Cardfight! Vanguard – Override

Sendou Aichi is a timid student whose life is changed by the card game, Vanguard. But as Aichi and his friends reach new heights, the dark and troubling side of the game, combined with a war on Cray, threatens to destroy the players and their new world.
Contains violence, language, character death.


-Hitsue City: Stadium-

With the speedy beat of Ultra Rare's single reverberating across the lobby, activity buzzed as a break between the first and second rounds was underway. Shin beamed with pride over his team's first victory.

"Congratulations, everyone," he chimed.

"Yeah, we showed them," Kamui hollered, punching the air with both fists, clenched tightly from the adrenaline that pumped thickly through him. "No-one's going to stand in our way, right, Onii-san?"

"Uh… of course," Aichi answered with a small laugh.

"The opponents here aren't much," Kai commented coldly, twisting his head as though embarrassed to be seen with the spiky-haired youngster.

"Pfft," Kamui sounded. "Says the guy who let his opponent get him to 5 damage".

"'Let'," Kai repeated, shooting a sharp glance in the boy's direction.

"Kai just likes toying with people," Miwa commented, approaching the group from the holographic stage between the doorways into the court. "He likes letting the opponent think they have a chance then throws everything he's got at them".

"You make it sound like these people are a challenge," Kai mumbled.

Miwa laughed, patting the brunette on the shoulder, though it showed no sign of working to draw any emotion from him. Kamui and Aichi exchanged puzzled looks; no-one was able to reach Kai like Miwa; they had been childhood friends, no-one had the courage to try and force themselves into his exclusive bubble of trust. While the team were distracted with the High School duo's relationship, two figures passed through the doorway leading into the vast building; one almost twice the size of the other. Eiji and Reiji jumped onto Kamui's shoulders, pulling down their unintentionally fierce grips.

"Kamui-san," Reiji whispered. "She's here".

"SH," Eiji repeated.

Kamui's sight jumped between the two of them several times before locating the source of their excitement: Misaki had appeared; the scarlet ribbon hanging around her neck had been fastened around the collar of her white shirt. Beside her, Emi strode with a bright smile, clutching a straw basket with to lids lying atop the contents. The younger Sendou examined the lobby once they were several steps inside, amazed by how many had travelled for a card tournament; initially, she could see no appeal in Vanguard, but given how it had helped boost Aichi's confidence and offered him friends, she had been willing to give it a chance. But she was there fire and foremost as a Q4 supporter rather than someone intrigued by the game's offerings. The others quickly followed in recognizing the arriving pair and repositioned themselves to greet them.

"Misaki-san," Aichi called. "Emi".

"I was busy making everyone lunch and missed everyone else," Emi reported. "But when I saw Misaki-san, she suggested we come together".

"Emi-san made lunch?!" Kamui howled ecstatically.

"Is everything alright, Misaki-san?" Aichi inquired. "When you weren't at Card Capital, we got worried".

"Yeah. I'm sorry for that," Misaki answered, releasing the ribbon tied around her neck, its ends falling to hang as standard. "It was just something that I had to do".

"Awesome, now Misaki-san will be able to fight with us," Kamui cheered.

"Yes, will you please?" Aichi requested. "The truth is we need you, Misaki-san".

"I won't make that much difference," Misaki claimed. "This team is a strong one; you're all capable of doing well. You got through the first round after all, right?"

"Yeah, Kai-kun and Kamui-kun were able to win their matches," Aichi answered with a nod.

"Kai?" Misaki repeated; she moved to locate her uncle standing beside the brunette and his classmate. "I thought your plan was to wait for Kai to step into the fray".

Drops of sweat made their way to the surface of Shin's skin, letting out a nervous chortle. "W- Well, about that…" he stammered. "I thought it would be best-"

"Please don't lie on my account, Manager," Aichi interrupted. "I lost my match, Misaki-san… I'm sorry…"

Kamui's eyebrows and heart sank; regardless of what he claimed, Aichi was still hard on himself for his failure to capture victory. He raised his head, squaring his shoulders whilst readying himself before the lilac-haired woman.

"Misaki-san, please, will you fight with us?" he asked. "If nothing more than to help Onii-san?"

"Kamui-kun?" Aichi sounded.

Discomfort flashed across Misaki's azure eyes, travelling subtly to Shin like a child seeking a safe base or approval. Shin smiled over the boys' heads, responding with a nod; a silent answer to follow what she wanted. If she wished, she could fight; if not, he would concoct a plan to spare the pair the responsibility of having to fight in front of such a large audience. Misaki answered with a small smile, casting his sight back to the duo below.

"Alright then," she responded after a moment of deliberation. "I'll step up in the next match as my way of apologizing for getting here late".

"Alright!" Kamui cheered, leaping on the spot.

"Thank you, Misaki-san," Aichi said, bowing with gratitude for her cooperation.

His back to the group, Kai's eyes slid closed to cut himself off further from the band. Miwa grinned sheepishly; his goal to integrate the brunette more into gathering had failed miserably, if anything, the conversation had been counterproductive. Kamui lingered around Emi, his eyes sparkling with delight and fantasy over her basket; more for the fact that she had made it far more than that it contained food. At least he couldn't complain it was going to be a boring day.


Ride 8: Illuminating the Darkest Shadows

[Saikyou no Kurayami o Terashidasu]

-Hitsue City: Stadium-

With the second round underway, the fields were cleared for the next two matches. Misaki fished her deck from her skirt, gazing down at it with a mixture of trepidation and determination flickering with her eyes. She had been hoping to avoid fighting for a while after returning; that, however, was not to be the case. She tilted her head, peering over her shoulder at the trio of team-mates lined on one bench with Shin a short distance away on the other.

"Go for it, Misaki-san!" Kamui yelled.

"Good luck," Aichi added, albeit with a hint of guilt.

Shin's smile was the final push that moved her forward, pacing towards the field where the inactive consoles hung after the outcome of the previous match. On the opposite end of the field; a trio of men stood with ominous smirks, dressed in black cloaks that observed their features outside the piercing eyes and confident expressions. Their stares falling upon the isolated woman, however, did nothing to faze her; she had sworn to fight for the team and arrogance would hinder her in no manner. MC Miya's voice boomed across the hall, grasping his microphone and checking the two monitors set up in front of him; one for each of the fights taking place across the court flooring.

"The second round's next fights are about to begin. The first sees Q4, who narrowly broke through their first match, against a mysterious trio known as the Three Blacks".

"'Three Blacks'?" Kamui repeated. "Why have a name like that?"

"Oh, that's simple," the man tugging on his Fighting Gloves responded, stepping forward and away from his teammates. "I am your opponent; my name is Kuroda".

The muscular man towering over the other left behind laughed. "I am Kurosaki".

"And I'm Kurosawa," the third sniggered.

"Ah, that makes sense," Izaki called in the stands. "Their team name is Three Blacks because their names all have 'Kuro' in them".

"H- Hey!" Kuroda yelled, stamping as he took the final step required to reach the console. "It's our job to explain that".

Izaki sank beside Morikawa, who folded his arms, sending an unimpressed glare down at the trio. "Feh… They're just cosplaying black magicians…" he muttered.

"Both teams are starting with fighters who have yet to make their debut in the tournament; from Three Blacks – Kuroda Akira – and Quadrifoglio – Tokura Misaki".

Misaki adjusted the dark green gloves handed to her by Shin mere moments before when she had been among those on her side. Now, she was alone on the front lines. The two fighters set down their decks and removed the necessary cards to begin.

"Stand Up, Vanguard," they announced in synchronization.

FIGHT START
KURODA - MISAKI
0 -DAMAGE- 0

The floorboards of the flooring rattled, unleashing a torrent of wind that surged vertically, consuming the players and the field setting them apart. The first of the Vanguard to emerge was a familiar winged Kagero; dulled plating clinging onto its blood-red scaled body. In its grasp, the beast held onto two swords with narrow lasers protruding from the handles [POW 5000]. On the opposite side, Misaki's adopted body was far more revealing, stunning the others had only pictured it their minds. The lilac-haired woman stood with fabric of a similar shade concealing her chest, though nothing more of her torso. A large skirt hung with faint resemblance of pink petals tucked behind one another. Her headgear was fastened to the back of her crown; a cross of stretched diamonds against the armoured violet backing. A crimson jewel sparkled from the woman's head, who arched her back, positioning the sceptre in her possession ahead with its diamonded tip pointed at the enemy [POW 3000].

Those supporting the young woman were astounded by her choice to use the Trigger as a starter in spite of its lax approach to covering the feminine form. Aichi's face glowed scarlet, throwing his hands up and covering his eyes so as not to embarrass her; although no-one else seemed to follow his approach to the scenario. Shin smirked, patting the boy on his shoulder.

"Well, Aichi-kun," he chuckled. "Looks like your idea came with a bonus".

"M- Manager…" Aichi complained, his blinded head sinking between his shoulders.

Misaki inhaled deeply, determined not to dare and turn around least she meet with the reddened faces and astonished stares of her company.

"Participant Tokura moves first," MC Miya announced, tucked away behind his monitors.

FIRST TURN – MISAKI

"Draw," Misaki said, adding the sixth card to those in her grasp. "Ride. Oracle Guardian, Gemini".

A column of power engulfed the standing woman, replacing her with a pair of mechanical dolls, each with four narrow white wings emerging from their spines [POW 8000]. Lozenge Magus retreated a number of steps, positioning herself behind the nude dolls. At the base of the stands, Kamui yelled out in horror and grasped Aichi's arm, burying his face into the teal sleeve of his small jacket.

"W- Wh- What is she doing?!" he stumbled. "Onii-san, don't look".

Aichi's face glowed brighter. He attempted to respond and confirm he had no plans to uncover his eyes, but the sounds that fell out of his mouth were indistinguishable. Kai watched the pair, no reaction to either display happening in front of him, Shin smiled at him sheepishly; it wasn't as though Misaki herself was revealing her body, merely she viewed the battle from the perspective of her unit, but having experienced a fight in the same manner, the pair had fooled themselves.

Ignoring the comments from behind, Misaki shot a cold stare across the battlefield. "Turn end".

SECOND TURN – KURODA

"It's my turn. Draw," the shrouded man laughed, sliding the top card from his deck away and into his hand. His digits moved to another, plucking it and throwing it over the lone card on his field. "Embodiment of Armour, Bahr".

Taking the place of the crimson lizard warrior was the blue-skinned swordsman popular among Kagero players. Grinning with its jagged jaws, the man slashed through the air with his curved blade [POW 8000].

"Bahr attacks Gemini," Kuroda commanded.

Misaki's eyes slid closed. "I won't guard".

"Dive check," the robed man stated, turning over the top card – Dragon Monk, Goku.

A smirk crawled onto the man's face. At the same time, his warrior charged forward, raising its blade above its white hair, throwing it down and producing a glowing cut through the air, connecting with the small bodies hovering in front. The twins cried out in anguish, Misaki paid their voices no heed and transferred a Luck Bird to the Damage Zone.

KURODA - MISAKI
0 -DAMAGE- 1

"Hmph, seems we're off to a good start for a debut match," Kuroda claimed smugly. "That's my turn over".

THIRD TURN – MISAKI

"Draw," Misaki uttered, brushing off the taunt coming from in front. Her stare hardened once it landed on the card she had received, exchanging it for another already in her grip. "Ride, Maiden of Libra".

Another blinding exchange placed an angelic woman in the place of her predecessor; brown wings reaching out from her back with feathers matching the shade of the bandages wrapped around her chest. Transparent cloth fell further, fastened by a belt of purple and further cloth from her arms. The braided hairstyle, initially brunette, dissolved into Misaki's lilac, fixed by bands decorated with orange flowers; in one hand, she carried scales instead of an alternative weapon [POW 9000].

"Call," Misaki added, slamming a trio of cards against the console. "Battle Sisters, Mocha and Cocoa".

The three women who emerged were all clothed in religious robes of black and white. The first sported short blonde hair hanging level with her chin, elven ears protruding the fabric placed over her crown. A pendent hung from her neck; a diamond of steel encasing a bronze design. Tight black shorts clung to the tops of her thighs, leaving a narrow ring of skin exposed above the stretched white stockings and knee-high black boots [POW 8000]. On the opposite of Libra, a replica of the rebellious sister. Behind the first arrival, a third sister leapt into the fray; the white cape hanging from her collar bearing various knives in preparation for battle. Fuchsia hair hung around her neck, a single bang falling across her face. The medallion around her neck sported a crimson centre and the dress in which she was dressed had taken a navy blue shade, slits allowing her legs to slide out easily for movement without exposing more than needed to be [POW 6000].

"Mocha is first to attack," Misaki decided, switching the lonely card onto its side.

"Hm, I'll have to deny you that," Kuroda scoffed confidently, snatching a card and throwing it onto the Guard circle. "Demonic Dragon Madonna, Joka [SLD 5000]".

On the front lines, a purple-skinned behemoth materialized; copper plating crossing over her chest and repeating along her serpentine tail. A crown of curled spikes rested atop her head, an emerald set in the centre and rounded shoulder plates. Her arms grew into immense hands with sword-like fingers, much larger than Bahr's weapon. Nonetheless, Mocha lunged forward and swung at the guardian with a stern kick to her abdomen. The summoned woman shirked and dissolved, her pressure brushed off and deposited into the Drop Zone.

"What is it with these guys and their embarrassing cards?!" Kamui barked.

He had taken to standing on the bench and leaning against the back of Aichi's head, hands pushed against his in case the blue-haired hiding pulled out and chose to watch on. Simply hearing that the string of embarrassing units were still the choice of the players, Aichi's head tilted downwards a fraction more.

"Lozenge Magus boosts Maiden of Libra," Misaki called, reaching forward to the central cards.

"I'll let it through," Kuroda claimed, brimming with confidence.

