Vanguard: Light Speed
Chapter 4
Legion of Pirates
Allow me to signal the start of a new tale by reiterating the end of an old one. As you've already learned I've silently agreed to help Dalette fill out her team's ranks. No….. saying that I "silently agreed" is the wrong choice of words. The truth is that Dalette already knew I would start this search on my own, and surprisingly enough or not the first person I went to was my old friend Virgil. He fell into what I thought at the time to be the wrong crowd, and thankfully I found him right away at a series of basketball courts hidden by city buildings. He was shocked to see me, but I didn't care as I fully intended to drag him out of this place. In accordance with the rules of this place, I fought my friend to ensure his freedom while risking my own at the same time. All of this… a fact I still think about this day… just to help out a girl I only met for the second time. At any rate, as you continue to read you'll find that I've decided to repeat some of the things I already said. This is just so you all can appreciate what happens as the fight starts to get underway.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Virgil asks me as he finally is able to get enough of his shock out of his system to say something.
"To both restore and humble your pride as Vanguard fighter." I declare as I shuffle and redraw 2 cards from my deck.
"That's enough you two… if you wanna chat, do so as you fight." The gang leader said as he cut me off before I could say another word.
"He's right. Are you ready?" I ask Virgil.
"… Yeah." Virgil answered, but it's was clear that at this point he wasn't emotionally committed to the fight.
"Stand up, vanguard!" we both yell.
Our battlefield was that of an ocean graveyard of ships ranging to the rusted metal ones of the Aqua Force clan, the eaten away wooden ones of the Granblue, and several other husks rendered unrecognizable due to a combination of coral growth and local fauna making said husks their new home.
"Spiritual Sphere Eradicator, Nata [Power: 5000]!" I reveal.
Since this was the same starting vanguard I used in my fight against Dalette it took the form of the same horned demon with red hair, it still had the same shoes with a cloud aesthetic design, and it still wields that same electrically charged lightning themed trident.
"Ice Prison, Dracokid Necro [Power: 5000]!" Virgil reveals.
Contrary to popular belief undead dragons were actually a very rare sight in video games and anime even back then. It's even rarer to find one more or less in the employ of card game pirates. This particular undead dragon is mostly all bone save for his rotting black skin, his left wing has been replaced with a cannon like those you see on old wooden ships in the history books, and a flag with a skull and crossbones design is wrapped around this baby dragon's spine like a cape.
"Ice Prison? I mean I know of Ice Prison Necromancer, Cocytus, but I didn't know he had a sub-clan based around him." I say to Virgil with a surprised look on my face because like Dalette's Sky Paladin cards this was something I never saw before.
"It's not a big deal that you haven't seen them. The extra booster they came in Frozen Ship Graveyard has only been out for a couple of days, but I already managed to get a complete deck thanks to some of the guys here." Virgil explained.
"I can't believe you would resort to stealing cards Virgil. I thought you weren't like that." I tell Virgil as I mistakenly assume the worst about how he acquired this deck.
"Shut up! We didn't steal them. Like any real group cardfighters a few of the other guys here and I put some money together to buy a few boxes!" Virgil yelled as he felt that I insulted not only him, but a good deal if not all of the fighters here.
"If you still call yourself a real fighter….. then you shouldn't be hanging out with people like this at all!" I yell.
"You're one to talk. Why are you using this instead of your real deck?" Virgil asks as I've apparently infuriated him even further than I already have.
"You know I can't use it in public after what happened 10 years. If I did no one would ever fight me." I retort.
"Please….. as far as I'm concerned a real fighter wouldn't care about what others thought of their deck." Virgil retorts.
"Like I said before, work out your personal gripes in this fight instead of just talking about them." The gang leader ordered.
"House rules say that I get to go first." Virgil said.
"Fine, as long as we get this underway." I tell Virgil.
"I ride the Ice Prison Corsair, Sores [Power: 6000]. I move Dracokid Necro behind him, and since I can't attack I end my turn." Virgil said.
His rotted away green skin aside, given what remains of this pirate's dress he must have been the captain of his own ship in life, his only weapons were a single cutlass along with a flintlock pistol, and ironically the lower half of his body was a flying magical ship. It wasn't anything to scale I assure you, but rather it was the size of a small kitchen table meant to act as a pirate's equivalent of a wheel chair.
"Ride, Steel-blooded Eradicator, Shuki [Power: 7000], and then Nata will move behind him to reinforce my center." I tell Virgil as I slide Nata out of the soul with a slick maneuver.
My vanguard was transformed from a small demon to a tall human with albino white hair, he…. or I depending on your perspective was dark skinned, with a green/red desert style outfit, lightning bolt shaped shoulder guards, and a was wielding a large staff that was also electrically charged like my starting vanguard's weapon.
"Now to see if history will repeat itself with this next move. I support Shuki with Nata and will attack your Ice Prison Corsair [Total Power: 12000]!" I yell.
"It does usually happen half the time we fight, so to get our answer I'll take that attack." Virgil said as he willingly dropped his guard to me.
"Check [Eradicator, Yellow Gem Carbuncle – Critical Trigger]. This trigger's power will strengthenShuki's lightning assault [New Total: 17000 2 Crit]!" I yell as I add Yellow Gem Carbuncle to my hand.
