AN: I own nothing, no profit but all of the fun, oh yeah. :)
This is a story I have been nursing for a looonnnnggg time, and am posting it now just to tell myself to really focus on it more I suppose. I posted a Justice League/Yugioh 5DS story before, but took it down because I wanted to work more with New 52 comic version of things. Also I wanted this to be a continuation of Sons, so here it is.
You don't need to have read Sons to enjoy, just know that Billy Batson is the son of the Bat in this story and Damian's half brother. Nor do you need any real deep understanding of either fandom. In fact I think you don't need to know anything about Yugioh to enjoy this. A basic working knowledge of Justice League might help make this more fun though, lol.
#1. Crystal Beacon
Bruce Wayne always had a way of making the headlines. Extravagant affairs, utopian social projects, lucrative but highly controversial business decisions—you name it.
The latest such decision was a collaboration with the famous Fudo Energy Corp of Neo Domino, Ryukyu Republic. It was a multi-billion dollar investment to build three nuclear fusion reactors, which would supposedly power half of the eastern United States at an unimaginably low price. The head of Fudo Energy Corp, Yusei Fudo, was a genius and a revolutionary on the scale of Watt and Tesla; even his most vociferous opponents grudgingly admit it so. Fudo's reactor designs have been tested and proven, supplying cheap electricity to half of East Asia without any incident for almost a decade. But behind this veil of technological splendor lies a haunting shadow more than half a century in the making: there was an unimaginable nuclear catastrophe, a war, a reluctant secession movement, and a terrifying apartheid, looming over the islands of for nearly two decades. All of these was history now, buried, in fact, by the very same Yusei Fudo. The western world still knew very little about Ryukyu Republic, formerly known as Okinawa, and its turbulent past, but this murky cloud was enough to scare off most investors despite the ludicrous profits Fudo Energy Corp could bring in.
Bruce Wayne was not most investors. Did he simply decide the promise of enormous returns was worth a shot working alongside such an unknown? Did he wish to brighten the Gotham so devastated by crimes and gang wars in recent years by any means necessary? Or maybe there was some ulterior motive? None can say. But one can say that even his closest friends did not like this particular decision of his.
The press release at Gotham City's largest convention center may be a glittering Bruce Wayne special filled with fancy dresses and the finest vintage, but at the moment it felt more like a battleground.
"Doctor Fudo, throughout this evening you had stressed the safety features of your fusion reactors, but how do you explain Zero Reverse, a nuclear holocaust so catastrophic it completely destroyed and reshaped your city? I am curious, how did you manage to convince fellow residents in Neo Domino to give this destructive technology another chance, and how would you respond to the unease American citizens are feeling right now?"
This particular question came from one Clark Kent, freelance investigative journalist, who despite a career in some two-person blog was still a force to be reckoned with. Kent was a good reporter, but normally not so blunt and acerbic, yet his seemingly impolite questioning garnered many nods, for similar question was on the mind of many.
Yusei Fudo nodded from behind the podium, his face unperturbed and serene. "It is a fair question, Mr. Kent," He said, "What happened thirty years ago in Neo Domino was a tragedy that will never be forgotten. Not only were tens of thousands of lives lost, but the chaos that followed paved way for many years of segregation and oppression, for which I still bear the mark. But surely the human race can learn from its tragedies and then move beyond them. The residents of Neo Domino have moved on. We have rebuilt our cities and we have overthrown the injustice. When I suggested a better power plant thirteen years ago the vast majority cheered on this idea. That is progress."
"The power plants we will build here in the United States are tested and proven; they will be stable, clean, and safe. Even if containment fails there are half a dozen failsafe measures to quickly shut down the reactor core. I cannot promise that there is absolutely no chance of any accident ever happening; I am not a god and cannot guarantee such certainty. But I can promise you that those new power plants will be better and safer than any other nuclear power plant, fission or fusion, out there."
"Doctor Fudo," Another reporter raised his hand and then asked, "It is said you are a household name in Okinawa, indeed most of East Asia, because you were once the champion of a popular card game. Do you think you popularity, in an area completely unrelated to nuclear physics, has enabled you to build and commercialize your power plants, despite the atrocious track record of this particular technology?"
Bruce Wayne raised an eyebrow at the question, partially exaggerating the expression for the numerous cameras in his near vicinity. "Cheap shot," He muttered under his breath, but loud enough for some microphone to pick it up.
And then there was a small sigh from his very discreet earpiece, and the thoughtful voice of his friend floated in. "It was a legitimate shot, Bruce."
Bruce Wayne's retort was barely above silent and only heard by one this time, and his voice was dead serious, with a whiff of impatience. "You will have all the schematics to satisfy yourself with after I sign the contract, Clark."
After the barrage of questions and answers was over, the party began to mingle and chitchat over wine and cheese. Somehow Yusei Fudo and Clark Kent have migrated to the same spot, and now they stood chatting in a seemingly cordial manner. Bruce watched them from a distance for a while, and he was about to turn when he suddenly noticed that Clark was scanning the room discreetly, with a small quizzical frown marring his face.
