A 2vs1 Tag-Duel.
The players on the team of 2 will rotate to take turns, and will share 4000 Life Points, as well as field and graveyard, but may not look at each other's hands.
While the individual player is given 4000 LP, he or she will have a turn to play after their opponent's have had their turn.
In other words, each member of the team of 2 players will only get to have another turn after the full rotation, meaning one move every 4 turns.
That was the situation we were in.
I accepted the Tag Duel with Mokou against this Reisen girl.
By this point, I've noticed it already.
Life in the human village turns monotone really fast.
It's a quiet, calm lifestyle.
The villagers are very kind people overall, they'd go out of their way to make small talk with you about whatever with a very kind smile. Such a thing would not happen often in my home world, but here in Gensokyou, everyone acts like such a thing is natural. And yet, even though I don't dislike it, it's not what I want to do with the rest of my life. I need a thrill this calm lifestyle won't give to me.
My point is, I'm not accepting this duel for any deep reason like wanting to know why does this girl or her master want from me. I simply want any duel, any adventure.
''Duel!'' Reisen's battle cry snaps me out of my train of thoughts. She is taking the first turn. ''Draw!'' After adding a card into her hand, Reisen swiftly moves. ''I set a monster in defense position and a card face-down, ending my turn.''
With this, she's opening calmly, as if testing the waters.
I suppose it's her aim to see how I move before starting with the real play. ''Mokou-san, do you mind if I take the first turn?'' I ask the blazing girl at my side, and she spares me a nod from her head. ''Good. My turn, draw! I summon Familiar-Possessed, Eria!'' The spellcaster that was possessed by the magic of water, Eria, casts a water spell as soon as she comes into play. ''Battle! Eria, attack the face-down defense monster!''
The battle revealed Umbral Horror Ghoul, a 0 DEF monster, which was destroyed in an instant.
I frown at the battle. ''A 0 DEF Monster?...'' Usually, these kinds of monsters come with very strong effects, but this one didn't seem so. ''Even if she's just testing me, to set a 0 DEF...'' Suddenly, realization dawns at me. ''Was she not testing, but instead preparing something? Well...''
''Hey, stop muttering to yourself!'' Suddenly, Mokou calls to me, stopping me from giving it anymore thought. ''Jeez, outsiders sure are slow. Hurry up and end your turn if that's all you got.''
''S-Sure. I set a card face-down and end my turn.'' I do as she says and end my turn.
Truly, I didn't do much this turn. I should've moved a bit more aggressively, I had the chance after all. Now I'll only have a turn after a full rotation, which means it will be 4 moves.
''Hmph. If that's it, then here I go. My turn, draw!'' Unlike me, the rabbit girl doesn't think her play twice before acting. ''I summon Secret Sect Druid Dru from my hand!'' From the card, a humanoid form with magician robes that carried two big scepters, one in each hand, appeared from within a green nebula. ''Upon being summoned, Druid Dru can Special Summon my Umbral Horror Ghoul!'' Suddenly, the formless pitch-black appearance materialized itself.
Druid Dru had the ability to Special Summon a Lv4 Dark-Monster with 0 DEF from the owner's graveyard. A pretty specific card, but is very useful for filling up the board. Now, both her monsters held 1800 ATK, no one had enough to fare against my Eria.
''I'll then activate Umbral Horror Ghoul's effect! It's ATK becomes 0 in order to Special Summon a Umbral Horror monster from my hand! Appear, a second Umbral Horror Ghoul!'' Reisen's field was slowly but surely being filled. ''Now I have 3 Lv4 monsters on my field, and using them, I construct the Overlay Network to XYZ Summon!'' A black nebula formed on the ground, and the three monsters formed a whirlwind which turned into an ace of purple light. ''From the veils of the brilliance, the mysterious joker reveals the mask of the truth! I summon the Rank 4, Number 104: Masquerade!'' The masked joker clad in golden and white robes appeared from within the lunatic laugh.
I was shocked. ''An... XYZ Summon?''
An XYZ Summon. By Overlaying 2 or more monsters with the same Level as materials, it's possible to call forth a strong force from your Extra Deck. The monsters used as materials remain below the XYZ Monster as XYZ Units.
''Yeah, that's her signature monster, Number 104, Masquerade. It's a troublesome monster.'' Mokou adds to my side.
