08/02/2016
Those Who Endure
Chapter 6: Stranger Tides Part I
Akiza, Leo and Luna sat there with widen eyes at the sheepish Naruto and the beaming Diana Michelle Gordon AKA Dark Magician Girl. They definitely weren't expecting this at all. A nice and quiet lunch between themselves was one of the sanctuaries they could afford when they were not dealing with a crisis.
But this really threw them off. A Duel Monster Spirit has taken a physical form in their world and standing right in front of them. Akiza was especially surprised since the only time Duel Monster Spirits took on physical forms were during a Shadow Duel or through use of her Psychic powers. So this is a nice change of pace.
"And so let's treat her to a good time." Naruto greeted before taking a seat.
When break started, Diana was surrounded by love-struck boys and giddy girls who wanted to be her friends, so he rescued her while also avoiding his daily would-be challengers. Call him crazy, but he could've sworn Diana was pleased by this.
"Thank you for having me." Diana greeted with a bow before taking a seat. "It's an honor to meet you…Leo…Luna…Akiza." The trio and Naruto looked at her oddly. "What is it?"
"How do you know our names?" Luna asked politely. Diana giggled while also giving a cute 'Are you serious' look.
"Every Duel Monster Spirit in our world knows of the Signers, but also…" She glanced at Naruto who looked confused a moment. "I know because everyone in the deck listened when when you all told Naruto that night."
"Everyone?"
Diana pointed at Naruto, more specifically, his deck box. "The monsters including me in his deck listened in on your conversation. My master had a feeling but he turned out to be right." Diana smiled at them. Leo slightly swooned in his seating position until Luna nudged him.
"That's eavesdropping, you know." Naruto crossed his arms. "An invasion of privacy I should add."
"That's what my master said."
"And you did it anyway."
"He supervised me." Diana said back as Naruto sighed.
"I wonder who was the master back then."
"Does that meant our monsters are also listening?" Akiza asked but Diana cut her off with a gentle nod.
"Yes." Diana admitted. "But you can also turn… the mute button on as you Humans say it. Why do you ask, Akiza?" She and Naruto noticed the small reddening on Akiza's cheeks with the latter realized it right there.
"I see." Naruto said with a cheeky grin, which made the reddening darker on Akiza's cheeks. "You were having those kind of dreams, weren't you?"
"N-No, I was not!"
Naruto chuckled as he fended off Akiza's flailing arms while enjoying his lunch. Diana, Leo and Luna sat there all confused with imaginary question marks above their heads. They soon shrugged and ate their lunch and eventually Akiza as well after she gave up.
They soon entered another round of questions for Diana, wanting to know more about the Duel Monsters Spirit World. She answered them the best she can without revealing too much of her world with the thought of they were not yet ready for knowledge.
But one question topped the previous ones.
"How are you able to cross over to our world?" Naruto asked. Intrigue washed over his friends while Diana simply giggled at him.
She pointed at the sapphire gem on her necklace while speaking, "This gem is infused with magical properties and could only be wielded by Spellcasters like myself." Diana explained. "Although there is a requirement…" She muttered lowly.
"Which was?" Leo asked rather impatiently.
"I needed a power source to fuel the gem, so it'd allow me to take a physical form."
"What's the power source?" Luna asked this time. The four Humans stared at Diana who suddenly grew nervous as she looked away from them. She kept sneaking glances at Naruto who only became more confused.
"Diana?" Naruto asked and he noticed her flinched when he called her. "Diana…" He drawled out. Finally, she looked at him with a nervous gaze. "What's the power source?"
Diana muttered something about someone's life force being the source.
"Whose life force? Yours?" Akiza asked with subtle concern.
"Not exactly."
When her reluctant gaze fell on him, that's when Naruto realized that it was him whose life force is her source. "How?" He asked, completely stunned. "You're using my life force?!"
"EH?!" Akiza and the twins cried out in shock.
"Yes." Diana nervously responded.
"How?"
"I had a hidden reason for your visit to our world, Naruto." Diana said as the shocked Signers looked at the sudden sheepish Naruto. "While you were asleep after falling unconscious, I placed the gem on your chest to establish a connection between it and your life force. Normally, it would be too dangerous as a regular Human would've die in seconds-"
"What?!"
Diana raised her hand in placating manner. "—But you're not a regular Human. Your life force is massive and I'm able to maintain my physical form for a week until the gem needs to recharge." She then dropped to her knees and bowed to Naruto. "I am so sorry for doing this without your knowledge! It's just… I've always wanted to walk among the Humans on a daily basis. Not just on Duel Monster Spirit Day."
"…"
Diana knew Naruto wouldn't be pleased about this at all. She sighed while turning her head away to wipe away her tears. "I'll go back to the deck right now, Naruto. I'm sorry."
