Chapter Twenty-One: Dwight's Flaw

"What a fight, that card Andrea busted out was incredibly powerful, now Team Trinovol has become the finalist team for Block A, it'll be up to us to win our next match and become the finalist team for Block B," Dwight said to himself as he sipped a soda that was in his hand. Now that the Block A finalist has been chosen, the fight to determine the finalist for Block B was only minutes away.

Dwight stopped sipping his soda and smiled. "This is going to be epic, I can't wait, I'm going to give it my-" he began, then suddenly, at the corner of his eye, he noticed someone in a pink hoodie, the hood covered their head, and they appeared to be in pain.

"Hey, are you alright?" Dwight asked with concern as he walked over to the person, they then looked up at Dwight, and he saw that it was a girl with short brown hair. "Hey, I've seen you before, you're Gia Lennon, the leader of Team Birthscar. Are you alright, did you hurt yourself?"

"No, I didn't hurt myself, this happens quite often, I've sort of gotten used to it now," Gia replied.

"Gotten used to what exactly?" Dwight asked.

"My own body, there's a reason I decided to name my team Birthscar, it's because of these," Gia replied as she rolled back her sleeve, as she did, Dwight covered his mouth in shock, her skin was covered in what looked like burn marks.

"No way, what is that?" Dwight asked with surprise.

"They're my birth scars," Gia replied as she closed her eyes for a little while, then opened them again. "When I was born, I contracted an early disease that did this to the skin on my arms, it was never much of a problem as I was growing up, but recently, I've begun to feel a burning sensation in them, when my parents took me to the doctor, they said it was getting worse, but there was a medicine that could cure me,"

"So, why don't you just use it," Dwight said.

Gia sighed. "If only it was that easy, the medicine is extremely expensive, that's the reason I'm participating in the Titan Cup, to afford it. But, my team is going up against yours to decide who will be Block B's finalist team, if my team wins, I'll be one step closer to getting what I desire, and if I don't...I'd rather not think about it, well I'll be off, the game will begin in twenty minutes, good luck," she said as she rose up and walked away.

Dwight however, remained on the bench, he was deep in thought, what was he going to do, Gia really needed the prize money, her life was most likely depending on it, but, there was Nathan, Dante, and Sonia, they too needed the prize money, living in poverty wasn't easy and winning the money was their best chance to get back on their feet and begin a new life for themselves. Dwight was torn, he wasn't sure what to do, or who to side by, they both seemed to need it, but, who needed it more?.

"Hey, Dwight...Dwight...Earth to Dwight!" a voice exclaimed as Dwight snapped out of his thoughts to see Alistar standing in front of him.

"Hey Alistar, do you need something?" Dwight asked.

"I don't need anything, I'm looking for you, our fight is going to start in ten minutes," Alistar said as he tried to lift Dwight up. "C'mon, we have to go,"

"I...don't think I can," Dwight slowly said.

Alistar looked at him surprised. "Why not? What's up with you, you're usually a lot more optimistic, did something happen?" he asked.

"Yeah, something happened, and I don't know what to do about it, do you think that you can help me?" Dwight asked with a sad smile.

"I'll try, lay it on me," Alistar replied as Dwight explained what happened between him and Gia.

"You can't be serious!" Alistar replied. "You've never met this Gia girl before, and now you're not even sure if you want to win your fight!"

"She really needs it, you didn't see what I saw Alistar, those scars on her arm, she must've gone through a lot of suffering, I want to do what I can to end it," Dwight said.

"What about Nathan's suffering, along with the other two," Alistar said back to him. "Weren't you the one who told me that we were fighting for them?"

"That's what I'm confused about, they both need it, I want to help Nathan, as a fellow member of Team Starblade, but I couldn't live with myself if I left Gia in the predicament she's in, she's come so far, but if she loses, it's all over for her, I don't want that," Dwight said.

"I can't believe you right now," Alistar said as he grabbed the collar of Dwight's shirt and pulled his teammate's face close to his. "Now you listen to me, you're the one who told me that I shouldn't fight selfishly for myself, that I should fight for the sake of the team, I believed your words, it made me change who I was, so I will not allow you to go into that fight half-heartedly for the sake of a person you hardly know!"

Dwight slowly freed himself from Alistar's grip and looked at him intently. "I'm sorry, but I can't do that, just because I don't know her doesn't mean I can't help her, I understand that to you, it might not mean much, but it does to me, through this, I can repay my debt to him,"

Alistar raised a brow. "Him, who him, and what did he do?" he asked.

"We didn't meet too long ago, but I'll never forget him, and what he did for me," Dwight began.

[Flashback]

Two Years Ago. Trenton, New Jersey

"Hey mom, I'm heading out," a fourteen-year-old Dwight said as he was about to exit his house.

"Where are you off to," his mother said as she pointed out the window. "It's nighttime, where could you possibly go at this time?"

"I'm going to stop by the corner store quickly," Dwight replied.

"Oh no, you're not, you can go there tomorrow," his mother quickly said. "If you have to go, you can go with your father,"

Dwight smiled. "C'mon mom, I'm fourteen years old now, I'm old enough to go by myself, please, I promise I won't get into any trouble," he said.

