All I could see was a red gem linked by a golden chain. It faded into darkness as other gems appeared. They were hidden by darkness but I could see the next one was orange. Before me, the darkness let out around the red. It shattering into pieces as two dragons cried out. A force repelling both as shards were shot toward me. Striking my chest and shunning me. Pure shock as seeing jagged points piercing my chest. I screamed.
A snapback in awareness, my eyes opened up to find myself standing alone. Settling down, I jittered where I stood taking short breaths. As the high slowly dropped, the realization struck me. Wait, I… My body felt like it was finally cooling off the strong heat it had collected. Not that I recollected any memory other than my racing heart. My bearings returned as I felt the cold wind pass by. Looking around, I didn't see the Duel continuing or my Duel Disk activated. Here I was standing away from Yuya and all three counterparts still alive. Not dead or dying; all well alive and breathing.
What did I just do?
The silence of the night greeted me as I finally shook the rest of it off. An awkward cough helped bring me back to reality somewhat.
"Oh! Yuya are you alright?" I wiped the sweat from my forehead as I swiftly ran back over to the male.
"I think I'll be fine. Was worried about you for a minute there." Yuya smiled; drained, but alive. "Not sure about what just happened or if Yuto or Yugo is okay."
"Yeah. Me neither. But how about you check up on Yuto and I'll handle Yugo. You and Yuto seem to be on a better page than Yugo." Over my shoulder, I saw the knocked down D-Wheel and Synchro duelist. "Then, how about we head over to my place? I'll try my best to explain sometimes. Without raising the stakes."
He nodded and I knew something was a bit weird. He lingered for way too long before heading to check on Yuto. Did something actually happen?
Who am I kidding? We have a bigger problem to handle. Or rather I need to handle alone.
Strolling over, I was expecting this guy to wake up all confused and not these glowing eyes anymore. Not sure about his personality at all; except for the whole Pawn of Fusion deal. Maybe joking around me would do? Eh, what could go wrong?
"Hello~ Wakey Wakey Yugo!" I joked as I close enough in range to the D-Wheel.
No response. Well, let's try again a bit closer.
"Yugo, hey." I was almost close enough to lean over and check him out; didn't want to invade his space after all.
Silence... Okay, maybe I should joke a bit more. Hopefully, he doesn't try and kill me.
"Yo, Pawn of Fusion! Get up!" I cupped my hands around my mouth for a makeshift megaphone.
That sure did it. Yugo screamed as he fell onto his back. I couldn't help but laugh as I offered him a hand.
"Sorry about that. Need some help?"
Well, I think that's enough chaos for one night," Lowell said once we all were in the middle. "I think we should retire for the night. We can own each other an explanation and whatnot tomorrow."
"Yeah, no kidding…" Yuto nodded.
"Right, then how about you and Yuto come to my place?" They both looked at her. "I have enough space on the couch for the both of you. Hell, I bet your D-Wheel can fit in the garage."
"You have a garage?" Yuya blinked twice.
"...Yes. Don't ask me what's inside of it; probably nothing. Besides," Eyes drifted towards the D-Wheel. "A D-Wheel's going to raise suspicion if we don't hide it away soon."
"Sounds good to me." They all seemed to come to an agreement.
"Okay, then we should get going home before LDS or whatever decides to crash the party." Lowell was the first to depart. "Later Yuya!"
Central Park, Miami City, 3rd P.O.V.
The two other counterparts left the park, leaving Yuya all alone. A hand still to his chest, Yuya watched as the trio vanished from sight. He had a smile on his face. A smile that suddenly vanished as his expression became completely void. Faint dark aura emitted and caused his vision of the world to grow dark. Somebody new was running into the scene. Behind Yuya, a familiar pink-hair duelist walked into the area.
"Yuya!" Yuzu called out his name.
Before her eyes, she watched as Yuya sudden collapsed onto the ground. Worry rushed through her bones as she sprinted over to his side. Calling out his name once again, she knelt over her friend and began shaking him.
"Yuya… What's wrong?" She cried out, shaking him some more. "What is going on? What happened?! Wake up, Yuya! Yuya!"
All the while, Yuya's Pendulum flickered with the dark energy from the dragon before. The dark misty energy seeking refugee inside before Yuzu could glance over.
Lowell's Apartment, Miami City, 1st P.O.V.
"Here you go. All on the house." I placed the plates of breakfast on the table. "You two better eat up now!"
Somehow, one way or another, I managed to get Yuto, Yugo and the D-Wheel into my apartment without arousing suspicion. They had both slept on the couch and didn't go at each other's throats. An act I was thankful to avoid waking up to. Not to mention they were out for a whole entire day already. Almost to the second day. In return, I knew I had to make breakfast earlier than usual. So, being the kind host hat I was, I surprised them with a free full-plate breakfast. Breakfast was swift and silent for the most part until I sat both of them on the couch. Yet I could have sworn something was off when they both crashed in my living room.
"Now since you both have a meal in your stomach," I began before glaring at Yugo to stay seating, "I have to inform you boys about a matter of things."
