Shin Megami Tensei: Vanguard
Grade 5
Blooming Roses and Deadly Looks - "Ichinose Kaoru"
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's Minegishi Kazuya, Daichi Shijima, and Louisa Ferre. Fenikkusumaru owns his OC Kururugi Kurogasa and the Courier Saints clan. The Azure Guardian owns his OC, Ichinose Kaoru.
NOTE: I've changed the first opening to the story. I'm no longer using Core Pride by UVERWORLD, instead I'm now using Clattanoia by OxT. Enjoy :)
NOTE 2: I would also like to remind all my wonderful readers that team submissions are open for the upcoming Regional Tournament. So if you have a team of characters you'd like to have debut in this story, you're more than free to do so. Simply PM me and I'll give you the details.
It's been some days since the end of the tournament at Card Capital in which Shin announced that the finalists - Aichi, Kai, Kamui, and Misaki - would be competing in the Vanguard Regional Tournament. I myself had decided to enter as well in order to become stronger. The only setback to my plan is that I need a team of three to compete, and so far I've had no luck in finding anybody. It was mid afternoon when I decided to go down to Card Capital to kill some time, with Louisa trailing behind me as always.
"So what are you planning to do now?" Louisa asked out of the blue, likely referring to my lack of success in assembling a team.
'Well if looking at other shops hasn't borne any fruit, then I guess we have to stick locally, which was one of the last options I wanted to use.' I replied in my thoughts. 'It's the only choice I have left.'
"Maybe look at Card Capital?" Louisa suggested. "There could be some other strong fighters you just don't know about yet. You said Angel Boy was strong, right?"
'I guess so,' I replied. 'The kid has skill and his clan would offer a greater element of surprise, but at the same time I'm not sure.' I blinked just as I realized we were already coming up on Card Capital, wondering if I had been so engrossed in my conversation with Louisa and my own thoughts that I never noticed. "Looks like we're here." And with that I stepped inside through the double doors to be met with the familiar layout of the small shop.
"Hi, welcome to Card Capital!" Shin greeted before recognizing me. "Ah, it's good to see you, Kazuya."
"Hey." I said before going to sit down at a table. "I just came to kill some time." I then took out my cards and began to look through in thought.
"Say, Kazuya, shouldn't you be in school right now?" Shin suddenly asked in an attempt to make conversation with me. I turned my head and raised a brow. Looking down at myself, I gestured with my hands at my casual clothes.
"I don't see a uniform anywhere." I shrugged.
"Yeah, I guess not." Shin laughed. "I just assumed you were a student since you look like you're not much older than Misaki."
"I'm nineteen." I clarified. "I graduated some time ago. I attended high school in America, and moved back here afterwards." Shin nodded in understanding.
"Did you ever think about applying for University?" Shin queried.
"The thought crossed my mind," I shrugged. "But to tell you the truth academics aren't really my thing. Don't really feel like I'm ready yet."
"I see," Shin nodded again. "Well everyone else won't be here for a little while longer, so you're more than welcome to hang out here while you wait." Just then, the sound of the front doors sliding open broke the otherwise quiet atmosphere. "Ah, welcome to Card Capital!"
The figure who entered the store had a very thin, slender build, with long, braided light-blue hair that covered the left side of their face. The person wore a fairly loose-fitting, purple long-sleeved shirt with rose petal designs strewn about and a pair of skinny blue jeans that snugly clung to their legs. The person looked around the entrance of the store, curiosity in their light red eyes and soft facial expression.
… Damn, she's hot. She's flat as hell, but she's hot.
"How can I be of help today?" Shin asked the newcomer.
"I'd heard about this place and I thought I would stop by," they said with a very light, almost feminine inflection. "I just started playing Vanguard and I'm still learning the rules, so I came here hoping to play against somebody."
"Unfortunately you came when things are a bit slow around here," Shin replied apologetically. He then got a gleam in his eyes and gestured to me. "But Kazuya here might be able to help you."
"Eh? Me?" I responded, wondering why I was being drafted.
The person turned their attention toward me, smiling gently, "Would you care to teach me how to play?"
'I have no way out of this, do I?' I thought to myself. Outwardly, shrugged. "Sure. See that table over there? Go stand on the other side." I then stood up and took out my cards just as I got to the close end of the Standing Fight Table. "So first off, you start out by choosing a Grade 0 card to be your starting Vanguard." I did just that and showed it to my opponent before placing it face-down on the Vanguard Circle.
My opponent then looked through their own deck, scanning their Grade 0 cards before taking one and putting it face-down in their Vanguard Circle opposite mine. "Okay, and now what?"
"Shuffle the deck," I explained before doing so. After I'd shuffled thoroughly, I placed my cards down and drew my opening hands. "And then you draw five cards. You're allowed to do one mulligan before the game starts to reshuffle your hand and draw new cards to replace them. Try and get a card of each Grade in your hand if you can." I scanned my hand and scrunched up my nose before taking three cards and shuffling them away to draw three new ones. My opponent did the same by shuffling back two cards.
"Hey, you're a pretty good teacher." Louisa teased.
