Honestly, I LOVE these interactions between Flynn and Isabeau. This is just my personal opinion, but this pairing is second only to Hitoshura and Super Pixie. Hehehe!
Anyway, back to the point, it's a shame that Issachar, Walter, Jonathan and Navarre didn't witness this, Issachar would feel an older brother's pride seeing Flynn and Isabeau. -Lucian Naruto
Glad you enjoyed them. I always like calling back to the fact that deep down Flynn is and will always be a dorky farm boy. No matter how cool he tries to act or how things change. To be fair Isabeau was nervous about pecking him when they were alone. If the others were there it would be more difficult for her. But, yeah Issachar would have loved to see that.
Chapter 26 The Face of True Evil
Flynn smacked his cheeks as he stood in front of the mirror. He stood up trying to look determined and dignified.
"I've got this…I've got this…", Flynn thought to himself.
He was having a difficult time tracking down his uncle. He seemed to always disappear shortly after Flynn found him. Perhaps he didn't want to fight him after nearly getting scorched by Doomkaiser. Was he simply observing him to plan a move later?
He went to see Damien simply having tea with him. Though Damien didn't vocalize it much he seemed to enjoy it. It was a calm and pleasant time they spent together. He wanted to spend time with his grandfather while he was still here.
"You seem nervous about something? Did something happen recently?", Damien asked.
"I was just thinking I can't be away from my mission for too long. My fellows are counting on me and tracking down my uncle has gotten nowhere. I don't know why he keeps avoiding me after that first meeting.", Flynn said.
"Hah. It's obvious.", Damien replied, drawing Flynn's attention.
The young man looked rather confused.
"You're not an easy target. Your uncle Keith is a coward, always has been. He only picks battles he knows he can win for sure. Otherwise he doesn't bother.", Damien explained.
"What makes you so sure of that? I mean he's been attacking.", Flynn questioned.
"But, he always hits and runs only preying on the weakest people he can find. Why do you think he hasn't given after me despite having the most beef with me? It's because he's scared he'll lose. That's why he attacked at the ball he didn't know I have another deck.", Damien explained.
Flynn looked over to his grandfather's deck both curiously.
"What exactly are you using then?", Flynn questioned as Damien chuckled.
"I hate to burst your bubble Lord Flynn, but back when we dueled those long months ago I was going easy on you.", Damien admitted.
Flynn looked completely stunned, gaping in shock.
"The deck I have with me now is my real deck. The true strongest zombie deck.", Damien boasted, before laughing.
Flynn felt completely horrified learning Damien wasn't serious with him during their duel. That was one of the most difficult duels of his life and he wasn't giving it his best?!
"I knew that'd spook you! It spooks your uncle too! He thought I was defenseless when really I am at my strongest now.", Damien said.
"…That wasn't your best?", Flynn questioned nervously.
"Of course it wasn't. You're still merely a cub. A lion doesn't use its full strength on its cubs.", Damien replied.
Flynn sipped his tea nervously. Curiosity stewing inside him about the true strongest zombie deck. He wonders if he should try to duel his grandfather again one of these days. No, he thinks he should definitely do it sometime.
"When do you think I would be worthy of using your full strength against?", Flynn inquired.
"Hmm…maybe when you're considered 12 star. I remember you saying you want to defeat Doomking. Well, before you ever think about challenging him you'll have to beat me first at my best before I'd believe you're ready to face him.", Damien replied as he stroked his beard.
"I will definitely get there. Though, honestly I think I still have a ways to go before then. Up till now I've been so focused on dueling strength I haven't thought about strengthening myself mentally. I think that's just as important as a Samurai, duelist, and a leader.", Flynn said.
"Well, you've grown a little bit. But, you're still young so you're still developing and are nowhere close to your peak.", Damien replied.
"Yeah…", Flynn replied as he thought back to his loss against Ys as he took a sip of his tea.
