Messiah Scramble Arena

All the matches so far was so exciting! Mirai was so pumped, she couldn't wait for her match to begin. Just as the thought of being able to fight was running, the announcer called for Mirai and her opponent who's name she blanked out on to come to fight table. It was happening. Her first round match. "ALRIGHT!! WOOOOOO!! IT'S SHOWTIME!!" Mirai said out loud in excitement. People just stared asking themselves if this girl was ok in the head.

That doesn't matter, Mirai didn't care. She ran towards the designated fight table and saw the entire crowd cheering on for the next match to begin. What would probably be overwhelming, Mirai absorbed it all and empowered her to give it her absolute best. "MY NAME IS MIRAI HASHIRA AND I WILL DO MY BEST TO GIVE YOU ALL A FIGHT TO REMEMBER!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!!" Mirai yelled out to the crowd with a fist up in the air, smiling and then began to wave to the whole crowd. Winning or losing, Mirai didn't care, this was one of the best moments for her life as she waited for her opponent to show up.

The opening round for the Messiah Scramble tournament was finally under way. Neo was pretty excited to get the tournament going. He went to his battle station and prepared his deck for the first fight. Then a few minutes later he noticed someone preparing in front of him. When Neo looked up to see who it was. He was amazed to see it was Seifer, one of Neo's great old friends. But that excitement didn't last too long because when Neo noticed him, Seifer didn't know who Neo was. At first Neo couldn't believe it and maybe thought that Seifer was joking around but there was no joking around here. Seifer was very much serious, which made Neo question what happened to him all these years. As Neo tried so hard to not let this be a distraction, the cardfight began.

The beginning of the cardfight went pretty smooth with attacks being exchanged from both sides. Seifer had the first grade 3 ride and it was Phantom Blaster Abyss, a very powerful legion grade 3. Neo was ready and rode his Avatar the Dragonic Kaiser Blitzkrieg Fury and then unleashed the power of stride and strode the Thunder Dragon Knight Zoras. This stride was a great first stride for Neo since it has the ability to bind cards in the opponents drop zone. Since Seifer needed them for his Legion, this was a great turn. Seifer then took his turn and strode Grim Recruiter which would have allowed him to call grade 1's if it had hit but Neo had a Perfect Guard waiting in his hand. Then on his next turn he strode into his newest stride. His Ultimate Future with Kaisers: The Dragonic Kaiser Warning! Just like most of Neo's other Kaiser units, this unit had the power to snipe out the front row and give an insane power boost to the rearguards for every attack that hit. It was something Seifer was caught off guard on but had a perfect guard to block his Vanguard from getting hit. However Neo's other rear guards were too powerful to block on top of Seifer being on low damage so he just took those hits. Little did Neo know that Seifer wanted that to happen.

Seifer's next turn started with him using the power of Legion to merge Blaster Dark and Phantom Blaster Abyss together for his Legion. Neo has seen this act before and he knew what to do, the only question was did he have the resources to survive. Seifer attacked with both his rear columns and then attacked with Phantom Abyss which made sense since you needed to sacrifice rearguards for the Legion to restand. Neo calmly "No guarded" the first attack but Seifer checked double heal triggers putting him back to 2 damage once again. Then Seifer retired his front row for his legion to restand, doing so to avoid Neo's Kaiser rampage. Neo then perfect guarded the second Legion attack and was barely standing strong. But just like he does in all of his fights, he never gives up until the 6th damage is shown.

Neo's answer was striding the Supreme Dragon, Conquest Dragon. A Stride that is the total opposite of what the Kaiser's do. It powers up your front row for each empty rearguard in your opponents front row. It's a great stride to have when Neo's opponents go out of there way not to have a front row. Since Seifer was at 2 damage, he took all of the hits to go all the way to five damage but he had everything set in stone. On his next turn he strode and went into Phantom Blaster Diablo, a powerful stride Neo had never seen before. It looked strong but Neo was ready for anything. Seifer then used Blaster Dark Revenger and Blaster Dark Abyss to snipe out Neo's rearguards and then used the power of Phantom Diablo in which Neo had to retire two rearguards in order to guard. But Seifer just sniped his field to shreds so Neo couldn't guard this attack.

"This cant be happening.." He thought to himself

Diablo struck down Blitzkrieg with all his might and the 6th damage flew to the damage zone and it wasn't a heal trigger which meant Seifer was the winner. Neo couldn't believe it, his hopes and dreams have been shattered in the first round of the Messiah Scramble. Seifer walked up to Neo and offered him a handshake. Neo shook his hand back but it didn't feel the same. Honestly felt like Neo was shaking the hands of a stranger and not his former friend.

Neo didn't know what to do now that he was out the tournament. He planned to watch some fights but right now he needed to be alone.. Alone to think about the past.. the past he wanted to forget so badly...

A boy came tapping on Kazuki’s shoulder not to long after his fight with Carlos. Kazuki turned to him and before he could as anything. “Listen I don’t have time right now I need to get on with my next fight if you don’t mind.” He said brushing him off quickly so he doesn’t have to bother with him. Kazuki then arrived at the next fight stand with his name on it Kazuki Ikargua vs Sera Nakahara. The boy greeted Kazuki as their were setting up for their fight. “Hey.” he greeted him back. The boy then asked if they should get ready to start. “Sure, I just hope your better then the last guy.” Kazuki said to Sera as they got ready to stand up their Vanguards.

One those words the fight began and the Starting Vanguards were revealed. “... L-link Joker..” Kazuki said to himself in a low tone. “So these are the units thats seal you guys away, huh… WE WILL WIN THIS AT ALL COST!!!” he thought to himself. One that note the fight was underway with Kazuki on edge due to facing Link Joker. With his units being locked one turn after another Kazuki was getting extremely stuck in his tracks. “So this is they their an issue..” he said with a disgusted look on his face.

Kazuki was pushed to his limit with him having 5 damage to Sera’s 3 damage and one column locked. “This isn’t the end I promised we’d win against Link Joker, and I wouldn’t let you guys down. As far as i’m concerned we won’t let Aqua Force nor Link Joker get in our way.” Kazuki thought to himself. Kazuki then released the generation zone and attacked the vanguard with no boost or anything. Sera doesn’t guard as Kazuki grabs hold of his chest he gets ready to Triple Drive. He checks double criticals as he let out a psychotic laugh checking the last card with no trigger. “With this we will start our revolution. We will do everything we can.” he said as Sera checked for his damage triggers. He got a heal trigger although it wasn’t able to be used and with that Kazuki told him it wasn’t enough to stop him.

Kazuki once again drained power from his opponents deck without it being recognized and since it was Link Joker he took a little more energy and before. By doing this his deck once again started to glow a brighter causing it to shine a little out of the deck box meaning anyone who looked at it would of noticed it slightly but wouldn’t be able to tell if it was just the sunlight. “..Link Joker are no match for Cosmic Defenders, we will take back what was taken from us.He said as he left Sera’s sight getting ready for the next match.

The Aimless Blade moved about in search of his first opponent. He kept his cloak about him, making his legs the only visible moving part of his body. Fei Arianrhod was the name, and one he did not recognize at that. Granted there were many people who fought with the resistance during the reaper war, perhaps he was simply among their ranks and the ex-drone had never noticed in the hectic battles that had taken place.

Eventually he found the boy. A pair of green eyes looked at him as they exchanged greetings and pleasantries. Kachidoki only parted his cloak as needed to hold his arms out and play the game. It was to be Dark Irregulars versus Murakumo. The House of Amon against the Magatsu Stealth Dragons. It was not every day the wanderer encountered Dark Irregulars but he knew their strategies. Fei however was impressed at seeing Murakumo which had never occurred before apparently. It was becoming clearer and clearer that this boy had played no part in the Reaper War.

Fei tried to get a full three attacks in on his grade one turn, which Kachidoki was prepared to guard for, though he complimented the effort. He responed in turn by using his grade two turn to attack only Fei's rearguards, hoping to limit the offensive power of the clan that focused much more on hoarding soul than generating advantage or calling rearguards. The strategy seemed to impress the boy, his inexperience shone through everything. Astaroth appeared on the vanguard circle but little damage had been dealt to either side.

Kachidoki's turn arrived and he rode Magatsu Storm then proceeded to release the Generation Zone. What came next was a surprise to the young fighter he faced. "Brilliant blade of coldest steel, rend the infinite darkness, and crush my enemies to nothing! Stride Generation! Ambush Demon Stealth Fiend, Ushimitsu Train!" the man called out as he strode his G Unit. Kachidoki's rearguards attacked Fei's intercepts then the G Unit hit, producing two more Oboro Keepers which at the end of the turn he used to find Magatsu Typhoon. Fei responded with Love Tempest, Kisskill Lira saying Kachi should teach him how to do that kind of cool narration stuff one day.

Heal triggers had abounded early but now Kachidoki found himself at four damage. At this time he turned from striding and used the Magastu legion and limit break combination to form a powerful field with grade three units that could boost. The idea of skills that could alter rules like that seemed to astound Fei. As they clashed Kachidoki spoke some to his goal. His desire to face the gods and the Chosen Sword would be unfathomable for someone like this fighter in front of him. And yet it was becoming clearer that he was losing the fight. For all his anger and sadness, this was all he could do.

He had nothing left but the Magatsu legion attack. And he knew it would not be enough. A sigh escaped the man's mouth as he accepted his fate and declared his attack. The twin storms clashed against a perfect guard, the checks meant little. He could do nothing. He stood calmly as Fei strode into Gilles de Rais. It's skill provided it a critical and a restriction against the use of grade one or higher cards to guard. Fei checked no triggers, it didn't matter. Kachidoki along with Storm and Tyhpoon stood ready for the blow. No heal trigger came and the Aimless Blade felt the only direction he'd had in some years fade. He thanked his foe for the worthy battle and wished him luck in the coming rounds.

"In the end I never could have done anything against the gods or the hero of humanity." he began thinking as he walked away, his arms hiding again beneath his cloak. "That was never to be my lot. The only role I could hope to play was that of a foot soldier for one greater than I. And even that has come to naught. What then is my purpose? Am I truly condemned to wander a stranger on this earth forever more? Will suffering and misery be my only companions while my will remains faulty and untempered enough to end it myself?" The thoughts had long consumed his mind and now they came again in full force. But there was something different. He looked back at Fei as the boy walked off in search of his round two opponent.

"Perhaps... the rising generation holds the key. This lock on my heart is tight and fast. Yet one of them might find the way out... the way into the light." he pondered in conclusion. It was a nice thought, that the younger fighters would show an old fool like him the right way to go. But for now there was only darkness. He retreated to the sidelines to watch the remaining matches, particularly those of his drone associates. Kachidoki found himself laughing at his thoughts. For before him was the God of the Sun, what better source of light could one ask for?

Xat watched the battle between fei and kacci and got suprised when she saw kachi using murakumo, this made her smile a little bit glad that the clan was starting to be used more. Kao was indeffrent on the matter however his eyes were trained on fei. "That boy can go places." He said and xat just nodded ingrossed int he fight.

Shirayuki watched as well and when she saw the mangtsu dragons and how they legoned she felt a sorce of envy twords her own clan, but then she remeberd about what she had found in her vanguard; a loving companion that would always be there for her no matter what, plus new friends that welcome her dispite what she is, and the love she found in anouther unit. yes the others had greater chances and mroe use then her but to her she had the greatest gift of all. A loving vanguard that sees her as family, and some great friends that welcomed her without questions dispite that she was a yuki-onna.

Xat was suprised as she saw fei ride into Gillias and won the fight, for she had seen Kachi back in the fights long ago agenst the resitance and was proud at how far he had come. Soon her wisps came back to her and she smiled as they dissappred and gave her what they found out all but one wisp that was stll learking near the Grand Sanctuary people.

Haruto's first opponent was Fubuki, a person he had never met before, the name was familiar to some extent particularly from his recollection of his interactions with Aoi but he still had no idea what he was dealing with.

For the most part both fighters went with an aggressive playstyle, Fubuki with her tidal assault and Haruto with his Aglovale, triggers also assisted in making the fight go faster as crits, heals and draws were being checked left and right, frankly it was a "wake-up call" for Haruto who had been too relaxed throughout the fight.

"Almighty transcender of the bluish flames, cast loose your binding chains and descend upon this battlefield, Stride Generation! Bluish Flame True Liberator,Holy Flame!"

Unfortunately for Fubuki she could not stride after Haruto strode into Holy Flame which definitely held her back and gave Haruto a chance to breathe and set himself up for the kill on his second stride into Holy Flame. Fubuki only had 3 damage so there were no guarantees on that regard however.

"I can at least shorten the damage gap and get close for the kill, Holy Flame! Attack!-"

Fubuki had blocked his vanguard with a perfect guard.

"End this farce, Triple Drive! Critical Trigger, Critical Trigger all to Prominence Glare." said the boy.

With Prominence Glare attacking for 26k 3crit the girl could not defend herself and the last 3 damage points flew into her damage zone winning Haruto the game and advancing him to the next round.

