Chapter 2 - In the shadows
The sun began to peep in the gray sky full of clouds, in a few minutes it would rise, illuminating with its warm rays that atmosphere present in one of the most infamous neighborhoods of the city, so dusty and at times almost unbreathable. In those few hours before his birth, it appeared completely deserted, except for an individual who walked through its streets like a cowboy heading into the sunset, observing those tall buildings dilapidated or with structural damage, from which a nauseating smell arose, too familiar for his taste. Numerous scaffolds sprouted like mushrooms along the road, indicating how often the locals repaired the structures, often with the most disparate materials, salvaged from crumbling ruins or stolen from other cool breeze that blew helped dishevel the long midnight blue cloak that wrapped around his slender but trained physique, except for the hood, which lay perfectly on his head. It was called the "Human Dump," even though only 30% of the total population of this great metropolis lived in such poor conditions. It was a perfect hideout and a favorite destination for those who were entangled with the underworld and traffickers. In short, it was one of those places that was best to stay away from, which was exactly why his target could be here, or so his contact had told him.
He soon left the main street, which in a few hours would be quickly populated, and the last thing he wanted was to be conspicuous, slipping into the maze of alleys that flanked it, even more intricate than the ones he was used to, heading north. The vagrants and criminals of the place, after a quick glance, left him alone, perhaps for the speed and confidence with which he maneuvered in those alleys or for the sinister aura that emanated, he could not say exactly. He continued at a brisk pace and once passed, he found himself in front of a two-meter high brick wall that surrounded a large garden with a three-story house in the middle. The elegance and excellent condition of the building immediately stood out amidst the surrounding desolation, making it look like an oasis in the middle of the desert. With a quick leap he climbed on top of it, scanning the territory for his prey and a possible access point, should he spot it.
From one of the magnificent, clear windows, such that one could see oneself in a mirror, one could glimpse a man with thick black hair and an elegant suit sitting at a mahogany desk, intent on counting a fair number of banknotes.
Bingo! It was really him, Kiyoshi Takata, that was his name, a petty man and a swindler, defined by many as a "Barracuda" in the jargon of the criminal underworld, that is, a man who had made his own way in the great sea of sharks of the local underworld, owner of many projects related to the city whose ultimate goal was an assiduous profit, as well as favoring the illicit transit of any kind of goods.
Like a lightning bolt, he slipped through the window without being seen, the entrance was guarded by two big men with a disturbing appearance, better not to alert anyone, or he would have to face his entire team. Not that he wasn't capable of it, of course, but stealth and speed were his strong points, plus he preferred to act discreetly, as was his wont. He sneaked into the room that appeared large, illuminated by a large skylight on the ceiling and full of all kinds of valuable knick-knacks. The walls were covered with paintings of his face. Not very narcissistic guy. Without giving him time and way to understand what had happened he grabbed him by the neck, lifting him brutally from the ground, and he would have surely killed him if he hadn't given him the necessary information.
- So where are they? - a metallic, almost robotic voice flooded the room, escaping from the mask that the individual wore on his face.
- I...I don't know what you're talking about - the other man replied, terrified, trying to free himself, but receiving in return a violent knee in the stomach. Although he was about two inches shorter and less muscular than him, he possessed a fair amount of strength, as well as a firm grip.
- There is no need to make these scenes with me, who I am and what I want you should know, now if you care about your skin and that of your subordinates, you'd better talk or the consequences will be disastrous - said the stranger, preparing to give him another blow.
- I beg you, I will reveal everything, but you must guarantee that you will leave me alone, I have nothing to do with this story - the man begged, still in pain for the action of a short while ago.
- It was easier than I thought - he said - All right, but if I find your answers unsatisfactory, no one will stop me from sending you to your maker, understood? - The criminal nodded, terrified, drops of sweat ran down his face marked by time, but that gave him an authoritative air and, why not, quite fascinating to those who fell into his web.
After receiving a good amount of information, he proceeded to hit him right in the back of the head, sending him into the world of dreams. This way, getting away would be easier and free of unnecessary hassle caused by his henchmen. All in all, it had been quite easy, yes, too easy.
- Where do you think you're going? -
As he was about to cut the rope, a voice from an unspecified corner of the room forced him to stop, nipping in the bud any attempt he might have made to escape without being seen. Could it be that he had been discovered?
He turned around, looking at that figure with his arms folded leaning against the wall. At a quick glance he looked like a young man in his early twenties, tall and dark-skinned, with a thick mass of brown curls framing a face on which a disturbing grin was printed.
- However... - his gaze rested on the body of the man lying on the ground - I think you have lost my invitation, because I was not invited to the party - concluded the boy, unleashing a pitch black duel disk.
