Chapter 10: Supersensory Shakedown
Jets of fire shoot from smokestacks all over the Satellite in the dim early morning beneath a crescent moon, Yusei's smashed and dented runner is tied up outside Martha's house.
Martha and the doctor are continuing to work on Yusei, while he continues to fight the pain and he's still holding onto Sakura's hand for comfort. Grim's seated at Sakura's side. "Doctor, how's it looking?" Martha asks. "There's a lot of internal bruising, but I'll know more shortly." Says Dr. Schmidt.
Rally, Crow, Blister, Blitz, Tank and Nervin are waiting, solemnly. "Poor Yusei, huh?" Rally asks.
Martha and the doctor open the door. Crow jumps up and everyone else is just a moment behind. "Huh! Tell us, Doc. How's he doing?" Asks Crow. "It looks like he'll make a complete recovery." Martha says. "He'll need a few more days of rest in bed. But, he'll be just fine. Just keep 'im from underground duels for a while, okay?" Asks Dr. Schmidt. Sighs of relief, you bet they will. "You're the doc!" Rally says. "So, what now?" Asks Nervin. "Now, we find that Dark Signer and make him pay!" Crow says.
"Oh-no, you don't." Says Sakura, addressing Crow, as she walks out from the door Martha and Dr. Schmidt came out of, with Grim following alongside her.
Crow looks at her, surprised. "What are you talking about, Sakura? Why shouldn't we go out there and make that Dark Signer pay for what he did to Yusei?" Crow asks. He walks up to Sakura, confronting her, but she isn't bothered by his 5'8" height compared to her own height of 5'4". "He's your brother, don't you want to get revenge for what that Dark Signer did?" Asks Crow. "Revenge is never the answer, Crow." Sakura says. "Huh?" Asks Crow and the other four. "That is exactly what we experienced tonight. Kalin wanted revenge for something he thought Yusei did, when he should have took his revenge on me. I'm the one that got him arrested remember, Crow." Sakura says. "Kalin hurt you. That was his own fault and not to mention a serious offense. You were just lucky to survive through what he did." Says Crow. Sakura isn't happy with him right now, her hands have been on her hips for sometime. Sakura's glaring at Crow. Grim makes a low growl at Crow. "You know, Crow. That is exactly what the doctors said to me, when these scars were actually their open wounds. You know what they said? They basically said that I should have died. Well, I proved them wrong. Just like I proved you wrong." Sakura says. She then walks away towards the door to outside, with Grim at her heels.
"Wait Sakura, where're you goin'?" Asks Crow.
Sakura stops just sort of the door and turns back to face him, with Grim halting at her side. "Back to the City." Sakura says.
"What, but how? Jack took off with the helicopter, how do you expect to get back to the City?" Asks Crow.
"The same way I got out of the helicopter, my Signer powers." Sakura says.
"Wait Sakura, you're a Signer, too?" Asks Crow.
"Yes, Crow. I am, and this Dark Signer-Signer battle has nothing to do with you. This is mine and Yusei's fight, along with the other Signers. Which is why I have to go back to the City. I have to get back to them, the other three Signers." Sakura says.
Martha walks over to her, running her fingers down the scar that goes from her head down to her collar-bone and lightly brushing her bangs out of the way a bit, tracing the symbol on her forehead that's hidden beneath them. "You've been through a lot these past two years. Haven't you, my little one?" Asks Martha. "More or less." Sakura says. "I still remember the day you first came to this house, along with Yusei. You and him were only two months old. These scars don't matter and neither does this marking on her forehead, you're a very lovely young woman. And look at the length of your hair, last time I saw you it was only to your waist." Says Martha. She goes to the back of Sakura, moving her fingers through the waves of her raven black, red highlighted hair. "Now your hair is long to your knees. I'm impressed that you've let it grow this long. And I see you stuck with your hairstyle, too." Martha says. "Yes, well a…" Says Sakura. "Your hair length and hairstyle definitely suit you, they fit your personality." Martha says. "My personality, Martha?" Asks Sakura. "Yes, your personality of being mysterious." Martha says. She then releases Sakura's hair, letting it fall back into place. "But your eyes always intrigued me, I could never figure you out with those eyes of yours. Yusei could always figure it out, as well as Jack and Crow could. I never could." Says Martha. "Martha…" Sakura says. "I know that you probably won't believe me, but you and Jack belong together. Look, I know you and him had a falling out the last time, but believe me when I say that I think destiny wants you two together." Says Martha. Sakura looks down at her right forearm, her Sign hidden by her detached sleeve and coat sleeve. "Destiny." Sakura thinks to herself. Martha places one of her hands on that arm, causing her to bring her attention back up to her.
"Martha..."
Martha turns at the sound of her name.
Standing on the stairs is a petite, young girl, with a pale complexion, short, black hair, that's a few inches past her chin, and violet eyes. She appears to be twelve and her height seems to be 4'10". She's wearing pajamas, which are a matching black, long-sleeved shirt and pants, with faded-purple polka dots, and a white lining at the front and the collar. She's holding a stuffed bunny and rubbing at one of her eyes, sleepily. "I got a little thirs..." She stops rubbing at her eye and blinks, a couple times.
Martha smiles, as she's still standing next to Sakura.
The young girl's eyes are wide, in surprise.
Sakura steps up a bit.
The young girl takes a step back and tears are starting to form in her eyes.
"Hotaru, it's okay." Martha says, tenderly.
Hotaru has tears shedding down her cheeks. "I-I can't... I'm sorry..." Says Hotaru, through tears. She turns back and runs up the stairs, in tears.
