Cardfight Vanguard Cray's Last Hope

This was a story that has been on my mind for a while. Hope you all enjoy.

I'd like to thank Candyfreak12, Rinny11356, and Azure King and Azure Queen for their input and their help in making this story possible. All of you rock!

XXXXX

Chapter 1: The Arrival

"Haa…..Jeez….I really don't like waking up this early…." A young girl yawned, rubbing the drowsiness out of her eyes. Her pink hair was just combed and styled into twin, drill-like curls. Her wardrobe consisted of a pink sleeveless blouse and dark red skirt. Her bright, blue eyes still showed signs of fatigue.

"You always say that, Rekka. Complaining about it won't change things." A slightly older girl admonished. She was a full head taller than Rekka, with long, golden hair falling down to her lower back. A lock of it was tied up with a black hair band. Her attire consisted of a white blue and pants with black trimming. Her green eyes were narrowed in mild annoyance.

"Mou…Stop being mean, Kourin!" Rekka snapped back. "Hey, Suiko…! Why do we always have to open up this early if barely anyone comes here?! It's sooooo boring…!"

Her words were directed to the third member of the sleek, blue room they were in. She possessed short, light blue hair with a lock curled upward over her bangs. Her eyes were an even darker shade of blue than Rekka's. She was wearing a loose fitting blue blouse with an orange scarf wrapped around her shoulders and dark leggings. "It's because you never know when a customer may be coming." She smiled gently like an older sister would do for a younger sibling. "Now…could you please open the doors while Kourin and I finish setting up?"

"Hai…." The girl accepted the task and went to the front doors. However, after she unlocked the doors, she noticed a humanoid shadow through the tinted glass. What was even more unusual was the face that the shadow was lying face down, unmoving. At this, the girl froze…what if it was a dead body? How did someone get killed right in front of their shop?! How is she going to explain this to the others?! With this panicking situation, she opened the doors and chose to investigate.

However, then the doors opened and revealed the figure, she stopped. The person….was a rather attractive male. He appeared to be a tad older than her by a few years. He possessed a light complexion. His messy hair fell down to his neck, and was as black as the midnight sky. His attired was a white, upturned collar jacket with gray lining and white pants. Contrasting this was a black, buttoned shirt underneath. Rekka was still hung up on the fact that he was rather handsome. She eventually broke out of it and remembered what she was doing.

"A-are you okay?" Rekka rushed over to the man's side and shook him gently, trying to elicit a response.

He remained silent.

Now worried, she checked his pulse, relieved to see that she felt a strong beat. However, the man showed no indication of waking up. Seeing as she wouldn't be able to lift him, given her smaller stature, Rekka turned to the front doors and entered. "Suiko! I need your help!"

XXXXX

"So you just found this guy right in front of the shop?" Kourin questioned in skepticism. Rekka nodded. He was taken in by Kourin and Suiko and was presently lying down on one of the benches within the shop. His eyes were still closed, but alive. Suiko was now fiddling with a transparent tablet.

"Yeah. I noticed a shadow outside, and went to take a look. When I opened the doors, I found him lying face up on the ground right outside the door." The pink haired girl explained.

"I see…." The blonde girl nodded. She then turned to the blue haired girl. "Suiko, have you gotten in contact with him yet?"

"Not yet." Suiko shook her head. The screen on the tablet within her hands was glowing; in the center of it was a spinning circle that indicated something was in the process of loading.

"What do you think we should do with him, considering he's still unconscious?" Kourin questioned.

"I think it would be best if we kept him here until he awakes. Perhaps he'd be able to answer our questions then." Suiko decided.

"I think that would be good for now." Rekka agreed as she looks at the boy.

The three continued to wait for the unconscious male. A few moments later, his eyelids started to shift. They gathered around him; his eyelids begun to flutter open, revealing irises the color of smoky topaz.

