When the girl's powers first flared up, his heart had dripped with dread as he activated his own, desperate to hide her in his darkness, hide her powers as his own.
She'd screamed and cried, asking him what was wrong, what was happening to her.
And he's taken her hands, calming her down, helping her breathe and pull the shadows back within her.
"Prince Haou, wha…" She trembled and shook like a leaf in his arms. "What did I do?"
He held her close, mindful of his armour and spikes. "You have the Gentle Darkness too, little one."
She stared at him, her sobs pausing. "I-I do? But, how I thought only royalty could-"
"The Gentle Darkness does not care for blood or social status." He said as he stroked her hair. "But I promise you this."
He held her closer as her sobs continued.
"You will not have to fight the Light of Ruin. I swear on my life I won't let it happen." He declared.
And he did die, ensuring she never had to fight. He begged the Gentle Darkness not to pick her again, to let her be safe and rest in peace.
But fate can never be denied.
"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!"
Zane resists the urge to wince as Dr. Crowler screams like a banshee.
"The School Duel between Duel Academy and North Academy is the biggest match of the year!" Dr. Crowler has his hands on the desk, having flown out of his chair. "We can take no chances!" He waves his arm over and points at where Zane is standing. "So it's clear that Zane must be our rep."
Chancellor Shepard sits in his chair, smiling his usual carefree smile. It honestly annoys him a little. "Zane is our best, but he's a third year student. North Academy is using a first year."
"Why would they do that?" Dr. Crowler flinches back, dropping his hands.
"Who knows." Chancellor Shepard blinks while still smiling. "But in the spirit of competition, I think we should use a first year student as well." He turns towards Zane. "You understand, don't you Zane?"
Zane turns to him, keeping his arms at his side. "Of course, Chancellor."
Not that he particularly cares about the School Duel anyway. Not when Yuuna Yuki is on the island, doing God knows what to further her goals against the world. The last thing he has on his mind is some ridiculous school competition.
"Well then, the only question is who this first year will be." Chancellor Shepard laughs.
That's a good question. Not that Zane needs to think about it much.
"Alexis Rhodes." Zane says.
Dr. Crowler blinks at him. "Of Obelisk Blue?"
Miss Fontaine smiles and nods. "Alexis Rhodes is one of the strongest of my girls. Though she isn't who I would have nominated."
Chancellor Shepard turns to her. "Oh? Who would you suggest then, Fonda?"
Miss Fontaine sits up a little straighter. "I'd suggest Yuuna Yuki or Blair Flannigan."
Dr. Crowler looks like he wants to vomit.
Zane feels the same.
Chancellor Shepard raises an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Professor Banner pets his cat. "I agree. Yuuna is our best new Duelist, while Blair is the best student in my dorm." He looks down at his cat. "Don't you think so, Pharaoh?"
Pharaoh meows.
Dr. Crowler scowls. "Well if the cat says so."
There's no way Yuuna Yuki or Blair Flannigan can be the ones to Duel.
"Chancellor, Alexis would make Duel Academy proud, trust me." Zane turns more fully towards Chancellor Shepard.
If Alexis is able to show her might in the School Duel, then perhaps Yuuna Yuki will finally stop being such a cowardly liar.
"Well then, I suppose we have 3 nominies. Alexis Rhodes, Yuuna Yuki and Blair Flannigan." Chancellor Shepard chuckles. "How should we decide whom to choose?"
Mr Sartyr raises his arm. "Perhaps we should have the three of them Duel each other?"
Miss Fontaine shakes her head. "Bad idea. Yuuna and Blair have been a tag team in the past. If you put the two of them and Alexis in the same Duel, they're more likely to work together to defeat her."
She's right.
"Then perhaps we should suggest another first year and have a series of Duels." Professor Banner smiles, his eyes closed. "That way, there's no opportunity for Yuuna and Blair to work together against a single student."
Chancellor Shepard nods. "That sounds agreeable to me. Who should the fourth nomination be then?"
No one says anything for a bit as Dr. Crowler fumes and shakes in rage.
Then his face lights up like a Christmas tree. "Wait, I have it! Bastion Misawa, he should represent us!"
Zane raises an eyebrow. The Ra Yellow that Dr. Crowler keeps trying to manipulate into defeating Yuuna Yuki?
