Disclaimer: I do not own the properties of the Yu-Gi-Oh franchise or the work of the cards; I only own the OCs that could or may be involved in this series. I own nothing of the real OCG cards, just the formal OC character.


Arc League Championship — Chapter 44: The Coming Storm


The results of the second round of Arc League Championship is about to start. Everyone was huddling around the TV, waiting to hear the news for the contenders who have made it through.

Yasuko sits in the middle chair to face the tv with her right arm supporting her chin. The Youth members sit on Yasuko's left side while the Junior Youth members are sitting at her right. Behind her is Shuzo standing to see the results.

"Hello! And now for duel news!" The female anchorwoman announced on the screen. "Today, we've seen it all! The back and forth comebacks! The awesome fight between two rivals! After days of intense competition, the Junior Youth Division has concluded its second round! The most spectacular duelists who have made it to the third round of the tournament! Today, we're going to be showing all of you, duelist fans, the top 16 contenders for the tournament!"

Besides Yasuko, almost everyone in the room was excited to see the top sixteen contenders' results from the Junior Division. Even Shuzo was getting enthusiastic, hoping that his daughter will make the cut.

"Here we go!" Shuzo beamed.

The first slideshow pops up to show Zuzu Hiiragi. "First off, Zuzu Hiiragi of You-Show Duel School." The picture of Zuzu posing a peace sign appears on the screen.

"There she is!" Shuzo cheered. "So cute! My daughter is the best! I'm firing up! My blood is boiling!

Shuzo was so loud that Yasuko grimaced from his shouting in her eardrums. "Geez, can someone shut him up?" she murmured under her breath.

SLAP!

Zuzu smacks her father in the head with her paper fan out of embarrassment.

"Next up, also another duelist from You-Show Duel School who uses his Entertainment Dueling. He made himself a name after his Pendulum Summon. Yuya Sakaki." The boy was practically blushing over his cheek to hear his name being called in front of everyone. "So far, we've seen him defeat Sylvio Sawatari from the Leo Institute in the first round and Ryozanpaku School's Iggy Kachidoki from the second round."

Yuya turns hard after hearing how his second match was mentioned on tv. He is profoundly thinking back of how his duel brought fear among the crowd and even a frightening expression of Yasuko. He isn't going to make the same mistake again. "I will never duel like I did with Iggy Kachidoki," he mentally vowed in his head. "Like what I did with Sawatari, I'm going to duel in a way that will make the crowd smile."

Yuya glances over to Yasuko, who was eating a bag of mochi rice cakes. "I won't scare Yasuko in this tournament. I am going to use my Dueling to make her smile."

Yasuko notices how Yuya is glancing in her direction and averts to the other direction, avoiding his gaze. The anchorwoman continues with the list of the top contenders. "And also, from the You-Show Duel School, the aspiring star duelist who has taken Pendulum Summon to a whole new level. The one who surprises us all with her own Pendulum Summon. Yasuko Yukihana."

Yasuko should remind herself to avoid some of the paparazzi once the tournament is over. They really got a good picture of her with both hands at her black jacket vest pockets while she was looking halfway like she was a runway model.

"This girl has risen to the top with all of her four summoning methods: Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, and Pendulum. After defeating Mikisugi Dakoda in the first round, she narrowly escapes defeat and advances to the third round after overcoming her opponent in the second round, the previous Tokyo Regional Frontier Games champion, Melania Herman."

The You-Show and Shuzo are all giving a round of applause for Yasuko. To the girl, it wasn't a big deal. She happens to get even with Melania after her defeat from the Tokyo Regional Frontiers.

A hand was offered in front of her eyes. Yasuko looks up and saw Zuzu standing to make an offer. "Looks like we are rivals now, Yasuko," she said, giving a smile. "Just wanna say congrats, but as representatives of You-Show, let's reach to the top with our best Entertainment Duel."

Yasuko stands back up to get herself leveled with Zuzu. "I don't...think Entertainment Duel is my thing," she replied. "But if you insisted…then don't hold out on me because I'm not losing to anyone, not even to you."

Zuzu snorts in amusement. "You better have high hopes we'll duel right and with all-out might," she responded.

