Well, here it is. The continuation of the story of Team Avalon and the sequel to Blue Hour, Vanguard: Midnight Sun. And yes, I do know about the Twilight thing with the same name. And I frankly do not care, because I have my own reasons for the title and do not wish to change it.

This fic is set a year post-Blue Hour, and as such I am dispensing with the set release schedule, which actually ended up being a restriction in Blue Hour as more and more sets were released with cards I honestly would've found useful and wanted to use. Therefore, I will be using basically any card I feel like. I'm also retaining the Card of the Day feature, but in order to keep this from becoming a spoiler, the Card of the Day will only be given at the end of each chapter. Finally, I'm also keeping my use of fake cards, though trying to tone this down from Blue Hour. If I use fake cards, their stats will be given at the end of the chapter in which they were played. Also, for the purposes of this fic, while Blaster Blade and King of Knights, Alfred are particularly rare cards, Blaster Blade Liberator and Liberator of the Round Table, Alfred are not to make things easier if I decide to use them.

I noticed a few comments towards the end of Blue Hour regarding Samuel not using Shadow Paladins much longer, which I assumed was a reference to Royal Paladin, Shadow Paladin and Kagero being sealed. I'm sad to disappoint those of you who thought Samuel would start this off with Black Horse Gold Paladins (though I have actually considered giving him Spectral Duke Dragon because I love the thing to pieces), but he is still using Shadow Paladins. Similarly Robert and Agatha are still using their original Clans, and I'm not doing the Clan sealing thing at all.

I do not own Vanguard, it is the creation of Akira Itou and the property of Bushiroad. All credit for the Cardfight Vanguard franchise belongs to these parties, as well as to the artists who create such incredible art for the cards.

So, with that done, let's get the continuation on the road! Stand up, Vanguard!

Ride 1: Gathering Storm

"Here at the Apex Stadium in London, we're glad to present to you an exciting spectacle! From our reigning champion team, the winners of no less than two Nationals, comes Agatha Gladstone, a member of the legendary Team Avalon!"

The announcer's words were drowned by the cheering which ensued as a young woman walked out onto the grey of the battlefield. She was dressed in a violet coat over a black shirt and skirt, her hair dyed a dark blue and her hands coated by black gloves with purple gems on their backs. As she walked out, she took a deck of cards from a purple case at her belt, her expression stern as she took her place at one of the two consoles for the Vanguard fighters.

Agatha gazed out at the stadium, taking in the endless ranks of people. A year ago, she might have been intimidated somewhat, but this was just second nature now. She couldn't pick out any familiar faces from the crowd, not that she expected to. This was just an exhibition match and while her travel was provided for, as her teammates weren't needed, they would have to pay. She couldn't expect them to find their way to London for something as minor as this. And in any case, they would be watching somehow, on a TV or something.

The announcer waited for the cheers of the crowd to die down before continuing. "And opposing her, a member of one of our rising pro teams, from Team Stratosphere, Watson Fords!"

Her opponent walked out and Agatha cast an eye over him. He was eccentric to say the least, his hair spiked up as though a lightning bolt had run through him a second before, his blue eyes wild with excitement. Dressed in a white shirt and grey jeans, he wore electric-blue gloves adorned with golden gems. Laughing and smiling to the crowd, Watson strode to his own console, gleeful where Agatha was stoic.

"I'm gonna regret having to beat you," the young man laughed. "You're a nice girl really. Maybe I could take you out for dinner after this little thing's done."

Agatha sighed. Another charmer. "I'm not interested," she replied, setting down her starter Vanguard.

"You sure? I'd love to take you to this nice little place I know..."

"I said I'm not interested," Agatha cut in. "I'm sorry. But it's just not my kind of thing."

Watson was quiet, looking almost hurt. "Okay, if it's not your thing... but I'll still beat you." He placed a card of his own down. "This is the day Team Avalon gets the first real mark on its record!"

Agatha drew her opening hand, identifying two problem cards and immediately shuffling them back into the deck. "You must be the hundredth person to say that to me. So far, no one's managed to make it happen. I wouldn't bet on you being the one to do it." She redrew the two cards, looking at her hand with a satisfied thought as Watson drew and redrew his own cards.

"Oh, I'm sure I'll be the one who gets the mighty Agatha Gladstone to crumble!" Watson smirked. "Let's do this!"

"This fight between Agatha Gladstone and Watson Fords will now... begin!"

"Stand up, Vanguard!" the two called, turning over the cards. Around them, the Motion Figure System hummed into life, consuming them in white light. The light faded into colors, laying bare their battlefield. A vibrant circus rose around, the stands full of all manner of creatures and equipment lying scattered around them.

"Smiling Presenter!" Agatha called. On her field, a smiling young woman rose up, with bright blonde hair and wearing a dark blue skirt, shirt and harlequin's hat. The woman bowed, adopting Agatha's own features as she straightened [Smiling Presenter – 5000 Power]

"Lizard Soldier, Saishin!" Watson answered. On his field, there was an eruption of crackling sparks, fading to unleash an orange-scaled lizardman wielding a crackling blue beam sword and clad in silvery armor [Lizard Soldier, Saishin – 5000 Power]

"Narukami, of course," Agatha thought. "His name should've told me that."

"I draw," she said. "Ride, Magical Partner!" She played a card and Smiling Presenter reformed, a dark-skinned elf rising in her place, dressed in a formal black and white blazer and dark tights, her silvery hair topped by a pair of white bunny ears. Laughing cheerfully, Magical Partner twirled on the spot, fixing Saishin with a mad look [Magical Partner – 6000 Power]. "With Presenter's Pioneer skill, she moves to the Rearguard." Smiling Presenter reformed behind Magical Partner, and was promptly pulled into a tight hug by the elf [Smiling Presenter – 5000 Power]

"Your Units are all really touchy-feely, aren't they?" Watson commented, amused. "Too bad I'm gonna have to break them up soon!"

Agatha barely responded to the comment. "Turn end," she replied.

Agatha
Hand: 5
Front Row: Empty/Magical Partner/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Smiling Presenter/Empty
Damage: None

Watson
Hand: 5
Front Row: Empty/Lizard Soldier, Saishin/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Empty
Damage: None

"I draw!" Watson announced. "And now, Ride, Red River Dragoon!" Saishin burst into crackling sparks, from which emerged a noble red-armored young man wielding a conical lance. Smirking Watson's look of excitement, the Dragoon readied his lance [Red River Dragoon – 8000 Power]. "I know you're just gonna use your Presenter's skill to get her out of Saishin's range next turn, so I'll Pioneer him out to here!" He slid Saishin out, and the Lizard Soldier rose again to Dragoon's left [Lizard Soldier, Saishin – 5000 Power]

"And now..." Agatha thought, knowing his next move already.

"Call, Lightning of Hope, Helena!" Watson continued. A lightning bolt flashed, forming into a young woman with eerie electric-blue skin behind Saishin [Lightning of Hope, Helena – 6000 Power]. "Red River Dragoon attacks Magical Partner!" Roaring a battle cry, Dragoon lunged across the field with his lance at the ready.

"I don't guard," she answered simply.

"Check for a Drive Trigger... no Trigger," Watson frowned, revealing his card.

[Drive Check – Desert Gunner, Raien – No Trigger]

Magical Partner cried aloud in pain as the lance struck, ripping over her and knocking her back. As she staggered, Smiling Presenter caught her, the elf smiling back gratefully. "Damage Check," Agatha responded. "No Trigger."

