Hello again everyone! So with the votes I have recieved in, you have chosen to not allow me to adapt the Twin Drive mechanic into a card. To be honest, after looking back over the state of the story and remembering that I answered in an earlier question that Limit Break, Break Ride and Legion would be present later in the story, I will agree with one reviewer that maybe that's far enough as readaptations will go and that a balance between the writing structure of the battles is important to keep. If you were wondering about what Ruko would use alongside Iona kineke13, she won't be using Link Joker because I feel the playstyles of both the clan and Iona doesn't exactly mix well. There won't really be much of a surprise when it comes down to her deck, but I've thrown in a little something unexpected (nothing exactly game breaking). Anyway, with that out of the way, I will go ahead and answer some more questions that have popped up.

Q1: catboy97 - Are you going add back Piruluk to be with one of the other Vanguard players as a Pseudo-Selector like Kai and some subplots like Piruluk's hatred for a LRIG named Remember and trying getting revenge on her for she what did to her friend and so on?

A: Interesting question there. I do plan to add back Piruluk at some point later in the story (along with bringing in Remember when we get to that point), but I kind of want to see how the Peeping Analyze manga goes onwards first before I decide to see if that subplot needs any minor or major changes. As for other subplots, I've so far got one planned for Midoriko later on as well (as last chapter foreshadowed), but I can't exactly give away more without spoiling too much.

Q2: pedrohenrique .carvalho. 16 (sorry for adding the spaces, otherwise the story editor wouldn't allow me to save you username in the proper format) - Are you going to use Remember? And didn't the Link Joker clan become part of Cray?

A: Much like the answer above, if Piruluk will return later in the story, so will Remember. As for your second question, whilst it is true that Blaster Blade had said in the anime that he had hopes that Link Joker would become a part of Cray, Imaginary Plane Dragon's lore seems to suggest otherwise. And considering the personalities of both Photon and Chaos Breaker Dragon shown in the lores, I highly doubt that will be happening with those two anytime soon.

Q3: ronin warriors fanatic - Will you combine Majesty Lord Blaster and LRIG Mayu to fight real Mayu?

A: Hmm... You brought up something interesting, but I can't exactly give away anything that will spoil the story that much. We're currently getting close to the end of the first story arc of this fic (and by that, I mean another 2 or maybe 3 chapters after this one) so I can't give away too much from what has been asked at this point, but we'll see, we'll see...

With that done, I hope you enjoy this chapter!


Wixoss World: City Park

(Selector Infected Wixoss OST: LRIG)

A small breeze whistled throughout the silent park as Kai could only look on at Fumio in curiosity as to what she had just said. Just what exactly was puzzling her and why did she think that he may have been the key to the answers she sought. He had a feeling though that he was about to find out here and now. Tama could only look up at him from her card that Kai was holding and then across to Fumio with almost equal interest. Hitoe could only watch on with Yuzuki as they could only wonder about what exactly Fumio had meant from her statement.

"So you believe I have something to do with what has been going on around here," murmured Kai "What exactly do you mean?"

"The thing is that you're the only boy I know of that appears to be somehow involved with the Selector Battles," she began "And your LRIGs don't appear to be like any others. If I'm so to speak, a large majority of them don't appear to be human or of 'her' creation."

"'Her' creation?" he pondered.

"She must be referring to Mayu," Yuzuki spoke "The LRIGs that are now alive and breathing, myself included are all here because of her doing. Kai's LRIGs are different because they're units from Cray."

"So you already know of 'that person'," Fumio said "How interesting." She then turned her attention back to Kai. "I'm sure you're not taken notice of this yourself, Kai Toshiki, but I assume you have seen a series of words enscribed on the bottom of your cards?"

"Yes," he answered "But I never was able to fully understand the meaning until Hitoe, Yuzuki and Tama told me everything that happened from their own adventures in the Selector Battles. They said it was like a prophecy, foretelling of the tale of a Selector would strive to obtain her wish. However, we all know that being a Selector is nothing to be proud of with what has really been going on."