To actually be our vanguards as they attack instead of witnessing the holographic recreation of one….. it would be an exciting thing, but sadly such technology doesn't exist even as I write this tale of the truth. My vanguard's right hand makes some kind of sign as he launches a bolt of lightning from the staff in his left hand. That bolt flies through the air….. or rather swims through the sea uninhibited by any obstacle and blows a hole in the hull of Sores's floating ship of a wheelchair.
[Damage Check – Ice Prison Bell Carrier, Gan Ning – Draw Trigger]
"I'll apply the power to my vanguard… not that it matters, and I draw." Virgil said as I noticed him smirk slightly as he drew.
There's only one reason any fighter would react that way, and that reason would be a fighter who just drew the ace of their deck. Though I admit I wasn't sure if it was for that reason this early in the fight.
[Damage Check – Necro-Surgeon of Ice Prison – Heal Trigger]
"I recover one damage point, and my Sores gains an additional +5000 power." Virgil tells me as he places Gan Ning in the drop zone.
"Then I end my turn." I declare.
Kiba – Virgil
6 – Hand – 6
0 – Soul – 0
0 – Damage – 1
0 – Counterblast – 0
Empty, Empty – Empty, Empty
Spiritual Sphere Eradicator Nata, Steel-blooded Eradicator Shuki – Ice Prison Corsair Sores, Ice Prison Dracokid Necro
Empty, Empty – Empty, Empty
"Now that history has been set in stone, it's time to see if it will indeed repeat itself because I ride my Ice Prison Buccaneer, Pardal [Power: 10000]! Furthermore, I'll reinforce my position with a second Sores [Power: 6000] and Ice Prison Corsair, Blauvelt [Power: 8000]!" Virgil yelled at me as practically threw these cards on the rearguard circles… ironically with a rough nature that matches the pirates he wields.
"History repeating itself? No….. you don't need to worry about it. This is probably just some kind of inside joke going on between the two of them." The gang leader thought as he observed our fight from the background.
And before any of you ask… no I can't read minds he just told me what he thought of this fight sometime after it was over. Anyways…. Pardal is actually Commodore Blueblood's evolved from after having subjected himself to the same Necromancy enhancements that brought life to the others in the Ice Prison pirate's brigade the only difference being that his rifle has been replaced with a cutlass and that his outfit is a more icy white to match his name.
"Now Pardal attacks with Dracokid Necro boosting once more time [Total Power: 15000]!" Virgil declared to me.
[Drive Check – Slave Master of Ice Prison, Elfrith – Critical Trigger]
"My rearguard Blauvelt's power is going up by +5000 and my vanguard will be going critical for this battle [New Total: 15000 2 Crit]!" Virgil yelled.
Perhaps it was because our units were underwater for this fight, but when Pardal attacked my vanguard by waving his cutlass he generated a powerful almost never ending torrent of water. Or at least that's what I thought when the attack collided with my vanguard, but when it finally ended Shuki's staff was torn to shreds and his arms broken in several places.
[Damage Check – Eradicator, Dragon Mage – Draw Trigger]
"I'll supplement my vanguard's weakened state with this trigger, and reinforce my hand with a draw." I tell Virgil as I tap my vanguard with the draw trigger.
[Damage Check – Worm Toxin Eradicator, Seiobo – Heal Trigger]
"Shuki's power is bumped up even further and the trigger will heal some of his injuries as well as my own." I tell Virgil as once more I tap my vanguard with the trigger.
"And so once more history has repeated itself." Virgil said as he smiled slightly.
"Ha ha yeah it's funny that in almost half our fights we constantly drive and damage check the cross-clan equivalents of each other's cards." I say as a few seconds of laughing escape my mouth.
"But this fight is supposed to be serious instead of being about laughs." Virgil tells me as his face drops the smile and returns to being serious.
"Yeah I know. You still have one more attack left, so feel free to use it." I tell Virgil as my face also returns to one of seriousness.
"I boost Blauvelt with Sores, and through their collective skills I send the top 6 cards of my deck to the drop zone to bump up their attack power even further [Total Power: 25000]!" Virgil yells.
[Milled Card – Ice Prison's Zombie Siren Quartet – Stand Trigger]
[Milled Card – Ice Prison's Zombie Siren Quartet – Stand Trigger]
[Milled Card – Sea Strolling Banshee – No Trigger]
[Milled Card – Slave Master of Ice Prison, Elfrith – Critical Trigger]
[Milled Card – Fencing Ice Prison, Picard – No Trigger]
[Milled Card – Ice Prison, Lancaster Knight – No Trigger]
"I'm afraid that Yellow Gem Carbuncle will block that attack [Total Shield: 10000]. Don't forget that water easily conducts electricity." I tell Virgil as I place Yellow Gem Carbuncle on the guardian circle.
"You shouldn't forget the fact that we're underwater, so you'll just end up shocking yourself! I…. end my turn." Virgil said to me as he tries to hold his tongue right after as if he regrets his outburst.
