Name: W Nebula Fusion Card Type: Normal Spell Effect: Fusion Summon 1 "Worm" Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, by banishing Fusion Materials listed on it from your side of the field or your Graveyard. If this card is in your Graveyard: Banish it and target one face-up monster on the field; Set it in face-down Defense Position. This effect cannot be activated the turn this card is sent to the Graveyard.
So in case anyone is wondering why Stan and I keep having our characters sort of have a weird sense of facing each other, it's because we tested our structure decks against each other a bunch.
This latest loss puts the current record at 0-5 for the Wormies.
Brad looked at Nathaniel, his brow furrowed. Why would they duel here and now? Especially when the thought of dueling Nathaniel filled Brad with this feeling of defeat.
The realization hit like a bolt of lightning. Against people like that lady who attacked the security, losing wouldn't be an option. Through whatever bizarre hocus pocus mumbo jumbo they used, they could hurt people through the game. If Brad was to stand a chance of surviving against someone like that, he had to get better. Practice makes progress.
As Brad drew his cards, he saw only one option. At least, for now. "Main Phase 1. I set one monstah an' one more card." Hardly a gamewinning play but not every play had to be a touchdown. Sometimes inching towards the first down was more reasonable. "I end ma turn."
Turn 1: Brad End Cards in Hand: 3 Monsters: 1 Set S/T: 1 Set
Turn 2: Nathaniel
"Draw!"
Nathaniel took a moment to analyze his hand before putting down a monster.
"Please welcome Performapal Spikeagle to the field!"
Performapal Spikeagle: Level 2, 900 ATK
A brown eagle with spiked wings and sunglasses appeared beside Nathaniel, although the Attack Points showing up on the Duel Disk indicated that it wasn't very strong. Nathaniel would be the first to admit that it probably wasn't going to do a lot by itself, but he needed something to stir the waters a bit.
"Spikeagle has a poignant ability. I can target one monster I control, and that monster can inflict piercing battle damage this turn. This, of course, includes itself. Now go, Spikeagle! Give us a show!"
Performapal Spikeagle did a loop in the air before diving down onto Brad's facedown monster, which revealed itself to be Worm Cartaros. The pink alien thing stood no chance with its defenses, and shattered under the force of Spikeagle's admittedly weak attack.
Worm Cartaros: Level 4, 500 DEF
Brad LP: 4000->3600
As the stray pixels of the deceased Worm scattered near Brad's face, he flinched. But once he realized there was no pain, he visibly relaxed. For a moment, the former footballer sort of just looked at the board before realizing there was something he was supposed to do.
"I activate tha effect of Worm Cartaros. When they are flipped, I can add one Level 4 or lowah Worm ta ma hand." As he placed his hand near his deck, one card pushed out into his grip. "I choose ta add Worm Xex ta ma hand."
Worms, eh? Don't think I've seen these guys before.
Despite his caution, Nathaniel still cannot help but feel good about his chances for some reason. He had no idea why, but he put that aside for now.
"I'll then set two cards and end my turn!" He said as the images of the card backs appeared behind Spikeagle.
Turn 2: Nathaniel End 4000 LP Hand: 3 Monsters: Performapal Spikeagle (Level 2, 900 ATK) S/T: 2 Set
Turn 3: Brad
"Draw." Brad quickly glanced at the newest addition to his hand. Useful later, probably, but he already knew what he was going to do this turn.
"Main Phase 1. I summon Worm Xex in Attack Mode." A bizarre circular creature rose out of the ground, covered in a bright green slime. The teeth moved rhytmically in time with the soft purring it made.
Worm Xex: Level 4, 1800 ATK
"Worm Xex has an effect that activates when I Normal Summon it. I can send any Worm monster from ma deck to ma graveyard. I choose ta send Worm Yagan." The mouth opened wide as the ghostly image of a Y-shaped rainbow-coloured creature burst into pixels.
Brad wasn't finished yet. "Next, I activate tha effect of Worm Yagan. While tha only monstah I control is Worm Xex, I can Special Summon Yagan face-down." Yagan once again appeared, this time crawling out of Xex's mouth before being hidden beneath a card back.
"Battle Phase. Worm Xex, take out Spikeagle." The alien creature seemed to dissolve into the ground only to appear beneath the dressy avian. With surprising quickness, it shot off the ground, wrapping its mouth around the feet of its prey, before devouring it whole.
