Hi, this time, I've decided to upload 2 chapters together, so hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 26-Maiami Championship beginnings
It was early morning, I had just woken up, feeling refreshed after having a great night's sleep. After a good morning yawn I then eyed my deck with a greeting smile, "Thanks you guys, I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you around.." I thought, (I saw that Blue and Red eyes were still sleeping, so I decided not to disturb them) before noticing something peculiar in my trunk nearby, which was where I kept all my spare cards. When I opened the trunk, I couldn't believe what I saw!
"I take it that you are most pleased with what I've brought you?"
"Ack! Bahamut! You're okay!"
"Indeed," he replied stoic as ever, "After yesterday's events, I realised that we ourselves need to get stronger, not just you, but me as well. So I then summoned some more allies to come to our aid."
I looked through and found various pendulum monsters, many of which seemed very powerful and the thought of using them excited me!
"Urg.."
"Huh? What's wrong?" I asked worried.
Gripping his side and limping slightly, "I haven't fully recovered from our last duel, so I'm afraid I still need more time to rest. I apologise for my weakness, but you'll have duel without me for now."
"No worries, I'm adaptable myself. Thanks for the new cards, I'll be sure to take care of them."
"I know." he replied with a positive assured smile before fading.
At that point somehow, I could feel a part of me beginning to grow with power, as if my spirit was resonating with these new cards, almost as if I was part dragon somehow. As ridiculous as that sounded, I knew what I had to do, "Alright, time to make myself a new deck which will bring out the dragon within!" Which was then I began sorting out my cards, with the new pendulums as well as some of my spare cards which I collected. After a while, I managed to gain a few new combos and strategies that would come in very handy for my tournament match, the very thought of actually applying them got me really excited.
'Hey Ryuga! Breakfast is ready!"
'Whaugh!" I gasped as Yuya suddenly barged in, again.
"Whoops sorry! Was I disturbing you?"
"Ah no, I was merely sorting out my deck for today's match ups that's all!" I said as I hid my new pendulum cards, not wishing to alarm Yuya.
'Whoa!" he gasped as he eyed my other cards scattered on the table, like Mishief of the time goddess, dodge roll, alexandrite dragon, ruby dragon, card defence and a few other rare/old cards too.
'A..are these all yours?!"
"Uhhhh, I've been collecting these from places I've visited up until now, some of which were given to me by my grandfather before I left home. So yeah…"
"Awww, you're really lucky…" he sighed sadly, "Wish I could have a couple of these…."
I then thought for a moment, feeling generous I plucked out one from my trunk, "Hey I know, why not use this?" I handed him a card.
"M..monster reborn? You're really letting me have this?"
"Relax, it's a spare copy. Besides, I'm sure it'll do wonders for you in the future."
"Aww thanks!" he cheered happy he got such a nice gift from a friend and that it would be really handy to have too, "Hey! I know! Why not I give you a little something too!" he then reached into his pocket and picked out a card of his own, I noticed it was called Amazing pendulum.
"Wow Yuya, thank you very much." I replied, "I don't know what to say."
"Don't mention it! We're friends after all so it's only natural that we help support each other through thick and thin! SO let's win this for You Show!"
"Right on buddy!" I cheered as we fist bumped!
"Oh yeah! Mum told me to get you downstairs! We'll be leaving for the tournament right after breakfast, which is waffles and pancakes!" I then got really hungry just thinking about it.
'I'll be there in a minute, just give me a little more time to sort things out okay?"
"No prob!" he replied as he went downstairs.
It was at that moment I packed everything up from my desk and was about to leave when Red eyes spoke to me, "Hey kid, I think you forgot something."
"Huh really?" I turned around surprised to my dragon.
He then nodded and pointed his head to the desk, "Yeah, looks like there's still something in that envelope Reiji left us the other day." He was right, as I took a closer look, I noticed there was actually a letter inside, so I opened it and read.
