Chapter 14: Clash Of The Dragons: Part 1
A bleak landscape of demolished buildings, leveled by the presence of Dark Signs the previous night, with the Arcadia Building a lone tower in the distance. A few small planes drift by in the air overhead.
Static, then a news report begins, Angela Raines is standing in front of a construction crew beginning to work on the ruined area. "We're coming to you live from downtown New Domino City, where last night a mysterious force rocked the entire city." Angela says.
Static and then a closer shot of the construction crew. One has a pole of some kind, another is holding what looks like a geiger counter. "Investigators are trying to determine the cause of the blast and the strange lines they left." Says Angela.
An aerial view, where the Lizard and Hummingbird Signs around the Arcadia building are still burned into the earth, cutting a huge swath of damage around the Arcadia building, which still stands at the epicenter of the destruction. "Although there were no fatalities, one hundred twenty people seem to have simply vanished. There are also scattered reports of strange glowing lights in the sky." Angela says.
Back to Angela herself. "Now, with the people demanding answers to what really happened last night." Says Angela.
The hospital, as a lone car arrives there. "All eyes are on a young woman who was found unconscious in the rubble, apparently the only witness to this disaster." Angela says.
Reporters are waiting, as the car's occupants disembark. "Senator, would you care to comment on the speculation that the government is actually involved?"
Senator Izinski exits the car in a tense rush and a redheaded woman hurries out behind him. "No comment." Says Senator Izinski. "Do you know the victim, Senator?" "No comment!" Senator Izinski says. "They say she's the infamous duelist known as the Black Rose!" Senator Izinski and his wife leave the reporters behind and walk into the hospital. "Senator! Senator!"
Senator Izinski has an angular face that is lined and worn, his expression grave and serious.
A heart rate monitor is registering 79 above a line that blips with Akiza's heartbeat, occasionally, and 125 above 78 under the line. Akiza is lying motionless in a hospital bed, with electrodes attached to her temples. "Doctor, her blood pressure seems to have stabilized and her pulse is strong, but she's still not showing any signs of movement."
Outside the room in the hallway. Jack, Sakura, with Grim seated between the two, and the twins are watching through the large glass windows. Jack, Leo and Luna are back to wearing their normal clothes. "Poor Akiza" Says Luna. "Ohh, hey, I just realized something! We've got four Signers right here. Five if ya count me. That's good, right, Jack?" Leo asks. "Leo, for the umpteenth time, you're not a Signer. But, you may be onto something. Jack, d'you think we were brought together for a reason?" Asks Luna. Jack frowns. "Hmmm." Jack says.
Flashback. During Akiza's duel with 'Skylar' in the Fortune Cup. Akiza's, 'Skylar's', Jack's, Luna's and Yusei's arms were all glowing bright enough to hurt. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. "Perhaps, Luna. But, I think we'll need…" Says Jack.
Just then, Senator Izinski and his wife hurry up to the glass and peer through at Akiza, anxiously. "Akiza, my little girl." Mrs. Izinski says.
The doctor and nurse join them outside the room.
"Doctor!" Says Senator Izinski. They rush over to the doctor. "Will our daughter pull through?" Senator Izinski asks. "Please, she's all we have." Says Mrs. Izinski. "I think it would be best if we talked inside."
They follow him to Akiza's bedside. Akiza's mom is about as tall as her and she gets her bright red hair from her. Akiza gets her rounded eyes from her mom and her angular looks from her dad. "It's a complete mystery. Physically speaking, she's in perfect health. It's like I told her friends outside. I believe she's in this coma because of some sort of emotional trauma." "Emotional?" Senator Izinski asks. "I knew it! It's all our fault! We pushed her to this, we could've been better parents!" Says Mrs. Izinski. She falls to her knees, weeping into the sheets beside Akiza's pillow. "Oh Akiza, mommy's little rose! We're so sorry for how we treated you! Please, wake up!" Mrs. Izinski says.
Outside. Jack, Sakura and the twins are still watching. "We gotta help. If there's something wrong the doctors can't fix, maybe we could use our Signer powers. Like with telepathy or something. Would that work, Jack?" Asks Luna. "Or Luna, Sakura could use her healing powers to help her. Could that work, Sakura?" Leo asks. "I'm sorry, Leo. However, I'm still not fully recovered myself. So, I'm afraid this is out of my hands, for the moment anyway." Says Sakura. "Either way, if the doc's right and she's got some sort of broken heart, it's gonna take a lot more than telepathy or healing. She needs someone who knows the true Akiza. Sayer's gone and vanished, while Sakura's still recovering from her own injuries and can't use her healing powers on her. So, I'm afraid we're out of options." Jack says. The twins look at each other, worriedly. "Unless, he might help her." Says Jack. He leans in closer to Sakura and whispers something to her, so the twins can't hear his plans. Jack then steps back a little bit, so Sakura can think about. Sakura whispers something back to Jack. They then come up with an agreement and nod, in unison. "You two stay here. Grim, stay here with them." Sakura says. Jack offers her an arm to hold onto, she accepts his offer and places her arm around his. With that cryptic agreement, Jack and Sakura walk into the room, arm-in-arm with each other, joining the doctor, nurse and parents.
