ReShuffle: Vanguard
Summary: Death wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Ending up in one of my favourite anime with a gamer system, able to use broken ass cards from years in the future… All I can say is: Stand Up! Vanguard! SI-OC! Harem, Mostly Female World
I: The Beginning
Congratulations! You died!
You know, when you die, you except something else. Maybe some shiny gates, maybe eternal damnation, maybe being a ghost. What I didn't expect was to wake up in a bedroom I didn't know, the world greyed out around me, and some kind of game text box hovering in front of me.
I frowned as I stared at the screen, rubbing my chin. "Right, I need to review… I know I died, but I don't remember how. I can't remember my name either, that sucks… This seems kind of like some kind of Isekai scenario though… That might not be so bad, but it depends on what kind of world I'm going to…"
I hesitantly reached out and tapped the screen, and it abruptly changed.
Having passed before your time, the gods have seen fit to give you a second chance in another world. The world will be chosen at random, however it will be a world that you like.
"That… Doesn't narrow it down much," I muttered, since I liked a lot of worlds. Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Naruto, Bleach, Fate, the MCU… It could be anything.
Randomizing World…
I crossed my fingers, hoping for something chill…
Congratulations! Your randomized world is Cardfight Vanguard (Original Series!)
I blinked at what I saw and slumped in relief. "Okay… That's not nearly as bad," I sighed in relief. "It doesn't actually start to get dangerous until Asia Circuit, even then it's right at the end, and then it's a majorly chill period until Link-Joker starts invading… Okay, I can deal with this."
As an apology for the user's premature death, a Special Shop System has been prepared for the user that will allow them to purchase cards from any generation of Vanguard.
If my heart had been beating right then, it would have frozen in my chest. "What?"
The user will be able to buy cards from any generation of Vanguard, Original, G, V, D, any period. They will have the ability to purchase any and all booster packs, and extra copies of cards can be broken down into CP to construct other cards.
"… Oh my god, I'm going to ruin the Meta," I said, a grin slowly crawling into my face.
Please be warned, cards from the D Series shall be assigned clans- new clans shall be created if no clans quite fit for them- and trigger effects from the original series shall be modified to the now standard 10K, stand triggers will be replaced by Front Triggers. Shields on cards will be adjusted to be the same as the D series. Starting vanguards from the D series will be given a new skill to help replicate the effects of the Ride Deck. If the user uses a D Series Deck, they will always start with their Ride Chain in hand. Imaginary Gifts will be accessible if using cards from the V Series.
I blinked as I read the information… That was… Pretty good to know, actually. It meant that if I was running a D generation deck, I'd always be able to get to Grade 3… Oh god, imagine if I ran Bastion or Drajeweled… Wait, what about order cards? And Over Triggers?
Order cards will function as normal, and Over Triggers have been removed due to their game breaking abilities.
Ah, okay, that made sense, and I could live with it.
You will now be assigned credits with which you may create and customise your character.
1000 Credits have been given to the user.
I rubbed my hands together. Right then, let's do this.
Please choose character options
[Standard Cast] – Free
The standard cast of Cardfight Vanguard.
[You're a girl! And you're a girl! And so are you!] – 200 Credits
The majority of male characters will be gender swapped to make the World of Vanguard more female heavy. Characters from the D and G Series might also show up early. Due to the heavy lean towards women in the population, harems will be legal and- to a certain extent- expected.
[Crossovers Galore!] – 300 Credits
The majority of male characters will be gender swapped or replaced by a female appropriate character from another anime and forms of media to make the World of Vanguard more female heavy. They will all be characters you like, with some exceptions. Characters from the G and D series might also show up early. Due to the heavy lean towards women in the population, harems will be legal and- to a certain extent- expected.
Hm, a tough choice if I was honest. Standard cast was honestly a fine choice, I liked most of the Vanguard cast. Even Morikawa I kind of liked… Oh my god, what if I gave him a Bastion Deck?
I was definitely going to have to consider that.
But at the same time, harems being legal would mean I wouldn't have to just stick with one girl… Though I would happily stick with just Misaki or Asuka, or Kourin… Hell, if girls from the D series showed up, then Tomari was definitely another one on the list.
Honestly, I really did think about it. I honestly seriously debated Standard Cast just to help keep the timeline consistent, but I ultimately did choose Crossovers Galore. The timeline would go out the window when I started using D Series cards, since it would result in new factors on Planet Cray that the Concert Master would never expect and might result in them taking a more direct hand.
700 Credits Remaining
Please choose a Background
[Drop In] – Free
You will be dropped into the world with basic ID, a house, some papers, and a school that you will attend at random. Beyond that, you will essentially not exist within the world at all.
[A Side Character] – 100 Credits
You will take over the body of a random side character, assuming their identity and obtaining their memories.
[The Protagonist] – 200 Credits
You will overwrite the existence of Aichi Sendou, assuming his identity and becoming the Protagonist. Grants the skill 'PSYqualia.'
[The Antagonist] – 200 Credits
You will overwrite the existence of Ren Suzugamori, assuming his identity and becoming the primary antagonist of the first Season. Grants the skill 'PSYqualia.' Grants the demerit 'Power Corrupts.'
[The Wild Card] – 250 Credits
You will be able to create and customise your own character to exist within the world of Vanguard and will be given several options for your character's background to use. Grants the skill 'PSYqualia.' Grants the Perk 'No Strings On Me.'
Well, there was only one choice for me, but I just wanted to check PSYqualia, Power Corrupts, and No Strings On Me before I made any choices.
Power Corrupts
Power Corrupts, and you have lost yourself to power. -30% to mental faculties. +100% rage towards select individual (Toshiki Kai or their replacements.) +30% insanity. Increases insanity when dealing with select individuals.
PSYqualia
A power which can alter a Vanguard fight for the wielder, and directly connects the Vanguard to their units on Planet Cray. It has the power to shape the events happening on Planet Cray and determine the fate of both worlds. However, using this power too much can lead to the user's personality changing. User can hear the voices of the cards. The cards will aid the user, giving them the best possible draws in order to help them win. The user will feel damage when taking damage, as if they themselves are the Vanguard. Excessive use without proper mental fortitude will result in the 'Power Corrupts' demerit.
At higher levels of mastery, PSYqualia is even able to create new cards, however one must have transcended mastery of PSYqualia, on par with the Concert Master.
No Strings On Me
The user is no puppet to be played in a Greater Game, instead roaming free and doing as they desire. The user is free from the whims of destiny, able to shape their own Fate and the Fates of those around them.
Yep, that made my choice obvious.
You have chosen [The Wild Card].
Please select one of the Background Options for [The Wild Card] below.
[The Protagonist]
You will take the Protagonist's place in the Greater World. The Protagonist will still exist; however, they will no longer be the driving force behind the plot, you will be.
[Twin Trouble]
You will become the fraternal twin siblings of the Protagonist. Where your sister is weak and bullied, you are strong and stern, often driving away your sister's bullies and doing your best to help her build confidence. She will hide the fact she plays Vanguard from you, fearing you will laugh at her or find it silly.
