This is the final chapter of the first arc of this fanfic, hopefully you will enjoy and continue to enjoy further writings as I improve as a writer. Sos without further ado, enjoy Chapter 25!
Location: Hiro's Home
It was a late morning in the first week of June, where a warm summer's day greeted the people of Domino. A few days after the Guardians met, it turned out that the exam period was almost over and the summer holidays were now set to begin. Lying in his bed with an uneasy mind was Ryusei, flicking through the cards in his Deck. He was steadily going through each one until he reached the last one, Stardust Dragon. As soon as his eyes met with this card, he started feeling a colossal amount of pressure on himself. He continued staring at the card as past thoughts were being recalled in his mind.
FLASHBACK
Tanya: "You prepare for the upcoming battle by becoming one with your Dragon… figure out how to work with your Dragon so you will become a collective force."
Vydia: "Whether you believe me or not doesn't matter as it is the truth. You four are the chosen ones to defend us from this evil. You must stop the liberation."
Ryusei sighed as he started to think heavily of what this entailed.
Ryusei: ("We are supposed to be the ones to stop this liberation, and to do this we have to become one with our dragon. But how are we supposed to do that? I've been racking my brains over the last few days and I still don't have the answer. I wish it could be as easy as learning how to use it, since it is only a card. But at the same time, I feel a huge weight on my shoulders every time I look at it. Is this thing really as powerful as Vydia claims it to be? Or is there more to it than meets the eye, with me being involved in something bigger than I can comprehend.")
Ryusei gathered his Deck together and placed it in his pouch before getting up from his bed. He decided to head out to clear his head from all this thinking about his dragon.
He casually walked down the stairs and was about to head straight out of the front door. However, as soon as he reached the door a voice called out.
"Hey!"
Ryusei stopped in his tracks and turned to notice that it was his Uncle Hiro that called him.
"Where are you off to?" Hiro asked.
"Out,"
"Hold on for a little while."
"Why?"
"Because I need to talk to you about something,"
"Can't it wait?"
"No, it can't."
Ryusei recognised from Hiro's tone of voice that it must be something important. So he walked to the armchair in the front room and sat down asking,
"What do you want to talk about?"
Chapter 25-Master vs. Apprentice! Looking To Our Future!
Hiro went and sat down on the sofa to the left of Ryusei and started to talk.
"Well, I know that you've finished your first year of University, of which I'm very proud of you for achieving. However, the reason I need to talk to you is because…"
Hiro then suddenly stopped talking as he noticed Ryusei wasn't even paying attention to what he was saying. Ryusei was instead staring blankly out the window, thinking about what has been going on for the last few weeks.
"Hey!" Hiro shouted.
"What?"
"Are you even listening to what I was saying?"
Ryusei paused for a while before he unconvincingly replied,
"Err…yes?"
"What is wrong with you? You just finished your first year so you should be out celebrating! But instead I've been stuck with your ugly depressing face for the last few days!"
"That was uncalled for,"
"Look, I know there is something going on with you, so what is it?"
"Nothing is going on,"
"Like I'm supposed to believe that, out with it as maybe I can help."
Ryusei paused, thinking whether he should tell him the truth about what's been happening. But then he remembered what happened when he tried to show him the mark on his arm a while ago, so he chose not to tell him.
"I just had a lot on my mind recently, that's all. I'm not denying there are a few minor issues, but it's something that I'll be able to deal with without too much trouble."
"Fine, I respect your decision. But if you do need to talk, you know I'm here right?"
"Yeah, thanks. Anyway what were you saying?"
"Right, basically to make a long story short, I've been asked to oversee a project at work. It involves the implementation of a new system across our branches."
"Okay, I imagine that's good news, so what's the issue?"
"The issue is that the project lasts three months and it will be based in Nagano, but will involve travelling all across Japan."
"So basically you're going to leave me on my own for three months? That's not really a problem."
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about. I was thinking that if you don't have any plans, whether you would like to come along?"
"What?"
"Yeah, I was thinking that it would be good for you. One is that you'll get to travel around the country. You'll also get to meet some of the people that I work with, but most importantly, its hands on experience on something that is related to your degree."
