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The chapter begins in Aki's point of view.
Disclaimer: I do not own any Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's characters! I only own my OCs!
Chapter 83: VS. Team White Wind – Aki
I observed the whole Duel between Mizoguchi and Tsubasa and took mental notes. It took a lot of skills to divide the Speed Counters so you could use the effects of Speed World 2 and Speed Spells. I didn't realize how deep I've fallen into my trance until a hand on my shoulder snapped me out of it. I looked to my right and saw Sherry giving me nod.
"Aki… Get ready", she told me. "Mizoguchi will lose on the next turn."
"O-Okay", I replied.
I stood up from my seat and hurried to my Duel Runner inside the small garage. I grabbed my helmet from the seat and put it on before rolling the Runner out to the pit and to the start line. I could hear the MC's comment about Mizoguchi dealing over 2000 points of damage on his last turn.
The time felt like it was going in a snail's pace. My heart began pounding faster in my chest as I started getting nervous and got hit by negative thoughts. What if I can't do any major damage to our opponents? What if I crash my Runner and break a bone? What if… What if… What if I'll disappoint our team and my friends with my performance?
"Are you nervous?" Sherry asked, snapping me out of it.
"Y-Yes…", I nodded slowly.
Sherry pointed at the stands where the audience was seated. "Look over there."
I followed Sherry's finger and felt my eyes widen slightly in surprise. Mom and Dad were there!
"Mom… Dad…", I mumbled softly.
I quickly recalled the moment I told them I was going to accept Sherry's offer and participate in the World Racing Grand Prix. Mom was first against it because she said riding a Duel Runner in a Turbo Duel was dangerous. She added I wasn't experienced enough and I should reconsider, but I told her I wanted to do it for the sake of the team and my friends. Dad could tell I was passionate about it, so he gave me his approval and told me to show him my passion out there on the course.
"You're not alone, Aki", Sherry said, bringing my attention back to her. "We're all here and we'll support you, just as you'll support us."
My heart slowly calmed down as my stiff body relaxed by the blonde's words and the presence of my parents. "Yes… I'll do my best", I nodded with a smile.
"And Team Royal Knights' first Duelist, Mizoguchi, is out!" the MC yelled. "The Six Samurai warriors fought their best, but they were unable to calm the winds of Gusto! However, will the wind die down by the performance of the second Duelist of Team Royal Knights, Izayoi Aki? Let's find out!"
I looked over my shoulder as I heard Mizoguchi entering the pit. He parked his Duel Runner next to me before Sakura grabbed the cards he had on the Duel Disk and placed them on my Duel Disk.
"Forgive my performance, Milady", Mizoguchi apologized, bowing softly to Sherry.
"You did your best, Mizoguchi", Sherry shook her head while resting her right hand on her hip. "We are, after all, Dueling against a professional team."
Mizoguchi ripped the tag baton off his arm and passed it to me. "Ms. Aki."
I took the tag baton and slapped it on my left arm with a nod. "I promise I won't disappoint you guys! I'm going!"
The tires of my Duel Runner screeched as I drove out of the pit. Tsubasa was already far ahead, but our Speed Counters were still the same. I passed the first corner, which meant the next turn of the Turbo Duel could begin. It was my turn, but I wanted to begin when I got closer to Tsubasa. I caught up to her seven seconds later. Her Windaar, Sage of Gusto flew next to her while she had a card facedown.
Windaar, Sage of Gusto, Level 6: ATK 2600
I had Mizoguchi's Driven Daredevil which was connected with Call of the Haunted.
Driven Daredevil, Level 7: ATK 2400
"So you're the Black Rose Witch of Team Royal Knights, right?" Tsubasa asked me. "I've heard about you and your Dueling skills from the Fortune Cup. I know you're a psychic Duelist, but take it easy now, okay? No one wants to get injured here."
"Don't worry; I won't do anything harmful", I responded with a grin. "But you're wrong about one thing."
"Really?"
"I'm the Pure Rose Maiden of Team Royal Knights, and I won't back down from a fight!"
"That's the spirit! I'm looking forward to Duel you!"
"Me too!"
"Now, let the Turbo Duel continue!" the MC called. "The second Duelist, Izayoi Aki, will now begin her fight!"
"Duel!"
