Isabeau, to help Flynn, do the following. Sit on the floor, call Flynn, then let him take a nap with his head resting on yours lap.
This will do wonders for Flynn's high esteem. Hehehe! -Lucian Naruto
He'd probably faint at the mere suggestion. She would probably get the idea from one of her mangas.
Chapter 29 Mark of the Rose
Hikaru narrowed her eyes, seeming frustrated. Issachar assumed judging by her reaction what just happened to Flynn is a good thing. He felt nervous when she picked up her phone to make a call.
On the streets of Tokyo…
Isabeau desperately tried to find wherever Flynn ran off too. Suddenly she felt a presence making her tense. Instinctively she raised up her gauntlet defensively. She turned to see Kaga which greatly confused her.
"What are you…?", Isabeau questioned.
"I'm surprised you detected me that easy.", Kaga said.
"What do you want? I'm in a bit of a hurry.", Isabeau replied.
"Heh. I know that. I've just been wondering ever since we met how strong you Samurai really are.", Kaga said as she raised her duel disk menacingly.
"I have no reason to duel you.", Isabeau replied.
"Oh…you don't? Are you sure about that?", Kaga questioned, before revealing Black Rose Dragon.
Isabeau gasped in shock seeing the signer dragon.
"How did you-?! Even still…I have to get somewhere.", Isabeau replied.
"What's wrong? You scared?", Kaga questioned.
"That's not in Flynn is in serious danger right now! I have to help him! You can wait till I find him.", Isabeau replied, before she turned to leave.
As she did she suddenly felt a stinging pain from her signer mark as she heard the roar of a dragon. She looked back to see the signer dragon glowing. She tried to ignore it, sweating profusely. When she tried to take another step forward she jolted as the pain was magnified.
"C-come on, Crimson Dragon! Surely Flynn's state is more important right now!", Isabeau said, only for the pain to get worse.
"How lamentable it must be to actually be a signer. To be branded and at the beck and call of some spirit.", Kaga said.
Tears stung her eyes from the excruciating pain. Every step she took forward made it worse. It seemed determined to have her duel against Kaga.
"You've got to be kidding me…fine! Okay, what do you even want anyway?", Isabeau questioned, as she turned back to Kaga.
"I want the satisfaction of leaving you beaten and helpless as a message to your Samurai friends.", Kaga replied.
"I see.", Isabeau thought, that honestly didn't seem too bad of a wager.
With Flynn…
He had to bend over as Plaguespreader led him. Eventually they reached a darker area around Shinjuku.
"Master, I detect multiple spirits nearby.", Burroughs said.
"I know Burroughs.", Flynn replied.
Flynn looked around seeing spirits peeping at him within the shadows with curiosity. He was led to some area with a pond and various structures. He froze when they got there recognizing some of the spirits.
"Here's my friends, Lord Flynn!", Plaguespreader said, cheerfully.
The spirits there were Spirit Reaper, Mezuki, Zombie Master, Goku En, and Revived King Ha Des.
"Oh…look who it is. This is a rather unexpected visit.", Ha Des said as Flynn looked stunned.
"You guys are all here in the flesh?! I thought it was just Plaguespreader Zombie.", Flynn said.
"Well…we're not all here. Your favorite isn't.", Zombie Master said with a funny tone and Ha Des looked annoyed.
"This is amazing! I never thought I would get to meet you guys. It's a pleasure.", Flynn said, politely bowing.
While Ha Des seemed to like it the others' sweat dropped at the formality.
"You really don't need to do all of that. Your our Lord after all.", Spirit Reaper said.
"You all deserve my respect. After all you have helped me through so many battles since I was a child.", Flynn replied as Zombie Master scratched his cheek blushing.
"Hehe. We are pretty great aren't we?", Zombie Master said as Mezuki sweat dropped.
"It has been an honor, Lord Flynn.", Mezuki said, with a light bow.
Goku En let out a roar of agreement. It walked over to Flynn rubbing its head against him like a dog would. Flynn chuckled as his heart felt very warm from his monsters' affection. The dark aura was lessening again before becoming more translucent. Ha Des cupped his chin noticing this.
