Cardfight! Vanguard TimeXross Revived

by 3CentsBragade

Same as before. Gear Chronicle and Link Joker are warring. Steamvisor, being on the losing side, are sent back in time before they are captured. There they encounter a boy named Kirito Senjou who can see them. When an entity named "Parallel" shows up with the same Link Joker units that opposed Gear Chronicle, it is up to Kirito to rise against them to save Earth and Cray.

3. Chapter 3

(Cardfight Vanguard: TimeXross - Ride 3: Shinichi Kagamine, the Underworld Tamer)

---

(Turn 2 Start: Blonde-haired Boy, Hand: 6, Damage: 0, Soul: 1)

As the blonde-haired boy proceeds into his first turn, the eerily happy vibe he emits causes discomfort for Kirito and Clockwork. Hanzo and Kari spectated from the side of the table on Kirito's right while a couple of the customers were watching from upstairs. The blonde-haired boy smiled at his hand. "I sure do like this starting hand. Hopefully I can make it better. I ride The Underworld Tamer, Nightmare Mage (Grade 1)." The face painted goblin, in a ball of light, transformed into a humanoid with pointy ears, gray skin and a white suit with red, orange, and purple star patterns as she emerged from said light. "When rode upon, Starting Goblin allows me to draw a card." He drew a card. "And if my opponent has a grade 1 or higher vanguard, I can also add a 'Quick Shield Ticket' to my hand." Like in Kirito's match against the thug, the Quick Shield Ticket card phased into the blonde-haired boy's hand.

"'Quick Shield Ticket'... What's that even supposed to do, anyway?" Kirito asked, making Hanzo and Kari fall backwards. "You… You're not serious, are you…?" Kari moaned as she used the table to get up. "Kari, don't be rude." Hanzo scolded lightly, copying her action.

"It's not that I don't know what it is; I had one in my last cardfight. I just never used it for anything, so I don't know what it's used for."

"Oh, that makes sense." Hanzo replied. "A Quick Shield Ticket is what is called a 'Blitz Order Card'. It is put into the player's hand when they ride upon their grade 0 unit while the opponent has a higher graded vanguard, and it gives a unit 5000 power when used. Blitz Order Cards are used during the guard step but with it being another card in your hand, you can use it for other actions as well." (Uh-huh… But if that's the case, maybe I should've used it when I fought that man? It would've saved me a damage, at least. Wait. Now that's brought up...) "Clockwork…" Kirito called in a low tone, his left eye twitched once. The short dragon faded in, nervous and very embarrassed, having an idea on what the boy might've been calling his name for. "Heh heh. Sorry. I overlooked it in the last cardfight."

"You sure did."

"If you're done talking to yourself over there, I will use my Nightmare Mage's skill." The blonde boy, still looking unfazed by Kirito, put a card from his hand into his soul, that being a The Underworld Tamer, Nemu, the Wondrous Trapezist (Grade 1). "When placed, I can put a card from my hand into the soul, look at the top six cards of my deck," He took the top six cards of his deck and held them. His smile slightly deepened which Clockwork spotted. "Did you see that, Kirito? His smile got worse."

"And add a Spectacular Leading Performer, Algos, the Underworld Tamer (Grade 3, Marker: Accel) to my hand. Then shuffle away the remaining cards." He added the named card to his hand and shuffled the rest back into the deck. "Then I'll call The Underworld Tamed, Confetti Cerberus (Grade 1)." A magic box appeared; it spun around clockwise for a few seconds before the top opened, launching the three-headed Cerberus in clown make-up out with loads of confetti pouring out with it. The Cerberus wasn't very big and each head had the same purple top hat and red swirls on their cheeks. "And now to entertain the crowd with an attack by Nightmare Mage. Boosted by Confetti Cerberus, Mage will go after your Dracorazor." The boy tapped his boosting rear-guard and vanguard, sending them after Kirito's vanguard.

(The Underworld Tamer, Nightmare Mage Power: 14000 - Steamvisor, Dracorazor Power: 8000)

"And only as the vanguard, Nightmare Mage allows me to Soul Charge one card, and if it's a trigger unit, I draw a card." On the surface of Cray, four miniature goblins with drumkits performed a drumroll for Nightmare Mage; the vanguard itself had a small box appear in its hands and it was thrown into the air. All of the units watched the box hover, and about five feet in the air, it popped open in a pink cloud of smoke. Within was a Leopard in a circus performance top. Shinichi, in the real world, proceeded to putting another card from his deck into the soul, he smiled as he revealed the card right before sending it to the soul. "Lucky me. A draw trigger: Lone Act Leopard (Grade 0, Trigger: Draw)!" The blonde-haired boy exclaimed, then drew a card.

(Getting a draw from a draw trigger WITHOUT it being from a drive check? Yeah, I'd say it is.) The top end of the wand Nightmare Mage swung emitted a white sparkle. It changed into a fireball and the demon magician launched it at Dracorazor. "I'll let it through." Kirito decided. The blonde boy hummed. "Hmm. Drive check." He revealed the top card: The Underworld Tamed, Hoop Monkey (Grade 1). Luckily for Kirito, it wasn't a trigger. Kirito upon taking the hit, placed the top card of his deck into the damage zone: Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight (Grade 3, Marker: Force). "You may just regret that later~" The boy practically sung the words out; Kirito groaned to it. "When the attack hits that Confetti Cerberus boosted, I send it to the soul to draw a card. "He slid his rear-guard into the soul and then drew a card. "And my turn ends there."

(What the heck? He turned seven hand cards and one soul card into eight hand cards and four soul cards with minimal effort. He is good. Now I understand the calm smiling, but it still ticks me off.) "He's starting off strong. We should probably tread carefully." Clockwork warned, but Kirito shook his head in disagreement. "I'm thinking of pushing down his defenses. Nightmare Mage's base power is weaker than my Dracorazor, so maybe I can push in some damage with hard-hitting attacks. Hopefully I'll manage." He replied quietly. "But-" Clockwork tried to call out, being cut off by Kirito's turn starting.

(Turn 3 Start: Kirito, Hand: 6, Damage: 1, Soul: 1, Bind: 1)

"Draw!" Kirito started his turn with a strong draw, probably a bit dramatically than needed: Steamvisor, Dracobouncer (Grade 1). "I ride! Steamvisor, Dracosword (Grade 2)!" The former vanguard vanished in a bright light, reforming as the new one. Dracosword raised its blade in the air, then slowly lowered it, pointed it menacingly towards Nightmare Mage. "Then I call! Steamvisor, Dracowarp (Grade 1), Steamvisor, Dracoaxe (Grade 2), and Steamvisor, Dracolancet (Grade 2)!" In order; the Dracowarp appeared in the center back-row circle, Dracoaxe appeared in the left front-row circle, and Dracolancet appeared on the right front-row circle. "Dracolancet's skill. Only as a rear-guard, when placed from my hand and by paying with one soul blast, I can call a card from my bind zone to the back-row behind him." Kirito took the Dracorazor in his soul and sent it to the drop zone. "The only card in my bind zone is Dracogauntlet, so you know who's coming." He took the Dracogauntlet from the bind zone and placed it on the open rear-guard circle behind Dracolancet. The boy continued to smile, seemingly unfazed by Kirito's plays. His eyes gave the look of reading the actions Kirito was making carefully. "Now, to battle, my comrades! Dracosword, with support by Warp, attacks the vanguard! And by paying with a single counter blast and binding a unit with "Steamvisor" in its name from my drop zone, Dracosword gets that units power and if the attack hits, I draw a card." Little particles of light gathered into Dracosword's blade, heightening its power. When the gathering stopped, Dracosword lunged towards Nightmare Mage.

