(GS3) Field: Card Capital

[Cherry]

Though Yukino harshly depleted Hana's hand, Rio and friends refreshed it easily. This was Bermuda Triangle's strong suit: not power, but resources. The queen let out a sigh as a Critical Trigger broke through to put her on six damage. A bit disheartened that her little sister not only usurped the title of Cray's Vanguard from her, but now that she had beaten the big sister. It was only natural since Hana was a national champion for good reason, and an Espoir at that.

Unable to help feeling a bit disdain, she'd just have to get used to it. The emotion of "happy" overflowed from the queen today, and jealousy wasn't going to ruin that. Giving a smile and a giggle to Hana after the game and hearing her question how Pacifica... uses the bathroom without legs... No, it was better to not think about it after all.

Hana +1 Affinity

Gancelot is a bit of an anti-social prick, even if he apologized. Everyone forgave him, but Yukino stated her deck needed to improve. As such, Gancelot was content with taking a backseat. Today's events would make good experience for deck editing too.

Upon the doors flying open, Hikari turned to see her two friends finally get here. "About time you lazy bastards, where were you?!" she grinned, motioning them over. "I'm taking your advice and dropping Gancelot, he hasn't been helpful. With Violinist calling Blaster Blade, I guess I need him even less."

[Hope]

"Wait, bathroom break!!!" Hana then heard water splash sounds and Pacifica's voice faded away.
"OMG PACIFICA WAIT!!" Hana drew her opening hand, Pacifica wasn't there.
"Damage check..." It was Pacifica.

"BAAAAKAAA!!!!"


After the fight she had a small talk with her sister, also a bit of scolding with Pacifica. They both giggled, Yukino seems to be enjoying herself so Hana was glad. She wanted nothing more that to her sister happy. News came from Cray's United Alliance that Gancelot was to sign up for therapy sessions for his anti-social issues...which Hana found really random.

Then suddenly a large thud and crash. It was Yukinee's footstools, the renegade of thirsty followers and potential suitors, boyfriends... or Dad-san's punching bags.

"Oh right they didn't die yesterday."

Affinity:
Yukinee: +1

[Crystalia]

Seeing the fight end, Miyuki was again struck by the fact that Hana seemed distant now. Well at least she had gotten happier during the fight. Seeing two people move towards Yukino after the fight, and seeing her actually talk nicely to them was also a shock.

'In the short time between not making Nationals and now, Yukino has changes this much?' Miyuki glanced at her vanguard deck. For some reason, she felt bold right now. She felt like throwing caution to the winds. Switching a few cards around swiftly, she got up and walked over to Yukino.

'U-um, Yukinee? Are you up for a fight still?' She waited for Yukino's response, feeling stangely both nervous and calm.

[Jello]

Satoshi smiles back at Yukino, while Haruka taps on the ground yelling, "Mercy, mercy, get off of meeeee!" Haruka pushes himself up, forcing Satoshi off onto the ground as well.

"Looked like a good fight. But what was that about Pacifica-?" Haruka just kind of shut up, realizing Satoshi was still on the ground and asking for a hand up. With a quick pull, they were both at attention. Haruka took out his last bar of ice cream and can of soda and sat in a chair nearby. Satoshi decided to just stand behind Yukino, near the fight table.

"What'd we miss?" Satoshi asks. Haruka was wondering the same thing mostly. With a swift glance looks over to Hana, Haruka explains, "Yeah, we're still alive. Mostly. I think my dignity died a little." After which, Haruka sighed and hung his head towards the ground. "Yup. Dignity is dead."

[Cherry]

"You can't do this to me! I have rights to be a loner!" Gancelot protested...

Yukino approached Haruka, swiping away the ice cream bar with a "thanks", biting into it. Taking a bag of sugar waffers from Satoshi as a gift from him, she collected her cards again, then took out Gancelot, putting another card on the bottom in his place. The queen laughed, hearing how Dad Espoir destroyed their dignity. Mostly glad nothing else was destroyed of them, the bag was placed on the table, and an arm placed on around Satoshi's shoulders.

"You missed me on a fight-a-thon, and you guys are joining in!" Yukino responded to the farm boy's inquiry, giving a command. "We got lots of training to do to get ourselves back into the swing of things! Today starts that with victims!" she declared, openly calling opponents "victims"... It was no wonder people hightailed it out of the shop, her majesty is looking for heads.

"In fact, behold", Yukino started, looking over toward Miyuki. "I am up for a fight still, let's go Miyuki!"

This woman was bloodthirsty even when she wasn't acting like a pompous jerk.

[Hope]

Hana watched Yukinee and Mi-hime faito.

Hana observing Mi-hime opening up with a full hand of Riviere chain then turns to Pacifica and says, "why can't you be like Riviere-chan bakaaa!!! bakaaaa!!!"

Pacifica starts fake sobbing and Aqua starts to talk to thorugh her fish microphone, "Pacifica is just lazyyyy okkkk!"

"Of course I knew you that!!" Hana answered back. Pacifica continued with the fake sobbing and Aqua eventually got annoyed and slapped her with a fish.