"She still takes what I said to her to heart, doesn't she?" Sakura asks. "You can't blame yourself, Sakura. You weren't exactly yourself during your recovery and quite frankly you weren't the most nicest person during it or after you were finished recovering. You were going through a lot of things at the time and Hotaru didn't understand why you said the things you said to her. So, she thought you truly meant what you said and it hurt her." Says Martha. "That was the last thing I said to her before Jack took me to the City and she's been holding on to that for the past two years." Sakura says. "What truly hurt Hotaru the most was when you were gone and she didn't know if you were ever going to come back. And after you went missing, Yusei wasn't around much." Says Martha. "So, Hotaru felt alone for the past two years. I was taken by Jack to the City, without the chance to explain why I was being cold towards her, while Yusei was working on a new runner in order to get to the City and find me." Sakura says. "She'll come around. Yusei will be here recovering. So, she'll have him at least." Says Martha. "And what of her health? Has she gotten any better?" Sakura asks. "I'm afraid not. She's still rather ill and frail, and she's more or less bedridden on a daily basis. Dr. Schmidt's still baffled as to what ails her." Says Martha. Sakura sighs, softly. "Perhaps, it is best that I return to the City. She shall have Yusei as he recovers." Sakura says. "I know you have to go back to the City, but please be careful this time. For me at least, and for both Yusei and Hotaru's sake, too. At least, now I know that your going on your own and not being forced to." Says Martha. "Thank you, Martha. For everything. Please, watch over Yusei and Hotaru for me." Sakura says. "Always, my little one." Says Martha. Grim barks. Martha looks down at Grim and pets him, stroking his head. "You take care of her, Grim." Martha says. "He always has." Says Sakura. She then brings her attention back to Crow. "And as for you, my friend. Please, don't engage the Dark Signers. I don't need to lose you to the lights of them." Sakura says.
"Don't worry, Sakura. I won't." Says Crow. He walks over to Sakura. They then hug each other, both one arm around the other. "You'll always be my best friend." Crow says. "And you mine." Says Sakura. They release each other, now standing some what next to each other. "Hey Blister, look after these guys for me once more, will you?" Sakura asks.
"No problems there, kid." Says Blister.
"Bye, guys." Sakura says. She then summons forth one of her portals and steps into it, with Grim following at her side. The portal soon closes up behind Sakura, along with Grim, as she heads in and she's gone, just like that.
Crow's bemused at what just happened.
The other four are not so enthusiastic about that, then Rally sneezes, the other three just a breath behind.
"What's wrong?" Asks Crow.
"Walking all night without any clothes." Rally says.
"Huh?" Asks Crow.
Blitz, Tank and Nervin huddle together, shivering in their borrowed blankets. "I think we all caught a cold." Rally says.
"Just perfect. I'll make some soup." Says Martha.
At the twins' apartment in the Tops. Tanner puts down a couple suitcases. "Heheh! Wouldja look at this place!" Yanagi says.
"This is one time I don't mind babysitting!" Says Tanner. "Hold on, you're not babysitting. You're just here 'cause Sakura was worried about those Dark Signers coming after us." Luna says. "But, don't worry about them! Luna n' me'll protect you with our awesome dueling!" Says Leo. He beckons Tanner closer. "Just between you 'n me, Mr. Tanner. I'd stick close to me when things get real rough. Everyone knows that boys duel better than girls do. It's actually a scientific fact." Leo says. Tanner rolls his eyes. "Of course." Says Tanner.
"Check out this pool! Does anyone mind if I do aquarobics?" Yanagi asks.
"Why don't we try checkin' in on Yusei before you start splashin' to the oldies, Yanagi." Says Tanner. He pulls a laptop out of one of the bags and looks at it.
Leo looks over Tanner's shoulder. "Is Yusei okay? Last night Luna's Sign started glowing super-bright, does that mean he's dueling a Dark Signer? Is he in trouble?" Leo asks, anxiously. "I think you should take a time-out from the question game and let me see if Yusei's checked in. Looks like there's no email from 'im yet." Says Tanner. "What if Goodwin locked 'im up?!" Leo asks. "Calm down. I'm sure he's takin' out Dark Signers or somethin'." Says Tanner. "Yeah, you're right." Leo says.
He leaves Tanner's side to jump up and sit on the arm of the couch. "No one can stop Yusei! He's just too slick!" Says Leo, boisterously cheering. He then turns to Luna. "But, if he's okay. Why was your arm glowing last night?" Leo asks, whispering aside to Luna.
Flashback, as she speaks about her dream. The Crimson Dragon bells, leading the six Signer dragons into battle. They balk at a wall that shimmers pink, beyond which lurks the Army of Shadows. "I don't know, maybe it was my dream. I saw these dragons fighting the Shadow Army." Says Luna, in voice-over. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. "Maybe your Sign was showing you the original battle of the Crimson Dragon, and how to beat the Dark Signers." Yanagi says.
"Hmmm..." Says Luna. She sighs.
"Don't look so glum, Luna. You look prettier when your smiling." Sakura says.
Luna and Leo look up, seeing her in the doorway, with Grim standing at her side. Luna is a little bit more relieved that Sakura's back.
Sakura can see there's something upsetting Luna, though.
Luna looks down, contemplatively. Leo watches Luna with concern, then looks at his deck and draws Power Tool Dragon off of the top. "Ohh, so tell me. With all of these dragons, my Power Tool Dragon had to be there, huh?" Asks Leo.
Flashback. Luna recalls the sixth Signer dragon, its somewhat crusty-looking skin was golden orange, with darker orange eyes. It breathed pure fire. "Well, there was one that kinda looked like yours." Luna says, in voice-over. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. "But, what difference does it make?" Asks Luna, disarmingly. "What difference?! Power Tool's my dragon! If it was there then that means that, I'm the sixth Signer! I knew it! Now, I'll save the world! Here comes Leo! Good thing I've been working on my victory dance!" Leo's dancing. "When d'you think I'll get my Sign?" Leo asks. He keeps raving in the background.