Tsubasa: 700 LP = SPC 0
Aki: 4000 LP = SPC 4
I drew the top five cards of my Deck and added them to my Wrist Dealer before reaching for my Deck again. "It's my turn! Draw!" I shouted, drawing my sixth card.
Tsubasa: 700 LP = SPC 0 – SPC 1
Aki: 4000 LP = SPC 4 – SPC 5
The first five cards I had drawn were Rose Archer, Twilight Rose Knight, Rose Princess, Wall of Thorns, and White Rose Dragon. My sixth card was Speed Spell – Angel Baton, which I was going to save for later. A combo had already been formed in my head after seeing my cards.
"I start my turn by summoning Twilight Rose Knight in attack mode!"
Twilight Rose Knight, Level 3, Tuner: ATK 1000
"Twilight Rose Knight's effect! When she's Normal summoned, I can Special summon one Level 4 or lower plant-type Monster from my hand! I Special summon Rose Princess!"
Rose Princess, Level 3: ATK 1200
"I tune Level 3 Twilight Rose Knight and Level 3 Rose Princess! Splendid hunter and dweller of the sacred forest, with your whip of punishment in hand, come forth now! Splendid Rose!"
Splendid Rose, Level 6: ATK 2200
"I activate my Trap; Windstorm of Etaqua!" Tsubasa called. "I switch both your Synchro Monsters to defense mode!"
"I activate Rose Archer's effect in my hand!" I counteracted. "When my opponent activates a Trap card while I control a plant Monster, I can send Rose Archer from my hand to the Graveyard to negate the activation and destroy it!"
The transparent figure of Rose Archer appeared in front of me and shot an arrow at Tsubasa's activated Trap card. Rose petals twirled around the arrow, which pierced itself through the Trap card, leaving a hole behind. The petals covered the rest of the card, negating its effect, before it shattered into pieces.
"Splendid Rose's effect! I banish one plant-type Monster from my Graveyard to halve an opponent's Monster's attack points for the rest of this turn! I banish Rose Princess and choose Windaar!"
Splendid Rose used her vines to wrap Windaar in a tight grip, immobilizing his arms.
Windaar, Sage of Gusto, Level 6: ATK 2600 – ATK 1300
"I place one card facedown and head straight to battle!" I continued while setting Wall of Thorns. "Splendid Rose, attack Windaar with Rose Whip!"
Splendid Rose summoned a whip with thorns before she swung it at Windaar, hitting him straight on the stomach. Windaar cried in pain before he exploded into pieces, inflicting damage to Tsubasa.
Tsubasa: 700 LP – 0 LP = SPC 1
Aki: 4000 LP = SPC 5
"And that's the end of Nakajima Tsubasa!" the MC shouted. "The thorns of Aki's Black Rose Dragon got too much for the Gustos to deal with! Now, the second Duelist of Team White Wind, Fujieda Megumi, shall enter the course and battle against the maiden of roses!"
Nice! I managed to defeat Tsubasa on my first turn. However, I couldn't celebrate just yet. Team White Wind still had two more Duelists and I had a feeling the remaining two were going to be much stronger than Tsubasa and her Gusto Monsters.
Since I was in the lead, I drove past the pit where I saw Sakura and Mei waving their arms to me. I gave my team members a thumbs up and a wink before I kept driving. I checked the rearview camera and saw Tsubasa drive into her team's pit to pass the tag baton to the second Duelist. I slowed down after I passed the first corner so Team White Wind's second Duelist could catch up to me. I waited for a couple of seconds before I heard the noise of a Duel Runner engine behind me. I looked at the dashboard again and spotted a white Duel Runner in the rearview camera. The front resembled Estelle's dragon Duel Runner a little bit, so I quickly figured out this was the Dragunity Duelist.
"Hi there!" Megumi said through the intercom, her long platinum-colored hair ruffling behind her. "The combo you used against Tsubasa was very impressive."
"Thank you", I replied.
"I'm looking very much forward to Duel you, but don't think I'll go easy on you!"
"I wouldn't want that anyway."
"Let the Turbo Duel continue with both teams' second Duelists!" the MC yelled.
"Duel!"
Megumi: 4000 LP = SPC 1
Aki: 4000 LP = SPC 5
"It's my turn! Draw!" Megumi shouted, drawing her cards.
Megumi: 4000 LP = SPC 1 – SPC 2
Aki: 4000 LP = SPC 5 – SPC 6
"I start my turn by summoning Dragunity Couse in attack mode!"
