A/N: Welp... If I said last chapter was a doozy because of how easy it was to write, This chapter was a friggin horror show. There were so many things I wanted to introduce here, but my mind just wasn't in it. I resorted to watching the 5D's dub. That wasn't a good idea.

It's not that I don't like 5D's (Why would I write a fanfic if I didn't like the series?). I just hate the English dub. The voice actors are just... Bleh. Yusei sounds like such a typical cool guy protag. Crow, Luna, Leo, and Trudge all sound so bad to me. Jack's voice is okay, but he sounds exactly like freakin Jeice from Dragon Ball Z. Akiza, Carly, Lazar, and the MC are the only voices I really like in the dub. I hate Mina Simington's voice because she sounds like such a giddy school girl. There's nothing wrong with that, but I always imagined Mina having a commanding and kinda stern voice. It's really just personal preference, but I never liked the dub's voices.

So I went from being frustrated with my writing to being frustrated with the dub. I eventually decided to cut some stuff from this chapter and push them to the next chapter. It's unfortunate, but I do think it's best to let things build naturally and not rush things.

I will say that everything done in this chapter has a reason. Every character has a purpose. Every action has lasting impact on future events.

But enough with my rambling. let's get to the story.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

My heart pounds inside my chest. My entire body has gone numb. I can feel the world below me falling away. In front of me stands the King of Games. In front of me stands the boy who killed my parents. No, I killed my parents because I was too weak to fight back. They died that night because of my failures. He was only a small piece in a larger puzzle. I can't go back to that night and change what happened. I can only seek to do the right thing. I came to this city to get some semblance of revenge. I came to this city to get some answers. Why was I so scared and helpless? Why couldn't I do more? Why did He not help me when I asked? When I begged? I came to this city to confront the King of Games. I won't be denied my opportunity to get my answers from him. I will win the Fortuna Duel Tournament, and when I receive my duel against Him, I will destroy this façade He lives and obliterate him in his own backyard. I came to this city to duel Bryan Rhodes, and He stands before me with an offer I won't refuse. I stand on the precipice, and all I need is one push. I won't fail.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

~Alistar's POV~

"Bryan Rhodes..."

The way his eyes sparkle as his name leaves my lips makes me sick. The bile rises in my gut as his smug face preens for no one in particular. He stands there in the doorway of the duel shop in a grey silk shirt and smooth black pants with black boots. All symbols of his lavish lifestyle contrasting with the dull atmosphere. He looks around the shop with a condescending sneer.

Libby and Lizzy stand by my side in utter shock. I can't blame them. He's a celebrity in New Domino. Whenever he makes an appearance, Everyone stops to watch as he walks by. If I were them, I would be just as starstruck, but I'm not Libby and Lizzy or anyone else. I am Alistar Langford. I am a broken shell. The days that I wake up are the worst days of my life. The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had. It's hard to understand the life that has been laid before me, but As each day passes my final goal becomes clear. Defeat Bryan Rhodes and find fulfilment.

Bryan smiles at me as he enters the shop with a little pep in his step. He looks so out of place as he takes a structure deck in his hand. He has more money than any person living in New Domino. He has people that attend to his every whim. He has people that do his shopping, cleaning, cooking, and menial tasks for him. To be out among 'normal' people must be a new experience for him. It wouldn't surprise me if he would rather lock himself away with his Monster Cards. He holds an obvious contempt for daily civilized life. It sickens me to think that we have that in common.

"This place is nice. I might just buy it and have it all my own." He waves his hand about the shop as he examines the various packs, duel disks, cards, and sleeves for sale. He moves closer, and I can feel my heart in my throat as my fists clench into balls. He glances at some card packs hanging on racks. "This place is really is just nice. Too nice for scum like you. This whole city is too nice for your kind. I was scheduled to make an appearance at the Duel Arena today, but when I heard that some Satellite trash had gotten into my city I had to do something to exterminate the infestation."

I dare to smile at him. I knew that Sector Security would eventually find out that we'd sneaked into the city, but I hadn't figured Bryan would.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

~Two Days Prior Alistar's POV~

"You think they can get us across?" My words echo in the sound of silence surrounding us. The dark night sky makes the docks seem almost haunted. The shadows that fall over the cranes and crates give them an eerie feeling. It's a foolish idea to think that the docks could be harboring ghosts, but The mind tends to fabricate things where there are none. It's at least comforting having Pippin leading the way. I pull my backpack tighter against me as we draw nearer to our destination.

