"Ryusei Fujiwara! You are a disgrace to your family, and now you will suffer the consequences of your actions! All my monsters, attack Ryusei directly!"
All three of Sousuke's monsters prepared their attacks as Ryusei's face went stern, bracing himself for the attack. Suddenly three beams, one from each monster shot out at a high velocity before merging into one beam of energy. The beam edged closer and closer, but Ryusei then quickly reacted to the event.
"Reveal Trap Card! Negate Attack! This card negates your attack and ends the Battle Phase!"
Sousuke had a look of disgust as a vortex appeared on Ryusei's field, preventing the high-powered beam from striking him. Eventually, the beam was sucked into the vortex until nothing was left, giving Ryusei much relief for surviving that turn.
"Tch, lucky punk," Sousuke muttered. "Well Des Lacooda's effect activates. Once per turn, I'm able to flip to face-down defense mode."
Sousuke then deeply sighed in frustration as he knew what was going to happen next. When he signalled the end of his turn, Ryusei was surprised to see Sousuke's Life Points drop dramatically.
LP (700/3200)
"What happened to your Life Points?" Ryusei questioned.
"It's the adverse effect of Curse Of The Undead. In my End Phase, I take 800 points of damage for each monster I control. Even though the cost is steep, it will be well worth it after I crush you."
"We'll see about that,"
"Wishful thinking Ryusei, but try as you may to deny it, I'm going to win, and deep down I think you know it."
"I don't believe you."
Sousuke then sighed in disappointment and replied by saying,
"It seems that some people just can't accept the truth. However, if you really think that you can beat, make your move and show me you have what it takes!"
Ryusei was hesitant to move at first as he knew from this moment onwards; every turn is of great importance. However, he then gathered himself and placed his fingers on the top of his Deck.
"My turn!" he declared as he sharply drew his card, hoping that it will be the right one to turn the duel into his favour.
Chapter 24-Our Fate As We See It
Ryusei drew his card and figured out a potential way to fight back, even though it would only be for a short while.
"I summon Kycoo The Ghost Destroyer (1800/700) in attack mode! I then play the Spell, United We Stand, increasing its strength by 800 points (Kycoo-2600)!"
Sousuke growled after seeing the rise in Kycoo's strength.
"Kycoo, attack his Malevolent Mech now! Sacred Fist!"
Kycoo ghosted forward with his right fist wrapped around with rosary beads, and landed a right punch, shattering Goku En.
(500/3200)
"Kycoo's effect activates, allowing me to remove from play two monsters in your Graveyard, so I will remove your Il Blud and Goblin Zombie from play!"
Sousuke looked sternly at Ryusei as he selected the two cards and removed them from his Graveyard.
"I end my turn."
"Fair enough, my turn now!"
Sousuke drew his card and smiled.
"All right, first, I flip my Des Lacooda (500/600) to attack mode, allowing me to draw one card. I next summon Spirit Reaper (300/200) in attack mode!"
A demonic skeleton came onto the field, wearing a purple hooded cloak and wielding a shorthanded axe with a large blade.
"Ryu Kokki, attack Kycoo now!"
The monster clenched its fist and launched its right arm, clattering into Kycoo. Kycoo survived the attack but then shattered immediately after Ryu Kokki retreated to Sousuke's field.
LP: (300/3200)
"Don't forget, any Spellcaster my Ryu Kokki battles with is instantly destroyed thanks to its effect. But since my monster is equipped with Mist Body, it can't be destroyed by battle. Now you will take direct attacks from my Des Lacooda and Spirit Reaper!"
Des Lacooda fired a dark beam from its mouth striking Ryusei on his chest.
LP: (300/2700)
Immediately after that, Spirit Reaper launched itself at Ryusei and slashed across his chest, causing Ryusei to stumble backwards.
LP: (300/2400)
"Spirit Reaper's effect now kicks in. When it inflicts battle damage; you have to discard a random card from your hand. However, since you only have one…"
"I get it," Ryusei interrupted.
He took a long hard look at his card which turned out to be Cybernetic Magician, before he put it in his Graveyard.
"See Ryusei, what did I tell you? This was inevitable."
"This duel isn't over yet."
