Chapter 1: Old Timers in New Days
Kojuurou walked along the streets nostalgically along with the Misaki as his guide. He kept turning from one corner to another as he reminisced what they used to be back when he was eight. Misaki lazily pointed out the parts of the street to him and gave him advises and comments concerning the each store. She even told the messy teen about how the place was different. Moreover, she could tell how nostalgic the area to the teen based on his faraway gazes.
She then struck a question to bring the teen back. However…
"You seem distant. Remember something?" she asked coolly.
"Yeah," he answered albeit subconsciously, "10 years ago, I always pass this street to go to school… I know everyone around the neighborhood." The messy teen turned to one particular store and spoke distantly, "Kanariya-san would be sweeping in front of her store around this time…" He turned to another, "That store used to be a bakery store. I always go to there after school to have an extra meal before I go home. It's gone now…"
Misaki thought she could bring the teen back to the real world, but she was wrong. Instead, she only added salt to the wound. The lavender haired teen could only emphasize with what he is going through. She then thought of something along the line.
"If you loved this place, then why do you move away?" she asked.
"I would never," he answered and fixed his eyes on his guide. She could not see them, but she could feel them. His eyes were filled with sorrow and despair. "I come from a very strict family… my father… he was a … busy man… my mother's… a prosecutor. My grandfather was a famous fortune teller and my grandmother is a Chinese calligrapher, most of her work of arts are top quality and are sold at… valuable price…"
The more Kojuurou told her, the more she awestruck she became. She had not expect the teen to be this… 'noble'. He simply outclassed her. Is he for real? It was not a question; in fact it was a doubtful statement.
"I know you won't believe me… but I don't expect you to. I mean, it's too good to be true, right?" he said sadly to her, "But on top of that, like I said, my family is very strict and controlling. They… well… control my life most of the time." He let out a sigh before changing the subject, lightening the atmosphere, "With that being a story for another time, how about we carry on the tour?"
Misaki stared but shrugged it off as she continued the tour.
Soon, after highlighting the area, Misaki showed the teen where the barber is located. The barber store was small and simple.
"Well, now that I brought you to the barber, I believe I can go now," the lavender haired girl stated in her as a matter of fact tone. Kojuurou nodded and bow down in gratitude. But before that, he asked for her number boldly. She was giving him a suspicious glare. "Why do you want my number for?" she asked venomously glaring at the messy haired teen before her.
She was very cautious of this. Misaki had series of 'customers' asking for her phone number. This makes 499, she sighed mentally at her perfect memory.
"Let's see…" the teen paused for a moment and ran a finger to his chin, he considered his words carefully and spoke, "Well, you are the first… friend I make in these parts of the area… I mean, you know society these days right, can't live without friends right? Since you're the first so far, why not add you on my… friend list?"
"True," Misaki answered, her suspicion remained, "But what about your old friends? Or the ones in the shop?"
"Well, most of them moved out already, and since I was gone for about 10 years, who knows what happen to them. I only get their house phone numbers and they don't even have cell phones, so it's hard to even get in touch to a fixed line. As for 'the ones in the shop' part, well… I was too caught up with cardfighting to remember asking for them, y'know, being excited and all." He explained rather clumsily but logically.
Misaki's suspicion depleted and she gave Kojuurou her number albeit reluctant. "Don't call me unless it's urgent," she threatened. I can't believe that I'm giving my own phone number to a customer, oh well.
Kojuurou chuckled, "As much as I would like to do that, I'll pass. But you gotta admit it, anyone would die to get a date with someone as cute and as beautiful as you, Misaki-san." Kojuurou chirped flirtingly as he winked at the lavender haired girl. If it weren't for Kojuurou's bad hair, she would have seen that move he pulled.
Misaki's eyes widened slightly as they twitched. She turned away from him, hiding her blush due to the compliment. Normally, she hated flirty comments, especially one that comes from idiots. However, she somehow liked it when the teen did that. She regained her bearings and rebutted back, "I don't date with old men!"
"I'm not old damnit!" Kojuurou hissed back.
"A-Anyway, I'm off now so see you!" Misaki left the teen quickly as she skipped a few steps ahead.
Time seemed to have accelerated once Kojuurou had his hair cut…
The next day came faster than it used to be for the now ex-messy haired teen. The teen looked very young with his new appearance. His blonde hair is now at casual shoulder length and are slicked backwards, revealing portion of his youthful forehead and cool regal eyes. His youthfulness was also greatly displayed with his goatee and mustache completely shaved.
…
Kojuurou remembered about the one time deal he had with the card store manager of Card Capital and thus he was off to the store.
Kojuurou entered the store as soon as he arrived at the venue. There, he met up with some of the cardfighters he fought during the previous day. The most notable fighter was the loud and brash Morikawa Katsumi. He could hear him yell. It wasn't a roar of triumph but a roar of agony. Kojuurou could hazard a guess what is wrong with the sudden change, judging from his traits.
"Welcome to Card Capital," the store manager greeted Kojuurou… like he would with any new customers. "You must be new here are you?"
"New?" the blonde teen was surprised at the manager's declaration; he deepened his tone and narrowed his eyes, "What are you talking about?"
"Huh? You're not?" the card store manager bewildered at that statement. He paused for a moment to recall his customers. He failed and turned to the 'assistant manager' aka Manager. "Seen him before assistant manager?" the cat gave an uncaring glance at the teen and scowled, indicating that it did not meet the new customer before. "No? Misaki!" the manager called out to the lavender haired girl who is also the assistant of the store. She was cardfighting with Morikawa.
Having heard her uncle's call, she paused the game and turned to the counter. "What is it Shin?"
"Have you met him before? Apparently he said he's an old customer here."
"Uh no, manager-san, I'm not an old customer, I just came here yesterday," humbly, Kojuurou corrected.
When Misaki scanned the blonde, she came to a sudden halt. Her mind told her that she knew this person very well, but she still couldn't put a finger on where or when did she meet him before. She just knew him but not sure. But that aside, she continued to scan the person and concluded, "I've never seen him before."
"Well, there you have it, you're a new customer here." Shin concluded, "So what can I do to help?"
Kojuurou narrowed his eyes and glared dangerously at the manager. When he was about to snap, the single ray of hope shone down on him.
"Well speaking of the new customer, that ossan (old man) sure is 'chigoku' (hell)!" brashly the only twelve-year-old kid that is in the store right now said. "Izzit?" he added, unsure if he got the terms right.
