Vanguard: Light Speed
Chapter 26
Imperial Heart
You already know what will be the subject in this little entry of mine, however there are a few gaps in time that must be filled first before I can get to that. We'll start from the morning of Nolan and Isaac's regional tournament final from the latter's perspective.
"Dragonic Kaiser Crimson... legion attack!" my father declared.
In case you couldn't figure out what was going on from that one line alone, my father was giving Isaac what he likes to call a "morning workout" to Isaac. They were doing all of this at the same mysterious facility that I showed last time.
"Tch... still I was destroyed." Isaac thought as he beat his hand against the wall in frustration.
At the same time Isaac was taking a shower in a private bathroom to cleanse his body from all the sweat... after all no matter how stoic he was even Isaac doesn't like the idea of smelling in public.
"You seem to have been pushing rather hard since the end of the Expo not too long ago." my father points out from outside Isaac's private bathroom.
"How did you get into my room?" Isaac asks as he was annoyed though not dismissive of my father's presence.
"You forgot to lock the front door again, and even if I was locked I have a key remember." my father chuckles as he takes amusement from Isaac's response.
"At any rate... I saw how strong Jacob Edwards was... the usual stuff wouldn't be enough by the time he works off the rust." Isaac retorts as he starts rubbing shampoo into his hair.
"It's good to have someone to motivate you, but that's not the only reason." my father interjects as he leans against the wall outside of Isaac's bathroom.
"Oh... then what do you think is the other reason?" Isaac asks out of curiosity.
"I'll answer your question with another question. Do you remember what I told you as a child when you asked me what you had to do to increase your rate of growth?" my father asks with a smug expression on his face.
"I have to know what the 'hunger of defeat' is like... I remember those were your exact words. What's your point?" Isaac retorts as he's now curious as to where his master was going with this.
"What you experienced for the first time in a while was the fear of defeat... something similar but it still isn't the hunger you need." my father explains, "In any case it's quite the stroke of luck that Team Strike Shadow is entering the same regional tournament this year."
Team Strike Shadow and Team Star Ocean enter different regional tournaments every year in order to keep them on their toes... not that its necessary given the level they fight at.
"As if you didn't already know and arrange that accordingly through informants in the Star Ocean organization." Isaac points out as he didn't buy my dad's sarcastic tone for even a second.
"Perhaps I did... or perhaps I didn't, but either way you still get the chance to test yourself against him. Still... I must admit I thought Teresa would be more worried about that possibility." my father chuckles once again finding Isaac's response a little amusing.
"Given how they're connected who could blame her, but don't worry she knows better to say anything." Isaac notes.
"I wasn't worried about that in the least. If you'll excuse me... I have to be present for the Spire's next test. Now on a unrelated note... clean your room... Teresa keeps hers clean, and I swear you're as bad as my son." my father points out.
Soon enough the sound of fading footsteps then a sliding door opening and closing can be heard. Once the only sound in the room was the running shower head, Isaac turned it off and exited his bathroom with a towel around his waist.
"He's right... it a little messy even for me." Isaac mumbled as he first gets out another copy of his usual outfit.
Both Isaac and Teresa when they're not traveling stay in their own private rooms in this equally mysterious place. Their rooms however could actually be qualified as small apartments like the ones you see high school students in Japanese anime.
"The others should be at our on site lounge in an hour. If I hurry I'll be able to meet them there." Isaac thought as he left his room grabbing his signature white jacket with a dragon on the back that he left resting on a nearby chair.
Our firm believer in destiny here had actually expected to arrive half an hour after the rest of his team, but they end up getting to their tournament site at the same time due to a minor traffic jam suffered by the members of Team Strike Shadow.
"I thought you'd be here before us Isaac." Teresa points out as she and the others enter this small tournament hall.
"My master's morning training ran a little longer than expected." Isaac explains.
"Yes Sakura... he means the one who's vastly more powerful than him." Preston said in annoyed tone as he notices the single division champion about to ask a question to that effect
For the record Preston wasn't annoyed because Sakura asked... he was just grumpy since he didn't sleep well the previous evening.
"Look... Team Strike Shadow is right over there!" an excited fan yells.
"Well here comes the yearly hassle." Preston sighed as he takes multiple colored pens out of his pocket.
Preston didn't have those pens on him for his own amusement. Every chance fans get... they practically bum rush Team Strike Shadow for autographs. During regional tournaments it's especially bad to the point where even Isaac can't escape from the whims of excited human beings.
