Chapter 4
The Search For The Truth
"Well, that was easy." Yuri sighed in disappointment. He had just defeated and carded both Olga and Halil easily and was now looking bored.
Evan began walking towards him with his arms open."Come on, Yuri-kun, you still got your prize, right? I thought carding people was the thing you love the most?"
Yuri turned to face Evan, who was still smiling at him."Maybe. Well, I must get on with my task." He began to walk away.
Dennis waved goodbye to Yuri and turned to Evan."Aren't you going to follow him?" Dennis questioned.
Evan took a penny out of his pocket and tossed it high in the air."Heads." He watched as the coin began to descend, and caught it with his right hand. As predicted, it landed on heads."Oh? Looks like I made the right call. I guess I'm just going to watch as everything goes."
Dennis was still amazed at his friend's luck. For him, this wasn't the first time he witnessed it himself.
"Well, I better get to the others then, see you later!" Dennis exclaimed as both of them departed.
Evan thought of how things might turn out for Standard.'Will it be obliterated? Will they all be enslaved?'The thoughts kept coming to him. He suddenly tripped on a rock, making him fall on his face hard."Jeez...how clumsy of rather unlucky I must be."He chuckled.
-Yu-Gi-Oh-
Hiraki and Serena were walking to the Ancient Ruins. Both of them were eager to know if what Yuzu had told them was true. Hiraki yawned. It was fairly late, around midnight or something.
'Well, at least I slept for a bit over at the infirmary. Otherwise I'd be completely wasted.'He then turned to see Serena, who had kept quiet the entire time.'I don't think she has had any rest. Maybe I should do something.'He wondered. A few steps ahead, he stopped.
"What's the matter?" Serena asked him.
"Do you want me to piggyback you?" Hiraki asked bluntly with a straight face. Serena stepped back, confused at what he just said.
"What are you saying all of a sudden?! Don't get weird with me! Otherwise, I'll beat you up!" She growled.
"No, no! You misunderstood me. I just thought you were tired and could use a break." He held his hands in front of him since she was way too close.
She got closer, looking at him in anger."Do you think I need to be taken care of? I can handle myself just fine! Just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I can't!"
"No, listen!" Hiraki then cleared his voice."I had a bit of resting back at the infirmary. But I'd bet you haven't taken a break at all, have you? I just thought it was unfair for me to be the only one who slept comfortably while you were working non-stop."
Serena took a moment to processed Hiraki's statement, and closed her eyes."I know you didn't mean anything by it Hiraki, you're not that kind of person." She rubbed her eyes a bit."A break doesn't sound too bad right now." Hiraki smiled at her, finally not being stubborn for a change.
He got on one knee and bent the other one. Serena went behind him and climbed on his back and put her arms around his neck. He felt a bit nervous since he felt her chest pressing against his back. He tried his best to ignore that and got up to start walking.
Hiraki laughed a bit."You know, this reminds me back when we used to train together. You used to yell at me a lot when cried or got on your you know, it never really bothered me.I mean sure, you are kinda harsh at times but you never pushed me away."
"Of course not. Even though you're hard headed, you're a good duelist. You've gotten a lot stronger over the years. Also, you seemed miserable by yourself." Serena recalled as well, then looked at him in concern."Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Why do you ask?" He replied somehow unsure.
"You know you can tell me, right?" Serena reassured him."About what Yuzu said..."
"..."Hiraki couldn't really find the words to express what he felt.
"You trained so much, I just feel like you must be upset to find out about this."
"Yeah...It's just...I don't want to hurt other people. If what she's saying is true then...I've been living a lie this entire time." He gritted his teeth in both sadness and anger.
Serena rested her head on his shoulder making him blushed."Don't think about it that way. We haven't confirmed it yet, so it's too soon to get any conclusions. But whatever happens, we'll just continue going forward as we promised." Hiraki was going to say something else but he realized she had fallen asleep. Her words echoed in his head, making
him realized that maybe she's not wrong. Thee continued walking ahead, hoping to find Kurosaki to clear his mind.
-Yu-Gi-Oh-
Yugo was in the Arctic Zone, currently in a duel with Evan. While Yugo had his Clear Wing Synchro Dragon on the field, Evan wasn't faced at all. He himself had a strong monster as well and was about to make his move.
