Today, Kat shall do the shoutout and will be narrating at her point of view!
Can I do the shoutout at the end?
Uh... sure... so I shall pass the PoV directly to you then...
Ok...
"Koutei, fight me." I said in a faint tone.
I could see Koutei lift his eyebrows in a little surprise. The smile from his lips however, didn't fade from his face.
"Of course," he said as he took out his deck.
I had something else in mind though.
"No, not here..." I said, shaking my head.
"Eh?" Koutei said.
"Hm... where are you going, Kat?" Delta asked me as he went to clean up the cartons.
"Remember the old theatre?" Kat asked.
"What theatre?" the rest said in unison. Looks like they don't know anything about the old Pale Moon Theatre.
"That theatre..." Delta said as he pushes his pair of spectacles back up.
"Which one?" Koutei asked.
"I guess we can actually bring our decks to hide there. It is safer than you think." Delta said as he smiled.
"Why is Delta smiling like that?" Valodor asked.
"Beat's me." Zeeriel said.
"I don't know about this, but I think Delta has a plan." Shiro added.
The three of them nodded, and after a few minutes of packing, we headed out. Looking at Delta, I sighed. Those guys are oblivious of the situation...
"Interesting, no one in the path at all..." Delta said as he scanned the surroundings for potential Reversed Fighters.
"They might be hiding and preparing for their next move..." Koutei said.
"We are here..." I said as I looked at the white door before me.
Just then... that past memory of me getting out of that place for real came back into my mind...
I was sitting in the theatre as usual. Suddenly I could hear footsteps coming from the door.
"That's werid, no one usually is around here...is he lost? Hmm, maybe I should scare him~"
Delta has been a nice guy... shouldn't have scared him like that...
"First check, Battle Sister, Tiramisu, Power to Cookie and I draw." I said
I could see Delta being overly anxious. There are not many triggers left, but with the luck I am at, I am sure I will get that trigger. As I flipped open the 2nd card, I smiled.
"Second Check, Battle Sister, Ginger. All effects to Cookie."
I could see Delta astounded before me. This sack is extremely good today!
"Damage check, Gatling Claw Dragon, Power to Vanguard and I draw, Second Check, Wyvern Guard, Barri. I lose." Delta sighed.
"Yay! I win!" I shouted in joy.
"I lost, and I promised, so I won't back out from the deal." Delta said, coming to me.
That deal... what to eat from him...
"I didn't expect a win, but I want you to do something for me." I said.
"What is it?" I asked.
"I need a costume for the Academy Anniversary, I don't want to get kicked out on my second day of school... but I don't have the money..."
I thought Delta will back out of it
"Ok... but I need to ask a question." Delta said.
"Yeah?" I asked.
"What on earth are you doing playing with that theatre?! You do know you could get killed if the theatre collapses... touch wood."
"Well, I work around the theatre since I was small, so this is nothing to me."
Wait... I don't work around the theatre when I am small... if that is so, why don't I recall...
Suddenly an image flashed into my mind in a split second. That scene. No, not that scene...
"Something wrong?" Koutei asked. "You looked like you are sick..."
The image disappeared from my mind as suddenly as it appeared.
"Nothing wrong." I said, trying to shrug it off
"Need some headache pills?" Delta asked.
"No thanks, I am fine."
With ease, Delta opened the door to the theatre and everyone walked in.
The smell of the theatre. It has never changed since a few months back when I am in here everyday. The theatre is like my playground, being here even before I officially entered school on the very first day. I would eat here, sleep here, and do whatever I want here. It even has a changing room so I can shower and whatever if I need to.
Since the day Delta brought me out for the Anniversary day and meeting Koutei, I have never went back to that theatre. No one has ever entered this part of the academy before. Everything was left where it was supposed to be. Even the Vanguard table where Delta and I have our very first fight is still on stage.
"This place is cool!" Valodor said as the echo filled the air.
"Hm... this place seems old, but it is definitely good for a hideout." Shiro said.
"Remembered the cardfight we had at the stage?" Delta asked.
"Yes I did."
"Me too. Especially when I lost so bad to a double trigger." Delta said scratching his head.
"You two met each other here?" Koutei asked.
"I happened to pass by here out of curiosity. So I guess it is by chance." Delta replied.