"Where do you think you're going?" Naruto finally spoke. Diana looked at him oddly. "Yes I am a bit surprised and little upset honestly, but how often do we get to chat and hang out with a Duel Monster Spirit everyday?" His smile was beaming like the sun and like it, it illuminated his friends. But especially Diana who retook her seat next to him as her blush marks grew a little redder than normal.
"Anyway, how'd you get to school, Diana?" Leo asked with wonder.
"Well, since Naruto possesses my card, I can materialize in my physical form near his location. Usually the girls' bathroom."
"Wait, so when I'd pass by the girls' bathroom, you just materialize there?" Naruto asked. Diana nodded. "What if someone sees you?"
"They don't see me and I make sure there's no one in the bathroom." Diana inhaled through her nose as she held herself with pride. "I made sure I covered all the bases."
"So Dark Magician knows about this, right?" Naruto asked with a teasing smirk. Diana tensed up on the spot while sweat slowly adorned her pretty face as she looked away. "I see." Akiza and the twins giggled at this as they covered their mouths with their hands.
As the group talked until the bell rang for the end of lunch and left for classes, the translucent Dark Magician sighed with a small smile as he watched his disciple talk with their Duelist/owner. For her sake, the scolding won't take as long as usual once she returns home later today.
TWExTWExTWE
Yusei's Garage, Fountain Plaza
Naruto, Diana, Akiza and the twins entered the garage where they found a nice surprise waiting for one of them. Jack. Crow and Yusei, covered in smudge and oil, were putting the finishing touches of a motorcycle.
"Nice motorcycle. Whose it for?" Leo asked in awe as he and Luna inspected it.
"For her." Yusei answered while gesturing to Akiza.
Naruto whistled appreciatively upon gazing on the motorcycle. "Sweet design, guys." He gave a thumbs up to the male trio. "So when is she going to test this baby out?"
"And speaking of babes…" Crow finally spoke with his eyes on Diana who waved at him. "Who is she?"
"She looks familiar though." Jack put his hand under his chin as he pondered about it. "It's at the top of my head, but I can't place her."
Naruto shared a knowing glance with Akiza, Diana and the twins who giggled. Jack in response grew slightly suspicious with narrowed eyes.
"What is it?"
"Nothing much." Naruto answered his fellow blonde before introducing their newest friend. "This is Diana Michelle Gordon, an American transfer student and she's in my class." He then smirked while Diana smiled behind him. "But to the rest of the world, she is…"
A small burst light shined around Diana while her clothes were replaced with her familiar pink attire, wand and hat. Yusei, Crow and Jack stood there with dropped jaws as Diana winked at them.
"Dark Magician Girl~" Diana happily introduced herself with a smile before her clothes morphed back into her Human clothes.
Jack, Crow and Yusei couldn't believe they were standing before the Dark Magician Girl spirit. So much in disbelief, they soon fell on their backs and fell unconscious.
"Oops. I wasn't expecting that from them." Diana admitted in a concerning tone.
"Everyone's different, Dark Magician Girl." Leo answered.
"Please call me Diana." Diana requested. "My original name is a mouthful to all."
The Humans had to agree with the spirit before Naruto walked to the unconscious boys and slapped them…hard in one strike. And it worked.
"Who?! What?!" Crow quickly sat up, looking for the culprit as did Jack. Yusei, however, slowly rose up while he rubbed his cheek due to the throbbing pain.
As for Leo and the three girls, they covered their mouths to stop themselves from laughing while Naruto had an amused smirk. Why? Yusei looked at Crow and Jack and saw they had red, hand marks on their cheeks.
"That's why." Yusei said and correctly assumed there were hand marks on his cheeks as well.
"'Why' what?" Crow asked.
Jack then noticed Leo, Luna, Akiza and Diana's stifled laughter with their eyes on him. "What is it? Do I have something on my face?"
"…Nope." The knowing group including Yusei chorused.
From there on, Naruto and Diana explained to the trio about the latter's physical form, her goal to learn more about the Humans.
TWExTWExTWE
(The Next Day)
Neo Domino Duel Academy
"I gotta admit…You really look hot, Akiza." Naruto said.
Sitting next to him was Akiza who wore her new Turbo Duel outfit made by his mother. It was a red, form-fitting motorcycle suit that showed a bit of her cleavage and a black enclosed helmet that looked similar to Yusei's helmet and high-heeled boots.
"You're probably just saying that." The slightly bashful Akiza countered.
"Naruto is right. You do look…hot." Diana said as she sat next to Naruto. One of her goals is learn how Humans speak nowadays and that includes slang and metaphors. The trio were waiting for the Turbo Duel lessons to start and Akiza chose Naruto and Diana to help her out since school was done for the day. Yusei will arrive during the first lessons since he had a job appointment with someone's garage and Dueling system not working properly.
"T-thank you." Akiza finally spoke while she cleaned her helmet's visor with a clean rag. "I hope things will go well."
"Don't worry! You'll do great, Akiza. I just know it!" Naruto said confidently. Akiza and Diana couldn't help but smile due to Naruto's infectious charisma.
