Hello, heh heh, a rather late post this time, very, very late indeed. I feel like this quarantine has made my (unfortunate) writer's block turn into steel... So! Let's just get started.
Ch.31: ...In Chess Matches and Duels
"For now, it would be best for you two to stay up here. Rest and recuperate after the chaotic events you've recently been through." Zero explained as he along with Yuzu and Yugo exited the elevator to his supposedly 'legally' acquired penthouse room. "That, and to of course stay hidden from the authorities scouring the place in a bid to find you."
"Yeah, because rest and relaxation is more important than being arrested by Security and being thrown into prison." Yugo remarked sarcastically.
While he had his arms behind his head in a calm form, his shoulders were still tense. Posture a tad rigid. After all, Yugo knew virtually nothing about Zero, or if he was trustworthy. Sure, he was being truthful when it came to who kidnapped Rin, but otherwise his only other encounter was back at that park in Standard.
And wasn't that incident a huge confusing clusterfuck in and of itself?
Then there was that time when he thought he had travelled back into the Ice Age when it was really a city wide Battle Royale… The Standard Dimension really is weird. Yugo decided at that moment.
Aquamarine eyes scanned the floor before him, some of his mistrust to this masked stranger lessening at all of the sights and expensive stuff surrounding him. "Wow, this place really is amazing! You would never see anything like this where us Commons live." Instantly, his eyes zeroed in on the huge TV, but he first booked it over to the kitchen to gawk at all of the food. "Well damn! There's enough food in here to feed a good portion of the kids at the orphanage I live at for a few days!" The banana banged duelist turned to frown at Zero. "How could you possibly need this much food?"
Zero shook his head. "I'm afraid that I don't constantly restock the shelves, that would be housekeeping. I frankly don't need that much food unless all of the Lancers are going to be staying here, including you two." Zero tilted his head to the side and placed a hand under his chin as he thought aloud. "Although, I'd basically call you two proper members of the Lancers as well."
Yuzu looked up into Zero's blank mask with curious wonder. "What are the Lancers anyway? How did you get here and find us?"
"Good question Yuzu." Yugo quirked his mouth to the side as he took a huge bite of bread. The D-Wheel rider speaking with his mouth full, some crumbs spilling past his lips. "How did you get here and find us?"
Almost like the magic Zero had with his geass, Yuzu suddenly pulled out her huge fan and wacked Yugo in the back of the head with it. A loud 'slap!' filling the empty air before the sounds of Yugo choking on his food echoed around the room. Yuzu's eyebrow twitched in irritation at Yugo's behavior. "Haven't you ever been taught not to speak with your mouth full? It's absolutely rude and disgusting!"
Zero, meanwhile, just watched the scene with a masked sweatdrop and somewhat tense posture. He had no desire to fall victim to the dreaded fan anymore than he already had. Although, it was highly doubtful Yuzu would actually hit ZERO with it as opposed to Lelouch.
Zero shook his head from the thoughts, and gestured to the multiple doors on the other side of the floor. "If you don't mind, I would like to show you two to your rooms whilst I explain."
The two snapped out of the antics, blinked at Zero as if they forgot he was even there, and quickly stepped forward until they were once again beside the masked man.
The silence encouraged Zero to continue speaking as he walked, the other two following behind him. "The Lance Defense Soldiers, or as I prefer to call it Lancers, are a select group of people chosen to travel across Dimensions to fight against Academia in this Interdimensional War. We are here for two main reasons." Zero gestured to Yuzu's room, which was as far from Yuto's room as possible while Yugo got one nextdoor. He raised one black gloved finger. "The first reason is to find and protect you and Yugo, since Academia is specifically targeting you and those that look like you alongside myself."
Yugo's eyes widened in shock. "Wait? Those freaks are after me too?!" The teen had finished his snack a while ago, and at Zero's nod he shivered whilst whispering. "Holy shit."
Yuzu fiddled with her hands nervously, before going up to twirl one of her pink pigtails with a finger.
Zero raised a second finger now. "The second reason is to gain the Synchro Dimension as an ally against Academia and in the war. To gain as many able and strong fighters from here to become a part of the Lancers."
Yugo snorted and crossed his arms, his D-Wheel suit's leather stretching at the action and constant use. "Good luck with that. Although our Duel King Jack Atlas is the strongest guy I know, and will certainly be a big help in this war, you can forget of even thinking about gaining cooperation from the Tops or Security."
"I figured as much, seeing as how this society functions." Zero agreed lightly as they returned to the main meeting area of the penthouse. That being the living room with the black leather couch and expensive TV Yugo was gawking at earlier before he raided the fridge and cabinets.
All three sat down as Yuzu eagerly jumped at the opportunity to ask more questions. Periwinkle eyes sparkling with hope. "So does that mean Yuya is here right now?"
Zero's masked lips twitched into a small temporary smile before turning into a scowl again as he nodded. "Yuya Sakaki is indeed in the Synchro Dimension at the moment." Yuzu deflated with relief and joy, but her bubble soon popped. "However, as of this moment and time I have no idea where he currently is nor of his location."
"What do you mean by that? Who even is on the Lancers anyway?" Yuzu continued her barrage, and Zero took a deep breath and relaxed his posture. "You see…"
With that, Zero proceeded to update both teens on what they had missed out on. Yuzu gave a horrified gasp at Michio, Teppei, and the Knight of Duels' fates. Yugo hits his fist on the low coffee table beside the couch and swears towards Academia and Obelisk Force. The Melodious duelist carefully takes out the carded forms of Halil and Olga, before gently giving them to the masked man.
Zero raises his hands, refusing the offer. "I don't believe it's wise to give them to me. I'm not exactly the safest person to be around."
"I can understand why you'd want to avoid holding onto them." Yuzu looked down sadly. "Even the slightest tear or bend might bring them permanent damage." Periwinkle looked back up into masked violet. "But still, you'd know what to do with them and how to care for them better than I would! Not only that, but because of my bracelet I might just disappear at any second!" Yugo raised his hand, about to interject, but Yuzu stopped him. "We all know it could happen, and this just might be the only chance I have to pass them onto someone I know will care for them safely."
With that, Yuzu placed the carded forms of Halil and Olga into Zero's uneasy gloved hands.
"If it worries you that much, just hand them off to Reiji once we all regroup. He probably has a way to transport them back into the Standard Dimension." The pink haired girl replied quietly, before standing up and stretching.
"Of course." Zero nodded. No other words needed to be said as the conversation shifted to a lighter topic. The revolutionary deftly pocketing the two carded forms of the teens into a hidden pocket upon his person.
"Is that all?" Yugo spoke up once again impatiently, and jumped off of the couch. "Because I really want to get a good look at my room." Aquamarine eyes went over to Yuzu, and he covered his nose while speaking. "And maybe it would be best you take a shower Yuzu, because you kind of stin-"
Another loud 'slap!', even worse than the last, was all anyone needed to hear to know that Yugo once again suffered under the wrath of Yuzu's paper fan.
"Alright then." Zero spoke, although most of his words went unnoticed between the enraged Yuzu and fearful Yugo. "While you guys stay up here I'll be roaming around the hotel and other floors. I plan to at least play a few games while we wait for Yuto and the others to return." And to see if chess is still popular in this universe. Of course it probably won't be as popular as Duel Monsters or dueling in general, but I haven't played in so long. I need to find a good opponent.
"Yeah sure, go do whatever you need to do Zero. We'll be right here, right? Yugo." Yuzu spoke darkly.
"Please help me! She's crazy with that fan!" Yugo cried out, but the rest of his pleas were muffled as the elevator door closed once more. Another slap sounded, and this time Zero allowed himself to cringe and pity the rash Synchro duelist.
"Sheesh, at least they can only move around on that floor." Zero mumbled to himself. The elevator dinged, and the masked man confidently stepped out and wandered between the machines. The revolutionary played two rounds of Blackjack, winning both times obviously even though the games were rigged, before he managed to convince the dealer to go somewhere more private.
With that finished, Zero faced the man and the slot over his left eye opened with a hiss. "Bring the manager and other important staff and workers to me. I have a few things I need to ask of them." A small smile spread across Zero's face underneath his mask. "Also..."
. . .