"Alright... who would.. hmm." Teresa was saying when someone in the corner of her eye caught her attention.
Teresa instantly turned her head away as if she didn't want to be caught looking at this someone. Due to his rather blatant crush on Teresa, Preston picks up on this and peeks in the direction she turned away from.
"Hey look... our only real competition is here." Preston said as he nods his head in the direction Teresa was looking.
Sakura and Isaac turned their heads to find that Preston was referring to the three members of Team Star Ocean being as badly mauled for autograph requests as they were. Isaac directed his energy towards Jacob... the same person Teresa turned away from, however if the young butler noticed either of them he didn't offer a visible reaction.
"Hey break it up!" a security guard yelled.
Soon enough tournament security was on the scene breaking up the mob of people surrounding Team Strike Shadow and Team Star Ocean, and finally allowing both groups to go about their business.
"Remember since we're in the top 8 we get to use GIRS for the remaining matches." Teresa says to her teammates in an animated tone of voice.
"Man I've been looking forward to it." Preston mumbled as he stretches his arms a little.
Sakura finds Preston and Teresa's attitude unusual. The concept of using GIRS in tournament is normal so who could blame them.
"You'll have to forgive me, but doesn't Team Stride Shadow have a significant amount of capital behind it. Surely it could easily afford to rent a system for a hours if not days" Sakura asks due to a confused expression on her face.
"You'd think, however the team trainer is really strict about these sort of things. Like even the poor (in terms of money) regional teams... our only chances is in situation like these during tournaments." Teresa explains with a smile.
As Teresa explained to Sakura the way the Strike Shadow organization worked, Isaac's eyes were drawn to Jacob. He simply wants to see is this user of the Kagero clan is really the fighter he expects him to be.
"Do you mind if I excuse myself for a few moments my lady?" Jacob asks as he offers a respectful bow to his charge.
"I don't mind, but what for?" Nolan asks out of curiosity.
"Young Sally insisted upon keeping my attention all morning, so I haven't had a chance to have a morning meal unlike you and Cloud. I simply wish to acquire some sustenance from the food court before our quarter-final match." Jacob explained in a stern and respectful manner that shows off his years of chivalrous training.
"Sorry about that... I'll try and talk to Sally about this later, but... go ahead. Just don't take too long." Nolan sighs.
"As you wish my lady." Jacob said as he once more offers a respectful bow to Nolan before going off to take care of his grumbling stomach.
After having taken notice of Jacob breaking away from the rest of his team, Isaac quickly excuses himself as well in pursuit.
"The fancy omelets are all well and good, but there are times a simple burger is most satisfactory." Jacob thought as he takes a seat in the first empty table he finds.
He was happily... or rather relived at the opportunity to enjoy a simple burger and fries. As Nolan's personal attendant it's expected that he too avoid such a low-born meal, but as a man of such origins he often craves it.
"That girl... Nikki... she used my ride chant and that was the first time I met her, and that was the first time I've used that deck in public like that. My sister is the only that could have told her. They must have come into contact, so how do I get it out of her?" Jacob thought as his mind wanders off to more serious matters.
As Jacob continued to think about such serious matters he gave off an equally serious air, of which kept all those who lacked the strength of will to cut through the tension he created at bay.
"Do you mind if I sit here?" a certain someone asks.
"Wha... no go... you!" Jacob said suddenly realizing who he was looking at after looking up from his food.
It was none other than Isaac, of whom due to being a little thirsty himself bought something to drink. In any case... at the moment Jacob realized this fact all of the people around them started wondering what two strong fighters on opposing teams would talk about.
"What do you want?" Jacob asks as he's almost certain that Isaac has some hidden agenda for talking to him.
Little did Jacob know that he'd soon find out how right he was.
"I'm sitting here because I don't think there's anywhere else I can be without being bothered for some unimportant issue, and I wanted to ask you something." Isaac said as he nonchalantly takes a sip of his drink.
"I'm listening." Jacob responds in a defensive manner as goes through everything in his head in an attempt to figure out the motivation of the person across from him.
"Why haven't you used your true clan up until now?" Isaac asks as he too is focused on probing the perso... the fighter sitting across from him.
"I didn't want to before." Jacob said as he gave a perfectly reasonable yet completely evasive reply, "As for why I don't want to... its not for the ars of someone who I consider an enemy."
