*UPDATE!: Alright, when I first uploaded part 2, Microsoft Word decided to be a butt and mess it all up so I'm relying on Google Docs instead. I gotta say, Google docs is feels way better to type, even on smartphone. Sorry, that it's been over a year since I last updated and I do apologize. I will be doing more on this fic during my spare time over the summer. It's one of the main things I wanted to do as a fan of Vanguard.
Chapter 4: Ride the Big Move Part 2
It was now 7:45 AM. The sun has already risen from sky. As soon as the sun rose, the already dimmed sleeping aid lights began to fade out to give sunlight to the passengers, as if a mother turned up the shade from a bedroom window to wake up person. Kio noticed the sunlight beaming toward his face. So much so that it instantly woke him up, rubbing away the crust from his eyes. He grabbed his glasses from the side from beside him and noticed that half of the cabin is either still asleep or just woken up. Minutes later, the captain made an announcement.
"Good morning passengers, I hope you all had plenty rest." The captain said. "We will begin our arrival in beautiful Tokyo, Japan in just about an hour. Just before we land, our weather in Tokyo should be quite Sunny, 75 degrees fahrenheit. We got a great day ahead of us. We also like to remind keep your seat belts fastened at all time as we begin to level in our attitude for touchdown in Tokyo. As always, we'd like to thank you for choosing Delta Airlines."
Kio was excited in his mind that his flight was going to land very soon. He couldn't wait to see the scenery and the city life experience living in another country. Turning his head to the right, he notices Sharlene still asleep. Her body was covered by her blanket from the waist down with her left arm laying upwards while her right arm was resting on waist. She had stopped snoring but was breather through her mouth. With every breath she made a snot bubble. Kio tapped on Sharlene's shoulder, letting her know it was time to get up.
Minutes later, the rest of the passengers were already up. Including Jillian, Leon, and both Kio's mom and dad. All except Kio and Sharlene. The plane was getting close to the runway at the Tokyo International Airport. Its landing gear was activated, all ready to land on the runway. When the wheels hit the runway, the plane made a big bump, causing Sharlene to be woken up. Kio was still asleep. Not even a bump couldn't wake up him up. He was a very heavy sleeper. When Sharlene woke up, she stretched her arms with a big yawn.
"Is it morning already?" She said
"Yeah, that big bump woke you up" Jillian said beside her.
"What time is it?"
"It's almost eight o'clock in the morning."Leon said. "We've been wide awake for roughly 30 minutes ago. We were going to wake you but, I guess the plane did otherwise"
Sharlene smiled and nodded. Then looked over to her left and noticed that Kio was still asleep and surprised that the plane bump didn't even wake him. She wanted to reach out to wake him up but was interrupted by the captain over the intercom.
"Good morning passengers, we have arrived safely at Tokyo International Airport. We ask at this time that if you brought any baggage with you they will be at Carousel D at baggage claim. We also like to remind you to exit the plane on your left when departing as always thank you for choosing Delta Airlines."
After the announcement all the passengers got up from their seats getting ready to get out of the plane and going to baggage claim to get their luggage that was boarded on the plane.
"OK, come on you two. Our limo should be waiting out at the front entrance." Leon said
"Gladly, I'm sure the rest of the teams are waiting for us already." Jillian replied. "C'mon sleepyhead."
"Okie Dokie" Sharlene said with a smile.
As the passengers went out towards the exit, Team Dreadnought were on walking out of the towards the exit with their carry-on bags. Sharlene in the front, Jillian behind her, and Leon last. Leon felt a little breeze from behind his head. It wasn't the A/C because entire plane's air conditioning was turned off after touchdown. He looked over his shoulder with a serious look on his face at the still sleeping Kio Kurakawa and turned back.
"That breeze, I have a feeling the wind is planning something interesting. I'm sure" he thought
Akira gotten up and so did Oliver. She went to check Kio from behind him and saw that he was still sleeping. She went by his seat and shook Kio back and forth gently to wake him up.
"Kio honey, wake up. We made it to Japan sweetie." she said
"Mmmhhmm, gimmie five more minutes" he mummered. "WHAT!"
Kio sprung out of his seat and looked out the window with his palms pressed on the front, seeing the outside
"We made it!?" Kio said with questionable astonishment.
"We sure did son. Welcome to our new home. Japan!" Oliver exclaimed
"OK, I have so much excitement in me right now. Can you believe it, Shar..." He stopped mid sentence and notices her seat was empty and had left already.
"Oh, she must've left out already, when the plane landed."
