The non-original characters in this fanfiction are copyrighted to Kazuki Takahashi, Studio Gallup and Toei where applicable. All other characters are considered public domain by the author and may be used freely, but he does request that you ask permission as a courtesy.
The card names used are translations of the Official Card Game (OCG) names. For the TCG names, see the "Cards used" at the end of the story. And don't forget to e-mail me your thoughts. Thank you very much for reading.
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YU-GI-OH! Negative Zero: Genex Midterms
Turn 27: "The Unseen Tears! The Legacy of Yuuki Judai"
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It was a quiet dusk as Asuka Tenjouin and Judai Yuuki stood on the harbor of Duel Academy. The wind blew through both duelists' hair. Even though they'd both grown and gone through much, their bodies did not show it. Although they were a little taller, countenances a little more stiff, they still looked like the same duelists from their earliest meeting at the school.
Their clothing had changed quite a bit, although that change was superficial. Asuka now wore the outfit of an Obelisk Blue professor and a pair of glasses, while Judai's Osiris Red jacket, unbuttoned, was, while clean and kempt, obviousy well worn. It had seen its share of travels.
They stared at each other silently for awhile. Tenjouin's face was the picture of determination, while Judai wore the broad smile he always did for an exciting duel.
No other word was needed between them but...
"Duel!" they both shouted.
Tenjouin - 4000 LP
Judai - 4000 LP
"If you don't mind, Asuka, I'll start us off!" Judai said, pulling his card. "It's been so long, and I'm so excited, I just can't stand it!"
Tenjouin chuckled. "Do as you wish," she murmured.
Idiot, she thought to herself. You haven't changed at all.
"My turn... draw!" Judai shouted. "And I summon... Elemental Hero Airman, in attack position!"
Out of a shining light emerged a heroic winged figure, with fan blades embedded in its wings. It thrusted its fists out in a dramatic pose.
Elemental Hero Airman - LV4 Wind Warrior (1800 ATK)
A new Elemental Hero... Judai's never used this before, Tenjouin thought silently. But I know about it. It will certainly aid in his strategy.
"Elemental Hero Airman's effect activates!" Judai went on. "When it's summoned, I can select a 'Hero' card from my deck and add it to my hand."
He fanned his deck out. "I select Elemental Hero Featherman," he said. "And now, I play the magic card 'Fusion'!"
Tenjouin nodded. As expected, his luck is as exceptional as ever.
"I fuse Elemental Hero Featherman and Burstlady from my hand," Judai went on, sliding the cards into his cemetery slot as their figures swirled into the vortex. "And fusion summon Elemental Hero Flame Wingman in attack mode!"
The monster which both Judai and Tenjouin were familiar with by now flew from the fusion vortex and floated downward, staring at Tenjouin sternly.
Elemental Hero Flame Wingman - LV6 Wind Warrior (2100 ATK)
"Two strong monsters on your first turn," Tenjouin finally commented aloud. "I see that the goddess of luck still favors you."
"Now, now, Asuka... you don't have to talk like that!" Judai said with a wink. "It doesn't befit someone in your position!"
"Hmph!" Tenjouin said in a playfully mocking tone. "I'll have you calling me Tenjouin-sensei before this match is done!"
"My turn isn't over yet, Asuka! I activate the field magic - 'Skyscraper 2 - Hero City'!"
The lighthouse and harbor around them disappeared, replaced with a futuristic landscape that looked to be out of a science fiction novel. I know this card, too, Tenjouin thought to herself. One of Maeda-san's designs... perhaps Judai-kun has changed, just a bit.
Judai rubbed his nose and chuckled. "Turn end!"
"Judai-kun," Tenjouin remarked. "I'm glad we were able to meet again, but I can't help but feel a bit disappointed. That fire that you showed against Toragami-san... I'm not feeling it now."
"What?" Judai was visibly confused.
"Perhaps our friendship is not as meaningful to you as it was to me?" Tenjouin asked with a heavy exhale.
"Don't be silly!" Judai replied. "I was fighting against Toragami for a reason. This is just a duel between friends! Just because I don't feel that I need to defeat you at all costs, doesn't mean I'm not being serious!"
"Then let me give you some education on what it means to be an adult," Tenjouin said, and removed her glasses, looking at Judai eye to eye. "My turn, draw! You are famous for your mastery of fusion, but just to remind you, I have my own fusion monsters, too. Let me show you! 'Fusion', activate!"
The vortex now appeared on Tenjouin's side of the field.
"Blade Skater and Etoile Cyber, unite! I fusion summon Cyber Blader in attack mode!"
Tenjouin's signature fusion monster appeared on the field.
Cyber Blader - LV7 Earth Warrior (2100 ATK)
"Awesome monster!" Judai shouted. "It's been awhile since you've shown me that, Asuka!"
"Cyber Blader's monster effect, activate! When my opponent controls two monsters, her attack strength doubles!"
