Another chapter! And done as quickly as can be~ I am on fire! . . . No, seriously. It gets freakin' hot over here in LA, even in Winter. Everyone, to all of those who tell you that living in LA is awesome . . . You lie! XD Ha, just kidding. I love LA, yet I don't like that I live in a small town that's so quiet, you can here a pin drop on the freeway :P Anyway, I'll spare you guys my pointless life and I'll bring ya the newest chapter! Alright, to bring it out front. I won't be posting Luna and the Professor's Duel. Sorry to all who were expecting it, but I figured it wouldn't give you much interest. Sorry to disappoint.
That's enough of that, right? Alright, with seventeen days till Christmas, lets get this chapter rolling!
Disclaimer: Kazuki Takahashi owns this. Not me.
~Chapter Ten: The Fortune Cup: Part Two: The Past Will Lend you Strength~
(Satelitte Port, The Satelitte, 10:00 AM)
Despite what everyone said about the Satellite, the sun rising just above the ocean's horizon was amazing and breathtaking, the blue water glittering with the sun's golden rays with the front-ground of New Domino peaking in the back. In front of the ocean was the port, a few booths selling whatever items of wear and tear the dwellers of the broken city could manage to buy or trade for open with a few people. A boat that arrived from New Domino was docked there, Blister walking off the plank that led him to land. As he walked, he heard random conversations go around.
"Man, this place really does look like a dump."
"Yeah, but we're college graduates, dude! Lets check this place out for kicks!"
The Jack-of-all-trades chuckled, remembering how young and foolish he was at that age. All those thoughts of having fun, getting a girlfriend, having the Duels of his life with a pro contract were long and distant, only flecks of laughter and whispered visions brushing back to his mind. Now, he was helping a girl he had only known for a few weeks, trying to dig out any information on her friends, with an unknown location, and a picture of the people in his pocket.
'The things I do now. Huh, if any one told me I would go this soft earlier, I would have gotten a lame-ass job at KaibaCorp. Eh, nah, this is more fun.' With that rather childish thought in mind, he walked over to a van he knew from years back.
"Step right up to the fastest ride to the Satellite Markets! The place to get recycled electronics around! They got ecryptors, decryptors, re-cryptors! All makes, all models!" Shouted the driver, a few passengers already on board.
"Room for one more?" Asked Blister, the man giving an impish grin when he saw him.
"Hey, Blister! It's been was too long, buddy! Aren't you placed in the city, now? What brings you back here?" The man paused, a frown on his face. "Still mopin' 'bout Arra?"
Blister shook his head as he placed down his bag. The driver, and a few other people, knew how close Blister and Arra were in the past. They didn't hear about Blister's pro-carree. All they knew was that Arra got in a accident and left. Neither did they know about Blister wanting to propose to his old friend.
"Really?" The man raised his eyebrows. "Well, shit. Guess you guys made up, huh? Didn't look that way when she came here a month back."
Blister stuck his head out the window so fast, he almost hit his head against the doordrame.
" . . . Arra's . . . Here in Satellite?" He asked, eyes wide and filled with what could be hope. The driver scratched his chin, nodding and looking to the sky.
"Yeah . . ." His eyes were searching the purple tinted clouds, as if they had the answers. "It was her alright. Said she got a job somewhere in the mountains," The driver nodded with a slight smile. "She's doing good. Said she got a job in the city before she moved here to work at some place in the mountains Had something to do with kids," He shrugged before walking over to the car seat and hopping in, starting the van.
"So why are you here in Satellite, anyway? If it's not for Arra?"
Shaking off the shock of the new lead to his lost love, the brunette closed the last door in the car and leaned back in his seat.
"A favor for a friend," He said, tipping his hat over his eyes, and wanting some rest.
"I thought you'd given up friends?" Asked the man as he drove down the streets that would lead to the markets. Blister adjusted himself to become comfortable, rolling his shoulders and ready for sleep.
"So did I . . ." With his words trailing off, he fell asleep.
(Box Seats 3D, Fortune Track, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 6:55 PM)
"YOU LOST?!" Luna and Destiny covered their ears as Leo began to rant, the both of them not wanting to have their ears drums stitched from all the yelling. "How are we supposed to keep Dueling now, Luna? It's not fair!"
From what he had gathered, while he was knocked out during Luna's Duel, that neither the professor or his sister one their Duel, the both of them disqualified.
"Well, just look who's talking," Luna glared at her twin darkly as she spoke, a vein almost visible on her head. "At least I didn't lose my my match like you did."
That was a deflate on Leo's ego.
"Well, yeah, but . . ." He began lamely, but Luna was off in remembering what happened in her Duel, the chilling look on her opponent's face forever scarring her mind.
'I guess because Leo passed out, he doesn't remember that my Duel was about a lot more than this tournament.' She thought, shivering as she remembered how terrible it was. All that had happened, about her dreams of the Spirit World in her childhood becoming real. From the Spirit World, she had learned that Ancient Fairy Dragon, a card that belonged to the Signers, was trapped in a inescapable realm. In order to save her, Luna would had to venture once more to her fairy tale land and set her free. Only, she had no idea how. Had it not been for her brother, Luna would have been trapped in that realm forever. It was a good thing too, since the distant space there was already twisted and distorted by the professor's selfish desires.
'And what power could the Professor had be talking about? Could he have meant that mark on my arm?' She wondered, amber-gold eyes glancing nervously to her arm, where the red mark use to be.
"What's wrong, Luna? Hurt your arm during the Duel?" Asked Yanagi, all eyes on the blue-haired girl.
"Yeah, you keep looking at it like you're expecting to see something." Noted Destiny, Luna covering her arm and looking at her lap.
"It's fine, I promise." She assured, her cheeks glowing faintly at all the concern drawn to her.
"If you say so," Yusei walked over, placing a hand on each of the twins' shoulders. "Now, I think its time to get you three home."
"Have fun babysitting them." Joked Tanner, only to have an eye-roll at his reply.
"I'll tag along, sis. We need to catch up, anyway." Said Alex, adding a grin.
"Alright!" Leo was once again pleased, glad to have more time with the beauty from the slums. "We'll have an all-night Dueling sleepover-"
The main screen glowed again, and everyone snapped their heads to attention as the MC took a snazzy pose.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the second round has been announced! Check out the competition bracket!" Two screens appeared, each one with a different portion of the tournament. The screen flashed with multi-colors
Yusei Fudo vs. Greiger Bommer
Akiyuki Izyoi vs. Commander Koda
"Who knows what kind of excitement awaits!? Who will win? Who will lose? Four opponents! Two rounds! Who will it be? Things are gonna get really crazy! See ya' tomorrow!" The MC signed off with a wink and the games ended from there. Part one had came to an end.
"Yusei vs Greiger? Oh no, not him!" Leo whined. "Greiger's super tough, he even beat me!" He looked worriedly at Yusei, looking scared out of his mind.
"Looks like you guys'll be Turbo Dueling" Observed Tanner, a little bit of grief in his voice. Yusei rested on one hip, looking up at the digital picture of the dark-skinned man.
"That bad?" She asked, her Facility friend nodding.
"You bet, because rumor on the circuit said Greiger's got a new Duel Runner he's gonna be using. It's supposed to be unbeatable." He muttered, Yusei only humming in return. Leo's eyes widen, gulping and almost coughing on his own dry throat.
'I can't let Greiger win. He's cool, but Yusei deserves to win! . . .Oh!' An idea struck him with a light bulb. 'If I can sneak into his garage before the match, I can see what he's got planned and tell Yusei!'
"Uh, are you okay?" Asked Luna, watching as her brother suddenly looked nervous and suspicious.
