Crimson Star Priestess (Original)

by RaisingHeartExelion

There are five Signers who hold the power to summon the Crimson Dragon, but what if there is another person who plays a bigger role and that person is from another dimension where Duel Monsters and characters are nothing but fictional? Join Estelle as she grows stronger and discovers her true power. Yusei/OC and more shippings. Cover by Meihia.

10. Emotional Connections

Disclaimer: I do not own any Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's characters! I only own my OCs!

Chapter 10: Emotional Connections

I watched how the paramedics came rushing out with a hospital trolley while the functionaries took care of Greiger's crashed Duel Runner. Said Duelist has fallen asleep during his crying, his head resting on my lap, and there were still tears running down his cheeks as his arms around my waist lightened up. Sun Dragon Inti had dissipated only a few seconds ago after he had roared into the air.

The paramedics lifted up Greiger on the trolley, but I was still holding his hand, feeling him squeeze it in his sleep. But we had to let go when the paramedics rolled him away, my tiny hand slipping out from his huge one.

"People of New Domino City", Goodwin's voice echoed around the dome with holographic screens popping up everywhere, showing the director's face. "It's always a terrible tragedy when a gifted Duelist, like our very own Greiger, suffers a complete nervous and emotional breakdown over such an intense Duel." I wiped my tears off my cheeks and eyes as I felt my anger at Goodwin increase by each word he spoke. "But, rest assured, he'll get all the help he needs."

I clenched my hands into fists in anger as the people began cheering. I looked up at the Ivory Tower, glaring at Goodwin before I left the arena, heading back inside before I could scream to the people that Goodwin was a liar.

XXXXXXXXXX – Normal POV

After Goodwin had explained to Jack about his metal arm and had put on a new glove, a holographic screen showed up in front of the director with Zigzix who had a slight worried expression.

"Director Goodwin, first of all, I hope you are all right after that dreadful spinning incident", Zigzix began.

"I am perfectly fine as you can see, Zigzix", Goodwin said. "Now, what do you have to report? Did you pick up a signal from Estelle during the Duel?"

"No, Director Goodwin, but here comes the strange part...", Zigzix said. "Just a few seconds ago, my detector caught a small signal that seemed to come from the female Duelist, but it was very slight that the energy could have been something else than the power of the Crimson Dragon, like the power of the Black Rose for an example."

"Well, that is at least a start", Goodwin nodded. "Just keep looking for the signals, so we can confirm if Yusei, the Black Rose and Estelle are truly Signers."

"As you wish, Director", Zigzix bowed before the holographic screen disappeared.

Jack pondered about Estelle and the mystery of her Sun Dragon Inti. He had noticed the female Duelist's Duel Disk was deactivated and yet the dragon had been up and took hold onto Greiger's Duel Runner. It did even look like the dragon had suffered by slight pain and after that, Estelle had jumped on and ridden on the dragon's neck.

Jack couldn't help but wonder who that plain woman was. He stood up from the couch and headed to the elevator. He needed to speak with Estelle about the upcoming final.

XXXXXXXXXX – Estelle's POV

I was walking down the corridor, still feeling angry at Goodwin. How could he do that to so many innocent people, killing everyone just to resurrect the Crimson Dragon?!

I wasn't violent in nature, but I had to get rid of the anger so I turned to the wall and kicked it hard with my right foot several times. I hissed through my teeth as I felt the anger disappear until my leg grew tired. I gasped for air and rested my hands on my knees.

I couldn't really comprehend what just happened to me. I haven't felt this anger since I was a little girl… It felt like there was a fire within me that flamed up by Goodwin's words.

I straightened up after I regained my breath, releasing my ponytail and used my hands to brush through my thick hair. I heard footsteps and looked up to see Yusei. His facial expression looked like a poker face, but I could sense a bit of worriedness. Behind him walked Akiza with a few meters distance, her head down and eyes holding concern. I blinked confusedly at the slight tension in the air.

"What's wrong, guys?" I asked, adjusting my Duel Disk when I thought I felt it being a little loose.

Yusei was about to reply when Akiza walked past him and went to me, putting her hands on my shoulders. "Are you okay, Estelle? Greiger didn't hurt you, did he?" she asked.

