Chapter 25-Aftermath and recovery

"Yuto! You did this don't you!?" Shun yelled angrily as he took hold of the other boy's collar and pulled back his fist, he however didn't seem very fazed. "I warned you what would happen if you ever got in my way again! Don't say I didn't tell you so!"

"Get a hold of yourself Shun!" Yuto yelled as he was able to shake off his angry comrade's hold on him.

"I'm sure you saw that I was as surprised as you when dark rebellion xyz dragon came out on its own! Do actually think that I would willingly stop you once you've made up your mind as such!?" he retorted furiously.

Shun then gasped at the logic of his words, before returning to his previous face of rage. "Even so, I'm certain that you are partially responsible for him escaping! No doubt he's gone back to another dimension, to Academia even! Now I've lost my best lead to my sister and all our fallen comrades!" he yelled, with small tears beginning to form in his eyes, but as always, he refused to show any vulnerability.

Yuto then looked down, with a similar depressed expression before standing back up, "I promise Shun, there will be more opportunities later on. Also, I assure you that boy is not who we are after."

"How can you be so sure?" Shun asked doubtfully.

Yuto then took out his card, "Because, dark rebellion said so," he replied, "That boy clearly knows nothing of what is going on now, but he will most certainly play such a role later on, with that sheer resolve and connection with that dragon of his, Bahamut he called it."

Shun said nothing after that, trusting Yuto's judgement.

Soon there were voices heard in the distance, of approaching people, "Listen Shun, for now you stay with Reiji Akaba and follow along with what he has in mind. And don't go acting rashly on your own this time, otherwise we may never see our friends again."

"Hmph! Fine.."Shun replied, not wishing to drag out the argument any longer, "What about you?"

"I'll continue investigating what I can and report back to you when anything comes up. Also, I'll be sure to keep an eye on Ryuga, no doubt he's still in this dimension, Dark rebellion said so." he concluded before hopping above the rooftops and disappearing into the darkness.

Moments later, Reiji appeared on the scene with a handful of LDS elites before Shun, and he did NOT look pleased. "We need to talk Kurosaki…"

Meanwhile

"Urrg..Owww…" I groaned as I could feel intense pain through my body, as well as struggling to get back up. "What the…" I shook my head before realising what took place earlier.

"Gah! That guy! Where is he!?" I gasped in shock as it all came back to me and my vision became clear again. "Huh?" I thought as I looked around and found myself nearby the Sakaki house.

"How did I get here?" I asked myself.

"I see you are finally awake."

"Huh?" I then opened my deck and saw Bahamut's card, which then glowed and then he remerged before me. "Bahamut? You saved me?"

"Is asking really necessary? I promised that I would protect you, and I kept it didn't I?" he said with a smile before suddenly kneeling in a weak way!

"Urg!"

"Bahamut! What's wrong!?" I gasped before looking at myself. "H..hey? I thought I was covered in way more injuries than this? Also I was certain I was more hurt too from that duel!" I asked puzzled.

It was at that point my other 2 friends appeared, sheltering Bahamut with their wings and prescience.

"Easy big guy, you're in no shape to be out here." Red eyes muttered concerned.

"Wh..what's going on?" I asked them worried.

At first they remained quiet, as if they didn't want to worry me, eventually Red eyes was about to open his mouth, before Blue eyes held him back and answered for him, "After that battle, both you and Bahamut were wounded severely."

I remembered that memory, as well as that vision I had, about…somewhere else, but now wasn't the time for that.

"That man Shun tried to do something, but then out of nowhere, we saw another boy come in!" Red eyes added, "Believe it or not, he actually looked a lot like Yuya!"

"You're kidding me!" I exclaimed, so I wasn't hallucinating after all!

"That guy, his name wads Yuto, I think. Anyway had an argument with that Shun character, don't really know what, but if it wasn't for him, Bahamut wouldn't have been able to react fast enough to get you out of there!"

"He did that? For me?"

"Indeed…" Bahamut gasped, clutching his side as if he felt intense pain.

"That's not all he did," Blue eyes continued, "He didn't have much strength left so he was only able to teleport us for a short distance away. Also, he's been using up what little energy he has left just to heal you since. He truly is a great friend, and you are incredibly lucky." she concluded.

"Bahamut…Thank you…"

"As I've said before, it's only natural. I'm certain you would no doubt do the same for me and for all of us."

I then nodded, then Red eyes came in, "I'm glad we're all okay now, but not to ruin the moment or anything but shouldn't we all get back home now?"

