Cardfight Megami Tensei

by Rebel King Lucifer

A demon pulls an unlikely young man into the world of Cardfight! Vanguard and gives him a deck tailored to fit his skills perfectly. Now he must join up with Team Q4 and co. to further hone his cardfighting skills while undertaking his own mission. And if that weren't enough, now he has to become a Devil Summoner and compete for the right to be King of Demons.

4. Card Capital Shop Tournament!

Shin Megami Tensei: Vanguard - War of Demons

Grade 3

Card Capital Shop Tournament

---

Disclaimer: I do not own Cardfight! Vanguard or the Megami Tensei franchise. All creative rights go to their respective owners, Bushiroad and Atlus. I do, however, own the Megaten clan and my OC Minegishi Kazuya and Louisa Ferre. Fenikkusumaru owns his OC Kururugi Kurogasa and the Courier Saints clan.

---

I woke up the next morning feeling oddly groggy, more so than normal after waking up. I chalked it up to universal travel taking its toll on me and sat up in the futon that served as my bed. I rubbed my face with my hand and shook my head a few times to wake myself up and happened to glance to a small dresser by one of the walls of my one-room apartment, noticing the deck of Vanguard cards on top. Standing up without a shirt on, I stopped in front of the dresser and picked up the deck, seeing Golden Star Dragon, Huang Long sitting as the top card.

"Well, I guess that confirms it wasn't all a dream." I shrugged to myself. I paused as I remembered something. "Ah, that's right… the tournament is today." I looked at my watch and noticed the time. Guess it's time to get going.

But before that… I have business to take care of.

After I got fully dressed again, I turned towards the futon and stared down at it.

Now… how to get this thing put up…

---

After just managing to get the futon put away, I quickly brewed myself a cup of coffee in one of the paper cups Louisa was so generous to provide, and I was off. Notifying Louisa mentally of my destination, she and I hurried along to Card Capital, but made sure not to rush. We wouldn't want any ridiculous, cliche things to happen if I were in a rush and not paying attention, now would we?

"So why are you competing in this tournament today?" Louisa asked me after we'd been walking in silence for about ten minutes.

'Well part of it is to get a better feel for this deck you gave me.' I answered in my thoughts. 'Another part of it though is to see how Aichi plays.'

"Is he that good?"

'Not a chance, he's just a beginner.' I scoffed. 'As it is right now, his deck is a complete mess. But still… that doesn't mean it doesn't work.'

"I'm not sure I'm following you here." the demon girl tilted her head.

'Aichi uses what's called a plot device deck.' I explained. 'Meaning that no matter who he fights, he'll almost always have at least one way to beat his opponent.' Granted the anime always seemed to like to fuck around with that concept so that even the protagonist can lose, but I digress. 'Some people even call Aichi a master stacker.' That only got a look of confusion from Louisa. 'A person that stacks rigs the cards in their deck so they get exactly what they need exactly when they need it.'

"But isn't that cheating?" Louisa questioned.

'Well his deck is shuffled, so he's definitely not physically placing the cards he needs where he wants them, but it shuffles in such a way that he just wins.' More confusion from her. 'How do I put this… Some people I know like to argue that the units themselves want Aichi to win, while others argue it's just a matter of him having an exceptionally strong image of victory. Both cases have their merits though.' I looked down at the box attached to my waist. 'Though I have the feeling these cards could beat him if it came down to a fight between us.'

I blinked after realizing we were already at Card Capital. "Oh, looks like we're here. Well then, let's head inside." Louisa and I walked inside and found that the place was already pretty crowded. Hearing a meow off to my left, I saw a cat lying down lazily on the counter.

"Ah, that's right. This place has a cat for a mascot…" I muttered.

"Well officially he's the Sub-Manager, but I guess you're not too far off there." I turned again and saw Shin coming out from the back. "It's nice to see you again, Kazuya. Come on in, we're just about to get started."

"Well, thanks…" I replied distractedly as I looked around at the other occupants of the shop. I saw mostly familiar faces, including Aichi, Izaki, Morikawa, Misaki, Kamui, Kai, and a guy wearing a ninja costume. A few others I didn't recognize were also present. One guy that caught my attention for a second though was a teenager with chin-length brown hair and icy blue eyes wearing a gold shirt, silver jacket, jeans, and dark shoes.

Well at least he knows how to be stylish- Hey wait a minute!

Why do I have the weirdest sense of deja vu with this guy?

Wait… no…

No…

No! I'm so done with this shit!

'LOUISA!' I nearly screamed in my head.

"H-Huh?!" she managed with a jump.

If I could see my own face right now, I'm damn sure I'd look super triggered.

That's because I am.

'WHY IN THE GODDAMN HELL IS KIRA YAMATO HERE?!' I demanded.

"Wait… who?"

I sighed and rubbed my temples.

'In my world there's a show called Gundam SEED and the main character is named Kira Yamato.' I explained as calmly as possible. 'In short, he's the new age Jesus-'

"... Can we kill him?"

The hell?!

'No we can't kill him…' I sighed in my thoughts. I looked at the demon girl and she was pouting. '... Yet. We can't kill him yet.' Her face instantly brightened.

"Hm? Is something wrong?" The Kira clone suddenly asked, looking right at me.

"No, it's nothing." I waved off.

"Hey wait, have I seen you somewhere...?" he suddenly questioned.

"Like I said, I'm sure it's nothing." I answered flatly. This deja vu thing is getting way too weird… First Misaki, now him?

"Well… okay." He tilted his head in confusion, shrugged it off, and went back to his own devices.

Soon everything had gotten under control and the contestants had gathered in one corner of the shop with Shin standing before us, microphone in hand, and the Sub-Manager sleeping on a table.

"Hello everyone! Thank you for coming to what will hopefully be the first of many tournaments here at Card Capital!" he announced. "I'm Nitta Shin, the manager here at this fine establishment, and today I'll be hosting the event and refereeing as well..."

As Shin continued talking, I glanced down at my belt towards the pouch with my deck inside. I smirked to myself. 'Time to show everyone what I can do.' I thought to myself.