"How is it not over? You have a completely blank field and nothing in your hand! While I have three monsters in play, all of them waiting to tear you apart."
Ryusei didn't react to the statement, still presenting a serious face that refused to believe that this was the end.
"You still haven't changed have you? Standing before me is the same rebel from three years ago, whose stupidity nearly cost me my life! In all that time, haven't you learned anything? Or is it acceptable for you to destroy other people's lives?"
"Trust me when I say that I truly learnt a harsh lesson that day. Since then, I've changed to become a better person and I've been trying to atone for my actions. However, that doesn't mean that I have to accept everything that lies before me."
"What do you mean by that?"
"You seem to believe that everything is pre-determined! I believe that nothing is ever set in stone! What you see as rebellious, I see as hope against adversity! So even if there's a 99% chance of failure, I will still believe in that 1% chance of success, no matter what!"
Sousuke shook his head in a disappointed fashion and stubbornly responded by saying,
"You're such a fool Ryusei, but fine! If you're so certain of that belief, allow me to remove that 1% chance of victory with this card! I play the Field Spell, Zombie World!"
"Zombie World?"
Ryusei looked around in an uncertain fashion as the duel field changed dramatically. The field was now a large barren landscape, forested with withering trees. The ground was littered with skulls and bones as a river of blood was streaming downwards in the middle of the land. Ryusei; was starting to notice a few monsters, ghosting from tree-to-tree, barely being able to make them out due to their fast movements.
"What's going on?"
"Welcome to Zombie World, a world where nothing but Zombies may exist."
"Explain!"
"It's very simple Ryusei, as long as this card is in play, all monsters on the field and in any Graveyard are now Zombie-Type monsters."
"What did you say?"
"You heard me, but also as an added bonus, neither player can Advance Summon any monsters, except for Zombies."
Ryusei: ("Shit, he's trying to shut my Deck down as they're all Spellcasters. I can't bring out my best monsters because of that Field Spell. I have to get rid of it and quickly too. But even if I do manage to do that, his Ryu Kokki can't be destroyed by battle because of Mist Body. He's backed me into a corner here.")
"I bet you're thinking what am I going to do? How am I going to win? Well the answer is you're not, and the sooner you accept that, the better." Sousuke announced.
"I don't believe you!" Ryusei responded in a passionate manner.
"Man you are so stubborn! There are some things that you cannot stop from happening no matter what you do, and this is one of them! Now I flip Des Lacooda face-down and end my turn, your move Ryusei!"
Ryusei knew that his next card had to be useful. He looked at his Deck, knowing his next draw will determine whether he survives or falls this turn.
Ryusei: ("Please, let me draw something to give me a fighting chance.")
He placed his hand on his Deck and drew his card sharply and silently.
He flipped it and looked at it, expressing no emotion on his face. Sousuke guessed that he drew a useless card hence why Ryusei was stalling, so he started to smile. That was until Ryusei finally broke the silence.
"I set a monster face-down and end my turn."
Sousuke's face turned into an expression of discontent. He then started to feel rage after seeing Ryusei standing across him, looking virtuous and driven.
"You really piss me off, you know that! Look at you, standing there, acting all self righteous, despite what you did! You have no idea of the suffering I had to endure due to your stupidity!"
"I know, and I've said I'm sorry, so what more do you want from me?"
"I want payback, justice, revenge, whatever you may want to call it! I want to inflict as much pain onto you, as you did unto me."
After a brief silence Ryusei then stunned Sousuke by replying.
"So why don't you?"
"Huh?"
"Why don't you do it?"
"Do what?" Sousuke asked, wanting to make sure whether Ryusei is about to say what he's thinking.
"Why don't you come over here and beat me down until I can't walk?"
"Don't be ridiculous!"
"Well that is what you want isn't it? If you wanted to exact your revenge you would have to put me in the same position that you were in. So I'm giving you a free pass to beat the crap out of me, and I won't try to stop you in any way."
Sousuke did clench his fist in temptation of accepting his offer, but he then released it, seemingly refusing to go ahead.
"Why would you make such a tempting but suicidal offer?"
"Because I want your forgiveness, and if that's what it takes for me to earn that, so be it."
