Chapter Text
They were running together from something that was stalking them.
Was that…Dragulas?
One covered in that dark suit rushed towards them. He grabbed Karua and jumped off the edge. Takumi was transformed and Karua wore some sort of armor. His confusion only grew.
Just where were they?
“Takumi!”, Karua called out.
She usually called him Takky which was even stranger. His head impacted the ground harshly with a gross squish. He protected Karua from the brunt of the impact with his body. Pain exploded in his body for a very brief moment before things went black. That pain returned in full force as his bones cracked back into place and his flesh reformed. The pain seemed more dulled than he expected as if he had gotten used to the sensation of coming back to life.
Despite his brain exploding his soul remained tethered to his flesh as his body reformed. The feeling flowing through him felt familiar despite Takumi himself never experiencing death. His body was caked in a fiery blue aura as he regenerated. Takumi’s eyes were half lidded, so hazy that they appeared grey, and bloodshot as he saw Karua trying to carry him to safety. They looked quite unsettling. Blood still poured from his cranium which was being sealed up. He was over her shoulder.
“Nozomi…”, Takumi breathed.
Why was he calling Karua something else?
Karua looked relieved that he seemed to be conscious again. She was focused on keeping them going forward and didn’t look back. He was glad that she didn’t. Something else churned in his mind after reforming.
Takumi found himself with an immense hunger.
A terrifying hunger and bloodlust bubbled within his stomach. Even as he no longer looked like a borderline zombie. He looked perfectly normal now, but his throat felt as dry as a desert and his stomach empty. Takumi breathed heavily trying to keep his mind clear and avoid drool from dribbling down the corners of his mouth like a wild animal.
Just like Dragulas…
He watched Dragulas not only survive, but heal off fatal damage. However, it seemed more potent in here…When it was in his body.
Takumi felt his arms take a tight hold of Karua. He didn’t have enough energy to transform. Instead he just kept running with Karua as the figure was now right behind him. His speed was still superhuman even in just this form.
The teen was left incredibly confused as he awakened.
Just what was that?
“Dragulas…?”, Takumi questioned in a haze.
Takumi had trouble understanding what he had dreamt. Then, Takumi remembered that second Karua he saw briefly.
Did she have a twin or something?
No, that didn’t make sense.
But, who was this Nozomi then?
So many questions churned in Takumi’s mind. His eyes shirked away from the light of the sun. A low animal-like hiss erupted from his throat. This led to him putting his hand over his eyes.
Very reluctantly he got himself ready for the day. School was postponed for now due to the casualties. While everyone didn’t die, many people still died to the zombies. He found that his package was placed in front of his door. If it was here he supposed that he was asleep for longer than he thought.
Takumi looked down at his phone which had a message.
It was from Masumi asking where Karua is.
Takumi took in a breath.
That’s right. He would need to explain what happened. Honestly, he hoped that the SDU would have covered that. It seems that it was wishful thinking.
Takumi lets out a deep exhale as he just decided to call her. It was better to rip the bandaid off.
“Takumi…”, Masumi said, sounding surprised that he actually called to respond.
“I got your text. I didn’t think it was right to tell you over a text, but Karua…she…she…”, Takumi said as he tried to hold in his own feelings.
“What happened?! I get back and hear all of this…”, Masumi replied, clearly angry.
“I-I’m sorry…she’s dead. I…I tried to warn everyone about what was happening, but they didn’t believe me.”, Takumi revealed.
“What?! But…that can’t be! I got a text up to that same day! She seemed fine!”, Masumi replied.
Takumi looked stunned.
“Karua was texting you? What did she say?”, Takumi questioned.
“She’s a damn fool. She must have lied because she thought that she could take everything on herself! It pisses me off!”, Masumi replied.
“So, she told everyone that everything was fine…That explains it.”, Takumi replied.
“Who did it to her? Was it a sneak attack by those crazed people?”, Masumi questioned, intently.
Takumi was silent as he clutched his phone. His heart felt like it might slip into his stomach.
“It’s kinda hard to explain…it sounds ridiculous.”, Takumi finally said.
“I’ve dealt with ridiculous. I have fought to save the world with card games.”, Masumi replied.
Takumi sighed.
“Alright…don’t say I didn’t warn you. Apparently this was all caused by a card. It had some crazy spirit inside of it that infected people. The mastermind…the spirit behind it tricked Karua leading to her death.”, Takumi explained.