Nathaniel LP: 4000 -> 3100
Nathaniel cringed as he witnessed Spikeagle's demise. These things were pretty disgusting and vicious, which was totally not what he was used to. Still, it was probably a learning experience, no matter how cringeworthy.
"Main Phase 2. I set one more card face-down an' end ma turn." Brad was beginning to feel something dangerously close to confidence in this duel. What on earth had he been fearing from the little guy? If Nathaniel's deck was anything like that funny-looking bird he had played, Brad definitely stood a chance.
Turn 3: Brad End 3600 LP Hand: 3 Monsters: Worm Xex (Level 4, 1800 ATK), Set [Worm Yagan (Level 4, 1800 DEF)] S/T: 2 Set
Turn 4: Nathaniel
"My turn! Draw!"
Looking over his hand, Nathaniel figured there really wasn't much he could do here. Although maybe there was one thing he could try.
"Alright, let's give a warm applause for Performapal Secondonkey!"
In a flash of light appeared on the field a little purple donkey in a top hat and a bowtie. Despite having hooves and no fingers, it reached up and raised the little hat on its head before returning to all-fours.
Performapal Secondonkey: Level 4, 1000 ATK
"Now Secondonkey gets to show us what it has in store. When it gets Normal Summoned or Special Summoned to the field, I can send one Performapal monster in my Deck to the Graveyard. I'll have Performapal Whip Snake bow out."
The image of Performapal Whip Snake appeared in the air above the field before disappearing in a puff of confetti.
"That's it for this turn."
Turn 4: Nathaniel End 3100 LP Hand: 3 Monsters: Performapal Secondonkey (Level 4, 1000 ATK) S/T: 2 Set
Turn 5: Brad
"Draw." Brad looked at the goofy looking monster on the opponent's side of the field. Had his intuition been that far off? After all, Nathaniel was a fellow Earth Dorm student. Taking a moment to check the effect of Whip Viper, he suddenly felt less sure of himself. That thing would play havoc with his deck, given half a chance. So, naturally, he would have to not give it that chance.
"Main Phase 1. I flip ma Worm Yagan inta face-up Attack Mode." Yagan revealed itself, in all of its slimey glory, rather than a far less creepy silhouette.
Worm Yagan: Level 4, 1000 ATK
"When Worm Yagan is flipped face-up, I pick one face-up monstah ya control an' send it back ta ya han'. I choose ya Secondonkeh." The top purple hair-like tentacles wriggled eerily at Secondonkey, who decided he didn't much care for this weird thing and returned to Nathaniel's hand.
With that out of the way, Brad found himself at a crossroads. There was a few paths to take, frought with many risks. Maybe he wouldn't put all of his eggs in one basket, but nothing wrong with putting most of them in one. "Conqueror of infinite galaxies, I pay ya tribute!" Brad's declaration grew in volume as Worm Yagan exploded into pixels. "Tribute Summon... Lend me ya strength! Worm King!"
Worm King: Level 7, 2700 ATK
As the golden behemoth let loose a roar, Brad smiled. So far, every time he had summoned Worm King, he had won shortly thereafter. Of course, that sample size being one duel wasn't what crossed his mind.
Oh boy... Nathaniel twitched a little. That was certainly a big monster. Not even Performapal Elephammer had the Attack Points to take that beast on. He was going to have to rely on some of his other Performapals if he wanted to take it out. That is, if he even manages to live that long.
"Worm King requires a tribute to ensure victoreh... I offer Worm Xex in tribute ta Worm King. By doin' so, Worm King'll destroy a card ya control. Blast away tha left-most card!" The gaping mouth looked frightened before being flatened by Worm King's fist, transforming into a pale yellow light. Feeding it to the lower mouth, a shooting beam of light shot forth towards Nathaniel's set card.
Nathaniel covered his face as his set card was blown away by Worm King's beam, revealing itself to be Jar of Avarice before shattering into pieces.
"Next, I activate ma Spell card: Mystical Space Typhoon!" The green card appeared in front of Brad, who did, in fact, appreciate the irony of this particular moment. "It lets me destroy one Spell or Trap card on tha field. I destroy ya last face-down card!"
Once again, Nathaniel had to shield himself from the force of the winds as the last of his defences revealed itself to be Counterforce before being blown away.
