Ride 49: Awakening of Twin Blades
Card of the Day: Majesty Lord Blaster

"We have a chance, at least," Agatha said, walking up to her teammates. "Robert... you're our last hope. You have to win this fight if we're going to advance and fight Bright Dawn in the final."

"I know," he said softly.

"You're fighting Arthur," Samuel said. "I've watched him fight... don't be fooled. He's a nice guy, but he's absolutely brutal in fights. And if what Elizabeth said is right and he has a new deck... what could he be using that's so powerful?"

"I'd better go," Robert murmured. "He's walking out now. Wish me luck." With that, he strode out to the console, deck in hand.

Agatha looked at Samuel as they sat down. "You know what Arthur's using, don't you?"

"I can guess from what Elizabeth said," he replied grimly. "We'll know soon enough, in any case. But if he's using what I think he is... then Robert's going to have an uphill struggle to win this fight."

VBH49

"So you're Robert," Arthur smiled as his opponent took his position. "The miracle worker of Team Avalon."

"Thanks," Robert answered. "Arthur... I don't care what this new deck of yours is. I'm going to beat it. My team needs me to win this fight."

Arthur considered. "Are you sure you can do that?" he asked. "Keep in mind, I'm the leader of the national champion team. I've never lost a fight since Celestial Dusk gained that title. And though I haven't had to fight here yet, I assure you I'm far from out of practice."

"My opponent doesn't matter... anyone could be standing where you are. All that matters is that I'm going to do my best to win for my teammates... my friends," he retorted. "Because of that, your title doesn't matter. Your deck doesn't matter. Just know that I'm going to fight with all my heart now."

"That's what I was hoping for... to come back to a lackluster fight would be boring," Arthur chuckled. "Come on then, Robert. Let's give this crowd a grand finale to our match they won't forget for a while." The two set their decks and starter Vanguards down, completing their preparations.

VBH49

"Can he win this?" Leah wondered softly. "This is the national champion he's fighting. The strongest player in the country."

"All we can do is hope," Richard said. "Even though Arthur's the champion here, he can still lose. He's not invincible." As he spoke, his expression was grim. "But there's a chance that... if Arthur's using what I think he is..."

"Robert can do it... I know he can," Alice cut in.

"You don't understand," he replied. "In Awakening of Twin Blades, there's a card. The cover card of that set... that knight."

Grim understanding darkened their expressions. "Majesty Lord Blaster..." Leah whispered.

"If Arthur is using that deck, this fight will very easily turn to his favor... Robert will struggle just to survive that Unit's attacks," Richard murmured darkly. "And there's very little chance in that deck for Arthur not to get Majesty Lord Blaster and to boost it to its full power. If he achieves that, this fight will be vastly in his favor."

VBH49

"Stand up, Vanguard! Justice Flag!"

"Stand up, my Vanguard! Wingal Brave!"

The battlefield took form, a plain in United Sanctuary. The skies overhead rumbled and twisted with dark clouds, banners rising over the field, white in one half, black in the other. War seemed to be raging around them in the distance, explosions and faded figures visible on the horizon. But as the two stood, they were unaffected by the conflict, Robert assuming Justice Flag's body, Arthur taking the form of a deep blue Hi-Dog with bat-like wings, a dagger clutched in its jaws and its body adorned in light silver armor [Justice Flag – 5000 Power] [Wingal Brave – 5000 Power]

"I draw," Arthur said, having won the first turn. "I Ride Knight of Friendship, Kay!" His Vanguard reformed in a flare of light, transforming into a noble brown-haired knight wielding a bladed lance, his other arm adorned by a brilliant shield [Knight of Friendship, Kay – 7000 Power]. "Now, Wingal Brave moves to the back." Wingal Brave reformed behind Kay with a bark [Wingal Brave – 5000 Power]. "And I end my turn there."

Arthur
Hand: 5
Front Row: Empty/Knight of Friendship, Kay/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Wingal Brave/Empty
Damage: None

Robert
Hand: 5
Front Row: Empty/Justice Flag/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Empty
Damage: None

"I draw!" Robert announced. "Ride, Karenroid Daisy!" Daisy rose up, blades flickering into place as Flag also reformed [Karenroid Daisy – 8000 Power] [Justice Flag – 5000 Power]. "Daisy, attack Kay!" The android raced forwards, blades at the ready.

"I don't guard," Arthur replied.

"Check... no Trigger!"

[Drive Check – Justice Sentinel – No Trigger]

Daisy struck, Kay crying out in pain as its blades flickered across his form. "Damage Check... no Trigger." But as Arthur revealed the card, Robert's eyes widened.

[Damage Check – Black Sage, Charon – No Trigger]

"That's... a Shadow Paladin!" he gasped. "Why are you using a Shadow Paladin card in a Royal Paladin deck?!"

"You'll see soon enough," Arthur replied calmly. "Is that your turn finished?"

"Yes... it is," Robert said, still surprised by Charon's appearance. "Why is he using Charon in a Royal Paladin deck?"

Robert
Hand: 6
Front Row: Empty/Karenroid Daisy/Empty
Back Row: Justice Flag/Empty/Empty
Damage: None

Arthur
Hand: 5
Front Row: Empty/Knight of Friendship, Kay/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Wingal Brave/Empty
Damage: Black Sage, Charon (U)

"I draw," Arthur said. He took a card from his hand. "You wanted to know why I used Charon... I use more Shadow Paladins than just him in this deck, Robert." He closed his eyes, softly chanting. "In this world, light and darkness have always been opposites. But now, light and darkness shall stand as allies! I Ride... Blaster Dark!"

