Chapter Thirty-Four

The First Blank

I fitted my helmet on my head and pushed my runner out of my team's garage. We were supposed to ride as a trio. Misaki never showed, so Toru called the whole practice off to go look for her. I figured she was mad at him for trying to ride in his condition. I had other plans, anyway, so I was sort of glad he cancelled.

The Daedalus Bridge was the same blue as the sky. I raced across the central strip to reach the Satellite. My jacket fought off the fall chill. I glanced to the coat's shoulder, which I'd had to stitch up after the attack from Team Catastrophe days ago.

My runner jerked to the side. The screen lit up, displaying the words: "Duel Lane Open."

"What the hell? Again? I don't see any other riders-"

A shadow passed over the sun. A runner soared from a highway crossing above and glided onto my lane. The sleek, crimson runner had a perfect balance on its single back wheel. The rider's hair was dark blue like the ocean in a storm, and a reflective green visor masked their face. They wore a bulky, red-pink riding outfit. "Rain Orichalcum!"

"Oh, great. Another weird-ass person shows up who knows my name. What is it this time?"

"Have you truly been hand-picked by god?"

I puffed a sigh. "When you speak, are you seriously expecting me to understand the crazy shit you're spewing, or is it more like firing a bullet into the dark?"

"You act innocent," the mysterious rider said. "I know who you are. You are she who becomes humanity's downfall. Duel Start!"

My screen lit up, displaying the opposing duelist's name as… Vizor. Very helpful, duel system. Very, very helpful. "How about you go first?"

"I was planning on it." Vizor drew her – my best guess from the voice – sixth card. "I summon T. G. Catapult Dragon! Its effect allows me to special summon a level three tuner from my hand. I choose T. G. Jet Falcon!"

An orange-veined dragon soared on wide wings beside a bird of prey. They twirled midair, crossing flight paths, and green rings surrounded them. Vizor called, "My monsters sync to create T. G. Hyper Librarian! When T. G. Jet Falcon is used for a Synchro Summon, you take 500 points of damage!"

A shade of her monster flew forth from the white-robed Synchro and phased through me. My life energy was sapped, and a sudden wave of exhaustion crashed over me. My counter fell to 3500. Vizor said, "I can also draw when a Synchro Summon occurs while I control T. G. Hyper Librarian. I set two face-downs and pass turn."

This lady wasn't messing around; she'd Synchro Summoned without it costing her barely anything. "Okay, I summon Blizzard Dragon in defense position and use her effect. Your Hyper Librarian can't attack or change battle position until the end of your next turn! I set a couple of face-downs and give it back to you!"

"How unimpressive," she said. "I thought you would be a force to be reckoned with! I summon T. G. Cyber Magician! Its ability allows me to tune it with a monster in my hand for a Synchro Summon. I choose T. G. Rush Rhino! Cyber Magician and Rush Rhino tune to Synchro Summon T. G. Wonder Magician!"

The mechanical beast's stars aligned with the small magician's, creating level five Wonder Magician, who had 1900 attack. "By Hyper Librarian's ability, I can draw again. Now, Wonder Magician destroys Blizzard Dragon!"

A blast of magical energy broke apart her frozen wings. I was glad to come away unscathed. Vizor said, "My turn's not over yet. T. G. Wonder Magician just so happens to be a Synchro Tuner monster!"

"…A what what?"

A corner of her mouth curled upward. "It means my two Synchro Monsters can tune together to create a monster more powerful than any you've ever seen."

"But- but it's still the Battle Phase! Even if that crazy ability did exist, you couldn't-"

She shouted, "Here's your introduction to the limitless power of Accel Synchro Summon! T. G. Wonder Magician and T. G. Hyper Librarian shatter the sound barrier with a clear mind!"

The sheer sonic speeds she reached buffeted my runner. A force like an explosion rattled me, and she disappeared for milliseconds before reappearing with a brand-new monster: a green meka with wide, silver wings and a burning yellow blade. "T. G. Blade Blaster is my Accel Synchro Monster, and it plans on ripping you to shreds!"

"Woah woah woah! You can't attack with that thing! Like I said, Synchro Summons can't happen during the Battle Phase!"