Kiba – Virgil
6 – Hand – 5
0 – Soul – 1
1 – Damage – 1
0 – Counterblast – 0
Empty, Empty – Empty, Empty
Spiritual Sphere Eradicator Nata, Steel-blooded Eradicator Shuki – Ice Prison Buccaneer Pardal, Ice Prison Dracokid Necro
Empty, Empty – Ice Prison Corsair Blauvelt, Ice Prison Corsair Sores
"The fight has only started, but I can tell… new sub-clan aside you've gotten stronger Virgil." I tell my friend as I'm impressed with his improved skills despite the situation.
"So have you. Now show me how much stronger you've gotten." Virgil tells me back.
"Stand and draw. I ride Eradicator, Thunder Boom Dragon [Power: 10000]." I said as I contemplated what to ride next for a moment.
Now my dark skinned human vanguard transforms into an orange and red anthropomorphic dragon, and he has a boomerang made of pure electrical energy held behind his back as his or my again depending on how you look at it choice of weapon.
"Shuki [Power: 7000] returns again like your Sores, and I'll reinforce my position by calling Hakusho [Power: 9000] to the front." I explain.
Contrary to the cool comfortable colors of my former vanguard and now rearguard's outfit, the unit in front of him has a bright red orange outfit on him. Why save for the bullets strapped to his body, it seems as though Hakusho made his outfit out of a small dragon.
"Hakusho, attack Blauvelt [Total Power: 16000]!" I yell.
"Elfrith guards [Total Shield: 10000]!" Virgil yells in response.
Like a graceful gunslinger putting on a show for those wishing to experience the life of the Wild West, Hakusho fires several shots at this undead pirate so as to hopefully make his death permanent. This attack is however intercepted by Elfrith who sacrifices his undead form to stop it.
"Then Thunder Boom will follow up [Total Power: 15000]!" I yell.
"And I'll follow up my not guarding." Virgil retorts.
[Drive Check – Eradicator, Yellow Gem Carbuncle – Critical Trigger]
"Looks like I got a second critical, and so will my vanguard along with a power bonus [New Power: 20000 2 Crit]!" I yell to Virgil yet again.
Pardal's cutlass does nothing to stop my vanguard's supercharged electrical boomerang as it slices right through it, burns most of his clothing, and chars nearly all of his skin black like coal.
[Damage Check – Lord of the Seven Seas, Nightmist – No Trigger]
[Damage Check – Greedy Ice Prison Demon, Lucifer – No Trigger]
Kiba – Virgil
6 – Hand – 4
1 – Soul – 1
1 – Damage – 3
0 – Counterblast – 0
Empty, Empty – Empty, Empty
Spiritual Sphere Eradicator Nata, Eradicator Thunder Boom Dragon– Ice Prison Buccaneer Pardal, Ice Prison Dracokid Necro
Steel-blooded Eradicator Shuki, Double Gun Eradicator Hakusho – Ice Prison Corsair Blauvelt, Ice Prison Corsair Sores
"Stand and draw….. phew… thank goodness." Virgil said as this time around he was relieved by whatever he drew to which in itself proves the importance of it.
"Is something wrong?" I ask as I was worried about my friend.
"Oh don't give me that. We both know it's because I needed one of the cards that went into my damage zone, and you'll see in just a moment which of the two." Virgil said as he regained his composure again.
"Oh? Well don't let me stop you." I tell Virgil as I decide to put on a playful smile for show.
"Even death won't deny you the freedom of a pirate's life! I ride Lord of the Seven Seas, Nightmist [Power: 11000]!" Virgil yelled.
The absolute leader of any clan is truly a fearsome thing to behold in a fight; especially since this particular leader's power was being brought to bear against me. Nightmist has evolved past from wearing a puffy white shirt with a blue vest to wearing black clothing with different pieces including his weapon embedded with demonic yellow eyes.
"Now return again from the depths of the sea… I call another Ice Prison Buccaneer, Pardal [Power: 10000], and through Blauvelt and Sores's combined skills I mill the top 4 cards of my deck to have them attack Hakusho [Total Power: 18000]!" Virgil declared.
[Milled Card – Elder Ice Prison Necromancer – No Trigger]
[Milled Card - Necro-Surgeon of Ice Prison – Heal Trigger]
[Milled Card - Necro-Surgeon of Ice Prison – Heal Trigger]
[Milled Card - Ice Prison Summoner, Vanclein – No Trigger]
"Losing those heal triggers will hurt Virgil a bit despite what the ace of his deck does, but he has managed to come back from situations just as bad as thisbefore." The gang leader thought.
"Carbuncle guards again [Total Shield: 10000]!" I yell as I have this card face Virgil.
"Now Lord of the Seven Seas, attack Thunder Boom Dragon [Total Power: 18000]!" Virgil yelled as he outstretched his arm.
"I choose to let this attack hit." I say after looking over my hand one more time.
"It's time for a twin drive. The first trigger [Ice Prison Summoner, Vanclein – No Trigger], and the second trigger [Slave Master of Ice Prison, Elfrith – Critical Trigger]. Well what do you know... a second critical trigger of my own? Or technically third if you count the one I just milled, but that's not important right now. Nightmist will go critical and Pardal will get a +5000 power bonus [New Total: 18000 2 Crit]." Virgil said as he realized he got off topic in our fight.