"Huh? Oh . . . Yeah! Fine! I, uh. . . Just left something! Somewhere else! Be right back!" With a mock salute, Leo began to dash out of there as if he had ants in his pants.
"Where are you going?" Called Luna, everyone watching as Leo tried make an escape.
"Oh! You know! The place with the, uh . . . Oh! Look at the time! Gotta go!" He dashed out, leaving a dust outline of himself as he did so. Both Luna and Destiny shared a look.
"Leo . . . ?" Asked Destiny.
"This can't be good." Finished Luna, shaking her head.
(Unknown Private Lounge, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 6:55 PM)
"This card should help you in your Duel tomorrow." Lazar snickered as he handed Greiger a trap card, he, the tall man himself, and Goodwin in the lounge.
"This is perfect." Said Greiger, slipping the purple-marked card into the deck box attached to his belt.
"Don't forget, Greiger, we need you to bring out Yusei's mark." Reminded Lazar, in all seriousness even with his clown-like smirk. With the same sense that could rival the little man's, Grieger nodded and Goodwin stepped up.
"Greiger knows what the stakes are. He is a faithful servant of Yliaster," Stated Goodwin, a faint smile on his thin lips."And he will determine if Yusei's truly is a Signer, once and for all, correct?" Greiger bowed his head in confirmation, no sign of hesitation, what-so-ever.
"Yes, I swear it, sir. And once I'm finished, can I rely on your word?" His voice held the slightest hope.
"Of course. Your village, right? Tragic." It didn't look as if Goodwin held any sympathy for Greiger's village, his eyes as cold and serious as the driven snow and his voice with the least of care. "I wish there was something that could have be done to stop the devastation. How's your family? Have you heard anything from them?"
Greiger cast his eyes down, twitches of sadness within his gut and his throat going a little dry.
"Nothing yet. I hope that they are okay." He replied, Goodwin nodding in return.
"I'm sure that they are."
"Yes, and I'm sure they're in dire need of the food and supplies you promised to deliver once I get Yusei's mark to appear. Now I must go and prepare for my Duel." He bowed once more to the silver-haired man before taking his leave, walking down a hallway and suddenly stopping when another person walked in the opposite direction.
"Nice outfit." Sneered Jack. Greiger didn't flinch under his glacier-cold glare.
"I don't have time to trash talk with you," He muttered, glaring at the young "king". "Now what do you want?"
"Just this" Jack stated, trying to make himself look taller. "I don't like you, Greiger, and I never have. And don't even think about beating Yusei. She's all mine. But then again, I shouldn't worry too much. You were barely able to beat that pig-tailed pipsqueak from before." If things could be any more quiet, a growl could be heard from Greiger's throat.
"Listen up, Jack. My job is to put Yusei through the wringer. So in the meantime, why don't you stay out of my way?" Suggested the exotic man as he brushed passed Jack, before stopping.
"There is something bothering me, though. You speak as if you despise Yusei with all your heart, as if you hate her very existence-"
At this point, Jack began to walk away, seeing no point in Greiger's speech.
"-But yet, the look in your eyes and body language say something entirely different."
" . . . What did you just say?"
"I'm saying that you're using your pride and power to hide how you really feel. A sad little "king" using whatever source of power he can use to cast away the life he once had, and forget those he cared about. That's all you have, Jack; power. But yet you are alone. Without those you care about, you are nothing, Jack. That's all it'll ever come to if your "power" is taken from you." Grieger narrowed his eyes, speaking with fierce passion. "I'm saying you better get your act together, quit letting your pride get to you, and clean the messes you've made, before you loose something . . . Or someone important."
"And just whom should I not loose?" Muttered Jack, looking back at Greiger.
"Here's a few hints: blue eyes, black hair with amber highlights, rides a red Runner. She's someone who's very determined and passionate, and the crowds here have been calling her the worst names, you'd think they censored the entire screening of this tournament by now," Greiger gave a fiery look. "Don't loose her, Jack. Like I said, without her, or the friends you once had, you're nothing." Greiger took hold of the heavy fist that was meant to squash his nose, dark eyes glinting knowingly as he stared at the angered look on Jack's face.
"Don't shit with me," Growled Jack, his voice rasped with unimaginable rage. "You have no idea what I could do with the connections I have."
"You've just proved my point further," Throwing back the fist, and watching the blonde regain his footing from the shove, Greiger turned on his heel and began to walk away once more. "I got things to do. Take my advice, Jack, unless you want to get hurt."
Fixing the collar of his large, white coat, the Australian gritted his teeth and turned swiftly to walk down the hallway.
'You have better not interfere with my destiny, Greiger . . .'
(Participants Garages, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 10:00 PM)
"Greiger's garage! Time to check out that super-secret Runner of his!"
Giggling to himself, Leo snuck between hallways, hiding behind large yellow crates, and ducking his way to an open window. Close at this time of night, he was determined to see Greiger's secret weapon. Noticing the open window, he smiled to himself and hopped over a few crates, leaping to an upside-down bucket and squirming to get near the window. His body only made it waist-first.
"Almost there; just a few more inches and I'm in-" He screamed as he lost his balance on the bucket and fell through the window, landing head-first onto the floor. He groaned, rubbing the forming bruise on his head as he sat up.
"Next time, I'm packing a parachute." He groaned, gripping his head before shaking it. Remembering what he came to do, he pulled out a small flashlight from his pocket and flashed it on, only to scream as he came face-to-face with the skull of a bull. His startled cry caused the whole area to blink an angry red with sires blaring about.
"This can't be happening! If I can't see them, they can't see me!"
After a few minutes, the alarms were shut off, and Greiger came walking in with a monkey wrench in hand.
'Someone must've tripped the alarm to my garage.' He thought. Spotting something crouching near a crate, he was ready to bring a world of hurt to whoever intruded, when he saw it was only Luna's twin brother, sleeping on the cold floor. He was almost struck silent.
"What are you doing here?"
(The Tops, Northern New Domino City, 11:00 PM)
The delicious spread of steaks and mash potatoes was left untouched, the strange silence between Yusei, Luna, Destiny, and Alex almost scary. The four sat around a table with one seat empty, and a plate of food growing cold.
"Leo's never late for dinner," Commented Luna, looking over her brother's plate to make sure it was still warm. "I mean, he loves food a much as loves Dueling, maybe even more."
"It really is late. I'm getting worried." Whimpered Destiny, her fingers nervously smoothing the creases on her skirt. Yusei stood abruptly.
"I'll go out and find him. I have a feeling he's in trouble."
"I'm with ya, sis." Said Alex, putting down his napkin and copying Yusei.
"I can help, too!" Luna said, she and Destiny standing up.
"Me, too!"
"You two should stay here. It's late," Yusei turned to Alex. "And I need you to watch over them while I'm gone. Please, Alex."
"Please?" Luna cut in and gave a hopeful smile. "He's my brother! What if he's hurt? And we can cover quadruple the ground in half the time!" Both she and Destiny looked at her with pleading eyes that would melt anyone's heart.
"C'mon, sis. They really want to help," Alex gave a concerned look. "'Sides, you think I'm letting ya go out on your own after your fall? Nu-uh, no way, sis. I'm coming, whether you want me to, or not."
Yusei sighed, but she didn't look annoyed by their decisions. On the contrary, she looked touched, and a little grateful.
"You got a point. Alright. Luna, you come with me. We'll cover the freeways and roads. Alex, you and Destiny cover the hotel and nearby neighborhood Call me if you see Leo."
With nods from all around, the search parties went their separate ways.
(West Marketplace, The Satellite, 11:30 PM)
Much more lively than the port, the small glows of the booth lamps of the marketplace made it seem more calm and suburban as a van pull to a stop. With a handful of other patrons, Blister hitched his bag over his shoulder, grabbing his hat as he jumped out of the van.
