(GS3) Home Field: Espoir Mansion

[Cherry]

Alfred chuckled, and the Royal Paladins found some peace in their hearts. Seeing Alfred take the form of his younger days... Ahmes could only imagine how he felt, since the king back when he was initially crowned... Well, Blaster Blade might find himself out of a job if he speaks out loud. He simply laughed to himself over how goofy Alfred used to be, but could feel his majesty's glare... and stopped immediately.

The lion of a man took a seat in his personal chair, glancing over at the other "empty" seat, which was occupied by an astral being. His feelings toward this were impossible to tell, a stoic expression remained. Getting right down to business, resting his elbows on the desk, intertwining his own fingers, he spoke: "I'm aware of what happened with Yukino and Hana". Of course he was.

"Unless you want to get involved with a hopeless situation, I'd suggest abstaining from dealing with it", the lion continued. "Cray's in a mess, and right now, there's nothing we can do about it as long as the Dragon of Hell is decimating the Sanctuary."

[Beryl]

"Is it really that hopeless?" Satoshi crossed his legs. "I mean, the reason I came here is that I felt like, of all people, you would have an answer...they're your daughters and were chosen by Cray. You can't just sit there and tell me there's no point." His stare hardened. "I want to help them both as much as they can. They matter to me. They were my first friends, and without them I would've been some hick on the streets without any of a clue of what the future holds. I don't want to go back to that...I doubt anyone would."

He leaned forward a bit. "Please, Mr. Espoir...I need to help them. I don't care if I even die."

[Cherry]

A sigh, sprinkling sugar into his coffee. "Don't say something stupid like that, you dying won't help anyone."

"The reason I say this is hopeless is because everything was aligned with the calculations of the one who opened the rift. Hana becoming the Vanguard, Yukino's suffering, the civil war's rising climax, Jellal's efforts for Aqua Force's revival, every last bit of it was supposed to happen in order to be ruined", explained Father Espoir, confirming that he knows a great deal about everything happening. Along with some future insight reinforcing his "hopeless" stance. "They are my daughters, and I want to help them, but I know they're going to get through it because of one another already", the man continued. This wasn't knowledge of the future, this was radiating, fatherly faith. He took a drink of the caffeine, remaining rather calm, despite the despairing events and the people involved. The fact that two of them were his own children didn't seem to faze him, even with that faith he held.

"Same outcome happens no matter what we do. However, if you want to do something, start by being there for Hana. Yukino is a walking, power-hungry hound from what I can imagine. It'll take something strong to break her out of it, and you don't fit the bill to be the one", the lion was blunt. He made it clear what option Satoshi had that would at least bring success in the desire to save the two sisters, restoring their emotions. Sympathy is not what he had to offer, rather, an answer that the guest asked for.

[Beryl]

"But..." Satoshi wanted to protest; Yukino in particular he was truly worried for, and he wanted with all his heart to help her. Yet...the lion was right, wasn't he. He wasn't that strong to fight and snap her out of it, even if their bonds were tight. It would take a better force, one he wasn't acquainted with.

He sighed. "Where's Hana, then? I guess I'll go try to talk to her and understand better what's happening from her perspective." A servant volunteered to lead him to her, and he followed out, with another short bow to Mr. Espoir. "Thank you for telling me, at the very least, sir."

Mr. Espoir +2 AP

Seph did not follow his champion. He stayed behind, crossing his arms and still staring at Mr. Espoir. He knew that he was aware of his presence and could no doubt hear him, so he cleared his throat.

"Great Lion...do you not think that the boy can surpass his limits?"

[Cherry]

"I never said he couldn't, I'm positive he can", the man responded to the spirit as Satoshi left. Booting up the nearby computer to get to work, he was about done with this conversation. "They all can", he continued. "But to fix this, strength isn't what they need, and that won't break Shadow Paladin's stranglehold on Yukino either. Nor will it bring back Bermuda Triangle."

He simply offered that.

[Beryl]

"...If you say so." Seph stood up, stretching. "Y'know, you should really consider getting involved again. The kids don't really know better."