Dragunity Couse, Level 2, Tuner: ATK 1000
"Next, by sending Couse to the Graveyard, I can Special summon Dragunity Arma Mystletainn from my hand!"
Dragunity Arma Mystletainn, Level 6: ATK 2100
"Mystletainn's effect! When he's Special summoned, I can select one dragon Dragunity Monster in my Graveyard and equip it to him. I choose Dragunity Couse!"
Dragunity Couse flew out from a gate before it transformed into a dagger, which Mystletainn grabbed with its free hand.
"Dragunity Couse's effect! If it's currently equipped to a Monster, I can Special summon it to the Monster Zone!"
The dagger form of Couse glowed purple before it levitated out of Mystletainn's clawed hand. It shone in purple as it shapeshifted back into its Monster form.
Dragunity Couse, Level 2, Tuner: ATK 1000
"I'm not done yet! Dragunity Couse can be treated as a Level 4 Monster when used for a Synchro summon, which I'm about to do! I tune Level 4 Dragunity Couse and Dragunity Arma Mystletainn! The dragon once slain by Saint George's weapon shall be reborn as the Golden Legend! Synchro summon! Be born, Dragunity Knight – Ascalon!"
Dragunity Knight – Ascalon, Level 10: ATK 3300
"Team White Wind's Megumi has already Synchro summoned one of her strongest Dragunity Knights! Aki is now in danger because of the golden dragon's strength!" the MC commented.
I wasn't expecting Megumi to already summon one of her aces on her first turn. She really wasn't taking it easy on me.
"Ascalon's effect! Once per turn, I banish one Dragunity Monster from my Graveyard to banish one Monster you control, Izayoi! I banish Dragunity Couse and choose to banish Driven Daredevil!"
The transparent image of Dragunity Couse appeared in front of Ascalon before it was stabbed in the back by the Synchro Monster's blade on the front of its head. The remnants of Dragunity Couse flew over to Driven Daredevil as a wormhole appeared behind him. The samurai was pushed into the wormhole, leaving me alone with Splendid Rose and the Trap card Call of the Haunted, since Driven Daredevil had not been destroyed.
"Battle! Dragunity Knight – Ascalon, attack Splendid Rose!"
Ascalon roared before it flew towards my plant Monster, its blade shining in the sunlight with an intimidating aura.
"I activate my Trap; Wall of Thorns!" I quickly shouted. "When a plant-type Monster I control is targeted for an attack, Wall of Thorns destroy all attack position Monsters my opponent controls!"
Before Ascalon could strike my Monster, a wall of thick vines with sharp thorns quickly sprouted in front of Splendid Rose, protecting her from the incoming attack. Ascalon's blade hit the wall instead with such a force the collision released a loud resonance. The screeching noise hurt my ears for a few seconds before it calmed down by Ascalon being destroyed by the thorns of the vines.
"She did it! Aki managed to remove Dragunity Knight – Ascalon from the field with a sneaky trap!" the MC yelled excitedly.
Megumi chuckled before she got serious. "Well, I had a feeling this was going to happen, but it's far from over! I activate Ascalon's second effect! Since it was Synchro summoned and destroyed by an opponent's card, I'm allowed to Special summon one Dragunity Synchro Monster with 3000 or less attack points from my Extra Deck! And that Special summoning is treated as a Synchro summoning! I Special summon Dragunity Knight – Barcha!"
Dragunity Knight – Barcha, Level 8: ATK 2000
"Barcha's effect! When it's Synchro summoned, I can select any number of dragon-type Dragunity Monsters in my Graveyard and equip them to him and he'll gain 300 attack points for each Dragunity card equipped to him! I equip him with Dragunity Knight – Ascalon!"
Ascalon returned to the field with an echoing roar. Seconds later, it transformed into a large golden sword that reflected the sunlight. The sword levitated to Barcha before the new Synchro dragon grabbed its handle, receiving less than a tenth of Ascalon's power.
Dragunity Knight – Barcha, Level 8: ATK 2000 – ATK 2300
"It's still my Battle Phase, so Barcha will attack your Splendid Rose!"
Barcha roared before he flew forward to my Monster. Splendid Rose shrieked in pain as she was slashed by Barcha's golden blade. She shattered into pieces that rained upon me, giving me an inch of damage.