[Pulling the Strings]
You will become an Avatar of the Void, pulling the strings in the background to lead your puppets into their proper places before taking them down in one fell swoop.
[Cold Hero]
Your existence will overwrite the mentor character's (Kai Toshiki.) They will still exist within the world; however, you will be the one who mentors the Protagonist, and will have a background to align with the Antagonist.
[Tragic Villain]
Your existence will overwrite the Antagonist's. They will still exist within the world; however, you will be the one doing your best to assert your dominance and defeat the heroes.
[Rumoured Fighter]
You will be a hidden fighter, one who cardfights in the background. None know your name, but there are rumours of a powerful fighter who is said to be on par with the pros, but has never stepped into the spotlight… Until now.
Mmm… Tough choices, very tough choices…
For me, Protagonist and Twin Trouble were the most tempting. Pulling the strings wasn't really my style, and Tragic Villain was appealing but I wasn't really in a mood to be evil. Cold Hero was a choice, but I was curious to see who'd actually replace Kai, so that was out.
That really only left Protagonist, Twin Trouble, and Rumoured Fighter. Rumoured Fighter was out, because I'd rather be completely anonymous until later. That left Protagonist and Twin Trouble.
I debated over it for a long time. On the one hand, the mere presence of a protagonist if I chose Twin Trouble would kind of just make the story a bit more… Awkward to deal with. But on the other, if I became the Protagonist, it meant that unsavoury eyes would be on me…
Granted, they'd be on me anyway…
"Can I make a request?" I spoke up. "Can you merge Twin Trouble and the Protagonist for me? Let me be the protagonist and give me a twin who looks out for me and drives away my bullies instead."
This is acceptable, but the user will have to pay 100 credits.
"Deal."
350 Credits Remaining
Please Select a Route Option
[Single Route] – Free
You will have multiple romance options, but you will only be able to fully romance one or two characters despite living in a harem world.
[Harem Route] – 200 Credits
Does what it says on the tin, you are able to build a harem. Girls you romance will be fine with sharing, but it will be able to you to make girls who dislike each other get along for the sake of your harem.
[Alpha Stud] – 500 Credits
Women just cannot resist you, willing to do anything to get your attention, and will get along with one another even if they despise each other for the sake of being with you.
Easy choice, harem route. I had no interest in turning girls into brain dead sluts who only thought about fucking me, that was just wrong on so many levels and not my style for the most part. Plus, I didn't have the credits for that anyway.
150 Credits Remaining
You have chosen
Crossovers Galore
The Wild Card
The Protagonist with Twin Trouble
Harem Route
Would you like to lock in these options? Please note, if you choose to lock in these options, you cannot change them later.
"I'm sure, lock them in."
Options have been locked in.
You have been granted the skill 'PSYqualia.'
You have been granted the Perk 'No Strings On Me.'
Please create your character.
I grinned as a screen appeared in front of me, revealing a character that I could customise to my will, and I set to work.
I decided to kind of shake things up a bit. I wasn't huge on being a masculine appearance, and I remembered my friends always telling me I should get more in touch with my feminine side. So, I created a character that appeared very gender ambiguous, but still male. Fair skin, red eyes and hair between long and medium, side swept over the shoulder. An easy looking target, it wouldn't make sense if I was taking Aichi's place and I looked tough, the bullying would make no sense. Plus, I kind of liked the gender ambiguous appearance, I looked like I could be a pretty girl or a rather feminine looking male.
Are you sure you want this to be what you look like? Please know you cannot change this later.
I hesitated, just a bit. I knew I wouldn't be able to change it later while making it, I guessed anyway, but it was still a big commitment. Still, I steeled myself, "I'm sure."
Appearance has been locked in.
Please select a name. Last name 'Sendou' has already been locked in.
A name, huh? Well, I guess something gender ambiguous that could be used by male or female would work, I didn't know the kanji though since I was only a mere weeb…
"Akira," I finally settled on. It sounded rather ambiguous to me, like it would be male or female, and it would probably confuse the hell out of people.
You have chosen the name Akira Sendou.
Please choose a Starter Deck.
Another menu appeared in front of me, this one was huge, presenting me starter decks from across the various generations of Vanguard. Original Series, Limit Break, Legion, and so on and so forth.
While I knew a lot of Limit Break cards and such, I ultimately decided on choosing a D Series deck, simply because I was more familiar with the cards since I was playing Premium more than V Premium or Standard formats before my death.
That left me with 9 Starter Deck Options- Records of Ragnarok and Monster Strike Starter Decks were not present, likely to prevent some… Interesting things happening on Cray.
I quickly narrowed down my options to the four that appealed to me the most: Bastion, Bavsagra, Youthberk, and Drajeweled.
Bastion was… Out, but I would definitely buy the starter deck again later and buff it with cards before giving it to Morikawa- or whoever replaced it. It was a deck that really worked with him, and I hoped that the D Series Skill would also work with him… Hey, system, would it?
Yes. The D Series skill will be active with any person using a D Series Deck.
Ah, very good to know. Yes, definitely buying Bastion for Morikawa's player later.
That left me with Bavsagra, Youthberk, and Drajeweled.
Bavsagra… Was sadly out. The deck was very strong, let there be no mistake on that, but it required the most amount of work to get to a more playable state for sure, you really needed the Spear Arms- I couldn't remember the name off the top of my head- over the Sword Arms to perverse counter blasts and potentially go full power from the start.
Alas, it was on the back burner until I could pick up some of the more important cards to make it work.
Now, that left Youthberk and Drajeweled.
This was a tough choice. Youthberk did have order cards in the expansion pack with the Trial Deck, if I recalled, so that would lead to a questions much sooner, I wasn't sure just how the cards would be implemented into the world yet and using order cards would definitely attract some attention.
Drajeweled wasn't outrageous, it focused on manipulating the soul, and reducing the opponent's power was a skill used by a group of Dimension Police if I remembered correctly… I sadly could not recall the name of the cards off the top of my head, but I knew Reverse Daiyusha also reduced power instead of increasing its own.
If I was honest, I was leaning Youthberk to start. If I remembered Youthberk's lore correctly, Youthberk was the child of a Royal Paladin Clan Member, and eventually became a knight. As Youthberk, he fight against the corruption and evil within the Keter Sanctuary both on the ground and in the sky, while considering the Cloud Knights led by Bastion- who ruled in the sky island 'Ketergia' that closed itself off from the world and held elitest views- his enemy.
A rebel and a knight…
"Well," I sighed with a smile. "I think I know exactly what deck to choose then," I nodded. I was going to take the protagonist's place, might as well start with the same clan…
God, this choice would be awkward if Youthberk ended up a Shadow or Gold Paladin.
You have chosen the Trial Deck 'Skyfall Executors.'
Because you are now in ownership of a D Series deck, the skill 'Ride Deck' has been added.