"C'mon Kio, we have to go to baggage claim. We don't wanna miss our luggage while we're on this plane." Akira said.
"OK, Mom. I'll be right behind you guys. Just gotta pack my pack my laptop."
"Alright, well hurry up. We have to meet one of the executives at your father's new workplace to drive us to our new house. We'll be waiting for you at the gate." Kio's Dad said.
The rookie cardfighter packed his laptop in his carry-on bag. Making sure he has everything he triple checked to make sure he had everything from his laptop, inhaler, glasses, and the new deck his best friend Marcus had made for him. He rushed out of the aisle of the plane to catch up with his mom and dad who were already sitting down at the gate waiting for him. While arrive out of the bridge and into the airport his facial expression was amazed and astound and how huge the airport was. It was bustling with a plethora of people going left and right to where they need to go. He was still in amazement that he was in his favorite city and was living his dream.
The mom and dad had seen their son. His expression had put a smile on their face and starting chuckling on how their son really felt about coming here. They all wasted no time and managed to go directly to baggage claim. Upon escalator to escalator, going down and about, they've made it to baggage claim. Kio's mom grabbed her four fuschia bag, his dad four grabbed green bag, and Kio immediately nabbed his four blue bags. Once the family received their luggage it was now time to find their driver who worked for bank to come and pick them up to drop them off at their new home. They went out the the front of the entrance to wait for the driver to arrive, but did not see him.
"I guess were here a little too early, I'll give him a call and find out where he is. You two just wait right here on the bench. It won't take too long." Kio's dad said.
"OK, dad." Kio said.
While at the front waiting outside for the driver Kio noticed two different groups of people waiting in front of a limousine. The first group were three groups of kids about a couple of years younger than Kio. The first with wore a green frog sweater, the second had hair that was fiery red and yellow, and the third had short black hair wearing glasses that hung from around his neck. The second group were two men supposedly in late high school. A man with dark red hair wearing a shirt that was close to the color of his hair and a small half skirt around the waist while sitting down in an indian style position in front of the limo with his hands on his face. Sitting beside him was a taller man with purple colored and a goatee with the same color wearing a green and black jacket.
"What's taking them so long? It's not right for my lovely bambinas to be this late. Why couldn't we just meet them at the hangar?" Ali asked.
"Leon called before the flight and told me that their jet wasn't working, so they had to fly by commercial flight." Chris replied.
"Yeah and, besides it was probably a slight delay. These commercial planes tend to happen sometime, Ali" Lee retorted
"Whatever you say, Lee. I just hope my darlings would be here already" Ali said.
Chris and Lee sighed in unison after what Ali said. Ren was sitting down behind the limo, indian style, staring blankly at the front door waiting for Leon and the rest of the crew to come out. Tetsu immediately had to say something.
"Why are you sitting down like that, Ren?"
"It makes me calm and relaxing. Plus I'm bored. We've been sitting here for more than thirty minutes. Where are they? Ren questioned lying on the flood.
"Just be patient. Leon called me as soon as they landed, he said they should be here in a few minutes. But I do wonder, what IS keeping them this long?" Tetsu told Ren.
"Great, here they come!" Ali shouted
As soon as the automatic doors opened, only Leon and Jillian were there to show up.
"Sorry, we're late everyone." Leon said to the two groups.
"It's no problem. Just as long is everyone is here, we can go." Tetsu replied.
"Not quite, we still have one more. My scatterbrain of a sister is using the bathroom. She'll be here any moment."
Kio waited on the bench with his mom for a at least five minutes with his mom. He was playing around with his phone looking up Cardfight Vanguard on his browser. He noticed an news update regarding the game. He looked at a news article about something new that was planned for both the Japanese and American cardfighters for this summer. Telling all card fighters to stay tuned. His mom looked over his shoulder for a short while and noticed his screen was all about Cardfighting.
"Looking more into that Cardfighting I see?"
"Yeah, I can't believe Marcus got me hooked on a game that's not a video game, but a card game and I'm usually not a big fan of those types."
"He must really want you to get into Vanguard. You should be very proud to have a friend like Marcus."
"Super Proud. Hey Mom, I gotta use the bathroom really quick. I'll be right back."
"Alright, but hurry back. I don't know how long your father is going to be on that phone of his."
Kio got up from the outside bench back into airport to use the public restroom. When he was through, he washed his hands thoroughly clean. Out the door he went, he sighed with a deep breath of relief. During his deep breath, someone else from the ladies restroom came out. Kio moved forward shutting his eyes for a few seconds until he bumped into someone doing the exact same thing he did.
"GAH!" Kio screamed falling with a big thud alongside losing his glasses in the process.