"Time for a lesson, ancient monster," Vizor said. "Accel Synchro Summons can occur at any phase during either turn. Learn or be left in the dust."

"Uh, shit, well, I use the trap Torrential Tribute!"

"Weak. By Blade Blaster's ability, I can cancel your trap's effect by discarding!" Dammit. That's why she was stockpiling cards. She said, "T. G. Blade Blaster attacks you directly!"

Her Accel Synchro Monster rocketed over my empty field, aimed his sword at me, and fired. Searing pain sizzled every inch of my skin. I screamed and spun out. I regained control a foot from slamming into the edge of the bridge. My life counter dropped to 200. "What… what the hell? Th-that hurt more than any attack I've ever…"

Vizor was grinning. "This is for the future you destroyed. My duty is to eliminate you for the sake of the world. Your evil will send the land spiraling towards ruin."

"You've got the wrong girl!" I shouted. I stared at my trembling hands. It was like a Dark Signer duel. If I lost this… I'd be dead. I didn't have anything. I was going to die. I…

"Listen. You need to call this off! I don't know what you're after, but I'm trying to do the opposite of destroy the world!"

A glint caught on something in her fist. She tossed it to me. It was an large Orichalcos pendant bearing the six-pointed star of the Seal. She said, "Recognize it?"

I gulped. "This was… my father- my patron's."

She pointed an accusatory finger at me. "That symbol and the Orichalcos come together to create mass devastation. The substance is a wicked infection."

"Not true! I use the Orichalcos for anything but! The Orichalcos wants no different from any other being: to live!" I… wanted to live. "Please understand. I'm not the one you're after. You're another time traveler, aren't you? Primo told me greed caused the destruction!"

"Primo knows nothing," she spat. "You are the source, and I will eliminate you."

She wouldn't budge. What could I do? I didn't have anything strong enough I could possibly summon this turn. Even if I did, she had two face-downs. I thoughtspoke a plea: Crimson Dragon? Can you help?

I have no power left, he lamented. I'm so sorry, young dragon.

My heart thumped and my grip tightened on my handles. I had to think. My Blue-Eyes wouldn't be strong enough. Nothing was. I was dealt a bad hand. What if she's right? What if I was the source of the future's ruin? Wouldn't be the first time… I sought the light, but was there no hope for redemption?

Was I doomed to be the source of evil forever? That made Vizor the hero and me the villain. I would always be…

I glanced to my deck. Maybe if I folded, it wouldn't hurt as badly. Maybe if I gave up…

I should. I should give up.

The Seal of Orichalcos symbol shone bright green from my patron's necklace. The star traced beneath my duel runner and shot a pillar of green light upwards to scatter the clouds. My spirit broke away from my body and landed within a vision.

The woman in the white suit leaned on her silver cane in a garden. The leaves and flowers were blue crystal like my creations from the Blue Flame. Future Rahlin picked up a tulip, held it in front of her mouth, and closed her eye. A gentle breeze passed over us. The crystals tinkled like a hundred chandeliers.

"Remember this place," future Rahlin said. "This is our peace, Rain. We deserve our existence as much as any other. We will no longer allow anyone else to convince us otherwise."

"How can you say that?" My voice broke. "I don't want to die. I don't want to die here, Rahlin!"

She took my hand, placed the stem of the crystal tulip in my palm, and wrapped my fingers around it. "Peace, Rain. Believe in your place in this world. Believe, and remember our blue crystal garden. Every dream, every wish, and every hope has an opportunity to grow if you tend to it. So long as you allow her to shatter your convictions so easily, your garden will suffer the same fate."

"My place… in the world?"

I thought of the New Domino sunrise, the Satellite sunset, and the Satisfaction Town starlight. I thought of the warmth of my partner's arms. I thought of the laughter of my friends. The tulip in my hand lit neon green. The same color spread throughout the garden. Future Rahlin smiled at me. "There you are, Rain. We belong in this world. This is a belief we share."

The garden's peace settled onto me. The fear of death and anxiety of loss was cast away. I said, "We belong."

