The chapter is up everybody hope you like it.
I ended up writing another chapter of this, but I will be going to Marksman Gamer next, I got a lot of great ideas for that one.
This chapter is a little different.
I know I said we were going to be meeting Titan this chapter, but that will have to wait until the next one, hope you like it.
Also, credit to Everpeach for betaing this chapter go read his stuff, if you like Genshin and you like RWBY.
Joan
(1994, 10 years Before Joan brought Jack into the universe.)
Pov: Guardian Angel Joan
'How curious' I couldn't help but think as I watched the human with the cursed eye make these 'game' cards.
Who would have thought that the mighty and ancient art of dueling would be turned into a card game of all things?
The clearly half mad man was even talking of having children of all things 'playing' it.
Duel Monsters, which used to be the defining factor in entire wars, being used by a child of all things!
It was as ridiculous as it sounded.
But even still, there is something intriguing about this new game, that much I can admit, it would seem that even if the vessel changed, duel spirits were still capable of inhabiting these new cards.
This became obvious when the creator of this game decided to create a 'St. Joan' card. of course, time is subjective to duel monsters, two or more versions of the same duel spirit can exist at the same time as is the case for me.
There is even a version of myself in my youth, when I was a young and naive member of the noble knights, the fame and notoriety I gained in their ranks granted me the title of Saint for whatever that is worth.
Now there is what I am now, an angel, there is only one way for a Saint to become an angel, and it is clear that I didn't pass away from old age.
Memories of the fight...the sword that pierced through my heart...the burning sensation it caused… they are still vivid at times. though the sting of betrayal will always be worse.
Even after a life of fighting, did I get my rest?
No.
Feeling my mood getting melancholic again I decide that it is best to leave the man with the cursed eye to himself. I am not sure what I would do if I was confronted with a younger version of myself, warn them perhaps?
It isn't like there is a point staying here, a version of my current self hasn't been made yet anyways.
(1995, 9 years Before Joan brought Jack into the universe)
The moment that a card with my illustration was created was definitely an odd one, I was able to feel it, or more accurately them, it would seem that Pegasus made multiple copies.
Interestingly enough there were some cards that were more compatible than others.
Though I suspect that in the hands of a good duelist any card would be able to house a spirit, duel spirit energy is versatile that way.
Most of the versions of myself are inside packs waiting to be opened by whoever is lucky enough to find them.
There are even a few already in the hands of duelists of considerable skill.
One of them, in particular, seems really interesting.
Now let's see what this Rebecca Hawkins is made of.
(1996, 8 years Before Joan brought Jack into the universe)
I can admit that this is a foreign feeling.
How long has it been since someone decided from their own free will, to not have me accompany them to battle?
Definitely, before I became , and even when I was a wet behind the ears, Noble Knight, everyone wanted an additional sword especially when that sword also knew healing magic though admittedly at the level of a novice.
So even if there was some anger directed towards Rebecca for choosing to use his grandfather's deck, I was more confused than anything
Taking a look at Rebbeca's opponent brings… interesting information.
Yugi Moto, this... child with two souls inside of him, wields one of those cursed items that constantly scream out for anyone with an ear to it. He already has himself in a position of power that the kings of old would have slaughtered their entire families for.
Of course, the second soul hasn't shown himself yet, but I was with Rebecca watching the 'Duel Kingdom' broadcast, I know what I saw.
I can be honest enough to admit that it is humbling, at his age I was a starry-eyed recruit seeking the noble knights for adventure and honor, it was only the tragedies that I observed while in their service that made me realize that there is more to life than adventure and fame, yet this young child holds himself with wisdom not seen in humans thrice his age.
He is exactly the kind of man I want as a partner, his age is irrelevant, I can see it in his eyes the will of a true king.
He was even humble enough to concede a duel that he could have clearly won for the sake of teaching another a lesson.
Speaking of...
I may have overestimated Rebecca, she has shown signs of being a spoiled child, not unlike some noble youths I have had to deal with in the past.