[Damage Check – Eradicator, Ignition Dragon – No Trigger]
[Damage Check – Eradicator Wyvern Guard, Guld – No Trigger]
"Phew… for a second I thought we were going to damage the same things again." I tell Virgil as I decided to put on the illusion of breathing a sigh of relief.
"Yeah… it's been a while since that's happened despite the fact that we haven't fought eachother in a while." Virgil retorts.
"Still…. things always change once we both get to grade 3." I point out.
"Then I'll end my turn so we can put your theory to the test… or at least I will after Pardal attacks [Total Power: 15000]!" Virgil yelled as he responds in the same sly tone as that of the clan he uses.
[Damage Check – Eradicator, Thunder Boom Dragon – No Trigger]
Kiba – Virgil
5 – Hand – 5
1 – Soul – 2
4 – Damage – 3
0 – Counterblast – 0
Empty, Empty – Ice Prison Buccaneer Pardal, Empty
Spiritual Sphere Eradicator Nata, Eradicator Thunder Boom Dragon– Lord of the Seven Seas Nightmist, Ice Prison Dracokid Necro
Steel-blooded Eradicator Shuki, Double Gun Eradicator Hakusho – Ice Prison Corsair Blauvelt, Ice Prison Corsair Sores
When it came to this turn in my battle with Virgil I paused for a moment so as to think about my next move. In the case of fighting an unknown enemy it's a policy that a lot of people should take up.
"I'd attack the rearguards heavily were this any other clan, but given how Virgil knows me so well I know he'll be able to play something big on his next turn. Then that leaves me no choice but to risk him keeping hand so as to make him lose some." I thought as I've finally decided what to do next.
"I'm not going to stand here all day, so hurry up!" Virgil yelled as I was apparently taking longer than I thought to decide upon my next move.
"Relax I'm just contemplating my options." I retort.
"Then stop contemplating and act. This isn't a game of chess." Virgil responds.
Given the card that Virgil played on his next turn, it was smart for me to do what you're about to see.
"If you're going to use units brought back from death… then it's only fair that I do the same. Return from death and set the souls of my enemies ablaze! Come forth Eradicator, Ignition Dragon [Power: 11000]!" I yell as I held a copy of Ignition Dragon above my head before actually riding him.
"You're really committed to this idea of using different decks aren't you?" Virgil asks me.
"Oh course I told you that I have no choice." I retort.
"Still… I understand why him, but I didn't think you'd change out Vowing Sword Dragon as well. Those two together formed the core of your fighting style." Virgil pointed out.
"We all have to make some kind of sacrifice in order to get stronger. I call Eradicator, Spark Rain Dragon [Power: 9000], and will have my vanguard attack Nightmist [Total Power: 16000]!" I declare as I rest ignition Dragon sideways.
"I'm not going to guard that." Virgil said as he also decides to take a moment to look over his hand.
[Drive Check – Eradicator, Demolition Dragon – No Trigger]
[Drive Check – Eradicator, Demolition Dragon – No Trigger]
My dual wielding Thunder Dragon ignites his chainsaw blades with electrical energy much like most of the units in the Narukami clan. At any rate, Ignition Dragon swings both of his blades downwards like a cross upon Nightmist. A shame that this isn't Pokémon otherwise my attack would have been super effective.
[Damage Check – Ice Prison Necro-Dragon, Fafnir – No Trigger]
"I'll follow up with Spark Raid then [Total Power: 12000]!" I yell.
"Then I'll counter by having Pardal intercept [Total Shield: 5000]." Virgil said as he slid the card onto the guardian circle.
"Hakusho next then [Total Power: 16000]!" I yell.
"Blauvelt intercepts as well, and my Vanclein will guard [Total Shield: 10000]." Virgil counters.
"As I thought….. he's setting his field up for his big push, but it doesn't matter I'll be ready." I thought as I take a more defensive stance.
"He thinks he can handle what's to come, but soon enough Virgil will show you the power of his undead dragon." The gang leader thought as he took particular notice of my defensive stance.
Kiba – Virgil
6 – Hand – 4
2 – Soul – 2
4 – Damage – 4
0 – Counterblast – 0
Empty, Eradicator Spark Rain Dragon – Empty, Empty
Spiritual Sphere Eradicator Nata, Eradicator Ignition Dragon– Lord of the Seven Seas Nightmist, Ice Prison Dracokid Necro
Steel-blooded Eradicator Shuki, Double Gun Eradicator Hakusho – Empty, Ice Prison Corsair Sores
"Ancient tear dragon, rise again from hell with your greed as cold as ice and skin as black as death. I break ride Ice Prison Necro-Dragon, Fafnir [Power: 11000]!" Virgil yelled as like I did with Ignition Dragon, he held it above his head for a moment before riding it.
I don't know how it was possible since we were underwater for this fight or maybe it was just my imagination, but when Virgil rode that card I felt as though a powerful gust of wind blew over me. The reason I felt that way was because in actuality that's what happened for as Virgil's undead tear dragon dug himself out of the ocean floor it released a roar so powerful that it pushed the ocean water in several directions creating a momentary air pocket.
"I doubt it, but do you know the lore behind Fafnir?" Virgil inquires of me.
"I've have some backhanded understanding of the Fafnir in Norse Mythology, but no since that's not the Fafnir you were talking about." I answer.
