#the arcana cosplay contest

[ushirinaki]

Hehe big man = heart eyes

Long time no see though hi (Instagram: ushirinaki_cosplay)

[thestuffofbucket]

This was a planned cosplay, so one would think that I managed to pick up an eye patch. But no. So paper eye patch it is. Again. ...do feel its something he would do in a pinch though...

[preciousseashell]

Here’s my official entry for @thearcanagame #TheArcanaCosplayContest as Countess Nadia! As a bonus, I'm going to spill how I made my entire cosplay (incoming long text). I also hope it could help those who want to cosplay this amazing beauty 1st photo taken by Ligerscout on instagram/twitter

The Valerius in 2nd pic: insta is punkynotemo, tumblr is those-arcana-things 

Side note: My biggest inspiration was my dad when I made this. He was dying of Liver Cancer at the time, and this was going to be the last cosplay that I could make and show it off to him. Throughout the process from start to finish, he was very proud of me through it all   

The wig: This was the first part of cosplay that I made and dyed over (pun SOMEWHAT intended), a big learning experience as I have never dyed a wig or sewn them together before. I had Arda's Le Tigre CLASSIC - (CL-003) Crimson, attempted to dye the end part to purple but that gradient didn't go through at all. I had to extensively de-frizz/trim the damaged ends. I then had a purple wig that's meant for Nozomi from Love Live, deconstructed that wig, and sew it into that wig. Yes, I will sacrifice a high school idol for this idol LMAO. Then I learned my lesson, and ordered Epiccosplayy's 35 inch ponytail clip-on in white. I dyed the top part a red color with a hint of purple. With the remaining half, I dyed it in the purple dye. I used Rit Dye brand for the dying colors. After all that, I was able to style up the wig. The wig process took a month while I was dealing with graduate school and other major responsibilities. 

Accessories: While I worked on the wig, I was creating the accessories. The head piece, the side pieces, and the little green gem beads were made by clay and baked, then painted. The main green gem on the head piece was made by a clear crystal that I painted over. I attached the big gem and the golden crescents by E6000 glue. Some of the rings that I wore, I painted over. I used golden string and made the necklace myself. The pearls were already put together; I attached teethcombs to easily attach them to my wig.

Clothes: This was the first time that I had ever used a sewing machine (Singer) and a Serger (Brother). I made all of the clothes in one month after making the wig.-The top: I had a stretchy white fabric, and stitched two layers of white chiffon fabric together to make the flowy look. To give the chiffon a clean finish and prevent fraying, I created a lingerie seam. I cut out my stretchy golden fabric, painted the pattern on, then attached it on top by stitching and fabric adhesive for extra security. A thin golden strip was attached to the top of the stretchy golden fabric for a clean look by fabric adhesive.  I was able to attach bra extender hooks to the back so the size can be adjustable.-The bottom: I used a plain seafoam green cotton fabric so that the outer layer isn't see-through (same material used for the cloak). Used the serger to give the fabric a clean trim and prevent fraying. I used two lighter blue stretchy fabrics for the outer layer, then stitched the three fabrics together. I folded the top part over, and then stitched that down. This created a little tunnel so I can insert an elastic band through. Afterwards, I stitched the back of the fabrics together into a skirt, and attached the ends of the band together.-The tie: I took a golden satin fabric, cut and trimmed. Stitched it up (unwanted side out first), and then turned it inside out. Easiest sewing.-The cloak: I used the seafoam green cotton fabric, used the serger with normal seams. I stitched the edges inwards. Then I had several sheets of golden fabric adhesive sheets. I don't have a cricket, so I had to draw out my stencil of the pattern. I had to cut out all of the patterns by hand (the hardest part on my hands), then iron the golden patterns on.

-Shoes: Since Nadia's sprite at the time depicted her as a floating ghost, and I'm unfortunately not, I have to wear shoes. I use either golden heel sandals or golden flats, depending on comfort and if I am to attempt to be remotely taller- to Lucio's luck, I'm naturally 5ft.

[baszle]

Julian test using my own hair...if only his was black

[majulian-dr-ilya]

✨👀✨

(I’m joining but am more exited to see others’ entries so go share share share dis post!!)

