Chapter Eleven

Crimson Purpose

Wake up, Rain. We have work to do. The deep, commanding voice rumbled throughout my thoughts. You have a promise to keep.

I immediately knew I was in the Spirit World once again. This time, though, I was sitting on paved stone. The sky above was an undisturbed azure. Stone buildings clustered around me, but though there were obvious signs of life, the area was dead silent.

In front of me stood what looked like a tiny Dark Magician, a child. "Ah! You're finally awake! Oh, thank goodness. I was beginning to wonder if you would ever wake up! Then how would I save Luna? She's counting on me, trapped in that damp, dark fortress with all of those monkeys-"

"Shut up for a second!" My voice came out nice and clear, as it should be. My thoughts were equally unclouded.

Sayer took my memories away. He made me relive it all. He caused me such pain, and for what? Power? Now my memories were back, and he wasn't taking them again. I'd make sure of it.

I would end him.

"Um, miss? I'm sorry if I offended you, or-"

"No, you're fine. What were you saying earlier? You mentioned Luna?"

"Oh yes! She's the only human to come to the Spirit World… Well, besides you. Wait, first things first, you do know that you're in the Spirit World, correct?"

"Yeah. I came here once and promised to save Ancient Fairy Dragon. I also have to protect these Signer people, apparently?"

"Perfect! Ancient Fairy Dragon chose you, and conveniently, Luna is a Signer!"

I tilted my head. "Do you… happen to know why I was chosen?"

"I have an idea," he said, tapping his chin. "Ancient Fairy Dragon commanded me not to tell you, though. Are you going to help Luna or not?"

"Could you please tell me? I've lost my memory of my past, and-"

He shook his head. "I can't refuse a command from my master."

Well, there went that lead. "Where is Luna? I'll save her."

"Well, er, it's kind of complicated. There are these monkeys guarding the place. Their leader broke into the Spirit World, trapped Ancient Fairy Dragon with the help of his partner, and took over the whole duel monster realm by using negative energy! I would use my tremendous abilities to save the place, but they stole my powers and trapped me in this tiny form. The only reason she was captured was because she protected me."

"Say no more. I'll bust her out myself, no worries." I made sure that my disk was strapped on my arm. I sifted through my deck to find that it was my original one. I picked two cards to back me up: Blue-Eyes White Dragon and Alien Shocktrooper.

"What exactly do you plan to do?" I activated my disk and threw the cards on it. The dragon erupted a burst of white light, loosing its signature roar. The alien emerged in a sickly green light.

"Stick close, Alien. Blue-Eyes, watch our back, please." They let out affirmative grunts and roars.

"Aren't those just holograms to you humans?"

"Not when I use them, uh…"

"Oh! The name is Torunka. Nice to meet you."

"Likewise. I'm Rain. Where is this fortress?" Torunka pointed north, where the spires of a dark fortress pierced the black clouds overhead. Far to the south, east, and west, blue sky stretched to infinity. The dark clouds were growing, threatening to infect the entirety of the Spirit World. Golden sparkles in the east caught my eye. "What's that tall, shiny thing over there?"

"That? It's the Gilded Gate. It prevents entrance and exit from a special realm created for the Legendary Knights, who saved and created this world. That place is like a heaven to them!"

"Knights? Shouldn't they be the ones saving the Spirit World?"

Torunka fidgeted. "Y-yeah, but the Gilded Gate prevents them from helping. All they can do is watch."

"Some knights they are," I grumbled. "You know this place better than I do. Take us on the best route to that fortress."

He led the way, and my dragon blasted any monkeys standing in our path. After climbing a mountain trail, we arrived at the dark castle that must have been the fortress Torunka mentioned. We exploded through the gates.

"The dungeons are over here!" He pointed to a door to the right of the entrance. "Just through there and to the left! It may be locked, but-"

My Shocktrooper broke down the door before he could finish his sentence. A girl screamed. "That's you, right, Luna? Back up, Shocktrooper! Can't you see you scared her?"