Megumi: 4000 LP = SPC 2
Aki: 4000 LP – 3900 LP = SPC 6
"I place two cards facedown and end my turn."
"My turn. Draw!" I called, drawing Red Rose Dragon.
Megumi: 4000 LP = SPC 2 – SPC 3
Aki: 3900 LP = SPC 6 – SPC 7
Okay, I got a good card that could help me to clear up the field a little. But first…
"I activate Speed World 2!" I shouted. "I remove 4 Speed Counters to inflict 800 points of damage! The only Speed Spell I have in my hand is Angel Baton!"
Megumi braced herself before she was electrocuted by the Field Spell's effect, which forced her Life Points to decrease.
Megumi: 4000 LP – 3200 LP = SPC 3
Aki: 3900 LP = SPC 7 – SPC 3
"You just gave me the opportunity to activate my card!" Megumi said after she recovered from the Solid Vision."I flip up my Continuous Trap; Dragunity Legion! And I activate one of its effects immediately! I can target one Dragunity Monster that's in my Spell/Trap Zone and Special summon it to the Monster Zone in defense mode! Return to the front line, Dragunity Knight – Ascalon!"
The golden sword in Barcha's hands began glowing as it floated out of its grip. The sword released a light that almost blinded me, so I had to look away. Once I sensed the light had died down, I looked over my shoulder and saw Ascalon was back in its dragon form.
Dragunity Knight – Ascalon, Level 10: DEF 3200
"This also means that Barcha's attack points return to normal, since he's no longer equipped with a Dragunity card", Megumi added.
Dragunity Knight – Barcha, Level 8: ATK 2300 – ATK 2000
Okay, nonetheless, that didn't get in the way of my plan.
"I play Speed Spell – Angel Baton! I can activate it while I have 2 or more Speed Counters. I draw two cards from my Deck and send one card from my hand to the Graveyard."
The two cards I drew were Glow-Up Bulb and Half Counter. Glow-Up Bulb could come in handy later due to its effect, so I sent it to the Graveyard.
"I summon White Rose Dragon in attack mode!"
White Rose Dragon, Level 4: ATK 1200
"White Rose Dragon's effect! When it's Normal summoned, I can Special summon one Rose Dragon Monster from my hand or Graveyard, except itself. I Special summon Red Rose Dragon from my hand!"
Red Rose Dragon, Level 3, Tuner: ATK 1000
"Now I tune Level 3 Red Rose Dragon with Level 4 White Rose Dragon! Chilling flames engulf the entire world. Pitch-dark flower, set into bloom! Synchro summon! Appear now, Black Rose Dragon!"
Black Rose Dragon, Level 7: ATK 2400
"There it is! Aki's ace Monster, Black Rose Dragon, has entered the field!" the MC commented.
"Black Rose Dragon's effect!" I continued. "When she's Synchro summoned, she can destroy every card on the field, including herself! But I'll chain with Red Rose Dragon's effect! When Red Rose Dragon is sent to the Graveyard as a Synchro Material, I can Special summon one Rose Dragon Monster from my hand or Deck! I Special summon Blue Rose Dragon from my Deck!"
Blue Rose Dragon, Level 4: ATK 1600
"And now I'll chain with White Rose Dragon's effect! When White Rose Dragon is sent to the Graveyard as Synchro Material, I can send one Level 4 or higher plant-type Monster from my Deck to the Graveyard! I send Chirubimé, Princess of Autumn Leaves to the Graveyard!"
After sending my Level 8 Monster to the Graveyard, Black Rose Dragon released a powerful whirlwind that first destroyed Megumi's cards before Call of the Haunted, Blue Rose Dragon, and Black Rose Dragon were sent to the Graveyard.
"Blue Rose Dragon's effect! When Blue Rose Dragon is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special summon either one plant-type Monster or Black Rose Dragon from the Graveyard to the field! Return, Black Rose Dragon!"
Black Rose Dragon, Level 7: ATK 2400
"Amazing! Aki brought back Black Rose Dragon after using its effect to deliberately destroy Blue Rose Dragon, which she managed to Special summon thanks to Red Rose Dragon's effect! Which means Black Rose Dragon can attack this turn!" the MC figured it out.
