Ride 57: Image of the Past
Card of the Day: Fullbau

"Wow! These new Trial Decks look awesome!"

Samuel smiled as he looked at the kids crowded around the poster depicting the two upcoming Trial Decks. Slash of Silver Wolf and Resonance of Thunder Dragon, new decks bringing new Clans.

"Which one are you gonna get, Tim?"

"Gold Paladin all the way! These guys look awesome!"

"Nah, Narukami are the best!"

"New Clans, huh?" Agatha said, taking a seat opposite him. "Gold Paladin and Narukami... wonder what they'll be like."

"Hopefully, they'll bring something new to the table," Samuel considered. "Even so... I'll probably stay with Shadow Paladins. This Clan means a lot..." He took his deck out, revealing the top card to be Blaster Dark.

"What happened to Phantom Blaster?" she asked.

"I've been thinking ever since I fought Luke..." he said. "About what he said, about what that card did to him. Phantom Blaster is an embodiment of my bitterness, I suppose. I was angry at Henry and I turned that anger into my belief about sacrifices. I used Phantom because of that... but it's not the embodiment of what I believe any more. It's my belief taken to its extreme. Where you sacrifice without even caring... where everyone is just a pawn to be thrown away when they're not useful any more. That's why I'm not focusing on it so much... trying to find other ways to demonstrate my beliefs." He paused. "Blaster Dark is a symbol, almost. Fallen into darkness, consumed by his own bitterness at someone... and yet when the time came, he found the strength to do what was right. To give his sword to the one he hated for the sake of everyone..." He looked over to the racks of booster packs, seeking out the Awakening of Twin Blades packs and the form of Majesty Lord Blaster on their fronts.

"Phantom Blaster Dragon didn't make Luke that way," Agatha replied. "That girl did. You don't have to put it aside just because of that, Samuel."

"It's just... Phantom Blaster doesn't represent what I believe any more," Samuel commented. "Shadow Paladin is my Clan now... but he doesn't fit my reasons for choosing them, not truthfully.."

"Sacrifices must be made to achieve your goals," she murmured. "That's what you've said all along."

"But only when they're worthy sacrifices," he finished. "That's just it. That's the distinction I couldn't make because I was so bitter." He paused. "And because of that, I just... drifted. I couldn't bring myself to face Henry again and because of that I never found out how much he came to regret it... until you and Robert led me back. Thank you for that."

"It's not a problem... after everything you did to help us..." she said. "It's funny looking back... how I felt about you at first..."

He smiled. "You hated me when I turned up."

"I have to thank you too, I guess," Agatha smiled. "It's because of your help that I finally stopped moping over Gabriel... that I moved on in my own way. And... because of you, because of your training, Robert was able to get to where he wanted to go..."

"I didn't mean to do any of it... as much as you two looked up to me, I'm nothing compared to you," Samuel mused. "What I said to Luke... about being perfect, perfect and stuck that way... I meant it. And I meant it about the two of you. You're already surpassing me. Have you gone and looked at the articles they're posting about us? I have. Analysis of the fights, those interviews... and I'm barely there compared to you two. It's you they want. You everyone's come to like and admire." He chuckled good-naturedly. "I'm in your shadow and it's honestly a good feeling, Agatha. I'm finally not the one everyone's looking at. And you and Robert... you're getting the recognition you deserve. You were the ones who won against Celestial Dusk and Bright Dawn. Not me. I lost to Henry... and to Luke..."

She was silent for a moment. "Have you been in touch with Bright Dawn?"

He shook his head. "I don't have phone numbers or anything for them, and they haven't turned up at the pro circuit since Nationals. Why?"

"Robert's been in touch with Mary," Agatha said. "From what he says, he's talked to her a fair bit since that day."

"How are they doing?" he asked, looking out over the shop. Oliver and Ruth fought at one table, Alice and Richard at another. Leah stood watching the latter fight, catching her brother's eye with a smile.

"Patching things up... Luke's still trying to make up for what happened," she explained, following his gaze around. "Mary says she's forgiven him already and that she's told him she understands..."

"But he can't forgive himself so easily," Samuel sighed. "He's still guilty..." His eyes narrowed. "That girl... the one who did that to him... I wonder where she is now and who she was..."

"What did she have to gain from it...?" Agatha mused. "Mary told Robert the whole story. How it all happened... and I don't understand. What he's told me is that Luke ran into the girl at an underground fight arena..."

"Underground fighters..." he muttered. "I thought that was just a rumour."

"I suppose not," she shrugged. "But... Luke challenged her, even though she'd beaten everyone there already... and she accepted for some reason. I don't understand why. Or even how she could do that... make him how he was."

"We'll probably never find out," Samuel replied. "And that's probably for the best. All that matters is that things have turned out good. They're friends again... Luke's been brought back from that edge. We won... and we were able to help Joel... everything turned out okay..."

"I suppose... I'm just wondering," Agatha sighed. "It feels like we didn't reach the end of everything. There are still things we don't know... that girl..." And as she thought on the mysterious girl, she was reminded of another. "And her..." She was reminded once again of standing on Cray's surface, of gazing upon the nightmarish titan that was Phantom Blaster Overlord under the blackest of nights.

"It doesn't matter... I can understand wanting to know, but it honestly doesn't matter," he smiled. "In the end, all that matters now is what we've achieved... the people we've helped..."