Cyber Blader puffed her chest out and hummed softly as an aura glowed around her.
Cyber Blader - 2100 ATK * 2 = 4200 ATK
Tenjouin mentally surveyed the situation. If I attacked Airman, I would do more damage. But I'd be ignoring the effect of his field spell, 'Skyscraper 2 - Hero City'. Not only would he be able to revive Airman, he would be able to activate its other effect, allowing it to destroy one of my magic or trap cards. Since I plan on setting 'Meteor Rain' in case he plays defensively next turn, that would be a problem.
On the other hand... if I attacked Flame Wingman, because it's a fusion monster, Judai-kun wouldn't be able to revive it. And it would be a more troublesome monster down the line, to be certain. Then that settles it!
"Cyber Blader! Attack Judai-kun's Elemental Hero Flame Wingman!"
Tenjouin's monster gracefully began to execute her spin. Judai's Flame Wingman could only watch.
Tenjouin pointed with her free hand. "Glissade Slash!"
Flame Wingman roared as Cyber Blader's perfectly executed kick shattered its hologram. Judai reared back and grunted a bit, feeling the stress of the reverberation.
Judai - 4000 LP - 2100 = 1900 LP
"And now that you have one monster, my Cyber Blader's attack returns to normal," Tenjouin went on.
Cyber Blader - 4200 ATK / 2 = 2100 ATK
"I set one card facedown," she said. "Turn end! Judai-kun... show me the duelist I faced at the river! This may be the last time we see each other. I don't want to have any regrets."
"Now, now, don't talk like it's the end," Judai replied as he drew his card. "After all, you and I have both changed a great deal since then, haven't we?"
Tenjouin shook her head. "It's true I've changed. I have responsibilities now. But you haven't changed at all, Judai-kun. You're ever the whirlwind, raging through people's lives, while remaining yourself unaffected. You'll never understand how you've changed us all!"
Judai paused for a bit. "A...Asuka?"
Tenjouin bit her lip. "Just make your play, you fool!"
"O... okay." Judai put the card he'd drawn into his hand, then took another card. He nodded. "Alright, then. Here goes!
"Elemental Hero Airman!" Judai pointed. "Attack Cyber Blader!"
"What?!" Tenjouin shouted in disbelief.
Airman rose into the air, and then dove down upon Cyber Blader.
"Counterattack!" Tenjouin commanded, and Cyber Blader complied, kicking Airman out of the sky. Judai grunted a bit once again as he felt the pressure.
Judai - 1900 LP - 300 = 1600 LP
"What are you planning?" she demanded.
"Now that my Battle Phase is over, during my Main Phase 2, I summon Elemental Hero Forestman in defense position."
A creature that looked like it was made from the trunk of a tree appeared and entered a protective stance.
Elemental Hero Forestman - LV4 Earth Warrior (2000 DEF)
Another new Elemental Hero for Judai-kun, Tenjouin mused. If I leave that monster alive, he'll fetch a 'Fusion' card on his next turn. In that case, I'll have to destroy it without fail. Still... why did he suicide his Airman?...
"And now, I activate the effect of 'Skyscraper 2 - Hero City'!" Judai exclaimed. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon from my cemetery any Elemental Hero that was destroyed in battle."
Tenjouin's eyes widened. Of course! I overlooked this possibility!
Judai pointed his hand again. "Come, Elemental Hero Airman!"
The monster returned to the field and held its arms in defense position.
Elemental Hero Airman - 300 DEF
"But Cyber Blader's attack doubles again!" Tenjouin reminded her opponent.
Cyber Blader - 2100 ATK * 2 = 4200 ATK
Judai nodded, then proceeded. "Now I'll activate Airman's other effect. For every other 'Hero' monster I control, I can destroy one magic or trap card on the field. Asuka, I choose your facedown card!"
Airman got up briefly and blew a gust of wind at Tenjouin's hidden 'Meteor Rain'. Damn it, Tenjouin thought to herself quietly as she shielded her body.
"I set one card facedown," Judai said while rubbing his nose and laughing. "Turn end. Do you see that I'm serious now, Asuka? I never joke in a duel. It's the one thing in which I don't know how to fool around."
One thing's for sure, Tenjouin thought to herself. I'm in a bad situation. Not only does my opponent have two monsters with powerful effects, but they can revive themselves. If I destroy either one, Judai-kun will just resurrect them. Not to mention... that facedown.
She glanced at Judai's hand.
With only one card in his hand... there's no mistaking what that facedown is. 'A Hero Emerges'. Whether I attack his monsters or not, whatever card he has in his hand will come out one way or another unless I figure out how to get rid of those monsters without attacking them. Surely it is Neos or Edgeman, or something else powerful enough to eliminate Cyber Blader.
Tenjouin looked at the card she'd drawn, and her hand. In that case, this is the strategy I'll use.
"I summon Cold Enchanter to the field in attack position," Tenjouin announced as an icy woman holding a snowflake staff appeared on the field.
