Forged in Flame
"You what?!"
"I told you," Taiki coughed. "I'm sick."
"But the game starts in two hours!" Miho wailed.
Taiki was never a fragile piece of wet paper. No, he prided himself on being an endless well of energy, ready for anything, eager for anything. So one might understand his frustration at being bested by a cold-turned-fever.
"I know, and I'm sorry." He sniffed. He needed a lot more tissues. "You guys watch it without me."
"Well, we hope you get better soon," Ayame said.
"Get some rest," Yomi added.
"I will." He flashed them one last tired grin before the door closed shut.
"Poor guy," Yomi said once they were on their way down the hallways. Supposedly, today was the day of the finals of the National Stage of the Vanguard World Grand Prix, a global tournament where only the best of the best competed. Scouts from various Vanguard-affiliated organizations were sprinkled across the stadium, and even more civilians were spectators to the grand battles that were waged each year. While there were venues across the world at the National Stage, the Final Stage itself was located deep in the desert, in a remote resort area. Rumor has it that said area was the bridge that connected Cray to Earth, where G units first appeared. Yomi wasn't the sort to believe in such things, but with all that was going on, she was slightly inclined to. Slightly.
"I really hope he gets well soon," Ayame said, always the worry-wart.
Miho's shoulders slumped. "Well, there's nothing we can do about it. I'll bring some soup over after the game."
"You've been looking forward to it for a long time, haven't you?" Ayame said.
"Yup!" Miho chirped. "It's Team Demise in the finals! I can't miss my one and only idol's big game!"
"Please don't tell me it's Rin Hashima," Yomi joked. Miho's idolization of Team Demise was worrying, and she hoped it wouldn't affect her too much in the future.
"No, I'm not some silly, shallow fangirl who likes a top female fighter just because she's the only one around," Miho scoffed. "It's Shouma Shinonome, of course!"
Yomi deadpanned. "Sure. Like that's not any more shallow."
"I mean, he's so smart, and so in-control," Miho scoffed. "Who wouldn't want to be like that someday?"
"Well, you've got a point there," Yomi said. "Better to be the chess player than a chess piece, I say."
"Exactly. And that's why he's such an inspiration to me."
"Oh, by the way," Ayame cut in. "Is Taiki just going to be sleeping, or…is anyone going to bring him medicine?"
"That's taken care of by the Dog Trainers," Miho answered her. "Medical care is provided as quickly as possible so we can get back into the swing of things."
"Let's hope that Taiki plays nice with the doctor then," Yomi said.
"Knowing my brother, I give the doctor five minutes before he starts pulling his hair out," Miho grinned.
※◎◎◎※
Riku adjusted his uniform's black tie as he walked down the hall. A white long coat trailed down to his feet like a cape, and he'd look much like a doctor if wasn't for the blue guard's hat sitting atop his head. He liked that hat.
Normally, he'd be off dragging one bumbling trainee from one area to the next, but as this was a rather special day, he didn't have to. Instead, as leading medical officer, he had to treat sick little ducklings and make them feel better.
Riku couldn't remember exactly when he started taking an interest to medicine, but it was definitely at an early age. It was probably the one thing from his childhood that didn't twist with age. He never forgot the time he rescued and nursed, lo and behold, a baby duckling back to health, and would never forget the filling satisfaction of helping a soul in need. Even if it was a sprain, even if it was just exhaustion, once a trainee was better, Riku couldn't help but smile in secret, hidden by the shadows around the corner. Guilty as charged.
But there were some things that even a good conscience could not overlook, and one of said things was his raging hate for Taiki Himura, who was sitting up, staring at him deer-eyed while he stood outside his door.
"Nope." And the door slammed shut. Then he considered his current position. If he didn't follow orders strictly from now on, he'd be thrown in the gutter, not to mention his cousin's insufferable gloating. So he opened the door again, to a confused Taiki. Goddamn confused Taiki, who had no idea the trouble he caused him. That's right, it was his fault he got his ears blown out and a nice, neat little bruise at the corner of his head. Not Riku's at all.
"Uh…"
The doors shut behind Riku as he walked in, putting on a mask over his mouth. "Shut up and do as I say, and this will be much, much easier for the both of us."
"Shutting up isn't exactly in my program—" Before Taiki could finish, he erupted into a loud spasm of coughing.
"Exactly," Riku said, silently thanking the universe for sending the accursed demon a fever, but also cursing it for making him be his nanny for the day. He shoved a thermometer into the other boy's mouth, eliciting a defiant grunt from him.
