Chapter 31 A Future Worth Fighting For

The Samurai had briefly returned to the Samurai barracks looking over their decks. It was clear that if they wanted to win their future battles they needed to get stronger. Isabeau was thinking about more cards to prevent card destruction. Navarre wanted a way to not get beaten by the Meklords again. Jonathan was thinking about how he could unlock the full potential of Power Tool Dragon. Walter was very troubled about finding a way to keep up with their opponents quickly. He thought trying to unlock the signer dragon's power would take too long. Flynn was thinking about Issachar and Albaz. He needed to counter it somehow. Of course Keith was on his mind too, however he didn't know Keith's deck. The best he could surmise was that it was a zombie deck.

"He has a synchro monster. I know that too. I wonder if Samurai Skull knows more.", Flynn thought.

He looked over to Isabeau who huffed before preparing to leave.

"Is something wrong, Isabeau?", Flynn asked.

"It's nothing I just need to clear my head.", Isabeau assured with a smile before she left.

Flynn was worried knowing very well of his fellows' inner conflict.

"I believe she's run into a similar problem I once did.", Jonathan said, drawing their attention.

"And what is that exactly? You guys have been winning just fine…well mostly.", Navarre replied, sweat dropping.

"A dead end. Having a central core strategy but no way to evolve it in sight. It's something that was able to work for a while, but once everyone knows that strategy it's easy to stop.", Jonathan explained.

Walter closed his eyes silently nodding. He knew very well what Jonathan meant. He realized it before when he dueled Flynn. His central strategy failed when faced with a hard counter when previously it had seemed ironclad. He looked down to Red Dragon Archfiend. With it and the tuner he could revamp his strategy. The tuner improved his ability to discard while enabling him to synchro summon. With it he could tear down his enemies defenses especially a certain annoying cards like Pyramid Turtle which ruined him before. Perhaps he was too hasty in his judgment. There was still a vast untapped potential within the signer dragons.

Navarre gaped to see Flynn nod as well.

"I understand. It's easy to get railroaded into one image. Sir Damien proved that to me in our first duel. He made me realize I was far too dependent on Doomkaiser.", Flynn replied as he sighed.

"What exactly do you mean by image anyway? I have heard you and Issachar say it a few times.", Navarre questioned.

"An image of victory or in other words a win condition. Every good deck has one. When I duel I think about how I'm going to win, then I work towards that image with my plays. A truly powerful image is not only an effective one, but an adaptable one.", Flynn explained.

Navarre hastily typed all this down on his gauntlet making the others sweat drop. Flynn looked over Navarre's shoulder seeing the cards he had sprawled out.

"You have new cards.", Flynn said.

"…Yeah…after what happened at the ball I inherited these cards. Though I had to go through quite the annoying trial to actually get them. I swear…and I thought father could be strict.", Navarre said, with a sigh.

"You've definitely improved your deck, but those Meklords are difficult to deal with. They can just snatch synchro monsters without warning.", Jonathan said.

"If that's the case then for Navarre…the best thing he can do is end the game quickly.", Flynn said as he put his hand on his chin.

Walter frowned deeply before looking over to Navarre. He pulled out a card from his deck looking at it before placing it in front of Navarre. The others looked completely shocked by the action.

"Before we left for Tokyo the first time Gina gave me this card. It's good with my deck, but I think you need it more.", Walter said.

Navarre was at a complete loss for words not expecting the gesture. He saw the card was Elemental HERO Absolute Zero. It was a card Gina used in her duel against Isabeau.

Elemental HERO Absolute Zero

(WARRIOR/WATER/FUSION/EFFECT/ ATK 2500/ DEF 2000/ LV8)

1 "HERO" monster 1 WATER monster

Effect: Must be Fusion Summoned. Gains 500 ATK for each WATER monster on the field, except "Elemental HERO Absolute Zero". If this face-up card leaves the field: Destroy all monsters your opponent controls.

"You can't give me this! Like you said it was from Gina, right?", Navarre said.

"Yeah it is…well uh…just take it, stupid. I'm giving it to you alright. I want to. Think of it as thanks for earlier.", Walter replied as he scratched his cheek and he had an embarrassed blush.

"I don't have an Elemental HERO though.", Navarre replied.

"I have a Bubbleman I can give you. Never used it because I thought it's effect was too situational, but it is a water monster.", Walter replied.

Elemental HERO Bubbleman

(WARRIOR/WATER/EFFECT/ ATK 800/ DEF 1200/ LV4)

Effect: If this is the only card in your hand, you can Special Summon it (from your hand). When this card is Summoned: You can draw 2 cards. You must control no other cards and have no cards in your hand to activate and to resolve this effect.