"Nngh…" The boy grunted. His blur vision begun to refocus. In his sights was a deep blue ceiling decorated by the cosmos and a group of unfamiliar people. Slowly, he propped himself up from the bench, which acted as a makeshift bed. He lazily looked around, his eyes scanning his environment. It was completely unfamiliar to him and everything was…blue….The design of the room he was in was colored to be a metallic azure. Scattered everywhere were conical devices that seemed to have cards rotating within them. His attention was refocused on the strangers. "….Where…am I…?" He asked them. His voice was weak and raspy. Suiko held out a glass of water to him.

"Here…drink this." The boy looked at the woman, then the glass, then the woman again. Suiko gave a gentle nod, saying that it was alright. Slowly, the raven haired male accepted the glass and tilted it to his lips. His parched throat was quenched by the refreshing liquid. He drank it greedily until nothing was left. He handed the glass back to her. "….Thank you…"

"It was no problem." She smiled. "Now that you're awake, allow us to introduce ourselves. My name is Suiko Tatsunagi. And this is Kourin and Rekka, my sisters." She smiled.

"Hm…" Kourin nodded in greeting.

"Hello there!" Rekka chirped.

"…It's a pleasure to meet you all…" The boy greeted in turn.

"May we ask who you are?"

The youth looked at him in confusion. "Who…I am…?"

"Yeah, your name and stuff. Can you also tell us why you were laying asleep outside?" Rekka asked. This caused the teen to be confused even more.

The raven haired boy fell deep in thought. He tried to figure out what his identity was…but it was all for naught. Everything…was just a huge blank. He shook his head. "No…I'm sorry…"

"You mean you don't know who you are? Not even your name…?"

The boy slowly shook his head.

"Well, don't you have any form of identification? Like a driver's license or library card?"

The nameless teen stood up to check his pockets, but felt nothing inside. He even turned them inside out to show them. He had nothing.

"I see…" A new voice interjected, slightly startling the boy. "…Then this seems to be a predicament."

"Wh-who was that?" The raven haired boy questioned. He looked around to find the source of the voice, but found no one else in the room.

"I'm right here." The boy turned to where the voice last spoke, and found himself staring at the face of a young boy. He had white hair cut into a straight bob cut and yellow eyes that were a lighter shade than his. In the middle of his forehead was a green, vertical rectangle marking. However, he was not speaking with the boy face to face, as his image was being displayed live through the tablet Suiko held. "Greetings. My name is Takuto Tatsunagi."

"I see…" The boy replied solemnly.

Now this was a difficult situation…He had no means of discerning this boy's identity. The person in question, however, was more preoccupied by the cards floating in the cone-shaped displays.

"Ano…" He spoke to grab their attention. "..What are those?" He pointed to the floating cards.

"Those? Those are Cardfight Vanguard cards."

"Cardfight…..Van….guard…?" The nameless teen tilted his head in confusion. "…What's that?"

"It's a really awesome card game that is famous all around the world! Just about everybody's playing it." Rekka explained.

"Are you interested in it?" Suiko asked him. The young male could only nod in response, his eyes still trained to the spinning units. Suddenly, Takuto had an idea.

"If that's the case, why don't you have a cardfight here?" He offered through the video. This caught the nameless teen's attention.

"I…I can?"

"Of course. This place is a cardshop, so we have plenty of cards. Why don't you give it a try?"

The teen stood there in thought. He didn't know his own identity, or even who these people truly were. But Vanguard….he couldn't help but be transfixed by the word. It sparked interest in him. And he didn't know why, but he felt as if it could lead to the answers he seeks. "…I accept." The golden eyed teen nodded.

"Excellent. Kourin, please get system set up. And Rekka, would you be so kind as to give him some cards to select from?" Takuto kindly requested.

"Sure." Both girls replied as they went off to their tasks. The younger of the two took the stranger's arm and pulled him away to a different room. Suiko followed the two, keeping hold of the tablet to maintain communication.

They finally reached their destination as the room seemed to be brought to life. What was once darkness was now illuminated by the conical devices. The metallic, diagonal blue tiles and walls were the same as the last room they were in. But there were even more of those card displays lined up in a neat, horizontal row out in front of them.