"Just promise you'll be careful, Blister. Goodwin's security goons are lurking everywhere!" Warned Blister's friend.
"Don't you worry about me. I'll be fine," Blister tipped his hat in thanks and left the van, walking past the many booths and pulling out a GPS from his vest pocket.
"Alright, the coordinates Yusei gave me should lead me right to her friends. Let's just hope Goodwin hasn't gotten to them already." He said to himself, looking at his GPS as it blinked and read that the direction was correct. He looked up, noting an old subway sign.
"An old subway tunnel. It's a wonder anyone would ever use it now." He mumbled, pulling a flashlight out of his pocket and casting the small patch of light around him as he walked down the steps. His boots clicked and creaked as he walked down broken and tarnished steps.
"I like it. It reminds me of my place back in the city . . . " Her gave a quick look as a rat squeaked in a corner, running away from the bright light. " . . . Just a bit cleaner." He added, making it to the last step and walking down a stoned lane. He spotted a small shack covered by a green tent, a few crates and bits of trash around. The description fit exactly as Yusei told him.
"Hello, anyone down here?" No answer. "Don't be alarmed! I'm a friend of Yusei's!" Blister walked to the front of the tent, his flashlight casting no shadows behind the curtained tent."She sent me here to check out on you guys!" He pulled back the flap of the ten, gasping at the sight.
There was no sign of blood or areas where it looked someone was beaten, but there were definitely signs of struggling. A large table was turned over, papers scattered everywhere, old pens and pencils broken, and electronics were bashed and crushed beyond repair.
"This place has been ransacked!" Exclaimed the informant, walking around the shack. He bent down and lifted a broken picture frame, grimacing as he saw that the photo had been stepped on.
"This isn't good." He said to himself, carefully scratching away the boot marks. In the photo were the Yusei's friends, all of them looking younger, and with other people, too. A tall and gangly Blitz and a skinny and nervous Nervin were in a double headlock by a pudgy and dimple-faced Tank, the trio laughing with ruddy cheeks. A little away was Rally, small and his eyes barely seen through his over-sized beanie he. He was sitting by the feet of four children, all of them looking close to the ages of the male trio.
The first girl and boy were children he didn't recognize, the both of them under a grey blanket and looking as if they were hiding something, mirth on their barely visible smiles and childish tricks dancing in two pairs of eyes, one silver and one gold. Next to the two were another boy and girl, the boy lanky and pale with short blonde hair, purple eyes, and freckles. The girl next to him had raven-black hair with a few smudges of golden paint in her hair, dark blue eyes bright and wondrous and a dark blue bow tied in her hair.
" . . . Yusei and Jack?" He wondered, noticing that the younger Jack had an arm around Yusei's shoulders, and he was grinning. It was a look that would look the oddest on the current Jack's face. The Yusei next to him looked different, too. Her smile was cute and adorable, and there was a rosy-red coloring on her cheeks. That was a color he never expect on Yusie's dark cheeks. Eyeing the picture, he looked around the tent once more.
"Where could they be?" He asked himself.
(Mid-Cross Ways Neighborhood, Northern New Domino City, 12:00 AM)
Yusei and Luna carefully cut a few corners around the neighborhood the rich child holding tightly onto the back of Yusei's seat as she drove them through the streets on her D-Wheel. The blackette suddenly pulled to a stop as she spotted Alex and Destiny waiting them near a corner.
"So, did you find Leo?"
"Nothing. You guys neither, huh?" Yusei shook her head, Alex sighing at this and Destiny giving a worried look.
"Yusei, I'm scared." Whispered Luna, holding her hands to her chest. Yusei gave a warm smile as she looked back at the little girl.
"Don't worry, Luna; your brother's out there and we'll find him." She assured, helping her off the blood-red vehicle and taking back the helmet she borrowed.
The sudden sharp sound of a kicked can startled them, the four turning to the closest alleyway near them.
"Someone's in the alley!" Squeaked Destiny, shaking as someone walked out of the shadows. It was Greiger, and over his shoulder was an unconscious Leo. "He's got Leo!" Cried the brunette, scared completely.
'And he doesn't look too happy about it.' Thought Yusei, though keeping a calm composer. She knew it was not the right time to jump to conclusions. Yet."Greiger, what are you doing with Leo?"
"Relax. He's alright, Yusei. He broke into my garage. I found him sleeping on the floor." The Aztec man nudge the little kid, the latter murmuring in his sleep. Everyone felt a million weights lift off their shoulders, glad that the situation was clearing up.
(The Tops, Northern New Domino City, 12:30 AM)
As soon as they got back to the comfort of the Tops, Greiger took the liberty of taking Leo to bed, Alex also offering to help Luna and Destiny back to bed. As they did so, Yusei slipped off her jacket and boots, deciding to give her D-Wheel a tune-up before bed. Just as she took a seat on the worn leather, an in-coming call flashed into her network. Putting on her helmet, Yusei turned on the screen to see Blister.
"Blister?"
"Yusei, I went to your pals' bunker, but the place is totally trashed!" Yusei gasped, surprised and worried.
"Trashed? But they're okay, right?" She clutched the armrest of her machine, hoping that her friends were safe, remembering she had left the guys after they had gotten into a scruff with Lenny and his gang. Her heart dropped as Blister shook his head.
"They're missing; and I can't find a trace." He muttered. Yusei's heart was beating a mile a minute, cold sweat gathering along her hairline.
"What happened? Did Goodwin take them in?" She asked, her voice a little breathy. Blister shook his head, his face distorting in the picture.
"No idea. And h-zzt-ere's where the trail goes cold-ztzz. After I hacked into Security, I couldn't find a tra-zztss-ce of them. It's like they just va-vanished. And if Goodwin's got a hold-bzzzzt- of them, they could be anywhere by now." The screen had suddenly gained static snow, scratches of speakers almost drowning out the older man's voice. "S-ssshhzzt-shit. They're tracking my -bbbbzzztzzt -signal! I gotta sign off quick! I'll be- I'll be back if I find anything."
"Thanks-" Yusei suspected Blister only heard half of that, since he signed off so quickly. Yusei looked at her hands, astonished as they trembled. She felt something gliding down her cheek, her fingertips barely catching a wet droplet running over her criminal mark.
'I'm . . . Crying?'
"Hey, the kids are . . . Sis?"
Yusei looked up, cursing quietly as another tear swayed down her cheek, right in front of Alex and Grieger. Both men were shocked, and Alex took a tentative step forward.
"Sis . . . Are you crying?"
Yusei sniffled, regretting it and quickly turning away, trying her best to discreetly wipe her face.
"I'm," She took a shuddering sigh, trying to relax her jumbled up shuddering. "I'm fine. Just tired."
Alex gave a skeptical look, always curious eyes bright and glazed, before he nodded.
"Fine. But, let me get you something to drink. Be right back." He walked out and into the kitchen, leaving an awkward silence between Yusei and Greiger. The older man scratched the back of his neck.
"The boy's sound asleep." He tried to start the conversation. Yusie turned to him and gave a quiet laugh.
"Sure can snore, can he?" She asked. Greiger gave his best smile.
"Yep."
Deciding to get some fresh air, they stepped out onto the patio, the moon's reflection glittering on the dark surface of the pool.
"Thanks for bringing Leo back. I owe you one." Said the raven-haired girl.
"Forget it. He was just trying to help you out." Yusei looked at him with a curious look.
"Help me out?" She asked.
"He wanted a sneak-peek at my new D-Wheel like everyone else out there," Greiger didn't look annoyed, though there was a tired look on his dark face. "In fact, I had to install five new alarm systems just to keep it under wraps." Yusei crossed her arms, eyes trailing around the smooth edges of the stilled-water in the pool.
