Haou was a gentle child, once.
He played with a kitten who would beg for scraps at his window and he'd run wild through the forest with Yubel. He tried to treat all his people equally, but there were those he held closer to his heart than any others, like Yubel, his father, his mother and his apprentice.
But when his father was beheaded in front of him, that gentle child died.
Instead the warrior his people needed and his father had been moulding finally appeared.
He did not like the person he had become. The person who killed.
But he thought he had to be that person to protect everyone.
As he lay dying, part of him knew…
That the man who killed in pleasure was not meant to wield the Gentle Darkness.
YUUNA YUKI: 4000
ALEXIS RHODES: 4000
"I draw!" Yuuna shouts.
The last time Yuuna Duelled Alexis, Yubel wasn't at her side. And while Yuuna wishes her Guardian was on her team, she asked them to protect Blair for her since she had to fight. They'd reluctantly agreed. Yuuna doesn't have her Guardian with her this time.
"Your Majesty, we fight with you."
"My Lady, we'll do whatever you ask."
"My Queen, we are forever at your command."
But she isn't alone.
Yuuna looks at her hand carefully. Goldd, Ceruli, Lucent, The Gates of Dark World, Charge Into A Dark World and Dark World Dealings.
"I start off by playing the Spell card, Dark World Dealings!" Yuuna shouts. "We each draw one card and then we each discard a card in our hands!"
Yuuna and Alexis draw and discard.
"And because I discarded my Ceruli, Guru of Dark World-" Yuuna throws out her hand. "He appears on your side of the field!"
Alexis narrows her eyes.
Ceruli rises to Alexis' side of the field with 300 DEF points.
"There's more to it than just that though. When Ceruli is summoned via the effect of a Dark World card, like my Dark World Dealings-" Yuuna picks a card in her hand. "His opponent must discard one card in their hand. Since Ceruli is on your field, that makes me the opponent."
Lucent pipes up. "Do me, my Queen, I can get more out of this!"
Yuuna discards Lucent. "Whenever I discard Lucent, Netherlord of Dark World, he gets to be special summoned to my field!"
Lucent rises out of the Graveyard with a cocky grin and 2400 ATK points. "This is when it gets really fun, Your Majesty."
"I know, Lucent. Because if he was special summoned because the opponent made me discard him…" Yuuna allows herself a vicious smirk. "I can special summon any Fiend type Monster from my Deck to either of our fields, Alexis!"
She pulls out her Deck and picks a Monster to summon.
"Welcome to the stage, Sillva, Warlord of Dark World!" Yuuna slams his card on the field.
Sillva appears on the field with his 2300 ATK points and a grumpy expression. "This mortal must've really upset Lady Yuuna to bring us both out at the same time, Lucent."
"Ohhh, you don't know the half of it, Sillva." Lucent cracks his knuckles. "We gotta get revenge for the little Princess the Queen's adopted."
Sillva nods. "My sword is ready to destroy all weaklings, Lady Yuuna."
Ceruli calls out. "And I am prepared to be slain in the name of revenge, Your Majesty."
"And I thank you all for supporting me." Yuuna takes a breath, looking at her hand again.
Goldd, The Gates of Dark World, Charge Into A Dark World, Dark Crusader.
Yuuna shouts. "I haven't done one normal summon yet this turn, so I'll use it to bring out my Dark Crusader!"
Dark Crusader rises to the field, smirking with his 1600 ATK points. "Wow, sure is a party out here, Lady Yuuna."
"And you're gonna help me invite one more guest to the festivities." Yuuna discards Goldd. "By discarding a Dark Monster, Dark Crusader gains 400 ATK points."
Dark Crusader's smile widens as his sword glows a menacing purple, ATK points rising to 2000. "One invitation coming right up, my Lady."
"Since I discarded Goldd, Wu-Lord of Dark World, his ability activates and I can special summon him!" Yuuna snarls.
A new Dark World Monster appears on the field. Standing at equal height with Sillva, the arena lights reflect on his muddy golden armour and fearsome wings. He holds a battle axe at the ready, wielding his 2300 ATK points with pride.
"Lady Yuuna, I thank you for giving me the chance to fight at your side." Goldd growls.
Sillva smiles viciously. "It has been far too long since we fought together."
Goldd smirks. "I agree, lover."
Yuuna nods to herself.
Only one thing left to do.
"I end my turn by playing the field Spell-" Yuuna opens the field Spell slot on her Duel Disk. "The Gates of Dark World!"
The ground trembles and shakes and suddenly, behind Yuuna and her Monsters, a mighty doorway rises out of the Earth, white light spilling out of it's open doors. It's covered in odd markings, from top to bottom, markings Yuuna hopes to one day understand.
"With this card out, all my Fiend Monsters gain 300 ATK and DEF points." Yuuna declares.
Goldd's ATK points rise to 2600.
Sillva's ATK points rise to 2600.
Lucent's ATK points rise to 2700.
Dark Crusader's ATK points rise to 2300.
"I end my turn." Yuuna says.
She doesn't have time to fuck around. She has to get back to Blair as soon as she can, she has to be at her side when she needs her the most.
Alexis places her fingers on her Deck. "Draw."
Yuuna's hands shake as they clench into fists.
I hate you.
"I play the Spell card Swords of Revealing Light." Alexis declares.
"NO!" Yuuna screams.
The same swords from her Duel with Dmitri descend from the heavens and surround her four Monsters, trapping them.
"For your next 3 turns, you are unable to attack." Alexis says.
Goldd hisses. "My very first battle and I'm locked out. How disappointing."
Ceruli bows his head. "I apologise that I can't help you, friends."
Lucent grits his teeth. "Not your fault, old man. We're just gonna have to wait it out."
Sillva slams his sword into the earth. "I hate waiting."
Dark Crusader hefts his sword over his shoulder. "Relax, geezers. Ice Princess knows she can't beat us right now. We'll kill her once the light show is over."
Yuuna hopes they can hold out that long. Even if she does draw Gren right now, she can't discard him using Charge Into A Dark World since she doesn't have any Monsters in her Graveyard. Nor can she use The Gates of Dark World, since she has no Monsters in her Graveyard to remove from play.
"I now summon Crystal Girl." Alexis declares.
A young girl wearing an outfit similar to the Snow Fairy's appears with only 200 ATK points.