(Steamvisor, Dracosword Power: 25000 power - The Underworld Tamer, Nightmare Mage Power: 7000 power)

"No guard." The boy said. (No guard? With a hand like that, he could stop it most likely. I'm not complaining, though.) "Drive check." His revealed card was: Steamvisor, Dracodriver (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical). "Sweet. A trigger. The power goes to Dracoaxe. Critical to the vanguard." Dracosword swung its sword, slashing Nightmare Mage successfully. The boy silently checked for damage, revealing no trigger: The Underworld Tamed, Burning Leo (Grade 2) and The Underworld Tamer, Nemu, the Wondrous Trapezist (Grade 1). "Dracowarp has its skill, now. When the attack hits that this card either attacks or boosted, I retire it, draw two cards and choose a card from hand and bind it." He sent the Dracowarp under his vanguard to the drop zone and drew two cards: Steamvisor, Dracomallet (Grade 0, Trigger: Heal) and Steamvisor, Dracodriver (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical). My card of choice to bind is Steamvisor, Dracobouncer (Grade 1)." He announced, placing the named card from his hand into the bind zone. "Dracosword also draws me a card since his attack hit." He reminded, drawing a card. Steamvisor, Dracostead (Grade 3).

"Next up is Steamvisor, Dracoaxe (Grade 2). Go after the vanguard!" Dracoaxe raised its axe, then threw it down. The crash created a shockwave that rushed right towards Nightmare Mage. "And Dracoaxe skill allows me to bind another unit from my drop zone to give him 3000 power." He bound the Warp in the drop zone.

(Steamvisor, Dracoaxe Power: 23000 power - The Underworld Tamer, Nightmare Mage Power: 7000 power)

The boy silently took another damage: The Underworld Tamed, Beastial Cannon Dragon (Grade 3). "And last is my Dracolancet. Boosted by Dracogauntlet, Dracolancet attacks."

(Steamvisor, Dracolancet Power: 26000 power - The Underworld Tamer, Nightmare Mage Power: 7000 power)

"So that's how they work." The boy said aloud, a hand under his chin giving an inquisitive gaze at Kirito's cards, taking the boy by surprise. "Huh?"

"Getting effects by binding units either from hand or drop zone. I wonder how your grade 3's work, but I think I understand your deck now, for the most part. This is more or less Gear Chronicles' main playstyle to begin with. No guard." (He isn't guard any of the attacks?! Just what is he planning?) A bead of sweat slid down the right side of Kirito's head, his thirst for knowledge on the blonde boy growing in him. The other stared back, as if seeing that very feeling in Kirito reflecting in his iris'. Like a predator giving its prey a stare that only makes the prey wonder what the predator's next move will be.

"The presence this guy holds…" Hanzo's eyes squinted as he watched the blonde-haired boy, and a subtle smile formed on his face. "The height. The voice. The deck. How can nobody tell it's him…? Probably the haircut." He thought.

Dracolancet jabbed Nightmare Mage with its lance, and the boy took his damage, only this time, it was a trigger: One Who Extends the Fun, Miki (Grade 0, Trigger: Heal). "Oh. A heal trigger~" The boy waved the card, saying the words almost intentionally taunting his opponent before placing it in the damage zone and sending the uppermost card to the drop zone: The Underworld Tamed, Burning Leo (Grade 2). "(Argh…! Dang it!) Sending Dracogauntlet to the soul due to Dracolancet's skill, my turn ends." Kirito scowled but hid it from the blonde-haired boy by looking down at the cards in his hand. Seeing his foul mood, Clockwork appeared. "Don't beat yourself up, Kirito. You managed to get ahead." Clockwork attempted to cheer Kirito up, only he wasn't seeing it the same way. In a whisper, he replied "I only got ahead because he let me. He didn't make me play through any defenses."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Kirito shook his head. "No. That's like giving your enemy a present in their base with no back-up. He's got something planned." Looking back to the boy, he thought: (Or maybe he doesn't have that good a hand, but is trying to catch me off-guard to not notice it. Maybe I should've saved my full-force attack when I got into Geaross. That way, I could've used Bouncer offensively.)

"No, it would not." The boy said abruptly, taking Kirito out of his thoughts. "A full-frontal attack wouldn't have worked later. I know." (How the hell…?! What the hell is this guy?!) His eyes widened, shocked by the boy's comment. He, meanwhile, started his turn by untapping his vanguard, then drew his card.

(Turn 4 Start: Blonde-haired Boy, Hand: 9, Damage: 3, Soul: 3)

"Draw." He smiled at the drawn card, the same sickening smile Kirito was getting tired of. "I am able to read your face, you know. Newer player's are easy, to pick apart their confidence - and their fears. But if you are not having fun, then a cardfight is not worth having. When I'm winning or when I'm losing, I always do so with a smile!" The boy told Kirito, baffling him. "Fun?"

"Yes. And now, I bring about the second act! A rising star in the making! I ride, Shining Star, Alma, the Underworld Tamer (Grade 2)!" A top hat hovered over Nightmare Mage, then it dropped down, hiding the mage inside. Momentarily, it rose back up, revealing the new vanguard. Alma took hold of the top hat, did a bow, and blew a kiss at Kirito to which he denied. "Worry not, for as a vanguard, she doesn't do anything. There is still a benefit to her being one, though."

"Like what?"

"You'll see. Now, to attack your vanguard with her." He tapped Alma. She took the top hat, threw it and from the rims appeared sharp knives.

(Shining Star, Alma, the Underworld Tamer Power: 9000 - Steamvisor, Dracosword Power: 10000)

"I think he's hoping for a trigger. If he wanted to push for victory, he would call cards from his hand, but since he hasn't..." Kari said, looking at her father. He, however, shook his head. "No. He's not aiming for that. Not right now." He responded. "How can you tell?"

"With a lower base power and no rear-guards? He has to be alluding to something big. And if I know that deck the way I do, I have a feeling this cardfight may be over sooner than later."

At this point, more spectating people showed up from upstairs, a couple more customers entered the shop.

"(This arrogant guy is confident he'll get a trigger. I'm sure of it. But even then, I'm sure I can take one hit if it goes through.) No guard." Kirito declared. "Okay. Drive check." Slowly the blonde-haired boy flipped the card over, the anticipation of what it could be gaining on everyone who watched; the boy kept smiling, though. The top card of the deck finally turned over completely: Baton-Twirling Entertainer (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical). "Ah! A trigger!" Clockwork cried. Kirito groaned. "My! I sure do like my luck. All effects to Alma." The boy said, tapping the drawn trigger card on his vanguard. The hat grew from the increase in power, overwhelming Dracosword as it rammed into him. "Rgh… Damage check…" Kirito flipped his top deck card: Steamvisor, Dracofix-it (Grade 1) and Steamvisor, Dracoguard (Grade 1, Sentinel). "Dang it…!"

