I'm here! Thank God that Finals are over, and thanks a million to my dad for getting me a new laptop as my early Christmas gift. And as an early gift (and probably more to come) for all of you, I'm here with the newest chapter to this fic. We get to see more of Akiyuki and we'll see how Yusei will help him out! And also, no, there will be no Duel against Akiyuki and Commander Koda. Sorry folks, too much words to add and it'll only look drag on. Thanks to all of you who reviewed and added this on your story list, adding me to your watch and favorite list, and thanks to .rain for the milk and cookies! They were delicious! :D Please enjoy and let's get this chapter rolling!
Disclaimer: Kazuki Takahashi owns this. Not me. Like a Star belongs to Corinne Bailey Rae. Not me.
~Chapter Eleven: Fortune Cup: Part Three: Behind Every Thorn is a Rose~
(South Entrance, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 11: 00 AM)
"You don't need that mask anymore." Despite how soothing the words were sounding, Akiyuki's hands were shaking and sweating, the white domino mask held by his fingers. The young man shook his head, biting his bottom lip.
"But I can't Duel without it now," He whispered, shoulders trembling. "I can't face that crowd." He could hear the screaming crows from the outside, a ghost a cry escaping his throat. A gloved hand cupped his shoulder, his chocolate-brown eyes watering the slightest as he stared at Sayer's green eyes.
"C'mon, Akiyuki. You're not who they think you are. You have special powers," Sayer praised, his other hand reaching and tracing the small metal contraption of the youngster's hair. "That's why you joined our group. You're a psychic, not a freak or monster. You don't need this mask," He pried away the mask slowly, smiling at the young man with care. "It's time we stopped living in the shadows, Akiyuki. It's time the world knew about people like us."
Trying to still his quacking form, the younger redhead nodded, giving his teacher a thankful look.
(Lounge 1A, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 3:00 PM )
"Y . . . Yusei . . ."
"It's OK," She placed her arm around Leo and Luna, pulling the two of them close and rocking them gently. "It's OK, guys. Shhh . . ."
The three of them, along with Destiny, Alex, Tanner, and Yanagi, were dead set on sitting where they were after the Duel they had watched. Both twins were shaking at how horrifying Akiyuki had acted. His personality and behavior had altered on the field, the sadistic look that had appeared on his face scarring the two of them. Destiny was curled up on her spot on the floor while the other three males were silent, the only sounds coming from the ticking wall clock and catch commercial songs on the TV. Finally, Tanner spoke.
"What do you think of the guy, Yusei?"
The female racer looked back to the television as it recapped the Duel, her eyes lingering on the twisted smile Akiyuki had.
"He's a not a freak, but he's more dangerous than that," She shook her head, her free hand stroking Leo's hand, calming the shaking child. "He was provoked, and he had a slight mental breakdown. Something's just not right here."
"His arm was glowing, too, Dolly!" Yanagi exclaimed. "And he had a dragon, the same from a few days ago! He must be the Black Thorn, and a Signer!"
"If that's true, then tonight's Duel will be my most dangerous yet." Said Yusei, releasing the twins and standing up. "I'm going to talk to him. Be right back."
"Sis-"
"Please, just stay here. I'll be OK." Promising this with her mysterious yet charming smile, she walked out of the room, the sliding door sealing with a thunk. Alex shook his head, though his eyes were a little dreamy.
"Man, sis is the best."
"Definitely." Whispered Leo, the rest of them sweating awkwardly at the love-dovey atmosphere.
(Random Hallway, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 3:15 PM )
With the heels of her motorcycle boots clicking under her, Yusei made a turn around a corner, only to spot the man she was looking for walking the same way. His hair was styled in its original way and he looked saner, his brown eyes back to its dolce and boyish way. The two stopped and locked eyes, the announcer's voice heard throughout the halls.
"What an exciting morning, ladies and germs! We are now only one competition away from the championship! Tomorrow night, Jack Atlas will be going against the winner of tonight's Duel! The Black Thorn will now be moving on to face Satellite's very own Yusei Fudo, in the Fortune Cup's final battle! Who will win? Who will go home? Stay tuned to find out!"
"Everything OK, Akiyuki?" Asked Yusei, her eyes catching the younger man's instant grab on his arm. "Did you injure your arm?" She took a step forward, her hand landing on the arm Akiyuki held. A swift slap was delivered to her wrist, the Satellite pulling away as Akiyuki took a step back as well, glaring at her.
"I'm fine!" He snarled, soft features turning hard. Yusei looked at his arm again, a black-gloved hand curled around where the wrist and elbow met. She gave a skeptical look and pointed to her own arm.
"So what's your deal with these marks of ours? When you saw me with one the other day, you really freaked out. And that time a few days back-"
"Well this mark has brought me nothing but pain!" Interrupted the redhead, his tone dripping with venom. "So what good can come from having more around? You got that?" The crazed look in his eyes suddenly turned desperate, the color glassy, honey-like brown. "It's dangerous. . . So just keep away!"
Yusei felt her stomach drop, watching as Akiyuki's tough façade faded to something that of a child's plea for help. Even if he growled and barked at her like a wild animal, she wanted to reach and calm him down, to convince that him that things would be alright. Akiyuki, all the while, wanted to push this odd girl away. He didn't want to hurt her, in anyway. To stain and pierce her smooth and sun-kissed skin with gashes and her own blood, made him recoil. To crush her spirit, burn away every feeling she had, he wanted to slap himself for thinking such thoughts. The warmth she had was too great. He did not want to suck the life of that warmth away, no matter how welcoming and innocent it was.
"Yusei! There you are!"
The two adolescents turned, the twins scampering over.
"We need you to settle an argument-"Leo stopped, looking at Akiyuki before flinching and clutching to the risen coattail of Yusei's jacket "The monster!" He whispered with fear. The verbal blow stung, and Akiyuki looked away with guilt. Why were children so brutally honest?
"What's going on back here?" From down the hall came Lazar, his Cheshire Cat smirk on his painted lips. "Everybody getting along nicely?" Yusei and Akiyuki only stared while the two siblings stood as close to Yusei as possible. The vice-director looked to Akiyuki. "As for you, Mr. Izayoi, before the final round gets underway, Director Goodwin has a few things he'd like to talk to you about. I'd say more, but it's confidential. Why don't you come with me, and we'll-"
"-Akiyuki must rest." Like an invisible cavalry, Sayer strutted behind his pupil along with two shady-looking men, the two dressed in odd looking robes and scarves, eyes shadowed by their incredibly long bangs. Lazar made a face as the two men made a wall between him and Akiyuki.
"And you are?"
"Don't play dumb, Lazar. 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." Said Sayer with a smart-aleck tone. Everyone felt an odd chill down their spines, as if someone had poured cold water down their backs.
Lazar only laughed, looking amused instead of insulted.
"Stay away from Akiyuki," Sayer's eyes narrowed. "And tell the Director he's not interested in what he has to say. Now excuse us," With his hand on Akiyuki's neck, he led the now-apathetic and quiet Akiyuki away, the two strangers flanked at their sides. Yusei watched them as they left, her eyes nearly boring holes into the young man's head.
"Well, the Director will not be pleased with this at all." Said Lazar with a small scowl. Yusei looked at him questionably.
"What's the story? Goodwin, I mean," Lazar turned to her. "What does he want with Akiyuki?"