'Shut up…' I replied in my thoughts. Outwardly, I continued my explanation. "Alright, now you have to imagine it."
"Imagine it?" my opponent repeated.
"Our spirits have been transported to a place called Cray, a world much like Earth." I explained. "Imagine yourself there now…" The two of us closed our eyes and within a few seconds, we were now standing in a large open plain just outside a forest, the ground around us dotted with roses.
"I see it… It's beautiful," my opponent said in awe, a pleasant smile on their face.
"Here on Cray our spirits are otherwise powerless, except for two powers. The first one is called 'Ride', which lets us inhabit the bodies of this world's denizens in order to fight. Our second power is known as 'Call', which lets us summon our allies on Cray to lend us their power." I continued, feeling simultaneously silly for doing so yet knowing it was a necessary evil. "Now, to start the game we flip up our starting Vanguards." I placed my hand on my card and the opponent did the same. "Ready?"
"Yes," they nodded.
"Stand up! My Vanguard!" I announced while flipping over my card.
"A-Ah. Stand up! Vanguard!"
Appearing in place of our spirits on Cray were my normal starting elven knight clad in green armor and wielding a spear. [Fairy Knight, Tam Lin - 5000 Power] Standing opposite Tam Lin was a young boy with leafy green hair wearing a green sleeveless tunic and wooden leg armor. Attached to each of his arms were a pair of wooden shields with intricate designs carved into the face. [Shield Seed Squire - 5000 Power]
"Fairy Knight, Tam Lin!" I announced.
"Shield Seed Squire!"
'Hm? That's a Neo Nectar unit…' I noticed. 'I'm interested in how this newbie will use them.'
"I'll take the first turn, if you don't mind." I suggested. "That way you can see what the structure of a turn is like."
"That's fine with me." my opponent smiled.
"Alright. I draw!" I began my turn. "First thing after you draw is that you're given the option to Ride a unit that's one Grade higher than your Vanguard, Tam Lin in my case," I plucked a card from my hand and placed it down over Tam Lin. "I Ride Celestial Dancer, Apsaras!"
Appearing in place of Tam Lin was my blue-skinned dancer unit. [Celestial Dancer, Apsaras - 8000 Power]Tam Lin also materialized onto the battlefield once again, this time behind Apsaras.
"Due to his skill, Tam Lin moves back into the Rear Guard.." I explained. "You can also call units during your turn with a Grade less than or equal to the Grade of your Vanguard. In this case, I call Ice Spirit, Jack Frost!"
Plopping onto the battlefield alongside Apsaras was the pudgy snowman dressed in blue jester's wear. [Ice Spirit, Jack Frost - 6000 Power]
"And since I can't attack due to going first, I'll end my turn at that." I concluded. "Now it's your turn."
Kazuya
Back Row: Empty / Fairy Knight, Tam Lin / Empty
Front Row: Ice Spirit, Jack Frost / Celestial Dancer, Apsaras / Empty
Hand: 4
Damage: None
? ? ?
Front Row: Empty / Shield Seed Squire / Empty
Back Row: Empty / Empty / Empty
Hand: 5
Damage: None
"Then I'll draw," my opponent said, carefully pulling their next card with their slender fingers and looking at it along with the rest of their hand. "I will Ride Corolla Dragon."
Shield Seed Squire vanished in a burst of greenish light, only to be replaced by a greyish dragon with budding flowers on its head, palm leaves around its midsection, and bright yellow butterfly wings sprouting from its back. [Corolla Dragon - 8000 Power]
"And this will activate my Shield Seed Squire's skill, allowing me to move it to my Rear Guard," my opponent continued as they took the Shield Seed Squire card from under Corolla Dragon and moved it to one of the Rearguard Circles beside the Vanguard, which also caused the shielder to appear again on Cray. "And then I'll Call Watering Elf to the Rearguard." My opponent then played another card, this time placing it in the circle behind Shield Seed Squire.
Appearing behind the young squire was a young elven girl wearing a dress of various shades of green, a green-and-white visor, and carrying a watering can. [Watering Elf - 4000 Power]
"And then I'll activate the skill of my Watering Elf," my opponent continued as they removed Watering Elf from the field and placed it underneath Corolla Dragon. "By placing it from my Rearguard to my Soul, I can increase the Power of a Neo Nectar by 3000 for the turn, and I'll choose my Shield Seed Squire."
Shield Seed Squire's face grew more determined as his body gained a green aura, showing his increase in power. [5000 Power + 3000 Power = 8000 Power]
"And now we come to the battle portion of the turn." I spoke up. "When you attack with a unit, you turn it sideways to show that it's been rested." I gestured to my own cards. "Your units are able to support each other in battle by giving them additional power. If you had units in the back row, then you could boost the power of your attacking unit directly in front of them. So, which unit will attack first?"
"I will have Shield Seed Squire attack your Vanguard," my opponent declared.
I nodded. "At this point, the opponent is given the opportunity to guard against the attack by using the units in their hand. When you do so, you place them into that Guardian Circle in the middle of the field." I tapped the large green circular glyph for emphasis. "However, I'll choose not to defend, so your attack goes unimpeded. To make your attack successful, your unit's Power must equal or exceed that of the unit you're attacking. With me so far?"
