A/N: Yo readers, what's up. Here's another chapter of Bonds Beyond the Cosmos. Get ready for a some of the new stuff from another character.

Also the lore chapter will be up in a couple of days. Keep a lookout for that if your interested.

The city streets in America were far different than what Allen had seen in Rome. They were far more crowded, and busy. It didn't bother him much though. He drowned out the noise around him, wallowing in self pity.

A large monitor could be seen next to the street Allen was on. It was the news showing a Vanguard comercial. He could hear bit and pieces of gossip going around from the people watching it.

"The Vanguard World Tournament was a month ago, but it's still all over the news."

"Yeah. There were so many awesome players there!"

"Remember the finals? That Aurora Fujou was so cool!"

"Whatever happened to her opponent? Allen… something or other?"

"Who cares? It's obvious Star Chaser was better."

Allen turned a corner, walking into an alleyway. He growled in frustration as he slammed his fist against a building.

"Damnit!" he shouted. "It's the same… I've turned into the same loser I was before."

He still remembered that fateful day. When he had mysteriously gotten the Conquest Empire deck. He had been told by a voice all the secrets about Vanguard. About Cray's existence. And Conquest Empire's superiority over them. And then it asked him the easiest to answer question of his life.

"You want power don't you?"

Power. It was what Allen craved. It was what he deserved. He had been treated like garbage for so long. Finally, he had the power to crush everyone that had mocked him. He would be the one on top, pushing all others into the dirt where he belonged. It was all so easy with the power of Conquest Empire in his grasp.

All he had to do was obey Conquest Empire's orders. It was so simple. Yet it had all been taken away in an instant from him. By the girl that had been the primary target of Conquest Empire. The one wielding Star Chaser.

"Damn you… Aurora Fujou…" Allen growled. "I'll make you pay one day. I swear it. You'll pay for humiliating me back then."

"Oh will you now, Allen Demacio?"

'What?' Allen widened his eyes as he looked around where he was standing. He saw no one looking at him, let alone talking to him. 'Did I… imagine that?'

"You haven't forgotten my voice after such a short amount of time, have you?"

The realization hit Allen as his surroundings suddenly changed. Before he knew it, he was standing in front of a massive spaceship. Its appearance almost resembled that of a fortress. Allen recalled this very same thing happening to him once before. The day he had received the Conquest Empire deck.

"This is…"

"It's been quite some time, Allen Demacio."

Allen looked towards the entrance to the ship as a figure walked towards him. It was a woman with pinkish-violet skin and long black hair. She wore a hood, which cast a shadow that covered her eyes from view.

"Do you remember me, Allen?"

"You're… Lilith…" Allen recalled.

"Very good." she said as she came close to Allen. She reached out and touched him. It felt so cold on his skin. "I must say, I was quite disappointed in you. Failing to defeat the Vanguard of Star Chaser."

"I can defeat her! I promise! Just give me another chance!" Allen told her. "Please! Just give me another chance to defeat her! I'll crush her!"

Lilith let out a giggle. "As it stands, we no longer need Aurora Fujou defeated. We've taken care of that ourselves."

"What?" Allen gasped. "Then why are you-"

"There is another task that Conquest Empire could use your help with, however." Lilith told him. "We've dealt with Aurora Fujou, but the Tatsunagi girl from your world is persistent. She plans on sending her reinforcements. Her teammates from the World Tournament to be precise."

"Those two that were always hanging around Aurora Fujou?"

"That's right. We need them dealt with. Crush their hope. Make them unable to stand up against us ever again." Lilith told him.

"And… you'll let me have that power again?"

"Of course. You'll be the Vanguard of Conquest Empire. Our link to Earth." Lilith told him. "Destroy those two, and your previous failure will be forgiven."

"I'll do it." Allen said. "Defeating them will be a simple task."

"I should hope so." Lilith said. "And keep in mind, my emperor does not tolerate those that fail the empire for a second time. I am the same."

Allen swallowed hard at those words. He had never seen Lilith in battle, but he could tell just by standing in her presence that she was dangerous. "Just leave it to me."

"Good." Lilith said. "I'm counting on you, Allen Demacio."

With a snap of her fingers, Allen once again found himself back on Earth. He breathed deeply, his mind coming back to reality. As his senses slowly returned, he felt something in his hand. He looked down and saw a deck case. Taking out the cards inside, Allen recognized it as his Conquest Empire deck.

'I will not be humiliated again.' Allen thought to himself. 'Aurora Fujou's teammates… They will be crushed under the weight of my power.' He walked out of the alleyway and walked through the city streets. 'Time to take a little trip to Japan.'


Anthony sat in the kitchen of his house. Tomorrow was the day he and Dan were supposed to meet at the Tatsunagi headquarters. The day they would be off to Cray to go and save Aurora. And of course there was one small thing they had to take care of before they left.

Explaining the situation to their parents.

Doing so would be anything but easy though. Their parents weren't even aware of the fact that Cray existed. Add onto the fact that they were going there to fight an intergalactic empire and end a war didn't exactly help the situation.

Dan and Anthony had agreed to try and get their parents to go to the shop and explain things as a whole to them together. Ryuji would also be able to confirm the story if they went there. But the question was, would they be able to convince their parents that they weren't crazy. And more importantly, would they be able to convince them to allow them to go.

If it was his aunt and uncle, it would probably be much easier. They at least understood how important Vanguard was to Anthony. But with his parents, they were never fans of the game to begin with. Which made chances all the slimmer.

'Guess I better get it over with.' Anthony thought. "Hey mom! Dad! Can I talk with you guys for a sec?"

Both parents looked up from the tv to their son. He had an unusually uneasy expression on his face which made them curious, if not concerned. "What is it, Antonio?"

"It… well it has to do with Vanguard." He could see their faces relax into a sighing motion but he pressed on. "I know you want me to give it up but this is something important that needs to be talked about."

