Yu-Gi-Oh 5D's - Sutādasuto / Stardust Accelerator
by Yusei
Summary - "Rena awakens in Satellite with no memory of who she is. Sticking close to Yusei, the journey to uncover the past and follow the unknown Signer into Neo-Domino City unfolds. Then the adventure really begins".
Disclaimer - I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh 5D's or any of the characters.
A / N – Recently, I've been asked about it Reverse of Arcadia will be continued, I do intend to work on it again. In all honesty, I had a portion of the chapter written quickly after the last update, but things came up and I've been meaning to get to work on it. I promise that I'll update it before the end of the year, so thank you to those who have read it and I hope that you enjoy both of these fics. Please read and review.
「Neo-Domino」- Duel Stadium
"Ruka!"
Bitter tears clung to the corners of Rua's eyes, frustrated over his lost chance to return to the tournament with the dream of facing off against Yusei particularly and perhaps even a shot of revenge in advancing further than the man responsible for the twins' end in the competition. Tenpei recoiled defensively whilst the boy's tense arms swung angrily beside him. The others on the opposite side of the girl; Himuro, Yanagi, Yusei and Rena, each watched calmly, safe from the boy's temper.
"Why'd you go and force the game into a tie?" the male twin whined. "Jeez, jeez, jeez!"
"It's better than losing" Ruka sighed, tilting her head back in a superior fashion as though to mock the boy's loss. "It's not like I was going to win anyway".
"But…" Rua moaned.
Ruka watched the boy in the corner of her eyes, anxious to ask him about the experience the two had recently recovered from, but it appeared as though her fears would have to remain secret. His behaviour suggested something she felt both relieved and worried over.
'Rua doesn't' remember anything? That voice back then…' she thought.
"I want to be strong like Yusei and Rena" Rua continued, ignoring his sister's plea. "I'll protect you, so you have to protect that world, Ruka".
"For you to pull me in like this… you really are a Signer!"
'What was that Signer thing that man spoke of?' she wondered, keeping her worried eyes low to avoid attention from the group crowded around her.
Her hand snaked across her lap and onto the arm where the glowing symbol had previously been. Although she had never noticed it through her own eyes, the limb did feel different, as though something had followed the tingling sensation she felt earlier in the tournament. Yusei's attention was drawn to the grab and a small gasp escaped; he, on the other hand, had seen up-close the proof behind Ruka's place in the tournament.
"Ruka-chan, y'feeling okay?" Yanagi inquired, leaning over her shoulder.
"Yeah; you spaced out during the duel too" Tenpei added.
"Uh huh" Ruka quickly sounded with a reassuring smile to her companions. "I'm fine, really".
"I'll be seeing you two home today" Yusei interjected.
"Really?" Rua yelped, jumping out of his seat. "Then you should come sleep over my house! Rena too, you stayed before".
"Everybody listen!" the MC hollered into his microphone, luring the attention of the waiting audience to the holographic monitor hovering above the central duel fields. "This concludes the heated first day of the tournament! And these will be your match-ups for tomorrow's semi-finals!" Either side of the orb, copies of the four remaining duellists were lined up, showing two matches that would follow. "And on that note, today's excitement is left to be continued until further duelling tomorrow. Goodbye".
The group were drawn immediately to the matches, learning of what awaited the Satellite pair after the night: Yusei vs. Bommer, Aki vs. Rena. Immediately, the colour drained away from Rena's face, though Rua was drawn more to the first match.
"Tomorrow, Yusei will be fighting against that guy" he mumbled, recalling the crushing defeat he himself had suffered.
"He's a formidable opponent" Himuro commented. "Since it's a Riding Duel, I'm looking forward to what kind of D-Wheel Bommer's going to ride out on".
Rua was struck by inspiration, focusing only on the upper level of the display boards hovering above the edges of the Riding Circuit.
'His D-Wheel' he thought. 'If he knows about it in advance, Yusei might have the upper hand'.
"What's wrong?" Ruka asked, noticing her brother's oddly concentrated expression.
"Eh? Um, nothing, nothing" he answered, slipping in front of the seats and to the aisle. "Listen, you guys head home without me, I remembered something I have to do".
"What is it?" Ruka asked, eyeing her brother with confusion.
"Let's see, what was it again?" Rua wondered aloud. "I'll just have to remember that too".
Before the others could pick up on his contradiction, the boy raced down, jumping down the steps and out of arm's reach, placing him beyond recall.
"Rua!" Ruka yelled.
Himuro eyed her in the corner of his vision. "Strange kid" he mumbled.
Tenpei chuckled beside the girl, earning him a scornful look. But she was eager to move attention away from her frantic brother and reverted her eyes towards the duellists standing on the steps in the aisle, noting Rena's catatonic state still fixated on the matches, redirecting herself to learn once more of what the other match meant. Her eyes widened upon recognising the face of Izayoi Aki opposite Rena's.
"It's her" she breathed.
"The Black Rose Witch…"Yanagi murmured.
Rena could say nothing, but gazed in apprehension and detesting how luck had a vendetta against her.
-遊戯王5D's-
Stardust ~ Chapter 25 – Dark Secrets of the Crimson Dragon! The Will of Destruction ~ Sutādasuto
「Neo-Domino」- Duel Stadium
The Trap card stuck out from Jeager's fingers, tempting Bommer's hand closer, the hand that could crush the Vice Director's head in an instant given the opportunity.
"We have readied the card you spoke of" the dwarfish man stated, chuckling once the card slipped from his fingers and into Bommer's grand hands. "That is one powerful card. You might have a chance of winning if you master it".
"We have our hopes on you" Godwin uttered from behind his folded arms and knees on the sofa. "You must awaken Fudo Yusei's qualifications as a Signer without fail".
"I understand" Bommer responded. "When your goal is reached, Director, sir…"
"The Kaiba Corporation shall definitely provide aid for reconstruction of your village" Godwin affirmed. "How long has it been since you've been away from your hometown?"
"One year, 116 days, sir" Bommer answered stoically.
"It must make you homesick" Godwin claimed with a subtle smirk.
"Yes, sir. In order to return to my hometown, I shall carry out my mission without fail" Bommer reported obediently.
With the brief conference over, the towering man took his leave and departed silently past both the Director and his assistant, passing through the door without a sound and leaving Godwin to his thoughts.
Shadows had consumed the garage where the competitors'' D-Wheels rested whilst Rua rushed around like a mouse, ducking in gaps wherever possible and scouting for any Security officers set to patrol the area. So far, there had been no luck and dusk had come, meaning he was searching in the dark, in a building where it was unlikely anyone other than officers remained. But the risks didn't occur to him, he had the self-appointed mission to carry out for Yusei's sake.
After some time, he'd finally found a sign; one with the name of the man whose D-Wheel he pursued, bringing a smirk onto his face, pleased with the result of his extensive search. The problem was how to assess the D-Wheel, a narrow strip of windows ran along the top of the compartment, but there was no easy means of getting that high. The boy settled on piling together pieces of junk and random objects to form an unstable ladder, which he climbed on top of and pulled the window open, peeking inside with a grin.
