[b]"Yes."[/b] Tsukiko paused for a second as she acknowledged the first part of what Shiyu had said after he had introduced himself to the group and the one to be her partner. She was indeed the Tsukiko Ikushirou he was talking about. She then added as she bowed toward him to return the favor.[b] "Pleasure to meet you."[/b] She once again paused wanting to get that off her chest that way she wouldn't give others the wrong impression. It would certainly help establish a better connection if she did things that way. That much was for sure. [b]"Let us do the best we can, okay?"[/b] She also added trying to encourage herself and her partener to make sure they gave it their all since she would certainly try to do the same. It was hard to think that way when the fact her mind said some disturbing things to her earlier. She would shake those comments off for now and focus on what she had to do. She needed to circumvent making the same mistake twice like in her last two duels. That one blunder she made a week ago ate into her mind and certainly didn't show any mercy as it wouldn't go away. The best part was, Shiyu wasn't a dick like a certain person she thought about earlier though she didn't want to think about their name. She found that to be a great trait making him an actual person who cares, because she didn't give a damn about sorry ass excuses or people who only thought of themselves. Certainly was a plus in her book when it came to her despite how awkward she felt around him. The school needed less ignorant morons like that anyway. She decided to put her trust in her partner Shiyu this time around. Judging by his demeanor, he couldn't be that bad of a person and maybe this person she was thinking about was someone else completely and just looked like him. Shuffling those thoughts aside back into her mind she thought at least Shiyu had some sense of dignity unlike two other people she knew though she wouldn't be naming names at the moment. Now wasn't the time to think about that though for a moment her mind did fade away from the group. Tsukiko took her attention of the two for a moment as she looked over toward her brother who were leading Brad the person she trusted and the other person who she didn't care whose name was anymore into Arena 1 to duel him. She just hoped that he didn't forget what she asked of him when she whispered into his ear before the two confronted him. Well, she didn't care about the one getting hurt, because he could fall off the Earth and she still wouldn't care. The other one was Brad which was a person she wanted to get to know better. One thing was for sure, the other one and her brother shared the same arrogance which made her grimace. She almost puked at that thought, because she hated to think about that. Shinrei was her brother and it bothered her to compare her to that other person who sat behind her earlier. [b]"Good luck, Brad."[/b] She yelled in Brad's direction not knowing if he had heard her or not. It still bothered her that they dueled her brother which was the same level as the people who raided the academy a few weeks ago. He had the experience to go with it too and his mind was strong to not be intimidated by weaklings who flew too high into the sun with their waxed wings like a certain individual she remembered a moment ago. [b]"Hopefully he tears that paper up. I don't know what possessed me to give it to him in the first place. He would be doing me a great favor by doing that since I could completely disconnect myself from him. Otherwise I'll have to try to steal it back myself."[/b] She complained as she remembered a little bit earlier she had handed him a piece of paper with Brad. To never be associated with that other person who ignored her earlier would be quite a luxury since there were eighteen other students who probably had a more interesting personality than that guy anyway. She needed to get her attention away from all that though. It was unsettling and nerve racking that she had to be reminded that she handed the person who she considered the worst of the worst her confirmation number. Worse enough, it tickled her tolerance that he could annoy her if he wanted to which she hated the most. Perhaps she would go and see if she could get a new D-Ceiver so she could just get it all out of her mind. [i]Nah.[/i] She thought as she would wait before she did anything rash. There was plenty of time to wait and see if that would become reality since she needed to stop jumping to hasty conclusions for the moment being. Right now she needed to put all her faith and trust in her partner Shiyu even though he made her feel very uncomfortable. She just didn't have the words for her, but it made her feel a very unpleasant tingle inside her body like she was about to be possessed by a ghost. The feeling shot up her spine which bothered her quite a bit. She had to set this aside for now, because there was a girl in front of her who seemed innocent and very shy. Giving her the kind of impression she was getting from Shiyu wouldn't help her situation at all. Tsukiko decided to approach the nervous girl named Amelia keeping a safe distance not to startle the girl. Unlike most people she had most, she felt a rather warmth inside her that drove her to try to comfort the girl, but she couldn't explain why she felt that way. [b]"You're Amelia, right? I'm Tsukiko Ikushirou, it's very nice to meet you. No need to be afraid or shy of me. I promise you with all the pureness inside my heart that I won't bite."[/b] She reminded the girl as she introduced herself to Amelia. There was no need for an introduction to Leander since he met her awhile back when she was accompanying her brother to class. She did though try to offer her hand toward the girl to see if she'd shake it. She could see that she was not in the best condition, but she certainly didn't want to make the atmosphere worse for her given her health. Amelia managed to give Shiyu a small smile before following Leander. She stuck close to him but stopped and turned around once they were in the arena and Tsukiko adressed her. She managed another small, shy smile before slowly reaching out and shaking Tsukiko's extended hand. "[color=39b54a]I-it's a pleasure to... meet you Miss Iku... Ikushirou. A-and you to, Mr.S-Shiyu. I'm Amelia... Amelia Averyonna.[/color]" She said, struggling a bit with Tsukiko's last name. Once the handshake was done, she moved back over to Leander and looked up with him. "[color=39b54a]Sorry if we lose in advance.[/color]" At first, Leander had no idea who the girl in the hooded cape was. Try as he might, he just couldn't figure out who the girl was, even after she revealed that she knew his name. The cape was certainly doing a good job of hiding the wearer's identity. Her voice was somewhat familiar, though, so that was something at least. Only after she introduced herself as Tsukiko did Leander finally remember who this girl was, a knowing look appearing on his face. Then Leander finally realized that it was probably a good idea to introduce himself to Shiyu, who he certainly hadn't met until now. "[color=fff79a]Oh yeah, Shiyu, I should introduce myself too,[/color]" Leander said to the boy. "[color=fff79a]My name's Leander Xenovia. It's great to meet ya![/color]" Turning to Amelia, who was apologizing in advance, Leander gave her a wide smile and said, "[color=fff79a]Don't worry, Amelia. Just have fun, and everything's good.[/color]" Now announcing to the whole group, Leander said, "[color=fff79a]Anyway, let's go find a spot to Duel in before they're all taken![/color]" [b]"I guess it's the hood and veil that is making you so nervous. Here, for you I'll remove it."