"I see." Isaac mumbles.
After saying that... the smallest sliver of a smug expression appeared on Isaac's face... it was saying that he either strongly suspected or already knew Jacob's reason for hiding his true ability.
"Then I only have one question... no possibly two depending on how you answer, and I'll leave you alone once I get them." Isaac sighed, "What is your motivation for fighting on Team Star Ocean?"
"My motivation?" the normally stoic Jacob asks as even he didn't see such a question coming from Isaac.
"Nolan Elchart wants Star Ocean to stand at the top in order to build a name that stands through the annals of history without relying on her family, Cloud seeks the strength necessary to rebuild his clan in a direction far different than his fathers, but yours is a complete mystery to me. Isaac explained.
"Mine is to simply see my lady's motivation come true." Jacob retorts.
"That is a lie, and even if I'm wrong... then it's no more than you spouting team loyalty... not that I deny its importance of course." Isaac points out.
"What of your teammates then? What is their reason to fight?" Jacob inquires.
"Sakura is simply honoring the terms of her contract, Preston classically has a fighter he wishes to surpass, and Teresa has blatantly admitted to wishing to become a pillar of my strength. They're all loyal to what the name Strike Shadow means, but their voices also have a will behind them. As for my reason... though I believe in destiny... I seek the power beyond it for the sake of my dream." Isaac explained as he catches his breath after such a detailed explanation, "Now I'll ask again... what is your reason to fight?"
"I do follow Lady Nolan's dream out of loyalty to what her family has done for me, but... do I have a reason beyond it to fight?" Jacob thought as he starts to seriously consider Isaac's words.
"You have no will behind your voice then... nor a reason to fight. If that's the case then using your Kagero deck will have no meaning against any one of us you fight once our teams meet in battle." Isaac said as he gives off a sigh of disappointment.
"Why yo-" Jacob was about to say when something unexpected stops him.
"That's why I'll simply give you a reason to fight... one that's sure to stoke the flames of your pride into a torrent, and motivates you to seek out your absolute limits." Isaac said as he's seems excited by the conclusion of his intentions here today.
"Just what kind of reason would that be?" Jacob asks more out of curiosity than anything else.
Do you really think anyone could blame Jacob for responding in such a way to what Isaac is saying? Giving someone a reason to fight in which resonates with who they are is no easy task.
"I'm waiting." Jacob says impatiently as he wonders why Isaac is examining their immediate surroundings.
"I'm simply making sure there aren't any overly interested ears close to us." Isaac said.
For Isaac to take such measures must mean that the "reason to fight" he wishes to tell Jacob is weighty thing indeed. In any case... once he's sure there's no one listening in, Isaac brings his face close to Jacob's ear for the intent of whispering something in it.
"I know where your sister will be in the next few months. When our teams meet in battle, should you be victorious in a fight against any of us in myself included... I'll tell tell you what I know." Isaac whispers.
"How do you know? I've only told two people, and they'd never tell you." Jacob asks out of a sense of surprise and shock unlike anything he's ever felt before.
"Never underestimate the intelligence gathering ability of the Strike Shadow organization." Isaac points out in a normal volume as he sits back in his seat, "There you have your reason, so should you meet the conditions I have set forth... I swear on my honor as a fighter to tell you what I know."
"Would all teams please report to their assigned areas. The regional tournament's quarter-finals are about to begin." a woman said over a PA system before Jacob is able to say another word.
With nothing to keep him here any further, Isaac leaves... this for the sake of letting Jacob stew in the shock of his revelation in order to make him fight harder. Jacob himself is running through a combination of anger, sadness, shock, and even hope.
"Very well Isaac... I'll accept your conditions, and tear down anyone who gets in the way of finding her!" Jacob yelled within the confines of his own mind.
As Jacob got up from his lowly seat... not even bothering to finish the rest of his food, his eyes are filled with a passionate rage that both suit the Kagero clan and goes beyond the passionate rage the famed fighter Kai Toshiki felt when he fought to save his friend from the influence of that power.
"Fafnir, go and attack the vanguard!" Virgil yelled.
But don't forget that my friends and I are still here... still fighting for the sake of the dreams we held back then in our youth, and... and we weren't going to give up just yet!
"Winner: Virgil Hernandez! Team Destiny Breaker advances to the next ground." the judge I declares.
Happy that were weren't eliminated in the first round we all ran up to Virgil ready to congratulate him. Dalette however just walked up to him.
