You're still here?
I must admire your determination.
I thought the massive chapter length would scare you off.
Well, it's about time we resumed the story.
Stand 2! Keep Trying!
Akio's face was twisted into a scowl as he unlocked the door to his home and stormed inside. He carelessly kicked the door with the back of his heel, letting it shut with a bang.
"Is everything alright?" his dad called from the living room. "I didn't expect you back until later."
"Everything's fine!" Akio called back as he climbed began his lumbering ascent up the stairs.
"Akio." Even though his father's voice didn't rise in volume or express any anger, but Akio knew that his father was actually saying, "You're not fooling me, Akio. Come back down here and talk."
With a sigh, Akio tromped back down the stairs. He crossed the living room and stepped into the expansive kitchen. He found his father seated at the kitchen's small table. A copy of War and Peace lay on the table next to his father's elbow. "Hey, dad."
His father nodded, and gestured to one of the other chairs around the table. After Akio sat down, his father asked him, "How much of the town did you get to see?"
Akio shrugged. "A lot of it, I guess," he replied. "Enough to know that this place is crazy."
His father's eyebrow raised. "How so?"
"The people here have the weirdest ideas about color. The town's half bright and half dull, and every person I've met is a weirdo. I decided to stop by three card shops-three!-and I couldn't find one of them that didn't have a psycho-girl behind the counter."
Akio's father nodded. "Let me take a guess, and you can tell me if I'm wrong," he said. "You had some girl trouble."
"Not like that…" Akio said as his face flushed. His father chuckled as Akio stammered out an explanation. "She wasn't… like that, exactly. She was just so… frustrating."
"So this girl who worked behind the counter managed to get you tangled up in an argument you couldn't win?"
"It was more than an argument."
"Hm…" Akio's father leaned back as he contemplated this. "So if I got this all right, this girl got you wrapped up in a cardfight-which you lost-and she managed to get you riled up in an argument in the process? "
"Well, yeah. Wait." Akio paused. "How did you know? You weren't there."
"You're very easy to read," his father replied. "Plus, you didn't even realize that you told me most of the story already. You went to three card shops, and at the third one you got into something that was a more than argument with a girl behind the counter of the store, and then you came back here angry."
Akio shook his head. "I still don't get how you do that," he said. "No matter how many times you do it I will never understand how you can figure out so much from such a short conversation."
"It's simple deduction," was the reply. "Apply it some time, and it'll allow you to get into the heads of others. In cardfighting, it can be essential for defeating your opponents. Figure out what makes them tick. Manipulate them through their subconscious."
"No, thanks," Akio replied. "I'd rather not get involved in serious stuff."
"Suit yourself," his father replied with a shrug. "Now, what exactly did this girl do to get you so wound up?"
"Nothing."
His father raised an eyebrow and leaned forward resting an elbow on the table. "Nothing?" he echoed.
"Nothing," Akio confirmed.
"Is there some reason I don't believe you?" Akio shrugged. "You aren't upset that you lost a girl your age, are you?"
"Of course it's not because she was a girl," Akio scoffed. "I just couldn't syand how arrogant she was. I wasn't even using my normal deck, just a trial deck, and she had to keep going on and on about how weak I was and how I was a disappointment."
"So why does that affect you?" his father asked gently.
"Just because I'm not as good as her doesn't me she has the right to treat me like dirt!"
"So what are you going to do?"
Akio snorted. "I'm obviously not going back to that shop again," he said. "Whoever owns that places needs to hire someone with better customer service."
"And is that really the best solution?"
"I'm not going back to be treated like a little kid."
Akio's father sighed and massaged his temples. "Tell me, why were you at the shop to begin with?"
"Why was I-Well, to get some japanese-print cards," Akio replied. "Isn't it obvious? We had planned to do it… a while ago."
"Yes," his father agreed with a small nod. "But if you don't go there, how will you be able to buy the cards? Are you going to wait until the girl is fired before you step foot in the shop again?"
"No… I'll try the other card shops…"
"What stopped you from buying at the first two shops you visited then? You did say you visited three, and last time I checked, there were only three card shops in the entire town."
"Only three?" Akio exclaimed.
"It's a small town, Akio," his father reminded him. "If it wasn't for the town-wide vanguard obsession there would only be one, maybe two shops here, tops. Now, why didn't you buy anything from the first two shops you visited?"
"Well…" Akio rapped his fingers on the table. "The store owners were kind of creepy."
His father nodded slowly. There was a small amount of confusion in his eyes, but he didn't press the issue. "Well, it seems you have a dilemna. You can rather face the person who treats you like pond scum, or face your fears of creepy shop owners." He shrugged. "It's your choice, but know this. Do you remember why I gave you the Nova Grapplers?"