Yugo LP: 1300
Evan LP: 2900
"Let's finish this, shall we? I draw!" Evan drew his card, but just then his duel disk's alarm went off."Oh? Is it time already? A shame...I actually wanted to know how much hope you have in saving your dear Rin." Evan scoffed.
"You're kidding! You're leaving in the middle of a duel?!" Yugo snapped."I won't let you run away, you bastard! Where did you take Rin?!"
"I activate the Spell Card, Solar Reflection." As soon as Evan activated said card, a purple light shined brightly. Yugo was forced to cover his eyes. When he opened them again, Evan was gone and the duel had ended.
"Damn it!" Yugo accelerated forward, bearing in mind that one of the guys who took Rin had just vanished in his face.
-Yu-Gi-Oh-
It was morning by the time Hiraki and Serena reached the Ancient was about to go up the stairs but was stopped by Serena who was waking up.
"Morning." He smiled.
Serena yawned and rubbed her eyes before replying."Good morning. You can put me down. I'll walk from here."
"Yes, ma'am." Hiraki put her down. Both of them stared at the stairs."Well...here we go."
Once they climbed to the top, they were surprised to see a duel going on.
"This is the end!" Sora cried maniacally."Go, battle!" Frightfur Scissor Tiger, attack Force Strix! Send Kurosaki...the XYZ remnant to his grave!"
"Kurosaki?!" Serena thought out aloud.
"Yeah, and he's in serious trouble." Hiraki remarked. Scissor Tiger cut Force Strix in half, creating an explosion that sent Kurosaki flying across the noticed that Serena was standing right in the middle of the way, so he pushed her aside to take the impact.
"Hiraki?!" Serena called after him. Kurosaki crashed into Hiraki, causing both of them to roll down the stairs.
Hiraki instinctively got a hold of his shoulder."Fuck! I think it's dislocated." He groaned in pain. Soon enough he remembered that Kurosaki had fallen down too and went to assist him.
"Those are horrible injuries." Serena stated. Kurosaki looked more in pain since he took most of the impact.
"Get out of the way Yuzu. Kurosaki is the prey I've hunted!" Sora whined.
Hiraki stood up and faced the boy, instantly remembering having seen him before."You are...Sora, right?"
"You know this guy?"Serena looked over her shoulder at Hiraki.
"Yeah, I've seen him a couple of times alright. He's dangerous." Hiraki stated. Serena nodded and activated her duel disk.
"Wait, are you Serena?!" Sora gasped.
"Magic Card: Luna Eclipse! The field is enveloped in darkness!" Soon enough, a black mist appeared and covered them to give them time to escape.
"Hey, wait up!" Sora ran after them.
-Yu-Gi-Oh-
In the Volcano Area, Serena was running ahead of the 2 other boys, who couldn't keep up with her due to their injuries. Kurosaki felt the pain intensifying, making him fall down on his knees.
Serena ran next to him."Hey, are you okay?"
Just as this happened, Sora appeared behind them walking casually."Hey, can you just let me finish that guy off? You're only going to get hurt too!
"Crap, looks like there's no other choice then." Hiraki tried to move his arm to activate his duel disk, but his dislocated shoulder wasn't helping him. Luckily, Tsukikage and Hikage showed up to aid them. While Hikage got in a duel with Sora, Tsukikage helped the other 3 run away as quickly as possible. However, they were stopped by the Obelisk force, who were sent by Dennis.
"Serena-sama" One of them called out."Please do not resist."
"We've been tasked to bring you back."
"You'll have to take me by force then." Serena replied angrily. Kurosaki, Tsukikage and Hiraki stepped in front of her protectively.
"Then you leave us no choice." Yellow, Green and Red activated their duel disk as the others did too.
"Duel." Everyone declared.
Red, Green, Yellow vs Serena, Kurosaki, Hiraki, Tsukikage LP: 4000 each
Kurosaki was about to go first, but Tsukikage stopped him."I shall initiate! My turn! I summon Twilight Ninja Shingetsu from my hand!"
Twilight Ninja Shingetsu Level 4, Warrior, Dark, ATK:1500, DEF:100
"I set three cards and end my turn." Tsukikage declared. Red stepped forward, ready to take his turn.
"My turn!"He drew his card and instantly revealed it." I summon Ancient Gear Hunting Hound!"