His mother sighed. "Fine, you have a point, you are getting older, but be back in fifteen minutes," she said.

"I will, bye mom, see you later," Dwight said as he exited his house and ran over to the corner store. "I better hurry and make it back so mom won't worry-" he began as he bumped into someone, it was a tall guy wearing all black, standing next to him were two other guys wearing similar clothing.

"Watch it, kid," the man said with a dangerous glare.

Dwight merely smiled. "Sorry mister, I didn't see you there, those clothes make you almost invisible," he said as he kept running to the corner store, after getting what he wanted, he left and began running back home.

"That went just fine, after this, mom will trust me a lot more, she won't have to worry about me anymore," Dwight thought to himself as he kept running. Once he was almost halfway to his house, he slowed down his pace and began walking while panting, he then took out his phone.

"Not bad, I've only been gone for eight minutes, I'm pretty-" he began as he bumped into someone.

"Oh sorry, I didn't see you-" he said as he looked up and saw it was the same three guys from before, they then surrounded the teenager in a circle.

"So, you thought you could just bump into me, insult what I'm wearing, then just run away. Nah man, you're crazy if you think we're going to let that slide," the man in the center said.

"Excuse me, I'm confused," Dwight said.

"Get him!" one guy said as they all jumped on Dwight.

"Help! Somebody help me!" Dwight screamed, but as he looked around, he didn't see anyone around. The men proceeded to beat him senseless, even after he dropped to the ground, their attacks did not cease, they took his phone, his pocket money, and the thing he bought.

"That will teach you," one of them said as he looked to the pile of bushes next to him. "Hey guys, let's put him here, nobody can see him here,"

"Good idea," another nodded as they carried Dwight's body and threw him into the bushes and walked away.

"Please, somebody help me," Dwight weakly said from behind the bushes.

Soon, after about five minutes people began walking around the street again, a couple passed by the bushes where Dwight laid.

"I have to let them know that I'm here," Dwight thought as he tried to call for help, but the only sound that escaped his mouth was a moan.

"Did you hear that?" the woman asked as her boyfriend nodded.

"Yeah, I heard something," the boyfriend said as Dwight moaned again. "It's coming from the bushes, maybe it's some drunk guy, let's get out of here!" he exclaimed as they ran away.

"No, come back, please," Dwight said weakly as he felt his eyes get heavy. "This can't be it, this can't be how I die, I just have to wait until morning, or maybe mom and dad will come looking for me, but I don't think I'll last till morning," he thought as tears ran down his face. "Mom, dad, somebody, help me!"

"Is someone over there?" a gentle voice asked himself aloud as Dwight weakly turned his head to see a man standing right by the bush.

Dwight moaned as loud as he could as the man drew closer. "Someone is there, are they okay?" he said as he looked over the bush and saw Dwight on the ground. "Oh my gosh, it's a kid!" he exclaimed. "Hey there buddy, are your injuries bad?"

Filled with a sudden yet low burst of energy, Dwight attempted to speak. "I got jumped, the bruises are pretty bad though, some of them are bleeding," he weakly replied.

"I'm going to call an ambulance, do you know you're parent's number?" he asked as Dwight nodded, the man then knelt down. "You don't have to worry anymore, help is on the way,"

The warm smile the man gave made Dwight feel safe, as if he was being warmly embraced by a motherly figure. "I'm...Dwight,"

"It's good to meet you, Dwight, I'm Joe," he said back.

A few minutes passed, then the ambulance car arrived and brung Dwight and Joe off to the emergency room. After bringing Dwight into a medical room to be treated, his parents burst into the hallway where Joe was sitting.

"Are you Mr. and Mrs. Lansing?" Joe asked as the two nodded.

"How is he, was he hurt badly?" Mr. Lansing asked as the doctor walked out of the room, the two then walked to him. "Is he going to be okay?" they asked.

The doctor gave them a warm smile. "He's going to be alright, the bruises he got are bad, but nothing serious, he just needs some rest, he should be out tomorrow morning,"

"Oh that's great," Mr. Lansing said as he sighed with relief. "Can we see him?"

"Yes you can, he actually wanted me to see if you were here so you could see him," the doctor replied as he opened the door and the four of them entered the room where Dwight laid on his bed, as he saw them enter, he smiled.

"Mom, dad!" Dwight exclaimed as his parents ran to him and hugged him.

"My baby boy, you're alright, when I got a call that you were in the emergency room, I thought I'd never see your smile again," Mrs. Lansing cried with joy.

"I was really scared too, but then Joe came and helped me, if it weren't for him, I'm not sure what would happen to me," Dwight said.

His parents then walked up to Joe. "Thank you so much, how can we ever repay you for this?" Mrs. Lansing said to him.

"You're welcome, but I don't need anything," Joe replied.

"Nonsense, you helped our son when you didn't even know him, you didn't know where he was from or what he might've done prior to when you found him, but still, you helped him, we have to give you something for this," Mr. Lansing insisted.

"You don't have to give me something, in fact, I'll give you something," Joe said as he walked to Dwight. "Dwight, to repay me for what I did, I merely want you to do me this one favor,"

"And that is?" Dwight asked.

