Chapter 6.
Clash of the Titans: Majesty Lord vs. Blond Ezel
"Now Arise, My avatar! Comrade born from my very Soul! Ride! Blaster Blade!"
Matsui's probably absolute favourite card, the legendary Blaster Blade. The knight of legend stepped in front of Gareth, who impersonated Kari on the Battlefield. The young knight backed away slightly, but raised his sword to show, he was ready to fight to the very end if needed.
"Worry not my lady I'll protect you!"
That was what Kari heard, as she sunk into the imaginary world again, but shook her head to gather her mind again.
"Come now, I can't allow myself to get carried away!"
Setsuna was slightly worried about Kari, but Matsui just shook his head at her, signaling, that she was fine.
"You Ready to carry on?"
"Yeah! Bring it!"
Matsui: Cards 5, Vanguard: Blaster Blade, Damage 2
"I also Call Silent Knight Gelatin! (G2, 10000/5000) With a boost from Wingal Brave, he attacks!"
"I... Don't guard!"
Kari just looked over her cards, and just shook her head. No point guarding now.
"Boosted by Marron, Blaster Blade attacks!"
"Nope, No guard!"
The attack went through with yet another draw Trigger on both sides.
"Your move!"
"Righty then! Stand and Draw, right?"
"Yep!"
Kari: Cards 7, Vanguard: Knight of Elegant Skills Gareth, Damage 2
As Kari Drew, Yamato noticed the card she gained, and stepped close to her to whisper in her ear.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah! Do it!"
Kari nodded and threw her new Vanguard.
"I Ride Knight of Superior Skills Beaumains! (G2, 10000/5000)"
Beaumains was a quite rough warrior clad in crimson armor with golden trimmings and lion motifs. This was quite the card to choose, but Kari wasn't done yet, as she was ready to do what Yamato had suggested her.
"Now I use Kyrph's skill."
Everyone started debating on what that skill could be, but Matsui, Setsuna, and Chiaki kept their smile.
"Kyrph's skill is, if I have Beaumains as Vanguard, and I have Gareth and Kyrph on Rear Guard Circles, I can move the two Rear guards to the Soul and Superior ride a certain Grade 3 unit from my deck!"
As she said that, she took the exact steps to complete the conditions. And took a certain card out of the deck and raised it in the air.
"Here we Go! Warrior Clad in Crimson Armor, With your ever burning white hot flames bring hope back into the Heart of the Desperate! Superior Ride Incandescent Lion Blond Ezel! (G3, 10000/0)"
Everyone was astonished by this move of Kari's.
"Wow, talk about a ride! Nice one Kari!"
Kari just smiled away, but she wasn't nearly done.
"I also call Knight of Passion Bagdemagus (G2, 9000/5000), Slaygal Dagger (G1, 7000/5000) and Player of the Holy Bow Vivian (G1, 7000/5000)! With a Boost from Vivian, Bagdemagus attacks. Since Ezel is my Vanguard, he gets an extra +3000 power."
"No Guard! Damage Check: Draw Trigger again. I add the power to my Vanguard and I draw!"
"Well then, Slaygal Dagger Boosts, and Ezel Attacks! Since Ezel is a true leader, he gets +1000 power for every comrade of the same clan on the Field!"
"I guard with Two Wapons dealer Gwyndons and Intercept with Gelatin!"
"What's an intercept?"
"It means, that if I have a Grade 2 or higher Vanguard, I may put Grade 2 units in play onto the Guardian circle. Simple as that."
"But that takes you to 30 000 shield power and I only have 20 000."
Kari got a bit saddened by this outcome, but Matsui immediately rushed to cheer her up.
"Relax Kari, you can still hit, if you draw two triggers."
"Yeah, but how do I do that?"
"Well, Ezel is a Grade 3 unit, which means, he's allowed to check the Drive Trigger twice a turn. That is a Twin Drive!"
Kari's face lit up again.
"Alright then! Come on! Twin Drive!"
As she lifted the first card up, it was blue...
"Stand Trigger, right?"
"Indeed."
"Good, I'll give the power to Ezel and Stand Bagdemagus. And second!"
Her expression was really serious, and as she lifted the next card up:
"Help me out here, Comrades!"