"Oh my, I'm so sorry. Are you OK sir?" The female responded while on the ground. "Here let me help you."
The blue haired female picked up the boy's glasses, handing them back to him.
"Thank you" he replied getting up and placing his glasses back on his face when his vision came clear seeing that the female was…"Sharlene?"
"Kio?" she said
"Here, let me help you up." He replied with his hand out offering to help get back on her feet.
With the firm grip of her hand, Kio blushed a bit, feeling her nice, smooth hand once more. As soon as Sharlene got back on her feet, she wiped her skirt downwards to remove dirt from the ground that might be on her.
"Thanks. I better get going. I told Jillian and Leon to wait for me at the front."
"Mind if I walk you, I'm going to the same direction to get picked up."
"Yeah, sure!" She happily insisted.
The two both walked made their way out of the restroom area to go towards the front entrance of the airport to the limo and taxi pickup area. When they both made it out the door, Kio heard his mom calling his name.
"Kio!" His mom screamed behind the taxi helping her father pack their stuff in the van.
"That's my mom. I gotta go! It was fun meeting you!" He shouted as he dashed towards their parents to the taxi.
"It was fun meeting you too!" Sharlene shouted back.
"There you are, we've been waiting for you. C'mon, everybody is waiting for us and we can't be late at Tatsunagi Corp with you doddling around." Jillian said grabbing her arm.
"Alright, Alright! I'm coming. Don't have a cow." her sister said
As Sharlene entered the black limousine with all the other teams, Kio went towards his parents to a taxi van. His mom was helping his dad pack the last of their luggage inside the trunk of the van. He thought that they were getting picked up by someone who worked in his dad's branch to drop them off to their house. But that might not be the case.
"Hey, I'm back. I thought we were going to get picked up by some guy that worked with dad?"
"We were, but your dad told me that his friend was in some car trouble. Apparently, his car had a couple of flat tires and he wouldn't make it to the airport. So, we have no choice but to take the taxi van to home" Said his mom.
"Bummer." Kio said. He was a little bit disappointed the fact that he wanted to see one of his father's co-workers. He opened the sliding backseat door of the van on the left side.
"Alright, we're all set. Everyone get it and let's hit the road" Dad said, "Next stop, our new humble abode."
When dad close the trunk, mom was already in her seat in the middle row with her seatbelt fastened, Dad had managed to get inside the van next her while their son wanted to sit in the third back row. Until one foot was on the edge of the van, he heard Sharlene's voice. He looked out seeing her hanging out from the top sunroof of the limo.
"BYE KIO, HAVE A GOOD DAY! OH AND WELCOME TO JAPAN!" She shouted as her sister dragged her down back to the limo.
He waved back at her, giving a slight chuckle. Kio went forward inside was all set. Kio's dad gave the taxi driver the new address to their new home. The driver understood and accelerated the van out of the main entrance terminal towards to the freeway to their new destination. As they're in the freeway, Kio's dad starts a conversation with his son about his new friend he met.
"So son, tell us about your new girlfriend." He said.
Kio's mind and red cheek face was in a shocked and surprised state while looking out the scenery from the window. "Uhhh…excuse me?" he said nervously
"C'mon Kio, I saw how she waved at you and you waved back at that girl. "
"Uhhhhh...sh-she's not my girlfriend." Replied Kio fiddling his glasses. "She's just a girl that I first met on the plane, just talking about Vanguard and stuff. That's all."
"So if that's that, why are your cheeks turning red and you're fiddling your glasses?"
"MOOOOOM!"
"Oliver, please don't embarrass your son." She said.
"Thank you, mom."
"What! I'm not embarrassing him. This a simple man to man conversation to know whether or not Kio has a girlfriend. And besides, it's very important to let him know about life having a girlfriend, since he says doesn't have one yet"
"DAAAAAD!"
"You know, now that you mentioned it Kio, judging by your tone, it just safe to say that you have a minor crush on this girl. Totally common with boys your age." his mom said
Kio sighed slumping down in the backseat. "This is ridiculous. Only a few hours in, and already my parents a talking to me about how love works in a taxi. About a girl that I barely even met. This is so embarrassing. But I gotta admit, she was kinda cute"
Being embarrassed at what their parents said, he pulled out his earbuds from his bag including his cell phone from america. He wondered how his american phone would work here in Japan since there was no AT&T in Japan. For now he was resorted to using his regular until his dad find a way to use his phone in Japan or get him a new phone altogether. After good 25 minute ride from the airport, they have finally made it to their new home. Upon arriving, there was a large moving truck in front of their new house. The truck was ready to be emptied out of their new stuff to the their new home. There were two guys wearing army green uniforms standing outside truck. One of which had brown and yellow and messy hair with a pair of dark sunglasses standing while the other had purple hair with orange goggles on the top of his head.