BIG NEWS: We’re doing a cosplay contest! Please read all the rules carefully. We look forward to seeing what you can create!

[retro-scorpio]

37 Days of XXX-Mas (Starring MC) (Masterlist)

I know I still have the other two parts of The Arcana Meets The Devildom to complete, but I’ve been thinking about this idea for the past couple of days, so I figured I might as well give it a whirl and see how it goes. Essentially, XXX-Mas is the holiday season version of Kinktober, except that not all of the topics relate to kink/BDSM. What they DO all have in common is that they in some way relate to sex. These topics range from PG-13 to rated R in nature, so there will be something for a wide audience. Each topic gets its own “day” (kinda like the 12 days of Christmas), and hopefully I will be able to start this series on November 26 in order to have it conclude by New Year’s Eve. If finals prevent this from happening, the series will start on the first of December and continue into the new year. XXX-Mas takes place within the same universe as the one depicted in The Arcana Meets The Devildom series, and with the exception of “Pegging Day”, my version of MC will remain the same gender-neutral being that they have been in that series (although for “Pegging Day”, MC will still be referred to with gender-neutral pronouns, but due to the nature of pegging, they will be AFAB). Finally, the order that these days are listed are not necessarily the order that they will be written. When I do post one of these one-shots, this post will be updated accordingly via hyperlinking.

With that, below are my proposed 37 days of XXX-Mas (Starring MC).

Lucifer: Blindfold Day 

Mammon: Rough Day

Levi: Roleplay Day

Satan: Vanilla Day

Asmo: Kissing Day

Beel: Blowjob Day

Belphie: Teasing Day

Simeon: Fantasy Day

Solomon: Drunk Day (With Consent)

Luke: Sexual Education Day (Strictly PG-13, NO Pedophilia)

Diavolo: Pegging Day

Barbatos: Appreciation Day

Julian: Rope Day

Asra: Chill Day (like “Netflix and Chill” kinda day)

Lucio: Dungeon Day

Lucifer x Diavolo: Dom Day

Lucifer x Satan: “Torture” Day (which is purely them demonstrating what their torture methods are on a trouble demon and MC getting turned on by it)

Lucifer x Julian: Touching Day

Mammon x Levi: Contest Day

Mammon x Lucio: Traditional Threesome Day

Levi x Asmo: Cosplay Day

Satan x Asmo: Tag Team Day

Satan x Asra: Book Day

Asmo x Beel: Art Day

Asmo x Simeon: Outdoor Day

Asmo x Solomon: Fight Day

Asmo x Julian: Spa Day

Asmo x Asra: Anal Day

Beel x Belphie: Twin Day

Beel x Diavolo: Sausage Day

Beel x Julian: Food Day

Belphie x Solomon: Wrecking Day

Simeon x Solomon: Porn Day

Solomon x Barbatos: Time Warp Day

Solomon x Asra: Magic Day

Diavolo x Julian: Gym Day

Julian x Asra: Game Day

[shypuddin]

Not The Arcana devs being called out on their whitewashing and then deleting comments.

This is not to say that the winners of the cosplay contest didn't deserve their wins. This fandom has a history with whitewashing and it needs to be discussed.

The creators are not even giving bipoc the time of day. When bipoc people point out when something is wrong, we as non bipoc or white passing need to listen.

Morningsunmeehan on Instagram made a better post on this.

[flirting-with-psychology]

Julian Devorak for the Arcana Cosplay Contest!

[valatheapprentice]

Ever just come across random shit the ties in everything about your apprentice?

So when I first started looking for my pagan name, I look up Nordic names. I came across the name Vala. Swedish. I think the name of a völva ("wand wed") and it means fortune teller. It never clicked fully for me. So I used it when I first started the arcana

I did not have an origin story for her until that writing contest thing and I literally pulled the royalty bit out of my ass and rolled with it.