Still maybe waiting is for the best, who knows how she will grow.
(A few months later)
A tournament of course there's one. Some things never change I suppose.
Still, this is a great opportunity to test Rebecca, she has been improving drastically since her 'win' against Yugi Moto.
Even with this opportunity I can't help but feel slightly irked at the whole situation.
More specifically my position in the deck.
I have always been slightly prideful that much I can admit, but it is more than that.
Even if at times I don't want to admit it, the reality is that when searched for a partner I searched for companionship above all.
Being a duel spirit can get lonely at times, and even before I became one I struggled to create meaningful bonds, it was more like fellow countrymen and women than real friends.
That is something that I am simply not finding with Rebecca not only is she not able to listen to duel spirits, but I have to accept that I am not even her favorite card, that honor honestly goes to Fire Princess...at least my relationship with that spirit is good.
Still, I am not abandoning Rebecca in her time of need, I am not a betrayer I will see this tournament through
(1997, 7 years before Jack gets brought into the world by Joan)
To say that things were going disappointingly would be an understatement.
The tournament finished with Rebecca in the semifinals, a praiseworthy achievement, especially for one so young.
But at the end of the day when all of it was finished, I didn't get any satisfaction from her achievements, I just didn't feel like I was part of the victory.
So I made up my mind and left her.
Fire Princess wasn't happy, but my happiness is as important as Rebecca's.
After that I decided to reflect on what went wrong with Rebecca, her skill was magnificent, and I am sure she will go far if she decides to continue her pro career.
No, the problem wasn't necessarily her dueling skills, it was the fact that they were the only reason I had stayed with her.
The shame I felt for that wasn't huge, it is in the nature of duel spirits to search for powerful duelists especially those who can represent them and what they stand for.
But I had already stated that I don't want a normal relationship with my 'wielder' so going about it like every other spirit was dumb of me.
I am sure a lot of other spirits would be glad to be with Rebecca, she became an honorable and skilled duelist and has a lot of potential, she even became national champion at age twelve!
So, if I've already decided that I am not going to search for a strong duelist then what should I do...?
The solution seemed obvious at the time.
Just settle yourself into a card pack and let fate decide!
It may seem silly for humans, but it isn't like duel spirits don't know what fate is, and most of them recognize its existence if not its certainty.
Of course, it didn't end as well as I expected.
Kid #1
As the pack was ripped open, I could feel the other cards being quickly moved out of the way.
I could have seen him already, but I wanted it to be a surprise.
Finally, my new partner!
"Wow, guys look at this card!" The kid looked fairly average all things considered, but that was all right I don't judge people by their appearance after all!
It was hard to contain my excitement, my very own partner! Not Fire Princess's or anyone else but mine!
"Wow 2800 attack points that sure is a powerful monster!" All the kid's friends were surrounding him now looking at him with awe.
I suppose this is to be expected, from what I have seen in my time with Rebecca 2800 attack points was well above the average.
I never cared about power but if it will help my partner achieve his dream then that is great for me.
"Do you guys think she is expensive?!" He exclaimed with excitement to his friends.
...
W-what?
"Of course, dude, with that attack power I bet you could sell it to a pro!" The friend beside him said, making a gleam I wasn't sure I liked to come to the eyes of my partner.
"Wicked! I have been looking forward to buying a new bike!" He started ranting to his friends of all the cool things this bike of his would have
W-wait a minute!
I am being sold!? I don't even know his name yet!
"Oh, wow! you kids sure pulled a rare one didn't ya!" A short rotund man started trudging towards the kids' table with what seemed to be an attempt to show a jolly smile, but I knew better, his type is always the same they can never completely keep the greed out of their eyes.
"Hey, old man! How much do you think this card is worth?!" My P-partner? Asked the man who quickly tried to hide a frown of annoyance before he forced a smile to his face.
"How about you let me get a look at it and I will set a price for you?" The store owner said extending his hands.
"Sure, but don't think about stealing it! I'm not dumb like other kids!" For some reason, I doubt that.