Looking at what he destroyed, Brad frowned. If he had simply attacked with both Xex and King, he would've won. But that was not a realistic expectation to go forward with. Any number of cards would've set him back his strongest card. No, it was better to leave Nathaniel with a smidgen of life points and keep King safe than gamble it all. "Battle Phase. Worm King, show ya strength! Conqueror's Charge!" The alien monstrosity howled before leaping forward, throwing out a hail of blows at Nathaniel.
Nathaniel gritted his teeth as Worm King charged forward. It was a survivable blow, but a small breeze would be enough to topple Nathaniel afterward. No, he had to play it safe.
"When my opponent declares a direct attack, I can activate the effect of Swift Scarecrow! By sending this card from my hand to the Graveyard, I can negate your attack and end the Battle Phase!"
As Nathaniel slid the card into the Graveyard slot of his Duel Disk, the metallic scarecrow suddenly appeared in front of Nathaniel. It stood unyielding, shielding him from Worm King's barrage before disappearing once more.
Brad almost breathed a sigh of relief. Even if the attacks weren't real, there was something that unsettled him about watching Worm King attack a classmate so viciously. "With that, I end ma turn." Brad couldn't help himself from smiling. "Now let's see ya get past ma King."
Turn 5: Brad End 3600 LP Hand: 3 Monsters: Worm King (Level 7, 2600 ATK) S/T: 1 Set
Turn 6: Nathaniel
"Oh don't worry. The fun's just getting started. Draw!"
Nathaniel drew his card and silently kicked himself for accidently using someone else's catch phrase. Still, things were about to get interesting. Maybe.
"I'll begin this turn by bringing Performapal Friendonkey out to the field!"
A blue donkey with white legs slowly trotted its way onto the field. Much like Secondonkey before it, it had on a small top hat and a spotted bowtie. Unlike Secondonkey however, it also had a pink box with a star strapped to its side. It also had on the biggest smug grin in possibly Duel Monster's history.
Performapal Friendonkey: Level 3, 1600 ATK
"And when it's summoned to the field, it brings with it a surprise. Let's see what we have here."
Nathaniel waved his hands in the air and the pink box strapped to Friendonkey blew open, as out popped Performapal Whip Snake amidst a shower of confetti.
Performapal Whip Snake: Level 4: 1700 ATK
"Of course, Whip Snake has its own surprise as well! Once per turn, I can target one monster on the field and switch its current Attack and Defense Points. Let's see what Worm King's hiding behind those 2700 Attack Points."
Whip Snake slid its way to the middle of the field and began to wiggle its little dance. Soon, Worm King began to slouch as its ATK was brought low.
Worm King: 2700 ATK->1100 ATK
"Now for the moment we've all been waiting for! Let's get this show on the road! Performapal Friendonkey attacks Worm King!"
Friendonkey made no hurry to charge Worm King, but instead took its leisurely time getting there before hitting its opponent with a headbutt.
Brad LP: 3600->3100
"And now Performapal Whip Snake attacks you directly"
Whip Snake quickly made its way to Brad, or at least comparatively quicker than Friendonkey, and smacked Brad with the end of its tail.
Brad LP: 3100->1400
Brad groaned, less from non-existant pain and more from very existant embarrassment. He had played straight into Nathaniel's game plan and even bragged about it. Now his opponent had control of the field, dismantling Brad's strongest card in the process. He at least took solace in the fact that he had felt this coming.
"Now I'll just set a card facedown and leave the stage to you.
"Draw." A strong card... that meant nothing in the face of that snake. That such an adorable creature would cause so much chaos in Brad's deck filled him with annoyance. No doubt the point of that card. "Main Phase 1. I summon Des Feral Imp in Attack Mode." The scaley imp jumped up from a previously non-existant crack in the floor, a maniacal grin playing on its lipless face.
Des Feral Imp: Level 4, 1600 ATK
"Battle Phase." Brad paused for a moment to ponder if Nathaniel saw this as a bluff or an actual move. Only one way to find out. "Des Feral Imp, attack his Whip Viper."
Nathaniel could not help but grin as Brad summoned Des Feral Imp. It had a sizable 1600 ATK, but it was not getting past either of Nathaniel's monsters without destroying itself in the process. But then Brad declared an attack and Nathaniel could help but look on in cautious confusion. Brad may be an Earth Dorm student and a bit of a meathead, but his moves so far seem pretty intelligent and calculated. He had previously taken care to destroy all of Nathaniel's visible defenses before proceeding with an attack instead of trying to end the game on the spot, so such a suicidal play probably had more to it than it seemed. Still, it was the Battle Phase, which meant Whip Snake could not activate its effect. There was nothing Nathaniel could do.
