Lightning In the Skies:
Sakura's overwhelmingly powerful win over Mat through the use of Prominence Glare has given Team Strike Shadow an overwhelming edge not only in win... but with the battle of minds as well. Still though all of these people may each have their own story to play, but our protagonists must take priority as they all work hard to seek greater strength for their next harsh battle. Coincidentally they happen to be doing so as Sakura's match was going on in the background.
"This new Overlord does have a lot of power, even if the circumstances aren't ideal it still has the potential to harm the enemy's formation. Still now for the matter of deciding how to make changes to my deck so I can make use of him." Tom mumbles as he scans the cards of his deck that he placed neatly on the hotel room floor.
"Why not splash in Dauntless?" Kyle asks for the sake of helping his comrade seeing as how they're all in this together.
"This isn't Dimension Police, so I can't possibly run 12 grade 3s without it horribly affecting my deck balance." Tom points out in response.
"I never said that you had to put 12 3s man. I was thinking more along the lines of a 2/3/3 ratio for the deck." Kyle said as he tries to explain what he was getting at.
"I could do that, but than I risk not being able to pull off either Overlord's skill as often... still making changes isn't something I can do without serious commitment. Enough about me... how's the changes to your deck going?" Tom asks Max as he decides to try and get his mind off the subject at hand.
"he booster set Kyle got for us doesn't have any Shadow Paladin units, and even if it did it probably wouldn't be able to make any serious improvements to the decks I have on me." Max answers as he's in the process of laying out the cards in his two decks on the hotel room bed.
"It's not that the cards from this set aren't strong or don't have any potential. It's just that I think we should save it for the world tournament if we get that far, and only use it here at this stage if it becomes absolutely necessary." Megan stated.
"Agreed." Greg followed.
"I'd personally like to see that mechanic in action, but if that's how you guys really feel than I'll just hold onto for you all until you say otherwise." Kyle said as he scratches the back of his head whilst shaking it from side to side for no real reason.
"Thanks Kyle." Tom said with much appreciation to the man sponsoring him and his team.
"You know I'm actually kind of wondering how all of the other fights slated for today are going." Megan mumbles as she's constantly taking one card in or out of her deck as if unable to make a decision either way.
"Actually now that you bring it up... I think Team Strike Shadow is fighting right now." Max points out after checking the time on his cell phone.
"May as well see what's going on with our biggest competition as of this moment." Tom thought as he reaches for the TV remote.
As the TV screen lights up Tom and his friends find Mat and Sakura's match initially proceeding in a very typical matter, but as they rode to the ace of their respective decks the difference in their abilities became as apparent as a black dot on a white piece of paper.
"Winner of the first fight, Sakura Verde!" The referee declared the second Mat's last damage check wasn't revealed to be a heal trigger.
"As expected of the several time winner of the single division. Now although Team Strike Shadow had managed to score an impressive victory... we must not forget that Team Knightly Order is not yet out of the fight leaving an upset victory still possible for them." Seyia points out to the multitude of excited fans.
"I think it's time to take a break from deck building for now, and I have a perfect idea as for what to do with all of this free time." Tom says aloud as he get's up from where he's sitting.
"Really? Well don't keep us suspense man." Max said as he was clearly curious about what Tom had in mind.
"The stadium their fighting in happens to be connected to our hotel through a bridge on one of the upper floors. What do you guys say to watching the rest of Team Strike Shadow's match? If we hurry we should be able to get there before the next fight starts fairly easily." Tom said as he revealed to his friends the idea that had formulated within his mind.
"I guess I could use a break." Megan said as she put down the cards she had in her hands.
"Ditto, and I'm curious to see who will be fighting next now that you brought it up." Max said shortly thereafter whilst stretching his arms.
"You guys go on ahead. I'll just watch from here while I clean everything up." Kyle said as he pulls out a small trash bag.
"Do you need any help Kyle? I mean I'm sure the four of us can afford a few minutes, and not miss much if we don't get there by the time the fight starts." Tom asked.
"No... it's more important for the growth of you guys to keep watching world level fighters whenever you can. I may be no hotel maid, but I can handle cleaning up a single room." Kyle said as he respectfully rebuke's Tom's offer for assistance.
"Alright..." Tom said slowly as he and his teammates decided to make sure all of their possessions were in order before leaving.
And thus the four of them left the bard of their group to clean up the mess they made at the Inn as they journey towards the Colosseum where a most grand event continues underway.
"Sorry I lost guys." Mat said as he entered his team's dugout with a defeated expression oozing out of every poor on his body.
