This is chapter three to my fanfic. Here: Chapter 2 to read the chapter before. Again this is a long chapter. You will be seeing that a lot in my fanfic. Please enjoy I guess. :O
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Isamu and Kyousuke set up the table for their cardfight. Izumi told Hiro to go watch the match while she remains at the counter. She hugged him and watch him hop towards the battle. Walking to the counter, she sat down on the chair and started to read her book again while hearing the battle unfold.
"Stand up, Vanguard!"
"Hades Ringmaster!"
"Lizard Soldier, Conroe!"
Two units appeared on the battlefield of Cray. A creepy smiling purple demon wearing a suit appeared while on the the other side is a green lizard wearing a light armor with a flaming sword and a small shield in hand.
"Since I asked you to fight me, you make the first time. I favor a disadvantage at times," Kyousuke said.
"Alright then! Whatever you say, Isamu said as he draw his card, I ride Dark Metal Bicorn!" The purple demon disappeared leaving a goat like creature with a orange mane to take his place. "Hades Ringmaster's skill activates when another Pale Moon rides this card, I'm allow to soul charge one," he slided Midnight Bunny to the soul, "I end my turn."
"I draw," Kyousuke grabbed a card from his hand, "I ride Embodiment of Armor, Bahr!" A demon in red armor with a red rimmed sword appeared onto the field. "Conroe's skill activates. When another Kagero unit rides this card, I can move it to the rearguard." He moved Conroe to the back of Bahr. "I call another Bahr to the field at the top right and I attack with it to your vanguard."
"No guard," Isamu placed Fire Breeze, Carrie to the damage zone.
"I attack your vanguard with Bahr boosted by Conroe," he turned the cards to their rest positions.
"No guard," Isamu said.
"Drive Check," Kyousuke revealed Blazing Flare Dragon and added to his hand. Isamu placed Jumping Jill to the damage zone. Bicorn received a burning scar from Bahr's attack. I end my turn.
Battle report
Isamu: 2 damage Hand: 5
Kyousuke: 0 damage Hand: 5
"I draw," Isamu said, "I ride Barking Cerberus!" The goat creature disappeared into a cloud of smoke, leaving behind a three headed beast with party hats on each of their heads. "I also call Mirror Demon to the left." A standing mirror appeared onto the field, inside the mirror was a demon dressed in a clown costume, grinning and waving to the crowd.
"I attack your rearguard Bahr with Mirror Demon," turning the card to it's side. The demon grinned and retreated to his mirror.
"No guard," Kyousuke said. The demon then shot out from his mirror and crushed into Bahr. Bahr let out a growl before leaving the field. Kyousuke placed the card into the drop zone.
"I activate Mirror Demon's skill when its attack hits, I can counter blast one," Isamu flipped one damage, "Then I can put this card into the soul and call out another Pale Moon unit that is not named "Mirror Demon" to the field. I call out Midnight Bunny to the rear back of the left." The demon left the stage with a bow and a pink bunny human appeared to the back of the performer that disappeared. She waved to the crowd with a wink and a smile on her face.
"I attack your vanguard with Barking Cerberus," he turned the card to its rest position.
"No guard," Kyousuke calmly spoke.
"Drive Check," Isamu revealed Dynamite Juggler, "Critical trigger! I add all the effects to Cerberus." Cerberus charged at Bahr and slammed straight at him.
Kyousuke placed Heatnail Salamander to the damage zone. Then revealed Gattling Claw Dragon to the damage zone. "Draw trigger. I add the power to Bahr and draw a card." Adding the card to his hand.
"I end my turn," Isamu smiled.
Battle report
Isamu: 2 damage Hand: 5
Kyousuke: 3 damage Hand: 6
"I stand and draw," Kyousuke said, "I ride Dragon Knight, Nehalem!" Bahr vanished into a bright red light and bursting from the red was a blue suited knight with a sword and shield in hand while standing on top of his trusted armor dragon. "I call Chain-attack Sutherland to the right and Follower, Reas to the back of him." A young man with machine guns appeared on top of a small dragon and to the back of him is a small girl dressed in a red dress with light red hair appeared onto the field.
"I attack your vanguard with Sutherland boosted by Reas. Reas's skill activates. When she boosts a card named, Chain-attack Sutherland , the unit gains an extra 4k to his power until the end of battle," he turned the cards to their sides. Reas boosted Sutherland though she had a frown on her face while he was all too happy for action.
"No guard," Isamu placed Skull Juggler to the damage zone while Sutherland unleashed a barrage of rapid fire at the beast. When he returned to his position, Reas was shaking her head at him.
"I attack your vanguard with Nehalem boosted by Conroe," turning the cards to their rest positions. Conroe flowed his power to Nehalem while got ready for the attack.
"No guard," Isamu said.
"Drive check," Kyousuke slowly Dragon Dancer, Lourdes and placed it in his hand. Nehalem striked Cerberus with a resounding blue lighting from his sword.
Rainbow Magician flew to the damage zone while emitting a red glow. "Draw trigger! I add the power to Cerberus and I draw a card."
"I end my turn," Kyousuke said.
