"Hey," Ruri heard as she looked back, beaming at the figure that was quickly coming into sight.
"Nii-san!" Shun grinned as he sat down next to her, nodding at her acknowledgement. "I didn't know you were coming back today."
"Yeah?" He gave a short laugh. "Yeah. Academia's lessons ended early today. So I'm here. Something like that."
Ruri nodded. "Dad brought us to register for Academia too today," she said. "We're going over!"
Shun looked at the stars with her. "Well, you still have to pass the examination first," he said, though she could hear the amusement in his voice as she pouted at him.
"You already know I'm not going to lose!" She glanced up. "And then… and then…" She looked back down shyly. "And then, I want to be in the Xyz Course. And maybe I'll be as strong or as confident as you, huh? That's just what I really want."
Shun's eyes softened even more, and he gently patted her head. It was almost gruff, not quite serious, but… she could tell that he meant it, even if he was socially awkward. "Yeah," he said. "You're plenty strong." He looked at her, head tilting up. "You have Assembly Nightingale and Selenite Sittella, right? You'll be fine on the day."
"Yeah!"
"Ruri?"
Ruri glanced up from her table, seeing Yuto frowning at her. She looked at the pen on her table and the almost illegible notes she had taken over the last hour, and she winced. Yuto put a hand on her forehead. It was oddly cold. "You're slightly warm," he commented. "I don't think you're feverish though. Migraine? Headache?" He looked more and more concerned by the moment, and Ruri giggled quietly, cutting him off.
"I'm ok," she said. "Just… fell asleep for a bit."
"In class?" Yuto helped her pack up her stuff. "Are you sure you're alright?" Rin and Yuzu were walking over as well, and Ruri frowned. She hadn't exactly wanted to worry anyone…
"I'm alright," she said, a little louder this time, and she cringed a little at her own volume. "Um… I was just tired today, I guess."
Yuto nodded patiently, and he lifted her bag. "Good thing that classes are over," he said. "I can carry your bag for you to the Ra Yellow Girls' Dorms?"
She nodded slowly. Yuzu gently patted her shoulder, as Yuto slung Ruri's bag over his shoulder. "Let's go," he said, and the four of them headed off. The four of them were in this class together, but not with the other four of their group (octet? Is a group of eight people called an octet?) because of them being randomly assigned to certain classes.
They were walking, and they made it to the dorms. Yuto put down her stuff, and he looked at her.
"Text me if you don't feel well enough to get food later," he said. "I'll get some and come over."
"I could always tell Rin," she said.
"Yeah?" Yuto gave her a sheepish smile, glancing away, his face growing slightly red. Ruri watched with slight bemusement and dawning realisation. "I know, but… well, I want to check on you later too."
Ruri felt oddly warm, and she beamed at him. "Sure," she said. "Thank you, Yuto." She paused. "Could you come back here anyway? I'd like to talk for a bit."
"Your wish is my command," he said. Definitely not flamboyant, more… down to earth, serious, amused. She was glad.
He closed the door. Yuzu and Rin were still outside. Hopefully they wouldn't separate or anything. Ruri didn't want them to be lonely today.
She lay back.
"Ruri!"
Serena was sitting at the side, her head raised, a stubborn frown on her face even as she looked like she was about to cry. Ruri looked up to see Shun as he pulled her into a quick hug.
"What happened?"
"Didn't the teacher already tell you?"
"I'd rather hear it from you two," he said.
Ruri wiped at her eyes. "The other kids tore up Serena's dress," she said. "The bottom of it. And… Serena hit them, but she wasn't in the wrong!"
Shun looked between them, and he hugged Serena as well. "Ok," he said. "Dad's on his way over. Let's wait a while longer, alright? I'll solve this for you."
And he did.
He brought them out for ice creams, and talked to them, but afterwards, Serena tended to stay away from dresses. Ruri couldn't judge her for it. It was a pretty terrible experience in the first place.
She walked past Serena's room.
"—want to go shopping for something?"
"You normally hate shopping, nii-san."
"Yeah, but you kind of do."
"Fine."
Ruri glanced inside at the two, before stepping away.
Yeah.
She thought that Serena will be alright. Their brother had always been the best at understanding them. The best at protecting them.
It was what made Shun Kurosaki the best older brother in the world.
She stepped out to the living room, where her childhood friend was already waiting. "Sorry," she said. "Did I keep you waiting long?"
