Cardfight!! Vanguard: Burning Spirit Episode 2

Cardfight!! Vanguard: Burning Spirit

Episode 2: Rebirth of the Overlord

“You have no hope of winning. Might as well give up, now.” Ushio said, his eyes with that colour, it was all too strange and it gave me chills. I rubbed it off and said to him.

“Who are you to look down on me?” Looking at him furiously, he was starting to get on my nerves. Ushio looked at me, cool and uncaring,

“Quiet, you’re obviously below me, just like you sister’s boyfriend.” Ushio said, just smiling with such sinister eyes. At this time, Kiriko and her friends past the area I was near, her friends pointed it out what I was doing over there.

“Your brother seems to be getting his but handed to him.” One of her friends said, then the other pipped up and said. “You said it sister.” 

They Laughed so loud that it could be herd throughout the courtyard. Kiriko was just watching in the background while her friends went on about how hot and sexy Ushio was.

What are you doing Shinichi? she thought, I could barely contain my anger towards this guy.

“Hope you’ve said your prayers.” Ushio said, taking the card and was ready to ride to the next grade.

“Nobel white wings of pride, spread through the sky and take flight. Proud knight, lead the charge! Ride the Vanguard! Solitary Knight, Gancelot!” Blaster Blade ignited into blue, glowing light and was replaced with the silver knight from his tournament win, grade 3 with 9000 power. The battle was only just getting started. Ushio took two cards and placed them onto the open Rear-Guard circles.

“I call Little Sage Marron, Knight of the Harp Tristan and Knight of Rose, Morgana!” Ushio said, placing the cards down, Marron appears again but behind Tristan, a young knight with white hair, covered by white armour with golden tints, a blue cape and a white toga with golden outlines, wielding a light blade in his left hand and a harp in his right, grade 2 with 8000 power. Morgana appears next to Gancelot of his left, she is a woman of the knightly order, with blond hair and silky white clothing, with bionic arms and legs and armed with a light blade with a rose like grip, grade 1 with 6000 power. Ushio flips two his damage cards over and announces.

“Counterblast 2, Gancelot’s skill. While Blaster Blade is in the soul, Gancelot is given +5000 power and +1 Critical.” Gancelot has a blue aura around him, indicating that he’s powered up; his power went from 9000 up to +14000 and +2 Critical, John looks at me; I can see he’s afraid for me.

“Come on man, don’t give up.” John said. In an obvious shaken tone but also very encouraging and supportive. Which is more than what the others were doing. They we’re all rooting for Ushio to win, they all did, my sister’s friends, the other grade elevens and even those who are part of John’s vanguard group. I could see John wasn’t happy with them, but I needed to worry about this assault. Ushio turns Morgana and says.

“Knight of Rose, Morgana will attack your Vanguard first, I also activate her skill. By tossing one card in the Drop Zone, her attack is increased by +4000 power!” Morgana’s aura showed that her power was increased from 6000 to +10000; she raised her blade and charged at Nehalem, my Vanguard. I took a card from my hand a placed it on the Guardian Circle.

“I Guard, with Dragon Dancer, Monica.” I said, a woman with long dark brown hair wearing tribal dancer clothing made of dragon scales, grade 0 with 5000 Shield. Morgana strikes Monica down with one fatal slash across her chest. Monica explodes into red sparks, but Morgana cannot continue her assault, she has been pushed back, I smiled and sighed that I got through one attack, but two more were coming up.

“Don’t breathe a sigh of relief just yet, I’m far from done!” Ushio yelled, his eyes glowing again and turning Wingal and Gancelot, forwarding the attack. Ushio then said.

“Wingal boosts Gancelot, and he attack Nehalem!” Gancelot now had Wingal’s blue aura, his power went from 14000, add by Wingal’s 6000 power it became +20000 power and he still had a +2 Critical. Gancelot charged at Nehalem, raising his blade up as his Pegasus took flight.

“No Guard.” I said, hoping to survive this attack.

“Twin Drive.” Ushio took the first card and revealed it, and it was a Trigger.