Battle report
Isamu: 4 damage Hand: 6
Kyousuke: 4 damage Hand: 5
"I stand and draw," Isamu said, "I ride Dark Illusionist, Robert!" The beast disappeared into a cloud of smoke and the stage turned dark. Then spotlights lit up the stage one by one, an elf dressed in a blue checker patterned suit with fur trimming and a red tie, his hat was in his hand while his wand on the other. He bowed to the crowd while doves flew from his hat. "Robert's skill activates. I soul charge one and I'm allow to check the top card of my deck while deciding to either put in on the top or bottom of my deck." He slided Nightmare Doll, Alice to the soul then he checked the top card and left it at the top.
"I call Jumping Jill to the left top," he placed the card down to the top left of the field. A dark skinned girl dressed in a colorful outfit appeared in front of Bunny.
"I attack your vanguard with Jumping Jill boosted by Midnight Bunny!" he turned the cards to their sides. Bunny waved good luck to Jill as she launched herself high in the sky.
"No guard," Kyousuke threw his top card of his deck: Blazing Flare Dragon to the damage zone.
"I activate Midnight Bunny's skill. When she boosts a Pale Moon unit and the attack succeed by counter blasting one, I put her into the soul and can call another Pale Moon unit as long as its not named "Midnight Bunny". I call Nightmare Doll, Alice to the grand stage to the top right," he said.
"I attack with Robert to your vanguard," Isamu said. Robert began to chant a spell, waving his wand in front of while his hat glowed.
"I guard with Lourdes and Blazing Core Dragon," the two cards floated down to the guardian circle. A young girl wearing a red armor with a serious face appeared alongside a large red dragon that had a flaming core in the center of his body.
"Twin Drive," Isamu revealed Rainbow Magician, "Draw trigger! I add the power to Alice and I draw a card." Then he revealed another Robert and put him in his hand. Robert launched his magic attack at the defense and they both disappeared from the field in a colorful cloud of smoke, however, Nehalem was left untouched.
"I attack Nehalem with Alice." Alice reached forward towards Nehalem.
"No guard," Kyousuke said. Dragon Monk, Genjo flew to the damage zone. "Heal trigger. I recover one damage and I add the power to Nehalem." Kyousuke removed a damage while Nehalem received a power boost.
"I use Alice's skill. By counter blasting one, I can put her into the soul and can call out another Pale Moon unit as long as it's not named "Nightmare Doll, Alice". I call out Mirror Demon in her place." Alice disappeared into a purple glow and a mirror replaced her. The demon inside the mirror popped out to wave at the crowd.
"I end my turn," Isamu said.
Battle report
Isamu: 4 damage Hand: 8
Kyousuke: 4 damage Hand: 3
"I stand and draw. I ride Blazing Flare Dragon!" Kyousuke slammed the card onto the field. Nehalem disappeared from the field. In his place was a giant red armored dragon with flaring guns. It gazed at the weaklings below him. "I call Berserk Dragon to the right. I use his skill. By counter blasting two, I choose to retire Mirror Demon from the field." The dragon blew a hot stream of crimson flames to Mirror Demon. The mirror shattered and the demon disappeared from the field. Isamu placed the card into the drop zone.
"Blazing Flare Dragon's skill activate. For every unit that are retired from my opponent's field, he gains 4k. Sutherland's skill also activates he gains plus 3k to his power. Both units received a power boost." Isamu got a little nervous from this.
"I use Conroe's skill. By counter blasting one, I can retire Conroe and can search for a Grade 1 or less Kagero unit to my hand. I choose Bahr." He looked through his deck and placed Bahr in his hand while putting Conroe in the drop zone.
"I call Bahr to the back of Blazing Flare Dragon. I attack Robert with Sutherland boosted by Reas. Reas's skill activates, Sutherland gains 4k to his power, turning the cards to their sides." Sutherland prepared for his attack while Reas look from behind with a sigh.
"I guard with Rainbow Magician and Midnight Bunny along with Jumping Jill intercepting," Isamu placed all three cards into the guardian circle. Sutherland stopped in his track at the group and retreated home.
"I attack your vanguard with Blazing Flare Dragon boosted by Bahr," Kyousuke said.
Isamu looked at his hand. He can guard this attack, but if Kyousuke gets a trigger, he might not be able to guard the last attack or rather if he got a Stand trigger, so he needs to count on his triggers to help him.
"No guard," he said to Kyousuke. Let's see if the circus will have another performance.
"Twin Drive," Kyousuke revealed Berserk Dragon. Then he revealed Embodiment of Spear, Tahr. "Critical trigger! I add all the effects to Blazing Flare Dragon!" The dragon unleashed a barrage of fires at Robert.
Purple Trapezist and Dark Metal Bicorn were tossed to the damage zone. Isamu sighed at his defeat. The other kids were all amazed at the match before them.
Battle report
Isamu: 6 damage Hand: 5
Kyosuke: 4 damage Hand: 4
"Here's your prize," Isamu said as he handed Alfred to Kyousuke, "You're pretty good for a player. By the way, my name is Isamu."
