Cardfight Vanguard: TimeXross

by 3CentsBragade

The Steamvisors and Possession-Vaders are at war against each other. 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.

4. Ride 3

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

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

As the blonde-haired boy proceeds into his first turn, the eerily happy vibe he emits causes discomfort for Kirito and Clockwork. Honzo 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 transformed into a humanoid with pointy ears, gray skin and a white suit with red, orange, and purple star patterns. "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."

"'Quick Shield Ticket'? What's that?" Kirito asked, making Honzo 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." Honzo scolded lightly, copying her action. "A quick shield ticket is what is called a 'blitz order card'. It is put into the second player's hand when they ride and it gives a unit +5000 power when used. It's mainly 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, shouldn't I have gotten one when I fought that man?) "Clockwork…" Kirito called in a low tone, his left eye twitched once. The short dragon faded in, slightly nervous and very embarrassed. "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 boy, still looking unfazed by Kirito, put a card from his hand into his soul. "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 Underworld Tamed, Confetti Cerberus (Grade 1)." A magic box appeared; it spun around clockwise for a few seconds before the top opened, launching a Cerberus out. 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. "And only as the vanguard, Nightmare Mage allows me to soul charge 1, and if it's a trigger, I draw a card." Putting another card from his deck into the soul, he smiled. "Lucky me. A draw trigger: Lone Act Leopard (Grade 0, Trigger: Draw)." The blonde-haired boy revealed the card right before sending it to the soul, 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. (14000 power to 8000 power) "I'll let it through." Kirito decided. "Hmm. Drive check." He revealed the top card: 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-"

(Turn 3: Kirito, Hand: 7, Damage: 1)

"Draw!" Kirito started his turn with a draw: Steamvisor, Dracowarp (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 towards Nightmare Mage. "Then I call! Two Steamvisor, Dracowarp (Grade 1), a Steamvisor, Dracoaxe (Grade 2), and Steamvisor, Dracolancet (Grade 2)!" In order; the Dracowarps appeared in the center and left back-row circles, 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 last open rear-guard circle. 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. (26000 power to 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, Dracohammer (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: Underworld Tamed, Burning Leo (Grade 2) and 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 draw two cards and retire it." He sent the Dracowarp under his vanguard to the drop zone and drew two cards: Steamvisor, Dracodriver (Grade 0, Trigger: Heal) and Steamvisor, Dracohammer (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical). "Next up is Steamvisor, Dracoaxe, boosted by Warp." Dracoaxe raised its axe, then threw it down. "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. (21000 power to 7000 power) The boy silently took another damage: Underworld Tamed, Beastial Cannon Dragon (Grade 3). "Dracowarp's skill again." Kirito repeated the same actions he did with the first Warp: Interdimensional Dragon, Mystery-Flare Dragon (Grade 4) and Interdimensional Dragon, Steamvisor Draco-Titan (Grade 4). "And last is my Dracolancet. Boosted by Dracogauntlet, Dracolancet attacks."

"So that's how they work." The boy said aloud, taking Kirito 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. No guard." (He didn'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 boy growing in him. The boy 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…" Honzo'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 nearly tauntingly before placing it in the damage zone and sending the uppermost card to the drop zone: 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.)

"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: Blonde-haired Boy, Hand: 9, Damage: 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 cardfighting is not worth doing. When I'm winning or when I'm losing, I always do so with a smile." The boy told Kirito, baffling him. "Fun?"

"Yes. 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. (9000 power to 10000 power) "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.

"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. 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 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. Honzo 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 homeworld, 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: Kirito, Hand: 8, Damage: 3)

"Draw: Steamvisor, Dracostead (Grade 3)." (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 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." Honzo commented, stroking his hairless chin. "But he doesn't have a high enough grade number to do anything with it."

"With Geaross' skill, when rode upon, by binding a card from my hand" He bound the Mystery-Flare 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, but you only have three now. You're one short." Shinichi clarified.

"That's right, but Mystery-Flare's skill still allows it to get an additional drive check since the total grade number in the bind zone exceeds 3." Honzo also clarified to which Kirito nodded. "Correct. 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, silently trudging to the ledge to watch the cardfight. "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. (40000 power to 9000 power) 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, Dracobouncer (Grade 1). Third check: Steamvisor, Dracorazor (Grade 1)." (Not one trigger?!) The missiles hit Alma, making a big explosion.