"And that is the part where I believe you come in," she spoke "On the night before I watched your battle with that younger Selector, Chiyori if I recall correctly, I found something strange. For a few moments, the 'prophecy' on the back of the cards briefly changed for a moment. I have with me everything I wrote down before the words reverted back to normal." Fumio reached into her pocket bringing out a note that she used to jot down the words on that night and handed it over to Kai. He looked down and briefly read the words enscribed on the note before him whilst holding Tama's card at a reasonable angle to let her have a look. Hitoe joined him as she looked down at the supposed changed 'prophecy' whilst holding up Yuzuki's card so she could get a better look.

(End Music)

A Boy carrying a heavy burden of sin.

Called upon from his fight "Vanguard"

wielding the flames of perdition.

Seeking a way to end this conflict...

Victory will be the only way for his

wish to revolutionize.

Now, shall his "Wish Across" be ignited.

"Hmm... I guess I could see where some of these go," Yuzuki murmured "The flames of perdition may have something to do with Kai's Kagero units."

"And wasn't Vanguard the name of the game you played back in your world?" Hitoe asked.

"That's right," Kai answered "If that's the case, the heavy burden of sin, it must be referring to my time with Link Joker. But this doesn't make any sense." He then turned his attention back to Fumio. "How could this 'prophecy' change to somehow ressemble my qualities?"

"We don't know," replied Anne "But I suppose knowing something about that strange event was worth it, right Fumio-san?" The novelist didn't reply to Anne's statement. Instead, her gaze was trained upon Tama who could only look back, wondering why her attention was driven towards her.

"You are..."

"Tama is...?"

Yes, I'm almost certain. For now though... "If you wish to speak to me again," Fumio spoke "I suggest you first read the Wixoss novels beforehand. You may find something of interest in there. Until then." She turned around whilst giving a small wave of farewell to Kai and Hitoe before leaving the two of them alone in the park. After she had walked out of hearing distance from both Selector and Cardfighter along with the LRIGs they held, she held Anne out before her. The LRIG seemed puzzled by this turn of events as she looked up at Fumio.

"Why didn't you challenge him?" she asked.

"I'm certain that could have been unwise," Fumio answered "From what I could overhear from our battlefields earlier and the presence I felt from his cards nearby, I feel the time isn't right to battle Kai just yet."

"Strategically planning ahead," Anne mused "I find that interesting."

After Fumio had left the park area, Kai and Hitoe looked back at each other, wondering about what they had learned from Fumio just now. What impact did he have on the briefly changed 'prophecy' and why she suggested for him to look over the Wixoss novels for a possible clue? He remembered on the day that he met Chiyori that the young Selector had briefly mentioned about the novels and accidentally let her mouth open on her wish having something to do with those stories. Tama meanwhile could only ponder over why Fumio had briefly glanced over to her before leaving the group to themselves. Even so, she felt that now wasn't the time to dwell on that as she had her Selector, or rather, her friend to worry about. Kai looked down, noticing her expression before looking back at Hitoe and Yuzuki.

"We'll split up again and continue to look for Ruko," he said "I'll keep a reminder for myself to also pick up the Wixoss novels that Fumio mentioned earlier."

"Okay then," Yuzuki replied "Keep in touch if you spot anything."

"I got it."

"We'll see you later Kai," said Hitoe before waving goodbye and heading on her way. After the two parted ways again, Kai looked down again at Tama who looked back at him with brighter determination than before.

"Tama will find Ruko this time!" she called "Tama definitely will!" Before Kai could reply with a nod or by saying something else in response however...

"Wouldn't she like to know, scum."

(Cardfight! Vanguard OST: Semarikuru Kiken)

He turned around to find the source of the voice that had spoken out all of a sudden. Right in front of him now was Ulith with a smug smile present on her lips.

"Who are you?!" he demanded.

"I assumed you would already know my identity from that pathetic excuse of a Selector and her new LRIG," she spat "But I'll cut to the chase. I am Ulith and I have something that may interest you and her."

"Are you saying you know something about Ruko?"

"That's right," Ulith answered cooly "In fact if I recall, she was looking for you and she wasn't exactly in the best of moods."