My monster stepped away, and I caught a sad expression on his face. I felt bad about what I said but didn't have time for regret. Luna crept into the open. I didn't blame her for being so cautious.

"Torunka, and Rain! Oh my gosh, I can't believe it! You're here!" She hugged my legs, and I rested a hand on her back. Luna's hair was in pigtails and in bangs on either side of her face. She wore a pink jacket over a long sleeved red shirt with a yellow symbol on it. Her white shorts and sneakers had matching pink accents. She pulled a card out of her pocket and held it so it faced me. It was the trap, Threatening Roar. "I've kept it with me all these weeks! This is so crazy! How are you in the Spirit World?"

Weeks? Whatever Sayer did to me must have kept me out of commission longer than I thought. I said, "Hey, friend."

The word widened her smile. "You saved me with your monsters! Are you a psychic duelist like Akiza? Is that why you can come to the Spirit World? Wait, but she can't…"

Aki? She's the girl I met yesterday at the Fortune Cup. She's a Signer, too? The same deep voice from earlier said, All four crimson threads have been woven between the souls of the Signers and the Vessel.

That voice again? Just who was that?

Silence. Sooo… Still crazy. Yep.

"Ancient Fairy Dragon saw to Rain's visit personally," Torunka said. "She's got to be pret-ty special."

Now he's rubbing it in my face? That little shit! I crossed my arms. "While this is all stimulating conversation, we should probably get out of here."

"Oh, right! I'm sorry. Let's go," Luna said. Torunka led the way out. We made it back to the town's center without incident. There was a fountain there, but it was broken down. Shattered rock littered the area, the remains of a statue that had once topped the fountain. A worn plaque above it read, "K I T OF E T Y."

"Whew! It sure is nice to have you back, Luna. I don't know what I'd do if I hadn't run into Rain here!"

Luna lowered her head so her pigtails drooped. "Yeah, but I'm still trapped in the real world! Leo and I are stuck at the Arcadia Movement thanks to Sayer."

I smiled. "Well, isn't that a coincidence. I'm there, too. I'll help you."

"R-Really?" Hope lit up her face. "Why are you there?"

"Long story. How do we get back?"

I'll take you. The soft voice rang in my ears again, and I was swept away. I was back at the location of my recurring dream. The dragon remained trapped in the crag.

"Ancient Fairy Dragon!" Luna was standing beside me, in awe at the mountain.

Yes, it is I. Hello, children. Rain, your memories have finally returned. I'm sorry you had to experience such an ordeal because of me. The truth is that the Crimson Dragon has chosen you as its vessel. It has been your guide, your strength. You must use it to aid you, as you must aid it. There is a reason it chose you.

"Wait… You mean that big red dragon… Those blurs..?" I observed my hands with wide eyes. "That thing is inside of me?"

It's true. The booming voice came back, which I acknowledged as the Crimson Dragon.

"Wow, Rain, that's amazing! The Crimson Dragon and you are the same. No wonder you're so strong!"

Ancient Fairy Dragon said, Yes, but be certain not to reveal the Crimson Dragon is within you, Rain. That goes for you, too, Luna. Rain will be safer as long as the Crimson Dragon's presence is unknown, and when the time is right, it will give you the upper hand.

"…Can we go back now?" I tried not to show how unnerved I was. I never agreed to this. I never wanted to be a part of that Dragon!

It's all right, Rain. We will return.

My eyes widened. This thing could hear my thoughts?

Of course. We are one, young dragon.

"I'll find you, Luna," I assured before we were thrown back into the real world. I awoke in one of the various rooms of the Arcadia Movement. I recalled the last thing I saw had been Yusei, who had triggered my memory.

That meant Yusei and Jack were in the City. No, more than that. They're both Signers! How did they get here? Why didn't they ever tell us-

Don't you have more important things to focus on, Rain?

I snapped back, "Stop butting into my thoughts! If you're some almighty dragon, why don't you explain everything?"