“Critical Trigger, I give +5000 power to Tristan and the Critical to Gancelot. Second check, no Trigger.” Tristan glowed blue and his power was increased to +13000 power from his regular 8000, Gancelot had another Critical and was at +3 Critical. I was about to see some major damage. Gancelot flew up to where Nehalem was and struck him with his sword coming down. Gancelot flew back to where he stood before. Nehalem cried in pain and held his chest. I started to sweat a bit from this fight, Ushio still had that smile, the type of smile that a deranged madman would have, I knew that I had to try and defeat him.

“Damage check.” I took the damage, the second, and last the third. This glowed yellow and turned out to be a Trigger.

“Draw Trigger, +5000 power to my Vanguard, and I draw 1card.” Nehalem gained power and was up to +15000. Nehalem stood back up, but still had his hand on his chest, after a few seconds he picked his javelin up and steadied himself. I was now nerves, thinking I wouldn’t be able to survive this last attack.

“Boosted by Marron, Tristan attack! This is the end!” He said as he turned the cards, Ushio was now laughing manically; I had to do something and quick. Tristan now glowed blue with Marron’s aura his 13000 power was now pilled one by Marron’s 8000, making him +21000 power. Tristan lunged forward to Nehalem, with his blade is hand he tried to come down from above that slice Nehalem in half.

“You see, this is the winning image I saw, PSY Qualia has shown me the way. Now perish!” Ushio said, pointing at me as he said the last words of his speech. I had a question for him, exactly what is this, PSY Qualia? Did he use it the tournament to win? Do I possess such a thing? But that would have to wait, I needed to win, I have to win and I will win.

“Guard! Embodiment of Spear, Tahr!” I said, courageously and not letting my fears stop me. I placed the card on the Guardian Circle and Ushio look surprised, for the first time I’ve made a dent. Tahr is a human male, dressed in Arab like headdress and clothing, wielding a steel spear with a weird attachment near the end of it, grade 0 with 10000 Shield. Tahr was my guardian; I now had enough to protect myself. Nehalem was 15000 thanks to the Trigger, top that with Tahr’s Shield of 10000 I was now at +25000, more than Tristan’s 21000 power. Tahr raised his spear above his head from where Tristan was about the come down from, Tristan’s blade sliced through Tahr and his spear, Tahr vanished. Tristan made a desperate attempt to attack Nehalem but was blocked by his shield; after Nehalem pushed his weapon away he then smacked him with the blunt end of his javelin. Tristan fell of the dragon doing back flips and landing safely on the ground next to Gancelot.

“Nice man!” John said. Cheering me on, I was now able to breathe a sigh of relief. Now that I guarded that attack, he couldn’t continue his turn. Shinichi 5 damage and Ushio, 4 damage. I was ready to end this fight, and Ushio looked frightened.

“I don’t believe it; my PSY Qualia showed me Tristan would finished you this turn how… How is it that you 

stopped it?! I don’t get it, this isn’t the way I pictured it!” Ushio said, his eyes were close from his anger, I couldn’t understand what PSY Qualia was, but I guessed that it was some type of future telling ability, that it shows what unit will end the game for you. That much I understood, but I had to say something.

“You didn’t win this turn because; I think that you have relied too much on that power.” I said, trying to get to him somehow, his response, however was very frightening.

“SHUT UP! What the hell do you know? I’ve grown stronger thanks to this power, and that is all I care for, POWER!” Ushio yelled out, we all looked a bit scared, even myself. But I had to get to him, I had to say something. His black hair covered his eyes, his anger was very visible by the way he was bearing his teeth, everyone was confused and worried for Ushio, they didn’t understand what was going on; they must have thought we were putting on some type of show, I finally said something to break the tension.

“Sure, I might not understand what you’ve gone through to think that power is the only thing that matters, but I can guess. You have someone in your family, that needs your help, and you think the best way to help is to become this.” Ushio looked up at me, I could see that he was holding back tears, but the look he gave me; it wasn’t anger or anything on that level, it was an understanding surprise look, as if I knew him very well.