Cold Enchanter - LV4 Water Aqua (1600 ATK)
"I set one card. Turn end."
"No attack? How strange, Asuka," Judai remarked. "It seems like you've read my strategy, haven't you? But you might regret that! My turn... draw! And now, during my standby phase, the effect of Elemental Hero Forestman activates. I can take a 'Fusion' card from my deck or cemetery and add it to my hand."
His cemetery slot glowed and he retrieved the card.
"Well, you can do what you like," Tenjouin observed. "But if I've read your strategy correctly, you'll have to either sacrifice your two monsters to get out what you need and risk walking into a trap, or suicide Airman again and take a chance on destroying my facedown before you summon your other monster."
"That's just the thing, though, Asuka," Judai replied with a wide grin. "I knew what you'd be thinking! My facedown card isn't a trap at all! It's a magic card... which I'll now activate! 'Fake Hero'!"
"W...what?" Tenjouin gasped.
"I can Special Summon a Hero from my hand, but it can't attack this turn, and returns to my hand during the End Phase. That is, if it's still there during the End Phase. But I think you know what I'm choosing to summon, don't you, Asuka?"
Tenjouin frowned deeply. How could I let myself be so deceived? she grumbled to herself. More to the point... how could you deceive me so, Judai?
A burst of energy came from Judai's duel disk as he threw down his card. "Come out, Elemental Hero Neos!" The familiar sleek white figure showed up on the field.
Elemental Hero Neos - LV7 Light Warrior (2500 ATK)
Cyber Blader - 4200 ATK / 2 = 2100 ATK
"Next, I'll switch Airman to attack mode," Judai went on. "And for my normal summon, I bring forth Neo-Spacian Air Hummingbird!"
The red winged beast showed up on the field beside Neos.
Neo-Spacian Air Hummingbird - LV3 Wind Bird (800 ATK)
"Contact fusion! Neo-Spacian Air Hummingbird, Elemental Hero Neos, combine!"
The two creatures floated onto a point in space and a bright light emerged.
Judai thrust his fist in the air triumphantly. "Now appear, Air Neos!"
A winged warrior dressed in red floated down, baring its claws.
Elemental Hero Air Neos - LV7 Wind Warrior (2500 ATK)
"And now Elemental Hero Air Neos' monster effect activates," Judai went on.
"I don't think so, Judai-kun," Tenjouin interrupted with a click of her tongue. "I count three monsters on your field - Air Neos, Airman and Forestman. So Cyber Blader gets a new effect - all your magic, trap and monster effects are negated! So Air Neos' attack power is staying right where it is!"
Judai blinked, realizing his error. But it was salvageable. "At 2500, that's enough to take out your Cyber Blader anyway! Go... Air Neos! Skyrip Wing!"
As Air Neos arose to make its attack, Tenjouin nodded quietly.
"Reverse card open!" she shouted. "'Blizzard Curtain', activate! When your monster attacks mine, I can switch the attack target to defense!" Cyber Blader took a protective stance, and shouted quickly as Air Neos struck her, destroying her hologram.
"And since your monster destroyed the target, it receives an Ice Counter," Tenjouin went on, as a mist of ice crystallized around Air Neos. "And Cold Enchanter powers up by 300 points for each Ice Counter on the field!"
Cold Enchanter - 1600 ATK + 300 = 1900 ATK
"This is a wholly new strategy for you, Asuka!" Judai said. "I'm impressed!"
"Thank you," Tenjouin said. "But now, what will you do with your Airman?"
"Airman... attack Cold Enchanter!" Judai ordered.
Tenjouin nodded quietly as Airman suicide bombed Cold Enchanter, who struck him away with her ice staff.
Judai - 1600 LP - 100 = 1500 LP
"And during my Main Phase 2, I'll summon Airman to the field again," Judai declared as Airman reappeared in defensive posture. "And activate his effect. I'll search my deck for a 'Hero' card and add it to my hand. I choose... Elemental Hero Ocean! And now...
"Magic card 'Fusion', activate!"
You've learned some new things, I'll admit, Judai-kun, Tenjouin said as the vortex appeared once more. But is your faith really well placed?
"I fuse Elemental Hero Ocean in my hand, and Forestman on my field, to summon... Elemental Hero The Earth!"
A stark-white robotic-looking figure with blue shoulders and head and a red jewel on its chest floated down, crossing its arms, ready for battle.
Elemental Hero The Earth - LV8 Earth Warrior (2500 ATK)
"Now my hand's clear, so I'll end my turn," Judai said. "And during my End Phase, Elemental Hero Air Neos returns to my deck. And because of that, your Cold Enchanter loses some strength!"
Air Neos turned into light which shone into Judai's deck.
Cold Enchanter - 1900 ATK - 300 = 1600 ATK
"Judai," Tenjouin muttered as she put her hand to her deck. "You're so free and easy. Why... how can you live this way?"
