Fan Fiction ❯ Realization ❯ Realization ( One-Shot )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Realization

by HA Senidal

Dedicated to Rebecca, Leslie, Joyce, Melissa, Rae, FB, Ken, and Meredith, for I am eternally grateful for their support despite myself.

The girl opened her eyes, and all she saw was darkness. She moved her hands in front of her, but she saw nothing but movement. "Hello?" she called out. Her voice echoed around her.

"Stay where you are," a deep voice said.

She frowned and defiantly stepped forward. Then, a bright flash filled the room, and she closed her eyes. When the light was gone, she opened them.

"Hello? Hello?"

The girl listened as her voice echoed around her. She looked around, but all she saw was white. She blinked, but her surroundings remained white. Looking down, she saw she was still dressed in her yellow nightgown. Despite the thinness of its material, she felt warm. She looked at her bare feet, and she felt the same warmth coming from the floor.

Before she could say anything, a ball of light appeared in front of her. Its glow intensified within seconds, forcing the girl to look away and shield her head with her arms. When the light faded, she looked ahead and saw something before her. A deck of brown-backed cards emitting a low glow floated before her.

She blinked. "My Deck?" She reached for it.

"Don't," the deep voice commanded.

She pulled her hand back and looked around. Seeing nothing, she reached for the deck again.

"Don't," the voice repeated.

She froze as her fingers were about to touch the top card. However, before the voice could speak again, she tapped the deck lightly. It was her deck, after all.

The top card glowed briefly, and it rose and showed itself to her. Looking at the White Card, she recognized the Archangel there, an shining white armored figure with a head covered by a war helmet with a T-shaped eye slit, majestic wings, and a sword. The image projected itself before her, and she took in the magnificent figure. She fought the urge to feel anything, for her Archangel Card was only a tool to serve the Great Purpose and nothing more. She especially noted the pyramid design etched on the Archangel's breastplate, which sported a single eye.

Then, the Archangel began to glow. The girl gasped as it changed shape within seconds. Although it kept its wings and its sword, the figure before her was feminine, and the face was clearly feminine and topped with short blond hair. The new figure's dress included a breastplate, pantaloons, knee guards, knee-high white stockings, and brown shoes. A single wing replaced the pyramid with the eye.

The girl gasped wide-eyed. "No no no..." she said, shaking her head. She knew this was wrong. Fighting Angel Cards were not supposed to be female. Only Healer Angel Cards were female. Worry filled her head because it was illegal to change her Cards. Although Cards changed based on how much experience they had earned, they did it on their own, and they never changed gender. To make matters worse, her emblem had been replaced. That didn't bother her, but she knew her superiors wouldn't tolerate it. "Change back," she whispered. The new Archangel smiled gently at her. "Change back," she said. When nothing happened, she yelled, "Change back!"

The Archangel continued to smile at her. "Everything will be all right," she said gently. When the girl heard those words, she calmed down a little.

Another Card flew out of the Deck, causing her to gasp. "No, don't!" she pleaded, fearing the consequences for violating regulations again.

The image of a Cherub, an Angel with a pudgy body, pudgy limbs, and wings, appeared. Like before, it changed shape in a flash.

"No!" the girl yelled, and she closed her eyes to avoid seeing what it would become. A female voice sang softly, and the girl’s ears picked up “Rock-a-bye baby…”

The singing faded away, and a strange tune filled the air. It was a series of chimes of varying pitch, and something appeared before her. It was a figurine of a girl in a ballet costume standing on her bent toes, and it spun around and around as the music continued to play. She noticed the pair of small wings adorning the girl’s back. The music played louder, and she found it strange yet familiar. A blue book appeared, and when it opened, a white horse with wings flew out. She saw the single horn on its forehead and recognized the animal as a unicorn, but she never heard of one with wings. Two shadows appeared behind the image, but she wasn’t afraid of them. She wanted to see them, and the light began to shine on them. She made out a man and a woman. The man wore a blue business suit, and the woman wore a white apron over her yellow flowered dress. Both looked at her gently. Ruth-77 saw the woman had long brown hair, and her face reflected how she would look if she were older. She thought they looked familiar, but she couldn't remember from where. Before them, her Deck hovered, and her new Archangel appeared with it between her hands. She looked gently at her as she handed the Deck to her.

“Go ahead,” the Archangel said with that familiar voice.

Ruth-77 stared at the Monster, and for a moment, she swore she saw the woman's face in hers. She reached for her Deck and took it into her hands. She looked through the Deck and found it had changed, yet her anxiety was gone. She looked at the man and woman and smiled. For the first time, she felt sure who she was.

Suddenly, she felt the room becoming hotter. Then, it began to explode around her. She dug her feet in as the room shook. Flames shot out randomly. She saw the man and woman surrounded by fire. Both held on to each other as flaming debris fell around them. She ran towards them.

"Get out of here!" the man yelled at her.

Ruth-77 reached for them across the flames. "Grab my hand!" she pleaded.

The woman shook her head. "It's too late for us," she said solemnly, and Ruth-77 recognized the similarity between her voice and her Archangel's. "You must live."

"But..." Ruth-77 kept her hand outstretched and ignored the intense heat traveling along her arm.

The woman reached around her neck and took something off. She walked up to Ruth-77 and placed the object into her hand. "Always remember..."

The fire exploded before the girl, throwing her to the ground. As the room continued to burn, she looked at the object in her hand. Tears rolled off her cheeks and fell onto its white surface, and then she heard a loud ringing.




Ruth-77 woke up and almost shot out of bed. She clutched her chest and felt her rapidly beating heart. She gasped for air. The alarm clock on her lamp table continued to ring throughout her quarters. Quickly, she slammed her hand onto its top, and the ringing stopped. She sighed and rubbed her eyes. "Not again," the twelve-year-old girl muttered. She looked at the clock's face, which showed the hour hand pointing at six and the minute hand at twelve.

After showering and drying herself, she brushed her short brown hair as she looked in the mirror. She hoped she had cleaned herself enough, for her superiors emphasized cleanliness. She took in the intense blueness of her eyes. Nearby, a vial of red pills sat. Images of the dream flashed through her mind as she looked at the vial. She picked it up and unscrewed the top. When she got one pill, she resealed the vial and replaced it. She looked at the red capsule and rubbed it with her fingertips. Wordlessly, she walked into her bathroom, and moments later, a loud flush sounded from there.

She changed into her white uniform and made sure no wrinkles or spots ruined its appearance. She reached for her Silver Badge and looked it over. After seeing no smudges, especially around the singular eye, she pinned the triangular shape to her left breast and made sure the sharp-tipped top pointed upward. She remembered the brief laughter from her fellow Knights after she pinned her new Silver Badge upside-down at her own promotion ceremony. Platinum Knight Ezekial had frowned at her, Gold Knight Valen scowled at her, and she made it a point never to mess that up again, especially since her promotion was very significant.