"I'm sure you weren't expecting that, were you?" The boy asked Kirito. "Vanguard is a game of skill AND luck. You raise your skill in cardfighting by fighting many skilled players and collecting cards that synergize with your deck's playstyle. But you're never guaranteed victory on that alone, which is why luck is a big factor, too, and that luck a cardfighter can have is what makes the game so much fun. The thrill of the unknown as a mere flipping the top card of your deck fills the crowd with anticipation! Whether it is a strong bout between two fighters, or atop a stage with a cheering audience! It is a true pleaser to one's soul!" The boy spread his arms. "And that is what gets a crowd roaring! The excitement of the unanticipated! The turn of a card determining the victor! That adrenaline fuels the entertainer in me!" He continued to ramble, but as he spoke Kari's eyes widened. "WAIT A SECOND! I know who you are, now!" She cried, pointing to the boy. "You're Shinichi Kagamine! The circus entertainer of the Dark Zone Branch!" Nearly everyone was shocked to hear her say that, including Kirito. Hanzo kept his smile and the blonde-haired boy began to laugh. "You… You are him, right?" Kirito asked. The boy, upon calming down, answered "Yes. It is I, Shinichi Kagamine of the Dark Zone Circus! Pleased to introduce myself."

"So that's why he uses Pale Moon." Clockwork said, making Kirito look to him with a hum. "Pale Moon is a Dark Zone clan known to be full of circus performers. 'The Underworld Tamers' are the leading actors who control the actions of their companions, 'The Underworld Tamed'. Some of them only work with another card with a specific name, but from what I heard about them on our home world, they are pretty powerful." Clockwork explained. Kirito then looked to Shinichi's field, a growing worry building in him. (Then, that must be why he played Alma as the vanguard; he is building up to something. And I can only expect it to be something powerful.)

"If I remember correctly, you are the turn player, now." Shinichi stated. "I know." Kirito untapped his units, then proceeded to draw his card for the turn

(Turn 5 Start: Kirito, Hand: 7, Damage: 3, Soul: 2 , Bind: 3)

"Draw: Interdimensional Dragon, Steamvisor Draco-Titan (Grade 4)." (With Geaross and Dracostead I could push for a power play this turn, but he said it wouldn't work. He was so sure of himself when not guarding any of my attacks, and then didn't play any rear-guards the following turn. Maybe he has what he needs, but is adamant in not throwing it away by guarding.) Kirito stared at the cards in Shinichi's hand, there being nine cards. (If his hand is that good, then maybe I can force it down to a disadvantageous state for him.) "It's time to seize the possibility for a future victory! With the future possibility to win in my grasp, I am counting on you to make that future a reality! I ride! Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight (Grade 3, Marker: Force)!" He slammed down his new vanguard. The former vanguard morphed into an orb of light, changing its shape until it resembled that of Geaross, then the light vanished, revealing the large brownish-orange armored dragon. "Then I'll get my Force 1 Gift Marker." As if appearing out of thin air, the Imaginary Gift card spun in the air in front of Kirito. Upon catching it, he slid it under his vanguard. "And now for Geaross' skill! Open the gateway to victory! Travel to the future and bring back a being of immense power!" Kirito slammed the Interdimensional Dragon, Steamvisor Draco-Titan (Grade 4) from his hand into the drop zone. "By discarding one or more cards with the total number in their grades being 3 or more, I can superior ride a grade 4 unit from my deck!" Changing back into an orb of light, Geaross morphed into an even larger being. The orb of light dissipated, revealing Interdimensional Dragon, Mystery-flare Dragon (Grade 4).

Shinichi, in the form of Alma, gazed up at Mystery-flare with a nonchalant look, if not unusually calm. "Mystery-flare Dragon. Interesting choice to have in a deck like his." Hanzo commented, stroking his hairless chin. "But he doesn't have a high enough grade number to do anything significant with it."

"With Geaross' skill, when rode upon, by binding a card from my hand" He bound the Steamvisor, Dracostead (Grade 3) in his hand. "The vanguard gets the power of the bound unit. Then, if four or more cards are in the bind zone, it gets another drive check." Kirito finished explaining. "Interesting..." Shinichi's smile widened somewhat.

"Mystery-flare's skill allows it to get an additional drive check as well since the total grade number in the bind zone is or exceeds 3. And it's 6, but that means it will only get that and not it's other three abilities." Hanzo also clarified to which Kirito nodded. "Correct. I also use Steamvisor, Dracobouncer (Grade 1) from the bind zone! When another card with the Steamvisor name is bound while Bouncer is bound, by soul blasting a card, I call it to an open rear-guard circle!" Kirito paid the soul blast by using the Dracogauntlet in the soul, sending it to the drop zone. Behind Dracolancet appeared a gear-shaped warp hole, and leaping through was Dracobouncer behind it's companion. "Then I use Dracobouncer's skill on the rear-guard circle! I bind two Steamvisors from my drop zone" Choosing Steamvisor, Dracogauntlet (Grade 2) and Interdimensional Dragon, Steamvisor Draco-Titan (Grade 4) from his drop zone, he bound them. "Choose one card from my bind zone, put it at the bottom of my deck and draw a card." He chose the Interdimensional Dragon, Steamvisor Draco-Titan (Grade 4) in his bind zone, sent it to the deck and drew a card. Steamvisor, Draconut (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical, Sentinel)

Now to the Battle Phase!" The crowd of customers on the upper level whispered among each other, mostly on Kirito's Steamvisor's. Another person entered the building, a lone red-haired girl in a green shirt, silently trudging to the ledge to watch the cardfight, a plain expression made-up her demeanor. "Oh, it's you." Kari noted. The girl nodded. "Got a new player in. Here to stay?"

"...Might as well."

"Mystery-flare, attack Alma!" Kirito tapped his vanguard as he made the order. From the wings on Mystery-flare's back, hundreds of missiles launched out, all directed towards Alma.

(Interdimensional Dragon, Mystery-flare Dragon Power: 38000 - Shining Star, Alma, the Underworld Tamer Power: 9000)

Shinichi looked at his hand, in turn, Kirito stared at him in anticipation. (If he's certain that his hand isn't good, he will guard, I'm sure of it.) "No guard." Shinichi decided, surprising Kirito. With a scowl on his face, he went on to his drive checks. "First check: Steamvisor, Dracorocket (Grade 2). Second check: Steamvisor, Dracowarp (Grade 1). Third check: Steamvisor, Dracorazor (Grade 1)." (Not one trigger?!) He hesitated on the last check, his hand noticeably trembling. Taking a gulp, Kirito turned the last card: Steamvisor, Dracostead (Grade 3). "No..." The missiles hit Alma, making a big explosion. As the smoke cleared, Alma rose, but clearly limping in pain. Despite that, a smile drew on her, as it did on Shinichi.