"I won't let you attack me directly, Izayoi!" Megumi spoke up. "Remember my facedown that you so kindly destroyed with Black Rose Dragon's effect? Well, that Trap card was Waking the Dragon and its effect activates! If this card in its owner's control has left the field because of an opponent's effect, and is now in the Graveyard or banished, I can Special summon one Monster from either my Deck or Extra Deck!"
"What?!" I exclaimed in disbelief.
"I Special summon my second strongest Dragunity Knight from my Extra Deck! Come forth, Dragunity Knight – Areadbhair!"
Dragunity Knight – Areadbhair, Level 10: ATK 3300
"Incredible! Who could've predicted this?! Both Aki and Megumi lost their Monsters, but they managed to bring their aces back thanks to their combos!" the MC said excitedly. "However, this means Black Rose Dragon is unable to attack or else it's going get destroyed by Dragunity Knight – Areadbhair. What will Aki do?"
I held back a soft but frustrated growl. I really hoped to attack Megumi directly, but Areadbhair was a big obstacle. It didn't have the same effects as Ascalon, but whenever I would try using one of my Monsters' effects Areadbhair could just negate the activation and banish the cards with the cost of banishing one Dragunity Monster from Megumi's Graveyard.
"I place one card facedown and end my turn", I said while setting Half Counter.
That Trap card was my only chance to counteract Areadbhair if Megumi would choose to attack Black Rose with him.
"My turn. Draw!" Megumi shouted.
Megumi: 3200 LP = SPC 3 – SPC 4
Aki: 3900 LP = SPC 3 – SPC 4
"I start my turn in the same way you did on your last turn, Izayoi! I play Speed World 2's effect! I remove 4 Speed Counters to inflict 800 points of damage with my Speed Spell – Angel Baton!"
I braced myself as I got shocked by the Field Spell's effect, lowering my Life Points so they were even with Megumi's.
Megumi: 3200 LP = SPC 4 – SPC 0
Aki: 3900 LP – 3100 LP = SPC 4
"I've heard rumors you're a novice Turbo Duelist, Izayoi, but I must say you're playing good as a Duelist", Megumi said, catching me off guard with her comment.
"Um… Thank you", I replied hesitantly.
"However! This World Racing Grand Prix is for the professionals, so allow me to show you how Professional Duelists battle! I banish Dragunity Knight – Ascalon and Dragunity Knight – Barcha from the Graveyard to Special summon Dragunity Arma Gram from my hand!"
Dragunity Arma Gram, Level 10: ATK 2900
"Megumi has taken off the gloves and is going into aggressive mode!" the MC said. "I'm getting scared there to see two powerful dragons eyeing the beautiful but weaker dragon like she's their next meal!"
"Battle! Dragunity Knight – Areadbhair, attack Black Rose Dragon! Rip her petals apart!" Megumi commanded.
Areadbhair roared before it flew towards Black Rose Dragon. The Dragunity Knight was twice as big as my Signer Dragon so it easily hovered over her. It was about to crunch her with its mouth when it was stopped by an invisible force field.
"I activate my Trap; Half Counter!" I called. "If my Monster is being attacked, it gains attack points equal to half the original attack of the attacking Monster until the end of this turn!"
Black Rose Dragon, Level 7: ATK 2400 – ATK 4050
My Monster screeched as she gained some extra attack points while Areadbhair fought against the force field. Black Rose Dragon flapped her wings and released a tornado of black and purple petals that went to the Dragunity Knight. The tornado absorbed Areadbhair as the petals slashed its metal body. It screeched in pain before it exploded inside the tornado.
Megumi: 3200 LP – 2450 LP
Aki: 3100 LP = SPC 4
"Are my eyes deceiving me?! Aki has managed to destroy Megumi's second ace Monster!" the MC yelled. "Only a few has ever defeated Megumi's Ascalon and Areadbhair in the same Duel!"
I was both flabbergasted and happy by the fact I actually destroyed Megumi's two powerful Dragunity Knights. However, Dragunity Arma Gram was the next big obstacle in my way and I was certain Megumi wasn't going to attack Black Rose Dragon with Gram now because of the power boost.
"I place one card facedown and end my turn", Megumi called.
"Black Rose Dragon's attack points return to normal", I quickly added.
Black Rose Dragon, Level 7: ATK 4050 – ATK 2400
"My turn then. Draw!" I called, drawing my next card.