He was someone he had to prepare himself to face in the future. Flynn looked over the balcony seeing the new prentices for this year training. He rested his chin on his hand as he watched. It was still so crazy to think so much time has been passing in Mikado when compared to Tokyo. They had a new Commander now making him only think about Hope's absence more. He had been there at the beginning of his journey, but he was gone now. Perhaps if they weren't stopped by Garcha then maybe by some miracle they could have bested Ys and saved Hope. There was no way of knowing what would have happened. Ys may have claimed all their souls considering how he bested them in the tournament.
"Hoy, Flynn!", he suddenly heard from his gauntlet making his eyes widen.
"Walter! Where have you been?!", Flynn blurted out with thinly veiled concern.
His hands slammed onto the table as his gaze bore into Walter who grew nervous at the intensity of it.
"I'm sorry for not telling you guys earlier. You have a mission to worry about but…I have found out something very important about the Asura Kai. I want to tell all of you. I'll explain when we meet up again at the Shinjuku Hunter's Association.", Walter said.
"I'll be there.", Flynn replied.
"Looks like duty calls.", Damien said and Flynn nodded.
"Sorry grandfather. It looks like I really have to return to my mission now. We'll have tea again when I get back.", Flynn promised with a genuine smile.
"I'd be disappointed if you didn't come back, boy.", Damien replied, making Flynn sweat drop.
Later…
Flynn and Isabeau stood in front of the terminal prepared to return to Shinjuku.
"You ready, Flynn?", Isabeau asked.
"I'm fine now, Isabeau. My head is clear.", Flynn replied.
The two teleported to Shinjuku. They made their way to the Hunter's Association, shocking the Tokyo residents. The two looked over seeing the patched up Taiki who had just left and Jonathan standing back up.
"Oh…that was fast.", Navarre replied.
"Walter said he'll be here. He says he has important information to tell us.", Flynn said.
"That's Flynn.", Nanashi said, pointing to him, greatly confusing the Samurai.
Flynn looked confused as Boss looked at him intensely. He walked up to the Samurai.
"I hear your the Samurai who protected my daughter and Nanashi.", Boss said.
"Oh…your Asahi's father?! I'm glad you're alright she was worried sick about you.", Isabeau said as Asahi blushed in embarrassment.
"Yeah…I did that.", Flynn replied simply.
"Why?", Boss questioned as he looked Flynn in the eyes.
"Do I need a reason to protect children?", Flynn replied, honestly.
Boss looked completely stunned at the response.
"But, you're from the surface. You're supposed to hate us.", Boss replied.
"It's childish to hate people you don't even know.", Flynn replied.
"Really…? I guess the kids weren't simply being naive…As your friend said I'm Asahi's father. Everyone calls me Boss.", Boss replied, outstretching his hand and Flynn accepted it,
"It's nice to meet you. As Nanashi said I'm Flynn.", Flynn replied, kindly.
"Speaking of Nanashi…", Nikkari said, before looking over to Boss.
Boss reluctantly nodded in acceptance.
"There was someone else from the past who you should know about. The one who used to have Clear Wing before Tayama stole it…", Nikkari said.
The Samurai stood to attention at the new information.
"Akira…", Nikkari said.
Flynn suddenly froze as that name struck a chord with him. The others noticed this reaction and Navarre was confused. He couldn't name why he felt this strange feeling, this connection…Without thinking Flynn's gaze fell onto Nanashi. Nanashi realized he must be feeling this odd connection as well. He could feel a burning pain in his arm. He could not see Stardust Dragon lightly glowing in his deck.
"That sounds an awful lot like Aquila…", Navarre commented.
"Your king had Akira's deck.", Nikkari said.
"Well, the deck was originally Aquila's. Garcha had been guarding it.", Jonathan replied.
"I think Akira and Aquila are the same person. Going off the stories you told us what happened in them sounds eerily similar to something I remember happening. You see, a team of Hunters tried to get to the surface a few years ago with Akira. Only a few were accepted because they accepted the angels' terms. The one leading being Akira who used Dragunitys and going by your wonky time that would have been around 1000 years ago for you guys.", Nikkari explained.
"Your saying you knew King Aquila?!", Jonathan questioned.
"But, getting to the more important part, as I mentioned he was a signer like you guys. I think it's very possible he could have been reborn too. Just like how Ryou was reborn as Flynn.", Nikkari said as he put his hand on Nanashi's shou
"Flynn are you alright?", Isabeau asked, concerned.
