Chapter Eighteen: Alistar's Choice

"You can do this Alistar, Nathan and Dwight believe in you, go and win this for them, for Team Starblade!" Alistar thought as he psyched himself up.

"It seems that Nathan has not come up, instead, we have Alistar Forg!" Joshua exclaimed.

A worried look appeared on Nathan's face. "I hope Alistar can win this,"

Dwight chuckled as Nathan turned to him. "Have a little more faith in him, if he thinks he can win this, I believe in him,"

"Hey there Alistar, it's good to see you're the one facing me, so, have you thought about our little deal," Ishmael said.

"Yeah, I gave it quite a lot of thought," Alistar replied.

"So, what's your answer, do I have your support?" Ishmael asked.

"Yeah, about that, I decline," Alistar plainly responded as a look of disbelief appeared on Ishmael's face. "After giving it a lot of thought, I decided that if you want the money, you'll just have to beat me fair and square, not like you could do that anyway, all of the prize money is as good as mine, but look on the bright side, at least you'll be known for losing to me today, doesn't that just sound swell," he said as a mocking grin creased his face.

Ishmael could hardly contain his anger. "What did you say?! Fine then, I'll just beat you, and badly too, and after I'm done beating the crap out of you, you can say goodbye to our little partnership!"

"You, beat me, we'll just have to see about that," Alistar said as the two of them prepared.

"Fighters ready, and, begin!"

"Stand up my, Vanguard!"

"Cosmic Hero, Grandhop!" Alistar exclaimed.

Cosmic Hero, Grandhop

Grade 0, Power: 5000

"Extreme Battler, Runbhol!" Ishmael exclaimed.

Extreme Battler, Runbhol

Grade 0, Power: 5000

"So, Ishmael uses the Nova Grapplers, just like I did, but instead of the Beast Deities, he uses the Extreme Battlers," Nathan pointed out. "That particular sub-clan does focus on standing the rear-guards a lot more than mine did, Alistar better watch out,"

"I'll go first if you don't mind," Alistar said.

Turn 1: Hand[Alistar(5), Ishmael(5)]

"Draw, I ride Cosmic Hero, Grandvicle!"

Cosmic Hero, Grandvicle

Grade 1, Power: 7000

"Grandhop moves down, that's all for my turn,"


Alistar

[R] [Cosmic Hero, Grandvicle (1)] [R]

[R] [Cosmic Hero, Grandhop (1)] [R]

Ishmael

[R] [Extreme Battler, Runbhol (1)] [R]

[R] [R] [R]


Turn 2: Hand[Alistar(5), Ishmael(5)]

"Draw, alright, I ride Extreme Battler, Malyaki!"

Extreme Battler, Malyaki

Grade 1, Power: 7000

"Runbhol moves down, then I call Extreme Battler, Gunzdon, look out because Gunzdon is attacking your vanguard with a boost from Runbhol!"

(7000+5000=12000)

"I don't guard, damage check,"

[Damage Check - Cosmic Hero, Grandrifter(G2)]

Damage: [Alistar(1), Ishmael(0)]

"Malyaki is now coming at your vanguard, take this!"

(7000)

"I guard that one,"

"Drive check,"

[Drive Check - Extreme Battler, Sazanda(G2)]

"Well, it seems that attack was a bust," Alistar snickered.

"Enjoy this while you can, because it'll end soon," Ishmael said to him. "I end my turn,"


Alistar

[R] [Cosmic Hero, Grandvicle (1)] [R]

[R] [Cosmic Hero, Grandhop (1)] [R]

Ishmael

[Extreme Battler, Gunzdon (2)] [Extreme Battler, Malyaki (1)] [R]

[Extreme Battler, Runbhol (2)] [R] [R]


Turn 3: Hand[Alistar(4), Ishmael(5)]

"Draw, I ride Cosmic Hero, Grandvolver!"

Cosmic Hero, Grandvolver

Grade 2, Power: 9000

"I call Cosmic Hero, Grandfire, now Grandfire, burn Gunzdon to a crisp!"

(9000)

"I guard!"

"Now with a boost from Grandhop, Grandvolver attacks your vanguard!"

(9000+5000=14000)

"That one I won't guard,"

"All good with me, drive check,"

[Drive Check - Masked Police, Gunnjoe (Draw Trigger)]

"A draw trigger, I'll draw and give the power to my vanguard!"

