/Author Notes
Sup. Let's go see the reviews for now.
BladeBlaster: "Shin went full boss mode. I'm still sad that they never have gotten to see Shin like that. Well, Kamui did I think if I'm remembering the end of the Shinemon arc correctly. Ooh Psyqualia lore! Seriously I'm still so sad that they didn't develop Psyqualia really after season 2 (well we got some stuff in V to I guess). Now, Aichi is gonna battle Galliard!...now that I think about it WHY HAVE WE NEVER GOTTEN THIS MATCHUP?! Knight boy vs Knight boy it's like how we never got Aichi vs Shion or Taiyou. Finally, Aww Aichi was so worried about Kourin aww he's still denser than a stack of bricks. Not only can he not recognize Kourin's obvious love for him, but he can't recognize his own love for her."
Welp, yeah, pretty much boss mode. I mean, I love the shinemon arc, for more that I hated what Bushiroad made with AiKou in the reboot, I cannot help but respect them for being able to do a story that portraits growing up in adulthood so well.
I mean, sure, we didn't get to see Shin prowess and yes it is a shame, but that is exactly what Cardfight Vanguard is about. It's not about powerful characters, or the fight… it's about growing up as a person.
Yeah, I mean, it would be a crime to criticize Bushiroad as I do and not correcting one of they're biggest mistakes. The Psyqualia has a great room of interpretation, and trust me, I want nothing but be able to develop a lore to this power, and as such, the antithesis of Reverse vs Psyqualia was born in this fic, and while we did get some stuff in V, I still prefer the classics. If you take the V's in accord, then everyone with V gloves would be a potential user, and while this affirmation may be incorrect, we gotta agree that the way Psyqualia was placed in V could be better. I mean, they did an okay job at explaining the science behind it, but didn't do anything regarding the story of this power and how it interacts with Cray. Something that, if I may, I'm doing well in this work.
Heh, good question. We never did get Aichi vs Gaillard… probably because it wasn't relevant. It would create a good amount of Hype, but I guess they couldn't find a way to made it seems logical in Legion arc. Aichi vs Shion would also be interesting and a lot of Shion haters would love to see it, anyways…
Yeah, dense but caring… the personification of a Shonen protagonist romantic life… hehehe, but serious, they will develop a romance, but not yet. Perhaps after his arc is over. And while I agree that he cares greatly for Kourin, we have to agree that he also has a lot in his head. From how he realized he was weak against Takuto to even his desire to overthrow Jun and get back the alley, which is the whole reason for him ever wanting to face the king currently.
Anyways, onto the next question…
amon: "Gotta agree with you on the fact that Bushiroad made a very cute ship like Aichi x Kourin but destroyed it. It's one of the saddest things that had happened in the series.
Anyways, this chapter was so good, I love that fight between Shin vs Jaime! Also, I can't wait for the Aichi vs Gaillard to happen!"
Welp, wait no more my friend. I mean, this will be the only fight in this chapter, the rest of it would be only a way to create hype and move the story further. Let's just said that this fight is important in Aichi's path to become the "Chaos lord, Aichi Sendou."
Also, I'm happy you liked that fight. I mean, I may have made Shin a bit too much overpowered, and this does includes the mechanic he uses, but hey, he is the world champion. It's basically his job to be a monster at the game.
Next one, please!
Vincent Balmes: "Dude I guess I gotta agree with you when doesn't need zenith to beat kamui but I didn't catch your drift on when you said that aichi and kai were small fish from the ocean what's that even mean anyway"
Welp, yeah… how can I explain… it's a little pun I came up with because of Jaime's power, and how it completely scared Aichi and Kai. You, know, since Jaime uses Aqua Force, and Megallanica is a water based nation, they were small fish in a big ocean. After all, Jaime just recently awakened his powers as a king. Imagine what other kings like Ren and Leon could do. I mean, when you think that Aichi, who is the Messiah, was actually running away from the energy field that Jaime generated, it's pretty obvious the level of power from a king.
Anyways, next question!
Daringbunny88: "Awesome!
Really liked the way you portrayed the fight and can't wait for Aichi to STRAIGHT UP DESTROY Gaillard for speaking trash about Shizuka (Assuming that's what happens, right ?)
Anyhoo, cool chappy, good luck on the rest!"
Yeah, thanks. I mean, I may not have a lot of experience in vanguard… I basically started playing in G Next, but I can say I know what makes a deck stronger than most. And while those decks with Singularity Points are incredibly fast, that may also be a weakness. I mean, Shin almost lost on the eighth turn because his deck was with six cards.