"Yeah, you wanted me to learn from their fighting style, and constantly rise to the occasion and never back down," Akio replied as rolled his eyes. "But dad, they're just cards. All that clan lore is just some made up stories that sound cool."
"That's why you need to have imagination," said his father. "Picture the cards as living beings, and only then will you be able to use their power."
"Dad, that sounds like something you would tell a kid," Akio deadpanned. "Imagination? Seriously? Imagination isn't useful for anything."
"Akio, I've been in the military," his dad replied seriously. "Trust me, in combat, you need to keep your imagination open to find all sorts of possibilities. Otherwise, you'll shut yourself away from potential opportunities. In war, that means lives being lost. In life, that means failing to grow as a person."
"But imagining something that's fake to be real isn't, well, realistic."
His father sighed, stood from his chair, and picked up his book. "Akio, you are faced with a choice. How you deal with it is up to you. Afterwards, you can tell me what you choose to do, or you can decide not to. It's your choice." With that, he stood up and left the kitchen, leaving a confused Akio alone with his thoughts.
Up in his room, Akio sat on his bed in a cross legged position. "It's my choice, huh?" he said softly to himself. "The way he says that makes me feel like whatever choice I make isn't my own to begin with."
He leaned back and rested his head on his pillow. "All I wanted to do was buy some cards. But nope, I had to get wrapped with crazy shop owners. That girl, Rachel, she thinks she's so much better than me. If I had my real deck on me I would have-"
The words died on his lips as he became acquainted with reality. "She would have beat me anyway," he admitted. "She's way out of my league. There's no point in fighting her again, I'd only lose."
He sighed as he rolled onto his side. As his eyes caught something, he squinted. He raised his head, and stretched out his hand to grab a small box sticking out of the pocket of one of his bags. "My deck…"
He slid the cards out of the deck holder and placed them on his bed. "My Nova Grapplers: giant, powerful robots that fight for sport," he said, recalling the clan's lore. "They're tough, brave, and fearless. Everything I'm not."
He riffed through his cards until he found the strongest one in his deck. "You're the ultimate destroyer, one of the strongest Nova Grapplers in existence. If you were real, you would crush that girl's Blazing Flare Dragon easily," he let the card slid from his fingers, and watched as it slowly fell onto his bed. "But you aren't real. And pretending that you are isn't going to help win any fights. I'm not a skilled or experienced player, and no amount of hoping and wishing will make me able to beat someone like here any time soon."
A sudden breeze whipped through Akio's opened window. The card Akio had dropped rose from the bed and flew to his face, but he managed to snag it from the air before it could make contact.
"Sheesh, it's like you're telling me to not give up or something," said Akio as he added the card to the rest of his deck and placed them into the deck holder. "I know you're not… that would be silly."
He facepalmed. "How to tell when a guy's lonely and has no friends: he talks to his cards," he grumbled. Still, he fingered with the cards of his deck instead of putting them back in his bag. "But it's better than nothing. It's not like I have anything better to do. I'm on the other side of the globe, and the only thing that's stayed with me are these cards."
Sighing, he dropped the deck on his bed. "Well, like dad said, I've got two options. Face one of the creepy ladies, or deal with the ego-maniac girl." He shivered. "I can't buy cards until I deal with one of them, so I need to decide."
Akio reached into one of his paggs and took out a set of multicolor pens. "Alright, purple for the gothic lady, yellow for the creepy sunshine lady, and red for the annoying girl." Akio closed his eyes, shuffled the three pens around in his hand, stopped, and drew one.
Akio's eyes widened as he looked at the pen in his hand. "Great… just my luck," he grumbled. "Well, if I'm going to do this. I might as well do it right."
The following day, Rachel looked up as the door to the shop opened. "Welcome to Card Shop Hor..." Her voice trailed off as she recognized the face of the visitor. "You came back?" she asked incredulously, despite the indisputable evidence standing in front of her.
"Yes, I did," Akio replied. He held up his deck and narrowed his eyes. "And I'm here for a rematch."
Rachel grinned. "Well, whaddya know, you do have a spine!" She stood up, took off her apron, and dumped it on the empty chair behind her. "What made you decide to come back?" she asked as she stuck her hand into slipped her deck out of the pocket of her .
"Nothing important," Akio replied quickly. Rachel looked at him suspiciously, so he quickly smirked while adding, "Beat me, and I might tell you."
Rachel's grin grew even wider. "It looks like you've even gained some spirit!" she exclaimed. "Maybe this time I'll have a real fight on my hands!"
Akio kept his lips in a thin line as he placed a card face down in the vanguard circle. "No matter what happens, she won't beat me," he said to himself in a low whisper. "I can't afford to lose this time."
"Are you talking to yourself?"