[Damage Check – Big League Bear – No Trigger]

"And now, boosted by Helena, Saishin attacks!" Watson yelled, sending his Lizard Soldier racing towards Magical Partner [5000 Power + 6000 Power = 11000 Power]

"Guard, Dynamite Juggler," Agatha said. Cackling, a gremlin formed before her Vanguard, hurling sticks of dynamite which exploded and forced Saishin away. [6000 Power + 10000 Shield = 16000 Power]. "If your attack went through, you'd be able to switch a card with Helena's skill. I'd rather not let you do that."

"I see you know what you're doing... turn end," Watson replied.

Watson
Hand: 5
Front Row: Lizard Soldier, Saishin/Red River Dragoon/Empty
Back Row: Lightning of Hope, Helena/Empty/Empty
Damage: Empty

Agatha
Hand: 4
Front Row: Empty/Magical Partner/Empty
Damage: Empty/Smiling Presenter/Empty
Damage: Big League Bear (U)

VMS01

"We're now moving into the sixth turn of this fight, and with Agatha at three Damage and Watson on four, things are really starting to heat up! Agatha seems to be ahead, but with Watson about to Ride to Grade 3, will he begin his comeback play here?!"

Agatha
Hand: 7
Front Row: Nitro Juggler/Nightmare Summoner, Raqiel/Empty
Back Row: Magical Partner/Skull Juggler/Empty
Damage: Big League Bear (F), Rainbow Magician (F), Jumping Jill (U)

Watson
Hand: 4
Front Row: Empty/Demonic Dragon Berserker, Garuda/Empty
Back Row: Lightning of Hope, Helena/Desert Gunner, Raien/Empty
Damage: Photon Bomber Wyvern (U), Yellow Gem Carbuncle (U), Deathscythe Dragon (U), Malevolent Djinn (U)

"You... I'll show you," Watson said, drawing. "I'll show you the true power of Narukami! You haven't seen anything yet! This is thunder! This is lightning!" He held up a card. "Divine dragon, rip down the heavens with your unstoppable lightning! Strike as a hammer which shatters all in its path! I Ride the Vanguard, Thunder Break Dragon!"

There was a blinding explosion as a dozen lightning bolts howled as one, atomizing his Vanguard and then raging apart to unveil a new beast. Standing as a colossus wrapped in crackling ozone, the creature rose up, its scales as red as blood and its armor a shining, brilliant gold. It threw back its head and roared with pride, spreading wings adorned with jagged gold lightning bolts, and wielding a colossal golden blade which crackled with electric power in its hands [Thunder Break Dragon – 10000 Power]

"Thunder Break's Counterblast!" Watson roared. "Obliterate Nitro Juggler!" He turned over two Damage and his dragon hurled lightning from its form, lightning which cleaved Nitro Juggler into atoms in but an instant. "And now, I call! Thunderstorm Dragoon! Dragonic Deathscythe!" Two more dragons rose, both crimson, one ridden by an older-looking Red River Dragoon wielding that same conical lance, the other a grim, lithe beast wielding a scythe with a blade of lightning [Thunderstorm Dragoon – 10000 Power] [Dragonic Deathscythe – 9000 Power]. "Deathscythe's Counterblast! Vanish, Skull Juggler!" Two more Damage cards turned over and with a deathly shriek, Deathscythe swung its weapon, unleashing an arc of lightning which annihilated Skull Juggler.

"This strategy..." Agatha muttered. "Retiring my Units to hammer my Vanguard with overwhelming power."

"This is the essence of Narukami, its unstoppable, crushing power!" Watson declared. "Nothing can stop this lightning! Everyone falls before this thunder! Thunderstorm Dragoon, attack Raqiel!" Thunderstorm Dragoon's steed lunged forth, the dragoon readying his lance.

"I guard with Rainbow Magician!" Agatha answered. A smiling white-clad elf rose up, shooting a deck of cards from hand to hand, and was struck down with a blow from the dragoon's lance [10000 Power + 5000 Shield = 15000 Power]

Watson's smirk widened, his eyes ablaze with raw excitement. "Now... it's here! The ultimate lightning!"

"This is it, folks! Watson's about to unleash that skill, to go beyond the extent of his Vanguard's potential!"

Agatha grimaced as Watson continued. "Here it is! With a boost from Raien, Thunder Break Dragon attacks!" He gestured wildly to his Damage Zone, which glowed with a crimson light. "And now, since I have four Damage, go beyond the limits! Thunder Break Dragon's... Limit BREAK!" His Vanguard's form ignited with power as a shimmering, iridescent crimson circle flared under its feet, empowering it.

"Here it is, the skill which can only be activated when you're in dire straits!" the announcer declared. "With four Damage, Watson is looking over that deadly precipice and as such, he can summon the full might of his Vanguard, the will to survive which breaks the very limits of what one can achieve! Limit Break! With his Vanguard's Limit Break skill, it'll get 5000 Power for this battle!"

Indeed, as Thunder Break Dragon roared, its power climbed up even higher [10000 Power + 5000 Power + 7000 Power = 22000 Power]. Bursting with overwhelming lightning, the dragon ripped forwards, its blade ablaze and ready to strike.

"I don't guard!" Agatha retorted.

"Twin Drive!" Watson cried. "First check, no Trigger! And second check... yes! Critical Trigger! Critical to Thunder Break! And the Power to Deathscythe!"

[Drive Check – Red River Dragoon – No Trigger]

[Drive Check – Spark Edge Dracokid – Critical Trigger]

Crackling with burning lightning, Thunder Break Dragon struck, its blade ripping down into the black-clad magician and tossing Agatha's Vanguard down with a roar of thunder.

"Damage Check, first," Agatha said. "No Trigger. Second check. No Trigger."

[Damage Check – Dusk Illusionist, Robert – No Trigger]

[Damage Check – Nitro Juggler – No Trigger]

"Now, with a boost from Helena, Deathscythe attacks!" Watson roared. Deathscythe lunged, readying its scythe [9000 Power + 5000 Power + 6000 Power = 20000 Power]

"Candy Clown, Skull Juggler, guard!" Agatha called. A green-clad demonic clown and a skull-juggling gremlin took shape, and were obliterated by a swing of the dragon's scythe [10000 Power + 10000 Shield + 5000 Shield = 25000 Power]

Watson frowned angrily. "So you survived... I'll finish you next turn anyway. Turn end."

Watson
Hand: 4
Front Row: Deathscythe Dragon/Thunder Break Dragon/Thunderstorm Dragoon
Back Row: Lightning of Hope, Helena/Desert Gunner, Raien/Empty
Damage: Photon Bomber Wyvern (F), Yellow Gem Carbuncle (F), Deathscythe Dragon (F), Malevolent Djinn (F)

Agatha
Hand: 4
Front Row: Empty/Nightmare Summoner, Raqiel/Empty
Back Row: Magical Partner/Empty/Empty
Damage: Big League Bear (F), Rainbow Magician (F), Jumping Jill (U), Dusk Illusionist, Robert (U), Nitro Juggler (U)

"Stand and draw," Agatha said. "Here it is... my turnaround. Peek-a-boo's skill activates from my Soul, I Soul Blast and Superior Call it!" Cackling, a demonic-looking marionette harlequin took shape, juggling knives as Agatha discarded Starting Presenter from her Soul [Peek-a-boo – 8000 Power]. "I call Purple Trapezist." Smiling, a beautiful woman dressed in a purple leotard rose up, hugging the black-clad magician tightly [Purple Trapezist – 6000 Power]. "Trapezist's skill! I move Peek-a-boo to the Soul, and Superior Call Raqiel!" Peek-a-boo faded into shadows, and a male Nightmare Summoner, Raqiel took shape in front of Magical Partner, being hugged by the elf [Nightmare Summoner, Raqiel – 10000 Power]

"Now, I call Midnight Bunny and Nightmare Doll, Alice!" A cute pink-clad bunny girl rose up behind Raqiel, while a towering red and white clad blonde-haired doll rose to the right [Midnight Bunny – 7000 Power] [Nightmare Doll, Alice – 10000 Power]. "With a boost from Trapezist, Alice attacks Thunder Break Dragon!"