We'll have time for that after you save our Signers.

"Don't lump me in with you. I never agreed to this!"

Rain, please. We are one and the same. Our mind and body are shared. A long time ago, you did agree to join me and save the Signers. That was before you awoke in the Satellite. If I had access to those memories, I would tell you why you joined me, but ever since we reunited I have lost them as well.

I scowled. "Then you're no use at all. You can't tell me anything! What gives you the right to command me?"

I have no right. I cannot force you to do anything. The Signers are more important than the both of us. The fate of the world rests on their shoulders. That is why we must protect them.

"The… fate of the world?"

Yes. The Signers and we are the only ones able to prevent its destruction.

I set my jaw. "That's some heavy shit. Why would you pick someone like me? I have nothing."

If I remembered, I would tell you. Understand this: in the short time we've been together, you have proved yourself worthy of my power.

I wanted to be cold towards him but the words warmed me. He had been here since the night I lost everything. That meant the Crimson Dragon saw me in my darkest hour and still called me worthy. "Okay, Crimson Dragon, if you're going to keep bugging me… I'll find your Signers!"

Our Signers, young dragon.

"S-stop calling me that!" First thing's first: get out of my Arcadia Movement uniform. I tore it off to show my old clothes underneath. I felt like myself again, and some Dragon wouldn't take that away from me.

The Crimson Dragon said, I'm not trying to take anything from you.

"If you know what's good for you, you'll keep those jaws shut." The door was locked. They must have been waiting to wipe my memory again. My duel disk was back on my arm, so I had Strong Wind Dragon break us out. I returned the card and stalked out. Someone was crying for help behind a door down the hall.

I creaked it open to find Carly Carmine, ace reporter on the other side. "Oh thank goodness! Hey, wait a second… You're that girl from before! Well, thanks for saving me. I got caught trying to do a little bit of snoop work."

"You and I seem to have a similar ability," I muttered. "We're always in the wrong place at the wrong time. Make sure you get out of here before they catch you again. Sayer doesn't hold back."

"I'm sure I'll be fiiine. He doesn't seem so scary! Hey, heeey! I finally recognize your face! You're the girl from the wanted posters, the shadow! Omigosh, you have to tell me about yourself! You seem way nicer than how dangerous they make you out to be."

"Shadow," I murmured. "I used to be his shadow. Now I'm… nothing."

"Aw, hey, it's okay. You're starting to sound like Jack!"

"Jack? You know Jack?"

"Yeah!" She clasped her hands together. "We dueled together, and he was so… sweet!"

I blinked. "Jack? Jack Atlas? Sweet?"

"He's a really good guy on the inside," Carly said, her head tilted upwards as though she was speaking to herself more than me. The pink of her blush was stark against her porcelain complexion. "I know he seems really full of himself, but there's way more to him than that! I think it's just an act. With the way he treated me, there's no way he's actually… Um… Oh. Hey! We were supposed to be talking about you, and you distracted me!"

"You kinda distracted yourself."

"I- I did not!" She stared at the fine red carpet under our feet, the rose coloring of her cheeks darkening to scarlet. "What did you mean about not being a shadow anymore? And what's an infamous Satellite fugitive doing with the Arcadia Movement?"

"You ask too many questions." The instant the statement passed my lips, a painful memory resurfaced, and I grimaced at the beautiful image of my fallen partner. "Sayer captured me. That's why I'm saying you shouldn't mess with the Movement. His psychic powers are crazy strong."

"Uh, woah. Sounds like there's some shady stuff going on around here! Why would he capture you?"

"Because I- oh, shit, Luna! I have to go, Carly!"

"Alrighty! Thanks for the help again, shadow!"

I had started in a sprint, but I paused. "It's Rain, not shadow… not anymore. Stay safe, okay? You need to see Jack again."

The heat rising to her face inspired my smile. She scampered off in the opposite direction, muttering, "O-okay, Rain! And you and I will continue the interview next time we meet!"

