Chapter 6 : New hobby + the past of Yusei
''Sir ! We finally finished to repair and upgrade the Summoning Method detector system.''
Reiji, who ordered the reparation of their captors that somehow were broken after he came from You Show following his defeat at the hands of Fuji Yusei, made a nod to its employee.
''Are you sure that it doesn't have any flaws now ?''
''Yes. Normally, those ones are way more efficient. They now should resist the Synchro Summons of Fuji Yusei's most powerful Monsters.'' Nakajima replied.
This answer made Reiji satisfied.
''Also. I think you should know that we received a call from Professor Marco. He said that he was assaulted by a new strange Duelist.''
Reiji narrowed his eyes.
''Is Marco okay ?''
''Yes, Sir. He told us that Fuji Yusei came out of nowhere and took upon his assailant while he ordered him to go away.''
''And what about Fuji Yusei ? Did he win ?''
As his superior asked him the question, Nakajima handed to Reiji a tablet showing my profile and my current win percentage.
''We managed to capture his Duel record from today. We just learned that he got two new Duels against the Ace of the LDS Synchro course, Todou Yaiba and this same individual. Both ended in his favor, which were the two final Duels he needed to get the six victories streak to qualify for the Maiami Championship.''
Hearing that, Reiji couldn't help but form a small smile on his face. ''So Fuji Yusei is qualified ? Excellent.''
''Sir, can I know now what do you think about Fuji Yusei ? Is he a possible ally or threat ?''
''Even if I didn't win my Duel with Fuji Yusei, it made me learn a lot of things about him. And one thing I can say for sure is that he is not our enemy.''
''So, are you saying that he could be a candidate for the Lancers ?'' Nakajima asked, still unsure.
''Yes, an excellent one. His Dueling skills along with his strategic spirit and analytic mind will definitely a major asset for the Lancers. I still have to deduct if he is from the Synchro Dimension or not but in any case, he is not an enemy.'' Reiji argued.
''Well then, Sir.'' Nakajima formerly replied as Reiji told him he could dispose as he left the room.
''I wonder if Fuji Yusei has other Monsters as strong in his arsenal as the Savior Star Dragon he used against me.'' Reiji thought while looking at a picture of me on the tablet given to him.
From Yusei's POV
After hours and hours of walking while wearing injuries I got from my Duel with Shun, I finally came back to You Show.
''Hey, everyone.'' I said as I arrived in the main room. The children were horrified to see me in such a state. Yuya was the first one to talk.
''Yusei ! Where were you all the time ?'' He asked before shock could be seen in his face to see all my wounds. ''And why are such in bad shape ?!''
''Long story...'' I sighed, not wanting to tell everything from the start. ''But the good side in it is that I managed to get my last two wins so now I'm qualified for the Championship.''
Yuya didn't really know what to make out of this. ''Well… that's great. Congratulations.'' He said, still unsure.
''Yusei.'' I heard a firm voice calling me. I turned my head in the right side to see it was Yuya's best friend looking at me with arms crossed and serious face.
''Gongenzaka ? What are you doing here ?'' I asked the man.
''Actually, he was already here when we arrived at You Show.'' Tatsuya confessed.
''He said he was waiting for you. He didn't tell us why though.'' Ayu added.
Gongenzaka approached. It was silent for some seconds before he asked.
''Yuya ? Can you and the kids leave for a moment, please ? I need to talk with Yusei privately.''
Even if he was a bit hesitant, he still accepted it. ''Yeah, sure.'' He said as he and the kids stood up, left the main room and closed the door. Then both Gongenzaka's and mine's attention were turned on each other.
''Gongenzaka ?'' I called the man, trying to break the silence.
Before I knew it, Gongenzaka's knees crash on the floor with clasped hands and closed eyes.
''Yusei ! I, the man Gongenzaka, ask you for a request between fellow Duelists !''
I widened my eyes in shock at this.
''And… what is...that request ?'' I stammered.
''I, the man Gongenzaka, would like if it won't be too much for you to teach me Synchro Summon !''
If human eyes could come out of their sockets, mines would have already been on the floor. Gongenzaka is asking me to teach him Synchro Summons ? Why me ? Wasn't he supposed to ask Yaiba for that ?
''You… want me to teach you Synchro Summoning ? But why ?'' I asked him.
''Even though we managed to keep You Show, I, the man Gongenzaka, couldn't help but feel helpless since we wouldn't have this pressure if I had won my match. If it wasn't for you, I don't think we would have managed to save You Show. I, the man Gongenzaka, want to become stronger because I don't wish this same kind of situation to happen ever again !'' He answered with strong determination in his voice.
''But why did you chose Synchro Summon in particular ?'' I asked him curiously.
''Because it's the Summoning method that brought me into a corner. I formally wanted to ask that LDS student : Todo Yaiba for teaching me but then it came to my mind that if I should learn Synchro Summoning, I must learn from the strongest Synchro Duelist I know. Your Duel with Akaba Reiji convinced me that you should be my Synchro Summoning mentor.'' He responded.
I was truly baffled by his words. From one side, I was flatted but from another I was doubting myself if I could be a good teacher. But then I remembered that I actually taught You Show's students the other Summoning methods and I didn't collapse so why it would be different now ?
My lips formed a smile, knowing what I had to say.
''Alright Gongenzaka. I will gladly teach you Synchro Summoning.'' I responded him.
Hearing my words, he dramatically let out tears of his eyes before pulling me into a crushing hug.
''I...the man Gongenzaka...thank you so much for accepting this !''
''Gongenzaka...'' I was running out of air. Plus with my wounds, this hug hurt a lot. ''Can't...breath...'' He finally let me go as I caught back my breath.
''Thank you so much, Yusei. I, the man Gongenzaka, will be sure to repay this debt one day.'' He firmly replied. ''Also one last thing. Could you avoid to tell anyone about this ? I don't know anyone to know yet until the Championship.''
I didn't see where the problem was in this as I shrugged. ''Okay then. Since, it is already the evening, the training will start tomorrow morning.'' He nodded.
The door opened itself revealing Yuya. ''Gongenzaka, can we enter now ?''
