The Tides That Shift


A few heads turned at Ayame as she entered the resident card shop, but for the most part, nobody paid her much mind. She was fine with that. She enjoyed the security of being a ghost in the crowd. Stares were always something she wasn't comfortable with, and why she began wearing more…normal-looking dresses.

A trail of dark blue hair caught her eye and without a second thought Ayame found herself moving across to the store counter, where a box of newly-arrived packs were lined up.

"H-hi, Ryoko," Ayame stammered. Her cheeks were reddening, she could feel it. She glanced over at the packs, from the new Extra Booster. She plucked a few out. "A coincidence, huh? T-this has Aqua Force and Granblue in it."

"So?"

"I was just wondering, if, well, um, if you wanted to maybe open…packs…together? Do a box split maybe?"

"I don't have time." There was a light beep and Ryoko retracted her bracelet. Without another word, she left, leaving Ayame clasping the packs close to her chest and staring at her feet.

"She's as cold as ever, isn't she?"

Ayame yelped at the sudden presence behind her and turned to see Yomi, calmly sipping a soda. "Y-Yomi, you scared me!"

Yomi chuckled. "I was standing here even before you entered."

"O-oh? R-really? I didn't notice…"

"It's fine. But you know, she isn't going to act friendly with you anytime soon."

"I know," Ayame sighed. "But…I want to be closer to her."

"Why?"

"Because…" She glanced away momentarily. "Because when I first arrived here, before you, I didn't have anyone. But she let me hang near her."

"Is that how you got tangled up with Shiori's group?"

Ayame nodded. "But in the beginning…Ryoko was nicer. Kinder. I don't know what happened but almost overnight she just turned cold. I promise, something must have happened to her."

"I don't doubt that." Yomi took another sip from her cup. "Stranger things have happened here."

"Yeah…"

"So, you gonna open those packs?"

※◎◎◎※

"Hello! Yes, come, come! Sit," Miho purred, patting the curved couch she sat in. A circular glass table was set in front of her, covered with beverages and boxes of cards. She rubbed her hands together in glee. "You have no idea how much I love deckbuilding!"

"T-thank you," Ayame said as she and Yomi each took a seat around the table, setting aside some room for Ayame's newly bought box of cards. "For helping me."

"It's fine," Miho said. "Besides, quality girl time is hard to come by."

"You're not wrong," Yomi said, picking up her glass of fruit tea.

"Alright, let's see your deck." Miho motioned over the table. "Cards on the table."

Ayame nodded, laying them out one by one, each sorted by grade and name.

It didn't take long for Miho to come to a conclusion, and with one sweeping gaze she had the information she needed.

"It's a pretty defensive deck," she said. "Could probably outlast a lot of assaults."

That brought a smile to Ayame's face. That particular element of her deck was what won their game against Shiori. The shield to Yomi's sword, and it filled her chest up with pride.

"But,"

Ayame's smile dropped into a frown. "But…?"

"It lacks teeth," Miho answered her as she opened the box of cards. "You won't win any games just sitting like a duck. Not losing doesn't mean winning."

"Oh…"

"And that's why I think the cards from the new set are gonna be a huge boost to your deck. They've got that early explosiveness to them, and go hand-in-hand with your need for a big drop zone."

"I…" Ayame had to admit, though Yomi'd taught her a lot, it still took a while for her to get the strategical aspects of the game. "I suppose so?"

"I think it's better if you get to see for yourself," Miho said, watching Ayame nervously replace each of her cards. "Deck updated and all."

"That's a neat idea," Yomi concurred. "You could use the practice for the next Screening. It's coming up soon, isn't it?"

"Yeah, it is, isn't it?" Miho remarked. "All the more reason. Besides, nothing like a good game to bring our spirits up."

Ayame gave a small nod. "Um, I guess so."

"Great! It's decided then!" Miho chirped. "The two of you will fight!"

"Huh? Don't you want a game?" Yomi asked.

"To be honest, I do," Miho said. "But later. I wanna see the girl that beat my brother in action first."

"Well, it was a stroke of good luck, really," Yomi said. "I'm not all that."

"Shush. Luck is part of skill too," Miho said. "Or so they say."