"Hey, watch it! Fragile goods here."
"Do I look like I care?"
"Are you sure you're even qualified for this?"
"Are you sure you want to stay in bed forever?" That shut him up. "I thought so. Now drink this. It's herbal tea, it'll tone down the symptoms while I prepare an actual remedy."
Taiki took the thermos, cautiously at first, but once he had a taste of what was in it, he drank it fervently. "No typical over-the-counter-doctor-y stuff?"
"I'm of the opinion that traditional medicine works just as well, possibly even better," Riku replied, fishing out supplies from his bag.
"Sounds…complicated."
"I learned from the best."
"Smartass."
"Dumbass."
"Excuse you," Taiki muttered, before he erupted into another fit of coughs.
※◎◎◎※
"Wow, there's a lot of people here," Yomi commented, taking in the view of the auditorium.
The last time she was here, she was too busy sneaking up to the upper levels and saving Miho and Ayame to really observe the large room. It was your typical auditorium, with The Center's trademark white walls and circuit-like blue streams. Blue, cushioned seats were lined all throughout the mid-section, with flights of stairs flanking them on either side. There was a stage the last time she was here, but now it had retracted down onto the ground, making way for a large black screen. If anything, it seemed more like a cinema hall than an auditorium now.
"No duh," Miho said. "Everyone wants to support a United Sanctuary alum. And those who aren't are either occupied, like my bro, or, well, missing out on a whole lot."
"You don't say," Yomi said. Heads were filling up the seats at a rapid pace, even as they spoke.
"U-um," Ayame mumbled, grabbing their attention. "I think we should get seated soon. Y-you know, so we can sit together."
"You're right," Yomi concurred.
It took a bit, but eventually the line had moved far down enough that they managed to snag three seats next to each other in the middle just as the lights dimmed.
"I got popcorn on the way, by the way," Yomi said, holding a large box up. "Most of the time they're pretty cold, but today it seems kinda…festive, don't you think?"
"It is, isn't it?" Ayame said.
"It totally is. It's because no matter what, everyone appreciates what our poster team does for us in terms of publicity. They're what pushed us into the radar."
Except they lost to TRY3 before Kanzaki made sure work of them, Yomi thought. Which reminded her… "Do we know if they found a third member yet?"
"Not yet," Miho answered her. "Not that they need to. Two members only and still they're dominating the international competition."
"T-that's amazing…" Ayame murmured.
"Silence, everyone." A speaker dressed in white walked up to the front. "Now, I all know this is an important event for you all, so I won't keep you for long. So without further ado, we bring you HD live footage of the World Tournament finals."
"Weakness is a sin!" the audience yelled.
"Weakness is a sin." The man saluted, then left the now darkening stage.
"Oh, this is so exciting," Miho whispered giddily as the screen flashed to a green-filled arena ground.
Yomi stifled a giggle at her friend's almost naive fangirling. She looked back at the screen, that had now zoomed in on both players. On one side was a blonde young man, and on the other, a lavender-haired girl. Rin Hashima was up first.
"Stand up! Vanguard!"
※◎◎◎※
"This is gross!" Taiki spat, fumbling around his bedside table for water. If he didn't wash down the taste right away, he'd go insane. Or maybe he'd cut off his tongue because the taste was just that bad. "What did you put in this?"
"You don't want to know," Riku replied, hiding a mischievous smirk. He could've added honey to water down the bitterness, but he simply chose not to. That'd teach him a bit of discipline. Strange. Riku never thought himself to ever be petty, and yet here he was. He cast one last glance at Taiki, who was crawling over to the bathroom for holy salvation, before placing the pot of ingredients on the stove.
"Wait, Riku, what're—"
One flick and the stove flames whooshed to life, crackling around the pot. He turned slightly around, only to see Taiki frozen, leaning on the foot of the bathroom door. "Are…you okay?"
Taiki's face was contorted into an expression of pain. The corner of his mouth twitched and a cold sweat dripped down his head. "C-can you…" he waved feebly at in the direction of the stove.
Riku cocked an eyebrow, but he complied, turning the stove fire smaller.
But it didn't really do much. Taiki was still shaking.
"I can't make soup without a fire."
Another shaky wave. Desperate. Riku almost felt sorry for him.
"Fine." The flames sputtered out with one twist. "But you owe me an explanation."
