"There's just no way that the two of us can work out
Because there's too much pain
And all I feel is hurt now
No pretending this ending is where we are."
(I Could Use a Drink: The Songs of Drew Gasparini)
"Looks like you caused enough damage," Yusei spoke as he picks up his torque wrench. "They're still workin' on fixin' the arena."
"Wasn't me," I'm biting the nail on my thumb anxiously.
"You pushed it."
"Ain't my fault she's got anger issues," I turn to look at Yusei. He's not looking at me. We're both ignoring the elephant in the room. Not anymore. "Yusei," I say his name.
Yusei pauses. He sets down the wrench with a sigh. "Yeah?" By his tone, he knows exactly what I want to talk about.
"We're dueling," I remind him. He's being so nonchalant about this whole ordeal to the point I almost believe he forgot. "It may happen again."
The Crimson Dragon.
"I have to believe it won't," Yusei meets my eyes. "There are people we both care about here. We know what might come. That means we can stop it."
"I'm glad you're so positive," My remark was more bitter than I intended.
"I have to believe that we'll have our duel," Yusei shrugs. "With no interruptions."
"After the last few weeks, that sounds pretty insane to ask for," I laugh as I shake my head. My black locks hang in front of my face. I hastily shove them behind my ear. "You know. That being your only wish."
"No," Yusei blurts out. My eyes grow wide. At my expression, he quickly said, "I keep thinking. About what Bommer said. Did you know?"
"That my uncle used Peru as a bomb strip?" I raise an eyebrow. Yusei makes a face. "No. I didn't know."
"Did you?" Yusei isn't looking at me anymore. He's looking behind me. I turn, my head whipping to see a tall blonde in the doorway. Jack.
"Yusei," Jack is looking back and forth between the two of us. He steps closer to greet me, but I back away. His arms drop to his side. I feel guilty. But. I can't. Not in front of Yusei. Jack's fists clench at his sides. "We have a score to settle," Jack's tone is laced with frustration. Maybe at me. Maybe at Yusei.
"I remember," Yusei stands up, his posture stiff. "But there's still one duel left."
Jack's eyes narrow. "You seemed to forgive her easily." His eyes gesture towards me. I stick my nose in the air while crossing my arms over my chest.
"She looked up the word apology online," Yusei replies easily. "I have faith that if she can do it, for once, you can."
Should I be offended? Oof. Ouch.
"I only stole a card-"
"Is this really the time?" I step between the boys and hold my hands out in front of me. They both stare. I drop my arms to my side. "We get it. You're pissed, I'm pissed, everyone's fucking pissed at each other." Oh my gods.
I'm about to be that dumb heroine who preaches about friendship and teamwork.
This is the death of Kallen Rikiya.
Send regards to the only person who ever loved me.
My cat.
"…Those marks. They connect you. All of you," I give pointed glares to the two idiots. "Whatever happens, all we got is each other. We can't trust Godwin. And we can't trust whatever's comin'. But." I let out a sigh as I ran my hand through my hair. "We gotta rely on each other."
"I never thought I would ever hear those words out of your mouth," Jack seems almost amused.
"You want us to work as a team?" Yusei is perplexed.
"Yeah," I nod. "I mean. What other choice do we have? The end of the world?" The joke falls flat. The tension is too thick.
"I can't trust him," Yusei shakes his head. "What reason do I have?"
"Likewise." Jack sneers.
"Fuck, then trust me. Okay?" I'm desperate at this point. "Trust whatever shit Bommer said. Trust that if we don't, this just gets worse. For us. For everyone out there." I take a breath. "How many more cities will my uncle ruin to bring out the Crimson Dragon?" I looked to meet Jack's eyes. "Yusei and I did it in a single duel. Without…" I'm shaking just thinking of that memory. Me. Me and Yusei. Did that. That. Power.
Jack steps closer to me to try and grab my hands, but I've already backed away. My back hits Yusei's shoulder. Jack's eyes narrow into a vicious glare, his upper lip curling.