Misaki picked up the card on top of the deck – Maiden of Libra. The identical Vanguard raised her scales, pooling her energy into the instrument, streams of life power connected her to the sceptre-bearing woman behind [POW 11000]. Once filled to the point of overflowing, the scales radiated a blinding light, converting the surge into a simple beam that seared the air, crashing into the chest of the Kagero soldier and burst out the opposite side. A card tumbled into Kuroda's Drop Zone, igniting once it touched down with a golden aura.

"Heh, a Critical Trigger," he reported. "The power goes to Bahr [POW 13000]".

Misaki removed Lozenge Magus from the field, placing her at the bottom of the deck and shuffled the stack without removing her eyes from the shady man standing ahead. Their demeanours contrasted greatly; despite his limited resources, Kuroda grinned whilst Misaki, who currently held the advantage, remained pokerfaced. She reached forward once more, laying her fingertips against the final standing cards, shifting them into position.

"Cocoa boosts Mocha," she announced.

Again, Kuroda did nothing to shield himself. Cocoa snatched two knives from her robes, tossing them carelessly to Mocha, who managed to snatch them from the air without coming to any harm [POW 14000]. With the weapons in hand, she darted forward, racing across the canyon floor and leapt ahead to the target, whose sword rose as a makeshift barrier. It would serve him no good; the knives plunged into the cracks already left by Libra's assault, driving through the skin of the blue-skinned warrior, who arched his back and yelled. A second card toppled into the Damage Zone – another Demonic Dragon Mage, Rakshasa.

"Tch, another Critical Trigger at this time?" Kuroda scowled.

KURODA - MISAKI
2 -DAMAGE- 1

"Alright, Misaki-san pulled ahead," Kamui cheered, jumping on the bench.

Similar elated calls roared out from the stands above. Misaki straightened her back, clutching her cards inches from her chest and handed over control of the clash to her adversary with slackening shoulders. Kuroda grimaced as he leaned forward, a flash skating across his eyes once he had set his minimal forces up for another round.

FOURTH TURN – KURODA

"Ride, Berserk Dragon," the robed man barked.

A storm crashed onto the surface of the field, eradicating the previous warrior and leaving in his place a ferocious twin-headed dragon, its two jaws snapping hungrily for blood [POW 9000]. Its presence sent a wave of intimidation through the Oracle Think Tank forces, although none of the units were weak enough to show their concerns in the face of the enemy. Cocoa grinned, reaching for the daggers tucked away within her clothing, halted when Maiden of Libra stretched her hand out to the purple-haired sister, signalling for her to desist lest she provoke the enemy's next move.

"Berserk Dragon's Counterblast," Kuroda stated, turning over the twin cards in his Damage Zone. "The Mocha without a unit behind it will be retired".

The two dragon heads halted suddenly, setting their four eyes onto the segregated sister. Libra rotated and reached out for the sister in a futile attempt to rescue her from the punishment about to be delivered. Before her hand could enter the sister's radius, flames burst from enemy lines, engulfing the blonde woman, who shrieked, her form shrouded within the wave of searing heat. Libra gasped, her hand shooting back from the intense heat, sweat streaming down her paled face; helpless to salvage her ally, simply to watch her disintegrate into ash. From Libra's face, Misaki's eyes flickered with terror and disbelief, drifting away from the charred form shrinking from sight amidst the blast, leaving the space empty. The dismissed card fell into the Drop Zone, clearing the nearest column; Misaki's sight rose to the man responsible, his grin restored whilst snatching the central card from his hand and holding it above his head.

"Superior Ride," the man hollered, crashing his card against the console. "Demonic Dragon Berserk, Yaksha".

The ground around the two-headed dragon crumbled, swallowing the flailing creature, lost in the eruption of flames from the opening. Those flames began to take on a life of their own; snaking through their air and began towards the ground, from which they circled vertically several times, creating the new form summoned to the field. Violet scales glimmered under the Sanctuary sun; a black cloth wrapped tightly around what one could presume was the waist, laden with various golden ornaments; two white pieces with crimson eyes giggled from the lavish belt. A sash fell diagonally across the creature's chest, joined on the shoulder by a necklace encircling the tremendous beast's collar. Bracelets jiggled around its wrists, cuffed with tighter braces, while in its hands, the serpentine monster clutched Shamshirs. Brick-red hair grew from the scalp, flowing down its back in the form of a narrow plait, pointed ears keeping the free strands from the beast's face; far from its piercing orange eyes with cat-slit pupils and a fanged tongue hanging from its jagged lips [POW 9000]. The immense shadow cast by its form stretched across the field, shrouding Libra in its dark shape.

'Although he's a Kagero player, this is where his strategy diverts from Kai,' Misaki thought, peering subtly over her shoulder towards the brunette. 'I won't be able to rely on his normal style anymore'.

"Yaksha's skill allows me to ride it if a Rear-Guard from the opponent's field is sent to the Drop Zone ahead of the Battle Phase," Kuroda elaborated.

"A Grade 3," Morikawa hollered with excitement.

"Morikawa! He jumped ahead of her," Izaki cried in disapproval of his classmate's elation.

"Oh no, Misaki-san," Emi whimpered.

The words of the supporters fell onto the ground level, resulting in Kuroda's arrogant surfacing through a sinister snigger. He tore three further cards from his hand, throwing them onto the field one after another to outnumber Misaki's active units. "Call; Heatnail Salamander, Dragon Monk Goku, Demonic Dragon Madonna Joka".

The first summoned was a salamander of charcoal scales, flaming surrounding its rise to the battle, blown away with its tremendous roar emitted immediately after the summoning was completed [POW 6000]. To Yaksha's right, the second stood much taller ally than the reptile; his tanned skin, spiked brown hair rising up with a crown of gold curled plating, a tongue of transparent rose standing out from the leg side. Shoulder pads matching the headgear had connected to the black armour fastened over his torso, plates hung over his groin and hips, a burgundy sash tied around it in place of a belt. Long black boots with golden linings concealed the lower half of the man's legs, joining the bottom of his short trousers. The same combination had been utilized to shield his arms, hands clutching a long golden post with glass ends, buzzing with power racing back and forth within the weapon [POW 10000]. Looming over Goku, the third of the reinforcement was a copy of the guardian summoned briefly during the turn before; the serpentine purple-scaled body with lengthy blades in the place of forearms, rising, her forked tongue slithered around her lips, eager for revenge after the death of her twin [POW 6000].

"Quite the collection, huh?" Kuroda asked cockily. "Now it's about time I show off the power of the Kagero clan; Joka boosts Goku".

Misaki said nothing in defence, allowing the enhanced warrior to leap upon his hovering orange board, circular ends marked with symbols from the Dragon Empire language [POW 16000]. The hovering stand raced across the stage, the rider thrust his lance forward, positioning himself as a jouster about to take on the rapidly approaching enemy. Libra braced herself, but suffered all the same with the lance crashed into her, knocking her onto the gravel flooring of the canyon violently. Misaki removed the top card of her deck, laying it into the Damage Zone, where it ignited with the same aura that had been in Kuroda's twice already.

"Critical Trigger," she declared. "The power goes to Libra [POW 14000]".

"No matter; with a boost from Heatnail Salamander, Yaksha will attack anyway," Kuroda declared smugly.

"No guard," Misaki responded.

The enormous serpentine creature charged forward, its swords bursting to life in the centre of raging flames that suddenly consumed them [POW 15000]. With a hungry glint in its eye, the immense creature's assault quickened, rapidly closing the distance between it and the downed angelic woman. Kuroda reached for his deck with a wide smirk.

"Twin Drive," he announced. "First check". A second copy of Yaksha. "Second check". Berserk Dragon. "No Triggers".

The flaming Shamshirs came crashed down, slicing across Libra's body, extracting an agonized scream with ease. The struck sections melted the skin, leaving behind horrific burns across her abdomen, which the woman wrapped her arms around whilst glaring up at the enemy. Misaki remained stone-faced while transferring Battle Sister, Chocolat to the Drop Zone, placing her behind her adversary once more.

KURODA - MISAKI
2 -DAMAGE- 3

"Heatnail Salamander's skill activates," Kuroda added. "Cocoa is retired".

With a swift pointing in the direction of the purple-haired sister, the man lifted his card from the field. The sister flailed, searching for any means by which to escape, Libra clenched her teeth, squeezing her eyes shut to avoid witnessing anther flaying of her comrades, but there was no such display. Cocoa simply dissolved in an instance, falling into the Drop Zone, followed in departing quickly by the creature responsible. The second card landed atop Kuroda's deck, shuffled into the rest

"Turn end," the cloaked man stated.

FIFTH TURN – MISAKI

"Draw," Misaki sounded, raising her next card and slipping it into the arsenal she held. She exchanged it for another card, raising it above her head. "Hikari o kagayaku utsukushi megami yo! Raido! Shi Ii Oo Amaterasu! [POW 10000]" [1]

The card crashed against the field, intensifying the sun hovering above the Sanctuary stage, enough to blind the Kagero invaders. The goddess descended gracefully; arms outstretched, legs pressed against one another and black hair dyed lilac, placing Misaki within her body. The heels of her boots clipped the earth sharply, sending a pulse racing through the very core of the region, scattering dust that had collected around the Oracle Think Tank army.

"Call," Misaki barked, tossing an additional card onto the field. "Oracle Guardian, Apollon".

To Amaterasu's right; the hybrid of marble statue and steel machine emerged; its head split in half with the two faces melded into one. The left breast opened its mechanic covering, unveiling a glass circle from which a ray of power could be launched, the other clogged with a miniature boulder. Underneath them, the abdomen gaped with a crimson sphere inside the cannon created. From the shoulders, two armoires were stationed; the right filled with miniature rockets, the left a futuristic pad for firing a laser. The upper arms shed their machine casing, the forearms obeyed; their coating fitted with jagged spikes that could tear through any material, the right also fitted with a turret [POW 10000].

"Apollon attacks Yaksha," Misaki snapped, reaching for the card.

"Guard; Berserk Dragon," Kuroda responded quickly, holding up his guardian.

A second two-headed dragon materialized, blocking Apollon's path. Nevertheless, missiles escaped from the cannon atop its shoulder and whistled wildly through the air. They were joined by the blue beam that exploded from the opposite shoulder, each striking one of the heads. As the forces collided, the dragon exploded, ridding the canyon of the late arrival, but also leaving Apollon without the sufficient firepower to tackle its initial target.

"Amaterasu attacks Yaksha," Misaki announced. "Her skill grants her 4000 additional power when there are four or more cards in my hand".

Kuroda glared across the grounds; that was the extra number of cards the woman held, Amaterasu alone would be enough to deal significant damage if she could pull the correct Triggers. He examined his hand briefly, lowering it once deliberating what course of action to take.

"Twin Drive," Misaki uttered, turning her cards – Weather Girl, Milk and Luck Bird. "Critical Trigger; Amaterasu's Critical increases".

A golden aura encased the rising goddess, her default power was enough [POW 14000]. The woman lifted off, resuming her place in the skies and stretched out her arms once more; replicating the pose she had descended in. Behind her, a star gathered the light around, expanding into an enlarged scarlet sphere. After the signal from the goddess, the sphere tumbled forward, crashing into the face of the Sanctuary land and scorching the enemy; its power far too great for even the blazing blades in its clutches. Kuroda grimaced, pulling two cards from his deck and moving them to the opposite edge of his territory; Berserk Dragon and Kimnara, nothing to help turn the tide.

KURODA - MISAKI
4 -DAMAGE- 3

"Yeah, go Misaki-san!" Izaki and Morikawa yelled simultaneously from the stands.

"Beat him good," Reiji roared.

"BH," Eiji yapped immediately afterwards.

Aichi turned his head faintly. "Kamui-kun, if Misaki-san has Amaterasu out, it would be alright to look now, right?" he inquired.

"No way, Onii-san," Kamui yelped, pressing down harder over the boy's eyes, drawing out a whimper from the sudden pressure. "That guy's still got some weird unit out".

"But it's not his Vanguard, is it?" Aichi checked.

"He's right, Kamui-kun. I think it's safe to let him see now," Shin added.

"I'm doing this for Onii-san's sake," Kamui barked, his arms wrapped around the blinded boy's head growing tighter, locking it into place.

Misaki straightened her back; without the power of a Trigger, Mocha lacked the strength do clash swords with Yaksha. She had no alternative but to surrender the battle's control to her opponent once more. Kuroda shifted his cards back to a vertical stance and tore the next from his deck.

SIXTH TURN – KURODA

"Ride – Dragon Monk, Goku," he yelled, dropping the card into place. "And call, Dragon Knight Berger".

The image of the immense draconic serpent at the head of the party distorted, erasing it completely and replacing it with a second projection of Goku. To the opposite side of the newly assigned Vanguard, a second figure emerged from a shower of glimmers gathering together. Standing on the back of a low burgundy dragon, a knight clothed in black armour stood, his cape fluttering in the Cray breeze heroically. In one hand, he clutched a dark sword, its blade consumed by flames, and in the other, a diamond shield of dark red and gold; a cross of the latter colour taking up much of the defensive face [POW 8000].

"Let's get this going," Kuroda suggested, reaching forward. "Dragon Knight, Berger attacks Battle Sister, Mocha".

Misaki remained silent, allowing the attack to proceed. The thin wings of the stout dragon stretched out, carrying both it and the rider from the ground and above enemy territory. Berger swung his sword with a charged cry, unleashing a strip of flames that dove through the air, striking the trembling sister beneath. With a shriek, she vanished, reducing the Oracle Think Tank resistance to merely two Grade 3s.

"The Rear-Guard Goku is next, with a boost from Joka [POW 16000]" Kuroda proclaimed, shifting the named card and ally behind horizontally. "Wipe out Apollon".

