A/N: Some of you may have guessed this was happening from my last Author's Note but surprise! Time for another 5 chapter week. Hope you guys are ready for some semi-final action!
"Hello cardfighters from around the world!" Sachi called out to the crowd. "We're here at the Vanguard World Tournament! And boy do we have some exciting stuff planned for you here at today's semi final matches! First we have the match between Team Round Table from England, lead by the Euro League's very own William Lewis, and Japan's Team Cosmic Trio, lead by wielder of the Star Chaser clan, Aurora Fujou! After that, we have the second match, featuring another team from Japan. The winners of the Wild Card Round, Team Sightless Vision lead by Marcus Cersy! Facing them is Team Apocalypse from America lead by Allen Demacio. Allen wields the fearsome Conquest Empire clan, and he has shown he plans to dominate this tournament with them."
Cheers were heard all around with everyone excited for the first match to start. The cheers could even be heard from the halls as Team Cosmic Trio made their way to the entrance to the field. They were all determined to win, despite the overwhelming challenge in front of them.
"You guys ready?" Aurora asked.
"You better believe it." Anthony said with a grin. "Let's kick some butt."
"We're in for the biggest challenge we've faced yet." Dan mentioned. "But we're just gonna have to go out there and give it our all like usual."
Aurora nodded her head in agreement. "Yeah. And guys… thanks for staying with me all this time."
"Of course. We're a team after all." Anthony told her.
"We'll win. Not just to become champions, but also to help you find out the truth about your mother." Dan added.
"Right." Aurora nodded. "Now let's go. Team Cosmic Trio is making it to the finals no matter what!"
Back at the field, time was ticking down before the first match was scheduled to begin. Sachi spoke out to the crowd. "Alright fans around the world, are you ready to get this started?!" The response she got was a deafening cheer. "Okay then! Allow me to introduce our first team! Coming all the way from Japan, we have Team Cosmic Trio!"
As Aurora and her teammates walked out onto the field, they were greeted by a large applause. With no real tournament experience up until this point, one could think of them as the underdogs in this match. And the term couldn't be any more appropriate with who they were facing.
"Next up, we have the team lead by one of the most prominent fighters in the Euro League! Give it up for Team Round Table!"
It was made all too obvious that William's team was the crowd favorite by how much louder the cheers were as they walked out. With all of the members being strong fighters from the Euro League, one couldn't help but feel they had the advantage in experience.
"Now then, it's time for the first game to begin!" Sachi announced. "Will both teams please select their first players?"
Dan took a step forward. "Wish me luck."
"Go get 'em, Dan." Aurora said.
"You got this." Anthony added.
Dan stepped forward out onto the field. Over on the other side, he saw Thomas Ainsworth walk out to face him. Dan tightened his gloves, as he psyched himself up. 'I did my research on the team. This guy uses Gold Paladin. Unlike my deck that calls units from the soul each turn, he calls his from the deck. That means it'll be a battle of who can unleash the stronger offense.'
"I commend you on making it this far for a group with your level of experience." Thomas said. "But I'm afraid this is where your journey ends."
"Well then, I guess I'll just have to prove you wrong." Dan countered.
"Let's get this show underway!" Sachi called out. "You know what to do fighters!"
"Stand up! Vanguard!"
"Happiness Collector!"
Happiness Collector
Grade 0, Power: 5000
"Young Lion Liberator, Romanus!"
Young Lion Liberator, Romanus
Grade 0, Power: 5000
"I'm up first." Dan said. "Ride! Moonlight Melody Tamer, Betty!"
Moonlight Melody Tamer, Betty
Grade 1, Power: 7000
"Happiness Collector moves back with forerunner." Dan said. "Turn end."
[Turn 2. Hand: Dan(5), Thomas(5).]
"Stand and draw." Thomas said. "Ride! Easgal Liberator!"
Easgal Liberator
Grade 1, Power: 7000
"Romanus moves back. Then I call Liberator, Board Andalusian." Thomas said. "Andalusian attacks!"
(7000)
"Guard!" Dan called out, holding up a grade 1.
"Boosted by Romanus, Easgal Liberator will attack!"