"Thanks. You too and my name is Kyousuke," he said to Isamu as he walked over to the counter.
Izumi was reading her book when Alfred appeared in front of the page she was reading. She looked up at Kyousuke with a funny look.
"Here, this card now belongs to you. I don't have any use for him. Royals are not my kind of playstyle," he said as he placed the card in her book.
"Why are you giving me this?" she asked with a confused look.
"Let's just say that this is payment for waking me up and for giving me the bun today at school," he said.
"You're pretty weird for a boy," she said to him as she took the card in hand.
"I can say the same thing to you," he smiled at her.
"So I've heard," she silently said.
"By the way the bun was pretty good. You're a pretty good cook," he remembered the bun being rather delicious.
"I didn't make the bun. My dad did," she said with a blush on her face turning away.
"Well my compliments to the chef. Maybe one day, I will sample something you make. Until then, bye~" he said with a smile and stepped out with a wave.
The others watched him go. Izumi looked at the card and sighed with a shake of her head.
At home...
Izumi was busy doing her homework. When she finished, she looked at her deck. She picked apart her deck and placed the cards on her table. Examining the cards carefully and rearranging them to see how she can rebuild her deck. Looking at Alfred for a bit and looking back at the cards, she figured he would be a great help to her.
Hmmm...I can replace one of my Bors, but I have no use for Brigitte so I could remove him. If I remove him, then I should remove Tristan from my deck. What can I replace him with? she scratched her head with a frown on her face. She thought for a few more minutes.
"I guess I'll replace Brigitte with Alfred. Sorry, Brigitte. I'll put you with the others for now," she said to the card. Going through her drawer for a sec, she grabbed a plain sleeve and put Brigitte in it. Then she placed him next to the other cards she had kept in storage for the past years. Reaching for the box, she stared at the cards she gather over the year. She started to laugh a bit.
"Man, I need to do something with these. I wonder if I can give them all a nice home," she thought out loud. Then she put the box back while putting her deck back together. Walking out of her room for a bit, she decided to join her family in the living room. After eating dinner, she brushed her teeth and flopped down to sleep.
Her deck was glowing a bright light from her room.
Once again when Izumi fell asleep, she dreamt of the place again. This time it was at a different place. She opened her eyes to see a room instead of the grass fields like before.
"I have got to do something about this," she said as she looked around, "At least, its not in the woods this time. I wonder where I am?"
The room was decorated from the top to bottom with fancy looking things from crystal lamps to expensive wooden desks. There was bookshelves around the walls of the room. The bed was king size, there was also a white canopy above it and neatly clean. There was a bed sided drawer and a dresser near the bed. The way out was a double door opening, kinda like the old days where you have two halves are made together to make one door though it's usually not something that people have anymore at their homes. All in all, its plainly a room of a rich man or at least she dreamt that it belong to a rich man?
"Hmmm...I kinda wish it was the woods and not this room. This seems really out of the ordinary for me to be dreaming of this..." she said as she thought about it out loud. She stood near the left side of the bed and was deep in thought when the door opened and a tall man walked in with his eyes closed. He had his back to her while closing the door and sighing from what happened today.
At the same time, they turned around. A moment of silence passes through them as they stared at each other. The man was about to say something when he received a slap across the face with a pillow. He fell down to the floor while hold his head, lucky for him, he was wearing his helmet. Izumi looked down at the man then to the pillow she was holding.
Oh no... Izumi's stupidity strikes again. This time instead of squeaking in horror, it was a call for murder...with a pillow!
The man groaned while trying to regain his footing. Izumi was stuttering and embarrassed at what she has done.
"I'm so sorry! I d-didn't m-mean to do that. I just g-g-got scared and I d-didn't know that y-you were there. I just...uhhh...' she nervously said to the man while swaying back and forth in shock and embarrassment.
The man laugh. "Its alright. Not the first time, I ever received a hit to the face though I never got hit by a pillow. Oh well, there's a first time for everything I guess. May I ask you why are you here?" the man said as he stood up.
Izumi took a minute to compose herself. She took a breathe in and out. Turning to get a better look at the person, she ended up slapping with a pillow. The man was a tall and young. His red eyes were gentle and bright plus he had a smile on his face as well. His attire was a white armor with a blue cape that reached to his waist hanging from the back of his armor. He was also wearing a blue shirt of some kind that is clinging to his body with light blue lines running around them.
Izumi froze at the sight while the man looked at her funny. He waved his hands front of her face, but she didn't respond. He was starting to get worried. Then all of a sudden, Izumi dropped down to her knees with her hands in front of her as she kneel. That action surprised the man.
"I'm so sorry, your majesty. I didn't know that I, Izumi Hisa, slapped the king of the United Sanctuary...with a pillow. I am really sorry. Please tell my father that I have brought shame to the family and tell my brother to be strong. Make my death quick," she said to him.
The man looked at her for a sec before laughing out loud. Izumi looked up in surprised. He slowly regain himself from his laughing fit and smiled back at her.
"Don't worry about it. I'm not going to put you to death. We don't do that anymore at least I think we don't," he said to her.