The proud attitude was quickly wiped out by the effort it took to look inside, squinting did nothing to help and leaning forward only led to disaster. The buckets underneath the soles of the boy's trainers slipped away and Rua tumbled in, yelling through the descent and crashing onto the ground. Lifting himself up, he stroked the throbbing part of his cranium and mumbled discomfort.
"At least this is where Bommer's D-Wheel is" he grumbled.
From his pocket, he fished out a small light and clicked down on the key, opening a beam of visibility. But what he found was a large iron skull, resembling an animal rather than a human, but sparking terror in him nonetheless. With a terrified shriek, he backed up against the edge of the compartment and closed his eyes, crying over and over that he'd found a ghost underneath a blazing alarm flashing furious red.
Ruka / Yusei / Rena -「Neo-Domino」- Tops
The table had been laid out with various courses and meals for the twins to offer to their Satellite comrades. Lavish meals that the two could have only dreamed of previously, which made Yusei feel quite greedy in comparison to how his friends must have been doing in Satellite, surviving off scraps of whatever they could find. Ruka's head rotated in search of Rua, having expected him to appear whilst the three laid out the table and she taught the elder pair about the layout.
"Rua sure is late" she sighed.
Yusei leaned back in his chair and rested his arm on the back, fixing his eyes on the elevator in expectation, as though Ruka's statement would be a cue for the boy to crash in and dive into the food. Rena watched as Ruka lifted the silver lid of the large tray beside her, revealing another grand display of foods she'd never seen before.
"I even had his favourite hamburger prepared and everything" Ruka grumbled.
"It's a shame, really" the redhead sighed. "You wanted to make him feel better about us being over and about what happened at the Fortune Cup, but he hasn't even come back. I hope nothing's wrong".
Yusei glanced towards the clock, reading 7:05pm. The time combined with how dark it had gotten forced him to rise from his place, attracting the girls' attention.
"I'm going to look for him" he stated.
"I'm coming too" Ruka insisted, standing up opposite him.
"No, you rest, Ruka" Yusei replied.
"I'm feeling fine now" the girl argued, beaming brightly up at him. "And I might feel worse if I just stay here".
Rena smiled and picked herself up, laying a hand against the top of the youngster's back. "Don't worry, Yusei, I'll go with Ruka if it makes you feel any better".
"Alright" Yusei answered, aware that he'd have no hope against the duo's united force.
Yusei -「Neo-Domino」- Streets
There was no sign wherever he looked. Yusei's crimson D-Wheel skated through the streets, rounding corners without any problems regarding traffic and darted down alleyways - looking both where a young boy could and shouldn't be expected to be. But still, he couldn't find anything. The machine skidded down a darkened street, out of the light of the hotels and apartment stores, twisting once he commanded it to slow to a halt. Ruka and Rena approached the machine once it stayed and Yusei removed his helmet, neither appearing to have had any success themselves.
"No sign" the youngest sighed, shaking her head.
"Same here" Yusei muttered. "I searched from the venue all the way here, but…"
A bleeping from the D-Wheel interrupted the conversation. Yusei leaned forward, tapping a button above the clock reading 7:55pm to answer the incoming transmission. Once the screen shifted, he was somewhat surprised to find Saiga's face underneath a large cowboy hat.
"Yusei, I just got to your hideout in Satellite" the brunette reported.
"Is everyone alright?" Yusei asked, slightly frantic in his tone.
Saiga shook his head grimly. "Hate to break this, but they're not here".
"What did you say?" Yusei gasped. "Did something happen?"
"I don't know, but I broke into their network, and yet there's no record of them being caught by Security so far. I'll keep up my search for them on this side". The screen fizzed and displaced the face of the man, cutting it off halfway in a show of how much effort the call was taking from such a distance. "Uh oh. Can't keep contact for much longer. I'll contact you as soon as I learn anything".
"Yeah, please" Yusei answered.
Static consumed the picture, signalling the end of hope and the beginning of another desperate search. Rena signed and slackened her shoulders, looking downcast guiltily, Ruka blinked and gazed at the dark-haired rider reverting the monitor to the street views without flinching or exposing himself to anyone that could have been watching.
"Your friends are missing too, Yusei?" she asked meekly.
"It's my fault, I shouldn't have followed you so quickly" Rena sighed. "If I'd been there, maybe I could have duelled whoever took them with a chance of winning and sparing them whatever's happened".
"There are too many dangerous people in Satellite" Yusei answered. "Even if you had been there, this probably would have happened anyway, only with capturing you as well. It's better that you're here, you give us a better chance of finding out what happened to them".
Ruka's attention was drawn elsewhere, towards a shady opening between the buildings to her left. Yusei and Rena followed, becoming aware of the tapping footsteps drawing closer and the silhouette gradually appearing from the darkness. The figure appeared in the former of Bommer, carrying an unconscious Rua over his shoulder.
"Rua!" Ruka cried.
"How did you…" Yusei inquired coldly.
"I'll explain later" Bommer answered. "He's not injured. He's just sleeping, it seems".
Bommer / Yusei / Rena -「Neo-Domino」- Tops
Bommer felt some kind of nostalgia whilst standing over the edge of Rua's bed, listening to the boy snore peacefully. In the large family room, Yusei draped a pale blanket over Ruka's sleeping form, Rena seated in an armchair beside the wider version, stroking the girl's heads tenderly. Bommer strode into the room, smirking at the scene he found; in the eyes of the City's people, Yusei would have been nothing more than a cold-hearted thief or criminal of some description, but he could see past that stereotype, he'd walked in on a man helping a young girl rather than take advantage of her luxurious lifestyle. He signalled the rooftop garden, silently expressing his want to go outside, Rena nodded towards Yusei, telling him to go on without her. Alone, Rena closed her eyes slowly and began to wonder about where her mother was and how long it had been since she last stroked her child's head. The two males crossed through the threshold and towards the edge of the sparkling pool, keeping their backs to the apartment and the family-like occupants.
"How did you find him?" Yusei asked.
"He was sleeping inside my garage" Bommer answered, one that surprised Yusei enough to break his view of the glowing City. "It appears the security system was enabled and he was locked inside. I'd guess he came to find my D-Wheel".
"Figures as much" Yusei sighed.
"I can't blame him" Bommer said. "I know that you didn't instruct him to do it. You're not someone underhanded enough as to do that. He's fond of you, he was only thinking of you. When I look at those two, I remember my little brother and sister back in my hometown; they're about the same age". The man took a couple of steps forward, tilting his head back to observe the sky, void of lights in contrast to the twinkling lights that shone upwards from the endless buildings. "There are no stars in the sky in this city, huh. Yusei, what are you fighting for?"
"I'm fighting for my hometown" the paler D-Wheeler answered.
"I see" Bommer answered, twisting to face the shorter man. "Then it would appear we're cut from the same cloth. I come from the opposite side of the world. My tribe are descendants of those who serve the People of the Stars, whose tale is known amongst the Incas".
