Welcome to Chapter 12! It certainly took a while I know. At this rate I'm just going to try and post a chapter every week rather than every other day like it's been most of the time. Anyway… Let's jump right into the story!
Ch.12: The Path to the Tournament
Once Zero had reported back at the hotel he explained what had happened on his side. Saying that Yuto had turned into pink particles when Yuzu's bracelet activated, and causing him to warp away. Thankfully, the Phantom Knights duelist wasn't warped to another Dimension like last time. Though, this proved that all four of the girl's bracelets had a power. However, Zero wasn't sure if each bracelet was unique in its own power. Ruri's had wrapped both Zero and herself to another Dimension, while wrapping Yuri away as well. Meanwhile, Yuzu's bracelet had only wrapped Yuto to another area, not another Dimension. It certainly had Zero's interest that was for sure.
With that out of the way, Zero had once again turned into Lelouch. The raven haired teen went over to watch one of Yuya's first duels. His opponent went by the name of Michio, and his deck was based on food. In his opinion, Lelouch thought the duel was rather embarrassing. Yuya hadn't eaten any breakfast and his stomach kept growling because of it, not only that but he didn't have the energy to really move around. In the end though, Yuya won, and they got to eat some really good food for free.
Lelouch didn't pass that opportunity, and even took some to go for the others. Which they also enjoyed immensely.
Yuya was currently waiting for his next match. The tomato haired teen sounded tired over the phone, saying he had watched quiz shows all night. Lelouch just knew that he was going to regret staying up so late. Unfortunately, Lelouch wouldn't be able to spectate this duel, the teen currently in his Zero persona. Him, along with Yuto, were watching Yuzu learn how to Fusion Summon at the moment. That, and they were both spying on the spy. Sora, who was wanting to participate in the Championship as well, had to beat six opponents in a row. The emerald eyed boy had obtained two wins under his belt already, which left four more. Yuzu went with him to watch Fusion Summoning up close and personal.
She still seemed to be doing horribly though.
"I Fusion Summon!" Yuzu balled her hands into one fist and threw it out in front of her. After a few moments, nothing happened and she seemed confused. "Why didn't it work? I have both of my monsters and the Polymerization card."
Sora sighed, shoulders slumping slightly in annoyance. "Did you remember to put your Fusion Monster in the Extra Deck?"
"Huh?" Periwinkle looked up at her teacher in confusion.
Sora seemed to slump even more. "You put your Fusion Monster in the Extra Deck, not in your regular one."
Yuzu looked down at her deck, disappointed in herself for making such a mistake. "Oh, right." The girl began to shuffle through her deck looking for her monster. Finding the Fusion Monster actually in there only seemed to dampen her mood even more. How could she forget such a simple rule?
"She's still too focused on what happened at the warehouse." Zero's faceless mask leaned against the wall opposite to Yuto. The grey eyed boy just listening to the others' conversations. "At this rate, she won't be able to Fusion Summon before the tournament."
"I don't exactly mind that." Yuto spoke gruffly. His voice muffled through the filter in his mouth. The Phantom Knight user tightly crossed his arms. "Fusion Summoning doesn't suit her."
Zero raised a masked eyebrow at Yuto's words. "You really sure about that? Are you saying that from what you've gathered about her, or are you saying that because you're comparing her to Ruri?" Yuto looked up at Zero, caught in his own thoughts.
"A bit of both." Yuto admitted. His mind flashed back to the ruins of Heartland, and the strange person he had encountered. Yugo, and that fight they had before Shun showed up.
"Fusion Summoning isn't the reason Heartland is currently in ruins." Now stormy grey eyes glared at his masked leader and friend. "It's the people that use Fusion Summoning. The method itself is just a tool, and cannot cause harm without the person with the intent to harm others." Zero wanted to use a gun for example, but since guns didn't exist in this world it would be pointless.
Now grey eyes were averted from Zero's mask, looking out at the sparkling blue ocean instead. "Maybe, but even so. It's not easy to get over. I'm not sure if I'll ever see Fusion Summoning in the light you hope I would see it. Which to be honest, I don't feel bad about that."
Though Yuto couldn't see it, he could feel Zero's understanding. "I understand. There are some things that I will never forgive as well. Forgiving isn't exactly easy in and of itself."
The two listened in on Yuzu and Sora's conversation once again. This time the topic was on Yuzu's bracelet, and the mysterious masked strangers.
"Funny how they're talking about us and we're right next to them. That, and we were just talking about them as well." Zero humored, the irony was strong at this moment.
Yuto closed his eyes and took a deep breath, before opening them. Looking at his leader with a somewhat annoyed glance. "Are you going to be quiet so I can listen? Or are you-"
A bright pink light shined suddenly from outside of the alley they were hiding in. With it, Yuto once again turned into pink particles before Zero's eyes and vanished. The masked man vaguely heard Yuzu's cry of alarm from her bracelet that was shining once again.
Zero blinked at the spot his friend once resided in, before looking up at someone calling Yuzu's name. The masked man pushed himself against the alleyway wall, and watched as Yuya ran past. The tomato haired teen was so focused on his friends, that he didn't notice Zero as he passed.
You've got to be kidding me. Again?! This is starting to get old, and annoying as hell. Zero paused in his angered thinking. The masked man deciding it was time to make himself a bit scarce less Yuya actually discover he was here. He turned, and walked to the other end of the alleyway and away from the harbor.
Zero pulled out his duel disk, and sent Yuto a quick text. Are you still in Standard Yuto? Where the hell did you warp to this time.
It was a moment, before Zero's duel disk binged and he received a reply. Not sure, but it's rather close to the L.D.S tower. Ruri should be patrolling around here, I'll just go and check on her real quick.
Zero typed his own reply. Alright, just be careful and stay safe.
I should say the same to you. You get into more trouble than me, but thanks for the concern.
The masked teen shook his head at Yuto's final reply. Before delving into his own thoughts. How come it's only Yuto that keeps warping away? And how come Yuya always comes running when Yuto diseappers? ...Is that what activates the bracelets? Two of the boys with the same face coming within a certain distance of each other and one of the girls? Zero actually pondered on that, some of the pieces of the enormous puzzle snapping into place. It's not impossible, and it actually makes some sort of strange, twisted sense. Ruri's bracelet didn't start shining until Yuto and Shun arrived during me and Yuri's duel. Then Yuzu's bracelet activates, Yuto vanishes, and then Yuya comes running around the corner. Which has happened twice now. Zero stopped walking for a second, actually surprised by this. Damn, I think I've finally got it. But, how far do Yuto and Yuya have to be apart to be safe from the bracelet's effects?
The masked man was so into his thoughts, he didn't see another person running towards him until he was tackled to the ground.