Flynn looked like his mind was far away. His signer mark flashed for a moment.
"Let's go, Akira.", Flynn heard his own voice in his mind, greatly confusing him.
He recalled extending his hand to someone, but the image wasn't very clear. Flynn blinked as Isabeau waved her hand in front of his face.
"I'm sorry I just…after you said that name…I don't know...", Flynn replied as he could hear the Crimson Dragon's roar in his mind.
"You're getting those weird feelings too. So do I.", Nanashi replied as the other Samurai gaped.
"Don't tell me this squirt…", Navarre said.
"I believe Nanashi could be the reincarnation of Akira.", Nikkari revealed.
"That preposterous…do you hear them-", Navarre was saying, stopping when he saw Flynn with that strange faraway expression again.
"Judging by his reaction the theory could have some merit.", Isabeau said.
"That's right…For some reason I suddenly have that feeling again like when I saw Stardust Dragon. I think having it with me makes those feelings stronger.", Flynn said, before he looked down to his deck.
He now saw Stardust Dragon glowing and pulled it out.
"Shit…maybe you really aren't crazy Nikkari…that dragon is reacting to something.", Manabu said.
The others looked stunned seeing Flynn's mark of the Crimson Dragon's head glowing brightly.
"Ooh! Stardust! I haven't seen you in awhile!", Odd-Eyes said.
Flynn grabbed his head as he sweated.
"For some strange reason when you said the name Akira I found myself looking at Nanashi…", Flynn said.
"Oh my…this is so cool! No wonder you saw him in your dreams before you even met!", Asahi said as Nanashi blushed intensely.
"You weren't supposed to mention that part, Asahi!", Nanashi said, flustered.
"That's the reason I think so also because of the strange feelings he's been having around you and especially when we saw you duel that monster on the tv. That monster mentioned the Crimson Dragon's chosen one who was Akira.", Nikkari explained.
"Beelze said he's supposed to reincarnate so…", Jonathan trailed off.
Flynn reeked from the extreme stinging pain of the signer mark. He was sure Nikkari was completely right before he even actually said it himself.
"If that's true then Nanashi is a signer too…Even still…he can't fight now.", Flynn said, surprising them.
"Heh. I'm starting to like this guy. He's talking sense.", Boss said.
"Even if what you say is indeed true Nanashi needs rigorous training before being allowed to take part in a duel with serious stakes.", Flynn said.
"Come on! Your treating me like a kid too?!", Nanashi questioned.
"Nanashi, if what he says is true, you are extremely important. We cannot afford for you to run headlong into the front lines till you're ready. You must think about this Nanashi. A single loss could mean you lose everything. Do you understand that?", Flynn replied.
Nanashi flinched, taken aback feeling extremely protectiveness oozing off the Samurai.
"Wait if he is and not saying he actually is Aquila's reincarnation…Does that mean he would be in line for the throne if the monarchy was still around?", Navarre whispered.
"I-I…really don't know how to answer that. I don't think the line of succession was ever made to account for reincarnation.", Isabeau replied.
"Well, after I train will you accept me fighting?", Nanashi questioned as he stood to face Flynn.
"When I'm sure you're ready. I am not doing this to be harsh, Nanashi. I want to protect you.", Flynn replied.
Nanashi was left stunned again. How could he say that so boldly about someone he hardly knew?!
"I think Flynn's right. Whether it's true or not you do need training before going into the front lines. We've seen countless numbers of our fellows die and they were trained.", Jonathan added.
"Fine, then I'll train crazy hard and beat your ass! Then you can't refuse!", Nanashi said and Flynn smiled.
He felt happy, feeling like he's found something he never thought he lost again. Also he wanted Nanashi to be strong and prepared in case they were in danger again. Flynn put Stardust Dragon away after his mark calmed down and soon after Walter ran in panting heavily.
"Huff…finally….", Walter said as he used the wall as leverage.
"Where exactly have you been Walter? Why did you run off on your own?", Isabeau questioned.