The others bewildered on what the boy said and pondered about it. They considered his words for a moment and finally realizing his error the manager corrected him sheepishly, "You mean chikoku (tardy) right?"
"Yes, I mean that ossan sure is tardy!"
(A/N: I know it's supposed to be called Jigoku (Hell - 地獄) guys, so let me explain. Chi and Ji have the same kanji (地). Since its Kamui whose speaking, thus the interpretation. So now for Chikoku (遅刻). I know some of you would say Osoi (遅い) to make it simple and all. But let's look at it this way, Kamui messed up his words by using the more difficult ones, thus the slip up. How's that?)
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING OSSAN, GAKI (BRAT)! I'M NOT EVEN AN ADULT YET!" Kojuurou snapped at his ray of hope.
The entire store turned to the source of the snap.
Silence…
And snap.
"Tte… Wait… WAT!" Kamui, the boy who called Kojuurou an old man gasped when he mentally compared the current Kojuurou with the earlier. He was astounded by the sudden make over. In fact, only one thought came into his mind, NO WAY!
Miwa, who sat with Kai, actually saw the all-so-mighty ice king wavered from his position. He even swore that he saw Kai's eyes twitched with surprise.
Aichi was dumbstruck along with his other classmates.
The store manager thought his glasses were playing tricks with his eyes. He even go as far as wiping his glasses and peered closely through the 'cleared' lenses. Even the cat's iris become as wide as they are in the dark.
Misaki, on the other hand, was as dumbstruck as the others. But that was an understatement. To her dismay, thanks to her perfect memorization ability, she remembered Kojuurou's attempt at flirting with her as well as his compliments to her: cute and beautiful. That alone, along with being complimented by a… guy such as him was enough to make even the cool Misaki blush. But luckily, everyone's attention was solely focused on the blonde customer… What's wrong with me? This is not the first time someone tries to flirt with you Misaki! She scolded herself mentally as she desperately tried to regain her bearings.
"That's a surprising change," Shin commented, "W-Well, it's good on you! R-Right guys?"
"Yeah! Man, you look awesome, doesn't he? Nii-san." Kamui commented.
The blue haired teen beside Kamui nodded with a sheepish smirk.
"Well, it's a good thing you're here." The manager said, gaining the attention from everyone in the store. "As I've promised, I've thrown in a consolation price to your match yesterday. And that price is…" the manager dramatically spun around and points at a large cardboard box filled with smaller boxes with different colors. The revelation stunned everyone.
"I get an entire box of booster sets?" questioned a stunned Kojuurou.
"WHAT! KUSO (DAMN) I SHOULD HAVE LOST IN THAT FIGHT!" Morikawa roared.
"Oh that's not it," Shin sheepishly corrected them, "What I meant to say is that Kojuurou can pick out and make a deck out of these left over cards here for free of course, but that deck needs to be not more than 50 cards of course."
"Oh… I see," Kojuurou snickered at his mistaken surprise.
"Take your time."
"It's alright, I can build one in a flash." True to his words. Kojuurou opened the boxes of cards and with quick hands, he began to split the cards in group and arranged them accordingly. His quick hand eye coordination helped him to sort out and differentiate the cards with ease. At the same time, his mind was making calculations and forming up strategies at an alarming rate. He was also mumbling to himself, LIKE A HAYWIRED COMPUTER.
Everyone present was shocked again by the capability he displayed. This was the first time they had seen someone doing things this quick while multi tasking. In fact, they were even more surprised when he had even built two decks out of the short time span. Right now, they watched as the blonde compared each deck with absolute concentration. They even heard quick mumbles such as, "replacing this unit", "sudden rush" and so on. Their attentions were snapped back to the blonde when he roared, "IT'S DONE!"
"Yes, done in a flash!" Kojuurou raised the deck in question to the air triumphantly.
Kamui turned to the blue haired cardfighter, "Ne (Hey), Nii-san, remind me how long is a flash." This caught everyone's attention, all but a cool brown haired teen in blue uniform.
"Um… it's less than a second." The blue haired teen answered hesitantly, knowing where this is going.
There was a dramatic pause until Kamui pointed at the blonde.
"The old man's lying."
"That impudent gaki! STOP CALLING ME OLD MAN!" Kojuurou clicked his tongue silently at the boy. "Oh wait… maybe…" he muttered to himself as he ran his fingers to his chin dramatically, "Alright, gaki, FIGHT!" he declared, raising the deck he had completed deck. "Be honored that you are the first to be dominated by my new deck."
"Oh yeah? Same to you too!" The boy passionately countered Kojuurou's words, "Let's fight!"
The two made their way to an unoccupied dueling table. The table in question was different from the others. Instead of sitting down, they were required to stand… Why do people prefer to fight while standing in the first place? Thought Kojuurou skeptically. His skeptic attitude died in an instant as he deduced his own answer, I guess it worked out for people with hemorrhoid problems. (A/N: I have hemorrhoid problems too and I'm currently 20.)
That aside, Kojuurou stood opposite of Kamui, his opponent and they both set their Grade 0 units on the vanguard circle before proceeding to shuffle their deck. Kojuurou proceeds to cut his deck before setting them down on the deck zone. Kamui drew his top five cards, returned some of them and redraw again. He had a very satisfied look on his face. The blond, on the other hand, remained cross-armed as if beckoning him to make the first move.
"I insisted on going second."
The blond could tell why. He gave a chuckle and drew his top five cards. However, to the audience's surprise, he sets them all face down without even looking at them. He snapped their attentions with a simple quote, "Let's do this. Vanguard, STAND UP! Dorangall (Grade 0/Royal Paladin/High Beast/5000/10000/1)"
A mechanical four-legged canine appeared to the field.
"STAND UP VANGUARD! Blaujunger (Grade 0/Nova Grappler/Battleroid/5000/10000/1)!"
A roid materialized before the ferret. It was blue and white armored. The battleroid resembles a mecha from a TV show.
"A Royal Paladin deck," mouthed the blue haired teen. "He's using the same deck as I use."
"True, but let's just see his style of play. I got a feeling that this will be a whole new experience. Ne?" Mused the store manager with the later to the cat. The cat meowed in return agreeing to the statement.