Chancellor Shepard seems as surprised as Zane feels. "From Ra Yellow?"
"Oh yes!" Dr. Crowler climbs onto the staff table and crawls across it towards Chancellor Shepard. "He's far more qualified and he tested higher than any other First Year in the entrance exams." He reaches the end and leans into Chancellor Shepard's face. "It's only fair, Chancellor."
Chancellor Shepard leans back. "Well then. Let's decide the matches and inform the participants after classes tomorrow."
Zane nods.
Hopefully Alexis will be able to win her Duels. If she is able to assert herself as the best of the best in Duel Academy, then they'll be able to expand their influence through the student body. All for the fight against the Supreme King.
The waves rock back and forth, bashing on the rocks. She knows Yuuna usually comes out here to train her powers, but thankfully, she's asleep tonight.
Which means Blair has the chance to watch the waves and breathe for a moment after watching such a manic Duel.
It's been a… crazy year already. But her life will never be the same after this.
When Blair came to Duel Academy, she intended to keep her head down, work hard and hide on the island whenever classes weren't on. She would never go back to Maria and she wouldn't make any friends.
Blair laughs and sits down on the cliff, watching the waves better.
She's made more friends in only a few months on Duel Academy Island, than she's made her entire life. She even met someone who became her sister. It's so hard to believe, but it really is amazing. And of course…
Blair narrows her eyes and puts her hand over her Deck.
She learned the Shadow Games are real. She thought that her dad just couldn't tell her the truth when she'd ask him where her mom went when she was younger. Did he really lie? Or was he telling the truth and her mother was involved in a Shadow Game, trapped in the Shadow Realm after she lost? Will she ever learn what really happened to her mom?
Blair looks up at the stars.
She learned about the existence of the Gentle Darkness, Yuuna being it's Herald and the Light of Destruction. Yuuna will have to fight that cosmic force all on her own.
Blair watches a star fall out of the sky. And wishes…
"I wish I could help Yuuna. I wish I could find out what happened to my Mom. I wish I could protect my friends." Blair whispers.
The star blinks out of existence and Blair shakes her head, smiling.
Why'd she try to wish on a star for things like that?
She stands up and walks back to the Slifer Red Dorm, yawning as she does.
That never worked before, so why should it work now?
Blair climbs up the stairs and once in the room she shares with Yuuna, she changes into her PJs. She curls up under the blankets and settles into sleep.
One thing Blair forgot though is this…
Blair's Deck begins to glow, a shimmer appearing all over it.
You should be careful what you wish for...
Blair twitches in her sleep and squeezes her palm shut, some shadows spilling out of it.
Because you just might get it.
Blair groans when she wakes up. She doesn't feel so good.
"Blair, you good?" Yuuna calls from the bathroom.
Blair hides her face in her pillow and doesn't answer. It feels like a bad idea to get up.
The bathroom door opens and she hears Yuuna kneel next to her. "What's the matter, spitfire?"
Blair turns her head to see her. "I don't know. I just feel bad."
Yuuna frowns and gently puts the back of her hand to Blair's forehead. "You don't feel hot and you're not sweating more than usual as far as I can tell."
Blair groans and turns away. Her head hurts.
"Blair, do you want me to get Miss Fontaine?" Yuuna calls.
Blair shakes her head. "No."
She just… she just wants to stay in bed. She doesn't wanna get up today.
"Okay, but I'm really worried. If you feel this bad, shouldn't we get her?" Yuuna stumbles around their room, probably looking for their PDAs.
Blair sighs. She really doesn't want to skip class.
"No, I'll get up." Blair says.
She sits up and turns to Yuuna, throwing her blankets off.
Yuuna turns to her. "You sure? There's no shame in taking a sick day."
"I'm going to class!" Blair shouts.
Yuuna stares at her.
Blair gasps and looks at herself.
Why did she just shout at Yuuna? What's wrong with her?
"Okay?" Yuuna grabs her usual things for class. "I'll wait outside?"
Oh great. Now Yuuna thinks she hates her.
"Okay." Blair says.
Yuuna nods and walks over to the door. Still hunched in on herself.
"Yuuna!" Blair calls.
Yuuna pauses and turns around.
Blair feels tears threaten to form in her eyes, but she blinks, trying to stop them. "I'm sorry for yelling. I didn't mean to."