His Vanguard was consumed in dark violet flames, before that familiar black sword swung and the inferno burst. Blaster Dark emerged from it, sword held at the ready, his eyes grim and calm [Blaster Dark – 9000 Power]

"Blaster Dark?!"

"I call Kay." A second Knight of Friendship rose beside Dark, lance at the ready [Knight of Friendship, Kay – 7000 Power]. "And now, Kay attacks! His skill activates, since I have a Blaster Vanguard, he gains 3000 Power!" Kay lunged forwards, spinning his lance in hand before catching it and thrusting it at Daisy [7000 Power + 3000 Power = 10000 Power]

"Penguin guards!" Army Penguin took form and the lance cut through it, shattering the robot [8000 Power + 5000 Shield = 13000 Power]

"With a boost from Wingal Brave, Blaster Dark attacks!" Arthur called in return. His Vanguard lunged forward, drawing back his sword [9000 Power + 5000 Power = 14000 Power]

"No guard!" Robert answered.

"Check... Stand Trigger! All effects to Kay!" Arthur smiled.

[Drive Check – Quiet Sage, Sharon – Stand Trigger]

Dark struck, tearing his sword across Daisy's form before leaping away as Robert made the Damage Check. "No Trigger."

[Damage Check – Diamond Ace – No Trigger]

"Wingal Brave's skill activates," Arthur declared. "Since it boosted a Blaster Unit and the attack hit, I send it to my Soul to search a Blaster Unit from my deck and add it to my hand." He slid Brave into Soul, retrieving a card from his deck and revealing it. "I choose Blaster Blade."

"You have Blaster Blade?" Robert said, shocked that Arthur had such a rare card.

"You clearly haven't watched my past fights," Arthur chuckled. "I've always had Blaster Blade." He moved the card to his hand, shuffling his deck and setting it down. "Kay attacks once more!" Kay charged, readying his lance [7000 Power + 3000 Power + 5000 Power = 15000 Power]

"No guard." The lance struck, gashing Daisy's form once again. "Damage Check... no Trigger."

[Damage Check – Justice Trumpeter – No Trigger]

"I end my turn."

Arthur
Hand: 6
Front Row: Knight of Friendship, Kay/Blaster Dark/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Empty
Damage: Black Sage, Charon (U)

Robert
Hand: 5
Front Row: Empty/Karenroid Daisy/Empty
Back Row: Justice Flag/Empty/Empty
Damage: Diamond Ace (U), Justice Trumpeter (U)

"I stand and draw," Robert called. "Ride, Twin Order!" Twin Order took form, drawing its beam swords [Twin Order – 10000 Power]. "Now, I call Quilt and Justice Sentinel!" The two other Units rose up, Quilt smiling and striking a dynamic pose, Justice Sentinel just stoic and ready for battle [Magical Police, Quilt – 6000 Power] [Justice Sentinel – 8000 Power]

"With a boost from Quilt, Twin Order attacks!" Twin Order leapt forwards with its blades at the ready [10000 Power + 6000 Power = 16000 Power]

"I don't guard," Arthur responded.

"Drive Check... Draw Trigger!" Robert declared. "I give the Power to Sentinel and draw a card!"

[Drive Check – Army Penguin – Draw Trigger]

As he made the draw, Twin Order's blades slashed into Blaster Dark, the knight gasping in pain as they cut into him. "Damage Check... no Trigger."

[Damage Check – Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere – No Trigger]

"I activate Quilt's skill to swap a card," Robert said, discarding a Daiyusha and making a draw. "With a boost from Flag, Sentinel attacks Blaster Dark!" Justice Sentinel raced forwards, preparing to strike [8000 Power + 5000 Power + 5000 Power = 18000 Power]

"Sharon, guard," Arthur responded. A beautiful blue-haired giant rose up before him, dressed in green robes and clutching a book. Sharon cried out as Sentinel struck, shattering her into motes [9000 Power + 10000 Shield = 19000 Power]

"I end my turn," Robert murmured.

Robert
Hand: 5
Front Row: Justice Sentinel/Twin Order/Empty
Back Row: Justice Flag/Magical Police, Quilt/Empty
Damage: Diamond Ace (U), Justice Trumpeter (U)

Arthur
Hand: 5
Front Row: Knight of Friendship, Kay/Blaster Dark/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Empty
Damage: Black Sage, Charon (U), Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere (U)

"Stand and draw," Arthur murmured. "Now, Robert... let me show you what Elizabeth was talking about. The hero capable of saving Cray from utter darkness." He held up a card, beginning to chant. "As absolute despair enfolds the world, the light of hope burns bright! Knight of light and shadow, stand proud in your glory, and lead the knights to salvation! I Ride... Majesty... Lord Blaster!"