"Thank you for a swell fight Fubuki!" he said as he walked off to check the brackets for his next opponent.
______________________________________________________________________________________
The 24 year-old man Fei had been spectating while making sure to keep himself out of Haruto's sights.

"Gosh"

One of the Will-o-Wisps summoned by Xateramusa was choked in a black mist, swiftly and silently suffocating it to "death". The evil presence looming over the Messiah Scramble began to traverse the outer ring of the stadium, standing above the entrance then diving down toward it, landing perfectly on her feet. The dark aura coating the wicked entity's form was dispersed, revealing her human form. "It's my turn. Please watch closely, darling Meister." She giggled with a hissing echo, lifting up her visor to expose one of her gleaming, purple eyes as she made her way in. As one of the Byes, she had to wait for one of the fools positioned by her in round one to advance. Much to her glee, it was an unsuspecting dullard playing an awful clan.

-

"Hoooo, these fighters are really good! Ah, but all the Narukami players got eliminated! That's really frustrating!" Enma was proud of any and all Dragon Empire clan players, feeling pain as they lost. But they all caught his attention so well! Bashiro had improved with some level of focus in his plays, Cero was notable for proudly fighting without even bothering to Stride. Maybe he just couldn't, but his attitude for playing it off was incredibly well done. Neo's own brand of Kaisers put up a splendid bout against Revengers, losing to Heal Triggers and the powerful Phantom Blaster "Diablo". Carlos, using Detonix and Armor Break, went up against an entirely new clan which he had no knowledge of and still nearly one-shotted his opponent as naturally as breathing. The brunette kept his arms folded, but he squirmed in his seat with excitement. Even the nearly-forgotten Murakumo in Kachidoki's hands had put up a magnificent duel against Dark Irregulars, only being defeated by a one-shot.

And there were still two Kagero players left.

The Cross Karin and Sun God Solis.

"Though, who's that guy with the new clan? He's kind of nuts. Same with that Nightmare Doll girl..." Enma sweat nervously, pointing out two psychotically laughing participants. Though, the Royal Paladin duo of the association seemed mostly unfazed by it.

"Necessities." Was Yukino's only answer. Having been in charge of sending all the invitations, only she knew why any specific person in the tournament was needed. King Artorias showed a level of irritation and scorn for his subordinate, but he trusted her judgment enough for this by his lack of questioning. Enma took note of that faith, and didn't pry further. Events would unfold as the Chosen Sword predicts, watching carefully who lost and who won. What the winners did and what the losers decided, what they felt... Frustration and relief, triumph and resolve. Even her rival: Cero had accepted his defeat with dignity, which touched the European fanbase. Round two had proceeded with momentum, Tamotsu Hakaisha being the first to make it to the Best Eight. With her eyes - just as she did in the Reaper Invasion - she saw through the disguise and understood why this seemed off to her. She had invited Okuri, thinking he had stayed with the Hakaishas, but didn't know any Tamotsu. Judging by his words and actions, however, she could hazard enough of a guess to figure it's the same entity.

How and why he changed were questions to ask later.

The same questions can be shot back at her anyway.

This tournament was filled with upsets. The beacons of light from Japan had lost round one, which their fans were in an uproar about. Though, unlike Haruka's followers, Noel's didn't throw shade... Seifer and Hana proceeded, but Chrisaline lost to an idiot: Gastor. People were roaming about the arena looking for their next opponent or just conversing before moving on. In Jessie's case, he was rushing over to Tamotsu after seeing him trip. In Fubuki's case, she was watching Aoi Undyne against Trinity Lowell. Aoi gave her best friend a smile as she was proceeding.

However, Aoi in her airheadedness, had no idea who her familiar foe was. In fact, she even thought Trinity was Shiki and asked how and when he became a girl. That was... completely off... It was a despairing matchup: Aqua Force versus Link Joker. Link Joker wasn't taken very kindly upon given their history, and the audience was already becoming annoyed at a potential upset from the Chinese Champion getting stomped round one. Some people were boo'ing at Trinity before either of them even hit grade three, but Aoi ignored it entirely. No, she thought her opponent was playing Glendios, so she tried to play clever damage control. She knew Reverse units gained power and Omega Locking hurt her deck a ton, so she kept her damage low and kept Trinity to three. Though... when Trinity rode the Edict Star-vader and began to sing, the gumball realized that it was not the Glendios player at all. It was one of her fellow reincarnated Seeds. Trinity was quiet - timid from the looks of it - and thought Aoi hated her. Trinity believed it was better Aoi didn't remember who she was initially because of this and the fact that it's Link Joker, the cause of great suffering.

"But I don't hate you!" Aoi replied, surprising the blonde. It was difficult to understand why she of all people was forgiving and accepting of a Star-vader player. Link Joker destroyed her timeline and effectively her life before it was all fixed. Yet, she justified it as Trinity not doing any harm nor wanting to cause any. That sentiment alone was good enough for cheery light. Aoi beamed happily, radiating a strong warmth that managed to reach Halcyon - Trinity. No matter what happened, Aoi didn't change from being optimistic and energetic, which shut up a significant number of spectators trying to boo Trinity off the stage.

"As expected." Yukino grinned, seeing Aoi Undyne in action once again. While she didn't agree on her views with Link Joker, the same ball of hopeful sunshine met in the Reaper Invasion that managed to miraculously pull everyone from the grip of Harbinger's despair was still here. Aoi and Trinity fought with smiles and giggles, Ripples and Star-vader plus Reverse colliding in a speedy battle full of energy. Trinity even hit a sixth heal off of Aoi's Limit Break, and Maelstrom Reverse appeared while usable as a shield thanks to Halcyon's Limit Break.

Alas, even after Big Crunch Dragon, it was no match for the Heavenly Marine General: Lambros.

A decisive victory made by Aoi with two attacks still remaining after the fact in case something went wrong.

"Phew...! Lock is strong still! That was really scary... but really fun too!" The gumball had proceeded to round two, but not before promising Trinity to help her find a place in the world. Even if other people didn't like it, she liked helping people. So she urged Trinity to keep watching her Vanguard to understand the logic of her invincible cheer.

Meanwhile, one of the most hyped matchups alongside Karin versus Cero had begun.

Japanese Champion Hana Espoir vs God of the Sun Solis Guren'ou.

For Hana, this fight was going to be extremely hard. Kagero absolutely destroyed Bermuda Triangle by stripping them bare of combos, setting fire to the underwater stage of the mermaids, letting it evaporate into absolute nothing. While she was positive she could out-combo him if she kept her pieces, Solis' Dragonic Overlord "the Great" would massively outvalue her plays. Not to mention Kagero's Root Flare Dragon was a free card, making a strong play for the format while having to put in no effort or devote resources. Even worse, as they went through the game, Solis showed that he knew what her clan was capable of, which is terrible. Hana had the element of surprise for this tournament, as Bermuda Triangle was a widely underestimated and rogue clan among communities across the globe. For him to know how to fight them... One of the leaders of the Reaper Drones was nothing if not thorough. The heat he emitted was no joke, the Helioknight was immensely strong with brilliant tactics. He pushed Hana hard, controlling her counter rush with Menace Laser Dragon. He's trying to aggro me down so I don't have combo cards...! Hana was normally talkative when she was confident, but not this fight. She was sweating...!

"You are impressively strong, but only against those who don't show enough respect to their opponent." Solis finally spoke words other than Vanguard commands. Hana was surprised, given it was kind of hard to read him. A warrior through and through, Solis was only doing so well purely out of the utmost respect of Hana's ability.

"Heh... You're strong too, really strong. But I didn't come here to lose - not to just be remembered as Yukino's younger sister. ... You're a lot like her. I can see it in your eyes, which is all the more reason I can't lose to you specifically." Hana smirked, explaining her drive which caused Solis to grin. Perdition Dragons were strong like Brawlers, but Isabella Hope was better. Solis would have snatched first stride, but he had no means to do so without destroying his hand. But...

"Ring the bell signaling the end of time, envoy from purgatory that will destroy the world! Ride the Vanguard! Perdition Imperial Dragon, Dragonic Overlord the Great! And even further, Seek the mate! Your passionate heart bursts blindingly into flames. Appear, Dragonic Neoflame! Legion!" Solis chanted as the swole crimson flame of the apocalypse - Dragonic Overlord the Great appeared with a violent roar. Be it an actual warrior or some singing fish, the Crimson Reaper was burning for conflict and war all the same. Summoning its offspring to its side, the purgatory dragons howled a declaration of war to Bermuda Triangle. Solis' image was blistering with red-hot fire, releasing waves of heat to his foe and spectators who could see it. The Singularity Point mirroring the other in the association was powerful...! And he was second to Karin Ouriel, which was an insane thought! Hana found it ridiculously difficult to keep her sunny disposition as an idol while Overlord wailed on her front row, using four drive checks to fix Solis' hand through draw triggers and dropping weak shields for stronger while securing Lava Flow Dragon.

It was a miracle he didn't just double crit her for game.

But since that didn't happen, Hana smirked.

"Okay, everyone!" The young Isabella shouted. "Watch my Vanguard, and see my wonderful return! I could only make it here today with all eyes on me!" Yes, attention was absolutely necessary for an idol. Someone who could incite spirits and ignite fires within the hearts of the masses. A voice that can lead through cheers - Hana would etch her skill into history for those who have forgotten. "Stride Generation!" Her own heat and passion as a fighter would be displayed as it emerged from the flames Solis used to drown her. The future of her avatar: Pacifica arrived in a bright flash of light. "Twinkle Happiness Star, Pacifica!!" Yes, one of the first Top Idols of the clan in a possible future had literally conquered the world with this form. The bliss she blanketed the world with through her explosive popularity and singing had even defeated the Sword of Courage and Winds of Apocalypse in that timeline. The idol's large blue eyes stared at her foes as mere fans awaiting to be dazzled by her performance. Her skill was simple: search the deck for a Pacifica and add it to hand. But there was more than that: with three incarnations of Pacifica in hand, a Critical was obtained at her very first stride. This same tactic she used against Bashiro which required a surplus of grade threes. A high risk high reward deck type which excited the crowd watching her. Solis' only visible expression change was through his widened eyes. That little change showed that he wasn't prepared, his hand wasn't outfitted to guard the G Unit staring him down. "Go, Pacifica!" Hana ordered, calling two forms of her avatar to the front row, taking advantage of her regained momentum. Solis managed to stop the rearguards... but not the Vanguard.

"No... guard." Solis nearly choked on those words. While his damage was low, Twinkle Pacifica had two criticals!

"Triple Drive..." Hana couldn't bear to draw it out, terrified of getting no triggers at this crucial moment, so she got it over with quickly. A Perfect Guard... a Heal Trigger... and a Critical Trigger! "I got it! All to Twinkle Pacifica!" With that, Enma got out of his seat, baffled that Bermuda Triangle may have just defeated Kagero - that it may have just defeated Overlord! Solis felt sweat pour down his temple, not conceding to the frustration of defeat just yet.

"Check the Damage Trigger." Solis spoke absolutely, despite his waning confidence and silent prayers. He was on three damage, so he needed to heal once, but not now. ... Unfortunately, that's exactly what he did. His heal came when he would be one damage under usability, putting both himself and Hana on four. Though, the eyes of the crowd and other competitors lit up when the fifth damage was another heal trigger stacked right at the top. For once, an Overlord player got the second heal in a row! "I recover one damage!"

"What?!" Hana yelled, bewildered by a heal right now of all times. To rub salt in the wound, Solis hit another draw trigger. Ohhhh, that was cheating. This man is a sacker. "Ugh... That's really lucky. But luck is also a part of strength. So I end my turn."

"Hana Espoir...! Where were you during the Reaper Invasion...?!" Solis couldn't help but grin. This was a competitive high for him, but it baffled him that the resistance didn't have a mighty warrior on their side like her. She gave her respect while still putting on a show with a quirky deck gimmick of hording grade threes. Had Hana actually been on the frontlines, things would've still been in the Reapers' favor, but not nearly as much.

"Heeeeh... I... got around, sort of."

"Very well, I shall match your fire. Stride the Generation!" Solis quickly moved on, slamming his Stride Fodder card down as a familiar dragon just used appeared. Even moreso, a dragon familiar to the war: the flame dragon that managed to trounce all rivals and rule Cray in an unstoppable conquest of another time: Supreme Heavenly Emperor Dragon, Dragonic Overlord "the Ace". But what kind of sense did that make, it could only be used on the second stride, couldn't it?! "I call Menace Laser and Perdition Dancer, Ana. With Menace Laser's Counterblast, I clean one of your columns of its only unit. And Ana then Counter Charges two for a Soul Blast."

"That's enough for Ace's cost..."

"I counterblast two, but Ace cannot gain his abilities nor his drawback yet."

"Yet? ... Hold on!" Hana caught on.

"Holy shit, he's going to Counterblast four..." Enma revealed the Helioknight's tactic.

