Notes before starting to read:
I want to say that, as I'm working in another fanfic (Holographic Dreams), I'll update this story more slowly. Also, I'm busy with school, so that will also make me take my time to write and update... sorry about that.
Anyways, I hope you enjoy the first episode of this AU, inspired by Bonds Beyond Time abridged, in that scene in which Yusei, Jack and Crow talk about Top Gun.
Episode 01: Future Legend
"You two will be transferred to Top Gun, the best Navy aviator school. Don't deceive the expectations they have on you."
They had been thinking about those words ever since they first heard them. Now, being in front of the main building made excitement grow up so much in their chests that it hurt. The sun was shining bright that day, making both of them sweat under the tight uniform they were given. They headed towards the facility of Top Gun, the academy, after having a look to the aircraft they had there. They stopped right before entering, making sure they hadn't forgotten anything of the uniform. They looked at each other and a small smile, full of pride, came across their lips. Then, they took a deep breath at the same time and walked in.
A tall man was waiting for them in the hall. He also seemed to be suffering the effects of that hot day. When he noticed their arrival he walked closer, with a serious look in his eyes.
-You're finally here. Welcome to Top Gun. I'm Ushio Tetsu, your instructor. Classes will start soon, so we'll be heading there. You already had your call sign ceremony and they showed you the building, right? -He said.
-Yes. I'm Yusei Fudo, and my call sign is Dragon. -Replied one of the guys.
-As for me, I'm Crow Hogan. Call sign, Blackbird. -Said the second one.
Ushio nodded, satisfied with their answers.
-Alright. On missions and in class, you'll be called by those names. Now follow me.
He started walking, so they both did as they were told. They looked around, still as fascinated as the first day they came in to visit the building. It was hard to believe they were truly in there, and that they were going to study there to be elite pilots. All the students that they crossed in their way looked at them with curiosity.
Ushio stopped in front of a classroom, and made them enter first. All the other students were already there, and they took away their eyes from what they were doing to look slightly surprised at them. They began whispering things one to another as Ushio stepped in and told the newbies to sit on the first line of seats. Crow looked around, feeling a bit uncomfortable with everyone talking about them. He was going to say something to Yusei, but Ushio spoke first, making everyone quiet instantly:
-Listen up! We have two new classmates. Callsigns: Dragon and Blackbird. Be sure to help them adapt to this quickly.
The students answered at the same time with a "Yes sir", so Ushio nodded and continued:
-I'd like to start today with something that can be interesting to everyone, news and old students. Has anyone here been into a real mission, and not just training?
-I was into one.
The student who replied to the instructor's question was a blonde guy who seemed prideful, confident and determined to Yusei's eyes. He glared at him, seeing something that catched his attention in that classmate.
-Yes, Phoenix? -Said Ushio.
Now it made sense to Yusei. That's why there was something about that guy that intrigued him. He was Phoenix, a quite famous pilot that aimed to be the top student of that academy. He was very good, from what he had heard. And there was another thing on him that made it impossible to take your eyes away from him. Maybe it was the way he spoke, or the way he moved, always carefully and with a natural elegance. Or it could be because of his catching eyes. Anyways, Yusei knew he was a special guy, and he got that at first sight.
Phoenix started with an explanation of the events:
-There was a fight nearby with an enemy base, and they ran out of reinforcements, so they called us out, since we were close.
-And what was the outcome of the fight? -Asked the instructor.
A smile appeared on the blonde guy's face, predicting what he was going to say.
-We crushed them.
Many students in the class let out exclamations of admiration. Of course they all dreamed of having a real battle soon.
-Tell us about the strategy you used to beat them, and what aircraft you had to fight. -Said Ushio.
As Phoenix explanation started, Crow let out a sigh, making Yusei turn around to look at him.
-What's up? -He whispered.
Crow didn't take his eyes away from Phoenix as he answered Yusei in the same tone:
-He's that famous pilot... He fought a real battle... How are we going to be the top students? He's gonna take the place.