"…Let me start from the beginning….after I ran off to check on Gina I found out she joined the crown Samurai.", Walter said.
The Samurai's eyes widened. Isabeau put a hand over her mouth. Navarre looked horrified and Jonathan narrowed his eyes. Flynn sweated nervously wincing.
"When I checked with Monastery I found out she hadn't come back from Tokyo. So, I started looking around Tokyo and heard from a girl who looks similar to Gina named Hiruko that the Asura Kai has Samurai captive.", Walter explained.
"We must save them! Post haste!", Jonathan said.
"Hoy, let me finish, Jonathan! As I was saying so anyway after that I went to Shibuya because apparently that's where their base is. I dueled a bunch of goons and eventually found a weird lab underground it was seriously strange and I saw this strange insect spirit. Hiruko said it's name is Fusion Parasite apparently it can…and please don't throw up. Go into the heads of people and control them and it siphons bits of their soul slowly it's horrifying!", Walter said.
"Excuse me the Asura Kai are making what?!", a Hunter questioned incredulously.
Navarre looked green at the thought.
"That's something they are making now? It's not finished?", Flynn questioned.
"It wasn't when I was there.", Walter replied.
"Good. Let's exterminate those abominations.", Flynn replied.
"I'll register that as a new quest!", Burroughs said.
"Yeah, we really should do that quickly! It's this way!", Walter said as he led the other Samurai out of Shinjuku.
The hunters looked greatly distrubed by Walter's reveal.
"Seriously fuck those guys. The Asura Kai are the worst.", Manabu said.
The others all nodded in agreement. If most of the Hunters hadn't gone off to fight the Ring of Gaea they might be trying to fight the Asura Kai after hearing that.
On the way there as they rode on their monsters Walter told them about everything else.
"Wait, if Gina is from Tokyo how did she get to Mikado?", Isabeau questioned.
"That's what I want to know…", Walter murmured.
"It will be alright, Walter. We'll figure this out.", Flynn assured.
They landed in front of the building going where Walter led them. It was eerily quiet in there. Concerningly so. They looked around the strange looking rooms. There was an ominous blue light illuminating them. There also a strangely sweet scent in the air.
"I killed the Fusion Parasites I saw, but I don't know how many more there are. Surely they wouldn't keep them all in the same place?", Walter said.
"I wouldn't think so. Perhaps they have a secondary facility? Or a different room hiding more?", Jonathan said.
The Samurai opened the various doors of the underground building finding it extremely odd how devoid of life it was. Isabeau and Jonathan tensed as they detected something strange. The others looked where they did, narrowing their eyes. And that's when they saw an extremely small green insect spirit. Flynn paled as his first instinct was to pull out his gauntlet blade and cutting it in two with impressive precision. Navarre looked extremely green backing away from the bug.
"B-bug! Get, them Trisula!", Navarre ordered as he materialized the spirit.
Navarre changed the gauntlet to kill. The spirit quickly froze the bugs around them with its three heads.
"What the fuck?! Were they just lingering around before?!", Walter said, extremely alarmed, checking his person to make sure none got on him.
The Samurai had their guards raised looking around cautiously. When they made it to the next floor some kids in hospital gowns suddenly ran up to them. Flynn bent down to their level putting a hand on one's shoulder.
"Are you alright? Is there something after you?", Flynn asked.
"Mister…it was horrible.", the kid said, in tears as Flynn patted his back.
"You will be alright now. We'll protect you.", Flynn said.
Isabeau narrowed her eyes as the kid raised his hand. The other kids were near there legs with Jonathan patting one on the back with reassurance as well.
"Why were you being kept here?", Jonathan asked.
For some odd reason they could hear Doomkaiser's spirit growling threateningly. Flynn looked over the kid's shoulder confused at just what the spirit was growling at.
"Flynn!", Isabeau called out, knocking away his hand.
Flynn paled when he saw a Fusion Parasite was what was knocked out of the child's hand. The kid tightened his arms around Flynn's neck trying to choke him. The others panicked as the other children pulled out scalpels. Flynn struggled, unable to breathe. Isabeau hastily pulled out Book of Moon forcing the kid to sleep and making him let go of Flynn. Flynn caught the boy before he hit the ground as he tried to catch his breath. The others tried to bat away the kids with scalpes.
