Yu-gi-oh 5ds my story 24

(Open on the exterior of the Kaibadome
Announcer: What an amazing duel, ladies and gentlemen!

(Then cut to an interior corridor. Yusei walks down the hallway as the announcer speaks over a speaker somewhere, as does Akiza.)
Announcer: After picking apart Commander Koda, the Black Rose will now be moving on to face the Satellite's very own Yusei Fudo, in the Fortune Cup's final battle!
(At a four-way intersection, the two duelists nearly run into each other.)
Announcer: Who will win? Who will go home? Stay tuned to find out!
(The two imminent opponents lock eyes and stop, faces about a foot and a half away.)
Yusei: Everything okay, Akiza?
Akiza (defensive): I'm *fine*!
(She clutches her right arm. Yusei doesn't buy it, glancing down at the motion.)

(Flashback. The cloaked Black Rose reacted with shock-- then moved to defend herself, and fled in a blast of light.)
FB Black Rose: Your arm! You also have a mark! Looks like our duel is over, until then, stay away from me!!
(End Flashback.)

(Yusei holds his own right arm, and meets her eyes again.)
Yusei: So what's your deal with these marks of ours? When you saw mine the other day, you really freaked out.
Akiza: Yeah, well this mark has brought me nothing but pain! So what good can come from having another one around? Ya got that? ...It's dangerous. So just keep away!
Leo: Yusei!
Luna: There you are!
(The twins come running up from the same direction Yusei came from, and stop, joining the conversation)
Leo: We need you to settle an argument-- huh? The witch!
(Akiza glares down at them.)
Yusei: *Leo*, she's not a witch.
Leo: Sorry, force of habit.
(Luna is unnerved to meet Akiza's eyes, and not just because Akiza looks annoyed. Akiza looks aside)
Luna: Huh?
(Yusei is glaring at Akiza.)
Lezar: What's going on back here?
(Lezar has approached from behind Yusei, to the right of the hallway he came from.)
Lezar: Everybody getting along nicely? Quite the duel just now, Miss Akiza, *very* impressive. Before the final round gets underway, Director Goodwin has a few things he'd like to talk to you about. I'd say more, but it's confidential. Why don't you come with me, and we'll--
Sayer: Akiza must rest.
(Akiza gasps; Sayer, flanked by two goons, has arrived from the same hallway she approached from.)
Lezar: And you are...?
(The two goons step in front of Akiza, a wall between her and Lezar; Sayer is standing to the side)
Sayer: Don't play dumb, Lezar. 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.
Lezar: Ah-hm-hm-hm-hm-hm!
Sayer: Stay away from Akiza. <4:00> And tell the *Director* she's not interested in what he has to say. Now excuse us...
(He raises a hand, and his two goons, Akiza, and himself leave in procession past Lezar. Yusei watches as they walk past him, scowling with suspicion. Akiza doesn't even look back.)
Lezar: Well. The Director will not be pleased with this *at all*.
Yusei: What's the story? Goodwin; what's he want with Akiza?
Lezar (dripping sarcasm): Did you not get the memo? I could've *sworn* we meant to keep you posted. So sorry about that. Hm.
(He smugly walks away down the fourth, as yet unused hallway; Akiza and her 'entourage' are also still walking away down the other corridor, and Yusei watches them go)
Leo: That Akiza creeps me out.
Luna: She seems so sad...
Yusei: Something wrong?
(Luna, too, is holding her right forearm)
Luna: Um... my arm kinda stings or something. Whenever that girl looks at me... I feel all weird and stuff.
(Yusei stares at her, concerned; this is no coincidence...)
Yusei: Huh...
(Cortez walks from the hallway alone, when suddenly someone grabbed his arm. Cortez turned to see who is was, and that was Sayer.)
Cortez: Can I *help* you?
Sayer: Yes. (walks closer to Cortez) I never expected for you walk out the duel in one piece.
Cortez: And what's that suppose to mean?!
Sayer: It means that you're the first to walk walk out from the Black Rose. All Akiza could do was talk about you. She seems determined to getting close to dueling you. But I can get you out of this.
Cortez: Huh?
Sayer: Just join the Arcadia Movement. I'm looking for someone with far beyond potential than anyone I've seen.
Cortez (o.c.): I'm not interested.
Sayer: What?
Cortez: You heard me! I'm not your puppet like Akiza! *(turns from Sayer and walks away) I have better things than siding with mind controllers like you!
(Sayer was not looking happy as he balled his fist and tighten his grip.)
Sayer: I'll have you no matter what! I'll just simply have Akiza bring you to the Movement with a escort! No one walks out on me! No One!

