Touhou Project: Duel Monsters

by HyakuyaAlice

Gensokyou, the land of the forgotten, where all matters and affairs are settled via the card game, Duel Monsters. An outsider, Akechi Hyakuya, becomes a challenger to this new world, moved by the thrill of the Card Battles. He'll face countless opponents and resolve incidents along the habitants of Gensokyou.

4. Chapter 4: Limitover Drive

Now that I think back, this situation is actually pretty strange.

I followed two ghosts all the way out of the village in order to reach a lake, and after being giving a card for my deck, I was challenged to a duel. The way this Yuyuko wanted to see me duel, and the fact that she came to this village merely for this makes me curious.

''I am taking the first move, Akechi-san.''

But for now, I don't need any complicated thoughts in mind. I'll simply concentrate in the duel in front of me, and think later.

I nod to the phantom girl.

''Well then, draw.'' The way Youmu moves is very sharp, with a clam feel to it, as if she had no haste to finish, and yet, she doesn't think her plays twice. ''If I control no monsters, I can summon Junk Forward from my hand!'' From behind Youmu, a humanoid machine suddenly rushed and moved towards its space in the field. ''Now, I summon the Tuner Monster, Junk Changer.''

Tuner Monsters.

They are monsters with the capability to tune with other monsters, and open the path to a new summoning.

''Now! Lv3 Tuner, Junk Changer, with the Lv3 Junk Forward, tuning! Gathering stars will form the sword of the skies. Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Lv6, Stardust Assault Warrior!''

That's right, Synchro Summoning. By meeting the requirements, usually a Tuner and one or more non-tuners, whose total levels equal those of the Synchro Monster, it's possible to Synchro Summon.

In this situation, Junk Changer was the tuner, and Junk Forward was the non-tuner, both of their Levels were 3, so 6 in total, therefore, the requirement for the Lv6 Stardust Assault Warrior was met.

''With Stardust Assault Warrior's effect, I'm able to Special Summon a Junk monster from my graveyard.'' Youmu swiftly took one of the 2 monsters from her graveyard. ''I summon Junk Changer, come back to the field!'' And placed it on the field, thus returning Junk Changer.

''You do make a lot of summons.'' I comment, slightly bewildered.

As if she had not heard me, she continues. ''Junk Changer is a warrior-type monster, so I tribute it to Special Summon Turret Warrior from my hand!'' With what seemed to be stone pillars as its arms and legs, Turret Warrior stomped at the earth as it replaced Junk Changer. ''Turret Warrior's ATK is originally 1200, however, when summoned by its own effect, It adds the ATK of the tributed warrior monster to itself. Junk Changer's ATK was 1500, so now, Turret Warrior's ATK is 2700.'' Youmu was kind enough to explain the effects to me, but at this situation I'm rather worried.

Stardust Assault Warrior has 2100 ATK, while Turret Warrior has 2700 ATK, both of them are pretty strong, and Youmu got them out really fast.

''I set one card face-down and end my turn.''

I inhale slowly. ''My turn, draw.'' This is tough, I don't really have a way to clear the board with this hand, but the best I can do is hold out... hmm, for now, I think that one will be enough. ''I summon Familiar-Possessed, Dharc!'' My loyal friend, the Familiar-Possessed, of darkness appeared. ''I'll then proceed with this Equip Spell, Bound Wand, increasing Dharc's ATK by 400.''

The Equip Spell, Bound Wand. Increases the ATK of a Spellcaster-type monster by 100x its level. With Dharc's Lv being 4, it gains 400.

''I see, if you can't beat Turret Warrior, you'll go after Stardust Assault Warrior and reduce the number of threats?'' Youmu asks, having pinned down my play.

''Yeah, that's right, even if I can't clear your board now, I must do what I can.'' Feeling confident, I point at her Stardust Assault Warrior. ''Battle! Familiar-Possessed Dharc, attack!'' At this point, Dharc's ATK was 2250, so it could overcome Stardust Assault Warrior's 2100. Stardust Assault Warrior jumped to the side, bent itself, and stepped back to evade Dharc's magic, but in the end, a persist lightning of darkness struck it down, and now Youmu's Life was reduced by 150, she still had 3850 Life Points remaining. ''I set a card face-down and end my turn.'' This should hold off Turret Warrior.

