“You just got lucky! I completely bricked! I drew all my low play point cards!”

The kid’s whiny voice snapped another one of the cords holding back Sarah’s frustration. Sitting across from her, the boy was old enough to grow peach fuzz, but not old enough to have any sort of common courtesy. One duel against this kid was plenty.

“Holy shit, dude. Calm the fuck down, it’s just a card game.”

Throwing himself back, he adjusted his thick glasses in an effort to reassess what was said. “J-just a card game? This is the largest card game on the planet right now! I’ll have you know I’ve topped thousands of Sorcery: The Collectivating events! You just think you know how to play!”

Another snap.

In the corner, Sarah could hear Ortelanus laughing, petting a frustrated Carbuncle.

She should consider herself fucking lucky I want to get the drop on her. It took everything I fucking had from just accepting that duel then and there.

“Alright Mack, just shut up and try to win this next round.”

“I’ve told you three times already, my name is Max!”

Before he could continue his tirade, the woman beside him put a hand on his lap, “Maxi, dear, the nice girl is telling you to shut the fuck up and play.”

The calmness of the older woman’s voice combined with her unassuming demeanor granted a wider contrast with what was said and what was seen.

“Y-yes mom…”

Without another word, the woman resumed sitting statuesque on her seat, like a MILF porcelain doll. Her physique garnered plenty of stares, but she appeared to pay it no mind.

“Okay… Cool.” Tim sat at the head of the table between the two and mediated the game, watching for any infractions and to ensure the event was maintained within the regulations sent by Manufacturing Mirages. “You both ready to start?”

“I guess.” Sarah crossed her arms, cards set up and ready to play.

Imitating his opponent, David crossed his arms, “Yeah, I guess so.”

“Alright, since Max lost the last round, he gets to choose who goes first.”

Adjusting his glasses, Max grinned widely, “I’ll take the pleasure of going first, beautiful.”

“Fucking kill me.”

“With that out of the way, Sarah Weatherford versus Max Cheng round two, start!”

Drawing his card and placing down his first rock, the scrawny guy shuffled his hand before setting it down. “Go ahead.”

If only the rest of this duel was that easy. The guy’s deck was interesting. I really don’t want to give him any matches. I might intentionally challenge and lose an ACE duel if I had to deal with this kid any more…

“Draw.” Sarah scanned her hand.

“Oh hey Isaac! I just finished losing. How’s Sarah doing?” It was the first time Sarah had ever seen Kyle outside of his Cardinal Cafe attire, still surprising her every time she saw him that day.

“Pretty good. She might actually make it to the next round.”

‘She might actually make it to the next round hablublublu’ Shut the fuck up, you walking goth cliche. “I’ll pass it back to you.”

Kyle scratched his head seeing the Scrapper in her hand, “Haven’t seen her play that card in a while. Did she go back to her old deck? By the way, the word-”

“Shh.” Isaac slapped Kyle on the chest like how Marty taught them to.

After receiving the signal to take up his turn, Max drew his card, “Okay, I’m going to play Rapid Growth gaining me an extra play point.”

Starting her turn, Sarah placed down a card quickly, “Sounds good, I’ll do the same.”

Max snorted, “Not too shabby, but how about I show you how you’re supposed to play this game?”

He slid a card on the field from his hand, “I’ll summon Pippi, Fox Maiden!” He seemed to have treated that card with extra care compared to his others. “In addition, with Pippi reducing his cost to only one play point, I’ll call forth my Strike Leader, Totem of the First!”

Sarah had never thought about ever running this Leader, despite how useful the effect was. The downside was just a little too great.

“With Totem reducing cards in my hand by two play points and Pippi dropping them by one, I’m finally gonna get this ball rolling!”