Akio jumped, and whirled around to see Haruki sitting in a chair behind him. "I was just... getting ready," Akio explained as he settled his racing heart. He turned to Rachel and narrowed his eyes again. "This time, I'm going to win."
Haruki grinned and took a seat. "I'm glad you came back!" he exclaimed. "Most fighters that Rachel crush never show their faces here again! Good luck! You'll need it!"
"Thanks?"
"Haruki, stop distracting him," ordered Rachel. "I want to destroy him while he's at his best."
"Would you stop acting like you already won?" Akio asked irritably.
Rachel put a finger to her lips and strained her facial expression into one of deep thought. "Maybe... if you actually prove that you're an actual opponent," she teased.
"Let's just get this over with."
"Fine by me," said Rachel with a shrug. She leaned over and placed her hand on her face down starting vanguard. "Picture it, we're on the surface of Cray. We're getting ready to summon the creatures of that world to fight on our behalf. Now, we will ready the units who will be the first hosts to our spirits." She closed her eyes. "Can you... picture it?"
Akio rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. I got the picture. Can we get started now?"
Rachel slowly opened her eyes to give him a deadpan stare. "Well, it makes sense that you wouldn't miraculously change overnight," she said. "Still, some improvement is better than nothing. Now, Stand up-"
"Vanguard!"
"My Vanguard!"
[Battleraizer - 3000]
[Dragon Knight, Sadegh - 5000]
In a valley on the surface of the planet Cray, two being sprung into existence. A young spear-wielding Dragon stood on the side of one of the valley's hills. His eyes narrowed as he looked across the expansive gap, where a Battleroid stood, awaiting combat.
"I draw," said Rachel, taking the first turn before Akio could attempt to do the same. "I ride, Mahogara! And with his skill, I move Sadegh to rearguard."
[Demonic Dragon Mage, Mahoraga - 5000]
The dragonman cackled evilly as he replaced Sadegh as the new Vanguard. The young Knight could only sigh as he reappeared behind the mage.
"That's the end of my turn."
Rachel's Turn End
Hand: 5
FR: empty/Demonic Dragon Mage, Mahogara/empty
BR: empty/Dragon Knight, Sadegh/empty
Damage: none
"I draw. I ride, Katanaraizer! I move Battleraizer back, and I also call a Jetraizer!"
Battleraizer jumped back as a sword-wielding battleroid appeared on the field. A blue and silver battleroid appeared to the side of the new Vanguard.
[Katanaraizer - 7000]
[Jetraizer - 7000]
"Now Jetraizer attacks your vanguard!"
The blue battleroid charged towards the dragonman. The twin jet engines that were strapped to its back spun madly as his speed increased. A vibrant green energy flowed from the battleroid's core as it pulled its fist back for the blow.
[7000] vs [5000]
With a shrug, Rachel said, "No guard."
The reptilian mage was flung back by the force of the blow. However, he stood back up with the same sinister gleam in his eye. Jetraizer, unnerved, hurried back to its side of the valley.
[Damage Check - Blazing Flare Dragon, No Trigger]
Rachel gave an almost inaudible hiss as she placed the card in the damage zone.
"Katanaraizer attacks your vanguard!"
Katanaraizer drew its sword as it prepared to strike.
[7000] vs [5000]
"You're not using Battleraizer's boosting ability?" Rachel asked.
Akio shook his head. "The extra power wouldn't help me," he explained. "I'll save his ability for a time I can actually use it properly."
Rachel nodded slowly. "Alright then, no guard."
Battleraizer grabbed Katanaraizer by the arms and jumped as high as it could. Katanaraizer pushed off and failed down towards Mahogara, its unsheathed sword gleaming in the light of the sun.
[Drive Check - Battleraizer, Stand Trigger]
"All effects to Jetraizer!"
Jetraizer almost appeared to be smirking as it rose once again, watching Mahogara struggle stand after receiving the brunt of Katanaraizer's strike.
[Damage Check - Iron Tail Dragon, No Trigger]
Rachel gave a louder hiss this time.
"And now Jetraizer attacks!"
[7000 + 5000] vs [5000]
Rachel gritted her teeth. "No guard," she grunted.
Jetraizer charged forward, its body was enveloped in emerald light as it Mahogara for the second term leaving the dragonman in a smoldering crater in the ground. Satisfied, the Battleroid paused to admire its work, but was surprised to see Mahogara immediately standing once more, with its newest injuries already closing up.
[Damage Check - Dragon Dancer, Barbara, Heal Trigger]
"Alright!" Rachel cheered. "Got a heal Trigger! Perfect timing!"
"Drats," said Akio. "Well, I guess that's the end of my turn."
Akio's Turn End
Hand: 5
FR: empty/Katanaraizer/Jetraizer
BR: empty/Battleraizer/empty
Damage: none
"I draw, and ride Blazing Core Dragon!"