"Promise me that when you get better, you'll help someone in trouble or despair, be their hope and their aid, just as I was to you, can you do that for me?" Joe asked.

Dwight smiled. "Yes, I can do that,"

[End Flashback]

"That's what happened to you, it sounds a lot like what happened to me," Alistar said. "It seems the both of us have a knack for getting our asses kicked by a group of guys,"

"You're missing the point Alistar, Joe saved me, he didn't know me, but he still helped me," Dwight said. "I promised to be someone's hope and aid, to save them from trouble and despair, and Gia is the one who needs saving,"

"I understand, but how do you plan to help her anyway?" Alistar asked.

"Not sure, what if we give her a portion of our prize money, but, there is a chance that she might need all of it," Dwight said as he stroked his chin.

"I still don't think that this is a good idea, but if you think you can find a way to help her, I won't get in your way," Alistar said.

"Thanks a lot, Alistar," Dwight said as he rose from his seat. "C'mon, let's get going, we have a match to play,"

The two hurried over to meet up with Nathan, they then along with the other team entered the arena, the stadium greeted them with loud applause, after seeing the epic clash that was the previous fight, they were hungry for more.

"Go Team Starblade!" Dante and Sonia loudly exclaimed.

Kristi smiled. "They're really pumped, a lot more than usual," she said.

Anthony nodded. "Can you blame them, their brother's team is only one win away from going to the Interblock semi-finals,"

"Good to see that your excitement hasn't faded folks, we'll now begin the fight for Block B, one the left side, we have a team with no defeats under their name, led by the wielder of the Astral Villainy clan, please welcome Team Starblade!" Joshua exclaimed. "And facing them will be Team Birthscar, who will be our first cardfighters!"

"This is it guys, once we win this, we'll be representing Block B, this will be awesome, let's give it our all," Nathan said as he looked to his teammates, but something was wrong, the two of them appeared to be deep in thought, like they didn't even hear him. The blue-haired teen wasn't sure what was going on with his teammates, but he decided to leave them to their thoughts. "Don't worry guys, I'll take the first game, just be ready after I win," he said as he walked to the stadium.

"This is quite a surprise, until now, either Dwight or Alistar would go first, but this time, Nathan seems to be the first fighter for Team Starblade," Denton stated. "And his opponent has come to meet him, from Team Birthscar, we have Amelia Beagle!"

"I wasn't planning on going first, but my teammates appear to be thinking about something else right now," Nathan said.

"That's alright, I was actually looking for a chance to beat a user of one of the new clans," Amelia said.

Nathan smirked. "Dream on, I'm way too strong for you,"

"Fighters ready, and, begin!"

"Stand up my, Vanguard!"

"Starforce Dragon, Yalto!" Nathan exclaimed.

Starforce Dragon, Yalto

Grade 0, Power: 5000

"Witch of Banquets, Lir!" Amelia exclaimed.

Witch of Banquets, Lir

Grade 0, Power: 5000

"I don't know what's up with the two of you, but don't worry, I'm going to win this fight!" Nathan thought.


"Alright, let's go, attack your vanguard with Damnation Star Tiger, Tigaross, with the skill of Tigaross, send three rear-guards to the soul, then call them to the back row, they gain 10000 power and can attack from the back row!" Nathan exclaimed.

"I don't guard, damage check, yes, I got a heal trigger, recover one damage, power to my vanguard, Mesmerizing Witch, Fianna!" Amelia exclaimed.

"Let's see if you can survive this, Isabel attacks the vanguard!"

(11000+10000=21000)

"I guard!"

"Let's see if you can stop this, Nova Surge Wyvern attacks the vanguard, with its skill, add an additional 5000 power!"

(10000+10000+5000=25000)

"No guard, damage check, no trigger," Amelia sighed as she put the card in her damage zone, marking her sixth point.

"Nathan has done it, he beat Amelia and put his team in the lead, all they need is one more victory, can they do it?!" Joshua exclaimed.

Nathan walked back to his booth, when he got there, his teammates still appeared to be in a state of thought. "Guys!" he exclaimed as his teammates snapped out of their thoughts.

"Nathan, you won your fight already?" Dwight asked.

"That's right, which one of you is going next?" Nathan asked back.

Dwight stood up. "I'll take this one, I'll do my best and win," he said as he walked to the stadium.

Nathan sat down where Dwight was and looked over to Alistar. "If you don't mind me asking, what were you and Dwight thinking about, it was like you didn't notice I was around, is something the matter?" he asked.

"I guess I should tell you, you are the leader of this team," Alistar sighed as he explained to Nathan what happened with him and Dwight.

"The second fighter for Team Starblade has advanced, we have Dwight Lansing!" Joshua exclaimed. "As for his opponent, from Team Birthscar, we have their leader, Gia Lennon!"

Dwight's eyes slightly widened as he saw his opponent. "Gia," he said quietly.

"Hey Dwight, I didn't think I'd be fighting you, good luck-" Gia began but stopped as she held her arm and winced in pain.

"Is your arm bothering you again?" Dwight asked.

Gia smiled. "Yeah, I'll be fine, let's continue,"

"Fighters ready, and, begin!"

"Stand up my, Vanguard!"