There was no protest again from the lilac-haired fighter, freeing the first twin to ride forward. With the same speed it had charged towards Libra with, Goku surged across the field, slamming its lance into the exposed breastplates of the hybrid being. The sphere fitted within the left cracked, exploding and preceded the same collapse occurring across the figure's body. Electrical faults crackled across the body, leading to the explosion that wiped out the last of Misaki's allies. Amaterasu watched with terror in her eyes, body frozen as the scenes made her blood run cold; losing everyone to the vicious flames that enveloped each one. Fire…. Fire all around, stealing the lives of her comrades around and leaving her alone. There was no-one by her side anymore.

"Damn it, that guy got all of her Rear-Guards," Izaki grumbled.

"Yeah, now she's out there on her own," Miwa commented. "If she doesn't have a decent force in her hands, she's going to be struggling from here on".

"Now the last; my Vanguard Goku attacks Amaterasu," Kuroda announced darkly.

"Dream Eater and Luck Bird, guard," Misaki stated in protest, breaking her silence.

She presented the two cards in her right hand stretched above the lone survivor of the assault. The two defenders arrived on the field speedily; an animal modelled largely after an elephant sporting a golden brace around its head, brown hair flowing from the back of the decoration, falling in six braids tied with identical circular bands [SLD 5000] and a golden bird with a sapphire diamond wrapped around its thick neck [SLD 5000].

"If you wish to reach Amaterasu, you'll have to draw two Triggers," Misaki stated calmly.

"Tsk, Twin Drive," the robed man grunted, reaching for his deck and turning over the first. The audience were greeted with a green glow shining from the monitors hanging above the match. Kuroda grinned with delight. "A Heal Trigger; the power goes to the Rear-Guard Goku and I heal one". He quickly deposited the Trigger into his hand, recovering the top card of the column built at the edge of the console. He reached forward with his deck again, eager for a Stand Trigger in order for the boost to be meaningful in any form. His fingertips pressed themselves against the back of the card, twisting his wrist and unveiling an Embodiment of Armour, Bahr. His luck had fallen short. "No Trigger…"

The Vanguard's post crashed against the summoned guardians, removing them from the line of fire, although sapping Goku of his strength, resulting in the board crashing to the ground, tossing the aggressor onto the canyon flooring a short distance of Amaterasu. Aware he was now outmatched, the Kagero warrior scrambled to his feet and stealthily retreated to a safe distance. With no units capable of taking on the sun goddess, Kuroda had no choice but to back down, shooting a venomous stare from the shade of his overhanging hood.

KURODA - MISAKI
3 -DAMAGE- 3

SEVENTH TURN – MISAKI

"Stand and draw," the lilac-haired fighter declared, snatching back control. "Call".

A trio of cards fell onto the field into their assigned places neatly; a second Amaterasu, keeping her sleek black hair, a replacement Maiden of Libra and a new unit for the match: Weather Girl, Milk – a pain haired woman with bright locks flowed down her back. Lilac and violet butterfly wings emerged from the glistening hair, fluttering majestically to keep her hovering inches above the canyon floor. Her slender body was clothed merely in a short cream dress with an orange that emerged only through the slits at the base of the short gown. A ring of cream fabric concealed much of her neck, a small sapphire hanging from it. Bands of gold encircled her crown and wrists, pink high-heeled shoes with small white wings covered her nimble feet and her weapon of choice was a simple wand [POW 7000].

Misaki reached forward, pinning down the Rear-Guard goddess' card. "Amaterasu attacks Dragon Knight, Berger" she announced firmly, twisting the card to confirm the battle.

Kuroda scowled, though made no movement to rescue his doomed warrior. Amaterasu rose above the floor, summoning a much smaller sphere than the one witnessed previously and sent it after the target. Berger grunted and let out a bellow once the collision between forces occurred, dissolving into the air, and the card toppling into the Drop Zone.

"Next, the Vanguard Amaterasu [POW 14000]".

Kuroda grunted, checking his hand; there was nothing to work with – nothing to prevent the assault. But with only two attacks to endure, he would pull through. He would make it until the next round. He lowered the cards in his grasp, shooting an uncomfortable gaze across the field.

"No guard".

"Twin Drive," Misaki uttered, reaching for the deck. Her fingers touched upon the back of the first card, stripping it from the rest and uncovering Oracle Guardian, Apollon. "Second check". She grasped the next, snapping her wrist and throwing it over, when the card shone with a bight golden glow.

"N- No way!" Kuroda gasped.

"Critical Trigger," Misaki affirmed. "Power to Maiden of Libra, Critical to Amaterasu".

The group above cheered with delight over the Trigger's timely arrival; the combination of the Kagero player's reaction and the lack of a shield erected suggested that there was nothing he could do and Misaki had just discovered the final nail in his coffin. Amaterasu rose higher, stretching her arms to their fullest and tilted her head backwards, embracing the winds that swept around her, playing with the lilac locks. Behind her, the miniature star expanded to dwarf those before it. The woman threw her arms forward, launching the immense sphere into the enemy's lines, exploding against the ground and engulfing the Kagero forces in flames far more intense than any they themselves could produce. Kuroda grunted, his hand shakily making its way towards the deck.

"D- Damage check…" he sounded. He lifted the first, met with a blue light. "Stand Trigger; the power goes to the Vanguard [POW 15000]". The card fell into the growing column, followed by another without any light; Flame Seed Salamander and Heatnail Salamander, making a set of 5 damage.

"Milk boosts Libra," Misaki commanded, stretching her neck as she rose to face the enemy directly ahead. "Attack the Vanguard".

Kuroda clenched his teeth; with Milk's donation, he couldn't stand up to the angel's strength. His silence confirmed his lack of defensive power, allowing Misaki and Libra to proceed with their final blow. The winged woman floated upwards, raising the scales in her grasp whilst Milk's energy ran into her veins [POW 21000]. The instrument pulsed with light, unleashing the gathered energy in one burst that burned through the air, crashing into Goku and out his back, searing all in its path.

"Damage check…" the black robed man sighed.

He turned over the card, Wyvern Guard, Barri; there was nothing that could aid him. He had to contend with defeat.

Kuroda squeezed his eyes

KURODA - MISAKI
6 -DAMAGE- 3

FIGHT END

"Winner of the first fight; Tokura Misaki," the referee stationed at the edge of the painted white lines announced, raising his right arm towards the victorious female.

Cries of awe and celebration reverberated from the crowds around. Kuroda slumped at the base of the console, head hanging in shame over having been defeated in the opening match of the round. Misaki collected her cards, clutching them against her chest with eyes set straight ahead. The fingers wrapped around the stack, however, shivered in spite of victory. Kamui's arms shot in the air, yelling with amazement that the team had come out on top, finally restoring Aichi's sight, whose hands fell away from his face. Misaki was on her way back by the time his vision cleared. Shin rose from his bench and approached the young woman, resting a hand on her nearest shoulder, seeming to mutter something discreetly to her. She responded with a faint nod and cast her azure eyes towards the wooden flooring. The shopkeeper paced towards the trio of boys watching from the other bench with a shaky smile.

"Guys, Misaki isn't feeling so great at the moment," he claimed. "I was hoping you would all take the team spaces and allow her to be the substitute for now".

"Misaki-san, is everything alright?" Aichi asked, whipping his sight around to his apparently stricken teammate. "Did you push yourself too hard?"

"Uh… I might have," Misaki sighed. "I'm sorry".

"No, I couldn't ask for you to fight if you're not feeling up for it," Aichi responded quickly. "Don't worry, I'll swap places with you".

"Thanks, Aichi," Misaki mumbled meekly.

"Don't worry, Onii-san," Kamui spoke, jumping down from the bench. "You won't need to fight this round because I'm going to win".

"Spoken like a true champion, Kamui-kun," Reiji chimed.

"TC," Eiji chanted.

"Except he didn't win the Shop Tournament," Morikawa grumbled.

The two youngsters prepared themselves to lunge at the Middle School student but pause for nothing more than the fact that not only was Emi present, but between the two parties. Morikawa grinned smugly, having realized the young Sendou would make an effective shield against the pair. Izaki slinked closer, whispering into his classmate's ear.

"Neither did you though. At least he got past the first round".

"Where do you get off?" Morikawa barked. "You lost in the first match".

"Hey, settle down, you two," Miwa laughed. "We were all matched against those guys and just weren't up to scratch".

"But, Miwa-san, you did really well in your fight," Emi muttered, her hand curled gently against her chin. "You almost won; it could have been you down there".

"Nah," Miwa sounded. "Kai's on a whole different level from us. I was never a match for him, even when we were kids".

Beneath the conversation, Kamui tugged on the orange gloves clinging to his hands whilst marching forward, stepping confidently beside the console and slammed his deck into its proper place, positioning the first Vanguard in the central circle. His adversary – the muscular leader of the team – did the same, smirking darkly at the child half his size.

"Well, this should be interesting," he commented.

"Oh yeah? You think just because you're big and wrapped up in that cloak that you're going to intimidate me?" Kamui growled. "Don't underestimate me just because I'm a kid".

"Well, you've got the right spirit," the man commented.

"The second match of Three Blacks versus Team Quadrifoglio; Kurosaki Laito vs. Katsuragi Kamui," MC Miya announced, his voice bouncing off the walls. "Let's Image. Let's Vanguard!"

"Stand Up, Vanguard!"

FIGHT START
KUROSAKI - KAMUI
0 -DAMAGE- 0

The two starting units materialized on the futuristic Star Gate stage; Battleraizer for Kamui [POW 3000] and, like his teammate, Lizard Runner Undeux [POW 5000]. The referee standing at the edge of the mist raised his arm in Kamui's direction.

"The first move to Team Q4," he boomed.

FIRST TURN – KAMUI

"Guess I'll have to go with it for now," Kamui scoffed, snatching the first card of his deck. "I ride Death Army Guy".

The active machine wobbled on its legs, leaping back into the glowing space from which it had just ejected itself. In the front-line space, the blue-armoured android appeared, clenching its fists and unleashing a low grunt [POW 7000].

"That card normally works with Kamui-kun's Death Army Lady," Aichi murmured. "But he chose it as his Vanguard".

"He probably doesn't have any other Grade 1s he can use," Misaki suggested, folding her arms over her chest.

"Eh?" Aichi sounded with panic.

"Battleraizer's skill moves it to the Rear-Guard," Kamui dictated. "Turn end".

SECOND TURN – KUROSAKI

"Then it moves to my turn," the robed fighter claimed, drawing swiftly from his deck. "I ride Embodiment of Armour, Bahr".

Just as with the preceding match, the scarlet-armoured warrior arrived immediately, wielding his blade with both hands tightly [POW 8000].

"They've all got Kagero decks?" Aichi wondered aloud.

"Although Bahr is a common card for starting, it's not beyond the possible to consider they may have the same build as well," Misaki added. "At least he's seen one in action, that should make things easier on him".

"Call; Flame Seed Salamander," Kurosaki proclaimed, presenting the card between his fingers before placing it in the chosen spot.

Hovering over the shoulder of the Kagero soldier, a trio of flaming salamanders with miniature bodies of brown and cream emerged; grinning with small fangs, sniggering amongst themselves [POW 4000].

"Flame Seed Salamander boosts Bahr," the cloaked man stated, his large fingers pinning down the ends of his cards. "Attack Death Army Guy".

Kamui clenched his jaws; he was puzzled as to why his opponent had called a Stand Trigger – a vital tool for the Nova Grapplers – to fight. Was he low on alternatives? Regardless, Kamui said nothing to the strike and allowed the warrior to storm forward, charged by the power of its sole ally [POW 12000]. Kurosaki revealed his new card – Dragon Monk, Goku; not a Trigger, not that it was required. Bahr unleashed a fearsome yell, cutting through Death Army Guy's chest plating, the victim emitting a strangled cry. Kamui grunted, picking up the top card of his deck – Lion Heat – and transferred it to the other end.

KUROSAKI - KAMUI
0 -DAMAGE- 1

"Flame Seed Salamander's skill," Kurosaki announced, withdrawing the card. "As the unit it boosted was able to hit your Vanguard, but shuffling this into the deck, I gain the power to retire a Grade 0 Rear-Guard. Be gone, Battleraizer".

"What?" Kamui choked.

Bolts of electricity surged from the aluminous flooring, causing a variety of short circuits throughout Battleraizer. The Battleroid groaned and its knees buckled, making it an easy target for the swirling salamanders dancing at the other end of the futuristic space. They launched themselves one after another, joining as one enlarged fireball that soared over Kamui's temporary form and collided with the stricken machine, producing an immense explosion that rocked the building.

The two cards vanished from the field – Battleraizer buried in the Drop Zone and Flame Seed Salamander sneaking back into Kurosaki's deck. The arena had been left bare outside the two Vanguards, as though the previous turns had accomplished nothing for either party.

THIRD TURN – KAMUI

Kamui growled, snatching the next card from his deck. With a faint smirk, he added it to his arsenal, changing it for another, which spun on the tip of his finger above the console.

"I ride Genocide Jack," he yelled, slamming the spinning card against the Vanguard circle.

A spiralling wind climbed up from the neon flooring, wrapping itself around Death Army Guy and replacing him with the enormous lizard-like Nova Grappler with a cannon for its throat and blazing red eyes that could intimidate any adversary [POW 11000]. A low growl emitted from the beast sent a chill through the air, the wave passing through Bahr, though the warrior showed none of the fear he may have possessed.

"Now he can turn that damage to his advantage," Miwa stated. "He won't be behind for long".

"That's right," Reiji cried ecstatically. "Kamui-san is the greatest".

"TG!" Eiji hollered.

"Now I call; Magician Girl, Kirara," Kamui added with a passionate shout.