"Uggghhhh, when is this family gonna get here. We've been waiting since six in the morning. I could be in my bed sleeping or ate breakfast beforehand. Now, I regret not doing so." Said the purple one.
The side of the truck wearing matching dark beige uniforms. The first had yellow and brown messy hair while wearing a pair of dark sunglasses. The other one had maroon hair with orange goggle. Both men were waiting for the Kurakawa family to arrive.
"Akira, we've been standing out here for since 7 A.M. What the heck's taking so long?" Said the whining maroon hair guy.
"Quit your whining Joe, I'm feeling the same way you are. I could be in my bed sleeping all day. But we have to take this stupid moving job, if we're gonna be the ones to pay rent! That and the boss is paying us extra for being here so early." Cried Akira.
Suddenly, they both see a white taxi van driving right in front of the house.
"Finally! Here they come"
"Took them long enough."
Both Kio and the mom went out of their seats while the dad paid the taxi driver the fare. Kio and Akira were surprised to see their new house. It was a two story white home with a green roof on top. It also had a garage next to it and an upstairs balcony for the rooms of mom and dad. Surrounding the house was a brown gate. In fact, around the corner, there was another house that was directly beside it that looked very much identical.
"Mom, our house looks so much better that our old one back in L.A.!"
"I'll say, it looks beautiful! Oliver dear, you've got to see this up front for yourself." Said Akira the mom.
As soon as the dad paid the driver, Oliver took out all of the family's luggage by himself, while the rest took a good look at the new place.
"What I tell ya, I knew you'd like the house I picked. You should see the inside of it from the tour online. OH! That must be our moving crew with all of our stuff." He pointed.
Oliver walked over to both Joe and Akira. Both men shook hand with the father pleasuring them to work with getting their stuff in the house.
"Hi, I'm Oliver Kurakawa and this is my wife Akira and my son Kio. We're from Los Angeles.
Your names?
"Nice to meet you sir, Names Joe and this is my bud, Akira as well.. We'll be more than happy to help you guys move in."
"Excellent, and I'm sure me and my family will be there to help you guys out. Just to let you know which things go in which right spot. I hope it's not too much trouble." Oliver said.
"It's no trouble at all. It's our job. Now shall we get started?"
It was moving time. The moving crew opened the back of the truck to reveal boxes upon boxes of stuff they gotta move in the new house. The boxes almost filled the entire truck. It was going to take them forever to get all their things in. They had to do it if they want to get that raise to pay rent, plus get food after it was all done. About 8 and a half hours after, they were almost done with getting everything out of the truck. All of beds were all assembled in their respected bedrooms. The rest of the furniture was placed in the right spots from kitchen to bedroom. The only thing left was to get their sofa inside. Once that was out of the way, the moving guys will be relaxed and done with their job for the day. The problem was that the sofa was barely fitting through the door. Both men pushed and pushed but it was no luck. Kio was luckily outside, reason being that he needed to get some fresh air to get used to the new house smell. He helped out the two and pushed with all of his might. With the last push the sofa was inside.
"Thanks, kid" Said Akira
"No problem" Replied Kio
It was now five in the afternoon. The truck was empty and everything that was in the truck before is now inside of the house. They're job was done for they day and it was time to call it.
"Boys, thanks so much for everything. Here's a tip" Oliver said handing out a 5000 yen tip to the two boys.
"Thanks, Mr. Kurakawa" Both boys said
"Let's go, if we hurry Kyou might still be there waiting for us." Joe insisted
"Yeah, there's big sale and I'll have a enough for food. Oh sweet, glorious food, here we come!" Akira screamed getting into the moving truck and driving down to their card shop.
"Man, speaking of food, I'm starving." Said Oliver
"I know, we haven't eaten anything since last night dear." Akira replied.
"You know, on our way around here, I noticed a small ramen shop just literally a couple blocks ahead like really close. Problem is our car isn't here yet until tomorrow." Kio said
"Not to worry, son. You said that it was very close, so we'll just have to walk."
"Great idea, Oliver." Akira said. 'This just gives me more time to find some inspiration for my work."