"Knight of Early Dawn, Coel!" Dwight exclaimed.

Knight of Early Dawn, Coel

Grade 0, Power: 5000

"Desire Jewel Knight, Heloise!" Gia exclaimed.

Desire Jewel Knight, Heloise

Grade 0, Power: 5000

"So, you use Royal Paladin, more specifically the Jewel Knight subclan, interesting. I got the first move," Dwight said.

Turn 1: Hand[Dwight(5), Gia(5)]

"Draw, I ride Knight of Spring Sun, Conanus!"

Knight of Spring Sun, Conanus

Grade 1, Power: 7000

"Coel moves down, I end my turn,"


Dwight

[R] [Knight of Spring Sun, Conanus (1)] [R]

[R] [Knight of Early Dawn, Coel (1)] [R]

Gia

[R] [Desire Jewel Knight, Heloise (1)] [R]

[R] [R] [R]


Turn 2: Hand[Dwight(5), Gia(5)]

"Draw, I ride Regret Jewel Knight, Urien!"

Regret Jewel Knight, Urien

Grade 1, Power: 7000

"Heloise moves down, I call Jewel Knight, Prizmy, go Prizmy, tear his vanguard to pieces!"

(7000)

"I guard,"

"With a boost from Heloise, Urien attacks your vanguard!"

(7000+5000=12000)

"I don't guard that one,"

"Drive check,"

[Drive Check - Stinging Jewel Knight, Shellie(G1)]

"Damage check,"

[Damage Check - Teaching Knight, Hudon(G3)]

Damage: [Dwight(1), Gia(0)]

"I end my turn,"


Dwight

[R] [Knight of Spring Sun, Conanus (1)] [R]

[R] [Knight of Early Dawn, Coel (1)] [R]

Gia

[Jewel Knight, Prizmy (2)] [Regret Jewel Knight, Urien (1)] [R]

[R] [Desire Jewel Knight, Heloise (1)] [R]


Turn 3: Hand[Dwight(4), Gia(5)]

"Draw, I ride Knight of Dawnlight, Jago!"

Knight of Dawnlight, Jago

Grade 2, Power: 10000

"I call Knight of Daylight, Kinarius, I'm counting on you Kinarius, attack Prizmy!"

(9000)

"Don't think so, I guard,"

"Alright, with a boost from Coel, Jago attacks your vanguard at full force!"

(10000+5000=15000)

"No guard,"

"Drive check,"

[Drive Check - Knight of the Remaining Sun, Henrinus(G2)]

"Damage check,"

[Damage Check - Pure Wind Jewel Knight, Kymbelinus(G2)]

Damage: [Dwight(1), Gia(1)]

"I end my turn,"


Dwight

[Knight of Daylight, Kinarius (2)] [Knight of Dawnlight, Jago (1)] [R]

[R] [Knight of Early Dawn, Coel (1)] [R]

Gia

[Jewel Knight, Prizmy (2)] [Regret Jewel Knight, Urien (1)] [R]

[R] [Desire Jewel Knight, Heloise (1)] [R]


Turn 4: Hand[Dwight(4), Gia(4)]

"Stand and draw, I ride Pathetic Jewel Knight, Olwen!"

Pathetic Jewel Knight, Olwen

Grade 2, Power: 8000

"I call Linking Jewel Knight, Tilda and Stinging Jewel Knight, Shellie to rear guard, Tilda and Prizmy exchange places, Shellie attacks your vanguard, with the skill of Shellie, since I control at least three other Jewel Knight rear-guards, add 3000 power to her!"

(7000+3000=10000)

"I guard,"

"With a boost from Heloise, Olwen attacks the vanguard, with the skill of Olwen, since I have more rear-guards than you do, add 3000 power to him, then with the skill of Heloise when she boosts, if I have at least three other Jewel Knight rear-guards, add 3000 power to Olwen!"

(8000+3000+5000+3000=19000)

"I don't guard,"

"Drive check,"

[Drive Check - Devoting Jewel Knight, Tabitha (Draw Trigger)]

"Perfect, draw, the power goes to Tilda!"

"Damage check,"

[Damage Check - Knight of Spring's Light, Perimore(G2)]

Damage: [Dwight(2), Gia(1)]

"With a boost from Prizmy, Tilda attacks the vanguard!"

(9000+7000+5000=21000)

"I don't guard that one either, damage check,"

[Damage Check - Knight of Oblique Sundown, Radion(G2)]

Damage: [Dwight(3), Gia(1)]

"I end my turn,"


Dwight

[Knight of Daylight, Kinarius (2)] [Knight of Dawnlight, Jago (1)] [R]

[R] [Knight of Early Dawn, Coel (1)] [R]

Gia

[Linking Jewel Knight, Tilda (2)] [Pathetic Jewel Knight, Olwen (1)] [Stinging Jewel Knight, Shellie (3)]

[Jewel Knight, Prizmy (2)] [Desire Jewel Knight, Heloise (1)] [R]


Turn 5: Hand[Dwight(3), Gia(4)]

"Stand and draw," Dwight said. "I can't let myself get distracted, I have to win this, once we win the tournament, maybe we can work something out, there has to be a way both sides can benefit, there just has to be!"