Long, raven hair filled his pained vision, and he instantly knew who this person ways. The stranger tried to pin Zero's arms behind his back, but the masked teen was too flexible. Quickly, he escaped her grip, pushed the girl off of him and jumped to his feet. Zero's duel disk was out and activated instantly.
Dammit Masumi! You just don't know when to quit, do you? Zero growled to himself as the Gem-Knight user activated her own duel disk.
A victorious smirk was on her face as she stared Zero down from her side of the field. "I knew you would come back around here eventually. And now I've finally found you!"
"I'm sorry to say this, but you're really getting on my nerves Masumi." Zero grounded out, containing his agitation.
"Like I care about that." Masumi spat, and pointed at Zero. "Now duel me, so I can finally find out what you did to Professor Marco!"
"Lady, I'm being honest when I say that it wasn't me." Zero crouched slightly, muscles tense. "You're looking for someone else, and he's not exactly here at the moment. He's a but busy."
"Like I believe you, you masked bastard!" Masumi snapped. "If it really wasn't you, you're obviously one of his cohorts, so you're involved to!"
I'm starting to hate how observant this girl is. "Fine!" Zero spat irritably. "I'll duel you, but just know that I will beat you."
"We'll see about that, Zero!"
MASUMI LP- 4000
ZERO LP- 4000
"DUEL!"
"I'll go first, I draw!" Masumi drew, before showing a spell card. "I'll just get straight to the point. I activate the Spell card Polymerization, and fuse the three monsters from my hand to create a new monster that will shine under the sun's radiance!" Masumi's ruby red eyes glared at Zero through the bright light behind her. "Gem with facets of noon and night! Gem tinged with lightning! Brilliant emerald of good fortune! In a whirlpool of light combine to bring forth a new dazzling radiance! Fusion Summon! Come forth! One who illuminates all with its supreme radiance! Gem-Knight Master Diamond!" The familiar giant knight, with the sword that had a rainbow of gems embedded in it appeared behind its master. The giant diamond sticking out of its chest shined brightly in the sun, and its red cape fluttered through the wind softly.
GEM-KNIGHT MASTER DIAMOND LV.9 ATK:2900 DEF:2500
"Let's see you take out my ace. If you're that good, that is." Masumi picked up two cards. "I set two cards down and end my turn."
"You're really asking for it, you know that?" It was one thing to call him a bastard, but it was another to underestimate him, to mock him. The masked man would take any name than be underestimated.
But then again, that was one of the reasons why he keeps gaining victory after victory. They underestimate him. Then they realize the truth, and receive the dire consequences.
"I draw!" Zero huffed a breath at the card he pulled. "Alright then, fine. I'll play with you. If you want me to be the culprit that badly, then I'll play along and be the damn culprit! I play the Spell card Geass: Mind Reader. I can either choose two cards in your hand or on your field, and have them banished. I choose the two on your field." The two cards revealed themselves, one being Negate Attack, before they were destroyed and forced to be removed from play.
Masumi grit her teeth in frustration. "Lucky bastard."
Zero just ignored her and continued. "Next, I summon a Black Knight Glasgow in Attack Mode."
BLACK KNIGHT GLASGOW LV.4 ATK:1200 DEF:900
"With its effect, I can Special Summon another Glasgow from my hand or deck."
BLACK KNIGHT GLASGOW LV.4 ATK:1200 DEF:900
"Now then." Zero showed Masumi another spell card. "I play the Spell card Geass: Memory Replacement. I can change the level of my monsters by 2. I choose to make them both Level 5."
BLACK KNIGHT GLASGOW LV.4 = 5
BLACK KNIGHT GLASGOW LV.4 = 5
"With that, I overlay my two monsters to build the overlay network!" Zero raised his hand toward the golden vortex in the sky. "With your self taught grace, come to the field and adapt to its circumstances with the intent to win! Rank 5! Commander Gekka Zangetsu!"
COMMANDER GEKKA ZANGETSU RNK.5 ORB.2 ATK: 2500 DEF: 2300
"What kind of monsters are these?!" Masumi tensed under the strange machine's one eyed gaze.
"Ones that you'll learn not to mess with." Zero spat, before pointing at the ruby eyed girl and her monster. "I activate Zangetsu's effect. By discarding one orbital, it gains 1000 Attack Points!"
COMMANDER GEKKA ZANGETSU ORB.2 = 1
COMMANDER GEKKA ZANGETSU ATK: 2500 = 3500
"That's more than my monster!" The diamond themed knight courageously put itself in the line of fire to protect its master. Knowing that its destruction was imminent, but willing to die fighting with honor.
"I'm not done." Zero slapped a card on his duel blade. "I play the Spell card Knightmare Upgrade. This spell doubles the attack of one of my monsters." The masked man pushed his cape slightly to point at his only monster. "I obviously choose Zangetsu."
COMMANDER GEKKA ZANGETSU ATK: 3500 = 7000
"S-seven thousand attack." The ruby eyed girl just now seemed to realize that Zero was an actual threat.
"Batlle!" Zero yelled. "I'll make this a one shot K.O. I attack your Master Diamond with my Commander Gekka Zangetsu! Serpent Slash and Strike!"
The sleek black machine speed towards the knight with incredible speed. The jets on its sword starting to make its swing that much more dangerous. Zangetsu raised its sword, the machine's body blocked by the sun and its red hairs moving wildly in the wind.
INTRUSION PENALTY: 2000 LIFE POINTS.
Both Zero and Masumi turned their attention to the sudden newcomer. The person surprising both of them.
YUYA LP- 4000 = 2000
"Its you, Sakaki!" Masumi narrowed her red eyes. "You really are with them aren't you!"
"I keep telling you!" Yuya insisted, his own scarlet eyes burning. "I'm not with them, and I'm not part of these incidents going on with L.D.S!"
Zero frowned from behind his mask. "Yuya… Hmph. It doesn't matter, you still can't stop this attack from hitting. Continue! Zangetsu! This is checkmate for you!" The machine stabbed its sword through the Gem-Knight's diamond chest. Shattering the jewel and destroying Masumi's monster. The wind forced the ruby eyed girl to kneel, her voice screaming through the wind.
MASUMI LP- 4000 = 0 LOSER
It was quiet as the last two duelists stared each other down. One trying to figure the other out, while the other person didn't desire to fight at all.
YUYA LP- 2000
ZERO LP- 4000
.
.
.
"I didn't expect to be facing you today, Yuya." Yuya didn't flinch back like Zero expected him to. The tomato haired teen having heard everything about this masked man from Yuzu and Sora.
"Why are you doing this Zero?" For once, the jolly boy actually sounded serious.
Zero tilted his masked head slightly. "Hmm… You mean what I've been doing to L.D.S? That isn't all of my work if that's what you mean." The masked rebel threw his cape to the side slightly. "But I'm sure you'll find out eventually." The two didn't really say much else, and Masumi could only watch the tense display while sitting on the ground.
