Treading Along The Footsteps
written by Shaun Garin
Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Monsters and Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Monsters Generation Next is owned by Kazuki Takahashi and Studio Dice. Part One of an undetermined amount of first person conversations.
Perspective 01 : Ryou
"Good day young man. Welcome to the store."
"Mmm... good day. I came to look at your stock today."
"It has been a long time since I've seen you around."
"Really? I had thought you had forgotten about me."
"Ah yes. It was like yesterday really. I remember when you came in the first time, looking for a pack of Duel Monster cards. You carefully selected a single pack from the wall, turning it over and then gave me five hundred yen for it. I gave you the change and you carefully opened the pack, like it was a sacred object. And your eyes lit up in delight when you found your first Cyber Dragon sitting in the pack, seemingly winking at you."
"You have a good memory sir. I came back because I felt that I had to visit another time."
"Your clothing suggests you just graduated from Duel Academia. Am I right?"
"Yes, I have left the island and now I am ready for the professional leagues."
"Aah, I see. A word of advice young man. Treat your cards with respect."
"The 'Heart of the Cards' you mean."
"Yes."
"I see. I guess that is why the King of Games is so successful. He treats the spirits with the respect they deserve."
"Very much so. Yugi is, special. It is his story now and nothing can take away the friendship that he shared. Here young man, I have something for you."
"It's... beautiful."
"Cyber End Dragon, Ultimate Rare, one of several printed but only this one have I saved for such a long time. It was saved for you."
"Me? Why me?"
"You look like you could use it. Cyber End Dragon is rare indeed, and an Ultimate Rare version is even rarer. But check the back of the card."
"To Marufuji Ryou. Never forget the people who care about you. Mutou Yugi. He knew I was coming?"
"My grandson is perceptive."
"So you are Mutou Sugoroku then."
"Guilty as charged."
"I see. Tell the King of Games thank you. And perhaps one day, I will be able to duel him."
"You can tell him that yourself. Look behind you."
Ryou turned to face the doorway where a figure stood. Dressed in a leather shirt with a buckle around his neck, Mutou Yugi smiled at him and to his surprise and shock, bowed. "Would you care for a duel?" he asked, his voice light.
A thrill raced through Marufuji Ryou's body as he smiled. Instantly, a Duel Disk was placed into his hands by Sugoroku who had anticipated this event. "I would be honored to duel you."
Yugi's smile erupted into a full wide grin that stretched from ear to ear. "All right! Lets go!"
Ryou smiled as he walked out after Yugi. Judai, I see why you want to be the King of Games. Mutou Yugi isn't tall, or imposing, but he is regal. And he makes you feel... like you have just come home.
"DUEL!"