Chapter 21: Strange Encounter! Activate Persona Break!
Hey, guys! Since Abbey did good on the last narration, I thought of giving her another crack at it. Enjoy! Okay, Abbey, you're up.
Thanks, Mason. Alright! Let's go to the story!
Time for your front row to feel my wrath! Go, now! VERMILLION THUNDERBOLT!
I woke up screaming. My parents came in my room and asked if everything was alright. I told them I just a bad dream. The truth was that it was more of a terrible nightmare. My first tournament, the final match and Shiro using... That move cost me my first competition and almost turned me away from cardfighting forever. After all of the commotion, I went back to sleep.
My day continued with me heading to Fighter Central like I usually do. I saw a couple of thugs messing with this one old guy with a long white mustache and beard. I never saw him around town before. So, he probably just arrived. I went to help him.
"What exactly is the problem?" I asked.
"Why don't you ask this guy, girlie? He took something from me." one of them said.
The old man then replied: "It wasn't yours to begin with. You stole it from a little boy."
"I don't know what you're talking about! Now give me back that deck!" The thug went to punch him. I stopped him and twisted his arm. "Ow! Don't just stand there! Pulverize her!"
The other thug went after me. The old man got in his way. "Move it pops!"
The old man punched his nose, throwing him into some trash cans.
I still had the other thug immobilized. "Tell the truth. Is that deck yours?" I tightened my grip.
"Ow ow ow! That stings! Ow ow ow! No, I took it from a kid like the geezer said! There, I told you! Can you let go now?!"
"Sure! Right after I break your arm!"
The old man stopped me. "Restrain yourself. He's had enough. Let the authorities handle the rest."
I let go and pushed him in the trash cans along with his buddy. "You're damn lucky he was here to save your ass. If he wasn't, I would've given you a one way ticket into Hell."
A little kid came running towards us. "Did you get my deck back, mister?"
"Of course. Here you go." He handed the deck over.
"Thank you." He rasped at the two jerks and ran back the direction he came from.
"I guess not every crook has changed their ways here." I said.
"You're pretty strong for someone your age." the old man said.
"I still need to work on my temper if I'm ever gonna be like my dad... You new around here?"
"Yes. I just arrived. My name is Osamaru. But you can call me what ever you like."
"Okay, Ozzy. So, what are you here for?"
"Figured I'd get a job. But I want to start small. Like a local shop."
"You could try Fighter Central. But, I don't think a card shop is what you're looking for."
"Actually, I like card shops. Let's me see what youngsters are playing nowadays. Like this one Vanguard game."
"You know about Vanguard?"
"The little boy whose deck was stolen was playing not too long ago with his friends until the two from earlier took his cards. I thought I would steal them back. No one should have anything that is rightfully theirs stolen from them."
"I grew up with my dad stopping guys like that for years. So it pisses me off to see someone older use their power against little kids. It's just not fair."
"...Let's go to this shop of yours. I want to see what this game offers."
We went to Fighter Central with Kotetsu and Sai welcoming us like they usually do.
"Excuse me. I would like a job, if possible." Ozzy insisted.
"We could use another set of hands to stock shelves. But, you also need knowledge of the games that we sell. Mostly our most popular, Cardfight! Vanguard." Kotetsu informed.
"I know as much as I need to. I would like to play against a regular, if I could."
"Sure. Sai, think you can play?" Kotetsu asked.
"Sure."
"I'll give you a constructed deck. Here, this one is for Oracle Think Tank. They focus on draw power. You're gonna need it to even have a chance." Kotetsu handed him the Trial Deck.
Ozzy looked through the cards. "Hmm, these will do just fine."
They both went to a table and started.
"Stand Up, Vanguard!"
"Spring Breeze Messenger!"
"Lozenge Magus."
Sai explained the rules as they played. Once Ozzy's third turn came, he got the hang of it rather quickly. Before I knew it, he had Sai at 5 damage with him only at 3. Sai only had one card in his hand. Ozzy, however, had 7.
"Umm...have you played this game before?" Sai asked.
"No, this is my first time playing. Now, I'll finish this with an attack from Meteor Break Wizard supported by Gemini. With Meteor Break's skill, he gains another 3000 Power (13000+8000)."
"I don't guard." His damage check revealed Pellinore. He lost.
"That was great for my first game."
"So, can you start tomorrow?" Kotetsu asked.
"Of course. Well, I better be heading to my apartment now." He went to get up until something came out of his pocket. It was a deck case with Murakumo cards that haven't been released yet. "Oh, ha ha. You see, I have a deck, but haven't been able to figure it out until now. So, I'll be practicing once I head home. I'll see you tomorrow." He picked up the case and went out the door.
"See ya." I waved. There's more to that guy that he's letting on.
