Ride 6: Stand up! (Against!) Bullies!
This time I'm really, really back. Examinations are finally over! WHOO! Ehem, so to celebrate, I'm going to be posting TWO mega chapters! And maybe a third one we'll see. Without further ado…
I don't own cardfight vanguard, bushiroad does
"Huff…Huff…"
CF panted heavily from exhaustion, holding his knees, trying to keep himself from falling down. Had he gotten away from them yet…?
No! They were still hot on his heels. CF couldn't run anymore. He was slowly backed into a corner…
"Cmon, don't be such a baby." A boy sneered.
"Haha…and you're supposed to be a guy." A girl spat in disgust.
"Stop it…stop please!" CF pleaded desperately, tears brimming in his eyes.
"It's just a little poke…and it'll all be over. Cmon it'll be fun" One of them clasped their hands in glee.
"No…" They inched closer and closer, cracking their knuckles, their smiles, which looked so menacing…CF felt despair and fear build up in his heart…
Those people, whose faces were shrouded in darkness, signifying their identities were not important.
Those people, whom CF called "friends", just so he wouldn't be left out, wouldn't be lonely…
Those horrible bullying…
After the deed was done, they all laughed and chuckled away, not caring about the repercussions of their actions.
"CF is so weak and defenseless! What a loser…"
Crying was the only thing he could do…huddle up in a ball, waiting for the pain, not just psychological, but mental suffering…he had to put on a fake smile still the next day, and the next…wanting to just forget what happened…so why…why was it coming back again and again…?
"NAAAARGHHH!"
CF awoke with a start, tossing his blanket aside and sitting up violently. Clutching his chest, he felt his heart palpitating. "It was just a dream…those days are over…so why was I remembering it now?" Shaking his head, CF placed his two hands on both cheeks, slapping them," get a grip CF! You're CF and You're fine! I can't let this affect me in school…"
(later on)
No words were exchanged while they ate at the canteen.
After looking everyone for a few seconds, Nick finally exclaimed, "Ok, we don't have to be so down! We still have a chance! Just because of a minor set-back, and you guys start moping around? Sheesh."
"Hey I'm not moping. I'm just waiting for someone to start the conversation." Jun replied.
"And I'm just trying to eat. You know how slow CF can be if you start talking to him while eating." Joshua said bluntly.
"Gee, thanks guys." CF replied sarcastically.
"But in all seriousness…we should start looking for another shop to sponsor us." Joshua said thoughtfully.
"Remind me how this thing works again?" CF asked sheepishly.
Sighing, Joshua proceeded to explain. "Basically, if we want to enter the Regionals, there are a few requirements. Firstly, we have to win the shop tournament. (Obviously)
Secondly, we have to get a sponsor, as we do not have enough money for all the fees and registration. It will make our lives easier.
The shop can provide us with promo packs, and some cards that we need to improve but cannot afford. Trips to tournaments in other countries. They may also give us sleeves and boxes if they are willing to sponsor us.
Furthermore, it will help to promote our popularity, which is essential so people actually like us. The whole tournament is more or less entertainment, and companies like I-Tech are holding them. If they decided you are too infamous or unpopular, they can pull you out, no matter how good you are."
"That sounds unfair." CF complained.
"Life aint fair kid." Nick said while smirking.
"And thus…it is very important for us to get a sponsor. To do that, we have to prove to them we are good enough, and actually stand a chance."
"We can handle all this after school trust me…so everyone, cheer 7-up!" Jun joked, holding up his drink.
A moment of silence for bad puns.
"Hey it was punny ok! You guys are just jellyous…" Jun said while pointing to his jelly.
"CF!" A voice suddenly rang out.
CF turned around, and saw Ben running towards him at break neck speed.
"What is it?" he asked anxiously.
"I need your help…It's Sai!"
Ben explained his predicament. Sai was asking for Ben to pay up for his protection money.
"Wait what? Seriously? No one does that anymore!" CF said in exasperation.
"I know…I have no idea what has gotten into him lately…At first it was just teasing and pushing around, but lately things have become worse…" Ben said sadly.
CF furrowed his eyebrows and thought hard. "Any bright ideas?"
"Why don't you just report him the the discipline head? His head will spin so fast, he won't ever do any kinds of nonsense to you again!" Nick said.
"Uh…I…would prefer not to." Ben said softly, hanging his head.
"Why not?" Cf asked.