[/b] She said as she grab her hood and pulled it back unveiling her silver hair and letting people get a better glimpse at her crimson red eyes with her other hand while she shook Amelia's hand. Tsukiko's long hair finally came into sight where it stretched down her entire downside completely down toward her lower leg region. She shook her head as she tried to whip it around to get it all outside her cloak so it all flowed down her robe. Even though she didn't want to remove her veil as she preferred to keep her appearance hidden, this girl was pure and probably even innocent and keeping her face covered might come off as scary toward her. It's the least she could do for this girl. [b]"Better?"[/b] Tsukiko questioned as she shook Amelia's hand hoping that revealing her entire face would put the girl's mind at ease. Certainly was easier to communicate with someone who didn't look like they were some kind of evil cult which wasn't the impression Tsukiko wanted to give to this girl. Shiyu kept to himself for the most part, letting everyone take a turn to get to know each other. He didn't really feel like interrupting all of them, even if he was the newest one of them all. Leander found it a great thing to meet Shiyu, to which the boy nodded in reply with a sly grin. But Tsukiko interfered before he got the chance to really say anything, taking off the hood to reveal those silver locks of hair to the other girl. That... Was pretty long. How do you even get it that long...? Either way, that didn't matter much. [color=c7c7c7][b]"Errr... Leander, right? I gotta agree, might be best for us to find an arena to duel in."[/b][/color] Shiyu replied, taking a step back to look around. To be honest, that other guy that was going solo seemed like he gave off a really nasty vibe so the arena next to them didn't look like a pleasing option. But there were still two free on the other end of the room. Arenas 1P and 2P. [color=c7c7c7][b]"How about over there?"[/b][/color] Shiyu asked, pointing to those two. They'd have to squirm their way through the hallways built underneath the audience seats, but the guy [i]really[/i] didn't feel like dueling next to Shinrei. Amelia turned back to Tsukiko when the older girl spoke to her again, saying she would remove her hood and veil to make Amelia more comfortable. "[color=39b54a]No, you don't have...[/color]" She began but Tsukiko already removed said items. The older girl's appearence left Amelia speachless for a few seconds. Once she got over her initial shock, she spoke again. "[color=39b54a]Why were you covering your face up? You look so pretty without anything covering it.[/color]" "[color=fff79a]That looks like a good spot,[/color]" Leander said in response to Shiyu. Leander made his way over to the Arena, stopping at one of the corners. Leander then readied his Duel Disk, the blade unfolding from its resting position, and the device turning on. "[color=fff79a]Let's have fun, everyone![/color]" Shiyu noticed that Leander ran off and quickly followed suit, wanting to get this started as much as the next guy. It was a good thing the guy went along with his idea, too. The white haired boy disappeared into one of the corridors, ending up on the other side of the arena. Seemed like Tsukiko was still a bit behind, but that wasn't of much concern. [color=c7c7c7][b]"Alright, I'm looking forward to this!"[/b][/color] Shiyu yelled with excitment, taking out some sort of pad from the pockets of his uniform as well as a deckholder of sorts. The guy threw the pad up into the air, slid his arm into the holder and caught the thing as it was going down on the side of it. The pad's screen lit up with five slots sliding out the front, and two extra ones from the side. [color=c7c7c7][b]"I'm set!"[/b][/color] Shiyu shouted over to the other side, letting his opponent(s) know that he was ready. Tsukiko heard the girl speak toward her when she was about to prepare her duel disk. She also had two brand new cards which were unused which she added to her Extra Deck. While she was preparing her deck and getting everything ready she decided to answer the girl who gave her such a nice compliment, [b]"Why thank you."[/b] She paused for a moment remembering that the girl asked her why she covered her face in the first place. She wasn't really sure why she started to wear the hood and the veil. "I'm not sure why I was wearing it. I guess because I just felt like it." She said unsure of the reason why she chose to cover her face in the first place. She would certainly leave it off if the girl felt more comfortable. It wasn't in her interest to startle her in the first place. [b]"Let's follow them."[/b] Tsukiko nodded at Amelia as she decided to catch up to Leander and Shiyu not wanting to be rude and leave the girl to follow all by herself. "[color=39b54a]You should wear it less often. I'm sure people would like you better that way Miss Ikushirou.[/color]" Amelia said. When Tsukiko mentioned that they should follow Leander and Shiyu, Amelia nodded and followed alongside the older girl. Once they reached the arena, she made her way over to her corner, activating her duel disk and letting it shuffle her deck for her. "[color=39b54a]Uuummm... Good luck everyone.[/color]" Tsukiko prepared her duel disk as well when it was ready after she had arranged the cards into her deck then shuffled them thoroughly. She considered taking the girl's advice where she answered before she had her duel disk all set up and prepared to duel, [b]"I'll certainly keep that in mind."[/b] She remembered that she also wished her luck where she would also return the favor.[b] "Same to you and Leander."[/b] She said as she looked over toward Leander as well before she walked off to her side of the field where Shiyu was waiting for her. "[b][color=c7c7c7]D[/color][color=fff79a]U[/color][color=39b54a]E[/color]L![/b]" [hider=Shiyu & Tsukiko Vs. Leander & Amelia: The Darkness Within] [b][i]Turn 1: Shiyu[/i][/b] Shiyu: 8000 LP, 5 cards in hand Tsukiko: 8000 LP, 5 cards in hand Leander: 8000 LP, 5 cards in hand Amelia: 8000 LP, 5 cards in hand [color=c7c7c7][b]"I'll take the first turn!"[/b][/color] Shiyu boldly exclaimed, starting off by picking up one card from his hand. [color=c7c7c7][b]"I play my Spell Card, Summoner's art! I'll use it, and add my Igknight Gallant from the deck to the hand!"[/b][/color] the boy explained, the silhoutte of a hooded monk appearing on the field. They chanted something, and allowed Shiyu to take out one card that jutted itself from the deck, which shuffled afterwards. [color=c7c7c7][b]"And now, using my Scale two Igknight Gallant and my Scale seven Igknight Uzi, I set the Pendulum Scale!"[/b][/color] the boy continued on, setting two cards into the slots that had jutted out of the side of his Duel Disk. Soon after, two pillars of blue light rose up from the floor with two warriors housed within. A green soldier holding a machinegun, and a blue fighter with a sword. Underneath were a two and seven, respectively. [color=c7c7c7][b]"Now... Normally, here's where I'd say I can summon monsters, but I won't. Instead, I activate the effect of my Ignight Uzi! If two Igknight monsters are in my pendulum zones, I can destroy them both and add another card from my deck to my hand!"[/b][/color] Shiyu continued to explain, as both Uzi and Gallant shattered into a thousand yellow little pixels. [color=c7c7c7][b]"I add my Igknight Cavalier to my hand!"[/b][/color] the boy declared, and revealed the card that had moved from his Deck to his hand. Then a smirk came across Shiyu's face. [color=c7c7c7][b]"Using my Scale two Igknight Cavalier, and my scale seven Igknight Margrave, I re-set the Pendulum Scales!"[/b][/color] the white haired boy announced, slamming those two cards into their respective pendulum zones. The same pillars rose again, this time hosting a pink knight holding a kunai alongside a red one holding two kukris. [color=c7c7c7][b]"Now I can summon monsters from levels three to six!"