Hello, everyone! Wow, all of you really did seem to like the last chapter, huh? And while I was scoping out everything, we got those of you who support Fem!YuseiXJack and Fem!YuseiXAkiyuki. Ohhh, let's see how this turns out, yeah? Who shall Fem!Yusei end up with? The King of the Fast lane and the Archfiends, or the Magician of the Black Roses and Broken Hearts? And what will be the climax of the Duel between New Domino's King of the Cards and Satellite's Queen of the Cards? Well, let me stop all this talking and lets find out in this two part event! Let's get this chapter rolling!
Disclaimer: Kazuki Takahashi owns this. Not me. The first part of Best Friends belongs to Yumi Kawamura. Not me.
~Chapter Twelve: Fortune Finale, Part One!
"This way, Yusei! This way!"
"Jack, wait up!"
That little cry only caused a seven-year-old Jack to run faster, laughing as Yusei tried to keep up with him on her little awkward feet. It wasn't any surprise, since Jack was a little taller and the two were running down a complicated road that was close to home. Wild thickets and bushes were on either side of the cobble-stoned road, large cracks, potholes, and rocks that had somehow propped themselves from the ground, were everywhere and slowing Yusei down.
"I'm gonna leave you behind, Yusei!"
"Jack, don't be mean!"
"Ha-ha! You know I'm only kidding, right?"
The little blonde was surprised when the short girl caught up at his side and smiled up at him, her blue hair ribbon tied loosely in her short hair.
"I know!" Laughed Yusei, suddenly looking mischievous and sprinting a few inches. "I'm gonna win!"
"Not if I win first!"
The two were giggling and panting, giving all the energy they got for their little race. How the two of them loved to play their small races and hang out. Competition and glory was never on their minds. Still developing and filled with innocents, the two children only enjoyed spending time together. From being with the friends they grew up with, to playing Duels that were held on bets of old candy and toys found in the Junkyard, to just sitting by the docks and staring at the ocean until the dock keeper told them to beat it with a spunky retriever licking at their hands as they left. The more time they had together, the more the memories were made and grew fonder of heart, and were cherished by the two friends.
Yusei leaped over a giant rock to keep up with Jack, her dark ribbon falling out of her hair just then. Pulling back, Yusei quickly picked it up and tired it in her hair.
"Jack! I said wait!"
"Hurry! I'm not stopping!"
"Jack!"
Huffing, Yusei ran as fast as her legs could, blue eyes squinting when the area suddenly began to turn foggy.
"Jack?"
"Na-na-na-na-na! I'm leaving Yusei behind! Na-na-na-na-na!" Came Jack's sing-song voice, though it was sound faint, as if he were running yards with every step he ran. Yusei gasped and breathed quickly, running and jumping, trying to see any sign of her purple-eyed friend.
"Wow, you're really slow Yusei!" Jack's echo was vibrating all around her. "Why did I ever become friends with some girl who can't keep up with me? Huh, you know what? Why should I keep stopping and waiting for you? You're always just gonna disappoint me in the end, and you'll always be a loser! Forget you! Bye, Yusei!" His voice was gone, and Yusei was in a panic.
"Jack, NO!" She screamed, the whole fog suddenly turning black. "Jack! Jack, come back! Please, don't leave! Please!" She cried, covering her eyes. She opened them again, and found herself to be eighteen again. Turning in the shadows, she screamed as a huge spider with glowing designs on it suddenly crawled and attacked her.
"Yu . . . up!"
" . . . Sei! Wak . . . please!"
"Yusei, wake up!"
Yusei's arms shot out and tried to break from whatever was pulling her down. The black dots were flecking over her eyes and she could almost feel the movement of those in the unknown room she was in. Something cold and wet was pressed to her face.
"Yusei, just calm down. Please." Came Luna's voice, the soft and pleading tone making all of the struggling girl's movement stop. With a gasp, her eyes blinked several times before she found herself staring at the confused and worried faces of her friends. Yusei quickly sat up, moaning when a pounding headache hit her head, a dull pain in her shoulder provided with it.
"What the . . . Where?" He tongue was coated, and she desperately wanted water.
"Here, take this," A woman dressed in a nurses uniform handed her a cup of mildly chilled water and Yusei drank it in one gulp, sighing with relief as her throat felt normal again. "You're in the infirmary ward of the stadium, Miss. Fudo. After that accident from the Duel a while ago, you passed out due to blood loss. Fortunately, you were bought here just in time." The nurse took her cup and handed her a refilled one. "Thank goodness that shard was only a quarter-inch deep. None of your nerve-endings or muscles were severely damaged. You had to get a few stitches and bandages. Oh, but for your sake, how are you feeling?"
"I think I'm alright," Replied Yusei, looking at her bandaged wrapped shoulder. She tested it a bit, rolling it a little. There was a light spasm, but it only lasted for two seconds. Besides feeling a little daze, everything seemed alright. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little hungry." She admitted. The nurse nodded in understanding and she placed a tray of a ham sandwich, a cup of cut fruit, and a glass of milk.
"Then just eat this up. You're allowed to leave whenever you'd like." With that, she bowed her head and walked out of the room, leaving Yusei and her friends.
"Geez, don't scare us like that, sis!" Chide Alex, shaking his head. "You really had this worried here."
"The important thing is that she is fine." Said Yanagi, very glad. Leo was wiping his eyes, trying to smile with puffy, pink eyes.
"Y-Yeah! Y'know, Alex was crying the whole time you were getting stitches!"
"Was not! You were the one crying, kid! It's all over your face!"
"Was not!"
"Was, too!"
"Stop fighting, the both of you!" Luna shouted, the both of them flinching. "Yusei doesn't need the both of you screaming at the top of your lungs right now. You'll just tire her out more." The two males looked down guiltily, Yusei shaking her head.
"It's fine. Thanks for caring guys," She said, appreciating their concern. She took her time eating her food, hungry but not wanting to get a stomachache. Afterwards, she still felt a little tired and she leaned back on the cot, turning her head and cocking it when she saw the assortment of flowers, cards, and small gifts on the table.