"The people we defeated..." she answered. "What about Henry? Have you been in touch with him?"

"A bit," he said. "It's still strange... getting used to talking to him as a friend again after hating him for so long..."

"It'll take time, I suppose."

"The thing is... he did exactly what I thought he did... for the reasons I thought... and even so, talking to him about it... I can't hate him for what he did, just because of how he turned out," Samuel murmured. "And he has such good friends with him... Arthur, Elizabeth and Victoria. They're good people."

The shop door opened and the two glanced to the opening. Surprise coloured their faces as they saw the two who entered. Joel and Anna stepped in awkwardly, looking around with some discomfort. Their outfits had changed since Nationals, Joel now wore more muted colours, greys and softer reds compared to his previous outfit, a T-shirt and trousers. Anna wore grey too, a crimson bracelet on one wrist, her jacket edged with red. Both had deck cases at their belts, both cases the same red.

"Joel, Anna!" Samuel smiled, rising to greet them.

"Hello," Joel replied. "Samuel... it's nice to see you..."

"What are you doing here?" Leah asked from beside the two.

Anna smiled. "We heard Robert and Samuel had something planned. And we couldn't pass up the chance to watch that sort of fight."

"What?" she exclaimed, looking at Samuel. "What... Samuel?"

He sighed, then chuckled. "Well, we had arranged something... I guess nostalgia made us want to relive that fight... to see how far we've come. It was supposed to be a secret."

"Don't worry," Anna said. "Robert told us... we haven't told anyone else. We just felt we had to come and watch. We owe it to you... for Paolo..."

"Where is Robert?" Joel asked.

"Probably on his way here," Samuel answered. He held his deck, looking at it. "Don't worry. You shouldn't have too long to wait. And in any case... I kind of want to know how things have been for you since Nationals.

"Nothing much has happened... just fighting like always," Joel murmured. "We've started getting money in from what you promised us... and I'm due for my first pro game next week."

"Any idea who you're fighting?" Agatha asked.

He shook his head. "They haven't told me."

"Good luck," Samuel smiled. "I'm sure you'll be fine. They won't throw you up against anyone particularly tough for your first match. And besides... the crowd loves you. I can tell already. Just because of how they reacted when I fought you."

Joel smiled. "I remember... that was a good fight. Of course, I expect this fight with Robert will be even more so."

"Maybe," he chuckled. "But you have a lot of potential, Joel. You had me beaten as it was... I'll be watching. I want to see where you go and how strong you get."

"Go, Flarewhip Dragon!" Alice called from across the store. Richard sighed and held up his hands, allowing her to make a Twin Drive and finish the game.

"She's getting stronger too," Agatha murmured. "I wonder who the next team from here will be."

"Well, since we won Nationals this time, we immediately qualify for Regionals," Samuel said. "So it'll be up to everyone else. And that's five months from now... who knows what we'll have by then? What new sets, new cards... new Clans..."

"Well, Gold Paladin and Narukami are coming up," Joel said, indicating the Trial Deck posters. "And beyond that, there's Angel Feather."

"I wonder where Royal Paladin, Shadow Paladin and Kagero are going from here," Anna considered, indicating Samuel's deck. "After all, that ace card for Slash of Silver Wolf looks kind of like Fang of Light, Garmore. And Phantom Blaster Overlord's gone so... where do the Shadow Paladins go without Phantom Blaster?"

"They still have Blaster Dark," Samuel mused. "I hope they find a good way to move them forwards."

Agatha was silent. "Phantom Blaster's gone... but still there... still looming."

"I guess we'll hang around and wait," Joel said, taking a seat. "This fight isn't something I want to miss... what about you, Anna?"

She sat down too. "Me neither."

VBH57

Robert walked the pavement, surrounded by people now. A cluster of students walked with him, chatting eagerly, all gripping Vanguard decks in hand, in cases or pockets. He was still amazed by the fame he had achieved because of Avalon. Because to the world, he was the winner. The one who had brought victory to the team from the jaws of defeat.

"Hey, Robert, when we get there will you fight me?" a girl called, holding up a deck.

"Sure... just... there's one fight I've been waiting for," he said. "If I can finally have it today... can you guys wait?"

"Sure, Robert!" they chorused. The crowd came to the card shop, filing in under the watchful eye of Mr. Owens with Robert at their head.

Seeing their friend enter, Samuel and Agatha smiled. "Looks like he's got some admirers," Samuel chuckled.

"Well, I have people at college coming to me, asking me to teach them to play," Agatha said. "Haven't you had the same?"

"A bit," he admitted. "But I guess what people remember most about me is losing to Luke. So... I suppose they don't want to be taught by the guy who lost in the final match."

"Kids come up to me asking to be taught... even losers can be teachers," Joel mused. "Anyway. It looks like the time's arrived for this one battle." He smiled.

Robert and Samuel locked gazes across the shop, both holding their decks. The atmosphere thickened with tension, silence falling as the two friends nodded.

"I'm sorry, Suzie," Robert said to the girl next to him. "But it looks like... that fight I mentioned is here." He was smiling, his crowd of admirers realizing what this was immediately.

"No way... he's fighting Samuel?"

"This is like... I never thought I'd see something like this..."

"Shadow Paladins against Dimension Police... two national champions fighting it out... man, this is so awesome!"