Tanner, Yanagi and Sakura speak aside to Luna. "Was his dragon really there?" Asks Tanner, aside. "No, I just felt so bad for him. He'll figure it out when his arm never starts glowing." Luna says, aside, exasperated. "I sure hope so." Says Yanagi, aside.
"Maybe I have to rub, you know, like a genie!" Leo says.
"Or he'll rub his arms so hard that they might actually start to glow." Says Luna, aside. Tanner and Yanagi groan along with her.
"Unless of course, Sakura wants to give up some of her markings?" Leo asks.
"Not going to happen, Leo." Says Sakura. "Besides, how would you even handle the position as the Crimson Dragon's host? Being responsible isn't exactly your strong suit." Luna says.
"Hey, it was worth a shot." Says Leo.
"Not good enough. I wouldn't trust you with a secret if it could save your life." Sakura says.
"I feel it, dragon power! It's flowing through my body like some sort of super sports drink! Now I'm ready for anything! Especially, a duel with the Dark Signers! Let's here that battle cry!" Says Leo.
Beat.
The others respond with more of a whimper.
"So since we fight evil, that means we're superheroes! And superheroes are always supposed to stick together. That's like their most important thing!" Leo says.
"And, uh, the superpowers, but you're absolutely right, Leo. We stick together, right here in this nice cozy mansion." Says Yanagi.
"And Akiza?" Leo asks.
"Akiza? Why her?" Asks Yanagi. "She may be a Signer. But, that doesn't mean we can trust 'er. She's part of that weird Arcadia Movement that's got all the psychics." Tanner says.
"The Arcadia Movement? You mean, like with video games?" Asks Leo.
"It is Arcadia, not arcade. Their group collects psychics from all over the world. Then, they test their abilities to move objects with their minds." Sakura says.
"To see if they have superpowers?" Asks Leo.
"Well, in a way. However, their main objective is to train them to be duelists who battle and inflict real damage." Sakura says. "But, Akiza would never really wanna hurt people." Says Luna. "I say we stay as far away as possible." Tanner says.
"Hey, but Yanagi agreed that us heroes gotta stick together. What if she needs our help?" Asks Leo.
"Huh?" Tanner asks.
"Or what if Yusei's in trouble and we need Akiza's deck as backup? There's, like, totally a million reasons that this is a good idea!" Asks Leo.
"What're you talkin' about?" Tanner asks. "They want to go and get Akiza from Arcadia. Good plan. I'll just stay here and keep an eye on the heated jacuzzi!" Says Yanagi. "Hold on! Who says we're going anywhere! We should stay put until we hear from Yusei!" Tanner says. "What if we don't hear from 'im? For all we know, he might need our help!" Says Yanagi. "Ugh. You're right. If there's still no email, something might've happened to him that needs Signer backup." Tanner says. "No new messages." Says the computer. "Hmm. Looks like we're gonna pay Akiza a visit after all." Tanner says.
"No, we are not." Says Sakura.
"What, but Sakura!" Leo says.
"No, Leo. I'm sorry. However, I can't put you and Luna in danger. Your parents left me in charge of you two." Says Sakura.
"But, what about Akiza? She's a Signer just like you, Luna, Jack and Yusei." Leo says.
"That is why I'm going instead of you." Says Sakura. She starts walking away from Luna, Tanner and Yanagi. Sakura then walks past Leo, with Grim trailing after her. "But Sakura, why are you going?" Leo asks.
"Because I had already planned to try talking to her. Besides, I may not know Sayer all that well. However, I know how to spot a psychotic man when I see one." Says Sakura.
Luna then all of a sudden wraps her arms around her waist. "Sakura, please don't go. Especially, not alone." Luna says. Sakura crouches down to her level, looking into her gray-gold eyes. "Don't you worry, Luna. I shall be alright." Says Sakura. She quickly kisses her on the forehead and then goes back up to her normal height level. "Besides, I have Grim to look out for me." Sakura says. She pats at Grim's head, lightly.
"What do you want us to do if it doesn't go right, if something goes wrong and something does happen to you?" Asks Tanner.
"If I'm not back at least by late tonight, then call or find Jack. He shall know what to do." Sakura says.
"Jack? As in Atlas?" Asks Tanner.
"Yes. Don't worry, Bolt. He doesn't bite, much." Sakura says. She walks out of the twins' apartment, with Grim in tow. Sakura then looks down at Grim, who looks back up at her. "Grim, be prepared to go shadow phase. Understand?" Asks Sakura. Grim barks, as if in acknowledgment. Sakura then summons forth one of her portals and steps into it, with Grim following alongside her. The portal soon closes up and she's gone, along with Grim.
"Come on, let's go." Leo says. "Wait, go where Leo?" Asks Luna. "Where else? To see Akiza at Arcadia." Leo says. "But, Sakura told us not to." Says Luna. "Oh, come on, Luna. How mad can she really get at us?" Leo asks. "Um, let me think, furious. And when I say furious, that means more towards you than me." Says Luna. "What's that suppose to mean?" Leo asks. "It means, Leo, that Sakura likes me better than you." Says Luna. "You just think that because you're both girls." Leo says. "Nu-uh." Says Luna. "Yu-huh." Leo says.
At the headquarters of the Arcadia Movement, a skyscraper somewhere in Domino.
Black Rose Dragon destroys an opponent robot's Fiend Megacyber and knocks it over. Akiza is breathing, heavily.