Yomi shrugged. Ayame just giggled. It didn't take them very long to set up, using the table they were sitting at as a makeshift battleground for their game.

"Did you do enough shuffling?" Yomi asked.

"I think so. How should I randomize it best?"

"Here," Yomi took the deck, then began randomly placing the cards down in separate face down piles. Once she was done, she swept them all up into one deck and shuffled. "That should do it."

"Wow. Thank you," Ayame said, beginning to draw her opening hand. "I didn't know that there were different kinds of shuffling too."

"Vanguard continuing to surprise you?" Yomi asked.

Ayame nodded.

"Speaking of, how did you all start playing?" Miho asked. "Me and my brother got introduced to it by this girl at our orphanage. She was like a big sister to us all. Haven't seen her since she was taken to UniSan HQ, but I totally still think about her."

"She seems like a really sweet person," Ayame commented.

"Yup. You know, she also plays Granblue, just like you," Miho said. "You could say she was a total ace at the clan."

"Wow…"

"Yeah. So how about you, Yomi?"

"Me?" Yomi blushed. "Well…It was Kuro who got me into the game."

"Ooh, a boy," Miho teased, causing Yomi's face to turn beet red.

"It's not like that!" Yomi defended, to no avail. "I mean, well, he was a good friend to me, that's all. Been playing and enjoying the game ever since."

"Okay, fair enough," Miho laughed.

"You're a piece of work," Yomi muttered.

"Oh, you think that now, but if you were in Taiki's place, you'd be driven insane from all the teasing I do to him," Miho grinned slyly. Then she turned to Ayame. "So what about you?"

"M-me?" Ayame pointed to herself. "W-well…um…"

"Come on, this is a safe space. You can trust us."

They were right, she realized. Perhaps it was okay to share her story with them. "Well…my mother taught me how to play. My family was…is…very invested in Vanguard. My father was a professional Vanguard coach, and my mother had a lot of championships under her belt."

"That's neat," Miho said.

"Yes, I suppose so. Playing with my mother, it was fun. I loved Vanguard, still do, because of her."

"You said 'was'…" Yomi frowned. "What happened?"

"She passed away," Ayame smiled sadly.

"Oh…I'm so sorry," Yomi said.

"No, it's fine. I've made peace with her…being gone. No, she's not really gone. She lives on in my deck."

"Granblue," Miho murmured. "Undying pirates."

Ayame nodded. "She always used to tell me about Cray, about these adventuring pirates. They were like fairy tales, but I loved it. That maybe one day I could be just as brave. Have a loyal crew."

"You kind of already do," Yomi said.

"You're right. I do, and I'm grateful. Honestly, Yomi, ever since you came, things have gone well for me."

"Geez, you're too precious," Miho giggled, patting Ayame's head. "But I think your origin story comes out on top."

"T-thanks?"

"Well, be that as it may, we've still got a fight to start." Yomi held a finger to her starting vanguard. "And then we'll see who comes out on top."

"R-Right. I'm ready," Ayame said.

"Stand up! Vanguard!"

"Reflector Angel," Yomi said as her body on Cray morphed into that of a robed girl, wings carrying her into the upper pillars of a temple raised around them like a marble cage. [Reflector Angel – 6000 Power]

"Peter the Ghostie," Ayame said. On the ground, a flash of cerulean heralded the appearance of a teal-colored spirit, taking on Ayame's eyes and hair. [Peter the Ghostie – 6000 Power]

"Stand and draw. Ride!" Yomi's figure transformed, violet light unveiling a white witch's hat and frogs floating like orbs around her. "Witch of Frogs, Melissa!" [Witch of Frogs, Melissa – 8000 Power] "With Reflector's skill, I draw a card, then end my turn."

Yomi
Hand: 6
(Empty) – (Witch of Frogs, Melissa) – (Empty)
(Empty) – (Empty) – (Empty)
Damage: 0

Ayame
Hand: 5
(Empty) – (Peter the Ghostie) – (Empty)
(Empty) – (Empty) – (Empty)
Damage: 0

"I ride Quincy the Ghostie," Ayame said. "Um, attack." [Quincy the Ghostie – 8000 Power]

"No guard." A golden headbutt knocked her vanguard backwards.