"I guess it is fate all of us meet, not by mere chance." I said.
"Hm?"
"Well, working side by side as Link Fighters and defenders of Void in a team, all came from a very humble beginning." I explained.
The beginning...
Another image flashed back. My past starts coming back into me as 2 more images of who I really care came back to me. The pain from within my heart started to act up.
"N-No...Sis..." I whispered with a tear in my eye.
"Kat..." Koutei broke my thought bubble again.
"Uh yeah?" I said with a smile, trying not to remember that unhappy memory.
"Shall we fight now?" Koutei said with a smile in his face. He haven't noticed the teardrop that was still stuck near my eyelid.
"Okay..." I said, leading Koutei to the main stage.
The rest of the gang came over and took a seat at the sides of the table, which is more of a raised platform rather than a table.
"It is very long since we actually fought each other isn't it?" Koutei said.
"Yeah..." I said.
Shuffling the decks, I placed the starter onto the field and drew my opening hand. An image floated back into my head again, this time from the recent past.
"Hm..." I said as I continued to open the booster packs.
"Nothing that I really need..." I sighed, as I continued opening.
Just then, I felt something shiny at the last card of a pack.
Taking it out, I looked at the artwork.
"This looks... familiar... It is not just I have used her before, but I have seen this card somewhere..."
I looked at the art again. This will be my card, my ace. But why does it feel like I have seen someone use her before?
"You look listless lately..." Koutei said. "You can tell me if there is anything wrong, you know."
"Do I?" I ask.
Everyone nodded.
"Meh, it must be your imagination." I said in a usual singsong voice.
Everyone's face went blank, it was as though they were dumbfounded.
"What's wrong?" I asked them.
"Uh... nothing." They replied.
"Shall we start?" Koutei asked.
"Yes."
"Stand up!"
"The..."
"Vanguard!" We shouted as the starters are flipped.
"Creeping Dark Goat!" Koutei said.
"Silver Thorn Assistant, Ionera!" I said.
"Draw. I ride Charon. Dark Goat moves. I end my turn."
"Draw" I said as I took up a card from a deck. Silver Thorns has been part of me since I have joined the school. I have tried other clans such as the Oracle Think Tank and Genesis, but nothing does not fit me more than the Pale Moons. Picking up Luquier feels like I am her. However, today, it seems I am picking someone else up too...
"I ride Silver Thorn Assistant, Ana. Ionera moves back. Boosted by Ionera, Ana attacks! (12000 Power)
"No guard."
"Drive Trigger... Rising Dragon."
"Damage Trigger check, Modred Phantom."
"Skill of Ionera activates! I look at the top 2 cards and place Luquier into my soul. I end my turn..." I said.
"Draw. I ride Rugos. Dark Goat's skill activates. I look at the top 5 cards. Shadow Blaze Dragon goes to my hand. I call another Rugos too. My rearguard Rugos attacks!" (10000 Power)
"No guard. Lilian."
"My Vanguard attacks too!" (10000 Power)
"No guard."
"Drive Trigger check. Charon."
"Damage Trigger Check, Natasha, Power to my Vanguard and I draw."
"I end my turn here."
"Stand and Draw." I said as I drew a card.
An image comes straight back at me.
"Someday, I will teach you how to fight like me!"
"Really, sister?"
"You bet!"
With a tear in my eye, I caught a card in my right hand. "The servants of the Dragon Tamer never fail. As a servant and leader myself, I shall take my magic through my pupettery! I ride Silver Thorn Marionette, Lillian!" I shouted as I placed the card,
"A ride chant for a grade 2 unit?" Zeeriel asked by the sidelines.
"Don't underestimate non-Grade 3 ride chants. They have a special meaning." I could hear Delta say.
"I call Rising Dragon. Now it attacks your rearguard Rugos!" (12000 Power)
Just as I said that, another memory flowed into my head
"Whenever you are fighting, fight with passion! Don't go half-heartedly!"
"But sis, the opponent is scary!"
"Your units will help you. Be brave and fight!"
Her voice warms my heart, but also gets tears to flow from my tear ducts. I can hold that temptation... but, everyone will have to know someday. I have to let it out too. This theatre has brought me too many memories I wanted to forget, but I realised how important all of these are important to me.