- As you wish... - replied the other one unsheathing his purple duel disk with a sort of crystal set in the middle, revealing a sharp blade made of golden energy. It had always been his faithful companion in countless battles, his deadliest weapon, his only friend. - May the gods have mercy on you, for I will have none -
Two hours later...
In the middle of the city center, a favorite place for most of the inhabitants because of the amount of different types of structures that were there, a boy with ultramarine blue hair with golden bangs with tufts that fell gently on his face and a long-sleeved white shirt topped with a sleeveless blue vest, he was leaning against a wall adjacent to the famous card store, placidly observing all the businesses and passersby bustling along the street, occasionally pointing his emerald green eyes at his watch and puffing. He was probably waiting for someone and had been for quite some time.
Such a habitual sound caught his attention; Shiyuki was riding his motorcycle, accompanied by a female figure sitting on the back seat of the metallic silver bolide. Always the usual latecomer.
- It's about time! - exclaimed the boy, approaching those two who were just getting off the vehicle - I don't think you have yet understood the meaning of the expression "Arriving on time" - he said, miming with his fingers the gesture of quotation marks. The two-colored did not answer, limiting himself to take off his helmet and put it back in the leather seat, waiting at the same time that his companion did the same.
- Hello Ren - the girl greeted him, slipping it off her head and letting the soft, velvety hazel hair fall down her back.
She could be described as breathtakingly beautiful: average height, large, clear eyes, and rosy skin that smelled of cinnamon. A black leather jacket covered her slender and well-proportioned body, combined with a peach-colored crop top that left a piece of her abdomen uncovered and highlighted her curves and a pair of denim shorts in the same color as her jacket, as well as long sepia-colored tights ending in a pair of black studded ankle-length boots. A clutch bag matching the rest of the outfit and with a clasp resembling a golden butterfly completed the whole. So stratospheric as to leave you literally speechless.
- Oh... hello to you too, Isabel - replied the young man, then turning his gaze to the two-toned man in front of him - You managed to be late this time too, even though you had Isabel with you - he said, exasperated by the habits of his companion.
- Relax man, nobody died - Shityuki retorted, getting a further glare. He loved to irritate him, it was one of his favorite pastimes.
- Relax, my ass! - exclaimed the blue one
- Calm down you two - the girl ordered him. She was the only one able to acclimatize the waters among those pests, even if she was tired of that role.
The afternoon passed quickly enough, between store tours and long walks, ending with one last inspection of Isabel at one of her favorite brand stores. She was particularly interested in fashion, like most girls her age, and left her two friends waiting for her outside, with Ren casting mischievous glances at the raven-haired man next to him.
- So, when? - said the boy with a smile on his face and a strange sparkle in his eyes.
- When what? - asked the two-toned man.
- The engagement between the two of you, it seems obvious to me -
- What are you thinking, Ren! - blurted out the other.
His was now a fixed nail and every time the three of them went out together, he never missed an opportunity to ask or insinuate that there was something between them.
- Come on, let's go - she ran a hand through her thick hair - We all know that she has an obvious crush on you, then you picked her up, and the attraction between you two is undeniable -
- I will try to be as clear as possible, subspecies of a gnome . First of all, that is absolutely not true Second: who should have given him a ride, you? But if you don't have a motorcycle, nor can you reach the pedals, and third: I don't have time for these things, the...-
- Duel Monsters is your life, yes I know - the other interrupted him. Those two had known each other since they were children, but they often behaved like cats and dogs - You're always the same naive - continued the blond boy.
- Say it again if you dare, you imbecile - replied the other one
- Who are you calling stupid, loser?
They began to put on a show, attracting the prying eyes of passers-by. If Isabel had been there, she would have spanked them one by one.
- Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages, are you enjoying yourselves? - a voice from one of the city's large screens interrupted that moment. It was showing combat between two professional duelists, one of whom put a smile as big as the sun on Ren's face.
- Oh my God! - the boy began to jump - That's Ryusei Hawke, my favorite duelist - he continued to say, pointing to a young man with long, flowing green hair, tied in a sort of pigtail. He was wearing a jacket of the same color ending in a Borg fleece collar, black pants and red boots with a black pattern.
- I'm sorry I don't know him - said Isabel leaving the store with a cardboard envelope in her hand.
- But where do you live? - he blurted out - Ok, as a duelist you only know and admire your Shiyuki, but come on, you can't not know who he is - concluded the young man, making the brunette blush and earning a glare from the two-toned man. This one would surely pay dearly.
- He is Ryusei Hawke, one of the best duelists around, his ability is legendary and one day I will be like him - he explained staring at the screen insistently.
