A/N: Another chapter that took me a while to write. And another chapter that I'm sure is worth the wait. Also I will be using some Japanese dueling terms in this so let me know if they're right.

Thanks for reviewing!

akinos: Thanks for the compliment and I honestly haven't decided on that yet. I'll have to think on it more.

Phoenixian Stardust: Glad you liked the last chapter and I think you'll really like this one. As for the twins calling Yusei a father instead of brother, I personally don't see their age difference as a close one. Yusei is 18 and the twins are 11 so that's seven years apart. I don't know most siblings that have that much of an age gap and then Yusei is mature for his age so that's why I saw it more appropriate for them to call him father. That's just the way I see it though.

: I believed I already answered your question in a PM, hopefully you got it.

A.S: Thanks so much! I too have read several Dark Yusei stories but my quench for the hero becoming dark still wasn't satisfied enough. So this story was born!

iron horse: Always love hearing from you!

And now the chapter I'm sure all of you have been waiting for!

"Character's speaking"

Character's thoughts

Unknown Voice

Part 1: Causing of Choices

Chapter 6

A Love Beyond Any Understanding

"Aki, are you afraid?" Divine asked me with us both standing in one of the secluded hallways.

"I'm going to hurt people again," I stated softly as I looked down at my Black Rose Witch mask in my hands.

Of course this was a lie. My goal was to hurt, no destroy those wicked people out there. However as much as it annoys me, I have to play this role of an insecure girl.

"Don't be afraid. You are the future of psychic duelists," he began while putting his hand on my shoulder almost making me want to grimace from the physical contact.

"I told you that you would part with this mask once you realize your pride and mission," continued Divine before he took the mask I was holding out of my hands.

I didn't have to fake a look of discontent on my face when the mask was taken from me. The mask represented an importance that was greatly needed for me.

"Proudly show them your beautiful face and let them know of your existence," was the last thing he told me before we separated ways.

I knew my match was starting soon, but there was something I had to do first. I found a private bathroom and immediately locked the door. I stepped in front of the mirror and stared at my reflection for a few seconds before I let me real features display on my face. I gazed at my reflection and saw a woman with black irises, reddish brown eyes, and thick red markings on each side of her face going from the top of her head to her cheeks. My hair was no longer straightened and was instead wavy with it gliding down to my back and my bangs cascading down from my forehead. There was one more piece that was missing so I used my arm, with the now purple glowing mark on it and took out a mask from my person. Unlike the other mask I had this one was redder than white, had open eye holes, and it only covered the top portion of my face. I immediately put it on and was very pleased at what my reflection showed me.

This was the actual Black Rose Witch. The one that had a greater purpose to accomplish. The one who knew who she was and embraced it with a passion. The one who was willing to follow her Shooting Dark Star to the ends of the earth. The one that would sacrifice anything and everything for him. The one that loved him more than anyone could ever hope to imagine, let only achieve. I was his Black Rose Witch and he was my Shooting Dark Star. Nothing could ever change that.

I smiled to myself with that in mind as I took off the mask before returning to my normal face and then left the bathroom to head out for my upcoming duel.

"And once again you hurt others through dueling…Psychic duelist, Aki Izayoi!" announced Kinorniya causing surprise in not just me, but everyone else including my inamorato.

That's when I realized how serious this man was. I already knew something was greatly wrong with him yet he didn't seem too much of a threat. However, now I could sense something brewing in his head as he continued to speak.

"Three years ago, on May 15th, you hurt your classmate with that Violet Witch during dueling practice. That was the first instance in which you used your powers at the Duel Academia. From then on, you were feared by everyone and drifted further and further away from them," he declared proudly making me feel apprehensive toward him.

How does this guy know that?

Yet I quickly pulled myself together. I refuse to let him get the best of me. I played my permanent trap Rose Flame that dealt 500 points of damage to him. Unfortunately that's when he said something that shook me to my core.

"Are we reenacting that incident from when you were five now? That same day that you first one a duel," said Kinorniya, brining the memory of what happened that day to the surface.