[Youthberk "Protofall Arms"] [Knight of Ardent Light, Youth] [Determined to Break Away, Youth] [Youth Following in Footsteps, Youth] [Youthberk "RevolForm: Zest"] [Internalise Mage] [Stardiness Dragon] [Knight of Piercing, Cadwalla] [Skyfall Fury] [Arcmya] and [Resolute Mage] have all been granted the [Royal Paladin] Clan.
[Recuperate Angel] and [Lifesaving Angel, Kurabiel] have been granted the [Angel Feather] Clan.
[Shadow Bow Archer, Lisana] [Knight of Partings Lloygre] [Witch of Revocation, Fectil] and [Volition Rigor Dragon] have been granted the [Shadow Paladin] Clan.
Oh… That was… Wait, was that new ruling of triggers activating regardless of if you had the clan on the field active thanks to my deck being in the D Series?
It is, indeed, active.
Oh, thank god! I did not want to have to play a perfect guard in order to activate my heal triggers!
I smiled as the deck formed in my hand, along with a few extra cards thanks to the expansion, though only a couple. I took a guess there were no tutorial cards since there was no need for them, so no need to hand them over with the expansion booster.
Leftover Credits will now be converted into VP.
150 Credits have been converted into 1500 VP. As a result, the Player will Start with 4500 VP.
"What else can VP buy besides cards?" I decided to ask, just in case…
VP will also allow the player to buy, customize, and create card sleeves and playmats.
Hell yeah! Blackout card sleeves, here I come!
Are you ready?
I looked at all my previous options, before I nodded firmly. "I'm ready."
Beginning System Boot Up.
Three…
Two…
One…
.
.
.
System Boot Up Successful.
Gasp!
I sat up in my bed suddenly, as if awakening from a nightmare. I looked around the familiar room, before I felt myself relax…
There was not suddenly an influx of memories, no sudden realisation. One moment, I was only Akira. The next moment, I was also a young man who died and was no living his second chance at life.
Though the question remained now, was I Akira? Or was I the young man?
No sooner had the question appeared in my mind than did the answer settle within me and tell me all I needed to know.
I was both. I was Akira, the cowardly young man who needed his fraternal twin- Juvia- to drive away the bullies, and I was the young man who passed away, who lived as fulfilling a life as he could before his untimely end.
Though if I had to choose between them, the sheer amount of memories made me more of the young man than Akira… I could tell because after just thinking of Juvia, my mind was now drifting to her in various states of undress, and I felt my body reacting because of it…
Perhaps I should be thankful that incest wasn't frowned upon in this world thanks to the low population of men.
I shook my head and slowly climbed out of bed, covering my mouth and stifling a yawn as I made my way over to look in the mirror at myself, and despite myself I couldn't help but blush.
Thanks to my memories as the young man being more being more predominant, I felt like I wasn't in my own body. And looking at myself now, I did look very pretty, and it was making me flustered to look… God, I wouldn't be able to look in the mirror when changing for a while since I knew the rest of my body was this pretty too.
I quickly shook my head and turned away, taking a breath. "Menu." Reacting to my words, a holographic screen appeared in front of me.
[Bio] [Skills] [Shop] [Quests]
Hm, Bio? Was that my status page? Might as well check.
[Bio]
Name: Akira Sendou
Age: 15
VP: 4500
CP: 0
Avatar: Blaster Blade (Tap to change)
Current Card Sleeves: None (Tap to change)
Background: Akira Sendou was born as the fraternal twin brother of Juvia Sendou, the son of Hikari Sendou and Akio Sendou, and the older brother of Emi Sendou. His father works abroad in America and sends money to the family so they can live a comfortable life. He was always bullied due to his more feminine appearance, predominantly by girls. While his sister did her best to help drive off the bullies, it was still bad enough that he had to leave his previous school- Miyaji academy which his sister attends- when the bullying wouldn't stop. During this time, he met a kind girl who gave him his most treasured possession: [Blaster Blade], a legendary rare Vanguard card of which there are only a few in existence. He created a Vanguard deck in hopes of meeting that kind girl once again and having a Cardfight with her. His mother pulled him out of Miyaji Academy due to the constant bullying, instead sending him to Hitsue.
I blinked, humming at what I read. That was definitely lining up with Aichi in the anime, but there were definitely some differences within my memories. The first being that my sister helped stop the bullying as best as she could before our mother had enough and pulled me out. It seemed that Juvia really wanted to transfer with me to help protect me, but I asked our mother to not let her since I didn't want to trouble my sister more than I already had.
I already knew all my skills, so I was going to skip over that, instead I headed to the shop menu.
[Buy Pack] [Buy Deck]
[Buy Sleeve] [Buy Playmat]
[Buy Deck Box] [Buy Card Storage]
[Customize Sleeve] [Customize Playmat]
[Customize Deck Box] [Customize Card Storage]
[Exit]
Hm? I had to buy Card Storage and Deck Boxes, I couldn't just store them in my… Oh I didn't have an inventory, which made sense now. I did need somewhere to keep all my cards, so Card Storage made sense.
For now, let's open up the Sleeves page and- oh god, that's a lot of card sleeves, lots of options. But I quickly scrolled to the one I wanted: the Blackout Sleeves in Black. Very lovely to look at, and they would protect my cards. I was going to introduce the idea of protecting your cards to this timeline, damn it! It was 500 VP well spent, in my opinion
I went to my Bio and quickly changed the card sleeves from [None] to [Blackout (Black)]. I went over to the drawer where I knew I kept my deck and saw it sitting neatly in a little deck box, now wearing the sleeves I'd put on them. Knowing that I would need these cards today, I put the deck in my bag, and I put [Blaster Blade] in my inner pocket on my jacket. Morikawa's replacement would need to see it during class in order to steal it from me, leading to the events of a Cardfight with Kai's replacement.
There was suddenly a firm knocking on the door. "Akira!" I heard Juvia's lovely voice through the door. "It's time for you to wake up and get dressed! Don't make Juvia come in there and wake you up again!"
"I- I'm awake, Nee-chan," I quickly responded. "I'm getting dressed now, I swear!"
"You had better, or Juvia is not going to be happy!" She warned, before footsteps walked away from the door.
I quickly headed to the bathroom and got ready for school. Brush teeth, wash face, wash hands, morning duties, changing into uniform. I looked at myself in the mirror and nodded in satisfaction, double checking that my deck was in my bag and [Blaster Blade] was in my pocket.
I moved to leave my room, but then remembered something. I quickly opened my Bio and changed my Avatar from [Blaster Blade] to [Youthberk "Protofall Arms"]. With that done, I made my way downstairs.
"Good morning," I greeted my family as I entered the dining room. My mother turned her head and smiled at me, while Emi gave me a pouty look for 'taking so long,' and Juvia just nodded in satisfaction that I was actually dressed and ready today.
"Juvia is glad to see you decided to listen," she told me, and I gave a slightly sheepish smile.
"Sorry, Nee-chan," I told her as I sat down at the table as our mother set breakfast out for us, and I took the opportunity of their distraction to look at Juvia.