She stood before the full-length mirror to make sure everything was in order. Her white uniform was spotless and wrinkle-free. All her buttons were shiny and buttoned up, especially the ones for her high collar. Her silver shoulder guards weren't drooping. Her Silver Badge stood out prominently on her chest. She reached for her belt, slipped it through her belt hoops, and snapped the triangular belt buckle together. After making sure the buckle was pointed-end up, she reached for two small boxes. She shook them and heard and felt something move in each of them. "Whew," she said as she attached each box to a special hook on each side of her belt. "Remembered to put those in." A Knight without full Cardholders was a liability in the field.

She looked at her shoes, and seeing no scuff marks or smudges, she put them on. Looking around, she made sure nothing was on the white carpeted floor and made her bed. After smoothing out the wrinkles on her coverlet, she stepped towards the door, but stopped herself when she looked at her desk.

She scooped up a pendant and held it in her hands. She beheld the small white wing with the fine silver chain and ran her finger over the wing's smooth surface. The pendant had been with her ever since they brought her into the organization. She knew she couldn't wear it while in uniform, but that didn't mean she couldn't keep it in her pocket. She slipped the pendant into her pants pocket, and she took one last look at her room before punching in the right sequence on her door's control panel to secure it.

"Ah, Silver Knight Ruth-77. Good that you're up."

Ruth-77 gasped and spun around. An elderly man dressed in a uniform similar to hers stood before her with his hands behind his back. His short white hair and pointed goatee were neatly trimmed, and his Platinum Badge shone in unison with his shoulder guards. Wrinkles lined his thin face.

"Platinum Knight Ezekial," Ruth-77 said, standing at attention and saluting him.

Ezekial smiled at her in a grandfatherly way. "Good to see you up, Ruth-77," he said gently. "You had enough rest?"

Ruth-77 nodded. "Yes, sir, I did."

"Good, good." Ezekial rubbed his goatee with a gloved hand. "Considering how hard that Duel with that Umbra agent was, some of us were amazed you were able to beat him."

Ruth-77 blushed and bowed her head. "It...It was nothing, sir."

"Oh, not according to what I've heard," the Platinum Knight said. He smiled, showing perfectly cleaned teeth. "Of all the new recruits, you've advanced the furthest in ability and rank. Achieving the rank of Silver Knight at your age...simply amazing."

"Well, you did recommend me, sir," Ruth-77 said, keeping her gaze on him.

"And with good reason," Ezekial said. "I've seen a lot of good Dueling in my day, but you're perhaps the best we have among the new Knights, Ruth-77."

"I'm only good because of your guidance, sir," Ruth-77 said.

"Hmmmm..." Ezekial nodded. "Tell me, what is our Great Purpose?"

Ruth-77 didn't hesitate in answering her superior. "To enlighten the world. To banish the darkness. To help people see the light and guide them down the right path. That is the Great Purpose of the Illuminati."

Ezekial nodded. "Well, even though we need to go to this important briefing, I think we need some breakfast, don't you?"

"But, sir, Gold Knight Valen..."

"Will excuse your lateness if I explain everything," Ezekial said. "Considering the gravity of our current situation, we'll need to be at full strength." He turned around. "Besides, you're still a growing girl, and you need good nutrition. Some fruit and bread will help you, yes?"

"Yes, sir," Ruth-77 said.

The two began walking down the long corridor. As they passed others dressed in similar uniforms, they got salutes and greetings. Ezekial took all this with a smile and a friendly word. Ruth-77 tried not to lose her nerve.

"You should try to relax," Ezekial said to Ruth-77 as they headed towards the dining area.

"We must be alert at all times," Ruth-77 said. "You taught me that."

Ezekial sighed. "How true." He put his hands behind his back and leaned towards her. "Tell me, Ruth-77," he said in a low voice, "have you been having those dreams again?"

Ruth-77 gulped. "Yes, sir," she whispered as her lip trembled.

"I thought you were seeing a Counselor for that," Ezekial said.

"Yes," Ruth-77 said, still shaking a little. "Mary-73."

"Has she been helpful?" Ezekial asked.

"She has," Ruth-77 answered.

"Did she prescribe something for you to help you with your dreams?" Ezekial asked.

"She did," Ruth-77 answered.

"Have you been taking your pills?" Ezekial asked, looking squarely into Ruth-77's eyes.

"I have," Ruth-77 answered quickly.

Ezekial continued looking into her eyes. "I see." They saw the door leading to the dining area. The sliding doors parted, and as he led the way in, Ruth-77 tried to control her shaking. She knew it was wrong to lie, especially to a superior Illuminatus like Ezekial, but something about the dreams stopped her from taking her pills. She had obeyed her Counselor’s instructions and had taken the red pills, but after a while, she felt dull. Despite the series of images her dreams presented, she found them interesting, mystifying, and even exciting. After some thought, she stopped taking them. She wished she could share her dreams with her fellow Knights, but she knew they’d inform their superiors, and she’d be forced to take the red pills or even be punished more harshly.

After enjoying a breakfast of oranges and bananas, Ruth-77 followed the Platinum Knight to the briefing room. When they arrived, she found a large number of Knights assembled in the numerous seats. It didn’t surprise her all of them were male and older than she was. All of them said nothing and stared at the single lectern and hanging curtain with the pyramid symbol in front of them. She followed Ezekial down the slanting floor to the first row, where a young man with short blond hair sat. He looked at both of them with a raised eyebrow as they took their seats.

"Breakfast is an important meal, Valen," Ezekial told the young man. "Silver Knight Ruth-77 and I felt we should partake in it before coming here. Still, I apologize for us being late."

The young man nodded. "I accept your apology, sir." He looked past Ezekial and to Ruth-77. "However, I had planned for all of us to partake in breakfast after this meeting."

Ruth-77 gripped the ends of her armrests tightly as she trembled under the Gold Knight's glare. She knew of Valen's talent of unnerving people with a mere look. His eyes were blue like Ruth-77's, but to her, they seemed to contain some deeply-seeded malice. Despite any negative feelings she had for him, the Knights respected him as a great leader and Duelist. The Elders certainly favored him according to the numerous accolades they gave to him.

"I see," Ezekial said.

Valen looked at Ruth-77’s neck. “Good, you’re not wearing that silly necklace. You remembered my last warning,” he told her.

“Yes, sir.” Ruth-77 forced herself to nod obediently. It wasn’t hard for her to recall him yelling at her to take off her “ridiculous” wing necklace. “Not standard uniform. Bad enough you, a mere girl, managed to finish Academy study in one year instead of the standard seven and are rising up the ranks of the Illuminati, and now you’re disgracing your uniform? What’s next, perfume? Oh, I dread whatever sign of vanity you’ll don,” he had said. Her hand slipped into her pocket, and she felt how smooth and bumpy the small wing felt.

"Please proceed since this is an important matter," Ezekial said.

The Gold Knight nodded and left his seat with a manila file folder. Ruth-77 let out a sigh of relief. Valen made his way onto the raised stage and took his place behind the lectern. Ruth-77 waited for what Valen had to say, although she had a good idea due to the recent rumors circulating around the complex.

