Chapter 48
Master's beginnings
"You've got quite the appetite for the morning Tokumatsu-san." Yuya stated as we observed Chojiro eating his deluxe breakfast right before our eyes. It was morning and luckily thanks to Yuya being able to bring back Chojiro's former self, like I knew he would, we were now on his good side and now were friends with him and so sat at his table, although seeing him eat all the good food was beginning to make us feel hungry ourselves…Compared to what we were served.
"Of course I do!" he replied energetically, When you have a good duel, the food tastes good too!"
"That's good to know..." I replied feeling hungry, but then all of a sudden, his 2 assistants came in and took away our trays and replaced them with proper food!
"Now you guys dig in too! Unlike that, this food is delicious!" he offered, never before had I or any of us been so grateful to eat again!
"Thanks for the meal!" we cheered as we dug in and ate our breakfast ravenously like starving wild animals, at the same time being eternally grateful. It really hit the spot! Gotta remember to ask for the recipes so I can sure it with Yoko when we get home!
Red eyes had his mouth watering and was feeling envious seeing us get to eat the good food, while having Blue eyes restrain him as usual. Bahamut on the other hand paid no attention but instead was glad that we were in high spirits again.
Our enjoyable moment was suddenly interrupted when we heard some screaming, "You're messing with me! I've got nothing to do with this!" We turned around and saw an inmate being pulled away by some guards, he begged to be let go but the guards weren't having any of it.
"Behave and come quietly." the guard snapped as he dragged the inmate away.
"No! Stop! Please! Let me off!"
"Seems that his buddies planned a prison break." Chojiro's assistant whispered.
"Prison break!?" Yuya gasped.
"They literally tried to break out!?" I followed.
"They've done something so stupid," Chojiro sighed disapprovingly and disappointedly, "They should think of the comrades they were leaving behind."
"What do you mean?" we both asked.
"When these things happen, those left behind are held in joint liability and are punished. They're hauled off somewhere, not a single one of them has come back." Chojiro replied solemnly.
"That's…awful." I said to myself, either some of those guys who stayed behind willingly took the fall to help others get away, or they may have been betrayed. Either way, it was a point of no return…
Somehow, despite my hunger, I didn't have the appetite for more….Then I noticed something suspicious going on with Shinji and Crow on the other side of the room, as if they were planning something of their own in secret. Whatever it was, if it involved us in any way, I planned on finding out.
(Later on)
While Yuya and I were on duty in one room. While he was busy scrubbing the floor, I was busy making the beds. I then noticed him picking something up from below a bed so I decided to check it out.
"A card…" when he flipped it around I was surprised as he was, "This is Crow's…"
"Family…." I finished, it showed him and the 3 kids smiling in one group. Once I saw that, I may have gotten an idea on what Crow and Shinji was planning.
"It must be difficult, to choose between trusted friends and those you care for…" BE commented looking at it. (I agree, but sometimes, in order to protect something, you may have to sacrifice something just as precious…No matter how difficult it is.) I replied to her softly.
A moment later, Shinji walked in suddenly, "Hey Yuya! Ryuga! We're counting on you guys tomorrow, too!" he said with a big smile.
"What? We're up for cleaning duty again tomorrow?"
"Give us break already…My arm's killing me…" I groaned.
"No, no. We want to see a duel just like yesterday's again, so we've been discussing it with Tokumatsu-san." Who conveniently showed up a that moment.
"Since we're going to do it in front of a large crowd, might as well make it more grand and exciting." he said eagerly, "I've already had a talk with the head. We'll have a Great Entertainment Duel Tournament in the canteen tomorrow!"
'Sounds like…" we looked outside, "It's my time to shine!"
Oh it's just Shingo….Me, BE and RE thought as he smirked with his arms folded.
"Why sonny. You look confident."
"Of course."
"Well, I'll be smashing that spirit of yours to bits tomorrow!"
As they exchanged words I saw Yuya run outside after noticing Crow, before I could follow him I heard my name called.
"Ah Ryuga!" Chojiro said suddenly, "From what I've heard you're quite the spectacular duelist yourself!"
"Really? Wow thanks." I blushed.
"Hmph! Don't flatter yourself. Your entertainment is child's play compared to the Neo New Sawatari!" Shingo boasted.
(At least he's better than you.) RE thought.
"We'll be starting to set up later this afternoon! How would you like to take part in the magnificent performance of duelling?"
Thinking about it, it was sometime since I had a good duel myself, but…something felt off.
"Urr sorry but, I'm not really good with crowds. I prefer to just sit back if that's okay?"
Shingo then chuckled, "Haha! I'm not surprised! You're just embarrassed to see me wipe the stage with you in front of so many others aren't you!?"
(Grrr, you're lucky Ryuga can't duel because he has way more important things to do…otherwise I will personally roast alive!)
"Now now, let's not be like that. We musn't force others if they don't want to." Chojiro said in my defence, "In that case Ryuga, feel free to sit back and enjoy the festivities! We'll be sure to put on an amazing duel for you!"
"Thanks I look forward to it!" I replied as I ran outside, "If I change my mind I'll see you."
"Excellent! See you then! Either way, be sure to ENJOY!"
As I walked out, Shinji then had a suspicious look in his eyes this time.
I ran outside to find Yuya and Crow engaged in a conversation, I ran up to them and found Crow had a serious expression, "Hey guys what's up?"
"Umm well…" Yuya found it hard to say a word so looked to Crow, who only turned his head away from me.
"Listen you two. Tomorrow just keep everyone's attention focused on you and the duel. After that, we're done."
"D..done?" At that point, he confirmed my suspicions and I also noticed Yuya was downcasted, "Not them too…." I thought.
"Yo, Crow, doing good?" A voice spoke and we looked in front to see a guy with large ears and purple hair, wearing a tattered sleeveless vest over a shirt.