"By paying the cost again, I will have two G Units face up in my G Zone, gaining all of Ace's abilities!" Solis announced, blowing through all of his resources for one power play, but a fast power play. The crowd was enamored with Dragonic Overlord - the one iconic unit that embodied hype plays through powerful restands. From Karin to Solis, Kagero had re-ignited the spirit of its fanbase through the Cross and the Ace, as seen by the screeching and screaming audience. "Here I come, Hana Espoir!"

"I won't let you!" Hana responded by dropping a number of ten thousand powered shields, knowing she couldn't waste her Perfect Guard just yet, but... Solis - true to Kagero player nature - scored a double critical that he placed right on Menace Laser, keeping one of the criticals for the Ace. "Tch... I can't even take one of them now..."

"This is the triumphant return of Japan's first champion? Fine, show me your tenacity and reach me through the fire and flames... Withstand the Ace!" Solis demanded Hana live up to her own hype, Standing Overlord who gained five thousand more power. Of course Hana had to Perfect Guard, but her hand was way too short on actual shield value!

If he hits even one more trigger, I'm done for...!

"Check the Drive Trigger!" Solis yelled, causing his foe and others to hold their breath. The first check revealed the Great. A Grade Three which hampered his shield value, but that wouldn't matter if Hana couldn't guard. So it comes down to a fateful drive of destiny. All eyes fixated on the top of the Sun God's deck, his fingers pulled the top card off to the trigger zone revealing...

... Perdition Dragon, Dragonic Neoflame.

"Unbeeeeelievable!!" The commentator hollered, nearly falling out of his seat. "At the eleventh hour, Solis Guren'ou fails to secure the final trigger!"

"Guard...!" Hana reacted immediately to Menace Laser's attack, just barely stopping it where it was.

"... I end my turn."

Truly, it was the time of Hana "Isabella Hope" Espoir's return. With a deep breath of blissful relief, the miraculously revived Bermuda Triangle Vanguard slipped fodder into the drop zone. "I'll meet your expectations, everyone... You too, Solis!" The idol announced, having captured the hearts of many by triumphing over Dragonic Overlord. In a flash of light, the Generation Break Two: School Etoile, Olyvia appeared from a tidal wave, gracing Kagero and the divas of past and present with her presence. Fans will remember this one day forever as Hana literally dropped everything in her hand for a splendid assault. Solis - unyielding - stops the first two rearguard attacks, and Perfect Guards the Vanguard. Olyvia supported Bermuda Triangle's coming tactic of multiple attacks coupled with advantage, and Pacifica in particular specialized in directly tutoring her deck of grade threes... which made this moment all the more ironic.

Hana scored a double critical for her rearguard Pacifica.

The trend among Overlord players shoved right down their throat.

"Heh, so that's how it'll be..."

"Pacifica, attack!"

And no miraculous heal triggers.

"Hana Espoir will move on to round three!!" The announcer confirmed the result. Yukino gave a prideful smirk as Enma dropped down onto his seat. Hana and Solis shook hands, complimenting one another for their superb skill. They acknowledged one another as one-of-a-kind fighters, knowing how close the game was when it came down to a costy play and one trigger for game. Truly, a decisive victory no one will soon forget.

And the fires of competition spread as the ghastly-white skinned participant found Gastor.

"I'm your opponent." She stated with a wicked grin.

xat felt one of her wisps vanish and frowned however that was not her beggest consern for down in the arena her eyes were glued onto the person who just  entered and kao growled a little. ”she had the strange auta thta we felt. fould it be a couincadence?” he said and xat frowned knowing not to interfear but will if push comes to shove. she touched her nexkless and sighed, ’my bloodline has to  protects both spirit and humanity as well as maintain the spirit world and keep the passing at ease. Though is it right for me to interfear before stuff happens?’ she thougt before she shoon her head. no its not though we will have to keep our eyes on this one. i just hope we are wring” she mutterd and stood up from her seat to go to the lobby to wait for the fighter to show up and talk to them.

Tamotsu lie still on the ground, simply panting heavily. He was burning up as the memories the sash had restored to him were flying around his head. They seemed to be seeking a restoration of order. There were many pieces but the links were broken. He had ideas of things he had done before but nothing was connected. The Reaper War was the freshest on his mind as it was what had occupied his most recent past life. His body refused to move for him as all the energy it possessed was drained by this process of sorting out his mind and soul.

As Jessie approached he felt a sense of relief. Whatever his memories, he was still the boy's dog. Nothing could change that and he took comfort in it. "I... I did it Jessie..." he started weakly through the panting. "I made it to round three." he said with a wide smile that took up the whole of his face. Holding his head up to face the boy as he spoke was all he could manage. Someone get this dog to bed.

-----

Kachidoki watched in silence as his friend battled with the Espoir girl. The Sun God's flames burned as bright as ever as he clashed with Bermuda Triangle. The man was used to this. Where others might be intimidated by the intensity, to him it was only right Solis burned so bright. However Hana proved to be no push over. Neither side seemed to be prevailing over the other for some time. But the girl managed to survive The Ace. The G Unit brought with it memories of their final battle in the Reaper War. There it had ultimately been overcome as it was now by the Chosen Sword's sister.

It was impressive to say the least, but Kachidoki sighed at the sight of Solis losing a battle, however inconsequential it may have been this time around. That left Gastor as his only remaining associate in the tournament. "To think he of all people might advance the farthest of us." he pondered aloud. His focus would now shift to the battle of the meathead and the strange woman.

Turning his head toward the brackets while looking for Hana, Seifer noticed that his round two opponent had finished her first match, and that it was time to go. He was somewhat disappointed he didn't get to see Hana fight but, well he wasn't about to hold up the tournament. Moving to the designated fight area to be met with a rather cheery looking girl. She also seemed familiar to him, and like all the others, she knew him. ...But he had no memories of her. Kind of a disappointment he thought for this one, but it wasn't something he could help.

The fight began, much in Seifer's favor, with several triggers flying out of the gate. On his grade three turn, the silver haired young man drew into a card in which he considered his avatar, Illusionary Revenger, Mordred Phantom. For those that knew him, this card represented his life, who he was... His soul. To him right now, this card was a card. But his enjoyment in fighting Aoi caused feelings to surface for the game, feelings he had thought long lost.

"Join your sword with my ambition, and cut through to what I desire! Ride, my a-... Avatar!
Illusionary Revenger, Mordred Phantom!"

As the elf on pegasus back appeared, a serene calm could be felt, even if it was a Shadow Paladin with the title of "Revenger". The battle continued to rage, with neither side truly giving an inch. Seifer had field dominance and hand dominance, but Aoi had the lead in damage, with after her first stride turn was one damage to five. The young Espoir however quickly counter attacked with a break ride and legion, filling his field with Dorint in one column, and pushed back using the fact that when he called Blaster Dark Revenger over one of the Dorints he could flip two cards face up instead of just one and retired Aoi's Tidal Assault. This let him whittle down her attack, while keeping resources for his legion attack, and scoring a double heal trigger with his restanding legion! This tied the game three to three, but Aoi wasn't going to give him an inch, legioning as well and using her Aqua Force's specialty to push Seifer back to five again.

Panting as he withstood four attacks, the boy drew, yet again, into his avatar and using it to stride.

"Stride Generation, True Revenger... Dragruler Revenant!" the future of his avatar manifested, pointing it's blades at Aoi's avatar. Despite the desperate situation, Seifer found himself smiling. He was enjoying this fight, enjoying himself, enjoying this game once more. Aoi three passed his Vanguard, and when he performed the triple drive he only received two triggers... drawing the third with the draw trigger... a critical he needed to clutch it. He struck with his rear guard driving the bubbly girl to five... now tied. It was now her turn to strike back... using her powerful Aqua Force's multiple attacks to force Seifer's hand to nearly nothing... And just when he thought it was over, her legion's mate activated it's limit break: the power of those with Revival Legions. Her whole field restood and struck once more, driving his hand down to one card. It was a grade three... Drawing, he pulled Blaster Dark Revenger to his hand. This was it, his last chance at victory.

"Stride generation, Dark Dragon, Phantom Blaster 'Diablo'!" the stride which had won him the round one fight appeared in a massive explosion once more, roaring to meet Seifer's will. As if to help him attain what he wanted, it's will matched with his. The pressure it gave off this time around was more intense as a purple and black aura enveloped it, it's eyes glowing red. Blaster Dark attacked first, and then he, Transient Revenger Masquerade and Swordbreaker all leapt back, giving "Diablo" their power. Aoi's field was full when he did this, however, it was an attempt to if he couldn't win it here, secure a next turn. Aoi did as he expected... however, his attack was halted by a perfect guard. Drawing another draw trigger, and heal trigger, the boy resigned himself to his fate. He'd lost this, he accepted that. She refilled her ranks, and Seifer guarded the rear guards and watched as Militades and Genovius attacked.

"No guard..."

The fateful twin drive, a double critical trigger. Had it been one, he might could of survived with his last heal trigger... But two? He watched as the last two cards went to damage, a critical and then Phantom Blaster Dragon, "Abyss". He felt his heart drop, he'd lost. He was out. Did his victory from round one literally mean nothing? When Aoi spoke again, she said he was strong, that even had he forgotten them he could still use Shadow Paladin really well. He shook his head, despite the encouraging words... They made him feel better, but his thoughts were his truth.

"I'm not strong... Not yet but..." he shut his eyes grinning. "I can only go up from here, right?" Seifer had lost in the second round, but despite the pain he felt, the regret of losing here... He was proud, and happy. His fights with Neo and Aoi reminded him as to why he played. Reaching across the fight table to shake hands with the bubbly sunshine, Seifer's smile never left.

Darren stepped up to battle in his tournament round. He hadn't battled against one of his friends in a very long time. His opponent this time was Sera, someone he remembered well. Sera was formally Glendios, the Omega Weapon whose power threatened the world. He never fought in that battle and things were much different now, but he would still give it everything he had.

Sera himself seemed nervous, easy to understand why given that his clan and his existence was hated by everyone who even thought of the wars of the past. Still, Darren had the seed inside of him that represented the power that Link Joker brought onto Earth, the power of the Reverse. He had it under his control, but it was a reminder of what those times had been, and it was a symbol to him that the power itself was not evil, only those who used it. He was curious to see how Sera would use that power, and it didn't take long to find out.

Darren fought hard, bringing his opponent to high levels of damage early on. He attacked hard and often to wear his opponent down. Sera fought just as fiercely, striking back but not getting Darren beyond 3 damage as Darren decided to play cautiously and heal at the right times. Darren rode into Daikaiser and struck but a draw trigger in the end saved from high levels of damage. Sera then showcased his own power, the power of Stride. With is came a Messiah unit, the representation of the God of Creation.

Darren couldn't believe such a thing was in Link Joker. It seemed that they were given a divine gift along with a fresh start. Darren was interested. He wanted, more than anyone else, to see where this could go. He continued to fight, using his own Strides. First, the Cosmic Hero from the depths of space X Tiger. He then brought forth a Dimensional Robo, one that formed from the body of Daiyusha. The 99th Generation Dimentional Robo Commander, Daiearth. It attacked with a strike that had 2 critical while Sera was at 3. He guarded it with a perfect defense, and answered back with an Omega lock. It was pretty obvious the former Glendios would use a power like that, but it didn't stop the hero of Star Gate at all.

Darren answered back bu bringing back X Tiger, the unit who gained power for every unit face-up in the Generation Zone. With 5 face up at this point, his power reached 46000 before even being boosted, which increased the critical by one. Sera was unable to guard 51000 with two criticals, and a drive check made it 3 critical. Only a heal could save Sera, and that is what he got.

Sera then used the power of Legion to attack, striking for 27000. Darren looked at his hand and knew that even at 3 damage, 2 criticals would be his end. He guarded with 2 triggers and Grade 1. Two to pass. Sera checked his two cards, getting criticals that went to the Vanguard. Darren was hit, and a heal did not appear.

Despite the loss, Darren smiled and said, "Keep doing your best and show what your future possibilities can do." He started to leave, giving a small smile as he did.

"You had two more triggers to guard with. Why didn't you guard more? You even had more hand after that to block the other rears."

"Winning would be nice, but I think letting Link Joker show that they have a lot to look forward to in the future is more important. I know what it feels like to be feared, and Link Joker came through the Star Gate.
They're our responsibility... so it makes sense to let them have the spotlight."

"You actually have matured. I suppose we are spectating from here."

"All the more chances to catch up with everyone. Wouldn't be easy to do that while fighting."

Jellal heard his name call for his fight while on his way to try and find the Cosmic Defender individual, an unfortunate situation. However, this was his chance, what he had been waiting for: his match in this tournament. He couldn't help but smirk while also looking nervous. Blaster Dark appeared to the side walking with him.

"Do you know who you're up against?" Jellal looked up at Blaster Dark before he went to check his opponent.

Noel Kusanagi.