"Oh. Alright then, King Alfred, please do what you deem is my punishment. I deserve one for my act," she cast downed her glaze.
"You can rise now, you know? Just forget about it. This happens all the time though most of the time though most of the times, they try to kill me with knives and poison...never a pillow. You learn something new everyday," Alfred chuckled silently.
"Oh," Izumi got up from her place, "I never thought that you were that forgiving, your majesty."
"Hm? I was always forgiving to people. I can't honestly stay mad at anyone. Please just call me Alfred," he said as he sat down on his bed, "So what brings you here? I don't often get visitors much less female ones."
Izumi blushed a little. "I just somehow got here. I don't know how, but I just opened my eyes and here I am," she took a seat down on the carpet.
Alfred thought for a bit. "You must have come from the Star Gate nation then. Seeing that not many people wear that type of clothing here on Cray," he said while looking at her.
She looked at her attire which was just her pjs, so yeah. Her face turned a bit more redder at the realization, but then turned back to confusion.
"Did you say Cray?" she asked.
Alfred looked at her with confusion, "Of course, this planet is called Cray. Its a popular destination for some odd reason, so we tend to get a lot of different people from different planets though most are robots, however, its rare for a tourist like you to appear."
"Why is that?" Izumi asked. She knew that humans do live here, but they are somewhat odd from the normal humans she knows.
"I never heard much about human-like tourists. Most of the time, robots are the usual thing with a few aliens here and there. Nothing too out of the ordinary here," he said.
Izumi hadn't really thought much about other nations. Her mother was more focused on telling stories of the United Sanctuary though she did mention a bit about the other nations, but Izumi was often falling asleep to them since most of them are bedtime stories.
"So I'm at the United Sanctuary, right?" she asked.
"That's right. We are currently in my room," he said with a smile.
"Isn't there like bodyguards outside your room? Why are they not coming in?" Alfred was an important person to the nation, so they are bound to put bodyguards for his safety.
"Huh? Oh, you mean the bodyguards? I don't actually have bodyguards, really. I do have friends if that counts," he shrugged at her question.
"Ehh...really? You don't have any bodyguards?"
"I do, but they're not outside the hallway."
"Why not? Wouldn't it be better to have someone outside protecting you?"
"Yes, that would be good. There is a slight problem to that..." Alfred sweat-dropped at the notion.
"That would be?" Izumi tilted her head sideways.
"Giants and dragons are not exactly small plus they don't like being indoors."
"Oh...right...forgot about that."
"Besides the castle is a magic building too. I don't really need bodyguards if the castle is protected by magic anyways."
"How so?"
"You see this room is not exactly part of the castle. Its a hidden room. The doors only appear to those who sworn an oath to protect the king, who is me, along with the people who are born to service the Royal Family."
"Must be hard finding this room."
"Oh, no. Its easy finding this room once you stayed here for most of your life, really."
"You literally live here? Like you never left the castle?" Izumi was pretty shocked at that.
"Well, yeah. I didn't mind being struck here though it gets boring at times. I was allow to go outside when I joined the Royal Paladins."
"I see. It must be pretty lonely to be by yourself."
"A bit. I don't mind it at all, really. It allows me time to think about stuff. Besides I have many friends now so I'm happy."
"I'm glad to hear that. For a king, you are quite carefree."
"Well I'm carefree when no one is watching me or when I'm alone. I just put up a serious face so that people wouldn't be discourage, they need to know that there is nothing to fear."
"Aren't you ever afraid?" Fear is something that everyone have deep down. They might never admit it, but sometimes its okay to be afraid.
"Yes. I'm not a superhero or anything really. I'm human like everybody else. I have a good side and a dark side, but that's what it means to be human anyways."
"I see. Oh, yes where are my matters? My name is Izumi Hisa," she said to him.
"My name is Alfred, but I guess you already knew. Never thought my name would be that famous," he said to her.
"Its a little complicated back at where I live," she smiled shyly to him. He laugh silently.
"Ah. Can I ask you a question?" she said.
"Hm? Sure," he said.
"Do you by chance know a man by the name of Arthur?" she said. Alfred's eyes reflected a bit of sadness in his eyes for some reason.
"Yes, I do. He was my father," he said with a sad smile.
Before she could ask more, she awoke from her dream and she sat up from her bed. At the same time, Alfred heard a knock from the door. He turned to look at the door before Izumi disappeared into a tiny bits of light from the room.
"Yes?" he told to the person outside. The door opened slightly.
"I hope I am not intruding Alfred," a young man's voice said, "There is a meeting today with the others."
"Alright then. I'll come out soon," he turned to where Izumi was, "So sorry Izumi, but rig-" Alfred saw that Izumi was gone which was weird, he started to look around his room for her.
"Is something the matter, Alfred? Its looks like you have seen a ghost or something?" The young man walked into the room. His calm sharp green eyes never miss a thing especially when it comes to understanding Alfred.
"Oh, A- I mean Blaster Blade. No...I just thought I saw something that's all," he said as he walked out of the room while Blaster Blade followed him behind.
