Scene: Local Diner — Afternoon
The clinking of utensils and soft hum of conversation filled the air as four Duelists sat around a table waiting for their food. Yuya was the first to speak, his tone light and curious.
Yuya:
"So, Andrew—now that you've officially joined You Show College, are you planning to enter the tournament?"
Andrew nodded, sitting back with a calm smile.
Andrew:
"Yeah. I've been thinking about it. The format is either a 50% win rate or six consecutive victories, right?"
He paused for a moment, then added,
"I think I'll aim for the six wins. I want to get a better feel for these Action Duels. My match with you was the first time I ever participated in one."
Yuzu:
"Wait—what? That was your first time?"
Yuya:
"No way! You handled it like a natural."
Andrew gave a small shrug.
Andrew:
"I'm more used to traditional duels. No Action Cards, just me, my monsters, and my opponent."
That piqued Sora's interest. He leaned forward a bit.
Yuzu:
"So, I've gotta ask… do you use Xyz, Fusion, or Synchro Summoning?"
Andrew rested his arms on the table, considering his answer.
Andrew:
"I do know how to use all of them. But I usually don't summon from the Extra Deck unless I really need to. My main focus is on my Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl. I guess you could say… they're the heart of my deck."
Just then, in his spirit form, Kuriboh floated gently near Andrew's shoulder, letting out a soft "Kuri!" in agreement. At the same time, Dark Magician Girl appeared, mostly invisible to the others, playfully twirling a lock of Andrew's hair as he talked.
Sora blinked, remembering something.
Sora:
"You said something during your duel with Yuya… about believing in your deck. I've never heard anyone put it that way before. What did you mean?"
Andrew smiled faintly, glancing at the cards in his deck case.
Andrew:
"I believe every card has value. These aren't just pieces of cardboard—they're a reflection of me. Through every win, every loss, they've been by my side. And in return, I trust them."
He looked at the others with quiet conviction.
Andrew:
"When I draw a card, it's not just chance—it's connection. Sometimes, it's like they hear me. Like they know what I need. I believe that if you build a bond with your deck, truly believe in it, then it'll respond to you in kind."
Dark Magician Girl paused her hair-twirling to give Andrew a proud nod.
Andrew (chuckling softly):
"Maybe that sounds a little cheesy, but it's how I duel. Not just with strategy—but with heart."
There was a small pause, broken only by the sound of Kuriboh floating in a circle around the table, to the amusement of Yuya and Yuzu.
Yuzu:
"…No, I get it. That makes a lot of sense."
Yuya:
"Yeah. I mean, I talk to my monsters sometimes too. Maybe I should start listening more."
Andrew gave a thoughtful smile, his hand brushing over his deck box.
Andrew:
"And hey… while I don't normally rely on the Extra Deck, I do have another set of cards—monsters from a different path I used to walk. If it ever comes down to it… maybe I'll bring them back."
He left it at that, keeping the mention vague.
Just then, their food arrived. The group fell silent, the smell of ramen and curry filling the air as they dug in.
In the quiet moment, Dark Magician Girl leaned close to Andrew's ear, whispering just loud enough for him to hear.
Dark Magician Girl:
"You know… I like when you talk about us like that."
Andrew chuckled softly.
Andrew:
"I meant every word."