(Outside in the parking lot as the sun sets, we can see two large carrier trucks, fancy, futuristic, and marked with a logo that reads A.M., surrounded by more faceless Arcadia goons spaced at regular intervals around them, standing guard.

(Inside one of these, Akiza is ensconced in something that resembles a virtua-pod; the metal thing is out of her hair, though the hair curls around itself where the inhibiting device is supposed to be. She's in a red undershirt, and shimmering light or liquid of some kind covers the pod from the chest down. She gazes serenely into space through a glass visor overhead. A holographic screen appears on the glass, startling her out of the reverie; it's Sayer.)
Sayer (via screen): Akiza, about earlier, look, it's just-- we've exposed the Movement by coming to this tournament, and people will want to know more. We knew that risk going into this. In fact, certain *individuals* may continue to approach you and try to pry information from you.
Akiza: Okay; but I can speak for myself. I don't need you to *babysit* me or anything, Sayer! I'm not going to betray the Movement, if that's what you're worried about. You guys are like my family now; no one could ever make me turn against all of you.
Sayer (via screen): I'm so relived to hear you say that. Goodwin and his people are part of the Order of Iliaster--

(As Sayer speaks, a vision appears of the Crimson Dragon spreading its wings over a benighted city, its draconic eyes glowing yellow.
Sayer (via screen, VO): A group seeking to resurrect a force known as the Crimson Dragon. If allowed to return, the Dragon will bring the world to its knees. That's where we come in. He Who Rules The Sky has given the members of the Arcadia Movement special powers.

(The outside of the van is emblazoned 'AM'.)
Sayer (via screen, VO): We are his chosen. We will stop Goodwin and lead the world down the right path.

Akiza: Sounds like a good time.
Sayer (via screen): Yes, well, speaking of time, it's almost time for your duel with Yusei.
(Her right arm, now visible beneath the surface and carrying a dark, burned claw Sign, twitches unconsciously.)
Sayer (via screen): He might be a member of Iliaster; we're not sure yet. Either way, it is *crucial* that you defeat him. Once you get through this satellite, you can have fun with your new play mate, you was always talking about, then you can bring Jack Atlas to his knees, and then the crowd's jeers will change to cheers and our time will finally come. You're ready, aren't you?
Akiza (nods): Of course.
(Sayer's screen disappears)
Akiza (think): And maybe then I can rid myself of this power I possess...

(Rapidfire flashbacks. Tiny girl Akiza, Sign glowing on her arm and bemusement in her eyes, slams her opponent, a full-grown man, against a wall, surrounded by violet flames while a spectator looks at her in shock.)

(Change Flashback. Commander Koda as a teen at Duel Academy is thrown to the ground before teenage Akiza and her Violet Witch, purple flames at their backs.)

(Cortez dueling her in the ruins of the street of the duel field, while Yusei stands with Cortez, Sign glowing on his forearm as he stares at her. End Flashbacks.)

(The sight of Yusei's Sign is still reflected in her eyes. She pulls her arm from the liquid and looks at her Sign)
Akiza (think): Why did this mark choose *me*?! What did I do to deserve it?! I must find a way to rid myself of its control before it's too late!
(She grips her arm, teeth clenched, face working in terror and fury)


(Yusei is seated on a couch somewhere backstage. The screen in front of him shows the stadium; the Sphere is showing an image of Akiza. Yusei looks at his deck, holding it in his hand.)

Yusei (think): Akiza. With the power of my deck, I know I can help you overcome the hate and anger you feel. But first I have to figure out why you don't want to be helped.
(He looks at his right arm, his Sign hidden by his glove and sleeve.)
Yusei (think): You say you're afraid of me because of my mark, because *your* mark has caused you nothing but pain.