"Damage check." Shinichi flipped his top deck card, but not hitting a trigger either: Underworld Tamer Assistant, Reas (Grade 2). "Argh. Dracolancet attacks next." He tapped his left rear-guard. Dracolancet took his lance and threw it at Alma. (10000 power to 9000 power) Blocking the attack was another female unit in a blue leotard. "Guard with Underworld Tamer, Nemu, the Wondrous Trapezist (Grade 1)." Shinichi finally threw down a card onto the guardian circle. (0 power to 9000 power) (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. And with his skill, I bind a card from my drop zone to give him +3000 power." Kirito bound Interdimensional Dragon, Steamvisor Draco-Titan (Grade 4) from his drop zone. Dracoaxe lifted its axe up, and then threw it down on Alma. (13000 power to 9000 power) "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. (3000 power to 9000 power) "...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 yet."

"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 decide who to give it to." Kirito held the card over his vanguard, but slowly moved it away, seeing Clockwork's reasoning. "You're right. I moved too quickly. My bad." 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 right hand towards the customers who then started happily screaming. Kirito looked to them, not sharing the same enthusiasm they or Shinichi had. "But now, the real show can truly begin. Stand and draw." Shinichi untapped his vanguard and drew a card. A growing dreaded feeling filled Kirito, awaiting what will be coming from next turn.

Cardfight Vanguard: TimeXross

(Turn 6: Shinichi, Hand: 8, Damage: 3)

He took a different card in his hand and held it to his face. "It's him." Honzo 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 dove 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 cards 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. " 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 a rear-guard circle 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 unflipped 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 Underworld Tamer, Joy Doreen (Grade 3) and Underworld Tamed, Beastial Cannon Dragon (Grade 3) from his soul; Doreen in the front, Cannon Dragon in the back. "The called units get +5000 power, and if both called units are the same grade, the one in the back-row can 'boost'." Shinichi explained, shocking Kirito and Clockwork Dracokid. "What?!" They exclaimed.

"With only two cards 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." Honzo said in a serious tone. Kari followed up with "And he doesn't just have four attacks with this set-up."

"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. (34000 power to 13000 power) Kirito silently took the hit: Steamvisor, Dracofix-it (Grade 1). "Not bad, Shinichi."

"You have my thanks, but 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 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 an empty rear-guard circle. "Let me introduce you to Ball-Bouncing Elephant, the Underworld Tamed (Grade 2)." Like with Reas, Algos took its hat and shot out a black box. From the box emerged an ivory elephant and then a deflated ball. The ball inflated before the elephant landed. "Ball-Bouncing Elephant attacks your vanguard!" The elephant bounced off the ball towards Geaross. (13000 power to 13000 power) "Intercept with Dracolancet!" (8000 power to 13000 power) 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. (25000 power to 13000 power) "No guard." Kirito decided, wiping some sweat on his head off. Shinichi responded with a cheery hum. "Now for the twin drive. First check: Shining Star, Alma, the Underworld Tamer (Grade 2). Second check: Colorful Charmer (Grade 0, Trigger: Front). Oh, look. 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." Honzo explained. "(You can't be serious...) Rgh… Damage check: Steamvisor, Dracolancet (Grade 2)." 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. (24000 power to 13000 power) "Guarding with Steamvisor, Dracohammer (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical)!" (9000 power to 13000 power)

"Oh? Then boosted by Hoop Monkey, Nemu will be the last attacker! On to his vanguard!" Shinichi tapped his remaining two rear-guards. (34000 power to 13000 power) "Guard with Steamvisor, Dracodriver (Grade 0, Trigger: Heal) and Steamvisor, Dracowrench (Grade 0, Trigger: Draw)!" (9000 power to 13000 power) Clockwork, Honzo 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. (I don't know… I feel more stressed out now than I did against that man, but at the same time… It is exhilarating.) 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 went on, the more I felt 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, Honzo, Kari, and even Shinichi nodded to his words.

(Turn 7: Kirito, Hand: 7, Damage: 5)

"Now I draw: Steamvisor, Dracobouncer (Grade 1)! Then I call Steamvisor, Dracorazor (Grade 1) and Steamvisor, Dracorocket (Grade 2)!" He played the two cards in the same column. "I won't use Dracorazor's skill this time, but 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. Honzo chuckled to it. "Yes, but this time, he can fulfill Geaross' other skill."

