This must be, by far, the longest and intense Duel I've ever written! No jokes! I made sure to add all details and not forget a single card effect, so I'm exhausted! Cut me some slack and enjoy this catfight. Now, if you excuse me… *waves hand before fainting*

Update 1: After receiving quite a rude guest review who tried convincing me that Aki would've lost much sooner if I used the manga versions of certain cards, like Parasite Paracide, I felt like I needed to clear up a few things. First of all, I did use the anime card effects for a few cards, like Witch of the Black Rose for an example, while I used the TCG card effects on the rest of the cards. That will change in the sequel of "Crimson Star Priestess" (Yes, there will be sequel(s)!) when all cards will only have the TCG effects. I'm never going to use the manga version of the cards because it's a lot easier to remember the real and anime effects.

Update 2: After discussing with some people here on FF and researching card effects on the Internet, I realized Parasite Paracide's effect does not work as I first thought. Therefore, the Duel has changed a bit, but the outcome will still be the same.

Update 3: After getting some new pointers of this chapter, I realized I messed things up again, since I kinda forgot about the special Accel Synchro summoning that Vizor introduced to Yusei later on. That means I've changed the Duel, yet again, but the outcome will still be the same. This also means I've changed Ran's Deck a bit. These update notes will be removed when the third Arc is complete.

Disclaimer: I do not own any Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's characters! I only own my OCs!

Chapter 42: Pure Rose Maiden VS. Bee Queen

Ran gave me the details for our Duel the next day. It was going to take place on Saturday in a small stadium that belonged to the Kobayakawa Inc. I was allowed to invite my friends to watch my humiliation, as she described it, as her fan club was going to be there to cheer for her.

The weekend came fast, but I was prepared with lots of practice and had modified my Deck with some cards that could hopefully restrict Ran's Battlewasps.

My friends and I went together to the small stadium next to the Kobayakawa Inc. I was amazed by the huge main building, but the stadium was even more incredible. It was like a miniature version of the Kaiba Dome minus the Duel Runner course.

To my surprise, Sakura and Mei showed up to cheer on me. When Sakura saw Jack, she turned all fangirl on him.

"Jack Atlas!" she exclaimed before she rushed to him and grabbed his hands, catching him off guard. "I had no idea Aki was friends with you! I'm a big fan of yours!"

Jack recovered fast and cleared his throat. "I'm honored to have a fan of mine even after I've lost my title."

"I don't care about that!" Sakura insisted. "I know you'll become the King of Games again!"

"Hey, move it, you're blocking my way!" Carly appeared out of nowhere and pushed herself between Sakura and Jack.

"Carly? What are you doing here?" Estelle wondered as the rest of us stood aside, watching the scene.

I noticed Carly had switched her orange coat with a light blue one of the same model. I knew it had to do when Jack told her that he preferred seeing her in blue after the Duel the other day.

"I was told by my boss that a Duel is going to take place in the private owned stadium of the Kobayakawa Inc. and he wants me to write a story about it!" Carly explained while adjusting her thick glasses.

"You work as a reporter? Cool", Mei smiled softly.

"Enough with the chit-chat!" Ran yelled as she and her fan club approached us. "Izayoi Aki, today is the day I'll finally get my revenge after you humiliated me years ago!"

She was dressed in a light blue princess-like dress with white frills and crystal blue heels. She had a crystal white Duel Disk with dark blue jewels on her left arm.

"I won't go easy on you, Kobayakawa", I told her, my lips not even twitching by the old nickname.

"I expected that from you", Ran laughed evilly.

"A classic spoiled princess enemy…", Estelle mumbled in the background, causing the others to hold back their laughter.

Ran guided me to the Duel field while everyone else sat down in the stands surrounding the field. We raised our arms with the Duel Disks and activated them.

"Let's Duel!"

Ran: 4000 LP

Aki: 4000 LP

I drew my first five cards, seeing I got Copy Plant, Synchro Back, Seed of Deception, Black Garden, and Dark Verger. It was a decent hand, but I had to improvise with this.

"The owner of the stadium goes first! I draw!" Ran drew her sixth card. "I summon Battlewasp – Sting the Poison in defense mode!"

