The girl stood just a few feet away, dressed in a dark purple suit. Crimson red eyes made him flinch back, and gold hair rings parted her hair.
'Oh, no. She's hot. Wait, no! How did she get the drop on me?!' he thought. 'Worse, how'd she get the drop on Yae?!'
"My Lord," Yae said, "she's dangerous!"
"To be seen as such by such a venerable spirit," the girl replied, "how pleasant."
"W-What?" Konami flinched. "You… You can hear Yae?!"
The girl smiled and inclined her head, letting her twintails sway. "I can see her, too. Just as I saw what gave you strength in that Duel."
'Tyrant Dragon!' Konami thought, grimacing at the girl's words. So he wouldn't be able to catch her off-guard? "Just… who the hell are you?"
"You don't know who I am? Ah, of course. We skipped introductions, didn't we? Where are my manners?" she curtsied. "Wisteria Fujiwara. At your service."
"What… did you say…?" he breathed, hands trembling at the name.
"K-Konami-kun?" his mom asked. "Hey, is something the matter?"
"Sorry, mom," he replied, "but I don't think I'll be getting home anytime soon."
He ended the call.
"A wise decision," Wisteria said with a smile. "I've dreamed of this for a very long time. It'd be a shame to cut things short."
His eyes narrowed as the girl pressed on.
"This meeting is long overdue," she said. "It really should have happened years ago. On that day, in fact."
"That day?" Konami inquired.
"The day you dealt with my cousin."
His breath caught. Before he knew it, he was standing back at North Academy, glaring at the last opponent he'd faced before losing everything he once had.
"Yes. That's the look," Wisteria told him, smiling gently. "I thought seeing it from afar was enough, but this? This is much better. Worth every penny, I'd say, no?"
"Worth every penny?" he echoed.
Her smile turned cruel. "Just who do you think paid for all of Titan's expenses?"
He lunged at her; arm pulled back to deliver a strike to her face-!
"Hands off."
But before he could reach her, another force intervened. A green-haired kunoichi stepped forward as if materializing from the darkness. She flipped him over her shoulder, throwing him onto the ground with a grunt.
"Y-Yae?!" he gasped, hurt.
"No! That isn't me!" she squeaked.
"Oh, but she is," Wisteria smirked. "That is to say; she's my copy."
Konami grimaced, cradling his arm as he glared at the spirit behind him. The other Yae returned his stare, an emotionless gaze hovering in her eyes. Now that he looked, this Yae appeared less vibrant than his own copy. Soulless, almost. And yet-!
"How did you manifest her like that?" he wondered.
"You don't know? Oh, what am I saying? You were expelled before he could teach you. Don't worry, darling. If nothing else, I intend to help you catch up."
"What the hell are you saying?" he asked. "Darling? Wait. Before who could teach me?"
"Why, our dear professor, of course," she replied. "Moses Mackenzie."
His heart stopped.
Mackenzie, a name he hadn't foreseen, graced his ears.
"Why do you… know that name?"
"Why do you think?" she retorted.
It belonged to the man who had started it all—the one who had laid down his path.
Mackenzie: the name of the teacher who'd held that twisted exam.
"Leave us," Wisteria said, waving her hand to dismiss the kunoichi. Her Lady Ninja Yae bowed and vanished into the darkness from whence she came.
"I don't like that Yae," his Yae whispered. "That glare of hers gives me the creeps! Be careful, my Lord. If we come to blows with this woman, we might be doomed!"
"Peace, Yae. I have no intention of harming your beloved master. On the contrary, I revealed myself so I could bring him under my wing."
Konami grimaced. "You must be joking. You people ruined my life!"
"Did we, though? From what I recall, it was your Red-Eyes who deceived you."
"What did you say?!" he hissed. How the hell did she know about that?
"You'll find I know quite a few secrets," she said, smirking while leaning toward him. "Perhaps you'd like me to tell you a few? I assure you, you'll find it enlightening."