She was wearing the Miyaji Academy Middle School Uniform, a black uniform with a white ribbon and lining on it. She was gorgeous even at fifteen, with a budding pair of breasts that I knew would only get bigger and long, shapely legs that seemed to go on for miles. Her blue hair fell over her shoulders gently, and her lips were curled into a small smile as she ate her breakfast.
She turned her gaze to me, tilting her head, and I blushed as I realised, I was caught. "Is there something wrong, Akira? Why are you staring at Juvia?"
"N- no, it's nothing, Nee-chan," I promised.
She gave me a look like I was weird, before she shrugged and turned back to her breakfast.
I quickly turned and focused on my own breakfast… Mm, it was good. Eggs on toast, a classic meal. I was into it.
With our meals eaten, my sisters and I both did our mother farewell before we left the house.
Juvia made sure to walk slightly behind me, I think she thought that if she didn't, that I would try and sneak home after they headed into their own schools.
The fact I'd done so before didn't mean she was justified, really.
Still, we dropped off Emi at the Miyaji Elementary, then Juvia dropped me off at Hitsue Middle School.
"If you have any more bullying troubles, remember to come to Juvia, understand?" My sister said to me sternly.
"I understand, Nee-chan," I nodded at her words.
"Good," she wrapped her arms around me and gave me a tight hug, which I reciprocated. "Juvia loves you, Akira."
"I love you too, Nee-chan."
With that, my sister let me go and waved before she headed off to Miyaji Elementary School.
I turned to my school and let out a soft sigh…
Today was going to be a long day.
.
.
.
I coughed hard as I fell to the ground after being given a rough shove from my bully, looking up into the gleaming crimson eyes of Nobunaga Oda.
Yes, I was being bullied by jailbait that was shorter than me, but her short size hid away her strength. her friend- Melascula from Seven Deadly Sins- stood nearby, hands behind her back and smiling pleasantly, as if nothing was wrong.
Nobunaga smirked as she looked at the card she was holding. "Who knew a beta bitch like you would have such a legendary rare card?" She chuckled. "With this, I'll definitely beat that guy!"
"N- no, please…" I coughed as I tried to reach out. "That… That card is important to me, please don't…"
She kicked me hard in the stomach, making me hold it and cough hard in pain. "Shut up, this card is mine now, you'll just have to deal with it," she chuckled.
"Come on, Nobu," Melascula spoke up. "Let's get out of here."
"You're right, Mel," Nobu nodded and smirked at me. "Later, loser," she turned and left with her friend, leaving me on the ground in pain.
I didn't go after them at first, instead I took a minute to try and recover from the agonising pain that was going through my body… I'd been bullied in my previous life growing up, but nothing as bad as actual punches to the stomach, it has all been emotional bullying, not physical.
Tutorial Quest
Quest: Get your card back
Didn't have to tell me twice…
I took deep breaths and slowly got up off the ground and began to follow where I remembered they went. Along the way, I did have to ask some people about directions to Card Capital, but they were very kind and helped point me in the right direction. It was in walking distance from my house and the school, so it wasn't too far, I just didn't know its exact location.
As I walked, I couldn't help but think about the girls who had replaced Morikawa and Izaki… Nobu was a good choice for Morikawa, but Melascula as Izaki felt kind of off… Though I guessed her more teasing and laid-back personality kind of fit…? It wasn't like they could do one for ones with every character, I'd probably run into some who didn't line up at all.
I groaned and panted, having picked up the pace and needed to stop a few time to lean on trees and benches… God, Nobu must have hit something vital, because this pain was sticking. Really, why didn't Aichi just go to a fucking hospital? Why didn't I go to a hospital!?
Oh, right… Plot…
I finally made my way into Card Capital, my eyes instantly locking onto Nobunaga facing someone with red hair, a girl with blonde hair I didn't recognise on sight standing nearby, and Melascula seated behind Nobu looking nervous.
I stumbled over. "G- give me back my card."
All four looked at me, the blonde girl in confusion, the red head with mild curiosity, and Nobunaga and Izaki with nervousness and… Was that guilt?
"Who's this?" The blonde asked.
"Aichi…" Nobu whispered under her breath.
"Oda-san, please," I begged softly. "That card's really important to me."
"Don't look at me," she glanced away.
"Your card?" The blonde asked. "Do you mean that one?" She pointed at [Blaster Blade].
"Y- yes, that one," I nodded. "It's my card… Oda-san took it from me, and I'd like it back."
"Why should I?" The red head asked as she picked up the card. "This card is mine now. I won it, fair and square."
"Huh?"
"Hey…" The blonde said, looking at her friend.
Nobu and Mel exchanged nervous looks, and I turned my gaze on them.
"D- Did you bet my fucking card!?"
Both girls' eyes widened in surprise, clearly not expecting that outburst.
"What the fuck is wrong with you!? First you take my card, my precious card that means more to me than you could ever conceive, and then you fucking bet it away like you're at a poker table!? Give me one god damn good reason I shouldn't report you two bitches to the school and get you both expelled!"
I felt a great deal of satisfaction as both girls paled at my threat, they clearly hadn't thought very far ahead.
"That's…" Nobu hesitated.
I glared at them before I turned my gaze to the red head. "Look, I know technically you own that card now, so what will it take for me to get it back? Please, it's really important to me."
The red head eyed me slowly before she spoke, "To we Vanguard Fighters, nothing is more sacred than the results of a fight. If you want your card back, you'll have to beat me in a fight for it."
Tutorial Quest Updated
Objective: Win the Cardfight and reclaim your card.
"Then that's what I'll do."
She smiled slowly. "Well okay then, you're on."
"Wait, but I thought you weren't a fighter? You've never played! Do you even have a deck?" Nobu blurted out.
"I'm… Not," I admitted before I reached into my bag and pulled out my deck box. "But I made a deck hoping to fight one day, I'm just… Too nervous to come to shops like this normally, and I've studied the rules and a lot of games diligently, so I know how fights go."
"Seriously…?"
"Like I said, you're on," the red head nodded, pointing at where Nobu was seated. "Sit there."
The blonde grinned and pushed Nobu out of the way. "Time for losers to get lost."
Nobu yelped and grunted as she moved, while I took a seat where she sat.
"Before we get started, could I get both of your names?" I asked politely. Nobu and Melascula were easier to recognise, these two were a bit harder, I couldn't name them off the top of my head.
"I'm Millicent Ashford," the blonde introduced herself. "Call me Milly."
Ah, a childhood friend of Lelouch from Code Geass. Nice, she was chill and cool, perfect to replace Miwa.
"Aki Izayoi," the red head introduced herself.
Aki… Aki… Oh, as in Akiza's Japanese name from Yu-Gi-Oh! Yeah, she kinda worked to replace Kai. It wasn't a one for one, but it worked for sure.
I pulled out my deck, which caught everyone's attention as they saw the sleeved cards.
"What's that?" Milly asked. "Where's your deck?"