"... Please adhere to the basic rules of Vanguard," Shin continued. "Any evidence that suggests cheating will earn you immediate disqualification. But other than that, have fun!" He turned to the snoozing cat. "Sub-Manager, will you please reveal the pairings for the first round?"

However, the cat continued to sleep.

"Really? Please! I'm begging you! I'll get you that salmon you like so much!" Shin pleaded. The Sub-Manager's ears seemed to perk up and he stood from his nap, clawing at the first strip of paper covering the pairings, revealing only those in A-block. "J-Just one?! Oh, fine, I'll get you a big box of fish treats too if you get the others!" With that, the cat meowed happily and slashed away at the other coverings, revealing the other three sets of matches.

A Block: Aichi vs. Izaki / Ninja Master M vs. Judai
B Block: Misaki vs. Morikawa / Kazuya vs. Kurogasa
C Block: Kamui vs. Anzu / Yugi vs. Yuma
D Block: Kai vs. Seto / Yusei vs. Yuya

Oh, so I'm fighting someone named Kurogasa- Hey wait a minute!

"Black Hat"… oh geez…

Also, what in the bloody hell is up with these other names?

---

And so the tournament began with Aichi and Misaki's matches. I watched Aichi like a hawk and noted that he only ever used two Grade 3's; Solitary Knight, Gancelot and King of Knights, Alfred. With that in mind, I was able to deduce exactly where I was in the order of events as I remembered them from the anime. Now all that's left is to see how things go with me added into the mix.

And then came Misaki's match against Morikawa…

I'm not even gonna say anything. That match was not worth my time. It was over way too quickly.

Kamui and Kai's matches were fairly straightforward and par for the course as far as they were concerned, so I had no doubts they'd be making it to the next round.

And finally, after Ninja Master M won his match, it was my turn.

"And at last we come to the second fight of B-block, featuring Kazuya going against Kurogasa!" Shin spoke into the microphone as I walked up to the standing fight table. Just as I was about to call out the name of my first victim, I saw the teen from before dressed in his stylish outfit walking up as well.

'So it's him…' I mused in my thoughts.

"Well, looks like you and I get to fight it out." Kurogasa stated.

"I guess so." I shrugged indifferently. "Well, let's get this going."

"Right." Kurogasa nodded before placing his deck down and his Grade 0 in the Vanguard circle face-down and drawing out his starting hand. I did the same and waited for Shin to speak again.

"Now, are both fighters ready?" he asked. The two of us nodded. "Alright, then you can begin."

"STAND UP! (MY) VANGUARD!"

On Cray, our astral forms floated up in the sky with a massive bed of clouds below us. Kurogasa transformed into a short boy with brown hair and brown eyes; wearing a sleeveless white robe that fell to his knees, brown sandals, and a green wreath on his head. The unit was also holding a golden staff with a trophy at its tip, and a pair of white wings could be seen sprouting from his back. [Victory Angel - 4000 Power]

"Victory Angel!"

Meanwhile, across from the angel, I transformed into my green-armored knight. [Fairy Knight, Tam Lin - 5000 Power]

"Fairy Knight, Tam Lin!"

I heard the crowd murmuring to each other, likely at the sight of my cards, though admittedly I was confused by Kurogasa's Victory Angel too, being a unit I've never heard of.

"What kind of cards are those?"

"I've never seen them before."

"Are they new clans?"

'What the hell is that card?' I wondered. 'It doesn't exist in my world…'

Apparently, Kurogasa had the same exact expression when he saw my card. "New clan?" He asked.

"That's right." I answered plainly. I smirked. "Meet the Megaten."

"Megaten huh?" Kurogasa commented. "Well meet my clan, the Courier Saints."

"..." Louisa was standing next to me the whole time, a sour look on her face as she looked at Kurogasa's card.

'What's up?' I muttered in my thoughts.

"It's nothing…" she answered halfheartedly.

Well she's a demon, so…

"Do you want me to start?" Kurogasa offered.

"Go ahead." I shrugged.

"Alright then. Draw." Kurogasa said, drawing his sixth card. "I Ride Command Angel!"

Victory Angel glowed and changed form into a blonde man with blue eyes and a pair of feathered wings on his back. He wore a silver, short–sleeved combat shirt, a gold vest, a pair of forest green camouflage pants, black combat boots, and a sash of bullets wrapped around his torso. On his sides, he was armed with a pair of sidearms. To top it off, he wore a green beret bearing a wing insignia on the front. [Command Angel - 8000 Power]

"I move Victory Angel back." Kurogasa added, moving the Grade 0 card to the bottom left of the mat.

A pillar of light gave way to Victory Angel as he reappeared off to the side. [Victory Angel - 4000 Power]

"Turn end."

Kurogasa
Back Row: Empty / Empty / Victory Angel
Front Row: Empty / Command Angel / Empty
Damage: None
Hand: 5

Kazuya
Front Row: Empty / Fairy Knight, Tam Lin / Empty
Back Row: Empty / Empty/ Empty
Damage: None
Hand: 5

"I'm up." I said as I drew my card. "I ride Spirit of the Celestial Dance, Apsaras."

Tam Lin transformed into my blue-skinned dancer, taking a stance as if ready to fight. [Spirit of the Celestial Dance, Apsaras - 8000 Power]

"I call Ice Spirit, Jack Frost and Lost Soul, Pyro Jack." I continued as I placed two more cards down in my front row.

On Cray, appearing alongside Apsaras was the pudgy snowman wearing a blue jester cap and blue slippers. Appearing to Apsaras' left was the floating pumpkin head wearing a cloak and carrying a lantern. [Ice Spirit, Jack Frost - 6000 Power] [Lost Soul, Pyro Jack - 7000 Power]

"Tam Lin moves back," I added as I slid my Grade 0 unit out of the soul and behind Apsaras, with the same occurring on Cray. [Fairy Knight, Tam Lin - 5000 Power]

"Get ready…" I said cryptically as I waved my hand over my front row units. "Jack Frost! Pyro Jack! Change!"

"Change…?" several spectators muttered amongst themselves.

"There he goes again!" Morikawa blurted out, suddenly pointing at my cards.