"Yeah, why not?" Yasuko isn't going to be backing away from the tournament anytime soon. She has seen how much Zuzu has grown since she dueled Julia. The right approach would be to confront her in a future duel.

Yasuko lets her handshake with Zuzu's, but the girl lays the second palm of her hand on hers. "Let's us all duel to the end of this tournament."

Yasuko shrugs. While the two girls are having a moment, Shuzo had to ruin it with a yell of his lungs. "This is what being young is all about! Such friendship and rivalries!" he shouted. "Being young and strong! Aim for the top!"

Shuzo was yelling so much that Frederick had to plug his ears because he was closest to Shuzo. "You're so loud, principal," he said.

"They are still announcing the competitors of the match," said Allie, deadpanned over Shuzo's hot energy bursting out like firecrackers.

"Following the three members of the international team, Knights of Duel, it's Kirigakure Cuisine Cooking School, Micho Pepper!" The anchorwoman announces more competitors who have advanced to the third round of the tournament. Ironically, Yuya's mother, Yoko, appears out of nowhere, making a girl squealing scream.

"Next up on the list is Trout Tairyobata, and he's a fishing duelist," said the anchorwoman. "And right after that is Gongenzaka Strong of Maiami City's Strong Dojo. By honing in his Steadfast Dueling, he'll be one of the favorites to win it all."

The last person is the one that Yasuko would be going after in the third round: Shun Obsidian.

"Shun Obsidian has been one of the most exciting duelists in the tournament," said the anchorwoman. "I still remember watching his astonishing duel in the first round when he defeated You-Show Duel School, Sora Perse. Then, winning it up in the second round by a landslide. What kind of dueling will he show us next in the third round?"

Yasuko expects Shun to smoothly advance through the second round because he is an Xyz Summon specialist and is from the Xyz Dimension specialist. She wasn't still convinced of Shun being from an alternate dimension, but she keeps it her preferred answer.

"What kind? Anyone can see that he goes too far," Tate retorted, disliking the picture of Shun Obsidian on tv.

"It's probably his fault that Sora had disappeared," said Allie.

"It's so frustrating that he's giving me shivers," Frederick retorted, clearly how angry he is.

Yasuko didn't care about Sora. Not since he vanished in front of her eyes. She hopes that it will be the last time that she will see that little psychopath. She doesn't want to tell everyone else because they think Sora is their friend when they know that he is a psychopath.

"Don't worry," Shuzo assured the students who are worried about Sora's well-being except for Yasuko. "Sora will definitely come back." He clenches his fist in front of him. "Definitely! When Sora comes back, we'll welcome him with open arms!" Yasuko hopes that Sora doesn't come back.

"Right, dad," said Zuzu.

"Sounds like a plan," Yuya agreed.

"He'll be so pleased to know that you three have advanced," said Shuzo, also referring to Yasuko. "You're dueling inspires us all! If you try hard to win the championship, Sora will notice! He'll come back because he realized that he too will need to try harder!" Yasuko hopes that Shuzo isn't looking at her because he may be staring down to see the school's best duelist.

"Yasuko, you best be sure of yourself to win for us!" Shuzo insisted.

"Sure,…" said Yasuko, drawling her voice. None of the You-Show knows, but she isn't interested if she ever does win the Arc League Championship. All she cared about was beating Melania, and her job is done. Now the real question is, what is she going to do?

"He entered the tournament because Yuya entered," Frederick speaks while making an impression of what will Sora be like when never he's around.

"He's right," said Tate. "If you three keep winning, he'll get frustrated and show up." Yasuko can't seem to have an opinion for Sora because only she is aware of him being a psychopath.

"And don't forget, Tate, here, is still competing in the Youth Championship," said Allie.

Shuzo nodded his head. "That's right!" He claimed. He turns to the best students they have made it through the tournament. "Yasuko, Yuya, Zuzu, and Tate, I want each and every one of you to keep on doing your best, and we'll hope for the best for Sora!"

"For Sora? Never mind him, or anyone else, I'm just rooting for Michio," Yoko renounced to be supportive for someone other than a You-Show student.

