"I can sense you need more training Nanashi. If you want to stand by his side you need to be stronger.", Odin replied.
"How's this guy?", Asahi asked.
Me: He's just an ungrateful, treacherous a* you shouldn't trust, Asahi.-Lucian Naruto
To be fair Odin has prescience in Norse mythology to be deceitful. I think he's one of those gods that loves to disguise himself to test people. I believe that's what Odin turning into an old man in IV and Apocalypse is referencing.
Odin: I'm just a nice wise old man who would never trick two kids into making the worst mistake of their lives.
Also Odin: *winks at the camera*
Chapter 5 NEUTRAL: Stairway to Heaven Part 2
Flynn turned his attention away from Doomking wondering what became of the others after he collapsed. He wanted to help even though he was unconscious.
With Isabeau…
Isabeau raised her gauntlet to the unknown angel. The angel had her and on her hip and lowered her gaze down to Isabeau.
"It seems he's not here. Tell me 'why are you waging this battle against the Lord?'", the angel asked, taking the Samurai aback.
She was confused that the angel didn't want to instantly duel or call her filth.
"To protect Tokyo.", Isabeau replied.
"Why do you want to protect Tokyo when it isn't even your home?", the angel questioned.
"Because people I care about live there.", Isabeau replied.
"Hmm…I see. Gabriel's decision is rather regrettable. I don't quite agree with it either. If you're willing you can change course to road that will lead both Mikado and Tokyo to order.", the angel explained.
"Why should I believe you? We trusted that the angels didn't want to destroy Tokyo and they turned their back on that.", Isabeau questioned, skeptically.
"Did your fellow ever tell you about what happened to his family and how they were saved by an angel?", the angel questioned as Isabeau's eyes widened.
"That can't be!", Isabeau gasped,
"My name is Zelenin. I was once human like you. I believe that there is a way to save this world without a genocide.", Zelenin replied.
"We've already found a way. We are going to unite Mikado and Tokyo.", Isabeau replied.
"That will not be enough. Such different peoples will evidently fight. Order must be enforced by the hands of the angels.", Zelenin replied as she raised what looked like a gold gauntlet,
"As if we would surrender our freedom to the angels again!", Isabeau replied, raising her gauntlet.
"It seems we are at an impasse. Even if your heart is in the right place I cannot let you disturb the peace of those in Mikado so I must stop you from going forward.", Zelenin replied.
"Duel/Holy duel!", the two said.
Isabeau LP 4000
Zelenin LP 4000
"For the Lord! I draw!", Zelenin said.
Zelenin
Hand: 6
"I will activate Graceful Charity allowing me to draw three cards and then discard two. Then, I will activate Valhalla the Hall of the Fallen.", Zelenin said.
Zelenin
Hand: 5
"Then, I will special summon myself! The prayers of the faithful shall no longer go unanswered! With G.O.D.'s blessing I shall make humanity prosper! Level 7! Guardian Angel Joan!", Zelenin chanted as she entered the field.
Zelenin
Hand: 4
"Then I will activate the continuous spell Messenger of Peace.", Zelenin said.
Zelenin
Hand: 3
Messenger of Peace
(Continuous Spell)
Effect: Monsters with 1500 or more ATK cannot declare an attack. Once per turn, during your Standby Phase, pay 100 LP or destroy this card.
"Then, I will set a card and end my turn.", Zelenin said.
Zelenin
Hand: 2
Isabeau focused her attention on her continuous spell knowing it would be pain to get through.
"I draw!", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 6
"I shall summon Fleur Synchron.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 5
"Then I shall use the effect of my White Steed to special summon it when I possess a level 2 or lower monster.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 4
"I shall tune Fleur Synchron with my steed! A gallant warrior lady marches forth to battle! Her strikes are as swift as the wind! Synchro summon! Level 8! Chevalier de Fleur!", Isabeau chanted.
Zelenin stared calmly at the Synchro monster thought she was wary knowing full well how powerful they could be.
"She's only used two cards to summon a monster of that strength. Synchro monsters truly are dangerous in more ways than one.", Zelenin thought.
She couldn't help but think they would have been useful in the past but…She knew the true danger these powerful monsters pose.
Isabeau looked over the continuous spell knowing she couldn't attack just yet.
