Hello Everyone! Another author note.
I did my best with this one and I'm surprised about how long it is. 14 pages wow I'm just blown. Also for my friends reading this I hope you like the little shout-out I gave you (I hope you don't mind me not using your full names thought you wouldn't want it). For my other friends, you will get your spot in the sunlight I promise. Believe it most if not all the people mentioned here are IRL people I know they are really nice and cool people as well.
So best not to keep you waiting please leave a review I like reading people's thoughts on how the story is.
I do not own any rights of Yugioh all right go to KONAMI.
Eddit: I was rereading this and saw a bunch of errors that happen when i copy and pasted over. I now have fixed them. Sorry about that.
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Chapter 2: Reopening
HONK HONK HONK
"Ugh" I groan as I get up from my bed. My phone waking me up. Huh, I guess I was able to get back to sleep. I stretch as I get off my bed and silence my phone. I had grabbed my glasses from my nightstand and started making my way to check on my dog across my camper to see if she peed the dog mats or needs more food or water.
No pee but refill on water. I'm fine with that.
Yep, this is me, William Henriquez. A 22-year-old Hispanic American adult who has the mind of an 18-year-old. My friends tell me it's my autism. My family says it's just me. I'm not sure, most things just fly over my head. What I do know is that I'm just special, do I believe it, I'm not sure, to be honest.
"What's today's hair color, Reddish-brown hair, or is it black today?", I thought to myself. Not sure, my hair changes color when it feels like it to the point where my doctor has asked my mother if it was normal and she confirmed it. All black, brown, reddish-brown, or black on the lower part of my head with light brown on the top part of my head. That's the only color I've confirmed the color change. Yea it's a bit weird.
Dog water bowl now filled. Check. She's now up and running around me in circles, she needs to go out. This little munchkin ball of munchkin is my adorable dog Lucky. I've had her most of my life, Purebred Shih Tzu, and she's about to turn 16 soon. I reach over to grab the dog vest and I hear something at my feet.
"Meow.", My black and white cat Mia is staring at me waiting to be fed. She is the most gluttonous cat you could meet, she eats until she pukes it all up then she begins eating again. A roll of my eyes and I quickly feed her a little, too much and she will begin her puking spree. I quickly grab the harness and strap it on Lucky and make my way outside.
For an RV lot, it's a nicely kept one, grass everywhere with trees losing their leaves for the winter. The majority of the people here are elderly. They mind their own business but everyone is kind and nice. It's a bit chilly for November but I can deal with it at the moment. I shut the door to the camper and my dog basically hops down the porch to the grass. Living in a camper can be a pain in the winter months especially when it gets too cold and I barely have a working heating system.
This is a normal day for me. Well to be honest it's the first Saturday I've had off in a while from work. COVID hasn't been kind to the factory I work at and people are quitting in fear because of it. Work had backed up and after working our asses off for nearly 7 months we have our first Saturday off. It's a day to relax and enjoy some R&R finally.
Lucky quickly finished her business and it was time to head back in. The winds were picking up now.
After removing her harness and rehanging it back up I sat by my computer, I've been needing to download some new tunes to my phone. Booting it up I was about to get to work when a thought accrued to me. Why did I set an alarm to wake me up? I looked around the desk I had set up in my camper. Thoughts coming back of how me and my family had ripped nearly everything out of this place to put normal house stuff in here, I mean literally we gutted this camper. My eyes scanned around till it landed on my attack on titan satchel, on my desk, with my Yugioh cards inside it.
Wait… Yugioh…
I looked immediately at my phone, November 14. My eyes shoot to the calendar and the date is circled written: "First-day shop is reopening". I look to my phone again then back to the calendar then to the phone and back to the calendar. I look at my phone once more and the time says 11:40. It now dawns to me why I set an alarm.
"I'M GOING TO BE LATE!", I yell in panic.
A quick dash to my cabinet to grab a fresh pair of pants. While I remove my bed shorts I reach over to the shelf across my bed for a new pair of socks. I didn't bother to change my shirt because I just usually sleep with the next day's shirt after my shower the night before, which is always a blue shirt. I just finished dressing, putting on my red shoes, and was about to head out with my bag over my shoulder when It hit me again I almost forgot grandpa. One look at my desk and I grab a chain necklace with a ring on it. It's been a few months since Grandpa has passed away. I inherited a few of his things including his wedding ring after spending 42 years with my grandmother, with his ring I promise I always take him with me.