[Blazing Core Dragon - 9000]
Mahogara was consumed in bright flames as he was replaced by bipedal dragon with a core as bright as searing lava.
"Oh, no," said Akio as a feeling of dread washed over him.
"Oh, yes," said Rachel with a malicious smile. "Now, I call Gattling Claw Dragon, and Bellicosity Dragon!"
[Gattling Claw Dragon - 4000]
[Bellicosity Dragon - 9000]
"With a boost from Gattling Claw Dragon, Bellicosity Dragon attacks your rearguard!"
Gattling Claw Dragon leapt onto the back of Bellicosity Dragon, being careful to avoid the larger dragon's long, curved spikes that coveted its body.
[4000 + 9000 = 13000] vs [7000]
"No superior ride?" Akio asked in surprise.
Rachel rolled her eyes. "Duh, no. We're in battle phase now, come on. Guard or no guard?"
"I... don't guard."
Like a charging rhinoceros, Bellicosity Dragon charged towards Jetraizer. The battleroid's eyes widened in panic. Several rounds were fires into the battleroid's core, and intense flames caused it to explode into small fragments of metal.
"Why did you waste such a powerful attack on a rearguard?" Akio asked as he placed Jetraizer into his drop zone. "It can't even intercept."
"I know the damage the Nova Grappler can do," Rachel replied. "With key units on the field, you could waste away my shields like crazy. So, if I can't retire your units with skills, I'll find another way to wreck your formation! Now, attack his vanguard, Blazing Core Dragon!"
Sadegh fell to his knees as he transferred all of his power into the leading flame dragon. Blazing Core Dragon roared as it flew to Katanaraizer. The liquid flames on its chest bubbled as it came within range.
[9000 + 5000 = 14000] vs [7000]
"No guard."
"Drive Check, give me the card I need to take the lead!"
[Drive Check - Iron Tail Dragon, No Trigger]
The sheer force of the flames was enough to force Katanaraizer to its knees. The battleroid grunted as it pushed itself up to a standing position. Blazing Core Dragon gave a departing roar before flying hack to its side of the battlefield.
"Perfect, just the card I needed!" Rachel cheered.
Akio hissed as she added the card to her hand. Even though it wasn't a trigger, it was just as bad, if not worse. "At least she wasn't able to superior ride this turn," he reminded himself. "That gives me a bit of breathing space." He took a deep breath in, and let out slowly. "Damage Check."
[Damage Check - Cannonraizer, No Trigger]
"I end my turn."
Rachel's Turn End
Hand: 4
FR: empty/Blazing Core Dragon/Bellicosity Dragon
BR: empty/Dragon Knight, Sadegh/Gattling Claw Dragon
Damage: Iron Tail Dragon; Dragon Dancer, Barbara
"Riding Hi-Powered Razier Custom!" Akio called. "And I call a Battleraizer, and a second Hi-Powered Raizer Custom to rearguard!"
[Hi-Powered Raizer Custom - 8000]
[Hi-Powered Raizer Custom - 8000]
[Battleraizer - 3000]
Katanaraizer's form was engulfed in a golden glow as its body shifted into that of the blue battleroid, Hi-Powered Raizer Custom. An identical battleroid joined its side, and Battleraizer likewise received a duplicate.
"Now my rearguard Hi-Powered Raizer Custom attacks your vanguard. Since Battleraizer is in the same column, Hi-Powered Razier Custom is getting another eight thousand power!"
Hi-Powered Raizer Custom slammed its fist together as its body was bathed in golden light. As Battleraizer gave up it's power, the flow doubled in intensity.
[8000 + 8000 = 16000] vs [9000]
"Still not using Battleraizer's boost ability?" Rachel asked.
"Still wouldn't help," Akio replied.
Rachel frowned, but nevertheless nodded slowly. "No guard."
[Damage Check - Berserk Dragon, No Trigger]
Blazing Core Dragon screeched in pain as the giant metal fist smashed into the side of its face.
"Now my vanguard attacks!"
[8000 + 8000 = 16000] vs [9000]
Weary but resoluter, Blazing Core Dragon watched as the second blue battleroid charged forward with the same blazing golden light.
"No guard."
[Drive Check - Minimum Raizer, Critical Trigger]
"Awesome!" Akio cheered. "All of the effects go to my vanguard!"
Hi-Powered Raizer Custom delivered a crushing punch to the side of Blazing Core Dragon's head. The flame dragon, finally having had enough, shook its head as it let out an enraged crier. Unperturbed, the blue battleroid delivered a second punch, directly into the dragon's core. Blazing Core Dragon fell to the ground, gasping for breath.
[Damage Check - Blazing Core Dragon, No Trigger]
[Damage Check - Blue Ray Dracokid, Critical Trigger]
"And I end my turn with the best lead possible," Akio declared.