Youmu looked at my set card for a moment, as if analyzing it. ''Draw. I summon Junk Blader from my hand.'' The new warrior materialized from the card, wearing a dark blue chestplate as well as a brown robe covering its back. ''Junk Blader's effect, I remove Junk Forward from my graveyard to increase its ATK by 400.'' Junk Blader's ATK was originally 1800, and with this effect just now, it's ATK rose to 2200.

She's taking the offensive.

''Battle, Turret Warrior, attack Dharc!'' Youmu said as she was pointing at my monster.

I smirked. '' I was expecting this. Trap Card, Spellbinding Circle. I target Turret Warrior, and now he can't attack or change his battle position as long as Spellbinding Circle remains face-up on the field.'' With this, the battle was cancelled and Dharc should be safe, because Junk Blader's 2200 ATK doesn't reach Dharc's 2250.

''No, I'm the one who was expecting this.'' Youmu's neutral expression changed for a moment to a fired-up one. ''From my hand the Quick-Play Spell, Twister! I pay 500 Life Points to destroy a face-up Spell or Trap Card, and the card I destroy is your Spellbinding Circle.'' Damn. With this, now that Spellbinding Circle isn't face up on the field, Turret Warrior's battle can resume, even though Youmu's Life was reduced to 3350 due to paying the cost of Twister.

Turret Warrior's fist crushed Dharc, and my Life was reduced by 450, now I have 3550 LP remaining.

''Plan B then. Bound Wand's effect! I re-summon Dharc to my field in defense position!'' Youmu frowned at this, now there's something to defend me from a direct attack.

Bound Wand's effect, when sent to the graveyard along with the equipped monster activates. It allows me to Special Summon that monster to my field. However, Dharc's ATK isn't enough to fend off a powered up Junk Blader, so I placed it on Defense Position to evade damage.

Youmu lightens her expression before continuing. ''Alright, then I'll simply destroy it once again. Junk Blader, do it!''

As expected, Dharc didn't stand a chance, but at least I prevented Youmu from pulling ahead of me. ''You're pretty good, Youmu-san. If I was the one in your situation, I'd have used Twister to destroy Bound Wand as soon as I drew it.'' She seemed slightly confused at my compliment, but realization sinks upon her as I continue to speak.

''Well, I thought you were definitely hiding something, and decided to preserve Twister until the battle.'' She explains to me, making me realize she is a very careful duelist. Certainly, preserving a Quick-Play Spell for the moment of the battle is the right move ot make, that way you might be prepared for any surprises with Continuous Traps.

The thing with Continuous Traps is that they need to remain on the field in order to resolve their effects, so destroying them upon activation is an effective way to negate them, a tactic that wouldn't work with any other Spell or Trap.

''I end my turn. At this point, Junk Blader's effect ends and its ATK returns to normal.'' Youmu snaps me out of my thinking with those words.

Alright now, I must make sure this turn counts. ''Draw!'' I look at the drawn card, Dark Magic Veil. Good, now things can really start. ''From my hand I activate the Spell Card, Dark Magic Veil. Using my Life Points as cost, I can summon my Black Magician from my hand!'' From the magic emblem on the floor, rises the Black Magician.

Dark Magic Veil allows me to pay 1000 Life Points to summon a Dark-Spellcaster from either my hand or my graveyard. With that, my Life is now reduced to 2550, but I'll obtain advantage this turn.

''Your... Black Magician...'' Youmu looks at my Spellcaster with a serious expression. ''So you're finally getting serious.''