"Then, you know the story behind the Crimson Dragon?" Yusei inquired.
"I do" Bommer stated. "Much time has passed and now the Crimson Dragon is attempting to resurface. Director Godwin is planning to use that power to lead the world in the right direction".
"And you believe that?" Yusei asked blandly.
"Yusei, I know how poor your hometown is" Bommer said, ignoring the question presented to him. "My village has been plighted with poverty and discrimination. But the Director promised… he said that he would restore my home-village if I were to lend my assistance".
"Bommer, don't trust him" Yusei protested.
"We're from the same cloth, but it seems we're in different positions" Bommer claimed. "Neither of us can compromise our beliefs. We'll settle this match between us".
The giant man strode past Yusei, pausing only after taking a step behind the still duellist's back, his eyes wandered towards the light, where he could see Rena still by Ruka's side.
"I'm glad that I learned you're a proud duellist" he muttered. "But don't forget, I will win. That is my mission".
「Neo-Domino」- Duel Stadium
The following morning brought just as much promise as the day before, the Stadium buzzing with excitement, especially with the state of the semi-finals; two Satellite representatives, one man from another country and a Psychic as the only City-native competitor remaining. Nonetheless, the people flooded into the building in anticipation, eager to watch the victor climb up through the remaining ranks towards the destined duel with their King.
"Yeah! It's the second day of the tournament!" the MC announced. "Today's duels will determine who will challenge the King! The first match of the semi-finals pit's the Shooting Star of Satellite, Fudo Yusei, against the Black Storm, Bommer".
Despite neither competitor being classified as a City citizen, the crowds cheered wildly, ready to see the action promised to them after the wild day that had come before. Yanagi, much more controlled than normal, especially in comparison to the people around him, eyed the empty space beside Ruka.
"Hm? Where's Rua-kun?" he asked.
"He said he needed to talk with Yusei" Ruka replied.
Yusei's eyes were locked on the monitor with the schematics of his D-Wheel, showing no fault that could endanger his chances in the duel, much to his relief.
"Yusei, I'm sorry about yesterday" Rua said gently. "I was just-"
"It's alright, I understand" Yusei stated. "But once this is over, you have to apologise to Bommer, whether I win or lose".
Rua smiled joyfully, taking the command as a sign of forgiveness should he carry it out and nodded enthusiastically. "Okay, I promise".
Yusei returned to smile and pressed down on the side of his helmet, lowering the visor and kicking up the engine. The boy watched in awe whilst the machine raced down the tunnel and into the Stadium, strips of smoke streaming from the machine whilst it crashed onto the track and raced down the paved circuit. Even with the Marker on his face displayed for all to see, people continued to cheer, showing that despite the divisions, they were coming to accept that a D-Wheeler from Satellite could be interesting rather than discriminating against him.
In a similar tunnel at the other end of the building, Bommer gripped the handles of his machine firmly, revving the engine in preparation of his own grand entrance; the duel would be for his siblings. The multiple tyres shrieked before even leaving the shadows and Yusei was astounded to learn of the machine that exploded onto the track, towering over any other he'd seen; a massive vehicle with three sets of tyres touching the ground, the skull that Rua had seen on display at the front of the body and roaring like a wild animal let loose on prey that had been taunting it for days. The machine quickly caught up with Yusei, revealing how Bommer's seat alone was higher than even the curve of the crimson machine, the awestruck audience gazing on made the man smirk with pride in what he had managed to present.
"What's that thing"? Himuro gaped. "There are D-Wheels like that?"
"Ruka" Rua called, having finally arrived.
"Rua, look at that" his sister replied, pointing to the track.
"Is that…" Rua whispered, his eyes locked on the cow skull ornament. "So what I saw was a D-Wheel?"
The two D-Wheels raced around the track briefly, coming to a calm stop in the two spaces marked out for competitors, Yusei ahead by a short distance, though the rear tyres of Bommer's machine loomed like a threat to crush him before he could even move.
"I might accidentally squash you on that D-Wheel, you know" Bommer scoffed.
"A bigger D-Wheel doesn't mean it's better" Yusei responded calmly.
"Set the Field Magic, Speed World, on!" the MC hollered. The D-Wheels obeyed automatically and purple rings expanded from the two vehicles, shrouding the stage in a tinted field exclusively for the high-speed matches. The countdown in front of the two bleeped with each second drawing nearer to the beginning of the duel, narrated by the pink-clad man's excited voice. "Riding Duel! Acceleration!"
DUEL START
YUSEI - BOMMER
4000 - LP - 4000
FIRST TURN – BOMMER
The two raced off simultaneously, Yusei managing to keep a short distance ahead rather than fall victim to Bommer's earlier threat. But still, the larger man reached for his deck. "I'll move first, draw. I summon a monster from my hand; appear now, Magic Reactor AID [ATK 1200]".
The dragon-like machine hovered close to Bommer's spiked chariot, unveiling the multitude of missiles it had ready to unleash against its newest victim.
"I play three cards face-down and end my turn".
SECOND TURN – YUSEI
"It's my turn" the Satellite rider announced, drawing his card.
YUSEI - BOMMER
4000 - LP - 4000
1 - SPC - 1
His move was interrupted quickly by the ferocious growling of Bommer's machine, acting as a constant reminder to him that any mistake would go with only the most brutal punishment. The crowds watched the scene in awe, still mesmerised that such a D-Wheel could be constructed.
"If's Bommer's D-Wheel is that huge, even Yusei is going to have a hard time" Himuro mumbled.
"I set one card face-down" Yusei continued. "Then, I summon Speed Warrior [ATK 900]".
The grey-suited creature dashed onto the field, displaying its advanced abilities in skating for the crowds whilst showing itself off.
"And it's not that I activate my trap: Hidden Soldiers" Bommer announced. "When my opponent summons out a monster, this Special Summons a Level 4 or lower Dark monster from my hand. And I'm Special Summoning Trap Reactor RR [ATK 800]".
"During the turn it's summoned, Speed Warrior has its attack power doubled" Yusei retaliated. "Go, Speed Warrior [ATK 1800]. Sonic Edge".
The grey monster leapt across the field, spinning its body wildly and crashing its skated feet into the body of the missile-bearing monster. Bommer scowled, sharpening his eyes whilst the monster was consumed in the explosion that followed and making no move to rescue it. Yet when the smoke cleared, the monster appeared unharmed.
YUSEI - BOMMER
4000 - LP - 3400
"What?" Yusei gasped.
"Not good enough" Bommer answered. "I've already activated my Trap card - Fake Explosion Penta. This card protect a monster from an opponent's attacks and then it Special Summons a Level 5 monster from my hand. Appear now, Summon Reactor AI [ATK 2000]".
The grim-shaded machine appeared from the brightness that expanded between the two already present on Bommer's field, completing the trio that had already proved themselves a formidable force in the duel against Rua. The boy himself gasped in horror, aware of just how powerful the creature that Bommer was apparently moving to summon was, remembering the fear it instilled in him as his chances of progressing further came crashing down before he could do anything to prevent it.
