Chapter 25: The Fortune Cup Finale: Part 1
Nervin slams the side of a dark metal box with his back and then tries to pry at a seam, this clearly isn't the first time they've tried to get out of the undisclosed metal cargo crate they're being kept in. "Nnngh! Come on, open up!" Nervin says.
"Knock it off, Nervin. It's not gonna budge." Says Tank. The other three are in the opposite corner of the box. Tank's sitting on the floor, leaning against the back wall, Blitz is leaning on the side wall and Rally's standing around.
"Hey come on, let us outta here already! Any of you guys see who those thugs were?" Nervin asks.
Flashback. The four of them are cornered in their subway tunnel hideout by a trio of masked thugs with guns. "I couldn't see anything, I was so scared I had my eyes closed!" Says Tank, in voice-over. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. "I wish they'd feed us. Ugggh! Or at the very least, tell us what we're doing in here!" Rally says.
At the Fortune Cup. "Ladies and gentlemen, the most intense duel we've seen so far has roared to a close." Says the announcer.
Akiza is supporting her still-glowing Signed arm with her left hand, as Sayer leads her through the arena door and out of sight.
Skylar watches them go, covering the arm still glowing through her sleeve and glove. Yusei's standing next to Skylar and Onyx is standing between the two half-twins.
"Skylar has defeated the Black Rose and emerged as the winner, keeping her undefeated streak intact. Now, Yusei Fudo faces off against Jack Atlas in the Fortune Cup Finale!" The announcer says.
Up in the stands. Luna's Mark is glowing against her arm, on which the sleeve has been rolled up. The group is looking at it, in awe. "Could it really be?! Luna, you're a Signer!" Says Yanagi. "She's a what?" Leo asks.
Akiza's Mark is still glowing.
So is Skylar's, she peers at it more closely and the effort forces her to squint one eye, she pulls down her glove and rolls up her sleeve, just as the Mark fades, it remains burned there, as Jack's and Akiza's are, just like it always has been for her, only now all the markings that have appeared have solidified. Yusei then rolls up his sleeve and pulls his glove down, just as his Mark fades, it remains burned there, as Jack, Skylar and Akiza's are. "Okay, this is new. Last time this Mark vanished. What's going on?" Asks Yusei. Skylar growls under her breath and looks up at the control tower.
Up in the tower. "So now you know who four of the six Signers are." Jack says. "That's right. So when you duel Yusei, be sure to push him to his limits. Because the power your duel generates will reveal the sixth Signer, and unite you all!" Says Goodwin. Jack, too, cradles his right arm, on which his Sign is glowing.
Yusei and Skylar take the steps of the stands three or four at a time, with Onyx keeping pace at the latter's heels.
Across the aisle from their friends, several stadium workers, in matching jackets, seem to be doing damage control from the last duel, several rows of chairs are partially demolished.
"Guys! Listen. You have to get Luna out of here." Skylar says. "Sakura! Yusei! Luna's got a Mark, she's a Signer like you two!" Says Yanagi. "That is why you need to get her out of here! I'm starting to think its dangerous for us Signers to be near each other. Look at what happened during my last duel with Akiza." Skylar says.
Behind her and Yusei, the guys across the aisle are also comforting a few young kids, who must have gotten lost in the chaos, or at least badly scared.
Luna then runs up to Skylar, wrapping her arms around her waist, looking a bit scared and also worried. "Sakura, do you know what's going on here?" Asks Luna, worriedly. Skylar places a hand under her chin and the other arm around her. "I shall tell you what I find out after I see Goodwin. For now, head towards Blister's place and don't stop for anyone! Yusei, are you coming with me?" Skylar asks. Yusei nods. Skylar releases Luna from her hold and she steps back. Skylar and Yusei then dash away down the steps, with Onyx running after them.
"Oh..." Says Luna. "I'm sure everything's gonna be okay. We had better do what she says, kids. Follow me and stay close behind." Yanagi says. They leave their seats and climb the stairs.
They soon enter the hallway and they are accosted by several security guards. "…Stop right there!" "Augh!" Says Yanagi. They're surrounded, the guys in suits and sunglasses are intimidating. Luna cowers halfway behind Leo, Tanner looks around, defensively.
"You weren't planning to leave, were you?" Lazar asks. "Huh! And what if we were?" Asks Tanner. "Well, Director Goodwin would like you to stay and enjoy the rest of the tournament. Hmhmhmhmhahaha!" Lazar says. "Well, you tell Goodwin that we're sick a' him tellin' people what to do!" Says Tanner. He grabs Lazar by the front of his blazer and lifts him into the air. Lazar doesn't stop smirking once. "Say, did you know that Yusei has friends back in the Satellite Sector? Mmhmhmhmhmhm!" Lazar asks. Tanner's face shows shock, he sees exactly where this is going. Tanner drops Lazar, roughly, who straightens his jacket. "Hmph! I heard that they went missing a few days ago. I hope nothing bad happens to them. So I think it would be best if you return to your seats now!" Says Lazar.
