(GS3) Field: Umano Underground Slums

[Cherry]

Yugure was rather glad he didn't pursue it. Lest he thinks the woman he just made up with was a despairing, sniveling mess. Though, she took note of how antsy he seemed, watching Hikaru and Hana.

"Would you like to fight me?" She offered, taking a guess at what he wanted.

[Jello]

"Hmm, y-yeah, sure!" Haruka was actually a bit more fired up about a fight. No pun intended.

"I have a couple things I wanna test, since Butler-san let me borrow something... but I really need to sync up with this guy." Haruka pulled out the deck he needed to train with. Recently, he's been getting hit with the vanilla train, and that wasn't very fun. Time to break that streak.

"Whenever you're ready." Haruka placed his starter faced down at a nearby table, already shuffling.

[Cherry]

"I have three decks, I'll start with Shadow Paladin, if you don't mind."

Approaching another table, three deck cases were placed down from her belt of equipment. Yellow, purple, and blue individually, representing the colors of Paladins.

Shadow Paladin magically floated out as she folded her arms.

[Hope]

"Sorry BELLA-chan..." Nociel apologized.

She isn't even in the deck. No need.

Isabellla took a deep breath and flipped her hair. Angel Feather lost, she needed a way to improve how they gained their advantage. Simply swapping cards in the damage zone didn't seem like enough outside of Danielle' skill. The rest of the games went by smoothly, Great Nature was able to outlast Nova Grappler and Gold Paladin had no shortage in the power and defense department either.

The last one, The Underground King switched to a Gold Paladin deck which surprised her at first, but she went in with full confidence seeing as she was using her Bermuda Triangle now. There was no she was going to lose this one. She created an early game lead, putting Hikaru at 4 damage by her Grade 2 turn. He was eventually saved by a miracle heal in the end, but that didn't cause too many problems. Hana was able to guard the next turn without a problem. She ended the game with Meers.

"Keep your eyes on me and address me and my presence when I'm around. So rude, it annoys me. Basically acting like I don't exist and just noticing my sister...hmph." She frowned a little. "Though you did manage to defeat my Angel Feather, so good job with that. Nice matches and what not." She folded her arms and turned away to speak to her sister. "The King of the Underground isn't anyone to Princess of Cray..." She said to herself.

Somehow it got her worked up. Hana sighed. It looks like Yukinee and Haruka were about to fight.

Yukino was acting really reminded Hana of how her other performers would look like when they had stage fright. Better tell her what test actually was. "If you're scared that's fine. Everyone is really, even I am, but ...gotta act tough, I gotta act in a way in which people will acknowledge me so that I can lead... The test was the willingness to see a possibility to win and fighting despite it. Knights and Idols alike get scared when they take their respective stages, it's part of the job. Fighting despite it is what rounds the up though. Which is why I want to rehearse with you. Anyways good luck with the fight."

She signaled one of her beefcake fans to fetch her something to sit on as she watched the couple fight. It was a mini-fridge. Good enough. She sent an image to cray in order to talk to her four clan reps as she watched.

[Spectre Diamond]

He was confused that Hana had challenged all so suddenly in the Umano slums. He agreed to since there wasn't anything else to do at the moment. Over the course of the fights he started to understand why she suddenly challenged him to a cardfight. She was being ignored by him. The first person to help him out in the slums and outright ignores her. He won't defend himself because he knows she's right. He's grateful for what she has done for him in the past few weeks, even risking her life to destroy one of the faction bases.

"Its seems you have girl trouble Hikaru." The death army king's presence appeared next to Hikaru. It seemed to be laughing at Hikaru's expense.

"I thought you don't understand Humans, Cosmo Lord" As he stated this quietly has his underlings were near him.

"I don't But I understand you Hikaru." He sighed at his partner in crime as he knows Cosmo Lord is right and understand each other perfectly. He just wishes that he could communicate with his other units in his deck like Asura but were getting off track.

"I guess I need to clear some of the air between us but not right now. She needs to have some space before I talk to her again." He does feel guilty about ignoring her, maybe because he doesn't know how to react to kindness and often pushes them away. Afraid that they'll disappear to. Like everyone else in his life.