Grinning, I nod to that. ''I'll activate the Spell Card, Thousand Knives. With this card, Black Magician can destroy a monster on your field, disappear now, Turret Warrior!'' A rain of knives stormed at Turret Warrior, and pierced through its rock-like skin, effectively destroying it. ''Now I'll move on to the battle, Black Magician, attack Junk Blader! Black Magic Attack!'' A bursting black blast destroyed Junk Blader, lowering Youmu's Life to 2650. ''Now we're equal. Turn end!'' This was an effective turn, as I finally got rid of Turret Warrior.

At this point, out Lives are almost tied, 2650 to 2550.

And now that I notice, Youmu is smiling at me for some reason. ''Something's up? Youmu-san?''

She shakes her head in response. ''Nothing.'' Her smiling expression changes to a more relaxed one. ''Tell me, Akechi-san, do you enjoy dueling?''

''Huh?'' I blink at her question. ''Obviously I do, if I didn't I wouldn't be having this much fun.''

She seems surprised at my response. ''I expected something deeper but that works just fine. I'll change the question, why do you enjoy dueling?''

I don't need to think it twice. ''It's because of the thrill.''

''The thrill?''

I nod. ''Yeah, my life in the outside world wasn't bad at all, but I come from a pretty restrictive family, so everything that i could do was a very specific list of things, and every single one of them was chosen for me and not by me.''

''That sounds sweltering.''

I smile sadly, remembering those days. ''Yeah, that's right. I was suffocating myself in my small world, until I discovered Duel Monsters by chance. That changed me, it expanded my world, it made me happy, it gave me the thrill I was never going to get in the boring lifestyle I carried. Duel Monsters is special to me, because it's the only, no, now it would be more accurate to say, the first thing that I chose by myself and for myself.''

Youmu is smiling warmly again. ''Yeah, Duel Monsters is a fantastic thing, it allows us to resolve conflicts without anyone having to die, and more importantly, it gives us a chance to communicate with who we play against.''

A communication? I never thought about it in that way, but It's actually pretty accurate.

''Well, we should continue.'' Youmu placed her hand on top of her deck. ''Draw.'' And then looks at the card she drew before sighing. ''Sorry, Akechi-san, after all that emotive talk, this is all I can do. I set a monster face-down and end my turn.''

I chuckle lightly. ''Don't worry, it happens. It's my turn, draw.'' I look at the drawn card. Magical Dimension... not useful now, If only I had one more summonable Spellcaster in my hand, but the other card is my Silent Magician Lv8, which can't be summoned if not by Silent Magician. ''Here I go, battle! Black Magician, attack!'' The battle revealed Stardust Phantom, a 0 DEF monster which was destroyed instantly.

''...I end my turn.'' I have a bad feeling about this.

Youmu silently adds a card to her hand. ''Preparations are complete. I summon Junk Synchron from my hand!'' A Lv 3 Tuner-Monster... she's coming at me. ''With Junk Synchron's effect, I summon the Lv1 Stardust Phantom from my graveyard!'' The wizard clad in blue robes appeared from a flash of light. ''When I control a Junk Monster, I can Special Summon Junk Servant from my hand.'' Now she has assembled Lv3, Lv1, and Lv4, this means a Lv8 Synchro is coming.

Junk Synchron turns into three green rings, while Junk Servant and Stardust Phantom transform into small starts which float at those rings. ''Junk Synchron, Junk Servant and Stardust Phantom, Tuning!Gathering wishes will become a new shining star! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Take flight, Stardust Dragon!'' From within the ace of light, the great dragon soared high in the skies. It's blue-white scales shone through the mist of the sky, with a most majestic glow accompanied by a resonating roar.

The 2500 Lv8 Synchro Monster, Stardust Dragon.

''Amazing...'' I mumble, amazed by the majesty feel of the dragon.

''Now that Stardust Dragon is on the field, I'm able to use my trap card, Shooting Star! I destroy your Black Magician!'' Shooting Star's effect shot a meteor rain at Black Magician, overwhelming and destroying him. Now my field is wide open, and I didn't have the chance to set any counter. ''Battle! Stardust Dragon, attack the opposing player directly! Reverberate, Shooting Sonic!'' Stardust Dragon spit a blinding breath, and the impact sent me flying off until I hit my back against a nearby tree. With that attack, my Life was now down to a mere 50.