"She's one of the fighters from the Resistance. Just how many more are going to sh-!" Jellal tightened his fist. "No! It doesn't matter! I just have to play, regardless who it is:
I'll pl-, I'll fight!" The black-blonde boy closed his eyes and let out a huge exhale while walking to his fighting table to see his opponent was waiting for him.

"Remember, just focus on your fight and I'll always be there for you." Blaster Dark said before disappearing.

"I know. And thank you." Jellal smiled before he stepped back out into the arena in front of thousands of spectators. Noel was waiting for him, but didn't appear to have kept her waiting for too long. Jellal wasn't sure on how he should face her or how he will face her.

"Will she remember who I am? How I was back then?" Jellal stepped forth to the table and their eyes made contact, however she didn't say anything. "She probably doesn't remember,
all the better for me." He was slightly relieved as he sat his deck face down in the deck zone after shuffling his deck.

"Alright, let's do this!" he shouted from the top of his lungs. She affirmed that she was also ready to fight. "Stand up, my Vanguard!"

His first tournament in over two years, and it all starts with this fight.

"Judgebau Revenger!" Revengers. The last deck he had used and fought with that few remembered him for. It felt odd since the last time he was in a tournament, he was using his Aqua Force with Maelstrom, a deck some would say was his "best" and his "peak". It wasn't something he could think about at the time, he couldn't afford to allow himself to get distracted by the past. Besides, he hadn't seen Maelstrom ever since he and Aoi gave him the "motivational talk". Regardless, Shadow Paladins were his allies now, especially with Blaster Dark whose seen him at his worst and was there to support him during those dark times.

His opponent was using Royal Paladins but the Jewel Knights instead. Jellal was interested in them just slightly for his own reasons. Royal Paladins had expanded beyond Alfred's usual crew, it made him think of when Neu held Royals hostage for a brief period of time but he and Glory had freed them before their defeat. Somwhere, in the back of Jellal's mind, it made him curious to see their growth especially with their new division.

Noel launched the first attack at Jellal, which got him to damage check a heal, that Jellal had commented was a wasted trigger. Although, he wasn't too upset about it. He stood his units and drew.


Both of them could feel each other's presence from separate realities. It was as though both of them were standing back to back, surrounded by an army of enemies. Blaster Dark picked up his sword, stabbed into the ground, and raised it at Noel's field and lunged after her. There was no trigger but for some reason, Jellal felt confident and of course: he was determined to win.

Noel had started her turn and told Jellal she would hope that he could keep up with her "speed". She proceeded to start her turn by riding her Grade 2 Jewel Knight and calling Jewel Knight, Swordmy to rear guard, which called forth another Jewel Knight behind it. Noel had suddenly built up a field from almost nothing in a blink of an eye. She had all three units attack Blaster Dark: the first damage being Raging Folm, the second damage being a critical trigger, giving Blaster Dark power. Jellal had cards in his hand, but he allowed the third attack to happen, something that would leave others skeptical. When she ended her turn, Blaster Dark stood expressionless and along with his master who looked completely unfazed. He stood and drew.

"Perfect."

A single word that determined the flow of the game followed by a calm smirk. It was time, to unleash everything.


An avatar befitting him, Raging Folm stood before the Jewel Knight as his units assembled before him.

"Vigor Revenger, Maul! With his skill: I add one unit with the same name as my vanguard from deck to hand."

"Calling two Revenger, Dark Breath Angels to the frontrow!"

"Calling Freezing Revenger to rear guard!"

One by one, each unit prepared for the battle, Jellal's stage was set.

Dark Breath Angel attacked the vanguard: which was guarded. Followed by Raging Folm Dragon. Noel had no guarded, and no trigger had appeared, pushing her safely to two damage. Suddenly, Jellal held a card from his hand before turning it with his index and middle finger: revealing a copy of Raging Folm.

"I sacrifice three units from my field to ride Raging Folm Dragon from my hand to the vanguard, with an extra ten thousand power for him to attack your again with!"

Dark Breath, Freezing Revenger, and Judgebau saluted before they faded into the glowing palm of the dark dragon, forming an orb before crushing it and it scattered around him in a dark twister before he broke through it good as new. Jellal had two things working against him: Noel's potential damage triggers and Jellal drive checking a heal trigger during the vanguard attacking. Suddenly, Jellal looked up.

"Activating Dark Breath's skill! When she's retired from a unit, I can superior call one grade 1 from my deck to rear guard!"

Another Maul had appeared behind Raging Folm, and using it's skill, Jellal added his final copy of Raging Folm back into his hand from the deck to prepare for a second limit break. The other Dark Breath attacked Noel which was guarded again. Jellal attacked once more with his vicious dragon looking. She no guarded and Jellal calmly drove check and got no triggers again. A mutual feeling between being happy there was no heal to screw up the limit break: but a bothered feeling of not getting triggers especially after calling a chunk of his units directly from the deck. Nonetheless, Noel went to three damage. Jellal once again, placed his three rears into the drop zone before placing another Raging Folm from his hand a top the rested once. A dark twister swirled around the dragon and expanded to release the final dragon. This was the final attack Jellal could do.

"I have to finish it this turn! I have to make this count!" Jellal activated Dark Breath's skill and superior called Transient Masquerade to front row. A Grade 1 that was able to hit Noel's Grade 2 Vanguard: Masquerade had attacked which forced guard. Finally, Jellal attacked with a twenty-one thousand power attacking dragon. Noel called a third "No guard". Jellal drove check Phantom Blaster Abyss and...

"A Critical Trigger! All effects to Raging Folm Dragon!"

The Shadowy Dragon had slashed her vanguard twice with his crystal spiked sword, pushing her to five damage. Jellal proceeded to end his turn, which Masquerade was retired from the field.

After 3 consecutive vanguard attacks, 3 separate twin drives, 2 rear guard swings: Jellal's fighting was relentless and brutal as many would remember as from piloting Aqua Force and from his time with Phantom Blaster Overlord. He pulled no punches on his opponents, regardless who it was and even though he couldn't close the game, the advantage was heavily in his favor. Noel was left with 2 cards at the end of the onslaught with 5 damage left with only a grade 2 vanguard. She stood and drew, and rode her Grade 3: Leading Jewel Knight, Salome. She had five open counterblast but Jellal had more than enough defense to counter her onslaught. However, she went a different route. She called forth a unit from her future via Generation Stride, into Climax Jewel Knight Lord, Evangeline. With her skill, she powered up the Jewel Knights by three thousand power per every face up copy of her self in the Generation Zone.

Jellal was still at four damage but he knew he could take one provided there was no critical trigger. However, taking the vanguard was absolutely out of the question, especially considering...

"I guard with Mac Lir!" Jellal had nullified her assault not once but twice, especially after she revealed double critical triggers. Noel had ended her turn with three cards in hand and her vanguard was at ten thousand power compared to the standard eleven thousand. Jellal stand and drew.

"It's time for me to finish this. Generation Stride." After placing a Phantom Blaster Abyss from hand to the drop zone, Jellal unlocked the power of stride and summoned the Dark Knight, Grim Recruiter to the battlefield.

"Next I call Crisis Revenger, Mana! Her skill will call Induction Revenger, Finnegas behind her!"

"I also call Transient Revenger, Masquerade to both rear guards. And finally,
I call my avatar: Blaster Dark!"

He rebuilt his field from scratch and they were ready to strike Noel down by overwhelming her guard. He started with Mana, which was guarded and Jellal attacked with his Vanguard. She couldn't guard and decided to bet on the heal. However...

"First Check: Critical Trigger. Critical effect to the Vanguard,
power to my avatar! Second Check: Draw Trigger, all effects to my avatar and draw! Third Check: Nothing!"

Noel took her final damage and while there was a trigger, it was not a heal trigger, closing the game between Jellal and her. When the game had ended, Jellal took a huge exhale of relief and walked away from the fight seeing as how his opponent did as well. It was just as Blaster Dark said: he would always be by Jellal's side. Nothing was exchanged between them. Jellal was satisfied knowing that he was able to play to his fullest, enjoy the game, and to be at peace with people from his past.

Jellal looked over to see the other matches and saw a shocking match conclude. Seifer Espoir vs a person that Jellal never thought he'd see in this tournament. The brackets said "Aoi Undyne", the name of someone that left him in an array of emotions.

"Aoi's here too?" he said under his breath prompting Blaster Dark to come out.

"Well then..." He said while looking at the result of the fight. Wasn't sure whether he was shocked about Aoi being here or that Seifer was defeated. He turned back to see that Jellal was walking off without him.

"Well, at least you don't have to fight her now. She's already in the opposite brackets."

"Not the point but like I said, I already made up my mind."

"I understand. I'm just letting you know that, there's a possibility. She could be using M-"

"I know Blaster Dark." Jellal said softly. For once, Blaster Dark was expecting a snappy response but instead got a soft rather accepting response. "But like I said, I already made up my mind. I'll fight whoever comes my way, regardless if it means I have to fight her:
someone who got me back on my feet. Or even if it's Maelstrom, my former partner. I'll play and win, I just..."

...

"I just..." A brief silence before his fist connected with the wall of the hallway. His eyes had still looked like he was still in a cardfight, as though he was surrounded by enemies. An expression Blaster Dark can relate too. He placed his hand over his master's pulling it back from the wall. Jellal held his hand close to his chest before turning his back and leaning against the wall, with his head and face pointing up and his hair covering his eyes as he waited for his next fight.

"Whoa, shit, what happened?!" Bashiro rushed to his younger brother and the reincarnated wolf spirit suffering from a rush of memories flooding into his mind. Jessie cautiously took hold of his friend, giving him a worried smile.

"You did it... You got the Best Eight... You're the one holding the Hakaishas up now." Jessie nodded, happy for Tamotsu but far more concerned for his health. "What happened is a long story, bro. We gotta get him somewhere he can rest, and I can tell you all about it."

"Right... right. Right right, okay. Okay." Bashiro was a lot more distressed since he had no knowledge of what the hell went wrong, but he decided to tough it out and be patient. The two brothers leaving the battlefield to get him a bed.

-

Aoi Undyne was something else.

As the games for round two proceeded after she had just barely scrapped her way to beating Trinity, she made a promise to show off her Vanguard to show Trinity she's friendly. Unfortunately, the pressure was on because of that, and the fact that she was fighting Shadow Paladin made it all the more stressful. You couldn't tell, but the gumball was unbelievably stressed out as she fought Seifer Espoir. Despite that, the energy and cheer she emitted was unreal. One might even believe it was practiced or faked, but those who knew Aoi knew that her joy was genuine. Meeting a friend in the tournament was a welcome relief and fighting a strong deck was a welcome challenge. Though, Seifer didn't seem to remember her and expressed pain over not remembering those who knew him.

But she said it's okay.

"That just means you have to make new memories with us!"

Her smile was bright, optimistic, and quick to keep moving onward. Link Joker and a case of amnesia probably caused by Gear Chronicle's shenanigans in fixing time weren't going to stop her, nor were they gonna stop anyone around her if she could help it. Ripples versus Revengers commenced, Aoi having put a smile on Seifer's face. At this point, she wished she could smile as casually as spectators could, because the boy was hitting triggers like it was his job. The gumball blamed it on Shadow Paladin's natural existence being sacking. Three draw triggers by turn three, and the lad even double healed at some point in the game! She was terrified he'd double critical by the time he started striding, as she could only see five triggers outside of his deck at the time, with only one of the game-ending criticals in the drop zone. But bit by bit - thanks to an early Heal Trigger and pushing Seifer with her first stride, she maintained a steady lead, doing her best to keep drawing cards by devoting a board, even after Blaster Dark retires and being smacked by a restand. Hell, she didn't see a Perfect Guard she could use until the end of the game.

Against strong luck, consistent luck, Aoi was blessed with getting lucky at precise times.

That kind of heat where small details like that made the difference is why she wants to keep playing Vanguard. It's thrilling and exciting for everything to come down to timing, luck, flawless skill usage, perfect counterblast distribution... Seifer utilized every resource while she could only blow through her resources at specific times. Though Seifer kept hitting trigger after trigger, with no perfectly timed Critical Triggers, she was above Shadow Paladin. Their game caught the attention of the Espoir sisters, who saw that what they wanted from Seifer was beginning to be drawn out by the strong pull of Aoi's energetic gravitation. Dragruler Revenant, Phantom Blaster "Abyss", and Phantom Blaster "Diablo" following - Aoi fought all of it with Legion and Limit Break, doing all she could to draw cards through Militiades' skills and pushing with Genovious' leadership. The sparks of Undyne's Aqua Force and the aura that gave Seifer's blazing will form clashed through a flurry of images. Alas, the concisely timed Perfect Guard from Aoi stopped the young Espoir's assault.

"Legion Attaaaack!!" Aoi commanded the consecutive waves of the end, scoring a Double Critical at the last moment, taking away chances for Seifer to live off of his last Heal Trigger... if he had one left. Aoi was so caught up in it, she lost count.

Aoi won by a landslide, and Seifer felt he wasn't strong when Aoi said he was.

But as Hana stated that Aoi unintentionally repeated: "Luck is also a part of strength."