Wind whipped around me. I breathed in. I was back on my runner, riding alongside Vizor. The Orichalcos light was gone, and the pendant was back to normal. However, where I was holding the crystal blue tulip, a card was in its place – one of the blanks from my back pocket.

It wasn't blank anymore.

I tossed my patron's necklace over my head and said, "I use Speed Spell – One for One. I send the Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my hand to the grave to special summon The White Stone of Legend from my deck. I'll summon Kuriboh beside The White Stone and, finally, I'll use my trap Birthright to return the Blue-Eyes White Dragon to the field!"

"Summoning them in attack position?" my opponent questioned. "It's a good thing you've given up. You're doing the world a favor."

"The world will have to put up with me for a little longer! I'm using these three monsters for a Synchro Summon!"

She laughed to herself. "A card like that doesn't exist."

"Learn or be left in the dust," I repeated with a smile. "The Blue-Eyes White Dragon and Kuriboh tune with The White Stone of Legend to Synchro Summon Orichalcos Dragon!"

The large pendant around my neck cracked into sections of the star. They glowed and shot towards the Blue-Eyes. The Orichalcos attached to his scales and froze over it like a casing of ice. The infection frayed in sharp points like frosted icicles trailing down the dragon's back. His jaws cracked apart, revealing sharp, jagged teeth. Orichalcos Dragon's roar carried the hiss of the Great Leviathan. The Seal of Orichalcos shone on his forehead, and a matching symbol appeared on mine.

Vizor's hands were trembling. "Y-you really are- no! That Dragon will not kill me again! I activate Compulsory Evacuation Device! Orichalcos Dragon returns to the Extra Deck!"

My dragon flipped and slammed its tail onto the trap card. The hologram flickered out of existence. I said, "Orichalcos Dragon cannot be removed from the field by card effects, whether it be destruction, removal from play, or return to the Extra Deck."

She sucked in air through her teeth. "It's not strong enough. Orichalcos Dragon has 3000 attack points, and T. G. Blade Blaster has 3300!"

"You've neglected Orichalcos Dragon's second ability," I said. "So long as he's on the field, every one of my face-up monsters gains 500 attack points."

Vizor flinched as my Synchro Monster's attack increased to 200 more than hers. She said, "You can't… You can't do this again!"

"I don't want to do anything to you," I said, "but I won't stand by and let someone else take away my place in the world! Orichalcos Dragon attacks with Emerald Soul Lightning!"

A thousand facets of the Orichalcos armor glowed from the verdant energy within my dragon. Power gathered within his chest. Orichalcos Dragon lurched back and fired a beam of pure green electricity. The dancing of sparks reflected neon green off the bridge, the ocean, and the infinity monument. T. G. Blade Blaster could not withstand the sheer ferocity. Vizor's shouts were lost in the explosion caused by her monster's mechanical death. Her life counter fell to 3800.

Her visor cracked, showing a single, maroon eye.

"I will not allow this to happen!" she shouted. "This is for the future of everything! You will fall!"

Vizor shoved her runner into mine. Metal on metal screeched like a buzz saw. I attempted to right my runner but hers was larger and more powerful than my own. We spun ninety degrees and catapulted off the edge of Daedalus Bridge. I was thrown off my runner. I clawed towards it but the air currents carried me further and further away. The waves were hundreds of feet below us. When I hit them, there was no surviving. I screamed in vain as I fell. The whistle of the air past my ears echoed my cries. I batted at the air with my fists like a chicken trying to fly. I tried anything, everything-

A red rose petal brushed the skin of my cheek like a mother's soothing touch. The world wasn't spinning; the wind stopped screaming. I was suspended in midair by a smooth, black tendril. The gentle growl of a dragon vibrated the appendage holding me. I glanced up to see the sky spotted red by a cloud of rose petals.

Black Rose Dragon stared back at me. The Signer Dragon held my runner, Vizor, her runner, and me. She dropped the four items onto the Satellite concrete. I sank onto my shaking legs.

"Rain! Are you alright?" Aki knelt in front of me. Her lipstick-red duel runner was parked behind her, and she wore the matching helmet. Beyond her teal-colored visor, her eyes showed concern.