"Antonio, you know we only want what's best for you." Helena eased into the conversation. "I know this game is something you love but studies are going to only become more important."

"I know but… Look, I just need you both to come with me to Card Galaxy. I've got something important to tell you with the owner."

His father's look hardened at the implications of the statement. "Antonio, you didn't get into any trouble did you?"

'Well it is trouble. Just not the kind you're probably thinking of.' Anthony thought before shaking his head. "No, but it's something that easier to explain with him around. Come on, can't you do it for me just this once?"

Both the mother and father looked to each other for a few moments. Their son hardly ever directly asked for anything important from them. They could only assume that the manager wanted to talk about the benefits of Vanguard or something along those lines. While they were set on what sort of future they wanted for their son, they at least owed what time they had here to listen to him. "Okay, we'll go. But afterwards we really do need to have a talk about the future of this hobby."

Knowing that this was the best he was going to get, Anthony didn't push the issue anything further. He thanked them both as they got their shoes on, ready to head out to the shop. The teen quickly went upstairs to his room and grabbed his deck. Giving a quick stare to his Dragonic Vanquisher.

'Hang in there for the both of us, buddy. I'll be on the way to help soon enough.'


Once Anthony arrived at the shop, he saw Dan was already there with his mom. With all of them there, now was the time for the moment of truth.

"Is this one of your friends, Antonio?" Helena asked.

Dan answered with a nod of his head. "I'm Antho… Antonio's teammate. Dan Kisha."

"Nice to meet you. I hope my son hasn't been too much trouble." his mother said.

'His personality could use a bit of work at times.' Dan silently thought, but he kept that to himself as he shook his head. "Not at all. He's a great guy."

"Now that we're all here…" Dan's mother said, cutting in. "Do you two boys mind explaining why you asked us to come here?"

"I was wondering that myself." Anthony's father said.

Dan and Anthony looked at each other. Dan rubbed the back of his head. "You should probably sit down. It's a bit of a long explanation."

Time passed as Dan and Anthony explained the situation to their parents. As they expected, it wasn't easy considering it sounded almost as far-fetched to them as it probably did to their parents. At multiple points in the story, their parents understandably wondered if they were making this whole thing up. But the confirmation from Ryuji showed them that they were serious. As for whether they would believe it, that was another story entirely.

"-And that about sums it up." Dan finished.

Dan's mother and Anthony's parents looked at each other, both equally perplexed by the story their children had told them. Dan's mother was the first to speak.

"Dan… do you really expect us to believe this story of yours?"

"To be honest, no." Dan admitted. "We barely believe it ourselves. But nonetheless, it's the truth."

"This is absurd." Anthony's mother said with a shake of her head. "I never would have thought Vanguard would twist your mind this much, Antonio."

"Mom, we're telling the truth. We-"

"Enough. It's clear to us that this Vanguard nonsense is hurting you more than we thought. I'm afraid I have to put my foot down this time. You can't waste your life playing this make believe game anymore."

"Will you listen to me?! Look, I know this is a crazy story, but it's the truth! Aurora is in danger and we have to-"

"Oh my, am I interrupting?"

The sudden voice caused all heads to turn to the front door of the store. Dan, Anthony, and Ryuji all widened their eyes in shock at who they saw.

Standing at the door to Card Galaxy was Allen Demacio. The leader of Team Apocalypse.

"Allen Demacio…" Dan gasped. He glared at the teen. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"I was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by." Allen shrugged. "And come visit the team that stopped me from claiming my title as the strongest cardfighter on Earth."

"What's the matter? Aurora kicking your butt once wasn't enough for you?" Anthony asked.

Allen glared at Anthony. "Your leader merely got lucky in our fight, nothing else. And regardless, I already know she isn't here."

"Then what are you here for?"

"Simple." Allen said as he pulled out his deck and held it out. "I'm going to crush the both of you personally. In the name of Conquest Empire."

Both teens tensed up as they heard this. "So you're still acting as Conquest Empire's lapdog?" Dan asked.

"What's so wrong about being on the winning side?" Allen said. "With the power of Conquest Empire, I'm invincible. And I'll prove it by crushing anyone who gets in my way. And you two are at the top of that list."

Dan reached for his deck. "Bring it on you-"

"Hold on, Dan." Anthony said, stepping forward. "I'll handle this."

Dan glanced at his teammate. "You sure?"

"Yeah. This guy's asking to get his butt kicked. And I'm just the guy to do it."

Helena got up from her seat. "Now hold on Antonio. We are still-"

"Mom, stand back." Anthony said. The seriousness in his voice surprised her. "Just let me take care of this first."

Dan motioned for everyone to stand to the side. "We should probably move."

Allen let out a chuckle as his eyes flashed. In an instant, the surroundings of the card shop became distorted. They turned into the scenery Dan and Anthony were familiar with. The castle area that Allen always used with his mysterious power.

'In other words, the damage of this fight is going to be real.' Dan thought. 'Be careful Anthony.'

"Wh-What is this?!" Dan's mother asked. "What happened? Where are we?"

"It's a temporary field for this fight." Dan explained. "And it has a few… unique properties."

"What kind of properties?" Helena asked.

Dan hesitated about answering that question. "Just watch for now."

A thin sheet of light appeared in front of both Anthony and Allen. The leader of Team Apocalypse placed his deck on the sheet in front of him. "You ready? Once I'm done with you, your friend over there is next."

"Heh, don't make me laugh." Anthony told him, placing his deck down as well. "You wouldn't even be able to beat Dan. And if you can't beat him, there's no way you'd beat me."

"Hey!" Dan called out.

"Just sit back and watch. I'll send this guy packing." Anthony assured his friend.

"Stand up! Vanguard!"

"Thunderwarning Dracokid!"