I blinked before I smiled gently. "I'm fine, Akiza. But it's Greiger who's got a broken heart after he found out the truth."

Akiza's eyes grew sad and looked down on the floor, pondering about something. Yusei remained quiet in the background, gripping his arm with the Mark of the Dragon.

"What's your deal with the Mark of ours?" Yusei began, gaining my and Akiza's attention. "When you saw ours the other day, you really freaked out."

Akiza let go of my shoulders to turn around and grip her own arm with the Mark. "Yeah, well, this Mark has brought me nothing but pain. So what good would come from having another one around? You got that?"

"Akiza, there's no need to be so harsh", I told her calmly.

Akiza turned to me. "Easy for you to say! You don't understand what I've been through during my whole life!"

I gave her my sympathy eyes. "I do know, Akiza." Both she and Yusei looked surprised by my answer. "I know that kind of pain you've gone through during your life. I also have an old path of pain and sadness behind me."

"But the Marks are dangerous...", Akiza retorted with a unsure voice now.

"Only when you let the power control you", I added. "If you learn how to-"

"Yusei! Estelle!"

"There you are!"

Yusei and I turned around and saw Leo and Luna run towards us.

"Estelle, you were so cool out there...", Leo began when the twins noticed Akiza. "The witch!"

Akiza flinched by the nickname and glared at the boy.

"Leo, apologize!" I said, making the twins look at me. "Akiza is not a witch!"

"Sorry, force of a habit", Leo said slight nonchalantly.

Luna glanced nervously at Akiza and turned her eyes at the young woman's arm, her elbow-length glove hiding her Mark.

I glared at Leo who laughed nervously at my expression when I suddenly felt pain in my heart. I gasped for air and clutched my jacket where my heart was and used my other hand to lean against the wall. Everyone acted immediately at my sudden change of condition.

"Estelle!" Luna gasped.

"Are you okay?" Leo asked.

I kept gasping for air as the pain rushed through my body and slowly disappeared. I opened my eyes and looked up to see Yusei and Akiza looking really worried. I turned my eyes to Akiza when I noticed an aura of pain around her. The pain I just felt… Was it Akiza's?

I straightened up. "Yes, I'm fine now..."

"Are you sure you're really alright, Estelle?" Yusei wondered. "You had that headache yesterday during Leo's Duel."

It wasn't a secret anymore that it was Leo who had Dueled for his sister's place in the first match against Greiger.

"I'm sure I'll be fine if I get to rest before the final Duel", I nodded.

"Estelle...", Akiza mumbled worriedly.

"What's going on back here?" a new voice asked.

We turned around and saw Lazar walk up to us.

"Everybody getting along nicely?" Lazar wondered before he turned to me. "Quite the Duel just now, Miss Estelle. Very impressive." He turned to Akiza. "Before the second semifinal gets underway, Director Goodwin has a few things he'd like to talk to you about. Why don't you come with me and we-"

"Akiza must prepare herself before the Duel."

A man with maroon-colored hair walked to us with two other men dressed in fancy clothes, like two knights of Team Plasma from my Pokémon games. I knew very well who the leader was. Sayer.

"And you are?" Lazar asked.

"Don't play dumb, Lazar", Sayer retorted calmly. "Your reputation precedes you. We both know you don't like surprises, so let's not waste time pretending you haven't done your homework like I have." Lazar just chuckled. "Stay away from Akiza. And tell the director she's not interested in what he has to say." Sayer made a move with his hand. "Now, excuse us."

The two "knights" walked away with Akiza who cast me a worried glance, trying to tell me something. Sayer was about to go with them when he stopped in front of me and studied me up and down with his eyes.

"I sense you have a potential strength within you, Miss Malmström", Sayer said, making me raise an eyebrow. "And Akiza told me how you two became friends. I hope you want to continue being her friend."

I gave him a slight dull glance. "Of course."

Sayer nodded slightly before walking after his group. Leo and Luna stood next to me, Luna tugging my jacket in fear. Yusei just glanced at Sayer with precaution.

"Well, the director will not be pleased with this at all", Lazar said unimpressed.

Yusei stepped up to Lazar. "What's the story?" The clown looked up at the young man. "Goodwin. What's he want with Akiza?"

"Did you not get the memo?" Lazar retorted. "I could have sworn we meant to keep you posted. So sorry about that." With that said, he walked away.