"You shouldn't be kicking yourself over one loss man. If... no... when Alan manages to beat Isaac, then I'll beat either the angel chick or the aqua dude depending on who they send up." Jason said with a smile on his face as he pats Mat on the back.
"Alan, what are you thinking about?" Mat asked once he realized his leader wasn't paying attention to Jason's consoling pep-talk.
"It's nothing serious. Anyways don't get me wrong I know about Isaac's reputation as a near omnipotent fighter, but... I'm not scared in the least." Alan said not realizing that he was mumbling his thoughts aloud.
"Alan, what are you talking about?" Jason asked.
"Wha... oh right. Anyways don't worry about it I'll win for sure." Alan said one he realized that he had been saying his thoughts aloud.
"Good luck." Jason and Mat said to their leader.
"Like I said I'll win, so you two just go ahead and start putting together my victory party." Alan declared as he got up from his seat.
Nigitta MESSEEJI that's rising hope
Yuruganai sekai hijou na genjou tsuzuku kabe wa nanjuusou?
IMEEJI toori nanka ja nai shizuka ni sawagi dashita honnou
Meiro mitai ikitomari nanda mou shikou wa DISUTOOSHON
Youshanai ne itsunomani miushinatta RUUTO, abaredasu
pay attention! Hey what is it?
watch your step now! Joushiki nanka iranai
are you serious!? no no no, don't worry 1,2,3
Fukikaesu shinzou no RIZUMU
Shikai mada kuranderu soredemo ikanakucha
Kimi ga shinjiteru boku wo uragiru wake ni ikanai tsuyoku KURAKUSHON ga naru
Kodoku na mama toki ga tattatte nigeru koto oboetatte
Atarashii kyou ga kichau kedo
Kono negai tatoe mahou ga nakutatte kanaenakya, chikatta
Boku wa kimi to mada mitai mirai arunda yo
Nakisou demo kuyashikute mo tomatte irarenai
Nigitta MESSEEJI that's rising hope
DEMO KEDO non stop de gan gan semaru hard way
where's the solution!? Uchinome sarete mo
get up! come on! and hurry up! come on!
Sonna son na jikan nara sugusama gomibako
Koukai nante chirihokori douzen saa 2 step OK shouting OK yokubari asobase
Kahi sanpi mo zenbu boku no mono tobase shinzou no ARUGORIZUMU
Hora mamoritai'n datte boku no koe ga denpa shita
Iron hanron wa yurusu kedo kono omoi wa fuyoui ni kagaku dekinai deshou?
Kiite yo tadoritsuita seikai iwanakucha
Kimi ga kureru omoi no zenbu wo shinjite ikeru
Sore ga uso ga douka nante wakaranakute mo ii
Dareka ga shimesu mihon tte nandakke futsuu no ai tte nandakke
Boku wa kyou mo boku ni toikakeru
Toikakeru tabi te ni ireru no wa kawaranai shinjitsu
"Boku wa iranai mada mitai mirai ga aru kara"
Kodoku nanka wa kiete naku natte nigeru koto iya ni natte
Atarashii kyou wo sagasunda yo
Kono negai tatoe mahou ga nakutatte kanaenakya chikatta
Boku to kimi de tsukureru mirai nara mou chikai
Boku no migite kimi no hidarite sotto tsunaide
Nigitta MESSEEJI that's rising hope
Hanasanai kara that's rising hope
Thanks to being a competitor in this year's tournament, Tom and his friends were able to enjoy a very wonderful perk before the next fight starts. That perk being that competitors have a fully catered press boxes reserved just for them. It only takes Tom and the gang a few minutes to reach said press boxes.
"Aw man... this is boring we got here way too early." Megan said disappointingly
"I wouldn't worry about it too much Megan. The second mach could be called any second, so in reality I think it's pretty good that we got here a little early instead of a little late." Tom pointed out.
"The second match, Alan Marcus vs Isaac Barrett!" The referee called out.
"See, like that." Tom said nonchalantly.
"Oh well speak of the devil." Megan mumbled.
Over with Knightly Order:
"Welp, time to go test my luck and change my destiny." Alan chuckled.
"Good luck, and be careful." Mat says to Alan in a understandably concerned tone of voice.
Alan knew that the concern his friends had for him were justified, but he still put a smile on his face simply because he knew that they needed something to believe in. He could also feel the fear that comes with fighting someone like Isaac, but he was going to put that fear aside and make sure that the belief of his friends were justified. Alan will put that fear aside and look Isaac right in the eyes.
"This is too perfect." Alan said to Isaac chuckling slightly more to ease his nerves than anything else.
"How so?" Isaac asks as he was rendered slightly curious about whatever Alan was referring too.