With the setting sun behind the buildings, the shadows seemed to expand across streets and darken the alleyways even more with every passing minute. The luxurious black limo that held an irritated Yuto and Gongezaka alongside an excited Dennis finally rolled to a halt. Just as the car came to a stop, Gallager threw the door open and stepped out with arrogant gusto and a jump in his step. Not too far behind the duel promoter, Dennis also jumped out eagerly and roughhoused Gongenzaka into following him. The Performage user's thin arms somehow manage to pull the Steadfast duelist along despite his sturdy build and protests.
Yuto slinked out of the car like one of the phantoms in his deck, grey eyes narrowed in suspicion at Dennis' very cheerful demeanor regardless of the situation.
Something isn't right with him. Yuto thought to himself with resolution. No one, not even Yuya would be this happy and cheerful in a situation like this. We're separated from our allies in unknown territory, with aggressive, tentative allies from this Dimension at best, and hostile enemies lurking around every corner at worst. Information regarding this Dimension's situation is scarce though Zero managed to provide a good chunk of the basics, but still, details are desperately needed.
The Phantom Knight user's mind went back to the day post the Miami City Battle Royale, when they had just left the hotel they stayed at after gathering the rest of their unbroken belongings.
" 'During Yuya's duel during the second round and Yuto started going berserk.' The group stiffened at the reminder of that day. 'I rode on Raidraptor Rise Falcon over to our room… Someone from Academia saw Rise Falcon and followed it over to the hotel, and then they reported that to Obelisk Force.'
'Shit.' Yuto hissed from both his wound and the situation. 'By the time the Second Round of the tournament began Sora was already back at Academia, so it couldn't have been him that spilled our location.'
'So there's another spy around here in Miami City.' Zero grumbled irritably."
Yuto was brought back to the present at the sight of Gallager placing his two Lancer 'allies' into a headlock. The eggplant haired duelist scowled, stepping forward and deftly pulling Gongenzaka away from the suspicious Performage user and obviously distrustful promoter.
If it caused Gallager to stumble forward a few steps, Yuto didn't notice. Nor did Yuto mind the glare the man sent him for it, keeping an innocent face and air around himself as he and Gongenzaka walked towards the door Gallager was originally heading.
"Thanks for that." Gongezaka muttered under his breath. His agitation was clear between Gallager and Dennis' attitude.
"Don't mention it, really." Yuto said back. Once they entered the building, Gallager pushed the two aside and took the lead once more, giving an extra tough shove in Yuto's direction, while Dennis was right behind him.
"We're almost there you guys! Come on!" Dennis stated excitedly as he continued forward.
Gongenzaka heaved a huge sigh and followed while Yuto remained silent. Stormy grey eyes narrowed on the back of Dennis' head as if he could burn a hole through it.
He found the second spy.
. . .
"Zero commands all of you, give me your loyalty and allegiance." The hazy red glow of a bird in flight invades everyone's vision before red rings appear around everyone's eyes.
"Whatever you need, I'll provide it to you. Your Majesty." The group of six people straightened their posture and did a short bow with an arm over their hearts.
"Thank you. I greatly appreciate it." Zero smiled widely as the mechanism over his left eye popped back into place. The blazing red symbol of geass safely covered as the other six people wandered back to where they were before.
The masked man himself stretched, his back giving a nice loud pop as he headed out of the manager's office himself. With all of the important people gathered and coerced into submission the only real dangerous thing now would be Security. That leaves getting the Council and the Head of Security, and then things will run very smoothly until we leave this Dimension towards either Xyz or Academia itself. Although it would be better to check on the resistance at Xyz first, and gather Kaito while we're at it. We'll certainly need our best heavy hitters if we want to bring as much damage as possible to Academia's home base.
As Zero continued walking from the manager's office, which was on the first floor, the mummerings of a crowd and an announcement managed to stray Zero's attention away from his planning.
"Last call for anyone wanting to sign up for the chess tournament that's about to commence! Winner of the tournament gets to see and face the Head of Security himself as an honor." A different woman at the front desk spoke, a few people walking to her to sign up. "Bets are allowed to be placed between competitors. Once again, last call for anyone wanting to sign up for the chess tournament that's about to commence!"
As the woman continued to speak, Zero stepped forward to look at and read the poster proclaiming the chess tournament. The two kings, one white and the other obviously black, were in an X formation with details of the tournament on the bottom.
A chess tournament? And the winner gets to see the Head of Security himself? A rather evil smirk splayed across Zero's masked face as he began to walk towards the reception desk. What a perfect opportunity.
With that, and a weird glance from the woman, Zero signed his masked persona's name into the document and stood back. Arms crossed in excitement at finally getting a chess match in instead of a duel, Zero waited for the tournament to begin.
Let's see if anyone here has any real potential.
. . .
"I'm glad to finally see a strong familiar face in this weak dueling pool."
"I'll have you know." Gallager spoke with pride and arrogance obvious in his tone and voice. "This is the largest underground dueling arena in all of the City. A social gathering of darkness where people bet on illegal gambling duels."
"Gambling duels!" Gongenzka cried in outrage. "How dare you lead us to a place like this."
"A place for illegal activity and 'darkness' doesn't sound impressive, it sounds like trouble." Yuto started with a scowl, but only the Raidraptor duelist knew there was a smile hidden underneath it when directed at him. "But it's nice to finally see you again Shun. Glad to know you're safe, but it's obvious you're getting yourself into trouble, again."
Shun Kurosaki's own frown twitched slightly to show his own smile as he put a strong hand on his shorter friend's shoulder. "You know that it's the trouble that follows me, not the other way around, Yuto." Under his breath, Shun whispered into Yuto's ear. "I haven't managed to find Ruri, have you spotted her?"
From Yuto's small shake of his head, Shun's twitch of a smile might as well have been nonexistent now.
"What are you doing here anyway Shun?" Gongenzaka questioned, silent communication between the two rebels being cut off as all attention turned to them. "We should be looking for our other comrades, not dueling in this gambling ring." The Synchro user said those last few words with hints of disgust. The duel promoter behind him twitched, but otherwise let it slide.
Shun raised an eyebrow and spoke a tad sarcastically. "Why? Isn't it obvious? I'm looking for strong duelists, of course." Outside of the small office they were inside that overlooked the underground dueling ring, the crowd cheered and screamed.
"KUROSAKI! KUROSAKI! KUROSAKI!"
Yuto raised an eyebrow of his own at the crowd cheering Shun's name. "Sounds like you've been making a name for yourself down here."
If Dennis had a dog's tail, it would be positively wagging with all of his excitement at the crowd's cheering. "That's understandable. It'll be easier to find strong duelists in underground arenas like this one."
"Hmph." Shun crossed his arms across his chest. "This place is nothing but a joke." Yuto rolled his eyes as Shun stalked over to one side of the room, glaring at the wall whilst everyone else balked at such a blunt statement. "I heard that people dueled seriously using their own skills down here, but all I've been able to find is subpar material. People with all bark and no bite, it's disappointing as much as it is disgusting." Yellow eyes flickered over to Yuto's own. "Zero would agree with me if he saw it for himself, as I'm sure you will as well."
A huff of breath that could've been mistaken for laughter escaped Yuto. "I don't doubt you there."
Gallager regathered himself and gave a hearty laugh at Shun's cold exterior. "This guy here also uses that astonishing Summoning Method you two use, Xyz." The promoter pointed at Yuto and Dennis specifically. "With it, he's clinched nine consecutive wins in a row."
Dennis shrugged unabashedly. "Well, this Summoning Method isn't exactly new to us."
Gallager's grin widened as he crossed his arms over his white coat. "No, it doesn't seem like it. Old pals I see. Although, from the way this conversation was heading it sounded like there's more of you out there." The promoter lowered his gold shades to reveal dark brown eyes for a moment. "So, how many of you are there exactly?"
He's fishing for information. Yuto scowled, and disregarded the question all together before someone, specifically Dennis, could give something vital away.
Thankfully, Shun had the same idea and spoke up first. "The Xyz you people learn at L.D.S is nothing more than a fraud." The Raidraptor duelist stated proudly to Dennis as he walked over to the window and looked out of it.
"Oh, really?" Dennis spoke lightly, although from the gleam in his light blue eyes he was wanting to cause mischief. "But your Xyz monsters aren't that strong either, are they?"
Shun whirled around to glare at Dennis and his open insult about his duel monsters. "What did you just say you bastard." The Xyz user growled darkly and took a step forward.
Yuto and Gongenzaka exchanged a glance, before getting between the two Lancers. Helping to prevent a fight that one egged on.