(He thinks of the twins; the Black Rose, masked and cloaked; Jack, glaring down at him the night he arrived in the city...)
Yusei (think, VO): But whatever these marks are, they connect all of us somehow... (...Goodwin, smiling shrewdly as he stands at the tower window...)
Yusei (think, VO): And I'm sure Goodwin knows why.
(...Akiza, and Sayer and goons walking up behind her...)
Yusei (think, VO): And something tells me those characters who hang around you know what's going on, too.
(...Yusei glares as he watches them leave...)
Yusei (think, VO): Everyone is out to use us somehow, and we can't let that happen. We've gotta come together, like a *team* or something.

(Back to the present; Yusei is watching the screen, which now shows an image of the Black Rose, fully cloaked and masked.)
Yusei (think): That includes you, Akiza. I've gotta use our duel to remove that mask you're hiding behind. But in order to do that, I have to figure you out.
(The screen shifts to show Akiza's face, her slight frown forbidding.)
Yusei (think): Who you are, what makes you tick.
(Yusei takes a card out of his back pocket, and looks at it-- Stardust Dragon.)
Yusei (think): I don't wanna have to go full-force, but if it means tearing down that wall you've built around yourself, I'll do it.  And, then... after this battle... I need to get Jack on our side too.
(The screen now shows Jack. Yusei adds Stardust Dragon to his deck.)

(Fireworks burst above the stadium as Sayer watches the view on TV; the camera is somewhere across the ocean from the stadium, showing it and the New Domino skyline from afar. The door beeps and opens)
Sayer: Huh?
(Akiza walks through the doorway and stops)
Akiza: It's time, Sayer.
(Sayer walks over, picks a bit of lint off of her sleeve and smoothes the hair around the energy stabilizer now once more styled into it.)
Sayer: If you find yourself at a point where you feel like your power is going to take over, just remember that this energy stabilizer in your hair will limit your powers. The fate of the world is in your hands; we're all counting on you, Akiza.
(She spots the mask she wears as the Black Rose sitting on the coffee table)
Akiza: What about my mask?
Sayer: Take it; but you won't need it.

(More fireworks. The Sphere is showing graphics of Junk Warrior and Black Rose Dragon. The crowd is jeering, cheering, and catcalling in anticipation of the match, most of it anti-Akiza.)
- Beat the freak!
- This is a tournament, not a creep-fest!
- Nobody likes you, witch!
(Yusei's circle are unnerved by the crowd)
Yanagi: My goodness, they say such mean things. Why're kids so cruel? She's just a child!
Tanner: People don't understand her special abilities, and when people don't understand something they see, they tend to be afraid of it.
Leo: So, if everyone's so afraid of her, why are they here to watch her duel?
Tanner: That's easy, Leo. They're all hopin' that she'll lose. See, when people are afraid of something, they don't like to be alone. So sometimes, they'll band together, hoping to see that something feel bad, which makes *them* feel *good.*
(The hundreds of sickeningly eager, identical faces in the crowd seem to transform into beings with glowing red eyes and cruel smiles; Dex and Leo are looking up at the crowd, nonplussed)
Dex: Wow, talk about seeing the glass half-empty, Tanner.
(Luna is looking at the floor again, worried)

(The Sphere shows Akiza, out from which we pan to Lezar and Goodwin in the top tower; the window is still broken)
Lezar: I tried to bring the girl to you, Director, but that *Arcadia* bunch wouldn't let her out of their sights. They may prove to be a problem down the road.
Goodwin: Hmph. I'm not worried about those deluded fools. It's not like they have very much influence. Still, they did manage to make her their puppet. The situation is ironic, if you think about it.
(A holographic screen pops up in front of Jack, who's sitting on the couch with his arms folded; he may have called it up himself. In it, we can see Akiza, being escorted through the halls to her match by a pair of Arcadia goons. As Jack watches her, Goodwin continues in VO)
Goodwin: The Black Rose is a member of the Arcadia Movement. The Arcadia Movement opposes us. And yet, she's going to do us a favor.
(A screen with some 3D graphics and readouts on it appears in front of Goodwin)
Goodwin: According to Zigzix's readings, she's more than capable of getting Yusei to reveal his true power. That being said, I do hope Yusei manages to win this duel.
(Jack is gazing sourly at Goodwin. The screen vanishes. We see Jack's has also.)
Goodwin: I want to see it, Lezar. Don't you?