"OW!" Pacifica shouted.

After Yukinee and Mi-hime's fight had ended, Hana realized that Miyuki had improved a lot on her performing too, to be expected from her practice buddy! The air was light right now, it's just a lot of fun, Hana treasured these moments.

[Crystalia]

Miyuki's strange feeling had seemed to pay off. Although it was rare, her opening hand contained all 3 stages of Riviere. This way, even when the search failed, she was still set to ride the whole chain out. With the bonus of Riviere's draws upon riding, she quickly started rushing Yukino, trying to take her out before the Royal Paladin's natural power could overcome her. Despite Blaster Blade being ridden and retiring Aqua, she was able to ride Top Idol, Riviere.

Once again filling the field, she attacked, and upon hitting with Riviere, unleashed her Persona Blast, powering up her units much like Soul Saver Dragon. Yukino rallied back, but was eventually beaten by Comical Rainie's timely arrival. For a second, Miyuki couldn't believe that she had actually won. She unusually felt extremely happy that she won, despite usually not caring whether she won or lost.

'Thanks for the fight, and I hope you enjoyed the performance, Yukinee'.

Maybe Vanguard could affect her even more than she thought. All her brooding about Hana feeling distant felt silly now, and she laughed aloud, thinking about how stupid she had been.

Yukino AP +1

Her thoughts turned towards Riviere now. Was it coincidence, that she had fully shown up in this cardfight, with this timing? No, she was probably thinking too deeply about this. Mentally shaking herself, she sat back down, enjoying the day.

[Cherry]

Yukino slammed her fist on the table. This was so frustrating! She even screamed, infuriated, but it felt so good to have this emotion. The ability to accept failure. Even the Royal Paladins were irritated, though, a happy kind of irritated. Blaster Blade commended Lamorak's efforts today, and everyone gave praise to Violinist as well for being an incredibly powerful addition. They all, even the king, apologized to the Chosen Sword. Hikari only responded that she didn't care if they messed up or not, this was the time of her life.

Finishing the ice cream bar, Yukino thanked Miyuki for the performance. There wasn't a lot of times, especially lately, where she and Hana's friend could really bond. This was a real treat, finally getting to plan with her in a good mood from both sides. Having fun was the best part of it.

Miyuki +1 Affinity
Royal Paladin +10 Affinity

"Let's carry on this momentum!" the queen ordered, out loud.

"Yeaaaaah!!" The Royal Paladin clan roared in return.

[Jello]

The game was pretty awesome, or so Haruka thought. With his ice cream being robbed by Yukino, he just pouted and watched the game silently, sipping on his soda here and there. Noticing the ride chain go through smoothly, Miyuki had an advantage from the get go. This meant that the Royal Paladins, with no real draw advantage, would have to rely on trigger checks and expert guarding to win. Alas, that wasn't the case.

Satoshi leaned in close to watch the game, seeing how all the plays unfold. Haruka was mostly sulking over the loss of his treat.

Within a decent window of time, Haruka was pretty into the game too, though. Miyuki finishes off with a critical breaking through the 10K guard.

"Wow..." Haruka let out. He was genuinely interested in the play-by-play for once. This was a sight for sore eyes.

"So, who's next?" Satoshi nervously asks. Haruka and Satoshi are both unwilling to be victims; mostly Haruka, having played nearly 40 something games just hours ago. All the ice-cream and soda in the world could not make Haruka want to play another game that day. He was beat. Haruka puts his hands up, as if surrendering before he's even challenged.

"I'm good for the day." Haruka lets out. Satoshi takes a step back as well. The queen is definitely on a rampage, and they do not want to step in front of it.

[Cherry]

Munching on a sugar cookie excitedly, she was sure to give her lazy boys a beatdown later. Regardless, she let them refrain for now. Even sharing some of the treats with them as the onslaught continued. Spending all day playing cards, fight after fight, the need for "purpose" vanished. Instead, it became a yearning to earn it. A fire was born in her heart, dashing through defense lines of other opponents. Some managed to get wins off of her, which only fueled her spirit.

The answer she was looking to give Jellal... It wasn't one that she had yet. Still, she would try to answer him with the feelings she feels today, right now.

"Vanguard is fun, and it doesn't have to be a tool of darkness and malicious ambition to achieve one's goals."

[Jello]

Haruka, still somewhat upset about his ice cream, takes a step out of Card Capital for fresh air. His mind wanders in every which way, wondering what he had stumbled into. "These are friends... hmm. Not like Daichi though, friends I actually want to rely on.." Haruka smiles a bit, hands in pockets. He pulls out Dragonic Overlord. It's warm to the touch, at first. Then suddenly hotter.

"You okay there, Overlord?" Haruka asks, with a slight smile. His smile fades as the heat all but disappears. The card feels dead. "W-What?" Haruka finds himself panicking a little. He pulls Nehalem and Bahr too. They're still very warm however, unlike Overlord. Haruka scratched his head and bit his lip, in puzzlement. He leaned against the wall of Card Capital outside the shop. "What the..." Haruka was worried. The flame is his body was spreading rapidly across, but this was less of emotion and one of pure panic. He attempts to settle down, but with the lack of Overlord's banter and consistent comments, he suddenly feels less at peace with himself.