''Yes. I finished talking with Yusei.'' He affirmed as Yuya, accompanied by the three kids as well as Yuzu and Sora. To which I assume arrived during our conversation. Yuzu was in shock the moment she saw me.
''Yusei ! What happened ?! Why you look like you fought with a wolf ?!'' She exclaimed. Sora was also slightly surprised to see all my injuries.
''Do you remember the Xyz Duelist that Sawatari mentioned earlier this morning ?'' I asked as she nodded. ''Well...after I was convoked to LDS, which actually was that guy Yaiba demanding a match to prove he is better Synchro Duelist than me which of course, didn't end in his favor, I noticed that guy which had his eyes locked on a professor from LDS. Suspicious, I followed him and it appeared it was indeed the guy who assaulted LDS.''
''Was that the same guy who attacked Sawatari ?''
''No. Actually, it was the friend of this guy. Although the latter is a lot more reasonable.''
''So...'' Yuzu began before realizing. ''...you won ?!''
I was feeling a bit insulted at the way she said that. ''Of course ! This is me we are talking about ! I wasn't going to make myself look like an amateur !'' I exclaimed loudly, much to the shock of everyone present.
''Haa...Sorry. Got a bit carried.'' I apologized, regretting my outburst.
''Nah. It's okay. I shouldn't have make this assumption.'' Yuzu replied.
''Anyways.'' Yuya was now the one to talk. ''What were you and Gongenzaka talking about ?''
I took a small glance at Gongenzaka, who made a small nod.
''Nothing...much important. Just a little thing for the Maiami Championship but... you don't have to worry about.'' I found a way to respond.
''Oh. Ok then.'' He said. I took another small glance at Gongenzaka, who had a small smile on his face since I kept our secret.
The following days
During the days that passed, Gongenzaka and I were training at his Dojo. We were in a secret spot where other students won't disturb us. Teaching Gongenzaka Synchro Summons wasn't as easy as I thought...
Even if he knew the basics, considering his Deck play style, we had to forgot about Spell and Trap cards which support Synchro Summons. So we rearranged his Deck a bit to put more 'free Special Summon' Monsters, hand Traps and Graveyard effects to help him to Synchro Summon more quickly or having more protection for them.
I, by the same time, asked Gongenzaka if I could a daily training at his Dojo. Since I was consistently harmed during my battle with Shun, I needed to toughen myself for the upcoming war. He agreed, since I was nice enough to teach him Synchro Summon. We decided to train every morning and evening until the Championship. After a morning that ended quickly, I took my departure, saying to Gongenzaka we will see each other again 19:00 PM.
The afternoons that passed were nothing much special, I watched Yuya's qualification Duels against Michio Mokota, the young guy good in gastronomic and against Eita Kyuando, the so-called ''king of quizzes''. The moment he introduced himself, I immediately called him an idiot for thinking that he knows everything and kept bashing with that, making him fuming in rage. Fortunately, the three kids pulled me off the Duel Arena.
Yuya's lack of knowledge really pissed me off. I even yelled at him for having given such a pathetic answer at the third question he pulled off. He didn't even take one moment to think for his answers before giving them.
And boy...while Michio was decent, Eita was lame as hell in Duels. He wouldn't even stand for one second if he wasn't in his Action Field. Oh boy, how lucky he was to not have me as an opponent...
During one of the following days, I received a message of Sora telling me to come at the docks, right next to the warehouse where I and Yuto clashed. Confused, I texted him why, he said he couldn't tell me more about it until I came. I sighed and sent a message to him to say I'm right on my way.
Later, I arrived at the meeting point. Where I met Sora and Yuzu by the same time. Now, it became all clear in my mind. He probably wanted me to come to help Yuzu for her training.
''Hi, Yusei.''
''Hi.'' I waved back at them. ''Why did you need me here ?''
Sora was the one to answer. ''I wondered if you could help Yuzu with something.'' He started. ''You see, after the whole thing with LDS, Yuzu...''
''Asked you for teaching her Fusion Summon. Is that right ?''
Sora and Yuzu widened their eyes in surprise. ''Y-Yeah. But wait, how did you know it ?''
''Let's just say I'm not stupid.'' I nonchalantly answered. ''You were going for Sora which is a Fusion Duelist and you lost to one so I made a logical deduction.''
Yuzu only sighed as she looked down on the floor. ''Yes...it's true. When I lost my Duel to Masumi, I only felt like a burden. You, Yuya and Gongenzaka fought with all your arsenal and this was what managed us to keep You Show. While I, on the other hand, couldn't even keep my focus and didn't even see the Action Card I was looking for was just a reflection !'' She complained as she looked back at me. ''I don't want something like that to happen ever again. I want to fight alongside you guys as an equal !''
I then said. ''You want then to test everything you learn about Fusion Summon so far on me ?''
''Yes. I need one of the strongest Duelists I know to help me in this task. You were the one I was thinking about first and I don't want everyone else to know yet that I'm learning Fusion Summon. I want this to be a surprise.''
I then made a small smile. ''It flatters me you think that of me.'' I then took my serious expression. ''Ok then. But know this. It isn't because it's a training Duel that I'll go easy on you.''
She nodded in understanding. ''That's the last I will want to happen.''
''Very well then.'' I didn't pronounce any other words as we both armed our Duel Disks. Sora put himself in a corner as we both turned the training program on and shouted :
DUEL !
Yusei : 4000 LP Hand : 5
vs
Yuzu : 4000 LP Hand : 5
''Ladies first.'' I offered Yuzu the first turn.
''Well thank you.'' She smiled in return as she took a card in her hand. ''I Summon Opera the Melodious Diva !''
A small fairy like Monster with pink hair, white wings and dress appeared on her field.
(Opera the Melodious Diva/Level 4/2300 ATK/1000 DEF/Angel/LIGHT)
''This card cannot attack the turn it is Normal or Special Summoned. Since it's the first turn, it won't matters. I end my turn.'' Yuzu explained.
''A Level 4 Monster with 2300 ATK on the first turn. It has an attack restriction but she took advantage of it as she can't attack on the first turn. Not bad.'' Sora noted.