"Yes, I am." they nodded.
On the battlefield, Shield Seed Squire rushed forward with his new surge of power and struck Apsaras with one of his shields, tackling her to the ground. The young boy quickly hopped back to the side of his leader just as Apsaras stood up once more.
"Since your attack on my Vanguard was successful, I take a point of damage." I told the opponent before taking the top card of my deck and turning it so its face could be seen. "The cards in your deck serve as your damage. When you accumulate six of them, then you lose. Should you push me to six damage as well, then you win." I then placed the revealed card in my damage zone.
[Damage Check - Horseman of Death, Pale Rider - No Trigger]
"But then since my Shield Seed Squire landed a hit on your Vanguard, I get to activate his Skill," my opponent continued, removing the appropriate card from their Rearguard and placing it on top of their Deck. "Since I have a Neo Nectar Vanguard, I can return Shield Seed Squire to the top of my Deck and then Call a Blade Seed Squire from my Deck to my Rear Guard rested." My opponent then fanned their deck and looked for their respective card before pulling it and placing Blade Seed Squire into the Rearguard Circle next to Corolla Dragon.
In place of the shielder was now a unit resembling him greatly, but slightly taller and with a white feather tipped in red resting on his head. The shields on his arms gained blade-like spearheads, giving him much more battle aptitude. [Blade Seed Squire - 7000 Power]
"Your Vanguard's attack is special." I told them. "After you declare the attack and the opponent has guarded, you reveal the top card of your deck and add it to your hand. This is called a Drive Check."
"Then I will have Corolla Dragon attack your Vanguard." the opponent announced while resting their Vanguard.
"And I won't guard." I added. "Now reveal the top card of your deck."
"Right. Drive Trigger, check." They flipped over the top card, and I saw no Triggers present.
"In some instances the card you reveal may have a special icon that gives off different benefits. But by the looks of it, that didn't happen this time. Regardless, you can add that card to your hand."
Corolla Dragon flew into the air before dive bombing down towards Apsaras, ramming into her and sending her skidding backwards.
"Damage Trigger, check." I announced while flipping over the top card.
[Damage Check - Awakened Warrior, Cu Chulainn - No Trigger]
"And I guess that does it for my turn." my opponent finished.
Kazuya
Back Row: Empty / Fairy Knight, Tam Lin / Empty
Front Row: Ice Spirit, Jack Frost / Celestial Dancer, Apsaras / Empty
Hand: 4
Damage: Horseman of Death, Pale Rider [U], Awakened Warrior, Cu Chulainn [U]
? ? ?
Front Row: Empty / Corolla Dragon / Blade Seed Squire
Back Row: Empty / Empty / Empty
Hand: 5
Damage: None
"Now it's my turn." I said. "Normally you stand your rested units before drawing, but since I have no units…" I then drew my card, putting my hand to five. I took a card from my hand and raised it up.
"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 soon vanished in a burst of greenish light, only to be replaced by my signature sword-wielding warrior in crimson armor. Yoshitsune unsheathed his swords and stood in a refined battle stance, intending to take the fight seriously. [Sword of Rebellion, Yoshitsune - 9000 Power]
Just then, I heard the doors to the shop sliding open once more. Turning my head, I saw that Misaki, Aichi, Morikawa, and Izaki had all just arrived.
"Welcome back everyone! You're just in time to see Kazuya teach somebody how to play Vanguard." Shin said with a hint of enthusiasm.
"Kazuya is cardfighting?" Aichi wondered before he and the other two middle schoolers walked over to the standing table while Misaki went over to the counter.
"Who's the chick?" Morikawa asked out of the blue.
I then saw my opponent's right eye twitch at Morikawa's question, then lowered their cards and held their head high before speaking loudly enough for everyone in the store to hear, "Excuse me, but I'm a man." I'm sorry, WHAT?!
Wait…
I took another good look at HIS face and immediately my brain was confused. He looks too familiar...
"You, what's your name?" I asked him.
My opponent then returned his attention to me, holding me with his gaze, "Ichinose Kaoru."
Heh… Looks like i'm dealing with Endrance. This makes a lot more sense now.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!" the others exclaimed in utter shock at the revelation that the person they believed to be a woman was actually a man, regardless of the fact he has the characteristics of a beautiful woman.
"Never in my life have I seen such a beautiful man before…" Louisa muttered.
"Continuing on…" I sighed. "I move Jack Frost back, and then I call Wind Spirit, Kurama Tengu and Lost Soul, Pyro Jack!"
Flying down next to Yoshitsune was the blue-feathered birdman, while materializing next to Tam Lin was the floating, bodiless pumpkin wearing a cape and pointed hat - the brother of Jack Frost. [Wind Spirit, Kurama Tengu - 8000 Power],[Lost Soul, Pyro Jack - 7000 Power]
"And next comes the good part." I said. I waved my hand over my front row units. "Kurama and Yoshitsune will Change!"
"Change?" Kaoru repeated.
"There he goes! He's cheating again!" Morikawa blurted out, pointing frantically to my cards as I swapped the positions of Kurama and Yoshitsune.