"You're joking right, Gia asked Dwight to lose his match!" Nathan exclaimed.

Alistar shook his head. "No, she didn't ask him to lose, she said that if she loses, she'll be in a bad situation, I guess in Dwight's mind, the way to solve the problem would either be to lose or to work something out with Gia after we win," he clarified.

"So, the reason he wants to help her so bad is because someone saved him after he got jumped by a group of guys?" Nathan asked. "Dwight never told me, even when we used to hang out at school, so why would he tell you?"

"Most likely because the situation required him to explain it to me," Alistar replied. "I just hope he knows what he's doing,"

"I've got to do what I can to take the lead," Dwight said. "Unsheath the blade of light, swordsman of the sun, and instill judgment on my enemies! Ride! Golden Holy Sword, Gurguit!"

Golden Holy Sword, Gurguit

Grade 3, Power: 11000

"I call Knight of Dawnlight, Jago, and Scarface Lion, with a boost from Scarface, Jago attacks the vanguard!"

(10000+4000=14000)

"I guard,"

"With a boost from Coel, Gurguit attacks the vanguard, I now use the skill of Scarface, send it to the soul, draw, add 5000 power to Gurguit!"

(11000+5000+5000=21000)

"I don't guard,"

"Twin drive,"

[Drive Check #1 - Falcon Knight of the Azure (Draw Trigger)]

"A draw trigger, I draw, the power goes to Kinarius!"

[Drive Check #2 - Flame of Victory (Critical Trigger)]

"A critical trigger, the power to Kinarius, they critical stays with me!"

"Tch, damage check,"

[Damage Check #1 - Dogmatize Jewel Knight, Sybill(G2)]

[Damage Check #2 - Calling Jewel Knight, Christine(G1)]

Damage: [Dwight(3), Gia(3)]

"You're up Kinarius, attack the vanguard!"

(9000+5000+5000=19000)

"I don't guard, damage check,"

[Damage Check - Ardent Jewel Knight, Polli (Heal Trigger)]

"Nice timing, I recover one damage, power to Olwen!"

Damage: [Dwight(3), Gia(3)]

"I end my turn,"


Dwight

[Knight of Daylight, Kinarius (2)] [Golden Holy Sword, Gurguit (1)] [Knight of Dawnlight, Jago (3)]

[R] [Knight of Early Dawn, Coel (1)] [R]

Gia

[Linking Jewel Knight, Tilda (2)] [Pathetic Jewel Knight, Olwen (1)] [Stinging Jewel Knight, Shellie (3)]

[Jewel Knight, Prizmy (2)] [Desire Jewel Knight, Heloise (1)] [R]


Turn 6: Hand[Dwight(5), Gia(3)]

"Stand and draw, prepare to see the true power of the Jewel Knights, Dwight," Gia said as she raised a card in the air. "Knight who wields the jeweled blade, cut down our foes for the sake of my desire! I ride! Slashing Jewel Knight, Patricia!"

Slashing Jewel Knight, Patricia

Grade 3, Power: 11000

Dwight's eyes widened as he saw the swordswoman appear, she had long blue hair, was clad in violet and turquoise armor, and in her hand was a broadsword embroidered with many colorful jewels that glittered in the light.

"I use the skill of Tilda when a grade 3 Jewel Knight is placed on the vanguard circle, superior call a grade 1 or less card from my deck to rear-guard, I superior call Heat Wind Jewel Knight, Cymbeline to rear-guard, with the skill of Cymbeline, since I have three or more Jewel Knight rear-guards, he rests and I can add 10000 power to a Jewel Knight unit, I choose Shellie, then I use Patricia's skill, I countercharge and soulcharge," Gia explained.

"Not bad, with only one ride, you were able to use three different skills, nice synergy," Dwight stated.

"Thanks, but it doesn't end with that, I'm going to liberate the generation zone," Gia said. "Generation Stride! Climax Jewel Knight Lord, Evangeline!"

Climax Jewel Knight Lord, Evangeline

Grade 4, Power: 15000+

"Stride skill of Patricia, superior call Regret Jewel Knight, Urien to rear-guard, add 2000 power to Urien, then if I have three or more Jewel Knight rear-guards, draw," Gia said. "Now I use the skill of Evangeline, since I have three or more Jewel Knight rear-guards, add 3000 power to all units for every Evangeline face up in the G Zone, which is currently one, with a boost from Prizmy, Tilda attacks the vanguard!"

(12000+10000=22000)

"No guard, damage check,"

[Damage Check - Player of the Holy Pipe, Gerrie (Stand Trigger)]

"You're not the only one with good timing, Coel stands, the power to Gurguit!"

Damage: [Dwight(4), Gia(3)]

"With a boost from Heloise, Evangeline attacks the vanguard, skill of Heloise, add 3000 power to Evangeline!"

(29000+8000+3000=40000)

"Holy Mage, Irena, quintet wall!" Dwight exclaimed as Gurguit's power rose to 41000. "I then use the skill of Irena, I discard one card from my hand, then I send Irena back to my hand, in exchange, the top card of my deck goes to the guardian circle," Dwight looked at the top card and grinned. "Nice, Knight of Autumn Light, Regan, add 5000 to her shield!"

