Arc 2: Unobtainable Past
Yuto finds himself strolling through the streets again. Akaba Reiji had sent him out to gather even more information for the Resistance's next move, but the exhaustion is finally catching up to him. Leaning against a wall in one of many alleyways, Yuto closes his eyes in an attempt to rest.
"Hiragi Yuzu...the girl who knows Sakaki Yuya...another person with Ruri's face…"
Yuto pulls out the card granted to him by Yuzu's bracelet. "Dark Rebellion...one of the four dragons that can bring about a revolution...Akaba Reiji wants to gather all four together…we may have Clear Wing, but what are the other two…?"
A rush of adrenaline floods Yuto's blood. Someone...someone is coming. Putting the card away, Yuto descends further into the darkness of the alley.
An Academia soldier jogs over to his commander, informing her of news she probably already can tell. Serena keeps her indifferent gaze at Yuto's barely visible form.
"Yuto...if it's for Yuzu's sake...I don't mind being the Resistance's enemy. You may not forgive me, but please keep Yuzu safe...until the day I find Sakaki Yuya."
…
Over at the Resistance's hideout, Yuzu wakes up to the sight of fried eggs and toast on the drawer next to her bed. As she stretches her drowsiness away, a knock vibrates through the room. Rin and Yugo invite themselves in, with Yugo carrying a cup and a pitcher of water.
"Have a good sleep, Yuzu?" Yugo greets with his usual mannerism.
She nods once, still overcome by his rather formidable first impression. Rin, sensing this, nudges Yugo, and he pours a cup of water to hand to the girl.
"I'm sorry if Yugo came off as overbearing. He does mean well, and I'm sure you'll get used to it," her lookalike says with another one of her warm smiles. It makes Yuzu wonder why she is with the Resistance. From what she knows of her, Rin wouldn't hurt anyone...unless it's Yugo.
"You should eat your breakfast soon. There are things that we have to show you, since you're going to be under our protection for a while."
Yuzu stops reaching for a slice of toast at her last statement. "Protection...from Academia? But I haven't done anything to upset them," she protests.
"That's true. Academia does not have any business with someone like you, but if that's really true, then Yugo and I wouldn't be here too," says Rin. Her tone sounds more distant, and Yugo decides to embrace his companion as his own way of comforting her.
"We were just ordinary people who decided to take a vacation in Heartland. Then one night, Rin sensed that someone had been following us. We both decided to raise our guard, but Rin was almost kidnapped by that person who was following us when Yuto showed up and fought him back." Yugo drops his usual playful smile for once, replaced with a look Yuzu is very familiar with.
So he longs to go back home…
"After all that, Yuto said that he can use Rin to draw out Academia and demanded we come back with him. Of course, I told him off, but when I really looked at him…" Yuya's face flashes before Yuzu, aligning with Yugo. Rin notices Yuzu make the connection and continues Yugo's story. "I was surprised too. How did this complete stranger have the same face as Yugo? Yuto also seemed shocked because he called me Ruri…"
"This was before Ruri went missing right?"
"Yes. Ruri was the sweetest girl I've ever met. At the time, there wasn't much security over Ruri since the Resistance didn't know Academia was going to target her. His plan to lure out some of their soldier quickly disappeared when Ruri vanished. But in the short time I've known her, we had a strong connection...unlike Yuto and Yugo. Those two are so stubborn at first. It didn't help that they have the same face, so people often called them by the wrong name."
Yugo pouts at Rin's recollection. "I told them so many times that my name is Yugo! Honestly, how can they mix up our names?! Our hair color is completely different, and we obviously have different personalities!"
"After Ruri's disappearance, some of the Resistance started to doubt us. They often whisper about how we're the ones who turned their luck for the worse. And Ruri's brother...never forgave me. He often shouts that if only Ruri haven't met me, if only Yuto didn't take us back!"
Sniffing back a few tears, Rin sinks further into Yugo's arms. Yuzu suddenly didn't feel like eating her breakfast.
"I apologize, Yuzu. It's been awhile since I've opened up to people since Ruri went missing. Yuto and Yugo are the only people who regularly talk to me. I guess...seeing you give me a warm feeling, like I can trust you."
"Rin…"
The green-haired girl wipes her tears away and continues with her story. "It's kind of funny now that I think about it. Only when Ruri vanished did Yuto and Yugo set aside their differences. You would normally think that Yuto would also hate us."