Judging by the confused look on Nathaniel's face being his sole reaction to the attack declaration, Brad swung his arm out. "I activate ma face-down... Forbidden Dress!" As Des Feral Imp charged towards his slippery foe, a glittering white dress rocketed past him, to clothe Whip Viper. "Forbidden Dress makes one monstah on tha field immune to targetin' an' destruction by card effects. Howevah..." Just as Whip Viper was getting comfortable in the fabric, its eyes widened as it shrunk to fit the clothing. "It also reduces their ATK bah 600!"
Whip Viper: 1700ATK->1100ATK
Des Feral Imp leaped up before the purple snake before slamming a fist down, crushing Whip Viper.
Nathaniel LP: 3100->2600
"Main Phase 2." Brad looked at his hand, trying to start thinking ahead. He had begun turning the tables in his favour but was far from victory. "I set one card face-down an' end ma turn."
Turn 7: Brad End 1400 LP Hand: 2 Monsters: Des Feral Imp (Level 4, 1600 ATK) S/T: 1 Set
Turn 8: Nathaniel
Nathaniel frowned as Whip Snake was destroyed. If Nathaniel had to choose, Whip Snake was probably one of best cards. Although looking at the field, all Nathaniel needed was one final push. He has Brad on the ropes. Now he just needs to... tighten them? Swing from them? Look, he feels confident.
"My turn! Draw!"
Taking a look at the card he drew, he immediately slapped it onto his Duel Disk.
"I Normal Summon Performapal Sword Fish to the field!"
A virtual hole begin to open up from the ground as a blue fish popped out of the ground. It was wearing sunglasses and had a pompadour that was sharp as razors, hence the name. It also looked quite angry.
Performapal Sword Fish: Level 2, 600 ATK
"Now watch as Sword Fish works its magic... and makes 600 of Des Feral Imp's Attack Points disappear!"
On command, Sword Fish stabbed itself into Des Feral Imp, who leaped into the air and ran around the field as it tried to pull Sword Fish out of its butt.
Des Feral Imp: 1600->1000 ATK
"Battle Phase! Performapal Friendonkey attacks Des Feral Imp!"
Just as last time, Friendonkey slowly made its way to Des Feral Imp, and slammed its head against the monster.
Brad LP: 1400->800
"And Sword Fish then attacks you directly!"
Now freed from its previous victim, Sword Fish turned its sights on Brad. Its eyes narrowed, although it was had to see behind the shades, and it angrily charged at Brad, hair first.
Brad LP: 800->200
Nathaniel was feeling pretty smug right about now. It wasn't usually in his nature, as his self-esteem wasn't tyically very high. But something about this Duel just made Nathaniel feel very confident that he was going to win.
"I'll end my turn here. Good luck!"
Turn 8: Nathaniel End LP: 2600 Hand: 2 Monsters: Performapal Friendonkey (Level 3, 1600 ATK), Performapal Sword Fish (Level 2, 600 ATK) S/T: 1 Set
Turn 9: Brad
Brad took a moment to reflect. It seemed almost comical to think he had thought he had been close to victory this duel. As he looked over at Nathaniel, in all of his tiny smug glory, he had to admit it was clear that the two were in entirely different classes despite being in the same dorm.
That being said, it wasn't in Brad's nature to give up. Giving up led to stagnancy and if there was the chance that his life would be on the line in the future, he couldn't risk that. "I guess I'll have ta pull out all tha stops ta match ya, huh?" Brad chuckled. "Well, then I bettah get ta it. Draw."
Looking at the drawn card, he shook his head. Not useful right now and there wasn't much point trying to plan ahead at this point. It would be best to just give it his all now then try and wait it out, since that Swordfish would only become more and more troublesome as time goes by.
"Main Phase 1. I summon Worm Tentacles in Attack Mode." A yellow squid appeared before Brad, wiggling its namesakes in a part menacingly, part seductively manner.