"Next, I activate another Trap card: Delta Reactor" Bommer growled. "This card sends Summon Reactor AI, Trap Reactor RR and Magic Reactor AID to the Graveyard".
The three monsters vanished, pooling their energies into one glowing force that crashed into the track behind Bommer, the silhouette of the monster to come towering even over him. Rua's eyes were wide as he witnessed the scene, fearing for his friend, haunted by the mechanical giant.
"Here is comes" he called.
"Appear now, Giant Bomber Airraid [AK 3000]".
The monster's propellers spun immediately, increasing the threatening soundtrack to much more intensifying levels than Bommer's D-Wheel alone; on display were the most fearsome aspects of each of the monsters given up in order to summon it, all bearing down on Yusei.
"Oh my! Bommer has actually summoned his ace monster on his second turn!" the MC bellowed.
"Giant Bomber Airraid; when my opponent summons, Special Summons a monster or sets a card, it will destroy that card" Bommer added smugly. "And inflict 800 points of damage once per opponent's turn".
The monster drove closer, casting its grand shadow over Yusei and his Speed Warrior, lecturing the both over its power and apparent unstoppable force. Yusei growled, glaring over his shoulder to the man who moved closer, ready to obliterate any chance he had of fighting for the people he knew were in danger
"Yusei, now you're frozen in place" he announced. "I will win… and I'll carry out my mission".
"Yusei!" Rua cried from the audience.
"We're at the third turn of the duel, and it's now that Bommer's attack is about to commence" the MC announced excitedly to the cheering crowds.
THIRD TURN – BOMMER
YUSEI - BOMMER
4000 - LP - 3400
2 - SPC - 2
"It's my turn" Bommer said. "Giant Bomber Airraid, attack Speed Warrior".
The towering machine aimed its narrow guns in the centre of the rounded chest at the skating monster, unleashing a barrage of bullets. Amidst the shower of fire, Speed Warrior dodged many of the pellets and leapt out of the attack's range. The fate that befell it following the tactic was no less brutal, the wide wings of the attacking monster moved forward and crashed into the target, shredding its form to pieces with the merciless propeller blades.
YUSEI - BOMMER
1900 - LP - 3400
0 - SPC - 2
Yusei grunted and manoeuvred his D-Wheel to the edge of the track whilst Bommer stormed passed, now at an advantage with 2 Speed Counters over Yusei, who had nothing more to work with. His D-Wheel climbed higher and onto the glass, spinning tamely as a result of the reduction of speed to nothing, he was beginning all over again and glared for the miniscule seconds that he could see Bommer racing off ahead.
"Yusei has spun out" the MC called. But immediately, Yusei's D-Wheel straightened itself and zipped down the trail, leaving a thin path of smoke behind it. "But he recovers and sets on Bommer's trail".
"Yusei" Rua gasped.
"Hang in there, sonny" Yanagi cried.
"It can't all end like this" Bommer said smugly. "Bring it on, Yusei I set a card face-down and end my turn".
FOURTH TURN – YUSEI
YUSEI - BOMMER
1900 - LP - 3400
1 - SPC - 3
"My turn" Yusei barked.
The Satellite rider drew his card sharply, stretching his arm vertically with the new weapon at the end. He held it at an angle that would allow him to identify the card as a Trap, but keep it concealed from Bommer or any of the cameras that could project his form to the audience.
'Once during my turn, a card I play will be destroyed' he assessed, gazing at the Trap in his hand.
His eyes moved forward, already formulating a plot against the man's fearsome machine. He only had a low number of turns in which he could do anything and should he be left exposed, Giant Bomber Airraid would have him pinned and slaughtered in an instant. With that in mind, he snatched a card from his hand.
"I summon Shield Warrior [DEF 1600] from my hand" he called.
A muscular monster emerged onto the field and floated beside the crimson D-Wheel whilst covered in blue, gripping a spear in his right hand and a tall shield in the left.
"And now, Giant Bomber Airraid's effect activates" Bommer announced. "When my opponent summons a monster, it destroys that card and inflicts 800 points of damage. Sharp Shooting".
Missiles dropped from between the monsters legs and darted back. They crashed into the track, exploding into small blazes that surrounded the target. Yusei growled, struggling to stabilise his D-Wheel amidst the chaos and fell back once his monster's form exploded.
YUSEI - BOMMER
1100 - LP - 3400
"Yusei's spun out again!" the MC hollered.
The crimson D-Wheel was immediately back and chasing down the towering machine that stormed further ahead; the gap between the two was widening and there was little, if anything, Yusei could do about it. His opponent was overwhelming him, standing as a massive guardian between the Satellite man and his goal. He threw down a card into his Duel Disk, its hologram sliding beside the D-Wheel.
"I set a card face-down to end my turn".
"Ah, what a one-sided turn of events. Bommer is just far too strong" the MC cheered, revelling in the exciting atmosphere of the duel, regardless of who may be leading. "Yusei has zero monsters on his field, if he takes on a direct attack next turn, then this duel will be over!"
"But if his monsters are getting destroyed as soon as he summons them, then Yusei's completely helpless" Rua complained, clenching his hands tightly. His eyes jumped to Tenpei with a shocked expression. "Come to think of it, I fought against someone that strong?"
"Rua, you're just now realising that?" Ruka asked
"This here's trouble. Next attack, sonny's done for" Yanagi yelped.
"But Yusei's far from giving up. He has a chance" Himuro mumbled. "Yusei had figured that the monster he summoned would get destroyed last turn".
"Giant Bomber Airraid's effect allows it to destroy a summoned monster or a set card once per opponent's turn" Tenpei articulated.
"Yusei had his monster destroyed and then set a card last turn" Himuro reported with a thin smile.
Tenpei gasped and returned a small smile of his own. "Which would mean his true goal wasn't to summon his monster" he called out with relief. "It was to set a card face-down".
"Which must mean it's a game-breaking card" Himuro stated.
FIFTH TURN – BOMMER
YUSEI - BOMMER
1100 - LP - 3400
2 - SPC - 4
"It's my turn" Bommer called.
The D-Wheels passed each other, Yusei on one side of the oval track and Bommer's on the over, the distance between them evidently growing wider. Bommer clenched his jaws, pondering over what the true purpose of Yusei's strategy could be and revved his engine harder. Flames erupted from the back, sending his D-Wheel shooting down the track like a predator having spotted its prey and desperate to close in on it.
"Yusei" he growled.
Yusei gasped as he peered over his shoulder, learning that Bommer had cut the gap between them by half and was preparing to lap him. Regardless of what he did, there was no means by which he could slow the monstrous D-Wheel down; if the duel had been based on a race, he'd stand on chance.
"I attack you directly" Bommer yelled.
The narrow guns across the chest and head of the monster clicked into place and glowed with flames from the barrage of bullets showering the crimson D-Wheel".
"I activate a Trap. Wasteland Tornado" Yusei called in defiance. "This card destroys one Magic or Trap card, and I'm destroying this".