I actually… hoped I did run into her again. She seemed nice. Sounds like someone finally cracked through to Jack! Ha. It's what he needed.

The burden of the deck in my back pocket weighed heavier. It's… what I needed.

"Rain? Rain, is that you?" Luna's voice sounded from the next door down. I unlocked the door. Her eyes were puffy from crying. "You really came!"

She must have been so afraid. I'd help her, but not because of some Dragon! I said, "Of course I did, Luna. You're worth it."

You're kinder than you seem, Rain.

I snapped back using my mental voice: Shut up, I said!

"I like that outfit better than the old one, by the way," she pointed out. I laughed and agreed with her. "Rain, can you help my brother? He's trapped in this glass thing! I've tried but can't get him out."

Laying on a bed in the glass case was a boy who looked almost exactly like Luna. His hair was in a single ponytail with the same bangs. He wore Luna's same outfit, but his was blue where hers was pink.

There was nothing to smash the glass with. I gulped and decided to wing it. I brought up my fist and hit the glass with all of my might. It shattered and fell in shards to the floor. Leo wasn't harmed, but my knuckles bled. I was careful not to step on any as I stood over him. I carried him in my arms.

Why didn't you use your monsters, Rain?

My… oh. I totally forgot. The blood drained from my face, and the Dragon laughed. Dammit… Why couldn't he keep the commentary to himself? In the meantime, Luna beamed. "Wow, nice hit!"

Aw. At least his Signers were supportive. "Okay, let's leave."

We headed down the hall and ran into the last person I expected to see. Bolt Tanner, my friend from the Facility, matched my bewildered expression. He was with an odd-looking old man. Luna immediately recognized them both.

"Bolt! Yanagi!"

"Rain? Why are you here?"

"Hi, Bolt!" I ran up and gave the boy to him.

The old man – Yanagi – gave me an inquisitive look. "What happened to Leo?"

"I don't know, I just found him like that. You'll have to ask Luna on your way out."

Luna asked, "You're not coming with us, Rain?"

"Not yet," I told them. "I'll meet up with you later. The elevator is that way!"

They followed my directions. An earthquake shook the whole building. I grabbed the railing beside me and peeked over. In the lobby, debris littered the floor. People were scurrying out of the Movement in a rush. What's going on?

I ran past the elevator. I tried all of the doors but they were locked. No sounds were coming from the other side. In the distance, I heard glass breaking. It came from near the elevator. I dashed back but stopped when I heard footsteps following me.

"My, my… You've caused lots of havoc today, haven't you?" Sayer stepped into the open. "I'm afraid play time is over. Return to where you belong."

"That's where I'm going, thanks."

"Resistance again? You should know better. I think you're starting to be more trouble than you're worth." Gold flashed as his disk activated and he tossed on a card. A ball a fire appeared and flew at me, hitting me square in the chest. I was tossed back against the balcony, and the glass between the rail and floor cracked.

You're stronger than this, Rain. You can defeat him. The Dragon's voice fueled my strength, and I stood to my full height.

"Still resisting? You're a sucker for pain." He conjured another fireball and it exploded against my abdomen. My body flew backwards, straight into the glass, which shattered upon impact. I reached up and grabbed the rail, but my left arm cut on broken glass still attached to the side. I yelped and released the railing. I was falling, falling and I made one final prayer in hopes of seeing my angel again when I would find my end.

I landed two floors below.

…What the hell? How was the walkway out so far? I glanced to the side. The edge was barely attached to the side of the building. I scrambled up to the top and leapt to a stable balcony. The rest fell behind me as I grasped the edge. I pulled myself up and caught my breath. Blood coated the underside of my forearm. I grasped it and started towards the exit. Then I stopped, realizing a duel was unfolding before me. The duelist closest to me was…

"Aki?" Sweat poured down her face. She was dueling a woman with long black hair dressed in a black ensemble: a cloak over a shirt and skirt. Emerald markings like veins lined the cloak and skirt. She had green irises, and the whites of her eyes were solid black just like that man from the B.A.D. Area. She had a jewel in the middle of her forehead leading up to her hair. She also had red markings on her cheeks. On her arm was a glowing purple mark in the shape of a lizard.