"The two of you aren't exactly punctual." A rough voice startles me from my introspection. I turn to the voice and see a young man striding out of the shadows. I hold back shock as I realize how dark his skin is. I don't hold any prejudices against any specific person or group of people. I hate everyone equally. It's just people with darker skin tones aren't a common sight in Satellite or New Domino. They're more common in western cities where the main source of production is farming. The constant work in the sun has produced an entire population of bronze skinned workers.

"You got the dough?" As we draw closer I see that he has criminal markings all over his face. I can feel anxiety building in my chest. I try not to show it on my face, but I can feel slight fear growing in my gut. I grip my jacket tightly as Pippin hands the man a bag with 700 DP worth of chips inside. I shudder as I remember the hell we had to go through to get that money. From trading parts to working in the factories, We nearly worked ourselves to death to scrounge all that money up.

The man takes the bag and begins to count the money which elicits an eyeroll from me. I don't think we'd be stupid enough to come here without all the money. I look down at my feet wondering if this is really our best option. The commissioned boats would never allow people with markings like Pippin and I, so We were forced to solicit the service of a smuggler. I'm not entirely comfortable with entering New Domino illegally, but I have to be there for the Fortuna Duel Tournament. If I'm ever going to get my revenge, I have to be in that tournament. I have to beat Him.

The man looks up from the bag. His eyes go from Pippin to me and back. He reaches down with the bag in hand and ties it around his belt. He turns and motions for us to follow. Pippin looks back at me and flashes a toothy smile as we follow the man to the back area of the docks. We follow the man around a corner and stop in utter shock as we see the ship we'll be traveling on. It's dressed up to look exactly like a Sector Security Commissioned Patroller. The name is a mouthful, but these ships have caught many who have tried to sneak into the city.

A smile begins to grow on my face as all my concern washes away. We might make it after all.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

~Present Day Alistar's POV~

"It wasn't exactly the most comfortable ride, but it got the job done." I feel a slight tingle begin to itch its way behind my left brow. Getting to the city was the easy part. Actually getting inside was brutal.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

~One Day Prior Alistar's POV~

I watch as the boat leaves the docks. Waves splash against the ship as the sun's bright rays sparkle against the water. The day I spent on that ship has left me drained. I throw my backpack over my shoulder and slowly drag myself over to the entrance gate where Pippin is trying to bribe a guard to allow us entrance into the city. I'm so exhausted that I barely catch what they are saying, but I do hear something that instantly hits me like a brick wall from across the docks.

"I can't believe the Duel King is making an appearance tomorrow." I turn away from Pippin and look at the guards gossiping loudly by some red and blue containers. I can barely process what I've just heard. He's going to be in the open tomorrow? Can I get my chance to get a shot at him without entering the Fortuna Duel Tournament? I begin to formulate a plan when a groan from behind tears me away from my plotting. Pippin has his face in his hands, and his body has gone rigid.

I walk over and place a hand on his shoulder.

"This guy won't let us enter the city unless we beat him in a duel." He almost hisses as he turns to me. His entire body is tense, and the intensity in his eyes burns a hole through me. I've seen him get angry and frustrated before, but seeing him like this is unnerving. He isn't even trying to hide any frustrations. I'd better plan my next actions carefully.

I feign a yawn as I walk over to him making sure to add some weight to my steps to show how tired I am.

"I can see you got something pent up in there, and I'm really spent." I throw on my puppy dog eyes.

"I don't see how you can be tired when we barely did anything today." He reaches for his deck, and I feel a pang of guilt streak through my conscious. I hate to force him into this situation, but I really have to plan for tomorrow. They play a quick game of Ro Sham Bo which Pippin wins. One of the guards who had been gossiping brings over a table, and Pippin places the duel mat on it.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

-Duel View-

Pippin: Alright, Let's get this over with. (Draws.) I'll begin by summoning Scrap Beast in attack position. I place one card facedown and end my turn.

Guard: Okay. (Draws.) I'll activate my spell Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen. Once per turn, If I have no monsters I can special summon one fairy type monster from my hand. I special summon Gellenduo in faceup defense position. With that I'll end my turn.