He gave a casual wave as he went off to rejoin with Satoshi's deck.

---

After being led to Hana's room, Satoshi had a change of heart. He knew Mr. Espoir was right, that the best he could do right now would be to help Hana, but he couldn't just let his queen wander off. He had to find her, even if something was gravely, gravely wrong. He handed the servant a small note to give Hana, which read:

"Going to find your sister. I need you both together again to try and sort this out. See you soon!

~Geodude~"

It was crude handwriting, but readable nonetheless from the servant's perspective. Satoshi bowed for him before making a run out of the manor to find the city, rejoining Seph on the way. It was time to find Haruka and Yukino.

[Hope]

"Nice formation everyone!" Hana clapped.

The knights were all worn down, sitting and breathing heavily. They were all sweating from a hard day of work practice. They were tired, but they were smiling, full of pride, power, and morale. Hana who had been training along with the holy order as well Garmore and his dogs has been feeling much better. After the session, Alfred and Blaster Blade greeted her a goodbye, as she was now ready to go and talk to her servants waiting outside.

She had apparently received a letter from Geodude speaking of looking for her sister.... to sort things out?

She packed her backs and placed the  two Royal Paladin decks in them.

"Let's go minna!"
"Yeah!" The Knights chanted in unison.
"Woof."

[Cherry]

"Hana", Dad Espoir called out, knowing that his daughter was about to leave. "You're the only one who can fix your sister, so she can fix her own mess", he began. "But know that strength alone cannot win back our beloved, nor can the heart by itself either."

The lion brute of a man passed her, sipping his coffee. "So show her the answer you found beyond despair."

[Cherry]

Yukino had been left in a deep sleep, not having fallen asleep since going to Card Capital or eaten since the ordeal with Jellal. It was a bit worrying to the servants, but Dad Espoir assured them she's just making up for lost time. The queen was in a rather peaceful state of mind, happily snoozing the day away...

If only her dream was that peaceful.

Yukino, of course, was called upon Cray. Though, surprisingly, it wasn't about business or anything. Ahmes personally called her out into an empty wasteland portion of the United Sanctuary. Blaster Blade insisted she be there for this and off to the side, as things could get... messy. Naturally, she was confused. Whenever "Why bring me here?" or "Why here?" was inquired, the swordsman simply told her to wait, and everything would be revealed. Childishly pouting, she had no choice but to comply. After awhile, the winds picked up, fiercely blowing in their direction. Looking off to the side, the ace of darkness was approaching - Blaster Dark.

"Yunos...?" Yukino called out, but he didn't respond to her. He stood a distance away from Ahmes, facing him.

"So we're going to settle this now? While Phantom Blaster Overlord is killing everyone?" The black swordsman questioned, believing now was a terrible time.

"That is exactly why we must do this now", his counterpart retorted. The two summoned their swords in blue and black electricity, taking readied battle stances.

"Whoa whoa, hold on! What the hell are you two doing?!" The Vanguard shouted, getting their attention.

"Settling everything, I'd guess", Yunos replied. "Who gets you for a Vanguard, what happens to the traitors overall with the Princess' decision, and what we do next."

"You two have to fight for that?!"

"Yes we do, Hikari. Words fail the both of us, so it simply has to be this way", Ahmes explained, accepting battle as a way to convey feelings.

The blasters of fate spark one another's fury by just glaring at each other. Light and Courage angering Dark and Resolution. Letting this linger for no longer, they charged at one another, bashing their swords together. Blaster Blade had the advantage of being more nimble, especially with a thinner weapon, so he quickly got to Yunos' side and took a swipe. Blaster Dark took the hit, but retaliated by banging his enormous sword on Ahmes' helmet. To add onto this strike, the black swordsman followed up by hastily smashing his rival into the ground. Then, going in for a stab, Blaster Blade rolled away as fast as he could to dodge. The sword of resolution summoned purple lightning from its tip, traveling across the terrain to harm its target. Ahmes responded by propelling himself into the sky and launching a storm of blue electricity, shocking Yunos while ceasing his attack. Yunos regained his composure and began chasing after the swordsman of light. Ahmes led him across the battlefield, and Yukino ran with them.