"Then does Ulith know where Tama can find Ruko?" Tama asked. Ulith looked down at her and could only increase her sneer even more, making the LRIG feel less comfortable from asking her question.

"If it were up to me trash, I'd have your card ripped to shreds here and now," she spoke "But my higher powers have better use for you." She then looked back up at Kai. "If you're seeking Ruko, she said for you to meet her on top of that building by sunset, alone."

She pointed towards the tallest building of the city for a brief moment, before leaving Kai and Tama to themselves. The LRIG wanted to be excited for knowing where Ruko was, but couldn't find anything to feel joyful about after their brief run in with Ulith. Kai meanwhile felt uneasy from all of this. He had at last found Ruko's supposed location, yet he couldn't quite make out from what Ulith had said. Why did she say that Ruko was awaiting him and why at that place by sunset alone? Kai had a feeling he would find out soon enough, but for the moment he felt like he had to let Yuzuki and Hitoe know of this as he pulled out his phone from his pocket and selected her number.

(End Music)


Kai's World: City Mall Basement

Aichi and Naoki waited anxiously by the teleporter for Ren and Leon to show up. They had recieved a call earlier in the day that the two of them had to take care of a few things first before joining them for their attempt to get the currently inactive floor panel to work in their favor. As the hours had went by, Aichi's determination to find his friend could only grow larger whilst Naoki could only get more anxious, not just from their attempt to find Kai, but from what they may end up finding along the way. Oh, how little did the Narukami user already know from what the four of them could or would end up finding, that is if they could still make it to that other world.

"Darn it!" he groaned "This waitin' is killing my patience over here!"

"Um... you do remember what Ren-san said earlier today?" Aichi murmured.

"I know that!" Naoki replied "But still, I can't help but wonder if Kai's actually alright in that other world he's gotten himself stuck in."

"Me too," he said "I just hope he's okay." Aichi's doubt was then cast aside as he heard the doors to the mall basement open and turned to Leon and Ren step into the room.

(Cardfight! Vanguard OST: PSY Qualia)

"Sorry we took so long," Ren spoke "I was sure that it would only take a few minutes to sort out what to take in case we ended up having a long stay."

"And yet, you somehow managed to extend that to a few hours to the point where Tetsu had to help you with packing," Leon replied nonchantly. Aichi and Naoki could only sweatdrop whilst Ren could only pout a little after hearing everything that was said. The Royal Paladin user then cleared his throat to try and get the group back on the topic at hand.

"Anyway," he began "Shouldn't we get started on trying to get this teleporter working again?"

"Indeed," Leon answered "I'll try to contact with Takuto again with my PSY Qualia. When I'm sure that ours become synched, Aichi and Ren, you two will need to synch yours between mine and the teleporter pad."

"And does this mean I can flip the switch if it works?" Naoki asked.

"If it works, then yes," the Aqua Force user said.

"Then what are we waitin' for?!" he replied "Let's get this thing started!"

Everyone nodded in agreement with Naoki at this point. Leon closed his eyes and walked over onto the teleporter pad, stopping right in the center of the Vanguard circle that was engraved on the large square. After taking a deep breath, he reopened his purple eyes. This time however, they had a rainbow coloured aura present inside of them. This was the power that he, along with Aichi and Ren had possessed, PSY Qualia. The others waited anxiously, hoping that Leon would be able to get in contact with Takuto soon or else they would be out of options from trying to find another way to get to the other world where Kai was stranded in. Aichi could only go deep in thought over what could be happening with his friend at the moment.

Kai-kun, we'll be there soon. I promise that!

(End Music)


Wixoss World: City Streets

"So you're saying you've managed to find where Ruko could be?!"

"Maybe."

A few minutes after Kai had called up Hitoe to tell her everything that he had 'learned' from Ulith, Yuzuki had requested for the two of them to meet up again in front of a nearby cafe immediatly to discuss a plan of action. Despite the sudden news that they had managed to learn of the missing Selector, they could still feel a sense of uneasiness when Kai had mentioned the supposed conditions involved in this scenario. The group could only look down as they thought hard on the subject.