"Now hold on just a minute here! Let's not get into a fight right when we've reunited." Gongenzaka stated with his arms out.
"I'm curious, what have you been able to find out about these people so far, Shun?" Yuto asked, shaking his head at his easily angered friend. What did you earn about this place? How soon should we be leaving. He conveyed with his eyes, because it was obvious that Gallager and this place was dangerous and reeked of nothing but trouble. "Have you been able to find Yuya or any of the others?"
"No, I haven't." Shun spoke the first part whilst still glaring at Dennis, the latter smiling happily, before turning back to Yuto and Gongenzaka. "I arrived in this Dimension alone, and I got this far by myself. I haven't been able to find Ruri or any of the other Lancers yet."
"Perhaps you would have a better time searching for them if you put more effort into it." Dennis remarked, earning another angered tick from Kurosaki. The Performage user shrugged carelessly. "I mean, Gongenzaka and I already found you, Yuto and Zero. All I see you doing is beating up small fry with your weak Xyz monsters."
"Weak!" Shun roared, using his height to tower over the orange haired duelist. "My monsters and deck are a representation of who I am, and I will NOT let you openingly insult them! I'll show you who's weak!"
"You should know better than to insult someone's duel monsters like that, Dennis. Especially since you're a part of the Lancers, you should know that we're a symbol now as well. We represent something." Yuto stated coldly, glaring at the boy as well. "Besides, you didn't do much either. Zero and I are the ones who found you guys playing around like a circus, and it's a sheer miracle that we're even here right now."
"Lancers? What's that?" Gallager asked, pushing himself into the conversation with intrigue clear in his tone. "And whose this Zero character you keep talking about? Not only that, but it sounds like you're spewing talk of Dimensions?"
"Well, you see-" Gongenzaka started, going to tell the truth.
"That is none of your concern."
"Now now! Let's save all of the complicated stuff for later!"
Yuto and Dennis both spoke at the same time, the former glaring at the latter who laughed sheepishly.
Dennis leaned forward to whisper into Gongenzaka's ear. "Let's not mention anything about Dimensions, it'll obviously bring us trouble."
"Hey! What're you guys whispering about?" Gallager snapped, pointing a ringed finger at Gongenzaka and Dennis.
"Ah nothing to worry about!" Dennis spoke cheerfully once more. The fight that was about to boil over dissipated now with Yuto and Shun leaning against the window. Yuto looking out of it and into the crowd, specifically the D-Wheels riding around the arena, while Shun focused on the discussion. "Though, I'm guessing you brought us here to duel Shun, because he's so strong."
The duel promoter nodded, took off his golden shades, and pointed to himself arrogantly with a laugh. "That's exactly the reason! You see, I've never been wrong when it comes to seeing potential in a duelist, and I see plenty of it in you!" The man pointed to Dennis, and the teen rubbed the back of his head with a bashful laugh at the praise.
While Gallager was buttering Dennis up to convince him to duel Shun, Yuto spoke. "So, did you learn anything else while you were here?"
Shun shook his head. "Nothing of any special concern besides the Friendship Cup."
Yuto blinked, and looked into Shun's eyes. "Friendship Cup?"
"It's the largest duel tournament in the City." Gallager butted in, putting the two rebels into a supposedly friendly headlock that was a little too tight for Yuto's tastes. "As a banner of harmony between the Tops and Commons, we gather the toughest duelists through a selection process. The victor of the annual festival gets the honor of facing the Duel King, Jack Atlas!" The promoter exclaimed eagerly, pointing over to a poster of the Duel King himself. This allowed Yuto to slip out from Gallager's grip, but the man paid him no heed as he explained the Friendship Cup.
"Duel King? So he's the strongest?" Dennis asked, staring at the poster with intrigue while Shun looked at it with challenge.
"Is he strong?" Gallager spoke rhetorically. "Of course he is! Jack is the City's- No. The World's strongest ruler!"
"Well then I suppose that settles it huh?" Dennis spoke whilst gesturing with his gloved hand. "If we enter the Friendship Cup we can meet tons of strong duelists and duel the King at the end!" The entertainer threw both of his arms out. "That's one path to our goal as Lancers checked off!"
"The one who will duel the King will be me." Shun stated strongly, easily shrugging out of Gallager's grip to stare down Dennis. "But, if you would like to TRY and prove your previous words you can duel me and make it my tenth win."
Dennis laughed, calmly staring back at Shun with no fear. "Oh we'll see about that! After all, we won't know until we do this, right?"
Gongenzaka looked between the two, his mouth moving to try and form words but only two got out. "You two…"
"I don't really know about this Shun." Yuto narrowed his gaze towards Gallager with distrust. "It's obvious that these gambling duels are illegal, and we'll get into trouble if we're caught." Yuto adjusted his glasses before looking back at his best friend. "We should just leave, Zero should be back in the room right now waiting for us."
"Oh come on Yuto!" Dennis took a few steps to get into Yuto's space, which the Xyz user did not like. "I want to test my stuff against Shun!" The Performage user made a fist pump. "My entertainer's blood is stirring. I'll make those calls for Kurosaki turn into calls for Dennis." The teen grinned widely.
Gallager bellowed in laughter. "Well said Dennis! Alright, it's settled then!" The promoter gave Dennis a huge slap on the back, making the smaller boy stumble forward. "Let's get rolling, shall we? Your duel with Kurosaki will be amazing I'm sure! My eyes are never wrong after all."
"Besides, I'm not backing down from a challenge, nor will I stand for Dennis insulting my monsters earlier." Shun stated stubbornly, not moving a muscle on this decision. "Ten consecutive wins in a row guarantees your place in the Friendship Cup, so once I wipe the floor with Dennis we can leave and I'll be in the tournament. Easy."
Yuto took off his glasses for a moment to rub his forehead and pinch the bridge of his nose in tired agitation.
If it was any consolation, Gongezaka didn't look that happy either.
At least someone else knows we shouldn't be here and should be leaving instead.
. . .
"And who are you supposed to be?" A snobbish voice coming from a Top gambler sneered at Zero. The revolutionary saying nothing until he sat down in the opposite seat, crossing one leg over the other delicately.
"You may call me Zero, and I am going to be your defeat, simple as that." Zero's modulated voice stated like it was a fact of life.
The man laughed mockingly. "A masked clown like you? Beating me? Not a chance." The man spoke arrogantly as he lifted a white pawn and moved it forward, beginning the game. "I doubt you can even see through that fish bowl of a mask you're wearing."
"Hmm." Zero hummed to himself, not even dignifying the man's words worthy of a response. "I'll need five minutes max." He moved the black pawn in front of his king forward.
"Would you like to make a bet on that then, Zero?" The Top suggested, the tone in his voice making it obvious that he thought he was going to win in a landslide. The noble moved another white pawn forward.
"I'm not opposed to it." Zero stated, finally looking the man in the eye with interest. This was beginning to become a very familiar scenario to him. "Does ¥20,000 sound good to you?" The revolutionary picked up his king.
The few people watching all gasped at Zero's bold move. The Top he was facing shook his head and bellowed out a laugh, thinking his opponent was making a stupid rookie mistake. "No, how about we up the ante a bit, shall we?"
"What're you thinking then?" Zero asked, amusement clear at the audience's fish out of water expressions. Whispers of his 'mediocre' skills roaming around in circles like sharks on the scent of blood.
"¥200,000." The Top stated as if Zero had no choice.
"Done." Zero smiled lightly behind his mask and set his king down a space from where it previously was. The Top laughed again loudly and openly, mocking words coming out like a broken dam at Zero's 'foolish' move.
Zero beat the man five turns later.
"Checkmate."
The Top stared down at the board in disbelief, his left eye twitching as his phone slid off the table and hit the carpeted floor. The sound like cannon fire in the resounding, shocked silence.
Zero chuckled softly under his breath, leaning back into his seat with his arms crossed as he spoke lightly. "I believe I am owed ¥200,000 now, yes?"
The next person Zero faced lost in the same amount of turns, owing even more money than the previous loser.
. . .
DENNIS LP- 4000
SHUN LP- 1000
"I Xyz Summon!" Shun yelled. "Appear to me! Rank 3! Raidraptor Devil Eagle!" A mechanical falcon with small legs, sharp dark yellow talons, and huge wings swooped onto the field. The Xyz monster's main color scheme being a dark metallic purple with dark pink highlights while the Raidraptor symbol was emblazoned on its chest.
