Lying on his bed in his room at home Anthony looked at his ceiling, his thoughts all focused on the cardfight he had with Nina earlier before the shop closed. There was the fact that she was sure they would meet again. But most of all was…
Anthony sat up, and swung his legs over the side of his bed. He then picked up his deck that was resting on the nightstand at his side and looked at the top card of his deck. Which was a Chonojet, but a Chronojet he had never seen or heard of before.
The name on the card read; Chronojet Dragon "NEXT"
Anthony continued to look at the card in front of him, thoughts ablaze in his mind.
'You, just what are you? What was that I saw earlier in that vision, and just who is Nina really?' Anthony thought. But the more he thought about it the more confused and strained his thinking became. Eventually he began rubbing his head in utter frustration.
"Agh," he moaned out. "You know what, I think it's time for some television." Anthony mused to himself. Reaching for his remote he turned on the television to find a show to watch, hoping it would help him clear his racing mind of today's events.
As Anthony flipped through the channels he found nothing good on to watch at all. The only thing he found was reruns of old sitcoms and the like. He continued flipping through the channels hoping for something to catch his interest. Then after skipping past a channel Anthony stopped moving. He then flipped back to the previous channel and turned the volume on his television up, something having finally caught his interest.
It was a press conference.
And said conference was being given by someone who Anthony recognized very well.
It was a woman in her mid-twenties with long dark brown hair and light brown eyes. At the moment she was dressed in a dark business suit with a black skirt and high heels. Her name was Natalie Fujimya. She was a woman of American/Japanese descent, and the sole heir and current CEO of the New Horizons Foundation. A large conglomerate that is known the world over for its many charitable foundations and projects.
Standing at a podium Natalie was surrounded by snapping camera lenses and zealous new reporters.
"Good day to you all," Nataile spoke. "You're probably asking yourselves, why did I call this press conference? The answer is simple, I have an announcement to make. To all you young and able cardfighters out there I am here today proud to announce that my company New Horizons Foundation is sponsoring a Vanguard World Tournament."
When Natailie said that Anthony nearly fell off his bed.
For you see, it had been some years since anyone had hosted a Vanguard World Tournament.
After Natalie made her statement, a number of reporters began raising their hands to ask her questions. Natalie looking out over the crowd picked the hand of one. A male reporter.
"Ms. Fujimiya, why did you and your company decide to do this," the male reporter asked.
"In my youth, and even now I very much enjoy the game of vanguard, as I know a number of people do all over the world. This is just my way of giving back, and allowing vanguard to be shared on an even greater scale with everyone. Besides, certain sources tell me that there are many strong cardfighters out there just waiting to get their chance to shine. Diamonds in the rough to put it simply." Natali said, her eyes on the cameras the entire time she did.
Anthony didn't know why but he felt that statement was being directed towards him more than other people. He just couldn't place his finger on why though.
"Thank you." The male reporter said.
"But of course." Natalie said. She then picked the raised hand of another reporter.
This time, a female one.
"Yes, Ms. Fujimiya how will this tournament be structured, and what are the rules that the participants will have to follow?" The female reporter asked.
"All of that will be released on our company's website tomorrow. However I will say this. Those who wish to take part in the tournament must compete in teams of three, no more and more less." Nataile said.
The female reporter gave a curt nod.
Natalie did the same. She then picked another female reporter's hand.
"Ms. Fujimiya, is there any truth to the rumors that New Horizons will be entering its own personal team in the tournament, and if so what implications does it have for the other participants who will be competing?" The female reporter asked.
To her credit Natalie kept her expression completely neutral at the question. "Well as you said Ms, those are just rumors at the moment. But if a team from my company did compete I will say this. They will receive no special treatment whatsoever. They will either pass or fail on their own merits just like any other team who competes in the World Tournament. Now, that's all the time I have for questions right now. Excuse me."
The reporters kept bombarding her with questions, but Natalie simply ignored them and walked off the stage.
After she did Anthony changed the channel, thinking about the information he had just heard.
"World Tournament." He mused.
He once again fell back into his bed, lost in thoughts.
Standing at the counter of his family card shop the next day Anthony was thinking. Last night he had come to a decision. He was going to enter the world tournament, and get stronger. Then he would be able to meet with Nina again and get his questions answered on the strange series of events that took place between him and her.