Skylar is running down a hallway toward a couple unsuspecting security guards in front of a door, Yusei not far behind her and Onyx keeping pace alongside her.
"…Hey, hold it!" "…The Director's not expecting you!"
Yusei gets in front of Skylar, moving almost too fast to see, dodges under the first guard's punch and takes him down with some sort of terrific leaping kick.
Then Skylar punches the second, knees him in the gut and pulls him around to where she can slam him against the wall, hard.
Within two seconds, both guards are incapacitated on the floor in the hallway.
"Sorry. However, he has some explaining to do!" Skylar says. She pushes open the double doors and walks into the control tower, with Onyx at her side and Yusei following after her.
Trudge rises from a respectful bow, addressing Goodwin, who glances irritably over his shoulder, holding a wine glass of orange liquid, over by the window. Jack appears to be in conversation with Minako. "Director? Look, Sir, there's something I've gotta say." Says Trudge.
"Mmm?" Goodwin asks.
"It's my official position that you need to stop this tournament." Says Trudge.
"I thought your official position was mall security." Goodwin says. Trudge's face is reflected in his glass, perhaps this allows him to read his face without dignifying him by actually turning his head to look at the person he's talking to.
"Very funny. But, I feel this tournament is cursed or something! You witnessed the damage of the last duel! I'm concerned things are gonna get worse!" Says Trudge.
"Officer! I don't pay you to be concerned." Goodwin says.
"But, Sir…" Says Trudge.
"I pay you to do what I say. And as for what you think, if I was going to pay someone to do some thinking, it most certainly would not be you. Langley, please escort Officer Trudge out!" Goodwin says.
"Is… Langley one a' the guys guarding the door?" Asks Yusei.
Jack, Trudge and Goodwin all look to their left, immediately, and see…
"Yusei!" Trudge says.
"'Cause he's, uh, he's napping." Says Yusei.
Skylar walks further into the room, with Onyx walking beside her, right past Trudge.
A pair of guards start to approach Trudge.
Yusei's again not too far away from Skylar.
"What're you doing up here, punk?!" Trudge asks, addressing Yusei.
"That's enough." Says Goodwin.
Pause.
Goodwin stands up and turns. "Thank you for escorting him here, Skylar. How can I help you, Yusei?" Goodwin asks, his tone is clipped and cool, but calm.
"Before I say, weren't you gonna throw him out?" Asks Yusei. Trudge grabs him by the lapels, frustrated.
Goodwin nods to the guards.
Trudge makes a huge scene, as the guards drag him away, via-elevator. "Gaaaaah! That's it, Goodwin! I'm gonna figure out what you're up to! You're going down! You're gonna…" Trudge says. The elevator doors close.
Showdown.
Yusei and Goodwin.
Jack, Skylar and Minako are paying attention.
"Time to talk. You forced me into this tournament. You threatened me and you locked up my friends." Says Yusei.
Minako, unnoticed, appears surprised.
"I wanna know the truth. I'm not dueling Jack until you tell me why you've done this." Yusei says.
"Huh! Are you dense, Yusei? It's 'cause of this." Says Jack. He pulls off his glove to reveal the burned wing Sign on his arm. "This Mark." Jack says.
"Huh! So, I wasn't seeing things before!" Says Yusei.
"He wants the Crimson Dragon's power, so he's been trying to gather everyone with its Mark! He got me here by lying to me, and buttering me up, and manipulating me!" Jack says.
"Oh come now, you're making me sound so devious, Jack. You wanted to be the turbo-duel champion." Says Goodwin.
"Yeah, but I wanted to earn that title. At this point, I'm starting to think that you've been rigging everything. I think, your little plan involves setting me up, as bait for Yusei." Jack says.
Yusei scowls. "Well, Jack. Did you expect me to return from the 'so-called' grave?" Asks Skylar.
"What are you talking about, Skylar?" Jack asks.
"Stop calling me that! It is time to meet the true face behind the mask, Jack." Says Skylar. She removes the half-mask, slowly, revealing the rest of her face, now holding the half-mask in her hand.
Jack's in shock, as if he's seen a ghost. "Sakura, is that really you?" Jack asks.
"Of course it is. It has always been me. You just couldn't find it in your heart to truly believe it was me and look past the mask. Skylar Kuro is no more. And, I'm not alone, either." Says Sakura. She looks down at Onyx, who's standing next to her. "Onyx." Sakura says. Onyx looks up at her. "Go, phase ghost dog." Says Sakura. Onyx shifts his stance a bit, lifts up his head and growls to the ceiling, as he's enveloped by wisps of shadowy mist.
The wisps of shadow soon cease and Grim's transformed back into his true form.