RAIDRAPTOR DEVIL EAGLE RNK.3 ORB.2 ATK:1000 DEF:0
"Now, through the effect of both Skull Eagles turned into Xyz Materials, Devil Eagle's Attack increases by 300 for each one!" Shun's falcon gave another shrill cry at the power boost it gained on the first turn.
RAIDRAPTOR DEVIL EAGLE ATK:1000 = 1600
The Riding Duel between Shun and Dennis had begun. Dennis started off with the regular 4000 Life Points while Shun was given a handicap by starting at only 1000. Kurosaki started first and Xyz Summoned his Devil Eagle Raidraptor, which led up to now. Yuto and Gongenzaka sat together at the commentary booth beside Gallager. The promoter eagerly speaking into his microphone as his eyes stayed glued onto the two duelists riding on D-Wheels.
So these are what D-Wheels are like in person. Yuto could see why Zero would be interested in something like those. Their mobility would make getting from place to place faster and easier, and you could easily drive past anyone attempting to stop you on foot.
He would know, he experienced it first hand when dueling Yugo.
"Next, I activate Devil Eagle's monster effect!" Shun tightened his grip on the D-Wheel below him. The red scarf tied around his neck flapping wildly in the wind displaying his status as a resistance fighter proudly. The Lancer's band also strapped on the outside of his D-Wheel suit tightly. "I use one orbital and deal damage equal to the Attack of a Special Summoned monster on the field." With caw, Devil Eagle flew up above Dennis and showered the teen in a burning purple light that dealt him damage.
RAIDRAPTOR DEVIL EAGLE ORB. 2 = 1
DENNIS LP- 4000 = 2400
Dennis' D-Wheel almost spun out of control, but the Performage user managed to save it in the nick of time and right himself. "Well, that was sudden."
"I set one card face down and end my turn." Shun stated as his face down appeared beside him before vanishing.
While the crowd cheered and Gallager commented, Yuto narrowed his eyes at the two speeding on their D-Wheels. Be careful Shun. Dennis has yet to show his true colors.
"This entire situation is outrageous." Gongenzaka grumbled with his thick arms crossed.
. . .
"We're into the third round of chess matches for the tournament, and still no one has been able to last more than 10 turns against this mysterious masked man named only Zero."
Of course, with such meager pickings and easy wins, Zero gathered attention rather quickly. Though keeping his identity a secret would already gather attention, sweeping through his opponents while the other contestants were still battling it out didn't help matters.
His third opponent sat down on white's side of the table with unease. The older man eyeing Zero cautiously with a bead of sweat gliding down the side of his forehead and past his greying hair.
Zero himself tipped his masked head to the side whilst sizing up his opponent, one hand holding his head. Better than the other two, but still not up to my level. He's wiser, less arrogant.
"Would you like to make a bet as well?" Zero asked innocently, rearranging his pieces back to their original places.
The older man did the same thing, and wisely shook his head. "Not this time, thank you."
"So be it." The revolutionary didn't push any further, and soon the game began again.
It was a smart decision to not place a bet, because soon enough Zero won once again. The people surrounding the table in a circle had grown exponentially, with whispers and rumors turning into praise and awe instead of mockery and derision. The tournament would be called into intermission once the third round was over, so the masked man decided to make a quick trip up to his room to check on Yugo and Yuzu before returning.
I hope the Head of Security isn't as disappointing. That title and role has to show he at least has some resemblance of skill.
. . .
DENNIS LP- 2400 = 1900
SHUN LP- 100
RAIDRAPTOR BLAZE FALCON RNK.5 ORB.0 ATK:1000 DEF:2000
"Soon I'll have you chasing after my back too." Shun picked up one of the cards in his hand and continued his turn. "I activate the Equip Spell Raptors Ultimate Mace from my hand." Shun extended one hand towards his recently summoned Blaze Falcon. "I equip it to Blaze Falcon and increase its Attack by 1000."
RAIDRAPTOR BLAZE FALCON ATK:1000 = 2000
"Battle!" Shun turned around to face Dennis, who was riding not too far behind him. "I attack you directly with Blaze Falcon!"
"Come on Shun, finish this quickly so we can leave." Yuto muttered to himself.
"Dennis has 1900 Life Points!" Gallager jumped up from his seat, the chair falling backwards at the action. "Will he be defeated this time!?"
"Not quite!" Dennis interjected and raised up his hand. "When a Special Summoned monster deals a direct attack, Performage Ball Rider can be Special Summoned from the Graveyard by its own effect!" The silly monster rose up from the grave in Defense Mode.
PERFORMAGE BALL RIDER LV.4 ATK:1000 DEF:1800
"Useless." Shun narrowed his golden eyes behind his blue tinted visor from the helmet he was wearing. "Blaze Falcon can attack directly even when there are monsters out." With a simple feint, Blaze Falcon was swooping past a befuddled Performage Ball Rider and extending its claws towards Dennis with a menacing cry.
This time Dennis grit his teeth, some sweat sliding down his face as he yelled. "In that case I activate my Trap Pinch Breaker! My opponent's monster's Attack becomes equal to the Defense of my monster!"
RAIDRAPTOR BLAZE FALCON ATK:2000 = 1800
Blaze Falcon struck out with its talons in a sweeping attack, and quickly flew up into the air again once it was done. Taking with it all of Dennis' Life Points except a measly 100. The D-Wheel Dennis rose bounced into the air, but otherwise the orange haired duelist was fine.
DENNIS LP- 1900 = 100
"He's done it! But he's barely hanging on!" Gallager commented.
"Dammit, so close." Yuto swore quietly.
Shun narrowed his gaze towards Dennis for a moment, before speaking once more. "When Blaze Falcon deals damage to the opponent, one of my opponent's monsters is destroyed." Missiles flew out of a compartment hidden on Blaze Falcon, and destroyed Performage Ball Rider in a fiery explosion.
Dennis grit his teeth. "At this point, Pinch Breaker's effect ends and Blaze Falcon's Attack returns to normal."
RAIDRAPTOR BLAZE FALCON ATK:1800 = 2000
"I set one card and end my turn." Once his turn was over, Shun slowed his D-Wheel down until he was neck and neck with Dennis. Suspicious yellow eyes narrowed in rising weariness. "Are you really from L.D.S?"
Dennis gave a calm smile, keeping both of his hands on his D-Wheel as he answered. "Yeah, why?"
Shun grit his teeth and growled at the Performage user's easy answer.
"I'm not sure what you're so suspicious about, but let's liven this up even more shall we? Let's really get the audience's blood pumping with some good old Pendulum Summoning!" Dennis stated eagerly, switching the attention from him back towards the duel as he pulled ahead of Shun this time.
But Shun still noticed, his eyes boring into Dennis' back.
. . .
"We're into the 4th round of our chess tournament, and Zero's still rolling through it like it's nobody else's business." The woman Zero just defeated stood up elegantly, shook Zero's black gloved hand with proud showmanship, and slipped him a card with a flirtatious wink before disappearing into the crowd.
The masked man looked down at the card with distaste, and carelessly set it aside on the table before resetting the board. It's a shame that dueling seems to have taken all of the good chess players. At this rate I'd walk right up to Cornelia begging for a proper chess match. Zero's neutral mask twitched into a frown for a moment as he waited for his fourth opponent. One more match until the semifinales, then the finals and finally the Head of Security himself, Jean-Micheal Roger.
The rebel fighter ignored most of the people around him unless directly spoken to, just like all of his other visits to casinos to gamble at chess.
Over and over and over again.
" 'I was dead until the moment I met you. I was a powerfless corpse pretending to be alive. Living without power, without the ability to change my course, was bound to lead me to a slow death.' "
"So you're the masked man Zero that everyone's been talking about."
Zero snapped out of his stupor to eye his next opponent. The man had his chin tilted up and his nose in the air.
"Yes, that would be me." Zero answered politely. "Would you care to make a bet before we begin, or would you like to just get started?"
A smile smeared itself across the man's face. "I suppose a small wager wouldn't hurt anyone." He said innocently. "If you win I'll give you ¥400,000, but if I win you have to remove your mask and show us all your face." His smile turned more dangerous. "After all, the only ones who hide their face are people who have done crimes or have something to hide."
Zero frowned, but didn't change from his relaxed position. "Agreed. Let's get started now, shall we?" Zero gestured to white's side of the field with one black gloved hand. The other hand was holding his masked head as his opponent finally sat down.
I wonder if any of the Commons are better chess players.