"I set one card down and end my turn. Zangetsu's attack now returns to normal." Zero finished, and calmly placed his facedown. "Your move."
COMMANDER GEKKA ZANGETSU ATK: 7000 = 2500
"Alright then, I draw!" Yuya smiled down at the card he drew. "Ladies and gentlemen! Today, I will introduce Zero to the newest Summoning Method created!" Zero gave an unnoticeable snort. The joke was on Yuya actually. The tomato haired teen held out two cards from between his fingers. "With Scale 1 Stargazer Magician and Scale 8 Timegazer Magician, I set the Pendulum Scale!" The two magicians rose in two pillars of light, and a portal began to open. "With this, I can now summon monsters between Levels 2 and 7 all at the same time! I Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my monsters!" Only two beams of light shined down behind Yuya. The monsters turned out to be his ace, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, and Performapal Swordfish. The red scaled dragon gave a mighty roar that echoed for miles.
ODD-EYES PENDULUM DRAGON LV.7 ATK:2500 DEF:2000
PERFORMAPAL SWORDFISH LV.2 ATK:600 DEF:600
Though, seeing how Zero gave no reaction whatsoever unnerved the entertainer. He couldn't gleam any sort of emotion or intent off of this masked man, and that was unusual. Yuya had always been able to get a feeling of how a person was reacting, but Zero was a mystery.
"You don't seem surprised by this." Yuya commented, trying to get a rise out of the strange man.
Zero simply shrugged. "Your duel with Ishijima was broadcasted on TV, you really think I wouldn't know about this?"
"I suppose." Yuya conceded to that, before looking at the strange fish. "I activate Performapal Swordfish's effect. He can lower the attack of any monster on my opponent's field by 600, I choose Zangetsu!" One swordfish quickly turned into multiple, and all of them stabbed into the machine. This forced Zangetsu to kneel beside Zero.
COMMANDER GEKKA ZANGETSU ATK: 2500 = 1900
"Battle!" Yuya exclaimed, and nodded towards Odd-Eyes. "I attack Commander Gekka Zangetsu with my Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Spiral Strike Burst!" Zero lifted his cape to cover his masked face as Odd-Eyes spewed fire on his machine. The gears and metal screeched as the fire melted some of its frame, making it even harder to move.
"I activate the Trap-"
"I'll stop that by activating Timegazer Magician's Pendulum effect!" Yuya raised his hand towards his pillar. "Once per turn, I can prevent the activation of a spell of trap card that my opponent controls. Infinity Gear Reverse!" Time seemed to go backwards around Zero's card as it was forced back facedown. Zero clicked his tongue, forgetting that those magicians had those Pendulum effects.
Zangetsu couldn't hold out anymore, and the sleek black machine was destroyed in a smoky explosion.
ZERO LP- 4000 = 3400
Once the smoke had dissipated. Zero was left standing his ground, he let go of his cape and gave a nearly unnoticeable growl. Though he was enjoying the tough challenge, now just wasn't the best time.
"With the main performance out of the way. I'll set one card facedown and end my turn." Yuya did a nice bow. "The next performance will be even better."
"Hmph." Zero huffed with distaste, and brushed his shoulders and cape of any stray ash. "I expected as much, coming from the Founder of Pendulum Summoning." Zero mask reflected the light from the sun, making Yuya jerk back a bit as he felt the masked man's gaze zero in on him. "However, I won't go down as easily as you hope." He lifted a black gloved hand up towards the clear blue sky. "I activate the Trap card Code of Immortality!" Both Yuya and Masumi raised an eyebrow at the strange card. Each having never heard of it before. "When one of my Special Summoned monsters are destroyed. I can bring it back from the Graveyard along with one of its materials!"
"What?!"
"Arise from the depths of death to forever roam the land, Zangetsu!" The cyclops like machine arose with a vengeance. Its sword posed to strike and slay the dragon before it.
COMMANDER GEKKA ZANGETSU RNK.5 ORB.0 ATK: 2500 DEF: 2300
BLACK KNIGHT GLASGOW LV.4 ATK:1200 DEF:900
"But he just destroyed that monster, and now it's back, and with another monster as well?!" Masumi exclaimed, just now able to stand without wobbling.
"Next, I summon the tuner monster Raikou." Both Yuya's and Masumi's jaws dropped at those words. A strange machine standing on four legs wielding a large cannon appeared, ready for battle.
TUNER RAIKOU LV.3. ATK:600 DEF:400
"Y-You can-" Yuya began. His mind flashed back to his duel with Reiji.
"Yes, I can Synchro Summon." Zero interjected smoothly, before clenching his hand into a fist and throwing it in the air. "Now then, I tune-"
INTRUSION PENALTY: 2000 LIFE POINTS.
INTRUSION PENALTY: 2000 LIFE POINTS.
"What now!" Zero snapped in rising anger and frustration. Though he wanted to curse when he saw who was intruding the duel this time.
SORA LP- 4000 = 2000
YUZU LP- 4000 = 2000
"Well well well, it's nice to see you once again Mr. Masked Man." Sora spoke up cheerfully. Though his emerald eyes held an urge to hunt. "We heard the noise and saw the smoke, so we thought it would be best to investigate. Though I didn't expect to see you again so soon."
"Its Zero." Said person ground between his teeth. Just great, this is spinning out of control fast. I have to get out of here. Calmly, Zero straightened his back and did a mock bow. "However, I'm afraid I'll have to cut this short. Three's a big enough crowd. I don't exactly feel comfortable with five." With that Zero deactivated his duel disk before rebooting it again. His monsters vanishing into the air as if they were never there in the first place. The masked man pulling out a familiar Spell card to everyone present.
"Oh no you dont!" Masumi disregarded the current duel, and just started running towards Zero. Her intent on his capture was obvious.
"Geass: Time Stop!" Zero just managed to activate the spell before he was once again tackled to the ground by Masumi. Grumpily, he pushed the Gem-Knight user off of him and stood. The spell wouldn't last for long, so the masked man decided to book it while the getting was good. When the spell did wear off. Masumi would be seen stomping on the ground in frustration alongside a slightly upset Sora. Yuya and Yuzu would be more focused on making sure the others were okay than to really care about the masked man's escape. Honestly, they were just starting to get used to it. Zero appeared when he wanted to appear, and they couldn't really do much else than hope that they'd be there when he did.
. . .
Needless to say, when Zero told everyone what had happened back at the hotel. They laughed at the sheer shit Zero's luck really was.
"You either have the worst luck in the world, or it's the Devil's luck. There is no in between." Ruri laughed.
Zero held his masked head in his hands. His body slumping across the dining room table he now sat beside. "Don't remind me. The only good thing about it so far is that it hasn't screwed me over too badly on important missions, or at vital moments."