"As you are well aware, I have called here the Knights who the Council of Elders feel are the most capable amongst us. Now, some of you aren't sure why you've been summoned, so I will explain." Valen cleared his throat. "To make it simple, we've managed to track down the Maverick known as Neo Brilliant."

Some of the Knights gasped and despite the presence of Valen, they muttered the name of the Maverick. Ruth-77 looked at Ezekial, who looked at the floor with a frown. She couldn't blame him for being upset.

A vidscreen materialized above Valen and showed the face of a young Black man. A pair of yellow shades with oval lenses covered his eyes, and a mess of dreadlocks topped off his thin head. Valen continued his report as the vidscreen showed the young man in profile. "Our sources say he's just miles away from this complex." He spoke over the excited muttering from his audience as they beheld Neo Brilliant in action. A strange Monster showed up in some of the footage, which was mainly composed of the Maverick's Duels. "I believe he wants to sabotage this place in order to undermine our efforts to accomplish the Great Purpose. The Council has ordered he be taken in dead or alive." He paused. “Personally, I’d prefer the former.”

A Knight stood up from his seat. "Sir, I would be willing to capture the hated Maverick! I..."

Valen frowned at the Knight. "There is no 'I' in team," he said sharply, his eyes narrowing at the person who dared to disregard decorum.

The offending Knight looked at the floor. "I apologize for my rudeness," he said before sitting back down.

"Neo Brilliant should not be taken too lightly," Valen said. "You all know how dangerous he can be. Must I remind you all of what he's done in the past?"

The Knights talked amongst each other as they recalled the past transgressions of Neo Brilliant, the prodigy Duelist. Ruth-77 recalled what she had heard about this daring Maverick. He had been one of the best Duelists the Illuminati ever had, and after finishing courses at the Academy within a year, he rose to the rank of Gold Knight when he was Ruth-77's age. Then, six years ago, he suddenly left the Illuminati. Many were shocked, especially the Elders. Then came the reports of him attacking and killing Knights and innocents and destroying Illuminati instillations with a flagrant disregard for the sanctity of human life. Tales of how he disregarded the rules of the Duel surfaced. Most shocking was how he abandoned his name in favor of "Neo Brilliant." Such a thing was inconceivable, and the hatred for him grew when it was learned he had changed his Soul Monster and his Deck. Such a disregard for Illuminati tradition was unforgivable.

"Neo Brilliant is no longer an Illuminatus or a Knight," Valen continued loudly as he banged his fist on the lectern, effectively silencing the gathered Knights. "He is a Maverick who renounced the Great Purpose and allowed himself to be corrupted. He is an enemy and a menace, and we will bring him down!" He swung his fist onto the lectern

"Sir, permission to speak," one Knight said as he rose to his feet.

"Granted," Valen said.

"How will we bring him down?" the Knight asked. "His Dueling skills are extraordinary. We've seen his moves in the video archives."

Valen frowned, and the Knight felt his icy stare from his place. "Those who are selected to go after him must not formally Duel him. He no longer recognizes the concept of honorable Dueling and chivalry." He looked over the assembled Knights until his gaze rested on Ruth-77, who gulped under his gaze. "I will lead this mission personally, and Silver Knight Ruth-77 will be my secondary."

More muttering came from the audience, and Ruth-77 knew what they were muttering about. She recalled the angry glares she had gotten during her promotion ceremony. After all, it was unheard of for a female to be a Silver Knight. It was also unheard of for a female to make it past Tin rank. Ezekial looked at her. "Don't worry," he told her. "You'll be fine."

More images of Neo Brilliant flashed on the vidscreen. "We are to leave at once, so make sure your Decks are in order, and pick up whatever food you can carry. Those who are not ready will be left behind,” Valen said sternly. “Mark my words, Neo Brilliant will not escape us again, and if he does…”

Everyone watched as he smashed the lectern with his fist, and no one said a word as a piece of it fell to the ground. Behind the Gold Knight, the face of Neo Brilliant beamed at the assembled Knights.




Ruth-77 made her way to the transport bay without stopping for anything. The Knights assigned to go after Neo Brilliant were more likely there, especially Valen. She wished she was older so she’d show him what a “mere girl” could do. As she arrived at the bay entrance, she was surprised to see Ezekial there.

“Ah, Ruth-77,” Ezekial said. “I thought I’d wish you good luck and say goodbye.”

Ruth-77’s face took on a stunned look. “Sir, I’ll be back. I won’t let Brilliant kill me, and I’ll…” She stopped from continuing when she saw the frown on the Platinum Knight’s elderly face. “My apologies, sir.”

Ezekial dismissed the apology with a wave of his hand. “Oh, don’t worry about it.” He let out a deep sigh. “He was my best pupil.”

“He was, sir,” Ruth-77 said. “It must make you sad to see him become a cold-blooded killer.”

Ezekial spoke before Ruth-77 could apologize. “Our Great Purpose?”

Ruth-77 recited the phrase without question. "To enlighten the world. To banish the darkness. To help people see the light and guide them down the right path. That is the Great Purpose of the Illuminati."

Ezekial nodded. “Think about that while on your mission. Think about it a lot.”

Ruth-77 blinked. “Sir?”

Ezekial folded his arms behind his back. “Well, good luck to you.” He began to walk away, and then stopped. “Oh, one more thing, Ruth-77.”

“Yes, sir?” Ruth-77 said.

“Tell Neo I said ‘hi,’” the Platinum Knight said, and he continued on his way.




According to the Illuminati’s sources, Neo Brilliant was hiding out at an abandoned farm that covered several acres. Thankfully, the place was located a good distance away from any town or city, so excessive force was possible according to Valen. Also, no one would notice the medium-sized carrier transport flying through the sky, although that was due to its stealth cloak.

“Remember, do not challenge him to a formal Duel,” the Gold Knight said as he stood before the seated Knights. “Ignore his own challenges, for they just mean he’ll attack you unfairly with his Cards,” he stressed. “He is ruthless, and you all know what he does to our Knights.” He continued despite the Knights shuddering at what they’d been told, and Ruth-77 swore he was smiling at her as she trembled. It unnerved her. “Our orders are to bring him dead or alive, but you all know what I personally want.”

“We’re almost at the target location,” the pilot announced over the speaker.

“Good.” Valen faced his troops. “Once we land, follow my plan and move out at once.”




Valen’s plan was to have the Knights surround the immense property while a select few searched the buildings. Ruth-77 found herself leading two Steel Knights to search the barn. She noted how other groups had five members and her Knights let her lead. Although she outranked them, she knew she’d be the first to be attacked, and that wouldn’t bother them. She heard the dead grass crunch under her shoes.

Ruth-77 stopped before the barn. Its red paint coat was chipped, and when she looked through the opened doors, she saw that the hay inside was old and dry. “He’s not here,” she said. “Let’s…”

“Oh, you’re wrong. I’m right here.”