In the shadow of the behemoth at the head of the field, the red-haired woman made her entrance in the centre of a twister of glimmers. Her clothing was a tight, sapphire piece resembling swimwear coupled with coffee-shaded leggings clinging to her hanging limbs. Fastened to her hips were two large golden stars, like those which tied her twin tails to her pointed hat, a green star engraved into the front. From her rear, a strip of metal protruded, appearing to imitate a charging port. The woman sported a short cream jacket with spherical shoulders, from which her loose sleeves emerged, hanging over her pale sky-blue arm, on clutching her grey wand marked with a star at the tip and a green needle at the other end [POW 9000].

"Jack's Counterblast," Kamui barked, flipping the card in his Damage Zone roughly. "He loses Restraint, freeing him to attack. But first, Kirara".

The female magician raised her arms, stretching the digits from her hands in the direction of the Kagero soldier opposing the pair. The star at the head of her instrument pulsed with energy and shimmered brightly, unleashing a beam of white light that struck Bahr, piercing, its force strong enough to push the resisting soldier's feet back. Kurosaki snapped his wrist, revealing the first card to enter his Damage Zone – Gatling Claw Dragon – and smirked.

"Draw Trigger," he announced. "The power shall strengthen Bahr [POW 13000] and draw. Now he's too much for Jack alone".

"We'll see," Kamui growled. "Jack attacks Bahr".

The eyes of the immense beast blazed, increasing the intimidating power of Jack's presence alone. The beast stepped forward, its massive claws scratching against the smooth Star Gate flooring. Kurosaki maintained his confidence and remained silent, permitting Kamui to snatch his Drive Check and reveal it – a blue aura shimmered from the card, brightening Kamui's face, which expanded with a pleased smirk.

"Alright, Heal Trigger," he yelped happily. "Jack gets the power and I can heal one Damage".

"D- Damn it…" Kurosaki sneered. "Lucky kid".

Consumed by the aura of power flooding in, Jack stretched its neck, raising its head skywards and unleashed a terrifying shriek, the grating sound sweeping through the surrounding area for no-one here [POW 16000]. Kamui thrust his fist forward, punching the air with his target too far for him to reach, but Jack had the strength to cover that distance; the cannon in its mouth fizzed with life and ejected a narrow beam, shooting through the air and into Bahr, striking the same crack Kirara had started.

"Damage check," Kurosaki grunted, unearthing Wyvern Strike, Tejas from his deck.

KUROSAKI - KAMUI
2 -DAMAGE- 0

"Kamui-san's in the lead!" Reiji proclaimed excitedly. "Go, Kamui-san!"

"GKS," Eiji yelled, cupping his hands around his mouth to further project his enthusiastic cry.

"Kirara isn't strong enough to attack," Kamui confessed. "So I'll let you off for now".

FOURTH TURN – KUROSAKI

"Stand and draw," Kurosaki chanted, checking his newest resource. "I ride Berserk Dragon [POW 9000]".

Bahr vanished, leaving his space open for the twin-headed dragon with snapping jaws and piercing yellow eyes that returned to the battlefield, sending chilling stars towards the Nova Grappler duo. Kirara grasped her wand cautiously, tucking her head in between her shoulders and glaring back at the beast, though Jack showed no reaction to the challenging force.

"Berserk Dragon's Counterblast," Kurosaki announced, sliding the two cards at the edge of his field over. "Kirara is retired".

Kamui clenched his jaws, scowling at the robed man whose dragon's heads burned with growing flames contained within their mouths, spilling out and rolling across the field, crashing into Kirara. The small mechanical woman yelped, raising her arms and closing her eyes as though the actions would be enough to protect herself or, at least, lessen the anguish that came with the blaze. Once again, the field was cleared of Rear-Guard, the two survivors glaring venomously at one another for destroying their respective allies.

"Now it's coming…" Izaki mumbled.

"Yeah, if they really do have the same decks, then he's going to skip ahead to Grade 3," Miwa mused in the same downcast tone, clutching his chin. "He knows it's coming but there's nothing he can do it stop it".

"Oh no…" Reiji whimpered.

"ON…" Eiji exhaled faintly.

"Superior Ride," Kurosaki yelled, stretching his arm vertically. "Demonic Dragon Berserker, Yaksha".

Cracks formed across the neon flooring, breaking away for the purple serpentine giant to crash onto the field. Its emergence from the ground culminated with Berserk Dragon's disappearance into a shower of glimmers, scattered across the destruction. Yaksha hissed with its mouth hanging open; its tongue slipping along the jagged teeth inside the grin, orange eyes locked onto its rival [POW 9000].

"Call," the cloaked fighter barked, dropping a trio of cards onto the field around his lone Vanguard. "Dragon Monk, Goku. Heatnail Salamander. Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara".

The silhouettes preceded the arrival of the Kagero reinforcements; the first being the brunette rider clutching a lance with two glass tips, clothed in a combination of black, red and gold [POW 10000]. The next was the charred salamander in the centre of a new blaze [POW 6000] while the third was a unit previously absent from the active line-up. Like the Vanguard, it possessed a wide purple serpentine body, scales of its torso and underbelly lilac while those on top were of an indigo shade. A large golden belt, a black cord connecting a series of dim green skull emblems around the body, the centre of the circular decoration possessing an amber fitted into a burgundy oval. From the golden brace, a plum-shaded cloth hung, lined with yellow edges. A matching hood and cloak hung over the monster's head and spine, a circle of string rested around its head, four scarlet leaves pinned to two of the beads attached to it. Hanging over its chest was another necklace made of flat skulls and rope, three misshapen skulls made the top of its staff; bat-like winds spreading from the central head and tuffs of black hair behind the curled horns of the largest. Bloody eyes gleamed from the shadows of the hood, a stretched tongue wagging about from the bottom of its head [POW 6000].

"Heatnail Salamander boosts Goku," the towering fighter stated, sliding his cards around.

Kamui gave no objection. With its inherited aura, the tanned Kagero figure leapt onto its orange board and skated through the air [POW 16000]. The tips of the post hummed and shone with the donated energy. With a short distance separating the two parties, Goku's board launched itself in the air, tossing the warrior on top well above Jack. With a passionate yell, he allowed gravity to take hold again and drag him down, but not without swinging the pole, striking Jack's mechanic skull. The draconic behemoth roared furiously, Kamui grimaced and removed Cray Soldier from his deck.

"Yaksha attacks next, boosted by Kimnara," Kurosaki added. When Kamui made no effort to defend his targeted Vanguard, the shady man was quick to reach for his deck, stripping it of the top two cards – Wyvern Strike, Tejas and Demonic Dragon Madonna, Joka.

In the Cray arena, Yaksha charged desperately; its predecessor had failed to connect with the opposing leader, however, the window of opportunity had opened up and the path was clear. The long blades its wielded burst into flames, the weapons themselves swiftly becoming red-hot and once they sliced across Jack's chest, they left gaping scars, orange from the intense heat used to inflict the damage. Jack stumbled back, struggling to keep on its feet, Kamui growled and cast his eyes across the damage to his body. His mind wandered backwards to the match before, when Aichi had claimed something had been unusual with the damage Alfred suffered. As a Battleroid, there was no danger of anything tasteless to occur before a young audience. But his mind dwelled; he had seen nothing unusual, but what if it was possible? The boy shook his head furiously; now was not the time to get distracted; his eyes flashed with the resolve to fight on, to push for victory and landed on the shady man.

"What's the matter?" he asked cockily. "Have you surrendered already?"

"No way," Kamui snapped. "Just because you're ahead, don't expect me to back down and run away".

"Big words from someone so small," Kurosaki teased.

"Say that again," Kamui roared. "I dare you".

"Young man, perhaps you should focus on the fight at hand before trying to pick another," the robed fighter scoffed. "I believe you have a Damage check to execute".

"Feh, talking down on me just because you're ahead," Kamui growled. "Damage check".

His hand twirled, revealing Tough Boy was the next to fall before given the opportunity to fight alongside his comrades.

KUROSAKI - KAMUI
2 -DAMAGE- 2

"That will be all for this turn," Kurosaki confirmed.

"Kurosaki has pushed Katsuragi behind once more and eliminated all his Rear-Guards," MC Miya described. "Although Katsuragi was the first to move, Kurosaki has skipped ahead and reached Grade 3 first with devastating results".

"That may be, but I'm still going to win," Kamui barked, shifting his cards vertically.

FIFTH TURN – KAMUI

With a swift swipe, the youngster stripped his deck of the next card, frowning briefly at the golden cube located in the top-right corner of the artwork. He had drawn Shining Lady – a Critical Trigger. Her power would have been infinitely more useful during the next stage of the turn, but there was nothing to be done about it; he could only simply hope that there would be another close to the top, ready to activate at the crucial moment. He slid the card into those pinned between his fingers, eyes rushing to the edge where his signature machine waited.

"Young man, you've become slower and subdued; has the power of the Kagero proven itself too much?" Kurosaki asked slyly.

Kamui clenched his jaws, glaring fiercely at the man. "Shut up!" he barked. "I won't lose to Kagero, never again. I'll show you what I'm made of. I ride Asura Kaiser!"

The card twirled on the tip of his finger, falling onto the glowing central space face-up. A tremor shook the Star Gate stage, a light from the fissure left by Yaksha's invasion stretched towards the ceiling, consuming Jack and eradicating its form, using the leftover energy to form the rounded body of the Nation champion, its various arms waving with their individual weapons poised to strike.

"Kamui-san's ace card," Reiji announced fervently.

"AC," Eiji yapped with the same tone.

Kamui glanced over his shoulder, sharply watching Kai, whose sights were set on the battle; he refused to lose to another Kagero player, especially before winning over the brunette. The man opposite was simply a stepping stone towards that goal; no Kagero player would deter him, he would become the best around once more and topple anyone who threatened that title, be it Kai or any other player. The taunts of the robed man only poured fuel onto his fire, but also stirred his wild rage lingering just beneath the surface – it brought back memories he would rather discard and never recover. His red eyes fell to the remaining cards in his possession, grasping two and launching them around his Vanguard.

"Call," he yelled. "Mr Invincible, Death Army Lady".

The blue-skinned superhero dropped in front above, punching his hips with his immense fists, though grinned nonetheless, emitting heroic laughter with his arrival on the battlefield to rescue Star Gate from the invasion of the Kagero army [POW 10000]. Death Army Lady followed with her slender form, tentacle-like hair wiggling from the back of her skull and eyes flashing blue to signal her readiness to partake in the conflict [POW 9000].

"Death Army Lady attacks Yaksha," Kamui barked.

"I'll let it through," Kurosaki said.

The jets locked onto the woman's back erupted with controlled flames, throwing her across the field. Although she had no backup from her usual partner, she was prepared to fight on, spinning in order to ready her heels for contact. The shoes of the feminine attacker struck Yaksha, the heels sinking into its skin mercilessly, producing an ear-splitting screech from the injured behemoth. Kurosaki peeled away his top card, dropping the Dragonic Vanisher into the lengthening column.

"Asura Kaiser attacks," the young fighter yelled, opening his hand stretching ahead.

"Guard: Demonic Dragon Mage, Rakshasa," Kurosaki protested, presenting the card locked between his fingers and thumb.

The teal Dracoman emerged rapidly on the field, its slim form coiled around a number of times to bolster its defence [SLD 10000]. Kamui reached for his deck, snatching from it twice and revealing Queen of Heart and Death Army Lady. Asura Kaiser pushed on with its attack, flinging itself forward with the multitude of weapons at its disposal swinging violently. Each hacked away at Rakshasa, reducing it to a battered wreck, forced to depart in order to preserve its life.

"Now go, Mr Invincible," Kamui command, pointing at their target.

The near-nude muscular hero took off, soaring through the air with one fist stretched forward, the other burning with collected energy pooled in through his body. In the superhero's path, however, a clone of the immense purple-scaled Dracoman that had appeared during the previous match arrived, blocking the target. Mr Invincible dove regardless, throwing his fist into the abdomen, dispelling its presence immediately. Kamui growled, shooting a frustrated glare to his opponent, who rested the Demonic Dragon Madonna, Joka card in his Drop Zone, having successfully shielded his vulnerable Vanguard.

KUROSAKI - KAMUI
3 -DAMAGE- 2

"Damn it…" the boy grumbled. "Turn end".

Outside the misty veil, the other Q4 members watched discreetly, hesitant to interfere with their present representative's match and provoke his fiery mood. Aichi sank beside Misaki, aware that something was troubling the young player; ordinarily, his aggressive tactics would be enough to break through, but his demeanour was sluggish – matching what the cloaked adversary claimed. The slowing of the lively boy troubled Aichi, anxious over what could have possibly tampered with his usual optimism.

"Kamui-kun…"

SIXTH TURN – KUROSAKI

"Dragon Monk, Goku," Kurosaki barked, his voice booming throughout the Stadium court.

The enormous Dracoman took its leave, mutating into a clone of the Rear-Guard by its side, though with a vaguely darker colour scheme in order to distinguish it as the head of the party rather than its identical colleague [POW 10000]. The left-most column, however, was where Kurosaki's attention was drawn first, snapping the cards into a horizontal stance to initiate battle.

"The Rear-Guard Goku gains a boost from Heatnail Salamander. And with that power, he'll attack Asura Kaiser," he narrated. "Fall prey to the shadows of the Kagero".

Sucking in the energy swirling around it, the first of the twins hopped onto his hovering board, soaring across the battlefield and crossing into enemy territory, grasping his simple weapon firmly [POW 16000]. Kamui growled, rotating his torso so the cards in his possession could cross by the gloved hand looming in front, snatching one of his recent additions. With a fierce swing of the limb, he separated the chosen card, presenting it to the field without laying it onto the Guard circle initially.

"Guard with Shining Lady," he snapped.

The slender feminine form materialized in front of the Nova Grappler champion, bowing before the superior is submission, accepting of her sacrifice in the name of the clan to shield the life of its greatest figure [SLD 10000]. Goku's craft sped forward regardless, the humanoid lunging from its surface and battered the woman with his makeshift weapon, removing her as swiftly as she arrived. The strike, however, left him without sufficient power to tackle the original target and once the vehicle returned, it seized the opportunity to escape before invoking the wrath of the looming Battleroid.