"He's good. It's a wonder how he just started." Kotetsu said.
"Yeah. Even when I fought Mason, I had him at the end of his rope. But this guy made me look like a beginner with a simple Trial Deck."
"I'm going to see if he's hiding something. See ya later, Sai. Tell Mason that I'll be back here in a couple of hours."
"Okay. See ya."
I followed Ozzy everywhere he went. He stopped at an apartment complex 3 blocks away from the store. He went in with me still following him.
"If you wanted to see my apartment, you could have just asked." He said.
Damn! How'd he know? "Sorry. It's just that no beginner can easily beat Sai the way you did."
"Very perceptive. I knew I couldn't keep the truth hidden for long." He opened a door marked 734.
"Make yourself at home."
"Okay." I went in to find trophies and pictures of Ozzy. I saw one in particular. It showed him in his earlier years with a woman who had short black hair. They both held a child. He held a little girl and she held a baby.
"That one is my favorite." He came in from another room to find me looking at the picture.
"Sorry. If you don't mind me asking, is this your family?"
"It was... They're no longer here with us..." He turned around and tended to a bonsai tree on the coffee table in the middle of the room.
"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that."
I could hear him whisper something. But I could barely tell what he said other than "Why..."
"So, what was up with those cards you had earlier? Why not use THEM?" I asked.
"I wanted to make it fair for that Sai friend of yours."
"Fair? How good can you be?"
"Look at the trophy shelf and see for yourself."
I went to the trophy shelf like he told me to. One caught my eye instantly. It said Japanese Independent Champion 20VX.
"This trophy is dated ten years ago... But, being an Independent Champion! You must have worked really hard to get that."
"Yes...But, there are times where I wish to take it all back..."
"Why?"
"There are times where you have to think of someone other than yourself. But, once you learn that lesson, you've already lost what's most precious to you. Something you can never bring back..."
He can't mean... I looked at the picture again.
"Since you're here, why don't you show me your deck."
"Umm, sure." I got out my case and handed it to him.
He looked through the cards. "I see you use Murakumo too. But, it appears you are limited. I can fix that."
"How?" I asked.
"You have more than enough potential to use Limit Break. So, I'm going to show you something even more powerful."
"More powerful than Limit Break?! That's impossible!"
"Not for our clan. Come, there is something in the other room I want you to see." I followed him into the hallway. He opened a door into a room filled with lanterns and a suit of white samurai armor at the end.
"What is this room used for?"
"It's for conversing with the Murakumo clan."
"What?! But there's no way the creatures could be real!"
"When you fight with the MFS, what do you wear to make the creatures appear?"
"Fight Gloves."
"And what is on the gloves that makes those images in the first place."
"The crystals. But I don't see what they have to do with it."
"Those crystals actually connect this world to Cray."
"Really? I thought they said that to boost publicity."
"Nope. It's true. Why don't you go to the armor and try it out."
"The armor?" I went to look at the armor to find a crystal on the helmet.
"Just touch the crystal and you'll see."
I didn't know what to think. But, I did what he asked. Once I touched it, a beam of light hit one lantern and reflected on the other ones in the room. I could hardly see. But, when the light dimmed, I couldn't believe it.
"This is..." It was a dark forest. The ground was covered with weapons such as shuriken, kunai knives, even senbon needles.
"I think it's time you met THEM." He started to walk down the path that lead to a snow covered clearing. I followed him.
Once there, we came in contact with three figures. One was a white fox with nine tails. It's fur was covered in golden streaks that surrounded its entire body. There was also a dragon with long white hair covered with armor. He carried a giant shuriken and was concealing a katana behind him. The last one in between them both was a woman wearing a kimono. It had sleeves that were possibly made of feathers and the sash that kept it fastened was red. Her skin was white as the snow covering the field. Just looking at her sent a chill to my spine.
The dragon was the first to speak: "Who is this child, Osamaru?"
The fox asked: "And why is she here?"
The woman intervened: "If you would be quiet, he would answer. Besides, you're scaring our guest. Show some respect."
The fox and dragon grunted.
"Sorry about this. I know how busy you all must be. But this girl needs your assistance." Ozzy explained. "Would you like to introduce yourself?" he asked me.
I went up to them and said: "My name is-" I was frozen, worried about what they would do.
The dragon was getting angry. "Spit it out, girl."
The fox wasn't helping matters any. "We have no time for this. Hurry up and say your na-"
"Abbey Vulcan!" I blurted out.
"Well, now we're getting somewhere. Would you three mind doing the same?"
The fox went first: "Very well. I am Tamamo. It's a pleasure to meet you. Forgive me for my tone. I've been quite irritable these past few days, so I haven't been able to control my temper."
Man, do I know that feeling...