"We'll settle this with a duel." I'm not sure who he's talking to. He seems like he has something else to say. But he doesn't. He turns and storms out of the room. I feel Yusei's hand near my arm; I attempt to move out of the way. He grabs my wrist, and I'm slammed against his chest. I let him. His arms curl around my waist, pulling me closer, and one of his hands grips itself into my hair. I allow myself to rest my cheek against his chest.
I breathe. In and out. My lungs feel as if they're on fire.
"It's okay," I hear Yusei whisper near my ear. "Whatever happens, we'll control it. Okay?"
"We destroyed this place last time," I can't help but mutter. The question is left unspoken. What if. What would happen to everyone in it?
"You told me to trust you," Yusei lets go, instead choosing to grab my hands, and his face is inches from mine. I see the different colors in his blue eyes. "Trust me. Okay?"
"Okay," I agree. He seems satisfied. He lets go of my hands to give one last look at his d-wheel, and mine. I'm thankful for such a forgiving opponent. "There's just one thing I can't let go of."
"Bommer?" Yusei guesses.
"Yeah," I tug on a piece of my hair. "He warned me first. He should hate me."
"Maybe he's got a thing."
"What thing?" I narrow my eyes.
Yusei gives me a look. I roll my eyes. "Useless," I mutter. I'll turn to someone I can actually rely on for information. My hand moves to my deck. I pull a card. And almost drop it.
"Kallen?" Yusei notices my feat stricken expression. My trembling hand.
The card I pulled was XV. The Devil.
"I have to go," I tell Yusei hurriedly, but he seems understanding. "I'll see you. Before the duel."
"Hurry," He assures me. I'm thankful. For once. For such a forgiving friend.
I take off down the hallway towards the outside of the arena. I have to warn him. I have to get to Bommer before Public Maintenance leaves.
My friendly officer Lex isn't here. Neither is Elodie. I see Bommer in the back of a car, the door locked, the bars glinting in the sun.
"Bommer!" I shout as I run forward and hop onto the back, my hand clinging to balance myself with the bar. Public Maintenance Officers step forward to stop me, but I turn my head to hiss out a brief, "Go away."
They seemed to catch the hint. Maybe word got around about what had happened to Chief Takasu. Ha. Haha.
"Kallen." Bommer doesn't move from his sitting position on the bench. "Have you come to visit me?"
"You said my name first in your warnin'. God damn, why don't you hate me?" I'm trying to make sense of it all. "What did you find out? Tell me," I demand.
Bommer regards me. He seems resigned, and yet, eerily calm. He stands up, his back hunched- most likely because he was too tall for the small cell. His hand curls over mine where I have it gripped around the bar.
"Watch your back," Bommer's words are soft. My back tenses. I understand why he's being so quiet. There's an aura nearby. Something akin to a red- but with purple underlying. It felt…
No. It couldn't be.
Why does it feel familiar? No, why do I feel utterly terrified?
"Why are you saying that?" My gold eyes are wide. "What did you find?"
"Godwin's archives surround you, Kallen," He says my name purposefully. My grip tightens around the bars. I can see in his eyes he's not talking about me. He's talking about her. "You were right not to trust him. He's using you. He wants you to use it to summon the Crimson Dragon."
"Trust me. I knew that from the start that he was a piece of shit," And yet, my heart pounds in my chest painfully. "You should hate me for following his plans."
"Why would I?" Bommer regards me curiously. "You are the only one who has come to see me. Out of all, you are the one who is worrying. You share blood with him, yes. You are not him."
"I only came because my cards warned me you were in danger," I let out a shaky sigh.
"Your cards," Bommer appeared curious. "Are your predictions normally correct? If so, I will do as you say. I will watch for danger."
Ah. A good question. Are my predictions correct? It's one answer I can't give. Instead, I do my best imitation of a smile. "Stay safe, Bommer."
"And you," Bommer lets go of my hand. I guess he can sense that the conversation is over. I feel the warmth linger for a small moment. I open my mouth to close it one second later.