Ryusei looked deep in thought about the idea of working with Hiro,
"Look, you don't have to make a decision right now…"
"No thanks,"
"What?"
"I don't want to go,"
"Why…not?" an irritated Hiro grumbled, trying very hard to keep calm.
"The last thing I need is to travel around the country to be bossed around by you. I've just finished my first year and you said so yourself that I should be out celebrating. So have a good trip, but I want a relaxing summer, so don't count me in."
"WHAT THE HELL?" Hiro shouted as he jumped out from the sofa.
"I've just given you an amazing opportunity and you throw it back in my face? Do you have any idea how many strings I had to pull to get this opportunity for you?"
"Well I didn't ask for you to do that didn't I? It's your own fault for assuming that I'll be interested."
"Why, you…" he growled viciously.
"Anyway, I going to head out in a little while; it's been a good talk." Ryusei said sarcastically as he got up from his chair and headed up to his room.
An incensed Hiro was standing at the bottom of the stairs with his arms folded, looking at the top of the stairs with vicious eyes.
"I'll show that ungrateful bastard!" he muttered as he stormed off.
About ten minutes later Ryusei went out of his room, and walked down the stairs. He still had the intention of heading out just for some fresh air and to re-focus on the task set out to him. As soon as he reached the bottom of the stairs, he noticed Hiro standing to his right.
"What?" Ryusei asked.
Hiro grabbed a Duel Disk from the chair and forced a surprised Ryusei to take it.
"We are duelling that's what."
"Come again?"
"We duel; if you win I will never speak another word of this again. Plus you can stay here and do whatever you want while I'm gone, and I will not say anything when I return, no matter how much trouble you cause. But if you lose, you will come and work with me on this project with no complaints, and you will give me 100% commitment."
Ryusei smiled and took little time in answering,
"Fine, I accept. However, it would be dangerous for you to underestimate me. Even though it's been a long time since we last faced-off."
"Don't forget I'm the one that taught you everything you know about this game, so don't get too confident. But then again, I'll be looking forward to see what new things you have picked up, this should be…interesting."
The two headed outside to their back garden. It was nothing special, but a generally large garden with enough space for the two to conduct a match. Both duellists fastened their Disks and inserted their Decks into them.
"Are you ready?" Hiro asked.
"More than ever," Ryusei replied.
The two drew their five cards to start off the match as they both shouted
"DUEL!"
LP (Ryusei-4000/Hiro-4000)
Location: University Car Park
Around the same time, a few students were placing their belongings into vehicles in preparation of leaving their dorms for the summer holidays. In a few short moments, Hayate arrived at the Car Park carrying two suitcases. He met Tasuku there as he opened the boot to his grey saloon car. Hayate then, slotted both suitcases next to the few other suitcases in the boot and then closed it.
"You all done?" Yuri asked as he popped his head out of the passenger seat window.
Hayate was about to respond but his eyes then met Ayaka's, who was placing her suitcase into a taxi nearby.
"Yeah, you go on ahead, I'll catch up with you shortly."
"All right man, see you later."
Tasuku got into his car, started the engine and drove off. Hayate then walked up to his motorbike and sat on it as Ayaka walked up to him.
"Hey," she said softly.
"Hi,"
"How are you doing?"
"Good, how about you?
"I'm not too bad thanks, got any plans for the summer?"
"Just to enjoy it as it's a welcome break from the stresses of uni. How about you, got any plans?"
"My sisters will be coming over, so I will mainly be spending time with them."
"That's good,"
An awkward silence started to grow for a short while before Ayaka broke it by saying,
"Hayate, about what happened…"
"Please don't start with all that crap again,"
"I just don't understand,"
"Understand what?"
"Why do you refuse to see what's blatantly in front of you? You have been in denial ever since this whole thing came to light! This is happening whether we like it or not, and the sooner you accept that the better!"
"I already have."
"What?"
"I've known for quite a while now that I'm trapped in this whole mess and there is nothing I can do about it."