Ancient Gear Hunting Hound Level 3, Machine, Earth, ATK:1000, DEF:100
"Once per turn, if my opponent controls a monster, this card can deal 600 points of damage!Hound Flame!" Red's monster fired a torrent of flames at Tsukikage.
"I activate the Continuous Trap: Barrier Ninjitsu Art of Hazy Dousing!I negate all effect damage under 800!" Tsukikage explained.
"Then I will activate the Magic Card Fusion from my hand!" I fuse the Ancient Gear Hunting Hound on my field and the two in my hand for a total of three Hunting Hounds!" Red stated, his 3 monsters were absorbed by the fusion vortex to form a new creature." Mechanical hounds who carry on the ancient spirits!Flock together and become one with power! Fusion Summon! Come forth! Level 7! Ancient Gear Triple Bite Hunting Hound!
Ancient Gear Triple Bite Hunting Hound Level 7, Machine, Earth, ATK:1800, DEF:1000
"Battle!" Red declared but was Tsukikage was far from done himself.
"Before that!"Tsukikage interrupted."I activate the Continuous Trap: Barrier Ninjutsu Art of Shrouding Shadows! During my opponent's turn, I can pay half my LP to end my opponents' Battle Phase!"
"What?!"
Tsukikage LP: 2000
"You..." Kurosaki breathed.
"Compared to your wounds, this is nothing." Tsukikage reassured him.
"I set two cards and end my turn."Red finished.
Green took his turn."I activate Polymerization! I fuse three Ancient Gear Hunting Hounds from my hand! Fusion Summon!Fusion Summon! Come forth!Level 7! Ancient Gear Triple Bite Hunting Hound!
Ancient Gear Triple Bite Hunting Hound Level 7, Machine, Earth, ATK:1800, DEF:1000
"Battle!"
"I pay half my life and end the Battle Phase with Barrier Ninjutsu Art of Shrouding Shadows!" Again, Tsukikage embraced himself for the shock wave as his life was cut in half again.
Tsukikage LP: 1000
Yellow, as expected, activated Polymerization as well to fusion summon yet another Ancient Gear Triple Bite Hunting Hound. Hiraki narrowed his eyes. And again, Tsukikage paid half his LP to end the battle phase once more.
Tsukikage LP: 500
"Damn it! I set one card and end my turn!" Yellow stated,
"Why are you going so far?" Serena asked rather concerned
"It is all according to plan!" Tsukikage replied."My brother, Hikage, fended off the intruders with the brilliance of the sun, and I, like the moon, protected us and stalled the enemy."
"Then all that's left is me..."Serena stepped in front of Shun, much to his surprise.
"My turn! I activate the Spell Card Polymerization!" Serena announced, making Shun flinched at the card that has caused so much pain in his dimension."I fuse Moonlight Blue Cat and Moonlight Purple Butterfly! Blue cat that prowls through the darkness!Butterfly with violet poison!Spiral into the moon's gravity and become a new power!Fusion Summon! Beautiful beast that dances in the moonlight! Moonlight Cat Dancer!
Moonlight Cat Dancer Level 7, Beast-Warrior, Dark, ATK:2400, DEF:2000
"Next up, I activate the Spell Card: Moonbeam Fragrance! It allows me to special summon one "Moonlight" monster from my graveyard. I special summon Moonlight Blue Cat!"
Moonlight Blue Cat Level 4, Beast-Warrior, Dark, ATK:1600, DEF:1200
"When Blue Cat is Special Summoned, I can double the ATK of one other "Moonlight" monster for the rest of this turn! I target Cat Dancer!"Serena stated.
Moonlight Cat Dancer ATK:4800
"I activate Cat Dancer's effect! By Releasing Blue cat, it can now attack every monster on my opponent's field twice! I attack Triple-Bite Hunting Hound with Cat Dancer!
"That won't work." Red activated his trap."Trap Card: Fusion Dispersal activate!
"What?! Fusion Dispersal?!" Serena gasped.
"I can revert one attacking Fusion Monster my opponent controls into its fusion materials..."Cat dancer was then separated back into Blue Cat and Purple Butterfly."...then end the Battle Phase and deal damage equal to the ATK of the Fusion Material with the highest ATK!
Serena was sent back a few meters, covering herself from the impact.