"Damage check,"

[Damage Check - Extreme Battler, Kenbeam(G2)]

Damage: [Alistar(1), Ishmael(1)]

"That will be it for my turn,"


Alistar

[Cosmic Hero, Grandfire (2)] [Cosmic Hero, Grandvolver (1)] [R]

[R] [Cosmic Hero, Grandhop (1)] [R]

Ishmael

[Extreme Battler, Gunzdon (2)] [Extreme Battler, Malyaki (1)] [R]

[Extreme Battler, Runbhol (2)] [R] [R]


Turn 4: Hand[Alistar(5), Ishmael(4)]

"Stand and draw, I ride Extreme Battler, Sever-temper!"

Extreme Battler, Sever-temper

Grade 2, Power: 9000

"Come and aid me, I call Extreme Battler, Golshachi, go Golshachi, take out Grandfire!"

(9000)

"I guard,"

"Sever-temper attacks your vanguard!"

(9000)

"Yeah, I'll guard that one too!" Alistar said as he placed a grade 0.

"Shit, drive check,"

[Drive Check - Extreme Battler, Arbarail(G2)]

"Your vanguard attack fails again, those drive checks really don't like you," Alistar smirked.

"Shut it, with a boost from Runbhol, Gunzdon attacks Grandfire!"

(7000+5000=12000)

"Go ahead, I won't guard that attack, Grandfire retreats,"

"Alright then, my turn is over,"


Alistar

[R] [Cosmic Hero, Grandvolver (1)] [R]

[R] [Cosmic Hero, Grandhop (1)] [R]

Ishmael

[Extreme Battler, Gunzdon (2)] [Extreme Battler, Sever-temper (1)] [Extreme Battler, Golshachi (3)]

[Extreme Battler, Runbhol (2)] [R] [R]


Turn 5: Hand[Alistar(3), Ishmael(4)]

"Stand and draw. Alright, here I go!" Alistar exclaimed as he raised a card into the air. "Lead the way to my future, warrior of power, endless strength is in my hand! Let's ride! Great Cosmic Hero, Grandgallop!"

Great Cosmic Hero, Grandgallop

Grade 3, Power: 11000

"Next up is Cosmic Hero, Grandhogan, Grandhogan attacks your Gunzdon!"

(9000)

"I don't guard," Ishmael said as Gunzdon vanished.

"With a boost from Grandhop, Grandgallop is charging at your vanguard!"

(11000+5000=16000)

Ishmael looked down at his hand, then looked at Alistar. "I won't guard that one either,"

"Time for my twin drive,"

[Drive Check #1 - Cosmic Hero, Grandbeat (Critical Trigger)]

"Nice, a critical trigger, you're lucky I don't have another rear-guard, all the effects go to my vanguard,"

[Drive Check #2 - Cosmic Hero, Grandwagon(G1)]

"I check for a damage trigger,"

[Damage Check #1 - Extreme Battler, Gunzork(G2)]

[Damage Check #2 - Exxtreme Battler, Danshark(G3)]

Damage: [Alistar(1), Ishmael(3)]

"I have now taken a two damage lead, that's not too bad," Alistar said. "I end my turn, do your worst Ishmael, if you can that is,"


Alistar

[Cosmic Hero, Grandhogan (2)] [Great Cosmic Hero, Grandgallop(1)] [R]

[R] [Cosmic Hero, Grandhop (1)] [R]

Ishmael

[R] [Extreme Battler, Sever-temper (1)] [Extreme Battler, Golshachi (3)]

[Extreme Battler, Runbhol (2)] [R] [R]


Turn 6: Hand[Alistar(4), Ishmael(4)]

"Stand and draw. Do my worst, you want me to do my worst, oh I will, this is where the fun begins, now you'll see what I do to traitors!" Ishmael angrily exclaimed. "A mighty warrior stands on top of everything, those who cross him will feel the wrath of his blade! Ride! Exxtreme Battler, Victor!"

Exxtreme Battler, Victor

Grade 3, Power: 11000

"Now, liberating the generation zone!" Ishmael called. "It's time! Generation Stride! Meteokaiser, Tribrut!"