A red machine-like wasp flew out from a gate to the field with a yellow glowing gem on its face.

Battlewasp – Sting the Poison, Level 2, Tuner: DEF 800

"Battlewasp – Sting's effect! If he's Normal or Special summoned, I can add one Battlewasp from my Deck to my hand! I choose Battlewasp – Pin the Bullseye and I Special summon it right away since I have another insect Monster on my field!"

A cute little bumblebee flew out from a gate and joined the other Battlewasp, looking pretty much innocent.

Battlewasp – Pin the Bullseye, Level 1: DEF 300

"Battlewasp – Pin's second effect! During my Main Phase, I can inflict 200 points of damage for each Battlewasp – Pin the Bullseye I control! Prepare for a sting of pain, Izayoi!"

Battlewasp – Pin suddenly glared at me before firing its sting at me. I shielded myself with my Duel Disk as it hit the device, causing my Life Points to lower down a bit.

Ran: 4000 LP

Aki: 4000 LP – 3800 LP

"I now activate the Continuous Spell, Verdant Sanctuary!" Ran continued. "Whenever one of my insect Monsters are destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, I can add another insect Monster from my Deck to my hand with the same Level as the one that left the field. I place one card facedown and end my turn!"

"I draw!" I called as I drew my sixth card, seeing it was Rose Tentacles. "I start my turn by activating Seed of Deception! With this Spell, I can Special summon a Level 2 or below Monster from my hand, and I summon Dark Verger!"

Dark Verger sprouted from the ground without a single noise.

Dark Verger, Level 2: DEF 1000

"But he won't stay for long because I release him to Tribute summon Rose Tentacles!"

Dark Verger transformed into a rainbow orb that shapeshifted into my stronger Monster. Rose Tentacles threw her long tentacles around, whipping up a bit dust from the field.

Rose Tentacles, Level 6: ATK 2200

"Alright! Go for it, Aki!" Leo cheered from the stands.

"Rose Tentacles, destroy Battlewasp – Sting the Poison!" I shouted.

Rose Tentacles raised one of her tentacles and slammed the insect hard, crushing it into pieces. The remaining parts of Battlewasp – Sting hit Ran, but she didn't get hurt, which seemed to surprise her a bit.

"Verdant Sanctuary's effect!" the blonde recovered fast. "Since Battlewasp – Sting the Poison was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I can add an insect Monster of the same Level from my Deck to my hand! And I choose Man-Eater Bug!"

Uh-oh… A parasite Monster. I was not expecting that from Ran.

"I activate my Black Garden Field Spell!" I continued.

After adding the card on my Duel Disk, the familiar garden with black roses sprouted around us, covering the entire field. Even while I had my powers under control, I could still smell the scent of roses around me.

"So you decided to bring out your Black Garden?" Ran snorted. "It fits you perfectly, but that garden won't scare me."

"We'll see about that", I replied. "I place one card facedown and end my turn."

"My turn!" Ran drew a card. "I summon Battlewasp – Arbalest the Rapidfire in attack mode!"

A new wasp flew out from a gate, but this one was mainly purple-colored with gold and it had a proper face than the last Battlewasp with red eyes.

Battlewasp – Arbalest the Rapidfire, Level 4: ATK 1800

"Black Garden's effect! Your Monster's attack points are halved while I gain a Rose Token", I quickly called.

The vines of the garden wrapped themselves around Battlewasp – Arbalest while a Rose Token sprouted on my side of the field.

Battlewasp – Arbalest the Rapidfire, Level 4: ATK 1800 – ATK 900

Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800

Ran growled softly, but calmed down. "Battlewasp – Arbalest's effect! When he's Normal summoned, I can Special summon a Level 3 or lower insect Monster from my Graveyard, so come back, my little lovely Battlewasp – Sting the Poison!"

The familiar red Battlewasp appeared on the field once again, but not before it got tangled by Black Garden.

"Black Garden's effect! Your Battlewasp's attack points are halved and I gain another Rose Token", I said as my second Rose Token appeared on my field.