Grim gets up, moves over to Luna and Leo, and sits down next to the former. The twins look at each other, mystified. "Huh?" Asks both Luna and Leo.
Jack addresses Akiza's parents for himself and Sakura. "I'm Jack Atlas, and this is Sakura Kuraitaiyono. And we think we know someone who might be able to help your daughter wake up after all." "Like who?" Mrs. Izinski asks. "Please, tell us!" Says Senator Izinski.
Flashback. Cynder the Black Dragon body-slammed Black Rose Dragon, as unafraid of being hurt by the Black Rose as its mistress, 'Skylar'. But, the one that Akiza was interested in appeared to be Yusei. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. "His name's Yusei Fudo." Jack says. "And he is my brother. So, if you want his help, you are going to need my help to do so." Says Sakura.
At Martha's house, on another gray day in the Satellite. Yusei is working on his runner, while nearby Blister has some cables run across the grass, attempting to bring up an image of the damage in New Domino City on his laptop.
With the wheels elevated above the ground, Yusei tests the engine and they spin just as well as before. Yusei keeps working.
Blister joins Yusei, cradling his laptop with the screen open. "Sounded sweet. Nice job." Blister says. "Thanks. It's, uh, almost ready. Any news about what's been goin' on in New Domino City?" Asks Yusei. Blister shows him the screen. "Hm. The whole city's in a state of chaos. The Dark Signers decided to turn ten city blocks of buildings into rubble. The only thing left is the Arcadia Movement's headquarters." Blister says. "D'you think they went after Akiza?" Asks Yusei. "Probably. Or else they just bought a lot of stock in bulldozers. She's in the hospital. I hacked into her records, and it sounds like she won't wake up." Blister says. "A coma." Says Yusei. He looks at his arm.
Flashback. Kalin zoomed ahead, as the Giant's massive black hand descended. Yusei flinched at the last moment, then his engine exploded and he fell behind the path of the crushing blow. "You gonna use that Signer mojo to help? 'Cause I'm sure she needs a friend right now, just like you needed your friends when you were all banged up after that duel with Kalin." Blister says, in voice-over. Yusei and his runner go flying, bouncing across the ground over and over. Kalin rides away, leaving Yusei lying on the cold ground, wincing in pain. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. "You're right, but I couldn't even help myself during that shadow duel. I'm sure I'd only make things worse for her. Huh?" Asks Yusei.
They hear a helicopter overhead and the wind starts blowing to match.
"Who could that be?" Yusei asks. "I dunno, but it looks like we're about to find out!" Says Blister.
Above, Akiza's dad can be seen in the helicopter window.
Later. Yusei and Senator Izinski sit across Martha's dining-room table from each other. Sakura's standing at Senator Izinski's shoulder, arms folded across her chest, with Grim sitting down beside her.
Blister leans against the wall and Martha serves tea from the side that Senator Izinski, Sakura and Grim are on.
"I'd like to thank you for taking the time to see me, Mr. Fudo. Your sister has told me that you might be able to help. I'm here, because I need you to save my daughter, Akiza!" Senator Izinski says. "So, you're her dad. I heard a' you. Not too flattering, I'm afraid, Senator." Says Yusei, harshly. "I know, that's what your sister was saying. But, I'm trying to make things right!" Senator Izinski says, ashamed and angrily. "Huh?" Asks both Sakura and Yusei. "She's in the hospital suffering from some heartbreak that's-my-fault!" Senator Izinski says. He's almost crying. "I pushed her away, and she joined that Arcadia Movement! With Sayer missing, she's got no one. She doesn't even respond to us, her parents, and who blames her. That's why I'm here." Says Senator Izinski. Yusei turns his attention to Sakura. "Sakura, she's not responding to you either?" Yusei asks. "No." Says Sakura.
She moves aside to let Martha pass, as she puts a cup of tea on the table in front of Senator Izinski. "Before I let my Yusei run off again, how about you tell us the whole story, from the beginning!" Martha says, sternly. Senator Izinski is a bit hurt at her sternness, but decides she's right. "Okay, then. I've never been someone you might call 'father of the year'. I had an important job. It was my first year as a senator and I had a lot of responsibilities. I guess..." Says Senator Izinski, defensively.