"Drive check,"

[Drive Check: Knight Spirit (Critical Trigger)]

"Critical Trigger!" Ayame cheered. "All effects to my vanguard. That's two damage, right?"

"Right," Yomi replied. "Damage check,"

[Damage Check: Goddess of Trees, Jupiter (No Trigger)]

[Damage Check: Shield Goddess, Aegis (Draw Trigger)]

"Draw Trigger," she said as the card appeared. "I draw a card."

Now we're tied in hand count, Ayame observed. But I managed to deal two damage this turn! If I keep this up, I might just win.

It was an odd feeling, having as much optimism as she did now. But she wasn't opposed to it, and it was certainly a welcome change.

"I end my turn."

Ayame
Hand: 7
(Empty) – (Quincy the Ghostie) – (Empty)
(Empty) – (Empty) – (Empty)
Damage: 0

Yomi
Hand: 7
(Empty) – (Witch of Frogs, Melissa) – (Empty)
(Empty) – (Empty) – (Empty)
Damage: 2 – [Goddess of Trees, Jupiter] (U), [Shield Goddess, Aegis] (U)

"Stand and draw." Ayame was one lucky girl, Yomi knew that. Her trigger rate was supernatural at times, and it was definitely a boon on her end. Which was exactly why she had to up the pressure on her end. "Ride! Witch of Ravens, Chamomile!"

It didn't take long for her vanguard to dissipate into tiny fragments, only to reform into a ruffled sorceress, white birds perched on her arm. [Witch of Ravens, Chamomile – 10000 Power] More women appeared to her sides, each holding out their weapons, ready for battle.

"Callaway and Jupiter to the front. Then Edesia behind Callaway." Yomi paid one Counter Blast, then slipped two cards into her soul. "Edesia's skill, I Soul Charge a card for each grade of my vanguard. Chamomile's a grade two, so that's two cards." [Broom Witch, Callaway – 10000 Power] [Goddess of Trees, Jupiter – 10000 Power] [Goddess of Banquets, Edesia – 8000 + 2000 = 10000 Power]

[Soul Charge: Shield Goddess, Aegis]

[Soul Charge: Broom Witch, Callaway]

"Chamomile attacks the vanguard," Yomi declared.

"Protect me, Knight Spirit!" A ghastly sword intercepted the blow. Sparks flew as staff met blade. [8000 + 15000 = 23000 Power]

"Drive trigger, check,"

[Drive Check: Goddess of Union, Yuno (No Trigger)]

"No trigger." Yomi moved on to her next attacker. "Callaway attacks the vanguard with a boost from Edesia." She knew it was risky, given the threat of a damage trigger, but she needed the resources, and the pressure could pay off either way. [10000 + 10000 = 20000 Power]

Ayame held her gaze on the board for a while. Yomi wondered if she should've gone a little easier on her, but perished the thought almost immediately. No, she should figure it out on her own. That's the only way she'll grow.

"I don't guard," Ayame said finally. "Damage check, no trigger."

[Damage Check: Clemmie the Ghostie (No Trigger)]

Yomi watched as Ayame placed the card in her damage zone. Perhaps there was nothing to worry about afterall. "Callaway's Soul Blast. I draw a card and Counter Charge. Then I'll have Jupiter attack. I'll activate her skill and Soul Charge three more cards."

[Soul Charge: Regalia of Wisdom, Angelica]

[Soul Charge: Witch of Frogs, Melissa]

[Soul Charge: Battle Maiden, Kukurihime]

"Guard!" Ayame said, instinctively placing a Draw Trigger between them. "Steering Pirate, Paulo!" [8000 + 5000 = 13000 Power]

"Turn end." She wasn't able to score two damage this turn, but the extra aggression worked out in favor regardless, and at least now, she was slightly ahead in the resource game.