Just as Shun was about to add something, Zero's duel disk gave a bing. With an invisible raised eyebrow and interested 'Hmm?'. Zero grabbed his duel disk from across the table and looked at the message.
"Well, looks like Yuya's second match for the tournament will be early tomorrow." Zero announced. "It seems to revolve around quizzes. I bet he's going to stay up late and watch those duelist quiz shows again to 'prepare'."
"From what I've gathered about him. I wouldn't put it past him." Shun held his head in one hand as Ruri and Yuto decided to prep dinner this time. The Raidraptor still being banned from the kitchen. The team decided to agree on pasta tonight, seeing as it was a long time since they had anything but soup. The rest of the resistance fighters were just about satisfied with anything other than the liquidy food. "So are you going to go watch him?"
Zero huffed. "After the trouble he gave me today? No way. Though he didn't know that it was me, I still didn't appreciate the extra stress. Besides, tomorrow is one of my patrol days with you. I'm not going to abandon you guys over spectating a duel I know he's going to win."
"Alright." Shun hummed. Yellow eyes stared out if the giant window, clouded by thoughts.
"It's rare to see you thinking this deeply. What's going through that bird brain mind of yours?" Zero spoke lightly. Usually, it was him that was broody, plotting, or scheming about other things. Though it wasn't extremely rare to see Shun brooding as well. It was rare to see this kind of thinking, this plotting. It honestly looked like he was considering murder, and trying to find a way to get away with it. Which Zero wouldn't be surprised if he did.
"Hmm?" Shun looked back up at Zero. "Oh. I'm just thinking about what you told us… About the bracelets and Yuto."
The mood changed instantly, into something more somber. When Zero had told everyone about how the bracelets activated, everyone grew silent. The little team of four even went off to go think on their own for awhile, especially Yuto and Ruri.
"I see." Zero spoke seriously, and straightened slightly.
"It's just-" Shun rubbed his forehead, as if he had suddenly obtained a headache. "I can't help protect Yuto properly if he keeps warping all over the place. The same can be said for my sister."
"Don't forget that you need to give Ruri her space." Zero pointed out. "Besides, both of them can take care of themselves."
"But not when all of Academia is after them. All of Obelisk Force." Shun grit his teeth. "I just need to be there. Need to make sure that if they get ambushed I'll be there."
"That protective instinct is hard to throw off." Zero conceded and seemingly lowered his voice. Shun raised an eyebrow and looked back to his leader. "I know that. I'm sure Ruri has told you already, but I'll just make sure. I have a little sister as well, and I worry about her every single day. When I can't see her I always fear the worst." Shun seemed surprised, seems like Ruri didn't tell Shun about his sister after all. "However, I can relax in knowing that she is safe. Safe with people that I trust the most. They'll be fine. You just have to trust in them, in their abilities."
Shun blinked, before looking out of the window again. He seemed a little more relaxed now "I do trust them, and I know their abilities are at the top. But I just can't help but think about that damn bracelet." Yellow eyes glared at the setting sun. The light making them become a molten gold. "I know for a fact that I never gave Ruri that bracelet. She just always seemed to have it. If I did give it to her I don't remember it, and I don't remember where I got it. It's not like she was born with it either. Babies don't come out of the womb with a metal bracelet attached to their wrists. So where the hell did it come from?"
"I'm not sure myself." Zero spoke up after a few minutes of silence. Both boys pondering about the massive puzzle in front of them. The one answer he found just seemed to lead to more questions. "Though, you shouldn't stress out about it too much. We obviously don't have enough clues or pieces for the entire picture. So it would only add more needless stress. Just focus on the tournament, finding Fusion spies and L.D.S." Zero paused. "Now that I say it like that. It seems like we already have a lot to think about."
"It won't stop you from thinking about the 'bigger picture'." Shun gave Zero a sly smirk. "Don't think that I won't stop either. It's just how we are, big old worry warts."
"Please, I know for a fact that I do it better than you. I at least have class and style." Zero dramatically gestured to himself. "You're just a brute with no flair for the dramatic."
Yuto and Ruri decided to come in at that moment, a pot full of pasta and sauce in another bowl. Shun narrowed his yellow eyes towards Zero. "We'll see about that after dinner."
It felt nice to be able to communicate more freely with his team. Zero knew that for a fact. The only person he could really act like this with was with C.C, and that was a can of worms all on its own.
. . .
The next morning Zero texted Yuya back saying he couldn't make it. The tomato haired teen seemed to understand, but his text was a bit garbled. When Zero asked, Yuya replied saying he had stayed up late once again. To which the masked man did an 'I told you so' text. He wasn't going to scold him like a mother would. The scarlet eyed boy already has two hovering over his shoulders, his actual mom and Yuzu.
With that taken care of, both Zero and Shun went back out to patrol for L.D.S employees once more. At the moment, it was Shun's turn to have a duel. He had three of his Vanishing Lanius out and ready for battle.
"Are you sure our registration in the tournament is set?" Shun asked for what felt like the tenth time. Zero gave an annoyed sigh. "Hey I'm just saying. This dude is the son of Leo Akaba, the Professor of Academia. He has to at least have a few brain cells."
"He's got more got more than a few." Zero interjected, kicking his legs out from the dumpster he sat on top of. "I can tell a genius when I see one, and he fits that description perfectly."
"If he really is our enemy, we may have a problem." Shun stared at Zero through the shades he wore. His red scarf covering his mouth and nose to prevent the cameras from seeing his face fully.
"Agreed." Zero jolted slightly at the sound of a man screaming, but otherwise ignored it. "Don't worry, I made sure we would be entered into the tournament, no questions asked. Reiji won't find out until it starts, and it'll look suspicious if we were suddenly removed for no reason. Now pull your trench coat out of your ass and loosen up. There will be enough crazy shit and stress going around when the tournament starts. I don't need anymore of it now." Zero could feel the Raidraptor's frown as he tugged on his trench coat a bit.
"I'd like to let you know that I actually look cool and badass with this coat." Shun shuffled a little. "Besides, it's one of the last things I have from our parents. It's also what I was wearing when the invasion suddenly started."
Zero realized that he had started to bring up bad memories, and got off if the dumpster to apologize. "I'm sor-"
"I told you that wasn't me!" Someone yelled, before a green and red blur ran into the alleyway. The stranger, Yuya Sakaki, wasn't focusing on what was ahead of him, and ran right into the masked man. "Ahh!"
The two crashed to the ground in a bundle of arms and legs. Zero taking most of the blow and landing on his back, the air rushing out of his lungs. Yuya landing on top of the masked man, and accidentally butted heads with his mask.
"Owww! I'm so sorry! I didn't see you and I wasn't watching where… I … was going." Yuya rubbed his head, stood up, and apologize. Though that apology slowly trailed off as he began to realize just who he had ran into. "Zero?!"