"You're still there?" I asked flatly, causing the Grade 3 lover to grumble. "You already lost, so bail out." Once again, he grumbled something incoherent.

"Using this ability, I'm allowed to swap the positions of any two of my units in the front row." I explained with a smirk as I changed the positions of Jack Frost and Pyro Jack, with them now appearing in their brother's former circle.

"And what does that accomplish exactly?" Kurogasa asked in confusion.

I smirked again. "Jack Frost's Change skill activates!" I announced. "I can Soul Charge to draw a card." I placed the top card of my deck into the soul before picking up the one after that and adding it to my hand.

[Soul Charge - Horseman of War, Red Rider - No Trigger]

"And next comes Pyro Jack's Change skill!" I added as I took Red Rider from the soul and simply placed it in the drop zone. "I can Soul Blast to draw another card." I nodded to myself as I saw what my next draw had in store. "Ah, and then Apsaras has a neat little skill as well. When I activate a Change skill, I get to draw another card." I nodded once again as I looked at my replenished hand.

"You sure don't waste any time." Kurogasa blinked.

"Oh, but it doesn't stop there, Black Hat." I smirked.

"..." Kurogasa's eye twitched while sweat dropping.

"Boosted by Tam Lin, Apsaras attacks the Vanguard!" I announced, enjoying the annoyed look on his face.

"No guard." Kurogasa replied.

"Drive Trigger check," I announced as I flipped over the top card of the deck.

[Drive Check - Sword of Rebellion, Yoshitsune - No Trigger]

Apsaras spread her arms out as she received Tam Lin's power. [8000 Power + 5000 Power = 13000 Power] She then spun in a full circle once as shards of ice materialized around her. The projectiles rocketed towards Command Angel and struck him in the chest, causing the angel to grunt in pain from the hard impacts.

"Damage Trigger, check," Kurogasa said, revealing the top card.

[Damage Check - Angel Knight, Haniel - No Trigger]

'My other rear-guards don't have enough power right now, so…' I mused. "That's my turn."

Kurogasa
Back Row: Empty / Empty / Victory Angel
Front Row: Empty / Command Angel / Empty
Damage: Angel Knight, Haniel [U]
Hand: 5

Kazuya
Front Row: Lost Soul, Pyro Jack / Spirit of the Celestial Dance, Apsaras / Ice Spirit, Jack Frost
Back Row: Empty / Fairy Knight, Tam Lin / Empty
Damage: None
Hand: 7

"Stand and draw." Kurogasa said, drawing his next card to make his hand at six. He smiled and closed his eyes before he raised a card in the air.

"A guardian's duty is to defend those who can't fight for themselves! Protect them with your life, my avatar! Ride! Guardian Saint, Alexander!"

White feathers flew around Command Angel as he transformed into an angel with medium length brown hair and glowing blue eyes. He wore heavy silver armor that covered the entirety of his body save for his head, including large gauntlets. He also had golden fringes on his arms and legs and two pairs of feathered wings on his back. As he flew around, he pulled out a white sword with a red gem near the hilt and pointed it at Apsaras, ready for battle. [Guardian Saint, Alexander - 9000 Power]

"Whoa, he has a chant too." Izaki noted. "Kinda like yours Aichi."

"And I think Kazuya had one also." Miwa pointed out. "Must be getting popular or something."

"Call! Seraphiel, Messenger of the Holy Flame! Angel Knight, Haniel!"

Two pillars of light shot up towards the sky and in front of Victory Angel was a feminine angel with long silver hair with a pair of white wings, wearing a silver dress and white sandals while holding a glowing yellow bow with two halo-like circles in the center. Behind Alexander was a young black haired man wearing grayish-silver armor on most of his body except for his hands and legs. His wings stuck out from the back of his armor and he held a shortsword and shield in his hands. [Seraphiel, Messenger of the Holy Flame - 9000 Power] [Angel Knight, Haniel - 7000 Power]

"Boosted by Haniel, Alexander attacks your Vanguard!" Kurogasa declared, turning his cards sideways.

"No guard." I responded.

"Drive Trigger, check," Kurogasa stated before revealing the top card and it glowed red. "Draw Trigger, 5000 Power goes to Seraphiel and I get to draw an extra card."

[Drive Check - Stamp Falcon - Draw Trigger]

Haniel glowed and transferred all of his energy to Alexander, who glowed even brighter. [9000 Power + 8000 = 17000 Power] With his sword brandished, he flew towards Apsaras and struck her with his sword while Seraphiel glowed with extra power, [9000 Power + 5000 Power = 14000 Power].

"Damage trigger check." I stated as I revealed the top card.

[Damage Check - Ice Spirit, Jack Frost - No Trigger]

"Boosted by Victory Angel, Seraphiel attacks your Vanguard!" Kurogasa said next, turning the cards sideways.

"I guard with Horseman of War, Red Rider, Horseman of Famine, Black Rider, and Spirit of the Celestial Dance, Apsaras!" I countered as I slapped the cards down onto the Guardian Circle.

Victory Angel glowed white and transferred his power to Seraphiel. [14000 Power + 4000 Power = 18000 Power]. Seraphiel loaded her bow with a golden arrow and the tip was set ablaze before shooting it. However, appearing in front of Apsaras was an identical copy of herself albeit with a greenish tint to her skin, and a skeletal figure covered by a black cloak and carrying a sword with a long blade riding atop a crimson horse. Galloping in next to him was another cloaked skeletal figure carrying a set of silver scales and riding atop a black horse. [8000 Power + 5000 Shield + 5000 Shield + 5000 Shield = 23000 Power]

"Tch… turn end." Kurogasa concluded.

Kurogasa
Back Row: Empty / Angel Knight, Haniel / Victory Angel
Front Row: Empty / Guardian Saint, Alexander / Seraphiel, Messenger of the Holy Flame
Damage: Angel Knight, Haniel [U]
Hand: 5

Kazuya
Front Row: Lost Soul, Pyro Jack / Spirit of the Celestial Dance, Apsaras / Ice Spirit, Jack Frost
Back Row: Empty / Fairy Knight, Tam Lin / Empty
Damage: Ice Spirit, Jack Frost [U]
Hand: 4

"Stand and draw," I said as I began my turn. I smirked, held a card up in the air, and began to chant.