Battlewasp – Sting the Poison, Level 2, Tuner: ATK 800 – ATK 400

Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800

"Whatever, since two of my Battlewasps won't stay here for long as I'll tune my Level 2 Battlewasp – Sting the Poison with Level 4 Battlewasp – Arbalest the Rapidfire to summon your doom!" Ran called.

The two Battlewasps joined together as they tuned for a Synchro Monster.

"I Synchro summon Battlewasp – Halberd the Charge!"

A green humanoid-like wasp appeared on the field while holding a halberd in its hands.

Battlewasp – Halberd the Charge, Level 6: ATK 2500

"Black Garden's effect! Battlewasp-", I began, only to get rudely interrupted.

"I know what your cursed garden does, Izayoi!" Ran growled. "Halberd's attack points are halved and you get an additional Rose Token!"

The vines of Black Garden wrapped themselves around Battlewasp – Halberd while a third Rose Token sprouted on my side.

Battlewasp – Halberd the Charge, Level 6: ATK 2500 – ATK 1250

Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800

"Hah! All that work for nothing and Ran's Synchro Monster's attack points are too low for Rose Tentacles!" Crow laughed.

"You can do it, Queen Ran!" Ran's fan club chanted from the stands.

"I'm far from done", Ran smirked. "I equip the Insect Armor with Laser Cannon to Battlewasp – Halberd, giving him a boost-up with 700 attack points!"

A weird armor appeared on the field before it got attached on Battlewasp – Halberd. It gained a cannon on its back while its entire body glowed in a light green aura due to the boost-up.

Battlewasp – Halberd the Charge, Level 6: ATK 1250 – ATK 1950

"That's still not enough to destroy Rose Tentacles", I pointed out.

"Wait and see, Izayoi", Ran laughed. "But before that, Battlewasp – Pin's effect! You take an additional 200 points of damage!"

Battlewasp – Pin fired a new sting at me, causing my Life Points to drop.

Ran: 4000 LP

Aki: 3800 LP – 3600 LP

"Now it's time to battle! Battlewasp – Halberd, attack Rose Tentacles!" Ran commanded.

"Is she going to destroy her own Monster?!" Luna yelled in disbelief.

Battlewasp – Halberd flew towards Rose Tentacles before throwing its halberd at her. The halberd hit her straight in the face and got stuck before my Monster was enveloped in a green aura.

"What's going on?!" I asked in shock.

"Battlewasp – Halberd's effect is what's going on!" Ran laughed. "During damage calculation, if he attacks a Monster with equal or higher attack points, he can half that Monster's attack points, so your Rose Tentacles is no longer mighty!"

Rose Tentacles, Level 6: ATK 2200 – ATK 1100

Battlewasp – Halberd grabbed its halberd and retrieved it from Rose Tentacles before it used its weapon to slash my Monster into pieces, causing my Life Points to drop rapidly.

Ran: 4000 LP

Aki: 3600 LP – 2750 LP

"Battlewasp – Halberd's second effect! When he inflicts battle damage to my opponent, he can inflict 200 points of damage for each Battlewasp I control! I've got two, so that means an additional 400 points of damage to you, Izayoi!"

Battlewasp – Halberd flew over to me and slashed me with its weapon. I grunted a bit by the Solid Vision effect while my Life Points took another hit.

Ran: 4000 LP

Aki: 2750 LP – 2350 LP

I had to confess, Ran's Battlewasps were very powerful. Their effects were literally the same as Crow's Blackwings, which could call their allies so easily and cause so much damage in a short period of time.

"And now, before I end my turn, I activate my Trap; Corrosive Scales!" Ran called as her facedown flipped up. "I equip this to my Battlewasp – Halberd!" A purple aura enveloped the Synchro Monster in few seconds. "Now, while he's equipped to this Trap, you can only choose him to attack with your Monsters. Also, every time you summon a Monster or activate a card effect, every Monster you control gains one Scale Counter and they'll lose 100 attack and defense points for each Counter!"

That was not good. Ran had some good combos, but they were pushing me into a corner. However, I had a plan to get rid of every card she had on the field, even if it meant I had to sacrifice my cards.

"I end my turn", Ran called.

"My turn!" I drew Dimension Reversion. "I summon Copy Plant in defense mode!"