The family trio decided to walk to the nearest ramen shop that their son mentioned it was a short walk from here. Before they did, Kio grabbed his carry on bag from inside the house that had everything, including his deck. During their walk, a blue haired woman from next door was in the middle of planting new flowers for the side of her house. Besider her helping was her daughter with orange-peach colored hair. She noticed them walking along the sidewalk. Deciding to take a break, she walked over to the family wanting to greet the new neighbors that will be moving next door.
"Oh hello, you must be our new neighbors." said the blue haired woman with her hand out. "I'm Shizuka and this is my daughter, Emi."
"Nice to meet you both, I'm Akira Kurakawa and this is my family. My husband Oliver and my son Kio. We've recently just moved here from Los Angeles."
"You're from the United States? How wonderful! I haven't been there since I was a sophomore in high school. Emi, say hi to your new neighbors."
"Hi Emi, it's nice to meet you. I hope we'll be great friends." Kio greeted Emi.
"Hi, It's nice meeting you and I hope we'll be great friends too." Emi responded with a handshake.
"Emi, where is that brother of yours. I'm sorry, my son is always hanging out with his friends at this time of the day. I'm sure he'll be back, after but you'll see him tomorrow."
"He told me he was going to stop by Morikawa's place and later on they'll be at the shop. He should be there right now." Emi told her mom.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Shizuka." Oliver greeter her. "I don't mean to rush but do you know where a ramen shop might be nearby any chance."
"I know where. Just hang a left on the next street and after that hang a right. It'll be straight ahead you can't miss it." Emi said.
"Thanks, Emi for your help. Well, we better get going. I don't how long my husband can last hunger without going on a rampage."
When the mother said that joke, Kio's dad's look was in deadpan. His mom started to chuckle alongside both Emi and Shizuka laughing.
"It was nice meeting you, Shizuka. Mom said
"Alright, you three have great time. Welcome to the Japan! I give you my many thank!" Shizuka shouted and waving goodbye.
The trio waved their goodbyes to Shizuka and Emi as they made their way to the ramen shop where Emi told them it would be. They saw a small ramen bar called "Golden Daisuke". Kio's mother took pictures of the bar on the outside and was granted permission to take pictures on the inside of the bar. The family was starving and immediately order their ramen. As soon as it arrived, they can already smell the deliciousness already. They all shouted…
"ITADAKIMASU" and dug in.
His mom and dad ordered the same with fresh beef ramen while Kio was served a a specialty ramen bowl complete with double bbq ham, lots of noodles and the whole 9 yards. He took one bite out of the hot bowl. Once then, he had tasted, in his mind, the best cuisine he had ever tried since he moved. They all slurped the last of the broth from their bowls exhaling out a deep breath of relief and fullness. The dad immediately paid for then food in yen bills. While paying, Kio and his mom went out the ramen bar to get some well deserved fresh air and reminisce their lunch.
"That was a great lunch. All that ramen was so good. Probably tastes better than the ramen restaurants we had in L.A." Kio said
"I know. I thought I was gonna explode after eating all that broth. Now THATS what you call an authentic Asian cuisine."
"WOOOOOO! I'm stuffed" exclaimed Dad. "OK, now let's go back home and finish unpacking some of those boxes."
"But Dad, can't we just roam around the town just for a little more."
"Kio, if we finish up, it's gonna give us till' all night to be done. We'll just have to sightsee tomorrow ."
"Please dad, I just want to check around the whole district, just for a little bit so that I can get familiar with it.
"You know, sweetheart, there were a couple of shops that I kinda do wanna check out myself for my project. I saw this cute textile shop and a flower shop on way from here" Mom told Dad.
"OK, but, there's problem. Our cell phones aren't connected to this country's network yet. So, if we're all gonna splitting up, we'll have to meet back here at this ramen bar at no later 6PM sharp. Then we're heading home. No excuses. Are we clear on this gang?" Oliver told both Mom and Kio.
"Yes sir." they both said.
"Alright, enjoy the rest of the day!"
This was it. It was now time to find that card shop Marcus texted Kio about earlier before. He wanted to tell Marcus so bad about the good news that he had landed safely and was try finding Card Capital. He had to memorized the shop before he boarded on the plane. He may not have network coverage, but thankfully, the latest message from Marcus was saved in his phone along with the image he also sent Kio. It was a small shop with a white sign that said "Card Capital". At first he was going to ask for help to find the shop, but when he turned a corner, he saw a small shop with the sign that matched the exact name and style from image message. He approached closer the store from the left noticing there was one thing that stuck out. A white banner hanging on the top of the shop's window that said, "Congrats to VF Circuit Japan winners: Team Q4". He noticed the sign again. "Team Q4" and "VF Circuit Japan". The image was an identical match compared to the real shop. It was the correct place in the right area.