''Battle! Masquerade, attack Eria!'' Masquerade manifested a chain of rings which extended fastly while shining gold, and with irregular movements made its way towards Eria.
''I won't allow that! Trap Card, Spellbinding Circle! I select Masquerade, and as long as Spellbinding Circle remains face-up, Number 104 can't change his battle position or declare an attack!'' With this, I intended to prevent Masquerade from moving.
''I was prepared for that, I reveal my Trap, XYZ Reflect! I negate your Spellbinding Circle which targeted my XYZ Monster, Masquerade, and deal 800 damage to both of you, since you share the Life Points!''
As Reisen said, both my and Mokou's Life dropped to 3200, but now that Spellbinding Circle wasn't holding Masquerade off, the battle continued.
Eria's 1850 ATK didn't stand a chance against Masquerade's 2700 ATK, and was destroyed in an instant, reducing our Life Points to 2550.
The impact sent me flying, making me fall on my back. ''Auch...''
''I'll set 2 cards face-down and end my turn.'' Without losing speed to her movements, Reisen finished her move.
I suddenly heard a sight next to me as I was getting up. ''I expected you to be better after all that talk, but here you are, getting beaten. I suppose I have to win this by myself, so don't drag me down anymore.'' Mokou said those harsh words to me as if it was nothing. I personally didn't feel offended or anything, I did have a shameful turn after all.
Mokou continues with her turn. ''My turn, draw! I'll show both of you how a true play is done.'' Now she's got both mine and Reisen's interest, who didn't take that comment lightly. ''I activate the Spell Card, Trade-in, discarding the Lv8 Phoenix Gearfried to draw 2 cards.'' She dumped a monster into the graveyard. ''I then summon the Gemini Monster Evocator Chevalier from my hand!'' A warrior clad in red armor who wielded a blazing sword entered the fray from within the flames. ''I'll proceed to equip Chevalier with the Equip Spell, Supervise. Which will allow my Gemini Monster to have its effects active.''
Gemini Monsters are a special kind of cards. They are treated as Normal Monsters, and require you to spend an additional Normal Summon on them as cost for them obtaining those effects. They are a tricky kind to use, but the effects are usually very powerful.
''I'll activate Chevalier's effect! I send the Equip Spell, Supervise to the graveyard in order to destroy your Number 104!'' With Chevalier's effect, by sending an Equip Spell, its possible to destroy one card on the field. In this case, Masquerade.
Chevalier charged at Masquerade with its sword blazing red, intending to cut him in half.
''I don't think so. I reveal the Trap, XYZ Block. With this card, I negate your Monster Effect and destroy it!'' With this counter, Reisen turned the tables on Evocator Chevalier, destroying him instead.
''A phoenix's blazes burn even hotter upon death's vespers!'' Mokou's exclamation took me by surprise. ''I'll activate Supervise's effect! Upon being sent to the graveyard, I can Special Summon a Normal Monster from the graveyard. Appear now, Phoenix Gearfried!'' From within the ashes, Phoenix Gearfried breathed life once more.
So this was he purpose for sending it to the graveyard?
Reisen claps. ''Well done. Even though your main offensive was broken apart, you still managed to summon your ace. That was quite the well thought move for an impulsive phoenix.'
Mokou smirks in response. ''Say what you want, rabbit. I'll equip Phoenix Gearfried with the Equip Spell, Divine Sword Phoenix Blade, increasing his ATK by an additional 300.''
Phoenix Gearfried's ATK is originally 2800, plus 300 from the new Equip Spell, its now 3100. It by far overcomes Masquerade's 2700.
''Battle, Phoenix Gearfried, attack Masquerade!'' Phoenix Gearfried rose his sword and slashed at Masquerade, who stopped the slash with his bare hands, much to mine and Mokou's shock.
''I activate the Quick-Play Spell, Heaviness. With this card Spell, Phoenix Gearfried loses ATK equal to his DEF.'' Phoenix Gearfried's DEF was 1200, so if we reduce 1200 from 3100, the resulting ATK is 1900. Which means... ''Masquerade, turn the tables on Phoenix Gearfried!'' Gearfried's sword broke, and Masquerade hit Gearfried with one of his golden rings, defeating the warrior and forcing him to fade off along with 800 of our Life Points, having us stay at 1750 Life Points.