"I see…", Ha Des said.
"Is something wrong, your majesty?", Flynn asked as Ha Des smirked at being addressed as such.
The others sweat dropped at this.
"You really don't need to inflate his ego more.", Zombie Master said.
"I've noticed the strange affliction you have seems to lessen when you experiencing positive emotions.", Ha Des pointed out.
Flynn blinked looking around himself noticing the aura was hardly visible now. His mind felt more together and less like it was at war with itself.
"Oh…", Flynn said.
"Haha! I knew bringing you here was a good idea!", Plaguespreader said.
"Yeah, what exactly is going on with you anyway? It feels like something's trying to take over your spirit.", Zombie Master questioned.
"I honestly have no idea…I just suddenly started feeling strange after I used Beelze for the first time.", Flynn admitted.
"There was something wrong before then. While it wasn't as noticeable earlier that darkness had started manifested before you had that shadow duel with your friend.", Mezuki explained and Flynn looked shocked.
"What?! Whatever has been going on with me has been festering for that long?", Flynn questioned.
That meant this started a month ago, but he hadn't even known it yet. Did he get afflicted by a spirit?
"It's all good like Mr. Ha Des said you just need positive thoughts to drive it out right? That shouldn't be too hard.", Plaguespreader said, innocently.
"Well…I don't know if it would go that far. But, it would certainly help.", Ha Des replied.
"That sounds nice.", Flynn said with a bright smile.
He felt his heart flutter with excitement. A moment like this was like something out of a dream. Before, he could focus on trying to find a solution he needed to be in the right state of mind. The excited smile was enough to make all of them flustered. To be fair considering the time difference he was literally just a kid not that long ago from their perspective. Like…he was literally born less than a few months ago to them.
Elsewhere in Tokyo…
Isabeau LP 4000
Kaga LP 4000
"I draw!", Kaga said.
Kaga
Hand: 6
"I summon Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands. Its effect allows me to add one ritual spell to my hand. I choose Advanced Ritual Art.", Kaga said.
"I wonder if she'll ritual summon that monster from before again or perhaps a different one. Playing it now would be a waste so she'll probably summon something else.", Isabeau thought.
Kaga noted how even from just her first move her opponent was deep in thought. It was something she noticed from the Samurai she's dueled. The primary difference between their dueling ability and the Hunter's is how they analyzed the duel more than Hunters tended to. It was likely due to the more formal training Samurai received when compared to Hunters. Going into this she already knew she would have to take her opponent very seriously. But, that just makes the duel more exciting doesn't it?
"I activate Advanced Ritual Art sacrificing Luster Dragon #2 from my deck to the graveyard! All dragons bow before the strength of their queen! The true queen of power descends on white wings! Ritual summon! Level 6! Saffira, Queen of Dragons", Kaga chanted.
Kaga
Hand: 4
Saffira, Queen of Dragons
(DRAGON/LIGHT/RITUAL/EFFECT/ ATK 2500/ DEF 2400/ LV6)
Effect: You can Ritual Summon this card with "Hymn of Light". During the End Phase, if this card was Ritual Summoned this turn, or if a LIGHT monster was sent from the hand or Deck to the Graveyard this turn while this card was face-up on the field: You can activate 1 of these effects;
Draw 2 cards, then discard 1 card.
Discard 1 random card from your opponent's hand.
Add 1 LIGHT monster from your Graveyard to your hand.
You can only use 1 "Saffira, Queen of Dragons" effect per turn, and only once that turn.
"I will set two cards and end my turn.", Kaga said.
Kaga
Hand: 2
"When she is ritual summoned this turn I can activate one of three effects during the end phase. I choose her first effect to draw two cards and discard one.", Kaga said.
Kaga
Hand: 3
"I will need to have as many resources as possible to account for her Synchro summons.", Kaga thought.
"The card I discarded was The White Stone of Legend allowing me to add Blue-Eyes White Dragon to my hand.", Kaga said.