His nasally triumphant laugh broke yet another cord in Sarah’s mind. She was unsure how many she had left. “Wow. I can’t believe I had no clue on how to play…

I guess I’ll just be an idiot and summon Sixth Storm Oracle.” Sarah’s somber expression turned into a wide grin. “And I guess I won’t take advantage of the extra play point he gave me, allowing me to evolve him on the same turn into Bhuran, Legendary Guide and detach to gain yet another play point…”

Turning red, Max looked to his mom who maintained her still smiling expression.

“Fine!” He shouted. His shrill voice immediately grasped the attention of anyone within a twenty foot radius. “You’re good, but I’m still going to beat you!”

Holy shit. If this wasn’t so pathetic, I’d actually feel bad for the guy…

Drawing his card, he grinned, “I’m gonna throw down a Lucky Cricket! And by sending two cards from my hand, I gain two extra play points!”

Adding two more fish rocks to his line, he flipped another three to play an equally shiny card, “Next, I’ll summon Fier Horen, Elderbeast of Majesty!”

Kyle crossed his arms as he looked at Isaac.

“You can talk.”

“Whew! Finally, I was wondering, is he only playing Behemoth cards?”

Isaac pinched his upper lip with his thumb and pointer-finger joint, “That’s what his Strike Leader does. In exchange for coming out for only three play points and reducing every other creature by two, you’re restricted to only running Behemoth.”

“But don’t most people play multi-civilization decks?”

“Yeah. But there are Strike Leaders that give you some nasty benefits for only running one type. It’s weird, but it can work.”

“Fier Horen has [Sonic Strike] so I break one of your shields!”

Picking up her card, Sarah sighed. “Not too bad, kid.”

Shuffling her hand, she re-read the effect of each of her cards. A lot of these are new, but I need to make sure I get them down mostly right for when they need to come up. With another passing glance at Jesse trying to pet Carbuncle before having her finger bit, Sarah added another play point, giving her 7 on turn four.

“Okay, let’s summon a Kellja, Night’s Wing.” Pointing at her opponent’s summon Strike Leader she continued, “When Kellja’s summoned, I can negate a card’s effects on the field, so I’ll get rid of your Totem’s cost reduction effect.”

After watching Max put a counter on the card to note this, she continued, “I’ll also summon my Gemless Carbuncle, gaining yet another play point. Lastly, I’ll have Bhuran crash with your Fier Horen.”

Both players picked up their creatures and placed them in the grave.

“Yo, have you ever read what my Strike Leader does?” Sarah picked up the sleeved cards and waved it as she held it between her two fingers.

Snatching the card from her, Max took a moment to read it. As he finished, his voice went shrill once more, “You’re kidding me! Who made such a busted card?”

Holy shit, he’s so easy to mess with.

“No clue, but you’re gonna see how busted it is next turn, Mark.”

“YOU!” Max shrieked, his finger getting dangerously close to the tip of her nose, “You’re doing that on purpose!”

“That time, yeah.”

Sitting back down, he picked up his card, “Well, I can still take it on, no prob!” With his 8 play points on turn five, he was doing quite well.

“I’m going to summon Vile Roach! When I play this card, he gains attack points based on how much play points I have remaining!”

The card cost 3 points. With 1 attack point naturally, the card gained 5 attack points with the difference. Shit. That’s pretty good. On top of that, it also has [Quick Strike]. Am I sure it’s not an ACE creature?

“I’m going to break three of your remaining shields with Roach.” He turned the card sideways, giving Sarah a chance to pick up the shield. “Totem, Cricket-”

Leaving her with one shield, Sarah held up the card she received from the last attack, “[Shield Skill], I’ll cast The Bell Tolls, killing your Pippi.”

“No!” He shrieked once more, breaking another strained resistance, “Not my waifu!”

A number of questions manifested within Sarah’s weakened mind as she looked down at the familiar card depicting a young girl of around twelve years of age. “Uhh, dude, she’s-”

Never mind. I REALLY fucking don’t want to know more.

“She’s going to the grave.”

With a begrudging move of the card from the field to the graveyard brought about by a swift glance from his mother, Max conceded the turn over to his opponent.