Worm Tentacle: Level 4, 1700 ATK
"Worm Tentacles can banish a Worm monstah from ma graveyard to make a second attack durin' ma Battle Phase." A brief ghostly afterimage of Worm Xex appeared before being devoured by Worm Tentacles, who grew extra tentacles on its other tentacles, now more appendage than squid.
"Battle Phase. Worm Tentacles, attack Sword Fish." The creature lashed out, wrapping up the angry fish in a dozen noodly wriggling arms before devouring it.
Nathaniel LP: 2600->1500
"Time for tha feedin' frenzeh. Worm Tentacles, destroy Friendonkeh." Once more, an assault of epic wiggling proportions claimed another victim on Nathaniel's field.
Nathaniel LP: 1500->1400
Brad let a small smile grow on his lips. He was on the verge of defeat but he was pulling Nathaniel down to his level. If he could survive another turn, he might actually turn it around. "With that, I end ma turn." He couldn't help but wonder what new trick Nathaniel would pull out next. Regardless of the outcome of the duel, Brad felt like he learned something. And, truth be told, that was what he had hoped to gain from this duel.
Turn 9: Brad End 200 LP Hand: 2 Monsters: Worm Tentacles (Level 4, 1700 ATK) S/T: 1 Set
Turn 10: Nathaniel
Nathaniel could not help but smile. This Duel had been nothing but back-and-forth, each turn player wrestling the field advantage away from the other player before losing again the next turn. It was just like in his Duel with Megan. If the school hadn't been under attack from a bunch of hooded maniacs, Nathaniel might have genuinely enjoyed his time her. Regardless, he was going to enjoy this Duel, right down to the finish.
"My turn! Draw!"
Looking at the card he drew, Nathaniel smiled. This last turn will decide it.
"Now get ready for our show's final performance! And it begins with Performapal Sword Fish!"
A second copy of Performapal Sword Fish dug its way to the field again, this one just as angry as the last.
Performapal Sword Fish: Level 2, 600 ATK
"I'm sure we all remember Performapal Sword Fish's effect. When it gets Normal Summoned to the field, all monsters my opponent controls lose 600 Attack Points."
Sword Fish charged again at Brad's monster, this time lodging itself right in Worm Tentacle's giant yellow noggin. It flailed its tentacles in an attempt to lose the fish, to no avail.
Worm Tentacles: 1700->1100 ATK
"But this performance isn't going to be a solo. It's going to be a duo! When a Performapal monster is summoned to my side of the field, I can Special Summon Performapal Helpprincess!"
A swirl of confetti apeared on the field, and out came a girl dressed in purple with a big staff. She gave a wink to Brad before raising her hand-staff high.
Performapal Helpprincess: Level 4, 1200 ATK
"And when a Performapal is Special Summoned to my field, Sword Fish gets to decrease my opponent's monsters' attack even further!"
Helpprincess raised her staff high, and gave Sword Fish a big hand by slamming it down onto Sword Fish like a hammer to a nail, burying it in Worm Tentacle's head even further, which caused it to flail even more wildly.
Worm Tentacles: 1100->500 ATK
"Now it's time for your final bow! Performapal Helpprincess attacks Worm Tentacles!"
On Nathaniel's command, Helpprincess raised her staff high once again, and gave Worm Tentacles a great big slap across its huge yellow face.
Brad couldn't help but chuckle as the blow landed on his only remaining monster. "Hey, Nathaniel. Ya know what a turnovah is?"
Nathaniel looked at Brad quizically. "A turnover? You mean like an upset?"
Brad nodded. "In football, it's an upset but tha only way a turnovah can happen is when ya opponent makes a mistake. Like right now. Trap card activate! Lumenize!" The set card on Brad's side revealed itself. "I can negate one attack ya declare an' give a LIGHT monstah I control ATK equal ta tha ATK that I negated."
Helpprincess was knocked back as an intense light envelopped Tentacles. As it faded, the tentacles had formed a tall, humanoid body, posing menacingly as it glared at its former assailant.
Worm Tentacles: 500 ATK->1700 ATK
"Ouch... That sucks." Nathaniel had a pained look on his face as he saw that his big finish was ruined... before proceeding to turn that frown right upside down. "Just kidding! I have my own Trap Card: Seven Tools of the Bandit!"
Nathaniel's own Set card flipped itself face-up, revealing a pink card with an image of a swiss army knife.
"I can activate this card by paying 1000 Life Points. Then I can negate the activation of my opponent's Trap Card and destroy it!"