I then examined my duel disk, and was shocked by how much time went by since I got knocked out! "Ah darn it!" I yelled as I ran off to the house!

Dragons POV

Red eyes and Blue eyes then eyed Bahamut with closely without saying a word. Despite him not looking at them, he already knew what they wanted to say.

"I know, you're wondering why I didn't tell Ryuga everything aren't you?"

"Not only that," Red eyes added, who was suspicious, "You haven't really told us much, both us and Ryuga."

"Indeed," Blue eyes added, "What were you and that dragon discussing exactly? It sounded like you both knew each other."

Bahamut merely closed his eyes, "Let's just say that both that dragon and I have an…ancient connection of some sort."

"Connection? You mean like with odd eyes?" Red eyes asked curiously. (What are you hiding from us? And why?) his face said, despite him not asking.

"I'd much rather not elaborate more about it at the moment. It would really make matters much more complicated than they are right now."

Present

As I arrived there, I was anxious to even touch the doorknob, "Rats..How will I explain this to Yoko and Yuya…" I panicked, worried about worrying them. I was frozen in my tracks and I couldn't take another step beyond the doormat…

"Aw come on kid!" Red eyes moaned in impatience, "We've made it home already so man up and take your lumps like you deserve!"

"Argh! Alright fine!" I groaned as I gave in and reached out for it…It then suddenly opened!

"Don't worry mum I won't be gone too…!" Yuya's face met mine.

"GAAAHHH!" we both screamed as we fell back!

Later on..

"Say what!?" Yuya gasped, 'You actually got into a fight with some thugs on the way home!?"

"Y..yeah" I replied, "It was rough nut I managed to pull through haha…" I'm normally a bad liar, so instead I tend to stretch the truth instead, but it technically was true as I was ambushed, but with the tournament in the next day, it probably would not be a good idea to worry the others.

My dragons overlooked me and face faulted at my obvious signs, luckily they bought it.

"Oh dear, you aren't really hurt aren't you?" Yoko asked, as she tended to the remaining injuries on my face. "I'm sorry to worry you guys like this.."

"No! I'm sorry!' Yuya interrupted, 'I knew letting you go alone was a mistake! I should have come with!"

"It's alright Yuya." Yoko comforted him, "It's over now, let's not dwell on the past any longer okay?"

"Yeah you're right mom…" he sighed.

Turning her attention to me she then smiled, "I'm glad you're okay, do you have any idea of what they looked like?"

I then thought for a second, remembering what Shun was capable of, the last thing I wanted was to get more people involved in a matter I didn't understand. "Sorry not really," I lied again, though wrong, I did it to keep them safe, "They kinda wore masks so it wouldn't really be much help."

'I see…" she sighed. (If I find whoever did this, I will make them regret ever messing with the Sakakis!)

Yuya then walked over to me carrying some food in a bowl, 'Here, we saved you some dinner. This should help take your mind of that traumatic moment and no doubt help you get your strength back!" he cheerfully said, hoping to bring my spirits up. Gladly, it did.

"Thank you both, for the food and your hospitality." I replied as I began eating.

After dinner I gave my groceries to Yoko and she paid me back everything I spent, then we all headed to our rooms for a good night rest. I lied down on my bed, still going over the whole incident.

My mind flash backed to the duel, remembering his words, "You ravaged our homes, took all we held dear, I will make sure you all pay!" As well as the duel, how his raid raptor blade burner falcon wiped out all my monsters, and how rise falcon overwhelmed me and Bahamut, despite our best efforts….

"Darn it!" I gritted my teeth in frustration and clenched my fist near my chest. My frustration wasn't solely due to the loss, it was because of my lack of strength and inexperience, of being able to understand Shun through that duel. I was lucky for Bahamut to be alive, but what if he wasn't around to bail me out the next time?

"Can't sleep?"

"Ack!" I went as I tumbled over the bed and onto the floor! "Ow…" I groaned as I rubbed by backside.

"How many times have I told you not to do that!?" I growled, looking back at Red eyes who snickered.

"Hehe! I never get tired of that!" he laughed, making me slap my head in disbelief, but he reverted to a serious expression rather quickly, then joined by Blue eyes.

"Where's Bahamut?" I asked, curious as to why he wasn't around.

They looked at each other, each saying you tell him…

This went on for a few moments before Blue eyes gave in, "Sigh, he's…resting at the moment. He took quite a beating for you earlier today."

"I see…" I replied, relieved.