A swirling tempest of light and shadow consumed his Vanguard, before a sword ripped through it and tore it asunder. The knight emerged, clad in armor of a cold grey shade, wielding a blade of soft blue light. His eyes flashed, one blue, one green, as he rose proudly over the field, a plume of flames blazing atop his helmet. Radiating power, he stood tall, readying his majestic sword for battle. He had come to the field, the savior of Cray, the power of light and shadow as one.[Majesty Lord Blaster – 10000 Power]

"Now, Kay moves, and I call Starcall Trumpeter!" Kay leapt back, and in the space where he had stood a cute teenage girl rose up, with angelic wings and bearing a golden trumpet in hand [Starcall Trumpeter – 8000 Power]. "Starcall's Counterblast! I Superior Call a Grade 2 or lower Blaster Unit from my deck! Come forth, Blaster Dark!" Starcall blew into her trumpet, sounding a rousing note as Blaster Dark rose up, readying his blade [Blaster Dark – 9000 Power]. "And now, come forth, Blaster Blade!" He rose in front of Dark, a knight clad in radiant white armor, wielding a long, thin blade which shone with light. One of the most legendary Units of all stepped onto Arthur's field, the mighty hero known only as Blaster Blade [Blaster Blade – 9000 Power]

"Are you prepared, Robert?" Arthur smiled, gazing at his assembled field. "You asked why I use Shadow Paladins as well as Royal Paladins. Well, this is my answer. Light and shadow are opposites, yes, but also equals. They're two halves of the same coin, and both are essential. We can't just blot out the light or drown the shadows. We have to have both. Teamwork and sacrifice, Heaven and Hell, dawn and dusk. These concepts are things we automatically pair. It's the same with light and shadow. One cannot exist without the other. So while you may gain great power by focusing on one side to the exclusion of the other, greater power still lies in embracing the balance of both. Behold my power, Robert! Blaster Blade attacks Justice Sentinel!"

VBH49

"Light and shadow..." Samuel murmured. Those words brought something back. A memory of that last fight before the breaking of his old team. That fight where he had first seen Shadow Paladins in action.

"But remember this. One day... you, too, will be called to make sacrifices to achieve your goals. Then, you will understand. Light and dark... Shadow Paladin and Royal Paladin... teamwork and sacrifice... they are only different sides of the same coin."

"That's what Majesty Lord Blaster is... that coin in its entirety..." he muttered. "And that's why it's so powerful..."

VBH49

Blaster Blade leapt forwards, gripping his sword to cut down Justice Sentinel.

"Army Penguin, guard!" Penguin took form and Blade's sword cut it into motes [8000 Power + 5000 Shield = 13000 Power]

"With a boost from Kay, Starcall attacks Sentinel!" Starcall Trumpeter lunged and punched Justice Sentinel, shattering it into motes. "And now... Majesty Lord Blaster!" Arthur smiled. "Majesty Lord Blaster's skill activates! Blaster Blade and Blaster Dark go to my Soul! Awakening of Twin Blades!"

The two knights smiled, fading into light and shadow which engulfed Majesty Lord Blaster. He vanished for an instant, before emerging, radiating new power and swathed in a twisting, almighty aura of light merged with shadows. "Majesty Lord Blaster gains 10000 Power for this attack!" His Vanguard blazed with power [10000 Power + 10000 Power = 20000 Power]. "And on top of that... Majesty Lord Blaster's skill! While Blade and Dark are in my Soul, he gains 2000 Power and 1 Critical!" Majesty erupted forwards, swathed in fiery blue power [20000 Power + 2000 Power = 22000 Power, Critical 2]

"I... I don't guard!" Robert cried.

"Twin Drive... first," Arthur said. "No Trigger."

[Drive Check – Knight of Resolution, Gwyar – No Trigger]

"Second check... also no Trigger."

[Drive Check – Apocalypse Bat – No Trigger]

His Vanguard's blade struck in an arc of twilight force, rending through Twin Order and setting the android ablaze with shining blue power. "Damage Checks... first, no Trigger. Second, Critical Trigger!" Robert murmured.

[Damage Check – Karenroid Daisy – No Trigger]

[Damage Check – Justice Cobalt – Critical Trigger]

"I end my turn," Arthur said. "Do you see now why I use Shadow Paladins? This is why... my Vanguard. Majesty Lord Blaster, embodiment of a balance between light and shadow."

Arthur
Hand: 5
Front Row: Starcall Trumpeter/Majesty Lord Blaster/Empty
Back Row: Knight of Friendship, Kay/Empty/Empty
Damage: Black Sage, Charon (F), Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere (F)

Robert
Hand: 4
Front Row: Empty/Twin Order/Empty
Back Row: Justice Flag/Magical Police, Quilt/Empty
Damage: Diamond Ace (U), Justice Trumpeter (U), Karenroid Daisy (U), Justice Cobalt (U)

"I stand and draw," Robert said. "I Ride Enigman Cloud!" His Vanguard faded into light and Cloud rose up, shining brilliantly [Enigman Cloud – 10000 Power]. "Now, I call Cosmo Beak and Cosmo Gunner!" The eagle mecha and android gunner rose up, readying their weapons [Cosmo Beak – 8000 Power] [Cosmo Gunner – 8000 Power]. "Beak's Counterblast! Cloud gains 4000 Power!" Cloud flared with energy, shining brilliantly [Enigman Cloud – 14000 Power]

"Cosmo Gunner attacks Starcall!" Cosmo Gunner opened fire and Starcall Trumpeter wailed as she shattered. "With a boost from Quilt, Cloud attacks!" Enigman Cloud hurled a nova of light over the field a Majesty Lord Blaster [14000 Power + 6000 Power = 20000 Power]

"Elaine, Margal, guard!" Arthur retorted. "I know your plan, Robert, and it won't work against me!" The beautiful elf and the crimson Hi-Dog rose up in front of Majesty Lord Blaster, shielding him with their forms [12000 Power + 10000 Shield + 5000 Shield = 27000 Power]

"Twin Drive... first," Robert murmured. "No Trigger. Second... get, Heal Trigger! I heal one Damage and give the Power to Beak!"

