Death: College. That is the only excuse I have for making all of my lovely and supporting readers for a long update. For this chapter I had to do some research and careful choosing of birthdays and a little something else concerning the Zero Reverse. Honestly, it might be better that they could give us an exact timeline in 5Ds, so that we know exactly how long it's been since the original series.
Disclaimer: As I've been saying for the past eight chapters. I own nothing.
Chapter 9 – The King of Games
=3=
Atemu calmly sat on the bench/bed of the room he was given. He sat with one leg over the other, arms crossed over his chest as he stared off into space. There was simply nothing else to do while he was in here. Atemu didn't exactly know how long he'd been here, really. It could have been five minutes already, when it felt more like days.
In other words, the former pharaoh was bored.
Normally, when he was bored, Atemu would speak to someone. However, with Seto and Bakura out of the picture, then this only leaves Nightshade. Yet for whatever reason the dark dragon was silent. She wouldn't reply when he called out to her. He couldn't sense her emotions when he taunted her, teased her, even daring to yell at her.
Since he was bored, Atemu was thinking over this strange puzzle. Since he had nothing else to do, he might as well mull over this than wonder how long it'll take for the Star Children to help them out of this place. Besides, Nightshade has been occupying inside his mind since she appeared to him a series of dreams three years ago. It seemed rather foreign she would suddenly stop dropping rude comments or ask annoying questions when it was least appropriate.
This silence from Nightshade made him uncomfortable. Atemu was well in tune with his intuition, as a young king ought to be when ruling a supreme country in its prime. One can never know when someone has been able to sneak by High Priestess Isis' all seeing Sennen Tauk and take a stab at him.
But when the former pharaoh sealed himself away into the puzzle, his instincts were all he had when his memories shattered, unable to gather up the pieces and put them together. At least, he couldn't do it alone, not without help. That help came five thousand years later, and in turn he granted his aibou's wish for friends. All it took was a nudge here, a little nudge there, and the result?
Yuugi Mutou's wish came true.
As his Aibou became more aware of his presence, Atemu had no choice but to set aside the instinct to fight and win, no matter what it took, and put faith and trust in Yuugi and his friends. His Aibou gave him a noble cause to strive for, instead of just dueling for the results alone. Although this hindered his instincts a few notches, he at least had enough to understand when danger was about to cross their paths.
And now, as a Guardian, Atemu no longer needs the Sennen items. He had to rely on his instincts more often. He knew when the Dark Signers were ready to strike long before he heard the news from Seto. He knew there was something strange and complicated about to happen before Aporia came to be. In a way, it was like Atemu had the power of the Sennen Tauk, but without the visions. He didn't know how, or why, he just knew.
At this moment Atemu felt uneasy. Nightshade isn't talking to him. There has to be a reason why. It's not like she's being silent, that dragon loves to talk. She wouldn't stop, at least not completely. She would ignore him at times when they're in a dispute. But this wasn't anything like that.
No, if this was like that, then Atemu would at least hear her grumble at his taunts, feel some sort of emotion or another at his teasing. Instead there was nothing. It felt like a wall had been built between them, and neither could climb over it. Neither of them could even send some reassurance to each other, which unnerved Atemu gravely.
So, if they couldn't speak to each other, he has to figure out why. First, when did she stop interacting with him? The night before, just as he was about to fall asleep. All right, so what's different from yesterday to today? What's preventing him from hearing her, feeling her sarcastic yet somehow welcoming presence from within?
Maybe it wasn't a what, but whom. Maybe she was so drained from taking control over his body, and remains in control for long lengths of time, and now needs a rest. She was probably in a deep sleep which she couldn't even feel how panicked and torn up he was inside.
Or, maybe, in his inability to think straight, he was simply making up excuses. Really, Atemu suddenly felt like a hurt child who just lost his best friend and over thinking everything as to why.
With a defeated sigh, Atemu mentally smacked himself. Reluctantly he let the matter go. Atemu didn't want to stress over this too much. At least, not yet, anyway. If this continued then, he'll have to consort this problem to Seto and see what he believes.
The thought made him frown. Seto wouldn't care what happened to Nightshade.
'If only Aibou were here…he at least would listen to me seriously before giving his input.'
Great, now the former pharaoh was starting to feel depressed. Missing his Aibou always brought his spirit down. Sometimes he wished he didn't remember everything from the past. The pain at least would be more bearable.