Alice reached out for the lightning-swathed dragon with a colossal hand [10000 Power + 6000 Power = 16000 Power].

"I guard with Spark Edge Dracokid!" Watson retorted. A cute orange-scaled dragon wielding an amber-colored dagger took shape and Alice crushed it into motes between her fingers [10000 Power + 10000 Shield = 20000 Power].

Agatha closed her eyes. "You're not the only one who can go beyond the limits," she said. "You think because I'm part of a champion team that I've just stood still? You're wrong if that's the case. With a boost from Midnight Bunny, Raqiel attacks! And now, break through the restraints that bind you, and rise far over your limits! Limit Break!" A circle of dark energy exploded beneath Raqiel's feet, empowering the dark magician. "Raqiel has the same Limit Break as your Thunder Break Dragon: plus 5000 Power!" Raqiel raised a hand, unleashing demonic talons of shadows towards Thunder Break Dragon [10000 Power + 5000 Power + 7000 Power = 22000 Power]

"I guard with Seiobo, and Intercept with Deathscythe and Thunderstorm!" The two dragons leapt forwards, and were joined by a beautiful white-skinned woman with the lower body of a monstrous serpent [10000 Power + 10000 Shield + 5000 Shield + 5000 Shield = 30000 Power].

"Twin Drive!" Agatha retorted. "First... no Trigger! Second check, Stand Trigger! All the effects to Alice!"

[Drive Check – Peek-a-boo – No Trigger]

[Drive Check – Sky High Walker – Stand Trigger]

Raqiel's shadow claws struck, tearing the guardians into motes. "Alice attacks Thunder Break Dragon!" Alice reached out once more towards Thunder Break Dragon, and this time Watson was forced to allow her to hit. The doll struck, crushing the dragon's neck in her hand, and a card landed onto Watson's Damage.

"Get! Heal Trigger!" he exclaimed. "I can't heal, but I give the Power to Thunder Break Dragon!"

[Damage Check – Demonic Dragon Nymph, Seiobo – Heal Trigger]

Agatha smiled. "With a boost from Magical Partner, Raqiel attacks!"

"It's useless! You know I can guard!" Watson crowed.

"Oh?" Agatha replied. "I activate Partner's skill." Watson paled as he realized what in his moment of triumph, he had forgotten. "When Magical Partner boosts Nightmare Summoner, Raqiel, I can Soul Blast one card," she discarded Acrobat Cerberus, "and Raqiel gets 5000 Power for that battle!" Swathed in darkness, Raqiel unleashed the dark claws towards Thunder Break Dragon [10000 Power + 5000 Power + 6000 Power = 21000 Power].

"I... I don't guard..." Watson said, his eyes widening. The claws struck, raking over his Vanguard and forcing it to its knees. "Damage Check..." He turned over the card, staring it for a moment before finally letting it fall. "I-I lose..."

[Damage Check – Thunder Break Dragon – No Trigger]

Thunder Break Dragon howled, the lightning around its form dying as it slumped down, shattering into motes and taking the field into motes with it. "The winner is Agatha Gladstone of Team Avalon!"

VMS01

Far away from the great stadium, the other two members of Team Avalon were indeed watching the battle even as it came to its conclusion. They sat in a card shop, in the card shop which had given their team its name. Around them were tables adorned with Vanguard fields, racks of booster packs and posters prominently displaying Units all around the walls. Around them other people sat, watching the TV on one wall which was showing Agatha's fight with Watson.

One of the teammates was the same age as Agatha, with deep midnight black hair and dark blue eyes, his features sharp and his clothes plain. He wore a blue shirt and black jeans, the case at his belt dark blue in hue. The other was a year younger, with brown hair and green eyes, wearing a grey jacket over white shirt and blue jeans, his deck case silver. Both wore the same sort of gloves as Agatha and Watson, the older boy's black with white gems, the younger's silver with sapphire gems.

"Thunder Break Dragon," the older boy considered. "I wasn't expecting him to have that."

"You were expecting Vermillion?" the younger asked. "I know that's what I thought he'd have."

"Well, Eradicators are still pretty new so people haven't really gotten hold of them yet, Robert," he said. "And with Saishin as his starter, he was probably using an older deck anyway. But yeah, Vermillion was what I was expecting. Thunder Break's not bad, but most Narukami players use Vermillion if they can get it."

"Still, she won," Robert said. "That's one more game with our reputation upheld." He sighed. "It's almost boring being champions. I mean, we still have challenges, and I heard from Mary that Bright Dawn are almost ready to get back into the pros. But everything's so simple now. And the way people treat us... I don't know if this is what I wanted, Samuel."

"I know," Samuel said. "I've been thinking the same. Ever since we won last Nationals too, everyone's been acting like we're unstoppable. And there was that Continental Tournament too."

"Second place," Robert frowned. "That German team was good. Amazing, even... they're the best challenge we've ever had. And their leader, the one with the Gold Paladin deck... what was his name again? Fernau?"

"I think that was it," his friend responded. "That was amazing. Just actually being faced with something on that level, whereas here it's all... it feels like we've seen everyone." He paused. "I'm not saying Celestial Dusk or the other teams are bad, but we... we know them, that's the thing. And we've just stayed on so easily since then, and it's almost like there's nothing to fight for."

"There's still the exposure we're doing... the corruption," Robert muttered. "Though even that's..."

As if on cue, the announcer on the TV changed subjects. "Well, Team Avalon is victorious once again. And this team has a glittering reputation, since taking their championship position, their only major loss was in the European Continental Championship against the German team, headed by Germany's national champion. However, in more recent times the team has, we must remember, raised controversy in the competitive Vanguard community by conducting what they claim to be an exposure campaign of corruption at the highest levels of the professional circuit. Official investigations have begun in response to Team Avalon's accusations, but questions are mounting about the team, in particular about why they waited so long to begin talking about this, and there are in turn accusations that they waited until they had benefited from their position sufficiently before deciding to turn on the establishment."

Robert sighed. "The thing is, they're right about that. We did wait."

"I didn't want to risk kicking up a storm until your mum's debts were paid off and Joel's brother's operation was paid for," Samuel responded. "You know that's why we waited. It makes us look suspicious, but that's worth it now we can finally expose the bribes and match-fixing."

"I was talking to Mary about it the other day," he murmured. "Thing is, I've been getting mail about it. Like, some's supportive, but I got something from Morgan Kane the other day." Samuel frowned. "I know, I know. Morgan's just a colossal bully, but even so, mum read it first and she burnt it before I could. Said she didn't want me to read the sort of stuff he was saying."

"We knew there'd be people who wouldn't like what we're doing," his friend said. "It was inevitable, since some teams were making a lot of money from taking bribes. But it had to be done in the interest of fairness. We played nice for the corrupt and now we're turning around to expose them now things are safe for us to do it. What did Mary say?"