"Did you not get the memo, Miss. Fudo?" The clown-like man closed his eyes with a chuckle, reopening his eyes and looking at her as if she were a child. "I could've sworn we meant to keep you posted. So sorry about that. Now if you would excuse me." His voice trailed off as he walked away, leaving the three in the hallway.
"That Akiyuki guy creeps me out," Shuddered Leo. "And he was looking at you weirdly, Yusei. He didn't do anything, did he?" At the shake of her head, Leo sighed with relief.
"He seemed so sad. So afraid . . ." Whispered Luna, her hand on her own arm. Yusei noticed it right away.
"Something wrong?"
"Um," Luna clutched her wrist tighter. "My arm kind of stings or something. Whenever that guy looks at me . . ." Her skin almost turned a fragile white. "I . . . I feel like . . . Like I'll never be happy again . . ."
Yusei swallowed the shiver that ticked the base of her spine, her eyes latching back to where the odd group had walked. Now she knew, without a doubt, that something was going on.
(Arcadia Movement transportation, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 5:00 PM )
Dressed in a pair of red and black swimming trunks, Akiyuki laid in a small tube with electric-blue water flowing around him, reaching above his pectorals. His medium-length hair was tied up in a short ponytail, a towel around his neck. The dull hum of the tube's machine and the subtle darkness around him made the young man's mind serene, the pads of his fingertips sloshing in the water. On the screen above him, Sayer appeared.
"Akiyuki, about earlier, it's just-" He quickly shook his head and sighed, giving a face as if he were calling himself foolish. "Look, we've exposed the Movement by coming to this tournament, and people will want to know more. We knew that risk going into this. In fact, certain individuals-" His brow twitched as he said this, "may continue to approach you and try to pry information from you."
A blunt look came to Akiyuki's face.
"Okay. But I can speak for myself," He said defensively. "I don't need you to babysit me or anything, Sayer! I'm sixteen!" He said this rather proudly. "I'm not going to betray the Movement, if that's what you're worried about." He smiled kindly, in a way a child would look to act brave. "You guys are my family now. No one could ever make me turn against all of you."
"I'm so relieved to hear you say that." Sighed Sayer. "Goodwin and his people are part of the Order of Yliaster, a group seeking to resurrect a force known as the Crimson Dragon. If allowed to return, the Dragon will bring the world to its knees. That's where we come in. He Who Rules The Sky has given the members of the Arcadia Movement special powers." He looked at his prodigy with owl-tired eyes. "We are his chosen. We will stop Goodwin and lead the world down the right path."
"Sounds like a good time." Chirped his student. Sayer nodded.
"Yes, well, speaking of time, At seven o'clock, you must be ready for your duel with Yusei," A flare seared on the young man's arm, Akiyuki grunting at the lukewarm sing that ran lashed in his bloodstream. Thinking about those haunting blue eyes and soft-voice. "She might be a member of Yliaster . . . We're not sure yet. Either way, it is crucial that you defeat her, and do not be distracted. Deny her, withdraw any seducing she tried on you. Make sure she is kept at bay. Once you get through this Satellite, you can bring Jack Atlas to his knees, and then the crowd's jeers will change to cheers and our time will finally come. You shall be the king they worship. You're ready, aren't you?"
Akiyuki nodded confidently, the screen shutting off. Pushing the screen off him, the man with odd powers undid his hair and began to dry his chest off with his towel. He brushed the towel along his arms, glaring at the one that had his mark.
'And maybe then I can rid myself of this power I possess . . ."
His eyes closed as memories that became his nightmares were thrown back at him, stabbing his soul.
"A-Akiyuki! Stop this! STOP THIS PLEASE, SON!"
"My baby! Please, Aki! You must stop!"
"M-Mommy! D-daddy, I'M SORRY!"
"It's him!"
"Get away! He's a monster!"
"I'm not the monster! You are! ALL OF YOU ARE!"
"I'm not . . . I'm not . . . I AM NOT A MONSTER!"
'Why did this mark choose me? What did I do to deserve it?' Gripping the strands of his dark magenta hair, Akiyuki shook his head to and fro in distress. 'I must find a way to rid myself of its control before it's too late!'
(Lounge 1A, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 6:00 PM)
Alone, Yusei sat on the couch of the lounge as she watched the re-run of Akiyuki and Koda's Duel, her hands preoccupied with sorting and shuffling her Deck.
'Akiyuki . . . With the power of my Deck, I know I can help you overcome the hate and anger you feel. But first I have to figure out why you don't want to be helped,' She looked at her own arm, placing her Deck on her thigh as she traced the blank skin for a second, before picking up her Deck again. 'You say you're afraid of me because of my mark, because your mark has caused you nothing but pain. But whatever these marks are, they connect all of us somehow, and I'm sure Goodwin knows why. And something tells me those characters who hang around you know what's going on, too. Everyone is out to use us somehow, and we can't let that happen. We've gotta come together, like a team or something.'
The moment she looked up, the program had a picture of the Black Thorn in his dressy garb, tuxedo and mask and all.
'That includes you, Akiyuki. I've gotta use our Duel to remove that mask you're hiding behind, to prove that you're not the freak everyone thinks you are. But in order to do that, I have to figure you out. Who you are, what makes you tick,' As she listed these off, she plucked Stardust off her pile, eyes taking in the majestic beauty of it. 'I don't wanna have to go full-force, but if it means tearing down that wall you've built around yourself, I'll do it. And, then, after this battle, I need to get Jack on our side too.' She sighed and laid back, recalling Jack.
How long had it been since she remembered him? How long had it been since the two had seen each other, face-to-face? She was desperate for answers, already going to lengths beyond any means, to know what she wanted to know. She knew that the most difficult at this point, beside Akiyuki's ordeal, was Jack. What had become of the friend she once knew? Would their Duel finally settle what was going on, once and for all? All of these thoughts made her head hurt, the emotions she had yet to drop terribly crushing on her shoulders. Yusei felt tired, but motivated.
She brought her card to her lips, brushing the smooth surface with a feather-like embrace, before placing it back in her Deck.
(Lounge 6F, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 6:30 PM )
"It's time, Sayer," Walking into the reserved lounge, Akiyuki walked over to Sayer. He sat on the armrest of the couch as Sayer pulled away the metal clip in his hair, combing back the long strands and re-styling the dark hair in a tender way.
"If you find yourself at a point where you feel like your power is about to take over, just remember that this energy stabilizer in your hair will limit your powers. The fate of the world is in your hands. We're all counting on you, Akiyuki."
Soft brown eyes were drawn to the mask on the table, looking at it longingly.
"What about my mask?"
The mask was in his hands in a heartbeat, the smooth and silky material of it feeling good on his palms.
"Take it. But you won't need it."
(Fortune Track, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 6:45 PM)
"Beat the freak!"
"This is a tournament, not a creep-fest!"
"Nobody likes you, necromancer!"
Just like Yusei's previous Duels, insults were coming in by the hundreds. Only, they were no longer directed on the slum-dog girl. All were sent to Akiyuki, for what he had done so far.
"My goodness, they say such mean things?" Gasped Yanagi, shaking his head. "Why're kids so cruel? He's just a child!"
"People don't understand his special abilities. And when people don't understand something they see, they tend to be afraid of it." Muttered Tanner, equally disgusted by how heinous the crowd was reacting.
"So, if everyone's so afraid of him, why are they here to watch him Duel?" Asked Leo as he and Destiny took turns eating the popcorn they bought.