“How….. Did you know?” Ushio asked, he only have one tear come down his left eye, I smiled at him, I knew that I had finally gotten to him, I…. Have made an acquaintance of him.

“Because…. I’m going through the same thing as you.” I said to him, hoping to get across to him personality, but we still had a match to finish. I felt something, something I’ve never felt before, it was happiness. I felt happy for the first time in ages, and I was having some much fun. But I also felt courage, I somehow knew that this card; the card I was about to draw would be something big. My hand had this flaming aura to it, red hot fire covered my hand then shot up to my arm and all around me, this type of flame was something only I could see, but I knew that Ushio could see it to because his face changed to a surprised and confused look at the same time.

“Stand and Draw.” I turn my units up right and draw my card; the flames left a trail as I saw the card with my eyes. I was amazed at what I drew; this card could win me the Cardfight.

What….What was that, Ushio thought, looking at me. I smiled; preparing myself for what will come next.

“It’s time to kick this game up a notch.” I said, raising the card above my head and began to chant.

“Descend from hellfire. Burn everything in this world to ashes with you apocalyptic fire! Ride! Dragonic Overlord!” I yelled, placing the card on top of the Vanguard Circle and it glowed red. Nehalem bursts into a red glow as fire erupts around him and the dragon. They disappear and in their place, the might dragon rises from the flames, dawned in red and dark blue scales, flames for wings and armed with a mighty blade called The Sword of the Apocalypse, he roars and the flames shoot out, they were shot in the sky, turning it into a lovely blend of orange, while it didn’t last long it was a beautiful, he also has yellow eyes, a horn and red little wing like features on his face, grade 3 with 11000. Gancelot stared in fear at this towering dragon, standing against him. Overlord looked down at him, with what seemed to be a smile formed on his face.

“I retire Berserk Dragon and call Embodiment of Armour, Bahr and Dragon Knight, Nehalem.” I said, taking the card and putting it in the Drop Zone, then replacing it with the new ones. Bahr appears behind Nehalem, grade 1 with 8000 power and grade 2 with 10000 power. Nehalem spun his javelin around, preparing for battle. I placed my hand onto my Damage Zone.

“Dragonic Overlord’s skill, Counterblast!” I said, flipping three cards in my Damage Zone over to use his skill. Dragonic Overlord had a red aura surrounding him. My right hand was on my Dragonic Overlord; its art was amazing and showed how my deck will shine. This card is my avatar.

“My Dragonic Overlord powers up by +5000, and gains a handy skill.” I said. Josh was watching and almost giggling like a school girl, so I knew he was enjoying it. Dragonic Overlord’s power went up to +16000 on his own. I now turn Bahr and Nehalem side-ways for an attack. Bahr’s 8000 increased Nehalem’s power to +18000.

“Boosted by Bahr, Nehalem attacks Gancelot.” I said. Smiling and trying to enjoy myself. Nehalem glows with the red aura given to him by Bahr. He fires a fireball at Gancelot; Ushio takes a card from his hand and places it in the Guardian circle. The unit appeared in front of Gancelot, protecting him.

“Guard, Flogal.” He said. That darn pink puppy returns to be a nuisance, grade 0 with 10000 Shield. The fireball touches Flogal easily, but fails at doing damage to Gancelot. I now turn Tejas and Jarran.

“Boosted by Jarran, Tejas swoops in! Jarran’s skill grants +4000 power to Tejas.” I said. Tejas now had +18000 power in total, attacking Gancelot once again. Ushio places another card down.

“Guard! Bringer of Good Luck, Epona.” Ushio said. A small woman in a bug like set of armour with wings, and a helmet with bug eyes. Riding a mechanical Japanese rhinoceros beetle, defending the Vanguard. Tejas’s bullets hit Epona, but are then blocked by Gancelot. He raised his blade to block it. Tejas returned to the spot he was on. I breathed in, as a sign of relief. The game isn’t over, and I don’t want it to end just yet. Not before I show him the full power of my Clan, the Kagero Clan.