"What are-"
"We actually don't know," Tanner spoke up. "Fans of yours, most likely. You should have seen it. Just an hour ago, people were trying to burst down your door with this stuff. A load of the paparazzi, too. They wanted some of your thoughts after your "life-threatening" Duel with the Black Thorn." He air-quoted. Yusei sat up, her tray of unfinished food sent flying to the ground.
"Akiyuki! How is he? Is he still here?" She asked.
"No one knows," Answered Destiny. "They say he might've left due to exhaustion." Yusei shook her head, dropping it to her hands. She took deep breaths, trying to regain her composure, before she looked as Tanner and Yanagi.
"Guys, you need to take Luna and the others out of here. Like, now," She revealed now marked arm. Unlike before, the tail was there in red color that was almost dark as black. The odd design looked to be smirking at her. "Luna could be in danger."
"You're right, Yusei," Yanagi placed hand on Luna's shoulder, the child looking at her own arm marked with a claw design. "She's Signer, just like you." Yusei nodded in agreement, reaching over and pulling her discarded jacket that was placed near the foot of the cot.
"Sis? Why are you . . . ?" Yusei ignored Alex's question as she bent under the bed and picked up her boots. Luna looked at her with quick realization.
"You know what's going on, Yusei?" She asked, watching as Yusei fixed the cuffs of her jeans.
"I'll tell ya what I find out after I see Goodwin," She got off the bed and stretched quickly, cracking bones that needed some tension released. "For now, I want you guys get out of here, and head towards Blister's place. It's too dangerous for us to be near each other Luna. You saw what happened with mine and Akiyuki's Duel." She shook her head, her upper-lip twitching when she remembered all of the screams and destruction, not to mention the damage on her own arm. "You guys need to head to a safer place," She ran to the door, and looked back at them with a fixed look. "And don't stop for anyone!" She warned, before running out of there, leaving her friends stunned.
" . . . She's right," Tanner concluded with a nod. "Yusei might be on to something."
"I'm sure everything's going to be okay. If Dolly says so, then it must be true," Yanagi nodded. "We had better do what she says, kids. Follow me and stay close behind," Tanner, Alex, and Yanagi formed a small triangle around the three children and they all walked out, all of them stopped when men dressed in black suits surrounded them.
"You weren't planning to leave, were you?"
Lazar smirked at all six of them as he walked over to them, carefree and mischievous as ever.
"And what if we are?" Muttered Tanner, making sure that the twins and Destiny were out of the clown's reach.
"Well, Director Goodwin would like you to stay and enjoy the rest of the tournament. He laughed, biting on his tongue when Tanner dangled him in the air by his coat.
"Well you tell Goodwin that we're sick of him tellin' people what to do!" Growled the ex-legend.
"Say, did you know that Yusei had friends back in the Satellite Sector?" Lazar said in a sly tone, Tanner instantly letting him go. The six of them looked like they swallowed lemons as the short man brushed imaginary grime off his coat." I heard that they went missing a few days ago. I hope nothing bad happens to them." He looked at them with sick look. "So I think it would be best if you return to your seats now."
The men in the suits were threatening enough, the three adults knowing that they couldn't have the children in danger. They had no choice.
(Northern upper-levels, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 12:00 PM)
Yusei was much faster than her younger self from her dream. No longer running over large cracks and stones, she ran down a hallway that would lead to Goodwin's VIP room. Ahead, two guards noticed her, and they ran to stop her.
"Hey, hold it! You should be back in the infirmary room!"
"The Director's not expecting you!"
"Sorry-!" Yusei swung her torso back before upper-cutting the first guard. "But he's got some explaining-!" She swung her fist in the second guy's jaw, before spinning and bushing on the ball of her foot, a leaping kick sending that guy to the wall. "-to do!"
Business done, Yusei pushed the glad doors of the hall and continued on her trek.
(VIP Tower, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 12:05 PM)
"Director? Look, sir, there's something I've gotta say," Trudge stood there in tower with Goodwin, Jack, and Mina, feeling a little on edge. "It's my official position that you need to stop this tournament."
"I thought your 'official position' was mall security." Mussed Goodwin, a glass of sparkling cider in hand.
"Very funny," Trudge tried to sound casual. "But I feel this tournament is cursed or something! You witnessed the damage of the last Duel! That kid had a mental breakdown and he sent Yusei to the infirmary ward." Even if he didn't want to admit it, he did feel a little jump in him when he saw the report on television. "I'm concerned things are gonna get worse!"
"Officer, I don't pay you to be concerned." Goodwin said coldly.
"But sir-"
"I pay you to do what I say," Goodwin snapped with a ordering tone. "And as for what you think, if I was going to pay someone to do some thinking, it most certainly would not be you." The director took a sip of his cider. "Langley, please escort Officer Trudge out."
"Is Langley one of the guys guarding the door?"
No one expected such a soft voice, so all of them turned in surprise as Yusei walked coolly into the well-furnished room "'Cause... uh, he's napping." Yusei looked away slightly, her hands in her pockets. The occupants still stared at her, not a sound passing. Yusei looked behind herself for a second, before looking back.
" . . . Was I supposed to wipe my feet before entering, or something?"
"What're you doing up here, punk?" Growled Trudge. Goodwin stood and raised his palm.
"That's enough," He said sternly, as if Trudge were a junkyard dog. "Yusei, it's good to see that you are well. How is your shoulder?"
"I think my shoulder is the least of your concern." Clipped Yusei, hair bristling at the back of her neck. Goodwin gave a knowing smile.
"I should be concerned. If something were to happen, where would be?" With no answer, he continued. "Well, what can I do for you?"
"Before I say, weren't you gonna throw him out?" Asked the female racer, jabbing thumb in the officer's direction. Trudge, outraged, grabbed her by the front of her jacket, but with Goodwin's guards, he was dragged off Yusei and to the doors.
"Gaaahhhh! That's it, Goodwin! I'm gonna figure out what you're up to! You're going down! You're gonna-"
The glass doors slammed, the threat left unheard. Goodwin took a few steps to Yusei, as if nothing happened.