Blue eyes then curled around me, "He's a very strong one, perhaps the strongest among us. No doubt he'll heal quickly." she spoke softly, in a nurturing tone, trying to comfort me best she could.

"I know, thanks though." I replied.

"So why are you still feeling down cast?"

"It's not because of him hurt, it's just, he protected me yet I could do nothing to help him.." I replied. "I kinda let him down don't you think?"

"Hmmmm"

"Not only that, I did the very best I could in that duel, put in all I had to try and convey my words and to understand that man Shun and his pain. What happened after that…" I paused, not wanting to bring up what I saw in my vision, "I still knew nothing in the end."

"I felt scared, helpless. We were lucky that Bahamut was able to get us out, but what if he was still too weak? If only I was strong enough, then Bahamut wouldn't have had to…" I then had my throat choked with tears as I began sobbing. Blue eyes then had tears too, being able to understand my pain and relate.

Red eyes however…

"Hehe, who would've thought our dragon emperor was really such a wuss."

"Huh!?"

"Take that back back!" Blue eyes growled furiously, baring her fangs at the other dragon.

Red eyes would normally flinch and beg for mercy at that point, but this time he was different, a side I never knew he had.

"Don't go using that bad breath of yours lady, I'm merely stating the facts and nothing more. You just lost one duel and now you're moping like it's the end of the world? Frankly I'm embarrassed to have accepted you as my master…" he added on.

"One duel? One duel!?" Blue eyes roared, "Is that you all have to say after what we all experienced!? Do you not see the scope of this tragedy!? We may have all been done for, and you expect us to just forget about it!?"

"That's not what I'm saying." RE continued, not faltering in the slightest, "I'll admit that I was as agitated as you guys were when Ryuga and Bahamut were beaten badly. But, moping around and feeling sorry for yourself and Bahamut isn't really going to change the past or make it any better right?"

"Urk.." He actually made a good point, but still…

"After a defeat that brutal and so close to…"

"Well we're all okay in the end, that's all that matters. So you lost, so tell me, what do you plan on doing about it?"

"I…W..what are you saying?" I asked, clearly there was a message somewhere in his words, just didn't know what.

"It's only natural we face defeat, whether from friendly matches or high staked duels. Regardless, there will come a time when someone loses. You may have despite being outmatched by a stronger opponent, but that doesn't mean you yourself are powerless right?"

Both Blue eyes and I were stunned by Red eyes' words, completely speechless and nothing to comeback with.

"Basically, defeat is nothing to be ashamed of, all that matters is getting back up. True strength doesn't come from the number of victories you have, it's getting back up after defeat. You may have lost and failed to understand that duel, but let me ask you, do you still have the strength to continue?"

"I…"

"Didn't you say you would help bring about a new age of duelling? To show the world how it should be, for fun and how we all should be united, on behalf of your idol, Yusho Sakaki and father of your friend Yuya? Tell me Ryuga, will you let this one loss shatter all the hard efforts and trials you've done to make it this far? What will you do now?"

"I…I won't quit! From this defeat, I'll learn to accept it and to not dwell in self pity over my own weakness anymore! I'll grow from beyond this, together with the friends by my side! We'll show the world our resolve, strength and bonds and when we do, they all better watch out!" I proclaimed with all my spirit.

"Ryuga!?" Blue eyes gasped at my sudden strength and determination, "I'm amazed, not too long ago he was moping completely about himself, now…" She then looked to Red eyes impressed.

"That's the Ryuga I know." he replied with a smile.

The glorious moment, as usual, was ruined in a few seconds as the door swung open.

"Ryuga! Is something wrong!?"

"Gah!" I yelped in surprise when Yuya burst into my room in his grey pyjamas! "D..don't do that! I hate being surprised like that!"

'S..sorry!" Yuya waved his arms in a 'don't hit me please!" posture. "I just overheard you talking loudly and it seemed like you were having a conversation in here." he continued as he surveyed around my room carefully, "Somebody else here?"

"Uhh..no just me!" I jumped in, "I was just having some self reflection regarding today, and I just gained some self-motivation! In fact, I was so motivated that I couldn't help think aloud! Haha haaaa" I sweat dropped at my remark, seemed ridiculous bout I had nothing else.

"I..see…" Yuya replied with a similar expression. "But would you keep it down though, you're lucky mom's still asleep, otherwise you'd be in for it!"

"Oh…right….I'll make sure next time don't worry!" I remembered how wrong it would be to have a woman's beauty sleep disturbed.