[Drive Check – Galaxy Convoy – No Trigger]

[Drive Check – Justice Rose – Heal Trigger]

The light smashed into Arthur's guardians, atomizing them in an instant. "Now, with a boost from Flag, Beak attacks Majesty Lord Blaster!" Cosmo Beak opened fire with a volley of lasers which Arthur allowed to strike his Vanguard.

"Damage Check... no Trigger."

[Damage Check – Knight of the Void, Masquerade – No Trigger]

"I end my turn."

Robert
Hand: 4
Front Row: Cosmo Beak/Enigman Cloud/Cosmo Gunner
Back Row: Justice Flag/Magical Police, Quilt/Empty
Damage: Justice Trumpeter (F), Karenroid Daisy (U), Justice Cobalt (U)

Arthur
Hand: 3
Front Row: Empty/Majesty Lord Blaster/Empty
Back Row: Knight of Friendship, Kay/Empty/Empty
Damage: Black Sage, Charon (F), Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere (F), Knight of the Void, Masquerade (U)

"Stand and draw," Arthur said. "I call Apocalypse Bat, Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere, and Knight of Resolution, Gwyar." The shrieking bat-demon rose behind Majesty Lord Blaster, while flanking the messiah rose a black-haired, stern knight wielding twin katanas, and a coldly beautiful female knight with dark emerald eyes and raven-black hair, wielding a black longsword and clad in pitch-dark armor [Apocalypse Bat – 4000 Power] [Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere – 9000 Power] [Knight of Resolution, Gwyar – 10000 Power]. "Now, Bedivere attacks Cloud! Bedivere has the same skill as Kay!" Bedivere charged, glowing with light [9000 Power + 3000 Power = 12000 Power]

"Beak Intercepts!" Cosmo Beak soared forwards and Bedivere cut it asunder with a blow of his katanas [10000 Power + 5000 Shield = 15000 Power]

"With a boost from Apocalypse Bat, Majesty Lord Blaster attacks!" Arthur retorted. "Apocalypse Bat Soul Blasts to boost for an extra 6000 Power!" Swathed in light and shadow, the knight leapt forwards, raising his majestic blade [12000 Power + 4000 Power + 6000 Power = 22000 Power, Critical 2]

"Diamond Ace, perfect guard!" Robert cried. "I discard Galaxy Convoy for a Perfect Guard!" Diamond Ace took form, shielding his Vanguard.

"Twin Drive," Arthur declared. "First... no Trigger. Second... Critical Trigger! Gwyar gets all of the effects!" Robert's eyes widened at the sight of the shining golden icon.

[Drive Check – Starcall Trumpeter – No Trigger]

[Drive Check – Bringer of Good Luck, Epona – Critical Trigger]

Majesty's sword struck Diamond Ace and loosed a flare of power, atomizing the guardian but miraculously leaving Cloud untouched. "And now, with a boost from Kay... Gwyar attacks!" Arthur declared. "Gwyar's skill! As Blaster Dark is in my Soul, she gains 2000 Power when attacking!" The dark-clad knight charged and struck, swathed in shadows and golden light [10000 Power + 2000 Power + 5000 Power + 7000 Power = 24000 Power, Critical 2]

"I... don't guard," Robert murmured. Gwyar struck, tearing her sword across Cloud's chest and knocking the Enigman reeling back.

[Damage Check – Galaxy Convoy – No Trigger]

[Damage Check – Justice Rose – Heal Trigger]

"I heal," he said quietly, moving a Damage card to his Drop Zone.

"I end my turn," Arthur said quietly.

Arthur
Hand: 3
Front Row: Knight of Resolution, Gwyar/Majesty Lord Blaster/Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere
Back Row: Knight of Friendship, Kay/Apocalypse Bat/Empty
Damage: Black Sage, Charon (F), Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere (F), Knight of the Void, Masquerade (U)

Robert
Hand: 2
Front Row: Empty/Enigman Cloud/Cosmo Gunner
Back Row: Justice Flag/Magical Police, Quilt/Empty
Damage: Karenroid Daisy (U), Justice Cobalt (U), Galaxy Convoy (U), Justice Rose (U)

"Stand and draw," Robert called. "That Unit... Majesty Lord Blaster... it's so powerful..."

"I call Grander!" Grander took form beside Cloud, striking a pose [Masked Police, Grander – 8000 Power]. "With a boost from Flag, Grander attacks your Vanguard!" Grander leapt forwards, preparing to strike [8000 Power + 5000 Power = 13000 Power]

"Starcall Trumpeter, guard," Arthur replied. Starcall rose up, shielding Majesty [12000 Power + 5000 Power = 17000 Power]

"With a boost from Quilt, Cloud attacks!" Shining with light, Cloud unleashed a flare of light over the field [10000 Power + 2000 Power + 6000 Power = 18000 Power]

"I don't guard."

