Boss Rush

VI: Lost Guardian

"What is a 'seed', exactly?" came the question one day.

Marguerite floated aside the Meteor Stream, following Ryuusei along their path. "Excuse me?"

"I mean, we call 'seeds' a lot of things," Ryuusei reasoned. "So, why in this case we call these special powers 'seeds'?"

Marguerite considered. "Because from a seed, one can get almost anything. Without the practised eye, a 'seed' can grow into a plant, a flower, wheat, maize. There are possibilities from seeds. Potential is the same thing. It is like the old tales of red and blue eyes."

"Excuse me?"

"The Blue Eyes White Dragon will bring victory," Marguerite recited. "The Red Eyes Black Dragon will bring the potential for victory. However, one must fight for victory to happen. The Blue Eyes itself is born powerful, but it can rarely change. The Red Eyes is weaker, but many different forms exist because the Red Eyes hold the will to improve and change. 'Seeds' are like that scattered amongst mortals... unknown, unseen, sleeping beneath the earth until they find that chance to grow and blossom."

"Ah," Ryuusei nodded in understanding as he turned a corner.

"Many seeds pass into the cycle of nature asleep," Marguerite nodded. "A few awaken. I have made many seeds bloom until I have forgotten their holders."

"Well, let's hope that every one of them are handled in this lifetime," Ryuusei sighed as he paused.

Before his D-Wheel, in the skies, Silver-green shadows shimmered into an autumn-winged azure fairy, red bubbles of forest magic floating between her slender hands.

"The Fairy of Illusions, Dreamsprite," Marguerite nodded with a satisfied smile as she held up her staff. "We must be cautious. Hear me, lady of forests!"

The plant fairy cocked her head, hovering low enough for Ryuusei to give a courteous nod. She smiled at him, blowing a bubble of raspberry-red magic to float around his hair.

"Child of dreams, we seek answers," Marguerite explained as courteously as she could. "I have traced your signature from the chains that bind this seer. Why has a mere mortal been chained?"

Ryuusei debated taking offence. He decided that perhaps it was for the best, even if the wording was slightly offensive. The fairy paled, her magic glowing pink as she took the the skies, or tried as a magic circle clasped her to that part of space.

"Well?" Marguerite questioned. "You will not escape the Spellbinding Circle so easily."

"I'm thinking that Dreamsprite usually has a backer, right?" Ryuusei cautiously asked. "That circle doesn't look comfortable."

"...you're right," Marguerite admitted as a shadow loomed.

A wind blew, and the circle shattered. With a terrified and apologetic squeak, the fairy took off as the circle dissolved, leaving the human Duellist and the magician Duel Spirit to face the newcomer. The flower, pink and large like a carnation, bloomed atop the head of the feminine figure in green with thorned vines for hands.

"Rose Witch," Ryuusei readily identified the plant monster.

The monster inclined its head in answer.

"So you're the backer?" Marguerite noted as the Rose Witch took a defensive stance. "Tell me, why the chains?"

"I cannot answer," the Rose Witch replied.

"And sealing the boy's Sight?"

"I cannot answer."

"You know full well I can tell mortal magic when it is present."

"I cannot answer."

"And yet the names of numerous magics associated with the spirits in this region are woven into the chains. Redirection of danger from the fairy of illusions, sacrifice for good tidings from you, the Rose Witch... oh."

"Yes, Marguerite?" Ryuusei asked as he stared from the Rose Witch to her.

"Someone wove protection magics as they bound you at the same time," Marguerite frowned. "So... it's a benign bond? In that case, why bond him at all? Which mortal could have done it in the first place? This is akin to playing a game with fate itself..."

"It's a protection?" Ryuusei asked. "Then who did it? Please, Rose Witch-san, can you tell me?"

The Duel spirit looked at him. "The White Witch."

"The White Witch...?" Ryuusei blinked. "Madame Shimotsuki?"

"I cannot answer," the Duel spirit answered.

"But it is Madame Shimotsuki, right?" Ryuusei pressed desperately. "You're saying that Madame Shimotsuki did something to hide seeing Duel spirits from me? That even though I could see them it's only just one?"

With dead eyes, the plant-monster met his own blue orbs. "...I cannot answer."