"You still having trouble calling me "Blaster Blade"?" he asked Alfred as they walked to the entrance to the board meeting.
"Well its hard to call anyone by a different name if you knew them for so long," Alfred said as he stepped through the entrance. Blaster Blade didn't say anything as he followed along.
Izumi was busy trying to understand what had just happened. Her head was buzzing with memories of her dream or at least it was dream to her.
"Man, I really need to do something about this. I just hope that it doesn't happen all the time," she said as she packed her bag to go to school. There was a test today, so she needed to do her best.
During class, she was busy doing her test while thinking about what was happening to her. When she was done, she double-checked her answers just in case. Haru was struggling while Kyousuke was actually doing the test. Never thought that could happen for a person who sleeps through class.
The lunch bell rung. Students scramble to get out of class for lunch. Haru hopped over to Izumi with her lunch.
"I need a break," she plotted her head down on Izumi's desk
"Well the four days off is next week, so why not just go to your parent's beach house? You always like going there," Izumi slowly opened her bento.
"Not if I'm alone~ Come on, let's go together. You can bring your dad and Hiro to there," Haru smiled hopefully.
"Well...alright then if you keep asking," she said to her. Haru was happily raised her hands up and was smiling big. Izumi looked behind to see Kyousuke sleeping again. She walked over to him with something in her hand.
She shook him awake. He slowly opened his eyes and stared at her. She handed him a small clear bag that has a sandwich in it. He raised an eyebrow at her gesture.
"Something I made. You said you want to sample my food," she said blushing though she had her face turned away from him. Haru was looking with a little interest at what her friend was doing. He reached for the sandwich and took it out. Taking a bite, he smiled.
"Its good," he said, "You should cook more."
"Maybe I will...if you keep skipping lunch like this," she walked back to Haru to finish her lunch with her. He chuckled silently as he starts to eat his sandwich. Classes resumed for the day and when it was finished everyone rushed off. Izumi waved goodbye to Haru. She turned to see Kyousuke awake and was actually leaving on his own. Something that was new to her, but she didn't mind it if it saves her the trouble of waking him up.
She was walking with Hiro in hand to her work when Haru ran up to her. Apparently she followed her while she was not looking.
"Hey, guys!" she was breathing hard as she took the gulps of air into her lungs, "I wanted to talk more about the trip next week."
"What trip?" Hiro asked his sister. He didn't hear anything about a trip.
"Oh, the trip to my parent's beach house? Didn't Izumi said anything to you about it?" Haru asked.
"No, she didn't. Onee-chan didn't say anything about it," he said.
"Oh, Izumi, you forgetful idiot~" Haru sang merrily.
"I'm not that forgetful..." Izumi said in her defense.
"Right...remember the time when we- " Haru didn't get to finish when Izumi gave her the stare. She immediately shut up and walked alongside them to the shop.
Her boss greeted her. He was amazed at who else came along. "I'm surprised you brought a friend along," he said.
"She just followed me here, so really-" she was interrupted by Haru who stepped in front of her.
"Hi there! My name is Haru Leika! I'm currently the same age and go to the same school as Izumi here. I'm her best friend," she said as she shook both his hands. He was pretty dumbfounded at her energy fill personality. Izumi sighed at her friend's actions while Hiro slipped away to the counter.
While Haru was talking to her boss, she noticed Isamu walking in. He was wearing a light brown sweater with a pair of blue jeans. His eyes gleamed in the light, reflecting his emerald eyes. His brown hair was as messy as before. He waved at Izumi while walking forward to her.
"Who's that talking to your boss?" he asked her while looking at Haru.
"That would be my friend. She's a little odd in the head," she answered him.
"I see. So is Kyousuke coming here?" he asked her.
"I don't know. He isn't really a regular here, so I don't know. We're not exactly friends either if you are asking," she told Isamu.
"Oh well, I was hoping to challenge him to a match today. Maybe I can convince him to join my team, he said. Izumi raised an eyebrow at that.
"What team?" a voice called out. Izumi and Isamu both turned to see Kyousuke standing at the doorway. He was dressed in a blue coat with a white shirt beneath it and a pair of normal sneakers. His bracelet was hanging loosely on his left wrist. He had a bored expression on his face.
"Speak of the devil," she said as she walked to the back to put on her worker uniform.
"Hey, man! How about you join my team?" Isamu said to Kyousuke.
"Why?" he asked as they walked over to a table to talk. Izumi was walking out of a room with her worker uniform on. Haru and her boss was talking about how to make the store more appealing for everyone with the talk of putting up posters or fixing up the sign outside or even better a slogan.
"Well the tournament is in a few months and we can enter if we have a team," he said, "We, first though need a team before anything else."
"I'll join...but only if Izumi joins," Isamu looked up in surprised while Izumi was pretty surprised as well.
"How come?" Isamu asked. He was puzzled at what Kyousuke was saying.
"She is a good player. She can be an important asset to the team plus we need at least two more members to join us before anything else," he said.
"If that is okay with you, Izumi. Would you like to join the team?" Isamu asked with a hopeful face.