"Twin Drive," Robert called out. "First... no Trigger. Second... Draw Trigger! I give the Power to Cosmo Gunner and draw!"

[Drive Check – Commander Laurel – No Trigger]

[Drive Check – Army Penguin – Draw Trigger]

The light smashed into Majesty, who skidded back a step before halting. His expression was still calm and dignified. "Damage Check," Arthur declared. "No Trigger."

[Damage Check – Little Sage, Marron – No Trigger]

"Quilt's skill," Robert said, discarding Army Penguin and making a draw. "Now, Cosmo Gunner attacks Majesty Lord Blaster!" Cosmo Gunner opened fire, sending a volley of shots towards Majesty Lord Blaster [8000 Power + 3000 Power + 5000 Power = 16000 Power]

"Epona, guard," Arthur responded. The woman astride the golden beetle rose up and was blown to motes by Cosmo Gunner's barrage [12000 Power + 10000 Shield = 22000 Power].

"I... end my turn," Robert concluded.

Robert
Hand: 5
Front Row: Masked Police, Grander/Enigman Cloud/Cosmo Gunner
Back Row: Justice Flag/Magical Police, Quilt/Empty
Damage: Karenroid Daisy (U), Justice Cobalt (U), Galaxy Convoy (U), Justice Rose (U)

Arthur
Hand: 1
Front Row: Knight of Resolution, Gwyar/Majesty Lord Blaster/Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere
Back Row: Knight of Friendship, Kay/Apocalypse Bat/Empty
Damage: Black Sage, Charon (F), Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere (F), Knight of the Void, Masquerade (U), Little Sage, Marron (U)

"Stand and draw," Arthur said. "You're doing well, I have to say. You're stronger than I expected you to be... no offense. I already thought you were a good fighter, but to be surviving my Majesty Lord Blaster like this..." He smiled. "It's kinda refreshing to have to work for my wins a bit." He threw down a card. "I call Charon." Smiling, the Black Sage rose up behind Bedivere, opening his spellbook [Black Sage, Charon – 8000 Power]

"But... I have to try and win this, you see," he continued. "Because those three behind me... they're my close friends. And after they put their all into their fights, for me to do anything less would just be like slapping them in the faces. Even so... that doesn't mean we both can't enjoy this." His avatar form smiled too, readying his radiant sword. "With a boost from Kay, Gwyar attacks Grander!" Majesty Lord Blaster gestured, and Gwyar leapt forwards [10000 Power + 2000 Power + 7000 Power = 19000 Power], cutting Grander in twain with a blow of her sword.

VBH49

"Why attack Grander?" a confused Alice wondered.

"Majesty Lord Blaster has Critical 2, Robert has to guard it at this point anyway or lose," Richard said. "By attacking Grander with Gwyar, Arthur's reducing Robert's available shield while removing his means of getting Cloud over the 17000 Power needed for more than 10000 Shield to be enough for Majesty to be protected from the Vanguard's attack."

VBH49

"And now... with a boost from Apocalypse Bat, go, Majesty Lord Blaster!" Arthur called. "Apocalypse Soul Blasts!" His avatar struck, trailing light and shadows in his wake as he exploded towards Cloud [12000 Power + 4000 Power + 6000 Power = 22000 Power, Critical 2]

"Justice Rose, Cosmo Claw, guard!" Robert cried. The two Units formed before his Vanguard, trying to stop Majesty's onslaught [10000 Power + 10000 Shield + 10000 Shield = 30000 Power]

"Twin Drive," Arthur smiled. "First... no Trigger. Second..." There was a flash of crimson light. "Draw Trigger! I give the effects to Bedivere!"

[Drive Check – Blaster Dark – No Trigger]

[Drive Check – Margal – Draw Trigger]

Majesty's sword tore through the air, ripping the two guardian Units asunder in a flare of blazing power. "With a boost from Charon, Bedivere attacks!" Bedivere leapt at Cloud, readying his katanas [9000 Power + 3000 Power + 5000 Power + 8000 Power = 25000 Power]

"No guard," Robert said, allowing the knight to slash across Cloud's chest with two sweeping blows of the swords. "Damage Check... no Trigger."

[Damage Check – Cosmo Siege – No Trigger]

Arthur chuckled. "You're definitely a good fighter... clinging on this long. I'm really, really glad to be fighting someone like you, Robert. This is just... fun."

"You're definitely... what I expected you to be," Robert murmured. "You are the champion I walked out here expecting to fight. You're strong... you're smart... you're everything I thought I'd be facing... maybe even more." He looked at Arthur. "But I just... have too much riding on this. I've had to break peoples' dreams..." He recalled Joel leaving the arena, broken by Raging War's defeat, raging at Gabriel. "I've struggled with myself, trying to find the right path to take." His fight with Christine came back to him. The decision he had made. "But I found a path and I'm going to walk it to its conclusion. To do that... I have to overcome everything in my way, even something like Majesty Lord Blaster. And if that's what I have to do... then it's what I will do."

"Take your best shot," Arthur challenged, his smile widening, eyes sparkling with excitement.