"Are you quite done?" I glared at the Grade 3 lover, making him flinch. "This is the unique power of my clan, the Megaten. Once during each of my turns I can choose two of my units in the same row and swap their positions on the battlefield. In exchange the unit who initiates the Change is rested."
"I see. I guess every clan has something unique that they do," Kaoru noted, mostly to himself.
"It doesn't end there." I continued. "Since Yoshitsune was just changed using his skill, I can pay his Counter Blast and Soul Blast…" I flipped over Pale Rider in the damage zone and took out Apsaras from the Soul as I explained Yoshitsune's skill. "...And by doing so, Yoshitsune will gain an additional 2000 Power for the turn, as well as an extra Critical added to his own!" [9000 Power + 2000 Power = 11000 Power / Critical: 1-2]
"In other words, Kazuya-san's attack with that unit can deal two damage instead of one this turn." Aichi explained to Kaoru.
"But it's rested now," Kaoru pointed out while looking at my card. "So isn't it unable to attack this turn?"
"Wind Spirit, Kurama Tengu's skill!" I declared while flipping over Cu Chulainn in the damage zone. "When Kurama is changed, I pay his Counter Blast in order to stand the other unit that was changed."
"Ah, that's right!" Aichi realized.
"Boosted by Jack Frost, Yoshitsune attacks your Vanguard!" I declared as I turned my cards sideways.
"I won't guard," Kaoru decided.
Yoshitsune dashed forward and seemingly vanished. Just as suddenly as he was gone, he reappeared once more directly in front of the butterfly-dragon hybrid, slashing at it with his twin blades before hopping backwards to where his allies stood.
"Damage check," Kaoru said before flipping over two cards.
[Damage Check - Watering Elf - Stand Trigger]
[Damage Check - Blade Seed Squire - No Trigger]
"That blue icon in the corner of Watering Elf lets you give the unit of your choice an additional 5000 Power for this turn and stand one of your Rearguards." I explained. "Though the latter is best used during your own turn."
"I see," Kaoru replied. "Then I'll give the Power to Corolla Dragon and stand Blade Seed Squire." [8000 Power + 5000 Power = 13000 Power]
"Boosted by Tam Lin, Kurama Tengu attacks the Vanguard!" I declared. "And I also activate Tam Lin's skill! By putting him into the Soul, I can give one card on my field with the Change ability another 2000 Power! I choose Kurama Tengu!"
"I won't guard," Kaoru decided again.
"Checking for a Drive Trigger," I added.
[Drive Check - Infernal Demon, Melchom - Draw Trigger]
"Draw Trigger! I give all effects to Kurama Tengu and I draw a card." I informed as i drew another card.
Kurama Tengu rose into the air using its wings and gave them a strong flap, sending near-gale force winds directly at the band of Neo Nectar clansmen. [8000 Power + 5000 Power + 2000 Power + 5000 Power = 20000 Power]
"Damage check," Kaoru announced.
[Damage Check - Avatar of the Plains, Behemoth - No Trigger]
"That ends my turn." I finished.
Kazuya
Back Row: Ice Spirit, Jack Frost / Empty / Lost Soul, Pyro Jack
Front Row: Sword of Rebellion, Yoshitsune / Wind Spirit, Kurama Tengu / Empty
Hand: 4
Damage: Horseman of Death, Pale Rider [F], Awakened Warrior, Cu Chulainn [F]
Kaoru
Front Row: Empty / Corolla Dragon / Blade Seed Squire
Back Row: Empty / Empty / Empty
Hand: 5
Damage: Watering Elf [U], Blade Seed Squire, [U], Avatar of the Plains, Behemoth [U]
"I'll stand and draw," Kaoru said as he drew his next card. "I Ride Spiritual Tree Sage, Irminsul."
Corolla Dragon vanished, and in its place a very large, bulky humanoid shape rose up. The new unit took the shape of a human wearing green robes with gold trim, but was otherwise reminiscent of an old tree, with its lower body being nothing more than the tree's roots. In its hands the unit carried a tome with a green cover lined in golden designs. [Spiritual Tree Sage, Irminsul - 7000 Power]
"Since Irminsul was played, I can reveal the top card of my Deck, and if it's a Grade 1 or 2 Neo Nectar, I can play it in my Rear Guard, otherwise I have to shuffle my Deck," Kaoru explained.
'He's trying to fill his formation…' I noticed.
Kaoru then drew his top card and flipped it over, "The card I reveal is the Grade 2 Iris Knight, and so I will Call it to my front Rear Guard."
Materializing next to Irminsul was a young man with wild green hair clad in leaf green armor with sleeker, iris-colored armor overlaying it. In his hands the young warrior held a sword whose guard resembled a blooming iris flower. [Iris Knight - 10000 Power]
"I will then Call Pea Knight, Dancing Sunflower, and Lily Knight of the Valley to my backrow Rear Guard," Kaoru continued as he played his three cards, specifically placing Pea Knight behind Blade Seed Squire and Lily Knight of the Valley behind Iris Knight.