Akio's Turn End
Hand: 5
FR: empty/Hi-Powered Raizer Custom/Hi-Powered Raizer Custom
BR: empty/Battleraizer/Battleraizer
Damage: Cannonraizer
"Nice, very nice," said Rachel as she stood her units and drew a card. "However, I don't think you realize your predicament."
"I've already got you at five damage," Akio pointed out proudly. "And since you wasted an attack on my rearguard, I'm only at one damage. My lead is secure. There's no way you can recover from this."
"Now who's being arrogant?" Rachel asked with a sneer. "Let's see if you can walk the walk, shall we? I call Iron Tail Dragon to rearguard!"
[Iron Tail Dragon - 7000]
"And using Blazing Core Dragon's skill, I superior ride! Arise my Avatar from the scorching depths of the earth! Lay waste on my enemies and feast on their seared flesh!"
[Blazing Flare Dragon - 10000]
"Now for my assault!" Rachel declared. "It's time to change the course of the battle. I'll be calling Kimnara and Dual Axe Archdragon to rearguard."
[Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara - 6000]
[Dual Axe Archdragon - 10000]
"With Kimnara's skill, I'll be eliminating the Battleraizer behind your rearguard!"
"You're not targeting my intercept?" Akio asked in surprise.
"Of course not," Rachel scoffed. "I'm targeting the real threat. Now, Bellicosity Dragon attacks your vanguard!"
The spike-studded dragon roared as it barrelled towards the blue battleroid. Hi-Powered Raizer Custom crossed its arms across its chest as it braced for impact.
[9000] vs [8000]
"I guard with Cannonraizer!"
[9000] vs [8000 + 5000 = 13000]
"Now, with the support of Sadegh, My Avatar attacks! Go, Blazing Flare Dragon! Unleash your Immortal Flame!"
Blazing Flare Dragon took a deep breath in as he built up the heat inside its body. He leapt towards Hi-Powered Raizer Custom and released the fiery inferno in a blast so intense the air itself seemed to wither.
[10000 + 3000 + 5000 = 18000]
"No guard," said Akio. "Even if you get an unlikely double critical, I'll still be in the lead."
[Drive Check - Dual Axe Archdragon, No Trigger]
[Drive Check - Gattling Claw Dragon, Draw Trigger]
"I draw a card. The power goes to Dual Axe Archdragon."
[Damage Check - Masuaraizer, No Trigger]
"Now, Dual Axe Archdragon attacks your vanguard!"
"No guard," said Akio confidently.
[Damage Check - Maximum Raizer, No Trigger]
"That's all for my turn."
Rachel's Turn End
Hand: 5
FR: Dual Axe Archdragon/Blazing Flare Dragon/Bellicosity Dragon
BR: empty/Dragon Knight, Sadegh/empty
Damage: Iron Tail Dragon (D); Dragon Dancer, Barbara; Berserk Dragon; Blazing Core Dragon; Blue Ray Dracokid
"I've got you right where I want you," Akio declared.
"Really?" Rachel asked with a sly smile. "Because I still don't think you can beat me."
"You're at five damage, which means one attack will finish you," Akio said as he pointed a finger at her damage zone. "And I have just the attack for the job."
Rachel raised an eyebrow. "I've got five cards in hand," she pointed as she waved her cards in the air. "Not to mention an intercept on the field. No attacks are going past me."
"Really? Because I have just the thing to beat you!" Akio declared. "I ride, my trump card, Perfect Raizer!"
One of the Hi-Powered Raizer Custom was engulfed in blinding white light. It's form grew in size as it changed into a new battleroid. This battleroid was crimson in color, with gold, green, and white as complimentary colors. It stood high above the heads of the other battleroids, and its impassive gaze struck fear into the hearts of every being on the battlefield.
[Perfect Raizer - 11000]
"With his skill, all of my Raizer rearguards move to the soul! And I call Maximum Raizer, Katanaraizer, and Masuraraizer!"
[Maximum Raizer - 10000]
[Katanaraizer - 7000]
[Masuraraizer - 9000]
"You're putting Masuraraizer in a column alone?" Rachel quierred.
"Yeah, without Jetraizer I don't have a surefire way of standing, so there's no point in putting something behind Masuraraizer for a bonus that'll only go off if I get a stand trigger, when Maximum Raizer will get a certain power bonus when his column is full."
Rachel shook her head ruefully. "Haruki, tell this guy why he's an idiot."
"Okay!" said Haruki cheerfully. He turned to Akio. "You're an idiot because Rachel says so!"
Akio looked at Haruki blankly. "That... doesn't make any sense," he said.
Rachel facepalmed. "Haruki, stop playing around," she said with a sigh. "This loser is already wasting enough of my breath on his own."