What I'm trying to say is, Shin did held the advantage in the entirety of the fight, but he almost lost it. Now that I think about it, I don't even want to know what a Reversed Shinemon could do in this fic… I mean, if he is already a monster without any talent or power related to vanguard, just imagine him receiving such power… it makes me shiver a bit.
About the fight between Gaillard and Aichi… well, let's just say that it will be important in his road.
Next one… wait, we don't have a next one… well, whatev's. Let's roll!/
The day of Miwa Taishi begun as any other weekend. He slept the whole morning and just woke up in the afternoon.
Miwa was blonde young man, which was friends with Kai Toshiki since… well, since forever. He went towards his kitchen, in his own apartment, and opened the fridge. His frustration went up when he found out that there wasn't a single piece of food there.
Annoyed, he grabbed his phone to call the closest food truck, and went berserk at seeing that he forgot to charge it.
"Damn, seems like I'll need to go there myself huh…" He said, eyeing the door, and with a small glare. Wearing his normal clothes, which consisted on his school ones, he took his wallet and was relieved to see that he still has some money.
You never knew it in these days.
He then went towards his favorite Takoyaki shop, not knowing whom he would met there, nor his part in the bigger destiny.
The tension in the air called the glances of everyone there, each eyeing carefully those two blue-haired teens.
Yes, everyone could feel the hostility between both. They sat on a fighting table, and placed they're starter vanguards there.
"Let's see what you're capable of, little boy." Gaillard said, which earned him a glare from Aichi.
"Stand up, (Le) Vanguard!" Both said, eyeing they're opponents. Gaillard earned surprised looks from the children from the Le he exclaimed.
"Maiden of Betrayal, Guinevere!"
"Prominence Core, Barcgal!"
"Woah, there is two royal paladin users playing against one another there?" One kid, who heard both cries, called the other children to look at the fight.
"Not just that, but I never saw these two units!" another boy said, looking with awe at the two.
'I never once heard that unit.' Aichi though, eyeing the strange card. He is, however, cut short of his musings, as Gaillard begun his turn.
"I stand and draw." When he drew one card from his deck, he rode the same one. "I ride Lien. Barcgal moves back with it's skill. Next, I'll activate Lien skill. I'll drop another Lien and draw another card." He then eyed Aichi in the eyes, with a small smirk.
"I stand and draw." Aichi said, with venom dripping in his voice. "I ride Little sage Marron, and then, Guinevere moves back with her skill. Next, I'll call Lake maiden, Lien to the fray!"
'So you chose to play aggressive. Well, let's see how much your anger can fuel your power.' Gaillard noted, his smirk never fading.
"Lien attacks!"
"I don't guard. I'll check the damage trigger. No trigger."
"Boosted by Guinevere, My vanguard attacks!" Seeing that Gaillard didn't guard, Aichi continued his turn, with his Psyqualia ability manifesting. "Drive check… get! Critical trigger!"
"Check Le damage trigger. First, second… no trigger." Gaillard smile, his aura flashing for the first time. The amazing energy that went out was so powerful that Aichi felt small for the first time in a fight. It was akin to what Kai felt when Jaime awoke. The power of a king.
The feeling he got, however, was different. If Kai felt like an immense predator was watching him, Aichi was now feeling like a blue inferno was trying to burn him to a crisp. He couldn't breath and was also sweating. He was panicking just from the sheer hate that Gaillard power possess.
'Get yourself together!' Aichi inwardly screamed, annoyed at the fear that was creeping in his spine.
/Aichi
Hand 5
Counterblast 0
Soul 0
Damage 0
BR: R/ Guinevere/ R
FR: R/ Marron/ Lien
'Guardian circle'
Gaillard
FR: R/ Lien/ R
BR: R/ R/ Barcgal
Hand 5
Counterblast 3
Soul 0
Damage 3/
"My turn… I stand and draw!" Gaillard said, looking at the cards in his hand and smiling. "I ride! Prominence Silencer, Gallatin! Skill activate! If my vanguard is "prominence", I can counterblast one, and soul charge two and draw a card!" The french said, drawing a card. 'My soul should already be enough.'
He smirked again, and decided to call other units to the fray.