He narrowed his eyes. "Why do I get the feeling I don't have a choice?"
"Because you don't," Wisteria said as a black limo pulled up behind them.
"Get in the car," she commanded. "I'll explain a few things to you on the way. Like what really happened the day of that Duel… and why I've come to see you now."
TAG FORCE ALTERNATIVE: LEARNING TO DUEL
LESSON THIRTY-EIGHT
BOMBSHELLS! THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE FUJIWARA! THE REAL VILLAIN IS… WHO?!
"So?" Konami asked, arms folded as he sat in the back of her limo. "You said you were going to explain a few things? Well, here I am. Start spilling!"
Wisteria smiled. "Of course, darling. I could never keep you in the dark."
"Then let's start there," he grunted. "What's with the 'darling?' You've said it three times!"
"Well, what else would I call you?" she asked. "Our fates have been tied, after all."
"Fate?" he asked. "Oh, great. Don't tell me you're one of those people. The kind who go on about tying red strings?"
"Oh? You aren't a believer?"
"I've had quite enough of destiny, thanks. More so when it comes to bad fortunes. So let's cut the BS and cut to the chase. You know Mackenzie, don't you?"
"I know he spoke highly of you," she said. "That he taught you all that you know. And yet, for all your skill, you're still but a pale imitation of him."
"An imitation?"
She grabbed a remote and aimed it at the partition. Its dark glass lit, revealing the high-tech television screen housed within. On its display, a familiar image entered Konami's view. An image of himself standing on the cliffs, and across from him stood-
'Dimitri?'
"My livestream? Hmph!" he folded his arms. "What? You a fan?"
"But, of course!" she smiled, clapping her hands. "Your performance that night astonished me! You shattered the poor boy's heart far better than anything I could have done. And the way you took control of his field was-" she shuddered, "-delightful. Yes. I am a fan of yours, which is why I'm before you today. I couldn't allow a Duelist like you to starve yourself weak any longer. Not when it was myfamily's weakness that cost you the feast you deserve."
"Is that so?" he glanced outside, resting his chin in his palm.
'Feast? What's she talking about? Isn't this girl Yusuke's cousin? Why's someone like that being so polite? Her actions don't make any sense!'
"I don't buy it," he spat. "First off, if that's the case, what's with Titan? For someone who claims that they're trying to help, you've done a great job trying to kill me!"
'And at ruining my sponsorship deals, too!' he thought, thinking of Kami.
Wisteria smiled. "Titan never stood a chance of defeating you, darling. He was a test, nothing more. And you passed, as I knew you would."
"A test?" he sneered, balling his fist. "That's all? It was a Shadow Duel!"
"One he lost," she shrugged, "and he paid the price. Fitting, I say. After all, we told him to 'rough you up,' not take your life."
"That's no excuse!" he yelled. "Because of me, that person is- Ugh!"
He covered his mouth, attempting to resist the growing urge to throw up.
"Tell my daughter I love her!"
Titan's last words came to his mind.
'I killed a man. And this time, it's not something I can blame on a spirit! I chose to attack. That was me. No matter the reason, I killed him!'
Others would argue it was self-defense, that Titan had come at him first. But regardless of the reason, Titan was dead, and it was because of his choices.
"Do not concern yourself with the weak," Wisteria said, frowning at him. "Was that not the first thing Mackenzie taught? You've strayed away from his teachings."
"And what would you know of Mackenzie's teachings?" he sneered, glaring back at her.
"Far more than you, I suspect. After all, I've spent more time in his care."
"His… care…?" Konami froze.
Suddenly, everything clicked.
"You're a student there," he realized. "You're a student at North Academy. That's why you know so much about him! You're studying under him now!"
Wisteria smiled and inclined her head.
"Yes," she said. "You're correct. And it's also how I came to understand that you… were undoubtedly wronged."
"What?" he breathed.
