FicWad

I watched the paramedics run out with a hospital gurney while the functionaries took care of Greiger's crashed Duel Runner. Said duelist had fallen asleep while he was crying, his head resting on my lap, and there were still tears running down his cheeks as his arms that were wrapped around my waist became lighter. Sun Dragon Inti had dissipated a few seconds ago after he had roared to the sky.

The paramedics lifted Greiger onto the trolley, but I was still holding his hand, feeling him squeeze it in his sleep. But we had to let go of each other when the paramedics rolled him away, my tiny hand slipping out of his huge one.

"People of New Domino City." Goodwin's voice echoed around the dome with holographic screens popping up everywhere, showing the director's face. "It's always a terrible tragedy when a gifted duelist, like our very own Greiger, suffers a complete nervous and emotional breakdown over such a intense duel." I wiped my tears off my cheeks and eyes as I felt my anger increase after every word he said. "But, rest assured, he'll get all the help he needs."

I balled my hands into fists in anger as the people began to cheer. I looked up at the Ivory Tower, glaring at Goodwin before I left the arena, heading back inside before I could scream to the people that Goodwin was a liar.

XXXXXXXXXX - Normal POV

After Goodwin had filled Jack in about his metal arm and put a new glove on, a holographic screen popped up in front of the Director with Zigzix appearing on screen with a slightly worried expression on his face.

"Director Goodwin, first of all, I hope you're all right after that dreadful spinning incident." Zigzix began.

"As you can see Zigzix, I am perfectly fine." Goodwin said. "Now, what do you have to report? Did you pick up a signal from Estelle during the duel?"

"No, Director Goodwin, but here comes the strange part..." Zigzix said. "A few seconds ago, my detector caught a small signal that seemed to come from the female duelist, but it was so small that the energy could have been something else besides the power of the Crimson Dragon, like the power of the Black Rose for example."

"Well, that's a start at least." Goodwin nodded. "Just keep looking for the signals, so we can confirm if Yusei, the Black Rose and Estelle are truly Signers or not."

"As you wish, Director." Zigzix bowed before the holographic screen disappeared.

Jack pondered Estelle and the mystery of her Sun Dragon Inti. He had noticed that the female duelist's Duel Disk was deactivated and yet the dragon was still there and grabbed a hold of Greiger's Duel Runner. It even looked like the dragon was in pain and after that, Estelle jumped on and rode the dragon's neck.

Jack couldn't help but wonder who that plain woman was. He stood up from the couch and headed to the elevator. He needed to speak to Estelle about their upcoming duel.

XXXXXXXXXX - Estelle's POV

I was walking down the corridor, still angry at Goodwin. How could he do that to so many innocent people, killing everyone just to resurrect the Crimson Dragon?!

I wasn't violent by nature, but I had to let go of the anger so I turned to the wall and kicked it hard with my right foot several times. I hissed through my teeth as I felt the anger disappear until my leg was tired. I gasped for air and rested my hands on my knees.

I couldn't really comprehend what happened to me. I haven't felt this anger since I was a little girl. It felt like there was a fire within me that flamed up from Goodwin's words.

I straightened up as I regained my breath, releasing my ponytail and using my hands to brush through my thick hair. I heard footsteps and looked up to see Yusei. His facial expression looked like a poker face, but I could sense a bit of worry. Behind him was Akiza who walked a few meters away, her head down and eyes showing concern. I blinked in confusion at the tension in the air.

"What's wrong, guys?" I asked them, adjusting my Duel Disk when I thought it felt a little loose.

Yusei was about to reply when Akiza walked past him and went over to me, putting her hands on my shoulders.

"Are you okay, Estelle? Greiger didn't hurt you, did he?" She asked me, concerned.

I blinked before I smiled gently. "I'm fine, Akiza. But Greiger has a broken heart after he uncovered the truth."

Akiza's expression became sad and she looked down at the floor, pondering something. Yusei remained quiet in the background, gripping his arm with the Mark of the Dragon on it.

"What's your deal with the Mark of ours?" Yusei began, getting mine and Akiza's attention. "When you saw ours the other day, you really freaked out."