Minako is beyond shocked.
Jack seems just as bewildered, he can't believe he's seeing this dog again. "Is that... Grim?" Jack asks.
Sakura strokes Grim's head. "Yes, it is. Just like me, he's always been here." Says Sakura. Grim lies himself down at her feet.
Jack then turns his attention back to Yusei. "Goodwin knew that you would come after me if I did everything exactly as he asked me to. Isn't that right, Director?" Jack asks.
"Don't be ridiculous. I didn't even know about Yusei until you dueled him that night in the arena." Says Goodwin.
"D'you honestly expect me to believe that this is all some big coincidence?! You needed to verify that Yusei had a Mark, so you needed him and I to duel, with passion. So, you created a situation in which the stakes would be as high as possible!" Jack says.
Flashback, clear picture, but the lighting scheme is different. The Satellite is murky and gray, the landscape almost sepia-tone. A day in the Satellite, a couple years ago. It looks slightly less decrepit and foggy than it does in the present.
A younger Rally, his hair shorter, runs out from behind a corner, a younger, sixteen-year-old Sakura, scarless and hair, which is partially done up into twin tails, while the rest falls completely loose down the back, and is somewhat shorter than it is now, at least long to just past her hips, is running alongside him, and Grim, looking almost exactly the same, except that his dark fur and unnaturally long tail are messy, is keeping pace at her side. Back then, Sakura's attire was completely different from what she wears present wise, just as both she and Yusei have stated once before. Sakura used to wear black, low-heeled boots and leggings, that started off black at her hips, but gradually faded to red as they neared her shoes, a black, buttoned vest, with coattails, and a white, sleeveless undershirt, that exposed part of her midriff, with white shorts. Her shorts had a zipper on the front of each leg, but it is unknown if these zippers had served a purpose or if they were simply decorative. She also wore a black, detached sleeve and silver armband on her right arm, similar to the ones she wears in the present, but unlike them, this one isn't being held in place by her middle finger, she had a bandage securely wrapped around her left arm from her bicep to her hand, and a detached, scarf-like collar around her neck. This is also the same attire Sakura was wearing back when Blister found her, and when she first met Luna and Leo.
They're being chased by a group of three wacky-looking toughs. "…Ya can't run forever, half-pint!" "…We ain't gonna hurtcha too bad!" They're mostly addressing Rally.
Rally trips and falls.
Sakura then stops running and puts herself over him. Grim steps up, snarling and baring his teeth at the three punks.
One of them raises his bat, ready to hit Grim, Sakura and Rally, but a thrown card causes him to drop it.
Sakura and Rally stand up.
While the leader of the punks is cringing and holding his hand. "…Hey, how'dj'you do that just now?" "…Up there!"
Rally and Sakura look up.
Above them, standing on the third story of a building that no longer has a wall there, is Jack, back when he still lived in the Satellite. Jack's long blazer is white, but less fancy, and he wears a light blue shirt underneath it.
"Jack?" Asks Rally.
"You boys are trespassing." Jack says. He jumps down, easily, to approach them.
"…What're you talking about?!" The punks step back.
Rally runs over to stand behind Jack.
Sakura's not as amused to see Jack though. Obviously, it seems they probably just recently broke up because the tension can be felt between them. Sakura isn't sad or hurt at all seeing Jack again, can't really say the same for him. Even though their relationship has come to end, Jack will still keep other men from hurting Sakura. As Jack passes Sakura, their glaring at each other from the corner of their eyes, he then brings his attention to the punks. "Nobody steps over that median line." Says Jack.
Indeed, there's a white line painted on the pavement that they are now retreating behind, nervously. "…Hey, come on, man, be cool. We don't got no beef with you..."
In a flash, Jack has his duel disk on and is summoning something. "You do now, my friend!" Jack says. Red Dragon Archfiend appears, roaring.
It roars in their faces and they flee, in terror.
Rally runs a few steps after and stops when he's standing next to Sakura and Grim. "Haha! Yeah, that's what I thought!" Says Rally. He turns. "Huh? Jack, where'd'ja go?" Rally asks. He and Sakura are standing in the street alone. Jack's nowhere in sight.
"Who cares!" Says Sakura, harshly. She walks away, with Grim following at her side.
Rally turns to Sakura, with an outstretched hand. "Hey, where're you goin', Sakura?" Rally asks.
"Where else? I'm going home." Says Sakura.
"But… Wait, aren't ya gonna thank Jack for saving and protecting you?" Rally asks.
Sakura suddenly stops walking, with Grim coming to a halt beside her. "Rally." Says Sakura.
"Yes, what is it?" Rally asks.
"You need to understand something." Says Sakura. She turns to look over her shoulder at Rally. "I have nothing further to say to him." Sakura says. She then turns away and walks away, with Grim following alongside her.
"But… He protected you! You can at the very least thank him for doing that!" Says Rally.