"I need... a drink." Virgil gasps as he was still covered in sweat.
After giving Virgil a chance to clean himself up, the four of us made our way to the food court where after getting himself a soda... my pirate using friend explained in quick detail just what kept him.
"Oh that feels nice... this must be from a fresh batch of syrup." Virgil mumbled savoring the Pepsi as it slowly travels down his throat.
"Wow... that was really a big dick move by your brother." Raphugio points out.
"Tell me about it, but I know he meant well so I'm not going to get mad about it. I won and I'm here so that's all that matters." Virgil retorts.
Due to an overwhelming sense of disbelief I was about to ask whether or not Virgil really brought most of the way here via helicopter, however mine and the attention of everyone else here was grabbed by something going on all the monitors set through out the Expo
"Attention Vanguard fans, we apologize for interrupting your regularly scheduled fights to bring you a special announcement." the news anchor who appeared on the TV said.
We were all expecting some sort of detailed explanation as to why there was this interruption, but all we got was "A unexpected match up in one of the regional tournament finals" before the screen changed showing Isaac and Jacob standing in front of a GIRS system.
"So wait... both Team Star Ocean and Strike Shadow decided to enter the same regional tournament? Talk about coincidences." Virgil said out of shock.
"I knew the regional Nolan entered started yesterday, but I wasn't expecting this." I say also out of shock.
"Since only the top 2 teams of each regional can move onto the next stage... we'll still get the chance to fight the both of them... though I don't no if that could exactly be called a good thing." Raphugio thought.
"This will be the perfect chance to see just what Jacob Edwards can really do, so I suppose you can count me among the several who share the same curiosity." Dalette notes.
Thus with our eyes turned to the closest television screen; one of the most epic clashes in my tale of the truth, and perhaps even Vanguard history was about to begin. Will it be the user of a furious lightning or the user of a quiet raging flame? Read and find out soon enough yourself.
"Are the two of you ready?" the judge asks.
Jacob only nods a yes as his eyes were focused upon Isaac like his eyes depended on it. But given what he had to gain who could blame him.
"I'll say it again…. I've been looking forward to this since the Expo." Isaac said as he had the look of one who seeks battle written on his face.
"For the sake of my family I'll be the one that puts that first loss on your record even if it kills me." Jacob declared.
"It's about to begin….. these two have fought each other before both in the National tournament as well as a few charity events, but the tension in the room is better suited for the National finals rather than a mere regional tournament." Sara announced.
"Oh I agree completely, but this tension is simply due to the revelation at the expo regarding Jacob's true strength. To think a simple change of clans would allow him to show us such tremendous power… power to the point where people are starting to think where Jacob might be the one to take Isaac down." Dr. O follows.
"There's also the fact that they both use cards considered legends in Vanguard for their overwhelming ferocity. Now we'll get to see just who of these two are stronger, but no matter how it ends…. their clash is one guaranteed for the record books." Sara points out.
"Let's not crowd up the airways any longer, so this way we can finally give Vanguard fans watching this match from all over the fight they've been waiting for!" Dr. O yells into the microphone.
To which when the second generation Dr. O did so, the crowd watching the fight yelled in turn with an equal amount of excitement. The fact that they'll be using a GIRS instead of a traditional MF System is simply icing on the cake.
"Then let the first fight of the regional tournament finals begin!" the judge yells.
"Stand up the Vanguard!" Isaac yells.
"Stand up, Vanguard." Jacob yells.
Kagero versus Narukami….. a clash between two of the Dragon Empire's strongest clans. For that reason alone I suppose it's appropriate that the GIRS chooses to recreate a lake of molten lava and heated rocks in a lightning storm and I mean only lightning no rain. As for the game by interacting with holographic versions of one's deck….. I admit that's an aspect of professional play I never got used to.
"Red Pulse Dracokid [Power: 4000]!" Jacob yells.
"Spark Kid Dragoon [Power: 4000]!" Isaac yells.
"Isaac will go first." The judge orders.
It wasn't just Jacob, or Isaac, or even the people watching that felt the tension in the room….. their respective teammates did as well.
"Tell me 'Lady Nolan', do you really think Jacob can beat Isaac?" Cloud asks in a sarcastic tone as if to play Jacob's traditional roll.
"Please don't say my name like that. I don't even like it when Jacob does it, but…. there's just too many things to consider for me to give an honest answer." Nolan said as she shakes her head in defeat.