''Damn it... I couldn't finish Masquerade off. What now? I can hold out one turn, but the next one is that guy's and he probably will do nothing useful again, and then it will be that Moon Rabbit's turn and she will finish us off... damn it...''
As I heard Mokou mumble untrusting words to me, I give her the most calm expression I can. ''Mokou-san, do everything to hold out this turn, I'll certainly win afterwards.''
She looks at me with disbelief, but finally sighs. ''I have no other choice, take care of the counteroffensive, Akechi. I set these 2 cards face-down and end my turn.''
''That is, if your next turn comes around. Draw.'' As usual, Reisen's moves are swift as she speaks and looks as us with her shining red eyes. ''The time for playing is now over. Number 104: Masquerade, attacks the opposing players directly!''
With only 1750 Life Points, Masquerade's direct attack will finish us. Thankfully, Mokou interrupts the attack. ''Trap Card, open! Impenetrable Attack! Thanks to this trap, we don't take battle damage during this turn!'' And thanks to you, we're safe.
Reisen frowns. ''Resist all you want. I set a card face-down and end my turn.''
Good, we're pissing her off.
''It's finally my turn, draw!''
''Akechi, I need you to move seriously this turn. Defending isn't good enough, I want you to go into the offensive, its goo-'' Mokou instructs me as I look at the card I drew.
''It's okay, Mokou-san-'' I interrupt the Immortal girl next to me. ''I have a plan.''
She looks at me and nods with a neutral smile.
''You'll like this, rabbit. I summon Night's End Sorcerer from my hand!'' A child-like spellcaster walked through the fog of the night.
I confirmed Reisen's expression, who just looked at me expectantly of what I'd do.
''I'll then activate the Spell Card, Magical Dimension! I release Night's End Sorcerer in order to Special Summon...'' The magical sarcophagus engulfed Night's End Sorcerer, and upon opening, a black fog appeared, giving it a mystic feeling. ''...the Spellcaster-type Monster, Black Magician of Chaos!''
The Spellcaster clad in dark robes appeared from the sarcophagus, waving the staff which controls both Light and Dark.
''After summoning a Spellcaster, Magical Dimension also destroys a monster, and the monster I'll destroy is... Number 104: Masquerade!''
As I declared, Magical Dimension engulfed Masquerade, who wasn't able to oppose the sarcophagus's magic and faded away.
Reisen grit her teeth. ''Masquerade..''
''Focus on the opponent in front of you!'' With that comment, Reisen turns her head to look coldly at me. ''Battle! Black Magician of Chaos, attack the opposing player directly!''
Black Magician of Chaos' attack hit Reisen directly, causing her to lose 2800 Life Points, and now she only had 1200.
''We finally took the lead, Mokou!... Mokou?'' I looked at the Immortal girl with a questioning gaze. She suddenly fell silent. ''I set a card face-down and during my end phase, Black Magician of Chaos' effect add a Spell Card to Mokou's hand from our graveyard, and I choose Supervise.'' Mokou took the card silently, her gaze completely focused on Reisen. ''And my turn is over.''
Weird, I thought she'd be fired up now that we have the lead for ourselves.
''My turn, draw.'' Reisen's movements aren't so swift anymore, and suddenly the air feels heavy.
''She is coming at us at full strength, be ready, Akechi.''
Reisen continues her turn with rather calm but menacing movements. ''I activate the Trap Card, XYZ Reborn. With this card, Masquerade returns from the graveyard, and this trap is attached to it as an XYZ Unit.''
With the trap card, XYZ Reborn, an XYZ Monster from the graveyard can be Special Summoned, and afterwards, the trap itself attaches as an XYZ Unit, therefore, it can be used to activate an XYZ Monster's effects.
''She revived her ace...'' I mumble to myself.
''No, that's not it.'' Mokou confirms, as her flames start burning even hotter. ''...Be on guard.''
''I then detach the overlay unit from Masquerade in order to activate the Spell Card, XYZ Energy! Now I'm able to destroy any monster on the field, and the target will be your Black Magician of Chaos!'' As the overlay unit faded into the night, Masquerade shot a thundering ray into Black Magician of Chaos, destroying it in an instant.
''Black Magician of Chaos..''
''Now we're wide open.'' Mokou comments.