He was instantly on alert. If Superman was wearing such an expression, one can bet there will be trouble.
"Mr. Kent, Clark!" Bruce said, putting on his best billionaire tycoon smile and walking forward quickly, "Haven't you had your share of the questioning earlier? I hope you aren't planning to scare away my business partner."
Yusei Fudo smiled back at him and said, "No worries, Mr. Wayne. Mr. Kent and I were just having a friendly discussion; I do believe we actually see eye-to-eye on many issues."
It all seemed perfectly ordinary, only that Clark's frown deepened some more, and he seemed strangely pale, eyes almost wavering out of focus. That was simply ridiculous; Superman does not ever look like this.
Before Bruce could scan the room for any anomaly himself, a small form ran up to Yusei and called out, "Papa!" The girl child was probably around ten year old, with long black hair and the most beautiful cherubic face and a pair of startling golden eyes. Her slender arms were out stretched, and her little white dress fluttered with her footsteps. She looked like the perfect little angel.
But Bruce narrowed his eyes. The little girl was wearing an armband made of platinum filigree and dozens of crystal pieces carved into the shapes of rose flowers and leaves. Sure, it looked no more than a piece of expensive custom jewelry from an indulgent father, but no gemstone, not even emeralds and the like, should have that brilliant yellow-green color and glowing too.
And then Bruce saw Clark crashing down to the ground.
His adrenalin suddenly spiked. It was only natural, for Superman never just crash down like that, and if he did, it was a sure sign of the gravest danger. Bruce's hand went for the batarang in his inner pocket almost instinctively, and paused half-way there. He was still Bruce Wayne, and it wasn't as if he could throw a deadly weapon at a ten-year old little girl.
"Mr. Kent!" Yusei exclaimed and put a hand on Clark's arm, but Bruce hauled the reporter up even quicker.
"Excuse me, Fudo-san, let me carry this big fellow," Bruce said while throwing Clark's arm over his shoulder, pulling Clark away as fast as humanly possible.
Once they were some twenty feet away from the Fudos, Clark seemed to regain consciousness. He moaned softly, sounding disoriented. Another twenty feet, and Clark seemed to have a clear head once again. "I feel a little better," He muttered.
"Just for your information, everyone is watching," Bruce said with a low growl, "You better think of an appropriate reaction fast."
"Geez, Bruce, I am fine, thank you for asking," Clark replied drily before standing up straight and saying in a louder voice, "Oh my, that was quite embarrassing. Thank you, Mr. Wayne, thank you very much. I feel a bit better now. I think it's just the heat inside this hall, and then a few more drinks than what I should have had, so I was feeling a little faint there."
"Maybe you should head home earlier too and get some good rest," Bruce said, and it wasn't just for appearance's sake. And then he added in a much lower voice, "Go. The Fudos are not going anywhere, and I will pay them a little visit tonight. You cannot go yourself. I will figure out what this is all about, I promise."
"Just be careful; I will contact the others," Clark murmured, before bumbling out with many apologies.
Batman appeared outside Yusei Fudo's hotel room just before midnight. He peered through the window, and saw Yusei was working in front of his laptop. The little girl was already in bed, tiny arms hugging a big plush toy and sound asleep. She was in her pajamas, but for some reason still wearing that armband of platinum and, well, kryptonite.
Batman was very quiet, but somehow Yusei still noticed something. He snapped around and stared out the window. So there was no point in stalling anymore. With one well-placed kick Batman broke open the window and jumped in, barely making any sound. Yusei slammed his laptop shut and stood up, facing Gotham City's famous vigilante.
"To what do I own the pleasure, sir?" He asked calmly.
"Oh no you don't," Batman growled.
Before Yusei could react, he found his wrists bound tightly by the bat-lasso, though not before he had activated his duel disk which was just lying on his desk. The small contraption hummed and glowed, clicking against the desktop, but there was no hope of strapping it on now, Yusei looked at his bound hands and then at the duel disk wistfully.
"That thing on your daughter's arm," Batman said, "Start talking, now, doctor, and don't tell me those glowing rocks are just crystals."
If Yusei had any expectation about why Batman visited him in the middle of the night, this certainly wasn't it. He looked completely stunned for a second, and then hesitated for another second, before suddenly jumping into movement. He curled in on himself slightly and thrust his elbow at Batman's midsection. For someone with his hands bound he was surprisingly agile and balanced. But Batman saw it coming and easily flipped the smaller man onto his back and pinned him by the neck with one arm.
"Don't be stupid, doctor," There was the famous sandpaper and gravel Batman growl, "You might be quick on your feet, but you really think you can give me pause? Now talk, I want to know what your daughter is wearing on her arm and how you came by it!" To put emphasis on his question Batman applied just enough pressure to Yusei's windpipe.
Yusei struggled for a breath of air, before saying quietly, "Is this how you get information? Ever considered more friendly tactics?"
"This works. Now stop wasting time and talk."
Yusei's brows knitted together. He remained silent for a moment, and looked as if he was about to speak, when suddenly a child wailed, "Papa!"