"Damon!"
"I've been to your villa for a visit too."
"Nonsense!"
Damon then turned to me and Yuya and his eyes widened in surprise, "Why're you-!? Did you both get caught after all?"
"Huh?"
"I'm..sorry but have we met?" The way he suddenly talked about us seemed as if he knew who we were….Wait! Could he be talking about…
"You were putting up those weird flyers with that girl, right? An invasion by other dimensions or something like that?"
Yuya then gasped, "You can't mean…Yuzu!?" he thought to himself. I could tell from his face.
"Yuzu's…doing all that…"
"Hope she's okay…" I said to him.
"How's the girl? Was she caught?" Damon asked us, "Well Security does have their eye on you guys. See ya Crow, Let's meet again later."
"Yeah." Crow said as he walked away.
Before parting ways, Damon turned back to me with one last word, "Oh yeah you there."
"Uh? Me?" I pointed to myself.
"Yeah you. While you're here you should keep that hot head of yours in check, you won't get very far with that attitude in here." he said as he left.
"M..me? Hot headed? No way! That guy doesn't know me at all…Unless…maybe."
"Yuzu's being targeted. I've got to get out of here fast…"
"Yuya…" I knew he was worried, but, I could;t have my friend acting rashly on blind emotion so I had to say a little something to him, "I'm sure she'll be alright. No doubt that your synchro counterpart, Yugo, will look after her. I promise."
"Eh? How can you be so sure?" Yuya asked, as I then took out my card with Bahamut, "Let's juts say it's…a gut feeling. He's a strong duelist, I'm sure you're aware of his clear wing synchro dragon right?"
"Yeah…I suppose you're right Ryuga, but still…." as he began pondering his thoughts, he then realised something from Damon's words, "Wait a minute! He said BOTH of us being with Yuzu earlier! That means…You have a dimensional counterpart too!?"
"Ack!" I went as he suddenly came up to me.
"Did you know about this yourself? Tell me what you know please!" he begged to which I figured would have come sooner or later.
"Well…Yes and no Yuya."
"Wh..what do you mean?"
"Let's just say initially no, but, after a certain point I realised it. It was during the battle royales when Academia invaded, I actually met someone there from fusion who had a face exactly like mine."
"From Fusion!? Academia?"
"Yeah, his name was Nushi, and boy was he really strong. No, beyond that, he had a strength greater than any of the Duel soldiers that attacked during the Maiami Championship. His power was overwhelming, and he would have done me in if it wasn't for a lucky break."
"That's awful…But, why didn't you tell me or the other about this serious matter?!"
"I wanted to lots of times, but I never really found a good opportunity to say it. And even if I did, how would you guys take it?"
"S..sorry…I'm just worried that's all. But wait, if someone like that is around Yuzu…!"
"Yuya calm down! I promise she'll be safe. At least, that's what I feel my instincts are telling me….But regardless, Yugo is there with her, and I'm sure he'll keep her safe."
Yuya took a little while to regain his usual composure before taking in a breath, "Alright Ryuga, thanks..I don't know how I'd react without you."
"Don't mention it, we're friends after all. And I promise, we'll all get out together. Right let's just play along with Crow and Shinji's plan, and then I'm sure we'll get our chance." I told him, "In the meantime, I'll think of something and let you know. Until then, we'd better keep this a secret from the others, we wouldn't want to alarm them."
"Y..yeah…you're right."
(Meanwhile)
At an orphanage in the old streets of the commons area, 3 youths were about to move into a garage next to it.
"Here," Yugo said to Yuzu as he handed her a key, "This is Rin's room, you can stay here in the meantime."
"is that okay?" Yuzu asked politely.
Yugo then shrugged it off with a smile, "Probably. And pick out any clothes you like, you look about the same size anyway, plus you'll stink if you keep wearing the same clothes. Hahaha!"
Yamata shook his head disapprovingly as he saw Yuzu grunt and reach out for her fan, "That's gonna cost you dude…"
SMACK!
"How dare you say such things to a young lady!? You have no sense of tact! You're the worst!" she yelled furiously as she smacked him repeatedly.
"Urgh…I'm sorry…I'm sorry…" Yugo groaned as he was barely recovering.
"Sigh…no sensitivity for women as usual Yugo, you oughta be ashamed of yourself." Yamata chuckled.
"You're one to talk!" Yugo yelled, "You're no gentleman yourself! Remember a while back while you and I were racing on the tracks!"
(Flashback)
Both the turbo duelists were having a practice drive around the lanes of the streets where it was legal to ride and anyone could come in and watch or work on their rides. As they made a curve, they created a gust of wind which caused the long dress of a nearby Tops girl to fly up and Yamata grinned just looking at it.
(Present)
"Y..you saw that…" Yamata sweat dropped uneasily.
"And not only that, I even heard you whistle too."
"Hmph, well at least I don't outright show it in front women. At least she never knew." the red haired duelist said sticking his head up in the opposite direction.
"You're just as guilty!" Yuzu yelled as she smacked the second boy down.
SMACK!
"OW!" he yelled as his face cringed with pain.
(Sigh….honestly will my torment never end….Having to put up with so many nuisances at once…) Fafnir sighed as she disappeared somewhere else, having enough shenanigans for one day.
"Sensei, while we're at it lend us the baths too." Yugo requested as they all realised they weren't alone.
As Yamata looked up his face brightened, "Oh, hey little nerds! Harassing Sensei as usual?" he waved.
"Whoah…that girl is really strong to be able to knock out big bro Yama and Yugo…" one boy muttered behind the caretaker.
(Later)
While Yugo was tuning his runner, Yuzu came out in a new change of clothes. No idea how, but once again he mistook her for Rin before she threatened to knock him down again. After that, he explained to her how he had already entered their names into the Friendship Cup, not only as a way for them to get the news out to the public about Academia's invasion but also about honouring Rin's wish and their old dream.