I hugged myself and sobbed. "Thank you thank you so much for saving me, Aki. Thank you thank you thank you…"

Her red-gloved hand moved towards and away from me. In the end, she patted my shoulder arrhythmically. I sniffled and wiped my forearm across my face. I said, "S-sorry. You don't have to worry. I was just… really scared. That duelist was trying to kill me."

Aki glanced back to Vizor's prone body; she appeared to be unconscious. Aki said, "Is this because you revealed yourself as a psychic..?"

"No. No, she said… she said I was doing something wrong by existing."

"Then it's no different," Aki said, her expression unreadable. "No one has the right to decide which traits can exist and which can't."

"But what if-" I gulped. "What if I really am dangerous? What if I shouldn't be here?"

Aki leaned forward and embraced me. "Don't listen to those kinds of people, Rain, the kind who hold anything we've ever done over our heads. I've never killed anyone with my powers, and I've had full control over them for a whole six months. You won't hear that from the public, though. I'm a cold-blooded killer in their eyes. You have as much of a right to exist as I do. Sayer and the Arcadia Movement are things of the past, but that's okay because we don't have to hide anymore."

I was bawling and she kept holding me because she cared and I wasn't sure why she would and I should stop because I'd ruin her riding leathers but oh, stars above, I never thought I'd have to miss her this much. Aki said, "It's okay, Rain. It's okay."

"This looks like a fun reunion."

I broke off in a startled hiccup. Primo stood over Vizor's limp form. Aki released me and said, "You're the kidnapper. You were the one behind this?"

Primo laughed. "Is that the title your little group has given me? No, Akiza Izinski, I had nothing to do with this minor malfunction. I appreciate you finding my lost android for me. Antithesis choosing to force you into a duel was strange, though."

"She wasn't trying to duel me!" I shouted. "She was trying to kill me!"

Primo's smirk slacked. His magenta eye widened slowly. "You? Antithesis' target… was you?"

"Y-yeah! I knew you didn't like me, but I didn't think you were trying to murder me!"

"No, you don't understand. I- I'm supposed to-" He grit his teeth and looked to the sky, his exasperation clear. "Why, oh why did it have to be you, Rain Orichalcum? How did you survive?"

"I…" I showed him Orichalcos Dragon and the two blanks. "All three were blank until that duel. This Dragon saved me from losing. Aki saved me when Vizor forced me off the bridge."

"Three," Primo said, his voice like a wheeze. "You have three? And that- that's god's card."

My brow wrinkled. "Um, I'm not sure what you…"

Primo tried to step towards me, but Aki stood in the way. She held her arm out to separate us. Primo rolled his eye. "I am not trying to- oh, whatever. Rain Orichalcum! Listen to my words and do not lose them. If you find yourself in this situation ever again, call my name. No matter where or when you are, I will be there to protect you."

"…Protect? But, but you-"

"Don't," he growled. "I can assure you I am as unhappy with this arrangement as you are. However, I would not let my attitude towards you get in the way of my directive."

Primo threw Vizor over his shoulder. "Remember, Orichalcum. Call my name if you are targeted again."

He unsheathed his sword. Primo, Vizor, and her runner disappeared in a flash. I placed a finger onto the cool Orichalcos of my father's necklace. "That lady was a robot? And he said… protect me? He's the last person I'd think to call in a crisis… He'd probably want to be there so he could laugh at me afraid, and miserable, and scared…"

"I wouldn't believe anything he says," Aki said. "I'll bet he's trying to confuse you to keep you from winning. He could have set this up as a scare tactic."

"Could be," I muttered. I dropped my father's necklace into my jacket pocket and observed my three white cards. "He acted like these cards were really important."

Aki scanned the blanks. "They are. Yusei and Jack had the same kind of cards, and they turned into very strong Synchro Monsters. They only had one of those blank cards, though."

Primo acted like me having three was incredible. He referenced 'Antithesis.' Was that Vizor's real name? Why did she want to kill me? Ugh. Every day I got more and more confused. I wished I could talk to future Rahlin whenever I wanted. I bet she would explain everything. But she was there when I needed her. That's what counted, right?

"I'm guessing you don't want to go ahead with our training," Aki said. "You probably could use some rest. Your legs are still shaking."