"Basically the same, that I shouldn't let it get to me," he said. "But I'm starting to worry how far they'll go to protect this. Plus... ever since I admitted I took a bribe, I've seen people just giving me these looks. At college and stuff. They never say anything, but I can tell what they're thinking. I'll keep with this to the end, because you're right, it has to be done to make an open playing field for everyone. But where will we be once it's done, Samuel?"

"It'll be okay, Robert..."

The shop door opened and the two turned to look, seeing two people enter who were clearly related. The first was about Samuel's age, a tall young man dressed in a regal white coat over a shirt and formal trousers of the same color, ending with white naval boots. He had pale, silvery blonde hair and his eyes were a strange shade of blue, akin to the sea, his hands coated by blue gloves with white gems. Behind him walked a younger boy, perhaps twelve or thirteen, who shared the hair color but had brown hair and was dressed much less formally in a red shirt and black shorts. The older boy looked around, finding Samuel and Robert and smiling.

"Can I help you?" the manager asked from behind the counter.

"It's fine... I'm here to see Samuel and Robert," the young man said. His tone was soft, even sad, and yet there was a seriousness to it which could not be denied. "If that's okay, of course."

"I suppose so. Why do you want to see them?"

"My cousin Ryan wants to meet them, and, uh... he wants to learn to play," he explained. "I said I'd teach him, but he insists on one of them." He chuckled melodically. "It's a bit inconvenient I suppose, so if it's too much of a problem..."

"No," Samuel called. "It's fine, we're not doing anything. I'll teach him. Mr. Owens, can you get out the shop Trial Decks for him?"

"Of course," the manager nodded, turning around and reaching into a cupboard, withdrawing a set of boxes and placing them on the counter, followed by four more for nine in total. "There you go, Ryan. All the Trial Decks. Just choose which one you want to play with."

Ryan gazed at the nine, seemingly awestruck. "Do I get to keep the one I use?" he asked, prompting a chuckle from his cousin.

"Sadly no," he replied. "But if you like the deck you use, I'll buy you the deck afterwards, okay?"

"Thanks, Benedict!"

"It's no problem," Benedict said, smiling. "So, which do you want to use, Ryan? There's Liberator of the Sanctuary, this new one." He indicated one emblazoned with a figure all Vanguard fighters knew, a legendary knight clad in white armor, this iteration of the legend clad in a golden cape and with golden trim to his armor. "Or you could go classic with Raging Dragon of the Empire." He indicated another deck, this one with the familiar crimson form of Dragonic Overlord on the front. "Or there's this-" he began to gesture to another deck, but Ryan had made his choice, reaching out and placing a hand on the box.

"This one!" he announced triumphantly. Benedict's smile widened as he saw his cousin's choice.

"Descendants of the Marine Emperor... I should've known," he laughed. "Well, go on then." He turned to Samuel. "So, are you going to use your own deck against him? That seems a bit unbalanced, doesn't it?"

"No, I'll use a shop Trial too," Samuel responded, crossing to them and looking over the decks. "Specifically, this." He held up a Trial Deck from the same era as Descendants of the Marine Emperor, the Slash of Silver Wolf Trial Deck.

"Gold Paladins, of course," Mr. Owens commented. "You and your Paladins, Samuel."

Samuel smiled. "So, Ryan," he said. "Let's get things ready, shall we?"

"Right," Ryan nodded. The two moved to a vacant table, Robert moving up to stand beside Benedict and overlook the game.

"First, find your starter Vanguard and set it face-down on the Vanguard circle," Samuel said. "For that deck it should be-"

"Officer Cadet of the First Battle," Benedict said immediately.

"You've seen this Trial Deck before?" Robert asked.

"I've used it a bit," he shrugged.

"Thanks, Benedict," Ryan smiled, setting the card down.

"Now, shuffle your deck," Samuel continued, the two shuffling the decks thoroughly and setting them down. "Draw five cards, and then you can take any of them you don't like, put them back, and redraw. Ideally, you want a Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 in your hand." He checked his five cards, putting three back, and Ryan chose two to return. They shuffled the decks once again, drawing to bring their hands back to five each. "And now then..."

Robert and Benedict both nodded, knowing what was coming.

"Imagine it," Samuel said quietly. "The two of us are now astral bodies who have appeared on Cray, a planet a lot like Earth. On this world, there are only two powers given to us. The first is this," he took up his Vanguard's card in hand, "the ability to possess a being from this planet to serve as an avatar through which we command our allies and fight. This power is called 'Ride'." He smiled. "So now, turn over your Vanguard to take its form on Cray and begin the battle! Stand up, Vanguard!"

"Stand up, Vanguard!" Ryan echoed. "Officer Cadet of the First Battle!"

"Grassland Breeze, Sagramore!" Samuel responded. All four of them pictured it in their minds, seeing Cray and the unfolding battlefield.

A beautiful, if eerie underwater vista formed around them, the mighty ruins of an ancient city, built all in white marble. Ornate statues and friezes adorned every building, all broken and shattered by time's cruel passage. Blue light filtered through the water from above, casting an eerie azure hue on everything. They stood in a great square somewhere in the ancient metropolis, Samuel on one side and Ryan on the other, their bodies ethereal and wrapped in light. Samuel was surrounded by golden radiance, Ryan by a rich blue-green like the ocean itself.

Ryan's form transformed first, becoming a young man about Benedict's age, with pale blue hair and eyes, dressed in a black, blue and white uniform with cyan wings rising from his shoulder blades and a futuristic, jagged trident in hand. The cadet readied his trident as he took on Ryan's features [Officer Cadet of the First Battle – 6000 Power]. Opposite Samuel transformed, taking on a young man's form dressed in loose, light clothes and a helmet shaped like a wolf's head, a bow gripped in his hands [Grassland Breeze, Sagramore – 6000 Power]

"Can I start, just to show you what to do?" Samuel asked, receiving a nod in answer. "Okay. I draw." He did so. "After you draw, you can take a card from your hand with the same Grade as your Vanguard or one higher and place it on top of the Vanguard to make your avatar a stronger one. For example," he plucked a card from his hand and played it, "I Ride Evil Slaying Swordsman, Haugan!"

His Vanguard was engulfed in golden light, transforming into an older and stronger figure clad in red and gold armor, wielding a longsword and with a great mane of crimson tossed slowly through the water by the shock of his appearance [Evil Slaying Swordsman, Haugan – 7000 Power]

"I said there were two powers given to us on Cray," Samuel said, receiving a second nod of answer. "The first is Ride. The second is the ability to bring allies to the battlefield to support and attack beside us. This power is known as 'Call'. Each turn, during the Main Phase, you can bring any number of cards from your hand to these five Rearguard Circles," he indicated the circles around his Vanguard, "so long as their Grades are equal to or lower than your Vanguard's. For instance, I now call Charjgal!"

With a snarl, a regal golden wolf with a double-bladed sword clutched in its jaws rose up behind Haugan, snarling fiercely [Charjgal – 6000 Power]

"However, since I had the first turn, I can't attack this turn," he concluded. "I'll now pass over to you."

Samuel
Hand: 4
Front Row: Empty/Evil Slaying Swordsman, Haugan/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Charjgal/Empty
Damage: None

Ryan
Hand: 5
Front Row: Empty/Officer Cadet of the First Battle/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Empty
Damage: None

"Okay," Ryan murmured, drawing. "I Ride... Tear Knight, Theo!"