[/b][/color] Shiyu explained, a triumphant smile crossing his face. [color=c7c7c7][b]"And Pendulum monsters are never long gone, so I'll use my set Pendulum scales to [i]Pendulum Summon[/i]! [i]Power that fires up my soul, open the gate for a new future[/i]! [i]Appear back from the Extra Deck, my monsters[/i]!"[/b][/color] Shiyu chanted, with a circular hole opening up anbove him. Two red, pulsating lines jutted out of them and called forth two monsters to the field, both in Defense Position. [b]Igknight Gallant:[/b] 2100 ATK, 2200 DEF, Level 6, FIRE, Warrior [b]Igknight Uzi:[/b] 1300 ATK, 2700 DEF, Level 6, FIRE, Warrior [color=c7c7c7][b]"I'll set a card, then end my turn!"[/b][/color] Shiyu announced, slamming another card down onto the disk as a cardback appeared behind the crouching knights. [b][i]Turn 2: Leander[/i][/b] Shiyu: 8000 LP, 1 card in hand, 2 Monsters, 1 S/T, 2-7 Pend. Scales Tsukiko: 8000 LP, 5 cards in hand Leander: 8000 LP, 6 cards in hand Amelia: 8000 LP, 5 cards in hand "[color=fff79a]Not bad over there![/color]" Leander said, impressed by the two monsters. "[color=fff79a]Draw![/color]" Leander drew his next card, then announced, "[color=fff79a]I activate the Field Spell: The Sanctuary in the Sky![/color]" Almost immediately, the area around them transformed, the ground turning into a carpet of cloud, and a white temple appearing behind Leander and Amelia. "[color=fff79a]Now I activate the Continuous Spell: Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen![/color]" A hallway of grey stone with red curtains appeared from the clouds soon after. "[color=fff79a]When I have no monsters on the field, I can Special Summon a Fairy-type monster from my hand. Come forth, Skyknight Parshath![/color]" Leander said, a centaur-pegasus hybrid appearing from the hallway. [b]Skyknight Parshath - ATK 1900, Level 5[/b] "[color=fff79a]Skyknight Parshath can attack you directly, but the battle damage is reduced by half![/color]" Leander explained. "[color=fff79a]Battle! Skyknight Parshath, attack Shiyu![/color]" Skyknight Parshath rushed past the two wall monsters, sword raised to pierce Shiyu. Shiyu raised up his arms to shield himself from the strike of the blade, even screaming [color=c7c7c7][b]"AAAAH!"[/b][/color] when he's hit to emphasize it, even if the attack itself wasn't actually harmful. When Parshath returned, a playful little smile was on Shiyu's face whilst his and Tsukiko's Lifepoints dropped down. [b]Shiyu & Tsukiko LP:[/b] 8000 > 7050 "[color=fff79a]When Skyknight Parshath deals battle damage, I can draw 1 card too![/color]" Leander explained further, drawing a new card. "[color=fff79a]I'll place one card face-down and end my turn.[/color]" [b][i]Turn 3: Tsukiko[/i][/b] Shiyu: 7050 LP, 1 card in hand, 2 Monsters, 1 S/T, 2-7 Pend. Scales Tsukiko: 7050 LP, 6 cards in hand Leander: 8000 LP, 3 cards in hand, 1 Monster, 2 S/T, 1 Field Amelia: 8000 LP, 5 cards in hand [b]"Okay, my turn."[/b] Tsukiko said as she took her hand then swiped it across her deck causing her card to fly upward and then she brought her other hand across to catch it between her index and pinky finger. She then gasped for a moment when she saw what she drew. That was the last thing she was hoping to draw. [b]"Since you have a face-down Trap Card let me do you a favor here then."[/b] She said as a dark aura burned onto her hand when she took the card she grabbed into her hand. She flipped it forward then held it up into the air. [b]"I activate Polymerization. I fuse my Mirage Dragon and Twin-Headed Behemoth together to form something that may come as a big surprise to you. One of the three Tri-Fusion Dragons."[/b] "[color=fff79a]I activate a Counter Trap: Divine Punishment![/color]" Leander said, revealing his face down. "[color=fff79a]If you activate a Spell, Trap, or Monster effect while 'The Sanctuary in the Sky' is on the field, that card is negated and destroyed![/color]" A red bolt of lightning emerged from the clouds underneath Polymerization, vaporizing the card. Tsukiko was a bit irritated as she sent Mirage Dragon and Twin-Headed Behemoth both to the graveyard. [b]"No matter, I'll get rid of your monster this way then."[/b] She said as she grabbed one of other cards [b]"I'll burn it to ashes!"[/b] She paused momentarily as she whispered cursing under her breath, [b]"Guess, this is the curse that will always live inside me."[/b] She said with a vengeful look on her face as she became a little sinister as she grabbed another card where a dark aura erupted around her. [b]"I tribute Uzi to summon Void Dragon then I activate its effect."[/b] Slamming the card hard down onto her duel disk as she could feel its vibrant energy from it. [b]"I discard my other Void Dragon and now Void Dragon use Chaos Dimension Destroyer, annihilate that monster in my way!"[/b] She said Void Dragon summoned a dark circle which enshrouded Skyknight Parshath causing it to distort and compress as the pressure built up inside it. The monster was instantly compressed into a dark like hole which eventually disappeared. [b]Void Dragon:[/b] 2200 ATK, 1900 DEF, Level 6, DARK, Machine [color=c7c7c7][b]"Ugh... Before she does, because she tributed my Uzi it goes to my Extra Deck."[/b][/color] Shiyu explained, and watched as Uzi sunk into the floor and went back to him. Tsukiko then changed Gallant into attack position as she prepared to attack directly with her monsters. She didn't know why she felt so angry a moment ago. It was like something in her mind was trying to get her to become as aggressive as she could. She snapped out of it as the aura disappeared around her returning to her usual self again remembering that Amelia wouldn't want to see her like that. It would leave such a terrible example on that girl. [b]"I apologize; I don't know what got into me a moment ago. Time for battle then."[/b] She apologized as she now would move onto her Battle Phase. [b]"Battle!"[/b] She said as she was now prepared to attack Leander directly with both her monsters. There was a sympathetic feeling in her heart for Amelia so she chose to direct her monsters at Leander instead. [b]"Gallant attack Leander directly."[/b] She commanded toward Shiyu's monster as she waited for it to attack Leander. It raised up its gun, with a blade jutting out from the front upon the command. Raising the device up to it's shoulders, Gallant ran forward whilst being assisted by its jet-boosters. Once far enough, he jumped up in the air to slash down on Leander. "[color=fff79a]Uh oh,[/color]" Leander said as his defenses were wiped out. Leander raised his arms in a futile attempt to block the attack from Gallant, his and Amelia's Life Points decreasing. [b]Leander & Amelia - 8000 LP > 5900 LP[/b] [b]"All right, Void Dragon..."[/b] Tsukiko paused for a moment as she felt a shock from the card when she touched it. Something inside her wanted her to attack aggressively, but she tried to shake the thought off as she would try to command the dragon to attack without being under that influence. [b]"Black Chaos Stream"[/b] She said as the dragon charged up its blast and shot a large black pillar of light at Leander. Leander covered his face with his right arm as Void Dragon's attack struck him, lowering their Life Points even further. [b]Leander & Amelia - 5900 LP > 3700 LP[/b] "I set one card face-down and end my turn." Tsukiko announced as she set the remaining card in her hand face-down then would end her turn. It would be certainly a card that would help Shiyu if he used it correctly. [b][i]Turn 4: Amelia[/i][/b] Shiyu: 7050 LP, 1 card in hand, 1 Monster, 1 S/T, 2-7 Pend. Scales Tsukiko: 7050 LP, 0 cards in hand, 1 Monster, 1 S/T Leander: 3700 LP, 3 cards in hand, 1 S/T, 1 Field Amelia: 3700 LP, 6 cards in hand As Amelia drew her card, Shiyu cried out [color=c7c7c7][b]"Trap activate, Drop Off!"