(7000+5000=12000)
"No guard." Dan said.
"Drive check." Thomas said. "No trigger."
"Damage check, no trigger."
[Damage: Dan(1), Thomas(0).]
"That's it for my turn." Thomas said.
[Turn 3. Hand: Dan(4), Thomas(5).]
"My turn. Stand and draw." Dan said. "Ride! Flying Peryton!"
Flying Peryton
Grade 2, Power: 9000
"Next I call Face Magician, Lappin." Dan said as he called the grade 2 next to his Vanguard. "Lappin attacks!"
(9000)
"No guard." Thomas said. "Damage check, no trigger."
[Damage: Dan(1), Thomas(1).]
"Boosted by Happiness Collector, Paryton is up next!"
(9000+5000=14000)
"No guard."
"Drive check. No trigger."
"Damage check, no trigger."
[Damage: Dan(1), Thomas(2).]
'Good. I took the lead.' Dan thought to himself. "Turn end."
[Turn 4. Hand: Dan(4), Thomas(4).]
"Stand and draw." Thomas said. "I ride Ajargal Liberator!"
Ajargal Liberator
Grade 2, Power: 9000
"Next I move Andalusian back and call Taciturn Liberator, Brennius in front of it." Thomas said. "Boosted by Romanus, Ajargal Liberator attacks!"
(9000+5000=14000)
"No guard." Dan said.
"Drive check. Draw trigger. Power to Brennius and I draw one."
"Damage check, no trigger." Dan said.
[Damage: Dan(2), Thomas(2).]
"And now Brennius will attack with Andalusian's boost!"
(9000+5000+7000=21000)
"No guard." Dan said begrudgingly. "Damage check, no trigger."
[Damage: Dan(3), Thomas(2).]
"Turn end."
[Turn 5. Hand: Dan(4), Thomas(5).]
"Stand and draw." Dan said. 'He's unleashing attack after attack. And his next turn is gonna be even fiercer since he can stride. I need to get back in this.'
"The moon shines a spotlight on the stage, signaling for the show to begin! Take to the stage! Ride! Masked Phantom, Harri!"
Masked Phantom, Harri
Grade 3, Power: 11000
"Masked Phantom's skill. I look at the top 2 cards of the deck, send one to the soul, and send the other to the bottom of the deck." Dan explained. He looked at the two cards, relieved when he saw Cutie Paratrooper among them. "I send Cutie Paratrooper to the soul. Next I call Darkside Swordmaster from my hand. And now with her boost, Lappin attacks! I use Lappin's skill to soul charge. The card I sent to the soul doesn't have magia so only 2000 is added."
(9000+2000+4000=15000)
"Guard!" Thomas said, holding up a critical trigger with 10000 shield.
"Boosted by Happiness Collector, Harri attacks!" Dan declared. "I use Darkside Swordmaster's skill. Send her to the soul and add 5000 power to Harri. I also get to draw."
(11000+5000+5000=21000)
"No guard." Thomas said.
"Twin drive." Dan said. "First check, heal trigger. Power to Lappin and I recover one. Second check, stand trigger. All effects to Lappin."
Thomas widened his eyes. 'A stand trigger?!' Having another attack from Lappin was going to be annoying since it would add another card into his opponent's soul. "Damage check, no trigger."
[Damage: Dan(2), Thomas(3).]
"Lappin attacks once more! With her skill, I soul charge!" Dan declared. "The card has magia so 5000 is added."
(9000+10000+5000=24000)
"No guard." Thomas said. "Damage check, heal trigger. Power to the vanguard and I heal one."
[Damage: Dan(2), Thomas(3).]
"Turn end." Dan said.
[Turn 6. Hand: Dan(6), Thomas(5).]
'This kid's good. If it wasn't for that heal trigger, I'd be at four damage already.' Thomas thought. 'I can't afford to mess up here. I need to win for the team.'
"Righteous warrior of the azure flames! Burn down all evil in your path! Cast judgement upon your enemies! Ride! Bluish Flame Liberator, Percival Azure!"