Both men snapped their heads and saw Yusei's young daughter had just woken up. Now the child sat on the bed, staring at them with wide, wide amber eyes.
Finally there was a glitter of fear in Yusei's eyes. It was a strange look on him; somehow it felt like he was not the type to ever be afraid. "No, not here," Yusei said with urgency, "Let's talk somewhere else, Batman, not in front of my daughter!"
At this Batman had the decency to feel a little guilty, but such feeling was short-lived.
"Papa!" The little girl cried out again, and this time her voice sounded angry. Her eyes were so bright they seemed to be almost glowing.
"Don't, Chiharu!" Yusei shouted, before turning to Batman and barked, "Knock her out, do it now!"
"What?!"
"Trap set, activate," The girl barely moved, but her voice rang out clear and cold, like the ringing of swords, "Fiendish Chain, restrain him!"
Batman suddenly saw a thick metal chain appear from nothingness, wrapping around his waist and pulling him away. Before he had time to react he was caught in a net of chains, trapped like a fly in a spider's nest. He tried to reach for his batarangs, but could not move a single muscle, could barely even draw breaths. He was not just being bound by chains, there was something else, a power stronger than mere steel, binding his every move.
In times like this he could only borrow one of Superman's favorite lines. I hate magic.
The little girl was still staring at him, cat-like golden eyes shining with glee.
"Chiharu, don't," Yusei warned his daughter, but the little girl wasn't paying him any attention.
Yusei rolled up, hands still bound, and pounded on his duel disk. The room suddenly came alive with the low hum of machinery and a firework of hologram light show.
"Chiharu," Yusei said steadily from behind the kaleidoscope of light, "What did I say about unleashing your power on unsuspecting people, especially those who are not familiar with duel monsters? Release him, let us talk like civilized people, and don't make me duel you for it."
The little girl said petulantly, "He had an arm on your trachea, father, I wouldn't call that talking like civilized people. He more than deserved the Fiendish Chain. "
Yusei sighed and said, "I know you are only trying to defend me, Chiharu, but it is enough. You have displayed what you can do with perfect clarity, anyone should get the message. Let him go."
Father and daughter stared at each other for a long moment, before Chiharu lowered her head. She said in a muffled voice, sniffing, "I am sorry, papa, but at least let me cut that thing on your wrist. Seeing it is one of Mr. Batman's gadgets, I don't think a pair of scissors will cut through it." With that the little girl drew forth a gleaming sword longer than her arm from apparent nothingness.
Yusei looked resigned as he extended his hands towards Chiharu. Once Yusei shook his hands free, he quickly stood up and turned towards the masked vigilante. "Batman, I do not think we are enemies," He said in a firm voice, "I have heard about your doings in Gotham City, and I have heard of the Justice League. Nothing I know of suggests we would be on opposing sides. I beg you to remember that. Chiharu can destroy the trap and set you free, but please, do not attack. I apologize for her actions, but she did it out of self-defense, and it has been difficult for her, trying to control her power. Please, do not make it any more difficult for her. "
With that he turned to his daughter and gave her a meaningful look. The little girl nodded and muttered, "Activate, Remove Trap."
Batman heard a loud "clang", and then he saw what looked a bear trap clamping down on one of the chains. Almost immediately he felt himself free of all constraints, standing there as if nothing had ever happened. He took two small leaps back, placed his back against the wall, and stared at father and daughter in front of him, every muscle ready to spring into action.
The staring contest lasted a good half minute, before Yusei said in a low voice, "As for what you came to discuss tonight, this is a… rather delicate situation. My daughter's armband is indeed something unique and powerful; there have been others hunting for it, though I think their reason is not the same as yours, not at all. Can you tell me why you are interested in it, Batman?"
"No." The answer came swiftly in a feral growl.
"I thought you might have some reservations," Yusei murmured, "But if you are indeed so worried about those so-called 'glowing rocks', I can think of only one explanation. I do apologize for this afternoon, but no one could have foreseen such an incident… In that case, I must return to my lab immediately. I need to reconfigure security measures. When I come back I think we must sit down and have a long conversation, Batman; I promise to tell you the whole story then."
Batman eyed the unassuming scientist before him, trying to ascertain just exactly how much this man knew, or guessed. Batman was sure this man did not know his daughter was wearing kryptonite jewelry before; the substance is radioactive and carcinogenic, would any father let his child near it? Now Yusei spoke as if he knew just why those green rocks were dangerous enough to warrant Batman's attention, yet he was in no hurry to remove his daughter's armband. What was he playing at? Bluffing?
"You sound as if you know everything there is to know," The Dark Knight said with narrowed eyes.
"I have a theory that can be easily tested, and I will indeed test it," Yusei said frankly, "I apologize, I do not mean to pry, but I must have enough verified information so I can plan what to do next."
The last thing anyone need was some crazy scientist with kryptonite—a lot of kryptonite—perhaps already aware of Superman's true identity doing any more detective work.
There was a protracted silence again, before Yusei turned and said quietly, "Now, Batman, I really must get going."
And when he turned back Batman was already gone.