"It's been a while since I last fought someone with this same power, so that means I can stop holding back." Alan said as his eyes started glowing.
"Do you really think such a power in its untrained state is going to bother me? I have fought people with vastly superior mastery over that power, so simply about its possession is pointless." Isaac retorts.
With those few words the pre-fight banter was done with, and both players got to the task of setting up their field for what's to come. Soon enough after both Alan and Isaac re-drew 2 cards from their deck... they were finally ready to clash swords.
"Begin the match!" The referee stated.
"Stand up,the vanguard!" Both fighters declared.
This simple arena sight of many ground based sporting events was transformed into the open blue skies themselves. The clouds above were acting as an arena ceiling, the clouds below would be the arena floor, and all of the clouds in between would be the bleaches would be where the crowd's would watch.
"Absolver of Ferocity Stymphalia (5000)!" Alan revealed.
Alan's body morphed to that of a hawk with brown feathers, sharp talons, sharp eyes, and it wears a toga.
"Kaiser Armor Master (5000)!" Isaac revealed.
Isaac evolved into a lizard man that's 2 feet taller than the average man, with red scales, a yellow tipped tail, worn worker clothes with a black apron, and he wields a hammer that crafted many weapons.
"Oh hello... this is the first time I've seen that unit. Do any of you guys know what it does?" Greg asks as the presence of an unknown card causes him to start sitting upright in his seat.
"Don't look at me. I may be the more sociable among us in the Vanguard world, but even I've never heard of this card." Max said once Greg's gaze drifted from Tom, to Megan, and than finally to him.
"Assuming Alan doesn't somehow force the unit to retire... I guess we'll find out the effects soon enough." Megan mumbled aloud.
"Well assuming what research I've done into Isaac's fighting history is accurate... it's probably not something required to make his deck function. No... he's the type to rely only on the power of his Vanguard, and any rearguard save for perhaps the unit behind his Vanguard are irrelevant to him." Tom points out.
"Either way... as Megan said we'll just have to watch and find out." Greg retorts.
"I suppose so, but with all of those side discussions put aside I feel as though I've seen that unit somewhere before. I'd say more, but I can't seem to place just where either." Max reveals to his three friends.
"Sky Paladins... I have yet to see anyone who can use that clan as well as her. Anyone else trying is just an insult to the both of them." Sakura cursed.
"I'm sorry, but... what are you talking about?" Preston curiously asks especially since Sakura didn't seem like the type to make such a rude sounding statement without warning.
"It's nothing personal. It's just that the person I wish to surpass happens to use that clan though a different sub-type... at least that's how it was last I heard. Anyways, because of that I happen to hold high standards for others I see use it. As far as I'm concerned if you fail to meet those standards you're both an insult to the person I want to surpass... and the clan itself." Sakura boldly explained..
"You and Isaac may have more in common than I first thought." Teresa said.
"What do you mean?" Sakura curiously asks.
"Isaac feels the same way about the clan his teacher uses, but it has been a while since he last saw anyone else use it. Enough about that though... it looks like Alan is about to start off." Teresa explained.
"Speaking of which why haven't I met him?" Sakura retorts.
"It's not like he's trying to keep himself hidden from you. He just happens to be really busy." Teresa answered.
"I ride Absolver of Iridescent Wings Arke (7000), Stymphalia moves." Alan informed.
Alan's vanguard evolved into a a beautiful young woman with blue robes, and blond hair, who wields a short sword, the Hawk appeared out to the back row.
"That ends my turn." Alan decided.
Alan - Isaac
5 - hand - 5
0 - damage - 0
0 - soul - 0
0 - counterblast - 0
0 - bind - 0
Absolver of Ferocity Stymphalia, empty - empty, empty
Empty, Absolver of Iridescent Wings Arke - Kaiser Armor Master, empty
Empty, empty - empty, empty
"Draw, and ride Dusty Ampere Dragon (7000), Armor Master moves!" Isaac informed.
Isaac's vanguard evolved into a four legged yellow dragon. It has black stripes on its feathery wings, bright blue eyes as well as long elf like ears, and spikes running from its head to its tail. The lizard like blacksmith moved right behind him.
"With support from Armor Master, Ampere dragon attacks (12000)!" Isaac declared.
"I don't guard." Alan informed.
"Drive check (Brawler Plasma Kick Dragon - critical trigger) I give all the effects to my vanguard (17000, 2 critical)!" Isaac revealed.
The yellow dragon's mouth opened, a lightning blast surged from it, and the attack struck the beautiful young woman, causing her to stagger as she struggled to block the attack.