''My turn !'' I announced. ''I Summon Rapid Warrior in Attack Position !''
A blue robot warrior with yellow eyes appeared on my field.
(Rapid Warrior/Level 4/1200 ATK/200 DEF/Warrior/WIND)
''Next I activate the Equip Spell : Fighting Spirits ! Now the equipped Rapid Warrior gains 300 ATK for each Monster on my opponent's field !''
The new Equip Spell I gave to Rapid Warrior gave him a boost of 300 ATK.
(Rapid Warrior : 1200-1500 ATK)
''However, it is still quite short compared to Opera's ATK.'' Yuzu stated.
''True. But I didn't say I was going to attack her.'' I informed her. ''I activate Rapid Warrior Monster's effect ! During the Main Phase, I can prevent all other Monsters on my field from attacking and then Rapid Warrior can attack you directly this turn. Since I don't have any other Monsters, the restrictions for this effect aren't that much of a problem. Rapid Warrior attacks !''
Rapid Warrior jumped over Yuzu's Opera before delivering a strike to her.
Yuzu : 4000-2500 LP Hand : 4
''I Set one card and end my turn.'' I ended my turn with a card in reversed position.
''Yusei took a good amount of her Life Points in his first turn… however, does he have something against Opera's attack on Yuzu's next turn ?'' Sora thought while licking his lollipop.
''It's my turn !'' Yuzu announced as she drew her card. ''As I control a Melodious Monster, I can Special Summon this card from my hand ! Come, Sonata, the Melodious Diva !''
A female figure with yellow skin with blue and green hair, clothes and wings with music notes appeared.
(Sonata the Melodious Diva/Level 3/1200 ATK/1000 DEF/Angel/LIGHT)
''Next, I release both Sonata and Opera to Advance Summon this !'' Yuzu showed me a card as she chanted. ''Enchanting melody echoing in the heaven ! Awake the sleeping virtuoso ! Come forth, Level 8 ! Melodious Maestra – Prodigy Mozart !''
Yuzu's Ace card, a gray humanoid Monster with blue eyes, hair like the musician she held her name of, red dress and yellow wings descended on her field.
(Melodious Maestra – Prodigy Mozart/Level 8/2600 ATK/2000 DEF/Angel/LIGHT)
''I activate Prodigy Mozart's effect ! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or below ''Melodious'' Monster from my hand ! Show yourself, Canon the Melodious Diva !''
A blue female Monster wearing a violet dress and a mask appeared next to Mozarta.
(Canon the Melodious Diva/Level 4/1400 ATK/2000 DEF/Angel/LIGHT)
''However, due to Fighting Spirits, Rapid Warrior's ATK is increased by 300 for each Monster you control.'' I reminded Yuzu.
(Rapid Warrior : 1500-1800 ATK)
''But Mozart still has higher ATK ! Battle ! I attack Rapid Warrior with Prodigy Mozart ! Graceful Wave !''
Mozart used her baton to unleash a shock wave at Rapid Warrior.
''With Fighting Spirits' effect, if the equipped Monster would be destroyed by battle, I can destroy this card instead !'' I exclaimed.
My Equip Spell shattered itself as Rapid Warrior resisted the attack.
Yusei : 4000-3200 LP Hand : 3
''But now that your Equip Spell is gone, Rapid Warrior's ATK returns to normal.'' Yuzu pointed out.
(Rapid Warrior : 1800-1200 ATK)
''And I still have one more attack ! Go, Canon ! Singing Strike !''
Canon unleashed sound waves from her mouth, succeeding in destroying Rapid Warrior.
Yusei : 3200-3000 LP Hand : 3
''I managed to destroy his Monster but there is no doubt he will come back next turn.'' Yuzu tried to think of a strategy. ''Better playing safe for now. I activate Canon's effect to switch her in Defense Position.'' She announced as her blue Monster took a defensive state.
(Canon the Melodious Diva : 1400 ATK-2000 DEF)
''I Set one card and end my turn.'' She concluded.
''At this moment, I activate the Trap : Miracle Wake !'' I flipped over my facedown Trap card. ''I Special Summon a Monster from my Graveyard that has been destroyed in battle this turn !''
A light came from my card which opened the Graveyard portal, which allowed Rapid Warrior to resurrect.
(Rapid Warrior : 1200 ATK)
''He brought back his Rapid Warrior. Like always… Yusei always has a backup plan.'' Yuzu thought as I began my turn.
''Draw ! I Summon the Tuner Monster, Nitro Synchron !''
My extinguisher shaped Tuner Monster appeared.
(Nitro Synchron/Level 2/300 ATK/100 DEF/Machine/Tuner/FIRE)
''Then since I have Normal Summoned a Monster this turn, I can Special Summon this card from my hand ! Come, One-Shot Booster !''
A yellow machine Monster with cannons as its arms and a traffic light on its head came to life.
(One-Shot Booster/Level 1/0 ATK/0 DEF/Machine/EARTH)
''With Nitro Synchron along with a Level 4 and a Level 1 Monster...'' Sora analyzed the situation. ''I think I know where this is going...''
''I tune my Level 4 Rapid Warrior and my Level 1 One-Shot Booster to my Level 2 Nitro Synchron !''
I prepared for a Synchro Summon.
''Gathering feelings will now become a new force ! Become the path that lights the way !''
(4 + 1 + 2 = 7)
''Synchro Summon ! Blaze on, Nitro Warrior !''
My Synchro Warrior shaped in green and with yellow eyes was born.
(Nitro Warrior/Level 7/2800 ATK/1800 DEF/Warrior/Synchro/FIRE)
''Nitro Warrior now ?!'' Yuzu exclaimed, knowing that my Monster had an effect that could manage to handle her two Monsters.
''Since Nitro Synchron was used to Synchro Summon Nitro Warrior, I can draw a card from my Deck !'' I checked my new card before I passed on assault.
''Battle ! I attack Prodigy Mozart with Nitro Warrior ! Dynamite Knuckle !''