- Yes, when donkeys will fly - replied the companion.
The crowd was in frenzy, cheering with ardor one of the best duelists who have ever walked the professional scenes of Limit City and of the entire world, the one who had almost managed to grab the prestigious prize of the world tournament, but was defeated by an equally skilled boy from his own city and the one considered a guide for the new generations who were entering this fantastic world for the first time, all but our Shiyuki. The three of them watched with trepidation the clash of the green boy, who, judging by their expressions, was not in such a good shape. His life points were down to 800 and there were only 3 cards left on his field while his opponent had 3000 and was in possession of two really strong monsters.
- "There is a way to win" - observed the young man trying to analyze that situation.
- You've come to the end of the line, Ryusei! - exclaimed the opponent - I'm almost sorry that you've come this far only to see you succumb against me. -
- The last word is not yet said - replied the duellist - Now you'll find out how I earned the nickname "King of Devastating Impact"! I draw from the deck -
Ryusei= 800 LP
Hand = 3
Deck = 23
Graveyard = 11
Opponent = 3000 LP
Hand = 5
Deck = 22
Graveyard = 11
- I activate "Pot of Greed" from my hand, allowing me to draw 2 cards from my deck - Looking at the cards just drawn, the boy smiled with satisfaction - Get ready people, the show is about to start, and my victory will be overwhelming! - he exclaimed at the top of his lungs, raising a fist to the sky, earning even more cheers from the crowd.
- I proceed to tune the monster tuner "Meteoritic Hawk" with "Meteoritic Beast" both level 4 and both present on my field. (4+4=8) Here we go! A dark shape is falling from the sky. The impact of his arrival will be so devastating that only the ash will remain! Synchro Summoning! Blaze with your flames those who stand in our way, Magmameteor Detonator Dragon! -A giant winged dragon made its appearance, black as pitch and covered in reddish magma, it had razor-sharp claws, three horns of the same color and a fiery energy overflowing from an indefinite point at the top of its head. (Lv8/ Atk: 2800)
- His "Ace Monster"! - Ren exclaimed while observing that creature that emanated an unparalleled power - One of my favorite monsters - The others didn't answer, remaining to admire that dragon, especially Shiyuki, he had a soft spot for those creatures.
- Do you think that that chick can frighten me? - declared the adversary - It can't even scratch my powerful creatures -
- But I haven't finished my turn yet - replied the young man, turning then to the audience - Get ready, I'm going to offer you a great ending -
The man knew how to put on a show.
- I don't need to explain to you that my dragon can negate spell and trap cards once per turn, so that card you've been saving so hard won't be able to help you. Since I have a "Magmameteor" monster on the field, I can activate the effect of "Meteoritic Goliath" directly from my hand, by discarding it, I can place 1 meteor counter on each face-up monster you control -
- What good would a move like that do you? - asked the confused opponent
- Patience, man of little faith. You will find out very soon. I activate the trap card "Meteoritic Difference", I can activate this amazing card only if the difference between my life points and yours is at least two thousand points, as in this case, then I choose as a target a face-up monster on my field, it gains atk equal to the difference just mentioned, so doing the calculations carefully, it gains 2200 points -
- Now it's at 5000 - he commented, astonished - But this will not be enough to defeat me. -
- We'll see - the green challenged him - Go Magmameteor Detonator Dragon , attack King Beast Barbaros - (3000 - 2000 = 1000)
- What are you going to do now? - sneered the man - I still have Life points available and your stupid offensive is over. You failed, you brat -
- Are you sure? -
- What? -
- Remember when I put tokens on your monsters? What do you think they would be used for? - The opponent shrugged, he really didn't know where he was going with this.
- I'll tell you a little hint, it's about my little dragon... Don't you get it big head? Well, it can attack a second time, as long as there are still monsters with a meteor tokens on your field, look at that, I had placed them on both of your monsters, Ergo, my monster can go wild again. Happy? -
- No way! -
- Come on, my beautiful beast, let's win this duel! Meteor Storm! - The dragon created a multitude of fiery meteors, making them impact against the opponent's Life points (1000 - 2500 =0)
- Victory! - exulted the talented young man, raising a fist to the sky - I hope you enjoyed the show - he said, making a sort of bow, being cheered even more by the crowd, by his many fans, ending the broadcast focused on his amazing fight of a short while ago.
- Ryusei is a real talent, nobody is currently at his level, I absolutely have to follow in his footsteps - Ren declared, pounding his fist on his chest.
- Mah, for me he's not all that great - intervened the two-toned man.
