Everything was a blur after that night. Before I knew it, the Miami Championships were starting. I was surprised, finding myself supporting everyone and at the festivities. Everyone was pumped up, ready to go. Though my participation wasn't a part of the main events. Supporting them and their efforts, that's what I did best. Everyone but Yuya was here; even Niles was having trouble keeping the others in check. Guess Yuya needed a moment to compose himself before appearing.
Soon enough Yuya arrived, calming down some anxiety in the others.
"Well, at least we're all here in one piece," I smiled, "So now we can all participate in the Championships!"
"Yeah, we're entering the stadium soon, right? Let's go line up!" Yuya was chipper as always, going ahead of all of us.
"You really…" Yuzu muttered under her breath.
"Don't worry about it!" Tomato head waved her off as we all followed after him before he knocked himself into another person.
The guy who turned around to face Yuya was as big as Gongenzaka and had the weirdest looks to me. No offense really but something was really off, including that grin on his face.
"It's been awhile, weakling!"
"Y-You're…!" Yuya's voice trailed off; did Yuya know this guy?
"It was before an important tournament, so I was certain you'd ran away!" I could tell there was some off in his voice like he loved to pick on Yuya, "Just like your old man!"
"What was that?!" Yuya wasn't too happy hearing what this guy was saying.
"I'll never accept someone like you beat Strong Ishijima!"
Strong Ishijima… that was the guy Yuya dueled in the first episode right? Well, Yuya Sakaki did beat the guy, so he can't deny it. My instincts began to yell to intervene when the big guy took a step closer to Yuya. I couldn't let him go around doing this at all!
"How about I crush you right here and prove what a pushover you really are?" His huge finger was pointing right at Yuya and I was a split second away from jumping in the middle when somebody else showed up.
"That's enough, Ankokuji Gen!" We all looked who had placed a hand on Gen's shoulder.
"Gongenzaka?!" We were all surprised to see him here.
"Calling a senior disciple by his name, are we?" I had to curl my fists just to not go and slap the guy in the face, "You must really be a big shot now, Gongenzaka."
"You are no longer my senior!" I sensed a tension between these two.
"Players can enter the stadium in a moment." The announcement was made through the speakers, breaking the tension for now, "All competitors, please line up in front of your respective team place cards."
"At least try and stay in the tournament until I crush you!" With that, Gen walked off and shook Gongenzaka's hand off his shoulder.
"Lowell, I believe we should get going to our place cards. We don't have much time to waste do we?" Niles asked me.
"Right! Now be prepared, everyone! I want you all to have one and show everyone what You Show is all about." I was pumped up. "I'll be in the stands to cheer you on. Have fun!"
I met up with Yuya's mother and Principal; they were here as well to support everyone. Just like me. The entrance ceremony was something else; to this that a card game could become something akin to sports back home really blew me away. Then again, there were schools and card games on motorcycles before. LDS led the march and much to our surprise, Shun Kurosaki was there. Next was a martial arts school called Ryouzanpaku… it had something to do with a dragon I think. Man, my limited Japanese is killing me with deciphering names. Knight of Duels was on the overseas school following the second school. All the while, I couldn't help but feel something amiss and it seemed like I wasn't the only one. I couldn't help but glance over to what looked to be the prime sitting. Who I managed to see there was not who I was expecting at all. Reiji Akaba was there with a young child, but what was troubling me was how he seemed to have looked back to me as if he knew I would look at him. Averting my eyes was my priority, so I returned to cheer for You Show Duel School's time to walk out. Yet, why did I feel he wasn't the only one?
The rest was the boring mumbo-jumbo of the event and Yuya going up to the stand, but I could honestly care less. Sporting and opening events weren't my cups of tea. I clapped after Yuya's speech of course; I wasn't going to be the odd man out.
"Now then, we will now announce the first matches!" I was relieved to hear that news, "All competitors, please put your registration cards into your Duel Disks!"
"Wonder what opponent's they'll get." I thought aloud.
"Well, I'm sure whoever they get won't matter. They'll win for sure." I smiled at Mrs. Sakaki.
"You're right! And I'll be here supporting them throughout!" That statement lasted not long after when I heard who everyone was dueling.
After a great victory from Futoshi and his Sketch-Beast monsters, I watched Ayu's match against Reira and it was still unsettling. Poor kid, I wonder kind of backstory they have. She was still standing tall after her defeat. That made me happy about Ayu; I loved this child. Yuzu's match was up next. However, both Niles and I had to go use the restroom so we parted ways. Promising, of course, to come to watch the duel. Something was weird though because Yuzu really wanted me to watch the match.
"Ah, now that's better." I exited the restroom, shaking my hands to remove any excess water. "Those were two pretty good matches. I can't wait to see what's up next."
Happily humming, my attention suddenly changed when a figure past by. It was male, but one that gave me a weird feeling. My eyes widen seeing how out of place this person seemed from everyone else he was with. A stunningly white parka with the dark brown fur, followed by the dark pants held up by three belts. I noticed that on his left hip seemed to be the holder for his duel disk, a black leather on his right hand as well. What really made him stand out was his hair: it was a dark blue with one major silver bang from what I could tell with the back view.