"You escaped once, but twice won't be the case," Kurosaki claimed. "Kimnara grants a boost to Goku, who will also target Asura Kaiser".

The Vanguard hopped aboard his variation of the craft, taking off before its identical partner returned and passed by during the journey to the dangerous ground, armed with Kimnara's offering [POW 16000]. The pair clapped each other's raised palms, handing over responsibility for the assault like a tag-team fight. Kamui grunted, ripping two cards from his hand and slapping them against the extended circle in front.

"Guard: Ring Girl, Clara. Queen of Heart," he barked.

The two mechanical women made their appearance before their leader, sending venomous glares towards the approaching Vanguard; no matter what, they were determined not to allow it through and harm their chances of victory in the clash [SLD 26000].

"Shield of 26000, is it?" Kurosaki mused. "You're trying hard to put up a fight you can't win".

"I'm nowhere near losing," Kamui snapped. "I'm up to Grade 3 as well, so you don't even have that above me. Quit bragging and get on with it".

"Hmph, very well," Kurosaki sounded. "Twin Drive. First check". Embodiment of Armour, Bahr. "Second check". Flame Seed Salamander, shining suddenly with a blue tint. "All effects go to the Rear-Guard Goku; granting me another attack this turn".

"Damn…" Kamui hissed, beads of sweat visible across the edges of his flickering features.

The Vanguard's craft shot up, evading the prepared forces completely and pulled a U-turn, heading back to the safety of its allies. The copy rose to its feet, taking in the energy from the Trigger [POW 15000] and lunged forward, following the path it had taken a moment prior. The copied unit crashed into the wide Battleroid, swinging its lance several times in quick succession, landing numerous blows against the steel skin, threatening to knock it back with the sheer force of its barrage. Kamui reached for his deck, pilling back the top card and dropping it into his Damage Zone, also receiving a blue glow, though less welcome.

KUROSAKI - KAMUI
3 -DAMAGE- 3

"A Stand Trigger, but it's too late," Miwa noted. "If it had come even one card earlier, he could have protected himself against more of those attacks".

"That little brat, what's he doing?" Morikawa grumbled. "Why's he choking?"

"Keep quiet, Lose-Umi!" Reiji snapped.

"LU," Eiji yelled.

"It's Katsumi!" Morikawa protested furiously.

"But right now, Kamui-kun…" Emi muttered, watching the boy with puzzlement. "He doesn't seem like he's at his best. Like something's putting him off. It's not like normal".

The duo shrank in light of the redheaded girl's comment; they couldn't launch a counterargument – partially out of loyalty to Kamui and his feelings for the girl, partially down to their struggling to compile one.

SEVENTH TURN – KAMUI

"Mr Invincible attacks Dragon Monk, Goku," Kamui yelled, setting down the first of his units.

Without any hesitation, the hero sprung into the air, soaring across the arena and diving down towards the target, his cape waving wildly in the breeze kicked up by his Kagero incredible speed. This time, his strike connected with Goku, the force pushing him back across the stolen territory, leaving shallow trails where the flooring had been peeled away. Kurosaki dropped a third copy of the Vanguard's card into the Damage Zone, unfazed by the increase in the chain's length. His confidence bolstered by the successful strike, Kamui reached forward, snapping his Vanguard into the same horizontal position.

"And again," he snapped. "Attack, Asura Kaiser!"

The immense Battleroid marched forward, its arms wiggling with eagerness to chop down another of the opposition's bodies. In its path, meanwhile, the small blazing salamanders that had been placed behind the earlier Vanguard returned on the opposite side, offering themselves as a shield [SLD 10000].

"Twin Drive," the boy barked, snapping his wrist to unveil the first; Fighting Battleship, Prometheus, obscured by its blinding light. "Critical Trigger; all effects go to Death Army Lady [POW 14000]. Second check". The card he turned over wasn't a Trigger, but the Asura Kaiser copy emitted a brightness regardless. "Alright; Asura Kaiser's skill; as I drive checked a Grade 3, a Rear-Guard can stand; I choose Mr Invincible".

"Ah!" Morikawa howled, his hands clasped each other in front while tears streamed down his face. "The wondrous power of Grade 3s!"

Miwa and Izaki laughed with embarrassment, his excitement attracted the attention of the surrounding spectators, drawn to the unusual noise he unleashed at the turn of events. With the guardian eliminated, the path was clear for Death Army Lady, whose jetpack launched her into the air much more roughly than Mr Invincible's take-off. Nonetheless, with a Critical of two, she would be enough to put down the Kagero invaders and clench victory for the team if her attack could connect successfully. Aware of the fact, Kurosaki tore a card from his hand, tossing it out onto the battlefield in desperate defence.

"Wyvern Strike, Tejas," he yelled.

The dragon-back knight clashed his lance with the heeled footwear of the attacker; enough to deter her from further attempts and sent her gliding back to her home territory. Her heels clicked once they touched down, signalling that it was up to the last standing unit. With Kamui's orders projected, Invincible sprung up once again, soaring with the aim of striking down the enemy's leader with two fists surrounded by a fiery aura, symbolizing his heroic spirit and persistence. Nothing appeared to defy his actions and the two collided once again; an explosion consuming the towering body, its dispersing cloud swallowing the Star Gate hero for a matter of seconds before he emerged, laugh booming arrogantly. A fifth card toppled into the Damage Zone; another Demonic Dragon Mage, Rakshasa. Its offering as a Trigger was useless now that each of Kamui's entire team had launched their attacks.

KUROSAKI - KAMUI
5 -DAMAGE- 3

"The match between Kurosaki and Katsuragi has truly heated up," MC Miya reported curiously. "The lead continues to swing back and forth between these thrilling fighters. Which will be the one to seize the glory? Kurosaki has been pushed to 5 Damage, but Katsuragi's turn had come to an end".

EIGHTH TURN – KUROSAKI

"Stand and draw," the robed man boomed, holding up the card he had received. His lips curled into a wicked smirk and his delight overflowed; unleashing a wild laugh of pleasure and anticipation. "This is it; just what I needed to end this".

Kamui flinched from the boast; the others watching over him also displayed their dismay and astonishment that the fighter would proclaim that he had the sufficient means to put an end to Kamui's fight. The red-eyed boy glared across the misty land, sweat trickling down his face.

"No…" he whispered. "I can't lose. Not to another Kagero player. I'm going to beat them all and then that jerk Kai…"

"Call!" Kurosaki yelled, his arm swinging around to steal an additional card from his hand and send the pair crashing into their designated spaces. "Embodiment of Armour, Bahr and Dragonic Vanisher!"

Bahr resumed his place in the battle with a vicious snigger, as though a pre-emptive taunt ahead of Kamui's predicted defeat [POW 8000]. A much larger creature manifested in front; rising with blazing blue eyes glinting with demonic might from the shadows of its carmine helm, opening into wings either side with beige edges. Neon azure plating travelling vertically through the centre of the tremendous dragon's chest, matching the sparkling shade of its curled wings, whose simply flaps sent gales wailing through the Star Gate arena stronger than any storm. Attached to its arms were immense rectangular futuristic cannons; purple with numerous burning slits painting the breaks orange. For a Kagero unit, the beast didn't appear too out of place among the glowing technological surroundings [POW 9000].

"W- What?" Kamui blurted.

"We've never seen that unit before," Aichi muttered, casting a glance towards Kai in the corner of his vision.

"With a boost from Heatnail Salamander, the Rear-Guard Goku attacks first [POW 16000]" Kurosaki commanded loudly, repositioning the two cards.

"Guard," Kamui yelled in response, throwing down his Fighting Battleship, Prometheus.

Goku's frantic charge across the field was brought to an abrupt halt when the shadow of the immense building crawled across the area, its very presence looming over the surrounding area [SLD 10000]. Drops of sweat drenched the humanoid's face as it gazed up at the tremendous shield; even with Salamander's power, it could deal with the building, but it would be left vulnerable and incapable of taking on the Nova Grappler champion afterwards. The board quickly retreated, carrying its rider from the charging structure in panicked retreat.

"The Vanguard Goku attacks, with Kimnara backing it up," Kurosaki hollered.

Kamui tore two further cards from his hand, leaving another pair in his possession and presented the three as his hasty defence. "Death Army Lady, Hungry Dumpty," he cried. His fingertips landed onto the Grade 2 in his Vanguard's shadow. "Death Army Lady intercepts".

The woman leapt from her position, landing gracefully in front of her leader, joined by a replica of herself and the circular alien with a wide grin of fanged teeth and a single enlarged eye.

"With all that, he's got a shield of 26000," Miwa noted to those in front of him, examining the cluttered formation. "It'll take two Triggers for that attack to go through".

"Then Kamui-san should be safe," Reiji chirped with an optimistic smile. "He won't be able to break through that Nova Grappler barrier".

"WBA," Eiji sounded with a nod for each letter.

The group cast their sights to the monitor hanging from the roof of the building, displaying Kurosaki's deck, the man's hand grasping the top and turning it over. Immediately, the card radiated its golden glow.

"Critical Trigger," the man proclaimed with a low tone of glee. "All the effects will go to Goku".

"To his Vanguard?" Izaki yelped. "He doesn't even know if he's going to get another Trigger".

"But he's pinning his bets on it," Miwa muttered grimly. "If he pulls it off, Kamui's got a rough ride ahead of him".

"That means they'll be tied and will have to go for a third match…" Emi added meekly, rotating to seek the blonde's absent warm smile. "Will they be alright?"

"They'll be just fine," Miwa insisted, offering the girl what she sought.

"Second check," Kurosaki spoke, his fingers wrapped around the next. With a fearsome swipe, he forcefully removed the card, holding it a distance from the deck before twisting his wrist and unveiling what was granted. Flame Seed Salamander. His eyes widened and a cackle rumbled from his wide throat. "A Stand Trigger!"

"C- Crap!" Kamui sounded nervously.

"All the power goes to Goku," Kurosaki hollered with ecstasy. "Heatnail Salamander stands".

Unlike his partner, Goku charged forward with the gleeful knowledge that its attack was going to connect. The board sprung from the ground, throwing its rider over the defences set up and granted it passage to the exposed enemy. The tips of the post in its grasp glowed brightly, crackling with all the additional power pooled into the instrument [POW 26000]. Asura Kaiser launched its weapons in a panicked counterattack, each failing to prevent the aggressor, who swiftly dodged each and was upon the Battleroid before Kamui knew it. Through the machine, he gaped at the descending unit, struck by its makeshift weapon, the shock sent shockwaves through the ground and circuits across the immense machine into a frenzy, bolts of electricity surging across its trembling body.

"D- Damage check…" the boy grunted faintly, peeling away the two cards and dropping them into the Damage Zone: Tough Boy and Asura Kaiser.

"Well, it was fun while it lasted," Kurosaki scoffed confidently. "Bahr boosts Dragonic Vanisher. Vanisher's skill activates – as I've more Rear-Guards than the opponent, it gains an additional 3000 power. Vanishing Ray!"

Energy surged around the growling dragon, donating every ounce that the Kagero collection had to offer for the potentially final strike [POW 20000]. Kamui's jaws clenched tightly, his eyes falling onto his hand: Asura Kaiser and Mr Invincible; the same as his field, both unable to guard. There was nothing he could do to prevent the onslaught and nothing to evade defeat unless a Heal Trigger was at the top of his deck. Sweat trickled down his face; he could feel Kai's stare latched onto him, reminding himself over and over of his goal to defeat anyone that stood in his way before he could have a rematch with the brunette. But he was to fall at the first hurdle, and against a Kagero deck, no less. His eyes shut themselves, unable to bear witness to what was to follow.

"No guard…" he confessed bitterly.

Aichi's eyes inched wider; he had never seen Kamui so distressed, backed so far into a corner that there was no hope of escaping. It was surreal to see the overbearing boy brought down with crushing might, essentially bowing before his adversary. The attacking dragon unleashed a tremendous roar and raised its arms, locking the cannons onto the exposed Vanguard and let loose the scarlet lasers. They crashed into Asura Kaiser's body, stripping away its armour slowly; a slow and painful defeat. Kamui sounded his disappointment through his gritted teeth, slowly reaching for his deck. His mind's eye envisioned Kai's bland expression, Aichi's guilty face after his previous defeat, Misaki's paled form following her fight. They had been depending on him. His hand fell onto the deck heavily, dragging away the card and checked it. Battleraizer fell into the Damage Zone.

KUROSAKI - KAMUI
5 -DAMAGE- 6

FIGHT END

"Winner of the second match: Three Blacks, Kurosaki Laito," the referee stationed at the edge of the field announced, his arm shooting in the direction of the robed man.

The mist dispersed and the field cleared. Kamui's head hung while he collected his cards and turned away from the field, limping back to his team. Aichi stepped forward, meekly advancing towards the defeated youngster.

"Kamui-kun, are you alright?" he asked, a hand inching upwards and towards the boy's shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Onii-san…" Kamui mumbled. "I tried but he got the better of me".

Aichi's eyes narrowed solemnly; Kamui's distraught state troubled him, it dawned on him how his earlier reflection had sent the boy's mind racing with all kinds of concerns. Shin rose from the bench and paced towards the pair, laying a hand onto Kamui's shoulder before Aichi's had made it.

"Don't worry, Kamui-kun," he chirped. "We've got a win, as long as we can make it two, we'll get through".

Aichi's sight shifted to the robed trio at the other end of the field and then around to Kai, who remained seated, tugging on the burgundy Fighting Gloves in preparation. If he was to go up, the final member of the rival team wouldn't stand a chance, but what of Kai's opinion of him? If it was a Kagero deck, it was a clan Aichi had experience fighting, and it would reflect far better than his sitting back and watching. Kai would never accept the rematch if he stood back and allowed the brunette to carry the team whenever they stumbled; he would never grow strong enough to earn his approval that way. His eyebrows sank, touching his sockets with an expression of firm resolution and returned sharply to the pair in front of him.