Sayer's watching from an observation room glassed off from the arena, standing at the window, tensely. A peon in Arcadia robes joins Sayer. "Huh." Says Sayer. "What's wrong?" "Normally, Akiza would've taken down that duel-bot in a couple rounds." Sayer says. "This match went nearly eight. There's no doubt her psychic powers have weakened since the tournament, where she lost to Skylar Kuro." "I don't pay you for telling me what I know! She needs fixing. She's lost duels before, what's different this time?!" Asks Sayer. "It's not the duel, it was her opponent." "Yes." Sayer says. He looks down at Akiza.
Akiza's standing on the field, face downcast, eyes closed.
Flashback. At the Fortune Cup, 'Skylar' faced down Akiza's attacks, steadily. "Could it be that our Akiza has a redeemer?" Asks Sayer, in voice-over. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. Akiza exits the arena through an elevator and walks into a hallway.
Sayer meets Akiza there. "Akiza! That was an impressive duel." Sayer says. "Yeah, right!" Says Akiza. "You're too hard on yourself. Whatever's troubling you, you can always tell me. We're friends." Sayer says. "I'm fine. I just need to rest." Says Akiza. "Come, now. I've known you too long for you to start lying. I saved you. Or don't you remember? You were an outcast..." Sayer says.
Flashback. The teenage Akiza looks over her shoulder, sadly, lonely and alone. "...with frightening powers. You had no friends, no one wanted to be around you." Says Sayer, in voice-over.
Change flashback. At school, heads would turn and whispers would follow wherever Akiza walked, as though she stood in a lonely spotlight. "They'd stare from afar. Watching, whispering, and laughing." Sayer says, in voice-over.
Change flashback. A door opens and Akiza's parents stop their conversation, hastily, and move closer together, unable to hide their fear. "Even your own parents didn't want anything to do with you." Says Sayer, in voice-over.
Change flashback. Teenage Akiza in her school blazer stands before a bonfire burning with unwanted books and looks at her dueling deck, holding it out before the flames, contemplating throwing it into the fire. Then, she pulls back from the fire, looking as though she's about to cry, but she can't quite bring herself to burn her deck. "And when you were ready to throw away your future, who was it that saved you? Me, Sayer." The flames rise higher, hiding her from view. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. "And now, you're one of Arcadia's most powerful girls, surrounded by friends who share your abilities, all thanks to yours truly. At the very least, you can tell me what's really going on. Why are you distracted? What's so important that you're risking all that we've accomplished?" Sayer asks. He's sure that'll get Akiza and is surprised when she nudges past him, continuing on her path. "I said it's nothing." Says Akiza.
"Or is it Skylar Kuro?" Sayer asks.
Akiza gasps, she's been found out. "Ahh! Umm..." Says Akiza.
"You don't have to be a psychic to figure it out. You think you can run off, live a normal life, and have Skylar save you? Very cunning. But, I'm afraid your place will always be here. Heheh." Sayer says. His cell phone rings. "Huh?" Asks Sayer. He picks up. "Not now." Sayer says. "Sir, Arcadia has been snuck into. And I believe its Akiza's little redeemer." "Skylar's here. Where's she located?" Asks Sayer. "East Hallway, close to Akiza's room. What should we do?" "Don't do anything, I'll handle this little inconvenience myself." Sayer says. "There's a group here to see you, and two a' them are the twins you were asking about, Luna and Leo." "They're here, too? Things just got interesting." Says Sayer.
A small patio on the side of a massive skyscraper. Akiza is leaning on the rail, daydreaming.
Flashback. At the Fortune Cup, 'Skylar' and her Cynder the Black Dragon faced off against Akiza and her Black Rose Dragon and Phoenixian Cluster Amaryllis. "I'm just showing you that your not as different as you think! I don't have to be your enemy, I could be your friend!" 'Skylar' says. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. Akiza looks down, her expression intense, conflicted. "She was the first to see me as a normal person. Hm..." Akiza thinks to herself.
Sakura is walking down the hallway, with Grim keeping pace at her side, almost close to Akiza's room. Sakura can sense Akiza's nearby due to her Signs and markings.
Sakura is suddenly grabbed from behind by Sayer. Sayer has Sakura held in a strong arm hold. Grim turns and snarls at Sayer, his teeth bared. Sayer looks down at Grim, he's almost bemused by him. "Is that the same dog you had before?" Asks Sayer. "Yes, he is. Grim's more than just a typical dog." Sakura says. Grim keeps baring his teeth at Sayer, growling at him. "Doesn't matter! You'll not come between me and Akiza, you got that?!" Asks Sayer. "What is the matter, Sayer? Afraid that she shall turn her back on you and use her powers against your Arcadia Movement?" Sakura asks. "That's enough out of you." Says Sayer. He pushes Sakura towards two goons and they both grab a hold of each of her arms. "Grim, shadow phase now." Sakura thinks to herself, speaking telepathically to Grim. Grim soon shifts his stance and bursts into a black shadowy mist, he's disappeared.
Sayer then approaches Sakura and grabs her chin, roughly. "Not sure what happened to your mutt, but you'll now experience what happens to those who dare step into Arcadia under their own free will. You're quite foolish to step in here without backup. If that dog was it, then he's left you to fend for yourself." Sayer says. "You can believe whatever you want." Says Sakura. "Well, now you're going to help me with something." Sayer says. "I'm not helping you with anything, you Arcadia Movement psycho." Says Sakura. "Oh yes you will, trust me on that. You're going to help me trick Leo and Luna." Sayer says. "As if that would ever happen!" Says Sakura, furiously. "Hard to say that when they're here." Sayer says. He suddenly jabs a needle, with some sort of drugged liquid, into the side of Sakura's neck. The two goons release Sakura and she starts to become tired. Sakura reaches for her head. "What did you do to me, Sayer?" Says Sakura.
"I just sedated you, my dear." Sayer says.
"I shall get you for this." Says Sakura. She falls to her knees, slowly, and the rest of her body does the same. Sakura is completely out of it, knocked out.