"Then why are you so determined to be against everyone? As Ryusei said, we need to work together to get through this. If you say that you've already accepted that you are a part of this, why don't you help us all come together?"
"Look Ayaka, I'm not one to be dictated to. Ryusei, Vydia, Father are all the same. They are people who keep telling me what to do, and what choices I should make. They are trying to forge a path they want and expect me to follow, so I say screw the lot of them."
"Hayate!"
"As far as I'm concerned, I write my own destiny and no-one will ever be able to change that."
Hayate then put on his helmet, flipped his visor down and ignited the engine of his bike. He revved the bike a few times before shooting out of the University grounds, leaving Ayaka to contemplate his words.
Location: Hiro's Home
"My turn, draw!" Ryusei declared as he drew his card to start the match with his uncle.
"I summon Maiden of Macabre (1700/0) in attack mode! Next I set a card face-down on the field, your move."
"Is that all? You're gonna have to step your game up if you want to win this duel, I draw!"
Hiro drew his card and smiled as it was the exact card he needed.
"I summon Skilled Dark Magician (1900/1700) in attack mode!"
A man appeared on the field, but his face was partially covered so he couldn't be identified. He wore a long blue robe over his attire which had singular gold stones on his shoulders and chest. The sceptre he wielded was the same height as itself and was generally silver with a gold orb on the top.
"Wait a second; don't tell me that it's coming already?"
Hiro just smiled as he continued his move.
"I next play Graceful Charity, so I draw three cards and then discard two." He drew his cards and chose to discard another Skilled Dark Magician and Apprentice Magician. At that moment the gold stone on his right shoulder lit up, representing a Spell Counter.
"When a Spell Card is played, my Skilled Dark Magician gets a Spell Counter."
Ryusei growled in frustration as he knew what was coming.
"I next play Premature Burial, so I pay 800 Life Points to summon a monster from my Graveyard in attack mode. So I choose to revive my Apprentice Magician (400/800)!"
LP (4000/3200)
"Now since I played a Spell, my monster gets another Spell Counter. However, when Apprentice Magician is summoned, I can place a Spell Counter on a card that can receive them. So another counter goes to my Skilled Dark Magician, making a grand total of three Spell Counters!"
The remaining two stones on his left shoulder and his chest lit up, causing concern on Ryusei's face.
"Now, my Skilled Dark's effect activates! When it has three counters on it I can release it, in order to summon from my Deck, Dark Magician (2500/2100)!"
Skilled Dark Magician evaporated in an enchanting purple light. When the light subsided, it revealed a powerful young magician. It wore a sharp purple uniform and hat which matched the colour of his hair. As it descended onto the field it spun its long green sceptre between his fingers in preparation for an attack.
"Dark Magician, attack Maiden of Macabre with Dark Magic Attack!"
Dark Magician twirled its staff and fired a distortion of overwhelming black energy which instantly destroyed Ryusei's monster.
LP (3200/3200)
"Now Apprentice Magician, attack Ryusei directly!"
The monster fired a small purple ball of magic, striking Ryusei in the chest.
LP (2800/3200)
"Damn it!" Ryusei muttered.
"I set a card face-down and end my turn."
Hiro smiled at Ryusei as if to say he still has what it takes.
Ryusei: ("Damn, I'm already on the back foot. I forgot how quickly he can get his ace monster out. I'm going to have to strike back quickly if I want to win this.")
"My turn, draw!" Ryusei drew The Tricky and smiled at the card.
"I discard Frequency Magician to Special Summon The Tricky (2000/1200), Tricky will attack your Apprentice Magician now!"
LP (2800/1600)
"Due to Apprentice's effect, I set Old Vindictive Magician (450/600) on the field."
"Next I reveal my face-down, Call Of The Haunted, to resurrect Frequency Magician! I now tune my Level 2 Frequency Magician with my Level 5 Tricky!"
Ryusei's Tuner emitted high frequency sound waves which caused it to morph into green rings. In turn the rings descended onto The Tricky, creating a pillar of light.
"Synchro Summon! Show yourself, Arcanite Magician (400/1800)!"
