Welcome to the Rebellion
Chapter Eight: Home Visit
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"After the great war, the countries of the world signed an international armistice. They imposed heavy restrictions on weapons use punishable by life imprisonment to death. This event became known as the 'Farewell to Arms"
The Phantom Thieves have gathered in Café Leblanc. Ren had just closed it for the day, leaving them to their private matters. The rest sat by and waited for a certain lady for Morgana to duel.
"So, they just stopped using weapons?" Ryuji asked in disbelief. "Just like that?"
"Oh, they do have weapons," Makoto clarified. "It's just that they never put much thought into weapons development. Ever since the emergence of duel monsters, countries have taken to resolving conflicts by hiring pro duelists to participate in tournaments. Eventually, weapons faded to obscurity."
"That doesn't exactly prevent guns from happening," Ann refutes. "More laws just mean more criminals. Even if they are banned, someone is bound to have seen or made guns."
"Morgana, about the Palace Ruler's Cognition," Sumire said. "Do you think their cognition can become powerful enough to force us to duel?"
"I don't have much to say on it. But that doesn't mean It's not possible," Morgana admitted. "The palace is shaped to the rulers' desires. Theoretically, if the desires are strong enough, they can impose restrictions on how we fight. That includes sealing our Personas off. Considering that we have to duel, it goes against how a Phantom Thief operates."
"Not necessarily. With strength comes weakness," Ren said as he comes back down. Under his arms, he carried a blue duffel bag. Everyone knew what was inside. Since their guns aren't going to be useful in this dimension of Metaverse, Ren is taking them back before they are caught dead with them. They will retain their melee weapons in case it will work.
"Is this everyone?" Ren asked, patting the bag for emphasis.
"Yep, I believe you got everyone," Haru said, a little disappointed that she won't be able to use her grenade launcher anymore. At least she can try out her ax. "But wait, you said that with strength comes weakness. Would you please elaborate?"
"Simple. Remember how I have the power of the Wild Card?" Ren asked as he approached their table. Everyone nodded. It wasn't a secret among the Phantom Thieves that Ren can use more than one Persona. It proved handy whenever Ren needed to access a Persona that can exploit the weakness of a Shadows.
"As far as we know, you guys can only stick to one Persona. When Futaba mentioned that Tower Event in Duel Monsters Links, it got me thinking. Since the Shadows have a weakness to different attributes relating to Duel Monsters, add to the fact that our D-Watches allow us to swap digital decks on a whim…"
"We'll be able to pound them so hard it will look like we have Wild Card power," Ryuji finished excitedly. "That will be so awesome man! I never thought of it like that! We can kick the crap out of those Shadows in no time!"
"But that means you'll have to make more digital decks," Makoto pointed out, making Ryuji cringe. "That means you'll have to select more cards, think of more intricate strategies, and contingencies to our counter-strategies."
"Yeah, I know," Ryuji groaned as his shoulders slumped. He isn't the smartest guy in the room, that he'll admit. Something complicated will make his head hurt. But everyone knew that isn't going to stop him from kicking some ass.
"We'll help you Ryuji," Sumire said consolingly. "Isn't that what friends do, Ren?"
"Indeed. I believe the first lesson you all learned from Blaze's Bootcamp is adapting. You got to learn when to change on the fly. There were only three tenets in the rebellion that we adhere to. Survive. Adapt. And win."
"You don't have to remind us," Futaba cringed as the memories surfaced. "Blaze really put me through the wringer with his training. And I'm not even going to bring up his lecture! Your mind and body are your most important weapons, he would say."
"And those words ring true," Ren said. "Blaze may be harsh, but he
"Back to the subject on weapons," Ryuji said, making everyone turn to him. "What does Standards police force use when trying to catch criminals?"
"Oh, they have police batons," Makoto answered automatically. "All officers are required to be trained in the use of a baton. I came across it when I was looking up the police. There are still archaic weapons such as swords, bows, etcetera. But hardly anyone uses them these days."
"Who could blame them? Hardly any crime happens here," Ryuji said. "Just wish our dimension could be more like Standard."
"But that doesn't mean this dimension isn't immune to corruption," Sumire pointed out. "Especially with Ryozanpaku Duel School taking protection money."
Everyone became silent at the mention of the Duel School they were casing out. It was already becoming somewhat of a dread topic. They hadn't forgotten the fact that they have alumni shaking down people of Maiami city.