The other set card rose up, engulfed in a narrow tornado beside the machine, to Bommer's shock, who gazed in bewilderment. "You're destroying your own card?"
"When this card is destroyed, it can Special Summon a Speed Warrior from the Graveyard [DEF 400]" Yusei stated.
The blue-coated Speed Warrior appeared in place of the twirling card with a sharp cry. While the towering plane continued its barrage, the monster lunged forward, preventing its bullets from striking Yusei's D-Wheel with arms folded. Despite its efforts, it was quickly knocked back and obliterated.
"So you did withstand my attack" Bommer mumbled. "But now all that only leave you with the hand".
Yusei glared over his shoulder, it was true that the move cost him more than it should have, but he was still in the game, even if barely. 'Incredible, Bommer. You predicted my entire strategy'.
"I place one card face-down to end my turn" Bommer declared, tucking the Trap card underneath his chin as he spoke.
SIXTH TURN – YUSEI
YUSEI - BOMMER
1100 - LP - 3400
3 - SPC - 5
"My turn" Yusei barked, lifting his new card up.
At the end of his arm was One-Shot Booster, just holding him reminded him of the friends he was fighting for in Satellite and how supportive they had been throughout his time away. There was the grave fat that they had been threatened; their lives were at stake just so he would participate and according to Saiga, they'd even vanished, perhaps been abducted to secure Yusei's place in the tournament. His eyes narrowed sharply, recalling the optimistic boy who handed him the card to begin with.
"Yusei!"
"Rally…" Yusei murmured. His attention move quickly to his hand, snatching another monster and laying it onto the field. "I summon Massive Warrior [ATK 600] from my hand".
The rocky monster of a cyan shade floated up from the card, its four hands clutching the edges of the circular grey helipad tightly and set it in front of its body like a shield.
"And now, Giant Bomber Airraid's effect activates" Bommer growled. "Sharp Shooting".
The holder hanging between the legs of the monster began to smoke with the ejection of the three missiles, whistling as they dove towards their target. The muscular monster held its shield vertically, poised to defend both its own body and Yusei's D-Wheel riding barely ahead of it. Two of the missiles crashed into it, although the third bypassed the two completely and turned wildly a short distance ahead, plunging towards the now-exposed body. Massive Warrior peered over its shoulder, aware that its defences had been breeched and it could no longer defend. The missile crashed into it violently, producing an explosion that engulfed the target and the D-Wheel in a grand fiery display
YUSEI - BOMMER
300 - LP - 3400
Yusei groaned as his lifepoints plummeted further, but the hissing of Bommer's tyres moving further ahead drove his eyes upwards. With Bommer moving forward to lap him, Yusei's D-Wheel shakily retreated and aligned itself behind the grand machine.
"Yusei has finally fallen behind Bommer!" the MC howled.
"I activate the Speed Spell - Zero Rebirth" Yusei growled, holding up the card. "This card, when my Speed Counters are 3 or more, reduces the attack of a monster destroyed by an effect this turn to 0 and Special Summons it". The Massive Warrior he had lost just seconds before reappeared, hiding behind the same circular shield that had extended its life briefly before [ATK 0].
"But you can't defend me with your 0 attack power" Bommer argued.
Yusei picked up the One-Shot Booster, gazing at the image whilst thinking about the boy who handed it over to him that night and the hopeful look on his face.
Yusei's gaze fixed upon the full moon hanging over him fell, shifting to the two by his side, waiting until the moment when he would ride from the site and towards the Pipeline. Rena's face displayed the concern she held - despite the words that had been spoken to her about the operation to get the D-Wheeler into Neo-Domino. By her side, Rally smiled brightly, confident in Yusei's ability, certain that he could break through the Pipeline and race into the City without a problem. The child had been the one to speak his name; his eyes met the teenager's following the observation of the red helmet seated upon Yusei's lap. Yusei watched him step forward, the advance drawing the attention of the girl opposite.
"This is for good luck" Rally stated, holding a card out for Yusei to take.
The D-Wheeler did so, gazing upon the artwork of a yellow machine with two cannon-like arms. The text running horizontally along the top of the card spelt the name of the machine.
"This is…" Yusei muttered.
"One-Shot Booster" Rally finished.
Yusei turned to face the younger boy, observing the smile that had spread across the minor's face at the prospect of him holding onto the card that he had been handed.
"It's your favourite, right?" he asked.
"Mm-hm" Rally sounded whilst nodding. "But it's okay. Hopefully this will let you bust through the Pipeline".
Rena watched the monitor anxiously, her eyes flickering with wavering hope; she wished as hard as the others waiting amongst the audience that Yusei would be able to pull back and overcome the giant obstacle placed in his way. Her mind wandered back to Saiga's warning; that the others had been captured. It had been the first she learned of what was happening, of their predicament and the secrets being kept from her. Her azure eyes flickered whilst watching the footage streamed, aware that any chance for victory was shrinking, but there was something in his eyes as he gazed at the card he had drawn.
A sort of hope. Rena clenched a fist and lifted in it in front of her chest, not sure where to place it, so locked it in front of her by a short distance. There was nothing she could do, she would just have to stand back and trust him.
"Yusei…" she whispered.
Yusei lifted his eyes from the card, glaring ahead to the massive D-Wheel storming along the track without any problem. He'd still yet to deal any significant damage to Bommer's lifepoints. But he could at least damage his strategy.
"I too have something I must protect" he barked. "When a monster is successfully summoned, this monster can be Special Summoned. Let's go, Rally! I Special Summon One-Shot Booster [ATK 0]".
The yellow and orange machine that had proven itself vital previously emerged on the field, its cannon arms poised straight and its head squeaking with excitement.
"Massive Warrior attacks Giant Bomber Airraid" Yusei called.
"What do you plan to do with its 0 attack power?" Bommer questioned suspiciously.
"One-Shot Booster's effect" Yusei responded. Massive Warrior growled and jumped onto the wide arms, locking itself in place. "By releasing it, it destroys the monster that my monster conducts battle with".
"But with battle damage, that will be 3000 points of damage coming your way" Bommer growled.
"Massive Warrior can reduce battle damage to 0 once per turn" Yusei growled in response.
Sparks erupted from One-Shot Booster's arms, detached the limbs that shot forward, carrying with them the rock monster. Giant Bomber Airraid unleashed a barrage of bullets matching its previous attacks, though none seemed to strike their target.
"I release One-Shot Booster!" Yusei yelled amidst the clattering of bullets leaving the cannons.
Massive Warrior leapt forward, smashing into the torso of the attacking monster and smashed through its skin with ease. The rock monster managed to land on the track before the miniature explosions rattled the monster hovering overhead and ripped its remaining form apart.
"Yusei has managed to destroy Giant Bomber Airraid" the MC announced.
Bommer gazed in horror as his aircraft monster began to descend, crashing into the track ahead of him in a grand explosion engulfing the road ahead. The massive D-Wheel emerged from the other side of the thick smokescreen created from the fireball, Yusei quick behind him.