"Mackenzie did me the honor of explaining what happened that semester. He told me of how your friends betrayed you, leading to your rise to the throne. They called you the King in the North, right? The Red Hat? Kodoku King? And when they tried to make their amends, they instead chose to betray you again. Tell me, how did it feel to be betrayed by them more than once, Konami? Were you hoping the fools had changed their ways? Were you hoping they'dstand by your side? You should have known better. Rodents like them are nothing compared to us, darling. I don't understand why you wasted your time. I wouldn't have spared them a thought! But I suppose you aren't completely at fault. Some things were beyond your control."
She smirked at him.
"On that day, you faced yet another betrayal. But this one came not from treacherous men. It came from your treacherous cards. One card, if we're being specific."
She pulled a monster from her holster. A ferocious dragon with a deadly attack.
"Red-Eyes…!" Konami breathed. "Why-?!"
She didn't respond.
"Did you ever wonder why it happened?" she asked instead. "About why this card chose to attack when you felt that glimmer of hope?"
"Of course I have!" Konami spat.
And he had, day after day.
His reasons had ranged from its angry spirit to some sort of twisted foul play, but it hadn't mattered. He'd been expelled! No reason would have changed that decision!
"What if I told you that it was all planned? That you were not this card's master? What if I told you that from the very beginning, you'd been dancing in Mackenzie's palm?"
"Mackenzie?"
"He provided you with your Red-Eyes B. Dragon," Wisteria murmured. "And you used it, too, embracing its strength while abandoning all your old cards."
She pulled out his deck.
"Baby Dragon. Time Wizard. Lord of D."
"W-What?!" Konami stood. "Why do you have-?!"
"You've forgotten?"
Of course, he hadn't! No Duelist would ever forget the loss of their cards! They'd been confiscated when he'd gotten expelled. Thrown in a cage and locked up! But why did she have them?!
"These cards are now the property of the Fujiwara," she smirked. "A payment from the school to mitigate the loss of my family's first-born heir."
"What did you say?!"
"Did you believe our friend Yusuke was just some nobody? No, darling. He was the next in line to become the clan's head."
"That green-haired bastard was someone important?" he sneered. "I never would've guessed…"
"Few would," she agreed. "He certainly didn't give off the royalty vibe, now did he? Nonetheless, make no mistake, Yusuke was my family's future. A future you threw into disarray when your dear Red-Eyes laid him low."
Konami grimaced. "And? Is there a point to this history lesson? Because if there's not, I'd like to get back to the part where you said I was set up!"
"Patience, darling," she purred. "It's no fun to cut straight to the climax. You build up to it. On that note, what do you know of my clan?"
"Ugh…!" Konami grimaced, resisting the urge to keep arguing with her. In the end, his curiosity beat his rage, and he collapsed back into his seat.
Not much," he murmured. "Just what I learned in History at Rintama High. If I remember right, you guys were hotshots until the Heian Period, yeah?"
Wisteria nodded. "Believe it or not, my family once served as Regents. Years ago, we held the ear of Japan's Emperors themselves. No. Perhaps it'd be better to state that we were the country's true rulers. We guided the nation's future from the courts and married our blood to the throne. Though we eventually lost our power, our aspirations remained. Some of my kin still dream of retaking Japan's government to this day!"
"So, what? You're saying that Yusuke was the key to your plan or something?" he wondered.
"Hardly," she laughed. "On the contrary, he was what held the clan back."
She held up a finger.
"The Fujiwara don't always see eye to eye. Numerous factions make up the clan, and all of them seek to gain dominance. For our purposes, there are only two of these factions that you need to know. The Traditionalists, who seek to return the Fujiwara to our days of grandeur, and the Reformists, who instead want to transition us into a more modern role. Yusuke, or rather, his parents, belonged to the latter contingent. Under their guidance, the Fujiwara gave up politics to pursue other goals."
Wisteria huffed and folded her arms.