Appearing behind their allies were three new units. The first was a young redheaded man wearing green armor and carrying a pair of pistols modeled with a lily motif in mind. [Lily Knight of the Valley - 6000 Power] The second to appear was a humanoid sunflower wearing colorful clothes, red boots, and a pair of goggles. [Dancing Sunflower - 5000 Power] The third and final unit was a strange plant-like creature resembling a pea plant standing on four skinny legs, clad in silver armor, and carrying a pitchfork in one of its hands. [Pea Knight - 6000 Power]
"Boosted by Pea Knight, I'll have my Blade Seed Squire attack your Vanguard," Kaoru declared as he rested both cards.
"I don't guard."
The young squire charged forward, his bladed weapons at the ready [7000 Power + 6000 Power = 13000 Power], and lunged at Kurama Tengu, slashing away with his mounted weapons and causing the tengu to cry out in pain.
"Checking for a Damage Trigger," I announced.
[Damage Check - Divine Virtue, Sraosha - No Trigger]
"I will attack your Vanguard with Iris Knight while boosted with Lily Knight of the Valley," Kaoru continued as he rested both cards. "And since Iris Knight is being boosted by Lily Knight, Iris Knight will gain an additional 4000 power."
"I guard with Infernal Demon, Melchom! And Yoshitsune Intercepts!" I countered as I placed down my Guardians.
"Intercept?" Kaoru asked in confusion, tilting his head slightly as he saw me move Yoshitsune from my Rearguard to the Guard Circle.
"Grade 2 units can be used to guard while they're in the Rearguard," I explained. "It's a special skill they all possess called Intercept, just as all Grade 1 and lower units possess the Boost ability."
"I see," Kaoru said thoughtfully as he glanced at his Grade 2 units.
"That puts Kazuya's shield at a total of 24000," Izaki said thoughtfully. "But then he also lost one of his best assets in the process."
Boosted by his fellow Knight, [10000 Power + 6000 Power + 4000 Power = 20000 Power]Iris Knight rushed forward and raised his sword above his head, only to stop short when Yoshitsune jumped forward, also joined by the dark-skinned goddess. [9000 Power + 10000 Shield + 5000 Shield = 24000 Power]
I placed my Guardians in the Drop Zone after the battle had ended. "Are you continuing your attack?" I asked.
"I will boost my Spiritual Tree Sage with Dancing Sunflower and attack your Vanguard," Kaoru continued.
'My hand is low right now… Even so, this is his last attack for the turn unless he gets a Stand Trigger, so I should be fine.' I reasoned. "I don't guard."
"And I'll check the Drive Trigger." Kaoru added before flipping over the top card.
[Drive Check - Chestnut Buller - Critical Trigger]
"I got a Critical Trigger! I'll give the effects to my Spiritual Tree Sage!"
"Tch…" I clicked my tongue.
Feeling empowered by Dancing Sunflower, the Spiritual Tree Sage conjured up magic from its tome and unleashed it upon the tengu. [7000 Power + 5000 Power + 5000 Power = 17000 Power]
"Checking the Damage Trigger," I said while flipping over the top card.
[Damage Check - Infernal Demon, Melchom - Draw Trigger]
[Damage Check - Sword of Rebellion, Yoshitsune - No Trigger]
"I got another Draw Trigger. I choose not to give the power to any of my units. I also draw a card." I announced as I drew another card.
"I'll end my turn."
Kazuya
Back Row: Ice Spirit, Jack Frost / Empty / Lost Soul, Pyro Jack
Front Row: Sword of Rebellion, Yoshitsune / Wind Spirit, Kurama Tengu / Empty
Hand: 4
Damage: Horseman of Death, Pale Rider [F], Awakened Warrior, Cu Chulainn [F], Divine Virtue, Sraosha [U], Infernal Demon, Melchom [U], Sword of Rebellion, Yoshitsune [U]
Kaoru
Front Row: Iris Knight / Spiritual Tree Sage, Irminsul / Blade Seed Squire
Back Row: Lily Knight of the Valley / Dancing Sunflower / Pea Knight
Hand: 2
Damage: Watering Elf [U], Blade Seed Squire, [U], Avatar of the Plains, Behemoth [U]
"I stand and draw," I announced as my turn began. "And I ride Divine Virtue, Sraosha!"
Appearing in place of Kurama Tengu was a creature that would be the farthest thing from what one would call the highest virtue of humanity; a blue-skinned demonic creature with a human face, a large amber-colored eyeball on its forehead, massive bat-like ears, and a set of six wings sprouting from its back similar in appearance to those of a fairy of pixie, but with a bird-like shape to them. [Divine Virtue, Sraosha - 11000 Power]
"That's a new unit I've never seen." A familiar voice said as we turned to see Kurogasa and basically everyone else coming in. "Hey guys. What did I miss?"
"You just missed that cheater's opponent revealing he was a guy when he looks like a girl!" Morikawa shouted, pointing at Kaoru.
"Wha…?" Kurogasa blinked, looking to whom Morikawa pointed.
"True story. Anyways, next, I call Celestial Dancer, Apsaras and Golden Star Dragon, Huang Long!" I added while placing down more card.