Ruth-77 turned around sharply and gasped. Her eyes almost bugged out of their sockets as did those of her two Steel Knights. Before them stood the very person they had been looking for. Clad in a blue coat, white T-shirt, blue denim jeans, and sneakers, he looked at them through yellow shades and towered over them all. She spotted the Cardholder peaking out from underneath his jacket. Her trembling hand reached for her own Deck.

“Hmmmmm, you okay?” Neo Brilliant asked her as he rubbed his chin. “Shaking like that…maybe you need to see a doctor.”

Ruth-77 gripped her Cardholder at her side as she stared at the Maverick. *Doesn’t sound like a cold-blooded killer to me, but…*

One of the Steel Knights gathered up the courage to speak. “Hey, you’re coming with us, but in a bodybag!” he declared, pointing at the infamous Maverick while reaching for his Cardholder with his free hand.

“Yeah!” the other added as he reached into his Cardholder. “We’ll stop your murderous rampage once and for all!”

“Hmmm?” Neo raised an eyebrow at the two. “You two are a little melodramatic.” He scratched his head. “Plus, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Liar!” The first Steel Knight pulled out a White Card. “Carrion, come forth and smite this traitor!”

“Carrion, go!” the second Steel Knight commanded after pulling out a similar Card.

Two flashes of light later, two gangly angels in black armor appeared before Neo. Both welded scythes and their red V-shaped eye slits stood out on their V-shaped heads. Each sported a pair of bat wings. The golden Illuminati symbol shone on their chests. Behind her fellow Knights, Ruth-77 shivered. Despite them being Light Monsters, she had never liked the Carrion Monster Cards, and she had a nightmare where she was being chased by one after seeing one in action against the enemy. They were created exclusively to eliminate evildoers.

Neo adjusted his shades. “No challenge to a Duel?”

The first Steel Knight smirked. “You don’t deserve one. Not even to a simple Duel.”

“Our faith fuels the strength of our Cards!” the second Steel Knight declared. He shook his fist at the fugitive. “Now, you will feel their power!”

Neo looked over the two Carrions. Ruth-77 didn’t see any sign of fear on his face. Silently, he pulled out a deck of cards. “Hmmmm…”

“We’re not Dueling, traitor!” the first Steel Knight shouted. “Get him!”

“Wait!” Ruth-77 said. “He isn’t ready, and you can't just attack him with your Monsters. That's..."

“Attack!” the second Steel Knight ordered his Carrion.

Both Carrions flew at the former Gold Knight with their weapons ready to strike. Neo still continued to rifle through his Deck as if nothing was happening. A Carrion raised his weapon once he was in range, and Ruth-77 watched as the sickle-shaped blade swung towards Neo. Just when metal was about to cut into flesh, the target vanished.

“What?” the first Steel Knight exclaimed. Bewildered, the second Steel Knight looked around. Their Carrions scanned the area. They gripped their scythes tightly.

Ruth-77 looked around. “Don’t forget! He was Platinum Knight Ezekial’s best pupil! He can move fast!”

“Don’t talk to us like we’re idiots!” the first Steel Knight said, glaring at her. “Just because you’re our superior doesn’t mean…”

“Tsk tsk. You guys are so mean.”

All three Knights looked behind them and saw Neo standing there. Ruth-77 spotted three Cards in his hand. Her fellow Knights glared at him.

“I see some things never change,” Neo commented. “If you think the world needs you misogynistic jerks to save it, we’re totally screwed.” He flashed a grin. “I think I’ll use three Cards on you guys.”

Ruth-77 stared at the Maverick. “Three Cards?”

The first Steel Knight scowled. “Carrion, attack!” he ordered.

“Attack!” the second Steel Knight ordered.

The Carrions flew at Neo for a second time. Ruth-77 fought the urge to tell the Maverick to move, but she grabbed a card from her Deck. However, she wasn’t sure whether to use it to help in the attack or to stop it. Unlike Valen, she wanted to bring Neo in alive.

Without a trace of panic in his voice or manner, Neo held up a White Card. “Card number one,” he said. “Shineman!”

A flash of light later, a Monster emerged to meet the Carrions head on. Ruth-77 gasped. Neo’s Monster was a humanoid being of pure energy. Clad in blue and white armor, it hovered in front of its master. Bolts of blue, yellow, and white crackled from its body. Its yellow face had a pair of opaque white eyes with no nose or mouth, and not a strand of hair topped its head. Its breastplate bore the orange and yellow symbol of the sun. Ruth-77 had seen images of it during Valen’s briefing, and she had a good idea of what the Monster was capable of.

The first Carrion swung his scythe at the newcomer, who caught the deadly blade in his hand. The Carrion’s red eyes widened as Shineman crushed the blade, sending shards of metal to the ground which immediately disappeared. The Carrion drew his fist back when he received an energy blast to the chest. He managed to stop himself from flying towards space.

While this was happening, the second Carrion dashed at Neo, who got out of the way in time to avoid losing his head or any other part of his body. Shineman flew at the second Carrion and socked him in the face, causing him to crash to the ground. The first Carrion tried to sneak behind Shineman, but the energy Monster delivered a roundhouse kick, sending him to the ground.

“Why that…” The first Steel Knight pulled out a White Card. “Sacred Saber!” A white sword with a glowing blade appeared in his hand.

“Sacred Saber!” The second Steel Knight brandished the same weapon.

The Carrions got to their feet and faced Neo and Shineman, who stood protectively near his master. With a yell, both Knights ran towards Neo with their blades, and their Carrions flew towards their targets.

Neo took in the incoming Steel Knights and Carrions. “Okay, talk about overkill,” he remarked without a trace of panic in his voice. “You guys should take a deep breath and relax.”

Ruth-77 couldn’t believe what she was seeing. She wasn’t surprised by her Knights disregarding her command, but she was shocked at Neo Brilliant. He wasn’t what she had expected. The Neo Brilliant she knew was a merciless killer with little regard for human life, honor, and the Dueling Code, not a person who made wisecracks even when his life was in danger. She knew what to do.

The first Steel Knight reached Neo first. “Die!” he yelled as he raised his weapon.

“Protective Veil!” Ruth-77 yelled as she activated one of her Cards.

Walls of light surrounded Neo and Shineman, and their attackers stopped before them. The first Steel Knight glared at the Silver Knight. “Hey, what are you doing?”

“Our orders are to take him in dead or alive,” Ruth-77 said firmly, looking directly into the other’s eyes. “I’d like it if we did the latter.”

“Not a bad idea,” Neo said from his confines. “However, I’m afraid I can’t really come with you.” He showed another Card. “Card number two, Shine Saber.” A light blade appeared in his hand, and with one swing, he slashed the Protective Veil into shards of light that disintegrated before hitting the ground.

“Get ready,” the first Steel Knight ordered his Carrion, who nodded in response.

Neo surveyed the scene before him. He looked at the Shine Saber in his hand, and then at his Monster, who awaited his next order. Ruth-77 didn’t make an effort to join her fellow Knights, but she took out a Card just in case.

“Shineman,” Neo said, and as Ruth-77 and the other Knights watched, he tossed the Shine Saber to his Monster. “Go take care of the overgrown buzzards.” Shineman nodded and flew towards the Carrions, who met him in the sky. He fixed his gaze on the Steel Knights. “I’ll handle these two.”