"I shall activate Fleur Synchron's effect. When it's used as Synchro material I can special summon a level 2 or lower monster from my hand. I choose XX-Saber Ragigura in defense mode.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 3
XX-Saber Ragigura
(BEAST-WARRIOR/EARTH/EFFECT/ATK 200/DEF 1000/LV1)
Effect: When this card is Normal or Special Summoned, you can add 1 "X-Saber" monster from your Graveyard to your hand.
"Then, I shall set a card and end my turn.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 2
"For the Lord! I draw and I will pay 100 life points to keep my continuous spell on the field.", Zelenin said.
Zelenin
Hand: 3
Zelenin LP 4000 - 100 = 3900
"I shall activate Pot of Greed to draw two cards.", Zelenin said.
Zelenin
Hand: 4
"Then, I will activate the effect of Zeradias discarding him to add Sanctuary in the Sky to my hand. Then, I will activate it.", Zelenin said.
Zelenin
Hand: 3
"I will activate Foolish Burial to send Buten to the graveyard.", Zelenin said.
Zelenin
Hand: 2
"I will activate the effect of Archlord Kristya to special summon him when I have exactly 4 fairy monsters in the graveyard.", Zelenin said.
Zelenin
Hand: 1
Archlord Kristya
(FAIRY/LIGHT/EFFECT/ATK 2800/DEF 2300/LV8)
Effect: If you have exactly 4 Fairy monsters in your GY, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). If Summoned this way: Target 1 Fairy monster in your GY; add that target to your hand. Neither player can Special Summon monsters. If this face-up card would be sent from the field to the GY, place it on top of the Deck, instead.
"When he's special summoned this way I can add one fairy monster from my graveyard to my hand. I choose Zeradias.", Zelenin said.
Zelenin
Hand: 2
"First I can't attack now I can't special summon?", Isabeau questioned as she sweated nervously.
"As I said I won't let you disturb the peace. Now, your strongest weapon as a Synchro user has been locked off from you. You've been reliant on special summoning and that will be your downfall.", Zelenin replied.
"I assure you I won't fall that easily. I have ways in my deck to shatter your defenses.", Isabeau replied, defiantly.
"The question is if you can last that long. I will activate my continuous spell Ectoplasmer.", Zelenin said.
Zelenin
Hand: 1
Ectoplasmer
(Continuous Spell)
Effect: Once per turn, during each player's End Phase: The turn player must Tribute 1 face-up monster, and if they do, inflict damage to their opponent equal to half the original ATK of the Tributed monster.
Isabeau sweated intensely after seeing Zelenin place down the card.
"You have three turns at best to beat me or this duel is over. I will summon Zeradias. Then end my turn triggering my continuous spell. I choose Zeradias.". Zelenin said.
Isabeau LP 4000 - (2100/2) = 2950
"The clock is ticking. If you cannot decisively beat me in time you are to retreat from here and never endanger Mikado again.", Zelenin said as Isabeau's heart rate increased.
Her eyes widened as she realized just how dire her situation was. She refused to fail Flynn who had believed in her so. She'd seen how difficult it was firsthand to gain his faith. Isabeau thought about the people of Mikado with her thoughts drifting to her father. The thought of never seeing him again filled her with dread.
"I need to do something…I can't fail, but…I need both Mystical Space Typhoon and a way to defeat her monster without special summoning. How am I supposed to do that?", Isabeau thought as she sweated intensely.
She flinched when she heard a familiar roar from her extra deck grabbing her attention.
"Destruction…", Isabeau thought.
Flashback
She remembered that day when she was a youngster very vividly. Everything seemed fine as she started a duel with her instructor.
"I will attack you with Gardestrike!", Isabeau declared.
"….It seems I can do nothing to stop it.", the instructor said as he checked his trap card.
Suddenly he winced in pain alarming her and many nearby. The instructor suddenly had a massive gash through his chest as if he had really been cut with a sword.
Isabeau was completely speechless as she shook in confusion and fear.
"Ahh?!", Isabeau gasped in confusion and horror.
The servants hastily ran in seeing the instructor on the ground with bloody spilling from his wound.
"What happened here?!", servant 1 questioned in fear.
"I dunno. He was just suddenly hurt!", Isabeau replied as tears stained her cheeks.
The servants hastily looked around for an intruder with some staying with her.
"Are you sure you didn't see anyone?", servant 2 asked as he bent down to her holding out a handkerchief.
"There was no one I saw. He just suddenly got hurt while we were dueling.", Isabeau explained as she tried to wipe her tears with the handkerchief.
