As he heard the chime of the shop doors Anthony turned toward it and saw two people entering.
One was Chrstina and the other was a male. He was their age with tan skin, unruly blonde hair and dark blue eyes, with a wild look to him. His name is Joshua Heatroth, the final member of Christina's team, a friend of Anthony and everyone from school, and finally a certified playboy.
Spotting the two of them Anthony almost cried tears of joy. "Finally," he cried out running up to them.
When he arrived Christina and Joshua gave him strange looks.
"Ah Anthony you ok?" Christina asked.
"Dude, clean yourself up, your face is giving me the creeps." Joshua stated.
Anthony nodded. "Sorry, sorry, it's just…" He trailed off, and began smiling wryly before jerking a thumb behind him.
Christina and Joshua looked past to see Elizabeth and Eric giving each other dirty looks, a highly toxic aura coming off of them as they say at the same table.
"Wow, they really don't like each other do they," Joshua mused.
"I think it's because they're so similar." Christina mused.
"Maybe, but now that you guys are here I can finally get them to settle down." Anthony breathed a sigh of relief. "Also, have any of the others contacted you on when they'll get here?"
As if one cue Anthony heard the door chime again, and looked past Christina and Joshua to see three more people entering the shop.
Leading them was Sylvia, and she was being followed by two boys.
Both of them were their age. The first boy having straight cherry colored hair that stopped just right at his shoulders paired with sea green eyes, and a blank facial expression. While the second boy had short dark green hair that parted in the middle, a few strands dangling over his face and matching colored eyes looking around the room a bit of nervousness in his eyes as he did.
Anthony knew how the first boy was. His name is Lucian Moss, and just like Sylvia he had frequented his family card shop since he was little, making him a friend. But for the life of him he couldn't place the second boy with her, even though he felt he had seen him somewhere before.
Sylvia walked up to Anthony and his group. "Hey you guys, sorry we're a bit late."
"No problem." Anthony said. He then turned his gaze to the green haired male. "So I take it this is the final member of your team then?"
Sylvia nodded. "Yep. Allow me to introduce you all to Sebastian Karlile. The final member of my team. He's actually in my class at school."
Anthony's mind then clicked. Now he knew why Sebastian was so familiar. He had seen him around school a few times.
Sebastian slightly bowed. "Thank you for having me."
"No problem." Anthony said. "But man, I didn't know you were into vangaurd? How long have you been playing?"
"Since I was little." Sebastian answered. "But my home is in the other direction from your shop so I usually go to the one closer to my house. That's why you've never seen me around here. Also I'm not the most talkative person around."
"Nothing wrong with that." Christina mused.
"Not at all." Joshua said. "But if that's the case how did Sylvia get you to join her team then?"
"She saw my vanguard deck one day and challenged me to a match where she soundly beat me, and then told me to join her team." Sebastian explained, a few tears coming to his eyes.
At that moment everyone other than Lucian was thinking the exact same thing.
'Sylvia is scary.'
But they were knocked out of their thoughts as the door chimed once more and Cera entered.
"Cera finally," Christina mused. "Where were you?"
"Someone who just arrived shouldn't be saying that?" Anthony deadpanned.
Chrstina felt as if an invisible arrow had been shot into her chest and she dropped to her knees in despair.
Meanwhile, fed up with the toxic aura Sylvia charged over to Elizabeth and Eric, getting ready to settle their dispute, one way or another.
Cera quickly gave everyone a brief hello, she then walked up to Anthony and pulled his sleeve, before leaning into him to whisper, "I need to talk to you in private for a moment."
"About what?" Anthony asked.
Cera then reached into her inner jacket pocket and took out the card she had just received after her cardfight with Emilia. "It's about those cloaked cray planet symbol guys."
Upon hearing that Anthony nodded. He then backed up from Cera, and turned to everyone. "Ah excuse us for a moment guys, Cera wants to ask me something, so you can go ahead and get started. We'll be back in a moment." He explained.
He and Cera then moved off from the others, just as Sylvia had finished putting Elizabeth and Eric in their places.
After she was done, they were both being civil with each other.
Such was her power of persuasion.
Walking to a corner of the shop Anthony stood in front of Cera. "Ok, tell me everything that happened," he asked.