"By resting Barcgal, I can call one prominence grade zero! I call Prominence core, Flogal and then, with her skill! If I have three or more cards in my soul, I can create a singularity point!" He tapped in the front left rearguard, and it then shone in a bright blue. "Next, I'll call this one! Prominence Wingal! Wingal skill, counterblast and soul charge three. And then, Singularity point skill activates! I return Flogal and then I call the top card from my deck to a rearguard circle!" Looking at the top card, he smiled wickedly. "I call to the field! Prominence Sage, Marron and draw one card! Next one is Marron skill! Counterblast, and soul charge two and draw one card! Next, Wingal moves back and I call Prominence Core, Lew. With his skill, I'll create another Singularity Point in the same circle as before, also, come forth, Prominence Archer, Farren! With his skill, counter charge one. Singularity point skill, return Lew, and plus three thousand and an extra critical to the vanguard. Also, I'll return Wingal to the bottom and call one from the top of my deck and draw one. I superior call Prominence Archer, Farren and draw one. Farren skill again! Counter charge!"
"Whoa!" Was the general answer to the kind of play that got Gaillard field full.
'This guy… he's good.' Aichi begrudgingly noted, with a small glare directed at Olivier. He would never admit it to his face, but his admiration for this man's strength was growing.
"Farren attacks the vanguard!"
"I guard with Margal!"
"Boosted by Marron, Gallatin attacks with 17000 and one extra damage."
"I won't guard." Aichi said, activating his Psyqualia.
"Drive check. Get, critical trigger! Critical to my vanguard and the extra power to the other Farren."
"Damage check. First… second, get! Draw trigger. I draw one and plus 5000 to the vanguard. Third check, no trigger." Aichi smiled with the trigger he checked. It will certainly help.
"The second Farren attacks the vanguard."
"I guard with Elaine!" Aichi declared, blocking the attack and stopping the damage.
"What an aggressive fight!" Some of the kids where saying, surprised by both players passion.
"It's almost like one hate the other." A small girl eyed both eyes of Gaillard and Aichi, noticing how they were locked on the other and how each tried to burn holes through the skull of the other. "It's scary."
"My turn then. I stand and draw. The knight in shinning armor who wears pride in his noble wings, as he confidently strides through the lake. Come forth, Knight of the lake, Gancelot!" The youth smiled, seeing his most favored unit at the field. "His skill activates! I pay two counterblasts and then, plus one drive and an extra critical!"
'So he plans on pressuring me…' Gaillard though, eyeing his half-brother. 'Bring it!'
"Guinevere skill! I counterblast and send her to the soul, and call a Marron to the field. Next, I'll call Lien, Wingal, and two Farren! With both skills, I'll counter charge two times!" Aichi looked at his hand and smirked. Without no cards, he would have to win his now. He then prepared to attack. "Boosted by Wingal, the right Farren Attacks the vanguard!"
"I guard with Flogal!" Gaillard said, blocking the attack before it did too much damage.
"Boosted by Marron, my vanguard attacks!"
"I'll guard with Prominence Shield, Iseult! And by dropping one card, your attack is nullified."
"Dammit! Twin drive!." Flashing his Aura, Aichi made his power reach the stars. "First check, get! Critical trigger, all effects to the left Farren. Second check! Get, critical Trigger! All effects to Farren again!"
"No way…" one of the kids said, surprised by the sheer power that those two were displaying.
"If this next attack hit's, it's gonna be game!" Another one noted, seeing Aichi attacking with his rearguard.
"Boosted by Lien, Farren attacks with 26000 and two extra damage!"
"I guard with Lew, and the two Farren intercepts!" Gaillard blocked it, making everyone gasp in surprise at his prowess.
Aichi clicked his tongue. Guarding against that should have been almost impossible, but with the advantage Gaillard built the last turn, it was as easy as take a candy out of a infant mouth.
However, he wouldn't lose. He couldn't. If he admitted defeat here, then his mother honor would be sullied.
/Aichi
Hand 2
Counterblast 2
Soul 2
Damage 3
BR: Lien/ Marron/ Wingal
FR: Farren/ Knight of the lake, Gancelot/ Farren
'Guardian circle'
Gaillard
FR: R/ Prominence Silencer, Gallatin/ R (S.P. Flogal, Lew)
BR: R/ Prominence Sage, Marron/ Barcgal
Hand 4
Counterblast 2
Soul 9
Damage 3/
"I stand and draw…" Gaillard appeared serious for a moment, his smirk fading. Eyeing Aichi, he saw the object of his hatred right in front of him. He dreamed of this day for a long time, always with the same image of his dear brother defeated self in front of him, and now, this dream is no more a mere illusion… 'I'll defeat you… Aichi… and when I do, I'll prove myself as a human being!'