"No," they said. "Come on! Dad got me something really cool! I bet we can use it if we duel!"
She glanced back for just a moment, before she carried on.
Yeah.
They'd be alright.
She stared at the ceiling.
Hopefully, things would be better.
She felt the blush burning on her cheeks, and she smiled.
She was glad. She was glad that she had come here.
Yuto got exactly seven steps away from the Ra Yellow Dormitory before he heard the voice.
"Hey. You. Stop there."
He heard Yuzu gasp, and he turned around to see a man with dark black-green hair looking at him, in a long trenchcoat that seemed like a modification of the usual Obelisk Blue uniform. He raised an eyebrow. "Me?"
"Yes," the man said bluntly. "Duel me."
"Nii-san…" Yuzu trailed off, but Yuto got the gist of it.
"You're… the Kaiser, correct?" Yuto might have been socially awkward, but even he had heard of one of the strongest duelists in the school. "Shun Kurosaki?"
"Yeah," Shun said. "And you're Yuto Sakaki."
There was a moment of tense silence. Then, they both raised their duel disks.
"Duel!"
Shun Kurosaki: 4000LP
Yuto Sakaki: 4000LP
"Draw," Shun said without hesitation. "I'll Normal Summon Raid Raptors – Vanishing Lanius (4*/1300/1600/DARK/Winged-Beast/Effect) from my hand!" The green bird emerged, flying around in a loop. Ah. Winged Beasts, just like Ruri. Except that this bird was more… metallic, as compared to the Lyrical Luscinias that Ruri used, which were more humanoid. "I'll activate the effect of Vanishing Lanius. Since I summoned it this turn, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Raid Raptors" monster from my hand. I'll Special Summon Raid Raptors – Tribute Lanius (4*/1800/400/DARK/Winged-Beast/Effect) from my hand!"
A blue bird emerged, zooming around him and landing right in front of him, letting out a loud sound at Yuto as he avoided the urge to cover his ears.
"And since I control a "Raid Raptors" monster, I can Special Summon Raid Raptors – Fuzzy Lanius (4*/500/1500/DARK/Winged Beast/Effect) from my hand." Shun kept his frown on as a purple bird appeared in front of him. "I'll overlay the Level 4 Raid Raptors – Vanishing Lanius and the Level 4 Raid Raptors – Fuzzy Lanius! Avian hunter of the afterlife, seek the truth with your dark eyes, and grasp glory with your sharp talons! Xyz Summon! Take flight! Rank 4! Raid Raptors – Force Strix!" (R4/100/2000/DARK/Winged-Beast/Xyz/Effect/OU:2) A tiny bird appeared, flying around him and nuzzling his side. "I'm going to detach an Overlay Unit from him!" (Raid Raptors – Force Strix: OU:2 – 1 = OU:1) Shun flicked out his hand. "I'll add a Level 4 DARK Winged Beast to my hand! And since I sent Fuzzy Lanius to the graveyard, I can add another copy of Fuzzy Lanius to my hand!"
Oh. So he was keeping hand advantage, huh?
"And I'll activate Tribute Lanius's effect. Since I Special Summoned it, I can send a "Raid Raptors" card from the deck to the graveyard." He frowned. "I'll banish Raid Raptors – Mimicry Lanius (4*/1100/1900/DARK/Winged-Beast/Effect) from the graveyard since it was sent there this turn, and add a "Raid Raptors" card to my hand." He swiped it out. "Since I control an Xyz Monster, I can Special Summon this card! Emerge! Raid Raptors – Singing Lanius!" (4*/100/100/DARK/Winged-Beast/Effect) A small, metallic gold bird emerges, wings unfurling cutely. "I'll overlay the Level 4 Singing Lanius and Tribute Lanius! Emerge again! Xyz Summon! Rank 4! Raid Raptors – Force Strix!" (OU:2)
Again? Yuto watched as the second bird emerged, both still in Defence Position.
"Force Strix's effect!" He added another card to his hand. (Raid Raptors – Force Strix: OU:2 – 1 = OU:1) "Both of my monsters gain 500 attack and defence points for every other Winged Beast I control." (Raid Raptors – Force Strix x 2: 100 + 500 = 600ATK; 2000 + 500 = 2500DEF)
They both glowed. Yuto frowned. Two walls…
"I'll set two cards and end my turn," Shun said, dramatically slashing his hand across the air. "Over to you."