He wanted to be completely honest, but knowing about the SDU he was worried that something might be done to her if he said too much.
“Is it still around?”, Masumi questioned.
Takumi was squirming. He had a feeling that he knew what she was thinking.
“Technically…it’s inactive right now. Karua sacrificed herself as she was dying to make sure of that.”, Takumi answered.
Masumi was silent as she took this in. He could sense her frustration through the line. The desire for revenge. For a moment he considers letting her take it.
But, that wouldn’t accomplish much.
Dragulas would just escape and he would be dead. That was extremely frustrating.
“Maybe I should tell her about Clear Wing.”, Takumi thought.
“This is bullshit…”, Masumi cursed.
He could hear her throw something.
“Her mother is planning to hold a funeral for her in a week. I guess she didn’t tell everyone yet…”, Takumi said.
“I’ll be there.”, Masumi replied, quickly.
Takumi’s hands were shaking.
“I…I’m sorry I didn’t…”, Takumi was saying.
“I wasn’t expecting much from you.”, Masumi replied, coldly.
That was quite the devastating arrow through the heart.
“Just lay your head low and look out for any vultures trying to prove something by targeting those close to her or something. That stupid shit people do in movies. There’s no reason for you to be involved anymore.”, Masumi said, calmer and clearly bitter about the situation.
Takumi slammed his hand on the table.
“I have a reason!”, Takumi declared.
Masumi was left genuinely in shock.
“I promised Karua! She told me to protect everyone in her place! That’s why I’ve gotten stronger!”, Takumi continued with a fire in his voice.
“Honey, are you alright?”, he heard his mother from afar.
“I’m fine, mom!”, Takumi shouted back.
“…You can’t be serious.”, Masumi said.
“Well, I am. I’m not going to break another promise with her.”, Takumi replied.
When he did go into the living room later he could see that his parents were clearly concerned.
“Are you feeling alright? You’ve been asleep for awhile.”, his father questioned.
Takumi squirmed.
A cup of hot chocolate was placed in front of him before his mom sat down. Despite his distaste for most normal foods he’d gained the hot chocolate smelled surprisingly alluring. He picked it up and blew on it.
“You were left alone for days.”, she said.
“I’m more worried about you. I don’t even know what happened to you two.”, Takumi replied.
“We got kidnapped by some crazy kidnappers in the madness that was going around. Thankfully the police got us out.”, his father answered.
Takumi raised an eyebrow.
“Kidnappers? What about the Shadow Game?”, Takumi questioned.
“Is that some sort of slang the young people are using for that mass hysteria a few days ago?”, his mother replied, looking completely obvious.
Takumi was left stunned and horrified.
“What about when you became Blazewing Butterfly and you Golknight?”, Takumi questioned.
His parents stared at him for a moment.
“I think you were sleeping too much. You must have gotten them mixed up with reality.”, his father said.
Takumi was at a loss for words.
“Oh right, and don’t forget to take those supplements for your condition.”, his mother reminded.
“My…condition?”, Takumi questioned.
He took a sip of the chocolate. The longer the scent lingered in his nostrils the more he wanted to take a sip. It was strange he doesn’t remember such a strong smell…
And it tasted divine as it touched his tongue.
It was like the hot chocolate of the gods.
“Oh geez I had a feeling you’d forget. Your severe bone marrow failure. That’s what the blood bags are for. But, I accounted for this. Your hot chocolate was made special for this.”, she explained.
Takumi froze for a moment as he stared at it. It would have dropped it in shock if his pointer finger didn’t have a death grip on the handle of the mug. His eyes widened for a moment. He wasn’t controlling his finger. His nervous breath hit the drink as it was brought up to his mouth. Any horror he felt was blotted out by the deep swallow his body took.
For a moment his mind went numb as he tasted blood in his system with a bit of chocolate mixed in it. The blood made the drink thicker. Not quite as thick as a shake, but not as thin as hot chocolate tended to be. He found when blood was mixed with something normal like chocolate that it became appetizing again. As if it was a special elixir which made his taste buds normal again.
His hand slipped down to the bottom of the mug as he felt himself guzzling the drink.
“Slow down a bit there. You could choke.”, his father warned.
“Well…I guess he likes it.”, his mother said, wide eyed and stunned.
The warmth added something to it. His body was craving warm blood. One from a living being. It seemed to simulate it for him by being heated up. He could clearly imagine his teeth piercing flesh and taking a deep sip.
His mind was in a complete haze.