Robert stepped forwards, parting himself from the crowd and stepping towards his friend. He was reminded of the day they had met. How he had stood up to the figure he saw as a dark intrusion into a pleasant card shop. How he had raged against Samuel's dark knights then, how he had strived to crush them. How he had fallen before Phantom Blaster Dragon's lance.

So much had changed since then. Their decks had changed. Their relationship had changed. Their world had changed. But even so, he couldn't forget how it had all began. That was why he had suggested this fight. A rematch to see how far he had truly come compared to his teammate.

"You're remembering, aren't you?" Samuel called. "I remember too... how it started. How I beat everyone here... just venting my bitterness by giving my all against everybody." He paused. "And then... you. Someone like you... back then you were just beginning and even so you decided to fight me."

"You crushed me back then. I wasn't ready to fight on your level," Robert mused. "But now, I'm as strong as you are. And I want to see just how far I've truly come. So here it is, Samuel. What we agreed on. A fight between the two of us!"

Samuel's smile widened. "Let's do this." He set his deck down, Agatha moving to allow Robert to take the opposite seat. The crowd swarmed around them, bustling to get the best view as the two set down their starting Vanguards, and drew their opening hands.

"I wonder who'll win..." Anna said.

"Samuel won last time, but Robert's come far," Richard noted, stepping up behind her. "In all honesty, I suppose it could go either way."

The two both redrew three cards, looking at each other. "I'm not going to hold back," Samuel said.

"I'm not asking you to," Robert answered. "I want you to come at me with everything, and I'll answer with everything I've learned! This is for me to show everyone how far I've come since back then! So now, let's fight, Samuel!"

"Right!" he smiled. "Imagine it. We're astral bodies who have just appeared on Cray, a planet a lot like Earth... stand up, Vanguard!"

"Stand up, Vanguard!" Robert echoed, the two imagining the battlefield even as they turned over their Vanguards.

They stood on a plain scarred by war, its ground torn by blades and shattered by explosions. Amidst the silent carnage, the two rose in their astral forms, which gave way to the Vanguards. Fullbau took shape from the darkness with a snarl, Justice Flag rising nobly opposite [Fullbau – 5000 Power] [Justice Flag – 5000 Power]. The sky overhead was a deep, rich blue, but on the horizon, storm clouds thundered ominously.

"I draw," Robert declared. "Ride, Magical Police, Quilt!" His Vanguard transformed into the adorable magical girl, who brandished her wand with a smile [Magical Police, Quilt – 6000 Power], Justice Flag taking shape in the Rearguard [Justice Flag – 5000 Power].

"He's still using that?" Suzie wondered from the crowd, smiling. "She's so cute... it's hard to imagine a national champion using a card like that."

"I end my turn," Robert smiled, glancing at the girl in the audience, who blushed.

Robert
Hand: 5
Front Row: Empty/Magical Police, Quilt/Empty
Back Row: Justice Flag/Empty/Empty
Damage: None

Samuel
Hand: 5
Front Row: Empty/Fullbau/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Empty
Damage: None

"Draw," Samuel called. "I Ride Blaster Javelin!"

"Does he always get that?" an audience member groaned. "It's like a broken record... Javelin, Javelin, Javelin."

Fullbau reformed in a flare of shadows, Javelin rising up and brandishing his dark weapon [Blaster Javelin – 6000 Power + 2000 Power = 8000 Power]

"Fullbau's skill," he continued. "I add Blaster Dark to my hand." He took the knight from his deck, which he shuffled before continuing. "Go, Blaster Javelin! Attack Quilt!"

Javelin roared his battle cry, racing forwards with his spear at the ready.

"I don't guard," Robert answered.

"Check... no Trigger," his opponent said, noting the card. "Good... with some luck, I can get some good use from you next turn."

[Drive Check – Blaster Javelin – No Trigger]

Quilt screamed as Javelin thrust his lance into her, the point raking into her chest and smashing the magical girl down to the ground.

"Damage Check... no Trigger," Robert murmured.

[Damage Check – Twin Order – No Trigger]

"I end my turn there."

Samuel
Hand: 7
Front Row: Empty/Blaster Javelin/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Empty
Damage: None

Robert
Hand: 5
Front Row: Empty/Magical Police, Quilt/Empty
Back Row: Justice Flag/Empty/Empty
Damage: Twin Order (U)

"Draw... I Ride Dailady!" Robert called.

Quilt sighed as she reformed in a flare of light, Dailady rising from the light swathed in power [Super Dimensional Robo, Dailady – 9000 Power]

"I call Grander and Daisy," he said, playing two more cards.

Next to Twin Order, Grander took shape, Karenroid Daisy flashing into being behind the android [Masked Police, Grander – 8000 Power] [Karenroid Daisy – 8000 Power].

"With a boost from Flag, Grander attacks! And with his skill, Twin Order powers up!"

Grander leapt forwards, swathed in radiant light [8000 Power + 5000 Power = 13000 Power]

"No guard!" As he imagined Grander striking, Samuel revealed his Damage check. "No Trigger."

[Damage Check – Skull Witch, Nemain – No Trigger]

"Now, with a boost from Daisy, Dailady attacks!"

Dailady tore over the field, burning with light [9000 Power + 2000 Power + 8000 Power = 19000 Power]

"No guard," Samuel repeated.

"I check... no Trigger," Robert murmured.

[Drive Check – Galaxy Convoy – No Trigger]

Dailady struck, Javelin howling in pain as her baton stabbed into him and tore electricity through his body.