She couldn't miss this for the world.

Yunos suddenly became a black blur, flashing over to the side of his opponent with inhumane speed. In an attempt to strike Ahmes down, the holy knight kicked his rival in the shin! Losing his balance, the least he could do to pay him back was a ferociously powerful punch in the face. Blaster Blade flew into his queen, but she caught him. A hasty "thanks", she pushed him back at his opponent. Grinning, Yunos fired a blast of lightning as Ahmes was regaining his balance. Knowing he couldn't dodge in time, the sword of courage flew into the earth, repeating the earlier attack the sword of resolution made - lightning traveling on the ground. The two were struck, but the pain caused them to roar furiously, trekking through the shock to collide into one another. Coated in the other's electricity, they butted heads, smashed shoulders together, and clashed with their swords.

"You know, I'm still never going to get used to you. Just looking at you pisses me off!" Yunos yelled, trying to push his rival back in the struggle.

"Ha... I can't say the feeling's mutual, because I rather enjoy this", Ahmes calmly spoke, not giving an inch.

"Heh, I didn't say I wasn't enjoying this either", the swordsman of darkness laughed, taking a hand off of his sword. He grabbed the light, and tossed him into the air. Yunos supercharged the blade with power, and threw it like a circular-saw. The sheer weight of the sword of resolution was not something easily stopped, even with the sword of courage. Lack of aerial balance from being thrown, the only option was Ahmes throwing his own sword right back. They deflected one another, falling into Cray's soil.

Launching himself at Ahmes, Yunos kneed him in the stomach. Relentless was his assault - driven by his raging jealousy. Ahmes had to match that passionate emotion, so he reached out with an arm. The Sword of Courage reacted, flying out of the ground to its master. Instead, it stabbed into Blaster Dark's back - piercing through the armor, but not enough to wound him. This was all that was needed though, as burning light engulfed Yunos, being fired from the blade at point-blank range. Screaming in agony, he got kneed back by Blaster Blade into the ground. Ahmes couldn't help but give a smug smirk that told his rival "Karma's a b-"

This triumphant smirk was quickly wiped off his face as Yunos used a similar tactic. Controlling the broadsword via telepathy, it began rapidly slashing at Blaster Blade. Having no way to counter, he took all the hits, falling from the sky all the same. In an act of desperation, Yunos plucked the Sword of Courage out of the ground. It wouldn't activate, but it was still a weapon! Seeing this, Ahmes had to act quickly. Taking up the Sword of Resolution while rising to his feet, they charged at one another once again. A shockwave blowing away bits of the earth was unleashed, and even knocked Yukino down, who had been following them all around the war grounds.

After some time, the sun was finally setting... All three of them were laying down in a circle, sweating and panting. Yukino didn't even have much reason to be exhausted, but chasing these two around to not miss a moment was as harsh as the battle itself. The swords were planted into the ground next to each other, and the trio had smiles on their faces. There wasn't a clear winner, as the two blasters dropped to the ground at the same time, unable to continue.

"I'm glad I met you two", Yukino started them off.

"Ha... ha... I guess... meeting you guys... wasn't so bad..." Blaster Dark was content, which lit up the hearts of the queen and the light swordsman. There was so much more they wanted to say to each other, but they were all just too tired. A few moments later, Yunos started getting up. "Alright, you win."

"Huh?" Ahmes questioned this surrender, it was a tie. No need for that. He rose to his feet, and helped Hikari do the same.

"Yami, Ahmes. Here", Blaster Dark offered his sword.

"What? But..." Yukino and her light avatar were surprised by this gesture.

"I guess I'm not as willing to go through with killing you or following the Dragon of Hell anymore, so I don't need this thing... for now, anyway", he tried to rationalize. Seeing the green-eyed envious monster of a man... give something to the person he was most jealous toward...

"Yunos-"

"Don't get the wrong idea, Ahmes. I want this back later."

"... Very well."