Even though that memory didn't bother me nearly as much as it used to, recalling it still left a hallow numbness in me. I immediately ended my turn and that man continued with his loathsome words.

"You're just a monster who brings destruction to the world. Monsters belong back in their monsterish dens! This world is for humans!"

I had to close my eyes for a moment to calm myself as Kinormiya's words angered me greatly. He had no idea what he was saying. Humans were the monsters that I was trying to put back into their hovels. He was right about one thing though. Monsters do not belong in this world that is why it is not for humans as he had claimed.

I will show him who the true monster in this duel is.

He had finally ended his turn and now it was mine. I looked at the card I had just drawn while a certain memory flowed through my mind.

Flashback

I was following my savior to an unknown part of the building, wondering where he was leading me. It had been a week since I was reawakened and I was still getting used to this new way of "life".

"Where are we going?" I couldn't help but ask.

"We're almost there," he simply answered.

I gave a sigh and knew I would just have to wait until we got to wherever we were going. He wasn't lying when he said we were close to our destination. Not even a minute had passed when he said that and we had entered a room with a dueling field in it. He then turned back to face me with a firm expression on his face.

"We're going to duel," he suddenly announced causing my eyes to widen in surprise.

"No, you'll get hurt!" I told him urgently, since I didn't want to cause him any harm.

Yet his expression still remained the same but his voice grew more serious.

"I know…and you will to."

This baffled me to no end. How would I be getting hurt when I'm the one with the powers? Then again he too had a mark so he may have powers of his own. But no, it didn't matter if he did or not I didn't want to cause him any pain. I then felt his hands touch my shoulders in a comforting way and this time his voice carried a gentler tone.

"Trust me."

I don't know why but after he said that something in me arose and made me agree to duel him.

The first few rounds were simple and smooth as we were both learning about the other's deck and strategies. Of course the tranquility didn't last long, before we both knew it were fighting each other to the brink. As I feared, my attacks on him did severe damage to him yet he still insisted on going. It wasn't until he landed several good hits on me that I realized he was causing me physical harm as well.

The duel had soon shifter in his favor and I was continuously being ripped apart from the ongoing attacks. I felt blood running down numerous parts of my body and my vision growing blurry. Despite my obvious condition he still carried on with the duel creating more wounds on my body. The strange thing was is that I wasn't angry at him at all, instead I felt ecstatic. Before I knew it, I was fighting back more in the duel and returning the pain he caused me in double.

We both were putting out more with each passing second as both of us would probably lose consciousness any second. Eventually that is what happened as we both had fainted just as our life points hit zero at the exact same time.

I slowly opened my eyes and immediately noticed that I was back in my chambers. I sat up in my bed quickly only to hiss out in pain. It was then that I noticed that I was covered in bandages, instantly reminding me of what had happened.

"There are different types of pain," I heard a familiar voice said suddenly.

I carefully turned my head in the direction the voice was coming from. I saw him looking back at me as he was leaning against the wall with his own bandages adorning his body. I remained silent and attentive knowing that there was more he was going to say.

"We both experienced the pain from humans. They cause pain out of enjoyment and other's suffering," he stated to which I already knew and understood greatly.

But before I could ask where he was going with all of this, he continued.

"The pain that we give each other is different," he remarked making me confused yet curious at the same time.

He then walked closer to me, not breaking our eye contact, and sat down on the side of the bed. He grabbed his right hand with mine and immediately our marks glowed a strong dark purple. This made a painful throbbing go throughout my entire arm and I could tell that he was feeling it too. Nonetheless for some reason feeling this pain actually made me smile and I noticed he was wearing a smile too.

"We cause pain out of love and thus using this pain will always make us stronger than them," he replied, keeping the smile on his face.

His hold tightened on my right arm and this time I squeezed his hand back. Both of our marks were eating away at our skin causing more gratification in the both of us.

There was no doubt that this pain was certainly out of love.

End Flashback

I change the pain from love into power, knowing that that power turns the pain into love.