[Damage Check – Grim Reaper – Critical Trigger]

As the Critical Trigger was placed on his Damage Zone, Samuel was already considering.

"I end my turn," Robert said. "Give me your best shot, Samuel!"

Robert
Hand: 4
Front Row: Masked Police, Grander/Super Dimensional Robo, Dailady/Empty
Back Row: Justice Flag/Karenroid Daisy/Empty
Damage: Twin Order (U)

Samuel
Hand: 7
Front Row: Empty/Blaster Javelin/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Empty
Damage: Skull Witch, Nemain (U), Grim Reaper (U)

"I stand and draw," Samuel called. "Pitch dark knight of determination, step from the shadows and demonstrate your resolve! I Ride Blaster Dark!"

A whirling darkness consumed Javelin, and the black sword of determination swung, cleaving it asunder. Dark emerged, wrapped in noble shadows and gazing solemnly over the field [Blaster Dark – 9000 Power + 1000 Power = 10000 Power].

"I call Blaster Javelin," Samuel said. "And with his skill, I discard this," he moved Phantom Blaster Dragon to the Drop Zone, "to bring Phantom to my hand." He took a second Phantom Blaster from his deck. "And I call Macha."

Blaster Javelin rose behind Blaster Dark, readying his spear, while on the left the Darkness Maiden took shape and drew her sword [Blaster Javelin – 6000 Power] [Darkness Maiden, Macha – 8000 Power].

"You know what I'll do now," Samuel commented.

"As much as you use Nemain, Macha seems to suit you more," Robert commented. "It's like you prefer her side of that deck. Precision and control over things, rather than just random swarming."

"Truth be told, that was what I used to use," he sighed. "Light and darkness... I can see the mirror the two stare into more than most. I've used both decks, fought as Vanguards of both paladins. The knight of divine speed, and the cursed dragon... I've used both. So I understand, and I know the truth of what I was told that day. Light and darkness, Royal and Shadow, they're just two sides of a single coin. Macha's Counterblast! Superior Call, Blaster Javelin!"

Macha raised her sword and cried aloud, bringing forth a second Javelin behind her [Blaster Javelin – 6000 Power]

"Another Javelin... not Charon?" Leah murmured.

"Javelin's skill!" he announced. "I discard Phantom to search out my third and final copy." He discarded the second Phantom Blaster Dragon, retrieving the third. "My deck's empty of that dragon now... I've taken four non-Triggers from it so far. And the more I take, the more my chances of getting what I need increases. Now, go, Blaster Dark! With a boost from Javelin, attack!"

Dark howled his cry, leaping forth with his blade igniting in his grip, baleful flames flaring up the blade as he charged [10000 Power + 6000 Power = 16000 Power].

"I don't guard!" Robert answered.

"Drive Check, no Trigger!" Samuel called in return.

[Drive Check – Knight of Ideals, Caer – No Trigger]

Dark's sword flashed over the air with oblivion on its edge, cleaving through Dailady's armor and crashing the robot back.

"Damage Check," his friend murmured. "No Trigger."

[Damage Check – Cosmo Roar – No Trigger]

"With a boost from Javelin, Macha attacks!"

"I guard with Justice Cobalt!" Robert answered.

Justice Cobalt rose in front of Dailady, and Macha slashed the alien into motes with her blade [9000 Power + 10000 Shield = 19000 Power]

"Guarding against Damned Charging Lance..." Anna mused. "Making sure that if he uses it, he won't be pushed to guard it too early..."

"I end my turn," Samuel concluded.

Samuel
Hand: 6
Front Row: Darkness Maiden, Macha/Blaster Dark/Empty
Back Row: Blaster Javelin/Blaster Javelin/Empty
Damage: Skull Witch, Nemain (F), Grim Reaper (F)

Robert
Hand: 3
Front Row: Masked Police, Grander/Super Dimensional Robo, Dailady/Empty
Back Row: Justice Flag/Glory Maker/Empty
Damage: Twin Order (U), Cosmo Roar (U)

"I stand and draw," Robert said softly. "Here I go... I'll show you what I didn't get to use in that fight. My real image of victory... my avatar! Those who follow justice are never truly alone! With the courage in your heart, bring forth your allies to stand at your side! I Ride... Enigman Cloud!"

In a flare of brilliant light, Dailady transformed and Cloud rose up, spreading its shining wings [Enigman Cloud – 10000 Power]

"I call Galaxy Convoy!" he continued, playing another card. "And with its skill, Cloud gets 2000 Power!"

Galaxy Convoy descended in a flash of light [Galaxy Convoy – 6000 Power], and then Cloud was suffused with a glow of energy [Enigman Cloud – 12000 Power]

"With a boost from Justice Flag, Grander attacks Macha! And with Grander's skill, Cloud gets another 2000 Power!"

Grander leapt at Macha, glowing with light as he prepared to strike the knightly woman with a fearsome kick [8000 Power + 5000 Power = 13000 Power]

"No guard," Samuel responded, allowing the attack to land.

"With a boost from Glory Maker, Cloud attacks Blaster Dark!" Robert commanded.

Enigman Cloud unleashed a volley of burning light across the field at Dark, flaring with radiance [14000 Power + 6000 Power = 20000 Power]

"I don't guard," Samuel murmured.