"That Akiza creeps me out", Leo commented.

"Leonardo Crier...", I glared at him as I used my warning tone.

Leo flinched, "S-Sorry!"

"She seems so sad...", Luna commented while holding her arm.

"Something wrong?" Yusei asked her.

"Umm... My arm kind of stings or something", Luna replied. "Whenever that girl looks at me... I feel all weird and stuff..."

I put my hand on Luna's head, making her look at me. I had on a small smile on my lips. "Don't worry too much... Things will be clearer in good time. Now, why don't you two head back to the stands before the second semifinal begins?"

"Okay...", the twins nodded.

Yusei and I watched as the twins walked away when the young man turned to me. "Estelle-"

"Well, well, look who we have here."

Another interruption? Who was it this time?

I turned around to almost come face to face with Jack Atlas. Once again, I felt the tension between the two men who glared at each other.

"Jack", Yusei said with a stone-cold voice.

"Yusei", Jack replied with the same tone before he turned his eyes on me. "I'd like to speak with Miss Who's-not-supposed-to-exist here."

I gasped mentally when Jack said that. Had Goodwin already found out I wasn't from this world and he had mentioned that to Jack?!

"What do you mean by that, Jack?" Yusei wondered.

Jack didn't answer his old friend and grabbed roughly my right wrist. "None of your business yet, old friend." He dragged me away, making me stumble on my feet.

"J-Jack, wait a second!" I said before I looked over my shoulder. "Go and prepare for your Duel, Yusei."

"But-"

"Don't worry. I'll be fine."

Yusei hesitated, but nodded and headed off to the lounge.

When Jack and I turned a corner, the man let go of my wrist and put a hand on the wall behind me, trapping me. Jack stared intensely at me with a hidden glare. I was a bit scared, but more embarrassed about the situation since I wasn't used to it.

"D-Do you need something, Jack...?" I asked timidly.

"Just this. Make sure you'll lose on purpose if Yusei makes it to the final", Jack told me.

I raised an eyebrow. "Why...?"

"Because Yusei and I have some scores to get even with", Jack hissed dangerously.

I suddenly lost my shyness and got all confident. "Because Yusei actually won against you if your Turbo Duel could have finished to the last?"

Jack gaped before he glared at me. "How'd you know about our Duel?! Did you hack into the private files?!"

I shook my head. "I don't have that kind of ability. But I can assure you I will do my best in the final and then we'll see who will Duel against you, Jack." I grabbed his arm and pushed it away. "Now, if you excuse me." I walked out of the corridor heading to the lounge where I could possibly find Yusei.

When I was a few meters from the lounge, I stopped walking and leant my back against the wall, letting out a deep sigh. I thought back what happened a few seconds ago. I had never been able to behave as I did just now against Jack; so strong...and plenty of self-confidence that I could counter against him... I was so frightened before and suddenly got this courage and confidence. Was it a sign that I was getting stronger?

I let out another sigh before I stepped into the lounge. It was empty, except for a crab-shaped head sitting on the couch. Yusei was going through the recording of Akiza's Duel with Sir Randsborg.

I walked over to him when he looked over his shoulder to see me. "Everything okay?" he asked.

I nodded as I sat down next to him. "I'm fine."

"What did Jack want to talk to you about?" Yusei asked.

I shrugged, "He told me to lose against you on purpose if we meet at the final because he mentioned something about settling a score with you. Nothing else."

"You sure?"

"If something else had happened, I would have told you immediately."

Yusei was about to ask something more, but shut his mouth and returned his eyes at the screen in front of us.

I sighed when I thought about the pain Akiza was suffering by. She was mostly scared for her own power and that was the reason why she couldn't control it.

"About the upcoming Duel...", I spoke out loud, catching Yusei's attention. "...I have a bad feeling about this, but I can tell Akiza is suffering by something..."

Yusei nodded, "So do I-"

I didn't let Yusei continue as I kept talking. "Akiza's heart is shut-off and won't accept any help or friendship. But when I spoke to her yesterday, during your Turbo Duel with Hunter Pace, she seemed to slowly open up and I tried to help her by telling her to make some small steps like congratulating you after your victory."