Yusei pressed his lips when he heard him, thinking about that. It wasn't going to be easy, but he wasn't willing to give up.
In Top Gun, the best driver of each class, alongside his R.I.O., gets a plaque with their name on it. Then, you were given complete freedom to choose where you want to go to continue your career. You could even come back to be an instructor of Top Gun. It was a privilege everyone dreamed of. But getting that title seemed harder than what they thought.
-Let's just do our best. -Replied Yusei, looking at Crow and smiling to try to give him confidence.
His friend smiled back at him.
The classes passed rather quickly to them, since they changed of subject every now and then, the instructor making clear that their time in Top Gun will cover all the studies about aviators: strategies, all kind of aircraft, with two missions per day... And that was the other side of it, their training time. Being in that academy was already exciting enough, but that was their first training day, and they were given marks that would classify them to be the best student based on how well they did them, so they were really enthusiastic about it. It was the time when you could show what you already knew.
Yusei's R.I.O. was designed to be Crow, so they were confident about doing it well. They looked around to see who was Phoenix's wingman; a boy with light blue hair that they heard his call sign was Giganto. They didn't know him, but he had good, since he was with Phoenix. He had also that overconfident-look that made them think that he would make up a good rival.
They walked towards the landing field, where their F-14 was. Crow let out an exclamation of excitement, craving to fly. Yusei's eyes shone with thrill when he saw all the aircraft they had there. Of course, it wasn't the first time they saw that, but it always made their hearts pound with passion.
On that training they had to simulate they shot their rival's aircraft, that this time was the one of Phoenix and Giganto. Yusei looked at the blonde guy, who was also glancing at him, with a prideful smile on his lips. They held each other's gaze until Yusei turned around to walk towards Ushio and get his helmet.
Crow got first into their F-14, being soon followed by Yusei.
-Let's kick their ass! -Said Crow, with a big grin.
After putting their helmets on and getting everything ready, they took off and started flying in the zone they were designed to. They both were very nervous, but the enthusiasm of getting to fly as an aviator of Top Gun was growing and putting aside all other emotions. Yusei held the control tightly, focusing on the training. He looked around, but he couldn't find Phoenix's aircraft anywhere.
-Crow, where are they? -He asked.
-At our left! They're approaching! -Answered Crow, looking at the radar.
Yusei turned and saw Phoenix's aircraft flying vertically, almost scraping against their own F-14. Then, the aircraft quickly became steady again, showing a great control of it. Yusei opened his eyes widely in admiration. It was easy to know why his call sign was "Phoenix", since he was truly elegant when he flew.
-Come on, Yusei, move, or they'll lock us on! -Said Crow, getting him back to his senses.
Yusei continued flying, speeding up as he saw Phoenix going after him, wanting to end this as soon as possible. Phoenix's aircraft quickly got behind them, trying to aim at them. Yusei clicked his tongue. He couldn't let them get him that easily. He did a great maneuver, hard to achieve, to completely get out of their way. Crow let out a laugh.
-That's the way! I'm sure now they're confused. Time to take the advantage! -He said.
They tried to get behind them to lock them on, but, of course, Phoenix knew about those maneuvers, so he quickly regained the superiority, moving fast to make Yusei lose track of him. Even so, Yusei tried to keep his eyes onto their rival's aircraft, and Crow was quick to give him the indications.
-They're good... -Whispered Yusei to himself.
Then, Phoenix moved so they got under Yusei's aircraft, flying past them and then getting behind them again. This took Crow and Yusei completely off guard, as they didn't expect something like that.
-What the... Come on, Yusei, fly out of their range! -Said Crow, not wanting to lose.
Yusei did his best, but he was too nervous, and from that position they were an easy target to lock them on. Every way he moved, their rival's aircraft was right behind, following them closely. And so, the team of Phoenix and Giganto won, after successfully aim at them.