"Twin Drive..." Robert called. "First... no Trigger. Second... get, Draw Trigger! Power to Convoy and I draw!"

[Drive Check – Cosmo Beak – No Trigger]

[Drive Check – Army Penguin – Draw Trigger]

The light flared into Dark, burying him under white-hot power and crushing the knight of determination into the ground underfoot.

"Damage Check... no Trigger," Samuel announced.

[Damage Check – Midnight Requiem – No Trigger]

"Now, Cloud's skill!" his friend announced. "Superior Call, Pulsar Enforcer!"

Cloud raised a hand, and in a flash of light the silver android took shape [Pulsar Enforcer – 9000 Power].

"With a boost from Galaxy Convoy, Pulsar Enforcer attacks Blaster Dark!"

Pulsar Enforcer loosed a volley of burning shots at Dark, glowing with energy [9000 Power + 11000 Power = 20000 Power].

"I don't guard," Samuel repeated. "Damage Check... no Trigger."

[Damage Check – Dark Shield, Mac Lir – No Trigger]

"Pulsar Enforcer's Counterblast! I draw a card!" Robert called, turning over two Damage and drawing. "And with that, I end my turn."

Robert
Hand: 6
Front Row: Masked Police, Grander/Enigman Cloud/Pulsar Enforcer
Back Row: Justice Flag/Glory Maker/Galaxy Convoy
Damage: Twin Order (F), Cosmo Roar (F)

Samuel
Hand: 6
Front Row: Empty/Blaster Dark/Empty
Back Row: Blaster Javelin/Blaster Javelin/Empty
Damage: Skull Witch, Nemain (F), Grim Reaper (F), Midnight Requiem (U), Dark Shield, Mac Lir (U)

"Stand and draw," Samuel murmured. He stared at a card in his hand. "Ever since that day when we first met... you've known this card as my ace. It was everything I believed in back then, the embodiment of my ideals. But because of you, I've changed too. So now, Robert, I'll show you this card again." He raised it aloft, beginning his chant. "Fallen, cursed dragon, wreathed in darkness and exuding death, be the incarnation of my meaning and show it to the world! Descend in shadows and give your allies' lives to victory! I Ride Phantom Blaster Dragon!"

Blaster Dark howled, falling to his knees and clutching at his head as his form ignited, exploding into a tempest of violet shadows and flames. Roaring ferociously, the cursed dragon rose, its wings spreading as its lance formed out of the flames, a shield forging from the darkness and attaching to its other arm. Phantom Blaster Dragon rose up, lance held at the ready as the beast glared at Enigman Cloud [Phantom Blaster Dragon – 10000 Power + 1000 Power = 11000 Power]

"Phantom..." Agatha murmured. "Your ace card."

"That's right," he said. "My ace... the embodiment of everything I used to believe. Everything I still believe, but refined, evolved because of everything I've learned fighting beside you and Robert. Let me show you that power once again, Robert! Last time, I finished our fight with it, but I think now you've evolved beyond losing so easily! I call Caer and Badhabh Caar! And with Caar's skill, I Superior Call the top card of my deck!" He turned over the card, revealing Knight of Nullity, Masquerade. "Come forth, Masquerade!"

With a cold expression, Caer rose up, drawing her sword as on the opposite side of Samuel's field, the elf sorcerer took shape with a hazy smirk [Knight of Ideals, Caer – 7000 Power] [Dark Mage, Babhabh Caar – 9000 Power]. Then, in front of Caer, the faceless black-armored knight appeared, readying his monstrous blade [Knight of Nullity, Masquerade – 9000 Power].

Samuel closed his eyes. "Caar, Javelin, Javelin! For our victory, I ask for your lives! I Counterblast two, and retire these Rearguards to unleash my dragon's power! Damned Charging Lance!"

The three screamed as the terrible lance ripped through them, stealing their souls for the dragon who ruled over them. As Caar and the two Javelins collapsed, shattering into motes, Phantom Blaster Dragon roared, swathed in blood and power. Its eyes flared with murder as the ignited lines on its body turned that bloody red, crimson staining its lance [Phantom Blaster Dragon – 21000 Power, Critical 2]

"With Caer's skill, for each Rearguard I retired, she gets 2000 Power," he continued. "I call Dread Disaster Dragon!"

Howling with fury, the raging barbed dragon rose up, crackling with dark lightning [Dread Disaster Dragon – 10000 Power].

"Dread Disaster Dragon, attack Grander!" Samuel called.

The dragon roared, unleashing lances of dark lightning over the field at Grander, only to have them smash into Pulsar Enforcer as the Unit leapt forwards [8000 Power + 5000 Shield = 13000 Power]

"Phantom Blaster Dragon, go! Attack Cloud! Shadow Erosion!"

Phantom Blaster howled, spreading its black wings to soar up at Cloud, wrapped in night. Burning in blood, the dragon drew back its lance, preparing to strike with all its fury.

"I don't guard," Robert answered.

"Twin Drive, first," his opponent began. "No Trigger. Second."

[Drive Check – Skull Witch, Nemain – No Trigger]

"Draw Trigger!" There was a crimson flash as he held up the card. "I give the Power to Masquerade and draw!"

[Drive Check – Abyss Freezer – Draw Trigger]

Phantom struck, tearing its baleful lance across Engiman Cloud's chest and ripping a cry of agony from the shining hero's throat.