Atemu wasn't aware he had closed his eyes, or leaning against the wall. At least he didn't know he was doing this when he became aware of another presence inside the room. Strange, he didn't hear the door open, he thought. Atemu wasn't that lost in thought not to pay attention to his surroundings.
Upon opening his eyes, Atemu immediately wished he hadn't done so. For there, standing in the middle of the room, was none other than the one person who understood him most. The one man who had the purest of heart Atemu wanted to protect and shield forever. He would even so go so far as to serve this pure soul.
Those wide, expressive eyes were staring him down.
Atemu's heart stopped, his stomach lurched. In the back of his mind, he briefly wondered why his Aibou still appeared so young, why he was still in the plain blue high school uniform. All of his logic was crumbled and washed away when he saw the hurt in those eyes.
The urge to strike out and make the person he least wanted to see in this world to leave him be was crushed by that expression. Atemu wanted nothing more than to embrace that small frame, whisper sweet nothings that everything was all right.
"Aibou…"
He reached out.
Then there was pain. White hot pain starting first in the chest, and then spread throughout. It spread through his veins, leaving a strange tingling as the pain expanded under his skin. Atemu wanted desperately to claw at his arms and legs until his nails met bone. He would've done so, if his hand wasn't so busy clutching his shirt.
Atemu slumped over, head on the not so fluffy and soft pillow. So much pain, tears threatened to fall from the corner of his eyes. Atemu grunted as the white hot pain intensified. He opened his eyes a tad to see the hurt expression. His Aibou was on the verge of crying.
"Aibou… I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…"
Atemu didn't even know what he was apologizing for. It was all he could do, right now, even if he wasn't in the right mind. But his Aibou crying hurt more than the pain he felt in his chest.
"Please… Aibou…. I'm sorry…."
The former pharaoh was close to sobbing. The lump in his throat made it hard to breathe. With his free hand, Atemu reached for the crying figure. He couldn't quite reach the other's hand he so wished to grasp and comfort the pure soul.
"….Yuugi…"
Darkness was clouding his vision, and Atemu had no choice but to accept and welcomed the bliss it promised.
=3=
Ushio silently brooded, as he stood tall and still, arms crossed. He could sense Mikage's disapproving gaze burning through his back. Ushio knew why she was giving him that look. Mikage was starting to doubt that they were doing the right thing about handling the situation with the Three Noblemen Team, as well as forcing Jack Atlas into this mess.
But Seto Thanos stole a huge amount of files that would settle and close this case against the Holy Priests. Without those files, their work would multiply on trying to list everything that those men had done. With that much evidence, it would save hours of work.
Yet, there was some persistent nagging in the back of his mind that wouldn't quiet down. There was something about Atemu Pharos that unsettled him. There was just something familiar about him, if that made any sense. Ushio had never met Pharos in his life!
'Didn't at one point in time you bullied everyone just for a little extra cash?'
So, why couldn't he erase the feeling that they did meet? The way Pharos was implying, he knew what kind of person Ushio had been in high school. Sure, looking back he regretted for doing all of that, but how can he say sorry when he couldn't remember the names of those he bullied? A lot of records went missing or destroyed after Zero Reverse. Among those records were graduates of Domino High, as the school was destroyed by the earthquake that followed Satellite's separation from the mainland.
Besides, that was such a long time ago! Ushio was a changed man, once he broke out of the crazy nightmares and illusions of monsters eating him and believing trash and other gross stuff as money. Well, he tried to become a better man, anyway. He did join Sector Security, dreaming to clean the streets from scum. Then Zero Reverse happened, and there had been chaos everywhere in the aftermath.
Learning who was head of the research, Ushio kind of blamed Dr. Fudo. When he was assigned into Satellite, he met Yusei Fudo. His name alone had Ushio hate the son of the man responsible for so much destruction in Domino City. It didn't help when the boy was trying to play hero with Team Satisfaction by cleaning up the streets. Not a bad idea, really, Ushio himself had been banging his head against the wall trying to come up with an effective plan to help Satellite become a safer place. But cleaning up the streets from control of gangs and other such criminals was Sector Security's job, not by the hands of a group of teenagers.
So he put the blame on the boys responsible. Most of the blame fell on Yusei's shoulders, as he still blamed the boy for the actions of his father. During this process Ushio had unintentionally become a bully. Again.
It wasn't that he didn't mean to, honest.