Slightly refreshed from a warranted deep breathing exercise she remembered from her father’s yoga month, Sarah added yet another play point bringing her to a total of 9. I only got one shield left, so I better do this.

“I’ll call forward my Strike Leader, High Prosecutor, Judgement.” The glittering card depicted an imposing figure standing before a purple, green, and red background. The color scheme did not work, but the card art and effect would easily convince anyone otherwise.

“By destroying three of my own play points, I get to destroy the three creatures on your field.” Waiting for her opponent to put the cards away, she continued, “And since I have less shields than you, he also gains [Sonic Strike].”

“Shit. That’s a good card.” Isaac maintained his stoic expression.

Raising an eyebrow, Kyle leaned in, “Oh? Looks like someone got really into the game… Or maybe the person playing it?”

Having to take a step back, Kyle gasped loudly as the hit to the chest was worse than the last.

“I’ll break three of your shields with Kellja, Carbuncle, and my Strike Leader, Judgement.”

Seeing her opponent had no reactions to each attack, Sarah passed the turn to Max.

Shuffling his hand a few times, he made no attempt to hide his distress.

“I’ll… I’ll-” A tear ran down his cheek.

Oh fuck… Looking over at his mother next to him, she remained statuesque throughout.

A yellow-green stream of viscous liquid ran down from his nose. “I’ll call out Totem again…” Wiping it off with the back of his hand, another took its place instantly. “And then- and then…”

Without thinking, Sarah reached out to him, “Hey dude, take it easy.” She smiled reassuringly, “It’s okay, man. We’re only playing a card game. You did good and…”

Strings of mucus kept her attached to his hand after moving hers. She tried her best not to pay too much attention to it while brushing the snot onto the corner of her sweater, “You almost had me for a sec and I’m always fucking down to duel you again.”

Recoiling inwardly, she continued to reflexively spew half-hearted words of reassurance and confirmation.

With an obnoxious sniff, Max looked at his comforter with wide-eyes, “R-really?”

“Yeah, dude… I’m here in the afternoons and we can duel when I get out of work and you’re out of class…”

“I’m 27.”

“What?”

Sucking in another stream of mucus, Max wiped his eyes, “I’m actually 27 years old.”

Sarah looked to his mother beside him who offered a firm nod. “Well… We’ll find a time. Or… Something…

I’m gonna start my turn.” Placing down a fish rock, now only leaving her with 8, she flipped four of them. “Let’s evolve Carbuncle to Leilah, Night’s Wing Leader, she stops you from using [Shield Skills] and, uh, finish the game with Leilah, Kellja, and Judgement. Good game.”

“That was, without fucking exaggeration, the worst thirty minutes in my life.” Sarah finished her second coffee as smooth jazz sensually rang out through the cafe. Taking a back room, the table was just large enough to sit the usual gang with a few additions.

“I mean, you just gotta have a little more patience for people like that, Sarah. It was painfully obvious he wasn’t what you’d call ‘a social butterfly’…”

“Pssh… I had to work with plenty of fuckers like him back home, you’ll be fine!” Ortelanus continued to stroke Carbuncle, who had long since given in, as Jesse helped Mica with a stain on her dress.

Marty still held Kyle’s hand as he leaned into the ear of a progressively frustrated Isaac, “So, what’s with you suddenly going all ‘mama bear’ on him when he started to cry?”

Halfway through her third cup, Sarah leaned back, “I just hate it when people fuckin’ cry, y’know? Makes me uncomfortable.”

“I get it.” Shifting over her gaze to the strange cosplaying woman and her friend, Marty motioned for Sarah to draw closer, “So is she, like, another Mica and plays dress up all day or something?”

Stealing a glance at Jesse actually talking to Mikey and hearing the words ‘Mahou Shoujo’ over and over again, Sarah whispered back, “Nah, she said it’s a weird skin condition or something. I didn’t want to keep asking and it get more awkward…”

As Sarah started her fourth cup, her phone rang. Mike, Jesse, Isaac, and Marty’s joined in as well.