"During the end phase of my turn, I'm allowed to add a Level 5 or higher Water Monster from my Deck to my hand, since I summoned her." Alexis picks a new card in her hand. "I now play the equip Spell card, Scroll of Bewitchment."
A red scroll appears and starts spinning around Ceruli, making the old Guru groan in pain.
Yuuna narrows her eyes. "What is that meant to do?
"It allows me to change the attribute of one Monster." Alexis explains. "And I declare Ceruli to become a Water Monster."
The scroll turns blue and wraps around Ceruli like chains, restraining him as he cries out in pain.
"Geezer!" Dark Crusader shouts.
"This next card I can special summon by tributing 2 Water Monsters." Alexis holds up the card high. "I summon the Ice Master."
Crystal Girl and Ceruli are frozen solid and destroyed, creating a huge smoke screen. And out of the mist arises a woman wearing white and blue, with her face covered and a sceptre at her side similar to the one Cold Enchanter has.
Ice Master stamps the sceptre on the ground, revealing her 2500 ATK points.
"Once per turn, Ice Master can place an Ice Counter on one Monster." Alexis points ahead. "I select Lucent."
Ice Master blasts a snowflake from her staff, branding Lucent with it on his left shoulder.
"What does that do?" Yuuna asks.
Alexis ignores her. "I play the field Spell Absolute Zero Barrier."
A ring of icicles sprout up around Yuuna and Alexis, the floor under them and their Monsters getting covered in frost. The Gates of Dark World creak and groan, but remain.
Yuuna's eyes widen.
"The effect of my Absolute Zero Barrier means that any Monster with an Ice Counter on it loses 500 ATK points and can not attack." Alexis declares.
Lucent groans as ice spreads over his left shoulder and some of his arm, his ATK points falling to 2200.
"Turn end." Alexis grabs her Deck. "And with it the effect of my Crystal Girl in my Graveyard brings a Level 5 or higher Water Monster to my hand."
Yuuna grits her teeth, fists shaking.
This doesn't look good.
In the stands, on the Slifer's side of the arena, Chumley and Syrus are shaking while Bastion stares at the Arena with narrowed eyes.
"H-have you ever seen Yuuna summon that many Monsters in just one turn?" Chumley stammers.
Syrus shakes his head, hugging himself. "N-n-never."
"There's over 9000 ATK points on Yuuna's field alone. And Alexis stopped them all with just one card." Bastion folds his arms.
When he wrote his notes on Alexis and Yuuna, he knew that Yuuna had been unsure about Alexis, but that Alexis was firm in her hatred of Yuuna. Based on Yuuna's actions in this Duel though, it appears that she isn't wavering anymore. She hates Alexis as much as Alexis hates her.
It had to have been because of Alexis' defeat of Blair, who is still unconscious. Bastion knows how protective Yuuna is of Blair and Alexis likely knows this as well.
He knew this Duel would reveal many things to him, but he didn't expect this.
Chumley hugs himself. "This is one intense match up. The tension is really thick."
"It feels like they've been waiting a 1000 years to kill each other." Syrus shudders.
Bastion leans forward. "I just hope Yuuna can escape that Spell."
And Blair will wake up soon, or Yuuna will be consumed by her rage.
On the other side of the arena, Zane watches over the match with a small smirk.
It seems Alexis is finally getting serious. Good. It's about time that she fulfilled her destiny and stopped the Supreme King in his tracks. Ever since he joined the Society of Light, he knew that one day Alexis would be the one to deliver them from the darkness.
Now, that time has come.
On the Arena floor, Vellian cackles in glee.
He might not have been the one to nominate Alexis, but he is so proud of his wonderful Obelisk student.
"Put that Slifer Slacker in her place, Alexis!" Vellian cheers. "Show her she doesn't belong in the school Duel!"
Outside the Arena, in the medical room, Jasmine and Mindy sit at Blair's bedside while the Duel plays in the background on a live TV. Miss Fontaine is busy working on organising some files in her office.
Mindy's eyes are wide. "I've never seen most of the Monsters Yuuna just played. She's taking this Duel really seriously."
"I'll say." Jasmine nods. "Alexis deserves whatever Yuuna throws at her."
The two girls look at Blair, Jasmine pressing the back of her hand against Blair's forehead. She's pale as a ghost and just as cold. The only sign she's alive is her breathing.
"Blair really took a beating, huh?" Mindy frowns, sadness sinking into her skin.
Jasmine nods. "She did."
The two are quiet, watching Blair with heavy hearts.
"I hope she'll be okay." Jasmine murmurs.
Mindy nods, taking Jasmine's hand. "Me too."
Blair lays still, completely oblivious to the two watching over her.
Blair groans as she collapses in the snow, gasping and heaving for breath. She's not sure how much longer she can take this. It feels like she's been running for hours, but all she does is go in circles.
A rustle on the trees.
Blair grits her teeth, forcing herself back to her hands and knees.
"Blair! Thank God, I found you."
Blair lifts her head.
Dragon's feet greet her.
"Come on, get up, before White Night Queen catches up to us."
The person kneels in front of her, offering Blair their hand, which Blair takes. The touch of their skin brings some warmth back to Blair.
Blair's eyes widen. "Yubel…"
Yubel nods, smiling. "That's me, kiddo. Come now, we need to get to Dragonmaid Mansion. Can you stand?"
Blair lifts herself up, groaning as she does. "I, I think so. Walking is another matter."
She feels utterly frozen. Her legs can barely move.
"Alright then, you okay if I carry you?" Yubel pulls her the rest of the way to her feet.
Blair nods. "O-okay."
She sneezes and shivers.
She's so cold.
Yubel grits their teeth. "We need to get you out of this chill now."
They pick Blair up and she clings to Yubel's neck. Blair's never held Yubel before, but they didn't expect their skin to be so leathery yet soft. They're so warm. So safe.
Blair holds on tighter.
Yubel starts to flap their wings. "I'll take you to the mansion."
With that, they fly away, the cold digging into Blair's fingers and toes.
While a Queen watches them go.
Yuuna grits her teeth as she looks out at the field. With that fucking Swords of Revealing Light keeping her Monsters behind bars and Absolute Zero Barrier making sure they stay behind bars, she's stuck.
"I draw." Yuuna declares. She looks at her drawn card.
Double Summon.
Yuuna groans.
"Lady Yuuna, what are we going to do?" Goldd calls out.