Pippin: ("That's weird. His monster had a higher attack than mine, and He could've summoned another monster. What is he planning?") (Draws.) I'll summon Scrap Chimera in attack position to start my turn. Then I'll attack your Gellenduo with my Scrap Beast-

Guard: That's not going to work because my monster's effect activates. Gellenduo cannot be destroyed by battle rendering your attempts futile.

Pippin:("I'll have to get rid of that monster if I want to beat him.") I'll end my turn by placing a card facedown.

Guard: Let's do this! (Draws.) I begin by activating the ritual spell Dawn of the Herald. By sending level six Soul of Light and Purity from my hand I can ritual summon Herald of Perfection. I'll the summon Herald of Orange Light and tune it with Herald of Perfection to synchro summon Avenging Knight Parshath. Now I'll attack your Scrap Beast with my Avenging Knight!

Pippin: I'll have to stop you right there! Negate Attack activate!

Guard: Well, Looks like I'll have to end my turn there.

Pippin: Looks like I'm in a bad situation. Guess that's my bad for underestimating you. (Draws.) Don't worry. I'm taking you seriously now. I'll scarifice Scrap Chimera to summon Scrap Soldier. I'll then tune Scrap Beast and Scrap Soldier to synchro summon Scrap Twin Dragon! I'll activate Scrap Lube and bring my Scrap Soldier back to the field. Now I attack your Avenging Knight Parshath with Scrap Twin Dragon! (Pippin: 4000 LP Guard: 3600 LP) That ends my turn.

Guard: (Draws.) Alright, Looks you aren't the scrub you look like. I activate my spell Lightning Vortex. By discarding one card from my hand This card destroys all faceup monsters in your side of the field!

Pippin: I activate the effect of Scrap Twin Dragon. When this card is destroyed by the effect of a monster or spell I can special summon one non-synchro "Scrap" monster from my graveyard. I'll bring Scrap Soldier back.

Guard: Hm. Well, You've caught me in a spot, so I'll end my turn here.

Pippin: (Draws.) Here we go. I summon Scrap Beast in attack position. Then I'll activate Attribute Mastery. This card allows me to name one attribute and equip this card to one monster on the field. When the equipped monster battles a monster of the named attribute, that monster is destoyed without damage calculation. I'll designate the light attribute and equip this card to my Scrap Beast. Now, I'll attack your Gellenduo with my Scrap Beast, and thanks to Attribute Mastery your monster is destroyed automatically. I'll then attack you directly with my Scrap Soldier! (Pippin: 4000 LP Guard: 1500 LP)

Guard: Dammit! Why are you so good?

Pippin: Let's just say I'm a little motivated. (Pippin looks over at Alistar and gives him a smile.) I did lose earlier, so I got some extra motivation here. I mean, I'd hate to go oh-fer.

Guard: (Draws.) I'll place a card facedown and end my turn.

Pippin: (Draws.) Time to kick this into overdrive!

Alistar: Hey! That's not your line!

Pippin: Let's end this thing. I attack you directly!

Guard: Heh, You've fallen right into my trap. Mirror Force activate!

Pippin: Agh! Got a little overzealous therw, but I won't let you get away unscathed. I chain with my trap Scrap Crash. When a "Scrap" monster I control is destroyed and sent to the graveyard, I can activate this card and destroy all faceup trap and spell cards. Say goodbye to your Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen.

Guard: (Draws.) Grr. I'll place a monster in facedown defense position and end my turn.

Pippin: (Draws.) I summon Scrap Chimera in attack position and activate its effect allowing me to special summon one "Scrap" tuner from my graveyard. I select Scrap Beast and summon it in attack position. Now, I'll attack your facedown with Scrap Beast. (The Guard flips the card over and reveals Herald of Orange Light. Scrap Beast's 1600 attack points are higher than Herald's 500 defense points, so It destroys the defense monster.) I'll then attack you directly with Scrap Chimera and end this duel. (Pippin: 4000 LP Guard: 0 LP)

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

~Pippin's POV~

I stare at the guard as he returns his deck to the holster at his side. He walks over to the entrance gate and heads inside the booth to its side. He pulls a lever inside and waves us through as the gate slides open.

"Alistar, Let's go." I begin to walk towards the gate, but I stop when I don't hear him behind me. I turn to him and nearly pull my backpack off and throw it at him. He's sitting in the corner with his Monster Cards strewn about sorting them into different piles. "Ali... ALISTAR!!"