Izumi thought about it. She was never a sociable person much less someone who can work with others. It was a new experience for her, but she was still a beginner so her being in the team would just bring them down.
"To tell you the truth..." she began.
"You don't need to join us if you don't want to. We're not forcing you," Isamu said to her, "Winning is not what I am looking forward to rather I look forward to the fun that me and my team would have."
"Beside winning isn't what Vanguard is about anyways," Kyousuke silently said.
Izumi looked at them for a sec. Then after a bit of silence, nodded at their request. Isamu beamed while Kyousuke silently smiled. Hiro moved to make himself comfortable sitting on his sister's lap. She patted him on the head as he settled down.
"Alright then. All we need is one more player. Where are we going to get another player?" Isamu said.
Then out of the blue, the door to the shop bursted opened. A tall shadow appeared at the doorway while the others were dumbfounded at what just happen.
"I finally found you," a male voice said. They all turned to see a young man who appears to be at least 16 years old. He has black hair that was quite messy and jagged even more than Isamu's and his black eyes were bold and confident. Wearing a black T-shirt and black pants, he was a sore thumb especially when in a group of bright color shirt wearing people. He was wearing a necklace that has a heart shaped pendant encrusted in gold and silver with the heart being bright red in color.
He slowly walked to Kyousuke, "You there! I challenge you to a cardfight."
"Why? I don't even know you," Kyousuke responded back to him.
"You may not know me, but I know that it was you who defeated my brother. I request you to fight me," he growled out. Kyousuke was not pleased at all and stood up to stand his ground.
"Hey, now. Let's come down," Isamu said as he tried to calm both of them down. They both ignored him, they seem to want to start a fight. Haru and Izumi's boss was getting a little scared at what was going to happen.
"Stop this instant!" a voice shouted out. They all turned to see Izumi with her arms crossed. Hiro was hiding behind her with his face half-covered by her legs, she pushed him a little more behind her.
"Why should I?" the boy said as he approached her.
"Because I said so," Izumi stood her ground. Hiro never seen his sister like that before.
"Fine. I wouldn't start a fight unless you fight me in a cardfight. I'll stop with the whole revenge thing too if you beat me," he quietly chuckled.
Izumi sighed and agreed if it means that he leaves the shop alone. They set up the table to begin their match. The others were watching from the sidelines. Hiro was sitting on Haru's lap as they both watched Izumi fight.
"Stand up, Vanguard!"
"Stardust Trumpeter!"
"Guiding Zombie!"
On the battlefield, two units appeared. A young red haired girl holding a small trumpet appeared with a smile on her face while opposite to the field was a blueish purple looking hum except its not human at all. His left eye was covered up, his right eye popped out pretty, half of his mouth was like bone and his hair was falling apart. He was wearing a butler suit and seems to have a hunch like posture. He was holding a lantern in front of him and he waved slowly to Stardust who was a bit scared at his appearance.
"Granblue, huh?" Izumi said as she looked at the unit.
"Yep. They may be dead, but not when the sea calls for them to rise. A zombie can't resist a party especially when they can't die," the man said.
"What's your name anyways?" Kyousuke asked from the sidelines.
The man looked up. "My name is Ryouji Praeke. Remember it well, because after this match, I will challenge you next." Kyousuke was not interested while Isamu just sweat-dropped with a nervous smile.
Izumi drew her card. "I ride Lake Maiden, Lien!" Stardust disappeared away. In her place, was a blue haired woman with her eyes closed and both her hands were holding a sword. "I end my turn."
"I draw. I ride Samurai Spirit!" The zombie disappeared into the gusts of dirt and air. In his place, was a headless samurai armor with orange flames coming out of it. It was holding a flaming sword in hand as it growl to the air after all it doesn't even have a head. "Guiding Zombie's skill activates. When another Granblue unit rides this unit, I call it to the rearguard. I move him to the back of Spirit." The blueish purple zombie appeared once more again.
"I call Dandy Guy, Romairo to the left top." Another zombie made an appearance. This time, it was more bluer than the other one. His appearance was like other zombie with missing teeth, wrinkled skin and torn clothes. He had a rose in his mouth for some odd reason. He winked at the direction at Lien, but she ignored it probably because her eyes were closed.
"I attack with Romairo!" turning the card to its side.
"No guard." Izumi placed Wingal to the damage zone. Romairo pointed his rose at Lien and a burst of rose petals aimed at Lein, cutting her in the process.
"I attack Lien with Samurai Spirit boosted by Guiding Zombie," he said as he turned the cards to their sides.
"No guard," Izumi said.
"Drive Check," Ryouji revealed the top card of his deck: Rough Sea Banshee, "Critical trigger! I add all the effects to Spirit!"
The headless armor jumped up and slashed Lien straight on. She let out a cry while Izumi placed two cards to the damage zone: Lake Maiden, Lien and Weapons Dealer, Govannon.
"Draw trigger! I add the power to Lien and I draw a card," she said as she draw a card.
"I end my turn," Ryouji said.