"What he did was unnecessary. I don't need anyone to protect me, not anymore. I have Grim and I'm more than capable of defending myself. Now, I'm going home. You can do what you please." Sakura says.
"So just because you and Jack split up, you're gonna let that keep you from talking to him. You're so stubborn, Sakura. I don't understand how he even put up with you. No wonder Jack ended it with you, he couldn't handle your attitude anymore!" Says Rally.
Sakura stops walking, her fists are clenched at her sides and she's growling under her breath. Grim halts at her side and looks up at her. "Rally!" Sakura says.
Rally places his hands over his mouth, he can't believe he just said that.
"Do you not understand how to keep your mouth shut?! And another thing in case you were wondering. I'm the one who ended the relationship, not Jack!" Says Sakura.
"Sakura, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean that, truly I didn't." Rally says.
"Just forget it, Rally. You just need to accept it as it is. Jack and I are over and that isn't going to change anytime soon. I'm sorry, Rally. However, that is just the way it is now." Says Sakura. She then walks off, with Grim following directly beside her, leaving Rally behind.
Elsewhere and probably later, Rally peeks in through a door and finds what he's looking for. "Ha!" Rally says. The building is an abandoned theater, with a massive hole in the roof, through which shine rays of sunlight on an old set. The last show was apparently something medieval, dusty red curtain draped to the side, dark blue banners upstage on either side of a throne on a dais mid-stage center. Rally enters from house right to approach Jack, who's sitting on the throne.
Jack's eyes remain in shadow. Jack's probably thinking about things that have happened between him and Sakura.
"Hey, Jack! So, this is where you're hangin' out these days, huh? Nice place!" Says Rally.
"What d'you want?" Jack asks.
"I wanted to say thanks, for earlier." Says Rally.
"I was just protecting my turf, that's all. Think nothing of it." Jack says.
Rally cleans an ear, contemplatively. "Yusei just finished building this awesome new duel runner, it's looking really sweet! We're doin' a test-run tomorrow! Uh... hey, you should come! He's gonna try to break the Canal Street record, it's gonna be great!" Says Rally.
Jack's silent.
"Mmmmgh, come on! I know you and Sakura had a little falling-out, but it's been months! Can't you two just make up?! Uh, hello?" Rally asks.
"You should get back before it gets dark." Says Jack. He's obviously still hurt about the subject.
"Sakura won't tell me what happened. She won't even talk to Yusei about it. She isn't the same as she used to be." Rally says.
"Nothing happened. It's just... people change, Rally." Says Jack.
"Well, okay, but... I just want everyone to get along again... you two were best friends! Best friends don't just stop being best friends! Well... we'll be in the Canal Street tunnel at noon, if you change your mind. Later, Jack!" Rally says. He runs off.
Jack watches him leave. "Her and I were more than just friends, Rally. But, how do you explain that to a kid." Jack thinks to himself.
That night, the full moon is massive and the fog turns it greenish over the abandoned theater. Moonlight shines through the smashed ceiling. Jack's still sitting on the throne, maybe he's fallen asleep in it, when a stranger approaches. Jack hears him before he sees him. "Hm? Who is that?! Show yourself!" Says Jack.
"Quite the nice pad you've got here, very spacious. The 'must and mold' motif is a brave choice." Lazar says, in the background.
"Who're you?!" Asks Jack.
Lazar unabashed, steps out from behind the throne. "Oh, silly me, I forgot my manners. My name is Lazar, Mr. Atlas. And I am here to see you on behalf of Director Rex Goodwin."
"That name supposed to mean something to me?" Jack asks.
"Director Goodwin would like to extend you an invitation." Says Lazar.
"Hmph." Jack says.
"We've been watching you from afar, Jack. And we think you're an incredible duelist." Says Lazar. He steps all the way in front of the throne. "A talent like yours is being wasted out here in the Satellite. You have what it takes to be a champion, Jack. To sit on a real throne as the King of the Turbo-duels. Haven't you always wanted to be a champion, Mr. Atlas?" Lazar asks.
Jack's silent.
"Furthermore, haven't you wondered about that Mark on your arm? Uh-hmhmhmhmhm!" Says Lazar.
Jack looks at his sleeved right arm, shocked.
"That's right, we know all about it! Tomorrow evening at seven, the Maintenence Department will shut down the flow in the main pipeline for one hour." Lazar says. He sits down on the throne. "We'll be waiting for you on the other side, Mr. Atlas. However, we do require that you bring a couple of things with you. We've heard there's another duelist here, some up-and-coming hotshot." Says Lazar.
"Huh?" Jack asks.
"We don't know much about him, other than that he uses the Stardust Dragon card. But, some say he has what it takes to be the best. You need to find him, and get his Stardust Dragon card. And if you don't mind bringing your ex-girlfriend along with you, the Director wishes to bring you two possibly back together. She is quite a lovely girl, Jack. It'd be a shame if something were to happen to her here in this dangerous place." Says Lazar.