The servant's eyes widened, seeming to realize something. There was a reason why there was no intruder for them to find. It was because she hurt him.
She was left in her room as she could overhear discussions outside.
"Her spiritual powers must have awakened. That's the only thing that makes sense.", servant 2 said.
"But how can a kid have spiritual powers that strong? Only someone with thorough training could inflict that much damage and…on purpose…", servant 3 replied.
Isabeau lowered her head in confusion. She didn't get what they'd been saying. How could she hurt a grown man like that?
Later her father and mother came in the room. She ran up to them still confused and in tears.
"Is Zeke okay?", Isabeau asked as her father bent down to her.
"He's fine. Fortunately he was patched up quickly. Though…It seems your powers have finally awakened. I'm sure you may remember me explaining it before. Our family has been blessed with a miraculous power by the Lord. You've finally reached the age where it starts manifesting.", Adrian explained.
"Are you saying…I hurt him…?", Isabeau questioned as she cried though her father hugged her.
"Shhh. I know you didn't mean it. It was an accident that occurred because you cannot control it yet. But, you don't need to worry because we and those of the Monastery shall help you.", Adrian explained and Isabeau nodded.
She felt so horrible realizing she had hurt him like that. Though thankfully it seemed he would be okay as her father said. Everything would be okay right…?
That's what she thought at the time, but she knew well that wasn't what happened, at least not immediately. The servants seemed different around her, almost skittish. She had started training at the Monastery as her father said and that's when trouble only worsened.
A female monk recoiled when she accidentally hurt her when trying to duel after trying the methods they showed her to control her power. Many started cowering as word spread about her power. People grew increasingly scared of her and she became isolated.
After a while it was only really her father trying to help her. The experience had made her see dueling as more of a last resort because even though she didn't want to, she hurt anyone she dueled. She changed instructors like the weather until hardly anyone was willing to tutor her.
She hardly found herself going out and mostly decided to spend time by herself. Whenever the other kids played she avoided them and slipped into a habit of reading books during that time instead.
However she couldn't simply have that peace could she. A meat headed boy spotted her while she was reading.
"Hoy, you! You're the witch, right? I shall defeat you and stop you from hurting more people!", the boy said as Isabeau lowered her book.
She raised her book back up, deciding to ignore the boy.
"Hoy! Duel me!", the boy said, extremely pushy before slapping the book out of her hands.
Navarre gasped in disbelief seeing this. Despite his bravado he was not bold enough to challenge her like the boy was. The other kids crowded around in cautious interest.
"Duel! Duel! Duel!", the kids chanted.
"I don't want to duel you. Just leave me alone.", Isabeau replied, dismissively to the boy.
"What's wrong, are you scared, witch girl?", the boy questioned as her eyebrow twitched.
"Don't call me that again you loggerhead.", Isabeau replied as she glared at him.
"Witch!", the boy replied, trying to provoke her.
Isabeau slammed her book having just enough of his nonsense. This was the day Isabeau learned a valuable lesson. Contain your anger and don't lash out.
Though it might've taken her a while to fully take that to heart. By the duel's end the boy was left broken and beaten within an inch of his life instilling fear to all that witnessed the duel. Then things just got much much worse…
Flashback end
Isabeau sweated as she thought about 'that card'. It reminded her of how she eventually became after being treated like a monster for so long by her peers. She didn't want to be aggressive like that again. The past always sprung to her mind whenever she interacted with it. Everytime she summoned her she just relived that lonely hell.
Though…She feels like she's met someone who can genuinely understand her.
Flashback
Flynn gaped completely stunned as he looked over to Isabeau. She was surprised to see Flynn's eyes shine with amazement which made her flustered.
"You're so amazing, Isabeau.", Flynn said, with a bright smile.
"You're not scared at all?", Isabeau questioned, remembering the Crusader's fear and how she was feared in the past.
"Of course not. I love you.", Flynn replied, honestly with it showing in him soul.
This made Isabeau more flustered though she supposed she expected this from Flynn.
"My power awakened more when I thought I lost you and the others.", Isabeau admitted.
"Don't worry, Isabeau! I'm not going anywhere. We're always going to be by each other's side.", Flynn replied as Isabeau smiled.
His words warmed her heart. She truly thought Flynn was an extremely rare kind of person that was only born once in a millennia or something. She couldn't be more happy to have him with her even after so many forces have tried to crush his spirit.