As the monster burst out of the light in a grand entrance, it crouched down afterwards in defense position.
"When Arcanite Magician is Synchro Summoned it gains two Spell Counters on it, increasing its attack by 1000 per counter (Arcanaite (2400/1800)! But Arcanite has another effect; by removing a Spell Counter on my side on the field I can destroy a card on the field. So I remove both to destroy both your monsters!"
Arcanite (400/1800) held out its staff as it transferred its power within him to his staff. It then fired two blue rays which instantly shattered both of Hiro's monsters.
"I set a card face-down and end my turn."
"Nicely done, but I now reveal my face-down, Birthright to revive my Dark Magician (2500/2100)!"
"What?"
"You didn't think you would get rid of it that easily did you?"
"I hoped so,"
"Haha, you still have a lot to learn about the game Ryusei. My turn, draw! I release my Dark Magician, to summon Dark Magician Girl (2000/1700)!"
A happy-go-lucky blonde haired girl appeared onto the field. Her uniform was navy blue with elements of pink across all parts of the uniform.
Ryusei: ("The fact that he summoned her only means one thing.")
"My Dark Magician Girl gains 300 attack points for every Dark Magician in the Graveyard. Currently there is only one so her attack points stands at 2300,"
"But there is more to it than that is there?"
"You know me too well Ryusei, I now activate the Spell, Sage's Stone! When I have a Dark Magician Girl on the field, I am able to summon a Dark Magician from my Deck! So come forth, Dark Magician (2500/2100)!"
"This isn't good,"
"Don't wallow in a bad situation, keep focused! Because if you can't prevent this attack, you will lose this turn," Hiro said as he glanced at a card in his hand called Magical Blast.
"Dark Magician Girl, attack Arcanite Magician with Dark Burning Attack!"
"I flip my face-down Magical Dimension; with this I release my Arcanite to Special Summon a Spellcaster from my hand, so now I summon Chaos Command Magician (2400/2000)! Then as a bonus I can destroy a monster on your side of the field, so I choose your Dark Magician!"
Dark Magician was trapped in the yellow coffin from Magical Dimension, which then exploded. But in doing so, Dark Magician Girl's attack points rose up again (2600/1700).
"Dark Magician Girl, continue with your attack!"
She lifted her sceptre in the air and fired a pink ball of magic which engulfed Ryusei's monster.
LP (2600/1600)
Hiro: ("Hmm, he knew Dark Magician would be more of a threat due to the amount of combos I can make with him, while Dark Magician Girl is limited to attack power. Good thinking Ryusei, you're definitely growing as a duellist.")
"I end my turn Ryusei, your move."
Ryusei: ("I have to do something to swing the duel back to my advantage. I know he's going to do something again with Dark Magician Girl, or possibly another Dark Magician. But if I can strike now I will take the ascendency and win this, it all depends on how I play my cards.")
Domino Town
Inside one the skyscrapers of the business district in Domino was Valon. He was on the top floor in the same dark room where he and his group watched the duel between Ryusei and Hayate in what seemed such a long time ago. As he took his seat at the head of the table, the five people who watched the duel with him entered the room. They all took to their respective seats, identified by Roman Numerals. The two women occupied seats II and V, while the men took the seats I, III and IV.
"Welcome, I hope you all had a safe journey here," Valon said to the group.
"We did, so what's this meeting about?" III asked.
"I mainly wanted an update on our progress on locating the dragons."
"To be honest we haven't got much. The trail went cold almost straight after that duel happened. We have tried numerous methods and have the two duellists under surveillance incase something does develop, but at this moment in time it has yielded no results." IV stated.
"Sounds like you're not doing your job properly." I responded, which irked IV.
"Maybe we would complete our task quicker if everyone was involved in the search."
"I don't need to get involved, I already have my target."
"Look, you may think you're better than the rest of us due to your position and who you are, but that can easily change in a few short minutes."
"That's an interesting statement; do you want to settle this now?"
"I'm game if you are,"
"Now now children," V interrupted. "There's no need to fight over this, especially at a time like this."