"Now that we're on the topic of the day, Futaba did you find anything?" Morgana asked their hacker. When they got back, Ren asked her to do some research into incidents involving Ryozanpaku Duel School.
"I did," Futaba said grimly. "You're not going to like it."
"Hardly anything involving Ryozanpaku will be likable at this point," Yusuke said. "What did you find?"
"I didn't need to do much hacking for this, but I took a look at the Maiami City Missing Persons list," Futaba reads aloud. "After some speedy research, most of them happen to be children between the ages ten to fourteen. They're classified as a runaway, but what really ties the thread together is that they were Ryozanpaku students."
"They all run away from home? All of them?" Makoto asked, stressing the last part. She looked over Futaba's shoulder at the information and frowned. "Futaba, can you pull up any news reports regarding these incidents?"
"Sure," Futaba typed in a few keys and brought up articles. "Promising Duel Student. Hisashi Sakazuki, a bright-eyed duel student, disappears. Missing Principal Gōdagawa claimed that the student couldn't handle the school's training and simply dropped out. Yet forty-eight hours later, his parents reported him missing. Police are urging anyone who knows his whereabouts to come forward. This was three years ago."
"Three years ago?" Ann asked. "This is starting to sound like a case that isn't solved yet."
"Sakazuki isn't the only one that's been long missing," Makoto said. "Some of them were missing seven years ago. Also declared runaway. Either we're just overthinking things, or something is going on at Ryozanpaku."
Everyone became silent at the thought. They knew that Ryozanpaku was dirty considering their dueling methods. But after they saw what was under the fallen bell in the palace, they wondered how far they are willing to go.
"We'll continue this investigation later," Ren declares. He looked towards Morgana. "Don't you have a duel with Serena today?"
"Did someone say my name?" Speak her name and she shall appear. Serena came down the stairs with her duel disk at the ready. She looked eager to start dueling.
"I believe that was Ren," Haru said in amusement. "Looks like you're eager."
"Why wouldn't I be? Todays the day I beat you, Morgana!" Serena declares, pointing at the feline. "Get ready to have your tail finally kicked!"
"I'm not a cat," Morgana muttered. "But I will gladly take you up on your challenge."
"If you're going to duel I suggest that you go to the underground," Ren said. "It's a series of old tunnels underneath the city. There's a section that's big enough for your duel."
"Why does the duel have to be underground?" Serena asked with a frown. "Why not duel out in the open?"
"Remember Academia's surveillance system?" Ren asked to which she nods. "Well, they can also detect duel energy signatures. That means they can detect you if so much as Fusion summon."
"Well, that's concerning," Serena said nervously. "But what about it? We're not in Fusion anymore."
"No, but the Professors son is," Ren said. He wasn't going to mention the possible spy in Standard yet. They have yet to confirm their identity. Perhaps he should get Oracle to research the information that they've downloaded from Academia's servers.
"The Professor's son?" Serena's eyes widened in surprise at this information. "I didn't know he had a son."
"Yeah, there's a lot the Professor hasn't been telling anybody," Ryuji said, crossing his arms. "We don't know if he's in cahoots with his daddy or not. If he is, all it takes is one duel for him to try and send you back to Fusion."
"I'm not going anywhere," Serena declared firmly, her eyes narrowing. "Not yet."
"Don't worry. We've taken precautions to make sure his sensors won't detect us," Ren said, casting a knowing glance to Futaba. "The underground is one. His sensors won't be able to pick up the duel energy. Sumire?"
"Of course, Ren," Sumire nods. She walked to the door and opens it. "If everyone will follow me."
Everybody got up and exited the door one by one. Curiously, Serena held Morgana in her arms with a cheerful smile. The not-cat was looking glum at being treated like a pet. Before they left, Ren gestured for Makoto and Futaba to wait for a moment. The girls stayed behind as the door closes. Certain the nobody was listening, Ren spoke.
"Futaba, how's your work on the Leo corporation surveillance system?" Ren asked.
"Going well. Thanks to you opening a back door into their servers," Futaba said with a grin. It grew into a laugh she saw her friends scrunch their eyebrows in confusion. "It was created just a split second after you downloaded everything from Akaba's server."
"You never cease to amaze us," Makoto says breathlessly.
"Like I said, to deceive your enemies, you must first trick your allies," Futaba quips. "Anyway, thanks to that back door, I can access their systems anytime I please. Not that they will ever know of course."
"Good, leave SOPHIE to monitor their transmissions," Ren said. "It might come in handy for our preparations for Academia's invasion into Standard."