Battle report
Ryouji: 0 damage Hand: 5
Izumi: 3 damage Hand: 6
"I draw. I ride Knight of Silence, Gallatin!" Lien disappeared into the blue light. A dark skinned man wearing a blindfold appeared onto the field. "I call Marron to the left top." A young blue haired boy giant appeared on the field.
"I attack Spirit with Marron," she said as she turned the card to its rest position.
"No guard," he said and placed John the Ghostie to the damage zone. Marron chanted a spell and launched it at Samurai Spirit causing an explosion to happen.
"I attack with Gallatin to your vanguard," she said.
No guard, he said as he stared at the field.
"Drive check," she revealed Yggdrasil Maiden, Elaine. A green glow appeared from it. "Heal trigger! I add the power to Gallatin and I heal one damage." She removed Wingal from the damage zone to the drop zone. Gallatin reached for his sword and unleashed it at Spirit causing a scratch on him.
Ryouji tossed Captain Nightmist to the damage zone.
Battle report
Ryouji: 2 damage Hand: 5
Izumi: 2 damage Hand: 6
"I stand and draw. I ride Ruin Shade!" The flaming headless armored spirit disappeared. In its place was a shadow figure shaped in a female body dressed in a vice-captain suit. Her face was hidden in the shadows that is her body with her eyes that only part that is visible. Her light blonde hair was splitted into two braids that was tied with a ribbon at each end. Her sword was ready to strike anything.
"I move Romairo to the back and call Commodore Blueblood!" The zombie moved to the back, allowing a blue skin colored vampire dressed in a pirate suit with a gun in hand to take it's place. He was smirking at his opponents.
"I attack Gallatin with Blueblood boosted by Romairo!" Romairo lent his power to Blueblood as he took aim at Gallatin.
"I guard with Starlight Unicorn!" she placed the card onto the guardian circle. A white unicorn armored with a rainbow armor appeared in front of Gallatin. Blueblood withdraw his gun.
"I attack Gallatin with Ruin Shade boosted by Guiding Zombie!" he said, "I activate Ruin's Shade's skill by dropping two cards from the top of my deck, I can add 2k to her power." He dropped two cards into the drop zone: Captain Nightmist and Dancing Cutlass. Ruin Shade prepared for her attack.
"No guard," she said.
He moved his hand to his deck with his eyes closed. "Hmmm...no trigger, huh?" he said as he revealed Monster Frank. The others were confused at what he meant. Its not like you can tell when you get a trigger, right?
Izumi placed Knight of Convictions, Bors to the damage zone.
Battle report
Ryouji: 2 damage Hand: 4
Izumi: 3 damage Hand: 5
"I stand and draw. I ride Knight of Kings, Alfred!" Gallatin disappeared into the blue light. A blue skinned horse with a orange flaming mane and tail appeared, it reared itself to battle. Riding on top of the horse was a knight dressed in a white armor, holding a great sword in his left hand as he settle down his steed. His red eyes stared out to the field while showing a stern face.
Everyone was amazed at seeing Izumi using one of the best Royal Paladin cards out there. Kyouskue chuckled while Isamu smiled and wondered if she can pull off using him. Royuji just kept a straight face.
"I move Marron to the back and call Knight of Conviction, Bors. I call Gallatin to the top right and also Starlight Unicorn to the back of Gallatin. Bors and Sunlight Unicorn appeared to the field in roll call.
"I activate Starlight Unicorn's skill. When its placed in the rearguard, I can add 2k to any Royal Paladin unit on the field. I choose Bors!" Starlight lent some of its power to Bors.
"I attack Ruin Shade with Gallatin boosted by Starlight Unicorn!" turning the cards to their sides. Gallatin prepared for the attack.
"No guard. At least the draw trigger will help," he said. He was right as soon as he tossed Hook-Wielding Zombie to the damage zone, it glowed a red light. "Draw trigger. I give the power to Ruin Shade and I draw a card." Gallatin slashed at Shade and retreated back to his position.
"I attack with Alfred. His skill activates when he is in the vanguard circle, for every Royal Paladin units on the field, he gains 2k for each one," she said as she turned the card to its side. Alfred ready his steed for his attack.
Ryouji thought for a moment. "No guard," he said.
"Twin Drive," Izumi first revealed Flogal, "Stand trigger. I add all the effects to Gallatin!" Gallatin once again rise, this time with a bit of help from the trigger.
She then revealed Blaster Blade and added to her hand. Ryouji was surprised that she had that card, but nonetheless he remained unfazed.
Alfred lifted up his sword and with one wave he slashed it downward. It caused a ripple of energy to cross over, colliding with Ruin Shade at the end. Ryouji placed Three Star Chef, Pietro to the damage zone.
"I attack Blueblood with Gallatin," she said as she turned the card to its side. Gallatin prepared his attack.
"No guard," he said. Gallatin strike Blueblood straight on. The vampire let out a groan before leaving the field. Ryouji placed the card into the drop zone.
"I attack with Bors boosted by Marron to your vanguard," she said.
"I guard with Rough Sea Banshee," he placed the card into the guardian zone. A young girl wearing a brown frill dress with a pair of headphones on her head and a eye patch that was covering her right eye. Bors stopped and walked back to his position.
