A/N: Hello everyone, here's chapter 2 ready to be read. =]

Before you guys shall begin reading, I'd like to thank yugisun for his reviews on my fiction: I must say I did have a little laugh with your bowl of Cornflakes, and I really do appreciate what you said - those reviews really did motivate me to write this up =D. I'm sorry the prologue was a little disheartening, but it needed that impact, I'm afraid ^_^||
As for the 2nd review, I added in the iPhone because I wanted New Domino to be a little more realistic than it usually is in the anime. Took your advice and downloaded Speakonia - it's amazing to use, and hopefully there won't be any more errors! X] And lastly, yes; I did consider using a Winged Koriboh, but I couldn't think of a legit way for it to appear - you'll find a mention of it in there somewhere, but it'll make its proper appearance soon! Thanks again for the reviews

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's in any possible way, and all belong to their respective owners.

Read safely, here's chapter 2~

[This chapter has been edited, so it's longer and a little more detailed. Hope you guys like it.]


Chapter 2

The men in black yanked me recklessly to face the short man that had now given me his full attention. My duel disk was removed and my arms were restrained behind me for what I felt was an inspection of some sort — a silent order by the small man that had gestured.

I raised my head and sniffed carefully, 'Good evening, Lazar. To what do I owe this honor of your presence?'

He chuckled. 'Sarcasm wouldn't get you anywhere, Miss Suzuki.'

'I figured as much-' one out of the two men behind me interrupted my sentence.

'Sir! There are no traces of any markings on her arm!' He said as he spoke in a raised voice.
My left ear rung continuously and I flinched. Markings? What markings? Lazar didn't seem to be impressed by the news. He looked over his shoulder to the other obstacles and I looked too. My eyes didn't notice this until now, but there were two men across from me: some Sector Security guy on a white runner, and another on a red one. The latter caught my attention — in fact he didn't seem he was part of Sector Security at all. The red duel runner matched his helmet — nice. The outfit he was wearing seemed like a high-collared jacket over a black top and wore these brown-ish gloves. In his hands was a white envelope, along with something else.
Fortune Cup Invite – there's no mistaking it. I felt his eyes on me, despite the fact that his visor was covering them. That was all I could see — the lights from the two runners and a car nearby began to blind my eyes.

'What the heck are you doing?! You've just injured that-'

'Officer Trudge, I think it's time to take your leave. Like I said, I out-rank you.' Lazar retorted. The security officer growled as he hesitantly turned on his wheel and rode off. Then there were three — excluding the goons. I felt something trickle down my nose and I sniffed louder — embarrassing... Lazar's attention was now taken by me and the guy on the red runner kept quiet — he was the one who made things a little awkward. Or should I say he made me feel awkward.

'Miss Suzuki. We'll escort you to the Director's residence immediately. We don't want you to bleed to death, hmm?'

I humph'ed, 'wouldn't want to stain your car seats. And besides, I'd appreciate it if you would all just back off. I've already missed my exam because of this and I have family and friends with home to get back to. Now if you don't mind...' My arms tensed and resisted against the suited men. This unfortunately caused my arms to twist and restrain even tighter against my back. I winced in pain — they're stronger than I thought. Lazar sneered once again until I heard the guy with the red runner dismounted himself from his bike. He stepped forward once; the second goon I saw did the same in reaction — standing as a guard.

'Do not get involved, Mr Fudo, or this might not end well for you either,' he scowled and Lazar turned back to me. Fudo? 'And you. Who said there was anyone waiting for you when you get back?' No way.

I raised my tone, 'If you've laid at least a scratch on them, I swear—'

'If you wish for nothing more to happen, be an obedient young lady and get in the car!' I scowled too. There was nothing else to be said... or, there was nothing I could say. Blackmail — always a deadly weapon in this city. Used by the most sickening of people. Goodwin and Lazar were already on the list. Lucky for them, I'll play along with their games— for now.

'... Fine.' My muscles loosened, and the goon restraining me pushed me toward the back door, now opened by the other. I glanced back with corner of my eye; Mr Fudo had taken a few steps toward the car I now sat in. I still felt his eyes on me, like his gaze broke through the window and shot through the goon's head, but I didn't return it. That name, Fudo – I rings bells but it's on the tip of my tongue. I put the thought aside — there were more important things I couldn't not think about. The second suited man entered through the other door and the driver started the engine. Lazar got in after a while and Fudo walked back to mount on his runner. My head tilted onto the headrest and I pinched the bridge of my nose, noticing a dark patch around my wrists in the dim lighting. A sigh escaped my mouth and I closed my eyes as I felt the car move.
Just... let them be okay – the last thing I want is for them to be hurt.
Goodwin... our discussion awaits.

...

The ride must've taken over an hour because my eyelids felt extremely heavy when I opened them. Probably dozed off sometime ago. I couldn't feel the vibration of the car, so I'm assuming we've arrived. My eyes glanced to the front window to show were not at our destination yet. There was actually a long stretched road ahead of us and a dark mansion — a very big one at that, bigger than mine. All I could see was a dark green lawn and what looked like fountains or statues around them. Blood was still escaping my nose, but not as much as earlier. That goon is going to pay for busting my nose... whichever one of them did this. The car finally slowed to a stop and before I knew it, I was being jerked towards the front door.