In fact something inside Anthony was telling him that if he entered the world tournament he would definitely meet with Nina once again.
So with that, he was going to move forward.
His plan set Anthony quickly moved on to the next part. Finding teammates to participate in the tournament with him.
He knew a number of cardfighters, having been around his parents shop and working in it since he was little. But he couldn't just casually ask people to team up with him, especially with what was going on at the moment.
Leaning on the counter Anthony looked around Victory. When he did he found himself watching more cardfights than usual occurring. He also found people working on their deck compositions, and friends grouping together to discuss something in hushed tones. From the looks of things Anthony hadn't been the only one watching Natalie's press conference the night before.
Ever since he had started his shift today all people could talk about was the announcement of the world tournament and how they were going to enter and win. A feeling that Anthony shared, now if only he could find teammates who could back him up.
'I wonder, has anyone asked Eric of Syliva yet?' Anthony thought.
Then as if by magic Eric and Sylvia walked into the cardshop and right up to Anthony.
"Hey," Eric said.
"How's it going," Sylvia asked.
"We've been packed since we opened our doors this morning," Anthony answered.
"I'll bet." Eric said. "I mean, what with last night's announcement of a world tournament, it's no wonder everyone is getting fired up."
"Yes indeed." Syliva added.
"Right you both are," Anthony added. "And speaking of the world tournament, I was wondering, do you guys want to form a team with me?"
"I cannot." Syliva said, causing both Anthony and Eric to look at her. "It's not because I don't want to, rather I can't. Since I'm going to be forming my own team."
"Really now?" Eric mused.
"Yes." Syliva said, a fire lighting up in her eyes. "I want to win and stand at the top with my own strength and power. No offense to either of you."
"None taken." Eric said.
"We understand." Anthony said.
"Thank you both." Syliva said, smiling.
'So Syliva's out.' Anthony thought. He then turned to Eric, waiting for his answer.
Eric's response was to hold out his fist for a fistpump. "Sure, let's partner up and take the world by storm."
Anthony pumped fist with his best friend, a small smile coming on his face. "I couldn't have said it any better myself."
With that, the two of them were now a team.
"And to celebrate this new team, let's have a cardfight for old times sake." Eric said. "Besides, it's been a while, I don't know if your skills have gotten rusty since the last time we faced off."
Anthony snorted. "That's rich coming from you, since I beat you down last time."
"Well that was then and this is now," Eric said, narrowing his eyes, "I don't intend to lose again."
"We'll see about that." Anthony said.
A spark of lighting then passed between the two.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Syliva added in. "Like running the counter."
"Nope." Anthony said. He then turned toward the storage room. "Virgil," he called out.
A moment after Anthony called out a young man came out of the shop's storage room. He was 14 years old, with curly blonde hair and blue eyes. His name is Virgil Blackwell, Anthony's younger brother.
"Yes bro," Virgil said, walking up to the front counter.
"Need to to watch the front counter for a while while Eric and I have a cardfight," Anthony explained, as he took off his work apron and hung it up on the rack behind him. "We just formed a team for the upcoming world tournament."
"Eh, no way bro, not with how busy it is today," Virgil protested.
A moment later Anthony used a finger to adjust his glasses and smiled a sickeningly sweet smile at Virgil, but his eyes weren't smiling at all. "I'm sorry, but I think I heard something I shouldn't have. Did the person who skipped out on work the other day without telling anyone, leaving dad to fend for himself, and me to come in and cover for him when he didn't even complete his work the previous night leading to lots of trouble just tell me no for a simple favor? Well, hm?"
Virgil began to sweat bullets. "No, not at all, no one said anything like that." He hurriedly said.
"Good that's what I thought," Anthony said. His expression then changed back to normal. "Well, good luck." He gave his brother a pat on the shoulder then moved to a clear fight table with Sylvia and Eric.
The two of them sporting wry looks on their faces.
"Anthony is a bit of an S, huh?" Syliva mused.
"I am not." Anthony retorted. "I just think punishment is best served in haste."
"Right." Eric said, not looking Anthony in the eyes. "Let's just do this."
"With pleasure." Anthony said.
The two of them took out their decks and quickly shuffled them, then placed them on the deck spot located on the fght table, readying their hands.
"So, who gets the first move," Anthony asked.