(Dear Ryuga, I trust your journey has been a smooth one? I've heard from my old associate Reiji that you're actually in Maiami City now! I'm most surprised at how far you've made it, and even together with THE Yuya Sakaki! The son of your former idol Yusho! You are one lucky boy indeed. Know this, I shall be routing for you and your school even from afar, and will watch every match you'll be having right here at home. Also, you were right, travelling and experiencing the outside world in order to expand your horizon and possibilities was the right decision in the end. Just promise me that you'll continue looking after yourself and trusting in your friends, both human and…ha ha, I'm sure you know what I mean.
Take care and best wishes, Grandpa)
Reading that letter not only made me shed a small tear, but I also felt determination burning within me! "Just you wait! I'll show you how much I've come and you won't be disappointed!" I thought, with my heart and mind fully set.
Later on:
After breakfast me and Yuya headed over to You Show together where we found the whole gang waiting for us.
"I see them! Here they come!"
"We've been waiting, what took you both so long.." Sora muttered impatiently while sucking a piece of candy as usual. ("Have to wonder where he gets the money for those…." I wondered. "If he eats too much no doubt he'll experience some things far worse than tooth decay…" Blue eyes thought worried.)
"He he! We were just helping each other sort out decks and having breakfast! We kinda lost track of time so we hurried here as fast we could!" Yuya chirped with glee, I then chuckled in agreement.
Yuzu then face palmed, "Honestly you two…"
It was at that point Shuzo stepped out to greet us, "Yuya, Yuzu, Sora, Ryuga, Tatsuya, Ayu, Futoshi. The day has finally come! To think that all of our students from You Show Duel School would qualify for the Maiami Championship. And not only that, we've been blessed with a most gifted duelist too in the last minute! This is a blessing from the heavens! Above all, I..I'm" he then started tearing up ("Oh boy here he comes..)
"So proud of all of you!" he cried before charging at us to envelop us in…affection. Good thing we all sidestepped last minute, but ouch! That bike riding over him has got to hurt! We all then sweat dropped together.
"Why did you dodge…?"
"Dad, you're way too excited." said Yuzu embarrassed.
"Uh huh.." I nodded.
"We're not even at the stadium yet.." Ayu added.
He then got up, talk about a fast recovery…Anyways he then gave an explanation to the tournament, how it was divided into 3 classes, junior, junior youth and youth. Ayu, Tatsuya and Futoshi were in junior, while the rest of us, Sora, Yuya, Yuzu and myself were junior youth, no brainer there… I then learnt how it wasn't just schools from the country coming to compete in this LDS sponsored tournament, but also from across the world!
"Looks like we shall be facing some tough opponenets from other faraway lands,who knows what they are all capable of…" Bahamut thought.
"Gah..It won't matter, they'll all fall the same in the end! I can't wait to tear apart any unlucky victim that comes our way!" Red eyes roared.
"Oh boy…That would definitely put a stain on our reputation as noble dragons…." Blue eyes shook her head.
After Shuzo finished his explanation, he then gave a motivational speech to try and get us psyched for our matches, getting all "Hot-blooded!" as he says. By then we all were heading onto the bus…
We were just about to leave when..
"AAAHHH!" Yuzu suddenly screamed, making Shuzo step on the brake so hard it caused us to slam right back into our seats!
"Wh..what's wrong Yuzu!?"
"Dad, Yuya..Yuya is…"
"Huh?" I thought before turning around, my eyes then widened with surprise
"Not here!" the kids screamed.
"WHAAAATT!?" he followed.
"Gah! Seriously!? Of all times to run off it had to be now!?" Yuzu screamed with anger.
"C..calm down Yuzu nee-chan!" Ayu squeaked, apparently frightened, soon everyone else was going into a panic, even Shuzo. Because we would miss the opening ceremony soon!
Thinking quickly, I then spoke up, "Principal Shuzo!"
"Huh? Ryuga?"
They all turned looking at me. "You guys go on ahead, I'll look for him!"
"Say what!?" the kids gasped.
"You can't be serious! We're already missing one student, we can't afford to miss another!"
"But what other choice do we have." Sora added, feeling laid back.
"Trust me, I know my way around already and when I find him, I'll bring him straight to the tournament arena immediately, besides, it might be better if you guys tried looking around there too just in case."
They all grew silent for a bit before letting me go, "Ok fine, but be quick!" Shuzp instructed, so I got down.
