Hello again, to anyone who may be reading this! This is a short chapter, mainly just to lay some groundwork for later. So we've got some more Yuma and Tron/Byron conversation going on. Without further ado, here is the second visit!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL.
He appeared without warning in the attic-style bedroom three days later.
"Aww, Yuma," the blond began, "you don't look nearly as surprised to see me this time. That's no fun."
Yuma chuckled, partly at simply seeing Byron again. "Sorry, I guess I adapted to the surprise quickly. What brings you here again, Byron?" Use of the given name was becoming surprisingly natural, giving greater distance to the gentler, current Byron from his time as the cruel, manipulative Tron.
"Our previous meeting got me thinking, and I have a question for you."
"Sure, ask away."
A short silence persisted. Finally, Byron set about voicing his query.
"I'm sure I don't need to remind you of my actions and behavior during the Duel Carnival, right?"
A bit hesitantly, Yuma nodded. Byron continued.
"That all is horrid enough, but… Kazuma sacrificed himself in a futile attempt to save me. It's quite possible he could've climbed up and saved himself if not for me."
The cyan-clad boy looked down toward the floor, breaking eye contact with the other. With much trepidation, he braced to ask his question.
"It's my fault Kazuma was even placed in such a dangerous position. I contacted him, I asked him to assist Faker…" Inhaling deeply first, he finished, "How could you not hold a deep grudge against me?"
Whatever Yuma had been expecting, it certainly was not that. Taken off-guard, he sat down on his hammock.
"Byron, my dad wanted to try to help you, I'm sure of it," Yuma started, a soft smile adorning his face. "And if I had been in his position, I know I would've done the same thing. Like in the finals. I don't think about the past much," admitted Yuma. "I just know that, now, you're a good guy."
He opened his mouth slightly – as if to refute – but Byron decided to stay quiet, realizing that – given Yuma's nature – it wouldn't have mattered anyway.
Yuma watched as the other opened a portal once more. "Do you plan to come back here again?" he called out. "You're welcome anytime. And so are III, IV… er, Mihael, Thomas, and Chris."
With a fleeting glance back, Byron said simply in reply, "You know, Kazuma must be quite proud of you."
And he was gone.
