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Yu-gi-oh 5Ds: Rise of Darkness and Corruption (Athene/ImaginaryMuse & Razgriz)


The Warden just grinned as she accepted his 'offer'; she must really want to be near this guy. Of course, with what Goodwin told him after he left, there was little reason she wouldn't want to. Lovers, huh? Well then, he had a little idea for tomorrow's first matchup. "Fine, fine...The officers will escort you to an interrogation room. Just remember..." He then pointed to his own eyes with two fingers before pointing them back at her, "I'm watching, as will my men. One false move and the Fiend gets some quiet time."

Waving his hand dismissively, he then said "Get them out of here! And let's bring in the next matchup! Put your bets in, losers!"

Yusei looked back at Fayth as she asked him to stay near; from what he'd come to understand, the next few hours were still largely free time. So it wouldn't be much trouble to be with her; and if her reactions were anything to judge, leaving her be. Plus...The fact that the Warden was still going in with these cage matches was kind of sickening; and as much as he wanted to step in, there were too many officers that he wouldn't be able to help anyone. He didn't like running when people were in trouble...But sometimes it paid to pick one's battles.


Soon enough, Yuna and Hotsuma were - almost - alone, his lover and ally chained behind her back to stop her from trying anything funny. "Well...Here we are. Have to say, I'm surprised you wanted to meet with me. Usually women hear 'The Fiend' and try to run off in the other direction." Hotsuma started off, trying to play off the idea that they were still unknowns to each other. Not knowing that Rex had pieced together they were much closer than he let on.

"Still, Yuna...Gotta admit seeing you cuffed is a tempting sight. Good thing we got all the touching out of our system before we went on this suicide mission, eh?" he then added on as a mental afterthought, giving her a sly smile as he leaned against one wall, arms crossed over his chest.


Yusei and Fayth would soon also be alone, but not for long. "Sonny! So good to see you found a friend! And such a pretty thing too!" Yanagi said, giving Fayth a gentle smile. "Tenzen-san...Where have you been?" Yusei asked; he hadn't seen the oddball all day, but was relieved to see him alive and (for the most part) well. "Just making my treasures are well...Can never be careful. Plus, I managed to find one that I thought I'd lost!" He then pulled a card out of his pocket and showed it to him.

"Beautiful isn't it? Silly me had it tucked in my shirt pocket this whole time!" Yanagi laughed, only to remember what he'd wanted to say first. "Oh dear, I'm sorry, I'm being so rude. Yanagi Tenzen...Though some just call me Grandpa, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss...?" At this, Yusei sneakily tapped Fayth's right elbow to help her realize she was being approached for a handshake.
 

Yuna couldn't have been anymore eager to get into the interrogation room. Even with the time limit, there was too much to relay. This would be one of the few opportunities to say what she had to. It really was the only thing helping her accept his offer, even if it was definitely not as enticing as it could have been.

If she could have done so, Yuna would have waved her own hand through the air. With the cuffs on, though, the most she could do was flash her lover a sly smirk. "Ohhh, come now. You can cut that act out. It's not really a secret we're an item in this place. How and why, maybe, but the rest of the knowledge is now public. So don't say you're surprised. Besides ... it's no like I'm scared of you or anything. Not like these pricks probably are."

Yes and no. God, I have missed you so fucking much. We're drastically gonna need to have a long celebratory fuck when we get out of here. Oh? Like me bound, do you? Well then ... I'm sure we can arrange to get some cuffs of our own when we get outta here.

Her face quickly shifted, going from a playful expression to a more stern one.

"Anyway ... " she leaned against the wall - nearby Hotsuma but keeping to her word about the 'no touching' rule. "That was annoyingly close."

True as that is, that's not why I asked for this prize. Found two major things out. Which one do you wanna hear first; the news that directly involves you or me?
Despite Kiryu being in solitary, Fayth still didn't feel safe. Why not? It was really beginning to drive her nuts. Even after Yusei led her away from the fights, the uneasiness didn't fade, making her frown slightly.

"Thanks for this," she whispered to Yusei, "I wouldn't blame you too much if it seemed like I'm being a bit clingy or something ... "

"Sonny!"

.... Huh?

Oh she'd heard. But ... that was certainly new. She hadn't met anyone before - in and out of the Facility - that used such a word. Even her own grandparents used slightly different terminology so ... itt was interesting. Something she barely kept herself from chuckling at.

"So good to see you found a friend! And such a pretty thing too!"

Fayth's face almost immediately blushed as she weakly grinned at the praise. "I umm ... don't know about that. But thanks for the compliment anyway, sir."

Her head quickly moved from side to side when Tenzen apologized. "Oh no, it's fine. Really, no worries. I'm ... Fayth."

Her hand rose as she felt Yusei's cue, accepting the handshake. "Fayth Milner. Nice to meet you as well, Tenzen-san."
 

Needless to say, Hotsuma shouldn't have been surprised that someone figured it out; in truth, he did play his hand a little strongly when they got arrested. And knowing Goodwin he was sure to have let the others know. Well...One couldn't blame him for trying.

"Well...I just like to test Sector, see if their collective IQ's gone up past a lead brick. They can't fight worth shit, after all; seems the only they have on us is numbers." he joked, something that earned him a few glares from the officers watching over them. "And if all goes well...THAT will get changed very soon." he then added on, Yuna still able to hear it.

"Yeah, it was; not gonna lie, I thought Kiryu was gonna turn it around when Gigantech was destroyed. Good play with that Raigeki." Hotsuma responded verbally, mentally asking "OK...Now you got me kind of worried, not gonna lie about that either. I take it neither of these are good...But I'm going to go ahead and guess that asshat Goodwin found out about us, yeah? Your verbal comment kind of gave that away. Unless there's something else? What'd he dig up on you?"


"A beautiful name...Just a shame that a lovely young woman like yourself had to end up here. The depths to which Sector will sink to keep their illusion of control." Yanagi replied; however, he got distracted as he felt a similar energy that Yusei had been emitting. Coming from the girl with the blindfold. Could it be...?

At this he couldn't help but chuckle a little, "Well now...How interesting. Two in one place...Tell me, Fayth - may I call you Fayth - did you...Oh, apologies..." he started to say; at first Yusei was confused as to why Yanagi would apologize, but then put it together that was probably going to ask Fayth if she saw the Crimson Dragon. Would have been a minor miracle if she could, but Yusei just smiled, "I think she knows what you mean. He was going to ask if you saw the Crimson Dragon, Fayth."

At this, Yanagi took his turn to grin sheepishly, "One of the fallacies of getting old; sometimes we just say the darnedest things...But anyway, come sit. Sit! I have so much to tell you!" He certainly seemed quite happy to relay this story, and thankfully with most out in the yard he was going to have some fairly large measure of privacy. And it was here that he delved into the same tale that he told Yusei.



Overhead in the main office, Raiko and Armstrong were watching the feeds for both Hotsuma and Yuna, as well as Fayth, Yanagi and Yusei. Listening all the while. "Sir...With all due respect, why are you so interested in Fudo? Isn't the Fiend a more pressing security matter?" Raiko asked, to which the Warden replied boredly, "I couldn't give two shits about the pissant himself; Goodwin's order. Kid's got some kind of hidden talent, and he wants me to try and make him bring it out." Of course, that was the official story; in truth, he knew why Yusei was such an interest. And it pissed him off that this lowlife got it; he was on top, an army beneath his heel and so many more that he could use as he pleased! What better definition of power was there?

Though with Yanagi now telling that blind bitch the story, he confirmed she too was a Signer. Writing a quick note, he then handed it Raiko, "Go have this sent to the Director. Get it to his office as soon as possible." Raiko narrowed his eyes, looking back at the screen, before Armstrong barked, "Did I fucking stutter, maggot!? Move your ass!" At this the silver-haired lad just nodded and took it, giving the screen one last look before leaving the office.
 

Yuna shrugged and nodded when Hotsuma said he enjoyed toying with Sector. "Heh, yeah. Goodwin is basically the brains behind his establishment." The memory of that talk made her grimace. "I didn't voluntarily give anything away so .... he must have pieced together who we are, somehow. Bastard."

Sorry but ... we're on a timer. Since you didn't pick what you wanna hear first, I'm choosing for you. This is the news that involves you. Guess who's here and an officer?

She'd pause, mainly too keep the guise up. Changing between talking out loud to keep suspicion off herself and Hotsuma while also keeping her lover in the loop. "I can't deny, I thought he would turn it around too. He definitely had the opportunity to do just that."

Raiko. Raiko's here. He identified me as Yukio but .... I don't think Armstrong bought it. In fact, he wondered what was wrong wih Raiko for thinking I was a dude. It was kinda hilarious.

"What about you? You been well enough? I haven't seen you in so long I temporarily forgot how ya looked."

And now the part that affects me. Some kid named Judai took a hell of a risk claiming to know me to relay ... that Arcadia has Hajime.

Her fists clenched tightly, causing Yuna's fingernails digging into her palms.

I don't want to believe it was Aki specifically. Apparently, though, he's certain it was. She entered a tournament with Yamichi, Hajime, and Takeshi in order to secure a spot in the Fortune Cup. Somewhere along the way, she got a hold of Hajime and left with him .... someone from Arcadia definitely did. I haven't been able tot get in touch. The moment I do, those pricks over there will sense it ... and probably hurt him. More than anything they've already done. I need to get over there pretty quickly after we leave here.

Her head shook from side to side.

... As far as Goodwin goes, the main thing he figured was that I'm really protective of Fayth. Compared to everything else he wanted to know, that's not too bad. At the same time .. it still is quite the leverage that shit head has.
"Mhmm. Definitely a shame. But .... well .... I'm here, like it or not. Certainly don't but ... I'm living."

Her smile widened as Fayth tried to forget that very fact; that she was in the Facility, and wrongfully so. When - if, should Yuna have been honest this whole time - she got out, she would give Jack hell. Somehow ... and more so without getting arrested.

... Of course. Beat him in a duel.

The thought made her smile. He definitely needed to be brought down a peg or two. Yeah. That was the best way to go about her desires.

"Yes. Please do use Fayth. No need to be formal with me."

Her head tilted as Fayth didn't immediately catch on to Tenzen's apology. When Yusei elaborated, however, her hand tilted in midair. "Not directly saw, no. But I have sensed its presence several times. I've ... never understood it before. And in some regards, I still don't. Particularly the part about how I got chosen. I feel .... a bit unworthy, honestly."