Yomi
Hand: 6
(Broom Witch, Callaway) – (Witch of Ravens, Chamomile) – (Goddess of Trees, Jupiter)
(Goddess of Banquets, Edesia) – (Empty) – (Empty)
Damage: 2 – [Goddess of Trees, Jupiter] (F), [Shield Goddess, Aegis] (U)

Ayame
Hand: 5
(Empty) – (Quincy the Ghostie) – (Empty)
(Empty) – (Empty) – (Empty)
Damage: 1 – [Clemmie the Ghostie] (U)

The game had just begun and already Yomi was coming out of the gates with an aggressive formation. It was a little scary, to be honest. But I wouldn't have it any other way, Ayame thought as she plucked a card out of her hand. "Ride! Gertrude the Ghostie Friend!" [Gertrude the Ghostie Friend – 9000 Power]

The fair maiden's basket shined fiercely. A shadowed figure rose out, and clinging her sword, hopped delicately onto the temple floor. "Gertrude's skill, I discard a card from my hand, then superior call the Ruin Shade I just milled into my drop zone." [Ruin Shade – 9000 Power] "Then I call one more Ruin Shade. Norman the Ghostie too."

Another woman stood next to her, while a gray spirit with oddly luscious hair floated whimsically behind the other. [Ruin Shade – 9000 Power] [Norman the Ghostie – 7000 Power]

"Norman's skill," Ayame continued. "Um, I put two cards from my deck into my drop zone, then retire him." She looked up uncertainly, but Miho's quick nod reassured her. "Okay, then Gertrude gains ten-thousand for the turn. The left Ruin Shade attacks the vanguard. I put another two cards into my drop zone and add four-thousand." [9000 + 4000 = 13000 Power]

"I intercept with Callaway." [10000 + 5000 = 15000 Power]

"Gertrude attacks." Candy spheres darted out, soaring through the air. [9000 + 10000 = 19000 Power]

"No guard."

[Drive Check: Mortal Mimic (Critical Trigger)]

"Critical Trigger!"

"Again?"

Multiple colors crashed down on Chamomile, causing her to scream out in pain.

[Damage Check: Battle Maiden, Mizuha (No Trigger)]

[Damage Check: Witch of Frogs, Melissa (No Trigger)]

"Ruin Shade! I have at least ten cards in my drop zone, so she gains another four-thousand!" If she kept this up, it'd be Yomi's five to her one. This is exciting! [9000 + 4000 + 4000 + 10000 = 27000 Power]

"To me, Laurier!" A large cooking pan swatted the dusky woman's sword away, stabbing into a neighboring pillar. [10000 + 20000 = 30000 Power]

Ayame exhaled. Of course, Yomi wouldn't make it that easy. "I end my turn there."

Ayame
Hand: 4
(Ruin Shade) – (Gertrude the Ghostie Friend) – (Ruin Shade)
(Empty) – (Empty) – (Empty)
Damage: 1 – [Clemmie the Ghostie] (F)

Yomi
Hand: 5
(Empty) – (Witch of Ravens, Chamomile) – (Goddess of Trees, Jupiter)
(Goddess of Banquets, Edesia) – (Empty) – (Empty)
Damage: 4 – [Goddess of Trees, Jupiter] (F), [Shield Goddess, Aegis] (U), [Battle Maiden, Mizuha], (U), [Witch of Frogs, Melissa] (U)

Eleven cards in the drop zone already. As far as I know, that's the threshold needed for most of Granblue's effects, Yomi thought, taking her draw for the turn. "Well, Ayame, hope you're ready. Ride! Regalia of Wisdom, Angelica!" [Regalia of Wisdom, Angelica – 13000 Power]

A multicolored ring flashed under Jupiter as Angelica raised her wand. "Imaginary Gift: Force! Then I'll activate Angelica's Soul Blast of three to draw. Then she'll gain ten-thousand." [13000 + 10000 = 23000 Power] "When she's Blasted I can superior call Chamomile to rearguard. Then I'll have Jupiter attack the vanguard. Once again, I'll Soul Charge. Then because I'm at grade three, she gains power this time!" [10000 + 10000 + 5000 = 25000 Power]

[Soul Charge: Witch of Big Pots, Laurier]

[Soul Charge: Cyber Tiger]

[Soul Charge: Broom Witch, Callaway]

Gertrude yelped as branches surged out from the ground, holding her in place. "Damage check,"

[Damage Check: Evil Shade (No Trigger)]

"No trigger."

"Angelica attacks the vanguard as well," Yomi said.

"I don't guard that either," Ayame frowned.