"Yes….. I suppose that's true, especially though loath as I am to admit it since at best I've only managed to give Isaac a moderate workout in a fight." Cloud points out as he seriously starts to think about Nolan's answer.
"Hmph…. of course Jacob will win. I'd expect no less of my future betrothed, but now if only you could seem more appealing to onii-chan before some other woman takes him away." Sally says to her older sister with that ever familiar confidence of hers.
"Believe me it's not as easy….. shut up." Nolan said once she actually registers the meaning of his sister's words.
"Ha ha…. Now if only those siblings got along." Cloud thought as he becomes lost in thought about his only family issues.
"I ride Dragon Dancer, Anastasia [Power: 6000], and now with Spark Kid's skill I'll move him to the back." Isaac said.
The tension at only the first move in the game caused the judge to start sweating a bit under his suit, but if Jacob wants to win he'll have to match…. he'll have to surpass Isaac's intensity.
"Now show me…. Show me that you're a fighter that I can finally call my rival." Isaac said with a smile that was as if he's looking forward to Jacob drawing first blood.
"Oh…. That's unexpected." Teresa notes as she seems surprised by Isaac's particular smile.
"Well I guess I can't blame you….. it would be surprising to hear there's someone Isaac would consider a potential rival, especially given how easily he defeated me." Sakura points out.
"Hmph…. shows how little you know about Isaac. That's not even close to why he's smiling right now." Preston exclaims.
Sakura turns her head to see what Preston meant, but she finds him laying on one of the benches in their dugout as if trying to take a nap.
"Isn't that a little disrespectful? I mean shouldn't we as a team watch our captain fight." Sakura points out.
"First of all I haven't accepted you as a teammate. Second of all Isaac isn't allowed to lose to anyone but me, however if Jacob is half as good as Isaac thinks he is…. then he'll easily last long enough for me to take a nap." Preston retorts as if berating Sakura as he tries to get comfortable.
"What Preston means Sakura is that Isaac has met other people he thought would be a worthy rival, but fell short of his standards. He's also fought people that were capable of giving him a unexpectedly exciting fight, but they were also people he didn't think would be a rival. Our captain is hoping both will occur, but one or the other is far more likely." Teresa explained as she was already in the process of adjusting her deck.
"Still…. the tension in the room is suffocating…. Far more than it was when I fought him." Sakura mumbled.
"We feel it too, but we're used to feeling this kind of tension so that's why it doesn't bother any of us anymore. Still in the years I've known Isaac, I'm happy he'll finally have someone to enjoy playing against." Teresa explained as she too hopes Jacob will be a worthy rival.
"I guess we'll have to wait and see." Sakura thought as she turned her attention back to the clash of wills going on before her.
"I ride Protect Orb Dragon [Power: 6000]!" Jacob yelled.
But shortly thereafter Jacob suddenly pauses as if frozen by some unforeseen force.
"Why is he standing still all of a sudden?" Sally asks of her older sister.
"It's something he does when he's in a fight he can't afford to lose, but this is the first time he's done this against Isaac." Nolan explains to her little sister as she also seems to find Jacob's behavior unusual.
"He visualizes what will happen when he loses in order to help motivate him to win." Cloud interjects.
"Red Pulse moves, and now I'll use him to boost Protect Orb to attack your vanguard [Total Power: 10000]!" Jacob declared.
"No guard." Isaac said.
[Drive Check – Burning Horn Dragon – No Trigger]
The magic that Protect Orb Dragon would normally use to defend against his enemies is instead used to create a magic circle next to Anastasia, of which in turn self-destructs in a powerful flame filled explosion that is to be expected of the Kagero clan.
[Damage Check – Tonfa Wielding Brawler, Aak – No Trigger]
"That'll due." Jacob said as he signaled the end of his turn.
Isaac – Jacob
5 – Hand – 6
0 – Soul – 0
1 – Damage – 0
0 – Counterblast – 0
F(0) U(8) – G-Zone – F(0) U(8)
Empty / Empty – Empty / Empty
Spark Kid Dragoon / Dragon Dancer, Anastasia – Protect Orb Dragon / Red Pulse Dracokid
Empty / Empty – Empty / Empty
"I ride Dusty Plasma Dragon [Power: 9000]!" Isaac yelled.