Thunderwarning Dracokid

Grade 0, Power: 5000

"Imperial Scout, Riley!"

Imperial Scout, Riley

Grade 0, Power: 5000

Dan looked at the new unit that materialized on the field against Allen. It was a blue colored dracokid with bright red armor and a tattered brown capes fluttering in the wind. In his hands was a handle of a large sword in the shape of a dragon's head with a large pillar of lightning forming the blade.

"I'll start this off." Allen declared as he drew for his turn. "I ride Supply Soldier, Collin!"

Supply Soldier, Collin

Grade 1, Power: 7000

"Riley moves back with forerunner. Turn end."

[Turn 2. Hand: Anthony (5), Allen (5).]

Anthony quickly drew his opening card and looked to his hand. He glanced over the new units that he added in during Aurora's absence. He wanted her to be the first real tough opponent he wanted to test them on. It almost made him sick that he had to waste their debut against Allen of all people. "I ride Thunder Pillar Dragon!"

Thunder Pillar Dragon

Grade 1, Power: 7000

The unit that materialized was a medium sized dragon that had multicolored scales of red, yellow and blue and glowing wings made of plasma. The dragon wore a striking vermillion armor that covered his chest and a helmet that protected his face.

"Thunderwarning moves back with forerunner. And with it's boost I attack the vanguard!"

(7000+5000=12000)

"No guard."

"Drive check, no trigger."

Allen grunted a bit as he performed his damage check. The pain grazing him in an annoying fashion.

[Damage: Anthony (0), Allen (1).]

"I end my turn."

[Turn 3. Anthony (6), Allen (5).]

"I draw!" Allen grabbed two cards out of his hand and tossed the first one onto his vanguard. "I ride Emergency Rescuer, Klinger!"

Emergency Rescuer, Klinger

Grade 2, Power: 9000

He threw down the other unit to the right column of the vanguard. "I then call Destruction Gunman, Barbados! Barbados attacks the vanguard!"

(9000)

"Guard!" Anthony threw down a grade 1 to block the attack.

"With a boost from Riley, Klinger attacks the vanguard!"

(7000+5000=12000)

"No guard."

Allen smirked as he performed his drive check. "Critical trigger! All effects to my vanguard!"

"Damage check. First, no trigger." Anthony flinched at the pain from the first damage check. "Second… no trigger…"

[Damage: Anthony (2), Allen (1).]

Anthony gasped out in pain, making Allen all the more smug at the sight. "Look at how pathetic you are to a little pain. I'll let you off easy with that but trust me when I say the worst has yet to come."

[Turn 4. Hand: Anthony (5), Allen (5).]

Helena widened her eyes when she saw her pain. "What's going on? Is he hurt?"

"That's the effect of fighting in this field." Dan said with a serious expression. "The damage players take is felt by the cardfighter."

"What?!" Both of Anthony's parents widened their eyes as they looked at their son. Helena was about to rush to her son's side, but Dan blocked her path. "What are you doing?! He's hurt!"

"I get how you feel, but you need to stay back." Dan said. "Anthony knew what he was getting into. He can handle this."

"But-!"

"Mom, it's fine." Both his parents looked to see their son stand tall and give them a thumbs up. His usual smirk adorning his face. "You guys don't have to worry. This loser won't be able to dish out anything I can't handle."

That remark ticked off the American player as he let a snarl loose. "You think I'm gonna let you get away with that remark!?"

Anthony gave a cold look to his opponent and scoffed at his threat. "Please, trash like you isn't worth getting mad over. You're nowhere near as scary as some of the people I know in my life." Aurora in particular came to mind with a few others peppered in the back. "So I should end this quick so I don't have to look at you anymore. I ride Wyvern Thunderstrike, Bargs!"

Wyvern Thunderstrike, Bargs

Grade 2, Power: 9000

The unit that rode of the vanguard was a large wyvern that dwarfed the size of Allen's units. Its blend of orange scales with dark red armor made the figure look imposing and threatening. Especially with the armored spines trailing on its back and its red eyes surrounded by purple lightning.

"I then call another to the side! Now boosted by Dracokid, I attack Barbados!"

(9000+5000=14000)

'Attacking his other units on field so that Allen has less to work with. Smart move, Anthony.' Dan was glad to see his friend had taken the playstyle of Conquest Empire into play as he performed his turn. Using that head of his would for sure be helpful in the long run.

"Tch! I guard!" Allen threw down a trigger to block the attack.

"Drive check, no trigger." Anthony turned his other unit on it's side for the next attack. "My rear guard Bargs attacks the vanguard! With his skill, so long as I have a vanguard with the thunderstrike ability, he gains 1000 power and Resist!"

(9000+1000=10000)

"No guard!"

[Damage: Anthony (2), Allen (2).]

"Turn end."

[Turn 5. Hand: Anthony (5), Allen (4).]

"Stand and draw!" Everyone could see one card in particular of Allen's glowing with a soft dark aura. A dreadful feeling of malice emanating from it. Both Dan and Anthony knew what was coming as he lifted the card from his hand. "Time to show you how weak you really are! Fearsome warrior! Draw your blade and lead my forces to victory! Destroy your foes until there is nothing left! I ride General of the Conquest Sword, Alexander!"

General of the Conquest Sword, Alexander

Grade 3, Power: 11000

"I then call Wise Mage, Tibarn and have it Conquer your left hand column!" Allen moved the unit to the open rear guard on the side, invading his own space of units.

While Anthony didn't show an expressions at the action, his father stepped forward and shook his head. "You have to be cheating! There's no way such an action is allowed!"

Allen laughed at the outburst from the older man. "Is he just stupid or does he know nothing about Vanguard? I would almost be surprised but considering you're their son, idiocy must run in the family."

The father made motion for another outburst but his son beat him to it in a surprising manner. His fist slammed down hard at the table of light which shook Allen slightly along with the scary look from his opponent. "You shut your worthless, garbage mouth now. Don't you dare look down on my parents because they don't know much about Vanguard!"

