What's up, everyone! This is GKC here bringing you the next chapter to Arc-Vanguard!
KRD: Eyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy, what up people?!
GKC: Well, look who it is. My faithful partner in crime.
KRD: Hey, as soon as I heard Yu-Gi-Oh x Vanguard crossover was being made, I just had to be here! What up peeps, it's ya boi, Kamen Rider Duelist, and mah boi is taking the stage this chapter!
GKC: Yep, you saw the Royal Paladins last chapter. Now guess who else is coming to play.
KRD: Hint: It's in the title.
GKC: So pay attention, dear readers. You're about to swing into action.
Now for the disclaimer: I do not own, except my OCs, Cardfight Vanguard or Yu-Gi-Oh. All rights belong to their respective owners.
Now let's get this party started… BEGIN!
Chapter 3: A Golden Opportunity
We now turn our attention to another part of Maiami City. One that was farther away from the You Show Duel School. Maiami City First High School. Like any other typical high school, the learning facility had just ended lessons for the day. Most if not all students were relieved that it was over. Though relieved, they still dread the homework they have to do when they get home.
One student sat at the very back corner of the classroom, his mind being distracted elsewhere as he stared out the window with a tired expression. He was a young man with medium-length brown hair with a fringe that was fanned out front and has blue eyes while wearing his school uniform.
This was Kurogasa Kururugi.
Kurogasa has lived a decent life in Tokyo, Japan, living with his parents Kyoshiro and Yukina respectively. What many people don't know about him, was that he used to be a Cardfighter, and a passionate one at that. That is… until the day Duel Monsters "killed" Vanguard, and those that ridiculed Vanguard targeted him. Because of this, it cemented his hatred towards Duel Monsters. How he got to Maiami City was due to the fact that Kyoshiro got a job at Leo Corporation to be one of its many card designers. His father jumped at the opportunity and the family moved. While Kurogasa still hates Duel Monsters, he doesn't hate his father due to how much his job was paying him. Due to this, he transfer schools, ending up at Maiami First High School and has been going there since.
So here he sat at his desk, staring outside the window, watching as some students were playing Duel Monsters or chatting with their friends.
Even just looking at them, he couldn't help but express his hidden disgust for the game. Not because of the game itself, but rather what it represented. Because of Duel Monsters, Vanguard fell out of society and thrown into obscurity as it if had never existed. And now he was forced to conceal his identity as a former Cardfighter. While there weren't any students that looked down on Vanguard, at least to his knowledge, one couldn't be too careful. Probably because he never mentioned it to anyone, let alone heard anyone talk bad about it.
"Yo, Kururugi, we're heading to the Arcade. Wanna join us?" One of his classmates asked.
"Huh?" Kurogasa looked at them, after snapping out of his thoughts. "Uh… not really, no. I'm gonna have to decline. You guys can go on without me."
"Alright, if you say so." They said before they left the classroom, whispering amongst themselves.
Kurogasa sighed to himself. No doubt they were talking about him, thinking how boring he was or how he never hangs out with anyone. It was just one of those days where he just questions himself of why he was put on this green earth.
Meanwhile…
A cloaked figure stood across from a man dressed in a black suit with sunglasses over their eyes.
"You know what must be done, right?" The man asked the figure as he held out a Duel Monsters Deck.
"Yes, but… are you sure about this?" The cloaked figure asked, having some form of concern, even though their face couldn't show it.
"In order to protect the future, we need a Vanguard. The Tatsunagi Foundation depends on it." The man answered.
"I understand, however…" The cloaked figure said. "To have something they love being incorporated into a game that he despises so much…"
"That's not our problem. As long as he has these cards, he'll tolerate the game. We already have one potential candidate. We need more. Do the test and report back."
"…Understood." The cloaked figure replied albeit reluctantly, before taking the Duel Monsters' Deck and turning on their heel to leave without another word. Once they were out of sight, the man in the black suit opened their cell phone and dialed a number.
"It's done."
["I trust our employee took it without reservation?"]
"Some. They were concerned about the candidate's… current mentality." The man cleared his throat.