One more double look at everything, seeing if I didn't forget anything, I leave my home locking it then hop in my truck and head to the shop.
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Jimmys Game and Card shop.
Since COVID had started the shop was forced to close, and has now reopened after 7 months. I haven't been able to get some fresh new cards because of it, hell everyone hasn't, It was the only card shop in a 30-mile radius. I've heard stories of people from 4 towns over coming here to get new cards due to how it's the only closest shop there is. Jimmys a cool guy, he gives deals a lot cheaper than the normal stores would sell their cards. Really nice guy to hang out and plus the coolest part is he's only a year older than me. He's living the life he wants.
I pull my truck into the small parking lot Jimmy's shop shares with 2 other shops, luckily there is still some parking so I was able to park easily. I put on my mask which's basically a neck scarf, got out of the truck, grabbed my satchel, and ran into the shop. Jimmy's shop is covered in rare collectible stuff going from rare Yugioh tin boxes to pokemon figures, to even some Yugioh artwork. He not only carries cards for Yugioh but also Pokemon, Magic of Gathering, and Dragon Ball Z. Yes dragon ball has their own card game, I couldn't pull my eyes away from looking through the cards he was selling for like half an hour the first time I learned of this.
The shop is packed this weekend. People are trading cards at the dueling tables with practice duels too, there is chatter going around mostly about missing seeing people, and Jimmy is running around behind the counter helping people buy new cards before the tournament starts at noon. I feel in my element.
Some of my old pals have returned. I see my friend Tristan kicking someone's ass in a practice duel. The Bond brothers opening their many packs they probably just bought from Jimmy, I've seen these guys spend 200$ in one day here. But there is one person I'm really looking forward to seeing again.
"William!", My attention is pulled to a 13-year-old boy sitting at one of the tables waving and calling out to me.
"Nathan!", I happily greet them back.
Nathan, one of if not thee youngest duelist I know. He had dirty blond hair, pale skin, and wearing a red shirt with tan shorts. Like how I like to use my Crusadia deck he prefers his Cubic decks. He's actually gotten higher in Jimmy's tournaments than me sadly but I've beaten him multiple times due to my ace card Mekk-Knight Crusadia Avramax. Without it, he would be kicking my ass all the time. But I respect him since he's a good duelist and a cool kid in a room full of adults and near-adult teens probably looking down on him.
"How's it going, old friend?" I greet, happy, to see him.
"It's going alright! I hear Jimmy just stocked some rare new cards today. I'm going to take a look when he's not too busy.", Nathan says excitedly.
He's basically hopping on his feet excitedly to get his hands on some new cards. I'm the same way too just holding it in.
A huge gurgling noise came from my stomach and my face flushed red in embarrassment. Nathan heard it as well and he started laughing mad as I tried to sush him. Of course, I forgot to grab something to eat before I left, I knew I was forgetting something.
"Hey, want to grab lunch? Jimmy said he's not starting the tournament till another hour because of how many people need to buy cards." Nathen had asked with teary eyes from laughing so hard.
"Your lunch, my breakfast, I woke up an hour ago," I stated. "But I'm down for some pizza you in?"
"Yea let's go."
I left my bag on the table next to his cards as we walked out of the store to the pizza joint. The area the shop was in was surrounded by fast food shops. You could grab something just in walking distance like a pizza that was 2 doors down. Due to COVID, we had to order outside while they make our pizza and get our drinks. After waiting for like 15 to 20 minutes our orders are in and we take our pie to the shop to eat. Jimmy usually has a table set up for food inside but we set it up and the bed of my truck and eat there.
Nathan and I decided to catch up on things while we were eating. He tells me how school sucks and he would rather be doing more fun stuff. I tell him how my job has been doing and all the overtime I've been working has been dreadful. We both laugh at our misfortune, finish our food, and then head back in making sure to toss the now empty pizza box in Jimmy's trashcan.
