A/N: Hey there! Just a quick reminder- this fic uses the fictional Type III Gifts:

Force III gives the unit a drive check, but cards checked are placed at the bottom of your deck. This stacks with abilities like Twin Drive and other skills that increase drive.

Accel III creates an extra RC; units on it gain 15k Power, but must be retired at the end of your turn.

Protect III makes it so your opponent cannot choose them for their card effects.

Sutter High in the winter was a truly miserable, morale-shattering sight. Normally, the school was just a jumble of unremarkable, cream-colored brick buildings, interlocking to create a confounding hydra of mediocre education. Against the backdrop of a permanent overcast and constant downpours of Golden Hill's winter rains, however, the labyrinthine collective looked and felt far more like a decaying prison. Even with the staff's best efforts, the courtyard was often saturated and muddy, trampled by the feet of the many students seeking shelter from the dreadful weather. The mural, the one bright spot in an otherwise dismally plain school, was draped often to avoid water damage.

Three semesters here, Sean sighed inwardly, and coming back from winter break still makes me feel like a member of a medieval chain gang.

Indeed, the general atmosphere was hardly helped by the awful weather. Neither student nor teacher particularly wanted to return to Sutter after two-and-a-half weeks with family and friends, submersed in holiday glee and New Year's frenzy. Students especially- many dragged their feet, figuratively and literally, dragging themselves groggily to their classes. A few would attempt to maintain a more positive attitude, recounting happier times during the break, but to no avail. January in Sutter was a steamroller of despair, crushing hope and happiness as if they were paper cartons.

Sean sighed again, tightening his grip on his backpack. His first class was Algebra II, and regardless of how he personally felt about the subject, he'd be surrounded by tired, demoralized peers, corralled by a doting but condescending teacher. This is gonna suck, he thought, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Taking a breath, he took a step through the front entrance. The school interior, which was unremarkable at most other times, seemed practically desolate after weeks of witnessing holiday decorations. There were a handful of students roaming the halls, trying to regain their bearings after spending half a month away from school. It was only less miserable than the outside by virtue of the lighting.

Sean checked his phone. He still had 20 or so minutes before classes actually started. A little time to himself in the cafeteria might help him. It was only a few steps out of the way, and his first class was on the same floor- it wouldn't be an issue at all if he watched the clock.

The cafeteria itself was fairly unoccupied, with only a smattering of students enjoying the last few minutes of their vacation. Most had set up small enclaves of friends at various tables, but even after sweeping the room, Sean could not locate a single member of the Cardfight Committee. Even their avid academic, Midori, was nowhere to be found. Perhaps he just made a mistake, he reasoned, and scoped the room again with a more labored gaze. Upon his second sweep, something suddenly snagged his vision.

She looks...familiar. Where have I seen her?

Sean's eyes had fallen upon a student he didn't recognize. The ginger hair and lily skin rang a few bells, but none rigorous enough to truly help. She was sitting alone, hunching over several different pieces of paper, her expression twisted with a sense of silent dread. Sean's stomach churned a bit- watching people struggle was generally not pleasant for him, even if they were strangers. He checked his phone again- 19 minutes until class started. Welp, no time like the present for our good deed of the day.

He quietly walked up to the girl, who was busy making another pass over the papers. A quick glance at said papers all but confirmed she was a new student; among the spread was a map of the school, a schedule, and various first day handouts. It'd be an overwhelming amount of information for anyone, especially one without the luxury of a true first day. He cleared his throat. "Excuse me, do you need help?"

The girl jolted from her worried stupor. "Oh! Um, I'm sorry. I'm just, um…"

"Do you need help?" Sean repeated.

There was a brief pause. "I do need help, but I don't want to bother you…"

"You aren't. I came to you, yeah?"

"That's true." Another pause. "I do need help," she repeated, this time more as an admission than an apology.

Sean took a seat beside her, plopping his backpack on the floor. "What's troubling you?"

"W-well, I'm trying to find all the classes for today, but this map is…"

"Confusing?"

"Maze-like, yes."

"Yeah, it takes a while to get used to the layout." Sean rummaged through his bag, pulling out a weathered blue pen. "Mind if I jot a few things down?" The girl just nodded, and with her tepid permission, Sean slid the map towards him and began writing. "The school has three floors, divided into six 'halls.' Right now, we're," he motioned, "here, in the cafeteria. That's part of the 'Gold' hall, with the office, nurse's station and teacher's lounge. The first floor has," he scribbled, "the 'Red' hall, where the math classes are, and the 'Green' hall, for science classes."

The girl nodded again. "And the second floor?"

"That has the 'Blue' hall for English and language classes, and the 'Black' hall for history classes." Sean picked up the pen and pointed to a third cluster of rooms. "That's our basement, where the workshops and labs are. Over here" He picked up the pen again. "And those are the portables. Everything making sense so far?"

The girl quickly studied the map, eyes moving more methodically than before. "Yes, I'm sure I can find the rooms I need from here. Thank you, uh…" Her eyes fixated on her shoes. "I-I haven't asked for your name…"

Sean chuckled. "I didn't give it to you, to be fair. My name's Sean. And you are?"

"...Kiki. My name is Kiki."

Sean's eyes widened before they resettled with a blink. "Oh, yeah, you work at Meeple Village, right? I thought I recognized you."

Kiki flushed a bit. "Y-yes, that's right. Are you a regular."

"Of sorts. Sorry if that made you uncomfortable." Sean cleared his throat. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"Well, I could use your help mapping paths to take."

"Happy to help. So what's your first class?"

"You really dropped everything to help out a girl?" Nat asked.

"Didn't know you had it in you," grinned Lucas. "When are you asking for digits?"

Sean shook his head. "It's not like that, she just needed to help. You'd do the same."