Yuya is sure that a sweat drop was on his forehead, staring at his mother with an awkward look. "Geeez, mom," he said.

Yasuko glances over her shoulder to the people. Even though they are bright when they see Sora coming back, the girl will not be welcoming. If Sora does ever come back, then Yasuko will be prepared to find and face him. Aside from Sora's matter, there is something else that is plaguing her thoughts. She can't explain it, but she needs to be alone to go over what happened during her match with Melania.

She stands back up and heads out to the door, catching Zuzu's attention.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"I need to see the view," Yasuko answered, walking out of the shared space.

The You-Show are curious about what has been with Yasuko lately. She doesn't seem to be interested in what they were talking about for a moment. It is as if she didn't care much about Sora.

"What's up with her?" Allie inquired.

"I think that it has to do with her duel with Melania," Tate answered. "I mean, you saw how she beat Melania."

"Not even Melania Herman can stop her," Frederick added. "She's been improving a lot since she entered the Arc League."

Yuya had to know where and how Yasuko got Dark Anthelion Dragon. It's been eating him ever since Yasuko's second-round duel. No matter how much he wanted to talk about it, she avoided the subject. It's like she does not want to talk about it right at this moment. What's bothering him is that Yasuko hasn't spoken for a while until now. Throughout the ride back to the You-Show, Yasuko is quiet. She never said ill toward him or any comments that the three little kids have talked about her match.

Yuya gets up and walks over to the door, earning a questionable look from Zuzu. "Yuya. Where are you going?"

"I'm going see if I can talk to Yasuko," Yuya answered. "I think that she has thought again."

Zuzu seems to be also worried about Yasuko. "I don't know, Yuya. I guess that she wants to be alone," she stated.

Yuya makes a small smile. "I know, but I am her friend. I have to know that she's okay," he said.


Yasuko is lost in her thoughts, staring out at the window while sitting at the cushion. Lately, she's been thinking over ever since she has beaten Melania. She should've told them right in the break room. Does she want to let them know? She cannot tell. All she knows is that her job is done. She got her payback. That's all that matters. However, it felt like it was a waste. All that work to get herself to the Arc League Championship, and for what, to be graveled with frustration. It's been infuriating her ever since she won her victory against Melania. She thought that it would be satisfying, but all it brought her was nothing but a foul taste in her.

She frowns, looking at the sunset for the last time before thinking of calling back to her home. Her trail of thoughts was interrupted when the door opens to make her turn, seeing Yuya entering the room.

"Oh, Yuya, what's down?" Yasuko greeted.

"I've noticed that you've been quiet ever since you won your second round," said Yuya. "Is there something bothering you?"

Yasuko shrugged. "Honestly, I can ask myself the same question," she answered. "But…it's weird." She can see Yuya raising an eyebrow. "I thought that by beating Melania, I would be at least glad that it was over with, but I never felt so…confused," she replied back, "I mean, for the first time ever, I've made it this far." She turns around to the sunset. From the reflection, Yasuko can see that Yuya has this questionable look. "And now, I have no idea what to do."

Yuya makes a small gap, surprised by how Yasuko has no idea what she will do. "What do you mean?"

"Yuya, I only came to this tournament to beat Melania like she did to me three years ago, that was it," said Yasuko. "Up until now… I'm like drifting into the ocean without a compass. I have no idea what I'm going to do."

Yuya realizes what Yasuko's been are. She felt that there was no purpose to be in the Arc League because her revenge was complete. She got her revenge, but now, she has no direction of where she is going, even before entering the Arc League. He's experienced this before. It was during the time when his father disappeared three years ago. He had no clue where his father was, but he was lost without Yusho to guide him. He had no idea what to do when his father disappeared. It was then that he remembered what his father told him. "Be yourself." That's what his father told him. The only question is that Yasuko needs to find a reason to be at the Arc League Championship.

"Yasuko," he began, "what you need to do is keep dueling."

Yasuko turns to Yuya with a raised eyebrow. "What?" she inquired.