"I…on account of our past friendship…I don't want to get him into trouble…" Ben said, still with his head lowered.
"You were actually friends with him?" Joshua mused.
"He wasn't always like that! It's just…I dunno…"
"BENNNNN!"
"Eeek!" Ben gasped and hid under the table, cowering in fear.
Sai stormed over towards where CF and gang were sitting.
"Get him to face me!" Sai said.
"Ok this is enough what is wrong with you? How could you treat a friend this way?" CF questioned angrily.
"…I…have no choice…you don't know anything…so shut the hell up!" Sai snapped back, equally pissed.
"Then enlighten us! Why are you such a jerk?" CF asked again
"…I have a proposition." Joshua suddenly said.
"?"
"Sai. Since you seem unwilling to tell us anything, how about a deal. I'm guessing there is someone you report to right? Most probably Dickson Heisa. After all, he is the most notorious student in our school."
Sai merely stared at Joshua, waiting for him to continue.
"So how about this. We both know that Ben is not able to pay you. We both have our own objectives. So I propose a challenge. Let one of us card fight you. If we win, you have to tell us the truth…the whole truth. Then we can solve Dickson together. However, if we lose, we will all pay part of the sum Ben "owes" you."
Sai smiled deviously. "heh…you got yourself a deal."
CF was about to volunteer himself to fight, before Nick cut in.
"Let me fight him. I hate bullies… (And this will surely attract more girls! Who doesn't like a hero that's stands up for justice?)
"Hmph. I wanted to fight CF to take revenge for my brother, but I guess that can wait. You look like an easy opponent. Here sign this disclaimer." Sai mocked.
"Hah. You sorely underestimate me." Nick said while swiftly signing, not even bothering to glance at the disclaimer.
"Just out of curiosity…how much is the so called debt?" CF asked.
"Oh nothing much…just $10000 dollars. (Singapore currency)"
"…" silence followed. Jun looked like he was about to make a joke, but thought better of it. Nick's jaw dropped onto the ground, his mouth agape. Joshua stood rooted to the ground, clearly stunned.
"WHAT THE HECK! ARE YOU SERIOUS?" CF screamed, and then proceeded to grab Joshua by the collar.
"WHY DID YOU MAKE SUCH A DEAL…?!"
"HAHAHA! OH MY…that was a good one." Sai laughed heartily, wiping the tears from his eyes.
"Oh. So that was a joke." CF said with a sweat drop. "Thank goodness…we can't afford that much."
"Yeah…the actually debt is just a little over 9000."
"…"
"His debt is over…" Jun chuckled, but immediately shut his mouth after getting a deathly stare from Joshua.
"WHAT? 9000?" CF screamed. He then strangled Joshua. "I'M GONNA FREAKING KILL YOU."
"H…Hold it! Uh…We can all be sure that Nick will win. Isn't that right…?" Joshua asked hastily.
Everyone glared intensely at Nick.
"heh…heh…wait guys…I think Joshua should go, he was the one who started this absurd plan anyway…" Nick pleaded. (I can't accept such a heavy responsibly!)
"Well too bad! You already signed the contract. See!" Sai said while holding up the contract.
"If you break it…well, you would wish you had paid 9000 upfront instead." Sai chuckled.
"C'mon Nick! Don't fail us!" was what CF and co said, but Nick knew in their hearts, they were probably saying something like, "If you lose we will kill you."
Sighing heavily, Nick exclaimed,
"Oh what a bad day,
I have nothing to say,
I just have to drown my sorrows,
Will I ever see tomorrow…?"
"Objection! I know you are in the drama club but get on with it!" CF said with a sweat drop.
"Fine then! Come to the back alley with me Sai, and we will settle this privately!" Nick shouted.
"That probably sounded better in your head." Jun mused.
Few minutes later…
(This is it…my life is riding on this!) Nick gulped, as he set his starter.
"Stand up! Vanguard!"
"Amber dragon Dawn!" Sai said.
"Crimson Heart, nahas!" Nick said.
"I start. Draw. Ride, Amber Dragon, Daylight! Dawn skill, I search for either dusk or eclipse…and put it into my hand…I get Eclipse. Since dawn is in the soul, power plus 2000. Turn end."