"You gonna call Security?" She asked. Greiger let out a small bark of laughter, surprising Yusei further.
"No. He reminds me of my own little brother," His eyes warmed with nostalgia just for a short second."I'm not gonna punish him just because he's trying to help you win our Duel tomorrow. It won't make a difference. You're still going down. "This had both Duelists frowning. "I may be a good guy off the track, but trust me when I say that you don't wanna mess with me when I'm Turbo-Dueling. After all, these are the big leagues, Yusei. And there's quite a lot riding on this tournament for me and my future."
"What? Like a big trophy?" Yusie wanted to bite back her question, but she couldn't help but ask, her curiosity spiked.
"Big trophy?" Greiger shook his head, taking one step forward. "No, the future I'm talking about is for my family. They're far away. Waiting, hoping I'll give them some help. We used to count the stars together..." Yusei caught the nostalgic look again, her heart wanting to reach out to the large man. Greiger suddenly glared at the sky."Here, there's only smog. And you, "He snapped his head to Yusei. "Why are you Dueling here?"
"My friends," Yusei sighed."I don't have a choice about it."
'So that's why you were crying.' Not wanting to voice this and embarrass Yusei, he asked. "Let me guess, Goodwin made you an offer you couldn't refuse. Sound right?"
"How'd you know? He came to you, too?" Asked Yusei, getting a nod.
"He offered me a chance to rebuild my family's village. My people believe that our forefathers were servants to the People of the Stars, and our village has a deep and hidden power."
Yusie's eyes danced over to her arm, her skin prickling there, before she looked back at Greiger.
"Hidden power?" She asked. "Are you talking about the legend of the Crimson Dragon?"
"That's right. Legend has it that whoever controls the Dragon also gets to control the destiny of the world. I hadn't been back to my village in years. But after I complete my mission here, I'll head back to rebuild my home." Yusei understood, knowing how far love for someone could go. However, she spoke with a sharp bite in her voice.
"You can't trust Goodwin's word, Greiger." She reasoned. The South American closed his eyes, knowing that there was no use to argue. There was use to rebuttal though.
"Easy for you to say. I need that power to help rebuild my village. I heard it was consumed by fire and destruction unlike any natural disaster the world has ever seen." He almost shivered at the images of what had became of his homeland flashed into his mind. He opened them again. "Then, Director Goodwin came to me. He said he'd help, but not until I help you continue with his quest."
"Greiger, don't you see you're being used?" Asked Yusei, desperate persuasion in her alto-like voice.
"If it's the only way to rebuild my village, then then I'll let him use me all he wants, Yusei." He dropped his eyes to the slightly short girl. "Sorry, but tomorrow, I have to win, no matter what." He said. Yusei looked up at him, dark eyes locked in a stare down.
"And my friends need me." She said, swearing that Rally's card was burning a hole in her deck with the many emotions within her.
"Then I guess we'll leave it at that. May the best Duelist win." He walked over to Yusei, placing a hand on her small shoulder and squeezing. He looked at her honestly.
"You're a great girl, Yusei. You remind me a lot of my little sister, Annie. I care for you as if you really were my sister. I meant it when I said I respected you, and that you are capable enough to go far in the Dueling world," Greiger said his words carefully. "And in a perfect world, we both get what we want in the arena tomorrow. But the world isn't perfect. One of us has to lose. And tomorrow, it's gonna be you." Patting her tan shoulder, Greiger walked out of the patio, the sound of the door closing inside meaning that he left the Tops.
Yusei took one last look at the pool's water, before she walked back in side, rubbing her emblows to give them warmth. Alex walked back with two cups of a warm drink Yusei never saw before.
"Here, Greiger left?" Asked the ex-convict, handing the mug. Yusei blew at the hot drink, steam rising to her face.
"Yeah, what is this?" She asked, taking a sip and sighing in content as the bitter yet settling taste relaxed her nerves.
"Got it from the cooks that were doing a late shift. It's called zen latte, or something like that. They said it has no sugar, and it can give easy sleep," Alex finished half of his, giving a grin. "Good thing, too. You need to rest up for tomorrow, sis."
Nodding in agreement and thanks, the two decided to stay up to chat and finish their lattes, before going to bed. Yusei was grateful that the drink eased her into sleep.
(Box Seats 3D, Fortune Track, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 11:00 AM)
"HELLO! And welcome one and all back to the second day of the Fortune Cup!" The day was bright and early, the seats of the Fortune cup filled once more, networks from all over covering the tournament as the families and friends of both New Domino and Satellite turned on televisions and radios to get the coverage of the event of the century. "It's time for the Semi-Finals of the Fortune Cup! Only Four competitors remain! With three Duels to go, only the remaining Duelist will get the chance to go head-to-head with Jack Atlas in Championship!" Announcing this, the MC was excited as ever. "First up in our Turbo-Duel, we got the hot and young rookie, Yusei Fudo squaring off against the Tower of Power, Greiger! Start your engines!"
Everyone cheered and yelled with excitement, the crowd going wild and ready for the next Duel. Yusei's friends from New Domino were waiting with equal feelings.
"Luna, have you seen Leo?" Asked Yanagi. Luna nodded, her worry from last night vanished.
"Yeah, he said he had something important to tell Yusei," She turned to the sky. "By all means, I hope he doesn't embarrass himself."
(Participants Garages, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 11:10 AM)
"Y . . . Yusei?" Looking up from her work, Yusei watched as Leo nervously walked up to her. "I'm really sorry about yesterday. I was just trying to help." He said, bottom lip bit and eyes going watery. He would feel so ashamed if Yusei were mad at him. Placing down her laptop, Yusei walked over, crouching to him.
"I understand, Leo. I'm not mad, but I am a little disappointed. Leo, you should already know that cheating is wrong," Leo bit his lip, trying not to cry. Yusei being disappointed in him was worse than Yusei being mad. The girl herself gave a sympathetic look, ruffling his blue hair. "And besides, I don't need to cheat to beat Greiger. So no more tears, OK?" She gave him a light, one-armed hug, before standing up. "Now if you would excuse me, I have a Turbo-Duel to win."
Bouncing back with joy, Leo waved excitedly as Yusei got on her Runner, slid on her hemate, and started off her D-Wheel, the young boy still waving as she left to make her entrance.
"Go for it! Oh, and take him down! I believe in you! I know you can do it!"
(Fortune Track, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 10:00 AM)
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's give it up for the Blue-Blood of the B.A.D District! A cool-headed chick who's a total heart-breaker! Lets hear it for Yusei!" Yelling this, the announcer whipped his hand to Yusei as she drove into the arena, mixtures of cheers and insults coming from everywhere!
"Get lost, Satellite!"
"You can win this, Yusei! Go get 'em!"
"As if! Fall off the Runner, bitch!"
"She's too cool to do that! Win, Yusei! You can do it!"
Yusei would have rolled her eyes, wondering if she should have added a mute option on her visor, when the whole area suddenly began to shake, almost rocking the wheels of her motorcycle. People were gripping at there seats, food flying and children clinging to their parents.
"Would you look at that? It's the most powerful D-Wheel I've ever seen!" Something was driving onto the race track. Designed in a dragster-style, it almost looked like a mechanical chariot. A chrome-plated bull skull gleamed in the sunlight. "It's a whopper of a chopper! It's the wheels with appeals! Ladies and gentlemen, it's Greiger and his Beast!" Everyone, now broken away from the panic, rose from their seats and cheered.
"That's one big Duel Runner! Yusei's gonna have her work cut out for her!" Shouted Tanner, eyes as wide as his friends as they watched what went on.
"What'd I miss?" Leo came rushing down the stares and hopped into his seats, his sister pointing at Greiger's Runner.