"And why should I listen to you?" Yugo was being rash again towards me"
"For the last time Yugo my name is Lowell! Stop calling me 'you' when we've clearly exchanged names," I calmed myself down after that, "Now back to the matter at hand… you two are going to be working together for now on."
"What?!" Both of them yelled, "I'm not working with him!"
"You're joking right?" Yuto added on.
"I've already established that you both own me your lives and this is what you give me? Haven't I already told you whatever business you have with your missing friends doesn't mean you go and kill someone with a similar face?" I was trying my best to keep calm.
"But he's the one who took Rin/Ruri away!" They turned to each other, "No I did not!"
I rubbed my temples as they went on and on. Why am I deal with children? Let alone what I could consider being freshmen boys? This is what I get for being a senior...
"Boys, haven't we already gone over that your stories don't match up at all?" My question made their bickering stop, "Let's do a quick recap on the hypothetical situation that a story is correct. First, let's go with your story Yugo. If Yuto did hop to your dimension to grab Rin, why would he do it if he was part of The Resistance battling Academia? Clearly, in a war-torn battle zone, he wouldn't have the time. Secondly, where would he manage to keep Rin while in that area? Got any answers?"
"Good, now let's go to Yuto's hypothetical situation. Now I can understand how Yuto would believe that Yugo over here managed to snag Ruri but I've got one question. Academia was invading and managed to only get one Synchro person on their side who rides a D-Wheel, so why didn't… I don't know… they get everyone to have D-Wheels and storm the Resistance base mounted? If you ask me if I had a Synchro duelist who won't use Fusion, why the hell wouldn't they get him to build D-Wheels to further the invasion?" I waited again until I decided they had nothing to respond with, "So I'll say this one more time: neither of you is the ones who took Ruri/Rin. That means you have no reason to hate each other. Right?"
Both boys gave each other a look before I cleared my throat. Slowly, they agreed and I was grateful that they at least listen to me. I just hope I could keep them under control until I can figure out what is going to happen next. Thing is though, both of them would have questions for me regarding circumstances and I guess until things die down for the second round…
"Right, now with that being said-!" I was cut off by my phone ringing. "One second."
I got up and grab my phone, currently charging and allowing me to lean against the wall. "Hello?"
"Lowell! Oh, thank goodness you picked up." I was a bit shocked by her Yuzu on the other end of the line.
"Yuzu? What's up?" Strange, why was she calling me at this time?
"I'm over at Yuya's house and he's telling me you have Yuto?!" I winced and pulled the phone away as she yelled. "Just what is going on here?!"
Right, I completely forgot about her. Well, she did deserve some explanation from Yuto as well…
"Yuya told you that? Guess he wasn't too good at keeping secrets. How about this? You head over to my place this afternoon with Yuya and you can meet Yuto yourself! We even have another person for you to meet. Sound good?"
Soon enough, both Yuya and Yuzu took time out of their day to join me at the apartment. Many things were discussed once they were behind closed doors. I greeted them at the door and locked it behind. Yuto and Yugo were in the living room and quite aware when the other two enters. Seeing Yugo call out Rin's name and getting slapped by Yuzu's fan was a treat. A quick moment of laughter before we got to business.
"Hold on, let me get this straight. There are four different dimensions: Fusion, Synchro, XYZ and the one we live in, Standard. Sora came from Fusion. Shun and Yuto came from XYZ. Yugo's from Synchro. And you're not from our dimension!?" Yuzu pointed at me as I leaned against a wall after we took the time to explain the basics of the situation. "And you didn't tell us!?"
"I can't just go around saying I'm from another dimension. Besides, you guys never directly asked me that question." I shrugged lightly.
"But still!" Yuzu was properly trying to pry me for answers; Yuya silently in agreement.
"Listen, I don't think it is of the utmost concern after hearing what Yuto and Yugo have told us. How about we shelve this for another time and move on?"
"...Moving on. Next, you guys tell me that Fusion and XYZ are at war and that's the reason why Shun and Sora fought so fiercely." Yuzu then turned to Yuto and Yuya.
"Their two dimensions are at war and in front of my very eyes, Sora fought against Yuto and disappeared," Yuya responded.
"Disappeared!?" She got even more befuddled.
"He was forcefully sent back to the Fusion Dimension," Yuto explained.
"After that Yugo appeared and got into a duel with Yuto." I continued on with the story. "Who Yuto called him the Pawn of Fusion, for some odd reason."
"I don't even use Fusion!" Yugo had his outburst. "I'm from Synchro!"
"Synchro… but I thought you said you only fought against Fusion!" The pink-haired girl swiftly turned to the XYZ User. "In order to save Ruri, who was captured by them!"
"It was a major misunderstanding which is thankfully ironed out. Thanks to me." I pointed both thumbs at myself. "So we don't have to fight over that."
"Ruri? Who's that?" Yuya asked a question.
"Ruri… she's apparently my lookalike." Yuzu replied before looking to me. "Do you know anything about Ruri?"