["You mean his hatred for Duel Monsters after Vanguard had lost its popularity. Yes, it would pose a problem but I seem to remember a certain silver-haired man having the same mindset with Vanguard yet still played it, regardless."]
"I see. Then I trust your judgment."
["I've not steered you wrong yet. Now then, let us hope that our friend can deliver results. Yusho Sakaki's life and the lives of all worlds depend on it."]
Grabbing his school suitcase, Kurogasa made his way out of the school, after switching his school shoes with his regular one, and started the trek home. It was a rather uneventful walk as he crossed a couple of streets, while passing by other people. He was never the kind to be depressed. In fact, he was rather upbeat and kind… that is, until that day. His parents tried to cheer him up, and it helped a little bit, but even then, it wasn't enough, though he doesn't blame them or anything.
As he kept walking, mulling over these thoughts, he failed to realize someone watching him from afar.
"So this is the one they want to test, huh?" They mused, before following them, keeping their distance so as to not get caught so quickly. Then again, walking around in a hooded cloak to which some pedestrians found odd while they kept moving would garner some form of suspicion.
After what seemed like forever, the mysterious person found themselves still a distance away from Kurogasa but still following as they were in a neighborhood. The young male turned a corner to which the person followed, but when they turned, he wasn't there.
"Huh? Where did-"
"You know, it's rude to tail someone from behind for so long…"
The cloaked figure turned around and found Kurogasa standing behind them, "How did you know?"
"There's a lot of street mirrors in this neighborhood." Kurogasa frowned, before setting his suitcase down, "So who are you and why are you following me?"
"I'll only answer that if you do one thing for me." The cloaked figure approached then held out a Duel Monsters Deck. "I want you to use this Deck and Duel me."
"Excuse me?" Kurogasa narrowed his eyes at them.
"I said, use this Deck and Duel me." The figure insisted, hiding their annoyance in having to repeat themselves.
"Why should I? I have no reason to. In fact, I hate Duel Monsters." He said, before picking up his suitcase and turning on his foot to leave. "So if you're done wasting your time following me, I'll be heading home right-"
"You're not leaving." The cloaked figure said before they suddenly threw out what looked like handcuffs that snagged on Kurogasa's right wrist.
"What? Hey, what gives?!" Kurogasa growled as he tried to pull away. "Let me go! I didn't consent to this!"
"I told you, you're not leaving. Not unless you Duel me with this Deck." The figure told the boy as they pulled his wrist with a handcuff bound to their own wrist. "This is not a choice."
"Even if you somehow did have me duel, I don't have a Disk!"
The figure then tossed the boy a small pad that Kurogasa caught, "Any other arguments?"
"Tch…" Kurogasa clicked his tongue in disdain, before eventually relenting to his fate. He dropped his suitcase and placed the Duel Disk on his left arm. "If I win, you're gonna let me go."
"Very well." The cloaked figure replied.
"Give me the deck and be quick about it."
The figure walked over and held out the Deck, making sure to keep their distance in case Kurogasa tried anything. All the young man did was swiped the deck from their hand before inserting it into the D-Pad and a white blade in the shape of a sword came out. Kurogasa had never seen the Duel Disk before, but what does he care? He needs to duel whoever this person was, win, and get out. He doesn't want to touch Duel Monsters after this.
The cloaked figure then walked back to their respective side and activated their duel disk, the blade also in the shape of a sword before both Players drew their starting Hands.
"DUEL!"
Kurogasa: 4000
? ? ?: 4000
The young man looked at his Hand and his eyes widened considerably at what he was looking at. 'These cards… they can't be!' He thought before looking back at the figure. "What are you playing at?! Why am I given these cards?! How dare you!"
"Are you going to keep running your mouth or are you going to Duel?"
"Grrrr… Fine, don't talk, but you will answer!" He said, before looking at his hand again, but his body was trembling. 'I never thought I'd see these again, just not like this. But… why…? Why?!'
"I'll start off by summoning Gold Paladin - Knight of Early Dawn, Coel in ATK mode!" Appearing in front of Kurogasa is a preteen boy with auburn hair, amber eyes, and light skin while clad in lightweight bronze armor with cyan lights shining from the metal and wielding a dagger-like sword (3/ATK: 500/DEF: 1000).