"Now, you'll be doing me a favor. Hehehehe." Sayer says.
A blue-glowing circle pulses against black and the Earthbound Giant rises to its full height, lightning crackling around its shoulders and unnatural purple flames raging at its feet. "Hahahahahahaha! Get ready to join the rest of the taken in the shadows of the netherworld! Hah! Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu, pound this pathetic Signer into the darkness!" Says Kalin. Ccapac Apu reaches toward the ground with one massive black hand. Yusei closes his eyes, flinching, waiting for the end.
And awakens with a yell. Yusei sits up in bed and looks around, shirtless. Yusei's in a bed at Martha's house and sunlight is streaming through the window. "Hello?" Yusei asks. He winces in pain, a hand going to the bandages wrapped around his stomach.
Hotaru pulls open the curtain between Yusei's bed and the rest of the room. She's wearing a black, turtleneck sweater, black skirt, purple tights and black flats. "Yu... sei..." Says Hotaru, softly. "Hotaru." Yusei says. Hotaru has tears forming in her eyes and she's fidgeting with her fingers. "What's wrong?" Asks Yusei. "I... I saw Sakura. But, I couldn't bring myself to go to her." Hotaru says. "You still think she meant what she said?" Asks Yusei. Hotaru looks up at him, with a couple tears streaming down her face. "Hotaru, Sakura was going through a lot when she said those things. She wasn't herself at the time. She said some pretty harsh things to me, too. But, I knew she wasn't in the right mindset when she said them and that she'd eventually come around." Yusei says. He reaches one of his hands out to Hotaru and places it on her shoulder, lightly. "And, you know what, she did just that. I'll tell you this, though. She's never going to truly be the same again. But, there's one thing about Sakura that hasn't changed and that's how she feels towards us. She's our sister, Hotaru. And that's never going to change." Says Yusei. Hotaru nods and hugs him, carefully. "I'm so glad you're okay, Yusei." Hotaru says.
Martha soon draws open the curtain. "Well, look who's awake." Says Martha. Hotaru stops hugging Yusei and stands at his bedside. "Martha. What happened?" Yusei asks. "You took a nasty fall off your runner, then Crow and Sakura brought you here." Says Martha. "Nasty fall?" Yusei asks.
Flashback. Yusei's engine explodes and he skids backward with it, out of reach of the Immortal's descending hand, both rider and runner bouncing and rolling on the ground. "Oh, yeah, there was a duel between me and Kalin." Says Yusei, in voice-over. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. "When you two were little, I told you and your half-twin that dueling was dangerous. Now, both you and Sakura are a wreck! Check out your runner." Martha says. "Huh?" Asks Yusei. He looks out the window, his runner is sitting in the yard, with a couple of little kids standing around it. "Surprised? Your friends pushed it the whole way here." Martha says. "Through the Satellite?" Asks Yusei. Martha seems to be amused at his surprise. "They got sick and lost their decks, and quite literally the shirts off their backs. But, they all knew what that runner meant to you. Hope is all anyone has left in the Satellite Sector. Security's taken our decks, and crime's taken anything else that has even a little value. But, people here have always looked up to you and Sakura, Yusei. They thought you two might get outta here, start a real life." Martha says, seriously. She turns away and walks to a shelf against the wall, turning back to glare on the last line. "Which is why it breaks my heart to know you're back here dueling. I hope at least you won your little game." Says Martha.
"It's not what you think, there's people out there that want to destroy our home! All of us here are in great danger. It's complicated, but there's these Dark Signers, and…" Yusei says.
"You need to calm down, Yusei. I believe you." Says Martha. She picks up an apple from the fruit bowl on the shelf and starts cutting it into slices, turning away entirely. "But if we're all in great danger, why're you trying to save us all on your own?" Martha asks.
"It's my job." Says Yusei.
"You'll just never change, trying to do everything by yourself and ending up in a hospital bed! You've got friends out there that will follow you anywhere. Look what they did just for your duel runner." Martha says, bitterly, saddened at his dangerous foolishness.
Yusei looks down at the sheets, considering her words.
Martha places the apple slices on a plate. "Then there's Jack. You two were like brothers, once. You need each other. Whatever happened, it's time the two of you forgave and forgot. Life's hard enough, but it's even harder without a best friend. And if it's true, if these Dark Signers you're talking about want to turn our home into a parking lot, then you're gonna need all the friends you can get, 'cause mark my words, I'm done bandaging your black-and-blues. Your life is just too important to ride solo!" Says Martha.
Yusei gasps, struck by the statement. "Now, eat this." Martha says. She hands him the plate, with two apple slices. "Thanks, for all your help." Says Yusei. "There's just one more thing. If you run out of here before I say you're ready to go." Martha says. She brandishes a fist. "Then those scars are just the beginning." Says Martha. Yusei almost laughs, then looks down at the Sign on his arm. "Good luck, Yusei. You'll need it." Martha says. "Hey, where's Sakura anyway? I need to thank her." Says Yusei. "She's gone, Yusei. She went back to the City. She needed to bring the other three Signers together is what she said. I just hope she hasn't gotten into any trouble already." Martha says.