"Damage Check, first," the young man opposite said. "No Trigger. Second Check." He held up a second dull card. "Also no Trigger."

[Damage Check – Diamond Ace – No Trigger]

[Damage Check – Pulsar Enforcer – No Trigger]

"Now, with a boost from Caer, Masquerade attacks!" Samuel cried. "With Masquerade's skill, as I have a 'Blaster' Vanguard, he gets 3000 more Power!"

Masquerade charged in a swirl of darkness and steel, raising his immense blade to strike [9000 Power + 3000 Power + 5000 Power + 13000 Power = 30000 Power]

"No guard," Robert answered.

Cloud cried in pain again as Masquerade struck, the knight's sword ripping across its chest just as Phantom Blaster's lance had.

Another card fell to Robert's Damage Zone. "No Trigger," he said.

[Damage Check – Justice Trumpeter – No Trigger]

"I end my turn."

Samuel
Hand: 6
Front Row: Dread Disaster Dragon/Phantom Blaster Dragon/Knight of Nullity, Masquerade
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Knight of Ideals, Caer
Damage: Skull Witch, Nemain (F), Grim Reaper (F), Midnight Requiem (F), Dark Shield, Mac Lir (F)

Robert
Hand: 6
Front Row: Masked Police, Grander/Enigman Cloud/Empty
Back Row: Justice Flag/Glory Maker/Galaxy Convoy
Damage: Twin Order (F), Cosmo Roar (F), Diamond Ace (U), Pulsar Enforcer (U), Justice Trumpeter (U)

"I stand and draw," Robert called.

"I can't tell who's winning," Anna murmured. "Robert has more Damage, but Samuel has less cards overall..."

"This is a fight between champions... of course it's hard to tell," Joel smiled.

"Galaxy Convoy moves up. Call, Commander Laurel!" the Dimension Police user announced.

As Galaxy Convoy soared forwards, Commander Laurel rose behind it, folding his arms [Commander Laurel – 4000 Power]

"I activate Justice Flag's Counterblast to have Cloud gain 1000 Power!" he said. "And now, with a boost from Glory Maker, Cloud attacks Masquerade!"

Cloud raised a hand, shining with energy [11000 Power + 6000 Power + 4000 Power = 21000 Power]

"I guard with Mac Lir!" Samuel retorted. "I discard Swiftbau for a Perfect Guard!" Robert frowned.

"Twin Drive, first check." He held up his first card. "No Trigger."

[Drive Check – Diamond Ace – No Trigger]

"Second check, no Trigger."

[Drive Check – Karenroid Daisy – No Trigger]

Cloud's blazing light crashed onto Mac Lir's impenetrable shield, halting immediately against the shadows.

"With a boost from Justice Flag, Grander attacks Masquerade!"

"Abyss Freezer guards!"

"Why is he attacking Masquerade?" Alice murmured.

"Because he knows what Samuel's got in his hand... The Dark Dictator," Leah said softly.

"With a boost from Laurel, Galaxy Convoy attacks Masquerade!"

"I guard with Nemain!"

Robert frowned. "You blocked everything... you're still a strong fighter. But, I'm strong now. Much stronger than I was back then. I won't fall down in front of you like back then. Give me everything you've got! Use your Dictator against me, but you won't beat me, Samuel! I end my turn!"

Robert
Hand: 8
Front Row: Masked Police, Grander/Enigman Cloud/Galaxy Convoy
Back Row: Justice Flag/Glory Maker/Commander Laurel
Damage: Twin Order (F), Cosmo Roar (F), Diamond Ace (F), Pulsar Enforcer (U), Justice Trumpeter (U)

Samuel
Hand: 2
Front Row: Dread Disaster Dragon/Phantom Blaster Dragon/Knight of Nullity, Masquerade
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Knight of Ideals, Caer
Damage: Skull Witch, Nemain (F), Grim Reaper (F), Midnight Requiem (F), Dark Shield, Mac Lir (F)

"Stand and draw," Samuel murmured. "I have to do this now... I have to try and win here! Every light casts a shadow! Every hero is mirrored by a dark soul! Even a King of Knights etches a silhouette into the darkness! I Ride The Dark Dictator!"

Darkness enfolded his Vanguard as it exploded into shadows. The black king emerged, readying his blade as his warhorse's eyes burned like hot coals [The Dark Dictator – 10000 Power]

"Dictator's Soul Blast!" he called. "Dread Disaster and Masquerade get 5000 Power!" He discarded Fullbau, Javelin and Phantom Blaster from the Soul, leaving Blaster Dark as the only card beneath Dictator. "And with Dictator's skill, he gets 2000 Power for each of my Rearguard Shadow Paladins!"

Darkness blazed around his front row, dark fire empowering Dread Disaster Dragon, Masquerade, and the Dictator himself [Dread Disaster Dragon – 15000 Power] [Knight of Nullity, Masquerade – 14000 Power] [The Dark Dictator – 16000 Power].

"I call Charon and Swiftbau," Samuel murmured, playing the two cards. "With my field full, Dictator has plus 10000 Power."

The Black Sage appeared behind Dread Disaster Dragon as the High Dog rose behind Dictator with a snarl, the flames engulfing the dark warrior rising to an infernal height [Black Sage, Charon – 8000 Power] [Swiftbau – 4000 Power] [The Dark Dictator – 20000 Power]

"You're going all out..." Robert murmured. "Hoping you'll end it here. But you know how big my hand is, Samuel. Do you think you can win?"