Nitro Warrior jumped on Yuzu's Ace Monster and punched it really hardly before it exploded.
Yuzu : 2500-2300 LP Hand : 2
''Trap activate ! Talent Inheritance ! When a ''Melodious'' Monster is destroyed, I can draw two cards from my Deck !'' Yuzu said as she added two new cards to her hand.
''We will see if those cards will help you later.'' I told her. ''When Nitro Warrior destroys a Monster by battle, I can switch one Defense Position my opponent controls to Attack Position and then Nitro Warrior can attack again ! Dynamite Impact !''
Nitro Warrior changed Yuzu's Canon into Attack Position before charging again.
(Canon the Melodious Diva : 2000 DEF-1400 ATK)
''Nitro Warrior ! Second attack ! Dynamite Knuckle !''
Nitro Warrior made another punch to Yuzu's last defense while severely decreasing her Life Points were severely decreasing.
Yuzu : 2300-900 LP Hand : 3
''Woo...Yusei can overwhelm his opponent quickly, can't he ?'' Sora thought.
''I Set two cards. Turn end.''
''It's my turn !'' Yuzu drew her card and had a huge smile on her face. ''Alright ! I activate the Spell : Fusion from my hand !''
This caught both mine and Sora's attention. ''Let's see if she succeeds...''
''I fuse Aria the Melodious Diva and my second copy of Sonata in my hand !'' Her Monsters joined the Fusion vortex with Yuzu clasping her hands. "Echoing melodious voice ! Flowing melody ! With guidance of the baton, gather your power ! Fusion Summon ! Now come here to the stage ! Melodious Maestra – Meisterin Schubert !''
A female figure wearing a mask, a long ginger hair, a red dress and a sword-shaped baton came to life.
(Melodious Maestra – Meisterin Schubert/Level 6/2400 ATK/2000 DEF/Angel/Fusion/LIGHT)
''I-It worked ?'' Yuzu stuttered in shock before jumping in enthusiasm. ''It worked !''
''You finally did it.'' I commented with a smile.
''Nice going, Yuzu.'' Sora also did with the same expression on my face.
''Thanks, both of you.'' Yuzu shyly answered.
''Now let's see what your Fusion Summon is truly capable of.'' I proposed to her as she took a confident expression.
''You bet ! But first, I activate the effect of Talent Inheritance in my Graveyard ! If there is a ''Melodious Maestra'' on my field, I can remove this card from play to draw one card !'' Yuzu smiled at what she drew. ''Next I activate the Spell : Resurrection of the dead ! I can Special Summon a Monster from either of our Graveyards ! Come back at the stage, Prodigy Mozart !''
Yuzu's Ace Monster reappeared.
(Prodigy Mozart – the Melodious Maestra : 2600 ATK)
''Meisterin Schubert's effect activates ! Once per turn, I can remove all cards from either of our Graveyards that have been used for Fusion Summon from play and then Schubert gains 200 ATK for each removed card until the End Phase ! I remove from play the Fusion card as well as the Aria and Sonata in my Graveyard, meaning that Meisterin Schubert gains 600 ATK ! Chorus Break !''
(Meisterin Schubert the Melodious Maestra : 2400-3000 ATK)
''Battle ! Meisterin Schubert attacks Nitro Warrior !''
''Trap activate ! Scrap-Iron Scarecrow !'' I activated Yusei's most famous Trap card. ''Your attack is negated !''
''I activate the Trap : Melodious Illusion with Schubert as its target ! When my opponent activates a Trap card during my Battle Phase, its effects are negated. Then the targeted Melodious Monster can attack twice during this turn !'' She said as a cross appeared on my Disk, showing that Scrap-Iron Scarecrow has been negated.
''The attack continues ! Go, Meisterin Schubert ! Wave of the Great !''
Yuzu's Fusion Monster unleashed a stream of notes from her baton, blasting away Nitro Warrior.
Yusei : 3000-2800 LP Hand : 1
''And now Meiste...''' Yuzu tried to pursue her assault until she was interrupted by the arrival of a pink chick wearing two red shoes on my field as it shrieked.
(Roadrunner/Level 1/300 ATK/300 DEF/Winged-Beast/EARTH)
''What ? What happened ?'' Yuzu exclaimed in shock at the sight of my new Monster.
''My Trap happened.'' I calmly explained as I pointed out my other Trap I've just activated. ''When a Monster I control is destroyed, I can activate the Trap : Scramble Egg. Which allows me to Special Summon Roadrunner from my hand, Deck or Graveyard.'' I explained the effects of my card.
''Wow. It's so cute.'' Sora said in a cheerful manner.
''It may be cute but it only has 300 DEF. My two Maestras have still way more ATK.'' Yuzu pointed out with a confident expression as she was preparing to attack again but I stopped her.
''True. However, Roadrunner's effect prevents itself from being destroyed in battle with a Monster that has at least 1900 ATK.'' I stated Roadrunner's effects.
''Cute Monster but annoying effect...'' She pouted. ''I end my turn.''
''My turn ! Draw !'' I checked out the card draw, which revealed itself to be Junk Synchron. ''It was nice a going Yuzu. However, all good things must come to an end. I Summon the Tuner Monster, Junk Synchron !''
Little orange symbolic Tuner Monster of my Deck appeared.
(Junk Synchron/Level 3/1300 ATK/500 DEF/Warrior/Tuner/DARK)
''Then since I have a ''Junk'' Monster on my field, I can Special Summon Junk Servant from my hand !''
A red robot with yellow marking in its body appeared.
(Junk Servant/Level 4/1500 ATK/1000 DEF/Warrior/EARTH)
''I tune my Level 1 Roadrunner and my Level 4 Junk Servant to my Level 3 Junk Synchron !''
Junk Synchron pulled a lever on itself as he turned into three green rings as Junk Servant and Roadrunner jumped into it, turning into five orbs.
''Gathering fighting souls will awake the raging wicked god ! Become the path that lights the way !''
(1 + 4 + 3 = 8)
''Synchro Summon ! Obliterate, Junk Destroyer !''
My black warrior with four arms, red eyes and a device connected to its chest appeared.