The owner grabbed the card making me flinch in disgust " Mhm... what a shame it seems this one is defective" ME defective? Your mustache is defective old man "Sadly the coloration is all off, I am not sure this one would even work on a duel disk, still, I MAY be able to sell to some collector, tell you what, how about I buy you that bike you were talking about and you let me take care of this defective little thing?" He said extending his hand to... the kid "Any bike I would like?" He started cautiously looking at the owner with suspicion "Any at all! Consider it a gift from your favorite Card Shop Owner Bonaparte!" The kid and his friends stated cheering about all the cool tricks they would pull off.
It wasn't supposed to be like this! Where is my fated meeting! Where is the instant bond made between partners!
Kid 2#
I ended up being sold at three times the price of the bike.
Some rich family decided to splurge on a birthday present for their kid.
"Wow with such a rare card I am sure Sarah will like me!" The kid was fat and gorging himself with treats dragging to mind far too many memories of the times I spent working for nobles for my liking.
Seeing his chocolate smudged hands reaching for me made me panic
Ew! Ew! Ew!
'Kid' 3#
I left that vessel to its fate and joined another pack, adversity and strife make the best stories, pretty sure Artorigus used to say that.
Thoughts of my old king make me wince in sadness, but the pack being opened pulled my attention away from my memories.
"Ooooooohhhhh" My fight or flight instincts are instantly turned to eleven by the male moan that left the opener of the pack.
Looking at him he couldn't be younger than twenty his breathing was ragged and was gazing at my current vessel with an admittedly not uncommon look for a man looking at me.
First time this has happened since I became a card though.
Who in their right mind gives bedroom eyes to a card?!
"YES! With Guardian Angel Joan my collection is close to complete!" He shrieked hugging himself and... wiggling furiously.
Looking around the room in my spirit form, I get a look at his 'collection', It is basically a collection of female monster cards, from Harpie Lady to Magician's Valkyria, to even a copy of St. Joan.
Is that a shrine?
…
I'm out
Kid 4#
After leaving that particular mess behind (after making use of my limited impact on the world to make sure my vessel suffered an unfortunate incident) things seemed to go into a downward spiral.
"What?! I don't want a girl as my boss monster! I want something cool like Kaiba's Blue Eyes White Dragon!"
Kid 5#
"What even are the chances that Duel Monsters will last as a game? You better sell it now and get a profit!" Said the mother to the child who reluctantly agreed
Kid 7#
"Why do I always brick with you! You always appear at the worst times!" Maybe because you have the talent of an Ojama and hold no respect for your cards
Kid 9#
"Man, this is a good card, but it doesn't mix with my Swordsman of Landstar beatdown deck, I better sell it, then I will finally be able to afford a third copy of Graceful Dice and Skull Dice, and I'll finally be as good as Joey Wheeler!"
(1998, 6 years before Jack gets brought into the world by Joan)
This trend needs to stop!
I am at my fifteenth wielder, and he is already making a deal to sell me!
Why is it that I am unable to hold on to a wielder for more than a week?!
Right, now mister fifteen is calling some buyer, apparently, some rich family wants to secure their special little snowflake a birthday gift.
Again.
I am getting extremely frustrated with this situation, if this doesn't work up maybe I should go back to the drawing board.
Greywarden Manor
"Happy Birthday Jack!" I hear shouted out from around me.
Feeling the gift-wrapping paper around me being torn open I take a look at possible wielder #16.
He looked pale, not overly so but definitely more than I would recommend for a child his age, his hair was a regular black if a little smokey.
If I had to point out something about him it would be his eyes a strong amber, even if slightly tired they looked prepared, and when paired with the slightly mischievous smile on his face he looked as if there was a joke that only he could understand was going on.
It was those eyes and the smile that turned joyful the moment the protective casing around my vessel was opened.
"She's perfect" I hear him whispering to himself before he raised his voice and directed it to the guests probably to the one who bought him the gift "Where did you get such a powerful card! I have been looking for this one everywhere thanks, Edmund!" At least he seems to have some manners which is already a plus.