"…The money. I'll make sure it goes to your village," The words blurt out of my mouth, and yet, I mean every single syllable. Bommer raises his eyebrow. "I'll make sure it's rebuilt. And. That you find peace." I nod my head. "Whatever's out there, I'll fix it. If I can bring them back, I'll-"
"Stop," Bommer chides me gently. "I know," He smiles. At me. "I have to find peace with the fact that they may be gone. I'm furious. Your words comfort me, in some way. Thank you."
"No. Don't thank me yet." If I have to force the Crimson Dragon into a fucking chokehold to bring back his siblings, goddammit I will.
"Is that a promise?" Bommer's words are a rumble that echoes throughout the walls of the gray cell.
"Yeah. Damn straight it is." My conviction- my willpower- is so strong. "Don't disappear on me." With that, I jumped off the back of the van, with my feet steadily hitting the pavement. As my back was turned, I thought…It felt like someone was staring at me. I turned, but no one was there. Just that strange aura.
Okay. Deep breaths, Kal. You're seeing shit.
He wants to use me to summon the Crimson Dragon.
My duel. Against Yusei.
It'll happen again. I can't stop it.
Can I?
"Hey! Wait!" Someone rushes forward to grab my arm. I pull harshly out of their grip, my hand raised in a closed fist but stop quickly once I see a woman a few inches shorter than me. No. That's not the first thing I see. I see comically large glasses that completely cover her face.
"Who are you?" I try to keep my anger low, but the words still come out in a growl. That doesn't seem to deter the woman. She holds up her camera with a large grin.
"Carly Nagisa! You're Kallen Rikiya, right!?" She peers at me from behind her camera lens. "Is it true that you're related to the Director?"
Ah. A reporter. Gross.
"I'm answerin' questions," I think back to the rumors that quickly transpired between Jack and I. I'd rather not have my life be twisted and fabricated anymore that I've already made it.
"W-Wait!" She tries to stop me once more. This time, there's a flush over her cheeks. "I-I just wanted to tell you that- that I think it's really cool you have a fortune deck! I have one too! See!?" A few cards are shoved into my face. Fortune fairies. A weak imitation of fortunes based on luck. These couldn't compare to my deck.
"Rad," I say instead of the thoughts I actually had. "Is that it?"
"W-well, if you're asking!" Carly's grin widens as she puts her cards away. "Can I ask you questions about your relationship with Jack Atlas-"
"All the public needs to know is that the two are mad, crazy in love, and only gifts her the most expensive gifts," An arm is slung over my shoulder. Lux's grin is manic. "Is there anything else you wish to ask my client? She's got a duel to get to."
"I'll kill you," I tell him.
"Shh, your manager is speaking," Lux puts his finger in front of my lips. I try to bite him, but he moves away just as swiftly. Carly looks confused. She opens her mouth-
"Ah! Look at those coke bottle glasses!" Lux reaches and grabs Carly's glasses from her face, revealing beautiful large eyes. "How can you even see!?" Lux puts the glasses in front of his face and wrinkles his nose. "Vintage!"
"Hey, give those back! I can't see!" Carly whines.
"Sure!" Lux chirps. "I'll put them riiiiight here," Lux finds a vending machine and places the glasses right on top. "They'll be six paces to your left, one hop back, and criss-cross twice. Later!" Lux loops his arm through mine and drags me away.
"Expensive gifts?" I hiss. "That's what you tell the press?"
"I'm hoping that if the press sees it, Jack will have to buy you rich shit, and then I'll gallantly take it from you since you're a hero to the poor," Lux's smile is so bright I almost feel like shaving his head. Oh, wait. I'm just angry. "How are you doin'?" Lux's tone took a more serious approach. Concern. He's worried about me.
"I think I'm going to throw the duel," I rip the band-aid right off. I think Lux didn't hear me. He stops in his tracks, frozen, in a way that causes me to almost trip.
"….WHAT," Lux practically shrieks. Thankfully, there's no one in the hall. "Why the fuck would you-"
"Godwin's tryin' to use me to summon the Crimson Dragon," I explain quickly. Lux blinks slowly. "It happened before, it'll happen again. I could stop it."
"Kal, no, you have to win," Lux grabs onto my hands like a lifeboat about to sink.
"Why?" I whisper.