That made Yusei raise an eyebrow. "So she walked over to me to congratulate me because you told her to?"

I nodded, "I want to help her to open her heart and realize there are people who will and can accept her for who she is. The real her, not the Black Rose." I turned to Yusei. "Yusei, this Duel will be dangerous, but I want you to communicate with her. Try to reach her heart and make her realize there are people who want to help her get out from her shell, from all the pain she has built inside her heart." I instinctively reached my hand to Yusei's and grasped it. "Please, Yusei, help her. I know the pain she's feeling. I know the pain of being different and not being accepted by other people. Help her remove the mask and reveal the true her. Help her realize hurting people for revenge won't make things better. I used to think just like that when I was suffering, but I realized things would only get worse."

Yusei eyed me intensively before he put his other hand on mine. "I promise, Estelle. That's exactly what I was thinking about before you came here." He squeezed my hand before letting it go and reached for his pocket to pull out the card of Stardust Dragon. "I have no other choice but to use Stardust Dragon for the Duel and show Akiza that those with the Marks are connected. We're supposed to be a team and we have to work together." He added Stardust Dragon to his Deck.

I smiled gently before I thought out something. "Yusei, I'm not sure what kind of power I possess with my own Mark…" I pulled up the sleeve of my shirt to reveal my pentagram Mark. "…But I will try reducing the pain you might feel during the Duel and also calm down Akiza's power so she won't cause a total destruction."

"You think you'll be able to handle it?" Yusei asked with worried eyes.

I nodded, "I hope so."

A cough from behind interrupted us. We looked up to see a functionary stand in front of the couch. "Yusei Fudo, it's time for your Duel."

"Thanks", Yusei nodded before strapping his Duel Disk with his Deck on his arm and stood up.

"Good luck out there, and be careful", I told him.

Yusei nodded, "Make sure you don't strain yourself if you can use your power."

"I promise", I replied.

XXXXXXXXXX

The Duel was getting intense by each minute. Akiza was about to Tribute summon Rose Tentacles when I felt my heart sting again. I clutched my jacket once again as I gasped for air.

"Calm down, Mistress."

"Inti, she's not truly aware of her power yet."

I looked up to see the transparent spirits of Moon Dragon Quilla and Sun Dragon Inti in front of me. I gasped loudly, relieved that I was alone in the lounge. "You two?! B-But how...?"

Moon Dragon Quilla giggled, "It's a part of your power, Mistress."

"Remember how I was still out on the field after the Duel with Greiger and your Duel Disk wasn't activated, Mistress?" Sun Dragon Inti asked me.

"Yes...?" I nodded.

"It is because you have similar power as Akiza by making us Duel Monsters turn into real beings and use your other cards to activate different effects", Quilla explained.

"Just as you have part of Luna's power to see our spirits and communicate with us", Inti added.

"But... It doesn't explain why I can feel Akiza's pain... If that's what I'm actually feeling", I mumbled.

"It's because your Mark have an emotional connection to the humans who carry the Mark of the Dragon", Inti explained.

So I had an emotional bond between all Signers... That explained everything.

I glanced down at my Duel Disk that was settled on the table in front of me. My Deck was glowing in a golden color, like it was calling for me. I reached for my Deck and pulled it out to see only two cards were glowing. I pulled them out of the Deck and saw it was my twin dragons.

"We will give your power a slight boost when you will reduce the pain of Yusei's and the power of Akiza's", Quilla told me.

"Which I believe it will be soon", Inti turned to the screen.

I turned my eyes at the screen just when Rose Tentacles had destroyed Yusei's Turret Warrior. I quickly put my Deck on the table and held Quilla and Inti's cards in each hand. The cards were still glowing, but in different colors. Quilla's card glowed light blue as Inti's glowed orange.

"I will help you remove Yusei's pain with my burning warmth", Inti told me.

"And I will disable Akiza's power of destruction as much as I can with my gentle coldness", Quilla said.

I nodded and closed my eye to concentrate on my power. I felt my right arm burn, but it wasn't by pain. It felt gentle and warm. When I felt I made a process, I opened my eyes and looked at the Duel, not realizing my blue eyes had turned into crimson.

XXXXXXXXXX – Normal POV

Rose Tentacles's special ability had been activated at Akiza's command. Rose Tentacles destroyed one of Yusei's four Ivy Tokens before wrapping its vine around his right arm.