Seifer believed he could only go up from here. Aoi shook his hand in agreement. The Espoir sisters were pleased with this result, Hana leaving the arena while Yukino kept her eyes on the last games. Artorias had his eyes elsewhere, however. He was surprised Link Joker didn't make it terribly far into the tournament, but more surprised that in round one - one young man looked as if he had basically thrown a game. Maybe he knew he would've lost in a war of attrition, which looks like it definitely would have happened, but... His words about Link Joker. A needless assumption and burden of trying to make them their responsibility.

But making someone else's problems your own is essentially what makes a hero and is also a quality of a leader.

"Hm." It was only a sound of wonder he emitted, but the level of depth and meaning behind it was notable for Enma. The brunette gave a smile, seeing people were beginning to catch the monarch's interest as well.

"Kind of like Cero's ability to shut 'em up, eh..."

"Are you telling me GASTOR is the only one of us left?!" Chris screeched, seeing most of the games for the day wrapped up. Out of all the loyal ex-reaper drones, the dumb musclehead with the forgotten clan was the only one left. Not the samurai, not the psycho, not the Sun God, but... Spike Brothers.

"Unreal..." Koga said, the idols watching from the stage, having stopped their dancing to let the announcer take over keeping up the hype.

-

"Aqua Force players always leave a big impression, huh." Hana said to herself, thinking of how blindingly Aoi shines. Certainly, she was interesting beyond expectations. The world needed more cheerful souls like her. She was no Haruka, and definitely no seemingly tall, dark, and brooding Jellal leaning against the wall in the hallway she entered. "Jellal... Kisaragi."

The way she spoke his name didn't mean to come off as scornful, but the weight in her tone implied a history. Honestly, while he was an ally, that history didn't start pleasant before he was a friend of her sister. It was him that held the dragon of hell in the past, which caused Bermuda Triangle at one point to...

...

"Jellal Kisaragi." Hana spoke again, a bit more chipper in her tone. What happened then, happened then. She was back now, and Jellal was one of their comrades. Like Aoi, she had to move on. It was hard to be as optimistic as the rampaging gumball outside, but it was still something. She met him with a small, soft smile as she approached. "It's been some years, a lot more than with others, I'm sure."

Noel finally had her chance to step up and fight her first round of the tournament. It was against Jellal Kisaragi. The crowd was going crazy to see what she will bring to the tournament. After all, as a Beacon of Light, there was an unnecessary and unwanted amount of high expectations for her to do well. A fan favorite to top the tournament or to actually win it. Noel really didn't care as much if she met those expectations or not. All she was here for was to have some actual time off from work, reunite with old friends, and have fun. The prize of having a Generation Break 3 unit sounded so tempting but it wasn't something to die for.

She arrived to the fight table and soon after so did Jellal. There was really nothing much to say, Noel was solely focused on the fight and would prefer any small talk to be after the fight. Flipping over their starting Vanguards, the fight began. Jewel Knights vs Revengers. It was a nicely paced fight at first but then Noel decided to do what Jewel Knights do best and rush early on. It was a good strategy considering the new power the Jewel Knight Vanguard has obtained over these past few years.

Things seemed to be in Noel's favor, except with a slight problem. Noel had no grade three in her opening hand and drives. It was a problem that would bite her at the end. To make things worse, Jellal answered to her rush with an explosive play via Raging Form Dragon. It was something Noel hasn't seen before, especially coming from a Limit Break era deck. Attack after attack, Jellal managed to superior ride Raging Form twice for a triple vanguard attack due to the combinations of his units. Noel managed to survive the onslaught on a grade two vanguard but her hand was barely there. And without a grade three, it was over. Her turn and she drew... not a grade three. Had she drawn a grade three, she could of at least done something to make some sort of counterattack but that didn't work.

"I guess it can't be helped... G-assist!" Noel said disappointed, and there was a silence in the arena. Everyone there felt Noel's disappointment and actually didn't caused an uproar of how anti-climatic this was. They knew that if it was a grade three, something would of been done. Instead, they cheered Noel on since even in such a dire situation, she didn't give up. Her G-assist landed her Salome at the cost of two Swordmy units from her hand that would of been very helpful in thinning the deck. Even though she knew the outcome, Noel performed a stride. The arena glowed a majestic light as from the sky descended a beautiful knight decorated in armor with magical jewels. The lord of the Jewel Knights, Evangeline descended to the battlefield. The crowd went wild, cheering their embodiment of hope on. Evangeline attacked but Jellal perfect guarded the attack. The triple drive revealed a double critical but her only rear guard column that was empowered by it was also perfect guarded.

That was the end of the road. Jellal's turn came and finished her off with a critical. I guess that's it huh? I didn't think I would get knocked out so fast... it's honestly really frustrating losing like that... Noel thought to herself as she walked away without a word. The crowd once more silent again as now both Beacon of Lights were knocked out of tournament the first round. Potentially one of the biggest upsets the crowd has ever witnessed.

"Milady, I deeply regret not arriving on time for the fight... please accept my deepest apologies..." Salome appeared in a spiritual form to Noel kneeling in shame.

"Vanguard and your world are connected to one another, you not appearing on time meant something is going on over there. You don't have to apologize, just tell me what is going on." Noel replied, a little concerned. It was so unlike Salome or even Yvain to be absent in a fight like that.

"Very well, as long as you aren't truly disappointed in me. But there is a small situation in-house among our ranks that have been causing trouble..."

"Is it Tiffany and Julia again? I swear those two are always doing something over there. And where is Camille? I thought she was supposed to assist you!"

Salome now standing up averted her gaze and looked down, "Those two have been behaving for once and Camille is out on missions. They are not of any concern. What bothers the Jewel Knight order is..."

Before Salome can continue, Noel's phone started vibrating. Talk about bad timing. The she realized who was calling and Noel's face was filled with disgust:


"Ugh, what the hell does he want now of all times?!" Noel said irritated and she noticed Salome was staring at the phone as well. Don't tell me he has something to do with what's going on?!"

"I am sorry, we will take care of things on our end and shall update you with what happens next.." Salome said once again apologizing as she disappeared.

Damn that bastard! Even causing trouble for Salome and the others! Noel punched the wall, ignoring how painfully stupid that was. Her phone kept vibrating from the call of that sorry excuse of a human being. Noel knew once she answered that phone, her vacation was over. Sad part was that she has no choice but the answer. The Kusanagi girl answered the phone as she walked down towards the lobby and eventually going outside by the arena entrance.

Meanwhile....

Mirai was having a blast. It truly was the time of her life with the highlight so far being seeing Yukino in the most lewd of outfits. But the tournament started and that was even better! The hyped up young woman can fight others now! "ALRIGHT LET'S DO THIS!!!" Mirai yelled out as her time finally came to start her first round match.

She faced an interesting person as a round one opponent. His name was Cassiano? Mirai couldn't quite remember the name, she was too excited to fight. All she knew that he was an opponent who used Neo Nectar Musketeers against her Royal Paladin Seekers. The fight was... odd. Not in a bad way though. It was a low damage fight for a good amount of the match. It was fun, the crowd cheers, the struggle of giving up one damage, Mirai absorbed it all and filled her with energy! I wish fights like these can go on forever but I have to step things up if I wanna win! Mirai thought and performed a stride, bringing out the legendary knight, Gablade. Crowd was cheering louder since seeing this new mechanic was really something amazing. However that stride turn wasn't all that amazing for Cassiano survived it with a perfect guard. His turn arrived but didn't countered with a stride, no, he instead did what Neo Nectar does best and fill up their ranks with just a few card skills and followed it up with a Legion. The Musketeer Vera legioned with the Musketeer Saul and their fine leadership powered up every Musketeer unit by 3000 power for that turn, giving Cassiano a nicely made power turn.

"I live for this! BRING IT!" Mirai got even more pumped, a burning intensity flaring up deep down. The higher the adversity, the stronger she becomes. At least that's what Mirai thinks. The energy blond took on the attacks and guarded some and then countered with a legion of her own. Her trusty pair of dragons, Light Saver and Light Blaze Dragons. However, Mirai jumped the gun and didn't realize she was one Seeker counterblast short from being able to use the legion skill. [i]Oh well... at least my attack hit! So Plan B is a go!

Light Saver Dragon's on hit allowed a superior call of any grade Seeker unit from the deck for the cost of a discard. Mirai decided to call a new Seeker that is the past form of a unit one of the Beacons of Light uses. "I superior call Seeker of Pure Hearts, Princess Ashleigh! And with her skill, when my vanguard is in legion when she is called to the field, I can superior call a grade one or less Seeker from my deck! Booyah! I superior call Cynric!" And just like that a new column was formed. However Cassiano lived through that turn and was at three damage. The fight lasted this long and both were at three damage.

Cassiano couldn't stride again and had no other new grade three to ride over to perform legion again. Simple attacks yet somehow drove Mirai to five damage while he healed back to two damage. Mirai was pushed to a corner as coming back to a wide damage gap was difficult. But that didn't discouraged her, she was actually smiling. Determined to win no matter what. The young woman performed Stride once more and called forth a mighty dragon. The majestic Holy Dragon, Saint Blow Dragon. Mirai's most powerful G-unit so far. With it's skill, the cost of flipping a copy of itself, Saint Blow gain 3000 power for every rear guard. Mirai had a full formation, meaning a max power gain of 15,000! On top of that, she now had two G-units face up on her G-zone granting Saint Blow an extra critical. Cassiano couldn't stop that attack and had little need to for being at two damage BUT...

"Triple Drive! Double Critical Trigger! ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA!!" Mirai yelled as Saint Blow gained an incredible four critical attack, sending Cassiano from two damage straight to six. One Hit Kill. Mirai won her first round with an incredible fashion that the crowd was roaring in excitement! "CHA-CHING!! Gotcha~!" Mirai did some pose that looked like it would come from a card game anime.

The other round one fights ended and thus immediately the second round fights began to go underway.

It was quiet with the soft cheering entering into the hallway from the Arena where Jellal had originally departed from. He was still looking up, aimlessly, trying to figure out what he should do next and how he should go about it. Many different scenarios played back in his head on how he would interact with anyone, especially Aoi. All of them, left him shutting his eyes away from the possibility.

After five minutes or so of doing this, Jellal sighed and tilted his head back down while Blaster Dark continued to keep watch of him.

"I'm starting to think that no matter what I do. I can't avoid this situation." he concluded. But he had to ask himself: "What's the problem with me talking to them?"

The utter shame and embarrassment he felt when he was reduced to a whimpering child who couldn't face reality when he was in the Resistance. The part of himself whom he hated with an absolute passion in the past, because it was a sign of weakness which led him down the path of desperation and despair. The uselessness and decaying self-worth towards himself in front of his comrades and peers. A stain on both his pride and honor as a fighter that he alone couldn't wash away. All of this was what Jellal wanted to forget and to be buried deep in the forgotten history. But was it really as bad as he originally made it out to be?

"They did stick by me and encouraged me to get back on my feet. And in the end, I still helped. Maybe...

Just maybe... they don't think of me like that. But... UGH!"

While Jellal was in a bind, a soft voice called out to him from the end of the hallway, catching Blaster Dark's attention. He turned swiftly to see a face he nor his master would've ever thought to see again. The idol had approached the two of them commenting how it had been some years since they've last saw each other. Jellal's eyes peaked through the bangs of his blonde portioned hair. He saw Hana Espoir, the Hana Espoir, in the living flesh. Jellal continued to look at her with his mouth opened in utter shock, trying to take in what was occurring.

"Last I heard, she... disappeared around the same time as I did." He thought to himself. She was the sister of his rival, Yukino Espoir, and one of the people whom he fought against when he and Phantom Blaster Overlord were two of a pair. He initially started to turn away from her, however, a thought crossed his mind.

"Hana, just might be one of the only people who I can actually..." Blaster Dark continued to look at Hana confirming that she was indeed the same one from before.

"Well, a blast from the past, I see."

Jellal had closed his mouth shut and fixed his expression. He began to slowly approach Hana raising his hand to greet her. The closer he got, the more relieved he felt knowing that, she was probably the only person he could connect with at the moment.

"Yeah, it's been a while, Miss Idol." he stood face to face with her. He wasn't sure what to expect from this encounter, however, before it could progress any further.


"Maan..., just when I got a moment to relax." he turned back at Hana expressing his disappointment of not being able to catch up. "Well, duty calls I suppose. I'll see you around unless you intend to watch me play."

Jellal walked right past her and into the Arena. He absorbed the spot light and the cheers of the audience into him along with the sunny rays pouring into the center stage. He took a breath before coming face to face with his next opponent: Fei Arianrhod. His first opponent with someone new. Fei expressed a pleasuring greeting towards the Shadow Paladin. Jellal retorted a mutual feeling. Fei had explained that he was new to Vanguard and while Jellal was interested in how he'd played, he knew that he had to all out: regardless if he was new.