"Manager, please, I want to make up for earlier," he yelped.

"Aichi!" Morikawa's voice howled from the stands. Aichi, Shin and Kamui averted their attention to the audience where the spiky-haired student leaned over the edge. "What are you gonna do? You've got to win, damn it".

Aichi responded with a nod; not the most confident, but more so than his recent. Beside Kai, Misaki couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt; based on what she had heard of the opening match, Aichi's self-esteem was fragile at best and the loss had done nothing but threaten to destroy it alright, yet she had requested to fall back and watch from afar. Kai was ready to step up, but as his actions had been about impressing the brunette, she could identify his desperate attempt to show off how he had progressed since the Shop Tournament with a glimmer of hope having faced Kageros before. Izaki pulled Morikawa back before he toppled over the edge, watched by the embarrassed stared of Eiji and Reiji. But Miwa and Emi were watching; wishing him luck without words. It wasn't just Kai, there was Emi and his mother – he wished to prove that Vanguard had changed him for the better. And himself, he had to prove to himself that he wasn't simply lying in a vain attempt at trying to get closer to Kai. To prove he had actually grown up some. He pulled the deck case from his pocket and clutched it preciously, gazing at the tip of Blaster Blade's card resting on top. He had failed the knight and his allies before, but he had experienced the Motion Figure System, the Fighting Gloves and the images ripped from the players' minds.

"Please, Manager," he pleaded. "I know that I'm nowhere near as strong as Kai-kun, but I don't want to hide away anymore. It's not fair for everyone else to carry the weight of the team, allow me to do my part".

Shin's thin lips curled into a pleasant smile; his pride in the boy spiked. He had been hoping dragging the quartet together would strength their ties and discover more about themselves; that seemed, in part, to be occurring even in the early stages. "Alright then, Aichi-kun" he responded. "We'll leave it to you".

Aichi nodded with a smile. "I'll do my best" he insisted. He rotated to Kai and Misaki; the latter also nodded, accepting the choice for responsibilities to fall onto the blue-haired boy's shoulders, while Kai wore the same unreadable expression. Presumably, he, too, was fine with the arrangements; there was no argument that, for the team's sake, he should retain his place in the final match.

"Get them, Onii-san," Kamui requested, clenching his hands into small fists. "Show them what we're really made of".

"Yeah," Aichi answered. "I'll make up for what's happened so far".

The two exchanged placed; Kamui following Shin back to the bench and Aichi marching towards the field. Above the scene, Emi smiled meekly at the back of her brother moving ahead.

"Aichi…" she uttered.

The brother arrived in front of the console, laying his deck down in its rightful place, followed by his adversary; the smallest of the cloaked trio. The room hummed from the speakers fitted across it vibrating and projecting MC Miya's voice once more to the audience.

"The final match between Three Blacks and Team Q4 is about to begin," he announced. "Each team has one win, meaning this is the decider; Kurosawa Hikaru vs. Sendou Aichi".

"Hm, are you sure it's best you be back on the battlefield so soon?" Kurosawa inquired slyly. Drops of sweat clung to Aichi's brow; the team had seen Q4's last match. "It was quite the display, I must admit. You really know how to play the part of a fighter, but your nerves just got the better of you. Have you given up and come back for another beating?"

"That's not it," Aichi protested meekly. "I- I'm fighting so that we can move forward. So that I can make up for having lost in the last round. I won't let down Kai-kun, Kamui-kun and Misaki-san again. This time, I intend to fight with everything rather than let myself get overwhelmed; against a Kagero, I know how to fight. I'm not going to run away or roll over and take anymore beatings. I'll fight!"

Izaki smiled, leaning forward with an enthusiastic glimmer in his eyes. Miwa smirked at the brunette's absorption into the blue-haired fighter's speech and leaned back, folding his arms loosely over his chest; confidently laying his trust onto the youngster.

"Stand Up, Vanguard!"

FIGHT START
KUROSAWA - AICHI
0 -DAMAGE- 0

Barcgal returned to the field, but the unit opposite wasn't the expected Lizard Runner; in fact, it looked nothing like a Kagero soldier. In its place stood an steel android dressed in a blue tracksuit jumper, marked down the centre with a scarlet zip and white rectangular spaces over its hips and plain white trousers. Atop its head, the figure sported a navy-blue cap with a white front bearing the emblem of a horned skull overlapping with wings and in its left hand rested a tablet device [POW 5000].

"Oh! A surprising turn of events," MC Miya informed. "After two matches of almost identical decks, Three Blacks have changed their plan to using Spike Brothers".

"S- Spike Brothers?" Aichi gasped. "It's not Kagero?"

"We aren't simple," Kurosawa chortled coldly. "Our line-up was planned with throwing our opponents off once the third match started and they had been led to believe we all played Kagero. You walked straight into it".

"This isn't good," Kamui grunted. "Onii-san hasn't played against a Spike Brothers deck before. And this shock's going to throw him off; he'll be as nervous as last time and won't focus. Those jerks…"

"The first move is Q4's," the suited referee announced.

FIRST TURN – AICHI

"Draw…" Aichi sounded faintly, stripping the first card and adding it to his arsenal. "Ride; Little Sage, Marron".

The young mage manifested ahead of Barcgal, taking the leading position, clutching the book in his hands tightly. His smooth blonde hair was nowhere to be seen, adopting Aichi's blue, his eyes behind his spectacles also taken from the fighter [POW 8000].

'I don't have any idea how the Spike Brothers work, am I going to stand any chance against them with that kind of disadvantage?' Aichi wondered, eyeing the steel man opposite. 'No… he knows about the Royal Paladins, he saw the way I played before. This was a mistake; I should have just left the fight to Kai-kun and guaranteed we get through. I'm going to cost us the match and waste everyone's hard work'.

From the bench, Kai uttered a discreet grunt, just about enough for Misaki to detect, drawing her eyes to their corners where he watched. "He's gotten himself all stressed by nonsense again," he mumbled.

She returned her sight to the battle ahead, troubled by Aichi's frail state; if he couldn't pull himself together, he would only make the experience worse and pile more blame onto himself. He had to adapt in order to survive on the battlefield – for his sake as much as for the team's. From the other bench, Shin's face remained plain; though he was concerned, he didn't doubt placing his hopes in the boy; he had struggled in the past and bounced back. Surely he would do it again.

'Why are you worried?' he asked mutely. 'That deck is important; you chose it yourself. If you believe in it, that's all you have to do right now'.

SECOND TURN – KUROSAWA

"Ride," Kurosawa barked, throwing down the card he grasped in between his right-hand fingers. "Commander Garry Gannon".

The steel man jogged back, leaving the Vanguard position open for the pink-skinned being that rose from the glow across the United Sanctuary canyon flooring, dressed in a tight black leather attire, clutching a device with a transparent screen in one hand, while the other, wrapped in a crimson glove, hung empty. Pale lilac hair spiked from the back of the creature's head, tucked behind its pointed ears and two horns that stood from the top of its skull; narrow orange eyes glinted menacingly and its lips spread apart, grinning darkly [POW 6000].

"Mecha Trainer moves to the Rear-Guard," the robed man declared, plucking a second card from his hand and slamming it against the console. "Call, Dudley Dan".

The new monster was equally hideous; a grey-skinned figure wearing a sports uniform of padded white trousers tucked into fuchsia pads wrapped around its calves, each with a wheel half-encased in the same material. The shirt was of a navy shade, the collar and shoulders brightened with spiked orange patterning. Three spikes burst from each enlarged shoulder, the same shade as the kneepads and deadly gloves over its forearms. In its left hand, the creature grasped a jagged helmet of black with flames painted onto the front, pink eyes marked and the jaw of gold hanging from a spiked shape attached to each side, creating four metal fangs. The creature's natural face bore red eyes with darkened patches beneath, a wide demonic mouth and an amethyst implanted into its brow, set in the centre of two horns that curled from its skull above its spiked ears, pierced by dangling earrings [POW 4000].

"Dudley Dan boosts Garry Gannon; targeting Marron," Kurosawa yelled. The robed man reached for his deck immediately, revealing the card, Cheerful Lynx, emitting a scarlet light. "Draw Trigger. Power to Garry Gannon and I draw".

Marron flinched when his enemy was upon him, crying out as he was struck before he was even aware of what was happening. Aichi grunted, pulling Gigantic Charger from his deck and moving it to the opposite edge of the machine.

KUROSAWA - AICHI
0 -DAMAGE- 1

"Hmph, that's all for this turn," Kurosawa smugly confirmed, straightening himself behind the console.

THIRD TURN – AICHI

Aichi removed from his deck Elaine, adding her to the group in his hand nervously. With her present, that reduced his chances of being rescued by the pale woman should he need her assistance in a futile battle. By Elaine's early arrival was the least of his problems; the grotesque armada had his stomach churning. He had no idea how they worked, what kinds of strategies they benefitted most from.

'I can't do it,' he cried inwardly. 'I can't see how he's going to play, what he's going to target' his eyes fell to the cards in his grasp. Among them were some of his most common plays; including the white knight whom he admired. 'I'll just have to fight with my usual style, it's the only option open'.

He snatched the card, snapping his right arm out to the side and flinging it back in order to summon the fearless man to his rightful place, the console shuddered under the force of the ride.

"Tachiagare, boku no bunshin! Raido! Burasuta Bureido!" [2]

Marron craned his neck back and sealed his eyes close, releasing himself in order to make way for his idol; the white knight whose face's right half was obscured by the blue hair protruding his helm. The man arched his back, thrusting the sword from which he was named ahead in a stance ready for attack [POW 9000].

"Call; Knight of the Harp, Tristan, Starlight Unicorn and Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine," the boy added, launching each of the cards into their designated spaces.

The trio of the silver-haired soldier [POW 8000], rainbow-mane stallion [POW 6000] and pale woman with flowing spring green hair [POW 5000] swiftly arrived around their leader, poised ready for their collected assault on the intimidating monsters stationed on the opposite end of the battleground. Aichi stretched his neck once his sight lifted from the field, locking onto the shady man's just visible beneath his overarching hood.

"Starlight Unicorn's skill grants Tristan 2000 additional power," he stated, fingertips landing on the latter card, quickly shifting it to initiate battle. "Tristan attacks the Vanguard".

Kurosawa grinned, snatching a card from his hand and presenting it to the field immediately. "Guard with Cheerful Lynx".

"He's guarding against the first attack?" Aichi gasped, eyes growing wider.

The barrier materialized in the form of an armoured humanoid figure bearing a purple feline's head, grinning in spite of its sacrifice. Tristan launched forward, his silver blade gleaming under the Cray sunlight and penetrated the defender. A high-pitched squeal left the feline figure, vanishing only once the knight removed his blade from its standing corpse. Aichi was quick to move on, determined to deal as much damage as possible before his opponent could take the reins of the fight.

"Blaster Blade attacks, with a boost from Elaine," he declared. No sudden movements from the opponent meant he was fine to proceed, flicking the top card of his deck; a Flogal that glimmered once revealed. "Stand Trigger; all effects go to Tristan".

The white knight launched himself forward with a yell, guided by the gentle woman's offering [POW 14000]. He charged majestically across the field, throwing his right arm and sword forward, cutting deep into the leather-clad ogre body. Kurosawa retained his smirk, removing his first damage and laying it in the designated column – Highspeed Brakki.

"Tristan attacks once again," Aichi commanded.

The knight charged ahead, eager to land a blow after his failed attempt seconds before. There was nothing to block his path this time and three slashes of his sword connected with the enemy's current figurehead, letting out a raspy yell. A second card landed in the Damage Zone, igniting with the same brightness as its partner in the Drop Zone. Kurosawa smirked, removing the next card from his deck and adding it to his hand, rescuing it from the fate of the previous two before it.

KUROSAWA - AICHI
2 -DAMAGE- 1

"Power of the Trigger will be applied to the Vanguard [POW 11000]".

Aichi grimaced; that made his Vanguard too strong for Starlight Unicorn and Barcgal's teamwork; they would simply have to wait for their opportunity to strike. And without any other units to attack, he would have to relinquish control to the cloaked man and his mysterious force. Beads of sweat slipped down Aichi's face, his throat tight as he faced the inevitable.

"Turn end," he reluctantly sounded.

FOURTH TURN – KUROSAWA

"Draw," Kurosawa said, exchanging the new card for another already in his grasp, which fell onto the field. "Ride; Highspeed Brakki".

A slender form materialized, its chest balancing a spherical breastplate of violet, turquoise shields slotted into the rounded face, each with three scarlet circle, glinting under the outside brightness. Five spikes of the same ominous shade protruded the inflated shoulders, from which narrow arms hung, protected by turquoise extensions to the violet gloves over its hands, exposing only the fingers. A perpetual grin was on the creature's face underneath its blue nose and sharp eyes, long rabbit-like ears hanging behind. Its legs were shielded only by wide knee-high boots with flat bases, somehow managing to stay attached to its form [POW 9000]. In the creature's left hand, it held an oval silver ball, resembling that from some sports game, though Aichi had never been very knowledgeable regarding them.

"That's not all. Call – Treasured Black Panther," Kurosawa exclaimed. "And another Highspeed Brakki".

A copy of the new Vanguard emerged to one side, while on the other was the unseen unit. As its name indicated, the beast was a black panther balanced on its hind legs, supported by a thick suit of grey armour, orange accents across its various plates. Spikes curled from the tall shoulder pads, gleaming venomously, while five claws from the ends of the hands did the same, supported by two orange blades parted from the armoured gloves. Tucked under its right arm, the beast also held an oval ball, marked with numerous spikes glaring with the same murderous intent as the animal's blank yellow eyes [POW 10000].