"Just that!
"That's what I saw in Greiger's garage!" Gasped the male twin, eyes going star-gazed. " No wonder he had an alarm! That thing looks so cool!"
Goodwin, Lazar, and Jack were back in their own seats, watching from the highest point in the stadium. Digging his hands into his seat, Jack glared harshly at Greiger's image.
'Greiger, you had better not jeopardize my chances at getting even with Yusei.' His mind recalled what the older man said. He growled queitly under his breath, not even as the director and vice-director looked at him with raised eye brows.
Meanwhile, on the Turbo-Track, Yusei and Greiger pulled their Runners to a halt, engines rumbling and tinted-vizors shielding their eyes. Greiger looked over Yusei's Runner, comparing it to his own.
"You call that thing a Duel Runner, Yusei? Did it come with training wheels for you?" He joked. Yusei gazed over to him, not looking insulted.
"Just because you're bigger doesn't mean you're better, Greiger." She pointed out while Greiger didn't seem to care.
"Yeah right! Talk to me after the Duel's done! Good luck, 'cause you're gonna need it!" He shouted, the MC appearing on one of the screens, ready to start.
"And now, take out your Speed World field spells! Let's activate 'em!" He yelled, both Turbo-Duelist doing so with the whole field turning into their world of competition. "Remember, only the winner advances and in a Turbo-Duel, only speed-spells can be used!" Reminded the man in the red suit.
*DUEL MODE ENGAGED; AUTOPILOT STANDING BY.*
"Get ready to eat my dust!" Yelled Greiger. Yusei only stared ahead.
*Countdown initiated; ready, set, Duel!*
"Lets Duel!"
Yusei: 4000 (SPC:0)
Greiger: 4000 (SPC0)
"I'll make the first move, Yusei; I draw!" Greiger yelled, using his chosen card. "And I think I'll start with this! Spell Reactor-RE (LV:3/ATK:1200/DEF:900)!" appearing on the field was what looked like a mechanical dragon, missiles etched into's it's stomach. "And next, I'll throw down three face-downs! You're up!"
Yusei drew her sixth card, ready to take charge.
"I summon out my-" She gritted her teeth, the muscles above her eyes twitching as the load and ear-bleeding sounds of Greger's engine were wedged into her ears, causing her to shut one eye.
"Now how's Yusei supposed to concentrate when she's got three-thousand decibels of horsepower blaring in her ear, eh?" asked Tanner, gritting his own teeth as he could only imagine how deaf in the ear Yusei would become after this.
"Who says she can?" Asked Leo as the Duel played on.
"First I lay down a face-down, and then I'll summon my Speed Warrior (LV:2/ATK:900/DEF:400)!" Shaking off the ringing in her ears, Yusei presented her silver skater and reverse card.
"In that case, I activate my face-down trap card, Hidden Soldiers!" Called out one of his face-downs. "Now yours truly gets a level four monster from my hand. And I got just the one for you. He goes by the name of Trap Reactor-Y FI (LV:4/ATK:800/DEF:1800)!" The green machine lugged onto the filed, three eyes of gold glaring at Yusei. "And with this card on my field, Yusei, I only need one more for a big surprise!"
"I think I know that Greiger's got planning, guys." Said Destiny, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose.
"Yusei better rev it up, and I mean fast!" Claimed Tanner.
"For the first round Speed Warrior's on the field, he gets double his attack points." Stated Yusei, her monster glowing blue.
Speed Warrior: (ATK: 1800)
"Now send his reactor back to the shop!" Yelled the black and-gold-haired racer, her monster spinning a pirouette and kicking at the machine-type monster. After the attack, the monster remained floating. However, Greiger still lost Life-Points.
Yusei: 4000 (SPC:2)
Greiger: 3400 (SPC:2)
"No way!" Shouted Yusei, eyes wide.
"Don't tell me you're shocked," Said Greiger, Yusei shutting her mouth. "I had two face-downs on my field and one of them was Fake Explosion!" Indeed there was a lifted reverse card. "And not only does this trap knock off your low-octane attack, but I get a bonus! As in a level-five monster from my hand, bringing your surprise early! Summon Reactor-SK (LV:5/ATK:2000/DEF:1400), join the party!" Now on his side was a monster with the proportions of a fighter plane.
"He's got all three reactor monsters in play!" Exclaimed Destiny, clutching Leo's hand.
"At least he doesn't have Delta Reactor!" Yelled Leo, though his face going flushed as he felt the warmth of his best friend's hand.
"Now I will activate my Delta Reactor!" The servant of Yliaster played activated his last face-down. "This trap card sends Summon Reactor, Spell Reactor,and Trap Reactor to the Graveyard!" As he spoke this, the three monsters swirled together in a blinding blue light, something forming in their transformation. "I hate to do this to you, Yusei. But like I told you last night, one of us has to lose, and today it's you! I summon-" A burst of light went forth. "Flying Fortress SKY-FIRE (LV:8/ATK:3000/DEF:2500)!"
A giant shadow covered Yusei and Greiger's Runner's everyone, craning their neck to gape at major beast. Shaped from many part was a mechanical giant, soaring and ready to pulverize.
"It looks like that bad bike's not just for show! Greiger brings out his big-bang beast in the second round!" Yelled the MC, Greiger agreeing with him.
"If you thought it was loud in here before, just get a load of this, Yusei! You lose eight-hundred Life-Points of damage if you ever summon a monster or place one card face-down." Yusei held back her gasp, trouble putting her in a tight spot. "And if that weren't enough, the card you just played will also be destroyed," Ridding his dragster to Yusei, the two were squared-down in a locked gaze of heat as the Duel was getting exciting. "Just face it, friend. You can't make a move without getting hurt! My family needs me! Which means that you're gonna have to lose this match, Yusei!"
Yusei clicked her teeth, finding herself cornered.
"We're going into round three of this nerve-wracking duel! And Greiger's now in the driver's seat!" Yelled the MC as the Duel went on.
"It's my turn," Greiger drew his next card. "Flying Fortress SKY-FIRE, take out Yusei's Speed Warrior!" Yelled the Aztec his card's propellers charging it forward and slicing up Yusei's fighter of speed. Greiger made a quick thrust forward, driving and bashing Yuse's Runner and sending the driver in a terrible spin.
"Not again!" Yelled Alex, everyone gasping.
"Yusei has taken a lashing! She's spinning out! She's gonna-"
Yusei gave them another one of her major surprises, gripping the control handles of her ride as she got it back to driving normally.
"Wait! She manages to gain control! But it looks like that direct attack has forced Yusei to shift gears and her game plan! As it looks like the twenty-one thousand points of damage she took cost her all speed-counters she had so far!" Yelled the MC, Yusei points and speed-counters dropping.
Yusei: 1900 (SPC:0)
Greiger: 3400 (SPC:3)
"That's not good." Groaned Leo, falling into his seat.
"It's going to be hard for her to catch up!" Exclaimed Yanagi.
"Ha! You seem like a nice enough girl, Yusei! But you gotta fall! Because I got too much riding on this Duel to risk losing it!" Shouted Greiger as he was speeding yards away. Yusei gave a curt nod, drawing her next card.
"And so do I!" She shouted. 'With SKY-FIRE on the field, he can destroy the first card I play every turn. So . . .' Her next plan was quickly formed. "From my hand, I summon Shield Warrior :LV:3/ATK:800/DEF:1600) in defense mode!" Slapping down the card, her man coated in gold and black armor with a braced sheild floated next to her, kneeling and in defense.
"Too bad your warrior can't shield itself from my assault! Remember, when you play a card, that card is destroyed, and you get eight-hundred points of damage,Yusei!" With that said, Yusei and Shield Warrior were damaged by SKY-FIRE's assault, Yusei's monster destroyed. The Satellite natives was once again spun like a top, her hands gripping desperately and the momentum making her stomach turn over.
