By: M Monroe Casey
Part One
Only 4 days, 4 hours and 44 minutes remained until their match was underway and as Monica and CJ gathered on Mt. Couch to see it all unfold, it was fairly unsurprising that they were on opposite ends of the cheering spectrum. With CJ standing by the point that Bubbles was slowly becoming less of an anti-hero and more an actual villain, it was no surprise that her softer and more compassionate other half sided on the side of Bubbles.
“But C… she is just misunderstood. You saw her. She was an orphan who was raised without anybody real in her life that really cared about her then when she finally found that after her long and unpredictable journey through time and space in Santi, it was almost immediately ripped away from her… it really does make you feel for her, you know?”
“Mon, I love you but no. I don’t feel for her. She plays with ante rule and belittles her opponents constantly. When she wins, it’s not like she just wins the match and that’s her only goal. It’s like she is literally trying to tear them down, soul and all, too… I just can’t get behind that. Even if she has lost so much… Look at Delanie… yeah?”
“Maybe but Delanie was different I feel, it was so much more violent with her…”
“Yeah. But the sentiment is the same, my Arizonan Angel.”
“Okaaaaay, Ms. High Goddess CJ… Maybe you are right…”
Kissing her love for a few moments in their beachside paradise, they broke it off then the two of them plus Cal then flipped on the Windowsill to the match as it was brewing even more hotter.
With the countdown showing only 3 days, 3 hours and 33 minutes now, it was time to check in on how things are progressing and prepare for the biggest match in either of the player’s young lives.
Click.
Taking some winter classes and switching to an online high school GED format to match her schedule and new lifestyle, the newest overnight Six Point celebrity Lillie LaDestino was preparing for the match in her LA abode. Grey pants and a grey sweatshirt sat on her lanky and skinny form. Yet unlike the relaxed clothes she currently wore, her mind and attitude were anything but as they tuned in to her first person narrative once more.
Okay, I’ve rented this cottage here in Santa Barbara and wow… look at the rolling waves on the ocean, it’s soooo beautiful… wait no, uhhhhh… I need to focus.
“Lillie, why are you so worried? You are going to drive yourself insane if you keep worrying like this…”
Ummm… because I have a massive match coming up… duh?
“No, I don’t think this is that. Because this is just the biggest match of your career, yet.”
What do you mean?
“Like if you win, it will become even more ridiculous. Bigger payouts, bigger fandoms and bigger glory. You know that right? Then, if you become #1, you will just have to defend that title. Over and over again. Having the biggest match of your career every match.”
Yeah but you know I don’t care about that fame or whatever.
“I know. I know you.”
Exactly. I want to win for something far more important… Some things that I can’t stand losing…
“What do you mean?”
I mean I feel like when I was in that losing streak before, I lost that warm feeling in my fingers that I told you about. It only came back when I won again… So, the only excuse now is to win. Then, keep winning. Forever and always…
“That’s so much pressure, all for that nice and sweet finger feeling?”
No… I also felt like our connection was stronger when I’m winning. It’s like when I lose, I could barely hear you and we could barely talk. It was almost like a static was there too and then… there is the problem with who I am facing…
“Oh… you mean the ante?”
Yeah… I know it’s illegal but I just don’t trust her. If I lose, there is no saying she couldn’t try and take Thunder from me too. I couldn’t stand to lose any of those things but let alone all three…
“Lillie, I’m sorry for the pressure but stay calm. You can do this. You can win this.”
Do you really think so?
“Absoulely. Go get her, Lill.”
Deal.
Then, as she continued on, it ticked past 00:00 local time. With the countdown showing 2 days and some hours remaining, the “Windowsill-Watching Couple” then clicked the remote to bring the image to the other forces over the coming days. Also, slowly gathering in Los Angeles.
Click.
Over the next two days and change, every member of the “16 Crew” along with Lillie’s family, At-Las, Heldum, Baleigh and KJ gathered in the “City of Angels.” Converging at the exact coordinates of the big contest on the matchday. Inside the massive white stoned arena with the maxed out capacity of 100,000 screaming and hollering fans.
Each of those spectators with their own tickets to what some news sources would describe as the “Spectacle of the Century,” and with 1 day, 1 hour and 11 minutes showing on the countdown, it made sense that the entire area and country as a whole had a deep case of “Six Point Fever” now.
Then, as only a few hours remained before the bells would toll and the cards and bombardments flew, the Windowsill was brought back to their main protagonist of this project as she was in her final preparations. Pacing back and forth in her white sweatshirt, white pants and black shoes. Playing on her natural snow-white hair and eye color, she was almost ready to play with Bubbles’ hit total soon too. Only about 1 hour to go before it was on.