Flashback. Senator Izinski is sitting in the backseat of a car, his assistant in the passenger seat. "I forgot what mattered." Senator Izinski says, in voice-over. "Hey, driver. I need to stop and get something for my little girl's birthday." Says Senator Izinski. "Afraid not. If you want this Ener-D Reactor, then you gotta pass this funding bill now, okay?" A cell phone rings. "Hold on." Senator Izinski says. He answers it and a hologram of Akiza, at six-years-old, springs from it. "Hi, Daddy! Tell me when you're coming home? I wanna open my present now!" Says young Akiza, via-hologram. Senator Izinski laughs, nervously. "Daddy's working on that, sweetie." Senator Izinski says. He hangs up. "Rrrgh!" Senator Izinski growls under his breath.
Late at night, Senator Izinski finally gets home.
Akiza's mom opens the door, eyes sad. "You missed it." Says Mrs. Izinski. "I know." Senator Izinski says, grouchy. They walk into the house, to the room in which young Akiza has fallen asleep leaning over the coffee table, her cake untouched and the candles burned down to stubs of wax. "She waited all night for you. She didn't wanna eat her cake without her daddy." Says Mrs. Izinski.
He runs over to young Akiza, knowing already he can't make up for it. "Sorry!" Senator Izinski says. He picks young Akiza up in his arms and carries her to bed.
As young Akiza lies there, still asleep, dried tear trails can be seen on her cheeks. "I'm so sorry. I'll make it up to you, I promise." Says Senator Izinski. He sobs a bit, then takes a small rectangular birthday present out of his pocket and sets it on the bedside table. "Good night, my little rose." Senator Izinski says.
The next morning, dawns warm and bright. Seeing just the exterior of the yellow two-story house with big, beautiful paned windows and a red roof, hearing a squeal... "Yay!" Says young Akiza, cheering.
Young Akiza runs down the stairs, giggling, as her dad's about to leave with his assistant from before, her parents turn around. "Daddy, it's perfect! My very own deck!" Young Akiza says. "Maybe you'll go pro!" Says Senator Izinski. "I will!" Young Akiza says. She hugs Senator Izinski and looks up. "Why don't we have a duel right now, Daddy?" Asks young Akiza. "I wish I could. But, I'm afraid I'm going to be out of town for the next month on a new project. It's called the Ener-D Reactor." Senator Izinski says. "Please, Senator! We need to leave now!" "Okay." Says Senator Izinski. He then turns to young Akiza. "He's right. I'm afraid I have to go, little rose." Senator Izinski says. "No!" Says young Akiza, angrily. As the angry little girl looks at the floor and her bangs hide her face from view, catching a glimpse of the Black Rose when her hair comes down. "You promised you'd be here for my birthday! You can't just give me a deck and run off! That's not what daddies are supposed to do! This isn't fair!" Young Akiza says. She's now crying. "Don't ever come back!" Says Young Akiza. She runs away up the stairs, holding her deck close.
"Akiza? Akiza!" Senator Izinski says. He stares after young Akiza a moment more, then sighs and turns to leave. "I was doing important work, but how do you explain that to a little girl? As the months passed, I saw her less and less." Says Senator Izinski, in voice-over. Interrupt the flashback.
Return to the present. "I thought I could make up for lost time by dueling whenever we had a chance, which seemed to work well enough. Until, one day." Senator Izinski says.
Return to flashback. A slightly older Akiza and her dad stand at opposite ends of the living room, in front of a big window. Akiza has a face down and her dad has Samsara Lotus on the field. "Akiza was getting better and better with her new deck. I joked about it at first, but I thought she really might go pro." Says Senator Izinski, in voice-over.
"My turn Dad and I play 'Rose Flame', which means that, you, uh..." Little Akiza says.
Senator Izinski's cell phone is ringing and he answers it. "It's me. What? The Reactor? You sure? I'll be right there." Says Senator Izinski.
At those words, little Akiza's eyes go wide, he's going to leave her, again, in the middle of a duel?!
"Oh, my sweet little rose, I'm sorry, but daddy has an emergency at work, and has to head back." Senator Izinski says.
"But-our-duel!" Says Little Akiza.
"I promise I'll make it up to you as soon as I can. Akiza?" Senator Izinski asks.
"Akiza is gone, Father! I play 'Rose Flame'! Hah!" Little Akiza launches her attack and it lands as though real, the room is in pinkish-purple flames and her dad is slammed against the wall hard enough to crack it. This flashback is familiar now. Little Akiza puts a hand to her chin, awed and frightened. Little Akiza isn't screaming or afraid, just nonplussed as she holds Senator Izinski against the wall with her mind.
A moment later, the flames disappear and Senator Izinski falls to the floor, with a moan.
Akiza's mom hurries over to Senator Izinski. "Talk to me, sweetheart." Says Mrs. Izinski. "Wha-what did you do?!" Senator Izinski asks.
Little Akiza's arm is glowing brightly, her Sign is appearing for the first time. "Ah! My arm! What happened, Daddy? What's wrong with me?" Asks Little Akiza.
"Agh." Senator Izinski says.