Yusei: 1100 (SPC:2)
Greiger: 3400 (SPC:3)
"Yusei spins out again!" Yelled the MC, afew in the crowd wincing. Regaining composure once more, Yusei began her next move.
"I place one card face-down and end my turn!" She yelled, ending her turn.
"Greiger's seriously wiping the track with Yusei! If Greiger nails her with a direct attack on his next turn, Yusei's Fortune Cup pipe-dream will be over!" Announced the MC, the cameras displaying what was left of the score board.
"She's done! Greiger going so to have it all locked down, and Yusei can't summon a monster without it getting obliterated right away! Man, Greiger won't quit! He's just a hulking tower of ruthlessness!" Wailed Leo, his eyes sadly raking over Yusei's Life Points.
"You didn't notice that when you were Dueling him?" Asked Luna, though a little worried herself. Yanagi, however, was smiling.
"Leo was just too excited about Dueling in the tournament to notice things like his opponent." He stated.
"I wouldn't put this Duel in the books just yet. Yusei can win this." Said Tanner, looking like he hadn't lost hope just yet.
"She can?" asked Alex.
"You bet'cha," Tanner nodded in confirmation. "Now what do we know about this Flying Fortress SKY-FIRE of Greiger's?" Time for a Dueling pop quiz.
"Well, um . . ." Leo scratched his head, looking to Destiny for the right answer.
"Well, we know it's big, we know it's loud, we know it's powerful, and we know that once a turn, it destroys a card Yusei plays the second he plays it!" Stated the near-sighted girl, worried. "And as soon as Greiger destroyed Shield Warrior, Yusei placed a card face-down."
"I get it! You're thinking the summoning of Shield Warrior was a diversion!" Shouted Alex, Tanner nodding at the answer.
"Mhm."
"Her real goal was face-down!" Concluded Destiny, impressed and smiling.
"I'll bet you a corndog that card's a game-changer, like Mirror Force!" Grinned Tanner.
'Yusei has two face-down cards. Let's see if you're cleaver enough to figure out his game, Greiger.' Thought Jack, knowing Yusei as well as anyone. Something told him that the Junk Duelist had a come back ready.
"It's my turn," Drawing his card, Greiger was aware of the plan on everyone's minds. 'Yusei, you're a very skillful Duelist, and I know that you will make it big someday. But I'm just as good, and more. You might think your face-downs are safe, but you better think again, because I got your strategy all figured out. I know you're fighting to help your friends, but I can't let you stop me from completing my mission. And that's why I'm taking the necessary risk to destroy any chances you have of winning this Duel.' He narrowed his eyes at his opponent. 'But I know this won't be an easy task to accomplice, so don't expect me to throw any punches. Because I plan on using every card in my Deck to make sure that I'm the one taking the victory lap...'
"Here I come!" Driving forward, Greiger rushed forward with speed and power. "Behind you, Yusei! Get ready for a direct assault!"
"That's what I was hoping for!" Dark blue eyes gave a brilliant flash.
"But why?" The missiles were fired Yusei's way, but a face-down was suddenly flipped.
"So I can play Wasteland Tornado! This card allows me to lay waste to one trap card! And the card I'm destroying is, Limiter Overload!" A vortex of dust and tumble weeds brushed away Yusei's own face-down.
"Why are you destroying your own card?" Asked Greiger, confused.
"Because this card's destruction gives me the power to summon Speed Warrior from my Graveyard! And with a monster in defenses mode, I won't take any damage!" Even with her monster destroyed, Yusei remained safe.
"You may have dodged my air assault, but I still managed to rid you of one of your face-down cards, and I didn't need to get rid of any of my other cards to do it!" Shouted Greiger, smirking. Yusei looked ahead, thinking once more.
'This guy's not messing around. He figured out my game plan.' She thought, the collar of her jacket brushing along her cheek.
In the stands, Leo looked at Tanner.
"Tanner, he didn't play Mirror Force. Where's Dest's corndog?"
"Well, we never shook . . ."
"I place one card face-down and end my turn!" Greiger finshed his move.
"It's my move!" Yelled Yusei, drawing her next card and stopping, smiling a little at the card. Though old and a little damaged, it reminded her of a certain, red-haired teen. "Rally . . ." Taking a breath, she nodded and placed the card with her others, pulling out a different one. "From my hand, I summon Fortress Warrior (LV:2/ATK600/DEF:1200) in attack mode!" From the card came a warrior of granite, a shield template balanced on his head and held by four arms.
"With another monster summoned, another monster gets leveled, and another eight-hundred points of damage are coming your way due to my SKY-FIRE's special ability!" Greiger shouted, a chain of bad reactions befalling on Yusei, monster and Life Points lost.
Yusei: 300 (SPC:3)
Greiger: 3400 (SPC:5)
"Greiger has lapped Yusei!" Yelled the Master of Cerimonies, the dragster making another lap as the Yusei Go! followed.
"I'm playing the speed spell, Zero Rebirth! And Zero Rebirth allows me to bring back a monster destroyed by an effect this turn! But then it's attack and defense points become zero, hence its name! So now, I re-summon Fortress Warrior!" Yelled Yusei, her monster worth no strength or defense returned once more.
"Why did she summon a monster that can't attack?" Greiger asked. Yusei closed her eyes, words that were said weeks ago, though they felt like years, returning to her.
"Hold on, I wanna give you this, Yusei."
"It's Turbo Booster."
"Yep, make sure to give it a shot in your Duel with Jack."
"Are you sure? You're dad gave you this, Rally, it must mean a lot to you."
"It does, but I want you to have it, Yuse. My dad always said that you never know when you need a boost. Besides, it'll make sure you'll get back to us quicker. Promise you won't forget any of us back here, alright?"
"I promise. None of us are gonna rot here for the rest of our lives." Reciting those last words she said to Rally, Yusei gave Greiger a look with known happiness that was tinted with sadness.
"Remember, we got something in common, Greiger," She said, her voice coursed with emotion. "We're both out for our own. And if I'm planning on winning this battle, I'll need my friends to get me to the finish line!" She held Turbo Booster in the air as if it were the Holy Grail. "This is for you, Rally! And the rest of my pals!" She threw down the card, a portal swirling and glowing. "I summon Turbo Booster (LV:1/ATK:0/DEF:0) in attack mode!" With a stop sign glowing on its head, a yellow monster with turbo thrusters hopped onto the field."Now, Fortress Warrior! Attack Greiger's SKY-FIRE!"
"You're just sending your monster to it's doom!" Shouted Greiger. Yusei raised one hand.
"Not without Turbo Booster's special ability! You see, by releasing this card, I can take down a monster of yours as long as it's fighting against one of mine!" Replied Yusei, Greiger only scoffing.
"But because of the battle, I'm still able to win this Duel!"
"I don't think so! Fortress Warrior can make my battle damage become zero! I release Turbo Booster!" Spinning and charging, the small toy monster was sent at the larger like a rocket, and it crashed directly into SKY FIRE, the giant machine turning into millions of pixels as it crash landed.
"Incredible! Yusei has blasted Greiger's SKY-FIRE! Oh, the humanity!" Yelled the MC, the crowds of the tournament just as surprised. Greiger looked up in horror, taking back the look before glaring at Yusei.
"You may have grounded my air assault, but let's see how you handle my Chariot Pile trap card! You won't defeat me, Yusei! There's too much at stake here!" At Yusei's wondering look, the South American continued. "I respect you as a Duelist, Yusei, but there's something that I must do. And you're just a roadblock standing in my way!" Greiger activated his trap. "Once a turn, my chariot can hit your for eight-hundred points of damage. Looks like your Life Points are about to get speared, Yusei! There's no way you can out-run my attack!" Spikes were aimed and fired at Yusei.