Her voice had lowered, trying to help make sure she didn't let anyone else hear. Fayth smiled, walking forward a few steps and finally sitting after she got in a good enough spot. "So .. you know about this Crimson Dragon then? That's actually reassuring. It'd help to have some light shed on this ... status - I guess - that I now have."
 

It took all of Hotsuma's willpower not to react to Yuna's first comment; and even then she would see him tense noticeably. "Yeah...Too bad the guy can't take a joke. Getting all flustered over some damn cards." he replied, adding mentally "Speaking of jokes, that's not funny, Yuna. I know Raiko, there's no way he'd ever side with Sector. It was probably just a guard that looked like him...And trust me, before I go, I'm going to have a nice long talk with the Warden about what those fuckers did with him."

But when she also claimed that Arcadia took Hajime, that definitely provoked a reaction. One that made the guards rush forward, drawing their batons with insane speed. "Relax, losers; just venting some tension." Hotsuma growled, stating "Judai....Never heard of him. How'd he get this information? How did he even know who Hajime was?" On this he didn't question her; he could feel she was telling the truth. And if something did happen to Hajime...Well, that made the time window shorten considerably.

"The moment they draw even a single drop of blood from him, Yuna...I'm bringing that shitty little building of theirs crumbling down. Along with everyone in it. Like to see their Master try to stop a falling skyscraper." he huffed mentally, adding verbally, "Sorry about that...Still not too pleased that we can't even have a moment of privacy." as he gave the two guards a death-glare. "Don't worry though, Yuna...Once I get my brother and break everyone out...Hajime's the next priority."

Unlike Yuna, he didn't seem to think it was beneath Aki to kidnap someone; she was that asshole Divine's favorite pet, and with the shit she pulled during their Duel, this honestly gave him a reason to go back there and put her head through a wall.



"Ah, see, but it's those that think themselves unworthy that are often the most worthy. Pride blinds us, but humility keeps our eyes wide open." Yanagi replied with a smile, holding one of his 'treasures' in his hand. "Much like this deck, I often thought myself unworthy to wield them. Even so when they bring the misfortune of being in here...But still, I know one day, they'll bring someone a wealth unlike anything they've ever seen before.

Yusei just paused at first, seeming to try and figure out what to ask before adding "Even so...What does it mean? If the tale is true, then what's this evil? If those that bear its mark are destined to fight it, how would we know what it is?" At this Yanagi shook his head, "I know only that it involves some kind of resurrection. A ritual, if you will, one that only the energies of the Duel Dragons can seal again. As for how it manifests, I'm afraid the legend itself is very unclear. I imagine it's something that could take just about any form, however."

Yusei still wasn't too sold on this; then again, he never was much of a believer in fate. He was someone who believed that people make their own path through the choices they make...Much as it had led to his isolation and abandonment by comrades. Even so, he thought back to the others: Blitz, Nerve, Rally, Crow, Tank. He hoped they were doing alright, especially Crow; the guy took the disbanding of the Enforcers fairly hard.
 

Now that legitimately stung. Okay, the shocked reaction was normal. But hearing Hotsuma be in such denial that Raiko could be here? Oh yeah. That really hurt Yuna. It was a good thing for him she was cuffed, otherwise she would have gone against the no touch rule, even at the expense of his safety.

Oi! Come now, man. Even as Yukio, when have I lied to you -- aside from my identity? But I did that to everyone, so I don't really count it. The warden even used his last name. Raiko Tsunohire, right?

She'd let those words sink in, sighing as she slumped further against the wall. "Well ... just like you said. Some people really can't take a joke."

When the guards started to rush forward, that made Yuna raise an eyebrow. "The fuck's wrong with you all, huh? Geez. Chill."

.... Had they somehow heard her? Or was that just really bad timing with something else?

Yuna shook he head; the last thing she even wanted to thinking about was transferring from one Psychic prison to another. This was already enough of a risk as it was. If they really ha heard her inner thoughts .. holy fuck. That would legit make everything harder.

Judai was apparently at the same tournament as our people plus Arcadia's duelist. So ... I'd assume he saw or heard this somehow. But I can't imagine someone - particularly an individual I don't know - would come all the way here to lie to me. Still ... why would she bother helping me out, only to do something that stupid? She'd know what would happen. Are they really riding on ...

And then she stopped. If they really did have Hajime ... did Divine know where they were? What had been happening tto him?

Yuna's lip tightly gripped on her lower lip as she sank her fingernails further.

"I implore you," Yuna whispered softly, "Think carefully on all I've said."

Especially that first one. I'm sorry to be the one to tell you. But ... you're really gonna hate the Warden more than you do. Assuming you don't meet Raiko before then.

... Well, in all truth, he likely would still hate the Warden. It'd simply mean there would be someone else Hotsuma would hate.

"God, fuck. Really? Do you all mind?! Afraid the camera's can't do their job?! Shit. I'm not breaking any rules; you've seen that."
Fayth chuckled softly. As easy as it could have been to go on and on about the real reason for her feelings ... she still couldn't. Jack's reaction was rather freshly embedded into Fayth's mind. And even though Yusei was clearly nothing like Jack, she wouldn't blame him at all for having a similar reaction.

Maybe. Maybe one of these days she could muster the truth and tell at least Yusei. If they actually did get out ... perhaps then.

Now? It wasn't a good time. Plain and simple.

"So ... Signers are essentially selected warriors?"

Her smile weakly spread over her face. Definitely sounded far too convenient to be true. Besides, Fuyu or Masumi - if anyone from the Pendulum Dimension truly had to be chosen - were surely better choices than herself. Weren't they?

"Forgive me, but it still feels a bit surreal. Even with knowing I've definitely felt the sign go off before .... and this really is a situation I'm finding myself having more questions than answers to."
"Name?" a guard asked.

"Fuyu Uehara."

"And you're here for?"

"I'm here to visit Fayth Milner."

A scoff passed the guard's lips, causing Fuyu to raise an eyebrow. "Problem?" she asked calmly. Almost daring him to say yes.

"Nah. Alright, fine. Spread your legs a bit and put your hands on your hand. We need to check you before you go in."

Hang in there, Fayth. We're gonna get you out of this shit hole ... Fuyu thought, calmly complying with the orders and allowing the guards to do their search.
 

Hotsuma's hands clenched more visibly as she even went so far to use his last name. Tsunohire, yeah...That was it. But...How? Why? What the fuck happened? He was normally on point with how thoroughly he checked his recruits; shit, did that mean he would have led them to Yomi?! How many times had Raiko seen their stronghold?

And worst of all, if Yomi did get discovered....It would be his fucking fault.

"If that had been the case, worm, I doubt these knuckle-draggers would have wasted much time trying to raid your compound. You were at least intelligent enough to compartmentalize your route information to someone more trustworthy." he then heard the Emperor quip, something that made Hotsuma relax a little but not by a lot. "Wait...How did you..." Hotsuma asked, the Emperor replying "Our bond, you dolt. Your memories are mine...Just as mine are yours. I'm sure your lover can attest to that being true, yes?"

Letting out a sigh through his nose, Hotsuma then replied aloud with a smirk, "It's alright; these girls are probably afraid that if we sneeze on them, they'll get our cooties. Lemme guess...You four have some powerful father or mother, right? Trust-funds, plenty of spending money...Sound about right?" The guard to his furthest left grimaced, "Maybe, but it don't matter. The fact is, Fiend, we have authority to beat you to within an inch of your life if need be." At this Hotsuma laughed, "I'd certainly like to see you try."

And one guard even stepped forward, but another grabbed his shoulder, "Relax...Don't let the dregs rile you. They're just fronting because they're helpless...Speaking of which, you two little bitches are out of time. Time for cells, so let's move it."

And as Hotsuma was led away, he just kept up the guise, "Maybe next time we can be alone without a chaperone, eh?" Of course, she would feel that he was still roiling in turmoil internally. The shock and moderate inner pain he felt at being betrayed by someone he considered a brother-in-arms doing quite a number on him.



As Fayth asked about them being warriors, Yanagi just nodded, "I suppose that would be accurate yes. I only wish I could give you two more information...I'm sorry." Yusei just shook his head, "No, it's fine...But I'm with Fayth, this seems more than a little strange." The elderly male just smiled, "I can't imagine you would find it believable...I can only thank you two, for listening to an old man ramble."

However, their conversation would be interrupted...Except instead of Fayth being rudely jerked up, she would just hear a voice say, "Miss Milner? Apologies if I'm being intrusive, but you have a visitor. It's another hour until curfew, so if you're available, I'll gladly escort you there." This would certainly be a surprise, as the officers had otherwise been anything but courteous. Even Yusei seemed a bit shocked at the sudden change. The officer noted the reaction for certain and replied, "What? Not all of us are power-hungry jerks...Even we in Sector can be civil."
 

Yuna sighed, knowing this was hard for Hotsuma to hear. Hopefully, however, he could allow the possibility to be real. He didn't have to like it; shit, she didn't expect as much. It was the same as to how she was praying like hell Judai had mistaken the person that took Hajime. Still, she kept the possibility in mind because - unfortunately - he did relay one fact that could determine the culprit had indeed been Aki. And that came in the fact of someone had made the damage real.

Only those currently in - or whom had been - Arcadia were capable of such things.

Heh, yeah hun. Your Emperor is right about that. Rose hasn't really needed to go through my own but ... she has acknowledged she can see them.

... An odd thought now that Yuna dwelled on it. Rose had proven she could be curious. Why hadn't she asked about anything before?

Ah well.

"Heh, agreed. Bitches can't keep us separated forever, even if they wish they could."

Us? Helpless? Oh those poor bastards ... we're very much the opposite. If only they knew ....

... That had really been an hour? Yuna hardly believed it. Forty-five minutes was something she could maybe believe. But the whole sixty minutes? Unfortunately, she didn't have any proof. Otherwise, she would have argued. As it was, all Yuna could very begrudgingly do was nod and move away from the wall, allowing her arm to be taken a hold of by one of the guards. "See ya later ... Fiend~"
"Well ... that is appreciated. Something really is better than nothing."

When a foreign voice addressed her, Fayth almost immediately tensed up. Even subconsciously scooted closer to Yusei. "An actual visitor? Excuse me if I don't feel like counting Mr. Goodwin as one."