"Yeah, I'm just teasing." Lucas turned back to his game. "Thorac attacks. Thanks to my Accel III Marker, he's coming in at 29k."

Nat puzzled. "Hmm, better stop the ones I can while I can. I guard with Saturnal Gypsie."

The Committee's meeting place was less cramped that usual. Sal and Adam had to attend some "emergency" meetings at the behest of their respected coaches, and Carlos and Midori were off running some sort of errand. Thus, the club was operating at half-capacity.

Well, technically 43% percent capacity, Sean thought to himself, wiping a bit of dust off the windowsill. Man, this place could use a good cleaning…

"Next up," Lucas said. "Oppo boosts Iliac for another attack on Forficatus."

"Hammer Darkling will guard, and Solar Nopsis will intercept," Nat responded.

"Any idea on when Midori and Carlos are getting back?" asked Sean. "Not to be rude, but I don't see a point of meeting up when it'll be just the three of us."

"She told us to wait, and I trust her," Nat defended.

"Any idea what she's doing?"

"She just said it was a surprise."

"A surprise from Midori?" Lucas chuckled. "Sounds ominous. You sure I don't need a will or something?"

Nat glowered. "You make her sound like a witch, Robertson."

"Ah, come one, you know I'm joking." Lucas drummed his fingers. "Hope she comes soon. Hate to add to your little losing streak."

"You aren't even done with your turn."

"I have a vanguard swing and at least three more attacks after that. Even if you scraped by, would you have enough cards to mount a comeback. You're done."

Nat examined his hand and board with a tranquil fury. "It's not over until it's over, Robertson."

Before Sean could intervene into what could be an ugly situation, there was a delicate rapping at the door. "Lemme get that," said Sean, springing from the wall he was leaning on. He glanced out the door's grimy window. "Speak of the devil, Midori and Carlos are back." He casually opened the door, standing aside for both figures to shuffle in.

"Winter has no right being this gray and morose," Midori mumbled, unzipping her coat.

"Well, at least it's not raining," Carlos said, laying his pack gently on one of the unused tables. "You guys in the middle of a game?"

"Ah, it's more or less over," Lucas shrugged. He placed his hand face down on the table. "Nat said you had a surprise, Midori?"

Nat raised a finger to object before Midori cut him off. "Indeed I do. Carlos and I have been in talks with Mrs. Mueller over the break."

"Our sponsor?" Sean asked. "Is everything alright?"

"Oh, things are better than alright. She's talking about moving our meeting room to somewhere more sizable." Midori took a disapproving look around the room. "And far more clean. In other words, her main classroom."

Nat blinked, then beamed. "Our headquarters are being moved to the main building then? Excellent. Finally, we can play games without crowding the tables."

"No kidding," said Lucas. "We can finally leave this dump behind."

"A bit harsh," commented Sean. "Cramped or not, it's where the Committee met for months, yeah?"

"Yeah, 'cuz we couldn't do better. Now we can, so I can say what I really think."

"Speaking ill of the dead, are we?"

"You know it."

Nat cleared his throat. "So, how did you two get Mueller to open her room?"

Midori adjusted her glasses. "Simple. We used out academic standing and increased interest in Vanguard after the Christmas Cup to convince her to lend her the room. Though I can't take much credit- Carlos here did most of the talking."

Sean blinked. "Carlos did that?"

Carlos blushed, chuckling nervously. "What can I say? Ich kann gut Deutsch sprechen."

Lucas grinned. "Well, good going you two. We owe you both a ton."

Nat nodded. "Indeed we do. Well, since we're moving to a bigger room, as Committee founder, I believe we can start expanding our membership." He turned to Carlos. "How do you feel about making a flyer for the club?"

Carlos scratched his head for a couple of seconds before nodding. "I can do that. May take a while, though."

"Then it is settled. Now then, I have unfinished business with Robertson here."

Midori glanced over the table. "No, I say it's as good as finished. You've lost."

Nat growled. "It's not over until it's over."

"Lucas's vanguard still hasn't attacked, and even if you survive that, he'll have three more attacks ready. Even if you survive, you won't have the cards to strike back. The chances of you winning are nil."

Lucas snickered as the color drained from Nat's face. "V-very well." He reluctantly gathered his cards. "Perhaps another time, then."

Adam whistled. "Now this is a meeting spot."

"It's just a regular classroom," Sal commented. "You're acting like you stumbled across a secret lair."

"Compared to the old portable, this is a secret lair. You can actually move around in here."

"True that. No more rubbing elbows."

Sean just chuckled at this exchange. Both were right in their own way- Mrs. Mueller's classroom was hardly unique in terms of layout and size; most of his own classes were in rooms of similar volume. Not that it was totally identical to other rooms, given the trinkets and posters that lined the walls (most of which, fittinginly, had something to do with Germany). Otherwise, Sal was right in her assessment- it more or less blended into the rest of Sutter's standard classrooms. However, it was easily twice the size of their old meeting place, with actual tables as opposed to the cramped makeshift ones they had to make do with before. It was average, but after making due with something something so subpar for so long, even the average felt extraordinary.

"Well," he began, "any idea what the 'emergency meeting' will be about?"

"Nope, no clue," Adam shrugged. "Nat's text was kinda vague."

"'Meet us in our new headquarters after school,'" Sal recalled. "Sounded like a threat. You think he's finally snapped?"

"Hey now, Nat may be dramatic, but he's not psycho."

"Dude, I'm joking."

"It's in poor taste, though."

Sean, in typical fashion, ran through his mind looking for some sort of defusing phrase. Adam and Sal weren't as explosive a pair as Lucas and Nat, but any conflict was an unwelcome one to him. "Are we even allowed to be here?" Sean said. "There's no teacher or anything."

"Don't worry about it. Mrs. Mueller stays behind all the time," Adam said. "Bet we're just early."