"The Arsenics never got a chance to take down Team Satisfaction. This is your chance! If you beat Yusei, you can beat Jack, and we'll finally get what we never got a chance to do." Lux is looking at me with such an earnest look. "You've been working with Lucy on your powers. You didn't have that as much then. Gods, Kal, if there's anyone who can do the impossible, it's you!"
"I'm really fucking scared," I mutter bluntly. "I don't want to be involved in this shit."
"It's more than that," Lux's hand tightens around mine. "This is your chance to show everyone you're more than just Jack's girl. You're Kallen fucking Rikiya." Lux steps closer. "You're not a monster. You're the Tomorrow Girl, and you're the strongest and most badass girl I know. You don't quit. You keep going- even if we tell you you're dead stupid for it."
"Shut up," I feel like I'm about to cry. Just from. The sheer amount of love and support Lux is airing out.
"No, fuck you, I won't," Lux's eyes are energetic. "You can't let what you're scared of bring you down. Wait!" Lux reaches on his jacket and pulls out a pin. I notice it's one of his hand made ones, colored completely red, with an A in the center of a heart. Flames are behind it. His Arsenics pin. He attaches it to my black jacket.
"There," He nods in satisfaction. "Kallen, you're an official member of the Arsenics! Now, you're gonna take down Team Satisfaction. Okay?"
"Okay," I agree with my own smile. "I'll give what I have. For you."
"No, not just for me. For Daichi. And Yusuke," Lux lets go of my hands. "And for you, our Tomorrow Girl."
"No throwin' the duel," I say the condition out loud.
"No throwin' the duel," Lux agrees. He gives me a mock salute. "Kick ass."
As Lux takes his steps further and further away, I lay my hand on top of the pin. The one Lux gave me. And I feel hope.
There's someone waiting for me in the starting line where my d-wheel is already prepared to go. The production crew was running around to set up for the start of the finals.
"Jack," I greet as I step closer. He's leaning against my d-wheel casually. "What'd I do to deserve a pretty boy like you to send me off?"
Jack's lips curl into that small sexy smirk I crave. "You said I should trust you. I'm showing you that I can."
"What? My words got through your thick head?" I cross my hands over my chest and jut my hip out with a raised eyebrow. My own lips curl into a smirk. "I'm honored." I can tell he's still a bit irritated from his interaction with Yusei. I like that.
"The two of you seemed rather…close," I see Jack swallow.
"Is that all you see?" I let out a sigh. "For fuck's sake, I'm standin' right here."
Jack lets out a chuckle. "You're right." He steps closer, his arms snaking around my waist, and pulling me closer so that I was pressed against his chest.
"I was going to throw the duel," I admit in a murmur. I look up, but Jack was already looking down. I smile small. A real smile.
"That's not like you," Jack raises one of his hands to push hair behind one of my ears. His hand lingers on one of my braids.
"You're right. It's not." One of my hands rests on my pin. "I'll give it my all. For the Arsenics." I grin at Jack. "I'll finish what they never got to do."
"The Arsenics never would have defeated Team Satisfaction," Jack's voice comes out as a playful rumble.
"Guess we'll find out if that's true," My hand comes off the pin to linger on his jaw. Jack sucked in a breath. "You know. I'm startin' to finally see what everyone else sees. I finally feel like the Tomorrow Girl."
"Damn idiot," Jack chuckles. "You've always been the Tomorrow Girl."
I'm the one who lifts my head where our lips could touch. This one was different from the previous kiss we shared. It wasn't desperate. This was soft, gentle, a reminder of emotions we don't need to say out loud. I was the one who pulled back first. Jack kissed my nose.
"I'll be watching," Jack promises.
"Watch me win," I tell him. Jack's eyes are lit with amusement. I watch as he walks away. There's shouting all around. The duel needed to start.
Before I could mount my d-wheel, my hands reached to the hair ties holding my braids. I ripped them out, my hands curling through my wavy hair, and watched as curls bounced in front of my face. I shoved my hair back and let it fly. Yeah. I felt like myself.
Yusei was announced first. I shot forward when the light showed green. I couldn't hear the roar of the crowd over my own adrenaline, nor did I hear Rise's praise she most likely gave. No. My focus was on the person next to me. Yusei.