"Strike the opposition with your dance of swords as your crimson armor shines! Crush the foolish oppression, my avatar! Ride! Sword of Rebellion, Yoshitsune!"

Apsaras glowed with a greenish light and transformed into my crimson-armored swordsman, drawing out his twin blades and preparing for a fight. [Sword of Rebellion, Yoshitsune - 9000 Power]

"Jack Frost and Pyro Jack will change again." I announced as I swapped my units' positions again. "And that activates their skills. First, I Soul Charge with Jack Frost to draw a card,"

[Soul Charge - Keeper of Knowledge, Thoth - No Trigger]

"And Pyro Jack lets me Soul Blast to draw another one." I added as I took Thoth out from the soul and drew another card. "Next Jack Frost and Pyro Jack move back. And then I call Heavenly King, Zouchouten and Heavenly King, Komokuten!"

The Jack brothers leapt back as two new figures appeared next to Yoshitsune on either side of him. One was the orange-skinned warrior clad in burgundy armor from my fight with Kamui yesterday while the other was a figure almost identical to him, but with greenish skin, brown hair, and blue armor over his white Buddhist robe. [Heavenly King, Komokuten - 9000 Power] [Heavenly King, Zouchouten - 9000 Power]

"And let me guess, you're gonna Change them to activate those units' skills." Kurogasa deducted.

"It's how my deck operates, so can it." I retorted with a glare. "Now if you're done, I can only activate my units' Change skill once per turn, but that doesn't mean I'm locked out of it. Allow me to demonstrate." I gestured to Zouchouten. "When Zouchouten is called to the rear-guard while my opponent's Vanguard is at least Grade 2, I get to change with my Vanguard!" On cue, I switched around Zouchouten with Yoshitsune.

On Cray, the two units did the same, transforming into greenish data before reforming in each other's former positions.

"And when Yoshitsune changes, I can Counter Blast…" I explained as I flipped over the Jack Frost in my damage zone. "…And for the rest of the turn he gets 2000 Power! Not only that, but he's going Critical!"

"What?" Kurogasa gasped.

Yoshitsune brandished his blades as his power shot up. [9000 Power + 2000 Power = 11000 Power / Critical: 1-2]

"And then with Komokuten's skill, I Soul Blast to stand one of my changed units!" I added as I emptied out my soul, standing Zouchouten back up. I smirked. "Boosted by Tam Lin, Zouchouten attacks the Vanguard!"

"No guard." Kurogasa frowned.

"Drive Trigger, check." I stated as I flipped over the top card.

[Drive Check - Deception Beast, Kabuso - Stand Trigger]

"Stand Trigger! I give the power to Zouchouten and I stand my Jack Frost that was changed."

The Buddhist warrior charged forward with his fist pulled back and slammed it into Alexander's chest, sending the angel flying back from the impact. [9000 Power + 5000 Power = 14000 Power]

"Damage Trigger, check." Kurogasa said, revealing the top card.

[Damage Check - Heaven's Defender, Raziel - No Trigger]

"Boosted by Pyro Jack, Yoshitsune attacks your Vanguard!" I announced.

"And that's where I stop you!" Kurogasa countered. "Victory Angel's skill! By discarding a Courier Saint, I can put him in the Guardian Circle right now!"

"The hell-?" I gasped as he moved his Grade 0 into the Guardian Circle. "A skill like that… so he's using a defensive strategy..."

Pyro Jack transferred his power to Yoshitune. [11000 Power + 7000 Power = 18000 Power] However, before he could attack, Victory Angel shot forward and stopped in front of Alexander to protect him. [9000 Power + 10000 Shield = 19000 Power]

"Alright then. Boosted by Jack Frost, Komokuten attacks Seraphiel!" I announced, deciding to get rid of any chances he had to intercept.

"Guard! Fleetfoot Angel!" Kurogasa countered.

Komokuten charged forward and prepared to strike after receiving Jack Frost's power, but as he got within striking distance of Seraphiel, he was stopped by a small angel with blue hair wearing a white mailman's uniform with small, white wings and a timid expression on his face. [9000 Power + 10000 Shield = 19000 Power]

"Hm… I end my turn there." I finished. 'This might be tougher than I expected. I wasn't anticipating someone who played so defensively like this.'

Kurogasa
Back Row: Empty / Angel Knight, Haniel / Empty
Front Row: Empty / Guardian Saint, Alexander / Seraphiel, Messenger of the Holy Flame
Damage: Angel Knight, Haniel [U], Heaven's Defender, Raziel [U]
Hand: 3

Kazuya
Front Row: Heavenly King, Komokuten / Heavenly King, Zouchouten / Sword of Rebellion, Yoshitsune
Back Row: Ice Spirit, Jack Frost / Fairy Knight, Tam Lin / Lost Soul, Pyro Jack
Damage: Ice Spirit, Jack Frost [F]
Hand: 5

"Stand and draw!" He drew his next card, putting his hand at four. He then held the card near his forehead and chanted.

"The mail will pass through no matter the cost! Clear the way, Road of Heaven! Ride! Postmaster General, Michael!"

Alexander glowed brightly and a beam of light shot towards the sky, making the clouds disperse. Descending was a 7 ft man with silver and blue armor, with his headpiece being similar to that of a postman's cap. Equipped to his arms were gauntlets with two serrated swords that stuck out and on his back were a large pair of white feathered wings. In his hand was a golden sword with intricate designs that he pointed at Zouchouten. [Postmaster General, Michael - 11000 Power]

"And get this, when Guardian Saint, Alexander is rode by a Grade 3 Courier Saint, I can take him out of the Soul and place him in the Rear Guard!"

"Tch!" I hissed at the implications of a Grade 2 Forerunner as Kurogasa took Alexander from the soul and placed it next to Michael.

Appearing next to Michael was the armored angel, drawing his sword and preparing for battle alongside his leader. [Guardian Saint, Alexander - 9000 Power]

"Call! Command Angel!" Kurogasa said, placing one more card behind Alexander.