Brushing off the statement, Allen scoffed and continued on with his turn and Ryuji eased the father back down. "Please, believe in your son. He can do this."

"Tibarn attacks the vanguard!"

(9000)

"Guard!"

"Boosted by Riley, Alexander comes in at the vanguard!"

(11000+5000=16000)

Anthony looked to his hand and knew that he had to conserve resources for the coming turn. "No guard."

"Twin drive check! First, no trigger. Second, no trigger."

"Damage check. Draw trigger! Power to the vanguard and I draw a card!"

[Damage: Anthony (3), Allen (2).]

The pain from the attack was lessened slightly by the fact that the trigger halted his final rear guard from attack either units. Meaning that Allen's turn was pretty much over. "Grr… I end my turn."

[Turn 6. Hand: Anthony (5), Allen (5).]

"Stand and draw!" Anthony knew that this was the point to start turning things around on Allen or else he wouldn't be able to recover. Looking to his hand, he saw his favorite unit right in the middle of his hand. 'Vanquisher. You've been with me ever since I started playing this game. You've never lead me wrong and I know you won't now. Let's show this jerk what we're truly made of!'

"The skies clear way for the dragon who rules them! Descend like a lightning bolt and crash into your foes! I ride, Dragonic Vanquisher "GALVANIZE"!"

Dragonic Vanquisher "GALVANIZE"

Grade 3, Power: 11000

Vanquisher flew down from the skies with not only a new look but a new weapon to boot. The mane of hair was a majestic royal purple with his black armor having a blue trim that was the same color as his horns. The pauldrons on his armor were more spiked and bulky to show intimidation and his wings and tail glowed with a light hum of electricity. In his hands was a large battleaxe whose blades were made from the same purple lightning that he wielded.

'Anthony's new Vanquisher.' Dan thought as he looked at the dragon's new form.

"Now Stride Generation! Conquering Supreme Dragon, Dragonic Vanquisher "VBUSTER"!"

Conquering Supreme Dragon, Dragonic Vanquisher "VBUSTER"

Grade 4, Power: 15000+

"Stride skill!" Anthony paid a counter blast and pointed to the invading unit on his field. "I retire and bind Tibarn and bind a card from your drop zone. If a card was bound from both field and drop zone, I get to draw a card and give one of my units with thunderstrike 3000 power. I'll give that power to Bargs!" Anthony looked to his hand and picked two units to call. "I call Dragon Dancer, Fatine and a Circular Blade of Strong Lightning, Grizel. Fatine's thunderstrike 2, soul blast to draw a card. Then "VBUSTER"'s skill! I bind your Riley and give my front row 3000 power since I have more units than you till the end of the turn!"

Just like that, a tempo swing went into Anthony's favor. He got out the unit out of his side of the field and powered up his own. He was going to show him the power of Narukami. "Bargs attacks Barbados!"

(9000+1000+3000=13000)

"No guard." Allen couldn't afford to lose more hand defending units on field. Although he couldn't help but feel a bit of annoyance seeing Anthony's smile at his action. "What!?"

"Skill of Thunderwarning Dracokid! Once per turn, whenever a unit on your side of the field is put into the drop zone, that unit is bound instead!"

Allen grunted as he put the grade 2 in the bind zone. Already at four cards in there and that wasn't going to be good in the long run.

"Boosted by Thunderwarning, "VBUSTER" attacks the vanguard!"

(26000+5000+3000=34000)

"No guard!"

"Triple drive check! First check, critical trigger! Power to Grizel and critical to my vanguard! Second check, nothing. Third check, nothing."

A rain of lighting slammed down on Alexander, taking the damage just as the same as his avatar. Allen shook wobbly on his knees as he performed his damage checks. "F-First check, stand trigger. Power to the vanguard. Second check, no trigger…"

[Damage: Anthony (3), Allen (4).]

'Pushing him to the edge. I just gotta keep up this pressure.' Anthony thought as he went with his next attack. "Grizel! Smash his face in with Fatine's boost!"

(9000+6000+3000+5000=23000)

"Generation guard! Imperial Guardian, Nerokius!"

Imperial Guardian Nerokius

Grade 4, Shield: 15000

Having no rear guards to help with the skill wasn't really that much of a problem. Given that the base shield of the guardian plus the trigger he got was more than enough to defend against it.

"I end my turn. "GALVANIZE"'s thunderstrike 4! At the end of the turn, you take one card from your drop and bind it, and I get to counter charge or soul charge. I'll soul charge and since it's the end of my turn, I get to draw a card."

[Turn 7. Hand: Anthony (7), Allen (4).]

The American stood his vanguard to start his turn. Right now things weren't looking good with his board being bound and his field empty. Being pushed into this situation by one of that wretched Aurora's besties made it all the more infuriating to him.

"Oh? What's this Allen? Having trouble again?"

He shuddered hearing the chilling voice in the back of his head. Lilith was observing the situation like it was some sort of amusing show. 'Just shut up and let me fight!' He yelled in his mind against the whispers. 'I'll make an example of this idiot right now!'

"Now you're going to know how weak you are! Stride Generation! Overwhelming Conquest Marshal, Darius!"

Overwhelming Conquest Marshall, Darius

Grade 4, Power: 15000+

"Stride skill of Alexander! I choose your Grizel to lose 5000 power until the end of the next turn and give Darius 5000 power!" He looked to his hand and knew that he had to push hard. Luckily for him he had just the units to make that push. "Prepare for pain the likes you've never experienced!"

"Big talk for a Conquest Empire jobber." He taunted right back.