"Let's go Cosmo Lord I need to tell them I'm back." The Blue king then turned into motes as he went back to the pendent. Hikaru then walks up to Kaori and Tomoda to inform him of anything important when he gets back.

[Cherry]

Revengers versus Overlord.

Yunos was especially excited to beat Haruka's face in for a lot of everything. No, it wasn't him being overprotective because he had cheated on her. It was the very fact that someone was taking away his beloved Vanguard. The Spirit of Envy wasn't taking that, and did everything possible to ruin Kagero's day. Unfortunately, with a lack of checking triggers due to the assassins "lazing around" according to him, and The End managing to get its Persona Blast, they were out of luck. Raging Form didn't seem in top form, flying into damage either.

Still, Yugure enjoyed her time with Haruka. Hana had offered words of encouragement, somehow reading the queen's mind about her anxiety. Acting tough... was about all the Chosen Sword had going beyond being able to fight with swords. It was a bit saddening, seeing as everyone else had talent and skill. She, however, simply believed that when it came to Vanguard, she couldn't help anyone. Knight training helped that a bit, as a magical weapon could weigh out her bad luck with the game.

Jewel Knights versus Beast Deity.

The butler who makes the coffee plays Vanguard?!

It had been awhile since someone fought her original clan, even though Ahmes and Alfred weren't present. Jewel Knights responded smoothly, getting Critical Triggers left and right while maintaining a steady hand. Though, Salome didn't arrive... Nevertheless, Ashlei took it upon herself to lead. Yugure... thought of Ashlei like a little kid at the park you would pamper with candy. While she was strong and fulfilled her duty... she was innocent and gullible. The rigid soldier almost felt a bit uncomfortable using the card, but the Pureheart Jewel Knight hummed happily as Criticals smashed through endlessly for victory.

It's kind of scary how airheaded she is, yet, how her prowess holds true.

Ashlei +10 Affinity
Jewel Knights +10 Affinity

Liberators versus Overlord - a long time rivalry in the fray once again. Yugure admittedly had a terrible luck streak with Liberators, finding trouble getting the cards she needs in hand, let alone the Superior Calls. Today was different, however, for the latter. A Grade Three didn't arrive, except for a Holy Shine that very much needed a Gancelot to be effective. Still, despite the advantage, the woman had fun in working with it. There was more fun in Haruka's shock in Ahmes and Balan getting free retires off. Along with the one referred to as "best girl" Star Rain Trumpeter Superior Calling Ahmes. It wasn't enough, and Yugure wanted to at least protect Ahmes with her life. Overlord still broke through the guard. He's a fiery bully, but the gazing Ahmes and Overlord exchanged proved their rivalry. Kagero gets to win for today.

During the fights, Yugure made some rather... suggestive, remarks.

Those sloppy makeout sessions were starting to fuel her desire.

Smiling, fingers gently caressed Ahmes' card. "You're always looking out for me", Yugure thanked.

[Jello]

Those fights went in several different directions. If there were a way to recap this shortly...

Overlord had fun roflstomping Ahmes and Yunos, but Ethics Buster got scared of Ashlei and her swords. Pronounce that s-wards. That's what he got scared of; the swards.

Haruka ended up going into the first fight without a breakride, sitting on DOTE for a majority of the battle whilst against Mordred Phantom, the break ride unit of the Revenger series. Haruka wasn't very confident of winning without getting Persona blast off, and knowing how people got greedy with that, he in turn realized he wouldn't be getting this fight easily...

Finally, after a couple turns of pleading, Yukino took a gamble on Haruka's Overlord. He had one in hand so it was obvious that he was going to get a restand, but she didn't know that because the turn before, he had already called a DOTE. Can't have that many right? Well he has four so mathematically it makes sense, probability-wise it was somewhat uncanny though. Enough said, Haruka got a restand off and sacked three triggers out of four, sealing the game on a one-pass.

The next one went totally across the board in Yukino's favor. It seems Limit Break was out of reach for her... because she continued to heal like crazy. Two or three times at least before breaking down Ethic Buster's defense slowly but surely. Then again it's Nova Grapplers. Defense was never really their style anyways. Despite putting up a few good restanding turns with Ethics Buster and Illuminal, it didn't cut it for him. He was utterly crushed by the end of the fight.