'You were once filled with so much greed, it's a wonder how you ended up here as a member of Sector Security.'
Yes, it was a wonder, indeed. With a sigh, Ushio did his best not to scowl in place. By the look Mikage was giving him, he knew he was failing. Miserably.
"All right, spill it out. What is it you want to say, Mikage?" Ushio finally gave up.
"It's just…well, we've been wrong before. What if Mr. Pharos says is true, those files Mr. Thanos stole, aren't our right to see at all? I know, I know, those files would settle this case against the Holy Priests, but don't we have enough ground cover to issue a warrant? Think about it, Ushio, they've kidnapped so many people! They even dared to go so far as to kidnap Miss Izayoi and Miss Ruka. They kidnapped two Signers, Ushio. And, whatever Mr. Pharos and his team are, they're on the same level as the Signers."
At the last part Ushio raised a thick eyebrow.
"What makes you think that team is on the same level as the Signers?"
Mikage sighed. He was right to point it out, but to her, the answer was just so obvious.
"I know you're upset with what Mr. Pharos said to you, Ushio. I understand that. But, if you read between the lines, he's implying that he knows what you did in your high school days and what happened that changed you for the better."
"Wait – what? How do you know of that?" Stunned, Ushio couldn't form a more proper question.
No one was supposed to know of the illusions he saw!
"I've done my research. And for the record, I did it after you went crazy and dueled Jack Atlas in a hospital with his arm still healing. But, when you were questioned, you were completely honest. So my research was all for nothing when you had no memory of you did. So for that, I'm sorry. Can we look past this, for now? We're about to do something that could devastate this city!"
"Such as what, doing the right thing and contacting the Egyptian and Indian authorities to come pick them up? Do you know what they had done to that other team, Mikage?" Ushio turned to face her, stomping a foot like an angry toddler.
"I know what they did! I know, it's horrible, but I just – I have this feeling that Neo Domino City needs them! Just like how this city needed the Signers, Ushio!"
"Why would we need them? We have the Signers! That's what they're here for in the first place, right? They can handle anything the world throws in their way. We've seen that in action, Mikage!"
"Don't you think it was convenient that, the moment the Three Noblemen Team came here, the Holy Priests started making themselves known? What if the Signers can't handle this on their own? Remember Team Ragnarok? If there had been no tournament, they would've helped the Signers! Instead, they had to fight each other in order to win the right to face Aporia! Right now, there is no tournament coming up, therefore, there's a very good chance the Three Noblemen Team can work together with Team 5Ds and bring down the Holy Priests! How can that happen, when we're going to send them to India?"
Ushio didn't know how to argue with that logic.
"But, Mikage, they're dangerous…something about Atemu disturbs me. I don't like that Bakura character, either."
"Then we make a deal with them. We release all of them – including Jack Atlas – and drop our charges on all four boys. But only if they promise not to do anything that could put the city in danger. How about that?"
Mikage was on the right path, but promises weren't what Ushio was looking for. He needed their complete cooperation, not make stupid promises that they couldn't keep.
Frustrated, Ushio looked away. He blinked when his eyes stared blankly at the board of missing cases. Technically, they are the faces of important people missing. Among them, one of the pictures stood out. Ushio narrowed his eyes, unbelieving on what he saw. He came closer, taking the paper off the board to study it.
The face of Atemu Pharos greeted him with a handsome smile. The photo was of a young man with same bronze skin, same wild hair, and the same air of confidence as Atemu Pharos. But the color of the eyes was a tad different. Atemu's were red, almost frighteningly deep red, while the young man in this photo had purple eyes. Or were they red violet? It was hard to tell.
But the resemblance was remarkable. No, it wasn't resemblance, this was the same person.
Ushio looked at the brief information under the photo.
He nearly did a double take. Mikage noticed his strange behavior, now seemed worried.
"What's wrong?"
'This can't be…but it's so obvious that this is Atemu Pharos! The name is different, different eye color, different birthdays, but…this has to be him! Yami Mutou and Atemu Pharos are one in the same! They have to be!'
Ushio was so stunned his hands shook.
"Someone! Contact the Mutou family, pronto! Tell them we've found Yuugi Mutou's missing nephew."
"But…are you sure you want to do this, Ushio?" Mikage had peered over to look at the paper in his hands. She didn't like this plan of his.