Yuto swiped off the top card of his deck. "Draw!"
Alright.
"I'll take down both your birds this turn," he said. "I'll set a card. Then, I'll activate it since I have no Traps in my graveyard. It will Special Summon itself to my field as a monster—emerge, The Phantom Knights of Shade Brigandine!" (4*/0/300/DARK/Warrior) The odd armour piece emerged, blue mist floating around it. "And now, I will activate the effect of The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots!" (3*/200/1200/DARK/Warrior/Effect) He swiped out the card, dark mist emerging next to her. "I'll Special Summon it from my hand since I control a "The Phantom Knights" monster!"
Rin sighed. "You're really an edgelord," she said.
"I am not."
"You do have black and purple hair," Yuzu said apologetically.
Yuto rolled his eyes. "Sacrilege, all of you," he said dryly.
"I thought you were an Xyz Specialist," Shun said slowly. "Those two monsters don't make anything. I assume your Normal Summon will make up for that?"
"Don't assume," Yuto snipped at him. "It makes an ass out of you and me. But unfortunately, you're actually right. I'll activate Reinforcement of the Army," he said, sounding even more annoyed. "I'll add a Level 4 or lower Warrior monster to my hand. That'll be my The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak." (3*/800/1000/DARK/Warrior/Effect) He revealed it. "I'll go ahead and Normal Summon it!"
The specter in a purple, tattered cloak and red scarf emerged, letting out a low, raspy laugh as it darted around Boots and Brigandine.
"Two Level 4 monsters."
"It's not what you think," Yuto said sharply. "You're not taking me seriously, you know? Open, circuit of the wandering warriors!"
"You can Link Summon?" Rin said, raising an eyebrow. "Then why were you shocked by my Greatfly?"
"Because you can Fusion Summon, Synchro Summon and Link Summon?" He shrugged. "I don't use Link Monsters very often, so… Arrowhead confirmed! The conditions are at least two DARK monsters! I will set Ancient Cloak, Silent Boots and Shade Brigandine in the Link Markers! Dark, angry polearm, rise into the air with the crackling blue fire all around you! Link Summon! Link 3! The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche!" (L3/2100/DARK/Warrior/Link/Effect/↙, →, ↘)
Blue fire burst out from around him, and he smiled backwards as the odd warrior appeared, most of its armour glowing a little red. A black cloak and robe floated behind it, and it slowly swung its blade forward.
"A "The Phantom Knights" Link Monster," Shun noted. "Interesting."
"Thank you," he said, not looking at Shun. His voice was just as sarcastic as usual. "I will activate Rusty Bardiche's effect. I'll send a "The Phantom Knights" monster from my deck to the graveyard, and set a "Phantom Knights" Spell or Trap from my deck." He swung out his hand. "I'll do the same thing with The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak. I'll add a "The Phantom Knights' card from my deck to my hand."
"So you replenished your hand," he said. "Just like me."
"Yeah?" Yuto said. "Guess so. But I'll be moving on from there. I'll activate Foolish Burial Goods. That'll let me send a Spell or Trap from my deck to the graveyard." He was unable to stop himself from smirking. "I'll send Phantom Knights' Wing and banish it with its own effect to Special Summon a "The Phantom Knights" monster from my graveyard, but it is banished when it leaves the field! Appear! The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots!" His duel disk glowed. "And since I banished another "Phantom Knights" card from my graveyard, I can Special Summon The Phantom Knights of Torn Scales (3*/600/1600/DARK/Warrior/Effect) from my graveyard."
A full grey piece of armour appeared, metal in the shape of scales at the bottom of its 'body'. Gauntlets floated around it, and red 'hair' peeked out of the top.
"Torn Scales will be banished if it leaves the field," he said. "But that won't matter. As you said? I'm an Xyz specialist. I'll overlay my Level 3 The Phantom Knights of Torn Scales and the Level 3 The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots! Souls of knights who fell on the battlefield. Revive here and now, and become the light that breaks the darkness! Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 3, The Phantom Knights of Break Sword!" (R3/2000/1000/DARK/Warrior/Xyz/Effect/OU:2)
One of his favourite Xyz Monsters emerged on his field.