"OK, I'm at the right place." He said to himself. He was a very nervous about this. As shy as he was, he didn't want to act weird around other people. If Marcus was here with him, things would've been calm. There could be a slight chance that Aichi Sendou, a VF champion could be inside. He clutches his fist
"C'mon Kio, you can do this. Don't be weird, don't be shy. Just walk in, take a good look at the store and browse around. Maybe you'll even challenge someone inside against your deck. There's nothing to be afraid of. You've been in card shops before, just one in a completely different country. Just...be...yourself." he said in his mind
He took a deep breath in. Exhaling another breath out, proceeding to enter the store. The automatic doors open as soon as he was in front. Upon entering, he is seeing a small amount of people his age that were playing the popular game. He takes a good look inside the store. The store surprisingly was was not all that busy, but it was better than he had imagined. The store was really clean, well organized with all the cards displayed, posters on the wall, and tables that were set up all over for the players the play the game. The smell of the store smelled wonderful. He didn't feel nervous at all, until the manager spotted him.
"Oh great, a new customer. Hello and welcome to Card Capital" said the man with the green hair dark glasses and a light blue apron. "How can I help you today?"
"Uhhhhh…h-h-hi. I'm just here to browse around. If that's OK." He said.
"That's perfectly fine, if there's anything interesting you find, just let me know."
"OK. Actually, yes there is…I mean...well…you see I just move here and I heard this card shop was very famous."
"Oh, a fresh newcomer. So, where are you from?"
"I'm from Los Angeles in California."
"So you're from the United States then. We usually don't get foreigners outside of Japan to visit here at the shop, but you just might be the first" he smiled.
"Well...thank you." smiled Kio.
"Well, let me introduce myself. My name is Shin. I'm the manager here at Card Capital." Shin said.
"Kio Kurakawa, sir. Pleasure to meet you" he bowed
"Oh, there's also another person I want you to meet. MISAKI! WE GOT A NEW CUSTOMER!"
Kio saw a lavender covered girl coming his way. She was about a few years older than her with bright blue eyes, wearing a red apron around her body. He just recognized that she was a member of Q4 in the VF Circuit. In her left hand, she was hold to what appears to be a little magazine about the upcoming Vanguard news.
"What did I tell you about yelling across the shop?" Misaki asked Shin.
"I'm sorry, I had to get your attention. Anyway, we have a new customer. Kio, this is my niece and assistant manager Misaki. Kio moved from the United States. He heard about how famous we were overseas."
"It's nice to meet you, Kio. We usually don't get many foreigners to come by here CC."
"That's what I just said." Shin sweatdrop.
"It's great to meet you too, Misaki" Kio bowed.
"Hm?" As soon as he stood back up, he felt something brush up against the back of his ankle. He turned around to look down, seeing a black and white cat with a blue collar around his neck.
"MEEEOOOOOW"
"Oh, I'm sorry about that. That's our sub-manager"
"He's playing my mind right? That little guy is the co-gm of this store? A cute little cat?"
"So let me get this straight, whenever you or Misaki are not around to run the store, he becomes the GM? Kio questioned while looking down pointing at the assisticat.
"On the temporary standpoint, yes. But, on the contrary, he does do a good job keeping an eye on the store by being the best co-manager."
The assistant gave shin a serious, yet threatening glare overhearing him say "co-manager"
"I-I mean...manager"
The cat smiled and meowed as he leaped up to climb in the register desk. Lying down on his spot right next to the register.
"Listen, if you need anything from us, feel free to let us know. Misaki and I will be happy help you." Shin told Kio
"Will do" he replied.
"Wow, it wasn't even that hard. Those two were actually pretty nice. Meeting Misaki, a VF champion, wasn't so bad either. Not to mention their cat was real cute. Now, how do I test out my deck?" He thought .
"And that makes it the win number three!. HA! I won!" the short afro guy said
Kio looked over at the guy in the back who was cheering. The guy was wearing a grey high school uniform with his hair being a short brown afro. He walked up towards the guy and among him, were two more boys. One of which was wearing the same high school uniform as he did. The only difference was his hair. His was in a shape of two spikes of hair spacing out forming a V shaped gap. The other was a blue haired boy wearing a red long sleeve turtle neck with a white vest and blue jeans.
"No way, this isn't fair. I want a rematch Izaki! Best out of nine! Let's GO!" the spiky haired guy said.
"Wasn't fair? Morikawa, I've beaten you 5 games in a row. Including two games in best of five. And of those games, you haven't even scored once. With a deck so unbalanced, you're basically giving me the win."
