Previously:

And then a terrible thought occurred.

No... She...She couldn't have anything to do with what's he's done… Could she? I mean, she seemed really defensive when I brought it up, maybe she's trying to hide something- wait, what am I thinking?! Tamika isn't that kind of person, she's too honest. Something like this goes against her morals. But then what's going on?

Shaking her head, she continued to her seat.

Third person

Once December found her seat, she and the others watched the next few rounds, where both Team Q4 and Team Handsome would be victorious, winning game after game. Soon, Aichi joined his team, assisted by Emi who was holding one of his arms. He was feeling much better after resting.

After the semi-final round had ended, December left the group to go to the washroom. As she was washing her hands she began thinking about what had happened earlier.

I can't believe it. Team Handsome lost. Whoever the hell they are, they're skilled card fighters... But Q4 can handle them. Probably.

She turned off the water and dried her hands.

Just as she was leaving the ladies room she saw a familiar face beside the entryway. Daiki had been waiting for her it seemed, leaning against the wall with hands in each pant pocket. They glared at each other for a moment before he began talking.

"Enjoying the tournament? I didn't think you'd show up, after what you did to me."

December sneered. "You had it coming. Oh, and sorry about the team. It must be so crushing to see them fail."

Daiki pretended to be insulted, over exaggerating as he gasped. "How rude! You better watch your mouth missy, it's already gotten you in so much trouble." Then he began grinning.

December let out a sharp breath. "What do you want?" She asked, exasperated. She just wanted to get away from him as soon as possible; however doing anything too rash could mean trouble for her later on. Daiki shifted his weight back onto his feet and walked towards her.

"Maybe we should take this outside," he whispered before walking away, heading towards one of the exits. "Oh," he paused and turned his head, "if you want to know about your silly little decks, you might want to follow me instead of ditching like you were planning to."

December was about to counter when something struck her as odd.

Daiki had said 'decks', not just 'deck'. What did he mean by that?

Soon, she gave in and began to follow him. As much as she didn't trust this one bit she needed to know what he was talking about. It was bugging her. And forcing the answer out of him obviously wouldn't work.

The two of them stopped in the foliage covered back way, the same place as before. She crossed her arms and impatiently began tapping her foot. "Okay, we're alone, start talking."

He had his back to her, but he was sporting a devilish grin. "Why in such a rush? You have nowhere important to be."

December was starting to lose her already thinning patience. "Sukio, I have no tolerance for you or your little mind games. Just spit it out already or it'll be round two on your ass."

He began laughing in a way that could almost be described as maniacal. It was creeping her out. "Oh yeah, like you could lay a hand on me! You know doing that would ultimately hurt you in the end!"

She growled as he laughed.

"You're still wrong you know," he spoke as he calmed himself, "I didn't take your deck."

"That's a load of-"

"But I know who did," he turned around, showing his deranged facial expression, "so I suggest you listen up unless you want to see them burnt right before your eyes." December quickly closed her mouth. "That's better. Now, allowed me to put your mind at ease. I'm sure you're wondering about your decks. You need not worry, no harm has come to them, not your regular deck, or your battle witches."

December's head snapped upwards. "Wait. What did you say?"

"I said no harm has come to-"

"Yeahyeahyeah I got that part, but, the last thing you said?" December knew very well what he said, but she had to hear it again because she didn't believe it to be true.

Daiki's grin grew wider. "Oh my, it seems you didn't even notice what was missing right under your nose." He laughed maniacally again, this time louder than the last. "Well, since you seem to be more oblivious than you look, I'll explain slowly for you. Your Hybrid Battle Witches were also taken." He slowly spoke each word mockingly.

She was confused, the fact that those cards were gone should have made her happy, it was what she wanted all along, but there instead was this horrible feeling of guilt and agony. She clenched her teeth, feeling like she was going to scream.

"And from the look on your face, it would seem you really care about those cards of yours." He walked over to one of the walls and picked off a white flower. "I believe it was your mom and your younger brother who got you those witches," he spoke as he turned to her, twirling the flower by its shortened stem, "am I wrong?"

Her eyes widened as she gasped.

How did he know that?! No one even knew I had those cards, let alone who gave them to me!

"So long story short, I have items that clearly have some value to you. I say we make a civilized compromise. I'll make sure your decks remain unharmed, as long as you heed my instructions."

December scoffed. "Yeah right, like I'm going to go along with something as stupid as that. Those cards may be important, but they're not worth keeping you from being exposed."

Daiki snickered. "I thought you might say something like that. Which is why I thought out a little extra incentive to keep your mouth shut." He began walking towards December; eyes so focused it looked like he was staring right through her and into her soul. She unconsciously took a step back as he got closer to her face but instead went to her ear. "You love your friends right? You don't want any harm to come to them, do you?"

Her eyes widened again, panicking. Daiki didn't need to explain, she could already infer what he meant. She suddenly remembered the pained look of Mimi as her former tormentors were abusing her, Kai's anger towards her, Aichi, Miwa, and the others scared because of her, it was just too much. She pushed him back, trying to keep herself from crying.

"You wouldn't!" She cried out. All he did was smile, taking a step back.