"Damage check." Shinichi flipped his top deck card, but not hitting a trigger either: The Underworld Tamer Assistant, Reas (Grade 2). "My, that is truly unfortunate, but this happens every now and then. But not bummed out over it." Shinichi remarked; a scowl formed on Kirito due to it.

"And it was four drive checks, too. That will make anyone salty." Kari chimed, her posture seeming to give off a bored or laid-back impression; one hand flat on her right cheek as it holds her head in place. "Argh. Dracolancet attacks next, supported by Dracobouncer." He tapped his left rear-guards. Dracolancet's body shimmered by the support of his booster, then took his lance in a throwing position and launched it at Alma.

(Steamvisor, Dracolancet Power: 18000 - Shining Star, Alma, the Underworld Tamer Power: 9000)

Blocking the attack was another female unit in a blue leotard. "Guard with The Underworld Tamer, Nemu, the Wondrous Trapezist (Grade 1)." Shinichi finally threw down a card onto the guardian circle.

(Steamvisor, Dracolancet Power: 8000 - Shining Star, Alma, the Underworld Tamer Power: 9000)

(Now he guards?! Does he know what I'm going to do or how to counter my deck? He's so unpredictable.) "Dracoaxe will attack last. Due to there being no cards in my drop zone, Dracoaxe won't use his skill." Dracoaxe lifted its axe up, and then threw it down on Alma.

(Steamvisor, Dracoaxe Power: 10000 - Shining Star, Alma, the Underworld Tamer Power: 9000)

"The Underworld Tamed, Hoop Monkey (Grade 1), guard." Another card was placed on the guardian circle. This time a monkey with a circular ring blocked the attack with the ring.

(Steamvisor, Dracoaxe Power: 5000 - Shining Star, Alma, the Underworld Tamer Power: 9000)

"...I retire Mystery-flare from the vanguard circle to ride Geaross from the soul in the rest position. My turn is then done…" Kirito sent Mystery-flare Dragon to the drop zone. "Kirito, you get another Force 1 Marker from that." Clockwork reminded Kirito, surprising him. "I can?"

"Yes, because re-riding into Geaross is considered a superior ride as well, and Geaross has its Force icon."

"Oh, neat." Kirito acquired his second Imaginary Gift, but as he was about to activate it, Clockwork stopped him. "Hold on, Kirito. Don't use it on the vanguard."

"Why not?"

"Everything that Shinichi does throws me off time and time again. I'm sure it does so for you, too. So try to watch his plays and on your next turn, then you can make a much bigger push with your units. Put the Force Marker under..." Kirito held the card over his vanguard, but slowly moved it away towards Dracoaxe, seeing Clockwork's reasoning. "Here." He slid the card under Dracoaxe. "Not Dracolancet?"

"No, while you're right that he could throw anything at us, and thus powering up a rear-guard makes sense, the Steamvisors seem to have multiple ways of filling the board. I'll try not to move too hastily." He replied, making Clockwork smile cheerfully.

"That was quite intriguing, indeed. I'm having lots of fun facing these 'Steamvisors', and surely the crowd is enjoying a wondrous match." Shinichi raised his hands towards the customers that surrounded them, who then started happily screaming. Kirito looked to them, not exactly sharing the same enthusiasm they or Shinichi had, but a welling joy did fill him, easing his mood. Up until now, he'd never experienced something like this, and it was evident in his eyes; Hanzo could tell. "But now, the real show can truly begin. Stand and draw." Shinichi untapped his vanguard and drew a card. A growing dreaded feeling began to swell in Kirito, awaiting what will be coming from next turn.

(Cardfight Vanguard: TimeXross)

(Turn 6 Start: Shinichi, Hand: 8, Damage: 3, Soul: 4)

He took a different card in his hand and held it to his face. "It's him." Hanzo and Kari said in unison. Kirito and Clockwork glanced at them, then to Shinichi when he began speaking. "The lights now shine upon you. The crowd roars your name, your supporting cast awaits your big entrance. The stage is set for the leading act of the show!" He spun the card in the air, catching it with the front facing Kirito. "Say it with me, everyone!" He raised the card in the air. Together with him, except Kirito and Clockwork, introduced the card. "Ride, Spectacular Leading Performer, Algos, the Underworld Tamer (Grade 3, Marker: Accel)!" Alma jumped up to the hole in the ceiling of the ruins, where the moon's light shone through. From outside, she zipped into the purple top hat she wore; the hat descended from the hole, and before it touched the floor, the new vanguard shot out of the hat. Algos took the top hat, gave a bow, and put the hat on his head. "Acquire! Accel 2!" Shinichi took his Accel 2 Imaginary Gift and placed it in an area slightly above his right rear-guard circle. "And I draw because it's Accel 2." (So that's how Accel 2 works...)

"Now, tell me; how do you change five empty rear-guard circles into five rear-guards without calling a single card from the hand?" Shinichi asked Kirito, confusing him with it. "I… I don't know…"

"Well, I'll show you. Alma, start the act! By paying a single counter blast, I can call her to an Accel Marker rear-guard circle from my soul, and she gets +6000 power for the turn." He took Alma from his soul and placed her on the Accel Marker. "And with her second skill, once per turn, if my soul has ten or less cards, I can choose two normal units from my drop zone and put them into my soul." He took Nemu and Hoop Monkey from the drop zone and sent them to the soul. "When Nemu is put into the soul from the drop zone and Hoop Monkey is in the soul with her, I can pay a counter blast to call both to rear-guard circles in the same column. And they get 5000 power until the end of this turn." He slid the two units onto the right normal rear-guard circles, then flipped a second damage face-down. (Uh...) "When placed by the effect of Nemu, Hoop Monkey allows me to soul charge 3 cards, then, if Algos is my vanguard, I can counter charge 1 card as well." Shinichi put the top three cards of his deck into the soul and un-flipped the second damage card. A grin formed onto Shinichi upon looking at the three soul charged cards; Kirito's unease resurfaced. "And the set-up is complete. Algos, your skill comes last! With a single counter blast and a discard, I can call two cards from my soul to two rear-guard circles in the same column." He took out The Underworld Tamer, Joy Doreen (Grade 3) and The Underworld Tamed, Beastial Cannon Dragon (Grade 3) from his soul; Doreen in the front, Cannon Dragon in the back, while using the Quick Shield Ticket from his hand for the discard cost. "If two units are called, the called units get 5000 power and must be played in the same column, and if both called units are of the same grade, the one in the back-row can 'boost'." Shinichi explained, shocking Kirito and Clockwork Dracokid. "What?!" They exclaimed.

"With only one card used from his hand and two counter blasts, he managed to make almost a full board. That's the power of Pale Moon; they're able to use the soul like a second hand, or deck, even." Hanzo said in a serious tone. Kari followed up with "And he doesn't just have four attacks with this set-up. New players aren't the only ones off-put by a play this meticulous."

"That looks bad…" Clockwork whimpered slightly; Kirito nodded in agreement. "Now on to my Battle Phase. Joy Doreen, boosted by Beastial Cannon Dragon, attacks Geaross!" Joy Doreen took the whip in her hands and whipped it at Geaross multiple times.