"Here goes," Kojuurou analyzed his hands and conducted his turn, "Draw," he declared with his eyes closed and drew the card. He proceeded, again with his eyes closed, "Activate, during the start of my Ride Phase, Dorangall's skill allows me reveal the top five cards of my deck. If there is a Knight of Exploration, Galahad among them, I can superior ride that unit, the rest, of the cards can be rearranged and placed to the bottom of my deck. However, if I use do this, I skip my Normal Ride Phase." The blonde drew the top five cards with his eyes remained closed, much to everyone's bewilderment. He simply rearranged the cards and placed them to the bottom of the deck. "None found, not that it matter anyway. So I will conduct my normal ride."
Kojuurou picked out his card and continued, "Ride, Knight of Exploration, Galahad (Grade 1/Royal Paladin/Human/7000/5000/1) and call Young Pegasus Knight (Grade 1/Royal Paladin/Human/6000/5000/1)."
The mechanical canine was enveloped into a blinding light. As it fades away, a man in long silver wavy hair, wearing white and gold trimmed armor appeared along side the high beast. He rested his hands on his broadsword. Another appeared behind the vanguard. He had short brown hair and wore a brilliant armor, riding on a winged horse equipped with gold armor.
"Turn end."
Kojuurou's Status:
Front: None/ Knight of Exploration, Galahad /None
Rear: None/ Young Pegasus Knight /None
Hand: 4 (Giro/Gigantic Dozer/ Great Sage, Barron/High Dog Breeder, Ceylan)
Soul: 1 (Dorangall)
Damage Zone: 0/6
Drop Zone: 0
Deck: 43
Kamui's Stats:
Front: None/Blaujunger/None
Rear: None/None/None
Hand: 5 (Fighting Battleship, Prometheus/ Dancing Wolf/ Top Gun/ Blaupanzer/ Death Army Lady)
Soul: 0
Damage Zone: 0/6
Drop Zone: 0
Deck: 44
The audience was surprised with how Kojuurou conducted his turn. Every since his draw phase, he kept his eyes closed. It was almost as if he knew what he is about to get. But on top of that, the Q4 find this fight similar to one of the elimination rounds in the National Championship. Misaki remembered the fight clearly. Kamui fought with one of the Cardfighters in the elimination rounds. The person was from Team Foo Fighter Brilliant Stars. However, when she compared this fight with the other, she got a feeling that Kamui's opponent had a better vantage and planning capabilities compared to his previous opponent.
Back to the fight, Kamui was dumbstruck when he witnessed the display his opponent pulled, he shook his head as he snapped out of his amazement and continued, "In that case, it's my turn! Draw." He pulled his top card and revealed it. He smirked at the revelation. Doesn't matter if he knows what card he can get, because I'll show him what I can do! Thought the boy as he gave himself some morale boost. He carried on his turn aggressively, "The Great Kamui rides Blaupanzer (Grade 1/Nova Grappler/Battleroid/6000/5000/1)."
The blue roid toughened up as it was enveloped in orange aura. The aura fades and revealed a larger and more reinforced roid.
"And with Blaupanzer's skill, if there's a Blaujunger in the soul, Blaupanzer gains 2000 power (Grade 1/Nova Grappler/Battleroid/8000/5000/1)! Next with Blaujunger's skill," Kamui tapped the card and ran his hand to his deck, "if Blaupanzer is ridden, Blaukluger can be added to my hand." He added the card to his hand and reveals it to his… uncaring opponent. Kamui grew a comical tick mark at his opponent. Kojuurou's eyes were still closed.
"HEY! Are you watching?" he snapped.
"I don't need to, I'm waiting actually." Kojuurou answered calmly with his eyes still closed, "So, what's next?"
Kamui stared at his opponent and continued, "The Great Kamui calls Dancing Wolf (Grade 1/Nova Grappler/Warbeast/7000/5000/1)."
A wolf in a hip-hop style fashion appeared behind the vanguard.
"With a boost from Dancing Wolf, I attack Knight of Exploration with Blaupanzer (7000+8000 = 15000/1)"
The roid aimed its gun at the knight.
"No guard."
"Drive check!"
Drive Check – Shining Lady – Critical Trigger
"GET! I give all its effect to Blaupanzer!"
The roid charged up an attack and fired at the knight. The knight winched as he shields himself from the attack.
"Check for damage trigger." He declared with eyes remained closed.
Damage Check – Gigantech Charger – No Trigger
Damage Check – High Dog Breeder, Akane – No Trigger
Kojuurou placed the cards on his damage zone.
"Alright, two damage in one go. The Great Kamui now ends his turn!" the boy declared proudly at his achievements.
Kojuurou's Status:
Front: None/ Knight of Exploration, Galahad /None
Rear: None/ Young Pegasus Knight /None
Hand: 4 (Giro/ Gigantic Dozer/ Great Sage, Barron/ High Dog Breeder, Ceylan)
Soul: 1 (Dorangall)
Damage Zone: 2/6 (Gigantech Charger/ High Dog Breeder, Akane)
Drop Zone: 0
Deck: 41
Kamui's Stats:
Front: None/Blaupanzer/None
Rear: None/Dancing Wolf/None
Hand: 6 (Fighting Battleship, Prometheus/ Top Gun/ Death Army Lady/ Stern Blaukruger/ Blaukluger/ Shining Lady)
Soul: 1 (Blaujunger)
Damage Zone: 0/6
Drop Zone: 0
Deck: 41
"Kamui-kun is really going all out today." The store manager commented.
"Well, Kamui fought with a guy with Kojuurou's playstyle before, so it's understandable. He is confident that he can win again." Miwa added his insights.
"He did?" Aichi asked bewilderedly. "In that case, Kamui would win this fight then."
"But then again, I wouldn't be too confident about that, everyone has their own play style. And from what I can tell here, that guy's on a whole different level." The blonde student added.
Back to the fight, Kojuurou finally opened his eyes and at the same time revealed his confident smirk. "Ah, finally. My turn. Commence draw." He drew his card without sparing a glance and carried on. "Galahad's skill resolves. I reveal the top five cards of my deck and if Knight of Trials, Galahad is among the five, I can commence superior call." He revealed the five cards and picked out one of them, revealing the card in question and rides it "Superior Ride, Knight of Trials, Galahad (Grade 2/Royal Paladin/Human/9000/5000/1)."