"Do you really think we can hold them off?" Futaba asked, her earlier cheeriness gone. Nobody could blame her for being nervous. Eight teens and a cat against an army of duel soldiers doesn't exactly have favorable odds.
"True, it may seem to be insurmountable odds," Ren said. "But we're here now. Their dimensional move technology can drop them off anywhere in Standard, but we know the terrain and the element of surprise. They may have fancy technology, but we have the skills to make it up. Academia may have the numbers, but the Phantom Thieves have something important…each other."
He pressed his glasses against his eyes, which glinted in the light, showing them the determination in his eyes.
"Right now, the Professor is pissed…yes, pissed that we messed up his plans," Ren said seriously. "He's going to be coming at us full force. But he's already making a big mistake. We're waiting for Academia. They're not going to expect the trap that we're setting up for them. And we're going to make it a day that they will NEVER forget for the rest of their lives before sending them back home crying for their mothers."
He said that with an ear-splitting grin. A grin symbolizes the nightmare that will be waiting for Academia. One that will make the day of fools look like a child's dream. Makoto and Futaba couldn't help but join in with grins of their own.
"Oh, I'm already dreaming of it," Futaba cackled. "Once I finish the program, Academia won't know what will hit them."
"That reminds me. I've been going through the files you downloaded from your infiltration mission," Makoto's said as her face returns to normal. The Tactician's D-Watch projected a screen for which she scrolled through. "Some of them piqued my interest. Maiami Tournament and the Lancer Defense Soldiers program."
"Interesting…let's go over it in the future," Ren said. "In the meantime…can you talk to the parents of the children who ran away? When you get the chance of course. We need to see if there are any circumstances in which would cause them to run away."
"Of course," Makoto said with a nod. "But I don't think some random stranger asking about is going to go well."
"I know…but we'll have to try," Ren said regrettably. "But let's forget about fighting Academia and infiltrating a palace for the moment. For now, I believe you have a duel to watch."
"You're not coming with us, Ren?" Futaba asked as he turns around.
"I need to go check on something back at Links," Ren answered as he made his way to the basement. "I'll be back in an hour give or take. Don't wait upon me."
"Okay, but don't forget your other job tomorrow," Makoto called. She had a good idea as to why Ren was going. "Come on Futaba."
"Tell them that if they touch my Featherman figure's they'll be sorry!" Futaba called over. "They'll be called Inari number 2!"
The girls exited the café was Ren entered the basement. Activating the security system, he approached a circular pad stationed at the corner of the room. Standing on top of it, he opened a holographic interface and punched in a code. The screen turned green and the pad beneath him began to hum with activity.
"D-Watch confirmed. Code Accepted," an artificial female voice spoke from his D-Watch. "Beginning dimensional transport."
In a few seconds, Ren felt himself dissolve into red pixels as he vanished from the Café basement.
Ren could feel his feet meet solid ground again. He stood on another circular platform like the one at the Cafés basement. But the room he warped into is abandoned looking, yet not at all. Various hardware had been set up along the walls.
The leader of the Phantom Thieves approached the farthest walls. Holding up his D-Watch, red light from above scanned it before turning green. The Solid Vision wall dissolved into pixels, allowing him to walk through before rebuilding itself.
He exited into a subway tunnel. The idea to choose this area as a place to put the transporter is one of the precautions, they took in case Academia found out about Links. It's an isolated location that would contain Academia. If the scanner had picked up any duel signal not belonging to a D-Watch…well, let's just say that they're in for a nasty surprise that won't let them near the surface.
It would be disastrous if Academia, especially the Professor found out about Links. This is why he made sure they stuck with old dimensional travel technology. This is why the coordinates are locked on the transporters and not their D-Watches as a precaution. The only way to use it is with a D-Watch.
Following a series of red arrows, he came across an emergency exit and pushed the door open. He ascended three flights of stairs before coming to a steel ladder. Climbing up, he pushed the overhead doors and exit to street level.
"I probably should start looking for another entrance," Ren muttered as he closed the doors. He had exited into Yongen-Jaya. Thankfully, it was deserted now considering its nighttime. Hopefully, nobody saw him using the emergency exit out of its intended purpose and start investigating.
"Incoming call from Blaze," his D-Watch spoke up. Ren looked at his D-Watch in surprise before cracking a smile.
"Accept call," Ren said as he began walking down the sidewalk
"Joker, how are you doing?" A masculine voice spoke using his code name.