"The Rear-Guard Brakki moves first. With Mecha Trainer's support, he attacks Blaster Blade," Kurosawa declared, his fingers landing on the card. "Furthermore, with his Soul Blast, he gains an extra 5000 power for the battle".

Garry Gannon emerged from the Soul, banished to the Drop Zone. The swift player set its ball onto the ground, crouching in preparation to charge and dashed with such incredible speed that Blaster Blade failed to detect its path of attack [POW 19000]. The violet figure flashed back into his sight mere feet ahead, leaving it far too late for the knight to dodge. Its spiked shoulder drove at the knight, piercing through his blue bodysuit and flesh, the force of the crash throwing him back with a cry. The knight kept himself upright by planting the tip of his sword into the ground and stumbled backwards, hunched and balancing on one knee when he had come to a halt and pressed a hand over the wound. Elaine hovered nearer, laying her hands onto the knight's arm and mouthing mute words of distress at his condition. A copy of Tristan's card tumbled into the Damage Zone.

"Black Panther moves to strike. Go, target the Vanguard," Kurosawa yelled, aiming at the downed knight.

"Tristan intercepts," Aichi barked, hastily moving the ally to shield his recovering avatar.

The silver-haired knight darted into the path of the charging feline, meeting with the spiked ball in its clutches and steel claws from the other hand. Between them, they shredded the upper layers of Tristan's armour, breaking through after a moment of furious slashing, causing the knight great distress. Blaster Blade watched the scene from behind, struggling to push himself back onto his feet, Elaine cowering behind him. Tristan vanished, leaving the path between the two Vanguards open and the opposition still free to attack.

"Brakki attacks, with a boost from Dudley Dan," Kurosawa laughed. Aichi clenched his jaws; he couldn't use too many of his cards straight away defending his treasured knight. Checking over those at his disposal, he lowered them and glared ahead through the avatar, who picked himself up and returned to the spot where he had been initially summoned.

"Drive check," Kurosawa uttered, flipping over his card, meeting a golden light. "Here it is; a Critical Trigger".

"Oh no," Aichi whimpered.

Inheriting the strength of his ally and the Trigger, Brakki launched himself forward, following the same procedure as his counterpart, his blinding speed putting him on the Royal Paladins' territory before Blaster Blade had even readied himself [POW 18000]. The violet aggressor returned to sight; Blaster Blade lowered his weapon before where the copy had struck, shielding his exposed abdomen. Brakki's right hand shot forward, grasping the hair hanging from the knight's helmet and pulling roughly on it, dragging the knight into an unwilling bow. With his opponent seized, Brakki's shoulder crashed into the side of his head and shoulder, producing various cracks in his armour. Through his avatar, Aichi cried out from the shock of the blow, helpless to prevent Blaster Blade crashing against the floor, sword clattering against the earth. Elaine hovered in place, clasping her hands over her mouth in horror at the damage inflicted.

"Damage check…" Aichi uttered, laying Llew and Tristan to rest.

KUROSAWA - AICHI
2 -DAMAGE- 4

"With astounding power, Kurosawa has pushed Sendou to 4 damage already," MC Miya hollered into his microphone, craning his neck to view the battle between the two monitors with information on both games occurring at the time. "Q4 are being pushed into a desperate corner by the twist that their opponents have pulled".

"Aichi! What're you doing?" Morikawa howled. "He's letting that guy walk all over him".

"It's not like he wants this to happen," Izaki sighed.

"Spike Brothers are a tricky clan," Miwa added. "From what I've seen, not many people play them, although there are plenty of cards out there to build all sorts of aggressive decks. That's what he's got".

"Tch," Morikawa scowled. "Those guys hid this kind of deck to lure Aichi into a trap… He won't stand a chance. Damn it".

Emi let loose a gasp, her head snapping around to her brother's classmates with terror flickering in her large eyes. "You mean Aichi's going to lose?"

Izaki, Reiji and Eiji dove onto Morikawa, wrestling to keep him quiet, although the dog pile did do anything to ease Emi's concerns. Miwa leaned forward, grasping his nearer knee with his hand in order to safely loom closer.

"Don't you worry, Aichi'll be fine," he claimed. "Lose-Umi here is just pessimistic because he sucks at the game".

"Lose-Umi!" Reiji chanted. "Lose-Umi!"

"LU," Eiji sang.

FIFTH TURN – AICHI

Aichi slid the top card of his deck away, turning it over to find the image of Alfred atop his flaming stallion. Ordinarily, the epitaph of power and teamwork would bring him nothing buy relief and hope. This time, however, it sent a shiver down his spine; was he supposed to ride the recovering king? What about the horrendous damage he had suffered before? Was he going to face that same judgment again as punishment for facing a clan he knew nothing about? The very memory that haunted him recycled itself in his mind over, like a warning, it reminded him of how chilling the experience had been,

Violent Vespa threw its arm forward, barrel of the cannon ablaze and ready to launch. Through Alfred, Aichi's eyes widened, staring in fear as the creature dove towards him, its reflection growing larger within the replicated azure eyes.

Aichi's eyes squeezed themselves closed tightly, shaking his head to quickly shake the memory from the forefront of his mind. Now was not the time to get distracted by fear, he reached for the cards gathered in his hand, snatching the central and throwing it onto the Vanguard circle.

"Boku ni chikara o! Kedakaki hokoro no shiroki tsubasa! Raido! Kokou no kishi, Gansuroddo!" [3]

The silver-armoured knight with the remainder of his body covered by a dark blue bodysuit similar to Blaster Blade swooped in aboard his winged steed, its white-feathered wings spread to their fullest. The dark cape with scarlet material inside expanded whilst the pair descended. The white stallion also bore silver armour with azure gems implanted into its headgear and the brace around its neck. Blaster Blade held up his sword, relinquishing his position at the head of the party for the new arrival, his body vanishing into streams of light that encircled the man as his partner. The helm fitted over the man's head bore a Pegasus from the top modelled after his companion, the greyed hair flowing from the base shifted to blue, the wing of Aichi's hair sprouting from the right side of the front [POW 9000].

"Call; Alfred, Marron," Aichi added, placing the cards down.

The two units manifested simultaneously; the king aboard his flaming stallion, which balanced on its hind legs, the front waving in circles [POW 10000]. Behind the tail of the animal, the blonde mage appeared once more, taking on his default appearance [POW 8000].

"Gancelot's skill," Aichi dictated, turning over the first half in his Damage Zone. "As Blaster Blade is in the Soul, Gancelot gains 5000 power and one extra Critical".

"Taking all that damage came in handy," Izaki called. "Go on, Aichi".

"Get revenge for Kamui-san," Reiji yelled in between his hands raised.

"GR," Eiji demanded.

"They may be behind, but Q4 are certainly not out," MC Miya reported. "Sendou is making the most of his situation, but is it going to be enough to turn things around?"

"Barcgal boosts Starlight Unicorn," Aichi commanded, switching the pair horizontally. "Attack Black Panther".

The miniature steed let loose a fervent neigh before charging ahead, the power from Barcgal lacing its body throughout the charge [POW 10000]. Nothing appeared in defence, the small white horse crashed into the enemy, eradicating it from the field with a violent tackle. The card slipped into the Drop Zone, its departure welcomed by the Q4 supporters.

"Elaine supports Gancelot; attack the Vanguard".

"Guard with Sonic Breaker and Cheerful Lynx," Kurosawa protested, holding the two cards up.

Elaine's aura remained with Gancelot and his winged companion. Gancelot tugged on the reins, commanding it forward with a yell, the Pegasus obeyed and galloped forward swiftly[POW 19000]. In their path, however, a second armour-clad feline soldier and another humanoid confined within black and scarlet armour, clutching another spiked ball [SLD 24000]. As a team, they were enough to withstand Gancelot's enhanced power, but only be a small margin.

"Twin Drive," Aichi announced, reaching for his deck. The stack glowed furiously once the top layer was removed – Elaine had come once more. "Heal Trigger; I'll heal and give the power to Gancelot".

"D- Damn…" Kurosawa hissed.

"That makes Gancelot strong enough to break through," Miwa stated with a smirk. "He's doing more than hanging in there; he's forgetting all the things bugging him and fighting the way he needs to be".

The statement reassured Emi, who turned back to the match with a bright smile, finally convinced that Vanguard had been beneficial for her brother; he had become much stronger, far more confident than she had ever seen him.

"Second check," the boy uttered, twisting his wrist and unleashing another ray of light from a card depicting the pink Hi-Beast, Flogal. "Stand Trigger. Power to Alfred. Barcgal stands".

The canine with a sword locked between its jaws straightened its back while the new aura encircled the horseback king, bolstering his already formidable power [POW 15000]. Gancelot's steed spread its wings, taking off from the ground and hovering well above the Spike Brother pack [POW 24000]. Unsheathing his sword, the knight commanded the steed down, striking the sports playing Vanguard diagonally across the chest, inflicting heavy damage to the breastplate. Kurosawa grimaced, losing Unite Attacker and Dudley Dan to the Drop Zone.

"With a boost from Marron, Alfred attacks," Aichi commanded, stretching his right arm forward.

The king followed Gancelot's movements to instruct his stallion forward. The horse led a furious charge, powered by Marron's spell, energy surging from the book in his grasp and the king wielded his Great Sword at the end of an outstretched arm [POW 23000]. The horse's hooves dug into the canyon floor, throwing itself ahead and past the leading unit, allowing Alfred to unleash his burning sword, cutting through the Vanguard with tremendous strength, enough to floor the violet-coated Spike Brother. Kurosawa sneered, pulling another card and dropping it at the opposite end of the baseless table.

KUROSAWA - AICHI
5 -DAMAGE- 3

"What a turnaround!" MC Miya hollered. "Sendou recovers one damage himself and pushes his opponent all the way to 5 damage. Q4 now teeter on the edge of proceeding to the next round!"

"Onii-san!" Kamui cried from behind, his fists clenched with hope for victory.

"Way'd a go, Aichi," Izaki cheered.

"You show him how those Grade 3s do things," Morikawa added, stretching his arms diagonally.

"My turn is over," Aichi declared once Alfred had returned to Gancelot's side, examining the state of the enemy lines from afar over his shoulder, the head of his horse pointed towards the silver knight and his white vehicle.

SIXTH TURN – KUROSAWA

"Don't get cocky because you're ahead. It's luck, but now I'll show you what the Spike Brothers can do," Kurosawa growled, pulling away the left-most card in his possession. "Ride! Unite Attacker!"

The central Brakki vanished into the centre of a twister, from which muscular grey arms emerged. Blood-red shoulder pads clamped down, silver spikes glinting ominously though the majority of the torso remained bare. Blue trousers with yelled accents travelling vertically up the legs covered the lower half, tucked into steel ankle braces leading to blue and crimson shoes. The large right hand grasped the base of a rectangular cannon; a futuristic device of navy blue with orange rings around the circular top and rectangle hanging from the pointed needle. A rounded helmet of black with a yellow stripe sprouted deadly spikes like those from the left shoulder. Just to intimidate his competition, the ogre's chest bulged, exploding into monstrous yelling [POW 10000].

"Unite Attacker's skill; Soul Charge," Kurosawa commented, sliding the top card of his deck into the stack beneath his new Vanguard. "I call Sky Diver".

The second Grade 3 to storm onto the Spike Brother field also possessed grey skin; although metallic rather than flesh. Scarlet painted over the shoulders and hips were linked by a series of green arms across the chest, black trousers concealed the thighs of the red machine, turquoise lines vertically travelling along. Its face also bore the lighter shade, held by black cords wrapped around the neck, binding the body and its trio of boosters together. Wings stood diagonally from the exhausts for maximum thrust, each with three missiles clinging to them [POW 10000].

"Mecha Trainer's Counterblast," Kurosawa announced, turning over the top face-up card in his extended column. "By retiring it, I can search my deck for a Grade 1 Spike Brother and call it".

The shady man removed the original Vanguard card reduced to a supporter and dropped it into the pile situated beneath his deck, which he seized and fanned open, He grasped one close to the middle and laid it face-down at the bottom of the console, shuffling the deck and returning it to its rightful place.

"I call Wonder Boy and Dudley Dan," the cloaked man shouted, tossing the duo into the empty spaces.

The initial unit resembled a rugby player, donning a sleeveless green shirt with a white eight painted on the front, grey shoulders each with three spikes standing out. A blue held fastened the lime trousers attached to the bottom fabric matching the man's shirt. Silver braces were wrapped around his calves, sinking into his dark olive shoes. Hanging from the black-gloved hands, am oval ball with eight bronze spikes standing up. The eyes behind the clear visor fitted into the green helmet with an iron rectangle curling out from the front were narrow, coupled with a confident smirk [POW 8000]. A replica of the horned demonic being situated behind the brawny Vanguard followed [POW 4000].

"It's time we dethroned the king again," Kurosawa proclaimed, throwing his right arm forward. "Dudley Dan boosts Unite Attacker. Take down Gancelot!"The muscular Vanguard raised his immense arms, clutching the ray gun with both hands, aiming at the central unit directly opposite. The blue-haired horseback knight narrowed his eyes, sending an icy glare at the attacking party. Aichi took a sharp intake of air, snatching Flogal's card from his hand and holding it up as a barrier.

"Guard," he barked.

The small feminine hound manifested in front of Gancelot's Pegasus, showing none of the fierceness Wingal would exert to make himself seem threatening, but stood firm nonetheless [SLD 10000].

"What's he's thinking?" Morikawa grumbled. "That guy will only need one Trigger to break through. Didn't he learn anything from the last turn?"

"He must be trying to stretch out what he's got," Izaki suggested. "He won't have an endless supply of shields".

"Twin Drive," Kurosawa called, removing the first card. When revealed, it burst to life with a warm radiance. "Heal Trigger. Power to Unite Attacker. Your defence has been rendered pointless; we'll strike and turn the tables again. Just accept that you weren't meant to fight. Second check". Devil Summoner followed Cheer Girl Tiara.