"This is better closure than a simple promise, Mikage. This way, at least the Signers have some extra help if they need any to handle these three. Besides, look at this photo, Mikage! This is man is Atemu Pharos! How they're able to defy the process of aging, I don't know! And frankly, I don't want to know! If you are correct on what you say about this team being dumped here by fate to help the Signers against the Holy Priests, I'll give them a chance. Anyone who is related to the original King of Games deserves that much."
After all, Yuugi Mutou is one of the most respected men of the whole world. Since the disappearance of an unknown nephew, he and the remaining members of his family chose to live in the shadows and away from public eye. Most say he's running away, since he lost two family members and several friends to Zero Reverse. But Ushio knew better than that.
The King of Games turned his back against the world to protect what little family he had. He understood the ways of politics and what harm it could do to one so famous. So much loss due to Zero Reverse, and Yuugi Mutou was utterly alone. Well, he wasn't completely alone, but the fact is he was alone to raise a seven year old boy whose life could be endangered. Many did say the King of Games had a strange power that could protect the world from something like Zero Reverse.
Those who did believe that myth, demanded why he couldn't do anything about Zero Reverse when it happened.
Alone, and still grieving so much loss, the man did what he could to stay out of the media so his son won't be targeted and dragged into this whole mess. Ushio knew this because he happened to be one of the trusted few to know of this information, as well as the privilege to visit and check on the Mutou residence now and then when certain dangers in the dueling world threatened the city.
'If there's one person who can keep those three in line, it is Yuugi Mutou. I know I shouldn't risk his safety just to do this, but if he's willing to go through with this, I'll beef up security around their house. It's the best thing I can do, for now.'
Although he didn't show he was in doubt, but Ushio hoped that he was doing the right thing.
=3=
Yusei showed up back at Sector Security HQ just in time to see the place in chaos. Well, not in total chaos as it was that one time he, Bruno and Sherry showed up sniffing out trouble. But the fact Ushio was yelling at some of his co-workers, Mikage trying to calm everyone down, and a short middle aged man – who looked surprisingly similar to Atemu – was impatiently demanding what was going on, well. The place was in chaos.
The lead Signer had received a call from Ushio that Jack was being released, and the charges against him were dropped. Confused and not sure if this was really happening, Yusei came to the building as Ushio had instructed. Crow was going around giving deliveries, so he couldn't come with him. Aki is spending some time with her parents, reassuring them that everything turned out all right. The twins weren't able to come, either.
And now here he stood, watching as the chaos unfolds. Yusei didn't know if he should step in and calm everything down. If he didn't know half of these people already, he'd find this moment rather funny. It's not every day you see Ushio this worked up.
"What the hell do you mean Pharos fainted some ten minutes ago? Why wasn't I informed of any of this?" The scarred man yelled at the unfortunate officer who delivered the news.
"We didn't know until you told us to get him for Mutou–sama to see him! The other two in his team had been freaking out and told us that he fainted about ten minutes ago." The officer cowered a little.
"Freaking out? Freaking. Out. Those two are the worst trouble makers in the world! If they were freaking out, why wasn't anyone around to hear them so they could investigate what was going on and then informing what had transpired ten minutes ago!"
"Ushio–san, calm down–" Mikage started.
"No! I will not calm down!"
"Can everyone please stop shouting? We can hear ya all the way downstairs!" A new, familiar voice yelled at the top of his lungs, effectively silencing the room.
Everyone turned to see an irritated Jack Atlas (when isn't he irritated?), followed by Bakura and Seto. The latter was carrying an unconscious Atemu wrapped in Seto's coat. Upon seeing a growing crowd, Seto and Bakura paused. The brunette went still as a statue when his eyes met the middle aged stranger.
"May I inquire as to why Yuugi Mutou is here, just as we're being released?" Seto said so coldly everyone felt chills up and down their spines.
"Funny you should ask that. I'm not about to let you three out into the city without at least someone who could keep you guys in line. So, here's my proposition. You guys will be released into his care, and we'll drop all charges and stop our search for those missing files you stole." Ushio laid out the cards. Everything was in his favor.
It was clear in Seto's reaction the brunette didn't like this.
"You have no idea what you're doing!" Seto started.
"Seto, we don't have a choice. We need to do something about the tainted darkness flowing in his body!" Bakura hissed.
"Tainted darkness?" Yusei echoed, now growing concerned.