"What are you saying exactly?"
"I'm saying your deck needs an major upgrade if you're gonna be in the next tournament!"
"This deck is the upgrade. It's the latest and greatest strategy that will live on in Vanguard infamy! With all my new grade 3's in hand this deck is more powerful than it was than before."
"Yeah, more like weaker than flat soda in Vanguard infamy." he mummered
"Hey, I heard that! You'd better take that back Izaki!"
"Oh yeah, why don't you make me. With your so called, "superior" power and wisdom of being a Vanguard fighter."
"Now, c'mon guys, chill out. You two shouldn't be fighting over this." Aichi said trying to calm down the two.
"BOTH OF YOU, KNOCK IT OFF!" Misaki shouted.
The two were startled by Misaki's shouting. Both Izaki and Morikawa were stand still state. They immediately apologized for the way they were acting.
"We're sorry ma'am. It won't happen again" they said in unison
"Honestly, this is the third time you two have been arguing. I'm getting real sick and tired of it. If you don't cut out or find some way to fix it, I'm kicking your guys out of the shop. INDEFINITELY!"
"SAY WHAT! BUT MISAKI…" Morikawa and Izaki said in unison.
"NO BUTS! Now, you two either work this out yourself by stop arguing before the tournament begins or you two will be gone in a flash. I guarantee it."
Kio was surprised in the way Misaki handled the situation. He thought he was nice, but he understood her when things get a little too hasty, sometimes you gotta put your foot down and know what do when two friends argue constant. He recalls experiences when both him and Marcus argued of which was better often times. Marcus' mom would have to get strict while acting serious at the same time. He saw Misaki with a crossed expression. He would not help but to overhear the conversation. Taking a deep breath, he starts to break the ice with his conversation to the three.
"Uhhh...excuse me." He said.
Izaki, Morikawa, and the blue haired boy looked at him. All three gave never even seen or heard of this boy before.
"Sorry, I couldn't help but overhear about what just happened.. Anyway, I'm new here in town and I usually don't see arguments that much at my card shop but that was something else."
"Ohhhh, so you're a new guy that just moved into town. That's awesome! Tell us, what brings you here to Card Capital?" Izaki asked Kio.
"Yes please, tell us your name" the blue haired guy told him.
"Right, I'm Kio Kurakawa. My family and I just recently moved from the United States in California."
"Woooah! You from Cali? Which part?" Morikawa asked.
"Los Angeles" Kio replied.
"That's amazing! A big city foreigner from the U.S. checking out a card shop played by the famous Morikawa!" he boasted
Both the blue haired boy and Izaki laughed a little and sweatdropped at the boastful Morikawa.
"Actually, you're right and wrong. I'm here to check out the shop, but I'm also looking for a guy named Aichi Sendou."
"Well, you better turned your head to the right" Izaki said.
Kio looked over to the blue haired boy. With an immediate recognition in his mind he noticed a striking resemblance compared to the pictures on his laptop. His mind was blank for a minute until he came to the realization that it was in fact Aichi Sendou. He was standing face to face with the most talked about cardfighter on the internet.
"Oh my god!" he gasped. You're the guy my friend always talks about. You're Aichi Sendou!"
"Hehe, that's me alright." Aichi said. "It's nice to meet you, Kio"
"It's an honor to meet you too." Kio greeted and bowed.
"So what brings you here to Card Capital, Kio?" Aichi asked.
"You see, my friend plays Vanguard a lot. I watched him play day after day at a card shop nearby where I lived. Watching on how the game worked, I didn't know what to expect, until I discovered that it grew in popularity in Japan. See, I'm a huge nerd when it comes to Japan."
Morikawa snickered a bit. Izaki looked toward him, elbowing him on the side.
"So when my dad got the news that we were moving to a new country, I was very happy. So much so, I jumped on the bandwagon and wanted to follow the trend. That's when I told my friend Marcus I wanted to know how to play. Telling me all about the basics and skills of Vanguard. Winning my first game felt so great. We've been playing over and over until I moved it was that fun. Before I left, he told me to look for a place called Card Capital and to find a guy named Aichi, and so here I am."
"Woah." Izaki and Aichi said in unison. "I never thought of it that way" Izaki first said.
Morikawa began to question. "So, where's your deck?"
"Uhhhm, my deck?"
"You obviously know how to play Vanguard, so it makes sense to carry a deck with you. Where is it?"
"Hold on, Morikawa, he just moved here. I'm sure he probably left his deck at home somewhere." Aichi told Morikawa
"Actually I…" he shrugged
When Kio was about tell them where his deck was, he felt two taps on his right shoulder. He turned around revealing it was Misaki. She held in her hands an Oracle Think Tank trial deck and offered to give him to use in a cardfight.