Jack's teeth clench slightly, he knows already what that would mean.
"Think of it as your ticket to a new life. And believe me, Director Goodwin can give you a new life, Jack. No one will know you're from the Satellite. You'll be a respected resident of New Domino City. You'll have screaming fans, you'll attend fancy parties." Lazar says.
Jack looks down, evasively, then his glance shifts to another patch of ground near his foot, where a roach is about to climb on his shoe.
"But hey, if you want to dwell in the slums and live with the cockroaches all your life, you're welcome to do so." Says Lazar.
When Jack looks up at the throne again, he's gone, it's as though he was never there.
"The choice is yours, Jack. What's it going to be?" Lazar asks, in the background. His voice echoes through the dark theater.
Jack's silent.
The flashback continues. The next day in the Satellite, it's as misty and grim as ever. Jack stands alone on a rooftop, gazing at New Domino City in the distance across the sea, when Rally approaches him. "Hey, Jack. Um, why are we meeting up here?" Asks Rally.
"I think I'd like to come watch Yusei's test-run, after all." Jack says.
"Really? Well then, let's get going!" Says Rally.
"Sure, but... I need help with something first." Jack says.
"Whatever ya need, Jack! 'Cause I still owe you one from before!" Says Rally.
Jack doesn't turn. "Yes, ya do." Jack says, menacingly.
In the subway tunnel hideout. Yusei and the other guys are performing last-minute checks on the white runner, it looked far more run-of-the-mill back then. They've set up a floodlight for working on it and a wooden box of tools is sitting on the ground. Nervin appears to be helping Yusei, while Blitz and Tank watch. They look about the same, perhaps their voices are a bit younger. "Where's Rally?" Asks Nervin. "He'll be bummed if he misses Yusei test out his new duel runner." Blitz says. "When he headed out earlier, he said somethin' about goin' to meet up with Jack." Says Tank. "Huh?" Blitz asks. "He went to see Jack?! What a traitor!" Says Nervin.
"Come now. Rally can hang out with whoever he wants to." Sakura says. She's petting Grim, who's lying down next to her with his head resting on her lap.
"Yeah, but what about loyalty?" Asks Nervin. Yusei closes the hood, no sooner has he than the radio rings and Jack's face appears on the screen. "Huh? Jack?" Yusei asks. "Some east-side thugs just ran off with Rally." Says Jack, via-screen.
"They did what?!" Sakura asks.
They're mobilized to search in a moment, Yusei on the new runner, Sakura riding with him, holding onto him around the waist, with Grim lying on the latter's lap between the two half-twins.
Blitz, Tank and Nervin run for the stairs.
While Yusei jumps the curb and takes off through the tunnels. "You guys go uptown, we'll head downtown!" Says Yusei.
Nervin, Blitz and Tank search the markets. "Let's split up!" Nervin says.
Yusei's riding along the street downtown, wearing a very funny-looking old runner helmet, when his radio rings again. Jack appears on screen. "Yusei, I found him. Come down to the waterfront right away." Says Jack, via-screen. "Huh?" Yusei asks.
A short while later. Jack's standing on a concrete pier, the waves and the dark smog overhead hint at a storm in the making.
Yusei rides up and parks. "Where is he, Jack?!" Asks Yusei.
Jack points out to sea. "He's out there." Jack says. Yusei looks.
Rally's a long way out amongst the choppy waves, tied up aboard a small, flat boat. A rowboat would be less likely to capsize.
"Rally!" Says Yusei. "The tide's still going out, he could be swept out to sea! And then there's that big storm front approaching." Jack says. "Jack, what's he doing out there?!" Asks Yusei. "I guess there's no reason to keep on lying to you." Jack says. He looks at Yusei. "I put him out there." Says Jack.
Flashback to earlier on the rooftop. "Whatever ya need, Jack! 'Cause I still owe ya from before!" Rally says.
"Yes, ya do." Says Jack, menacingly. He jumps down and walks over to Rally. "And now, you're gonna pay me back tenfold." Jack says. A buzzing beep of some kind, a stunner or taser or something, and Rally collapses. The flashback ends.
Return to the flashback. "But, Rally's your friend!" Says Yusei. "Know what people are saying? That you've got what it takes to be the best. But we both know that's not true, don't we, Yusei?" Jack asks. "What're you saying?" Asks Yusei. "You can either duel me and prove yourself, or you can swim out there and save Rally. What'll it be?" Jack asks.
"Whoa-oa!" Says Rally.
"What's more important to you, provin' that you're a true duelist?" Jack asks. He points at Rally. "Or are you willin' to put dueling aside to help your little friend?" Asks Jack. Yusei grimaces. "What're you made of?" Jack asks. Yusei throws off his jacket and dives in, swimming out toward Rally.