"Exactly, time is of the essence so we really need to focus and put any disagreements behind us." Valon continued, giving strong glares at both I and IV.
"As for your report, that's not what I wanted to hear. However their appearances are a factor that is completely out of our control. But before I make a decision of what to do next, I need to know the results of our other angle."
"You mean the participants of that Duel Tournament?" II asked in response.
"That's correct, what did you find out from your investigation."
"Not much I'm afraid. I know that since the tournament finished they have met as a group a couple of times. One meeting was at a restaurant and the other was nearby the Atrium."
"The Atrium?"
"That's correct."
Valon was deep in thought as he took in the information he had just heard, generating ideas of where to take things from here. But then he remembered something about the Atrium that sped up his decision making.
"Our main focus has now changed. Everyone here should now keep a close eye on the group of people that was in that meeting."
"Why should we do that? Why only those five people when it could potentially be thousands of people who possess one of the dragons?" IV asked.
"Let me guess, another hunch right?" V added.
"You could say that. What's more important is that we need to remember that we must find out who holds the dragons as quickly as possible. Only then we can move forward with our plan, and finally…liberate this world from its darkness."
Valon: ("It seems that another player has made themselves known in this game. Whether they are a friend or foe remains to be seen.")
Location: The Atrium
Around the same time as Valon's meeting, Vydia was sitting at the head of the table in conference room 'G-5'. She was reading a report of some kind as she tapped her pen seemingly gently against the table repetitively. After a short while she put her pen down and clasped her hands together, presenting an uncertain posture. She then noticed the entrance door suddenly opened, with Tanya poking her head out the door.
"Hey sis,"
"Hi," Vydia responded as Tanya walked in. She took a seat near Vydia and leant back on the chair in a relaxed fashion.
"What's going on?"
"Just work, that's all."
"Uh huh, and?"
"And what?"
"Don't give me that, I know you too well. When something is bothering you always put your hands together and sit in that arched position. Not to mention the fact that you bang your pen on the table ridiculously loud."
"It wasn't loud,"
"It's not loud to you because you're already lost in your little world before you realise it, now what's the problem?"
Vydia sighed in acceptance that something was wrong, as well as it's hard to put anything past her sister.
"The Guardians,"
"What about them?"
"I think they will fail."
"What?"
"They are obviously not ready for their task and I don't think they ever will be, which would mean that all our work will have been for nothing."
"What has brought this on?"
"I've just been thinking about it, as well as my instincts tell me that they don't have the capability to perform the task in hand, despite them passing their tests."
Tanya then sighed, in acceptance but also disappointment of Vydia's feelings.
"I must admit they haven't fully understood what they're being dragged into, but that's why we are here, to guide them towards their goal. Besides, you're the one that always told me to have faith in others, so I'm surprised to see you having doubts when really it should be me."
This statement made Vydia relax a little bit and become more composed and certain.
"So don't worry about it. When the time comes they will be ready, and then we will be able to achieve our goals as well, okay?"
"Okay, thank you Tanya, I'm glad you're by my side at a time like this."
"That's what family is for, anyway, I'm heading out to do a couple of things so I'll see you later sis."
Tanya then got up from her chair and walked out of the room, leaving a calmer Vydia to go back to her work.
Location: Hiro's Home
Ryusei drew his card and got Morphing Jar, a new addition he made to his Deck. He then had the feeling that this card will determine the outcome of this duel, so he made his move.
"I set a monster face-down and a card face-down, your move."
"My turn, I play Pot Of Greed, so I draw two cards!"
Hiro drew his cards and got Dark Eradicator Warlock and Prisma, which made him, smile.
"I summon Elemental Hero Prisma (1700/1000)!"
"Great," Ryusei responded in a sarcastic manner.
"Prisma's effect allows me to reveal Dark Paladin to you. In return I send a Dark Magician from my Deck to the Graveyard so that my Prisma becomes Dark Magician!" Prisma's crystalline body became a spectrum of colours before morphing into a Dark Magician.