"You'll pay for what you have done with your own life, Akiza!"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Aki pleaded. "I didn't hurt your brother!"

The Crimson Dragon said, That woman is a Dark Signer, one of our enemies. They will try to destroy our Signers, one of which is Akiza Izinski.

Aki summoned Black Rose Dragon, and her red claw mark glowed on her arm. Right. That meant I had to get her out of here.

"You think that dragon can save you now?" The lady summoned what must have been a powerful monster. I sensed a dark force looming near, and a growl developed deep in my throat. And what was that in my veins? It felt like my heat was about to explode.

That is the crimson spark. It means our powers are merging. Your eyes change from blue to red, and you become stronger.

I thought, Mkay. That doesn't explain why the hell I growled.

…A small side effect. A humongous neon green eye glared at us through the windows.

"W-What is that?" Aki's terrified voice brought me out of my trance. All of my hairs stood on end, and my body coiled to spring into action. Something about that thing just wasn't right.

Another screech sounded outside and a flash of orange caught my eye. Someone summoned another one? The building rumbled again and more rubble crashed past us. I then heard the sound of glass breaking and saw a familiar limp body fall with the debris.

"Sayer?" Aki's broken voice almost made me feel bad about what happened to him.

Almost.

"Humph. It appears as though we'll have to finish this duel another time. I'll be sure to take your life the next time around! Unless, of course, you don't make it out of this building. Good-by for now, Akiza Izinski." The Dark Signer's laugh followed her exit. Tears streamed down Aki's face.

"Sayer!" She almost leapt over the railing to die with him, but I held her back.

"Aki! Keep your head. He wouldn't want you to go dying now, would he?" She only answered with muffled sobs. I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and led her to the elevator, which was luckily still operating. I shut the door and pressed the main floor button.

"Rain? Did you see Sayer? He's gone… He's really gone!"

"I've been there. I know you feel lost now, but he would want you to survive, Aki. We will survive."

"He would want…" Some color returned to her dark eyes, and she touched the silver clip holding her scarlet bangs back from her face. "That's true, but… how could you know?"

The emptiness beckoned, but the crimson spark fought it off. "You told me he was your angel."

"What difference does it make if he's dead?" She was yelling now, her sadness transforming into rage. "He can never be my guardian again! No one can… protect me like Sayer could..!"

"That may be the truth," I said, ice sprouting in my veins. "And it may mean you will have an infinity of 'never's, and it may mean you will feel alone for… so long. The reality is different. You are not alone, and one day, you will smile again."

"You're…" Her voice quivered. "Speaking from experience."

I met her blank brown eyes, her somber expression all but a reflection of my own. "Aki. I said it was my duty to protect you and that we would survive. I'm not a liar."

The elevator dinged, so I guided her out. The power shut down. We found our way through the dark, and the Arcadia Movement's quakes became more frequent. I saw the exit ahead. "We're almost there! Aki?"

"That's… He's…" She ran ahead of me and stood over Sayer's still body.

How could I get her out of here now? She was broken, and I didn't hold it against her. Maybe-

I started towards her but heard an off sound. A huge chunk of debris was falling straight towards her. I jumped with all my might, pushing her out of the way just in time. The rock fell on me, crushing my lower body. Akiza could only watch. She stepped towards me, but I stopped her.

"Don't make this for nothing! Don't stop, don't come back! Just run!" Thankfully, she listened to me. She disappeared behind the exit doors. Relief washed over me despite my pain. Before I passed out, I saw a flash of red.

I knew I had chosen the right one.

For a few moments, my consciousness faded back in; though my vision would not work, I could feel the warmth of someone carrying me. Excruciating agony flaring from my legs and arm forced me back into darkness.