"You're right. I'll pass the exams."
"Yeah right."
The trio faced forward and saw an opposing trio of smug-looking boys staring at them, particularly at Akiza. It was as if they were looking down at her.
"Excuse me?" Akiza said with a serious tone.
"Girls don't become Turbo Duelists because they don't have the skills. You should just stay at home and play with your dolls." The brown-haired teen commented, his smug smirk growing by the second. "Or you could pretty yourself up and go on a date with me, Scott Kazami."
"You have no chance with me." Akiza answered back. The boys' smug smirks turned into scowls at the disrespect.
"How dare you—" Scott was taken aback and fell on his behind when Naruto suddenly got up to his face with a strong expression.
"How dare you, Scott?" Naruto said his name in disgust. He took a step forward while Scott and his friends took two steps backwards. "You look down on Akiza because of her gender or you see her as nothing but a pretty thing. That is something I cannot tolerate!" He took a deep breath to calm down. "Normally, I'd beat down anyone who disrespects or look down my friends but Akiza here will prove you wrong."
Scott scoffed before he and his thugs abruptly left them with a declaration of vengeance on Naruto and Akiza. Diana felt a little uncomfortable with the whole situation as she was not used to it, but she realized it was part of everyday Human situations not unlike those in her world.
"Well, that was something." Diana finally spoke to break the uncomfortable and awkward situation.
Naruto sighed deeply while he rubbed his head. "People like him just don't get it nowadays. It's that kind of attitude that hinders his growth as a Human."
"Kinda deep words there, Naruto." Akiza mentioned before giving a grateful smile. "And thank you believing in me."
Naruto smiled brightly again. "No problem! Yusei and the others know you'll pass and get your license."
With that said, the trio walked over to the Academy's riding field where they usually have their lunch breaks. Akiza stood next to aspiring Turbo Duelists which included Scott and his friends who sent her smug and mocking looks.
As for Naruto and Diana, they took their seats on the stands just as a ruffy-looking man in a gray jumpsuit walked up to his students and began lecturing about the thrills and dangers of Turbo Duels. While Akiza looked a little nervous, Naruto and Diana gave four thumbs up to cool her nerves and it worked as she nodded.
"And now your first lesson: you must pass a corner at accelerated speed!" The instructor shouted before pointing at Scott, surprising him. "You first!"
Scott walked to the school's rental Duel Runner while he sent a smug look at Akiza. "Watch this." Akiza and Naruto's eyes narrowed in response until their expressions changed to one of laughter when Scott was scolded for going too fast at the corner and crashed as a result.
"Next!"
Scott's friends went one by one and they too failed for different reasons. One of them turned gently but it was too slow and not allowed in Turbo Duels. The other leaned his body weight too much and caused himself to fall off his Runner.
Now it was Akiza's turn.
"Anything interesting happen?" Naruto and Diana saw Yusei walking up to them, but he chose to stand instead.
"Nothing much at all." Naruto responded casually.
Diana was a little confused about Naruto not telling Yusei of the verbal scuffle earlier, but she realized that it was not worth mentioning. She admits the arrogant boys' attitude towards Akiza was uncalled for and was glad Naruto wasn't like them at all.
"You're just in time to see Akiza in her first lesson." Diana finally spoke after ending her train of thoughts.
Yusei looked away from Diana and to Akiza who was at the starting line and on her personal red Duel Runner. Akiza noticed him and he gave her an approving nod. She smiled at him and revved her Runner's engine just as the instructor gave her the go, rising to the appropriate high speed.
"Today is the first step of my becoming a Turbo Duelist."
TWExTWExTWE
(Late Evening)
"You know I've never knew anyone who could flip in the air like that…" Naruto remarked off-handedly. "Until today that is."
The riding field was empty of the instructor and the Turbo Duelist students after the sun was beginning to set. Although, one of them chose to remain behind.
Yusei and Diana had to agree with the blonde's statement as a slightly bruised Akiza on her Duel Runner attempted to make another turn at the corner, only to have leaned too much and skidded along the tracks while she was thrown off yet again, this time landed atop of a pile of empty boxes.
"I just need more time. No, I should accelerate at the exact moment when I make the turn. Yeah, that must be it!" Akiza ran back to her Duel Runner and drove it back at the starting line where her friends were waiting for her. "Guys, I almost got it. Just one more." She pleaded.
"…All right then." Yusei eventually relented as did Naruto, a sigh escaping from his mouth. Akiza gave a nod before trying and failing yet again.
"Come on, Akiza. It's time to call it a day." Naruto said with finality. She is much like him in regards of determination and self-motivation. However, there are times that people like them must rest after pushing themselves for prolonged periods of time. "You guys want to come over to my house for dinner?"
"Thank you, but I have something to discuss with my parents at home." Akiza politely declined.