I struggle to get up, as my knees are still trembling from the heavy hit I received. Panting, I try to think of a plan to beat Stardust Dragon.

I look at my hand strongly, almost with rage. Damn it, these 2 cards are dead at this point of the game, they aren't even going to be useful to defend myself... I need to draw an amazing card or else I'm done. ''My... MY TURN!'' I raise my voice to give me strength ''DRAW!'' And the card I drew is... Graceful Charity.

The happiness must've been written all over my face, because Youmu noticed it. ''I see, so Lady Fortune hasn't given up on you.''

Nodding, I activate the card I just drew. ''Graceful Charity! It's effect allows me to draw 3 cards and discard 2!'' With this card, it's possible to refresh my hand, so now I can get rid of these 2 dead cards and replace them with new ones, or perhaps even draw a combo.

I draw my 3 new cards. Monster Reborn, Inverse Universe, and the card I got from Yuyuko... I got this! ''I send these 2 cards to the graveyard, Magical Dimension and Silent Magician Lv8.''

''I see, so you got the cards you needed.'' Youmu comments to me, making me know that I'm revealing too much through my expression.

But I don't really mind, I'll turn things around this turn. ''I'll activate the Spell Card, Monster Reborn! With this card, I'm able to Special Summon a monster from any graveyard, and the monster I'll summon is... Black Magician!'' For the second time, my ace monster appeared on the field, ready to have this match entrusted to him. ''Now I'll activate the Spell Card, Riryouku!''

I could heard Yuyuko making sounds of amazement. ''So you drew the card I gave you! What a superb moment to use it too.''

I smirk at Yuyuko's words. ''With this card, Stardust Dragon's ATK is halved, and Black Magician gains as much ATK as Stardust Dragon lost by this effect!'' Suddenly, Stardust Dragon felt his wings were too heavy, as it was forced to stay on the ground, while Black Magician was invigorated by Riryouku.

''This means that, currently, Black Magician and Stardust Dragon's ATKs are...''

I nod. ''Yeah, Stardust Dragon's ATK is now 1250, and Black Magician's is 3750, more than enough to erase your dragon. Battle! Black Magician, attack Stardust Dragon! Black Magic Attack!''

The impact hit Stardust Dragon, and Youmu barely manages to stay on her feet after the reverberating shockwaves, but her Life Points were now down to a mere 150, both of us are in the ropes now.

Suddenly, I see that Stardust Dragon is still on the field. ''Huh? Stardust Dragon wasn't destroyed?''

Youmu catches a breath before speaking again. ''Stardust Phantom's effect in the graveyard, I banished it, and Stardust Dragon remained on the field, however, both its ATK and DEF are reduced by 600.''

''I see... well, I set a card face-down, and end my turn. At this point, both of our monster's ATK values return to normal.''

Youmu interrupts me. ''However, Stardust Dragon will remain at 1900 ATK.''

It's a shame I couldn't finish Stardust Dragon, but now I've got the momentum of the match for me, and she can't even make a tie between our aces and then strike me for any damage, as Stardust Dragon's ATK is low due to Stardust Phantom's effect.

''My turn, draw. I set a monster face-down. Turn end.'' With a simple move, she is now on the defensive side.

''It's my turn now, draw!'' I check at my drawn card. This is... pretty suicidal, but it can turn around things if I need it to. ''I attack your Stardust Dragon with Black Magician, Black Magic Attack!'' This time, Stardust Dragon was destroyed by Black Magician, no questions asked.

Youmu is frowning slightly. ''I just need that one card to come, then I can make it.''

That sounds dangerous, I'll set this then in case of need. ''I set a card face-down and end my turn.''

Youmu breathes in deeply. ''My turn.'' Then she closes her eyes shut, as if she's concentrating hard. Then suddenly raises her voice as she opens them. ''DRAW!'' Without even looking at the card, and much to my surprise she reveals the card she drew, and I barely recognize a Spell Card. ''I activate the Spell Card, Stardust Shimmers! I remove Turret Warrior and Junk Synchron from my graveyard. Phantom Synchro! Appear now, Stardust Dragon!''