When we check the line, Jimmy is just about done with the last person so we hop on over to the shelf just as Jimmy sells the guy his cards.
Jimmy has short brown hair, pale skin as well, and a small curry beard that was showing from under his black mask. He was wearing a Dragon Ball Z shirt with Vegeta on it, black pants, and shoes to match.
"Will! Nate! Hey guys how's it going? What can I get ya?" Jimmy asks. A bit exhausted hinted in his voice, he's probably been doing this with everyone.
Nathan the first to speak "Hey Jimmy! We heard you got some new cards in. Do you still have some left?"
"Hmmm I may have some, everyone been asking for them but I'll check to see if we still have any more." Jimmy now turned to me. "What about you Will?".
"I got a bunch of cards to buy. Why don't you help Nathan first? I got a book written down of what I need." I replied.
"Sure man, just bring on over and I'll see what ya need." He said happily as he started searching around for cards for Nathan.
I headed back to my satchel to grab my art book. After the shop was shut down I started looking into other decks and I found a few I wanted to make. I want to try using these in the future when I get the chance but for now, I'll stick to crusadia for this tournament. After I got my book I headed back to see Nathan just getting his new cards and paying for them. I walked up to Jimmy and plopped the book down open to the page with the cards written down on it. Jimmy's eyes are bulging at how many cards are on this list.
"Jesus William, do you even have the money for all of this?" He stated looking at the list and was surprised to see so many cards. "How many decks do you plan to build?"
"Just the decks I want," I replied, pulling out my debit card. "I have 25 hundred I saved with all the overtime I've been doing for the past few months. Will it cover it all?"
"Y-yes and then some. Are you sure you want to spend this much money?"
"Dude, do you see what the bond twins have right now?" I said pointing over my shoulder. They had stacks of cards just piled neatly in mini stacks all over their table.
"Yea but they don't blow 2.5 grand here. I will ask again. Are. You. Sure." He asked.
"Yep and if there is any money left let me grab a few of those card boxes, sleeves, and those booster boxes too."
"Ok... your money." He said bewildered.
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"And done," I stated, finishing putting the last of my cards in their deck box.
I bought so many cards I nearly wiped Jimmy's shelves clean off. So many cards I don't even know what to do with them and I was even able to pull multiple rare cards. As I was putting the last of the deck boxes in my bag Nathan had plopped down in front of me.
"Sooo will?" he started with a smirk. "It's been months since the last time we dueled how about a rematch? This time I got a plan to beat you!"
Another challenge? I look at him with confidence. Pulling out my crusadias and pulling my phone out with the life points on was more than enough to answer him.
"You're on!"
William: (8000)
Nathan: (8000)
Nathan had put his cards out and drew his five cards.
"Highest number role?" I asked, pulling my dice out. He nodded and we rolled to see who goes first or second. I won, I chose second.
"I play the spell card Foolish Burial Goods," he explains by tossing the card on the table. "I send the spell card Cubic Karma to the grave and after that, I'll banish the card to add Crimson Nova The Dark Cubic Lord to my hand."
As instructed he took the card from his deck, placed it in the graveyard, moved it to the banished zone, then added said monster to his hand.
"I play Pot Of Desires, Banish 10 face-down then draw 2."
He did as instructed again and now has 6 cards in his hands.
"Reveal 3 cubic cards to special summon Crimson Nova." He reveals Duza The Meteor Cubic Vessel, Dark Garnex The Cubic Beast, and Cubic Wave.
Crimson Nova The Dark Cubic Lord, Level 10: ATK 3000
"Reveal 3, special summon."
He summons another Crimson Nova.
Crimson Nova The Dark Cubic Lord, Level 10: ATK 3000
"Reveal 3, special summon again."
He places his third and last one down.
Crimson Nova The Dark Cubic Lord, Level 10: ATK 3000
"I end my turn and with that, we take 3000 effect damage due to Crimson nova effect."
William: (8000) - (5000)
Nathan: (8000) - (5000)
"Your turn William!" Nathan states boldly.
I nodded and drew my card. I had 2 Crusadia Draco, Crusadia Maximus, Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring, and World Legacy- World Crown. I drew World Legacy Succession. The strategy went through my head. I can win this turn.