Nick
Hand: 5
Damage: 0
Counterblasted: 0
Front row: -/ Crimson Heart, nahas /-
Back row: -/ -/-
Sai
Hand: 6
Damage: 0
Counterblasted: 0
Front row: / Amber Dragon, Daylight /
Back row: / /
"Draw. Ride, Burst Shot, Bethnael. Nahas moves back. Bethanel attacks!"
"No guard." Sai replied.
"Drive check."
[Crimson Mind, Baruch]
"Damage check."
[Lizard Soldier, Raopia]
"Turn end."
Nick
Hand: 6
Damage: 0
Counterblasted: 0
Front row: -/ Burst Shot, Bethnael /-
Back row: -/ / Crimson Heart, nahas
Sai
Hand: 6
Damage: 1
Counterblasted: 0
Front row: / Amber Dragon, Daylight /
Back row: / /
"Stand and draw. Ride, Amber Dragon, Dusk! Dusk skill, when Daylight is in the soul, power plus 1000. Call, Lava Arm dragon. Dusk attacks your vanguard, and he gains 2000!"
"No guard. "
"Drive trigger check…no trigger." Sai smiled slightly.
[Dauntless Drive Dragon]
"Damage check." Nick said while placing [Battle Cupid, Nociel] into the damage.
"Lava arm attacks! Skill, power plus 2000!" [10000+2000=12000]
"Guard with Bouquet Toss Messenger!"
"Turn end."
Nick
Hand: 6
Damage: 1
Counterblasted: 0
Front row: -/ Burst Shot, Bethnael /-
Back row: -/ / Crimson Heart, nahas
Sai
Hand: 6
Damage: 1
Counterblasted: 0
Front row: / Amber Dragon, Dusk /Lava Arm Dragon
Back row: / /
"Stand and draw. Ride, Crimson Drive, Aphrodite. Call, Crimson Mind, Baruch. Watch this! When all the Crimson Nursewinds get together, the commanding officer takes flight and guides them to victory! Nahas skill, superior ride!" Nick exclaimed cheerfully while searching his deck.
"Be prepared, for she uses her incredible spells, and is in the same league as the Archangel's elite guards themselves! Ride, Crimson Impact, Metatron!"
Metatron gained form after a burst of light, slowly descending from the sky. Her crimson wings shone brightly, burning hot with the passion for healing others with her power. [10000]
"Call, The Phoenix, Calamity Flame, and Drill Bullet, Geniel. Phoenix attacks your vanguard!"
Sai merely smirked as Phoenix slammed into Dusk.
[Red Gem Carbuncle]
"Draw trigger. Power to vanguard, and I draw."
"You sunnova…ahem. Metatron attacks!" Nick said hastily.
"No guard!"
"Twin drive!"
[Sunny Smile Angel]
"Darn. Heal trigger. I can't heal, but power to Vangaurd. Second check."
[Happy Bell, Nociel]
"Stand trigger. All effects to Phoenix." Nick smiled while restanding Phoenix.
"Damage." [Bellicosity Dragon]
"Geniel attacks your vanguard. Skill, power plus 2000!"
"Damage." [Dragon Monk, Genjo]
"Heal trigger! All effects to my vanguard, and I heal.
"Are you kidding me…" Nick said exasperated.
"If you can get double triggers, so can I! Sai said.
"Phoenix attacks Lava Arm then."
"Thanks for removing him from the field. He would be useless the next turn."
"Turn end." Nick said, wondering what he meant by that.
Nick
Hand: 5
Damage: 1
Counterblasted: 0
Front row: Phoenix/ Crimson Impact, Metatron /Drill Bullet, Geniel
Back row: -/ /
Sai
Hand: 6
Damage: 2
Counterblasted: 0
Front row: / Amber Dragon, Dusk /
Back row: / /
"Stand and draw. Heh…here it comes!"
"Overcome the despair! If you do, I shall bestow upon you the dragon's powers! Ride, Dauntless Drive Dragon!"
Dauntless appeared in flash, crossing his arms. The dragon towered over Metatron. [11000]
(What the heck is that? I knew I should have kept up with the latest booster sets…and I can't ask anyone what the effect is! That will be too embarrassing…)
"Call, Dragon Knight Nehalem, and Bahr. Dauntless Drive attacks Metatron!"
"No guard!" (I don't have to worry for now…it looks like it has a limit break symbol…then why is he using the Amber Dragon ride chain?)
"twin drive!"
[Dauntless Drive Dragon]
[Blue Ray Dracokid]
"Critical! Power to Nehalem, and critical to Dauntless!"