That was the first thing he had taught me and it has been engraved in me ever since. So I will take all of my pain and use it to do what's needed to be done.

"What's wrong? Come on! Doesn't the Arcadia Movement have their hopes on that power of yours?" Kinormiya shouted making my eyes widen at this until a resolve arose within me.

My powers were not for the hope of the Arcadia Movement. I could care less about it and especially Divine. No, I was here for one person and one person only.

"I have come here for the one who believes in me. I have a power that he needs!" I proclaimed strongly.

It didn't matter if Divine thought I was talking about him. I knew I wasn't and the person who I'm really here for knew it too.

I will not fail him!

Once Phoenixican Cluster Amaryllis was destroyed, I gladly used its effect to deal 800 points of damage to the vermin even though I knew he would gain the life points back. I enjoyed seeing him hit the ground in pain and could tell his body wouldn't last much longer from my assault.

"Dammed monster," he muttered bitterly after my Rose Flame trap hit him again.

After that he started to fight back. His Mad Profiler attacked a Rose Token on my side on the field and successfully dealt 1800 points of damage.

"So how's that for you? Stop tarnishing dueling, you monster! Get back to your den!" he shouted at me, which only increased my already growing furry for him.

I was too finished playing with him and finally summoned Black Rose Dragon to the field. However the man clearly didn't know when to keep his mouth shut and said the last statement that broke the cage in me.

"You're a monster that's been abandoned by her own parents!"

That fool dares to go so low! Was I upset that he called me a monster, no not when I knew he was the monster. Was I upset that he said I didn't belong here, no because I already knew where I belonged. Was I upset that he said that my parents abandoned me, no why would I when I knew it was true. It was the man himself that angered me so much. Throughout this duel he had just been reinforcing my anger towards humans and why I despised all of them so much. This man proved that humans will go to any means, even digging into the inner sanctity of your heart if it meant they could get what they want.

"You will not get away with trampling all over the feelings of others! Engrave this pain upon your form!" I screamed at him in rage before I activated Black Rose's Dragon's effect.

I almost felt the need to laugh cynically at his pitiful actions as he assumed that by destroying Black Rose Dragon with Light Law Protection's effect would win him this duel. I felt the burning sensation of my mark responding to my anger and gladly let the pain strengthen me even more.

"Sick him," I said sternly before my Curse of Rose trap card succeeded in crushing the insect and the last of his life points.

I was grateful when that bothersome duel was finally over. I quickly calmed myself down, not wanting to repeat what happened the last time I couldn't get myself together in time. It was ironic that at that moment he and I crossed each other's paths. Our eyes couldn't help but lock with each other after not meeting for a long time and a comfort that only connecting with those eyes could give me completely washed over me.

Yet when I looked deeper into his eyes I realized that something was different about him. I couldn't figure it out, but whatever it was I knew it wasn't good. I risked placing my right hand on his cheek, hoping having some physical contact would help me figure it out. He didn't respond to the touch, yet I could feel confusion coming from him. This however made me even more worried. He didn't know that something had changed within him.

"Yusei!" I heard a child's voice call out causing me to quickly remove my hand and to turn in the voice's direction.

It was the twins that he'd been hanging around lately that had called out to him and were now running towards us.

"Jeez, this is where he was?" the girl uttered out loud to herself as the two had come to a stop in front of us.

"It's almost time for the finals!" proclaimed the boy before the two finally noticed my presence.

"It's the witch lady!" the boy had abruptly announced making a hint of irritation flare in me.

Honestly, I don't see how he can stand being around that kid.

I turned my focus back to him and that's when I felt it, an emotion that was slowly but surely arising in him from being around these children. No, this was not good at all. It was then that I wanted to send a hard glare at them for beginning to taint my lover in such a way. Nonetheless it was best that I didn't or else it might make it even worse. However, this was an issue that could not be ignored.

If I don't deal with it now, I might lose him…No! I won't let that happen!