"Yeah," he said. "Now, Rusty Bardiche's effect. Since I Special Summoned a DARK Xyz Monster to a zone that it pointed to, I can target and destroy a card on the field! I'll target and destroy your Force Strix! Phantom Blaze!"
Shun nodded. "I see," he said. "That's fine." The Force Strix exploded as fire flooded through it.
"And now, I'll activate Break Sword's effect! I'll detach an Overlay Unit from him, and by doing that, I can destroy a card on my field and one on yours! I will destroy Break Sword and your other Force Strix!"
"No," Shun said bluntly. "I'll activate Rank-Up-Magic Revolution Force!"
A Rank Up on his turn?
"I'll target my Force Strix and Rank it up. And since you've already selected your target, Yuto Sakaki, you'll be destroying your own monster for nothing. The unseen bold falcon. Reveal your wings' unknown power here and now! Rank-Up-Xyz-Change! Come forth! Rank 5! Raid Raptors – Stranger Falcon!" (R5/2000/2000/DARK/Winged-Beast/OU:2) A dark red falcon emerged, softer red lines and bright yellow highlights covering its wings. Silvery white claws and metallic bones could be seen peeking through the other, brighter parts of its body.
Yuto frowned.
"It's still not strong enough," he pointed out. "Break Sword's effect. Return to my field, Torn Scales, Silent Boots! And now, their Levels both increase by 1! (The Phantom Knights of Torn Scales: 3* + 1* = 4*) (The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots: 3* + 1* = 4*) I'll now overlay my Level 4 The Phantom Knights of Torn Scales and The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots!" The two monsters turned into black and purple energy that flew above him. "Formed from pitch-black darkness, to fight those foolish enough to oppose it with its treacherous fangs! Now, descend! Xyz Summon! Rank 4! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!" (R4/2500/2000/DARK/Dragon/Xyz/Effect/OU:2)
The black dragon emerged, roaring loudly, lightning streaking out around both of them, Rusty Bardiche giving a swift bow to the dragon as well. Shun looked it over.
"So this is your dragon," he said.
"Like I said, not strong enough. I'll detach two Overlay Units from Dark Rebellion! I'll halve your monster's attack points and Dark Rebellion gains the attack points that it lost. Treason Discharge!" (Raid Raptors – Stranger Falcon: 2000 / 2 = 1000ATK) (Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon: OU:2 – 2 = OU:0; 2500 + 1000 = 3500ATK)
The lightning chained down the monster, and then, Yuto pointed forward. "Rusty Bardiche!"
The monster exploded, and Shun Kurosaki shielded himself. Yuto took some cheer from that.
Made you blink.
Shun Kurosaki: 4000 – 1100 = 2900LP
"I'll activate Raid Raptors – Stranger Falcon's effect!" Shun declared. "And at the same time, I will activate the Quickplay Spell Rank-Up-Magic Raptor's Force!" He pointed forward. "Raptor's Force will resolve first! I can Special Summon a "Raid Raptors" Xyz Monster from my graveyard, and then I can Rank it up by 1 Rank! I'll Special Summon Raid Raptors – Force Strix from the graveyard, and I'll use it to Rank Up! Ferocious falcon. Break through this fierce battle and spread your wings! Destroy our gathering foes! Rank-Up-Xyz-Change! Appear! Rank 5! Raid Raptors – Blaze Falcon!" (R5/1000/2000/DARK/Winged-Beast/Xyz/Effect/OU:1)
How many freaking birds could one person have?
"I'll have Stranger Falcon's effect activate. I'll Special Summon a "Raid Raptors" Xyz Monster from my graveyard and attach Stranger Falcon to it as an Overlay Unit! Parallel Xyz! Return—Raid Raptors – Force Strix!" (OU:1)
Yuto eyed the field.
He had no clue about the effect of Blaze Falcon. But if Shun Kurosaki's cards truly worked around Ranking Up? It would be better to take out the higher Ranked one.
However…
Three cards in the older student's hand.
Force Strix…
Ah, whatever.
"You put Blaze Falcon in Attack Position," he pointed out. "Meaning that you wanted me to attack it. Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon will attack Raid Raptors – Force Strix! Rebellious Lightning Disobey!"
The small bird was destroyed.
"I'll set a card," he said. "Over to you." He glanced at the two cards left in his hand.
He saw a smile cross Shun's face.