Naruto nudged Yusei and subtly gestured his head toward Akiza repeatedly as she was about to leave. "How about I drive with you there?" Yusei asked casually, missing the surprised and slightly blushing expression on Akiza's cheeks.
"S-Sure."
"Plus, I can give you tips about Turbo Dueling on the way."
"Sure." Akiza stuttered as she and her friends went to the garage while Yusei and Naruto got on their Duel Runners. Yusei revved the engine before giving a nod to her. They bid farewell to Naruto and Diana before they left the school perimeter.
"She's catching on fast." Naruto commented, staring at the direction where Yusei and Akiza left.
"Yes. Your kind's adaptability and resilience always astounds me." Diana said before being offered to ride on Kurama. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah. Earlier you went into card form, but I bet you would like to ride a Duel Runner like a Human."
"Actually, I'm not very fond of motorcycles. I'll just go back to my card."
Naruto become confused by Diana's reaction but shrugged his shoulders. "Okay then. See you tomorrow, Diana." He said with a smile as Diana became translucent before she disappeared, returning to her world. "Home, here I come." Naruto revved Kurama before leaving the school.
TWExTWExTWE
(A Week Later)
Neo Domino Duel Academy
It took many trial and error—especially those errors were gruesome crashes—but Akiza finally managed to ride her Duel Runner proficiently thanks to Yusei's tutelage and Naruto's occasional advice about Summoning methods. Of course, with the former, that also included skating lessons in order to be able to maneuver backwards and the same concept can be applied in a Duel Runner. The move's considered to be one of the skilled dodging maneuvers in Turbo Duels.
However, there was one thing that bothered her.
She still couldn't drive backwards like Yusei could and surprisingly, neither can Naruto as she just learned.
"Are you for real?!" Akiza shouted at Naruto who had his placating hands up. "I thought you knew how to do that!"
"I told you that I'm a beginner—"
"—An amateur more like it." Leo muttered under his breath. He received a fist on the head for his comment as he now tends to the bump. "Ouch…" He whimpered.
"And there'll be more of that if you keep talking, Leo."
"Sorry."
"Oh Leo." Luna said exasperatedly.
"Why don't you try it?" Yusei asked his friend. Like Akiza, he was stunned about Naruto's hopeful temporary incapability to do the move.
"Sure!" Naruto ran at full speed to the garage, leaving behind a dust trail. Minutes later, he returned via on Kurama. "Do I go now?" A nod came from Yusei. Naruto punched the accelerator and then proceeded to do the maneuver, but instead found himself in the air when Kurama suddenly stopped. "Eh?"
The spectators cringed when Naruto landed on the ground hard while his Duel Runner skidded on the track. His helmet-protected head was shaking like a bobble-head while his body swayed like a zombie. Eventually, Naruto shook it off rapidly and got back on Kurama before going for a second attempt.
"Naruto perhaps—" Whatever Yusei wanted to advise kept his mouth closed when Naruto failed again before he made another reattempt.
A cycle of attempts and failure Naruto entered until he finally managed to do it on his 30th attempt.
"Finally!" Naruto cried out victorious as his body laid against his Duel Runner. "I finally did it!"
"Very good, Naruto!" Diana praised her friend with a dazzling smile, which made Leo swoon a bit.
"Thanks!" A roaring engine drew the group's attention as Akiza arrived on her Duel Runner and it definitely caught Naruto's eye. "Whoa! Is that a new Duel Runner, Akiza?!" Naruto asked upon further inspection.
Akiza's Duel Runner was deep crimson red with two blade-wings that are located on each side of the front part of it. On the back were the exhausts that looked more high-tech.
"Nope!" Akiza answered cheerily. "Yusei, Crow and Jack modified and remodeled it during the week. As they said, it's a true Duel Runner." Naruto, Leo, Luna and Diana nodded while staring at the Runner. "I call it the 'Bloody Kiss'."
"Nice." Naruto put out a fist bump. When he didn't get a bump, he looked at Akiza who looked a little confused. "You're supposed to bump my fist with yours."
"Oh!"
Yusei chuckled when the two bumped their fists before he walked over to them. "Remember what I taught you, but the most important thing…"
"Stay calm and collected." Akiza phrased it perfectly with a smirk.
"And consider all your options." Naruto interjected before saying, "You'll do great on the exam, Akiza." He gave a smile before leaving with Diana and the twins to take their seats on the stands.
"You'll do great."
Yusei and Akiza stared at each other's eyes until the bell rang to commence the exam, bringing them out of their little world. With a little courage, Yusei placed his hand on Akiza's left hand, surprising her as he gave a reassuring squeeze. Suddenly, she didn't feel so nervous and a genuine smile etched her lips while she watched Yusei leave for the stands.
"All right, I will do this!" Akiza declared with renewed determination. She and Yusei ignored the wolf whistles from Jack, Crow and Naruto since they didn't care at the moment.
That is until she and her friends were hit with an unexpected surprise in the form of Sector Security Duel Runner stopping next to Akiz's Bloody Kiss and its rider.