"Yes. Someone that isn't Rex has come to see you."

Better not be lying; I'm blind, but not stupid.

Taking a slight breath, Fayth nodded her head politely. "Alright. Tenzen-san, it was a pleasure to meet you. See you later, Yusei-san."

... So maybe she did like Yusei? Yuna may have been poking fun at her. But Fayth was finding herself wondering if there was some actual truth in that jest.

Standing up to her feet, she took a hold of the guard's sleeve, allowing herself to be led to the visitor's area. She was given her receiver ... and if they could, her eyes would have widened as she heard the voice on the other line.

"Fayth! Are you okay?! Have they hurt you?!"

"Fuyu ... " Her voice trembled as she swallowed nervously. "Is that really you?"

"Of course it is! Me and Reiji found out what Jack did ... motherfucker. We're working on getting you out."

"Thank you," Fayth whimpered, feeling ready to cry tears of joy.

"They have, haven't they? Wait a minute ... lift your head. The fuck's under your eye?!"

"N-Nothing."

Even without seeing it, Fayth could feel Fuyu narrow her eyes. Gulping at the sensation, she complied, resulting in a very expected reaction. An angry hiss and more curses.

"The fuck is their problem?! Goddamn barbarians! Oh, Fayth .... I'm so sorry. I should have come with you from the get-go."

Fayth weakly smiled, moving her head from side to side, "No. If you did .. you'd be in here with me. It's for the best I came alone."

"... Probably. Until we get something figured out, you got anyone you can trust? Even if just enough?" When Fuyu saw Fayth reply with an affirmative nod, she sighed in relief. "Give whoever they are my sincerest thanks. I feel stupid being able to do little more than sit across separated by this goddamn glass."

"Shhhh, Fuyu. Geez, calm yourself. I mean, you're not wrong in thinking this is a relatively bad place. But not everyone here is horrible."

Fuyu nodded, taking another deep breath. A smile finally crossed her face as she put her empty hand against the barrier. "Maybe not like this, but I truly am glad to see you, Fayth."
 

"Aww, no play mate?" Hotsuma asked teasingly, being forcefully shoved in. "Not this time, dick; Warden says you don't deserve to have someone to even talk to." His buddy laughed, "Frankly if I were the Warden, I'd have just thrown the asshole back in solitary. Get him out of the main blocks and all that shit." And with that, Hotsuma was uncuffed and allowed to rub his wrists, watching as the guards walked off.

"They know you too well, apparently. Perhaps they were scared you were conspiring with Kiryu." he then heard the Emperor quip, to which Hotsuma replied "Would be one of the few times they were actually right."

Yusei and Yanagi would have continued the conversation after Fayth was escorted, but soon guards came out and took the two of them back to their cell too. "Tenzen-san...Do you think all of that is true? I know you know it...But what's your opinion on it?" Yusei would ask his new friend, to which the elderly male simply replied, "For as long as I've lived, I wouldn't be surprised if there was some truth to it. Even the most outlandish claims have their truths, after all."

However, as the time went by, it quickly became 'lights out'...And with that, the prison was quiet once more.


The next day, it was mostly the same as usual; for Hotsuma, it wasn't much different than being in solitary. With his current cellmate on lockdown, he was given the whole cell to himself. The thoughts of Raiko actually being a traitor gnawed at him, and made his sleep fitful and by headcount time he was definitely more tired than usual.

There was only one question that he kept asking himself.

How?

He was sure to be careful when he picked his people, to make it so that Sector would never find where Yomi was. To make it where they wouldn't be able to hurt anyone ever again, to give those on the run for whatever bullshit 'crimes' they committed a place to hide out. And the sheer thought that a mole was in their ranks this whole time made him kind of ill. "You were duped, whelp. Get over it. No one can anticipate everything."

Once headcount was over...It was time for the morning gruel. Certainly nothing like he had in Arcadia...And somehow even worse than hunting for scraps in the Satellite. How that was possible, he could only fathom. Regardless, he would soon be seated next to Toju, who noticed his acquaintance's despondent look, "Hey man...Everything cool?" Definitely didn't seem cool, but he didn't want to pry. Letting a sigh through his nose, Hotsuma just said "Yeah, yeah, it's good. Just trying to figure something out." Mentally, he would add "Raiko...If you did turn traitor, you better have a damn good explanation when I find you."

Yusei, meanwhile, was talking with Fayth and Yuna; Yanagi seemed to disappear again, but over the past few days, he learned that the older man just did his own thing. Even so...He couldn't . "Never did get a chance to congratulate you, Yuna...Not many could come back from a turnaround like that, especially against a deck like Kiryu's."

However, he wouldn't get much time to think or speak much further; soon enough, guards would approach Hotsuma's table, as well Yuna and Fayth's. "Sorry...In case you morons forgot, Kiryu's in lockdown." Hotsuma grumbled, one guard laughing "True, but we're here for you this time, boy. Warden wants to see the Fiend in action! Now up!" And at this they both grabbed him harshly and handcuffed him, Toju trying to intervene but Hotsuma saying "Don't...I'll be fine, man."

And over at Fayth and Yuna's table, the same guard that was polite to her yesterday returned...But surrounded by many more. "Miss Milner...If you could please stand up." he asked, the other guard groaning, "Jeez, Michio, you're such a pussy! You're not asking the broad to dinner; this is a punishment game! Like this! Up bitch!" His hands grabbed Fayth's roughly and yanked her; the others restraining Yuna and Yusei. And as they took the two of them away, Yusei would feel himself stopped as a hand laid on his shoulder, "Not yet, boy...Today you're dueling me! I just got down with the first set of recruits. Warden says you're strong, but in here, I'm the scales on how that's judged!"

Yusei turned around and saw a rather tall and burlesque man with spiked blue hair staring at him, his voice calm as he said "Sorry...But a friend of mine got wrapped up in the Warden's sick game. I'm going to make sure she's alright..." Before he could say anything else though, he felt himself going a moment airborne as he was thrown across the mess hall. "That wasn't a request, boy; anyone who doesn't fight me gets no respect!"

Yusei could see that he wasn't getting out of this...But he couldn't just leave Fayth. "Now hold on a minute!" then came a third voice, eyes turning to see none other than Yanagi Tenzen. "Jin, I told you I'll not stand for you bullying the inmates!" the elder man shouted, Jin smirking "It ain't bullying, Gramps; you wanna survive in this place, you show your strength! And no one in here's stronger than me! That little game the Warden plays is junior league, something the losers get forced into when they can't make the cut! Now step off, me and Yusei the brat here have business!"

Yanagi then surprised everyone and stepped between Yusei and Jin, stating "I'll duel you in his stead! If I win, you leave him alone!" Jin certainly seemed surprised, but smiled even wider and said, "Fine! You'll be a good warm-up before I grind him beneath my heel!" Yusei had a bad feeling, seeing the pair go off to likely somewhere private; now he was torn. He just knew Yanagi was going to get himself hurt...And despite his inclinations to help Fayth, this old man helped him survive the first few days here. "Yuna...Make sure Fayth is alright. I'm gonna make sure Tenzen-san doesn't do anything reckless."
 

When curfew arrived, Fayth felt the tell-tale tap on her shoulder. She nodded, latching onto her lower lip, and glanced up towards Fuyu's voice. "Thanks again. Really."

Fuyu playfully - well, as much as she could muster, anyway - scoffed. "Of course. You'll always be one of us. I'm gonna go back and give Reiji an update on you."

Nice as it was this specific guard had been civil, she knew it wouldn't always be this way. Not everyday.

Somehow, the night training session had been tougher. Fayth was definitely sore ... but she had learned quite a bit. Hell, come the end of the week, maybe she coud be a half-decent fighter. Maybe.

Sleep, however, was a different story. When 3-4 AM rolled around, Fayth woke up; gasping, breathing heavily, and very much in a cold sweat.

"Ngh ... hmm? What's up?" Yuna sleepily asked.

"I .... I just don't feel good."

"You're ill? Can't blame you, I guess, but I don't have any -- "

"No, no. Yuna ... I ... I don't wanna leave. Not today."

That made Yuna wake up more. "What do you mean? Elaborate completely."

And explain was exactly what Fayth did. About the vision, how she'd felt Kiryu's malice, and how - if everything truly was as accurate according to what she had seen - Fayth had to remain in her cell. Or at least attempt to lay low. All in all, it was painfully obvious poor Fayth was scared of the guy. Terrified he was going to do something if he ever found her.

... Yuna stayed silent. This was another one of those times where something sounded very crazy. But ... with her being a forced Psychic, she knew Fayth was at least earnest about the nightmare. And ... she had felt the same aura from Kiryu. The concern wasn't impossible; however, the odds of her nightmare coming to life were. In the end, Yuna nodded and pursed her lips together. "Okay. I hear you. I'll be nearby the whole time, alright? Now ... try to get some sleep again."

Yuna was also a bit groggy when head count rolled around. Even without being able to see much of an expression, it was easy enough to sense Fayth also was. But both were there ... and would soon arrive at Yusei's table.

"Morning," both sleepily greeted, a ghost of a smile appearing on Fayth's face.

Yuna, meanwhile, looked over towards Hotsuma out of the corner of her eye. She was relieved he didn't mind her attention being more on Fayth for now. Maybe, though, one of these days she should just go be with him. The same fatigue was easy to see in her lover's eyes, and his separation certainly wasn't doing either of them any favors. Of course, that wasn't the only thing making him that way. Yuna didn't have to use her psychic powers to know that much was true.

"Heh, thanks," Yuna replied, shifting her attention back to Yusei ... and then smirking as the guards approached. "Oh? Ya'll here for round two? I suppose; why not?"

When it was revealed who they were actually here for, adrenaline shot through Yuna. She stood quickly up on her feet, moving her head from side to side. "NO! I'll take her spot! Fuckfaces! LET ME GO!"

"YUNA!" Fayth squirmed, trying desperately to apply anything she'd learned the past several evenings. Between the sheer numbers and difference in strenght, it was to no avail.

Yuna growled, feeling herself having to fight Rose's temptation to change again.

Still not now! she pleaded.

"Don't worry," one guard reassured her, "You'll get a nice front row seat."

"You all can fuck off!" Yuna snarled. "Seriously, the fuck's wrong with you?! That may actually kill her, you know?!"