In a clash between two fighters like Jacob and Isaac, riding a loyal servant of their avatars such as this lighting using vermilion colored dragon is very appropriate, but the fight will be decided none the less by which of these two are stronger.
"Demonic Circuit Dragon, Zephyr [Power: 9000] to the rearguard, and now Spark Kid to the soul for his skill!" Isaac declared as he moved Spark Kid Dragoon under his vanguard.
Much like in my fight against Raul, Spark Kid Dragoon's very being is turned into a mass of lightning which in turn broke apart into 5 orbs of light... each with a different card inside of them.
"I choose this once." Isaac said as he picked the card in the far left orb.
[Revealed Card – Dragonic Kaiser Vermillion – No Trigger]
"There it is... the break ride Vermillion." Jacob thought.
Isaac touched the holographic simulation of this card and dragged it to hang among the cards floating above his other hand. The remaining cards were then shuffled back into Isaac's deck as Spark Kid's effect dictates.
"Now I call Rising Phoenix [Power: 5000], and use his skill to soul blast and draw." Isaac explained as he seemed disappointed with whatever he drew.
"He's not happy with what he drew? But... wait.. that must mean he's not using that power." Teresa though a she takes note of the expression on Isaac's face.
"I know I haven't known any of you that long, but is it normal for Isaac to make that kind of face?" Sakura asks as she too takes notice of Isaac expression.
"It's nothing... he's just decided to win under his own power this time." Teresa said as a subtle smile slowly forms on her face.
"Okay..." Sakura mumbled as she found her new found teammates answer unusual, but then quickly puts it aside to focus back on the fight.
"Now show me an attack worthy of the captain of the strongest team in the country." Jacob declares with a serious life or death expression on his face.
"Certainly... now with Rising Phoenix's boost, Dusty Plasma Dragon will attack your vanguard [Total Power: 13000]!" Isaac declared as he steadily gets more into the battle zone.
No Dual Masters pun intended.
"I won't guard." Jacob retorts.
[Drive Check – Dusty Plasma Dragon – No Trigger]
It's a shame that Protect Orb Dragon is unable to use his skill as the vanguard. I mean he attempts to put up one of his magical shields, however the lighting of a loyal servant to one of the potential reincarnations of the emperor easily pierces it.
[Damage Check – Gattling Claw Dragon – Draw Trigger]
"I give the power to Protect Orb Dragon and draw." Jacob said in a calm and collected manner.
"Then I'll end my turn." Isaac retorts as he rests his arms on his side.
Isaac – Jacob
6 – Hand – 7
0 – Soul – 0
1 – Damage – 1
1 – Counterblast – 0
F(0) U(8) – G-Zone – F(0) U(8)
Empty / Demonic Circuit Dragon, Zephyr – Empty / Empty
Rising Phoenix / Dusty Plasma Dragon – Protect Orb Dragon / Red Pulse Dracokid
Empty / Empty – Empty / Empty
"I ride Burning Horn Dragon [Power: 9000]!" Jacob declared.
Loyal servant for a loyal servant, damage check for a damage check, a critical for a critical, and eye for an eye. Already the tension in the room is worthy of the national tournament finals, however Jacob still intends to fight by matching Isaac blow for blow with the unique traits of hs clan.
"I move Red Pulse into my soul to use his skill: I check the top 5 cards of my deck for a grade 3 Kagero unit." Jacob explained.
Now instead of a huge mass of lightning, Red Pulse's body transforms into a huge ball of fire which in turn separate into 5 smaller collections of flame in front of Jacon... each with a card inside as expected.
"There's only one unit I'll choose." Jacob mumbles as he picks the card in the orb of fire on his far right.
[Revealed Card – Dragonic Overlord – No Trigger]
"There it is Vanguard fans... now both fighters have their avatar... the card that represents who they are as fighters in their hands!" Sara announced.
"Oh yes... things can only get more interesting from here." Dr. O follows.
"That settles it... Jacob is definitely using a different deck than what he did during the Vanguard Expo." Nolan mumbles.
"Your right of course, but I hope Isaac is able to push Jacob to his limits." Cloud casually points out as he happens to overhear his captain's mumbling.
"Why? I mean your not hoping Isaac wins are you?" Nolan asks out of a combination of surprise, disbelief, and confusion at Cloud's words.
"Of course not, but I've gotten used to being considered the ace of Team Star Ocean. I have no intention of giving up that title, so in order to appropriately step-up my training I need to see how far Jacob can go." Cloud explained as right now he almost wished that he was the one fighting his teammate.