"Even someone in your position must know that you have no choice, Seto. What's wrong with him? I want to help, so please allow me to take the three of you in." The middle aged man pleaded.
Yusei did a double take. This man is Yuugi Mutou?
He was indeed short. The top of his head probably came up to Yusei's chin. His trademark wild hair was held down by a black bandana. His hair wasn't completely covered by the bandana as his blond bangs framed an innocently young face for his age. Round, purple eyes were staring at the unconscious Egyptian in awe and, if Yusei had to guess, relief.
'What is he so relieved about?' The lead Signer briefly wondered.
"Wait – wait, you're the King of Games?" Jack blinked several times.
"And you must be Turbo Duelist Champion Jack Atlas. I see Yusei Fudo is here, too." Yuugi glanced over at the leader of Team 5Ds direction. "I don't mean to be rude, but I'm concerned for Atemu."
"He is going to be fine, so long as we can simply leave without dragging the Mutou family into this mess. It's enough trouble you brought the Singers into this!" Seto motioned to Jack.
"Excuse me? But we were supposed to go around in pairs! I followed you because I don't like you!"
"The feeling is mutual, Atlas." The brunette hissed.
"Glad we understand each other, then!" Jack hmphed.
"Guys, I don't want a fight. So would you boys calm down already? And if the Signers are dragged into this mess as you say, then what do you guys know of Atemu and his…companions?" Yuugi turned to the leader of Team 5Ds.
There was a hesitation there, as if the King of Games was carefully choosing the right word to use of Atemu's teammates. Why was Yuugi hesitant?
"We don't know much about them. They were supposed to tell us what they are and why they're here when Atemu has recovered from his two week confinement by the Holy Priests." Yusei answered truthfully.
The King of Games flinched. Intense amethyst eyes glared at Seto. "He was kidnapped by the Holy Priests?"
"…Yes."
"For two weeks."
"….Yes…"
"Well, that explains what Ra was doing in the middle of the sky. I want to know exactly how Atemu got himself kidnapped by those people. But that will be later. Right now I want to help him. In order for you three to get out of here safely is through me. Unless you'd rather I'll just take Atemu and leave the rest of you here?"
Seto's cold blue eyes narrowed.
"You wouldn't dare."
"With that attitude? I'll have no problem doing just that." Yuugi held his ground.
If this was the old west, it would be the ultimate stand down. Yusei could almost feel the intensity rising in the air.
"…Seto. Just bite the bullet and agree to this. We're in no position to do anything. They've got us cornered. And, if we're going to be allies with the Signers, we can't give them any more reason they should turn us away." Bakura shifted his weight uncomfortably.
Seto nearly flinched. What the Thief King said was true. Jack was already suspicious of them. It would only be a matter of time before the others start listening to what the blond was saying. The last thing they needed was the Signers starting to turn their backs on them. This was a delicate matter of an alliance that could turn bitter.
'Here I thought I've left all of that from my days as CEO…' Seto silently cursed.
"First, I ask this. What made you people contact the Mutou family and tell them about us?"
"I noticed a paper from the Missing Persons board. It has Atemu's face on it. The information goes as:
Name: Yami Mutou
Age: 16
Date of Disappearance: June 16, 2011
"Wait, did I hear that right? He disappeared the day before Zero Reverse happened?" Jack interrupted.
"It is true. That was the day he stopped coming by for a visit. That very same day we found his phone, with a note that said, 'I'm sorry'. The next day Zero Reverse happened, and we couldn't do a formal search for him since Sector Security was too busy trying to calm down the entire city from mass hysteria." Yuugi lowered his gaze to the floor. "Many assumed he died along with the other victims Zero Reverse took..."
"And I thought it was strange, how these two could be so much alike. Then it came to me that these two weren't separate individuals. If it was that complicated, I thought I might as well call in the expert who filed the missing report. And as Mikage pointed out to me earlier, if you guys are here to help the Signers, then at least you guys can have some help sorting out matters." Ushio added.
Seto cursed loudly in Egyptian. He was so angry he almost dropped Atemu to the floor. The brunette tightened his grip on the small body, biting the inside of his cheek to prevent himself from looking like a fool. Seto was furious. And there was nothing he could do about it when the person he was angry at was currently unavailable to talk.
"He…he was here. He was here, in Domino City, just before Zero Reverse?" Bakura's scowl deepened.
"Yes, he was. There's a story behind that. And, I'm sorry, but I can't explain that story here. It's rather a long and complicated one. Also, this may concern Yusei Fudo."