"Early indeed," said a voice from behind them. "Guttentag, Committee members." A startled Sean swiveled his head to face the woman addressing them. Even compared to Adam, she towered above him and his companions, at least a head taller. With a cleanly picked red blazer and wavy, shoulder length raven hair, she resembled someone you'd see as a villain in a bad teen movie- perhaps the bitter principle, or some sort of malicious parent. Her face didn't quite match that image, being youthful and round, though it was hard to read. It was neither stern nor soft, serious nor relaxed.

"Oh, hey," Adam responded. "Sorry, but the door was open, so we assumed we could come in."

"Oh, you're not in trouble. I did indeed leave the door open for you." Mrs. Mueller strode to her desk, papers under one arm and a water bottle in her other hand. "You're welcome to stay until I need to head home."

"I doubt we'll need to stay that long, miss," Sal answered, "but thanks anyway."

"You're very welcome."

"Yo!" Lucas's sonorous voice came ringing from the halls, followed shortly by the boy himself. Trailing behind him where the two other expected Committee members, Nat and Midori. "Came as soon as we could."

"Surprised you and Nat didn't knock each other out on the way here," Sal smiled.

"Well, that's what Midori was there for, yeah?"

"Mediating conflicts is just one of your many skills, eh Midori?"

Midori adjusted her glasses. "They make it easier than you're making it out to be. Now I believe we have a meeting to get underway."

"Indeed we do," Nat said. "Let's find ourselves a seat, shall we?" At the behest of their founder, each of the present Committee members took a seat at one of the several tables around the room. "Carlos couldn't make it- said he had to go home early to help with family matters."

"Sorry to hear that," Sean said. "So what's on your mind, Nat?"

"And why couldn't we do this over group chat or something?" added Lucas.

"I firmly believe you can accomplish far more in person than over a screen," Nat explained. "Blame a bad experience with a group project if you must. Now, for the meeting proper. Given that we've moved to a larger room, I believe now is an ideal time to expand our membership."

Sal sighed. "Can't we just enjoy all the extra room for once?"

"Well, I'm not against a few more members," Adam said. "Though, you sure there'll be a lot of interest?"

"Certainly," Nat answered confidently. "The Christmas Cup has raised interest quite a bit among the student body. All we need to do is raise awareness of our Committee. Strike when the iron is hot, as we can easily double our membership."

"Normally, I'd laugh in your face thinking we could get that many new guys on board," Lucas said, "but for once, I think you're onto something. Half the guys in my physics class were talking about the Christmas Cup finals, and half of them barely knew about Vanguard before."

"Same here," Sal said. "A couple of the girls on my team were talking about getting a trial deck or two."

"Seems like doubling our rolls won't be much of a challenge," Midori said, adjusting her glasses. "Perhaps we should institute a cap of sorts?"

Nat quickly scanned the room. "A good idea. Perhaps sixteen? That way we can have tournaments."

"Why not more?" asked Adam. "The more the merrier, you know?"

"Sorry, big guy," Sal objected. "Any more than sixteen and it'd get as crowded as our own room."

"Okay," Sean began, puzzling internally. "But if we cap it at sixteen, how do we deal with overflow?"

"Good question," Nat answered. "That brings us to our second order of business- tryouts."

Lucas grinned. "You're not trying to bring back The Gauntlet, are you, Nathaniel? Need I remind you how disastrous that was?"

Nat furrowed his brow. "The Gauntlet was...not the best idea, true. Which is why Midori and I have come up with a new system for new applicants."

Midori pulled a binder out of her bag. "Basically, to earn a spot in the Committee, you'll need to defeat a current member in a cardfight with your own deck. However, if a prospective member loses, if their play was at an impressive enough level, they could join anyway." She took a piece of notebook paper from said binder and placed it in the center of the table. "Here's a basic checklist. If they earn six out of ten points, they may join."

Lucas slid the paper closer to him, skimming over each point. "Well, this is, uh, thorough. When did you draw this up?"

Sal leaned over and smiled. "Knowing Mimi? During her lunch break. In five minutes."

"Four," Midori corrected. "It's fairly common sense."

Sean drummed his fingers, eyes still puzzling. "Can we invite people to join the Committee?"

"I don't see why not," Nat responded. "They still have to play their trial game like everyone else."

"That shouldn't be a problem."

"You have someone in mind, buddy?" asked Lucas, passing the checklist to Adam.

"Sort of." It really depends on if she plays or not...

"I don't know about this," Kiki said, gripping her deck box tightly. "I mean, I appreciate your efforts at making me feel welcome, Sean, but…"

Sean just nodded. "I understand. It's a bit of a leap to ask the new kid to dive into a club like this. Just thought this'd help you settle in."

Kiki stared at the ground, as if she was trying to melt into the aged tiles. "W-well, I've never been part of a club like this before. What if I make a bad impression? What if they don't like me?"

Sean's empathy kicked into overdrive. He'd been in this situation far more times than he'd care to admit, and while he wasn't completely over such feelings. "These guys aren't like that. Trust me, I know; I've tried their patience a few times myself. Look, the most I can ask of you is to try, right? Can't force you to do anything you don't want to do."

Kiki's expression and posture didn't change. She remained silent as Sean braced himself for a response. Well, it was worth a try. If she's not ready, we can just-

"I," Kiki inhaled, "I can try. I owe you so much for all your help. The least I can do is try."

Sean blinked. That was unexpected. Not that I'm complaining. "Okay then, let's get started." He reached for the door and turned the knob. "Do you want to go in first or-"

"Well, actually," Kiki hesitated, finding interest in the linoleum again. "C-can you introduce me?"