"I call Dragonic Neoflame [Power: 9000] and Calamity Tower Wyvern [Power: 5000] to the rearguard." Jacob said.
"Oh my... it seems that for now Jacob and Isaac are matching each other move for move." Dr. O points out.
"Then that can only mean this fight will be decided by each clan's unique traits." Sara interjects as Jacob drew a card through the skill of Calamity Tower.
"If you want to be the first person to defeat me in an official match, then you had better respond with a ferocity that matched my last turn's attacks." Isaac declared as he placed himself in a defensive stance.
"No." Jacob retorts.
"No?" Isaac asks as he seems amused by his opponent's response.
"To beat you I'll have to respond with a ferocity beyond what your attacks." Jacob explains as he grabs or more accurately touches a card in his hand.
When you're playing a card using the GIRS you don't get the sensation that comes with holding a real physical card in your hand. As Jacob will demonstrate in a second, it's more like your placing your cards on your field with ESP.
"I call Dragon Monk, Gojo [Power: 7000] and now I'll use his skill to pitch and draw." Jacob explained as he flashed a quick subtle smile in what he drew due to the monk's skill.
"He got something good... alright... come Jacob, and show me your power." Isaac thought as he's becoming even more fired up.
"Burning Horn Dragon... go and attack the vanguard [Total Power: 14000]!" Jacob yells.
"No guard." Isaac retorts.
[Drive Check – Perdition Dragon, Buster Rain Dragon – Critical Trigger]
"I give the critical to my vanguard and the power to Neoflame [New Total: 14000 2 Crit]!" Jacob yelled.
With a tribute to the classical dragons of old... Burning Horn Dragon barrages Dusty Plasma Dragon with a stream of overwhelmingly hot flame.
[Damage Check – Djinn of Paranoia – Draw Trigger]
"I give the power to Zephyr and draw." Isaac declared.
[Damage Check – Voltage Horn Dragon – No Trigger]
"With the way the fight is going it seems that we're a clan short of a mirror match." Sara announced.
"Oh yes, but honestly I believed Isaac made a smart move with where he applied the draw trigger's effects. This way no matter which target Jacob chooses to attack next... Isaac will only need 1 card to guard should he choose to do so." Dr. O explained as he dissects Isaac's tactical decision.
"Neoflame will attack Zephyr [Total Power: 14000]!" Jacob declared.
"I guard with Malevolent Djinn [Total Shield: 10000]!" Isaac confidently counters.
Neoflame's body is enveloped in the very element that represents his clan as he attempts to use it to ram Dusty Plasma's body over this active volcano, but body of a certain magical djinn being placed in his way render that point moot.
"Then I'll end my turn." Jacob said as mentally prepares himself for Isaac's turn.
Isaac – Jacob
6 – Hand – 7
0 – Soul – 0
3 – Damage – 1
1 – Counterblast – 1
F(0) U(8) – G-Zone – F(0) U(8)
Empty / Demonic Circuit Dragon, Zephyr – Perdition Dragon, Dragonic Neoflame / Dragon Monk, Gojo
Rising Phoenix / Dusty Plasma Dragon – Burning Horn Dragon / Calamity Tower Wyvern
Empty / Empty – Empty / Empty
Meanwhile from our regional tournament site... don't forget that my friends and I were watching this clash as well from our site's food court.
"Amazing... simply amazing." I mumble as the entire lower half of my body was shaking in anticipation.
We weren't the only ones... every fighter in every regional tournament stopped what they were doing to watch even if they were playing a match.
"To think... to think there was this big a difference simply by changing clans." Virgil mumbled as he feeling the same thing I was.
"Boss lady, who do you think will win?" Raphugio asks without even looking away from the TV.
"I don't know... this may be the first time in my life that I can say that I have no idea how a match will go." Dalette said as even she the stoic mistress couldn't help but be shocked by what's unfolding right now.
"I want to be the one to put that first loss on Isaac's record, but... at the same time I want Jacob to win." I thought.
Everyone who was watching that knew how to perform a drive check were all thinking in this moment as the fight develops "I have to fight someone right now." or "It should be me fighting him". No one could be blamed as even in the early game... this battle had the power to stir the fighting spirits of Vanguard fighters everywhere.