Akiza let go of my shoulders to turn around and grip her arm with the Mark on it. "Yeah, well, this Mark has brought me nothing but pain. So what good would come from having another one around? You got that?"

"Akiza, there's no need to be so harsh." I calmly told her.

Akiza turned to me. "Easy for you to say. You don't understand what I've been through my whole life!"

I looked at her with a sympathetic expression. "I do know, Akiza." She and Yusei looked surprised. "I know that kind of pain all too well. I also have a sad and painful past."

"But the Marks are dangerous." Akiza retorted with a uncertain tone.

"Only when you let the power control you." I added. "If you learn how to-"

"Yusei! Estelle!"

"There you are!"

Yusei and I turned around and saw Leo and Luna run towards us.

"Estelle, you were so cool out there..." Leo began before the twins noticed Akiza. "The witch!"

Akiza flinched after hearing the nickname and glared at the boy.

"Leo, apologize!" I ordered, making the twins look at me. "Akiza is not a witch!"

"Sorry, force of habit." Leo said, nonchalantly.

Luna glanced nervously at Akiza and looked at the young woman's arm, her elbow length glove hiding her Mark.

I glared at Leo who laughed nervously at my expression when I suddenly felt pain in my heart. I gasped for air and grabbed my jacket before using my other hand to lean against the wall. Everyone acted immediately after my condition suddenly changed.

"Estelle!" Luna gasped.

"Are you okay?" Leo asked me.

I kept gasping for air as the pain surged through my pain and slowly disappeared. I opened my eyes and looked up to see that Yusei and Akiza had worried expressions. I looked at Akiza when I noticed a aura of pain around her. The pain I just felt...was it Akiza's?

I straightened up. "Yes, I'm fine now."

"Are you sure you're really alright, Estelle?" Yusei wondered. "You had a headache during Leo's duel yesterday."

It was no longer a secret that Leo dueled Greiger in his sister's place.

"I'm sure I'll be fine if I rest before the final duel." I nodded.

"Estelle." Akiza mumbled worriedly.

"What's going on back here?" A new voice asked.

We turned around and saw Lazar walk up to us.

"Everybody getting along nicely?" Lazar wondered before he turned to me. "Quite the duel just now, Miss Estelle. Very impressive." He then turned to Akiza. "Before the second semifinal duel gets underway, Director Goodwin has a few things he'd like to talk to you about. Why don't you come with me and we-"

"Akiza must prepare herself before the duel."

A man with maroon hair walked over to us with two men dressed in fancy clothes, like two knights from Team Plasma in my Pokemon video games. I knew very well who the leader was, Sayer.

"And you are?" Lazar asked him.

"Don't play dumb, Lazar." Sayer retorted calmly. "Your reputation precedes you. We both know you don't like surprises, so let's not waste time pretending you haven't done your homework like I have." Lazar just chuckled. "Stay away from Akiza. And tell the director she's not interested in what he has to say." Sayer made a move with his hand. "Now, if you'll excuse us."

The two "knights" walked away with Akiza who cast me a worried glance, trying to tell me something. Sayer was about to follow them when he stopped in front of me and studied me up and down with his eyes.

"I sense you have a hidden strength within you, Miss Malmstrom." Sayer said, making me raise a eyebrow. "And Akiza told me how you two became friends. I hope you want to continue being her friend."

I gave him a slightly dull glance. "Of course."

Sayer nodded slightly before walking after his group. Leo and Luna stood next to me, Luna tugging onto my jacket in fear. Yusei just glanced at Sayer with precaution.

"Well, the director will not be pleased with this at all." Lazar said, unimpressed.

Yusei stepped up to Lazar.

"What's the story?" The clown looked up at the young man. "Goodwin. What's he want with Akiza?"

"Did you not get the memo?" Lazar retorted. "I could have sworn we meant to keep you posted. So sorry about that." With that said, he walked away.

"That Akiza creeps me out." Leo commented.

"Leo." I glared at him using my warning tone.

Leo flinched. "S-sorry!"

"She seems so sad." Luna commented while holding her arm.

"Something wrong?" Yusei asked her.