In a single leap, the Rose Witch had taken to the skies and disappeared into empty space.

"...did you know this White Witch?" Marguerite asked.

"Yes," Ryuusei murmured quietly, his eyes hidden under his bangs. "She's Shimotsuki's mother."

"Of the Winter Queen?" Marguerite sounded surprised. "Where is she?"

"...she died," Ryuusei confessed.

"Then, why did she do this...?" Marguerite murmured in wonderment. "If she were to give birth to the Winter Queen, perhaps...?"

"No," Ryuusei sounded serious. "Shimotsuki was already born when I met Madame Shimotsuki for the first time."

Marguerite sighed. "Then what is the purpose of binding one's true power? The woman is mortal, or else you would not have said that she has died. She has no reason to protect you, does she?"

"...I joined the Arcadia Movement then," Ryuusei offered. "She would protect us."

"...I do not understand," Marguerite shook her head, her magnificent hair scattering. "We should find some more of these spirits."

Ryuusei blinked as the leaf-red head of the Dreamsprite appeared once more. "Huh?"

Giggling, the spirit flew about the Meteor Stream, before flying off.

"They like you," Marguerite noted as the D-Wheel took to the highways once more. "Odd, for spirits you have never seen until now."

"I think they're friendly," Ryuusei defended as the Meteor Stream neared the Puzzle Area.

"The sprites, yes," Marguerite nodded. "However, that Rose Witch had no reason to be, yet she was courteous even though in their eyes you must be nothing but a boy entrusted to them. You have never left the city, have you?"

"No," Ryuusei answered, confused. "I've grown up here my whole life."

"How convenient," Marguerite nodded. "Did your parents have the True Sight?"

"No," Ryuusei shook his head. "I don't think so. Dad had the Clear Mind ability, Mom had her psychic powers. If anyone could see spirits, it would be Aunt Ruka. But, they're all Signers chosen by the Crimson Dragon, or that was what they said. I'm not like them."

"You are a child of two Signers, born of two people with an important stake in destiny," Marguerite pointed out. "That is a unique tie to destiny."

"Rex is also the son of a Signer," Ryuusei defended. "What's so different?"

"He does not know that his mother was once the enemy of the Signers. That lack of knowledge defeats the purpose."

"Carly-san is a Dark Signer?" Ryuusei nearly crashed at that news.

"Was," Marguerite corrected. "She does not remember, but the taint of Aslla piscu will be apparent once I unlocked the chains binding your True Sight."

"That... is kinda bizarre," Ryuusei decided, recalling Carly Atlas and her ditzy way. "Well, that kind of explains how Uncle Jack actually married, I guess..."

"It does not matter," Marguerite shrugged. "His fate will be one of his own doing. That is a very good fate."

"It's not like you can see fates, right?"

"Perhaps. Perhaps not. But it is apparent that he will make his own fortune. He is his father's son, that is apparent to anyone who looks at him," Marguerite flicked her staff into the air, where she perched on it side-saddle like a witch would on her broom. "Enough of the Ruairi. What of yourself? A binding so strong but benign on an individual so close to the Winter Queen is suspicious. Especially when myself is thrown into the equation, that there will be others searching for the soul of the Summer monarch. It is a mere suspicion, but perhaps... fate has led me to find you. From you there is a lead to where, perhaps, the soul of Titania-sama sleeps."

"I promised that I'll help you find that person," Ryuusei answered as he rode past into the Puzzle Area. "We had a deal, didn't we?"

"Yes, a deal..." Marguerite whispered. "When you decide to do something or not to do something, it is a promise to yourself. The only person who can break that promise is the person who made it. What strong will you must have..."

"Did you say something?" Ryuusei asked.

"Watch the road... Ryuusei."

Rex was at his part-time job, Ava-san had told him to take this week off, and Chase was with his lawyers handling business of the Manjoume Group. Thus Ryuusei was cruising along today.

A roar sounded, the Meteor Stream skidded to a halt before it.

"You money or your life?" Casually threatening, the girl glared at him. She had badly bleached hair, aqua eyes set in orange-tanned skin, and was unnaturally skinny even though her chest was large. She wore a purple-sequinned dress that was short and strapless, with strappy black five-inch heels. Ryuusei couldn't tell much else past the pounds of make-up on and glittery nail polish. On her arm, her DuelDisk pulsed with light.