"If you guys aren't back by registration, I swear I'll….!" she then held up her fan and bloodthirsty aura, which made me swallow hard and my errand even more urgent! "Y..yes ma'am!" I yelped as I then hurried off.
After a while of running around aimlessly without a clue, I then grew exhausted and started panting.
"Gasp…gasp…Bahamut….do you know where he is?" I asked my partner. Sadly he shook his head, "I apologise, but I am not in full form just yet, all I can confirm is that he is getting close."
"That's good enough for me." I replied.
"Honestly that boy!" red eyes grumbled, "How could he be so inconsiderate and always goofing off! He's about to throw away everything he and his entire school worked for! Some future pro duelist he is humph!" he finished annoyed.
"Normaly I would disagree, but I'm with Red eyes on this one." Blue eyes added. "It does seem rather selfish of him to run off without first notifying the others first."
"Not really, we have to look at it from his perspective though." I added, making them turn their attention to me. "He's been through a lot since his childhood, the fact that this tournament is an essential step needed for a duelist to become a pro, must be a big deal on him ever since that..incident. He must be afraid to face it." Bahamut already knew I would say that so he simply nodded.
The other 2 then became silent, not seeing it that way. 'But still, he has to learn to move on! Dwelling on the past won't do him any good, it'll only hold back his potential to grow even more so than his father, whom he looked up to!" Red eyes growled.
"Easier said than done I suppose." Blue eyes muttered admittingly.
Thinking of the situation, I then had an idea, "I think I might know where he would be!" I gasped and hurried off for the long bridge which stretched across the lagoon of Maiami Bay. After some running I found him there, having a chat with his mom. I overheard a bit of what they said, made me glad he still had some family support. Walking to them I then called, "Hey Yuya!"
The both of them then turned to me with surprise.
"R..Ryuga? What are you doing here!?" Yuya gasped.
"Shouldn't you be there with all the others by now?" Yoko asked curious.
"They sent me to look for you! You better hurry now!"
"R..right! Sorry to worry you all! Let's go!"
"You'll never make it there on foot." Yoko added, "Come with me and I'll get you there in a jiff!"
Indeed she did, believe it or not, for a nice polite woman her mode of transport was…unexpected. She used a really powerful bike and she zoomed so quickly across the highway and around other vehicles was exhilarating! I felt as though I had to hang on for dear life otherwise I would be sent flying into the next life! By the time we arrived, "Take care sweeties!" Yoko said as she drove off somewhere to park. "Woo hoo! That was awesome!" Yuya cheered, "How are feeling Ryuga? Wasn't that…uh…" he then looked and saw me all dizzy and nearly falling down on the pavement, clearly his way of having fun was different from me…
"Ack! Are you alrght!?" he gasped he helped support me.
'N..no worries, " I replied, "I just need to go to the bathroom, you go on ahead and meet with the others…"
"Let me help you." he offered kindly.
"I insist! Just go on without me for now."
"O..ok then, take care!" he then ran off inside the stadium.
After relieving myself from the experience, I walked out and saw Yuya and company in a scuffle with..(That guy, he looks familiar…)
"Kid! He's that brute you and I clobbered a while back!" I remember now! Yuya told me how this guy Gen actually once picked on him when he was kid, mocking his dad due to his disappearance. I then got all furious that he had the nerve to show his face here. "Grrr, Allow me to get at him next…" Blue eyes growled.
I was about to give him a piece of my mind when I saw Gongenzaka appear and send him off! "He actually made it! That's great!" I thought of having another friend to join us, before I ran out to join them.
It was at that point when Nico Smiley began announcing and introducing all the schools, we all stepped out onto the field with waving hands and smiles. Also saw lots of students from various schools, got me excited thinking on who I would be facing from here.
At a certain point when we were observing the screen with duelists coming out, I then gaped in shock at a certain representative from LDS, "Shun Kurosaki!?" I gasped as my 3 dragons gained similar expressions of worry too.
"He's..."
"Why is he in LDS?!"
They then looked at each other with surprise that the other knew about him. As we headed out to the entrance, "Then you know him too Yuya?"