Click.
Hmmm… who is At-Las? Hey, Voice?
“Yeah, Lillie?”
Have you heard of a group on Earth that is centered around alternate dimensions and exploring the unexplored?
“You’ll have to be more specific… that’s super common on Earth.”
Fair. I’m just curious because someone named At-Las sent me an email but it was weird. Not like bad weird but he just mentioned a “voice in the deep” a lot. That’s you, isn’t it?
“At-Las?”
Yeah… I don’t think I’ll reply before the match but I wanted to ask. Do you know him?
“I don’t… sorry. But maybe he’s a friend? What did he want?”
He just mentioned how I might be in danger and to protect Thunder and everything I have displayed to the world, I will need to be ready… Super ominous but maybe he’s right… we were literally talking about Bubbles and her possible ante rule…
“Maybe but you can’t stand down from someone like Bubbles. If she is going to try to intimidate you like the bully she is, you need to stand tall and don’t back down. You got this. You can beat her.”
Thanks my friend, let’s do this. Let’s rise up.
“Agreed.”
Shoveling down my nerves, I walked out of the changing room of the arena towards the main entrance. Softly rubbing my warm and comfortable fingertips on the equally warm and comforting Thunder the Constellations Dragon. Consoling my friend while he consoled me.
Then, as my name was said to the crowd as the challenger to the crown, I took to walking. Out to whatever destiny may lie ahead.
Part Two
Approaching the center of the stadium floor, it felt like every last eye on the planet of Earth was on me now. All of them watching as this virtual almost nobody was trying to weasel her way into their affection and hearts.
“What was her angle? Why is she so good with such a short record? Who just is this girl? When is she going to show the real reason she is so good? How did she get Thunder the Constellations Dragon?” Those questions and more probably rang through thousands of minds at the same time in this exact moment.
Just because I avoided most of the social technology channels leading up the match doesn’t mean that I didn’t see it all develop and spew across the world. I could still hear the chatter and noise as I passed by and I still saw the breaking news flash on every screen as I walked along, even as hard as I tried to avoid it. It was still there. Those comments and more.
But as I told the Voice before, the prime choice of word to define it all was still true, noise. That’s all it was. Some sensationalist media member who got paid money to find whatever dirt they could about me but it didn’t matter. They didn’t know the real me.
They didn’t know my struggle or my story. They didn’t know the restless nights, the loneliness or the hard work I’ve done. All they know is that I’m now good at this seemingly important thing and that’s it.
But sometimes, their words have made me want to walk away from it completely. To just turn around from this stadium and just go back to Glens Falls where it’s safe and quiet. But I can’t do that because to do that would be to turn my back on two someones who believed me so much that they put their very existence and reputation on the line for me.
And I was not going to let Thunder or the Voice down. So, Bubbles had better be ready for the Fight. Of. Her. Life. Because I was not going to go out quietly, if at all.
Reaching the center of the ring as the crowd in its max capacity screamed and chanted my name, I looked on ahead as my opponent strutted her confident and moderately aggressive self towards me.
Black leather worn from head-to-toe still with now black sunglasses to shadow up her amber eyes of disdain, judgement and sass.
Reaching me while the crowd hooted and hollered for their “bad girl punk princess,” she smirked as she got closer then stopped in the edge of the center circle, letting the trash talk start flying almost immediately after.
“Heeeeeyyy, freak.”
Hey Bubbles. I replied, knowing that I couldn’t appear too weak or too aggressive. My family was still here and I was not going to show them or any of my younger fans a different side of me. A side of me that would resemble someone like her that I criticize so often.
“I saw a video of you talking to your cards like they were your only friends the other day… it was sooooooo saaaaaad!”
Maybe they are my friends. And do you have a problem with that?
“Maybe I do. Weak and soft players like you give players like me a bad name. The idea that my name is even in a bout with you is just soooooo saaaaad too. Like why are you even here? You’ve been playing the game for what, likeeeeee, 6 months? Just go back to your rinky-dink, bumpkin, cow-loving home and leave the best game to the real players, you loser freak from the middle of nothiiiiiiiing….”
That’s enough. Let’s settle this with our cards.
“Oh? Did I hurt your feelings, why don’t you go and cry to your 32 friends there, huuuuuh?”
Oh no, you didn’t hurt my feelings. I just wanted to give these people what they wanted. It is why we are here, aren’t we? Unless you are only trashing me because you are scared?
“Scared of you? Puh-leeeeeeeease!!! What is there to be scared of?! You are just a slightly older girl than me from a nothing town who will always be nothing. Just like every person from your sad and insignificant life… It’s perfect and makes all the sense in life. You can just all sit around, look at the rest of us living our best lives and wonder why the world doesn’t care about your nothing town… you little freaky geeky geek.”