"Do you mind if it's me?" Eric asked.
"Not at all," Anthony said.
"Good then." Eric said. "Now let's go."
"Right back at you." Anthony said.
In unison the two said, "Stand up. Vanguard!"
"Stealth Rogue of the Wintry Wind, Kamojigusa."
Stealth Rogue of the Wintry Wind, Kamojigusa
Grade 0, Power +5000
"Chronojet, Zerostage."
Chronojet, Zerostage
Grade 0, Power +5000
"I draw." Eric said. "I then ride. Stealth Dragon, Chigeregumo."
Stealth Dragon, Chigeregumo
Grade 1, Power +7000
" Kamojigusa moves back as forerunner. With that I end my turn." Eric said. "Your move."
[Damage: Eric (0) Anthony (0)]
"Don't mind if I do." Anthony mused. "I draw."
[Turn 2: Hand; Eric (5) Anthony (6)]
"I ride. Pulsar, Transit Dragon."
Pulsar, Transit Dragon
Grade 1, Power +7000
"Zerostage moves back. Now with a boost from Zerostage, Transit will attack Chigeregumo."
(7000+5000=12000)
"That's a no guard."
"Drive check. No trigger."
"Damage check. No trigger."
"I end my turn."
[Damage: Eric (1) Anthony (0)]
"I draw." Eric said.
[Turn 3: Hand; Eric (6) Anthony (6)]
Eric picked up the top card of his desk and smiled. "I think it's time to begin, don't you?"
"Not really," Anthony deadpanned. "But it's not like I have a choice.
"That's right, you don't." Eric retorted. He then lifted a card from his hand slightly into the air. "I ride. Stealth Beast, Tamahagane."
Stealth Beast, Tamahagene
Grade 2, Power +9000
"Skill of Tamahagane. Pick one of the opponent's rear-guard units and bind it face up. Since you only have one, please bind Zerostage for me." Eric said.
Anthony moved Zerostage to the bind zone.
"Excellent. Now I call. Chigeregumo and Gekisou Ookami." Eric said. He then filled up his entire front row in one go. "Now wth a boost from Kamojigusa, Tamahagene attacks."
(9000+5000=14000)
"That's a no guard."
"Drive check. Oh my, a critical trigger. The critical to Tamahagene and the power to Chigiregumo."
"Damage check. No triggers."
"Chigeregumo is coming at you."
(7000+5000=12000)
"Guard."
"Gekisou Ookami is next."
(9000)
"That's a no guard. Damage check. No trigger."
[Damage: Eric (1) Anthony (3)]
"I end my turn." Eric said. "The card bound by Tamahagene's effects go back to the opponent's hand. In addition since you returned a card bound to your hand and I have five or less cards in my own hand, Afterimage now activates. Meaning Chigeregumo and Gekisou Ookami both return to my hand."
[Turn 4: Hand; Eric (6) Anthony (5)]
"Damn ninja," Anthony muttered under his breath. "I stand and draw."
Anthony and Eric being so wrapped up in their cardfight didn't notice a crowd starting to form around them.
"I don't get it, what's so great about these two," a female observer asked.
"You don't know," male questioned. "Well let me tell you. Anthony and Eric are some of the best cardfighters around here. They've not only known each other since they were young, but their skills are nothing to scoff at. Just keep watching and you'll see what I mean."
The female bystander gave a nod, and refocused her attention back on the match.
"I ride. Chronoclaw Monkey."
Chronoclaw Monkey
Grade 2, Power +9000
"I then recalled Zerostage. And also call Lugal-Ure. Now with a boost from Zerostage Chronoclaw attacks your vanguard."
(9000+5000=14000)
"Guard."
"Drive check. No trigger. Ok then. Lugal-Ure will not attack your vanguard and withe her skill add another +2000 power."
"That's a no guard. Damage check. No trigger."
[Damage: Eric (2) Anthony (3)]
"I end my turn."
[Turn 5: Hand; Eric (5) Anthony (4)]
"Stand and draw." Eric lifted up a card in his hand, and smiled. "Now use your evil eye to show us how this game will end. I ride. Stealth Dragon, Shiranui."
Stealth Dragon, Shiranui
Grade 3, Power +11000
"Shiranui will then attack your vanguard with a boost from Kamojigusa."