"What is going on here.."

[Lance Korilum]

The door to Card Capital opened.  The still enraged King of Vanguard walked through the doors, and shoved someone away from the nearest table, scattered the kid and his opponent's cards, and slammed his deck down on the table.  "HIKARI," he shouted, louder than he ever had before, "I DEMAND A FINAL REMATCH BEFORE I RETURN TO EUROPE!"  The King's voice roared through the card shop, with most people turning to look at him in terror.

"Wasn't that the guy who placed second in the Nationals!?"  One kid whispered, and after seeing someone else nod, both of them bolted out of the cardshop.  Even the manager, who was at the counter, was too afraid to try and get this man to leave.  People could practically see lightning in Cero's eyes, and several more ran out. 

Those that didn't run began talking among themselves about the foreigner who just walked into their card shop, having only ever seen him on TV.  "He's even scarier in real life..."  "I DON'T WANT TO DIE YET!"  "Why is he so loud?"  "IS ANYONE ELSE SEEING LIGHTNING!?"  "Who the heck is this guy, thinking he can walk in and start shouting his lungs out!?"  "OH MY GOD IT'S THE KING, I WANT HIS AUTOGRAPH!!!"

Cero, however, ignored all of them, his eyes fixed solely on his rival.  The rival he'd fight one last time before returning home.  He believed that this fight would let him see what the lacked, whatever it was.

[Hope]

Hana and Pacifica giggled a little, they were glad Screamo-kun was his usual screaming self. "Another Cardfight for Yukinee huh....." She said to herself. Today's been a lot of fun, seeing so many familiar faces. Screamo-kun really was attracting a lot of attention. Hana let him keep his thunder and stay in the down low, this was his final moment before going back to Europe after all. She took a seat next Yukinee and looked at her Bermuda Triangle deck. All the cards filled with smiles and happiness made her smile as well.

"You guys are so wierd..." she commented.
"Where did that come from?" Ressac asked with a bit of an attitude.
"Be quiet you!" Hana ordered
"No I'm taking my stand here." Ressac hissed back.
"Ressac no." Flows interrupted.
"WHY DO YOU USE EVERYONE ELSE IN THE DRIVE QUARTET BUT ME!?!?!" Ressac inquired her, very loudly at that.
"I think we have been through this many times," Hana explained.

The other units including Pacifica and Flute laughed at the conversation, and also at Ressac. Because Ressac was the Bermuda Triangle problem child. Ressac let out a smile herself too, nothing wrong with some innocent teasing. Hana still isn't going to put her in any of her decks though.

[Cherry]

Yukino threw a cookie in his face.

Then she butted heads with him, the space around the King and Queen set ablaze by fire that rivaled even Eternal Flame. "Keep your voice down, king of jobbers, you're gonna bust one of my eardrums!", she retorted, anger veins pulsating on her forehead and her fist. Like she was one to talk, she's been shouting all day. Honestly, whoever stayed was brave, because these two fighting could easily destroy everything in sight if the battles on Cray were a reality on Earth. Hikari's heart pounded harshly in her chest, the heat born from the very idea of a farewell battle with her royal rival was far too good to pass up in any lifetime.

"Challenge accepted! I'll give you a match worth bragging about to back home!"

The last game between the Royal Paladin divisions was set, this eternity in a moment would be the peak of Hikari's day - her week even.


Outside, the wall Haruka leaned on had transformed into a door with "Shop PSY" labelled above it. He fell into it...

(Anjaro, you have been dragged into Shop PSY. Proceed there.)

[Lance Korilum]

The final battle between the King of Beasts and the King of Knights began, the King versus the Queen, lightning versus fire, Ego versus Ego.  Throughout the entire battle, they matched each other blow for blow, responding to every play the other made.  Sparks flew, and those brave few that stayed were enthralled by how close the game was.  By only the second turn, Cero had filled his field.  Not long after, it was time for the clash of the Kings.  The battle continued intensely as their exchange of blows continued, with Cero aiming at the rear-guards to weaken Alfred.  However, Hikari brought forth new ones with ease, and eventually summoned forth her Avatar, Blaster Blade.  The turn she did, Hikari drive checked double triggers, forcing Cero to use most of his remaining shield.  Cero attempted to end it on his next turn by bringing forth his final snogal, but was unable to, leaving him wide open for Hikari's last series of attacks.  He stopped Gallatin and Alfred, but with all of his shield depleted, Blaster Blade struck the final blow.  Cero saw the battle in his mind, and saw Garmore's armor shatter with the blow, along with Cero's pride...  He thought he had surpassed her...  But she had something he didn't, the thing he lacked.  He finally realized what it was, and stood up.

"Hikari!!!  This isn't over yet," he shouted while pointing at her.  "I will return here again, and next time, I'll be the one who defeats you!"  Cero walked out of the card shop, leaving his deck behind.