"Now since another Dark Magician is in my Graveyard, my Dark Magician Girl gains another 300 points (2900/1700)! But that's not all; because now I release my Dark Magician to special summon Dark Eradicator Warlock (2500/2100)!"
A more powerful and imposing magician ascended next to Dark Magician Girl. It had a very similar appearance to Dark Magician; however it brandished a three pronged sceptre. It also wore a long swooping purple cape, which was attached to its burgundy and gold uniform.
"Anything else?"
"Patience Ryusei, I play the Spell, Magical Blast! So you will take 200 points of damage for each Spellcaster on my field. But my Eradicator's effect activates first. When a Normal Spell is activated you take 1000 points of damage."
"What?" Ryusei shouted but before he could react, two magical balls released from Eradicator and the Spell merged together and landed right in front of Ryusei. Ryusei put his hands up to protect himself from the blast as he took 1400 points of damage.
LP (1200/1600)
"Now Dark Magician Girl, attack Ryusei's monster with Dark Burning!
"I reveal my Trap, Mirror Force! So now all your attacking monsters are destroyed!"
"I set a card face-down and end my turn."
Ryusei drew his card and went on the offensive.
"I flip my Morphing Jar (700/600) so its effect activates! We discard our entire hands and then draw five cards."
Both players drew their five cards and smiled at the results they were given.
"I summon Magician's Valkyria (1600/1800) in attack mode! Now my Valkyria…"
"I activate my Threatening Roar! So you cannot declare an attack this turn!" Hiro interrupted.
"Damn it, I set two cards face-down and end my turn."
"I'm up then," Hiro declared as he began his Draw Phase.
"I play the Spell, Pot of Avarice! So I return five monsters (Dark Magician x2, Skilled Dark Magician, Apprentice Magician, Dark Eradicator Warlock) to my Deck, and then draw two cards!"
Hiro drew his cards and continued his attempt to defeat Ryusei this turn.
"I play the Spell, Dark Magic Curtain, so by paying half my Life Points I can Special Summon a Dark Magician form my Deck, so show yourself, Dark Magician (2500/2100)!"
LP (1200/800)
As the monster appeared on the field again, Ryusei's expression displayed discontent.
Ryusei: ("Dark Magician, again? He's worse than Yuji with his Red-Eyes. But I have two face-downs so if he attacks, I've got protection.")
"I now play the Spell, Dark Magic Attack!"
"No!"
"When I have a Dark Magician out, I can destroy all your Spells and Traps Ryusei, leaving you unprotected for an attack!"
"I chain your card by revealing my face-down Enemy Controller, shifting your Dark Magician into defense mode!"
Dark Magician was forced to its knees just as Ryusei's back row of cards shattered instantly.
Hiro looked at his hand and saw three cards that would set him up for victory.
"I set three cards face-down and end my turn."
"My turn, draw!"
Ryusei drew Magical Exemplar and looked at the other cards in his hand Brain Control and Smashing Ground.
Ryusei: ("Alright, the things are in place to win this duel. I just have to take my time and make the right moves, simple enough.")
"I summon Magical Exemplar (1700/1400) in attack mode! I then activate my Brain Control! Therefore, I give up 800 Life Points to take control of your Dark Magician!"
LP (400/800)
"I won't let that happen, I activate Dedication Through Light And Darkness!"
"What?"
"That's right, because of this Spell, Dark Magician goes to the Graveyard and then in its place, I summon Dark Magician Of Chaos (2800/2600)!"
A very slim male magician with long black hair was summoned. His attire was completely black with hints of purple on his chest, boots and hat. The sceptre he wielded had the same colour scheme as his uniform and stood just as tall, if not even slightly taller than him.
"Also as a bonus, Dark Magician of Chaos adds a Spell Card from the Graveyard to my hand." Hiro added as he selected Pot Of Greed.
In the meantime though, Magical Exemplar had four yellow balls light up above her head, representing four Spell Counters.
"I next play Smashing Ground, which destroys a monster on your side with the highest defense!"
A large fist came from the sky, and crushed Hiro's monster.
"By your own monster's effect when it leaves the field it is removed from play. Plus my Exemplar gains another two Spell Counters!"