The second Steel Knight sneered. “Sure you will.”

“If you haven’t noticed, traitor, we’re armed,” the first Steel Knight said.

Ruth-77 watched as Neo assumed a fighting stance with his fists out and his feet planted squarely on the ground. “Bring it on, then,” she heard him say as he motioned them over with his hand.

The first Steel Knight charged, and Neo sidestepped him as he swung his blade. Before he could turn around and attack again, the Knight received a brutal gift from the Maverick: a quick punch to the face. Ruth-77 swore she saw him spit out a tooth before falling to the ground. His Sacred Saber vanished, and the Card laid next to him.

Seeing his fallen comrade, the second Steel Knight made his move. He ran at Neo swinging his Sacred Saber wildly. With his hands behind his back, the ex-Gold Knight leapt back with each swing, and the Steel Knight snarled in frustration as his weapon cut through air. Neo flipped back and landed on his two feet. Above, Shineman and the Carrions battled unseen, for a bright light obscured the progress of their fight.

“Thanks for the cool breeze,” Neo called out as his opponent caught his breath.

"Hold still!" the Steel Knight yelled seconds before lunging forward with his weapon. His blade once again cut through air, and the Maverick appeared a few meters away from him.

"High blood pressure is bad for you!" Neo shouted from his position.

Growling, the Steel Knight pulled out another Card from his Deck. “Daggers of Wrath!” he yelled, and a swarm of blades flew towards Neo.

Ruth-77 expected Neo to move out of the way, but he stood his ground as the deadly daggers closed in. She stopped herself from yelling at him to move. She had a feeling the remaining Steel Knight was looking for an excuse to get her demoted or worse.

Neo raised his open hand, and the daggers stopped in front of him. “Not a bad move, but I don’t think you’re trying hard enough.” He lowered his hand, and the daggers clattered to the ground. Seconds later, they disappeared.

As the last dagger vanished, the Steel Knight rushed forward with his blade raised. “Die!” he yelled, ready to plunge the sword into the Maverick’s body.

“Um, no.” Neo reached out, and the Steel Knight stopped in his tracks. He clenched his teeth as he tried to move his blade, which was stuck between Neo’s two fingers and thumb. “You’re not a quick study, I’m afraid,” he said nonchalantly. “You rely too much on Cardcraft. Now say good night.” Before the Knight could react, Neo swung his fist into his face. The Steel Knight fell with a look of surprise on his face, and his sword vanished as he crumpled to the ground.

Ruth-77 stared at the ex-Gold Knight with a mix of awe and dread. Her shaking hand reached for her communicator. Reinforcements were a must.

“Oh, you don’t need that,” Neo said as he looked skyward. “I’m sure your fellow Knights will be here any moment.”

Ruth-77 looked skyward. She made out two quick flashes, and seconds later, Shineman descended to his master with the Shine Saber lowered. His white eyes glowed fiercely, and his free fist crackled with energy. She gulped at the sight and wondered how long it would be before reinforcements would come to assist her. She doubted the fight in the sky escaped any of the others’ attention.

“Well, we've got some time until they get here, so how about a simple Duel?” Neo said, gazing at the young Silver Knight. “You know what a simple Duel is, right?”

Ruth-77 nodded. “Why should I trust you?” she said, staring firmly at him. "How should I know you won't kill me like you killed the others?"

Neo frowned. "I'm guessing Valen's in charge here, right?"

"How'd you...?"

"Lucky guess." The Maverick folded his arms across his chest. "He loves to spread lies about me."

"Lies?" Ruth-77 tried to process that word, for it and Valen didn't mix. Despite her dislike of him, he was very loyal to the Great Purpose and saved more people from the darkness. The Illuminati Elders valued him highly, and no one spoke ill of him. Still, he had preferred Neo dead...

"So, are we going to Duel?" Neo gestured towards Shineman. "My main Mon against yours sans Equips and other Magic. Loser has to do what the winner wants."

Ruth-77 stared at him. "You mean if you lose, you'll turn yourself in?"

Neo gestured towards himself. "I set the condition, and we both have to abide by it if you accept my challenge. That's part of the Dueling Code, last time I checked."

Ruth-77 looked at the two fallen Steel Knights. Both weren't moving. Two more dead in the fight to achieve the Great Purpose.

"Don't worry. They just got a good beating, that's all."

Neo's words snapped the Silver Knight out of her thoughts. She knelt near the first Steel Knight and checked his pulse on his neck. To her relief, there was a faint one.

"They'll be fine," Neo reassured her. "Sure, they'll be needing minor medical attention, not to mention all the other Knights will make fun of them, but other than that, they'll be fine."

Ruth-77 got to her feet. "You will come with me if I win?" she asked, fixing her gaze on him.

Neo smiled, and unlike Valen's, his mouth showed no malice. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there." Shineman continued to hover next to him. "Ya know, you must be good if you're already a Knight above Tin rank at your age, and a Silver Knight at that."

"Flattery will get you nowhere," Ruth-77 said as she fished a Card out of her Cardholder. She looked at it. "Shall we get started?"

"Let's." Neo gestured to Shineman, who handed the Shine Saber to him. The weapon returned to Card form, and Neo put it away. "Okay, bring out your Monster."

Ruth-77 held up her Card. "Archangel!" Her armored winged Monster came forth, and he readied his blade for the upcoming battle. She studied Shineman carefully, and she knew he was a powerful Monster. She decided to try to keep Neo busy until reinforcements would arrive. She pointed at Shineman. "Attack!" The Archangel flew towards his opponent.

"Shineman, go!" At his master's command, the light being charged at the Archangel.

The Archangel swung his sword at Shineman, but he leaned back in time and fired an energy bolt. The winged Monster blocked it with his sword, but was thrown back, giving Shineman an opening to punch him in the chest with his glowing fist. The Archangel crashed to the ground, and Ruth-77 saw the melted metal where the hit was made. The Illuminati symbol was hardly recognizable. The Archangel barely rolled out of the way when Shineman tried to land a kick in the same spot, and once he was standing, he swung at his opponent, who vanished. Seconds later, Shineman reappeared above the Archangel and planted his foot into his face. Staggering back, the Archangel swung his sword and managed to cut Shineman across his symbol. The cut glowed, and as Shineman grasped his chest, the Archangel charged at him, knocking him to the ground.

"Yes!" Ruth-77 said. She stopped herself from jumping for joy. It wasn't a good idea to celebrate prematurely, especially since Shineman had dispatched two Carrions earlier. Plus, it was undignified behavior.

"Not bad," Neo said. He smiled. "However..."

Shineman got to his feet. Ruth-77 saw the slash on his symbol close up slowly. "Go!" she shouted to her Archangel.

The Archangel flew towards Shineman, but his blade cut through air. Shineman reappeared in front of him, and when he thrust his blade towards his target, he vanished. The Archangel scanned the area for the enemy Monster.