"You would really put your life on the line just to earn someone's forgiveness? Doesn't that sound a bit familiar to what I said earlier?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You are basically sacrificing yourself for the benefit of someone else! What did I tell you before? Do you really have a death wish Ryusei? Because that's what you're going to get if you don't change right now!"
"I don't think so."
"What?"
"You keep saying that my actions are foolish. But if you truly want to protect someone, there is always an element of sacrifice. So I refuse to believe anything you say right now, because I know that what I'm doing is right."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, you're just saying those things to throw me off my game, to make me doubt my resolve. Well I can tell you now that I've seen through you're cheap tactics and they won't work anymore!"
Sousuke was silent at Ryusei's response. But inside, he felt angered at Ryusei's naivety of what he was letting himself in for.
"That's what you think? That I'm just spouting rubbish to put you off a card game? You have no idea what you're letting yourself in for Ryusei!"
"Then tell me, instead of giving me this cryptic crap!"
"Why should I? You obviously believe that you're going to defeat me, become a Guardian and fight the good fight. But tell me Ryusei, how can you be a Guardian if you truly wish you were over there?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You admitted earlier that you wish you died with your parents! So how can a person, who has no desire to live, make it his mission in life to defend others?"
At that moment Ryusei did realise there may be some error in his ways. It seems he finally got what Sousuke was trying to say to him all along. Since Ryusei sees himself as almost worthless, his life is worthless. Therefore, he is going to the extent of potentially throwing it away for the benefit of someone else. Not realising the potential damage it will cause to those around him.
"It seems you finally get it now. With your mindset, you cannot possibly be a Guardian. If you do, you will make the wrong choices and fail. Then everyone around you will suffer the consequences because of your weakness!"
"I won't let that happen!"
"Yeah you will, you won't realise it straight away but you will let it happen. But by the time you realise that, it would be too late."
Ryusei bowed his head and took a moment to take in everything he had just heard. After a brief moment of reflection, he then lifted up his head and replied,
"If that is the case, I will become stronger! Strong enough so that I can protect everyone I care about! Strong enough to defeat everyone who stands in my way! I will become strong enough so that when it comes down to it, I will make the right choice and no-one will suffer from it!"
Sousuke reacted angrily by replying,
"You are ridiculously naïve to think it will be that easy! Especially since, that to make the right choice may require an evil act! But then again, you're pretty good at playing with people's lives aren't you?"
"What do you mean by that, and what evil act are you talking about?"
"That's for me to know and for you to find out! But you'll never find out as it's about time I finish you off! I draw, and summon Mezuki (1700/0) in attack mode!"
A strange looking monster was revealed, wielding a large razor sharp axe. What was strange was that it had a human torso and arms. But had the face of a horse and its legs had hooves instead of feet.
"I then flip my Des Lacooda (500/600) to draw another card,"
Sousuke looked at the card he drew and smiled as he knew he needed one more card to seemingly guarantee victory.
"Mezuki, attack Ryusei's face-down monster now!"
Mezuki stormed forward with vicious intent before sharply swinging its axe, crashing down on Ryusei's card which revealed a short blonde haired magician.
"You destroyed my Apprentice Magician (400/800), and when that's destroyed by battle I can Special Summon a level two or lower Spellcaster from my Deck in face-down defense. So I choose another Apprentice Magician (400/800)!"
"Ryu Kokki will follow up by attacking your Apprentice!"
Ryu Kokki, lifted its fist and swung down, delivering a hammer blow on the monster.
"Through the effect of my Magician I play Old Vindictive Magician (450/600) in face-down defense!"
"Damn," Sousuke muttered, realising he doesn't have a monster powerful enough to defeat it.
"I set my Lacooda again, set a card face-down and end my turn." He muttered.
Ryusei took a deep breath and prepared to begin his turn. He knew he would be able to win if he drew a strong monster that he can summon. He drew his card but got Pot Of Greed instead.
"I play Pot Of Greed, so I get to draw two cards!" Ryusei drew his cards, hoping to get a decent monster to attack and win. Unfortunately he drew Jowgen The Spiritualist and Pot Of Avarice, but he still had some hope of pulling it off this turn.