(Junk Destroyer/Level 8/2600 ATK/2500 DEF/Warrior/Synchro/EARTH)
''When Junk Destroyer is Synchro Summoned successfully, it can destroy one card on the field for each non-Tuning Materials used. As such, I destroy Meisterin Schubert and Prodigy Mozart ! Tidal Energy !''
Junk Destroyed fired two orbs of energy that blasted away Yuzu's two Monsters.
''Woo...I'm afraid that Yuzu don't have anything to defend herself with anymore.'' Sora thought.
''Junk Destroyer ! Direct Attack ! Destroy Knuckle !''
Junk Destroyer fired four punches at Yuzu which exploded few meters before her, the impact causing her to lose.
Yuzu : 900-0 LP Hand : 0
The holograms disappeared as I walked to Yuzu to help her get back to her feet.
''Not bad, Yuzu. You almost got me.'' I told her, making her look to me. ''You managed to Fusion Summon. Your training was good. Well of course, your Fusion Summon skills still need some sharpening but you are on the right track.''
''Thank you.'' She smiled shyly.
''He is right. Being able to Fusion Summon is a thing but mastering it is another.'' Sora approached us. ''Well, I will go get something to eat to the shops. Do you want something ?''
''No thanks, I am good.''
''Me too.''
Were both our answers.
''Well, okay...see you soon.'' He said as he took his departure.
''Why I have the feeling that he will just take more candies ?'' I thought. Sora's eating habits really need approving.
''Yusei. Can I ask you something ?'' Yuzu demanded me, snapping out of my thought.
''If you want...'' I sighed, but accepted her request.
''If I remember correctly, the day we met you said at You Show that your parents died when you were five years old. Can I know how ?''
I frowned my eyes at her question while turning my head to the opposite side.
''I'm sorry.'' Yuzu looked down in shame. ''You don't have to answer that if you don't want to...''
''It was on a summer evening...'' I started, deciding to tell her anyways...
Flashback (11 years ago)
A young five-years old black haired boy with dark gray eyes wearing a simple dark blue t-shirt, black shorts and gray socks was in his bedroom alone, drawing on a paper while on the floor. He was actually drawing the card of Stardust Dragon. He was paying attention on every detail. He carefully watched out on coloring the blue and white of Stardust Dragon's body. After some moments, he finally finished. He looked at the drawing and was very proud of itself : the draw had no flaws and no mistakes, it almost looks like a new printed Stardust Dragon card.
''Can't wait to show this to Mommy and Daddy.'' He thought until suddenly he felt some kind of shake coming from his house. Scared, he went downstairs to go check his parents.
''Mommy ! Daddy ! What's happening ?!'' The child said, completely panicked.
''We don't know, honey !'' The mother, with a long raven hair and blue eyes replied, as scared as the young boy was.
''It looks like some kind of earthquake !'' The father, also black haired but with deep gray eyes speculated. ''Come over here son ! We need to escape quickly !''
As he was about to run to his parents, something bursted out of from one of the walls, which sent the young child flying on the side as he fell unconscious.
''CEDRIC !'' The father rushed to the boy before some debris of the ceiling dropped on himself and his wife as the house collapsed.
Shortly after, the boy woke up on the ground with a rather young police officer kneeling by his side.
''Hey, are you okay, little one ?'' She asked.
The young boy rubbed his eyes before responding. ''Um...yes. Think so. What happened ?''He then turned his head to see the same house he lived in before completely devastated where some officers stood before. It then clicked on his head.
''Where's mommy ?! Where's daddy ?!'' He asked in panic as he checked around to see if there is a life sign of them but he couldn't see any of them. Only people working for the police. The woman who was here when the boy woke up said with a sad look on her face.
''I'm sorry, my boy. While you were extremely lucky to survive this when we found you...'' She hesitated before continuing. ''Same can't be said about your parents.''
The boy widened his eyes in huge shock as he turned his attention back on the house. He was shaking as he collapsed on the floor before he let out a cry of despair.
End of flashback
''I still don't know how I managed to survive. However, this incident was one of the most traumatizing I had in my life. I lost both my parents and my house in one single night.'' I finished explaining, the scenes going back into my head like it was yesterday.
Yuzu was on the verge of tears at my story. She couldn't imagine what was like losing his parents at a such young age.
''I'm...sorry, Yusei. I didn't know.'' She apologized.
I only sighed. ''Do not be. It isn't your fault.''
''What happened after your parents...'' Yuzu hesitated on how to finish her question. ''Well, you know...''
''I was placed in an orphanage.'' I told her. ''Though, it was hell. Some of the other occupants were bullies with nut-sized brains. I endured their beating for years. Until one day… I snapped.''
Flashback (8 years ago)
''How do you like this, huh ?''
Two guys a few inches taller than me were holding me by the arms as a third one kept punching me, like he had the habit to.
''Come on, fight back !'' He yelled at me, but I kept being inactive. He then ordered the two other guys to release me as he grabbed my t-shirt. ''What's the problem with you ?''
''I could ask you the same thing.'' I retorted calmly. ''Taking upon a guy smaller than you doesn't seem any better.''
He grunted as he tossed me on the ground. Upon the fall, the card of Stardust Dragon fell of my pocket.
''Huh, what is this ?'' He picked up the card.
I, who recovered from the shock, realized what were they holding. ''Hey ! Give me that back !'' I jumped to them, trying to get it back but they were too tall as he held it up in the air.
''You want that back, huh ?'' The taller asked in a playful tone. ''Well, nope sorry. He threw the card at his other friends who were doing this dumb game. Each I tried to take back my card, one will kick me harshly on the ground. I had enough and jumped to the chubby one to which I gave a huge punch in the stomach.
''AWW !'' He yelled as he tried to breath the others precipitated at him but the same tragedy happened to them as I took the first by the arm and threw him at the third guy. Both of them fell on the ground as I approached as I stomped their faces with my face. They each earned a black eye.
''AW ! What the hell is wrong with you ?!'' One of them asked.