My Tuner Monster sprouted up from the ground while joining my Rose Token. Black Garden activated as it used its vines to wrap Copy Plant, even though it didn't make that much of a difference.

Copy Plant, Level 1, Tuner: DEF 0

"Black Garden's effect. You get a Rose Token this time."

A Rose Token grew on Ran's field while Black Garden wrapped a few vines around my Tuner Monster, but it didn't really affect Copy Plant.

Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800

"And Corrosive Scales activates!" Ran called. "Your Monster, including the Tokens, gets one Scale Token each!"

Copy Plant and my Tokens received a purple Scale Counter on their bodies that looked like the membrane of an insect's wing. The Scale Counter glowed purple for a second before my Rose Tokens lost some of their bright color, slowly withering.

Copy Plant, Level 1, Tuner: DEF 0 = 1 SC

Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800 – ATK 700 = 1 SC

Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800 – ATK 700 = 1 SC

Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800 – ATK 700 = 1 SC

"It won't matter because I now tune Level 1 Copy Plant with my three Level 2 Rose Tokens to Synchro summon my loyal servant!" I called.

The three Rose Tokens glowed as Copy Plant turned into a tuning circle before a bright light erupted on the field.

"I Synchro summon Black Rose Dragon!"

Black Rose Dragon flew out from the bright light and roared to the sky while black rose petals flew around in the air, but I had full control over my powers, so the wind wasn't as violent as in my old days.

Black Rose Dragon, Level 7: ATK 2400

"Black Rose Dragon's effect! Every single card is destroyed after she's summoned, so your Battlewasps are gone, Kobayakawa!"

One by one, Ran's cards were destroyed as she shielded her face from the wind with her right arm. "But your cards are destroyed too, including that beast, Izayoi!" she yelled.

"Not if I save her with my Trap; Synchro Back!" I quickly activated my facedown. "Black Rose Dragon is returned to my Extra Deck instead of going to the Graveyard and she'll be summoned back to the field during my next Standby Phase!"

Black Rose Dragon transformed into a magenta light that shot itself back to the Extra Deck holder of my Duel Disk while my other cards were destroyed, including Black Garden, leaving the field bare.

"Nice save", Ran scowled. "But that doesn't mean the Duel is over!"

"It's just the beginning", I agreed as I grabbed my Trap card. "I place one card facedown and end my turn."

"I draw!" Ran called. "I set one Monster facedown and end my turn."

"My turn!" I called as I drew Witch of the Black Rose. "And during my Standby Phase, Black Rose Dragon returns to the field!"

A bright light erupted once again on my side of the field as Black Rose Dragon raised her wings and cried in joy to be back in the Duel.

Black Rose Dragon, Level 7: ATK 2400

Now I had to stop and think for a moment. Ran's facedown Monster was surely Man-Eater Bug, so no matter what kind of Monster I used to attack it, it was going to destroy one of them, and obviously Ran was after my Black Rose Dragon. However, now with Witch of the Black Rose in my hand, I could use a combo.

"Black Rose Dragon, destroy that facedown!" I shouted.

Black Rose Dragon roared before aiming one of her vines at the facedown card. She whipped the card, but it flipped up and revealed Man-Eater Bug.

"Man-Eater Bug's effect!" Ran called. "When it's flipped up, it destroys Monster my opponent controls, so say good-bye to Black Rose Dragon!"

Man-Eater Bug opened its mouth and bit Black Rose Dragon's vine. She cried out in pain as yellow drool from the insect Monster's mouth crawled up her body before she got destroyed along with it.

"Go, Go, Queen Ran!" her fan club cheered.

"Don't worry, Aki!" Estelle called from the stands. "You can still win this!"

"Right", I nodded. "I summon Witch of the Black Rose in attack mode!"

My little gothic spellcaster Monster flew out from a gate and looked worried about Black Rose Dragon.

Witch of the Black Rose, Level 4, Tuner: ATK 1700

"Witch of the Black Rose's effect! When she's Normal summoned, I can draw one card. If that card is not a Monster card, my Tuner Monster is destroyed."

I took a deep breath and drew the next card, seeing it was Watapon and showed it to Ran. "The card is Watapon and its effect activates! If this card is added from my Deck to my hand by a card effect, I can Special summon it! So join us, Watapon!"