However, these memories... remind me that very intention of staying in that theatre in the first place. I want to get out of this life. I want to run away. I can't face the world…
"Tell me… I know you have a past you want to hide, but you shouldn't you know" Koutei said.
Looks like my feelings are giving way to my nonchalant self now.
"N-no…." I said.
I felt my head being moved towards a warm body. I looked up. Koutei is not at the other side of the field, but hugging me by the back.
"Let go… It is none of your business." I said, this time in a softer tone.
"No, it is my business if it bothers you." Koutei said.
"Everyone is here to listen." Delta said.
"If it eases your pain, let it out!" Zeeriel said.
"Yeah!" Valodor added.
"But… I don't want you guys to share my pain." I said. "After all, this memory is not what I want anyone to know…." I said.
The pain in my heart continues to flow as images come in one by one. Each memory, all so dear to me, is coming back into my head, never to dissipate again. It is nice to see everyone again…. my mother, my father… my sister….
I didn't notice the tears flowing down from me since then, the images continue to flow into me, as though it were a story….
Back then, my sister was one of the best players in the Cardfight Academy, even having the capability to beat the teachers with deadly attacks. She attacks with full grace, and shows much knowledge of the game. The very fact that she is also good looking also makes her popular with everyone and it is a fact that almost every guy likes to ask her out. I wasn't old enough to enter the academy, so my sister promised me that she will teach me everything about the game whenever she comes back home. Two years passed and I also learnt how to fight myself. However, my sister will always beat me, every single game.
"Sister… I can't beat you!" I used to say that line all the time.
"You have potential… just keep up your game!" she would reply with that faint but loving smile an older sibling will give to her younger sister.
"I will get better, and I will win you!"
"Silly girl…" she would say, brushing my hair gently.
"Your sister seems to be a nice person…" Koutei said through the Soul Link he passed to me.
"Interesting... I didn't know I fought your sister before…" Delta said, completely ignoring the fact the rest were trying to calm me down from the neverending stream of tears.
I almost wanted to strangle him right now… but when I saw his eyes close, I had that feeling he knew what happened.
"You were her sister?" Delta asked.
"Yes."
"Wait, what is it that you know but the rest don't?" Valodor asked, almost oblivious to the situation.
"Koutei, can you go back and continue the game?" I said, looking into his eye.
"I could, but promise me you will tell me about your past." Koutei said.
"Yes, I will, in fact this deck can tell you the reason." I smiled with a tear dropping from the corner of the eye.
"I believe Kat's sister was the best Pale Moon user I have ever met." Delta said. "I guess I remember that history you had, but it is unto you to say it."
Koutei placed the Rugos into the drop zone.
"Lillian, be my partner, attack the opponent's Vanguard!" (15000 Power)
"No guard." Koutei declared.
"Drive trigger check. Barking Dragon. All effects to my Vanguard!"
"Damage trigger checks, Nemain, Grim Reaper. Power to my Vanguard."
"The skill of Ionera activates! I check the top 2 cards and Irina enters the soul Turn End." I said.
I could hear something echo right off my head as I declared the end of my turn. It was as though someone was talking alongside me.
"Stand and Draw. Kat, sorry I don't know your past, but this match must continue! Darkness Dragon of the Abyss, bring up your sword and turn the light into shadows! The spirit of my fury shall never end! I ride the Vanguard! Shadow Blaze Dragon!" Koutei's shout filled and echoed off the theatre walls as he placed the card onto the Vanguard Circle.
"I call Nemain and Charon. Nemain's skill activates, allowing me to draw 2. Also, I call, a Dorint behind my Vanguard. Lastly, Shadow Blaze's skill activates. Counterblast. Power+2000. Now, boosted by Charon, Nemain attacks!" (11000 Power)
"No guard. Upright Lion." I said with no hesitation.
"Boosted by Dorint, my Vanguard attacks!" (20000 Power)
"No guard."
"Twin Drive. First check. Modred Phantom. Second check Death Feather Eagle! All effects to my Vanguard."
"Damage trigger checks. Luquier, Natasha! Power to Vanguard and I draw."
"I end my turn."
"Koutei, I am sorry… Delta I am sorry too." I said as I looked to them.