Yuuna blinks and smiles at her.
Blair feels a little better.
"It's alright, spitfire, we are roommates. We get on each others' nerves sometimes." Yuuna opens the door. "I'll get some breakfast ready for us."
Blair smiles. "Okay. See you in a bit."
Yuuna nods. She walks out and closes the door.
Blair sighs and looks at herself.
Gee, why'd she yell at Yuuna like that? It wasn't fair at all. She needs to pull herself together.
Blair nods to herself, gets up and walks to the bathroom.
Time to fix this.
Blair can't believe it. And evidently, neither can Yuuna.
"For real?" Yuuna points at herself, then to Blair. "We're being considered for the School Duel?"
"That's right, Yuuna. You, along with Blair Flannigan, Bastion Misawa and Alexis Rhodes were all suggested as possible Duelists to represent Duel Academy in the School Duel against North Academy." Banner explains from where he stands at the bottom of the room after class. "You will be duelling Bastion tomorrow and afterwards, Blair will be Duelling Alexis. Then the winners of those Duels shall battle one another the day after to determine who will represent us."
Blair's eyes widen.
This is real. She can't believe it. The School Duel is the biggest event of the year and there's a chance she or Yuuna could be in it.
Blair looks around the room.
Bastion is giving the two of them a friendly but determined smile.
Alexis is staring at them with cold, hard eyes, her arms crossed in what looks like frustration.
"I look forward to three very exciting matches." Banner claps. "Class dismissed."
Immediately, most of the students leave, but a few stick around to talk.
"Alright girls!" Syrus laughs, pumping his fist. "You might actually be in the School Duel!"
Chumley nods rapidly. "No Slifer's ever been there! You could make Duel Academy history!"
Yuuna laughs. "Gee, thanks, haha. I'll do my best!"
Blair smiles, but she can't bring herself to laugh. She hasn't felt better since this morning, just feeling tired and bloated and her stomach started aching in class. What's wrong with her?
"Blair?"
Blair blinks out of her head.
Syrus is looking at her in concern. "You okay?"
Blair smiles. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Yuuna is looking at her in concern.
Stupid body. Why isn't it okay? What's wrong with her today? Why isn't she fine?
"Yuuna. Blair."
Blair blinks and turns around to see Bastion standing there.
"Oh hey, Bastion." Yuuna grins. "I guess, may the best Duelist win."
Bastion smiles, his arms folded. "The best Deck, that is. And I assure you Yuuna, that Deck will be mine. You see, I've been formulating a new set of cards so that I can defeat you and your Monsters ever since my Duel with Chazz."
Blair smiles. That had been a good day and it was funny to see Chazz all soaked.
"You said you would!" Yuuna jumps out of her seat. "Is it done?"
Bastion lowers his arms, shaking his head. "Not yet. But it will be Yuuna. It will be soon."
Yuuna laughs and offers a fist. "Well, till then."
Bastion raises his own fist in a bump.
"Blair, I've also been working hard to formulate strategies on how to defeat you, should you manage to defeat Alexis." Bastion turns to her.
Blair blinks and waves at him. "I look forward to our Duel then."
Bastion waves to her and that's that. He turns around and starts walking up the steps. At the top, Blair watches Jasmine and Mindy walk out of the classroom with Alexis, probably congratulating her on being a candidate for the School Duel as well.
"Bastion's designed a whole Deck just to beat you, Yuuna." Syrus exclaims in awe.
Chumley laughs nervously. "I don't know if you should feel honoured or scared."
Blair sighs. She knows she'd feel a bit of both and it's likely that Yuuna is feeling a bit of both too. She just wishes her body and mood would cooperate with her.
"Well guys." Yuuna raises a fist. "Guess we'll find out when we throw down tomorrow."
"True that." Blair sits up-
A sharp pain pierces her stomach and she sits back down, squealing, wrapping her arms around her stomach.
"Blair?!" Yuuna kneels next to her. "What's wrong?"
"That sounded painful, what happened?" Syrus looks her over.
"Whoa guys, back up, she might want space." Chumley calls out.
Chumley is officially the only person she likes right now.
Yuuna and Syrus hesitantly take a few steps back and Blair focuses on taking deep breaths. She can't let them think she's not fine. She's perfectly fine, she just… felt pain out of nowhere when she tried to sit up.