It didn't take a licensed doctor to use enough common sense. The electricity would be horrible enough. But against a blind person? That was at least ten, if not a hundred, times worse. And those metal devices were't really put in the most merciful of locations.

"Don't need to tel me twice!" she calle back to Yusei, "Definiely gonna watch over her." Begrudingly, Yuna forced her muscles to relax, permitting the guards to drag her away.

When she aw the other opponent walk out ... her blood froze.

Oh fuck no!

That was essentially the thoughts for both women. Fayth had felt a nerve-wracking aura hat wasn't Kiryu. And now ... it was standing across from her. She subconsciously took a few steps back, trying to get out of range of at least the uneasiness.

... Love? Yuna shakily asked to Hotsuma, I ... I'm not gonna ask you to throw the match. That'd be an insult. But ... be somewhat merciful. She's more with us than against us. She's the last person who deserves to be here. Please .... promise me you'll do that.
 

"Haha, what good would killing them do, you dumb bitch? Then we couldn't watch you maggots squirm!" one guard replied to Yuna's outcry, clearly showing that they cared quite little about the fate of all who were chosen to enter the Pain Pit.

Regardless, the stage was set once more...Fayth and Hotsuma both hooked up to their respective contraptions. And with him having seen how these worked, he knew both of them would be hurting by the time this match was over. If her performance against Cage was any indication, he didn't expect to come out of this unscathed. Even more so because he was already intending on not hurting her; beating up a blind girl? That was low, even if she was skilled, especially now that they were mimicking that bitch Aki and making the damage real.

So...At the very least, he would try to mitigate directly attacking her. With anything too powerful, at least...Though it would soon seem that his contracted spirit did NOT have the same idea in mind, and stated as such before he could reply to his lover.

"Your ridiculous sense of honor is going to get us both killed. Rest assured, whelp, I will NOT allow you to disgrace my kingdom with mercy. Your deck is built for destruction...I highly suggest you use it. Or I will be forced to show you how to properly utilize my power, like I did against that arrogant insect Tokumo."

Warden Armstrong then appeared in all his glory, self-deluded or not, and laughed. "Well now, ladies, ain't this a treat? We got the Fiend of the Satellite, Sosuke, over here to my right. And we actually have a Fortune Cup contestant too! Fayth Milner, alias Celeste Belrose, queen of the Fairies!" Giving a small grin, he knew exactly how he wanted to play this out, "It's a mashup, pukes! Light versus the Dark! Heaven versus Hell!"

And with this, Armstrong then pointed to Hotsuma, "And you, Fiend, are going to kick things off, so make your move!" Hotsuma just retorted, "Fuck that, you don't get to just decide! Where was the coin toss from yesterday!?" Armstrong just laughed, "I spent my last coin getting a soda, so today I call who goes first! And I say it's you!" At that Armstrong then produced the buzzer, "Unless you're looking for a shocking turn, you best comply, boy."

"Go to hell." Hotsuma sneered; instantly his body tensed up as untold hundreds of volts ran through him...And hurt as it did, he resisted the urge to cry out, only slumping to his knees and breathing heavily. "What was that, Fiend? You say something? Seems the words got caught in your throat there" Armstrong joked, earning a hearty laugh from the throng of onlookers. "Whelp! Take the first turn! Build your advantage!" the Emperor roared in his mind, giving him a very severe headache in the process.

Ignoring both the pain in his body and his contract's displeasure, he then said, "Fuck you...Fayth goes first. So go on, keep shocking me, you fat fuck! Then all she'll be dueling is someone in a coma!" Warden Armstrong snarled; damn it, his boys were too eager to see the Fiend fight for him to go comatose. And he could see that Hotsuma would resist; these fucking punks just make things so difficult.

"Fine! The precious little princess goes first, then...Fucking brat You best be thankful the Fiend is feeling merciful! So make your useless move!" Armstrong bellowed, tapping his foot impatiently.
 

I'm not talking to you, your goddamned Highness! Tokumo deserved the brutality he got! This ... this is someone else who could be a decent, potential ally for when we get out! If you DARE make him do anything extreme, I WILL extract you my damn self. I don't make empty threats, and I sure as shit have the ability to do so. So don't fuck with my lover like that ...

Yuna's fists clenched, her eyes softening as she stared at Fayth. When they first met, Yuna said she wasn't sure if she could handle being blind. But now? The hell with if she could or not. If it'd make this match easier, she'd gladly switch places in every possible manner with Fayth. Her physical state ... remove the risk of having to be tossed away in solitary. Everything. And that was what made being restrained like this sting. Knowing she couldn't allow Rose to help her out. Yuna just had to stand and watch ... very reluctantly so.

"Huh?"

Oh Fayth heard; but she hardly believed it. The Fiend ... was allowing her to go first? Her head politely bowed as she drew her starting hand, shakily moving her fingertips across the top of each card. Her eyelids closed behind the cloth as she took a long breath. It wouldn't do her any good to duel while almost panicking. This was especially true with her receiving the first turn; it had been easily one of the best blessings she could have gotten.

"I'll discard Zeradias, Herald of Heaven to activate his effect! By sending him to the grave, I can get one Sanctuary in the Sky to my hand. I then activate my field card!"

A small smile spread over her face. There was a rather heavenly feel that came from using this deck. Ironic ... certainly appropriate. And she already had a way to ensure that feeling stayed in tact.

"I'll set a card and summon Dunames Dark Witch! For now, that's my turn."

Even if her opponent could get something over 1800, her life points would be safe thanks to Sanctuary in the Sky. It was a win-win ... something she easily could have quipped to the Warden about. Instead, she kept the thoughts to herself.

You just said it yourself, you prick of a warden. I'm going to the Fortune Cup; I don't make wasteful moves or decisions.

Damn straight, Yuna inwardly agreed, smirking as she also kept her thoughts to herself.
 

"Feh, you barely are able to restrain your own contract, and you dare make your allegedly non-existent empty threats? Right now, if he does hold back, you could very well have a repeat of Aki's annilhilation of him on your hands. First you would let him suffer through vines that bound and cut him, nearly cutting his throat, now you would make him suffer being shocked just for someone you hardly know? And you call me a monster..."

Of course, the Emperor couldn't truly care if Yuna really felt as she did or not; it was ridiculously easy to exploit the logic in her response as it was. But wherever she would believe his story or not, he DID want his host to come out victorious. If they wanted to move about in secrecy and get themselves out of here, him being victorious in this Duel was the only reasonable outcome. And if he had to trample an ant to do so, then so be it.

And this was commented as such when Hotsuma would take his turn, drawing a sixth card, "Hmmm...I see many moves with this. I'll warn you again: Do NOT relinquish your chance at victory...Are you really going to allow your brother to suffer just to save some nameless woman from pain? That is all you have known your entire life...Use it. Annihilate her."

Hotsuma didn't want to hurt her; she was here against her will, even if what the Emperor said was true. "Some time today, Fiend!" Armstrong shouted, hitting Hotsuma's buzzer again and sending another wave of agony through him, his teeth clenched as he suppressed the cry of sheer agony. "Ugh, fine, FINE!" Hotsuma shouted mentally, shakily standing up and verbally stating, "Ok....Fine....Fayth...Sorry..."

Shaking the last of the shocks and pain from his conscious mind, he then would make his first move after their provided Duel Disks were activated and their decks shuffled. "I summon Double Resonator in Attack Mode! Then I'll set three cards face-down and end my turn!" Not a very impressive start, especially now that he only had two cards in his hand...And the Warden would express his displeasure by shocking him again, Hotsuma seizing up as he held back his screams, barely able to stand up after all was said and done. "Don't you dick around this match, boy! My boys want to see action, not you summoning these weak-ass gremlins!" Armstrong called out angrily.
 

Yuna scoffed. That didn't count, as far as she was concerned. Seriously, she'd been in the midst of dueling Aki. What did he expect her to do? Somehow split herself into two people, with one trying to negate Aki's powers while the other focused on the deal? That was definitely a low blow. Even now ... well .... Hotsuma could better handle this shit. Much more than Fayth. This wasn't to say she wanted to see either suffer. But just like during her own match, it was all but forcing her to consider doing just that.

And at the same time ... she knew the Emperor's logic was correct regarding Hotsuma and his brother. Him getting into solitary wouldn't allow him any chances to help him - or anyone, really, out. Her had bowed as Yuna bit hard on her lower lip.

... Fuck you Armstrong. Can't wait to make this place burn like it deserves to ...

"I ... I understand, Fiend. I can hear you're not really fond of this match either. Draw!"

Fayth tilted her head. She had to run her fingernails over the text several times. Sure, she'd made a few changes prior to her arrest; she just hadn't expected to see these so soon. Ah well; maybe it could work somehow. "I summon Dark Lord Ukobach and set another card."

... Dark Lord? Those are new, Yuna mused, subconsciously leaning forward to get a closer look.

... The back-rows; it was always those that were the most worrisome. Particularly because three had been set.

So, if she was going to risk pushing her luck, it seemed logical to attack with the weaker monster first. Plus, the attack would succeed -- assuming nothing prevented Double Resonator's destruction. "Dark Lord Ukobach will attack Double Resonator!"

Yuna's nails dug deep into her palms and Fayth stepped back as one of the arguably strongest fiends in existence was summoned; Darkness Neosphere. Fayth knew of it, sure. But having it summoned against her? That was ... a brand new ball game.

"Stop!" she declared, relieved this particular summon could allow her to halt an attack if she didn't want to go through with it. And she most certainly did not. Not even with Sanctuary in the Sky out. Her head turned as she grimaced. Sure, her sets would help ... but she hadn't wanted to use them. Not this quickly. With how this had escalated, she'd likely have little to no choice. "Turn end," Fayth officially declared.
 

No, he wasn't fond of this duel. Not in the slightest; these sick fuckers were getting their jollies watching two inmates fight each other. It pissed him off...More than most could probably understand. And weirdly? Hearing Fayth call him Fiend, even if it was something he was used to hearing, wasn't something he found himself tolerating well.

"Ah, the Dark Lords...Those who tried to corrupt the Heavens and have them fall to rest with demons. Cast out, they forged their new clan. Away from their sky-borne brothers and sisters...Feh. They're still one in the same." the Emperor quipped, Hotsuma grimacing; the sets he had could very well turn the tide...But no, he had a better idea. To try and prolong her from feeling pain.