''Battle, Masquerade attack the opposing player directly!'' Masquerade swung his rings at us, and Mokou braced herself to receive the impact.
''Trap Card, Inverse Universe! With this card, the ATK and DEF of all monsters on the field is switched!'' Masquerade's DEF is 1200, and with my trap's effect, now Masquerade's ATK is 1200 and his DEF is 2700.
The impact of 1200 damage still hit us, but we endured it with 550 Life Points.
''Tch, resilient bastard. My turn is over.'' Reisen speaks under her breath, but somehow it's audible to me.
I was struggling to stay on my feet after receiving the direct attack. ''Once the turn is over, Masquerade's ATK and DEF return to normal.'' I look at Mokou to my side, who seem eager to draw her next turn. ''It's up to you, Mokou.''
As she nods, Mokou's expression gets more fierce. ''Prepare yourself, rabbit! My turn, draw!'' Suddenly, I can feel the heat rising from her as sweat runs down my face. ''Here it is! I summon the Gemini Monster, Blazewing Butterfly from my hand!'' A butterfly flapped its fire wings as it descended from the night sky.
What a top deck! If she does this right, she might be able to...
''I'll then use the card Akechi recovered for me, Supervise! With this, Blazewing Butterfly's Monster Effect is now enabled. I'll release Blazewing Butterfly to Special Summon Phoenix Gearfried from my graveyard!'' Blazewing Butterfly's effect allows it to release itself in order to Special Summon any Gemini Monster from the graveyard with its effects enabled.
''So your ace has returned...'' Reisen mumbles with disbelief, and Mokou has a winning grin all over her face.
''Yeah, Phoenixes always rise from within the ashes. I'll equip Gearfried with the Equip Spell, Assault Armor, which will increase his ATK by 300.'' Now Phoenix Gearfried's ATK was 3100, even if its not enough to finish Reisen, I know what Mokou is aiming for. ''Then I send it to the graveyard in order to allow my Gearfried to attack twice this turn.''
Reisen's eye twitches. ''Attack twice, you say?''
Assault Armor's can only be equipped to a Warrior-type monster when it is the only monster you control. And by sending itself to the graveyard, Assault Armor can allow that single Warrior to attack twice during that Battle Phase.
''Battle! The first attack, Phoenix Gearfried attack Number 104: Masquerade!''
Phoenix Gearfried crushed Masquerade under his sword despite the latters resistance, and dealt 100 damage to Reisen, lowering her Life to 1100.
''And the second attack...'' Mokou's fire aura took the shape of wings as she raised her hand, and with a sudden movement lowered it, leaving a trace of fire. ''Attack the opposing player directly, Phoenix Gearfried!''
Reisen looked powerless at Gearfried as it came closer to her to swing his sword before closing her eyes. ''It was a good match, both of you.''
As Gearfried swung down his sword, Reisen's Life Points were reduced to 0.
As soon as the duel finished, Reisen got up and kicked the ground, running off in the forests and leaving both Mokou and me staring at where she took off.
''It's no use following her now, I bet we can't catch her even if we try.'' I nod to Mokou's comment, showing that I agree.
I then turn to face her and offer her my hand in a handshake. ''Well done, Mokou-san.''
Mokou's expression softens as she accepts the handshake. ''You too, Akechi. But are you sure you're fine not knowing what business she had with you?''
I simply nod at her in response.
''Got it... '' Mokou traces off when she notices how a good number of the villagers were looking at our match. ''... the show is already over, please leave.'' Despite her seemingly kind words, she had an intimidating air around her, which forced the crowd to disperse, except for one girl with white hair and blue highlights.
Said girl came closer to both of us, or rather, to Mokou.
''You're always getting yourself in troubles, Mokou.'' The new girl speaks calmly despite scolding her friend, to which Mokou only looks down slightly embarrassed.
What's with this sudden personality change?
As if she had heard my thoughts, Mokou's friend turns to look my way. ''Greetings, I believe you're Akechi-san, since Mokou addressed that way.'' After I nod, this girl quietly bows with a kind smile on her face. ''My name is Keine Kamishirasawa, but you can keep it as Keine, as I believe my surname is quite the mouthful.''
Her comment makes me laugh lightly. ''Alright, Keine-san, it's a pleasure to meet you.'' I bow respectfully to her just as she did, something I usually don't do, but Keine's kind aura kind of coerced me to do so.