The mechanical canine that stood beside the knight ran forward and transformed into a futuristic silver framed bike. It then rode towards the knight. The knight leaped onto the bike and performed a sharp drift, facing the opposite side.
"I rearrange and place the others at the bottom of my deck." Kojuurou then tapped his finger towards a card, "Also, Young Pegasus Knight's skill resolves. When a unit gets sent to the soul, this unit gains 3000 power (Grade 1/Royal Paladin/Human/9000/5000/1)."
The Pegasus knight gained additional power as a sky blue aura enveloped him.
"Alright, carry on with an attack! Boost from Pegasus Knight, Galahad (9000 + 9000 = 18000/1), attack Blaupanzer (7000)!" Kojuurou declared as he placed both cards in rest position.
The Pegasus knight raised his sword giving morale support to the knight riding a motorbike. The latter knight rode his bike forward flashing the beam blades on his bike. He attempts to make a sharp drift at the android, slashing it with the blades.
"No guard!"
"Check for drive trigger. A dealer's pleasure, draw trigger." He declared before revealing his top most card.
Drive Check – Margal – Draw Trigger
The audience's jaw was left hanging at Kojuurou's prediction. But Kai, on the other hand, grew more interested to the blonde and was observing and evaluating him. He had a hunch that the blonde had PSY Qualia abilities. PSY Qualia has been an ability feared by Kai. Two of his friends had this ability. One of them was drowned by its power while the other was saved. He turned back towards the blonde and observed him carefully, hoping to catch a glimpse of an aurora sphere passing through.
Back to the fight, Kojuurou conducted a draw and carry on his attack (9000 + 9000 + 5000 = 23000/1). The attack connected.
"Damage Check"
Damage Check – Claydoll Mechanic – No Trigger
"End of turn." Kojuurou declared as he returned to closing his eyes, much to the annoyance of his opponent.
Kojuurou's Status:
Front: None/ Knight of Trials, Galahad /None
Rear: None/ Young Pegasus Knight /None
Hand: 7 (Giro/ Gigantech Dozer/ Great Sage, Barron / High Dog Breeder, Ceylan/ Margal/ Margal/ Silent Sage, Sharon)
Soul: 2 (Dorangall/ Knight of Exploration, Galahad)
Damage Zone: 2/6 (Gigantech Charger/ High Dog Breeder, Akane)
Drop Zone: 0
Deck: 37
Kamui's Stats:
Front: None/Blaupanzer/None
Rear: None/Dancing Wolf/None
Hand: 6 (Fighting Battleship, Prometheus/ Top Gun/ Death Army Lady/ Stern Blaukruger/ Blaukluger/ Shining Lady)
Soul: 1 (Blaujunger)
Damage Zone: 1/6 (Claydoll Mechanic)
Drop Zone: 0
Deck: 40
(Remaining 28)
"HEY! OSSAN! KEEP YOUR EYES STRAIGHT ON THE FIGHT!" Kamui snapped.
"I don't need to…"
"Tch, why must you always shit your eyes in a fight?" the boy whined heavily. At this point, the whole area turned dead silent. Most would think that the boy just swore. But knowing Kamui's understanding in language, it was forgivable. Shin, the store manager made a gesture with his hands as he finally understood what the boy is about to say.
"I think he meant shut (A/N: In Japanese language, shut is pronounced as Syatto. In this case, Kamui mistook 'Syatto' with 'Shitto' and thus the swearing)."
The boy sweat dropped and gave a brooding stare at nothingness before snapping out to reality. "ARGH, in any case, it's my turn! Stand and Draw!" Kamui drew his card and carried on. "Hehe, now it's show time." He spins a card with his fingers and commenced his Ride Phase, "The Great Kamui rides Blaukruger (Grade 2/Nova Grappler/Battleroid/9000/5000/1)!"
The blue and white android was once again enveloped in orange light. The light fades away to reveal a much more reinforced android. Instead of a blaster, it is wielding a daikatana like beam saber. On the other hand, it was equipped with more ornamental like wings.
"Blaukruger gains 1000 Power when Blaupanzer is in the soul (10000/5000/1)." Kamui added before entering his Call Phase. "Call! Genocide Jack (Grade 2/Nova Grappler/Battleroid/11000/5000/1) and Death Army Lady (Grade 2/Nova Grappler/Battleroid/9000/5000/1)!"
Two more battleroids took the field, each besides the vanguard. Genocide Jack, a dragon like armored roid remained fixed on his position. Death Army Lady, a battleroid with blue zapping wires for hair, too remained fixed in its position.
"I activate Genocide's Skill," he ran his hand to his damage zone and flipped on face down, "Release Restraint. With this Genocide Jack looses restraint skill." Kamui declared and grinned at his opponent. "With this, I will force you to open your eyes! First, Genocide Jack (11000/1), attack Galahad (9000/1)!"
"No guard." Confidently, Kojuurou declared, his eyes remained closed.
The dragon like machine opened its mouth and fired a blast at the knight.
"Check for damage trigger."
Damage Check – Giro – No Trigger
"Next, Death Army Lady, attack!"
"No guard." The attack connected again and Kojuurou revealed the top most card of his deck silently and with his eyes closed.
Damage Check – Borugal – No Trigger
"Now that's four! But with this, it's five! With a boost from Dancing Wolf, I attack Knight of Exploration with Blaupanzer (7000+10000 = 17000/1)."
The blue and white android rushed forward and readied a slash.
"Guard with Giro (10000 + 9000 = 19000)!" Kojuurou declared indignantly, surprising his audiences and opponent.
A small round and blue mechanical like creature appeared between the blue and white android and knight.
"Drive check." Kamui gritted his teeth when his attack was halted. He ran his hand to his deck and revealed the top card.
Drive Check – Blaupanzer – No Trigger
The attack halted. The armored roid was forced to retreat and the small mechanical orb creature dissolves in blue dust.
"Giro's skill activates. When this unit is about to move from the Guardian Zone to the drop zone, I move it to the soul instead." Kojuurou placed the card to the back most position in the vanguard zone.
"Ah well, I guess I'll end my turn then." The boy pouted. But it doesn't matter, since I have done 4 damage already. If this keeps up, I'll deal two more damage during my turn, then I'll win. He snickered silently at his estimated triumph.