(The Underworld Tamer, Joy Doreen Power: 34000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 13000)

"Guard the early attacks, Kirito! If he pulls triggers on his vanguard's attack, it will be harder to guard later!" Clockwork Dracokid yelled. "I hear you! Guard, with Steamvisor, Draconut (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical, Sentinel)!"

(The Underworld Tamer, Joy Doreen Power: 4000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 13000)

"Not bad, Shinichi."

"You have my thanks, but the praise is too early; the act extends further than that! After the battle that Joy Doreen attacked a vanguard, if boosted by a grade 3, I put her and the boosting unit into the soul to call a grade 2 or less from my soul to an open rear-guard circle, along with giving it +4000 power." He slid the two left column rear-guards into the soul, then brought out a different card. Joy Doreen and Cannon Dragon were sucked into Algos' hat. He then held it behind him, shooting out a black box. "From my soul, I call The Underworld Tamer Assistant, Reas (Grade 2) to the rear-guard circle behind my vanguard." The box opened up, releasing the demoness in the air. She gracefully landed, spreading her arms out in a victorious pose. "And when she is placed from my hand or called from the soul under my vanguard, and if that vanguard happens to be Algos, she can boost." (What?! How many of these grade 2 and higher cards boost in this deck?!) "Ah, but the surprises aren't done yet. Beastial Cannon Dragon's skill goes live when sent to the soul by a grade 3. I can call a grade 2 or less from my soul to an open rear-guard circle and give it 4000 power, just like Joy Doreen." Shinichi pulled another card from the soul to the empty front-row rear-guard circle that Joy Doreen previously occupied. "Let me introduce you to Ball-Bouncing Elephant, the Underworld Tamed (Grade 2)." Like with Reas, Algos took his hat off and out shot a black box just a few feet in front of him. From the box emerged an ivory elephant and then a deflated ball. The ball inflated before the elephant could landed, balancing itself atop the ball. "Ball-Bouncing Elephant attacks your vanguard!" The elephant bounced off the ball towards Geaross.

(Ball-Bouncing Elephant, the Underworld Tamed Power: 13000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 13000)

"Intercept with Dracolancet!"

(Ball-Bouncing Elephant, the Underworld Tamed Power: 8000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 13000)

Kirito slid his right rear-guard in the guardian circle, then to the drop zone. "Sending Elephant back to the soul with it's skill, I attack Geaross with Algos, boosted by Reas!" Shinichi announced, tapping his vanguard and boosting rear-guard. Reas and Algos glowed, and from Algos' hat were energy particles forming inside it, soon becoming an orb of energy, shooting right at Geaross.

(Spectacular Leading Performer, Algos, the Underworld Tamer Power: 25000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 13000)

"No guard." Kirito decided, wiping some sweat on his head off. Shinichi responded with a cheery hum. "Now for the twin drive. First check: Baton-Twirling Entertainer (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical). OH! Very nice!" Shinichi teased. "Critical to the vanguard, power to Alma. Second check: Colorful Charmer (Grade 0, Trigger: Front). Oh, look: another trigger, and it's a front trigger~!"

"Front trigger?"

"As the name suggests: a front trigger gives the entire front-row 10000 power instead of only one unit of your choice." Hanzo explained. "(The entire front-row?! You can't be serious...) Rgh… Damage check: Steamvisor, Dracolancet (Grade 2) and Steamvisor, Dracofix-it (Grade 1)." Kirito grunted at his reveal. "You better start guarding because these last two attacks may conclude the show if you don't. And I wish to appease the fans for a little longer. "Shinichi told Kirito almost teasingly. "You…"

"Alma attacks your vanguard next." Tapping the rear-guard in the Accel 2 circle, Alma jumped in the air and dove in at Geaross.

(Shining Star, Alma, the Underworld Tamer Power: 35000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 13000)

"Guarding with Steamvisor, Dracodriver (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical)! Two of them!"

(Shining Star, Alma, the Underworld Tamer Power: 5000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 13000)

"Oh? Then boosted by Hoop Monkey, Nemu will be the last attacker! On to his vanguard!" Shinichi tapped his remaining two rear-guards.

(The Underworld Tamer, Nemu, the Wondrous Trapezist Power: 34000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 13000)

"Guard with Steamvisor, Dracomallet (Grade 0, Trigger: Heal) and Steamvisor, Dracorazor (Grade 1)!"

(The Underworld Tamer, Nemu, the Wondrous Trapezist Power: 4000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 13000)

Clockwork, Hanzo and Kirito sighed with relief; Shinichi merely huffed. "During the End Phase of this turn, I must send Reas back to the soul, but with a wonderful surprise: a free soul charge." He took the top card of his deck and put it in the soul. "And that will conclude my turn." As Kirito proceeded to untap his two remaining units, he and Shinichi glared at each other, Kirito did so viciously and Shinichi with glee. "Are you having fun…?" Shinichi asked. Kirito paused, unsure how to answer, his eyes shifted to the floor below him. (I don't know… I feel more stressed out now than I did against that man, but at the same time… It is exhilarating. I think... I'm having the time of my life.) Closing his eyes, Kirito nodded. "Yeah. I guess I am."

"Really? But you've been looking so frustrated the whole time." Clockwork reminded him. "True, but the longer the fight goes on, the more I feel a sense of excitement I have never felt before. Whether I win, which I aim to do, or if I lose, at least this match will have left a lasting impression on me." Clockwork, Hanzo, Kari, and even Shinichi nodded to his words.

(Turn 7 Start: Kirito, Hand: 5, Damage: 5, Soul: 2, Bind: 4)

"Now I draw: Steamvisor, Dracorazor (Grade 1)! Then I call Steamvisor, Dracowarp (Grade 1) and Steamvisor, Dracorocket (Grade 2)!" He played the Dracowarp on the left rear-guard circle, behind Dracoaxe, and Dracorocket in the right front-row rear-guard circle above Dracobouncer. "I won't use Dracorocket's skill this time, but I will use the Dracobouncer. Choosing the Dracolancet and Dracorazor in my drop zone, I bind them, choose a card in my bind zone to place at the bottom of my deck and draw a card." He did the procedure just as he explained, choosing the newly bound Dracolancet to put in his deck, and his draw being: Steamvisor, Dracosword (Grade 2). On top of that, Dracorocket's second skill activates! When two or more units are bound this turn while I have a 'Geaross' as my vanguard or in my soul, I send one of your grade 2 or less rear-guards to the bottom of the deck. So, Alma, you're gone!"

With Alma being her primary target, Dracorocket took aim at the cringing demoness, and fired a missile at it, shouting: "Bombs away!" The demoness took the hit, fading into sparkly particles, whereas Shinichi slid the card version into his deck. For the first time in the entire match, Shinichi flinched when he sent her away.

"Now on to Geaross' superior ride skill!" Taking the Steamvisor, Dracostead (Grade 3) in his hand, he placed it in the drop zone. "Open the gateway to victory once more! Change into an even bigger being and lead me to victory! Superior Ride! Interdimensional Dragon, Mystery-flare Dragon (Grade 4), again!"

"He's going for this play again?" Kari asked. Hanzo chuckled to it. "Yes, but this time, he can fulfill another of Mystery-flare's other conditions."