“Now time for the main event.” I turn Dragonic Overlord on his own without Aermo boosting. Ushio looks surprised and wonders why I did that. Dragonic Overlord had flames coming out from his mouth, flames that were coloured dark red, orange with bits of yellow here and there as well as the colour black. Dragonic Overlord was 16000 power thanks to the Counterblast I did.

“My Vanguard attack. Dragonic Overlord, scorch Tristan!” I said. Ushio thought to himself what, why attack my Rear-Guard with the Vanguard. Dragonic Overlord shot his flames from his mouth and burned Tristan. He screamed in pain as he burned from the flames and disappeared in blue sparks. The card was placed into the Drop Zone. I smiled and continued.

“Drive check. No trigger.” I said. Ushio also wondered why I didn’t do a Twin Drive. He was totally confused.

“Dragonic Overlord’s skill. When he retires a Rear-Guard in battle, he stands up for another attack but he loses his Twin Drive.” I said. Ushio’s face was in shock, he didn’t know how powerful my avatar was. Well, now he’s getting a taste. I turned Overlord for another attack.

“Dragonic Overlord, attack Morgana. Eternal Flame!” I shouted. That’s the name of Overlords attack. Dragonic Overlord shot more fire, this time at Morgana. She trembled at being hit by this wall of flames approaching her.

“No guard.” Ushio said. Saving the cards in his hand for the attack on his Vanguard. The flames burned her alive. Morgana vanishes from Dragonic Overlord’s sight. I drive deck the top card and reveal it to be a trigger. The trigger glowed and everyone was excited at the sight.

“Critical Trigger, giving all effects to Overlord.” I said. I placed the card into my hand, and then continued the attack. Overlord’s power went up to +21000 and +1 Critical. I stood Overlord back up then boosted him with Aermo for full power. With Aermo’s own power 6000 added onto Overlord’s power combine, make him a deadly of +27000 power.

“Aermo boosts, Dragonic Overlord attack Gancelot.” I said, with such enthusiasm. Aermo’s aura surrounds Overlord as he prepares to fire at Gancelot. Gancelot looked very worried, waiting for this attack to hit. Ushio took the cards in his hand and placed them on the Guardian Circle, every last one card in his hand.

“Guard!” Ushio said. The two cards had a 10000 Shield, making Gancelot 29000. I placed my hand on the top of my deck, hoping for a trigger to appear. The two units in front of Gancelot raised their defences. Overlord waited for the right time to strike.

“Drive Check.” I said. Turning the top card over slowly. Everyone watched in anticipation. John looked on, almost looks like his mouth was watering. The card was revealed.

“Stand Trigger!” I said. Everyone gasped and looked amazed. They cheered me on. Oh, how I was enjoying this game. Everything about it is amazing and imaginative.

“+5000 power to Overlord, and I stand Dragon Knight, Nehalem. Now take the full force. Eternal Flame!” I said. With a strong, determined tone in my voice. I stood Nehalem; I now knew that either way, he’d lose. Unless he got a Heal Trigger, this game was over. Overlord’s power went up to +32000 from the Trigger. Dragonic Overlord roared, the flames were falling from his mouth onto the ground forming flames around my Kagero formation. Overlord shot his fire at Gancelot. The units defending him were burned to a crisp. Gancelot grunted in pain for a few seconds before screaming. The top two cards of Ushio’s deck were placed in the Damage Zone.

No Heal Trigger. At the end of the game, Shinich, 5 damage and Ushio, 6 damage. The game is over, Shinich has won. I have won my first match of Vanguard against one of our schools top players. John and the others were crowded around me and said how awesome I did and that I won my first match against a good player. Ushio packed up his cards and walked up to me, I could see that he was smiling. He shook my hand and said “I hope to fight you again.”

That got me wondering. Did he respect me? Or does he see that I’m really strong? I didn’t care at the moment. After that we went back to class. John didn’t shut up about the game the whole time.

“That was amazing dude. The way you won and Overlord’s Eternal Flame is just so powerful. And… And that Nehalem was there for back up. That was awesome!” John said. Everyone could hear him. I didn’t mind his enthusiasm, and hearing him speck about my game made me happier. I felt I could give this game my attention. Our teacher, Mr Barge turned to face the class.