"Yeah…."
"Y..you guys know him?" I asked nervously, also not wanting to tell them about my previous encounter with him.
"He attacked members of the LDS top team in front of my eyes!"
'Huh?"
'Y..you're kidding!?" I gasped, (No wonder he was so good, but still, where did he come from exactly…)
It was our turn to go out as we were introduced to the crowd and we responded with smiles and waving hands.
"Haha how I love the cheers and the spotlight! If only they could see me, I'd give them a spectacular performance!" Red eyes boasted, with Bahamut and Blue eyes frowning, "What a lack of dignity and restraint…Still it would be nice though."
As we passed by, I noticed Yuya looking towards the viewing box, where I caught sight of Reiji Akaba and a few others with him inside (a woman in purple hair and red clothing, and a kid with a teddy bear.) I assumed they were family of his.
"Figures he would be here," Red eyes thought, "Well, let's give him a show he won't expect!"
"Sure.." I replied. (Seems Yuya has some history with him)
After listening to Yuya's big speech I began to applaud with all the others, it was really inspirational and I intended to fight with all I had for not only myself, but now for others, Yuya, my friends, the school and of course, my grandfather who was routing for me back home. He was definitely setting himself a really high goal, but no doubt he would make it.
After that, we were all given a registration card which determined our match ups, I got paired up with a guy named Saito Kanakura from MID (Millennium Institute of Dueling) it said. It wasn't till tomorrow so I had plenty of time to kill until then. I then overheard Yuzu talking with Masumi, I couldn't believe my ears when I heard her say that Shun all along was PART of LDS!
'Something definitely isn't right you guys." I said looking at my deck.
"I know, I mean, what kind of school allows a psychopath into their ranks anyway!?"
"There's clearly much more going on than meets the eye."
'Be as that may, worrying about it now will not benefit us. Still, he is one we must be wary of…"
We then hurried off to watch Futoshi's match in the junior court, as we walked out, I caught sight of Shun in the corner, who glared at me, clearly not forgetting our recent match…I merely narrowed my eyes back stating "I'm keeping my eye on you too."
Duel commentary:-
Futoshi:-
"Futoshi's a lot tougher than I thought." I spoke impressed after he knocked out Smile duel school's representative with sketch beast tyranno. The way he played was actually quite impressive.
"Indeed, I can see that chubby boy has quite a future ahead of him!" Red eyes commented.
That spongy duel field looks pretty fun too! I had to admit, I felt tempted to bounce myself.
Ayu:-
"I never knew LDS actually had a faction for young children." Blue eyes thought.
'If that's the case, no doubt he'll be tough, Ayu better not drop her guard and have too much fun." I added, 'Still, she is kinda adorable like her parents and the others say…"
I then looked at her opponent, "That's the boy I saw with Reiji earlier…" Something was off, he really quiet it was so unnerving…
"Aww, she really is in touch with her cards, how precious.." Blue eyes thought to herself. "I'm much more impressed wight he way she's changing the battlefield to her advantage." I replied, seeing how spirited and strong willed she was despite her age.
"That Reira, I expected more but those copy cards of his aren't all that impressive…Also his plays are quite dull and predictable" Blue eyes thought disappointed as he kept using copy spells and traps against Ayu's aqua actresses, as well as being driven into a corner.
"I have a feeling he's only getting warmed up…" I was right the moment he activated montage fusion, 'He can fusion summon!?"
'I stand corrected, that child harbours a lot of power for someone so young. He may be even more powerful than the LDS trio we battled days before."
"You may be right Blue eyes…" I replied as I saw Ayu lose, it made me sad too as we all came in to try and comfort her.
Yuzu:-
"Wow, Yuzu sure has come a long way since we last duelled eh Red eyes?"
"Yeah..Thanks for bringing up those old memories…grrr…" Apparently he still wasn't too fond about being defeated by Bloom Diva, despite the comeback as red eyes flare metal dragon.
"No doubt, her determination, along with the support she received from all of us, is what brought this victory of hers to fruition." Bahamut concluded.
"Best of luck to the rest of us tomorrow then!"