"By binding a card from my hand," He bound the Dracosword in his hand. "Mystery-flare gets that card's power, and with four or more cards in the bind zone, currently there are six, it gets another drive check. And with the total grade number in my bind zone being 10, Mystery-flare gets another drive check AND an additional critical."

"That makes four drive checks, again." Clockwork chimed. "Yes, and now, Dracoaxe will attack first, boosted by Dracowarp!" He tapped Dracoaxe and Dracowarp. It raised it's axe, then threw it down at Algos, the shockwave hurling his way. "I'm sending him after the vanguard! And by binding a card from my drop zone," He bound the Dracostead in his drop zone. "He gets +3000 power!"

(Steamvisor, Dracoaxe Power: 31000 power - Spectacular Leading Performer, Algos, the Underworld Tamer Power: 12000)

"Guard with One Who Extends the Fun, Miki (Grade 0, Trigger: Heal)." Shinichi threw a card down on the guardian circle.

(Steamvisor, Dracoaxe Power: 11000 power - Spectacular Leading Performer, Algos, the Underworld Tamer Power: 12000)

"Okay, then. With four drive checks and double critical, Mystery-flare attacks the vanguard!" Kirito tapped Mystery-flare.

(Interdimensional Dragon, Mystery-flare Dragon Power: 35000 power - Spectacular Leading Performer, Algos, the Underworld Tamer Power: 12000)

"Nullify with Hades Hypnotist (Grade 0, Trigger: Draw, Sentinel)! I discard The Underworld Tamed, Beastial Cannon Dragon (Grade 3) to stop your attack."

(Even draw triggers can be sentinels?) Taken by surprise, Kirito went on to his drive checks. First was Steamvisor, Dracosaw (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical); second was Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight (Grade 3, Marker: Force); third was Steamvisor, Dracowrench (Grade 0, Trigger: Draw); and last was Steamvisor, Dracogauntlet (Grade 2). "All trigger effects from each trigger to Dracorocket, and with support from Dracobouncer, she attacks your vanguard!"

(Steamvisor, Dracorocket Power: 38000 power - Spectacular Leading Performer, Algos, the Underworld Tamer Power: 12000)

"Baton-Twirling Entertainer (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical) and Colorful Charmer (Grade 0, Trigger: Front), guard me from their assault." Shinichi guarded once again.

(Steamvisor, Dracorocket Power: 8000 power - Spectacular Leading Performer, Algos, the Underworld Tamer Power: 12000)

(He guarded all of my attacks… But his hand is really small. My hand size is somewhat assuring, but he's going to set-up for a flurry of attacks. Hopefully this is enough.) Re-riding into Geaross and getting his third Force 1 Marker, Kirito slid it under the vanguard, then gestured for his turn to end, but in the process of that... "Don't look so comfortable, yet. This match is just about over." Kirito flinched hearing that from Shinichi. "What do you mean?"

"You did well making it this far, but the show must have its conclusion and the curtains pulled down." There was a bit of a dark tone to his voice; not anything sinister or evil, though more chilling like passing on a premonition of misfortune. His head was down, though not for long. "Algos, lead us to the final act! Final turn!" He announced. "Final turn!?" Everyone else exclaimed. (Final turn?! What does that mean?!)

(Turn 8 Start: Shinichi, Hand: 4, Damage: 3, Soul: 6)

"Stand and draw!" He untapped his units and drew a card. "Ah. Nice of you to reappear!" He said raising the card up. "I re-ride, Spectacular Leading Performer, Algos, the Underworld Tamer (Grade 3, Marker: Accel)!" He rode the same unit atop his vanguard. Algos spun moderately fast in a sea of light particles for a couple seconds. When the lights began to fade, he came out relatively unchanged. "And here is my Accel 2 Marker!" Getting his second Accel 2 Marker, he immediately activated it slightly above the left rear-guard circle. "Call! Shining Star, Alma, the Underworld Tamer (Grade 2)!" He placed the unit onto the first Accel 2 Marker from his hand. "Now for her skill, to place two cards from my drop zone into the soul." He took The Underworld Tamed, Burning Leo (Grade 2) and The Underworld Tamed, Beastial Cannon Dragon (Grade 3) from the drop zone and slid them in the soul. "Algos, you next. With a single discard and a counter blast, I call two cards from my soul!" He discarded his Lone Act Leopard (Grade 0, Trigger: Draw), and turned a damage card face down. "I call Joy Doreen and Beastial Cannon Dragon, again." In the two left open rear-guard circles, Algos aimed his hat and shot out the two units onto the field. "Like before, they get +5000 power and Beastial Cannon Dragon can boost."

(Here we go again.) Kirito began to sweat once more; Shinichi took note of it. "But that's not all. Not at all. Using Confetti Cerberus' skill from the soul," Shinichi slid the Confetti Cerberus in the soul to the drop zone. (There are cards that can use their effects from the soul?!)

"Yes, my opponent. My deck can use effects from the soul as well." Reading his face, Shinichi clarified to Kirito, getting another flinch from him. "As I was saying, by sending Cerberus to the drop zone, I can call a grade 2 or less from the soul and give it +6000 power. And that unit will be Ball-Bouncing Elephant, the Underworld Tamed (Grade 2)." He took the two cards, one placed into the drop zone; the other onto the new acquired rear-guard circle. (Okay, okay. Just... stay calm... Just a repeat of his previous turn...)

"Now to the Battle Phase. First will be Ball-Bouncing Elephant! To the vanguard!"

(Ball-Bouncing Elephant, the Underworld Tamed Power: 20000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 13000)

"Guard with Steamvisor, Dracosaw (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical)!"

(Ball-Bouncing Elephant, the Underworld Tamed Power: 5000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 13000)

"I put the Ball-Bouncing Elephant into soul by it's own ability. Then, Joy Doreen, boosted by Beastial Cannon Dragon, attacks his vanguard." He tapped his left rear-guards, sending them after Geaross.

(The Underworld Tamer, Joy Doreen Power: 34000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 13000)

"Guarding with Dracosaw and Dracorazor!"

(The Underworld Tamer, Joy Doreen Power: 9000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 13000)

"Hmm. Sending them back to the soul, from Joy Doreen, I call an The Underworld Tamed, Burning Leo (Grade 2) from my soul, and with Beastial Cannon Dragon, I call Ball-Bouncing Elephant again." He slid his tapped rear-guards into the soul and called the first unit onto the second Accel 2 Marker, and the other on the left front-row circle. "When Burning Leo is called from the soul to an Accel Marker, I can choose two cards from my drop zone, send them to the soul," He took Hades Hypnotist (Grade 0, Trigger: Draw, Sentinel) and The Underworld Tamed, Confetti Cerberus (Grade 1) and sent them to the soul. "and if they have different grades, I can soul blast 1 to counter charge 1." After soul blasting a card, he turned a damage card face up. "Nemu, boosted by Hoop Monkey, attacks next."

(The Underworld Tamer, Nemu, the Wondrous Trapezist Power: 14000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 13000)

"Intercept with Dracoaxe." Kirito slid his rear-guard to the guardian circle.