"Eh?" Delta asked in surprise.
"Yes, I am apologising to you too." I said as I took in a deep breath.
"What is it about?"
"Remember I said I worked in a theatre?" I asked him.
"What about it?" Delta asked with a shrug.
"I lied."
"Huh?"
"There was a reason why I was here, and definitely not because it is a fun place to be in…"
"I guessed so, but everyone wants to know why." Delta said. "I knew you weren't telling the truth when you said you worked at a theatre, but I guessed everyone has secrets they want to keep."
"Except…. I cannot take it anymore. The second I saw this card I have in my hand… I was reminded of someone."
"Your sister?" Koutei asked.
"Yes… and just thinking of her just makes me want to kill myself…" I said, my head lifted up wanting to see the sky, but the darkness from the theatre celling and glaring Theatre lights denies the light I wanted to see.
"Don't kill yourself!" Koutei said in immediate defense. "Your sister shouldn't make you feel like dying!"
"Except… this time….it is my fault…" I said, and completely broke down into tears.
Koutei went over my side once more.
"Don't back out from me anymore…." Koutei said. "It hurts me to see you cry, so at least tell me. Furthermore, you promised…"
"I guess, everyone should know about it soon." I said as I related the past I wish I didn't have.
3 months before my school term started, I was sent over to the Cardfight Academy campus early so that I could get used to the foreign surroundings that I would have during my study in the Academy. With no doubt, my sister brought me around to see the buildings. As she is popular, I got surrounded by many people. Naturally, many questions were asked.
"Hey is that your sister?"
"She's going to study here?"
"Man, she is as beautiful as her sister!"
"Do you think she will end up being a top fighter like the Pale Moon princess?"
My sister was a defensive one though.
"Ok, don't scare my little sister here. She will get really scared when she is crowded by everyone…"
"No I am not!" I said in defiance.
"Aren't you scared of frogs?"
"Hey, don't tease me! I hate frogs!" I made a pout
After the hasty introduction, we went to the Dark Zone campus.
"Here is the place I study and fight in."
"This place looks run-down…." I said. "It is giving me the creeps already."
"Silly girl, thankfully this place is going to be repainted soon. It should look nice when you enter the Academy proper!"
"That's nice."
"There is one place I like to hide in though…"
"There is a hideout?"
"Not really but let's go there first."
We walked up the stairs and turned into a corner where no one is.
"Here, we are at the most secluded place in the entire academy!"
"What… is this?"
"This is what I call the Pale Moon circus. No one ever uses this place because it is too old and the concert theatre near Bermuda Triangle is much better anyway," my sister said as she opened the door.
That was the first time I have stepped into the Pale Moon theatre.
"Wow… this looks like a good place for performances." I said, analyzing the corners of the large room.
"Sadly no one uses it. I like to hide here because idiotic guys will hound me for my number and other things…" my sister said as she sighed.
"You must be famous…" I said.
"It sucks to be me though, I don't want to be that good sometimes. At least, I can be at peace…"
I laughed.
"Trust me though, when people hound you, come here. No one will ever come and find you because they don't know what this place is."
"Sure!" I said.
"Anyways want some apples?"
"YES!" I shouted. I love apples too much.
"We have to go out and buy them though. Come with me, little Kat!"
"Don't call me little!"
"Sure sure." My sister giggled as she took me out.
Since I exited the bus, it was the first time I actually went out to see the town. The city wasn't that noisy and there aren't many shops around unlike the city back at home.
"Here we are… the fruit stall."
"APPLES!" I shouted as I grabbed one.
"Hey, this girl here is so energetic," an old woman I presume was the store owner told my sister.
"Yeah, my little sister gets really upbeat when she sees apples," my sister said as she paid for 3 apples.
"Come again soon!" the stall owner said as we left.
I munched on the apple happily as we walked back to the campus.
"Last to campus will treat ice-cream!" I shouted as I suddenly darted off.
"Hey you!" my sister as she gave chase.
I ran across the road that leads to the campus.
"Hey! It is too dangerous"
"Not when there are no cars…" I shouted.
Suddenly I heard a loud revving sound.
"LOOK OUT!" my sis shouted as she suddenly pushed me from behind.