Taiki breathed a sigh of relief. "It's not important."
Riku gave him a look.
Taiki glanced at his feet, then sighed. "Alright. I'll tell you. But can you at least help me up to my bed?"
"You know, compliant is a good look on you," Riku said, slightly amused as he hauled the boy to his feet.
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind the next time I need to impress you," Taiki replied dryly.
Riku dropped him onto the bed and handed him a glass of water. "Impress me? You're a thousand years too early for that."
Taiki chuckled. "You know, you're a lot more fun when you're like this. When you're more…free."
"I've always been free," Riku retorted. "But this isn't about me. This is about you and your weird relationship with fire."
"Right." He took a sip out of his glass. "You've come across my file right?"
"You were orphaned when your parents died in a building fire accident."
"Yup. But that's not the whole story."
※◎◎◎※
"Finish it, Black Shiver, Gavrail!"
Slash. A unit's cry and a card falling into the damage zone.
"Winner! Rin Hashima from Team Demise!"
The crowd roared across the stadium, and like a stack of dominoes, so did the crowd in the auditorium. Glow-sticks flashed in various colors all around, and the people were livid.
"Damn, it's loud," Yomi remarked, both hands on her ears.
Ayame's tiny voice was lost in the cheer, which was largely contributed to by Miho. The redhead was screaming at the top of her lungs with the rest of the brainwashed trainees.
"Oh my god, Shouma Shinonome is going up next!" Miho squealed.
"Great," Yomi said half-heartedly, knowing full well her eardrums would explode in the coming hour. "Just great."
On the screen, a blue-haired young man took up position at one end of the arena, while another, dark-haired, gold-eyed, with chocolate skin, stood at the other.
"The second match of the finals of the National Stage of the World Grand Prix will now commence," the MC commentated. "This will be between team leaders Shouma Shinonome of premiere United Sanctuary team, Team Demise!"
Girls squealed in delight.
"And Pedro Osamu from Team Stronghold!"
The audience roared in the video, but the auditorium was filled with nothing but boos and dismissals.
Yomi frowned. "Not very sportsmanlike."
"That's just the way it is here," Miho answered her. "We give United Sanctuary are full support."
Except that support can blind you from the truth, Yomi thought, gazing up at the screen. Shouma Shinonome. He seems polite, yet at the same time…I can't seem to shake off the feeling that he's dangerous.
"You may have won your first match against us, but this is the end of the line," Pedro said. "You'll be wishing you had that third member to fall back on."
"You certainly don't lack in confidence," Shouma returned, drawing his starting hand.
"Oh no we don't. We've been training hard, and this year, we're entering the Final Stage."
"Looking forward to it," Shouma said.
"Let the match begin!"
"Stand up! Vanguard!"
"Leather Fetter, Leyding."
"Dimensional Robo, Goyusha!"
Gasps filled the audience as the GIAS system flared to life once more, depicting the apocalyptic ruins of a once noble city, painted gray and crimson by flames and ash. A small mecha with a sword was facing off against a collar-holding boy, sitting atop a crumbling house.
"H-he uses Genesis, " Ayame murmured.
"It's the same clan, but not the same cards," Yomi said, narrowing her eyes.
"That's right," Miho said. "His deck focuses more on using Soul Blast effects like a toolbox. His ace is Fenrir, the wolf. Cool, huh?"
"You've certainly done your homework," Yomi said, watching as they ping-ponged attacks and guards, each side slowly riding up to grade three.
"I wouldn't be a great fangirl if I didn't," Miho grinned.
"Chamomile attacks the vanguard," Shouma ordered through the video footage, only for the woman's birds to be blown away. [13000 + 8000 = 21000 Power]
"I guard with Daimariner!" [13000 + 10000 = 23000 Power]
"I end my turn."
Shouma
Hand: 9
(Witch of Ravens, Chamomile) – {(Mythic Beast, Fenrir)} – (Witch of Ravens, Chamomile)
(Empty) – (Goddess of Union, Yuno) – (Goddess of Union, Yuno)
Damage: 4 – [Battle Maiden, Kukurihime] (F), [Shield Goddess, Aegis] (F), [Witch of Ravens, Chamomile] (U), [Witch of Drogs, Melissa] (U)
Pedro
Hand: 1
(Dimensional Robo, Daidragon) – {(Super Dimensional Robo, Daiyusha)} – (Dimensional Robo, Daidragon)
(Empty) – (Dimensional Robo, Daitiger) – (Dimensional Robo, Daibrave)
Damage: 4 – [Dimensional Robo, Daibattles] (F), [Cosmo Beak] (F), [Ultimate Dimensional Robo, Great Daiyusha] (U), [Cosmo Beak] (U)
"Stand and draw," Pedro declared. "It ends here!"