"Coel's skill activates!" Kurogasa said, but realized his slip-up and shook his head. "I excavate the top three cards and if there's a Gold Paladin among them, I get to Special Summon it!" He said, before doing as the card instructed. "And I got one right here! I Special Summon Gold Paladin - Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth in ATK mode!" Appearing beside Coel is a young man with brown hair and sharp eyes, clad in gold-red armor with a green gemstone in the center of the torso armor while wielding a straight-edge longsword (4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1400).
"Ta-n endo."
The hooded figure spoke, "My turn. Draw." They drew a card from their Deck, making their Hand total to six. "I summon Etoilé Cyber in ATK mode." They played a card from their hand and appearing in front of them is a ginger haired woman appeared with light blue skin mixed with a red outfit, lavender ribbons being around her arms. (4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1600), "Then I set two reverse cards. Ta-n shuuryou."
"O-re no ta-n!" Kurogasa declared, drawing his next card and examined his hand again. But again, his hand and body tremble. 'What have they done to you…?' He thought solemnly.
"Why are you hesitating? Are you giving up?" His opponent asked.
Kurogasa snapped out of it. "Shut up! I know what I'm doing! I summon Sunshine Knight, Jeffery in ATK mode!" Materializing beside Gareth is a blue-haired youth wearing gold armor with a red mantle over his shoulders while wielding two swords with glowing blue blades (4/ATK: 1400/DEF: 800). "His ability activates! If I have two or more Gold Paladins, I draw two cards!" He said, before doing so. "Battle, Sunshine Knight, Jeffrey attacks Etoilé Cyber!"
"I don't think so. Reverse card open! Doble Passe!" The hooded figure declared as their face-down card lifted up to reveal the aforementioned Trap Card. "Since you declared an attack on my monster, I can change your target to me instead."
"What?" Kurogasa gasped as Jeffrey suddenly turned to the figure and slashed them with their twin swords.
Kurogasa: 4000
? ? ?: 2600
"And now my Etoile Cyber can perform a Direct Attack at the opposing player!" They declared as Etoilé Cyber took a leap in the air.
"Nani?" Kurogasa gasped.
"But that's not all. Etoilé Cyber's effect lets her gain 600 ATK when she makes a Direct Attack!" They added as Etoilé Cyber twirled and she gained power. (ATK: 1200-1800) Etoilé Cyber then made it past the Gold Paladins and kicked Kurogasa in the arm.
Kurogasa: 2200
? ? ?: 2600
Kurogasa cringed in pain, falling on one knee with one eye shut tight. "Sacrificing your Life Points just to get to mine…" He grunted. "But now you have Gareth to worry about. Gareth attacks Etoilé Cyber!" Gareth releases a battle cry as he charges at the cybernetic dancer.
"Reverse card open!" The figure declared as their last face-down lifted up. "Negate Attack! This will end your Gareth's attack and protect my monster."
"Tch…" Kurogasa growled as Gareth's blade crashed into an invisible barrier, protecting Etoilé Cyber before backing off. "Ta-n endo…"
"It's my turn. Draw!" The figure drew their card and added it to their hand. "I activate from my hand, Machine Angel Ritual! This card allows me to Ritual Summon a Cyber Angel monster. However, I need to sacrifice monsters with the exact number of Level stars that equal the monster I want. I'll tribute the Blade Skater in my hand and Etoilé Cyber on my Field." As they said this, a female monster with purple-gray skin with blades on her arms and feet appeared beside Etoilé Cyber before a ritual ceremony commenced.
"Mechanical angel of war. Accept these two sacrifices and bring me victory in this conflict! Ritual Summon! Cut them down, Cyber Angel Dakini!"
Appearing in the center of the ritual circle is a blue-skinned amazon of a woman with four arms, long brown hair, and red eyes. She wore a bronze chestplate with shoulder guards on all four of her shoulders, black-gold gloves, black-gold leggings, bronze knee guards, and golden boots. She wielded two swords, a scimitar in the right and a katana in the left while also carrying a rod staff that martial artists would wield (8/ATK: 2700/DEF: 2400).
"Ritual Summon?" Kurogasa gasped.