"Triple drive,"

[Drive Check #1 - Slashing Jewel Knight, Patricia(G3)]

[Drive Check #2 - Flash Jewel Knight, Iseult(G1)]

[Drive Check #3 - Straight Jewel Knight, Bartram (Critical Trigger)]

"I got a critical trigger, all effects go to Shellie, I'm counting on you, with a boost from Urien, Shellie attacks the vanguard, with Shellie's skill, add 3000 power, then with Urien's skill, counterblast and add 1000 power to him!"

(10000+3000+10000+13000=36000)

"Generation Guard! Golden Beast, Sleimy Flare!"

Golden Beast, Sleimy Flare

Grade 4, Shield: 15000

"Skill of Sleimy Flare, send Jago to the bottom of the deck, then look at the top five cards of the deck, select two cards of different grades as guardians!" Dwight explained as the total shield amounted to 25000.

"Alright, I end my turn,"


Dwight

[Knight of Daylight, Kinarius (2)] [Golden Holy Sword, Gurguit (1)] [R]

[R] [Knight of Early Dawn, Coel (1)] [R]

Gia

[Linking Jewel Knight, Tilda (2)] [Slashing Jewel Knight, Patricia (1)] [Stinging Jewel Knight, Shellie (3)]

[Jewel Knight, Prizmy (2)][Desire Jewel Knight, Heloise (1)][Regret Jewel Knight, Urien (3)]


Turn 7: Hand[Dwight(3), Gia(7)]

"Stand and draw, I was able to go through that turn without increasing my damage count," Dwight said. "Liberating the generation zone! Generation Stride! Holy Sword of Heavenly Law, Gurguit!"

Holy Sword of Heavenly Law, Gurguit

Grade 4, Power: 15000+

"Stride skill, look at the top four cards of my deck, superior call Bullrgal, since Bullrgal has Unite, superior call the top card of my deck in a rested state, I superior call Dexxgal, with Dexxgal's skill, look at the top three cards of my deck, superior call Falcon Knight of the Azure to Dexxgal's circle, Dexxgal retreats, add 2000 power to Falcon Knight, with the skill of Falcon Knight, add 2000 power to Bullrgal,"

"That was a pretty good move," Gia said, but Dwight didn't respond, as if he wasn't listening.

"If I tell Nathan about Gia's problem, maybe he'll want to help too," Dwight thought. "Kinarius attacks Tilda, with his Unite, add 4000 power!"

(9000+4000=13000)

"I guard,"

"With a boost from Falcon Knight, Bullrgal attacks the vanguard, with Unite, add 5000 power!"

(9000+2000+5000+4000+2000=22000)

"I don't guard, damage check,"

[Damage Check - Jewel Knight, Prizmy(G1)]

Damage: [Dwight(4), Gia(4)]

"With a boost from Coel, Gurguit attacks the vanguard, I use the skill of Gurguit!" Dwight exclaimed. "Look at the top seven cards of the deck, superior call Holy Mage, Pwyll, then with the other skill of Gurguit, add 2000 power to all units!"

(28000+7000=35000)

"Complete guard with Iseult!"

"Triple drive!"

[Drive Check #1 - Player of the Holy Pipe, Gerrie (Stand Trigger)]

"A stand trigger, all effects to Falcon Knight!"

[Drive Check #2 - Knight of Insolation, Carinus(G1)]

[Drive Check #3 - Scarface Lion (Critical Trigger)]

"There we go, all effects go to Pwyll, with a boost from Falcon Knight, Pwyll attacks the vanguard, with the skill of Pwyll, look at the top three cards of the deck, superior call Teaching Knight, Hudon!"

(9000+2000+5000+4000+2000+5000+2000=29000)

"I guard with three cards from my hand!"

"Hudon now attacks the vanguard!"

(11000+2000=13000)

"I don't guard, damage check,"

[Damage Check - Jewel Knight, Tranmy(G2)]

Damage: [Dwight(4), Gia(5)]

"I end my turn," Dwight said. "Thinking of a way to help everyone is hard, no matter what idea I come up with, it never seems to work, for now I should focus on the cardfight,"


Dwight

[Teaching Knight, Hudon(2)] [Golden Holy Sword, Gurguit (1)] [Holy Mage, Pwyll (3)]

[R] [Knight of Early Dawn, Coel (1)] [Falcon Knight of the Azure (3)]

Gia

[Linking Jewel Knight, Tilda (2)] [Slashing Jewel Knight, Patricia (1)] [Stinging Jewel Knight, Shellie (3)]

[Jewel Knight, Prizmy (2)][Desire Jewel Knight, Heloise (1)][Regret Jewel Knight, Urien (3)]


Turn 8: Hand[Dwight(5), Gia(1)]

"Stand and draw, hey Dwight," Gia said. "I think you made a mistake,"

Dwight was surprised. "Mistake? What could I've possibly missed-" Dwight began as he looked over his board and saw what he did.