"But those fools moved too quickly. They were only elected as temporary heads, yet they sold nearly all our estates! Family homes, sacred grounds, sold off for what? Money? It was no surprise that they earned the ire of the Fujiwara's previous head. When he got sick, the clan heads decided to leave Yusuke's father in charge. But no one expected the idiot to sell our land off to the Kaiba Corporation! Just like that, our rights to the land bestowed by the Emperor were lost! Eons of the Fujiwara Clan's greatness… sold away in an instant!"
"I wish I could say I was sympathetic, but I don't see how all of this matters. So Yusuke's father sold all your land. Big deal. How's it fit in?"
Wisteria sighed.
"It fits in because Lord Grandfather was livid with them!"
"Lord Grandfather…?"
"The previous head. The one they chose to replace. After learning what happened, he demanded that the clan exile Yusuke's family, and when they refused, there are rumors that he took matters into his own hands."
Konami grimaced.
"From what I remember, Yusuke said he was an orphan. Are you saying…?"
"Yes," she replied. "Lord Grandfather had them both killed."
"...?!"
"Of course, he didn't simply let things end there. He wanted to reclaim his title as head, so he targeted Yusuke as well," she smiled coyly. "Are you starting to see how everything fits in now?"
"...You're saying that… Yusuke's coma… was this "Lord Grandfather's" plan? But wait, what's that got to do with Mackenzie?! Or better yet, my Red-Eyes?!"
"You know full well that spirits exist, and you've experienced their power first-hand," she said. "Do you think you, a child, would know what an Ancient Family would not?"
His heart pounded inside his chest. What the hell was she saying? That the tragedy of his entire life was just… just someone else's stage play?!
"Mackenzie is acquainted with Lord Grandfather, and they've struck many deals before," she said. "I'm of the mind they put this plan together to remove Yusuke as a threat. Unfortunately, Red-Eyes' attack only put the boy in a coma. Enough for grandfather to take back his claim, but not quite enough to maintain it. Should Yusuke awake, there's no telling what kind of warfare might occur in the clan."
"Where's your proof?"
"Hm?"
"You expect me to believe the professor set me up?! He was the one who taught me the most! He… He can't have just used me!"
"Really?" she asked, a dry look overtaking her gentle features. "Even though that's what he taught you to do? To use and discard as you please?"
"Ugh…!" he winced.
"I'll admit you were useful to him as a pawn," she said. "But when a better offer arrived at his doorstep, it was only natural he jumped."
"And you're saying you're that better offer?" he growled, narrowing his eyes.
She blinked.
"Me?" she touched her chest. "If only that were the case…"
"What?" he sneered.
"Think of your time at North Academy," she said simply. "Think of your teachers, of what that man taught, and ask what he'd have to gain."
Of his teachers?
What Mackenzie taught?
It was Kodoku this, curses that!
Devouring others to increase your own strength so you could rise like the morning sun!
He caught himself.
'Wait, rise?'
Mackenzie had taught his first year, but even then, Konami had seen the lust for power in his eyes. The other teachers had seen it, too, particularly Headmaster Foster. The two never spent much time together… Had the latter feared for his job?
"A student got hurt under Foster's watch… Wait. Is it really that simple…?"
Wisteria smiled.
"Yes, darling. Follow that path to the end."
His eyes widened.
"No. It can't be. Professor Mackenzie…?"
"Professor?" Wisteria shook her head. "It's Principal Mackenzie, now."
"Ha… Hahaha…" Konami brought a hand to his face. "Principal? Principal, you say? Don't…! Don't screw around! Everything I've been doing at Duel Academy was to get back at Headmaster Foster! To prove that I have what it takes to succeed! To put those assholes in their place! And now, you're saying… that this whole time… Mackenzie was running the North?! That's…! That's bullshit! He was the only one there who believed me! If he's in charge, why didn't he-?!"
"Why didn't he call you back?" she asked. "The truth's simple. The answer is… he no longer needed you, darling."
"...!"