Overlord Round 2 vs Liberators. This was probably the most even of the fights. Yukino managed to hit Haruka with criticals... twice. Sitting on five damage from break ride turn was intimidating as is, but he had to whether out the storm from Holy Shine Dragon and the superior calls. Yukino even got Ahmes to make a grand appearance off of Star Rain Trumpeter's skill, retiring Burning Horn Dragon for the third time in the game. He was livid and Overlord will never hear the end of it. However that didn't change that due to Yukino's lack of a trigger in her twin drive, Haruka's crossride defenses proved strong enough to keep him alive to call down a pair of Overlords.

DOTE was thirsty. Thirsty for vengeance. He wanted Ahmes to know he was targeted. Haruka wanted Holy Shine, Overlord wanted the booty. He got the booty. On a one pass to guard out the rear-guard Ahmes, Overlord checked a critical to add insult to injury, restood, and hit Yukino with two more triggers, a heal and a draw.

Haruka was suddenly in the danger zone.

"Eheh... Overlord.. C'mon man. A bit more subtle."

Haruka was now a bully.

Gotem, coach.

"Y-Yeah... you did..." Yukino might have his head for that. Now Haruka had to down a gallon or two of water to get rid of what was now an intense heat. No, not from fighting. Just some of the things Yukino had said to him during those fights were still lingering.

W-Wound licking...

You're sick.

Maaaaan.

[Hope]

"I think we were a little too hard on him..." Meer commented in regards to Hikaru.
"Well... I wasn't going to take it. No way.. It was well deserved." Hana answered.
"Back from the fight! What did I miss?" Best girl returned with a best girl star badge thing saying that she is best girl.
"Good job!" Hana clapped for her.

Isabella was sitting on the mini-fridge with her legs crossed, applauding the two who had a spectacular set of fights. She felt like asking for one herself, but then again, it seemed awkward considering their situation. Too focused on each other, she was more of a third wheel here than anything. She didn't mind it, but she just felt a hint of sadness and jealousy when it came to her envisioning her fights with Mi-hime. Weeks of training lay ahead for her now, and she set standards for herself to consider as she did so. Whether her sister would go with her or not was her decision, but there has to something beyond her power now that would increase her chances against the so-called invaders. As the one who will lead the champions into battle, she was set on going and fighting alongside the champions rather than supporting them from behind. In order to do so, she wanted to make sure that she put on an awe-inspiring performance. She sat there and let the two do their thing if they wanted. If nothing else were to happen here, she just decided on going ahead on home and checking on Mi-hime.

[Jello]

"Alright well... Those were some good fights guys. A little bit of training never hurt, right?" Haruka stretched and yawned, clearly tired already. Hours past when he should have passed out were long gone. Trotting over to Yukino, he drapes his arms around her, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"You ready to head back to the manor? I don't wanna stay in the base anymooreeee." Haruka starts pouting. While it looks like a joke, he's actually sulking a bit. The base smelled funny to him and he was really more interested in just getting a bit of rest with Yukino at his side. He felt as though Hana could relate with Miyuki, if she could leave her sick-bed and actually rest with Hana. He felt a little guilty knowing she won't have the same pleasure he does with Yukino now.

Well, he was falling asleep regardless, signified by the bags and the heaviness in his eyes.

"Whenever you wanna go..." His voice became light and trailed off. Another yawn followed as he hugged Yukino from behind. Haruka had to wonder where Hikaru went though. Oh. Talking to some rather tough looking lads. Maybe gang members.

"Hikaruuu, I'm heading out." He nuzzled his nose on Yukino's shoulder.

"Are we going?"

Hana seemed to be getting up and ready to go as well, well, probably. Seems that the night really was coming to a close if the star was heading going to be heading out.

Shota pouting continues.

[Cherry]

"Waaaaait", Yugure replied in a child-like tone, kissing her sleepy lover. "Hana wanted to rehearse with me tonight."