"Time to talk," Yusei said, taking a slight step back. After all that had happened, trust was hanging by a thing thread between her and the silver-eyed man. "You forced me into this tournament. You threatened me and you locked up my friends. I wanna know the truth. I'm not Dueling Jack until you tell me why you've done this."
"Are you dense, Yusei?" Jack laughed, standing up. "It's 'cause of this," He pulled down his sleeve, revealing the wings marked on it. "This mark."
"So I wasn't seeing things before!" Whispered Yusei, looking at her own arm and pulling down the sleeve. That smirking tail and Jack's wings looked like missing pieces to a puzzle.
"He wants the Crimson Dragon's power, so he's been trying to gather everyone with its mark! He got me here by lying to me and buttering me up and manipulating me." Growled Jack. Yusei remained silent.
"Oh come on, you're making me sound so devious," Chuckled Goodwin. "Jack, you were the one who asked for this. You wanted to be the Turbo-Duel Champion."
"Yeah," Jack's plum-colored eyes glared at Goodwin. "But I wanted to earn that title. At this point . . . I'm starting to think that you've been rigging everything. The kidnapping, the selected competitors, that final Duel; it was all planned." He then looked over to Yusei, staring at her almost-healed shoulder before back to Goodwin. "And it was all for one thing; Yusei."
"Me?" Yusei's face chorded with confusion. "Jack, why me?" What did Goodwin want with her? From the very start, she knew that the older man had an odd fixation on her, even before she received her Signer Mark. It was almost like he knew her even before she was born. So what was it? "Why . . . Me?" She repeated, a little lost.
"Goodwin knew that you would come after me if I did everything exactly as he asked me to. Isn't that right, Director?" The Australian looked at the Director.
"Don't be ridiculous." Goodwin shook his head. "I didn't even know about Yusei until you Dueled her that night in the arena."
"Do you honestly expect me to believe that this is all some big coincidence?" Muttered Jack. "You needed to verify that Yusei had a mark, so you needed her and I to Duel, with passion, so you created a situation in which the stakes would be as high as possible . . ." His voice trailed off when he and Yusei crossed each other's gazes. It was almost as if they had a mutual understanding.
"You remember that day, Yusei?"
"Not a day goes by when I don't," Yusei felt something lump in her throat, and her eyes began to sting. "It was a year ago. I thought that after all that happened, things couldn't get worst. But . . . I was wrong . . ."
Jack nodded. "First time for everything, right . . . ?"
(B.A.D District, The Satellite, 2:00 PM)
"Come back, little shit!"
"Yeah, let's see if you're a chick or not under that dress!"
Rally ran with all his might as he ran away from the three punks. He ran around a corner and tripped over a pile of tin cans, the bullies closing in on him. Just as one was about to beat him with his baseball bat, a card was thrown and struck his hand, slitting it.
"Hey! How did you do that just now?" He growled. Holding his bleeding palm.
"Up there!" They all turned and caught a white coat flapping in the air, a eighteen-year-old jack staring them down from the edge of a broken building.
"You boys are trespassing." He snarled, walking closer to the edge.
"What're ya' talking about?" Barked one of the boys.
"Nobody steps over that median line." Jack's eyes held a fire of anger, ready to be let loose.
The boys jumped, eyes looking squeamishly at the white line.
"Hey, come on, man, be cool. We don't got no beef with you . . ." They tried to purse, but Jack was hearing none of it. Jumping off the edge, he activated his Duel Disk in mid-air and summoned his most powerful monster.
"You do now, my friend!" Red Dragon Archfiend appeared in a cascading shower of white-hot flames, the bullies yelling in terror as they ran away, weapons abandoned. Rally pumped his fists and celebrated.
"Haha! Yeah, that's what I thought!" He blew one last raspberry in their direction, before turning, ready to thank Jack for saving him. But the spot Jack had been in was gone. His friend was nowhere in sight.
Rally pushed open a large door, peering through the darkness of an abandoned theater in the B.A.D District. Walking over tarnished carpets and looking over mossy and torn theater seats, he smiled and ran over to Jack, who sat on an old throne prop for a fairy tale set. The blonde was resting his chin on his palm, eyes lazily looking at the grinning redhead.
"Hey, Jack! So, this is where you're hangin' out these days, huh?" Rally looked around and nodded with approval." Nice place!" He declared. Jack gave a fix gaze, eyes filled with nothing.
"What do you want?" He asked, turning away,
"I wanted to say thanks, for earlier." Replied Rally, Jack only giving a sideways glance.
"I was just protecting my turf, that's all. Think nothing of it." He stated. Rally gave a small whistle, before cleaning his ear and looking up at the ruined ceiling. Why did this conversation feel so aching awkward and weird? It was so easy to talk to Jack, who he had known for years.
Finally, he remembered something.
"Yusei just finished building this awesome new Duel Runner!" He tried, looking excited. "It's looking really sweet! We're doing a test-run tomorrow!" Jack didn't look like her cared. "Uh . . . Hey, you should come! She's gonna try to break the Canal Street record, it's gonna be great!"
Jack crossed one of his legs over the other, turning away again.
"Come on! I know you and Yusei had a little falling-out, but it's been months! Can't you guys just shake hands and make up?" Rally leaned closer before looking down. "It's been forever since you hung out with us, and it's weird when you're not around." He tapped the side of Jack's head. "Uh, hello?"
"You should get back, before it gets dark." Jack finally said, pushing the kid away slightly.
". . . Yusei won't even tell me what happened." Said the poor child, looking scared.
"Nothing happened. It's just . . ." Jack sighed and shook his head. "People change, Rally."
'Everything changed . . .'
"Well, okay, but," Rally took a small step back and looked at Jack pleadingly. " I just want everyone to get along again . . . And I want Yusei to smile again. A real smile, Jack. You guys were best friends! Way closer than anyone else I know! And now, everytime Yusei smiles, it always seems like she's forcing it! It's . . . It's fake, Jack." Rally gave a confident nod. "She has fake smiles now 'cause she doesn't see her best friend anymore! Best friends don't just stop being best friends!"