"Don't be distracted. This Duel has only just begun. Dakini's effect activates! When she's been Special Summoned to the Field, my opponent has to choose one monster they control and destroy it." The cloaked figure stated. "Make your choice."
"Gh!" Kurogasa looked between Coel, Jeffery, and Gareth before shutting his eyes with regret, looking away. "I'm sorry, Coel!" He said, taking the card off the tray. Coel looked back at Kurogasa… and offered a nod of acceptance, surprising the boy, before he vanished into blue particles.
"Battle! Cyber Angel Dakini attacks Sunshine Knight, Jeffery!" The cloaked figure declared while Dakini followed her master's orders and charged at the young knight.
"I don't think so! Perfect Guard! Gold Paladin - Holy Mage, Alessia!" Kurogasa declared.
"What did you say?!" The cloaked figure exclaimed.
Dakini brought her swords up to strike down Jeffery before a green magical circle stopped the Ritual Monster's attack. The Monster in question was a beautiful teenage girl with long red hair, green eyes, pale skin, and an ever-present blush on her cheeks. The girl wore a gold-white robe with cyan accents, white stockings, silver shoes, and had a headdress with feathers. She wielded a strange golden staff with the head of the staff looking like a hollow sphere with a glowing blue energy source (3/ATK: 0/DEF: 0).
"You heard me. Perfect Guard. During your Battle Phase, if a Gold Paladin is attacked, I can discard a Gold Paladin from my hand, and Special Summon Holy Mage, Alessia from my Hand and end the Battle Phase." Kurogasa said, as he discarded a card which was Gold Paladin - Player of the Holy Axe, Nimue.
Though Kurogasa couldn't see their faces, the figure was nonetheless impressed by the play. "Ta-n shuuryou."
"Haa… haa… haa… haa…" Kurogasa panted, somehow able to hold out.
"What's the matter? Don't tell me you're getting tired?" His opponent goaded him. "I suppose it's understandable. A Vanguard player has no chance in Duel Monsters."
"Shut up! You have no idea what I've been through!"
"Oh, I know plenty. How you hate Duel Monsters with a passion because it 'killed' your favorite game." The cloaked figure continued.
"I said shut up!" Kurogasa yelled. "You don't know me! At all!"
"Your father was hired at Leo Corporation to make the same cards that destroyed Vanguard. Duelists who mocked the same Vanguard units you currently hold in your hand. Cardfighters were so ashamed that their game perished that they even threw away the cards they had loved so much."
"I didn't throw them away! They were taken from me!" Kurogasa snapped.
"Oh? Care to share?"
"Why would you care?!"
"Humor me. I'd rather hear the story behind a Cardfighter's hatred for Duel Monsters."
"Oh, I bet you'd love to hear that, don't you!" Kurogasa said. "You wouldn't understand anyway! All those people that looked down on Vanguard! They beat me down until I was half-dead, bleeding even! And most damning of all, they held me down and forced me to watch my cards be burned!" At this point, tears were constantly streaming down his eyes. "I couldn't do anything! They were EVERYTHING to me! AND I COULDN'T SAVE THEM!" He screamed to the top of his lungs, before eventually falling to his knees as he could now only whimper in sorrow and despair. The Gold Paladins that were currently on the Field looked back at the boy, sorrowful expressions written all over their faces.
"I see… I think I understand you a bit." The cloaked figure remarked. "However, even though those cards are gone, you still have comrades that will stand with you."
Kurogasa slowly looked up at the cloaked figure, the tears still flowing down.
"Look at your monsters!"
Kurogasa slowly looked at Jeffery, Gareth, and Alessia. Each one of them offered Kurogasa a supporting smile as if telling him that they were with him, no matter what.
"You're…" Kurogasa got out. "You're… still with me?"
"Yes, my Vanguard!" The Gold Paladins said in unison.
"!" Kurogasa was surprised. They could… talk?
"Are you going to disappoint your Monsters' feelings?" The cloaked figure asked. "Stop feeling sorry for yourself… and Stand Up!"
"I…"
"Stand Up, My Vanguard!" The Gold Paladins said again. Kurogasa continued staring at them for what seemed like forever before he slowly got up to his feet, with his head bowed down.