"Oh um, this is my deck," I told her. "I store my cards in sleeves, you see. I consider my cards very precious, so I put them in sleeves to help prevent wear and tear and damage, you never know what might happen, so…"
"I see!" She nodded. "Well, they look cool."
"Thank you," I gave her a shy smile, blushing a bit.
"Aw, you're so cute! How could these two be mean to such a cute girl like you?"
I only smiled and didn't correct her as I turned back to Aki. "My name is Akira."
"Pleasure," she nodded. "Do you need me to explain the rules to you since this is your first time?"
"I'll be fine, but thank you for offering," I responded, setting my starting vanguard face down before I began to shuffle my deck.
"Won't you need [Blaster Blade] for your deck?" She asked me.
I shook my head. "No, I don't. [Blaster Blade] is a precious card to me, but it's not very… Efficient to run only one copy of a card in a deck, so instead I keep it close to me as my motivation, it gives me courage."
"I see," she nodded, setting the card down in plain view. "Then we'll put it here, where we can both see it to make sure there's no trickery."
I nodded as the both of us shuffled our decks, before setting them down.
"Picture it. The two of us have appeared as astral bodies on the planet cray…"
And just like that, the world drowned out around me, and I found myself standing in a rocky, mountainous area on the Planet Cray, Aki standing not far from me.
'Holy… So, this is how they see it in the show…?'
I drew five cards from my deck, looking down at them, before I nodded. "I won't return any cards, I'm fine."
"I'll put back two," Aki told me, shuffling up before she drew two, both of us placing our hands on our Vanguards. "Let's begin."
"Stand Up! Vanguard!"
The both of us flipped our cards over, our astral bodies on cray glowing in light and taking on new forms.
"[Lizard Runner, Unduex]!"
"[Youth Following in Footsteps, Youth]!"
Lizard Runner Unduex
Grade 0
5000 Shield
6000 Power
Youth Following in Footsteps, Youth
Grade 0
5000 Shield
6000 Power
While she took on the form of an armoured lizardman, I took on the form of a young squire wielding a spear.
"Royal Paladin, huh?" Aki mused. "I hope you won't mind if I make the first move?"
"Go ahead," I told her.
She nodded and drew a card. "I ride [Embodiment of Armor, Bahr]!" She placed the card over Unduex, her form on Cray changing to that of a blue skinned warrior with sky hair clad in red armour. "I end my turn."
Embodiment of Armor, Bahr
Grade 1
5000 Shield
8000 Power
Aki Hand: 5
"My turn," I responded. "I draw," I picked up a card from my deck, looking over my hand. "I ride [Determined to Break Away, Youth]," I placed the card on top of my vanguard, my body transforming to be slightly older, an eyepatch now covering my right eye.
Determined to Break Away, Youth
Grade 1
5000 Shield
8000 Power
"Youth's skill activates," I told Aki. "When he's my starting Vanguard and I ride up to the next Grade, I draw a card from my deck and discard a card from my hand." I drew a card from my deck, and then discarded [Witch of Revocation, Fectil].
Witch of Revocation, Fectil
Grade 1
5000 Shield
6000 Power
"Youth's second skill activates. When I go second and I ride, I draw a card," I drew another card from my deck. "Fectil's skill activates. When I discard it during the Ride Phase, I superior call it," I took Fectil and placed it behind Youth.
"A Shadow Paladin…?" Aki whispered, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly.
Right, past issues with Shadow Paladins.
"Boosted by Fectil, Youth attacks," I told her, turning both cards sideways, Youth being empowered as he charged at Bahr. "Youth's skill. When he attacks, he gains 2000 Power."
8000 + 6000 + 2000 = 16,000
"No guard."
"Drive check," I turned over the top card of my deck, revealing my [Internalize Mage].
Internalize Mage
Grade 2
5000 Shield
10000 Power
"Damage check," she responded as Bahr was struck by the Spear. She turned over the top card of her deck, revealing [Dragon Monk, Goku] and putting it into her damage zone.
Dragon Monk, Goku
Grade 3
10000 Power
"I end my turn," I told her.
Akira Hand: 7
"My turn," Aki drew a card. "I ride [Dragon Knight, Nehalem], and then I call [Flame of Hope, Aermo], and [Embodiment of Armor, Bahr]!"
She placed the cards down on the field, Bahr's form being replaced by a dragon rider clad in blue armour, while a flame spirit appeared behind, and to Nehalem's right formed another Bahr, glaring at Youth.
Dragon Knight, Nehalem
Grade 2
5000 Shield
10000 Power
Flame of Hope, Aermo
Grade 1
5000 Shield
10000 Power
"Looks like she's getting serious," Milly noted.
"Akira's gonna get his ass kicked now," Nobu nodded.
"I attack Youth with Bahr," she declared as Bahr charged in.
"I guard with Arcmya," I responded, placing the draw trigger down on the guardian circle, and halting Bahr's attack.
She nodded, before she turned her gaze to the centre. "Boosted by Aermo, Nehalem attacks!"
10000 + 6000 = 16,000
"I don't guard," I responded, Nehalem soaring down towards Youth.
"Drive check," she told me, flipping over her top card and revealing [Wyvern Strike, Tejas].
Nehalem's spear struck Youth, making him grunt and glare at the knight in anger.
"Damage check," I flipped over my top card, clicking my tongue as it revealed Youthberk. I placed it into my damage zone.
"That ends my turn."
Aki Hand: 4
"Stand and draw," I drew a card from my deck, looking down at my options before I decided. "I ride [Knight of Ardent Light, Youth]!"
My vanguard was covered in light once more, and revealing a much more mature Youth, holding a spear and clad in bulkier armour, looking confident.
"Youth's skill activates," I told Aki. "Since I once again rode to the next grade, I draw one card and discard one card," I pulled a card from my deck before discarding my [Internalize Mage]. "My other Youth's skill. Since I rode [Knight of Ardent Light, Youth], I Soul Blast one card, and check the top three cards of my deck."
I placed my starting Vanguard in the drop zone, then checked the top three cards of my deck, frowning. No Youthberk, bummer.
"I superior call a Grade 2 or less unit," I told her. "Superior call [Lifesaving Angel, Kurabiel]!" I grabbed the perfect guard from among them, placing it on my left back row column. It sucked losing a PG this soon, but better it than my trigger. I put the other two cards on the bottom of the deck.
Lifesaving Angel, Kurabiel
Grade 1
0 Shield (Sentinel)
7000 Power
"Angel Feather too…?" Aki frowned.
"I call [Stardiness Dragon]," I placed the card in front of Kurabiel. "Now then, it's time to battle."
Stardiness Dragon
Grade 2
5000 Shield
10000 Power
"Boosted by Kurabiel, Stardiness attacks!" I turned both cards, and the spear wielding holy dragon roared as it charged in.
10000 + 7000 = 17,000
"Guard," she responded, placing down a critical trigger. "[Embodiment of Spear, Tahr]!"
Embodiment of Spear, Tahr
Grade 0
Trigger: Critical
15000 Shield
5000 Power
10000 + 15000 = 25000
"Boosted by Fectil, Youth attacks!"