"Um...my arm kind of stings or something." Luna replied. "Whenever she looks at me...I feel all weird and stuff."

I put my hand on Luna's head, making her look at me. I had a small smile on my lips. "Don't worry too much...things will become clear over time. Now, why don't you two head back to the stands before the second semifinal duel begins?"

"Okay." The twins nodded.

Yusei and I watched as the twins walked away when the young man turned to me. "Estelle-"

"Well, well, look who we have here."

Another interruption? Who was it this time?

I turned around to almost come face to face with Jack Atlas. Once again, I felt the tension between the two men who glared at each other.

"Jack." Yusei said with a stone cold voice.

"Yusei." Jack replied with the same tone before looking at me. "I'd like to speak with Miss who's-not-supposed-to-exist here."

I gasped mentally after Jack said that. Had Goodwin already found out I wasn't from this world and he mentioned it to Jack?!

"What do you mean by that, Jack?" Yusei wondered.

Jack didn't answer his old friend, instead he roughly grabbed my right wrist. "None of your business yet, old friend." He dragged me away, making me stumble.

"J-Jack, wait a second!" I exclaimed before looking over my shoulder. "Go and prepare for your duel, Yusei."

"But-"

"Don't worry, I'll be fine."

Yusei hesitated, but eventually nodded and headed to the lounge.

When Jack and I turned a corner, the man let go of my wrist and put a hand on the wall behind me, trapping me. Jack stared intensely at me with a hidden glare. I was a bit scared, but mostly embarrassed about the situation since I wasn't used to it.

"D-do you need something, Jack...?" I asked timidly.

"Just this. Make sure you lose on purpose if Yusei makes it to the finals." Jack told me.

I raised a eyebrow. "Why?"

"Because Yusei and I have a score to settle." Jack hissed dangerously.

I suddenly lost my shyness and became confident. "Because Yusei actually won the Turbo Duel that was called off?"

Jack gaped before he glared at me. "How'd you know about our duel?! Did you hack into the private files?!"

I shook my head. "I don't have that kind of ability. But I can assure you that I will do my best in the finals and then we'll see who duels you, Jack." I grabbed his arm and pushed it away. "Now, if you'll excuse me." I walked out of the corridor and headed to the lounge where I could possibly find Yusei.

When I was a few meters away from the lounge, I stopped walking and leaned against the wall, letting out a deep sigh. I thought about what happened a few seconds ago. I had never behaved like I just did with Jack; so strong...and with plenty of self-confidence that I could muster...I was so frightened before and suddenly gained courage and confidence. Was it a sign that I was getting stronger?

I let out another sigh before I stepped into the lounge. It was empty, except for someone with crab hair sitting on the couch. Yusei was going through the recording of Akiza's duel with Sir Randsborg.

I walked over to him as he looked over his shoulder.

"Everything okay?" He asked.

I nodded as I sat down next to him. "I'm fine."

"What did Jack want to talk to you about?" Yusei asked me.

I shrugged. "He told me to lose to you on purpose if we meet in the finals because he mentioned something about you two having a score to settle. Nothing else."

"You sure?"

"If something else happened, I would have told you immediately."

Yusei was about to ask another question, but shut his mouth and looked at the screen in front of us.

I sighed when I thought about the pain Akiza was in. She was mostly scared about her power and that was the reason she couldn't control it.

"About the upcoming duel." I spoke out loud, getting Yusei's attention. "I have a bad feeling about this, but I can tell that Akiza is suffering for some reason."

Yusei nodded. "So can I-"

I didn't let Yusei continue as I kept talking. "Akiza's heart is closed off and won't accept any help or friendship. But when I spoke to her yesterday, during your Turbo Duel with Hunter Pace, she seemed to slowly open up and I tried to help her by telling her to take some small steps like congratulating you after your victory."

That made Yusei raise a eyebrow. "So she walked over to me to congratulate me because you told her to?"