"By binding a card from my hand," He bound the Dracobouncer in his hand. "Mystery-Flare gets that card's power, and with four or more cards in the bind zone, currently there are four, it gets another drive check. And with the total grade number in my bind zone being 7, Mystery-Flare gets another drive check AND an additional critical."

"That makes four drive checks." Clockwork chimed. "Yes, and as for the second Force Marker, I will put it under my Dracoaxe." Kirito slid the Imaginary Gift under his left rear-guard. "Now, Dracoaxe will attack first!" He tapped Dracoaxe. It raised it's axe, then threw it down at Algos. "I'm sending him after the vanguard! And by binding a card from my drop zone," He bound the Draco-Titan in his drop zone. "He gets +3000 power and any rear-guard it battles or that intercepts his attack is sent back to the deck instead of to the drop zone. 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 rear-guards to the bottom of the deck. So, Alma, you're gone!" For the first time in the entire match, Shinichi flinched when he sent her away. "That's not all. When a unit with 'Steamvisor' in its name is sent to the bind zone while Dracobouncer is in there and I have a grade 3 or higher vanguard, by paying with one soul blast, I can call it to a rear-guard circle." Sending the Dracogauntlet from his soul to the drop zone, he took the Dracobouncer and called it under his vanguard. (25000 power to 12000 power)

"Guard with Colorful Charmer (Grade 0, Trigger: Front)." Shinichi threw a card down on the guardian circle. (10000 power to 12000 power) "Okay, then. Boosted by Dracobouncer, Mystery-Flare attacks the vanguard." Kirito tapped Mystery-Flare and Dracobouncer. (41000 power to 12000 power) "Nullify with Hades Hypnotist (Grade 0, Trigger: Draw, Sentinel)!"

(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, Dracobouncer (Grade 1); third was Steamvisor, Dracobouncer (Grade 1); and last was Steamvisor, Dracoaxe (Grade 2). "All trigger effects to Dracorocket, and with support from Dracorazor, she attacks your vanguard!" (28000 power to 12000 power) "One who Extends the Fun, Miki (Grade 0, Trigger: Heal), guard me from their assault." Shinichi guarded once again. (8000 power to 12000 power) (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 gestured for his turn to end. "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. Algos, lead us to the final act! Final turn!" He announced. "Final turn!?" Everyone else exclaimed.

(Turn 8: Shinichi, Hand: 5, Damage: 3)

"Stand and draw!" He untapped his units and drew a card. "Ah. Nice of you to reappear. 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 two copies of Underworld Tamed, Burning Leo (Grade 2) 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 Quick Shield Ticket, 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.) "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 Underworld Tamer Assistant, Reas (Grade 2)." He took the named card from the soul and placed it under his vanguard. "Now to the Battle Phase. Joy Doreen, boosted by Beastial Cannon Dragon, attacks his vanguard." He tapped his left rear-guards, sending them after Geaross. (34000 power to 13000 power) "Guarding with Dracosaw and Dracobouncer!" (9000 power to 13000 power) "Hmm. Sending them back to the soul, from Joy Doreen, I call an Underworld Tamed, Burning Leo (Grade 2) from my soul, and with Beastial Cannon Dragon, I call Ball-Bouncing Elephant." 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 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." (14000 power to 13000 power) "Guarding with Dracoaxe from my hand." Kirito threw down a guardian. (9000 power to 13000 power) "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, send the finishing blow upon him!" (I have enough cards to guard with, but if he pulls the triggers he needs, the shield values I have won't defend from it. But at the same time, I want to keep my hand for the next turn, if I can survive. Defend, or should I hope for heal triggers? I guess...) (27000 power to 13000 power) "...No guard." Kirito replied.

"Too bad. It was a really good game, too." 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, Dracodriver (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." Honzo pointed out. Kirito turned the second card: Dracodriver (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." He told Kirito who nodded back. "It has. Both of the power boosts will go to Geaross. And I heal for each trigger." He put the uppermost cards 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.) (38000 power to 33000 power) "Dracowrench and Dracorocket, guard." He guarded with a hand card and intercepted with the other. (28000 power to 33000 power) "Reas goes to the soul to soul charge 1 and that will end my turn." He slid Reas into the soul and soul charged.

Kirito breathed heavily, the excitement getting to him. His gaze was on Geaross, imagining him staring back. Geaross was not alone; Dracosword, Dracorocket, Dracoaxe, Dracodriver, Dracohammer, Dracolancet, Dracorazor, 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.