At that moment, Aichi didn't knew why, but his Psyqualia ability that lets him feel others emotions was showing the sadness and sorrow that Gaillard felt. This made the gentle boy anger fade, and a worried expression took place in his face.
"Why… why are you so sad?" He asked Gaillard, which made him look at the younger teen in surprise. "I don't know why you hate me… but I can feel your anger and sorrow… it's consuming you." He didn't say it, however the older brother could see in his eyes. The silent question of 'can I help you somehow?'
Gaillard was at a loss there. He hated Aichi Sendou with every fiber of his being… but then why? Why did those feelings weren't the same with his half-brother?
It made him sick. The object of his hatred… the little brother that had everything was pitying him… it made him angry at himself for allowing a weaker person to care for him but… he was also annoyed by the fact that this was supposed to be the game he was waiting so long to have. The game where both brothers hatred for one another would clash… and yet…
"You're… crying?" Aichi asked, mouth agape. Olivier Gaillard stood there, crying like a little boy. Yet, it wasn't sadness that Aichi could feel from it… it was the most intense hate he ever felt someone directing against him.
Under those confusing feelings, Gaillard could only see the youth in front of him. Everything faded as he saw the most intense light. It was blue hue that seemed to comfort and engulf all sadness within… and even so…
"You are cruel you know…" Was the soft whisper of Gaillard, he eyed his younger sibling for the first time, not with the hatred he felt everyday, a hate that originated itself from the envy and greed. No, this time it was a feeling of hurt that he couldn't convey in words. It was like he had his object of life right in front of him, but it was taken away from him.
It tore his heart apart.
Seeing someone you loath since your entire life caring and being gentle to you… it was sickening. Gaillard, for the first time since he resolved himself at taking everything his younger brother had to him, was at a loss.
At the fact that he didn't knew what to do, his mouth moved, explaining to Aichi what his last words meant.
"Do you know about him? Your father, that is?" Gaillard asked, eyeing Aichi with expectation.
"No… I mean, I know that my mother was dating him for a couple of mouths, and when she was about to gave birth to me, he run away. Also, a couple of years after I was born, my mother ended up marrying another man, and this guy ended up being Emi's father. He also is working aboard now… but that's it." He listed, remembering his stepfather and the resemblance he shared with Emi. Sometimes, he wished that his real father were present here but he knew couldn't have everything, so he did not loathe the man. At least, not that he knew anyway.
"He still loves you… more than me, at least." Gaillard said, his voice broken and with a sorrowful air around him. "My name is Olivier Gaillard… do you know your real father name, Aichi Sendou?"
Seeing the younger boy shook his head, he sighted. He didn't even knew what he was doing anymore. This itself was way out of his character but, he felt that the youth at least deserved to know why his older brother hated him so much.
"You father name was Ambroise Gaillard… he was… my father as well… which makes me your half-brother…"
That made Aichi's eyes widen at surprise. It wasn't only him, however. At the moment of the big revelation, Miwa Tashi came at the Takoyaki stand, and heard about it. His eyes, however, were emitting a feeling of sympathy that Aichi never received from anywhere outside his family. This came because Miwa knew what was like to have a destroyed family, to feel you don't belong.
He was, after all, abandoned by his parents in a very young age.
Aichi eyes where blank. His will to fight was lost, and his mind was processing what he heard.
"If we are really brothers… then, why does you hate me so much?" Aichi asked, trying to make sense of this situation. This made Gaillard smile in a cruel fashion. He finally had something that he could use to torture his younger brother.
"I'm not telling you. Just like I won't give you any information of our father. You'll never know anything from me…" He drew a card and was surprised at seeing the determined expression on Aichi's face. "Remember our promise? If you manage to actually defeat me, my life is yours… however, this ain't happening… I'm sure you can see it. This game ends here!" He then begun his chant, preparing to ride his most favored unit. "Oh lonely knight. Never once you receive what I wished, being a fraud and a failure, you searched and searched. Your determination rose above the clouds, and your strength has become unrivaled! Awaken, oh king slayer! I ride! Prominence Knight, Percival!"
At that moment, Aichi saw it. The image of a knight who could do nothing, of a knight who, even thought was surrounded by bluish flames that emitted so much power, was never once acknowledged by those he admires, going as far as to rebel against his king, the one he admires the most, and allying itself with the werewolves of dark zone. All he saw was a man who had all the power in the world, but never once got the one thing he truly desired.
Seeing this, Aichi felt his eyes getting wet at the strong image he was seeing. It was sad… cruel even.