[Spectre Diamond]

He slowly walked to his destination as he replayed the 4 fights he had with Hana in his head. Trying to find ways that he could of countered or done better in. While he wasn't focused on the first fight, he was more worried over the last three fights he just had. Maybe he should of instantly switched to a different clan to combat her other 3 decks. But he wonders if he even stood a chance. He was nearing to the building that he dubbed as the flower bed. No other member knows of this place and even then he made sure no one followed him. This was a private matter, a private place. Its his true sanctuary.

He reached his destination and when inside the building. The flowers were still in the same place as he left it. Very little light passes through the buildings so he doubts that the flowers will be able to last that long. Just like always, they are going to wither and die. Hikaru then sat crossed legged on the floor as he inspects the carvings and the wood to be sure they are stable.

"I'm back in one piece...." Hikaru had a solemn look on his face as he looked at the grave markers. The wind blew through the drafts and the holes of the building that the wind can pierce through. Setting the tone of the talk.

[Hope]

Hana was just about to have an existential crisis, but whatever.

If I make a star clone, who is the real me?
"Hana!" Mer called out.
They are both me, but wait.. what if I am the star clone?
"Hana!" Nociel called out.
I mean, does my star clone have feelings, is it sad when it disappears?
"Hana!" Star Rain called out.
See it is composed of light and stardust, but does it have a soul?
"Hana!" Minette called out.

Eventually, Minette just told her to chill out and that he'll ask Dictionary Goat to look into it.
"Alright, sure." She nodded.

[Cherry]

Yugure was getting fed up with Holy Shine Dragon showing up more than any other Grade 3 in her deck. Another mirror match between Gold Paladin that couldn't be turned in the soldier's favor. Some modifications to be rid of this inconsistency were clearly necessary. Then again, her luck just can't shine through.

"Good game", she stated.

Gancelot apologized. However, the Liberators were happy he showed up for once and got his Break Ride off. It was a plentiful start to his road of friendship.

Gancleot +10 Affinity

[Hope]

The match ended with a one trigger break similar to another that they had a year ago. It was quite the similar situation. The game was close overall. Best Girl did a great job in setting up the field, both calls calling well needed grade 1's. The end game field was a beautiful sight to her of all three of Grade 3's fighting alongside one another on the front row.

"Good job Best Girl and Garmore!" She congratulated them.

Now on towards to more prep. Harnessing her power much better was the priority as of now. Haruka seems to want to home already with Yukinee, so she gave them a wave goodbye. "I'll visit the Manor tomorrow to train with Dad-san or maybe Ill stay up tonight to do that after I check on Mi-hime. Thanks for the fight Yukinee."

[Spectre Diamond]

Its been a week since his incident with Hana at the slums.

For the passed week he has been assembling multiple decks. So far he has created decks based on Aqua Force, Tachikaze and Shadow paladin. The clans that represent the different types of justice. Hikaru had rebuild his Nova Grappler deck into a full Death Army deck, reclaiming Cosmo Lord as his ace. He still wears the pendant though. Hikaru rebuild his Dimension Police based around Zeal once again. Day and night he trained the with the decks in order to adapt to different styles and see passed his opponent's plays. Essentially he's been training himself on how to analyses and predict his opponent's plays before they could make them. 

Currently Hikaru seemed to be arranging his decks into his jacket. Hikaru sure does love having multiple pockets on him.

"Alright that should do it." Hikaru's dark raven hair had gotten a bit longer in the past week and seemed to have gotten spikier during the week. While his hair has always been gravity defying spiky. It has never really gotten this spiky before.

In the past week he has been thinking about what Hana said. She said that she will no longer acknowledge the underground king. The reason he's been going through this 1 week training session is because of her. Her display of power had opened his eyes to the truth. He wasn't fighting with who he truly considers his avatars. Like with Genovious he was able to use him to the full extent despite never using him before. He needs to fight with units that are able to respond to his feelings and he has to respond to theirs. That's why he decided to fight with Cosmo Lord once more.

All this time he had been fighting with a gimmick. An invasion is going to come soon and he needs to step up the plate to do so. But he can't just keep training with people here. There not up to his standards. He needs to make a phone call.