"Damage check (Absolver Beast Tamer Ersa - draw trigger) power to my vanguard (12000), and I draw, second check (Constellation Knight Absolver Maia - no trigger)." Alan revealed.
"I end my turn." Isaac stated.
Alan - Isaac
6 - hand - 6
2 - damage - 0
0 - soul - 0
0 - counterblast - 0
0 - bind - 0
Absolver of Ferocity Stymphalia, empty - empty, empty
Empty, Absolver of Iridescent Wing Arke - Dusty Ampere Dragon, Kaiser Armor Master
Empty, empty - empty, empty
"Stand and draw." Alan called out.
"Dusty Ampere Dragon...I never heard of that Narukami unit either, have you?" Megan asked.
"I heard rumors, but that's about it." Tom answered.
"Okay now that one I know about. It's basically just a grade 1 version of Dusty Plasma Dragon, so you don't really need to worry about it's skill just yet." Max said dismissively.
"I ride Merope (9000)!" Alan declared.
Alan's vanguard evolved into a tall man with short black hair, and he's wearing ancient Greek armor. This unit wields 2 swords, and has a stern expression.
"I call Skieron (6000), and Aclyone (9000)!" Alan informed.
A white tank like robot, and a red haired woman in Greek robe like armor appeared on the battlefield. The woman's red hair is slightly ling, and she wields two sickle swords.
"With support from Stymphalia, Aclyone attacks Ampere Dragon (14000)!" Alan declared.
The red haired woman ran across the battlefield, her graceful movements sent shockwaves through the air striking the yellow dragon straight in the chest.
"Damage check (Dusty Plasma Dragon - no trigger)." Isaac revealed.
"With support from Skieron, Merope attacks (15000)!" Alan declared.
"No guard." Isaac informed.
"Drive check (Shining Aureole Absolver Helios - no trigger)!" Alan revealed.
The short haired man raced through the battlefield as well, but struck the yellow dragon at the head, then kicked its stomach.
"Damage check (Eradicator, Dragon Mage - draw trigger) I draw one card." Isaac revealed.
"I end my turn." Alan informed.
Alan - Isaac
6 - hand - 7
2 - damage - 2
1 - soul - 0
0 - counterblast - 0
0 - bind - 0
Absolver of Ferocity Stymphalia, Constellation Knight Absolver Aclyone - empty, empty
Jetpack Absolver Skieron, Constellation Knight Absolver Merope - Dusty Ampere Dragon, Kaiser Armor Master
Empty, empty - empty, empty
"I stand and draw." Isaac called out in a tone that clearly indicates that he doesn't think very much of his opponent.
"That tone in his voice means he thinks I'm weak." Alan thought as he picked up on how Isaac said his last statement.
"I ride Thunderstorm Dragoon (10000)!" Isaac informed.
Issac's vanguard was enveloped in a blinding light, and from said light came a red armored warrior wielding a lance. This knight rides a pure red wyvern.
"Garuda (9000), and Arc Light Dragon (7000) to rearguard." Isaac declared.
Two arcs of light appeared on the left column... an orange snake like dragon with twin barrel guns, and a pure red dragon with swords made to look like lightning appeared on the battlefield.
"Arc Light's skill, I discard 1 G3 Narukami unit, and in turn I get to add Dragonic Kaiser Vermilion from my deck to my hand." Isaac informed.
"So what if it happens to be a reprint. Whether it be Vermilion Thunderbolt or Vermilion Catastrophe... I will end his winning streak today." Alan thought.
"Arc Light Boosts, Garuda attacks Aclyone (16000)!" Isaac declared.
The orange dragon raised its arms in the air, then charged power into said weapons.
"I don't guard." Alan responded.
Garuda's guns finished charging, then the snake blasted the red haired knight who in turn tried to defend, but was caught off guard.
"Tch, I needed her skill, but my hand along with Isaac being my opponent makes it too much of a risk to be worth it." Alan thought.
"The only destiny that await those with apathy in their hearts is defeat." Isaac asked.
"What do you mean by that?" Alan asked in turn.
"Every thought that's not relevant to this fight should be put to the side. You should be thinking about what's going on right now instead of an opponent you won't get to face." Isaac answered then asked.
"Tch he really doesn't consider me a fighter worthy of note does he?" Alan thought as he bites his tongue slightly out of annoyance.
"No I don't, and neither do I consider your friends... in Team Samurai Dragon or whatever their names are. In fact while we're on the subject there are only 2 fighters entered into this tournament that interest me, but enough about that. With Armor Master's boost, my Thunderstorm attacks your vanguard (15000)!" Isaac declared.
"I can't believe he's so blatantly making fun of us." Megan declared with extreme irritation.