The dragon was next: "I am Magatsu Storm, the 13th Kage of the Murakumo clan. You'd be wise not to anger me regardless of my mood."
Well aren't we a hard ass...
The woman went last: "Forgive my associates, they mean well. My name is Shirayuki. Don't let my demeanor frighten you. I'm not like these two."
At least one of them has manners.
"Well, what is it she needs help with?" Magatsu asked.
"Her deck is lacking. It's alright for now. But if nothing is done, it will probably be too late to help her."
"So, you sought us out?" Tamamo asked.
I tried to explain the situation: "Listen. I'll admit, my deck isn't as good as it once was. But, if you could help me in any way, I would appreciate it. Please... I've worked too long and hard for all my effort to be wasted. I would do almost anything to get stronger."
The three spoke amongst themselves.
Magatsu then said: "Very well. But, there are 3 trials you must attempt. How you do determines the result."
"Okay, then give me the first trial." I insisted.
Shirayuki then explained: "You must melt all of this snow with nothing but a breath."
"Are you serious?!"
The three of them said "Yes."
Tamamo then said: "However, you shall be given a fraction of my power to complete the challenge."
"Okay. That works."
A flame from one of Tamamo's tails flew to my direction and went into my stomach. "You can now breath fire. But, remember, you have to melt all of this snow with a single breath."
"Got it." I started breathing on the snow. I got only a forth of it melted when I lost my breath. The snow then reappeared. "What the-?"
"I'm afraid you failed the first trial." Tamamo said. The flame came out of me and went straight back to Tamamo's tail.
"You're second trial requires my strength. You must defeat Royalenova in combat. Royalenova!"
A dragon similar, but not exactly, to Magatsu flew into the field. "You called, sir?"
"You shall be fighting this girl. No holding back. Understand?"
"Yes, sir!"
Magatsu snapped his fingers and armor had appeared on me, along with a sword in my hand. "Cool."
Royalenova flew towards me and punched the ground, making me jump. I was high enough to see more trees throughout the forest. "Woah, this is amazing..."
"Pay attention!" Royalenova punched my body and his fist threw me into the trees.
"Ow! You're gonna get it now! Ya!" I jumped and went straight for him. I tried to get him with the sword. He blocked it. So, I punched his face, making him drop into the ground. I then proceeded by positioning the sword to stab him when I went down. Once I got in range, he hit me with his wing, making me slide through the snow.
"You came close. But not close enough. This trial is over." Magatsu snapped his fingers and the armor and sword had vanished. "Thank you for your cooperation, Royalenova."
"It was an honor, sir." Royalenova flew into the clouds and disappeared from sight.
"You're final trial will test your defensive skills. You must block all three of Magatsu's clone attacks with nothing but this snow." Shirayuki explained.
"But, snow isn't strong enough to block anything. Don't I at least get to borrow something like the last two trials?"
"I'm afraid not. This must be done with your natural ability. Snow may be brittle when it has fallen onto the ground. But, when it is compacted, it can become the ultimate fortress or projectile."
This Shirayuki chick must have a screw loose if she thinks snow will stop this guy.
"Meteor Shower Jutsu!" Magatsu split into three and began to attack.
"Wait a minute! That's what she meant!" I picked up some snow and smashed it into balls. I started throwing them at the clones. It got them right in their eyes. They couldn't see, so they bumped into each other and fell.
"Unbelievable. Bested by snowballs." The two clones disappeared, leaving only the original Magatsu on the ground. I walked to him. "Go ahead, mock me. Kick me when I'm down. Most humans would relish this moment."
I held my hand out to him. "Need help up?" I asked.
"Hmph. I guess you're not like most humans." He took my hand and I helped him up.
"You pass that trial with flying colors!" Shirayuki exclaimed.
"Now comes the results." Ozzy said.
A card flew into my hand. I looked at it to find: "Fantasy Petal Storm, Shirayuki?"
"Those last two trials tested your offensive techniques. Since you failed them, Tamamo and Magatsu Storm were unable to become your new ace. But, that last trial, you realized what Shirayuki was trying to tell you and used it against Magatsu Storm's clone technique." Ozzy explained.
"My style is to slow down my opponent's in their tracks. Passing that last trial allowed you access to my ultimate move. Stealth Arts, White Out."
"So I can now use you in battle?" I asked.
"It would be an honor to have you as my vanguard." She bowed.
"It would be on honor to BE your vanguard! I won't let you down!"
"I know you won't. Here, this shall make you even more stronger." She touched my deck and it glowed. When I looked at it again, it was filled with a bunch of new cards.
"Woah! This is great! Thank you, Shirayuki!"
"Don't mention it. It's the least I could do, my vanguard..." The three vanished and we returned to the room with the lanterns.
"Well, that was quite an experience. Wouldn't you say, Abbey?" Ozzy asked.