"Oh, sure, no problem." He opened the door a crack, taking a peek inside. "Alright, about half of them are here. Ready?" Kiki nodded shalily, finally looking up from her hunch. With a breath, Sean opened the door fully, leading the prospective new recruit into the room. It seemed barely occupied, especially compared to the "cozy" nature of their old meeting spot. In a stunning flash of the obvious, it seemed that 4 students in a room meant to hold at least 25 was far more spacious than 4 in a room meant for ten at most. Nat was at one of the corner tables, helping Carlos put the finishing touches on their recruitment flyer, while Lucas was busy scribbling something on a piece of paper, Sal hovering over his shoulder.

"That's definitely not how you spell that word," Sal chided.

"Oh, yeah, like you know how to spell it yourself," Lucas shot back. "Besides, she's not going to take points off for spelling."

"She should, that thing you just wrote is a crime against humanity."

Sean cleared his throat, causing all four members to look his way. "Hey guys."

"Ah, Sean, excellent timing," Nat said, getting up from his seat. "I'm guessing this is the prospective Committee member you invited?"

"Yeah. Everyone, this is Kiki. She's new to Sutter, so I thought this'd be a great opportunity to introduce her."

"Hello," Kiki said quietly.

The others got up and approached her, Lucas first and foremost, leaving his haphazard work behind at exuberant speeds. "Good to meet you. Name's Lucas." He pointed his thumb behind him. "That's Sal."

"Nice to meet you," Sal nodded.

It was Nat's turn to introduce himself. "My name is Nat, the founder of the Cardfight Committee. Behind me is Carlos. If there's anything we can do to make you more comfortable, let us know." Carlos waved meekly before turning his attention back to his work."

"So, Kiki," Lucas began, hoping to break the ice, "how long have you been here?"

"Oh, I'm very new," Kiki said, relaxing her grip on her deck box a bit. "I just transferred here Monday. Sean has been helping me get my bearings here."

"Really? Well, good on you, Sean."

"Looks like our adopted introvert has adopted an introvert of his own," Sal smiled.

"It's not that serious," Sean commented. "I'm just trying to help."

"Oh, he's been a great help," Kiki said, loosening her grip even further. "And it's nice to meet you all as well."

Nat nodded. "So, I assume Sean brought you to try out for our Committee?"

Kiki's grip tightened back up. "Oh, uh, yes. I mentioned I liked Vanguard, and, um, he said this group did as well."

"Try not to spook her, Nathaniel," grinned Lucas. "She just got here. Let her settle in a bit."

Nat's face shifted noticeably but subtly. "Well, she came here to cardfight, yes?"

Sean stepped in. "Well, technically, I invited her to cardfight. And she may not even want to if we stress her out." He turned back to his guest. "Are you feeling alright?"

Kiki nodded. "Yes, thank you. And, um," she hesitated, shuffling her feet. "It sounds strange, but cardfights actually help me relax. They help take my mind off of things."

Lucas grinned. "You're in good company, then. I forget about everything else when I'm up against a good opponent."

"Like the essay that's due next period," Sal sighed. "Hop to it, buddy boy."

Lucas's face immediately faltered. "Yeah...that. Crap." He bolted from the group back to his prior area, scrambling to find his pen.

"Anyway," Nat said, trying not to snicker, "since you've been invited, you get to choose your opponent. Besides Robertson, of course."

Kiki glanced around the room. "So, anyone in this room, except for Lucas?"

"That is correct. As the founder, I'd be happy to-"

"Oh, um, I was hoping to fight Sean."

"Ouch," quipped Sal. "Better luck next time, Nat."

Nat, recovering from a microshock, cleared his throat. "Well, alright then. Will both fighters take a seat and prepare their decks? I still need to watch this fight."

Sean took his deck box from his pocket. "Where do you want to sit?"

Kiki shuffled to the nearest table. "This will do." She cautiously pulled her deck out of her box, and began shuffling. Her movements were clunky and amateurish.

"Make sure your starter is out before you draw your first hand," Sean reminded her.

"Oh, right," Kiki whispered, flushing. She followed his suggestion before resuming her slipshod shuffle.

For someone who works at a card shop, she doesn't seem to have a ton of experience using physical cards. Maybe she's an online player?

"When both cardfighters are ready, we can begin," said Nat.

Sean reached for his starting vanguard. "Ready when you are."

Kiki took a deep breath. "I am ready. I'll try my best."

"Same here. Good luck."

"Alright, let's begin!" Nat stated emphatically, causing a jump from both Lucas and Kiki.

"Now stand up, Vanguard!"

It was a time of change on Cray. To some, the tumult was long overdue, as the long standing crop of leaders finally passed the torch to a new generation of heroes and scoundrels. To others, any disruption was unwanted, so change at this scale was a recipe for disaster. A pack of ambitious young leaders, they argued, was the opposite of what the wartorn planet needed; a world headed by those wishing to prove themselves would only lead to unneeded conflicts. Even the old guard of the Emperor, Kagero, was seeing a crop of new warriors rise like a brazen heat. On the wastelands near the Empire's border with the United Sanctuary, a new squadron of dragonic soldiers marched towards one of the last vestiges of the Royal Paladin's old command.

"I ride! Cosmic Dragon Squire, Gawain!"

Squire Gawain- Grade 0/6000 Power/10000 Shield

"I-I ride!" responded a green astral body. It vanished into the wastes, followed shortly by a small whirlwind of flames. The dustdevil of fire was scattered by a pair of slashes from a new figure. A stout five feet tall, the humanoid emerald scaled lizard was dressed in skirmishing armor, carrying a curved shortsword in each hand. It's hollow yellow eyes stared daggers at its opponent, flicking a forked tongue. "Lizard Runner, Ultan!"

Ultan- Grade 0/5000 Power/10000 Shield

"Hey, a Kagero deck," Sean observed. "Haven't played against that."

"Oh man, you're in for a nasty surprise," Sal said. "Kagero can wipe out any field you can make. Even Royals."