A purr slipped from his lips as they sweat dropped. Takumi’s hand was shaking almost like he was drunk, but he didn’t let go. His cheeks were flushed intensely. He feels a concerned hand on his shoulder.
Takumi recoils slightly as he holds himself back.
“Are you alright?”, his mother questioned.
Takumi head is dipped as he tries to regain himself. Sweat drips from his brow and they look concerned.
“I’m fine…It’s good. I just got overexcited…”, Takumi assured.
“I heard that oversleeping can have adverse effects. You should be careful. I could get something.”, she replied as his eyes drifted around for something.
Takumi put a hand out and exhaled. She stopped.
“I think…I just need some fresh air. I’ll be back in a bit.”, Takumi said.
He made sure he had his things before he stumbled out. Takumi unconsciously released another breath. The young man held in drool as his hand trailed down the tree. It left a deep claw mark.
His head shakes and he slowly descends down to his knees. Right now his fangs were extremely visible. A low hiss exits his throat. Takumi’s hands drifted up to his face and wiped away the sweat.
“Is this what Karua went through?”, Takumi thought.
Eating was absolutely miserable. Every time he did he felt his control grind down to the point of almost nonexistence. When he ate he just felt like his cravings got worse.
“I-I need help…”, Takumi thought.
He wasn’t sure how long he could last without help. Takumi thought that it might be extremely possible that if he doesn’t do something then he may inevitably eat his parents.
Unfortunately there was only one group that could help him.
Takumi dreaded this fact. As he expected they seemed to know this as well as he did. There was another member of the SDU who arrived on scene. It was the young girl with pink hair.
“Oh, are you alright? It’s always hard to adjust at the beginning. My name is Kako Tsukumo.”, she introduced.
Takumi was leaning towards the tree, shying away from Kako. Kako reached out her hand and…
He felt his bloodlust dull a bit.
“I can try to help. I wanted to talk to you anyway.”, Kako said.
“What did you do?”, Takumi questioned as he regained some clarity.
He shakily got to his feet.
“I used the power of my Number. It can be quite difficult as well so I can emphasize. We could get tea.”, Kako suggested.
Takumi nodded.
It seemed like the thing to do. At least when he was with her his bloodlust wasn’t as strong. He gradually pushed it down inside of himself. It felt like something was helping him which was very appreciated.
Kako led him around to a place where she bought them both tea and sat down outside. Takumi puts his hand up to block out the sun from hitting his eyes. While the sun certainly didn’t hurt, its light made him feel irritated.
“Thanks for the tea. I’m Takumi but you probably know that already.”, Takumi said.
“I did.”, Kako replied.
Takumi tried taking a sip of the tea only for him to nearly wretch. It was odd. He feels like its taste would normally taste fine to him, but without blood it felt like he was drinking piss. His hand gripped the drink making it creek slightly.
“Do you not like it?”, Kako asked as she was…
She was squirting mustard and ketchup into her tea. Takumi looked absolutely aghast by this.
“W-What are you doing?”, Takumi questioned as he saw the abomination of a combination.
“You should try mixing it into your tea. I find that they produce quite the exotic tea.”, Kako recommended eagerly.
Takumi was left stunned, especially as he actually drank it. He could feel bile on the edges of his throat which he bit down. Even just imagining what that tasted like made him nauseous.
“I want more of that bloody hot chocolate. I NEED more.”, Takumi thought unconsciously.
Takumi shook his head to shake off the craving.
“So, what was it you wanted to tell me?”, Takumi asked.
“Oh right! I wanted to warn you about the Zenith Generals.”, Kako replied.
“What are the Zenith Generals?”, Takumi questioned as he raised his eyebrows.
“They’re our enemies. Of not just the SDU, but everyone in our dimension.”, Kako answered.
“What?!”, Takumi questioned in disbelief.
“They target people like us especially. Most of us ended up joining the SDU because it was safer than staying in our time period. They’re mostly focused on recovering Numbers so if we leave the timeline they do too.”, Kako explained.
Takumi leaned back and had a nervous sweat. This was a lot to take in.
“Because you are like us they will come for you whether you are in the SDU or not to take your Number.”, Kako said.
Takumi frowned.
“I know you don’t trust us because of Sirei. Trust me I do. I was in your position not too long ago before I was taken from my time period. I realized that they were serious when my brother was taken.”, Kako explained.
“Huh?”, Takumi questioned.