[/b][/color] from the other side of the arena. The Set card flipped itself face-up, with the artwork depicting a sword getting knocked out of someone's hand. [color=c7c7c7][b]"The card you just drew now goes to the graveyard!"[/b][/color] the boy explained, looking mighty confident in himself. Amelia frowned, putting her Eagle Eye into the graveyard. She looked at her hand and sighed, looking dejected as she examined her opponent's field. There was nothing she could really do right now but hope for the best in the turns to come. She had to wonder if she would get a second turn at this rate anyway. "[color=39b54a]I activate Dian Keto the Cure Master, increasing my team's Life Points by 1000.[/color]" She said, playing the spell card. The card summoned an elderly woman who raised a glass sphere, which surrounded Leander and Amelia, raising their Life oints before vanishing. [b]Amelia & Leander LP:[/b] 3700 > 4700 "[color=39b54a]I set one monster and two face-downs and end my turn.[/color]" Amelia said, placing the cards before allowing Shiyu make his move. [b][i]Turn 5: Shiyu[/i][/b] Shiyu: 7050 LP, 2 cards in hand, 1 Monster, 2-7 Pend. Scales Tsukiko: 7050 LP, 0 cards in hand, 1 Monster, 1 S/T Leander: 4700 LP, 3 cards in hand, 1 S/T, 1 Field Amelia: 4700 LP, 1 card in hand, 1 Set Monster, 2 S/T [color=c7c7c7][b]"It's my turn, Draw!"[/b][/color] Shiyu announced, swiping the top card from his deck. Their face twisted into one of dissapointment as they silently added it to their hand. [color=c7c7c7][b]"Alright, I'll go into the Battle Phase! Gallant, attack Amelia's Set monster!"[/b][/color] Shiyu ordered, with the knight revealing it's blade much like before and performing the same dash forwards. This time, instead of jumping, the green armored knight instead ran up to the card and then stabbed the blade down into it, or at least attempted to. "[color=39b54a]I activate my trap card: Waboku![/color]" Amelia said, as the face-down card flipped up, revealing itself. A trio of blue-robed people appeared in front of Gallant and raised their hands, and Gallant's blade clashed against an invisible barrier, protecting the tiny bird that was Amelia's face down. [b]Gusto Falco:[/b] ATK 600, DEF 1400, Level 2, WIND, Winged Beast, Tuner Shiyu looked a little dejected, now they wouldn't be able to push through for a Direct Attack. But maybe it was for the best, competition is what keep this fresh after all! [color=c7c7c7][b]"Alright then! I'll use my already set Cavalier and Margrave to [i]Pendulum Summon[/i] once more! Revive from the Extra Deck and defend, [i]Igknight Uzi[/i]!"[/b][/color] Shiyu cried out, with that same portal from before opening up. Uzi entered as a red line again, crouching down on the field. [b]Igknight Uzi:[/b] 1300 ATK, 2700 DEF, Level 6, FIRE, Warrior [color=c7c7c7][b]"And now I'll set a card to end my turn!"[/b][/color] Shiyu finished, another holographic image of a card back materializing onto the field. Hopefully he'll be able to use it effectively. [b][i]Turn 6: Leander[/i][/b] Shiyu: 7050 LP, 1 card in hand, 2 Monsters, 1 S/T, 2-7 Pend. Scales Tsukiko: 7050 LP, 0 cards in hand, 1 Monster, 1 S/T Leander: 4700 LP, 4 cards in hand, 1 S/T, 1 Field Amelia: 4700 LP, 1 card in hand, 1 Monster, 1 S/T "[color=fff79a]Draw![/color]" Leander declared, drawing a card. Currently, they were in a predicament, and Leander knew that. There were plenty of monsters and face-downs Leander and Amelia were against. All Leander had to do, though, was see it through to the end, and he had drawn a good card to help him. "[color=fff79a]You guys having fun over there?[/color]" Leander asked Tsukiko and Shiyu. [color=c7c7c7][b]"Heck yeah!"[/b][/color] Shiyu replied from the other side, fistpumping the air with his one free hand. [color=c7c7c7][b]"But I'm not going to go easy just because of that, you know! I want to see what you can do!"[/b][/color] they energetically commented, a huge smile crossing his face. Tsukiko saw that Leander looked over toward her direction asking if she was having fun. She though it was ending up better than the first and second duels she had though her third one was probably the most intense, but this one was shaping up to be somewhat interesting to her. "This has been an interesting duel thus far, but I'm not about to lose my focus. Can't allow distractions to cloud my judgment." Tsukiko replied modestly as she kept to her usual look on her face not smiling still and still showing that sign of sadness in her eyes despite she hid it with her tough attitude. "[color=fff79a]Good, because things will be heating up from here![/color]" Leander said. Taking the card he had drawn, Leander declared, "[color=fff79a]I summon the Tuner monster Nova Caller in Attack Position![/color]" [b]Nova Caller - ATK 100, Level 1, Tuner[/b] "[color=fff79a]With Nova Caller's effect, I can Special Summon a 'Parshath' monster from my hand or deck, but its ATK and DEF drop to zero! Come forth, Neo-Parshath, the Sky Paladin![/color]" [b]Neo-Parshath, the Sky Paladin - ATK 2300 > 0, Level 7[/b] "[color=fff79a]Now for a good sight for us to enjoy. I Tune my Level 7 Neo-Parshath with my Level 1 Nova Caller![/color]" Leander declared as the two monsters floated up into the air. "[color=fff79a]The one who radiates Light! Come forth and face our foes with our comrades in our minds! Synchro Summon! Level 8! Avenging Knight Parshath![/color]" The two monsters, which had transformed into a green ring and 7 orbs of light, disappeared in a flash, and a large white centaur with extravagant armor appeared on the field. [b]Avenging Knight Parshath - ATK 2600, Level 8[/b] "[color=fff79a]Once per turn, Avenging Knight Parshath can change the battle position of a monster my opponent controls,[/color]" Leander explained. "[color=fff79a]Void Dragon, it's time for you to go into Defense Position![/color]" Avenging Knight Parshath pointed at it with its blade, and Void Dragon was then suddenly forced down. [b]Void Dragon - ATK 2200 > DEF 1900[/b] "[color=fff79a]Avenging Knight Parshath, attack Void Dragon![/color]" Leander declared, the centaur rushing over to strike down the weakened creature. "[color=fff79a]Plus, when Avenging Knight Parshath attacks a Defense Position monster, I can deal piercing battle damage![/color]" Tsukiko's purple aura appeared around her again as she didn't do anything where the Life Point counter went down slightly. She remained unfazed as she sent Void Dragon to her graveyard while her aura disappeared. She still wondered what that force was that was emanating from her body. She didn't know anything about it and she has felt it intensify day by day. [b]Tsukiko & Shiyu - 7050 LP > 6350 LP[/b] "[color=fff79a]With that, I end my turn,[/color]" Leander said. [b][i]Turn 7: Tsukiko[/i][/b] Shiyu: 6350 LP, 1 card in hand, 2 Monsters, 1 S/T, 2-7 Pend. Scales Tsukiko: 6350 LP, 1 card in hand, 1 S/T Leander: 4700 LP, 3 cards in hand, 1 Monster, 1 S/T, 1 Field Amelia: 4700 LP, 1 card in hand, 1 Monster, 1 S/T [b]"My turn then."[/b] She said as her purple aura appeared again erupting around her as she grabbed her next card. Tsukiko took a look at the card and noticed it was one that she really needed to draw where the aura disappeared once again. She didn't take a glimpse at it yet, though she thought she saw a vision a moment ago when she drew it. [b]"I must admit, I've never seen a Synchro Summon Monster before. Quite impressive."