The little fluffy ball bounced out from a gate with a soft coo.

Watapon, Level 1: ATK 200

"And now I tune Level 4 Witch of the Black Rose with my Level 1 Watapon to Synchro summon a new Monster that represents my new self as the Pure Rose Maiden!"

The two Monsters tuned together as I recalled the moment when I received a card from Estelle that I had never heard of. She said it was from her own collection of Duel Monsters back in her dimension and she wanted me to have this particular card as a reminder of who I was now and not remember my old self.

"I Synchro summon Garden Rose Maiden!"

A young humanoid Duel Monster appeared next to Black Rose Dragon, dressed in a pure white dress while having fair skin and long light blonde hair that almost looked like white depending on the light. She had a purple and black rose tied in her hair on the left side of the head.

Garden Rose Maiden, Level 5: DEF 2400

"Garden Rose Maiden's effect! When she's summoned, I can add one Black Garden from the Graveyard to my hand, and I activate the Field Spell!"

As soon as my Duel Disk spat out said card from the Graveyard, I placed it in the Field Zone. The Black Garden sprouted again around us and it even made a flowerbed for Garden Rose Maiden to sit on. The black roses on the flowerbed slowly changed into colorful roses due to the Synchro Monster's presence.

"I end my turn", I nodded.

"I draw!" Ran called. "I play Revival Swarm to Special summon Battlewasp – Halberd the Charge back to the field!"

A golden orb appeared in the middle of the field before it shattered and revealed a revived Battlewasp – Halberd. However, Black Garden activated as the Field Spell wrapped its vines around him and I gained one Rose Token.

Battlewasp – Halberd the Charge, Level 6: ATK 2500 – ATK 1250

Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800

"Next, I summon my second Battlewasp – Arbalest the Rapidfire in defense mode!"

Battlewasp – Arbalest buzzed out from a gate and immediately got wrapped by the Black Garden's vines, but since he was in defense mode, he didn't get affected, but I still got another Rose Token.

Battlewasp – Arbalest the Rapidfire, Level 4: DEF 800

Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800

"Battlewasp – Arbalest's effect! I Special summon Battlewasp – Sting the Poison from my Graveyard in defense mode!"

Battlewasp – Arbalest fired a sting up to the air that opened a gate. Battlewasp – Sting flew out from said gate and hurried to Ran's side before the Black Garden activated for a third time this turn with me gaining another Rose Token.

Battlewasp – Sting the Poison, Level 2, Tuner: DEF 800

Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800

"You shouldn't have accepted my challenge, Izayoi Aki!" Ran taunted. "Because here comes your doom! I tune Level 2 Battlewasp – Sting the Poison with Level 6 Battlewasp – Halberd the Charge and Level 4 Battlewasp – Arbalest the Rapidfire!"

"She's gonna Synchro summon a Level 12 Monster?!" Crow cried in disbelief from the stands.

The Tuner Monster transformed into two tuning rings in which the other two Monsters flew into and fused into one.

"I Synchro summon the queen of the Battlewasps! Bow your heads for Battlewasp – Ballista the Armageddon!" Ran yelled.

A giant half-machine and half-insect replaced the other three Battlewasps. It had red armor with green limbs and cannons on its back, a few purple gems, and golden stings. I had never seen anything like this, besides Estelle's Star Eater. It was very powerful, but the Black Garden used its powers to lower the attack points while a fourth Rose Token sprouted on my field, the whole Monster Zone now being complete.

Battlewasp – Ballista the Armageddon, Level 12: ATK 3000 – ATK 1500

Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800

"Battlewasp – Ballista's effect! I remove all insect Monsters from the Graveyard and all your Monsters on the field will lose 500 attack and defense points for each card I remove!"

"What?!" I exclaimed in shock.

"I've got seven insect Monsters, so your Monsters lose all of their attack and defense points!" Ran laughed.

The transparent figures of the Battlewasps and Man-Eater Bug in Ran's Graveyard appeared on the field before they transformed into energy. Battlewasp – Ballista absorbed the energy with the sting-like cannons on its back and fired a laser beam on each of my Rose Tokens and Garden Rose Maiden, lowering their attack and defense points to zero.