"I play Pot Of Avarice; I return my two Apprentice Magicians, Breaker, Kycoo and Maiden Of Macabre to my Deck. I then shuffle and draw two more cards!"
He saw the cards Call Of The Haunted and Royal Magical Library. Two cards that couldn't help him win at this moment, so he decided to play defensively.
"I summon Royal Magical Library in defense mode and set a card face-down. End turn."
"Is that it Ryusei? I expected a whole lot more from you, but you have been nothing more than a complete disappointment."
Ryusei growled at Sousuke's statement as he continued his tirade.
"Don't look at me like that. It's your fault that you can't win, especially since now, you are now about to witness my true power, my turn!"
Sousuke drew his card and got what he wanted, so he made his move.
"Firstly I play Graceful Charity, so I draw three cards and send two to the Graveyard (Zombie Master, Plaguespreader Zombie). I then release my Spirit Reaper and Mezuki to summon Red-Eyes Zombie Dragon (2400/2000)!"
Thick blue fog slowly arose from the river. It then faded away to reveal an altered Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon. What was different was that its body was constantly decomposing as well as its red eyes were much sharper and cold-blooded.
"Now I reveal my Call Of The Haunted, to revive my Zombie Master (1800/0)!" A disturbing man appeared on the field with a scraggly brown shirt, black cloak and long white hair. It gave an evil smile to Ryusei which sent a small chill down his spine.
"Now Mezuki's effect activates, I can remove it from play to Special Summon a Zombie monster from my Graveyard, so I revive Tuner Monster, Plaguespreader Zombie (400/200)!"
"A tuner?"
It was to Ryusei's horror that he realised what Sousuke was planning.
"I tune my Level two Plaguespreader Zombie with my Level four Zombie Master!"
Plaguespreader exploded into two green rings which descended onto Zombie Master, creating a pillar of light.
"Synchro Summon! Release your evil, Doomkaiser Dragon (2400/1500)!"
A large black dragon revealed itself with a powerful roar. It had widespread dark wings, sharp spikes around its body and along its tail. Also like Ryu Kokki, it had a red stone in its chest, where its heart would normally be.
"Shit! This isn't good,"
"Well it's about to get worse, when Doomkaiser is Synchro Summoned I can reborn a Zombie from either player's Graveyard."
"What?"
"That's right, and since your monsters count as Zombies as well I think I will take your Cybernetic Magician!"
"No!" he shouted as the ground opened up on Sousuke's field. Then a dark Cybernetic Magician slowly arose from the ground to standing position. It then gave an evil glare to Ryusei, treating him like he was its sworn enemy.
"How does it feel to have your best monster stolen from you?"
Ryusei groaned loudly as Sousuke continued his turn.
"I now flip my Des Lacooda, drawing another card. Following that I activate Cybernetic Magician's effect! I discard my Regenerating Mummy (1800/1500) to fix my Lacooda's attack at 2000!"
Ryusei was stunned as he looked at what he was up against.
"Five monsters, all with over 2000 attack points." He whispered.
"Exactly, now feel the pain that I had to endure for so long!" Red-Eyes Zombie Dragon, attack his face-down monster, with Rasping Inferno Blast!"
Red-Eyes took a deep breath and roared out a black fireball, instantly shattering Ryusei's Old Vindictive Magician.
"At this moment my Vindictive Magician's effect activates! When flipped I can destroy a monster on your side so I choose your Ryu Kokki!"
Sousuke's monster instantly exploded but he had no concern for what had just happened.
"Now my Red-Eyes' effect triggers. Whenever it destroys a Zombie monster by battle, I can special summon it to my side of the field."
"What?"
"Yep, so say hi to your Old Vindictive Magician (450/600) again!"
Ryusei gritted his teeth intensely as the monster appeared to Sousuke's field.
"Doomkaiser Dragon (2400/1500) attacks Royal Magical Library (0/2000)!"
A dark fire, with repulsive smells was breathed out by the Synchro monster, burning Ryusei's monster until nothing was left.
"Now to finish you off for good! Cybernetic Magician, annihilate him with Light Cyber Blast!"
The magician swung his staff forward, releasing an almighty blast of burning white light aiming straight for Ryusei.