"Hey Blaze," Ren greeted. "I just went back to Links. How are you holding up?"
Blaze is the codename, or callsign as he prefers, of another survivor of that night.
"I was going to ask you the same question," Blaze answered. "Nice job on taking out Academia's eyes in the sky. They're going to be blind for a while."
"You should thank Noir and Oracle," Ren replied. "She was the one who infiltrated Academia to upload the virus Oracle developed. She called it her nastiest piece of work ever."
"That kid is full of surprises. Oracle's skill makes me wish we had her during the first Rebellion. Be sure to pass on my congratulations," Blaze said. Ren could practically hear him grinning on the other end. "It's rather satisfying to see the Professor raging like a wild boar."
"Yeah, it is, isn't it?" Ren said. "How is he anyway? Upset that his little pet project isn't going well?"
"You have no idea. He's been doing nothing but screams at his soldiers to fix the Dimensional Move Network ever since he saw the new logo Fox set up. No doubt that he remembers us."
"He'd better," Ren growled. "If he doesn't even remember that night, he's worse than his soldiers."
"Easy, Joker. You're not the only one upset that our classmates died that night. The only thing we can do is remember their sacrifice and carry out their will. Losing ourselves will hamper our cause."
"Yeah," Ren said, take deep breaths to calm down.
"Anyway, what are you doing back at Links?"
"I'm feeling a little homesick," Ren answered honestly. "And I wanted to talk to the VIPs."
"Wise thinking," Blaze commented. "When you are protecting a principal, need to look out for their wellbeing. Do you still have no idea why the Professor wants them?"
"No clue," Ren admits. "I'm hoping that eventually, the answer will show itself. A lot is going on than we thought."
"Revival Zero you mean," Blaze asked grimly about the other project happening behind the scenes. Ren didn't answer. "I read Noir's report. I'll check with my contacts. Meanwhile, I'll keep an eye on Academia's base of operations in Fusion. I'm having SOPHIE monitor Academia transmissions."
SOPHIE is an AI that Ren and his classmates developed back then. Her assimilative intelligence provides key-field services including but not limited to communications, real-time analytics, remote data collection and retrieval, where telemetry, and interaction with other technologies. She's also the backbone of their network and protects it from intrusion. Without her, there wouldn't be interdimensional communication. A far cry from what Academia could pull off back in the day.
"Just be careful," Ren warned. "In your condition, you'll be an easy picking for Academia's hunting dogs."
"If those poor excuse of soldiers can't even pick out the one girl hiding among them for several days, then I've got nothing to worry about," Blaze said. "Don't forget, Joker. Survival runs in my family. That night didn't keep me down, and I certainly won't be taken out by those Cronos rip-offs."
"Yeah, Cronos taught us well, didn't he?" Ren said, smiling sadly. "I still don't miss his detentions though."
"Don't you sneak out and back in before he even notices, Class Clown?" Blaze asked. They were silent for a moment before they burst out laughing.
"Yeah, those were some good times," Ren said. "I got to go. I also need to plan out a defense plan against Academia's invasion of Standard. And removing a potential asset."
"What kind of asset?"
"The kind that would be more than happy to card people just for the sake of winning," Ren replied without a pause in a breath. "I'll send you the details. Later, Blaze."
"Wilco, Joker."
"By the way," Ren said when he remembered something. "How are the new decks coming along?"
"I've finished up Skull and Panther's decks," Blaze said. "You can tell them to come over and pick them up anytime they're ready. It's Noir's that I'm getting a little concerned about."
"Why?" Ren asked. "Her request isn't unreasonable I hope?"
"It's not. It's just…I have seen terrifying things when my dad was training me in the art of survival. But her deck's artwork makes them look like puppies in comparison. Did she want a deck or a horror show?"
"I'm sure that she knows what she's doing," Ren said, sweat dropping. Part of him wondered if the reason Haru's request sounded a little too close to her fascination with slasher films. Maybe it was the pleasure she gets in killing Shadows in their heists.
"I'm still working on Violet's deck, but I've got a vague idea on what to do. I'll check in with you later."
"Same to you, Blaze," Ren said as the transmission ended. By the time the transmission ended, Ren had reached his destination. In front of him is a building that he called home. The overhead sun protection sign read 'Coffee & Curry Leblanc'. Just as he was about to enter, the door opened with a customer coming out.