Garden Rose Maiden, Level 5: DEF 2400 – DEF 0

Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800 – ATK 0

Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800 – ATK 0

Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800 – ATK 0

Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800 – ATK 0

"Go, go, Queen Ran!" her fan club cheered once again.

"Battlewasp – Ballista, destroy Garden Rose Maiden!" Ran yelled. "And for your information, when Ballista attacks a defense position Monster, she can inflict piercing damage to you!"

Battlewasp – Ballista fired several energy stings at my newest Synchro Monster and shattered her into pieces. I grunted as I shielded my face against the wind effect of the Solid Vision.

Ran: 4000 LP

Aki: 2350 LP – 850 LP

Ran's laugh echoed in the stadium. "How did that feel, Izayoi Aki? Next turn will be your last turn, so prepare for some sweet defeat. I end my turn."

"You can do it, Aki!" Luna called from the stands.

"I'm not going to give up that easily", I told Ran as I drew Gigaplant from my Deck as I began my turn. "Before anything else, I activate Dimension Reversion! This Trap card sends all your removed cards back to the Graveyard!"

"What?! No!" Ran cried in disbelief. "You can't do that!"

"I can and I will", I said determinedly.

It was a good thing Estelle and I did some research about the Battlewasp Monsters. Battlewasp – Ballista had an effect that if she got destroyed by battle, she could then Special summon three Battlewasp Monsters that were removed from play and their Levels could be from 1 to 11.

The transparent images of the removed insects appeared on the field before they transformed into energy and flew into Ran's Duel Disk and to the Graveyard.

"Now, I release one of my Rose Tokens to Tribute summon Gigaplant!"

One of the four Rose Tokens transformed into a rainbow orb that shapeshifted into my giant Gemini Monster that I hadn't used since I was a little girl. Gigaplant roared loudly as drool ran down from the corner of his mouth. Sadly, the Black Garden activated, so his attack points were cut in half and Ran gained one Rose Token.

Gigaplant, Level 6, Gemini: ATK 2400 – ATK 1200

Rose Token, Level 2: ATK 800

"Did the last attack make you lose your common sense?" Ran asked while laughing. "Your man-eater plant is not strong enough to get rid of Ballista!"

"That may be so, but I'm going with a different strategy", I replied calmly. "I destroy my Black Garden and every plant-type Monster on the field!"

The Black Garden began withering as soon as I said that. My and Ran's Rose Tokens withered along with the garden as Gigaplant lowered his head as his body grew black.

"What kind of sorcery is this?!" Ran growled.

"By destroying Black Garden and every plant-type Monster, I can Special summon one Monster from my Graveyard whose ATK is equal to or less than the total ATK of those monsters", I explained. "Since only Gigaplant and your Rose Token had any attack points left, I can't summon a powerful Monster, so I Special summon Garden Rose Maiden!"

The withered Black Garden turned into a glowing mass that released a gentle light in the middle of my field. Garden Rose Maiden raised up in the middle of the light before the Field Spell was gone.

Garden Rose Maiden, Level 5: ATK 1600

"Alright!" Leo cheered. "Knock that queen bee down to the ground!"

"I don't think so!" Ran growled. "By removing Revival Swarm from my Graveyard, I can target Battlewasp – Ballista and protect her from being destroyed by battle or card effects until the end of the next turn!"

"But I can still inflict damage to you!" I said. "Garden Rose Maiden, attack Battlewasp – Ballista! Go, Petal Dance!"

Garden Rose Maiden began dancing around as rose petals flew around her. She stopped in her tracks and pointed at Battlewasp – Ballista, sending the petals as a tornado at the insect Monster. Battlewasp – Ballista buzzed as she got slashed by the attack, but she remained on the field.

Ran: 4000 LP – 3900 LP

Aki: 850 LP

"I end my turn."

"So you were able to finally land a hit on me", Ran snorted as she drew a card. "I summon Battlewasp – Pin the Bullseye in defense mode!"

Another Battlewasp – Pin appeared on the field, buzzing like a bumblebee.