"Luck sacker…" Nick muttered under his breath while placing his damage.
[Crimson Impact, Metatron]
[Fever Therapy Nurse]
"Draw trigger! Power to metatron, and I draw."
"nehalem attacks metatron!"
"Guard with Sunny Smile!"
"Turn end." Sai concluded.
Nick
Hand: 5
Damage: 3
Counterblasted: 0
Front row: Phoenix/ Crimson Impact, Metatron /Drill Bullet, Geniel
Back row: -/ /
Sai
Hand: 6
Damage: 2
Counterblasted: 0
Front row: / Dauntless Drive Dragon /Nehalem
Back row: / /Bahr
"Stand and draw. Call, Bethanel, clutch rifle. Geniel attacks your vanguard!" Nick announced. [10000+2000=12000]
"guard with Lava arm!" [5000 shield]
"Metatron goo!"
"twin drive…"
[Crimson impact, Metatron]
[Thousand Ray Pegasus]
Damage: Dauntless Drive Dragon
"I'll take the second hit too." Sai smirked.
[Damage: Bahr]
Nick
Hand: 6
Damage: 3
Counterblasted: 0
Front row: Phoenix/ Crimson Impact, Metatron /Drill Bullet, Geniel
Back row: bethanel / clutch rifle/
Sai
Hand: 6
Damage: 4
Counterblasted: 0
Front row: / Dauntless Drive Dragon /Nehalem
Back row: / /Bahr
"Stand and draw."Sai said gleefully.
"You don't have to be so happy just because you can limit break…" Nick said.
"heh..Dauntless isn't exactly going to limit break." Sai said to Nick's astonishment.
"Although, I'm pretty sure you won't be laughing after this. Here I go!"
"The time to rise from past hardships start now! Revenge time...show everyone my hateful flames! Break ride…! Amber Dragon Eclipse!"
A crimson red hot circle expanded, and flames engulfed dauntless drive, only to reveal Amber Dragon Eclipse. [21000]
"Break ride skil…power plus 10k, and a little extra." Sai smirked deviously. "Call, another bahr, Dauntless. "Now counterblast 2 for eclipse skill!"
(Hmmm…I think I remember eclipse skill. But I still can't remember Dauntless's skill. Oh well, it shouldn't be anything too devastating.)
"Eclipse attacks your vanguard!"
"I perfect guard!" Nick smiled gleefully. (Once this is stopped, I don't have to worry about eclipse anymore…)
Smiling widely, Sai proceeded to drive check.
[Dragon Knight Nehalem]
[Dragon Dancer Maria draw trigger]
"Here it comes…Break ride ride skill! I drop 3 cards, and Eclipse stands again!"
"EEEYYYY?" Nick exclaimed, eyes widening. "What sort of hack skill is that?"
"It's pretty balanced…" CF replied.
"Why didn't you tell me anything?!" Nick said.
"It's stated in the disclaimer…no outside interference…although you should know the skills of the break rides by now…" Joshua said with a sweat drop.
"I'm sorry. I have better things to do than check skills of cards!" (Argh I can't guard the second attack…I just have to suffer the consequences.)
"Twin drive check!"
[Amber dragon eclipse]
[Blue Ray Dracokid]
"Heh! Critical to vanguard, power to Berserk!"
Amber Dragon took one step back, flames bursting from the tip of his mouth. And with a mighty roar, it was sent flying towards Metatron like a burning tornado.
"Crap crap crap!"
When the flames connected, Metatron screamed, singed by the flames.
[damage: Crimson Impact. Metatron]
[Sunny Smile Angel]
"Heal…and power to Meta…" Nick gasped. That was two close.
"Not done yet! Eclipse's skill. Begone, Bethanal and Phoenix!"
Pointing directly at the two units, scorching flames burst out and exploded on impact, reducing them to motes.
"Berserk strikes at Geniel!" With that, geniel collapsed from Berserk's fireball.
"Go, Nehalam!"
"I don't guard…"
[Love Machine Gun, Nociel]
Nick
Hand: 4
Damage: 5
Counterblasted: 0
Front row: -/ Crimson Impact, Metatron /-
Back row: - / Clutch rifle/
Sai
Hand: 6
Damage: 4
Counterblasted: 2
Front row: Dauntless Drive Dragon / Amber Dragon Eclipse/Nehalem
Back row: Bahr/ /Bahr
"Heh it's fine. You may have survived, but your whole field is wrecked! You won't be able to touch me."