''Keine has been my friend for a long time, and she is a teacher in this village.'' Mokou fills me in more about Keine herself, to which her friend covers her mouth with her hand.
''I was going to tell him just that, Mokou. Akechi-san, Mokou was supposed to share dinner with me in my place tonight, why don't you come with us? I assume you're hungry after that duel.''
I open my mouth to try and say otherwise, as I'd rather not trouble such a kind person, but my stomach outplays me and howls, audible enough for both Mokou and Keine to break into laughs after hearing it, making me feel just slightly embarrassed.
However, soon after I follow them by laughing myself. ''Alright, if you don't mind, I'll gladly have dinner with you two.''
After saying that, the three of us walked through the now familiar to me paths of the Human Village, amongst calm conversation.
I notice Mokou is the kind of person who remains quiet during a conversation, and just adds her input whenever we ask her or if it piques her interest, but most of the conversation is made by the kind Keine and me, telling some of the stories I've lived since I came to Gensokyou.
The walk to Keine's place doesn't take long, as we take just a few minutes to arrive. Keine opens the door and signals both of us with her hand to enter. Mokou enters the house like its the most normal thing, with me following after her.
''Sorry for the intromision.'' As I walk through Keine's corridors, I see a path that leads to a small garden and then a Classroom.
I wouldn't have guessed there are schools in this world if I didn't see this myself.
Both Mokou and I take a seat in a small round table, and wait for Keine to prepare the food by herself despite our offers to help. ''That's just how she is, no helping it.'' Says Mokou.
I unbutton the top of my shirt to let some air run through me.
''So tell me, how long have you been living in Gensokyou?''
Mokou's question throws me off slightly, but I answer nonetheless. ''Around 2 months, as of now I'm used to the lifestyle of this world.''
Refferring to Gensokyou as ''this world'' doesn't feel so correct anymore, as I feel like I'm part of this land now.
''And and and, how is Duel Monsters in the outside world? I've heard it's a mere hobby people play for fun, but I find it hard to believe.'' Mokou keeps asking me questions while I take a sip of the tea Keine served us.
''It is, in the outside world it's just a game, and I was never very good at it.'' I say casually, earning a questioning gaze from Mokou.
''You were not? Sorry for saying you were a small fry before, but you're actually pretty competent, even if you're no champion, you're no pushover either.'' Mokou says, perhaps trying to encourage me, but I shake my head in response.
''I was always getting crushed in the outside world...'' I stop for a moment, realizing how I call ''outside world'' to the land that was my home just 2 months ago, but I continue with my speech. ''...I won't lie, I've improved since coming here, but I might still be a far cry from the duelists I met on my world.''
Mokou drinks her hot tea in one fell swoop. ''Ahhh... it's okay, you're still just getting used to Gensokyou's dueling style, but you will certainly improve, besides, I'm sure you're already better than you think.'' The girl says confidently as she rests the tea cup on her head, balancing it so that it doesn't fall.
I stare silently at Mokou for some seconds before I hear a new voice speaking. ''That's right, Akechi-san. Be more confident in yourself, as I'm sure you'll improve.'' Keine appears from the kitchen, carrying 3 plates and a pot with vegetables and meat inside. ''Please serve yourselves. Let's eat.''
''Thanks for the food! X2''
Our dinner goes by, slowly and silently, I suppose I really was hungry after all, as I felt my mouth get humid upon the sight of food.
I've only been eating ramen and rice at one of the village's restaurants, so this is not only refreshing, but nostalgic as I feel I haven't had anything homemade to eat in centuries.
Uneventful, calm.
Even if no one is sharing a word for now, I can tell that the three of us are enjoying our meal together.
I drink an entire glass of water in a single sip, really refreshing my insides, an habit I have and do everytime I finish eating.
Both Mokou and I wash the plates together despite Keine's offer to do so herself, but we didn't want to make her do this for us when she prepared such a good meal.
I could get along with Mokou fairly well, we both are the types to listen quietly to someone when they speak, and would rather not talk unless asked to, or if something piques our interest.
I've never been one for small talk, but since coming to this world, I feel as if that might not be the case anymore.
I take a seat on a very comfy chair, with Mokou and Keine besides me.
This is bliss.
''By the way, Akechi-san, I haven't played with anyone but Mokou in a long while, do you mind having a match with me?'' The teacher suddenly asks me, throwing me off slightly.