"Trudge?! What are you doing here?!" Crow squeaked in a high-pitch voice before he covered his mouth in shock.
Immediately, laughter broke as Naruto, Trudge—having fallen of his Runner upon hearing Crow—and Jack were on their stomachs, holding their sides while Leo and Luna held onto each other for support. Yusei did his best to stifle his laughter while Akiza giggled behind her covered mouth.
"Stop laughing!" Crow shouted in his usual tough voice.
Eventually the laughter quieted down and Trudge answered his embarrassed friend's question.
"Since the Grand Prix was announced to be held in Neo Domino City, the number of applying for Turbo Dueling license skyrocketed during last two months." Trudge sighed, his body slouched due to exhaustion. "However, very few passed the exams and hopefully Akiza will pass."
"She/I will!" Yusei and Akiza said at the same time.
Naruto sent the two a teasing look that caused their embarrassed looks. "Well, well."
"All right then. Are you ready?" Trudge fastened his helmet. Both he and Akiza revved their Duel Runners as the race light above counted down from red… "You sure you want to go through with this? Not a shame if you back out now. I won't go easy on you," He informed her.
…orange…
"As a friends usually says…" Akiza spoke, "It's time to rev it up!"
Green.
"DUEL!" Akiza and Trudge cried out as their Runners took off from the starting line.
TWExTWExTWE
Yliaster Headquarters
The dimension where the head of the Yliaster group was vast and semi-bright. Purple ceilings towered endless. Floating and small spheres of light.
"When is it my turn?!" An impatient voice belonging to a child cried out atop his tall throne. He wore a white robe that hid his frame and face. "Primo already had his turn and he lost to someone."
"Shut it, Lester!" Primo shouted at the child on his separate throne. "I was caught unaware of the fact during the duel. I thought he was the same like all Humans!"
"What fact?" Lester remarked.
The final member of their group finally spoke. He was the tallest of his colleagues and the white robe did nothing to hide his hulking frame. "The fact is that Human did not use Synchro Monsters during the duel against Ghost. Very peculiar yet interesting at the same time."
"Interesting?! A Human?! Impossible!"
"So you were not surprised when he summoned a legendary monster to his aid." Jakob stated. Primo stayed silent with a deep scowl as his hands tightened into fists. "He used that monster only and defeated your Ghost… the period of Synchros. This starts an investigation."
"Why? He's not a threat to us."
"He is an associate of the Signers and that makes him a threat itself. His Dueling style reflects of the ways of old. However, I do feel it be best to put surveillance on him."
Primo's scowl deepened at this point. "We should take him out now!"
"No!" Jakob countered firmly, silencing his younger counterpart while Lester laughed at him. "During the past duels he had, the circuit was fueled with more energy than before. This only happened when the Signers dueled with their power. There is something else to the boy. He is not to be touched until the time is right."
TWExTWExTWE
(Early Evening)
Ea Household, Fountain Plaza
"Congratulations to Akiza and her Turbo Duel Exam success!"
"Hooray!" The group of teens and Naruto's parents cheered with their cups clinked against each other. On the table was a gourmet buffet comprised with delicious Eastern and Western cuisine such as Beef Stew and Ramen with a light broth.
"Thank you for the food!" Naruto and his friends shouted before they dug in. The blondes of the group soon entered a ramen eating competition which left Naruto a narrow victory.
"NNNOOOO!"
"YAAAAYYYY!"
"Boys." Misaka muttered with a heavy sigh and a small smile as Jack challenged Naruto for another round. She looked at Akiza. "Congratulations dear. You'll accomplish great things from here on."
Akiza couldn't help but feel bashful when everyone's eyes, especially Yusei's, were on her. "Thank you all. It was your combined support that helped me at the end."
"Your determination also played a role." Luna pointed out.
"Thank you." Akiza took a breath before she stood up and walked over to an owl-blinking Naruto, pointing at him. "I challenge you to a Turbo Duel, Naruto."
"Eh?"
"You heard me. I want to Turbo Duel you." Naruto saw that she was serious about this. Her eyes clearly expressed that.
"Aren't you a little too ambitious? You just passed your exam. Take a load off and relax." Naruto answered casually. "There are other days to duel. Besides, dueling day-by-day can be exhausting at some point."
"So you're scared." Akiza teased, getting an annoyed look from Naruto.
"What?"
Bingo. She got him.
"You're scared to lose." Akiza taunted, "You'd won all your past duels and now you don't want to risk your winning streak against me."
"Oi! I'm not one of those people who's so prideful that—"
"Ramen is the worst food in the world."
"That's it!" Naruto pointed at the smirking Akiza. "No one tarnishes the good name that is ramen! Let's go!" He and Akiza got on their Duel Runners and revved the engines. "You ready?"
"Yeah."