Kaga
Hand: 4
The White Stone of Legend
(DRAGON/LIGHT/TUNER/EFFECT/ ATK 300/ DEF 250/ LV1)
Effect: If this card is sent to the GY: Add 1 "Blue-Eyes White Dragon" from your Deck to your hand.
"Now, she has a sacrifice for Reshef.", Isabeau thought.
"I draw!", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 6
"I activate the effect of Alector, Sovereign of Birds. When my opponent controls two or more monsters of the same attribute I can special summon it then target one faceup card on the field to negate its effects during this turn. I choose your ritual.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 5
"I know exactly what I need to do.", Isabeau thought.
"I summon Fleur Synchron.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 4
"I tune Fleur Synchron with Alector! A gallant warrior lady marches forth to battle! Her strikes are as swift as the wind! Synchro summon! Level 8! Chevalier de Fleur!", Isabeau chanted.
"Unfortunately for you I activate Bottomless Trap Hole!", Kaga countered.
A trap hole opened below the Synchro monster threatening to swallow her up.
"Then, I will activate Chevalier de Fleur's effect! Once per turn she can negate the activation of a spell or trap card. Whirlwind Counter!", Isabeau countered.
The warrior lady raised her blade which had wind swirling around it. As she was about to fall she swiped her blade down pushing her out of the trap hole.
"Spell or trap…that's a dangerous card.", Kaga thought.
"Now, I'll set a card.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 3
"I shall attack Saffira with Chevalier de Fleur! A Thousand Strikes!", Isabeau declared and Kaga snickered.
"I activate Sakuretsu Armor destroying your attacking monster!", Kaga countered.
"I end my turn.", Isabeau said.
"And here I thought you'd put up more of a fight. How pathetic. I draw!", Kaga said.
Kaga
Hand: 5
"I summon Mirage Dragon.", Kaga said.
Kaga
Hand: 4
Mirage Dragon
(DRAGON/LIGHT/EFFECT/ ATK 1600/ DEF 600/ LV4)
Effect: Your opponent cannot activate Trap Cards during the Battle Phase.
"I activate my trap Torrential Tribute. When a monster is summoned I can destroy all monsters on the field.", Isabeau countered as Kaga's eyes widened.
"That effect…", Kaga thought.
Torrential Tribute
(Normal Trap)
Effect: When a monster(s) is Summoned: Destroy all monsters on the field.
A wave crashed over Kaga's monsters causing them to fade away.
"Well that's rather annoying.", Kaga said.
"It seems the tables have turned.", Isabeau said as she crossed her arms.
"Don't get too cocky. I set a card and end my turn.", Kaga said as Isabeau watched her movements carefully.
Kaga
Hand: 3
"That's not the card she just drew. So, it's likely a fakeout or she kept a trap in reserve like Flynn likes to sometimes. She is a duelist of high caliber so the latter is possible.", Isabeau thought.
"I draw!", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 4
"I activate Reinforcement of the Army allowing me to add one level 4 or lower warrior monster to my hand. I choose Trident Warrior. I will then summon him and use his effect to special summon a level 3 monster from my hand. I choose X-Saber Airbellum.", Isabeau said, wincing as her signer mark acted up again.
Isabeau
Hand: 2
The signer dragon glowed again as it roared from Kaga's extra deck. Isabeau nearly stumbled feeling something strange, but she shook it off.
"I tune Airbellum with Trident Warrior! A warrior must rise in a world writhe with conflict! It's time to head out X soldier! Synchro summon! Level 7! X-Saber Urbellum!", Isabeau chanted.
"Then, I will set a card.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 1
"Then I shall attack you directly with with Airbellum! X Strike!", Isabeau declared as her monster swiped at Kaga leaving a light cut.
Kaga LP 4000 - 2200 = 1800
"I will end my turn there.", Isabeau said.
With Flynn…
Plaguespreader showed him around the Pond Garden animatedly talking about every part of it like it was the coolest thing ever. He found it rather endearing.
"There one is!", an unfamiliar voice said, drawing their attention.
They turned to see a group of Hunters and Plaguespreader squeaked in fear hiding behind Flynn.