"Pulled along by the wheels of fate, you prepare those who stand on the precipice of their destiny! I ride Dragonic Kaiser Vermillion [Power: 11000]!" Isaac yelled in an especially passionate tone of voice.
A single bolt of lightning descended from the stormy sky reigning over this active volcano impacting the lava below, and kicking it up as if a heavy rock was dropped into a lake. Once all of that kicked up lava finally touched the ground... the leader of the Narukami clan has appeared.
"There it is... his break ride version of Vermillion." Nolan notes.
"An effect geared towards utility is already valuable enough to the Narukami clan." Nolan mumbles to herself.
"But when you take into account The Rebound's ability to hit the front row twice... its priceless." Cloud points out as he overhears his captain's mumbling.
"I call Aak [Power: 7000]. Now... Dragonic Kaiser Vermillion will attack your vanguard [Total Power: 18000]!" Isaac yelled.
"Bring it." Jacob declared as he signaled his willingness to take this attack.
[Drive Check – Malevolent Djinn – Critical Trigger]
"I give the critical to my vanguard and the power to Zephyr [New Total: 18000 2 Crit]!" Isaac yelled.
[Drive Check – Dragon Dancer, Anastasia – No Trigger]
Compared to the power of one of the potential reincarnations of the ancient dragon emperor, Burning Horn Dragon could only be frozen in fear as a god-like lighting bolt was brought about upon him.
[Damage Check – Lizard Soldier, Veira – Stand Trigger]
"Power to my vanguard." Jacob says.
[Damage Check – Calamity Tower Wyvern – No Trigger]
"Now with Aak's support, Zephyr will attack your vanguard [Total Power: 21000]!" Isaac yelled.
"Veria will stop it [Total Shield: 10000]." Jacob counters.
"Not bad... not bad at all." Isaac whispered to himself.
With the look Isaac has on his face... I'd say that this is the most excited I've ever seen him be up to this point in my life. Quite frankly if a three way free for all fight was possible... I'd seriously consider interrupting the festivities.
"I end my turn." Isaac said.
Isaac – Jacob
7 – Hand – 6
1 – Soul – 0
3 – Damage – 3
1 – Counterblast – 1
F(0) U(8) – G-Zone – F(0) U(8)
Tonfa Wielding Brawler Aak / Demonic Circuit Dragon, Zephyr – Perdition Dragon, Dragonic Neoflame / Dragon Monk, Gojo
Rising Phoenix / Dragonic Kaiser Vermillion – Burning Horn Dragon / Calamity Tower Wyvern
Empty / Empty – Empty / Empty
"I must admit this fight isn't going at as fast a pace as I originally thought." Jacob points out as he draws for the turn.
"I agree, but that's to expected given the fact that you know how I play and I know what to expect from that clan." Isaac retorts as he nods his head in agreement.
"Well then Dr. O, just what do you think they're talking about?" Sara asks, however her tone indicates that she already knows.
In fact I'd say she's only asking in order to put on a show for the audience.
"Simply put they're saving the cards in their hand for defense so they can survive each others big plays, and have enough left over to launch one of their own." Dr. O explained.
"I have to say even though we're only approaching the mid-game, I'd say this is one of the most exciting matches I've had a chance to play in a while." Isaac says to Isaac in a complimentary tone of voice.
"I have no intention of disappointing or being defeated by someone like you." Jacob declared as in this moments he was more focused
"Then go on and show me the power of the unit that represents who you are." Isaac retorts as he takes up a defensive stance himself.
"Winds that turn into infernos and flames that reduce everything to ash, these are the symbols of your rebirth by sleep! I ride Dragonic Overlord [Power: 11000]!" Jacob yelled.
The entire volcano erupts at the mere mention of that name, and in fact he units of both fighters scramble lest they wished to be burned to a crisp by this detailed simulation of a natural disaster. Once that finally subsided Dragon Overlord... one of Vermillion's only real rivals in the empire was there.
"These passive-aggressive attacks will come to an end here. I'll show you Isaac Barrett what it means to fight the Kagero clan!" Jacob yelled.
To Be Continued
Kiba: I don't think I've ever seen such an amazing fight.
Sakura: I can't tell at all who will win.
Kiba: Another... another Narukami unit that I've never seen before. Isaac Barrett, just how strong are you?
Isaac: Next time on Vanguard: Light Speed "Imperial Heart II"
Teresa: I don't... I don't believe what I'm seeing. Isaac... he might actually lose.