(Flashback. Archfiend breathes a stream of flame and Stardust answers with a mist of bright blue-white light. The two blasts collide in midair, and the center of the explosion slowly grows.)
Goodwin (VO): Don't you want to see Jack's Red Dragon Archfiend clash with Yusei's Stardust Dragon again?
(End Flashback.)

Goodwin: I want to witness the energy such a clash creates! I want to *feel* the power!
Jack (mutters): Huh! I'll make you feel so much power you won't be able to handle it. (think) Yusei...

(As Jack speaks/thinks, Yusei is waiting, ready to enter the arena. Akiza walks through the halls with her escort.)
Jack (think, VO): You may think you're an incredible duelist, but this Black Rose has a power unlike anything you've ever encountered. And be sure not to lose; 'cause I want to see Goodwin's face--

Jack (think): When I use the Dragon's power for myself!
(Goodwin gazes back at Jack with a smile, oblivious to his thoughts)

(The announcer puts a foot up on the desk as the stadium goes dark)
Announcer: Yeah! It's finally time for the final! The winner of this next match gets to go on to the ultimate showdown--
(The Sphere shows an image of Jack.)
Announcer: A one-on-one, no-holds-barred duel with the Master of Faster himself, Jack Atlas!
(On the Sphere, flames wash over the graphic of Jack and transition to Akiza.)
Announcer: Our first finalist is the mysterious Black Rose, Akiza!
(Smoke-cannons go off, shooting four columns of it into the air; Akiza enters the arena via elevator platform, to widespread jeers)
- Go home, witch!
- You're gonna lose, you freak!
(On the sphere, the pattern of Yusei's prison mark appears, then scales down to meet its place on his face as that appears)
Announcer: Challenging her is the shooting star from the Satellite Sector, Yusei Fudo!
(Same smoke-cannons; Yusei faces Akiza, glaring fearlessly. The stadium lights up.)

(Up in the stands...)
Leo: Come on, Yusei, you can do it!
Dex: Bring it on!
Yanagi: This'll be exciting!
Tanner: Be careful. *Very* careful.
(Kuribon appears to Luna)
Luna: Huh? So you're scared too, Kuribon? Something bad is going to happen, isn't it.

(Sayer and Cortez are once more leaning against a wall in a shadowy entrance to the stands)
Sayer (think): Akiza, this is our moment. Seize this opportunity, and introduce the world to the true power of the Arcadia Movement.
Cortez (think): Come on Yusei, you can win this. I know you can.
(Goodwin, Lezar, and Jack silently await the match)

Announcer: Every card has led us to this moment! The final round of the Fortune Cup is about to begin!
(Cut-screen: Jack, scowling; Akiza, determined; Yusei, more determined; Luna, worried-- then a cut-screen of the two duelists, ready to fight!)
Both: Let's do this!


(The sphere has a graphic of Akiza and Yusei. All of the screens around the edges of the stadium skyline, on which we saw the Eight introduced, alternate; half show Akiza, the other half Yusei)
Announcer: And now, get ready for the final round of the Fortune Cup!
Akiza: Hope you're ready!
(Both simultaneously draw five cards; 4000 lifepoints each.)
Akiza: The first move is mine! I draw! I summon Wall of Ivy in defense mode!
[Wall of Ivy /1200//]
Akiza: Next, I place one card facedown and end my turn!
Yusei: My move, then. And I counter by playing Speed Warrior in attack mode!
[Speed Warrior: 900/400/L2/]
Yusei: On the turn Speed Warrior is summoned, its attack points are doubled!
(That's 1800.)
Yusei: Speed Warrior, shred that Wall of Ivy!
Akiza: You had better be careful, Yusei, because when my Ivy Wall is destroyed, one of my Ivy Tokens takes root on *your* side of the field!
[Ivy Token /0//]
Announcer: We've seen the Black Rose use this strategy before; it *really* created problems for Commander Koda and Sir Ransborg! What kind of havoc will she wreak on Yusei?
Yusei (eyeing his ivy sprout): *These* could be a problem. It's your move.
Akiza: You're too kind. Now then! Remember that last round, when I summoned Wall of Ivy only to have you tear it down with your Speed Warrior? Well I'm playing the *Cursed* Ivy trap card to bring my *Wall of* Ivy back! (drolly) In case you can't tell, I've got kind of a green thumb. Oh, and by the way, I really should thank you, 'cause "Cursed Ivy" gets powered up by my Ivy Wall. So now it's stronger than it was before.
Yusei (think): I know what she's doing. She's trying to increase the number of ivy tokens on my field. 'Cause when that little sprout gets destroyed, I'll take three hundred points of damage. And if she gets *more* on my field--
Akiza: You gonna stand around and think, or are you gonna duel!