The clear dragon appeared once again, roaring strongly at me once more. ''Damn... she brought it back...'' Good thing I'm prepared.

''I'm not safe yet...'' She mumbles. ''Flip the face-down monster, the Lv 1 Stardust Xialong!'' A blue serpent appears from the previously set card. ''I then summon the Lv1 Tuner, Jet Synchron!'' Jet Synchron descends from the skies, with a sound that tells me its breaking the air. ''Tuning, Jet Synchron, Stardust Xialong! Gathering wishes will call out a new speed's horizon! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! The power of hope, Synchro Tuner, Formula Synchron!"

A... A SYNCHRO TUNER?!

''When Formula Synchron is summoned, I can draw one card... please... come...'' Both Youmu and I were expectating to see what card would she draw, as it would define the match. When Youmu drew the card, she simply smirked, telling me that she had got what she wished for. ''Battle! Stardust Dragon, attack Black Magician, and during the battle, I remove Junk Changer from my graveyard to activate the Quick-Play Spell, Battle Tuned! It increases Stardust Dragon's ATK by 1500, so now it's 4000!''

The Spell, Battle Tuned. By removing a Tuner Monster in your graveyard from the game, you can increase the ATK of a monster on the field in the same amount as the removed Tuner's ATK. In this case, 1500.

''Did you say ATK only? I activate Inverse Universe, switching Stardust Dragon's ATK and DEF values. Even if its ATK is 4000, its DEF is still 2000, so now it's ATK will be 2000!'' With this, I turned the tables. ''At this point, you cannot cancel the battle anymore! I win, Youmu!''

But the white haired swordswoman still had something to do. ''I knew you were prepared, Akechi-san. That's why, I'll finish this with my strongest combo. Now I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, Limitover Drive!''

Suddenly, Stardust Dragon rose high in the sky, with Formula Synchron chasing it while it turned into the typical green rings of Synchro Summoning. ''Stardust Dragon and Formula Synchro return to my Extra Deck. CLEAR MIND, ACCEL SYNCHRO! Gathering crystal dreams, open the door to a new evolution! Become the path its light shines upon! Accel Synchro! Be born, Shooting Star Dragon!"

I could feel the air breaking all around me, as well as the howling of the stars of the night that has not arrived yet, all coming from that dragon. The new evolution, a Lv10 Synchro Monster, Shooting Star Dragon. It's ATK is 3300, it's beyond impressive, one of the most amazing creatures I've met since coming to this world.

''Battle! Shooting Star Dragon, Stardust Mirage!'' Shooting Star Dragon disappeared from the skies, and yet, I feel its heaven-breaking presence closing in to me.

''Black Magician!'' My loyal monsters nods, accepting the plan. ''...I'm sorry. I reveal the trap card, Destruction Ring! I target Black Magician! Now, Black Magician will be destroyed, and both of us will take 1000 damage!'' At this point, I was aiming for a tie, there was nothing else to do.

Youmu waved her index finger. ''I'm glad you're sorry, and didn't force yore monster to that. But I'm still going to win!'' At this point, I could feel Shooting Star's presence right in front of me. ''I activate Shooting Star's effect! I negate any effect that would destroy any card on the field, and destroy that card! With that, Destruction Ring's effect won't work!''

Suddenly, realization sinks upon me. As of now, I thought of Youmu as a cold person, or a very distant one, but now I see that she's simply not one for meaningless talk, she is a very passionate duelist who gives everything she has during a match.

The way persons change during a Duel Monsters game... really, it makes me look back at the days when I met Duel Monsters for first time, the fun I had, and the satisfaction of being who am I for the first time.

Suddenly, I saw Shooting Star Dragon shine with all its might, making Destruction Ring fade off before even activating, leaving me dumbfounded. ''Impossible...''