Megumi: 2450 LP = SPC 0 – SPC 1
Aki: 3100 LP = SPC 4 – SPC 5
My newest card was Speed Spell – Speed Energy. I could use it to increase Black Rose Dragon's attack points and destroy Gram this turn, but it was Megumi's facedown card that bothered me. Should I play safe or attack head on?
Maybe I should approach Megumi on a different route.
"First, I send the top card of my Deck to the Graveyard to Special summon Glow-Up Bulb from the Graveyard!" I said, sending Rose Lover to the Graveyard.
Glow-Up Bulb, Level 1, Tuner: DEF 100
"Now I tune Level 1 Glow-Up Bulb and Level 7 Black Rose Dragon! Surge, my black mist of vengeance! Synchro summon! Come, Thought Ruler Archfiend!"
Thought Ruler Archfiend, Level 8: ATK 2700
"I now play the Speed Spell – Speed Energy! I can activate it while I have 2 or more Speed Counters. I select one Monster on the field and it gains 200 attack points for each Speed Counter until the End Phase. I've got 5 Speed Counters, so Thought Ruler Archfiend gains 1000 attack points!"
Thought Ruler Archfiend, Level 8: ATK 2700 – ATK 3700
"Battle! Thought Ruler Archfiend, attack Dragunity Arma Gram!"
Archfiend flew towards Gram who was on standby with its sword. My Monster released a black mist from its mouth which engulfed the dragon Monster. Gram struggled against the mist, but it ended up dropping the sword while clutching its head in pain. Archfiend took the opportunity to slash Gram into pieces, dealing damage to Megumi's Life Points.
Megumi: 2450 LP – 1650 LP = SPC 1
Aki: 3100 LP = SPC 5
"Thought Ruler Archfiend's effect! When he destroys a Monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, I gain Life Points equal to that Monster's original attack points."
Archfiend headed back to me before he sent a green healing aura to me, increasing my Life Points.
Megumi: 1650 LP = SPC 1
Aki: 3100 LP – 6000 LP = SPC 5
"Who could've expected that move from Aki?! She Synchro summoned Thought Ruler Archfiend and delivered a certain amount of damage to Megumi and increased her Life Points at the same time!" the MC commented. "Megumi needs to come up with a strategy for a strong comeback!"
"I end my turn and Thought Ruler Archfiend's attack points return to normal."
Thought Ruler Archfiend, Level 8: ATK 3700 – ATK 2700
"You did good, but I bet you won't be able to predict my next move. Draw!" Megumi shouted.
Megumi: 1650 LP = SPC 1 – SPC 2
Aki: 6000 LP = SPC 5 – SPC 6
"I play Speed Spell – Angel Baton! I can play it since I have 2 Speed Counters. I draw two cards from my Deck and send one from my hand to the Graveyard. Next I summon Dragunity Senatus in attack mode!"
Dragunity Senatus, Level 4: ATK 1800
"Senatus' effect! I discard a Dragunity card from my hand to equip a Dragunity Tuner from my Deck to him! I discard Dragunity Partisan to equip Dragunity Aklys to Senatus! Now, this means I cannot Special summon Monsters from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn, except dragon Monsters. Next I activate Dragunity Arma Leyvaten's effect in the Graveyard, since I sent him there with Angel Baton. I banish Dragunity Senatus that is equipped with a Dragunity card to Special summon Leyvaten from the Graveyard!"
Dragunity Arma Leyvaten, Level 8: ATK 2600
"Leyvaten's effect! When he's Special summoned, I can select one dragon Monster in my Graveyard and equip it to him. I select Dragunity Knight – Areadbhair!"
Areadbhair returned to the field through a gate. The dragon screeched before it started glowing in a bright blue light. Areadbhair shapeshifted itself into a spear and levitated to Leyvaten which caught it in its free hand. The orange dragon twirled its two weapons around to intimidate Archfiend.
"I know you're wondering why I summoned Leyvaten, since he's weak against Thought Ruler Archfiend", Megumi said. "Well, there's a reason for that. But, first… I activate my Trap; Storm Dragon's Return! I can Special summon one banished Monster and then return it to the hand during the End Phase. I Special summon Dragunity Knight – Ascalon!"
A hurricane appeared out of nowhere with the eye hovering us. The wind got violent as thunder erupted on the course. The bombarding noise of thunder was soon replaced by the screech of Ascalon as it returned to the field.