Sillva growls. "We are unable to fight due to the Swords of Revealing Light."
"And that stupid Ice Master is making us weaker by the minute, Your Majesty." Lucent shivers.
Dark Crusader scoffs. "That's nothing. I can take her."
"I know you could if I had someone to discard." Yuuna sighs.
If she had just one Dark World Monster in her Graveyard, she could do something. But Ceruli is in Alexis' Graveyard, out of Yuuna's reach.
"I switch Dark Crusader and Lucent to DEF mode." Yuuna declares.
Lucent whines and whimpers as he takes a knee, scowling as his DEF points drop to 300 thanks to The Gates of Dark World. "I hate being in DEF mode so much."
"Quit whining, geezer, the little Lady is just doing what she has to." Dark Crusader takes a knee as well, his DEF points standing at 500 thanks to The Gates of Dark World.
"I end my turn." Yuuna declares.
She can't do anything else to protect her Monsters or get revenge on Alexis.
Alexis scowls at Yuuna. "Draw."
Yuuna's fists shake.
I hate you.
"I activate Ice Master's effect." Alexis throws out her palm. "I place an Ice Counter on your Sillva."
Ice Master blasts a snowflake from her staff, branding Sillva with it on his right knee.
Sillva snarls as ice spreads across his right knee, his ATK points falling to 2100. "I'll kill that enchantress."
"I'll help you, lover." Goldd raises his axe.
"I summon my Cold Enchanter." Alexis declares.
Alexis's weaker ice related enchantress appears on the field with her 1600 ATK points.
"I activate another effect of my Crystal Girl. If she's in the Graveyard and I control a Level 5 or higher Water Monster, I can summon her to the field." Alexis declares. "The only catch is she is banished when she leaves the field."
Crystal Girl walks out from behind Ice Master, kneeling on the floor in DEF mode with 100 points.
"By discarding a card, my Cold Enchanter can place another Ice Counter on a Monster." Alexis discards a card. "I place the Ice Counter on Goldd."
Cold Enchanter chants then blasts a snowflake from her staff, branding it on Goldd's left knee.
Goldd hisses as ice spreads across his left knee, his ATK points falling to 2100. "I'll kill that one."
"I'll leave her to you then, lover." Sillva brandishes his sword.
"For every Ice Counter on the field, my Cold Enchanter gains 300 ATK points." Alexis mentions.
Cold Enchanter glows a bright white, as her ATK points raise to 2500.
Yuuna gasps. "Oh no."
Two Monsters with 2500 ATK points, against all of Yuuna's Monsters, who are weaker.
She's going to attack.
"I end my turn." Alexis declares.
Yuuna blinks.
Dark Crusader narrows his eyes. "Why the Hell isn't she attacking?"
"Beats me." Lucent scoffs.
Yuuna narrows her eyes. "She's planning something."
Alexis only glares back at her.
"Here I go." Yuuna draws.
The Forces of Darkness.
Damnit, this isn't going to help her right now.
Yuuna grits her teeth and puts it facedown. "I end my turn."
With it, Swords of Revealing Light are destroyed. On Yuuna's next turn, she can fight.
Alexis draws and plays the card. "I summon my Snowman Creator."
A dark blue machine appears on the field with 1600 ATK points.
"When I summon my Snowman Creator, I can create an equal number of Ice Counters as there are Water Monsters on my side of the field and place those Ice Counters on your Monsters." Alexis holds up 4 fingers. "One for each of your Monsters."
Yuuna shouts. "NO!"
Snowman Creator starts churning out the Ice Counters and throwing them at her Monsters.
Dark Crusader spits as the Ice Counter appears on his chest, ice forming over it.
Lucent shouts as the Ice Counter appears on his right shoulder, ice forming over it.
Goldd hisses as the Ice Counter appears on his right knee, ice forming over it, bringing his ATK down to 1600.
Sillva grows as the Ice Counter appears on his left knee, ice forming over it, bringing his ATK down to 1600.
"And my Cold Enchanter gains 1200 ATK points for the 4 Ice Counters." Alexis declares.
Cold Enchanter smiles wickedly as white surrounds her and her ATK points rise to 3700.
"Well, it can't get much worse, right?" Lucent chuckles darkly.
"That's not all." Alexis brings attention to herself. "Since I was able to place over 3 Ice Counters using Snowman Creator's effect, I can now destroy one card on your side of the field, Yuki."
"You just had to say that, didn't you Lucent?!" Dark Crusader screams.
The Forces of Darkness gets completely iced over and bursts into pixels, destroyed before it could even be used.
"Cold Enchanter, destroy Goldd!" Alexis orders.
"Goldd, no!" Yuuna shouts.
"Lover!" Sillva screams.
Cold Enchanter rushes across the field and Goldd can barely move, the ice keeping his legs bound. Goldd manages to lift his battle axe, only for Cold Enchanter to swing her staff down and break it, destroying Goldd in the process.
Yuuna screams as the harsh winds from Cold Enchanter's attack hit her.
"My Lady!" Dark Crusader and Sillva shout, the same time that Lucent screams. "My Queen!"
YUUNA YUKI: 1900
ALEXIS RHODES: 4000
Cold Enchanter's ATK points drop to 3100 with the loss of two Ice Counters.
"Ice Master, destroy Sillva!" Alexis orders.
Ice Master races across the field and brings her staff down hard on Sillva, who's sword struggles for only a moment, before he's also destroyed.
The winds push against Yuuna even more, making her shudder and whine.
YUUNA YUKI: 1000
ALEXIS RHODES: 4000
Cold Enchanter's ATK points drop to 2500 with the loss of two Ice Counters.
"Snowman Creator, attack Lucent!" Alexis orders.
Snowman Creator's eyes flash red and it starts cranking out snowman after snowman, who march over to Lucent and bury him under themselves. There's an explosion and then Lucent and the snowmen are no more.
Cold Enchanter's ATK points drop to 1900 with the loss of two Ice Counters.
"Turn end." Alexis declares.
Yuuna falls to her left knee, a hand over her chest, gasping, shivering. She's so, so cold.
"Lady Yuuna! Lady Yuuna!" Dark Crusader shouts in increasing urgency. "Pull it together! Stand up, the match isn't over yet! Lady Yuuna!"
Yuuna knows she can't give in. Not yet. Not before she can defeat Alexis. Not before she can check in with Yubel. Not before…
Yuuna's other knee hits the ground and she puts her hands out in front of her, to stop her from falling on her face.
