Chapter 15: The Semi-Finals Begin
The last duel of the first round was completely uneventful, so much so that Akiza hadn't really paid attention. Her, Yusei, and the twins were just about to leave for the day when a special exhibition match was announced to give a chance for one of the losing duelists from round 1 to reenter the competition. The chosen duelists were Professor Frank, who had lost the last duel, and Luna. Leo was ecstatic, thinking this was his chance to show off…only for the stadium to shine a light on Luna, forcing the little girl to duel in her rightful place, despite Leo's protests.
Right off the bat, Akiza got a bad feeling about the Professor. And her feelings were proven correct as the duel went on. Professor Frank immediately hypnotized Luna, then started rambling about the Spirit World or something. Leo managed to snap her out of it, but that only served to enrage the Professor, and made him go crazy.
In the end, Luna managed to end the duel in a draw, and Yusei carried her off. As they left, Akiza dared to cast a glance back at the Professor. The man was just standing there, not moving like a statue. It was unsettling, to say the least.
"Akiza, you coming?"
"Y-yeah, right behind you."
The next day, the Semi-Final round began with Yusei vs Greiger. After wishing Yusei good luck, Akiza returned to the locker room to watch. To her surprise, she found her own opponent sitting there as well.
"I didn't expect any company. I don't think I quite caught your name."
Her opponent seemed puzzled by her opponent not recognizing her.
"You really don't know who I am?"
"No, sorry."
The other girl smiled.
"That's alright, it's actually rather refreshing. I'm Misty, what's your name?"
"Akiza. Do you mind if I join you?"
"Please do, it'd be nice for the company of someone not hounding me for my autograph. Tea?"
"Yes, please."
As they waited for the duel to start, they began talking, and soon became good friends.
"Waitt, so you're a model."
"Yes, but I'm taking a break for the tournament."
"Why? Surely being a model is enough work without being some sort of dueling champion."
Misty's face fell.
"I could care less about the title. I'm doing this to find my brother."
"Your brother?"
Misty nodded, tears in her eyes.
"Yes. My brother, Toby, was…special. I can't tell you how, but when he dueled he could make the monsters on the cards come to life somehow. Never for long, but enough for people to notice. And when they did… things changed. People looked at him differently. He could never see it, but I could. They were afraid of him."
Akiza nodded sympathetically. She considered telling Misty about her own Psychic abilities, but decided not to for the moment.
After a while, he found this group. He said they were called the Arcadia Movement, and were a group of people like him that would help him harness his powers. I begged him not too, I could just sense that they were trouble, but he insisted."
Misty clutched the locket in her hands, which contained pictures of the two of them.
"Before he left, he gave me this locket, so that we could always be together. That..that was the last time I ever saw him."
"I'm…I'm sorry, Misty."
Misty sniffed, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"The director promised to help me find him if I participated in this tournament. Luckily, Toby taught me how to duel. And when I win, I'll dedicate all of my time to finding him."
"I know you will. He's got to be out there, somewhere."
Misty smiled.
"Thank you, Akiza."
As they turned their eyes back to the television, they gasped in shock as Greiger ran his Duel Runner up the side of the track and into the air, trying to ram into Goodwin's tower. Luckily, Yusei was quick to intervene, though a stray chariot spike went flying. Akiza and Misty could only stare in shock.
"What was that?"
The crowd could be heard murmurring in fear before the MC came back on.
"Ladies and gentleman, do not panic. Greiger has been detained and is in custody, and Director Goodwin is safe. The next duel will begin in half an hour."
Akiza and Misty turned to each other.
"Guess that's our cue. Good luck, Misty."
"You too, Akiza."
Goodwin sighed, pushing his sleeve up to hide his robotic arm. The first duel of the semi-finals was interesting, to say the least. Still, according to Zigzix the duel had been a success, meaning Greiger had served his purpose.
Just then, the door behind him opened. When he turned around, he saw Misty in the doorway.
"Ah, Miss Trendwell. Are you ready for your duel against Miss Akiza?"
Misty nodded.
"Remember, this isn't about winning. You need to push her to her limits so that The Crimson Dragon will appear."
"I know, and I will. Just remember your end of the deal."
"Of course. Sector Security and all of its resources will be available to you in order to find your brother."
"Good."
With that, Misty turned and walked away. Once she was out of earshot, Mina turned to the director.
"Sir, wasn't Toby Trendwell's bo-"
"She doesn't need to know, and you are not to tell her."