"What's he planning?" Ayame wondered aloud.
"Shinonome has nine cards in hand, there's no way he'll break through," Miho said.
"No," Yomi said, eliciting bewildered looks from the other two girls. "He's been building up to this moment. You see those two Daidragons and that Daibrave?"
"They boost his vanguard's power," Miho commented.
"B-but he checked a perfect guard last turn," Ayame said. "Even then, he can just nullify it…right?"
"That's true, but Dimension Police has a way around that. And if he has what I think he has, then things might not go so well."
"I call Daitiger behind Daiyusha," Pedro said. A mechanical beast growled behind the giant mecha as flames danced around. "Then I activate the skills of the Daidragons and Daibrave."
Daiyusha roared as gold fire erupted around him like a twisting cocoon. [Super Dimensional Robo, Daiyusha – 13000 + 10000 + 5000 + 5000 + 5000 = 38000 Power, Critical 2]
"Now he's got an extra Critical…" Ayame murmured, recalling his previous turn.
"Attack! Daiyusha!" [38000 + 8000 = 46000, Critical 2]
"He's passed the forty-five-thousand power threshold," Yomi said, barely audible amongst the intensifying crowd.
"Perfect Guard." A golden shield clanged. "Shield Goddess, Aegis."
"He's protected himself," Miho said, but even she too was tense.
Pedro smirked. "Twin drive, check."
[Drive Check: Commander Laurel (No Trigger)]
"No trigger. Second check,"
[Drive Check: Dimensional Robo, Daibattles (Critical Trigger)]
"Critical Trigger. All effects to the right Daidragon." [10000 + 10000 + 10000 = 30000 Power, Critical 2]
"Here it comes," Yomi said.
"Here I go. At the end of Daiyusha's attack, I superior ride from the hand!"
"A superior ride now?" Miho gasped.
"That means he gets one more attack in," Yomi explained. "And that's not all."
"True justice pierces the dark. Superior Ride! Ultimate Dimensional Robo, Great Daiyusha!" He held up a Force Marker before slipping it under the right Daidragon. "Imaginary Gift: Force! Then, during this turn, all of my front row units gain ten-thousand power, and Great Daiyusha gains another ten-thousand!"
"A-all of them gain t-ten-thousand!" Ayame sputtered.
Yomi nodded. "That's the finishing play he was waiting for."
"It's not over yet," Miho argued. "He can still guard through it."
"Strike! Great Daiyusha!" [23000 + 10000 + 10000 = 43000 Power]
Shouma smirked. "Guard. Lauriers. Chamomile will intercept." [13000 + 20000 + 20000 + 5000 = 58000 Power]
"A two-to-pass," Yomi noted. "With just three cards…it's like…"
"He prepared for it," Miho said admiringly. "He's just that good."
"Twin drive," Pedro said, frowning at his opponent's defiance. "First check,"
[Drive Check: Super Dimensional Robo, Daiyusha (No Trigger)]
"No trigger. Second check,"
[Drive Check: Diamond Ace (Draw Trigger)]
"Draw Trigger," he announced, drawing a card. "The power will go to the right Daidragon. The left one will attack Chamomile. This one doesn't have a boost." [10000 + 10000 + 10000 = 30000 Power]
"Oof!" the MC said. "Pedro's double vanguard attack has been neutralized, but he's not done yet! Can Shinonome protect himself against the remaining two Daidragons?"
"No guard. Chamomile retires."
Pedro continued. "The other Daidragon attacks, boosted by Daibrave!" [30000 + 10000 + 10000 + 10000 + 8000 = 68000 Power, Critical 2]
"Guard." Shouma placed down card after card, until his vanguard was surrounded by guardians. "Laurier. Two Kukurihimes. Melissa. I believe that should be enough?" [13000 + 20000 + 15000 + 15000 + 10000 = 73000 Power]
"I…no way…"
"Let's hear it for Shouma Shinonome folks!" the MC blared. "He's protected himself successfully!"
The crowd roared in response.
"Are you done?"