"Don't tell me they have that spirit inside them? Surely the Asura Kai can't be that demonic?!", Jonathan said, looking extremely wary not wanting to harm the kids.
"Come join us, misters…misses…", the kids said in a trance.
"This is so fucked up…", Walter murmured, hesitating as well to hurt the kids simply trying to avoid their attacks.
The Samurai found it best to simply make a strategic retreat.
"Surely there must be a way to undo this! Perhaps if we duel them?", Jonathan said.
"Do they look like they want to duel, Jonathan?!", Navarre questioned, incredulously.
They hastily got into the elevator using the key card Walter had to get inside.
"Hey, where you going?", kid 1 questioned.
"Don't you want to play with us?!", kid 2 questioned.
"Hell, no!", Walter yelled as he hastily pressed the button to close the door.
The Samurai paled as they closed in on the door before it nearly shut. They were now all boxed in. Jonathan sweated nervously, extremely hesitant as he materialized Ryko who barked at them harshly to keep them away. That bought them time for the door to close and Jonathan de materialized Ryko afterwards.
The Samurai took this time to calm down after what they just experienced. Flynn rubbed his face with his hands.
"This conflict with the Asura Kai is no longer simply about the signer dragons. This is an extermination of their whole group.", Flynn said, with a dark expression.
The others were quiet, unsure how to respond.
"I agree. Fuck these guys! They're worse than evil spirits!", Walter replied angrily.
Jonathan's hand was clenched, shaking intensely. Navarre looked completely spooked and Isabeau looked down.
"…I have to agree as well. Such a vile group doesn't deserve to exist!", Jonathan said, passionately.
"I never knew…such unprecedented evil could come from man…", Isabeau murmured as the door of the elevator opened.
"These guys are definitely the truly Unclean Ones.", Navarre commented.
They walked out of the elevator and were greeted with crown and master Samurai in disheveled uniforms. They had their blades out a materialized spirits behind them. The prentices hastily raised their gauntlets as the other Samurai's spirits attacked them. Flynn materialized Doomkaiser, Isabeau materialized Chevalier De Fleur, Jonathan materialized Ancient Sacred Wyvern, Walter materialized Dark Gaia, and Navarre materialized Trisula again. There was a lot of Samurai against them.
"They must be compelled too like those children!", Jonathan said.
"What do we do then?! They obviously aren't interested in dueling us and we can't kill them!", Navarre replied.
"We will have to try to incapacitate them without killing them!", Flynn said.
It was extremely difficult as they were in such close corters. The mind controlled Samurai didn't just sit back and let the spirits do everything. They charged forth with their blades drawn. The prentices desperately tried to avoid being killed by them as they had a few close calls getting a few cuts on them. After Flynn just barely blocked a blade to the neck he knocked his assailant over the head with his other hand harshly. He staggered breathing heavily as he harshly yanked the other Samurai's gauntlet, turning it off. Walter had already knocked down a few and followed Flynn's example and turned off the gauntlets. Their spirits were starting to win much more easily now with less opponents knocking them down one by one before knocking out their masters too.
Elsewhere in Tokyo…
Issachar sweated nervously as he and the others were faced with a dragon writhing wildly in its chains. It was a dark red dragon with a stem-like body which was adorned by red petals. Its tail had thorns along it and it's eyes were golden. It had blood red talons and a red headdress made from red petals. Surrounding the dragon was red fire and burnt corpses.
Hikaru smiled unnervingly cupping her chin as she watched the beast.
"To think this dragon is meant to belong to Isabeau…", Hikaru commented, drawing his attention.
Issachar looked completely dumbstruck hearing this.
"This is Isabeau's dragon?! This bloodthirsty thing?!", Issachar questioned.
"It's obvious the Crimson Dragon chose wrong then. Only one who's ruthless should control such a beast. It's clear these welps can hardly tame it so they locked it down here.", Kaga said.