The red-and-black-haired Duellist stared from the huge dinosaur to her, and back. "Neither."

Red wings lashed out as the Black Rose Dragon took flight, its vines casually strangling the dinosaur as the girl stepped back. "You're... just like me..."

"Are you lost?" Ryuusei asked. "Do you need to get to the Movement?"

"The M- Movement... oh, you're one of them too," her eyes widened as she backed away. "No, stay away! I'm not going there! If I go there... freeze!"

Ryuusei winced as the psychic hit brushed, yet he willed himself to get up. "Are you sure-"

"You're a monster!' She began screaming as she tried to run, but tripped and ended up backing away.

"Oh, this one," Marguerite nodded. "She has a 'seed', I remember."

"Marguerite, is that you?" her eyes widened. "Please, I don't want to be a monster anymore, Marguerite, you can take it back, just turn me back to normal! Please..."

"Sèamhaich, the calm," Marguerite murmured. "A wish for popularity within, but secretly to be at peace. I granted it by causing her 'seed' to bloom, along with the powers that were already present. She is like you, a Psychic Duellist."

Ryuusei stared at the sobbing Kogal. "Isn't there something we can do?"

"'Seeds' are supposed to compete with each other in a garden," Marguerite serenely answered. "The only way out is to smother the 'seed' or let it bloom somewhere else. She wished for such a power. I gave her that power to be calm around her friends, because, for a time, her friends would finally be silent."

"No!" the woman screeched. "I never wished for something like that, you witch! Now take it back!"

Marguerite glanced pityingly at her. "It is not mine to take, only mine to grow. You must find another 'seed' and surrender this. By doing so, you grant them your potential, your power over the future, to them."

"...I have a 'seed' too, right?" came the tentative question.

The Witch of the Time Flower glanced at him. "...Yes, you do. Do you intend to take her 'seed'? Do you intend to shoulder her past, present and future? She is pitiful. Her power is weak, weak enough to slide off you, even though yours has yet to be unlocked. It is not worth the effort."

"But she doesn't want it."

"Power is granted by fate. It is not something so easily given away. To give it away breeds disaster and ill intent on the receiver and the giver."

"Then... if it is won?"

"Then it is an agreement, and it is won," Marguerite languidly answered. "You are going to do it?"

"Then..." Ryuusei looked to her. "I challenge you to a Duel for that power you have, miss. Is that fine?"

"If I Duel... you can take it?" she faintly whispered. "Yes! Yes! Please Duel me!"

"Then the conditions are set," Marguerite murmured as Ryuusei got out his own Disk. "Well, the chains are dropping..."

"What's your name?" Ryuusei asked. "I'm Fudo Ryuusei."

"Fudo... I'm Brandy Gin," the girl laughed. "Just call me Brandy."

"Sure... Brandy-san."

"Duel!"

Brandy: LP 8000

Ryuusei: LP 8000

Her eyes flashed dangerously as Ryuusei felt that pressure once more. "Draw! I special summon Gilasaurus [1400/400] in attack mode! Now I activate the Spell, Big Evolution Pill!"

"Quite a standard strategy," Ryuusei nodded as the monster disappeared.

"Now, I summon Black Tyranno [2600/1800] in attack mode!" Brandy called. "I'll set a card, turn end. Well, let's see how you fare against my Beatdown."

Ryuusei glanced at the giant dinosaur. "...Interesting."

"Most guys would say how it's not girly," Brandy replied in amusement. "Well?"

"Strategies depend on the person using them," Ryuusei reasoned. "If you do it well, there's no point in sticking to stereotypes. I summon Twilight Rose Knight [1000/1000] to the field in attack mode. Using its effect, I special summon Botanical Lion [1600/2000]. Tuning, level four Lion to level three Knight. Chilling flames engulf the entire world. Pitch-dark flower, set in bloom! Synchro summon! Bloom, Black Rose Dragon!"

With a roar, the magnificent black dragon appeared.

"Black... Rose... the Daimon Area's 5Ds monument...?" Brandy gaped. "Wait, you're-"

"I'm just a Duellist right now," Ryuusei answered. "Black Rose Dragon's effect, when it is Synchro summoned, I can destroy all cards on the field! Black Rose Gale!"