"It seems you've walked into a losing matchup, Sean," sighed Nat.

"Well, I won't know until I try, yeah?" Sean said. "I draw, and ride Cosmic Dragon Soldier, Gawain."

Soldier Gawain- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000 Shield

"With Squire's skill, I draw a card. And since Soldier was placed on my vanguard circle, I can discard a card to check the top seven cards of my deck for a Cosmic Dragon Knight, Gawain, and add it to my hand."

"A nice combo- Squire makes Soldier's cost more bearable," Kiki commented.

"Yep. And with all that, I end my turn."

End of Turn 1

Hand Count- Sean 6, Kiki 5

Damage Count- Sean 0, Kiki 0

"Okay then, I draw. I ride Demonic Dragon Mage, Javad."

Ultan hissed as his form erupted into a gout of fire. As the flames grew under the wasteland's harsh sun, it twisted and winding into a lengthy, serpentine shape. When the flare finally subsided, a much larger figure had replaced Ultan. Copper-skinned and vested in ornate silver robes, the naga-like demon unhinged it's jaw, revealing an intimidating row of scimitar shaped fangs. With crimson eyes deep as a pit of hell, it carried an obsidian zen staff in it's broad hands, lifted by a pair of heavily tattooed, narrow arms.

Javad- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000 Shield

"Since I rode on Ultan, I can draw a card, and since your vanguard is grade 1, I can move him from my soul to a rearguard circle."

Sean blinked. "Wait, starters can do that now?"

"They just released a whole bundle of starters that have more diverse skills," Sal said. "It's been all over the web for a while now, how'd you miss it?"

"I don't really follow releases and stuff, so, uh…"

"Meh, don't worry about it. Doing research will help in the long term, though."

"Excuse me…" Kiki said softly.

"Ah, sorry. It's still your turn, right?"

"Oh, it's alright. Anyway, when Javad is placed, I can discard a card, then search my deck for a card depending one what I dropped. Since I dropped a normal unit, I can search my deck for a grade 3 unit." She leafed through her deck before plopping one card onto the table. "I'm adding Harrower Prince, Dragonic Glaivemaster from my deck to my hand."

Must be her boss. It's like my Squire/Soldier combo, but better…

"I call Sickle Tail Dragon."

To Javad's right emerged another pillar of flame, producing another member of Kagero's new advance guard. Lithely shaped, it was covered with thick bronze-colored scales and studded with black coal-like bumps. It sported a pair of wiry tails, each tipped with black sickle-shaped talons. It gritted it's jagged teeth, emitting a low growl as it fixated on it's opponent with piercing green eyes.

Sickle Tail Dragon- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000 Shield

Javad spun his weapon casually. "You have the first attack, my friend." Snorting and snarling, the dragon began a full gallop towards the enemy soldier, it's tails curling upward for a devastating strike.

Strength- 8000

Gawain raised his shield. Guarding the first wave of attacks would be a waste of men, especially if they were dealing with Kegero. They'd need every man they could to replenish their ranks. "I don't guard." With a powerful forward flip, the charging dragon raked it's tails across the knight's shield, tearing through the steel like paper mache, each sickle digging into the soldier's armor and flesh. "Damage check...no trigger."

Javad hissed repeatedly, producing a wicked grin. "Good, good. The next attack shall be from me! Ultan, lend your support!" He raised his zen staff, the blade glowing with a deathly glow.

Strength- 13000

Gawain tossed his shield aside. "I don't guard."

"Drive check...no trigger," Javad hissed, bringing his weapon down to the earth. "Die!" A towering wave of green fire raced towards Gawain, making contact in seconds. It stung like nothing else- even the hot desert sun paled in comparison to this hastily conjured spell.

"Damage check...no trigger," Sean replied, sliding another card to his damage zone.

"In for a quick two damage," commented Sal. "She's coming out swinging."

"Well, her moves have been pretty standard so far," Nat commented. "It's still a bit too early to tell what'll happen."

"I end my turn," Kiki stated, shuffling her hand.

End of Turn 2

Hand Count- Sean 6, Kiki 6

Damage Count- Sean 2, Kiki 0

"I draw," began Sean. For someone who has trouble handling cards, she knows her way around the game. Well, no sense in holding back if she knows what she's doing. "I ride Cosmic Dragon Knight, Gawain."

Knight Gawain- Grade 2/10000 Power/5000 Shield

"Using his on-place skill, I counter blast and soul blast one each to search my deck for a grade 2 or lower unit and call it to my rearguard. I superior call Verdant Green Axe, Bertilak."

Bertilak- Grade 2/10000 Power/5000 Shield

"When Bertilak is placed from the deck, I can counter blast one to search my deck for a grade 1 unit and call it to my rearguard. I superior call Crossgal, and since he was called with Bertilak, he gains 3000 Power."

Crossgal- Grade 1/7000 Power/10000 Shield

"Next, I call High Beast Tamer, Maxime from my hand. Using her skill, I soul blast one and discard a card to call a grade 1 High Beast from my deck. I superior call Rotegal."

Rotegal- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000 Shield

"When Rotegal is placed in a column that already has a unit, I can draw a card and give him 3000 extra Power."

"Man, Sean's gotten really good with Royals," Sal commented. "Three calls from the deck in a single turn, and he's only got one empty RC left."

"And thanks to Rotegal, he didn't give up to much advantage with Maxime," Nat added. "He's primed for a deadly counterattack."

Kiki stared at her opponent's formation in disbelief. "You've got a nearly full formation already."

"Royals make that easy," Sean smiled. "Now, let's get into the battle phase. Bertilak will start things off with a quick poke."

Strength- 10000

"I-I guard with Drought Bringer Dragon."

Drought Bringer Dragon- Grade 0/5000 Power/5000 Shield/Draw Trigger

Defense- 13000

"Thought that'd happen. Well, for my next attack, Crossgal boosts Gawain for another attack on Javad."