When finding a reference for her to draw. I picked ciri(from the witcher) not knowing she was adopted by garalt and is heir to the nilfgaard empire. Freaky coincidence

But now. I am making a cosplay for her and remembered i have a tattoo of her on my arm. She is not gonna have a tattoo of herself showing. So I decided to add a vambrace enchanted by a dragon and bought a dragon scale necklace to go with it. I may as well come up with a small story for that. So I look up draconic names for the dragon. And I found 2 names I like for him. But I found valas name and guess what the fuck it means

[pirate-queen-pasha]

Welp, it looks like my original entry has been shadowbanned, so I'm gonna throw up another post so I appear in the contest tag again. I swear on my honor that I was on time, devs.

Here's my (re)entry with my Portia masquerade gown, which was an 8 month project and a massive learning curve. I started out as a beginner seamstress! Also, it has pockets.

You can read more about the creation of the gown on the original entry, found in my top posts because I can't link anything or risk getting shadowbanned again. Yikes.

[csarcana]

Hi, I’m C and this is my Muriel entry into The Arcana Cosplay Contest. This is my first time doing something like this and I’m so excited! My partner modeled for the cosplay and I did his hair and makeup, as well as costume and set dressing. I also took the photos myself. It was especially neat to be able to have real myrrh in the jar; it smells so nice! Please contact me for my player id info if needed. This was so much fun! Happy Halloween! @thearcanagame (insta is csarcana)

[necrobardvixen]

My four day cosplay for The Arcana cosplay contest. Nothing like a little last minute incentive to make something I've been putting off all summer. The colors are a little paler than I wanted but I'm happy with the result.

[waltzing-gonzalo]

September Season: Cosplay Convention

~>Our Own Illusion Contest  Fashion Runway; Season 7<~

Dressing up as somebody else has never been this cool. ~╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

Avatar the Last Airbender

Hail Firelord Azula~

Perhaps the little cuties in front of her would be Mai and Ty Lee?

Arcana

Julian Devorak has always been on point when it comes to fashion~

Mixing red, black, and gold is just wonderful.~

Sailor Moon

Queen Serenity and King Endymion

I am quite glad to exchange the plant behind them during the comeback of the first tavern event [Plants], because of that lovely moon it came with.~

Ghibli Studios

Princess Mononoke

I have been waiting for these little pups to come around after the recharge and I could not be happier when they finally appeared at the gift store.~