Crow stood several feet away from them while Yusei and Jack prepared their Runners to watch the duel from their HUD screens. "Ready… Set… Go!" The Duelists took off while shouting on Kurama and Bloody Kiss.
"DUEL!/LET'S DUEL!"
Naruto: 4000 LP
SC: 0
Akiza: 4000 LP
SC: 0
"You go first, Naruto."
"Eh?" Naruto looked at his opponent and saw she wouldn't budge on it. "O-okay… My draw!" He looked at his hand and saw the monster to start off his turn. "I summon Lemon Magician Girl (2/ATK-800/DEF-600) in DEF mode." The third Magician Girl appeared on Naruto's field as they entered the Duel Lane inside the city.
A pointed hat sat atop her extravagant, blonde hair and wore lemon-colored outfit that hugged her body but exposed her shoulders and a bit of her cleavage while two earrings that resembled the Level stars hung from her ears. Matching gloves adorned her hands to the mid-forearms as black stockings covered her thighs and stopped midway while pink stockings shadowed from the thigh area to her feet where lemon-colored boots protected her feet.
She sent a loving wink at Akiza who was caught off-guard by the monster's emotion.
"I set a facedown card and end my turn."
"My turn. Draw!" Akiza drew her card while the Speed Counters rose to one. "I call Revival Rose (4/ATK-1300/DEF-1300) in DEF mode as well." An orange rose-like creature with three roses connected to the stem and one eye in each rose. She looked at her hand and decided to go big from there. "I then play the Speed Spell: Overboost!"
Naruto stared at her with great surprise.
"During this turn, my Speed Counter rises by six." Akiza declared as her Speed Counter rose to seven. "Now I play the Speed Spell: Summon Speeder! Thanks to this card, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower monster from my hand, but it cannot attack during this turn." She placed her chosen card on the disk's arm-blade. "So I Special Summon Twilight Rose Knight (3/ATK-1000/DEF-1000) in ATK mode!"
A young girl with short sky blue hair that had a crown on her head and wore black/rose-colored armor that had an attached white cape on the shoulders as her hand wielded a sharp double-edged sword appeared on her field next to Revival Rose.
"This could only mean one thing…" Naruto said under his breath as Akiza continued her move. And she must've heard him since she sent him a knowing smirk.
"I tune my Level 4 Revival Rose to my Level 3 Twilight Rose Knight." The young female knight morphed into three rings as Revival Rose was surrounded by them a second later while Akiza chanted, "Chilling flames engulf the entire world. Black flower, bloom—" Revival Rose transformed into four stars before a bright light burst within the rings. "Synchro Summon! Appear, Black Rose Dragon (7/ATK-2400/DEF-1800)!"
A stunned Naruto watched as the dragon appeared above Akiza on her Bloody Kiss. It was a beautiful creature with its entire body and wings completely covered with sharp, crimson rose petals as its sharp, black thorn-riddled tail swiped the air while its hind legs stretched out menacingly. Its long and slender black neck turned its head towards Naruto, its sharp red eyes glaring at him as it roared with power.
"Well, I'm in trouble now, huh." Naruto started rather than asking.
"Black Rose Dragon, attack his Lemon Magician Girl! Black Rose Flare!" The dragon arched its neck back before straightening it forward while releasing a torrent of black rose-covered beam at the magician who tensed itself.
But Naruto won't let his monster be destroyed easily.
"I activate my facedown card! The Trap Card: Threatening Roar!" A bi-pedal humanoid with a lion's head emerged from the card and countered with a powerful roar that stopped Black Rose Dragon's attack on the spot. "During this turn, you cannot make any attacks!"
"Tsk. I set two cards and end my turn here." Akiza declared while Naruto sighed. "At this time, my Speed Counter has reduced to one."
"So this is a Signer Dragon, huh." Naruto stated as the dragon glared at him and his monster. "Let's not disappoint, shall we." He said to Lemon Magician Girl who winked at him. "My Draw!"
Naruto: 4000 LP
SC: 2
Akiza: 4000 LP
SC: 2
Naruto looked at his new card and was quite surprised by it. He then smirked at the dragon. "Black Rose Dragon, get ready! I play the Speed Spell: Angel Baton! This allows me to draw two cards as long as I discard a card from my hand." He drew two new cards and discarded one from his hand. "I summon King's Knight (4/ATK-1600/DEF-1400) to the field in DEF mode."
A touch-looking and muscular blonde man with matching short moustache and beard adorning gold, wavy armor appeared next to Lemon Magician Girl. He had a gold crown on his while a navy blue cape was attached to his shoulders. A matching spherical shield occupied his left hand while a sword was in his right hand.
"Next I place two cards facedown and end my turn!"
"That's it? I'm a little disappointed, Naruto." Akiza drew a card as their Speed Counters increased to three. "I expected more from you on that turn. I summon Witch of the Black Rose (4/ATK-1700/DEF-1200) in ATK mode." Her new monster made its entrance on the field. It was a young girl with long purple hair, big eyes and a petite face. She was wearing a black maid-like outfit that had black roses on the vertical coloring in the middle as she twirled her black wand that had a purple rose on the top.