"Draw," Shun said. "Since I control a DARK Xyz Monster, I can Special Summon Raid Raptors – Strangle Lanius (4*/1600/1100/DARK/Winged-Beast/Effect) from my hand, but I can't Special Summon non-DARK monsters this turn." A white, bone-like bird emerged, green light running through its body in light highlights, seeming both mechanical and organic at the same time. "And I will activate the other effect of Strangle Lanius. Since I control an Xyz Monster with a DARK Xyz Monster as material, I can Special Summon a "Raid Raptors" monster from my graveyard, but its effects are negated. Return to my field now! Raid Raptors – Vanishing Lanius!" The green bird took flight again.
What the hell?
"Yeah," Shun said. "I get it. I'll Normal Summon Raid Raptors – Rudder Strix." (4*/0/1600/DARK/Winged-Beast/Effect) A blue bird of prey emerged, orange and bronze flaps stretching out, beautifully contrasting the feathers. "And since it was Normal Summoned, I'll burn you for 600 damage!"
Yuto winced as feathers shot out at him.
Yuto Sakaki: 4000 – 600 = 3400LP
"You use burn damage?" Yuto said with a frown.
"I do," Shun said. "I swarm my monsters on the field and Xyz Summon with them. My monsters use my opponent's strength against them. My monsters have effects in battle that don't make things go well, even for stronger monsters. And I burn my opponents with many of my monsters, the moment I bring them out."
Yuto took a deep breath.
He understood.
He understood what this older brother was saying.
Ah…
So this was Shun Kurosaki.
An older brother who incorporated every single style of his sisters into his own deck.
"I'll overlay my Rudder Strix and Vanishing Lanius. Emerge, my third Force Strix! And I'll add a Level 4 Winged Beast to my hand again." Shun looked back at him. "Now," he said, "I'll activate the effect of Raid Raptors – Blaze Falcon! I'll detach an Overlay Unit from it and destroy all Special Summoned monsters you control, as well as burning you for five hundred for each! Electrostatic Volt!" (Raid Raptors – Blaze Falcon: OU:1 – 1 = OU:0)
Yuto's eyes widened, and then he flipped over his first set card. "I'll activate Phantom Knights' Fog Blade!" The fog rushed around Blaze Falcon. "I'll negate your monster's effects, and it can't attack or be attacked!"
Shun nodded as the fire stopped burning. "I see," he said. "Then I'll just have to go beyond you."
"Huh?"
"Activating Rank-Up-Magic Raid Force!" Blaze Falcon glowed. "I'll target Blaze Falcon and Rank it up by 1!"
Yuto massaged his forehead.
Again? Really?
"Prideful falcon. Spread your wings, dyed in the blood of heroes, and charge through the path of revolution! Rank-Up-Xyz-Change! Appear! Rank 6! Raid Raptors – Revolution Falcon!" (R6/2000/3000/DARK/Winged-Beast/Xyz/Effect/OU:1)
A mostly silver falcon appeared, black armour coating some parts of its body. Some golden orbs were attached to the mechanical wings as well, gleaming lightly.
It was… imposing.
"Since Revolution Falcon has a "Raid Raptors" Xyz Monster attached as material, I can destroy your Special Summoned monster and deal you damage equal to half the attack points of the destroyed monster! Raid Raptors – Revolution Falcon—Blitzing Bombardment!"
Dark Rebellion was buried under the bombs. Yuto only barely flinched.
Yuto Sakaki: 3400 – 3500 / 2 = 1650LP
"And now, Revolution Falcon will attack your Rusty Bardiche! And with Revolution Falcon's effect, that monster's attack and defence points become 0! Blast it away!" (The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche: 2100 - 0ATK)
"Trap!" Yuto declared defiantly. "The Phantom Knights of Wrong Magnetring! I'll negate the attack and Special Summon it as a monster! (2*/0/0/DARK/Warrior) So you don't win this turn!"
If I have it my way, I'm not going down that easily!
"Ok," Shun said. "I'll set another card. Over to you."
Yuto took a deep breath. "Ok," he said. "Draw. I'll send Wrong Magnetring and Fog Blade to the graveyard to draw two cards, since Fog Blade is useless now." He glanced at the card. "Got it. I'll activate…" He took a deep breath. "The sunset is my answer," he said. "I'll activate Sunset Calling. I'll set two "Phantom Knights" Traps with different names from my deck, and since my life points are lower than 2000, I can activate them this turn." He set the two cards. "I'm activating The Phantom Knights of Mist Claws to add a banished "The Phantom Knights" monster to my hand. Next, I'll Special Summon The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots from my hand since I control a "The Phantom Knights" monster!"