It was just a few split seconds, but it was those small moments that I could see everything in full detail.
As I turned back, I saw everything in slow motion. I saw my sister trying to get out of the way, pushing me to safety as I fell with a thud, and the one thing I wished it never happened, had to happen.
I heard a really loud skid from rubber tyres and a loud thud. I saw my sister get knocked up and flung back by sportscar with the driver trying desperately to not make that horrible fate happen.
However, I could not forget the smile that was still on her face as she closed her eyes for the very last time. Like a graceful lily she floated down to the ground and my eyes started to well up.
"SISTER!" I shouted as I dashed towards her motionless body. The driver of the car took her up and brought both of us to the hospital almost immediately. However, her time has passed and the pain goes straight back into me.
"It's my fault…" I said within sobs. "If I wasn't that childish, nothing like this would have happened…I killed my sister with my actions and deserve to die for causing my sister's life…"
The wails become louder as I poured my lungs out. Sister … I have failed you…
"It isn't your fault… no one expected it to be that way." Koutei said as he held me with his arms. I continued to cry.
Just then, the voice that I heard came again. This time in a more audible tone
(Kat…)
Sister, is that you?
(Don't cry, my sister)
I…. I am sorry I killed you…
(Silly girl, I sacrificed my life saving you…)
None of these should ever happen...It is my fault!
(It isn't…I love you, sister, forever… and that fact will never change.)
Sorry sister...
(Don't think of ending your life. I used mine to keep yours. Keep this gift of life you still have, and also… my strength. Bring your ace to life and we shall fight together, this time for real.)
Sister…
Thank you.
"Feeling better now?" Koutei said, looking at my calmed face.
I wiped off the tears from my face. Sister, you are right. I shouldn't think of killing myself. I am going to fight everything, not just for Koutei, not just for the world, but for you, who had sacrificed your life saving me. I shall fight everything in place of you.
(Make me proud…my adorable little sister.)
I am not little anymore… but I guess I will always be your little sister after all.
"Sorry Koutei." I said. "I spaced out."
"No you didn't." Koutei said as he smiled. "I can hear your conversation, loud and clear."
"EH?" I shouted.
(Silly Kat, the Soul Link your lover had was still implanted. Looks like this will be my future brother-in-law hehe.)
I could see Koutei blush.
(Delta, thanks for making this possible.)
"I made this possible?" Delta asked in surprise.
(You opened Kat's mind when she was in the theatre that time. I couldn't believe you entered here in the first place, but I guess you helped Kat forget about that terrible incident for a while. Now that I have joined my spirit with hers, I can help fight this entity that is plaguing us now.)
"It is an honour to meet you again. I haven't fought a strong student in a really long time."
(Haha, says the person that only lost to a bunch of triggers.)
I could see Delta scratching his head.
(Kat, let's work together. Your spirit has combined with mine. We will fight together.)
"Yes, and thank you sister." I replied.
"I shall prepare to face my opponent again." Koutei smiled as he went back to his place.
I nodded as I continued the game.
"Stand and Draw. Are you ready, my cute and awesome older sister?"
(Let's go, my cute and adorable little sister.)
"Your calm and beautiful smile shall bring forth the obedience of all! May the servants and beasts serve you with everlasting respect and care! The power of your flowing hair resonates the true power of your spirit. Stand up, my, no our avatar! Silver Thorn Dragon Empress, Venus Luquier!" I shouted.
"Venus Luquier, looks like you have come once again." Delta said with a smile.
"Venus Luquier's skill, Power +2000. I call Upright Lion and Irina. Irina's skill allows me to look at the top 2 cards to place one into Soul. I choose Zelma."
"Next, I call a Zelma. Her skill moves Ionera into Soul. I superior call another Irina from the Soul! Rising Dragon gets Power +3000. Also, Irina's skill allows me to look at the top 2 cards again. I will place Rising Dragon this time."
"That style." Delta said. "I can't forget that combo that even surprised me. Kat's newfound strength will definitely help us live."
"Boosted by Zelma, Rising Dragon attacks!" (19000 Power)
"I guard with Grim Reaper!"
"Boosted by Ana, my Vanguard attacks! (20000 Power)
"Twin drive. First check. Lilian, Second check, Lydia."