''Now proceed, Shooting Star Dragon! Advance at full speed like a storm, towards a tomorrow not yet seen! Stardust Mirage!'' Black Magician didn't stand a chance, and was defeated by the dragon which surpassed the very speed of light. The shockwave was really brutal this time, making me roll countless times on the air before being caught by Yuyuko's arm.

''Good duel, Akechi-kun.'' The ghost kindly smiles at me, completely defeated.

It's true, with that attack, my Life Points are now 0.

I chuckle a bit at Yuyuko. ''Yeah, it really was like a storm. Thanks for the... duel...'' At this point, I blacked out.

---

When I came back to my senses, I was in a forest, feeling slight movement from behind me. When I look down, I met Youmu's white hair. ''Good morning, Akechi-san. Right now we're carrying you out of the Mysty Lake to the Human Village, I'm sorry for being so rough, I made you faint.'' The half-ghost that carries me says, aplogizing for the rough duel.

Remembering the duel... makes me chuckle. ''Thanks for the duel, Youmu. You're really strong.''

''Ara ara, dropping the formalities with Youmu already? I told you, you guys really do get along.'' Yuyuko comments playfully from her place, covering her mischevious smile with her fan.

''Perhaps we do, isn't that right... Akechi?'' The half-ghost says, agreeding to her boss' point, and dropping the formalities as well. Seeing this, we share a solidary smile.

Somehow, this kind of thing makes me happy.

I really like interacting with these 2. Youmu is more of an aloof girl, but it's not as though she's a cold person, she showed me that in our duel, when she really got fired up towards the end of the game.

Yuyuko on the other hand is playful, mischevious, but I get a mysterious, eerie feeling that there's more hidden below that. And that makes me curious, I want to know more about these 2.

Before I've noticed, we're out of the forest, and already in the human village.

Now that the foliage of the nature isn't around, I can see that the orange sun rays of twilights are already over us, meaning that the night is soon to arrive.

''Well, Akechi-kun, I believe you can make it to your home from here, we should get to the netherworld before night catches up.'' I get drom from Youmu, testing the strength left in my legs. After an approving nod, I bid my farewells to both Youmu and Yuyuko.

As I see them disappearing in the distance, a thought crosses my mind... Wait... I've been in a loss streak! Ugh... This is bad! I was suppossed to vent out my frustrations of losing to Keine yesterday and yet I lost again!

I look at the distance in which I know Keine's house is. Alright! Off we go! Positive attittude! Yeah!

Part 3

Night came around when both Youmu and Yuyuko got to the netherworld.

''Youmu, please breed some tea.''

''As you command.''

The half-phantom girl was preparing the ta as her master sit on her knees at the table. ''Say, Youmu, what do you think of Akechi-kun?''

The sudden mention of the young man startled Youmu slightly. ''Wh- What do I think about him? Well... he's a likeable, simple person. It's kind of refreshing for an outsider to be so simple minded.''

''Refreshing, huh?'' The pink haired woman stares into the wall for a while.

''Yuyuko-sama?''

''Hm?'' Yuyuko absent-mindedly answers her bossom servant.

''Why were you so interested in that man? That's not like you.''

The pink haired woman looked at Youmu before covering a smirk with her fan. ''You see, I've been curious about why Yukari has been bringing so many outsiders recently...''

Youmu raised an eyebrow to her master. ''I fail to understand.''

''Yamato-kun, Yumeji-chan, and Akechi-kun, Yukari has something to do with these 3 outsiders, and she brought them all for a reason, yet I fail to see what it is.'' Yuyuko puts a hand on her chin as Youmu places a teacup in front of her.

''Yukari-san did? How do you know that, Yuyuko-san?''

''Well, she told me, obviously, but always evades the question whenever I ask her about it.''

The white haired servant sighs. ''No use thinking about it then... Yumeji-chan is a nice person, I'm sure she could get along with Akechi. But Yamato-san... is a scary person.'' As she says this, Youmu trembles slightly.

Yuyuko's expression darkens at the mention of the last young man. ''Yes, that man is a dangerous one... he is also... very strong.''

---

Gloom.