He seemed ready to bolt to his room with my vessel and was teased for it by the guests, but he still remained for the rest of the celebration.
I was able to pick up a lot of information from this party, mainly that his parents weren't present. Surprisingly most of the guests were the working staff at the manor.
More importantly, it seems that the kid has an illness the name of which escapes me but seems to have an effect on his stamina if the maid's insistence for him to take his medication and retire to his room early on in the evening was an indication.
In all honestly, the kid looked promising but so did 5 of the previous ones, I will not raise my hopes just yet.
Following him into his room I see that it is filled to the brim with toys and Duel Monsters paraphernalia. It seems that even if his parents haven't come to his birthday, they still strive to give him whatever material possession he desires.
Still not an adequate substitute in my opinion, I have seen it happen to a lot of privileged children and it is never enough.
Seeing Jack approach his admittedly adorable child-sized desk, I see him opening his deck box.
His deck is honestly pretty good for a nine-year-old kid, but it isn't anything crazy just a fairy deck and a fairly simple one at that.
What caught my attention was how he was treating his cards, one would expect that he would be gentle with my vessel since it is a new and powerful card, but he seems to treat all his cards with the same tenderness even the weaker monsters like Watapon he moves carefully and softly.
"Hey Joan" my heart skip a beat, does he know?!
"Say hello to the rest of the team! I am sure you will fit right in; you are a lot stronger than them so maybe you would fit as an older sister?" He started laughing lightly at his own idea.
Okay, he doesn't know, that is honestly more disappointing than I expected, I have been growing desperate for conversation.
Solitude does affect humanoid Duel Monsters more, a dragon may spend centuries without speaking a word in total silence and not be any less due to it.
It isn't a real problem though, even if most duel monster spirits prefer to reach a human who is already capable of speaking with them, they are still able to unlock that capability on humans.
It is a hard process that most duel spirits aren't powerful enough to accomplish with their limited influence in this world, but it is possible especially if accompanied by a skillful duelist, the duel energy generated by them can speed the process significantly.
In reality, the process is a natural one, if one duels enough, real challenging duels that test their mettle and pushes them to their limits they can eventually reach the point of speaking with duel spirits, of course, this process, while simple in theory, is only achieved by few in practice.
Not like I will start the process yet; he has still to prove himself as a worthy partner.
(1 Month later)
Depressingly enough Jack had already become my longest partner since Rebecca.
I decided to start the process, he has a great win rate even if his talent is considerably smaller than Rebecca's, even though he is a prodigy Rebecca was a once-in-a-generation talent.
The challengers he duels also aren't the same as Rebecca's. He duels his classmates, and as privileged as they are the better cards only go so far to challenge him.
The process will probably take years at this rate, but there isn't anything that can be done about it.
Jack has proven that he respects his cards, even on the few occasions in which he losses (against older and more experienced opponents) he grows frustrated yes, but he doesn't blame his deck, he blames himself.
The fact that THAT is an exceptional trait made me grumble for days about humans and cards.
(1999 5 Years before Jack gets brought into the world by Joan)
"Don't touch her!" I hear Jack scream at the older student that had swiped my vessel out of his hands after losing.
"Why should you have such a powerful card?! You think you're better than everyone else when the whole reason that you are even good in the first place is cause you have some of the best cards" The older student shouted back, his face red in both embarrassment and anger.
He was so boastful before the duel and when the duel ended in his devastating defeat he resorted to violence, how typical.
Still, this works for fitting test for Jack, I won't have a wielder be so naive as to believe that everything can be solved peacefully.
I have fought in so many wars, I know for a fact that sometimes one has to put their foot down.
"I said put her down!" He tried again to reason with someone that clearly isn't thinking with his head.
"What if I don't huh? What are you going to about it, I bet I could rip this card in front of you and you would do nothing!" He raised his voice in an attempt to humiliate Jack in front of his classmates.