Kojuurou's Status:
Front: None/ Knight of Trials, Galahad /None
Rear: None/ Young Pegasus Knight /None
Hand: 6 (Gigantech Dozer/ Great Sage, Barron / High Dog Breeder, Ceylan/ Margal/ Margal/ Silent Sage, Sharon)
Soul: 3 (Dorangall/ Knight of Exploration, Galahad/ Giro)
Damage Zone: 4/6 (Gigantech Charger/ High Dog Breeder, Akane/ Giro/ Knight of Trials. Galahad)
Drop Zone: 0
Deck: 35
Kamui's Stats:
Front: Death Army Lady / Blaukruger / Genocide Jack
Rear: None/Dancing Wolf/None
Hand: 5 (Fighting Battleship, Prometheus/ Top Gun/ Stern Blaukruger/ Shining Lady/ Blaupanzer)
Soul: 2 (Blaujunger/ Blaupanzer)
Damage Zone: 1/6 (Claydoll Mechanic)
Drop Zone: 0
Deck: 38
"My turn." Kojuurou declared, snapping his opponent's attention back from Victory Land. "Stand and draw." Kojuurou's eyes remained closed as he picked up his top card. "Next, with Galahad's skill, I reveal my top 5 cards for Knight of godspeed, Galahad." He picked the top five cards and revealed them to his opponent instead, "None found. In that case, I rearrange the cards and return them to the bottom of the deck."
At this point, a certain Grade 3 fanatic began his commentary. "ARGH! WHAT A WASTE!"
"Morikawa-kun?" his blue haired classmate, startled and confused by the sudden outburst, asked, "What's wrong."
"What's wrong? I'll tell you what's wrong, it's because he didn't have enough Grade 3s, that's what's wrong!" the hotheaded teen assumed blindly.
"And for some reasons, I just wanted to punch him!" grunted a blonde high schooler clenching his fist. He twitched with building urges to hit the hotheaded fanatic to submission.
"Quiet please." Came a cool reply from Kojuurou. "If you don't like my style of fight, you may choose not to watch. I did not force you. But if you do want to watch, please don't startle others." Those words worked like magic. The black haired teen gulped and shuts up at once at the cold message. The others were impressed with the way Kojuurou deal with the teen. They normally had a hard time to shut him up, but it took the blonde only a few words to simply silence him. It was as if he had the ability to silence an area without any effort.
Still, back to the fight, Kojuurou weighed his options carefully before he continued. When he had found his solution that can bring him a good chance of survival, continued as planned. "From my hands, I call Gigantech Dozer (Grade 2/Royal Paladin/Giant/8000/5000/1) and Great Sage, Barron (Grade 2/Royal Paladin/Giant/8000/5000/1) to the rearguard!"
Beside the knight, a gigantic android materialized from the lights. It stood taller and larger than the blue and white battleroid. The giant had silver plating with blue trims and is armed with a blaster. Behind it, another giant appeared. It was red skinned and held a staff in one hand and a red bowl in another.
"Huh? Why does he place a Grade 2 on the rearguard?" Aichi bewildered at the move Kojuurou pulled.
"It's possible that he is trying to protect that unit and at the same time prepare for something." Answered the store manager as he observed the fight. At the same time, a faint memory triggered, Come to think of it, I think I have seen this style before… but where? Shin's recollection instantly returned to the fight.
"Commence attack. First, I'll attack Blaukruger (10000) with Galahad, boosted with Pegasus Knight (9000 + 6000 = 15000)."
Kamui smirked confidentally and declared, "No guard!"
"Check for drive trigger. Jackpot, Draw Trigger." Kojuurou announced his prediction again and like before, it came to.
Drive Check – Weapons Dealer, Govannon – Draw Trigger
"EH!" Kamui gasped.
"I draw one card and distribute the power to Gigantech Dozer (13000)."
The knight's attack connected, causing an explosion to occur. Dust and smoke kicked up towards the torso of the battleroid.
"Damage check."
Damage Check – Cannon Ball – Stand Trigger
"GET! I distribute 5000 power to Blaukruger (15000) and stand Genocide Jack." Kamui announced.
"Doesn't matter, Gigantech Dozer (13000), attack Death Army Lady (9000)."
The giant aimed its blaster down on the android and fired. The aftermath was an empty space, where the android once stood.
"Commence turn end."
Kojuurou's Status:
Front: Gigantech Dozer / Knight of Trials, Galahad /None
Rear: Great Sage, Barron / Young Pegasus Knight / None
Hand: 7 (High Dog Breeder, Ceylan/ Margal/ Margal/ Silent Sage, Sharon/ Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine/ Weapons Dealer, Govannon/ Giro)
Soul: 3 (Dorangall/ Knight of Exploration, Galahad/ Giro)
Damage Zone: 4/6 (Gigantech Charger/ High Dog Breeder, Akane/ Giro/ Knight of Trials, Galahad)
Drop Zone: 0
Deck: 32
Kamui's Stats:
Front: None / Blaukruger / Genocide Jack
Rear: None/Dancing Wolf/None
Hand: 5 (Fighting Battleship, Prometheus/ Top Gun/ Stern Blaukruger/ Shining Lady/ Blaupanzer)
Soul: 2 (Blaujunger/ Blaupanzer)
Damage Zone: 2/6 (Claydoll Mechanic/ Cannon Ball)
Drop Zone: 1
Deck: 37
"Alright, now it's my turn!" Kamui declared but before he could draw his card, his opponent halted him.
"Kamui-san, a friendly warning if you don't mind." The blonde warned coolly. The boy turned his full attention to his opponent, "In this turn, pray that you get a Perfect Guard, because you will need it for the next turn."
Kamui, as well as the others, were growing cautious at the warning Kojuurou gave. They analyzed the field again but found nothing to be of concern yet. But Kai was more aware of the warning. He noticed the strategy and instantly went on high alert, surprising his classmate.
"What's wrong Kai?" the question even caught everyone's attention. The cool and collected Kai was never one to be on full alert before. However, there he is now. His eyes were wide with awareness. He did not answered, but that was enough of a warning for Kamui to be on alert.
If Kai becomes like this, then that means that Ossan's not fooling around. I need to get a perfect guard this turn. But I wonder why. Shrugging that thought for later, he drew his card, hoping for the best. However, it wasn't what he expected.
"I'm not sure why do you warn me this, but I will win this fight, that I guarantee you! Now, The Great Kamui rides Stern Blaukruger (Grade 3/Nova Grappler/Battleroid/10000/-/1)!"