. . .
"I overlay my two Level 5 Wing Sandwhichmen and new Level 5 Ball Rider and build the Overlay Network!" The three all leaped into the golden sparkling vortex that appeared above Dennis to give birth to a new monster.
"Descend! Hell's artist! I Xyz Summon!" Dennis raised one arm towards the vortex as a shadowy figure slowly appeared onto the field. "Come forth! Rank 5! Performage Shadow Maker!" A 2-D man made from shadows with a huge orange bow tie and enormous scissors appeared behind Dennis in his shadow. The monster wore a green top hat with stars on it and pink glasses.
PERFORMAGE SHADOW MAKER RNK.5 ORB.3 ATK:2600 DEF:1000
"How's that people!" Gallagar yelled out, no longer bothering to use his chair and instead constantly standing and gesturing to the duel field. "Have you gotten your eyeful? A Pendulum Summon going into an Xyz Summon!"
At the crowd's cheering, Dennis smiled widely. "The crowd's hearts have been captured. I'm simply that magnificent!"
"How will this duel end?" Gallager questioned. "Will Kurosaki keep his title as No.1, or is it time for a new No.1 to be born? Will it be Kurosaki or Dennis? Dennis or Kurosaki?"
"I know for a fact that Shun won't lose." Yuto stated confidently, knowing that his best friend would pull through and win the match. My only hope is that he'll win quickly, or at least soon. Zero is probably wondering where we are at the moment.
"Sorry Shun, but I'm helping myself to that No.1 spot!" Dennis exclaimed confidently. "The loser is going to be you."
Shun only gave a dangerous smile.
. . .
I wonder if Yuto has returned to the room yet with Dennis and Gongenzaka in tow.
"Checkmate." Zero sighed, boredom clear in his tone as he watched the next loser get dragged out with ¥400,000 less. I hope he doesn't get warped away because of Yuzu's bracelet. I did tell Yugo to stay away from the elevator and Yuto's room before they left to check on his D-Wheel.
"He's cheating!" The man cried out as the casino's security escorted him to the entrance. "He must have a communicator or something in his mask telling him what to do! No man can be that skilled! I swear to you Zero's cheating!"
"You would have heard someone speaking to me if I had a communicator installed into my mask, so your accusations hold no ground." Not necessarily true, but he really didn't have a communicator in his helmet. "Also, who do you think everyone would believe? The man who just lost and is throwing a tantrum because of it, or the man who just won and tried to show showmanship before said loser threw a tantrum?" Zero's blank mask looked at every person watching the interaction. The resounding nods of agreement going around most, if not all, of the onlookers sealed the deal. "I believe the answer here is clear."
"You would have lost if you hadn't cheated Zero! Give me another round and I swear you'll lose! You're just afraid of me winning and seeing what's behind that mask of yours." The man spat, his voice getting farther away as he was guidied out of the vicinity.
"This world is winner take all." Zero stated sternly, folding his gloved hands in front of him on the table and glaring at the man through his mask. "Survival of the fittest. Clearly, you are not fit enough, nor are you strong or smart enough, to survive. You obviously cannot understand that this is how the City functions. Be gone with you now." With a shooing gesture, the man was gone with the help of casino security.
As Zero reset the board once more, he spoke casually and calmly. His modulated voice intimidating most of the people around him, giving a wide berth between him, the table, and everyone else. "So, who's my opponent for the semifinals?"
. . .
Gongenzaka grit his teeth and spoke only to Yuto. "Those two are consumed by their bloodlust."
Yuto pursed his lips, averting his gaze from the duel as he thought about Shun's duel with Sora, both times. "Hopefully things won't get too out of hand."
"Battle!" Dennis cried out, turning his D-Wheel to the side to watch Shadow Maker attack Shun's Blaze Falcon. "Shadow Maker! Attack Kurosaki's Raidraptor Blaze Falcon and end this duel!" Dennis' monster flew forward, and eagerly snipped Blaze Falcon into six pieces with his huge scissors with a deep laugh.
"You're a fool if you think I'll go down so easily." Shun snapped, and revved his D-Wheel a few inches forward. "I activate the effect of the Equip Spell Raptors Ultimate Mace! When the equipped monster is destroyed, damage is reduced to zero and I add one Rank-Up Spell card from my Deck to my hand!" With that, Blaze Falcon burst into yellow particles as Kurosaki grabbed the Rank-Up Spell of his choice. "I choose to add Rank-Up Revolution Force!"
"That's a useless struggle Shun." Dennis looked behind him to speak to Shun. "Even if you add a Quick-Play Spell to your hand, you can't use it on my turn." Dennis faced forward once more to drive his D-Wheel. "You have no monsters on your field. You've lost, Kurosaki."
"We'll see after this." Shun spoke sternly and gestured to his face down. "I activate the Trap Card Light Speed Attack! I can activate Quick-Play Spells in my hand."
"What!-" Dennis cried out.
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Rank-Up Revolution Force! I take control of one Xyz monster on my opponent's field!" The Raidraptor symbol appeared on Shadow Maker, and the Xyz monster quickly went over to Shun's side of the field. "I Rank-Up that monster to a Raidraptor that's one Rank higher!"
"Here it comes, one of Shun's favorite monsters." Yuto spoke calmly at these turn of events.
"Proud falcon." The higher ranked Xyz monster flapped its huge wings as it flew from the golden vortex. "Spread your wings coated with the surging blood of heroes, and charge upon the road of revolution! Rank-Up Xyz Change!" The Raidraptor's symbol glowed brightly through the flames that appeared from this monster's summoning. "Come forth, Rank 6! Raidraptor Revolution Falcon!" The monster gave a shrill cry as it appeared above Shun.
RAIDRAPTOR REVOLUTION FALCON RNK.6 ORB.1 ATK:2000 DEF:3000
"There are no monsters on Dennis' field. A commendable reversal?" Gongenzaka leaned forward a tad in his seat to watch the duel, but his arms were still crossed and his disapproval at all of this still clear.
"Bravo! Bravo!" Gallager cheered, egging the audience to scream louder in their excitement. "Surely this is the most suited match up for our No. 1!"
. . .
"It looks like we're nearing the end of the finals for our chess tournament." Someone, a commentator hiding somewhere, spoke in a somewhat hushed voice. The spectators watched with awed silence as the match began to come to a close.
"Hmm." Zero's opponent hummed once more, arms crossed as she studied the field with a careful eye. Finally, she gave a defeated sigh, and with her head bowed she moved her knight back into a defensive position. "It seems I've been bested, haven't I?" She asked rhetorically.
Meanwhile, Zero nodded his head with a hum of his own, before placing his queen down just a few spaces in front of his opponent's king. "It appears so. Checkmate." The revolutionary extended his hand. "I must say, that was a rather entertaining warm up match, but you certainly have potential in this game. I can see why you go to tournaments such as these."
With a lopsided smile, the elegantly dressed woman accepted Zero's handshake with a firm grip. "I have to say that the chance to duel you in the field of chess was an honor in and of itself, Zero. I've been watching your matches when I have the time, and I must say I am very impressed."
"You wouldn't happen to run a business by any chance, would you?" Zero asked, genuinely curious. Although this woman didn't give him much trouble, she was much better than most of the others he had faced at the moment.
"Oh?" The woman blinked, before giving a brighter smile. "Why yes, I do. I'm the head of a chain of restaurants, but I also run a donation foundation meant to give back to the Commons on the side. For all of their hard work that keeps us Tops up top. My way of saying thank you if you will." With that, the woman opened her purse, took out some bills, and graciously handed them to the masked man.
The man flicked through the bills, counting them on the back of his mind as he spoke. "I could tell. It was a pleasure doing business, and thanks for the mental exercise, I needed it."
The woman only laughed, before standing and straightening out her expensive dress. "Yes, I figured I wouldn't be much competition." Her sharp brown eyes looked at Zero's blank mask. "I can't wait to see what happens between you and the Head of Security. That will be a match I refuse to miss."
"I'll take that as goodluck." Zero uncrossed and recrossed his legs, switching positions. His head on one hand as he spoke. "But I won't be needing it. I create my own miracles."
Once again, the woman gave a light hearted laugh before she merged with the ever growing crowd. While the chess tournament itself was finally over, everyone still stuck around for the bonus round of sorts. Everyone was excited to meet the Head of Security himself, and the amount of people on the floor only increased instead of decreased.