''Crawiling in my skin, these wounds, they will not heeeeal. Fear is all I have... confusing what is real...'' I sing in a barely audible volume, crouching on the ground in a corner of the room.

''Akechi-san...'' Keine calls my name with a mildly amusing expression.

I lost, 3 times, 3 times in a row! This is beyond sad, this hurts my self-confidence so much! I already know how she plays, why am I not winning?!

''Come on, Akechi. It's not that big of a deal.'' Mokou tries to get me up, but it's as if I was stuck to the ground. ''Seriously get up! I'm tired of that edgy song damn it!''

With a sigh, the immortal stops trying... or so I thought, until I'm sent flying due to a kick on my side.

''Get up when I tell you to! It's not such a big deal you stupid human!''

''Now, Mokou, perhaps you'd like a match with me? While Akechi-san comes back from the netherworld, you know...''

Hey, I'm still alive!

''No thanks, I don't want the morale I just recovered to be broken again.''

I guessed so.

Keine is now sulking in her seat. ''You meanie...''

I finally get up. ''I was just kidding Mokou, you didn't have to kick me for god's sake.'' I complain to the white haired immortal, who gives me an indifferent look.

''How was I supposed to know? You were looking pretty gloo-'' Suddenly, we hear knocks on the door, and Keine gets up as if she wasn't sulking before.

''Now... I wonder who it is?'' She asks nobody in particular as goes down the corridor to the door.

Both Mokou and I stay were we are, at Keine's living room. ''Oi! Keine, night's -ze'' Just with that -ze i can recognize who it is already.

I can hear both Keine and Marisa talking as they make their way to the living room. When the witch sees us, she leaves Keine behind and jumps right at my face. ''Akechi! Mokou! Long time no see, what are you guys up to?''

''Losing.''

''The same as usual.''

Marisa whistles sarcastically. ''Impressive -ze...''

Suddenly, an awkward silence strikes us, as no one says a word.

It's Keine the one who breaks this silence. ''Ne, Marisa-san, why did you come all the way here?''

''Ah, that's right. You see, I broke my Duel Disk -ze.'' As she says this, the witch takes something from somewhere on her person, it looks like a busted machin- holy this girl is hopeless.

The thing is unrecognizable, if she had not said she broke her Duel Disk, I wouldn't have guessed that's what this was.

''Oh my.'' The teacher is modestly covering her surprised expression.

''H-how did you do that?'' I question the monochrome witch, wondering what would I do if mine broke this way.

''It feel off while I was flying, I guess it happens -ze.'' Marisa casually explained, as if this was not a big deal but instead something normal.

I'm being given the impression that this young lad is missing the definition of care, specially with her own things, or that she's just pretty disinterested.

''And? What do you want us to do?'' Mokou asks with a sudden hostility.

''I wanted to borrow money from Keine! Since you two are here, perhaps you could lend me som- WHOA!'' The witch jumps backwards to evade a flaming punch from Mokou, who is looking at Marisa with fire instead of eyes

''Over my damned corpse I'm paying for your mess.'' The witch looks nervously at me, behind Mokou, who is just giving her an understanding smile.

''Ugh... I have some, so I can help you pay the repairs...'' I say timidly, and I can see Marisa's expression lighten up before she takes me by my wrist and takes me out of Keine's house.

''Thanks a bunch, Akechi! Let's go right now!''

''Wait wait wait wait, where are we going? And why now when its late in the night?'' Outside of Keine's house, the witch finally lets go of me as she gets on top of her broom.

''The sooner the better, ain't that right? I'll answer your questions while we're on the way. Come, get up.'' She commands as the witch pats an open spot behind her on the broom.

Reluctantly I comply, making myself comfortable so that the broom's stick wouldn't be in an awkward place as I hold the witch to make sure I don't fall. ''Alright, let's go th- WHOAAAAA'' Before I can finish my sentence, the broom took off at unbelievable speed, forcing me to tighten my grip on the witch. ''Marisa not so fast damn it!'' But my complains fall to deaf ears, as the air around us breaks in a whistle while we go on our way.