'Watch it. I'm not some stray animal you can just push around.' I hissed to the man in black that had gone back to restraining me. He said nothing and glowered down at me, I frowned in response.

'Temper, temper, Miss Suzuki.' Lazar added in, breaking our stare-off. He managed to open the door and the goon roughly escorted me through numerous passages until stopping a few meters from a glass door. I felt my eyes blur and widen in fear. My blood ran cold and my fingers began to shake. Though it was twelve years since my last visit, I could still make out the blood on the door... and myself falling to the ground. Twelve years since I've last seen his vile pale eyes full of endless sins. I noticed Lazar was now behind me, as there was nothing obstructing me and the room that lies ahead. The suited man freed my arms once more. And hopefully the last.

'In your own time, Miss Suzuki, there's no rush.' As much as I didn't like him, I had to agree — but this time, I wanted to make sure I was out of this building as soon as possible.

'Let's hear what he has to say.' I whispered. My feet stepped in front of each other at a steady pace, being careful to hold my body weight. Other footsteps contributed into the small noise being made and they stopped when I did. Now, only the door stood as an obstruction. I wiped the remaining blood using my sleeve and took a deep breath. My hand gripped on the handle and I thrust through.

'Korinah.' A nostalgic voice called and I shivered. Another I didn't want to hear. His long grey hair and well defined face still looked the same as it was before. Lazar and the others didn't follow suit — guess I have to face this alone. My attention however was stolen by the corner of his office. Silence filled the room as I tread carefully towards the small space. My hand felt the cold wall and my knees slowly sank to the floor. My other hand felt the soft floor I sat on. A shiver crept down my spine. It's not nice reliving moments twelve years from now. But... I do wonder — did they have to scrub the carpet to near oblivion, or just order a new one in? Same goes for the wall and the glass door. Well whatever happened, they did a good job to make sure no one knew what occurred in this very room.

'Everything looks exactly the same...' I managed to choke out.

'Good evening. How are you coping?' I suddenly grimaced towards where he stood — behind his desk like our last encounter.

'As far as I'm concerned there is nothing good about this evening. In fact, I'm tired, bloody, bruised and very, very agitated. My friends and only family I assume have been kidnapped and I've already missed one of my exams. Oh, but wait – I've still been dragged out here despite how late at night it is,' I rose to my feet, 'and you have the cheek to ask how I am coping?!'

'... Would it help if I said that they're here in this building?' I was a little stunned — here? Why here? But can I see them? No, I need to see them — now! I need to know that they're okay...

I kept my hostile gaze, 'Let them go, they have nothing to do with this situation.' I said.

'If that's what you want?' Silence. 'Alright then. Take a seat.' Goodwin gestured his hand towards a studded mahogany chair near the front of the room.

'I'm fine here thanks.' I didn't want to leave my father's death spot and Goodwin seemed to shrug it off. He's being strangely obedient since the last time I was here. I noticed an ice pack and some tissues set next to it on a small table. My nose suddenly began to throb. Funny, I didn't seem to realize how much it hurt up to now — guess being angry takes the feeling out of you. I picked up a tissue to blow my nose, and the pack to relive the pain while I paced around the room slowly. My guard was still up though; his calm composure wasn't fooling anyone.

'Now that you have settled down, shall we begin?'

'I need answers first.'

'And what do you need to know?'

I took on a serious tone and removed the ice, 'what's actually been happening recently? Numerous letters, phone calls, your body guards appearing everywhere, and markings on my arm that your lackey didn't find. Explain.'
And why had my winged Koriboh stopped appearing to me...? I replaced the ice on my nose, awaiting his answer and hearing some shuffling from where he stood.

'First off, yes, I do admit — I have been contacting and keeping an eye on you recently. Those are for safety precautions.'

'Safety? What for?' I scoffed stopping in my tracks, 'one of your so-called body guards did this earlier! Call this safety?' Gesturing to the nose. 'I think otherwise.' Goodwin sighed but continued.

'I'm sure we'll find a solution to that. As for the markings... I'm afraid we will have to speak of the event that happened twelve years ago,' His eyes were on me and I could feel them but my mouth remained shut, sending him a dirty look. 'I know this difficult for you, Korinah but I have no other choice but to bring it up.' I gestured with my hand, telling him to say what he needs to. He continued.

'That night when I mentioned to your Father about your awakening, there's a lot more to it than you know. I take it you know the Legend of Five-Thousand Years?'

'Grandmother and Father told me about it the night before you killed him off. What has that got to do with it?' His footsteps grew louder and I removed the ice once again to catch him still staring at me. A feeling of uneasiness washed over me.