Finally, the moment everyone, even Zero, was waiting for happens. Multiple Security officers separated the crowd like the Red Sea and made a clear pathway for the man himself, Jean-Micheal Roger.
While the Tops gathered around to cheer and awe at the sight of the Head of Security. Zero still sat in his chair, his gaze scrutinizing Roger's every look and move. Roger had pale skin and a huge long nose that separates his dull green eyes. The man had his ash blonde hair neatly combed and cut into two short wings on the back of his head. As would be expected from a man of his status, Roger had his clothes made from the finest and most expensive materials that proudly displayed his status. A knee length purple coat closed by silver buttons with orange lining and designs on his neck and cuffs. To finish the look, the man had grey dress pants on alongside black dress shoes.
Overall, the Head of Security wasn't impressive. At least, not in Zero's opinion anyway.
Still, Roger had the ability to arrest him on the spot for no reason other than he wanted to, and he had connections absolutely every in the City. Nothing shorter than this Council could check Roger's power, and Zero didn't think they did that often. If they did, Roger probably only did it because he wanted to, not because they made him.
Deciding to be cautious since he just got here, Zero reigned in his inner noble and stood once Roger was finally at the table.
"Jean-Micheal Roger." Zero greeted, holding his hand out for the man to shake, which he did politely. Though the masked man didn't miss the light gleam in his eye at the sight of Zero. "It's an honor to meet the Head of Security face to- well, mask. I am Zero."
Both men chuckled lightly, though there wasn't anything really funny about what Zero said. It was all for show.
"Yes well I must say I wasn't expecting to be facing a masked man after the chess tournament finals." Roger spoke levelly. "It at least makes things a little more interesting now." The man waved to the chess set and table. "Shall we?"
"Let's." Zero agreed lightly, and returned to sitting in his chair. One of the Security officers stepped forward and pulled the chair out for Roger to sit, once the man had taken his seat he was pushed towards the table. Once that was done, the Security officer returned to his position, no words were exchanged throughout any of it.
With great flourish, Zero gestured to the game. "White always leads first."
"Correct, so let us begin." With that the game began and Roger took his turn with a smirk on the edge of his lips. Moving a white pawn from B-2 to B-4. Besides that however and the gleam in his eye, the man's face was a mask with a smile plastered over it. Those green eyes searched and looked at every detail of the revolutionary. The Head of Security was sizing Zero up just like the masked man did previously. "If I may be so bold as to ask, Zero." Roger drew the masked revolutionary's name out. "Why are you here?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Zero raised an invisible eyebrow as he took his turn and moved a black pawn forward. The pawn moved from D-7 to D-5. "I came here for the chess tournament." At Roger's silence it was obvious he didn't believe the masked man. "Personally I'm a big fan of chess, a very proficient expert as well. If I may be so bold as to state, I'm more of a chess player than I am at Duel Monsters."
"Really?" Roger said, surprised at that tidbit of information willingly given. The crowd seemed surprised that Zero even played Duel Monsters, or that he favored chess more than the extremely popular game. "You prefer chess over even Riding Duels?"
"I do." Zero nodded, watching as Roger took his white knight from B-1 and moved it to C-3. Zero followed the action for a moment by taking out his black knight resting at G-8 and moving it to F-6. "Besides, chess is a more complex game to understand and master. I prefer a challenge compared to most of the duelists I've encountered lately." Only a few would be exempted from his scrutiny, that being Yuri, Reiji, Yuto, Shun, and Yuya all in that order.
Though he never faced Reiji yet on the duel field or in a chess match, a genius could spot a genius when he saw one. Yuya himself had plenty of potential, a lot actually, but he had yet to gain the experience he needed.
Zero wouldn't be surprised if Yuya moved up to 3rd at least in his mental list of ranks by the time they defeated Academia.
Roger hummed in acknowledgement, chin tucked into one hand as he studied the board intently. "I can understand your reasoning. I actually prefer and love chess as well." The Head of Security gave a small sarcastic huff. "I wouldn't be here otherwise if I didn't love it." He moved his second knight from G-1 to F-3.
Zero said nothing as he moved his first bishop from C-8 to G-4.
After a second, Roger spoke again. "I don't mean to be rude about this question." That was probably a lie. "But why are you wearing a mask? Shouldn't a man with so much skill and potential such as yourself be recognized for his talents? I would certainly think so."
Ah, now we're getting into the personal questions. Looking for a face to go along with the mask Roger? Well, I'm afraid you won't find much, if anything. A smirk played across Zero's masked face.
Roger moved his white queen finally, going from E-1 to G-3, right in front of Zero's bishop.
"I prefer to gamble with my identity safe." The lie weaved itself together easily. "After all, some people who are unhappy with their losses against me may try to target or come after me post game. I don't exactly like the idea of being assassinated or looking over my shoulder every second because of my habits with gambling in some… less than legal games. It's as simple as that. A way to protect myself." Zero moved one of his already moved pawns forward, D-5 to D-4.
"A good reason. I can understand what you mean, it's why I have so much Security with me." Roger agreed as he moved his white knight from C-3 to B-5, keeping it from being taken by Zero's pawn. "What with a man like me and my position, who knows what would happen whilst I'm exposed like this. The Commons would probably attack me like beasts should any opportunity arise."
I wonder why? Zero thought sarcastically as he only nodded and moved his bishop again from G-4 to F-3. The black bishop taking one of Roger's white knights.
First blood.
The audience around them watched with bated breath at the tense match. While the two competing were acting docile, even friendly. Internally, the two were clawing at each other's throats to see which would bleed out first.
"May I propose a wager?" Zero finally spoke up with a bet offer set out towards the Head of Security.
"Oh?" Roger raised an eyebrow, the game momentarily paused, Zero continued.
"If you win I will give you all of the winnings I've earned from the chess tournament, which is around ¥800,000, and I will also take off my mask and show you my face, giving you my identity." The crowd gasped. His opponent's making a bet with Zero's identity on the line was obvious, but the masked man himself making the same bet? It was outright brazen, ludicrous!
Roger was taken off guard by the proposition as well, but recomposed himself easily and quickly with a surprised chuckle. "Oh ho. Alright, I'm interested to hear where the rest of this is going. What will you get if you win?"
"You give me the proper funds and staff that will allow me to create my own D-Wheel built to my specifications." The crowd once again gave another shocked gasp. "So what do you say?" Zero held out a black gloved hand over the chess set. "Do we have a deal?"
Roger openly grinned. The opportunity to learn of Zero's identity is too good to pass up. "Well, this has turned into an exciting evening now hasn't it. You're a fascinating individual." Without hesitation, Roger reached forward and firmly grasped Zero's hand in a binding shake. "You have yourself a deal and a bet, Zero."
Both sides of the chess set were grinning widely now.
All according to plan. All conditions have been cleared.
Time to stop going easy.
Roger began to pick up his queen when his phone began to ring. His eyes widened as he set down his queen to answer his phone. "Excuse me for a moment, this is an emergency." With that the man answered his phone. "Yes?"
Zero's interest piqued when he saw both of Roger's eyebrows raise. "Oh?" He said, tone rather pleased as he spoke again to the person on the other side. "Send some men out ASAP. They may have concealed themselves there." With his orders given, Roger hung up and returned his phone back into his breast pocket.
"I apologize for the interruption in our game, Zero. However, duty calls, and I can't afford to completely abandon my station." Roger straightened his posture even more at the adoration he was given by the Tops for that comment. "It would be very irresponsible and reckless."
"It is fine." Zero waved it all off like he would swatting a measly knat. "You cannot help the circumstances."
The Head of Security merely nodded, before picking his queen back up again and taking Zero's bishop by going from G-3 to F-3. "Now then, let's continue."
"Of course." Zero agreed casually, and picked up his king to Roger's surprise and to the crowd's delight.
Now to finish this and call Checkmate.
. . .
"Squads, situation report." A Security officer spoke quietly, watching the on going duel between Dennis and Shun whilst listening to the responses from his communicator.
"Squad 2, deployment complete."
"Squads 3, 4, and 5 deployment complete."
"Area C and Area D have both been blocked off."
"And the Tops?" The Security officer asked once the status report was given. Ducking out of the commentating booth's line of sight when the teen with black and lavender hair looked over in his direction.
"The evacuation has just begun, sir. Process will be complete in approximately five minutes, sir."
"Good." The Security officer grinned. "Commence the operation in ten minutes then. This is a big bust, and I don't want a single person getting away from the strong justice we from Security will bring down on these lowly thuggish Commons."