“We’re twins so my brother was also a Number holder.”, Kako replied.
This made Takumi look nervous and feel some empathy towards the girl.
“So, you’re trying to find your brother?”, Takumi questioned.
“That’s the hope…”, Kako replied.
She looked downcast. He could certainly emphasize that feeling. Takumi felt it when Karua disappeared. The young man hoped that Karua was alive, but a cynical part of himself knew the truth. It was the same here.
He stared at her.
It didn’t seem right for a young girl like her to be fighting. But, it didn’t seem like she had much of a choice…They were getting hunted.
“They need the Numbers to destroy our dimension. That’s why they hunt us. It’s believed that when all 100 Numbers are assembled that anything becomes possible.”, Kako explained.
“I could believe that…Just one Number has been capable of so much.”, Takumi replied.
He frowned as he thought about Dragulas. His heart sank at the mere thought that there were 99 more dangerous cards like him. It was absolutely horrifying.
The concept of assembling all 100 sounded like a world ending scenario.
“So…that’s why you want me to join.”, Takumi said nervously.
“Your condition is also…concerning. I have some troubles too. You can learn to control them with the others.”, Kako replied.
“That’s what I was thinking…I don’t really like the SDU at all. But, I can’t go on like this indefinitely.”, Takumi replied.
“I’m going to kill someone.”, Takumi thought.
That was his fear.
He would rip into someone then become unable to stop. That he’d completely lose himself and go on a rampage.
As much as he absolutely loathed and hated the SDU…It was safer for him to go with them at least temporarily. Especially if the entire dimension was in danger.
“If you’re worried about missing time here I was informed that afterwards that we will be returned to our original time periods exactly when we left. So, from an outside perspective we wouldn’t have been gone at all.”, Kako added.
“Can you guarantee no more parasites?”, Takumi questioned.
“I don’t think I can guarantee, but Hiruko is talking to Sirei about that and uhh other stuff…They seem busy right now.”, Kako answered.
Takumi grimaced. It didn’t seem like there was much of a choice. If he stays the way he is he’ll endanger everyone. There was no one else who could help him with his condition. Dread filled his chest when he remembered how he wanted to drain his parents. He couldn’t help, but feel frustrated on needing to run up to them and beg for help.
It was humiliating.
But, they were right and he hated that.
He wished that he could be strong enough to not rely on them. That he could be strong like Karua…But he wasn’t Karua.
Even Karua was a victim of that demon.
And if others were to be believed he WAS the demon.
A demon that killed people and used people’s lives as pawns. That would orchestrate some sick scheme just to gain more power. It made him sick. He didn’t want to accept the possibility that they were one and the same.
That wouldn’t just make him responsible for the calamity that befell Domino.
It would also make him Karua’s killer.
His feelings become more confused as he thinks back to his dream. The one in which there was another girl that looked like Karua. Those couldn’t be his memories.
So…what was he seeing?
That was certainly his voice in his dreams.
But, Takumi had no recollection of his. It wasn’t even possible for this to occur. For some reason Takumi couldn’t write it off as just an incoherent dream. It didn’t feel like that. The dream wasn’t a random hodgepodge. It felt real.
Takumi felt like it was a memory. His mind recognized it was one. Despite the fact that there was another Karua and another visitor. In his memory he had Dragulas’ power so the visitor wasn’t Dragulas.
So who were they?
Who is Nozomi?
Where did this memory come from?
…
If Dragulas was him then was this Dragulas’ memory?
By process of elimination it wasn’t his, it had to be Dragulas’. The more Takumi thought about it the more dread filled him. Those words surfaced from his memory.
“Oh dear Takumi, you don’t have a choice. One way or another no matter how many paths you take from here you’ll arrive…Right. Back. Here. As me.”
Those words haunted Takumi.
“I guess…I don’t really have much of a choice. Everyone will be doomed if the Zenith Generals win.”, Takumi said.
“And everyone I know will be doomed if I transform into a monster.”, Takumi thought.
“This is going to sound like a weird question…but does the name Nozomi mean anything to you?”, Takumi questioned.
“I haven’t heard of anyone with that name.” Kako replied.
“Don’t worry about it…”, Takumi replied.
He felt something linger on the edge of his mind.
Was Dragulas there?
If he was, he knew what he was thinking.
“Hey, you’re uhh that chick’s boyfriend, right?”, someone questioned.
“Huh?”, Takumi looked.