"Like and unlike the Norse Fafnir, this Fafnir was always a dragon of greed and in the case of Vanguard was always a dragon. In life countless years ago on the Planet Cray he was one of the founding members of the Aqua Force clan and was placed in charge of patrolling trade routes." Virgil started explained.
"Let me guess… at first he was committed to his duty but then was slowly turned by greed after glimpsing the treasures he protected or took back from others. As a result he secretly abused his authority to amass a fortune." I said as I interrupt Virgil.
"Pretty much yeah. Eventually it got so bad that for the first time in Cray's history Granblue and Aqua Force worked together to put him down. Actually Nightmist was the one who put Fafnir down this dragon of mine killed a friend of his. A friend that was in Aqua Force who helped arrange that temporary alliance, but Nightmist also blamed Aqua Force's policies for his friends death." Virgil explains as he continues his story.
"It must me irritating for Fafnir to have to work for the person that killed him." I tell Virgil.
"Oh I'm sure it's equally true for Nightmist, but I suppose the chance for riches will keep Fafnir in line. In any case I activate Nightmist's break ride skill." Virgil said as he decided to get this fight back on the road.
"Here it comes." I thought as I turn realized I was about to be hit hard.
"Fafnir's power is bumped up by 10,000 and I call Sea Strolling Banshee [Power: 6000], plus Picard [Power: 9000], and they both come back better than ever with a +5000 power bonus. Next Banshee's skill allows me to soulblast 1 to draw 1." Virgil explained.
"With that maneuver you bump up your formations without having to sacrifice your hand, and in fact you end up reinforcing it. But that's not the end of it is it?" I ask.
"No it's not even close to being the end of it. Now Fafnir… Seek Mate! I return the two Elfriths, a Necro-Surgeon, and Vanclein to my deck." Virgil yelled.
"Why Vanclein instead of….. I see he must have the other two copies in his hand." I thought as I remembered the one half of the Legion symbol that was printed on Vanclein's card.
"Vanclein goes to my hand and….. Legion [Legion Power: 20000], but I'm still nowhere near done. One more story to say before I continue. Vanclein was the old friend of Nightmist that was in Aqua Force while he was alive, but after he was brought back he threw his lot in with Granblue after seeing the clan he served with changed from the ideals it was formed to protect. Were it not for the advances in Necromancy done by Cocytus after researching a mysterious power reviving him, Fafnir, and all of those who hold the title of Ice Prison would have been impossible." Virgil explained.
"By having Vanclein be his mate, it's an ultimate form of punishment for Fafnir. In any case what was the mysterious power that Cocytus was researching?" I curiously ask.
"Don't know. I tried to look into it more myself; however all I could find was references to the same power in the lore of other units of the other clans. It's as if all records of this mysterious power disappeared from the face of the earth, but enough talk!" Virgil yelled as it's clear he wants to win this fight right here right now in this turn.
That mysterious power Virgil was talking about….. you'll find out soon enough that it makes a reappearance and causes just as much chaos in our world as it did on Cray.
"Necro Dracokid's skill: By moving him into the soul when vanguard performs Legion, I get to call Lancaster Knight [Power: 6000] from the drop zone. Now for the final touches. Fafnir's Legion Skill works as followed: By counterblasting 1 card with 'Ice Prison' in the card name I have Blauvelt [Power: 8000] return from the drop zone and he gains a +5000 power bonus as well!" Virgil yelled.
"That's the power of Virgil's Legion. The ability to draw upon the will of the dead who still wish to fight, and summon a unrelenting army in response to that will." The gang leader explained to me as he saw the surprised look on my face.
"Yeah this power as known as Undead's Freezing Revival. I replace Sores with Lucifer [Power: 7000]. Now Blauvelt attacks your Ignition Dragon [Total Power: 20000]!" Virgil declared.
"He must want to keep the rest of his deck intact…. No Guard!" I yell in response after mumbling to myself for a bit.
[Damage Check – Eradicator, Gauntlet Buster Dragon – No Trigger]
"Fafnir [Total Power: 43000]!" Virgil yelled.
"I nullify with Guld [Perfect Defense]!" I counter.
[Drive Check – Ice Prison Corsair, Sores – No Trigger]
[Drive Check – Elder Ice Prison Necromancer – No Trigger]
The power behind Gil's Legion Attack was truly overwhelming for I could see the pained look on Guld's face. He knew that if we'd be easily overtaken by this attack should he drop his concentration for even a moment.
"No…. it's not over yet. Picard attacks [Total Power: 28000]!" Virgil yelled again.
"Seiobo and the two Demolition Dragons from my last drive check will guard [Total Shield: 20000]!" I yell as I somewhat desperately place these cards on my guardian circle.
"He survived? I'm impressed. It's been a while since someone's managed to make it through one of Virgil's big pushes." The gang leader thought.
"Tch….. I end my turn, and all of the units I superior called this turn save for Lucifer are retired." Virgil said as he was irritated that his attacks against me failed.