"There he is!" Another, more unfamiliar voice called out. All three teens turned their attention to the three L.D.S guards and a small, portly man.
"L.D.S!" Shun spat, and raised his duel disk, ready for a fight. All three of his Lanius screeched at the sight of the enemy.
"Wait a second." One of the guards stopped, and stared at Shun before a realization seemed to come into his eyes. "This is him! This is the real guy we've been looking for!" All three guards activated their duel disks as the smaller man watched from the sidelines. One tried to call for backup, but the smaller man stopped him. The almost bald man screaming at the three to forget the two cosplayers and to focus on Sakaki. It certainly struck a chord with Zero to say the least. Cosplayers?!
While Shun was beginning to Xyz Summon his Raidraptor Rise Falcon, Zero was starting to stand. His faceless mak met Yuya's scarlet eyes. "We just keep running into each other at the worst moments, don't we?"
"You- I- Who is-" Yuya just couldn't seem to form the right words. His eyes moving from Zero, to Shun's shadowed Xyz monster, to Shun himself.
"Battle! I attack you all with my falcon. Ravaging Rebellion!" The falcon screeched, and clawed at the guards. They were sent flying, and fell onto their backs similar to how Zero fell. The portly man was almost blown away from the force, but managed to catch a stairway rail. Yuya however, wasn't so lucky and hit his head against the end of the alleyway, and collapsed on top of some rubble, unconscious. Zero just crouched down towards the ground, cape flying from the wind wildly.
You couldn't even call the duel a duel it was done so fast. Zero checked up on Yuya, and made sure he had a pulse before returning his attention to Shun and the fallen L.D.S guards. The masked man watched as all three became cards, before Shun turned to face the masked man.
"Let's get out of here before more people come, and before he wakes up." Shun nodded his head to Yuya, and turned to leave.
"Wait a second." Zero turned, and zeroed his faceless gaze towards the small man who was shaking at the sight of the two along with the carded L.D.S security. Zero hunched forward slightly, and took a few steps towards the man. "I suggest you leave. Now."
The man didn't need to be told twice, and instantly turned around and booked it. When he was gone, Shun couldn't help but laugh slightly. "Ha. I can't believe you actually did that."
"I can't believe he actually left." Zero remarked, before following Shun away from the scene. "Now let's get out of here before that man talks his mouth off about us."
The two were gone before Yuya even had a chance to wake up. The three L.D.S cards blowing away in the wind.
. . .
A couple more things happened after that, but Zero wasn't present for either of them. The masked man having stayed at the hotel most of the time to relax and reorganize his deck before the tournament. Though he learned about everything through Shun and Yuto.
Apparently, Masumi had finally found the real culprit to Professor Marco's disappearance, Shun. The Raidraptor having butted in on a possible rematch between the Gem-Knight user and Yuzu. Deciding to duel Masumi because she was an L.D.S student. Though no duel happened then, because Yuto quickly scolded his childhood friend at his actions. Saying that Masumi was only a child, and just a student at L.D.S. She had no idea what was really going on with the other dimensions. The Phantom Knights user having to go so far as to punching his friend in the gut to knock him unconscious and prevent him from dueling.
Shun got a second chance soon enough, because he ran into the ruby eyed girl right at sunset. This time though, she was accompanied by two others, Kit and Dipper. The four dueled, Shun VS Masumi, Dipper and Kit. It took Shun two turns to beat all three of them, but it still kept him busy till it was dark. One of the things that had Zero concerned was that Shun's face was caught on camera.
Then there was the fact that he met Reiji face to face. That was rather concerning as well.
At the moment, Shun was staying at the L.D.S tower. Not wanting to let them find out where they lived. They would most likely have to meet in a random location to check Shun for cameras or bugs along with his duel disk. If only to calm Zero's paranoia. Reiji seemed to understand the situation between the Xyz and Fusion Dimensions, and had a plan to take down Academia himself. The Raidraptor stating that Zero was right, and that the tournament was a way to find proper, potential soldiers.
"Is there anything else you wish to tell us Shun?" Zero stressed. The masked man was at the hotel with Yuto and Ruri listening quietly behind him. Zero asked them to remain quiet and let him do the talking. Reiji most definitely listening in on their conversation, and he didn't want the red scarfed CEO to learn of their exact numbers quite yet.
"Hmm. No I think that's about it. Besides the fact that I saw Yuya talking to Reiji about those Pendulum cards that's it." At least Yuya and Reiji got that copyright problem finally settled. "The tournament is coming up and so is Academia. There's been a lot more Fusion Summoning energy as of lately apparently. I wouldn't be surprised if its Academia." Shun spoke over Zero's duel disk, which was currently on speaker. "They know you're here after all, so they're probably going to crash the tournament to get you."
"Hmph." Zero leaned back on the couch and crossed his arms. The leader of the resistance deep in thought. "That won't be good. They'll most certainly card anyone that isn't Academia, which is the entire city. Hmm…" Zero hummed, and tapped his fingers slightly. "This would be so much easier to solve if I had a chess set. Though, I think I have a good idea."
"Well, speak up." Shun spoke finally. "Reiji already knows about you, and he already has some sort of idea."
"We gather the citizens of the city into one spot. They'll be easier to protect and watch that way. Then we can use the entire city as our battlefield. Sure, some buildings may get destroyed, but at least no one will die." Zero spoke calmly, almost too calm about this. But that's what happens when one becomes rather acquainted with war. The deaths all just pile up and his mind just became accustomed to it. Became numb to it. At times, to Zero, the masked man wouldn't care if he had to sacrifice a few hundred people to gain better results. It wasn't like he really knew them. They were just numbers, just another statistic.
But he did get to know Shun, Yuto and Ruri. Didn't he?
Such a troublesome complication at times.
"Funny. Reiji muttered something similar to what you said as well." Shun huffed a breath. "Well, if that's all. I would like to at least try and get some sleep. It's only a couple more days till the tournament."
"Alright then." Zero conceded, a bit tired of the past events himself. "I won't be able to see you until the tournament begins, so we'll talk again then. Until then, keep an eye on our supposed ally, carefully. Goodnight Shun."
"Night Zero." There was a click from the duel disk signifying Shun hanging up, before Zero hung up himself.
Zero's faceless mask met Yuto and Ruri's eyes. "I suggest we all get some rest for tonight. The days of relaxation are dwindling down, so it's best to go and enjoy it to your fullest." Zero set aside his duel disk onto the coffee table before standing up. "I myself will be watching Yuya's last two duels before the tournament begins. That, and they say they have something planned for the day before the tournament. I suggest you two go do something fun, get each other something nice before all hell breaks loose. Who knows when you'll have the next chance."
Yuto and Ruri seemed dazed from Zero's words. The two looked at each other, before looking back at their masked leader with a small blush dusting each others cheeks. "If you say so." Yuto agreed reluctantly.