Little Akiza walks toward her parents. "Make it go away, please, Daddy! I'm scared! Do something! Help me!" Says Little Akiza.
"Don't come any closer! How did you do that to me, Akiza?! What's wrong with you?! You-monster!" Senator Izinski says. He gasps as soon as he says it, appalled. "Don't call her that!" Says Mrs. Izinski.
It's too late, little Akiza is starting to cry. "I'm a-monster?!" Little Akiza asks, crying.
"I-I didn't mean that! You just scared me!" Says Senator Izinski.
Little Akiza only cries harder. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. Yusei has been listening, silently, gazing down at the table. Sakura has been listening herself, now understanding. Akiza's dad is trying not to cry again. "That day, the Black Rose was born! It's all my fault that Akiza, my precious daughter, became the duelist known as the Black Rose." Senator Izinski says.
Flashback. Little Akiza seemed as though in a miserable spotlight, as other children kept their distance. "Her psychic powers kept growing stronger. I couldn't even let her around other children." Says Senator Izinski, in voice-over. Little Akiza, defying their condemnation, turns on them with her duel disk and sends them all running by summoning a gigantic and ferocious Gigaplant. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. "And instead of helping, I made things worse. She probably just needed a father's love and understanding, but I was afraid of her, and pushed her away. I, I didn't know what to do! So, I decided to send my precious Akiza away." Senator Izinski says.
Flashback. Duel Academy's architecture has changed, or this is a different Duel Academy. Four pillars shaped like duel disk leaves stick up from the ground around a central structure that actually isn't unlike a double-sided central piece to a duel disk. "To the one place that would take her, Duel Academy." Says Senator Izinski, in voice-over.
Teenage Akiza, in a red school blazer, walks away from her parents, visible through the window behind her, resentful and a bit nervous leaving home. "I thought they'd teach her to control her powers, but there was no controlling Akiza." Senator Izinski says, in voice-over.
The flashback mentioned before with Akiza's duel with the dark-haired girl at Duel Academy. Interrupt flashback.
Back to the present. Akiza's heartbeat is holding steady at 79, 125/78. Akiza moans a little in her sleep, as though dreaming the same flashback. "Mm... Mm..."
Continue flashback. Teenage Akiza, in a school blazer and duel disk, runs along a street in Domino at night. "Duel Academy only made her feel more isolated. So one night, she decided to run home." Says Senator Izinski, in voice-over. Akiza stops outside her house, one window is lit. Akiza looks through it and sees her parents sitting down at the coffee table.
"It's nice to be home for dinner. This must've taken forever to prepare." Senator Izinski says. "Well, I did spend all day deciding which takeout place to order from." Says Mrs. Izinski. They both laugh. Interrupt flashback.
Back to the present, as Akiza remembers in her dream, her heart readout starts spiking. "Doctor, look at these readings!"
Continue flashback, as teenage Akiza watches her parents through the window, her eyes painful, with longing and loneliness. "I don't know how long she stood there watching us. Watching us enjoy our lives, without her." Senator Izinski says, in voice-over.
Senator Izinski stands up, noticing Akiza. "Akiza?!" Asks Senator Izinski. "I'll never forget the look on her face. It was the night I lost my daughter." Senator Izinski says, in voice-over. Interrupt Flashback.
Back to the present. Senator Izinski clenches his fists on the table. "That night, she wanted her family and I didn't have the strength to give her one! Then, she got mad." Says Senator Izinski.
Continue flashback. Akiza draws a card, slams it into a spell/trap zone on her duel disk and shatters every one of those big, beautiful windows, the light fixtures inside, everything made of glass. Mrs. Izinski cowers on the floor in the dark.
Senator Izinski runs toward Akiza and the window. "Come back! I'm sorry! Come back!" Senator Izinski says.
Akiza doesn't stop running, out into the night. "That was the last time I saw Akiza, until today. I know she joined the Arcadia Movement, and that eased my pain, but I always wondered if she felt vulnerable." Says Senator Izinski, in voice-over. Akiza cried as she ran, but was almost smiling. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. Akiza's hospital bed. "I just-need-to feel safe again! Sayer, help me!" Akiza thinks to herself, in her sleep.
Flashback. In an alleyway hidden from a bright light, the cloaked Black Rose looks up with surprise when a gloved hand removes her mask. Sayer smiles, holding the mask in his hand. They look at each other for a long moment. "You were the one who freed me of my fears!" Akiza thinks to herself, in voice-over.
Change flashback, to Akiza's test duel to enter the Arcadia Movement. She looks a year or two older than when she left the Academy and has Violet Witch on the field. "You wanna test me?! Check out a direct attack from my Violet Witch!" Akiza says.