"Even still…I…thank you, Walter.", Navarre replied.

"You could use Bubbleman well. If you clear your hand from special summon it to use as more material and then get some resources back.", Flynn said.

"Not to mention Absolute Zero can hit over any of those dumb Meklords you mentioned. Since you have a water deck you can exploit his ability to gain attack.", Walter pointed out.

Navarre looked very flustered to see the others so close trying to help him. It made him feel embarrassed to remember how he treated them before. They didn't have to do any of this. Jonathan smiled seeing his fellows' honest efforts to help one another.

"There's nothing wrong with helping each other. We're all fellows here after all. The strength we have comes from moments like this where we come together to aid each other that's something the enemy doesn't have.", Jonathan said.

"Those who take power versus those who support each other. We can't lose if we all work together to get stronger. Since we're not alone we don't need to try to find a path forward alone.", Flynn replied.

"Have you considered taking that fusion monster back, Flynn?". Walter asked with a funny look.

"It's not mine to own. It belongs to sir Daisuke's niece. Besides I have my ways to deal with those Meklords as you call them.", Flynn said as he pulled out Zombie World.

This made them all sweat drop and have funny looks on their faces. They could very vividly remember all the situations Flynn bamboozled himself out of with that card.

"That card is your solution to everything isn't it?", Walter questioned.

"What can I say it's very flexible.", Flynn replied.

With Isabeau…

She went to her manor to see if there were any cards she left there she could use. The servants at the gate lightly bowed to her. She sighed hoping she wouldn't be here for long. Being back here after what felt like forever made her unwittingly think about the past. Her vision lingered over to a crack in the mostly pristine wall which had been welled over. Even though the crack wasn't visible it was still there.

"Why am I thinking about this now?". Isabeau thought as she put her hand on her forehead.

Flashback

Isabeau sweated as she felt an indescribable feeling as her eyes locked with her signer dragon.

"I activate the effect of Black Rose Dragon destroying every card on the field! But since I have my Ritual Cage Garlandolf will be safe though my spell will be destroyed!", Kaga said.

"It's that kind of effect?!", Isabeau questioned, more bothered by the nature of the effect than that effect itself and what it implied.

She looked down feeling extremely bothered by it.

"Stardust Dragon's seems to represent Flynn's kindness and protecting nature. It's reoccurrence being his perseverance, but tributing itself shows he always seems to figuratively sacrifice himself for others. Jonathan's Power Tool Dragon relies on the fates leaving everything on the whims of God. It shows his true unwavering faith that justice is on his side. Red Dragon Archfiend obviously represents Walter's reckless and aggressive tendencies. It can be a major boon or end up backfiring. So…what does Black Rose Dragon say about me…? A dragon that destroys everything?", Isabeau thought.

The wind around Black Rose Dragon became more intense as petals swirled around it and it roared. Buildings around them had deep cuts carved into them effortlessly by the petals like a knife through butter. Kaga wasn't using any of her full ritual magic, this was just Black Rose Dragon alone. Isabeau raised up her arms to guard, forming a barrier around her with her powers.

"You think that will be enough?", Kaga questioned.

All her monsters and her facedown were easily torn through like sheets of paper. Her barrier was just barely holding up against it. Kaga's cards were annihilated as well except her ritual monster. The signer dragon even destroyed itself to destroy everything. It was the polar opposite of Stardust Dragon.

Flashback end

"Is there anything positive you can infer about something that destroys everything including itself…?", Isabeau thought.

She honestly wasn't even sure she wanted her signer dragon. The vibe she got from it was unnerving.

"Isabeau?", a male voice questioned, grabbing her attention.

Isabeau flinched, turning to see a man with short brown hair and brown beard in a white robe.

"Oh…Hoy there, father. I was just…I wanted to see if there was any cards I left here I could use.", Isabeau said, noticing his visible frown.

The look made her feel like she was going to get scolded again like old times…

"Isabeau, are you sure you want to continue this?", her father asked.

"Continue what exactly?", Isabeau questioned, raising her eyebrow.

She felt like she already knew the answer, remembering how unthrilled her father was to learn she passed the gauntlet rite.

"As you know we've already lost Stella. If you continue down this path for too long you'll be lost too.", her father replied.

"Everyone passes eventually. Is it not preferable to die for something honorable? Me and my fellows are on a divine mission from the Archangels to retrieve the signer dragons.", Isabeau replied.

"I'm aware…but that mark has caused you nothing, but grief. You can still honorably serve God as a part of the Monastery.", her father replied.

"I'm not going to abandon my fellows.", Isabeau said with an intense stare at her father.