A pillar of light shot through the sky and the military cadet angel appeared once again. [Command Angel - 8000 Power]

"Seraphiel attacks your Vanguard!" Kurogasa said, turning the card sideways.

"No guard." I announced.

Seraphiel drew her bow with her golden arrow lit ablaze before firing. It hit Zouchouten square on the chest, making him yell in pain. [9000 Power]

"Damage Trigger, check." I said as I looked at the top card. It gave off a reddish light the second I flipped it over.

[Damage Check - Infernal Demon, Melchom - Draw Trigger]

"Draw Trigger! I give the power to my Vanguard and I draw." I declared. [9000 Power + 5000 Power = 14000 Power]

"Boosted by Haniel, Michael attacks your Vanguard, plus I activate his skill!" Kurogasa said. "I Counter Blast and discard a copy of Michael, so when this attack hits, your rear guard can't boost on your next turn!"

"Then I'll stop you in your tracks, Black Hat!" I countered. "The attack is nullified with Awakened Warrior, Cu Chulainn!" I placed Cu Chulainn down on the Guardian Circle and discarded one of my other cards before smirking.

"Twin Drive, check." Kurogasa said, revealing the top two cards which both glowed yellow. "Double Critical! All effects go to Alexander!"

[Drive Check - Assault Pigeon - Critical Trigger]
[Drive Check - Assault Pigeon - Critical Trigger]

'Alright, I see your game,' I mused.

Haniel transferred all of his power to Michael and the latter glowed with a fierce golden aura [11000 Power + 7000 Power = 18000 Power] He then flew towards the opposing Vanguard, with his golden sword shining bright and ready to strike, but it was blocked by my silver-armored warrior with dark hair, holding his spear defensively in order to block Michael's attack. [Awakened Warrior, Cu Chulainn - Shield: 0]

"Boosted by Command Angel, Alexander attacks your Vanguard!" Kurogasa declared, turning the last cards sideways.

I looked at my small hand and frowned. "No guard."

Command Angel transferred his power to Alexander, whose aura intensified. [9000 Power + 5000 Power + 5000 Power + 8000 Power = 27000 Power / Critical: 1-3] He then flew towards Zouchouten and slashed him with his sword before flying back.

"Damage Trigger, check." I stated as I flipped over three cards, my eyes widening at what was there.

[Damage Check - Heavenly King, Jikokuten - No Trigger]
[Damage Check - Magical Trickster, Pixie - Heal Trigger]
[Damage Check - Magical Trickster, Pixie - Heal Trigger]

"What the-?!" Miwa gasped.

"Did he just-!" I heard Aichi question, sounding visibly shocked.

"No way!" Kurogasa exclaimed. "Double Heal Trigger?!"

I smirked. "I give all effects to Zouchouten and I recover two damage." I announced.

"I… end my turn." Kurogasa said, looking very stunned and unsure how to respond to my miracle.

Kurogasa
Back Row: Command Angel / Angel Knight, Haniel / Empty
Front Row: Guardian Saint, Alexander / Postmaster General, Michael / Seraphiel, Messenger of the Holy Flame
Damage: Angel Knight, Haniel [F], Heaven's Defender, Raziel [F]
Hand: 3

Kazuya
Front Row: Heavenly King, Komokuten / Heavenly King, Zouchouten / Sword of Rebellion, Yoshitsune
Back Row: Ice Spirit, Jack Frost / Fairy Knight, Tam Lin / Lost Soul, Pyro Jack
Damage: Magical Trickster, Pixie [U], Magical Trickster, Pixie [U]
Hand: 4

"Stand and draw." I said. I took another card from my hand and held it up.

"The shining dragon that reigns over the celestial plain now unleashes its prideful roar throughout this world! Ride! Golden Star Dragon, Huang Long!"

Emerging from a pillar of golden flame that used to be Zouchouten was my signature golden dragon, roaring proudly as bio-electricity sparked across its body and it stared down at Michael intently. [Golden Star Dragon, Huang Long - 11000 Power]

"And you know what comes next, right?" I asked with a mad smirk. "Huang Long and Yoshitsune will change!" I swapped around my units, reducing my Vanguard to Grade 2 once again. "When Yoshitsune changes, I Counter Blast to give him 2000 Power and an extra Critical!"

"Gh…!" Kurogasa gritted his teeth.

Once again, Yoshitsune brandished his swords as he powered up considerably. [9000 Power + 2000 Power = 11000 Power / Critical: 1-2]

"And now for the fun part," I added. "When Huang Long changes, not only does he gain 2000 Power, but during this turn, your Triggers are null and void!" [11000 Power + 2000 Power = 13000 Power]

"!" Kurogasa's eyes widened considerably. The rest of the audience was in an uproar.

"And now for Huang Long's other skill. Persona Blast!" I added as I discarded a card from my hand. "By discarding a copy of Huang Long, I'm allowed to retire one of your rear-guards with a Grade less than one of my changed units."

"No!" Kurogasa cursed.

I pointed at Alexander and smirked. "Alexander retires." I stated evenly.

Huang Long's body gave off more electricity than before, portions of it branching away and hitting Alexander square in the chest, the latter disappearing into motes of lights.

"And now for Komokuten's skill." I continued, much to Kurogasa's fear. "I Soul Blast to stand Huang Long!"

"He's relentless…" Izaki said in surprise.

"That's a lot of raw power going into his attacks." Misaki added.

"Boosted by Jack Frost, Komokuten attacks your Vanguard!" I declared.

"Guard! Assault Pigeon!" Kurogasa countered.

The Buddhist fighter rushed forward after receiving his comrade's power. [9000 Power + 6000 Power = 15000 Power] Unfortunately, he was stopped by a pigeon with dark orange eyes. Its body was gold with wings colored in white. On its head was a pilot helmet with a visor over its eyes and its wings had metal pieces attached, loaded with machine guns and missiles. [11000 Power + 10000 Shield = 21000 Power]

"Hm…" I looked at Kurogasa intently for a second before continuing. "Boosted by Tam Lin, Yoshitsune attacks your Vanguard!"