Strength- 20000

"I don't guard."

"Alright, drive check… Peridot Dragon Knight, Muriel, a heal trigger. I recover one damage, and give the 10000 Power to Maxime."

"Damage check...no trigger."

"Finally, I have Rotegal boost Maxime for one last attack on your vanguard. Maxime gains 5000 Power when boosted by a High Beast."

Strength- 36000

"That's a lot of attack power so soon," murmured Kiki. "I don't guard. Damage check...no trigger."

"Since Maxime's attack hit, I get to draw a card, and end my turn."

End of Turn 3

Hand Count- Sean 7, Kiki 5

Damage Count- Sean 1, Kiki 2

Kiki nodded shakily. "I stand and draw." She examined her hand carefully. "Sorry, it's just...been a while, and the field you've built is…"

"Take your time," Sean said.

"...Okay, I think I got it. I ride Frontline Harrower, Brimstone Axe Dragon."

Javad's serpentine body lit up like a flaming whip, circling the skies before fading into the wastes. As if on cue, a budding volcanic vent emerged from the ground, unleashing a violent plume of molten rock and sparks. As the violent storm finally dissipated, a bulky, overpowering bipedal dragon emerged. With a pair of thick bull-like horns and adorned in jagged orange plating, it carried it's namesake- a terrifying jet black battleaxe- in one of it's broad, muscular hands. It snorted, unleashing a small jet of flames that even the knights felt.

Brimstone Axe Dragon- Grade 2/10000 Power/5000 Shield

"Behold the might of the Harrowers! With one counter blast, Maxime is retired!" The dragon slammed his weapon against the ground, creating a fault that ran all the way to the enemy formation. In a flash, a pillar of molten flames consumed the beast tamer, disappearing in a pained scream and sweltering heat.

Gawain grimaced. "And this is likely just the beginning…"

"Since Brimstone was placed on my vanguard circle, and the retired unit was grade 2, I can draw a card and soul charge one card. Next, I move Sickle Tail back, then call Lava Plume Dragon."

Lava Plume Dragon- Grade 2/10000 Power/5000 Shield

"By counter blasting one and moving Sickle Tail to my soul, I can retire one of your grade 1 or lower rearguards. I choose Rotegal, and since he was in the back row, I can give a rearguard 1000 extra Power for each of your open rearguard circles. I'm giving the 3000 bonus to Lava Plume."

Two rearguards gone like that, and she hasn't even attacked yet. I have my work cut out for me…

"Next, I call Flint Spear Dragon Soldier, Hamzah."

Hamzah- Grade 1/7000 Power/10000 Shield

"Hamzah's skill lets me soul blast two cards to draw two cards from the top of my deck. Finally, I call Molten Hand Djinn."

Molten Hand Djinn- Grade 2/10000 Power/5000 Shield

A trio of fireballs burst onto the battlefield, revealing an equal number of new soldiers ready to melt the enemy formation. Two where dragonic in nature- one quadrupedal, soot black beast the size of a warhorse, it's spine lined with a series of thin molten spines; the other bipedal, komodo-esque soldier with violet armor and a pitch black pike- while the other was a genie, chained in bronze armor with two massive hands made out of hardened lava. The new formation emitted a deathly heat, shrouded their side of the field in a thick haze.

Brimstone stamped one of his hefty feet. "The time has come to strike back! Hamzah, Molten Hand, attack Gawain!" He grinned maliciously at the opposing knight. "Since we control more forces than you, Hamzah adds 3000 Power to his boost! On top of that, if Molten Hand damages you, I can soul blast and retire a rearguard to gather even more forces!" The genie snarled and struggled against his chains, extending his arms after a fierce struggle. In a flash of magic, both of his oversized hands fired themselves towards Gawain like a pair of missiles.

Strength- 20000

Gawain planted his greatsword into the earth. "I guard with Bertilak and Ruby Dragon Knight, Hildred!" Both knights leapt from behind their vanguard's position. Racing towards the incoming attack at full speed. Each defender swung their weapon into the rocketing hands, causing them to shatter into chunks of steaming igneous rock. The attack, despite Hamzah's offensive support, fizzled miserably.

Hildred- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000 Shield

Defense- 25000

"For my next attack, Ultan will boost my vanguard. Brimstone's continuous skill gives him an extra 1000 Power for each of your open rearguard circles."

Strength- 18000

Sean examined his hand. He'd need a lot of these cards to rebuild his formation, and guarding a vanguard swing while only at two damage would leave him vulnerable later when it really counted. "I don't guard."

"Checking for a drive trigger...Demonic Dragon Mage, Sabahudin, a critical trigger."

"Good timing," Nat murmured. "That'll put some extra pressure on."

"I give the critical effect to my vanguard, and the extra 10000 Power to Lava Plume."

"Checking for damage triggers," Sean said. "First...second...nothing for either."

Using his goliath strength, Brimstone brought his namesake down on his opponent with full force, leaving a massive gash in the knight's armor. The dragon quickly retreated, leaving Gawain crumpling to the ground, groaning in agony.

"You've underestimated us for the last time!" Brimstone shouted triumphantly. "Lava Plume Dragon comes in for the last assault! He gets 2000 extra Power for each empty spot in your formation!" The beastial dragon let out a ferocious roar, the spines on its back erupting with molten rock and fire. As it rushed towards the wounded warrior, its body blended in with the flames and lava to form what looked like a hellish rocket.

Strength- 29000

Bertilak helped prop Gawain back on his feet. "I won't let you damage me again! I guard with Muriel!" In a blinding flash of green light, a new knight emerged to throw up a hastily constructed magic barrier. The trampling dragon collided head first, smashing against the shield with an unholy force, nearly shattering it. However, the barrier remained intact, and the dragon's assault remained fruitless.