Who was this guy? And why did he seemingly make the world go dark except around him?
"Hey Lowell, you okay?" I blinked twice, feeling a blush spreading throughout my face.
"Y-Yeah sorry! Got distracted by something." My eyes went away from his face. "Come on, let's get going."
"You sure? You look kind of flush." A hand was raised toward my face; I gently pushed it away instead of slapping it.
"I. Am. Fine. Now let us go." Walking ahead, I didn't want to speak about it.
Miami Championships, Miami City, 3rd P.O.V.
She walked away from him all flustered, away from her ally. He followed on after her, completely unaware of her current emotions. This XYZ Duelist, how naive was he? Now, this was a treat for him. Never did he expect to see her at this competition. Though, he didn't recall her during the entrance ceremony. Not on the court that is. Here she was, despite everything, acting as if nothing was going on. And so easily in his grasp.
"So… do you doubt my intel now?" Sabrine walked over towards the male around the corner.
"I never doubted the integrity of your intel." He looked over towards the ebony-haired female.
His full face was revealed: short dark blue hair with one major silver bang being apart of many more. Though what made him unsettling were his eyes. Two glowing yellow spheres in which his iris were more like slits. Not to mention what else was hidden underneath the dark sunglasses of his.
"However, I question one thing. How come she isn't participating in the events?" He turned back to Sabrine. "I thought you said she would be apart of the events?"
"Kazama claims she didn't feel up to it. And I've checked some of her logs; almost everyone tried to convince her and yet she refused." Sabrine pulled out her phone. "That won't hinder the plans, will it?"
"It may cause a minor problem or two. Nothing I cannot fix once I've collected what I've needed. The intel you've gathered will suffice once we put the plan into motion." He stopped leaning against the wall, putting both hands into his pockets. "Make sure you keep tabs up. I want to meet her once she's all alone."
"No problem. I can handle that. But one more thing. Shun Kurosaki, aka Shay Obsidian, is here."
"Shay Obsidian… How perfect. I'll snatch them away after we harvest what's of value. And they'll remember my name. All of them."
Miami Championships, Miami City, 1st P.O.V.
"Yuzu! That was incredible!" I hugged her later that afternoon. "I can't believe you pulled it off."
"Not bad. That was quite a performance." Niles continued to finish his soda.
"Yuzu using her opponent's monster to do a Fusion Summon gave me the shivers!" We all laughed, after a long day.
"Well, I'm the one who taught her, so being able to do that much is a given!" Sora gloated.
"So, does that mean I'll finally officially be teaching you Synchro Summoning?" I asked Yuzu. "I think that sufficed to sway me to accept the offer."
"What!?" Everyone else seemed surprised.
"Hey! Yuzu asked first and I've seen her skill. Maybe after the Miami Championships are over, I'll decide to host a special lesson for everyone." Our happiness was soon shut down, seeing a duelist approach us.
"Yuzu Hiiragi!" It was Masumi.
"Masumi!" Yuzu was surprised, so I released my hold around her.
"You better plan on winning after defeating me!" She walked closer towards the Melodious Duelist. "I wouldn't be able to stand to lose to someone who doesn't even win the tournament! So here…"
Yuzu accepted the card. "This is… Crystal Rose? Why?"
Masumi smirked, flashing her hair a bit. "You'll need this card to shine again as you did in your Duel today! Later! I won't forgive you if you lose, got it?"
Walking away, I think we all had a better understanding of Masumi as a Duelist. Yuzu had the words to prove it.
"Masumi! Thank you!" She waved her arm with the card still in hand. "I'll be sure to shine even brighter!"
"Speaking of shining brighter, when are you two going to hook up?" The mood was instantly ruined as Sora pointed both to Niles and me.
"Wait?!" "What!?" We both shouted. "We aren't an item!"
"But you two sure hang around each other quite often. You sure you're not trying to hide that you're dating?" Oh please, Yuya do not push this matter onto us.
"Just because I'm a girl and he's a guy and we hang out doesn't automatically we are dating! A girl and guy can totally hang out and just be friends!" I was flustered, folding my arms to defend myself.
"Applying that logic to us means that Yuya and Yuzu have been dating behind our backs." Niles pointed at the younger duo.
"Hey! Don't throw this on us, Niles!" Yuzu pulled out her fan as a threat.
I couldn't help but start to laugh as the argument grew between us. Sure, this was just between friends. Yet I was thinking, they may have a point if either of us were interested. Sadly, I wouldn't want to try anything of that sort anytime soon. So for now, I was enjoying the moment. Making sure to keep it close to my heart.
Miami Championships, Miami City, 3rd P.O.V.
Masumi was walking to her home, already satisfied with the events of the day. It still surprised her that Yuzu Hiiragi somehow managed to master Fusion Summoning. Not only that, but she was defeated in front of the audience. How did Yuzu outshine her? After her years of studying Fusion under Professor Marco, Yuzu managed to master it quicker in a short amount of time? This did irritate her mind. At the same time, Masumi wasn't at all mad.
It didn't matter anymore. The evening was arriving and she needed to get home. Just as she was passing by, something caught her attention.