Sayer himself is her opponent and takes the hit. As Violet Witch continues to zap Sayer. "Not bad, but if you really wanna learn how to master your psychic powers, then stop running from the memories hidden in your past! Your family feared you! They were scared, and they tried to send you away as far as possible, didn't they?! But now you're here, in your new home! Forget the pain your family and friends caused you! Leave the past behind and look to the future!" Says Sayer.
"But, I'm afraid!" Akiza says.
Still in Violet Witch's beam, Sayer walks toward her across the field, through the pain. "I'm glad you're afraid, it means you know you're making the right decision! I'll always be here for you, I promise. Arcadia and I can be your new family." Says Sayer. Violet Witch stops blasting him. "You're not a monster, you're you!" Sayer says.
"I don't know." Says Akiza.
Sayer walks the final steps to her and hugs her. "And you never will unless you open up to your new family, and accept who you are!" Sayer says. Akiza closes her eyes, nearly crying again, accepting what he's telling her would be such a wonderful relief. "But be mindful of outsiders, for they will try to fill you with false hope, and empty promises." Says Sayer. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. "Sayer was right! I never should've listened to Sakura!" Akiza thinks to herself.
Flashback. Sakura, disguised as Skylar, faces Akiza across the stage arena at the Fortune Cup.
Akiza's Black Rose mask is halfway cracked off of her face.
As they speak, the steady beep of Akiza's heart rate monitor in the present can be heard.
"Embrace your dragon! She is beautiful! Just like you are under that mask!" 'Skylar' says.
"I'm not beautiful, people don't like me! And it's this Mark that's caused all of the suffering I've had to live through!" Says Akiza.
"Your right. However, if you stay mad, you shall always suffer." 'Skylar' says.
"So, just accept it? Embrace it? Forget the past?! Hate's all I know!" Says Akiza. The dampening roller in her hair begins to glow, then unravels from her bangs and goes flying.
Change Flashback. Later, when Akiza's mask came off, it revealed eyes filled with tears.
"I never wanted to stop you, I wanted to save you!" 'Skylar' says. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. Tear trails run down Akiza's cheeks even as she stays unconscious. "Somebody, help me!" Akiza thinks to herself.
Senator Izinski clenches his fists on the table. Across from him, Yusei's doing the same. "I need you. I can't heal her broken heart, but you can! Jack said that you cared about her!" Says Senator Izinski. "But right now, I don't think I have the strength to help her." Yusei says. Akiza's dad places his hands on top of his fists, anxiously. "But, you must! Jack thinks that Sakura just needs to duel her again! But he said, your voice has the power to wake Akiza from her coma, while Sakura's deck might be able to heal her heart!" Says Senator Izinski. Both him and Yusei look over at Sakura. "I would. However, I'm in no shape to duel anyone right now." Sakura says. Akiza's dad takes a hold of one of her hands. "But, you two are her last hope, please!" Says Senator Izinski, begging in desperation. "Senator, listen to me. I'm willing to help your daughter. However, with me being injured from saving her last time, I won't be able to go up against her full force. However, even though I'm not in the best condition to be dueling her, I'm willing to give it all the strength I have left." Sakura says. "Thank you, Miss. Kuraitaiyono." Says Senator Izinski. Sakura then turns her attention towards Yusei. "However, I can't do this without you, Yusei." Sakura says. "I dunno." Says Yusei. Martha puts her hands on her hips. "For goodness sake, Yusei! You can't turn your back on this poor girl, or so help me! Unless, you're afraid to duel again." Martha says. "Huh?!" Asks Yusei.
Flashback. The Earthbound Immortal's massive hand reaches for Yusei, he braces himself, then falls behind it as he hits the ground, rolling end over end. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. Yusei's silent. "Ah, so it's true, you're still thinking about that duel with Kalin, right? Well, you can't stay here. Wound's healed, bike's repaired, what are you waiting for?" Martha asks. "I, um, well, see, uh." Says Yusei. Martha pinches his ear. "Shame on you, Yusei! If you're not gonna help that young girl, then why'd I patch you up? If I've taught you one thing, Yusei. It's to help your friends." Martha says. "Huh?" Asks Yusei.
As Martha speaks, the other Signers are standing in the hospital ward.
Akiza's lying motionless in her hospital bed, with tears flowing down her cheeks. "They're waiting for you. And if everything you said about these Dark Signers, purple lights, and…" Martha says, in voice-over.
Back to Martha's dining room. "…The end of the world is true, well then, you'll need their help. And you're sure not gonna get it by sitting in my dining room. I can't imagine how scared you must be." Says Martha. She smiles, taking the sting out of her words. "But, you have to face that fear." Martha says. Yusei nods, smiling. Akiza's dad stands up. "Then, you'll help?! Thank you!" Says Senator Izinski. Yusei stands up, too. Martha chuckles. "And once this is all over, maybe you'll take her on a date." Martha says. The look on Yusei's face is nothing short of priceless. "Huh?!" Asks Yusei. Sakura seems amused. "I'm just saying." Martha says. "A what?!" Asks Yusei. "If you two had some sort of connection." Martha says. Yusei looks down at the table, thoroughly stunned at the idea, then retorts… "I'm trying to save the world, not date!" Says Yusei.