Brandy shielded herself as the dragon made short work of all cards, including Big Evolution Pill. "But, that leaves your own field-"

"Then, I play the Spell, Miracle Synchro Fusion," Ryuusei continued. "Come, Dragon Knight Draco-Equiste!"

Brandy gaped as the dragon-lancer appeared [3200/2000]. "...okay..."

"Draco-Equiste, direct attack!" Ryuusei called.

Brandy: LP 8000 → LP 4800

Ryuusei: LP 8000

Brandy winced as the attack hit. "It... doesn't hurt...?"

"Trained psychics can choose whether or not to hurt their victims, or even to use their powers," Ryuusei answered. "The Arcadia Movement exists to help psychics."

"But... I don't want to be labelled as a monster..." Brandy sighed. "Even after I changed my entire look, after so much effort to be liked..."

"...I'll set two cards, turn end." Ryuusei decided.

"Draw..." Brandy sighed. "I summon Rescue Rabbit [300/100] to the field!"

Ryuusei blinked as the tiny rabbit wearing a hard helmet with climbing goggles appeared. "... oh, my."

"Guess you know the strategy here," Brandy sighed. "I tribute Rabbit for two Sabersaurus [1900/900]. I overlay both Sabersaurus to Exceed summon! Come, Evolkaiser Laggia [2400/2000]!"

"A Dragon Type... right," Ryuusei nodded as the monster appeared.

"Now, I play the Field Spell, Xyz Territory!" Brandy called. "And I equip Laggia with the Equip Spell, Mage Power [2400/2000 → 3400/3000]. Laggia, attack Draco-Equiste!"

"Trap card, Phoenix Wing Wind Blast! Chain Trap card, Dimensional Regression!" Ryuusei called. "So, Twilight Rose Knight and Black Rose Dragon is returned to the extra deck, and your attack is negated, plus I draw a card."

"Chain, Evolkaiser Laggia!" Brandy called. "I detach two Exceed Materials from Laggia to negate Phoenix Wing Wind Blast! Also, Xyz Territory gives Laggia a two hundred attack and defence raise for every Rank it has [3400/3000 → 4200/3000]!"

Ryuusei: LP 8000 → LP 7000

Brandy: LP 4800

"Turn end!" Brandy declared. "The tables have turned..."

"It's not over until the last card is played! Draw!" Ryuusei called. "I'll activate Angel Baton to draw two cards and discard one. Then, I summon Mystic Piper [0/0]. Tributing Mystic Piper, I draw. Since I drew the level one Battle Fader, I can draw once more."

"Battle Fader... I draw! Laggia, direct attack!" Brandy decided.

"Special summon Battle Fader, end battle phase," Ryuusei recited.

"Turn end," Brandy decided.

"Draw!" Ryuusei gave a small smile. "I discard a card to special summon Quickdraw Synchron [700/1400]. Since I discarded Dandylion, I gain two Fluff Tokens. I banish Botanical Lion to special summon Spore [400/800] as a level five monster. Tuning, two level one Tokens to level five Spore! Chilling flames engulf the world. Pitch-dark flower, set in bloom! Synchro summon! Appear now, Black Rose Dragon!"

In a flash, Black Rose reappeared.

"Tuning, level one Battle Fader to level five Quickdraw Synchron," Ryuusei continued. "When wishes of steel gather round the messenger of the gale, that wish will become an invincible shield! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Come out, Junk Gardna!"

The monster shimmered as it came out [1400/2600].

"Once per turn, Junk Gardna can change the battle position of one monster my opponent controls," Ryuusei recited. "Once per turn, at the cost of banishing Spore, Black Rose Dragon can change a defence position monster you control to attack position and for one turn, reduce its attack power to zero [3400/3000 → 0/3000]. Rose Restriction!"

"What?" Brandy gasped as her monster was wrapped in thorns. "But, Xyz territory will reduce battle damage..."

"It will," Ryuusei nodded. "But, three thousand damage isn't anything to sneeze at. Black Rose Dragon, attack with Black Rose Flare!"