Allen ignored the jab and threw down his entire hand to the field. "I call Wise Mage, Tibarn. Supply Soldier, Collin. Enslaved Dragon of the Berserk Flames and Drill Sergeant of the Imperial Army! Activating the skill of Drill Sergeant, I place him on the top of my deck to give my vanguard a skill. Now Tibarn and Enslave, conquer!"

Enslaved Dragon pushed back Bargs into the back row and Grizel was force retired due to being weaker than Tibarn. Anthony knew that he had to watch out for these attack with how powerful Darius is.

"Skills activated! With the skill obtained from Drill Sergeant, every time I conquer I get to draw a card." Allen drew two cards from his unit's successful invasion. "Then Collin's skill to draw another card. Tibarn's skill, I draw two cards and discard one when he successfully conquers!" The four cards he lost were replenished in a skillful display. But he knew that he had to push even further to get where he wanted to crush Anthony. "Now I call Emergency Rescuer, Klinger! Time to wipe that pathetic smirk from your face right in front of all those who care about you!"

'Here he comes.' Anthony thought.

"First with Collin's boost, Klinger attacks the vanguard!"

(9000+7000=16000)

"No guard. Damage check, no trigger."

[Damage: Anthony (4), Allen (4).]

"Now Tibarn will attack Fatine!"

(9000)

Given that Fatine had done her job already, Anthony was more than willing to let her go. "No guard."

Anthony had only two units remaining on the field but his opponent wasn't about to waste more attacks on anything that wasn't the vanguard. "Enslaved Dragon of the Berserk Flames attacks the vanguard! With his skill, since he's conquering he loses restraint and gains 10000 attack!

(11000+10000=21000)

"No guard! Damage check, heal trigger! I recover one and give the power to the vanguard!"

While the trigger was annoying, it really didn't matter in the end with what was to come next. "Darius attacks the vanguard! Darius's skill restands both Tibarn and Enslaved Dragon, giving them 5000 power each until the end of the turn!"

(26000+5000=31000)

It was too much of a risk to let that attack hit. Anthony quickly threw down a perfect guard to stop it. "Think again!"

"Triple drive check! First check, no trigger. Second check, critical trigger! All effects go to Enslaved Dragon! Third check, critical trigger! All effects to Tibarn!"

"Grr… With Anatasia's thunderstrike 4, I get to draw a card when she's retired from the guardian circle."

"Tibarn, go and break him now!"

(9000+5000+5000=19000)

Anthony took a grade 1 from his hand and threw it down to block the attempt. "Guard!"

"Now incinerate him, Enslaved Dragon of the Berserk Flames!"

(11000+10000+5000+5000=31000)

"Generation guard! Supreme Sky Guardian, Bulwark Dragon!"

Supreme Sky Guardian, Bulwark Dragon

Grade 4, Shield: 15000

"Thunderstrike 3 of Bulwark, I gain 10000 shield for the battle. In addition for every four cards in your bind zone, I retire a unit at rest in your front row." Anthony pointed to the only unit in Allen's front row. "I'll retire Klinger and with the skill of Thunderwarning, he gets bound as well!"

"Tch… I end my turn. Put Collin into soul to counter charge."

""GALVANIZE"'s thunderstrike! Bind a card from your drop zone and I soul charge!"

Getting another card into bind zone was beyond annoying but there was little Allen could do about the matter. He had to settle for what he could do next turn.

[Turn 7. Hand: Anthony (4), Allen (6).]

"Stand and draw!" Anthony looked to his hand and field knowing that the situation wasn't good. 'If I don't close this out here, then he might use Tiemot next turn, or even Cyrus. I have to push as hard as I can.' He looked back to Dan, Ryuji and the parents who were watching the fight. He knew that he couldn't let them down now. "Stride Generation! Conquest Dragon of Immolation, Baal-Hadad!"

Conquest Dragon of Immolation, Baal-Hadad

Grade 4, Power: 15000

"Stride skill, I retire Enslaved Dragon and bind him along with another card in your drop zone." With the unit no longer occupying space, he pushed Bargs up and called his final copy of Bargs to the back row column where Tibarn was. "Skill of Bargs, since I have a vanguard with the thunderstrike skill, he gains 1000 power and Resist. Pushing Tibarn back onto your side of the field with 0 power." With his field freed of the units invading, Anthony activated Baal-Hadad's skill. "Now you bind cards equal to the number of my G zone plus one from your field and drop. But you only have three cards so bind those now! Since a card was bound from the drop, I draw a card and since a card from field was bound my front row gains 5000 power until the end of the turn."

Allen looked to his field, seeing that his drop zone was empty and his units gone. All that was there was his vanguard staring down the threatening aura of the dragons in front of him. 'This… This can't be happening…'

"Then Baal-Hadad's Generation Break 4, I choose three units in my front row and give them 3000 power everytime a card is bound. For a total of 9000 power! In addition to that, I call Thunder Pillar Dragon, Smash Boxer Dragon and Mighty Bolt Dragoon to the back row."

"See this? This is Anthony's strength." Dan said to his teammate's parents. "No matter how tough of a situation he's in, he'll keep fighting as hard as he can."

Helena could barely believe it. Her son was probably feeling a lot of pain right now from this cardfight. But even still, he stood tall and kept fighting.

'When did you get so strong, Antonio? Is this… because of Vanguard?' she thought. She called out to her son. "Go Antonio! You can do it!"

"Beat this guy!" his father chimed in.

Anthony had to keep himself from double taking from the encouragement he rarely heard. But having their support was more than enough to give him a smile. "Well, looks like I can't lose here. Nothing personal, but I'm not gonna waste anymore time on a loser like you! Skill of both Bargs!" He paid a counter blast each for them. "Thunderstrike 4, he would normally gain the ability to attack another unit when attacking the vanguard, but since you have no extra units it doesn't matter. What does matter is that he gains 2000 power for every card in your bind zone! Since the thunderstrike is 10, that means 20000 to these two. Now let's go, boosted by Smash Boxer, Bargs attacks the vanguard!