"No guard…" Kurogasa replied.

"Drive Trigger, check." I added while looking at the top card.

[Drive Check - Awakened Warrior, Cu Chulainn - No Trigger]

Yoshitsune rushed forward at Michael and leapt into the air, brandishing his swords as he flipped once through the air and brought his weapons down in one clean slash.

"Damage Trigger, check." Kurogasa said, revealing the top two cards.

[Damage Check - Inventor Saint, Barachiel - No Trigger]
[Damage Check - Rainbow Wings - No Trigger]

"Boosted by Pyro Jack, Huang Long attacks the Vanguard!" I continued, turning my final units sideways.

"Guard! Assault Pigeon!" Kurogasa countered.

The golden dragon rose up and roared at Michael. Lightning was discharged from its horns, aimed at the angel, but before it could hit, the armed pigeon flew down from the air and took the hit for its leader, vanishing in a shower of motes of light.

"I'll end from there." I finished.

Kurogasa
Back Row: Command Angel / Angel Knight, Haniel / Empty
Front Row: Empty / Postmaster General, Michael / Seraphiel, Messenger of the Holy Flame
Damage: Angel Knight, Haniel [F], Heaven's Defender, Raziel [F], Inventor Saint, Barachiel [U], Rainbow Wings [U]
Hand: 1

Kazuya
Front Row: Heavenly King, Komokuten / Sword of Rebellion, Yoshitsune / Golden Star Dragon, Huang Long
Back Row: Ice Spirit, Jack Frost / Fairy Knight, Tam Lin / Lost Soul, Pyro Jack
Damage: Magical Heal Trickster [F], Magical Heal Trickster [U]
Hand: 4

"Stand… and draw." Kurogasa managed to say as he increased his hand to two. "Call. Throne Courier, Sahaquiel."

Another unit appeared, and this time it was a young man with brown hair peaking out of his green mailman's hat. He also wore green knight's armor and held a large yellow-and-gray bazooka on his shoulders. Sprouting out from his back were slightly greyed out wings. [Throne Courier, Sahaquiel – 8000 Power]

"Next I activate Haniel's skill, and I'll Counter Blast two to have his Power go up by 2000." Kurogasa said, flipping the two cards over.

Haniel glowed white, while surging with power. [7000 Power + 2000 Power = 9000 Power]

"Boosted by Command Angel, Sahaquiel attacks your Vanguard." Kurogasa said, turning the two cards sideways.

"No guard."

Command Angel transferred his power over to Sahaquiel [8000 Power + 8000 Power = 16000 Power] and the latter knelt on one knee with his bazooka mounted on his shoulder before firing the rocket. The projectile whizzed through the air before it hit its target, exploding on contact.

"Damage trigger, check." I said while flipping over the top card.

[Damage Check - Spirit of the Celestial Dance, Apsaras - No Trigger]

"Boosted by Haniel, Michael attacks your Vanguard!" Kurogasa declared next, turning the cards sideways.

"Guard! Two copies of Horseman of War, Red Rider! And Komokuten intercepts!" I countered as I slapped down two cards from my hand and moved Komokuten to the Guardian Circle. [9000 Power + 5000 Shield + 5000 Shield + 5000 Shield = 24000 Power]

"Twin Drive, check!" Kurogasa declared and revealed the top two cards.

[Drive Check - Assault Pigeon - Critical Trigger]

[Drive Check - Stamp Falcon - Draw Trigger]

"Critical and Draw! All effects of the Critical go to Michael while the effects for Draw go to Seraphiel!" Kurogasa grinned.

"Tch!" I hissed.

Haniel glowed with power as Michael powered up and glowed brighter due to the extra power of the trigger effect. [11000 Power + 9000 Power + 5000 Power = 25000 Power / Critical: 1-2] Michael then spread his wings as his sword glowed before he flew towards the Guardians and slashed them without remorse, then slashing the Vanguard Yoshitsune.

"Damage trigger, check." I stated before flipping over two cards.

[Damage Check - Divine Virtue, Sraosha - No Trigger]
[Damage Check - Infernal Demon, Melchom - Draw Trigger]

"Looks like two can play that game," I mused. "The power goes to my Vanguard and I draw." [Sword of Rebellion, Yoshitsune - 9000 Power + 5000 Power = 14000 Power]

"Seraphiel attacks your Vanguard!" Kurogasa said, turning the card sideways.

'Their Powers are equal right now, so…' I thought to myself. "Guard! Keeper of Knowledge, Thoth!"

After playing my card, a white baboon clothed in Egyptian garb and carrying a book with the Eye of Horus on the front cover appeared in front of Yoshitsune to protect him.

"Tch… I end my turn,"

Kurogasa
Back Row: Command Angel / Angel Knight, Haniel / Empty
Front Row: Throne Courier, Sahaquiel / Postmaster General, Michael / Seraphiel, Messenger of the Holy Flame
Damage: Angel Knight, Haniel [F], Heaven's Defender, Raziel [F], Inventor Saint, Barachiel [U], Rainbow Wings [U]
Hand: 4

Kazuya
Front Row: Empty / Sword of Rebellion, Yoshitsune / Golden Star Dragon, Huang Long
Back Row: Ice Spirit, Jack Frost / Fairy Knight, Tam Lin / Lost Soul, Pyro Jack
Damage: Magical Heal Trickster [F], Magical Heal Trickster [U], Spirit of the Celestial Dance, Apsaras [U], Divine Virtue, Sraosha [U], Infernal Demon, Melchom [U]
Hand: 1

"Stand and draw." I announced as I began my turn. "You know what, you're not half-bad."

"Eh?" Kurogasa got out.

"You've pushed me pretty far, and I have to give you props for that." I explained. I then lifted a card up into the air. "But I'm sorry to say that it ends here."

"It's not over until the last card is played,"

"Oh, then by all means, it's over." I smirked. "Ride! Heavenly King, Bishamonten!"