Serena LP:2400
"Serena!" Hiraki called out after her. Hiraki turned to go to her, but she stopped him before he did so.
"Don't worry, I'm fine." She composed herself. Hiraki clenched his fists in anger, feeling incompetent.
"Too bad, but we fully comprehend your deck. You don't have any options left!" Red laughed.
"I end my turn!"
"You're facing us now!" Mitchie and Teppei came out of nowhere, activating their duel disks.
"Intrusion Penalty:2000 LP!" Their duel disks announced, instantly shocking them with with electricity.
-Yu-Gi-Oh-
In the halls of Academia, Evan was leaning against a wall, with his arms crossed. Footsteps could be heard from his right, getting closer by the minute, until a girl came out of the shadows. She was wearing a black cardigan over a white dress shirt and a red miniskirt and mid-sized black boots with platform heels and red laces.
"Glad you could make it, Seiko."Evan greeted her.
"I heard you went to Standard. I hope you had a good time." Seiko smiled back."Though I also heard Yuri went as well along with Dennis. Dennis apparently is going to act as a spy while Yuri was supposed to capture some girl."
Evan gritted his teeth. A thought came to his head but he forced himself to calm down. Hate suddenly turned into love and admiration toward this girl."I had an encountered with a duelist from the Synchro dimension. He's someone I met in the past when we assisted Yuri in capturing this Rin girl." Seiko's eyes widened but then she suddenly looked bored.
"That dork? He just doesn't know when to give up! Oh my lovely Rin, where are you? If I could only use my head instead of my instincts then maybe I could be competent enough to save you!"Seiko kept making faces, mocking Yugo. She then crossed her arms under her chest."So, did you beat him?"
Evan hummed before replying with a slight smile."Nope, my alarm went off indicating that I had to be somewhere else.I was going back to XYZ but I came here before going."
"Ya know, I was thinking of maybe doing something else. The Professor gave me word that we might get a new member soon!" Seiko started jumping happily."Isn't it wonderful?"
Evan got off the whole and put his hands inside his pockets."A new member?"
Seiko put her hands on her hips."That's right. You guys are missing something and I believe this new member might prove to be it! Though, I have to do something first."
"What would that be?"Evan asked in curiosity.
"There's someone from the Secondary Union called Hiraki Sotari. I've known him for a long time but he never seemed to notice me. He was always about Serena and Serena! He's the first boy who actually turned me down!"She suddenly grabbed a hold of her chest."I mean, who doesn't want some of this?!"
"I can't imagine."Evan put his hand behind his head sheepishly."But what about him?"
"The Professor told me that he needs him out of the picture to get Serena. Well, to be more precise, he needs him defeated." Seiko narrowed her eyes and huffed."Frankly, I wanted him gone. If I can't have him, then no one should."
"Will you be needing our assistance?"
"Nope, I got some guys for that. I'll be sending you to Synchro soon enough, but for now these guys I hired should do the trick. Well, I better be off now! My manicure session starts in five minutes! See you later dear!" Seiko sped off running, leaving Evan standing there by himself.
"Seiko, I adore you yet I hate you. This feeling of chaos I want to feel and the feeling of order is just making me go insane.I am a slave to your cause, as the other Unifiers of Chaos are." He began laughing aloud, his laugh echoed throughout the empty halls.
-Yu-Gi-Oh-
Back in the Volcano Area, Mitchie and Teppei were both defeated and carded as soon as they only that, Sawatari and Gongenzaka had joined in as well.
Serena LP:1200
Tsukikage LP:250
Hiraki LP: 2000
Sawatari LP:1000
Kurosaki LP:2000
Gongenzaka LP:2000
'Isn't there anything I can do? Everyone will lose and be carded if this keeps up!'Hiraki gritted his teeth in frustration.
"Oi, oi, these guys are really tough, aren't they?"A rather cheery voice echoed in his head.
'Huh?'Next thing Hiraki knew, he was once again deep inside his mind."Kumai, is that you? What are you doing here all of a sudden? I thought I could only see you in my dreams." Hiraki said.
"Now, didn't Ms. Sotari tell you? I am a product of your fears! Which means, you're afraid right now!" Kumai explained.
"I...I just don't know what to do. I want to do something to teach this jerks a lesson! But I can't at my current level...I'm still too weak..."Hiraki bit his lower lip.