Meteokaiser, Tribrut

Grade 4, Power: 15000+

"I don't use Victor's stride skill, instead I call Extreme Battle, Arbarail, and Extreme Battler, Break-pass, using the skill of Arbarail, add 2000 power to it then when it attacks, I can stand a rear-guard, with Golshachi's skill, a rear-guard can stand when it attacks as well,"

"If those skills are used properly, both columns can stand after they attack," Dwight stated.

"C'mon Alistar, you can do this!" Dante and Sonia exclaimed from the stands.

"They really believe in him," Kristi said.

"They do, but Ishmael has prepared quite a frightening formation," Anthony stated, taking into account Ismael's board. "He'll be able to increase the number of attacks, power, and hand cards,"

"Hey dad, hey Kristi," Leroy said as he, Joel, and Andrea walked over to them.

"Hey guys, congratulations on making it to the semi-finals," Kristi said as they sat down.

"Thanks, it was close though, the members of Team Shinobi are a force to be reckoned with," Joel said with a sigh.

"What a nice thing to say, you guys weren't too bad either," a voice said as they turned to see Rylan as well as the rest of Team Shinobi walked up and sat next to them.

"Hey there Rylan, good to see you too Hannah, Shawn," said Leroy.

"That Alistar guy sure isn't doing too well, he might have a damage lead, but it won't last for too long," Shawn said.

"You really think so?" Andrea asked.

"Just watch, we'll see if that's true right now," Hannah said as she pointed to the two fighters.

"With a boost from Break-pass, Golshachi attacks your vanguard, with the skill of Golshachi, Break-pass stands!"

(9000+4000=13000)

"I guard,"

"With a boost from Runbhol, Arbarail attacks your vanguard, with the skill of Arbarail, stand Golshachi, add 5000 power to Golshachi, then I use the skill of Tribrut, since one of my rear-guards stood due to a skill, add 2000 power to it and retreat a rear-guard with less or equal power than the selected unit, Golshachi has 9000 power, so I retire your Grandhogan!"

(11000+5000=16000)

"So much for intercepting, I don't guard, damage check,"

[Damage Check - Great Cosmic Hero, Grandgallop(G3)]

Damage: [Alistar(2), Ishmael(3)]

"With a boost from Break-pass, Golshachi attacks your vanguard again!"

(9000+2000+5000+4000=20000)

"I guard that one,"

"Tribrut is now going to attack your vanguard, with the skill of Break-pass, it goes to the soul, then I can draw and add 5000 to Tribrut!"

(26000+5000=31000)

"I don't guard,"

"Triple drive,"

[Drive Check #1 - Extreme Battler, Arashid(G1)]

[Drive Check #2 - Furious Puncher(G1)]

[Drive Check #3 - Extreme Battler, Kachiwall (Stand Trigger)]

"With the stand trigger, all effects to Arbarail, with the skill of Runbhol, since Arbarail stood, it also stands!"

"Damage check,"

[Damage Check - Cosmic Hero, Grandrope(G1)]

Damage: [Alistar(3), Ishmael(3)]

"Don't think you're off the hook, with a boost from Runbhol, Arbarail attacks the vanguard again, cut him apart!"

(9000+2000+5000+5000=21000)

"I don't guard that, I check for a damage trigger,"

[Damage Check - Cosmic Hero, Granddabbot(G3)]

Damage: [Alistar(4), Ishmael(3)]

"I end my turn, I wish I could do some more damage, but it seems it just wasn't meant to be," Ishmael said.


Alistar

[R] [Great Cosmic Hero, Grandgallop(1)] [R]

[R] [Cosmic Hero, Grandhop (1)] [R]

Ishmael

[Extreme Battler, Arbarail (2)] [Exxtreme Battler, Victor(1)] [Extreme Battler, Golshachi (3)]

[Extreme Battler, Runbhol (2)] [R] [R]


Turn 7: Hand[Alistar(2), Ishmael(5)]

"Stand and draw, that was quite the attack, you were able to attack me five times, but that won't be enough to take me out, liberating the generation zone!" Alistar called. "Generation Stride! Super Cosmic Hero, X-Rouge!"

Super Cosmic Hero, X-Rogue

Grade 4, Power: 15000+

"With stride skill, add 4000 power to X-Rogue, I then call Cosmic Hero, Grandwagon, and Cosmic Hero, Grandsub, with the skill of Grandwagon, add 4000 power to Grandsub, with the skill of Grandsub, since its power was increased by a unit's skill and it has at least 13000 power, I add 4000 power to X-Rogue and when its attacks the vanguard, one of your rear-guards must retreat," Alistar explained.