They both then heard some talking and they looked outside the garage door to see Yamata playing a little duel with the children.
"Okay! I attack Troop dragon with Samurai Sword Baron!"
"Ooh noo! You got me! The wicked dragon has been slain!" Yamata cried as he did the most overdramatic backward fall ever, "Hehe, you guys are way better than last time!"
"Ah come on! You had a facedown! You just let us win I know it!" the boy pouted.
"Yeah! Play seriously!" another yelled frustrated.
"What's the matter? Think we can't take it? Rematch!" a girl cried impatient and offended.
"Hehe! Sure, but first! Let's see if you can tame the dragon!" he joked as he quickly got off and jogged away, making sure they could keep up.
"You're so done!" they cried as they scurried after him.
"He's really great with the children isn't he?"
"Haha, yeah, that's how he is." Yugo replied gladly, "Underneath his wild and untameable side he's a big softie with a heart of gold, looking out for those who really need it, making it his business to ease the pain of the needy. And not just them, I've seen him do this kind of thing for us and all people who are in need of a helping hand, even for tops too. In fact, despite what Tops do to us commons on a daily basis, ridiculing or looking down upon us, he never lets it get to him, but stands up for what is right in the end, for tops or commons, it doesn't matter. That's what makes me and Rin like him a lot…"
"Wow…Who would've known that." Yuzu said impressed, seeing how well he was bonding with the children before they were able to tackle him down and start tickling him (OK I yield! The dragon's been tamed! Hahaha).
"Reminds me of Ryuga quite a bit." she stated also missing her friends, "Say Yugo, how did you and Rin meet Yamata?"
"Huh?" he turned around as he was tweaking the engine, "Why would you want to know?"
"It's just that..I'm curious that's all."
"Heh, Rin and I knew Yamata back when we were kids. In fact, we actually grew up in the same orphanage for as long as I can remember."
(Yugo Flashback)
From what I remember, he was actually living with us ever since sensei started up this place, in fact, from what she says, he was one of the first she took in under her care, first and second being myself and Rin in fact. This orphanage was originally her house where she lived a simple quiet life after taking in me and Rin. One night when it was raining heavily she went out to throw away some garbage in the back when she overheard some loud crying near the dumpsters. She said she found Yamata abandoned in an old cardboard box where he was crying really loudly. Seeing the spirit he had in his weak body touched her heart and that inspired her to turn her house into a haven of hope for orphaned commons. I don't really know the whole story, but that's how she mentioned it.
Years later as toddlers
It was after dinner and everyone was told to settle down, but little Yamata snuck off from the rest of the group in the middle of the night and decided to watch TV when it was time to go to sleep. But he couldn't pull his eyes away from the screen, in fact, he was completely mesmerised by what he saw. It showed a man in white riding a wheel shaped duel runner engaged in an epic turbo duel, the final match of the biggest tournament of all in the City, The Friendship Cup! His name was Jack Atlas, seeing his sleek yet powerful movements in the match combined with such skilled plays and strength, it was a sight to behold!
"Hey Yamata," Yugo muttered as he came in rubbing his tired eyes, "What are you doing this late? If sensei catches you down here you'll be in for it."
"Yeah, yeah I know…" he pouted, "But just come take a look and see first. Trust me, you won't regret it!"
"Fine…" Yugo said as he sat down with his buddy, soon he was wide awake witnessing the duel between Jack and his opponent who was using a thought ruler archfiend. "Ooh…No way I'm missing this! That Jack Atlas is awesome!"
"Hehe, I told you that you would like it!" Yamata grinned as they continued watching the duel, a few seconds into it, they received a big smack on their heads.
WHACK!
"OW!" they both cried with tears as they turned around to see a young Rin with a grouchy face.
"Ack! R..Rin!?"
"Wh..what brings you down here so late haha…ha..."
"Hmph! I was about to ask you guys the same thing! When sensei hears from me what you guys were up to this late you'll be really sorry! Heh, I bet she'll even take away your milk and cookie privileges!"
"No! Please!" they begged and frantically apologised, "At least just see what we're watching then you'll understand!"
"Sigh…fine, but this changes nothing." she said as she sat down with the 2 boys, eventually she too fell under the spell of the TV, as the duel's finale came to a close as Jack was prepared to unleash his absolute best!
"Prepare yourself for defeat! I tune level 2 red resonator with level 6 red wyvern!" Jack called out as his fiery fiend clapped its tuning fork and stick before exploding into 2 rings, "The heaven and earth shall tremble before the king's might. Let the power of the one and only supreme ruler be carved into your soul! I Synchro Summon! The savage soul, Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend!" The mighty dragon emerged and gave off an aura of incredible power, "Kneel before the king! Go Archfiend! Crimson Hell Burning!" With that, his opponent was sent flying off his runner and was utterly defeated in a single turn.
The 3 children who watched were amazed, for the first time, they never felt so alive and inspired to see a duel, especially with what the King said after that, how he had worked his way into the big leagues ever since he was a common himself, and his final words to any future duelists, "When you have the chance or see an opportunity, or even have a dream to strive for, do not hesitate!"
"Whoah…That was incredible. That Jack Atlas guy really is something!" Yugo cheered.
"Yeah! He's the best!" Rin followed as she and Yugo high fived.
"I'm definitely going to dream big and shoot for the stars! In fact…I think I know what I want to strive for in life." Yamata thought to himself seeing the duel.
"What's going on in here?" A serious voice spoke as the 3 kids turned around and had their hearts skip beats seeing their caretaker staring at them with a mad face while holding a small clock, "It's nearly 10pm, you 3 should be asleep and here I find you all watching TV. Care to explain?"