"You served your purpose, and so, you were tossed aside," she smirked. "With him in charge, he no longer needed a Tyrant burning his things. It was time to move on to a new stage, one of more… subtle… maneuvers. Maneuvers like restructuring North Academy into a school that taught his ideals. That is where I come in, darling. Much like you, I'm a tool - an offering given to our shared lord to account for the piece he had lost."
"You? Replace me?"
She smiled, crossing her legs.
"I've already proven that I have the talent, or have you forgotten my Yae?"
"..."
She had him there. Her spirit skills were superior. He could barely even manifest Tyrant Dragon, yet this girl could do it with ease! But being replaced? That was something no Duelist could ever live down! And Konami had no intention of doing it either, no matter how strong this girl was!
He balled his fists, indulging himself in the turmoil growing within him. Yet he couldn't turn away from the looming question now circling inside his mind.
"Hey," he said, glaring at her. "Why are you telling me this? If you're really supposed to be my replacement, then why would you bother me now?"
"The livestream," she said, gesturing his eyes back to the screen. "You aired it across the entire world. There's no way I wouldn't notice. I'll admit I knew who you were before, but the stories I heard were just that! And yet, when I saw you face Yugi's deck, I knew you weren't someone to waste. Your dueling skill, your ability to face down and control the strongest of spirits… I want that. And so, Konami, I came here to make you mine."
"..."
"..."
His brain froze.
"What?"
"It wasn't difficult tracking you down. That livestream was a double-edged sword. It may have shown off your abilities, yes, but it also threw you in the light. Your past is a dangerous thing, and not many would be willing to sign on a killer. To be honest, I'm amazed you found someone at all. Umi no Corp… remarkable."
"Didn't stop you from screwing things up," he grunted.
"No. It didn't," she said. "But can you blame me? Any girl might feel jealous watching that stream."
She paused the replay, scowling as the image froze on a shot of blue hair.
"Kami?" he wondered.
"Such a precious tool. How on earth did you snatch that girl up?"
"I offered her something she couldn't refuse."
"Would such a technique work on you?" she asked.
"What are you doing?" he frowned. "Did Principal Mackenzie put you up to this?"
Wisteria laughed.
"As if he'd bother. You're nothing to him, even now. No. I came to fulfill my desire. To ensure my goals came to pass. I may be a student learning under Mackenzie, but don't mistake me for his tool."
"Then, why?"
"I already said it, didn't I? I want you, darling. I'm sure we could cause all kinds of terrible mischief if we worked together."
"Me and you? You've gotta be kidding. I thought the Fujiwara hated me?"
"Some factions might, but you'll find me and mine benefited from Yusuke's absence. Though you were only a pawn in Lord Grandfather's game, the truth is, you still helped me. And now, I'm in the perfect position to become the next clan head myself. There are just several pieces I'm missing, and you're one of them, my darling. Join me, and I'll ensure you have a wonderful debut in the Pro League."
"And if I refuse?"
She smiled tightly. "Your mother's built a wonderful life here. It'd be a shame if her child's mistakes led to her having to find somewhere new."
He grunted.
"Of course, I'd rather not resort to such cruel and unusual tactics, but I know how dangerous you are, Konami. It's part of why I want you so much!" she slid across the seat, closing the distance between them with an enticing smile. "Besides, aren't you tired of it?"
She bumped her shoulders against him.
"Tired of what?" he asked.
She smirked, "Of being thrown away by your peers? Of being forced to act like you're less than you are? You deserve better. We both do!"
Did they, though?
For the longest time, Konami sought only to hurt. To use whoever and whatever he could to achieve his dream of being unmatched! And what had he gotten? A few new cards? A sponsorship on the verge of rescission?
He'd ruined lives, lives like Mindy's, and nearly gotten his classmates killed! And yet, this girl claimed he deserved better? Once, he might have agreed.
Now, however…
"What do you know?"
"Feeling sorry for your victims? Don't. It's just like the principal says. The strong will devour the weak," she purred. "Their weakness served only to strengthen you. There's nothing to be ashamed of by winning."