Takumi snapped back to reality to see someone looking down upon him. He was met with some guy he thinks he’s seen before, but he wasn’t quite sure.
“Who are you?”, Takumi questioned.
“Answer my question. You’re Karua’s guy, right? He’s rather forgettable so just making sure.”, the teen replied.
Takumi looked unamused and Kako puffed her cheeks.
“That’s just rude.”, Kako said.
“What about it?”, Takumi questioned.
“That was really fast…”, Takumi thought.
“I’m Kei. I heard you won the Synchro Showdown. That can’t be possible. You must have done something underhanded.”, he said.
Takumi looked shocked at this.
“I…what? What are you talking about?”, Takumi questioned.
Kako put a hand over her mouth.
She looked away for a moment. Takumi looked confused as he looked over to Kako.
“Hah, I knew it. It was that demon, wasn’t it?”, Kei said.
Takumi’s eyes widened.
“Demon?!”, Takumi questioned.
“Heh…did you really think you’d get away with it? Everyone knows you’re a screw up. No one would believe that you could do that without selling everyone out.”, Kei went of.
Takumi was aghast.
“What are you accusing me of?”, Takumi questioned.
“Damn, you’re slow. Ain’t it obvious? What you did leaked.”, Kei replied.
“What did I do?!”, Takumi questioned.
“Still playing dumb, huh? We’ll see in our duel. You’ll be exposed right here right now.”, Kei said as he raised his duel disk.
Takumi unconsciously raised his own.
“Well when I win you’ll listen to the real truth. I don’t know what nonsense you’ve made up.”, Takumi replied.
Takumi LP 4000
Kei LP 4000
“I’m first.”, Kei said.
Kei
Hand: 6
He looks over briefly to make sure that someone who is blending into the background is recording the duel live. Considering who was dueling there was immediate attention online.
“First, I’ll activate Card Destruction to send all of the cards in my hand to the graveyard then I draw the same number discarded.”, Kei started.
Takumi looked nervous to see five cards go to the graveyard. Kei had a smirk on his face. Kako narrowed her eyes as she watched Kei carefully.
“I feel that there is something strange going on with this duel. Be careful.”, Kako warned.
“I got that.”, Takumi replied.
“Lucky for me when Volcanic Scattershot is sent to the graveyard I can deal you 500 damage and I just sent three.”, Kei explained.
Takumi’s eyes widened, absolutely stunned by those odds. Kako herself looked quite suspicious as she looked closer. Three Scattershots exploded in Takumi’s face like explosive shells. Unconsciously he put up his arm to guard, but there was no physical damage.
Takumi LP 4000 - (3x500) =2500
“He can damage me on the first turn?”, Takumi thought.
“Then, I’ll summon Volcanic Slicer.”, Kei said.
Kei
Hand: 4
Volcanic Slicer (LV4/ATK 1800/DEF 1200)
“Once per turn he can inflict you with 500 damage.”, Kei explained.
Takumi looked stunned as Slicer charged up a fire blast aimed at him. Just like that half of his life points were gone.
Takumi LP 2500 - 500 = 2000
“Next, I’ll use the effect of my Volcanic Rocket to add a Blaze Accelerator to my hand. I chose Tri-Blaze Accelerator. Then, I’ll activate my Blaze Accelerator.”, Kei explained.
Kei
Hand: 3
“With that I’ll end my turn.”, Kei said.
He snickered.
“You’re already down to half of your life points, lover boy. You better make this count.”, Kei taunted.
Takumi narrowed his eyes and drew his card.
Takumi
Hand: 6
“I don’t know what you think I did, but you're wrong. An ember of hope leads the way to victory! Evocator Chevalier!”, Takumi started.
Takumi
Hand: 5
Evocator Chevalier (LV4/ATK 1900/DEF 900)
Kei tensed as out of Takumi’s own holographic flame appeared a card that Takumi has made quite notorious. The knight stood ready eager to defeat the new enemies.
“Next, I’ll equip him with Supervise.”, Yakumi continued.
Takumi
Hand: 4
Chevalier flexed and gained a fiery aura.
“I’ll use my knight’s effect to tribute my equip card to destroy your monster card. Blazekrieg!”, Takumi said.
Chevalier released a fiery wave that destroyed his monster. All that was left were holographic flames from the devastation.
“Now, attack him directly! Infernal Slasher!”, Takumi declared.
The flame knight dashed forward through the flames and slashed Kei.