"Percival skill!" Gaillard scream awoken Aichi out of his stupor, making his eyes focus back on the fight. "If I have 6 or more cards in soul, I can drop one card from my hand and then create a Singularity point with: When a unit is placed here, plus 5000 and an extra critical to the vanguard. I'll call Lew from my hand, and with his skill, plus one singularity point. Next, I'll activate Barcgal skill! I'll rest him, and call Lew! Lew skill again! I create another singularity point in the front-left circle. Singularity point activates! I return both Lews and call one from the top of my deck, I call Marron and draw one, also, plus 3000 and an extra damage to the vanguard, and third singularity point activates! Plus 5000 and an extra damage to the vanguard. Next, I'll call another Percival in the newest Singularity point. Singularity point skill! I'll return Barcgal, and plus 3000 and an extra critical to the vanguard. Percival skill, another singularity point! I then call to the field from my hand, Prominence Wingal and Prominence Silencer, Gallatin! Singularity point skill activates again! Plus 5000 and an extra critical to the vanguard."
"His vanguard is with a total of 26000 and 5 damage!"Miwa screamed from his hidden place, eyeing the fight with amazed eyes. This guy was strong, stronger than Kai and himself for sure. 'Not only that, but with only 2 cards in hand… can Aichi block it?"
"Boosted by Wingal, Gallatin attacks the left Farren."
"I won't guard."
"The rearguard Percival attacks the right Farren."
"I won't guard." Aichi said, looking at his field and hand. He couldn't block it. Not only that, but his opponent vanguard has 5 damage… and with three heals in deck, he had to pray for twin heal and that Olivier won't check two critical triggers.
"Boosted by Marron, my vanguard attacks with 32000 and 5 damage." Gaillard smirked, already seeing that his brother was using his power to heal in sequence. "It's futile! Twin drive! First check, get! Critical trigger! Second check, get! Critical trigger!"
"Damage check… first, second… third… get, heal trigger! Fourth, get heal trigger, fifth, get heal trigger… sixth…" Aichi was amazing everyone with his drive checks, however, both Gaillard and Aichi, alongside Miwa knew that this was the last heal on his deck. "No trigger…"
Aichi was at a loss. His whole world was spinning. Was it because he just got defeated? Or was it because he discovered more of his family than he knew. Gaillard, seeing this, took his cards and went away.
"What a pity… I thought that the owner of Gancelot would be more of a challenge… it seems you've turn out to be a disappointment." He said, taking his leave.
"Wait…"
"What is it?" At seeing his eyes, he knew. Gaillard knew what to do to provoke his hated brother even more. "You desire a rematch? You think you're capable of facing me right now? My stupid little brother… you're so weak that you couldn't tell it right? That I could end that match much sooner if so I desired…" His voice was full of sarcasm and animosity, so Aichi knew. His opponent would get all he could from defeating him now. "In fact, as you are now, you couldn't even beat Jaime Alcatraz, the same one who took away your alley. And guess what, he isn't even close to my current power… let me spell it clearly for you, Aichi Sendou. I wouldn't gain nothing from fighting against you. In fact, seeing your desperate face right now is much more satisfying."
Gaillard went away, not knowing either caring for what effect his words had on Aichi.
The youth was desperated. However, he wasn't the only one.
Far away, in the cosmos, where Cray resides, Gancelot and Percival where fighting, one against the other, and Gancelot was losing.
Those two, with they're bonds, could feel the pain from one another. The loss, the grief and the confusion. All was there for Aichi and Gancelot to feel. This made the battle that Gancelot was fighting ending in his defeat, which held catastrophic consequences to the United Sanctuary.
The bond that both knight and Vanguard shared was damaged, not because of the defeat, but for the pain that it came. And this emotional breakdown evolved in a form of physical pain so great that Aichi ended up falling in unconsciousness.
"Crap…" Miwa exclaimed, moving to help the young man. "Someone! Call an ambulance!" He shouted, sensing Aichi pulse and how weak it was.
"We should probably search for him." Kourin said aloud, eyeing both teenagers with mixed emotions. She trusted Kai because Aichi trusted him, however, she was actually afraid of Jaime Alcatraz. After the final blast from Shinemon, Jaime went unconscious. He, however, wasn't the only one as the brunette's also had his world somewhat shaken by the fight.
Kai did became dizzy after the fight ended, and with a loud thud, he also went to dreamland. If it was because of all that power, Kourin honestly couldn't tell.
Rekka was smiling weakly at her from the chair she was. Being the one who possess a pure Psyqualia from the trio, she was also affected by Jaime's awakening.