"Easy for you to say," he replied. "You didn't just send anyone to the shadows!"
"The man was a crook. A Duel Assassin! There's no need to feel bad for him," she scoffed.
"He's not the one I'm feeling sorry for," he murmured, casting his gaze out the window. "Somewhere out there, there's a kid who just lost their dad 'cause of me."
"And now little Blair will have to grow up thinking her father ran off. Boo-hoo. Two blocks down, Yuya's dad left to get milk! Don't bother sweating the small stuff, dear. Honestly, it's a turn-off. And there's a beautiful girl right beside you who'd be happy to drown away those concerns."
He narrowed his eyes.
"Seriously? You're flirting after what I just said?"
"I'm serious about making you mine, Konami," she said, leaning against him. "And my skills far surpass that of Kami's. And I mean that in more ways than one."
She took his hand, smiling as she positioned his palm against her right breast.
"What are you doing?!"
She parted her lips.
"I told you. Making you mine."
She leaned in.
"M-M-My Lord! You mustn't kiss this vile woman!" Yae screamed. "She clearly intends to tempt you into some cruel trap that leads to our doom!"
Wisteria groaned.
"Oh, please. What on earth would I have to gain?" she asked. "If I wanted him dead, then he'd be dead. And no spirit like you could stop me!"
She let go of him.
"Oh, whatever. I'll lure you into my bed later."
"HUH?!"
"For now, however, I'll settle for giving another boon you might like."
"Ma'am, we're here," the driver said as the limo pulled into a driveway. Konami glanced outside, finding an illustrious skyscraper standing before them.
"What perfect timing," Wisteria purred, creasing her suit back in place.
"W-Where are we?" Konami asked, eager to put that behind them.
"M-My lord…"
"Industrial Illusions Japan," Wisteria said.
"I2?! Hang on a second, what are we doing out here?!" he gasped.
"Meeting with an acquaintance of mine… about that black card of yours."
-GX-
After parking the car, the driver opened the doors and guided them inside.
Konami followed with a wary frown, curious despite all that'd happened.
'What's she up to?' he thought, his mind racing with the new possibilities. 'First, she tells me that I was set up, and next thing, she's trying to kiss me! Is she really a member of the Fujiwara? And if she is, what the hell?!'
"Be careful, my lord," Yae whispered softly. "We might be stepping into a trap."
"I know," he replied, "but even if we are, I'm not too sure what we can do."
"You do realize I can still hear you, right?" Wisteria giggled in front of them. "And you can't do anything, darling, so just come along like a good little pooch."
"Ugh. Who are you calling a dog?!"
"Would you like it more if I said kitten?" she asked.
"Ma'am," the driver said.
She sighed.
"Alright, I'll try and behave."
They walked through the lobby, stopping only once they reached the elevators within.
"Surprised you were able to get in this late," Konami said. "What time do they close?"
"They are closed, silly. But some card designers never get sleep," she replied. She called the elevator, guiding them in before pressing floor B14.
"Here we are," she said when the doors opened up. "Franz, are you here?!"
'Franz?' Konami wondered, glancing past her into the room. A laboratory met his gaze, sparking and glowing with all kinds of equipment. Blank cards lay scattered across the floor as they entered, above which sat several empty desks littered with drawings of monsters.
Konami frowned and picked up some sheets.
"Nibiru, the Primal Being?" he asked. "Blaster, Dragon Ruler of Infernos? I've… never heard of these cards!"
"That's because they still don't exist," Wisteria said, pointing at their corners. A stamp saying "DENIED" sat upon them.
"Are these… all turned-down cards?" he asked.
"Yes!" a male voice roared from the back. "And I'd be grateful if you didn't touch them!"
A silver-haired man strode into view and snatched them out of Konami's hands.
"Hey, what's the big idea?" he snapped. "You don't have to be a jerk about it!"
"I've spent the last three months on these cards! They're not something for you to steal!" the man barked.