"Twin drive, first check,"

[Drive Check: Battle Maiden, Mizuha (No Trigger)]

"Second check,"

[Drive Check: Apple Witch, Cider (No Trigger)]

"None are triggers," Yomi concluded, slightly disappointed. Oh well. Not everyone's an Ayame.

Bolts of white struck at Gertrude, each one exploding into gusts of smoke and debris. "Damage check."

[Damage Check: Ghostie Leader, Demetria (No Trigger)]

Yomi continued, resting Chamomile. "Attack!" [10000 + 3000 + 8000 = 21000 Power]

She was still in the air when the scepter hit home, launching her vanguard straight into the far wall.

[Damage Check: Gust Jinn (Draw Trigger)]

"Gust Jinn. Draw Trigger," she coughed. "I draw a card."

"Woo, lucky break there, girl," Miho commented.

"Yeah. Yomi, you really are strong. I mean, y-you've always been strong to me, just…"

Yomi giggled. "I get it. Thanks, but you're not so bad yourself."

"W-well, I'm still getting there. And…I'm not at grade three yet, s-so…um, prepare yourself!"

"Looking forward to it," Yomi said with a grin. "Turn end."

Yomi
Hand: 8
(Witch of Ravens, Chamomile) – (Regalia of Wisdom, Angelica) – {(Goddess of Trees, Jupiter)}
(Goddess of Banquets, Edesia) – (Empty) – (Empty)
Damage: 4 – [Goddess of Trees, Jupiter] (F), [Shield Goddess, Aegis] (F), [Battle Maiden, Mizuha], (F), [Witch of Frogs, Melissa] (U)

Ayame
Hand: 5
(Ruin Shade) – (Gertrude the Ghostie Friend) – (Ruin Shade)
(Empty) – (Empty) – (Empty)
Damage: 4 – [Clemmie the Ghostie] (F), [Evil Shade] (U), [Ghostie Leader, Demetria] (U), [Gust Jinn] (U)

"Ride!" Ayame called out as her vanguard shattered into light. "Ghostie Leader, Demetria!" [Ghostie Leader, Demetria – 12000 Power]

In her place, her avatar appeared, a large magenta lollipop in hand and black goth dress flowing in the faint temple updraft. Her golden streams of hair seemed to glow like apparitions in the firelight. "Imaginary Gift: Protect. Then, uh…hm…pay the cost of Counter Blast one, then…" she scanned her drop zone. Then a smile appeared over her face. "I'll superior call Chappie the Ghostie behind Demetria. When he's called, and there are ten or more cards in my drop zone, he gains ten-thousand power points." [Chappie the Ghostie – 5000 + 10000 = 15000 Power]

"Now you're getting the hang of it," Miho said.

"Yep. I'm starting to get what you meant by…teeth," Ayame said. She then dropped two more cards onto the field. "I call Evil Shade and Jackie." [Evil Shade – 8000 Power] [Jackie the Ghostie – 8000 Power]

"Your field's shaping up to be pretty impressive," Yomi remarked.

"Thank you," Ayame blushed slightly. "Evil Shade's skill. I bind one Skull Dragon from my drop zone, then call another over Ruin Shade. Skull Dragon's skill, he gains two-thousand for each card in my drop zone. There're eleven now, so that's twenty-two thousand."

[Dragon Undead, Skull Dragon – 12000 + 22000 = 34000 Power]

Miho whistled.

"Here I go," Ayame said. Ruin Shade leapt forward without another word, slashing down. "Ruin Shade attacks Angelica!" [9000 + 4000 + 4000 + 8000 = 25000 Power]

Yomi's vanguard screamed as the attack made contact. "Damage check,"

[Damage Check: Witch of Ravens, Chamomile (No Trigger)]

"No trigger."

"Chappie, support," Ayame commanded. "Demetria will attack next." [12000 + 15000 = 27000 Power]

A snow-white tiger and a young girl in shrine robes materialized between them, deflecting the ghost-like bolts. "Guard! Cyber Tiger! Kukurihime!" [13000 + 15000 + 15000 = 43000 Power]

"Twin drive,"

[Drive Check: Rick the Ghostie (Heal Trigger)]

"Heal Trigger," she declared. "I can't heal, but power to Skull Dragon! Second check,"

[Drive Check: Knight Spirit (Critical Trigger)]

"Critical Trigger. All effects to Skull Dragon!"