Appearing on the battlefield next were the blue-skinned dancer, standing in-between the Jack Brothers [Celestial Dancer, Apsaras - 8000 Power], and my signature golden dragon, roaring proudly as it descended on the plains. [Golden Star Dragon, Huang Long - 11000 Power]
"Next! I Change Jack Frost and Pyro Jack!" I said as I swapped the locations of my two units. "And when Jack Frost Changes, I can Soul Charge one to draw a card." I placed the top card of my deck underneath Sraosha before taking the next card and adding it to my hand.
[Soul Charge - Golden Star Dragon, Huang Long]
"Also, when Pyro Jack Changes, I can Soul Blast to draw a card again," I explained as I took Huang Long out of the Soul and placed it into the Drop Zone, after which I drew another card. "And when I activate a Change ability, Apsaras lets me draw another card!" I then drew a third card, my hand now totally refreshed.
"He was able to draw that many cards so quickly?" Kaoru wondered in surprise.
I smirked as I rested two of my units. "Boosted by Jack Frost, Huang Long attacks your Vanguard." I said.
"I won't guard." Kaoru replied.
Receiving a boost from the small snowman [11000 Power + 6000 Power = 17000 Power], the golden dragon roared before rearing its head back and unleashing a stream of electric power at the old tree-man, striking home and creating a large explosion.
"Checking for a damage trigger." Kaoru said while flipping over the top card.
[Damage Check - Blade Seed Squire - No Trigger]
"Next, boosted by Apsaras, I'll have Sraosha attack your Vanguard!" I continued while resting my units.
"I guard with Maiden of Blossom Rain," Kaoru countered as he placed the card into the Guard Circle.
"Wait, really?" I responded.
"Huh? Did I do something wrong?" Kaoru asked, thinking he made a wrong play.
"No it's just… that was a Perfect Guard." I answered back.
"Perfect Guard?" Kaoru repeated in confusion.
"It's a special skill possessed by Grade 1 units, otherwise called the Sentinel ability," I explained. "By discarding a card after guarding with it, you stop your opponent from hitting one of your units that's being attacked."
"I see… I only played it since it was the only card in my hand with any Shield value on it," Kaoru admitted as he discarded another card to activate his Guardian's Sentinel ability. "I had wondered why it read as having zero Shield, though."
"I see. Understandable." I said.
"Is this his first time playing?" Kurogasa whispered to Shin.
"Actually, yes it is." I heard the manager reply back. "And since nobody else was here when he stopped by, I asked Kazuya to teach him."
"I see." Kurogasa nodded in understanding.
"Well then, since I can't hit your Vanguard, my attack fails." I went on. "However, I still get my Twin Drive."
"Twin Drive?" Kaoru repeated.
"The special power of Grade 3 units." I explained while tapping Sraosha's card. "Instead of one Drive Check when you attack with a Grade 2 or lower Vanguard, Twin Drive allows you to perform two at the same time." I then flipped over two cards, both of which let off a pale glow.
[Drive Check - Deception Beast, Kabuso - Stand Trigger]
[Drive Check - Magical Trickster, Pixie - Heal Trigger]
"Hm, a Heal Trigger here, that's interesting…" I mused.
"Seriously, when are you gonna stop your cheating?!" Morikawa snapped comically, flailing his arms about in an idiotic fashion.
"I have no more control over this than you do." I glared at the Grade 3 lover, making him flinch. I sighed in annoyance. "Anyways, I guess this rounds off what you need to know about Triggers."
"What are Heal Triggers?" Kaoru asked.
"Like all other Triggers, they give an additional 5000 Power, but Heal Triggers are special." I explained. "As long as you have the same amount of damage as your opponent or greater, you can use the special power of Heal Triggers to recover one point of damage. The drawback is that you can only have a total of four Heal Triggers in a deck, however." I then took Yoshitsune from the Damage Zone and put him into the Drop Zone. "I also give all remaining effects to Yoshitsune and Pyro Jack stands back up." [9000 Power + 5000 Power + 5000 Power = 19000 Power]
"The advantage to that move is that now Kazuya has a full-on attack ready to go." Aichi helpfully added in. "His units' Change skills rest one of his rearguards, so the Stand Trigger lets him undo that."
"I see," Kaoru said, giving Aichi a thankful smile. "That was very helpful information."
"Y-You're welcome." Aichi replied, his cheeks turning pink ever so slightly.
"Aichi? You okay?" Kurogasa raised an eyebrow.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine."
"Huh… must be seeing things…" Kurogasa muttered to himself, shaking his head.
"Now then," I cut in before resting my remaining units. "Boosted by Pyro Jack, Yoshitsune attacks the Vanguard!"
"I can't guard," Kaoru said.
Gaining support from the pumpkin-headed demon [19000 Power + 7000 Power = 26000 Power], Yoshitsune rushed forward and slashed aggressively at Irminsul before leaping back to stand at Sraosha's side again.
"Checking the Damage Trigger." Kaoru said.
[Damage Check - Frontline Valkyrie, Laurel - No Trigger]
"I end my turn there." I finished.