"Errr…." they went, wondering who was to take the fall. Sure Yamata started it but they felt it wouldn't be right for him to take all the blame…
"They did it!" Rin said pointing at the boys.
"Huh!?" they gasped.
"They watched TV and pulled me in to join them! I had nothing to do with it!"
"EEEEEHHHH!?" Yugo and Yamata cried.
Haha, sure it was rough for us that time, but thanks to Yamata, it managed to open a new door to us, for duelling, which was also one that taught us to strive and aim for greatness! If Jack, a common, could work his way up from the slums then surely we could too! In fact, when he won the first ever Friendship Cup, it gave many commons a symbol of hope to strive for, and so seeing this, our sensei decided to bring in whatever cards she could get her hands on or afford, and so we practiced duelling with each other for as long as we could remember and even dreamt of entering the tournament ourselves!
I saw how Yama played, and he seemed to be really in tune with monster cards, no matter what she got us, thought he seemed to be most in touch with dragon monsters...
Pre-teen years
"Hey guys check this out! This will be the duel runner we'll use to enter the Friendship Cup and duel Jack!" said Yugo excitedly as he laid out a drawing he did all by himself before Rin and Yamata who had also grown.
Rin merely sighed while Yamata chuckled, "Wh..what's so funny?"
"Are you trying to design a duel runner or doomsday weapon Yugo? Hehe, I bet even a baby could draw better than you."
"Grr take that back you jerk!" Yugo growled as he proceeded to beat up Yamata, only for Rin to discipline the both of them, pinching ears and cheeks.
"Yugo, you do realise you're reading that book upside down right?" Rin said as Yugo was trying so hard to understand it and only realised it.
"Eh?" he then flipped it over, "Oh, I almost thought this was some kind of new language."
"Sigh, you're hopeless. At this rate, by the time we've built a runner we'll be too old to even climb a stair let alone hop on board…" Yamata commented as he read a catalogue for runner designs.
"Watch it you…"
"Shhsh, we're in a library for goodness sake!"
The days went by where we spent our time studying components and working odd jobs just to earn and save money, no matter how bad the pay was. But then one day….
Yamata had begun acting secretive after a few weeks of us scavenging and parts hunting, so after we confronted him one evening….
"You're leaving Yamata!?" Yugo and Rin couldn't believe what they heard from their close friend after he told them out of the blue one day that he planned on leaving home the following morning.
"I..I'm sorry you guys." Yamata replied uneasily that his secret had been found out, "I was actually planning to do this for sometime now, I hoped to tell you guys sooner but not like this…."
"Why…We were supposed to do this together and enter the Friendship Cup as a team. You can't just bail on us like this!"
"Yugo!" Rin snapped at his outburst as he tried to reach out and grab Yamata who managed to hold him back. "Hear him out first! He wouldn't do something as self-centred as that!"
"It's not like that!" Yamata yelled back before feeling some deep remorse in himself, but he already made up his mind, "I would never do something like that ever! You guys will always be my irreplaceable friends! It's just…I just feel I need to make my own path right now, my own choice. Right now, I feel that it's time to leave the nest and head out into the world.
"Yamata…" Rin spoke softly, she could tell he was sincere in his decision and that it wouldn't be right to stop him, but that didn't mean Yugo approved.
"Grrr, if you don't want to help us anymore and just admit it! Go on then! Don't come back!" Yugo then ran out of the room angrily without a backward glance.
"Yugo wait! Urgh! Idiot…." she sighed before turning back to the other boy, "Yamata, are you sure you thought this through?"
"I have…In fact, ever since that day when we saw Jack's duel on the TV, I dreamt of one day being able to make this society into a proper utopia for both tops and commons. But now, I feel that, if I keep staying here tied down to the nest, I may miss out on a great chance to do so, and I may never get to experience the outside world. I want to see the outside while I still have the chance and experience it fully with all my emotion put into every encounter. I'm aware of the risks, but, I'm more than willing to take them."
Rin then looked down, she was sad to part ways with the boy who helped inspire their dream but, he wanted to make his own choice now, so it wouldn't be right to deny him, "It's a very cold world out there, but if you really insist, there's no stopping you. In fact, that's what we like most about you, once you set your mind on something you do everything you can to see it through. Don't worry about Yugo, I'll be sure to get him to understand, so no worries about us.
"Rin…" Yamata was so choked in tears he could no longer hold himself back, 'Th..thanks…I'll miss you guys very much…"
"We will too." she replied downcatsed before putting on a more positive face, "Well then, Go get em!"
"Thanks Rin, I promise to come back one day, so please, tell Yugo I forgive him. Best to the both of you as well, until we meet again."
The next day, we said our goodbyes and sent him off, I still held a grudge so I didn't join them. By the time I realised how awful I was, he was long gone….
(Present)
"He was really determined to go pursue his own path on his own. I had to admit, I was still feeling bitter after he decided to leave us all behind, but thanks to Rin, I was able to understand his point of view and so decided to let him go."
"Wow Yugo, I didn't know that…"
"Hehe yeah, but like he said, he really idolised Jack Atlas and dreamt big of 'spreading his wings' and taking to new heights! It was his life and choice, may have been selfish but if we stopped him, we'd be no better. True Yamata never stays in one place for too long, but he always comes back and visit every now and then to checkup on things with us, and even gave me and Rin help when building this runner here to compete in the Friendship Cup. In fact, the first time he came back, you should have seen it! It was a sight beyond anything me and Rin witnessed before."
"Really? What happened?" Yuzu asked intrigued.
Fafnir had just returned and had overheard their entire conversation. She then noticed Yamata having fun as usual with the orphans and how he treated them as if they were his own family, like Yugo and Rin.