Cera then told Anthony everything from the beginning. How she had encountered Emilia in the park, the cardfight, the mysterious feeling and vision of the battlefield containing iconic vanguard units, Emilia's mysterious G unit, and now her own new card.
"So, what did she mean by we're the same?" Cera asked after finishing her story.
"I received "NEXT" after fighting against a cardfighter named Nina who used a mysterious G unit just like this Emilia, and I also had a vision, but it was a bit different than yours. However all six of those cloaked figures were there as well." Anthony explained.
"How many people have you told about this?" Cera asked.
"Just Eric." Anthony said. After their cardfight on the day Eric agreed to join the Victories Anthony explained his encounter with Nina in all detail to his best friend.
"And, how did he take it?" Cera questioned.
"Good." Anthony said. "He actually believes me. But I think that's just because he knows I would never make up something like that. However I don't think we should tell anyone else."
"Why not?" Cera asked.
"Because we don't have the whole picture in the slightest," Anthony explained. "Chosen ones, visions of units from planet cray, and mysterious G units, if anyone else told you our stories would you believe them?"
Cera shook her head. "No, probably not without some proof."
"Exactly." Anthony said. "That's why this should stay between us. At least until we have a better understanding of the situation." He said, using a finger to adjust his glasses.
"Fine." Cera agreed. "But I'm telling Christina."
"No problem," Anthony mused. He then got a small grin. "After all she is your girlfriend."
"Go die." Cera said, a small blush coming across her face.
Anthony and the rest, except for Elizabeth and Sebastian, knew of her preferences of playing for the other team just like her sister. But it was only Anthony who had figured out she had a crush on Christina. That's just how perceptive he was, and how lucky he was.
"Sure, sure," Anthony mused. "Whatever you say."
"Whatever." Cera grumbled. "Enough about that stuff, let's just go enjoy the party."
"Sure." Anthony mused.
With that the two of them went back to join the others for the celebration party.
In no time at all, everything was in full swing. They all ate good food, drank so much they felt a little bloated, played some party games including pin the tail on the vanguard, and even teased each other a bit. Even the newcomers Elizabeth and Sebastian got into it.
Even though she tried to act cool Elizabeth got closer with Cera, Sylvia, and Christina. As for Sebastian he opened up about himself to everyone and in due time a bit of his shy and quiet nature disappeared.
And before anyone knew it a number of hours had passed and it was getting late.
Eric looked outside the store's windows. "Man, we partied for a long time." He mused.
"We sure did." Anthony said. He then raised his plastic cup containing soda into the air. "Anyway, can I have your attention please," he asked, and everyone focused on him. "Thank you. Now, I'm not going to make a sappy speech. All I want to say to everyone is good luck, and don't hold back against any of us. Cheers!"
"Cheers!" Everyone else exclaimed, raising their cups as well.
Joshua downed his soda in one go, before slamming his cup on the table. "Good stuff. So," he began, "we've done everything except the one thing this party is to celebrate for." He pulled out his deck case and slammed it down onto the table drawing everyone's attention to him. "So, who wants to fight me?"
"Ah before that, what are evertone's team names?" Sebastian asked. "I'm just curious."
"Well we're the Victories." Anthony said.
"We're team Crusade." Sylvia proudly said.
"And we're team Mystic." Christina said, telling her team name proudly, a smile on her face, with her chest puffed out.
"Thank you," Sebastian mused. He then pulled out his deck case and turned to Joshua. "Also if no one else wants to, I'd be glad to accept Joshua's open challenge and fight him."
"I'm good." Eric said. "Besides it's been a while since I've seen Joshua fight, and I want to see if he's gotten any better."
"I am good as well." Cera stated. "Please, go ahead Sebastian."
Everyone else also bowed out.
"Well that settles it." Joshua mused. He then moved over to a fight table, a grin on his face. "So come on new guy, let's see what you've got?"
"No problem." Sebastian mused, walking over to the fight table.
The two of them then set up the board.
They then shouted in unison, "Stand up. Vanguard!"
"Guile Shade!" Joshua exclaimed.
Guile Shade
Grade 0, Power +5000
"Ancient Dragon, Pterakid!" Sebastian exclaimed.