Meanwhile, at the Arcadia building. Tanner, Yanagi, Luna and Leo, all in their nicest clothes, are sitting down to dinner with Sayer, who is wearing a rather outrageous-looking fancy teal suit. Leo's wearing a blue suit, with a white shirt and blue bowtie under his jacket, and black loafers, with white, knee high socks. Luna is wearing a pink dress, a white cardigan and a pink ribbon below her neck. Sayer has a familiar looking female with him, only the others can't seem to figure it out. Luna has some suspicions. Her head has a hood over it, so the upper half of her face is shadowed. The hood is attached to a cloak that goes down to her ankles. "So, what're they serving? Red meat doesn't agree with me." Says Yanagi, aside to Tanner. "Be quiet, gramps. No one cares." Tanner says, aside to Yanagi. "Sorry." Says Yanagi. "So, all of you want to see Akiza. I should warn you, she's awfully busy. What's so incredibly important that you've come all the way here?" Sayer asks. "Well, she's got a Dragon Sign. That means she's a superhero. And now, because Luna and me are superheroes, too. We're going to help our friend Yusei and fight the Dark Signers and save the whole city, okay?" Asks Leo. "Your young friend here certainly has an imagination." Sayer says. "We know." Says Tanner, unamused. "Bu-u-u-u-u-ut, it makes sense. I've been monitoring some strange occurrences lately. We would love to help you." Sayer says. "You would?" Asks Leo. "Eh?" Yanagi asks. "My Arcadia Movement is here for good. If any of my psychic duelists, especially the lovely Akiza, can be of help, what sort of person would I be if I turned my back on you? I promise you all I'll do everything to stop this threat." Says Sayer. "Okay!" Leo says. "Thank you!" Says Luna. "Now, if you would just excuse me. I'll go get Akiza." Sayer says. He walks out of the room.
"So there! You said that he was all weird and scary. How's it feel to be wrong!" Says Leo. "I thought he said we were gonna eat dinner, I brought my best kimono!" Yanagi says. "I'm sure he'll, hold on. You guys smell something a little funny?" Asks Tanner. "You guys need to get out of here, now." "Wait, who are you to tell us what to do?" Leo asks. "Leo!" Says Luna, chiding. "I happen to be the one who told you not to come here in the first place." She pulls her hood down and removes her cloak. The shadows then make it disappear, changing it into Sakura's long tailcoat. "Sakura!" Tanner, Yanagi and the twins all say, surprised. "You guys need to leave, now." Says Sakura, while placing her coat back on. "Why?" Leo asks. "Sayer isn't going to help you. He isn't even going to get Akiza." Says Sakura. "Didja see me, sis? He did everything I said!" Leo says. "Leo, that's not a Signer power." Says Luna. Sakura's eyes are starting to get heavy again like before. "Oh-no, not again." Sakura says. She suddenly falls to her knees again. "Sakura!" Says Tanner. He runs over to Sakura and keeps her from collapsing to the floor, she's out cold.
"What's wrong with her, Tanner?" Luna asks. Leo yawns.
Tanner manages to find some sort of needle on the ground near Sakura, he then picks it up and examines it, closely. "She's been drugged." Says Tanner. "Drugged?" Leo asks, with a yawn. "You know, sedated." Says Tanner. "Whoa, you sure. 'Cause, I'm pretty tired myself." Leo says. He rests his head on the table and falls asleep.
"Me, too." Says Luna. She tilts her head to one side and nods off.
"Hey." Tanner says. "Quiet. Not so loud." Says Yanagi. He falls asleep, too.
"Uh, what is this, naptime? Ugh..." Tanner says. He falls asleep, too.
The door opens, admitting Sayer and four Arcadia goons, all wearing gas masks. "Luna, ever since I saw you duel at the tournament, I knew I had to have your special powers under my control. The only question is whether your brother shares your gifts. Fortunately, I have ways to find out. And Skylar, for the answers I want from you, I know you'll be a tough one to crack. So, I guess I'll have to break you to get the answers I want from you." Sayer thinks to himself. He turns to the goons. "Take Miss. Kuro to my private quarters. You know what to do with the rest of them." Says Sayer.
Sometime later. Tanner and Yanagi are locked up in a small room, with a dripping pipe or two, still out cold.
Sakura's been placed in some sort of room and her wrists are tied down to the armrests of the chair that she's sitting in, she's still knocked out herself.
"Wake up, my little pretty." Sayer says.
Sakura's eyes flutter open, she's still feeling the effects of the sedation.
Sayer kneels down before Sakura and lifts up her chin, making her look up at him. "You may still be under sedation, but I know you can still understand what I'm saying to you. So listen very carefully, I'm only going to give you this one chance. Tell me about these powers that you and that little girl possess? Are there more of you? And does that little boy share the same gifts as his sister?" Asks Sayer. "I'm not... telling you... anything, Sayer... And leave... Leo... and Luna... alone... They are... just kids..." Sakura says, still under the effects of the sedation. Sayer then releases her chin and stands up. "You had your chance. From now on, your stay here will be quite unpleasant. I'll torture you until you break and tell me what I want to know." Says Sayer.
He turns to the door and gets ready to leave. "Sakura, that's your actual name, isn't it? The others were calling you by that name instead of Skylar. I will be back to deal with you." Sayer says. He opens the door and leaves the room, closing the door behind himself.
Sayer then turns to face the goon standing at the door. "No one else but me is allowed to enter this room. I'll be back once I'm through with the boy." Says Sayer. He walks off down the hallway.
"Whatever you say, Boss."
"Grim, come forth." Sakura thinks to herself, speaking telepathically to Grim.
Streams of shadowy mist suddenly emerge from her shadow and Grim soon takes form before her. "Grim, listen to me. I need you to find Jack and lead him to me. I shall open up the portal for you. However, I don't have enough power for it to send you directly to him. I just have enough for it to bring you outside of this building. Do you understand?" Sakura thinks to herself, speaking telepathically to Grim. Grim bows his head, as if in acknowledgement. Sakura, with all the power she has right now, summons forth one of her portals, which is noticeably small than what she's normally able to open up, but big enough to accommodate Grim. Grim walks up to the portal and stops in front of it, turning to look back at Sakura. "Go on, Grim. I can't keep it open for long." Sakura thinks to herself, speaking telepathically to Grim. Grim then turns to face the portal and leaps into it. As soon as Grim steps into it, the portal closes.