(11000+5000=16000)
Anthony looked at his hand for a moment before making his decision to guard or not. "I don't guard."
"Twin drive check. First check. No trigger. Second check. A draw trigger. Power to Shiranui and I draw one card."
"Damage check A heal trigger. Power to Chronoclaw and I recover on damage."
[Damage: Eric (2) Anthony (3)]
"I end my turn."
[Turn 6: Hand; Eric (8) Anthony (4)]
"Stand and draw." As Anthony picked up the top card of his deck and looked at it, he couldn't but let a small smirk come over his face. He didn't plan on drawing the particular card he held now, but it was like his deck was screaming at him to use it, and that is exactly what he was going to do.
Eric tilted his head noticing Anthony's expression. What's got you so happy?"
"Oh you're about to find out." Anthony replied. He then slightly lifted the card he had just drawn into the air. "Warrior dragon that has battle throughout the entirety of space and time, come to this battlefield and let your power to shape your own path be felt. I ride. Chronojet Dragon "NEXT"!"
Anthony then slammed down the card he held in his hand onto the vanguard circle. A moment later in the imagination realm, his vanguard was engulfed in a pillar of light. Then when the pillar died down a Chronojet now occupied the space. But it was different than any Chronojet anyone had seen before. This Chronojet was colored pure obsidian black, it's scarf hanging from it's neck pure white, with golden outlines framing it as with the other Chronojet. In one hand "NEXT" held a shield shaped like a gear piece, and in the other he held an ornate golden broadsword, giving off the faintest glow of golden energy.
Chronojet Dragon "NEXT"
Grade 3, Power +11000
While some people were left speechless, others began to whisper, examining "NEXT" on the board for no one had ever heard or seen of a unit like that until right this moment.
Eric himself was also at a loss for words. He just looked at Anthony, one question on his mind. "Anthony, where did you get that unit?"
"I'll tell you about it after the cardfight." Anthony said.
"Fare enough." Eric said. He knew Anthony would keep his word, and if he was being honest he couldn't wait to see what this mysterious Chronojet had up its sleeves. Such was his card fighting spirit.
Anthony gave Eric a nod of appreciation. He then got back to the cardfight in front of him. He is about to go on the attack after all. "Now. Generation stride! Interdimensional Dragon, Valkyrian Dragon!"
Interdimensional Dragon, Valkyrian Dragon
Grade 4, Power +15000
"Stride skill of "NEXT". The opponent selects one rear-guard unit and places it on the bottom of the deck. Since you only have one, it means Kamosijuga goes to the bottom of the deck." Anthony explained.
Eric then placed his forerunner on the bottom of the deck.
"Next I superior call a unit from the hand. I call Heart Thump Worker." Anthony said, placing the card in his front row.
Eric narrowed his eyes. 'What is Anthony playing at, I don't like this.' He thought.
Eric's innate cardfighting senses were spot on, things were not as they seemed.
"The unit called using "NEXT" skill then times leaps." Anthony said. He then quickly bound Heart Thump Worker and called Jackal to the front row. "In addition the unit called with this skill and the vanguard both gain an additional +4000 power."
'So that's it.' Eric thought. He had to admit that "NEXT" so far was a pretty dangerous card to have in play. Still, he wasn't going to back down. Not by a long shot.
"Now for the skill of Valkyrian Dragon." Anthony said. He flipped over a copy of Valkyrian on the G zone, then counterblasted a card. "He obtains a skill. Next the skill of Zerostage. He goes to the soul, then I superior call Pulsar from the deck." Anthony sent Zerostage to the soul and called Pulsar behind Lugal-Ure. "Zerostage skill gives them each another +4000 power."
The spectator crowd was in awe of Anthony's move. Even with such a small hand he now had a powerful and strengthened formation on the board, and he was ready to attack with all his might.
The girl from earlier was finally beginning to understand just what kind of cardfight she was watching.
"First up is Chronoethos. And with his skill add another +4000 power."
(7000+4000+4000=15000)
"I'll guard that."
"With a boost from Pulsar, Lugal-Ure attacks your vanguard."
(9000+2000+7000+4000=22000)
No guard. Damage check. No trigger."
"Now here comes Valkyrian Dragon."
(26000+4000+4000=34000)
"Complete guard!"