''What is wrong with ME ?! You tortured me for three WHOLE years as well as some other guys. What is wrong with YOU ?'' I keep striking them until I decided they had enough as I took my card they dropped on the floor and ran away.
''Awww ! He is gonna pay !'' The chubby one finally recovered.
''Right !'' The tallest of them spoke before an evil idea came to him. ''Oh I know !''
He then explained the others his idea. They thought it was genius.
What was unknown to them was that two persons were watching them from the windows…
Some hours later
''Director !''
Said director was a middle-aged man wearing a gray outfit. He was seeing me in the hallway. The three bullies behind them. The occupants were out of their rooms watching as well, fearing for my fate.
''Luke, Sam and Tedd told me that you were outside earlier in the park while harassing them.''
I took a quick look at the three jerks who had stupid smiles in their faces.
''Is that true Cedric ? Did you do this to them ?''
''Of course, it's true ! Don't tell me you are gonna believe this liar !'' Sam shouted.
''It's funny that a liar treats other people of liar.'' The director coldly answered, much to the disbelief of those jerks.
''Hmmm, excuse me ?'' Tedd asked with shivers
''Don't play innocent !'' The director replied with a harsh voice as two figures appeared behind them. One was a girl with long black hair with green eyes wearing a dark blue t-shirt with black skirt and red shoes who seemed the same age as me while the other one was a rather tall boy with blonde hair and brown eyes wearing a white t-shirt with an image of a shield and two swords on it, blue jeans and black shoes. I could assume he was about one or two years older than me.
''Helena and James came to me earlier just before you. They told me than you stole something that Cedric extremely values while making fun of him and beating him !''
''No ! That's wrong !'' Luke denied.
''Nice try, but I'm not a fool. They also told me that you were bullying all the occupants in our orphanage during those years.'' The three were now panicking. ''I'm afraid that I have to transfer you to another orphanage. One that accepts naughty brats like you.''
The other occupants were in huge satisfaction. Some of them even applaud. The director then make them returned in their room one last time and forbid them from leaving it until tomorrow morning. He then came back to see me.
''Cedric.'' The director called me. He put a hand on my shoulder. ''Why didn't you tell me that they were harassing you ?''
Cedric looked away in shame. ''They told me that you wouldn't mind my problems.''
''Oh please...you didn't seriously believe them ? I'm always at the attention of others.'' He said before turning to the hallway. ''Also, all of should now know that if you have a problem you can always go to see me. Clear ?''
The other occupants shyly nodded. The director only formed a small smile on his lips. ''Good.''
Was his last word before he returned to his office while the others came back in their rooms. I slowly went to the duo that helped me.
''Hey...'' I began. ''I want to thank you for...covering me.''
''No problem.'' The girl replied with a shiny smile. ''It was finally about time someone do something about those jerks.''
''I'm actually impressed you had the courage to do this.'' The guy said. ''Even so, they will be gone next morning. You should stay with us. I'm sure they will see eye-to-eye.
''Thank you.'' I shyly said as the tall guy smile.
''You're welcome. My name is James.''
''And I am Helena.''
''Nice to meet you both. My name is Cedric.'' I told them as we walked to another place to talk more privately.
End of flashback
''I made two friends with which I grew up. They were the ones that initiated me to Dueling.''
Yuzu was touched by my story before she asked a question. ''The ones who initiated you to Dueling ?''
''Yeah. Stardust Dragon was a gift from my father. He promised me to teach me Dueling one day.'' My face then took a dark expression, due to the promise having never happened. I started to watch Yu-Gi-Oh! at four years old. Yugi and Yusei were the protagonists that I liked the much. Following with Judai. I especially liked his season 4 version where he became a lot more mature. Then at the orphanage, we watched the rest of Yu-Gi-Ohs I didn't watch. Yuma annoyed me A LOT. I especially watched Zexal for Kaito. Arc-V hugely disappointed me. Huge potential wasted. 6/8 of the protagonists killed. Akaba Leo sent an entire army to ravage the Xyz, kidnap and kill four girls, which ironically led to the revival of the same being he tried to stop and wasn't punished for all of that. Screw you, Arc-V directors.
''Of course that never happened.''
''Oh, I am sorry.'' Yuzu apologized, with an expression full of regrets.
''It's fine. My friends
''But then, what happened with your two friends before you went to Maiami City ?''
I regained a stoic expression and replied firmly. ''I don't want to talk about it.''
''Why ?'' Yuzu didn't know why I wouldn't tell anything about my friends
''I never told about this to anyone. I'm just…not ready yet. I may tell you someday but that's not a promise I can make.''
She decided to not ask any further questions. Instead, when I looked back at her, she seemed distracted by something.
''Yuzu ? Is everything alright ?''
She got out of her trance and shook her head rapidly before she responded.
''Hmmm…yes. Why that question ?'' She asked.
''You seemed distracted.'' I answered briefly.
''I...don't see what you are talking about.'' She tried to avoid the question.
I didn't buy it until something came in my mind. ''Has it something to do with the Phantom Knight Duelist ?''
As I expected, she blushed at the mention of the Phantom Knight. I had a small smile as I closed my eyes. ''I wonder how Yuya will react once he finds out that his girlfriend is thinking about another boy.''
''Yuya is not my boyfriend !'' Yuzu snapped at my teasing.
''That's what they all say...'' I responded.
''It's just that…'' She hesitated. ''He doesn't like me that way.''
I chuckled at what she said. ''We just heard everything. He doesn't like you that way ? Oh please...''
''What do you mean by that ?'' She asked confused.
''You have feelings for Yuya, don't you ?''
''Of course !'' She yelled. ''But as I said, he doesn't like me that way.'' She finished the last sentence with a weaker voice.
''No. He does have feelings for you. It's just that he doesn't know how to tell it to you. And neither do you. Sorry.''
''Then what do you suggest me to do ?'' She demanded me.
''Just wait. I will arrange this for the both of you.'' I said with a smile.
''Th-thank you.'' She blushed.
''Did I miss something ?''
''Ha !'' The voice surprised both me and Yuzu as it was revealed to be Sora who jumped down from the top of a container.
