The first time he duels IV, or Thomas, he loses brutally. But the other boy lends a hand to pull him up from the ground, and offers to help him duel with more strategy.
The offer is accepted, and a friendship forms between the two.
…
The eighth time he duels IV, this is a duel for the champion's spot, but it's also much more than that because he hurt Rio, burned her.
This duel is also when their friendship, their bond, is snapped cleanly in two.
Ryouga is disqualified, and IV is the Asia Champion.
…
The ninth time they duel, this is a full out revenge duel. IV shows no mercy, but in the end, Ryouga wins this duel.
They depart, not on good terms, but with the truth, the truth that Tron had given IV the card that burned Rio, and hadn't told him what the card would do. The truth that IV had carried Rio out of the fire, that IV had saved Rio's life.
…
The next time they meet up, they end up on the same side of the field. In a sense, they are allies, both trying to help Rio.
"Man, you really made me work my ass off. But you got pretty sloppy there for a while, Ryouga."
"What'd you say?! You're the one who went and butted in without me asking!"
"As usual, you're not the least bit charming and you just won't die."
Somehow, it's sort of like before, where Thomas and Ryouga would tease each other.
IV and Ryouga are both too stubborn to admit it, but maybe, just maybe, their bond is slowly healing.
…
Nasch just waits, waits in front of the car holding Astral, Yuma, V, III, IV…
He's surprised, but also not surprised when he sees Thomas, no, IV, step towards him, determination glinting in his eyes.
Heh, maybe it's destiny that he' s fighting IV again.