- You're just saying that because you have a favorite too, aren't you? - asked the boy with a grin - And there's no need for me to say who it is - he concluded, leaving Isabel visibly confused, as she didn't know what they were talking about.
-Keep quiet! - the raven-haired man ordered him, and in response the other burst out laughing.
- Stop it, or I'll be forced to get rough - the brunette ordered him, lifting one of the sleeves of his jacket and making the disputants suddenly fall silent. They were really two bamboozles.
- And just sure those two are the people we're looking for? I mean, look at them - two individuals wrapped in a long silk cloak and whose vault was hidden by the hood, had been following the three since their meeting, observing them from the top of one of the nearby buildings.
- There's only one way to find out - replied the other, turning toward the rear ledge
- And that is? -
- We'll just have to keep following them and watching - the man said before making a leap toward one of the surrounding ledges.
- See you tomorrow, Ren. I'm taking Isabel home - commented the boy, starting the engine of his motorcycle.
- Be careful you two - replied the blond boy, at the same time throwing mischievous glances.
- Yes sir! - exclaimed the girl imitating the military salute, a gesture that made the three of them smile. After all, they were good company and Shiyuki couldn't have wished for better friends, but that day he felt something was wrong, like a strange sensation. What could it be?
After dropping the girl off at her house, he sped along the city streets, admiring how textured that urban wonder was, speeding up and enjoying the roar of his bike, he loved that sound. Suddenly something appeared in the middle of the road, forcing the young man to stop suddenly, a risky move and he could have had an accident. He got off the bike, observing a motionless individual in the middle of the road. He was a young man of tall stature, a thick white hair topped by a pair of thick headphones stood out in the midst of that black night, but his pale skin seemed almost dull, and a military jacket wrapped that lean physique, almost cadaverous at times.
- Man, what are you thinking? I could have been killed - said the young man dismounting from the vehicle, but the other did not hint at any response, remaining in the same position. It was getting a little creepy.
- Are you okay? - the two-toned man asked him
- You must be Shiyuki T... - the individual started to speak, but he was interrupted.
- What do you want? - the boy asked again, but this time his gaze became more serious.
- I want to challenge you to a duel - replied the albino, pulling out a strange duel disk of the same color of his hair
- I almost broke my neck for a DUEL?! "This guy is crazy as a horse, but I won't back down from any challenge" - he showed off his red and black duel disk. - Bring it on! - and his eyes were pervaded by a strange spark, the excitement of finally facing an opponent at his level, or at least this was the feeling that animated him.
Meteoritic Hawk:
Attribute: Fire type. [Winged Beast/Tuner/Effect] Atk: 1600 Def: 1200 Level: 4. If you normally o specially summon this card from your hand, you can special summon a level 4 or lower "Meteor" or "Meteoritic" monster from your hand, then, inflict 300 point of damage on your opponent for each card they control.
Meteoritic Beast:
Attribute: Fire type. [Beast/Effect] Atk: 1800 Def: 200 Level: 4. When this card battle a defense position monster: inflict pierce damage to your opponent. (Quick effect) You can banish this card from your GY: Add 1 "Meteor" or "Meteoritic" spell/trap card from your deck to your hand
Meteoritic Goliath:
Attribute: Fire type. (Fiend/Effect) Atk: 1500 Def: 1200 Level: 4. When this card is Normal or Special Summoned: Send a "Meteor" or "Meteoritic" monster from your Deck to the Graveyard. Once per turn, you can discard this card from your hand: place 1 "meteor token" on each monster on your opponent's field, and if you do, choose a "Meteor", "Meteoritic" or "Magmameteor" monster face up on the your field, it can attack all monsters with counters this turn
Magmameteor Detonator Dragon:
Attribute: Fire type [Dragon/Synchro/Effect] Atk: 2800 Def: 1600. 1 Tuner + 1 or more non-tuner monsters with Fire attribute.
This card cannot be destroyed by battle, except against Dragon or Pyro-type monsters. Once per turn, if your opponent activates a Spell / Trap card, you can negate its activation and destroy it. Once each of your End Phase, if this card is face up on your field, you can banish a monster with Fire attribute in your graveyard: inflict damage to your opponent equal to half the banished monster's attack
Meteoritic Difference:
Normal Trap Card: You can activate this card only when the difference between your life points and your opponent's is at least 2000 points or more: Target a face-up "Meteor", "Meteoritic" or "Magmameteor" monster on your field, it gains atk equal to the difference in life points.
Here we are again folks, with some new characters introduced. What about the exuberant Ren or the sweet Isabel, or why not, the phantasmagoric "King of the Devastating Impact"? I hope you enjoyed the chapter and see you next time.
Don't forget to review it or let me know your opinion