"I play my Trap Card, Call Of The Haunted! With this I can summon a monster in my Graveyard in attack mode! So I choose my Apprentice Magician (400/800)!"
"Fine, but you still will be taking damage!"
The beam hit Ryusei's monster, instantly vaporising it.
LP (300/400)
"Through my monster's effect I set another Apprentice Magician (400/800) on the field."
"All this bullshit again, you are obviously desperate Ryusei, hence why you keep using stalling tactics. Well it won't work for very much longer. Des Lacooda (2000/600), attack Ryusei's monster!"
The monster fired a black beam from its mouth which shattered the set monster.
"Through my monster's effect, I finally set Crystal Seer (100/100) on to the field!"
At that moment, Sousuke couldn't believe that Ryusei managed to play his way out of this turn. He was so sure of victory and the fact it didn't happen, was just unbelievable to him.
"I don't know how you managed to survive this turn, I have to give you credit for that. But I can assure you, next turn you are finished! I set two cards face-down on the field. Now Ryusei, make your final move so I can destroy you with your own monster."
Ryusei looked at the lone card in his hand, Jowgen The Spiritualist. He was starting to have severe doubts about whether he could get through this, especially with his favourite monster taken away from him. But then he remembered what he said earlier at becoming strong enough to protect everyone and defeat everything. As he tried to regain some belief within himself, Sousuke interrupted his thought process by shouting,
"What the hell are you doing? Make your move so I can put an end to this and an end to you!"
Sousuke looked at his face-downs, Shrink and Tutan Mask, so he was prepared for whatever Ryusei had to throw at him.
"And prove to your parents that you are a complete waste of space."
This statement caught Ryusei's attention as it stung a blow to his heart. He slowly looked over his shoulder to his parent's gravestones, feeling guilt each time he read their names in his head.
Ryusei: ("Mother, Father. Sousuke was right earlier on, I was being selfish and reckless and it cost both of us dearly. For that, I am truly sorry that I've hurt you and have brought shame on to your memory. However, since that day I've changed, for the better. I now make this promise to you to become someone that will leave their mark on the world. Someone that you can look down and smile on to, but most importantly, someone you can love and be proud of.")
"Are you going to stand their all day or make a move?"
Ryusei steadied himself, desperately hoping for a good card.
"My turn, draw!"
He drew Mystical Space Typhoon, which he grimaced at seeing. He figured he can solve one problem, but at this rate he will have no chance of winning.
"I play Mystical Space Typhoon, to destroy your Zombie World!"
A large cyclone blew across the field, returning it to its original state which was the graveyard.
"I can tell from the look in your eyes Ryusei, you can't win and you know it." Sousuke said smugly.
"No, I have faith that I can do this. You believe that I'm destined to lose, destined to fail and destroy myself. I believe that I will rise above any challenge presented to me! That I will overcome all my fears, and perform my duty as a Guardian to the best of my ability, even if it means I have to sacrifice myself! That is how I see my fate, and I'll prove it."
"How?"
"I'll prove it by flipping my face-down Crystal Seer (100/100) into attack mode!"
"You've just made yourself wide open for an attack! You're trying to lose on purpose aren't you?"
"Crystal Seer has an effect, when it's flipped I can pick up the top two cards from my Deck. I can then add one to my hand and place the other one to the bottom of my Deck."
"Fine, do all that you want, since there is nothing that you can draw that will change things."
Ryusei closed his eyes and placed his fingers on his Deck. Sousuke wondered what Ryusei was doing as he ran his thumb up his Deck until the two cards from the top of the Deck were selected.
Ryusei: ("This is for…my family")
He drew them sharply, still with his eyes closed. He held them in front of his face and sharply opened his eyes. As he saw the two cards, a Monster and a Spell, he smiled, causing concern to Sousuke. He returned one to the Deck and started his turn.
"I summon Jowgen The Spiritualist (200/1300) in attack mode!"
"Attack mode, are you trying to be suicidal?"
"I need it to be this way so that I have the right conditions for this card; I activate the Spell, Magician's Unite!"
"What?"
"When I have two Spellcasters on the field in attack mode, I can select one of them and that monster's attack points become 3000! So I choose my Crystal Seer!"