"Thanks for the meal, Sojiro!" He spoke. "And thank you girls for lightening the place up. You sure you don't want me to introduce you to my grandsons? They're about your age."
"I appreciate it, but I don't think it's much of a good idea. But please come again!" Ruri Kurosaki called from the counter. She wore an apron over her ragged clothing. It looked that she was serving as the waiter for the café. At the sink stood Rin, her Synchro Counterpart. The apple-green-haired girl is washing the dishes that served the customers their meal.
"I'm sorry sir, but we're closing up," Ruri said when she noticed Ren entering.
"It's alright Ruri," An elderly man wearing an apron said. Old eyes twinkled with amusement from behind spectacles. "How are you holding up the fort in another dimension?"
"Business is booming boss," Ren said with a smile. "If you want, I can deliver your cut of the profits."
"Don't sweat it, kid. If the interdimensional currency were invented, I'd be rolling right about now," Sojiro joked.
Sojiro Sakura was Ren's caretaker after the whole mess involving a drunk politician harassing a woman. He got hit with major probation and a black mark on his record. While it's already cleared up, he considered this place home.
"Oh…you must be Ann's friend," Ruri said in realization. "Joker, right?"
"That's my codename in the field. Ren Amamiya," the leader of the Phantom Thieves held out his hand."It's a pleasure to meet you two at last. I wish it could've come under better circumstances."
"Same here. Ruri Kurosaki," the girl said as she took his hand. She had barely had time to let go before Rin pushed her out of the way with an expectant look on her face.
"Does this mean you found Yugo? Is he alright?" Rin asked rapidly. Ren stared at her.
"I'm sorry, but there's no sign of him," Ren apologized. Rin's face fell and her shoulders slumped. "I promise, we'll find him. We've got eyes out."
"I hope so," Rin said in a trembling voice. Her hands are pressed to her cheeks in worry. "The poor thing is probably scared and hungry."
"You really care about him, don't you?" Ruri asked with a small smile at the green-haired girl.
"Of course, I am!" Rin yelled while blushing. "That idiot can't go more than five minutes without screwing something up! He won't last without me!"
"I'm sure your boyfriend will be alright," Sojiro smirked, making her face redder.
"He's not my boyfriend!" Rin protested. "We grew up in the orphanage together! We're like brother and sister! Nothing is going on between us! Okay!"
"Keep telling yourself that," Sojiro said to the tomato-faced girl before turning to Ren with a frown. "By the way kid. That stuff you left in my attic is still there. I want it out."
"I'm sorry boss," Ren apologizes as he remembers what he put there. "I'll get them out of your hair. I just need to talk to Rin and Ruri first."
"Okay then," Sojiro said. He addressed the girls. "I'm going to finish cleaning up. You girls deserve a break."
The old man went back to the counter. Ren stood near the stairs and gestured for the girls to follow him up. They climbed up the stairs to the attic. Most of the stuff stored in her was moved away to clear up space. Nearby is a box-filled Duel Disk parts which Rin took notice of.
"What's with that?"
"It's a box filled with spare parts," Ren stated as if it was obvious.
"Is it true that you live here?" Ruri said.
"Yep. The second place I can call home," Ren said. He gestured to the bed and they sat down. The frizzy-haired teen grabbed the only chair and sat down.
"So…" Ren began. "How are you two holding up?"
"Honestly, I can't believe that there are other dimensions besides four," Ruri admitted honestly. "I'm just glad that Academia hasn't found out. It looks peaceful and I hate to see it taken away."
"If it helps, the existence of the multiverse was a shock to me as well," Ren said with a wry smile. One of his classmates proposed the theory of other dimensions outside of the Four. If he was here now, he would be jumping for joy when Ren confirmed his theory true.
"One thing that I'm happy to see is no segregation based on status," Rin said. "Makoto told me that the justice system is fair compared to Security. You automatically go to jail just for stepping on the grass. Not to mention the food is better. Especially the curry I had for dinner."
"It's delicious," Ruri said happily rubbing her cheeks. Ren could see tears gathering at the corner of her pink eyes. "I hadn't had food like that ever since the invasion. All we had to eat was whatever we could scavenge."
"You had it rough," Rin said somberly, patting the shuddering girl on the back. Ren could tell Rin is aware of the Interdimensional War and Academia's invasion of the Xyz Dimension. It's worse than the treatment that the commons are receiving back in Synchro.