Aichi's brow furrowed and eyes twitched; he had doubted himself throughout the competition, long before it had even started. The man was verbalizing those very concerns; fears of weakness and letting the team down. It shook Aichi's very core; perhaps he had been right all along and it would be best to pull out of the team, to find another way of becoming strong enough to challenge Kai. His shoulders sagged and eyes fell towards the ground; he simply wasn't cut out for the high-level competition – he had failed in the previous bout and there was no changing that even with cards as powerful as Blaster Blade, Gancelot and Alfred, he wasn't capable of utilizing them properly. His eyes closed, shielding himself from the flying Spike Brother throwing itself towards his Vanguard. The otherworldly weapon unleashed a stream of light, striking Gancelot, who let out an anguished cry with the young boy's voice; a second copy of his card flopping into the Damage Zone.

"Brakki's turn; with some help from Dudley Dan," Kurosawa hollered. "Strike down Gancelot".

The lightning fast unit raced forward [POW 14000]; in Gancelot's form, Aichi shot a disgruntled glare. He tore Elaine's card from his hand, throwing her out in defence, replicating the elegant figure behind his targeted Vanguard [SLD 10000]. Brakki collided with the woman, sending the Spike Brother tumbling forward and the victim dismissed in a shower of glimmers, but Gancelot unharmed. Kurosawa frowned, reaching for his remaining cards – immediate victory was out of the question now, but he could push Aichi to the brink of defeat, destabilizing the fighting spirit he'd managed to develop over the course of the match.

"Wonder Boy boosts Sky Diver [POW 18000]" he yelled, shifting the final pair.

The triple-exhaust wearing Rear-Guard's back ignited with an intense flare, throwing the humanoid figure forward and bearing down on Gancelot. Aichi launched the final card in his hand forward, landing on the Guardian circle and projecting the second Flogal shield [SLD 10000].

KUROSAWA - AICHI
4 -DAMAGE- 4

"Damn it…" the robed man hissed.

"You're not going to break through," Aichi proclaimed. "This is my resole; to protect the efforts of my teammates, my friends, the Royal Paladins. You won't break us apart so easily just by planting seeds of doubt".

Kamui observed with astonishment, touched by the words of his shy teammate, finally coming out of his shell, understanding the very moments he was referring to. He had completely turned around his initial distraught reaction to his defeat a short time prior to use it as a learning curve. To become stronger and fight more effectively against a clan he had never seen before. In front of an audience much larger than what he was accustomed to. Placed in the centre of the battle, he had lost the world around him in the excitement of the game.

Shin's face brightened with his satisfied smiling. 'It seems you're catching on,' he thought. 'You have to believe in both your deck and yourself. By intertwining those hopes, you can achieve whatever you need. Mutual belief will allow you to work together to the fullest of your potential'.

"As we move into the seventh turn, Kurosawa and Sendou are both at 4 damage," MC Miya narrated. "The tide of battle swings back and forth between these two and there's no indication who will claim victory".

SEVENTH TURH – AICHI

With his opponent unable to make any further moves, Aichi drew from his deck, clutching the lone card between the fingers of his right hand. His left reached forward, peeling Barcgal from the field.

"Thank you , Barcgal," he muttered to the canine's artwork, eyes snapping upwards once the friendly whisper was made. "I retire Barcgal and move Starlight Unicorn back. Call; Knight of Silence, Gallatin".

The armour-coated Hi-Beast disintegrated into the air, leaving no trace of its presence. Once the opening was made, Starlight Unicorn retreated back to where its fellow four-legged companion had been station, filling the spot in order for the blindfolded warrior to emerge with a grunt [POW 10000].

"Gancelot's skill," the blue-haired fighter added, turning over the two central cards in his Damage Zone. "He gains 5000 power and an extra Critical".

The supporters above the observing teammates cheered with delight that, in spite of all the small elements working against him, Aichi was able to use every opportunity to his advantage. Even his inability to work up the courage and dare to ride Alfred had become a strength in his fight. He twisted the altered cards along the right column, activating the transfer of power from Starlight Unicorn to Gallatin [POW 16000].

"With Starlight Unicorn's support, Gallatin attacks," he commanded.

"Guard with Sonic Breaker," Kurosawa yelled in defiance.

The blinded warrior leapt forward, brandishing his narrow blade by his side, brimming with the power of the unicorn gathered inside. [POW 16000]. Mere steps between the two combatants and the guardian materialized, meeting the tip of Gallatin's blade, which sank through the body and emerged from the other side, eradicating its temporary presence swiftly. Although he no longer possessed adequate force, the warrior remained crouched before the initial target, his shrouded eyes locking with those of the bulging figure, the air thick with friction before finally accepting that he couldn't continue and made a tactical retreat from enemy lines.

"I attack with Gancelot, boosted by Elaine".

"Guard with Cheer Girl, Tiara and Treasured Black Panther," Kurosawa argued. "Gancelot's skill is going to waste again; you won't break through this barrier".

"Onii-san's hand has been completely drained; if he doesn't pull something off now, he won't be able to protect Gancelot next turn," Kamui commented, beads of sweat hanging from the edges of his face.

"That defence is going to be tough to break through," Miwa mused grimly, clutching his chin and leaning forward. "Aichi'll need two Triggers just to land a hit. If Gancelot could get that power, his skill would be enough to finish the match".

The others set their sights on the monitors hanging above, all anxious and dreading that luck would turn Q4 once more in favour of heightening the drama. Aichi shakily reached for the deck, turning over the first card – uncovering Knight of Truth, Gordon. Collective groans emitted from the group of youngsters. Nonetheless, there was still hope. At the top of his vision, Aichi identified the size of Kurosawa's hand: a single card. If he could manage a Trigger, he would require a shield of 10000 in combination with Brakki's intercept in order to secure his Vanguard's safety against a second attack. With that in mind, Aichi inhaled deeply, carefully grasping the second card and lifted it swiftly. The hearts of all close to the match were in their throats, the spacious room fallen silent.

"Second check," Aichi called, his eyes slid towards the chosen card, revealing it as Bringer of Good Luck – Epona, bursting into a golden glow. "Critical Trigger".

Positive reactions erupted from the supporters directly above the other members, Kamui cheered with glee, leaping into the air with his fists punching as high as possible. Misaki and Kai silently smiled, celebrating much more subtly.

"All the effects go to Alfred," Aichi cried.

Gancelot's winged stallion charged forward, the knight aboard slicing through the defences set up with ease, clearing the way for his superior. The two shields fell into the Drop Zone, Gancelot remained close to the target, smiling over his shoulder to Alfred, who retained his standard stoic expression. As the Vanguard, it was Gancelot who faced his enemy and, with Aichi, announced the inevitable.

"With a boost from Marron, Alfred attacks Unite Attacker," he barked.

Marron's empty hand reached forward, streaming energy from his miniature form and into the Sanctuary King's. With a powerful tug, Alfred commanded his steed forward, the animal galloped and snorted fiercely [POW 23000]. Inching his Great Sword upwards, Alfred leaned forward, his sights set on the enemy past his allies' current leader, who leapt from the line of fire. Sweat slipped down Kurosawa's shrouded face; although Brakki was on the field, his hand consisted only of a Devil Summoner – a Grade 2. His total shield would be 20000 – it was simply too much, Alfred's power was too great. With a yell, the king delivered his judgement, his blade crashing against the muscular body before him and breaking through the spiked shoulder pad it wore.

"D- Damage check…" Kurosawa sighed, removing his cards – Sky Diver and Silence Joker. Neither were Triggers, both surfing into the Damage Zone and completing the column.

KUROSAWA - AICHI
6 -DAMAGE- 4

FIGHT END

"There it is!" MC Miya yelled. "The result of the second match has concluded with Team Q4's victory over the Three Blacks!"

Cheers and whistles from the crowds flooded the atmosphere. In Gancelot's form, Aichi smiled while observing the skies where his friends' faces would have been if not for the Cray image. His sight rotated and landed onto the king, who remained nearby on his flaming steed. The stone-faced man moved his own eyes to the blue-haired knight.

"Thank you, Alfred," Aichi uttered. It wasn't simply fear that had held him back from joining forces with the royal, it was guilt that his gruelling experienced had occurred in the first place.

Although those negative emotions were lifted when Alfred responded with a faint smile, just like that of Blaster Blade in Aichi's imagination – a stoic warrior who lifted the mask for a brief instance to congratulate his men on their hard work and success. An image he may have been, but Alfred's subtle smile warmed Aichi's heart, partially down to how the royal reminded him occasionally of Kai with their matching unshakeable demeanours. The Cray environment evaporated, taking Alfred, Gancelot and the other Royal Paladins with it.

With a heavy sigh, the robed man leaned forward in disappointment. His team had been verging on victory for much of the match, Aichi had been trembling over facing a new clan, yet he had managed to seize victory. Applause filled the air, joining the gasps of awe and the cheers of congratulations.

"You did it, Onii-san!" Kamui's voice emerged from the sea of sounds.

Aichi turned on the spot, catching the sight of the youngster dashing towards him mere seconds before he sprung from the ground, wrapping his arms around the victor's neck and laughing with delight, landing on his toes in order not to drag down his friend. The display of ecstasy sent Aichi's heart beating faster than it had at any point during the match; he had won. He had actually triumphed over a deck completely unknown to him. His eyes crept to Kai and Misaki, the latter rose from her seat and strode towards the boy, the pleasure clear on her face. Although on Kai's face, even if it had been for a second, Aichi could have sworn he detected a smile. Whether it had been truth or simply a delusion of wishing, he smiled at the brunette.

'Kai-kun… Alfred…' he thought. 'Thank you. I won't hesitate anymore, I won't falter, but instead, I'll fight with everything I have. For all the efforts of everyone else; for the support of our friends. That way, I can become stronger in more ways than one'.

"Geez, that Aichi," Morikawa exhaled, slumping in his seat. "He had us on the edge of our seats there".

"But the good news is that he did it," Izaki chirped.

"Aichi," Emi sounded brightly.

'It started out a rough ride, but by working together with your deck – even one modified recently – it was enough to pull through,' Shin contemplated with a smile set on the two boys ahead, joined by Misaki. 'When one side falls short, the other can be enough to make the difference. But the bridge has be built first. And that is what you've done, Aichi-kun. It all worked out, didn't it?'

"Congratulations, Team Q4," a voice from behind called.

The team members and their friends turned their sights to the trio standing a short distance away; all three dressed in black and with short hairstyles; the shortest with lime-green, the central with plum and the final, with rectangular spectacles across his face – with black. All three bore bright and handsome faces, smiling at the victors before them.

"Hey, who the hell are you guys?" Kamui asked, pointing to the trio of unrecognizable faces.

"Are you saying you don't recognize us?" the green-haired man laughed. He tugged on the hood hanging down his back, throwing it over his head and obscuring the upper half of his face. "Perhaps we should remind you".

Aichi, Kamui and Shin were astonished at the revelation that such attractive men could have been hiding under the hoods, pretending to play mind games and intimidate them with false arrogance. Misaki's eyes landed on the man bearing glasses – he had been the figure she had fought; the glass coverings explained the rectangular shimmer she captured crossing over his eyes during their match. Izaki glanced up at the monitor listing the match-ups, his jaws dropping and an astonished wail followed.

"Look at their names!" he cried.

"Kuroda Akira… Kurosaki Laito… Kurosawa Hikaru?" Morikawa read.

"All their last names have 'black' in them, but… their first names…" Kamui commented, casting his sight back to the group ahead.

"They each have a brightness to them," Misaki continued.

"It was a fun match, we'll be supporting you all the way," the purple-haired Kurosaki Laito reported.

"Indeed, we'll be heading out for now, but we look forward to fighting you again in the future," the dark-haired Kuroda Akira added.

"Until then," the lime-haired Kurosawa Hikaru said, raising a hand. "We'll see you".

The trio turned away, departing from the field with light-hearted laughter; they had taken their defeat surprisingly well based on their darker personalities, although each appeared to have been a façade. With their progression confirmed, Kamui whipped around to Aichi, Misaki and the approaching Shin, his fists clenched passionately in front of him with a wide smile on his face.

"Alright, now we can move on without having to worry about stupid Kageros getting in the way," he claimed optimistically.

"Kagero is a popular clan, it's still possible that there will be another team using them," Misaki commented, folding her arms over her chest.

"W- What?" Kamui whimpered. His head shook furiously. "It doesn't matter, I'll stomp anyone who tries to stop us. We're going all the way".

A round of agreement surged through his allies, all but Kai, who watched from his place standing by the bench, eyes fixed on the trio gathered at the head of the painted field. The Regionals may not have been up to his level, but his teammates seemed to fit in. If they were capable of holding their own, then before long, they could ascend to a league where there would be someone worth his time fighting. He, too, had a motive for fighting after all.


PREVIEW

Kamui: Alright, now we can get to the finals! Now I can get in on some real action.

Aichi: Yeah, let's fight our hardest, Kamui-kun. We won't disappoint, we'll aim for the highest there is.

Emi: Hm? Who's that? She seems to know Kamui-kun.

Kamui: EH?! C- Crap, Onii-san, hide me!

Aichi: Eh? But Kamui-kun…

Misaki: This team seem to have progressed well; they haven't run into any trouble so far. So these could be people to keep an eye open for.

Aichi: We should have expected this; the further we rise, the stronger our opponents will be. So we'll have to try even harder. Next time: "Cardfight! Vanguard Override, Chapter 9 – Reunion Battle". These strange units…Another clan I've never seen before?


[1] "The beautiful goddess, shining radiantly! Ride! CEO Amaterasu!"

[2] "Stand up, my avatar! Ride! Blaster Blade!"

[3] "Give me power! The proud and glorious white wings! Ride! Solitary Knight Gancelot!"