Yukino watched as Blaster Blade took the enormous broadsword. Christ, it was heavy! In his exhausted state, Ahmes could barely hold it! Blaster Dark chuckled, muttering "weakling", a teasing jeer. As much as Blaster Blade wanted to bite back, he really couldn't considering the sheer weight of this thing. The queen smiled, happy to see her Avatars getting along. Yunos brought the Sword of Courage over to Ahmes, and his rival took it in the free hand. Suddenly, the two reacted to one another. Surprising the three, the two weapons merged! Blaster Blade suddenly held in his hands a large, glittery, transparent sword of pure energy. They stood in awe of this creation born by the reconciliation of comradeship, and Yukino's pupils morphed once again. On the left, a blue sword shape pointing downward, and on the right, a purple in the same direction.

A card appeared before her in her dream.

"Majesty Lord Blaster..." she named the weapon, getting the attention of the swordsmen.

"Well, well, look who gets to be a big shot", Yunos teased again, slapping Ahmes on the back. With how much the Sword of Resolution and this new weapon weighed, the swordsman of light's back wasn't exactly in the best of shape for a hit. He almost fell over, and Blaster Dark laughed at him. After he was finished messing with the back-broken ace, Yunos turned to Yukino.

"Yami- no... Hikari- no those don't work anymore. Yugure, Chosen Sword of Twilight, unleash your power of the Meister!" With a command, the queen fell into another trance. The majestic blade floated toward her, and its blueprints appeared in front of them. Tracing the weapon with sweeps of her hands, the sword was replicated, as was the card.

"Yugure... huh. Not light, nor shadow, but twilight..." Ahmes got used to the concept, understanding that it was more appropriate.

"End this war already", Yunos demanded, beginning to walk off. Entrusting the future to them.

"Thank you, Yunos... My avatar. ... Let's go too, Ahmes, who is also my avatar", Yugure expressed gratitude and dubbed them both hers. With a nod from Blaster Blade, her vision turned white.

Yugure awoke from her slumber with the Majesty Lord Blaster card on her chest. Taking it, smiling, Yukino hastily prepared herself for the rest of the day. Trading out her casual attire for her royal garbs, Queen Yugure departed from the Espoir household with new purpose.

[Beryl]

Satoshi arrived at the manor carrying a surprising amount of stuff in a huge sack tied to his back. By strange coincidence, his family had sent him a literal feast: fresh meats, vegetables, dairy...even that ice cream he had mentioned to Haruka, not too long ago. He felt it would be best to share a nice amount of this family gift with his friends, since otherwise, before long, the food would go bad. It was best to consume it sooner rather than later.

A couple servants saw him and let him in, expecting his arrival from contact ahead of time. He gave the best bow he could and kept on walking up to the manor's double doors. Two more servants let him in, and he made a beeline for the dining room. Calling for the help of some of the butlers, he arranged the feast in preparation for their return. He couldn't wait to see how much Yukino and Haruka would enjoy naturally grown and raised food.

Meanwhile, Seph smiled, watching over Satoshi's preparation. He was more than likely to eat enough food to pass out, and then...then he would have a chance to talk with Yugure and the Seraphim about what was going on in the world. They both saw it and knew each other had seen it. It was time they got some of the answers they deserved.

[Jello]

I've never spent this long in front of a damn mirror.

Haruka was on his third cup of coffee that evening after getting home. He had been a bit worried about tonight and how to address himself. Last time he was there, he almost died. But at the same time, he wanted to make a really good impression this time around.

"Hrmm, maybe this tie? Eh..."

"I told you already, go with the red one, ya dolt!"

"Shut up, Vortimer! I get it. But don't you think she'd like the blue one?" Haruka turns around, where an ethereal knight, dressed in all black armor stood there.

Scout of Darkness, Vortimer. The Grade 1 piece to the Spectral Duke ride chain. It seems Haruka wasn't hearing a dragon at all, but an actual knight. He still wasn't exactly used to it.

"Okay, so blue or red?" Vortimer sighed and shook his head.