10000 + 6000 = 16000
"No guard," she responded.
I nodded and turned my gaze to my deck. "Drive check," I turned over the top card, revealing another Kurabiel, which I added to my hand.
"Damage check," she revealed [Demon Dragon Madonna, Joka] and put it into her damage zone.
"I end my turn."
Akira Hand: 6
Aki Hand: 3
"Stand and draw," she drew her cards, and a small smirk fell onto her lips. "Ride the Vanguard! Burn everything in this world to dust with your apocalyptic fire! [Dragonic Overlord]!"
Flames covered Nehalem, and I heard a powerful roar as the lord of the Kagero Clan appeared, a huge crimson dragon wielding a sword that glared down at me.
Dragonic Overlord
Grade 3
11000 Power
"I call [Wyvern Strike, Jarren] and [Wyvern Strike, Tejas]!" She declared, placing both units on her right- my left- rear guard circles.
Wyvern Strike, Jarren
Grade 1
5000 Shield
6000 Power
Wyvern Strike, Tejas
Grade 2
5000 Shield
8000 Power
"Jarren's skill! When he supports Tejas, an extra 4000 Power is bestowed!"
8000 + 6000 + 4000 = 18000
"No guard," I responded, flinching as the bullets slammed into Youth.
"Damage check," I flipped over my top card. Another Stardiness Dragon, which I put in the damage zone.
"Now, boosted by Aermo, Dragonic Overlord attacks your Vanguard!"
11000 + 6000 = 17000
"No guard," I said once again.
"Twin drive," she turned over the first card, revealing a Nehalem. "First Check. Second Check…" She smirked as she turned the card over, revealing an ]Embodiment of Spear, Tahr]. "Critical Trigger. I give the power to Bahr, and the Critical to Overlord!"
18000 + 10000 = 28000
2 Critical
8000 + 1000 = 18000
The mighty sword wielded by the king of the Kagero Clan slammed down on Youth, making him scream in pain and I felt a flinch run through my own body, though I hid it well.
"Damage check. First…" I turned over the top card, revealing Fectil, which went to my damage zone. "Second…" I turned over another and smiled warmly. "Heal Trigger," I showed the card to Aki, my Recuperate Angel. "Youth gets 10000 Power, and I recover one damage," I took my Protofall Arms in my damage zone and placed it in the Drop Zone, exactly where I wanted it to be.
10000 + 10000 = 20000
"Bahr attacks Stardiness!"
"Guard with Resolute Mage," I countered, placing the Front Trigger down.
Resolute Mage
Grade 0
Trigger: Front
15000 Shield
5000 Power
10000 + 15000 = 25000
Bahr halted as his attack was stopped.
"I end my turn," Aki told me, looking down at the field.
Aki's Field
Embodiment of Armor, Bahr – Dragonic Overlord – Wyvern Strike, Tejas
Empty – Flame of Hope, Aermo – Wyvern Strike, Jarren
Damage: 2
Hand: 3
Akira's Field
Stardiness Dragon – Knight of Ardent Light, Youth – Empty
Lifesaving Angel, Kurabiel – Witch of Revocation, Fectil – Empty
Damage: 3
Hand: 5
"Woah…" Nobu whispered. "He's actually holding his own way better than I thought he would be."
"Is he really just a beginner?" Mel mumbled.
I stared at Aki for a moment, and I couldn't help but laugh softly, making the four ladies look at me. "Amazing," I told her. "Cardfighting with you is even more fun than I thought it would be, Aki."
"… You know her?" Milly asked in surprise.
"Yes, I do," I nodded. "After all, she's the one who gave me [Blaster Blade] in the first place."
Milly snapped her gaze to Aki, who looked at me intensely. "I thought so," she nodded. "You're Akira Sendou, aren't you?"
"That's right," I nodded. "I was at my lowest point, and you gave me that card and helped give me the courage to move forward… That being said…" I drew a card from my deck and smiled slowly.
"I have no intention of holding back."
"Then show me that you can win this card back, Akira," she all but ordered me.
It was one I was happy to obey.
"It's time," I grabbed a card. "To destruct the heavens…" I felt a vicious grin crawl onto my face. "Stand up, my Avatar!" I placed the card down. "Ride! [Youthberk "Protofall Arms"]!"
Youth let out a roar as his body was covered in light, before it faded and, in his place, stood a hardened warrior, a vicious knight clad in black armour, their face hidden, with long white hair, and holding a pitch-black spear.
Youthberk "Protofall Arms"
Grade 3
Persona Ride
Power 13000
"Youth's skill," I told her. "I draw a card and discard a card," I drew a card from my deck, and then discarded another [Internalize Mage]. "Knight of Arden Light, Youth's skill! When I ride a unit with the RevolDress ability on top of him, I counterblast, and then I add a Grade 2 or higher unit from my Drop Zone to my hand!"
"RevolDress?" For the first time in the fight, Aki expressed genuine confusion in her face.
"I add my Protofall Arms back to my hand," I revealed the card that I'd just healed in the last turn and put it back in my hand. "Then I call [Knight of Partings, Lloygre]!" I placed the dark knight wielding a red sword on Youthberk's other side.
Knight of Partings, Lloygre
Grade 2
5000 Shield
10000 Power
"Let's get this started!" I grinned. "Boosted by Kurabiel, Stardiness attacks your Overlord!"
Aki eyed her hand and then my field. "I don't guard."
Stardiness roared as he slammed into Overlord, dealing damage.
Aki turned over the top card of her deck, revealing another Dragon Monk Goku, which she put into the damage zone.
"Youthberk attacks your Vanguard," I turned the card sideways, but didn't boost with Fectil.
She looked down at her hand, not seeming to notice my refusal to boost. "No guard."
"Twin drive," I turned over the first card of my deck, [Knight of Piercing, Cadwalla]. "Second check," I turned over another card and grinned. "Heal Trigger! 10000 Power to Lloygre, and I heal one damage," I grabbed the Stardiness that I'd flipped over for Youth's skill in my damage zone and put it in the drop zone.
10000 + 10000 = 20000
"Damage check," she flipped over another card, this time revealing Nehalem, which she put in the damage zone.
"When the heaven's fall, a great power will be unleashed," I grabbed another card in my hand. "And the black knight will unleash his wrath," I pulled it free.
"What are you…?"
"RevolDress!"
I slammed a new card on top of my Youthberk. On Planet Cray, Youthberk let out a fierce roar as his armour bulked up, his spear becoming massive as his armour and aura tinted a deep crimson.
"[Youthberk "RevolForm: Zest"]!"
Youthberk "RevolForm: Zest"
Grade 3
Persona Ride
13000 Power
Youthberk let out a fierce battle cry, rallying the other units as they seemed to become more motivated by the card's mere presence.
"What!?" Milly's eyes widened. "You rode during the middle of your battle phase!?"
"Something like that is possible?" Nobu gasped.