And it would get put into action right as she declared an attack; he would then show her the very monster he had seized from Tokumo, "I activate this card's effect from my hand! When a Fiend-type monster I control is targeted for an attack, I can send one Fiend-type I control and one in my hand to the Graveyard and Special Summon it! Burst from the shadows, and envelop the world in endless night! Roar, Darkness Neosphere!"

And moments later, Fayth would be staring down a 4000 ATK, Level 10 beater that was immune to destruction by battle. However...What he didn't count on was the effect it would have on him; soon, Yuna would see he was clutching his head again, even though Armstrong wasn't shocking him. "Good...Now call it out. The other new beast we control...Show her why you are the Fiend...No, the *Demon* of the Satellite! Show her that she was foolish to not resist more!"

"Fuck off...I'm not...Not against her..." Hotsuma grunted, knowing exactly what the Emperor was referring to.

"You...Have....No...CHOICE!"

At this Hotsuma let out a rather impressive howl; though if one listened closely, there was a ghastly resonance this time around. As if something from the abyss was trying to claw its way through him...His eyes turning almost completely red in a matter of seconds, and the surge of his aura getting even more powerful; those that could perceive would see a rather dark mist surrounding him, roiling as if he were covered head to toes in translucent black fire.

"My turn! Draw!" he roared, pulling a card from his deck in a rather violent fashion. "Whatever you call yourself, woman...All you be is dust before me! Charge to the frontlines, Demon's Cavalry!" The first summon would show one of the more powerful level four monsters in his deck, riding atop a massive stead. "My power does not stop here! Magic Card, activate! Falling Down! Your so-called Dark Witch now serves me!" Hotsuma bellowed, the Magic Card appearing as black tendrils erupted out and ensnared her monster, the witch struggling fruitlessly before she was pulled to Hotsuma's field, still fighting to free herself from the binds.

"Trap Card, Open! Solar Ray!"

Hotsuma gave out a yell as her card inflicted 600 damage to him; it wasn't much, but it still hurt. Hotsuma then chuckled lowly...Sinisterly so, as he opened his eyes once more to stare right at Fayth. "To think I would get a chance to call him out this early...I banish the Double Resonator in my Graveyard to activate its effect. For this turn, I can treat one Fiend-type monster I control as a Tuner! Naturally, Demon's Cavalry will fill that role...And your Dark Witch will be the catalyst for your own destruction! I tune Demon's Cavalry with Dark Witch Dunames!"

However...Instead of rings and orbs of light, a dark miasma-like cloud enveloped his side of the field, Demon's Cavalry soon splitting into four orange-red orbs as Dunames' figure would become translucent. Herself emitting an ear-shattering shriek of pain as the foreboding light entered her body and disappeared, Hotsuma chanting "Devil's might and dragon's rage, cast a cloud over this skin-crawling world! Release thyself from the abyss! Rise and devour, leave only festering death in your wake! DARK SYNCHRO SUMMON! KING OF DARK DRAGONS, BEELZE!"

As the chant went on, Dunames' body seemed to become more and more disfigured, the black miasma becoming a tower of dark fire; and from within, three sets of yellow lights could be seen...And once the Summoning was completed, Beelze's dragon maws roared ferociously, causing almost everyone to cover their ears. "Hell yeah, Fiend! Now this is a show!" Armstrong shouted, barely audible over the racket the Synchro monster was creating.

Hotsuma just laughed, "With this monster, I'll make the heavens themselves fall and shatter like glass! Beelze! Destroy Darklord Ukobach!" Only to watch as she would activate a Trap Card...One he'd seen many times before.

"Trap Card, Open! Magic Cylinder!"

Meaning Hotsuma would take 3000 damage, the utter pain of the dark dragon ruler's flames scorching his body and the subsequent shocks making him scream out as the utter magnitude of hurt ripped through him like a tidal wave. And when it was over, he was still smiling...Something that would make anyone lose their nerve...And then he started laughing. "You might have saved yourself damage for now, but Beelze activates its effect! When I take damage from a card effect involving this card, I can add the inflicted damage to its strength! Grow fat from the pain, dark king! Agony Matrix!" Beelze roared again, its ATK rising rapidly from an already impressive 3000 to a staggering 6000, double its initial power. Combine that with a 4000 ATK battle-indestructible demon and one had a seriously problematic field.

"I think I'll take it here to stop...I want to savor as I burn you down. Watch your spirit die in you; you think Neosphere is bad...Beelze will reduce you to cinder come me next turn. Turn end."
 

... That was it. The moment Yuna saw her lover's eyes shift, she snapped. Her own followed suit. It pained her - literally so - to keep it to only her irises changing. But honestly, this was enough. She could handle this much altering.

YOU MOTHERFUCKER! ARE YOU FUCKING STUPID?! WE'RE TRYING TO KEEP THAT PART OF OURSELVES DISCREET FOR REASONS!

The new and very sudden burst of strength coming from Yuna wouldn't be unnoticed. What used to be two guards being enough to handle here were becoming a chore. Something they felt as she easily yanked her arm free.

"The fuck are you doing, huh?"

"End it!" Yuna growled, "Right fucking now."

Nothing. No reply of any kind. Then again, it wasn't exactly amazing, either. In fact, they were looking at her as if she crazy. "What? And risk pissing Armstrong off? Fuck that. Besides, this is getting good."

"Maybe for you bastards, it is."

Yuna was no longer just herself. The voice indicated she'd shifted to Yuse. The guards didn't care enough to notice.

Fayth - most likely Hotsuma - and maybe even the Warden, however, might, heavily depending on if they picked up on the tone of Yuna's voice shifting.

"Y-Yuna! It's alright, really!"

"Like fuck it is! Why are you so calm about this anyway, huh?!"

What had originally started as two people keeping Yuna - now Yuse - held turned into four. Two on each arm, and all using every ounce of strength to keep her from jumping down and intervening. Only to find ... it wasn't as easy of a task as it should have been.

Despite the back and forth exchanges, Fayth's focus wasn't about to fail her. Her finger pushed quickly down to activate her first trap as Falling Down was activated. "Trap Card, Open! Solar Ray!"

The answer, Yuna, is simple. This is what I saw. It didn't make sense because I didn't directly see my opponent's face. Fiends though ... there were tons of them. Including Neosphere.

So ... what?! You're accepting some bullshit dream?!

I'm not happy about even considering doing that, if it helps. But at the same time ... Goodwin's right. You and Yusei can't keep fighting for me. Though the lessons were short, they've helped greatly. Yuna .... I need to do this myself.

Before she coudl stop them, tears streamed down Yuna's face. That deck - even with the few Dark Lords included - really did suit Fayth best. A true angel to the end ... even against the Emperor.

Besides, she heard Fayth add, You've been so confident about figuring a way out, right? I'm putting a lot of trust and faith into giving you time. If this man is really your partner ... then me winning would do neither of you any good. Don't get me wrong; I am very uneasy about the thought of being near Kiryu. But ... this will be worth it.

... Fine. You better hang in there and not fucking give up. If it comes to you losing, that is.

Fayth grinned, not realizing that, if he so desired, Hotsuma could listen to all of this talk.

"Trap Card, Open! Magic Cylinder!"

Fayth's head shook from side to side. "No. If my spirit wanted to perish, it would have done so the moment I lost my sight. I'm not sure what's gotten into you; I can feel the change, though. But this .... is not my real opponent. Not personality wise. And it's exactly because of that ... which makes it easier to forgive anything you may or may not do. Draw!"

Up above, meanwhile, Yuna was being held tightly. Cuffs were reapplied to her wrists; nothing new. In fact, she was almost getting accustomed to the feel of the metal bracelets. It was things like the butt of the guns that she wasn't yet used to.

One ..... two ... three smacks. Each forcing a bit more blood to trail down the side of her head.

... Not that Yuna didn't care. But it wasn't her first concern at that moment. So, she took each blow, wincing at most with each consecutive attack. Besides, she had earned it. Hostile treatment for a potentially hostile convict, after all. It didn't really help that was why she allowed herself to be put here; for aggravated assault against some Sector pricks.

Moving her fingertips along the top fo her cards once more, Fayth nodded. She had kept some traps in her hand ... just in case they were needed. This wasn't over. Not yet.

"I'll set a card and end. You're more likely to break my actual body than spirit. And even then ... I'm not just giving you that satisfaction. Hell, nothing here - nor anyone - has succeeded in that yet. Not even since the first day."

Some of the things had come damn close. But completely making her give up on believing in Yuna or any hope of getting out? Nope. Nor did Fayth intend to let it sink to that degree.
 

Yuna may have been able to sense it, but the whole time Hotsuma had been in fact listening in. It was quite humorous, to see someone get so worked up over something so trivial; the Warden figured the Fiend was just living up to his name. True demons didn't play around, after all; they struck without mercy and tore open throats without hesitation. And if one tried to stand between a real demon and its goals, they would find themselves crushed.

And besides, all that happened with his host was his eyes changed; thank goodness they didn't notice when her hair had shifted during her and Kiryu's duel. These humans were so dense sometimes, it was laughable.

"Good, she knows that she is only cannon fodder for our might...Look at her, all she can do is set. On your next turn, do well to annihilate her. Burn the pain of defeat into her very soul!" the Emperor roared, Hotsuma trying to resist but failing. This wasn't how he wanted it to go, not at all. Evidenced as his hands clutched his head, his mind trying to regain its own solidarity.

"Damn...it...Yuna...I'm sorry...I can't..."

He would be able to say no more, for the Emperor's influence overtook him once more, forcing him into a mad berserker-like state once more. "Count yourself lucky to draw those Traps, wench! They won't be able to protect you forever! Draw!" Emperor!Hotsuma shouted, looking at the card in his hands. "You say that now...But once my monsters are clear to attack you, believe me when I say you will sing a very different tune! I summon Trick Demon in Attack mode, then use Beelze to launch the first offensive! Strike her down! Black Hell Flare!"

"Trap Card, Open! Emissaries of Reconciliation!"

The Emperor snarled; it was the same story again, much as Aki had done. Use of her traps and cowardice, afraid to face his monsters head on. "Whether I break your body or spirit ultimately matters little, so long as you are defeated! I'll not be shamed again! Turn end!"