-Ah, damn... They got us there. But how can he do something like that so fast? -Commented Crow, as Yusei let out a sigh.
They flew back to the landing field, thinking that they could have won if it hadn't been for that last maneuver. But they knew that it couldn't be easy to beat the ace, Phoenix.
The blonde aviator got out of his aircraft with a big grin on his face, as everyone was cheering on him.
-It isn't that surprising, They're new to all of this, and Phoenix is the best student. -Said one of the aviators that was with the crowd of people around him.
That made Crow step in, frowning.
-I'm sorry, but we did pretty well out there. And I tell you in advance, Phoenix, that we plan on being the top students of this academy. We're going to surpass you. -He said, defiantly.
Yusei looked at him, surprised. Of course, his intention was to be the best, but that was a direct defy to Phoenix. The blonde boy chuckled.
-Are you challenging me? -He said.
-Yeah. -Replied Crow, serious- So you better don't slack off.
-I won't. Don't worry, I won't make it easy for you two. -Phoenix said, smirking. Then, he looked at his wingman and added:- Isn't that right, Giganto?
-Of course. -Confirmed the blue-haired boy, also grinning.
Then, they started walking towards the main building of Top Gun, since after training they had to report to the instructor. Yusei and Crow followed them, as the rest of the aviators remained on the landing field for their own missions. Crow walked quickly until he was next to Phoenix, and, looking at him, he said:
-What's your true name?
Phoenix looked back at him and stopped walking, all four of them doing the same.
-I'm Jack. Jack Atlas. -He answered.
Crow nodded at that, satisfied.
-What about your mate? -He asked.
-I'm Kiryû Kyôsuke. -Said Giganto.
-Good. I'm Crow Hogan. From now on, we're rivals. -He said, serious.
-And what's his name? -Jack pointed out to Yusei lifting up his chin a bit.
-I'm Yusei Fudo. -Replied Yusei, who had been glaring at Jack all that time.
-Good. I'm looking forward to our next training. -Said Jack.
He had noticed that Yusei was a good aviator. Even if he had won at the end, the maneuvers Yusei did weren't that easy to perform. He had a feeling that, if Yusei hadn't been nervous, things would have ended in a different way, and so he knew that he couldn't take away his eyes from that guy.
Yusei was also interested in Jack's ability. He was truly good, and that made him more excited to win. He knew he had found a good rival there.
They continued walking towards Ushio's office, already feeling a rivalry that would only grow up as time passed.
Their instructor gave Jack some advice about his maneuvers, and agreed with Yusei that he was still nervous, but told him to focus more from now on, knowing that he could do better.
When they exitted Ushio's office, Crow stretched out his arms. Jack and Kiryû went their own way, leaving them behind.
-Well, Yusei, how about getting a shower and then join the others for a drink? -Crow said, as they walked down the corridor.
Usually, after training, some of the aviators joined in a club close to the building to relax a bit from all the accumulated stress of the school.
-Alright. -Accepted Yusei, not really having anything else to do.
They walked towards the locker room, where many students were, taking a shower after training. Yusei and Crow got quickly undressed and looked after an empty stall.
-Oh, I'm lucky, I found one! -Said Crow, getting in.
Yusei let out a sigh and continued searching. Then, as he walked towards a stall he thought it was empty, Jack walked outside of it, almost bumping into Yusei. He had only a towel around his hips, which made Yusei look away.
-Sorry. -He said.
-It's okay. Take my place. -Replied Jack, walking away.
Yusei watched as Jack joined Kiryû, who handed the blonde aviator another towel, which he used to dry his hair. Yusei got into the stall, taking a quick shower. Crow was faster than him. When Yusei got out, he tossed him a towel.
-Are you asleep? You're slow. -Said Crow, in a mocking tone.
-I'm just tired. -Answered Yusei, drying himself with the towel.