She told herself that, or rather the cards, and as it seemed, the cards listened to her.
"Critical Trigger! I add all effects to Ezel!"
That was about all that was needed. Kari was out of this world when it came to luck, and Matsui took the extra damage. To his luck, one of which was a trigger and Bagdemagus could not attack anymore.
"Alright, you go!"
Matsui nodded.
"Stand and draw!"
Matsui: Cards 3, Vanguard: Blaster Blade, Damage 4
"Alright! I have to say, for your firs time, you sure play well Kari!"
"Thanks! I have a good tutor."
"You ready for your real challange?"
"Bring it!"
Kari's Expression was dead serious. Matsui was really proud of her, for being so dedicated and he now slowly understood why she wanted to come so much. Matsui now raised his card at the sky and the Ride was:
"Now Light and Shadow become one and then a new power be born! Ride! Majesty Lord Blaster! (G3, 10000/0)"
That was the Key moment. Kari did have some idea of what the card was capable of, and the skill...
"Wait, you mean... ?"
"That's right! I call Blaster Blade and..."
Matsui lifted the last card in front of his face and took a moment off before dropping in on the rear guard circle.
"I also call Blaster Dark! (G2, 9000/5000)"
Everyone's surprise was at no end, but that was exactly what Matsui was sparing his cards up for.
"Wow... Blaster Dark... You mean... You dare play it just like that?"
"I sure am! It's not like I'm not afraid of the one Tenma has, it's just that I recieved this one from a very important friend of mine."
Setsuna knew whom Matsui meant, and she winked at him, at which Matsui started blushing. Kari just giggled at that, and nodded.
"Alright! Come at me with all you have!"
"Have it as you like! Blaster Dark Attacks Badgemagus!"
"No guard!"
"Blaster Blade attacks with a boost from Wingal Brave!"
"No Guard!"
"With that, Wingal Brave's skill activates and he moves to the soul, allowing me to add another Blaster unit from my deck to my hand. Now witness the power of my Paladins! Boosted by Marron, Majesty Lord Attacks!"
Ezel Braced for impact, but this wasn't the end yet.
"I also activate Majesty Lord's skill. I move Blaster Blade and Blaster Dark to the soul, and he gains +10000 power. Also when both Blasters are in the soul, he gains +2000 power and +1 critical!"
"Oh god... No guard..."
Kari was at 3 Damage, so she had to somehow get thrugh this without guarding, because she just didn't have the strength to guard against that.
"Twin Drive: First: Critical Trigger! and second: Draw Trigger! It's over!"
"Not if I can help it!"
Kari rested her hand on her deck before flipping over her card:
"Come on! Damage check!"
The first one was:
"Draw Trigger! I add the power to my Vanguard. Second: "
Red again, and Kari was slightly disappointed.
"Not again... Still I add the power to my Vanguard."
That was her last Draw Trigger, so something else had to come.
"Third: ..."
She was focusing with all her strength, and even closed her eyes when she flipped the card over.
"That's... !"
As she opened her eyes, she was stunned, but her wish came true!
"Heal Trigger! Yyyyess!"
With that, Matsui nodded. This was all he had against her, and she withstood it, even if it was almost pure luck.
"Well played Sis!"
"Thanks! I really got lucky there! Oooh man..."
She sighed hard, and took a good look at her cards, and a thankful look az the deck. Ezel was on his knees, but after this lucky outcome, he slowly rose to his feet again and nodded at Kari.
"Thank you friends!"
She quietly whispered that, but Setsuna smiled at that remark of hers as she heard it. She was now ready to put an end to this game.
"Alright... How was it again... Nee-chan? Yamato?"
"Depends on what you mean."
"When... You know... You want to finish the game in one move... Kind of..."
"Oh you mean Final..."
"Turn!"
Yamato and Setsuna smiled at that, as they said it out at the same time.
"Yeah, that's right! Final Turn!"
Kari: Cards 5, Vanguard: Incandescent Lion Blond Ezel, Damage 5
Everyone's awe just knew no end, but by now, Matsui knew exactly: he wasn't the first one to teach Kari to play, but Yamato did so too.
"You ready Nii-chan?"
"Yeah! Bring it!"
Kari nodded and now was the time fr magic.