"Turn end…"
Pedro
Hand: 5
{(Dimensional Robo, Daidragon)} – {(Ultimate Dimensional Robo, Great Daiyusha)} – (Dimensional Robo, Daidragon)
(Empty) – (Dimensional Robo, Daitiger) – (Dimensional Robo, Daibrave)
Damage: 4 – [Dimensional Robo, Daibattles] (F), [Cosmo Beak] (F), [Ultimate Dimensional Robo, Great Daiyusha] (U), [Cosmo Beak] (U)
Shouma
Hand: 1
(Empty) – {(Mythic Beast, Fenrir)} – (Empty)
(Empty) – (Goddess of Union, Yuno) – (Goddess of Union, Yuno)
Damage: 4 – [Battle Maiden, Kukurihime] (F), [Shield Goddess, Aegis] (F), [Witch of Ravens, Chamomile] (U), [Witch of Drogs, Melissa] (U)
"Stand and draw," Shouma said. "It's been a pleasure playing you, but I think it's time we bring this to a close, shall we?"
"It's not over yet."
"You've got spunk. I like it," Shouma smirked. "Ride. Mythic Beast, Fenrir. Imaginary Gift: Force, to the vanguard." [Mythic Beast, Fenrir – 23000 + 10000 = 33000 Power]
"There's Shouma Shinonome's trump card everyone!" the MC announced with glee.
"I activate Fenrir's Soul Blast," he went on, plucking out three cards. "I look at the top two cards of my deck, put one in hand and one into soul. Then with Fenrir's skill, I superior call Gleipnir. With Gleipnir's skill, I Soul Charge three cards and add five-thousand. I call another Gleipnir from hand and activate the same skill."
[Insatiable Devourer, Gleipnir – 10000 + 5000 = 15000 Power]
[Insatiable Devourer, Gleipnir – 10000 + 5000 = 15000 Power]
"He's making amazing use of Genesis's Soul Blast capabilities," Yomi murmured. "Way better than I ever could."
"He's not my role model for nothing," Miho grinned. "But this is nothing compared to the icing on the cake."
"Gleipnir attacks Daidragon."
"No guard. Daidragon retires."
"Fenrir attacks the vanguard," he said. He took another three cards from his soul. "Soul Blast. During this battle you can't guard with sentinels. So I wouldn't bet on that Perfect Guard you checked last turn." [33000 + 8000 + 6000 = 47000 Power]
Pedro gaped, shocked.
"He's got an answer for everything," Yomi said. The screen transitioned to footage of Fenrir's chains wrapping around Daiyusha, binding the mecha to his knees as the wolf god strolled forward, blue flame dancing in his palms. "And I can see why you like Zanbaku and his chains."
"Well, he was inspiration for sure," Miho said.
"No guard…" Pedro said through clenched fists. It was over.
Shouma's twin drive revealed no triggers, not that he needed them. Flames burst across his opponent's body, and the robot fell, buried under rubble and conflagration.
[Damage Check: Dimensional Robo, Daibrave (No Trigger)]
"And the winner is Shouma Shinonome!" the MC announced, just before the audience erupted into cheer. "Team Demise moves on to the Final Stage with just two members!"
Team Demise. I have a feeling they'll be dangerous enemies later on, Yomi thought as she covered her ears from the blasting applause from around her. At least, once we're out.
※◎◎◎※
"Someone was quite the hero," Riku remarked, taking a sip out of his tea.
"Not quite hero enough," Taiki said. "After I got Miho out, I went back to save Mom and Dad. The fire had raged through the building by then, and…"
Riku could tell he was struggling. He could almost see the memories blazing across his eyes like a mini-horror movie, and he was curious to know more. He set his cup down. "Alright, shut up."
"Huh?"
"I can tell it was traumatic," Riku said through dull eyes. "And I more or less understand that that traumatic something is why you're unbearably afraid of fire. That's all I need to know."
"But I thought…"
"I changed my mind. We're barely acquaintances, not even friends, we don't have to know everything about each other. Besides, it's in the past. Sure, it's made up part of you who you are today, but you're still you." Riku stood up and walked over to the water boiler. "I'm going to attempt to prepare soup without fire. I hope you're happy."
"Wait."
"What?"
"…Thanks."
"You shouldn't thank me," Riku said. "I'm just doing my job, nothing more."
"You always talk about only doing your job. Don't you ever do anything on your own?"
"No," Riku answered. "I don't."
"Maybe it's your turn to share," Taiki rasped, a micheivous grin on his face.