Blister bursts out laughing. "He's already got a girlfriend, his runner!" Blister says.
Yusei glares at him and Martha as they laugh. Martha then turns her attention to Sakura. "And you." Says Martha. Sakura looks over at her. "Hm?" Sakura asks. Martha walks over to her. Grim gets up and moves to get out of Martha's way, standing at Sakura's other side. "You said that you sustained some injuries and that it might affect your dueling. I want to see to your injuries before you leave." Says Martha. Sakura sighs, slightly. "Of course, Martha." Sakura says. Martha leads the way. "Come with me." Says Martha. Sakura follows after her.
Martha soon leads Sakura to the room that Dr. Schmidt treated Yusei before and closes the door behind them.
Grim stays just outside the room and sits down in front of the door, as if guarding it.
"Now, take off your clothes and show me your injuries. You can leave your undergarments on, though." Martha says.
A little bit later, she leaves the room. Grim, who's been sitting there the whole time, looks up at Martha with his unnatural red eyes. Martha steps aside. "Go ahead, Grim. You can go in and be with her." Says Martha. Grim gets up and heads inside the room. Martha then closes the door, as soon as Grim's inside.
Martha walks up to Yusei, Senator Izinski and Blister. "Well, how bad is it?" Blister asks. Martha seems quite upset. "You need to come see this, all three of you." Says Martha. She leads them to the door to the room and knocks on it before entering.
Martha then walks into the room, followed by Yusei, Blister and Senator Izinski.
Sakura is lying on the bed on her stomach, naked, aside from her black panties. Grim's sitting at the head of the bed, with his front paws and head lying on the bed.
Yusei, Blister and Senator Izinski are agape.
Sakura's back is full of deep lacerations from the whip and her body is covered in bruises. At this point, all of Sakura's symbolic designs, additional markings and her Sign are visible, except for the Seal of the Crimson Dragon that's on her abdomen, considering she's lying on her front, and so are every scar that marks up her body, with the exception of the scar on the lower-right side of her torso, just over the lower ribs, the scar that forms similarly to a tilted x, on the left side of her abdomen, just above where the waistband of her pants would be, and the long, rigid scar that runs horizontally along her abdomen from hip-to-hip, just below her naval. Sakura's eyes are closed at the moment and her hair's been moved off to the side so it doesn't irritate the wounds to her back.
Martha seems saddened at the state that Sakura's body is in. "Will she be okay?" Blister asks. "It's pretty serious, but she'll be fine. Dr. Schmidt will be by in a little bit to examine the damage that's been done to her. She's simply resting right now." Says Martha.
Yusei walks over to the bed and leans in close to Sakura. "Sis." Yusei says. Sakura looks up at him. "Who did this to you?" Asks Yusei. He offers Sakura his hand to hold and she takes his offer, holding at his gloved hand. "Sayer." Sakura says.
"He did this to you, I'm so sorry." Says Senator Izinski.
"You have nothing to apologize for, Senator. This man had such a hold on Akiza, he wanted her powers for himself. If he saw any threat to his plans, he took action. That's how he saw me, a threat to whatever he wanted her for. However, he's gone now. So, there's no need to worry about him anymore." Sakura says.
There's then a knock at the door and Dr. Schmidt enters. "Martha, you sent for me?" Asks Dr. Schmidt. "Yes. Sakura needs help." Martha says.
Dr. Schmidt walks in further and approaches the bed on the opposite side from where Yusei's standing.
Martha looks over at Blister and Senator Izinski. "You two can go and wait out in the dining room." Says Martha. The two leave the room as she requested.
Dr. Schmidt's looking over the deep lacerations in Sakura's back. "You'll be okay, but it's going to take some time for these to properly heal. I'm going to clean them out as much as I can to help avoid infection." Dr. Schmidt says. He moves over to the cabinets, takes out what he needs and walks back over to the bed. "Dear girl, I'm not going to lie. This is going to hurt." Says Dr. Schmidt. He dabs a cloth with peroxide and starts moving it against the torn flesh of Sakura's back. Sakura closes her eyes and reacts to the peroxide going into her open wounds. "Sakura, I'm here." Yusei says. Sakura squeezes his hand a bit, assuring him that she is aware of his presence. Grim nuzzles his face close to Sakura's, who uses her free arm to hug him close to herself, burying her face into his long, dark fur. Sakura winces, in pain, as Dr. Schmidt proceeds to tend to the damaged skin of her back.
Sometime later, a white helicopter flies off into the distance, toward Domino City.