"This is Youthberk's power," I told them. "RevolDress. At the end of Youthberk's attack, I can take one card with "RevolForm" in its card name from my hand and ride it as Stand, but it gets minus two drive."
"RevolDress…" Aki's eyes narrowed, showing she was now in full serious mode.
"Zest's skill!" I declared. "When it's ridden by the RevolDress ability, plus 15000 power!"
13000 + 15000 = 28000
"28000 without a boost!?" Mel exclaimed in shock. "Wait, boost… Fectil is still standing!"
"I see," Aki's eyes narrowed. "You didn't boost because you knew you'd be using RevolDress and wanted as much power as possible."
"Lloygre's skill activates next," I told her, flipping over the Fectil in my damage zone. "Counterblast, and now Lloygre gets another 10000 Power."
20000 + 10000 = 30000
"That's crazy!" Nobu exclaimed. "34000 in the centre line, and then another column with 30000 with no boost!? Is this really the Akira Sendou I know…?"
"Blaster Blade is important to me, so I'll be taking it back," I told her. "Boosted by Fectil, Youthberk attacks!"
Aki looked down at her hand and sighed, clearly realising she was paying the price for using so many cards last turn. "No guard."
Youthberk's spear slammed into Overlord, making him scream in pain as Aki flipped over another card, revealing another Nehalem, now sent to the Damage Zone.
"And finally, Lloygre attacks your vanguard!"
She sighed and once again didn't guard, placing one more card in the Damage Zone, this time another Bahr.
"I end my turn," I finally said. "During the end phase, I ride a card with the RevolDress ability from my Soul as Rest." In a flash of light, Youthberk returned to normal.
Aki Damage: 5
Akira Hand : 6
"Stand and draw," she stood her cards and drew another. "You know," she said. "At first, I was going to put on this act, make myself out to be a jerk to motivate you to beat me and then throw the fight on purpose. But you're plenty motivated as is. You are a real Cardfighter. As such, to not give you my best would be insulting," her eyes narrowed.
"Please, don't hold back on my account," I told her firmly.
"I move back Bahr, and I call Berserk Dragon," she told me, placing the two headed beast in front of Bahr.
Berserk Dragon
Grade 2
5000 Shield
9000 Power
"Berserk's skill," two cards in the damage zone were flipped over. "Counterblast. I retire Fectil."
I didn't hesitate to put the card in the drop zone.
"Activating Overlord's skill," she flipped over the last three cards in her damage zone. "Overlord gains 5000 Power and loses twin drive. But in exchange, when I hit one of your rear guards, my Dragonic Overlord will stand!"
11000 + 5000 = 16000
My eyes narrowed; I knew that was coming.
"Boosted by Aermo, Overlord attacks Stardiness!"
16000 + 6000 = 22000
"I guard with Kurabiel!" I told her, placing the card with 0 shield in the guardian circle. "Kurabiel's skill activates. I discard Arcmya from my hand, and now your Dragonic Overlord cannot hit its attack this battle!"
She clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Drive Check," she turned over the top card. "Critical Trigger. I give all effects to Tejas!"
8000 + 10000 = 18000
2 Critical
I placed Kurabiel in the drop zone now that her duty was done.
"Boosted by Jarren, Tejas attacks!"
18000 + 6000 + 4000 = 28000
2 Critical
"No guard," I told her as the bullets slammed into Youthberk. "Damage check…" I turned over the top card, revealing Fectil which I put in the damage zone. I turned over another and smiled. "Heal Trigger. I give the power to Youthberk."
13000 + 10000 = 23000
With that, her Berserk Dragon now couldn't hit my Youthberk.
"Boosted by Bahr, Berserk attacks Lloygre!"
9000 + 8000 = 17000
The twin heated dragon unleashed a spiral of flames that forced Lloygre to retire from the battlefield.
"I end my turn," Aki finally said.
Akira Damage: 4
Aki Hand: 3
Akira Hand: 4
"I see," I nodded, looking at my field, then looking at her field. Given how things were right now… "Final Turn."
All four of them stopped.
"Did she just say…" Milly began.
"F- Final Turn?" Nobu gaped in shock.
Aki put on a serious face, preparing her hand to guard as much as needed.
"Stand and draw," I pulled a card from my deck and stared down at my hand. "The heavens will destruct once more," I told her as I pulled a card from my hand. "Persona Ride! [Youthberk "Protofall Arms"]!" I slammed down another copy of my Vanguard, making Youthberk roar as power was unleashed.
"Persona Ride!?" Aki exclaimed.
"A special skill that activates when I ride a unit with the same name as my Vanguard," I told her. "I draw one card, and then I, as the fighter, obtain the power to grant my front row 10000 Power!"
10000 + 10000 = 20000
13000 + 10000 = 23000
"10000 power to the entire front row!?" Mel gasped.
"That's crazy!" Nobu spluttered. "There's no way someone can defend against so much power!"
"I call [Knight of Piercing, Cadwalla]!" I said, placing the card down on the field, which gained an immediate power boost.
10000 + 10000 = 20000
"Here we go," My eyes narrowed. "Cadwalla attacks!"
"I guard with [Lizard Soldier, Ganlu]!" She said, putting the card down on the field.
Lizard Soldier, Ganlu
Grade 0
Trigger: Front
15000 Shield
5000 Power
11000 + 15000 = 26000
Cadwalla halted their attack in the face of the extra defence but kept a smirk on their face.
"Cadwalla's skill. At the end of a battle where she attacked, if I have four or more units, I Soul Blast," I took my Grade 1 Youth from my soul and put it in the Drop Zone. "And retire them," I put Cadwalla in the drop zone. "I check the top three cards of my Deck for a Grade 2 or greater unit and add it to my hand."
I picked up the top three and pouted softly at the lack of Zest. "I add Protofall Arms to my hand," I placed it in my hand, then returned the other two to the deck and shuffled, and then cut before I put it back down. "Youthberk attacks!" I turned the card.
"I guard with Tahr!" She placed the Critical Trigger down.
11000 + 15000 = 26000
"Hoping for no triggers," I noted. "Twin Drive," I turned over the top card, and Aki sighed at the sight. "Front Trigger. All of my front row units gain 10000 power."
20000 + 10000 = 30000
23000 + 10000 = 33000
"Second check," I turned over another card. "Heal Trigger! 10000 power to Stardiness!"
30000 + 10000 = 40000
"Double trigger!?" Nobu exclaimed. "What a crazy amount of luck, there's no way Aki's going to survive these attacks now!"
"She can if she gets a heal trigger," Milly disagreed.
Youthberk roared as he soared towards Overlord, driving his spear deep into the apocalypse dragon's chest and making it scream in pain.
"Damage Check…" Aki turned over the last card, everyone holding their breath.
[Dragonic Overlord]
"I lose," she said, taking the card and putting it in the damage zone. "At this moment, I've lost all my power on the Planet Cray… And I'm just a spirit again, now to be banished…"
Tutorial Quest Cleared
Reward: Dragonic Overlord (Original Series) x4
You have defeated Aki Izayoi! You have obtained 2300 DP.