Howl’s Moving Castle

The reason why I downloaded this game... is because Juven looks like Howl and with it being a dressing game, I could finally make a tribute to Sophie and Howl together.~

~~~

What about yours?

Join us in parading the Cosplay Convention season by reblogging this post and adding in your outfit for your own fashionista Magda!~

P.S. Hi! Kindly always go for the latest thread or reblog of ours about this season so we could have a nice long catwalk of our outfits.~  ☆⌒(≧▽​° )

Merci!

[glassandmetalwings]

Wing’s NDK Highlights

Erin and I just felt really...adult and responsible? Like we split the cost for the hotel and parking, packed food so we didn’t have to pay to eat out, planned our panel-going and such, went to bed at a (relatively) decent hour so we’d be up early enough to not stress about checking out...it was all very mature of us.

Gonna squeeze the rest under a cut.

Getting to meet and run into friends. I met cutie’s friend (and their friend) and we played a card game all together, and then I ran into one of my students (which, we were both on the lookout for each other) and @midorilied​, who I hadn’t seen in quite awhile!

Being in cosplay in general. It’s important to keep in mind that I’m currently on a drug (that I’m trying to taper off, but it’s helpful for sleep) that led to me gaining quite a bit of weight. As such, the costume didn’t fit perfectly-the puffy sleeves, specifically. So I was a little worried when I first put it on. But as I mentioned in another post, I had so many people asking to take pictures of/with me. I got so many compliments. I overheard a lot of people talking about my costume to each other. It was just...such an empowering, happy feeling. It was completely worth the sweat and the limited vision, and then some. I’m also incredibly grateful to cutie for holding my bag while I was in cosplay (I would’ve knocked some of the balls off my head if she hadn’t).

One specific cosplay moment that’s going to forever stand out in my head was seeing a little, four or five year-old girl with her mother, pointing to me as they approached. She wanted to take a picture with me. I managed to break one of the balls on my shoes to kneel down beside her (cutie and I patched it up in cosplay triage, but it will probably need to be replaced), but it was absolutely worth it.

We went to the AMV contest! I’ve never actually done that before because to younger me, the point of the con was wandering around (usually in cosplay) and seeing people, so she wouldn’t sit for a two-hour panel. But it was fun. I found a playlist of the videos here, in order (since there were categories to vote in), but it doesn’t have all the videos yet. Beware of triggers and spoilers, especially a self-harm trigger in the ‘Weaving Wounds’ video.

There were a few other panels we went to, namely one on Junji Ito and one on the use of power lines in setting scenes and symbolism in anime (apparently there’s also a tumblr blog that’s just power lines in anime, if you’ve ever been curious). I have learned, with my derma being the way it is, that I should probably never read/watch Glyceride.

The last panel we went to was the the cosplay burlesque show’s encore performance (we were at the Junjo Ito panel during the main performance). A big part of me was like ‘we’re 25 and we’ve never gone to anything ‘adult’, not even like to a club or party or anything’. Also just...pretty bodies. It was hilarious and actually made me feel better about my body, because none of the ladies had ‘model’ bodies but they were beautiful and sexy and worked it.

I finally finished My Solo Exchange Diary! It and My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness (which I have read) have both been sitting in my room for the longest time, and I’ve been meaning to give them back to cutie, but I needed to sit down and read it. The con was the perfect opportunity to do both. So I re-read My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness one night and read My Solo Exchange Diary the other.

Of course, what would a con be without talking about Artist Alley and the Dealer’s Room? Both were excellent.

Pins and holofoil (?) prints were the big things in Artist Alley this year, all of the booths were amazing. There was even some crochet and 3D printed stuff! I shied away from getting any prints this year because of the massive room cleaning I have to do (I was worried about losing/ruining them), but I got a Vulpix pin and then a little Vulpix image to but on my art center landyard, Cutie and I talked a little about maybe trying for a booth one year, with all the yarn stuff we do and maybe a few prints. I just keep remembering that I was not a good booth runner the one year I did have a booth (but I was like a high school freshman).

Quite the variety of stuff in the Dealer’s Room. There were even some gashapon machines! Prices felt...more reasonable than I’d been anticipating, but it’s been a few years. I ended up buying two volumes of Dawn of the Arcana (including the last one, where I called the twist but am still a bit uncomfortable with it), a Vulpix plush I didn’t have, a Nidoran male plush, and a Fairy Badge. I also sent Mom a picture of an angry corgi plush to pester her.