A chuckle escaped Zero's modulated mask, before he went into his room and locked the door. The masked man almost attempted to play Matchmaker, but he didn't want to stoop down to Milly's level of insanity.
. . .
Lelouch watched in slight awe as Yuya began to form a new summon. A Pendulum Fusion Summon. Even the raven haired teen didn't see this much overpowered potential in Pendulums until now.
I need to get me some of those cards.
The tomato haired teen had soon won his third match after that. He only needed one more win after this.
Yuya ran over to Lelouch and the rest. His scarlet red eyes focused on Yuzu.
He held out the Spell Polymerization to the Melodious duelist. "Hey Yuzu. I'm sorry for taking this, but you lost it back at the harbor and I meant to bring it back to you. Though it definitely saved my goose, and helped me realize the true evolution in dueling that Reiji was saying when we last met. So, thanks!"
Yuzu gave her childhood friend a warm smile, and graciously took the card. "It was no problem Yuya. I'm glad I was able to help you somehow."
"I can't believe you mastered Fusion Summoning on your first try! Nice job Yuya!" Sora butted in their conversation. The shorter boy jumping in between them with a sucker in his mouth, cheering.
"That is rather impressive I must admit." Lelouch conceded. "You certainly do have a talent for dueling, and that Pendulum Fusion was quite a sight."
Yuya rubbed the back of his head and gave a bashful smile. "Thanks. I appreciate you guys cheering me on. Now I just have to win one more match and I'll be able to enter the Championship!"
He was just barely able to finish his sentence right before his opponent, Aura, tackled him to the ground. The fortune teller claiming that Yuya was her true love and future husband. This of course, began to anger the volcano of rage that was Yuzu Hiragi. Seeing the foreseeable eruption, Lelouch casually scooched away more than a couple of feet. That way, the raven haired teen would be able to watch the teenage girl release her rage at a safe distance.
It was quite a spectacle, that was for sure.
. . .
Yuya can finally register for the tournament. The final fight for Lelouch's friend wasn't an easy one. He had to face his very first and loyal friend.
Gongenzaka.
Though the giant teen lost, he took his defeat graciously. Not only that, but the Steadfast duelist had learned how to Synchro Summon, and was accepted by his father for this change. Which was a very good advancement, and certainly made the respectable giant that much more stronger.
The two friends were currently shaking each other's hands.
Lelouch sighed. "Well. All's well that ends well at the moment. Now that this duel is over you can finally enter the tournament Yuya. Though I'm confident that Gongenzaka will be there as well. However, since this is finished, I think I'll just be heading back-"
"Now hold on a second Lelouch!" Yuya ran over and grabbed the violet eyed teen's wrist. Lelouch raised an eyebrow at Yuya's action, a bit curious. "Weren't you going to attend the surprise we had before the tournament?"
"That was today?" Lelouch raised both eyebrows now. "I thought it was going to be the day before the tournament. That's tomorrow."
"Well, Gongenzaka is going to be busy. So everyone figured we could just do it now. That way everyone would be together." Yuya explained. Looking back at his old friend and then back to Lelouch. "It shouldn't take too long."
Lelouch made a look of mock thought, before shrugging. "Ehh, what the heck. Why not? I already agreed, so let's go." Yuya and the others did a quick cheer. Before Yuya proceeded to drag Lelouch out of the school and towards their destination. "What did I say about the dragging, Yuya!"
. . .
It turns out they went to the beach. There wasn't anything too out of the ordinary. The usual Yusho group showed up, including Shuzo and Sora. Alongside Yuya, Yuzu, Gongenzaka and himself. There was nobody else on the beach, and the clear, sparkling blue water lead the endless horizon.
Though, the watermelons and bats led to some questions from the raven haired teen. Who was still being dragged by Yuya.
"What the hell are we doing here?" Lelouch deadpanned.
"Lelouch!" Yuya scolded, almost sounding scandalized. "Language!"
Lelouch frowned and violet eyes almost glared up at scarlet red. "I wouldn't be so upset if you hadn't dragged me all the way over here!"
"Oh." Yuya finally seemed to realize, and let go of Lelouch's wrist. "Sorry."
The raven haired teen sighed, before rubbing his somewhat numb wrist and hand. "It's nothing. Just tell me what we're doing here with a bunch of watermelons. We're going to eat them right?"
"Not quite." Yuzu denied, before walking beside her father. Who was currently tying a white blindfold over Gongenzaka's eyes. "We're going to try and hit the watermelon first with those bats." Yuzu pointed to four sticks leaning against the wall of a walkway close by. "Whoever breaks the watermelon first wins."
"Then we get to eat the watermelon!" Frederick cheered.
"Of course you would be excited about that." Lelouch deadpanned. He watched as Yuzu and Yuya put their blindfolds on. The violet eyed teen feeling uncomfortable about not knowing his surroundings if he put one on as well. Shuzo walked forward towards Lelouch, and the raven haired teen took a couple steps back. "Do I have to do this? I don't exactly feel comfortable about not knowing where I am, or that you're getting near me."
Shuzo seemed a bit hurt about that comment. But he had heard how Lelouch had father problems, so he wasn't entirely surprised. Yuya turned his head towards where he thought Lelouch was, which was rather accurate. "You don't have to if you really don't want to. But I'm sure you'd have a lot of fun if you tried. Please."
Lelouch cringed. Though he couldn't see those crimson red eyes of Yuya's he could certainly feel his pleading gaze. Why did it feel like he would be kicking a puppy if he refused? Dammit, this kid almost had as bad a begging face as Nunnally. The tomato haired teen even had almost half of his face covered by a random rag!
Screw it, it wasn't like he could refuse Nunnally's begging face either.
"Fine." Lelouch gave in, but glared at Shuzo. "But I'm putting the blindfold on myself." The others cheered at the small victory. They saw how Lelouch seemed to be rather stressed as of lately, and wanted to use this as a way to make him loosen up. The hardest part was getting him to participate in the first place.
"Here, let me check your blindfold before we start." Sora jumped over to Lelouch, who tensed imperceptibly at the Academia spy's closeness. The blindfold shuffled slightly across his eyes, before Sora seemed content. "There. That will do, now let's get this game started!"
"Aren't you going to play?" Lelouch asked.
"Hmm. Nah." He could feel how Sora put his arms behind his head casually. "I'm more of a sweet tooth guy."
"I've noticed." Lelouch said sarcastically. Before he was handed a bat and moved a couple feet. Most likely away from the walkway wall. "I can't believe I'm doing this." Lelouch grumbled slightly.
"Hey, you'll have fun. I know it." Yuya spoke beside the raven haired teen. Who jumped slightly at Yuya being so close all of a sudden. "May the best man win."
Lelouch sighed. "Sure. The same to you, Yuya."