If Yuto left his monster on the field by the end of this turn…
He would not last.
That zero attack points would kill him.
"I'll be Normal Summoning The Phantom Knights of Fragile Armor (4*/1000/2000/DARK/Warrior/Effect) from my hand," Yuto said. "And now, I will be activating Tannhauser Gate! I will target both Silent Boots and Fragile Armor, since they have 1000 attack points or less! Their Levels become the total of their Levels!" (The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots: 3* + 4* = 7*) (The Phantom Knights of Fragile Armor: 4* + 3* = 7*)
"Two Level 7 monsters…" Yuzu whispered.
"I'll overlay the Level 7 Fragile Armor and Silent Boots!" The two monsters flew into the air.
Yuya. Yuri. Yugo.
We're stronger than anyone else. Our dragons are stronger than anything.
I truly believe that.
"Fangs of rebellion gain new power and slash the pall of darkness! Awaken, dark raging dragon that presides over the battlefield! Xyz Summon! Rank 7! Dark Anthelion Dragon!" (R7/S10/3000/2500/DARK/Dragon/Xyz/Pendulum/Effect/OU:2) His other dragon emerged, letting out a ferocious roar as its green and white accents glinted around purple and black, beautiful, light and dark.
"The other dragon."
"I'll be detaching an Overlay Unit from Dark Anthelion Dragon," Yuto declared. "I'll be halving your Revolution Falcon's attack points and gaining life points equal to the amount that it lost! Draining Lightning!"
The bolts shot out, and chained the falcon to the ground. (Raid Raptors – Revolution Falcon: 2000 / 2 = 1000ATK) (Dark Anthelion Dragon: OU:2 – 1 = OU:1; 3000 + 1000 = 4000ATK)
Yuto Sakaki: 1650 + 2000 / 2 = 2650LP
"You can't battle Revolution Falcon though."
"I'm not done! Anthelion's effect is a Quick Effect, and I activated it when it was Xyz Summoned! I will activate the effect of The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche! I'll destroy your Revolution Falcon! Phantom Blaze!"
"I see," Shun said. "Activating Rank-Up-Magic Revolution Force! I'll Rank Up my Revolution Falcon!"
"How many—"
"Taking to the sky, with wind beneath your wings! Bring down your vengeful force onto my opponents! Now, Rank-Up-Xyz-Change! Emerge, wings spread! Rank 7! Raid Raptors – Arsenal Falcon!" (R7/2500/2000/DARK/Winged-Beast/Xyz/Effect/OU:2)
Just getting stronger and stronger…
"That won't change anything," Yuto said. "Your monster is still in Defence Position. Now, Dark Anthelion, destroy it! Raging Sunburst Stream!"
The attack hit, and Yuto exhaled sharply as a wing poked through the smoke.
"What—"
The falcon burst out from the smoke fully, and its body was pure, jet black, with its wings being coated with gold spikes all over it, twin red orbs on its chest. It glided up, and a sharp birdcall could be heard, as though summoning a whole flock. Feathers shot out, Yuto narrowly avoiding being skewered.
"What the hell—"
Shun nonchalantly interrupted him.
"When Arsenal Falcon is destroyed, I can Special Summon a "Raid Raptors" Xyz Monster from my Extra Deck and attach it as an Overlay Unit to the Special Summoned monster. Hidden Arsenal Blast!" Shun pointed to the imposing monster towering over both of them, thrice Shun's own size. (And Shun was honestly already pretty tall, so…) "Supreme falcon. Carry on the wishes of your fallen friends, and fly off to the sky of victory! Rank-Up-Xyz-Change! Appear, Rank 10! Raid Raptors – Ultimate Falcon!" (R10/3500/2000/DARK/Winged-Beast/Xyz/Effect/OU:1)
Yuto bit his lip.
Shit.
He baited me.
"That was practically a perfect play," he muttered. "You… Should I say expected of the Kaiser, or expected of my friends' brother?"
Shun raised an eyebrow. "I'd prefer the second title," he said. "Though I still don't know if I approve of you yet, Yuto Sakaki."