Flashback end
She never felt lonely when he was around. He was like a bright star that illuminated everything. Her mind drifted to his unconscious form. If she didn't help carry his burden he will work himself to death. It was because his heart was so unbelievably big, desiring to help everyone around him.
"If there's anything that's rang true on this adventure it's that we'll have to hurt people to save others. Hopefully I can control it well enough.", Isabeau thought.
Zelenin's eyes widened as Isabeau's eyes became aflame with resolve. There was something powerful driving her to fight. Isabeau's Signer mark reacted for a moment.
"I draw!", Isabeau said as a powerful wind blew.
Isabeau
Hand: 3
In Kinshicho…
Navarre gasped as Flynn's eyes flickered open. He hastily sat up drawing everyone's attention. His Signer mark was glowing and Navarre looked over as he heard Nanashi wince. The full seal of the Crimson Dragon was glowing on his back.
"Isabeau…", Flynn murmured, seeming to have sensed something through the mystical mark.
With Isabeau…
"I shall activate Pot of Greed, allowing me to draw two cards.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 4
"I shall activate Book of Moon to flip your Kristya facedown.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 3
"Then I shall activate Reinforcement of the Army to add Trident Warrior to my hand. I shall summon him and use his effect to special summon Airbellum from my hand.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 1
"You still cannot attack regardless and nothing under 1500 attack can defeat Kristya.", Zelenin reminded.
"We'll see about that! I tune Airbellum and Trident Warrior! From a single seed sprouts the life of a fierce dragon! Please lend me your destructive power to help me protect the innocent! Level 7! Black Rose Dragon!", Isabeau chanted as her mark's glow intensified.
Petals swirled around her, cutting the area around. Zelenin warily raised up her arm in defense. Out from the petals descended the form of a plant-like dragon who roared fiercely, nearly blowing Zelenin back.
"That's…!", Zelenin said with wide eyes as she met the dragon's wrathful gaze.
"I shall use her effect to destroy everything on the field! Wrath of Nature!", Isabeau declared as the dragon roared.
Zelenin's eyes were wide as the wind became more fierce and the deadly petals swirled. They cut and tore through everything on the field including Isabeau's own field and even itself. The board was wiped completely clean, dismantling her lock.
Isabeau raised up her head with an intense expression.
"I shall activate Pot of Avarice to return five monsters from my graveyard to my deck and then draw two cards. I choose De Fleur, Trident Warrior, Airbellum, Ragigura, and Fleur Synchron.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 2
"I shall activate Monster Reborn to revive Black Rose Dragon!", Isabeau declared as the dragon arose from the graveyard like the first time she summoned her.
Isabeau
Hand: 1
"Fight…!!!", Isabeau's eyes widened as she could understand the dragon's words for the first time.
She felt a fierce inferno burning inside her. No matter what Zelenin intended to use to obstruct her she intended to blast through it.
"Fighting for our future has given me all I need to defeat you.", Isabeau said.
"'Our'?", Zelenin questioned.
Isabeau looked at her extra deck which glowed with a fierce light. She didn't know what it was, but intuitively she felt like she knew what to do.
"I shall summon Fulhelmknight.", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 0
"I shall tune Fulhelmknight and Black Rose Dragon!", Isabeau said.
"What?! How is that possible? I was told you've had no connection with your dragon till now!", Zelenin questioned as Isabeau looked at the dragon.
"I don't know honestly…But I feel like maybe we've come to some sort of understanding.", Isabeau said as she put her fist against her chest.
Perhaps that had been it? She had been thinking all this time that Black Rose Dragon reminded her of someone. That's probably why they were paired together. Her realization may have been what the dragon was trying to communicate the whole time. In spite of everything she had tried to protect her. That must have meant something.
"Dragon of nurturing life and fierce storms burst forth with new power! Reign in your overwhelming strength to protect rather than destroy! Synchro summon! Level 10! Ruddy Rose Dragon!", Isabeau chanted.
The dragon's eyes flashed as she was surrounded in swirling petals which eventually subsided to reveal her new form. She had grown and now had a pink light on her petals. Her wings were more pronounced and gained another set of them.
