It was early.
The sun's gentle rays shined brightly in the clear blue sky over Neo Domino, as gales of wind could be heard howling throughout the city. Many were busy carrying out their daily lives as usual. Not surprising since out of all the major companies in Japan, this city had the most financed ones of all. One in particular rivaled that of Kaiba Corp and Industrial Illusions for over a decade.
In the heart of this metropolis was the Kodo Cooperation, towering over countless structures. For the employee's and citizens it had always been a reminder to them of the importance it held since the events of Zero Reverse. However, one saw it as a prison holding false hopes and dreams. Not surprising, because for Kaiser Kodo it's been keeping his existence hidden from the outside world beyond the walls he'd been contained in for so long.
Tag Force:
A Recreated Era
Prologue
Outside, he stood on its roof glancing down at the city with a frown. His soft red eyes were mixed with happiness, and a bit of sorrow.
He was a tall, pale man with a light muscular physique. His dark black hair was chunky and nape-length. He wore an Obelisk Blue high collar jacket with black shoulder pads over a black shirt, fingerless gloves and, oddly enough, a red tie. His lower body consisted of blue jeans with red knee pads, a belt with two holsters hidden under his jacket, black boots and a gold earring on his left ear. Though, his most prominent feature was the blue hat resting on his head.
It's been like this for who knows how long now, and no matter how far he ran or how hard he tried he couldn't escape the harsh reality he'd been forced to live in. Sure, unlike a lot of people who started off like him, he was hand delivered a lot of opportunities. As a result, he got just about everything he ever wanted; family, friends, an education, and a better life. Still… he wanted to earn all the things he had now. Not just get them from a silver platter without any effort.
He started off with nothing, and maybe it would have been better if it stayed that way. For some reason, he wondered if people here were telling him everything he wanted to know. His father had yet to tell him why he was never allowed to venture out in the city without permission. The three years he had spent at Duel Academy were the only taste of freedom and true happiness he had for years… even if that school exposed him to more things than he would have liked.
The sound of approaching footsteps broke his concentration. He smirked, not really being taken by surprise. "Lazar, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be polishing Goodwin's shoes or something?"
"Hehe, Hehe!" a somewhat high-pitch voice snickered in what can only be concluded as amusement, not taking the boy off guard. "Well, well, you're just as sharp as ever, my dear Kodo. Well, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised!"
Turning his head ever so slightly to the side, Kaiser looked down at the older, but much smaller man standing before him. If he hadn't already become well acquainted with him, there was no doubt he'd be laughing as the ridiculous appearance he was sporting.
The unnatural purple hair curled in a weird style, and twin red lines across his face were freaky enough, but the fact that this man wore makeup was almost enough to make him keel over from just the thought, especially the red lipstick he dared to wear. That alone was making him wonder how people like him could call themselves men. "At least he's manlier than Dr. Crowler and that's really saying something," Kaiser laughed. "So, what business does Goodwin have with me now?"
The midget snickered, "Oh, no business, sorry to say. I'm simply here because I was a tad bit curious on the progress with this company. A kid of your stature doesn't possess the skills or ability to run something of this size so it's surprising it hasn't crumbled under your guidance. Guess some congratulations are in order for you not being much of a failure as you were back then. Hehe!"
The man just smirked. "You certainly have a lot to say, Lazar," he replied, eyeing the man calmly. "Is that the only reason you came here?" he asked, his voice sounding as calm as always. He turned his attention back to the city, this time admiring its view, forgetting whatever it was he was thinking moments ago.
He turned around slowly, only to get an unexpected taste of surprise. With a confused look, he noticed the midget previously standing before him was nowhere in sight.
"That guy gets creepier every time I see him," he muttered, sounding somewhat relieved that he was alone once again. "Still, running a company is such a drag these days. I wish I could just take a nice, long, relaxing nap and duel as much as I want… Now I'm talking to myself."
Kaiser's gaze shifted to the sky, and then in a blink, an image of two familiar people flashed in his head. "I'll never forget you two," he sighed, walking across the roof. "Wherever you guys are, I hope you are safe."
The man was in no hurry, making his way to the elevator. But pains of guilt weighed down on him, like there was an intense force of gravity slowly crushing him. He grimaced, watching the elevator in front of him open up.
He stepped inside, pressing for the Lobby. This feeling would never go away, but there was one thing that always calmed his nerves…
Dueling!
Prologue
END