Kiba – Virgil
1 – Hand – 6
2 – Soul – 2
5 – Damage – 4
0 – Counterblast – 1
Empty, Eradicator Spark Rain Dragon – Empty, Empty
Spiritual Sphere Eradicator Nata, Eradicator Ignition Dragon– Ice Prison Necro-Dragon Fafnir, Ice Prison Lancaster Knight
Steel-blooded Eradicator Shuki, Double Gun Eradicator Hakusho – Empty, Greedy Ice Prison Demon Lucifer
"With 1 card in his hand compared to Virgil's 6….. just how will his old friend come back from that difference? Assuming that he has a way to come back at all." The gang leader thought.
"1 10k shield, 3 5k shields, a perfect guard and one unknown card in his hand. I'll have no choice but to bet the farm hoping he has one perfect guard in his hand." I thought.
"It's clear that win or lose your next turn will be your last, so before you act it out answer a question for me. Why are you so determined to get me out of this place?" Virgil demands to know.
"Our dream as children to win the national tournament and the world circuit together, I intent to make it a reality this year." I tell Virgil with one of the most serious looks I've ever given a person to date.
"Don't give me that crap. We've tried to put together a team before, but we could never find anyone we trusted for a 3rd or 4th member. In fact the last time we talked you seemed as though you never wanted to have anything to do with me again." Virgil tells me in disbelief.
"I probably wouldn't have if it wasn't for a girl I met yesterday. Cliché as it sounds she filled me with drive I never knew I had." I explain to Virgil.
"So you're doing this to score points with a girl? That's extraordinarily ridiculous even for you." Virgil points out to me.
"I'm not doing this for those kinds of reasons. I'm helping her form a team because I feel I owe her for some reason." I explain to Virgil, though I wasn't sure if it was the best one possible.
"Alright I believe you, but you're not going to get me to leave this place." Virgil retorts.
"We'll climb the stairs to the top of the world together even if I have to drag you by the collar up those steps myself!" I yell to Virgil as I point at him in what I believed to have been a badass manner.
"That really lit a fire under this guy's belly. Alright let's see what he can do with it." the gang leader thought.
"Stand and draw… I can tell that part of you already wants to go with me to the top again. This card will be proof that makes it so." I declare to Virgil.
"Then show me the validity of your truth right now!" Virgil retorts.
"Look within yourself to set my enemies ablaze! Break ride Eradicator, Ignition Dragon [Power: 11000]. Now Ignition Dragon's break ride skill forces you to retire your last 2 units and gives my right column +12000 power." I explain.
After Ignition Dragon phased in and out of existence, 2 bolts of lightning from the highest point in the sky rendered Virgil's remaining 2 units nothing more than different sized piles of ash.
"Dui [Power: 6000] will reinforce Spark Rain Dragon. Now Ignition Dragon, launch the first of my final attacks against Fafnir [Total Power: 28000]!" I declare.
"Perfect guard with Elder Ice Prison Necromancer [Perfect Defense]." Virgil countered.
"First check [Sacred Spear Eradicator, Pollux – Critical Trigger]. I give all effects to my rearguard Hakusho." I tell Virgil.
"I have enough to deal with 1 critical so it's not a big deal." Virgil thought.
"Second check [Sacred Spear Eradicator, Pollux – Critical Trigger] All effects to Spark Rain." I declare as I tap Spark Rain with the critical trigger.
Like my last attack with Ignition Dragon he goes for a crisscross slash with his chainsaw blades, but they're stopped cold by a wall of ice summoned by the Elder Ice Prison Necromancer. The most disturbing thing about that wall was however the fact that the bones of the dead were acting like how rods of rebar would for cement.
"Spark Rain attack [Total Power: 23000 2 Crit]!" I yell.
"Elfrith and Vanclein guards [Total Shield: 15000]." Virgil counters again.
"Hakusho end it [Total Power: 33000 2 Crit]!" I declare.
"Dam dam dam dam dam." Virgil thought as he went into a rage because of his circumstances in this fight.
"If you can guard then do so, but if you can't then say something." I tell Virgil in a firm tone of voice.
"Arghhh…. No guard." Virgil said.
[Damage Check – Lord of the Seven Seas, Nightmist – No Trigger]
Final Results
Kiba – Virgil
2 – Hand – 2
3 – Soul – 2
5 – Damage – 6
1 – Counterblast – 1
Lightning Fist Eradicator Dui, Eradicator Spark Rain Dragon – Empty, Empty
Spiritual Sphere Eradicator Nata, Eradicator Ignition Dragon– Ice Prison Necro-Dragon Fafnir, Empty
Steel-blooded Eradicator Shuki, Double Gun Eradicator Hakusho – Empty, Empty
"Even if I'm exhausted I'll still drag you." I tell Virgil after collecting my deck as this fight took more out of me than I thought.
"I know. The terms of our bet was that I'd leave these guys not join this team some girl you just met decided to put together" Virgil said after collecting his deck as well for he was as tired out as I was.
"Alright boys escort these two from the premises, and I mean 'Normal People' gently not our definition of gently." The gang leader said as a few of his goons gathered around him.
Oh don't worry this person really meant gently as he had his guys escort us out of his illegal cardfighting gambling den, but his idea of gentle was allowing us to go forward towards the exit and not back towards the center of the establishment. The leader of this group once we're outside these basketball courts leaves Virgil the following note.