“John, perhaps you would like to let the class in on what you and Shinichi are talking about?!” He said. So sternly, Mr Barge was a great teacher but knew when it was that we could talk and when we would learn. John shakes his head faster than a fish jumping out of water. Mr Barge turned back to the chalk board and continued with the lesson. John turned to me a smiled. I smiled back. The world of Vanguard is a tough one but also great fun. After school I went home safely. I saw that mum was working on her art project. She loves art. She used to do many paintings and sketches before meeting my dad.

“Hi Shin, welcome home.” She said. Turning around to see me taking my shoes off and entering the lounge room. I took a look at her painting, and it looked amazing. The painting was of beautiful grassland with different types of fantasy animals.

“That looks great mum. When did you start this?” I said. My mouth was slightly open from the amazing painting. She smiled.

“Well. I just started so far, but I’m not even done yet and I’m getting different ideas.” Mum said. I saw she was smiling while talking. I nodded.

“Either way. It still looks great.” I said. After that, I walked up to my room and place my bag on the door knob. I flicked through my deck again, seeing that all my cards were there. Then I found my Dragonic Overlord SP card. I admired its beauty. I smiled as I knew this card is one worth keeping.

The next thing I knew it was night time and I was fast asleep. The dream I had was strange. I was on this planet much like earth, but the terrain was much different and its inhabitancies were out of this world. Something I had never seen before. But then I saw him. Dragonic Overlord, standing there in the middle of the ground. Overlord waited for something, something over the other side. A dragon covered by shadows came forth and engaged Overlord in battle. They were evenly matched in combat and in power, but this dragon of shadow was consumed by the darkness and became something different. He overpowered Overlord to the ground, and then turned his attention to me.

Those eyes of his. Those red, glowing, evil eyes. He stared straight into my soul. I could tell he wanted to do something to me, but I didn’t know what. And then, it spoke.

“Watch on as your beloved avatar is consumed by the endless void!” It said. His voice so sinister and intimidating. After I saw it smile, I screamed and woke up from my nightmare. My Grandfather was the first person to come into my room.

“Shinichi! Are you ok? It sounded like you had a very bad nightmare.” He asked. He always sounded very concerned.

“I’m ok. Just…. I just saw something very scary. A dragon that saw fighting Dragonic Overlord.” I said. Still a bit shaken by the nightmare.

“Did you see what this dragon looked like?” He asked. My guess is that he wanted to know what it was.

“No. It was covered by shadows.” I said. I tried my best to think clearly to find some features, but to no avail. My Grandfather hugged me and we went down for breakfast. Dad had to go early, so he gave us all kisses goodbye and went off. I went to the local card shop with my Grandfather. We decided to buy some more cards. My Grandfather is a collector, he has some many cards and that is how he was able to get me the rare Kagero Trial Deck. We pulled some cool cards and I added them to my deck, in hopes of making it stronger. I saw the front desk lady putting a poster up on the walls. It had two Vanguard units fighting each other and the words “Cardfight!! Vanguard Tournament Regional Qualifier Entry. Saturday March at 12:00 PM” I took one look at it and knew I had to enter this tournament. I went to the front desk and asked “Hi miss, might I ask what the entry fee is? And what age you have to be?”

She turned her attention to me and smiled, she probably thought I was a stupid kid asking questions.

“No need to call me miss, and the entry fee is only 5 dollars. The tournament is for all ages, as long as younger kids are accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.” She said. I nodded in excitement. I went to Grandfather to tell him the news.

“Grandfather Look, there’s a tournament entry!” I yelled. I felt a great challenge ahead in this tournament. I took a look and smiled at me, I think he knew where I was going.

“Well, we could do some training for this week. Get you ready for the tournament.” He said. I saw that great smile of his while he talked. He always had such a great smile at his age.

“Really? This’ll be awesome! Come on let’s head home and tell mum and dad when they come back.” I said. We paid for our things and rushed back home. Now my adventure really kicks off.