"You should keep dueling," Yuya replied. "Duel not for the crowd, or for us. Duel for yourself." He gives Yasuko a small smile. "I know what you're going through, Yasuko. Believe me, I was there too." He turns to the sunset through the window. "My dad was always there for me whenever I needed help. When he disappeared, I was hurt and confused about what I want to do, but I thought of something as I remember his words. I wanted to become the greatest Entertainment Duelist that I could be. I follow that direction to stay true to my dad's words. I will do the best that I can to win at the Arc League Championship." He turns back and gives her the brightest smile that he can make. "I bet that your smile is very bright, Yasuko."

Yasuko has no words to describe what metaphor Yasuko is applying. She wanted to just back out from the Arc League because it serves no purpose for her, but Yuya intends to prove that his dueling will make her smile. She has doubts, but if she believes that Yuya will make her smile, he'll need all the power that he can get.

She digs into her duel disk holster and takes out her deck. She has been thinking of how much Yuya has progressed in his Xyz Summon. She felt that it is time to give it back.

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon.

"Alright then," said Yasuko. "I think it's time I'd give this card back to you." She offers Dark Rebellion to Yuya. "Whatever happens in the Arc League Championship, I can only say…good luck."

Yuya looks down at Dark Rebellion, the one card that Yuto entrusted him with keeping. He thinks of taking it, but it felt that it was not right. He wanted to earn it. He needs to prove to Yasuko that he has to earn it.

"No," Yuya declined. "I won't take Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon back just yet."

Yasuko was surprised. She never expected Yuya to refuse anything from her. It was the first time that he declined anything from her. "What?"

"Yasuko," said Yuya, "I want to earn it. I cannot just accept this, Yasuko. I've only started Xyz Summon."

"I'm not asking you to take it; I insist," Yasuko clarified. "I've been training you on your basics. The real test begins with this card here. Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon." She held the card higher for Yuya to see. She hopes that Yuya is ready to handle Dark Rebellion without going berserk like with his duel against Iggy. "If you can prove to me that you can handle Dark Rebellion without going berserk, then you are set. So here."

Yuya takes Yasuko's words in his heart. Sure, he knows how to do Xyz Summon. He's been practicing using Yasuko's Xyz monsters, and now, he needs to prove to Yasuko that he has what it takes to use Dark Rebellion. Yuya shows his trust by taking Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon. It felt like he's being blessed with gratitude. Yuto gave him his best card, so Yuya will use it to his own advantage in future duels. He will use Dark Rebellion as if this card is another Odd-Eyes Pendulum.

Yuya smiles at Yasuko. "Thank you, Yasuko," he said. "I'll be sure to use this like it is my own."

"Just remember what I taught you," Yasuko replied, "Clear your mind and breathe. You're going to need it…" Yasuko then starts to head out.

"Yasuko," Yuya called.

Yasuko stops at the doorway, turning her face halfway. "What?"

"I…I just want to say… thank you for all that you are doing," Yuya stated. "If you hadn't taught me everything about these things, then I wouldn't have survived this far into the Arc League."

Yasuko and Yuya stared at each other, with neither of them speaking for a while. The sunset and the silence were all that Yasuko wanted for the end of the day. She felt the right corner of her mouth twitched once before giving the boy a nod. "Then I shall see you in the finals," she said before walking out of the door. "See ya later, slacker."

As soon as Yasuko left the room, her mood made her feel better after talking with Yuya. It was all that she needed to end her day: Yuya's dedication to her teaching. Yuya would've been willing to take the card, but he refused her. It was something unexpected. For some reason, she felt that Yuya might be different than what she thought he was. It made her resolve to continue onward into the Arc League Championship and whatever happens in the tournament.


Tomorrow is the third round of the Arc League Championship. Yasuko is sleeping in her bed with a pillow over her head. Recently, she is starting to get more uncomfortable. For some reason, she is still having images of Yuya's cold-blooded personality coming back to her head. She thought that she'd forgotten all the pictures that are plaguing her head.

Her eyes flutter open, unable to get a night of better sleep for a short time. Once her eyes are open, it's impossible to close unless something knocks herself out. She sits up in her bed, looking exhausted. Apparently, Yuya's menacing glare was coming back to her like a bat. No matter how hard she tried to forget, Yuya's crimson red eyes give some coldness into her spine. She can't think but to feel that there is something wrong with Yuya.