I opened my eyes, blinking at the bright white light in the room. My legs ached as I sat up. Scratches covered my arms, and there was a closed gash along my inner left forearm. My head was pounding, but I managed to stand. How had I gotten here?

I have nothing to tell you.

Oh, boy. The ever-helpful Crimson Dragon. Yes, I was unstoppable with him by my side.

Is that sarcasm? You would stoop so low?

I rolled my eyes and stumbled through the door. The hall beyond was empty. Its wall was made of acrylic, revealing a huge room. The window was scratched on the inside. Through it, I saw a duel going on, and causing the damage was none other than Black Rose Dragon. A storm of rose petals tore around the duel monster.

Aki.

I ran into the giant room. Wind howled around me. Leo and Luna were spectating from afar, so I fought my way towards them. An older man was trying to reason with Aki, but he wasn't the one dueling her.

The one wearing the disk was none other than my old teammate, Yusei Fudo. Now he wore a navy blue riding jacket and red pads over his jeans. He had a criminal mark branded on his face. It matched Kalin's, but Yusei's was on the left side. Other than that, he was the same old Yusei.

"You… You're alive?" Aki's voice rang strong and clear through the room, and her emotions thrummed through it. Tears welled in her eyes, hidden beneath an attempted mask of anger.

Behind it was the… the emptiness. She ran over and wrapped her arms around me, sobbing on my shoulder. "I thought you were dead! I thought you were gone, all because of how stupid I was! I'm so sorry…"

Aki held me at arms length, her hands on my shoulders. She looked me square in the eyes, and they betrayed her mask. Lost in a world that despised you merely because of what you were. That's what I saw, and I understood. The psychic, the Satellite, the shadow; I wish I had the strength to rise above, but I-

Was only one-half.

A crimson thread was woven through our solidarity, and the mark on her arm glowed. She nodded as if she could hear my thoughts before releasing me. "Rain, thank you so much for saving me. If it weren't for you, I…"

"I've got your back, Aki. Remember? It's my job to protect you." I smiled, and she reflected it.

"Rain?" Yusei dashed over and gave me a once-over. "Rain, I'm so happy to see you again!"

"Yusei!" We held each other. I recalled the last time we had embraced, before Yusei tried to give himself up. He wasn't a traitor. Kalin couldn't have been more wrong. Kalin couldn't…

I pulled away and stared at my own feet. Yusei said, "What's wrong? What happened, Rain?"

"I… I can't… I can't talk about it. Just know how happy I am to have you back, teammate."

He tried to smile but couldn't keep it up. "I'm here for you, Rain."

"Thanks," I said, managing a small smile.

"See Leo, she's the one who saved us."

"Her? No way!" The boy's voice was high pitched. While Yusei and Akiza talked about something serious, the twins argued. "I don't need some girl to save me. I bet it was Bolt, or-"

"Really? Because she broke that glass thing they put you in with one punch!"

"Um, sorry to interrupt, guys," I cut in, "but what exactly happened?"

"Oh! Uh… Hi there! My name's Leo and I heard you saved me, so thanks!"

"You're not a good liar," I pointed out, smiling.

He sputtered, "W-What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing if you want it to."

"Whatever!"

"Akiza was in a coma," Luna explained, ignoring her brother. "Something about emotional trauma because of a recent event. Those people over there are her parents. They didn't give Akiza much attention when she was young. The man there is the senator, so he had to be away a lot of the time.

"When Akiza first showed signs of her powers, he called her a monster. Now he regrets it, but it devastated Akiza. They had her sent away to the Duel Academy. The other kids were afraid of her and her powers, so she ran away to live on her own. She finally found the Arcadia Movement, the only place that was a safe haven for her."

My jaw dropped. "That's terrible! Her own parents?"

"No!" Aki yelled. "He was my only real friend, the only one who really understood me, and now he's gone!"

…That sounded familiar…

The pain will only make you stronger, the Dragon said.

Mind your own business, I snapped back. This brain is my real estate, not yours!