"That's easy, Leo. They're all hopin' that he'll lose. See, when people are afraid of something, they don't like to be alone. So sometimes, they'll band together, hoping to see that someone feels bad, which makes them feel good." Sneered the blue-haired, retired pro.
"Wow, talk about seeing the glass half-empty, Tanner." Said Destiny, wiping butter off her fingers with a napkin.
Luna felt her stomach turn a few times, something telling her that things weren't going to be well.
"I tried to bring the boy to you, Director, but that 'Arcadia' bunch wouldn't let him out of their sights," Sighing, Lazar bowed to his boss. "They may prove to be a problem down the road."
"Hmph," Goodwin gave a frown, his fingers tapping along the armrest of his chair. "I'm not worried about those deluded fools. It's not like they have very much influence. Still, they did manage to make him their puppet. The situation is ironic, if you think about it," He pick up a tablet-like contraption, a hologram showing the video tape that recorded Akiyuki walking away with Sayer and his two subordinates. "The Black Thorn is a member of the Arcadia Movement. The Arcadia Movement opposes us. And yet, he's going to do us a favor. According to Zigzix's readings, he's more than capable of getting Yusei to reveal her true power. That being said, I do hope Yusei manages to win this Duel." The director suddenly gave a chuckle, glancing at his yes-man.
"I want to see it, Lazar. Don't you? Don't you want to see Jack's Red Dragon Archfiend clash with Yusei's Stardust Dragon again? I want to witness the energy such a clash creates! I want to feel the power!" He gave another chuckle, like a child who have received the best toy in the world.
"Huh. I'll make you feel so much power you won't be able to handle it!" Jack promised. His own interests sparked. He looked to the near open window, a somewhat cynical smirk on his lips.
'Yusei, you may think you're an incredible Duelist, but this Black Thorn has a power unlike anything you've ever encountered. Though, he is a boy and you are more experienced.' Something of a strong vibe went through him, his muscles giving a few twitches. ' And be sure not to lose . . .' Pride swelled in his being, gritting his teeth hard enough, it looked like he was trying to send Yusei his thoughts. She could not loose. She had better not loose, or else he would never forgive her. ''cause I want to see Goodwin's face when I use the Dragon's power for myself!'
The sound of cascading fireworks caught all their attention, the trio knowing that the second to last match was about to happen.
"Yeah! It's finally time for the final! The winner of this match gets to go on to the ultimate showdown, a one-on-one, no-holds-barred Duel with the Master of Faster himself, Jack Atlas!" The MC roared along with the crowd as the last Duel was finally bought. Excitement didn't describe what they were all feeling.
"Our first finalist is a young prince of black magic! The Seer of the Thickets! The Sire of the Flora! The rose-red Warlock! The always mysterious Black Thorn, Akiyuki Izayoi!" Rising on the floor platform was the young teen himself, his dark red coat zipped up for some reason. Crude yells sent his way, yet brown eyes not batting in any directions.
"Go home, ya little shit!
"You're gonna lose, bastard!"
"Challenging him is Dame of the Damion District! The chevalière of the Ghetto! Satellite's Shooting Star, Yusei Fudo!"The spotlights shinned onto Yusei as she appeared, fathomless-blue eyes bold and ready.
"Come on, Yusei, you can do it!" Cheered Leo, Destiny clapping along.
"Bring it on!" Yelled Alex.
"This'll be exciting!" Laughed Yanagi, his worry gone.
"Be careful. Very careful." Muttered Tanner.
Sayer leaned to the wall he was against, his whole form hidden behind the shadows.
'Akiyuki, this is our moment. Seize this opportunity, and introduce the world to the true power of the Arcadia Movement . . .'
From every stand and spot in the Fortune Cup, the noises of joy would just not stop.
"Every card has led us to this moment! The final round of the Fortune Cup is about to begin!" Yelled the MC. On that cue, the Two Duelist activated their Duel Disks, fireworks shot at that moments.
"Let's do this!"
Yusei: 4000
Akiyuki: 4000
"The first move is mine! I draw!" Akiyuki summoned his first monster, a wall of thorns forming." I summon Wall of Ivy (LV:2/ATK:300/DEF:122) in defense mode! Next, I place one card face-down and end my turn!" Yusei nodded, sure as heck that she was glad that Akiyuki only looked a little bothered. Better he be that now than insane.
"My move, then. And I counter by playing Speed Warrior (LV:200/ATK:900/ATK:400) in attack mode!" From her hand was the silver-coated dancer, hips sways on balanced feet. "On the turn Speed Warrior is summoned, its attack points are doubled!"
Speed Warrior: (ATK: 1800)
"Speed Warrior, shred that Wall of Ivy!" With a little cartwheel for showboating, Speed whipped his feet at the wall of poisoned barbs, pixelating it.
"You had better be careful, Yusei, because when my Ivy Wall is destroyed, one of my Ivy Tokens takes root on your side of the field!" Sprouting from the ground was a weed, its face scrunched up and cooing at Yusei.
"We've seen the Black Thorn use this strategy before! It really created problems for Commander Koda and Sir Ransborg! What kind of havoc will he wreak on Yusei?" Observed the announcer.
"That could be a problem," Even if it did look a little adorable, Yusei knew it could be a key component in her downfall. "It's your move."
"Such the lady. Really, I should have bowed before the start of the match," Akiyuki sneered sarcastically. "Now then, remember that last round, when I summoned Wall of Ivy only to have you tear it down with your Speed Warrior? Well I'm playing the Cursed Ivy trap card to bring my Wall of Ivy back! And in case you can't tell, planting things has been a passion of mine. A withered flower. Disgusting bug bites along leaves. That's one of the things that bring me down," Akiyuki spoke as another wall of poisoned thorns formed. "Oh, and by the way, I really should thank you, because Cursed Ivy gets powered up by my Ivy Wall. So now it's stronger than it was before." Yusei looked back and forth once, calculating what was happening so far.
'I know what he's doing. He's trying to increase the number of Ivy Tokens on my field. 'Cause when that little sprout gets destroyed, I'll take three-hundred points of damage. And if he gets more on my field-'
"You gonna stand around and think, or are you gonna Duel?" Growled the angered magentette, glaring. He didn't like the way her eyes were. Always catching movement, taking in everything and everyone. When those enormous and deep-blue eyes stared directly at someone when speaking directly to said person. When those eyes stared into his own, how his stomach went funny with his cheeks turning flush and sweat forming everywhere.
'Damn her. Making me feel this strange way . . .'
"It's been a relatively mellow Duel so far," Said the MC, looking around the arena. "Even the crowd seems to have simmered down a bit, but, could we simply be experiencing the calm before the storm?"
"My move!" Yelled Yusei, her new card held between her fingers. "And I'm sending Speed Warrior to my Graveyard, in order to summon my Turret Warrior (LV:5/ATK:1200/DEF2000)! And due to my Turret's special ability, it now gains the attack points of my Speed Warrior!" Out went Speed and in came her newest monster, made of the finest terracotta stone, board and ready.
Turrent Warrior: (ATK: 2100)
"Looks like your Wall of Ivy is about to get uprooted!" Stated Yusei fierily.
"And it looks like another Ivy Token is about to shoot up on your side of the field!" Countered her opponent, another dolce root appearing. Ignoring the whining plant, Yusei was ta command.
"Turret Warrior, attack!" She yelled, the wall gone once more.