"And I activate her special ability. When she is Normal Summoned, I can draw one card and if it's a monster card, my Witch remains on the field. However, if it's not a monster card, my Witch of the Black Rose destroys itself."
"Risky, don't you think?"
"Against you? It'd be worth it." Naruto was caught surprised when she said that, "Draw!" Akiza looked at her card and smiled. "Now I play the Speed Spell: Summon Speeder."
"Another one?" Naruto had to ask while Akiza looked back at him.
"And it's all thanks to you. You have two copies of Seven Tools of the Bandit in your deck, so why not me."
Naruto gawked in surprise. "How do you know about that?"
"I was there when you and Yusei tag dueled Sherry."
"You were?" Naruto blinked while Akiza sent him a disbelieved look at him. "Oh yeah, you were there! Sorry."
Akiza sighed exasperatedly. "Really? Back to the duel, I Special Summon Dark Verger (2/ATK-0/DEF-1000) in DEF mode." A plant-like monster with a single eye in two of its leaflets appeared on her field. "Now I tune it to my Level 4 Witch of the Black Rose…Splendid hunter and dweller of the sacred forest, with your whip of punishment in hand, come forth now!" The two monsters repeated the process as one of them turned into four rings while the other transformed into two stars. "Synchro Summon! Appear now, Splendid Rose (6/ATK-2200/DEF-2000)!"
"Well, I'm in deep trouble now huh." Naruto stated once more as the new Synchro Monster took its place next to Black Rose Dragon. It was a young man in a suit that had two different colors on each side: orange on the left side; black on the right side. Thorn-riddled vines protruded out of the monsters as it wielded them like whips.
"I activate my Splendid Rose's special ability! By banishing a Plant-Type monster from my graveyard, I can halve the ATK of one of my opponent's monsters and I choose your King's Knight!"
King's Knight (ATK-800)
"Splendid Rose, attack his King's Knight!"
"Not so fast! Activate facedown card!" Akiza gasped when the facedown revealed itself. "The Continuous Trap Card: Spiritual Swords of Revealing Lights!" Sun-filled swords shot down from the sky and surrounded Akiza and her monsters. "Whenever my opponent declares an attack, I can negate it at the cost of 1000 points." Naruto explained as his LP dropped to 3000.
"… I end my turn with a set card."
Naruto released the breath he didn't know that was being held in. "You surprise me, Akiza. You'd just passed the exam and you have already improved since then. Amazing."
"Truth is…" Akiza gulped. "I've always wanted to Duel you."
"Huh?"
"It's not only me. It's not just me who's been thinking about this. Yusei, Jack and Crow wants to duel you." Akiza mentioned. "I just can't wait to see the look on their faces when I beat you."
Naruto chuckled a moment later, "Pretty sure of yourself. That's good, but I'm not going to make this easy for you and I'll start right now! My turn! I draw!"
Naruto: 3000 LP
SC: 4
Akiza: 4000 LP
SC: 4
"…" Naruto looked at his hand as he pondered something. "I wonder what happens if I do this." He played the card in the slot and was surprised when Kurama's system accepted it. His surprise quickly turned into glee. "I activate the Dark Magic Curtain Spell Card!"
"Dark Magic Curtain?!" Akiza looked back. "But that's a Normal Spell Card, not a Speed Spell Card. Is it his Duel Runner or could I also…"
"By paying half of my LP, this allows to Special Summon my ultimate monster!" Naruto pulled the chosen card from his deck as the creature/curtain appeared on the field. "He whose loyalty is never questioned by his king or allies; whose power is unrivalled by his peers or foes and protects the innocent. The ultimate master of magic… Come forth! Dark Magician (7/ATK-2500/DEF-2100)."
Akiza stared at the legendary magician in wonder. To think she would face him so soon, but at the same time she was excited. A true testament to her skills. And it seems she was not alone as her Black Rose Dragon growled in content while it glowed a smooth, black aura while Dark Magician glowed a blue aura in response.
"I hope you're ready, but he's not alone for the moment." Naruto pulled a card from his card while saying, "I sacrifice my King's Knight to Tribute Set a monster." The newly summoned Set monster appeared in facedown DEF position without revealing what it is except Naruto knowing. "I set two cards facedown and end my turn."
Unknown to Akiza, Diana or Dark Magician Girl was floating next to Naruto in her spirit form since she was just Set Summoned moments ago. And her presence was not unnoticed as Lemon Magician Girl waved at her and Naruto smiled while realizing something else. This was a first for Naruto. He has three—one of them was Set facedown—powerful Magicians on his field.
And what's more exciting is that his Dark Magician and Akiza's Black Rose Dragon are about to battle head-to-head from here on.
"Now the duel's really getting started."