"Here, take this. It's from our lineup of constructive decks we've had in the shop a couple of weeks ago."
"I appreciate the offer Misaki, but I was gonna say that, I already have a deck with me." He replied. Opening his bag the revealed a yellow gold colored deck box.
"Niiiice, can we see it?" Morikawa questioned.
"Not yet, I want it to be a surprise when I fight."
"Well, can you at least hint at what clan you play?"
"What part of "surprise" does he not get?" He said in his mind. "You'll see. By the way, I didn't get you two your names yet, I'm sorry."
"No worries, allow me to introduce myself. I'm known as the great and ever loving Katsumi Morikawa, and this is my apprentice soon-to-be himself, Yuto Izaki."
"Excuse me, why's that?" Izaki retorted while Kio and Aichi chuckled slightly.
"Because you will witness me kicking thy butt of a noob in a game of vanguard."
"Noob?" Kio thought. "And what's with the medieval English all of a sudden?"
"HAHA, if anybody is gonna face against Kio, it's might as well have to be me. And besides, my deck isn't forty-five percent full of grade threes."
"Those grade threes are worth it in this deck, and if anybody's facing that guy, it's me!"
"No, it should be me!"
"I think Aichi should face Kio." Misaki jumped in their conversation with a serious look at both boys. "What do you think, Aichi?"
"I think that's a good idea. Though, I'm quite curious about what type of deck he's playing. Kio, you don't mind if I cardfight against you?" Aichi questioned.
"Uhhhh...I don't see why not? Sure, let's do this!" Kio excitingly accepted. "So, should we cardfight here on the table or…?"
"I have a better idea. Let me show where we mostly have our cardfights for shop tournaments." Shin noted.
Aichi stood up from his chair to show Kio where most of the cardfighters have their games during tournament days. Aichi pointed at a high top cardfighting table. The top of the table had all the symbols and placements on both sides of the vanguard field. The two stood on the opposing sides to face each other.
"This is so cool." Kio said with astonishment. "We don't have tables like this from where we have our shop tournaments in the L.A. Nice quality and shape."
Kio leaned his head down against the table, knocking it on a few times.
"Very solid in construction, yet so firm and sturdy. Compliments to whoever made this by the way."
Aichi and the others chuckled to Kio's expression on the cardfighting tournament table.
"Ahem...you're welcome." Shin coughed.
"Who knew this guy was really into cardfighting tables? I gotta feeling this match is gonna be a cake walk for Aichi" Morikawa conveyed.
"How so?" asked Misaki
"First, you got a guy who has been winning both regional and a national championship titles ever since he started playing the game. Facing different fighters from all throughout Asia. Then, you get an American newbie who's interested in tables that won't even tell us more about his deck. On top of that, we don't even know any background from him if he's ever competed in a tournament yet. The chances of Aichi winning this are very much in the majority rate."
"That's gotta be the smartest, yet ridiculous thing you've said throughout this day."
"Thank you, Izaki. HEY!"
"But you're right, Aichi has been getting stronger since playing vanguard. From being a shy nobody to a famous VF champion. But, this Kio kid is something. He just got here and we already know little about him. He could pull something out that sleeve of his that we would least expect. It's still unknown until we see this fight." Izaki said.
Izaki, Misaki, and Morikawa nodded their heads understanding to what is going to happen in this fight. Kio and Aichi have their decks ready on hand, placing them in the deck zone signifying their almost ready. Two boys draw five cards in their hand. They both decide to not redraw and continue what they have in their hand. Shin stood in the middle between the two to be the special enforcer of this match.
"Alright, I think I'm ready. Aichi, what about you?" asked Kio.
"I'm all set, ready when you are. Are you sure you don't want a refresher on how to play? Just in case you forget."
"Trust me, I know exactly what I'm doing. I've got everything there is to know about Vanguard from the back of my mind." he smiled looking at his hand.
This was it, he was now going to put this deck to the ultimate. He's been studying this deck. Memorizing skill after skill on each. Now, the time had came for Kio Kurakawa to face the one called, Aichi Sendou.
"Alright, the match between Kio Kurakawa and Aichi Sendou will now begin! Players, standby when ready!" Shin announced.
Both boys nodded their heads at each other to know that they were, in fact, ready.
"Aichi Sendou, get ready to bring it on."
"Now, begin!" Shin shouted.
"STAND UP! MY! VANGUARD!" the two shouted in unison.