In the hospital ward, Luna is the first to look away from Akiza and down the hallway. Leo and Jack follow suit just as Yusei, Sakura, with Grim walking between the two half-twins, and Senator Izinski walk down the hallway toward them. "Yusei!" Says Leo. "I knew you'd show up!" Luna says. "Hey, guys." Says Yusei. "Here." Senator Izinski says, opening the door for Yusei.
Sakura stops near Jack, with Grim coming to a halt beside her, before she follows after Yusei. Sakura glances over at Jack, as he walks over to her. "So, you were able to convince him after all?" Asks Jack. "It took a lot more than just convincing him, Jack." Sakura says.
Without breaking his stride, Yusei walks into Akiza's room and stops at her bedside.
Sakura, with Grim following alongside her, Jack, Senator Izinski and the twins follow Yusei into the room, quietly.
"It's me." Says Yusei. He takes off his right glove and reaches out to brush a tear from Akiza's cheek. "Yusei." Yusei's arm starts glowing instead and Akiza's lights up to match.
Akiza opens her eyes.
"Your awake." Sakura says, walking up next to Yusei. Akiza sits up on the bed, everyone else gasps, in awe and relief. "Yusei? Sakura? What happened to me?" Asks Akiza, weakly.
"Akiza!" Senator Izinski says.
Akiza turns, shocked and angry to see her parents there. "Huh?!" Asks Akiza. Sakura leans in closer to Yusei. "Get over to the others, quickly." Sakura says, whispering to Yusei. Yusei nods and walks over to stand with Jack and the twins.
Senator Izinski looks straight into Akiza's eyes, silently begging her to see that his intentions are good.
Akiza's surprised for a moment, then angry. "What're they doing here?! In case you didn't know, I've got a new family! Sayer's all I need now!" Says Akiza. "Akiza, don't you remember what happened?" Sakura asks, trying to sound soothing. Akiza gasps as it hits her.
Flashback. Sayer plummets from the top floor of the Arcadia Movement Headquarters among debris, groaning with pain. "Aaa-aaa-aaa-aagh!"
Akiza can only watch, as Sayer falls into the opaque, shadowy mist below and disappears from view. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. Akiza puts her hands to her head. "Agh! I remember! He fell, didn't he! Into that glow! But, he was all, all I had left!" Says Akiza, sobbing. She then turns to her parents. "He was more of a father to me than you ever were! This is all your fault!" Akiza says. "It was the Dark Signers…" Says Sakura. "Stay out of this, Sakura! That stranger over there ruined my life!" Akiza says.
Senator Izinski listens, deeply hurt and worried.
Akiza walks up closer to Sakura, coming almost chest-to-chest with her. "Where am I supposed to go now? There's nothing left for me but a home in ruin, and another father that's missing! If you're trying to erase the past, don't bother!" Says Akiza. She shoves Sakura away, causing some pain to affect her and she reaches for the left side of her ribs. "I have already forgotten about them!" Akiza says. She leaps across the room to a dueling distance, aided by her powers, and activates her duel disk. "And now, I think I'll erase you from my memories, as well!" Says Akiza.
"Don't do this!" Senator Izinski says.
Grim walks up to stand at Sakura's side. "I know this is hard to take in. However, if you need to duel to find out who your friends are, then I'm right here." Says Sakura.
"Ugh! Friends?! You mean like you Signers?! From the moment I met you I've had my life completely torn apart, thanks to that thing on my arm! And that's no one's fault, but your own!" Akiza says.
Sakura gasps, she blames her? Grim growls at Akiza, deeply. "Akiza, please, let us help you!" Says Sakura.
"You all wanna destroy my life!" Akiza says. She plays a card. "Huagh! Well, I won't let that happen!" Says Akiza.
All of the furniture in the room is blown away by the frighteningly powerful wind she has called up, smashing against the walls.
Both of the twins are slammed backward into Jack and Yusei, who keep them from being blown away.
Across the room. Akiza's parents also withstand the wind, her mom might've just fainted. "Akiza!" Senator Izinski says.
"It looks like there is only one way to protect your family, and prove that we are all trying to help you!" Says Sakura. She removes her hand from her ribs and activates her duel disk. Grim steps back a bit and moves to stand behind Sakura, staying out of the attack range.
"Duel, huh? I thought that you never were gonna ask me! Now, I'll get rid of you once and for all!" Akiza says. She slots her deck.
"Akiza, the only time I ever got through to the real you was during our duel. So, this is for you." Says Sakura.
"Let's duel!" Both Akiza and Sakura say.
"And I'll be going first! I summon my monster Evil Thorn!" Says Akiza. Evil Thorn has 100 attack points, 300 defense points, is a level 1 monster and is a dark type. "And I think I'll activate its special ability! If I sacrifice it right away, you end up taking three hundred points of damage! I can't attack on my first turn, so it seems like a good tradeoff! This might stick a little!" Akiza says.