"What are you trying to do here?", Flynn questioned, not recognizing any of the Hunters as ones from Shinjuku.
"Shinjuku's had quite the undead pest problem for a while. Now move aside so we can do our job, Samurai.", Hunter 1 said, but Flynn didn't budge.
Flynn glared at the Hunters who looked slightly nervous at his glare.
"These spirits aren't hurting anyone. Leave them alone.", Flynn replied.
"Is this one of those…fabled spirit hippies?", Hunter 2 questioned.
"Whether they do anything or not they stink up the place and attract all kinds of pests. Best to not risk it anyway.", Hunter 3 said.
"I will not allow you to hurt them. They don't deserve that. If they didn't hurt anyone there should be no problem.", Flynn replied.
"Even if they don't directly do anything, those pests they attract are annoying as hell and could carry diseases.", Hunter 3 replied.
"Maybe you could make some sort of compromise with them? So, then both parties are happy.", Flynn suggested.
"Compromise with spirits?! Are you high?", Hunter 1 questioned.
"He's probably being controlled by them or maybe he's turned into a zombie himself. We'll just have to deal with him.", Hunter 2 said as the Hunters raised their duel disks.
Flynn raised up his in response. However, those Hunters had no idea who they just challenged getting easily wiped the floor with.
"Death Spectral Howling!", Flynn declared as Doomkaiser attacked the last Hunter directly.
"D-Damn it…this guy's way too strong.", Hunter 1 said.
"Now, leave them alone.", Flynn said, before the Hunters scrambled away.
"Gosh, those humans are finicky…we haven't even done anything to them. Pests seriously? They live underground, that's why their homes are full of pests.", Zombie Master said.
Flynn watched them leave deep in thought. He wondered if spirits and humans could coexist if they were willing too.
"Surely there must be others…I love my cards after all.", Flynn thought as he looked down at his deck still inside his gauntlet.
He suddenly felt something like a spark of electricity through him. Something was building inside him or near him?! Not the darkness, but something else that was unknown to him. The zombie spirits flinched sensing this too. Doomkaiser's spirit was briefly visible roaring.
"D-Doomkaiser?!", Plaguespreader Zombie blurted out.
"Huh?", Flynn replied, completely confused.
Though he couldn't see it himself there was an intense energy building around his deck which the spirits were able to see. The aura around it was as Isabeau previously described only it seemed to overflow.
With Isabeau…
"I draw!", Kaga said.
Kaga
Hand: 4
"I activate Preparation of Rites allowing me to add a level 7 or lower ritual monster to my hand. Also if I have a ritual spell in the graveyard I can add it to my hand. I choose Garlandolf, King of Destruction.", Kaga said.
Kaga
Hand: 5
"I activate the effect of Advanced Ritual Art sacrificing Seiyaryu from my deck! King of pure unbridled power rise! All weaklings perish within his presence! Ritual summon! Level 7! Garlandolf, King of Destruction", Kaga chanted.
Kaga
Hand: 3
Garlandolf, King of Destruction
(FIEND/DARK/RITUAL/EFFECT/ ATK 2500/ DEF 1400/ LV7)
Effect: This card can only be Ritual Summoned with the Ritual Spell Card, "Ritual of Destruction". When this card is Ritual Summoned, destroy all other face-up monsters on the field with DEF less than or equal to this card's ATK. This card gains 100 ATK for each monster destroyed by this effect.
"When this monster is ritual summoned I can destroy all others faceup monsters with defense less than Garlandolf's attack! Then it gains 100 attack for each monster destroyed by its effect!", Kaga said as Isabeau looked shocked.
"It's that powerful?!", Isabeau thought.
The ritual monster waved its hand which had dark energy surrounding it and completely annihilated her monster.
Garlandolf, King of Destruction ATK 2500 (100x1) = 2600
"Now, I attack you directly with Garlandolf!", Kaga declared and Isabeau braced herself.
Isabeau LP 4000 - 2600 = 1400
"I end my turn. Heh. You might as well give up at this rate, little Samurai. You hardly have any options left.", Kaga taunted.