Battlewasp – Pin the Bullseye, Level 1: DEF 300

"Battlewasp – Pin's effect! In case you don't remember, he inflicts 200 points of damage for each Battlewasp – Pin I have on the field. Lucky for you, I only have one."

Battlewasp – Pin fired its sting and hit me on my shoulder. I still flinched back, even though it didn't hurt.

Ran: 3900 LP

Aki: 850 LP – 650 LP

"I place one card facedown and end my turn."

"I draw!" I called as I drew Fragrance Storm. "I play Fragrance Storm! I destroy Garden Rose Maiden to draw one card from my Deck. If it's a plant-type Monster, I reveal it to you and then draw an additional card."

Garden Rose Maiden shattered into pieces before I drew the top card of my Deck, seeing I got Lonefire Blossom. "It's Lonefire Blossom, a plant-type Monster, so I get to draw another card."

Ran pulled out a tissue from her dress and tugged on it with her teeth in frustration as I drew Nature's Reflection.

"I activate Garden Rose Maiden's effect in my Graveyard!" I announced.

"What?! She's got another effect?!" Ran gasped in disbelief.

I nodded as my two Synchro Monster cards were spit out from the Graveyard. "I remove her from my Graveyard to Special summon Black Rose Dragon!"

A bright magenta beacon erupted behind me as I placed my Signer Dragon card on the Duel Disk. Black Rose Dragon roared as she returned to the field, ready to end the Duel.

Black Rose Dragon, Level 7: ATK 2400

"Well done, Aki!" Estelle called from the stands.

"Your mighty beast is back, but it doesn't scare me!" Ran growled.

"You should be, especially now that Revival Swarm's effect is no longer protecting your Battlewasp", I replied. "Black Rose Dragon, destroy Battlewasp – Ballista with Black Rose Flare!"

Black Rose Dragon fired her signature attack towards the red Battlewasp, but I noticed how Ran's mouth twitched into a grin.

"I activate Negate Attack!" she called as she flipped up said Trap card. "Your dragon's attack is negated and the Battle Phase is over!"

The Black Rose Flare attack grew weaker by the Trap card's effect before the black and purple petals were completely gone. I bit my lower lip in frustration that I couldn't attack Ran this time.

"I place one card facedown and end my turn", I announced as I placed Nature's Reflection on the Duel Disk.

"I draw", Ran called. "Battlewasp – Pin's effect once again!"

Battlewasp – Pin fired a sting again that hit me on my abdomen. I grunted by the slight impact as my Life Points dropped.

Ran: 3900 LP

Aki: 650 LP – 450 LP

"Don't give up yet, Aki!" Jack called.

"Everything will soon be over, but your dragon is too strong for Battlewasp – Ballista", Ran growled. "I place one card facedown and end my turn."

"I draw", I called as I drew Eradicating Aerosol. "I play Eradicating Aerosol!"

"NOOO!" Ran exclaimed in shock and disbelief. "That card is going to destroy my Battlewasps!"

A large green spray can floated out from my Spell card and sprayed a white cloud upon Battlewasp – Ballista and Battlewasp – Pin. The two insects buzzed in pain before they shattered into pieces, leaving Ran's field empty, except for her facedown card.

"Queen Ran!" her fan club cried out worriedly.

"I summon Lonefire Blossom in attack mode!" I continued.

A small sprout grew out from a gate slash the ground which top looked like a bomb with its fuse being on fire.

Lonefire Blossom, Level 3: ATK 500

"Why summon such a weak weed?" Ran scowled.

"Because I'll use its effect!" I replied. "I Tribute Lonefire Blossom to Special summon one plant-type Monster from my Deck!"

Lonefire Blossom's fuse grew shorter before it exploded into fire. I grabbed a Monster card from my Deck and placed it on the Duel Disk. "I Special summon Tytannial, Princess of Camellias!"

The remains of the fire shapeshifted into a large rose that opened its petal for the humanoid figure Tytannial, Princess of Camellias to raise up with her arms crossed.

Tytannial, Princess of Camellias, Level 8: ATK 2800

"2800 attack points?!" Ran shrieked in fear.

"It's over now, Ran!" I called. "Tytannial, attack directly!"