My hands fell upon my quaking calves. "Um, m-maybe we could just talk? About something normal?"

Aki relaxed on the concrete beside me, removed her helmet, and said, "Okay. You wanted to chat about keeping emotions under wraps, didn't you? How are you managing them right now?"

I touched the blue bracelet on my wrist. "Sometimes, when I remember my brother or my partner, I can control my power. Most times, though, I… I don't."

"I see. Is that bracelet your token?"

"My what?"

"A token, like an item to remind you of yourself." She touched the silver hairclip holding her bangs back. "This is mine. It tames the worst of my abilities. Actually, it was a gift from… Sayer."

Her shoulders hunched. I said, "Um, yeah, my bracelet kinda is the same. Are you… alright..?"

"I don't know if you heard, but Sayer… passed away. I miss him dearly every single day. I wouldn't have gotten anywhere without him."

His name made my blood boil, but I did my best to hide it for her sake. "You couldn't control your powers when he was around though, right? What's made the difference for you?"

"Mental training," she said. "Whenever I feel myself getting angry – like a heat rising in my brain – I stop and think of my calmest place. Once I go there mentally and take a few deep breaths, everything is okay again. It's never failed me."

"What's your calmest place?"

"The ocean of his eyes," she said immediately. She balked. "Forget you heard that."

"Ohhh! You're talking about Yusei, aren't you? He does have pretty eyes."

"No! N-no, he doesn't!" she countered. "I mean, he does, but that's not what I was saying- well, it was, but it's not important!"

I wound the end of my braid around my finger. "Sounds pretty important to youuu."

Aki pursed her lips. "I'm going home."

"No, wait! I was kidding! Do you have any ideas for calm places?"

Her hands fell to her lap. "I'm not sure. It's a very personal thing. Can you think of anything that always calms you down?"

I closed my eyes and lifted my face to the blue sky. What was it Rahlin had said? "Peace, Rain. Believe in your place in this world. Believe, and remember our blue crystal garden."

I imagined myself sitting among the frozen, azure landscape. I recalled the sweetest dreams the Crimson Dragon had gifted me; a black cat purred in my lap, and my brother laughed beside me. The place was silent, though, too silent as though a storm was approaching. I filled the silence with my favorite song: the one my partner loved to play on his harmonica.

A hand on my shoulder carried me back to reality. My eyes snapped open to behold Aki's smiling face. "You're not shaking anymore, Rain. Did you find it?"

"…Yeah." I placed both of my hands over my heart. "I found… my garden to tend."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/

"The Vessel of the Crimson Dragon has been influenced by Z-ONE?" Jakob questioned from his white throne. I sat on mine across from his. Lester was cross-legged on the third and final throne. The crisscrossing lines below us were making excellent progress.

"Yes. She received three blank cards," I reported.

"Three? That's not even fair!" Lester shouted. I was silent. "Hm? What's your problem, Primo? I expected you to say something like, 'It's hardly an issue! Our power is far superior!' Et cetera, further gloating, et cetera."

My grip on my knees tightened. I struggled with the words: "Rain Orichalcum was Antithesis and Antinomy's target."

Lester's green eye widened. When he finished absorbing the information, he burst into a fit of cacophonous laughter. "The chick! Who's your 'greatest enemy!' The one you hate! You have to be her bodyguard!"

He doubled over, kicked his legs out, and couldn't stop laughing. I scowled. I knew this was coming, but I had to tell them. Jakob stroked his beard. "A connection with god explains why she was given more power than us or the two chosen Signers. This is an issue, and you were right to call her as such, Primo. She could prove to ruin our plans after all."

"It's not so grim as you might think," I said. "Rain Orichalcum is a different force from us and the Signers. In truth, she teeters on the defining line between hero and villain. We all believe ourselves heroes, but she is willing to take necessary costs. She's like us. I'll prove it. Recall what you said about Antithesis and Antinomy's target being a potential ally, Jakob. By the time I'm through, those three cards won't be working against us; they'll be by our side."

"How do you plan to sway the Crimson Dragon away from her sworn Signers?"