Arthur
Hand: 4
Front Row: Knight of Resolution, Gwyar/Majesty Lord Blaster/Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere
Back Row: Knight of Friendship, Kay/Apocalypse Bat/Black Sage, Charon
Damage: Black Sage, Charon (F), Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere (F), Knight of the Void, Masquerade (U), Little Sage, Marron (U)

Robert
Hand: 3
Front Row: Empty/Enigman Cloud/Cosmo Gunner
Back Row: Justice Flag/Magical Police, Quilt/Empty
Damage: Karenroid Daisy (U), Justice Cobalt (U), Galaxy Convoy (U), Justice Rose (U), Cosmo Siege (U)

"I stand and draw," Robert said. He stared at the drawn card. "Leah... this card... your card..."

As he gazed at Enigman Nebula's card, he imagined them all stood around him. Everyone urging him onwards to victory. They were all there, driving him on with their will, inspiring him on to prevail here. He looked up from the card, staring at Arthur, at Majesty Lord Blaster. He stared into the eyes of the knight of light and shadow, and he met his gaze unblinkingly. "We who carry out justice may sometimes fight alone. But we are never apart from our comrades, because their spirits always reach out to give us strength!"

"What is this?" Arthur murmured.

"Descend... Enigman Nebula!" Light exploded around his Vanguard and Nebula emerged, shining with brilliant radiance [Enigman Nebula – 11000 Power]. "I call Cosmo Beak, Galaxy Convoy and Commander Laurel!" Gunner vanished as the three Units rose up, readying for battle [Cosmo Beak – 8000 Power] [Galaxy Convoy – 6000 Power] [Commander Laurel – 4000 Power]. "Cosmo Beak and Convoys' skills activate! I give their bonuses to Nebula! And then, Justice Flag's Counterblast! Nebula gains another 2000 Power!" Enigman Nebula flared brilliantly, its form consumed in a blinding white aura of radiant energy [Enigman Nebula – 19000 Power]. "And now, with Nebula's skill... its Restraint is released!"

VBH49

"Commander Laurel..." Mary said softly. "You're going to try it... aren't you? This could be your last hope... can you do it?"

Luke smirked, also overlooking the fight. "If this succeeds, a champion might just fall."

"Go on, Robert... you can do this... you can catch up to us..."

VBH49

"Do you think it'll be so easy?" Arthur asked. "That I'll just stand back and let you use Laurel's skill?"

"I'm going to give you as little choice as I can," Robert answered. "Let me show you... the power I've gained from my friends. All of them are here. All of them are watching me fight this battle. And... I can feel them urging me on, cheering me to victory! I built this deck this way because I wanted to embody that. Heroes being given the strength to win by the wishes of their friends. Majesty Lord Blaster embodies something similar... the unity of opposites made equal. He has that power... and I admit, I don't think I could survive this fight for much longer against that power. Which is why... I'm deciding it here. This is the turn which is going to decide which of us is fighting Bright Dawn."

His opponent chuckled. "It's a Final Turn in all but name, huh? Well, I'll say it again. Take your best shot!"

"Enigman Nebula... with no boost, attack Bedivere!" Robert called.

VBH49

"With no boost...?"

"Attack... Bedivere?" Alice and Leah looked at each other, surprised.

"There are two cards in Arthur's hand Robert doesn't know," Richard commented. "One of those is the one he didn't use last turn. Robert's probably assuming it's a Grade 3, as Arthur used a 10000 Shield to block Gunner's attack. Then the other variable is what Arthur drew with Margal's Trigger skill. If it has 5000 Shield, then Arthur can guard for one Trigger to get through. He has better odds this way as opposed to attacking Majesty Lord Blaster head-on."

VBH49

Arthur looked at his hand. Solitary Knight, Gancelot, Blaster Dark, Margal and Kay. "These cards... I can guard for one to pass, but if he checks a Trigger, I'll be practically defenseless. But... Nebula has that skill... if he can pull that off..."

"Margal, Blaster Dark, Kay, guard!" The two knights appeared, joined by the crimson Hi-Dog in protecting Bedivere [9000 Power + 5000 Shield + 5000 Shield + 5000 Shield = 24000 Power]

"It all comes to this..." Robert murmured. "The moment which decides everything..." He turned over a card. "First check... no Trigger."

[Drive Check – Diamond Ace – No Trigger]

"Second check..." As he prepared to reveal the card, he closed his eyes, imagining his friends all stood around him.

"You can do it!"

"We all believe in you!"

"Go on, Robert!"

"You can beat him! We know you can!"

He imagined their hands on his shoulders, offering him their support, guiding him onwards to victory. They were his friends, his trusted allies. They had let each other down before, but that had only made them stronger. And now, he had to decide their fate. "Check..."

He opened his eyes to see a flash of golden light. "Critical Trigger!"

Arthur's eyes widened.

[Drive Check – Justice Cobalt – Critical Trigger]

"I give the effects to Enigman Nebula!" The radiant Enigman flared with energy, radiating an awe-inspiring, glorious light as it was empowered [19000 Power + 5000 Power = 24000 Power, Critical 2]. The light burst forth and atomized not only the guardians, but Bedivere as well. "And now... you know... Commander Laurel's skill activates! I rest Laurel, Beak, Convoy and Flag! Stand up! My Vanguard!"