"I'm fine." Blair lets go of her stomach. "Just had some sudden pain."
Yuuna doesn't believe her. "Blair, you-"
"I'm fine." Blair growls.
Yuuna flinches back and Blair's heart snaps. Oh no. Why does she keep doing this?
"I'm sorry, Yuuna, I." Oh no, not the tears, not the tears! "I just… I just wanna go back to the dorm."
Blair looks at her body. What's the matter with her, seriously? She just woke up unhappy and it hasn't gone away. Why is she acting like this?
"It's okay." Yuuna gently places a hand on her shoulder. "But if just standing up is causing you pain, I'd rather carry you to the dorm, okay?"
Blair sighs. Don't yell at her. Do NOT yell at Yuuna. She's just trying to help her.
"I wanna walk." Blair says.
She stands up more slowly this time. There's no sharp pain slicing through her spine. She's fine.
Blair turns around and walks out of her seat, walking around Yuuna and climbing the stairs. She's fine.
Blair walks the hallways of Duel Academy, on her own after yelling at and hunting her friends. She's fine.
Blair sniffles and runs into the Slifer Red Dorm, racing straight for her room. She locks it and dives for her bed, sobbing into her pillow, whimpering as her stomach cramps up, pain shooting up and down her spine in every direction.
What's happening to her?!
Blair's not surprised when the knock comes on her door.
"Blair, are you coming to dinner?" Yuuna calls through the door. "Syrus and Chumley are really worried about you."
Blair hugs her pillow, whimpering. She doesn't wanna get up. She feels awful now, but standing up and moving makes her feel even worse. She managed to find some pain killers in the cabinet but they're taking so long to kick in.
"Blair, I know you're in there. Please talk to me." There's a gentle thunk on the door, like Yuuna's pressing her forehead to it.
Blair's heart breaks. She's such a terrible sister, how can she do this to Yuuna?
"Sorry." Blair calls. "I, I'm scared."
"Of what, spitfire?" Yuuna hums.
Blair holds the pillow she's hugging tighter. "I, I yelled at you today and was really mean and I don't know what's going on and you don't deserve it and I'm sorry Yuuna-"
"Hey, hey, Blair, it's alright." Yuuna gives a little laugh. "We all get irritated sometimes. I'm surprised you haven't yelled at me over stupid stuff before honestly."
Blair sniffles. That doesn't make what she did okay.
"I'm sure you'll feel better if you come eat. Please Blair." Yuuna calls through the door. "Pretty please?"
Blair dries her eyes and hesitantly lets go of her pillow. She gets up and walks to the door. She unlocks it, looking at the ground, feeling guilty and miserable and gross and sweaty.
Yuuna kneels and Blair can see her face. Kind and open, just like always. Yuuna's too good for her.
"Ready, spitfire?" Yuuna smiles, offering her hand.
Blair forces a small smile and nods, taking Yuuna's offered hand. They walk down the steps and Blair tries not to whimper on every movement exaggerating her full body ache.
She just has to eat. She just has to get through this.
Blair glances at Yuuna, who's holding her hand so gently, but it's a sure grip.
She just has to get through this for her.
Blair lets out a sigh of relief as she finally finishes her bowl of rice. It was smaller than usual, but it means she was done sooner so she's glad that Chumley got it for her now.
"Feeling any better, spitfire?" Yuuna hums.
Blair's stomach is still cramping up. It's not any worse, but it's not any better. Her head aches. She still feels upset and sensitive, like anything could make her blow up.
"Way better, thanks!" Blair fakes a smile.
Syrus smiles, putting his bowl down. "Oh good, I was really worried about you."
Chumley nods. "Yeah, same here. Do you want seconds in that case?"
Yuuna laughs, her head thrown back. "Easy guys, you don't want her to brust!"
Blair needs to get out of here. Now.
"I'm just gonna use the bathroom for a bit." Blair stands up slowly, to ensure the pain doesn't zap her again.
Oh thank God, it didn't strike at her nerves.
She walks over to the girl's restroom while her friends wave her off. Blair closes the door behind her.
She crumples to the ground, whimpering under her breath. Oh God, fuck, no. Oh God. She can't….