"Damage trigger check. Abyss Freezer. My vanguard gets 5000 Power, and I draw!"
"Boosted by Ana, Upright Lion attacks your Vanguard!" (19000 Power)
"Nemain intercepts!"
"I end my turn here."
"Stand and Draw. I call Mana. Her skill allows me to superior call Shadow Lancer. His skill activates as well! I discard a Shadow Blaze Dragon to get a Modred Phantom in my hand. I shall call that Modred Phantom. Now, boosted by Shadow Lancer, Mana attacks!" (15000 Power)
(I guard with…)
"I guard with Natasha!" I said in instinct.
"Boosted by Dorint, my Vanguard attacks!" (18000 Power)
"I guard with Nadia, and Rising Dragon intercepts!"
"Twin Drive. First check. Mac Lir. Second check, Grim Reaper! All effects to Modred Phantom!"
"I believe you won't end your Vanguard battle just like that" I said.
"Of course not. Shadow Blaze Dragon. Your flames shall continue to burn! LIMIT BREAK! Dorint and Shadow Lancer, exit the field. Upright Lion and Zelma, exit the field!"
"Modred Phantom shall be boosted by Charon this time! Attack!" (24000 Power)
"No guard. Lydia."
"I end my turn."
(Time for us to shine.)
"Stand and Draw. Time for us to shine!" I shouted.
Koutei smiled. "Bring your best!"
"Luquier, crack your whip with grace and beauty! May the beasts forever obey your beauty! After all, our servants will know who the true Empress is! LIMIT BREAK! I superior call Rising Dragon, Lillian, Zelma Ionera! Rising Dragon's skill activates. Power +9000. Zelma's skill activates too, sending Ionera into Soul and back out! Rising Dragon gets another Power +3000. Now, boosted by Zelma, Lillian attacks!" (16000 Power)
"I guard with Grim Reaper!"
"Boosted by Ionera, my Vanguard attacks!" (18000 Power)
"I guard with Abyss Healer, Mana intercepts!"
"You are underestimating my sister here…" I said.
"Eh?"
"Now I know why I managed to sack against Delta previously. My sister must have done something to it."
(I have always been in this theatre. It is funny that you didn't notice me sis…)
I am too sad to realize that…
"Anyways, don't underestimate the sacking powers of Kat!" I shouted. Twin Drive. First check, Poison Juggler! All effects to my Vanguard!"
"She won't get it" Valodor said.
"She will." Delta said.
"Why are you against me?" Valodor asked.
"Because it is a fact that will never change." Delta said as he leaked a smile.
"Second check, Nadia! Power to Power and I heal a point of damage!"
"Should have seen it coming." Koutei said.
"Damage checks. Abyss Freezer, Power to Vanguard and I draw… I drew into a Heal Trigger."
"That is so familiar, I wonder why I felt it was so familiar?" Delta scratched his head.
"Lastly, Mac Lir."
"Thank you, everyone…" I said, once again with a tear in my eye.
Everyone started crowding towards me.
"Uh…. why is everyone here?"
"GROUP HUG!" Valodor shouted.
"No time for that." Shiro said as he backed out of it.
While the rest were chatting to themselves, I spent some quality time with my sister.
"Sorry once again."
(Silly girl, I thought we are even already.)
"I feel I might pull you down, you are such a strong fighter, but I am average…"
(As I always said, you will catch up, after all, you have grown and I find that soon you will surpass me.)
"Really?"
(Yes, my cute and adorable little sister.)
"Where is Kuro?" Delta asked.
"Hm… Shiori is missing too." Koutei said in surprise.
"They weren't here when we entered?" I asked.
"I think so, but where on earth would they be?" Koutei.
Shio:
Pulling Kuro by the hand, the two of us went somewhere away from the gang.
"Wouldn't going as a group help?" Kuro asked me as I pulled him along.
"I can tell there is going to be a huge drama at where they are, I need to tell you something too…"
"What is it about?" Kuro asked.
"You will know when we get there."
NEXT: Shiori's Past.
FOOTNOTE: Hey! It's Kat here. I LOVE APPLEZ. A SHOUTOUT TO MY SISTER. SORRY FOR KILLING YOU IN THE FANFIC!