Nebula rose to attack once more, radiating that heavenly light. "With a boost from Quilt... go, Nebula! Attack Majesty Lord Blaster!" Nebula unleashed the light as a storm, hurling its power across the field at the messianic knight [24000 Power + 6000 Power = 30000 Power, Critical 2]

Arthur gazed at Nebula, awestruck. "Incredible..." He closed his eyes, smiling. "I don't guard."

"Twin Drive... first... no Trigger. Second... no Trigger."

[Drive Check – Masked Police, Grander – No Trigger]

[Drive Check – Enigroid Sabre – No Trigger]

The light crushed into Majesty, rending through his armor and smashing him to his knees under its absolute power. The knight fell, struck down by Nebula's incredible might. Arthur slowly made two Damage Checks, only to pause on the second as emerald light flashed.

[Damage Check – Knight of Loyalty, Bedivere – No Trigger]

[Damage Check – Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine – Heal Trigger]

"Heal Trigger!" he called. "I heal one Damage and give the Power to Majesty Lord Blaster!" Majesty rose once more, shining with emerald [12000 Power + 5000 Power = 17000 Power]

Robert smiled. "Normally... that would be the end, wouldn't it? The end for me. But... this time..." His expression hardened with resolve. "Enigman Nebula's skill! I discard my hand and stand my Rearguards!" Laurel, Flag, Beak and Convoy all rose up. "And now... Laurel's skill once more! Stand again, my Vanguard!" The Rearguards fell into rest and Nebula stood once more, still radiant, still glorious.

"Twice in one turn," Arthur said, his voice full of disbelief. Then his shocked expression became a smile, and he chuckled. "You really are something... everything Agatha said you were, and even more. You deserve this, Robert. You earned it. Go ahead. This is a fight you've won." He stared into the stands. "I guess it's time the old champions stepped back and let some new ones take the spotlight."

"I... thank you..." Robert murmured. "Now... Nebula... attack Majesty Lord Blaster again!" The light flashed out for the third time, catching Majesty and hurling him into the ground of the battlefield. A card slowly fluttered to Arthur's Damage Zone, finally falling into place.

"No Trigger," Arthur said.

[Damage Check – Majesty Lord Blaster – No Trigger]

There was a stunned silence. No one spoke, applauded or did anything as the holograms faded away. It was as though no one could believe what they had just seen. The champion of the entire league, defeated by a player no one had even heard of before this point.

The referee finally found his voice. "The winner is Robert Macmillan of Team Avalon! Team Avalon wins the match!"

VBH49

"They... they won...?"

"Seems like your foolproof plan wasn't foolproof after all, Maximillian," Blake chuckled, his face the very picture of amusement. "Team Avalon beat Team Celestial Dusk... how about that. Looks like you underestimated them."

"But... how... they were nobodies... fighting the champions..." Maximillian said, astounded.

"Champions? Looks like Celestial Dusk aren't champions now," Blake noted. "It'll be one of the two rookie teams. Seems the public'll have to be disappointed after all."

VBH49

"So he wasn't a weak person after all," Luke smirked, amused. "Beating Celestial Dusk's leader... that's quite an achievement." He chuckled. "It's a shame his team is still going to lose."

Behind him, Mary stood with her face hidden by her hair, veiling the smile she wore. "Robert... you won. Now... can you do it? Can you bring him back? All of you... do you have that strength?"

"Ah well, let's go," the team leader continued. "They'll have a break now. It's best if we get some practice for the final fights. Not that we'll lose them... not that I'll lose them, anyway."

They filed away, Mary taking the last spot in their ranks. "Please..."

VBH49

The crowd began to applaud.

First one person, then a second, and the effect spread until everyone was clapping and cheering, cheering this boy who had come from nowhere and defeated the national champion like this. It was astounding and amazing, it was a shock and it was a miracle. The crowd bathed him in applause, glorifying him for his legendary feat.

Robert stood, barely believing it even as it happened. "I... I won...?"

"Yes," Samuel said, stepping up behind him. "And I'm proud you did." He smiled down at Robert. "You beat Arthur Elliots... the leader of Celestial Dusk. Practically the national champion. That's... incredible." He patted his teammate on the shoulder. "You've done... something I never expected. The day I met you..." He stopped.

"What is it?"

"Nothing... I just... never expected this to happen," he murmured. "To be here... to see you do this..."

"You still have one more fight." They all looked at Arthur, who was stood with his team. "Bright Dawn."

Robert's expression hardened. "Mary..."

"I know," Samuel replied. "We know."

"I've seen them... all of their matches," Arthur said. "I kept an eye on them from the moment they showed up as Pro League fighters. They're not like the other teams who just started. They're something new. Something I haven't seen before. Maybe you'll be the ones to stop them but... even though you managed this... to beat us..."

"Bright Dawn may be even stronger than we are," Elizabeth said quietly. "I don't even know... we've never fought them. But their leader..."

"Luke..." Robert muttered.

"We'll do our best," Agatha said. "That's all we've done... and it got us here. Thank you."

"Good luck... you'll need it," Victoria murmured. "And... even if you don't win... congratulations. All of you. For beating us. Even if you lose this next match, in our eyes, you'll always be truly great fighters."

"That's right," Arthur smiled. "Your names aren't going to be forgotten, even if Bright Dawn win. The team who beat Celestial Dusk. They'll never forget it. They'll never let you forget it." He paused. "There's something you're fighting for, Robert. You said your comrades but... something else. Something which means even more to you than that." He turned away. "If you need it, there's money here. Just being the team who beat Celestial Dusk will bring people to you, people who'll happily find contracts to offer you." With that, he led his team away, vanishing from the arena.