"If you want power, I can help you with that."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Hiraki turned to face Kumai.
"I can provide you with some power so you can beat this fools up. You are mad, aren't you? They came to get Serena and take her away. Not only that, they actually had the guts to hurt her." Kumai remarked.
Hiraki clenched his fist and looked at Kumai with determination in his eyes."If you can help me, please do so!"
Kumai extended his arm toward Hiraki."Then we have a deal. We are friends after all!"
Hiraki accepted the hand shake."Yes! Yes we are."
Back in the duel, Gongenzaka had set the pendulum scale, and managed to successfully summoned 2 of his Superheavy Samurai Nusuto and one Hikyaku."I activate Nusuto's e-"
"Stop right there." Gongenzaka stopped in his tracks and looked at Hiraki. A dark aura was surrounding him and he had his head facing down on the floor so his eyes weren't visible."I'll take it from here..."He spoke sinisterly.
"Hi-Hiraki...Alright. I, the man Gongenzaka, shall trust you. I end my turn."
The Obelisk Force began to laugh uncontrollably.
"Is this a joke? Are you really going to "take it from here"?!" Red put a hand on his belly as he kept laughing.
"And here I thought you wouldn't even be in the duel because you were too scared, you lowlife!" Green spat at him.
"You made it easier for us to capture your dear Serena and get her back to the Professor. I'm sure he'll be happy to get her back." Yellow taunted.
The dark aura increased in size, making the others look in shock.
"Hiraki? Hiraki-kun?" Serena wanted to go to him but her feet wouldn't move. Something just felt off.
"You filthy animals..."Hiraki finally raised his head, revealing that his green were eyes shining intensely."You dare to strike your fangs at me?" Hiraki spoke coldly, giving his oponents a murderous glare."I shall punish you accordingly for this audacity! I will offer no mercy and no forgiveness to any of you." He took a hold of his deck.
"It's my turn!"Hiraki drew hard, creating a dark shock-wave."When my opponent controls a monster and I don't, I can special summon my Cyber Dragon."
Cyber Dragon Level 5, Machine, Light, ATK:2100, DEF:1600
"W-what's with him all of a sudden?" Red took a step back.
"I then summon Cyber Dragon Core in attack mode. This card is treated as a "Cyber Dragon" while it is on the field! Next I activate the Spell Card: Machine Duplication! I can special summon another 2 Cyber Dragon Cores from my deck to the field!"
Cyber Dragon Core Level 2, Machine, Light, ATK:400, DEF:1500
Hiraki raised his hand into the sky."I shall summon a monster that will make this very Earth...no...this very dimension tremble in fear and send it into the depths of hell! I will use Contact Fusion using all Machine-Type monsters on the field, using my Cyber Dragon as the main core!" The three monsters the Obelisk Force controlled were pulled by Cyber Dragon which was up in the sky, attracting all Machine monsters like magnets.
Even Gongenzaka's monsters were absorbed as well with Hiraki's Cyber Core Dragons.
"What?!This is impossible!" The Obelisk Force looked in fear as the fusion began to take place.
"Overpowering the strong through shear brutality, the machines become one to crush all who stand in their path! Joining in battle the spear of darkness is forged! Fusion Summon! Appear from the very gates of Hell! Level 8! Chimeratech Fortress Dragon!"
Chimeratech Fortress Dragon Level 8, Machine, Dark, ATK:0, DEF:0
Hiraki pointed his fist towards the Obelisk Force."Chimeratech gains 1000 ATK for each Fusion Material used to Special Summon it! My 4 Cyber Dragons, Gongenzaka's 3 Superheavy Samurais and 3 of your dirty dogs! It goes for a total of 10,000!"
Chimeratech Fortress Dragon ATK: 10,000
"No way!" Green yelled.
"Hiraki..." Gongenzaka couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"Hiraki!" Serena called out for him, but he didn't turn to face her. All he felt now was pure rage.
"Even so, next turn will be the end of you! Even if you take one of us out, our combo will send YOU to hell!" Yellow cried.
"There will be no next turn. This ends here." Hiraki's brown hair became spikier."Chimeratech can attack up to the number of its Fusion Materials."
"What?!" The Obelisk Forced cried in unison.