Officer Cadet of the First Battle faded in azure light, which in turn dimmed to reveal a grim, experienced-looking man with pale skin, dressed in a plain white naval uniform. He wielded a high-tech rifle in hand, gazing coldly over at Haugan and Charjgal before Ryan's enthusiasm took over his features [Tear Knight, Theo – 8000 Power]

"And now, I call Tear Knight, Cyprus!"

A second figure rose at Theo's side, also dressed in a white uniform but with purple hair, wings formed from water and wielding a futuristic crossbow [Tear Knight, Cyprus – 7000 Power].

"Okay... I attack like this, right?" He placed a hand on Cyprus, turning the card to horizontal.

"That's right," Samuel nodded, holding back a frown. "That's common knowledge but even so, if he already knows that..."

"Cyprus attacks Haugan!" Ryan exclaimed.

"No guard," Samuel replied.

Cyprus soared upwards, aiming his crossbow and firing a volley of laser bolts which impacted with Haugan. They exploded on impact, knocking the swordsman reeling.

"When an attack successfully hits your Vanguard, you do what's called a Damage Check," he continued. "You turn over the top card of your deck and move it to the Damage Zone, and if it has a Trigger effect, it activates." He examined the card. "No Trigger."

[Damage Check – Blessing Owl – No Trigger]

"Okay, now Theo attacks your Vanguard!"

"No guard," Samuel murmured. "When your Vanguard attacks, you Drive Check-"

"I know," Ryan nodded. "I've seen this bit. Drive Check... no Trigger."

[Drive Check – Titan of the Infinite Trench – No Trigger]

"He knows about Drive Checks... he seems to know already so why is this happening?" Samuel thought, troubled.

Theo opened fire, unleashing a flurry of laser bullets which smashed into Haugan and staggered him once again.

"Damage Check, no Trigger."

[Damage Check – Battlefield Storm, Sagramore – No Trigger]

"I end my turn," Ryan concluded.

Ryan
Hand: 5
Front Row: Tear Knight, Cyprus/Tear Knight, Theo/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Empty
Damage: None

Samuel
Hand: 4
Front Row: Empty/Evil Slaying Swordsman, Haugan/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Charjgal/Empty
Damage: Blessing Owl (U), Battlefield Storm, Sagramore (U)

"Something's not right about this," Samuel thought as he drew. "I Ride Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains," he called.

His Vanguard transformed once more, donning heavy crimson and gold armor with a regal cape, and drawing a golden scimitar and a shield adorned with a noble lion [Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains – 10000 Power].

"And now I call Silver Fang Witch! Charging Chariot Knight!"

Two Units formed to occupy his left hand column, a buxom golden-eyed sorceress dressed in silver robes with a wolf theme, and wielding a staff topped by a stylised wolf head, followed by a knight in silver wolf-themed armor wielding a spear, atop a chariot pulled by silver wolves [Silver Fang Witch – 5000 Power] [Charging Chariot Knight – 8000 Power]

"Fang Witch's skill," he continued. "When I call her, I send two cards from the Soul to the Drop Zone and draw one card." He discarded Grassland Breeze and Haugan from the Soul, making a draw. "If you have a Rearguard behind your attacking Unit, if that Rearguard is Grade 1 or less, it can rest along with the attacking Unit to lend its power to the attack. Like this, with a boost from Fang Witch, Chariot Knight attacks Theo! And also, Chariot Knight's skill! When it attacks, if I have fewer cards in my hand than you, it gets an extra 3000 Power for this battle!"

Glowing with light, the chariot-riding knight urged his mount forwards, spear ready to strike Theo [8000 Power + 3000 Power + 5000 Power = 16000 Power]

"I don't guard," Ryan responded.

Chariot Knight struck as his chariot surged past Theo, striking the Tear Knight with his spear. The blade stabbed through Theo's chest, but as soon as it was withdrawn, the wound sealed closed.

"Check... no Trigger," Ryan said.

[Damage Check – Battle Siren, Cynthia – No Trigger]

"Now, with a boost from Charjgal, Beaumains attacks!"

Beaumains roared his battle cry, launching himself at Theo and drawing back his scimitar [10000 Power + 6000 Power = 16000 Power]

"No guard."

"Okay then... Drive Check." There was a sapphire flash. "Stand Trigger! I give all the effects to Chariot Knight, so it stands and gets 5000 more Power until the turn's over!"

[Drive Check – Fortune Bell – Stand Trigger]

Beaumains struck, his blade ripping through Theo, only for the wound to effortlessly close once more as soon as the scimitar had left it. Frowning, the knight leapt away.

[Damage Check – Coral Assault – No Trigger]

"Now, Chariot Knight attacks again," Samuel said. "With his skill, he powers up. Also, you don't just have to sit there taking attacks. If you want, you can also call Units from your hand to protect you. You can call any number of Units to this Guardian Circle, and if their Shield values combined with the Power of your attacked Unit add up to more than my attacking Unit's Power, my attack fails."

"Okay... I guard with Dolphin Soldier of High Speed Raids!" Ryan answered.

A blue dolphin adorned in futuristic armor rose up in Chariot Knight's path and was effortlessly cut down by the knight. However, its sacrifice shielded Theo from harm [8000 Power + 10000 Shield = 18000 Power]

"I end my turn," Samuel concluded quietly.

Samuel
Hand: 4
Front Row: Charging Chariot Knight/Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains/Empty
Back Row: Silver Fang Witch/Charjgal/Empty
Damage: Blessing Owl (U), Battlefield Storm, Sagramore (U)

Ryan
Hand: 4
Front Row: Tear Knight, Cyprus/Tear Knight, Theo/Empty
Back Row: Empty/Empty/Empty
Damage: Battle Siren, Cynthia (U), Coral Assault (U)

"Okay... stand and draw," Ryan murmured. "I Ride Tear Knight, Lazarus!"

His Vanguard was engulfed in azure light, a slender, lithe pale-skinned man emerged, dressed in the now-familiar white uniform. Fin-like wings spread behind him as he drew a flexible whip-like sword [Tear Knight, Lazarus – 10000 Power]

"Cyprus moves back... I call Titan of the Infinite Trench, Coral Assault, and Battle Siren, Dorothea!"

In flashes of blue light, the Units arose, a towering golem-like machine of metal and green stone, a white-clad marine riding a jetski adapted with a gatling laser cannon, and finally a beautiful black-haired mermaid with a blue tail, dressed in white and wielding a trident [Titan of the Infinite Trench – 8000 Power] [Coral Assault – 8000 Power] [Battle Siren, Dorothea – 6000 Power]

"Dorothea," Benedict murmured in that soft, melodic tone. "That'll be trouble for Samuel, especially if Ryan has what I think."

Robert looked at him. "You mean..."

Benedict nodded. "Ryan's holding up pretty well." He smiled. "I guess I should've expected that. He's always been good at things like this."

"Coral Assault attacks Chariot Knight!" Ryan called.

Coral Assault opened fire with the gatling cannon, obliterating a defenseless Chariot Knight.

"Next, boosted by Cyprus, Titan attacks Beaumains!"

"Fortune Bell guards!"