Muriel- Grade 0/5000 Power/20000 Shield/Heal Trigger

Defense- 30000

"Well, since Lava Plume's attack didn't hit, I have to retire him. And, um, my turn is over."

End of Turn 4

Hand Count- Sean 4, Kiki 6

Damage Count- Sean 3, Kiki 2

"I stand and draw," began Sean. With that critical trigger, Kiki has swung the game back in her favor, and she hadn't even hit grade 3 yet. Unless he did something drastic, he'd be up a creek next turn. "I gotta ask, is Brimstone's skill active during my turn too?"

"Huh?"

"You said he gets 1000 Power from each of my empty rearguard circles. Is that active now?"

"Oh, um, yes,"

"Right, thanks." That just complicated things further. Without a full field, she'd be harder to hit. Regardless of retiring pressure, he'd need to come out in full force. "To start things off, I'm riding Cosmic Dragon General, Gawain Skycutter."

Gawain Skycutter- Grade 3/13000 Power/0 Shield/Force Marker

"With him, I gain a Force II Gift for my rearguard. Now for Skycutter's skill- when he's placed on my vanguard circle, I can counter blast one to call a Cosmic Dragon Knight, Gawain from my deck."

"Which means that you can activate Knight's skill to search for another card," Kiki realized.

"Yep. With one counter blast and one soul blast, I call Cosmic Dragon Soldier, Gawain from my deck. Next, I call Hildred and Rotegal from my hand, using Rotegal's skill to draw a card and buff him by 3000 Power. On top of that, Skycutter's passive skill gives all of my Gawains 5000 extra Power during my turn."

"He's going out with power," Nat observed. "Maybe he can swing the game back his way if-"

"I doubt it, " Sal shook her head. "He's built a decent formation and all, but since Kiki is only grade 2, he might not be able to deal enough damage to put her in a tough spot."

Skycutter reared on his mount, swiftly putting his plan into action. "First, Soldier Gawain will boost Bertilak for an attack on Molten Hand Djinn! Any enemy that can muster forces takes priority!"

You got it, sir!" Bertilak roared, leveling his axe at the magical monstrosity.

Strength- 23000

Brimstone Axe toyed with his own axe apprehensively. Molten Hand was a valuable tool for his army, but he could waste defensive resources on protecting the dregs, especially with a Force II Gift in play. "I don't guard." The genie screeched painfully as Bertilak dug his battleaxe across the monster's body, causing it to crumble into soot.

Skycutter's mount began to take flight. "With support from Hildred, I will lead the next charge!" The mount flapped its wings aggressively, allowing the general to ascend higher and higher towards the harsh wasteland sun.

Brimstone Axe braced himself, gritting his sharp teeth. "I don't guard that either."

Skycutter's silhouette could be seen against the blazing sun. "Very well, face your punishment!"

"Twin drive time. First check...no trigger. Second...Quartz Dragon Knight, Odi- a critical trigger."

"Well, he's certainly thinned his deck enough," mused Sal.

"The extra damage goes to my vanguard, and the power goes to Knight Gawain."

A veritable arrow, Skycutter dove rapidly passed Brimstone Axe, cutting through the dragon like a harpoon. The dragon was knocked off his feet, tumbling backwards as he wailed. "You...you has-been!" he sputtered, struggling to get back to his position. "I'll make you pay!"

Skycutter landed firmly back in his own formation. "Empty threats from an arrogant upstart."

"Damage check. First...no trigger. Second...Scatter Burst Dragon, a critical trigger. All effects to my vanguard."

Sean sighed. "Well, that'll make things harder. Well, Rotegal boosts Knight Gawain for one last attack. Because I have four or more rearguards, Gawain gains an extra 5000 Power, on top of the extra critical from the Force II marker."

Strength- 41000/2 Critical

Kiki breathed in. "I-I have to stop this. I guard with Sabahudin and Javad."

Sabahudin- Grade 0/5000 Power/15000 Shield/Critical Trigger

Defense- 45000

"Should've seen that coming. Well, my turn is over."

End of Turn 5

Hand Count- Sean 5, Kiki 4

Damage Count- Sean 3, Kiki 4

"I stand and draw. To start, I ride Harrower Prince, Dragonic Glaivemaster."

Planting his weapon into the wastes, Brimstone let out one last defiant shout as he was consumed by a skyscraping pillar of hellfire. The flames parted like a red sea, revealing the dragon's imposing new leader. Clad in thick emerald armor, complemented by ornate black robes and golden spiked pauldrons, it cut an intimidating figure. It's face was a deep, furious red, sporting a pair of black spikes under its chin so long they resembled beards. Topped with an ornate golden crown, his royal image was completed with a pair of impressive crimson wings and a golden guandao with a glistening jade blade. His very presence seemed to amplify the sunlight.

Dragonic Glaivemaster- Grade 3/13000 Power/0 Shield/Force Marker

"With Glaivemaster, I gain a Force II Gift for my rearguard. Next, I'm using Glaivemaster's once-per-turn skill. With one counter blast and a soul blast, I can choose one of your rearguards for each grade of the soul blasted card, and retire them. Since I blasted a grade 2, I'm retiring two- Bertilak and Knight Gawain are moved to the drop zone."

Sean blinked. "That's...a great skill. My front row just went poof."

Kiki smiled shyly. "He's been my favorite unit for a while now. Let's see…" She turned her attention back to her hand. "Ah, got it. I'm using the skill of Fire Lance Sniper, Burhan, from my hand. By revealing and binding him, I can choose and retire one of your grade 1 rearguards, and counter charge one. Rotegal is retired."

"Down three already, and you're just getting started. This doesn't look good for me."