"I activate the permanent Trap, Chariot Pile" Bommer growled.
From the rear wheels, the outer tyres fell off violently, exposing a spiked decoration spinning with four extra blades attached to the side of the core. Rua, Ruka, Tenpei and Yanagi all gasped in horror from the stands, gazing at the development with panic coursing through them. Bommer's glare towards Yusei grew wild and sharp, despite his eyes open at their usual size, his pupils shrank fiercely.
'I cannot lose' he repeated.
It had been in the Public Security Maintenance Bureau that the phone rang with a panicked tone. On the monitor, an apprentice with brown hair clutched a clipboard to her chest and a bright smile across her face underneath the cap displaying 'STAFF' placed her head.
"Contestant Bommer, the opening ceremonies are starting" she chirped. "Please report to the venue". When there was no response, her bright expression shrank into confusion. "Contestant Bommer? Contestant Bommer?"
Bommer himself was tucked away at the edge of the room with his back to the concerned woman, leaning over a computer monitor blazing white. A sob escaped his throat despite his efforts to keep it suppressed. His arms were tense, not trembling, but working to support his upper body from the shock induced into his system. Regardless of whether his eyes were opened or closed, he could see the digital words that gave him the dreadful message.
"Bommer, I couldn't believe it until I got there, but what you said was true. My heart goes out. I sincerely hope they rest in peace".
Bommer stretched his arms up and tilted his head back, all a curious display for the woman watching. But he ignored her, and with an anguished cry, his fists came crashing down and slammed against the deck either side of the computer, tears streaming down his face wildly, drowning his cheeks. The pain he feared wasn't a delusion; it had been true all along.
"I cannot afford to lose to you" the massive man growled. "It's my turn!"
SEVENTH TURN – BOMMER
YUSEI - BOMMER
300 - LP - 3400
4 - SPC - 6
"Chariot Pile's effect activates" he added in the same determined tone. "Once per turn, it will inflict 800 points of damage to my opponent. This effect can be negated by releasing a monster. So, what will it be, Yusei?"
Yusei growled, the wild spikes were just a short distance from the tip of his D-Wheel and growing closer. Either way, Bommer had him pinned and the man was no doubt revelling in that fact.
"I release Massive Warrior to negate the damage" he answered.
The monster dove between the two D-Wheels and thrust its shield against the blades, but it did nothing to prevent its destruction. Bommer smirked at the choice made.
"So, manage to dodge that one by releasing a monster, huh?" he scoffed. "That will end my turn".
EIGHTH TURN – YUSEI
YUSEI - BOMMER
300 - LP - 3400
5 - SPC - 7
"My turn" Yusei barked. He tore away the top card of his deck and held it at arm's length, finding his trusted Junk Synchron and narrowed his eyes, sending his hopes through the limb connecting the two. "I summon Junk Synchron [ATK 1300]". The orange-armoured monster emitted a high yell of resolve and clenched its small fists in the face of an emptied field. "When this card is successfully summoned, it can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower monster in my Graveyard".
Junk Synchron opened its right hand and thrust it forward, unleashing a wave of energy that swirled and gathered in one place ahead of the allies. From it, a shape began to form and Speed Warrior emerged [DEF 400].
"I'm tuning Junk Synchron to Speed Warrior" Yusei continued.
Speed Warrior was the first to move, darting back into the air gracefully, Junk Synchron compressing its form into three stars that followed. They danced above the rising monster and transformed into green rings that engulfed the blue-coated monster, willingly accepting its place as a sacrifice.
"Tsudoishi hoshi ga, aratana chikara wo yobiokosu! Hikari sasu michi tonare! Shinkuro Shoukan! Ideyo, Jyanku Woriā! [ATK 2300] [1]" The purple warrior emerged with its arms by its side rather than striking it usual pose, soaring majestically above the crimson D-Wheel. "Attack Bommer directly! Scrap Fist!"
The monster descended quickly, thrusting its first forward and projecting a stream of flames through its fall.
"Bad move, Yusei" Bommer argued. "Chariot Pile has one more effect. When an opponent's monster attacks, by paying 800 lifepoints, it negates the attack and destroys it".
YUSEI - BOMMER
300 - LP - 2600
The fist crashed against a rainbow barrier that emerged around the D-Wheel, shielding Bommer from the damage that would have been inflicted. Despite its strength, the Synchro warrior failed to break through and was quickly eradicated.
"I place a card face-down and end my turn" Yusei declared, swiftly throwing his right arm across his Duel Disk to lay the card in place.
NINETH TURN – BOMMER
"It's my turn".
YUSEI - BOMMER
300 - LP - 2600
6 - SPC - 8
"I summon Black Bomber [ATK 100]" the muscular rider yelled.
The monster that jumped through the opening portal resembled nothing more than a simple bomb with large sinister eyes and jagged fangs exposed. A fuse sparked from the top of its form, apparently counting down to Yusei's annihilation.
"When this card is successfully summoned, it can Special Summon a Level 4 Dark-Attribute monster in defence mode" Bommer continued. "Appear now, Trap Reactor RR [DEF 1800]". The bomb unleashed four miniature versions of itself, each exploding to create a smokescreen which allowed the named monster to soar up through. "I'm tuning my Level 3 Black Bommer to Level 4 Trap Reactor RR".
Black Bommer disappeared, leaving behind three stars that surrounded its ally, drawing three rings around its hovering body.
"A Synchro Summon?" Yusei gasped.
"Indeed. You're not the only one who uses Synchro Monsters" Bommer commented with a smirk. "Appear now, Dark Dive Bomber [ATK 2600]".
A humanoid monster dressed in dark orange armour emerged, exposing mechanical joints between its legs and arms to the main body and sporting two cannons on its shoulders that would presumably unleash missiles or bullets should it attack. The chest resembled a portion of a jet, allowing it to easily fit into Bommer's theme of aircraft and bombers.
"Dark Dive Bomber attacks directly".
Twelve missiles emerged from the two gaping holes in its chest, either side of the grey stripe running down the centre, each lunging forward one after another, finding the D-Wheel and aligning themselves to plunge threateningly towards it in preparation of the end.
"I activate my Trap; Synchro Spirits" Yusei called. "By removing a Synchro Monster in my Graveyard from the game, this can Special Summon its material monsters from the Graveyard. I remove Junk Warrior from the game. Be reborn, Junk Synchron and Speed Warrior".
The two monsters appeared in blue ahead of the D-Wheel, sounding their eager return to the field. Junk Synchro [DEF 500] immediately leapt up, colliding with one of the missiles and exploding, a suicidal tactic that would save Yusei's lifepoints by signalling it was the target. However, once the smoke cleared, the monster remained.
"What?" Bommer growled. "Why could it destroy it?"
"The Shield Warrior in my Graveyard negate a destruction by way of battle by removing it from the game" Yusei announced, a faint projection of the defending monster appearing in front of Junk Synchron, having taken the blast.
"But it's now that I activate Chariot Pile's effect" Bommer insisted.