The Warden and the other guards were starting to get more into the match; who knew the Fiend would be so vicious? Or that Fayth would get so lucky with her draws as to keep up a solid set of backrow cards? Either way, Hotsuma had the muscle, and unless she could summon something to attack, she would be in some serious trouble. This time however, YUna would hear Hotsuma say, "Damn it....I didn't want to fight....Not like this. Fayth, if you can hear me, you gotta find some way to take me down! Don't give up!"

"Boy, I already told you; you will NOT concede this match! I'll not let my host lose to someone so inferior! Even if I have to crush *your* soul, I'll make you win this test of might!"
 

Yuna scoffed. This wasn't the first time Hotsuma had said he 'couldn't' do something. But god, it was the most annoying moment. He'd fought against the Emperor before. Why the fuck was this different? Her eyes narrowed as she stared furiously at her lover. Granted, the difference in now versus when they'd been kept at Arcadia ... it was massive. He was much more under his own demon's influence than his own. And that only strengthened her resolve ot force the Emperor out.

... But that, luckily, would have to wait. If only because Yuna had to figure a way to do that while keeping Hotsuma alive.

" ... Watch your fucking hands!"

"Don't know what you're going on about," one of the guards quipped, grabbing another handful of Yuna's rear.

Best keep them there. The moment they move around in front, I'm biting your arms off ....

Fayth grimaced. The out loud words plus Yuna's thoughts ... all they made her pray for was that these two could somehow figure something out. But ... what was going on with her opponent? It was almost like he had a split personality or something akin to that. Now, the same seemed to be true with Yuna, too. What in the world was going on?

"Trap Card, Open! Emissaries of Reconciliation!"

Her eyelids blinked behind the cloth. Okay. Now she knew something was odd about these two. You ... can also ... ?? Yuna hinted she has her telepathic abilities but ...

Fayth quickly shook her head. Weird as this was, it was also a good revelation. It confirmed her earlier thoughts. He wasn't normally this way. Something was literally forcing him to be this brutal, this ... violent.

I'll definitely try. But right now ... my deck isn't responding a well as it usually does ....

... In all honesty, it wouldn't amaze Fayth if Sector had tampered with this duel disk also. It wasn't hers, after all, so ... maybe. That had been what almost cost her the spot to enter the Fortune Cup. More and more, Fayh was finding less and less things that truly surprised her.

"Draw! I'll set a card and shift Ukobach to defense. Turn end!"

It was true that her new set wouldn't work on Beelze; but it would clear other parts of her opponent's field. Assuming, of course, he kept other cards in attack mode.
 

"Heh...Keep fuming, wench. Watch helplessly from the sidelines; your little friend is going to get a very painful lesson in what it means to cross paths with a demon." the Emperor quipped; besides, it was her lover's fault for not trying to actually use his power willingly. But that was alright; he would make the boy see why his power was not to be trifled. And if he let it, it could very well be the key to get his deepest desires fulfilled.

Still, and he managed to keep this blocked from Yuna, he wondered how she would feel if she knew what Hotsuma's end goal was. He had to admit, even he was impressed by the depths of the boy's wish.

"Can you believe this woman? She honestly thinks she's of enough import to have a disk tampered with; the only reason she shaved off any of our life is because of her traps...Now, boy, let us destory her!"

Hotsuma grinned maliciously, shouting "Draw!" A satisified 'Hmph' left his lips as he saw the card he drew. "Your plans, wench, are laughably transparent. Know that you fall because you are little more than a one-trick pony. I first switch Darkness Neosphere to defense mode, then I activate the Equipment Magic, Demon's Axe! And I choose Be...." His words cut off as the twin presence starting to boil over in conflict, the Emperor screaming mentally, "No, you damned ignoramus! We can finish her!"

"I equip Demon's Axe to Trick Demon!"

This voice would definitely be Hotsuma's, the boy having managed to beat back the Emperor just enough to switch the intended; Trick Demon seemed a bit confused as the cursed weapon fell into her dainty hands, swinging it around a few times as her ATK rose to 2000. More than enough to kill off Ukobach...But Hotsuma wasn't aiming for destruction of her monsters. "Fayth...Please let that be what I think it is..." he pleaded, declaring "I attack Ukobach with Trick Demon!" But when she didn't activate, letting her monster get destroyed, he was worried. "Damn it...Beelze! Direct Attack!" he then declared, soon getting what he prayed for.

"Trap Card, Open! Holy Barrier - Mirror Force!"

"Yes!" Hotsuma cried mentally, seeing Trick Demon disappear, his Graveyard glowing as it prompted him to activate an effect. "You damned brat...HOW DARE YOU!" The Emperor howled, Hotsuma (somewhat) ignoring it as he then continued, "When Trick Demon is sent to the Graveyard by battle or card effect, I can add a 'Demon' card from my deck to my hand! I choose the Trap Card, Demon's Roar!" And with that, if Fayth was able to see, she would have seen the Trap Card he revealed to her.

"Boy...Whatever you do is useless...On the next turn, I'll switch Neosphere back into Attack Mode..." the Emperor started to growl, but Hotsuma just shouted, "Like hell you will!" And still having some degree of control, "I then activate the effect of the destroyed Demon's Axe! I send Darkness Neosphere to the Graveyard and shuffle it back into my Deck!" And as Neosphere's form disappeared, Hotsuma felt more of his sanity return. His brow beaded with sweat, furrowed from the effort of having to concentrate on the Duel and fight off the Emperor at the same time, the red receding from his eyes.

He could hear all the guards and inmates muttering, wondering what the hell was going on and why the Fiend just wiped two monsters off his field...Safe to say, he was more than glad Fayth set that card. She'd just helped him majorly.

"Phew....That was close...Imma end my turn before any other shit happens....Your move, Fayth."
 

"Drop the bravado," Fayth snapped. "I'm done being scared. It's gonna take much more than words to do just that. You should know as well as I a duel's never over until someone's life reaches zero. You still have yet to do anything with mine. So what if it was traps that achieved it? How doesn't matter; just the results. And you - as of this moment - have nothing to boast about! SO SHUT IT!"

A few whistles would be earned from some of the guards, as well as stares. What they were fueled with was anyone's guess, though it was fair to assume the intentions were anything but decent. Yuna didn't join the guards ... but she did smirk. It was good to see the lessons had helped her confidence. And ... much as she loved Hotsuma, she couldn't agree or condone all he was saying and doing. True, he wasn't his real self but ... she was finding it harder and harder to respect him the more that prick of an Emperor kept hold of him.

... Sure, he'd struggled back in Arcadia. But ... had it been that bad and she just hadn't noticed? Yuna hissed, grimacing as she squirmed against the guard holding her. "I fucking mean it! Watch. Your. Hands!"

Two more quick hits to her head would be hte result. "Shut up, dyke. You're going on about nothing."

Only because every single fucking one of you are corrupt fuckfaces, maybe.

Afer all, the only blind person here was Fayth. The Warden wasn't ... but like he cared. that was fine. Yuna could wait ... because it was becoming obvious that would be the best course of action. She certainly didn't like it ... but that was fine. She'd had worse. Not that the actions were excused; far from it. Still, none of this would kill Yuna.

"Trap Card, Open! Holy Barrier - Mirror Force!"

There he was; her true opponent. Both Yuna and Fayth grinned, although Yuna looked a bit pale with the blood still trickling down her head.

Thank you ... love. Keep ... trying. We didn't go through the crap at Arcadia just because ...

Fayth nodded, pulling her top card and feeling her heart skip a few beats. "I discard Hecatrice to activate her effect! It allows me to get Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen! I then activate it!" A frown quickly crossed her face. Why? Why couldn't she special summon the card in her hand. Her fingers trailed over the print again ... as she grimaced.

... That's right. Only some of the Dark Lords can be special summoned. Lucifer isn't one of them ...

Her head started to bow .. but stopped. She kept it held up, stating the next two words in her own calm voice. "Turn end."

.... Fuck!

She'd hoped Fayth had been bluffing about her deck responding - or not doing so in this case. Apparently not, and it was making her struggles resume. The next turn definitely wouldn't have anything good in store for Fayth. And if she couldn't stop the duel ... Yuna at least wanted to make the burden lighter. Something else, please! You don't have to resort to using Beelze! That's practically over kill. Shit, the fact it's out and all but invincible is bad enough. Don't need to rub salt in the wound. Please ...
 

The Emperor was absolutely livid at this point; not only did this brat just allow his 'daughter' to be killed off by a cowardly attack, but then he went and sacrificed one of his most powerful beasts. All for some unfathomably irritating little tart. "Brat, so help me if you lose this, I will break you." Hotsuma's contracted spirit growled, very much annoyed at how much Hotsuma had crippled himself. "Sit and fucking spin...Your *Highness*. This is *my* duel, and with Neosphere gone, I can finally concentrate." Hotsuma breathed, stating "My turn, draw!" His eyes widened as he saw what it was; fucking hell! And sure enough, the Emperor surged through him again, laughing loudly in his head "Whelp...Now we play on MY terms!"

And just when they all might have thought the Emperor would be quiet...He had returned. Even more enraged than before. "Prepare to witness true Hell, harlot! I activate the Field Magic, Demon Fortress - Demon's Labyrinth!"

From the ground sprung an impressive and ornate set of bone-set walls, howls and wails of despair and agony echoing off around them; even with her Sanctuary bathing her in light on her side of the field, she would feel just how wrong this Spell was. The two of them situated in the very center of the endless and infinite-seeming maze. "Ah...I feel right at home, don't you? Behold, the true birthplace of all demons. Where the Empress and myself rule over the shadows with an iron fist!" Emperor!Hotsuma said in a surprisingly calm tone, adding "But...Your only manner of defense is gone. Now you will see what happens to those that dare mock me! Beelze! Direct Attack! Infernal Oblivion!" At this Beelze opened his twin dragon jaws and let what looked like black slime drip out of the corners, snarling viciously before opening even wider and letting twin pillars of darkened hellfire erupt outward. The scorching heat and searing flame washed over Fayth, and even with Hotsuma trying to resist, his Psychic influences were helping to make the damage very much real to her.

"NOW...This is truly Heaven versus Hell! Pray you have something to defend you next! Turn end!" Emperor!Hotsuma declared, grinning quite maliciously as he took in the sight of his opponent. Even some of the guards were scared now; phrases like 'Holy shit' and 'Fucking psycho' starting to rumble from within the crowd.
 