"Hardly…I draw!", Isabeau said as a fierce wind kicked up from her draw.
Isabeau
Hand: 2
"I activate the effect of XX-Saber Gardestrike from my hand. If I have two or more X-Saber monsters in my graveyard and no monsters on the field I can special summon him.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 1
"That's it?", Kaga questioned.
"You must really underestimate me if you think that's all. I activate my trap card! Gottoms' Emergency Call! If I have a X-Saber monster on the field I can special summon two X-Saber monsters from my graveyard! I choose X-Saber Urbellum and X-Saber Airbellum!", Isabeau said.
Kaga looked rather annoyed seeing how easily she recovered her monsters.
"I tune X-Saber Airbellum with X-Saber Urbellum! Lead the way for your great general! His grand sword will slay all evil in his path! Synchro summon! Level 9! XX-Saber Gottoms!", Isabeau chanted.
XX-Saber Gottoms
(BEAST-WARRIOR/EARTH/SYNCHRO/EFFECT/ ATK 3100/ DEF 2600/ LV9)
1 Tuner 1 or more EARTH monsters
Effect: You can Tribute 1 "X-Saber" monster to discard 1 random card from your opponent's hand.
"Now, I activate Pot of Avarice allowing me to shuffle five cards from my graveyard into my deck and draw two cards. I choose X-Saber Airbellum, X-Saber Urbellum, Fleur Synchron, Chevalier De Fleur, and Alector, Sovereign of Birds.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 2
Isabeau smiled seeing the card she drew which made her think of Flynn's kindness. He could have kept all three cards for himself to supercharge his deck. Instead he decided to share them with his fellows.
"I activate Pot of Greed allowing to draw two cards!", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 3
"I will set a card and summon XX-Saber Darksoul.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 1
"I will attack your ritual monster with Gottoms! X Great Sword!", Isabeau declared as Kaga snickered.
"I activate Sphere Kuriboh allowing me to send it from my hand to the graveyard to switch your attacking monster to defense mode!", Kaga countered.
Kaga
Hand: 2
Sphere Kuriboh
(FIEND/DARK/EFFECT/ ATK 300/ DEF 200/ LV1)
Effect: When an opponent's monster declares an attack: You can send this card from your hand to the GY; change the attacking monster to Defense Position. When you Ritual Summon, you can banish this card from your GY as 1 of the monsters required for the Ritual Summon.
Isabeau's eyes widened having never seen the card before.
"This must be another card created through sacrifice.", Isabeau thought.
"I will end my battle phase. Then, I will activate the effect of Gottoms allowing me to tribute one X-Saber monster I control to discard a random card from your hand. I choose Dark Soul.", Isabeau said as she pointed at Kaga's hand.
Kaga
Hand: 1
"You may be able to attack Gardestrike next turn, but you can't destroy Gottoms.", Isabeau said.
"We'll have to see about that.", Kaga replied.
"I end my turn. During the end phase if it was sent from my side of the field to the graveyard I can add an X-Saber monster from my deck to my hand. I choose XX-Saber Fulhelmknight.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 2
In Mikado…
A shadowed figure growled angrily.
"These damn zombie spirits won't obey me besides my own! Why is that?!", the figure questioned, looking into some strange portal reflecting some sort of shadowed reptilian creature.
"Isn't it obvious? It's because the Lord of the Undead's will conflicts with your own. As far as most of the zombie spirits are concerned his will supersedes yours.", the shadowed creature replied.
"That old bastard…", the figure grumbled.
"The current Lord of the Undead is your nephew, Flynn Mallory and Doomking's chosen vessel.", the shadowed creature replied.
"I know that…it's so stupid! How can some damn kid lead the spirits when they've never responded to me?! That stupid brat has really been making himself a thorn in my side. Better nip him.", the figure questioned.
"Oh? Is he not family though?", the shadowed creature questioned, sounding surprised.
"Che! I don't know him anyway. All he's been is a pain in my ass so he's going down.", the figure replied, before waving his hand.