"Asuka...?" Judai responded.
"Do we even matter to you?" Tenjouin shouted. "You left without even saying goodbye! I cried for you! Did you know that? Do you even care? You just live for the duel, and that's enough for you. Well, I'm jealous, Yuuki Judai! I'm jealous that that's enough for you!"
"Asuka, you really have changed," Judai mused.
Tenjouin gasped as her body bolted upright.
"You say I live for the duel as if you never did," Judai went on. "That's why you went to Duel Academy, isn't it? You loved the excitement of the duel, just like me!"
Tenjouin shook her head. "It's true that the excitement of the duel thrills me, but it wasn't enough. Why do you think I joined the Society of Light?"
"That wasn't your fault! Saiou... no, the Light of Ruin brainwashed you!"
Tenjouin shook her head again with closed eyes. "No, that's what you don't understand. It might have been true that Manjoume-kun was brainwashed. I don't know what happened between him and Saiou-san, but I do know that he had absolute faith in himself when I dueled him. And... I wanted that. I wanted to do whatever it took, to have that faith. So I surrendered... willingly."
"Asuka!" Judai shouted. "That's not true! Your desire for victory was manipulated... used against you! It blinded your eyes and chilled your heart. You weren't the Tenjouin Asuka that graduated alongside me."
"And what about Toragami-san?" Tenjouin replied. "What do you have to say about her? She was able to control that Light. I wasn't. What does that say about me?"
Judai had no response to this.
"My turn," Tenjouin said darkly. "Draw!"
She observed her hand again. The card she'd just drawn would help her summon the card in her hand. Perhaps now Judai will see that I am serious.
"I activate from my hand, the magic card 'Swing of Fond Memories'!" Tenjouin shouted.
Judai's eyes widened. "That card..."
"I can revive one normal monster from my cemetery. Come out, Blade Skater!" The bald ice skating figure showed up on the field. "And now... I will sacrifice Blade Skater and Cold Enchanter, to summon the unrivaled master of water and ice!"
"You... have that card?" Judai gritted his teeth. "Asuka... what happened to you?"
"I understand the importance of victory now! Like you, I have walked the path of do or die. I've borne the thorns of hell for the sake of my students. And that's why I must take responsibility for all the deeds that Tenjouin Asuka has done! Show yourself now... Blue Ice White Nights Dragon!"
The ice dragon materialized on the field and let out a screeching roar.
Blue Ice White Nights Dragon - LV8 Water Dragon (3000 ATK)
"Asuka..." Judai said as he gazed up at that dragon. "Is this what it's about for you? Are you trying to forgive yourself for your past?"
"No, I can't do that," Tenjouin replied, closing her eyes. "I did terrible things, and was a terrible friend, and I have to live with that. Even if you and everyone else forgave me, I could never forgive myself. I can't dream of that as a goal anymore, Judai-kun. I can't regret my past. I have to move on for the future... my own future, and the future of my students!"
"Asuka..."
"It's like I told you when we fought," Tenjouin sighed, and now tears were apparent on her face. "You saw the true me that day. I will put everything on the line for victory. Everything... even my warm heart! I'll walk through hell and back if my victory will protect my important people!"
Her eyes opened suddenly, causing the lingering tears to turn into sparks.
"Blue Ice White Nights Dragon! Destroy Elemental Hero The Earth!"
The ice dragon reared back.
"Freezing Burst Stream!"
The pressure of the attack and its explosive impact shattered Judai's monster and he actually shouted and fell backward as his life points dropped.
Judai - 1500 LP - 500 = 1000 LP
"I know you're going to get up from that blow and laugh, and say 'What an interesting duel'," Tenjouin said afterward. "I know that's your truth. But can't you see how I'm suffering inside? I have to be ready to hurt people in order to protect my charges... even if those people are important to me...
"Even if..."
She flashed back to her deadly battle with Shougo, where she was certain that she had killed him in the battle. That, perhaps without the help of Toragami, Shougo would have never recovered...
"Wake up, sleepyhead!" Judai shouted.
Tenjouin gasped at his familiar words.
"You wanted to show the next generation, didn't you?" Judai went on. "The infinite possibilities of the duel? Death and destruction... those are possibilities, too. But you can always recreate what you lost!"
"You don't understand at all, Judai!" Tenjouin shouted.
"I didn't believe it, either, Asuka," Judai said as he reached for his deck. "When we were in the other dimension, and I saw your body disappear before my eyes... I thought I had really lost you, too. And I was certain... no, I knew you were gone forever."
Tenjouin's expression softened a bit and her tears stopped.
"But you came back. Like Fubuki-san, and Manjoume, and Kenzan... even after all I'd done. Don't you think I understand? After I lost you... I gave up my soul. I went for power at all costs. Anything to cover up the pain I felt."
"Judai-kun... that's not the same thing at all," Tenjouin sputtered. "You did what you did because you thought you'd lost Johan. I did what I did because I lost a game. A game!"