The portal opens up just outside the front door of the Arcadia building and Grim comes running out of it, with it closing up behind him. Grim lifts his head up to the sky and sniffs the air. He soon takes off running down the street, in search for Jack.
Luna comes to looking at Akiza, sideways. Luna sits up on the couch she was asleep on and looks again.
Akiza is standing nearby, she hasn't noticed that Luna's awakened.
"Akiza?" Luna asks.
"Quiet, the duel's starting." Says Akiza.
"Huh?" Luna asks.
Akiza turns away from her and looks through the window.
Luna stands up and walks to the window beside Akiza, they're looking down onto a duel arena, where Sayer stands at one end and Leo stands at the other, tugging at a chain attached to his ankle. Leo's wearing a helmet and shoulder pads, with little yellow antennae. "Leo! Why's he chained?" Asks Luna. "It's a test." Akiza says. "Well then, where's his desk?!" Asks Luna.
"Egh! Egh! Rrgh! Where's Luna?! Where am I?! What's going on?!" Leo asks.
"The chain's there for your own protection. We don't want you hurting yourself, now, do we? As for that hat you're wearing, it's for detecting latent psychic powers. Assuming, of course, that you have any." Says Sayer.
"Latent what?! You said you were going to get Akiza and help us fight the Dark Signers!" Leo says.
"Well now, that is what they would call a lie, and I'm sure you'll hear many more." Says Sayer.
"Let me go! Uh..." Leo says. He notices Luna in the window above.
"You've gotta be brave, Leo." Luna thinks to herself.
"Luna! Get outta here!" Says Leo.
"Save your breath, Leo. There's no way she can hear you." Sayer says.
"What're you gonna do to me?! Take my brain or something?!" Asks Leo.
"Of course not. You're here to take a test to see if you have the power of a psychic duelist. Know that word?" Sayer asks.
"What, psycho?!" Asks Leo.
"No. A psychic can do incredible things with their mind, something small or something powerful. My psychics use their abilities to make their decks come alive. Imagine, an unstoppable army made up of my duelists." Sayer says.
"The tournament..." Says Leo.
"Akiza was just a preview, I have dozens more psychic duelists at my command. Who cares about these Dark Signers, let them destroy the Satellite Sector. It only helps me in my quest to make society pay for the discriminating ways in which they've treated psychics throughout time." Sayer says.
Akiza and Luna are watching, but they can't hear anything that's being said.
"Does that mean that Akiza's gonna help you get even? Ohh! But, she's supposed to be a hero!" Says Leo.
"A hero? Ha! She doesn't even know what I'm really doing here! Now, whaddaya say we start that test?" Sayer asks.
Leo activates his duel disk. "Guess I don't got a choice." Says Leo.
"Now, be sure to duel hard. 'Cause if you don't, you'll end up locked away with your friends! Shall we?" Sayer asks.
"Duel!" Says both Leo and Sayer. Both duelists start with 4000 lifepoints.
"I'll be going first! I summon, Krebons!" Sayer says. Krebons has 1200 attack points. "And I'll end my turn with one face down! You're up now, Leo!" Says Sayer.
"My deck rules, weirdo! After I take you out, your army is next!" Leo says.
"That's the spirit." Says Sayer.
"And for my first move, I summon my Morphtronic Radion!" Leo says. Morphtronic Radion has 1000 attack points, 900 defense points and is a level 4 monster. "When he's in attack mode, all the other Morphtronic monsters get an extra eight hundred attack points!" Says Leo. That includes itself, Morphtronic Radion's attack points increase to 1800. "With that bonus out there, he's got more than enough, to take you out! Morphtronic, attack!" Leo says.
"I activate my Krebons' ability! Instead of it being destroyed, I can save my monster by paying eight hundred lifepoints. Ya gotta spend points to make points." Says Sayer. A barrier of Krebons' yellowish power appears around it and Leo's monster bounces off. Sayer's lifepoints decrease to 3200.
"If that's your idea of a strategy, then you're in big, big trouble! And so is your army!" Leo says.
"That's the attitude. Now I summon, Psychic Snail." Says Sayer. Psychic Snail has 1900 attack points.
"Ah! It's got almost two thousand attack points!" Leo says.
"Leo, come now. I said this was a test. Now, why don't we see how ya do on part two? Psychic Snail, attack!" Says Sayer.
It destroys Radion, leaving Leo with 3900 lifepoints. "Nyaaagh-aaagh! Hey, what was that? Something just shocked me!" Leo says.
"That is the result of my psychic dueling power, Leo! And if you ever hope to beat me, you'd better use your own! Krebons, give Leo another taste!" Says Sayer.
"Aaah! Aaaaagh!" Leo is thrown to the floor, held back from flying further by the chain. Leo's lifepoints read 2700. Leo's really in pain now, he clenches his teeth and a bead of sweat drips down his cheek.
"Leo! Please stop this, that's my brother!" Luna says. "I can't, Luna. Once the test begins, it can only be stopped once a duelist loses." Says Akiza. "Leo!" Luna says, worriedly.
Leo is starting to cry. "This isn't fair! I wanna go home! Aaaaaaaagh!" Says Leo.
"If you ever wanna see your sister again, Leo. I would quit the whining and show me your psychic powers. Now, are you gonna get up and duel or rust my steel floor?" Sayer asks, heartlessly.
"Leave us alone!" Says Leo.
"I'm doing this as a favor, you'll thank me in the end! If you wanna see Luna, show me your powers!" Sayer says.
Leo clenches his fist. "Ugh, you're gonna wish you never messed with my sister! Nobody gets away with that!" Says Leo.
"That's the spirit, Leo! Come at me with all that anger, all that emotion you have buried deep down inside! So, what're you gonna do? Are you just gonna cry, or are you gonna duel?!" Sayer asks.