"By destroying my Wall of Ivy, you've also taken out the Cursed Ivy trap card, and when my Cursed Ivy is sent to the Graveyard, it summons two more Ivy Tokens to your side of the field!" Four plants giggled around Yusei, the creepiness of it all making the crowd go uneasy.
'Man, these things are growing out of control!' It was like Yusei was dealing with a huge weed problem. Akiyuki looked at her expectantly.
"You got anything else for me?" He asked.
"No. I'm done for now." Sighed Yusei.
"That's disappointing," The boy frowned. "I draw! And from my hand, I'm activating the Seed of Deception spell card! This lets me summon one level two or below monster from my hand! So with the power of this spell card, I summon out Dark Verger (LV:2/ATK:0/DEF:1000) in attack mode!" Creepily staring at her was a green and deep-rooted plant with huge eyes and snappilg jaws. "But now, I'm gonna do a little landscaping to make room for something stronger! I advance-summon Rose Tentacles (LV:6/ATK:2200/DEF:1200) in attack mode!" Raising his hand, Akiyuki summoned a magnificent, yet-to-be-in-full-bloom rose with pigeon-like eyes. "The best thing about roses, is that their thorns are as dangerous as their petals are beautiful, perhaps even more! And you're about to experience that firsthand! Go, Rose Retaliation!" From the ground gave a terrible shake, and the many vines of rose roots, stabbing at Yusei's Turret Warrior and unleashing screaming winds at the mortified crowd.
Yusei: 3900
Akiyuki: 4000
"That attack was only the beginning, so get ready for my Rose Tentacles' special ability to squeeze you into submission! Now you take damage for the four ivy tokens on your field! This might hurt!" Something came over Akiyuki's face. A grin was upon his lips, sinister and devilish, brown eyes dimmed with black. He looked like an entirely different person. "This is the part of the battle that I enjoy the most, because now I get to watch the power of my Rose Tentacles and Ivy Tokens bleed your Life-Points dry!" He pointed directly at her, grinning madly. "Let's see if people keep picking on me after this! Get ready, Yusei!"
Yusei gave a scream as she was suddenly hoisted into the air, thorny roots constricting around her and prickling her.
"Let's add some more for good measure!" Yelled the Black Thorn, more vines sprouting and wrapping around Yusei's wrists and ankles. Her screams sent everyone in a panic, her body stretched and pierced at the same time. Through half-lidded eyes, Yusei wheezed and looked ready to beg, hoping to be given oxygen. The attacks felt so real, and the torture was gruesome.
Yusei: 2700
Akiyuki: 4000
"Incredible! Akiyuki's managed to plant four Ivy Token son Yusei's field, which means he just unleashed a quadruple dose of destruction! And with each attack, Yusei's took six hundred Life-Points of damage!" The MC made the cameras focusing on the people leaving the arena. "Whoa! It looks like the fans are running for the exits! And who could blame them, especially after witnessing the Black Thorn's destructive powers in his last two Duels! I wouldn't wanna be in Yusei's boots right now!" He shouted, looking like no one was making a move to stop Yusei's screaming.
"So, there is someone who can push Yusei to her limits," Lazar gave a chuckle as he and the two other seaters in the highest point watched Yusei writhe in pain. "Someone is able to tame her. A match made in Heaven."
He barely heard Jack digging his fingers into his seat, his instincts stopping him from jumping out of the nearest open window and tearing his old friend away from the poison trap.
Sayer laughed himself, glad to see that the troublesome girl was being taken care of.
'That's right, Akiyuki,' He thought, looking at the grin on his student's lips. 'Take all of that loneliness and suffering you've endured. Use it, create the happiness you wish for and use the ego you have created. There's no need to be afraid . . .'
"You're not giving in yet? Well maybe this'll change your mind, you bitch!" Another vine coiled around Yusei ankles, squeezing and stinging. Yusei felt her chest tightening.
Yusei: 2100
Akiyuki: 4000
'I don't even think he cares about winning. There's something else driving him!' Yusei ignored her need for oxygen, watching as Akiyuki looked both pleased and disgusted. 'I know the world has been cruel to you because of the mark you have, Akiyuki, because of what you can do. But you have to realize that retaliating won't do anybody any good! You'll be just as worst as them, maybe even more!'
The insane grin twisted and consumed Akiyuki's boyish face, angelic features looking that of a murderer's. His eyes looked hollow and sinister, and the air around him was cold and could be strong enough to suck away any form of happiness.
"I'll enjoy this!" He laughed, head thrown back and crazed beyond all reason. "Attack! MAKE HER SCREAM!" A vine shot out and latched around Yusei's chest, nearly crushing her breast bones and making her struggle and gasp like a fish on a hook. She was gasping, trying to breath in sweet gulps of air, her eyes scrunched up, her face forming fear.
"Look at you up there, hopeless and alone! In pain and misery, yet no one making a move to help or stop your pain!" Laughed Akiyuki, Yusei's screams sounding like the best music in his ears "No one can help you and no one wants to! Now you know what it feels like to be me in this cruel, cold world! Go ahead! Scream, beg for mercy! Pray to be put out of your misery! That's what I've been doing for YEARS now!" He said, purring with twisted ecstasy.
Gritting her teeth, Yusei opened her eyes, horrified that Akiyuki would have the moral to say such words. How much pain was in him, how lonely he felt, must have been what caused him to act this way. What he felt, what he thought was the satisfaction he wanted, was caused by the pain of others.
'He's smiling . . .' Yusei squirmed and wrestled with the vines. 'He's actually enjoying my pain!' She screamed one last time as she was thrown on the hard ground, the vine whips hissing and returning to their master's side of the field. Everyone watching winced at Yusei's crumpled form laid on the ground, dust clouds swirling around the area.
Yusei: 1500
Akiyuki: 4000
"Whoa! Akiyuki's attack has the stadium in panic! The place is in complete chaos! Just like we thought, Akiyuki is-"
Even when the Master or Ceremonies tried to say it, he was interrupted by the rest of the crowd.
"He's a freak!"
"He's too dangerous to be around normal people!"
"They should have locked him up!"
"Bastard!"
"Turd!"
"Killer!"
"Murderer!"
"MONSTER!"
"That's . . . Enough . . ."
On screens all over the world, everyone watched with gaping mouths as Yusei shudder and stand up with difficulty, her knees almost buckled, and a evident cut along her neck. It left a sliver of a red line and bruises were know yellowing along her neck and wrists. Yet on her face, there was no pain. The fear she had earlier was gone. Her blue eyes held resolve.
"Don't any of you see . . . That he's only a kid?"
The cameras focused on her, catching her face and Akiyuki's look of crazed shock. The speaker system in the arena capturing every breath of a whisper.
"Sometimes . . . Kids do stupid stuff," She took one step forward, her jeans torn from the cuffs to the knees. "Sometimes . . . Kids throw tantrums. When they're afraid or lonely, they have no idea wh . . . what to do. They want help. They scream, kick, and shout in order to get someone to notice them. They'll do anything . . . Just to find one person. One-one person, who understands . . ."
She took another step forward, only to help her regain her lax posture, and she looked at him with her eyes softening, like a mother would for a crying child.
"Akiyuki want to help you," She said, drawing her next card. "I wanna be your friend, and I'm gonna use every card I have to prove it to you. And I'll start by playing Shield Warrior (LV:3/ATK:800/DEF:1600) in defense mode! Next, I place two cards face-down and end my turn." Between her two reverse cards was her warrior, ready to defend her with his giant shield. Yusei looked at Akiyuki again, his insane and confused look still on his pale features.