The daikatana wielding battleroid was once again enveloped in bright lights. It fades only to be replaced by an improved version of the previous. This time, it had several blaster mounted on its shoulders, waist, hips and arms.
"Stern Blaukruger gains 1000 Power when Blaukruger is in the soul (11000)." Kamui announced proudly, he continued aggressively, "I call Top Gun (Grade 3/Nova Grappler/Battleroid/10000/-/1), Tough Boy (Grade 1/Nova Grappler/Battleroid/8000/5000/1) and Blaupanzer (Grade 1/Nova Grappler/Battleroid/6000/5000/1)!"
The field that once stood Death Army Lady was occupied once more by a humanoid like android in rubberlike suit. His face was half covered and had top like objects in his hands. Behind him stood a blue and white battleroid holding a blaster - the previous form of the vanguard. Finally, behind the dragon like battleroid was a bulky battleroid with grey plating.
"Genocide, Release Restraint!" Kamui flipped the newly obtained damage so that the restrained unit can commence attack.
"Now, I will attack your vanguard (9000) with Top Gun, supported by Blaupanzer (10000 + 6000 = 16000)!"
"Guard with Giro (10000+9000 = 19000)!" The familiar sphere shaped mechanical beast appeared. The attack failed. "Giro will be sent to the soul."
"In that case, I attack your vanguard (9000) with mine! With a boost from Dancing Wolf, I attack Knight of Exploration with Stern Blaukruger (7000+11000 = 18000/1)!" The battleroid aimed its weapons at Kojuurou's vanguard.
"… No guard." At this point, everyone could tell the hesitant decision the blonde made. His eyes remained close but his brows were twitching with discomfort at his decision.
Kamui stared blankly before he proceeds with Drive checking. "Twin Drive." He declared and paused before drawing the top card. Praying for a perfect guard, he proceeded to reveal for triggers. "First check."
Drive Check – Asura Kaiser – No Trigger
"No Trigger… Second Check." Kamui drew again and revealed.
Drive Check – Cray Soldier – No Trigger
Kamui was unsatisfied with the outcome of the drive checks. Not only did he not gain a trigger, he did not gain a perfect guard unit as well. However, he was more than ready to face whatever punishment he might get from his opponent's battle.
Speaking of battle, the attack connected the knight as the blue and white battleroid fired volleys of beams at the knight. The knight roared in angst for receiving tat much amount of punishments.
Kojuurou flipped the top most card of his deck and placed it on his damage zone.
Damage Check – Gigantech Charger – No Trigger
"With a boost from Tough Boy, Genocide Jack, attack Galahad. Also, Genocide's skill activates, when a Nova Grappler boosts this unit, this unit gains 5000 power (8000 + 11000 + 5000 = 24000)!"
The armored dragon machine roared as an aura enveloped its frame. It opened its mouth and fired.
"Urgent Guard, Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine, Weapons Dealer, Govannon and Gigantech Dozer Intercept (10000 + 5000 + 5000 + 9000 = 29000.)" Kojuurou announced calmly, all his previous hesitation completely relinquished.
An elf in transparent like robes, an armored gnome and the giant the stood next to the knight indignantly appeared before the beam like cannon that was fired by the dragon battleroid. The attack resulted with them dissipated into gold dust while the knight was unscathed.
Kamui gritted his teeth and reluctantly ends his turn. His brows furrowed at the thought of the worst reversal.
Kojuurou's Status:
Front: None/ Knight of Trials, Galahad /None
Rear: Great Sage, Barron / Young Pegasus Knight / None
Hand: 4 (High Dog Breeder, Ceylan/ Margal/ Margal/ Silent Sage, Sharon)
Soul: 4 (Dorangall/ Knight of Exploration, Galahad/ Giro/ Giro)
Damage Zone: 5/6 (Gigantech Charger/ High Dog Breeder, Akane/ Giro/ Knight of Trials, Galahad/ Gigantech Charger)
Drop Zone: 3
Deck: 31
Kamui's Stats:
Front: Top Gun / Stern Blaukruger / Genocide Jack
Rear: Blaupanzer /Dancing Wolf/ Tough Boy
Hand: 4 (Fighting Battleship, Prometheus/ Shining Lady/ Asura Kaiser/ Cray Soldier)
Soul: 3 (Blaujunger/ Blaupanzer/ Blaukruger)
Damage Zone: 2/6 (Claydoll Mechanic/ Cannon Ball)
Drop Zone: 1
Deck: 34
"How unfortunate, judging from your reactions when you perform your drive check, you did not get any perfect guards do you?" Kojuurou questioned his opponent as if he knew what are the cards he had in his hands. "From the drive checks you've performed, I estimate that you have at least 15000 shield in your hands plus 5000 for intercept. Normally that would be enough… normally that is. However, in this case," slowly, the blonde opened his eyes, revealing a pair of confident eyes and a full smirk, "the fight had already ended."
"What are you talking about? The fight is not over until one side loses," Kamui argued.
"I told you that you only have one turn left, didn't I?"
The entire audience swallowed a lump down their throats at the declaration.
"Time to finish this, Last Showdown, Final Turn!" The blonde declared. The final turn declaration had been a popular catch phrase for ending a cardfight. Those who were familiar to this declaration were instantly on the edge of the seats. Kai, the stoic ace of Q4, was also affected.
"Stand and Draw." Kojuurou stand all his units and proceeds with his draw phase. He revealed the card and gave a faint grin before proceeding with his vanguard's skill. "Knight of Trials, Galahad's skill activates." He turned over the top five cards on his deck. As he did, he picked up one of the five cards and revealed it "High Card, Knight of Godspeed, Galahad (Grade 3/Royal Paladin/Human/11000/-/1)" He sets the rest of the cards back to the bottom his deck and continued, "Superior Ride!"
The knight riding the bike leapt out his bike. The bike underwent its final stage of transformation as it grew wing like boosters and a large katana overhead the driver seat. The bike simply evolved into a futuristic speeder.
"Knight of Trials, Galahad's skill activate, when Knight of Godspeed, Galahad rides this unit, I may Soulcharge 2 cards." Kojuurou picked two top most cards from his deck and placed them at the bottom most of his vanguard circle. "Also, every time a card is converted into a soul, Young Pegasus Knight and Great Sage Barron both gain an additional 3000 power for each soul. I've attached three souls, so they both gain 9000 power."