"Whoa, a double," Miho said.

"Can't say I'm not surprised," Yomi said.

"Go, Skull Dragon! Breath of Atonement!" she felt silly saying these things, but for some reason, it just felt right. It was invigorating. [34000 + 10000 + 10000 + 8000 + 6000 = 68000 Power, Critical 2]

"Not so fast," Yomi said, holding up one card. "Shield Goddess, Aegis! Perfect Guard!"

Purple flames swirled around her, before dissipating in the face of a golden shield. The raven-haired goddess flashed a smirk before she disappeared into pixels.

Ayame frowned. "Aw, oh well. I retire Skull Dragon, and then I end my turn."

Ayame
Hand: 6
(Ruin Shade) – (Ghostie Leader, Demetria) – (Empty)
(Evil Shade) – (Chappie the Ghostie) – (Jackie the Ghostie)
Damage: 4 – [Clemmie the Ghostie] (F), [Evil Shade] (F), [Ghostie Leader, Demetria] (F), [Gust Jinn] (U)

Yomi
Hand: 4
(Witch of Ravens, Chamomile) – (Regalia of Wisdom, Angelica) – {(Goddess of Trees, Jupiter)}
(Goddess of Banquets, Edesia) – (Empty) – (Empty)
Damage: 5 – [Goddess of Trees, Jupiter] (F), [Shield Goddess, Aegis] (F), [Battle Maiden, Mizuha], (F), [Witch of Frogs, Melissa] (U), [Witch of Ravens, Chamomile] (U)

"You've improved a whole lot, Ayame," Yomi said. "You've pushed me so far."

"Really? I don't know…"

"You totally have!" Miho chipped in. "Plus, the deck looks like it works fine with the new additions."

Ayame smiled. "The deckbuilding was all you. I can't take the credit for that…"

"But you can take credit for piloting," Yomi said.

"I guess so," Ayame relented. "I hope I made mother proud."

"Is that why you entered The Center?" Miho asked.

"No," Ayame said. "Well, I mean, um, sort of."

The other two girls looked at her, confused.

"You see, after my mother passed away, none of us at the mansion took it well."

"Mansion?" Miho blurted.

She nodded. "Being a part of the Vanguard Association has its perks. My mom's champion sponsorships…my dad's work…the Mizushima family is very rich. It almost rivals the Kiba family."

"All of that money…" Miho drooled.

"All of that gourmet food…" Yomi drooled.

Ayame giggled. "Yes, the benefits are nice."

"So then why are you here?" Miho asked. "A rich girl like you…you don't seem to belong here."

"Well," her gaze darkened. "While we do have a reputation, my father also has…a certain pride. Can't have the heir to the Mizushima fortune, built completely on Vanguard, be a weakling fighter. Ever since my mother died, he's always tried to make me improve, and when he couldn't, he figured United Sanctuary would."

"I see," Yomi said. "That sounds tough. I'm sorry your dad is such a jerk."

"Hey, Yomi!" Miho hissed.

"No, no, it's fine. I know. But he's still my father. As much as I didn't want to be here," Ayame said. She could still remember the sting of being left in The Center. The hurt that came with her father walking out, deaf to her pleas. And that was why…even if she left, there was nowhere she could really go except back inside.

"Well," Yomi said after a while. "What's done is done. There's no helping that."

"True," Miho agreed.

"And we still have a fight to finish," Yomi said, grinning. "So let's do it! Ride! Battle Maiden, Mizuha!"

Water swirled dangerously around her vanguard, sparkling from the runic circle appearing beside her. All three of her front row units flared up with lavender. "Imaginary Gift: Force! To Chamomile's circle. Then with Mizuha's skill, she gains ten-thousand and a Critical. And then I'll call Yuno's to the remaining empty back row circles!"

[Battle Maiden, Mizuha – 13000 + 10000 = 23000 Power, Critical 2]

[Goddess of Union, Yuno – 8000 Power]

[Goddess of Union, Yuno – 8000 Power]

"Your field's filled up…" Ayame murmured.