Now I had another mission to achieve. Our duel will not be preparation as it was going to be. It was now a rescue mission. It was my turn now to save him.

The hallway became crowed quickly and before long I was being escorted away by Divine and some other members of the Arcadia Movement. However before I was completely out of sight, I sent an important message to my lover.

Use Stardust Dragon.

After I was sure he got the message I swiftly cut off our link so he couldn't question me. I knew he was only planning to use Stardust when he faced Atlas, but this was too important to not involve the dragon. I'm sure he was confused by my current actions, but I just hope he would still grant my last minute request despite that.

The final match was here at last. I was the first to be introduced to the arena followed by his intro coming to the field. I was pleased when I could sense Stardust Dragon from his deck, appreciative that he did honor my request. Nevertheless, I still had an important task ahead of me in this duel.

I will destroy those deadly holds that those children have caught you in and free you, my Shooting Dark Star.

Once our first five cards had been drawn, I declared the first move. The duel was starting off at a subtle pace as we were both getting prepared for what was to come. I kept my focus on him the entire time and the more I did, the more determined I became to save him.

Now that four Ivy Tokens were on his side of the field, it was time to start breaking him free of that accursed attachment that was threatening to corrupt him. I had successfully summoned Rose Tentacles to the field and told it to attack his Turret Warrior causing a huge burst of wind from the explosion. The analytical look he sent me after that attack made anger in me grow. He still hadn't realized that he was in danger of becoming the very thing we despise.

Have those new so called friends of his gotten to him this much? How dare they! How dare they try and take him away from me!

I wouldn't stand for it. I was now going to use Rose Tentacles to its fullest.

"Rose Tentacles attacks Ivy Token!" I announced ready to unleash my ferocity.

"Thorn Whip One!" I shouted as one of my monster's tentacles attacked an Ivy Token before tightly wrapping around his right arm.

"Thorn Whip Two!" I shouted again as another tentacle did the same thing as the previous only this time it wrapped itself around his right leg.

"Thorn Whip Three!" I screamed letting more of my anger out while the next tentacle attacked and wrapped around his other leg.

So much shock and bewilderment was emitting from him in waves. It was clear he could feel all of my pain and frustration, but he still didn't know why.

"This is the last attack," I breathed out heavily, knowing this final attack would at last open his eyes.

"Last Thorn Whip!" I yelled, making the last tentacle attack and wrap around his whole midsection.

I could hear his painful struggles as the tentacles grip were tightening around his body while he was slowly being lifted up in the air. I bowed my head slightly knowing this is what needed to be done. My own pain and the pain I am about to give him will give him enough power to break through the cloud that blinds him from me. The one that those people had begun to create in him.

The tentacles had smacked him down to the ground creating lots of dust and wind from having his body harshly impacting the ground. I didn't care that the audience were now calling me a witch all I cared about was if I had reached him. When the dust was staring to clear, he was painfully struggling to stand back up. He had managed to stand once again yet I couldn't see his eyes since his head was somewhat tilted downward with his bangs covering them.

"Ore no…time," he declared with a strain in his voice before he drew his next card.

"I…summon Shield Warrior…in defense mode," he excruciatingly continued, doing just that before he placed two cards face down and ended his turn.

That's when he lifted up his face as his eyes homed into mine. Gazing into his eyes, I could see that the veil had finally been lifted.

"I finally figured it out," he stated softly so that only I could hear him.

A part of me became relieved that I had succeeded in getting to him; nonetheless I knew the battle wasn't over yet. I had made him see the crisis, now I had to help him overcome it.

I will help you to destroy that emotion that they began poising you with!

I made sure I had filled those words with all the strong emotion I felt for him.

I know you will.

Hearing his response brought hope in me. I now knew without a doubt that I could bring him back to me.

The duel continued, but now I could see him really fighting back as he had caused me 2000 points of damage. To everyone else it would seem as if he was fighting me, though I understood that he was trying to free himself from that inner threat as well.

No, Tou-san isn't just fighting. He's trying to do something for her.