"No!"
A mage's circle appeared on the field, entrapping both of Ryusei's monsters inside. The monsters were then surrounded with a white light, which seemed to transferring power from Jowgen right into Crystal Seer (3000/100).
Sousuke looked at Ryusei viciously, almost disgusted with his move.
"Ryusei!" he growled.
"Fate has answered my call Sousuke! I will become a Guardian, and will give my life in protecting those that I care about! That is who I am and nothing will ever change that!"
"ARGH! DAMN YOU!"
"CRYSTAL SEER, FUTURE VISION BLAST!"
Crystal Seer emitted energy from her palms, creating blue orb. The orb then grew significantly larger by each passing second as more and more energy was being fused into it.
Eventually, it grew large enough to fire an almighty blue energy beam, which completely engulfed Des Lacooda (500/600) and the rest of the monsters that was on Sousuke's field.
Sousuke was also engulfed by the beam and screamed in burning pain, before eventually disintegrating with everything else in the blast.
LP (0/400)
As the beam subsided, Ryusei fell to his hands and knees, breathing heavily due to exhaustion. He looked at his parent's gravestones once again with no feelings of guilt this time, as he knew that he will live up to his end of the bargain. Soon afterwards, he looked up and saw a bright light in the sky. He originally thought it was the sun breaking out, but the light was pure white and grew in intensity, Ryusei covered his eyes, but then a loud, elongated screech came from nowhere, hurting his ears. Before he could even react the light eventually surrounded him, giving off an intense heat. Ryusei started to scream from the feeling of his skin constantly burning until he suddenly raised his head from his desk.
He looked around the room in a panicky state, trying to figure out where he was. His eyes then caught on Shinji, sleeping in his bed. He then looked at his desk and saw the textbook and revision notes he was working on. He then realised that everything he experienced was just an intense dream. He ran his hands down his face to gather himself together and looked at the clock, which read 3:22am. He figured enough was enough, closed his books and decided to go to bed. As he collapsed onto his bed he felt he knocked something off the bed and onto the floor. He stretched his arm to pick it up from the floor and took a look to what it was. His eyes widened in disbelief as he saw a card, which had the picture of the dragon he had been dreaming about.
Ryusei: ("What…the hell?")
After the initial shock of seeing the card, he settled down as thoughts ran through his mind. He remembered things being said by Vydia, Tanya and Sousuke, all in relation to the choices of being a Guardian.
Ryusei: ("Stardust Dragon, this is supposed to be the Guardian Dragon entrusted to me. Vydia said, to successfully fight this battle I have to become one with my Dragon, but how am I supposed to become one with a card? More importantly, how am I supposed to fight a battle if it is a card? This doesn't make any sense to me, however there are others involved in this as well. I have to find out what they know so we can figure out where we go from here.")
Location: University Main Library
It was mid-morning about three weeks later since the intense dreams the group had. It was now heading towards the end of the month of May, with the majority of the exams for most students now being completed. At this time, the sun was on brightly but a stiff breeze blew cold enough to wear a jacket outside. Ayaka, now wearing a red cardigan over her dress, was sitting at a PC in the main library. She was re-reading some lectures online as part of her revision for her final exam in a few days. She then suddenly saw an email and noticed it was from Ryusei. She opened it and noticed that Hayate and Kasumi were also sent this email. It said,
Hey
I need to talk to you; it's regarding something very important.
I will be at the K Restaurant at 1:00pm.
Please make sure you are there by then.
Ryusei
Ayaka read the email and wondered what Ryusei wanted to see her about that. She had a feeling of what it could be as she held her right arm, at the area where her mark was. She eventually let go and shut down the computer to continue her revision.
Location: Domino Town Centre
It was 12:58pm, with the weather still the same as before. Ryusei was sitting at a small, rectangular table that had enough room to seat four people at it in the K Restaurant. The table was located at the back right hand corner of the restaurant where you had the most privacy. He patiently waited while four drinks of water were set at the table, presumably one of each of the people he invited. As he was lost in his thoughts for a moment he heard a voice which made him snap back into reality,
"Hey,"
"He looked and noticed Ayaka was standing next to him.
"Ayaka!"
"You're surprised to see me?"