Ancient Dragon, Pterakid
Grade 0, Power +5000
Elizabeth eyed the board with a critical look." Grandblue vs. Tachikaze huh?" She mused.
"Both clans rely heavily on using the drop zone," Anthony added. "So it'll come down to skill and a bit of luck in this matchup."
"Since you're the newest among us, you can have the first turn," Joshua said to Sebastian.
"Thank you, don't mind if I do." Sebastian answered. "I draw. I then ride. Ancient Dragon, Iguanogorg!"
Ancient Dragon, Iguanogorg
Grade 1, Power +7000
[Damage: Joshua (0) Sebastian (0)]
" Pterakid moves back and I end my turn." Sebastain said.
[Turn 2: Hand: Joshua (5) Sebastian (5)]
"My turn then." Joshua mused. "I draw. I then ride. Sea Rumble Banshee."
Sea Rumble Banshee
Grade 1, Power +7000
"Guile Shade moves back. Then with a boost from Guile Shade, Rumble will attack your vanguard."
(7000+5000=12000)
"That will be a no guard."
"Drive check. No trigger."
"Damage check, no trigger."
[Damage: Joshua (0) Sebastian (1)]
"I end my turn."
[Turn 3: Hand: Joshua (6) Sebastian (5)]
"I draw. I then ride. Ancient Dragon, Hylaeon Pike."
Ancient Dragon, Hylaeon Pike
Grade 2, Power +9000
"I also call. Ancient Dragon, Beamankylo. Now with a boost from Pterarid, Hylaeon Pike will attack your vanguard."
(9000+5000=14000)
"That's a no guard."
"Drive check. A critical trigger. The critical to Hylaeon Pike, and the power to Beamankylo."
"Damage check. No triggers."
"Now Beamanklyo will attack and thanks to his skill, whenever my vanguard is an Ancient Dragon he gains an additional +3000 power."
(9000+5000+3000=17000)
"I'll guard that one."
[Damage: Joshua (2) Sebastian (1)]
"I end my turn." Sebastian said. "Your move."
[Turn 4: Hand: Joshua (5) Sebastian (5)]
"Don't mind if I do." Joshua mused. "Stand and draw. I then ride. Maltreat Shade!"
Maltreat Shade
Grade 2, Power +9000
"And just like you I'll also give her some assistance. I call. Skeleton Cannoneer. Then with a boost from Guile, Maltreat will attack your vanguard."
(9000+5000=14000)
"I don't guard."
"Now for my drive check. No trigger."
"Damage check. No trigger."
"Skeleton Cannoneer, take out Beamankylo."
"Not happening. Guard." Sebastian spoke.
[Damage: Joshua (2) Sebastian (2)]
"I end my turn." Joshua said.
[Turn 5: Hand: Joshua (5) Sebastian (4)]
"Stand and draw." Sebastian said. He then held up the card he just drew a bit higher, a smile on his face. "So let me say this once more very quickly. Thank you all for inviting me today. Not just to the party, but also to the team. It really means a lot to me, considering I don't have many friends."
"No problem." Sylvia mused. "If I didn't think you would get along with everyone I wouldn't have invited you in the first place."
Sebastian ended up with a wry smile on his face, along with everyone else. Once again, they were all thinking the same thing.
'Sylvia is so blunt.'
Said person was oblivious to it all though.
"Yes, well anyway. Let me show my thanks by introducing you to my avatar." Sebastian spoke. "Ancient king of the dinosaurs descend upon this plane, and devour all enemies in your path! I ride! Ancient Dragon, Tyranonexus!"
Ancient Dragon, Tyranonexus
Grade 3, Power +11000
"I also call.. Ancient Dragon, Pleseotooper. Then with a boost from Pterakid, Tyranonexus attacks your vanguard."
(11000+5000=16000)
"I'll guard that."
"Twin drive check. No triggers." Sebastian said. "With a boost from Pleseotropper, Beamankylo will attack your vanguard and with his skill add another +3000 power."
(9000+7000+3000=19000)
"That's a no guard. Damage check. A draw trigger. Power to Maltreat Shade and I draw one card."
[Damage: Joshua (3) Sebastian (2)]
"I end my turn." Sebastian said.