He finally looks up at me completely oblivious. I point to the gate and he smiles at me as he puts all his cards back together and pulls himself to his feet. I slap him on the back as he runs past me. I'd honestly be living a boring life without him. As I walk back I can't help but ask the guard a question.

"You're Sector Security, so Why are you willing to help us sneak into the city?"

He smiles at me as he exits the booth. I think I see a twinkle in his eye, but the visor on the helmet he wears hides most of his face.

"The boat runners pay is more than the Director. Simple as that."

I can't hold back a slight chuckle as I walk through the gate. If this city is anything like its guards then we're in for a hell of an adventure.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

~Present Day Alistar's POV~

Bryan eyes me as I relate the events of the days prior. His smile widens venomously as he moves closer to me. The steps he takes seem to shake the ground. His eyes burn a hole through mine as he questions me further.

"Have these two been harboring you and your friend?"

I grimace as his words are directly targeted at Libby and Lizzy. I can feel the hear rise to my cheeks. I would love to be able to tell him off right here, but I restrain myself. It wouldn't be right to sell out the nice lady who let us stay in her guest room. I really wish I had paid attention, but my mind was preoccupied on other matters. A flash of guilt runs across my face as I realize I don't even know her name.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

~One Day Prior Later That Night Pippin's POV~

Alistar and I stand in the lobby of a large apartment complex hoping against hope that our pleas don't fall on deaf ears. We stand in this lobby begging a young grey haired woman to let us stay with her. I honestly hate to impose on her like this, but she's our only hope at having a bed to sleep in.

"So, You two are criminals?" Her voice is very soft, and her eyes harbor genuine concern. I glance at Alistar who is staring off into the distance. Is he not paying attention here? I give him a sharp poke with my elbow to get him focused.

He turns to me and gives a questioning look. I roll my eyes and look back at the woman standing in front of us.

"Yes, We were both detained by Sector Security."

"If you were both detained by Sector Security then why is his marking different than yours?"

My entire body goes rigid. I don't have an answer for that. I turn to Alistar and see the gears turning in his eyes. He steps forward determination on his face.

"I tried to remove my marking after I was released. I didn't know that they had used a new type of marking that turns a darker color signaling my attempt to remove it." I hold back a disapproving glare as Alistar lies through his teeth. He can be a stoic sometimes, but he has this mischievous side that can be worrying sometimes.

I look back to the woman and see that she has backed away a little. I get the feeling that we aren't winning her over. I step forward and lift my hands on the most non-threatening way possible.

"Look," If we can't win her over with lies then maybe a dose of the truth will work. "We're new in this city. We don't have anywhere else to go. I'm begging you. Please help us Miss..."

"Ren." She finishes for me. I nod and reach a hand out offering her a shake.

"I'm Pippin Hellwig, and this is Alistar Langford." She looks at Alistar who has reverted to his thousand yard stare. "Ren, We mean you no harm. We just need somewhere to stay for the night. We can be gone in the morning if you're worried about being caught."

She looks down at her feet before giving me a smile and motioning for us to follow. I give Alistar a little nudge, and All three of us enter the elevator. Looks like we won't have to sit in the cold tonight. Tomorrow might be a different story, but We'll worry about that after a good night's rest.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

~Present Day Alistar's POV~

"So who is it!? Who hid you away last night?" I can hear the desperation growing in his voice.

I smile to myself. I just have to contain myself, and I'll get out of this alive. I just have to survive one conversation with the most revolting person in the city.

I look up at him and snicker at the wide-eyed glare he has fixed upon me. I instantly regret any amusement I receive from his disheveled state as his eyes narrow on me as he steps forward. A devilish smile curves on his lips causing me to swallow hard.

"This is a city of gold. Your kind are not fit for this land. Your kind are more accustomed to living in thier own filth. Your kind is more accustomed to working in the factories. Isn't that where your father worked?"

I clench my teeth together and grip my jacket. I can feel the anger building in my chest as the pulse behind my brow becomes a throbbing ache.

"He doesn't work there anymore, does he? I'm surprised you made this trip without your ma and pa-" He grimaces and shakes his head. I smile as his Satellite roots begin to ooze through the cracks.

"I'm surprised your mother and father aren't here. Well, I guess I can't say I'm surprised they aren't here. I mean, You did let them die."

My veins go ice cold. I can't this. I can feel the anger within me swelling to a crescendo. Pippin always said I'm wired to be more emotional than most people, but I've matured since that night. At least, I thought I had.