(Next day)
Gongenzaka:-
After arriving we then rushed off to watch Gongenzaka's match with Gen. "Hurry! Hurry!"
"Gonegnzaka's match is going to start soon!" When we arrived we looked around trying to find Yuya, till Tatsuya pointed him out for us.
"Yuya's in a hurry it seems.." Blue eyes thought.
"Something seems wrong here…" I thought, but seeing as how the match was starting I believed I couldn't worry about that now.
A little while later, I met up with Yuya's best friend in the waiting room, "Good luck Gongenzaka. Show that disgrace the strength of your steadfast principle!" I cheered.
"Indeed I shall! I thank you and all the others for your support! This man Gongenzaka shall not only demonstrate the power of his dojo as the future heir but also for all others to bear witness!" he responded before leaving. (Yuya's really lucky to have a great friend like him, hope he gets back soon.)
"That dirty snake! I knew something was off about earlier!" I growled.
"What's wrong?" Red eyes asked.
"Do you really not know? Think carefully and analyse the situation will you?" Blue eyes replied frustrated.
(Thinking for a bit, his eyes then glowed red with anger, "That scumbag! He's trying to throw Gongenzaka off!")
"What should we do Ryuga? Should we go and help Yuya?" Blue eyes asked.
"I.."
Suddenly Bahamut interrupted me, "I believe the best course action would be to trust in Yuya now and let him fight his own battles, let's wait a little longer and see how things play out."
"Are you serious!?"
"Look closer." I then saw how Yuzu was cheering on Gongenzaka to have faith in Yuya. I myself then remembered Yuya's capabilities, so I decided to believe in him too, 'She's right Gongenzaka! Yuya's strong, remember how far he came?! Believe in him! He'll make it!" I cheered, which was then followed by his father, further helping him bring up his spirit once more!
"Glad he's back to his normal self, hope he can make it." I thought.
"He will," Bahamut replied as we all looked on, "I know odd eyes will protect Yuya, I know he'll never lose to the likes of them."
"It's that disgusting Shaman again!" I exclaimed as Gen summoned his hideous ace. "Grrr." Red eyes growled, wishing he could incinerate him himself. When he took control of Benkei and turned him against Gongenzaka, "Unforgivable…turning one's friend against each other…" Blue eyes growled.
"I wouldn't count him out yet though. He's strong in both spirit and body." I said as I observed how he trusted his deck as he rendered Shaman useless with Superheavy Samurai Gloves. Still that move tore off his prized sash…
"It seems hopeless doesn't it? Given the current field conditions."
"Looks can be deceiving blue eyes." Bahamut replied as he reminded her of my similar situation, "Have faith and resolve, in the end the duelist who believes in his deck and/or friends with unwavering resolve prevail in the end."
He was right as Yuya arrived and handed him his white sash, and then Gongenzaka did a huge turnaround with Sperheavy samurai battle ball and warlord susanowo! "I knew Yuya would make it!" I joyfully cried as I went down to assist him.
"Looks like the power of bonds really can help see others throughout he most dire of situations…" Blue eyes said as Red eyes nodded.
Yuya-
"Is that Sawatari?" I asked.
"What a ridiculous outfit…" Blue eyes thought.
"As well as terrible samurai imitation to go with…" Red eyes added.
"Pendulum summoning may have led you to victory up until now but today it will be your path to defeat!" Upon hearing that we all got shocked, "Don't tell me that.."
"No doubt about it, if LDS could make fully functional pendulum cards for Reiji, it was only a matter of time..Hope Yuya knows what he's getting into."
"Shingo's gotten good since our last duel, not only that, he seems…different." I thought, intrigued by his skilled plays in summoning the Kama monsters and blocking Yuya's direct attacks.
"I agree, not only in skill but also in spirit. It's as if he's having respect as well for those he duels." Bahamut replied, agreeing with me. "Guess he's not such a bad guy after all…."
"So he does have pendulum monsters after all…Not only that, a level 10 too. That combo's going to be tough for Yuya to get around, but I'm sure he'll think of something." I gasped when Shingo pendulum summoned Mayosenju Daibak and used his "Yosen Lost Tornado" technique.