"I normal Crusadia Maximus." I called starting to put my pan to work.
Crusadia Maximus, Level 4: ATK 1600
"I link summon Crusadia Magius."
Putting Maximus in the grave I pulled magius from the extra deck and put him on the field.
Crusadia Magius, Link-1: ATK 100
"From my hand, I special summon Crusadia Draco from my hand in defense mode to the zone Magius is pointing."
Crusadia Draco, Level 4: DEF 2000
"I activate Magius and Draco's special ability. Chain one on Magius, Chain two on Draco. Draco allows me to add 1 crusadia monster from my graveyard back to my hand since he was summoned to a zone a link monster points to. Magius allows me to add one crusadia monster from my deck to my hand because an effect monster was summoned to a zone he's pointing to. I add Crusadia Arboria from my deck to my hand."
I add Maximus back to my hand and add Arboria from my deck to my hand.
"Link summon again using Magius and Draco, I link summon Crusadia Regulex"
Crusadia Regulex, Link-2: ATK 1000
"Special summon Arboria in defense, from my hand to the zone Regulex is pointing to."
Crusadia Arboria (Tuner), Level 3: DEF 1800
"Regulex ability activates when an effect monster is special summoned to a zone he points to. I get to add one Crusadia spell or trap from deck to hand."
I search my deck. I need to end this fast and what better way to do this than get my field spell.
"I add the field spell card Crusadia Revival from deck to hand."
I added the card showing it was the right card.
"Link summon using Regulex and Arboria. I summon Crusadia Equimax."
Both monsters I put in my graveyard and I pulled Equimax and put him in the right extra deck zone. Now I should mention it I've been putting all my monsters in the right extra deck zone. Force of habit I guess.
Crusadia Equimax, Link-3: ATK: 2000
"From my hand, I special summon Maximus in defense to one of Equimax zones since I haven't special summoned him from my hand."
Crusadia Maximus, Level 4: DEF 1000
"I link Maximus out for another Magius."
Crusadia Magius, Link-1: ATK 100
Another Crusadia Magius is now on my field and the look of Nathan's face said it all. He hated this part and I don't blame him, my signature monster always kicked his butt most of the time.
"Link summon using Crusadia Maximus and Magius into Mekk-Knight Crusadia Avramax."
Mekk-Knight Crusadia Avramax, Link-4: ATK 3000
"I play the field spell card Crusadia Revival. All crusadia link monsters gain 500 attack. I activate its effect to target Avramax so he can attack all your monsters too."
Mekk-Knight Crusadia Avramax, Link-4: ATK 3000 - ATK 3500
"I play the spell card World Legacy Succession and target Maximus in the graveyard and special summon him to one of the zones Avramax is pointing to."
I took Maximus from the graveyard and placed him in the bottom right zone Avramax was pointing to. This was going to be way overkill.
Crusadia Maximus, Level 4: DEF 1000
"I activate Maximus ability, equipping it to Avramax."
Maximus special ability could only be activated when the equipped monster destroys another monster so I knew we're in the end game now.
"Battle. Avramax attacks your first Crimson Nova, then activates its ability. Since he's attacking a special summoned monster he gains the attack of it till the end of the battle."
Mekk-Knight Crusadia Avramax, Link-4: ATK 3500 - ATK6500
"Avermax destroys your monster and Maximus ability activates on him, because of that you take twice as much damage. Thats game."
Nathan: (5000) - (0)
"Man…" Nathan said in annoyance. "Thought I was going to have you."
"What happened to 'having' a plan to beat me?" I asked while picking up my cards. "You played like last time."
"I didn't draw the cards I needed. Besides you had ash, why didn't you block me?"
"I didn't look at my hand till my turn," I admitted. It's not like that mattered anyway I was able to beat him by attacking his one monster. I knew how his deck worked. Besides the more monsters on the field the more I can attack and deal more damage.
"Anyway." I began again. "I think Jimmy is about to start the tournament, we shou-"
Anything else I was about to say was caught off guard when a hand slammed onto my right wrist holding it in place on the table. I look up to see a dirty blond hair woman in a gray shirt. She looked around her late 30s early 40ish.