(Akiza's face is on the Sphere as she speaks that last. Then the announcer's face replaces hers, as he suspensefully narrates with his microphone.)
Announcer: It's been a relatively mellow duel so far. Even the crowd seems to have simmered down a bit, *but*, could we simply be experiencing the calm before the storm?

(The crowd has calmed down; but Yusei's friends look worried.)

Yusei: My move! And I'm sending Speed Warrior to my graveyard, in order to summon my Turret Warrior!
[Turret Warrior: 1200//]
Yusei: And due to my Turret's special ability, it now gains the attack points of my Speed Warrior! Looks like your Wall of Ivy is about to get uprooted!
Akiza: *And* it looks like another ivy token is about to shoot up on *your* side of the field!
Yusei: Turret Warrior, attack!
Akiza: By destroying my Wall of Ivy, you've also taken out the "Cursed Ivy" trap card, <15:00> and when my "Cursed Ivy" is sent to the graveyard, it summons two more ivy tokens to your side of the field!
Yusei (think): Man, these things are growing out of control!
Akiza: You got anything else for me?
Yusei: No. I'm done for now.
Akiza: That's disappointing. I draw! And from my hand, I'm activating the "Seed of Deception" spell card!
Computer: "Seed of Deception" is a spell card that lets you special-summon a level-two-or-below plant-type monster from your hand.
Akiza: So with the power of this spell card, I summon out Dark Verger in attack mode!
[Dark Verger: 0//]
Akiza: But now I'm gonna do a little landscaping to make room for something stronger! Ha! I advance-summon Rose Tentacles in attack mode!
[Rose Tentacles: 2200//]
Akiza: The best thing about roses, is that their thorns are as dangerous as their petals are beautiful! And you're about to experience that firsthand! Go, Rose Retaliation!
(it destroys Turret Warrior; a huge wind whips up suddenly. Yusei shields his face.

(The people in the crowd scream and cower in their seats.)

(Yusei lowers his arm just enough to see, braced to shield himself again. His lifepoints are now 3900)
Announcer: Yusei only took one hundred points of damage from that attack, but I've got a feeling that the Black Rose's strategy is about to blossom into something *far* more terrifying!


Akiza: That attack was only the beginning, so get ready for my Rose Tentacles' special ability to *squeeze* you into submission! Now you take damage for the four ivy tokens on your field! This might hurt!

(We hear and see people in the crowd, and as the announcer speaks, we look down at the field-- Akiza's ready to attack with Rose Tentacles, and Yusei faces her down with four Rose Tokens.)
- That's some move.
- So she's gonna attack four times?
Akiza (amplified on the Sphere): This is the part of the battle that I enjoy the most, because now I get to watch the power of my Rose Tentacles and ivy tokens bleed your lifepoints dry!
Announcer: Incredible! Akiza's managed to plant four ivy tokens on Yusei's field; <17:00> which means she can unleash a quadruple dose of destruction! And with each attack, Yusei's gonna take six hundred lifepoints of damage!
(Most of the people in the section of the stadium we're looking at stand up.)
Announcer: Whoa! It looks like the fans are running for the exits! And who could blame them, especially after witnessing the Black Rose's destructive powers in her last two duels! I wouldn't wanna be in Yusei's boots right now!
Leo: Oh, no!
Yanagi: Well, guys, nice knowin' ya.
Tanner: We should take cover.
(They all duck behind the seats)

Akiza: Let's see if people keep picking on me after THIS! Get ready, Yusei!
(A vine from Rose Tentacles whips out, shatters an ivy token, smacks him for six hundred, leaving him 3300 remaining, and wraps around Yusei's right arm; Yusei struggles against its grip)

(The few remaining in the crowd cower in the foot space in front of their chairs, yelling in panic.)