"That was a good play on Alistar's part, by using one rear-guard's skill to activate another rear-guard's skill which then can increase the power of his vanguard, the specialty of the Dimension Police," Nathan noted.

"I then use Grandhop's skill, I rest it and add 4000 power to X-Rogue, then Grandhop will go to the soul, I then draw and countercharge, with a boost from Grandwagon, Grandsub attacks your vanguard!"

(13000+7000=20000)

"I guard that,"

"Now X-Rogue attacks your vanguard, try and stop this!"

(30000+4000+4000=38000)

"You got me, I can't stop that attack, no guard,"

"I thought as much, triple drive,"

[Drive Check #1 - Cosmic Hero, Grandmonk(G1)]

[Drive Check #2 - Cosmic Hero, Grandscold (Stand Trigger)]

"A stand trigger, all the effects go to Grandsub!"

[Drive Check #3 - Cosmic Hero, Grandrescue (Heal Trigger)]

"That could've not come at a better time, I recover one damage, the power goes to Grandsub!"

"Damage check,"

[Damage Check - Extreme Battler, Headstrong-battle(G1)]

Damage: [Alistar(3), Ishmael(4)]

"With the skills of X-Rouge, Grandgallop, and Grandsub, I draw two cards and two of your rear-guards must retreat, then Grandsub attacks your vanguard again!"

(13000+5000+5000=23000)

"Arbarail and Golshachi retire, and as for your attack. Generation Guard! Meteokaiser, Dogantitan!"

Meteokaiser, Dogantitan

Grade 4, Shield: 15000

"With the skill of Dogantitan, since I have fewer rear-guards than you do, add 10000 to its shield!" Ishmael explained.

"Alright then, I end my turn,"

"Alistar has done an amazing job! Despite being at a disadvantage and having to use up his entire hand at a point in the turn, he was able to remove two of Ishmael's rear-guards and obtain six cards in his hand!" Joshua exclaimed.


Alistar

[Cosmic Hero, Grandsub (2)] [Great Cosmic Hero, Grandgallop(1)] [R]

[Cosmic Hero, Grandwagon (2)] [R] [R]

Ishmael

[R] [Exxtreme Battler, Victor(1)] [R]

[Extreme Battler, Runbhol (2)] [R] [R]


Turn 8: Hand[Alistar(6), Ishmael(3)]

"Stand and draw...you know something Alistar, I don't get it," Ishmael said.

"Get what?" Alistar asked.

"We've worked together for a long time, we've made deals before, I've always had your support in the past, so why, what's different about this time, especially a deal that would benefit you so much," Ishmael explained.

"If I had to explain, I guess you could say I've seen the...light of the sun," Alistar responded as he turned around to the booth where Dwight was. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that...I don't need you anymore,"

"Fine, then this is where the fight will end, with Arashid's skill, it acts as a grade 3 when liberating the generation zone," Ishmael said as he dropped the grade 1. "A champion awakens in my time of need, rise up and strike again and again until there's nothing left of my foe! Generation Stride! Meteokaiser, Victoplasma!"

Meteokaiser, Victoplasma

Grade 4, Power: 15000+

"With stride skill, when Victoplasma attacks, one of my rear-guards stand and 5000 power is added to them, I call Extreme Battler, Golshachi, Furious Puncher, and Extreme Battler, Geruk, with the skill of Geruk, when placed on rear-guard, if I have more cards face down in my damage zone than face up, I can countercharge for every rear-guard I control," Ishmael explained as he countercharged four cards.

"Ishmael has used up his entire hand, but with the formation he has set up, this can very well win him the match," Joshua commented.

"I use Golshachi's skill, when it attacks, I can stand a rear-guard, now with a boost from Geruk, Furious Puncher attacks your vanguard!"

(7000+7000=14000)

"I guard,"

"Now with a boost from Runbhol, Golshachi attacks your vanguard, with the skill, stand Furious Puncher, since Puncher stood due to an effect, I use Puncher's Rush, add 5000 power to it, now it'll attack your vanguard again!"