''You'll be okay, just don't let go and don't look down -ze.'' The witch is screaming to make sure I can hear her.

Despite the warning, I look down and only manage to see a pitch-black darkness while I manage to make out some shadows, though that's to be expected since it's slightly late in the night by now.

''Say...'' I scream to the witch so that my words are audible. ''Where are we going?''

''Genbu River.''

''Where?''

''You'll see soon.''

As she says this, I can feel we're suddenly going even faster, the cold wind of the night messing with our hairs while I feel my stomach turning inside out of itself.

The hellish trip continues very few minutes until I notice we're going down, and finally land on a small riverside. ''Come on, get down. It wasn't so bad, right?''

The witch can say that, but as I put my feet on the ground, I can only feel joy that I'm finally out of that broom, not bothering to think of the returning trip.

''S-Say... Marisa...'' I struggle to catch my breath as I call to the witch. ''Why did you have to come all the way here to fix your Duel Disk?''

The witch puts a finger on her chin, as if thinking, before smiling for a reason I fail to understand. ''Well, the kappas live here, and they're the ones who developed the Duel Disks, so they are probably the ones to fix this.'' She says this as she wanders around the riverside. ''Oi! Nitori! You here!''

Who?

I have some difficulties seeing things, as the only illumination I'm offered is the one from the moon. However, I notice that one girl rises from the depths of the water, and through the moonlight I discern her aqua-blue hair, as well as clothes of a lighter shade of blue.

''Did you need something, Marisa?'' The newcomer girl casually addresses Marisa, with a childish but laidback tone of voice. The witch simply nods to the question as she takes her busted Duel Disk, which earns a startled look from the small girl. ''W-wow... it'll be the usual cost of repairs, wait for me just a second.''

W-WHAT? The usual?! This happens often?

The girl dove into the waters, leaving a grinning Marisa and a dumbfounded me.

''This grill is Nitori, a friend of mine. Sweet of her to repair it for me right -ze?''

I chuckle nervously. ''More like, poor girl. I assume this kind of thing happens often? You breaking your Duel Disk, I mean.''

''Hmmm...'' The blonde witch seems to give it a bit of thought. ''Not really...''

I give myself a breath of relief.

''Perhaps the last time was some weeks ago, when I had to make a dramatic escape from the Koumakan -ze''

From where?

As if my dumbfounded expression was giving it away, Marisa answered my internal question. ''It's a mansion beyond the Misty Lake, I usually borrow my books from there. -ze''

''With borrowing, do you mean...''

''It's borrowing da -ze''

I facepalm in front of her, though it seems she doesn't understand that action.

Interrupting our talk, Nitori appears and gives Marisa a repaired Duel Disk, with shining black and white painting, just like the monochrome witch's dressing. ''Here it is, now don't break it again... eek! I didn't notice you. What's a human doing over here?'' When this girl notices my presence, she acts nervously, it seems I startled her.

''Akechi, a pleasure to meet you, and my condolences.'' I say casually, expecting a reaction from the girl.

''Your condolences...?''

I nod. ''Yeah, for having to deal with Marisa, it seems like she's a handful.'' This comment earns me a small hit on the back of my head from said witch. ''Don't hit me, its the truth! Poor Nitori-san having to repair it for you everytime!''

''Actually, I don't mind as long as I get paid...'' These words send a shiver through my back, as I had forgotten I was going to help the witch pay this. ''It's going to be 1500 yen, and a smile please!''

''Okay, Marisa, it's going to be 750 and 750...'' Suddenly, I see the witch is not there anymore, and I can only manage to see her flying below the moonlight's shine. ''Screw you...''

I give an apologizing look to Nitori, who simply sighs. ''That girl is just irresponsible, leaving you behind. How are you going back, Akechi-san?'' At this, my eyes open as plates. ''It doesn't look like you are able to fly.''

Oh damn, I didn't think about that!

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And this is it for Chapter 4. If you might, please leave a review, any criticism helps me.

So then, until next update.