"Here we are. This is where we keep all of our card stocks. From booster packs to trial decks, we have 'em here." Rekka explained as if she were a tour guide to the amnesiac. He just took all of this in stride, his attention mostly focused on the many cards surrounding him. His eyes scanned the room in awe.

"Now, let us go select a deck." Takuto voiced, snapping him out of his thoughts. The three made their way over to the straight row of conical displays. Within each of them held a stack of cards. In contrast to the displays he saw earlier, these cards weren't spinning. They were stationary. He noticed that each display had a label. He walked closer to the one nearest him, being the one at the right end side.

On top of the stack was a card that was face up, revealing what kind of deck it would be. The first one had a colorful robot with a large sword in hand. He looked at the label and it read Dimension Police. Rekka smiles at him as she spoke, "That clan is from the Star Gate Nation based around superheroes and supervillains from giant robot series. Kinda like those old power ranger shows! They're specialty, which is the way they battle, is powering up the Vanguard and unlocking Vanguard skills. It takes time and effort for people to choose this deck."

The boy paused to think for a moment before shaking his head no. "I don't really think this is me. I rather have all my forces separate and standing together. Perhaps something else..." He then moved onto the next one.

The image now was a dark gray robot with samurai-like armor with gold trims. In its hands were two golden katana swords. Rekka once again in a flamboyant style of showing the cards smiles, "Well, dear handsome sir, this here is the Nova Grappler- An offensive clan consisting of robots and technological life forms. Theie Specialty is Stand- er, making their own units fight more times and unflipping cards in the damage zone." she spoke but remember that he doesn't know any terms for their card game.

He didn't feel quite right with this one either, "Hmm...well, I feel like this won't be my style either. I rather have some defensive abilities to counter any unknown variables and have more options than brute force." So he moved on to the next one display with a Rekka smiling still happy. Usually people chose those for wins rather for fun so he may have a chance to really enjoy the game with them.

The image on the face up card showed some strange, light green creature with multiple arms and mandibles for a mouth. The sign before him said: Megacolony. Rekka made disgusted face at them clearly not attractive by bugs. "Ick...this is Megacolony. Brr, I get seriously bad chills when talking about them. Suiko can you do me a favor and explain this one? Pretty please with whipped cream on top of your favorite coffee?" the young girl asked the oldest female who merely nod and pats her head. "Hmhm, of course. I know you hate bugs Rekka. This is crime syndicate made entirely of sentient insects. Though not well like for being criminals already but also because of their specialty which paralyzed the opponent allies from attack causing them to lose defense opportunities."

He quickly moved onto the next without a second thought. "I don't think that will ever be my style. I fight on equal ground and using my strength rather using underhanded methods."

Suiko gave a surprise look before giggling, though the boy may not remember who he is he clearly knows his personal view on justice. "Very well, shall we move on?"

The boy was now staring at the image of a beautiful young woman's body had the lower half of a fish and she smiled to whoever was watching. Suiko notices his lingering look and smiles sweetly, "I guess this one caught your eye, hmm? This is the Bermuda Triangle, A clan from the nation of Magallanica that consist of mermaid pop idols. In the legend they are so popular that many of all clans go to their concerts to see they favorites at least once in their lifetime. These girls specialty in the game is returning own rearguards to hand to trigger effects of reuse on-call effects. So you can use theie effects again and again, great with people who want to rethink thier tactics."

Rekka pouted, "They're not popular, but I do admit I'm jealous of their cute outfits." She suddenly saw the handsome boy pat her head as if consoling her. She blushes hard from the kind gesture.

While the card he was staring at seemed appealing, "Hmm, well I do like them but still...I must look at the rest of the options." he said and moved on.

The image on the current card was a warrior clad in dark red samurai armor. However, where its head was supposed to be, is instead a ball of pale, blue flames. Granblue was the name that the tag said, "A clan from the nation Magallanica, neighbors to the Bermuda Triangle clan. This clan is themed around undead pirates and other undead creatures. But their Specialty isn't stealing or killing rather getting units from the drop zone. Spooky huh, an undead army?" Takuto said with cheesy scary voice to frighten the nameless boy.