For, once in a blue moon, Haruka was ditching his scarf tonight... Sort of. He was keeping it in his backpack for just in case he felt too uncomfortable without it on. Haruka found himself dressing up at nearly one in the morning, for what? He was just going to change into sleeping clothes soon after he arrived.

"Come on, this is my one excuse to wear the ties my Uncle got me. Now help me out here!"


After another fifteen or so minutes of picking through clothes, Haruka ended with a linen dress shirt, dark slacks, a pair of loafers he never broke in before, and a blue and white striped tie. "Eh, good enough." Vortimer was literally done with Haruka's shit for the night. He just wanted to get at Garmore's throat again.

Haruka made it into the Espoir Estate after a couple of name checks. He approached the door, and a friendly face showed up.

"Haruka, sir! Come in, please! I'll make you a cup of coffee." He was already ecstatic. "Y-Yeah, sure! Thank you very much, I appreciate it."

With that settled, Haruka wanted to make himself a little comfortable, waiting for Satoshi, Yukino and Hana to show up, but he wasn't exactly sure how to go about getting that done. He scratched his head and decided to take a look around the building. He'd never been in any place other than the main living room and guest bedroom, so this was mostly a new experience.

"So Vortimer, what's it like over there." Haruka questioned his new mate about Cray. If he could get any new information now, that'd be a great asset. Unfortunately, Vortimer was unlikely to respond after such a battering about his appearance back at Haruka's house. So no such response was given, other than a grunt from the black knight.

"Fine, have it your way then."

[Azuki Frappé]

Ighanna and her chauffeur sends the four people off at the Espoir Mansion, a second thought came to her mind, lets greet Mr. Espoir because she hasn't seen him ever since she was very young. The mansion looks quite similar to before as she can recall some of the things like the wallpaper however there seems to be a lot more fancy furnitures, Barbara Barry Chairs, Fendi Sofas and a Sub-Zero Fridge, good taste she thought. The butler then approached her and so she replied that she wanted to greet Mr. Espoir. It was also getting late and her stomach is growling even after the ice cream, and in Neo's case dog food, she deeply wishes Mr. Espoir would invite her for dinner.

[Cherry]

Great, everyone else being hungry made Yugure hungry. It didn't help that ever since her ordeal with Shadow Paladin, she's been forgetting to eat more and more. The queen has been sort of a mess, lately. She didn't notice that she was the first to bolt out of the limo to get inside. The doors opened, welcoming the queen and princess back home. Yukino motioned Miyuki and Ighanna in too, inviting them for the sleepover. With a growling stomach, however, she quickly turned away and blushed. One of the maids quickly got on her case for skipping every meal before leaving to Card Capital. An apology was given, but said maid was sure this would happen again...

A sigh of remorse, she left to go check the Guest Room for Satoshi and Haruka.

The butler who understood Ighanna's request went to fetch Father Espoir, who was playing poker online instead of actually working...

[Beryl]

Satoshi noticed Yukino and Haruka were around, wandering the house. Didn't they smell the food when they walked in?...

"Hey!" He waved his arms, catching sight of Yukino, still wearing the tanktop from before. "C'mere, I've got a surprise for you in the dining room! Get someone to grab Haruka!" He was really desperate for their approval, even if he already had it, technically.

[Jello]

Haruka heard doors open, a smile rose to his face. He set his backpack down by this side as he heard people pouring in. The voice of a maid was heard, and so was the voice of who he believed to be, err, Queen Elizabeth? Wait, no, it was Ighanna. Right.

"Hoh, hello? I'm in here!" Haruka sent a light holler down the hallway. He originally had intended to go straight to guest room, but he was given coffee and a small message to go to the dining room.

Haruka doesn't know how to get to the dining room. He can't even find the kitchen, let alone a dining room. He sips his coffee a bit longer, staring at the all the ornaments in the house. "It really is nice in here." He adjusts his tie once more in a hallway mirror, fixing his hair and all. "I wonder if I look weird."

"You do."

"Oh NOW you talk, huh?" Haruka was a little salty. Just a little.