"Ah youth, always so full of energy and dreams for the future. I still think it's wasted on the young…and yet, despite your obnoxious personality, you still carry that very same desire to help those in need and belief in a shining hope for a bright future of this dimension, back from when we first met." Seeing that she then smiled to herself and drifted back into a good memory, where she first met the young dragon master.
(Fafnir Flashback)
It was many months ago, before Rin's kidnap by Yuri. At the time everything went smoothly for everyone in the City as usual, but in one street in the slums area, there was a group of 3 thugs who had beaten down a single lone boy with red and blue hair, who wore a faded red casual shirt and 3/4 pants. The boss thug was a tall guy with a criminal mark on his head, with blue hair. While he had a pair of cronies, one short plump guy with sun glasses and brown hair, while the other was skinnier and kept snickering with a large grin on his face.
"Hahaha what a wimp! All talk and no action!"
"You said it boss!"
"Hee hee hee!"
"Y..you…You won't get away with this!" he growled weakly but was still too weak to do a thing as they took his deck from his disk, which they pried off his arm.
"Hmph! How lame! To think you actually had decent cards!" The leader mocked before tossing it aside and the cards scattering about, "Not even one synchro monster too! You're as valuable as trash!"
"N..no.." the boy gasped as he looked on helplessly as they also took a plank of wood nearby and smashed his duel disk! "You…Urg.." he then passed out and then they simply left him for dead. Yamata then fell unconscious after succumbing to his sheer exhaustion, but what hurt him more than his physical injuries, was the harsh reality of the world. Dark thoughts soon began to cloud his mind as if he was awaken from a dream of illusion.
"What was I thinking? That I had what it took to change this rotten City….That someone like me could make a difference. I turned my back on my friends for what? Guess dreams really are for rookies…" he sighed with tears running down his eyes.
"Is that as far as you'll go for your ideals? Giving up after one small fall? I expected a lot more from you…" a voice suddenly spoke.
"Eh?" he thought as he looked up, soon a blue light enveloped him and he found himself in a vast green and blue space, similar to the one when Bahamut brought Ryuga when he faced a similar situation.
"Heh, either I've passed on to the afterlife or I've gone nuts and have started seeing and hearing things…Either way…It's over for me."
"This is no illusion Yamata, I can assure you. It is more real than you can ever imagine." Hearing the voice a second time snapped him out of his faze, it sound so clear and internal, no way he was hearing it. There was someone else with him, and she knew his name!
"Wh..who's there!? How do you know my name?!" he gasped looking around.
"I've known you for quite some time boy. From the very moment you decided to leave behind everyone and everything else in order to pursue your own hopes, no common or human in this world I have ever met has shown the courage and determination to make such a choice."
"Hmph! So you know about it too… I thought I could make a difference to this rotten society, now thanks to today, I guess its all crystal clear to me, I was naive and deluded. I turned my back on the very family that helped care for me, and now…guess I'm getting what I deserve…hehe, ironic isn't it?" he chuckled to himself.
"Tell me child, simply out of curiosity, why is it you decided to leave everything you knew behind in the beginning? What could have motivated you to make such a…hardy yet rash decision?"
Yamata didn't bother trying to object to telling a stranger what he felt, so went along with it, hoping to get it over with so the torment from his choice could end, "I don't now really…Come to think of it, maybe after watching a certain duelist of mine work his way from the bottom all the way to the top of society, kinda made me want to do the same. I kinda wanted to make a difference for all of us living here, but with the way me and my friends were doing it, I just felt it would be too long as if I may miss out any opportunity in the outside world. Seeing how we have to scrape a living everyday while the tops keep looking down on and ridiculing us…While Jack did nothing himself to help bring equality, kinda made me want to be the bridge between both sides of society and help make life better for us all. Now I see…it's pretty much impossible now."
The voice remained silent for a little before going on, "Tell me, is it because of one defeat you're willing to throw away everything you've worked for until now? Is it truly what you want and is it worth it?"
"You don't anything about how I feel now!" Yamata yelled wishing for it to stop already, but the voice continued.
"How would your friends feel? Would they want you to give up?"
"I doubt they'd care…especially for a certain someone back home…Bet he would say I would deserve it. Besides, I'm alone now, no one would bother to help a nobody like me….not ever..."
"Is that truly what you believe? "If your ideals were that truly worthless then maybe you would have just abandon them long ago before you left. But the fact remains you chose to set out and forge your own destiny, and the ideal to create a new hope for the fallen. So that meant they had value didn't they? And so do these…"
Soon before his eyes, he gasped to see his deck which was scattered earlier had materialised before him from thin air, the cards he worked so hard to scavenge from various trash heaps or even thrown away by people who thought of them as useless. "M..my deck!"
"You are far from alone, your deck is willing to stand by and support you as long as you have the determination. Your friends back home, even now they pray for your success." the voice replied encouragingly.
Yamata was indeed lifted, but still felt a bit suspicious as if there was a motive behind this, "…..Why would you do this for me? I'm just a simple common like any other."
"Unlike many in this world, you not only treated your cards with love and respect, you were also able to see even the slightest value in any card and person no matter how much they were deemed worthless by others. You never conformed to its ways, but decided to fight against and reform it. Your initial actions to pursue your goals may have been selfish and reckless, but your intentions were honest and pure. As well as your dream to make a better future for all alike, and the determination to do so as well. But dreams alone can only get you so far, you also need the wisdom and knowledge to guide those people as well. I can provide that very thing you lack if of course, you are willing to accept."
"I…"
"There are So tell me, do you still have the strength to stand, to try again. Do you truly wish to carry on with regret in this world, or step out and make a miracle for all?"
Yamata made his mind up to the voice, wholeheartedly "I've decided! I'll do it! For my friends and for the future of all commons and people in this City! I will live on and fight for their sakes!"