"Let it go Megan he's right. It annoys me too, but our team hasn't done anything with major substance to it. Still... don't forget we're here to win and not to impress him." Tom said as though as blunt as they were even he couldn't deny the truth behind Isaac's words.
"I don't guard." Alan decided.
"Drive check (Brawler Green Gem Carbuncle - heal trigger) the power to my vanguard (20000), and I recover 1." Isaac revealed.
Thunderstorm Dragoon commanded his wyvern to take to the skies, then with a kick to the side, the wyvern opened its mouth to scream. The shriek causes the sky to be covered in clouds, then a single thunderbolt struck Merope in the head.
"Damage check (Constellation Knight Absolver Merope - no trigger)." Alan revealed.
"That ends my turn." Isaac Informed.
Alan - Isaac
6 - hand - 6
3 - damage - 1
1 - soul - 1
0 - counterblast - 0
0 - bind - 0
Absolver of Ferocity Stymphalia, empty - Demonic Dragon Berserker Garuda, Arc Light Dragon
Jetstream Absolver Skieron, Constellation Knight Absolver Merope - Thunderstorm Dragoon, Kaiser Armor Master
Empty, empty - empty, empty
"The damage score is 3 to 1, and Isaac's formation is strong." Tom commented.
"In addition, Alan only has 1 card in his drop zone, and no cards in his bind zone...he can't perform legion if there is one, and his hand doesn't give him much room to rush either." Megan added.
"Stand and draw." Alan declared.
"His best bet is to weaken Isaac, but rushing into it will force him into a desperate state he couldn't possibly afford to be in right now." Max finished.
"Absolve the world's take on truth and lies, I ride Shining Aureole Absolver Helios (11000)!" Alan declared.
An arc of light appeared around Alan's vanguard, and it became a blond haired woman in a beautiful dress. This woman holds a bow in her left hand, and a pouch is strung up on her back.
"I call Maia (7000)." Alan declared.
A raven haired woman in ancient Greek armor appeared next to the white mecha.
"I bind 4 cards from my hand." Alan informed.
"But Perseus was in his hand, why did he do that?" Greg asked.
"This is how Sky Paladin fights...he must be planning something." Tom stated.
"Polyxena (9000) to rearguard." Alan called
Another raven haired woman, but slightly more muscular appeared on the battlefield.
"Polyxena's counterblast...Kaiser Armor Master will be sent to the bind zone along with Polyxena." Alan informed.
The muscular woman raised her sword in the air and her body dissipated. Then, the lizard man behind Thunderstorm roared in agony as his body disintegrated.
"Smart play, now Isaac can't use that unit's skill to unflip damage." Max commented.
"But it doesn't matter to Isaac's strategy, and if it didn't we'd have noticed some kind of reaction." Tom retorts.
"Skieron boosts, Helios attacks...I add 2000 more power thanks to her skill, in addition, I add 3000 with Skieron's skill (22000)!" Alan declared.
"I don't guard." Isaac decided.
"Twin drive (Golden Absolver Athena - critical trigger) Maia gets 5000 power (12000), and my vanguard gets the critical (2 critical)...second check (Absolver of Iridescent Wings Arke - no trigger)." Alan revealed.
Helios raised an arrow in from the pouch, then placed it in her bow, and fired it at the wyvern riding knight. The arrow struck the beast in the leg, causing it to flail in anguish.
"Damage check (Arc Light Dragon - no trigger), second check (Dragonic Kaiser Vermilion - no trigger)." Isaac revealed.
"Stymphalia boosts, Maia attacks Garuda (17000)!" Alan declared.
"Green Gem Carbuncle will guard (20000)!" Isaac countered.
the raven haired woman raised her sword from the sheath, but an orange fox with a green gem on its forehead blocked the attack.
"I end my turn." Alan stated calmly.
Alan - Isaac
2 - hand - 5
3 - damage - 3
1 - counterblast - 0
2 - soul - 1
5 - bind - 1
Absolver of Ferocity Stymphalia, Constellation Knight Absolver Maia - Demonic Dragon Berserker Garuda, Arc Light Dragon
Jetstream Absolver Skeiron, Shining Aureole Absolver Helios - Thunderstorm Dragoon, empty
Empty, empty - empty, empty
"From that turn, Alan only has 2 cards left in his hand, how can he defend himself from Isaac's turn?" Seyia asked.
"Stand and draw." Isaac declared.
"Damn it I relied way too much on luck for that turn. I might have cost Isaac a few cards, but now I'm in a pretty bad position myself." Alan thought.