[Turn 6: Hand: Joshua (5) Sebastian (5)]
"Stand and draw." Joshua said. He had a small grin on his face. "Oh yeah, now it's getting good. So I'll do my best as well. I ride. Vampire Princess of Starlight, Nightrose!"
Vampire Princess of Starlight, Nightrose
Grade 3, Power +11000
"Now. Generation Stride! Mist Phantasm Pirate King, Nightrose!"
Mist Phantasm Pirate King, Nightrose
Grade 4, Power +15000
"Stride skill! Send the top three cards of the deck to the drop zone, then I can choose one unit in my drop zone and superior call it to an open rear-guard circle." Joshua explained. "I call Maltreat Shade!" He said, and called the unit to his open front row rear-guard circle. "Also if the unit called with Starlight's skill possesses Hollow, then that unit gains an additional +3000 power until the end of the turn. Maltreat Shade has that ability, and I also activate her as hollow. Now with a boost from Guile, Nightrose will attack your vanguard!"
(26000+5000=31000)
Sebastian took a quick glance at his hand. "I don't guard."
"My triple drive. First check, no trigger. Second check, a critical trigger. I give the critical to Nightrose and the power to Shade. Final check, no trigger. But I activate the skill of Nightrose." Joshua counter blasted his last two cards and flipped over a copy of Starlight in the G zone. "When Nightrose attacks I can select two units in the drop zone and superior call them to different rows. I call. Fatal Shade, and Handsomeness, Gianmario over Skeleton Cannoneer. They also become hollowed."
"Damage check. First check, no trigger. Second check, critical trigger. All effects to Tyranonexus."
(11000+5000=16000)
"Maltreat Shade, coming at your vanguard next. And when she attacks and the vanguard is "Nightrose'' then for every hollowed unit I possess on the board she gains +2000 power, including herself. Since there are three, she gains another +6000 power."
(9000+3000+5000+6000=23000)
"Guard!"
"With a boost from Fatal Shade, Gianmario will attack your vanguard next. Also when he's placed on a rear-guard circle from the drop zone he gains +3000 power, and if he is hollowed he gains an additional +3000 power." Joshua explained.
(9000+3000+3000+7000=22000)
"Generation guard! Iron-armored Chancellor, Dymorphalanx!"
Iron-armored Chancellor, Dymorphalanx
Grade 4, Shield +15000
"Also his skill. If the number of rear-guards I possess is less than or equal to my opponent, then he gains +5000 to his shield!"
(15000+5000=20000)
[Damage: Joshua (3) Sebastian (4)]
"I end my turn." Joshua said. "All hollowed cards now go back to the drop zone, but this is where their real power shines. First the skill of Maltreat. I place her on the bottom of the deck, and then I can counter charge one card. Next the skill of Fatal." Joshua soul blasted one card. "She also goes to the bottom of the deck, and in return I get to call a non-grade one unit from the drop zone to the board." He explained. "I call Skeleton Cannoneer." Joshua then placed Gianmario back into the drop zone.
[Turn 7: Hand: Joshua (7) Sebastian (3)]
"Stand and draw." Sebastian said. "Good. But now it's my turn. Generation Stride! Super Ancient Dragon, Burn Geryon!"
Super Ancient Dragon, Burn Geryon
Grade 4, Power +15000
"Stride skill of Tyranonexus." Sebastian counter blasted one card. "I counter blast one card, then select one unit on my side of the board and retire it. I choose Pterakid. Activating Pterakid's skill." Sebastian counter blasted one card. "When he's retired for the effect of a card with "Ancient Dragon" in its name I can then look at the top three cards of my deck and superior call one card with "Ancient Dragon" in its name and place the other two cards on the bottom of my deck. Also the other skill of Tyranonexus. My opponent must choose one card from their hand and discard it. I also look at the top five cards of my deck and superior call one unit to the board, placing the rest on the bottom of my deck." Sebastian explained.
Meanwhile Joshua clicked his tongue and placed a card from his hand in the drop zone.
"Impressive," Cera mused. "The way Sebastian has his deck set up, so long as he watches his cost he doesn't really need to call cards from his hand, giving him more room to guard against attacks."
"It's an aggressive yet calculated play style at the same time." Eric mused.