As the gigantic figure lashed out with a fierce punch [8000 Power + 7000 Power = 15000 Power], a cute sylph with white butterfly wings appeared, wielding a large bell, and was smashed into light by Titan's punch [10000 Power + 10000 Shield = 20000 Power]

"Okay," Ryan smiled. "Boosted by Dorothea, Lazarus attacks Beaumains! And Dorothea's skill! It's the third battle this turn, so she boosts my Vanguard by an extra 4000 Power!"

Swathed in azure light, Lazarus elegantly rushed forward, smiling as he drew back his blade [10000 Power + 6000 Power + 4000 Power = 20000 Power]

"No guard," Samuel replied, knowing he simply couldn't stop this attack.

"Drive Check..." There was a golden flash and Samuel's eyes widened. "Yes! Critical Trigger! Everything to Lazarus!"

[Drive Check – Battleship Intelligence – Critical Trigger]

Lazarus struck into Beaumains, his sword lashing out to rip over the knight's armored form.

"Damage Check... Draw Trigger! Power to Beaumains and I draw! And second. No Trigger," Samuel murmured.

[Damage Check – Weapons Dealer, Gwydion – Draw Trigger]

[Damage Check – Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth – No Trigger]

"He definitely knew what that Critical Trigger did... this doesn't feel right..." Samuel frowned.

"I end my turn!" Ryan exclaimed.

Ryan
Hand: 2
Front Row: Titan of the Infinite Trench/Tear Knight, Lazarus/Coral Assault
Back Row: Tear Knight, Cyprus/Battle Siren, Dorothea/Empty
Damage: Battle Siren, Cynthia (U), Coral Assault (U)

Samuel
Hand: 4
Front Row: Empty/Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains/Empty
Back Row: Silver Fang Witch/Charjgal/Empty
Damage: Blessing Owl (U), Battlefield Storm, Sagramore (U), Weapons Dealer, Gwydion (U), Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth (U)

"Stand and draw," Samuel declared. "I Ride Sleygal Double Edge!"

With a fearsome howl, his Vanguard transformed once more, taking the form of a majestic and noble white-furred wolf adorned in icy blue armor, with cold blue eyes. It wielded a majestic double-edged blade which shone like ice in its jaws, its fearsome eyes glaring at the opposition as coldly as the harshest of winter nights [Sleygal Double Edge – 10000 Power]

"So he's not here... the Silver Wolf himself is absent," Benedict mused. "That'll make things difficult."

"And now, I call Sacred Guardian Beast, Nemean Lion, and Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth!"

Snarling, a fearsome crimson lion rose in front of Fang Witch, while on the other side of his field, a crimson and gold-armored knight took shape, drawing a lightly curved sword [Sacred Guardian Beast, Nemean Lion – 8000 Power] [Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth – 8000 Power].

"Gareth attacks Coral Assault!"

Shouting aloud, Gareth rushed at the marine with blade held ready.

"Guard, Battleship Intelligence!"

Silently a holographic projection of a naval officer took form and Gareth sliced it into motes of data, retreating with a furious glare at Coral Assault [8000 Power + 10000 Shield = 18000 Power]

"With a boost from Fang Witch, Nemean Lion attacks Titan!"

Howling, Nemean Lion leapt at the mighty being and crashed it to the city floor, shattering it [8000 Power + 5000 Shield = 13000 Power]

"And now, with a boost from Charjgal, Double Edge attacks your Vanguard!"

With a roar, Sleygal Double Edge leapt at Lazarus, glowing with icy light [10000 Power + 6000 Power = 16000 Power]

"No guard," Ryan answered.

"Twin Drive, first! Critical Trigger! I give the Critical to Double Edge and the Power to Nemean Lion!"

[Drive Check – Silent Punisher – Critical Trigger]

"Second!" He held up another card. "No Trigger."

[Drive Check – Evil Slaying Swordsman, Haugan – No Trigger]

Double Edge struck, its majestic blade cleaving over Lazarus' chest and ripping through it, though once again the wound instantly closed itself.

Ryan checked two cards, halting on the second as crimson flashed. "Draw Trigger," he declared. "Power to Lazarus and I draw."

[Damage Check – Vital Anchor, David – No Trigger]

[Damage Check – Sea Otter Soldier of Pyroxene Communication – Draw Trigger]

Samuel frowned. "I end my turn."

Samuel
Hand: 4
Front Row: Sacred Guardian Beast, Nemean Lion/Sleygal Double Edge/Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth
Back Row: Silver Fang Witch/Charjgal/Empty
Damage: Blessing Owl (U), Battlefield Storm, Sagramore (U), Weapons Dealer, Gwydion (U), Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth (U)

Ryan
Hand: 2
Front Row: Empty/Tear Knight, Lazarus/Coral Assault
Back Row: Tear Knight, Cyprus/Battle Siren, Dorothea/Empty
Damage: Battle Siren, Cynthia (U), Coral Assault (U), Vital Anchor, David (U), Sea Otter Soldier of Pyroxene Communication (U)

"Stand and draw," Ryan said. "Now... I'll show you. This is Aqua Force. This is justice!" He took a card, holding it up. "The tides are my power, my unstoppable force! They'll sweep away every enemy in my way! I Ride... Naval Gazer Dragon!"

Raging, a mighty tempest erupted around his Vanguard, transforming and empowering it. A monstrous blue dragon rose up, with immense fins, great fangs and a long, pale white horn, its eyes as deep and dark as the depths of some endless oceanic abyss. It wielded a futuristic harpoon gun, roaring ferociously as its very presence stirred the oceans to rage [Naval Gazer Dragon – 10000 Power]

"I call Accelerated Commando and Splash Assault!"

Behind Coral Assault, some kind of aquatic horse rose up, clad in futuristic armor, while a variant on Coral Assault appeared before Cyprus, the jetski's rider wielding a sword [Accelerated Commando – 6000 Power] [Splash Assault – 6000 Power]

"Accelerated Commando's skill! When I call this unit to my Rearguard, one of my other Aqua Force gets 2000 Power this turn! Naval Gazer powers up!"

Naval Gazer glowed with eerie blue aquatic light [Naval Gazer Dragon – 12000 Power]

"And here it comes," Benedict smiled, looking at his cousin. "That power..."

"Naval Gazer Dragon's skill!" Ryan exclaimed. "Go beyond your limits, Limit Break!" He flipped over two Damage. "With Naval Gazer's Limit Break, it gets 3000 Power and a new skill! And now, once again! Limit Break!"

"Twice in one turn?!" Robert exclaimed.

Two circles of blue light exploded beneath Naval Gazer one after the other, the dragon roaring with immense pride as power surged through its form [Naval Gazer Dragon – 18000 Power]

"With a boost from Cyprus, Splash Assault attacks Nemean Lion!" Ryan commanded.

Splash Assault rocketed forwards and with a sweep of his blade cut down the Sacred Guardian Beast.

"One battle... now, with a boost from Commando, Coral Assault attacks Gareth!"

Coral Assault opened fire and with Samuel making no move to protect him, Gareth was blasted to pieces.

"Two... and here's the third," Ryan smiled. "With a boost from Dorothea, Naval Gazer Dragon attacks your Vanguard! Naval Gazer Dragon's other skill activates, when it attacks, if it's the third battle or more, it gets 3000 Power! Also, Dorothea's skill activates, giving it plus 4000 Power!"

Roaring, Naval Gazer unleashed a spear of azure light from its futuristic weapon towards Sleygal Double Edge [18000 Power + 3000 Power + 6000 Power + 4000 Power = 31000 Power]

"If this attack hits, he'll be able to activate Naval Gazer's skill... but I just can't stop this, not safely..." Samuel thought, looking over his hand. "No guard!"