"I don't understand," Hitoe murmured "Why would Ulith say that Ruko would want to meet Kai alone by sunset on that building?"

"But that means Tama will find Ruko, right?" Tama said curiously.

"I don't know," Kai replied "But I still have a feeling that Ulith was hiding something during our brief confrontation. And I feel that has something to do with Ruko herself."

"Even so," Yuzuki spoke "The only way we'll know for sure is if we take a chance with what Ulith told you and hope that we do find her and know about what exactly is going on." The group remained silent for the moment, unsure of what to think up next. Each was deep in their thoughts over the current scenario at hand and time was running out until sunset for them to make a choice in the manner. Eventually, Kai got up from his seat having made a decision that he was willing to follow.

"I'm going there," he spoke before picking up Tama's card from the table and looking down at Hitoe.

"But Kai, if I go with you," she said "Ruko may not appear there if Ulith said she was only willing to meet you alone."

"We'll stay out of sight from the meeting point unless we are sure we can let ourselves be known," Yuzuki replied. She then looked up at the sky before turning her attention back to Kai. "And by the looks of things, we better get moving to that building now."

Kai and Tama nodded in agreement before Hitoe got up from her seat to join him and the two of them walked over to the building where hopefully, the Selector they were looking for would be awaiting for one of them. As the evening sun drew ever closer towards the end of the horizon, they eventually came across the building in question from before. After waiting for some time for the construction workers present to leave the premises, they entered the derelict building and began the long trek to the top. Finally, after going up several series of stairs and elevators, they had reached the door which lead out onto the roof. The Selector and Cardfighter looked at each other before looking down at their LRIGs, Yuzuki of which gave a nod.

"Well, here goes nothing Kai," she spoke "Good luck." Kai nodded back in response and opened the door leading out onto the roof. Hitoe went behind it to remain out of sight whilst he walked out onto the derelict open space. A harsh silent breeze whistled across roof as Kai looked out into the distance to see that the sun was in fact beginning to set. He looked out across the roof, but could see no one for the moment. He looked down at Tama before turning to face forward once again.

"Are you here?!" he called "Ruko!" At first, there was no answer with only his echo and the silent breeze to accompany the seemingly empty rooftop of the tall building. But then...

"So you've come here, Kai Toshiki." At this point, Tama could recognize the voice that had spoken out in response to Kai's calling.

"It's Ru!" she cried "Ru's here!"

From behind a large piece of tarpaulin that was covering up a pile of building materials, Ruko stepped from out of the shadows and walked until she was at a distance from right in front of Kai. From behind the rooftop door, Hitoe could only watch as she saw her friend look over at Kai and had to restrain herself from gasping out loud. Yuzuki from her card could only watch on and see where this could end up heading. Kai meanwhile could only look over at Ruko and wonder at why she now chose to appear before him. Even so, he felt the answer as to why would be coming up pretty soon.

"So you are Kominato Ruko," he spoke "The original holder of the LRIG Tama, if I'm correct."

"You're right," Ruko answered "The former holder actually." She then went into her coat pocket and revealed Iona's card to Kai. Tama could only stare in surprise at this sudden turn of events. Although she was aware that Iona had become Ruko's new LRIG from Yuzuki and Hitoe bringing her up to speed, deep down she was secretly hoping that this wasn't the case.

"So then, we finally meet face to face," Iona spoke "I heard rumor going about of a boy Selector that wielded dragons and it seems too good to be true from what we've heard today. And I see you've brought along the traitor as well."

"And you must be Iona," Kai replied before looking back up at Ruko. "I came here from Ulith's word, hoping that I'd find answers and I think you might have some."

"So she told you of where I would be," Ruko murmured "Even so, what answers are you after?"

(Selector Infected Wixoss OST: Silent Fear)

"Why did you run away from not just your friends, but your family as well?" The Selector could only sigh in disappointment from this.