"But of course." Sylvia proudly said. "Otherwise I wouldn't have asked him to be on my team."
Sebastian looked at the top cards of his deck and selected two units. "I superior call Ancient Dragon, Hylaeon Pike and Ancient Dragon, Gattlingaro. Next is the skill of Burn Geryon." Sebastian counter blasted one card. "I select one unit on my side of the board and it obtains a skill. I choose Pleseotrooper. Now the power of Burn Geryon, I retire one unit on my side of the board and he gains +10000 power. But thanks to the skill he obtained Pleseotropper goes back to my hand, in addition when he's retired due to the skill of an Ancient Dragon, I can soul charge and counter charge one card each." Sebsastian did just that.
"Calling powerful units, replenishing cost, and all without hardly using your hand," Joshua muttered. "Sebastian, you really are cool."
"Thanks. But that doesn't mean you'll get a free pass, I'm going to win." Sebastian exclaimed. "First up Beamankylo will attack your vanguard. Also with his skill he gets an additional +3000 power."
(9000+3000=12000)
"Intercept."
"No problem Burn Geryon is coming at you."
(26000+10000=36000)
"Complete guard!"
"Triple drive. First check, no trigger. Second check, a stand trigger. Beamankylo stands with another +5000 power. Final check. No trigger. Even so we're still going strong. With a boost from Gattlingaro, Dinocrowd attacks."
(9000+7000=16000)
"That's a no guard. Damage check. A heal trigger. Power to the vanguard and I recover one damage."
(11000+5000=16000)
"Beamankylo once more."
(9000+3000+5000=17000)
"Guard!"
"All that and only one damage." Christina mused.
"If Joshua hadn't drawn that heal trigger then maybe it would be even, however sometimes the cards are just one your side." Lucian said.
[Damage: Joshua (3) Sebastian (4)]
"I end my turn." Sebastian said.
[Turn 8: Hand: Joshua (3) Sebastian (6)]
"Stand and draw." Joshua said. He had a smirk on his face. "Well it's been fun Sebastian, but I think it's time I finish this. Generation Stride! Pirate King of Roseate Twilight, Nightrose!"
Pirate King of Roseate Twilight, Nightrose
Grade 4, Power +15000
"Of all his G units, it had to be that one." Sylvia said, shaking her head.
"I'll forgo stride skill this turn, and get right to the good stuff," Joshua said. "Skill of Roseate Twilight." Joshua counter blasted a card and flipped over a copy of Roseate Twilight in the G zone. "I can now superior call units from the drop zone for every face up G unit in my G zone, plus one more, and they all become hollowed." Joshua explained.
'That's not good.' Sebastian thought.
"I call. Two Fatal Shade. Maltreat Shade, and Gianmario, all as hollowed." Joshua placed the units on his board. "In addition if three or more units were successfully called using Roseate's skill she gains an extra critical for the rest of this turn. But there's more."
"I don't want to know." Sebastian deadpanned.
Joshua lightly shrugged. "Too bad. With a boost from Guile, Roseate Twilight attacks your vanguard, and now for that other skill I mentioned. When this card attacks I can choose one unit on the board and for each card with "Nightrose" in its name in my drop zone it gains +5000 power until the end of the turn."
"How many units with Nightrose are in your drop zone?" Sebastian asked in extreme worry.
"It's three." Joshua stated. "Meaning the unit I give the power to will gain an additional +15000 power, and the unit I choose is Maltreat Shade. Now, back to my vanguards attack."
(26000+5000=31000)
"The vanguard already has a critical without any triggers on it, and with Malteat's skill and that massive amount of added power, can Sebastian survive this turn?" Christina asked.
"Only the cards will know." Lucian said, his eyes having not left the cardfight since it began.
"Complete guard!"
"My triple drive. First check, no trigger. Second check. A critical trigger, all effects to Maltreat Shade. Third check." Joshua smiled and Sebastian grimaced. "A critical trigger. All effects to Gianmario."
"Double critical triggers?" Elizabeth mused.
Anthony adjusted his glasses. "Looks like the cards have spoken."
"With a boost from Fatal, Maltreat attacks, and with her skill add another +8000 power."
(9000+15000+5000+8000=37000)
"I...I don't guard." Sebastian stated. "Damage check. No triggers."