"I'm not a loser!" Akio declared as he slammed a hand down on the table. "And by beating you, I'll prove it! Now, Maximum Raizer attacks your vanguard first with the support of Katanaraizer! With Maximum Raizer's skill, since there's another Nova Grappler in his column, an extra two thousand power!"
Maximum Raizer charged forward, it's green exterior gleaming in the sun as it stretched out its fist. Blue energy from Katanaraizer swirled around it in an elegant, dangerous spiral.
[10000 + 2000 + 7000 = 19000] vs [10000]
"That extra two thousand is still one thousand short from making an actual difference," Rachel said. "Bellicosity Dragon intercepts! And Blazing Core Dragon guards!"
Blazing Flare Dragon watched as the green battleroid's fist approached. He knew he was too weak to withstand the impact, but instead of attempting to flee in panic, he stood his ground and prepared to retaliate with the little strength he had left.
Thankfully, the vanguard was spared from that necessity. Bellicosity Dragon shoved the powerful dragon out of the way, leaving itself to be destroyed. Furious and still brimming with left over energy, Maximum Raizer Charged again. This time, it was met by Blazing Core Dragon, who blocked the attack with its wings. Maximum Raizer used its other fist to grab Blazing Core Dragon and tossed it aside. It turned to Blazing Flare Dragon, who glared in rage at the destruction of its comrades. Realizing that it had expended too much of its energy fighting through the other two flame dragons, the battleroid retreated to safety.
[10000 + 2000 + 7000 = 19000] vs [10000 + 5000 + 5000 = 20000]
"Perfect Raizer attacks! With his skill he gets three thousand power for ever Raizer in the soul. Also, since he has four card with 'Raizer' in their names in the soul, he's got an extra critical as well!"
Perfect Raizer surged with golden light as it drew on the power of each battleroid that had gone into it. Gears turned as its power to grow in magnitude, until it was functioning at two hundred percent of its normal capacity.
Blazing Flare Dragon growled as he observed the crimson battleroid. He planted himself onto the ground and readied his shoulder-mounted gatling gun. In the back of his mind, he knew he couldn't survive this fight on his own, but he wouldn't let that knowledge stop him from trying.
[11000 + 3000 + 3000 + 3000 + 3000 = 23000] [Critical]+1 vs [10000]
"You can't stop this attack," Akio declared. "You've got a grade 3 in hand, and Gattling Claw Dragon as well. Even if your other cards aren't grade 3, you still won't have enough shield value to stop my attack if I pull a trigger. And once my attack goes through, you'll need a double heal trigger to survive. I win."
Rachel was silent for several moments as she stared at the field. She examined her opponent's formation, her hand, and then Akio's face. "You know what I don't get?" Rachel asked as she gave Akio a flat look. "You act like a big wuss and do your whole 'I'm weak and totally cool with it' routine when it looks like you can't win, but whenever you take the lead your confidence rises to a level of childish arrogance."
"And this coming from who exactly?" Akio countered. "You said I was so pathetic that I didn't even deserve to play the game, and yet I'm about to beat you!"
Rachel's eyes widened in realization. "Ah, I think I get it now. I got you mad, is that it?"
"No!"
"She totally got you mad," chirped Haruki. "Your fists are clenched and shaking like you're about to punch something, or having a ceaser."
Rachel raised an eyebrow. "You mean he's having a seizure?" she asked.
Haruki nodded vigorously. "Yeah, he's having a seizure!"
"I'm not having a seizure!"
"Maybe not, but you do have a case of immaturitis," said Rachel with a smirk.
"You won't be smiling when I beat you!" Akio declared. He placed his hand on the top card of his deck. "Twin Drive!"
"Hold on," said Rachel as she pulled two cards from her hand. "You think I'm going to let that attack go through? No chance. I discard Dual Axe Archdragon, and Wyvern Guard, Barri negates your attack completely."
Perfect Raizer charged forward with a speed almost two fast to track. Blazing Flare Dragon readied its aim as it prepared to give his all, even in the face of defeat.
A loud cry caused the flame dragon to halt. Recognizing the sound, he relaxed and dropped his defensive stance. Perfect Raizer didn't even bother to question the action, as it pulled both of its fist in for the strike.
The battleroid lunged, but found its attack halted by a barrier emulating from the body of a red, dragon-like glider. The glider's owner gave the battleroid a cheeky grin. Grunting in annoyance, the Perfect Raizer tried to punch its way through, but to no avail.
[11000 + 3000 + 3000 + 3000 + 3000 = 23000] [Critical]+1 vs [10000 + Nullify = Nullify]
"What?" Akio gasped.