Bluish Flame Liberator, Percival Azure
Grade 3, Power: 11000
"I'm not done. Stride Generation!" Thomas called out. "Bluish Flame True Liberator, Prominence Inferno!"
Bluish Flame True Liberator, Prominence Inferno
Grade 4, Power: 15000+
"Stride skill! I counterblast and look at the top four cards of the deck! Then I call up to 2 Liberators among them." Thomas explained. "Calling Bluish Flame Liberator, Prominence Core and Fast Chase Liberator, Josephus. They both gain 3000 power. Then with Josephus's soul blast, I draw."
'Just like that, he's got a full field.' Dan thought.
"Brennius's skill. Everytime a Liberator is called from the deck, he gains 2000 power and the ability to let me countercharge if he hits." Thomas said. "I just called 2, so that's 4000. In addition, Board Andalusian's skill will increase its own power by 7000. And Prominence Inferno's skill increases the power of my front row rear guards by 3000 whenever a Liberator is called from the deck."
"Here it is folks! The power of Thomas Ainsworth's Gold Paladins!" Sachi spoke out. "Calling units from the deck and increasing their power all at the same time! A dangerous combo to be sure!"
"Prominence Core, attack with a boost from Josephus!"
(11000+6000+7000=24000)
"Generation guard! Chainsaw Megatrick, Furnival!"
Chainsaw Megatrick, Furnival
Grade 4, Shield: 15000
"Furnival's skill. Look at the top 3 cards of the deck and add one to the soul, then send the rest to the bottom of the deck." Dan explained. "If the card added is grade 1 or higher, add 5000 to the shield."
"Well then, Romanus will boost my Vanguard for an attack next!"
(26000+5000=31000)
"No guard." Dan said.
"Triple drive. First check, no trigger. Second check, critical trigger. Power to brennius and critical to the Vanguard. Third check, no trigger."
"Damage check." Dan said. "First check, no trigger. Second check, no trigger."
[Damage: Dan(4), Thomas(3).]
"Let's see how you deal with an attack from Brennius next, with a boost from Board Andalusian!"
(9000+4000+6000+5000+7000+7000=38000)
"No guard." Dan said. "Damage check, no trigger."
[Damage: Dan(5), Thomas(3).]
"Since the attack hit, I can countercharge." Thomas explained. "Turn end."
[Turn 7. Hand: Dan(5), Thomas(8).]
"Stand and draw." Dan said as he began his turn. 'His attacks are insane. However, he doesn't seem to unleash multi attacks.' The teen looked at the board and analyzed his situation. 'He's got three damage, and eight cards in hand. I doubt I can take him out this turn. So for now, I'll have to add to my hand and defend against his next turn while trying to push him to the edge this turn.'
"Stride Generation!" Dan called out. "Melodious Megatick, Lyrica!"
Melodious Megatrick, Lyrica
Grade 4, Power: 15000+
"Stride skill! I soul blast and call Flying Peryton from the soul!" Dan said. "Then I use Happiness Collector's skill to go to the soul to allow me to draw and soul charge. Next I use Peryton's magia to soul charge and call Cutie Paratrooper behind it. Then I use Cutie's magia to soul charge, but I won't call out anything. Finally, I call Moonlight Melody Tamer, Betty from my hand behind Lappin."
'A strong formation. And he barely touched his hand.' Thomas noted.
"Peryton will attack first, with Cutie's boost!"
(9000+7000=16000)
"Guard!" Thomas said, holding up a trigger with 10000 shield.
"Lappin is up next with a boost from Betty! With Lappin's skill, I soul charge! The card has magia so 5000 is added!"
(9000+5000+7000=21000)
"No guard." Thomas said. "Damage check, no trigger."
[Damage: Dan(5), Thomas(4).]
"Melodious Megatrick, Lyrica attacks!" Dan declared. "Using Lyrica's skill. I send all my rear guards to the soul. She gains 3000 for each one, totalling 12000. Then, since four or more rear guards were sent, she gains plus one drive."
(26000+12000=38000)
"Perfect guard!" Thomas called out, holding up the sentinel.