Kei LP 4000 - 1900 = 2100
The one recording looked stunned as Takumi nearly tied their life points while setting his opponent back.
“Damn…”, Kei cursed.
“I’ll set a card and end my turn. I end my turn. I don’t need a demon to do that. Just normal plays.”, Takumi said.
Takumi
Hand: 3
“Is that so? Awfully bold words coming from the robo-dog.”, Kei retorted.
Takumi flinched visibly at being called that.
“That’s right. I know all about you. Karua’s loser cheerleader who always needs to get saved by a girl. It’s embarrassing.”, Kei taunted.
Takumi held in his clear frustration. He knew that his opponent was just trying to rile him up. This was stirring up some particularly bad memories that he didn’t want to remember. Even still they started to peek into his mind despite his best efforts.
“That’s why you did it.”, Kei said.
“Why I did what? Can you please explain it to me like I’m five?”, Takumi questioned, with exasperation.
Kei grinned widely and Kako looked unsettled.
“It’s because you were behind what happened a few weeks ago. We all know the truth. You summoned that demon because you couldn’t deal with being a worthless loser anymore.”, Kei revealed.
Takumi gasped in shock. He was shaking his mind processed such an accusation.
Did people really think that lowly of him?
Did the others think that lowly of him?
“Excuse me for my interjection, but that doesn’t hold water. From what I’ve heard Takumi loved Karua very much. It’s ridiculous to think that he would sacrifice her or cause any of that. He got victimized during the event as well.”, Kako explained.
“Have you ever seen a murder mystery, toots? The killer is almost always the lover.”, Kei replied.
“This isn’t a fucking movie! This is real life.”, Takumi stampered.
“Then, why are you sweating? Is the heat getting too much for ya?”, Kei questioned.
“Because you’re accusing me of ridiculous stuff! How could I not freak out? Who even told you this nonsense?”, Takumi replied.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”, Kei replied.
“That’s why I asked.”, Takumi replied.
Kei simply smirks.
When he draws the way his bracelet is angled shines a light in their eyes for a moment. Despite being a mere moment it was enough to agitate Takumi’s vampiric side. It hated the light with a passion. That just made him trying to suppress his emotions become even more difficult.
Kei
Hand: 4
“It seems like he’s cheating. All of these draws have been far too convenient… Who would have told him? Could it be...?”, Kako thought.
“I’ll send Blaze Accelerator to the graveyard to activate my Tri-Blaze Accelerator.”, Kei started.
Kei
Hand: 3
This upgraded his cannon into an even more deadly one. Takumi tensed at this. With his life points where they were currently at any move Kei makes could be extremely dangerous. It wasn’t just his taunts. Takumi was genuinely in danger of losing to this guy which frustrated him to no end.
Especially after the things he said.
“This is the end of the line for you, ‘lover boy’. I’ll activate my spell allowing me to send a pyro monster from my hand to the graveyard to destroy a monster you control and inflict 500 damage on you.”, Kei explained.
Kei
Hand: 2
“Guess again. I have Gemini Spark! Say goodbye to your Accelerator!”, Takumi countered.
“Grr…My effect will still go through once though!”, Kei reminded.
His knight exploded and took out the machine with it.
“Now, I draw a card.”, Takumi said.
Takumi
Hand: 4
One blast got through to Takumi though.
Takumi LP 2000 - 500 =1500
Kei sweated at this as he grimaced. The card he sent was Volcanic Shell. With its effect he could sacrifice 500 life points to add another one to his hand. That meant that he could have dealt 1000 more damage to Takumi on top of that.
Along with…
“I’ll summon Volcanic Slasher and deal you 500 damage.”, Kei said.
Volcanic Slicer (LV4/ATK 1800/DEF 1200)
“What are the chances?”, Takumi thought as he stopped himself from instinctively guarding this time.
Takumi LP 1500 - 500 = 1000
“I’ll end my turn there. But, you’re cooked for sure next turn.”, Kei said, before smirking.
Takumi felt certain words forming on his tongue as he made his next draw. His deck responded to his feelings. However his hands shook. He tried to keep his inhuman side in.
“Next turn?”, slipped out of Takumi’s mouth sounding like a hiss.
Kei and the one secretly recording tensed at this. Kako became more alert. There was a certain intensity around Takumi for a split second before it vanished.
“I’ll activate Reinforcements of the Army to add Elemental Hero Blazeman to my hand. Then, I’ll summon him.”, Takumi started.