"Ready?" I give a salute.
"Don't hold back," His words almost come out as a warning.
"Never," I grin. "Kick ass, Ace."
"You too, Tomorrow Girl."
The alarm rang. My hands shot forward to type on my d-wheel's keypad to move energy from the computer to the engine. It was just enough to shoot me forward first around the first turn.
"Sorry, Ace! I knew you were a fast driver. Had to create some countermeasures to go first," I let out a laugh.
"Take it," I hear Yusei's own chuckle. This time, the duel is different. We're not angry. It actually feels like…a game. A real duel with no stakes.
TURN 1: RIKIYA
RIKIYA: 4000 LP (0 - 1 SPC)
FUDO: 4000 LP (0 - SPC)
"I lay Page of Pentacles in attack mode!" I lay the little fella down.
(Page of Pentacles is a Level 1 Dark Spellcaster with 100 ATL and 100 DEF)
Kallen RIKIYA kicks off the duel with a low-level monster! What on Earth could she be planning!?
"You changed from your normal strategy," Yusei notes. He's right. I usually summon a stronger monster first. I laugh.
"Do I?" I hear the amusing tone in my own voice. "That's all I have. Take it away."
"I will. Draw!" Yusei draws his card.
TURN 2: FUDO
RIKIYA: 4000 LP (2 - 3 SPC)
FUDO: 4000 LP (2 - 3 SPC)
"I summon Speed Warrior in attack mode," Yusei summons his trusty first-round monster.
(Speed Warrior is a Level 2 Wind Warrior with 900 ATK and 400 DEF)
"Speed Warrior attacks Page of Pentacles!"
"Looks like you fell for it," I smirk. "When Page of Pentacles is destroyed, I take no battle damage. And thanks to you, I can special summon one "Knight" from my deck. Come out, Knight of Cups!"
(Knight of Cups is a Level 4 Light Tuner Warrior with 1400 ATK and 2200 DEF)
Kallen dodges Yusei's attack by bringing out a stronger monster! Her trap for Yusei worked!
"It was a trick," Yusei sounds impressed. "I lay two facedown cards and end my turn."
TURN 3: RIKIYA
RIKIYA: 4000 LP (3 - 4 SPC)
FUDO: 4000 LP (3 - 4 SPC)
"Wait for it, Yusei," I grin. "I play the Chariot. With a tuner monster on my field, I can combine my monsters!" Knight of Cups and The Chariot disappear in a golden glow. "Come, my Queen of Pentacles!" I raise my arm into the air to summon one of my trusted monsters. Queen of Pentacles hovers close to me with her staff raised.
"Hello, friend," I can't help but say.
(Queen of Pentacles is a Level 7 Dark Spellcaster with 2300 ATK and 0 DEF)
Kallen has brought out a new monster! This is the first time she's brought out Queen of Pentacles in this tournament!
"Queen of Pentacles, attack Speed Warrior!"
"I play my trap card, Scrubbed Raid!" Yusei reveals his face down card. "By removing a card from my hand, I end the battle phase."
Yusei dodges her attack!
"Damn. You got lucky, punk," I shake my head. "Your move."
"Right. I draw," Yusei draws his card.
TURN 4: FUDO
RIKIYA: 4000 LP (4 - 5 SPC)
FUDO: 4000 LP (4 - 5 SPC)
"I summon Hyper Synchron to the field, but he won't stay for long. Go!" I knew Yusei was gearing up for a synchro summon. "Gathering bonds weave a greater force! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Show yourself, Turbo Warrior!"
(Turbo Warrior is a Level 6 Wind Warrior with 2500 ATK and 1500 DEF)
Yusei has brought out a new monster, and it's stronger than Queen of Pentacles? Can Kallen keep her monster on the field?!
"Turbo Warrior, attack Queen of Pentacles-"
"I use my monster's special effect!" I call out. "By removing one monster from my graveyard, I make it so I take no battle damage, and Queen of Pentacles stays on the field." My hand lays on my Arsenics for a moment as I banish The Chariot. Lux. My Chariot.