"Stand up, my vanguard!" Judgebau appeared in front of Jellal looking over at Greedy Hand. Dark Irregulars: a deck that Jellal hadn't seen in years when he last fought Hazama. Jellal took the first turn by riding into Transient Revenger, Masquerade. Fei rode and called a pair of Dimension Creepers and attacked Jellal. Jellal flipped over a critical trigger followed by a copy of Raging Folm and placed them both in the damage. 2 copies remained, with the one in his hand, nothing to be too concerned about. Jellal retaliated by riding into his avatar: Blaster Dark Revenger Abyss and had attacked Dimension Creeper. He revealed a draw trigger moments before Blaster Dark had threw his sword into the ground, striking the slimy monster. Jellal seemed to be enjoying himself, dealing with a completely new person and conversing with them. His expression was still tense but not in a miserable tense: a sort of confident determination.

Fei rode a grade 2 and called two more grade twos to surround Blaster Dark. Jellal had no guarded the first rear guard swing, and no guarded the vanguard. Should Fei pull a critical here, it would be difficult for Jellal to guard without a damage trigger, and sure enough it happens. A critical trigger appears forcing Jellal to 5 damage, leaving him to deal with a strong twenty-four thousand powered attack. However, because Jellal also got a damage draw trigger: he dropped both a draw and heal from hand. Fei ended his turn and Jellal was at a major five damage.

"At least I'm in a safe zone." he smirked before telling Fei to prepare himself for the worst. He called forth Raging Folm over Blaster Dark and began to set up. Jellla Kisaragi called a Maul and Dark Breath to the right side, adding a Raging Folm copy from deck to hand, and finally called Mana and Finnegas to the left side. Truly this was a powerful set up. Jellal started his battle phase by having his Angel attack boosted by the Vigor Revenger to Fei's Grade 2 Vanguard, that was blocked. Jellal then attacked with Raging Folm for nineteen thousand power. Fei had decided to no guard, seeing he was only at one damage and was safe.

"Twin Drive check."

First Card: Healing Revenger!

Second Card: Grim Revenger!

Jellal had given both trigger powers to his Mana column but gave the critical effect to his vanguard. Fei was pushed to 3 but revealed a surprise Stand Trigger in the damage check. Jellal then activated his limit break: retiring Dark Breath Angel, Maul, and Judgebau to summon forth the second copy of his Raging Folm Dragon. Using Dark Breath's skill to superior call a grade 1 after she's been retired: he called another Maul to add his final Raging Folm to hand. Mana had attacked for twenty-five thousand power to Fei's fourteen thousand. Fei had took it hoping for another damage trigger since he only had 3 cards in hand. Sadly there was none, thus putting him in the red zone of four damage against a Vanguard who had two more attacks. Raging Folm lunged at Fei for twenty-seven thousand power and Fei had no choice but to no guard and hope for the best. Jellal aiming to end it checked the top two cards for his deck for a trigger.

First Check: Slay-Hexes Dragon

Second Check: Revenger, Wounded Angel.

There it was, the critical trigger that would seal the deal and this game. Fei was shocked but knew he had to pull a damage trigger now or for as the sixth damage. His first card was a critical trigger, strengthening his vanguard to nineteen thousand. However his second card...

"House of Amon, Hell's Trick" - The sixth heal. Jellal wasn't bothered but in fact was excited to see that both Fei and his deck still had some fight left. After resolving the heal, Jellal retired his units and went to ride his final copy of Raging Folm Dragon from his hand. Although it got a ten thousand power boost from the limit break, Raging Folm was no match by himself when up against a grade two with twenty-four thousand power and two intercepts. Understanding this, Jellal attacked anyway, ignoring to use Raging's on attack skill that he used earlier to force a solid number.

"This attack would be guarded anyways. He has two intercepts which still comes down to two triggers, along with three cards in hand.
I'd better save my counterblast for something more important."

Sure enough, Fei intercepted with one of his rear guards and forced Jellal to hit two triggers to win. Jellal's first check was not a trigger but his second check, Healing Revenger, was: although it didn't work since Jellal already went to four damage to Fei's five damage. Jellal ended his turn confident in his ability to withstand Fei's next assault and go for the kill.

Fei stood and drew and called forth his vanguard's mate through Legion. Next to Astaroth was a familiar demon, Amon, whom Jellal commented that today is just a throwback day. Astaroth's ability gave himself a critical for every ten cards in soul in addition to Amon's own power skill. By themselves, this legion attack was thirty-one thousand and two criticals. However, Jellal nullified the attack with a Mac Lir he had from the beginning of the game and dropped a critical trigger to guard. Fei Arianrhod, refusing to let things end here, spiked yet another heal trigger and a stand trigger, but because he had attacked with vanguard first, the stand trigger was only giving power to one of the units. Jellal proceeded to guard the weaker attack and safely took the stronger attack and revealed yet another heal trigger, this time working, putting Jellal from five to four. Fei ended his turn with four cards in hand.

Jellal stood and drew and it was time for him to wrap this up. With two open counterblast, and no more Raging Folm's, his only chance at winning was if he went for his own Legion.


Raging Folm was soon taken over by an even darker, more vicious dragon who sprout wings protruding from his back holding a blade that had the stench of betrayal, sacrifice, corruption, and power. This was truly a throwback, Phantom Blaster, had appeared once more in Jellal's vanguard circle for the world to see. Even though Jellal knew what Phantom Blaster did and what he is the symbol of, he knew that he had cooperate with the dragon if it meant he had a chance at winning.

"Seek the Mate!
Gathering of shadowy knights who stab and wound each other. Line up, two who would never stand in a line! Legion!"

Blaster Dark Revenger Abyss had crashed onto the battlefield with a bolt of lightning striking the ground beside Phantom Blaster. Their power raised to twenty-thousand and they both glowed with a gold yet dark and ominous aura. Jellal completed this ritual by calling his whole hand to the field except for his last heal trigger. Freezing Revenger behind the Legion Duo, Slay-hexes and Grim Revenger to the left, and Dark Breath with Transient Masquerade on the right. Slay Hexes went after Amon first but was stopped by a stand trigger. Finally, Phantom Blaster had roared, signalling his thirst for battle as Blaster Dark charged at both from the ground. Amon and Fei had no guarded and Jellal went to check the triggers once more.

First check: Finnegas.

Second check: Wounded Angel. Critical Trigger.

Jellal got it, the critical trigger. Power went to Dark Breath while Blaster Dark and Phantom Blaster kept the critical effect, with Phantom Blaster taking flight and flew past Blaster Dark. He struck Astaroth down followed by Blaster Dark appearing behind the pair of demons and slashed them with a single stroke of his sword, causing them both to collapse as Fei revealed no sixth heal.

The match had went to Jellal Kisaragi once more, advancing to the third round. Although, Fei had lost, Jellal spoke up saying that new fighters is what makes Vanguard thrilling: seeing them grow and to become better and stronger fighters to make great competitors. And that he hoped to fight Fei once more, and left the Arena on the promise that he and Fei would talk more. Jellal returned to see Hana watching his match from outside the hallway. He ran up to her, hoping to continue or rather, start their conversation before Jellal went to fight.

Round two had begun and Mirai's name was called to once again have her make her way to the arena's fight table. This was to be the final round of the day so if Mirai wanted to keep going to the next day of rounds, she had to make sure she won no matter what.

Her opponent this time was against Karin Ouriel. Karin... why did I feel like I heard that name before... was she an enemy or ally from that war? Hmmm.. Oh well! Whoever it is, I'm gonna give it all I got! Mirai thought and they soon met up at each end of the fight table. Without much to say, they both began their fight! A traditional cardfight between two iconic clans! Royal Paladin vs Kagero! The crowd began their cheers to both sides, watching this classic match up was always a spectacle to see.

"Kagero huh? I'm burning with excitement!" Mirai exclaimed, almost like if she made a bad Kagero pun despite the one being against them at the moment. Karin chuckled on that one.

Karin went first and rode into a perfect guard form of Aermo. Mirai took advantage of the 6000 base power and rode into Laurel Knight, Sicilus. Typically File would be called behind it via the Forerunner ability but Mirai decided to make File become a front row attacker while calling Bravogal Seeker as File's booster. A first turn double attack, Mirai checked and whiffed a heal trigger but the power was given to File. Thanks to that heal trigger boost, File became a 17,000 column causing Karin to take two damage so early on. This also triggered Bravogal to retire itself and called another copy this time behind the vanguard.

Karin rode into Dragonic Neoflame and using her starter Red Pulse Dracokid, she was able to get Dragonic Overlord The X to her hand. Calling behind it a 7k booster and then calling a Burning Horn Dragon to rear guard. For some reason, Karin attacked the defenseless File with her vanguard. "Eeehhhh?!! What?! Come on! That's not cool at all! Wrrryyyy?!!??!?! What did File do to you?!!? No guard you meanie!"

Even though she wasn't going to take a damage from a vanguard attack, Mirai was visually upset that her File got hit and retired by battle. File was so innocent, he didn't even know any better! Karin then sent Burning Horn to attack, sending Mirai to her first damage. File... I will avenge you!

Mirai, it's just a starter, chil-"BLAZE ON!! SEEKER, LIGHT BLAZE DRAGON!! AND ATTACK!! DRIVE CHECK! CRITICAL TRIGGER!!"

Ok, no chill, just pure battle hype energy. Well that critical trigger caused Karin to go to four damage versus Mirai's only one damage. The crowd was going wild because of the fight's intensity and wide damage gap. And once more Bravogal's skill went off and called out yet another Bravogal. Mirai's drop zone slowly filling up for a potential Legion. Now Karin rode into Dragonic Overlord The X and drove check a critical trigger. Luckily Mirai checked into a draw trigger as one of the damage checks and damage draws are possibly one of the most amazing things in the world. But now the gap was closing and that sucked! Mirai pouted at the fact that her big lead was closed in on. But now it was her turn to show off her partner in crime.

"Release the sorrows of darkness with your shining blade! I ride my partner in crime! Seeker, Light Saver Dragon!!"

A majestic dragon full on blue and white armor with a blue sword that had an orange blade came down to stand off against the Dragon Empire's mightiest dragon. But that wasn't the only thing that was gonna happen...

"Generation Zone... Release!" Mirai discarded a copy of Light Saver from her hand and performed the fight's first Stride. The crowd roared in excitement! "Wielder of Miracles, shine us the light that will show us a brighter future! Stride Generation! Miracle Element, Atmos!"

A bright light shined down from the sky as an odd creature that had an elegant and divine presence made its way to where Light Saver once was. A Cray Elemental, this one being the incarnation of miracles that around it's body had giant orbs representing the different natural elements of Cray. Mirai launched her attack, using Atmos's skill and via Bravogal's boost, Atmos reached for an incredible 43,000 power!! Karin used almost every card in her hand just guard this attack since one critical trigger would mean the fight would end. Mirai's Triple Drive couldn't break her guard and therefore ending her turn.

Karin knew she had to finish the fight and performed Stride herself. A Dragonic Overlord from a distant and alternate future. Where this mighty dragon general became the ruler of all Cray. The Supreme Heavenly Emperor Dragon, Dragonic Overlord "The Ace". Counterblasting four and persona flipping two copies of The Ace from her G-zone, Karin held nothing back. Although doing so, The Ace lose a drive check but there was more to it than this. One of her drive checks revealed a critical trigger, sending Mirai from three damage to five. However, The Ace restood once more and gained 5000 power while keeping the extra critical! So that's why Karin went all out here... her vanguard can restand!

Mirai was fascinated by The Ace's power, the pressure it gives off is really something! Now she was staring at a vanguard with 31,000 power and two criticals while on five damage, the fifth damage being a critical trigger to at least give Light Saver some defense. Karin launched her second attack with Overlord but Mirai stopped it with a Quintet Wall and guarded the rest of Karin's rear guard attacks. "Amazing! You are so amazing! This is so exciting! I'm so happy to be able to fight someone as strong as you! But sadly all good things have to end at one point... Lighty! Let's show her how we do things! Seek the mate! Blazing flames of hope! Blaze on the light of hope! Legion! Light Seeker Dragon!"

White flames erupted from the ground and Light Blaze Dragon appeared next to Light Saver in Legion. Mirai used their legion skill after forming a full field formation. "Blazing Charging Roar!" The signature Charging Roar most Saver Dragons had from the United Sanctuary had, empowering three of Mirai's units with a white flame aura that increased their power by 5,000. "Let's go Lighty! Blazy! Legion attack!"

Karin no guarded despite having a perfect guard in hand but... Mirai's second check revealed a critical trigger! The match was over! The crowds cheering and chanting both fighter's names as their fight was an intense blazing fight! "CHA-CHING!! GOTCHA!! On to round three!!! WOOOO!!!!" Mirai celebrating her victory with her signature(?) pose that still resembled very much of some random card game protagonist.