The red skinned giant was charging with a sky blue aura, feeling additional power flowing through him (17000). The Pegasus knight in gold armor too felt himself getting stronger as light blue aura enveloped his frame (15000).
"OH NO!" Kamui gasped as he finally realized what his opponent was up to and why the perfect guard mattered. "This is like fighting that guy again, only much stronger."
"I'm not done yet. I move Great Sage, Barron to the front and proceed with Pair Call Margal (Grade 1/Royal Paladin/High Beast/4000/5000/1)!" Kojuurou placed the two cards on his rearguard circle but continued, "I activate Margal's skill, I can place these unit into my soul. With this, one of my Royal Paladin unit gains 3000 power. I select Galahad, giving him 3000 power and again him for the second's effect (11000 + 3000 + 3000 = 17000). But wait, I'm not finished, I call Silent Sage, Sharon (Grade 1/Royal Paladin/Giant/4000/10000/1) and place this one into my soul. With this, I give Galahad an additional 3000 power! (17000 + 3000 = 20000)"
"Amazing, he instantly raises his vanguard's power to 20000 Power." An amazed Aichi commented at the strategy.
"That's not all Aichi-kun, he had placed 3 more souls into his vanguard, in other words, Barron (17000 + 9000 = 26000) and Pegasus Knight (15000 + 9000 = 24000) gains 9000 more power." Added the store manager.
"EH!" Aichi and his classmate, Katsumi were shocked to here the overwhelming display of power.
"Hold on, I'm not finished. I call Borugal (Grade 1/Royal Paladin/High Beast/6000/5000/1) and High Dog Breeder, Ceylan (Grade 2/Royal Paladin/Human/8000/5000/1)!" Kojuurou emptied his hands as he placed the cards to the unoccupied column.
A flash appeared beside speeder riding knight. The flash fades, revealing a muscular man with teal hair. Behind him, a mechanical silver armored wolf like canine appeared.
"Borugal's skill activates, when there are more than 6 soul in my Royal Paladin vanguard, this unit gains 3000 power. (6000 + 3000 = 9000)" Kojuurou declared and continued, "Next Counter Blast." He flipped one of his damage zone cards face down, "High Dog Breeder's skill activate, when this unit is called to the rearguard, one of my high beast unit gains 4000 power. I designate Borugal (9000 + 4000= 13000)."
"Uh oh…" Kamui blurted.
"AND last but not least, the finishing touch! Counter Blast." The blonde flipped two cards face down on his damage zone, leaving 3 in face down position and 2 face ups remaining. "When I have 6 or more Royal Paladin in my soul, I can pay the cost and this unit gains 3000 power and 1 critical until the end of this turn! (20000 + 3000= 23000/2). Oh and guess what, I can activate this skill again, giving him more power." He flipped the remaining cards in his damage zone face down.
With that done, the speeder-riding knight's aura grew bigger and devastating (23000 + 3000 = 26000/3).
"26000 attack and Critical 3!" Aichi gasped as he felt a tension growing.
"Now for the final hand! Let's go! Great Sage, Barron (26000), attack Stern Blaukruger (11000)!" Kojuurou declared and the gigantic sage fired a spell at the android.
If I cannot block his vanguard, then I will have to rely on this. Kamui ran with his instincts and hoped for the best, "I guard with Fighting Battleship, Prometheus and Shining Lady (10000 + 10000 + 11000 = 31000)!"
A gigantic battleship and a female cyborg appeared. The two units took the hit and vaporized into gold particles.
"Carrying on with the attack, with a boost from Young Pegasus Knight, Knight of Godspeed Galahad (24000 + 26000 = 50000) attack Stern Blaukruger (11000)!" the blonde declared, resting the unit.
I'll need to take my chance during the damage check. "NO GUARD!" Kamui roared as he took the hit head on.
"Check for drive trigger," Kojuurou declared as he revealed the top cards silently.
Drive Check – Knight of Exploration, Galahad – No Trigger
Drive Check – Knight of Exploration, Galahad – No Trigger
"Pair, but no trigger." He said calmly.
The vanguard's appearance was literally replaced by the blonde's appearance. He flashed a smirk before riding the speeder at full speed. Kojuurou's imaginative self ran over the gigantic battleroid and at the same time performed a slash with the overhead katana on the speeder. He repeated the process three times before returning to his side.
"Damage Trigger Check," Kamui ran a hand to his deck and revealed his cards.
Damage Check – Street Bouncer – No Trigger
Damage Check – Hungry Dumpty – No Trigger
He paused at his second damage check. He was praying for a miracle at this point. His hand was trembling as it lands on his deck. The others noticed his hesitation. But their worries were put at ease as the boy steeled himself and renewed his passion as he declared, "I WON'T LOSE!"
Damage Check – Eisenkugel – No Trigger
He revealed his irony and set it on his damage zone, knowing that he had lost.
"…Finish! High Dog Breeder, Ceylan, boosted by Borugal (8000 + 13000 = 21000) attack (11000)." Kojuurou declared, finishing the duel. Kamui did not bother guarding, as the only card he could guard is Cray Soldier with 5000 shield. Even if he intercepted the attack with Genocide Jack, which is another 5000 shield, the attack would still hit regardless. He reveal his damage trigger
Damage Check – Twin Blader – No Trigger
Final Result
Kojuurou's Status: WIN
Front: Great Sage, Barron / Knight of Godspeed, Galahad / High Dog Breeder, Ceylan
Rear: None / Young Pegasus Knight / Borugal
Hand: 2 (Knight of Exploration, Galahad/ Knight of Exploration, Galahad)
Soul: 10 (Dorangall/ Knight of Exploration, Galahad/ Giro/ Giro/ Knight of Trials, Galahad/ High Dog Breeder, Akane/ Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine/ Margal/ Margal/ Silent Sage, Sharon)
Damage Zone: 5/6 (Gigantech Charger/High Dog Breeder, Akane/ Giro/ Knight of Trials, Galahad/ Gigantech Charger)
Drop Zone: 3
Deck: 27
Kamui's Stats: LOSE
Front: Top Gun / Stern Blaukruger / Genocide Jack
Rear: Blaupanzer /Dancing Wolf/ Tough Boy
Hand: 2 (Asura Kaiser/ Cray Soldier)
Soul: 3 (Blaujunger/ Blaupanzer/ Blaukruger)
Damage Zone: 6/6 (Claydoll Mechanic/ Cannon Ball/ Street Bouncer/ Hungry Dumpty/ Eisenkugel/ Twin Blader)
Drop Zone: 3
Deck: 30
The audience went slacked jawed when they witnessed the sudden reversal. Their flabbergast was then snapped off when Kojuurou voiced out after picking up his cards and fixed his eyes on his opponent.