Feeling my blood beginning to boil and her getting under my skin, the Voice quickly swooped in at just the right time.
“Don’t listen to her, Lillie. She is just trying to rile you. You got this.”
Thanks and you’re right. We got this.
“Omg! Are you talking to yourself now?! You really are just something else…”
Enough. I said. Let’s. Play. With a serious demeanor taking over now, the warm feeling in my hands and fingertips then began to increase even more. Warmer than ever before.
“Okay… just don’t say I didn’t warn you… you’re onnnnnn, freak!”
Drawing The Fun Orange Dragon, The Tall Blue Dragon, The Dragon Phenomenon, I the Dragon’s Friend, The Voices in the Darkness and V the girl who can transform into a dragon in my opening hand, I surveyed them quickly and looked over my options. Being the lower ranked player, I had to go first but I guess such is the privilege of being “the best.”
Knowing my opponent well, I knew she could potentially take me out in one turn, depending which combination of machines, apes and machine apes that she can draw but I couldn’t let that psyche me out. Because something like that could not be prevented by like 99% of cards in the game so I just had to trust in my deck. I can’t control what I can’t control or play cards I don’t have so the rest is just my love for my dragons and my own wit.
And neither has let me down yet.
Trusting she didn’t draw that based upon her facial expressions, I decided to play it a little safe and lay down two characters to start. Going with V the girl who can transform into a dragon and The Fun Orange Dragon for a total of 600 power. Strong but not too strong. Let’s test the waters. I have three hits for a reason. Passing my turn, it was her go now.
Playing only two Characters too, Robotic Ape #1 and Robotic Ape #2, Bubbles quickly went on the offensive with a Location though. Alone, they were 400 total but it was soon about to become much much worse for me and my beloved dragons.
Placing the card in her originally designed Power Amplifier, it did its thing then brought that beautiful pressure that us Six Point players have come to love and adore to the stadium here too. Going for the activated effect of doubling the power of her two Apes on the field, she then took to the screaming and hollering as she also then took the lead. Dropping me from 3 to 2 hits and clearing both of our fields in the process. Deciding to not discard one or two cards to let one or both of them attack again, I took a mental note that she must have a good card in her hand then. Either way, all that stood and was left standing now was her Location, The Robotic Ape’s Hollow as her first turn came a close.
Well, that and her devious smirk as the crowd of Bubbles’ supporters went absolutely wild.
Playing Robotic Ape #3 and Robotic Ape #4 as a new line of defense, she passed the turn back to me as I began to plan my comeback in real time.
Part Three
Bringing two cards from my deck to my hand as one does, I knew things were becoming more and more dire as the turns went because as famous as Bubbles was, no one alive truly knew just how diverse her deck really was. Usually the matches against her didn’t last that long for anyone to find out.
Looking at III the Dragon Walker and The Kind Yellow Dragon, I was lucky enough to notice my luck beginning to turn in my favor. I already found 3 of the 6 parts leading to my infinite combo but it wasn’t quite all there yet. I still need a few more pieces…
Accepting that as a possible win condition for now, I played I the Dragon’s Friend and III the Dragon Walker. Half filling up my Character spots with a total of 250 power, I knew I was falling short of hers, even if she didn’t double the power on her field. That stinking Location was proving to be a real thorn in my side because even with all four Characters at my disposal, I didn’t have enough but I did have something else.
Playing The Voices in the Darkness, I was able to add any 1 dragon from my deck to hand. Any one of my friends that I chose. Knowing exactly which I wanted, I added The Cosmos Dragon then and there. Easily the most versatile card I owned, I could be ready for just about anything and everything now.
Then, quickly as my card allotted me that privilege, it abruptly disappeared to the discard as all Concepts do. Giving me that new card in its place.
A trade that was oh so worth it.
With a smirk, I added him to the fray as the pressure from the Power Amplifier rocked the stadium’s foundation itself. Because although an Infinite hasn’t joined us yet in this game, an Unstoppable now has. So, it was time to let her know just what this little cutie can actually do.
With The Cosmos Dragon, I am allowed to add any Unstoppable card from anywhere in this current game to my hand so you know what Bubbles?! I’m a bit curious… Do you have any Unstoppable cards you would gladly let this little freak borrow?
Hosting an angry grimace at the idea, there was nothing that Bubbles could do about it though as she then pulled out her deck and tossed to me her Unstoppable Character.
The Robotic Ape King: Mountain Ruler and Creator. Power 1,000.
Graciously accepting her donation, I immediately sent him to battle and joined my three Characters there. Forming my own little super team formed across species and life sources. Dragon and Ape, working together.