"I assume that Hitoe and Yuzuki told you everything that happened before then," she spoke "I ran away because I didn't want them involved in the Selector Battles. Even if neither my brother or grandma aren't Selectors, they'd only end up being caught up in this mess, one way or another. And I have her to blame." She then pointed a finger at Tama's card to make her point clear. Kai could only look down at Tama to see her expression had saddened at this point before then looking back at Ruko.

"Are you referring back to...?"

"That's right," Ruko answered "I was on the brink of becoming an Eternal Girl, to free everyone from Mayu's twisted game, but Tama refused to complete the oath."

"But...!" Tama cried "Tama didn't want Ruko to...!"

"I've heard enough," she replied "Your betrayal that night only made things worse for everyone. Now I know that it's impossible to complete that same wish whilst I have Iona. I can still free the Selectors and LRIGs a different way either by convincing them to leave the battles or to defeat them if reasoning isn't enough as I will with you." She held Iona's card out towards Kai, almost in the same manner as a Selector with the intent of starting a battle. He could only look on at her, having been caught off guard by this sudden action.

"You're intending to start a battle?" he murmured.

"I don't know how a boy like you got into all of this," she replied "But I can't let you be involved any further." Iona could only smile at this point, partially with interest to witness Kai's potential in battle herself.

"Ope..."

(End Music)

"Wait!"

(Cardfight Vanguard OST: Hontou no Kokoro wo Torimodosu tame)

Both Kai and Ruko looked to the doorway to see Hitoe had decided to join them on the roof. She walked forward until she was around the same distance between both Kai and her friend. Ruko could only look at her, curious about this sudden turn of events now.

"Hitoe," she spoke "Why are you here?"

"I wanted to talk with you," Hitoe answered "Yuzuki does as well."

"We both heard everything," said Yuzuki "We only wanted Kai's help in finding you so we could try and talk this over. It isn't just us that's worried, but your family as well. Tama's even asked for help from Kai in finding you as well. You don't need to battle him." Ruko however could only look down at her other free hand and clench it tightly. She then looked back at Kai and Hitoe.

"Well it seems she's made her choice," Iona spoke before looking up at Ruko. "So what will it be?" Ruko looked back at Iona for a brief moment before turning her attention back to Kai.

"I don't know if I can trust you anymore if you're still willing to trust Tama after everything," she said "But if that's the case, I'll make you see that nothing will change my mind." Kai could only grit his teeth at the current scenario. He didn't think that he would have to battle Ruko for the situation to go anywhere, but at the moment, it seemed as if that option was now the only one available to him. He took out Dragonic Overlord's card from the deck in his pocket and took a step forward towards Ruko.

"Kai!" called Yuzuki "Don't go through with this!"

"I'll be fine," he replied "It's Ruko that I'm more concerned about. I feel something strange from Iona that she's holding and it seems as if the only way we'll find out about what's been going on is to defeat her." He then looked back at the said Selector herself.

"Ruko," he spoke "If I win, will you go back to your friends and family so we can find out what's really been going on?" She nodded in response to his question.

"But if I win," she replied "Things will remain as they are."

"Are there any objections?" Iona asked.

"It is fine," Kai answered as he held out Dragonic Overlord's card to face Iona's.

"OPEN!" they both called out. A brief series of both Red and Black flashes enveloped the rooftop, bringing both Selector and Cardfighter along with Hitoe to the battefield that awaited them.

(End Music)


Selector Battlefield

(Cardfight! Vanguard Unreleased OST: Contention)*

When both Kai and Ruko came to their senses, both were seated at their respective tables on both ends of the battlefields, each half colored by the same color that their decks had revolved around. On Ruko's table, Iona was standing up prepared for battle whilst Lizard Soldier, Conroe had appeared on the LRIG space of Kai's table with Tama once again watching from beside the LRIG deck. Over from a nearby tower in the background, both Hitoe and Yuzuki could only watch anxiously to see how things would turn out. Hitoe could only feel sad that things had to turn out this way and had felt that no idea of what she should be doing now. Yuzuki looked back up at her and noticed her expression.

"I didn't want things to turn out like this either," she said "But right now, we need to have faith in Kai so he can bring back our friend."