"I'm going to give it my all," Samuel said, smiling. "I'm not holding back. I'll fight with everything, because you're my friend, so giving you anything less would be an insult! As a fighter, I'll challenge you with all my strength! Now, The Dark Dictator attacks!"

The Dark Dictator charged, wrapped in dark flames as he readied his blade to strike.

"Diamond Ace, guard!" Robert called in response, discarding a Daiyusha.

Samuel frowned. "Twin Drive, first check!" There was an emerald flash. "Heal Trigger! I can't heal, but I give the Power to Dread Disaster Dragon!"

[Drive Check – Abyss Healer – Heal Trigger]

"Second check," he held up a dull card, "no Trigger."

[Drive Check – Knight of Nullity, Masquerade – No Trigger]

The Dictator's sword ripped onto Diamond Ace's shield of light and was repulsed by the heroic figure.

"With a boost from Caer, Masquerade attacks!" Samuel continued.

Masquerade lunged in silence, his blade gripped at the ready [14000 Power + 7000 Power = 21000 Power]

"Cosmo Claw guards! Grander Intercepts!" Robert answered.

The mechanical lion took form as Grander leapt forward to join it, the two being cleaved into motes of light by Masquerade's sword [10000 Power + 10000 Shield + 5000 Shield = 25000 Power]

"With a boost from Charon, go, Dread Disaster Dragon!" his opponent cried. "Unleash the tainted lightning, Damned Charging Storm! Swiftbau is retired and Dread Disaster powers up!"

Roaring, Dread Disaster Dragon snatched Swiftbau up in its claws, crushing the life from the screaming, writhing High Beast until with a last cry of agony it burst into motes of darkness. Black lightning erupted from the dragon's form, flooding towards Cloud [15000 Power + 4000 Power + 5000 Power + 8000 Power = 32000 Power]

"Diamond Ace!" Robert called, throwing down the Perfect Guard as Samuel's eyes widened. "I discard Penguin, and negate the attack!"

As the black lightning speared towards the heroic colossus, Diamond Ace took form, conjuring a shield of light which blocked the lightning. Screaming and twisting, the bolts crashed against the shield, sparking against its surface and writhing with rage until finally they burst into nothingness, leaving Diamond Ace to vanish.

"Two Perfect Guards?" Anna said, stunned.

"He was holding onto one of them for all this time... waiting for when he needed it," Joel realized. "That level of fighting, waiting patiently to bring out your absolute defense. It's world-class fighting." He stared at Robert, amazed. "This isn't the same boy I beat at Regionals two months ago... he's a true champion now."

"You have come a long way," Samuel finally spoke. He was smiling. "Ever since that day, ever since we first fought each other. And now you're showing me just how far you've reached! It's incredible, Robert! Look at yourself, you should be proud you've reached this level of fighting! You've come so far in such a short time, it's incredible!"

"I know... I still can't really believe it myself," Robert murmured. "But it is... you're right, it's incredible. And I am proud. I'm proud most of all that I got this far without losing myself. I found my path and decided to walk it to the end without compromising myself. That's the real miracle, I suppose. It would have been so easy to give in entirely, but... with you two... I kept to that path. Thank you for everything, Samuel, Agatha. Thank you for letting me walk that path with you."

"You don't need to thank me," Samuel responded. "It's been just as much an honor to fight as your teammate." His smile widened. "Come on, teammate. Show me what you can really do now. I end my turn."

Samuel
Hand: 2
Front Row: Dread Disaster Dragon/The Dark Dictator/Knight of Nullity, Masquerade
Back Row: Black Sage, Charon/Empty/Knight of Ideals, Caer
Damage: Skull Witch, Nemain (F), Grim Reaper (F), Midnight Requiem (F), Dark Shield, Mac Lir (F)

Robert
Hand: 3
Front Row: Empty/Enigman Cloud/Galaxy Convoy
Back Row: Justice Flag/Glory Maker/Commander Laurel
Damage: Twin Order (F), Cosmo Roar (F), Diamond Ace (F), Pulsar Enforcer (U), Justice Trumpeter (U)

"Here I go, then," Robert said softly. "Stand and draw." He played a card. "I call Cosmo Beak and activate its skill! Cloud gets 4000 Power! And now, I retire Flag and Convoy to call Daisy and Cosmo Gunner!"

Cosmo Beak formed in the unoccupied Rearguard Circle, while Daisy and Cosmo Gunner formed from light to replace Justice Flag and Galaxy Convoy [Cosmo Beak – 8000 Power] [Karenroid Daisy – 8000 Power] [Cosmo Gunner – 8000 Power].

Samuel stared at the opposing field, instantly realizing. "You've created a perfect attacking field... even if I stop you using Laurel, Beak and Gunner can win you the game so long as I don't check a Trigger for my fifth Damage..."

"I'll show you... my true strength! And my full image of victory!" Robert declared. "Cloud, attack Masquerade!"

With no support from Glory Maker, Cloud raised a hand, conjuring light around its form and hurling it at Masquerade [10000 Power + 4000 Power = 14000 Power]

"I... don't guard," Samuel replied.

"Twin Drive... first," Robert said. "No Trigger. Second. No Trigger."

[Drive Check – Cosmo Beak – No Trigger]

[Drive Check – Twin Order – No Trigger]

Cloud's light flashed, atomizing Masquerade in an instant.