I was surprised when I heard Ruka's thought. So she could tell there was more going on in this duel. She was right to. He was trying to open himself up to me again so that I could free him. It was time to bring him back out and there was only one way to do that.

"Chilling flames engulf the entire world. Pitch-dark flower set into bloom! Synchro Summon! Appear now, Black Rose Dragon!" I chanted, bringing my dragon proudly to the field.

His mark reacted to Black Rose Dragon's appearance, letting us both know that it was willing to help free the master of her own lover.

I was pleased that he managed to avoid his Junk Warrior from getting destroyed by my dragon's attack and save his life points also. However, when my dragon's attack hit a portion of the audience and he had taken a brief glance in the direction of those friends of his, I knew this fight was still long from over.

It was his turn again and I realized exactly what he was about to do.

Lend me… your strength!

He had called out to Stardust for its assistance and I could feel the encouraging and unwavering emotions pouring from it into him to give my love the strength he would need.

"Clustering hopes will become a new shining star! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Take flight, Stardust Dragon!" he chanted passionately as the dragon made its first public appearance in the tournament.

Its magnificent presence was overwhelming even to this audience. Once it stretched out to its fullest, we both knew that it was ready to facilitate us in its master's freedom.

"Stardust Dragon attacks Black Rose Dragon!" he declared before it was powering up its attack to launch it.

It seems all of our marks had to react to what was happening here. Stardust Dragon's, Black Rose Dragon's, mines, and his own resolve in saving him was just too much to ignore. The other two who bared these marks had now gotten a taste of the powerful emotions that were being produced in this duel.

"Reverberate! Shooting Sonic!" he shouted as Stardust launched its attack and destroyed Black Rose Dragon.

"Watashi no time, draw," I replied as I proceeded on with my next turn.

I had successfully special summed my Black Rose Dragon back to the field and now I would use its effect.

"Black Rose Gale!" I shouted while my dragon was beginning to unleash its attack, creating a strong and power gust of winds.

Tou-san.

Hearing the girl's concerned cry actually made him look back at them in worry. It was then that he released Stardust Dragon in order for him to use its affect and destroy both of our dragons.

He had sacrificed Stardust for them. Those people who were breaking us apart. I felt tears prick at my eyes at this. Instead of getting him closer he was being drifted away from me even more. It was then I realized it was time for me to use it. It would rescue him.

I took out the whitened colored mask that I used as the Human Black Rose Witch. I could see he had been caught off guard when he saw the mask in my hands. He and I both knew what this mask in actuality represented, nevertheless he yet didn't know the deeper meaning behind it.

Flashback

I have something to give you.

I was surprised when I suddenly heard that voice. I right away wondered what it was, knowing it had to be important since he rarely talked to me. However before I could say anything a mask appeared right in front of me and I took it in my hands. It was white with two thin red strips that crossed the eyes. The interesting thing about it was that unlike the other mask I had been given, it was a full face mask with the eye holes covered. I was really confused why he would give me another mask. After all I loved the one he had first given me just fine. I've had it for two years now and I enjoyed wearing it when I had to.

Just like your other mask, this one too is needed.

What is it for?

It serves as a reminder of your abhorrence.

If that was the case then this was supposed to be a symbol for humans.

That is correct. Once you put on this mask the human personality residing in it will be unleashed.

This completely surprised me.

Why would you want me to wear something like this?

It is needed.

I had a feeling that was all I was going to get from him, seeing as how his presence was already leaving my mind. I looked skeptically at the mask and I wasn't sure what to do.

It wasn't until sometime later that I decided to ask my now official beau for some advice. I found him in the ground level/garage and saw him tampering with both of our D-Wheels. I decided to wait before I announced my presence. Something about watching him work like this always intrigued and excited me. How the expression on his face was so focused when looking at those monitors. How his eyes grew firmer and his mouth would twitch when he came across an issue or problem he had to fix. The best part, how a slight satisfied smirk would come to his lips when he had solved the problem.