"I suppose that after I send you back to that cesspool of a city with your tail tucked firmly between your legs you could go back home and tell them I said 'Hi'"

He doesn't say another word as my left fist connects with his face. Pain dances up and down my hand and arm as his head lurches back. He falters back a few steps and lifts a hand to his mouth. I hold my hand as a throbbing pain shoots through it. From my knuckles to my wrist to the tips of my fingers. I wouldn't be surprised if it's broken. A smile forms on my lips as I look at Bryan and see that his lip is bloodied. Blood falls down his chin and ruins his nice silk shirt. I quickly decide that no matter the consequences hitting him was totally worth it.

He turns to me with rage filling his eyes. He reaches down to his side and pulls a small pouch off of his belt. He opens the pouch and pulls out a deck. He grabs a duel disk off the shelf to his left and activates it. The blue gem on the wrist dealer lights up as the blade slides out and becomes active.

"If you two are going duel, Go outside and do it, please." The old man behind the counter pleads.

"Duel?" My voice comes out is a sort of muffled croak. My heart begins to thrum in my chest. I came to this city to duel Bryan, but I didn't want to do it this early. I don't even think I could beat him.

There's also the factor of the duel disk he is wearing. I've got a duel disk of my own, but I've never used it to duel before. Pippin is the only person I ever dueled with, and he never used a duel disk. Usually using a duel disk wouldn't be a problem, but all the disks in the shop are newer models. They project holograms of the cards like typical duel disks, but they have a new feature that allows the disks to simulate actual effects. Meaning that duelists can feel the attacks from the monsters. It's only a simulated pain that only exists during the duel, but it is still a pain.

The use of the simulated pain is entirely experimental, but many duelists have adopted the use of the feature to make duels more theatric and entertaining. The main pioneer of this feature's mainstream popularity is none other than King of Games, and after that punch I stand directly in his line of sight. Looks like I can't avoid this one.

I grab a duel disk from a counter and slip it around my left wrist making sure to avoid flexing my hand. If it is broken, I don't want to make the breaks any worse by dicking around with the hand.

"I'll see you outside." Bryan monotones as he swiftly moves outside the shop. Libby and Lizzy look at me. Libby has a huge smile on her face. Lizzy is more reserved, but she gives me a nod of encouragement. Well, I was going to ask them if we should sneak out the back, but one look at Libby's face tells me she wants to see a duel. Guess I can't back out of this one. I walk outside but flinch back slightly as the afternoon sun assaults my vision. I place a hand over my eyes. I glance about the plaza and see Bryan heading to the middle of the plaza.

Since the rise in popularity of Duel Monsters, Duel Fields have been placed around New Domino. They are strictly used by duelists intending to use the newer model duel disks. The older model disks can be used while dueling on the Duel Fields, but it is considered taboo to not have the newer models. The Duel Fields are twenty-five yard by twenty-five yard areas designated by the obround shape painted on the ground. Within the Duel Field, Areas for monsters, spells, traps, and graveyard have been designated for the holograms.

I turn to Lizzy and give her a quizzical look. She just shrugs her shoulders and gestures that we follow. I turn to Libby hoping that she would want to leave, but I get the same from her. How did I go from a normal day about the city to getting punched in the face and meeting the twins to punching the King of Games in the face? I'd smile at the circumstances if I didn't feel a swelling wave of regret rush over me. I really should've asked Pippin to join me this morning.

I walk over to the Duel Field with Libby and Lizzy in tow, taking my place at the end opposite Bryan. I tap the gem on the wrist dealer and watch as it lights up. The blade slides into place and the hologram projector shoots out and lands on the ground in front of me. I look over and see Bryan doing the same. Looks like there's no going back now.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

-Duel View-

Bryan: If a peasant like you thinks you stand a chance, You are fooling yourself. You don't stand a chance against me! (Draws.) I'll summon Lancer Dragonute in attack position. (A large green dragon appears on the field in one of the monster zone, releasing a roar as it appears.) I'll place two cards facedown and end my turn. Please don't embarrass yourself. I'd relish the opportunity to do it for you.

Alistar: That arrogance is going to bite you in the ass one day.

Bryan: It's not arrogance if failure is your fate.