"It is indeed," Yomi answered. "And now the finishing touch. Mizuha's skill. I Soul Blast six cards and grant all of my front row units an extra Critical."

"Which means Ayame will have to guard all three attacks," Miho surmised. "Even though she's at four damage only. That's some pressure if I ever saw one."

"Mizuha will attack first," she declared, raising her weapon. [23000 + 8000 + 6000 = 37000 Power, Critical 3]

Ayame threw down her Gift. "I'll perfect guard that with Protect!"

Water crashed onto the multicolored barrier. "Twin drive!"

[Drive Check: Battle Maiden, Mizuha (No Trigger)]

"No trigger," Yomi said. "Second check,"

[Drive Check: Shield Goddess, Aegis (Draw Trigger)]

"Draw Trigger. Power to Chamomile! Then I draw."

"Protect returns to the Gift area," Ayame said, almost as a reminder.

"Jupiter will attack, boosted by Yuno," Yomi said. A storm of leaves and flowers burst out from the goddess's scepter. "With her skill, I'll Soul Charge and add another five-thousand." [10000 + 10000 + 5000 + 8000 + 6000 = 39000 Power, Critical 2]

[Soul Charge: Regalia of Wisdom, Angelica]

[Soul Charge: Apple Witch, Cider]

[Soul Charge: Goddess of Banquets, Edesia]

"Guard!" Ayame said. Two units burst into being to take on the attack: a black-painted treasure chest and a fiery-headed samurai. "Mortal Mimic! Knight Spirit!" [12000 + 15000 + 15000 = 42000 Power]

"Now it's Chamomile's turn!" [10000 + 10000 + 10000 + 3000 + 8000 + 6000 = 47000 Power, Critical 2]

"I guard with Ricky," Ayame said. It didn't take long for Yomi to know what was coming next. "Then I retire Chappie and since he's a normal unit, I can call him to guardian circle from the drop zone! With his skill, he gains another ten-thousand shield." [12000 + 20000 + 10000 + 10000 = 52000 Power]

Yomi
Hand: 5
(Witch of Ravens, Chamomile) – (Battle Maiden, Mizuha) – {(Goddess of Trees, Jupiter)}
(Goddess of Banquets, Edesia) – (Goddess of Union, Yuno) – (Goddess of Union, Yuno)
Damage: 5 – [Goddess of Trees, Jupiter] (F), [Shield Goddess, Aegis] (F), [Battle Maiden, Mizuha], (F), [Witch of Frogs, Melissa] (F), [Witch of Ravens, Chamomile] (U)

Ayame
Hand: 1
(Ruin Shade) – (Ghostie Leader, Demetria) – (Empty)
(Evil Shade) – (Empty) – (Jackie the Ghostie)
Damage: 4 – [Clemmie the Ghostie] (F), [Evil Shade] (F), [Ghostie Leader, Demetria] (F), [Gust Jinn] (U)

"Brilliant move," Yomi commented. "You really have grown."

"Thank you," Ayame said. "It means a lot."

"Well, it's your turn now."

"Yup. I'm gonna give it my all now," Ayame said. "So prepare yourself!"

"Bring it!"

※◎◎◎※

"How's deckbuilding coming along?"

Ryoko looked up from her desk filled with cards to see a young man walking up to her, cane in hand and sporting a top hat. Dark purple hair jutted out from under in tiny spikes, and his dark eyes glinted with curiosity.

"It's starting to come to me. The…cards, they say things, and I obey. And then the deck is built."

"Good, good, you're starting to manifest it."

"PSYQualia…" Ryoko murmured. "If I may ask, sir, what is it about this power that you're so interested in? Not that I'm against it, I'm thankful that you've helped me get so much stronger in such little time…"

He hushed her with one wave of his hand. "You'll know soon enough. Do you remember what I told you back when I first took you under my wing, Ryoko?"

"Sever the ties that make you weak," Ryoko recited. "For you and only you can muster the strength necessary to fan the winds of change."

"Correct," he said flipping out a card from the pocket of his blazer, twirling it between his fingers. "Always remember that, Ryoko. Because I believe out of the two forms of PSYQualia, yours is the most potent."

Ryoko bowed her head. "Yes, sir."

And with that, he was gone, leaving the girl alone with her cards.