But in the end, I respond with a simple grin. ''Alright, please be my host.''
Both Keine and I ready our cards in the table instead of the battlefield as requested by her.
The duels starts, and I try to take the offensive, swarming the field with various creatures and raising their power with Equip Spells, bur Keine was one step ahead of me and bounced my Spellcasters back to my hand or removed them from play.
''Tsukuyomi's effect turns your Black Magician face-down, and then I activate the Spell, Nobleman of Crossout, removing it from game as well.'' Combos like these, combining smart tactics with a kind of control play.
''I'll declare a direct attack with Familiar-Possessed, Dharc.''
''I'll take it, 1850 damage, I'm down to 1100.'' But it was not as though I couldn't deal any damage.
Both of us continued to play our combos and struggle for control, but I noticed way too late that Keine was a stronger opponent than me. And trying to match a stronger opponent results in you giving them control of the game. At some point, Keine kept reflecting my attacks with relative ease, while I barely managed to save my Life Points or monsters.
''Magical Dimension! Avalanching Aussa is tributed to summon my Black Magician of Chaos, and now I'll continue with a direct attack.''
''Trap Card, Negate Attack, your battle is nullified.''
The battle didn't go on for much longer after my last struggle for finishing the deal.
''I summon Yaksha, and equip it with Spirit Burner. Turn end. During my end phase, Yaksha returns to my hand, and Spirit Burner deals you 600 damage, thus reducing your Life to 0. I win, Akechi-san.''
Ugh, and I only had 600 Life Points too, she drew the card she needed to win with a simple combo.
''Yeah, good game.'' I say bitterly, I was on a roll, beating 3 strong opponents in a day even though I needed help to beat Reisen, and now Keine defeated me with such a strange style, yet it worked pretty well.
''Well, don't feel bad. I can't beat Keine either.'' Mokou says casually, almost cheerfully.
''That's not something to feel happy about!''
Mokou then takes a seat next tome and takes her deck out. ''Keine, let's have one match.''
The teacher simply smiled. ''Sure thing.''
Mokou didn't fare any better than I did, as Keine slowly weared her off with her Spirit Burner combo while she reflected Mokou's attacks, even though the latter was betting everything during each turn.
''Yamata Dragon attacks Gemini Summoner.''
''Heh, Gemini Summoner cannot be destroyed by battle.''
''Yamata Dragon's effect allows me to draw until my hand has 5 cards once it deals battle damage. As you can see, destroying Gemini Summoner wasn't my aim, I attacked in order to fill my hand.''
Whoa... that effect is so savage...
In the end, the Spirit Burner combo finished Mokou just like it did to me.
Regardless, we were all laughing at Mokou's dramatic reactions whenever Keine countered her.
After the match, Keine looked at the window. ''It's already getting late, perhaps we should stop here.''
Mokou stares sadly for a moment at the window.
''Don't make that face, you can come again whenever you want. You too, Akechi-san, we really enjoyed your company tonight.''
I chuckle a bit. ''I'd be glad to come again, thanks for everything, Keine-san.''
The teacher stretches her arms as she gets up. ''No, thank you for coming.''
Both Mokou and I made our way out of Keine's house as we gave her our thanks. ''Sayonara, Keine-san!'' ''Bye, Keine.''
The human village is pretty dark at night, as the lights that shine in the night only offer a dim illumination. ''Well, Mokou-san, this is where we part ways, I hope to see you again.''
The immortal just gives me a silent nod before she turns around and starts walking to where I guess it's her home.
I should get going too.
The morning after that night came pretty fast.
As usual, the lightrays stroke my face, forcing me to wake up despite still feeling tired.
3 duels in a day... considering the type of duels we have here, it's no surprise I feel so worn out.
As usual, I follow my routine since coming to this world.
I fix myself by changing from my warm sleep clothes that I managed to buy by doing someworks for the villagers, like cutting grass, into my usual black shirt and gray pants.
Shortly afterwards, I leave the house I was allowed to have by the villagers, and make my way towards the cheapest restaurant there is, where I enjoy a cheap though tasty and hot Ramen along some water, and then I leave by paying the bill.
At this point, I've got nothing else to do, I might try to ask around for some works I could do, but monetarly speaking I'm okay at the moment.