You are my business, young dragon.

Well. He made a fair point.

"We're your friends too, Akiza!" I was glad not to be in Yusei's position, having to keep her on our side. I should have been trying with him, but how could I convince her out of the same grave I'd dug myself?

"Friends? Please. All anyone has ever done is judged me, resented me. How can I trust anyone?"

"We only tried to help you Akiza, really. We cared about you," Aki's father told her. "We just didn't know how! Please believe me. I love you."

I felt her anger sear all the way across the room. "All lies! I'm just a monster. That's all I'll ever be to anyone! Anyone except Sayer…"

"Why would I be here if I didn't care about you? That man never allowed us to see you! I missed you, my little Rose." This time, Aki let him hug her. I leaned against the wall and hid my eyes as I listened to him comfort and care for her.

The crimson spark sizzled against my heart. It was the opposite of the adrenaline from the other night. The Crimson Dragon said, The Signers are linked in more ways than you know. Akiza Izinski's emotional healing drew the Signers closer together. Their birthmarks are glowing and sharing her happiness among the others.

Weird. I didn't feel particularly happy.

You should, the Dragon said. I'm afraid something from your past is holding you back.

So you lied! You do know my past!

The Crimson Dragon growled. I do not lie. Can't you feel it, too? The outbursts of lost memories haunt me as they do you. This thought is screaming, 'He will only use her again and toss her aside. She should not trust him.'

Why would I think that?

Why, indeed.

"Yes, I knew it!" Luna exclaimed. Red light washed over the white walls from Luna, Yusei, and Aki's forearms. "These marks are really a mark of friendship, too! An everlasting bond between us."

"Of course," Yusei agreed, now standing beside us. "These marks brought us together. They couldn't be wretched like Akiza thinks."

She was crying in her father's arms. I asked, "Why would she think so?"

"Her psychic powers are tied to her mark," Yusei explained. "Say, Rain, you had power like that, too. Kalin told me about it. Are you a Signer?"

The mention of his name made my expression flatten. "No way. You have one of those shiny marks but no powers. I have powers but no shiny mark. Make sense? Hey, why didn't you tell me you had a crazy cool tattoo?"

Yusei grinned. "It was just a birthmark before the Fortune Cup. Then it started glowing, and…"

"The Fortune Cup," I muttered. "Yusei, how are you and Jack in the City? Why is he so famous?"

"Jack is-" Rage crossed Yusei's face. "Look, I'm going to be honest with you. Jack has been a complete asshole to me. He almost killed my friend, stole my Stardust Dragon card, and jacked the duel runner I'd been working on for months. He turned his back on us and used what he stole from me to make it in the City. He acts like he's so above the Satellite now. I escaped to the City to take my card back and knock him down a few pegs. The Fortune Cup gave me that chance."

My forehead creased. "I don't want to believe that he would, but… I can see him doing that. Why does everything fall apart for us?"

Do not fear, said the Crimson Dragon. In the heart of hearts of our Signer, Jack Atlas, he wrestles regret.

He… he does? So Jack still cares?

Of course he does.

I sighed in relief. The Crimson Dragon was turning out to not be such a freeloader, after all.

Excuse me? You called me a what?

"Hey, no worries." Yusei's anger was swiftly replaced by a reassuring smile. "What matters is we're reunited. Rain, I've seen your wanted posters everywhere in the City. Now that I've told you my side, can you explain-"

The sound of the door opening in the distance cut him off. "Everyone, I've come to bring you to Rex Godwin's mansion."

End of Chapter Eleven

(((A/N: Best thing about this chapter is Carly. Yup, there's Scoop in this story, but it's pretty minor. Unless there's, like, some specific scene you want me to squeeze in... but I honestly try to avoid novelization of canon as much as possible. On that note, if anything is confusing because of that policy, let me know and I can add parts if you so wish.

Next week, we chillin' with Godwin while Crimzoni Dragoni provides more commentary in Chapter Twelve, Old Friends, New Team )))