Nathaniel LP: 1400->400
The big flash of light got smaller and smaller until it was no more. When the light finally faded, Worm Tentacles was a tiny speck compared to its former self. It kept the pose but it was noticeably less menacing and, judging by its panicked expression, it was painfully aware of this.
Worm Tentacles: 1700 ATK->500 ATK
"And now, Performapal Helpprincess will wrap up our show! It's curtains!"
Helpprincess stood above Worm Tentacles, her shadow looming over its tiny form. She raised her staff high, and brought it down, squishing the little critter underneath her giant hand.
Brad LP: 200->0
VICTORY: NATHANIEL
Brad smiled and slowly shook his head. "Flag on tha play, I guess." He offered a hand to Nathaniel. "Ya certainly play ta ya deck's namesake. Quite tha performance."
"Ha! Thanks!" Nathaniel took Brad's hand in his own and shook it, all the while maintaining a big grin on his face. "You're a pretty good duelist too, Brad. You really made this little performance of ours great."
"I suppose I did help..." A thought suddenly popped into his head and Brad looked Nathaniel deep in the eyes. "Ya could call it... outta-this-world." The awful joke made the bigger boy throw his head back with laughter, partially from the sheer terribleness of it and partially because he finally stopped thinking about the earlier horrors of the day.
"Haha!" The joke was pretty terrible, but Nathaniel's can't help but laugh with him. Even with everything that happened, laughter was important. Now that he thought about it, that was kind of like an Entertainment Duelist's creed, and they achieved it with dueling. Maybe this day wasn't all that bad. Not when Nathaniel can learn something as important as this.
As prophecized, Nathaniel rises victorious against Brad, although far closer than expected. Highlights include Swift Scarecrow saving from early domination via Worm King, Whip Viper in a dress, Sword Fish stabbing reptiles in places that they don't like to be stabbed, and keikaku kombat.
Name: Worm Nebula Uno Level/rank: Lv 1 Attribute: LIGHT Monster Type(s): Reptile/Fusion/Effect Effect: 2 Reptile-type "Worm" monsters Must be Special Summoned by Fusion Summon, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. Once per turn, during either players turn: you can change 1 "Worm" monster to face-down Defense Position. When that card is flipped face-up, inflict 200 damage to your opponent for each Set card on the field. When this card is destroyed by battle: you can add 1 "W Nebula" card from your Deck to your hand. ATK/DEF: 0/500
Name: Chrysantheum, The Spell Breaker Dragon Level/rank: LV 7 Attribute: Light Monster Type(s): Dragon/Fusion/Effect Effect: Eclipse Wyvern + Mirage Dragon This card cannot be Special Summoned except by Fusion Summon using the listed fusion material monsters. When a Spell Card would be activated while this card is face up on the field, reduce this card's ATK by 500 then negate the activation of that Spell Card and destroy it. This includes face-up Spell Cards as well. During your End Phase, discard one Spell Card from your hand to restore this card's ATK to normal. ATK/DEF 2600/2000
Nitpick but you can't negate the activation of a face-up Spell Card since the activation is playing the card. You can negate the effect of it, however. Also minor, but that last bit is worded very awkwardly. I'd say 'restore this card's ATK to it's original ATK' or something to that effect.
EDIT: Ammokkx putting the ninja characters to shame by being an actual ninja.
Tsukiko's next target cards are Metal Reflect Slime and Metamorphosis. Might also add in Golden Sacrophagus. With the two cards I mentioned she will be a lot more powerful. I'll wait to add those two by buying them next couple duels.
Ain't Metamorphosis banned? Like, forever because that card was one of the worst designed things Konami's ever done (and that's saying something).
@Joshua Tamashiiwell Hayato has a win-rate of 0-3 and his backstory is that he used to be a pro-player man talk out about unfitting history for his performance
[flashbacks to Sean Abue in Duel Academy 2]
An Obelisk Blue who did not win a single on-screen duel (well, before being possessed by Hamon and building an Agent deck).
As Nathaniel guided him away, Brad felt himself breathe again. That librarian was just doing their job. He shouldn't have lost his temper at them. He would make amends later.
As they sat down, Brad put his head in his hands. He needed to calm down properly before another person had to deal with his misplaced frustration. "What now...?" was all he could say, his deep voice quivering less and less with each syllable.