A Tokusatsu hero burst out of a meteor before striking a pose.
Takumi
Hand: 3
Elemental Hero Blazeman (LV4/ATK 1200/DEF 1800)
“Humiliate him.”
He didn’t actually hear the words, but he felt the intent flowing into him through that shared mental link. Dragulas didn’t need to say a thing. Takumi could feel his intentions as he lay dormant inside of him. Despite that Takumi couldn’t shake the feeling that Dragulas was there…
On the edge of his consciousness.
“I-I’m not you…This guy irks me b-but I’m not going to go too far.”, Takumi thought nervously.
He squirmed as he could feel HIM underneath his skin. The other cards in his hand were Bradamante, Golknight and Miracle Fusion.
“When he’s summoned I can add Polymerization to my hand.”, Takumi continued.
Takumi
Hand: 4
“I’ll fuse Blazeman with Golknight!”, Takumi declared.
Takumi
Hand: 2
His hands instinctively slipped into that same prayer formation. Takumi doesn’t even know when he started doing it. He didn’t even notice that he was doing it for awhile.
“Bursting out from the mineral and dust! March on Titan of all Earth and extinguish my enemies flame! Fusion summon! Level 8! Elemental HERO Gaia!”, Takumi chanted.
Elemental HERO Gaia (LV8/ATK 2200/DEF 2600)
“With his effect I’ll take half of Slicer’s attack. Primal Hunger!”, Takumi declared.
Gaia gruesomely tore into the shelled creature and cracked its shell right open.
Volcanic Slicer ATK 1800/2 = 900
Elemental HERO Gaia ATK 2200 + (1800/2) = 3100
Kei didn’t look so confident anymore after Gaia was summoned.
Good.
The duel had been turned around and now Kei was completely at his mercy. One attack could end this duel. Takumi pushed down Dragulas’ distorted glee that arose in him from this. From seeing Kei’s despair.
He wasn’t worthless anymore.
Surely now…he was worthy…
Worthy…
“Shit cut it…!”, Kei said.
This was to the cameraman who hastily cut it before his defeat could be shown. It wouldn’t matter if people would know though. He would always know and that was enough.
His own skin felt more uncomfortable again.
“I’ll attack your monster with Gaia! Apocalypse Fist!”, Takumi declared.
With one last strike Gaia was poised to end this duel. Kei didn’t know why his heart pounded as the fist approached him. Sweat poured from his brow and he was shaking.
He nearly leap out of the way.
But…it phased through him.
Kei LP 2100 - 2200 = 0
Because it was just a hologram. Why did he think it was something more? The fear wouldn’t disappear though. Even if it didn’t fully emerge he could feel an extremely dangerous aura coming off of Takumi. Takumi tried to hide it but…
“What—“, Takumi questioned, genuinely confused before he covered his nose.
Kei’s pants were soaked and smelled awful. Takumi was just left flabbergasted. He doesn’t think that he did anything special there. Kako walked up about to call Kei out on her suspicions.
Well, he didn’t but something else did.
Kei and only Kei saw a shadowy black dragon emerge from Takumi. The dragon’s gaze pierced through Kei’s soul as he backed up unconsciously. He did so more and more as it got closer.
He didn’t register Takumi and Kako screaming.
“Get out of the road!”, he finally heard them scream.
Before he could move a car slammed into him right in front of the two of them. Takumi moved Kako back as more cars crashed into the car creating a pile up. He made sure she was far away from the destruction and she blushed at the action. They heard a shriek as they looked on in horror. The cameraman was dead instantly having been smushed like a bug…and Kei was on fire.
Takumi kept Kako back who looked equally horrified. He put a hand out to try to do something only for the burning Kei to be sent flying by another car. They gaped as he was sent flying in the air.
Crack!
He landed directly on his neck which snapped on impact.
They just stood there horrified.
“What the hell just happened…?”, Takumi questioned.
In response he heard a familiar chilling laughter in his mind for a brief moment.
“He dared to trample upon our heart. No, I don’t think so.”
Takumi paled and his heart froze.
“That’s why I made him shut up for good. I exist to grant your wishes after all.”, the familiar voice continued.
It sounded like his but it wasn't. There was a distortion to it and this level of maliciousness that layered his words. Every syllable felt particularly chilling from his tone and the similarity.
He could feel arms wrapping around him over his shoulders. Ones which had ebony claws. A familiar chill were down his spine when wings covered his vision.
To be continued…