Go!!! I deeeeeeclare bommmmmmbardment!!!!!!
Coming in for 1,250 total, it was beyond anything her field could muster as both of our fields were wiped clean once more. Leaving only the Hollow left standing from the carnage.
Evening the score to 2 to 2 too, it was her turn to reciprocate as the crowd roared around us both.
Part Four
“Hahahahahaha Lillie… you must be dumber than the rest of your nothing town… which is truly impressive if it wasn’t sooooooo sad. You just found my strongest card and put him in my discard… you do know that right? YOU ARE SOOOOOOOO PATHETICALLY SAD!”
Not letting the “Punk Bad Girl Princess of Six Point” get to me any longer, I just stared back without retaliation. No words to say. I just watched her fill up her hand once more as her turn began. Two more cards from her deck were now there for her as she looked upon her whole hand. Contemplating and debating.
Accepting this as a time to strategize myself, I asked my biggest supporter a very important question that I should have asked a long time ago, then and there. As quiet as possible to draw the least amount of attention we could.
Hey Voice?
“Yeah, Lillie?”
Why did you start talking to me in the first place?
“What do you mean?”
I mean like why did you reach out when you did? Why me?
“Oh… it’s because you are far more special than you know but in all honesty, I have talked to others in the past too. I tried to get their help but they couldn’t help me like you could. You are unlike anyone else, Ms. LaDestino. The way you connect with Thunder in our Six Point society, it’s almost perfect….”
Thanks. But what do you need help with?
“I am trapped in a place on the planet of Pyroclastia. I need someone to help me escape… I’ve been here for hundreds of years… please come save me…”
So, you’re like a damsel in distress and I’m your knight? Wait… does that mean you are being set free by dragons, not trapped by them?
“I guess I am, why is that important?”
Nothing. Just an Earth fairy tale thing. It’s usually the opposite. So, I guess… we are going to break you out of your prison then what?
“That’s on you to decide.”
Okay. Wait… is this a prison because you did something bad or you disagree with someone who is bad?
“What’s bad, Lillie? Good and bad are merely words. Target and trigger words thrown around by those with power on those without. So, can you help me?”
Yeah. I can.
“Wait… Lillie?! OMGGGGG… are you talking to yourself, AGAIN? Like a full conversation?!” Jeered Bubbles.
Ummm… no, I was just talking to a friend of mine.
“Your imaginary friend?! How did you think that was somehow better?! It’s sooooo sad!! You’re soooooo sad, it’s almost hilarious!! FREAK!”
Stop it.
“Don’t listen to them, Lillie, you and only you can help me. I know you can.”
Thanks, Voice.
“You are thanking your imaginary friend now?! What did they do?! Tell you that you are someone who isn’t from nothing and always going to be nothing?! OMGGGGGGGG…. Because it’s NOT true. LOSER!!!!!”
I said… stop it.
“Nooo… I won’t stop it. In fact, I think we all should do it. C’mon everyone! Say it with me!! LOS-ER! LOS-ER! LOS-ER! LOS-ER! LOS-ER! LOS-ER!” Motioning with her arms to the massive crowd in the way that one would rile them up.
With what seemed like the whole crowd joining in her bullying chant, I could feel the feeling grow even stronger in my fingers now. Almost to the same level where I met Thunder the Constellations Dragon for the first time.
Not noticing that not everyone joined her, a few members from the front row slipped my view as they refused to partake in this cruelty.
Without the mysterious At-Las, Heldum, KJ and Baleigh joining in the chant along with a few random spectators, the vast majority did though. Belittling this competitor on the world stage for having a support mechanism.
I… said… STOP IT.
Looking at each other on Mt. Couch, Monica and CJ agreed that maybe their judgement of Bubble’s new attitude wasn’t too off. She was being as mean and rude as advertised, without a viable excuse. Bringing their attention to something far more important, the Power Scale on the side of the Windowsill’s screen, they noticed it began to spike up and down. More and more. Higher and higher.
Consequently moving along with the growing intensity in Lillie LaDestino’s eyes.
Part Five
Just play the game, Bubbles. I’m not here to debate my friendships with you…
“Friendships?! Are you kidding me?! YOU ARE SO PATHETIC, YOU WORTHLESS NOTHING PERSON!!”
With a new recent high point on the scale, I retorted with more anger and power now.
I… SAID… STOP… IT!!!!
Then, this new look and power spike was somehow easily eclipsed when Bubbles crossed the line only a few moments after.
“Ohhhhh nooooo and you knooooow… maybe Thunder isn’t safe with you. I don’t know if you should be trusted with something soooooo good and powerful so how about this… when I beat you in a few turns, I just take him off your hands… winner gets him. What do you say to that, you freaky freak loser?!”