The voice speaking to him received her answer and was deeply satisfied by it, and so began to make her contract, "Spirit of the flowing wind, unbound from the accursed prison of the world's order, fly free with the wings of determination, and become instilled with the wisdom and knowledge of the dragon master and may this world see the light of a new beginning!" Soon Yamata and his cards were infused with the light, as a massive blue wyvern appeared before him (he had no fear or hesitation, but accepted it completely) and soon they both were infused with new power and determination.
Some time from then, the same 3 thugs had cornered me and Rin while we were in the garage, the kids had ran inside to hide so they were safe. The thugs however, planned to take from us what we worked so hard to put together for quite some time.
"Well well, what do we have here boss?"
"A custom made runner? A great score if I do say so myself!"
"Heee heee!"
I was having none of it, but was too backed into a corner to be able to go for my duel disk and deck which was on the other side of the room! "Hey! That isn't yours! Hands off!"
"Oh? And just how do you plan on stopping me?" the boss mocked as he and his goons chuckled, "This beauty here is way too good for the likes of you. Don't worry, I'll be sure to take good care of it! Maybe even change the colour a little or even tune it up even better!"
"Yugo…" Rin said as he still grit his teeth in frustration.
"Nobody's changing a thing on that runner. In fact, it's going nowhere." A voice spoke and we all looked outside and saw a figure walking towards.
They were all surprised, but none more so than me and Rin.
"Y..Yamata!? Is that you!?"
"You came back…."
He then gained a confident smirk hearing that comment, "Come on you guys, you didn't really think I would ever abandon you guys right? You're my friends and the best I've ever had! You wound me thinking badly of me…"
"Yamata…" despite all I said to him that day, he actually came backnot only to help, but also to forgive me.
"Besides, I'm also here to settle an old score with these punks for what they did a while back." he said as he turned to them with a serious gesture, to which they laughed at.
"Aww isn't that just precious, you came to save your little pals." the boss thug taunted as Yamata narrowed his eyes.
"I'm warning you 3, mess with my friends and you will regret it."
"Ooh tough guy! Let him have it boss!"
"Hee hee!"
"Hehe, with pleasure! It'll be fun to give you another good thrashing! After I'm done with you, maybe your pals would be smart enough to hand over their runner to me!"
"Don't do it Yamata!" I tried to rush out, only to be stopped by the 2 goons.
"Uh uh! We can't just let you run off like that to help out your pal now can we!"
"Grrr…"
"Yamata get out now!" Rin cried, to which he stood his ground.
"I'm not leaving, I'll never abandon my friends. Anyone who dares to hurt them…Just try and see." They soon realised something was different about Yamata this time, he was cool and confident, like the wind, he was now flowing and calm, but was more than ready to show it's true power very soon.
The 3 thugs then started to sweat, feeling a change in the air, one that was stirring into a whirlwind of rage!
"I warned you punks, mess with my friends, now get ready to be blown away!" What Yamata planned on bringing out was going to be on every one's minds for many years to come, a sight no mere man could ever forget.
"Guided by the winds and the wisdom of the ancients, spread your wondrous wings and soar through the skies! Guiding the world into the bright future! I synchro summon! The wings of the dragon master! Level 8! Fafnir! Soaring Wyvern of the gales!"
From the gust of wind, the magnificent wyvern emerged and they all were petrified by her radiance and power. " way…How on earth did you get such a card!?"
"You brought me out just to defeat a few unworthy adversaries? You said this was important." Fafnir said disappointed, thinking Yamata may have been misusing her and that she may have thought wrongly about him.
"Relax, just look at the other side, you'l see what I mean."
As she looked to the garage, she realised, "Friends?….Very well then." she replied as soon with a gust of wind she wiped all 3 thugs out!
'Aaargh!" they cried as they were blown off their feet several feet away. As they got back up they then ran off scared for life!
"And don't ever show your ugly mugs here ever again!" Yamata yelled as a warning before Fafnir disappeared.
(Present)
"I'll never forget the day I saw Yamata come home, not to mention with an awesome monster, and to think we would actually reconcile after the bitter parting. A lot of things went on after that day, but we'll leave it at that for another time. Anyways the 3 of us pledged together one day how we would all take part in the Friendship Cup as a team and how we would reshape the City into a place where all people can coexist equally after we win…" Yugo then went quiet remembering a bad memory, "But then…."
"Y..Yugo?" Yuzu asked seeing his sudden mood change.
"Then came the day…. when Rin was taken by that swine who looked like me." he said gritting his teeth, "One night she left to pick up some groceries for the house, but she didn't come back after a while. At first she didn't respond to my calls and it was getting dark and late, I didn't know what else to do, so I called Yamata to help me look for her."
(Yugo Flashback)
"Yamata! Can you hear!? It's me!"
"Y…Yugo!? What gives!? You sound like you've seen a ghost…Anything wrong?"
"It's Rin! She's gone missing!"
"Say what!? Rin!? Missing!? What happened!? Tell me!"
"I..I don't know!" I was in a panic at the time so I kept continuously gasped for air, "She hasn't come back to the garage for a while now and it's almost midnight! I think she might be in trouble! Please man, you've gotta help me find her."
"Wait now? A..are you sure? I mean…Maybe she's just running late. Besides, I'm in the middle of something now so-"
"I know something's up! I just know it! Please Yama, I don't know what you're doing now but this is WAY more important! I'm begging you…" I pleaded.
"Urr…But I...Argh! Alright! Sit tight, I'm on my way! Just don't do anything stupid or reckless until I get there!"
"Me? Stupid and reckless!? I should be the one telling you that!" I yelled back as the connection just cut off. Eventually I found her and I when I saw who abducted her I was at a loss for words, seeing how that guy had my face and all, I was still recovering from the initial shock that I could do nothing to save her….