Hitoe nodded and turned her attention back to the battle that was about to start. Kai, Ruko, please be alright.

After the giant wheel above their heads had landed its slot on a black colour, Kai looked over towards Ruko, curious to hear her decision about who would go first. Needless to say, her answer had already come in a manner of saying.

"Draw. Iona, grow!" A series of flashes rose up from the LRIG space as Iona's outfit had changed from white to pure black along with the gray bandages surrounding both her hair and the grey areas of her tights and a dark red aura swirled around her arms. She stared intensely at Kai and Conroe whilst also taking a brief glance at Tama on the side of his table. Finally, I will be able to see your strength, so that I may crush it myself.

"Turn end," spoke Ruko. Kai nodded in acknowledgement and began his turn.

"Draw and Ener Charge," he said. Before continuing with his move, he looked down at Tama, noticing that her expression hadn't changed since his 'conversation' with Ruko before looking over to the LRIG of the Selector in question.

"Just a question, Iona," Kai spoke.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Why did you want to become Ruko's LRIG?" Iona could only smile when she recieved the question in mind.

"Isn't it obvious?" she answered "The strongest Selector and the strongest LRIG, that was why I became Ruko's LRIG in the place of Tama." Her expression then changed when she looked up at Ruko herself. "However, she doesn't seem to agree with that." At least, not yet.

"I see," replied Kai "So you became an LRIG with the intent of battling forever. Even if that's case, my resolve won't waver! Grow, Embodiment of Armor, Bahr!"

Conroe vanished from the LRIG space in a flash of light as Bahr then appeared in its place.

"Summon!" Iron Tail Dragon then appeared in front of Bahr, poised and ready to strike.

"Attack!" Iron Tail took flight and charged towards Iona who braced herself for impact. After the slash from the dragon's left arm was dealt, the LRIG didn't seemed fazed by the blow that she had taken. When the first Life Cloth was flipped up however, Kai's eyes could only widen to see what he had crushed from his first attack. At this moment, Tama snapped out of her saddened daze from earlier and looked up at him, wondering what was going on.

(End Music)

"What did Kai see?" she asked.

"Freezing Revenger," he answered "A Shadow Paladin unit."

"Ah, so that's what those strange Black SIGNI Ruko and I found were called," Iona spoke "How interesting." The card landed in Ruko's Ener Zone glowing, indicating a Life Burst effect had gone off.

"With the effect," she spoke "I draw one card."

"Bahr attacks next!" Kai declared.

"Servant D2 will guard." As Bahr charged across the battlefield towards Iona, an angel like figure appeared in front of the demon and thrust her shield towards its blade. The sudden appearance caused Bahr's attack to rebound before Servant D2 vanished from the battlefield. The demon retreated back to the LRIG space due to its attack being blocked successfully.

"Turn end."

Kai vs Ruko

End of Turn 2

Hand - 5 : 6

Life Cloths - 7 : 6

Current LRIGs - Embodiment of Armor, Bahr : Iona, Crescent/Maiden

SIGNI : EMPTY - Iron Tail Dragon - EMPTY : EMPTY - EMPTY - EMPTY

Ener - 1 : 1

"At least Kai's gotten off to a good start," Yuzuki spoke "I just hope he can keep it up." Hitoe nodded before turning her attention over to Ruko and Iona at their end of the battlefield.

Kai, please bring back our friend.


And there we go! So to recap, having learned of Ruko's whereabouts, Kai and Hitoe set out to meet her. However, Ruko who seems displeased that Kai is now part of the Selector Battles intends to make him turn back from the scenario, believing he shouldn't be involved with what has been happening and challenges him head on, having a few Shadow Paladins mixed into her deck. Even with all this happening, can Leon reconnect to Takuto's PSY Qualia and help Aichi, Ren and Naoki along with himself to get to the other world? Find out next time on the next chapter of Stand Up, the LRIG! Don't forget to leave a favourite, follow and/or review. Until then!

*This soundtrack first plays in Episode 129 when Tetsu rides King of Masks, Dantarian.