"According to the rules of my establishment you are no longer an employee, but you're still welcome here any time." the gang leader said as he patted Virgil on the shoulder like an old man proud of his son.
"So why did you join up with guys like that? I mean you've never told me why." I curiously ask Virgil as we both sit with our backs against the wall of a random building.
"It was just a part time job to me, and even then I only took my share from matches when I was hungry or needed parts for my ride. We or rather now... they never did anything like holding up a card shop. You should know what that's like my friend." Virgil said as a grin appeared on his face.
"My name wasn't attached to any of the news reports about it. How did you know I was there?" I ask as I realize Virgil was referring to yesterday's entertainment.
"A couple of our mutual friends who were there when it happened told me. Was the mysterious girl who threw that masked gunman to the ground the same one you were talking about in our fight?" Virgil curiously asks me.
"Yeah it is." I answer.
"She must be quite a looker to get you act like this." Virgil said.
"She is, but I told you that's not why I did this." I tell Virgil.
I of course never said this to Dalette right after we first met, but I thought she looked attractive in retrospect and saw no point in trying to deny the fact. Don't get me wrong I do have standards, so I wouldn't say that about just anybody though it did get me in some trouble when people thought I did. Speaking of trouble, kids don't tell your mother otherwise I'll get into it again. Oh wait…. I'm publishing this anyway so who cares?
"Yeah I believe you, and like I was about to say while we were in there….. our bet wasn't to see if I'd join this team or not, however I will at least meet the girl before making a decision." Virgil explained.
"Raphugio's job at noon the day after tomorrow. Can you be there?" I ask as I didn't want to inconvenience my friend any more than I already have.
"Ha I don't have a part time job anymore so yeah I can be there." Virgil said as he chuckles slightly due to finding my question amusing.
With who I believed to be a potential candidate for Dalette's team secured it's time for me to bring this chapter in the tale of truth to a close, but not before I leave you all with two more parting notes on what's to come. The first is something that's already happened at this point in time. 3 people about my age maybe a little older or younger respectively were sitting together in a dimly lit break room having some kind of important distraction. For the record I say dimly lit because according to one of these three people they were having electrical issues, and not for the sake of dramatic effect. In case you haven't already figured out who they are, I'll include their names as they speak so as to save you the trouble though at this point I had no idea who they really were.
"Getting back on topic, we need to find a 4th member before the start of the team division of the US National Tournament this year." Isaac said so as to get the rest of his team back on topic.
"We have to avoid a repeat of what happened last year otherwise we may not be able to get out of it again." Teresa pointed out.
"Okay how many times do I have to say I'm sorry? I didn't try to get sick the day before the final match on purpose last year." Preston said in an annoyed tone as if this subject was brought up so many times that it far past the actually point of annoyance.
"We're a team that's never entered the world tournament and yet can fight a world level so our 4th has to already be really strong, and yet you've rejected every fighter that both myself, Preston, and the various companies that sponsor us have suggested." Teresa pointed out again.
"That's because I already decided who the 4th member will be. I only listened to all of your suggestions in case a miracle happened and I saw someone I like better." Isaac explained in perhaps the most serious tone that I've ever had described to me ever.
"Who would that be? But still forget me you should be more appreciative of what Teresa does for you." Preston said as he came to his teammate's defense.
"Her." Isaac said.
"We'll also be randomly selecting 16 people for a promotional tournament. The winner will get a chance later that week to fight in a manner of their choice 7-time winner of the US National Championship single division in an exhibition match." The same second announcer from this tale of the truth's second chapter said.
"Wait a second…. she's refused every request to join a team to date. Just how exactly are you going to convince her?" Preston inquired as he was clearly shocked by Isaac's choice.
"By winning this promotional tournament, defeating Sakura, and using the prize I'll get for defeating her against her. It's a destiny I've already foreseen." Isaac adamantly said.
The second note is something that happens sometime after my fight with Virgil. On the day of the mentioned expo to be specific, and to a limited degree from the perspective of said champion Sakura Verde. The person that Dalette was saying she should remind me of was none other than her. In fact save for Dalette's shorter hair and hairstyle they look exactly alike. In fact sometime after the expo we were holed up in a hotel room for a week because of their similar appearance. Anyways, Sakura had just finished changing into a set of clean clothes after taking a shower. She's relaxing at her home in Tarrant City watching the live coverage of the very expo she'll ultimately fight in.
"So far they haven't covered any of the interesting events asides from the Expo Tourney." Sakura mumbled to herself as she brushes her long hair.
"Pardon me my lady, but if you're thirsty I've prepared a cup of tea. In addition I've received word about the identities of the competitors for the expo's random selection tournament. I have list with me if you wish to view it." a maid said as she knocked on Sakura's bedroom door.
"It's unlocked, so you can come in." Sakura said.
I actually know Sakura's silvery white haired maid personally, but even though it's already on public record I'd rather not state more about her in this story until I absolutely have to.
"You can just place the tea on the nightstand." Sakura tells the maid as she passes her a list of names.
"Is there anything else you need me to do before I go home for the day?" the maid asks.
"No I'm fine go ahead." Sakura tells her maid.