Not before Blair is okay…
Blair shudders as her feet touch the ground.
"Oh, you poor dear." Nurse Dragonmaid wraps a blanket around Blair's shoulders. "You're practically frozen stiff. We can't have that, can we?"
"We'll get you warmed up, come on Blair!" Laundry Dragonmaid starts dragging Blair over to the fireplace. "Come here, it'll be nice and toasty."
Parlor Dragonmaid drags an armchair over to the fireplace. "Here, this is the cosiest armchair we have, you'll be comfortable here!"
"I just prepared some tea and muffins, they should still be warm." Kitchen Dragonmaid rushes out of the room. "I'll go get them and find House."
"Thank you for bringing her to the mansion. We bound ourselves to the property to ensure it wouldn't be under White Night Queen's influence, but that meant we couldn't leave sadly." Chamber Dragonmaid bows to Yubel.
Yubel smiles. "Someone has to keep her safe when Yuuna is fighting."
Blair settles herself more fully in the armchair, looking around the mansion's interior in awe.
The windows are huge and draped with massive red curtains, the carpets a pale pink-ish colour, the walls painted a rich brown. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling and the doorways are decorated with wood carvings like dragon's wings. Candle stands are stuck to the walls as well, the flames flickering softly even as the wind howls outside.
It's absolutely massive and gorgeous.
"How did this happen?" Blair asks.
The dragons stop chattering among themselves to turn to her.
"Why did I wake up in the middle of a frozen pine forest with White Night Queen trying to make me go somewhere with her?" Blair holds the blanket tighter. "The last thing I remember is…"
She narrows her eyes, struggling to remember it.
Why is she struggling to remember things?
"You were Duelling Alexis Rhodes for a spot in the School Duel, dear." Nurse sighs, straightening her back. "She beat you."
Blair's eyes widen in shock.
"And she infected you with the Light of Destruction." Yubel crosses their arms. "It's trying to take over your soul, which is basically what we're in."
Blair blinks. "We're… in my soul?"
"Or it could be your mind. Or your heart. It's quite complicated, Blair." Chamber settles on the ground in front of her. "It's easiest though to say that we're within you and working together to protect you from the Light of Destruction's infectious nature."
Blair shudders. "Is that why I'm having a hard time remembering things?"
"Likely." Yubel nods. "The Light of Ruin does like to manipulate memories to its advantage."
Blair sighs. "Great."
Kitchen suddenly arrives in the doorway with House Dragonmaid, Kitchen rolling a tray of tea cups, a kettle and several muffins.
"Little Love, I'm so glad you're safe." House smiles.
Blair's heart calms at seeing her. "I'm glad you're all safe too."
Parlor starts plaiting up the food and tea, offering it to Blair and her fellow Dragonmaids. "Now that we're all together, we can form a plan, right?"
Laundry nods, taking a muffin. "Yep, yep, now we can beat up White Night Queen!"
Kitchen hums as she sips a cup of tea. "I'm not sure if it will be that simple."
Parlor and Laundry's eyes widen. "It won't?"
"While defeating White Night Queen in this world would make waking up easier-" Nurse places the tea back in it's cup in her lap. "She'll come back if she isn't defeated in a Duel."
"If White Night Queen is summoned in a Duel, her presence here will be splintered." Chamber explains, as she takes one of Kitchen's muffins.
House smiles, pouring herself some tea. "And if she's defeated in a Duel, it will allow us to rid her completely from this world."
Blair hums, sipping the tea.
It's sweet and warm. Like the hot chocolate her dad used to make.
Yubel perks up. "Yuuna should be Duelling Alexis right now. So if Alexis summons White Night Queen and Yuuna can defeat it, we may be able to get rid of her."
"What?!" Blair shouts, almost dropping the tea. "Yuuna is Duelling Alexis right now?!"
Yubel nods. "You've almost been asleep for 24 hours, Blair. Yuuna only left your side because of the match."
Blair's eyes widen in awe.
She really did that… For Blair?
Why is she surprised? This is Yunna Yuki after all.
Blair smiles.
She's so lucky to have her for a sister.
"In that case-" Blair turns her head to Yubel. "You need to go to her."
Yubel blinks. "Blair?"
"You're the only one in this room who is also in Yuuna's Deck." Blair turns to Yubel fully. "Therefore, you're the only one who can tell her all this and who could possibly defeat White Night Queen as well. She'll need you."
Knowing Yuuna, she probably ordered Yubel to stay with Blair until she woke up.
Yubel unfolds their arms. "I can't just leave you and the Dragonmaids undefended."
House chuckles. "Yubel, you haven't forgotten how strong we are, have you?"
Yubel turns to her. "Of course not. I just know I'm stronger."
House raises an eyebrow. "How cheeky to say that to my face, Zero."
Yubel cocks a grin. "I was a very cheeky human a few thousand years ago. Being a Dragon hasn't stopped that, House."
House hums. "I imagine it wouldn't. You've had a few thousand years to come to terms with it after all."
Blair watches the two banter with a small smile on her face. She never thought House or Yubel would be the banter type. It's reassuring that the two of them can crack jokes like this.
She narrows her eyes.
But they're still in a crisis. They can't afford to be distracted.
"Yubel." Blair calls.
Yubel and House pause in their banter, turning to her.
"Please, go to Yuuna." Blair smiles. "I've got all 6 of my Dragonmaids to protect me, plus the other Monsters in my Deck. You're the only one who can do this. I'll be fine."
Yubel blinks and sighs, grinning. "Alright then, Blair. See ya."
With that, Yubel bursts into dark shadows and they dive into the ceiling, disappearing.
Blair holds the tea cup tighter.
She hopes Yubel can get to Yuuna in time.
"In the meantime, we'll just keep you warm." House declares. "If we're lucky, White Night Queen won't find us for quite some time."
BOOM!
The building shakes as thunder claps outside and light fills the windows.
All the Dragonmaids scream and half of them drop their cups, as their candles and fireplace go out. The mansion suddenly goes cold, cold as the world outside.
"So much for not being found." Chamber whimpers.
Blair's eyes widen in worry.
Yuuna!
Blair gives a twitch, her body trembling.
Jasmine gasps, reaching for Blair's hand. "Blair, are you awake?"