Silence was Jack's answer. Rally just shrugged his shoulders.
"Well . . . We'll be in the Canal Street tunnel at noon, if you change your mind. Later, Jack!" He called, running off and leaving Jack to think.
'A real smile, hm . . . ?'
It was later off at nighttime when Jack heard something, awakening him from sleep.
"Who is that?" His eyes darted left to right in the dark entertainment place. "Show yourself!"
"Quite the nice pad you've got here . . . Very spacious. The must-and-mold motif is a brave choice." said a chuckling voice, a certain clown appearing. It was Lazar, the same as ever, even though this was the past.
"Who're you?" Jack stood and felt his hackles rise.
"Oh, silly me, I forgot my manners." Lazar bowed to him like a loyal servant. "My name is Lazar, Mr. Atlas, and I am here to see you on behalf of Director Rex Goodwin."
"That name supposed to mean something to me?" Asked Jack, crossing his arms.
"Director Goodwin would like to extend you an invitation. We've been watching you from afar, Jack, and we think you're an incredible Duelist. A talent like yours is being wasted out here in the Satellite. You have what it takes to be a champion, Jack." Lazar roved his eyes over the prop throne, looking back to the blonde with a grin. "To sit on a real throne as the king of the Turbo-Duels. Haven't you always wanted to be a champion, Mr. Atlas? Furthermore, haven't you wondered about that mark on your arm?" Jack's eyes widenand drew to his arm, hearing Lazar laugh aloud.
"That's right- we know all about it!" He clapped his hands. "Tomorrow evening at seven, the Maintenance Department will shut down the flow in the main pipeline for one hour. We'll be waiting for you on the other side, Mr. Atlas. However," The clown sauntered over and took a seat on the throne, reclining. "We do require that you bring one thing with you. We've heard there's another Duelist here, a feisty little hotshot who's been turning heads since she was little."
"We don't know much about her," Jack caught that on faster than a fish on a hook, listening to each of Lazar's words carefully. "Other than that she uses the Stardust Dragon card. But some say she has what it takes to be the best. You need to find her, and get her Stardust Dragon card. Think of it as your ticket to a new life. And believe me, Director Goodwin can give you a new life, Jack. No one will know you're from the Satellite. You'll be a respected resident of New Domino City. You'll have screaming fans, you'll attend fancy parties. But hey," The clown shrugged and stood up, walking down the aisle of the theater. "If you want to dwell in the slums and live with the cockroaches all your life, you're welcome to do so."
Jack could only stare blankly, the sounds of insects crawling and Lazar's voice echoing.
"The choice is yours, Jack, what's it going to be?"
(B.A.D District, The Satellite, 8:00 AM)
"Hey, Jack. Um . . ." Rally looked around the foggy top of the building Jack was on now, the new morning bringing little sunlight. "Why are we meeting up here?" he asked.
"I think I'd like to come watch Yusei's test-run after all." Jack stated, not turning from the view. Rally secretly cheered.
"Really? Well then let's get going!" He made a move to grab Jack's hand.
"Sure, but," Rally stopped, Jack's words sounding a little off. "I need help with something first."
"Whatever ya need, Jack, 'cause I still owe you one from before!" Rally said happily, only glad to hear that his friends would be happy again.
"Yes . . . you do ,"Rally felt something sting him, the force and magnitude causing him to fall unconsciously into Jack's arms. The man himself tucked away the tazer he used, eyes lidding at his hostage, "And now you're gonna pay me back ten-fold."
(B.A.D District, The Satellite, 11:00 AM)
Yusei gave one last buff to her white and grey Runner, giving a light hum while Blitz, Tank, and Nervin were conversing nearby, whatever they could get for breakfast next to them.
"Where's Rally?" Asked Blitz, chewing on a sough dough bagel that was soggy from black coffee. "He'll be bummed if he misses Yusei test out her new Duel Runner." He tossed said girl a small bottle of milk spiced up with coffee grains and creamer, the latter thanking him and drinking the mixed drink.
"When he headed out earlier, he said somethin' about goin' to meet up with Jack," Said Tank, finishing the last of his sliced bread. Nervin gave a glare.
"He went to see Jack? What a traitor!"
"Come on," Yusei handed him the half-finished milk and gave a crocked smiled. "Rally can hang out with whoever he wants to hang out with. We can't go against it on first strike.
"Yeah, but what about loyalty?" Answered Nervin. Yusei only walked back to her Runner, prepare to work on a few strategies to test the speed against the mass when the screen suddenly flashed on with Jack's face. Yusei's heart skipped a beat, a real smile that hadn't appeared in a long time on her soft lips.
"Jack?"
"Some east-side thugs just ran off with Rally."
"They did what?!" Yusei gasped. As quickly as she could, she informed her friends and they broke off into a search party, Yusei taking the most abandoned streets for gangs. She raced around one way, and Jack's face appeared again.
"Jack, I don't see them anywhere. Where did you-"
"Yusei, I found him. Come down to the waterfront right away."
"Huh?" Yusei blinked.
(B.A.D District, The Satellite, 12:00 PM)
"Where is he, Jack?" Yusei parked on her D-Wheel as quickly as she could, running oiver to Jack when she made it to the peirs.
"He's out there," He pointed to the waters, and Yusei's heart stopped when she saw the young boy tied to a boat, water slashing ever where and almost tipping over. "The tide's still going out!" Yelled Jack, looking at Yusei with vast expectance. "He could be swept out to sea! And then there's that big storm front approaching-"
"Jack, what is he doing out there?!" Interrupted Yusei, something fishy going on. Ever since they were young, Yusei could tell when someone was lying to her not. Whether her share of food was stolen, or when one of the guys broke something, she could tell in a heart break.
And right now, Jack's eyes, the eyes she had come to trusting and relying on so much screamed a haunting voice.
'LAIR! LAIR!'
"I guess there's no reason to keep on lying to you," The blonde never looked more serious in his life. "I put him out there." Yusei face morphed into horror, a step taken back.