''Oh boy Sora !'' Yuzu exclaimed, who stroke Sora with her magical paper fan. ''You could gave us a heart attack !''
''Please. Do not do that, again.'' I asked him.
''Okay...'' He pouted, rubbing his face from the impact of Yuzu's paper fan.
''By the way, Yuzu. Can you tell me where do you keep that paper fan ?'' I asked her in a hope for an answer.
However, I wasn't that lucky. ''Nope. Not now.'' She nonchalantly answered.
I sighed as Sora patted my back. ''Nice try.'' He whispered to my ear.
''Thanks. By the way, what did you buy ?'' I asked.
He took his bag, revealing a chocolate bar, a lollipop and some other candies.
''Why am I not surprised ?'' I sweatdropped as he took a lollipop and unwrapped it.
Before I could complain about his eating habits, the face of Kotsu Masumi appeared behind a container, our attention turned to her.
''Kotsu Masumi ?'' Yuzu addressed her by her name while I only narrowed my eyes.
''What is she doing here ? I thought I stopped Shun from carding her Fusion teacher.''
''Do you know what has been happening in Maiami City recently ?'' Masumi asked us. ''Several incidents of Duelists disappearing from the hands by a mysterious Duelist. Also, all of them has a connection with LDS, but the higher ups aren't giving us any more information about this. It is only known that the Duelist in question uses Xyz Summoning.''
I could feel both Sora and Yuzu's regards on me when the last sentence she said was pronounced.
''That's the only possible I could find.'' Masumi clenched her fists. ''I learned that Professor Marco was about to be attacked by this same Duelist until...'' She then pointed at me. ''You !''
''Me ?'' I raised an eyebrow.
''I know that it was you ! The higher-ups said that Marco got saved thanks to the intervention of the named 'Fuji Yusei' who took upon this Xyz Duelist !'' She exclaimed.
''Well...I keep bashing LDS, but at least news are spreading fast in their School.'' I thought.
''If you defeated him, then you must know where he went ! You must tell me now ! I don't want Professor Marco's life to be at risk again !''
''So, she is only here to protect her Professor. As much as I want to answer your question, I can't. He can be everywhere. He targets Fusion users, which is why he tried to attack your teacher in the first place.'' I explain to her but she wasn't buying it.
''Don't lie to me !'' She yelled in outrage. ''Professor Marco might be in danger at the moment we speak ! If you don't want to talk...'' She then took her Duel Disk. ''Then I'll force the answer out of you !''
''After witnessing me beating the strongest Duelist in your School, do you seriously think that you hold a chance ?'' I seriously asked her, but still pulled out my Duel Disk. ''Well, then if you insist. I'm just gonna prove you that LDS students have a larger ego than Dueling Skills !''
''You're from LDS ?'' A voice coming out from a container which revealed itself to be Kurosaki Shun in his cloak jumped out to Masumi while pushing Yuzu away, making her drop all her cards that were now all scattered on the floor.
''If you're from LDS...'' He activated his Resistance Duel Disk. ''Then your opponent will be me !'' He said as I helped Yuzu getting up from the floor again while Sora narrowed his eyes at the scene.
''Now ! Duel me !'' He shouted, making Masumi backing in shock.
''Shun, stop this !''
Yuto jumped out from a container. He grabbed Shun's hand to restrain him from doing anything else as he removed his mask. ''I've already told you this isn't our battlefield Shun ! Those people have no links with our enemy !''
''And I already told you that I will not have any of it ! Everywhere I go is my battlefield, Yuto ! In order to get Ruri back, I have to do this ! If you dare stand in my way then I'll go through you as well !'' He spat back as he pulled his scarf and glasses down. However, before he knew it, someone punched him really hard on the shoulder. As he winced back in pain.
''You didn't listen to any word I said to you before, didn't you ?!'' Once he recovered, he looked at his assailant which has been revealed to be me with an angry expression.
''You !'' He growled in anger.
''DIDN'T YOU ?!'' I yelled, much to the shock of Yuto, Yuzu and Sora.
''I found the culprit behind those incidents !'' Masumi was on her D-Pad. ''Send backup, Yaiba and Hokuto.''
''Wait !'' I pleaded her. ''I'm sure it's only a big, BIG misunderstanding !''
''That's right !'' Yuzu joined in. ''They haven't said what has pushed them to do this !''
Hearing the voice, Shun turned to Yuzu and widened his eyes in shock. ''R-Ruri ? Is that really you ?''
Shun moved towards Yuzu before receiving a punch in the guts from Yuto, completely stopping him.
''R-Ruri...'' Shun uttered before passing out, Yuto catching him before he fell to the ground.
''How can he mistake her for her sister ? Kurosaki Ruri has long violet hair and pinks eyes. How he of all people can pass this detail ?'' I thought in disbelief.
''That girl isn't Ruri, Shun.'' Yuto whispered to his friend as he put him over his shoulder before turning to me.
''I'm sorry if you had to bear Shun's stubbornness again.'' He apologized to me as his eyes locked to the Fusion card that was scattered on the floor as he picked it up and addressed Yuzu : ''This card doesn't suit you.''
Yuzu was in shock. ''What do you mean ?'' She asked him.
''You can't understand how much malevolence is there in this card.'' He simply answered.
''I don't like it when someone trashtalks about one of my favorite cards.'' Sora retorted before smirking. ''How about I show the true capabilities of this card ?''
I whacked them both in the head. ''Stop ! The situation is already bad like that !''
''This is right !'' Yuzu added. ''Don't make it worse than it's already is !''
Yuto turned to me again. ''Believe me. You don't want to get involved in our problems.'' He then looked away. ''From what I learned, you also lost people close to you in the past. If you don't wish to lose more of them, it is for your best to keep yourself away from our problems. We already caused too much damage.''
''You are wrong !'' I exclaimed, gaining his attention. ''I don't wish for anyone to lose their friends nor their family, especially for you both !'' He widened his eyes in shock. ''Please ! Let me...''
''Yuzu !''
''Masumi !''