Kazuya
Back Row: Lost Soul, Pyro Jack / Celestial Dancer, Apsaras / Ice Spirit, Jack Frost
Front Row: Sword of Rebellion, Yoshitsune / Divine Virtue, Sraosha / Golden Star Dragon, Huang Long
Hand: 6
Damage: Horseman of Death, Pale Rider [F], Awakened Warrior, Cu Chulainn [F], Divine Virtue, Sraosha [U], Infernal Demon, Melchom [U]
Kaoru
Front Row: Iris Knight / Spiritual Tree Sage, Irminsul / Blade Seed Squire
Back Row: Lily Knight of the Valley / Dancing Sunflower / Pea Knight
Hand: 0
Damage: Watering Elf [U], Blade Seed Squire, [U], Avatar of the Plains, Behemoth [U], Blade Seed Squire [U], Frontline Valkyrie, Laurel [U]
"I Stand and draw," Kaoru said as he stood his Units and drew. "I Ride Maiden of Trailing Rose."
Taking the place of Irminsul was a beautiful young woman with violet hair tied into six curled pigtails, wearing a headdress made of pink flowers and roses, a dress made of white and green leaves, and matching gloves that reached to her upper arms. Pink flowers could be seen growing out from the bottom of her dress. [Maiden of Trailing Rose - 11000 Power]
"Yes! Another fabulous Grade 3 I've never seen before!" Morikawa said excitedly. "I've gotta add this one to my deck!"
"Except that Maiden of Trailing Rose is almost completely useless in a deck not using Neo Nectar units because of its ability." Misaki pointed out.
"Aww…" Morikawa sulked.
I feel no pity.
"Boosted by Lily Knight of the Valley, I'll attack your Vanguard with Iris Knight," Kaoru declared as he rested the cards.
"I guard with Magical Trickster, Pixie and Keeper of Knowledge, Thoth!" I countered.
Boosted by his fellow knight [10000 Power + 6000 Power + 4000 Power = 20000 Power], Iris Knight rushed forward once more at Sraosha, but his advance was cut short when the mystical baboon carrying his tome appeared alongside a small young woman, roughly the side of a person's head, wearing a blue one-piece, long blue gloves, and blue boots that reached to her thighs. Her hair was an auburn color styled in a pixie cut, while translucent white wings sprouted from her back and allowed her to stay aloft as she worked with Thoth to create a barrier that repelled Iris Knight's attack. [11000 Power + 10000 Shield + 5000 Shield = 26000 Power]
"Then I will boost my Maiden of Trailing Rose with Dancing Sunflower and attack your Vanguard," Kaoru declared, resting the two Units.
"I'll guard with Deception Beast, Kabuso!" I responded while placing down another Guardian.
"Checking the Twin Drive." Kaoru said.
[Drive Check - Caramel Popcorn - No Trigger]
[Drive Check - Maiden of Trailing Rose - No Trigger]
Spreading her arms out on either side of her as she gained support from Dancing Sunflower[11000 Power + 5000 Power = 16000 Power], Maiden of Trailing Rose conjured up vines from the ground and sent them shooting at Sraosha, however, the small white cat creature appeared, floating in the air yet lounging on its side as it created a barrier to stop the attack cold.
"Then I'll boost my Blade Seed Squire with my Pea Knight and attack your Vanguard," Kaoru said as he rested his final two Units.
Gaining power from the Pea Knight[7000 Power + 6000 Power = 13000 Power], the young squire dashed ahead, his arm-mounted weapons at the ready. He leapt into the air and struck downwards with his weapons, inflicting wounds upon the demonic angel.
"Damage Trigger, check."
[Damage Check - Heavenly King, Komokuten - No Trigger]
"I end my turn." Kaoru concluded.
Kazuya
Back Row: Lost Soul, Pyro Jack / Celestial Dancer, Apsaras / Ice Spirit, Jack Frost
Front Row: Empty / Divine Virtue, Sraosha / Golden Star Dragon, Huang Long
Hand: 4
Damage: Horseman of Death, Pale Rider [F], Awakened Warrior, Cu Chulainn [F], Divine Virtue, Sraosha [U], Infernal Demon, Melchom [U], Heavenly King, Komokuten [U]
Kaoru
Front Row: Iris Knight / Maiden of Trailing Rose / Blade Seed Squire
Back Row: Lily Knight of the Valley / Dancing Sunflower / Pea Knight
Hand: 2
Damage: Watering Elf [U], Blade Seed Squire, [U], Avatar of the Plains, Behemoth [U], Blade Seed Squire [U], Frontline Valkyrie, Laurel [U]
"Man, he's ruthless, even against a newbie…" Izaki commented.
"In cardfights, you're supposed to give everything you've got." Kurogasa said. "Holding back is practically an insult."
"I dunno. There's giving it your all, and then there's Kazuya's aggressive way of playing." Miwa pointed out. "He didn't give that Kaoru guy a single chance during his turn just now."
"I stand and draw." I began my turn. "You did well for your first try, newbie. However, I'm afraid you've come up short. I call Wind Spirit, Kurama Tengu!"