"Please enjoy the food to your heart's content," Ren said with a smile. "Especially the curry and coffee. They're a specialty here in Leblanc. I'm assuming you'll keep the recipe's a trade secret?"
"The boss made it clear," Ruri chuckled. When it faded, she became serious. "Listen…I appreciate you guys rescuing me from Academia. But I want to go back to my Dimension. I have friends and a brother that must be worried about me."
Ren nodded at her answer. It was understandable that she wanted to go back. Ruri has loved ones that are likely worried about her. Then, he turned to Rin.
"What about you?"
"I really want to go back to Synchro and look for Yugo," Rin said, clenching her hand on her lap. "He's the only family that I have. But he might not be in Synchro like you said. Especially with that creep, Yuri. That guy who looks like Yugo. If he's been stalking me, then he might know where I live. I'm afraid to go back."
Rin quieted down as she said that last part. Even Ruri couldn't help but tremble in fear. They've been told that the guy hunting them down shared the same face with Yugo. When she saw his face, she saw someone else. Someone she knew back in the Spade Branch of her dimensions Duel School and Resistance. The thought terrified her as well.
"I understand," Ren said. "Rin, you can stay as long as you like. As for you Ruri, we can get you home."
"Huh?" Ruri blinked, clearly not expecting that answer.
"We rescued you to keep you out of Academia's hands, not to keep you, prisoner," Ren reiterates. "Just give us a call if you need us. To be honest, Ann has taken a liking to you. She's been saying that you're helping her with modeling."
"It's the least I can do to repay Sojiro's kindness," Ruri said honestly. Ever since she came to this dimension, she had grown to appreciate Ann's company. The blonde would regularly visit to check up on her. Sometimes, she would be accompanied by Yusuke. Despite his odd behavior, he was pleasant to have around. She volunteered to help Ann with her modeling to both repay her and Sojiro for their kindness. Though she wishes that the blonde would stop smothering her.
Secretly, she wished that a certain purple-haired boy could see her when she models with Ann. The thought of her crush made her blush furiously. He's her age when her brother introduced her to him, and she fell head over heels for him. She was pretty sure he felt the same way.
"Just give us some time to modify your Duel Disk for Dimension Traveling," Ren said. "In Rin in your case, we'll need to find you a Duel Disk. But You're going to have to wait because we're busy with a task."
"Removing a potential asset for Academia when they invade Standard," Ren answered bluntly.
"Wait…you mean they're going to invade another dimension?" Ruri asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. Rin paled as well. The idea of an outsider force invading her Synchro was terrifying. Sure, they didn't exactly have the best life there, but it was still their home.
"Not yet at the moment," Ren said, much to their relief. "After Noir's mission back in Fusion, their Dimensional Move Network has been crippled. That means until they replace their hardware, they won't be sending any Academia soldiers to any dimensions. So long as the virus is in their system, they can't communicate or send people between dimensions. It should provide the Xyz resistance a reprieve if not for long, Ruri."
"That's a relief," Ruri said. Things might be looking up for her comrades. "So, what's the asset?"
"It's a Duel school," Ren's voice became grim. "One that's eerily like Academia. Its headmaster trains its students to win at any cost. I'll bet that they will sell out their dimension the moment Academia invades."
While that last part is yet to be confirmed, he really wouldn't put it past them to betray Standard. Dueling also revealed the kind of person that you are. From the way the Ryozanpaku duelists played, they don't care who gets hurt. Winning was all that matters. Just like the soldiers of Academia.
"Would they really sell out their own dimension?" Ruri asked in quiet rage.
"It's a long story," Ren answered dryly. "Chapter one. They love winning so much they will beat up a 5-year-old. Need I continue?"
"Don't bother," Ruri seethed. Back in her dimension, it was unthinkable for any of her comrades to sell out their own. Whether they be duelists or refugees. From what Ren is implying, these people must be worse than Academia if they are willing to go to such lengths to win.
"But there's still one thing that I don't understand?" Rin said. "Why is that maniac after us? And why us specifically aside from having the same face and with a bracelet that glows?"
Honestly, he didn't know much. He had the same questions like them. Why does the Professor want the bracelets when he already has dimensional traveling technology. What he did know is that Revival Zero is connected to ARC-V. The machine is the cornerstone for the Arc Area Project. He knew what it meant for the carded people and for the girls the Professor is after. The very thought made him want to vomit.
"I don't know," Ren admitted, choosing not to scare them for the moment. "That reminds me, we managed to rescue another one of your counterparts. One from Fusion."