"I don't need you to approve of me, Shun Kurosaki," Yuto shot back. "I'm fine just the way that I am."
I'm fine being the person that my brothers care for, that Ruri and Serena and Yuzu and Rin all trust just that tiny bit.
"I'll end my turn," he said reluctantly.
"Then you lose," Shun said, as Dark Anthelion Dragon's attack points fell. (Dark Anthelion Dragon: 4000 – 1000 = 3000ATK)
Not yet.
He had a card set. As long as—
"Draw. I will have Raid Raptors – Ultimate Falcon attack The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche! Final Glorious Bright!"
"Activating—"
"Raid Raptors – Ultimate Falcon is not affected by other card effects," the Kaiser said calmly. "You lose."
Yuto's eyes widened, and then he was tossed backwards by the blast, barely being caught by Dark Anthelion before he hit the ground.
Oi, were you trying to kill me?
Yuto Sakaki: 2650 + 800 – 3000 = 450LP
Everyone was staring at his duel disk's hologram, which distinctly did not say zero.
"Explain yourself," Shun said. "Why are your life points—"
"In order," Yuto said. "I activated Dark Anthelion Dragon's effect. (Dark Anthelion Dragon: OU:1 – 1 = OU:0) That halved your monster's attack points, gave it to Dark Anthelion, and gave me life points equal to that amount. I couldn't affect Ultimate Falcon, but nothing's saying that I can't target your other monsters!"
"So you mean that…"
"I targeted the Raid Raptors – Strangle Lanius you left there!" (Raid Raptors – Strangle Lanius: 1600 / 2 = 800ATK) (Dark Anthelion Dragon: 3000 + 800 = 3800ATK)
Shun frowned. "You should have taken 500 more damage though."
"I should have," Yuto agreed. "I activated my set Phantom Knights' Wing. I gave Rusty Bardiche 500 more attack points and let it survive the first attack. (The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche: 0 + 500 = 500ATK) And now, since your monster's attack points have been halved? Even if you attack, I'll live! Your Force Strix is still in Defence Position too, so I'm not going to lose this turn."
Shun nodded slowly. "I see," he said. "So you survived."
"I did," Yuto said.
"I won't bother with that," Shun said calmly. "Main Phase 2. I'll Normal Summon Raid Raptors – Napalm Dragonius." (4*/1000/1000/DARK/Winged-Beast/Effect) A white wyvern-like creature appeared, wings stretching out. "Once per turn, Raid Raptors – Napalm Dragonius deals you 600 damage. Fire Bomb."
Yuto stared, deadpan look on his face as the fireball landed next to him.
Yuto Sakaki: 450 – 600 = 0LP
He heard Rin stifle a laugh from the side. Yuzu was also doing the same.
Oh god.
What an anticlimactic—
But that made sense. He would've always won, in a direct, headon battle. Yet, Shun Kurosaki was…
More skilled than him.
The realisation stung him, just a little.
Shun stepped over. Then, he held out a hand.
"I'm Shun Kurosaki," he said. "Good to meet you."
Yuto took the hand, gripping it tightly. "Nice to meet you," he said. "I'm Yuto Sakaki."
He could feel it.
Shun wasn't exactly happy that he won so cheaply at the end too.
"That was a really good final move," Shun said.
"You Ranked Up way too many times in that duel," Yuto said bluntly. "Chill."
Shun let go, and turned around. "… I approve of you."
Yuto blinked. He heard Yuzu let out a loud gasp before Rin covered her mouth.
Shun left.
Yuto continued staring.
"Earth to Yuto, Earth to Yuto. What's going on?"
Yuto glanced to Rin.
"Mad that you lost to our brother?"
"No," Yuto said. "Your brother is… pretty cool, I suppose."
He glanced back.
I'll destroy you next time. I swear I'll destroy you.
Inside his head, a dragon let out a loud roar, in unison with his own internal storm, brewing slowly.
"Yuto?" Yuzu waved a hand in front of his face. "What are you thinking? You look pretty mad."
"I'm not going to lose to your brother next time," he said. "I won't lose."
Rin nodded. "So you're mad."
"I'm not."
"Come on, you totally are!" Yuzu elbowed him in the side. "Come on! Let's go get you a drink. You look tired out."
Maybe he was.
"You all go on first," he said. "I have somewhere to go."
"Hi," she heard Yuto say, as he stepped into the room. Ruri beamed at him.