"I play my trap!" Yusei grits his teeth. "Synchro Blast! When my monster attacks yours, you take five hundred damage."
RIKIYA: 4000 - 3500 LP
Kallen is the first one to take damage! Can she make a comeback?
He got the first blood. Nice.
"I end my turn," Yusei narrows his eyes. "What do you have planned, Kallen?"
"Wouldn't you like to know? Draw!" I draw the card more forcefully than I possibly needed to.
TURN 5: RIKIYA
RIKIYA: 3500 LP (5 - 6 SPC)
FUDO: 4000 LP (5 - 6 SPC)
"I start by laying a facedown. From my hand, I activate Five of Swords. When I have two or more speed counters, I draw two cards," I draw the cards. And smile. Rise. You're with me. "Then I have to send one to the graveyard. Lucky for me, when the Lovers are sent to the graveyard, it can be equipped to a Synchro monster. The Lovers attaches themselves to the Queen of Pentacles to increase her attack points!"
QUEEN OF PENTACLES: 2300 - 2700 ATK
Just enough. That's all I need.
"Queen of Pentacles, attack Turbo Warrior! Go!"
FUDO: 4000 - 3800 LP
Kallen and Yusei are now neck and neck with their life points!
"I'm catching up," I smile at Yusei. "I end my turn."
"Are you?" Yusei's tone is ominous as he draws.
TURN 6: FUDO
RIKIYA: 3500 LP (6 - 7 SPC)
FUDO: 3800 LP (6 - 7 SPC)
"I start by playing Junk Synchron. Thanks to his special effect, I'm able to bring Speed Warrior back to the field," Yusei wasn't done with his move. I know it. "With Turret Warrior in my hand, I can tribute Speed Warrior to special summon Turret Warrior!"
My arm throbbed. I gritted my teeth. Suddenly, I knew. I knew who he was about to summon. That pit in my stomach grew. That fear and anxiety were present.
No.
"Clustering wishes will become a new shining star! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Soar, Stardust Dragon!"
Dammit, Yusei.
Yusei summoned his ace monster- Stardust Dragon! This is the first time we've seen this monster on the field! It's beautiful!
"So you saved it on me?" I almost feel happy. He hadn't summoned it in his prior duels.
"I knew I needed more than what I had to take you on," Yusei has that small smile on his face. I almost snorted. He considers me a threat. As he should.
"I activate my trap card, Three of Cups!" I reveal my facedown card. "By tributing Queen of Pentacles, I'm able to summon any card in my deck. Come out, The Magician!"
(The Magician is a Level 8 Dark Spellcaster with 2600 ATK and 0 DEF)
"You brought out a monster just to avoid taking damage?" Yusei lets out a chuckle.
"Couldn't take any risks from you," I say sweetly. "The Lovers wouldn't last long with you, would it?" And I needed The Magician's special effect.
Kallen sacrificed Queen of Pentacles to bring out a new monster- The Magician! It looks like she's avoiding attack by bringing out a monster with higher attack than Stardust Dragon!
"Maybe not. I end my turn with one facedown."
TURN 7: RIKIYA
RIKIYA: 3500 LP (7 - 8 SPC)
FUDO: 3800 LP (7 - 8 SPC)
My turn. The Magician had just enough attack to still be able to take out Yusei's. It's the trap card I'm worried about.
"The Magician, attack-"
"I activate my trap, Scrap-Iron Scarecrow. Your-"
"My attack is negated, don't waste your breath," I hiss out. "My Magician's effect activates. Once per turn when my opponent activates a spell pf trap, I can negate the activation and-"
"I activate Stardust Dragon's effect. Would you like me to explain?" Yusei seemed so smug as this time he was the one who cut off my explanation this time around.
Yusei just sacrificed Stardust Dragon to negate The Magician's special effect, which would have wiped out Scrap-Iron Scarecrow! Did he leave his field deserted for more attacks?
"No," I growl. Stardust is destroyed, but he'll be back. That's what the effect calls for. If I tried to attack directly, Scrap Iron Scarecrow would still negate it. I was at a deadlock with no more choices on my side. "I end my goddamn turn with a facedown."