"I'm sorry…" Kurogasa said as he wiped his tears. "All this time… even though your cards were burned… you were still with me… I've been so blind by my hatred and sadness… I…" Suddenly, afterimages of all the other Gold Paladins that had fallen or were not even called yet had gathered around Kurogasa, each of them offering their support to their Vanguard. "Minna…"
His eyes then focused on the top card of his deck that for a brief moment glowed. He drew the card and his eyes widened at what he drew… "This is…"
"Let's go… My Vanguard." A voice spoke to him.
Kurogasa looked at the card once more then back at his units who nodded. "Alright, let's do this! I Tribute Alessia and Jeffery!" He said, as the two units disappeared and he raised the card he drew in the air.
"Stand up and liberate, my Avatar! Blaster Blade Liberator!"
In a flash of golden light, a knight appeared in its place. The knight is revealed to be Blaster Blade. However, there were key differences in his armor such as the added gold plating and even the white cape that flowed behind him. His sword even had additional golden attachments at the hilt (7/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100).
"Blaster Blade…" Kurogasa muttered. "You're really here…"
The Gold Paladin looked back at Kurogasa and nodded, sword ready for battle at his Vanguard's command.
"While that is a powerful Monster, you can't get past Daikini." The cloaked figure said.
"No, I can." Kurogasa smirked. "If you knew anything about Vanguard, you would know what Blaster Blade's ability does!"
"Blaster Blade's ability?" The cloaked figure repeated.
"Blaster Blade Liberator's skill activates! I remove two Gold Paladins from my Graveyard and I get to destroy one Monster on the Field!"
"What!? But the only Monster I have is-" His opponent exclaimed before being cut off by Kurogasa.
"That's right! Your Cyber Angel Dakini!" Kurogasa said. "Blaster Blade! Destroy Daikini! Blade Burst!" Blaster Blade Liberator stabbed his sword into the ground, sending a wave of blue energy at the Ritual Monster. When it struck, Dakini released a pained cry before disappearing into yellow particles.
"I'm completely defenseless!" The figure exclaimed.
"And you have no Spells or Traps to defend you! Gareth! Blaster Blade, finish this Duel!"
Gareth took the first attack, charging at the cloaked figure before slashing with his sword, cutting their cloak and revealing a bit of their body.
Kurogasa: 2200
? ? ?: 800
Blaster Blade Liberator lunged at the figure, sword poised to strike then as he turned in the air, he slashed with his weapon, cutting his Vanguard's foe and ending the Duel.
Kurogasa: 2200
? ? ?: 0
The force of the swing caused a wind to blow, making the cloak fly into the air. As it landed on the ground, next to the mysterious person, Kurogasa was absolutely gobsmacked at who he was seeing.
Standing across from him was a beautiful teenage girl who has fair skin, hazel eyes, long dark blonde hair that extends halfway down her back and she wears very faint lipstick. She wore a sleeveless white jacket that reaches the waist with grey-blue edges and pockets on each side; a sleeveless black tank top; grey-blue fingerless gloves with wide cuffs and rectangles cut out over the backs of the hands in addition to white under sections that cover her wrists; a darker blue pleated and less restrictive skirt with a grey-blue lining; and blue boots.
"Y-You're…" Kurogasa got out, shakingly pointing at her.
The girl managed to regain her bearings, focusing her hazel eyes on Kurogasa. "Well done. You managed to win the Duel. And as we agreed, you're free to go." She said, pulling a key from within her jacket as she then approached him and started unlocking the handcuffs.
"Who… what…" Kurogasa tried to say something, but the words weren't coming out.
"You've passed the test. As a reward, you can keep the Deck." The girl told him as she marched over to her fallen cloak and picked it up, revealing how tattered it really is. "Damn…"
"W-Wait, who-"
"My name is not important right now. For the moment, know that I'm not your enemy." She told him as she glanced at the boy, assuring him that she wasn't a threat.
"But… why go through all of that?"
"To see if you were worthy of that Deck."
"For what reason? Why would I-"
"The world those units come from is on the cusp of destruction. Their fates are tied with this dimension."