'No, he shouldn't look like that,' She though, shaking her head. 'He's still young. He shouldn't be looking like a stressed adult.' Finally, something clicked.
"I think I understand it now," She gasped, eyes widening, "What makes you tick, Akiyuki. Because of all that pain people have put you through . . ." She shook her head . . .You enjoy it."
Akiyuki took a step back, anger joining the emotions on his face.
"Enjoy what?" He growled, sick of how those eyes caught not only his body language, but his soul.
"You enjoy people's misery," Sighed his opponent, before looking a little mad herself. "You like how it makes people feel! You like how it makes you feel." Face still distorted, Akiyuki looked away, hard brown eyes melting like chocolate in the sun.
"You're right," He looked back, crazy and self-mockery once again. "And for the rest of this Duel, I really plan on enjoying myself!"
'Akiyuki . . .' Yusei mentally sighed, looking at the boy with sadden eyes. 'Can't you see that you're becoming what you fear the most?'
"That was quite the speech," Commented Goodwin, impressed. "I wonder if Yusei would have made a good public speaker here in the city."
"Shouldn't you be more focused on getting a medic on the field than worry about that?" Growled Jack, looking down-right ready to wring the director and Akiyuki's necks. Something in him had twitched, a hidden anger that screamed, 'How DARE he hurt Yusei?!'
"Worried about her, Jack?" Teased Lazar, pinching the king's cheek and jumping away when a hand was swiped at him. "Aww, how adorable." He then gave a scowl. "It makes me want to barf."
Jack only growled at the both of them, before returning to his seat. Goodwin looked back at his young charge, eyes glowing curiously.
"Very interesting . . ."
"Welcome back to the excitement, ladies and gentlemen!" After the short commercial break they had, the MC was back to work. "Akiyuki appears to have Yusei Fudo right where he wants her! Can she escape the reach of the Black Thorn's cage of poison barbs, or will her Life-Points get squeezed into submission? Let's watch and find out!"
"Well, Yusei?" With his fingers elegantly tucking back a piece of his flouncy hair, Akiyuki began his turn. "It's my turn, and I activate the continuous-spell, Ivy Shackles!" A picture of a knight trapped in many sharp vines was on the card. "And with this spell, I can now turn your Shield Warrior into a plant-type monster. Before you know it, Yusei, your entire field's going to look like the perfect haven for the flora and fauna!" Shield was caught in a snare of vines. "So with your Warrior now under the control of my Rose Tentacles, she can now attack you an extra time this round. You said I enjoyed other people's misery?" That evil look returned, eyes flashing a brilliant color of vermillion. "Well then, I guess I should really enjoy this, shouldn't I?!" The sizzling hissing echoed in Yusei's ears, the next attack ready.
'Even though my warrior's in defense mode, he can't protect me from both attacks,' Shivering, the blue-eyed Duelist braced herself.
"Rose Tentacles, attack! Thrash her Warrior! Go, Rose Retaliation!" The attack sent pixels and thorns flying, the crowd crying in fright. "Oh, and by the way, my Rose Tentacles' power doesn't stop there. Since your Warrior is under her control, you now take three-hundred points of direct damage!" The tentacle lashed out and struck Yusei across the stomach, throwing her back and causing her to land on one knee, clutching her stomach.
Yusei: 1200
Akiyuki: 4000
"Akiyuki, please listen to me!" Yusei cried, staggering back to her feet. "Don't do this!"
"Huh? Don't do what?! Attack you directly?!" Barked the psychic, teeth bared. "Well I don't do charity!" He shouted, another tentacle ready to strike.
"Then I play my trap, Card Defense!" The card played created a tornado of Duel cards to swarm and flutter around Yusei, shielding her from the hissing tentacle "So by removing one of the cards in my hand, my trap's effect cancels your direct attack! And then it allows me to draw a new card to replace it!" Akiyuki scoffed.
"It'll take more than that to stop me!"
Yusei shook her head, those puppy-like eyes she now had making her opponent almost shake.
"Akiyuki, you have to listen, you can't keep Dueling with this anger!" She shouted passionately. Akiyuki looked back at her with his now red-brown eyes, having enough of what she was saying.
"Oh yeah? Well until you've battled in my Duel Disk, save it! I don't need your help! I'n don't want any help!"
"We'll see," Stated Yusei, the next turn hers. "I summon Junk Synchron (LV:3/ATK:1300/DEF:500)! And thanks to his special ability, I get to summon another monster from my graveyard! So say hello again to Speed Warrior!" The duo of speed and tinkering appearing, one cute, the other advanced. "And now I'm tuning my Junk Synchron with my Speed Warrior!"
The two monsters span and span in the air, whipping dust and Yusei's messier than usual hair. With the green lights glawing, Yusei called her next monster's entrance.
"From the junk pile to the skies, let him be known as the king of the defeated! Let the wishes of the fallen be saved by him! I Synchro Summon-" The green light burst, cobalt armor gleaming in by the sunset. "Junk Warrior (LV:5/ATK:2300/DEF:1300)!" The vigilant span next to his mistress as she continued. "Next I'm going to activate the equip spell Junk Barrage, which gives my warrior a power boost!" The monster's fist went a lit, glowing brightly "Alright, pal! Now attack Rose Tentacles!" With a battle call, Junk flew forward and struck the giant rose, erupting it in fire and burning it to ashes.
Yusei: 1200
Akiyuki: 3900
"And now the effect of my Junk Barrage activates! So as soon as my Warrior destroyed your garden-gone-wild, you lose Life-Points for half of Rose Tentacles' attack points!" The sucker punch clipped Akiyuki in the jaw, but the high school student still looked trap in his own insane rapture.
Yusei: 1200
Akiyuki: 2800
"Looks like you're up." Said Yusei, looking back at Akiyuki.
"That was a big round for Yusei!" Shouted the announcer. "Now will Junk Warrior make trash out of the Black Thorn?"
"All right! Yusei's got this!" Cheered Leo, high-fiving with Destiny and Alex.
"I know!" Sang Destiny.
"Sis is on a roll! Hit 'em with all the right combos!" Cheered Alex.
"Damn straight!" Laughed Tanner.
"Go get 'em, Dolly!" Whooped Yanagi. Even as they cheered, Luna held onto her arm, looking back at Yusei and Akiyuki.
'There's something different about the way Yusei's Dueling. It's almost like she's holding back and trying to help Akiyuki . . .'
"You want combos?" Growled Akiyuki, ignoring the insults that were thrown at him. "Watch! First of all, since my spell card Ivy Shackles is still in effect, your Warrior becomes a plant-type monster! Next up, I'm summoning my Copy Plant (LV:1/ATK:0/DEF:0) in defense mode!" From his hand was something that reminded Yusei of a bundled up pile of ginger. "And I bet you can guess what its special ability is just from its name. But in case you weren't paying attention, it can copy the level of any other plant monster on the field, and since your warrior is under the control of my Ivy Shackles, my Copy Plant now becomes a level-five monster!" A flourish of wild flowers formed around Junk, the petals withering and Copy now looking a hedge version of Junk Warrior, crimson-colored gerberas used for its eyes. "And now that I have the tuner monster Copy Plant on my field, I can trigger the special ability of my Dark Verger that's in my Graveyard to summon up your destruction, Yusei!" Akiyuki, with insanity on override, threw his hands into the air as synchro gates formed. "Get ready, 'cause now I can use my monsters for a Synchro Summon! I tune my Copy Plant with my Dark Verger to create my ultimate monster . . ." Shadows swarmed and whirlpooled in front of Akiyuki, winds cracking like whips as something sprouted from the ground.