TURN 8: FUDO
RIKIYA: 3500 LP (8 - 9 SPC)
FUDO: 3800 LP (8 - 9 SPC)
"I activate Miracle Lotus," Yusei plays his card. "Stardust Dragon gains one thousand attack points and can attack twice this turn. My opponent is able to draw a card."
"Gee, thanks, fucker," I draw my card.
STARDUST DRAGON: 2500 - 3500 ATK
"Stardust Dragon attacks The Magician! Shooting Sonic!"
RIKIYA: 3500 - 2600 LP (9 - 6 SPC)
My speed decreases significantly. It takes a second to make sure my d-wheel is still speeding forward evenly. I let out a growl in my throat. Only because I know he still has one attack left. My gloved hand is already poised to activate my trap card.
Kallen has taken a significant amount of damage, while Yusei has one more attack left! If the attack goes through, Kallen's winning streak is over!
No need to be so worried for me, Rise. Trust me.
"One attack left. Stardust Dragon, attack directly!"
"I activate my trap, Four of Pentacles!" I reveal my facedown card. "When my opponent declares a direct attack, I can halve the attacking monster's attack points until the end phase, and I draw one card." This had to help. My smile twitches. Yes. This would do.
"You still take damage," Yusei reminds me.
RIKIYA: 2600 - 850 LP (6 - 4 SPC)
"But I'm still in the game," I remind him in a hum. "I'll take my turn. I draw!" I draw my card. And laugh.
TURN 9: RIKIYA
RIKIYA: 850 LP (4 - 5 SPC)
FUDO: 3800 LP (9 - 10 SPC)
"From my hand, I activate the spell Eight of Pentacles! By removing two speed counters, I destroy one spell or trap. You know I'm taking out Scrap Iron Scarecrow!"
RIKIYA: 5 - 3 SPC
Kallen almost has no speed counters left! Was her plan worth it?
It had to be. It had to be Worth It. This is a risk I'm pulling. I had to trust. Me.
I think this might be the hardest thing I ever had to do. It's not just about trusting Yusei. I trust him completely. It's about trusting me and my abilities.
Ah. Here we go. No turning back.
"While I have the Empress in my hand, and I control no monsters, I'm able to summon her to the field. Now I normal summon Temperance. Neither is staying for long. Go!" I take a deep breath. The words that come next aren't mine. But they feel Right. "The road to tomorrow is here. I'll show you. Come, my Arcanite Dragon!"
My beautiful dragon appeared overhead in a swirl of gold and red color. Her roar echoed throughout the giant stadium. It's almost louder than the rumbling of the audience's reaction.
My arm throbs. Once. Twice. I grit my teeth to try and ignore the pain. Rise says something. I don't hear. I have to think. I have to concentrate.
"From the graveyard, I attach the Lovers to Arcanite Dragon. My dragon's attack points raise by four hundred, and she becomes a tuner," I repeat my earlier strategy.
"Arcanite Dragon already beats Stardust," Yusei seems confused. "Why raise it?"
Why. Why indeed. I smile. "Doesn't hurt to have more power."
ARCANITE DRAGON: 2800 - 3200 ATK
"I activate Arcanite Dragon's effect!" I feel the pressure in the air building. "Once per turn, Arcanite Dragon targets a monster and turns their attack to zero. I choose Stardust Dragon."
"I activate Stardust-"
"Don't interrupt. The second effect negates monster effects. Stardust stays," I smirk. Yusei makes a noise in the back of his throat.
STARDUST DRAGON: 2500 - 0 ATK
"Arcanite Dragon, attack Stardust Dragon! Arcane Fire!"
FUDO: 3800 - 600 LP (10 - 6 SPC)
Stardust Dragon is destroyed in a flurry of colored flames. Yusei's still speeding ahead of me, but I could see the back of his head all that much clearer. My arm stings. I hear Yusei over the earpiece in my helmet let out a growl. I know. I just know that his arm is glowing. His Signer mark is exposed.
Kallen's catching up! This duel is turning on its head? Will we see the climax soon!?