"Yup, I've been saving this guy for a while," said Rachel. "Go for your Twin Drive; maybe you'll get something. Though since you didn't have Masuraraizer attack with another unit in the back row, you won't be getting an entire column standing this turn even if you do get a stand trigger."
Akio gritted his teeth as he revealed his twin drive. "I won't lose," he said as he flipped up the first card.
[Drive Check - Hi-Powered Razier Custom, No Trigger]
[Drive Check - Jetraizer, No Trigger]
Akio sighed. "Nothing there," he announced dejectedly. "And since Bellicosity Dragon intercepted, I've got nothing else I can do. I end my turn."
Akio's Turn End
Hand: 3
FR: Masuaraizer/Perfect Raizer/Maximum Raizer
BR: empty/empty/Katanaraizer
Damage: Cannonraizer; Masuraraizer; Maximum Raizer
"Standing and drawing," said Rachel with a malicious grin. "So, do you still think you stand a chance?"
"Of course," Akio scoffed. "I'm using my own deck, and I've got a solid lead that I haven't let go of. By next turn you'll be out of cards to defend with, and my Perfect Raizer will finish you off."
Rachel nodded. "Well, at least you got the right idea," she said. "However, if you think you're going to beat me so easily, you're dead wrong." She narrowed her eyes and declared, "Final Turn!"
"I don't think so," said Akio. "I've got an intercept and three cards in hand. You have a scattered formation. What could you do to deal three damage with those odds?"
Rachel narrowed her eyes. "Calling Mahogara and Kimnara!"
[Demonic Dragon Mage, Mahoraga - 5000]
[Demonic Dragon Mage, Kimnara - 6000]
"Kimnara skill," Rachel continued as she flipped over the Dragon Dancer, Barbara in her damage zone. Bye, bye, intercept!"
Akio placed Masuaraizer in the drop zone. "I still have three cards," he reminded himself. "She can't beat me this turn. All I have to do is survive one more round of her attacks."
"And now, my Avatar's soulblast! Get out of here, Katanaraizer!"
"You're destroying my back row?" Akio asked as he moved the card to the drop zone. "Why?"
"Because the back row is the row I can't target in combat," Rachel replied with a roll of her eyes. "But not that it matters at this point in the match. Sadegh's ability! I move him to the soul, and you choose one of your rearguards and retire it."
Akio looked at his only remaining rearguard. "Maximum Raizer will be retired then," he said with a sigh. He looked over his field. When he had attacked his formation had been almost full, and now he didn't have a single rearguard. He clenched his fist tightly as he prepared for the incoming onslaught.
"Now it's time for battle!" Rachel announced. "Dual Axe Archdragon, start this off by attacking the Vanguard! And remember, since Perfect Raizer has none of his Raizer friends to support him, he loses two thousand power!"
[10000 + 3000 = 13000] vs [9000]
"I forgot about that," Akio said with a grunt. "But I can still survive this. I guard with Hi-Powered Raizer Custom!"
[10000 + 3000 = 13000] vs [9000 + 5000 = 14000]
"Now my Avatar, rip that battleroid apart! Show him that perfection is a myth! True strength doesn't come from creating a shiny new undefeatable weapon! True strength comes from taking the broken and refining it through the searing, excruciatingly painful flames until it comes out the best in can possibly be! Unleash your Immortal Flame!"
With a roar that shook the entire valley, Blazing Flare Dragon leapt into the air. He tore through the skies, letting his rage and bloodlust fuel the flames inside of him. It was time to avenge his fallen comrades.
[10000 + 3000 +3000 +3000 = 19000] vs [9000]
"No guard!" Akio declared. "But unless you pull a double critical, I'll still beat you."
"And what makes you think I need to pull a double critical?" Rachel asked with a raised eyebrow.
Akio waved around the two cards in his hand. "Mahogara doesn't have enough power to attack my vanguard," he said. "And I have two cards in my hand to guard with. Two criticals is the only way for you to take me out this turn."
"But I don't need two critical triggers, only one," said Rachel. "Mahogara's power is twenty thousand, and you have fifteen thousand shield value in your hand, plus the nine thousand power of your vanguard. If I get Dracokid, I can give the crit to my vanguard and the power bonus to Mahogara, which will be enough to finish the job."
"What?"
"Seriously, it's basic math," Rachel deadpanned. "I don't even like math and I find it a simple addition problem. Do you fail at school as badly as you fail at this game?"
"I'm not a failure," Akio growled.
"That's what you think," said Rachel. "Dracokid, I'm counting on you!"
[Drive Check - Dragon Dancer, Barbara, Heal Trigger]
"Fail!" Haruki announced loudly, startling Akio.
"Haruki, go back to being quiet," Rachel ordered. "We're busy here."
"I'm too excited!" Haruki chirped. "Just reveal the final card already! It's the moment of truth!"
