Crimson Star Priestess

Fortune Cup Finale

Yusei and I deactivated our Duel Disks as soon as the MC declared him the winner of our duel and the duelist who would go on to face Jack. Stardust Dragon faded away now that the duel was over, but he gave me a small nod as if he was thanking me for letting Yusei win, so the two of them could face Jack and Red Dragon Archfiend. Yusei and I walked across the duel field to stop in the middle. I saw that Yusei had rolled up the sleeve of his jacket and his now permanent Mark. My Star Mark had stayed on my arm as well, so I guess it was official now.

"That was a great duel Yusei." I said. "I'm so glad I could see Stardust Dragon."

"You had me backed into a corner a few times." Yusei admitted with a small nod. "But I never thought that I would one day face a level 11 Synchro monster, like your Star Eater. Where did you get that card?"

"It's...part of the truth I'll tell you later." I hesitantly replied.

Yusei nodded.

"I get it." He held his hand up for a handshake. "Thanks for the duel."

I glanced at Yusei's hand for a second before looking at him. He had a tiny smile on his lips, which made me smile in relief before grabbing his hand for the handshake. The audience cheered a little wilder when we shook hands, but I didn't care. I kinda like this moment I got to share with Yusei. My heart beat a bit faster, but it thankfully calmed down before the palm of my hand became sweaty.

The moment ended when we heard running footsteps around us. Yusei and I had let go of each other's hands and looked around to see several bodyguards surrounding us. They were all wearing black suits and had black sunglasses on their faces.

"Ms. Malmstrom, Director Goodwin wishes to speak to you." One of the bodyguards spoke as he took one step forward.

"Why?" I asked, remembering when Lazar approached me earlier and said Goodwin wanted to see me.

"He has questions and you have the answers for them." Another bodyguard replied.

"If you choose not to come, we will use force." A third bodyguard added.

I turned to Yusei and saw that he was ready to fight if necessary, but I placed a hand on his shoulder to hold him back.

"Yusei." I said, getting his attention. "Get the others out of here."

"What about you?" Yusei asked.

"I'll go with them." I replied, nodding to the bodyguards. "And don't worry about me; I'll be fine."

Yusei opened his mouth to argue, but he closed it while I walked over to the group of bodyguards. I allowed them to lead the way as we left the duel field. I glanced over my shoulder and saw Yusei was still standing in the middle of the field before he snapped out of his trance and rushed off in another direction, hopefully to tell Tanner, Yanagi and the children to leave the Kaiba Dome.

The bodyguards were silent as I followed two of them to the Ivory Tower where Goodwin was waiting for me. There were also two bodyguards behind me to make sure I couldn't run away.

We stepped into a elevator and went up to the top of the Ivory Tower. As expected, Goodwin and Jack were there, plus Mina who seemed to take care of refreshments for them. The bodyguards forced me out of the elevator before Goodwin turned around and gave them a nod that they were dismissed.

I remained silent and in the same spot until the bodyguards left the tower. Goodwin walked over to me, both hands behind his back, while his eyes scanned me up and down, as if he was looking for something. I glanced curiously at Jack who had his back turned to me while he was facing the windows with his arms crossed in front. Mina and I made eye contact briefly while she gave me a small nod. I returned the nod before I glanced at Goodwin.