Stunned for a second, Lillie just stood there on the Windowsill as the cheers from the prospect came in from the more intense and sheep-like spectators of the sport.
No. Thunder. My. Friend. I. Can. Not. Lose. Him. Not. Now. Not. Ever. My mind began to race even faster now but before it got too bad, I remembered one important detail that me and the Voice talked about before. The ante rule really only mattered if I ever lost. With a fierce look in my snow-white eyes, I finally replied.
Deal. But I must warn you… Just. Try. It. Just try and beat me…
“Challenge accepted!”
With the LO-SER chants coming in strong still, I knew it would only get worse on my turn so I would just have to ignore it. Because no matter if she took over the public appeal and basically ruined my biggest match to date, effectively dumping a whole bowl of chili con carne all over one of my biggest and happiest dreams, I knew it wasn’t too late to still win this.
I had too. To protect Thunder from ending in the hands of those who clearly didn’t love and appreciate him.
With my mind focused on the all-to-important task ahead, Veronica and Marche watched on their own Windowsill seeing how their new favorite video subject, At-Las, was on the casual look out for his new love interest in the same stadium.
Click.
“Where are you… I don’t see you… Weird… I don’t see any members of your little team… Where did you all go?”
Contemplating what that could mean as the same was done with the Windowsill-Watchers themselves, his concerned brown eyes watched on. Refusing to belittle Lillie as he did.
Click.
Finally moving forward in the match, the hero of the cynical ones then discarded two cards in her hand to bring her great destroyer back from the great beyond. Adding her The Robotic Ape King: Mountain Ruler and Creator to the field, she then finally revealed why she never discarded earlier in that first turn, oh so long ago.
“With the Robotic Ape’s Hide Upgrade now in play, I’ll show you something. I’ll show you just how different we really are… you foolish opponent of mine. This wonderful card gives my already Unstoppable behemoth the ability to avoid the rules itself. Now, he won’t be destroyed when I declare my inevitable bombardment this turn. So, let’s summarize… I have an Unstoppable Character who can never die after he attacks, he can double his IMMENSE attack prowess to 2,000 and if he does somehow die, I’ll just discard these two cards in my hand, bringing him back. It. Is. Over. Freak. But… let’s be honest, you can’t finish what never started to begin with… but let’s just put you out of your public and humiliating misery…”
Listening to her as she declared a bombardment to my completely empty field, I only slid back. Not falling down from the explosion of energy.
Moved but not down. Not. Yet.
Then, like advertised, her massive robotic monkey stood still. Unmoved as well from the regular rules of the game. Living on to keep swinging in with his massive fists of pain.
It was now 2 hits to 1 and I was up against this extremely powerful combo. Not to mention, I had like 99,800 something people chanting at me telling me how bad I am.
But let them say what they want and the cards do what they want too. The world will and shall keep spinning regardless because I knew one thing she didn’t. My connection to all my beloved dragons was telling me that I wasn’t out just yet. Not. Yet.
The beautiful warmth like someone was giving me an eternal hug on my chest and holding my hand was still there and that’s all the faith I needed to believe that the “winds of change” were blowing in my favor..
With a smile of defiance on my face, I drew my 3 cards to bring me back to 6 and began to plan my live and realtime comeback once more.
Part Six
The Dragon Advocate, The Quiet Brown Dragon, The Dragon’s Lair joined The Tall Blue Dragon, The Dragon Phenomenon and The Kind Yellow Dragon as all of my current options were displayed together in my hands. Beyond discarding two of them to return The Cosmos Dragon from my discard too but that possibility will be there each and every last turn for the rest of the match. Analyzing my hand, I began to mull over my options as the mean and rude chants rained in hot still.
I had a few weaker Characters, a Concept which could prevent a bombardment but posed almost nothing useful in this moment due to her Unstoppable smasher and my own Location. But while taking some time to look at it all more closely, I began to formulate my exact strategy from that Location to start.
Alright, I’ll start by playing The Dragon’s Lair and with that, I get to add up to 2 Concepts from either my deck or discard to my hand. Seeing as I only have 1, I think I would be much better off going into the unforeseen future and my deck. Sooooo… welcome to the party, All Hail the Cosmos and The Cosmos Approaches!! Now, this is where things will get very interesting, Ms. Bubbles. Because as you probably tell by now… there can’t be more than one Location on the field at a time. So… buh-bye Hollow!
“How dare youuuuuuu!!” Screamed the teenage menace.
Deal with it. But by discarding both The Tall Blue Dragon and The Dragon Advocate to bring back my buddy from the discard, you’ll be getting a fun round two with an old friend of mine. You’re welcome.