"I know, I know. Good work Ryusei, now feel free to attack me and win."
Ryusei was about to declare his attack but then a thought rushed to his head.
Ryusei: ("Wait a minute, why did he just say that? Does he know he will lose if I attack? Or is he playing tricks on me and wants me to attack? He still has two face-down cards on the field, of which I'm certain one of them will prevent an attack. However I only need one attack to go through to win, so should I risk it? But then again if it was a Trap like Mirror Force, then my field would be wiped and I'll lose for sure next turn. Plus the other one could be Magician's Circle as he hasn't played that Trap yet and that's one of his favourites. He would require me to attack to activate that card, putting him at an advantage. Especially as he would likely summon another Dark Magician Girl. But at the same time, I can easily call out Jowgen and use its effect to wipe out his field. So therefore, I have to attack to force his hand and hope for the best!")
"I shift my Morphing Jar (700/600) and Valkyria (1600/1800) into defense mode and then have my Exemplar attack you directly!"
"I activate my face-down, Call Of The Haunted, with it I can revive my Skilled Dark Magician (1900/1700) in attack mode!"
"Damn,"
Ryusei: ("Now what should I do? I know next turn he will get Counters to bring back Dark Magician, and if my Valkyria is destroyed I'll have no protection. I have to find a way to hold him off for the next turn, but I have no face-downs to play, only Exemplar and her counters.")
It was then Ryusei realised that there was an unexpected play he could make to swing the duel in his favour.
Ryusei: ("There is a way….Stardust Dragon, its most probably my only way to save myself in this duel. But is it okay to use such a card in a duel like this, after what I've been feeling about it? Should I use it despite what I've been told about Guardian Dragons? Would things get out of control like the last time I faced Hayate? I guess I won't know until I try, so here goes.")
"I call off my attack and then use my Exemplar's effect! I remove Counters from it to special summon a Spellcaster whose Level is equal to the number of counters I remove. So I remove two to summon Tuner Monster, Frequency Magician (800/400)!"
"Thank you,"
"What?"
"I reveal my Trap, Dark Renewal!"
"No!"
"When you summon a monster I can release the monster you summoned and a monster on my field. In return, I get to summon a Spellcaster from my Graveyard. So be reborn, Dark Magician (2500/2100)!"
Ryusei was silent in realisation of his plan getting screwed over by one card.
"I end my turn."
"My turn, draw!" Hiro declared.
"I play Pot of Greed, drawing two cards." After Hiro had drawn his cards, he knew he had won this duel."
"Sorry Ryusei but this Duel is over."
"It's not over yet,"
"Yes it is, as these three cards that I'm holding right now, will wipe out your entire field."
"What?"
Hiro smiled and made his move to prove his point.
"I activate two copies of Thousand Knives! When I have a Dark Magician on the field I can destroy a monster on the field. But since I've played two copies, two monsters are being destroyed."
One thousand knives appeared on either side of Dark Magician. They then shot out at high velocity, eliminating Morphing Jar and Magical Exemplar.
"Next I activate the Spell, Knight's Title!"
"Knight's Title?"
"With this I can release a Dark Magician, and in its place I can summon Dark Magician Knight (2500/2100)!"
The emblem of a blue shield and swords merged with Dark Magician, transforming him into a powerful warrior. His appearance changed as his attire now changed into a knight's armour and helmet. Along with this were a black cape and a large sword in where the handle looked familiar to Dark Magician's sceptre.
"One thing you should know, when Dark Magician Knight is summoned, I can destroy a card on the field, like your Valkyria."
Ryusei growled as Hiro's monster ran its hand across its blade causing it to glow. It then charged forward and slashed downwards on Magician's Valkyria, destroying it.
"Dark Magician Knight, attack Ryusei directly!"
Without breaking stride, Dark Magician Knight, flicked it's wrist to gain a stronger grip and performed a slash across Ryusei's chest.
LP (0/800)
Ryusei bent his head down, acknowledging his loss as Hiro switched off his Duel Disk and walked up to him.