Just getting to cuddle with cutie in the room. It was nice to have things so calm and relaxing. We had a hard time getting up in the mornings because cozy.

So...yeah. I’m sure there’s plenty more I could talk about, but that’s a nice overview of highlights. Apparently NDK is moving again next year, but hopefully we’ll go, even if just for a day.

I am a bit upset that photoshoots seemed like a big mess to organize this year, so there was no official Pokémon photoshoot. But like I said, lots of photo requests. It kind of makes me want to make a similar costume (in terms of ‘some complicated element(s) that breaks the standard human silhouette).

[invisiblecatpatrol]

Plattsburghcc 2019!

This year I was a cosplay guest at Plattsburghcc!! I also had the pleasure of being a judge at both cosplay contests and hosting the DnD Panel! On Saturday I was walking around as my updated Taako from the adventure zone and on Sunday I was Asra from the Arcana!! I always have so much fun at cons like this I end up forget to take pictures 😭

[real-life-pine-tree]

Leo Will Never Know: The Society’s Influence (3/?)

In an alternate timeline, Yugi indirectly prevented the events of Arc-V from ever happening. But how could this small change have an impact on a few selected people? A spin-off of the Arc-V Aftermath series. Based on the hilarious comic by @justanotherotakuandartist​. Co-written with @violetganache42​.

Michael and Ray spent the rest of their second year as a couple instead of best friends. Their first date was during Duel Monster Spirit Day, an annual festival held at Duel Academy with Obelisk Blue becoming a café, Ra Yellow having food stands, and Slifer Red holding a cosplay duel tournament where Jaden dueled against a girl who may or may not have been the real Dark Magician Girl. They also got glimpses of other events, such as Pierre the Gambler showing up to duel Alexis, the next two Shadow Riders showing up with the mysterious disappearance of Professor Lyman Banner, the rise of the Sacred Beasts, Chumley heading to Industrial Illusions for a program he got accepted to, and Zane’s graduation match against Jaden where he passed the title of Duel Academy’s best Duelist to the Slifer Red student.

By their third year, more students started attending, including Tyranno Hassleberry from Ra Yellow—who has dinosaur DNA after a rock slide damaged his left leg—and two more Obelisk Blue students: a mysterious teen named Aster Phoenix and his manager known as Sartorius, a fortune teller and leader of an organization called the Society of Light, which was going to be Duel Academy’s next threat.

As for Ray, things were going well for her. Her student uniform repair service had become a success thanks to Chazz telling the other students about the handiwork she did to his trench coat. So as more students asked for custom repairs and alterations, the young Akaba girl started to wonder if that’s what her future could be: a fashion designer.

However, despite her successful business, she couldn’t stop thinking about her issues with Kaiba. Although she was now living a pretty great life since the day she and her father got a new house, it was because of him that she ended up growing up with a crappy past throughout her childhood. If it wasn’t for him, Leo Corporation wouldn’t have gone bankrupt and she wouldn’t be forced into poverty. At the same time, she also wouldn’t have met her boyfriend and become an idol all over Duel Academy. Her conflicting dilemma was more confusing, frustrating, and overwhelming than just straight up conflicting and she needed to resolve this now. Recently, she has been hearing rumors of Sartorius’ ability to see into the future through Tarot card readings. She eventually decided to pay him a visit and figure out if he can do anything to help.

“So what do you say?” Ray asked the rumored prophet. “What’s my future?”

Sartorius drew a card from his deck and revealed it to Ray. It was the Trap card Reversal of Fate. “You seem unsure of your life,” he stated. “You were meant to become a famous Duelist thanks to the success of Action Duels.” He revealed the card Arcana Force I - The Magician. “But because of an unknown force, a chain of events occurred, resulting in a complete change in your destiny. However…” He drew a third card from his deck, but he did not reveal it. “There is darkness in your future, for this card is Arcana Force EX - The Dark Ruler.” He proceeded to shuffle the cards into his deck, unaware that he accidentally dropped the third card he drew.

A darkness in Ray’s future? But how is that possible? She explained that this unknown force was caused by a person named Seto Kaiba and he had rejected Leo’s idea of Action Duels because Solid Vision with mass could lead to world destruction; his introduction of Duel Disks to the public led Leo Corporation to bankruptcy and her and Leo broke. She was glad her life was rebuilt, but she couldn’t stop thinking about this darkness. If she wants to stop it, how long will it take before it overtakes her? How come she was completely unaware of it while Sartorius knew of it from the moment they met? Was seeing him even a good idea? If so, then what can he do to help?

“What can I do to stop this darkness?” Ray asked.

“By embracing the light,” Sartorius answered. “As long as you stay towards the light, darkness will never touch you.”