(9000+1000+5000+9000+20000+7000=51000)

There was no way he could guard that attack without sacrificing a chunk on his hand. He had one more damage to take even if it would hurt. "No guard. Damage check… Ugh! No trigger." Allen buckled slightly from the pain of the attack.

[Damage: Anthony (4), Allen (5).]

"Baal-Hadad, attack the vanguard with Mighty Bolt's boost!"

(26000+7000+5000+9000=47000)

"Perfect guard!"

"Triple drive! First check, no trigger. Second check, no trigger. Final check, stand trigger! All effects to Wyvern Thunderstrike, Bargs!"

Allen looked to his hand size, he didn't have enough to guard both attacks. "No… Not again… I don't want to lose again! I don't want to go back to being a weak loser!"

"You just don't get it." Anthony told him. "You made a deal with Conquest Empire, and got drunk on the power they gave you."

"What would you know?!" Allen shouted. "You have no idea what it's like! To be weak and powerless! Without Conquest Empire, I'm not strong! I owe everything to this clan!"

"Are you really that blind?" Anthony asked. "No one starts off strong. Each of us worked hard and built up our skills to get to where we are. Cardfighters all over the world get stronger that way." He glared at the Conquest Empire user. "But you're not just a loser. You're worse than that. You're a loser that refused to admit his own weakness! You had to rely on outside help to win! And that's why you can't win against me!"

Allen glared at his opponent. "You little…"

"Time to end this! Bargs attacks with Thunder Pillar's boost! Thunder Pillar's thunderstrike 3 skill, when he boosts or attacks he gains 1000 power for every card in your bind zone! This time for a total of 10000!"

(9000+1000+5000+9000+20000+8000+10000=62000)

"I… I… don't guard…" Allen slowly checked the card for the damage trigger, praying for a heal. But the overwhelming feeling of pain that wracked his body was answer enough that he didn't get the heal he needed.

[Damage: Anthony (4), Allen (6).]

Allen's body trembled as he fell to his knees. "No… Impossible… How could I lose again?"

"Simple. Because you relied on a power that wasn't your own." Anthony told him. "And this is the result."

The scenery slowly went back to normal as they found themselves back in Card Galaxy. Allen watched as the Conquest Empire cards began to fade, for the second time in his life. "No… I don't want to be weak again…"

"You lost, Allen." Dan said. "Now beat it."

Allen clenched his fists as he got back to his feet. "You'll… You'll regret this! Mark my words!"

Before anyone could say anything, Allen ran out of the shop. It was clear he wouldn't be returning anytime soon.

"And that is how a real cardfighter does things." Anthony grinned.

"Antonio…" Helena spoke.

Anthony rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah… Well I guess this at least proves we weren't lying earlier."

Helena quickly ran over to her son. "Are you hurt?! Do you need to see a doctor?!"

"Mom, relax! I'm fine!" Anthony assured her.

Helena backed away from her son. "That cardfight… You were really strong there."

"Heh, yeah well I am on the team that won the World Tournament after all." Anthony smirked.

"But if everything you said is true… then you'd be…"

Anthony nodded his head. "I know it's dangerous. Both Dan and I are aware of the risks. But Aurora is in trouble."

"And we're prepared to do whatever it takes to save her." Dan added, walking over and standing next to his teammate.

Dan's mother and Anthony's parents all looked at each other before turning back to their kids. "You're absolutely sure you want to do this?" Dan's mother asked.

Both teens nodded their heads. "There's not a doubt in our minds." Dan said.

Dan's mother stared at her son for a few moments before letting out a sigh of defeat. "Then I guess I have no choice. Just promise me you'll come back."

"Of course." Dan assured her.

Both of Anthony's parents looked at him. "All this time… I thought Vanguard was just some little hobby you had. But it's really important to you, isn't it Antonio?" Helena said.

Anthony nodded his head. "It's how I met a lot of my friends, and even more people. Vanguard is important to me."

"I know." Helena said. "And… I suppose you're grown up enough to make your own decisions."

"Then that means?"

Helena nodded. "Yes. I'll allow you to go."

"Thanks mom."

"However" she added. "You must swear that you will be careful, and that you will make it back in one piece."

Anthony showed a smirk. "Heh, don't you worry. With Vanquisher's power at my side, I'll send those Conquest Empire losers running for the hills."

After that, Dan and Anthony discussed things briefly with their parents before returning home together to get ready for the big day tomorrow.


-The next day-

Dan and Anthony stood together in front of the Tatsunagi Headquarters building in Japan. The financial conglomerate really held up to its name. The building was impressively tall.

"You ready for this?" Anthony asked.

"Yeah." Dan nodded. "Time to go to Cray."

The two teens walked together into the building. Waiting for them in the lobby was none other than the idol trio Premium Beauty.

"So you two finally showed up, huh?" Mai said.

"Don't you think you should be treating the guys that are going to save both Cray and Earth with a little more respect?" Anthony asked with a smirk.

Mai rolled her eyes. "Just try not to die on Cray, ok?"

Jasmine stepped forward. "If you'll follow us please."

Dan and Anthony followed the idol trio's lead as they escorted them through the halls of the building. It was a surprisingly complex maze of twists and turns.

"Before we go meet Miss Tatsunagi, there's one place we need to go to." Jasmine told them as they walked.

Dan raised a brow. "And what is that?"

"You'll see." Keiko said.

After a short walk, the group finally arrived at a particular room. Opening the door, Jasmine motioned for their two guests to walk inside. Dan and Anthony went inside and widened their eyes at who they saw.

"Dan! Anthony! Hey!" Sophia greeted as the little girl eagerly ran over to them.

The two of them could barely believe their eyes. "Sophia?!" Dan exclaimed. He looked at the table in the room and saw two others were present. "William and Rose?! You guys too?!"