"Haunting dreams, broken promises of a monster! Pain and misery thorn its true beauty, and damned the blooming roses it hides behind! Synchro Summon-!" The shadows died away, and revealed a giant budding black rose. Thorny vines rose in the air attacked the rose's petals, tearing it and sending razor-sharp petals everywhere.
"Get ready to feel the fury of my Black Rose Dragon (LV:7/ATK:2400/DEF:1800), Yusei!" Roaring mightily, the black-skinned reptile threw its head back and unfolded its wings, yards of beautiful rose petal wings arching and craned. "Because as soon as it's summoned to the field, I can activate its special ability! So by taking a plant-type monster from the Graveyard and then removing it from play, I can choose one of your monsters and set its attack points to zero! I'll sacrifice Wall of Ivy! It's a small price to pay, to take out all of your Junk Warrior's attack points!"
Black Rose Dragon fired hideous flames of black and blue, piecing through Wall of Ivy and engulfing Junk in millions of flames, the warrior twisting in pain.
Junk Warrior: (ATK: 0)
"Not Junk Warrior . . ." Gasped Yusei.
"That tin can's worthless now! There's nothing that he can do! Black Rose Dragon, attack!" Akiyuki commanded, another fire ball sent Junk's way.
"He might not be able to help me, but guess who can!" Yusei made a quick hand movement. "By removing my Shield Warrior from play, I can save Junk Warrior from being destroyed!" A blue light formed around Junk, protecting him.
"But you're still going to feel the wrath of my dragon!" Yelled Akiyuki angrily.
"Not if I play this! My Spirit Force! So now all the damage from your dragon's attack is negated!" As the fires were shielded from her, Yusei let out a gasp as the fires almost hit the crowds. She had almost hurt millions of people.
'Oh no, his power's getting out of control! I better finish this Duel before someone gets hurt!'
"With the power of my Spirit Force, I'm bringing back Junk Synchron from my Graveyard!" The pudgy monster waved as he was turned into a card and returned to Yusei.
"Well let's see what that hunk of junk can do against two face-downs." Growled Akiyuki. More insults were yelled at him, the latter covering his ears and shaking his head. The pain within it made him feel as if his head was being ripped apart from the inside.
"Shut up . . . Shut the fuck up!" He whispered harshly. He suddenly gave a chuckle, snapping into another ego. "Just keep it up. Just keep putting down. I know it makes you feel good, but now let me show you what makes me feel good! It's time to show you what misery really is! My whole life, I've tried to ignore all the teasing and name-calling, the insults and times I got beat up for something I could never control. But you can't ignore the pain that it causes forever, Yusei . . ." He looked back at Yusei, laughing like an escaped mental patient, crazily satisfied. "I'll make them stop! I'LL SHUT THEM UP FOR GOOD!"
'I have to help him, before he does something he'll regret . . .' Yusei thought as he laughed. 'If I show him that his power's a gift and not a curse, maybe he'll stop causing all this pain!'
"It's my move!" Yelled Yusei, looking at her newest card with approval.
'Nice. With Prevention Star, I can stop one of his monsters from attacking. I'd better hold onto it for later. I got a feeling that his true thorns are gonna come out soon . . .'
"I summon Junk Synchron in attack mode! And thanks to his special ability, Speed Warrior is summoned automatically!" The duo was back again.
"All right! And now Speed Warrior's attack points get transferred over to Junk Warrior! That's not just a special ability, that's like a totally-wicked-double-backflip-with-chocolate-sprinkles ability!" Leo cheered, proud that he got this right.
Junk Warrior: (ATK: 3200)
"Now I tune Junk Synchron with my Junk Warrior!" Different from before, powerful strips of light circled and churned around Yusei, before diving forward and blowing up in the air. Yusei closed her eyes as she raised one hand, a familiar fire igniting in her belly.
"The constellations guide his way and star-lit wishes give him his strength. Of friendship, brotherhood, and love, let the path of light lead him to stars! Let's rev it up-!" Gallant wings burst from the light, a melodic roar leaving everyone frozen in awe. From every corner of the field, light was captured by star-golden eyes.
"Meet my friend, Stardust Dragon (LV:8/ATK:2500/DEF:2000)!"
"In all my years of broadcasting, I have never seen a monster like this!" Shouted the MC, everyone gasping as two dragons before them arched and roared, wings fanning and eyes glowing with battle-worn proudness. "If you're watching from home, do not adjust your screen! It's as unbelievable as it appears!"
Something on Yusei's arm glowed, but the material of her jacket hid it temporally.
"That's her dragon! That's the card Jack gave her!" Gasped Yanagi, awed.
"Whoa, anyone else seein' that sis is sparkling?" asked Alex, everyone now managing to catch the stardust flowing onto Yusei. The lovely glitters made her look like a holy being, nothing less. A little dazed, Leo scratched his head.
"Wait a sec. Why would Yusei bring out a monster that's weaker than her Warrior?" He asked. Luna shook her head, mind calculating.
"I dunno, it's like she's trying to say something to the Black Thorn . . ."
"Get ready, people! These two dragons are about to do battle!" Shouted the MC as the dragons looked at each other, growling in their lizard tongues.
"You brought out that dragon to remind me of all the pain that detestable mark on my arm has caused me! Why would you do that?!" Yelled Akiyuki, not only angered, but hurt. Was Yusei just as evil as Sayer proposed she was? He knew it. He just knew it. "Do you really believe that because we both have this mark in common you know what I'm feeling and what I've been through!?" He yelled, clutching his arm as it burned with his mark.
"I'm just showing you that you're not as different as you think!" Stated Yusei, dark blue eyes filled with emotion. "I don't have to be your enemy; I could be your friend." She whispered, taking one step forward. Akiyuki flinched and took a step back, angrily crazed persona returned.
"Friend?!" He spat. "Who says I want a friend?! We both have these stupid marks, and no matter what we do, we'll always be outcasts. Get it? Our fate is to be alone . . ." This time, these words were let out with a crushed sob, shoulders trembling. Pain tighten around Akiyuki's heart, almost making it stop. "My family . . . My classmates . . . Everyone I've ever known, I've hurt! That's why having a friend isn't a choice . . ." Brown eyes were turning watery. "It's something that I can never do. And that's why it's so much easier to wear a mask," He closed his eyes, a one tear slipping pass the sealed lid. He suddenly smiled softly. " It's amazing how little you care about other people when you can live behind a wall of plaster and paint. Even if it fits around your eyes." He could almost feel the light weight of the domino mask hidden in his breast pocket. "And so I Dueled with it. I won with it. And I lived with it. Some have said it's time to move on, to show my true face to the world, because maybe . . ." Akiyuki wrapped his arms around himself, head bowed. "Maybe then people wouldn't fear me. Then, I could live a normal life, or at least as close to normal as people like us can get. Maybe even have a friend . . ."
Akiyuki gave a sniffle, wiping his nose briefly before shaking his head and glowering at Yusei.
"But you heard the crowd, Yusei. They don't understand me. Eighty-thousand people are shouting they're afraid of me!" He cried.
"Don't listen to them, Akiyuki!" Yelled back Yusei. "They don't know what they're talking about! They haven't met the real you!"