"Pulled along the wheels of fate, you prepare those who stand on the precipice of their destiny, I ride...Dragonic Kaiser Vermilion (11000)!" Isaac informed.
A thundering crash hit the knight which transformed him into a dragon similar to Dragonic Overlord. This dragon however, has heavier armor, his wings are now the shape of lightning, and his lances are sturdier than before.
"Calm down Alan he's still down two units, so barring the miraculous you'll be able to survive just fine." Alan thought.
"I call Dusty Plasma Dragon (9000), Red River Dragoon (8000), and a second Arc Light Dragon (7000)!" Isaac informed.
3 arcs of light appeared, and from them came a red version of Dusty Ampere Dragon, a wyvernless version of Thunderstorm Dragoon, and a second version of the dragon behind the snake.
"Of course." Alan thought as he mentally face-palms himself.
"Red River boosts, Dragonic Kaiser Vermilion attacks your vanguard (21000)!" Isaac declared.
"Bring it!" Alan yelled.
"Twin drive (Eradicator Yellow Gem Carbuncle - critical trigger) the power to Plasma (14000), and the critical to my vanguard (2 critical), second check (Brawler Green Gem Carbuncle - heal trigger) the power to Garuda (14000), and I recover 1." Isaac informed.
Vermilion raised its arm high in the air. Then lightning came down, and struck Helios as it did Merope.
"Damage check (Shining Aureole Absolver Helios - no trigger), second check (Skyward Absolver Sona - heal trigger) the power to my vanguard (16000), and I recover 1." Alan revealed.
"Alan has 4 damage and 2 cards in his hand...he has to defend at least 1 attack to survive." Tom thought.
"Arc Light boosts, Garuda attacks Helios (21000)!" Isaac declared.
"I don't guard." Alan informed.
The snake like dragon raised its barrel gun arms...the weapons charged power, and the snake blasted the energy at the archer. She screamed as she was struck by the energy.
"Damage check (Jetstream Absolver Skieron - no trigger)." Alan revealed.
"This is the end, Arc Light boosts, Dusty Plasma attacks (24000)!" Isaac declared.
"I guard with Athena and Arke (31000)!" Alan countered.
The dragon opened its mouth, lightning came from it, and the blast surged forth to the archer. A maiden in golden armor, and a woman in bright blue armor appeared on the battlefield, and blocked the attack.
"He over guarded he attack, but why?" Greg asked.
"If it's for the reason I think it is then it's because he needed those cards in his drop zone, however he's still taking a risk either way." Max answered.
"I end my turn." Alan informed.
Alan - Isaac
0 - hand - 4
5 - damage - 3
2 - soul - 2
5 - bind - 1
Absolver of Ferocity Stymphalia, Constellation Knight Absolver Maia - Demonic Dragon Berserker Garuda, Arc Light Dragon
Jetstream Absolver Skeiron, Shining Aureole Absolver Helios - Dragonic Kaiser Vermilion, Red River Dragoon
Empty, empty - Dusty Plasma Dragon, Arc Light Dragon
"If there was ever a time for a Vanguard fighter to top deck the card they need... it would definitely be now." Alan thought as he placed his hand on the top card of his deck.
"It's not over yet...he still has a chance." Tom thought.
Alan slowly picked the top card of his deck up, and saw it was... well if I told you here, it would spoil the surprise, so let's let Alan have this moment.
"Break down the false prophets of Destiny, and bring hope to the future...brake ride! Absolver of Destiny Grand Queen Alectrona (11000)!" Alan declared.
A strong arc of green light enveloped the archer, and she was transformed. A maiden knight in heavy armor appeared on the battlefield. Her armor is sleek silver, her hair his as grey as a sky filled with rain, and she wields 2 swords.
"Find the peace in this world that destiny could never hope to bring...seek mate!" Alan declared.
If team Samurai Dragon had drinks right now, they all would be doing spit takes.
"He had a new unit... He overburdened his defense just so he could set this up." Greg thought.
The 4 units returned to Alan's deck, then a copy of Absolver of Sins Grand King Perseus flew from the deck, and into Alan's hand.
"King that destroys sin together with the Queen that breaks Destiny, unite to forge a true future beyond even the god's imagination legion!" Alan declared.
A gray haired man appeared next to the gray haired woman, his armor is also made of steel. But, unlike his new found partner, he only wields one sword.
"Absolver of Destiny...why use such a blasphemous unit?" Isaac asked with a disgusted look.
"The break ride skill adds 10000 power, and for each other Absolver on the field, Alectrona gets an additional 1000 power (35000)." Alan informed.
"Not only that, but he can bind the top card of his deck and increase the size of his hand." Tom added.