Mindy turns from the TV. "What is it? Did she move?"
Jasmine nods. "She did. It was just a twitch, but…"
Blair is back to being completely still, as if she never moved at all.
Jasmine frowns. "I know I saw her move."
Mindy smiles and puts a hand on Jasmine's shoulder. Jasmine turns to her.
"I believe you Jaz. But there isn't much we can do for Blair but be there for her." Mindy squeezes her shoulder. "So we'll just do our best, okay?"
Jasmine smiles and nods. "You sure are wise, huh Mindy?"
Mindy blushes and giggles. "I try."
The two of them turn back to the TV and their hearts ache for Yuuna.
"I hope this match ends soon." Mindy bites her lip. "This is hard to watch."
Jasmine nods and holds Mindy's other hand. "This is Yuuna we're talking about. She can handle this."
At least, I hope she can.
Back in the Arena, Vellian squeals in delight watching the Duel.
Alexis is playing this perfectly, I'm so proud of her! She's so cold, she's so incredible, well done!
"Destroy her, Alexis, that's my Obelisk Blue!" Vellian shouts, cheering her on.
Above the stands, Zane watches the match and allows himself a small smirk.
It won't be long now until Alexis wins this match. The Supreme King will be defeated, the world will be bathed in light and his partners will return to him. Soon…
Zane's smile widens.
His only regret is not getting to rip the Supreme King a new one himself.
On the Slifer's side of the stands, Bastion, Syrus and Chumley watch the match with fear thick in their hearts.
"I can't watch anymore!" Syrus cries, hiding his face. "It's too painful!"
Chumley's fists shake. "Come on, Yuuna, you've made it through every other match. Come on!"
Bastion grips his biceps tighter. "Come on, Yuuna Yuki. Come through, you always do."
He doesn't want to watch her fall here.
Yuuna's eyes snap open, taking a deep breath in.
She forces herself to her feet, one foot on the ground, then pushing herself up with her hands. She stumbles from the force, but manages to right herself.
She is not giving in.
Dark Crusader grins. "About time. Come on, Lady Yuuna, we're not letting this faker take us down."
"Damn right, Dark Crusader." Yuuna grins.
"I'm glad you haven't surrendered, Little Princess."
Yuuna's eyes widen as who should appear at her side but. "Yubel? I told you to watch over Blair-"
"And I found out that she's safe with the Dragonmaids. But in order to wake her up, there's something you need to do out here." Yubel rests their hand on Yuuna's shoulder. "You need to defeat White Night Queen in this Duel, so Blair and the Dragonmaids can defeat her in Blair's soul."
Yuuna narrows her eyes and stands up.
"I have to beat White Night Queen, huh?" Yuuna remembers how Blair was, laying on the ground, still and cold. "It'd be my pleasure."
Yubel grins. "I'm happy to help you, Yuuna."
"And I'll watch her while we're waiting for you to arrive, Yubel." Dark Crusader smirks over his shoulder. "You can leave her in my hands."
"I'll hold you to it, Crusader." Yubel declares.
Then they disappear into Yuuna's Deck.
Yuuna takes a deep breath and declares. "Draw!"
"Hahaha, let me kill someone, my Queen!"
Yuuna smiles as she looks at her card. "Kahkki, I've never been so glad to see you."
Khakki huffs. "I don't know why you'd ever not be glad to see me, my Queen."
"We'll talk about that later. For now…" Yuuna shouts. "I use the effect of my field Spell! By banishing a Fiend type Monster in my Graveyard, I can discard a card and draw!"
Yuuna pulls Lucent from her Graveyard, pocketing him for now. Then she discards Khakki.
"And since I discarded Khakki, Guerilla of Dark World, I can destroy one Monster on your side of the field!" Yuuna shouts. "Good riddance to the Ice Master!"
Alexis narrows her eyes.
Khakki rises out of the Graveyard, cackling as he races across it with his blade like a ghost. He disappears under the ground below the Ice Master and stabs the Monster in the back, making it burst into pixels.
Yuuna draws. She smiles at her draw.
"How can I serve you, my Queen?" Zure bows.
"If you can fight the Cold Enchanter, I'd appreciate it." Yuuna hums.
Zure raises his sword. "I am at your command."
"In that case, I summon Zure, Knight of Dark World!" Yuuna shouts. "And thanks to The Gates of Dark World, he gains 300 ATK points!"
Zure appears on the battle field, his ATK points rising to 2100 thanks to the field Spell.
Dark Crusader grins. "Now we're in business!"
"Zure! Attack Cold Enchanter!" Yuuna orders.
"For the glory of the Supreme Queen!" Zure roars.
He races across the field and brings his sword down on Cold Enchanter's staff. She holds up under the pressure for a moment, but Zure finishes his arch, slicing through her staff and making her burst into pixels.
The wind from the attack blows Alexis's hair, but she otherwise remains unphased.
YUUNA YUKI: 1000
ALEXIS RHODES: 3800
"I end my turn." Yuuna declares.
She just hopes Alexis brings out that stupid White Night Queen sooner rather than later.
"Draw." Alexis does so.
The temperature immediately drops.
Yuuna shivers and holds herself tightly, gritting her teeth.
She's here.
"I sacrifice my Crystal Girl and Snowman Creator to bring out-" Alexis declares.
The two Monsters are covered in ice and frozen over, a snowstorm hitting the arena.
"White Night Queen!"
The wicked creature herself arrives, standing tall with 2100 ATK points at the ready.
"I now play the Equip Spell, Elf's Light on my White Night Queen." Alexis slides the card into the slot. "It takes away 200 of my Queen's DEF points, but gives her 400 ATK points."
White Night Queen glows a disgusting bright white, as her ATK points rise to 2500.
Yuuna grits her teeth. "Here it comes."
Zure holds his sword steady. "I'm prepared to meet my fate, my Queen."
Dark Crusader shouts. "Don't say that stuff, man!"
"White Night Queen, attack Zure!" Alexis orders.
White Night Queen draws back her cloak and flaps it, sending a blast of icy winds right for Zure. He stands strong, even as the ice encases him fully, then he bursts into pixels, the winds reaching Yuuna who screams.
YUUNA YUKI: 600
ALEXIS RHODES: 3800
"Turn end." Alexis declares.
Yuuna shudders and shakes, holding herself tightly.
I have to defeat that White Night Queen, or Blair will never wake up again!