So I let myself enjoy the captivating sight until he had finally finished what he was doing and immediately turned around to face me.

"Were you having fun?" he asked me in a joking way.

"What do you think?" I asked back with a mocking tone of my own.

A knowing smile appeared on his face that made one come to my lips as well. He then swiftly captured my lips in a kiss to which I responded very keenly to. As our lips pressed more together so did our bodies and I could already feel my arousal spiking from the contact. However when I felt something blocking our chests from connecting, I instantly remembered why I came down here in the first place. Luckily he too felt that something was in the way and separated from me to see what it was. He looked questioningly at the thing that had been in my hands this entire time before he turned the same curious eyes to me.

"Why do you have another mask?" he asked me.

"He gave it to me," I answered, knowing he would know who I was talking about.

"I see," was all he said.

I bit my lip since the question I was about to ask him made me kind of apprehensive.

"Do you trust him?"

"Yes," he replied immediately with no hesitation at all.

"Why?" I wondered softly, trying my best not to be rude about it.

He didn't respond right away this time, instead he stared at me for a moment before opening his mouth once again.

"Do you trust me?"

"Of course I do!" I practically shouted back to him, wondering how he could even think he would need to ask that.

"Why?" he asked me seriously causing comprehension to decant down on me.

I got it now. He trusted him because of the same reason I trusted him. There was a feeling that connected us that was stronger than anything words could describe. And because of this feeling that connects us, there is no doubt that we would have nothing but the highest and best of intentions for each other. In simplicity, we loved each other more than love itself.

"I understand," I told him, bringing a small smile to his face before he kissed me on my lips again.

I took long deep breaths, even though I didn't really need to. I was just anxious at not knowing what would happen when I put on this mask for the first time.

It was night and I was standing alone in a random alley in the Daimon Area wearing a red dress with a black cloak. I sighed at the fact that my beau wasn't here with me and that I knew he couldn't be. This was my solo mission just like he had his own; I had to do this by myself. With one last look at the mask in my hands, I hesitantly but eventually put it on.

The next thing I knew I was in another alley, but this time I wasn't alone. In front of me was a man I had never seen before, who was now holding my mask in his hands.

"You don't need this mask. You're fine just the way you are," he said to me causing confusion to fill me.

Who is this man?

Yet the moment I asked that, loads of memories came shooting in my mind. It was horrifying. I saw hundreds of people being hurt by this thing I had become. How she laughed and took pleasure in all the destruction she was causing. How she hated everything and anyone who stood in her way. But the memory that frightened me the most was her attempt at hurting the one I loved the most. She had found him in the Daimon Area and didn't hastate to attack him. Yet I was relieved when I saw that he had been strong enough to push her back and she had to make a hasty retreat. The down side to that was that now she had an even greater hatred towards him than anything else.

All of this was so much to take in. How could she do all of that without any regret at all. Having no problem in abusing my powers to her cold heart's content.

What does this mask represent?

My eyes widened at this question. That was when I remembered what that mask was supposed to symbolize. I balled my fists at this. These human were indeed monstrous. A flash of her attacking my inamorato played in my mind once again making pure anger rise in me. I now understood that our purpose must prevail. None of those sickening creatures should be allowed to live. I will not stop until they are all extinct.

This is why the mask is needed.

End Flashback

Now I see the true significance of this mask. It would not only be my reminder but my lover's as well. I clenched my fingers tighter around the mask, fretting what was about to come. I was about to liberate my love by reviving his odium of humans.

"When I'm in this mask, I'm not me," I stated seriously, immediately grabbing his attention.

"It makes me indifferent to enjoying destruction or laughing at pain," I continued, trying my best to warm and prepare him of what was about to happen.

I knew once I put on this mask, I wouldn't be in control. I would be shoved so far away to where even he couldn't reach me. I could never know what the Witch was saying or doing. Worst of all I knew that she was out for my lover's blood and I wouldn't be able to stop her from attempting to do so.