"Alright you four." Shuzo spoke loudly. "I want this to be a clean game. No peeking out from under the blindfold. There are three watermelons, the person who breaks the most wins. Now are you ready?" Lelouch almost scoffed at how the principal of the Yusho Duel School was acting like this was a wrestling match. Which Lelouch would instantly lose at, even with his newfound strength.
"Yes." All four contestants spoke. One was said rather sarcastically while the others were rather enthusiastic.
"Alright then. Let's get this hot blooded game going!" Shuzo yelled. "On go. 3."
"2!" Tate cheered.
"1!" Allie jumped up and down as she watched the four contestants tense. Almost like they were going to sprint for a triathlon than this.
"GO!" Frederick yelled, doing his weird dance that Lelouch couldn't see because he was blindfolded. God does grant small mercies.
Yuya ran a couple feet, before the others had to yell at him to stop. "No Yuya that's way to far!" Sora laughed, before having to help guide the tomato haired teen back into the general area.
Yuzu seemed to be scooting her way around. She was most likely trying to bump into a watermelon with her foot. While Gongenzaka was hitting the ground multiple times with his bat. So that if he did find a watermelon it would already be destroyed so he could move on. Yuya was soon doing something in between. He would scoot forward a couple feet before whacking his bat on the sand below.
Lelouch kind of just stood there. The teen not having played games like this before, so he was kind of unsure as what to do. He knew what the goal was, but he still felt somewhat lost.
The sound of a watermeloning breaking snapped Lelouch out of his daze. "Yes! Got one!" Yuya cried out in victory. This only seemed to make the others hasten their efforts.
"Come on Lelouch!" Tate tried to encourage the raven haired teen. "Don't just stand there! Try to stop Yuya!"
Lelouch huffed. "Fine. I'll try." Before he got closer to the ground. The teen dragged his bat across the ground in a circle. If a watermelon was nearby the bat would stop. When he didn't find any, Lelouch moved forward a couple feet and redid the process. It was a few minutes, and no one else had found a watermelon. Lelouch stood up and gasped slightly. All of the sitting down and getting up was getting to him. "This is getting ridiculous, and this is getting us nowhERE!" Lelouch yelled as he tripped over some sand that was dug into like a hole. Though the kids, Sora, and Shuzo all sucked in some air between their teeth at Lelouch's real misfortune.
He had found another watermelon, but not in the way one would hope.
The fruit had just missed Lelouch's bat, and when he tripped. The raven haired teen had fallen into the watermelon face first. The force and impact forced the watermelon to break. All of the juice and some of the innards spilling all over the secret rebel. Thankfully, his nose didn't break from the fall or impact, but his face would certainly be hurting for a while after this.
Lelouch groaned, his face still in the fruit. Seeing that the teen was okay, the others broke out into laughter. Yuya shook his head side to side, completely confused. "Wait? What happened?"
"L-l-le- Ha ha ha ha! Ha- ACK!" Sora had to wipe a tear from his emerald eyes. The short boy couldn't even say his sentence he was laughing so much. Though his own laughter was soon cut off rather abruptly.
"Lelouch fell on top of a watermelon." Tate spoke up now since Sora couldn't finish. The sky blue haired teen having accidentally swallowed his sucker and was currently choking on it while still laughing. Shuzo had to rush over and help the poor boy breathe. Tate wiped his face. "And he broke the watermelon by using his face! Ha ha ha!" Tate burst out with laughter. Soon even Yuya, Yuzu, and Gongenzaka were laughing.
Lelouch groaned again, before lifting his head. The violet eyed boy rubbed his forehead, before those deadly violet eyes narrowed at the others through his blindfold. Though it was ruined by the watermelon pieces sliding off of his face. Lelouch clicked his tongue, before he sat up and began to wipe his face. The juice and some pieces having gotten into his silky raven black hair, and he had to comb his fingers through it to remove the pieces.
"I will get you all for this." Lelouch swore. "Especially you Yuya."
"What did I do!?" Yuya almost whined. He had Yuzu always hitting him with her fan! He didn't need anything else, especially since he kind of feared what Lelouch would do.
"You convinced me to do this game in the first place!" Lelouch seethed slightly. He could already feel his hair and face becoming sticky.
"The games not over yet! There's still one watermelon left." Shuzo urged the teens to continue. While also trying to divert Lelouch's rage so it could simmer down a bit. One thing the adult had really learned about Yuya's new friend was that he was VERY vengeful.
Lelouch grumbled the entire way, but continued nonetheless. Though he didn't have to search for long.
"Wait, Gongenzaka!" The kids suddenly yelled. "Don't!-"
'WHACK'
"OW!" Yuya screamed.
The game ended after that, the last watermelon being broken by Yuya's own face. When Lelouch took off his blindfold and saw what had happened. He couldn't help but laugh.
At least Yuya won though, right?
. . .
"I can't believe you hit me with the bat, Gongenzaka." Yuya hissed slightly. A big bump that had some bandages on it had grown on the top of Yuya's head. The watermelon colored teen had cleaned his face from the juice and watermelon pieces, and was currently munching on some of the cut fruit.
"Karma sucks doesn't it?" Lelouch leaned forward and almost sneered. The raven haired teen had washed his own face and hair. It would have been hard explaining why his mask smelled like watermelon and was all sticky to the others. "Now you know how I felt, but worse."
Gongenzaka gave a big hearty laugh, and Yuzu looked at the two with a sheepish smile on her face. Yuya didn't do anything but grumble under his breath to himself. The boy more focused on picking the black seeds out of his slice now.
"How about we get some popsicles before we head back to the Yusho Duel School?" Yuzu asked softly, and Yuya seemed to perk up immediately. Allie and Tate were currently watching Frederick chew through his slice like a machine. Sora seemed to be looking between the strange sight and back at Yuya, a weird look on his face. While Shuzo was organizing the first aid kit used to help Yuya's injury.
"Yeah, I'd like that!" Yuya smiled back at Yuzu, before turning to have a conversation with Sora. The watermelon colored haired teen acting as if he was never upset in the first place. Seeing such optimism seemed to surprise Sora, but he quickly got over it and happily conversed with Yuya.
Though, Lelouch was more focused on the blushing Yuzu that Yuya didn't notice because his back was turned. Periwinkle met violet, and Lelouch couldn't help but raise his eyebrows suggestively.
The pink haired girl blushed even more. Easily beating the red in Yuya's hair, before she grew too flustered and pulled out her fan. The raven haired boy couldn't dodge the incoming slap, and the sound seemed to rebound for miles.
. . .
The Yusho gang decided to stop and watch the sunset before they went for popsicles. Lelouch couldn't really see the reason why they decided to stop, do nothing, and stare at the sky for a few minutes. In his mind, it was just a waste of time. But when he saw the sight of the sun setting over the sea his mind went blank. His previous thoughts being banished and forgotten.