"You barely told me any—" Riku pursed his lips, red-cheeked. "Fine. Maybe I will."
"Well," Taiki shifted under his covers. "I'm not getting better anytime soon."
Maybe I should use fire to cook the soup. Or not make soup at all, Riku thought bitterly. "Okay. I'll tell you about my parents at least."
Taiki coughed. "Common ground. Neat."
"They're a very elitist family. It's no surprise that they hold a place on United Sanctuary's board of directors, with their son carrying out United Sanctuary's work in their name. And well, my cousin as well, by association." Bubbles began floating slowly in the glass container.
"But I'm guessing you don't exactly like it here."
"No. I don't. But I have to. Because—"
"Because it's your duty, yeah, yeah, hardy har har."
Riku narrowed his eyes. "They're still my family. You can understand that, can't you? Wanting to please them, for them to accept you. I'm not in it for the power like Katsuo is. I just do it because I'm asked to."
"That's a sad way to live," Taiki remarked. "You shouldn't have to work for their acknowledgment."
"It's different."
"No, not really. I mean, you shouldn't be obliged to do something just because they're family, especially if they're jerks. Family is family because you love each other. That's the way it is for me and my sister."
Riku's eyes darted. He was right. Riku knew it, and yet…it just wasn't that simple. He had a home here. And as much as he didn't like it, he'd grown to accept it.
But how long could he endure?
Before he could say anything else, there was a loud knocking at the door.
"Come in," Riku said nonchalantly.
The door slid open to reveal Yomi, Ayame and Miho. All three of whom jumped at the sight of Riku pouring soup into a bowl.
"W-what i-is a-a D-Dog Trainer doing h-here?" Ayame stammered.
"He's my nanny for the day," Taiki joked, before sneezing.
"No way," Miho said, disbelieving.
"Yes way," Riku replied. "But I'll be gone soon enough, don't worry."
"No, stay," Taiki said, flashing a toothy grin. "I mean, we could all have chicken soup together."
"Really? God, I would love some chicken soup right now!" Yomi leapt at the chance, taking a seat at the little table, bowl in hand. Her almost unnatural speed at the mention of food was disturbing.
"S-sorry for imposing!" Ayame bowed before taking a seat next to Yomi.
"It's a party then!" Miho clapped her hands together, helping her brother up to the table.
Riku sighed, but on seeing the rest of them and their festivity, he couldn't help but relax his shoulders. "Alright. Set the bowls around. It should be enough for all of us."
"Partying with a Dog Trainer! This is so sweet!" Miho chirped.
"Don't get used to it."
"Sure, supervisor," Yomi teased. "Sure."
The rest of them burst into laughter at Riku's expense.
Family, huh?
※◎◎◎※
"So tell me again why I should disregard protocol and alter the match ups during the Screening," Irene asked, setting down a glass of fruit juice on her office table. Across from her stood Toshi, with a lazy smile.
"Well, it's simple. Yomi Asano is a thorn in both our sides. She's trouble."
"And how exactly will the match ups you've proposed help with that?"
"Well, you're a very smart young lady," Toshi said. "You know how Asano can be…predictable. Don't worry, if all goes well, and it will, she'll come running right into the ring of fire, where you can do as you wish with her. That's none of my business."
"Interesting," Irene said, smirking slightly. "You know, you're stretching your Alpha status rather thin."
"I like a little danger in life," Toshi mused.
"Well said," Irene replied. "Well said."
"So do we have a deal?"
"We do indeed." She took a sip from her glass. And by the end of the week, we'll have a fresh new test subject and Minerva's vessel all in one fell swoop.
Custom Cards
Mythic Beast, Fenrir
Grade 3/13000 Power/Noble/Gift: Force
[AUTO](VC):When placed, COST [Soul Blast (3)], look at two cards from the top of your deck, put one card from among them into your hand, put one card into your soul, and if this unit was placed on a grade 3, until end of turn, this unit gets "[AUTO](VC):When it attacks a vanguard, COST [Soul Blast (3)], and your opponent may not call sentinels from hand to (GC).
[AUTO](VC/RC):When a card is Soul Blasted, COST [Counter Blast (1)], and call that card to (RC).
Insatiable Devourer, Gleipnir
Grade 2/10000 Power/5000 Shield/Noble
[AUTO](RC):When placed, if you have a grade 3 or greater vanguard, Soul Charge (3) and this unit gets [Power]+5000 until end of turn.