“Embrace…the light?” Ray asked.

Sartorius took out a second deck of cards. “It’s that simple,” he explained. “All you have to do is accept your new destiny.”

New destiny? Was he referring to the one she was forced to create the past decade? Ray’s internal questions then turned to assumptions. If that’s the case, then it shouldn’t be too challenging; after all, everyone knows that light is the opposite of darkness, and as long as I embrace it, I’m sure to have a bright future for myself and with Michael. Besides, his second deck must have a way to help me fulfill this simple task. As she stared into the second deck, her thoughts were cut off by the sound of Sartorius’ voice.

“Go ahead,” the prophet said. “Follow me to the path of the light. It’s the only way you can accept your new destiny.”

Ray willingly accepted his advice, becoming one of the first members of the Society of Light. She was given a brand new deck as a symbol of her acceptance to Sartorius’ words, but her original deck containing her Hope Dragons unknowingly dropped to the floor.

“That’s a good girl,” Sartorius said. “You have made the right choice.”

“Thank you, Sartorius,” Ray replied.

Shortly after that, the plan to expand the Society of Light was properly initiated as Chazz was defeated by Sartorius in a duel. His psychic ability and his powerful Arcana Force XII - The Hangman were what brought the dark-haired Slifer Red student to his demise and he became a new member after admitting he still wanted to defeat Jaden. He was given the task of converting students into Obelisk White, a ranking specifically made to denote oneself to the Society of Light, which included Alexis and Bastion, whom were both defeated in their duels against him.

Spending time in the organization was interesting for Ray; because she wasn’t fully converted like the others, she was given special accommodations. Instead of the standard female Obelisk White uniform, she wore a white dress with the upper half being a sparkly silver color, a pair of white heels, and a silver chocker necklace. Little does she know, they were actually cover-ups so that she doesn’t get suspicious of Sartorius hiding the truth from her.

“I don’t get it,” Chazz told Ray at one point. “You’re part of the Society of Light, so how come you don’t act like it?”

“I…don’t know,” Ray admitted, speaking in an emotionless tone. In all honesty, she hasn’t felt a lot of emotion ever since she joined the group.

Meanwhile, Michael hasn’t seen Ray for quite some time since he saw her starting her own uniform repair service, and he was rather concerned. The Genex Tournament was coming up soon and he wanted to ask her if she was participating in it. They also have a scheduled field trip to go to their hometown of Domino City. So many students from Obelisk Blue and Ra Yellow were “embracing the light,” Jaden finally returned with his NEOS card he won in a card-designing contest years ago and won in his rematch against Aster, and rumor has it that Zane has had a negative change of heart as he has become sadistic and disrespectful of his opponents. Basically, the whole ordeal that has been happening lately was a big deal for Michael.

“What are we gonna do, Odd-Eyes?” Michael asked his trusted partner. “I haven’t heard from Ray since that weird society showed up. There has to be some way we can figure out what’s going on.”

Most people wouldn’t see it, but Odd-Eyes saw something small within the distance. Michael asked what he saw and the teen headed towards where it was, only for them to find Ray’s Hope Dragon deck and an Arcana Force card. The Obelisk Blue student was frightened by what he saw; his own girlfriend joined the Society of Light? But why would she do something like this?

“Something’s not right,” Michael said as he picked up the cards. “Ray would never abandon her Hope Dragons. She-” Then he realized the lone Arcana Force card was actually Arcana Force VI - The Lovers. “What’s this?”

Michael’s gaze shifted towards Odd-Eyes Dragon, realizing his girlfriend may or may not have been tricked. “We need to find Ray,” he decided.

The onion-haired teen headed towards the now Obelisk White dorms to find Ray. With everyone in the Society of Light dressed alike, the only way he can find her is her hairstyle. He inadvertently stumbled across some of the organization’s members, much to his luck, who all want him to join. Fortunately, he was smart to know not to duel any of them because losing against them means he automatically becomes a member himself.

“Where is Ray Akaba?!” Michael demanded.

“I’ll tell you,” one of the members said. “But only if you defeat me in a du-”

But Michael grabbed the student by the jacket. “I don’t care!” he exclaimed. “Tell me where Ray Akaba is!”

Michael wasn’t usually the kind of person to resort to violent tactics like grabbing people’s clothes, but when Ray could be in danger, he has no choice but to do whatever it takes to make sure she is out of trouble and not injured.

“Very well,” the student said, causing Michael to release his grip. “I will take you to Lady Akaba.”