"No, not at all, just was thinking that's all." He replied as he moved over, so Ayaka could sit next to him.
"It seems that you've had a lot on your mind recently."
"What do you mean?"
"I know we haven't really talked since that day,…in the Atrium. But every time I see you, you seem to have an extra weight on your shoulders. Is everything all right?"
"To be honest…I don't really know. I feel that I'm…"
"Am I interrupting something?" a male voice interrupted.
Both Ryusei and Ayaka looked up to see Hayate and Kasumi standing in front of them with serious faces.
"I'm glad that the two of you could make it." Ryusei stated.
"Save it!" Hayate snapped. "You called us out here for a reason, so get on with it! I've got more important things to do than hang around for your nonsense!"
Hayate then sat down at his seat, right across Ryusei. A silent Kasumi then took to her seat and folded her arms. Her eyes were then fixed on Ryusei, implying that he should say what he has to say, as soon as possible.
"We're all here now Ryusei, so what was so important that you wanted to talk about?" Ayaka asked.
Ryusei took a sip of his drink and a deep breath afterwards; as he knew what he was going to say was going to be received as crazy.
"Basically about three weeks ago, I had a dream."
"Are you serious, you called us out to hear about a dream you had?" Hayate blasted.
"Let him finish Hayate," Ayaka responded, "Carry on Ryusei."
"It was a weird, crazy dream where all of us were in it, and basically we witnessed Domino City being destroyed."
"What?" a shocked Ayaka said.
"Yeah, this massive inferno came across and wiped out the city, we included. But we were transported elsewhere and split up taking separate paths. I think each path was different for everyone else, but I remember I was tested so severely, both physically and mentally. It was amazing that I'd somehow survived."
"What's your point?" Kasumi questioned in an unmoved manner.
"My point is that I think that dream was linked to that day, when we met Vydia."
"Not that Guardian nonsense again, if you want to believe that then fine, all the best to you. I on the other hand, will focus on reality. So I'm out of here!" Hayate exclaimed as he got up from his seat.
"Wait, Hayate!"
"Give me one good reason why I should?"
"Because when I woke up after that dream, I found this!"
Ryusei then put his hand in his pocket and slammed something onto the middle of the table. When he removed his hand, everyone was stunned to see the Stardust Dragon card present there.
"Isn't…that…?" Ayaka stuttered,
"Yeah, this was the dragon that Vydia said I was to be associated with, the dragon I've been dreaming about for so long now. This is why I have a feeling that Vydia must be telling the truth. There is no way that this could be some fairy tale. From what I saw and heard in my dream, I can sense that a battle is going to happen, and we like it or not are a part of it. This card right here is proof that these Dragons do exist and that I have accepted my duty to become a Guardian. But what I really want to know is that does anyone else have anything to share about this."
A tense silence was present around the table. No one wanted to say anything to break the tension. However, Ayaka finally built up the courage and said,
"I have to be honest now, I know the dream you were talking about Ryusei as I had it too,"
"You did?"
Ayaka nodded in response, as she went into her purse. She then pulled out a card and gently placed it onto the table, revealing Black Rose Dragon.
"I found this card in my room, around three weeks ago. But at the same time…"
She rolled up the right sleeve of her cardigan to her elbow and revealed the mark of a Guardian on her wrist.
"I woke up with this on my arm. So since that day, I had a feeling that Vydia was right as well. However, I wasn't sure whether I was the only one that went through this, so I couldn't say anything."
"Fortunately for you, you weren't the only one who went through this." Kasumi surprisingly stepped in.
"Huh?"
Kasumi then went to her Deck Pouch and pulled out Ancient Fairy Dragon, revealing it to the others before placing it on the table. She then rolled the sleeve of her jacket to reveal her mark. It was then that Ryusei figured out that everyone must have had this dream at the same time, therefore got their Dragons at the same time that he had. The entire table looked to Hayate, expecting him to do the same. Feeling under pressure, Hayate buckled and said,
"Fine!"
Hayate slammed the Red Dragon Archfiend card onto the table and rolled up his jacket to reveal his mark.
"There, are you happy now?"
"I can't believe it," Ayaka whispered, "Who would have thought that all this could turn out to be true."