"Hey gaki. Thanks for the fight." He raised his hand in a friendly gesture. The chilly like smirk and atmosphere disappeared completely and was replaced by the friendly air that was around the blonde ever since he entered the store.
Kamui narrowed his eyes and pouted, "Stop calling me gaki!" Kamui stared at the blonde's hand and shook it, "Yeah, it was a fun match, ossan!"
At this point, Kojuurou gave a firm grip, "And you stop calling me ossan already, kuso gaki (Damn brat)!"
The boy snapped at the comment and argued back, "WHAT WAS THAT! YOU KUSAI OSSAN (Smelly Old Fart)!"
"WHAT WAS THAT!"
"THAT'S WAS THAT!"
The two locked each other into a glaring match. Both gritted their teeth as they locked their forehead into a headlock as they glared into each other's eyes, electricity rebound against each other like two magnets of the same side meeting each other. Their grips further tightened as if they were trying to break each other's hands. But suddenly, the blonde outright roared, "FIGHT!"
"FINE BY ME! AND THIS TIME, I WON'T LOSE!" Kamui picked up his cards and shuffled his deck along with his blonde opponent.
The audience sweat dropped at their childish display of rivalry. One moment they were acknowledging each other and then they acted as if they are enemies. Misaki sighed and face palmed. Having friends like Kamui and Morikawa was troublesome enough and now she needs to deal with another hotheaded friend. But on second thoughts, she found this entertaining as she mentally mused at their antics.
After several fights, they had their results. It was a tie! They had fought for at least 10 times already and both Kamui and Kojuurou won five matches. The two was forced to a ceasefire when they decided that they had enough. It was then the self-proclaimed strongest customer of the store challenges Kojuurou. The result was Kojuurou with a royal straight 10 and Katsumi a straight 0. Kojuurou finally took a breather as he stood by the counter, where Misaki had resumed her routine as the store's clerk.
"What a lively store this is." He commented with a wide smile.
The lavender haired clerk answered nonchalantly, "You can say that again."
"Must be troublesome having to deal with guys like 'us' eh?" he emphasized the 'us' part, meaning him, Kamui and Katsumi. "Come to think of it, where's the other deck that I just made?" The blonde asked.
"It's over here," Misaki pulled out the other deck Kojuurou made when he assembled the Royal Paladin deck. "I remember correctly that you can only have one deck. So don't have any funny ideas on getting another by complimenting me. Others had tried that and failed."
The blonde narrowed his eyes and gave a mischievous grin, "Well then, I'll just have to try the other way to get it do I? In that case…" he placed his hands into his pockets and stared straight into the clerk's eyes. Misaki narrowed hers and tried to anticipate what the blonde was trying to pull. However, her anticipation was ill needed as the blonde pulled out his wallet and asked, "How much is it?"
Misaki blinked with her eyes narrowed. She admitted that she did not see that coming, but it annoyed her greatly when he did something like that. But she digressed and named the price nonetheless. Kojuurou paid her and pocketed his merchandise away. But before he leaves the shop, he made one move on the lavender haired clerk.
"By the way," he began in a slightly serious tone, "Are you free tomorrow? "
Misaki narrowed her eyes again, "No, are you asking me out? Because if you are, then no, I'm not going anywhere with you." She growled venomously at the blonde daredevil.
"Ah? And why's that?" he asked curiously and teasingly as he bend himself forward as he rested his hands on the counter. Misaki got a good look at the blonde's face. There he goes with the infectious smile. It also reminded her of a Cheshire cat. "Tell me my friend, why reject a tempting offer?"
"I hardly even know you." She replied coolly as she tried her best to ignore the blonde and focus on her book.
"Ah, but you went out with me last night."
"That's because Shin asked me to show you around the area."
"So, if Shin-san asked you to go on a date with me, then you will go with me." Assumed the blonde as he faked a sage nod, "In that case…"
"I still won't go out with you even if he asked me to." Misaki was getting increasingly annoyed at the blonde's antics. "And stop pestering me already. I'm busy."
The blonde arched away from the counter and giggled, "I'm just kidding Misaki-san. You don't have to raise your voice. Anyway, I'll see you guys next time then. Thank you." He bowed before leaving the store.
The lavender headed teen turn just in time to catch a glance of the blonde's disappearing silhouette. "Blondes…" she sighed before continuing her book. Speaking of blondes… she averted her eyes from her book again as she tried to recall the memory of a certain blonde she met ten years ago. I haven't seen him in a while… I wonder… how is he doing now… she wondered before going back to her book again.
But unknown to her, she already had the answers to her question, after all, the blonde in question sneezed loudly a few miles away from the shop.
End Chapter 1
There, all done.
Man I tell you guys one thing and that is how stressful I am nowadays. Y'see, my assignments nowadays are getting more hectic and tedious. I hated this, because I can't post my fiction this way. Also, I wanted to say that I would had a hard time trying to cope with my studies now and I had load of re-sit exams to do. WHY must school be so demanding! Ah nevermind, it's either study or working in this world, unlike the fantasy world.
Anyway, as you guys have read, I originally choose Murakumo as my OC's starting deck. But after all the self-debates and consideration, I finally choose Royal Paladins. Reason why is because Murakumo is currently limited and is not entirely completed yet, so writing a good and original fight would be difficult. Also, since it has limited choices, most of the people have been using similar strategies over and over again, so this simply cut my favor to include this deck in. Now for my reason of choosing Royal Paladin. Since the release of Extra Booster 3, I believe that the deck might need some screen time to show off the Limit Break ability for Royal Paladin clan as well as the Shadow Paladin and Kagero decks. So I plan to include these decks in. But like the cannon, they will be forced to change their deck later.
Now onto another note, I apologize if I make did a bad job at writing the characters because writing a fiction based on a cannon is not very easy. You need throughout details about the characters and since I have no time for that, I can't write the exact way the anime portray them. So I apologize. Correct me, if you found the errors.