She can't go back out there. She can't keep pretending she feels better.
Syrus looked at her with wet eyes when she first came down. Yuuna was frowning in worry when she thought Blair wasn't looking. Chumley kept trying to distract her or draw her into other conversations.
They're all so worried about her. She doesn't deserve this.
"You stupid girl, it's your fault you got sick. You can take care of yourself."
Blair sniffles. She can't cry. Not over this. Not when she doesn't even know why she's in pain. Or she'll really be given a reason to cry. That's what Maria would do.
Blair lifts her head and eyes the other exit to the girl's bathroom. It leads right outside and lets you out into the woods. Maybe some fresh air is what she needs. She's been cooped up in class or her room all day, she just needs to get out of here.
Blair stands up and stumbles outside. She walks into the woods.
She glances over her shoulder.
The sun isn't setting quite yet. She'll get back after it goes down.
Blair turns forwards and runs.
Blair groans as she bonks her head against a tree.
She's lost and the sun's set a while ago. She meant to start walking back hours ago, but now she doesn't know which way she came from or where to go next. The painkillers have started to kick in at least, but she's still miserable and cold and hurting and…
Blair looks up at the cloudy night sky. "Yuuna…"
She misses her big sister. And Syrus. And Chumley. She wants to go back to her family. All they've done all day is worry about her. They may be looking for her now. Especially since they thought she was just taking a bathroom break. Damnit, they're probably mad at her for lying to them. And for leaving them. And for making them worry.
Blair groans and sits on the ground. "Damnit."
She wants to go home.
The shadows twist and twirl beneath her body, as she sits in the light of the stars and the moon. Almost like they're dancing on the grass.
A snap.
Blair gasps and jumps to her feet. "Who's there?!"
She can't see anything, just the shadows dancing on the trees behind her. But she heard something, she knows she did.
A howl.
Blair jumps and turns around again. Just more trees and shadows and grass. It must've been the wind, right?
Blair whimpers and hugs herself.
No. Stay calm. She has to-
A growl.
Blair freezes
Something's there. She knows it like prey knows it's being hunted. Something's there and it wants to eat her.
Blair turns, looking over her shoulder, holding herself tighter and tighter.
A tiger.
A fucking tiger is behind her. It's eyes bright, it's stripes dark, it's fur harsh.
It walks out of the underbrush, it's paws strong, the King of the jungle.
Blair gasps and her knees go weak as she stumbles, pushing herself up against the tree. "No, no, no, please no!"
The tiger growls and stalks forward.
Blair curls in on herself, legs as close to her body as possible, her arms over her chest. "No, don't eat me, please I'll go, I'll go, please no!"
The tiger roars and sprints towards her.
Blair shrieks and curls up tighter. "NO!"
Then the unexpected happens.
Shadows rise up and around Blair, throwing themselves in every direction, clashing and smashing like shattered glass.
The tiger roars and runs away, sprinting for the tree cover.
Blair screams and howls within the shadows, as they rise up higher and higher, striking in every direction, sharp and fluid and cruel, a bubble surrounding her-
Blair jumps up and bangs her hands on the bubble. "NO, no, let me go, let me go!"
The spikes keep striking recklessly, without direction.
No, no, nononono-
"Hello?!"
Is it?!
Blair gasps. "YUUNA!"
There! She's right there, between the trees and-
Was she Duelling?! Why's House Dragonmaid there?!
"BLAIR!" Yuuna screams.
The shadows dive for her and she barely jumps out of the way in time
"NO!" Blair screams, reaching out her hand. "NO, DON'T HURT HER! WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME?!"
No, no,no! What is this?!
The bubble gets thicker, totally black.
"NO!" Blair bangs on it harder. "Let me go, let me go, please, no, no, let me out, what's wrong?!"
She can't do this, she can't do this, no, no,no-
"Blair!" House Dragonmaid calls out. "Little Love, listen to me!"
She can't see, she's crying, she's scared, she's so scared, no, no,no-
"Blair! Blair calm down!" Yuuna shouts. "I'm comin- argh!"
No,no,no,no, no-
"LET ME OUT, LET ME OUT, STOP IT!" BLair sobs and screams. "LET ME GO-"
She doesn't wanna be alone, she doesn't wanna be alone, no, no, let her out-
"Blair."