I didn't have time to finish my sentence that Yuya, Yaiba and Hokuto were far away calling for their respective friends. But at the same time, Yuzu's bracelet shone very brightly, making all of us covering our eyes from the light. When the light vanished, Yuto and Shun were no longer there.
The three new arrivals approached their respective friends, while Yuzu was still in disbelief.
''He disappeared...again.'' Yuzu uttered as her eyes formed tears. ''None of this makes sense ! Why does he disappear whenever Yuya is near ?! Why does my bracelet shine every time it happens ?! Also, who is this Ruri person and why do they keep mistaking me for her ?!''
I was feeling bad for her. If only she knew...
''I know you want to tell them but don't.'' Junk Archer appeared by my side. ''Telling them about Zarc and Ray nor even that Yuzu and Yuya have people looking like them right now will absolutely make no sense. Firstly, they won't believe you and secondly there is no point. You must wait the right time to tell them this. Probably when you will be in the Fusion Dimension.''
I only sighed at Junk Archer's argumentation. ''You are right.'' I said as he disappeared.
''Why are they all scattered like that ?'' Yuya wondered to himself as he picked up the cards that were dropped on the floor and handed them back to Yuzu, who just looked with a motionless expression.
Then we hired the sounds of several tires screeching which appeared to be LDS' vehicles.
''I may suggest that we go before they interrogate us.'' Sora said.
We agreed before Sora and Yuzu ran until they were out of sight. I was about to do the same until I took a glimpse of Yuya picking up Yuzu's Fusion card.
''Well, he will need it later...'' I thought, not deciding to take the card back. ''Yuya, hurry ! We don't have time !''
He snapped out of his thoughts. ''Y-Yeah ! I'm coming !''
I waited until he was to my position as we both started running to catch up to Yuzu and Sora.
''Man, what a day...''
It was 22:30 PM. I was laying in bed thinking about everything that happened so far. ''First, getting sent to the Arc-V realm, then joined the You Show Duel gang, affronting the two iconic Xyz Users in this series as well as one of its strongest characters then being Gongenzaka's Synchro Summoning mentor. Well, a lot of things happened in those days...'' Until two thoughts came back in my mind as I looked back my right arm, still holding the dragon-head mark.
''The Crimson Dragon is here, that's for sure. But where is he ? Stardust told me that he doesn't feel his presence. Also...'' This time was the event that occurred before my last turn during my Duel with Reiji. ''And what was that vision ? Was it something from the future ? Was it because of Zarc or...even someone else ?'' Those two things were really confusing me.
''Well, then...let's see what tomorrow brings to us.'' I thought as I closed my eyes and found sleep.
Some hours passed, until…
BOOM !
Then suddenly, some kind of earthquake instantly got me out of sleep as I jumped out of bed.
''What the hell was that ?'' I asked to no one in particular until the earthquake stopped. I went out of my room to find Yuya in full clothes
''Yusei ! What was that ?!'' Yuya, who also got awake by this earthquake, was alarmed.
''I wish I could have the answer too !'' I replied.
We both put our jackets on as we headed outside.
As we went outside, we see smoke coming from a forest in the horizon.
''Something exploded in the forest ?!'' I exclaimed in shock.
''There might be injured ! We must hurry to...'' Yuya began until Yoko came out of the house.
''What is happening ?'' She exclaimed with a flash light pointed at us.
''Something happened in the forest ! There might be injured people...'' Yuya began but I put my hand on his shoulder to get his attention.
''Yuya...right now it's not the time. We should let the authorities handle about this. Besides, this is not like they will let us help them.''
''Yusei is right, Yuya. You would better return to sleep. We will learn what it was in the morning.'' Yoko said.
Yuya, even though he was reluctant at the idea, still accepted unwillingly. ''Fine...''
Yoko then made gesture at us to get back inside. In the meantime, the two Aces of my Deck were flying above the house analyzing the situation.
''Was that what I think it is ?'' Junk Warrior asked Stardust Dragon.
The latter only sighed as he checked the other people in the neighborhood who also went outside to check what this earthquake was. ''Unfortunately...I don't think it could be anyone else.'' He answered before vanishing along with Junk Warrior.
I got back in my room, putting my jacket away before laying in my bed.
''I don't know what it was but I feel like it's beginning of bad news...'' I thought worryingly as I was drawn back to sleep.
Meanwhile
Where the incident took place, a huge crater was made. Inside of it was a huge card in a tablet who was before three white hooded figures.
''Hahaha ! Here it is !'' Said the smallest of the three with an excited child voice who laughed manically.
''Your card arrived first.'' The adult-sized one stated calmly, with mild-interest.
The older and largest guy of the three chuckled before responding to his adult-sized partner, with his voice muffled by a mask. ''Good. It seems that the both of us don't have to get involved yet.''
The trio remarked lights coming on their ways. Probably those from officers.
''We should probably get out of here before we get noticed. While we can make them forget the incident, people like Fuji Yusei are a different story if it is said that our powers don't affect him.'' The adult guy explained.
The child one extended his hand to the tablet, before it took the shape of a giant blue bird designed robot with an infinity symbol on its chest as it was sealed into a card the youngest of the three held up before they disappeared through a portal.
As they vanished, a huge shock wave was made which enveloped all Maiami City. As the shock wave made its way, a barrier coming from Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's card, Yuzu's bracelet and Yusei's Signer Mark protected them respectively while they were sleeping.
In an unknown place
In some kind of temple in which were three highly perched thrones and some kind of dashboard in the middle of them with an infinity symbol slowly completing itself, the three figures reappeared, each of them sitting in one of those thrones.
''I think I will go on a little hunt to test my new card's power.'' The little one thought while smirking deviously as he looked at his new card. ''Hahaha ! Prepare yourselves, Xyz Duelists !''
Note : Yusei's real name is Cedric, but he uses Yusei instead of Cedric to refer as himself so Yuzu doesn't get suspicious.
Card section :
Talent Inheritance/Trap card : When a ''Melodious'' Monster you control is destroyed, draw two cards. During your turn, except the turn this card is sent to the Graveyard, if you control a ''Melodious Maestra'' Monster, you can remove from play this card from your Graveyard : draw one card.
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