A "Hmph" passed Fayth's lips upon hearing the word 'harlot'. Really, what was with all these insults that didn't even match what she truly was? True, they weren't meant to make sense ... but she couldn't hep but feel like they made the person hurling said vulgarity seem rather stupid. Either way, the annoyed feelings were only briefly lingering as Hotsuma's turn began. And the start of it was playing his own field card. Indeed, it did become a true Heaven versus Hell fight, with her own portion having Sanctuary in the Sky.

Oh yeah. There was no doubt that Fayth did indeed feel how amiss the spell Hotsuma had played was.

Poor Yuna was beside herself. Not only was this duel going too far, butt the influence over her lover was also. Was the Emperor blocking out her thoughts? It was otherwise hard to think Hotsuma would purposely ignore her angry curses while being groped in such a disgraceful manner. Just as bad, the constant hits to the side of her head were also being ignored. So she could given him benefit of the doubt for failing to notice the unwanted touches. But the physical abuse?

... Or was he beyond caring about her? That made a new set of tears start falling down her eyes. He wasn't that far gone ... was he?

Please don't .... something else! Yuna's nails dug deeper in her palms. Control was being lost on her behalf, as she could feel her skin about to cave away and make herself bleed there soon enough.

The first parts of he blackened fires could be felt. And that was before the full damage was shoved upon Fayth. She bit down on her lower lip, hoping the fact she felt the faintest bits of the upcoming attack would help.

But between the sheer attack of Beelze and the added Psychic elements ... nothing helped her prepare for the sheer agony. In fact, nothing had been this painful. Not even the loss of her eyes ... that was tame compared to this very moment; something for Fayth to even admit.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Whether Yuna or Fayth had been louder would be anyone's guess. But as if they were synchronized with one another, the two screamed the same protest simultaneously. All things considered, it was no doubt considered a miracle Fayth stayed on her feet for barely under a minute.

When forty-five seconds rolled around though, she collapsed, lying on her stomach on the ground.

"I fucking told you!" Yuna spat at the guards. "If you're not gonna end it, GET A FUCKING MEDIC DOWN THERE!"

If the concern hadn't been real enough yet, it probably would with the sight of Fayth's body being deathly still. And it continued to remain that way ....

Up until her shoulder started to throb and ache. Badly. Her mark didn't at least bleed as it had prior to her arrest. But it was stinging and burning, almost as badly as the fires that had engulfed her.

A strained gasp left her lips as she allowed her cards to land face-down on the floor. Her left arm shot up, gripping and holding tightly onto her shoulder. Trying to hide it ... even though it was all but lit up and revealed to everyone watching.

I'm sorry, Yusei .... I hope yours isn't this painful ....

Poor Fayth hadn't even gotten up to one knee, let alone her feet. She was still on her stomach, rolling to her back as she whimpered and shuddered. What was worse; the attack or the pain from this?

Her head weakly turned, looking as she almost swore someone was talking about ending the duel.

.... It'd be a relief in its own ways. Still ....

"N-No!" Fayth cried out, slowly letting go of her shoulder. The pain there had stopped enough to help her begin to move. Shakily, very much so. But it was better than looking as if that single attack had literally killed her. "I can ... still duel."

When the first attempt to get to her feet failed, Fayth opted to remain on her knees. No sense in forcing her body to cooperate; this would be the best she'd get. She could feel that.

"D-Draw!" Fayth shakily declared, gathering the cards she'd set face-down into her hand along with the new one. "I ... activate Valhalla and use it ... to special summon ... Dark Lord Edeh Arae. Turn .... turn end .... "

Fayth was exhausted; barely conscious, barely alive ... but if her last turn indicated anything, it was she refused to easily accept another direct attack.

Yuna also almost fell to her knees. She couldn't watch ... she didn't want to. Ironically, she understood better how Fayth had felt yesterday.

... But if Fayth had stayed put, she would too. If Hotsuma wanted another direct attack, he'd have to summon other fiends. And surely, at least one of those would allow Fayth an opening to turn the duel around. Sadly, as concentrated as she was on the duel, even Yuna wasn't able to block the other things out. Namely hands still wandering around her body.

When I get free, you fuckers are really gonna get your Karma for this shit!

... Maybe even sooner. Who said her fists were her only weapons, after all?
 

"What the hell, man?! You trying to kill her?!" Hotsuma shouted within his own head, the Emperor replying "If she does perish, it is because she is weak. Don't you get it yet? THIS is the power of your deck. You designed it, remember? You wanted to build a deck to instill fear in Sector...And look around you, worm. See what your power has done."

And as Hotsuma did such, he would indeed see that a lot of the officers and even some of the inmates were admittedly terrified, looking at him as if he were a true demon. This was what he wanted...But he wanted SECTOR to pay for what they'd done. As far as Hotsuma knew, she was a blind girl that entered the Fortune Cup, and had done nothing wrong. "See? If she is to be the sacrificial lamb to show these arrogant fools, then so be it."

Hotsuma's wandering eyes continued to roam...Right up until they landed on Yuna; oh shit, how long had she been like that?! The boy's hands tightened up, and for a moment his normal voice broke through, "HEY! LET HER GO! THE FUCK YOU ASSHOLES DOING, EH?!" He could hear the Emperor laughing in his head, "Leave her. Rose can take care of her, and you can see to her after you finish off this filth in front of us."

"Fuck no! Can't you see what's happening?!" Hotsuma spat back, his hands coming up to try and undo the restraints....Almost instantly receiving a huge shock and making him scream in pain. "Oi, stupid fuck! You did hear what I said yesterday about tampering with the system, right? Don't worry about your little toy; she's in good hands, haha." Armstrong chuckled, knowing full well what his guards were doing. Mouthy bitches like her deserved this shit, anyway; probably thought she was hot shit because she was with the Fiend.

Oh, how little did he know of her.

But...This did little to stop Hotsuma from trying again, fingers wrapping tightly around the left armband and making more electricity. "Boy, focus on the Duel! You can see to her after this is over! the Emperor roared, Hotsuma using the fact that the pain of being shocked was helping him relinquish control back to his own sovereignty to his advantage. "When I break these chains...You four motherfuckers are dead!" the Fiend shouted through gritted teeth; however, Armstrong then sighed and pulled out the buzzer, pushing another button below the normal two that sent even more current through him.

Hotsuma's body tensed up so much he couldn't even scream, feeling his skin blister as the heat of all that voltage ran over him like a storm, eventually having to collapse to all fours before it stopped. "God damn, Fiend; she must be a fucking good lay if you went through all that just to try and break out. End this duel, and then you can see to your little sex friend. Sound fair?" the Warden teased, Hotsuma growling and grunting in agony, the Emperor too wheezing inside his head "Whelp...Do that again, and I will break your mind so far gone you will never care about anything other than serving me."

Hotsuma clenched a fist and thumped it on the ground; first in Arcadia, he couldn't save her....Now here. Deep in the belly of the beast that was Sector, she was being manhandled. He had to end this quick. "Surrender control and I will end her quickly...Then after this, you will have your mind back." Hotsuma shook his head weakly, "N-no...I'm sick of this shit. Everyone I get near...Some asshole like you has to take them from me. I don't rely on others; this is my fight, damn it! And I don't trust you to hold up to that agreement...NOOOOO!"

With his weakened physical and mental state, it was easier for the Emperor to assume control again, able to push himself to his feet and brush himself. Giving a tired but clearly amused grin, he just said coldly "Hah...hahahaha. That's a good look for you, wench...Groveling on the ground. Tell me, does it hurt? No? Well then, I suppose with you having made your move, that means you can take a little more, yes? My turn, draw!"

His smile grew even wider as he made his next move, the mark on his chest becoming more and more luminous as its influence drove his vessel's aggression higher and higher "Your suffering is far from over. I intend to make you fully regret talking down to me, even if I have to break your body entirely to do it. From my hand, I activate the Magic Card, Soul Charge! I can target any number of monsters in my Graveyard, then Special Summon them at the cost of 1000 Life each. Return from beyond, my Queen! My daughter! My loyal soldier!"

As his LP dropped to 1400, he didn't even seem to register the shocks this time around aside from the normal body reactions; maybe it was because he was shocked so badly beforehand and he was still riding high on the adrenaline and endorphins. "I then activate Demon Fortress's effect! I banish a 'Demon' monster from my field, target another I control...And then Special Summon one 'Demon' monster with a Level equal to the targeted! Demon Cavalry, you have served me well! Now perish!" The demonic rider's soul ejected violently from its body, both rider and mount collapsing before withering away, the entire fortress glowing a ghastly white, "Now you will see my ace in true glory! Arise, Emperor of Terror! You who is the progenitor of the darkness! Genesis Demon!"

And from behind Hotsuma, two walls opened up to see a giant throne being pushed through, the colossal frame of Genesis Demon dwarfing everything. "And that's not all, Demon Fortress raises the ATK of all my Demons by 500!" Trick Demon, Demon Empress and Genesis all had the same black glow envelop them as Hotsuma had, their ATK stats now respectively 1500, 3400 and 3500. "Be thankful Soul Charge restricts my Battle Phase this turn, so you have one last chance to try and redeem your pathetic self! Turn end!"


Yusei was in the middle of his own Duel, having stepped in to help out Yanagi after Jin disrespected him, when he felt a surge of pain in his right arm. "The heck..." Yusei muttered, seeing the mark glowing brightly; Yanagi ran over to see it as well, smiling brightly "You are a Signer, sonny! I can't believe it! The legends were true!" Still, Yusei had a bad feeling; what was going on? Did Fayth's mark activate or something? Was there some kind of bond between Signers? If the knotted feeling in his gut was anything to go by, Fayth was in trouble...

"Oi! We're not done yet!" Jin called out, Yusei grimacing; he needed to get back to Fayth, see if she was alright...But he promised to make Yanagi see the power of his Deck. And so far, Jin was actually being reasonable all things considered; he even went so far as to claim how stoked he was for this Duel. But with Spiderweb Castle on the field, his Great Cattle Demon was almost untouchable. And he'd only survived because he managed to draw Totem Pole earlier and activate it to stop the bull-demon's consecutive attacks. "Tenzen-san...I apologize if I have to leave abruptly after this...My turn! Draw!"