"I need my mask! Why are trying you to help me?!" The teen clutched his head, his body bending forward as his chest grew hot with leashed tears.
"Listen, you don't have to be alone in this! I know you!" With a bitter-sweet smile, Akiyuki looked up at her, before looking away.
"Who do you know? The scared little boy, who throws a tantrum when he's mad or scared? Or maybe the egoist, who enjoys seeing the pain he goes through, being inflicted on others? Or maybe you know the . . . the monster behind the mask, who everyone wants to burn in Hell?" Akiyuki sobbed once, biting his bottom lip, hard enough to bleed. "Tell me; which of these freaks do you know?!"
"I know what it's like to be the outcast!" Shouted Yusei, unleashing words that burned as hot as lava. "I'm from the Satellite! You think people here liked what they saw in me? You can't stay afraid! You can't hide behind a mask forever!"
Akiyuki shook his head like a lost man.
"You're wrong." He sobbed. Yusei shook her head
'I didn't want it to come to this, Akiyuki, but you've left me no choice!' With a dishearten sigh, Yusei cast her hand out.
"Stardust Dragon, attack with Cosmic Flare!" In a single roar of light, Stardust destroyed Black Rose Dragon, black petals flying everywhere. "Don't you dare put on that mask!" Yusei and Akiyuki cried out as something throbbed their arms, their marks glowing brightly.
Luna clutched her arm, wincing.
Jack held his breath as a tremor of pain passed him, Goodwin looking at him knowingly.
Yusei: 1200
Akiyuki: 2700
"I'm sorry . . ." Akiyuki shook his head, un-zipping the top of his coat and reaching into his breast pocket, pulling out his mask. "But I've already made my decision . . . I . . ." The mask slipped over his eyes, his other hand un-zipping the rest of his coat and letting it fall to the ground. "I need the mask. Without it, it's too . . . It's too easy to be hurt."
Before Yusei, he was dressed in the tuxedo he wore the first day they met, the rose pinned at a lapel. He was now the Black Thorn. Yusei reached out, pleadingly.
"Akiyuki, listen-"
"No! You listen!" The voice modifier made him sound raspy and ancient, twisted and evil. "It's my move, and I activate Magic Planter! So by sending a continuous spell card from my field to the Graveyard, I can draw two new cards! And next I'll play another card; the continuous trap, Wicked Rebirth!" Akiyuki activated his cards. "For the low price of eight-hundred Life Points, I can summon any synchro-monster from my Graveyard! And I'm bringing back" Flowers flew and scattered again. "Black Rose Dragon!"
The dragons crossed again, black rose petals mixing with stardust.
Yusei: 1200
Akiyuki: 1900
"But I'm not done yet, because now I can equip Wicked Rebirth to my Dragon!" Like Stardust's glitter from the skies, the light particles turned purple and swarmed around Black Rose. "She might not be able to attack this turn, but as long as she's equipped with this card, Black Rose Dragon can be re-summoned at the end of each and every round! So for those of you in the back of the class, that means if it's ever destroyed in battle, or by some special spell, it comes back as good as new at the end of my turn."
Yusei covered her eyes at the dust began to sting her eyes.
From the shadows, Sayer laughed as chaos began to reign.
"You heard him. Stay away from Akiyuki, little bitch. He's already mine."
"Oh, and last but not least, when Black Rose Dragon is special summoned, all the cards on the field are destroyed! So say goodbye to your pathetic pet!" Yelled the Black Thorn, winds of a frenzy blowing everywhere. As pain coiled in her mark, Yusei could hear the cries of panic from her friends, and she looked back over her shoulder.
People were desperately holding onto their seats, crying and almost being lifted away.
'I gotta stop this!'
"I activate Stardust's special-ability! It might be a big price to pay, but sacrificing my dragon destroys yours and all of its powers! It's a dragon for a dragon!" Stardust dove forward and crashed into Black Rose, destroying the both of them.
"You may have rid the field of my dragon, but let's see how you handle Phoenixian Seed! And since we're sacrificing cards to activate special abilities, I'll sow my seed to reap Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis!" Erupting from the seed came a beautiful phoenix-like flower, flames licking at its root. "And before you start again with the "He doesn't know better, he's only a kid" bull-shit! Let's see if you change your tune after I destroy another one of your monsters! Amaryllis, attack!" The flower shot plumes of fire at Speed Warrior, making Yusei step back. "But it doesn't end there! Because once Amaryllis attacks, it self-destructs, causing another eight-hundred points of damage," A smirk quirked on the young man's lips. "This should hurt a little," Like a bomb did the flower explode, a rain of fire landing on Yusei. Fire caught onto her clothes, but she managed to pat it away before it could burn skin. The explosion even chipped at the corner of Akiyuki's mask.
"Told ya." He snickered.
Yusei: 800
Akiyuki: 1900
"I'll end with a face-down." He finished.
"This round's not even close to being over, Akiyuki! Remember, I used Stardust Dragon's special ability, and that means he comes back!" The dragon of the stars swooped back to the field.
"Well then I guess our two beasts will have to battle it out again!" Countered Akiyuki. " This is the beginning of your end! I re-summon Black Rose Dragon! And with it on the field, I now activate my trap, Overdoom Line." The dragon of black roses and reverse card was activated. "So now the monster I just summoned from my Graveyard gains a thousand attack points!"
Black Rose Dragon (ATK:3400)
"And to keep my dragon company, I'm activating Amaryllis's special ability, which also allows me to summon it from my Graveyard! It's your turn, Yusei." Concluded the Black Thorn.
"I draw, then," Yusei said, adding a card to her hand. "I take my Stardust Dragon, and switch it to defense mode."
Stardust Dragon: (DEF: 2000)
"Then I'll activate the spell, Prevention Star. And since my Stardust Dragon is in defense mode, I can equip the power of Prevention Star to it. And now I get to prevent one of your monsters from attacking or changing its battle position! And I think I'll freeze up your Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis!" Shouted Yusei as the spell began.
"Awesome! Yusei never would've survived another round with Akiyuki's Amaryllis still in attack mode!" Clapped Tanner. "Now let's see if she can turn this Duel around!"
Akiyuki, however, still had more in store.
"I play the trap card, Synchro Back! Now by removing one synchro monster from my field, I can re-summon it next turn. And who better, than my Black Rose Dragon, Yusei?" Asked the blood-red-haired young man as his dragon vanished.
"What did he do?" Asked Yanagi, Tanner frowning.
"Don'tcha get it, gramps? When he special-summons his dragon next round, its special ability activates, destroying all of Yusei's cards!" He yelled. Alex shook his head in distress.
"Yeah! So he'll take out Yusei's Stardust Dragon, and that'll leave her wide-open for a direct attack!" He yelled.
"I dunno what she can do to beat Akiyuki, guys!" Exclaimed Destiny.
"I'll end my turn by throwing down a face-down!" The ravenette with golden streaks ended her turn with that.
"It won't help you! Because thanks to my Synchro Back's effect, Black Rose Dragon comes back to the field!" Yelled the Black Thorn, starting off his move. His dragon returned, his mark glowing more brightly and causing him to cry out.
"It's your sign!" Yelled Yusei. Akiyuki twisted his head, holding his arm to his chest.
"I wish it was gone!" He shouted, ready to break down again.
"But it's a part of you! It's part of all of us!" Yusei suddenly took a few steps forward, clutching her own arm as it burned with pain. Everyone was bewilder as she tried to make her way across the field.
