Dark side

Episode 5

Eden's pov
This kid is interesting.
He looks like the typical timid boy that's super supportive and kind, yet he is the exact opposite, not hesitating to mentioning the greatest weaknesses and laughing at the opponents in a buddyfight. Cocky...But there's more.
  There's the battle aura that surrounds him, even as we speak. His whole body radiates fear and hatred. What could have caused him to become like this? Is he like me? Is he another traumatised soul, hardened of heart?
I sipped my tea wistfully. "Gavriel, I would like to talk to him." I said. "Why?" I sighed thoughtfully. "I suspect he's just like me...a poor kid who's all hardcore, yet the most hurt inside." I smiled sadly, my buddy getting my point.
"Very well, Eden,"she replied. "Why don't you buddyfight him? What better way to understand one's heart than to express these emotions to them in a fight?" She suggested. I shrugged. "Sure!" Turning towards Kiri, I spoke up.
"Face me in a buddyfight, Kiri. I would like to know you better." I waved my deck casually as he stared back at me, probably sceptical about my sudden challenge. Suddenly, he flashed me a creepy smile.
"Yes, sure..." he said. Miserea and Gavriel followed us into the virtual stage. "Wherever there's a buddyfight, Ion Nanana will be there!" Ion warped in with her UFO. "Today's fight is between Kiri and Eden Hanazono! Kiri's on a roll with all those challenges, chu!" Takokichi added. "Now will both fighters please luminize their decks!"
I raised my hand above my deck. "Step forth, keepers of regulation and protectors of the promised land. Luminize, Elysium Order!" I cried.
"Let it begin, the demise of those who stand before me! Luminize! Dead End World!" He declared. "Aaaaaannnnnd...Buddyfight!" "Time to raise the flag!" We said together.
"Legend World!" I waved. "Dungeon World,"he smiled slightly. "Eden has the first move!" Ion gestures towards me. "Draw, charge and draw. I won't go easy on you, Kiri." I warned. "Go ahead..." He whispered.
"I equip, Angel Wings!" The beautiful relic appeared above me. "Attack the fighter!" He took the damage calmly and started his turn. "Draw, charge and draw." He grinned, satisfied. Just then, I demanded loudly, "Are you, Kiri, hiding something from us?"

Dark Miserea's pov
I tensed warily when she asked me that question. Does she know? But... I smirked sadistically. Maybe it's better that she knows. I can torture her heart as much as I want, heh heh.
From the moment she challenged me, I could tell that she had quite a backstory. Yuga did mention that she used to be a controlling justice freak just because her former best friend had turned on her when she reported her for shoplifting. Hi-LAR-ious!
"So what if I am?" I grinned broadly as I buddy called Miserea to the right position. "Tell me. I can help you!" She urged. I continued to smirk incessantly as she counter called monsters to protect her.
"You don't know anything about me. How about you? Abandoned by your class just because you did the right thing?" I chuckled. "Hi-LAR-ious!" Miserea attacked her and glanced back at me worriedly. Don't act so shocked, it's not the first time I did this.
Now, how shall I play around with her...
"Judgement!" Gavriel declared. "Cast. Quiescence of Cassiade." I countered. "I do know that what it feels to be alone and burdened with my sad past. It's okay, you can trust me!" Eden insisted.
Ha! You're reminding me more and more of that saintly jerk, Miserea. I laughed heartily as memories of breaking him down came back to me. "Oh, but...I wasn't the one that was hurt." I answered.

Subaru's pov
My goodness, this is getting serious. Eden, don't stop! I need to find out more! I leaned closer into towards the screen. "Nice, Kiri! Go get her!" Masato cheered, oblivious of the drama fest that was going on.
"Final phase! I cast! Judgement Holy Rain!" Eden yelled. Just as his life was about to drop, Kiri grinned triumphantly once more. "Overturn Ice Emperor, Miserea! Overturn!" He returned Gavriel to her deck, which means the conditions of the impact are not fulfilled.
"Awesome! Judgement Holy Rain was stopped!" Yuga exclaimed. I tapped my fingers on the table thoughtfully. No, I don't think Kiri is anything suspicious, but the thing about his sadistic nature...where did it come from?
I gritted my teeth as Cross patted me on the shoulder. "Be patient. Time will reveal all," he assured. "Thanks, Cross. I needed that." I smiled. As I turned my vision back to the screen, Kiri had put on that heartless grin again.
I watched intently, trying to find the smallest clue. I knitted my eyebrows in frustration. What is it that you're hiding, Kiri?

-Timeskip to the end of the match-
Yuga's pov
"Game over. Winner, Kiri Hyoryu!" Ion screamed. "What an amazing comeback using World End, chu!" Takokichi commented. Kiri was aces! Even I didn't think of letting Gavriel leave the field to stop Judgement Holy Rain!
"He's adapting well to his new deck," Ranma observed. "Yeah, but I think that's enough of buddyfighting today, don't you think?" Miko asked. "Mm-hm. Guy's had an exciting first day." I replied before saying goodbye to all of them and heading home with Garga.
"What do you think, Garga? He seems like a nice person and a really strong fighter." I looked at my buddy expectantly. He looked around and slowly stopped. What's wrong, Garga? You look worried.
He looked at me in the eye and replied solemnly, "You must be careful about him. I sensed a merciless aura around him when he finished Eden off." I tilted my head back in confusion. "Really? I don't see anything bad about him."
Sheesh, why are you so cautious towards our new friend? He's a good guy...isn't he?

When everyone has gone home, a tiny figure remained on the streets. "That felt good~!" He stretched his arms in utter satisfaction. "I love that match. I guess some people aren't as tough as they look."
As Dark Miserea wandered through the neighbourhood, his buddy couldn't take it anymore. "We need to talk." He told him, his voice gravelly. "Yes...?" Dark Miserea turned around to face him, his eyes gleaming with malice.
"You...shouldn't do that! Breaking other people's hearts, then rubbing it in by trashing them? You have no right to call yourself a buddyfighter!" He shouted. "Woah, easy."He waved at his agitated buddy. "No need to get so worked up."
"I've been putting up with your attitude since we became buddies! Why are you doing this?!" He continued. "No reason." Dark Miserea replied, his hands fluttering in amusement.
Miserea flew backwards in disbelief. Was this his buddy? "But the main reason...is you." He pointed. "What?" "Still trying to act tough..." He grinned eerily. "It can't be..."
"Gaaaaaaaaaah!" Miserea held his head in his hands as he flew away. Dark Miserea continued walking.
"I should be happy, now that Miserea is in anguish," he thought.
  "But...why do I feel so dark inside?"