"That's great! Alright, I'm off to bed now! Don't stay up too late though, w've got a big tournament tomorrow and it's the championship of the century! So we've got to be in tip top shape to show the whole world what You Show is made of!"

"I agree!" I nodded.

"Ok then, good night!"

"Goodnight Yuya," I replied, "Oh and Yuya?" I asked before he closed the door.

"Yes Ryuga?"

I held out my fist, "Let's both do our best and support not only each other, but also our close friends and rivals whom we'll be competing against in the tournament! Let's win for You Show and for all that we believe in!"

"Yeah! Let's!" he then fist bumped before leaving, and I was finally able to get a peaceful night of sleep.

Dragons POV

"Hee hee, I never knew you actually had that in you Red eyes." Blue eyes cheekily said, "Who would've known that your obnoxious attitude and expectations would have its perks."

"Hmph! You shouldn't look down on me like that. I only grant my services and power to those I see with upmost potential. Ryuag has plenty more locked within him, and I have no intention of letting any of that be dulled by one loss, no matter how devastating it may be." he replied, before turning to a certain recuperating dragon.

"I hope you were listening too Bahamut, believe it or not, both of you are actually a lot alike. You're taking bad too, as if you were lacking in power aren't you? What would have happened if you didn't had the strength to get us out earlier."

Bahamut didn't answer.

"Whatever the case, I hope you wouldn't be too hard on yourself, it's not your fault. Also, whatever issue's arising in war or conflicts…I'm sure if we all just stick together, and grow from our defeats, believe in our possibly, as well as treasuring the memories, bonds and friends we have…I'm sure you'll understand what I mean."

"Hmmm, never thought I would be saying this, but I'm beginning to respect you deeply after today." Blue eyes thought before she took off.

Bahamut meanwhile was deep in thought, "Red eyes is right, I can't dwell on the past and what I couldn't accomplish. What happens now is that I make it so we wouldn't ever face such a devastating incident as that again…"

He too had that vision which Ryuga foresaw during the duel, when Rise falcon collided, the bird converyed a past emery onto Bahamut which then transferred to his partner, whom he tried and failed to protect.

"I don't know how this happened, when my siblings should have maintained the balance. But if dimensional boundaries have shattered , and the intersection has begun, there will no doubt be even more fearsome battles awaiting us. I will have to prepare us all for the future, both Ryuga and all our friends…"

He then vanished, and appeared in a separate dimensional space from the deck, he was in the room of wondrous, glittering fortress with windows made from gems set in silver and gold, walls of inlaid copper and ivory, and floors of beaten mithril. As he stood above a throne overlooking the outside, there were various dragon spirits gathering around, "All hail our sovereign king and ruler, guardian dragon of standard! We are are your service!" they all praised and worshipped.

He then smiled, to see his various subjects before him, "My loyal followers, I am honoured by your devotion and praises. However, I have now returned to call upon some of my bravest and strongest dragon warriors for your aid."

They then gasped and muttered amongst themselves, what kind of issue would require their great king to call upon them, must be a serious dimensional matter. "I will not force you to come with me, but to those of you who are wiling and able to join me in the fight to preserve the peace of the dimensions, I call upon your strength to aid me and my chosen partner for this. There will be many gruelling battles ahead, but I will not stop you from refusing, as I only seek those superb strength, courage and undying resolve."

As the dragons spirits thought for a while, one by one, a handful of them began to present themselves before Bahamut, until eventually…

Back in the real world while Ryuga slept, Bahamut's card began to glow and then, reacting with the gemini and pendulum energies in the cards Reiji granted Ryuga, the remaining blank cards that he still had with began to glow and they all changed into new cards, majority of them, having a pendulum scale and setting at their card border.

"Ryuga, with this new found power, we will fight." Bahamut concluded as he drifted back into deep sleep.

Well there's chapter 25, merely a little buildup to the duel, after a little commentary and preparation in the next chapter, still trying to plan. Just want to let you guys know, Ryuga's connection to his monster spirits and cards are what drives the energy readings higher than regular standard duelists, making them rival those of the other dimensions.

For what happened here, basically Bahamut called upon some of his dragon followers in the spirit world to become new cards for Ryuga, mainly OC card which I will have based on some manga cards I've read in Yugioh manga.

Spoiler-hurricane dragon, burning dragon and spined linewurm are some monsters that I will have become OC cards later on. (From manga chazz princeton)

See you all, I'll try to design a good duel using the action field Haunted Demon Den as requested.