Blair gasps, stumbling back.
Yuuna stands before her, a line of blood on her cheek, roughed up but right there.
Her eyes a blazing gold, like in the Duels with Jinzo and Titan.
"Blair, listen to me." Yuuna reaches out a hand. "You need to calm down."
Blair shakes and trembles. "I-I don't know how, I've been a bad girl, I-"
"Shhh, it's okay." Yuuna kneels before her, hand still out stretched. "I'm not upset, Blair. It's okay. Trust me, okay?"
Blair sobs and hugs herself tighter. "Yuuna, I'm scared, I'm so scared and I don't know how to feel better-"
"That's okay, Blair, shhh." Yuuna holds her hand out a little further, the blood on her cheek dripping down her chin. "I'll help you. I love you, Blair. You're my sister and I'm here for you. Please, take my hand?"
Blair whimpers and shakes. She's so scared, she's so, so scared and it hasn't gone away and she feels like she's all over the place-
But Yuuna's here. Yuuna's asking for her trust.
Blair reaches out and takes her sister's hand.
"That's it." Yuuna says, calmly, softly. "We'll make it better. Just trust me."
Blair holds her sister's hand tighter. "I'm scared."
"It's okay, Spitfire. Just close your eyes…" Yuuna closes her eyes. " And slow down…"
Blair nods and does just that.
"Inhale for four…" Yuuna takes in a deep breath.
Blair does the same.
"1, 2, 3, 4." Yuuna counts.
Blair holds her breath.
"Exhale for eight." Yuuna lets her breathe out.
Blair does the same.
"5, 6, 7, 8." Yuuna counts.
Blair holds her breath.
Yuuna inhales. "Keep your cool."
Blair inhales.
Yuuna exhales. "And you're great."
Blair exhales.
"You're okay, Blair. No one's mad at you. You're safe. I'm safe." Yunna holds her hand tighter, giving it a quick squeeze. "You can open your eyes."
Blair slowly opens her eyes, squinting and then wide open.
House Dragonmaid is kneeling on the ground, tears behind her glasses, smiling. "Oh, Little Love…"
Yubel floats a few feet above the ground behind Yuuna, their arms folded. "Well this is unexpected."
"Kuri!" Winged Kuriboh floats next to them, flapping his wings.
"Dra-dra-dra!" Baby Dragon throws up his arms, beaming with his mouth full of teeth.
Blair stares at them, her eyes darting around. "Wh-why?! Why am I hearing Winged Kuriboh?! And seeing Yubel?!"
"You get used to it, Blair." Yuuna smiles, holding her hands. "It looks like you're like me."
Blair blinks, eyes widening. "Like you? Yuuna, what did I do?"
Did that darkness really come from her? How is that possible? Why can she see these Duel Monsters?!
Yuuna holds her closer and wraps one arm around her, still holding her hand. "You have the Gentle Darkness too, Spitfire."
Blair stares at her. What? "I-I do? But, how I thought only you could-"
Yuuna holds her tighter, reaching up to stroke her hair. "I don't get it either, Blair."
"Even when I was alive, I never knew anyone besides Haou who had the power of the Gentle Darkness. I had no idea there could be two Heralds." Yubel looks out to the moon. "It makes no sense."
Blair doesn't get it either. Nothing like this has ever happened to her in her whole life, not until-
Blair's eyes widen and she lifts her head. "It was Titan."
Yuuna pulls back and looks at her. "What?"
"It was after the Duel with Titan, in the Shadow Realm!" Blair grabs Yuuna's jacket tightly. "After that, when I couldn't sleep, I thought I heard House!"
House nods. "I did speak to you, Little Love. I did my best to calm you down."
Blair's mind races, trying to catch onto other memories, other things she'd tried to brush off.
"In the Tag Team Trial…" Blair looks at House and Baby Dragon. "I heard you and Baby Dragon and the others, but I couldn't tell who was who. And in the Duel with Jinzo, I thought I saw my shadow move to protect Yuuna at the last second! And when we were hunting for the Duel Giant, I saw Baby Dragon!"
"Dra-dra!" Baby Dragon nods, smiling widely.
Blair stares at the two of them, then looks over to Yuuna. "I…"
She doesn't know what to say. She's still scared. This has never happened to her before.