[/b] She said with confidence in herself since she knew the card she drew might be the momentum shift she needed. There was not all truth in that though since not seeing a Synchro Summon Monster was an obvious lie, because when she was with her brother she saw plenty of them though she was curious why he never used one his deck. She remembered his opponents using them, but she never saw her brother use a Synchro Monster in his deck. She remembered mostly Fusion Monsters though he had some Xyz and Pendulum Summons mixed into it. Strangely enough she remembered that Leander's Synchro Monster destroyed Void Dragon, though she wasn't angry about it like when he ruined her chance to summon her Tri-Fusion Dragon. She did have a rather careless look on her face when she sent Void Dragon to her graveyard like she didn't even care it went there. Her eyes stared at it like it was a worthless card that deserved to be sent there anyway. [b]"All right, battle."[/b] She said as she was ready to move onto her Battle Phase as she then brought the card she drawn up near her face and cracked a very quick and swift grin in a split second's notice. [b]"Gallant, attack Gusto Falco."[/b] She commanded Gallant as she had remembered that she had been warned about Monster Effects before using certain cards to ensure those effects were isolated and could not be used. Amelia watched as her bird was slashed by Gallant's weapons, shattering into a shower of bright particles. Tsukiko decided now was the time to activate the card she had just drawn now that Gusto Falcon was out of the way it couldn't use its effect to Special Summon. [b]"Better brace yourselves."[/b] She said as she grabbed onto something about to activate the Spell Card in her hand which depicted a picture of a swirling dark hole that whirlpooled into the center. [b]"I activate the Spell Card, Dark Hole! All monsters on the field are now destroyed."[/b] Tsukiko made sure she had a good grip as she flipped the card in everyone else's direction showing what it was. The battlefield began to be enveloped by a darkness that started to swirl and had a hole at the center of it. The dark aura around her body erupted as the card's lining also lit with purple the winds picked up and started to suck everything in sight into the hole in the center of the darkness. [b]"An intense Spell Card. I'm certainly going to keep my grip so I don't get sucked into that thing." [/b] Leander was quite impressed to see a single card wipe out an entire field of monsters. However, Leander couldn't help but be concerned. Tsukiko seemed like a strong person, but the way she'd been acting... it didn't quite seem like she was enjoying herself. Leander saw how she looked at Void Dragon, and it definitely wasn't a look of fondness to him. Naturally, Leander decided to address the matter. "[color=fff79a]Tsukiko, can I ask ya somethin'?[/color]" Leander asked. "[color=fff79a]Are you really having fun? I've seen a lot of people have fun before, and you don't act like any of 'em.[/color]" Tsukiko noticed Leander said something toward her where she slapped Dark Hole down onto her duel disk face-up and then turned her attention toward him. [b]"Huh?"[/b] She questioned when Leander caught her by surprise. She noticed that Leander wanted to ask her something where she nodded. When she heard what he wanted to ask her, she was a bit taken by surprise. The dueling world she grew up in was hardly one that you called fun. It was opponent after opponent destroying each other to see who was the best at the end. She found it rather awkward that he referred to dueling as fun, because her brother told it was a war between the weak and strong. [b]"I'm supposed to have fun?"[/b] She questioned as she didn't know what Leander meant by saying that you're supposed to have fun when you duel. [b]"My brother always said dueling was about showing you're the strongest. Not only with the cards, but physically too. He never showed me that dueling was fun. He always told me that having fun was a distraction and that you should always stay calm and serious when dueling. Is he wrong?"[/b] Tsukiko questioned with curiosity since this was the first time someone had given her a different perspective about dueling. Was her brother really wrong? Was dueling supposed to be something you can enjoy? Why did he convince her that it was all about power? She didn't have the answers where she tried to add to what she just said. [b]"I... don't know..."[/b] Tsukiko said confused not really having an answer to Leander's question. [b]"Why do you ask?"[/b] Amelia listened silently as Leander asked his question and Tsukiko responded. The girl's response brought a frown to her face. "[color=39b54a]I... I don't think... I could agree with that view of Dueling.[/color]" She said hesitantly, her voice shaking slightly. "[color=39b54a]I only started dueling but... I want to make friends with it. Before we started... you were much nicer, Miss Ikushiou... before the match. But when it started... you changed and now... you're like a different person. You scare me.[/color]" All the monsters on the field tried to brace themselves to avoid the hole, but it was no use as they were all sucked up into the center passing through the event horizon into the nothingness. When the hole had finished sucking up all the monsters aside from the monsters on the Pendulum Scale, it slowly lost its intensity and faded where the room slowly turned back to normal. Tsukiko then sent Dark Hole into her graveyard seeing as it has done its job. They were still wide open from a direct attack since that was the only card she had in her hand and all the monsters that were on the field are now in the graveyard. Tsukiko felt a shockwave like feeling pass through her mind when Amelia said she had become a different person. She didn't actually know what she meant. [b]"I've become a different person?"[/b] She questioned somewhat confused at what Amelia was getting at. She thought she was the same as she was before then it hit her. They must have saw her reaction toward sending Void Dragon to her graveyard. She didn't really want to talk about why she acted like the card was nothing to her, because of the fact it really let her down in her duel against Haas. That was one week ago and she managed to get it out of her mind.[b] "What do you mean by I've become a different person? I'm the same Tsukiko you know and love."[/b] "[color=39b54a]You lost the kind look in your eyes. When we're dueling... do you see me as a friend... or as someone to destroy?[/color]" Amelia asked, her tone losing confidence. Tsukiko closed her eyes letting off a deep sigh thinking Amelia's question was rather silly. Why would she want to cause her harm? She was a bit confused that she asked her if she would destroy her. After all, she is not her brother. The one person who doesn't have a shard of mercy in their heart and the kind that makes those with tough decks look weak. [b]"Happiness escaped my heart a long time ago. It's hard to be happy when you have a past like mine. A past that you regret and one that you wish you could erase. Sometimes I question whether life is really worth living? Is there a purpose that one must serve in life? Wouldn't death be a salvation toward those who suffer? Those who want to escape the darkness in their past? I am nothing but darkness with just a fading light that soon will dim and eventually go out."[/b] Tsukiko explained opening her eyes as she revealed her more nihilistic side of herself which didn't think her life was worth living. It was true though, Tsukiko had never smiled nor laughed seriously since a certain event which changed her and her brother forever. Leander had his eyes closed as he appeared to be lost in thought over Tsukiko's words. There was a lot of information to take in. Unfortunately for Leander, a lot of information was not something he was good at taking in. Raising both his hands up to shoulder level with both palms upward in a dismissive gesture, Leander responded, "[color=fff79a]I don't really get what you're saying. Stuff about death and darkness... what's the point in thinking about stuff like that? Just do what you think is right for you. If you do that, there's no way you won't be happy.