"I release Speed Warrior to negate the damage" Yusei protested.
The monster leapt forward and wrapped its arms around the spikes in a vain attempt of halting the wheel, but exploded quickly after its futile attempt began.
"Next, I activate the Trap card, Ultimate Mine" Bommer continued, glaring over his shoulder. "This card will Special Summon an Ultimate Mine Token".
Beside the D-Wheel, a small spiked being appeared, supported on a narrow stand, one eye opening from the simple body [DEF 0].
"What's that Token for?" Rua asked anxiously.
"It's a monster that inflict 800 points of damage to the opponent when it's destroyed " Himuro explained.
"Dark Dive Bomber's effect is supposed to deal damage 200 times the level of a released monster" Tenpei muttered.
"Ultimate Mine Token's level is 10" Himuro added.
"That means, let's see here…" Rua mumbled, holding his hands up and lowering fingers gradually.
"A level of 10 times 200 equals 2000 points of damage" Ruka concluded for him.
In front of her, Yanagi and Rua exchanged equally panicked looks as they leaned forward in terror. "2000 points?"
"Now you're frozen in place once again" Bommer declared. "On my next turn, your lifepoints will drop to 0. I end my turn".
TENTH TURN – YUSEI
YUSEI - BOMMER
300 - LP - 2600
7 - SPC - 9
"Now, what will he do?" the MC questioned excitedly. "Yusei has zero cards in his hand. He's in a definite bind. Everything is riding on his next draw".
"It's my turn!" Yusei yelled, tearing the top card from his deck and holding it up, finding a simple monster at the end of his arm. "I'll gamble it on this card; I summon Tuning Supporter [ATK 100]".
The wok-bearing monster wrapped in a yellow scarf spun onto the field, stretching its tiny limbs out with a small cry. Beside it, Junk Synchro rose, pulling on the cord hanging from its breastplate.
"Tuning my Level 3 Junk Synchron to my Level 1 Tuning Supporter" Yusei declared. Junk Synchro disappeared quickly, forming three rings that surrounded Tuning Supporter, exposing its lone star that expanded into a wide column of light. "Synchro Summon. Show yourself, Arms Aid [ATK 1800]".
From the light, a giant brown metallic fist appeared with a wrist of grey and jagged crimson fingers emerging from the top, closing against the palm with a thumb matching the quartet.
"What good will an attack power of 1800 do you?" Bommer scoffed.
"When Tuning Supporter becomes the material for a Synchro Summon, I can draw one card from my deck" Yusei responded.
"With Yusei keeping in there, this will be the final Destiny Draw" the MC called, standing up with one foot pressed against his desk, exhilarated by the rising tension coming from the Riding Duel below.
"Yusei!" Rua, Ruka and Tenpei cried.
"Yusei" Himuro barked.
"Sonny" Yanagi yelped.
"Yusei…" Rena muttered from the Competitors' Lounge.
The seconds that ticked by while Yusei's fingers gripped the card passed like minutes and when he did draw, his arm moved swiftly to the other end of his range, holding the card behind him as far as possible. He twisted his wrist slowly to find the Speed Spell that granted hope. A small smirk crawled onto his face.
"Yusei is… smiling" Rua noted discreetly.
"I activate the Speed Spell - Synchro Return" the Satellite D-Wheeler announced sharply. "When I have 5 or more Speed Counters, this card Special Summons a Synchro Monster removed from the game. Show yourself, Junk Warrior".
A veil of dark clouds spread over Yusei's field, granting Junk Warrior passage into the game once more, diving onto the field and stretching its limbs with an empowered yell.
"Next, Arms Aid's effect activates" Yusei continued.
"What?" Bommer gasped.
The wrist of the enlarged fist divided itself into three segments, the divisions opening up to reveal three plates that bad been fixed against one another.
"Arms Aid becomes an Equip card on a Synchro Monster and increases its attack power by 1000 points" Yusei dictated.
Junk Warrior dove forward, laying its arm in the centre of the tunnel opened for it and joining with is allied Synchro partner, the plates closed around the purple arm and the two immediately became one formidable force [ATK 3300].
"Its attack power is greater than Dark Dive Bomber's?" Bommer cried.
"Junk Warrior!" Yusei yelled. The jets in Junk Warrior's back ignited fiercely, throwing the monster forward with a greater force than it had experienced before. "Power Gear Fist!"
The double-fist became engulfed in bright flames to signify how powerful the two had become. Like Giant Bommer Airraid, Dark Dive Bomber unleashed a flurry of missiles in defiance, all missing the diving Synchro Monster, whose newfound power allowed it to dodge the barrage with ease. The explosions all joined with the flaming hand, creating a much larger version of the original that snapped shut around the opposing monster, crushing its form with ease. Bommer growled whilst thick plumes of smoke drifted past and his lifepoints finally took a solid hit.
YUSEI - BOMMER
300 - LP - 1900
"Next is Arm Aid's effect" Yusei added. "When the equipped monster destroys a monster by battle, it inflict damage equal to the destroyed monster's attack power".
Bommer gasped as he watched the two silhouettes moving through the smoke that lingered around the track, the hovering form diving forward and through the veil, letting out its signature cry.
"What?" Bommer choked.
A replica of the flaming hand emerged from the cloud, opening its large claw-like fingers to seek out its next prey. Aware that he had nothing to counter the attack, Bommer's eyes widened and a horrified yell erupted from him as the hand closed in.
YUSEI - BOMMER
300 - LP - 0
DUEL END
Smoke flooded the track from Bommer's tyres, the rider struggling to maintain control of the machine while it inched nearer the glass edge and began to spin, leaving room for Yusei to move forward, no longer behind an entire lap. The machine eventually came to a halt, pointing in the opposite direction. Cheers erupted from the crowd, not caring that the victor was from Satellite, but simply captivated by the thrilling nature of a Riding Duel and its high-speed climax.
"He did it!" Rua cheered, punching his fist upwards.
"Great job, sonny" Yanagi chuckled.
"Huh?" Tenpei sounded, focusing on Bommer's D-Wheel. "The duel is over, but Chariot Pile hasn't disappeared".
In the tower overlooking the tournament, Jeager smirked, shrugging his shoulders in disappointment over the lack of a sign to lead the duo to a conclusion over Yusei's candidacy as a Signer.
"How unfortunate" he said casually.
"It would seem that his abilities as a Signer are still not awakened" Godwin commented from beside the clown-faced man.
Jack rose from the sofa behind the two, glaring down at the track, centring on the defeated man who remained slumped in his D-Wheel, having previously confronted him over his desire to face Yusei in the final of the tournament.
'What a disgrace' he scoffed mentally. 'Your mission ran shallow after all'.
He turned his back on the display and began to pace towards the door, discreetly working towards an exit while the MC's voice rang out wildly across the building.
"At least, we have an outcome! In the semi-final match of the duel of Fortune Cup… with the Shooting Star of Satellite, Fudo Yusei, versus the Black Storm, Bomber, making a spectacular advance onward is… Fudo Yusei!"