"Xyz Territory will increase the attack of Laggia by eight hundred [0/3000 → 800/3000]!" Brandy declared.

Brandy: LP 4800 → LP 3200

Ryuusei: LP 7000

"But, Junk Gardna can still attack!" Ryuusei called. "Go, Junk Gardna!"

Brandy: LP 3200 → LP 1800

Ryuusei: LP 7000

"So... this is the difference in our strength," Brandy muttered. "Draw. I pass."

"I believe that you can do it," Ryuusei nodded as Black Rose lashed out. "So, Brandy-san, fight! Black Rose, direct attack!"

"Battle Fader [0/0] comes out!" Brandy defended. "Thank you, Fudo-kun. This is a fun Duel... even though I don't want this power, this is fun! I won't lose so easily!"

"Nice choice," Ryuusei nodded. "Turn end."

"Draw!" Brandy called. "I'll tribute Battle Fader for Frostosaurus [2600/1700]. Go, attack Black Rose!"

"Once per turn, Junk Gardna can move your monster to defence mode, regardless of whose turn it is." Ryuusei countered.

Brandy groaned. "Turn end."

"Draw!" Ryuusei called. "I banish Dandylion to activate Black Rose's effect of moving Frostosaurus to attack mode and reducing its attack power to zero [2600/1700 → 0/1700]. Go, Black Rose Dragon!"

Brandy: LP 1800 → LP 0

Ryuusei: LP 7000

"It's funny... this is the first time, I've ever fought to win so much..." Brandy laughed, until she began to hiccough. "Thank you... Fudo Ryuusei."

"Brandy-san!" Ryuusei called as the hostess slumped to the ground and collapsed. A mote of white issued from her to float about Ryuusei, almost like a spark before it winked out. "What happened, Marguerite?"

"You placed the same pressure she did onto her," Marguerite answered. "So this is the power of Samildanach, to master each and every skill without distinction. What a terrifying power."

"I... what?" Ryuusei looked at her, then to the unconscious Brandy. "Well, we should get her to the Movement..."

"Oi, Ryuusei!" from the skies dropped an orange-haired grinning boy. "You alright?"

"Glen!" Ryuusei greeted the electrokinectic psychic. "This woman tried to accost me, and I think she's a psychic as well. Could you get her to the Movement?"

"Sure," Glen smirked as he summoned a Watthydra to take them. "See ya, Ryuusei."

"This world is full of monsters..." Marguerite remarked as Glen went off.

"Well, we should continue, right?" Ryuusei asked.

"And this is the number one monster," Marguerite muttered as she floated along the Meteor Stream again. "But, there is something... not right here..."

"Marguerite!" Ryuusei called as a shadow flickered and suddenly the witch was attacked.

"Ido!" Marguerite snarled as she blasted the shadowy blue devil.

Kill...

"Ido, the Supreme Magical Force..." Ryuusei hesitantly identified. "Marguerite, are you alright?"

"I will not fall so easily," Marguerite hefted her rose-staff easily. "Envoûtant de fleurs!"

The horrible choking smell of a garden of roses floated about for a moment before the Fiend gave a loud bellow and Marguerite staggered back.

"We should flee," Marguerite warned. "For a mid-level devil like such to be here..."

"No!' Ryuusei decided as the monster's next shadowy blast actually impacted concrete. "It's real!"

"It must still be fairly powerful and recently escaped," Marguerite determined. "There is no point in doing so-"

"But if we leave, it'll find a new target," Ryuusei pointed out. "I can't let innocent people be hurt!"

The monster roared, and a piercing scream sounded as a familiar blue form impacted near the Meteor Stream, Ryuusei only catching it in time.

"You... you tried to warn me...?" Ryuusei blinked.

The Dreamsprite nodded its autumn-red head, blowing a bubble of raspberry-red magic to float around his hair sadly.

"...Marguerite...?"

"You do it," Marguerite muttered. "Ungrateful little brat... your monsters should have effect on such a creature. You do know, right? Especially that one."

"Yeah, I guessed," Ryuusei answered. "Come, Black Rose Dragon!"