(Turn 9: Kirito, Hand: 5, Damage: 5)

He checked the card he drew: Steamvisor, Dracorazor (Grade 1). "First I call Steamvisor, Dracobouncer (Grade 1) and replace the Dracorazor on my field with another one from my hand." The called unit appeared behind his rear-guard Dracoaxe in a vortex. Dracorazor merely flashed. "Then I use razor's skill. Binding a card in my hand," He bound the Dracofix-it in his hand. "I look at the top six for a grade 2 or higher and add it to my hand." He took the top six, revealing a Geaross from among them. "I'll take this. Now for both Dracobouncer's. While I have a 'Geaross' as my vanguard or in the soul, I bind two cards from my drop zone," He bound Dracosaw, Dracohammer, Dracofix-it and Dracorazor from the drop zone; two for each Dracobouncer's skills. "I take one card from the bind zone, put it at the bottom of the deck and draw a card." Taking the Dracosaw and Dracohammer from the bind zone, he put them in the deck and drew two cards: Steamvisor, Dracohammer (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical) and Steamvisor, Dracoguard (Grade 1, Sentinel). "Now, Geaross, open the gateway to the future! Fly through and seize the possibility for a future victory! Superior ride!" He slammed his 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, and Shinichi noticed it. 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."

"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 Dracoguard in his hand. "And now, for Draco-Titan. When placed, depending on the number of cards in my bind zone, if two 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. I choose Steamvisor, Dracostead (Grade 3)." He took the Dracostead in the drop zone and called it. "It has two other effects, but I don't have enough bound cards to use them. So, now, onto my Battle Phase! Boosted by Dracobouncer, Draco-Titan attacks the vanguard! And with the bound Dracorazors, all of my front-row 'Steamvisors' get +1000 power for every two bound cards." Kirito tapped his center column cards. The green orb in Draco-Titan's chest and the smaller rainbow colored orbs around it shimmered brightly, the lights gathering to the center. The lights became a beam, shooting at Algos. (39000 power to 12000 power) "No guard." Shinichi smiled calmly, but the crowd gasped. (Come on, deck. Let me pull two criticals.) "First check: Steamvisor, Dracosword (Grade 2). Second check: Steamvisor, Dracosaw (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical)." Kirito, Clockwork and Kari gasped lightly. "Third check…" Everyone crossed their fingers, some for no triggers, some for one. Kirito took a deep breath and pulled the last card: Steamvisor, Dracosaw (Grade 0, Trigger: Critical). "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. "Damage check…" Shinichi did his damage checks, the first being: Ball-Bouncing Elephant, the Underworld Tamed (Grade 2). Second: Underworld Tamed, Glitter-eyed Doll (Grade 1, Sentinel). And the last: Underworld Tamed, Glitter-eyed Doll (Grade 1, Sentinel).

(Game End. Winner: Kirito Senjou)

"I won!" Kirito leaped in the air with an arm up. "You did it, Kirito!" Clockwork cheered. Shinichi 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 Honzo with an arm around Kirito's 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 Circus. 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 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."

Honzo 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." Honzo added.

"But now that the cardfight is over, daddy, you need to empty those boxes." Honzo looked to the cardboard box Kari referred to that was still just sitting on the tabletop, a sheepish smile forming on his face. "Are you going to help me, daughter dearest?" Kari responded with a laugh as she wandered off. "Pass."

"What a cruel daughter!" Honzo squatted, holding his knees and drilling the floor with a finger. Kirito and Clockwork together smiled awkwardly to Honzo's pain. "Uh, I can help if you like." Kirito offered. For the remainder of his time there, Kirito assorted the booster packs and structure decks during that evening.

End of Ride 3

(I'm sorry for how the chapter previously turned out. It initially took a couple days for me to finish because I went on a break from it a few times, and even when I had notepad open to review the turn order and the field cards, it was taxing getting it all done in one sitting and I even overlooked a few miscalculations, misplays and word errors. But, this is what happens when you are a one man writer. I looked over the entire thing and, yes, I read the reviews. I fixed as much as I could, so hopefully, this one and the other two (In terms of keeping up with the cardfights) turned out better. Thanks for sitting through this chapter, though. Next one is being worked on right as I post this update, and, yes, the cardfight in this one will be shorter and done right)