"Calm down… I'm sure he's fine…" She said, smiling playfully. "I mean… unless you can't wait to see him…"
Kourin blushed at her comment, but remained calm. She was helping Misaki with the two unconscious youths, while Shin was calling and ambulance to grab them. If possible, she wanted to be as helpful as she could.
However, she couldn't shake off the image of her and Aichi, both with small kids that looked exactly like them. She sighted.
This little crush she had for the boy was becoming troublesome. If Takuto ever discovered this, she wasn't going to hear the end of it.
Takuto wanted the Ultra Rares to be happy, and those with Psyqualia usually attract trouble to themselves. No, it wasn't simple trouble. It was more like those with Psyqualia tend to face powerful foes on a daily basis.
If this is because of the will of Cray or simply because the world was full of people like that, she couldn't tell. All she knew was that those with Psyqualia usually are really bad boyfriend material because of they're connection to Cray.
She eyed the door, a troubled look on her face. She had a really bad feeling on where Aichi was, the kind of feeling one could call dread.
At the hospital, Miwa was eyeing the door carefully. He was close to Aichi's examination room, sitting on a chair. With a heavy feeling in his stomach, he was about to thrown up.
He was nervous, and that much was clear. He couldn't wait to tell Kai the news that he found the boy, however… he also couldn't believe in his eyes when he saw the youth consciousness fade. I mean, what kind of sick person falls into a coma playing a trading card game?
He kept his mind pacing back and forth, trying to find a way to help, but failing each and every time. He wasn't a medic, nor he could explain what happened. In a certain way, all he could do is pray, and it sicks him. This feeling of weakness, of impotence… it just serves to remind him of his past even more.
Shaking his head, he managed to find a way to get those thoughts out of his mind. It wouldn't do well for him to be sad. He was the jester of his social groups. In a way, he was what kept his friends together in trying times… he couldn't and wouldn't find himself at such a mood.
Still, he couldn't help but wonder what if Kai were to appear right now…
"Miwa? What are you doing here?" The blonde youth heard a voice behind him, and almost jumped out of his skin. Just to make sure that he wasn't hearing things, he turned towards the voice, and cursed at his luck for managing to run into Kai Toshiki himself.
Seriously, what is today?
Upon closer inspection, he noticed the clerks and clients of Card capital, and a group of girls he never saw. Also, he took notice that his pal was wearing a hospital gown.
"Well?" Kai asked, finding his face strangely suspicious.
"Mister Taishi. We finished the diagnosis of your friend." The doctor responsible for Aichi's evaluation opened the door, calling the blonde teen.
'Goddammit. Just my luck!' Miwa mentally snapped, but managed to maintain himself composed. Looking at Kai, he sighted.
"You might want to prepare yourself for what I'm about to tell you." The doctor looked at Miwa and the others, raising a brow. He then looked at Shizuka and Shin, with a small frown. "Is any you Aichi Sendou's parents?"
In the distant stars, in the black ether of the cosmos, another planet, very similar to earth, was burning in conflict.
In one of the strange planet nations, there was an exiled queen. She was resting her head at the bed, sleeping peacefully.
In the chambers, was the Swordsman of light, Ahmes, and the king of the nation himself, Alfred. They each were looking at the body that stood motionless in the bed. It was a friend, a rival and a precious resource.
His name was Gancelot, the elf knight of the lake. There he lies, the only sound escaping his lips being his breath. Alfred eyed Guinevere with sadness and envy. He loved her, that much was proved, however, that love was a platonic feeling, and it hurt him more than anything.
More than the sharpest of the blades that ever cut him, or the peaked of the lances that had yet to pierce him. In a way, it was his own doing. He should be there for her, instead he was only defending his territories.
It was his responsibility to protect his subjects but… why can't he be happy? It was always a new battle, always a form of conflict. He never had time for the people important to him, and it costed him the love of his life.
Ahmes looked sadly at the king, knowing what was on his head. He however, had his own worries. Gancelot was a close friend, close enough so that both had the same vanguard. Seeing him in such a situation… just broke the warrior of light.
However, there was another problem that Ahmes needed to account for. Aichi Sendou, they're vanguard.
He was damaged, troubled even. His connection with the vanguard of bonds was fading, he could feel so. It was because his bond with Aichi, that was almost no existent after the first battle against The Kagero's Overlord, had only be able to come back to it's original form because of the power of bonds from Gancelot.
With the same source of his bonds now in the limit between life and death, he was sure that the bond he and the boy shared was damaged as well. This was bad… they needed to find a way to regain control of this, or else the dream of the Messiah may end up dead.