Salutations my dearest friends! The first round of the tournament has been concluded. I ask that you all return post haste to continue to climb up the ranks and reach the heavens!

“It’s weird to think that he could actually communicate.” Sarah said, putting away her phone.

Kyle scratched his head with his free hand, “It is quite typical of him however! Jim is quite the earnest guy, he just has some insecurities with his voice, if I remember.”

As the gang stood up and cleaned their table, Sarah felt a tap on her shoulder.

“Hey, uh, can we- Can we talk outside real quick?”

Jesse resumed her awkward demeanor.

“Uh… Sure.” With a lump in her throat, Sarah assured her friends she would make it back for her round and stepped out to the side of the coffee shop.

“Nah, we don’t wanna fight you!” Ortelanus had begrudgingly handed back Carbuncle who laid in Sarah’s tight grasp. “Well, I still kinda-sorta still wanna, but Jess brought up a good idea that I’m gonna take credit for.”

With a nod to assure herself, Jesse stepped forward. Tightening the gap in the already cramped alleyway, she appeared to want to put her hand on Sarah’s shoulder, but stopped. “I think… I think we should team up.”

“Yeah… That sounds like a good idea.”

Nodding back, Jesse continued, “You’re pretty good at the game. You got actual experience under your belt. And your Carbuncle doesn’t actually seem like he wants to kill us.”

“Plus, you’re not a total bitch.” Ortelanus added enthusiastically.

“Thanks, I guess…” Sarah tightened her grip on the already gasping Carbuncle. She is right… They’re the only ACE holders we ran into so far that haven't made at least one attempt on my life. It also might help to get some more info now that I can’t find Freakazoid anymore…

Ignoring their worried looks for the struggling animal in her grasp, she held out her hand, “Sounds like a deal. But we need to sit down and share some info about everything going on.”

“I like the- I mean, we like the sound of that!” Ortelanus pulled Jesse’s hand out to join in the handshake. Jesse blushed deeply as all their hands touched. “So let’s hurry back! I think we’ll actually play against each other in the semi-finals after this round!”

Tromping out of the alleyway and with her holder slowly following behind, the two left to the shop, leaving Sarah alone with Carbuncle. “Sqek!”

“Oh, sorry.” Sarah loosened her chokehold on the poor creature. “Do you actually trust them, ‘Buncle?”

“Squeak?”

“I mean, we just met them a couple of hours ago. They could be sociopaths or something and want to stab our back at any moment!”

Somehow wrestling out of her gorilla grip, Carbuncle sat in front of her and held his paw out. “Squeak.”

“I don’t get it.”

He nods to his paw again, “Squeak.”

“No, like, I really don’t get it. Do you want me to shake it? Fist bump? Like, what does that have to do with us getting betrayed by Fish Bitch and her friend?”

Carbuncle’s expression soured.

Jumping up, he slapped his paw on her hand, “Squeak.” His tone was serious.

“I guess that means to trust you or something?”

He nodded with fervor, “Squeak.”

Leaving the alleyway themselves, Sarah felt a hollow feeling. It’s weird. I’m not worried about possibly dying in being betrayed by them, but it’s... It's something else…? Kinda like the opposite? I really just want to duel them righ-

“Omigosh! Is that Sarah? What up, gurrrrrrrl?!”

A luxury car pulled up beside the two at the mouth of the alley.

“Crystal?! What the fuck are you doin’ here, biiiitch?” Sarah snatched up Carbuncle from the ground, resuming the strangulation where she left off.

She took off her shades and leaned over, “Y’know, just getting some ‘ffee and…” She held up a glittery purple card, “Wantin’ to try out that nerdy ass game you’re into!”

Carbuncle barely managed a growl with what was left of his oxygen supply.