"Quadruple drive." Dan said. "First check, critical trigger. All effects to Lyrica. Second check, Flying Peryton. It's a grade 1 or greater unit so Lyrica's skill activates. I soul blast to draw, soul charge, and call Flying Peryton from the soul. With his magia, I soul charge and call Happiness Collector behind it. Third check, stand trigger. Power to Peryton. Final check, Masked Magician, Harri. Once again, Lyrica's skill triggers. I soul charge, draw, and call Cutie Paratrooper. Then with her magia, I soul charge and call Crescent Moon Juggler. Adding 5000 power. Then I use Happiness Collector's skill to soul charge and draw by sending her to the soul. Finally I use Crescent Moon Juggler's skill. I soul charge and call Moonlight Melody Tamer, Betty behind Flying Peryton. Both she and Crescent gain 2000 power."
"Incredible!" Sachi called out to the crowd. "Dan Kisha uses a tricky combination of skills to not only call out two more full columns to attack with, but also add to his hand! This is exactly the tricky kind of plays his Pale Moon clan is known for!"
"Boosted by Cutie Paratrooper, Crescent Moon Juggler attacks." Dan said.
(9000+2000+5000+7000=23000)
"No guard." Thomas said. "Damage check, critical trigger. All effects to the Vanguard."
[Damage: Dan(5), Thomas(5).]
"Boosted by Betty, Peryton will attack!"
(9000+5000+7000=21000)
"Generation guard! True Liberator of Healing, Ellise!"
True Liberator of Healing, Ellise
Grade 4, Shield: 15000
'I could use Betty's skill to do the combo between her and Peryton. But it'll only reach 16000 power, the same as his Vanguard. And he's got plenty of hand to guard it.' Dan thought. 'I'll conserve my counterblasts for now, and finish him off next turn. With two perfect guards in my hand, I should be able to block his attacks no problem.'
"Turn end. All of my rear guards move to the soul." Dan said, leaving his field completely empty besides his Vanguard.
[Turn 8. Hand: Dan(12), Thomas(5).]
"Stand and draw." Thomas said as he began his turn. He looked over at Dan. "You've definitely proven that you've earned your place here. I'm quite impressed."
"Thank you." Dan said. "Sorry though, but flattery will get you nowhere when facing me."
"I doubt it would." Thomas agreed. "But regardless, I'm going to finish you this turn."
Dan tensed up. He had twelve cards in hand. Was his opponent really so confident in their offense for the coming turn? He was at five damage after all.
"Generation Zone release!" Thomas called out. "Flames of hope that span across centuries, gather here and lend me the power of your undying light! Stride Generation! Bluish Flame True Liberator, Prominence Inferno!"
Bluish Flame True Liberator, Prominence Inferno
Grade 4, Power: 15000+
"Stride skill! I look at the top four cards of the deck and call up to 2 Liberators among them." Thomas said. "Calling Oath Liberator, Aglovale and Physical Force Liberator, Zorron over Prominence Core and Josephus. Using Zorron's skill. When he's superior called from the deck, I can send him to the soul to look at the top 3 cards of the deck and call a Liberator." Thomas looked at the cards available to him and chose a unit. "Bluish Flame Liberator, Percival Azure. I call it where Zorron was."
'He's gonna keep superior calling to power up his units as much as possible.' Dan thought.
"Prominence Inferno's Generation Break 3! I retire Percival! Now my vanguard gains a critical, as well as 10000 power!" Thomas explained. "In addition, three Liberators have been superior called from the deck so far this turn. That means 9000 power is going to my front row rear guards, as well as another 6000 to Brennius with his own skill. In addition, Board Andalusian gains 7000 power with its skill. Next I use Romanus's skill. I retire Romanus and give a skill to my Vanguard and Aglovale. For the rest of the turn, whenever I superior call from the deck, they both gain 3000 power."
"Power up your units all you want. It won't make a difference." Dan said.
Thomas smirked. "Are you sure?"
Aurora tensed up. "I don't like this. He's got something up his sleeve."