Yugo interrupts her. "Maybe...but I think Yuto partly blames himself for what happened to Ruri, and that he knows it's not our faults. But because of her gone, Shun and Yuto rarely talk to each other. Back then...they were so close, like true comrades. Nowadays, we're the ones he goes to."
"That is true...and there's also the issue with Yuya. Yuto and the others looked up to him. While Yugo and I never met the guy in person, Yuto would tell us how his optimism is contagious, and how he always managed to bring smiles to everyone, regardless of their past. To have him disappear as well...it's no wonder the Resistance's frustrations and despair are dumped onto us. We're mere outsiders…"
Yuzu cannot find the words to say. How does one respond to that kind of loneliness, that kind of despair? And yet...even though it was just a small piece...she understood how they felt.
"Rin, Yugo...thank you for telling me what's inside your heart. If you don't mind, I would like to know you two better."
"Of course, Yuzu," Rin says.
"I don't have a problem with that. Welcome aboard, Yuzu!" Yugo grabs her hands and comically shakes them vigorously. "Alright! Now we'll definitely beat these Academia people and get back home! Rin, I'm heading out!" Throwing Yuzu's hands without hesitation, Yugo rushes out the door, shouting something about bringing his helmet.
"That Yugo...always charging into things head first. Yuzu, hurry and eat your breakfast. We have a long day ahead of us."
Finally able to reach over to the plate of food, Yuzu had never been more grateful for Rin's hospitality.
…
It isn't common to see Kurosaki Shun wandering the streets. Each time he is spotted, however, the people know to give up a portion of the sidewalk for him unless they want to shove their way into his dead list. A vibration from his pocket stops him in his tracks, and he scowls at the name on his D-pad.
"What is it, Akaba?"
"Yuto just reported that a number of Academia soldiers are surveying Sector 13-B. Apparently, they are being led by that girl, Serena."
Just the news he needed.
"You are to find Yuto and discover their motives. Do not engage the enemy."
At this, Shun lets out one of his infamous groans. "I'd rather beat them to a pulp and turn them into cards. Let them taste some of the pain the Resistance feels. Why do you insist with this cowardly, behind-the-scenes approach?"
"We don't need unnecessary attention aimed at us. Serena has the advantage, so engaging her head-on is probably what Academia wants. Remember, we move only when they do."
"That kind of thinking won't bring Academia down! The longer we stall, the more comrades we could lose! I can't believe you of all people are leading us!"
"Your opinion of me does not matter right now." His response is capable of sending any normal person the signal to stop arguing, and Shun unfortunately yields to him.
"Fine...tell Yuto I'm on the way."
The call hangs up, and Shun's scowl only deepens its mark onto his face. "I swear...I'll bring back Ruri with my own hand...even if the Resistance rejects me!"
…
Yuto knows Serena had seen him. She always has a sharp eye for the tiniest of twitches.
Even though it has been two weeks since she backstabbed them, Yuto cannot find the reason for her betrayal. It was out of the blue, uncharacteristic of her, and devastating to the Resistance. He remembers it clearly. Yugo and he were out looking for Serena after hearing about her not coming back to headquarters. What they found was her defeating several members of the Resistance, turning them into cards. Once she secured the cards, she proudly proclaimed her change in loyalty and dashed off into the night, leaving Yuto to report the unforeseen event to Reiji.
The familiar buzz of a motorcycle snatches Yuto's attention like a promise of sweets. A white motorbike pulls up against the building Yuto is atop of, and the driver takes off his helmet.
"Hey, Yuto! Got anything for me to do?"
"Yugo...you seem really eager today."
"Of course! Yuzu and Rin are getting along great, and I guess that got me excited to do stuff. So, what are you up to?"
"Serena has been spotted. Akaba Reiji wants me and Shun to investigate."
At the mention of her name, Yugo's supercharged energy converts into irritation.
"That traitor...if there's one thing I don't forgive, it's betrayal."
"A sentiment I share with you, Yugo. Follow me then. I'll take you to where she is."
Already jumping onto the next rooftop, Yuto does not look back to see if Yugo is following.
"Hey, slow down a bit!" Yugo shouts, revving up his motorcycle to full speed.
…
"So, Rin, what do you and Yugo do on a regular day?"
"Well, I'm in charge of helping the wounded. There are only a few people with first aid experience, so even if the Resistance doesn't trust me, they can't kick me out. Yugo usually scouts the area and pick up groceries for the kids. Being an outlier does have its perks, since Yugo is never questioned about his alliance."