"Maybe, but I can certainly out-maneuver it by sacrificing my Fortress Warrior!" Spreding its arms out, the statue was destroyed by the spikes.
"You can try to defend yourself all you want, but you're only delaying your own defeat." Said Greger as Yusei began her next turn.
"It's my move," She whispered. 'And if I don't pull this combo off, I'm done for.' She drew her next card, the fragile thing held between her pointer and middle fingers. "I summon to the field, Junk Synchron (LV:3/ATK:1300/DEF:500)! And because I successfully summoned it out, I can also summon a monster directly from my Graveyard. So I re-summon Speed Warrior!" Both orange and blue monsters appeared next to her. "And because Speed Warrior's here on the field, I can now give him a little tune-up!"
"That won't help you, Yusei!" Argued her opponent, his remark ignored as Yusei lifted her arm with her monsters glowing green.
"From the junk pile to the skies, let him be known as the king of the defeated! Let the wishes of the fallen be saved by him! I Synchro Summon-"
The rings of green were bought as one, a proud, scarfed robot gliding next to Yusei, red eyes synced and calculated.
"Junk Warrior (LV:5/ATK:2300/DEF:1300), let's rev it up! Send his life points to the junk pile! Go, Scrap Fist!" Junk winded his fist back, aimed to punch.
"Not good enough, Yusei! I'm afraid that Chariot Pile has another effect!" Yelling this, Greiger still took damage.
Yusei: 300 (SPC:5)
Greiger: 2600 (SPC:7)
"When your monster attacks me directly, I can sacrifice eithe-hundred Life Points to deflect your monster's attack, and destroy your monster!" Even as he was socked in the face, Greiger grinned as the Warrior of Junk was gone.
"Man, Yusei just can't seem to keep a monster on the field!" Said Leo, his head turning from Yusei, to Greiger.
"I place one card face-down and end my turn." Said Yusei, turn ended.
"It's my move," Announced Greiger. "And I summon Black Salvo (LV:3/ATK:100/DEF:1100)! This tuner lets me bring back a level four, Dark-Attribute machine from my Graveyard! So with the power of my Black Salvo, I'm bringing back my Trap Reactor-Y FI!" Thanks to the little bomb with a cartoonish grin, Greiger's machine monster was back. "And now I tune my Black Salvo with my Trap Reactor-Y FI!"
"A Synchro-Summon?" Whispered Yusei, watching the synchro gates form in the air.
"You surprised? You're not the only Duelist who uses synchro-monsters," Greiger's portal was warped and thrashing with black energy. "I give you, Dark Strike Fighter(LV:7/ATK:2600/DEF:1800)!" Shaped with the mechanics of a seven-forty-seven, a dark mecha monster appeared, as large and much more powerful than SKY FIRE. "And now it's going to attack directly!" The monster threw down rockets over Yusei.
"Not if I activate my trap card, Synchro Spirits! By removing a synchro-monster in my Graveyard from play, I can re-summon the monsters that were originally used to summon it! So I'm taking Junk Warrior out of the Duel! And now, Junk Synchron and Speed Warrior can return to the field!" With spirits protecting her, Yusei was left unscratched.
"What's this? How did she survive that attack?" Greiger asked himself. Yusei answered for him.
"By taking Shield Warrior in my Graveyard and removing it from play, I can negate all battle damage!"
"Then I'll activate Chariot Pile's effect! The only way to negate this attack is to sacrifice your other monster!" Another spike hurled to Yusei.
"Well then that's exactly what I'm gonna do!" Speed dashed forward, grabbing the spike and falling into submission, gone and turned into dust.
"You got an answer to everything I throw your way, don't you?" Greiger sneered. "Well, let's see what you do about the Ultimate Flare trap card, which allows me to summon an Ultimate Flare token (LV:10/ATK:0/DEF:0) Blinking at Yusei was a spike with a single ered eye.
"Anyone know what that thing does?" Asked Leo, tilting his head.
"Well, let's just say that Yusei's about to get knocked around for another eight-hundred points of damage." Sighed Tanner. Destiny pipped in as well.
"And on top of that, Greiger's fighter can now deal damage equal to two-hundred times the level of the released monster, and-"
"And, Ultimate Flare token is a level ten." Stated Tanner. Leo began counting his fingers.
"Then that means, um . . . Well, um . . ."
"Ten time two-hundred comes out to two-thousand! points of damage!" Shouted Luna and Alex in unison.
"Two-thousand!?" Shouted Leo and Yanagi.
"I'm afraid that your fate has been sealed, Yusei. There is nothing you can do to win this Duel now. On my next turn, you're finished!" Roared Greiger.
"Things are looking helpless for Yusei! She's holding no cards in her had! One monster on her field! Everything depends on her next draw!" Yelled the MC, everyone suddenly going into a dead-quiet.
"Let's do this!" Breaking the silence, Yusei drew her next card. "This should get me where I wanna go! I summon Tuningware (LV:1/ATK:100/DEF:300)!"Like a ninja appearing in smoke screen, her android appeared, wearing a pan on it's head and a yellow scarf around its neck. "Next, I tune Junk Synchron to my Tuningware!"
The whells and gears were turn, Yusei' next call bringing out the next monster.
"Scale the hardships of self-doubt, and bring forth victory's aid! Synchro-Summon, Armory Arm (LV:4/ATK:1800/DEF:1200)!" From her chant was a black glove made with red-steeled claws.
"Your grasping has flaws, Yusei! That monster can't defeat my Dark Strike Fighter!" Argued Greiger as they raced on.
"Maybe not, but when Tuningware is used fro a synchro-summon, it enables me to draw another card straight to my hand!" rebutted Yusei, the MC catching everything fro where he stood.
"Yusei has managed to squeeze some more life out of her floundering Deck!"
"Go, Yusei!" Cheered Leo.
"You can do it!" Called both Alex and Yanagi.
"Make this count!" Yelled Tanner, knowing that the big guns were coming out.
'Here we go. If I don't draw the card I need, Greiger's gonna run over the rest of my Life Points!' Believing in her Deck, her heart, mind, body, soul, and the Duelist sprirt with in her, Yusei turned her drawn card upright. The smallest twitch of a smile appeared.
"That was a smile! A total smile!" Yelled Leo, bouncing in his seat.
"I activate the Synchro Return speed-spell card! And as long as I have five or more speed-counters, I can use this spell to summon a synchro-monster that I removed from play earlier in the Duel. So hello again to Junk Warrior! Next I activate Armory Arm's special ability!" Shouted Yusei was she now had two powerful monsters on the field.
"What?!" Barked Greiger. He held back a gasp as Junk slipped on Armory Arm like a glove, claws curling and glowing red.
Junk Warrior: (ATK: 3300)
"Now my Junk Warrior gains a thousand more attack points! And with that boost, my Junk Warrior's more powerful than your Dark Strike Fighter. So you know what's next! Junk Warrior, attack!" Fisting its gloved arm, Junk Warrior flew above and over to Dark Striker, throwing a might fist upward, then downward, before squarly hitting the mechanie and crushing it to bits.
Yusei: 300 (SPC:7)
Greiger: 1900 (SPC:9)
But Yusei wasn't done from there.
"And next, I activate Armory Arm's special ability, and that means that this Duel is over! When the monster Armory Arm was equipped to destroys a monster in battle, you get slammed with that monster's attack points! You said that one of us is going to have to lose today, and it looks like that someone is you!" Shouted Yusei, throwing Greiger's words right back at him.