Alistar: Fate. Destiny. I've never believed any of that stuff. ("I never believed before the vision, but now... I'm not sure what to believe.") I'll simply duel to the best of my ability. (Draws.) I'll summon Hyper Synchron in attack position and place one card facedown. Your turn.

Bryan: That's really your best effort. I thought duelists were supposed to put thier best foot forward. (Draws.) Let me show you a true first strike! I summom Jurrac Dino in attack position. (A large fire covered dinosaur appears on the and spits fire onto the playing field.) Now, I'll destroy your pitiful Hyper Synchron! (Jurrac Dino bolts from its spot on the field and spits a spiraling column of flames at Hyper Synchron, but gets stopped short as a cylinder appears and diverts the flames back at Bryan.)

Alistar: You're a king? You're playing more like a jester! Trap activate! Magic Cylinder. When you attack I can activate this card to deflect it right back at you!

Bryan: Ugh! (The column of fire hits Bryan causing him to drop down to one knee. He quickly recovers, but the rosy pink color rising to his cheeks is a reminder that the King is about to face a challenge.) (Alistar: 4000 LP Bryan: 2300 LP) I admit that you got me good there, but that's as good as you'll get. I place a card facedown and end my turn.

Alistar: I'll sacrifice my Hyper Synchron to summon Terrorking Salmon-

Bryan: I'm afraid you won't. Trap activate. Bottomless Trap Hole! Your Terrorking Salmon has been flushed. (As a giant serpent appears on the field, A dark hole forms below the monster, and it falls down.)

Alistar: Dammit! I've got nothing to do, so I'll place a card favedown and end my turn.

Bryan: (Draws.) Enjoy your life points while you have them because I am about to destroy you!

Alistar: You said that before, but I'm still here and winning. It seems like you're just blowing smoke at this point.

Bryan: You peasant! I am the King of Games! I summon Jurrac Stauriko in attack position and tune it with Jurrac Dino to synchro summon Jurrac Delphito. (A large flame covered velociraptor-like monster appears on the field.) This monster doesn't have any attack points of its own, so I borrows its attack from the monsters used to synchro summon it. (A graphic appears that shows Jurrac Delphito new attack, 2200.) Now, I attack you directly.

(Jurrac Delphito haunches its legs and launches into a full sprint. Alistar braces himself as Delphito nears.)

Alistar: Ahh! (Delphito twists into a funnel of flames piercing Alistar directly in the chest throwing him back.) (Alistar: 1800 LP Bryan: 2300 LP) (Alistar pulls himself to his feet as he brushes dust off his jacket.)

Bryan: Now that you've felt the power of the King, Do feel the fear so many others feel? What do you think of my power?

Alistar: I...It's a little stale. Did ya leave 'your power' out over night? (Alistar channels his inner Pippin and flashes Bryan a big smirk.)

Bryan: You'll regret being such a smartass when I destroy you!

Alistar: (Draws.) Alright, I'll summon Dark Resonator in attack position, then I'll activate my spell. (Alistar pulls Double Summon from his hand and as a graphic appears to display the card.) This card allows me to normal summon one extra time this turn. I'll use that to summon Protector of the Sanctuary. I'll then tune Protector of the Sanctuary with Dark Resonator and synchro-summon Dark High- (Alistar's voice falters as he stands staring into the distance. His eyes have glazed over, and a sudden pounding behind his left brow sends pain rippling through his skull.) I... I...

Bryan: Well spit it out! I don't have all day to listen to you sputter like a fool.

Alistar: I... (Alistar shakes his head as He looks down to the ground. His eyes are wide in shock, and his hands shake furiously.) I...I surrender...

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

~Alistar's POV~

I stand trying to contain the scream that wants to tear through my lungs. My words are long gone, and I find it getting harder and harder to breathe. What exactly did I just see? My breath catches in my throat as I realize that I had been given a second vision.

"Bullshit!" Bryan's voice invades my thoughts as he throws down his duel disk. It clanks against the ground, and his cards fall out and spread across the ground. "This duel is not ending like this!"

My words finally come back to me, but the shock I haven't quite recovered from requires all my focus to formulate any thoughts.

"Why do you care?" I try to put some edge in my voice, but I can't muster anything more than exasperation. "You got a duel. That's all you care about."

I flinch back as Bryan spits on the ground and stares daggers at me. His eyes burn with rage as he points a bony finger in my direction.