He couldn't allow that to happen… however, how could he help? He was just a simple swordsman… not a god, nor a king.
"You know… I knew this much would happen." A voice spoke in the shadows. Both king and swordsman then turned towards the darkness, and from it, a bright light emerged. After that, Ezel stepped out, allowing the two to see the legendary warrior in all it's glory. "We can't trust the humans… they're hate and angst only serve to blind themselves."
"Shut it…" Ahmes sneered, venom in his voice.
"You sure can talk about it, can't you Ezel? Even thought you keep speaking about how humans are inferior and mindless beasts, you have they're blood in thy veins." It was the king who spoke, making Ezel draw his twin blades, as if challenging him to speak further.
"Careful with your weapons, Ezel… your in the presence of a king." Ahmes spoke, drawing his sword, ready to protect his sovereign life.
"And I would watch your tongue, swordsman of light." Ezel begun, eyeing the king and his most trusted man with contempt. "If neither of you can't remember, your kingship means nothing towards the will of Cray itself. And me being it's herald… well, I wouldn't mind having my king's blood staining the edge of my blades."
"How dare your!" Ahmes was about to attack, making Ezel smirk and prepare his own swords.
It would be a battle that would shook the entire kingdom, if not for a small intervention.
With a quick punch in both morons heads, CEO Amaterasu and Sage of Resources, Herron both stopped the champions of Royal Paladins to start a battle that would only leave the kingdom in ruins.
"What was that for?" Both asked, scared and hurt, with they're heads aching. CEO Amaterasu only went ahead and joined Alfred company, like the old friends they were, while Herron looked at her son with mild annoyance.
"Ezel, even if you're the herald of Cray, remember where lies the authority. Alfred is the king for a reason, and if I heard that you went and tried to kill him again, I will punish you. And you!" Herron then looked towards Alfred, with a glare that sent shudders in his spine. Amaterasu, seeing that she was in the splash zone, quietly made her way out. "Don't you dare bring Takuto and his family into this. If you ever do that again, I'll make sure that you suffer as well."
"I understand." Alfred managed to say, with a small smile on his face despite his fear. He knew, after all, how much Herron could be protective of her children. "Still… I really wonder what to do now."
"There is a way…" Amaterasu said, still from a secure distance from the splash zone. "However, you may not like it, Ahmes."
This perked the interest of everyone that knew the swordsman of light. The Blaster Blade user was, in many ways, someone who wanted the job done as soon as possible, with the little personal feelings involved the better.
Ahmes was looking curiously at Oracle Think Tank's CEO, waiting for the goddess to go on.
"Well, we need to find someone with a high compatibility with your vanguard to act as a temporary substitute, until Gancelot wake up…" She let that sink in, until she went on, and Herron seemingly understood what the goddess of the sun was implying.
"You can't be serious… there is only two who have enough compatibility as to act as a replace…" Herron exclaimed, with each second more and more of those in the room began to understand what was being implied here. As the last one, Ahmes grasped what was being said, and was obviously the more affected.
"You got to be joking… No, absolutely not!" He snapped, and went to leave the room, however, Alfred firm grasp stopped him. Turning back, he saw the red-eyes of his king. Eyes who were determined to do what was necessary for Cray. "My liege, you can't be possible thinking about…"
"Yes… I'm afraid so Ahmes…" Alfred sighted, and then, he commanded a messenger to appear. The messenger, a trumpeter of the engel race, was timidly looking at each of the units at the chambers, awaiting for his orders. "I want you to summon all of United Sanctuary leaders. And before you ask, yes… that does include Junos and Mordred from the Shadow Paladins."
The engel timidly nodded and then disappeared in a flash of light.
"Of all the units in Cray… why must it be them." Ahmes asked aloud to no one in particular, as he sat in one of the chairs, frustration in his voice and fatigue evident in his face.
There, they stayed in silent, without being able to actually answer such questions.
In a dark room, in an unknown location, a red-haired youth was smiling creepily. In his hand was the card, Blaster Dark and on his eyes, an ethereal crimson gleam.
The youth name was Ren Suzugamori, and the reason for his smile? Let's just say that very interesting things are about to happen.
In a forest of bamboos, an adult could be see meditating. In one of his hand, was a deck of cards, a shadow paladin one. The other held a rosary of sorts, and in his mind, only one though could be seem.
He was thinking about his defeat, ten years prior. In that accursed day where he lost to his one and true rival, Shinemon Nitta.