On the way to Rin's workplace, Yuzu observes multiple members carrying around some sort of device on their wrist. She looks back at Rin and finds that she does not have one.
"Rin, what are those things on their wrist?"
"Oh, those are called D-pads. It's implemented with Solid Vision, so any card you place on it becomes real. Almost everyone in Heartland has one."
"How come you don't have one?"
"The Resistance did not bother to give me one. It's a device exclusive to Heartland, after all. If you're wondering, Yugo does have a D-pad, but it is attached to his motorcycle."
"But you should get one, right? How are you supposed to defend yourself?"
"That's...what the Resistance is for. Yuto promised that I would be safe as long as I stay here. If the enemy can't breach our defenses, then there's no danger of me being kidnapped."
"That wasn't the case...for Ruri, right?"
"Yes...Shun did not join the Resistance until Ruri was gone. They lived close by, so often, I would come by their house and have dinner with them. Both of them were happy people. Shun cared deeply for Ruri, and Ruri always made sure to return her gratitude. Of course, the shock of seeing a complete stranger have the same face as his beloved sister stunned Shun at first, but after a while, he opened up to me and Yugo. Ruri probably didn't mind that we look the same because it did nothing to hinder our friendship. Yugo and Shun have such a weird relationship, like Yugo's relation with Yuto. Shun often liked to taunt Yugo for having the same face as Yuto and would call him by the wrong name or make food that Yuto likes but Yugo absolutely despises."
"They sound like happy memories," Yuzu dreamily comments.
"They were...and we continued to make them until that day. Out of pure curiosity, Ruri decided to visit my place for dinner. Shun, having to work late that day, trusted me to take care of her while he's gone. But she never arrived, and Shun spent countless nights searching for her. Once he realized that she was not coming back, Shun immediately marched up to our hideout and demanded to see our leader."
"The Resistance's leader...Akaba Reiji. What's his reason for fighting?"
"You seem awfully set on that question, Yuzu."
Her pink-haired counterpart eyes the bracelet on her wrist. "It's just...I don't understand why Academia would try to control a city like Heartland. What could possibly be gained from all this?"
Rin continues to look straight ahead. "I wish I knew the answer."
They enter a small tent. A few people with varying injuries all look up at Rin with wary eyes, but it must be a common reaction, for Rin pays no mind to them.
"Rin, who is she?" a girl around ten gestures to Rin's companion.
"Oh, her name is Yuzu. She'll be helping us out, Sayaka." Satisfied with her introduction, Sayaka bows as she states her name.
"Nice to meet you, Sayaka."
"Nice to meet you too. But Rin, why does she have the same face as you and Ruri?"
"That's something I don't know. Whatever the reason, I'm sure Akaba Reiji will figure it out. Now, Sayaka, can you give me some gauze?" The lilac-haired girl runs off to the opposite side of the tent. "Yuzu, I'm going to teach you how to patch up an open wound." Her counterpart nods and drops down to her knees. Their work is coated in silence...until Sayaka, in a panic, whispers into Rin's ear.
"Oh...this is bad. Yuzu, can you do me a favor and tell Yugo we ran out of milk?"
"But I thought-"
"Right, that's a bad idea. Here, let me ask someone for a D-pad."
She asks the person who she is currently treating for the device on his wrist. The person debates at first that he will not let anyone touch it, but after a particularly cold dab to the open wound on his face, he relents.
"Yugo, are you there?"
"Yeah, what is it?"
"We ran out of milk. Can you go get some?"
"Actually, I can't go grocery shopping today. I'm helping Yuto with the rounds. Hey, you can send Yuzu instead!"
"You idiot! There's a reason why I'm asking you!"
"Yugo, is that Rin?" Yuto butts in.
"Yeah. Apparently, we ran out of milk."
"Rin," Yuto's face now occupies the screen, "I'll meet up with Yuzu after we finish this area. Tell her to meet outside the stadium. Yugo, let's go."
"Wait! Rin, is there anything-"
"I'm going with or without you, Yugo."
"Can't you give me a couple of seconds?! And he's going without me...bye Rin!"
Once Yugo hangs up on his friend, Yuzu lets out a gleeful laugh. Rin and Sayaka stares at her, confused over her sudden outburst.
"S-sorry. It's just that...you guys really get along, despite what others might say." Her green-haired twin's smile finally glows with mirth, and the tent now houses two harmonious laughs.