"You're distracted, Asuka," Judai said as he drew his card. "Before you wake up to the truth, I can't call you Tenjouin-sensei." He looked at the solitary card in his hand.
"I summon Winged Kuriboh in defense!"
Winged Kuriboh - LV1 Light Angel (200 DEF)
"Turn end."
"We both have no hands," Tenjouin mused. "It's like a fresh start for us with this next turn, isn't it?"
"You said it," Judai replied with a laugh.
Tenjouin felt her heart lighten a bit. Then she tensed up again. This is a duel, she thought to herself. I'm here to win, right?
"Draw!" she shouted.
She glanced at the card. "I activate the field magic 'Absolute Ice Wall'," she announced. "Destroying your Skyscraper 2 field."
The futuristic city around them shattered, and the scenery reverted to the harbor, but now a cold wind blew through the air, and ice pillars surrounded Tenjouin's field.
"Blue Ice White Nights Dragon!" Tenjouin shouted. "Destroy Winged Kuriboh!"
As she declared her attack, she thought back to her years as a student in Duel Academy, having been a student with Judai. She'd seen how many times he placed his trust in that card. One thing couldn't be denied - he believed that card was his ace. And that effect certainly protected him in many a duel.
Tenjouin felt a certain sense of sadness as her Dragon's attack shattered Winged Kuriboh. Even the smallest of creatures can make a strong, meaningful sacrifice, she sighed in her heart. But those tend to be the ones we miss the most, when they're gone...
"Winged Kuriboh!" Judai shouted reflexively.
"Turn end," Tenjouin said.
"Well," Judai said. "It all comes down to this, doesn't it? If I don't draw something good here, you'll win for sure."
Tenjouin didn't look happy at all, though.
"What's the matter, Asuka?" Judai asked before drawing his card. "You want to defeat me... don't you?"
"Not like this, Judai," Tenjouin said plaintively. "Not when this might be the last time we see each other. When I could think of you as a rival, it was with the idea that we'd duel again and again. That there wouldn't be a limit to how strong we became. But... you surpassed me, and left me alone. I could never compare to you, even if I win here."
"Asuka, you want to be a teacher, right?"
"What are you saying?" Tenjouin looked a bit confused. "I am a teacher."
"Teachers can't teach what they don't know," Judai said as he twirled his card in his hand. "You need to learn to surpass the desire for victory, and I suppose I'm here to teach you that. Just like how Toragami came to teach me something."
"Don't say unnecessary words," Tenjouin replied with a dour expression, although something about his words resounded in her heart.
"I activate Elemental Hero Bubbleman's effect," Judai declared. "Since I have no other cards in my hand or on my field, I can Special Summon him from my hand."
The water hero with the technological suit burst onto the field in defense position.
Elemental Hero Bubbleman - LV4 Water Warrior (1200 DEF)
"And I also activate his other effect, and draw two cards from my deck," Judai went on. His expression was a bit more severe now, and he kept eye contact on Tenjouin as he took his cards.
The atmosphere is more serious now, Tenjouin said, and suddenly a calm feeling swept over her. I'm going to lose, aren't I...
"Pay attention, Tenjouin-sensei!" Judai shouted.
Tenjouin was startled to attention when Judai addressed her as a teacher.
"I'm using my whole heart to defeat you here," he went on. "Don't think this isn't as difficult for me as it is for you! I activate the magic card 'Raise Dead'! I'll summon from my cemetery, Elemental Hero Airman!"
Elemental Hero Airman - 1800 ATK
"And use its effect to retrieve an Elemental Hero from my deck," Judai went on. "And I select... Elemental Hero Neos!"
That's right, Tenjouin thought to herself. He returned it to his deck with that Contact Fusion... And since he hasn't used his normal summon...
"And now I sacrifice Elemental Hero Bubbleman and Elemental Hero Airman to summon him!" Judai shouted, his face becoming sterner by the moment. "Come, Elemental Hero Neos!"
The by-now familiar symbol of Judai's deck took his place in battle.
Elemental Hero Neos - 2500 ATK
"And now, from my hand, I activate... 'Hope of Fifth'!" Judai announced. "I select five Elemental Heroes in my grave, and return them to my deck. Then I draw two cards. I choose Elemental Heroes... Bubbleman, Airman, Featherman, Burstlady and Forestman!"
The cards slid out of his cemetery slot and he combined them with his deck, shuffled then drew.
Tenjouin's expression was quickly sliding into resignation. Judai, you bet your all on your future, don't you? she thought to herself. That's where your power comes from... faith. You know that everything will work out for the best, right?
Perhaps I can teach that to Shougo-kun and Toragami-san... but first, I must learn the lesson myself. Is that what you want to tell me?
"Alright!" Judai said, looking at his hand with satisfaction. "'Contact Soul', activate! When I control an Elemental Hero Neos, I can bring out a Neo-Spacian from my Deck. In exchange, all monsters I control return to my deck during the End Phase."