Yamata then showed up a few minutes on his new dragon duel runner after that, and when I told him the whole story…
"Come again!? A guy with your face? You sure you didn't hit your head or something?"
"I'm telling you man it's the truth! If you were here then…" I was in tears at that point, but then Clear wing started to glow, as if it was trying to tell us something. I don't know how, but Yamata somehow knew what Clear Wing wanted and he said-
"Yugo, I think clear wing's gonna take us to who may have taken Rin."
"Huh!? Really!? How can you be so sure?"
"It's…a feeling I'm getting, somehow, it's connected to my Fafnir…I think we should trust it."
"Ok, I'll trust you buddy." After I picked up clear wing a bright light then shone, and I'm sure you know what happened later.
"The xyz dimension?" Yuzu asked
Yeah, when we both arrived we were stunned by the completely ruined landscape, it looked way worse then the slums we lived in every day. But we had no time to think about it, so we then decided to split up and look for Rin, I kinda lost contact with Yamata after some point so I figured I was on my own from then on. I'm pretty sure you know all the rest by now...
(Present)
"I'm sorry Yugo.." Yuzu said sadly.
"it's alright." Yugo assured her, trying not to let her feel down, "At least I still have one old friend around to help me support my burdens, in fact seeing his spirit and always upbeat attitude and hopes is what inspires me to keep going. To continue fighting and to honour Rin."
"That's great to hear." Yuzu replied feeling inspired herself, "Well then, guess it's time we win the tournament together then!"
"Heh, reminds me of the time we pledged together here in this very garage." Yamata said as he was finally able to shake the kids off his tail, "Glad to have you with us Yuzu, and once this is over, we promise to help you get back home with your friends and family!" Yugo then nodded and grinned with a thumbs up.
"Th..thank you both!" Yuzu cried.
The entire conversation had not gone unnoticed by synchro's guardian herself who looked upon them, "Hmmm, I still think that this tournament will be nothing more than a waste of time compared to other urgent matters." She then looked on seeing their determination and hope in their dreams, and knew herself that she couldn't deny them, "I suppose I have no other choice now, it would be most wrong to deny them the possible future they can forge for this City with their own hands. I suppose for now I shall support them with my full power and may they all be successful in what may come." she said to herself.
(1 day later)
Everyone was working hard and putting their backs into setting up the big stage for the great entertainment duel. While I worked with Dennis and Gonegenzaka unloading the lanterns, I then noticed Yuya was still a little distracted and then walking off.
"Yuya doesn't seem to be himself for some reason, I worry…"
I then put down my box and stood up, "I'm going to got all with him, would you guys mind?"
"No problem Ryuga, I'm sure Yuya needs you more than we do now." Dennis said with Gongenzaka nodding as they continued my share of work for me. When I climbed up and saw Yuya being pushed back by Crow and being left more depressed, I hardened my expression seeing Crow's inconsiderate manner, no one deserved to have their trust and bond broken like that. Especially not my friend Yuya who had already gone through more than enough emotional pain.
'Yuya, I'm going to have a talk with Crow and the others. For now leave rescuing the others to me and try to concentrate on the duel okay?"
"I'll try." he replied, "Oh and Ryuga?"
"Yes?"
"Be careful okay?"
"I promise." I replied with a smile before heading off to the back where Crow and Shinji were. When they noticed me, they tried to cover up their plan with smiling as I came in.
"Hey Ryuga! What's up?" Crow cheered trying to sound NOT suspicious….
I could already see what they were doing, picking a secluded spot and choosing the best possible air vent they could in order to climb out, "I saw you and Yuya having a moment earlier. You mind telling ME what's up?" I said with a raised eyebrow.
He then sighed then grunted, "Fine! You caught us. But you better not tell on us or I'll…" he then held himself back, having the guilt rush to him.
"Crow…I know you don't want us to get involved, thinking we'd either mess up your plan or that we'd be selfish enough to leave the others behind. But, pushing Yuya away like that isn't the way to go."
"I know…but, we really can't stay here. Frank, Tanner and Amanda are counting on me to comeback and look after them. And besides, I'm indebted to Shinji here for a lot of things. So please understand why we're doing this and why you can't come along."
"I do and I respect it fully."
"Thanks Ryuga." Shinji thanked, "I knew you were a good guy the moment I saw you." he commented as he came up to me.
"Still, there is something I need from you guys."
"What's that?" they asked suspiciously.
"Do you guys by any chance know how to get to the other tower?"
"Eh!? Why do ask?"
"Like you, Yuya and I have friends we don't want to leave behind. And who knows what would happen to them if they stayed there. So please, if you know anything…"
They looked at each other for a little before sighing, "Ok fine, listen carefully, Shinji's friends here on the inside gave us some info on the Facility's ventilation ducts, but we also found plans on how to get to the other side as well."
"Y..you do!?" I leaned in a little closer so we wouldn't be overheard.
"Yeah, there's a door on the far side of the room just behind the big stage set up there. Once you go through, you should be able to find a stairway leading out and then you should be able to take then entrance to the other tower. It's a pretty straightforward path so you can't miss it."
"Really!? Thanks you guys!" I said with a smile, seeing they were good people after all.
"Don't mention it, but please no hard feelings for what happened okay? It wasn't easy, but I figured this was the only way to keep you guys safe. Also, we didn't want to take any chances. But if you all do manage to breakout, you can follow right after us! And maybe, we can celebrate with a little victory feast back at my place!"
"Sounds like a plan. Well then, see you on the other side tonight."
(Night)
It was finally time. The entire stage in the centre of the tower had been set up to model a high stage plateau and Yuya, Shingo and Chojiro were making their way on stage. The audience was beginning to overflow with inmates and guards, and for the first time, they were all properly co existing with one another as true equals.
"Hehe, this looks like it's going to become a wild party tonight!" RE cheered, "Wish we could take part and amaze the crowd!"