"I call Brimstone Axe Dragon, and use his on-place skill. By counter blasting one, I retire Soldier Gawain. Now, I use Ultan's skill. I counter blast one and move him to my soul to choose one of your cards and move it to your drop zone. Hildred is retired, and since you have no rearguards, I can look at the top card of my deck and call it to RC. I superior call Relentless Harrower, Vulcan Hammer Dragon."

Vulcan Hammer Dragon- Grade 3/13000 Power/0 Shield/Force Marker

"Incredible," gaped Nat. "She just totally cleared Sean's field like it was nothing."

"And she hasn't even attacked yet," Sal observed. "Sean's just straight up screwed."

"I use Hamzah's skill," Kiki continued. "By soul blasting two cards, I draw two from my deck. Finally, I call Sickle Tail Dragon and Drought Bringer Dragon."

"Calling a trigger unit," Sean commented. "Looks like you're trying to make this the final turn."

With a snap of his scaly fingers, Glaivemaster summoned a set of flaming pillars, each spawning a dragonic warrior. Two were already seen before in the battle, with only two unknown figures making their debut. One was a goliath of a dragon, stocky and brutish, clad in black leather armor and carrying a massive molten warhammer in his orange hands. The other was about twice the size of a domesticated bull, squat and thick, complete with long horns and a lengthy snout.

Skycutter calmed his mount, though he himself was a bit panicked. Despite being a new player to Cray, Glaivemaster had managed to not only muster a full formation of formidable fighters, but completely whittle away the knight's formation to nothing without attacking. Upstart or not, he was here to dominate.

"All alone," chortled Glaivemaster. "Don't worry, you'll be dead soon enough. Sickle Tail, Brimstone, crush him!" With a feral warcry, the subordinate dragon charged the enemy general, axe dragging against the earth. "Don't forget Brimstone's ability- for each empty position in your formation, he gains 1000 Power!"

Strength- 23000

Skycutter reared defensively. It was an impossible decision- throw up defenses and have no forces left to strike back, or hold back forces to counterattack and risk collapsing immediately to the enemy assault? Perhaps if he saved his more defensive forces for bigger blows, he'd survive. At three damage, he could take a blow or two. "I...don't guard." Brimstone raked his namesake against Skycutter, causing his mount to stagger backwards and nearly collapse. "Damage check...no trigger."

Glaivemaster cackled. "You're finished! The future of Cray belongs to Kagero! Drought Bringer, support me!" He raised his guandao to the heavens, the jade blade shining white like sunlight. "Since you have three or more empty rearguard circles, I gain 10000 Power for this attack, as well as plus one critical!" He pointed his polearm towards the lonesome general. "Behold the power of my Magnificent Hell Arrow!" Thrusting his weapon downward, he summoned a torrent of blistering flames, streaming towards Skyscutter at blazing speeds.

Strength- 33000/2 Crit

"With Diamond Dragon Knight, Sunniva," Skycutter shouted, "your attack is nullified!" In a hurried flash, one of the last few paladins leapt to her general's defense, summoning a bright barrier from her palms. What should have been a deathly searing shot became little more than a fireworks display against Sunniva's shield.

Glaivemaster snarled. "Just delaying the inevitable. Stubborn to the last…"

Sunniva- Grade 0/5000 Power/0 Shield/Draw Trigger

Defense- Perfect Guard

"You're PGing it?" Kiki asked. "I thought I could seal it with Glaivemaster…"

"Sean tends to hang onto those for vanguard swings," Nat commented. "A pretty good strategy, all things considered."

"Well, it depends on the twin drive," Sal said. "Vulcan Hammer is also coming in critical thanks to that Force II maker."

"Okay, twin drive," Kiki said. "First check...no trigger. Second check...Sabahudin!"

"A critical trigger at a time like this?" Sean thought aloud.

"I give all effects to Vulcan Hammer Dragon. Now, with Hamzah's support, he attacks Skycutter. Vulcan gets 1000 extra Power for each of your open rearguard circles, and since you have three or more of them, you'll have to call two or more cards if you want to guard this attack."

Strength- 38000/3 Critical

Sean looked at his hand. "Even with three cards, I can't block this. Damage checks, first...second...Sunniva. You got me."

Glaivemaster had proven his worth by securing a brutal victory over the Royal Paladins. The remnants of Skycutter's forces who didn't flee for safety were slaughtered completely. Skycutter's helm, the only piece of him that wasn't devastated by Vulcan Hammer's namesake, was sent to the Emperor as a gift. In one stroke, Glaivemaster had made an explosive splash in Cray politics, and began the Empire's new offensive by putting the United Sanctuary on the immediate back foot. It was indeed the start of a new era…

End of Turn 6

Hand Count- Sean 3, Kiki 3

Damage Count- Sean 6, Kiki 4

Kiki blinked. "I-I won?"

"Yeah, and it wasn't even close," Sal chuckled. "She smoked you, Sean."

Nat hesitated. "I wouldn't say that. He lost to a trigger, and that's-"

Sean began to gather his cards. "No, Sal's right. Even if I blocked Vulcan Hammer, I'd have nothing to make a comeback with. My rearguard was empty, and I didn't have the cards in hand to rebuild it. At that point, a comeback was impossible."

"Exactly," Sal nodded. "Dang, Kiki, you really know your stuff."

Kiki stammered. "I-it's no big deal. I just like the game."

"Well, you're going to be playing a lot more of it," Sean smiled.

"Huh?"

"I think Nat would like to do the honors."

"Indeed." Nat cleared his throat. "Kiki, as you have defeated one of our current members, you are invited to join our Cardfight Committee. Do you accept?"

Kiki eyes were like saucers. "I…" She looked to Sean, who kept his smile. "I...accept. I'd be happy to join your club."

A/N: Geez, this took far too long. Well, welcome to season 2 anyway! Hope you keep reading, and for the love of Gyze, wear your masks!