I nodded. "I want to help her open her heart and realize there are people who will and can accept her for who she is. The real her, not the Black Rose." I turned to Yusei. "Yusei, this duel will be dangerous, but I want you to communicate with her. Try to reach her heart and make her realize there are people who want to help her get out of her shell, from all the pain she built up in her heart." I instinctively reached my hand out to Yusei's and grasped it. "Please Yusei, help her. I know the pain she's feeling. I know the pain of being different and not being accepted by other people. Help her remove the mask and reveal the true her. Help her realize hurting people for revenge won't make things better. I used to think the same way when I was suffering, but I eventually realized things would only get worse."

Yusei eyed me intensely before he put his other hand on mine. "I promise, Estelle. That's exactly what I was thinking before you came in." He squeezed my hand before letting it go and reached for his pocket to pull out Stardust Dragon's card. "I have no other choice but to use Stardust Dragon in the duel and show Akiza that those with the Marks are connected. We're supposed to be a team and we have to work together." He added Stardust Dragon to his deck.

I smiled gently before I thought of something. "Yusei, I'm not sure what kind of power I possess with my own Mark..." I pulled the sleeve of my shirt up to reveal my pentagram Mark. "...But I will try to reduce the pain you might feel during the duel and also calm Akiza's power down so she doesn't completely destroy the area."

"You think you'll be able to handle it?" Yusei asked me with a worried expression.

I nodded. "I hope so."

A cough from behind interrupted us. We looked up and saw a functionary standing in front of the couch. "Yusei Fudo, it's time for your duel."

"Thanks." Yusei nodded before strapping his Duel Disk with his deck inserted to his arm and standing up.

"Good luck out there, and be careful." I told him.

Yusei nodded. "Make sure you don't strain yourself if you use your power."

"I promise." I replied.

XXXXXXXXXX

The duel was getting intense with every passing minute. Akiza was about to tribute summon Rose Tentacles when I felt a sting in my heart again. I clutched my jacket once again as I gasped for air.

"Calm down, Mistress."

"Inti, she's not truly aware of her power yet."

I looked up to see the transparent spirits of Moon Dragon Quilla and Sun Dragon Inti in front of me. I gasped loudly, relieved that I was alone in the lounge. "You two?! B-but how...?"

Moon Dragon Quilla giggled. "It's part of your power, Mistress."

"Remember how I was still out on the field after the duel with Greiger and your Duel Disk wasn't active, Mistress?" Sun Dragon Inti asked me.

"Yes...?" I nodded.

"It's because you share Akiza's power to make cards become real." Quilla explained.

"Just as you share Luna's power to see our spirits and communicate with us." Inti added.

"But...it doesn't explain how I can feel Akiza's pain...if that's what I'm actually feeling." I mumbled.

"It's because your Mark connects you emotionally with the humans who carry the Mark of the Dragon." Inti explained.

So I was connected emotionally with all the Signers...that explained everything.

I glanced down at my Duel Disk on the table in front of me. My deck was glowing gold, like it was calling for me. I reached for my deck and pulled it only to see that only two cards were glowing. I pulled them out of the deck and saw that they were my twin dragons.

"We will give you a slight boost when you reduce Yusei's pain and Akiza's power." Quilla told me.

"Which I believe will be soon." Inti turned to the screen.

I looked at the screen just as Rose Tentacles destroyed Yusei's Turret Warrior. I quickly put my deck on the table and held Quilla and Inti's cards in each hand. The cards were still glowing, but this time they were in different colors. Quilla's card glowed light blue while Inti's glowed orange.

"I will help ease Yusei's pain with my burning warmth." Inti told me.

"And I will disable Akiza's destructive power as much as I can with my gentle coldness." Quilla said.

I nodded and closed my eyes to concentrate on my power. I felt my right arm burn, but it wasn't from pain. It felt gentle and warm. When I felt I made progress, I opened my eyes and looked at the duel, not realizing my blue eyes were now crimson.

XXXXXXXXXX - Normal POV

Rose Tentacles' special ability had been activated upon Akiza's command. It destroyed one of Yusei's four Ivy Tokens before wrapping it's vine around his right arm.

Akiza: 4000 LP

Yusei: 3900 LP - 3300 LP

"Here's one more! Attack!" Akiza commanded.