He moved on to the next. Like the Megacolony they were instantly ignored.

The image was now a goblin-like, muscular football player with spikes on his helmet. "Football?" the nameless male said as he gave an odd eye at the armor that resemble to the sport. "The Spike Brothers, ugh, A clan from the Dark Zone nation that is themed around American football teams. Like sweaty guys they focus on the sports techniques like Returning units from the deck and replacing them with new ones for high powered attacks. Like switching their bench warmers for their all stars." Rekka said with her nose sticking up to the sky giving a high class aura.

"Definitely not for me. All of my comrades are precious and valued for their abilities and strength." The boy said making Takuto smile at his kind words.

The top of the deck now showed a magician wearing a blue, polka-dotted suit with a diamond shaped marking over his eye. In his hands were a wand and top hat with a slimy covered in electricity with a large, red eye was popping out of. Suiko took her turn as she introduce the clan, "Pale Moon, or commonly know as the Pale Moon Circus, they are a circus-themed clan from the Dark Zone nation. Like a traveling troupe they relay on their fellow performers to help with the entertainment for their shows. They use Soulcharging and calling units from the soul to get more attacks and keep people on their toes for which ones to block and which one to kill." The mature female spoke with a smile as the boy shook his head to move on.

The next card was showing a figure resembling a Japanese swordsman with a black topknot and white robes wielding two swords. However, a close up image of the figure showed his elongated fangs. Suiko gestures the cards as the amnesiac male look at the next deck, Dark Irregulars, a clan from the Dark Zone Nation based on dark creatures from various mythologies such as vampires, ghosts, demons, and mutants. Their specialty is to increase the number of cards in the soul and gaining advantages based on the size of the soul."

"Odd..." The mysterious boy looks over the cards analyzing the powers and the art. "Hmm..."

"Do you want this deck perhaps?" Suiko asked gently as the boy placed it back.

"If nothing else shows..." He lingered over the Dark Irregulars for few moments before moving onto the next.

On the next card seemed to be a dinosaur-like creature covered in mechanical armor. "This is the Tachikaz clan of the Dragon Empire nation made mostly up of mechanical dinosaurs called Dinodragons and cavemen known as Savages. They specialize in sacrificing of comrades to increase their own power." Suiko explain but had a hunch that he won't choose them.

The boy moves on trying to find his deck that best suited to him.

The next card depicted a humanoid dragon with pale purple skin with glowing cracks on its forearms. It was wearing a dark blue, sleeveless tunic and mask with a red gem planted in the forehead. Rekka smiles as she decided to explain the next clan, "Behold the Nubatama, a clan of the Dragon Empire nation based on ninjas. Specialty- Hand destruction and binding. They live up to the ninja protocol."

Once again he just moves on without even giving a single glace. He went to the next as he felt...close to something.

The next image was that of a large, red, bipedal dragon with a large, ivory sword in its right hand. Most of its body was dark red while its underbelly was dark blue. Takuto spoke once again knowing which clan was next, "This is one of the most powerful clans in it's country, the Kagero, clan of the Dragon Empire consisting of Dragons and Dragon Knights. They believe in burning away the opponents reinforcements and powering up the vanguard. A pure power type type deck for true offensive players."

He lingered for a moment before the flame dragon, but soon turned and advanced. "Ah, maybe but I need to see more."

The next card displayed a beautiful woman wearing a white robe with yellow sleeves and blue sash. Her long black hair was tied up with an ornate headpiece.

Suiko spoke next as she notices his behavior getting to the last of the decks. He knows his clan is nearby, "Oracle Think Tank- A clan from the United Sanctuary nation consisting of individuals talented in magic and foresight and divination. Specialty they all focused on is intelligence rather than brute power; adding cards to the hand and looking through the deck."