Trading the two for one, I played The Cosmos Dragon once more as it was now Unstoppable vs. Unstoppable but I wasn’t done just yet.
Now, Ms. Bubbles, with him on the field, I get to add a different Unstoppable card from anywhere to my hand but if you don’t find it too offending, I would prefer one of my own this time. Thanks though.
Drawing Thunder the Constellations Dragon itself with this effect, I could feel that warmth stronger than ever as it sat in my hand, conveniently immediately before the power scale on the Windowsill reached near its highest point ever as well. Albeit, it wasn’t too convenient though. It was almost like fate itself scripted it. But it was weirder this time, this power almost felt like a sort of clay in my hands. A moldable and transformable force that was mine to do what I felt fit with. Not thinking too much about it for now though, I continued my massive and legendary turn.
Now, without further ado, let’s have a few friends join my buddy there. I’ll add in The Quiet Brown Dragon and The Kind Yellow Dragon. But it isn’t over yet because with them, I play my final card this turn, All Hail the Cosmos. For every dragon card in my discard or on my field, my great Unstoppable cuddlemonster is going to be gaining 100 points so do the math… he’s stronger than your Ape.
Reaching 1,200 total, Cosmos then followed my carefully timed instruction and let the pressurized flame-like pain rain down on the Ape he fought against.
Evening the score back to 1 to 1. With a smirk as the chants dwindled down now, my attitude was seemingly to finally win them over, or at the very least act like people with some dignity still intact. Yet as we both knew, this match was far from over. As my field cleared out in the smoke and ash as well, only the Robotic Ape King on her field and my Location remained.
With an angry and menacing humph, Bubbles drew for turn and continued right along.
Part Seven
“Lillie! You FOOOOOL! You left me my great and unstoppable Character of the utmost and most perfect form of destruction! I’ll end this match and your stupid little silly dreams once and for all. I read your bio, by the way… AND I ALMOST THREW UP!”
Just go, Bubbles.
“No no nooooo, we need to talk about this first! Your biography said how you basically want to bring Six Point to the people who are afraid to be themselves or speak their own mind. The people who grew up like you, afraid. AND I QUOOOOOOTE, ‘afraid of being seen without their mask,’ are you kidding me?! Did you fall out of a unicorn’s butt and write that on a pile of rainbow and sparkles?! The Cosmos is a dark place and the people in it are darker. Get. Used. To. It. And. Grow. Up.”
You’re wrong, now, just start your turn.
“No. It’s important for me to know that you know this. Life is pain. My own family didn’t want me and threw me away. Then, I thought I found someone who could finally show me otherwise but then the universe STOLE HIM FROM ME. FOR NO REASON BEYOND ONE MAN’S EGO. HE COULDN’T HANDLE CHOICES HE MADE SO HE MADE MY FRIEND THEN TOOK HIM BACK IN HEARTBEAT. JUST. BECAUSE. HE. FELT. LIKE. IT!!!!!! So, yeah, life sucks Lillie. Because sooner or later, Thunder and all your little friends there will leave you too. Everyone will and everyone always does leave in the end… I’m just speeding it up and helping you learn that.”
I said you’re wrong and just go. Or are you afraid to find out just what my next turn has in store for you. You said it yourself, you have a clear path to bounce me right out of this stadium and seize the most sought after and legendary cards for yourself so go ahead, hit me. Try. It.
Taking the bait with an angry scream, Bubbles nodded and then proceeded to attack. Giving herself an insurance policy too, she even added an extra card in Robotic Ape #5 to the mix. Discarding a card with its effect, she discarded the patented combo of Robotic Mega Heart as well. Letting her swing in a total of three bombardments at once, assuming I could even stop one.
Aiming for that last hit of mine with a bit of overkill intensity, I then saw her own undoing in real time as her black sunglasses fell off her face and crashed to the hard concrete below. Amber eyes displaying a certain type of intense panic.
Activating my Location in real time as a sort of defense mechanism, I added 1 Concept from my deck to my hand then played it.
When it comes to Concepts, a player must learn the difference faster than the rest if they want to be considered one of the best players. Some of them can only be used in your own turn but others can be used only in the exact opposite situation. Only in the turn of your opponent and only to stop things like whole turns themselves. But no matter what, those special always came with a price.
Using the effect of A Dragon’s Bond to a perfect note, it did its thing and ended her turn on the spot but for a hefty fee. I would lose the match in my next turn. No Characters met their untimely end on either of our ends but no hits were left on my end either. So, it was like her last turn never even happened. Besides the addition of some scary new Characters and a lot of pessimistic trash talk, naturally.