She felt conflicted knowing he was rightfully concerned, but she had a mission she needed to fulfill for the people. Her father was taken aback the stare wasn't exactly angered instead unwavering and full of compassion.

"They rely on me and I can't let them down. I know you're worried about me, but I must do this! You once said there's a reason why I was born with this power right? It must be to aid my fellows in protecting Mikado.", Isabeau replied.

Her father furrowed his eyebrows.

"I suppose I should have expected this. Jonathan and Navarre are a part your fellow prentices after all.", her father replied with a sigh.

"Right…", Isabeau replied, though for some reason her cheeks became red.

That was certainly part of it, but she did care about Flynn and Walter as well. She became more flustered when her thoughts lingered on Flynn. Her father's eyes widened looking almost horrified.

"Your…In love! I knew it!", her father said as Isabeau gasped in shock.

"W-what?!", Isabeau questioned.

"There are only two things one is willing to stake their very existence on: faith and…love. That Jonathan…", her father said as Isabeau hastily waved her hands in the air.

"N-no! That's wrong! It's not Jon-", Isabeau replied, extremely flustered by her father's wrong conclusion.

Isabeau bit her tongue as she had the distinct feeling she was going to say something she didn't want him to hear.

"What?! But surely you've spent so much time together-", her father said, completely stunned.

His daughter had fallen in love with someone without him knowing?! If it wasn't Jonathan it was one of the two Casualry apprentices. The infamous bad boy Walter who he sincerely hoped was not the one. He had heard of the strange attraction some woman felt towards bad boys. Or the secret Luxuror and the Lord of the Undead, Flynn.

"I-It's nothing! I just need to go look in my room real quick!", Isabeau said, red as a tomato desperately wanting to get out of this conversation.

She tried to scurry away like a mouse, but her father stopped her with a serious and protective look.

"Who is this boy?", her father questioned, menacingly.

"I am not in love with anyone! It is simple comradery.", Isabeau replied, hastily.

"It is a sin to lie, Isabeau. And I still know very well when you're lying.", her father replied.

Isabeau was completely cornered, unable to think of a response. She knew he wouldn't drop this. Coming here was a horrible idea.

In the barracks…

The prentices were still messing with their decks and discussing strategy.

"Lord Flynn Alexander Mallory!", an angered voice said, drawing their attention.

"I'm getting the sudden sense of deja vu…", Walter said with a funny look.

"S-stop!", Isabeau said, sounding incredibly flustered.

Flynn was very confused at the situation though he kept a blank face. He wondered why Isabeau was blushing so much.

"Wait…that's…Isabeau, what is your father doing here?!", Jonathan questioned.

"Duel me!", Isabeau's father said to Flynn.

Flynn got up from his chair facing him.

"Why, sir?", Flynn asked respectfully.

He looked over to Isabeau mentally sweat dropping as her hands waved in the air trying to stop her father.

"Stop! Your being stupid! You don't have to duel him!", Isabeau said.

"Of course I do! If he thinks he's worthy to court my daughter that is!", Isabeau's father said and she practically fainted.

"Isabeau, are you alright…?", Jonathan questioned, sweat dropping.

Flynn reached over stopping Isabeau before she fell over. Her skin felt hot as she sweated in anxiety. He lightly blushed at how soft her hands felt. However, this only elicited a fierce death glare from Isabeau's father.

"Did he just say court? That means Isabeau…", Navarre said, before gasping.

He knew very well Flynn obviously was infatuated with Isabeau, but he never knew the feeling was mutual.

"This is all one big misunderstanding. Your just jumping to conclusions, father.", Isabeau said, putting up her hands trying to diffuse the situation.

"I am not jumping to conclusions, Isabeau. I have never seen you like this before.", her father pointed out.

Jonathan and Navarre looked over to Isabeau definitely agreeing. She wasn't the type to get flustered. She was usually cool headed almost a little too much at times. Walter on the other hand had a sly grin.

"Flynn, you sly dog. When, did you and Isabeau hook up?", Walter questioned.

Flynn didn't respond to that. The mere insinuation made his brain short circuit.

"W-what…?", Flynn questioned, looking almost mortified.

"What exactly is going on, father Adrian? Why do you think Flynn wants to court Isabeau?", Jonathan questioned as Isabeau just wanted to crawl under a rock.

"That miscreant kissed her.", her father said and the others not in the know gaped in shock.

"Your telling me I missed this?!", Walter questioned.

Navarre was completely unable to believe Flynn could be so bold. When it came to love Flynn was usually much less courageous.

"That's wrong…I kissed him so your problem is with me.", Isabeau said as Flynn looked down to her.