Lady Akaba? What is he even talking about? Michael obliged, still worried about Ray, as he followed the student up to the highest room of the dorms. As the door opened, he immediately noticed how elegant the room looked. There was a girl wearing a dress, but the Obelisk Blue student couldn’t who she was. What made her even unrecognizable was the makeup she was wearing; her skin appeared pale and her lips were a glossy bright red. Her hair was also tied in an elegant bun near her neck and held in place by a silver hair clip. Was this really Ray or was this a human-sized doll? Michael wasn’t sure why, but the choker around her neck made him more concerned.

“My god…” Michael said. “What have they done to you, Ray?!”

No response… At least, no verbal response. All she did was activate her Duel Disk while having an emotionless expression.

“Ray?” Michael asked, sounding concerned.

“It’s no use speaking to her,” the student explained. “Lady Akaba is the Society’s best member. She was never fully converted like the rest of us, so Sartorius gave her special privileges and groomed her into the perfect Duelist.”

Perfect? There’s clearly nothing perfect about what Ray has transformed into, thought Michael. She was imperfectly perfect the way she was and now this Sartorius person—no, monster—has molded her into something she isn’t. She’s too beautiful…too deadpan…

“Too much like a dog!” he yelled out as he too activates his Duel Disk. If he can’t bring Ray back through words, then a duel will surely snap her out of it.

Luckily Michael’s opening hand was perfect. “I’ll start things off with an old friend,” he said. “Say hello to Xiangsheng Magician!”

Xiangsheng Magician was a Level 4 LIGHT Spellcaster monster with 500 ATK and 1500 DEF; in another timeline, she would’ve been more than just a regular effect monster. Her effect allows her to reduce an monster’s ATK to 0 if the opposing monster targets her for an attack. She can even make her ATK equal to an allied monster’s current ATK, but it can be done once per turn.

“And since I can’t attack on the first turn, I’ll have to end it right here,” Michael said as he placed two cards face down.

Ray started her turn by drawing a card, all without saying a single word. She still stared at Michael with her expressionless eyes as she summoned a monster without looking at her hand and Duel Disk. As it appeared on the field, the Obelisk Blue student was baffled at what he saw; he hasn’t seen it before nor does he recognize the archetype she was using.

“What the…?” Michael asked.

“That’s White Fate Fairytear,” the student explained. “The White Fate fairies are Lady Akaba’s signature cards. Sartorius gave those cards to her because of how perfect she is.”

“But she’s not!” Michael insisted. “Ray Akaba is anything but perfect, but she refuses to let her flaws stop her! It’s like what she always says: Akabas never give up! Doesn’t that phrase ring a bell, Ray?! Remember all the times you said that to me?!”

Ray said nothing and his only answer was a blank emotion from her face. She then gestured her right arm forward and pointed at Xiangsheng Magician for White Fate Fairytear to attack her, initiating her Battle Phase. As the fairy prepared for her attack, Michael activated his monster’s effect.

“I activate Xiangsheng Magician’s special ability!” Michael declared. “Use your magical arrow to drain White Fate Fairytear of all its attack points!”

Using her archery skills, Xiangsheng fired her arrow at Fairytear and drained its ATK to 0. As a result, Ray took 500 damage and her Life Points slightly lowered to 3500. She ended her turn with two face-down cards as well, passing the turn to Michael, who was still trying to break his girlfriend free from her state. He drew a card and scanned the four cards in his hands. He knows Fairytear must have some kind of ability, so he had to strategize and play his moves carefully.

“This isn’t like you, Ray Akaba!” Michael said. “You’ve seen me use Xiangsheng Magician countless times, so you would know about her special ability! But I’m gonna snap you back to your senses by the time this duel is over!”

The two continued the duel and there was no luck on getting Ray out of her inexpressive state. Surprisingly, during the times she attacked, none of her monsters used effects, so the White Fates were normal monsters in actuality. Earlier, Michael came up with an idea to bring all four Hope Dragons onto the field. He doesn’t have Polymerization, but Astrograph Sorcerer does have an ability that can have his owner use him as a substitution for Polymerization. Hopefully, Fusion Summoning Hope Dragon Nature will get her out of the Society of Light.

However, luck wasn’t on his side. Due to the White Fates’ support cards involving a lot of swarming, Michael was quickly losing life points. But ultimately, he was able to draw the right card. He smirked, glad he was finally able to put his plan into action.

“Ray, I’m gonna bring you back to your senses,” Michael said. “And I have just the card to do that: Astrograph Sorcerer!”

There was still no answer from Ray as her opponent used Astrograph Sorcerer’s first effect to Special Summon him since his previous monsters were destroyed.

“Astrograph Magician who governs space and time, use your abyssal power to overlay my desires!” Michael chanted as he revealed Hope Dragons Flower, Bird, Wind, and Moon from his hand. “Combine the four Hope Dragons into their true form!”