(The Underworld Tamer, Nemu, the Wondrous Trapezist Power: 9000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 13000)

(Damn... I only have 20000 worth of shield among all my cards left, and he still has another four attacks, with only one of them needing to hit me... This isn't enough to guard against everything. I might just be done for.) "I could send my rear-guards to deliver the ending attack, but that wouldn't be pleasing to the viewers." Shinichi told Kirito with a gleeful smile, one that received another scowl from him. Clockwork noticeably whimpered, and everyone else silently leaned forward. "Now, my vanguard, with the finishing act upon us, the curtain closing performance, deliver us a grand finale worth viewing! Attack! Send the finishing blow upon him!" Four spotlights operated by miniature Nightmare Mages, switched on one by one, pointing their glow on Algos. He took his hat off, tossed it in the air and caught it, pointing the inside towards Geaross as said inside began to glow a red hue. In moments the red glow shot out a large beam. (Here it comes! I can guard this, but whatever triggers he gets will finish me for certain! Defend, or should I hope for heal triggers? I guess...)

(Spectacular Leading Performer, Algos, the Underworld Tamer Power: 12000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 13000)

"...No guard."

"Hmm? Are you sure? You may still check a heal trigger, or I might not check anything on this attack, thus it won't hit."

"But even if that were the case, my worries would be on the rear-guards, and admittedly, I don't enough to stop all of their attacks. It all comes down what happens here."

"I see, I see. Too bad, though. It was a really good game, too. More enjoyable than I originally anticipated." Shinichi said. Nodding, Kirito responded with: "You know what? It was."

"Drive check!" The first was: Colorful Charmer (Grade 0, Trigger: Front), and the second was: Baton-Twirling Entertainer (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical). "Power to Burning Leo, critical to Algos." Kirito silently looked down at his deck, a hint of sadness in his eyes from what Clockwork could see. "Kirito…"

"...Damage check." He touched the deck, but it took him a few seconds to turn the top card, but that card shocked everyone: Steamvisor, Dracomallet (Grade 0, Trigger: Heal). "Huh?"

"A-A-A heal trigger!?" Kari exclaimed. "A heal trigger!" Clockwork cheered. "He still has one more check, though. It could still be over." Hanzo pointed out. Kirito turned the second card: Steamvisor, Dracomallet (Grade 0, Trigger: Heal). (I don't believe this! What!?)

"WHA-WHA-WHA-WHA-WHAT!?" Everyone except Shinichi shouted. "Such a surprising turn of events. Lady luck has shown itself to you. But I figured this might happen, since you still had three heals in your deck left until now." He told Kirito who nodded back. (Three? Wait, he's right! The only one I used was when I guarded earlier. There wasn't another one since.) "Both of the power boosts will go to Geaross. And I heal for each trigger." He put a Geaross and Dracofix-it in his damage zone into the drop zone and replaced them with the heal triggers. "Seems my last attack will be with Burning Leo. Go after Geaross." (He wants to whittle down my hand size, here. Too bad it won't work.)

(The Underworld Tamed, Burning Leo Power: 33000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 33000)

"Steamvisor, Dracowrench (Grade 0, Trigger: Draw), guard!"

(The Underworld Tamed, Burning Leo Power: 28000 - Steamvisor, Geaross, the Interdimensional Dragon Knight Power: 33000)

"...Reas goes to the soul to soul charge 1 and that will end my turn." He slid Reas into the soul and soul charged. The boys breathed heavily, the excitement getting them going. Kirito's gaze was on Geaross, imagining him staring back; Shinichi stared at Algos, doing the same. It's as if the boys were in sync with the cards on a direct level. More people poured into the shop, drawn in to the fierce match. A young man with blue hair, his right eye partially obscured by a long bang over his face, stood in front of the shop - didn't enter, but a passing interest grew in him. He smiled warmly, a hand reaching into his right back pocket, extracting a white deckbox. "Vanguard really does bring the best of us out, huh?" The young man said to the box.

The world around Kirito turned blank white, a limbo space. Unsure if this was his imagination or he was spacing out, he looked around him; Geaross, Dracosword, Dracorocket, Dracoaxe, Dracostead, Dracoguard, Dracolancet, Dracorazor, Dracofix-it, Dracobouncer, Dracowarp, and Clockwork Dracokid surrounded him, giving him a confident nod. Kirito noticed one other behind Geaross as a silhouette, gazing down at him. "Do you… want me to use you?" The hidden being turned into a card, hovering towards Kirito to which he took hold of. "I guess it is your turn."

Back in the real world, he opened his eyes slowly. "Steamvisors, let's win this." He told his deck. He untapped his units and held the top card of his deck. "Here we go! DRAW!" The streak of light appeared again as he yanked his arm back. A small vortex blew - somehow not blowing the cards off the table. This energy, this determination. Clockwork Dracokid had only seen this once from Kirito, that being against the thug, but he knew THIS was how Kirito showed his seriousness.

(Turn 9 Start: Kirito, Hand: 4, Damage: 5, Soul: 2, Bind: 6)

He checked the card he drew: Steamvisor, Dracosword (Grade 2). "First, I use Bouncer's skill. While I have a 'Geaross' as my vanguard or in the soul, I bind two cards from my drop zone," He bound Dracofix-it and Dracostead from the drop zone. "I take one card from the bind zone, I choose Steamvisor, Dracostead (Grade 3), since I have two in there now, put it at the bottom of the deck and draw a card." Taking the Dracostead from the bind zone, he put them in the deck and drew a card: Steamvisor, Dracolancet (Grade 2). "Then for Dracofix-it! When it is discarded or bound while I have a Geaross as a vanguard or in my soul, I put one card each from my hand and drop zone to the bind zone, and call up to two units from my bind zone with grades equal to or less than my vanguard. I choose the other Dracostead in my bind zone to call, just above Dracowarp." From his hand, he bound the Dracolancet he drew in his hand and Dracoaxe from his drop zone. The called unit appeared in front of his rear-guard Dracowarp in a gear-shaped gate, the same way it did for Dracowarp.

"Now, Geaross, open the gateway to the future! Fly through and seize the possibility for a future victory! Superior ride!" He slammed his last Geaross in hand to the drop zone. The vanguard Geaross became an orb of light that hovered up to the center of the field. The light morphed into a more massive being, but it's shape was different from Mystery-flare's, and Shinichi noticed it. The size of it was much bigger, the shape it had resembled more of a rustic-brown dragonic golem; the wings and shoulders each had miniature cannons. The head was a dark forest green, no visible mouth but had four piercing red eyes and a ruby-like gem on the center of it's head like a fifth eye. A green orb rested dormant on it's chest surrounded by wide openings giving the illusion that the orb is bigger than it seems. The light subsided, revealing the new vanguard. "Interdimensional Dragon, Steamvisor Draco-Titan (Grade 4)!" Kirito announced as the giant dragon descended.

"Even the Steamvisors have their own grade 4?" Kari inquired. Shrugging, she further said: "Makes sense."

"He's been using it passively in servitude for Mystery-flare the entire time up till now. Probably to build into it's abilities before calling upon it. Given that it has the 'Steamvisor' name, he could cycle it around to his whim, which couldn't be done with Mystery-flare." Hanzo speculated.