Blair screams as the mansion shakes again.
"Blair please come away from the windows!" Chamber wraps her arms around Blair, pulling her away.
"But I can't just leave them!" Blair shouts, jumping up to look out the window.
Where the rest of the Dragonmaids and the other Monsters in her Deck are fighting White Night Queen and her own army of Monsters.
Decoy Dragon is headbutting Crystal Girl, who is hitting him with her staff. Looper is screaming and blasting fire at White Night Dragon, who is blasting ice right back. House and White Night Queen are going head to head, House snarling as she holds White Night Queen's hands, their heads almost touching.
Blair can't fight at their side, but the least she can do is watch over them.
The window suddenly gets blasted by a snowman, making Blair scream and Chamber pull her down, using her own body as a shield. The window has a massive crack in it as the snowman melts off the window.
"Get up the stairs, Blair, go!" Chamber pushes Blair up towards the stairs.
"But why?" Blair stumbles, struggling to keep to her feet.
"I can't defend the floor if I'm worried about you!" Chamber shouts, picking up Blair. "If you want to watch the battle, the windows upstairs are one way, you can hide, now go!"
She throws Blair up the stairs. Blair lands on her hands and feet and scrambles up the stairs.
Blair wishes she could help them, or at least do something for them.
As she watches the field, White Night Queen is suddenly covered in a disgusting bright light and gets even stronger.
Blair whimpers. "Yuuna…"
"I'm coming, Blair." Yuuna murmurs, eyes flashing gold. "DRAW!"
She looks at her hand and smiles.
Broww nods in greeting.
A strategy starts to form in Yuuna's mind.
"I'm gonna play the Spell card, Charge Into A Dark World!" Yuuna shouts, holding up the Spell. "I can target a Level 4 Fiend Monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it, then Discard a Fiend Monster in my hand!"
The Gates of Dark World open behind Yuuna.
"I'm summoning back Zure in ATK mode!" Yuuna declares.
Zure returns to the field, points boosted to 2100 ATK thanks to The Gates of Dark World. "Thank you for having faith in me, my Queen."
"Thank you for fighting at my side. And because I'm discarding Broww, Huntsman of Dark World, I get to draw." Yuuna does all that.
Cackling greets her. "Let me smash them, Coach!"
"I now play the effect of The Gates of Dark World! By removing a Fiend Monster from play in my Graveyard, I can discard another card and draw one more time this turn!" Yuuna does that. "I'm discarding Beiige, Vanguard of Dark World, who's joining you on the field!"
Beiige cackles as he appears on the field, slamming his club into his hands, his 1900 ATK points strong thanks to the Field Spell. "I'm going to destroy that White Night Queen!"
Yuuna draws.
And she smiles.
"You've got a more important job to do in a second Beiige, because for now-" Yuuna plays her card. "I'm equipping Zure with Axe of Despair, giving him 1000 extra ATK points!"
Alexis gasps.
Zure sheaths his sword as the axe appears in his palms, wielding it as his points rise to 3100.
Dark Crusader smirks. "Give these fuckers Hell for me."
Beiige screams. "Of course we will!"
"Zure, give that White Night Queen a thrashing!" Yuuna orders. "Beiige, follow that up with a Direct Attack!"
"For the Supreme Queen!" Zure shouts.
"FUCK YEAH!" Beiige cackles.
With that, the two of them rush the field.
White Night Queen tries to beat them back with her cloak, but her winds do nothing to stop Zure from slamming the axe across her head, splitting her in half.
She screams as she's destroyed, Elf's Light vanishing with her, the wind tossing Alexis' hair.
YUUNA YUKI: 600
ALEXIS RHODES: 3200
Then Beiige slams his club on Alexis's head, who brings an arm up to defend herself.
She's faltering.
YUUNA YUKI: 600
ALEXIS RHODES: 1300
Yuuna smiles. "I end my turn, Rhodes."
And with that, hopefully Blair will be okay.
Blair gasps as she shoots out of bed, heaving for breath.
"Blair!" Jasmine and Mindy shout.
Blair coughs and gasps, shivering.
"Girls, give her space!" Miss Fontaine shouts.
Blair groans and holding her stomach, feeling warm.
She's warm.
She's awake.
After White Night Queen started glowing, House set herself on fire and then there was a great explosion and now-
She looks at her Deck.
"We'll alright, Little Love. We're staying here so we don't overwhelm you." House calls out. "White Night Queen is gone."
Blair nods.
She lets Miss Fontaine examine her, taking off her jacket. She's soon given a full bill of health and Blair zips her jacket back up.
"How are you feeling, Blair?" Mindy asks, offering Blair a glass of water.
"Half dead." Blair croaks, drinking some of the water.
She didn't realise how cold she was. Her whole body is still freezing, but at least she's moving and out of her soul now. Yuuna must've defeated White Night Queen. Speaking of-
"Where is Yuuna?" Blair looks around the room.
She's not here.
"She's Duelling Alexis right now." Jasmine says.
Blair gasps and looks at the TV. Yuuna has more Monsters on her field, but the life points aren't looking good.
YUUNA YUKI: 600
ALEXIS RHODES: 1300
"Please don't worry about that though, you need to get better." Mindy says.
"She's right, you need to stay put." Jasmine adds.
Blair stares at the glass in her hands.
Yuuna would come to her, if Blair needed her. Now Yuuna needs Blair.
Blair sets the glass on the side and throws the covers off her, putting her feet on the ground.
"Blair, we just told you to stay put!" Jasmine and Mindy scream.
"And I need to go to Yuuna, now!" Blair turns to them, pouting. "She's my sister and I'm going even if I have to fight you two!"
The two of them gape at her, then sigh, looking at each other with regret.
Blair stubbornly stares back at them.
Mindy sighs and stands up. "Then we'll help you get there."
"Minnie…" Jasmine whines. "Shouldn't we stop her?"
"Do you want to fight Blair?" Mindy turns to her, eyebrow raised.
Blair holds up her fists in a threat, growling.
"Of course I don't!" Jasmine sighs and stands up. "Okay, fine, we'll help you."
Blair smiles and lowers her fists. "I knew you'd see things my way."
Now she can help Yuuna.
Alexis didn't expect this to happen.
She has no Monsters. No Spells. No Traps.
Yuki even managed to destroy White Night Queen.
Alexis can't hear one of White Night Queen's usual orders.