Tytannial, Princess of Camellias raised her arms as a giant rose grew above her. The large rose opened its petals and fired a rose-colored beam at Ran.

"Not so fast!" Ran yelled. "I activate Magic Cylinder! Your rose's attack is negated and reflected back to you and you take the damage instead! I told you I was going to win! I'm getting my revenge! Feel the humiliation I had to deal with after you beat me, Izayoi Aki!"

Her Trap card flipped up as two cylinders appeared on the field. Tytannial's attack flew into one of the cylinders and came out from the other cylinder that was aimed at me.

"I activate Nature's Reflection!" I called as I flipped up said Trap card.

An energy wall appeared in front of me just before the attack could hit me. The wall reflected back the attack to Ran who shrieked as the attack hit her.

Ran: 3900 LP – 1100 LP

Aki: 450 LP

"QUEEN RAN!" her fan club shrieked in disbelief.

"Black Rose Dragon, end the Duel once and for all!" I yelled determinedly. "Black Rose Flare!"

Black Rose Dragon fired her signature attack and hit Ran with it. My opponent's scream echoed around me as the air got a bit rough by my dragon's attack.

Ran: 1100 LP – 0 LP

Aki: 450 LP

The Duel was over. I didn't realize I had been holding my breath, so I took a deep breath as the adrenaline in my body calmed down. My two Monsters vanished as I looked at the other side of the field. Ran was down on her knees, staring at the ground in a haze.

I ran over to her to see if she was okay. I was worried if I had accidently allowed my psychic powers to run wild for a moment.

"Kobayakawa!" I called worriedly as I reached her and got down on my knees. "Are you okay?"

I was about to touch her shoulder when she slapped my hand away. I moved my hand back as I noticed her body was shaking, but I didn't know if it was anger or sadness.

"I can't believe it…", Ran growled softly as she raised her head up, tears in her eyes. "You cheated throughout this whole Duel!"

"What…?" I mumbled in disbelief as I moved back before standing up, sensing Ran's anger was growing for each second.

Ran got up on her feet as I saw her dress had gotten a bit dirty after the last attack. It wasn't torn, just dirty, much in my relief. "There's no way someone can defeat my Battlewasps, especially by a psychic Duelist like you! I'm the greatest Duelist in Duel Academy and the heir of Kobayakawa Inc.! I'm always supposed to win!"

She raised her hand to slap me. I closed my eyes and prepared for the pain.

"Enough, Kobayakawa!" Estelle called from behind me.

I opened my eyes, seeing Ran had stopped in her movement. I looked over my shoulder and saw my friends joining me. Leo, Luna, and Sakura rushed to me before the others made it to me.

"Aki won this Duel fair and square and by strategy", Estelle continued as she placed a hand on my right shoulder. "If you are a true Duelist, accept the defeat."

"Shut up, commoner! I refuse to accept it!" Ran threw a tantrum.

"A true champion accepts defeat just as much as they accept victory!" Jack shouted at the other blonde. "You're not a real Duelist if you keep acting like a spoiled child!"

"I've got to protect the reputation of my family's incorporation, Jack!" Ran glared at him. "I'm much better than Izayoi Aki!"

"Sure, whatever", Crow rolled his eyes.

"I'd suggest we leave, guys", Mei spoke up.

"Good idea", Luna nodded.

"Let's go", Yusei said.

"Yeah, let's go!" Leo repeated Yusei, trying to sound like an adult.

Estelle turned me around as we left the arena to get out of the stadium while we listened at Ran's rants. "This is not over, Izayoi! Next time, my Battlewasps will defeat your rose garden, so you better prepare yourself!"

As soon as we exited the stadium, I felt the wind ruffle my hair and caress my cheeks. I inhaled deeply the fresh air, suddenly feeling very tired after the Duel. I couldn't resist leaning against Estelle's shoulder, since she had wrapped her arm around my shoulders.

"You did amazingly, Aki", Estelle praised me. "You should be proud of yourself for withstanding the Battlewasps and enduring the Duel for so long."

A tired but tiny smile grew on my lips. "Thank you…"

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I've uploaded Kobayakawa Ran's Deck on my DeviantArt account if you want to use it as inspiration for a similar Deck.