"What she doing? I-Is this allowed?!" Asked the MC, more petals turning around the area.
~Just like a star across my sky,
Just like an angel off the page,
You have appeared to my life,
Feel like I'll never be the same,~
"Having this mark doesn't make you a freak or monster, Akiyuki, it makes you special!" Yusei took each step slow but sure, trying to reach the torn teenager. "I know other people don't see that, and I know it hurts. But when you get angry at them, you're only hating yourself!"
~Just like a song in my heart,
Just like oil on my hands,
Honor to love you~
"The pain you feel from that mark is shared by me as well. It's trying to bring us together, to strengthen us! I don't understand it yet, but this pain is somehow uniting us! We have to figure out what it wants, Akiyuki!" Yusei jumped when a rose whip snapped at her feet, very close to paralyzing her. "But first you must realize that you're not alone! That we're connected, we're all connected! We're all going to have to make a choice. We're going to have to band together in order for this to all make sense! Embrace your dragon." She cried out, avoiding sharp petals, before resuming her trek. "It's magnificent! It's wonderful, and handsome! Just like you are under that mask."
"It's not! And I'm not either! Not magnificent! Not wonderful! Don't make me laugh when you call it handsome!" Shouted Akiyuki with fury, denying everything. "People don't like me! They see me as a freak! A monster! And it's this mark that's caused all the suffering I've had to live through!"
"But if you take it out on other people, it won't make anything better! Because if you stay mad like this, you'll always suffer!" Screamed Yusei. She dove for the ground as the cold airs suddenly turned fierce, becoming one with the Black Thorn's emotions.
"So just accept it . . . ?" Chocked Akiyuki, something of his mind snapping. "Embrace it . . . ? Forget the past? Hate's all I know!" He screamed, the metal object in his hair finally snapping in two. His hair flew everywhere and more and more of his mask broke at the corners.
"This discussion is over!" He yelled, head thrown back. "I activate Black Rose Dragon's special ability! All of your cards are destroyed, along with this stadium!" The winds knocked away several cameras, everyone screaming and trying their best to hold on. Yusei made a leap over a piece of glass and she took another step.
"I won't let you do this! I use my dragon's special ability! I'll sacrifice him to stop this destruction!" Yusei ran forward and her dragon tackled Akiyuki's, the two of them struggling and clawing at each other.
~Still I wonder why it is,
I don't argue like this,
With anyone but you,
We do it all the time,
Blowing out my mind . . .~
"Stop fighting, Akiyuki! It's over! The dragon inside you was never meant to destroy!" Screamed Yusei, just as her dragon threw its head and bit into Black Rose's neck, tearing it from its body and the both of them turning into digital specks.
"She's gone . . ." Whispered Akiyuki, before throwing his head back and wailing. "Black Rose Dragon's gone!" He cried before clenching his fist and looking at Yusei venomously "But that doesn't mean we're finished here, Yusei. Prevention Star's gone, too . . . Which means Amaryllis can now attack. But you still have that face-down, Yusei, don't you!" Akiyuki looked as angered as ever, his hair draped over his shoulders like a hermit's. "The question is, will it be enough?! You've wasted your time trying to save me, trying to play as some sort of dame who can rescue a prince from his tower . . . Now it's time to see if you can save yourself. Let's see if you can stop me!"
"I never wanted to stop you!" Screamed Yusei, making Akiyuki flinch. "I wanted to save you! Not like a dame saving a prince, but as a friend saving a friend! And I intend to with Cosmic Blast!" Yusei flipped her reverse card. "Now because 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!" As the attack shot out, a giant piece of broken glass was flying to Akiyuki. The frighten boy could only gasp.
"LOOK OUT!"
A great force pushed him out of the way, throwing him on his back with something semi-heavy on him. His arms came around something on his waist. Something sweet yet spicy filled his nose, and his left hand felt something warm and sticky. His mask fell off his face, and he looked in horror as he saw it was Yusei on top of him, the glass dug into her shoulder blade.
~You've got this look I can't describe,
You make me feel like I'm alive,
When everything else is au fait,
Without a doubt you're on my side,
Heaven has been away too long,
Can't find the words to write this song . . .~
Yusei: 800
Akiyuki: 0
"Yu . . . Sei . . ." He whispered, watching as the girl whimpered and pushed off his chest, sitting on her legs, and hissing as he touched her wounded bicep. Trying to not give into the fading blackness in her eyes, and the pain that was eating at her bones, Yusei looked up at him, gasping when tears were suddenly in his eyes.
"Akiyuki . . ." She pressed her hand to his cheek, brushing away bits of plaster that was left from his mask. "It's OK. It's alright. You . . ."
~Oh . . .
Your love . . .~
"That's right," Whimpered Akiyuki. "The Black Thorn is crying." He bowed his head, and finally let all his tears fall, body wracking with whimpers and breathy sobs.
"Akiyuki-" She tried to reach for him again, but someone grabbed her by the collar of her jacket, making her gasp in pain when the glass shard was moved with it. She was placed down not too gracefully on the ground.
"- Is not your concern," Looking up, Sayer stared at her as if she were a bug. "I think you've caused enough damage for one day, Miss. Fudo. Akiyuki's coming home with me," As he placed his coat over the boy's shoulders, he smiled at him kindly, brushing way his long hair. "It's okay. You tried. Next time, you'll do better." Helping him up, he threw one more dirty look at Yusei before leading him away, the crowd cheering as the 'monster' was being taken away.
Yusei wanted to stop him, but her legs fell beneath her when she tried to stand. Blood was now staining her entire arm, half her back, and bits of her torn jeans. She would have crawled even. Her mind began to slip with her eyes dilating.
"Yusei!"
"Sis!"
"Wait, Yusei! Stay with us!"
She wanted to. But sleep was calling her. With her win and promise of her Duel with Jack in the next round, Yusei fell forward, unconscious. From the deepest parts in her mind, she could hear Akiyuki whispered with great thanks.
"Thank you, Yusei . . ."
"What the . . ."
No one, those who have gathered around Yusei, would have expected this. Cameras were covering every point of the scene. Goodwin and Lazar looked surprise as well.
Blood staining his white coat, Jack, hoisted Yusei more comfortably in his arms and glared at all of them.
"Don't just stand there! Call the doctors before she bleeds to death!"
~Still I wonder why it is,
I don't argue like this,
With anyone but you,
We do it all the time,
Blowing out my mind . . .~
To Be Continued…
*Finishes off last cookie* Whee-who! Done, and I have those other chapters and stories in the works to get done! Hopefully, this chapter has have all of you moved! Yeah, I know that Akiyuki seemed a bi-polar, but to me, I think he would gain a few more egos than Akiza would. As a young boy who's dealing with people hating him, developing a crazy ego would seem to suit him, if you ask me. Eh, whatever! Akiyuki is totally cute! So boyish and awesome! And as for the song in the middle of the Duel, I wanted to put it in because as it would seem, Fem!Yusei is the sudden 'star' that has come into Akiyuki's life. She suddenly appears and everything he knows changes in his life. He begins to learn that he is not the monster everyone tells him he is, but he is the person who just wants to be accepted for who he is. Gah, and the way Jack was jealous and angered at him! I enjoyed writing that up, too! :D
Well, please make sure to review! The next chapter is another free-for-all rematch between Yusei and Jack! So if ya wanna see that, send in your reviews! With nine days till Christmas, I hope to see you all later!
This is me saying, Peace!