"Triple drive check. First check. A grade 3 Zodiac Time Beast. Activating Lugal-Ure skill, she time leaps." Lugal-Ure quickly became a Chronojet Dragon G. "Second check. No trigger. Final check. Critical trigger. All effects to Chronojet Dragon G. In addition the skill of Valkyrian now activates. For every unit that time leaped on my side of the board this turn, the opponent must send an equal number of cards on their board to the bottom of the deck, but if they can't then they must use cards from their hand instead."
"Tch." Eric clicked his tongue. He then selected another two cards in his hand and sent them to the bottom of his deck.
"Chronojet Dragon G is coming in for an attack!"
(11000+5000=16000)
"Damage check. First check. No trigger. Second check. Draw trigger. Power to Shiranui and I draw one card."
[Damage: Eric (5) Anthony (3)]
"I end my turn. The skill of Pulsar. He goes to the soul and I draw one card."
[Turn 7: Hand; Eric (4) Anthony (6)]
"Stand and draw. Well played my friend." Eric said.
"Why thank you, I do try you know." Anthony retorted. He then used a finger to adjust his glasses, but when he did he finally noticed, a giant crowd had formed around the two of them. "Ah Eric…"
"Yeah, I just noticed as well." Eric replied, seeing the crowd for the first time as well. He then shrugged. "Oh well, not like it bothers me."
"Me neither." Anthony said.
"Good. Now that that's out of the way. I can pay you back for just now." Eric said. "Generation stride! Rikudo Stealth Dragon, Jouririakan!"
Rikudo Stealth Dragon, Jouririakan
Grade 4, Power +15000
"Stride skill." Eric counterblasted one card. "Choose one of the opponent's rear-guard units and bind it. I bind Lugal-Ure."
Anthony moved Lugal-Ure to his bind zone.
"In addition to that the opponent must pick a card from their hand and send it to the drop zone." Eric said.
Anthony did this, even though he didn't want to do so.
"That taken care of it's time for the skill of Jouririakan." Eric said. He then counterblasted two cards. "He obtains a skill. Now I call. Chigeregumo, Teruyoshi, and finally Ookami. Then the skill of Teruyoshi. Since the opponent has five or less cards in their hand, then I can soul charge one card. Next is the skill of Chigeregumo." Eric soulblasted one card. "Look at the top three card of the deck, and if any of them have the "Afterimage" ability then I can call them to the board." Eric looked at the top three cards of his deck and chose one before shuffling the other two back in. "I call Kegareshinmyo. Kegareshinmyo skill, he gives +3000 to any unit on the board. The unit I chose is Chigeregumo. Now with a boost from Chigeregumo, Kegareshinmyo will attack your vanguard."
(110000+7000+3000=21000)
Anthony looked at his hand for a moment. He then made his decision. "I don't guard. Damage check, a draw trigger. Power to "NEXT" and I draw one card."
(11000+5000=16000)
"Here comes Jouririkan attacking "NEXT" and now his skill activates. When he attacks I can then bind a rear-guard unit of my opponents, and they must place a card from their hand in the bind zone. I bind Heart Thump Worker."
(26000)
Anthony took another card from hand and placed it in the bind zone. "Complete guard!"
"Triple drive check. First check. A heal trigger, the power to Teruyoshi and I recover one damage. Second check. No trigger. Final check. A stand trigger. Kegareshinmyo stands, and he gets another +5000 power."
'Damn.' Anthony thought. He wasn't expecting that double trigger. Now he needed to be even more on guard.
"Kegareshinmyo, attack once more."
(11000+5000=16000)
"That's a no guard. Damage check. No trigger."
"Now with a boost from Ookami, Teruyoshi will attack."
(9000+5000+7000=21000)
"Generation guard. Retroactive Time Maiden, Uluru!"
Retroactive Time Maiden, Uluru
Grade 4, Shield +15000
"With her skill add +5000 to the shield."
[Damage: Eric (4) Anthony (5)]
"I end my turn. The cards in the bind zone return to the hand. Also the cards with Afterimage return my own hand." Eric then collected all his rear-guards from the board. "Like the ninja, once their mission is complete, they retreat back into the safety of the shadows."