"Say what? How is he a part of this? He was only a baby at the time!" Jack bellowed.
Both priest and thief bristled. The lead Signer stared at the King of Games with a mix of shock and disbelief. How does this concern him? He was only an infant at the time. Yusei could tell Yuugi Mutou wasn't lying. But he still had to make sure he's not going crazy and hearing things.
"What do I have to do with this?"
"Well…it's complicated. It's something more to do with your father. If you're willing to trust me, then I'll tell you. I invite you to my house, for dinner. Anytime you want to take the offer, contact me. In fact, I have a better idea…"
Yuugi looked up at Seto. His expression lessoned to a gentleness one would expect from a father explaining something dangerously complicated to his child.
"I have a better proposition. Since the Signers know nothing about your background, how about I explain everything to them? It will save you a lot of trouble. And as the King of Games, they will trust my word over yours. In return, you guys are expected to be on your best behaviors as you will live under my roof. Also, when I am done explaining to the Signers about our history and the story of Atemu being in my care twenty years ago, either one of you has to explain why the three of you are still walking amongst the living."
Seto appeared to be contemplating this. He glanced down at his still unconscious leader in his arms.
They were backed into a corner. Seto didn't have a choice in this matter.
"…Fine. As second in command of this team, I accept your offer."
Despite the serious tone, Yuugi Mutou practically beamed.
=3=
Against the better judgment of his friends, especially Jack's, Yusei followed Yuugi to his home. Jack being the paranoid, stubborn man he was, grumpily came along too. The two Signers were welcomed warmly by Yuugi, while the two Egyptians completely ignored them. It was understandable, considering what they've just learned.
'So it would seem that Atemu can't age. That's the only thing that makes sense about all of this. And if he can't age, then the other two would be the same. But, why are they so angry that he was here, around the time of Zero Reverse?' Yusei was puzzled.
Apparently Jack had the same train of thought, but was a little less polite about it.
"So, if he was in town around the time of Zero Reverse, wouldn't he have the power to stop it?"
"Jack!"
Before Yusei could scold his lover any further, Seto transferred Atemu into Bakura's arms and turned around to face the blond.
"You want to know? It's because we have no right to interfere with events that will help shape the future of the new generation of heroes who are supposed to protect the world! Think, if he interfered with Zero Reverse, you two wouldn't be spending happy nights in bed together."
Seto inhaled deeply, calming down.
"It is not our duty to interfere with such events. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to work with getting the poison those damn Holy Priests pumped through Atemu's body out of him."
The brunette then gathered his leader back into his arms and then proceeding to walk up the stairs.
"Right, while he does that, anyone up to some tea? Coffee? If you two are fine with staying until dinner my daughter in law will be home soon. She's the best cook in the house!" Yuugi nervously offered, obviously worried about Atemu's welfare.
"Please, Mutou–san, you don't have to force yourself." Yusei smiled. "But coffee would be nice."
"If it's as good as the Blue Eyes Café, then I'll have some too." Jack grumbled.
'He still holds grudges. I hope he'll remain on his best behavior here. We are guests of the King of Games.'
Yuugi blinked. The tension left his shoulders as he returned a smile of his own.
"Oh, please, call me Yuugi. I'm not that old. There's still a duelist inside of me somewhere, I just haven't had the time to brush off the dust that's been collecting on my deck."
"As you wish, Yuugi–san."
For someone with such a high title, he's so humble. He wasn't as bad as Yusei feared. Then again, he's the current champion. Yusei wasn't a show off, like Jack did.
Yuugi tentatively glanced at Bakura, who had silently taken up residence in a chair in the corner.
"What about you? Would you like anything…?"
"Oh, please. You can stop pretending to be a good host towards little old me. Honestly, I don't deserve such kindness from the pharaoh's hikari." Bakura hissed bitterly.
'There's that word again, pharaoh. And how is Yuugi a part of all of this, anyway?'
"May I ask…what's a pharaoh?"
Bakura and Yuugi had different reactions. The white haired Egyptian tensed, eyeing Yusei with suspicion. The former King of Games had an expression of surprise.
"Right…I keep forgetting your world is mostly of Neo Domino and Satellite. Well…if you would please sit, I'll make you guys some coffee. Then I will tell you. And while we're at it, I might as well get started on telling you two about a once nameless king."