I waved him away. "She is fickler than the Dragon. You shall see. I have it completely under control, though I did not expect to have to act this early."

Lester giggled. "More attempts at seduction? Isn't that against some bodyguard code?"

I pounded a fist on my throne. "I am not- Open your ears. I have more than mere words. I will snip her threads in the simplest way possible: by unveiling her true nature."

"Pffft. What makes you so sure she belongs with us, anyway?"

"Her first revealed blank was Orichalcos Dragon."

Lester nearly fell off his throne. "You're kidding! Why would Z-ONE give away his own monster? D'you think… does that chick know who Z-ONE is?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Jakob said. "No one has seen what lies beneath the mask. Z-ONE is an enigma for a reason. I imagine Orichalcum is the last person Z-ONE would tell."

Lester gasped. "What if Rain is Z-ONE?"

"Don't be daft," I spat. "Rain Orichalcum is not immortal."

"Oh, yeah! That's why it's your job to be her savior! Don't forget to hold her hand while she's cowering in fear from the rogue androids!"

He cracked himself up. Only himself. Over the course of his cackle, my face heated. He laughed more, probably thinking I was somehow embarrassed by the thought.

I wasn't. I felt shame.

For once, Rain Orichalcum hadn't nearly died because of her own idiotic tendency to throw herself into danger. Antithesis had been at large because of my mistakes. If it weren't for the lucky break of Akiza Izinski's presence, Rain Orichalcum would be dead.

The thought of her infuriating existence being extinguished on my fault… should not have made me feel as ashamed as it did.

I was not quite as prepared as I would have liked to be, but I had to act as soon as possible. Once I was finished, she would be by my side, and I could assure her safety. That included the unfortunate circumstance of tolerating her goddamned sass, but it was my directive.

Why, oh why did I have to be commanded to deal with her?

I sliced through the air with my sword. A white portal opened as though I cut through the fiber of reality. I leapt through, leaving the thrones behind. The final matches of the preliminary rounds had begun. I visited the stadium once my preparations were complete. Down on the track, Team Ragnarok was dueling Team Catastrophe, now useless without the card I'd gifted them.

No. They were already useless.

Ragnarok and Unicorn were meant to be the two teams in this pool to reach the final bracket. Clear Skies had ruined this prediction, instead joining Ragnarok in the finals. Orichalcum spoiled every expectation.

But not mine. I had always known what she was capable of. I knew how she would react and advance, and her predictability would be her downfall. What was it Kessler once said? "The truth will set you free?"

We would see what the truth within would free her from.

End of Chapter Thirty-Four

A/N: MKAY BOYS N GIRLS LADIES N GENTS BUCKLE UP 'CAUSE I GOT A LOT TO TELL YA.

First of all, forget canon from here on. We going WAYYY off the rails. Second, this is the last author's note until the end of the arc (about 3 chapters away). That's why I'm trying to get all this out of the way now. Third, there's going to be a fairly long break after this arc compared to others, at least 1-2 months worth. Again, that's still about a month away from this update. I won't be going anywhere (and Apple Tree will be updated), so you can still message me with any thoughts or concerns. I'll try my best to reply to reviews, too. I'm letting you know now so you won't be afraid this story is being abandoned forever or something. It's not until it's finished. Fourth and finally, the details about the original card introduced in this chapter are below. It's basically Seal of Orichalcos in Synchro form.

Never forget that I love you guys! Thank you so much for all the support, whether it's favs, follows, PMs, and/or especially reviews! v(=∩_∩=)ﾌ Do you have any ideas on what the plan is? Orrr what all the reveals in this chapter could mean? (Z-ONE? What is that anyway, psh...)

Orichalcos Dragon

10-Star, DARK Attribute

[Dragon/Synchro/Effect]

[3000 ATK / 2500 DEF]

1 Tuner + "Blue-Eyes White Dragon" + 1 or more non-Tuner monster(s)

If this card would be removed from the field by an effect (Quick Effect): you can negate and destroy that card. All monsters you control gain 500 ATK. You can summon monsters in Spell/Trap zones. While you control 2 or more face-up Attack Position monsters, your opponent cannot target your monster(s) with the lowest ATK for an attack.