"But there's not going to be an End Phase, is there?" Tenjouin said with a sad smile on her lips.
"Asuka... are you giving up?" Judai asked.
"It's your turn," Tenjouin replied. "It's your chance to shine. I'll have my own chances in the future, but right now, I just want to see your shine. Victory was never really what I pursued."
"Then what was it you pursued?"
Tenjouin just smiled now with confidence, reassured in herself. She spread her arms out wide. "A bright future for everybody," she replied. "That's what I want now. A future full of possibility and adventure... where no one is left out, where everyone has their own chances to shine brilliantly... that's what I want! That's what I'll pursue, and that's what I hope to teach to my students!"
"That's the spirit!" Judai shouted. "You've got it now, Tenjouin-sensei! I summon Neo-Spacian Grand Mole!"
Out of the ground burst forth one of Judai's alien monsters.
Neo-Spacian Grand Mole - LV3 Earth Rock (900 ATK)
"Are you going to return my White Nights Dragon to my hand and attack me with Neos?" Tenjouin mused. "But then both those monsters will return to your deck, and you won't finish me."
"You know what I'm planning though, don't you, Tenjouin-sensei?" Judai chuckled. "You see the cards in my hand. You may not see their fronts, but you see them nonetheless."
I'm not positive of your plan, you fool, Tenjouin thought to herself. You may just be bluffing, like you did before with Fake Hero. But that tension I felt then is gone here. You're not lying to me, Judai. You never were lying. All the tension came from myself.
"Contact fusion! Elemental Hero Neos! Neo-Spacian Grand Mole! Become... Elemental Hero Grand Neos!"
The two monsters touched in a point in the air and became one - a fusion of Neos and Grand Mole, dressed in brown and holding a drill as an arm.
Elemental Hero Grand Neos - LV7 Earth Warrior (2500 ATK)
"Elemental Hero Grand Neos' effect activates... Nebulous Hole!"
It drove its drill into the ground and Tenjouin's Blue Ice White Nights Dragon shimmered off of the field. Tenjouin picked the card up off her Duel Disk and placed it into her hand. A gift for me, perhaps? the thought slipped into her mind.
"Now Grand Neos will attack you directly!" Judai shouted. And Tenjouin raised her hand for showmanship's sake as Grand Neos struck her with the drill.
Tenjouin - 4000 LP - 2500 = 1500 LP
"Instant magic activate... 'Contact Out'!" Judai shouted, playing the other card from his hand.
And at that, Tenjouin felt the doubt in her heart die at last.
I'm indebted to you, Yuuki Judai, once more, she mused, closing her eyes as Neos and Grand Mole leapt back onto the field. But this isn't a debt meant to be forgiven or forgotten. This is what it means.. to have a bond. You're wrong, Toragami-san. Bonds aren't suffering at all. I will show you.
She awaited the final attack of the duel with calm and serenity.
--
"Well, my business on this island is done," Judai said as he hopped into his boat. "There are other people who hear spirits, and I have to find them. You understand my responsibility, so... let's not make this more difficult than it has to be. See ya, Tenjouin-sensei!"
Tenjouin tried to be strong and keep a stiff upper lip, but just before Judai started his motor, she couldn't take it anymore.
"Judai-kun!"
Judai paused, turning around.
"Don't make this goodbye between us," Tenjouin said. "Please come back someday!"
"I can't promise that, Tenjouin-sensei," Judai replied with a heavy sigh. "But, just know that I'll never forget our duels. Every move of our fights is sealed in my heart. I know it's the same for you."
"Yes," Tenjouin said simply.
Judai was about to pull the string on his motor when he paused. "And, Asuka?"
"Hm?" Tenjouin was startled by Judai referring to her by her given name by now.
Judai closed his right eye and pointed his index and middle fingers at her.
"Gotcha! That was a fun duel."
Tenjouin laughed despite the severity of the situation. She took off her glasses and smiled. "Goodbye, Judai-kun," she said. "Have a safe trip."
Judai nodded with a smile and finally started the motor, and headed off.
Tenjouin replaced her glasses and watched Judai leave quietly.
"Life is just a series of hellos and goodbyes," a voice from behind her said. Tenjouin recognized it.
"Toragami-san."
"You understand the truth now... don't you?"
Tenjouin rubbed her shoulder. "I lost, Toragami-san," she said. "Doesn't that disprove your belief about me? I'm not a stronger spirit than him after all."
"The world supports him because of his belief, but that is only half of the equation," Toragami said. "He does not understand life beyond himself, but you do. A loss does not change that."
Tenjouin turned to watch Judai's boat get farther and farther away. "You don't yet understand, Toragami-san. The memories Judai and I share... those never go away. And even if his role in my life is over, those memories will remain forever... certainly."
"You're right, Tenjouin-sama," Toragami replied, watching Judai leave as well. "I don't understand."