"Hi!"
They were both smiling at each other for a moment, before Yuto sat down.
"I dueled your brother," he admitted. "He ambushed me outside."
After Ruri finished facepalming, she turned back to him. "Sorry about him. He can get really overprotective."
"That's fine," Yuto said, glancing away. "I kind of understand that."
There was an odd maturity to his expression, something seeming older than his age. That same expression that Shun got sometimes.
It was odd. Most people would get scared off by Shun, but Yuto…
Words sprung to her lips. "Um, Yuto…"
"Yeah?"
"Yeah!" She took a deep breath, and she was about to get up before Yuto shook his head, moving his chair over.
"Take care," he said. "I don't want you to get sicker."
Ruri nodded, smiling. "I really like you," she said, smiling innocently.
Yuto let out a yelp, blush burning over his face.
"I know it's only been… well, nearly two months, now… but we've spent a lot of time together, you know? And I still really, really like you."
Yuto took a deep breath, composing himself. "I like you too," he said. "I really like you too. I… I'm glad."
He put his hand on hers, and he smiled, squeezing it for a moment.
"I'll get you dinner," he said, and he stood up, heading out. The door clicked shut.
Ruri raised her hand to her chest, squeezing it with the other, and smiling softly as well. A blush lit up her cheeks.
She was glad too.
She was really, really glad that she had met Yuto Sakaki.
"Yuto and Ruri sitting in a tree~ K-I-S-S-I-N-G~"
Yuto briefly considered stabbing Yugo and Serena, who were giving him the exact same shit-eating grin. He sighed, and headed off.
"Yuto and Ruri~"
"I will snap your necks," he said, shaking his head.
Someday, if they start dating people, Yuto will look back on this and destroy them. Just some day.
He glanced at his hand, thinking about how warm Ruri's hand was when he was holding it.
"Yuto's blushing!"
"Die."
"No, noooo—"
He was… so very glad.
A/N: Finally finished this chapter. Whoa… I forgot how much I was looking forward to this.
Firstly, I'd like to address the way that Yuto lost here. Yuto is really smart, and really skilled. I wanted him to have a moment that really showed off that situational awareness, but at the same time, I wanted to show how he could still lose really easily, if his opponent happened to be much better at thinking out of the box.
Secondly, I wanted to address—
[Yuto and Ruri shippers burst through the wall.]
Yes, that. Hopefully that was realistic enough? I don't normally write romance things, but Yuto and Ruri are probably the most honest with themselves out of the counterparts. It makes sense that they would start dating first. They don't have much inter-conflict.
Bringing you the Chapter Previews~
Chapter Preview: Chapter 18—Going Toe to Toe
Neither Yuri nor Serena planned to actually cut loose during this carnival, but then they bumped into two of their professors having a completely platonic outing at a stall. Serena challenges the HERO duelist of the academy, while an entertained Yuri lets himself be pulled into her pace.
Chapter Preview: Chapter 19—Wings in the Sky
Ruri and Yuto are walking around the carnival together, participating in games. Eventually, someone tries to ask Ruri out, and gets aggressive when she refuses. Yuto intends to step in, but Ruri is more than capable of handling things herself…
Chapter Preview: Chapter 20—Ice Ladies
Rin isn't sure how she got stuck with Yugo, but she supposes that it's not that bad. Either way, she ends up bumping into the previous Miss Duel Academy, Olga, who decided not to run that year. While she originally intends to challenge her predecessor, Yugo ends up jumping the gun and challenging her first…
Chapter Preview: Chapter 21—Carnival Fun
The start of the Duel Monster Spirit Day is bright and happy, and Yuzu and Yuya are just having fun going around. Then, all of a sudden, Yuzu challenges Yuya to a duel...
Glad we got this one out, finally. I've been looking forward to this. It's a shorter chapter, but that's cause the next few are going to be super long! Also…
I can't imagine a better chapter to celebrate this story reaching 50 favourites. Seriously, everyone… thank you so much. I never expected people to actually want to read this fic. I've actually been planning an extra for this story in order to celebrate that, so look forward to that!
Once again, thank you. I couldn't have met that benchmark without all of your help.
Finally?
Stay awesome, everyone. And I'll see you next time, as we enter a new arc! :) A certain set of cards is going to play a larger role too, so look forward to that.
Signing off!
~ Blaise