"Ryusei," he said in a gentle tone.
Ryusei lifted his head to face Hiro, expecting him to say something comforting. But instead he got a slap across the back of his head.
"What the hell?" Ryusei exclaimed whilst rubbing his head.
"That's for being an idiot! Haven't I taught you anything?"
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"When I said feel free to attack, that was only to trick you! It was a time where you should have remembered what I taught you. Treat every single face-down card as a counter to your play! The fact that you fell straight into my strategy so easily, disappoints me."
"I know, I was guilty of over thinking I guess."
"You're definitely was as I could tell from your reaction from seeing my Skilled Dark. You worried way too much about that card then about yourself."
"I know, I know."
"You shouldn't let the field change how you play. You're supposed to adapt the field so it suits your style of play. When you failed to do that, my win was inevitable. That's the only reason why I won today."
"You're right, but I guess it happens sometimes."
"Hmm, but more importantly, about this project,"
"I'll go with you,"
"Well actually I was going to say…"
"I gave you my word that if I lose I will go with you, so forget what you were going to say. However, I do have a condition."
"What's that?"
"Teach me some more about the game to make this trip bearable. It seems I still have a lot to learn to be as good as you."
"Deal," Hiro responded, whilst outstretching his hand. Ryusei grabbed it and shook hands with him firmly, as the agreement was made.
Location: University Car Park
It was mid-morning on the next day, with the sun just breaking out from heavy clouds on a mild day. In the car park Ryusei was putting his suitcase and holdall bag into the boot of Hiro's car. As soon as he closed the boot he noticed Vanessa and Shinji walking towards him.
"You go on ahead, I'll catch up with you soon," he said to Hiro. Hiro nodded in response and went inside his car. He started the engine and drove off just as Vanessa and Shinji reached Ryusei.
"Hey," Vanessa greeted.
"Hey," he responded back.
"You're all set to go?" Shinji asked.
"Nearly, I'm just heading back home to sort out a few things before setting off to Nagano."
"It's a shame you're not going to be around this summer, I was hoping all three of us would be able to hang out." Vanessa stated with a slight disappointing tone in her voice.
"True, but this kind of thing would be greatly beneficial for me. But don't worry, I'll keep in contact and maybe we can meet up a few times during the summer, if we all have some free time."
"That would be great!" Vanessa stated.
Ryusei went to Shinji and shook his hand with a smile on his face.
"I should be going now, but have a good summer and I'll see you around Shinji."
"You too, Ryusei." Shinji responded.
As he went over to Vanessa to shake her hand, Vanessa instead hugged him, surprising Ryusei.
"Take care, Ryusei."
"You…too, Vanessa,"
Vanessa let go, ending the embrace as Ryusei walked towards his bike to the left of him. He picked up his black jacket, resting on the seat of the bike and put it on. He then got on his bike and started the engine.
"I'll see you in a few months!" he shouted just before he put his helmet on. He revved the engine a few times and signalled goodbye to Vanessa and Shinji. Ryusei then rode off out of the University and on to the main road.
"What do you think Vanessa?" Shinji asked.
"I think he's hiding something, but I can't say I blame him. He's probably thinking the less we know the better it would be for him to deal with."
"But he should know by now that we can help him, he has to be able to trust us."
"I know; that's why this summer I vow to become a stronger, just as Tanya said. That way I can prove to him that I can help him, no matter what the problem."
"I agree, which is why I'll join you."
"Shinji?"
"I'm still indebted to Ryusei; therefore, I want to be there for him when he needs help. If he knows that he can rely on us, it will make all the difference when hard times come around."
Vanessa smiled at Shinji, and nodded in acceptance of his decision. She looked at the open road in front of her, thinking about Ryusei. At the same time, Ryusei was having thoughts while riding down the same road.
Ryusei: ("As much as I wish this time I have now is about this project with Hiro, it's not. More importantly I have to figure out this secret of joining with the Guardian Dragon. This battle is approaching as each day passes by, and when the time comes, I must be ready. So I will promise myself, when the time does come, I will be ready!")
End of Chapter