"I couldn't agree more." Akiza said in content and her dragon roared in agreement while Splendid Rose readied his vines. Naruto smirked along with Dark Magician as they continued with the duel.
TWExTWExTWE
Unknown to them, a third party was watching them from afar on a high-tech hover board. The sinister grin underneath his hood grew as he maliciously chuckled in glee.
"Time for me to show them fear." Lester commented while taking out a photo from his robe.
It was a still photo of the youngest of the Signers.
"I'll come after you soon, my dear Luna." Lester said as a shadowed machine-like machine appeared behind him while he chuckled in twisted glee once more. He then looked at Naruto and Akiza with his sole eye staring specifically at their ace monsters. "Black Rose Dragon and Dark Magician. I think I'm going to have fun crushing those monsters."
With a kick to his hover board, the Yliaster member jumped off the roof and landed on one of the duel lane as he made his way toward the Signer and non-Signer.
END OF CHAPTER
This chapter is done! It took me a little longer than usual, but I managed to finish it. I only hope you all enjoyed the new chapter. I'm actually surprised this story has over 100 favs and follows, but that's good. And the reviews are just what's helping me to continue this story. I'll be honest though that in the upcoming weeks, I won't be able to update this story as fast as I had been since this story's inception.
Chapter 5 Q&A's:
Ivan0061509 (July 25): Thank you and I hope the explanation of Dark Magician Girl's physical form is clear. If not, I apologize and let me know about it.
Blackseal84 (July 25): Yep, he's in Naruto's deck and many monsters will arise from his powers of Fusion. Thank you and I hope you like the new chapter.
Veilslide (July 25): I reread the chapter and I fixed the mistake. Her name is Gordon, not Garcia. Thank you for pointing that out. I originally was going to have Garcia as her last name, but I ultimately chose Gordon. Some of them serve as comedic relief with some changes of course in their manga plot. In Fuuka, the titular character dies and I honestly hated that since I felt there was much more to be done with Fuuka. One or two will serve a semi-purpose for the story.
Jebest4781 (July 25): Thank you and I hope you liked the new chapter.
Vessmaster (July 25): I think it was cool also with Dark Magician Girl's introduction. There will be moments between her and Naruto as the story progresses forward. I am pleased that you like the crossover characters. I was honestly afraid about messing up their characters, but I'm glad I didn't.
The Sith'ari (July 25): I'm glad you like the name and your opinion is very well noted. I see and I must agree with you about the pairing. Of course, there'll be obstacles regarding their relationship.
Edrick Twilight Legend (July 25): That's great to know and I hope you enjoy the new chapter. The title had me nervous, but good to know that you like it. There may or may not be a harem. I'm still working it out. Glad you liked the funny scene with Kuriboh. Thank you for your support.
Lightningblade49 (July 25): That is good to hear and I accept your approval. What do you mean with the new entry? Are you talking about Dark Magician Girl or Saeko? Saeko is not a pairing choice for Naruto. She's a cameo along with Takashi and they're a couple.
Zdeath01 (July 26): Well, regarding the Spellcaster deck, Naruto would modify it to accommodate other Monster types such as Warrior like King's Knight. All though there's a reason for his being in Naruto's deck; it has to do with a specific Fusion Monster which will come in handy later on.
RoyalTwinFangs (July 26): Thank you for your support. Do you like the new chapter? I understand if you think it is slow-paced or lacking Duels, but I assure that there will be a lot more in the chapter, including a continuation of this duel.
GodX (July 26): Well, the Legendary Dragons made their appearance, but one would be enough for now. As for the Egyptian Gods… I am considering it, but let's play it by year and see how it goes. Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon and Blue Eyes Shining Dragon are not in the story… yet. I'm glad you like DMG's original name, her final effect and I do agree that their relationship will develop slowly from here, Mana is Atem's childhood friend when the latter was alive. I was very disappointed when Akiza didn't take the chance to be with Yusei and he is just as much to blame as her. He knew that she liked him and his own feelings for her, but he didn't take it.
In the upcoming fall, the updating will be slow from there on. I could only hope you'll bear with me and this story.
Guest (July 25): Red Eyes Black Dragon and its support cards. That is intriguing, but I'm trying to avoid the cliché of Naruto having Blue Eyes White Dragon and Red Eyes Black Dragon in his deck like it was in the Naruto/Yu-Gi-Oh and Gx crossovers. I will think about it though. He'll encountered Duelists and people who possess these cards later in the story.
R-king 93 (July 26): Oh yes, it is. Now the attention of the antagonists are drawn onto our favorite blonde and the Signers now.
Ito Uchiha (July 26): You see, I don't like when the protagonists are controlled by a evil force that forces them to do unspeakable things that are against their personality. I understand where you're going with this, but I'm going to have to say no to that. But Naruto and company will face someone who has those cards.
NinjaFang1331 (July 29): Thank you for your review. I'm glad you enjoyed the previous chapter and I hope you like the new one as well.