[/color]" [b]"Even though I'm unsure about myself."[/b] Tsukiko said shaking her head still uncertain about what path she should take or how to remedy her situation. [b]"Amelia, I feel like I can trust you. I feel like for once I can actually trust someone and not have to worry about them toying with my mind or enraging me. Just maybe... you've given me new view on life that I just have been to blind to perceive."[/b] She paused for a moment as she shifted back into her normal casual look on her face despite hiding the watery sadness welling up in her eyes like a swollen wound. [b]"I will continue to battle the darkness inside of me for your sake. There still remains light within me. Not all of its gone though it's been a neverending struggle; however, I will not give up. You've given me a new reason to fight even harder."[/b] She added with confidence trying to reassure Amelia that she was someone who she could look up to. Shiyu was mainly silent whilst the whole affair was going down, his face having clouded over when he noticed Tsukiko's rough handling of his monsters. Didn't that girl have any respect for the cards? Not that the guy had much of a chance to say anything, with the entire situation resolving itself without him. He used his free hand to place on his hip, looking down on the disk. [color=c7c7c7][b]"Um... Tsukiko? You might want to hurry up with your turn. The timer's ticking down."[/b][/color] Shiyu commented, lifting up his right arm to show the display to Tsukiko. The counter was ticking down, having 40 seconds left. A system put in place to prevent stalling for time, as it would end your turn if you did not take action within the time limit. [b]"Oh right..."[/b] She stated in surprise when Shiyu talked to her that there was a timer. She had completely forgotten about it [b]"I end my turn."[/b] Tsukiko said when Shiyu reminded her of the timer as she stepped back to allow Amelia to begin her turn. She took a moment to think about what Amelia had said toward her while reflecting on Leander's thoughts. She thought to herself what Leander meant by having fun and trying to get a better grasp on this mutual bonding people called friends. [b][i]Turn 8: Amelia[/i][/b] Shiyu: 6350 LP, 1 card in hand, 1 S/T, 2-7 Pend. Scales Tsukiko: 6350 LP, 0 cards in hand, 1 S/T Leander: 4700 LP, 3 cards in hand, 1 S/T, 1 Field Amelia: 4700 LP, 2 cards in hand, 1 S/T Amelia's face had turned a bit red when Tsukiko spoke to her, but she managed a small smile. When her turn came around, she silently drew her card and looked at what she could do. Not much, but she knew she could at least let Leander have another turn. "[color=39b54a]I set one card down and end my turn.[/color]" She said, another card appearing in her Spell/Trap zone. [b][i]Turn 9: Shiyu[/i][/b] Shiyu: 6350 LP, 2 cards in hand, 1 S/T, 2-7 Pend. Scales Tsukiko: 6350 LP, 0 cards in hand, 1 S/T Leander: 4700 LP, 3 cards in hand, 1 S/T, 1 Field Amelia: 4700 LP, 1 card in hand, 2 S/T [color=c7c7c7][b]"My turn then! Draw!"[/b][/color] Shiyu cried, swiping his next card with ferocity. He caught a glimpse of it on the corner of his eye, it widening upon seeing what it was. He put it in his hand, then considered the options. This situation was almost too good to be true. [color=c7c7c7][b]"I..."[/b][/color] they paused. Was it worth the risk? [color=c7c7c7][b]"...I'll use my scale two Igknight Cavalier and scale seven Igknight Margrave to [i]Pendulum Summon[/i] once more! Revive from the Extra deck, Igknight Gallant and Uzi!"[/b][/color] the boy declared, with the same wormhole opening and revealing the two monsters once more, this time both in ATK position. [b]Igknight Gallant:[/b] 2100 ATK, 2200 DEF, Level 6, FIRE, Warrior [b]Igknight Uzi:[/b] 1300 ATK, 2700 DEF, Level 6, FIRE, Warrior [color=c7c7c7][b]"I now activate my Continuous Trap Card, Igknight Burst!"[/b][/color] Shiyu continued on, revealing a card depicting Igknight Champion charging forward and challenging something. [color=c7c7c7][b]"I'll use this to destroy my Igknight Uzi, and return your newest Set card to the hand!"[/b][/color] he explained, pointing at Amelia. Igknight Uzi braced herself, charging forward and slashing the air around the card, creating a huge gust. It flew right back into Amelia's hand, and with that, Uzi burst into tiny little pixels. Shiyu bit his lip. This had to be it. If he summoned this next card, it would be over... They'd win! But... What if that Set card was dangerous...? [color=c7c7c7][b]"I..."[/b][/color] they hesitated again, picking up his newest drawn card from the hand. Shiyu seemed to be wincing for some reason. [color=c7c7c7][b]"I...! I summon Igknight Lancer by Destroying Burst, Margrave and Cavalier!!"[/b][/color] they shouted, with a fissure opening up on his and Tsukiko's field. Flames spewed forth from the abyss, consuming Shiyu's trap and Pendulum zones. From said fissure emerged a knight similar to the ones from before, only his color of choice was orange. Their right arm ended in a chaingun, with metal blades on each barrel. [b]Igknight Lancer:[/b] 2600 ATK, 1800 DEF, Level 7, FIRE, Warrior This was it. No going back. [color=c7c7c7][b]"Igknight Gallant! Attack them directly!"[/b][/color] Shiyu commanded, with Gallant readying his gun-blade again. It crouched down, prepared to sprint, and then took off with their jetboots and jetpack blazing. They sliced through Leander and Amelia both, cutting down their lifepoint. [b]Leander & Amelia LP:[/b] 4700 > 2600 Just one more. Just one more attack and it was over. Shiyu was breathing heavier than normal, and his eyeball was noticably twitching. A twisted, wicked smile formed on his face; He'd done it... Right? He'd won! [color=c7c7c7][b]"Igknight... Lancer..."[/b][/color] they panted out, then extended their left arm forward. [color=c7c7c7][b]"ATTACK! End this NOW!"[/b][/color] they screamed, with the orange knight preparing to spin up their gun. [color=c7c7c7][b]"[i]NOW I SAID[/i]!"[/b][/color] he shouted again. The chaingun sped up, then fired off various blades, all of them darting towards Amelia. The blades exploded, surrounding Amelia in a cloud of smoke. When it cleared though, the girl was still standind, a light blue barrier surrounding her. "[color=39b54a]Trap Card: Draining Shield![/color]" She said, her last face-down now face up and glowing. She sighed in relief before checking her pulse. It was a little high but she figured she would be fine for now. [b]Leander & Amelia LP:[/b] 2600 > 5200 "[color=fff79a]Nice save, Amelia![/color]" Leander said, giving Amelia a smile and a thumbs up. Shiyu looked shocked, a sweatdrop trickling down the side of their face. They were [i]this[/i] close! And they still messed it up... [color=c7c7c7][b]"...AUGH, DAMNIT!"[/b][/color] they screamed it out in frustration, wanting to punch the floor right about now. They had it... And still screwed it up! [color=c7c7c7][b]"My... Turn isn't over yet!"[/b][/color] he murmured, looking up to Leander and Amelia with a fiery passion in his eye. [color=c7c7c7][b]"Igknight Lancer lets me return Gallant to my hand, which in turn allows me to send Valhalla to the bottom of your deck!"[/b][/color] Shiyu explained, with Gallant turning into a red beam of light piercing Valhalla. Shiyu then placed the card back into his hand. [color=c7c7c7][b]"Turn end!"