"Out there? But Jack, Rally's your friend!" She screamed.
"Know what people are saying?" Taunted Jack, not giving a damn. "That you've got what it takes to be the best. But we both know that's not true, don't we, Yusei?" He taunted. His gut twisted when Yusei looked at him as if he were a murderer, all trsut she had in him slowly fading away.
"What're you saying?" She asked in a scared voice.
"You can either Duel me and prove yourself, or," He pointed to the struggling and crying child. " You can swim out there and save Rally. What'll it be? What's more important to you, proving that you're a true Duelist?" His gaze harden Or are you willing to put dueling aside to help your little friend? What're you made of?" He asked.
A indigo-blue jacket was tossed aside, and Jack's fiendish glare was directed at her as she dove into the dangerous waters and saw after Rally, calling out to him that everything was going to be fine.
'Pathetic. You don't deserve to have Stardust Dragon, you weak-hearted loser,' Jack picked up the jacket and pulled out Yusei Deck box, pulling out Stardust Dragon. Slipping the card into his own Deck box, Jack walked over and hopped onto Yusei Runner, starting it and driving away 'Time for that test run . . .'
In the rapid waters, Yusei quickly grappled at the boat and untied Rally, the tides lapping over them and trying to bring them bellow. Yusei pulled the young boy near the open air and she swam and kicked back to the pier, pushing Rally back on land before bringing herself up.
Yusei gagged up a few mouthfuls of cold sea water, her bones cold and shaking and the cold morning making her head spin from the aftermath of the turning waves. She looked around, and her heart was smothered with emotions. Every party of her was numb, and it felt as if her heart was torn to pieces.
"Man, this is all my fault," Said Rally, making a light sound when Yusei covered his shoulders with her jacket. He looked up at Yusei, and regretted it, tearing up. "I'm-I'm so sorry. I . . ." The tears fell. "I'm just so sorry."
Yusei only knelt to the ground and pulled him into a hug, rocking his small frame back and forth. That did it. With a wail, Rally clung onto her, blubbering every apology known to man and shaking. Yusei only held him, too numb, too sad, too broken to cry.
(VIP Tower, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 12:20 PM)
"And I think that brings us all up to speed, more or less," Yusei was only half listening to him, those Hellish memories proving to be more forceful than expected. She barely heard Jack's next words, though it did make her eyes go wide.
"You got what you wanted," He pointed to Yusei. "She's here, right? Let her friends go, she doesn't need to be coerced. I want this Duel to be legit. No threats, no gimmicks, just us."
Even if he said it like that, the both of them could hear their blood pound in their ears, amazement and pride from Jack at the faint trace of color on his friend's cheeks, and Yusei from the words that made her flush.
In turn, Goodwin nodded and gave a small bow.
"If that is what the king wants, then so shall it be."
(West Sector, B.A.D District, The Satellite, 12:30 PM))
"No way . . . It's open."
"Stop joking around."
The four gaggles of Satellites trapped in a large metal cargo box found themselves pushing and shoving at the doors that kept them trapped for lord knows how long. The heavy doors were swung open and the four had found themselves around an abandon area.
"Anybody know where we are?" Rally asked, the few of them looking around for any other people.
"The time has come!" They turned and caught sight of the Fortune Cup on a functioning TV, the Master of Ceremonies pointing to the holograms above him. "The final showdown is about to begin! Satellite's very own Yusei Fudo has won the chance to take on Jack Atlas!"
"Yusei is dueling Jack?" Shouted Tank, the four running over to the television.
"When did this happen?" Blitz asked curiously. He then shook his head. "Man, A Duel between these two. You'd think after what happened the last time-"
"Nerv', just don't," Blitz looked serious, and there was something else in his voice. "Just . . . Just don't remind me of back then. I can still see Yusei acting so. . . So . . ."
The three of them had no idea what to say. All they knew that it was late it was raining, and Yusei and Rally had come walking home with Rally asleep in Yusei's arms and the both of them soaking wet. Yusei didn't have Stardust Dragon or her D-Wheel with her. Yusei had said nothing to them as she carefully dried Rally and wrapped him in one of their spare blankets, tucking him in the small space Yusei would sleep in.
"Yusei?" Blitz finally had enough and he walked over to the girl and turned her over. Yusei's hands came up and they swiped along her own face, Blitz only managing to catch the smears of water from Yusei's eyes.
"Yusei . . . ?"
"I . . ." Yusei opened her mouth, but incoherent sounds were only squeaked. She suddenly gave a chocked shiver, and she gave a smile. A fake smile. "I'll tell you in the morning. I'm . . . I need some sleep." Quickly moving out of the way, Yusei led herself outside the shack. Blitz, feeling that this was unfinished, followed her silently. From the sounds of the footsteps and the small noise, he could tell that Yusei was sitting by the steps near subway entrance. He was all ready to go sit next to her and talk it out with her when he heard it.
It was light. It was quiet. It was pitiful and heart-wrenching. The Satellite thought he would never hear that sound in his life. He clutched his head, and his back slowly slid down the wall he was hiding behind. He turned and looked, and his suspicions were cleared.
Yusei was sitting upon the steps, head buried in her arms as her shoulders shook, though not from the rain pelting on her. A sob was heard, and it was finally concluded; Yusei was crying.
"Hey, look- look at her face!" The flashback was drawn back, and Yusei was shown with her golden face makings.
"They marked her! They marked Yusei!" Exclaimed Rally, his hands going to his own marks.
"Guess you miss a lot when you're locked up!" Concluded Tank. Boy, was he right.
(Participants' Garage, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 7:45 PM)
Yusei placed her Deck in its proper slot, locking it on place as she got on her Runner and began a quick check up. Her screen suddenly turned on and showed a video feed of her friends outside and un-harmed, gathered around a television.
"They're OK," She breathed, slumping a little back, as if a whole lot of weight was bought off her. The screen then alternated to Jack and Goodwin.
"Are you happy? You finally get a chance to settle the score with me." Stated the king. Yusei smiled, which caused him to flinch.
"Yeah," She slipped her helmet over her head. "Whatever happens next, I'm ready to take it head-on."