"I'm gonna win!" Says Leo. He draws. "I summon out, Morphtronic Remoten!" Leo says. Morphtronic Remoten has 1300 attack points. "And then, I'm gonna activate the spell 'Junk Box', and thanks to that, I get to re-summon Morphtronic Radion! And next, I'll tune my Remoten with my Radion!" Says Leo. Remoten's little mechanical eyes whirl a couple times, then it disappears, revealing three shining stars that soar upward into the air and re-emerge as green rings. Radion flies through the rings, transforming into glowing outlines. Its four stars align. "Now, you're gonna get a little taste of what I got in store for the Dark Signers. I synchro-summon, Power Tool Dragon!" Leo says.
Power Tool Dragon is a level-seven machine-type monster that has twenty-three hundred attack points and twenty-five-hundred defense points.
"Nice. Now, keep that focus and harness the energy that flows within." Says Sayer.
"Well, how's this for energy! I use my dragon's special ability so that I can play a random equip spell from my deck! Yes! Now I can play 'Double Tool C and D', which gives an extra one thousand attack points to the monster I equip it to, so say goodbye to your Krebons! Power Tool Dragon, you're about to get a power-up! Smile, 'cause here comes my dentist! Ataaaaack!" Leo says.
"Wait, you're forgetting one thing. If I sacrifice eight hundred life points, Krebons' special ability activates, which completely cancels your dragon's attack!" Says Sayer.
"For a psychic, you don't know much! With 'Double Tool', not one of your monsters can use its special ability! So now, let's keep that dragon attack going!" Leo says.
"What?!" Asks Sayer. Krebons is destroyed, Sayer's lifepoints fall to 1100, he barely notices. "Heh. Not bad." Sayer says.
Power Tool Dragon's points go back to 2300. "I know. Next time, you should be more careful who you knock out with gas! 'Cause in case you hadn't heard, mister, I'm the sixth Signer, and I'm gonna save my sister!" Says Leo.
"Ohh, be careful." Luna thinks to herself.
"It's my move. I play the spell 'Psi-Station', and once I activate it, when I summon any other psychic monster, if I sacrifice five hundred life points, then my new monster gets a nice little bonus, to the tune of three hundred extra attack points. And I've got just the monster to use it. I summon, Psychic Commander." Sayer says. Psychic Commander has 1400 attack points and is a level 3 monster. "Now, I'll sacrifice those five hundred lifepoints I just mentioned, to activate my 'Psi-Station'!" Says Sayer. His lifepoints decrease further to 600. "And due to its effect, my Psychic Commander's attack points and power level increase." Sayer says. Psychic Commander now has 1700 attack points and is a level 4 monster.
"He's still no match for my Tool Dragon!" Says Leo.
"And you'd be absolutely right if I was finished, but I think I'll use my Commander to tune Psychic Snail, for a synchro-summon!" Sayer says. Psychic Commander and Psychic Snail combine, the former forming green rings around the latter. "I've given you plenty of chances to show me your psychic powers, this is your last chance. I summon…" Says Sayer. From a smoldering cobalt fog emerges a pair of glowing red eyes, followed by a huge monster. "Thought Ruler Archfiend! Heheheheh." Sayer says.
"Ohh!" Says Luna. She watches, fearfully.
Thought Ruler Archfiend is a fearsome creature in dark green and bright orange, with bleached white bones for armor, a skeletal face, large wings and claws. Thought Ruler Archfiend has 2700 attack points.
"Whoa! I have to be brave for my sister. Okay, Leo. He's bigger, but as long as your dragon's equipped with 'Double Tool', you can sacrifice it in order to keep 'im alive!"
"I must say, I applaud your innovative strategy. But unfortunately, it will only work if I attack your dragon." Sayer says.
"But, but you have to!" Says Leo.
"I'm sorry, but I'll be using my trap card right now. It's called 'Battle Teleportation', and it allows me to attack you and bypass your dragon." Sayer says.
"Uaaaaaah!"
"Archfiend, I'm afraid we have to give Leo a failing grade!" Says Sayer.
"Aaaah! Aaaaaaaah! Uugh!" Leo gets blasted with shadowy fog from Thought Ruler Archfiend and hits the ground. Leo looks up at the window from the floor. "Sorry, Luna..." Leo says, weakly. He faints, lying there on the ground, motionless, he's reflected in Power Tool Dragon's shiny red eye before both Power Tool and Thought Ruler disappear, the duel is over.
"Well. It looks like the boy's not so special after all. At least I still have the girl." Sayer thinks to himself. He looks up at Luna, who is beating the window, frantically.
"Oh no! Why isn't he moving?! Come on, please, Leo!" Says Luna.
Sometime later in the night, Sayer has returned to his private quarters. He's standing across from Sakura, who is facing the wall and her arms are tied up over her head to the wall. All of Sakura's clothes have been removed, with the exception of her black panties, while her hair is slung over her shoulders. Sakura also has a scar on the lower-right side of her torso, just over the lower ribs, a scar, which forms similarly to a tilted x, on the left side of her abdomen, just above where the waistband of her pants would be, a long, rigid scar that runs horizontally along her abdomen from hip-to-hip, just below her naval, and she has more than a few rigid scars that run diagonally along her legs. Every scar that marks up her body, except for possibly the crooked one that runs vertically down her left eye and the one on the left side of her abdomen, which were most likely butterfly stitched, look like they were done through surgical means, due to how prominent they are along her body. Sayer's holding a whip in his hand. "You should've told me what I wanted to know the first time. You're at my mercy now, Sakura." Sayer says. He cracks the whip against the bare flesh of Sakura's back. She lets out a cry, in pain. Sayer lashes at her exposed skin, nonstop, not showing any restraint or mercy.