Dragunity Knight – Ascalon, Level 10: ATK 3300
"No way! The golden dragon is back!" the MC exclaimed in disbelief. "Aki is in big trouble now facing two powerful dragons again!"
The MC was right. I had nothing that could stop this upcoming assault and I couldn't negate Ascalon's banishment effect.
"Ascalon's effect! Once per turn, I banish one Dragunity Monster from my Graveyard to banish one Monster you control, Izayoi! I banish Dragunity Arma Mistletainn and choose to banish your Thought Ruler Archfiend!" Megumi shouted.
The transparent image of Dragunity Mystletainn appeared in front of Ascalon before it was stabbed in the back by the Synchro Monster's blade on the front of its head. The remnants of Mystletainn flew over to Thought Ruler Archfiend as a wormhole appeared behind him. My Monster was pushed into the wormhole, making me defenseless against Megumi's dragons.
"Battle! Dragunity Knight – Ascalon, attack directly!"
Ascalon roared before it flew towards me with its blade reflecting the sunlight. I couldn't hold back the cry of fear in my throat before the golden dragon stabbed me in the back. The Solid Vision made my body tingle as if I got a shock.
Megumi: 1650 LP = SPC 2
Aki: 6000 LP – 2700 LP = SPC 6
"Now, Dragunity Arma Leyvaten, attack directly!"
Leyvaten used both its weapons to cross-slash me. I grunted softly as my Life Points took a harsh deal of damage.
Megumi: 1650 LP = SPC 2
Aki: 2700 LP – 100 LP = SPC 6
"Whoa! What a turn of events! Aki was in the lead with her 6000 Life Points, but now she's barely holding on with 100 Life Points!" the MC commented.
I took a few deep breaths to collect myself and clear my head. I was so relieved that I went with the other way with Thought Ruler Archfiend and used him to increase my Life Points. That saved me now, but how long could I keep Dueling with only 100 Life Points left?
"Well, if either of my dragons had just a little more attack points, I would've defeated you now, but I'll do that on my next turn", Megumi said. "I end this turn, and since Dragunity Knight – Ascalon is a Synchro Monster he's sent back to the Extra Deck. Your turn, Izayoi. I don't usually wish good luck for my opponent, but I hope you'll get a good card to defend yourself."
She was right. If I didn't get a good card now, I would lose. I couldn't do that just yet. I wanted to show that I was a better Duelist than this. I took a deep breath and placed my index and middle finger on top of my Deck.
Please… My cards… Lend me your power!
"My turn. Draw!" I yelled, drawing my next card.
Megumi: 1650 LP = SPC 2 – SPC 3
Aki: 100 LP = SPC 6 – SPC 7
I slowly turned the card I had just drawn around and felt my shoulders relax in relief. It was Witch of the Black Rose. This was now or never.
"I summon Witch of the Black Rose in defense mode!"
Witch of the Black Rose, Level 4, Tuner: DEF 1200
"Witch of the Black Rose's effect! When she's Normal summoned, and I control no other cards, I get to draw one card and reveal it. If the card is not a Monster, it's sent to the Graveyard and Witch of the Black Rose is destroyed."
"Aki appears to be gambling with her cards", the MC commented while I placed my fingers on top of my Deck to draw a card. "She must draw a Monster card or else she will lose Witch of the Black Rose, which is currently her only defense against Megumi's Dragunity Arma Leyvaten. Fingers crossed for the Pure Rose Maiden!"
I took a deep breath and drew the card. "The card is…", I began before revealing it for everyone. "…the Monster card of Hedge Guard! Which means Witch of the Black Rose stays on the field!"
"You got lucky there", Megumi chuckled. "Your little gamble reminded me of Jonouchi Katsuya, the legendary Red-Eyes Black Dragon Duelist. He was known for his gambling style back in the days."
"I know; I've read about him", I nodded. "Now, I continue my turn by activating Rose Lover's effect in my Graveyard. By banishing her from the Graveyard, I can Special summon one plant-type Monster from my hand and it's unaffected by my opponent's Trap cards for the rest of this turn. I Special summon Hedge Guard!"
Hedge Guard, Level 3: DEF 2100
"I tune Level 4 Witch of the Black Rose with Level 3 Hedge Guard! Cherry blossoms, sunflowers, camellias, and maples, spread your petals and dance for the empress! Synchro summon! Appear, Periallis, Empress of Blossoms!"