Appearing in place of Yoshitsune was a tall, older man dressed in green robes with gold accents and a red draping that covered his shoulders and arms, acting like a second set of sleeves. Strapped to the figure's back were several swords with curved blades, and in each hand was a pair of objects; one being a golden candle and the other being a golden weapon shaped vaguely like a trident. [Heavenly King, Bishamonten - 10000 Power]

"What? A new unit?" Kamui gawked.

"I've never seen that one before," Aichi mused.

"I'm afraid to find out what that does," Kurogasa said nervously.

"Call! Horseman of Famine, Black Rider!" I said as I placed my dark-colored horseman carrying the silver scales in my front row. [Horseman of Famine, Black Rider - 8000 Power]

"And next comes Bishamonten's skill. Counter Blast! And Soul Charge!" I announced as I flipped over one card in my damage zone and took my top two cards and put them into the Soul.

[Soul Charge - Heavenly King, Komokuten - No Trigger]
[Soul Charge - Horseman of Death, Pale Rider - No Trigger]

"And by doing that I can take one of my rear-guards and Change it with a unit in the Soul." I stated.

"His units can Change in the Soul too?" Aichi asked in wonder.

"Black Rider will change with Yoshitsune in the Soul!" As I made my declaration, I placed Black Rider in the Soul while taking out Yoshitsune and placing him in the same space my old rear-guard had been. [Sword of Rebellion, Yoshitsune - 9000 Power] "And next I use Yoshitsune's Change skill! I Counter Blast to give him 2000 Power and an extra Critical!"

Having appeared next to Bishamonten, Yoshitsune now glowed with new power and he unsheathed his blades. [9000 Power + 2000 Power = 11000 Power / Critical: 1-2]

"And next I Change Yoshitsune and Huang Long!" I added as I swapped my units' positions. "Doing so gives Huang Long an extra 2000 Power and the ability to render your triggers this turn useless!"

On the battlefield, the golden dragon roared proudly as its power increased. [11000 Power + 2000 Power = 13000 Power]

"And then to add onto that, Bishamonten gets his Power boosted by 1000 for each Heavenly King I have in the Soul. And right now, I have three." I added. [10000 Power + 3000 Power = 13000 Power] "Boosted by Jack Frost, Yoshitsune attacks your Vanguard."

"Sahaquiel will Intercept! When he's put in the Guardian Circle, he gains another 5000 Shield!"

"Hm… Alright then. Boosted by Tam Lin, Bishamonten attacks your Vanguard!"

"No way! Perfect Guard! Heaven's Defender, Raziel! By discarding a card, your attack is nullified!" Kurogasa countered.

"We'll see how long that lasts! Twin Drive, check!" I smirked before flipping over two cards from the deck. I smirked even more once I saw what greeted me.

[Drive Check - Demon Sword, Rakshasa - Critical Trigger]
[Drive Check - Demon Sword, Rakshasa - Critical Trigger]

"Double Critical! All effects to Huang Long!"

"NO WAY!" Kamui gawked.

"Looks like you're not the only one with the devil's luck," I smirked. "Boosted by Pyro Jack, Huang Long attacks your Vanguard!"

Huang Long, having received even more power, roared with such ferocity that it echoed throughout the sky. [13000 Power + 7000 Power + 5000 Power + 5000 Power = 30000 Power]

"Sorry, but your attack failed! Guard! Assault Pigeon! Stamp Falcon! Seraphiel will Intercept! That's a grand total of 31000 Power!"

"That's where you're wrong."

"Huh?" Kurogasa said confused.

"I'm activating Tam Lin's skill!" I announced. "When my Grade 2 or greater Megaten attacks, I can put Tam Lin into the Soul to give the attacking unit another 2000 Power! Just enough to blow through your shield!"

"!" Kurogasa's eyes widened and his pupils shrank when I told him the bad news before he looked to his deck. "D-Damage check…"

[Damage Check - Staff Recoder, Judiel - No Trigger]
[Damage Check - Mediator Angel - Heal Trigger]

"A light shining in the darkness… A proud shout that shakes the soul… Resonate! Dragon Cry!"

Lightning crackled around Huang Long's body as its power surged. Golden flame built up in its mouth before the dragon hurled it forward in a continuous stream that grew larger by the second, eventually consuming Michael and his allies.

FINAL RESULTS:

Kurogasa
Back Row: Command Angel / Angel Knight, Haniel / Empty
Front Row: Empty / Postmaster General, Michael / Seraphiel, Messenger of the Holy Flame
Damage: Angel Knight, Haniel [F], Heaven's Defender, Raziel [F], Inventor Saint, Barachiel [U], Rainbow Wings [U] Staff Recorder, Judiel [U], Mediator Angel [U]
Hand: 0

Kazuya
Front Row: Sword of Rebellion, Yoshitsune / Heavenly King, Bishamonten / Golden Star Dragon, Huang Long
Back Row: Ice Spirit, Jack Frost / Fairy Knight, Tam Lin / Lost Soul, Pyro Jack
Damage: Magical Trickster, Pixie [F], Magical Trickster, Pixie [F], Spirit of the Celestial Dance, Apsaras [U], Divine Virtue, Sraosha [U], Infernal Demon, Melchom [U]
Hand: 3

"The winner, Minegishi Kazuya!" Shin announced and the crowd cheered.

"Well… that was a downer…" Kurogasa sighed to himself.

'This kid is a lot stronger than he looks,' I mused in my thoughts. 'I wonder…' "That was a pretty close game there. You almost had me." I smirked. "I'll be sure to remember you." And with that, I walked off to sit down at one of the tables and wait for the next round pairings.

"Kazuya, what are you thinking?"Louisa frowned.

'I'm… just keeping him in mind for later.' I answered the demon.

"Liar…" Louisa said, "In case you didn't notice, I'm not a huge fan of angels,"

'I can see that.' I fought the urge to roll my eyes. 'Just trust me. I know what I'm doing.'

"Oh I trust you, I just don't trust him," She pointed at Kurogasa.

'Oh c'mon, he wouldn't hurt a fly,' I said, 'And anyway, I'm more focused on this upcoming round right now, so we can talk more about this later.'