She smiled as she gathered up her cards, arranging them back into a deck and slipping them away as she stood up.
"Aki…" I said softly, while Nobu gaped in shock behind me.
"You beat Aki!" Milly clapped. "I can't believe it, I never thought I'd see the day!"
Aki picked up [Blaster Blade] and offered it to me. "This card is yours," she told me. "There can be no doubt."
I hesitated before I reached out and took it. "… Thank you," I said softly to her.
"No need to thank me," she told me. "You're the one who won it, after all. Last time I just gave you that card. This time? You earned it."
She turned and slipped her deck away as she began to walk out the store, a sway to her hips. Milly quickly grabbed her bag and followed behind.
"Th- thank you so much!" I called out after her, making her stop. She looked back at me and gave me a pretty smile that had my heart fluttering before she walked out of the store with Milly in tow.
"Tch…" Nobu clicked her tongue. "Come on, Mel, we're going home," she grabbed her bag and left the store, Melascula following behind- though they both cast their gazes back at me briefly before they left.
I didn't respond to either of their gazes, instead I cast my gaze down to [Blaster Blade]. I smiled lightly and held the card to my chest, glad to have it with me again.
I packed up my own cards and lifted up my bag, walking past the counter before I stopped and bowed to Misaki. "I apologise if I caused any ruckus today with my actions."
Misaki looked at me in surprise at my actions, before she waved it off. "Not at all. I'm glad that you were able to get your card back. Have a nice day."
I nodded. "Have a nice day," I said right back before I left Card Capital, and made my way home.
I opened the door as I headed inside, calling out, "I'm home!" From the entrance as I sat down and began to remove my shoes, before an impending feeling of dread filled me and I looked back to see Juvia standing there with her arms crossed, her blue eyes narrowed.
"Why didn't you let Juvia pick you up from school today?" She asked in a dangerous voice.
Ah… Bollocks.
.
.
.
I was back in school the next day, and it felt like nothing had really changed if I was honest. The kids were still jerks; the teachers still picked on me. It was still the same old Hitsue Middle School…
And yet, as I looked down at my treasured card, my chest felt lighter. I didn't feel as afraid any more… I felt happy, genuine happy. In my life as Akira, I couldn't recall the last time I felt so happy.
I overheard Nobu and Melascula talking, and I briefly hesitated before I grabbed my bag and followed after them. "E- excuse me, Oda-san?"
Nobu and Mel both paused as they looked at me. "What do you want?" Nobu asked, but she seemed a bit skittish.
"I was wondering if you'd Cardfight me next time," I told her.
"Huh?" She looked surprise. "You want to play with me?"
"Yes," I nodded. "If you'll let me."
She stared at me for a moment, hesitating. "I… I've been a jerk to you," she told me firmly. "You really want to spend your time with someone like me?"
"I don't think you're a bad person, Oda-san," I told her, and decided to just use a cliché anime line for this one. "Nobody who likes Vanguard can be a bad person, I'm sure."
She stared at me for a moment before she turned away. "A small fry like you ain't worth my time," she told me. "Come on, Mel."
Mel simply nodded, not speaking up as the two of them walked away from me without another word.
I watched them both go with a sad sigh… I knew how things went in the anime, but they weren't Morikawa and Izaki, so there was no guarantee they'd come after.
In the end, after school, I found myself in the same place as Aichi had so long ago, sitting by some water and staring at my reflection. Once again, I didn't let Juvia pick me up from school. But that was a problem for future Akira, present Akira wanted to brood for a little bit as he stared into the water. I thought present Akira was kind of an idiot, but so did present Akira.
I overheard some kids talking about Vanguard, trying to one up each other with how 'Ultimate' their decks were, and I couldn't help the smile that crawled onto my face. Leave it up to kids to cheer me up like this, huh?
I grabbed my bag and stood up, deciding to make my way to Card Capital, stepping through the door and casting my gaze to Misaki, who looked up from her book to meet my gaze.
"Hello," I greeted her.
"Welcome," she greeted right back.
I cast my gaze around the store, seeing just how bare it was. It was early for the store to open, given Misaki was the one opening and closing it, and she had school. Even so… "It's empty," I said lamely.
"It's still early," she reminded me.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," I made my way over to the table I had a Cardfight with Aki, taking a seat and putting my bag on the table. I pulled out my deck and decided to just look through my cards, as I often did when I was bored.
It didn't take long to hear footsteps, looking up to see Misaki was now beside me, looking at me. "Are you waiting for someone?"
"Yeah, I guess I am," I agreed. "But… I can't be sure she'll come…" I smiled lightly. "It would be nice though."
Misaki looked at me a bit longer before she turned her gaze to the door. "You know? I wouldn't worry about it."
I cast my gaze to the door and my eyes widened in slight surprise as it opened, unveiling a familiar face.
"A- Aki?" I questioned. I mean, part of me knew she'd be coming since I'd watched the anime, but this feeling of elation was hard to describe when I was experiencing it for myself. I felt my heart soar and my stomach get butterflies and… And…
Oh god, I had a crush, didn't I? Little Akira got a crush on Aki he never got over.
"Hey, Akira," Aki greeted me. "Up for another Cardfight?"
"Hey, girl from yesterday!" Milly called out as she and Aki stepped forwards.
"Ah… Y- yes," I nodded. "I'd love another fight!"
"How about I play you today then?" Milly smiled at me, before the door opened and we looked again.
Standing in the doorway was Nobu, who had a pout on her face as Melascula stood behind her. "No way," she said. "I'm the one who's playing Akira today, they asked me to at school!"
"No way, they asked me," Mel disagreed, playfully shoving her friend, before they noticed Aki, and both mildly freaked out at the sight of her.
"What?" She rolled her eyes, smirking in amusement.
I felt my heart speed up, joy filling myself, and Milly began to tease Nobu and Mel with a smirk, making both of them flustered.
"Alright, I'll play Nobu first then," I told them, and all of us sat down and began to shuffle our decks, ready to play.
Nobu had a smug grin on her face, Mel was pouting since she wanted to play against me, Aki kept a cool look on her face, and Milly looked amused as we prepared for the fight.
I paused in my shuffling and looked at Milly. "By the way, I'm a boy."
Milly paused her own shuffling as she looked at me, not seeming to process my words, and then her eyes widened in pure shock.
"WHAT!?"
"Keep your voice down," Aki rolled her eyes.
Altered Card Effects
All D Series Starting Vanguards
Auto: When this card is rode upon, if you went second, draw a card.
Cont: If this unit was your starting Vanguard, when you ride to the next grade during your Ride Phase, up to Grade 3: draw one card, then discard one card.
Replaced Characters
Katsumi Morikawa - Nobunaga Oda (Archer) (Fate)
Yuta Izaki - Melascula (Seven Deadly Sins)
Kai Toshiki - Aki Izayoi (Yu-Gi-Oh)
Miwa Taishi - Millicent Ashford (Code Geass)