"Calling Easgal Liberator from my hand. Then I use Prominence Inferno's skill. I flip a copy of it and retire Easgal Liberator. I then get to check the top seven cards of the deck and call Liberators up to the number of face up Liberators in the G Zone, which is currently three." Thomas took a look at the top seven cards and smirked at what he saw. "I call Zorron over Andalusian, another Andalusian behind my Vanguard, and Improve Falcon behind Aglovale. Andalusian's skill gives it another 7000, while the appearance of three units adds another 9000 to the front row rear guards, 9000 more to the Vanguard, and 15000 more to Brennius. In addition, since I called at least 2 cards with this skill, my Vanguard prevents you from guarding its attack with any cards in your hand that are grade 1 or higher."
Dan gasped as he heard this. "What?!"
"Seems you weren't expecting that." Thomas smirked. "Well then, let's see how you handle this. I use Zorron's skill. He moves to the soul and I call up to one Liberator among the top three cards. Calling Ascendant Liberator, Barbtruc. Another unit means another set of power bonuses."
'Meaning it'll be even harder to guard the Vanguard now.'
"Boosted by Liberator, Board Andalusian, Prominence Inferno attacks!"
(26000+10000+12000+7000+7000=62000)
Dan looked at his hand. No grade 1s or higher sealed off a lot of his hand. He quickly calculated the shield he had available.
'It's a long shot. But I have to try.'
"Generation guard! Kinesis Megatrick, Coulthard!"
Kinesis Megatrick, Coulthard
Grade 4, Shield: 15000
"With Coulthard's skill, 15000 is added to the shield, since I have four cards with different grades in my soul!" Dan said. "Then I guard with two Darkside Swordmasters and one Prankster Girl of Mirrorland from my hand!"
Aurora and Anthony tensed up. With Dan's shield, his Vanguard was up to 71000. Thomas would only need two triggers to break through.
"Triple drive." Thomas said. "First check, critical trigger. All effects to the Vanguard. Second check, no trigger. Final check…"
Everyone in the stadium waited with anticipation as they awaited the final drive check. If it was a trigger, there would be no saving Dan. However if it wasn't, Dan's large hand had a good chance of guarding Thomas's remaining attacks. Finally, Thomas turned the last card over.
"Critical trigger. All effects to the Vanguard."
Prominence Inferno's flames burned through Dan's guardians. The azure flames engulfed him and his field as the final card fell into his damage zone.
[Damage: Dan(6), Thomas(5).]
"The winner of round one is Thomas Ainsworth of Team Round Table!" Sachi declared.
Cheers filled the crowd as Thomas and Dan both left the field and walked back over to their respective teams. Dan sighed as he walked up to his teammates. "Sorry guys. I lost."
"Don't worry about it. You did your best, man." Anthony said as he walked past his teammate, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Just leave the rest to me and Aurora."
"Be careful Anthony." Aurora told him. "You know how strong Elizabeth is."
Anthony nodded his head. He had seen first hand. Elizabeth Scarlet was a very strong opponent. "I know. But I'll win anyway."
Anthony walked out onto the field. Sachi spoke out to the crowd. "With Team Round Table one win ahead, we move onto the second game. Anthony Ferges versus Elizabeth Scarlet. Anthony Ferges has shown to be the explosive firecracker of Team Cosmic Trio, unleashing devastating plays with the Narukami clan. Elizabeth Scarlet is no pushover either, as she's been known to have some powerful plays of her own. How will this fight unfold?"
Elizabeth placed her deck on the terminal, ready to fight. "Sorry kid, but you're going to have to lose here. As a member of the Scarlet family, I cannot embarrass myself with a loss here."
"Is that so?" Anthony asked as he did the same. "Hate to break it to you, but there's no chance I'm losing this fight."
Elizabeth: Your team has done quite well so far. But now you're facing a wall that's too tall for you to climb. I will leave you defeated on this battlefield.
Anthony: You wish. I'm not about to roll over that easily. I think it's time to show you what happens when you mess with lightning.
Dan: What do you think Aurora? Think he can pull this off?
Aurora: I know he can. We just have to believe.
Anthony: Heh, just watch me. I'm gonna blow her away!
Next time: Dragons of Thunder of Shadow