"I expect no less," Said Goodwin, pride swelling in his chest. "From the both of you, I hope you will give a rousing event and prove yourselves to be the reputations you have obtained through your hard work and dedication."
"Flattery gets you nowhere, Goodwin," Muttered Jack, though his boss didn't seem to heard him (Or at least, acted like he didn't). Nodding, Yusei switched off the feed and prepared to take off.
"You know, for what it's worth, big setup or not, I still think that you're an incredible Duelist, Jack." Stated Mina, watching her charge prepare himself on his own Runner.
"Of course I am." Stated the king, helmet slipped on and ready.
Sayer pressed his cellphone to his ear, unseen from anyone else in the area.
"Just gets some rest and take it easy, Akiyuki," He said gently, knowing how uneasy the boy was. "I'll be back later, alright? Take care." He pocketed his phone and looked back to the racetrack.
'So you're really going to try and summon the Crimson Dragon. This should be interesting . . .'
(Fortune Track, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 8:00 PM)
"And this is where it all comes to, everyone! The long awaited Duel between champion and rookie is about to begin!" Everyone was on the edge of their seat, the final and best Duel of all time about to happen. "Who shall win? Will New Domino remain with the glory of a righteous king, or will it be honoring the welcoming of its newest queen? Ladies and gentlemen, get ready!"
Around the already darkening stadium, steam arises from every corner. On the screens were pictures of Duels Jack had done in the past, and the Duels Yusei had accomplished with her time in the tournament. From backstage came the melody of band, preparing and signaling the competitors' entrances.
It's a long road (harder every step)
A cold wind that gets in your bones (with every breath you take)
But you're stronger (stronger every step)
The further on you go (got to carry on)
"Monsters have invaded the filed, folks!" Shouted the MC, holograms of Jack and Yusei's monsters spanning around from everywhere. Children looked especially fond of Yusei's Sonic Chick and Quilbolt Headgehog.
Thought I knew you (thought you were a friend)
But can't even say I know me (am I a friend to me?)
That sorry shadow I (might need a helping hand)
Could turn out to be! (am I a friend to me?)
From both their spots, Jack gripped his handle bars and Yusei fastened her legs on either side of her Runner and got ready. 'This is it . . .'
Sometimes I cannot . . .
Just can't understand where my head is at . . .
Or what my heart is saying!
From both entrances were furies of smokes, fireworks rocketing into the night sky as Yusei and Jack appeared, the both of them performing laps. Jack had crossed one way while Yusei did the other, lights flowing from everywhere.
All throughout the struggle,
Sometimes I feel . . .
I can't shake the habit - I just can't break out!
The two Duelists made sharp U-turns at the farthest sides of the field, paused as they hologramed beasts formed near them like soldiers in a march.
But I know in the end,
I'll beat the chill . . .
Cause the road will go on,
With me or without!
With the horsepower that could be half of what a 747s delivered, the two took off forward and rode off two scaling ramps, fireworks crossing with them and their eyes meeting for a second, As slow as the moment seemed to take a lifetime, they broke off the stare as they landed and met once more, in neck-and-neck speed.
Making? No!
Compromise . . . !
Fighting for . . .
A better life . . . !
The two pulled their stops at the starting point, the distant cheer of the crowd from the entrance ignored.
"This is it! I'm finally gonna show you that you don't have what it takes to be the best, Yusei" Jack shouted. "You never have!"
"Are you sure we should be doing this right now, Jack?" Yusei asked, in all seriousness. "There's still a lot we don't know about the Crimson Dragon." Jack laughed, Yusei throwing him a glare.
"This is exactly what I'm talking about! You have no guts, Yusei! You never wanna take any risks!" He gave a sick sneer. "It's no surprise though, hm? Females are more prone to get overemotional, and they just don't have the guts to take the risks men could do. Yusei, let's face facts here; The game of Duel Monsters is censored for a male audience. And only a quarter of women in the world have remote interest in the game, minus the fact they think the cards look 'pretty'." He spat and gave a glare right back. "And here everyone's saying you're different! Don't tell me you came all this way just to chicken out?"
Yusei held his gaze and shook her head.
"No way," She looked at her screen and tightened her hands around the handles. "And why should I be bothered with what other girls do? Some choose fashion, some work to be scientists, and all of them go beyond limitations that just make you double-over. And I plan on doing the same," She shot a righteous gaze. "I'm not some spineless 'damsel in distress'. I don't need some knight or whatever saving my from an ivory tower."
"It didn't look that way when I carried you to the infirmary . . ."
"What?" Yusei whipped her head at his whisper. "What did you just say?!"
"Nothing that should be bothered with!" Jack's face looked red, from both anger and embarrassment. Why did he just let that slip out? Yusei still held her eyes on him, face held with bewilderment and concern.
'Jack . . .'
"Alright! It's time to activate . . . the Speed World field spell!" Yelled the MC into his mic, catching the two Duelists attention. Whipping out their cards, they slapped their spell cards down and planes of purple energy surrounded them.
*DUEL MODE ENGAGED; AUTOPILOT STANDING BY.*
"This is the moment," The crow was silent, and the MC looked ready to burst. "Will Jack Atlas continue to reign as the king of Turbo-Duels? Or will he be de-throne by Satellite Shooting Star, a new queen taking the age of the Dueling world in a three-sixty!? It's time to find out!"
The stop lights went in a synchronization of preparation, the colors signaling the kick off, the energy gathering, and the start. At that, the Runners took off and the crowd was sent in a wave of cheers.
"Let's Duel!"
Yusei: 4000 (SPC:0)
Jack: 4000 (SPC:0)
"Admit it, Yusei!" Jack called out, another match of his favorite game, 'Let's Rile Yusei!' taking place. "The roar of the crowd is more appealing than the scamper of the rats." Yusei had to disagree, the calls and cheers only making her loose the concentration she was building up.
"Let's just Due," She replied, looking at her newest card. "I'm summoning out my Shield Wing (LV:2/ATK:0/DEF:900) in defense mode!" Flying with cradled, steeled wings was a small dragon skinned with turquoise-colored scales. "Next I place two cards face-down and end my turn!"