"Pathetic. You don't deserve to have Stardust Dragon." Jack thinks to himself. He takes Yusei's deck box out of a pocket of the abandoned jacket, pulls out a card, slips it into his blazer and lets the rest of the deck fall to the ground, the case falling shut. "Time for that test-run." Jack thinks to himself.
He walks past Sakura, who is glaring at him with her red eyes, his purple eyes are fixed on her, too. Jack's being mindful of Grim though, too, knowing exactly what this dog is capable of. "You know, Sakura. Your brother's pathetic. He can't protect you here." Says Jack. He's now standing directly behind Sakura. "Oh, like you could do any better." Sakura says, commenting sarcastically and harshly on that. Jack's arms suddenly wrap around her shoulders from behind, his head is now resting on one of her shoulders. "I know you want to escape from this place so badly. I can make that dream a reality." Says Jack, sweet-talking. "You obviously think that is going to work on me?" Sakura asks. "Of course not, I know you too well. Which is why I had to distract you, from this..." Says Jack. The buzzing noise goes off again, probably the same stunner or taser he used on Rally. Sakura nearly collapses, but he catches her.
Grim's growling at Jack, baring his teeth at him. "Relax, she's fine. She's just taking a little nap. And I need you to do the same." Jack says. Grim snarls and lunges at him. The buzzing noise goes off again and Grim suddenly collapses to the ground, temporarily stunned.
Jack then lifts Sakura up and cradles her in his arms. "Sorry about this, Sakura. But, my feelings towards you will never be persuaded." Jack thinks to himself. He rides away on the runner Yusei rode to get there, taking Sakura with him.
Grim soon gets up, shakes off the stunning that he just endured and takes off, chasing after Jack and the runner.
Rally's boat pitches him overboard and he begins to sink, unable to move from the rope tied around his arms. Rally's gone about ten feet down when Yusei grabs him by the rope he's tied up with and they re-surface, gasping and coughing.
Meanwhile, Jack's already taking the sewage tunnel to freedom. "So long, Satellite." Jack thinks to himself.
Grim's still at it, running after Jack and the runner, nothing's going to keep him from his mistress.
Yusei steps back onto the dock, dripping, and picks up the abandoned deck box. Yusei looks at it for a moment, then puts it on his belt at the small of his back. Yusei accepts his jacket from Rally. "Man, this is all my fault. I'm so sorry." Says Rally. Yusei pats him on the back, consolingly, and they walk away together.
Jack rides down the tunnel out of sight.
"Goodwin could never have made you the same offer, because you would never have left your friends behind. Not for fame and fortune, anyway. I, on the other hand, walked right into it, and by tricking me into taking your card and Sakura…" Jack says, in voice-over.
Grim follows and sprints down the tunnel, keeping up at an extraordinary pace after Jack and the runner. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. Yusei and Sakura are listening, intently.
Jack puts his glove back on.
Goodwin has been sipping his orange drink in the background.
"…He gave you a reason to come after me. And I think that brings us all up to speed, more or less." Says Jack.
Yusei turns to Sakura. "Do you remember any of this, Sakura?" Yusei asks. Sakura nods, subtly. "I can remember things so clearly now. Only, I'm not suffering from amnesia anymore. I haven't been for the past few weeks." Says Sakura.
"I wasn't aware that you had amnesia this whole time." Jack says.
Yusei turns back to him, glaring at him. "You're the reason she lost her memories in the first place. You're also the reason she's scarred up now. This is all your fault, Jack." Says Yusei.
Jack's glaring back at him. "You can't seriously believe that everything was my fault." Jack says.
"Well, you're the one who brought her here against her will." Says Yusei.
"Yes, but I had a good reason for doing so." Jack says.
"Oh and tell me, what reason would that be?" Asks Yusei.
"Isn't it obvious? I wanted to protect 'er, as simple as that. Something you wouldn't be able to accomplish back at the Satellite." Jack says.
"Oh please, Jack. You only did all that for yourself." Says Yusei.
"Why you! I can't stand you!" Jack says.
"The feeling's mutual." Says Yusei. "Stop!" Sakura says.
Both Jack and Yusei are taken aback by this outburst, they'll listen to her, just like they always have.
"Both of you need to stop and face the facts. This argument is pointless. What has happened in the past is done, we can't change what happened." Says Sakura. "But, Sakura. He's the cause for everything that's happened to you." Yusei says. "It happened two years ago. Holding onto the past doesn't help anyone. I'm getting sick and tired of all of this. I don't care what happened then, not anymore. I don't entirely blame Jack for everything that happened to me and you shouldn't either." Says Sakura.
"So, you don't blame me for what happened? The scars and losing your memories?" Jack asks.
"Well, it wasn't like you threw me off of your runner. I was the one who was careless. I was trying to save myself. However, you can obviously see how that result turned out." Says Sakura.