"Twin Drive," Ryan announced. "First check," he held up the card, "no Trigger. And second check." He frowned. "No Trigger."

[Drive Check – Tear Knight, Theo – No Trigger]

[Drive Check – Titan of the Infinite Trench – No Trigger]

Sleygal Double Edge howled in pain as the azure light lanced into it, crashing it down into the stone of the majestic city.

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

[Damage Check – Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains – No Trigger]

Ryan punched the air, smiling. "Naval Gazer's skill! Since its attack hit the Vanguard, I can stand two of my Aqua Force Rearguards! And since I used the Limit Break twice, it has that skill twice! So..."

"You get to stand four Rearguards," Benedict said softly, smiling.

"Four?!" Robert exclaimed.

"Splash Assault, Coral Assault, Cyprus, Accelerated Commando... STAND!" Ryan cried, standing the two Rearguard columns. "Now, boosted by Cyprus, Splash Assault attacks Sleygal! Splash Assault's skill! If it's the third or more battle of the turn, he gets 3000 Power!"

Splash Assault raced towards Sleygal Double Edge with his sword at the ready [6000 Power + 3000 Power + 7000 Power = 16000 Power]

"I guard with Silent Punisher!" Samuel retorted.

Smirking, a blue-armored warrior with demonic features appeared, wielding two thin shortswords. He intercepted Splash Assault, slashing at the marine with his blades and forcing him to retreat [10000 Power+ 10000 Shield = 20000 Power]

Ryan frowned. "With a boost from Accelerated Commando, Coral Assault attacks! Coral Assault has the same skill as Splash Assault!"

"Elixir Sommelier, guard!"

Coral Assault opened fire once again [8000 Power + 3000 Power + 6000 Power = 17000 Power], but a white-clad man bearing a goblet adorned with black horse motifs rose up and was blasted to motes by the hail of lasers [10000 Power + 10000 Shield = 20000 Power].

Ryan's frown grew. "I... end my turn," he muttered.

Ryan
Hand: 2
Front Row: Splash Assault/Naval Gazer Dragon/Coral Assault
Back Row: Tear Knight, Cyprus/Battle Siren, Dorothea/Accelerated Commando

Damage: Battle Siren, Cynthia (F), Coral Assault (F), Vital Anchor, David (F), Sea Otter Soldier of Pyroxene Communication (F)

Samuel
Hand: 2
Front Row: Empty/Sleygal Double Edge/Empty
Back Row: Silver Fang Witch/Charjgal/Empty
Damage: Blessing Owl (U), Battlefield Storm, Sagramore (U), Weapons Dealer, Gwydion (U), Knight of Elegant Skills, Gareth (U), Knight of Superior Skills, Beaumains (U)

"Stand and draw," Samuel murmured. He saw the card he had drawn, gazing at it. "You... you're here now. So it's time to finish this... I know his hand and I know I can win here."

"Limit Break is a powerful skill," he commented. "The power to surpass one's limits in the most desperate situations... your dragon's Limit Break is a great example of that. But Limit Break isn't exclusive to one Clan. All Clans wield that power. Now, let me show you a Gold Paladin Limit Break!" He held up a card, smiling as he chanted. "Great silver wolf, howl with the will to liberate your comrades, and with your fangs break down all that would stand against your dream! I Ride... Great Silver Wolf, Garmore!"

Golden light engulfed Sleygal Double Edge as it howled, transforming in a blaze of power. A new figure rose, a majestic knight clad in armor of the purest gold sculpted to resemble the proud, noble wolf. He wielded gauntlets adorned with claw-like blades, and a blue cape billowed behind him as he howled. Eyes burning with conviction, Garmore rose, gazing ferociously at the Aqua Force Units on the opposing field [Great Silver Wolf, Garmore – 10000 Power]

"Garmore's skill!" Samuel announced. "When I Ride this Unit, I can Counterblast two to Superior Call a Grade 2 or lower Gold Paladin from my deck! Come, Sleygal Sword!"

In front of Silver Fang Witch, a noble blue-furred wolf rose up, wielding a curved blue saber in its jaws [9000 Power]

"And now, call! Haugan! Weapons Dealer, Gwydion!"

Filling the last spaces on his field were the red and gold-clad swordsman, and a squat gnome clad in purple armor styled after an elephant, wielding a burning crimson sword [Evil Slaying Swordsman, Haugan – 7000 Power] [Weapons Dealer, Gwydion – 5000 Power]

"I now have four Gold Paladin Rearguards besides Sleygal Sword, so I can activate its skill," Samuel said. "I can Counterblast to have it gain 2000 Power for this turn, and I'll use that skill three times!" Ryan's eyes widened as he realized what this meant.

Sleygal Sword blazed with golden light, growling ferociously as it powered up [Sleygal Sword – 15000 Power].

"With a boost from Haugan, Gwydion attacks Coral Assault!"

"Theo, guard!"

Gwydion struck at Coral Assault, but was intercepted by the white-clad Tear Knight, cutting Theo down and retreating with a grumble [8000 Power + 5000 Shield = 13000 Power]

"Boosted by Silver Fang Witch, Sleygal Sword attacks Naval Gazer Dragon!" Samuel continued.

With a snarl, Sleygal Sword leapt for Naval Gazer [15000 Power + 5000 Power = 20000 Power], ripping its blade across the dragon's chest.

"Damage Check... Heal Trigger!" Ryan exclaimed triumphantly.

"You can't heal," Samuel observed.

"Even so, Power to Naval Gazer!" his opponent called.

[Damage Check – Medical Officer of the Rainbow Elixir – Heal Trigger]

"It won't change what's about to happen," Samuel murmured. "Here I go... with my final attack! With a boost from Charjgal, Garmore attacks! Charjgal's skill! When it boosts Great Silver Wolf, Garmore, I can Soul Blast one," he discarded Beaumains from his Soul, "and Garmore gets 5000 Power for that battle!"

"It's okay... so long as he doesn't get a Trigger, I can still guard," Ryan thought, smiling.

"You think you can guard... have you already forgotten what I said?" his opponent said. Ryan paled as he remembered Samuel's words.

"Now, let me show you a Gold Paladin Limit Break!"

"You mean...?!"

"Howling silver wolf, go beyond your limits!" Samuel announced. "Limit Break!" He paused for a moment. "With Garmore's Limit Break, when he attacks a Vanguard, he gets plus 5000 Power!"

Garmore howled as he charged at Naval Gazer Dragon, a golden circle of light bursting beneath him as he surged forward. He was pure power, a natural disaster in human form, unstoppable and utterly destructive to all in his path. Burning with that golden light, he struck forth, his eyes golden with conviction and fury [10000 Power + 5000 Power + 6000 Power + 5000 Power = 26000 Power]

"I... I can't guard!" Ryan cried.

"Twin Drive," his opponent said. "First check. No Trigger."

[Drive Check – Blessing Owl – No Trigger]

"And second check... no Trigger."

[Drive Check – Precipice Whirlwind, Sagramore – No Trigger]

With a fierce roar, Garmore struck, leaping past a swing of Naval Gazer Dragon's tail and lashing out with one clawed gauntlet. The shining blades struck into the dragon's chest, effortlessly cleaving through its armor like a knife through butter and sinking into its blue scaly flesh. Naval Gazer roared in agony as Garmore's blades impaled it, throwing back its head and letting its weapon fall as it staggered back. Grimly, Garmore pulled his gauntlet free, leaving the dragon to begin to topple.