"Stymphalia boosts, Maia attacks (12000)!" Alan declared.
"Garuda intercepts (16000)!" Isaac countered.
The muscular woman raised her sword from its sheath, but quickly lowered it as the snake like dragon went in front of Vermilion.
"Skieron boosts, now go Legion attack (44000)! Break ride skill...I bind the top card of my deck" Alan declared.
"I don't guard." Isaac informed.
"Twin drive (Golden Flash Athena - critical trigger) the power will go to Maia (12000), but the critical goes to my vanguard (2 critical)... second check (Guardian Absolver Achelois - no trigger)." Alan revealed.
The two knights raced through the battlefield, and struck Vermilion together at first. Then, the knights crisscrossed they're attacks, forcing Vermilion to his knees, as he was covered in scratches.
"Damage check (Thunderstorm Dragoon - no trigger), second check (Wyvern Guard Guld - no trigger)." Isaac revealed.
"Tch... At the start of the end phase, Alectrona's skill allows me to return all the cards sent to the bind zone to my hand." Alan explained clearly disappointed with the fact that he couldn't end the fight this turn.
Alan - Isaac
8 - hand - 4
5 - damage - 5
3 - soul - 2
0 - bind - 1
Absolver of Ferocity Stymphalia, Constellation Knight Absolver Maia - empty, Arc Light Dragon
Jetstream Absolver Skieron, Absolver of Destiny Grand Queen Alectrona/Absolver of Sins Grand King Perseus - Dragonic Kaiser Vermilion, Red River Dragoon
Empty, empty - Dusty Plasma Dragon, Arc Light Dragon
"May as well get this over with then...Final turn!" Isaac declared as he draws his next card.
"Isaac has declared final turn...could this be it for team Knightly Order?" Seyia stated.
"I have 8 cards in my hand...one of which is a perfect guard, so just what the heck on this planet makes him thing he can win right now." Alan thought as he braced himself for the coming storm.
"It's as I said earlier... to me you're not someone even worth considering." Isaac said as he stared at the card he drew.
"Then just who is?" Alan asked swallowing his anger though some of it still manages to slip through.
"That's my business, but if you really want to know I'll at least give a hint... It's someone I saw fight during this year's Vanguard Expo in Tarrant City. I must confess at first I didn't think he was anything special, however now I can say that person is so strong where I can't say with absolute confidence that I'd win even with my full power. In regards to you however... it doesn't look like that you're used to that clan." Isaac answered.
"Say you heard him... just who do you think he's talking about?" Max asks his friends out of curiosity given the seriousness of Isaac's statement.
"Didn't you go to the Expo this year? Surely you have some idea who he's talking about?" Greg retorts.
"Sure I found some nobodies who were unexpectedly strong and I saw some fights that would be better suited to take place here during the national tournament, but I have no idea who he's talking about." Max explains.
"Maybe it's someone he fought at the Expo?" Megan suggests.
"I doubt it... remember he said 'saw fight' instead of something like 'met' or 'I fought'. Still I'm just as curious as you guys as to who this person is." Tom said as his eyes were still glued to this fight.
"You're right, I originally used a Royal Paladin deck, based on a build similar to the famed card fighter, Aichi Sendou, but my growth began to stagnate as I thought I couldn't be beat with this deck...then two years ago, Team Frozen Flame came to the regional tournament, and Sora quickly beaten me...same for the year after that. Then during that last year, I saw a guy with a collection of super rare cards at my local card shop, and I had a sudden feeling about that collection, so I asked if I could take a look...the owner said of course, then told me he was giving up vanguard so he could go to college to became a defense lawyer. As soon as I touched those cards...I blacked out, but I woke up, and found a completed vanguard deck in my hand. For the past year, I was so addicted to that power, that I lost sight of my true self...so I need to win this match, so I can thank the one who brought me back from my darkness, and Alectrona is just that unit." Alan answered.
"It's certainty quite the fanciful story, but like I said... this is the final turn." Isaac stated coldly.
"Bring it!" Alan informed.
"With the chains of destiny as your guide, emerge from the world of your altered fate and descend as my embodiment of thunder! I break ride, Dragonic Kaiser Vermilion 'The Rebound' (11000)!" Isaac declared.
the Vermilion we see now was wallowed up by lightning and thunder, and his armor transformed. It was still empire heavy, but it has paladin style mixed into it, and he wields a double edge sword.
"Vermilion 'The Rebound' but destiny still can't beat its destroyer." Alan thought.
"I add 10000 power to my vanguard through the break ride skill (21000), now Seek the mate!" Isaac exclaimed.