Both Yusei and Jack have soft eyes, her words are really starting to hit them.
"You two were friends once, best friends. I know your decision is final, that you two are more or less fed up with each other. You shall settle all of this in your duel." Sakura says. "But, this whole situation is hurting you, isn't it, sis?" Asks Yusei. "What does it matter how I feel, brother? This isn't about me anymore, it is about you two now." Sakura says.
"If there's one thing that hasn't changed about me. It's that I still feel quite a deal of regret for what I did. But, you need to understand, I still feel very protective over you and I'll never stop caring about you, Sakura. That's never gonna change." Says Jack. He unexpectedly hugs Sakura. "Just remember, that you can always come to me. I'll always be here for you." Jack says. "I appreciate it, Jack." Says Sakura. Jack then releases her and turns to Goodwin. "I have a demand to make. You got what you wanted. He's here, right? Let his friends go, he doesn't need to be coerced. I want this duel to be legit. No threats, no gimmicks, just us." Jack says.
Goodwin raises his glass, slightly. "If that is what my champion wants, then so be it." Says Goodwin.
In the cargo container. Yusei's friends hear a click and look up. "Huh?!" Rally asks. He runs over and pushes on the door, it gives way. "No way, it's open." Says Rally. "Don't joke around…" Nervin says. Blitz and Tank crowd toward the door too and the four of them end up tripping over each other, spilling out of the container into the open. Only Blitz stays standing, looking out, suspiciously. "Anybody know where we are?" Asks Rally. They are standing in the middle of some sort of dump. Rally, Nervin and Tank stand up as they hear a speaker-distorted voice. "The time has come!" The announcer says, via-television. "Hm?" Asks Tank. "Hey, look." Nervin says. By some crazy coincidence, or nothing of the kind, there's a desktop-size monitor lying on the ground, tuned into the Fortune Cup. The four of them crowd around it. "The final showdown is about to begin! Satellite's very own Yusei Fudo has won the chance to take on Jack Atlas!" Says the announcer, via-television. "Yusei's duelin' Jack?!" Tank says. "When did this happen?" Asks Blitz. "Hey, look at his face!" Nervin says. "They marked him!" Says Rally. He looks worried and upset. "Guess you miss a lot when you're locked up!" Tank says.
Yusei rides up to the second starting block, above which the bowled sides of the track are shattered, cracked and unstable from the previous duel.
"There he is!" Says Luna. "I wonder if Goodwin told him and Sakura what they wanted to know." Tanner says.
On his runner screen, Yusei sees an image of Rally, Blitz, Tank and Nervin, crowded around the video screen outside the cargo container. "They're okay." Yusei thinks to himself. The screen changes to a live call with Jack. "Are you happy? You finally have your chance to settle the score with me." Says Jack, via-screen. "I guess so." Yusei says.
Backstage. Jack straightens up from leaning over his runner screen and is now preparing to appear in the arena. Minako hands Jack his helmet and he puts it on. "You know, for what it's worth, big setup or not, I still think that you're an incredible duelist, Jack." Says Minako. "Of course I am." Jack says, back to being his normal, arrogant self again.
Goodwin, Lazar and Sakura are watching from the control tower. Grim's lying down at Sakura's feet at the edge of the couch.
As is Sayer from his hallway. "So, you're really going to try and summon the Crimson Dragon. This should be interesting..." Sayer thinks to himself.
"This is it! I'm finally going to show you that you don't have what it takes to be the best, Yusei! You never have!" Says Jack.
"Are you sure we should be doing this right now, Jack? There's still a lot we don't know about the Crimson Dragon." Yusei says.
"Haha, this is exactly what I'm talking about, Yusei! You have no guts! You never wanna take any risks! Don't you wanna reveal the sixth Signer?" Asks Jack.
"The sixth Signer? That's right! Yanagi said there were six Marks of the Dragon! So there's me, Sakura, Luna, Jack and Akiza. And Jack's right. Then that means, there's gotta be one more Signer in the arena! But, who is it?" Yusei thinks to himself. "Okay! It's time to activate, the 'Speed World' field spell!" Yusei says. "Duel mode engaged. Autopilot standing by." Says the computer.
The air in the entire stadium turns purplish.
"This is the moment!" The announcer says.
Tanner, Yanagi, Dexter and the twins are waiting, anxiously.
"Will Jack Atlas continue to reign as the King of Turbo-duels?" Says the announcer.
As are Rally, Blitz, Tank and Nervin. "Or will he be de-throned by Satellite Shooting Star?" The announcer asks, via-screen.
Goodwin waits in the tower, smiling nastily.
"It's time to find out!" Says the announcer.
The countdown hits green and the two runners are off, so fast the wheels appear to turn white with heat.
The crowd goes wild.
"Admit it, Yusei. The roar of the crowd is more appealing than the scamper of rats." Jack says.