"I guess you're right. There's always something good in a sea of misfortune."
…
"It looks like she's scouting for something."
Yuto and Yugo, now off of his bike, are now spying on the traitor from a few rooftops away. Unaware of their presence, Serena continues barking orders at her less-than-capable officers.
"So, what do we do?"
"Wait until she slips her motive and then report back to Reiji. Confronting her now is pointless."
"What do you think is the reason for her betrayal?" Yugo wonders aloud.
"Who knows...but whatever it is, it must have shaken the ideals she holds true. Serena is not the kind of person to turn back on her comrades," answers Yuto. They jump to the next roof, both landing on their feet flawlessly.
"Hold it right there, Serena!" Yuto instantly cringes upon hearing Shun's bitter tone catches Serena's attention.
"Kurosaki Shun...I'm not surprised that you're the one stupid enough to pursue me."
"Enough! I will take out every one of Academia's soldiers, regardless of their background. Now, traitor, prepare yourself!"
Serena only glares harder at her former comrade. A few soldiers move to intercept Shun, but Serena waves her hand, signaling them to stand down.
"I see you haven't changed a bit since Ruri's disappearance. Tell me, are you positively sure it was Academia who took her away? What proof do you have of that?" Gritting his teeth at the sound of her taunt, Shun clutches his fists even tighter. That damned smirk she had did not lessen at all!
"What proof?! Why else would you take an innocent person other than to brand her as an enemy?!"
"If that's true, then we have no reason to take Ruri. She has done nothing wrong."
"Don't mess with me!"
Yugo, sensing the anger in his voice increase dramatically, whispers to his dark-haired comrade, "This is bad...if Reiji finds out…"
"I know. Let's hurry and clean up the situation. We can't keep Yuzu waiting for too long."
"After you then," Yugo lightly gestures.
Wasting no time, Yuto jumps off the building to land in front of Shun. Yugo follows suit, and Serena finds herself facing two more of her former comrades.
"Yuto...Yugo…" she addresses.
Yugo's dark-haired lookalike does not give her a piece of his attention, for he instantly turns around to glare at Shun.
"Yuto, get out of my-ARGH!"
A sharp blow to his stomach stops his command. Serena and her soldiers all gasp as Yuto punches Shun, rendering him unconscious.
"Ah, the infamous 'Yuto Knockout' punch. I never thought I would see it in action," Yugo jokes in the same light-hearted tone.
"Stop naming such mundane things. Let's retreat."
Perching Shun onto his shoulder, Yuto waves one hand to the traitor, signaling his intent to depart. Yugo, letting his grin drop, runs to his motorbike and starts it up. It wasn't until Yuto is halfway mounted onto Yugo's bike then Serena finally finds her voice again.
"Wait a minute, Yuto! Come back here!" Serena shouts. Her D-pad activates, and her soldiers follow suit.
"Hit it, Yugo."
"You got it!"
And before anyone can move a muscle, Yugo hits the accelerator. One ear-piercing screech later, the motorcycle takes off in a flurry of white and green. Serena curses out loud as she watches their retreating backs.
"Serena, what do we do now?"
"Split up and follow them. They might lead us to Hiragi Yuzu."
Yuto looks back and finds two soldiers pursuing them. Knowing Serena, there will be others blocking the way soon.
"We have to lose them somehow!" the driver groans out.
"Can't you have Clear Wing teleport us?"
"You know I can't control where we end up!"
"It doesn't matter. Use it now."
Yugo's frown only deepens, but he pulls out his dragon and pours his heart into his command.
"Come on, Clear Wing. Send us to where Rin is!"
The card lets out its trademark blend of colors, enveloping his bike in a blinding light. The soldiers trailing them all stop in their tracks, averting their eyes away from their target.
Yuto feels his body disintegrate, a feeling now becoming more familiar to him as he spends more time with Yugo. The motorcycle scatters away into a storm of green droplets, leaving Serena's underlings no choice but to walk back and report to her of their failings.
When Yuto finally regains his vision, he sees not a distant part of town, but the bewildered expression of Yuzu as she runs up to them, asking in her withdrawn voice how they magically appeared like that. While Yugo boasts about him having powers (to which Yuto wants with all his heart to deny, but can't due to the twinkle in Yuzu's eyes that reminds him of Ruri), Yuto helps Rin carry Shun over to her tent.
Unbeknownst to them all, the cards Yugo and Yuto possess are now respectively glowing green and pink.