[/b][/color] [b][i]Turn 10: Leander[/i][/b] Shiyu: 6350 LP, 2 cards in hand, 1 Monster Tsukiko: 6350 LP, 0 cards in hand, 1 S/T Leander: 5200 LP, 4 cards in hand, 1 Field Amelia: 5200 LP, 2 cards in hand "[color=fff79a]Draw![/color]" Leander said, drawing his next card. The loss of Valhalla was a bit sad, but not really something that would hinder Leander too much. Besides, he had been saving a good card for a moment like this. "[color=fff79a]Thanks to my fallen comrades: Skyknight Parshath, Nova Caller, Neo-Parshath, and Avenging Knight Parshath, I have four Fairy-type monsters in my Graveyard. That means that I can Special Summon Archlord Kristya from my hand![/color]" Leander explained, the red-winged angel shooting up from the clouds and showing its brilliant glory as it appeared on the field. [b]Archlord Kristya - ATK 2800, Level 8[/b] "[color=fff79a]When Archlord Kristya is Special Summoned this way, I can also add a Fairy-type monster in my Graveyard back into my hand,[/color]" Leander added, taking Skyknight Parshath out of the Graveyard. "[color=fff79a]Now I activate the Continuous Spell: The Light's Calling. This Spell card lets me Normal Summon a Level 5 Fairy-type monster without a Tribute, meaning I can Summon Skyknight Parshath again![/color]" [b]Skyknight Parshath - ATK 1900, Level 5[/b] "[color=fff79a]Battle Phase! Archlord Kristya, attack Igknight Lancer![/color]" Leander commanded, Archlord Kristya shooting forward. Igknight Lancer fired its weapon, but Archlord Kristya kept dodging left and right until she delivered the final blow, slicing through both monster and weapon at once. [b]Shiyu and Tsukiko - 6350 LP > 6150 LP[/b] "[color=fff79a]Now for Skyknight Parshath to attack directly![/color]" Leander said as Skyknight Parshath rushed forward soon after Archlord Kristya returned, Skyknight Parshath's blade delivering a piercing blow to Shiyu and Tsukiko. [b]Shiyu and Tsukiko - 6150 LP > 4250 LP[/b] "[color=fff79a]Of course, I can draw 1 card when Skyknight Parshath deals battle damage,[/color]" Leander said, drawing a card. "[color=fff79a]I'll just place this card face-down and end my turn.[/color]" [b][i]Turn 11: Tsukiko[/i][/b] Shiyu: 4250 LP, 2 cards in hand Tsukiko: 4250 LP, 1 cards in hand, 1 S/T Leander: 5200 LP, 2 cards in hand, 2 Monsters, 1 S/T, 1 Field Amelia: 5200 LP, 2 cards in hand Tsukiko swiped her hand across her deck and drew another card, saying with confidence, "Here I go. I draw!" She took a look at the card, which was something that she could actually use. She thought to herself as she knew it was one card she actually needed though not the one she was hoping for. It will still help her reduce the numbers. "I set one card face-down and end my turn." [b][i]Turn 12: Amelia[/i][/b] Shiyu: 4250 LP, 2 cards in hand Tsukiko: 4250 LP, 0 cards in hand, 2 S/T Leander: 5200 LP, 2 cards in hand, 2 Monsters, 1 S/T, 1 Field Amelia: 5200 LP, 3 cards in hand Right when Amelia was going to take her turn, Tsukiko grinned as she flipped her Trap Card face-up. [b]"I activate Compulsory Evacuation Device! I return Krysta to your hand."[/b] Leander frowned. He didn't think he would have to use his face-down so soon. "[color=fff79a]I activate Dark Bribe, which negates a Spell or Trap card and allows you to draw a new card to replace it,[/color]" Leander countered, revealing his face-down. [b]"So that's it... dammit..."[/b] Tsukiko said as she fell to her knees for a moment and slammed her duel disk into the ground. She was frustrated as she rose up again, because there was nothing she could and simple math told her 4700 points of damage was the end of the duel. [b]"These cards are worthless... Every one of them."[/b] She said as she grabbed her Compulsory Evacuation Device Trap Card and flung down toward the ground where it landed at Amelia's foot. She was furious, she could have sworn they had a chance to win, but both of Shiyu's monsters were destroyed and she ended up drawing a worthless Trap Card. [b]"To hell with that Trap Card. It's as worthless as my dragons. This entire deck is garbage... I'm not drawing a card, it won't do any good anyway."[/b] She drew one anyway, [b]"Limiter Removal. How worthless.."[/b] She screamed at Leander as her blood pressure escalated and her dark aura began to erupt around her. She then threw Limiter Removal at Leander where it landed at his feet. Tsukiko took her fist and slammed it hard into the ground causing a small crater in the floor. When she did so her duel disk came off and slid off to the side. As well as her deck was dislodged and scattered on the floor. She didn't seem to care it came off either. She didn't even seem to have regard for picking up her cards. Shiyu was looking fearful of the next turn. Much like him earlier, they had the damage on the board to end this right here and now. But as Amelia drew her card, and Tsukiko's trap got countered, he saw her do something completely ridiculous. [color=c7c7c7][b]"Tsukiko, wait-!"[/b][/color] he tried to stop her, but it was already too late when her fist connected with the floor. The contents of her deck scattered all across the floor, and Shiyu heard his own disk announce the following: [color=cd3d11][h1]ERROR: DECK NOT INSERTED[/h1][/color] [color=cd3d11][h1]DUEL = FORFEIT[/h1][/color] [h3]WINNERS: AMELIA & LEANDER[/h3] [/hider] [hider=Aftermath] "[color=fff79a]Hey now, there's no need for that,[/color]" Leander said as he moved to pick up Limiter Removal and Compulsory Evacuation Device. "[color=fff79a]All cards should be treated with respect. They're our friends, and they're always by our side.[/color]" As Leander went over to pick up the rest of Tsukiko's cards, Leander continued, "[color=fff79a]Take care of them, and they care of you.[/color]" Leander reached over to pick up one card that had fallen away from the others, but when he picked it up, Leander was confused. "[color=fff79a]Why is this one so heavy?[/color]" Leander asked as he turned it over, revealing it to be Void Dragon. [b]"Doesn't matter anymore... Void Dragon is a worthless card from my past. No wonder my brother stopped using it. Who wants to use a weak card anyway? Tch.. Cards are by our side you say... Then why did they fail me? No cards that fail are friends. They are just useless objects. If a card cannot even help you win or serve a purpose it's worthless. Not that it matters, my existence is pretty worthless since I relied on cards that just fail their user. Who the hell wants a deck that loses? I certainly don't! I couldn't give a damn about the heart of the cards! I only care about one thing and that is to achieve my lifetime dream. As for this nonsense about how cards have feelings tell that story to someone who cares or wants to listen! I didn't enjoy this duel at all. It was so disappointing and boring. Enjoy your win, I don't even care."[/b] Tsukiko raged as she jumped down off the arena landing on her two feet using one of her hands as a plant to stabilize herself so she didn't hurt herself from the fall. Certainly not wanting to go back to retrieve her cards where she leaned up against the wall. She was so angry at the moment she just wanted to be alone for right now. She left her deck, duel disk and other two cards she flung at Leander and Amelia up on the arena floor. She had a spiteful look in her eyes that depicted a strong animosity that was stirred up by the flames that burned deep within her eyes. Shiyu had collapsed onto his knees at the end of that duel, having felt frustration and disappointment well up inside of him. The boy was very dejected because of the result, and felt more like he let his cards down than the reverse seen in Tsukiko. [color=c7c7c7][b]"D-Damnit...!"[/b][/color] he cursed to himself, fully realizing this wasn't his first loss. The boy picked himself up from the floor soon enough though, as he [i]did[/i] want to congratulate the victors over their hard fought battle. The boy had also overreacted, and needed to apologize for that. Fate had something else in mind, though. As Shiyu rose up onto his feet, he noticed a bit of a scuffle going on over yonder and... What was Tsukiko doing to her cards?! It was only at that point the boy noticed her deck was sprawled across the floor, and there was some wear and tear on the two specific cards near Leander. Those... Weren't old cards. That much is clear. [color=c7c7c7][b]"What in the world are you doing?!"