"Power is good, but it's useless if you can't use it properly," Neo commented.

Shineman reappeared behind him and grabbed him. The Archangel struggled to break free, and Shineman's hands started glowing. Seconds later, Ruth-77 watched as her Monster shook and screamed in his opponent's grasp as streams of blue and white energy surged through his body. The Archangel went limp, and Shineman dropped him.

Ruth-77 froze in her tracks. "Get up, please," she whispered. Archangels were among the Illumnati's strongest Monsters, yet the current Duel caused her to doubt that. She feared what Neo had in mind if he won. She doubted the power of the Illuminati, and she never did that. Her hand went into her pants pocket, and she felt her pendant. She wasn't sure why she wanted to do that, but it felt right. Slowly, she pulled it out, and without hesitating, she put it around her neck.

Her Archangel struggled to get up, and he slowly lifted himself off the ground. Shineman waited for his opponent to make the next move. Ruth-77 saw how her Monster's majestic wings had fallen in quality. The feathers were somewhat charred and falling off. In addition, his armor was mostly melted. His sword looked like it would melt on the spot.

"Hmmmm..." Neo rubbed his chin and looked over the Archangel. "Doesn't look good for you."

Ruth-77 frowned. Her hands formed into fists. "It's not over yet."

"True, true," Neo said. "Let's see what happens, shall we?"

The Archangel faced Shineman and raised his blade. Shineman stood his ground. Grabbing her pendant, Ruth-77 closed her eyes and wished her Archangel would be stronger than Shineman. She gripped her pendant tightly. She wasn't sure about what she was doing. She feared she was performing a ritual forbidden by the Illuminati, yet it didn't feel wrong. All she wanted was her Archangel to be stronger. Opening her eyes, she drew on her inner strength, and she kept holding her pendant as she looked at her Archangel.

Suddenly, the Archangel emitted an intense light. Ruth-77 shielded her eyes with her arm as the light bathed the area. She felt its heat, then felt something warm near her sides. Looking down while her hand blocked out most of the light, she saw both of her Cardholders glowing. She gasped as she recalled her dreams.

Something exploded. Moments later, the light faded, and Ruth-77 lowered her hand. Her eyes widened at the sight before her. Her faceless Archangel had transformed into the one from her dream. Without any damage on her, the new Archangel held her sword at her side as she looked at Shineman.

"Finally," Neo said with no surprise in his tone. "Let's continue, then."

Ruth-77 considered the situation and decided worrying about her Monster changing wasn't as important as bringing in Neo Brilliant. "Yes, let's," she said, keeping her stare on Neo.

Shineman put his hands together and unleashed a powerful energy blast at the Archangel. Immediately, she raised her sword, and a light barrier appeared. The attack exploded on it, and before Shineman could react, the Archangel flew at him and thrust her blade into his chest. Still hanging on to her weapon, she flew both of them into the barn. Seconds later, both Duelists heard a loud crash.

Neo ran into the barn, and Ruth-77 followed suit. They stopped underneath the doorway and found their Monsters up and still fighting. The Archangel had her sword in her hand and was swatting away energy bolts from Shineman, who hovered above her. The energy being charged at her, but she sidestepped him and took to the air. Shineman turned around and fired again. The Archangel dodged his shots, and they impacted on the side of the barn, causing shards of wood to fly about and to the ground.

"Go get him!" Ruth-77 shouted, still hoping the other Knights would come. However, this time, she was sure she could beat Neo in this simple Duel. Hope swelled within her. The light would guide her to victory.

Both Monsters faced off from opposite sides of the barn. The Archangel pointed her sword at Shineman, and the blade began to glow. Shineman held out his hands, which started to glow. At the same time, both fired energy blasts; the Archangel's was colored white while Shineman's was white, yellow, and blue. Both attacks collided against each other in midair, giving the Duelists on the ground a sight to behold. Yellow, white, and blue flashed as both Monsters pushed their blasts against each other. The Archangel clenched her teeth, and Shineman's eyes narrowed as their struggle continued.

"Looks close, kid," Neo remarked.

Ruth-77 nodded. "That's one thing we can agree on." She stood next to him, but at that moment, she didn't feel threatened by the Maverick.

Then, the barn started exploding around them. The structure shook and began to collapse. Both Monsters ceased firing and looked around. Something exploded behind the two Duelists, and they were thrown to the ground.

"What's going on?" Ruth-77 shouted as it rained wood on them.

"Looks like your friends made it after all!" Neo shouted back as more explosions appeared around them, leaving hungry flames that began eating at their surroundings. "Seems they're using bombs on us."

"What?" Ruth-77 looked around with disbelief as the barn began to ignite. "They know I'm here. Why use heavy weaponry?"

The ceiling exploded, and flaming pieces of the roof fell towards the two Duelists. Ruth-77 saw Neo pull a Card from his Cardholder, but before she could ask him what it was or anything else, she felt something heavy hit the back of her head. She felt her eyelids becoming heavy, and before her vision went black, she made out her Archangel flying towards her and Neo's face bent over her.




Inside the transport’s cockpit, Valen watched as the barn exploded into a magnificent conflagration. He allowed himself to smile. “Well, looks like we didn’t have to use the beam weapons after all,” he remarked. “Firebombs did a good enough job.”

“No lifesigns,” one Knight reported as he looked at a display of the ground below.

The primary pilot, a man clad in a pilot’s helmet and flight goggles along with the standard Illuminati uniform, looked at the sight before him. “Shall we land, sir?”

“But of course. Prepare flame-retardant foam.” Valen continued to smile. “Contact headquarters,” he said to the communications officer. “Let them know Maverick Neo Brilliant has been eliminated.” He paused. “Also let them know Silver Knight Ruth-77 sacrificed herself to bring him down.”

Facing forward, the communications officer frowned. “At once, sir.” He delivered the message. “Sir, Platinum Knight Ezekial wishes to speak with you.”

The transport began its descent toward the fiery wreckage.




“I see,” Ezekial said to the small vidscreen on his desk. “Have you confirmed their deaths?”

On the vidscreen, Valen spoke. “We’re dousing the area with flame-retardant foam now, but I doubt they survived. They were too busy Dueling to escape.”

“I see.” Ezekial leaned back in his chair. “Are you sure?”

“I am,” Valen said firmly. “We got him this time, sir.”

Ezekial leaned forward and clasped his hands. “Good work, Valen. Report to me once you confirm everything.”

“As you wish, sir,” Valen said. “Oh, and sir?”

“Yes, Gold Knight?”

“She died for a good cause. Neo Brilliant will trouble us no more. Over and out.”

The vidscreen went blank. Ezekial switched it off and picked up a picture in front of him. In it, a young girl with short brown hair dressed in an Academy uniform stood next to him. He sighed and pulled open a desk drawer. Fishing through its contents, he found what he was looking for and pulled it out. He looked at the picture in his hands, which was of a Black boy in an Academy uniform and him. The boy’s eyes weren’t hidden by yellow shades, and they showed only innocence. He looked at the girl’s eyes and saw the same thing. He put the pictures on his desk and sighed at the sight of the two Dueling prodigies he helped train.