"Give one last big hand for Team Avalon, everyone! Arthur's right! Even if Bright Dawn should win this final round, Avalon's names aren't likely going to be forgotten any time soon!"

VBH49

"Hey, aren't you...?"

"I'm no-one important," Charles said, slumping into a seat. "I just... can you get me a coffee, please?"

"Sure... what kind?"

Charles quickly ran off his order, and the waiter bustled away, leaving him with his thoughts. He stared at the TV, seeing the victory, seeing Robert's triumph. He remembered leading Robert to that offer, how he had yelled at him when friendship had won out over the desire for money.

"Robert..." he murmured softly. "I guess.. you were better than I ever thought you were..." He smiled. "In the end, you made it. To the top... that spotlight. Just one team left in your way... one last team..."

He was silent for a moment. "You can win... I know you can. I believe in you..."

VBH49

"I don't believe it..." Irene whispered. "Your son... he..." The room was practically silent. Irene had halted work at this point, gathering the various employees from around the building to watch the finals as a special treat in honor of Robert.

"He's through to the final..." another of the cleaners commented. "He beat... Arthur Elliots..."

"I don't... I don't understand," Mrs. Macmillan said.

"Arthur Elliots is pretty much the single best player in the country," Irene said. "And your boy just beat him. The best player in the country... beaten by your son. That's... incredible."

She gazed at the screen, seeing her son there, seeing his friends with him. "Robert... you did that? You beat someone like that?"

"Yes, he did," Irene smiled. "Go on, woman, celebrate! Your son's just... he's done the impossible! He beat the strongest player in the whole country! And his team won because of it!"

"Except... they haven't won yet," another cut in. "There's still one more game. One more match before it's over."

VBH49

Melanie was just watching.

Stood near her sister in the small gallery, Joan kept nervous eyes focused on the girl who looked so little like her, worried she might collapse again. But Melanie just sat slumped on the seat, staring down at the fight. She was smiling just a little.

"So he won," Joan commented, trying to break the eerie silence.

"He did," Melanie agreed. Her eyes were flickering with something, something which chilled Joan to her soul and sent shivers tearing through her spine.

"What do you think happens next? Can they win against Bright Dawn?" the older girl murmured.

Melanie turned her gaze to her sister, exposing her to the full glare of those chill violet eyes. "We'll see, I suppose. It ought to be interesting, though." She chuckled. "Team Avalon... people no one expected to see in the final." She settled back into the chair. "You don't have to stay."

"I want to," she replied. "I just... if you collapse again..."

Melanie said nothing, just turning back to watching the battle's aftermath.

VBH49

As the crowd cheered and Team Avalon walked from the arena, Robert stared down at his deck. He looked at the top card.

"Leah... everyone. You gave me the strength to win... and now... thank you. I couldn't have won... without you all."

VBH49

Card of the Day:

Majesty Lord Blaster
Grade 3/Twin Drive!
United Sanctuary – Human – Royal Paladin
10000 Power/No Shield/Critical 1
Continuous [V]: While you have a card named 'Blaster Blade' and a card named 'Blaster Dark' in your Soul, this Unit gets +2000 Power and 1 Critical.
Auto [V]: [Send a unit named 'Blaster Blade' and a unit named 'Blaster Dark' from your Rearguard Circles to the Soul] When this unit attacks, you may pay the cost. If you do, this unit gets +10000 Power until end of that battle.
'Light and shadows, become my strength! This is the moment to change despair to hope!'

This is the form of the hero of United Sanctuary, Blaster Blade, when he takes control of the twin swords: the Sword of Light which represents power and courage, and the Sword of Shadows which represents resolve and readiness. When he was given the Sword of Resolve from its owner, the Knight of Shadows, along with his inner strength and spirit, everything he took in gave birth to a new power that he now holds in his hands. This is the sword which transforms despair into hope. Its great power can bring an end to the sorrowful cycle of fate and karma. The young hero who led the gathered warriors... now, his gallant figure has leapt into the pages of myth and legend, etched into the very history of this world! "At long last, the time has come to put an end to this war! Soldiers who possess both courage and resolve, follow me!"

VBH49

Card Stats:

Knight of Resolution, Gwyar
Grade 3/Human – Shadow Paladin/10000 Power/No Shield
Auto [V/R]: When this unit attacks, if you have a card named 'Blaster Dark' in your Soul, this unit gets +2000 Power until end of that battle.
Auto: [Counterblast 2] When this unit is placed on the Vanguard Circle, you may pay the cost. If you do, search your deck for up to one Grade 2 or less Shadow Paladin with 'Blaster' in its card name, call it to an open Rearguard Circle and shuffle your deck.
'My sword bears my resolution. We will bring justice to this land.'

(Knight of Resolution, Gwyar is my own creation.)

VBH49

As the fight with Bright Dawn looms, the members of Team Avalon are confronted not only by their allies, but also by their final opponents. With the shadow of the final battle rising over them, and Bright Dawn appearing to be perhaps their greatest challenge of all, will Avalon be prepared when the battle begins?

In preparation for the final battle, it's Ride 50: Prelude to the Storm!