The jet-black dragon burst from the inferno, spreading wings of blood red rose petals as black vines covered in thorns exploded out behind it, writhing and twisting like serpents. The crest of rose petals that crowned its ebony head seemed like fire itself, and a mouth filled with needle-like teeth, almost like certain species of carnivorous fish, opened to let out a horrific scream of pure cold fury. Crimson eyes were directed into a burning gaze of malice at the Fiendish monster of the id as it let out another shriek.

Ryuusei rubbed his eyes. "It seems... more real than usual."

Marguerite smacked him. "You summoned the Duel spirit Black Rose! Obviously it's real!"

Black Rose Dragon lashed out with flames dark as night, with vines long and thorned, and they stabbed hard as the dragon fought the only way it could, right before it dug its vines within and ripped the shadowy monster bit by bit by bit.

"That's vicious," Ryuusei touched a petalled, leathery wing to calm the dragon as the Fiend decided to make a quick, whimpering escape but was caught.

"A mere beast, bound by pride," Marguerite dismissively scoffed as she held her staff over it. "Winter-bound... who sent you?"

"What are Winter-bound?" Ryuusei asked.

"Those who serve the Queen of Air and Darkness," Marguerite simply answered. "Mostly Dark, Water and Wind Attributes, however it is not fair to attribute an allegiance based on something far more primal than Summer and Winter. Yet, this vicious beast who indiscriminately kills can only be Winter, cruel and cold. Those sprites and the Rose Witch are of Summer, warmer but never better. There is hardly any distinction, do not forget that."

The Dreamsprite hovered, along with a green fairy-elf that danced in the skies as they nodded their thanks to Ryuusei before disappearing.

"For the sentence..." Marguerite glanced at it. "You must order your dragon to kill it. It is a beast, incapable of deciding its actions."

"Surely it must have wished to live," Ryuusei reasoned.

"But it will live, regardless of the wishes of others, selfish and self-centred," Marguerite replied. "Surely you wouldn't want the other spirits to suffer. It is not a reasoning thing, it is a beast. Beasts like this are incapable of anything else, like the Bone Dragon Ogre."

"But... but it's a spirit too-" Ryuusei was cut off as the Ido lashed out. "Black Rose!"

Black Rose's vine through its skull finalised the decision as the monster dissolved. At once, it seemed like the air of the Puzzle Area has lifted, becoming easier to breathe.

"See?" Marguerite's voice sounded haunting. "Beasts like this have no place in civilisation."

No... was his first thought.

"Everything has its place," he answered later, when night had fallen and he was in his room again, staring at a map of Neo Domino.

"Its place is in the wild moors," Marguerite agreed, perched on her staff like a broom. "That makes it even more dangerous. It bears malice, without prejudice."

A breeze blew in, and the sound of laughter echoed as Ryuusei turned around. There, on the window ledge, a single stalk of wisteria.

"Power was needed to carry it here," Marguerite noted. "Surely, those sprites were grateful."

Ryuusei held up the stalk of wisteria. "Grateful... but I killed a spirit."

"It is the way of life," Marguerite answered. "You killed it to protect the humans of that area, and to protect the Dreamsprite and its fellows. Feel the guilt if you must. But if you wish to protect, sometimes you must make that sacrifice."

That night, in the Puzzle Area, Anna Shiloh paused. "Rose. A spirit died here."

"Did it?" Rose Gonzalez posed.

"It wasn't killed with ice, but with fire," Anna took a faraway look.

"Should we tell her, then?" Rose asked.

"It's fine," Anna answered. "It was a bad spirit anyway. Let's go."

"Oi, then the spirit?"

"Leave it," Anna waved. "We have someone to find."

Chase Princeton was glaring into the eyes of a dragon. Said dragon was glaring back. "What d'you mean, that Ryuusei is in danger?"

I mean what I said. He holds a powerful 'seed', and he is bound by bonds that weaken him unintentionally to hide him. From what, I cannot imagine, but it must be incredible for such an intense binding. A side-effect from that binding is that periodically, power is released into the ether of the mortal world, and that should explain some attraction on the part of others to him. Theoretically speaking.

"So, this binding -whatever is the cause of the stalkers?" Chase asked.

Concentrated power cannot cause a sudden attraction on the part of others, Rei reasoned. Only bewitchment can. And I know only one who can throw about such bewitchment so freely... yet, it is not possible... is it?

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