"The Planet Cray?" Kurogasa asked. "But that's impossible! Cray doesn't-"
"Are you saying it's fake?"
"I… well…" He trailed off. "Even so, all of it doesn't make any sense!"
"For now, it doesn't, but in time it will." The girl said, before turning on her heel to leave. "I will leave you with this. Leo Corporation is not to be trusted."
"Huh?" Kurogasa said, confused.
"Until we meet again." The girl turned to a corner.
"Oi, wait!" Kurogasa followed after the mysterious blonde but when he turned the corner… "She's… gone?"
Meanwhile, in a flash of blue light, the mysterious girl arrived in a separate location. One that resembled an old-styled Victorian era living room.
"I've done what you've asked." She said.
"Excellent work, Tenjoin-san. It seems your teacher has taught you well."
"Not everything." The girl now known as Tenjoin said. "Though I will say, it was still a risky gamble of you to have him gain his cards again."
"At this point, risks are all I can take. Besides, I figured he'd get over his little spat eventually."
"If you say so…" Tenjoin sighed, "If that's all, I'll be leaving for the front lines again." She said, before making her way for the door.
"One last thing, Tenjoin-san." Her benefactor spoke, causing her to stop. "Why are you fighting in this war? As it stands, you've nothing to gain from it."
The blonde girl looked back at the person talking to her, "If I told you, you'd probably laugh."
"Hm… True, I suppose we'll keep that our little secret then. Give your teacher my regards."
"I'll be sure to tell him that," The girl replied before she opened the door to leave. "Tatsunagi-san."
With that said, the girl left, leaving the only occupant in the room. An older looking gentleman with short white hair, yellow eyes, and a green mark on his forehead. He wore extravagant white clothing that looked like a cross between a business suit and a robe.
Tatsunagi interlaced his fingers together, a contemplating thought evident on his face. "The wheels of fate are turning… and the Vanguards have been called upon once more."
GKC: And that shall be the end of the chapter, dear readers! Funny story, this chapter was gonna be part of last chapter but it was decided to be its own separate chapter.
KRD: Yep, what was once lost, Kurogasa has now regained, but of course, there will be some confliction since his units are put into a card game that he hated.
GKC: But enough about this guy, we're returning back to the story's main protagonist next chapter. The long-awaited reveal of Pendulum Summon begins and another character shall join in as well.
KRD: Yep, but as to who that is? You'll just have to tune in! Find out, on the next exciting episode of-
GKC: Don't you say it. *Holds up hammer as a warning*
KRD: ARC-Vanguard: Dimensional Messiah!
GKC: Much better. In any case, review and comment on this chapter.
KRD: So love it or hate it, just know that you read it! Later!
GKC: Peace out, everyone!
[Card Gallery]
Gold Paladin - Knight of Early Dawn, Coel
Level: 3
Attribute: LIGHT
Type: Warrior/Effect
ATK/DEF: 500/1000
Effect: When this card is successfully summoned, Reveal the top 3 cards of your Deck. Search for up to one Monster with "Gold Paladin" in its name, and if there is, Special Summon it. Return the rest to your Deck and shuffle.
Gold Paladin - Knight of Elegant Skill, Gareth
Level: 4
Attribute: LIGHT
Type: Warrior
ATK/DEF: 1800/1400
Gold Paladin - Sunshine Knight, Jeffery
Level: 4
Attribute: LIGHT
Type: Warrior/Effect
ATK/DEF: 1200/800
Effect: If you have two or more "Gold Paladin" Monsters on your Field, draw two cards from your Deck.
Gold Paladin - Holy Mage, Alessia
Level: 3
Attribute: LIGHT
Type: Spellcaster/Effect/Tuner
ATK/DEF: 0/0
Effect: During your Opponent's Battle Phase, if a Monster with "Gold Paladin" in its name is attacked, you can discard a "Gold Paladin" from your hand, and Special Summon this card to end the Battle Phase.
Gold Paladin - Blaster Blade Liberator
Level: 7
Attribute: LIGHT
Type: Warrior/Effect
ATK/DEF: 2500/2100
Effect: On the Turn this card is Normal or Special Summoned, Banish 2 cards from your Graveyard then destroy one of your opponent's Monsters on the Field.