"Do you know how long I've waited for a duelist that can challenge me?" His voice falters momentarily as he begins to walk towards me. "As much as I hate to admit it, You're the first person to give me a duel that made my blood flow in years. You have to admit it yourself. Something felt 'right' about dueling me."

I swallow hard as Bryan stands mere feet away from me. He's no longer prancing around like a pompous ass clown. He seems almost... human?

"Yea..." I can't hold back a smile as Bryan now stands directly in front of me.

"Then, Why did you forfeit the duel?"

"Listen, I'm not at 100 percent right now. You said you want a real duel." I step away from him and begin to walk away. "Let's makes a deal."

"What kind of deal?"

"You go back to your penthouse and wait for the Fortuna Duel Tournament. Wait for me to win the whole thing. Then We'll continue our duel."

His eyes darken as he looks down at the ground. He turns away from me and begins to walk away. As he begins to draw close to the spot where he threw his duel disk, Bryan stops and turns back to me with fire burning brightly in his eyes.

"Just don't screw up and lose. I want that duel."

My smile widens as I nod at him, but I quickly shake the smile away. Am I really starting to respect this guy?

I turn away from him and begin the walk back to the duel shop.

There are so many questions I have that are still unanswered. What exactly did I see during the duel? Why did I see it then? My mind is trying to focus on so many things that I forget one important person...

"Alistar! Wait for us!" Libby and Lizzy say in synchronicity.

...err, Two important people.

I hear the sound of feet rushing to catch up to me, and I let out a jovial laugh. I definitely needed a laugh after that duel. I turn back to apologize for leaving them, but stop as I see the cold stare I receive from Libby.

"What the heck was that?"

At first, I'm confused by what she means, but it suddenly hits me.

The duel and that vision.

I swallow hard as the memory of the vision flashes through my mind.

I was standing alone in a dark room. My hands were held against my body by these chains that circled around me and into the floor. Every time I would try to move the chains would tighten around me. Suddenly darkness engulfed me in a nauseating blindness. When I finally regain my vision, I am surrounded by four figures shrouded in darkness. Thier only distinguishing features are these markings that shine brightly where thier faces would be. I couldn't quite make out what the marking were, but I felt this magnetic force tugging at my body every time I looked at them. It was almost like they were calling to me. I felt this feeling of fulfilment. I felt at home with them.

I shake my head. I can't let myself think about that. Especially when I have to think of something to tell the twins.

"Well, It was certainly interesting." I saw with as much pep as I can.

"It certainly sucked."

Looks like I'm not winning Libby over with the faux machismo act.

"Libby!" Lizzy chides her sister. At least I have her on my side.

"Look, I have to get going. There's a lot of things I need to have that I don't." I reach into my pocket and pull out a DP chip. "Use this to pay for those duel disks."

I turn away from them and hurry back towards 'home', but I'm stopped as the twins rush to my side. I give them both stern looks, but they stand firm. Looks like I won't be able to get away with this one. Time to start explaining.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

So that's Chapter 3. I get the feeling that the Rhodes v. Alistar duel will get mixed reviews. I was going back and forth on whether there should be a definitive winner. If Alistar wins, He has completed his goal of beating Bryan. The Fortuna Duel Tournament would become pointless for him. He achieved his objective. If Bryan wins, It could add motivation to Alistar to become better or he could become really disinterested and go on a little mini arc before the Tourney. I ultimately decided to have there be some kind of schmoz finish to the duel. Bryan gets motivation for wanting to duel Alistar for real on a bigger stage. Alistar surrenders after he gets his entire focus thrown off saving the duel for later if Alistar can win the Tourney.

A big tease here is the summon of Dark Highlander. Alistar sets up a really nice combo it took me hours to come up with. I don't want to give away when I want Highlander to finally get his first appearance, but I will say I want it to be a big moment.

Another tease is the mysterious shrouded individuals in the vision. Who are they? What do they want? What exactly was that vision? And why does Pippin have so little screen time despite the fact that he's my favourite character to write?

All these questions probably won't be answered in the next chapter, but They might be. The world of Duel Monsters is crazy. One minute You're having these crazy visions. The next you're on a boat. The next you're being punched in the face, and the next you're punching someone in the face. If this were real life People would think you were crazy.

Speaking of, I've been reading through this chapter multiple times through, and Every time I get a little more critical of my writing. It's driving me nuts.

So I'll sign off here. Until next time.

Peace -X-