"And now... Laurel's skill! Daisy, Beak, Gunner and Laurel rest!" he declared. "Stand up, my Vanguard! Cloud stands!" He smiled. "Here it is... my full power! Boosted by Glory Maker, Enigman Cloud attacks The Dark Dictator!"

Swathed in a blinding light, Cloud let loose with its glorious power. Light and force sang over the field, lancing towards the dictator as a thousand arrows of pure, white radiance, burning with the conviction of justice [14000 Power + 6000 Power + 4000 Power = 24000 Power].

"I don't guard," Samuel murmured.

"Here I go, then. Twin Drive," Robert said softly. "First... no Trigger."

[Drive Check – Enigman Cloud – No Trigger]

He stared at the checked card for a moment. "Cloud... are you trying to say something to me?" He turned his gaze back to his deck, adding the card to his hand and resting his fingers atop the next.

Agatha looked at him, wondering. "Did you feel something, like the Unit was reassuring you?" she thought. "Is it there on Cray, living out this fight for you...?"

"Second check," Robert called aloud, his voice strong with his conviction. He almost knew already. He could almost feel the card he needed under his fingers. "Here I go... check!" He slowly turned over the card, and as it was revealed, a light ignited. It shone golden, golden like the trophy he had held that day with the support of his friends. Golden like the armor of that Unit on the poster, the armor of a knight embodying the future which lay ahead.

The golden light of the Critical Trigger flared like a sun, declaring his victory. "Critical Trigger!" he announced. "I give the Power and the Critical to Cloud!"

[Drive Check – Justice Cobalt – Critical Trigger]

Cloud surged with that golden light, the light of the past and future alike. Its power sang out, almost seeming to open the door of possibility as it speared towards The Dark Dictator with all that incredible might. The black king was engulfed, his armor fading into the golden radiance and then splintering under the force. His cape was obliterated, his sword toppling and shattering into shards on the sundered earth. The light faded and the Dictator stood, form engulfed in golden flames which slowly ate away his form and made it nothing but immaterial motes of light.

Two cards slipped onto Samuel's Damage Zone and completed it.

[Damage Check – Blaster Javelin – No Trigger]

[Damage Check – Blaster Dark – No Trigger]

"I... lose," Samuel admitted finally. He was silent for a while. "You really have come a long way since then. Just look at how many people are with you now." He gestured to the crowd of school uniform-wearing boys and girls, all of whom had watched the fight in enraptured silence. "How many people admire you, Robert. You're an icon to them. A kid who rose up from nothing to become a champion." He smiled. "I'm proud of you. And Agatha too. You've both really become champions in such a short time."

"We couldn't have done it without you," Agatha replied. "Not without you training us, and you were the one who could win fights when we most needed you to, Samuel. No matter what other people think, you were as much a part of our win as Robert and I."

"Agatha's right. We couldn't have won without you, Samuel," Robert added. "We're grateful to you for that... and no matter what's ahead of us, as long as we're a team, I think we can get through it." He smiled.

"I think so too... let's keep going then, together," the Shadow Paladin user nodded. "Together as teammates, as friends. Let's face it all together."

"This is so awesome..."

"Please! Can you guys teach us to be just as cool and strong as you?!"

The three exchanged glances, looking back at the boy who had spoken. "Sure," Samuel finally said. "Why don't we see what your deck's like first? That's where Robert and I began."

"Uh... sure," the boy said, stepping forward and holding up his deck.

"Can you teach me too?" a girl murmured, taking a step and holding her own deck up.

"And me!" another girl stepped out. Robert and Agatha smiled.

"Sure," Robert nodded.

"That's no problem," Agatha said. The two found tables, sitting opposite the two. The crowd gathered around the six fighters, watching eagerly.

"I'm fighting Samuel Wilson..." the boy opposite Samuel murmured. "This is... I can't even believe it..."

"Well trust me, it's happening," Samuel chuckled. "Now, let's get started."

"Are you ready?" Agatha asked the girl opposite her.

"Yeah..."

"Alright then, let's start," Robert said to his opponent. The three members of Team Avalon gazed at their opponents, speaking those words.

"Imagine it. We're astral bodies who have just appeared on Cray, a planet a lot like Earth..." There was a brief moment of silence, and then the words which set the fights into motion were spoken, called out by all six fighters.

"Stand up, Vanguard!"

The End

VBH57

Card of the Day:

Fullbau
Grade 0/Boost
United Sanctuary – High Beast – Shadow Paladin
5000 Power/10000 Shield/Critical 1
Auto: When a card named 'Blaster Javelin' rides this unit, search your deck for up to one card named 'Blaster Dark', reveal it to your opponent, put it into your hand, and shuffle your deck.
'A black high dog calls forth storms. The storms of darkness.'

A High Dog in black armor that reminds one of darkness. It always accompanies the black Blasters, running to them if it senses even a hint of its masters. It is despised as it is associated with misfortune, as it is said it has appeared in practically every war that has ever occurred.

VBH57

Well, there it is. The end of Blue Hour. Robert, Samuel and Agatha are champions. This chapter of their story has ended with them achieving their aim. But the future, though it may seem bright, holds many surprises, and who knows just what lies ahead for these three heroes?

Those surprises will be unveiled in Blue Hour's upcoming sequel, Vanguard: Midnight Sun!