Rachel sighed. "Power to Mahogara, and now for the second check…" For a moment Rachel hesitated as her hand hovered over the top of her deck. She slowly lowered her fingers, slid the top card off the deck, and slowly turned it over.
Akio bit his lip, determine not to jinx his chances of winning.
[Drive Check - Blue Ray Dracokid, Critical Trigger]
"No way!" Akio exclaimed.
"All right!" Rachel cheered. "All effects to Mahogara!"
After taking a deep breath in, Blazing Flare Dragon unleashed his Immortal Flame. It surrounded Perfect Raizer in a cyclone of fire so intense that even its all of its perfection the battleroid could not withstand it. When the attack finally ceased, Perfect Raizer collapsed in the center of a molten crater.
[Damage Check - Perfect Raizer, No Trigger]
"All to Mahogara?" Akio echoed.
"Why him?" Haruki asked.
"Don't question it," said Rachel. "And now, he attacks! Finishing blow, be consumed in flames!"
[5000 + 5000 + 5000 + 5000 + 5000 + 5000 = 30000] [Critical+1] vs [9000]
"I... don't have enough to guard with."
Brimming with power, the half-dragon mage lazily shambled up to the fallen Perfect Raizer. The other battleroids could only watch helplessly as the mage raised his staff and gulfed Perfect Raizer in flames for the second time.
[Damage Check - Perfect Raizer, No Trigger]
[Damage Check - Raizer Crew, Draw Trigger]
The heat of the flames proved too much for the battleroid. Its form shattered, and with it so did the forms of the other battleroids. Akio's spirit, left without a vessel, was forced to leave the planet Cray.
Fight End
Akio:
Hand: 2
FR: empty/Perfect Raizer/empty
BR: empty/empty/empty
Damage: Cannonraizer; Masuraraizer; Maximum Raizer; Perfect Raizer, Perfect Raizer, Raizer Crew
Rachel:
Hand: 3
FR: Demonic Dragon Mage, Mahoraga/Blazing Flare Dragon/Dual Axe Archdragon
BR: empty/empty/empty
Damage: Dragon Dancer, Barbara (D); Berserk Dragon; Blazing Core Dragon; Blue Ray Dracokid
"I was so close to winning..."
"Like I said, you need to get a lot stronger before you can beat me," said Rachel with a shrug as she packed up her cards.
"I almost had you!" Akio exclaimed. "If you hadn't gotten so lucky with your triggers-"
"I wasn't lucky this match," Rachel interrupted him. "I couldn't get the right cards in my hand when I need them, performed a late superior ride, and only three of my triggers activated when I needed them. You, on the other hand, stayed lucky with your triggers, and only on your final turn did your luck run out."
"But I was so close…"
"Not really," said Haruki. "You were doing okay, but Rachel was always on top of this match. You were just flailing around like a sun bathing fish and getting lucky tail slaps in her nose!"
"Sun bathing fish…?" Akio echoed.
"Point is, you weren't doing as well as you thought," Rachel stated. "Doing damage isn't a sign of winning unless you're also in control of the game, which you weren't." She leaned over the table. "You've got a lot more to learn if you want to come close to my right now, you're just a pathetic wate of my time."
Akio rested his clenched fists on the table. "I wanted to beat you just to get you off my back, but now you're making it personal! One day, I will beat you!" he declared. "I'll come back stronger than ever, you'll see!"
Rachel watched impassively as Akio stormed out. "Well, he's got spirit, but he's wasting it on fighting me with words instead of cards," she commented. "Frankly, he's pretty bad at both."
"Actually, he almost had you there," Haruki pointed out. "Perfect Raizer would have been able to take down your defenses even without any other rearguards for support. He did pretty good! Especially for a noob!"
Rachel snorted. "He still wasn't good enough."
Haruki grinned. "You're just mad that he's able to keep up with you even though he has no clue what he's doing!"
"I am not!"
"You're angry! That means I'm right," said Haruki in a sing-song tone.
Rachel grabbed Haruki by his messy mop of hair and dragged him from his seat, ignoring his protests and flailing limbs. "If you want to go ahead and joke about my skills, then let's have a fight ourselves," she said. She slipped her deck into one of her jacket pockets, and pulled out a second deck from another pocket. "But this time, I'm going to play seriously."
Haruki gulped and gave Rachel a sheepish smile. "Can't we just forget I said anything?"
Rachel gave Haruki a broad, feral grin. "Nope."
This chapter was disappointingly short. I want to try to keep the chapters around 8-10k in length. At least the next chapter is shaping up to be in the comfortable length range.
Sorry it took so long for me to release this. I wanted to update all my stories at once, and then I got stuck in one of them, and... yeah. Hopefully the next update comes before the end of summer, but no promises.
'Till next time,
-RainEStar