4 cards moved from Isaac's drop zone, and back into his deck...then a copy of Dragonic Kaiser Vermilion 'The Blood' flew into Isaac's hand.
"Link your fate from the alternate reality with the dragon that lost his through death! Dragonic Kaiser Vermilion 'The Blood'! Legion!" Isaac exclaimed.
"Two legions fighting each other?" Max asked.
"The Rebound gains +1 critical." Isaac explained.
"What... how?" Alan asks clearly shocked.
"That's one of his abilities. Whenever a unit on my vanguard circle uses an Act skill he gains +1critical." Isaac explained.
"It's over." Tom said as he started leaving.
"Where are you going?" Megan asked Tom.
"There's no point in continuing to watch this fight...Alan will lose this turn despite his hand size." Tom answered.
"Dragonic Kaiser Vermilion 'The Blood' ultimate break! The Blood gains +5000 along with the ability to attack your front row, and my The Rebound gets +1 critical (39000 3 Critical)" Isaac explained.
"My combo had more power, so why is he so confident in this move?" Alan thought.
"Red River boosts...legion attack (47000)!" Isaac declared.
"I nullify it with Achelois (perfect guard)!" Alan countered.
"Twin drive (Dragonic Kaiser Vermilion 'The Blood' - no trigger), second check (Demonic Dragon Berserker Garuda - no trigger)." Isaac revealed.
The two dragons roared, and lightning rained fiercely all over the battlefield. The muscular woman took the hit, but he royal couple were saved thanks to a blond haired woman with a silver energy shield.
"The break ride skill activates allowing me to draw 2 cards since my vanguard's attack hit two of your units." Isaac explained.
"What!?" Alan asked.
"Now my vanguard's Legion Skill activates... when my opponent's front row is empty by discarding 2 cards from my hand as well as paying a counterblast cost of 2... The Blood and The Rebound stand back up with a 5000 power bonus." Isaac explained.
"What?!" Alan said out of extreme shock.
"Go, Vermilion Dual Catastrophe (44000)!" Isaac declared.
"God damn it there's no way I can block this attack." Alan thought.
"Will you guard?" Isaac asked.
"No, I won't." Alan answered.
"Twin drive (Brawler of Heavens Youzen - critical trigger) the critical to my vanguard (4 critical), the power to Dusty Plasma Dragon (14000), second check (Dusty Ampere Dragon - no trigger)." Isaac revealed.
"A 4 critical attack... I'm as good as screwed." Alan thought as he knew his defeat was without a doubt only a matter of time.
The two dragons raised their weapons, and forced thunder from them...the attack struck the royal couple, forcing them to the ground in agony.
"Damage check (Absolver of Destiny Grand Queen Alectrona - no trigger)." Alan revealed.
The top card of Alan's deck was carried by a small gust. This gust lead the card to the damage zone, and the battlefield they were on dissipated, and returned to the normal stadium that it once was.
"Winner of this match, Isaac Barrett." The referee informed.
"Strike Shadow wins with a devastating 2 nothing...I can't help but feel bad for Knightly Order though, as I am a fan of there's, but the better team won." Seyia announced.
Alan cleaned up his cards, then returned to his team's dugout. The three friends then left the dugout...but Alan stayed completely silent
"You okay?" Jason asked with concern for his older brother.
Alan still didn't say anything...his eyes however were watering.
"Oh Alan...we can always try next year." Mat stated.
Alan continued to stay silent, while he held his deck case.
"Why...the unit I picked as a thank you didn't amount to much...am I just that weak? It has to be my fault that the team lost...why do I always let them down." Alan thought as he continuously started to fall into a pit of depression.
Megan: just how much power does Isaac have?
Max: there's other things to worry about, like the second round for instance.
Megan: oh, right.
Greg: next time: Surprise, Team Underdogs Take A Bite
Tom: How did I not notice my Brother's team?
Sky Paladin:
Absolver of Destiny, Grand Queen Alectrona
Power: 11000
Race: Noble
Act: vc: legion 22000 - Absolver of Sins Grand King Perseus: this ability is active if your opponent has a grade 3 or higher vanguard (only once this unit may return 4 cards to the deck, then search for the specified unit and perform legion)
Auto: if another unit in the same column as this unit has critical count is greater than 2, this unit gets +1 critical, and (auto:cb2, when this unit's attack successfully hits an opponent's vanguard, if this unit is in legion, and there no cards in your hand at the start of the attack step, you may pay the cost, if you do, choose a number of rearguards equal to or less from the cards in your bind zone, and stand them.)
Auto: at the end of a turn that this unit attacked, return any and all cards from the bind zone to your hand.
Cont: this unit gets power +1000 for each other Absolver on the field