"Now, now, Franz," Wisteria said. "That's no way to treat your new partner."
"Partner?" the two asked at the same time.
"Mhm. We brought you a gift."
She held up a card, revealing the black border of Jinzo - Layered.
Konami's eyes widened.
"W-What the?!"
'When did she take it off of me?!'
His mind thought back to their talk in the car.
'Don't tell me… when she tried to kiss me?!'
"Oi!" he snarled. "Give that back! It's not something to wave around!"
"Oh, please. Franz is a card designer. He'll know more about it. That's what you want, right? To learn what you can about these black cards?"
"Hm?" Franz adjusted his glasses, narrowing his eyes as he stared at the card. "That card is…"
He lunged forward, snatching it out of her hands.
"Oh my," Wisteria said. "You're certainly a rowdy one, now, aren't you?"
"This black sheen…! It's like I'm gazing into the darkness of space itself! And this effect…! How magnificent! Where did you find such a jewel?!"
"I won it off a Duel Spirit," Konami replied, clenching his fist.
"A Duel Spirit, you say?" Franz asked, adjusting his glasses again. "That's…"
"Don't believe me?"
"That's…! Incredible! This is exactly what I've been waiting for!" Franz said, holding it high. "Something beyond mere raw power! No way he turns me down now!" he roared.
Konami blinked. "So, wait. You're saying you do believe me?"
"Of course I do! Every great designer knows that card spirits are real! I'm even working on a certain project right now to ensure some obey! And this quality! Just look at it! There's no way this card is a fake! It's even better than some of my art! If it's a fake, I'm a fraud!"
"It's no fake," Wisteria said, "I saw its power myself. Xyz Summoning, was it?"
"Something like that," said Konami.
"Xyz Summoning…? Yes, I suppose that would explain the strange border. Something like Ritual Summoning, then?"
"No. It's more like Fusion," he replied. "At least the card came from the same place. It didn't go into the Main Deck. And that's not all. It doesn't have a Level."
"Then what are these stars on the card?" Franz asked.
"It's called a Rank. It's equal to the Level of the monsters used for its summon."
"I see. So, that's what this "two Level Six Monsters" on the card means! I think I'm beginning to understand. This card could change the course of the game!"
"I wanted to know more about it," Konami said. "And find out if it's dangerous."
"Dangerous?"
"There were… extenuating circumstances surrounding its capture," he said.
"Oh?" Franz narrowed his eyes and cast his gaze back to the card. "Then I suppose I should hold on to it for now. You know, to run a few tests."
"Franz," Wisteria smiled. "This is Fujiwara business, understand? If you try and claim that card as your own…"
The driver showed the gun on their hip.
"E-Eep! I wouldn't do that!" he assured, staggering back. "I-I just need a few days, that's all!"
"So long as we're on the same page," she grinned.
"D-Dangerous…" Yae whispered. "We may be in over our heads."
Konami agreed, but Wisteria had threatened his mother. He couldn't back out.
He spent some more time talking with Franz, explaining what he knew of Xyz. Before he knew it, an hour had passed, and the driver called for them to leave.
"Give me a couple of days," Franz told Wisteria. "I'll make something happen."
"I'll be sure to make it worth your while," she replied. "Especially if this stays between us."
"Of course, young miss," Franz said, smirking. He adjusted his glasses again. "I'd appreciate some more funding, particularly towards my secret Ra Project…"
"You and your love for those silly Spells…" she sighed. "Consider it done. But make sure you hold up your end. I'll give you - hm… a week. I'd like another Xyz card done by then, using this Duel as the base."
She slid him a chip.
"A week?! I can't promise anything that soon!"
"The Fujiwara's future is riding on this. Franz, you won't let me down."
She left after that, joining Konami and her driver back in the elevator. Franz swallowed as the doors slid shut.
"Then I should probably get back to work."
TAG FORCE ALTERNATIVE: LEARNING TO DUEL
LESSON THIRTY-EIGHT
END