With a flabbergasted Bubbles staring on ahead as she couldn’t believe what just happened, her turn immediately ended so mine abruptly began.
Drawing cards to bring myself back to six, I then found that balance in my gut finally as the whole Cosmos itself could then feel that too.
With Thunder the Constellations Dragon joining The Fire Filled Skies, The Silly Green Dragon, The Unstoppable Forces Ahead, The Cosmos Approaches and The Dragon Phenomenon, things were about to go down.
Because the moment was here.
Everything I have done in Six Point and most of my life itself has been leading up to this moment and I was not going to let it slip away.
Not now.
Not ever.
You know, Bubbles. You have been talking the ENTIRE match all about me and my dragon. Yes, you mocked all my friends but one the most. You talk about our connection and you talk about me being a freak, a weirdo or a loser. You say all these things but you never asked yourself, have you ever actually seen him?
“Of course not. Very few have. Except that was until recently… until you somehow found, or more likely, stole him.”
The stunned intergalactic traveler began to compose herself as the a-few-years-older opponent of hers finished her point strongly before she looked to do the same thing to the match itself.
I can assure you, I didn’t steal him. He came to me. Just like the Voice in my head. They both came to me in their hour of need because I am me.
“What are you even talking about?”
If you would just stop and LISTEN TO ME, you’ll figure it out. It took me so long to realize this but there is a reason they both came to me. The Voice has asked for help from others in the past before but they couldn’t do it, why? Because they are not me. NO. ONE. IS. So, maybe I’m supposed to do this.
“What help are you even talking about? I knew it… YOU LOST IT!”
I’m not crazy… I’m not mad… I’m not insane… I’m just confident, okay?! They need my help to free themselves and I. Am. Going. To. Pyroclastia.
With a smirk on At-Las’ face and a concerned look amongst the “16 Crew,” Monica and CJ alike, Bubbles retorted as the online message boards and stadium itself began to turn against Lillie LaDestino once more.
“To Pyroclastia? What? Why?”
To fulfill my destiny. It only makes sense.
“Nooo… I was right… you’re crazzzzzzzy…”
I’m not crazy, I assure you this.
“Yoooo….you are following a voice in your head to another planet to break it free from a prison that other souls have apparently failed in doing. Are you even listening to yourself?! No wonder you are a nothing, delusional girl from a nothing town… LO-SEEEEEEERRRRRRR… !!!!!”
RISE UP, THUNDER THE CONSTELLATIONS DRAGON!!!!! END THIS!!!!!!
Sick of defending myself and deciding to let my cards answer for me instead, I swung in hard with only one Character since that was all I needed to finish it once and all. Heaving in the baseball like overhead pitch of pressurized energy to end the match there and now. My own heavy breathing filled my immediate space of hearing as a complete smile then reached my face.
I won. I beat the World #1.
Bubbles – 0 – Lillie – 1.
But there wasn’t a single cheer in the stadium or at least any that lasted longer than a few moments to join me in my moment of glory and celebration because as I finished it, I looked down to see something. My hands were fully and outwardly glowing a golden brown color like something I have seen in the movies and legends of old.
The warm feeling from before was finally manifesting completely.
All the while, back in the hut, the power scale on the Windowsill was abruptly broken once more. Ding ding, CJ and Monica somewhere found the strongest force of all in action and it was somehow sitting on my hands right now. But unfortunately, it was now sullying my big moment and causing the worst kind of hubbub.
With a few screams from the crowd in terror instead of love and adoration, Bubbles quickly got to her feet and yelled back too at the sight.
“OMGGGGGG… YOU REALLY ARE A FREAK!!!!!”
Dropping my head down and staring at the ground, my white sweatshirt and pants were covered in the soot and ash that came pretty typical from a big Six Point match. When one is tossing around that much energy and power, it makes sense that things get messy. Ultra dangerous, no. Well, maybe yes for white clothes. But still far less dangerous than any ancient and barbaric war that you read about in real old history books, with weird old things like guns, tanks or bombs.
Staring down at my black and equally dirty shoes, the same large group in the audience from before joined in this revitalized chant then too.
“FREAK! FREAK! FREAK! FREAK! FREAK! FREAK! …”
Looking around at the front few rows in my teary eyes, I looked for some human support there but I couldn’t find much. A couple hundred meters away from me was At-Las and Heldum as they were sitting on the edge of their seats. Not knowing their names yet, I could feel something strong between them too as I was in my moment of need. Getting closer and closer to joining me on the field, they didn’t move though. Not even my own family was moving to shield me from this pain. Too worried what the others might think, they merely sat there and watched, silently. No chanting yet no protection either. Though while KJ and the legendary Baleigh Luisa also joined them in silence, they were more relaxed about it than who I would later learn was named Heldum.