"How much?" she stated.
"Wha?" confusion is now on my mind.
"How much for the card in your hand?"
I looked at my hand and the card I just picked up was Mekk-Knight Crusadia Avramax. To be honest, Avramax is a sought-after card being known as a boss card by some of the best duelists around the world. I would always turn offers down due I've grown a special attachment the first time I saw one of his abilities. When he's on the field opponents can't target other monsters for attacks unless it's him plus with his ability to double damage for attacking or being attacked that spoke volumes to me. I have always looked out for my friends and if someone wanted to mess with my friends they would have to go through me first. He was like my Yugioh Persona. I looked back at her and my offer was always the same.
"He's not for sale," I stated still in shock she had a hold of me, just to ask for my card.
"50 Dollars!"
"Huh?"
"50 dollars for the card!" she stated again, gripping my wrist even tighter.
"Did she not hear me?" The thought rang in my head. "He's not for sale ma'am," I repeated again only glaring at her now.
"100 dollars…150 dollars... 200 dollars…" she continued her grip getting tighter per count, not loosening it when I even tried pulling it away.
I looked at Nathan for help and he was just as perplexed as I was. Ok, I need to end this.
"500 Dolla-"
"WOMAN GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME THE CARD IS NOT FOR SALE!" I had screamed at her. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see I got the entire shop's attention. Good. That's exactly what I was hoping for. "Let go!"
I used my left hand, which originally was holding my deck, to grab her wrist and using my nails to dig into her skin while gripping it hard. I then ripped it from my own wrist. A trick I learned from an old friend of mine to get people off of you who grabbed you or grabbed something of yours. She looked upset when I threw her hand back as I stood up ready to defend my card. She looked like she was about to say something else when a taller gentleman grabbed her by her upper arm. I recognize him as he was the off-duty cop who usually duels here in the tournament.
"Miss that's enough! Jimmy, what do you want me to do with her?" He asked never taking his eyes off of her.
"Escort her outside. Ma'am, you're no longer welcome to my store anymore! Leave!" Jimmy stated pissed.
The dude pushed/yanked her out of the shop. She was yelling in frustration to let her go till he tossed her outside. He stood at the door making sure she wouldn't come back in. I rub my right wrist to ease the pain and tried to get the blood flowing back to my hand. For an old boat, she has one death grip.
"Will, you ok?" Jimmy asked coming up to me, a worried expression showing on his face.
"Yea," I replied. "She has one hell of a grip though."
"What was that about?"
"She tried to get Williams Avramax card!" Nathan said, standing up. "When he said no she kept making offers and wouldn't let him go."
"What he said," I replied. "I know he's a good card but offering 500 dollars for a 15 buck card? She must be desperate but this is ridiculous."
"Do you need an ice pack or anything dude? I can-"
"No no Jimmy, I'm fine. I'm just a little shooked up is all, but I'll be fine." I cut him off. I know it's his store and all but she only grabbed me. There was no need for the law when we have a cop here already.
Speaking of him.
"She's gone, Jimmy. Hopefully, we'll see the last of her." the off-duty cop stated. I never got his name anyway.
"Ok, everyone now that's over let's get this tournament started. Pairing list is on the board over there." Jimmy stated pointing to a board on the wall with paper attached to it.
I don't know what that was about but to be honest her voice just ringed in my head. It was familiar but I couldn't put my finger on it. Maybe I'm overthinking it, I do tend to do that. With that thought pushed to the back of my head it's time I get my gear running and win this tournament.
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10th place.
I made 10th place in the tournament. There were only 12 people.
"Why do I always screw up?" I asked myself. I was home lying down on my bed. It was 2 hours since the tournament ended and I was running strategies in my head of possible outcomes if I hadn't choked up when dueling.
"Maybe if I remembered my Kaiju spell card in my graveyard in that one duel I could have got a Kaiju out to replace his big monster." I thought to myself. "Or if I didn't activate Thousand-Eyes Restrict ability with the other duelist I could have saved him from being destroyed and continue with my link chain. If i could have used Magius to grab Arboria instead of Maximus I could have saved Equimax from getting destroyed by that card effect."