The idea of having my vessel destroyed hadn't occurred to me, the thought of being separated from Jack was surprisingly hurtful, I think I got attached to the kid in the last year.
It also seemed to be the push that Jack needed to take action.
…
Which came by a swift kicked at his opponent's crotch.
I didn't even see Jack pick my vessel from the floor; I was too distracted laughing at the scene.
He fell faster than an Ojama when met with a Harpie!
(Later that Evening)
The good mood that I had in the morning has vanished.
It seems the stressful situation and physical exertion have caused Jack's illness to flare up again.
His coughing has become worse than I have ever seen before, and it honestly makes me feel slightly guilty.
I could help him slightly with his illness, I am versed in white magic after all but that would come at the cost of slowing the process of making him able to communicate with spirits immensely.
He would be in his mid-twenties to early thirties before he would be able to even hear me.
No, it won't even take that long to make him able to listen anyways three years, four tops, Besides the doctor said that new medicine is arriving, and he said that it will be extremely effective
2001, 3 Years before Jack gets brought into the world by Joan
In my three years with Jack, I have learned a lot about him.
His parents are barely ever at home for starters.
It isn't that they dislike Jack per se, it is more a case that they had a son out of obligation more than for love and they are more married to their jobs than each other.
Jack has a much more fatherly bond with his butler Edmund than with his actual father, they mainly just throw gifts and money at him and call it a day.
The fact that Jack has grown to be such a well-adjusted child despite this is astonishing, or maybe it is because of it.
Speaking of said child.
"There is a moment in your bones
When the fire takes over
Blood is running heart is pumping
As the battle gets closer"
He has taken to singing, mainly as a recommendation from the doctor to increase his stamina, singing can be surprisingly taxing on the lungs.
If I could be honest, he wasn't that big of a prodigy when it came to singing, fairly average all things considered, but it warmed her heart to see him happy.
He has been improving steadily since he got hold of me, a new strategy here a new card there.
The only thing holding him back is the lack of competition, he has practically taken over his school and has to sneak into tournaments at the local card shop for a moderate challenge.
There was talk about going into a Duel Academy prep school but preoccupations about further attacks in such a faraway place cut it swiftly.
There was some guilt in not helping with the illness, but the medicine has been doing miracles for Jack! He has been getting so healthy that some girls have even started approaching him.
Of course, he is only twelve, so it is mostly middle school crushes nothing substantial.
That doesn't mean I haven't been keeping watch on them, who knows what their intentions may be.
Now to listen to Jack sing and wash my stress away.
2003, 1 Year before Jack gets brought into the world by Joan
'How could things end up this wrong' I thought in despair seeing Jack being pulled from the ambulance.
His last attack came out of nowhere, the medicine was doing such a great job!
I had almost forgotten about his illness, he was looking livelier than ever when suddenly he collapsed into a coughing fit that just wouldn't stop!
Things seemed to move in a blur as Jack was rushed into emergency treatment, the doctor had to call one of Jack's house servants, since his parents weren't available. They were both out of the country and even if they rushed back to Japan it would take at least a day to get here.
When Edmund finally arrived, the doctor explained that even if the medicine did an adequate job at stopping the symptoms it didn't help with the cause of the illness, it was practically the equivalent of throwing all the dirt under the carpet it would reach eventually reach boiling point.
Of course, that didn't calm me when I saw Jack coughing blood. Even with my limited impact on the world, my emotional state was having an impact on the medical equipment, I had to leave before I caused more damage.
Floating to the roof of the hospital I sat there for hours thinking.
Was this my fault?
I could have been healing Jack for years, yet I didn't.
What was my reason for not helping someone dear to me who I easily could have?
I wanted to talk to him.
That was literally my entire reason, I wanted to have a partner, a companion and I wasn't willing to wait.
And that may have cost Jack's life.
The medicine seemed to be doing such a good job at dealing with the illness that I thought that I wasn't needed.
But is that really true?
I could have scanned Jack with my magic and seen how the illness was fairing yet I once again didn't
Was it because I was afraid that I may find something that I wouldn't want to?