Rose Tentacles destroyed another Ivy Token on Yusei's field and wrapped it's other vine around the young man's right leg.

Akiza: 4000 LP

Yusei: 3300 LP - 2700 LP

Yusei grunted when he felt the thorns pierce his leg, but it didn't hurt as bad as he initially thought.

Akiza noticed that Yusei wasn't suffering from the pain like she thought he would. "You're not giving in yet? Well, maybe this will change your mind!"

Rose Tentacles continued it's assault, destroying the third Ivy Token on Yusei's field and wrapping it's third vine around the young man's left leg.

Akiza: 4000 LP

Yusei: 2700 LP - 2100 LP

'I don't think she even cares about winning.' Yusei thought as he struggled against the thorny vines. 'There's something else driving her. I know the world has been cruel to you because of the Mark you have Akiza. But you have to realize that retaliating won't do anybody any good.'

Akiza panted from the emotional storm in her heart. "I'm gonna enjoy this. Now, ATTACK!"

Rose Tentacles cleared Yusei's field by destroying his last Ivy Token and wrapped it's fourth vine around the man's torso, lifting him into the air.

"Look at you up there! Hopeless and alone!" Akiza shouted. "No one can help you and no one wants to! Now you know what it feels like to be me in this cold, cruel world!"

Yusei grunted when he noticed a smile on Akiza's lips, making him realize the sad truth. 'She's smiling. She actually enjoys my pain!'

Rose Tentacles shifted it's vines and was about to throw Yusei down to the stage when it suddenly slowed down. Everyone, including Yusei and Akiza, noticed the sudden change as Rose Tentacles removed it's vines from Yusei's arm and legs while the Duel Monster was enveloped by a light blue aura and Yusei was enveloped by a orange aura.

"What's this? What kind of trick are you pulling, Yusei?!" Akiza growled. "Rose Tentacles, show him some pain!"

But Rose Tentacles didn't obey it's mistresses' order. It lowered Yusei down to the stage and removed it's vine from his torso as he stood on the ground again. It slapped Yusei softly on the back.

Akiza: 4000 LP

Yusei: 2100 LP - 1500 LP

Yusei looked at his right hand, seeing the orange aura that enveloped him and gave him warmth before it disappeared. 'What was that glow around me and Akiza's Rose Tentacles?' He gasped mentally when he remembered Estelle saying that she would try to use her power to protect him and reduce Akiza's destructive power. 'Estelle...she really used her power...now it's time for me to take this duel seriously...to help Akiza.'

Yusei turned to Akiza. "Akiza, I want to help you. I want to be your friend, and I'm gonna use every card I have to prove it to you." He drew a card from his deck. "I'll start by playing Shield Warrior in defense mode."

Yusei's monster appeared right in front of him.

Shield Warrior, Level 3: DEF 1600

Akiza looked like a madwoman as her breathing became heavier and her smile turned to insanity, which Yusei obviously noticed.

"Next I place two cards face down and end my turn." The young man finished his turn. "I think I understand it now what makes you tick, Akiza. Because of all the pain people have put you through, you enjoy it."

"Enjoy what?" Akiza spat.

"You enjoy people's misery. You like how it makes people feel. You like how it makes you feel."

Akiza just smiled with her manic lips. "You're right. And for the rest of this duel, I really plan on enjoying myself."

XXXXXXXXXX - Estelle's POV

I stopped using my power for a moment to catch my breath. I wasn't used to this power, meaning I needed time to mentally adjust myself. My two dragons were still next to me in their transparent forms, watching the screen.

"Akiza is slowly losing control." Quilla commented.

"I don't think it's our calming aura that she needs, sister." Inti said. "She needs to hear the right words to free her heart from all the suffering she had endured during her childhood."

I grunted when I felt Akiza's pain sting my heart once again, but it was getting stronger every passing second. I put my twin dragons' cards in my deck and slowly stood up to strap the Duel Disk to my left arm.

"Mistress?" Inti asked.

"Where are you going?" Quilla wondered.

"O-out t-to the stage..." I breathed heavily. "I-I need t-to s-stop Akiza..."