These thoughts were running through my head over and over again. I had a bad habit of when getting pushed into a corner, I would usually have an internal panic and make the wrong move. I would get lucky and pull over it sometimes then win only to lose the next dueling game.
Jimmy's tournaments were a "best out of 3 who gets the most wins tournament" instead of a knock-out first duel kind. It has about 6 rounds when there are 12 people. Whoever wins the best 2 out of 3 gets a point. The ones who received the most points move onto the top 6 to duel each other. After that, whoever has the most point wins out of that 6 wins. I've never once made it to the top 6, top 4 if there are 8 people in the tournament.
"Ugh". I groan with frustration.
"Why did I have to choke up… blasted autism problems!" My thoughts rang in my head once more.
I've always had this problem of when a situation gets hard I panic. This has happened for as long as I can remember. Even back when I was in school and was faced with a difficult school project, I panicked whenever the due date was close and I wasn't even done with said project. My mother said it was my autism for the reason why I've had this problem. This sucks.
My phone suddenly vibrated after that, I reached in my pocket to see who it was.
X-X-X-X-X-X
DarkWorld: Hey guys bad news won't be able to make it for the DND tomorrow so we are going to have to reschedule
X-X-X-X-X-X
"Well, that sucks," I thought. I was looking forward to it.
Looking back at the message, some of the guys were replying back. Guess I should as well.
X-X-X-X-X-X
Latina: what happen are you ok
Crystal: aw man I was looking forward 2 but kicking
DarkWorld: yea just some personal stuff i got to do we will continue next week
Will-BG: Hey guys
Will-BG: man sucks dude lifes a bummer. We will B here when u get back
Crystal: Will is right well b waiting here dark also hey will whats up
Will-BG: Just thinking on strategies on how to win next tournament
Crystal: Oh you won!
Crystal: YAY!
Will-BG: No 10th place…
Crystal: Oh sorry about that
Will-BG: No no its fine. I got to stop panicking during a duel.
Will-BG: Besides today was an odd day at the tournament. Anyone want to hear?
Latina: Oh? What happen?
Will-BG: Ok where do i begin?
Will-BG: I just finish wraping up a practice duel and was putting my cards away when some woman came out of no where wanting to buy my card.
DarkWorld: Whats wrong with that?
Will-BG: My bad not wanting to buy.
Will-BG: She was demanding to buy my card.
Crystal: What?
Will-BG: She was holding my wrist down and refusing to let go till i gave into selling her Avramax
Crystal:?!
DarkWorld:!
Latina: 0o0
Will-BG: Yea crap got real
Will-BG: Lucky i was able to get out of her grip and that off duty cop i told u guys about escorted her out with Jimmy approval
DarkWorld: Dude what the *****
(Nightbot): DarkWorld Watch Your Language You've Been Warned!
DarkWorld: OH COME ON!
(Nightbot): DarkWorld No Spamming!
Crystal: XD
Will-BG: Rotflol
Latina: Nightbot is really not letting up tonight
Latina: Will are you ok did she do anything else to you?
Will-BG: Nothing else and i was able to protect my card
Will-BG: But she had one hell of a grip ill tell u this
DarkWorld: What the hell was her problem?
Will-BG: Shrugs not sure all i know is she was despite i tell you that
Crystal: Oh! Before i forget did you guys see-
X-X-X-X-X-X
That conversation went off-topic after that, talking about new shows and such. Most of our small group was asleep in other countries; they probably would have gotten a heart attack about what happened at the shop. After about another hour of conversation, it was getting late so I said my farewells to the group and decided to turn in.
Today was a crazy day, although what plagued me the most was women. My thoughts couldn't stop thinking about what the fuck was her problem, seriously just buy the bloody card online.
Once again I decided to put it at the back of my mind and pull up my sheets. Mia once again came up and rested on my chest to sleep. As I was getting comfy I realized how I wasn't as yet tired as I thought.
Wait.
I forgot to take my sleeping meds again… fucking insomnia.
I got up, again upsetting my cat, and went to get my meds. I'm never gonna get back in that comfy position again dammit.