The final question broke the dam and I started crying my heart out.
How could I have been so selfish, so stupid, not only did I had a great partner but a skillful one at that and I throw it away because I want someone to talk to?
I am the worst
2003, 6 Months before Jack gets brought into the world by Joan
Jack thankfully pulled through at the hospital.
I have been spending all the duel energy I could get access to on healing Jack but I am afraid it will end up being too little too late.
The amount of duel energy I have been getting has also diminished dramatically, as Jack has been consistently bedridden as well as prohibited from going into the real tournaments outside of his family's comfort zone for him.
I have been trying everything I can to help Jack, even siphoning off my own energy to help him when I can, even if diminishes my power and leaves me in a permanent state of slight drowsiness.
2004, 10 Minutes before Jack gets brought into the world by Joan
'Come just a little bit more energy!' I shouted in my mind trying to stop Jack's convulsions.
I was still self-conscious enough to realize that I had dropped into my healer mindset, the one that had granted me the title of Saint what seemed a lifetime ago
The number of duels that Jack has been having has only been dropping and my energy can only go so far.
I can't let him die; he is my responsibility, my partner!
We were supposed to take care of each other!
I wiped the tears from my eyes and continued to take care of him for what seemed like hours, and the situation seemed to only worsen.
Jack's convulsions were slowing down yes, but that was from how exhausted his body was.
It was at approximately 1:00 AM that Jack's heart stopped completely.
I was already in a downward spiral of despair when I felt something.
I could feel it with my magic, or more like magic sense, one of the first abilities one is taught at the Noble Knights, it was a soul?
No, it most definitely was one, but there was something different about this soul, different than the soul of most humans in this world.
Distance is a weird concept with magic, especially soul magic, so the soul wasn't close in the physical sense.
Taking a closer look at the soul in a moment of hyper-focus I see something that makes me gasp...
This soul holds such a similarity to Jack's soul that if it wasn't for its oddness, I would have thought it was it.
My mind was going a mile a second right now, getting a look at Jack I see that his soul is still in his body only 10 sec have happened since it stopped.
Ideas were already running through my mind, knowledge gained through the ultimate price, the soul seemed to be brimming with energy like it had been supercharged.
I couldn't use it to fuel Jack, not because of morals (though it was a small factor) but more because my spells don't work like that.
You can't use white magic to force the life force of one soul into another that is just one of the essential rules of it.
So, If I couldn't use it to restore Jack then what could I do with it?
I wasn't proud of the idea that came to me almost instantly, it was a grey zone so dark you could confuse it for black magic, but it was possible.
Fusing two souls together without consent was probably the biggest violation of a life form possible it would go against what she believed in!
A look at Jack's unmoving chest killed her outrage faster than she thought possible.
Looking at the soul seeming to almost hover around her... no around Jack!
They looked so similar; would Jack even change?
Could it possibly be a parallel of Jack? Then it could technically be the same soul, wouldn't it?!
But what if they are different and I end up changing Jack forever?!
What if he doesn't want to be my partner any longer?
"She is perfect" Rushed through my mind little Jack so innocent so kind.
"We did again Joan!" In his second tournament how he celebrated and ate junk food until he ended up falling asleep on the couch
"Joan, I know that with you I can go pro and show everyone the power of fairies" His dream, even if he couldn't communicate with spirits or even knew they existed he still loved his cards.
Damm the Heavens!
Damm the Rules!
Damm Morals!
With a scowl of rage and tears cascading down from my face, I grab Jack's soul and the new one and use what power I have to try to force them together.
The process starts fast the spheres representing each of their souls gyrating with each other at great speeds trying to fit together.
The energy cost was immense and eventually, I realized unsustainable the grinding slowed steadily.
Is shudder to imagine what would happen to Jack if his soul gets fused halfway, at best he would have two consciousness inside him at worst...
He would become an amalgamated abomination.
This new fear pushed me forward
For Jack! Even if it kills me!