"In that case," Her rival drew his next card and threw down the monster. "I summon Twin Sword Marauder (LV:4/ATK:1600/DEF:1200) in attack mode!" Summoned from his monster zone was a villainous monster with three swords attached to the gauntlets of his wrists. "You may have just scrapped your way to the title match, but those other Duelists were just amateurs compared to me! Especially that Black Thorn!"
"Leave Akiyuki out of this!" Yelled Yusei. "He was scared and alone, and he needed someone to talk to! I don't blame him for what's happen to him! Deep down, I know he's a good guy!" When Jack's eyes turned feral, Yusei was at a lost.
"A good guy?! Wake up and smell the premium coffee, Yusei! That lunatic should be in a mental ward! I mean, really? Breaking down like a sniveling child, destroying half the arena, injuring you!?" Jack spat in fury. "That good guy you're referring to is that of an egotistic brat!" He shouted, seeing red and beyond enraged that Yusei was defending the very man that had put her life in danger.
"Aren't you referring to yourself!?" Yelled Yusei, just as angry that Jack was acting more like a kid right now. Jack gave a snarl and took one of his cards.
"Oh, I'm the brat? Well, can a brat do this?! I direct my Twin Sword Marauder to give you a proper welcome to the big leagues, Yusei! Mature of me, right?!" His marauder sprung into the air and shot straight at the shimmering dragon, bouncing against steeled-wings though the attack not destroying the best.
Yusei: 3300 (SPC:1)
Jack: 4000 (SPC:1)
"You haven't grown a bit as a Duelist since the days of riding around in the sewers!" Jack had calmed down a bit, though he still looked mad. "I can still anticipate your game and stay two steps ahead of you!"
"Then you should know that Shield Wing can't be destroyed in one attack!" Shouted Yusei, eyes on her gem-like reptile. " It has to be defeated twice!"
"I do know that," Stated Jack, brief memories of those Duels with that monster passing by. "And when Twin Sword Marauder attacks a monster in defense mode, it can attack again!"
"Shit," Yusei breathed, Jack smirking at the look on her face.
"I said that I was two steps ahead of you, Yusei, not just one!" He pointed at her dragon once more "Go! Double Marauder Mayhem!" Points were dropped from Yusei's end.
Yusei: 2600 (SPC:2)
Jack: 4000 (SPC:2)
"And to end my first turn, I place one card face-down," Said the Dueling King, looking over what he had.
'I already have in my hand the card that will lead me to victory, and settle this matter once and for all!'
"You can't defeat me, Yusei!" He shouted, their Runners shifting and either speeds beteen one another a few times.
"We'll see, Jack!" Yelled the twilight-haired girl, her hands scanning over her selection of cards.
'Meteor Stream,' Her mind went into her old memories, recalling her Duels with Jack in the Satellite. 'Jack might be expecting this since I beat him with it before. So I'd better hold off on using it, for now.' She tucked the card in her hand and selected another.
"From my hand I summon Junk Synchron (LV:3/ATK:1300/DEF:500)!" The little driver dressed in orange waved at Yusei at got ready with his goggles, rubbing his palms. "And now, I'm gonna tune my Junk Synchron with my Shield Wing, in order to Synchro-Summon!" With two spinning in the air, Yusei chanted a familiar call to a red-eyed beast.
"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! Show yourself, Junk Warrior ( :2300/DEF:1300)!" The gates of golden-green were the entrance the metal-man needed, thrusting his heavy gauntlets about. "Now take out that Marauder!" Commanded Yusei, her junk-type monster sprinting and delivery a powerful blow, the killing thief blown to bits.
Yusei: 2600 (SPC:3)
Jack: 3300 (SPC:3)
"Next I activate my trap card, Synchro Blast! Now when my Warrior attacks, Synchro Blast can slam you with five-hundred points of damage!" A white light was flashed on Jack, bringing down his Life-Points.
Yusei: 2600 (SPC:4)
Jack: 2800 (SPC:4)
"Now you're Dueling, Yusei . . ." Stated Jack.
"I'll take that as a compliment." Said Yusei as the two made a turn around a hairpin.
"It's the only one you'll be getting from me!" Shouted Jack, a faint pink crawling up his neck from Yusei's soft tone, even though they were shouting at each other a while back. "Because from my hand, I summon Dark Tinker ( :1300)!" A hobbit-like creature with many legs was crawling along, tools by the dozen in its many arms. "Then I activate the Powerful Rebirth trap card! And with this card, I can re-summon Twin Sword Marauder from my graveyard!" Marauder and Tinker now marched together, right on the king's command.
"Alright, Dark Tinker is only level-three, and that Sword Marauder is a level-four!" Tanner was putting piece by piece together.
"It'll take a little more than that to summon Red Dragon Archfiend!" Shouted Alex, Goosebumps popping on his skin.
"This isn't going to start off smooth." Whispered Luna, shivering and looking at the skies. Why was it looking like it was going to rain?
"Now the monster resurrected by Powerful Rebirth gains 100 attack and defense points, and its level increases by one!" Shouted Jack, a blue light sparkling around.
Twin Sword Marauder:(LV: 5/ATK:1500/DEF: 1300)
"What?!" Exclaimed Yusei, her hairs prickling straight. Jack drunk the look she had, blue eyes as wide as a doe's, yet more glassy and wide.
"Yusei, I'm the best Turbo-Duelist New Domino City has ever seen! And that move I just made was one more example of why I'm the champ," Jack smirked and rose his hand slowly. "And now I'm going to show you why I'm gonna remain a champ!" A Synchro-Summon was about to commence.
"The undying flames of rage fill one's heart, shaking the earth as its master rises in the air. Let the fast lane ignite with the strongest of all! Synchro Summon, Red Dragon Archfiend (LV8/ATK:3000/DEF:2000)!" From a comet of black and red flames, came the vicious power and might that was Jack's dragon, roaring as proudly as it's master.