Yuki glares her down with 5000 ATK points on her side and Alexis doesn't have her Swords of Revealing Light to stall. She's afrai-
"Do not falter!"
She remembers the pain of a smack whenever she said she wanted to give up, or that it was too hard, or she couldn't find a way out. She remembers how she'd get another smack if she so much as flinched, if she showed even one sign of weakness. Weakness is not something the Princess of Light can afford to show, especially to the Supreme King.
She is the Princess of Light.
She must not falter.
"I draw." Alexis does so.
And it's the one card that will save her time.
"I activate the Spell card, Swords of Burning Light." Alexis declares.
Then 3 massive blades of light descend from the heavens.
"When I have no Monsters on my field, your Monsters can not declare attacks." Alexis explains. "Until you hold more than 5 cards in your hand."
Yuki screams. "DAMNIT, RHODES!"
Swords of Burning Light will prevent battle until Yuki has 5 cards in his hands, or until Alexis summons a Monster.
"Turn end." Alexis says.
Yuki sighs and throws his arm out. "Draw."
He looks at his card and groans. Not a good draw then.
"Turn end." Yuki huffs.
Alexis holds her breath as she draws. "I play the Spell Card of Adversity. Since you have a Special Summoned Monster on your field and I have no Monsters on mine, I'm allowed to draw two cards."
She draws her two cards.
Mirror Force and Return of the Dragon Lords.
Earlier in the Duel, she discarded both Snowdust Dragon and White Night Dragon due to Cold Enchanter's effect and Dark World Dealings. She knew it would be easier to summon them both later, when she had the cards to bring back the dead.
But it would be foolish to use it now. Not when Swords of Burning Light will protect her for at least two more turns.
For now.
"I set one card and end my turn." Alexis places Mirror Force on the field.
Now, she waits.
She watches.
She freezes.
It is what she must do as the Princess of Light.
"YUUNA!"
The two pause and turn to the entryway, where there stands-
"BLAIR!" Yuki screams in joy, tears appearing in his eyes.
Flannigan is clearly struggling to stand, being propped up by Mindy and Jasmine on both her sides. The two of them smile as they hold her, paying not even a glance at Alexis.
Her heart cracks.
Flannigan smiles at Yuki and gives her a thumbs up. "I'm okay now, so just focus on kicking Rhodes' ass!"
"Go Lexi! Go Lexi! Go Lexi and give it all you've got!" A cheerful shout from such an embarrassing voice, one she'd grow to miss.
Yuki smiles back at her and nods. "I promise I will, spitfire!"
"Shut up Atticus, you're so annoying!" A childish kid shouts at her older brother, a high whine in her voice and later coming to regret those words. "I wish you'd go away!"
Her heart aches. Why is she thinking of Atticus now?
"Blair, you're okay!" Syrus screams in the audience.
Flannigan waves at him. "Yeah and I'll come join you guys now!"
"We'll take her to you, so hang on!" Mindy and Jasmine call.
With that, the three of them start climbing the stairs on the Slifer's side of the arena.
Her two best friends…
"Well, we're worried about you… We used to always hang out together after classes and work on homework. But we don't see you as much these days."
"You're always brooding with Zane by the lighthouse or wherever else he goes to brood. I… I know being in the place your brother disappeared can't be easy. But we're friends, Alexis, and we just want to make sure you're okay."
…are on the enemy's side of the Arena.
Alexis looks to the stands, to Zane.
But he only stares down at the field in disapproval. As if she's failing him too, failing him for not getting her brother back, his lover back.
How long will it be until he leaves her too?
Even White Night Queen isn't here.
What can she do?
Alexis tries to stop her fingers from shaking, fear taking her.
What can she do so she isn't all alone?!
"My draw!"
Alexis turns back to the match, watching as Yuki draws his third card.
"You're right, Dark Crusader. I activate The Gates of Dark World! By banishing a Fiend-type Monster from my Graveyard, I can draw one new card and discard a card in my Hand!" Yuki does as he says. "And because I'm discarding Gren, Tactician of Dark World, I can destroy one Spell or Trap card on the field!"
Oh no.
He's going to destroy her Mirror Force or Swords of Burning Light.
"Just for you, buddy, I'm getting rid of Absolute Zero Barrier!" Yuki shouts.
The ice on her fields vanishes and all that remains is the Ice Counter on Dark Crusader. Useless now.
"Now I switch Dark Crusader to ATK Mode!" Yuki does.
Dark Crusader rises tall, his ATK points at 2300. Absolute Zero Barrier can't force the Ice Counter to do anything now.
"I'm activating Dark Crusader's effect, to discard a card so he gains 400 ATK points!" Yuki smiles. "And because I'm discarding Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World, I can destroy any card on your side of the field!"
Oh no.
"The Swords of Burning Light are being destroyed now!" Yuki shouts.
The swords get swallowed up by black flames as Dark Crusader's ATK rises to 2700.
Nothing is keeping Yuki from attacking her now.
She's afra-
Alexis digs her nails deep enough into her hand that she can feel it through her gloves, would be bleeding if they weren't there. Weakness is not something the Princess of Light can afford to show, especially to the Supreme King.
She is the Princess of Light.
She must not falter.
"Well since you asked so nicely…" Yuki snaps his fingers. "Dark Crusader, attack Alexis directly! Beiige, follow his lead!"
The Monsters rush for her.
She is the Princess of Light.
She must not falter.
"Trap Activate! Mirror Force." Alexis calls.
"NO!" Yuki and Flannigan scream.
The blinding ray of light destroys all of Yuki's attacking Monsters. All at once.
Yuki stares at the field with utter despair.
Alexis ignores the part of her that aches at seeing that look on his face.
"Any last plays, Yuki?" Alexis demands.
"I…" Yuki looks at his cards.
Then he gasps.
He smiles. "I summon a face down Monster in DEF mode and end my turn!"
The Monster card appears.
"I draw then." Alexis declares.
Call of the Haunted.
With this, she can bring her Snowdust Dragon back to the field. But for now…
"I set a facedown and play the Spell Card, Return of the Dragon Lords." Alexis shouts.
"But you don't have any Dragons in your Graveyard!" Yuki replies.
Alexis rolls her eyes. "What do you think I discarded for my Cold Enchanter's effect? Or when you played your Dark World Dealings?"
Yuki's eyes widen in horror.