"Alright everyone, now that the first round is over, we'll take a short ten minute break and then announce the next pairings." Shin called out to everyone.

I nodded to myself and glanced towards Aichi, who was talking with his friends. 'Just you wait. I'm coming for you next.' I thought to myself.

---

Horseman of War, Red Rider
Grade 1
Normal Unit
Nation - Dark Zone / Clan - Megaten
Race - Zombie
Power - 7000 / Shield - 5000
[ACT] (VC/RC): Change
[AUTO]: [Counter Blast (1)] When this unit is changed, if the number of your other rear-guards is three or greater, you may pay the cost. If you do, this card gets +3000 Power until end of turn.

Heavenly King, Zouchouten
Grade 2
Normal Unit
Nation - Dark Zone / Clan - Megaten
Race - Human
Power - 9000 / Shield - 5000
[AUTO]: [Choose a «Megaten» from your hand, and discard it] When this unit is placed on (RC) from your hand or deck, if your opponent has a Grade 2 or greater Vanguard, you may pay the cost. If you do, choose your Vanguard, and Change.
[ACT] (VC/RC): [Soul Charge (1) & Choose a unit named "Heavenly King, Zouchouten", a unit named "Heavenly King, Komokuten", and a unit named "Heavenly King, Jikokuten", from (VC) or (RC), and put them into your soul] If your opponent's Vanguard is Grade 3 or greater, search your deck for up to one card named "Heavenly King, Bishamonten, ride it, and shuffle your deck.

Heavenly King, Bishamonten
Grade 3
Normal Unit
Nation - Dark Zone / Clan - Megaten
Race - Human
Power - 10000
[CONT]: This unit gets +1000 Power for each card with "Heavenly King" in its card name in your Soul.
[ACT] (VC): [Counter Blast (1) & Soul Charge (2)] If the number of your «Megaten» rear-guards is two or more, you may pay the cost. If you do, choose one of your rear-guards, choose one card in your Soul, and Change.

(The above cards are my creation. All creative rights go to me.)

Victory Angel
Grade: 0
Normal Unit
Clan – Courier Saint
Race – Angel
Power: 4000 / Shield: 10000
[AUTO]: Forerunner
[ACT] (RC): [Choose a «Courier Saint» from your Hand, and discard it] When your «Courier Saint» vanguard is attacked, you may pay the cost. If you do, move this unit to the (GC)

Assault Pigeon
Grade: 0
Trigger Unit
Clan – Courier Saint
Race – High Beast
Power: 4000 / Shield: 10000
Critical Trigger
[AUTO] (RC): [Put this unit into your Soul] If you have a «Courier Saint» Vanguard, choose a card from your Damage Zone, and turn it face up.

Fleet Foot Angel
Grade: 0
Trigger Unit
Clan – Courier Saint
Race – Angel
Power: 5000 / Shield: 10000
Stand Trigger

Stamp Falcon
Grade: 0
Trigger Unit
Clan – Courier Saint
Race – High Beast
Power: 5000 / Shield: 5000
Draw Trigger
[ACT] (RC) [Counterblast (1)]: When you call this unit to a (RC), if you have a «Courier Saint» vanguard, you may pay the cost. If you do, Move this unit to the Soul and draw two cards.

Mediator Angel
Grade: 0
Trigger Unit
Clan – Courier Saint
Race – Angel
Power: 5000 / Shield: 10000
Heal Trigger
(You cannot put more than 4 Heal Triggers in a Deck.)

Heaven's Defender, Raziel
Grade: 1
Normal Unit
Clan – Courier Saint
Race – Angel
Power: 6000 / Shield: 0
[CONT]: Sentinel
[AUTO]: [Choose a «Courier Saint» from your Hand, and discard it] When this unit is placed on (GC), you may pay the cost. If you do, choose, one of your «Courier Saint» being attacked, and that unit cannot be hit until end of that battle.

Angel Knight, Haniel
Grade: 1
Normal Unit
Clan – Courier Saint
Race – Angel
Power: 7000 / Shield: 5000
[ACT] (VC/RC): [Counterblast (1)]: This unit gets [Power] +1000 until the End Phase.

Command Angel
Grade: 1
Normal Unit
Clan – Courier Saint
Race –Angel
Power: 8000 / Shield: 5000

Throne Courier, Sahaquiel
Grade: 2
Normal Unit
Clan – Courier Saint
Race – Angel
Power: 8000 / Shield: 5000
[AUTO]: When this unit Intercepts, if you have a «Courier Saint» Vanguard, this unit gets [Shield] +5000 until the end of that battle.

Seraphiel, Messenger of the Holy Flame
Grade: 2
Normal Unit
Clan – Courier Saint
Race – Angel
Power: 9000 / Shield: 5000
[AUTO]: [Choose a «Courier Saint» from your Hand, and discard it] When this unit Intercepts, if you have a «Courier Saint» Vanguard, you may pay the cost. If you do, during that battle's Close Step, call this unit to an open (RC), and this unit loses 'Intercept' until the End Phase.

Guardian Saint, Alexander
Grade: 2
Normal Unit
Clan – Courier Saint
Race – Angel
Power: 9000 / Shield: 5000
[AUTO]: When a «Courier Saint» rides this unit, you may Call this unit to an open (RC).
[AUTO]: When this unit is placed on (RC), if you have a «Courier Saint» Vanguard, this Unit gets "[AUTO] (RC): When your «Courier Saint» Vanguard is attacked and this unit Intercepts, this unit gets [Shield] +5000 until the end of that battle." until your next Stand Phase.

Postmaster General, Michael
Grade: 3
Normal Unit
Clan – Courier Saint
Race – Angel
Power: 11000
[CONT] (VC/RC)]: If you have a non–«Courier Saint» vanguard or (RG), this unit gets [Power] –2000.
[AUTO] (VC): [Counterblast (2) & choose a card named 'Postmaster General, Michael' from your Hand and discard it] When this unit's attack hits a Vanguard, you may pay the cost. If you do, during your Opponent's next turn, their Grade 1 and 0 (RG) cannot [Boost].

(The above cards were created by Fenikkusumaru. All creative rights go to him.)