It explodes, shooting several sharp black thorns at Sakura. They knock Sakura over, with Akiza's psychic power behind them, and brings her lifepoints down to 3700. The thorn withers instantly, as Sakura struggles to get up.
"Sakura!" Says Luna, worriedly. "Jack, look, it's the first round and Sakura's already been knocked off her feet by Akiza's psychic powers!" Leo says. "And I think there's more coming." Says Jack. "It doesn't really help with the state Sakura's in right now, either." Yusei says.
"The ex-champ, your brother and your friends have a reason to be worried, Sakura. As soon as I sacrifice one Evil Thorn, two take its place!" Says Akiza.
"But, her thorns don't have their special abilities." Yusei says. "Thank goodness." Says Luna. "Yeah, but if she's trying to help Akiza by winning, she's gotta do better!" Leo says.
Grim then snarls and bares his teeth at Akiza, he's not at all afraid of her.
Akiza steps back a bit, in fear of Grim.
Grim changes his stance and runs straight for Akiza.
Akiza's cowering back, in fear. "Stay away from me!" Says Akiza.
Grim then lunges at her, teeth bared. Akiza moves to shield her face with her arms and in a split second, her powers activate and an object goes slamming into Grim, sending him flying and down to the ground.
Akiza looks up from shielding herself and over at Grim, who's down on the ground, breathing, but barely moving, he's hurt. Akiza puts a hand over her mouth, in disbelief.
Sakura soon gets herself up and as she does, her eyes start flaring in crimson red, the sclera's of her eyes have gone completely black, with glowing red veins across her eyes, the red highlights in her hair are ignited in crimson red, as well. The Crimson Dragon is going to assist and protect Sakura as much as it possibly can.
Akiza shows a little bit of fear seeing Sakura's eyes like this, but soon regains her focus on this duel. "If this is about your dog, I warned him to stay away. But, he wouldn't listen." Akiza says.
"Of course he wouldn't, Grim only listens to me and no one else. And don't get me wrong, I'm not entirely happy with you attacking something that means quite a deal to me. However, this isn't about Grim. This is about getting through to you and I shall use any means necessary to do so." Says Sakura, her voice menacing and echoic.
"And now, I'll activate a spell card, it's called 'Closed Plant Gate'! I can use it whenever there's two plant monsters on my field, the spell gives them the power to create a living wall that nothing can penetrate. That means no attacks for you next round! Your turn, have fun." Akiza says, sweetly.
"I'm not, I'm trying to help you. And this guy might just do the trick!" Says Sakura. Terrafin has 1600 defense points.
The twins groan. "Rrrgh, Terrafin's great, but he can't even attack! Sakura can't just play defense all game!" Leo says.
"I shall throw down two face downs, your turn!" Says Sakura.
"Is that the best you can do?! Well, it won't help against this, I summon Twilight Rose Knight!" Akiza says.
Twilight Rose Knight is a level-three dark-attribute warrior-type monster, with one thousand attack and defense points.
"I got a bad feeling." Says Sakura.
"And my Knight will only make it worse, 'cause now I get to summon another plant-type monster from my hand, as long as it's level-four or below! And I choose Dark Verger!" Akiza says.
"But, with those four monsters." Says Sakura.
"You catch on quick, don't you, Sakura! Twilight Rose Knight tunes up all four of my monsters to you know who!" Akiza says.
Leo counts on his fingers. "Two Evil Thorns plus what else?" Asks Leo. "Dark Verger." Luna says. "Ohh." Says Leo. "Equals Black Rose Dragon." Jack says. "Oh!" Says both Leo and Luna.
"I know you think by dueling me you'll find the good Akiza you knew, but she left the moment Sayer and Arcadia were lost! I'm the Black Rose! And I synchro-summon, Black Rose Dragon!" Black Rose Dragon has 2400 attack points. As Black Rose Dragon takes the field, another furious wind begins to blow.
Jack, Yusei and the twins shield their faces, fighting to stay on their feet. "This duel isn't just about winning or losing anymore! It's gonna come down to who actually survives!" Yusei says.
"And now, I activate the equip spell 'Thorn of Malice'! This gives my Dragon a little power boost!" Says Akiza. Black Rose Dragon grows a few more, extra-sharp thorns, giving it 3000 attack points.
The spectators get an extra gust of power-laced wind.
"Please, don't." Senator Izinski says.
"Don't try to tell me what to do! You treated me like a monster! So now, I'll behave like one! That's who I am!" Says Akiza.
"That isn't true!" Sakura says.
"It's a little late for you to try and help me, Sakura! Heheh. I thought you really believed in me, but it was all about my Mark. I'll never duel for you no matter what! Got that?!" Asks Akiza.
Senator Izinski watches, grimly.
Sakura meets Akiza's eyes across the field, fiercely, and the duel is ready to rage onward.