By banishing Astrograph Sorcerer and the four Hope Dragons, Michael was able to bring out Hope Dragon Nature onto the field. He was hoping this will create some kind of reaction from Ray.

“You see this?” Michael asked. “Your Hope Dragons are crying! They don’t like seeing what you have become! You might have been brainwashed into thinking you’re beautiful, but you’re not! You have developed an ugly heart!” By this point, the onion-haired teen was in tears. “Please… Give me back my girlfriend…”

A single tear was seen from Ray’s left eye and flowed down her face, removing a streak of her makeup. Her face was slightly expressionless, but it was showing signs of emotions from her. Was it working? Is she finally breaking free from her hypnosis?

“That’s it, Ray!” Michael encouraged. “You told me you like the Hope Dragons because they represent your beliefs! You never gave up hope when you lost everything, so you better not give up now!”

Just when it looked like Michael’s plan was working, the sound of an electric shock was heard from Ray’s choker, causing her to scream in pain. He realized that she wasn’t brainwashed or partly converted; she was mentally abused! Sartorius took advantage of her vulnerability to make her into the “perfect” Duelist against her free will through manipulation and exploitation. Her choker was actually a shock collar in disguised that sent volts of electricity to her every single time she displayed any sign of emotion. Her torture prolonged up to the point where her mental state was too damaged and weak to fight against it, leading her to become a blank slate. Underneath the sugarcoated treatment she got was the bitter, inhumane sadism of a savage fiend.

“Ray!” Michael exclaimed as he rushed over to his girlfriend. “Don’t worry, I’ll try to remove this thing!”

The only question he had was how he was going to remove the collar if it kept shocking her. If only he had rubber gloves on because rubber doesn’t conduct electricity. The student told him that the collar is easily removable, but it was only possible if he told her to be temporarily emotionless or find the remote to deactivate it; either way, he should be able to get it off her neck. Michael believed Sartorious may have this remote and asked the student if it was in his room or if he brings it along with him.

However, Michael realized that there wouldn’t be any way for Sartorious to constantly monitor Ray if he was too busy converting the other students. “Unless there isn’t a remote,” he said. “It’s automatic, isn’t it?!”

The student laughed in amusement. “Okay, you got me,” he said. “The shock collar is controlled by the brain.”

Michael should have known the collar was automatic; if it was remote controlled, then this task would have been a lot easier. Of course a psychic like Sartorius would control it through the brain. Then he was given himself a choice: tell Ray to be emotionless for only a few minutes or rip the collar off while facing the risk of getting himself electrocuted. They have endure a lot of danger and misfortune, from Doma to the Shadow Riders. Whatever decision he makes, he will rescue his girlfriend.

“Ray, you’re gonna have to stay emotionless for a few minutes,” Michael said.

“N-No…” Ray said, reaching up to the collar. “I can’t… I have to end this!”

Was Ray going to rip the collar off herself? She was, but she can’t. The shocks have left her in severe pain the past few days and her body was too weak to even move. The Obelisk White student tried to sneak away; Michael spotted what he was attempting to do, but there was a girlfriend in need of saving. He at least had a good image in his head of what he looked like just in case if they crossed paths again.

“Calm down,” Michael said. “You have to trust me.”

Ray simply stared back into Michael, afraid of what might happen to him. If he gets hurt, she may blame herself for it; however, the two have known each other for years and have trusted each other in many kinds of situations. She let out an exhale before her face turned stoic again, resulting in the shocks to stop.

Michael wasted no time removing the shock collar from Ray, causing his girlfriend to hug him. “Thank you,” she said, her throat sounding hoarse from all the shocks she received.

Michael hugged her back before the weakness in her body became too much for her as she fell unconscious in his arms. She needed to see Nurse Fontaine immediately, so he picked her up in his arms to bring her out of this hellhole. Once he was out of the dorm, he ran as fast as he could to Duel Academy to make sure she gets medical attention. He sped his way down the halls and stopped in front of the nurse’s office, where Fonda opened the door to see Ray passed out in his arms. She helped him get the Akaba girl into a bed so she could rest; at the same time, he took off her heels, untied her bun to let her wavy hair down, and dampened a facecloth to remove the makeup from her face. Without the fake image Sartorius created, she actually looked beautiful with her natural appearance and features.

“Sleep well, my princess,” Michael said, speaking in hushed voice as he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. He desperately hoped Leo would never know about this.