"Battle! Chimeratech Fortress Dragon will attack all of you directly! Evolution Result Artillery-Ten shots!" As requested, 10 Cyber Dragon heads came out of Chimeratech, each of them firing attacks constantly.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!" The Obelisk Force screamed in pain and they were sent flying really hard onto the floor.
Red LP:0
Yello LP:0
Green LP:0
Winners: Serena, Hiraki, Gongenzaka, Sawatari, Kurosaki, Tsukikage!
"Alright! He did it!" Sawatari exclaimed.
"He's really come a long way."Gongenzaka smiled at his friend's progress.
Hiraki began walking towards the defeated Obelisk Force, who were backing away from him in fear."Huh? Hey, Hiraki!"
"S-stay away!" Yellow screaming.
"As promised, I won't show any mercy to those who dare to bark like mongrels. The dimensions are backwards, soon enough you will all suffer the pain of the new coming." Hiraki prepared his Duel Disk, with the intention of carding the 3 of them. Serena ran to him, hugging from behind.
"Stop it, Hiraki! This isn't like you! You said you didn't want to hurt anyone, remember? Get a hold of yourself!" Serena kept trying to calm him down. Hiraki began to breathe heavily, his eyes returning back to their normal green color. The Obelisk Force took advantage of this and teleported back to Academia.
"I'm sorry...I don't know why I lost control like that. I guess I'm just stressed out."He sighed. Serena let him go, the of them faced each other when suddenly everything around them went back to normal, due to the Battle Royale being over.
"Gongenzaka!' Yuya called down from below. He then noticed Serena and thought she was Yuz."Yuzu!" Mieru, who was being carried by Dennis, woke up and grew mad at the sight of "Yuzu".
"Hiragi Yuzu!" She got off Dennis's back."You were making moves on another guy while seducing Darling!" She protested.
"Is this for real?" Hiraki made a poker face.
"I'm not Yuzu." Serena spoke.
"Then where is Yuzu?!" Yuya asked worriedly.
"I looked, but all I found was this girl..." Dennis pointed at Mieru.
"Don't tell me!"Yuya looked at Sora, who then hurried and teleported back to Academia."Sora!"
"I saw all of your Duels."A voice came from above who Yuya and Hiraki recognized instantly.
"Akaba Reiji!"They both said. Akaba Reiji appeared above the others.
"You came at a good time! I chased out that Academia bunch just like you told me to!" Sawatari explained."I guess this makes me one of your Lancers now!"
"Lancers?" Gongenzaka asked. "What's that?"
Sawatari then narrowed his eyes."It's about how this Battle Royale was a selection exam for them!"
"Exam?!" Yuya echoed.
-Yu-Gi-Oh-
Hiraki was laying on his bed, looking at Chimeratech Fortress same card that helped him with a seemingly "impossible" duel against the Obelisk Force. As of now, him along with the others were now part of the "Lancers", a group of duelists that were assembled to fight in the Fusion Dimension by Akaba Reiji.
"Damn him...to think he can just tell us to do whatever he wants." Hiraki cursed closed is eyes, focusing on trying to find a certain someone inside of his head."You can come out, I won't yell at you, Kumai."
Kumai appeared out of thin air with his hands covering his face."Are you not mad?"
"No. I just have some of all, how did you do that? How are you able to give me power?" Hiraki asked inside of his head.
"That's easy!" Kumai sang, revealing his face."As I said before, I am representing your fears and insecurities. It is possible to turn fear into power!" Kumai explained.
"Turn fear into power? So is that how you were able to make me stronger?" Hiraki raised an eyebrow.
"That is correct! Though I might have gone overboard with the amount of power I put into reminds me though, why didn't you go watch Yuya's duel against Reiji?"
I just wanted some time alone...to think things through. Besides, they're probably already done with it. Not only that, they even went ahead and told the entire city about the war that's coming!"
Kumai began circling around Hiraki."That makes sense. In that way, the Lancers can move around Standard without the need of worrying."
"Maybe, but still...to think it was all true."Tears began forming in Hiraki's eyes."So much pain and misery..."
"Relax, that's what the Lancers are for, right? To fight off the evil forces of Academia! Hiraki, this is your chance to prove yourself!" Kumai grabbed Hiraki's shoulders."But anyway, I want to ask you something." He giggled."Why didn't you invite Serena over to your house? I'm sure you both would have had a lot of intimate moments here."