"I feel the same, however, we cannot do that. We have more urgent and important matters to take care of ourselves." Bahamut replied, "Sigh, I know, just wish we could all get our way and everyone wins." RE sighed as BE returned and began updating Bahamut with what she found while exploring the second tower. After they came back to me, I knew it was the time to move.
I saw Yuya was still feeling depressed about what happened between him and Crow earlier, when Crow shoved him away for wanting to go too. I then assured him to concentrate on the duel, while I myself will go and rescue both Selena and Shun, and to trust in me. While he was encouraged a little, he was still distracted from Crow's act of using him, I understood both sides of the situation, Crow needed to be back home with his family and care for the kids, while using Yuya as a cover while they escaped. I could see that Crow didn't want to risk Yuya getting involved with their plan or ending up leaving the others behind selfishly, but his way of cutting his ties was leaving some noticeable effects on my friend.
As sad as it was to use it as a distraction to break out, I had no other choice for I carried the baton, as I made my way to the passage that I heard from Crow and the others a while ago.
"Well here we are guys." I said as I found the door in a shadowed hall near the backstage.
"Have no worries Ryuga," Blue eyes said kindly, "Bahamut and I have studied these hallways over the past few days. We'll be sure to guide you to Shun and Selena, as well as warn you of any incoming danger."
That was all I needed to hear, "Okay then, let's…"
"Ryuga!" I heard a voice call which made me stumble as I took my step!
"Ack!" I turned and my eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected sight. "G..Gongenzaka! Dennis!?"
"This isn't good…." Red eyes sighed as my 2 buddies came to me.
"Wh..what are you guys doing here?" I asked nervously.
"I was going to ask you the same thing!" Gong yelled madly.
"I..I was just…"
"Haha, no need to hide it. We heard it all from Crow and the others, so just come clean okay?" Dennis chuckled seeing my obvious lying face.
I then lowered my head, "Sigh..Fine you caught me…I know it's low using this whole thing as a cover but…" At that point Gongenzaka grabbed me!
"What were you thinking!? Trying to tackle this burden all alone! We all want to get out of here together, so as lancers we are a team and so should stick together!"
"Besides, it isn't fair for you to hog the spotlight all for yourself now is it?"
"Quiet Dennis! This is not one of your street performances where you can make it up as you go!" Gongenzaka growled at the happy go lucky boy before turning back to me. "Don't you think if we all work together we'll be able to save Selena and Kurosaki more easily?"
"Sorry you guys," I said sadly, "It's just that…After what happened back at the Dark Arena, I just didn't want you guys to be involved with another huge mess. In fact, I saw you guys get taken away and I was helpless to do anything, and I…don't want that to happen again."
"Ryuga…" he then let me go before putting his hand on my shoulder, "I promise you shall not feel such a sting again! This time! The manly Gongenzaka shall do his very best and will be having your back the entire way!"
"And don't forget! I Dennis Macfield shall too lend a loyal helping hand to my precious pals! Besides, I can't let you hog the part of the brave hero all to yourself now can I?" he winked.
(Hmmm, he seems almost too positive…Why am I getting such a weird vibe from this guy, also, it seems somewhat familiar…) Red eyes thought before shrugging it off as his imagination.
I then was speechless seeing how they were willing to do this so I nodded. 'Thanks you guys. Alright let's do this!" We then put our hands together and then I explained where our friends were kept and so we each decided to split up and pick someone to go after. When they asked how I knew all this, I simply replied I overheard some of the guards and inmates, in actual fact being a certain few friends of mine who had been staking out for a few days….haha…
Anyways, the 3 of us then prepared ourselves before the door, "You all ready?" I asked as a final reminder, to not only my human friends but also my spirit ones.
"You can count on the manly Gongenzaka! He shall do his part!"
"Me too! I shall play the role of knight in shining armour saving the princess perfectly!"
My dragons simply gave assuring nods.
I then smiled and turned around, "Glad we all have each others' backs. Well guys, here we go." I said to Gongenzaka and Dennis who followed me in, "Don't worry Shun, Selena. We'll save you, and we're all getting out together!" I vowed.
There's chapter 48, next one is the breakout. For Ryuga's duel, I'll be using a 5ds character who would fit the situation, in my opinion at least, so as always, look forward to your future reviews. As a little trivia, the 3 thugs who attacked Yamata in his early days, as well as trying to steal Yugo and Rin's runner here are supposed to be the same 3 guys who harassed Yusei's friends in Yugioh 5ds episode 2, so I used this chapter to help pay tribute to it and as backstory.
Yamata in his early days was like many other young commons, a bright kid with big dreams with inspired hopes that originated from the City's champion Jack Atlas. Life on his own in the streets made him open his eyes to reality and how hard the road to achieving a dream can be. But ever since meeting and being saved Fafnir, (his first ever synchro monster) he now always looks to the positive side of things and is always willing to bet on that small chance of hope no matter how impossible it may seem to others, believing there will always be a silver lining to every dark situation. In fact, his snarky attitude and laid-back mindset stems from positive outlook on life, though he still retains his close attachment with those he considers his friends, as well as his ideals.
Unbeknowst to him, Fafnir initially planned to use Yamata simply as an instrument of her will, to bring unity to the synchro dimension as she saw how fallen and corrupted it was after some time, forcing her to find a human partner to work through since she was unable to act directly, despite her sheer dislike for humans, though she did sense something special from him when first seeing his determination and idealism which upheld his beliefs. She personally takes a by the book approach to matters, which is why she didn't really have any intentions to make any relationship with Yamata at first, thinking it would only get in the way of her principles. It was only after seeing the ruined xyz dimension, did she realise the existence of the dimensional war, how much more she needed Yamata more than ever, developing a bit more concern for him not only because she needed his help but also out of care as well.