Having completed the lap required to catch up, Yusei's D-Wheel slowed to a halt, finding Bommer on his knees beside the D-Wheel, head hanging and body shivering from an apparent inability to accept defeat lightly.
"Are you okay, Bommer?" Yusei called.
The man began to pick himself up while the MC continued his excited announcement. "So, now, our next fight will be-"
"Yusei, that was outstanding" Bommer spoke. But his voice didn't come from the man alone, it was projected across the Stadium in the place of the MC's message regarding the next match. "I concede to you".
Hearing the voice replacing what was to be expected, Jack froze and turned, glaring through the window to the holographic orb displaying the two duellists on the track.
"What's the matter? What's happening?" Jeager yelped.
"Er…. What the-?" the MC mumbled, tapping the microphone with confusion. "I- It's not picking up my voice… Mic test?"
"I've lost" Bommer continued. "But my mission is far from over. I was going to win this tournament and bring what Godwin did to the public at the ceremony. But, now that dream too will never come true. That being so, I'll seek vengeance right here".
"Vengeance?" Yusei whispered.
"Look at this!" Bommer yelled, pointing towards the holographic orb that changed scene drastically, depicting a settlement in the mountains of a land far from Neo-Domino. "At my village that's gone up in smoke!"
"Huh?" Jeager screeched, pressing his hands against the glass. "Halt that footage immediately!"
"Pay it no mind" Godwin said coldly without showing any sign of concern.
"This is my village. My hometown" Bommer growled. "Godwin used my village as a guinea pig to attempt resurrecting the Crimson Dragon. And my village was…"
An earthquake shocked the scene, light emitting from an unknown source obscured everything in sight beyond the nearest land, ripping up boulders and large chunks of the earth. All was obliterated in a violent storm of power, all on display for the public to witness.
"How? How does Bommer know of this?" Jeager asked anxiously. "C- Could there be a survivor?"
Godwin said nothing, his eyes remained fixed on the dirty secret on display for all to see. Jack, on the other hand, watched with the same shock as the audience below.
In the Duellists' Lounge, Rena's mouth fell open whilst watching the message play, wanting to race out to consult with Yusei if he had known about the incident or if it had been what the two discussed the night before. But her legs refused to move; going out would expose her alone, she had the duel against her fearful opponent coming up any moment. She was as powerless and captivated as every other individual watching.
"All the villagers went missing. And amongst them were my brother and sister" Bommer revealed.
"Then your brother and sister…" Yusei muttered.
"Yusei, Jack, don't believe him" Bommer demanded. "You must not give Godwin the Crimson Dragon".
Without any sign, Bommer raced into his D-Wheel and climbed into position. The tyres began spinning wildly and Bommer raced past Yusei before he could even realise what was happening before him. By the time Yusei turned his head, a great gap had been opened between them.
"Bommer!"
"I'll settle things with him by my own hand" Bommer growled, ignoring the plea to stop. "For the friends in my hometown. For my dear brother and sister. So that this sorrow will never repeat again".
Once his D-Wheel had travelled far enough along the straightened track, Bommer's D-Wheel mounted the glass curve and the man unleashed a determined yell, climbing higher up the curve, moving towards the peak. As he rounded the corner, his D-Wheel soared from the track, flying above the fields and raced up towards the tower
"Bommer!" Yusei yelled.
His own D-Wheel flew down the track and up the curve, leaving the ground and soaring into the air just as his opponent's, Its light model allowing him to move between Bommer and the tower, to the shock and terror of his friends. Watching the footage from inside the building, alarm flooded Rena, who took a step forward, tears brimming at the edges of her eyes from the sudden chaos ensuing outside and a panic-stricken cry erupting from her.
"Yusei!"
The two D-Wheels raced towards one another on their track made of air, and it was only as Yusei neared that Bommer realised what was happening; he had appeared to defend Godwin and interrupt his chance at vengeance. The two machine crashed, scraping the sides viciously whilst the riders watched one another, waiting to see who would fall first. The front tyre of Yusei's D-Wheel grinded against the Chariot Pile exposed as a real weapon, the bladed weapon snapped from the wheel and raced on up the path that had previously been set, narrowing missing Yusei's head as it continued its maddened plan.
The movement took Godwin by surprise and he turned just in time to witness the weapon exploding through the window, racing towards him with a thirst of his blood. As shards scattered across the room, Jeager was knocked back out of horror and fell in front of Godwin, the Director showed no fear, but reached up with his left arm, capturing the spike with his hand and managing to hold it off with inhuman strength. Both Jeager, underneath the display, and Jack, on the edge, watched in equal peaks of shock, though the blonde quickly recovered enough to know that a human shouldn't have the amount of strength that the Director was showing.
"Your hand-" he spoke.
As if on cue, the blades began to slow, tearing Godwin's white glove to shreds and exposing the metallic hand hiding underneath.
Underneath, both Bommer and Yusei's D-Wheel crashed against the ground chaotically, bouncing and tipping onto their sides. A cloud of smoke erupted form Bommer's D-Wheel, but the rider paid no attention. He stormed across to Yusei, who had fallen from his D-Wheel as it tipped and was seated with a lowered head against the bonnet.
"Yusei!" the man growled, grabbing the Satellite D-Wheeler by the collar and pushing him back against his machine in blind frustration. "Why did you stop me? Why?"
"Bommer, I can't stand for what he's done either" Yusei replied calmly. Despite Bommer's crushing grip forcing him down and the shadow of the unstable man looming over him, he showed no sign of intimidation, especially after what he had had to achieve just to bring him down. "However… if you settle things by force, then you're not better than him".
"Yusei…" Bommer hissed furiously.
Tears began to build in his eyes; of grieving and his lost chance at vengeance, how the sacrifices of his dearest had been remembered in the wrong light. Everything he had done to fight for them was wrong, he had been consumed by a personal darkness fuelled by their deaths; something they could have never wished for. But that didn't help, Godwin was still standing without any punishment. The man withdrew his hands, releasing Yusei, and clenched them tightly, tucking his head in between his shoulders before his emotions overflowed and an anguished howl erupted, travelling across the building and towards Godwin.
The Director watched with no sign of sympathy, clutching the Chariot Pile sapped of its power. His steel fingers relaxed marginally, dropping the weapon that clanged against the ground and rested heavily with a demonic gleam from the light overhead.
Stardust ~ PREVIEW ~ Sutādasuto
Rena: With Bommer out of the way, it's down to Izayoi and me to see who faces off against Yusei.
Ruka: Be careful Rena.
Rua: We know you can do it. Hang in there.
Aki: The cursed being, you don't know when to die, do you.
Rena: I'm not going to let you attack the people I care about just because of this. I won't let you hurt Ruka or Yusei. We'll settle this now. Next, Yu-Gi-Oh 5D's - Sutādasuto Accelerator, "Battle of Hearts! Revenge-fuelled Rematch". No… I… I won't break…
[1] "Clustering stars will call upon a new force" Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Show yourself, Junk Warrior!"