'Back in the Satellite, I knew that to realize my full potential, to climb up from the bottom of the world, I had to throw away everything,' His eyes drew over to Yusei, trailing from what he could see of her slender form all the way to her sharp yet emotionless face. 'I had to turn my back on the Satellite. And my friends.' He remembered that simple road he and Yusei took as children. Just he, and a little girl who was on the short side with an old blue ribbon tied messily in her hair. His best friend. 'Nothing was more important to me than being the best!' His pride took him over, and he now glowered at Yusei, the flames of Hell only corrupted further when Yusei looked back at him with her oceanic eyes swirling with a frozen fire.
'But now here you come, grown-up and still haunting me with the past like a ghost, and you're trying to take me down? You're not a real Duelist! You haven't had to sacrifice anything! Everything you did was all done by pure, damn luck! You always put Dueling second! Well I'm finally going to put you in your place!'
Red Dragon Archfiend bellowed above them, a rightful royalist of Hell signaling that the worst was coming.
"Me? Jack, why me? Why . . . Me?"
"You got what you wanted. She's here, right?"
The words from the two competitors went over and over in Goodwin's head, their questions working over his thoughts. Abruptly, he stood up, and walked over to his private desk, reaching into one of the draws and pulling out a small, leathered book, old and broken a little at the spine. Flipping to the first page, he stared at the picture of a young couple smiling at him.
How long had it been since he remembered those two?
(Unknown workplace, Old-New Domino City, 5:00 PM)
"Rex, that concludes today's work."
"Then, shall we head out?"
The older man nodded, dark blue eyes a lit with intelligence yet filled with a warm and mature glow. His hair was finely spiked and shape in a grey-black color. A younger Rex Goodwin followed him out of their workspace and into the provided grove outside the facility.
"Hajime, what time shall we inform the R.R.D of today's work results?" Asked Rex.
"Let's schedule it in for next week. For now, I rather spend some time with my family." Said Hajime, the two of the spotting a woman waiting for them on a bench. Her brown hair was styled in a small and high ponytail and her eyes were a gentle shade of lime.
"Hajime, Rex, is the work done?" She asked.
"Yes, And a complete success as well, Akina." Said Rex, the young woman smiling as she walked over and kissed Hajime on the cheek.
"Good. Hajime," She smiled at the dark-skinned man. "A certain someone wanted to see you today. She's looking for you over there." She pointed at a moving bush and giggled when Hajime looked dumb folded at the moving bush. Rex had to laugh himself, he and Akina watching him walk over to the bush and brush away the leaves.
"Bwah!"
"Yusei!" Hajime smiled and laughed as he lifted his infant daughter into the air, making the young, pale yet pink-cheeked child laugh. Hajime lifted her in the air and bought her back down, laughing freely as his daughter grabbed for his black spikes.
"Oh, did you want to see daddy at work?" Hajime asked, Yusei cooing and giggling obliviously. He rubbed his nose with his daughter's, love unfolding from his fatherly heart. "Such a good girl. Can you say 'daddy'? Come on, Yusei. Please, say it." He urged.
"Hajime, she's only a few months old," Chide Akina gently.
"But she's such a smart girl," Hajime did not whine. "She already knows how to crawl and she can almost speak." Throwing that aside, the young scientist bought his daughter close, feeling her little head of black hair nuzzle to his neck. Rex smiled as father and daughter reunited from after a day's length of worth. From the time he spent with the Fudos, he knew that they loved their daughter with all their heart. Just like he, Rex, had love for his own child.
"What's that, Yusei?" Rex snapped of his thoughts. "You want your uncle Rex to hold you? Sure, why not?" The baby was moved close to Rex, the latter giving a nervous smile.
"I'd rather not. I'm not good with children-" But he was cut off when the infant was placed in his arms, blue eyes as wide as the sky during a new moon looking up at him. "Um, hello, little one."
"Na, ba! Hawa! Bu-waa!" Yusei cried, her tiny and clammy hands pressing at his face and grabbing his brown-black hair. Rex grunted in protest, ready to pull the child off him when Yusei made content yawn and nuzzled to his chest, closing her eyes with a small smile and a baby sound that sounded sleepy.
OK, this was nice, but not cute . . .
Who was he kidding? This little girl was adorable. He patted the child's back and made a face when Hajime and Akina gave cheeky grins, the brunette holding up a camera she somehow conjured up.
"Do not even think about it."
"Oh, I just want one picture!" Akina gushed excitedly. "Yusei really likes you and I just wish to capture the moment!"
"Face it, Rex. This is one battle you won't be winning." Said Hajime, laughing a little. Shaking his head, Rex looked to the little girl in his arms, the latter waking up and smiling at him with pinking cheeks.
" . . . You win this round," He sighed, shifting the child to be more comfortable on his elbow and looking to the camera and trying to smile. Yusei giggled and smiled, waving as the camera flashed.
(VIP Tower, Fortune Cup Stadium, Western New Domino City, 8:15 PM)
Rex held that very picture now, the sides crinkled and a little torn and faded. He looked at the small piece of his past before placing it back in the picture book and closing it. He folded his hands upon it, and sighed.
'There are so many reasons why it's you, Yusei,' He thought. 'So many reasons.'
To Be Continued…
And there you all go! First half of the thrilling Duel. I got a lot of emotions and stuff out there, huh? Yusei and Jack are more conflicted with each other than it usually seems. Goodwin knows Yusei from the time she was still a toddler! What, does he holds a special bond with her? And he also has a child? Who could it be? Only I know, it seems XD
Seriously though, I loved introducing the past in this chapter, especially Yusei's parents. By the way, quick note, yes, I gave her parents' names I thought that would seem fit, since they don't have official names. Her father's name, Hajime, means 'Beginning' since the whole project was started by him, and her mother's name, Akina, means 'family bond', due to her love for her husband and daughter. Neat, huh? :D
Anyway, please drop a review so that I can continue this story with a drive! It would really help. Next is the second part, so please make sure to keep an eye out! Have a happy holidays and I'll see you all real soon! Bye-bye!
This is me saying, Peace!