The water had turned a darker color, and reflected all of the light as if a million gems were sparkling in the water. The sky turned from an orangey yellow from the sun, to a dark red, light pink, lavender, and finally to a dark purple color as the sun continued to fall.
The kids 'oohed' and 'ahhed' at the majestic sight. Even Sora was amazed by the beautiful scenery, and had a small smile on his face. Shuzo had tears trailing down his eyes, and Yuya, Yuzu, and Gongenzaka all had satisfied smiles on their faces.
"Yuya." Lelouch spoke quietly from beside his friend. Yuya gave a 'hmm?' to signify that he was listening. "Thanks for bringing me out here. I suppose it was fun in the end."
"No problem Lelouch. I'm just glad you were able to enjoy it and relax." Yuya spoke quietly back, not wanting to snap everyone else out of their fixed daze. "It's nice to see you smile and so carefree."
Lelouch blinked. He never really expected to be able to relax completely until he got back home. Even then, it wouldn't change much. When was the last time he had truly relaxed?... The only time he could really think of was with Nunnally, before his mother's assasination. Nunnally had just stolen mother's hat, and Lelouch had to chase after her. Ever since then, there has been so much stress, so much paranoia, so much violence, so much fear. Though that fear was mostly for his sister.
Lelouch's mood dampened at those memories. But still managed a small, if slightly fake, smile. Those violet orbs looking at the setting sun with somber melancholy. Though no one else seemed to notice.
"Let's go get them popsicles now. The sun is just about set." Yuya spoke out loud suddenly, the sky darkening to a pitch black almost as the others nodded.
Lelouch said nothing but followed the others, his mind mostly thinking about home.
. . .
The door gave a distinct click, and a modulated voice suddenly sounded from within the hotel room. "Yuto, Ruri! I'm back, and I've got you guys a surprise. I guess."
The two Xyz users looked up from the couch at Zero's arrival. The Lyrical Luscinia user was practically sitting in Yuto's lap. The Phantom Knight's user himself had a soft blush dusting his cheeks, which deepened in its color as Zero saw them in their somewhat compromising position. Though Ruri didn't bother to move, and seemed to proceed sitting into Yuto's lap fully. Which added to Yuto's blush that the other two occupants were currently enjoying to watch.
"Please don't tell Shun." Yuto pleaded.
Zero almost cracked up at that. "What? No 'Hello!' or "Welcome back!'?" Zero snickered, before bringing his grocery bag of goodies towards the coffee table by both the two teens and the couch. "You don't even bother with greetings, but I guess it's okay since even I would fear an older brothers wrath as well." Zero's voice darkened. "Trust me, I'd know."
Yuto tensed slightly, his blush being replaced with a pale complexion. Ruri leaned over and lightly slapped Zero's arm. "Oh hush you." Though she was smiling slightly at Yuto's embarrassment as well. It was fun to see the normally scowling, cold hearted rebel being so emotional and soft. "Don't ruin the moment."
"Oh right, sure." Zero rolled his head while rolling his eyes underneath that mask of his. Before he rummaged through the grocery bag and brought out two popsicles. "I managed to bring some extras from the Yusho Duel School. I thought you guys would like to have some, and maybe Shun if he ever gets the chance to come back."
Yuto picked up a purple one, while Ruri choose a pinkish magenta colored one. The two opened the wrappers and started to munch on the frozen ice. Ruri shivered slightly, but a nice smile was on her face. "Oh. I haven't had one of these in so long. It almost makes me want to cry at how much we've lost." The dark haired girl wiped a tear from her eye, and Yuto put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Sorry. It's just that the small things sometimes get to me, you know?"
"I understand." Zero nodded, before getting up and putting the rest in the freezer before heading back to the couch.
"It's nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about." Yuto spoke softly. "You have the right to mourn even the smallest of things. I didn't even realize how badly I needed a shower until I was actually clean for once. It hurt."
"That will all change soon enough." Zero spoke softly, yet confidently. His charisma oozing up from its depths again with a vengeance. His almost quite whisper only seemed to make his words boom, and become stronger. "Once we defeat Academia and take care of the Professor. Things will hopefully go back to normal, or maybe even something better."
"Yeah, hopefully." Ruri breathed, before focusing more on her popsicle.
"Hopefully." Yuto repeated, his voice almost gruff. Grey eyes narrowed at his purple popsicle, as if he was going to melt it with his deadly gaze. "But first, let's focus on the here and now, which is the tournament and Reiji Akaba."
"It is good to take things one step at a time." Zero nodded, before standing up. "Focusing on reality, so that future may become the new reality. I'll be in my room, attempting to get some rest for the tournament coming up. Goodnight." Zero turned. "Oh, and enjoy your alone time, or your snuggle time. Whatever you call it. Just be sure not to be too loud, rowdy, and to use protection." Even the masked man himself couldn't believe he said something like that. Either it was Shun, or Milly's antics were finally infecting him.
He could hear Yuto choke on a chunk of ice while Ruri laughed. "Don't worry, we'll be sure to follow the rules. Have a nice night Zero, and try to get some good sleep."
Yuto could finally breathe again properly, and spoke raspy. "We'll try, and thanks for the popsicles Zero. They're wonderful, when their not trying to kill me. But otherwise, thanks, and have a nice night."
Zero's lips twitched from behind his mask, before he gave a stiff nod and shut, along with locked, the door behind him.
Now all he had to worry about was the tournament.
Lets see how THIS will turn out.
Hey! There's Chapter 12! Man, this was a torture to write at times, but I got it done. Now we can finally focus on the TOURNAMENT! AHHH! Knowing everyone's luck (and from the Arc-V Cannon) this is going to be a real big storm of trouble.
One point to quickly discuss. It's about how Lelouch never played any games he did in this chapter with the watermelons. As we all know, Lelouch is cold to anyone he doesn't know, and only has very few friends. Also, he never had a childhood. NEVER. If being royalty isn't a good enough reason as to why, seeing his mother assassinated, being sent to a foreign country, and seeing the horrors of war would screw over any kid and ruin their childhood. Lelouch was practically grown up since he was ten. I would think the thoughts of vengeance and with his cold demeanor clouding his mind he wouldn't want to do anything like 'play games'. He would want to see Britannia burn and kill his father with his own two hands. However, this is not Lelouch's world! This is the Arc-V world! So now Lelouch has this possibility that he never had a chance to explore back then.
YES! One of the big scenes in this chapter was mostly based on the Ending 1 of Yugioh Arc-V. The watermelons, sun set, and popsicles. A picture in Code Geass' ending should also be referenced in this chapter. Nunnally wearing Marianne's hat with Lelouch having to chase her. (I do not own Arc-V or Code Geass please don't hurt meeeee!)
ANYWAY! See you all in Chapter 13! Where the tournament really begins! YEA! -MoonlightWright