Tenjouin just chuckled. "You're young. You will."
Toragami remained silent, just sharing the vision of her teacher as they watched a legend depart... together.
--
TODAY'S FEATURED CARD: "Blue Ice White Nights Dragon"
Effect monster, a water dragon with 3000 attack and 2500 defense, it is the unrivaled master of water and ice. When magic and trap cards target it, its power negates it. And you can send one face-up magic or trap card to the cemetery when your opponent attacks another monster to force it to attack this one. It is the symbol of the virtue of victory.
--
Shougo: "A legend like that was here and nobody told me?"
Aino: "Aoyama-kun is visibly upset as he comes to and Ayukawa-sensei tells him he cannot participate in the tournament."
Shougo: "That's my decision to make... isn't it?"
Aino: "In the meantime, two duelists with an interest in Toragami-sama squabble over who gets the rights to duel her, and decide to settle it with an all-or-nothing duel between themselves."
Shougo: "Umm... people?"
Katsuki: "One of them uses Harpies and never heard of Kujaku Mai, and the other uses Cloudians? This is a joke!"
Aino: "However, when the Cloudian duelist reveals her ace, the whole island will be shocked..."
Shougo: "Moshi moshi?!"
Aino: "Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! Negative Zero: 'Storm in the Clouds! The Battle Tactics of the Lovesick Duelists'. Please enjoy."
Shougo: "Don't treat me like I'm not here! I have a role in this story too!"
--
CARDS USED BY JUDAI YUUKI
ELEMENTAL HERO AIRMAN (TCG name: Elemental Hero Stratos)
Effect Monster (LV4 Wind Warrior, 1800/300)
When this card is Normal or Special Summoned, you can select and activate one of these two effects:
* Destroy Magic or Trap Cards on the field equal to the number of "HERO" monsters you control other than "Elemental Hero Airman".
* Select 1 "HERO" monster in your deck and add it to your hand.
ELEMENTAL HERO FEATHERMAN (TCG name: Elemental Hero Avian)
Normal Monster (LV3 Wind Warrior, 1000/1000)
An Elemental Hero which wings through the sky and manipulates the wind. He judges evil with a single blow from the sky - Feather Break.
FUSION (TCG name: Polymerization)
Normal Magic
Send Fusion-Material Monsters listed on a Fusion Monster card from your hand or side of the field to the cemetery to Fusion Summon that Monster from your Fusion Deck.
ELEMENTAL HERO BURSTLADY (TCG name: Elemental Hero Burstinatrix)
Normal Monster (LV3 Fire Warrior, 1200/800)
The lone woman and flame manipulator of the Elemental Heros. Her Burstfire burns away evil.
ELEMENTAL HERO FLAME WINGMAN
Fusion Effect Monster (LV6 Wind Warrior, 2100/1200)
"Elemental Hero Featherman" + "Elemental Hero Burstlady"
This monster cannot be Special Summoned except by Fusion Summon. When this card destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the Cemetery, inflict damage to your opponent equal to the Attack points of the destroyed monster.
SKYSCRAPER 2 - HERO CITY
Field Magic
Once per turn, during your Main Phase, you can Special Summon 1 "Elemental Hero" from your Cemetery that was destroyed by battle. Only this card's controller can use this effect.
ELEMENTAL HERO FORESTMAN (TCG name: Elemental Hero Woodsman)
LV4 Earth Warrior (1000/2000)
Once per turn, during your Standby Phase, you can add 1 "Fusion" from your Deck or Cemetery to your hand.
FAKE HERO
Normal Magic
Special Summon 1 "Elemental Hero" monster from your hand. This turn, that monster cannot attack, and returns to its owner's hand during the End Phase.
ELEMENTAL HERO NEOS
Normal Monster (LV7 Light Warrior, 2500/2000)
A new Elemental Hero has arrived from Neo Space! When he initiates a Contact Fusion with a Neo-Spacian his unknown powers are unleashed.
NEO-SPACIAN AIR HUMMINGBIRD
Effect Monster (LV3 Wind Bird, 800/600)
Once per turn, during your Main Phase, you can gain 500 Life Points for each card in your opponent's hand.
ELEMENTAL HERO AIR NEOS
Fusion Effect Monster (LV7 Wind Warrior, 2500/2000)
"Elemental Hero Neos" + "Neo-Spacian Air Hummingbird"
This card can only be Special Summoned from your Fusion Deck by returning the above cards you control to the Deck. (You do not use "Fusion".) While your Life Points are lower than your opponent's, this card gains Attack points equal to the difference. This card returns to the Fusion Deck during the End Phase.
ELEMENTAL HERO OCEAN
Effect Monster (LV4 Water Warrior, 1500/1200)
Once per turn, during your Standby Phase, you can return 1 "HERO" monster from your side of the field or your Cemetery to its owner's hand.