Suddenly a severed zombified head appeared within his hand. It wore a black Samurai helmet with devil-like horns. It had razor sharp teeth and ominous glowing red eyes.
"Go defeat him!", the figure ordered before tossing the head harshly.
"Ahh!!! You could be a bit more gentle, Master Keith!", head spirit said.
Later in The Pond Garden…
Zombie Master looked extremely annoyed as he saw one of the Hunters again. Mezuki tensed feeling something off about him. Flynn noticed this rushing forward.
"Hoy, I thought I told you to leave them alone when I beat you.", Flynn said.
He raised his eyebrow as he noticed the Hunter sway.
"Ohh…I'm not here for them. I'm here for you! Besides…you made that deal with him not with me!", the Hunter? said as he seemed to hold up his own severed head which had blood leaking from the neck.
Flynn's eyes widened in complete surprise and horror. Zombie Master gasped looking freaked out and Mezuki looked wary. The Hunter removed his face mask revealing the zombified head had attached to him where his head had been severed.
"This is exactly why most people don't like zombies. Psycho jerks like this dude give us a bad name!", Zombie Master said and Mezuki nodded.
"Who are you…! Why did you kill that man?", Flynn questioned, glaring at the spirit.
"Simply convenience. He was the first body I spotted. Quite the unlucky one, but that's not important. I, Samurai Skull have come to kill you for my Master.", the spirit replied.
"I won't forgive you…he didn't deserve that! When I win you'll drag your so called 'Master' here so I can beat him too!", Flynn said.
Samurai Skull flinched at Flynn's intense glare.
"H-Hah…as if I'd lose to some snot nosed brat!", Samurai Skull replied, trying to hide his nervousness.
Samurai Skull sweated profusely as Flynn's glare became more fierce.
"H-Hoy just simmer down…", Samurai Skull said.
Flynn ignored him, simply raising up his gauntlet.
"Duel!", the two said.
Flynn LP 4000
Samurai Skull LP 4000
With Isabeau...
"I draw!", Kaga said.
Kaga
Hand: 2
"I activate Trade-In allowing me to discard a level 8 monster to draw two cards.", Kaga said, discarding Blue-Eyes.
Kaga
Hand: 3
"Now, I activate the continuous spell Ritual Cage.", Kaga said.
Kaga
Hand: 2
Ritual Cage
(Continuous Spell)
Effect: You take no battle damage from attacks involving a Ritual Monster you control. Ritual Monsters you control cannot be targeted by, or destroyed by, monster effects.
"Now, I activate Monster Reborn allowing to resurrect Luster Dragon #2. Then, I will summon White Stone of Legend.", Kaga said as Isabeau's eyes widened.
Kaga
Hand: 0
"N-No way?! You're going to…!", Isabeau questioned, completely shocked.
"As much as it disgusts me…I feel there's no better way to humiliate you than this. You know what's coming! I tune White Stone of Legend with Luster Dragon #2!", Kaga said.
Isabeau winced as her signer mark reacted glowing brightly.
"Furious dragon of destruction and burn this entire world to ash with your raging flames! Bringing is the terrifying fury of nature upon all! Synchro summon! Level 7! Black Rose Dragon!", Kaga chanted.
Black Rose Dragon
(DRAGON/FIRE/SYNCHRO/EFFECT/ ATK 2400/ DEF 1800/ LV7)
1 Tuner 1 non-Tuner monsters
Effect: When this card is Synchro Summoned: You can destroy all cards on the field. Once per turn: You can banish 1 Plant monster from your GY, then target 1 Defense Position monster your opponent controls; change that target to face-up Attack Position, and if you do, its ATK becomes 0 until the end of this turn.
An intense vortex of light red petals swirled together like a maelstrom. The area around them lightly shook as Isabeau sweated nervously looking at the ground before turning to look at the brewing storm. An ear piercing roar was heard as the storm dispersed revealing the plant dragon who flew down. Isabeau held her mark sweating profusely as it went haywire. Despite it apparently being her destined dragon she did not like the look in the signer dragon's eyes in the slightest. They were eyes full of supreme bloodlust and rage.
To be continued…