. . .
The first thing Yuto noticed was amiss was the way Gallager had suddenly gone silent. He still added bits and pieces of commentary to the audience, that was his job, but it was a lot less enthusiastic and loud. The duel promoter was leaning against the table they had with a straight back and tense posture while he spoke regularly.
The second thing that alerted Yuto happened in the corner of his eye and he almost missed it.
"Huh?"
Grey eyes looked over to another window far above the Common's sitting area. The Phantom Knight user had guessed that was where the Tops sat and watched the duels going on. However, the Xyz user noticed a very distinct lack of Tops looking down into the arena.
He was sure there were at least ten looking out the window last time he checked.
Then the light within the Top's area booth suddenly went out, and Yuto knew something was very wrong.
The hair on the back of Yuto's neck bristled and straightened out as he suddenly got this very bad feeling. They had to leave, now.
When he felt someone's eyes burning into his skull, Yuto instantly snapped his neck over to where that person was. The paranoia and observation skills obtained through the war in the Xyz Dimension had taught him well, because the Phantom Knight user just barely caught a hint of a white helmet and blue uniform before they ducked away.
A Security officer's white helmet and blue uniform.
Shit.
Now Yuto tensed, and grabbed ahold of his duel disk, putting it on his forearm subtly. On the other hand, Yuto wrapped the keychain flashlight he had in his back pocket around his wrist in case it needed to be used. This gained Gongenzaka's notice, and the study teen looked down into Yuto's agitated grey eyes.
"Yuto? What's happening." Gongenzaka asked quietly.
"Security is here." Yuto spoke quietly, lest they gain Gallager's attention. It was practically guaranteed that the duel promoter was in on it, which was the reason why the man had become so quiet and tense. "Get ready to fight our way out of here."
Security was about to storm the place in droves and arrest everyone on sight.
Of course, there would be no Tops caught in the scene, because they were all evacuated beforehand.
"Shoot." The not curse word slipped out of Gongenzaka's mouth due to years of being around the kids at Yusho Duel School. After that small vent of frustration, the Synchro user grabbed his own duel disk and strapped it onto his arm, ready for battle.
Dennis had used Shadow Maker's effect to summon another one onto his field, and just as he and Shun were about to battle it happened.
All of the lights within the gambling duel arena shut off at the same time, plunging the place into darkness.
Shun and Dennis' duel disks both turned off, causing their monsters to vanish and the game to end on a short note.
DENNIS LP- 100 DNF
SHUN LP- 100 DNF
Their bikes also came to a screeching halt, causing them to skid and lose control of their rides. Shun was able to think quickly, and jumped off of his bike before it crashed to the ground, but Dennis was not so lucky, and ended up getting thrown off instead.
Both were smart enough to grab their duel disks and decks from the compartments in the D-Wheels.
Yuto and Gongenzaka stood up as one, and together they leaped over the commentators table and began to sprint over towards their disoriented comrades despite Gallager's protests.
"Wh-what?!"
"A blackout?"
It was pandemonium and chaos in the illegal gambling ring as blinding spotlights suddenly snapped on and began to converge on the field and the people within it. The crowd became like a herd of panicking ants and began to run and scatter in multiple directions in the chaos. No one wanted to get caught and arrested by Security, and if it meant trampling others and leaving friends behind, so be it.
After all, you don't need to outrun the bear chasing you. You only need to outrun the person beside you.
It was fight or flight and survival of the fittest.
"This is Security." The officer that Yuto had just barely spotted before spoke up from a megaphone. This only served to make the citizens more panicked and disorganized, most certainly to Security's plan. "All of you are under arrest for engaging in illegal Riding Duels! Do not move from this arena! Do not try to resist! I repeat!"
Suddenly, duel monsters that looked like robotic dogs and strange bat-like creatures with flashing red lights began to swarm the area. Making the arena turn into a cacophony of noise and screaming.
Yuto and Gongenzaka managed to reach Dennis and Shun just as the spot light reached them and Security began to circle in around them.
Yuto helped Shun up with a hand as he activated his duel disk while Gongenzaka did the same for Dennis. "I knew this was only going to cause trouble, and look where we are now!"
"You know now is not the time to be saying 'I told you so.'" Shun grumbled, putting on his own duel disk while turning to be back to back with Yuto. Security summoned their monsters, and Shun retaliated by summoning his own Raidraptor Rise Falcon. It gave Gongenzaka the time needed to help assist Dennis and let them summon their own monsters.
"Just wait until we get back to base." Yuto scowled darkly as he turned on his flashlight to help guide them through the darkness. Their monsters helping to fend off Security and create a pathway. "I would throttle you once we get there, but Zero is going to have that covered for both of us."
Judging from the way Shun looked like he had eaten a lemon, he wasn't too excited about that upcoming prospect.
Good. Yuto wasn't too happy about this entire predicament either.
With that, Yuto pulled out his ace from the Extra Deck and summoned Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon to help get them out of there.
. . .
"Well then, keep expanding throughout the area and search harder." Roger replied to the person speaking with him once again on the phone. This time his demeanor was more aggravated, his mood and evening being soured. "Thoroughly look at every hiding spot through the Commons' underground dueling arena. The suspects may have sought shelter amongst the Commons. Restrain anyone who resists. Use any means necessary."
Whatever was going on somewhere else must have been serious if Security could use 'any means' necessary.
"Perhaps we should postpone our game for another time? Whatever is going on must be rather serious, and you are a very busy man." That last part may have had an inch of derision in it, but the only ones who could probably pick it up were Roger and that woman he fought in the finals.
If the whisper of 'Of all the brazen audacity' could be interpreted correctly, she had heard.
Jean-Micheal waved his problems to the side. "Nonsense, that won't be necessary. Besides, we're almost finished." With that, Roger used one of his last rooks to take Zero's queen which was watching over his king. "Check."
At the moment, both sides have lost their queens, both of their bishops, and one rook each. Roger was missing both of his knights and five pawns. Zero was also missing a knight, but he had lost four pawns as well in the bloodshed.
However, the trap had finally been sprung, after ten minutes of useless bickering and stalling. The game was going to come to a quick end soon enough.
With an eager grin that only had a hint of evil intent in it, Zero used his last knight to destroy the Head of Security's rook and place him in check instead. "Check."
Roger scowled, the hand holding his chin digging into his skin slightly in thinly veiled frustration. With no other choice besides accepting defeat, Roger was forced to move his king. This allowed Zero to get one of his pawns across the board, sacrificing it to bring his queen back into the game easily. "Check." Zero called out lightly once again, having fun at destroying Roger at his 'own game'.
He owned chess.
No one could take that away from him.
No one.
Roger's scowl became a fierce frown as one elegant eyebrow twitched. Unable to do anything to stop it, he once again moved his king.
Right where Zero wanted him to be.
Now that Roger's king was successfully trapped, and the rest of his pieces scattered and disorganized, Zero merely moved his queen closer and the game was over. Jean-Micheal Roger, the Head of Security, had lost. "Checkmate."
The man realized he had been tricked from the start, and that vexed him to no end. Once dull green eyes that had now sharpened in anger carefully analyzed every inch of the board to see if there was a way out. However, finding none, Roger leaned back in his chair and carefully sighed through his nose. His posture relaxed, but the anger was still clear in his eyes at the loss he was given.
Keeping up with disguises, Roger began to clap as he plastered an easy smile on his face. "Congratulations. Not many people have the luck to beat me." The Head of Security emphasising on the word luck. The rest of the crowd politely followed Roger's lead, and began to golf clap at Zero's victory.
Zero merely nodded his head in acknowledgement. "Thank you, but I never need luck to obtain victory. Unlike others, I am able to create my own miracles." Masked dichromatic eyes narrowed towards Roger as he used one black gloved finger to topple his white king wordlessly. "Now then, about our bet."
Everyone's eyes turned to see what Roger would do now that he had lost the bet, would he pay up?
Zero was unable to see Roger's reaction to the jab, because the man had whipped out a checkbook from somewhere on his person along with a pen. "I suppose I should stick to my side of the bet now, shouldn't I?" The man began to write slowly in proper cursive. "Proper funds and staff to create your very own customised D-Wheel."
"Correct, and I should hope to expect quality from someone like you." Zero stated. With everyone watching the interaction, Roger had no choice but to oblige lest his pride become even more wounded and he lost face.