Hiraki laughed, wiping his tears."Jeez, Kumai. You made me feel better all of a sudden. Thanks."
"There you go! All full of piss and vinegar, I'd say! You know, you better go and answer the doorbell, it's been ringing for a while."
"Huh?" Hiraki woke up. Kumai was right, the ringing kept going as if someone was really tired of waiting."Jeez, I'm coming I'm coming!" Hiraki opened the door and saw Serena standing outside."S-Serena? What are you doing here?"
"I just came to check on you. Are you alright?" She tilted her head. Hiraki tried to remember something, but all he could remember now was something about dimensions.
'The dimensions are backwards, soon enough you will all suffer the pain of the new coming.'Those words echoed in his shrugged it off as a side effect of Kumai's powers."Yeah, don't worry about it. I just said the first thing that came to my mind." He could see that Serena still wasn't buying what he was saying, so he decided to try to change the subject."Hey, I was just about to go out to get something to eat. You want to come along?"
Serena looked at him for a moment, thinking that maybe he just doesn't want to talk about what happened."Alright.I'm free for the day so might as well accept your offer."
"Great, I have a few places in mind. Since you're not from here and everything you probably don't know much about the city."They made their way out to the street, Hiraki acting as a tour guide. Hiraki literally explained every little place there was around his neighborhood which was a few stores and a library. Serena was rather impressed by Hiraki's independence. She also seemed to enjoy the tour, since a few places actually caught her was around noon that Hiraki decided they should probably take a lunch break,
so he took her to his favorite Cafe.
"Hello everyone!" Hiraki waved at the people inside. The cafe was pretty empty with the exception of a few customers.
"Hiraki-kun, you're back already?"The man on the desk wore the cafe's uniform, which consisted on black pants, black shoes along with a white shirt and a black vest. He had long white and tied up in a ponytail and brown eyes."Oh? And who is this young lady you brought along with you?"
"Right, this is Serena." He introduced her.
"A pleasure to meet your acquaintance."She bowed down.
"The pleasure is all mine. So what can I get for you two?"Kuritsu asked.
"I want the same as always.I think Serena here is going to check the menu out since this is her first time here." Hiraki suggested. Both of them took their seats and Serena picked up the menu.
"I'd like to have some apple pie and coffee."Serena finally decided.
"Very well. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me or my employees." With that, Kiritsu went into the then kitchen. Suddenly, a couple of teenagers came through the door and approached them. The girl was wearing a maid costume. She had long purple hair that reached her waist and purple eyes. The boy was wearing the same uniform as Kuritsu. He had messy red hair that looked like an Afro. He was wearing sunglasses, but underneath were a pair of brown eyes.
"Rika and Jovan. What are you guys doing here?" Hiraki groaned internally.'This guys mean trouble.'
"Holy shit, he actually did it. He brought a girl over with him!"Jovan yelled out loud. Making a few people look at on the other hand, put her hand in his mouth.
"Shut up, you idiot! Don't yell like that!" She smacked him in the head."Sorry about that guys, my friend here is a little weird. My name is Rika and this dummy is Jovan."
"I'm Serena, nice to meet you." She greeted back.
"Oh, your hair looks so cute!" Rika's eyes sparkled."Are you guys on a date or something?"
"A date?" Serena echoed.
"Give it up, Rika, Hiraki would never be on a date with such a cute girl." Jovan got back up again. Rika looked at him annoyed, which caused him to step away from her. Hiraki then charged at Jovan, causing both of them to fall on the floor. While they wrestled, the girls just looked embarrassed by their behavior.
"How childish." Serena said, earning a nod from Rika.
"Tell me about it..."Rika covered her face.
"Settle down children. Here are your orders."Kiritsu came through the door.
Once everything had settled down, Hiraki and Serena were enjoying their lunch and having a nice chat.
"This is the best pie I've ever tasted!" Serena yelled suddenly. Hiraki chuckled and took a bite out of his sandwich."You really have been enjoying yourself here, haven't you?
"Yeah, I met so many wonderful people here in Standard. Everywhere I go there's always a new adventure waiting." Hiraki's face became serious."That's why I must do whatever I can to protect this dimension. That's why we became lancers."