Akiza: 4000 LP

Yusei: 3900 LP – 3300 LP

"Here's one more! Attack!" Akiza commanded.

Rose Tentacles destroyed another Ivy Token on Yusei's field and wrapped its other vine around the young man's right leg.

Akiza: 4000 LP

Yusei: 3300 LP – 2700 LP

Yusei grunted when he felt the thorns sting into his leg, but it didn't hurt as bad as he first thought.

Akiza noticed Yusei wasn't suffering by pain as she thought he would. "You're not giving in yet? Well, maybe this will change your mind!"

Rose Tentacles continued its assault, destroying the third Ivy Token on Yusei's field and wrapping its third vine around the boy's left leg.

Akiza: 4000 LP

Yusei: 2700 LP – 2100 LP

*I don't even think she cares about winning...*, Yusei thought as he struggled against the thorny vines. *There's something else driving her. I know the world has been cruel to you because of the Mark you have, Akiza. But you have to realize that retaliating won't do anybody any good.*

Akiza panted by the emotional storm in her heart. "I'm gonna enjoy this. Now, ATTACK!"

Rose Tentacles cleaned Yusei's field by destroying his last Ivy Token and wrapped its fourth vine around the man's torso, lifting him up in the air.

"Look at you up there! Hopeless and alone!" Akiza shouted. "No one can help you and no one wants to! Now you know what it feels to be me in this cruel, cold world!"

Yusei grunted when he noticed a smile on Akiza's lips, making him realize the sad truth. *She's smiling. She actually enjoys my pain!*

Rose Tentacles shifted its vines and was about to throw down Yusei on the stage when it suddenly slowed down its movement. Everyone, including Yusei and Akiza, noticed the sudden change as the Rose Tentacles removed its vines from Yusei's arm and legs while the Duel Monster was enveloped in a light blue aura and Yusei in an orange aura.

"What's this? What kind of tricks are you playing with, Yusei?!" Akiza growled. "Rose Tentacles, show him some pain!"

But Rose Tentacles disobeyed its mistress's orders. It lowered Yusei down to the stage and removed its vine when Yusei was standing on his feet again. It only gave Yusei a soft slap on his back.

Akiza: 4000 LP

Yusei: 2100 LP – 1500 LP

Yusei took a look at his right hand, seeing the orange aura that enveloped him and gave him warmth before it disappeared. *What was that glow around me and Akiza's Rose Tentacles?* He gasped mentally when he remembered Estelle's words that she would try use her power to protect him and reduce the power of Akiza's destruction. *Estelle... She really used her power... Now it's time for me to take this Duel seriously...to help Akiza.*

Yusei turned to Akiza. "Akiza, I want to help you. I want to be your friend, and I'm gonna use every card I have to prove it to you." He drew a card from his Deck. "I'll start by playing Shield Warrior in defense mode."

Yusei's Monster appeared at the field in front of him.

Shield Warrior, Level 3: DEF 1600

Akiza looked like a madwoman as her breathing became heavy and her smile turned to insanity, which Yusei obviously noticed.

"Next I place two cards face-down and end my turn", the young man finished his turn. "I think I understand it now what makes you tick, Akiza. Because of all the people have put you through, you enjoy it."

"Enjoy what?" Akiza spat.

"You enjoy people's misery. You like how it makes people feel. You like how it makes you feel."

Akiza just smiled with her maniac lips. "You're right. And for the rest of this Duel, I really plan on enjoying myself."

XXXXXXXXXX – Estelle's POV

I stopped my power for a moment to catch my breath. I wasn't used to this power, meaning I needed time to mentally adjust myself. My two dragons were still next to me in their transparent forms, watching the screen.

"Akiza is slowly losing control", Quilla commented.

"I don't think it's our calming aura she needs, sister", Inti said. "She needs to hear the right words and speak out her heart from all the suffering she had endured with during her childhood."

I grunted in pain when I felt Akiza's pain sting inside my heart once again, but it was getting stronger for each second. I put my twin dragons' cards in my Deck and slowly stood up to then strap the Duel Disk on my left arm.

"Mistress?" Inti asked.

"Where are you going?" Quilla wondered.