Jack blinked, growing curious. "Nameless king?"
"Would that be Atemu?" Yusei guessed.
Yuugi had a distant look in his eyes. His smile was sad, very similar to Atemu's own.
"Yes, you could say that… Mind you, I advise you two keep an open mind about this. This story is very long and complicated. It even took me a long time to finally understand all of Atemu's past. Do me a favor, what you will learn may change your views on these three. You may not like some of the stuff I'm about to tell you. So please, please don't take it out on them. I get the feeling they don't need the Signers hunting them down. And if you guys are to do that, I'm afraid I won't be of any help to you. I would most likely help them escape Neo Domino City."
At his words, Bakura stared at Yuugi with surprise. A part of him knew he shouldn't be this shocked, but the fact Yuugi Mutou was defending the Three Noblemen Team was still something that never crossed his mind. After all he had done to the little hikari, Bakura had expected bitter anger heading his way.
"…Why are you doing this?" The white haired Egyptian spoke softer than his usual dark tone.
"You mean, why am I going to such lengths to protect all three of you? Isn't it obvious, Bakura? As much as I don't like you, I can't blame you for what you've done."
Bakura's eyes narrowed. "You're too soft, little Yuugi."
The King of Games glared.
"Soft I may be, but there is a reason why you're here instead of wandering the Shadow Realm, am I right? Whether I like it or not, you're a part of Atemu's team. And thus far, you seem to be a better person than what you once were. But right now, I can't completely trust you. For that, I'll have to wait until he wakes up and watch your interactions."
"Hmph. Whatever." Bakura looked away.
Yusei, who had silently watched this strange exchange between them, was starting to believe that Bakura was indeed someone very dangerous. And from the vibes Yuugi was giving off, the white haired Egyptian may have been a villain. In the back of his mind it was another likeness between Bakura and Kiryu that the lead Signer found a little disturbing.
'This is a serious matter. But I don't plan to have Atemu and his team our enemies. It'll be even worse with Yuugi joining their side. And whatever bond Yuugi has with Atemu, it's strong. Their bond is probably stronger than what I have with everyone else in my team.' Yusei warily eyed Jack.
The blond caught his eye. His permanent scowl softened. Yusei knew that expression. It was Jack's way of ensuring he'll at least try not to be too quick to judge. So long as he was going to try, it was enough for the lead Signer.
"All right, but if you wouldn't mind, I'd like for the others to be here too."
"That's fine with me." Yuugi's sad smile widened a bit. "Friends are the greatest treasure. It is not something to take lightly. And it might be best if everyone is here, so all of you could listen."
Somehow Yusei got the sinking feeling that, for better or for worse, his world is about to be turned upside down.
=3=
Death: Yes, I should probably had planned this a little better now that I've realized the timeline is indeed, important in this story. And so, to determine when Zero Reverse is supposed to happen, I did some research concerning how old each and every important character in 5Ds. It's come to my attention not all of the older Signers (mind you, I'm talking about everyone but the twins), were born within the same year. Yes, there is no exact date of when they're born, but they're all different ages varying from a year or two apart.
So, I decided to have some fun and give them a birthday. To do this properly, I took a look at their personalities and chose what zodiac sign would work best with them. From there, I can work with the exact month and date of their birthdays. I was too lazy to look up numbers for this, so I chose the dates of when they were born at random, but so long as it was within the months of the zodiac sign I chose, it would work. So, these are the results:
Jack Atlas
Zodiac Sign: Aeris
Birthday: March 21, 2009
I chose Aeris simply because Jack, both original and english dub versions, is impulsive. And at times, he his naive. Especially when concerning how to interact socially. Why do you think he got fired so many times when he applid for a job? Yes, it's funny, but the poor guy just doesn't know anything about keeping in control. I admit, he has some, but it's hard for him to have complete control over his emotions. This is why he doesn't think properly when he needs to create a plan. I suppose this explains why he has to learn everything the hard way.
Kiryu
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Birthday: July 7, 2009
What is there to say? Kiryu (aka Kalin for those who only watch the english dub), is very complicated. He's friendly when he was the leader of Team Satisfaction, then the power of controlling Satellite got to his head, and was sentenced to jail. Then he becomes a Dark Signer, his target Yusei Fudo. Then when the Dark Signer Arc was over, Kiryu is a better person. At first. He then becomes suicidal, and is only brought out of this stupid way of thinking when Yusei, once again, shows him the right path. By god, Kiryu is more complicated than Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender...