"So it seems the stakes have gotten much higher, Ms. December May. Now, do you want to reconsider?"

She had begun trembling, using all her strength to keep herself on her feet. Tears started falling from her eyes as she tried to comprehend all that was going on.

So, either he gets away with all the sick crap he's done, or everyone else pay the price?! God, this can't be happening...

"…Why…"

"Hm?" Daiki noticed the small sound coming from December. Her head was down, fists clenched and shaking. To him, it was a pleasing sight.

"...Why?" She lifted her head, tears now streaming down her face as she screamed, "why are you doing this? What is there for you to gain from hurting all of us? Is this just some game to you, toying with other people's lives?! Answer me!"

Daiki shrugged off her angered response and turned around again. "I have no reason to spill any more than I have. But," he paused, thinking of something that would just destroy December, "I do have something to gain from all of this." He grinned, eager to see the look on her face as he turned his head over his shoulder.

"The alliance of Kai Toshiki, and the disappearance of Sendou Aichi."

Her heart stopped. Her fists fell and she went pale, mind gone blank. She wanted to puke.

"Oh? Looks like you've run out of things to say." He smugly smiled again. "But of course, with your boyfriends in the picture, things must be put into perspective now. So, are we in agreement? Or will someone suffer for you? You know, I was thinking maybe I could pay Ember a visit-"

"Yes."

December had her head down again. He cocked his head to one side as if he didn't hear here.

"I'm sorry, come again?" He asked in a mocking tone.

She walked up to Daiki and looked at him with lifeless eyes.

"…yes. What do you want me to do?"

His eyes lit up. "Excellent." He began walking away from her. "All I ask of you is to stay as far away as possible from everyone."

"Fine. But you'd better keep your word."

"Of course, I'd never go back on such an important promise. As long as you stay away, your cards and your friends will come to no harm." He chuckled as she winced. He felt in control, empowered, and he loved every minute of it.

December wanted to shut down, everything was wrong. She knew Daiki was talking, but she didn't hear a single word. She couldn't, no, she wouldn't believe that this was her reality.

How could someone be so cruel? How is someone able to be this evil, and not have a single ounce of remorse?

"Oh it looks like we have a couple visitors," he pointed out.

December turned to see Ember, along with Tamika. Both had worried looks on their faces.

"December, Daiki, there you are, we've been looking for you two everywhere!" Ember explained.

"I was only looking for Daiki," Tamika chimed in, crossing her arms. December didn't respond, turning away from everyone.

"Sorry about that. But- December are you leaving?" Daiki asked, acting like he didn't just plunge December into despair.

She clenched her fist. "...yeah." She began to walk away without saying another word.

"Jeez, what's her problem?" Tamika complained as she walked over to Daiki and took his arm.

"I'm not sure. I was just trying to make amends but she wasn't having it. But enough about that, what's wrong you two?"

As Tamika began to explain what happened to Aichi, Ember looked back to where December had walked off. She began to follow her into the building, catching up to her in one of the hallways.

"December?" She saw her friend stop in place. "Are you okay? You look like you've been crying, is everything alright?"

December stayed silent.

Ember clenched her fists. She was getting tired of this. "December, I just want to help."

"Then stay away from me."

She was taken aback by the sudden response. "W...what?"

"You heard me. I don't want to see you anymore, got it?"

Ember stood speechless as December walked away. Tears began forming in her eyes. She ran to catch up to her, grabbing her arm.

"What do you mean? Stop playing around-"

"Do you think this is a joke?!"

Ember took a step back, startled.

December began to tremble. "...Why did you move here? You should have stayed with your parents."

Her eyes widened in horror, taking in the weight of what her friend had just said to her.

"December... why would you...?"

And just like that, December walked away.

December had left the grounds without a word to anyone else. She didn't go to check on Aichi, she didn't congratulate Q4 on their win, she didn't even say goodbye to Miwa.

…Everything is going his way. There's nothing I can do. This can't be happening... it's for the best. I can't put them in any more danger or let them suffer more than they already have because of me. They don't deserve that. And what I said to Ember... I'm horrible.

Meanwhile, Kai was just leaving the venue. After everything that had happened, he couldn't take it.

What did I do wrong? What should I have done? I'm such an idiot.

"What do you mean December left?"

He looked up to see Miwa talking with Daiki, Ember, and Tamika.

Daiki shrugged. "I was just trying to make amends for what happened, but she got huffy and left."

Tamika crossed her arms. "Hmph, well, whatever her problem is, it doesn't matter. She obviously doesn't want to talk about it, so why should we care?"

"Tamika..." Miwa furrowed his brow. Sure, he understood where she was coming from but was wasn't she being a bit harsh? "Ember, talk some sense into Tamik- Ember?"

All eyes went to Ember. She was looking at the ground, gripping her arm. Suddenly, she ran from the group and out of the tournament hall.

"Ember!"

She kept running, tears streaming down her face.

Kai looked down and continued out, not looking back.

Arriving back home, she dropped her things, turned off her phone, locked her door and all the windows, and sat in her room, letting dark thoughts consume her mind.

(Disclaimer: I do not own Cardfight! Vanguard or its characters. All I own are my OCs. Credit goes to Bushiroad)