"O-Out t-to the stage...", I breathed heavily. "I-I need t-to s-stop Akiza..."

"Not in your condition, Mistress!" Quilla gasped.

"She has to, sister!" Inti retorted. "Maybe Akiza truly needs to feel physical warmth and the right words at the same time. You know Mistress and Akiza have a bond since yesterday."

I stumbled out from the lounge and had to lean against the wall with my left hand to keep my balance and not fall down. The spirits of the twin dragons followed me behind, still arguing.

I clutched my jacket when the pain got insane. I turned my back to the wall and gasped loudly, grunting in pain.

"S-Stop... A-Akiza...", I panted.

"Mistress...", Quilla whimpered.

"You can overcome the pain, Mistress!" Inti encouraged me. "Don't focus on it!"

I nodded and regained my breath when I stopped concentrating on the pain. I straightened up and continued walking slowly through the corridor. My mind was focusing on stopping Akiza and showing her how much I cared for her.

XXXXXXXXXX

I was close to the stage just when I saw Stardust Dragon and Black Rose Dragon dissipating in the thin air. Akiza, with her half-destroyed mask, was rabbling lots of nonsense before I took a deep breath and rushed out to the stage and embraced her from behind, my arms locking around her collarbone. "Stop it, Akiza!"

Akiza gasped in pure surprise at my action. "Estelle...?"

Yusei's eyes widened as the audience got astonished to see me out at the stage holding Akiza.

I cried bitter tears as my grip on Akiza got a bit stronger, in case she would try to shake me off. "Akiza, please listen... I know the feeling of being an outcast myself. I got bullied day in and day out in the elementary school because I was, still am, different from other people. I also wanted revenge, show no mercy to the bullies, but I learned it would only cause more anger and hate and make the situation worse... But I did find a few friends who accepted me for who I was... Just like how I accepted you, Akiza! Don't push away the people who can see the real you and accept you! Don't push away me or Yusei because we understand you! We want to help you!"

I could feel Akiza's body shaking in anguish as I tried to send her warmth through our Marks. I looked over Akiza's shoulder to meet eyes with Yusei. "Yusei, end the Duel."

"What...? But, Estelle, if I activate my face-down-", Yusei started.

"End the Duel right now!" I demanded a bit irritably.

Yusei nodded hesitantly. "I activate the face-down Cosmic Blast. Since Stardust Dragon left the field, you lose Life Points for all of its attack points. You would've seen it coming if you weren't hiding behind that mask."

A transparent spirit of Stardust Dragon appeared before he blew the leftover wind towards Akiza, which hit her mask and made it fall off.

Akiza: 1900 LP – 0 LP

Yusei: 400 LP

I felt the air ruffle my hair as Akiza slowly went down on her knees, me following her as I kept my arms around her collarbone. The girl turned around in my arms and showed me pure tears in her eyes before she collapsed on me. I held her close to me as I caressed her hair and let her sob onto my chest.

"I'm sorry...", Akiza sobbed. "I'm sorry..."

I hushed her gently and whispered in her ear. "It's okay, Aki. Let it out because it shows you're a human being with feelings. If you were a witch or a monster, you wouldn't be able to express your feelings."

Akiza's sobs got even stronger as she hugged me tighter. I rocked her gently as I softly hummed a melody I came up with.

I stopped humming when I heard footsteps approach us. I looked up and saw Sayer walk over to us while holding his coat.

"It's time to go home, Akiza", Sayer said as he draped his coat around the girl, making her look up with tears running down her cheeks and an exhausting expression. "Don't worry. You did your best. Next time, you'll do better."

I helped Akiza stand up, putting a hand on her backside. She gripped Sayer's coat before she turned to me. "B-Be my f-friend, E-Estelle..." Her voice was shaking by the sobbing.

I nodded before hugging her gently, feeling her hands grip my clothes desperately. "Yes, Aki... I am your friend, just as you are mine."

Akiza let go of me before she left with Sayer. I only noticed by then the whole stadium had stayed silent ever since the end of the Duel.

"The winner of the Duel is Yusei Fudo! He'll be moving on to the final!" the MC broke the silence.

I was a bit absent-minded, but I didn't jump when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see Yusei looking worriedly at me. I was too tired mentally and just leant my head against his shoulder.