Yusei Fudo
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Birthday: October 26, 2010
...I had trouble with deciding what zodiac sign works best for this guy. I had trouble choosing from Taurus and Scorpio, for very good reasons. Yusei is stubborn, determined, and nothing anyone could say would make him change his mind. Well, most of the time. But, he does choose who will be close enough to be considered his friend. For everyone else, he listens, but he keeps himself distant. That's a Taurus. But at the same time, he's wise, and he often has answers for everything. When he doesn't have the answer, he sits down and mulls over what the answer is until he does find it. He also has the very bad habit of not expressing his real feelings. He doesn't want to drag his friends into his own personal problems. This is when Jack and Crow come and handy and knock some sense into the angsty team leader. So, even though I like the idea of Yusei as kin (I am a taurus), I thought Scorpio would be better off. I'm more expressive than this guy, and that says a lot.
Crow Hogan
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Birthday: February 2, 2011
Let's see, Crow can't help but help people. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, it makes him appear much more responsible than some of the other characters. Yes, Yusei is responsible, but he doesn't take good care of himself (sleeping at the desk while working on his duel runner is over working). So, when Yusei is an insomniac, and Jack just sits around and does nothing but drink tea all day, Crow willingly (and perhaps because he knows no one else will do this) becomes the mother hen of the three. Crow might be a what you call "goody two shoes", but he's unique. In a good way. So even though he likes to help others, his uniquenss makes up for that. His duel runner can fly. His deck theme are of winged birds. He's not afraid to do the right thing. He's not afraid of getting all over Jack's case to get him off his ass and go find a job. At times he even tells Yusei, the team leader, that he needs to relax from time to time. If you think of Crow this way, he's not so annoying as Joey can often be, since it's obvious Crow is the Joey Wheeler of the 5Ds generation.
Aki Izayoi
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Birthday: September 14, 2012
At the very beginning Aki has self confidence issues. Very serious self confidence issues. Which is understandable, if I were in her shoes. But still, she didn't want to believe her powers were a gift instead of a curse. Because of that she was very narrow minded. Which happens to be the bad side of a Virgo. But, once Yusei showed her the way (is it just me, or does Yusei happen to be the best thing that has happened with everyone here?), she became more confident within herself. With this amazing transformation, she became a better person. Also, as noted later in life that she becomes a doctor, Virgos are often within that category of jobs. I thought it would fit with her.
Rua and Ruka
Zodiac Signs: Gemini
Birthday: May 22, 2017
I think the fact that they're twins, it should be obvious as to why they're Gemini. However, if they weren't twins, then Rua would be Leo (ironic, his english dub name is Leo) and Ruka would be Pisces. Rua is very energetic, he wants more than anything to be a champion duelst, and blindly admires any great duelist without question. Ruka is shy, but she wishes to connect with everyone and the world around her. She is also gifted with the ability to visit the Spirit Realm, or Spirit World, whichever you call it. She can even talk to monsters! A very handy ability, mind you. And since they are twins, I couldn't chose between Leo and Pisces, since one twin completes one but not the other. So, I just went with the obvious and chose Gemini.
Death: So, there. I got these guys down. I'm sad to say I won't be doing this with the important original characters. I'm sorry, but there would be an overlap between Atemu and Yusei, Seto and Jack, Bakura and Kiryu, Yuugi and Crow, and Joey and Rua (if he was a Leo, I mean). Yeah, it wouldn't work. And I've spent too much time deciding what these guys from 5Ds are.
I am sorry for this long A/N, but there's a few other things I'd like to point out. At the end of the series, it was noted that they actually allow the character of 5Ds to age, since Yusei was 19 or 20 during the WRGP. I'm just going to go ahead with 20, and so the year that this story is taking place would be early to mid spring of 2031. So, Yusei is still 20, while Jack just celebrated his 21rst birthday. Yays for drinking age. Meanwhile, Zero Reverse occured somewhere between the times of Crow's and Aki's births. Since Crow was the one who was orphaned and Aki not so, I came to the conclusion that Zero Reverse could have happened in the year 2011 or earlly 2012. Considering what I've just given away in this chapter, I think it's safe to say that you guys can figure out what date I chose for this important event of mass destruction occured.
So, without further ado, and I do apologize for this long A/N, please click the lovely review button and tell me what you think.