"Ozzy...Why would you do this for me?" I asked him.
"Like I said, sometimes you have to think of things other than yourself. Now, why don't we try that new deck of yours out."
"Really? I would like to fight you first!"
"Of course. Let's get started." We went back into the living room and sat at the coffee table. We both got our starters and hands set. My hand had Stealth Beast, Midnight Panther, Shirayuki, Fox user, Izuna, Demon Summoning Ninja, Jiraiya, and White Mane.
Ozzy shouted: "Stand Up, My Vanguard! Stealth Dragon, Magatsu Wind!"
"Stand Up, The Vanguard! Stealth Beast, Evil Ferret!"
I'll skip to Ozzy's third turn. He had 2 cards in his hand. He was at 4 damage with only one flipped. His Vanguard was Magatsu Gale. He had no rear-guard in the front row. But had Shijimamaru, Million Rat, and Magatsu Breath in the back row from left to right. I had 3 cards in my hand and I was at 4 damage with 2 of them facedown.. I had Shirayuki as my vanguard with two Stealth Beast, Gigantoad in my front row. My back row had Midnight Panther behind my vanguard.
"Blow all of my enemies into a tempest of despair! I Ride Covert Demonic Dragon, Magatsu Storm! With Magatsu Gale's skill, when Magatsu Breath is in the soul, I get to Superior Call two copies of my newly appointed vanguard, Magatsu Storm. Now, with support from Shijimamaru, my left Magatsu Storm attacks your vanguard (10000+8000)."
"I don't guard." My damage check revealed Gigantoad.
"Next will be my vanguard supported by Million Rat (11000+6000)!"
"I don't think so! Time to activate my Persona Break! I'll use Shirayuki's Counter Blast and discard a copy of her from my hand to reduce your attack's power by 20000!"
"Hmm, so now I'm at 0. Nicely done. But don't forget my Twin Drive." His first card revealed Magatsu Gale. "Now for the second check." It revealed Stealth Beast, Cat Devil. "It's a Critical. Giving all effects to my standing Magatsu Storm. Then, I'll have Magatsu Breath support Magatsu Storm for a final attack on your vanguard (15000+7000)."
"I'll have Izuna and Lantern Ghost guard that (11000+15000)!"
"Guess I'll end my turn by sending my two shadow clones to the bottom of the deck."
"Stand and Draw." The card I drew was another of my new cards. "I'll Call Stealth Fiend, Oboro Cart! With his skill, I'll perform a Counter Blast. Then, I choose another of my Murakumo rear-guard and Superior Call a copy from my deck. I'll go with Midnight Panther! With support from Oboro Cart, Gigantoad attacks your vanguard. With Gigantoad's skill, he gains 1000 Power for my other Gigantoad on the field (11000+6000)!"
"I'll guard that with Cat Devil (11000+10000)."
"I'm just getting started. With support from Midnight Panther, Shirayuki attacks (11000+7000)!"
"I'll nullify it." He placed Leaves Mirage in the guardian circle and discarded White Face Golden Fur, Tamamo for the effect.
"Twin Drive! First Check!" It revealed Bloody Mist. "Second Check!" It was Moon Edge. "I'll give all the effects to my standing Gigantoad. With Midnight Panther's support, he attacks (16000+7000)!"
"I'm afraid I don't have enough shield for that. No guard. Damage Check." The first card was Shijimamaru. And the second: "Million Rat. I lost. Ha ha."
I looked at the clock in the room. It said 3 pm. "I better head back to the shop. I got a friend waiting on me."
"On the move already? This friend of yours must be pretty impatient."
"No, I just don't like to keep people waiting. Besides, I promised to help him with his deck once he got there."
"Well, I'll be seeing you tomorrow then?"
"Oh yeah, you got a job at the store. I almost forget about that during that trip to Cray. That was awesome! You gotta show me some other places!"
"Only when you're ready. Your friends are also welcome here anytime."
"Your generosity doesn't cease does it?"
"When you get my age, you don't really care about who you're kind to. It's just a natural thing. Even I don't understand it." He laughed.
"Well, I gotta head out. See ya tomorrow, Ozzy!" I went out the door.
"Nice girl. I can see why Mason thinks so highly of her." He went to a wardrobe and opened it. A black cloak similar to Mister E's was inside. "I'm surprised she didn't try to see what was inside this wardrobe. Thank goodness for that. I'll let myself be known in due time."
Hey, guys! It's Mason again! Abbey's day sure was weird, huh? First, she becomes friends with this old guy named Osamaru. Then, she follows him to his place, finds out about the crystals on the fight gloves and goes on a trip to Cray! But what I don't get is: What was up with Osamaru having the same cloak as Mister E?! If you want the answer to these continuing mysteries, catch us in the next chapter!