Sakura takes the next few moments to read all of the names on the list, and most of them were nobodies like Raphugio. One selected participant who wasn't me was shocked beyond on all to actually be selected. Then two of them were prominent fighters, of which one of whom you've already seen or read about as the case may be.
"Random draw…. Yeah right. That may have been the case for everyone else, but you let these two in to increase ratings didn't you father?" Sakura thought.
Sakura stops drinking her tea as her eyes are drawn to the 16th and final name on the list. It was a good thing too since that 16th name was….
"Kiba Nakashima… I never thought I'd see your name again like this. Great… now I have reason to drop by the Expo today." Sakura said as if she knew me personally.
The truth, she does actually know me personally but that's a whole other can of worms to deal with.
"To think I still keep this around." Sakura thought as she stared at a framed clip-out of an old edition of a newspaper, and on that clip-out was presumably a dusty young Sakura and a dusty young boy being pulled out of piles of debris by rescue workers.
The reason that this can of worms exists is partially for the same reason why I can't use that ever mysterious card that Virgil referred to into our fight in an actual fight myself, but give who I'd have to face soon….. I'd have no choice but to put that predilection aside.
To Be Continued
Kiba: When do you think the repairs will be finished?
Raphugio: Though it's not the national tournament, I should be done either the morning before the expo or the evening right afterwards.
Sade: What about me big bro? You promised.
Raphugio: Tell you what... until he can make up for it... why don't I show you how to play?
Kiba: Next time on Vanguard: Light Speed "Demons of a Race Track"
Cardfight Vanguard
Ice Prison "Sub-Clan"
Card List
Grade 0/Boost
Ice Prison, Dracokid Necro (Normal Unit) Power: 5000 Shield: 10000 Effect: [Auto]: Forerunner(When a unit of the same clan rids this unit, you may call this unit to (RC)) [Auto](RC):[Put this unit into your soul] When your vanguard performs Legion, you may pay the cost. If you do, search your drop zone for up to one Grade 1 unit with "Ice Prison" in its card name, reveal it to your opponent, and call it to open (RC).
Necro-Surgeon of Ice Prison (Heal Trigger) Power: 5000 Shield: 10000
Ice Prison's Zombie Siren Quartet (Stand Trigger) Power: 5000 Shield: 10000
Ice Prison Bell Carrier, Gan Ning (Draw Trigger) Power: 5000 Shield: 5000
Slave Master of Ice Prison, Elfrith (Critical Trigger) Power: 5000 Shield: 10000
Grade 1/Boost
Greedy Ice Prison Demon, Lucifer (Normal Unit) Power: 7000 Shield: 5000 Effect: [Auto](RC): When this unit attacks, if you have a vanguard with "Ice Prison" in its card name, this unit gets +3000 power until the end of that battle.
Ice Prison Corsair, Sores Power: 6000 Shield: 5000 Effect: [Auto](R): [Put up to 3 cards from the top of your deck into your drop zone] When this unit boosts a card with "Ice Prison" in its card name, you may pay the cost. If you do, the boosted unit gets +1000 power for every card sent to the drop zone through this effect until the end of that battle.
Ice Prison, Lancaster Knight Power: 6000 Shield: 5000 Effect: [Auto](RC): When this unit boosts a vanguard, if your vanguard is in Legion, the boosted unit gets +4000 power until the end of that battle.
Elder Ice Prison Necromancer Power: 6000 Shield: 5000 Effect: Perfect Guard.
Grade 2/ Intercept
Ice Prison Buccaneer, Pardal Power: 10000 Shield: 5000
Ice Prison Corsair, Blauvelt Power: 8000 Shield: 5000 Effect: [Auto](R): [Put up to 3 cards from the top of your deck into your drop zone] When this unit is boosted by a card with "Ice Prison" in its card name, you may pay the cost. If you do, the boosted unit gets +1000 power for every card sent to the drop zone through this effect until the end of that battle.
Fencing Ice Prison, Picard Power: 9000 Shield: 5000 Effect: [Auto](RC): When this unit attacks, if you have a vanguard with "Ice Prison" in its card name, this unit gets +3000 power until the end of that battle.
Ice Prison Summoner, Vanclein Power: 9000 Shield: 5000 Effect: [Counterblast 1 card with "Ice Prison" in its card name] When this unit is placed on the (VC) or (RC), if you have a "Granblue" vanguard, you may pay the cost. If you do, search your drop zone for up to one grade 1 or less card with "Ice Prison" in its card name, call it to (RC) in the same column in this unit, and at the end of your the turn retire the unit called through this effect.
Grade 3/Twin Drive
Ice Prison Necro-Dragon, Fafnir Power: 11000 Effect: [ACT](VC): Legion 20000 "Ice Prison Summoner, Vanclein"(If your opponent has a grade 3 or greater vanguard, only once, this unit may return four cards from your drop zone to your deck, and search your deck for the specified card, and perform Legion.) [ACT](VC):[Counter Blast (1)-card with "Ice Prison" in its card name] If this unit is in Legion, choose a Granblue unit from your drop zone, call it to (RC), that unit gets +5000 power until end of turn, and at the end of the turn retire the unit called through this effect. [AUTO](VC):[Soul Blast (1)] When this unit attacks a vanguard, you may pay the cost. If you do, this unit gets [Power]+3000 until end of that battle.