Nick ignored him and began his turn. "It's all come down to this…" He silently placed down his entire hand, calling Thousand Ray Pegasus, Nociel, and Million Ray Pegasus. "Nociel's skill. I switch a card from hand to damage, and vice versa. The pegasi get 2k." CF smiled. Nick was finally getting serious.
"Your noble Crimson wings blanket the heavens, and shine as bright as the sun, giving everyone who sees it hope. Undoubtedly, you will soar past your limits and bring forth a miracle! Limit Break!"
"Counter blast, I Choose two of my Angel Feather rear-guards, Nociel and Clutch Rifle, and put them into damage zone. Then I choose two face up Angel Feather from the damage zone, and call them to rear. Call, Million Ray and..Nociel!"
"I use Nociel skill again to call Bethanal!"
Smiling, Nick announced. "My battle formation is ready…take this! Crimson Counter! All pegasi get a total of plus 8000!"
"Metatron charges in!" [10000+3000=13000]
"Guard with Blue Ray Dracokid!"
"Twin drive…"
[Calamity Flame, Phoenix]
[Critical hit angel]
"Critical Trigger! All to my left Million Ray! Finish this…!" [9000+8000+7000+8000+5000=37000 2 crit]
Sai's mouth dropped, unable to believe the power. He looked at his hand.
Dragon Monk Gojo 10000 Blue Ray Dracokid 10000 Dauntless Drive Dragon 0 Gattling claw dragon 5000 [Amber dragon eclipse] 0
"No way…No guard…"
Aiming at the Dragon's chest, the Pegasus charged up and blasted a giant rainbow beam. (I have no idea how he attacks ok?)
An explosion ensured, sealing Eclipse's fate.
[Damage: Dragon Monk Gojo]
[Amber Dragon, Eclipse]
Sai slammed his fists onto the table. "Damn!"
"I…did it. I DID IT!" Nick whooped, crying tears of joy.
CF sighed in relief, patting Nick on the back. "We always believed you."
(Yeah right!) Nick thought, rolling his eyes. (I didn't believe myself!)
"Now that that's settled…I believe you owe us an explanation." Joshua questioned.
Sai kept his deck while gritting his teeth. How could he and his brother have lost to such amateurs? What was it they lacked while these goons had? Sai couldn't understand it. Was it pure luck…or…? Shaking his head, he replied.
"Fine. You guessed right, Dickson Heisa's behind all this. I'll tell you the only way to lift a debt from him…is if that person beats him in a cardfight."
Joshua furrowed his brows, and said matter of factly, "I'm sorry, but I just don't see how Ben could win. I have heard Dickson isn't someone you can push around. From what CF has told me, Ben is just a beginner."
Ben looked down, feeling all hope was lost.
CF's head was down, his eyes covered darkly. What happened in the past, those events, started flashing through his mind.
He looked at Ben, and his eyes widened. He was seeing his past self, helpless, no one to help him, no one to encourage and support him. Despairing all by himself, struggling against powers he couldn't overcome nor control.
No! This time would…no WILL be different!
"Is that it?"
Everyone looked at CF.
"Ben you can't back away from this challenge now. You have to learn to stand up for yourself. There are some things in life you can't run away from. Grab this opportunity and tackle the obstacle head on!" CF said while holding Ben's shoulder.
"I believe in your hidden potential. After a few fights with you the other day, I can sense a power in you. You just have to unleash it."
Ben looked unconvinced. "Cf…you don't have to comfort me. I know my limits."
"Then break them. It's either you defeat Dickson, or suffer the rest of your life in this school."
"Speaking of which…why did you break your friendship with Ben?" CF asked Sai.
Hundreds of different images rushed across Sai's head. From the time when he met Ben, to the time he made a big mistake….
Sai sighed(heh) and replied heavily, "It's time I told you the truth Ben. It's a long story…"
And that's it for the chapter. I wanted to make it longer with an extra fight, but I think splitting it up would be more appropriate. Since the tone for the last part doesn't quite match with the story. Besides, the next chap went way longer than expected. And I feel the next fight is pretty epic.
For anyone who might have been still following this story from one year ago, thank you so much! That would really mean a lot to me. But for those who are willing to pick up this new story of mine, you also have my gratitude.