The man possessed purple hair, and was wearing a white obi. Feeling his deck gleam, he opened his eyes, revealing purple orbs, in a lighter shade than his hair. He smiled at that.
The connection of Mordred and Uranus all but fading, he could feel his rival rising… but he also felt it. A trepidation around Junos.
The man smiled even further. Rising up, his face morphed in a frown. He would have to go towards civilization for the first time after years of exile, but it would be worth it.
Mordred was calling for the blood of Alfred, and he knew that he needed to comply with it, that he needs to show acceptance towards that unit will, for he was Yuichirou Kanzaki, someone who held a lot of gratitude to vanguard.
/Author Notes:
Heh… I bet a lot of you didn't expect me to pull that one, right?
I mean, like I explained earlier, sure. Aichi is strong and talented as hell, but he ain't a king yet. And while he does have potential, this one loss will have great consequences.
Lemme just said that, when you are beaten by a king, you either become it's subject or you become a king yourself.
Yeah, knowing how much I tend to surprise people, you can guess which one of the two it will be.
Also, if any of you guys are wondering if Aichi will began to use Shadow Paladin… well, no, he won't.
Like I said, I got plans to what his dark side will use, and when I said dark side, I mean literally. Dark Aichi is not only a sarcastic and arrogant prick here… he is the exact reverse of everything Aichi ever stood for. You can bet on it.
Anyways, what more can I tell you guys… oh yeah, about the whole Yuichirou thingy… well, he is basically one of my favorite characters from this show, so expect great things from him. I mean, really great things.
I mean, he is basically an evil Shinemon here, how could you not like him?
Also, let's go to the cards that appeared on this chapter, shall we?
Prominence Core, Barcgal:
Power 4000
Boost
Shield 10000
RC, Act: Rest this unit, and then, call a "Prominence" Trigger unit from your deck.
Prominence Core, Flogal:
Power 4000
Boost
Shield 10000
Critical Trigger
RC: When this unit is placed, If your vanguard is "Prominence", and if you have 4 cards or more in soul, create a singularity point with: "When a unit is placed in this circle, return one of your units to the bottom of your deck to call one card from the top of your deck and draw a card."
Prominence Core, Lew:
Power 4000
Boost
Shield 10000
Critical Trigger
RC: When this unit is placed, if your vanguard is "Prominence", and if you have 5 cards or more in hand and 3 or more cards in soul, create a Singularity Point with: "When a unit is placed in this circle, if your vanguard is "Prominence", return one unit to the bottom of your deck to give plus 3000 and an extra critical to your vanguard."
Prominence Core, Elaine
Power 4000
Boost
Shield 10000
Heal Trigger
RC: When placed, if your vanguard is prominence and if you have 6 or more cards in hand and 3 or more cards in soul, create a singularity point with: "When a unit is placed here, return one unit to the bottom of your deck, and give plus 5000 power to your vanguard and draw one card."
Prominence sage, Marron:
Power 6000
Boost
Shield 5000
VC/RC: When placed, if your vanguard is "Prominence", Counterblast 1 to Soulcharge 2 and draw a card.
Prominence Wingal:
Power 6000
Boost
Shield 5000
RC: When placed, if your vanguard is Prominence, Counterblast one to Soulcharge 3.
Prominence Shield, Iseuld:
Power 6000
Boost
Shield 0
GC: When placed, discard a card to negate an attack.
Prominence Archer, Farren:
Power 8000
Intercept
Shield 5000
RC: When placed, Countercharge 1
RC: When this unit is placed from your deck, if your Vanguard is "Prominence" discard one card to look at the top two cards from your deck, call one and place the other on top of your deck.
Prominence Silencer, Gallatin:
Power 8000
Intercept
Shield 5000
VC/RC: When placed, if your Vanguard is "Prominence", Counterblast 1 to Soulcharge 2 and draw a card
Prominence Knight, Percival
Power 10000
Twin Drive
Shield 0
VC/RC: When placed, if you have 9 or more cards in Soul, discard a card and create a singularity point with: "When a unit is placed here, give plus 5000 and an extra critical to your vanguard."
VC COST [Counter blast one]: When you ride this unit, you may use an effect of one of your rearguard circles.
In case you guys are wondering why those units from Prominence archetype have each low attack, it's because of what they represent.
They are the antithesis of Gancelot. Whether Gancelot calls other units and give them extra power, Prominence is instead focused in superior calling units that give bonus to the vanguard or trigger they're effects with a Prominence vanguard.
Anyways, that was it for now. See ya in the next chapter./