The extra push helps but it still isn't enough the slowing hasn't stopped
My mind is scourging for any piece of information that could be used to help, and I remembered one of the bases of white magic one of the first things one is supposed to be taught.
White Magic is in its very essence the willing sacrifice of something with the intention of helping someone or something, be it mana or something more.
I could throw the last of the magic power into the ritual but I am not sure I could finish it and getting that low on magic power may make me lose my concentration.
Didn't I say that I would save me even if it kills me?
Then there is one resource to use, my soul.
The willing sacrifice of one's essences for a selfless purpose can empower a white magic spell tenfold!
I refuse to live a life with more regrets!
While preparing the spell there was only one regret in my mind.
That I was never able to hold a conversation with Jack.
I was able to see my soul leaving my chest the last seconds before the spell went off, making me smile even as my body started to dissipate, I am sure Jack will find another spirit who will help him of that I have no doubt.
Waking up with a start I look at the ceiling in confusion.
Wait a minute I don't sleep!
Looking at myself I see that I am the same.
Still being confused and groggy it takes me looking at Jack at the floor to truly wake me up.
For a second, I panicked that the spell didn't work but Jack's steady breathing made me release a huge sigh of relief.
Looking at him more closely I can see the light wounds that he got from his convulsions are gone he even looks healthier less gaunt.
Using a spell to check his condition I am surprised by both how more powerful I feel and how healthy Jack registers.
It looks like he never was ill in the first place.
Something pulls me to want to touch his face.
Setting my hand on his face brings an electric feeling to my body, this...
I am actually touching him!
The boisterous laugh that left me was completely involuntary.
How could this be?!
Taking a deep breath and scanning both Jack and myself I reach an answer that leaves me floored.
There is only one soul registered, a huge one at that so big that it could work as a lamp for spirits.
I fuse with Jack how?! Could the spell have gone wrong? I remember feeling my soul being used as fuel to fuse the souls but not much else.
Seeing Jack stir I start to panic.
Okay Joan you are not on the clear yet, there is the possibility that Jack doesn't remember you or maybe he would think he is another person, a not uncommon side effect of fusions.
Using the increased magic reserves that I seem to share with Jack I set him on his bed and tuck him in feeling exhilarated at being able to carry him.
Hours seemed to pass before Jack started to stir again, and I hid my form on instinct.
I wasn't sure why maybe it was shyness maybe I wanted to check what was this new was Jack about.
He seemed to wake up in a slight panic, saying some things I understood and some I didn't
What is a Yu-gi-oh anime?
Seeing him approach me I feel my heartbeat quickening at him coming closer.
Feeling him opening his deck box after a time his reaction of familiarity make my heart soar.
Guess it is time to test him
"Good to know, that you are familiar with me master" I speak to him with a teasing tone that I don't know the origin for.
Seeing Jack react in surprise at my voice makes me break into a joyful laugh.
Everything is going to end up well, I can finally talk to Jack everything else can wait for now
Bonus Scene- A new challenger approaches!
(The day Venus joined the team)
The situation was tense.
Taking a more detailed look at the spirit in front of me I can see how her skin if it can even be called that considering how metallic it is silver with her golden armor shining through like the gems that adorn her.
I was afraid that Jack would start picking new Duel spirits even if I understood it was a necessity.
But doesn't this one entrench in my territory a little too much?!
A fairy type monster with 2800 attack points and a powerful effect, I couldn't help but feel like we were a little too similar for comfort.
"So Venus what do you think about Jack," I say trying to start a conversation, Jack is already sleeping and I wanted to get some information out of her.
From Jack's reaction, Tragoedia was no joke even If Yugi Moto did away with him, I can't help but be suspicious.
The spirit seemed to think the question over, but her expressionless face made it practically impossible to get a read on her.
"He is interesting" was what I ended up getting, she isn't the most socially capable, is she?
Still, the answer sparked my curiosity.
"Oh, how so? I agree of course but what specifically" I was slightly worried she was interested in Jack in a more salacious way, even if she barely looks humanoid now shape is something easily changed for duel spirits.