Yasuko can't admit it, but she will have difficulty trying to cope that Yuya may have a split personality disorder because of his duel against Iggy Kachidoki. She cannot stop thinking of the menacing glare from Yuya and the psychotic smile from Sora. Since the start of the Arc League, it's been getting more violent in the tournament. Tired, Yasuko heads to the bathroom.

She splashes some cold water to cool herself before heading back to her bedroom. Upon returning, she pauses to see her deck on her desk. Yasuko is sure that something was going on because one of the cards was making a dim glow.

"What the hell?" Yasuko comes over to check what is making her deck glow. She pulls out which cards are glowing, and it was to her surprise that she finds Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon and Dark Anthelion Dragon glow at the same time. It never happened like this before. She wonders what is making her two monsters to glow. After a few more seconds, it stopped.

Yasuko isn't so sure what is going on with her dragons. The one thing that pops back to her mind is the time when Odd-Eyes Phantom and Odd-Eyes Pendulum roar at each other like two animals prepared to fight against each other. She remembers the first time when she used Odd-Eyes Phantom in front Odd-Eyes Pendulum. They turned hostile from the moment the both of them appeared on the field together. And even when Dark Rebellion appeared with the two of them present. She can practically hear their roars echoing in her brain. They seem very hostile like they really wanted to fight each other.

Yasuko lays the card on the table and goes back to bed. She lets her body shut down to let herself be getting into a world of her own dreams.

As time passes, Yasuko felt like she is in a world of white and light. She looked forward to something in front of her.

Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon.

Her head lifts up to the monster. The dragon wasn't making a sound. It was standing in front of the girl, looking down at her.

Yasuko's blue eyes are not showing any signs of fear or confusion. She seems to be in a state of trance. She reaches up, and the dragon lowered its head to let the palm touch the purple jewel on its forehead. Upon touching it, a fade of white light shines around them.

What she saw next is unbelievably real. Yasuko finds herself in a grassy field with tall mountains in the background and the clear blue sky over the forest area and valley. She looked around to see that there is no one out in the fields. It was only her. As Yasuko looks around, she heard a roar. She thought it was a dragon's roar because it sounds animalistic compared to her Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon. The roar was very different than before. It sounded like the roar was in anger and rage. She turns around and saw what is shocking.

The mountain that was intact just a few seconds ago was destroyed by a breath beam that formed the large crater mark on the rocks. The forest was on fire, and the grass was set ablaze from afar. Multiple roars echo from somewhere far away. Yasuko turns her head and saw something so malevolent that she has no idea what it was.

Yasuko is witnessing two dragons of different distinct species. She cannot see what they look like because they are like shadows cloaked in total darkness. The sun was gone, replaced by a violent storm that causes maelstrom and typhoons as the two dragons fought and bash against each other in a fierce battle of domination. Their fighting is destroying the mountains, burning the grass area, and scorching the sky with clouds of smoke and ashes. The whole area is now a field of searing flames.

As the two dragons fires their energy breathes at each other, Yasuko's eyes snapped open, letting herself gasp softly.

She found herself back in her own room under the moonlight. She is in total surprise. It was the weirdest dream that she's ever had. Two dragons, fighting each other. For what reason, she does not know what that was about. She had to assume that her duel against Melania must be creating a movie about two giant monsters battling each other. She sits up and looks out in the window. Whatever she dreamed, she has a feeling that something will happen, maybe today or not yet.


Just a simple break from dueling before resuming another one. So, now that we are going to the good stuff, I'm really excited to make something out of this part of the arc so far. And I have procrastinating problems, both at stories and at home, again. I'm trying to beat it and that's why it was a delay for recent updates.

Thank you readers for taking the time to read this work because I know that it's getting too long and I want to work on other projects, but I will try to be the best at finishing this series. I hoped that you are all are having an awesome day. Thanks for taking the time to read this story through and if you like what you are reading, then please don't forget to follow up on this story, favor it if you like, sand leave down a comment on what your toughts are on this story and stay tune for more.

Have a great day!