His heart was fluttering wildly. He tried to say something, but he was too flustered to speak. Everyone knew now about that 'scandalous' peck on the cheek.

"To turn my own daughter against me. How dreadful…", father Adrian replied.

"I am not a prize to be won. This is about my future so you're dueling me.", Isabeau said.

"I-Isabeau do you…?", Flynn questioned, completely flustered.

Isabeau and father Adrian stared at each other intensely with sparks practically flying. Flynn didn't know what to say. He was so taken off guard and he didn't want to mess this up. He touched Isabeau's shoulders grabbing her attention.

"I believe in you, Isabeau. Just like you do in me.", Flynn said, resolutely.

Father Adrian gaped as Isabeau's eyes brightened at his words of encouragement. She gave Flynn a thankful smile.

"Thank you. I know it must be hard for you to do. I really appreciate it.", Isabeau replied.

The two smiled at each other stunning the others.

"My plan worked?! I sped things along with these two!", Navarre thought.

"She's never had a look like that before at anyone…She really loves him and it seems like…no he does love her?!", father Adrian thought.

Father Adrian gritted his teeth, unable to believe this. Perhaps this was a good thing. She had someone else she treasured now, but he was in the most dangerous profession possible. If something happened to him…she'd surely lose it. Love could be very positive, but also very dangerous. It was a double edged sword. He heard that Lord Flynn was the strongest prentice. He did defeat the former king after all. But, that certainly didn't mean he was invincible. He could still very well lose.

In Tokyo…

Asahi was amazed at just how determined Nanashi was. He never really seemed to get too excited about anything before, but now he was really giving it his all. She hoped she could get a duel disk soon too so she could duel alongside him.

From the shadows a figure laid in wait for something or someone. This underground district was often frequented by the Samurai after all.

In Mikado…

"This can't be…", father Adrian said as he backed up.

"You're telling me...", Walter replied.

"They're in love, which means…after the divine mission they can get married and leave the Samurai! Then, Isabeau will be safe.", father Adrian thought.

"Fine…I will only accept this if the two of you promise to get married after fulfilling the angels mission.", father Adrian said and the two were completely red.

Isabeau sighed, sweat dropping. She supposed that was one way to appease him. He wanted her to be safe and one of the only ways out of Samurai duty was marriage. Flynn wondered if this all was a dream he never expected for things to progress so quickly. Marrying Isabeau…it sounded like an absolute dream to him. He pinched himself to make such he wasn't dreaming.

"It's r-real…", Flynn thought, never feeling so relieved in his life.

He tried to pull himself together and sound cool.

"If that's alright with you…Isabeau.", Flynn replied, trying to hide his nervousness.

Isabeau leaned against him, sighing before she smiled.

"I guess so…no definitely.", Isabeau replied.

Flynn pinched himself again trying to make sure he wasn't asleep. That future he strove for was more possible than ever. He could see it now, the happy ending he wanted to reach. It was that hope that helped to fight against the darkness trying to swallow him. His mother would have been ecstatic to hear this…the thought only made him sad. He has lost so much, but now he has the opportunity to gain something for once, happiness.

In Tokyo…

Issachar sweated nervously seeing Hikaru was very annoyed about something. It must have been that positive energy from earlier. Whatever it was, it must have been bad for Hikaru's plans for Flynn. She bit her fingernail pacing back and forth.

"This simply won't do. I can feel his darkness practically getting smothered by light. He has to be completely crushed in the Hunter Tournament.", Hikaru said as she narrowed her eyes.

"That's not the only thing though. Walter should have abandoned those boy scouts by now, instead they're more attached to the hip than ever. This has never happened before…", Hikaru thought.

The darkness within Flynn being smothered was the best news Issachar heard all day. He was scared for Flynn. Of what he'd turn into if he fully snapped like Hikaru wanted. He looked down at Beelze. He thought taking the evil card away definitely helped. All he could hope for was that Flynn was strong enough to overcome the darkness which desperately desired him.

In Mikado the prentices all trained intensely for the future they desired. A single hooded figure looked up to the ceiling separating the two before leaving. Everything would culminate soon…the fates of many in both Tokyo and Mikado.

Asuma smirked standing triumphant over an Asura Kai member and Hikaru smirked with interest. She could see the crown Samurai seemed to exclusively hunt the souls of the most vile. A man of quality though he could still be tempered more. Issachar looked confused wondering what a crown Samurai was doing in Tokyo. He had only heard of Asuma having never seen him himself.

Keith stalked the Samurai barracks waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. He only had one shot at this. He couldn't be caught by the angels at all cost and the only way to gain dominion of all the undead spirits was to get rid of his nephew.

To be continued…