Akiza: Here's one more! Attack!
(Another vine comes shooting toward Yusei, shatters another token, and grips his right thigh. 2700 lp left. There might even be some fear in his eyes...)

(Yusei's tense face covers the Sphere, right in front of the top box)
Lezar: We finally have someone who can push Yusei to his limits. I'm getting some popcorn! Anyone interested?
(Goodwin ignores him, gazing down at the match; Jack looks sour, probably at the suggestion Yusei might lose.)

(Sayer, down in the stadium, hasn't moved)
Sayer (think): That's right, Akiza. Take all of that loneliness and suffering you've endured. Use it. There's no need to be afraid.
Cortez (think): Come on Yusei. Don't let her push you around.

(Yusei's group, now among few left in their seats, have peeked their heads up again; Luna hasn't, cowering with her hands clasped)
Leo: Rrrr, is he okay?
(Luna's eyes are squeezed shut...)
Luna (think): Please... hang in there, Yusei!

Akiza: You're not giving in yet?! Well maybe THIS'll change your mind!
(Another vine, shatters a token and wraps around Yusei's left thigh. 2100 lifepoints. Yusei keeps struggling against the vines)
Yusei (think): I don't even think she *cares* about winning. 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 is panting, somewhat winded)
Akiza: I'm gonna enjoy this! Now ataaaaaack!
(The fourth vine shoots forth, takes out the last token, and encircles Yusei's waist and left arm above his duel disk, squeezing tight, and lifts him slowly into the air. He continues to strain against the vines, but to no avail.)
Akiza: Look at you up there! Hopeless and alone! No one can help you and no one wants to!
(Yusei opens an eye and stares at her, pretending to struggle as he listens.)
Akiza: Now you know what it feels like to be me in this cruel, cold world!
(Yusei looks closer, and spots a sinister smile on her face)
Yusei (think): She's smiling... She's actually *enjoying* my pain!
(The vine jerks suddenly.
Yusei: Huh? (the vine smashes him to the ground) Whooooaaaa-ugh!
(The wind is blowing again; those spectators still remaining duck behind the seats; Tanner, Leo, and Dex are shielding their faces with both of their arms; Yusei's side of the field is obscured by a cloud of dust)
Announcer: Whoa! Akiza's attack has the stadium in panic! The place is in complete chaos! Just like we thought, Akiza is--

(one of the scared fans finishes the open statement)
- A witch!
- It's true!
- That girl's a witch!
- Cheater!
- She's dangerous!

(As the dust clears, Yusei rises to his feet, grunting and groaning, shaking slightly, legs braced to stay standing. His lifepoints sink further to 1500.)
Yusei (draws): Akiza. I want to help you. I wanna be your friend, and I'm gonna use every card I have to prove it to you. And I'll start by playing Shield Warrior in defense mode.
[Shield Warrior: 800/1600/L3/earth]
Yusei: Next, I place two cards facedown and end my turn.
(Akiza is breathing heavily, a maniacal look in her eyes.)
Yusei: I think I understand it now. What makes you tick, Akiza. Because of all that people have put you through...
(He flashbacks to seeing her nasty smile)
Yusei: You enjoy it.
Akiza: Enjoy *what*?!
Yusei: You enjoy people's misery!
(Flashback to smile again)
Yusei: You *like* how it makes people feel! You like how it makes *you* feel.
Akiza: You're right. But that's not the reason I'm here! And if you think that's why I'm doing, then for the rest of this duel, I *really* plan on enjoying myself!
(Yusei's friends are nervous; Luna, worried; Sayer, triumphant; Cortez, blink stare; Goodwin, watching; Jack, hawklike; Tableau: the field from Yusei's left corner, against a background of that sinister smile and the mask of the Black Rose. To Be Continued...)