"All I can do is feel your pain…and your suffering," I finished solemnly as the tears threatened even more to fall down my face, knowing that I would only be able to do just that and nothing else.

"Aki," he said in a concerned voice, which made a tear slip down my cheek.

There was always a special feeling in us when we would call each other by our names. That was why we rarely referred to each other with them. We only said the other's name in the most delicate and intimate moments. This made it all the more harder for me. But I knew this had to be done.

I finally put on the mask and right away I could feel the Human Black Rose Witch starting to take over. She was ruthlessly pushing me away to the point my actual essence felt pain. I had now lost the visual of the outside world and the connection to my body. My spirit was now falling deeper into an endless dark abyss and I felt myself starting to quickly lose consciousness.

Please be strong.

Was the last thing I managed to utter before I lost consciousness, never knowing if he had heard my final message of not

As soon as she put on that mask I knew that things would get much worst. That's when I could feel her presence slipping away more and more as another was taking over. I immediately recognized the other presence as the same one I meant that one time in the Daimon Area. However my main concern was on the quickly fading essence.

Please be strong.

I heard her cry out before I could no longer feel her any more.

"I'm not done yet," she stated in a voice that I knew didn't belong to my witch.

After she attacked Speed Warrior with Phoenixician Cluster Amaryllis, she hardheartedly destroyed the monster to inflict damage to my life points. The flying debris from the monster's explosion had managed to leave several deep scrapes on my face, allowing some blood to slip through the cuts. However I wasn't the only thing that got scraped as I saw that a chuck of the mask had broken off enough for me to see her smirking lips. A joyous chuckle escaped her lips, letting me know that she loved that she had inflicted pain on me.

I had enough of this monster already. I needed to try and get my Black Rose Witch back.

Aki!

Your Black Rose Witch is gone.

She responded back in a conceited way that made me want to get back my witch even more. Unfortunately she felt the need to continue, but out loud this time.

"I'm the Witch, a frightful woman who inflicts pain and enjoys doing so," she began before a huge sadistic grin displayed on her lips.

"It's fun! Inflicting pain on anyone I desire! Using my powers to crush their spirits! Yes, I am a monster, a monster that will gladly take pleasure in exterminating you!" she yelled with a heated passion making my face harden.

"I place a card face down," she said as she resumed her turn.

Stardust Dragon and Black Rose Dragon were now once again on the field together. This time however Black Rose Dragon had also changed. Its feelings were being corrupted by this witch and now she too was our enemy. I could easily feel Stardust's own determination rising to save his lover as well. I glanced at Stardust briefly and our eyes meant before my eyes shifted back to that creature. That sadistic smirk still hadn't left her lips and in fact it only grew more.

"Turn shuuryoo," she announced, finally ending her turn.

"Ore no time!" I proclaimed strongly as I drew a card from my deck.

I'll get her back!

Humph, as if you could. You're not as strong as you used to be.

Her retort had through me of guard. Was that true? Had I really gotten weaker? I had to close my eyes and think about it. Past events to recent events sorted in my mind as I analyzed all of it very carefully. That's when I discovered it. I had become weaker. I had let those people get inside and hinder me greatly. They were starting to make me believe that humans could change and that some were different than others. How could I have let myself even think that there was some kind of hope for humans? How could I have fallen so easily? I clenched my hands tightly into fists to the point I could feel the material of my gloves breaking.

The humans are the only ones to blame.

My eyes snapped opened at this. He was right. It was their entire fault. Their supposed supportive words and kind actions had sullied inside of me. They made me become weak. They had blinded me from my love. They had caused her pain and suffering from almost losing me. And because of them she had to sacrifice herself to save me from them.

But no more! I will never allow that to happen again! I will become stronger for her, us, and our purpose! I will crush any threat that even dares to try and tamper with us again! I won't stop until we make sure every last one of them is demolished!

I will obliterate you first.

I announced with renewed resolve and immediately continued my turn. I saw that the smirk had finally been wiped off her face and I could hear an edge of uneasiness in her voice when she used the Synchro Back trap card to send Black Rose Dragon to the Extra Deck.