-First days are always tiring, yeah. -Agreed Crow.
They put their clothes on and exited the locker room.
They walked all the way towards the club, Crow going first, as he seemed to know well the place. The club was full of people, most of them being military fighters. They could see their immaculate uniforms everywhere, and the ones that catched all the attention were the Top Gun students, proud of their acceptance in the school.
Yusei and Crow made their way through the crowd and stopped next to the bar counter, being surrounded by all the different perfumes that the ladies had, and the smell of alcohol and tobacco. Crow looked around, noticing how all the girls were around the Top Gun men. He let out an ironic chuckle when his eyes spotted Jack, who was alongside many ladies.
-Look, Yusei, our rival is good at everything. -Said Crow, catching his friend's attention.
Yusei turned around to look at Jack, focusing on him and ignoring all the girls next to him. Jack seemed uninterested, almost bored. He only showed light smiles of courtesy to the women around him, giving short sips to his alcoholic drink.
Crow let out a sigh.
-He's so popular, but he looks like he doesn't care about it. What an arrogant bastard... -He commented.
Yusei looked back at the bar counter, asking for a drink. Crow quickly followed him and soon was happily drinking, forgetting about Jack. With a grin on his face, he looked proudly at his uniform.
-Man, we made it through. We are in Top Gun. -He said.
Yusei showed a light smile.
-Yes, we're in. -He replied.
Crow let out a laugh and got an arm around Yusei's shoulders.
-And we're going to kick everyone's ass! -He said, cheerfully.
Yusei was going to answer him, but somebody called their names out loud, making them look at the crowd of people. The one who had called them was looking back at them. It was Jack, with his as-usual-prideful smile.
-We're going to play poker. Care to join us? -He said.
Crow wanted to accept the challenge, but Yusei answered faster:
-No, thank you.
Jack raised one eyebrow, expecting some explanation, but Yusei gave him his back, turning around to face his drink. Crow looked at him, slightly surprised.
-Why didn't you accept?
-I don't want to defeat him in poker. I just want to be better than him when it comes to flying. -Replied Yusei.
Crow sighed. To him, any chance to beat his rival would be good, but he knew Yusei's wish to be the top student and avoid all possible troubles. He gave another sip to his drink. It didn't take long before Yusei got up, tired of the ambience.
-I think I'm leaving already. -He said.
-Alright. I'll be going too... -Crow got up after paying the bill.
They walked out of the club, and didn't notice Jack leaving the crowd to follow them. Crow excused himself and went to the restroom, so Yusei decided to wait for him outside the bar. It was then when he saw Jack, who stopped next to him.
-Did the game end already? -Asked Yusei.
-Well, I told them I'd play right after a short pause. -Replied Jack, looking back at him. Then, he added:- The instructor said that he has big hopes on you.
-Is that so?
Yusei felt uncomfortable talking with Jack. It probably was because of his way of talking, always implying that he was superior to the others, or because of how good he was at flying. He knew he was the best aviator of Top Gun, and yet he hoped he'd be able to surpass him. Jack stopped in front of him, forcing Yusei to look back at him.
-You may be good, but I won't let you take my place. -His words came out as an advice, but Yusei didn't move nor said anything.
Then, he walked away, going back into the club, and leaving Yusei lost in his thoughts.
Crow arrived quickly, and looked at his friend with a smile on his face.
-Come on, Yusei. It's been a long day, time to go home and rest. -He said, knowing it was just what Yusei wanted to do.
-Yeah, you're right. -Replied Yusei.
They walked back to Top Gun, heading towards the parking zone, jumping onto their motorcycles and going their own way.
Yusei let his thoughts wander as he speeded up. He loved every emotion that hit his body when he flew, and he knew that, with Top Gun, that excitement would do nothing more than grow. And probably the thrill of beating Jack would entertain him enough too. Anyways, he knew he wouldn't get bored anymore, and he rode home with big expectations for the next day.