"I agree with you. Tomorrow is the day we finally meet up with the others to make our move."
"Well, leaving that aside, there's a place I'd like to take you as well after this."Once they were done with their lunch, both of them waved goodbye but were stopped by Rika and Jovan at the entrance.
"Be careful you two. I heard what's going on and you better be ready for anything." Jovan put his hand on Hiraki's shoulder and whispered something."This girl is pure gold kid, you better make your move or I'll have to beat you up when you come back."
"S-shut up!" Hiraki said annoyed. Once again, they both began to wrestle each other.
"Serena-chan, take care of this little dummy for me, will ya? You know how men tend to be sometimes..."Rika looked at the duo, who were now biting each other's arms.
"I understand. Thank you." Serena and Rika smiled at each other.
"Have a safe trip!" Ritsu called out.
"Yes sir!" Hiraki gave a thumbs-up. They exited the cafe and crossed the street.
"They do look cute with each other, don't they?" Rika said happily.
"Too bad it ain't happening." Jovan bluntly stated, causing Rika to glare at him.
"You're so insensitive, you know that? You're just jealous!" Rika growled.
"Oh yeah? Just leave me alone, you witch.I have no intentions of being jealous!" Jovan snapped.
"Young love." Kiritsu laughed.
"It's not!" Both of them yelled in unison, a blush on their faced.
-Yu-Gi-Oh-
"You want us to take a picture?"Serena asked. It was sunset by the time Serena and Hiraki found a photo booth.
"That's right. I was thinking that maybe we can update this picture." Hiraki pulled out a Polymerization card with a picture of both of them when they were kids.
"You still...have that?"Serena murmured.
"Of course!"They got inside the photo booth. Hiraki inserted a coin to get the it smiled as brightly as he thought he looked funny like that, so she decided to go along with it.
-Yu-Gi-Oh-
Hiraki decided that maybe it was a good idea to take Serena home.
"I enjoyed our day together, Serena. I hope I didn't bore you to much." Hiraki chuckled.
Serena punched him in his arm."Idiot, I prefer spending the day with you than staying in a room doing nothing at all."
"Rude..."Hiraki narrowed his eyes."Still though, tomorrow is the day."
"Don't you get scared on me now."
"I'm not backing out."
"Good, that's the attitude of a true warrior!" They both stared at each other. Kumai was giggling inside Hiraki's head.
"Oh boy, just ask her out already." Kumai insisted.
"Serena, I gotta tell you something."Hiraki was now blushing. He felt his heart pumping harder and harder.
"Yeah? What is it?" Serena put her hands on her hips.
"I-I-I got to go! I'll see you later!" With that, Hiraki began sprinting towards his house, leaving a very puzzled Serena standing there.
"You retarded or something?! Holy crap mate, you're hopeless!" Kumai cursed. Hiraki ignored him and continue running without stopping.
-Yu-Gi-Oh-
"Shit!Shit! I'm so late!" Hiraki yelled. Right now, he was supposed to be attending a meeting hosted by Akaba Reiji but was now late. He was wearing a white shirt with a green tie, black jeans and red snickers. Once he got there, he literally kicked down the door, finding his comrades already inside.
"Look who decided to show up! Not only Sakaki, but you too Sotari! Why must I always wait for all of you?!" Sawatari complained.
"What took you so long Hiraki?" Yuya ran to Hiraki.
"Sorry, my alarm broke so I woke up a bit late. My apologies everyone." Hiraki then turned to see Reiji giving him a Standard Duel Disk."Neat!"
Reiji adjusted his glasses and also handed him a card."We're about to head out to the Synchro Dimension to recruit allies. As far as we know, Synchro is neutral for now."
Hiraki finished putting his duel disk on. Soon enough, everyone inserted their cards into their duel disk, transporting everyone out of Standard.
-Yu-Gi-Oh-
In the Synchro Dimension, a young boy was sitting on his Duel Runner, looking at his card. He wore a blue jumpsuit with a blue jacket, dark blue gloves and purple boots. His face wasn't visible, due to him wearing his helmet.
"Damn it Yugo, where are you?" He muttered.
That settles it for Chapter 4. The reason why I didn't put a full duel between Evan and Yugo is because I'm planning on making Evan's first duel a bit more exciting. Make sure to stay tune for Chapter 5! :p