"...Sabrine?" Seeing her friend wandering away with a male caught her attention.
Rushing after her, Masumi didn't, in fact, find her friend. Instead, a white parka male greeted her on site.
"Now, don't be afraid. I just wanted to chat with you for a bit." He emerged from the shadows.
"Who are you?" Masumi immediately questioned him.
"I am just a Duelist that was completely entranced by your Duel against Yuzu Hiiragi. Both of you shined so brilliantly. Haven't seen two duelists shimmer like that in a long time." He only approached a bit closer, stopping to pull a card out from his pocket. "In fact, I was smitten by the gesture from earlier that I wanted to gift you this."
Masumi hesitated, looking at the guy and then to the card. A conflict was present in her eyes at whether to trust the man or not. Eventually, she gave it and took the card. Looking at it, the Gem Knight Duelist didn't entirely seem satisfied with what she was gifted.
"Hush now. Don't fight it; this only painful if you resist." He wrapped both arms around Masumi, holding her gently as she thrashed from the dark energy. "Allow the core to take root, dear Lapis... Soon you'll be reborn as the figure you've long desired."
The fight left Masumi all at once, going slump and consciousness fading away. The card vanished from her hands as he smirked.
"Wow… Now that's one way to get the girl." Sabrine walked out from an alleyway to take Masumi's body. "Are you sure this was the best time to take her?"
"Nobody will bat an eye to a disqualified duelist. All they'll care about is dealing with keeping the happy atmosphere." He laughed as he activated his Duel Disk. "Shouldn't take too long before it takes effect."
"You forget about her friends. What am I supposed to say when Masumi is no longer in the picture?" Sabrine got the duelist onto her back.
"Just lie to them as always. Julia Krystal needs this time to be reborn. Fill in the gap she would have. You were already working to replace her, weren't you?" Sabrine grumbled at the guy, clearly annoyed.
"Says the one who isn't dealing with Declan Akaba. He's already starting to get an idea of what's going on. At least on our end." He looked at her as she began to walk away. "If he finds us out, I'm expecting you to deal with him, Boss."
"He won't be a problem. Not when I've already gathered a strategy to handle his monsters. And they'll all know my name: Kaiser Obsidian."
"I don't know why the Professor sent us out here." A person groaned walking through the ruins of a city. "Just because a fire broke out in one of the training yards doesn't mean it was me."
"But you at the crime scene."
"I was just passing through."
"You had soot and ash on your uniform."
"It was because the wind sent that smoke my way."
"You had oil and matches on your person!"
The first person sighed, pulling down their hood and rolling her eyes. "Okay, so maybe I messed around with more materials than I should. That doesn't mean he had to send us out here for a recon mission! What did you even do to get assigned with me?"
The other person didn't reply, making Tanith grumble and walk on ahead. Trudging along she looked around at how dull the city and sky was. Devoid of life and color to a great degree. She dropped to a knee and rubbed the ground. Her finger gathered dust and dirt. To which Tanith blew it off and looked over the edge.
"As much as I have no problem with this invasion, couldn't they at least lightening things up a bit and not be a total drag." She folded her arms.
"I thought that was the point?"
"Yeah, but this is way too boring. Where's the sport of the hunt? Ugh, this is why I prefer babysitting duty." Something catches Tanith's eyes, seeing a small ragged group appear. "Oh? What's this?"
It was a small group with a leader emerging carrying water jugs from a building. Bright red clothes; she knew these were some rats scurrying about. Out of the main group, one of the red Resistance members stood out. The was a female Duelist with dark green hair tied into a high ponytail over her left shoulder. Seeing her made something in Tanith burn. The dullness of this world finally seemed to bring out life around this girl. As with the other female with long, dark purple hair. Something intrigued her about both of them.
She was determined to find out at any cost. Just before she jumped, everything suddenly was set on fire. The life around those two suddenly vanished as she bolted up. Burning flames rising up and darkening the sky. Smog consumed the fresh air and Tanith began to struggle to breathe. Looking down at her own arms, her expression became horrified.
And then…
And then…
Tanith jolted awake choking, nearly falling off her cot. Wheezing, Tanith shut her eyes and punched the ground. Flames erupting and dying down almost instantly as her breathing slowly slowed down. This didn't awaken her partner, but Ruby Carbuncle appeared. The Fairy monster leaped down as Tanith arms were shaking. Ruby saw her gloves dipped down and froze. The white-haired Duelist rolled them back up. Fist lifted from the ground, burn marks remained on the ground as she stood up. Only to collapse back onto the cot as Ruby jump to rest by her side. Somethin Tanith finally acknowledge.
"Hey…" Her raspy voice was complemented by a forced smile. "Sorry, Ruby."
The monster nuzzled into her gloved hand. Something that made the Duelist flinched slightly. It only lasted a few seconds before allowing the monster to curl up around her closed her eyes and gently smiled. The realm of sleep opened its gates once again.
Revision: 11/25/18
Added the last scene with Tanith at the end. Wanted to get another scene with her since I did change some of her backstory that has to do with her updated attire. Otherwise, the chapter is relatively the same.