“Miss Idol” was one of the many nicknames Hana was a fan of, taking pride in her reputation and career. She met her old acquaintance - Jellal - with a smirk. Her job was all about the confidence you had in yourself, and Hana had plenty to go around. Though, she was also confident in the assumption that Jellal was experiencing some kind of… issue. Before he saw her, he looked… pained? Exhausted? Or perhaps perplexed. Regardless, the man was troubled, and Hana would have made it her business to get nosy if he hadn’t been called for his round two matchup. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll see you get to round three.” In a way, not only was that faith in the Shadow Paladin vanguard, but also a subtle declaration of war. After all, if they both kept going, they’d meet in the same block. With her triumph over Dragonic Overlord, Revengers would fall to Pacifica’s dazzling performance all the same.

That was one way they could catch up. Through their love of the game and the spirit of competition.

And from Jellal vs Fei, it showed. Hana didn’t know the opponent, but they seemed skilled enough to know their way around a deck. If they had been invited, it means something about them caught her sister’s attention. Nevertheless, Jellal attacked with both Raging Form Dragon’s Limit Break and Phantom Blaster “Abyss”’s Legion Skill, on top of hitting perfectly timed and powerful triggers. Even a sixth heal on Fei’s side didn’t stop his stride as he stole the game. The first day’s games were almost all completed, and the crowd was almost as sad as they were excited for the end of the day and the coming next day.

Though, Hana had an inquiry for the returning Jellal.

“Still at it with Shadow Paladin… but where’s your Aqua Force?”

Didn’t he fight to revive that clan? Why is it he’s still armed with the dragon of hell, even in a different form?

-

“There!” Yukino shouted to her associates, pointing to the last match of the day. She herself stood up while Enma and Artorias leaned forward. Finally, their true target had come out into the light as the remaining bye. Unable to resist such high levels of emotion, their goal would appear to ruin things herself. But the fact of the matter was that they lured the wicked entity out of hiding. The Grand Sanctuary duo felt sweat upon their brow as the Chosen Sword prepared to take action when necessary. The masses were completely ignorant to the pressing matter at hand, as they should be… This was a gamble none of them wanted to take, but...

Shadow Paladin, one more time had shown up in the tournament. The third player using it in the Messiah Scramble, yet completely unlike the Revenger decks being used. Gastor faced off against unknown territory while the masked demon kept an invincible smirk on her face, emitting an eerie giggle as the world felt isolated from the two of them. The athlete felt… trapped, almost suffocating even. Like the arena around them was nothing but… dark. Dark, cold, and menacing. Still, having braved the Reaper Invasion as one of the Drones, he powered through against his obviously supernatural foe. The warriors he fought on the battlefield bore a name famous among Cray’s history of traditions:

Blaster.

Units wielding legendary superweapons in hand, named after them. “Blaster Revolver”, “Blaster Rapier”, “Blaster Axe”, and others. It seemed oddly vanilla overall, not having as many skills that popped off quickly like Revengers, and yet…

“They’re watching me.” The demon purred, confusing Gastor. “Those buffoons and my darling Meister are looking at me… Huhuhu~ I’ll make sure their eyes stay on me… and you get out of my spotlight.”

“What was that?” Gastor took it as a challenge and an insult, as if the woman saw him as nothing more than a stepping stone and an eyesore - a jobber! Furious, he rode to Grade 3 and immediately piled on the damage, and she wasn’t even fazed…! “Just wait until I can Stride, you bitch! I’ll show you like I did Chris - I’m not some stupid monkey who can’t play!”

“I don’t care what you are, I have my eyes on something greater.” The evil figure’s eyes gleamed, her visor lifting itself up to her forehead as her shining, purple irises filled the blonde’s vision. “Corrupted guardian who has lost the light, resurrect in my name as my form to see the end of days dyed black!” Chanting, a card wreathed in purple flames was held up which caused much alarm for those who recognized the name and art of the grade three. “I am Azazel - the evil dragon and I ride my avatar: Phantom Blaster Dragon!” Slamming the card down, a burst of power was felt when it touched the fight table, and Gastor was trapped in the image of the United Sanctuary’s battlefield at dusk - similarly to the homefield Shadow Paladin had always fought on. Right before the eyes of himself and many, the familiar Dragon of Hell in its form with no influence beyond the corruption stood dauntingly, snarling as steam poured from its maw. In hand held the accursed lance that skewered the holy and innocent - shredding them as the first leader of the black knights continued down the path of insanity and conquest. Spectators were awed into silence by “Phantom Blaster Dragon”, not “Abyss”, not “Dragruler”, no other incarnation except the purest form of the vile creature. Those who had a personal history with it stared, watching closely in bewilderment. The Espoir sisters in particular gazed upon the splendor of their longtime enemy as their eyes shined with sword and star shaped pupils.

“What the…” Gastor couldn’t wrap his mind around the image thrust into his mind, his jaw agap in shock.

“Here I go.” Azazel - the evil dragon sneered. Using Phantom Blaster Dragon’s new skill, she secured a grade three and used it to Stride - “Transcend.” Was the command, opening a large portal upon the battlefield of Cray to summon a rather gigantic abyss dragon. With large, almost goat-like horns protruding from its form, its body was unveiled to be clad in armory, wielding a trident that surged with violet electricity. Two pairs of wings spread at its back, trimmed and marked with blue highlights, letting loose a gust of wind throughout the darkened warzone. The wastelands were filled with an echoing roar as the dark titan made its presence known to Dark Zone’s athletic ogres. “Dark Dragon, Distress Dragon!” It was a G Unit unseen before, and the woman did not wait for the crowd to take their moment to be bewildered as she proceeded. “You will regret rushing me so recklessly, foolish boy. By moving Fullbau Brave to soul, I use its skill, then call three Blasters.” The terrorists from a past era appeared at the evil dragon’s call, and Distress Dragon glared down at Bad End Dragger’s comrades. “For a large cost of counterblast three, soul blast three, and retiring three… you retire three as well. Then, with the blood of six offered to me, I draw two cards and Distress Dragon gains twenty thousand power!”

“TWENTY thousand?!” Others and Gastor howled in shock as Distress Dragon bellowed, siphoning the lives of those delegated as sacrifices. While the Blasters withstood it, despite being retired, Spike Brothers began to drop to the ground like flies swatted all at once. The abyss dragon titan had risen to forty six thousand power on its own for an enormous cost that was significantly refunded…!! Counter Charging, Soul Charging, and getting two for three… on top of that, Gastor had lost three cards, and she still had her Triple Drive!

“Die, rat!” Azazel yelled with a psychopathic grin, letting the unstoppable Distress Dragon tear Gastor down with incredible power. The image was so strong, it nearly toppled him backward… It was akin to a violent gust of wind that threatened to blow him away, stopped only by the athlete gripping onto the fight table for his life. By some sort of miracle, he didn’t get sacked into oblivion, holding out by a thread. The shockwaves of the behemoth truck of an attack were felt throughout the arena, surging throughout in reality. This blast was even felt through the halls, getting the attention of those who weren’t already looking with a display of might. “How tenacious! The fodder survived!”

“Fuck…! What the hell, that card is insane!”

“So am I, boy. Now take your turn so they can do something about me. Take your turn so Meister comes running at me!”

“The fuck is your problem?!” Gastor hissed, fighting through the winds as he put down his Stride Fodder: “Stride Generation! Godly-speed, Flash Bruce!” With no Bloody Ogre in hand or a sufficient enough hand to work with for Good End, Gastor went with an option that let him keep playing, dropping cards down to attack. Yet, Azazel sneered in response.

“My my, what a terrible G Unit. Spike Brothers have fallen from the days they were on the side of Shadow Paladin.”

“Piss off!”

“Poor child.” Azazel guarded his onslaught easily, even giving him the benefit of hitting with his G Unit so use its skill. Yet… it didn’t kill. No Criticals at all, but a lot of draw triggers that would ensure his survival, especially when it seemed like her deck had little to no offensive power beyond that monster of a vanguard… The demon kept a toothy grin throughout the game, knowing Yukino’s eyes were focused on her and her movements and her plays and her personality… Yes, the Chosen Sword is the one she wanted attention from the most. “Keep your eyes on me…” She breathed with trembling excitement, slamming another card down onto her vanguard circle. “New era shadow, appear and spark the war for my black empire anew! Dark Dragon, Blaster Razer Dragon!!” An abyss dragon also never before seen had arrived, seemingly made up of nothing but energy with orange, purple, red, and green coloring with a massive gauntlet equipped as a claw. Its roar was eldritch and foreign, monstrous and violent in nature as its aura began to swallow the area of Cray whole in nothing but shadow.

“What the fuck…?” Gastor was dumbfounded once again, a feeling he can’t shake off thanks to his creepy opponent. His unknown foe’s deck that kept making plays he couldn’t predict. Blaster Revolver was used to Stride, but it also called itself back. Two copies of itself in fact and filled the soul with more Blasters. This whole deck was Blasters with the lead of the civil war summoning larger Abyss Dragons through rituals…

“I retire three Blasters, using Blaster Brush as two retires… and call three from my soul. Then, Blaster Razer gains power equal to the total sum called!” A convoluted skill that spawned a board, ending with a massive titan of a Vanguard and a full field of traitors to the Sanctuary. From two grade twos alone, that was nearly twenty thousand again… but with a grade one in the mix, it was beyond the first stride.

True to the nature of Phantom Blaster Dragon’s deck, it was only going to let you Perfect Guard it or be overwhelmed.

And Gastor didn’t draw a Perfect Guard.

“Gastor!!” Solis shot up to his feet.

“Shit!” Enma swore, getting out of his seat.

“Get out of my sight!!” Azazel barraged Gastor with an image that surpassed reality, blowing Gastor away with six damage and sending him careening across the stage, hurling him into the coliseum’s wall with incredible force that likely broke some bones. The hype of the day died down with screams and gasps of horror as a participant was badly injured from a supernatural assault. Solis took off running as Chris sat dumbfounded. Hana was frozen in shock, as were the Hakaishas watching from the infirmary. Aoi couldn’t even process it… Yukino quickly began to run through the halls to get down to the arena and Enma quickly followed as King Artorias finally got to his feet, choosing not to move and letting the others handle it.

“U-uh, don’t panic, people! Everything’s okay! … I think…” Tomozo announced from the stage since the commentator had gone silent as well. Though, she sweat nervously, highly concerned for Gastor’s health. Fuki had already gone running like Solis.

“Hahahahaha!! What fun! Meister, you sure know how to throw a party on another planet!”

Karin's round 2 opponent was a girl she only vaguely recognized- Mirai, one of the names she remembered from her brief time leading the Resistance. The problem was, unlike her last opponent, Karin knew nothing about her opponent, nor the deck she played. She was at a slight disadvantage in that regard, given how iconic and famous Overlord was as a name, and how often she'd thrown herself into the battlefield during the Reaper War, as The Cross.

Seekers wound up being her foes this time, with Light Saver Dragon leading their charge. The "Saver" title, at the very least, Karin knew of, so she had an idea of what to expect from the impending Legion turn, but she was surprised at Mirai's first stride: The Miracle Element, Atmos. She hadn't seen a Cray Elemental since the final battle with Leviathan, and a 36000 power stride pushing against Karin's four damage was threatening enough to make her guard with most of her hand; five triggers total. The critical didn't come, but Mirai had drawn triggers on both her previous turns, and Karin wasn't about to take any chances...

"...Heh, sorry Solis, but I'm stealing your play."

With the damage piled up, Karin took a gamble. She strode Dragonic Overlord The Ace and threw two counterblast for its skill, despite it gaining nothing, as she didn't have another card faceup in her G Zone- But that wasn't an issue. Calling Dragonic Burnout to retire Mirai's one remaining rearguard, and moving an Aetniki to the soul to regain those two Counterblast, Karin flipped them back over again and flipped her third copy of The Ace, just as Solis had done in his last round, giving The Ace his skill to restand.

Unfortunately for Karin, only one Critical came in her drive checks, and a Heal showed up too late, coming after she'd pushed Mirai to five. Mirai guarded everything after the first attack, and came away from the turn with a still sizeable hand. Calling a full board, Mirai Legioned, and her vanguard powered up three of her units by 5000 each, just as Karin had expected. It was just too bad that knowing what her Vanguard would do didn't soften its blow any less. Unable to guard everything, Karin let the Light Saver's attack through, and a fateful Critical sealed the game.

It had been a good match, and Karin was more than satisfied to put on a good show for the audience.

--

When Azazel's first match had concluded, Kishi Kurokiba was the first one to arrive on the scene. Appearing in a flash of black and a sudden gust of wind, the Sanctuary's Black Knight had already drawn her sword, the tip of her blade pointed directly at Azazel. There was still considerable distance between the two; Kishi still wasn't sure just how powerful her foe was, and had her eyes locked onto the evil dragon, watching her every move.

The dragon's presence wasn't lost on Kishi, feeling the cold weight of her aura pressing down on her, even as she held her stance. It reminded her of that other evil dragon she'd seen in the past... And that made Kishi sweat a little. There was little room for doubt- The dragon-in-human-form that stood before her was likely a similar being. But even as that thought crossed her mind, the Knight's resolve remained steadfast. She kept her blade and her eyes trained on the dragon, prepared to act on a moment's notice.