“I wish you two luck,” he said gently. “May you find the light on your own.”




Ruth-77 floated in darkness. She blinked at her surroundings and looked at her hand. It looked transparent. She flexed her fingers. “I’m…dead.”

“No.”

A large book appeared before her and spun around. She noticed its faded red cover, and as it opened, she saw its yellow tinged pages. The book flipped through page after page until it came to a picture of a short-haired girl in armor. She looked at the caption, but before she could read it, her Archangel emerged slowlyfrom the picture. “You’re not dead,” the Monster said reassuringly as a bright aura surrounded her.

“Really?” Ruth-77 looked over herself, and she seemed more solid. “Thank goodness. I can go back.”

The Archangel shook her head. “Don’t go back,” she said.

“Huh?” Ruth-77 said.

“It’s time to wake up,” the Archangel said with a smile.

The light intensified, and Ruth-77 closed her eyes.




Ruth-77 shot up and gasped for air. She breathed in and out and clutched her heart. She felt it beat rapidly, and as she calmed down, she felt her heartbeat slow down to its regular rate. For a moment, she wondered if she’d dreamt the entire day, but then she noticed her surroundings. For starters, she was lying in a red sleeping bag, and she was surrounding by a large tent. A single fluorescent lamp lit the inside. She looked around for her Cardholders and found them next to her pillow. She saw a shadow approaching the tent, and she grabbed a Cardholder without thinking about which one it was. The opening of the tent parted, and she reached into the Cardholder just as a dark-skinned hand appeared on one flap.

“Whoa there,” Neo Brilliant said with a smile as he peeked into the tent. His shades were gone, revealing his brown eyes. “Take it easy. You’re still recovering from that nasty bump on your head.”

Ruth-77 rubbed her head and found a bandage wrapped around her forehead. She winced. “What happened?”

Neo tapped his chin with his finger and pursed his lips. “Well, in a nutshell, the Illuminati dropped firebombs on us and blew up the barn we were in. A piece of the ceiling hit you hard, and I got us out of here.”

Ruth-77’s eyes widened. “What?” She forced herself out of the sleeping bag. “You’re lying. They would never use…”

“I’m sorry to say this, but they did,” Neo said firmly. “That’s Valen for you. It doesn’t matter to him how many people die as long as he gets the job done.”

“My fellow Illuminati would never do that to me,” Ruth-77 said. “They’d never do something like that to each other.”

“Hate to tell you this, kid, but it happens on an everyday basis,” Neo said. “Valen doesn’t care about anyone unless he has a use for them. After that,”—he made a slashing motion at his throat with his hand—“all bets are off.”

Ruth-77 glared at Neo. She gripped the edge of the sleeping bag tightly. *How dare he imply we are not pure of heart,* she thought angrily, and she gave voice to her thoughts. “How dare you! We’re not like Umbra! We’re not like those scum! We Illuminati value honor above all else.”

Neo frowned. “Kid, the only difference between the Illuminati and Umbra is Umbra tends to be more honest about their evil.” He continued speaking, but this time in a gentle tone. “Look, let’s not argue. You’ve been out cold for a long time, so I’m sure you’re hungry. Come on out and have something to eat.”

Ruth-77 continued to glare at him, but her stomach growled loudly. She rubbed it and sighed. “You win,” she said as she grabbed her Cardholders and fastened them to her belt.

Neo stood by as she crawled out of the tent. She looked around and saw the sky was dark. The moon shone in its circular fullness, and the stars twinkled. She saw the trees surrounding them. A campfire burned nearby with two stools sitting next to it. A white box sat on one of them. A beat-up blue van waited next to the trees.

“Where are we?” Ruth-77 asked.

“The local forest,” Neo answered. “The farm’s way down that way,” he said, pointing towards the west.

“How long have I been out?” Ruth-77 asked as they walked towards the stools.

“Try for the entire afternoon and night,” Neo said as he reached for the box. He pulled out a White Card from his Cardholder and showed it to her. On it, she saw a bottle filled with green liquid labeled “Elixir of Recovery.” “Good thing I gave this to you, or you’d still be out or dead.”

Ruth-77 stared at the bottle. "How did you administer it? I was unconscious."

"Let me put it this way," Neo said with a grin. "Your arm will be sore for a while."

Ruth-77 rubbed her arm and sat down on a stool. “Was that your third Card?”

“Nope,” Neo said as he sat down. He placed the box on his lap and took out another Card. “This is. Saved our butts, it did.” He handed it to her. “Here. Look at it.”

Ruth-77 took the Card, noted it was White, and saw a picture of a person being engulfed in a blue light. “Emergency Transport,” she said, reading the Card name. She handed the Card back, and after Neo took it, she was surprised at what she had done.

“Like I said, it saved our lives.” Neo opened the box. “Now, here’s dinner.”

Ruth-77 looked inside and frowned. “Donuts?” she exclaimed. She poked one of the donuts and looked at her finger, which had white powder on it. “You expect me to eat these?”

“Only food I’ve got,” Neo said. He pulled out a glazed donut and took a big bite out of it. “Good stuff,” he said while chewing, spitting out some crumbs and sugar flakes.

Ruth-77 stared at the donuts. “But they’re unhealthy.”

“Can’t be picky if you’re hungry,” Neo said seconds before wolfing down a chocolate covered one. “Mmmmmm…good…”

Ruth-77 frowned and picked up a powdered donut with two fingers. As Neo continued to devour donut after donut, she looked over the O-shaped treat. As long as she could remember, she ate foods that were good for you. The Illuminati believed in fit bodies as well as fit minds, and foods like cookies and donuts were nonexistent within the organization. Her superiors always stressed good eating habits, and all her life in the Illuminati, only fruits, vegetables, and broiled, baked, or boiled food passed through her lips.

“You’d better have some before I eat them all,” Neo mumbled through the chunks of donut in his mouth. Almost half the box’s contents were gone.

Ruth-77 looked at the donut in her hand. Her stomach growled again. Closing her eyes, she lifted the donut to her mouth. Slowly, she brought it to her lips and opened them. Her teeth scraped the surface of the donut, and she tasted the powdered sugar. She fought the urge to be sick and throw the donut to the ground. Her stomach growled louder, and she quickly bit down on the donut. Tasting its mild sweetness, she chewed at a fast pace and swallowed deeply. She opened her eyes.

“Still alive?” Neo asked before a cream-filled donut with chocolate frosting entered his mouth.

Ruth-77 shoved the donut into her mouth and chewed it quickly. After swallowing, she grabbed a maple-coated one and bit it eagerly. Neo smiled as she wolfed down donut after donut, and moments later, the whole box was empty.

“That wasn’t bad, was it?” Neo said as he folded up the box.

“No,” Ruth-77 admitted as she wiped powdered sugar off her lips. “No, it wasn’t.”

Neo looked at the sky and stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets. “So, what are you going to do now?”

“Hmmmm?” Ruth-77 stared at him. “Aren’t I your prisoner?”