"I end my turn," she said.
Battle report
Ryouji: 4 damage Hand: 4
Izumi: 3 damage Hand: 4
"I stand and draw. I ride Master Swordsman, Nightstorm!" Ruin Shade disappeared from the field. In her place was a vampire dressed in a captain's uniform with his fancy hat and shoes. He was smirking and waving his sword around. "I counter blast one and retire Romario! Rise again from the depths of the uncharted sea, Captain Nightmist to the right top!" Romario disappeared to the depths of the sea. A vampire dressed in a captain s suit appeared. His wavy black hair moved in the wind while he keeps his sword up.
"I call another Commodore Blueblood! I attack Alfred with Blueblood!" he turned the card to it's side. Blueblood prepared for his shot at his target, but Alfred remained unfazed by it.
Izumi looked at her hand and field. "No guard," she said as she placed Knight of Silence, Gallatin to the damage zone. Blueblood fires some shots at Alfred causing him some pain.
"I attack your vanguard with Nightstorm boosted by Guiding Zombie. Nightstorm's skill activates if there is a Granblue unit he gains +2k to his power," he said. Nightstorm prepared for his attack.
"I guard with Flogal and Eliane!" she dropped the cards into the guardian circle. A elf dressed in a light green dress and a pink dog with a red bow on her head appeared in front of Alfred. Nightstorm stopped in his attack.
"Lucky you," Ryouji said as he revealed King of Demonic Seas, Basskirk and Rough Sea Banshee. "Critical trigger. I add all the effects to Nightmist."
"I attack Bors with Nightmist," he said.
"No guard," Izumi said. Nightmist landed an attack on Bors causing him to disappear. She placed the card into the drop zone.
"I end my turn," he said.
"He wants to get rid of the rearguards so Alfred can not gain power from them being on the field," Isamu noted.
"If you can't attack the leader, attack the members of the group. Izumi will have to either use her hand in order to replace the unit lost on the field," Kyousuke said, "If she can afford it."
Battle report
Ryouji: 4 damage Hand: 5
Izumi: 4 damage Hand: 2
"I stand and draw," she said. "I call Blaster Blade to the left!" Blaster Blade made his appearance on the field with a calm face. "I activate his skill. By counter blasting two, I can retire one of my opponent s Grade 2 or lower. I retire Blueblood from the field." She flipped two cards in the damage zone and Blaster Blade lifted his sword, crushing its tip into the ground. A blue ripple of lighting shot forward to Blueblood and shocked him making him retreat into the sea.
"I attack with Gallatin boosted by Starlight to your vanguard," she turned the cards to their sides. Gallatin reached for his sword.
"I guard with Rough Sea Banshee," he placed the card into the guardian circle. The young girl dressed in a brown dress appeared in front of Nightstorm. Gallatin stopped in his step and retreated back. Nightstorm patted Banshee on the head before she disappeared.
"I attack with Blaster Blade boosted by Marron to your vanguard," she said. Marron flowed his power to Blaster Blade as he took his stance for his fight.
"I guard with Skeleton Lookout," he said as he placed the card into the guardian circle. A skeleton wearing worn out clothes with a telescope appeared in front of Nightstorm. One of his eyeball was in the telescope while the other one is in his head. Blaster Blade stopped in his path and retreated back with a glare.
"I attack Nightstorm with Alfred. Alfred's skill activates for every Royal Paladin units on the field, he gains +2k for each of them," she said as she turned the card to its side. Alfred prepared his steed for his fight.
Ryouji looked at his hand and field. He sighed, "No guard."
"Twin Drive," she revealed Epona. "Critical trigger! I add all the effects to Alfred." Then she revealed Marron as her second check.
Alfred lifted up his sword and delivered a blow to Nightstorm. Ryouji placed Nightmist and Cutlass to the damage zone.
Battle report
Ryouji: 6 damage Hand: 3
Izumi: 4 damage Hand: 4
Everyone was pretty amazed at the match before them. They clapped at the end.
"That was a pretty good match," Isamu said as stared at the outcome. Kyousuke said nothing.
Izumi sighed at her win. She was getting better at this. "You promise to not cause a ruckus, right?" she said to Ryouji as he packed his cards away. He nodded to her question though he was still glaring at Kyousuke.
"Hey, why don't you join our team?" Isamu asked Ryouji, "We need another member for our team for the upcoming tournament."
"What's in it for me?" he asked Isamu. Isamu thought for a bit.
"Well you get some good experience along with meeting new people and going to places," Isamu said, "Plus we get to fight the best of the best who wouldn t want that?"
"I guess. I would like to sharpen my skills," he thought for a moment.
"Hey, at least you can challenge Kyousuke here as much as you want. After all, he is in our team anyways, right?" Isamu said as he turned to Kyousuke.
"Only if Izumi is willing to. I need an answer from her and not a nod from her head," he said as he turned to her.
Izumi thought for a moment. She looked up to them, "Yes, I ll join."
"Yes! Now we have a team!" Isamu exclaimed loudly.
This is the start of their difficult journey as they each find out their own path in this tale of destiny.
TBC~