"Dwight actually made two mistakes during that turn," Nathan noted. "First, he used Gurguit's skill too late, if he used it before beginning his battle phase, Kinarius would have enough power to force Gia to use a 10000 shield or lose Tilda, then there's Hudon, when its attack on the vanguard is successful, you can look at the top four cards of his deck and superior call a card with an additional 3000 power added,"

Alistar nodded. "With that attack, he could've forced Gia to use up her last hand card or intercept with Tilda, the Jewel Knights of Royal Paladin are dependent on the specific number of Jewel Knight rear-guards, if she did intercept, that would be better in the long run," he added.

"Is something the matter Dwight, you've appeared to be quite distracted during this cardfight, is something on your mind?" Gia asked.

"I was," Dwight scratched his head in an innocent, yet guilty manner. "Sorry about that, it's just that ever since you told me about your problem, I've been thinking of a way to solve it in a way where everyone can be happy,"

Gia listened to what Dwight had said, she looked at her hand, she looked at her board, then back to her brown-haired opponent, and what she did next surprised Dwight, it even sent a minor chill down the teen's spine.

She grinned, not a happy, innocent grin, but a deranged, sinister one.

"Is that what you were so distracted on, little ol me, wow, how, ridiculous," she laughed, her previous words were hardly audible to the audience.

Dwight drew a confused look. "Excuse me, did I miss something?"

"You honestly thought that I had a real disease, you're pretty gullible, but on the other hand, I was sort of counting on it," Gia said.

"What are you talking about, explain?" Dwight asked.

"It's actually quite simple," Gia said as she rolled back her sleeve, revealing the scars, she then rubbed her arm with her other hand and the scars began to fade. "They're not real, my teammates are great artists, they painted this thing on my arm, and it looks so real too,"

"But...why? What reason would you have to lie?"

"That part is a bit harder, once people of the opposing team see my 'scars' and why I want to win, they feel like it's their duty to help me, that causes them to not focus on their fights which lead to my victory, it's risky, but it's quite effective when used on the right people," Gia explained as a sinister grin creased her face.

"You mean to say this isn't your first attempt?" Dwight asked.

"Of course not, I've been doing this since the beginning of the tournament, sometimes it worked, other times not, but either way, I'm quite confident in my cardfighting skills, but seeing the look of defeat on a person's face after they lose a half-hearted fight brings me absolute joy," Gia replied.

"This is not happening," Nathan said as he heard Gia's revelation, he looked over to the booth of her team and saw the same sinister look on the faces of her teammates. "She's lucky nobody else heard it, or they'd be dragged off the stadium, but we heard, let's go tell Joshua and Denton and get their sorry asses disqualified,"

Nathan was about to leave, but Alistar blocked his path. "That's not going to help us,"

"What do you mean, she tricked Dwight, she took advantage of his helpful nature, not to mention all the other fighters she fooled, are you honestly trying to stop me," Nathan said with anger and frustration.

"I know how you feel, but we have to consider something," Alistar said quite calmly. "While it's true that what Gia did was underhanded, it was Dwight's decision to let himself get sidetracked. Gia said that were some people she told who still fought how they usually would, meaning that her tactic only works on people who let the thought of her ponder in their mind, while I don't condone her actions, technically, she didn't do anything illegal according to the tournament rules,"

"That's bullshit, there has to be something we can do," Nathan said as he sat down and impatiently tapped his feet.

"The only thing we can do is win this match," Alistar said as he turned to where Dwight. "But only if he can win this match,"

Dwight looked stunned. He had let himself get fooled, he believed that he was doing his best to help someone in need, to be their hope, but that had turned to not be the case. He thought back to the incident two years ago, and how Joe had selflessly saved him, he didn't want to believe that what Gia said was true, but the evidence didn't lie.

"Well, I'm sorry but, this match is already over, and I've won it, I'm going to liberate the generation zone," Gia said. "It's time for you to make a reappearance! Generation Stride! Climax Jewel Knight Lord, Evangeline!"

Climax Jewel Knight Lord, Evangeline

Grade 4, Power: 15000+

"I don't use stride skill, but I do use the skill of Evangeline, add 3000 power to all Jewel Knight units for every Evangeline face up in my G zone, I have three of them face up, so that's a whopping 9000 power to all units!"

"I'm not sure if Dwight can stop her attacks," Nathan said, beginning to calm down.

"With a boost from Urien, Shellie attacks your vanguard, with Shellie's skill, add 3000 power, with Urien's skill, add 1000 power!"

(16000+16000+3000+1000=36000)

"I don't guard, damage check," Dwight said quietly.

[Damage Check - Golden Holy Sword, Gurguit(G3)]

Damage: [Dwight(5), Gia(5)]

"With a boost from Prizmy, Tilda attacks the vanguard!"

(18000+16000=34000)

"I use Golden Holy Sword, Gurguit's Unite, now all rear-guards can intercept, even from the back row, intercept with Coel, guard with two additional cards!"

"Let's see if you can survive this one, with a boost from Heloise, Evangeline attacks your vanguard, with the skill of Heloise, add 3000 power!"

(35000+14000+3000=52000)

Dwight looked at his hand, even with his rear-guards intercepting, he could only bring Gurguit to 46000 power. "No guard,"

"Triple drive,"

[Drive Check #1 - Linking Jewel Knight, Tilda(G2)]

[Drive Check #2 - Jewel Knight, Noble Stinger (Critical Trigger)]

"A critical trigger, all effects to Evangeline!"