"I end my turn with a facedown," I say in a small voice. I don't feel as strong. Something dark is growing. I don't know what.
TURN 10: FUDO
RIKIYA: 850 LP (3 - 4 SPC)
FUDO: 600 LP (6 - 7 SPC)
"My turn," Yusei announces. "I use the trap card Stardust flash to bring Stardust Dragon to the field. From my hand, I'll activate the speed spell Silver Contrails to increase Stardust Dragon's attack points for this turn!"
STARDUST: 2500 - 3500 ATK
"Stardust Dragon, attack Arcanite Dragon! Shooting Sonic!"
"No! I play Five of Wands! I remove one monster from play in my graveyard to negate the attack. You take damage equal to half the attack of the monster I took out. I choose Temperance!"
FUDO: 600 - 100 LP
Yusei only has one hundred life points left! Could this be Kallen's game to win?
"You always know how to make things go your way," Yusei chuckles.
"Sounds like you're giving up," I hum.
"No. Not yet," Yusei lays down a card. "I end my turn with one facedown."
TURN 11: RIKIYA
RIKIYA: 850 LP (4 - 5 SPC)
FUDO: 100 LP (7 - 8 SPC)
STARDUST DRAGON: 3500 - 2500 ATK
This was it. The card I drew would be able to end this. Arcanite Dragon was now a tuner thanks to the Lovers being attached. The card I just drew- The Moon, was a Level 4. I could summon It. I could win easily.
I knew Yusei's trap was nothing to scoff out. It was something to stop Arcanite Dragon from attacking. I needed something to counter it. I needed…I needed…
"I lay The Moon down in attack mode!" I lay down the card.
He's using you to summon the Crimson Dragon.
Those words. Those damn words echoed in my head.
I could handle it. I could handle that power. I wouldn't summon it. I wouldn't. I'm Good. I'm a good person.
Right?
I could hear her. Her fear. Her screaming throughout my thoughts- begging to be let out, begging me to remember. Or. Was that just me?
"I-I…" I stammer on my words. All I had to do was synchro summon. This duel would be over. I would win. I would take on Jack Atlas. I would win for the Arsenics. If I summoned The World, the destruction of Arcanite Dragon would take out Stardust. The World can take any effect of any monster in the graveyard. I could use the Magician's effect to take out Yusei's trap. I would win. I would win.
At what cost?
Bommer's village was destroyed. Because of the Crimson Dragon. I destroyed this arena last time.
XV. The Devil. Transformation. That's the card I pulled. Something dangerous was coming. No. It's here.
Everyone I love is here. Lucy. Lux. Rise. Elodie. Yusei. Jack. Rua and Ruka. So many people are here. I'm worse. I'm worse than the Black Rose Dragon. I'm. Me.
This is what Godwin wanted. He wanted me to summon the Crimson Dragon. This was his plan. For me. To gather the Signers. To reveal their destiny and guide them.
I…I don't want it. I just want to be. Kallen. Why can't I just be Kallen?
I'm sorry. I can't be her. I can't be the Tomorrow Girl.
I tried. I really did.
"…I use Arcanite Dragon to attack Stardust Dragon," My voice has no life to it. Yusei uses Negate Attack to deter the attack. I knew it.
TURN 12: FUDO
RIKIYA: 850 LP (5 - 6 SPC)
FUDO: 100 LP (8 - 9 SPC)
My field is left open since I have The Moon, whose attack points are significantly lower than Stardust Dragon's. He attacks with Stardust Dragon. I have no trap cards to defend myself.
I've lost.
RIKIYA: 850 - 0 LP
…Kallen Rikiya has lost! Satellite's Shooting Star, Yusei Fudo, will go on to the championship duel where he will duel Jack Atlas for the title of King of Turbo Duels!
Yusei storms over to me. His helmet is off. He extends a hand out to me to take. My hands are shaking. My other hand moves to take my helmet off. The sun is behind Yusei, illuminating him, and highlighting his glare.
"You threw the duel." It wasn't an accusation coming from him. It was a statement. His words, his expression, were furious.
"Yeah," There was no point denying it. I looked up with a bitter smile. "I did."