It is hard to describe when I made eye contact with that kid around Bubbles’ age. There was just something in her eyes and demeanor that made me question it. Maybe she was an ally and maybe she could do something about everything she was witnessing. Maybe she was thinking it, was I right? Maybe that girl and her card are real friends and she was actually hearing a seemingly benevolent voice? Yeah?
But still sitting there while the jeers and mockery came in, it came to me all in an instant. The words. The comments. The chants. That’s what the leaves really are. They are just leaf people. I too was also just a leaf person before. Being blown around like that and talking about living instead of actually doing it. I was just like them. Commenting and talking about other lives instead of living my own. Reminding myself on this, I then acted. Deciding to take it into my own hands first and hoping they would join me later. Because after all, what are these little leaves compared to dragons themselves? And after all, aren’t I the strongest dragon of all?
… I… SAID…. STOOOOOOOPPPPP ITTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Clenching my hands into a ball of rage after the last hour or so of disrespect and demoralization has finally dug itself deep enough under my skin, I then unleashed the power of the Possibilities.
Literally.
Holding my right hand up towards Bubbles as the thousands commented for her, I then froze her in time as an instant and terrified hush fell over all who were watching. Pausing her by simply holding my hand to her like that and then thinking about it, she was now like an organically made statue from her black boots all the way up to her concerned amber eyes. Rendering her completely without movement or sound.
Because, now, it was her time to be perfectly perfect, quiet and still.
Part Eight
With a scream louder now than earlier, the chanters from before went into an uproar all around them. Screaming all sorts of profanities, insults and feared-based-hateful-words.
Hearing one particular voice yell, “witch,” I knew I had to leave as soon as possible as this whole experience and event has now gone from bad to worse.
I might have earned a top spot in the World Rankings but I was far from the “people’s champion” right now so I had to disappear before it somehow got even more out of hand.
Heading towards the exit in a hurried rush as my stunned family watched on, I looked over at them in the crowd, knowing that a well-explained email would have to come after I was already on the run.
Because as much as I loved them, I had to do this.
Simple as that.
We’ll sort out the details later. I loved them and they loved me, even if they didn’t agree with me in every decision I made. Going to the door, I stopped abruptly as my black flats came to a skidding halt with my concerning and defensive snow-white eyes looking upon sixteen hooded individuals.
Standing in a semi-circle, guarding the door and the only functioning way out.
Asking who they were, the middle member of the formation and probable leader of the group, Roget Merlot then replied.
“We are a secret society who are determined to bring peace to the Cosmos and you, Heir, have upset that balance and peace.”
Who is the Heir? Me? Ummm… I’m so confused… Just let me pass, please.
“Yes,” replied Rashid, “The Heir of Crowopolis. You can not sit on the throne once more so we’ll do whatever we must to stop that from happening. Your reign of chaos must never begin. Therefore, no, you can not pass.”
Ummm… I never even heard of this side quest, everyone… Get out of my way. I don’t want to hurt you… I don’t want to hurt anyone… and I’m definitely not the Heir of some giant floating rock city…
“Yes, you are, oh great destroyer. So, no. We shall not be moved,” added in Roget.
“Then, we’ll be forced to even the score. 16 versus 1 just isn’t fair!!” chimed in At-Las.
Looking behind me as a middle-aged man with black pants, a brown beard and a black sweatshirt joined in the growing conflict, he was also complemented by the same young girl I made eye contact with before, wearing her pink sweatshirt and purple pants. Her brown hair tied up in a ponytail like her beloved sister, brown eyes looking back my white ones. Both of which were holding decks and Power Amplifiers as they approached, ready to join the fight. Much as my newest opponents were while almost the whole stadium evacuated out by now.
Doing whatever they could do to get far enough away from “Public Enemy #1, Me.”
Looking back at two newest players with a mouthed, “thank you,” Heldum nodded and joined in the brand new standoff, “yeah… let her go!!!” contributed the middle Luisa sister. Following her gut onto the field, finally.
“No and we will do what we must. For the Cosmos.” Roget then added in one more reply as the team then followed his call-and-response almost immediately.
“For the Cosmos,” muttered MJ, Brad, Tiff Giselle-London, Cursed, James Sionwonie, Kyle, Blessed, Da-Q, Albert, Timmy, Ilyas, Robert, Tom, Rashid and Jack Santana. Clenching my fists and reaching for my cards once more, I knew this massive match with Bubbles was only the beginning of something else entirely.
Because with the statue ominously standing as our only live witness now, my greatest adventure had only just begun.
The End.
Castle Johnson Publishings 