoffs, "Why not?"
"I'd say the reason is that if you don't do something quick, next turn you are dead."
Blackfire looks away. He's good at hiding his feelings. I wonder how old he is.
Saffron's Turn.
Untaps, Draws, and finally, infects Blackfire with all of his creatures. This leaves Blackfire Poisoned and defeated.
I won.
Well, Now that that's over, I suppose I should gloat.
Saffron then notices that the Lord had disappeared. There is but a lone card on the ground where he had stood. It is turned face down.
I pick the card up and read the reverse side. "You have proved yourself a worthy opponent. I'd like to have you as my Rival. I challenge you to a rematch at my Castle. It won't be so easy next time!"
And, with a month to spare before the Tournament, Saffron heads to the Castle of Lord Blackfire. It's about time he had a Rival.
A/N: If you think Saffron is too cocky, Review. If you think he's just fine, Review. Get the Pattern? Review!. If you want to know more, Review!