'Because your father was part of that legend… he had one of the Marks of the Dragon and he wanted me to-'

'How dare you say that about my dad!' I snapped back, throwing the ice pack onto the floor with full force. 'How could you even-' No wait. I remember something he said before he passed:
"'Well Blaine, I'm afraid this is finally over. I'm sorry for all of this to have ended this way. But it had to be done – for her to awaken. Am… I correct?'

'Yes. I wouldn't of thought… of a better way… myself. Thank you, Rex,'" I sunk to the floor bewildered. There can't be any way… father to die with me there? No, that just doesn't make any sense. What good would that do me? But how? And… and…

'Why…?' It was the only word I could say. The sigh from Goodwin was the only thing I heard.

'It's complicated-'

'I'm not a kid anymore, Goodwin,' I interrupted, sitting upright on the floor. I rubbed my temples in distress. 'Or do you think telling me that my dad wanting you to kill him in front of me is too much for me to handle? No, or is that too complicated for a kid like me to understand?'

'Korinah, I know you aren't a child.' Yeah well you sure are treating me like one. 'But I think it would be much more suitable coming from someone else rather than me.' What did he mean by that?

'Please elaborate on why you think so – or better still, why you murdered my father in order for me to "awaken".' The director shot a deadly stare in my direction.

'Do you want me just to tell you here and now why I killed him, or the reason why you're tied to this legend too?' Wait – what? I finally stood up from my spot on the floor and inched towards him a little.

'Oh so now you finally admit it, and now you're saying I'm now part of this legend? Is that why Lazar was looking for a mark on my arm earlier?' I said, trying to get my head around this. So, this means I could be a Signer? There was no other option I could think of right now.

'If you're sure you want to find out yourself…' I kept my narrow gaze and he walked to the front of his desk to fetch me a white envelope. 'Here. Compete in the Fortune Cup, and from there... well I shall be in touch.'

'And why should I be a part of this, if I must ask?' He humph'ed in satisfaction as I took the invite in my hands.

'If you refuse again, I can't ensure something won't happen this time around.' Noticing a picture of a gold cup at the front, I turned it over to remove the seal. The entire context just said how I was one of the lucky ones to have been chosen and to have a chance to challenge Jack Atlas' title.
I'm flattered.
I did however pick up on how my name had actually been engraved onto the paper itself. Smart plan – anyone not invited couldn't claim it as their own. Looks like my chances of being mugged are out the window then.

'... You've got one too?' I peered behind me to find Jaï was now standing in front of the doors I entered a while ago. In his hand was the exact same envelope I have in mine right now.

'Uh-'

'Oh, thank God you're alright,' Wyatt had now showed up and quickly advanced towards me for an embrace. 'Those guys hurt you...'

'I'm fine, its only a bit of blood. But, they didn't hurt you, did they?' I murmured. My grandmother was now here as she shook her head. Relief. 'I'm glad.'

'Don't ever pull a stunt like that again, okay?' Wyatt pulled away but still held me, searching my eyes for any insecurity as I nodded. 'That's our girl. If there's anything that's bothering you, you have to let us know — don't bottle it up, 'cause it could eventually spiral out of control like this.' One thing I can't promise... but I'll try.

'... I won't. I'm sorry.'

A smile. 'Good to know.' He pulled me into a much tighter hug. Grandmother's hand rested on my back also.

'Jaï! Hey, wait up.' Wyatt let go of me for us to watch Jaї walk out and from the look of things Jen (which miraculously showed up too) went after him. What was wrong? I turned to Wyatt to find his head resting in his palm. He let out a loud sigh.

'I'm so gonna' need to talk to that guy,' He mumbled. 'Lemme' try and catch him up. I'll see you outside, Korinah.' With that, he jogged out the room, leaving me, Goodwin, and Grandmother.

'You've caused all of this, Rex,' spat Grandma. I turned around to face him, now retreated to behind his desk once more. 'First Korinah's father – my son, now her friends. Haven't you done enough damage?! Korinah darling, we're going home – now. I can't stand to be in here any longer.' With her hand on my back, she firmly guided me to the door, but there was one more thing I had to ask.

'Wait. Before we leave, there's just one more thing,' I got given attention and I continued, 'Fudo. Who was he earlier? There was also someone else who had the same surname – and I think you know, so tell me.' Nothing was said apart from the exhale from Grandmother's lips.

'... You said you wanted to find out yourself, and you will soon enough.'

'You son of a-'

'Korinah, we're going. Goodnight, Rex.' Goodwin turned to stare out the window while I was being pulled way by Grandma. This so wasn't over between the two of us. And now I have to compete in this dueling competition so I won't put the lives of my friends and only family on the line. Seriously, my strong yearn for security hadn't been this desperate since I got ambushed by the fountain.

So now the Fortune Cup; the only thing that could possibly give me the truth about everything that's happening recently — including me. And if that's the case, I'll be more than happy to compete.
But seriously...

What kind of world am I living in?


A/N: Next chapter - Fortune Cup time! Will Yusei and Korinah have a proper encounter? Will Korinah ever fill in the gaps that Goodwin left her? And who else will be there at the competition? Find out in the next chapter: Unwilling Clashes, coming soon.

Till next time,

M1Ainfinite~