[Damage: Joshua (3) Sebastian (6)]
Once the cardfight was over Joshua offered Sebastian his hand. "Good game," he said.
"The same." Sebastian said, shaking his new friend's hand. "So want to have another match?"
"Yeah." Joshua mused.
That is when Anthony stepped in between the two. "Oh no, if you guys want to have another match that's fine, but not here. It's getting late and I need to close the store before heading home."
Elizabeth turned her attention to the windows and realized a bit of night was already setting in. "Damn it's already that late." She mused. She then started towards the doors. While also waving goodbye to the others. "Sorry you guys got to run, it was fun, and see you later and at school. Call me."
Everyone was stunned as Elizabeth hurried out.
"Ok, I'm not the only one who found that really suspicious right?" Eric rhetorically asked, and everyone nodded in agreement.
"Looks like Elizabeth has some secrets." Cera mused.
"Yeah." Joshua added. "But she's right. It's getting late, and I don't want to hear it from my parents so I'll be seeing you guys as well."
"Wait up." Lucian mused. He lived in the same area as Joshua, so he wanted to leave with him. He didn't feel like going home alone.
The two of them then left.
"I guess I should be going as well." Sebastian mused. He then bowed before leaving as well.
With him gone only Sylvia, Eric, Anthony, Cera, and Christina remained in the store.
Cera and Anthony shared a brief look and exchange.
Anthony then walked up to Sylvia and slightly pushed into her back. "Sylvia, shouldn't you be getting home too, after all I know how your mom can be?"
"Huh? No it's fine. "Sylvia said. "As long as I'm with you guys she's ok with me being out so late. But more importantly," Syliva narrowed her eyes, "why do I feel like you're trying to get rid of me?"
"Just your imagination." Anthony answered. But he was lying through his teeth.
"Sure." Syliva said, still staring at Anthony.
He really hated that. Ever since they were kids Sylvia was one of the only people who could read his true intentions no matter what. At times it was good, but at the moment it was bad considering what he and Cera had planned.
Sylvia continued to bore her eyes into Anthony and didn't let up.
"No matter how long you look at me like that, my answer won't change." Anthony said. It's a good thing he had built up a good immunity to Sylvia's piercing gazes, otherwise he would be in trouble at the moment.
Sylvia continued to look at Anthony despite his words.
Cera watching the exchange just sighed. "That's enough." She said. "Anthony since she's one of your best friends we should tell her as well."
"Are you sure that's alright with you?" Anthony asked, and Cera gave a curt nod. "Alright then."
Sylvia looked between the two and watched their exchange. "What is it, are you two dating or something?"
"Hell no!"Anthony and Cera shouted in unison.
"We are not." Anthony said, adjusting his glasses.
"What Anthony said." Cera stated, using a cold voice.
Sylvia overpowered by the denial pressure backed up and fell into her chair. "Ok, ok I get it. You two aren't dating? But then, what is it you want to talk about?"
"Eric knows. The same thing that happened to me, happened to Cera earlier today?" Anthony explained.
Eric then got a look of recognition on his face. "Oh, no way."
"Yes." Anthony nodded his head.
"Ok, what are you guys talking about?" Christina asked.
"About cards and vanguard." Anthony began.
He then started to tell his and Cera's experiences.
A/N
That's chapter five folks.
Next Time: Explanation, questions, and no answers at all.
Anthony and Cera come clean to their closest friends about their experiences facing off against the mysterious cardfighters Nina and Emilia. Which leaves everyone wondering just what is going on? Meanwhile Elizabeth ends up facing questions about herself and who she truly wants to be.
Truths and Decision Making
Fanon Cards:
Grade 1:
Ancient Dragon, Pleseotrooper
Grade 1, Power +7000
[Auto] (RC): When this unit is retired for the cost or effect for a unit with "Ancient Dragon" in its name, then you can counter charge/ soul charge (1) each.
Ancient Dragon, Tyranonexus
Grade 3, Power +11000
Skill: [Auto]: (VC): [Counter blast 1]: When a G unit stride retire one of your rear-guard units, then the opponent must discard a card from their hand. Then look at the top five cards of the deck and superior call a unit, while putting the rest back and then shuffling the deck.