Ruddy Rose Dragon
(DRAGON/FIRE/EFFECT/ATK 3200/DEF 2400/LV10)
1 Tuner 1 non-Tuner monsters
Effect: If this card is Synchro Summoned: You can banish all cards from the GYs, then, if this card was Synchro Summoned using "Black Rose Dragon" or a Plant Synchro Monster as material, you can destroy all other cards on the field. When your opponent activates a card or effect that would destroy a card(s) (Quick Effect): You can Tribute this card; negate the activation, then you can Special Summon 1 "Black Rose Dragon" from your Extra Deck or GY.
"I shall attack you directly with Ruddy Rose Dragon! Noble Rose Storm!", Isabeau declared.
Zelenin tensed warily, expecting a lot of pain. A spiral of petals forming javelins were shot at her. To her shock she didn't sustain that much damage. Isabeau was assured to see that she had successfully controlled Black Rose's power.
Zelenin LP 3900 - 3200 = 700
"I shall end my turn.", Isabeau said.
"It seems you have a fierce resolve indeed. But, I do as well! For the Lord! I draw!", Zelenin said as a powerful wind kicked up.
Zelenin
Hand: 1
"I shall activate Fissure to destroy the monster on the field with the lowest attack.", Zelenin said.
Zelenin
Hand: 0
She suddenly froze when she felt that powerful resolve. An image of Flynn seemed to appear by Isabeau's side for a moment.
"I shall activate her effect to negate an effect that would destroy cards.", Isabeau said as Zelenin's eyes widened.
In Kinshicho…
The teens looked confused as Flynn stared at Stardust Dragon which was glowing.
"Flynn…?", Asahi questioned.
"Are you helping her…?", Flynn murmured, not seeming to hear her.
He could feel that somehow he was lending his support to Isabeau wherever she was. The thought made him feel assured. Flynn unconsciously smiled feeling that was somehow the case. These dragons were special after all. Through some miracle they seemed to connect him and his fellows.
With Isabeau…
"Then, when she tributes herself I can special summon Black Rose Dragon from the extra deck or graveyard. Enduring Sprout!", Isabeau said as a seed appeared on the field where her dragon stood.
Out from the seed Black Rose Dragon returned with a roar.
"Heh…What a strange turn of events. A dragon of destruction protecting…", Zelenin said.
"That's because that's how I feel. I will protect the people of Mikado from whatever troubles may arise when they unite with Tokyo. I understand your intentions, but I must stop those trying to destroy Tokyo.", Isabeau replied.
Zelenin closed her eyes hearing this,
"This generation seems very promising. From the moment we first created Mikado we knew it had potential. She is the first to break past the destructive tendencies of Black Rose Dragon.", Zelenin thought.
She then imagined Jonathan.
"Even if he fell to Punishment Dragon he tried to strive for a new peace. He was almost able to completely escape the role he was assigned. It was probably the same for the other…Walter.", Zelenin thought.
Then there was Flynn.
"It was a struggle to prevent the others from assassinating him the moment he was born. His mere existence was considered a great threat to all order. But…In spite of it he has become loved by many and rebelled against his darker impulses becoming a hero. The amount of faith that has been invested into him is at the level of a god.", Zelenin thought.
Isabeau was confused to see Zelenin smile. She had acted the most different and certainly the most human of the angels she faced.
"G.O.D.'s chosen ones have bloomed quite nicely Starving Venom…Even if they won't serve the Lord they can most certainly prevent chaos from ruling this dimension.", Zelenin thought.
"I shall end my turn.", Zelenin said.
"I draw!", Isabeau said.
Isabeau
Hand: 1
"This has been a good duel, Zelenin. I shall attack you directly with Black Rose Dragon! Black Rose Flare!", Isabeau declared as the dragon breathed fire.
Zelenin LP 700 - 2400 = 0
"It seems you've bested me. I hope one day you consider changing your mind about the Lord. Be wary though...There was a reason the Lord took Synchro summoning away after it was discovered by mankind. It's very dangerous. Not to those of Mikado, but all others.", Zelenin said, before she disappeared.
Isabeau was silent as she put her fist against her chest. She wondered what that warning meant.
"She felt like how an angel should be…", Isabeau thought as she looks up into the sky and a single feather fell.
In Kinshicho…
"Why are you smiling? You just passed out.", Nanashi questioned as Asahi looked wide eyed when she saw Nanashi's back glowing.
"It's nothing.", Flynn replied as Nanashi looked away.
His smile was way too bright to simply be nothing.
"Weirdo.", Nanashi replied.
To be continued…