"Return of the Dragon Lords brings back a Level 7 or 8 Dragon Monster from my Graveyard. So welcome back-" Alexis shouts. "White Night Dragon!"
The winged beast made of ice appears on her field with a mighty roar and 3000 ATK points.
Yuki gapes at the Dragon.
Alexis gives the order. "Destroy that facedown Monster."
White Night Dragon roars and follows her command, striking the card and destroying it, flipping it in the process.
"That was my Morphing Jar, Alexis!" Yuki discards the one card in his hand and draws 5 new cards. "We discard our entire hands and draw until we have 5 cards."
Alexis already had nothing in her hands, so she draws her 5 new cards.
Snowman Eater, Horn of Light, Ice Barrier, Snow Fairy and White Veil.
Alexis gasps.
"Alexis, you are now bleeding. You are now a woman."
"I'm. I'm 8 years old, Father. Am I ready for this?"
"You would not bleed if you weren't. The Light decided that now was the time for you to fight, for your first bleed is the first sign it is time for your training to intensify. It's rather fitting that the Princess of Light bleeds so early."
"I understand now. Sorry for questioning you."
"As you should be. Questions are the tools the Darkness uses against you. Questions breed doubt. Questions breed a way of thinking that lets the Darkness control you."
"I won't ask questions again. I promise, Father."
"Good. Because you are now a woman, it is time to give you a most powerful card. One that only the highest ranked in our clan can use. Do you understand how important this is?"
"Of course! I won't let you down Father, I'll fulfil my duty as Princess of Light."
"Good. When the time comes, you must use this card to defeat the Supreme King."
That card was this one.
White Veil.
It is a card that is only possessed by a few members of the Society of Light. Her Father is the only other member she knows with the card, not even Atticus was given it despite him being a better Duelist than her for most of their lives.
She must use it.
"We don't want any trouble, okay?"
"We don't have to fight."
"Will you let me help you, Alexis?"
"Hey, you can't call her that!"
"Alexis, heads up!"
"I'm so sorry, I swear I didn't mean to send the ball at you, it was an accident!"
"For the last time, Alexis, it was an accident, I know you hate me but that doesn't mean I wanna hurt you."
"Whoa, Alexis, chill, it's not like he was serious! You're not a prize to be won, you don't have to-"
"How did you feel the day you lost Atticus? Were you scared? Were you angry?"
"She didn't have to suffer! No one deserves to suffer, no one!"
Alexis stares wide-eyed at the card as Yuki's words and her own doubts run through her mind.
"Is it possible that we misfired?"
"Or maybe she's wrong and this isn't the Supreme King."
"Fight back, Supreme King."
Prove me right, stop making me doubt, Supreme King.
There's a reason her Father told her not to ask questions. That they breed doubts.
But there's always been a hint of curiosity in Alexis, something she could never fully smother.
"Well?"
She snaps out of her head, looking across the field at Yuki.
Yuki is grinning cockily. "Do you end your turn, Alexis?"
It's her first name again. Back in Yuki's mouth after Flannigan's safe return.
Even after everything Alexis has done to her, Yuki still treats her like…
"I end my turn." Alexis says.
She doesn't know what else she can do. Her doubts are too heavy and without White Night Queen ordering her plays, she doesn't know what to do.
She doesn't know what to do.
"It's my go then!" Yuki draws her card.
She smiles.
"I summon Winged Kuriboh in DEF mode, play a facedown and that's my turn." Yuki declares.
Winged Kuriboh appears on the field with 200 DEF points to his name.
Alexis takes a subtle deep breath and nods to herself.
She is the Princess of Light.
She must not falter.
"I draw." Alexis does so.
Snowman Effect. Not useful now, but she can set it.
"I play my Call of the Haunted Trap Card, to bring back the other Dragon I discarded earlier. Snowdust Dragon!" Alexis declares.
The more serpentine Dragon appears on the field with 2800 ATK points.
Alexis looks at the field, carefully.
Winged Kuriboh and a facedown card. Winged Kuriboh cancels all battle damage on the turn he's summoned, so the facedown may be a Trap to protect him or a Spell to hurt her Monsters.
"You should know something about my White Night Dragon, Yuki." Alexis calls.
Yuki blinks. "Like what?"
"If a Spell or Trap card is activated and it targets my White Night Dragon, it's automatically destroyed." Alexis explains. "So I wouldn't bother activating your facedown."
Yuki gasps.
She is the Princess of Light.
She must not falter.
"White Night Dragon, destroy that Winged Kuriboh." Alexis orders.
White Night Dragon roars and sends a blast at the furball.
"Hey, Alexis." Yuki calls.
Alexis lifts her head, glaring at her.
"I appreciate you warning me about White Night Dragon's ability. The thing is…" Yuki grins. "My card only affects Winged Kuriboh and your Dragon doesn't stop Monster effects!"
Alexis gasps.
"I now play my facedown card, a card that my sister gave me, Transcendent Wings!" Yuki shouts.
The card flips up.
"By sacrificing Winged Kuriboh and 2 cards in my hand-" Yuki discards. "I can summon Winged Kuriboh LV10!"
Her dragon's fire hits the ground and there's a great burst of light, an explosion!
And the dust suddenly clears with a sweep of wings, revealing a purple Kuriboh that seems to have fused with a golden metal bird, creating great white wings, covered in golden armour and sprouting 2 Kuriboh tails and 1 bird tail. It has… 300 ATK points?
"Why summon that? It's 10 times weaker than White Night Dragon." Alexis asks.
Yuki's smile widens. "Because what my Winged Kuriboh LV10 lacks in points he makes up for in ability! By sacrificing my Winged Kuriboh, he can destroy as many ATK position Monsters as you control and you take their points as damage!"
Alexis's eyes widen. "That's over 5000 ATK points and I-"
"You've got 1300 life points! It's game over Alexis!" Yuki makes a fist. "Winged Kuriboh LV10!"
The whole beast starts to glow, brightly, bright white with a dark centre overtaking it.
"Do your thing and end this Duel!" Yuki shouts.
The puffball bursts into black and white light and it hits Alexis…
Gently…
It's, it's a burst of gentle dark energy.
A dark energy that's capable of being gentle.
When did she last feel something gentle? Was it when Atticus was around?
YUUNA YUKI: 600
ALEXIS RHODES: 0
WINNER: YUUNA YUKI