As such, I just walk aimlessly around the village, trying to familiarize me with the paths and making some small talk here and there with some of the villagers, nothing important.
Before I noticed, it was already past noon, and I was suddenly feeling very hungry.
Damned ramen... it's so light, now I feel as though I didn't eat anything...
Perhaps it was a godsend, that I stumbled across a certain sign.
Will you meet the challenge? A free huge sized steak for free! If you fail to finish it, you'll be forced to pay double the price.
...
I'm feeling very confident in my hunger right now, so I enter said restaurant and order to the challenge.
As soon as it arrives, I feel as though my hunger vanished.
That think was HUGE. It was easily as large as my the distance between my hand and my elbow and as extense as a regular 30 CM ruler if not more. And it was thick, as much as my thumb's large.
I don't believe I can finish this... this is easily enough food for 4 people if not more.
I gulp before digging in. ''Thanks... for the food...''
As I expected, I just can't finish it.
''Say, Mr. Waiter... if I were to lose the challenge, how much would I have to pay?'' I was already considering bailing out.
''Around 8000 yen...''
WHAT?!
''8000...'' Needless to say, that was way above my budget, therefore I forced myself to finish this, but I was far from done, and my stomach was beyond full.
Is this the end? Am I going to die here?
As these dramatic thoughts run through my mind, I glance to my side to see how the other customers are faring.
There's simply a woman dressed in a blue dress, with a hat of the same color and pink hair, eating the full steak with a happy face.
By looking down a little, I see that she's already eaten 2 of those, as there's 2 empty plates besides the one she's already eating, everyone on the restaurant had stopped eating to look at her.
Such gluttony!
As if she had heard my thoughts, she turned to look at me, and after finishing her bit, she asked me. ''If you don't want that, do you mind giving it to me?''
I said no word and immediately passed her my plate.
She then dug in, finishing it as well.
''Ah... I'm full.'' She looked as if she had found the truth behind the universe, the meaning of life, after eating full 4 plates.
She leaved a shocked waiter behind her as she makes her way out of the store. ''I ate everything, therefore, I'm not paying the bill. Ahhhh, it was worth coming all the way to the human village for this.''
I go after her, and see how outside the restaurant she meets with a shorter girl dressed in green, with short white hair. ''Did you enjoy your meal, Yuyuko-sama?'' The girl asks the purple haired woman.
The pink haired woman chuckled while she covers the lower part of her face with a fan that appeared from god knows here. ''Yeah.''
I walk slowly behind her and pat this Yuyuko slightly in the back. ''Thanks for saving me there, I don't know what would have I done if I was forced to pay the bill.'' The woman turned around, offering me a most cheerful smile.
''No problem, it was my pleasure to have your meal... oh, perhaps you are that outsider... Akechi-kun, I believe?''
Feeling slightly bewildered, I nod my head. ''Yeah, that's me, may I ask why do you know about me?'
The woman gives me a playful look. ''I was told by a friend of mine, but that's all I can say.''
A friend? Must've been Reimu or Marisa, I don't think anyone else would have passed word of me to someone else.
''By the way...'' Yuyuko comes closer to my ear in order to whisper. ''I heard you defeated Reimu yesterday, is that true?'' So it was Reimu after all...
''Yeah, that's true, but let's keep it a secret from the villagers, I'd rather not stand out.''
In response, the woman giggles slightly. ''That's right.''
Suddenly, Yuyuko look to her side to see the other girl grabbing her clothes. ''Yuyuko-sama, perhaps we should head home.''
''Ara, but we still have thing to do.''
The girl dressed in green raises an eyebrow. ''Things to do?''
With just a nod, this Yuyuko directs her gaze at me once more. ''I haven't introduced myself, I am Yuyuko Saigyouji, but feel free to just call me Yuyuko. This short girl next to me is Youmu. Say helloooo Youmu.'' Yuyuko pushes Youmu forward while playfully inciting her to greet me.
I'm the first to bow. ''Akechi Hyakuya, outsider. A pleasure to meet you.''
Youmu follows after me. ''Youmu Konpaku, gardener of the netherworld. The pleasure is mine.''
''The netherworld? Are you two ghosts...'' I trail off when I notice Yuyuko has been floating this whole time. ''... I guess you are after all.''