Yelling in pain when the fist made contact with him, Greiger's Runner was sent flying as his Life Points were abolished. The Duel was over, and Yusei was in a panic.
"Greiger!"
Yusei: 300 (SPC:7)
Greiger: 0 (SPC:7)
"She did it!" Yelled Tanner, causing everyone else to cheer along as it was proven that his friend had became a fan favorite. Everyone else clambered out of their seats, the three children and Alex jumping up and down.
"Yeah!" Squealed Luna.
"I know she could pull it off!" Whooped Leo.
"That was an amazing win!" Yanagi clapped as he said so.
Destiny suddenly stopped bouncing, notcing something on the field.
"Hey, um . . . If the Duel's over, how come those spiky things haven't vanished yet?"
"Well, that's too bad." Sighed Lazar, expecting a little more out of this game. Goodwin held a slightly irritated look, though he hid it well.
"Yusei will wake up to her abilities as a Signer soon enough. We must be patient with her." He muttered, fingers locked in his palms.
'It's a good thing you lost, Greiger. Now all Yusei has to do is win one more Duel and then she and I can settle things once and for all.' Thought Jack. Besides being satisfied with the win, a small bit of him was glad that Yusei was safe. Though he would never admit this aloud.
"That's it people!" Fireworks shooting in the air, the MC shouted with pride. "After two days of white-knuckle action, this Duel has roared to a close with a stunning finale!Satellite's Shooting Star has managed to whip out a come-from-behind win! It's another win for our Princess of the Scrapheap! Take a victory lap, Yusei!"
Yusei did nothing of the sort, turning her D-Wheel back and racing back to Greiger. Hopping off her Runner, she made a step to help him.
"Greiger, are you okay?" She jumped when Geriger pushed his Runner off himself, staggering to his feet.
"C'mon, Yusei! Give us a-"
"Yusei I'm fine. But its far from over." Greiger revealed to be holding a mic, hidden in his pocket, and his voice reaching all the ears here and beyond New Domino.
"What's going on? Turn his mic off!" Shouted Lazar, all efforts fruitless.
"I was hoping to do this differently, but if it needs to be like this, so be it," Sighed Greiger, pulling a small remote countrol from his pocket. "I told you about my village, Yusei. I told you about the fire and the destruction. But I've learned the truth. Goodwin isn't going to help me rebuild my village like he promised! How could he when it isn't even there anymore?"
"What do you mean?" Asked Yusei, choosing to be careful since she could see that Greiger was snapping into an emotional state.
"Look! That was my village, before Goodwin came along!" On the main screen was a simple village, quiet and serene. It looked like it was in the desert.
"I hacked into Goodwin's personal files before the Duel, and discovered it wasn't a 'natural disaster'! Goodwin came along and decided to use our valley as a little testing ground! He tried to resurrect his precious Crimson Dragon! But he couldn't control the energy. It was much too powerful. Then-" The whole area on the screen was taken over by a white light, gone and only leaving a crater. Everyone was stuck in a frozen and chilling silence.
"MY VILLAGE IS GONE!" Greiger yelled, his eyes turning glassy, but they obviously had hate filled within them. "Everyone who lived there, all gone! Vanished! No where to be found!"
"Greiger, are you sure about all off this?" Asked Yusei, taking one step forward. Greiger's movements matched his words.
"I saw the files myself. I'm certain about it, Yusei. And now Goodwin's gonna answer for all his lies!" Suddenly throwing the mic, Greiger jumped into his Runner, heading in the other direction.
"No! Greiger!" Yusei shouted, instantly on her own D-wheel.
"Now now that the world knows what you did, IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO PAY! For my friends! My family! My home! YOU'RE IVORY TOWER IS ABOUT TO COME TUMBLING DOWN, GOODWIN!" Shouted Greiger, his D-Wheel lauching off a ramp and flying straight to the VIP room.
"NO! DON'T DO IT, GREIGER!" Cried Yusei, her Runner headbutting Greiger's in the nick of time, the two machines flying and both Duelist yelling as they crash landed. An axel spun and flew to the VIP room. At the last second, just as the spinning death trap broke the glass, Goodwin caught it, one staggering step taken back as the spike tears at his white glove.
Lazar gave a shout and Jack's eyes nearly broke out of their sockets.
"What the HELL!?"
Spinning to a stop, Rex's hand was revealed to be made of metal. It was a prosthetic.
As their rides died down from the landing, Greiger groaned and sat up, jumping to his feet and ignoring his pain. Among the rubble, a black spike streaked with gold caught his eye and he walked over to it. Gripping the fronts of Yusei's jacket, he hauled her up, looking at her with murderous intent and tears in his eyes.
"How could you, Yusei? I had him!"
"I'm sorry!" Gasped Yusei, biting back the pain that was searing around her head, her body finally giving into what the impact had given her. "I'm sorry that Goodwin lied and used you, but listen! Going after him won't solve anything! If killing him was your intention, then you will be no better than him, Greiger." She wheezed.
Realizing that this kind of man-handling could injure her further, he eased her down a little.
"What do I do?" He pleaded, lost and confused.
"You'd trust me to figure things out." Sighed Yusei, trying to regain her breath.
Letting her go and with sorrow in his heart, Greiger threw his head back, a sob, then chilling yell of anguish shouted into the air.
"GOOODWIIIINNNN!"
(Fortune Track, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 12:00 PM)
With his damaged hand behind his back, Goodwin addressed the citizens of New Domino and those who were watching and listening to the Fortune Cup at home.
"People of New Domino City, It is always a terrible tragedy that a gifted Duelist like our very own Greiger suffers a complete nervous and emotional breakdown following such an intense Duel. But rest assured, he'll get all the help he needs." He promised, the spectators clapping with gratitude.
"I can't believe they're eating up all of Goodwin's lies," Laughing at how idiotic and ironic the situation, the man, Sayer, hid well from the rest of the Fortune Cup. "Here comes that help."
"Mr. Goodwin's gonna make sure you get everything you deserve!" Called a officer, he and several others handcuffing Greiger on the track. The man looked up at Yusei, dark eyes pleading asking her to listen.
"Yusei, promise me you'll take down Goodwin once and for all."
Nodding, Yusei sealed the promise and watched as Greiger was taken off the Turbo-Track. Yusei lifted her Runner from its side and rode it out of the area, locking it in the Participates' Garage and walking over to the reserved lounges, never feeling more tired in her life.
(Lounge 1A, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 1:00 PM)
"Yusei!"
Dark blue eyes opened when Yusei heard her voice, her body half-sprawled on a couch with her head leaned against a couch cushion. Gasping quietly as she sat herself up, Yusei saw her friends.
"Are you alright? That was some crash." Muttered Tanner. Yusei cracked her neck, groaning as some tension was released from her sore muscles.
"I just need a few minutes. Give me a while."
"Want me to get ya one of those latte's?" Asked Alex. Yusei would have said no, but at the screaming protest of her legs, she gave a sigh in defeat.
"Yes, please."
Alex went for the drink run, and the others were left look her over.
"Get some rest, Dolly, You had a long day." Said Yanagi, knowing that even someone as strong as Yusei had limits. Finding herself too wrapped in exhaustion, she rolled her head back and closed her eyes. Her last thoughts trailed over to the Turbo Booster card, a faint smile on her lips.
'Thank you, Rally.'
To Be Continued…
Well that was certainly a long and emotional chapter! Well, that should be expected! Since to me, I think Fem!Yusei would be more emotional and passionate when it came to situations like these and I really wanted to give you guys something to read. OK, the next chapter will finally have a long chapter of the newly added character, Akiyuki! I hope you guys are ready for more drama, love triangles, and more! Please make sure to review, and I'll get the next chapter done as soon as I can! See you all later!
This is me saying, Peace!