"Fusion?" Ruri's head shot up from the mention of the invading dimension. Briefly, he caught a look of contempt in her eyes. He couldn't blame her. Academia invaded Heartland and abused Fusion summoning to turn everyone into cards.
"Ruri, I would like you to speak to her, when possible," Ren said. Ruri looked surprised at this request. Before she could protest, Ren continued. "Look, you have every right to be mad at Academia after everything they put you through, but not everyone there agrees with what they are doing. Believe me. I've seen plenty of kids trying to escape turn into cards without a second thought."
Ruri's furious expression softened somewhat at that. It probably never occurred to her that Academia would card its own people. Especially anyone who refused to partake in the invasion. Ren guessed that like everyone in Xyz, they view anyone from Fusion as the enemy.
"You heard me right," Ren continued forcibly. "They carded kids who didn't want to fight just because they feel like. Especially soldiers who wanted to desert the war. You may not know this, but Academia is everybody's enemy. You have to separate the oranges from the Nazi oranges."
"What's a Nazi?" Ruri asked.
"Never mind. The point is that there are good people in Fusion. Even some don't realize what they are getting into. All you must do is show them what Academia won't—the truth. If you start carding the innocent, you'll be no better than the monsters that invaded your home and turned it into a sick hunting game."
"I know that!" Ruri yelled, standing upright. "I may be fighting Academia, but that doesn't mean I card people. Dueling shouldn't be used for violence!"
Ren held his gaze with Ruri. Neither of them backing down from their staredown. Rin was caught in the middle. Nobody speaks for a moment. The silence was deafening.
"Thank you, Ruri. You have no idea how glad I am to hear those words," Ren said with a sigh. "Now about your Fusion counterpart. Would you at least consider talking to her? Right now, we've planted a seed of doubt into Academia's goals. If we can show them your side of the story…"
"We can save her before she becomes like the heartless monsters from Academia," Ruri finished. She took a deep breath. "Okay…I'll talk to her. Just give me some time."
"Thank you," Ren said with a sigh before getting up It was then he pointed out the only bed in the attic. "So…how do you decide who gets to sleep where?"
"Oh, we take turns," Rin said, glad that the heavy stuff is out of the way. "Right now, it's my turn to sleep here and Ruri's turn to sleep at the boss's place. So, skedaddle, Ruri."
"Okay. Okay," Ruri giggled as she got up.
"Wait…you guys haven't been out?" Ren asked. When they didn't answer, Ren sighed. "Look…nobody is keeping you in the café. If you want to look around, just say the word."
"We wanted to look around your city, honest," Ruri said. "Ann showed me around when she brought me along for modeling. But the boss has been too busy keeping the café working and we don't want to let him handle all the work."
"Trust me, he's been at this long before I lived here," Ren assured. "I'll tell you what. As soon as possible, I and my friends will give you a personal tour of Tokyo. You can see what our dimension has to offer. It's much better than being cooped up here."
"That will be nice," Ruri nodded. "Rin?"
"I'm game if you are," Rin agreed. "It might take my mind off Yugo and interdimensional invaders for a moment. Makoto offered me a visit to her place."
"One more thing," Ren said with a serious look. "Please keep the existence of the multiverse to yourselves. If anyone finds out about this, it will endanger countless dimensions. Academia won't be able to stop carding people."
"Don't worry, I won't tell," Ruri promised firmly. "I don't want anyone to suffer what happened in Heartland."
"Me too," Rin piped in. "I'm not going to give them anything."
He and Ruri left the attic. Sojiro was waiting for them outside of the café. He was playing a game on his phone when they exited. Only when they closed the door did he lookup.
"You kid's alright?" He asked in concern. "I heard shouting."
"Yep," Ren answered. "Things got a little heated but we're okay, boss."
"Good to hear," Sojiro said as they began walking back to his house. Ren noticed the game that he was playing as they walked.
"You're playing Duel Monsters Links?" Ren asked in surprise.
"Duel Monsters Links?" Ruri asked, peering at the game curiously. "I've heard a few people mention it on the street. Is it dueling?"
"Yep, in the digital format," Ren answered. "It's a game where you can play Duel Monsters with anyone around the world. Brings people together and saves money when you're buying cards. There are still people who prefer to play the game physically. It's why we named our dimension Links. I'm surprised you're playing, boss."
"Futaba wouldn't stop talking about it," Sojiro said with a shrug. "I may be old for this game, but I figured I might as well try it. Say, what's Deck Destruction Virus of Death?"