This comment earns a giggle from both of them. ''You seemed to accept that quite easily, most outsiders would freak out I think.''
This time I'm the one to chuckle. ''I've been forced to accept quite the number of things since coming here, this doesn't bewilder me in the slightest.''
Youmu changes her until then neutral expression to a soft smile. ''By the way, Yuyuko-sama~'' Youmu calls to Yuyuko. ''~what is it that you wanted to do?''
''What I wanted to do?'' Yuyuko acts as if she didn't know what Youmu was talking about.
''You said we had something else to do before leaving.'' Youmu retorts.
''I know. Well, I need all of us to go to Misty Lake. Akechi-kun, you too.''
This makes me raise an eyebrow. ''Me too?''
Yuyuko nods. ''That's right, I didn't expect to meet you so soon. Don't worry, we won't do anything to you, I just want you to make us company. Well, Youmu, lead the way.'' Yuyuko points at one road of the human village, ordering Youmu to lead the way, but the latter goes the other way around.
''It's this way, Yuyuko-sama. Please remain close to us, Akechi-san.''
''Yes.'' I response affirmatively before going after her, leaving a Yuyuko simply staring at the path she pointed towards to.
''Hurry up or we'll leave you behind, Yuyuko-sama.''
''Waaaaa! Don't be so mean Youmu-chaaan.'' The pink haired woman cries out dramatically, and then she takes after us.
We go out of the Human Village with Youmu leading the way and Yuyuko next to her, with me behind.
We walk into a forest for a while, and despite the sun being in full force, the forest feels cool, just the right atmosphere.
''Say, Akechi-kun, what do you think of Gensokyo?'' At some points, Yuyuko asks me randomly.
I don't think my answer twice. ''It's an incredible place. I really like the rural atmosphere it offers, and the way people duel here is thrilling. I though I was going to rot forever in the always quiet Human Village, but I'm glad I decided to go to the Hakurei Shrine yesterday.'' I stop for a bit to catch my breath. ''Reimu-san and Marisa-san are magnificent duelists, so were Mokou and Reisen, I think I'm gonna have my fill of fun here.''
Yuyuko grins slightly. ''I see. Well, my Youmu-chan is a fantastic duelist herself, perhaps you could duel her at some point...''
''That'd be my-'''
''-But not now.'' Youmu interrupts me.
'' Sure... any time you wish.''
Yuyuko breaks into laugh. ''I see you two get along.''
I blink slightly at the affirmation. ''Not really x2'' It seems both Youmu and I share the same thought, perhaps we actually do get along.
After walking further, for what feels like an hour, Youmu finally speaks again. ''Yuyuko-sama, Akechi-san, please remain close to me, we're going to enter a foggy area.''
Before I could ask what she meant by this, I notice that suddenly we're surrounded by mist.
''What? But it's summer... and how come there's mist at noon?'' I speak out my amazement, to which Yuyuko giggles.
''That's why it's called Misty Lake.''
''...Touche.''
After a 10 minute walk, the mist fades out and I can see the lake. A big lake, surrounded by mist in the distance.
I'm completely amazed by this sight, the weather here feels colder than in the forest, which is very refreshing from the completely hot summerish climate in the village.
Without saying a word, Yuyuko walked off to somewhere without us noticing, and then she came back, carrying a small box slightly bigger than her palm. ''Here, this is for you, Akechi-kun.''
I take the gift in my hands, wondering what might that be.
''Yuyuko-sama, did we really come all the way here just to give him that?''
Yuyuko grins at her friend's comment. ''Sharp. We did not. Youmu, I want you to have a match with Akechi-kun.'' Yuyuko commands Youmu, and despite the latter's opposement to it earlier, she nods her head while she takes her deck out. ''For you, Akechi-kun, I want you to use the gift I just gave you. This is a bit more than a casual match, but please remember to have fun.''
This is what I wanted.
A duel.
I'm actually pretty frustrated by how I lost against Keine last night, so this works just fine.
I open the box Yuyuko gave me, noticing there's a monster card inside, which I put into my deck without further thinking. ''Alright, I'm ready.''
''I'm ready as well.''
When both of us nod, we start.
'Duel! x2''
And this was the third chapter! I'm very glad I got my first review from user ARSLOTHES. Really, such a thing makes me happy, having someone join this trip with me. I hope even more people join us. Very well, until next update.