ELEMENTAL HERO THE EARTH (TCG name: Elemental Hero Terra Firma)
Fusion Effect Monster (LV8 Earth Warrior, 2500/2000)
"Elemental Hero Ocean" + "Elemental Hero Forestman"
This monster cannot be Special Summoned except by Fusion Summon. You can Sacrifice 1 face-up "Elemental Hero" monster to have this card gain Attack points equal to the Sacrificed card's Attack points until the End Phase.
WINGED KURIBOH
Effect Monster (LV1 Light Angel, 300/200)
When this card on the field is destroyed and sent to the cemetery, all Battle Damage to this card's controller becomes 0 for that turn.
ELEMENTAL HERO BUBBLEMAN
Effect Monster (LV4 Water Warrior, 800/1200)
If this is the only card in your hand, you can Special Summon it. If you have no other cards on your field when this card is Summoned, you can draw 2 cards.
RAISE DEAD (TCG name: Monster Reborn)
Normal Magic
Select 1 Monster in either player's cemetery and Special Summon it to your side of the field.
HOPE OF FIFTH (TCG name: Fifth Hope)
Normal Magic
Select 5 "Elemental Hero" monsters in your Cemetery and shuffle them into the Deck. Then draw 2 cards. Draw 3 cards if you had no other cards on the field and in your hand when you activated this card.
CONTACT SOUL (note: anime exclusive card.)
Normal Magic
Activate only while you control a face up "Elemental Hero Neos". Special Summon 1 "Neo-Spacian" Monster from your Deck or Cemetery. During the End Phase, return all monsters you control to their owner's decks.
NEO-SPACIAN GRAND MOLE
Effect Monster (LV3 Earth Rock, 900/300)
If this card battles with an opponent's monster, you can skip damage calculation to return both monsters to their owner's hands at the start of the Damage Step.
ELEMENTAL HERO GRAND NEOS
Fusion Effect Monster (LV7 Earth Warrior, 2500/2000)
"Elemental Hero Neos" + "Neo-Spacian Grand Mole"
This card can only be Special Summoned from your Fusion Deck by returning the above cards you control to the Deck. (You do not use "Fusion".) Once per turn, you can return 1 monster your opponent controls to its owner's hand. This card returns to the Fusion Deck during the End Phase.
CONTACT OUT
Instant Magic
Return 1 "Neos" Fusion Monster you control to the Fusion Deck. If all the Fusion Material Monsters listed on that Fusion Monster are in your deck, you can Special Summon them.
--
CARDS USED BY ASUKA TENJOUIN
FUSION (TCG name: Polymerization)
Normal Magic
Send Fusion-Material Monsters listed on a Fusion Monster card from your hand or side of the field to the cemetery to Fusion Summon that Monster from your Fusion Deck.
ETOILE CYBER
Effect Monster (L4 Earth Warrior, 1200/1600)
If this card attacks your opponent directly, its ATK goes up by 500 points during the Damage Step.
BLADE SKATER
Normal Monster (L4 Earth Warrior, 1400/1500)
An image of beauty on the ice, this gorgeous warrior rips her opponents to pieces with her stylish Accel Slicer attack.
CYBER BLADER
Fusion Effect Monster (L7 Earth Warrior, 2100/800)
"Etoile Cyber" + "Blade Skater"
A Fusion Summon of this Monster can only be conducted with the above Fusion-Material Monsters. This card gains the following effects according to the number of monsters your opponent controls:
1 - This monster cannot be destroyed as a result of battle.
2 - This monster's Attack points are doubled.
3 - Negate the effects of your opponent's Magic, Trap and Monster Cards.
METEOR RAIN (TCG name: Meteorain)
Normal Trap
Your monsters inflict piercing damage for the turn this card is activated.
COLD ENCHANTER
Effect Monster (L4 Water Aqua, 1600/1200)
You can discard 1 card to place an Ice Counter on 1 face-up monster. This card gains 300 ATK for each Ice Counter on the field.
BLIZZARD CURTAIN (note: manga exclusive card. Its English name is "Blizzard Wall")
Normal Trap
Change the battle position of 1 monster that was declared as an attack target. If that monster is destroyed by battle, place 1 Ice Counter on the monster that attacked it.
SWING OF FOND MEMORIES (TCG name: Swing of Memories)
Normal Magic
Special Summon 1 Normal Monster from your cemetery. It is destroyed during the End Phase of this turn.
BLUE ICE WHITE NIGHTS DRAGON (TCG name: White Night Dragon)
Effect Monster (L8 Water Dragon, 3000/2500)
Negate the activation of a Magic or Trap Card that targets this card and destroy it. When a face-up Monster you control is selected as an attack target, by sending one face-up Magic or Trap card you control to the cemetery, change the attack target to this card.
ABSOLUTE ICE WALL (note: manga exclusive card. Its English name is "Absolute Zero Barrier")
Field Magic
Monsters with Ice Counters lose 500 Attack points for each Ice Counter on them and cannot declare an attack.