"Not in your condition, Mistress!" Quilla gasped.

"She has to, sister!" Inti retorted. "Maybe Akiza truly needs to feel physical warmth and hear the right words at the same time. You know Mistress and Akiza have had a bond since yesterday."

I stumbled out of the lounge and had to lean against the wall with my left hand to keep my balance and not fall down. The spirits of the twin dragons followed me, still arguing.

I clutched my jacket when the pain became insane. I turned my back to the wall and gasped loudly, grunting in pain.

"S-stop...A-Akiza..." I panted.

"Mistress..." Quilla whimpered.

"You can overcome the pain, Mistress!" Inti encouraged me. "Don't focus on it!"

I nodded and regained my breath when I stopped concentrating on the pain. I straightened up and continued walking slowly through the corridor. My mind was focused on stopping Akiza and showing her how much I cared for her.

XXXXXXXXXX

I was close to the stage when I saw Stardust Dragon and Black Rose Dragon dissipating in thin air. Akiza, with her partially destroyed mask, was rambling lots of nonsense before I took a deep breath and ran out to the stage then embraced her from behind, my arms locked around her collarbone. "Stop it, Akiza!"

Akiza gasped in surprise after I did that. "Estelle...!"

Yusei's eyes widened as the audience was astonished to see me on the stage holding Akiza.

I cried bitter tears as my grip on Akiza got a bit stronger, in case she would try to shake me off. "Akiza, please listen...I know what it feels like to be a outcast. I was bullied day in and day out in elementary school because I was, still am, different from everyone else. I also wanted revenge, to show no mercy to the bullies, but I learned it would only lead to more anger and hate and make the situation worse...I did find a few friends who accepted me for who I was...just like how I accepted you, Akiza! Don't push people who can see the real you and accept you away! Don't push me or Yusei away because we understand you! We want to help you!"

I could feel Akiza's body shaking in anguish as I tried to send her warmth through our Marks. I looked over Akiza's shoulder to lock eyes with Yusei. "Yusei, end the duel."

"What...? But Estelle, if I activate my face down-" Yusei started.

"End the duel right now!" I demanded a bit irritably.

Yusei nodded hesitantly. "I activate the face down Cosmic Blast. Since Stardust Dragon left the field, you lose life points equal to it's attack points. You would have seen it coming if you weren't hiding behind that mask."

The transparent spirit of Stardust Dragon appeared before he blew the leftover wind towards Akiza, which hit her mask making it fall off.

Akiza: 1900 LP - 0 LP

Yusei: 400 LP

I felt the air ruffle my hair as Akiza slowly went down to her knees, me following her as I kept my arms around her collarbone. The woman turned around in my arms and showed me tears in her eyes before she collapsed. I held her close to me as I caressed her hair and let her sob into my chest.

"I'm sorry." Akiza sobbed. "I'm sorry..."

I hushed her gently and whispered in her ear. "It's okay, Akiza. Let it out because it shows you're a human being with feelings. If you were a witch or a monster, you wouldn't be able to express your feelings."

Akiza's sobs became stronger as she hugged me tighter. I rocked her gently as I softly hummed a melody that I came up with.

I stopped humming when I heard footsteps coming. I looked up and saw Sayer walk over to us while holding his coat.

"It's time to go home, Akiza." Sayer said as he draped his coat around the woman, making her look up with tears running down her cheeks and a exhausted expression on her face. "Don't worry. You did your best. Next time, you'll do better."

I helped Akiza stand up, putting a hand on her backside. She gripped Sayer's coat before turning to me. "B-be my f-friend, E-Estelle." Her voice was shaking from the sobs.

I nodded before hugging her gently, feeling her hands grip my clothes desperately. "Yes, Akiza...I am your friend, just as you are mine."

Akiza let me go before she left with Sayer. At that point I had noticed the stadium had remained silent ever since the duel ended.

"The winner of this duel is Yusei Fudo! He'll be moving onto the finals!" The MC broke the silence.

I was a bit absent-minded, but I didn't jump when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see Yusei looking at me with a worried expression. I was too mentally exhausted and just leaned my head against my shoulder.