[Damage Check – Tear Knight, Lazarus – No Trigger]

With a final roar of pain, Naval Gazer Dragon crashed to the hard white stone, shattering into blue motes. Standing in silence, the Aqua Force Units around it faded away too, and finally Samuel's victorious Gold Paladins faded into golden motes, the city vanishing as well.

"You win..." Ryan murmured. "But still, thanks for the fight!"

"It's no problem," Samuel replied quietly. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"So, did you like that deck, Ryan?" Benedict asked, smiling.

"Yeah... could you get it for me?"

"I promised I would," his cousin chuckled. "So sure." He headed over to the counter with the boy as Samuel packed the two decks away, staring after them.

"Something wasn't right about that," he murmured. "It's like Ryan knew how to play already."

"Maybe he just wanted to fight one of us," Robert shrugged, but he was troubled too. His gaze fixed on Benedict's gloves. "Those gloves... those are..." He looked down at his own hands and the gloves he wore.

"He's wearing Vanguard Fight gloves," Samuel realized, frowning.

Benedict handed Mr. Owens a bank note and received a copy of the Descendants of the Marine Emperor Trial Deck in return, handing it to his cousin. He turned back to Samuel and Robert. "Thank you for that," he said. "We need to go now, but I hope we can meet again someday. It'd be nice to fight you myself." He smiled hazily and locked gazes with Robert for the briefest moment, before leaving along with Ryan.

"What was that all about?" Robert murmured.

VMS01

At the bottom of Winchester, standing atop a roundabout, there was a great statue. Rising proud atop two blocks of stone was a black figure, a majestic king wielding a sword. Benedict stood, staring up at the statue.

"King Alfred," he considered. "A king who fought as hard as he could to overcome his enemies and prevail, to achieve his goals." He stared at the statue for a moment more before moving on, leading his cousin safely over the read and into a wide open park. The two passed crowds of people who were enjoying the sunlight. Some lay sunbathing, others ran around kicking footballs. The two easily navigated the crowds, eventually coming to a young man sat alone.

He was dressed in light green, a shirt and shorts, his wild hair brown and his eyes a warm green. Like Benedict he wore Vanguard Fight gloves, his green with orange gems, and he was petting a black and white cat, smiling as he looked up at the two.

"How were they?" he asked.

"Friendly enough," Benedict responded. "I see you found a friend since we left, Noel." He indicated the cat.

"Well, he was all alone, and I couldn't resist," Noel smiled. "How'd Ryan do?"

"He lost," the other young man replied. "In any case, it was interesting meeting them. Even if Agatha wasn't there, sadly. I know you'd have liked to meet her."

Noel chuckled. "Yeah. Oh well, it can't be helped. And I'll meet her soon enough anyway." He gazed around the park, thinking. "You know, this isn't a bad city. It's pretty quiet compared to London."

"Or Plymouth," Benedict murmured. A phone rang, interrupting the silence, and he retrieved it from his pocket, answering it. "Hello?"

"I assume you've finished your meeting?"

"Yes, Mr. Blake," he replied. "It was... interesting."

"What did you think of Samuel and Robert?"

"They seemed nice enough. Good people, I suppose."

"Good people..." Mr. Blake echoed. "Yes, I suppose they are. Good champions. But I think you and Noel can take them down. You guys certainly have the potential, and with my daughters on your side..."

"How are they, anyway?" Benedict cut in.

"Fine... Melanie's a little ill, but she should be fine for the games. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. And I look forward to seeing you two again soon. Goodbye, Benedict."

"Goodbye," Benedict responded, and hung up.

"So, what did the boss have to say?" Noel sighed, gently petting the cat a bit more.

"He wanted to know how we got on, nothing much else. In any case, we'd better get going. That parking ticket'll run out soon." Noel looked at the cat.

"Can I bring this little guy with us?"

Benedict sighed. "Okay. But you're looking after it, Noel. And that means taking it to the vet to make sure it's okay."

"Right." He got up, but as he did so the cat lunged, scratching his arm and writhing free. It streaked away across the grass as Noel helplessly stared after it.

"I guess it doesn't like you..." Ryan commented.

"I dunno," Noel shrugged, examining the shallow red lines on his arm from the cat's claws. "Let's go." As the three walked away, Benedict looked up into the deep, rich blue of the sky. Everything seemed perfect. The sun beat down with its heat and light, and the skies seemed unblemished. But as he looked to the horizon, he saw the merest hint of dark clouds. A storm was approaching. A storm which would upset the status quo and throw things into chaos.

Silently, he placed a hand on the blue deck case at his belt.

VMS01

Card of the Day:

Great Silver Wolf, Garmore
Grade 3/Twin Drive!
United Sanctuary – Human – Gold Paladin
10000 Power/No Shield/Critical 1
Auto [V]: [Limit Break 4] When this unit attacks a vanguard, this unit gets [Power]+5000 until end of that battle.
Auto [V]: [Counterblast 2] When this unit is placed on (VC), you may pay the cost. If you do, search your deck for up to one grade 2 or less «Gold Paladin», call it to (RC), and shuffle your deck.
'Roar, silver wolf of the Gods! Glorious Break!'

Desiring to free his Paladin brethren, Garmore has put on The Armor of the Silver Wolf, one of the Treasures of the United Sanctuary Nation. Gathering his scattered friends and allies, he helped to form the Gold Paladins, and because he was a knight who interacted with the former legendary heroes, he serves as mediator and manager for the new order in place of the absent Leaders. The Armor of the Silver Wolf he wears is one of the legendary pieces of armor that is said to choose their masters at will. The soul of the silver wolf has finally been awakened and has found a master to serve again after many years of slumber.

VMS01

Author's Notes: For those of you wondering about Titan of the Infinite Trench, yes, that is Aqua Force's S-Special Intercept card, currently named on Vanguard Wiki as Matchless Trench Titan. In the latest dub episode at the time of writing (Daigo vs. Leon), it was named as Titan of the Infinite Trench, so I'm making the assumption that that is in fact the official name.

I decided to start putting this up now since I actually have up to Chapter 4 complete right now. However, after I put that up you can probably expect no more chapters for a while. The reason for this is that the upcoming Trial Deck 10 and presumably Set 12 are featuring Shadow Paladin cards. Obviously, since Samuel uses Shadow Paladins, I want to wait for those to be revealed before I do too much with him (that's also why his fight this chapter had him using the Slash of Silver Wolf deck), particularly given that Blaster Dark is probably going to be a big figure in the new Shadow Paladins. My current prediction for the release of the Trial Deck and Set 12 is basically May for the Deck and June for Set 12 (incidentally I reckon Pale Moon will also be in Set 12, and possibly Dimension Police, and if both of them are, Set 12 would be the best gift ever for Robert, Samuel and Agatha given the last time all three of their Clans shared a set was Set 5), so we shouldn't have too long to wait, hopefully.

For those who might be wondering why I don't just use the Shadow Paladins we have available for now to keep going... well, that'd be a total of three new cards for Samuel excluding fakes (which I'm trying to tone down the use of), and given the choice between that or waiting for what I expect to be a ton of new cards, I'd rather wait and see what Bushiroad has in store for Vanguard's second most neglected Clan of late (the most neglected being Nubatama). The other reason would be that another major player in Midnight Sun uses Shadow Paladins, and ideally I want to differentiate their deck from Samuel's, which hopefully new support will allow me to do. So yeah.