Xat came out from the building while kao landed right in front of Azazel. "So this is were you been hidding." he growled as xat walked up to them. "You gave us a good run trying to find you, but it all ends here. SHIRAYUKI!" Xat called and a light snow feel and Shirayuki appred int he flesh and landed next to her avatar and xat drew her sword and pointed it at Azazel. "What is your gain here?" she asked making sure she was not as close as the others and kao jumped onto her shoulder ready to use is power to protect xat if needed. Shirayuki looked at them and held up her hand to attack if given the order however xat looked at shirayuki and shook her head and she placed her hand back down. "Who is it you serve?" she contuned wanting answers

Kachidoki sat in apprehension as the battle between Gastor and the strange new woman progressed. She was using Shadow Paladin. But notably, most of her units were blasters, rather prominent units in the history of Cray. The nervous feeling he couldn't shake made sense when the woman declared herself to be Azazel, an evil dragon. She rode Phantom Blaster Dragon as if she herself were the unit. There had been other shadow paladin players in the tournament but their fights did not carry this overpowering feeling of animosity.

Still the upperhand appeared to be Gastor's. He had a strong field and had been going all in from the get go against this opponent as was his style. But a single G Unit changed everything. Distress Dragon tore the Spike Brothers asunder and gained massive power. Yet still the man scraped by. Kachidoki was tense, ready to leap to action for his associate if need be. The woman's next G Unit was more ferocious than the first. The Aimless Blade watched in horror as Gastor was sent flying into the walls of the arena. The man could simply not fathom the power he had witnessed. Yet as Solis took off running his focus returned to him. Gastor's well being was the priority. He too ran to the man's side, a hand hovering towards one of the blades on his back if he should need to defend his friends.

-----

Tamotsu remained conscious as Jessie and Bashrio carried him off the battlegrounds and to the infirmary. A fever was confirmed and drugs administered which seemed to help. But for the most part he simply lied out across the bed provided while the brothers talked about what had happened. There was a television in the room allowing them to keep track of the fights as they continued. The dog simply whined occasionally, looking for contact with either of boys. His mind was racing yet no order seemed to be found. He just wanted the memories to stop. He was a new being, he didn't want to be tied to hundreds of years of sadness.

But now he remembered clearly the pain of losing the brothers in the war which only caused him to seek more attention from his family. He wanted to hold them close forever after what he'd seen. Things began to calm some for him and he stared blankly at the screen with them as the tournament continued. There was only one fight remaining in the second round. It was between one of the drones from the war and some woman Tamotsu had never seen before. But one moment took the activity of the spirit's mind and silenced it. Azazel declared her name, rode the dark dragon, and strode into a G Unit no one had ever seen before. The dog's memories fell out of focus in his mind and all he could process was the terror of the power this woman held. He whimpered a bit louder in response, worried for the safety of his friends and family so long as this woman was running free.

That was something he wasn't expecting to be asked from Hana right away. Although, it would make sense considering their limited interactions were when he had Shadow Paladin and later on when he had Aqua Force. Of course, it was natural to ask given the great lengths Jellal went to, but, it wasn't something he could answer right away: at least open in public.

"It's... a bit of a long story." he started. "Like you, I kinda disappeared after my battle with Neu and I recently came back, sorta." alluding the fact that he had amnesia at one point.

"Though, when I did return, something had happened to Maelstrom. I wasn't able to reunite with him right away, but I did fight him at one point but that was the last I saw of him, after he and another gave me a bit of a pep talk." After finishing his sentence, he realized he was referring to the point in time that was troubling and preventing him from being able to interact with anyone who saw him then. But talking about it with Hana was almost as natural as though he had no issue of it, though his expression said otherwise, thinking more on it.

"So for the moment, I'm stuck with Blaster Dark as my partner for now." he said with a smile before he looked up, just as Hana turned to watch the last fight in progress. Jellal had joined her looking down and saw one of the fighters playing Shadow Paladin but was being rather... suspect. Interested, Jellal and Blaster Dark continued to watch the fight to see what was with this girl's deal. Then... "he" appeared. It was as though, he was ripped straight out of Jellal's nightmares and came to life.

"Ph-Phantom.... Blaster... Dragon?" Jellal was shaken and Blaster Dark gripped his sword with his eyes opened.

"What's the 'original' one doing here?" the dark knight said in confusion. It was no mistake that this was the original in the flesh, the one that Jellal feared the most and the one that turned both his life and his best friends' life upside down.

"More importantly, why is this girl playing Phantom Blaster and how did she get it?"

They continued to watch and examine a few things. For starters, there was no sign of any Blaster Dark's played, yet...

"Why is he at 11000 base? Originally, he needed Blaster Dark in the soul to achieve 11000, otherwise he was a 10000 base Vanguard."

Jellal and Blaster Dark saw this woman call out a skill, retiring one rear guard and adding a "Blaster" unit from deck to her hand.

"The hell? That was never part of his skill!" Blaster Dark cried out in anger. Just... what was really going on? Was this or was this not the original Phantom Blaster Dragon?

"The only skill Phantom Blaster Dragon had, aside from his bonus skill, was his Damned Charging Lance." The infamous skill: Counterblast two, and retire three of your rear-guards. Phantom Blaster Dragon's true strength: the creed of Shadow Paladin in living proof.


Blaster Dark and Jellal were in unison as though they were singing a harmony and being heard simultaneously across many different outlets. The woman had dropped her newly obtained card from hand to the drop zone and from her sinister lips slipped the words.


She and Phantom Blaster, summoned a dark dragon beyond space and time through Stride. It's dark pressence appeared in the Vanguard's point of origin where Phantom Blaster had stood.

"Dark Dragon, Distress Dragon." Blaster Dark recorded the name.

"Have yo-?"

"No. I haven't." The knight said before he could let his master finish speaking. The woman used the skill of Fullbau Brave and called three additional Blaster units.

"Friends of yours?" Jellal asked only to be ignored by Blaster Dark whose attention was submerged into the fight. Finally the woman declared the activation of her dragon's skill. She flipped over three cards from her damage and removed 3 cards from her soul into the drop zone. She proceeded to pick up her three rear guards as the Dragon viciously slayed them without any hesitation in the same manner Phantom Blaster would. The pain the units were experienced were passed onto Jellal as he grabbed his chest as he bore witness to a sight he thought he wouldn't see any time soon. This was truly a Phantom Blaster operation, much different from how the Revengers offered their lives to Raging Folm Dragon, Dragruler, and Phantom Blaster Abyss. However, it continued. Distress Dragon, throw his blood tainted spear into the sky as it struck down her opponent's unit's: three of them specifically. Finally, Distress Dragon had gained twenty-thousand power, a soul charge, and a counter charge as his controller drew two cards from the top of her deck. Her opponent was backed into a corner but had survived and performed Stride on his coming turn, but it was for naught as their Spike Brothers assault was fended off.

"An opponent this powerful existed in this tournament? How did we miss her?"

"According to the brackets, she was given a bye. So this is her first match in this whole tournament."

They continued to watch as another G-Unit was called to the battle field; yet another black dragon but under a different name.

"Blaster Razer Dragon." The overwhelming pressure that this unit was exerting, Jellal could feel it. And it was at that moment he knew. "This is the final turn."

"Seems like it." As the woman took her final turn, preparing for her victory, Jellal turned to Hana with a smile on his face.

"I'm gonna be right back really quick. But I promise we can continue talking! It was nice to see you again, you look good too Miss Idol!" Jellal had bolted to the arena hoping to make it in time before the the woman had left her fight. He could hear the audience blaring but it sounded different from cheering, but either way to Jellal and Blaster Dark, it meant the fight had ended.

"I've got to see her for myself. I've got to see Phantom Blaster as well!" His eyes shined with his heart beating faster and faster with each step he took, breathing harder and harder, never before running like this for anything except for an ice cream truck. The smile that he gave Hana, a generous sincere smile that expressed gratitude turned into a serious smirk from the blood boiling and the adrenaline pumping. Was this excitement or fear of being faced with an incredibly powerful fighter, wielding the very dragon that he loathed and spited against. He hopped from the top of the stairs all the way to the final platform, landing on his feet but having to kneel for a moment from the impact of the jump. Jellal had minor intervals trying stand back up by leaning on the wall, before running down into the hallway leading to the Arena.

"Why is Phantom Blaster Dragon here in his original form... and why was he with this girl?" Blaster Dark knew his questions would be answered as they reached the arena.

"Ah, Jellal, wait!" Hana shouted, chasing after Jellal to get to the stage herself, cutting their conversation short because she had a lot of concerns for what was going on.

In the meantime, Azazel stood still with a gleeful grin, seeing others gather around her - two notably with weapons. Her invincible smile was eerie and rather unsettling, seeing as swords at her neck failed to faze her even a little bit. "Abyss Dragon Predecessor... One of my old friends... and no names." The evil dragon hissed, showing excitement toward Kishi's and Jellal's presence, and disdain toward others. "Was my show enjoyable? Are you not entertained? This is a celebratory event, no?" Her voice echoed with a haunting nature and playful tone, as if she was a malicious specter of the past. Lips remaining curved into a smirk, her visor fell upon her face once more, blocking her magenta gaze as she turned to Xateramusa. "I have the world to gain, I used to serve the light, but my precious comrade showed me darkness." Answers to the spirit royalty's questions, neither of which made sense in context. People wondered what kind of show this was, or if this was a new problem to face for the coming era. Generation Rare didn't move out of concern save Fuki, and King Artorias watched closely.

We need to know what the evil dragon is capable of. The monarch rationalized internally.

Yukino finally reached the arena grounds before Enma, reaching a hand out as blue light was conjured near her. The Chosen Sword summoned a familiar weapon, materializing in white steel as it glistened brilliantly within the sunlight, sharply designed with blue trimming and a red jewel lodged onto it above the handle. Emitting blue lightning, the Sword of Courage: Blaster Blade had been called forth. "Get back!" The hero shouted to everyone but Kishi, looking to pin Azazel down.

Yet, Azazel's grin grew wider.

"Aaaaah, but not now, my darling Meister!"

Azazel suddenly vanished in a surge of purple mist as Yukino cut at it, of course - hitting nothing.

"I'll be back, we have so much catching up to do! Ahahaha~!"

She was gone as her voice stopped echoing throughout after a few moments.

"Uhhhh... That'll be it for today everyone! We have our Best Eight after the first day, and the tournament will proceed tomorrow!... maybe... In the meantime, why don't you go out and enjoy the sights of Isle Jigen? The locals would be more than pleased to show you around!" Tomozo wasn't very good at damage control, but she was the only one trying so far, to be fair. Fuki had rushed to Gastor's aid, and he was alive... just injured and unconscious. Medics and the blonde herself quickly began rushing him to the infirmary.

Solis, however, was furious as he called out toward the other Singularity Point.

"Yukino Espoir! Explain this! This is an invitation-only tournament, and from the obvious display at that fight, that woman is a supernatural entity of some sort if she isn't empowered by one! My subordinate was hurt because of you bringing her here!" Solis shouted, demanding a reason for why Gastor had to be used as bait. If Azazel was in the tournament from the start and no officials had any objections, that means they allowed her to be here.

"Sis... what's... going on?" Hana stood by him, wanting answers all the same. Hearing what Solis said, she had about as many issues as he did.

Yukino stood quietly, giving a look to Kishi, then the others as Enma arrived.

"Hana."

"Yukinee, tell me you didn't-"

"Be quiet and listen to me. This was an... unavoidable circumstance."

"How was this unavoidable?!"

"Do you remember the civil war? Between Royal Paladin and Shadow Paladin?"

"Huh? ... Yes, why?"

"It's not over yet."

Xat looked at yukino with a sad smile before de summoning shirayuki and placing her sword back into her sheath. "this was an interesting day. Though yukino we will need to talk later my units have found something interesting, but i will talk to you and only one other of yoour choose. that is if you want to know what we have found." she said before turning and walking away out of the arena the final wisp that was floating dissappering when she excted the arena

"Not over yet?"

Jellal stepped forward to his rival, standing between the sisters, with a sour expression. He had missed Azazel and Phantom Blaster, meaning their questions wouldn't be answered. However, he was having trouble approaching Yukino that he skipped past the greetings and the formalities. All of the thoughts about wanting to avoid anyone from the Resistance and wanting to see Azazel in person had all left his mind once he heard that declaration.

"Surely, you jest. How can it 'not be over' when we ourselves ended it?" Blaster Dark had appeared behind Jellal staring at his own rival, Blaster Blade.

"I'm wondering that too. Tell me as to how the civil war didn't end when we joined together and defeated Phantom Blaster Overlord." The Dark Knight had threw a look at Blaster Blade that was rather sharp. Jellal had turned back to Hana and then back at Gastor remembering Yukino's choice of words.

"An unavoidable circumstance... huh?" Something sinister was going on, but Jellal awaited for Yukino to answer his previous question before he would proceed.