"Hey." Yuuna squeezes her hand and smiles. "It'll be okay. I'll help you learn to control your abilities. So will Yubel and House Dragonmaid and everyone else in our Decks."
Blair stares at her. And starts to cry, hiding her face in Yuuna's jacket, clinging to it tightly.
"I'm here, I'm here, I'm here." Yuuna murmurs softly. "It's okay, Spitfire. It's okay."
Blair believes her. But she can't stop crying, her heart an ache in her chest.
"Ready to go back to the dorm?" Yuuna asks. "I can carry you."
Blair nods, wrapping her arms around Yuuna's neck, tucking her face into Yuuna's collarbones.
Yuuna carefully stands up, hands holding Blair, one over her back and cradling her head, the other under her thighs. Blair holds Yuuna tighter, hiding her face a little deeper.
"Let's g-" Yuuna stiffens. "Blair."
Blair stiffens. Oh no. She's in trouble.
"Blair, did you scratch yourself with your shadows?" Yuuna says, slowly. "I'm not mad, I just wanna know."
Blair looks up at her. "No?"
Yuuna gulps. "Okay. We've gotta go to the nurse's office then."
Blair gasps. "What, but why?!
"Blair, there's blood on your pants." Yuuna says. "I'm taking you to the nurse's office, now."
Blair stares at her.
And stares.
And stares.
"WHAT?!"
Fonda has been a school nurse for a long time now and even on Duel Academy, the students can get themselves into all kinds of trouble. Usually the injuries don't happen at 7pm, but she'd stayed late because she was catching up on paperwork and it was better to get it done in the nurse's office than in her room in the Obelisk Blue Girls' Dorm.
She was expecting to just have to finish up filling the incidence reports, nothing else. Just a peaceful evening in the nurse's office.
"MISS FONTAINE!"
BANG, BANG, BANG!
Fonda jumps a little. What could be the matter at this hour? And is that Yuki's voice?
"MISS FONTAINE, PLEASE BE IN, SHE'S BLEEDING!"
"Yuuna!"
Flannigan too?
Fonda opens the door. "What's the matter gir- oh my."
Yuki has blood on her face from a scratch across her cheek and her uniform jacket has a few scratches and rips in it. She has a tight grip on the other Slifer Red and her face is stricken with panic. Flannigan hasn't got any blood or scratches on her jacket, but her jeans are stained red on the bottom. She's got tears in her eyes as she clings to Yuki just as tightly. They look like they just walked out of a particularly nasty thorn bush.
"Miss Fontaine, it's Blair, she's bleeding and we don't know why!" Yuki stares up at her. "Help her!"
"Calm down, Yuuna, she's gonna be just fine." Fonda points to the bed. "Just put her on the bed."
Yuki practically sprints into her office, laying Flannigan down on it, who winces as she lets go of Yuki to hold her stomach. Ahh. That's what it is.
"Blair is your stomach hurting again?" Yuki frets next to her, shaking her hands. "Maybe you should sit up if it hurts that bad?"
Flannigan whimpers, sobbing. "Yuuna, I'm scared. I don't know what's wrong with me."
Fonda picks up the leaflet, some pads, stands up and walks over to the bed. "Blair, I don't think you have to worry."
Flannigan and Yuki turn to her, both in shock.
"What do you mean, not worry?! SHE'S BLEEDING!" Yuki shrieks, hysterical.
Fonda stares at her. Yuki is 15, she should know what's going on. Though if she did, she wouldn't be this hysterical.
Looks like she'll have to have The Talk with both of them.
"Well unless she got stabbed by her thighs, there's a perfectly natural reason why she'd be bleeding." Fonda hands over the leaflet. "It's her first period."
Flannigan and Yuki stare at her, clearly not comprehending the words.
Okay, may as well dive right into it then.
"A period is something that women go through each month once they start going through puberty. You bleed from your vagina for a few days, usually 3 to 8 days. You also experience moodiness, cramps, irritability, feeling bloated. I imagine if you've felt off your game for most of the day, it's because of this." Fonda explains, quite used to this. "It's perfectly natural and you'll just have to get used to it."
Flannigan and Yuki stare at her with mounting horror, though there's some dawning realisation in Flannigan's eyes.
1, 2, 3-
"WHAT?!"