"It's been awhile, you two." Rose greeted.

"What the heck are you three doing here?!" Anthony asked.

"It seems Miss Tatsunagi didn't tell you." William said. "You see-"

"We're going to Cray too!" Sophia interrupted, cutting the Lewis heir off.

Dan and Anthony blinked in surprise. "Wait, you guys are coming to Cray with us?" Anthony questioned.

"That's correct." Rose said. "Apparently, Yukari Tatsunagi wanted to take some of the strongest players from the World Tournament and gather them together for this mission."

"And the three of us were the ones she chose." William added.

"Wait so you guys know about Cray being real and everything?" Dan said.

"It was honestly a bit of a surprise, hearing about it." Rose told them. "But with the situation as serious as it is, we couldn't turn a blind eye."

"Everyone thinks we're here for some sorta interview thing due to the World Tournament." Sophia said. "Miss Tatsunagi said we can't talk about Cray to anyone else."

Dan looked at the group. "So what about Marcus Cersy? Since Team Sightless Vision was in the semi finals, I would think they'd be invited for this for sure."

"Marcus Cersy was informed about the situation." Jasmine explained, cutting in on the conversation. "However, it seems that his teammate's sister will be having her operation within the coming week or so. He wanted to be here for that, and wasn't sure how long this mission would last."

"We're losing out on a strong fighter then. Can't say I blame him for wanting to be there for Sarah's sister though." Dan said.

"Everyone here showed exceptional talent in the World Tournament. You are currently some of the world's strongest cardfighters." Jasmine said. "Your skill is one thing that led you to be picked for this important mission. But another is that each of you holds a deep connection with a unit on Cray. A being you feel connected to."

"Now all that's left is to beat the crap out of Conquest Empire." Anthony grinned.

Sophia nodded her head eagerly. "Yeah! Let's teach those bullies a lesson!"

"Now that everyone is here, I will show you all to Miss Tatsunagi." Jasmine said. "This way please."

The group of five followed Premium Beauty as they made their way through the building. As they walked, Anthony glanced over at William. "So how's Elizabeth doing? You know with everything that happened with her family and all."

"Well the Scarlet family was heavily investigated once some of their illegal actions were leaked. Eventually, more and more stuff got out as a result. They've lost almost all their business partners and a good portion of their wealth." William explained. "They've been in a steep decline since it happened. But Elizabeth's folks are staying with friends for now. As for Elizabeth, she's actually helping out the Lewis family."

"Seriously?" Dan asked in mild surprise.

William nodded his head. "I offered the job to her. She's been a big help. Though the rest of the Scarlets outside of her adopted parents aren't very pleased that she's helping another family."

"I don't get why. People should help each other, shouldn't they?" Sophia said.

"That is what I'd like to believe." William said, looking down at the young girl. "But others may not feel that way."

The group continued talking as they walked. Finally, they arrived at the top floor. Entering a room together, they were greeted by Yukari Tatsunagi.

"I'm glad to see you all here." Yukari said. "I want to express my gratitude to you all for agreeing to this mission." She looked at them all. "If any of you don't feel up to the challenge, this is your last chance to walk away. After this, there is no turning back."

"Well obviously." Rose said

"We wouldn't be here if we didn't feel ready." William said.

"Yeah, plus Aurora is our friend! She helped us out a lot in the World Tournament!" Sophia added.

"Just try to stop us." Anthony grinned.

"We're ready to take down Conquest Empire, once and for all." Dan told her.

Yukari nodded her head understandingly. "Very well. Please stand together."

Premium Beauty stepped back, leaving the five cardfighters grouped together. A fierce look of determination was on each of their faces.

"I want each of you to bring out the card of the unit you feel closest to. You avatar in another sense." Yukari told them. "Focus your thoughts on that unit. Your avatars will be your guide to Planet Cray."

The five of them nodded and pulled out a card. Each of them closed their eyes as all of their thoughts became focused on their avatars.

"Good. Now I'll begin." Yukari said. "I wish all of you luck."

The young silver-haired girl held her hands out towards the group with her palms opened up. A light shined from her eyes, and soon a shining circle appeared around the five cardfighters. It shined up around them. Soon their bodies felt weightless, as if they were being lifted up into the air. A pillar of light engulfed them. After a few seconds, the pillar was gone, along with the group of five.

Yukari fell to one knee as she panted, exhausted from having to send not just one, but five people to Cray.

Jasmine and the others quickly rushed to Yukari. "Are you alright, Miss Tatsunagi?" Jasmine asked.

"Yes. I'll be fine." Yukari nodded. "I'm just tired is all." She got to her feet and looked at the spot where the five humans she had just sent to Cray had been. 'It's all up to them now.'


When Dan could finally see again, he could barely believe what he was seeing. Surrounding him was an azure column of stardust as he flew through it. He could see wormholes and stars and so many other things. It was unlike anything he had ever seen.

"Incredible…"

"I know, right?!"

Dan glanced to his side, seeing Sophia and Rose flying alongside him. Looking around, he noticed Anthony and William as well.

"This is amazing." William said in awe. "I've never experienced anything like this."

The group continued to fly through the starry column, before finally arriving at their destination. Looking in the distance, they saw a round planet floating around.

"So that's... Planet Cray…" Rose said.

"It's so pretty!" Sophia smiled.

"Yeah, but look near it." William said. "See that spaceship fleet floating around. It's massive."

"And it's probably Conquest Empire." Anthony said with a serious look.

Dan steeled his resolve as he looked at what they would be facing. 'Hang on Aurora. We're coming.'

"Let's do this!" Dan told the group. Together, each of the five of them flew towards Cray. They split up from each other, probably being pulled towards their avatars if they each had to guess.

As Dan closed in, one thought eventually came into his mind. How were they going to land?