"My comrades have helped me well, and now they won't let me down either. Blond Ezel, Activate your Limit break!"
Matsui just shook his head but he was smiling. Kari was preparing for this quite well.
"I counterblast two, and I can check the top card of my deck and if it's a Gold paladin, I can superior call it. And the lucky winner is:"
She wasn't let down by her luck this time either.
"Welcome to the battlefield, Slaygal Double Edge! (G3, 10000/0) With that, Slaygal's power is added to Ezel. I also call Bagdemagus, and Gareth!"
"Nice setup!"
"And if you like that, check this out! Slaygal Double Edge takes a counterblast and he gains 2000 power if I have 4 or more Gold paladin Rear Guards. I'll also use Dagger's same skill, and that twice! Gareth Boosts and Bagdemagus attacks!"
"Guard with Margal and pongal, and since Majesty lord is at constant 12000 power, your attack doesn't hit!"
"Vivian Boosts and Slaygal Double Edge attacks!"
"I guard with Bringer of Good luck Epona!"
"Alright! Now Ezel, Attack and Finish him with a boost from Slaygal Dagger, along with your skill activated and giving you an advantage of 5000 more power!"
"That's a total of 36000, right?"
"Yep!"
"No guard then!"
Matsui had two more cards in his hand, but as it seemed, he didn't have anything to throw at that combo.
"Twin drive: Nothing at first, but then:"
Kari flipped her card over in total excitement, and it was what she expected:
"Critical Trigger! Take it away Ezel!"
Ezel jumped in the air, and delivered a blow from up above. Majesty lord tried to guard himself, but it was useless. The game was over.
"And the Winner is, Kimoshita Hikari!"
Setsuna lifted the little girl's hand up in the air followig that announcement, and Matsui grabbed her from behind, to lift her on his shoulder. She just smiled brightly and waved at everyone who were cheering for her victory. Finally Matsui stopped in front of Yamato, put her down and as Kari handed the deck back, she pulled Yamato closer and gave him a big kiss on his cheek, which caused him to start mady blushing. Kari also turned away shily, as she had never thought she'd ever do this to anyone, never mind him. When all settled down, the twins joined Matsui and Kari for a bit, and Kari kept telling the story of what only she could see.
"And when the units talked to me... That was so cool!"
"Are you sure you're okay? I think you're getting a bit carried away with this whole thing!"
Chiaki's comment did reach Kari, but she just shook her head. Setsuna pushed her brother a bit for saying such things to a small and lively girl like that.
"Don't even listen to him Kari, your fantasy world is marvelous!"
"Thanks Nee-chan! I really enjoyed myself! I can't wait to get enough money together and buy myself a deck!"
"Is that so?"
Chiaki was slightly disappointed at how Kari was all familiar with Setsuna, but not him.
"Now-now Kari, don't you think I deserve something, after all, I convinced you to play!"
Kari now stopped, turned around, opened her arms and ran up to Chiaki to hug him with all her love.
"Don't worry, I didn't forget about you... Aniki!"
"Aniki... ?"
Chiaki was kind of shocked by this, but hey, Kari's loving hug was more than enough to thank him.
"Oh well... I guess that's more than nothing"
"Hey... I only have one real brother."
"I know. Well, you just call me Chiaki then!"
"Okey-Doke!"
Kari now let him go, and finally asked what was bothering her the most.
"Okay, so, would you two be willing to come to my birthday party?"
"Your what?"
Matsui now explained, that Kari actually had birthday on wednesday.
"Oh so that's how we are! And when is this party held?"
"Right... this afternoon..."
Setsuna and Chiaki just looked at each other in a shock.
"But we don't have anything to give you as a present... "
"Never mind that, your presence is more than enough for me!"
If Kari said so, it was okay, as the twins thougt, and they all walked to the Kimoshita's home. As they entered, the smell of the freshly cooked dinner hit them as always, but Shizuka came out of the kitchen, carrying a huge cake with candles on top.
"Surprise! Happy Birthday Kari!"
It's not like Kari wasn't prepared for this, but the size of that cake did stun her. Shizuka also noticed the twins.
"Oh, Setsuna, you came along?"
"Yeah, and this is my brother."