[Drive Check #3 - Heat Wind Jewel Knight, Cymbeline(G1)]

"Damage check,"

[Damage Check - Knight of Sunny Day, Salonius(G2)]

Damage: [Dwight(6), Gia(5)]

"The fight is over, Gia has defeated has defeated Dwight and saved her team from elimination, we're going to need a tie-breaker fight!" Joshua exclaimed.

Gia looked over to Dwight, the expression on his face showed sadness, but it also showed frustration and regret. "Ah, that's the look I like to see," Gia said as she and Dwight walked back to their respective booths, as Dwight entered, he said nothing to Nathan or Alistar, he just sat down with his head down.

"Dwight...is everything okay?" Nathan asked, but Dwight didn't respond.

Nathan got up and walked to where his teammate was, as he slowly put his hand on Dwight's shoulder, Dwight pulled away from him with the expression of silent anger, he raised up his head a little, but his eyes didn't meet with Nathan's. "Just leave me alone right now,"

"Dwight," Nathan said as he gave up and sat back down.

Alistar watched his young teammate, then stood up. "It seems that I'm our last hope, wish me luck," he said calmly, but as he walked to the stadium, a flame of anger burned within him, he was going to make sure to win this match.

"For our last match, from Team Starblade, we have Alistar Forg, and from Team Birthscar, we have Michael Rubino!" Joshua exclaimed. "The fate of both teams rest on these fighters, who will win!"

"Fighters ready, and, begin!"

"Stand up my, Vanguard!"

"Cosmic Hero, Grandhop!" Alistar exclaimed.

Cosmic Hero, Grandhop

Grade 0, Power: 5000

"Pedigree Knight, Tigresse!" Michael exclaimed.

Pedigree Knight, Tigresse

Grade 0, Power: 4000

"Hey Michael, I want to make one thing clear before this fight starts," Alistar said.

"And what might that be?" Michael asked.

The calm and collected look an Alistar's face disappeared and a look of anger replaced it. "I'm going to make your entire team pay for what your leader did to Dwight, by winning this!"


"We are now entering the ninth turn, Micheal has just finished his turn, he has forced Alistar to five damage while he is at four damage," Joshua explained.

Turn 9: Hand[Alistar(3), Micheal(7)]

"Stand and draw, this is the end of you, liberating the generation zone," Alistar said. "Generation Stride! Super Cosmic Hero, X-gallop!"

Super Cosmic Hero, X-gallop

Grade 4, Power: 15000+

"Stride skill, add 4000 power to X-gallop, then I call Grandscout and Granddabot, prepare for my powerful combo, I use Grandscout's skill, double X-gallop's power, then for every X-gallop face up in my G zone, add 4000 power to my front, I have two, so add 8000 power to Granddabot, then add 1 drive to X-gallop,"

"That won't stop me," Michael said to him.

"Shut up already, with a boost from Grandscout, Granddabot attacks the vanguard, with Granddabot's Burst, add 10000 power!"

(19000+10000+7000=36000)

"I guard with three cards, then intercept with my front row rear-guards!"

"Next up is X-gallop, you're done!"

(30000+30000=60000)

"I'll be fine as long as you don't pull a critical trigger, no guard,"

"You seem pretty sure of yourself, quadruple drive!"

[Drive Check #1 - Cosmic Hero, Grandfire(G2)]

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

[Drive Check #3 - Cosmic Hero, Grandbeat (Critical Trigger)]

"So, it seems that I've pulled a critical trigger, all effects to my vanguard!"

[Drive Check #4 - Cosmic Hero, Grandchopper(G1)]

"Dammit, damage check,"

[Damage Check #1 - Abyss Summoner(G1)]

[Damage Check #2 - Greymyu(G2)]

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

"And there you have it, everyone, Alistar Forg of Team Starblade has defeated Michael Rubino and now Team Starblade will represent Block B in the Interblock semi-finals!" Joshua exclaimed.

Alistar walked back to his booth, Nathan walked up and congratulated him, but Dwight still appeared to be how he was before, he then walked over to Dwight.

"Hey Dwight, pick your head up, I have something to tell you," he said, Dwight slowly lifted his head, but the look on his face showed little interest. "In this world, there are people you can trust and put your faith in, and there are those you can't, let what happened today serve as reminder of this, if you blindly put your trust in someone or believe what they do or say, betrayal will always follow, remember that, now let's go, the semi-finals for Block C will be starting soon," he said as he began walking out, Nathan right behind him.

Dwight slowly got up and began walking out, once he exited the stadium, tears began to roll down his face, not the tears of sadness, but that of joy. "Thank you, Alistar,"


Featured Fan Cards:

Slashing Jewel Knight, Patricia

Grade 3, Power: 11000

Auto: When this card is placed on VC, if you control two or more "Jewel Knight" rear-guards, you may CC and SC.

Auto/CB1: When a unit G STRIDE on this card, you may pay the cost, if you do, superior call one card with "Jewel Knight" in its card name to RC, add +2000 power to it, then if you control three or more "Jewel Knight" rear-guards, draw.