Periallis, Empress of Blossoms, Level 7: DEF 2400
"I activate Periallis' effect! I can Special summon one Level 5 or higher plant Monster from my hand or Graveyard in defense mode! I Special summon Splendid Rose!"
Splendid Rose, Level 6: DEF 2000
"I end my turn."
"Whoa! Aki managed to build up a wall of defense with the help of her low-Level Monsters", the MC commented. "This might be troublesome for Megumi now."
"Nice one", Megumi nodded. "You've got a good defense, alright. Let's see if the card I draw next will help me. Draw!"
Megumi: 1650 LP = SPC 3 – SPC 4
Aki: 100 LP = SPC 7 – SPC 8
I waited for Megumi's next move as she took her time to check her card.
"Well, looks like my Deck is on my side today as well. I play Speed Spell – Explosion! I can activate it while I have 2 or more Speed Counters. I destroy one card in my Spell & Trap Zone to change the battle position of all Monsters my opponent controls. I destroy Dragunity Knight – Areadbhair!"
Leyvaten threw the spear of Areadbhair towards my Monsters, first intending to destroy any of them. Instead, the spear exploded with a bright that that engulfed Splendid Rose and Periallis. My Synchro Monsters shielded their faces while they were forced to switch to attack mode.
Periallis, Empress of Blossoms, Level 7: DEF 2400 – ATK 2000
Splendid Rose, Level 6: DEF 2000 – ATK 2200
"I just want to add something real quick", I spoke up. "Periallis' original attack points are 1600, but she gains 400 for each plant Monster I have on the field, except herself. That's why her attack points are now 2000."
"Okay, but it won't help you much, since this Duel is over!" Megumi yelled. "Dragunity Arma Leyvaten, destroy Periallis, Empress of Blossoms!"
This was it. I was going to lose. There was nothing I could do to stop this attack.
Leyvaten roared as he flew towards Periallis. My Synchro Monster shrieked as she was slashed in half by the dragon's sword. She exploded into pieces that rained upon me, draining the last of my Life Points.
Megumi: 1650 LP = SPC 4
Aki: 100 LP – 0 LP = SPC 8
"It's over! Izayoi Aki did her best battling against Fujieda Megumi, but it wasn't enough to defeat the Dragunity Tamer of Team White Wind!" the MC exclaimed while my Duel Runner slowed down and released steam from the compartments.
I didn't know if I should laugh or cry. I did so much in this Duel that I should be proud of my accomplishment, but still…
I drove into the pit where Sherry was waiting for me on her Duel Runner. I parked behind her with my head lowered. I couldn't bear myself to look at her in the eye after this. Was she disappointed in me because I couldn't defeat an opponent by myself?
"I'm sorry, Sherry…", I mumbled softly after I pulled the visor of my helmet up. "I couldn't defeat another member of White Wind…"
"You still did your best, Aki", Sakura said before she took Splendid Rose's card from my Duel Disk.
"You should be proud of yourself", Mei smiled as she pulled the tag baton off my arm.
The girls hurried to Sherry and placed Splendid Rose on Sherry's Duel Disk and the tag baton on her left arm.
"Aki", Sherry spoke up.
I didn't want to face her, but I still did. I was expecting her to be disappointed, but she didn't look like that at all. She gave me a tiny smile while her eyes shone in determination.
"You exceeded my expectations", the blonde woman said. "You did well out there. I'll take care of the rest."
With that said, the mouth protector of her helmet set to place before she drove out to the course with Splendid Rose flying after her.
Even after hearing I did well, I was still disappointed in myself. I thought I could do so much better than this. I tried holding myself back, but tears still ran down my cheeks and dripped onto my clenched fists that rested on my Duel Runner.
"Ms. Aki", Mizoguchi spoke softly. "Look up."
I bit my lower lip to stop the sobs in my throat and looked up. My father had stood up from his seat and was waving a large white flag with our family name on it.
"Aki! That was great!" Dad yelled happily.
"Aki, you were amazing!" Mom shouted proudly.
Everyone in the stands was looking at my parents like they were crazy, but then one by one, they started applauding for me, and told me I did really good. The tears returned, but this time they were tears of joy instead of sadness.
Dad… Mom… Everyone…
Thank you. I promise I'll do better next time.