In Shibuya…
"I knew this was going to be seriously annoying…", Walter said as he pulled out the next card key after they searched for anything on the Parasite Fusioners like a cure or something.
Unfortunately they came up with nothing and were forced to go to the next floor. Before Dark Gaia was de-materialized he glared at the chambers they were in intensely.
The atmosphere on the next floor had a thick pink fog. They walked through the middle door. They gaped as inside they saw a massive Fusion Parasite.
"A spirit…!", Isabeau said.
The Samurai hastily raised their gauntlets.
"That sweet smell is the product of this spirit! Quickly we must-", Jonathan said.
"…", Walter said, drawing their attention.
They looked alarmed and concerned, hoping a Fusion Parasite hadn't gotten to him.
"Walter?", Jonathan questioned.
"Earth to imbecile! Wake up!", Navarre shouted.
They looked stunned as a blush appeared on Walter's cheeks and he swayed like a drunkard.
"Yeah…I'm Walter. I'm the son of a fisherman…", Walter said, drunkenly.
Flynn warily turned to Walter hoping he wouldn't have to fight him too.
"But I'm scared of fish! I must go tell everyone…!", Walter said as Flynn merely fell over in shock.
Walter then ran off somewhere.
"Hoy, come back idiot!", Navarre called out.
"…What…?", Isabeau questioned, incredulously.
"How cowardly of you, dashing off without me!", Jonathan said.
The others turned over to Jonathan looking at him like he grew a second head.
"Then I will admit something as well…In all candor…", Jonathan said as a blush appeared on his face.
"How are they drunk?! They haven't drunken a drop of liquor?!", Navarre questioned.
"I am a cat! Meee-owwww! This floor is so deliciously warm!", Jonathan said as he hugged the floor with a dumb smile rubbing his head against it.
Navarre gasped as he saw a blush on Isabeau's face suddenly drawing Flynn's attention.
"Wh…What is happening? Is this the work of that spirit…?", Isabeau questioned.
"Are you alright Isabeau?! We must stop this spirit before we all go mad!", Flynn said.
"Ugh…it's always like this! Spirits here, spirits there, spirits, spirits, spirits…!", Isabeau said, as her words started to slur.
Flynn and Navarre sweat dropped with the latter gaping.
"It's all so…spiriting…!……", Isabeau said, before lightly bowing to her stunned fellows and running off somewhere.
The massive Fusion Parasite let out strange noises. Flynn swayed as he felt his consciousness slipping away and Navarre panicked.
"Not you too!", Navarre said as an intense blush formed on Flynn's face.
He put his hands on Flynn's shoulders and shook him.
"Don't forget we are Samurai and we have a mission to do! You are not a cat or whatever!", Navarre said.
Flynn's eyes closed as his breathing became odd.
"That's right…I'm a Samurai.", Flynn said in a strange dreamy tone.
"That's my boy! Now let's beat this spirit!", Navarre said.
"But…I'm really a country boy at heart…", Flynn replied, with a silly smile.
"Oh God no…", Navarre said, as he paled.
He jumped as Flynn put his arm over his shoulders bringing him close.
"Let's gooo~, Issachar!", Flynn said as he thrust his fist into the air.
"I'm not Issachar! Snap out of it, Flynn! We have a mission! Remember!", Navarre said.
"Don't be such a square! It's time to party hardy!", Flynn said as he dragged Navarre along, chuckling like an idiot.
He sweat dropped as Flynn danced in his seemingly drunken state. Flynn froze for a moment looking around before tugging his pants.
"It's too hot in here...", Flynn said.
"Flynn, no!", Navarre said in horror, shielding his eyes.
"You all really are far too rowdy!", Navarre said as a blush formed on his face.
Flynn looked over to him as he swung his pants in the air as he cackled like a madman.
"You all need discipline, you naughty children!", Navarre said, drunkenly pointed at Flynn who just laughed.
"Catch me if you can you square~", Flynn said as he hit his own butt tauntingly before Navarre chased after him and he laughed.
In his office Tayama watched the scene with a deadpan expression.
"They're idiots…", Tayama said.
To be continued…
Really liked writing the scene where they all get high. It's like one of the funniest scenes in the game.