[/b][/color] he shouted in that general direction, but a little too late as Tsukiko jumped off of the elevated height and sulked in the corner. She hadn't even bothered to take her Duel Disk and cards with her either. The boy ran over as soon as she'd left, crouching down on his knees to almost frantically help pick up the cards she'd left behind. [color=c7c7c7][b]"Oh man- I'm so sorry for all this!"[/b][/color] Shiyu apologized to his two opponents as if it were his own doing, scrambling to collect all the cards with as little damage to them as possible. He'd finished picking up around thirty or so when he noticed Leander was also holding one. [color=c7c7c7][b]"Hey what are you-?"[/b][/color] Shiyu begun to ask whilst standing up, but noticed soon enough what card that was. The boy visibly froze up at the sight, having not fully realized earlier what that girl had actually played in the duel. [color=c7c7c7][b]"...Ah! Sorry, I should get back to picking her cards up..."[/b][/color] Shiyu commented as he snapped himself out of staring at it, falling back onto his knees to pick up the various components of Tsukiko's deck. Tsukiko looked up and saw Leander and Shiyu both picking up her cards, but she didn't care. She was tired of being in the arena where she decided she would step out for some fresh air. It might put her mind at ease and some fresh air might do her some good. Also she needed to vent to get her blood pressure down which was boiling over. She held one card in her hand which she pocketed just in case anyone tried to follow her. She wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone nor did she want to go back and pick up her useless deck. She made her way toward the exit as she then walked through the halls where she would eventually find her way outside to have time to herself. "[color=39b54a]Miss Ikushirou.[/color]" Amelia said quietly to herself as Tsukiko left the arena. Looking over at Shiyu and Leander as they picked up Tsuki's cards, she quietly put her deck away before following the older girl. When Tsukiko went outside, Amelia remained inside the building, keeping her distance so Tsukiko could calm down, but staying nearby, because she felt like that was what a friend should do. Tsukiko was staring out at the desert in front of her while she sat on the railing. She then noticed Amelia had followed her outside. She took a certain card to stop people from following her, but she couldn't use it on someone so innocent. [b]"Amelia, why did you follow me all the way out here?"[/b] She sighed as she had somewhat finally calmed down while she held a certain Fusion Card in her hand while she looked off into the sun shining down on the surface floor. [b]"Might as well take a seat beside me. I don't mind at all."[/b] Tsukiko gestured as she welcomed Amelia to sit next to her. Amelia nervously walked over and sat next to Tsukiko. She said nothing as she stared out at the desert, though she did shield her eyes from the harsh light of the sun. She would take several seconds before answering the question asked of her though. "[color=39b54a]Because friends are meant to support each other, aren't they? And we can be friends, can't we?[/color]" She said. Once all the cards had been gathered, Leander went over to Amelia and Tsukiko. "[color=fff79a]Hey, mind if we crash this party?[/color]" Leander said, displayed his ever present goofy grin. "[color=fff79a]We're always here if you need us. Right, Shiyu?[/color]" Leander turned back to look at Shiyu, only to find him missing. "[color=fff79a]Huh, I thought he was right behind me. Oh well,[/color]" Leander said, returning his attention to Tsukiko. [b]"Well, I suppose you could sit with us as well. I see no harm in it."[/b] Tsukiko sighed as she also invited Leander to take a seat on the railing with her and Amelia. [/hider] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]"Because friends are meant to support each other, aren't they? And we can be friends, can't we?"[/b] Amelia said which almost made Tsukiko laugh in a good way, but right as she was about to a cold looking casual gloomy look was back on her face. Tsukiko remembered earlier that Brad talked about friends. She still didn't quite understand the concept being that she had never had any to begin with. Unless you counted her brother who was more family which put him a higher level than everyone else. [b]"Heh, after what I said back there you'd still call me a friend? Heh, I find that strange."[/b] Again the girl almost smiled, but when she attempted to it disappeared before anyone could really notice it. Tsukiko's eyes were full of sadness as you could see the fire that still burned in her eyes unhappy about the result earlier. She had really let herself down and failed at what she was trying to achieve. The fact her deck and strategies weren't working didn't really help her situation either. She lost it near the end putting all her hopes on a prayer that came unanswered. Maybe that wasn't the card she should have put her prayers into. She thought about her opening move and knew had she drawn one other card the duel would have went differently. The card which failed her in the last duel, but had she gotten in the duel she just had she would have won. Neither player had a card that could match a monster with 5000 ATK. [b]"Maybe I shouldn't have been so hard on myself during my previous duel before the tag duel. The card I needed to win the tag duel rejected me not appearing once."[/b] Tsukiko revealed as she contemplated again about her duel with Haas. Had she not hated [i][b]Power Bond [/b][/i]like she did in the duel she had now it probably would have pushed bother her opponents into a corner where she could have won that duel. But her anger for [i][b]Void Twin Dragon[/b][/i] really cost her. [b]"I should have had faith in [i][b]Void Twin Dragon[/b][/i] despite it failed me twice. I felt like it was calling to me that duel, but I ignored its call. I summoned [b][i]Void Dragon[/i][/b] instead and had I waited I probably would have been rewarded with the [i][b]Power Bond[/b][/i] Spell Card that cost me heavily in another duel I had."[/b] She regretted as you could see it written all over her face as the guilt was slapped on her face. Her distrust in her deck she finally realized was why she lost the tag duel. Thinking about [i][b]Void Twin Dragon[/b][/i] she realized something, both duels it was summoned by her darker counterpart. But her darker counterpart left her with the shame of defeat while it hid within the shadows of her own body. Tsukiko actual self had not summoned the dragon even once. Maybe it didn't like her darker counterpart and that's why it was so determined to shatter her trust in the Void cards. She then realized something that never occurred to her. She finally was starting to understand that there was a darker version of herself that lie in wait in her body. When she thought Shiyu looked familiar a dark aura erupted around her body and the card [i][b]Void End Dragon[/b][/i]. She had a vision of what looked like her, but wasn't acting like her and there was a boy she was talking to. Then it finally hit her as her eyes widened. Fear embraced her mind as her eyes enlarged when she finally realize why Shiyu looked so familiar. Her darker counterpart had come into contact with that individual and she had to tap into her inner darkness to realize it. [b]"Leander, where's Shiyu?"[/b] Tsukiko said frantically as she jumped then realized her Duel Disk and cards were not on her.