Appearing in front of Pyro Jack was the blue-feathered tengu, ready to do battle. [Wind Spirit, Kurama Tengu - 8000 Power]
"And now Kurama Tengu and Huang Long will Change!" I continued as my units swapped positions. "And when a Change skill is activated, I can use Huang Long's Persona Blast! By discarding a copy of Huang Long from my hand, I can retire Iris Knight, whose Grade is less than Huang Long's!"
"Then that means-!" Kaoru realized.
Lightning began to discharge from Huang Long's massive golden body, and a portion of it branched out and struck Iris Knight, making him cry in pain before vanishing from the battlefield.
"Boosted by Apsaras, Sraosha attacks the Vanguard!" I declared.
"I… don't guard." Kaoru responded.
"Twin Drive, check." I said.
[Drive Check - Horseman of Famine, Black Rider - No Trigger]
[Drive Check - Divine Virtue, Sraosha - No Trigger]
Light poured forth from Sraosha's wings as he flew forward at breakneck speeds [11000 Power + 8000 Power = 19000 Power], throwing a punch at Maiden of Trailing Rose using a fist also consumed by holy light. The strike hit its mark and the maiden cried out in pain before she and the other members of the Neo Nectar vanished from the battlefield.
[Damage Check - Maiden of Trailing Rose - No Trigger]
FINAL RESULTS
Kazuya
Back Row: Lost Soul, Pyro Jack / Celestial Dancer, Apsaras / Ice Spirit, Jack Frost
Front Row: Wind Spirit, Kurama Tengu / Divine Virtue, Sraosha / Golden Star Dragon, Huang Long
Hand: 4
Damage: Horseman of Death, Pale Rider [F], Awakened Warrior, Cu Chulainn [F], Divine Virtue, Sraosha [U], Infernal Demon, Melchom [U], Heavenly King, Komokuten [U]
Kaoru
Front Row: Iris Knight / Maiden of Trailing Rose / Blade Seed Squire
Back Row: Lily Knight of the Valley / Dancing Sunflower / Pea Knight
Hand: 2
Damage: Watering Elf [U], Blade Seed Squire, [U], Avatar of the Plains, Behemoth [U], Blade Seed Squire [U], Frontline Valkyrie, Laurel [U], Maiden of Trailing Rose
"Well that's that." Kurogasa said.
"But still, he did pretty good for his first cardfight." Aichi added.
"It was certainly an experience," Kaoru said and lightly bowed his head to me. "Thank you very much for teaching me."
"Yeah, sure." I said dismissively. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned my head to see Louisa.
"So, what about him?" she asked. "Would he make a good member for your team?"
'Him? Well…' I trailed off. 'He's still a newbie and he needs to refine his skills, but his deck seems to work very well for him...' I sighed and looked to see Kaoru was already saying goodbye to the others and heading for the door. "Hey, you."
"Hm?" Kaoru responded as he turned back to me. "Did you need something?"
"How would you like to join my team?" I asked him.
"Team?" Kaoru repeated, tilting his head slightly. "For what?"
"I'm aiming to compete in the next Regional Tournament, and I need a team of three to enter." I explained. "I think with what you demonstrated to me today, you're the kind of fighter I'm looking for. What do you say?"
"Are you sure? You know I've only just started. Would I even be ready in time?" Kaoru asked.
"I'll run you through the ropes up until the event." I told him. "I think you've got the potential to be pretty good. All that's left is pushing that potential out."
Kaoru shuffled a little in place, looking a little nervous before focusing his attention on me and gave a slight nod, "O-Okay, if you think I'll be of help, I'll gladly join your team."
"Good." I nodded. "So then, are you in school at all? What's your schedule like?"
"I'm out of school, actually. And…" Kaoru paused for a moment, fidgeting with his fingers. "I um… I guess I'm what you'd call a hikikomori… I really only leave my house if something seems interesting enough to me…"
"I see." I replied. "In that case, training starts tomorrow afternoon. Here. Don't be late."
"O-Okay," Kaoru responded without hesitation.
"I'll see you then." I added before Kaoru smiled and walked out of the shop. With that, I gathered up my cards and sat back down at the table I'd been at before, folding my arms lazily behind my head.
"Well that's one down. One more to go." Louisa spoke up.
'Yeah.' I said dismissively. 'Truth be told, I'm surprised he has that much skill for a total newbie. He knew what he was doing, he just needs to be more sure of himself.'
"Will he really be ready before the tournament?"
'Only time will tell,' I replied in my thoughts. 'Now if you'll kindly be quiet, I need to think.' After that, I closed my eyes and relaxed in the chair in order to think ahead about the next few days.
Divine Virtue, Sraosha
Grade 3
Normal Unit
Nation - Dark Zone / Clan - Megaten
Race - Angel
Power - 11000
[AUTO] (VC): [Counter Charge (2) & Choose a card named "Divine Virtue, Sraosha" from your hand, and discard it] When this unit's attack hits a vanguard, you may pay the cost. If you do, draw two cards, choose one of your «Megaten» rear-guards, and stand it.
(The above card was created by me and was based from the Megami Tensei franchise. All rights go to me.)