Just like with all of the nobles before back in his home world. Zero's opponent's paid their side of the deal out of pride.
Begrudgingly, Roger finished writing out his check and slid it to Zero from across the table. "This will most certainly be enough."
Picking up the check with easy fingers, the revolutionary looked at the paper that had plenty of zeros behind it and grinned widely. "Yes, this will be plenty. Now, about the staff-"
"There you are!"
However, before anyone could continue the elevator door was, somehow, opened loudly and two people began to briskly walk towards Roger and Zero.
"Huh?" Zero's blank mask looked over to the voice to see not only Yuto, but Shun as well heading towards him. Yet, the masked man played it cool despite his confusion on Shun's sudden appearance. "Nice to see you two have arrived back safe and sound." The man improvised naturally.
The Tops parted, giving Yuto and Shun such a wide berth it was almost as if they had the plague. They must have stopped at the penthouse floor, because Yuto was back in his rebel outfit, resistance scarf and Lancer band in plain sight. Shun was in his regular resistance outfit, not that Zero would know he had changed as well. The sight of such ragged boys was beginning to spook the Tops.
Roger however, seemed to have done a complete 180, and was acting like a cat that had eaten the canary strange enough. "Who are these ruffians? How did they manage to get in here?" Just as the Head of Security was about to sick his Security detail on the two teens Zero intervened.
"They're my bodyguards." The masked man snapped, not making any room for argument as he stepped forward. "Since this tournament is done, they'll be escorting me back home."
"If they're your bodyguards why weren't they here before?" Roger questioned, almost like he already knew the answer.
Zero didn't like how this situation felt.
Something had happened.
"We need to leave." Taking the initiative, Shun grabbed ahold of Zero's arm and began to lead him back towards the elevator.
"Now hold on a second!" Zero demanded, trying to break Shun's grip but it was strong like steel. The Raidraptor user however did stop. The revolutionary took the time to stow Roger's check away alongside his winnings.
"We don't have much time left, Zero." Shun grit his teeth as he eyed Roger and his Security officers.
"We need to move on to our next destination, we're falling behind schedule." Yuto was at least trying to fit into the character of bodyguard Zero had created for them.
"Yes yes I understand." Zero griped darkly. He may not have gotten the staff to create his D-Wheel, but having the funds necessary was good enough. Zero's blank mask turned to stare down Roger. "I'm afraid I have to cut this short, something urgent has sprung up that needs to be attended to."
Roger smiled easily, his grin to sleazy for Zero's taste as he spoke slowly. Was he stalling them? "No it's nothing at all. After all, I have my own business I need to get to as well. As you could tell from the phone calls I had to take during our game." The man raised said phone and stood from his chair. "Until we meet again, Zero."
"-" Zero didn't even give the chance to reply to Roger shady demeanor before Shun and Yuto were practically guiding (pushing) him into the elevator and shutting it behind them resoundly. The two eyeing the Security officers around Roger aggressively more than the man himself.
Once the elevator began to move up towards the penthouse, Zero swerved around to glare at his two rebel subordinates. "What the hell was that! You two couldn't have waited a few more minutes up in the penthouse for me to finish? Do you have any idea who that was!?"
"It's like we said Zero, there's not much time left." Shun crossed his arms tightly. It was just now that Zero noticed his duel disk was strapped onto his arm, but it wasn't activated.
"It's true, we have a serious problem, Zero." Looking over at Yuto yielded the same image. His duel disk strapped to his arm but not activated.
It looked like they were preparing to be attacked at any second, even in this elevator.
Zero's eyes squinted behind his mask, glaring at the two. "Tell me what happened, now."
Just then, the elevator door opened with a ding that sounded too light for this situation. Jumping right into action, Shun grabbed Zero's shoulder and basically dragged him out towards the living area. "Do you have everything you need on you?"
"What the- What kind of question is that!" Zero shook free of Shun's grip and showed them his duel disk and deck. "Of course I do. I always carry the bare essentials."
"Good." Shun nodded. Zero was about to speak again when the Raidraptor turned to address something else. "Gongenzaka, Dennis, you two ready to head out?"
Zero was less surprised to see these two appear from the other rooms, Gongenzaka wearing a grim expression. "Of course, but from the looks of it we might not get far."
"Where are Yugo and Yuzu?" Zero asked instead. It was obvious something big was about to go down, and although he didn't know exactly what, it was important everyone needed to be together. "Did they return from checking on Yugo's D-Wheel?"
Yuto was the one to answer for him as the other three spoke about escape routes. "They weren't here when we arrived." Yuto looked out the window, it was pitch black out now. The sun long since set and the stars were blocked out by the City's blinding lights, which only led to the half moon being visible, and that was being covered by the clouds and smog. "That's probably a good thing anyway, because things are about to go nuts."
"Okay that's it. Enough!" Zero yelled, making everyone fall silent and Dennis flinch into attention. "Someone tell me what's happening right now! Why are you all panicking?"
Gongenzka's eyes snapped over to Yuto and Shun. "You mean they never told you?!"
"We're a bit pressed on time." Shun grit out between his teeth.
"What. Is. Happening." The leading rebel emphasized each word. Zero turned his full glare onto Yuto, since he seemed to be the only sensible one telling him was happening right now. "What did you people do?" Zero growled darkly almost like a demon.
Surprisingly, it was Dennis that answered him just as Yuto opened his mouth. The Performage user spoke in a rapid fire pace that showed he was at least intimidated by Zero's anger. "WemayormaynothavegottenintoanillegalgamblingduelbetweenShunandIthatcaughtSecurity'seyeandnoww'rebeingchasedbythemandweaccidentallyledthemhereandweneedtoleavenowlestweallgetarrested!" It was amazing Dennis managed to say all of that in one breath.
Just as Zero managed to process what Dennis said in his panic, all thanks to Nina talking so quietly and quickly for years, he spoke so darkly that some frost actually appeared on the wall to wall windows.
"What."
That was when the emergency exit doors were kicked open with a loud bang and the elevator opened with another innocent ding that held at least ten officers. Security pouring in from the emergency exit in droves that forced the group back a few paces. A loud bang echoed as someone shot a gun that held a net, the object flying so fast you could miss it by blinking.
Said object wrapped around Zero's upper body, catching the masked revolutionary off guard and making him lose his balance. The grip on his duel disk lost as he fell to the ground hard, and his disk hit the corner of the coffee table before hitting the ground as well. Duel Monster cards spilling out from the compartment that held Zero's deck and scattering around them.
Zero struggled fiercely and squinted open one blood red eye to see a line of Security blocking off their conventional exits. Cards scattering and falling around him in some sick twisted play on leaves falling.
"This is Security. You fugitives are under arrest for illegal Riding Duels and resisting arrest. You're surrounded, stop resisting and put your hands in the air. Surrender!" Bright blinding lights flashed from each Security officer's helmet for light as strange duel monster walls surrounded everything but the wall windows, blocking any routes that weren't already covered. Below the wall to wall windows, countless amounts of Security cars were haphazardly parked around the Talisman Casino, their cyan green lights flashing and sirens blaring loudly.
In response, Shun and Yuto tensed up for a fight as Gongenzaka and Dennis activated their duel disks in preparation of a battle.
Overall, things had gone bat shit crazy in less than ten minutes, and they were in obvious deep trouble.
"Son of a bitch." Zero swore.
Let's end it off in a sort of cliff hanger! Finally, after basically 2 months I have reposted! Basically I have no excuse besides being lazy, so yeah. Sorry. I know how it feels waiting for a new post. This chapter was around 13,000 words and 34 pages. Although, looking at the chessboard and figuring out movements was killer. I actually had to draw/doodle down the board/pieces/movements on pen and paper before I got it. Hopefully it was to everyone's liking. Those of you who are chess pros, take note that I am not a chess pro. It means I may or may not have made a cheating move if you can find it, shh. You know, I actually didn't know I had switched the king and queens places whenever I had played the game until today. Lol.
I have just learned what the meaning of DNF means when determining a duel. It means 'Did Not Finish'. Once I finish the story I'll be going back to editing out mistakes and replacing some Draws into DNFs. A good example of this would be the first battle between Yuri and Zero.
I shall begin working on the next chapter right away since I have nothing better to do with my life at the moment! I'm sure some of you are cheering at this prospect! Yeah! :D
Until then, leave a REVIEW, Favorite, or Follow the story!
Till next time! See ya!~ -MoonlightWright