(7000+5000=12000)

"I guard again,"

"Now Victoplasma attacks your vanguard, I use Victoplasma's skill!" Ishmael exclaimed. "By reducing my triple drive to a twin drive, Victoplasma can stand after it attacks, then with the stride skill, Golshachi stands, add 5000 power to Golshachi, with Golshachi's Rush, add 7000 power, go Victoplasma!"

(26000)

"I don't guard,"

"Twin drive,"

[Drive Check #1 - Furious Puncher(G1)]

[Drive Check #2 - Extreme Battler, Break-pass (Critical Trigger)]

"Nice, all effects to Victoplasma!"

"Damage check,"

[Damage Check #1 - Cosmic Hero, Grandberet(G2)]

[Damage Check #2 - Masked Police, Gunnjoe (Draw Trigger)]

"A draw trigger, draw, the power to Grandgallop!"

Damage: [Alistar(5), Ishmael(4)]

"I'm not done, I discard two cards and stand Victoplasma, this is it Alistar, Victoplasma attacks your vanguard again!"

(26000+5000=31000)

"That won't take me down, complete guard with Grandmonk!"

"Another twin drive,"

[Drive Check #1 - Extreme Battler, Headstrong-battle(G1)]

[Drive Check #2 - The Gong (Draw Trigger)]

"A draw trigger, draw, the power goes to Golshachi!"

"With Grandmonk's skill, since the attack was of at least 30000 power, I draw," Alistar said as he grinned happily.

"With a boost from Runbhol, Golshachi attacks your vanguard again!"

(9000+5000+5000+7000+5000=31000)

"That's a pretty strong attack, but it won't hit me, because I drew this, complete guard with Grandmonk again!"

"What, that card you drew with the skill of Grandmonk was another Grandmonk!" Ishmael exclaimed.

"That's right, with Grandmonk's skill, I draw again,"

"My turn isn't over yet, I use the skill of Furious Puncher, it retires and Golshachi stands, with Rush, add another 7000 power, then Runbhol stands, this will be the final attack, Runbhol boosts, Golshachi attacks your vanguard!"

(31000+7000=38000)

"Generation guard! Super Cosmic Hero, X-carivou!"

Super Cosmic Hero, X-carivou

Grade 4, Shield: 15000

"With the skill of X-carivou, since the attack is of at least 30000 power, add 10000 to the shield!" Alistar exclaimed.

"I couldn't finish it, my turn...is over,"


Alistar

[Cosmic Hero, Grandsub (2)] [Great Cosmic Hero, Grandgallop(1)] [R]

[Cosmic Hero, Grandwagon (2)] [R] [R]

Ishmael

[Extreme Battler, Golshachi (2)] [Exxtreme Battler, Victor(1)] [R]

[Extreme Battler, Runbhol (2)] [R] [Extreme Battler, Geruk (3)]


Turn 9: Hand[Alistar(2), Ishmael(3)]

"Stand and draw...Ishmael, do you understand why I'm doing what I'm doing," Alistar began as Ishmael looked at him.

"No, I don't understand, what can possibly make you change your mind, I want to know, you always told me that life was about doing what you could to benefit yourself, this is a great opportunity for you, a win-win situation," Ishmael replied.

"The reason is because of my past," Alistar said.

"Your...past, what does that have to do with this?"

"When I was young, I was betrayed by a friend, that's why I stood by the ideology that life is about doing what you can for yourself, I didn't want a reason to have anybody special in my life," Alistar began. "If all a person was to me was something that could physically benefit me and nothing more, I wouldn't have to worry about making friends and possibly being betrayed again, I thought that this was the way to go, I believed that was the way to live, but then…"

"But what, what happened?" Ishmael asked.

Alistar looked down for a little while before looking up. "Someone reminded me that the real reason I believed that was because I couldn't get over the fact that someone who for years was my best friend would turn his back on me without any hesitation, because of that, I didn't want to let anybody get close to me, I wanted to run away from it all, but, now I see that I can't run away anymore, I have to face it head-on with the strength that lies in my hand,"

From the booth, Dwight watched in surprise, he knew he wanted to help Alistar, but he never thought that it would cause such a change in his teammate. "Alistar, my words meant that much to you," he thought as he stood up. "Go Alistar, win this for the team, I believe in you!"