Lilith walked through the halls of the head ship for Conquest Empire's armada. She had never been one that liked to have her work interrupted, but she had to report to her emperor. Even she knew better than to disobey his orders.

As she reached a door, two guards stood at attention. "General Lilith!"

"At ease, dearies." Lilith said. "I'm here to report to the emperor."

"Of course! Please enter, General!"

Lilith walked past the two of them and into the room. It was fancy, with a long read velvet carpet, leading to stairs that reached a throne. At the base of the steps were three others. One was a brown haired man clad in armor. Alexander. The two with him included a black haired man with fancy gray robes and a book in hand, and a bald male with a large muscular physique.

"Ah, I see the emperor called you all here as well." Lilith said with a devilish smirk.

"Lilith, I've received word that two more prisoners died under your supervision." Alexander said with a glare. "This sort of behavior cannot continue."

"Oh don't worry your pretty little head around it, Alexander." Lilith said. "They were weaklings anyway. They died before I really got to do any real experimenting on their bodies."

"While I am not opposed to torturing prisoners…" the black haired man said. "They can also be a useful source of information. It would be wise not to treat a resource like them for granted."

"I doubt they knew anything anyway, Napoleon. Although the way they screamed makes me think it would have been easy to break them." She let out a giggle. "Ah, it was such a delightful sound. My only regret is that they didn't live long enough to keep it up."

"Hmph, weaklings should just be killed on the spot. No use for them." the bald one spoke.

"Oh I knew I could count on you to be my side, Nalwa. You're such a good little boy." Lilith smiled.

"Don't push it." Nalwa glared.

"Ahem!" the sound of the voice from the one sitting on the throne silenced the four generals. "Lilith, your report?"

"Of course, my emperor." Lilith said with a bow. "It would seem Allen Demacio of Earth failed in his mission. The guardian of Earth is sending reinforcements to Cray as we speak."

"Their number?"

"I'm not sure. Two at the bare minimum. I doubt their number would exceed anything more than ten though." Lilith said. "But even with their interference, I doubt they will give our forces much trouble. After all, the humans from Earth are far from what I would call a threat."

"Very true." Napoleon agreed. "Though we cannot overlook them entirely."

"Perhaps we should use the momentum we have to wipe out Cray's remaining forces before they can regroup and use these humans." Alexander suggested. "After all, recall that the last human that came managed to temporarily turn the tide of the war."

"Yes and we all know how she fared in the end." Lilith said with a smirk. "Star Chaser won't be bothering us anymore with the girl and Hikari dealt with."

"Lilith, how many times must I remind you? We cannot afford to overestimate-"

"Enough." the emperor said. "Alexander raises a fair point. What is the status of our forces?"

"The majority of them are pushing back against United Sanctuary. The rest are spread out along the planet dealing with the other nations." Napoleon explained.

"Then let us finish off United Sanctuary once and for all. Order an all out attack and crush them in one fell swoop." He stood up and looked down at his four generals. "Cray will fall like the rest of the planets we have conquered."

"As you command, Emperor Cezaros." the four of them said in unison.

"Good. Now go."

Alexander stood up. "I will take to the battlefield at once."

"I'll go too." Nalwa said. "I'm bored of sitting around all day. I want to fight."

The two generals left the room. Being excused, Lilith and Napoleon walked out as well. Lilith rolled her eyes as she walked. "That Nalwa is a glorified meathead. All he cares about is fighting others to prove who's stronger. Who in their right mind made him a general?"

"His strength is what allows him to hold that title." Napoleon reminded her. "Now we'd best get ready for the coming battles as well."

"Yeah, yeah." Lilith said, waving off her fellow general's concern. A small grin came to her face. "At the very least, this will give me a fresh set of new bodies to experiment on."

Dan: So we're finally on Cray.

William: The time has come for us to face Conquest Empire.

Sophia: This place is amazing! I hope I get time to explore!

Rose: We're not here for fun and games. This is serious.

Anthony: Let's hope we're not too late.

Dan: Seems even some of Cray's units are concerned about whether we can help. Are they trying to test us?

Next time: The Performing Assassin

Card Gallery:

Thunderwarning Dracokid

Grade 0

Power: 5000

ACT: Forerunner

AUTO: RC 1/TURN: Whenever a card is put from the opponent's side of the field to the drop zone, your opponent binds that card face up

AUTO RC GB1 Thunderstrike 1: When a card is either retired or put into the drop zone by your cards effect(s), choose one card from your opponents drop zone and bind it face up.


Thunder Pillar Dragon

Grade 1

Power: 7000

CONT RC: If you have a Vanguard with the Thunderstrike skill this unit gains +1000 power and "Resist"

AUTO RC GB1 Thunderstrike 3: When this unit attacks or "Boosts" a unit's attack, this unit gains +1000 power for every card in the opponent's bind zone.


Wyvern Thunderstrike, Bargs

Grade 2

Power: 9000

CONT RC: If you have a Vanguard with the Thunderstrike skill this unit gains +1000 power and "Resist"

ACT RC GB2 Thunderstrike 4 CB1: If you have a Vanguard with "Vanquisher" in it's card name, you may pay the cost. If you do this unit gains (AUTO: When this unit attacks, you may select your opponent's Vanguard and one RC on your opponent's side of the field and battle them both.) Then, this unit gains +2000 power for every card in the bind zone.


Dragonic Vanquisher "GALVANIZE"

Grade 3

Power: 11000

AUTO VC: CB1 When your G Unit STRIDE, you may pay the cost. If you do choose one of your opponent's RC and a card in the drop zone and bind them both face up. If two cards were bound, draw a card and choose one of your Thunderstrike units and give it +3000 power.

AUTO VC GB2 Thunderstrike 4: At the end of either player's turn, the opponent chooses one card from their drop zone and binds it face up. If a card was bound, CC1 or SC1 and if it's the end of your turn, draw one card.