Yusei smiled as he saw the card he drew; this would win him the Duel and with any luck, make Jin more respectful of others. "I activate the Magic Card, Map of Piri Reis! I add a monster with 0 ATK to my hand from my Deck, then I summon Cabrera Stone!" He then showed another Magic Card, "Then I activate Triangle O! When I control Ashoka Pillar, Cabrera Stone and Crystal Skull, I can destroy them! And this turn, any effect damage I take is inflicted to you instead!"

Yanagi was beside himself; seeing his treasures in action was a sight that he never thought he would ever get to witness, his eyes lighting up like diamonds. And once it went through, Jin just smiled and said "Well played, Kid" letting his Life drop to zero. Yusei smiled and handed Yanagi's deck back to him, "Tenzen-san...Remember, as Duelists, we have to put trust in our cards..." And immediately after this, Yanagi held out his Ashoka Pillar, "Here, sonny....I want you to have this. It's a favorite of mine, but I get the feeling a duelist such as yourself will find better value for it."

And then came another surprise: Jin actually came forward, stating "Hey...Look, I was an ass. Sorry for stepping on your cards, Gramps." Yanagi was about to yell at him, but remembered Yusei's words and just said, "It...It's alright." Nodding, Jin then held out another card and said, "Kid...I'm betting if you went into Satellite, you had your stuff confiscated, yeah? Take this card and go to Bootleg when you get out. Ask for a glass of milk and show this card to the bartender. A man named Saiga will help you get it back." Yusei was a bit shocked by all this, but just smiled and replied, "Thank you, Himuro-san...Now, apologies, but I really need to get going." And with that, Yusei took off, thinking "Fayth...Whatever's going on, just hang in there!"
 

Each new forced caress only made Yuna regret more and more not letting herself get taken in as Yukio. Sure, it wouldn't guarantee she'd be safe from this kind of treatment. But the chance to avoid his bullshit would have been significantly higher.

... Still, Hotsuma had been right. No one knew she and Yukio were the same person; at least no one had before Raiko saw and identified her. Questionable as that was a to whether the Warden believed his report or not, there was a much more definite truth at that moment. It wa what made her tears fall even faster; everything was crumbling. What were they still waiting for? Was it simply her lover's brother and getting to him? Fine; annoying, but understandable.

So .... we did this for nothing? Just like everyone was afraid of?

Her head shook. That couldn't be right. Maybe if Judai hadn't relayed Hajime was in Arcadia's custody, Yuna would be more fine giving up on leaving the Facility. She earned her spot here, anyway. It was people like Fayth who didn't deeserve this. As it was, her desire to help those out was pretty much the only thing keeping her from throwing her own towel in.

.... Leave me?

Spoken like a true demon. Had this alliance been a mistake? For the first time in years, she was wondering if the anwer was actually yes. ... No. Thankfully, Hosuma was at least trying to prove that wasn't completely true. That's right; the problem was even simpler. She should have been taken into Arcadia alone. Only she would be dealing with these powers. Only she would be having these internal struggles. Only she would have suffered alone there.

Hell, you knew before checking that trap out he had a reputation. You should have at least tried convincing him not to accompany you ...

No, it wouldn't likely have worked. But the effort to try would ease the guilt and regret swimming through Yuna.

"Who ... says I'm groveling?" Fayth shot back, hastily moving her right arm over her mouth. Her gaze stayed there ... but only for a few seconds. Once more, she put her cards back on the ground - ensuring they were face-down to keep them hidden - before turning her head and coughing. The sensation she was certain she'd felt came to life. Blood ... she'd coughed up blood. Whatever had been done to her, it was worse than the usual set of shocks. Her head lulled forward as Fayth groaned, feeling so very weak, dizzy, and light-headed.

She honestly almost didn't even pay heed to her opponent's turn ... however, there was one thing that made her head lift.

An ... opening?

Fayth weakly nodded her head. It was! Not much, but it was something. Compared to what she was sure sh'd receive this turn, it was much better than the feared answer of having nothing. "Draw .... " Yet, her hand didn't immediately move to her deck. It covered her mouth as she coughed a few more times, losing more blood in the process. If she hadn't looked pale yet, Fayth certainly did now. Her hand shook as she wiped her life force on her pant leg. It seemed more appropriate an symbolic, anyway. This place ... it was the cause for so much unneeded ... everything, really. Sorrow, tears, bloodshed ... it was more right for the blood to be there than on her own flesh.

When Fayth felt confident she wouldn't ruin her cards, they were all picked up. Trembling fingers danced once more over the tops. Yes! There was indeed an opening like she thought.

"I ... set a card. Dark Lord ... Edeh Arae .... " Her right hand pointed forward, towards where she she sensed the Queen of the Fiends had been summoned. "Attack ... Archfiend Heiress!"

The faintest of smiles spread over Fayth's face as the tell-tale sounds of Hotsuma's life dropped, stopping at a dangerously low 600. It was true that some of his life point loss had been his own doing. But when one did the math, only 3000 was voluntarily inflicted upon himself. That thus mean the rest had been done by Fayth; pretty impressive, all things considered. The likelihood of her plan was low ... almost as much as her opponent's life. But it could work.

This would all be much easier if she still had something else on the field. Or if Lucifer could have been special summoned. As things were .... this was - more likely than not - her last turn. The vision had said so, anyway. She perfectly saw that, even though her sight hadn't existed for a few years.

"Turn ... turn end ... "

Fayth shook, feeling her body starting to try to collapse towards the floor again. She wanted to lie down ... sleep. Not forever, but definitely longer than five mere minutes. Not yet though. She kept herself on her knees, head held up. She was not groveling, nor did she intend to. She'd face the end of this with pride and courage.

Insult me all you want, but you've seen I'm not a fluke! I am competent. I'm sure you've had bad draws; this was my turn to have that sort of fortune.

Otherwise, this duel would have very likely played out very differently.
 

Emperor!Hotsuma snarled as she declared an attack anyway, destroying Trick Demon and reducing his Life even further. "That tone...Oh, how it angers me! You and Brron...So irritatingly alike. Such defiance! Very well, you wish to die with your head held high, I will send you to the abyss here and now! Trick Demon's effect! When she's destroyed, I add a Demon card from my deck to my hand...Now you will pay for your sacrilege. Draw!" he roared once it was officially his turn.

"Genesis Demon's effect activates! I banish Demon's Roar from my hand, then target one card on your field and destroy it! Imperial Decree! Eradicate her set card!" The same black tendrils that had ensnared Dunames several turns earlier erupted from Genesis Demon's outstretched right arm, shattering her set card and spelling the end for her in this Duel.

"Now then...I grow tired of you, so die from this attack and never return! Genesis Demon, destroy Edeh Arae!" The colossal demon's already blood-red hues seemed to glow even brighter, twin beams of energy blasting out and vaporizing her monster, but Sanctuary's effect reducing the damage to zero.

"Beelze, finish this! Infernal Oblivion!"

Again, the Emperor felt himself stopped, Hotsuma weakly trying to assert control; the Emperor chuckled, deciding to surrender control for a time. He'd already taken his turn; and if Hotsuma would notice anything, he would see that his contract 'switched off' the majority of the physical damage even as the dark flames engulfed his opponent. He considered it one last mercy; last thing he needed to do was break the boy's spirit completely. "Worry not, pathetic whelp; she'll hurt, but she'll survive."

And once her Life Points dropped to zero, Hotsuma finally fell down, the pain of the Warden's excessive shocking getting to him; his body shook with agony, but he knew this was nothing compared to the pain Fayth was probably feeling. Small 'ticks' could be heard as tears leaked from his eyes; Yuna probably hated him right now, and he couldn't even blame her for it. He'd let the Emperor take over, even after all he'd done, he still wasn't strong enough to resist him and it made him both angry and depressed.

He should have convinced Yuna to stay behind...Should have said that he could have handled this alone. Maybe then she could have been there with Hajime...Been there to help protect everyone. Wasn't that their agreement, that he would do the legwork and keep Sector off their backs and she would be sure to keep Yomi safe? That was his intent, to use his reputation and bait Sector away from there. Twice he failed...Thrice, if he counted his failure to not harm Fayth too much.

"Alright, cut them loose! Get a nurse for the future Fortune Cup contestant and get her into isolation afterwards! Don't need her bleeding all over my cells!" Armstrong bellowed, looking down next at the Fiend. "Well then, Fiend...You cut it kind of close there! Don't know what all the theatrics and shit was for, but damn if that wasn't an enjoyable duel! Ain't that right boys?" When he got a response from virtually no one, he was more than shocked, his brows furrowing, "The hell's your problem, eh? It was a Duel! We've done countless of these! Clearly the little bitch was just frail! Probably anemic or some stupid shit!" This seemed to make more of them relax, those that did having bought the explanation; made more sense to them, after all. "Alright, that's more like it! So then, Sosuke, the hell do you want, hm? You won, so pick your prize!"

Hotsuma didn't even acknowledge the Warden at first, trying to get his wits together; what did he want right now? All of these dicks dead and broken; all this shit, this was their fault they'd ended up like this! "What do I want..." Hotsuma whimpered, his teeth clenching as his rage started to boil only...Only for a new set of voices to ring out.

"Someone get a taser!"

"This bitch is fucking crazy!"

Hotsuma looked up and happened to see that there were several guards currently getting their asses kicked...Violently, no less. "Oi, don't be stupid! If you have to put her down, do it!" Armstrong shouted; and it was in that moment.

"STOOOOOOP!"

This was directed at everyone; even the Warden looked down, one of the guards having already drawn his weapon and had it aimed right at Yuna's chest. "I know what I want...Lock her up if you have to...But don't kill her. Even if it's not for my sake...Do it for yours. There's no way you'd be able to cover up a murder here in the Facility...Think about it." Of course, he was more trying to do this for Yuna's sake than the Warden's; however, he knew that if he pleaded to his sense of humanity, it would likely have not worked. But appealing to his sense of job security?

Armstrong seemed to contemplate this, then finally sighed and said "Alright...Alright! Guards, put your weapons down! Put Takeda in the Supermax wing!" Relieved, Hotsuma then said mentally to his lover, "I know...I know you probably hate me right now...But I didn't want any of this to happen. It should have been me...Only me. I'm sorry, Yuna...I keep fucking up. But I promise, if I have to bring down the Facility by myself...I'm not going to let you rot in there. Fuck and no."
 
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