"So now you got what you wanted, we all admit that we have these so called Guardian Dragons or whatever. So now what? You want us to band together and go fight in the name of justice with Duel Disks?" Hayate asked sarcastically.
"I don't know; we need to see Vydia to find out what we are letting ourselves in for."
"Wow, don't they look pretty?" a female voice suddenly said.
The whole table turned around to see Tanya standing beside them.
"You!" Hayate snapped.
"I have never seen them so close before, I must admit, they look amazing…"
"What do you want Tanya?" Ryusei asked coldly.
"Ryusei, you are still as chilly as ever. Are you ever going to warm up to me?"
"Maybe when you stop being so shady…"
Tanya gave a little chuckle to his response,
"You still don't trust me? Maybe I can do something to help change your mind."
"And what would that be?"
"Like passing on some information,"
"Go on,"
"The enemy has already started making their move, so it won't be long until the fight will start."
"So what do we do?" Ryusei asked.
"You prepare for the upcoming battle, by becoming one with your Dragon."
"Sounds like a load of bullshit to me." Hayate growled.
"Hayate, Hayate. If you don't take care, you will not like what will happen when destiny catches up with you."
"And what is that supposed to mean?"
"It means figure out how to work with your Dragon so you become a collective force. Then, when you feel you are ready, come and see Vydia and she will tell you everything you need to know. Anyway I've overstayed my welcome, so I will leave you to it."
"But…"
"Ciao!" She shouted as she went straight out of the door and onto the streets.
The whole table was silent, after hearing the news from Tanya. Ayaka then broke it by saying,
"So what do you think?"
"I think this is all just a big waste of our time. But she has no reason to lie, which partly makes me believe that there is an element of truth to what she said." Kasumi stated.
"But how are we supposed to 'become one' with our Dragon?"
"I have no idea, but we still have some time, until this actual battle begins. Hopefully by then we all figure it out and then when the time comes we will all be ready." Ryusei answered.
"I think you're right."
"I know that the four of us does not have a strong relationship. But to get through this we have to work together, at least until this is all over. It's the only way we will be able to win."
Ayaka nodded in agreement to Ryusei's comment. Ryusei acknowledged and then looked at the other two for confirmation. Kasumi was the first to speak out.
"Since you don't know me very well, I will tell you how I see it. Whenever a problem is presented to me, I deal with it by myself, always have and always will. So good luck with your team work, but don't count me in." Kasumi took her card, got up from her chair and walked out of the restaurant. Soon after Hayate followed the same procedure and replied,
"What she said," and headed out of the restaurant, which left Ryusei and Ayaka alone in the restaurant.
"So much for that," Ayaka replied.
"It's okay, eventually they will come around."
"So what are you going to do?"
Ryusei picked up his Stardust Dragon and stared at it, letting his thoughts distract him of everything surrounding him.
Ryusei: ("I'm pretty sure what Tanya said was true. Therefore, we only have a limited amount of time before we have to answer our call of duty. I will find a way to work with my Dragon, as well as become a stronger, more courageous person to do myself justice. So when the time comes, I will be ready for whatever destiny has to throw at me. We will overcome any fears and rise above all challenges this oncoming battle will bring. That is my belief, and that…is my fate as I see it.")
End of Chapter
Preview
With the first year of studies approaching its conclusion, Ryusei is still trying to figure out how to become one with his dragon. Sensing that Ryusei is heavily distracted by something, Hiro offers him the chance to come and work for him over the summer. After Ryusei rejects and insults him, Hiro challenges him to a duel where if he wins Ryusei has to come with him. Ryusei accepts and goes up against the person that taught him everything he knows about Duel Monsters. But also at the same time, sees an opportunity to use Stardust Dragon and see whether playing it, will help him in his cause.
Chapter 25-Master vs. Apprentice! Looking To Our Future! (Title tbc)
ORIGINAL CARDS
Curse Of The Undead
Normal Spell
Remove from play 2 Zombie-Type monsters from your Graveyard. Zombie monsters you control this turn cannot be destroyed by the effects of Spell and Trap Cards this turn. During the End Phase of the turn this card was activated, receive 800 points of damage for each you monster you control.