“Not really,” Neo said. “Feel free to leave any time. Heck, you can go back to the Illuminati if you want to.”

“Really?” Ruth-77 couldn’t contain her joy. “I can just go back?”

“It’s your choice,” Neo said. “I can’t stop you.”

Ruth-77 looked around, and she considered which way to go when a Card flew out of her Cardholder. She grabbed it and gasped, for it had the picture of her new Archangel. She studied it closely, and without thinking, she pulled out her pendant from her neck and compared it to the new symbol on her Archangel.

“Interesting necklace you’ve got there,” Neo said. “Where’d you get it?”

“I’m not sure,” Ruth-77 answered. “I had it with me when the Illuminati found me.”

“You don’t say,” Neo said from behind her, causing her to almost jump. He spotted the new Archangel Card and noted the number seven in its upper right hand corner. “She’s a strong Monster Card. She picked you up and carried you while I activated Emergency Transport.” He looked closer. “You know her?”

Ruth-77 looked at him. “Should I?”

Neo shrugged. “I’d rethink going back to the Illuminati,” he said, pointing to her Cardholders, “especially since all your Cards changed.”

Ruth-77 almost dropped her Archangel Card, and she started pulling out her Cards from her Cardholders. Her eyes almost bugged out of their sockets when she saw some Black or half-Black Cards. “Oh no,” she said, shocked at the dark smudges in her Deck rainbow. “If I do return…”

“You’d be punished severely, right?” Neo said. “In this case, you’d be killed.” He spoke again after Ruth-77 stared at him silently. “Believe me, I know Illuminati regulations. Strict ones, they are. Heavy emphasis on conformity. No Black Cards allowed in your Deck.” He frowned. "I should say Dark Cards. I still don't like it when I say 'Black Cards.'"

Ruth-77 returned her Cards to her Cardholders. “I can’t go back,” she said softly.

“Hey,” Neo said, placing a hand on her shoulder. He smiled at her. “You’re not alone. You can come with me.”

Ruth-77 looked into Neo’s eyes. “Go with you?” Her lip trembled, and her hand lowered towards her Cardholder. “But you’re a killer. Valen said…”

“Valen’s the guy who was willing to kill you to kill me, and I'm the guy who just saved your life,” Neo said. “Besides, Ezekial told me to get you out of the Illuminati.”

“Ezekial?” Ruth-77 stared at Neo unbelievingly. “Platinum Knight Ezekial?”

“Yep,” Neo said, and he reached into his jacket pocket. “He sent me this to give to you.” He pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it to Ruth-77. “It’s in his handwriting.”

Ruth-77 opened the paper and found herself staring at a sheet of official Illuminati stationery used by high-ranking officials. She read its contents slowly.


Dear Ruth-77 (or whatever name you will go by),

First, I must apologize for employing a ruse to get you out of the Illuminati, but I felt you were in danger. Your fellow Knights, especially Valen, didn’t take your promotion to Silver Knight very well. I’m sure you noticed that. Our traditional ways are flawed, yet they persist, and I was sure Valen or another high-ranking official would find a way to dispose of you discreetly. Neo knows this well, and I’m sure he’ll help you with your new life because of his connections.
Also, your talent with Cardcraft is extraordinary, and I didn’t want it repressed by our rigid standards. Ever since I found you, I’ve always sensed you’d excel at Cardcraft, and it was an honor to be your instructor. I’m sure by now you’ve changed your Cards to conform to you. Don’t be alarmed. That’s how it’s supposed to work. I’m confident you’ll get used to it.
I must be honest. I fear the Illuminati has lost sight of its original purpose. We’ve become as bad as Umbra, I’m afraid. Not all of us agree with the course our organization has taken, but we are in the minority, and the majority includes Valen and the Council of Elders. My office protects me, so don’t worry about me. I feel a good number of decent Knights must remain behind to stop us from following the path of darkness.
I hope to see you some day. Please treasure your individuality and find yourself. I will pray for your safety.

Ezekial


Ruth-77 stared at the paper and took in each word slowly. Her eyes lingered on the Illuminati insignia letterhead. She wished the Platinum Knight was present so she could ask him questions. "He says 'hi,'" she said.

"Hmm?" Neo said.

"That's what he told me to tell you before I left," Ruth-77 said.

"I see." Neo held out his hand. “Um, I’m gonna have to burn that. I doubt Ezekial would want the Illuminati to find out he’s been helping us.”

Ruth-77 nodded and handed the letter to Neo, who crumpled it into a ball and tossed it into the fire. She held back her tears as the paper shriveled within the flames into a blackened ball of ashes. She felt Neo’s hand on her shoulder.

“We’d better get moving,” Neo said. “Valen’s not gonna be happy when he finds no bodies in that wreckage. I know a friend who’ll let us stay over for the night. I’m sure you’ll find something there you’d actually like to eat.” He looked over her. "I'm also sure she'll have some clothes for you. I don't think the uniform's the right look for you. Besides, why would a secret organization make its members wear clothing that says 'Hi, I'm a member of a secret organization'? Where's the logic in that?"

Ruth-77 looked at Neo and saw the smile crossing his face. Slowly, she smiled back.

“So, what’s your name?” he asked. Before she could answer, he added, "Not the name the Illuminati gave you. Your real name."

Ruth-77 looked into the fire. “I…don’t know,” she admitted. “The Illuminati named me Ruth-77, and I know I had a name before that, but I don’t remember it.” She looked at her pendant. “However, until I find it, you can call me Angel Bright.”

“Angel Bright, huh?” Neo smiled at her. “Not a bad name.”

"What about you?" she asked. "What about your real name?"

"Still wondering about that myself," he answered, rubbing the back of his head. "Just call me Neo Brilliant for now."

The newly self-christened Angel Bright pulled out her Archangel Card. “I’ll name you Jeanne,” she said. “Not sure why, but I just feel like it’s the right name for you.” She watched as the name “Jeanne” appeared above the Card’s picture.

“Well, welcome to the ever-growing number of Mavericks, Angel,” Neo said.

“Yeah,” Angel said, looking at Jeanne.

“Cooooo!!!”

Angel swore she heard something from her Cardholder, and a White Card flew out of it. It transformed into a small pink Monster with a heart-shaped head, opaque white oval-shaped eyes, bird-like wings, and stubby limbs. “Coo!” the Monster said, waving at her.

Neo laughed. “Well, looks like you’ve got a new friend.”

The Monster flew into Angel’s arms and hugged her. “Coooooo,” it said softly. Looking down at the newcomer, Angel smiled and hugged it back.

“Amor,” she said. She didn’t know why that word came to mind, but it seemed right. “I’ll name you Amor.”

“Coo,” Amor said.

Angel watched as the orange and yellow flames danced. She noticed the faint shadow on the ground. Neo brought a water bucket over and tossed its contents over the fire. The flames sizzled out, and Angel watched the smoke rise into the night sky. She swore she saw the faces of the man and woman looking down at her. She looked at her Silver Badge, and without saying a word, she removed it and placed it into her pocket.