"Yuya's cunning, acrobatic abilities and positive outlook are among his greatest strengths, so no matter how far he's driven into a corner, as long as he has fun, he'll easily adapt and overcome." Yoko whispered, overhearing my out loud thoughts.
She was right as he eventually came back and used Shingo's own cards against him, as well as that Big Escape action card at the last minute! Boy he sure did know how to impress and enter the the crowd, he's becoming more and more like Yusho every second.
"Now that's what I call top quality entertainment!" Red eyes applauded, while the other 2 only looked on impressed at Yuya.
The way he ended it with Beast eyes was certainly the icing on the cake for this duel, and the way they both bowed to the crowd really took it for me. I could also overhear how members of the crowd continued to praise Yuya and Sawatari's performance. As Yuya returned to the audience we all went down to congratulate him.
"Congrats Yuya! Your duelling was purely hot blooded!" Shuzo praised
"You certainly know how to keep the audience at the edge of their seats for sure." Sora praised while sucking candy as usual.
"Your performance was truly spectacular! This man Gonhenzaka is most impressed with you!"
"It gave me the shivers!"
"It was so exciting and awesome!"
"Aww thanks you all!" Yuya blushed as he accepted all their thanks. I then walked up to him and shook his hand, "I knew you'd pull it off. Well done, if your dad was here, he would doubt be proud of you."
"I know…Thanks Ryuga." he replied feeling very encouraged.
Not long after that, Nico then made a sudden announcement, "Your attention everyone! I'm sure you are all very ecstatic after the magnificent performance by Yuya Sakaki and Shingo Sawatari! But wait no further, because our next match begins now!"
"No way! ….Already?….Can't with to see what they have next!" Came various responses from the audience.
"Get ready! Because our next match up features…." The screen then loaded and everyone in You Show became excited.
"Ryuga Shirogane from You Show Duel School vs Saito Kanakura from MID!"
"Whoah! Looks like you're up next!" said Yuya, who was anticipating this with eagerness.
"So it seems." I replied, "I feel kinda nervous though…" I muttered, looking at the huge crowd, "Never really duelled in front of so many spectators before…Don't know if I can take them laughing at me if I make a mistake..."
"Relax! All you need to do is win and not mess up!"
"Sora! Can be anymore blunt!?" Yuzu yelled at his carefree attitude.
"Hehe sure I'll do that.." I laughed nervously.
"Relax, just remember to have fun and remain calm, then I'm sure you'll be able to roll with the crowd and see them as inspiration for your duel, like I do! Instead of something to hold you back from doing your best!"
He was right, feeling reassured and grasping my new dragon deck I put together with Bahamut's help, I gave them all a mid before stepping onto the battlefield. (Fear not, for you shall not battle alone.) Hearing y dragon's voice was the final thing I needed to secure my confidence as I proceeded with no wavering thoughts.
(You Show definitely taught me that duelling is much more than winning and losing, it's also about giving to the audience not only a great show but also a learning experience for them on what true duelling is all about, to better others and not only bring smiles to the people but also for the future. With my turn coming up, I wasn't about to let any of them down!)
Next chapter will be Ryuga's first Tournament duel, hope it will be to your liking, it'll also pay tribute to a certain type of monsters and duel strategies long forgotten since 5ds or DM.
In response to Xyoras, I am using the standard dimension Arc V disk for Ryuga, because I can't quite see how this is canon with the previous yugioh series. If you read another later chapter, basically it's like one of the first duel disks built by LDS, which the grandfather helped patch up. If you watch other japanese anime, basically nii-chan or nee-chan is how some characters call another older brother and sister respectively. Better you do some research, also because that's how the younger characters like Ayu or Tatsuya often called Yuzu and Yuya. I'll admit I got the idea for my OC's name from that beyblade character Ryuga, because it had a catchy dragon reference, but I'll be giving different dragon related names to the other counterparts of course. I'm not very good at drawing unfortunately, despite how I describe my characters in the story, which I've done so based on ideas from other anime characters I've seen. No hard feelings okay?
Anyways comment and leave a positive review as always, so stay tuned.