[Turn 8: Hand; Eric (8) Anthony (5)]
"Stand and draw." Anthony looked at his hand, then at Eric's. 'From what I saw he's got a lot of guarding power, and he even has a generation guard. Which means if I want to finish him off this turn I need to pull out all the stops.' Anthony thought. His plan made he moved in for the attack. "Generation stride! Chronodragon Gearnext!"
Chronodragon Gearnext
Grade 4, Power +15000
"Ah, a troublesome opponent has appeared," Eric mused. He knew that if he didn't play this next turn exactly right he was going to lose. But then, that gave him all the more reason to play it perfectly.
"Stride skill. I call Heart Thump Worker. The time leap. Casualty dragon. Then with his skill add another +2000 power to Gearnext. Now I call Lugal-Ure and another Heart Thump Worker. Then with a boost from Hear Thump, Lugal-Ure will attack., with her skill add another +2000 power."
(9000+2000+4000=15000)
"That's a no guard. Damage check. No trigger."
"Now Casualty will attack!"
(7000+4000=11000)
"Guard!"
"Ok, then here comes Gearnext! In addition, send Heart Thump Worker to the soul to add an additional +5000 power, and draw one card."
(26000+4000+2000+5000=37000)
"Complete guard!"
"Triple drive check. First check. No trigger. Second check. No trigger. Final check. No trigger, however it is a grade 3 Zodiac Time Beast. Activating Lugal-Ure's skill, she time leaps." Lugal-Ure became Chronofang Tiger G. "Now the skill of Gearnext." Anthony removed Casualty from his board and took two cards from his hand, and placed them all on the bottom of his deck. He also soul blasted one card and flipped over a copy of Gearnext in the G zone. " Three zodiac time beast units have been placed on the bottom of the deck, meaning that Gearnext can now stand with drive minus 2. Next, Gearnext generation break 4. Since this is the unit's second battle of the turn he gains +10000 power and +1 drive as well. Here we go!"
(37000+10000=47000)
"Bring it on!" Eric shouted back. "Generation guard! Jinx Stealth Hermit, Abudataishi!"
Jinx Stealth Hermit, Abudataishi
Grade 4, Shield +15000
"Using her skill add +5000 to the shield. In addition to that guard!"
Anthony looked at the board. 'His shield strength is currently +51000, while my attack is at +47000.'
'It all comes down to whether a trigger is drawn.' Eric thought.
"Triple drive check. First check. No trigger. Second check. No trigger. Final check...A critical trigger." Anthony said, flipping his last card over. "All effects to Gearnext."
(47000+5000=52000)
"Damage check. No triggers."
[Damage: Eric (6) Anthony (5)]
The match over with Eric and Anthony shook hands.
"Nice job, leader," Eric mused.
"Wait a minute!" Anthony protested. "Who says that I have to be team captain, after all we haven't even found our final member yet, hold your horses."
"No," Eric shook his head, "you're the one who's gathering us so you have to be team captain. I won't take no for an answer."
Anthony sighed. He knew there was no way Eric would relent. "Fine. I'll do it."
"Excellent." Eric said, giving Anthony a light clap on his shoulder. "Make sure you lead us to victory captain."
"Yeah, yeah," Anthony mused.
He never expected to be named captain, but he wasn't complaining either. After all he had just taken his first steps onto the path to the world strage, and he would never regret it.
A/N
Next Time; Anthony and Eric are now a team, but things are far from done. Rather they are only getting started. They are still in need of a final teammate, and while searching an unlikely candidate appears before them.
The Master of the Raging Black Dragon
Chronojet Dragon "NEXT"
Grade 3
Power +11000
[CONT:](VC): If you have three or less cards in your hand, then take units from the drop zone and bind them face up, paying the cost for Stride.
Time Leap-[Auto](VC): When a G unit Stride then the opponent must select one (RC) unit and send it to the bottom of the deck. In addition you can superior call a card from the hand to an (RC) on the board, then time leap it, adding +4000 power to that unit and the vanguard.
Interdimensional Dragon, Valkyrian Dragon
Grade 4
Power +15000
Skill [Auto](VC): When this unit is placed on the (VC) then [Counter blast (1) card and flip over a card in the G zone] When this unit attacks, for every unit that has time leaped on your side of the board, the opponent must send and equal number of their own rear-guards to the bottom of the deck. If they cannot, then they must pay the cost using cards from the hand.