"He said he wanted to be my partner, I didn't expect that, are all humans like him?" The surprising answer and following question surprised me.
The flashbacks I had from my time wandering for partners must have shown in my face if Joan's answer was anything to go by.
"I will take that as a no then, guess my instincts are just that good to get the best partner on my first try" She started with a monotone inflection before she turned arrogant at the last part.
I could feel myself frowning, at both my luck and her tone, definitely not a social savant this one.
I continued the small talk with her and even if it wasn't the most vigorous conversation I ever had, it still was enough to calm some of my nerves, she clearly doesn't have an interest in romance more like she barely understands it.
I can rest easy knowing Venus doesn't want to take my place.
Now I just have to hope that Jack doesn't recruit another powerful and possibly beautiful female hero into the mix, but what are the chances of THAT happening anyways.
(A couple of days since Silent Magician joined the team)
I am not one for cursing normally, I find it crass at best.
But fuck me for saying that there was little chance of Jack recruiting another female spirit.
And this one is much more dangerous than Venus!
A beautiful 3500 attack point monster with a powerful effect and an archetype around her, she could easily take my place as Jack's main partner!
And that is not taking into account the bedroom eyes that she gives Jack whenever I am looking in her direction, she is clearly trying to send him a message you would have to be dumb not to get the message.
Looking at her from behind Jack I see her in front of both of us giving Jack that clearly suggestive gaze, thankfully Jack was distracted by something else so it was only me locking eyes with her.
Deciding that enough was enough I point to the ceiling of the building we are currently at, I think it is time for some girl talk.
Silent Magician expression is confused for a second before it turns ecstatic, making me have to bite a small growl at the cheek she was giving me.
Once at the top of the roof, I went directly to the point of the matter.
"So Silent Magician what is your opinion about Jack?" Her reaction wasn't what I expected she looked at me like I had just derailed a conversation.
"Jack?" She asked in her low tone of voice pointing down and I nodded, why else would we be here?
"He is a nice guy when it matters and a great duelist" She answered still looking confused.
Is she joking with me?
"Now no need to be shy, isn't it anything more you want to say?" I am being the reasonable one a giving her an opportunity to put things on the table so to speak.
"I don't think so? I like his fashion sense I suppose?" At this point, she looks more disappointed than anything.
"Okay I gave you a chance to just say it, but I guess I can understand how it can be embarrassing to say it, I caught the way you look at Jack like if he was a piece of meat" I throw out into a conversation, brutal honesty has been a fault of mine since I joined the noble knights they used to joke that spending so much time with muscle focus men would end up leaving me a tomboy.
Silent Magician's expression turned from wide eyes and a slightly opened mouth into a disbelieving stare before finally ending in a deadpan expression which was accompanied by the meaty sound of her palm meeting her forehead.
Now it was my turn to be confused, what is up with that reaction?
"You think I am trying to 'seduce' Jack or something?" She inquired making quotation marks with her hands.
I nodded a lot less firmly than I would have at the start of the conversation
The deadpan expression I got from her made me even less sure
"Look Joan, I am not interested in Jack," She said firmly and murmured something else under her breath.
She said in such a way that I couldn't help but believe her, but that leaves her conduct before into question.
"Then why were you giving Jack those looks then?" I regretted making that question almost immediately when Silent Magician looked at me like I was an idiot
It wasn't a dumb question, right?
"I am sure you can figure it out you are smart like that" Silent Magician said before vanishing.
"Thank you?" I whispered to the air honestly confused.
Well, at least I can rest easy knowing Jack probably won't attract another powerful female duel spirit any time soon.
I almost instantly regretted that line of thought, but it isn't like thinking that something could happen makes it more likely right?
Right?
Beta'd by Everpeach
So that was the chapter hope you liked it, next is Marksman Gamer.
If you liked this kind of chapter telling one of the Duel Spirits backstories be sure to tell me in the Reviews!
I am also at Shiro's server if you want to talk to me directly.