"Geaross' skill first. Binding a card from my hand, I give the vanguard that unit's power, and if four or more cards are in the bind zone, it can drive check one more." He bound the Dracosword in his hand. "And now, for Draco-Titan. When placed, depending on the number of cards in my bind zone, if four or more are bound, I can send one of your rear-guards back to the deck. If six or more, I can call a unit from my drop zone, but I have no room for it. If eight or more, up to six of my units get +5000 power for every four cards in my bind zone, and lastly, if ten or more, well..." Kirito alluded coyly, being the first to unsettle Shinichi. "Well, I only have nine, so it won't activate this time around. Anyway, with both Draco-Titan AND Dracorocket, if you forgot she is still on my rear-guard circle, I put two of your rear-guards at the bottom of the deck!" With missiles coming from both Draco-Titan and Dracorocket, Alma and Burning Leo took the hits. Shinichi groaned as he put the two away.

"Now, onto my Battle Phase! Draco-Titan attacks the vanguard!" Kirito tapped his center column card. The green orb in Draco-Titan's chest opened up each four ends one by one going clock-wise, revealing smaller rainbow colored orbs around the bigger green one; they all shimmered brightly as it activated, the lights from the smaller orbs gathering to the center. The lights became a beam, shooting at Algos.

(Interdimensional Dragon, Steamvisor Draco-Titan Power: 55000 power - Spectacular Leading Performer, Algos, the Underworld Tamer Power: 12000)

"No guard." Shinichi smiled calmly, but the crowd gasped.

(Come on, deck. Let me pull two criticals. I should have a few left.) "First check: Steamvisor, Dracostead (Grade 3). No... Second check: Steamvisor, Dracosaw (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical)." Kirito, Clockwork and Kari gasped lightly. "Just one more...! Third check…" Everyone crossed their fingers, some for no triggers, some for one. Kirito took a deep breath and pulled the last card: Steamvisor, Draconut (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical, Sentinel). "Two critical triggers!" Clockwork and Kari yelled. "The power from the triggers will go to Dracostead and the criticals to Draco-Titan!" The beam hit Algos. He grunted as the beam was damaging his body, hurling him away. "Damage check…" Shinichi did his damage checks, the first being: Ball-Bouncing Elephant, the Underworld Tamed (Grade 2). Second: The Underworld Tamed, Glitter-eyed Doll (Grade 1, Sentinel). And the last: Spectacular Leading Performer, Algos, the Underworld Tamer (Grade 3).

(Match End: Kirito: Damage: 5 - Shinichi: Damage: 6 ~ Victor: Kirito)

"I won!" Kirito leaped in the air with an arm up. "You did it, Kirito!" Clockwork cheered. Shinichi took a deep, well deserved breath, removed his Fica from the table and then applauded his opponent. "What a match. This may be one of the best I ever had." He said to himself. He walked up to Kirito who had Hanzo with an arm around his neck and Kari behind him laughing. "That was an excellent match. Might I learn the name of my opponent?" He inquired holding out a hand. Kirito nodded and returned the gesture by holding his hand "Kirito Senjou."

"Kirito Senjou. Good. I hope to see you in the Cardfight Vanguard Festival Extravaganza. It will be in five days, so do not forget to register with your Fica. Let us mark this cardfight as our birth as rivals."

"Rivals, huh? I like the sound of that." Kirito agreed. Letting each other go, Shinichi left the cardshop with a smaller crowd of the customers following after him, to his (Unshown) displeasure. "Sorry, but no autographs can be signed at the moment; I don't have a pen." He told them with a shrug. The crowd each pulled out one of their own. "Oh… I guess I can."

Hanzo laughed from inside the shop while Kari shook her head. "At least they're doing it outside." She said.

"I just hope the poor guy can handle them all." Hanzo added.

"But now that the cardfight is over, daddy, you need to empty those boxes." Hanzo looked to the cardboard box Kari referred to that was still just sitting on the tabletop, a sheepish smile forming on his face. His head turned slowly towards Kirito, who immediately picked up on his intent. "Uh, I guess I can help if you like." Kirito offered, lifting Hanzo's spirit. "Great! And are you going to help, too, daughter dearest?" Kari responded with a laugh as she wandered off. "Pass."

"What a cruel daughter!" Hanzo squatted, holding his knees and drilling the floor with a finger. Kirito and Clockwork together smiled awkwardly to Hanzo's pain. For the remainder of his time there, Kirito assorted the booster packs and structure decks during that evening. A deep joy replaced Kirito's formerly dull empty heart, a smile being a physical manifestation of that joy.

(End of Ride 3)

---

I know this is the longest one yet. I wanted to make each chapter last up to less than 8,000 words long, but can you blame me for this one being as long as it is? This cardfight was such a blast to write, and the banter between Kirito and Shinichi being enjoyable as much as it was tense and dynamic, even more of what made this better is that with further added details, I think it strengthened the match much better than I did originally. I couldn't just leave this fight on a cliffhanger. Admittedly, I really wanted Shinichi to win, too. With how long this was, I thought it would've made more sense to have him win here, then Kirito could win the next time around. Maybe I'll make an alternate ending scenario.

And while we can all speculate who the blue-haired man is, I'm sure we all know who that is.

Anyway, I fully understand the issues with this fight in the outdated version and the whole "Leave your Imaginary Gift in hand for your next turn" thing; that obviously needed fixing. There were quite a number of things that needed reworking, even with the re-edits I did with the outdated version, so this version of the fight should be the most coherent. Even I had a hard time keeping up with what cards were played on a previous turn and had to reread what had happened and what was played multiple times to ensure everything played the way it should. Hopefully you, the reader, enjoyed reading through it as much as I did making it.

And now, like stated in Chapter 2, Shinichi's deck profile is ready.

Shinichi's Starter Deck:

Archetype: The Underworld Tamer/Tamed

Clan: Pale Moon

User: Shinichi Kagamine

Grade 0: 17

1x Underworld Tamer, Starting Goblin - Starter

4x Baton-Twirling Entertainer - Critical Trigger

2x Lone Act Leopard - Draw Trigger

2x Hades Hypnotist - Draw Trigger/Sentinel

4x One who Extends the Fun, Miki - Heal Trigger

4x Colorful Charmer - Front Trigger

Grade 1: 14

4x The Underworld Tamer, Nightmare Mage

2x The Underworld Tamed, Glitter-eyed Doll - Sentinel

2x The Underworld Tamed, Confetti Cerberus

3x The Underworld Tamer, Nemu, the Wondrous Trapezist

3x The Underworld Tamed, Hoop Monkey

Grade 2: 11

4x Shining Star, Alma, the Underworld Tamer

2x The Underworld Tamer Assistant, Reas

1x The Underworld Tamed, Burning Leo

4x Ball-Bouncing Elephant, the Underworld Tamed

Grade 3: 8

4x Spectacular Leading Performer, Algos, the Underworld Tamer

2x The Underworld Tamer, Joyous Koreen

2x The Underworld Tamed, Beastial Cannon Dragon