Chiaki bowed with great respect.
"Nice to meet you Ma'am! I'm Owaza-"
Setsuna pushed her brother again. Shizuka didn't notice this small fluke, but Kari and Matsui looked at each other in surprise.
"I mean, I'm Owanashi Chiaki!"
"I should've known. You two sure are a lot alike, but no wonder, you are twins after all."
Kari quickly blew the candles out and the cake was as good as torn to pieces. It was heavenly delicious. Kari then recieved her presents: Her mother gave her a necklace with a pendant on it, that held a picture of her beloved ones.
"Wow, thanks mom! I'll hold this one dear for ever!"
The next one was Matsui, who had a huge surprise for her. He had Chris construct a deck just for Kari while they were still at the shop. It did cost him his monthly pocket money, but it was well worth. It was very similar to his, and it fir Kari's agressive playstyle well.
"This is... Thank you Nii-chan!"
Afterwards they sat down to talk again, and Chiaki was asked about everything, is a similar fashion as Setsuna, and just like her, he answered every one of them gladly and sincerally. Until dinner was done, Kari took Chiaki's hand and lead him around the house, until they finally reached her room. Matsui and Setsuna were in the other room, sitting on the bed as always and talking.
"That was quite the match you two had, huh?"
"Yeah. Kari was a beast while playing."
"You'll have a bit to draw again, right?"
Masui nodded smiling.
"Yeah, it'll be a reat piece of work, reprising that expression of Kari's face while playing."
"I thought you'd draw the duel between Majesty lord and Blond Ezel."
"I'm trying something new."
Setsuna nodded and smiled cheerfully, but she was pondering about something.
"You let her win, right?"
"Nah she won out of her own strength."
"You did have a perfect guard, I know you, you can't poker face me!"
"Well... Yeah... But even if I could stop that attack, I probably would've only lasted another turn."
"True... Well, it was still nice of you, not letting it drag on."
They didn't notice, but their hands slowly snuck closer to eachother and again they were really close as the were resting on the bed after the long day. Now Kari and Chiaki arrived after the tour around the house, and Chiaki's whistling just showed how astonished he was by the whole room in general, never mind what greeted him.
"Oooh, look what we have here!"
Setsuna caught herself together, and hammered her brother over the head for laughing at them in the manner he did. Kari giggled away at this too, and now she knew what her next big plan will be. When the twins were about to head home, Setsuna sent Chiaki forth to get some time off to talk to Matsui.
"Thanks for the great evening... I so loved this all."
Kari giggled again and went inside to not bother them any more.
"I just feel guilty for not bringing anything for Kari."
"Hey, forget it, it was her wish for you to come. She didn't mind."
"Yeah, but I want to surprise her with a little something myself."
Setsuna went into pondering and finally smiled brightly.
"I'll tell you what! How about coming over to our place tomorrow?"
"I don't know... What would your parents say... ?"
Setsuna's face turned sad a bit.
"Well... My father could be objecting, but my mother... Well.."
"Oh... Dummy me.. I didn't mean to..."
Matsui was ashamed by his own mistake, but Setsuna grabbed his hand to calm him down.
"Hey, don't sweat it. I didn't tell you, so it wasn't your fault. So, when can I send the car for you?"
Matsui opened his eyes wide at that, but folded his shoulders.
"No clue..."
"Is 9 AM okay with you?"
"Err... Yeah I guess so..."
"Alright! See you in the morning!"
Setsuna wanted to take her exit, but she felt Kari's stare in her back and she jumped back to Matsui, pulling him back and giving him a huge kiss on his cheek, which caused both of them to start blushing so hard, that it was clearly visible even in the dark. Kari just smiled and waved at Setsuna, who waved back, and she left. Matsui was still blushing when he went inside, and couldn't come to any more words afterwards. Setsuna in the meantime joined Chiaki and they were walking home together.
"Okay, so, did you tell them yet?"
"No, not yet, but tomorrow!"
"Why? What's tomorrow?"
"I invited them over."
Chiaki just shook his head.
"Dad won't be happy with this."
"See if I care! It's my responsibility, so I'll take what's coming."
So the Twins just nicely walked home, and they could barely wait for the next day they'd spend together with the Kimoshita siblings.