Alistar turned to see Dwight cheering him on, he couldn't help but smile, he then turned back to Ishmael. "I take back what I said, it seems you're not a pushover, but it doesn't matter, this game is already mine, let's go, liberating the generation zone," Alistar said as he dropped a grade 3. "Despite the tragedies of the past, let it power you through the present to reach a future that goes beyond our wildest dreams! Generation Stride! Super Cosmic Hero, X-gallop!"

Super Cosmic Hero, X-gallop

Grade 4, Power: 15000+

"With stride skill, add 4000 power to X-gallop, I call Cosmic Hero, Grandbalger, and Cosmic Hero, Grandscout, get ready, you're about to see the devastating power of the Dimension Police, I use Grandscout's skill, if my vanguard has Gallop in its name, its power is doubled!"

Ishmael gasped. "Doubled, but your vanguard already has 30000 power!"

"Yes, but that won't be for long, it's now at 60000 power!" Alistar exclaimed. "Now with a boost from Grandwagon, Grandsub attacks your vanguard!"

(9000+7000=16000)

"I guard,"

"Are you ready, X-gallop attacks your vanguard, I use the skill of X-gallop! Since it is attacking with at least 35000 power, add 1 drive, then since it has at least 40000 power, the front row rear-guards get 4000 power for every X-gallop face up in my G zone, which for now is only one card, then with the skill of Grandsub, add another 4000 power to X-gallop,"

(30000+30000+4000=64000)

"I complete guard that attack of yours with Headstrong-battle!" Ishmael exclaimed. "This isn't good, I just used the last cards in my hand and he has one more attack, I only have an intercept, I should be fine as long as he doesn't pull a stand trigger or a critical trigger,"

"Quadruple drive!"

[Drive Check #1- Cosmic Hero, Grandhop(G0)]

[Drive Check #2 - Cosmic Hero, Grandleaf(G1)]

[Drive Check #3 - Cosmic Hero, Grandscold (Stand Trigger)]

"I got a stand trigger, all effects go to Grandsub!"

[Drive Check #4 - Cosmic Hero, Grandbeat (Critical Trigger)]

"A critical trigger, the power to Grandsub, critical to Grandbalger, Grandsub attacks your vanguard!"

(9000+4000+5000+5000=23000)

"Great, you pulled them both, no guard, damage check,"

[Damage Check - Extreme Battler, Malyaki(G1)]

Damage: [Alistar(5), Ishmael(5)]

"It's all over, Team Starblade is going to the semi-finals, with a boost from Grandscout, Grandbalger attacks your vanguard, with Grandbalger's Burst, add 8000 power!"

(9000+4000+8000+7000=28000)

"I don't guard, damage check,"

[Damage Check - Extreme Battler, Runbhol(G0)]

Damage: [Alistar(5), Ishmael(6)]

"He did it, Alistar Forg of Team Starblade has won, his team now has secured a spot in the Block B semi-finals!" Joshua exclaimed.

"That was an excellent game, you've chosen some good teammates, Nathan," Denton thought.

Alistar looked at the shock in Ishmael's face, he said nothing as he turned around and walked back to his booth, when he arrived, his teammates were ecstatic. "You did it, we're going to the semi-finals!" they exclaimed as they threw themselves onto Alistar, the man could hardly carry the two teens and they all collapsed on the floor.

"What the hell are you two doing?! Get off me!" Alistar exclaimed as Nathan and Dwight stood up, but their moods remained the same.

"Don't be like that Alistar, we won this," Nathan said. "We're one step closer to achieving our goal!"

"I think you mean your goal," Alistar mumbled as he walked over to Dwight. "Hey,"

"What is it, Alistar?" Dwight asked.

Alistar paused for a few seconds, thinking about what to say, then he spoke. "I wanted to say thanks, what you told me at the park really helped me out," he said while he nervously scratched his cheek.

Dwight smiled. "Don't mention it, what are teammates...no, what are friends for," he said.

Alistar turned away from them and crossed his arms, and though the other two couldn't see it, there was a big smile on his face. "Fine then, I guess we can be...friends, I haven't had one of those in a long time," he said as they all exited the booth and made their way to the stands.


Featured Fan Cards:

Extreme Battler, Geruk

Grade 1, Power: 7000

Auto GB2: When this is placed on RC, if you have more cards face down in your damage zone than cards face up in your damage zone, CC for every rear-guard you control.