He shook his head and moved to the next one, "I'm not the type to think ahead...I think...or at least for now."

On the top of the deck was a pitch black dragon covered in armor holding a large lance. Its body was covered in symmetrical, energy vein markings that transitioned from red to pale blue. Rekka showed the handsome mysterious boy the second to last clan. "Shadow Paladin's, a clan from the United Sanctuary nation consisting of dark knights and forces of darkness. The dark heroes so to speak of the honorable nation. Like a group of knights they calls on more units from the deck, but they sacrifices themselves to power the vanguard. They believe that if you get the job done any sacrifice is necessary." she sadly spoke. She always felt bad for this clan...

He reaches out to grab before shaking his head, "No victory is worth to sacrifice comrades and friends. Sacrifice enough you lose everything that you were fighting for and then what's the point?".

Before long…he was already at the end of the line, still not making a decision as to what deck to use. "I don't want to play with halfhearted attempt...huh?" At the last display however, the card out front caught his eye: A dragon clad in pristine white armor, surrounded by dark clouds and radiant lightning. Royal Paladin- A clan of the United Sanctuary consisting of white knights and beings of light and holiness. Specialty- Calling units from the deck to gain benefits from added reinforcements. He read them and look through their abilities. Amazing...

Unlike the other clans, this was the one he felt the most drawn to. Without hesitation, he extended his hand and grabbed the stack of cards. "This clan...The Royal Paladins are the ones I wish to work with."

"So you chose Royal Paladin." Takuto stated in observation. The nameless boy turned and nodded.

"Well, now that you have a deck, let's go check on Kourin." Suiko led the way out of the room and into another one.

The male teen paused when he saw what was in the center of the room. It was a large, white, rectangular machine. There were two extended platforms on either side of the machine, while in the middle was a large glass casing stretching across most of the device.

"What….is this…?" He walked up and pressed his hand on the glass. He looked down and saw a dark platform that was cut into the middle of the machine.

"It's a Motion Figure System." Kourin answered as she walked around the corner of the large device.

"A what?"

"A special machine designed for cardfights. It takes the images of the cards you play and brings them to life." Takuto explained. "This will be where your first cardfight will take place. Kourin will be your opponent."

The nameless boy turned his head toward one end of the machine where the blonde girl stood. "If you want to begin, go on the other end of the machine."

"b-but I don't even know the rules…" The gold-eyed boy shook his head.

"It is alright if you don't know how. We can teach you as you cardfight." Rekka assured him as she pulled him over to the other far end of the machine. "You place your deck on this part of the machine…" She pointed to the far right side of the podium that stood before him. He was about to do so but the girl stopped him. "…but before you do, you must select one card with the number zero on the upper left corner and place it face down on the red circle on the mat."

"Ah…okay…." The boy looked through the cards in his hand until he found the required card. He took it out of the stack and placed it face down on the circle as told. He then placed his deck in the designated space.

"Good. Now you begin by drawing five cards from the top of your deck." He did as he was told. "And if there are any cards in your hand that you don't like, then you can return them to the deck, shuffle, and redraw the same number of cards returned.

"But…how will I know if there are cards I don't like if I haven't played before?" He questioned her.

"The trick in the beginning is not to have too many cards of the same number in the upper left corner." Kourin instructed from the other end.

"Oh, okay then." The boy reexamined the cards in his hand. There was one card with a number 2, and four cards with the number 0. He took three of the four number 0 cards and placed them back on the deck before shuffling. He redrew three cards and got 1 card with a number 3, and two cards with a number 1. "Okay. I think I'm ready."

"Good. Now the game can start." Rekka smiled.

"How does that happen?"

"We both flip up the face down cards at the same time and shout, 'Stand up, Vanguard', got it?" Kourin explained from afar.

"Yes." The raven haired boy nodded.

"Ready, then let's go." Kourin placed her fingers onto her face down card. The boy mimicked her actions.

""Stand up, Vanguard!""

To Be Continued...

XXXXX

Next Time: Ride, Holy Disaster Dragon