"Let's just duel. I'm summoning out my Shield Wing in defense mode!" Says Yusei. Shield Wing has 0 attack points, 900 defense points, is a level 2 monster and is a wind type monster. "Next, I place two cards face down and end my turn!" Yusei says.
"In that case..." Says Jack. He draws. "I summon Twin Sword Marauder in attack mode!" Jack says. Twin Sword Marauder has 1600 attack points. "You may've just scrapped your way to the title match, but those other duelists were just amateurs compared to me. Now, allow my Twin Sword Marauder to give you a proper welcome to the big leagues, Yusei!" Says Jack.
Yusei's lifepoints now read 3300.
"You haven't grown a bit as a duelist since the days of riding around in the sewers! I can still anticipate your game and stay two steps ahead of you!" Jack says.
"Then you should know that Shield Wing can't be destroyed in one attack! It has to be defeated twice!" Says Yusei.
"I do know that. And when Twin Sword Marauder attacks a monster in defense mode, it can attack again!" Jack says.
"Huh!" Says Yusei.
"I said that I was two steps ahead of you, Yusei! Not just one! Go! Double Marauder Mayhem!" Jack says.
Yusei's lifepoints fall further to 2600.
"And to end my first turn, I place one card face down." Says Jack. He looks down at his hand, 'Tuner's Mind', Dark Tinker, 'Speed Spell-Overboost' and 'Speed Spell-The End of the Storm', he's looking at the latter. "I already have in my hand the card that will lead me to victory, and settle this matter once and for all!" Jack thinks to himself. "You can't defeat me, Yusei!" Jack says.
"We'll see, Jack!" Says Yusei. He draws. "'Meteor Stream'. Jack might be expecting this since I beat him with it before. So I'd better hold off on using it, for now." Yusei thinks to himself. "From my hand, I summon Junk Synchron!" Yusei says. Junk Synchron has 1300 attack points. "And now, I'm gonna tune my Junk Synchron with my Shield Wing, in order to synchro-summon Junk Warrior!" Says Yusei. Shield Wing glides through Junk Synchron's three glowing green rings, gracefully, and a bright green beam of light heralds the arrival of a powerful new monster. "Let's rev it up!" Yusei says.
Junk Warrior is a level-five, dark-attribute, warrior-type synchro monster with twenty-three-hundred attack points and thirteen-hundred defense points.
"Now, take out that Marauder!" Says Yusei.
Jack's lifepoints are now 3300. "Ugh..." Jack says.
"Next, I activate my trap card, 'Synchro Blast'! Now when my Warrior attacks, 'Synchro Blast' can slam you with five hundred points of damage!" Says Yusei.
"Now you're dueling, Yusei..." Jack says. He draws. "But, you won't be for long! Because from my hand, I summon Dark Tinker!" Says Jack. Dark Tinker has 1000 attack points. "Then, I activate the 'Powerful Rebirth' trap card! And with this card, I can re-summon Twin Sword Marauder from my graveyard!" Jack says.
"Alright, Dark Tinker is only level three, and that Sword Marauder is a level-four!" Says Tanner. "Mmm!" Yanagi says. "So he hasn't got the power that he needs to summon Red Dragon Archfiend! This is your chance, Yusei!" Says Tanner.
"Now the monster resurrected by 'Powerful Rebirth' gains one hundred attack and defense points, and its level increases by one!" Jack says.
"What?!" Asks Yusei.
"Ugh!" Tanner says.
"Yusei, I'm the best turbo-duelist New Domino City has ever seen and that move I just made, was one more example of why I'm the champ, and now I'm going to show you why I'm gonna remain a champ! I synchro-summon Red Dragon Archfiend!" Says Jack.
Tanner gasps.
As do Rally and the Satellite bunch.
Goodwin's rather pleased.
"Man, he's not wasting any time!" Yusei says.
"Back in the Satellite..." Jack thinks to himself.
As he thinks, he flashbacks again to the day he left the Satellite. Jack watches Yusei dive into the choppy sea and swim out toward Rally, he doesn't move, just calmly watches his friends in danger. "I knew that to realize my full potential, to climb up from the bottom of the world, I had to throw away everything. I had to turn my back on the Satellite. On my friends. Nothing was more important to me than being the best!" Jack thinks to himself, in voice-over. The flashback ends.
Back to the present. "But now, here you come and you're trying to take me down? You're not a real duelist, you haven't had to sacrifice anything! You always put dueling second! Well, I'm finally going to put you in your place!" Jack thinks to himself.
Rapidfire quick shots.
The 'End of the Storm' is ready in Jack's hand.
Yusei's contains 'Meteor Stream', 'Silver Contrails' and 'Shining Silver Force'.
Red Dragon Archfiend roars and Junk Warrior faces it down.
Jack glares over his shoulder and Yusei matches his gaze.