"Oh, that's a nasty trap," Ren said suddenly with stars in his eyes. "By tributing a DARK monster with 1000 or less ATK, you can destroy all monsters in your opponent's hand, field, and deck with 1500 or more ATK for three turns. A classic strategy would be to Shrink to cut a stronger DARK monster in half to use it. Oh! If used with Dimensional Fissure and Soul Absorption, you can remove the stronger monsters from play and gain life points! If played right, you don't need to worry about the revival effects of monsters like Despair from the Dark!"
"Whoa! Whoa! Slow down there, champ!" Sojiro held up his hands to placate him. He smirked at a stunned Ruri. "Beware. This kid turns into a nut when talking about dueling. I would write down every tip he gives you. It may help you someday."
"I think it will," Ruri said with a smile. "It's nice to see dueling that brings people together. It should bring smiles to people. But why don't people used duel disks?"
The mention of the device used for dueling snapped Ren out of his Dueling Nut mode. He looked towards Ruri.
"Ruri…did anyone tell you not to use your duel disk here?" Ren asked carefully.
"Ann told me that and I think Makoto told Rin. Why?" Ruri asked.
"It's because this dimension hasn't been developed Solid Vision technology. Especially with mass. Not yet," Ren said. "Despite what you think, our dimension isn't exactly as peaceful as you think. There are still conflicts around the world. If they find out about this technology, especially dimensional travel, then there's no telling of the consequences."
"You're afraid that they'll abuse it like Academia," Ruri said in horror. Ren nodded grimly at the prospect. The last thing anyone wants is another Academia running
"Normally, I would tell you to stay out of trouble, but it has a way of finding you. Take it from the kid here," Sojiro said as they arrived at his house. He opened the gate. "Right this way Ruri."
"Thank you, boss," Ruri bowed.
"Oh yeah, Futaba told me to tell you to leave her Featherman figure's alone or she'll call you Inari number 2," Ren called out. Ruri giggled but nods in promise before disappearing into the house. It just left the two of them alone.
"Boss, thanks for taking care of them," Ren said. "I really appreciate it after everything."
"It's no problem," Sojiro said. "I just don't understand what that Professor creep wants with them."
"Believe me, I'm looking into it," Ren said firmly. "With ARC-V involved, I'm not going to let him lay a finger on anyone else."
"I can already tell that nothing is going to stop you," Sojiro said. "Speaking of which, have you rescued another girl? You wouldn't happen to be dumping her on me, are you?"
"Yes and no," Ren said. "We're trying to get her to see that Academia is in the wrong. She's already starting to doubt Academia's intentions. When the time is right, she'll believe me when I tell her the truth about the Arc Area Project."
"I hope you can save her," Sojiro said. "How is she by the way?"
"Right about now she's about to engage Morgana in a duel," Ren said. It took a few moments to realize what he just said. At that moment, his D-Watch pinged. Looking down, he saw the mail icon of a new message.
Skull: Hey! Where are you? The Duel's already started!
"I got to go," Ren said, dismissing the message. "Seems like I overestimated how long I've been gone."
"You kids and your fancy toys these days," Sojiro mutters, rubbing the back of his head. "We'll don't let me keep you, get going! Someone needs to keep the café open in another dimension. You and Futaba come back safe you hear?"
"Will do boss!" Ren called as he began running. "Oh, and don't forget to lock the door!"
Sojiro scoffed at that last comment. He watched him for a moment before walking past the gate.
"First we've got metaverse and stealing hearts," Sojiro muttered as he walks inside. "Now we've got different dimensions, dueling, and no cats that duel? What is the world…no, reality coming to?"
[~][~]
Greetings and Bienvenu readers. As you can see, I'm still here.
For now, the Phantom Thieves are taking a break while going over the information they've collected from Gōdagawa's palace. As you can see, something dark is going on inside the dueling school. But what? Also, Ren has met Rin and Ruri. The next chapter will feature Morgana and Serena's duel. Who will come out on top? Wait for the next chapter to find out.
Regarding SOPHIE, it is an AI not to be confused with the one from Strikers. This fic takes place between the first game and the strikers. SOPHIE is something that I made up regarding Ren's mysterious past. What it is, I will reveal further into the story. Right now, the Phantom Thieves are making preparations for the coming invasion of Standard.
That's all for today and if you have a tvtropes account please help update the tvtropes page for this fic.
Until next time.