I won't allow you to escape this time.

"Kado o ichi mai setto, time endo," I replied dangerously before waiting for her to make her move so I could finisher her off sooner.

"Watashi no time, draw," she started with defiance, letting me know she wasn't going out without a fight.

She had special summoned Black Rose Dragon that was still under control back to the field causing rage and perseverance to sprout in not only me but Stardust as well. That was the moment that the mark on her arm throbbed and I could sense my witch's presence gradually coming back. My Black Rose Witch was now trying to fight her back with us.

"It hurts, doesn't it?" I asked with a hint of mockery in my voice.

"Shut up!" she shouted, trying to block the pain from my lover's coming return.

You won't win.

I almost smiled when I realized that my witch and I had affirmed that together. She wanted to stop this monster just as much as I did and with both of us giving the other our strength there was no doubt that this battle would be ours.

"No, I won't give up!" the witch shouted angrily causing the hairpin to fall out of her hair and her power to increase.

"Black Rose Dragon's effect activates! Black Rose Gale!" she commanded strongly as Black Rose Dragon started preparing its attack.

"I will destroy all cards on the field!" she shouted as the strong winds from the attack grew stronger.

"I'll catch anything you dish out!" I angrily yelled back at her as Stardust was getting ready to retaliate, already knowing what I was about to do.

"Vent out all your sorrow!" I screamed out, but this message was for my lover.

With her powerful emotions with us we would defeat this accused witch.

"Victim Sanctuary!" I shouted as Stardust Dragon flew over to his lover, holding her in a strong grip.

Stardust was now struggling to keep its hold on Black Rose Dragon as she was constantly betting him with her vine tentacles.

Stardust, stay strong!

That was all the motivation Stardust needed to overcome the assault and successfully free Black Rose Dragon with his sacrifice. Now it was my turn to free my own lover.

"The pain is fading away," I heard her say to herself, however I knew it was only fading because the fight was already won.

"Now Phoenixician Cluster Amaryllis is freed from your Prevent Star's spell. Your field is wide open. If I land a direct attack, I win!" she declared as a harsh scowl came to her lips.

"You're indeed a wretched foe," she muttered before a spark of anger grew in her.

This body is mine!

"If so, then why are you crying?" I responded out loud, causing a surprised gasp from her as a single tear trail went down her face.

I knew it was my witch crying out for me to end this duel and both of our suffering. And I was more than obliged to do so.

"Trap Card, Cosmic Blast! When a Dragon-type Synchro Monster is removed from the field, it'll inflict damage equal to the monster's attack power!" I proclaimed as a faded image of Stardust Dragon appeared one again on the field.

That was when the fragments from the trap's effect hit the mask and destroyed it. Brining her life points to zero and finally freeing my Black Rose Witch. I grew concerned when she slumped down to the ground and tears were coming out of her eyes.

Yusei…you're back.

Hearing the happiness in her voice made me understand that the tears she was shedding were from joy not sorrow.

You did well my Black Rose Witch.

That's right. You saved me, Aki.

And I meant every word of that. Her love and dedication made me stronger than I was before. We both had suffered in this duel and it strengthened us. More tears of joy came down her cheeks before she gazed directly at me.

I love you.

There was so much passion and emotion in just those three words that it overwhelmed me. I was truly blessed to have someone to give me so much of this kind of love. The kind of love that was even greater than love itself. The love that most could never have, let alone dream about. A love that was unbreakable and would last far beyond all eternity.

Unfortunately, that was when that man decided to show up. He placed his coat gentling over her before kneeling down to her level making her look at him.

"Well done, Aki," he told her as he helped her in her fragile state to stand up.

He was now walking with her off the duel field and toward the stadium exit. However before she had completely left the stadium, I made sure the last thing I said to her was too filled with all of the feelings I had for her.

I love you too.

A/N: The next chapter should be the last one for Part 1 of this story. After this chapter I'm not sure if the next one will be nearly at dramatic but I will try.