I shook my head after pausing for a bit. "I only know her name and that she's most likely your counterpart - XYZ counterpart to be exact. My knowledge of things ends after last night. Unless I somehow get more intel I'll be flying blind for any future event."
"How about you ask the guy who knew her?" Yugo motioned his thumb to Yuto.
"Yuto, who is Ruri?" Yuzu asked him, seizing the chance.
Yuto seemed to pause for a few seconds before responding. "Ruri is Shun's sister."
"Sister?!" I took in the revelation as well.
"That makes sense. And I'm guessing she's the younger sibling. Which would explain a lot of his actions." I spoke aloud to the group. "Though now that I think about it, is Rin Yuzu's Synchro lookalike?"
"Yeah, and she was kidnapped by some guy who looks like Yuto. That's why I've been looking for her!" Well, that would confirm one thing I was speculating… but it didn't raise the question as to why another person would look like another.
"Wait! I have a lookalike in your dimension!?" Yuzu turned to the Synchro User.
"Then that would mean, most likely, you two have a counterpart in Fusion as well." I expressed my thought and supposed confirmed theory. "And with what Yugo is testifying, then I suspect that they may be behind Ruri and Rin's kidnapping. For whatever reason."
"How did you come up with that idea?" Yuya asked as I sighed.
"I've… read some books with some similar concepts to what's going on…" I half-lied since I didn't want to bring up the show. Or even whatever Yuya was clearly wanting to ask me. Which he was strangely staying silent about. "And I'm only assuming this until we get the actual facts. So, for the time being… we've got a lot to work through."
Central Court, Miami City, 3rd P.O.V.
"Fuck off Sabrine." Kazama groaned, eyes finding the female's hand on his shoulder.
He slapped her hand off. An action that didn't phase the teenage as she continued to follow him. Nobody around them batted an eye. All distracted by the duels live on screen.
"What's the matter Kaza? You've got bags under your eyes." She pointed out the sign of exhaustion. "Didn't get enough sleep?"
"Don't you have a match in five minutes?" He scowled.
"Owch! You definitely woke up on the wrong side of the bed." Both duelists stopped when another person noticed the duo. "Yikes! Niles, you're not looking too good."
"Thanks for pointing out the obvious." He groaned as he walked over to them, blue eyes lacking the same luster. "Anything else you want to point out?"
Sabrine squinted her eyes, back and forth between them. Her eyes closed before she replied. "You both share the same eyes. What I'd expect from two brothers!"
Both guys acted strangely to her comment. Laughing it off, Kazama could only notice how genuine her laughter was. Maybe not for the right reason, but it gets her to wipe her eyes from how hard she laughing.
"Sorry! Your reactions were priceless!" Her grin barely moved while she stifling her laughter. "I'll leave you two be! Hopefully, we can duel sometime soon."
"Do you deal with her every day?" Niles inquired as she skipped off, leaving the two alone.
"...That's not even the worst of it. She barely gives me time by myself when not doing her job." Kazama ran a hand through his hair. "Dealing with her shit alongside with Reiji Akaba's shit is giving me a fucking bad time."
"Something happens last night?" Niles looked concern for the other.
"Yeah, some shit went down in Central Park with your girl. Got Reiji very intrigued about what occurred. Not to mention I've having to work with a new guy." Kazama showed Niles an image. "Shun Kurosaki."
Niles' expression became grim upon seeing the Raidraptor Duelist. "...Him?"
"Yeah, not exactly the most ideal sort of partner I have to bunk with." The image was put away by the Dinomist duelist. "Not after what kind of baggage both of you are holding."
"...You're telling me that he's working with you now?"
"I don't have a choice if it means saving our asses. Whatever beef between you and him will have to be put aside if they decide to show up. Now, if you'll excuse me." Kazama noted the ringtone of his phone going off. "I need to take a call."
The kick to the ground reverberated throughout his body. Niles was pissed off. Why was Shun back in the picture?! All this time, he was building a life away from his past. Away from the scars on his soul. Everything was finally falling into place in Miami City. Nobody knew about his darker side. He was able to start anew and create stronger friendships. Not like what happened that destroyed everything.
Lowell was his best example; she accepted and trusted him without many questions. Sure, she held her own secrets. That monster, Alastor, was the biggest one. He had his own. Yet they never crossed the line with concerns or curiosity. Some respect between them - at least to his eyes. Both of them were running away from something. Their interactions spoke volumes. Still, they were close friends now. Just two teenagers trying to make it by day by day.
"Niles!" His eyes widen, seeing Lowell running toward him carrying some bags.
"Lowell… what are you doing here?" He then noticed the strain the items were causing her. "Here, let me help you."
"Nono its fine Niles! You really don't have too." Her plea was denied as he grabbed a good deal of the bags.
"Geez Lowell! You're carrying way too much; what are you doing? Planning for a party?" A forced joke to lighten the mood, but then something caught his eyes.
There were bags under Lowell's eyes and he swore he could see the faint outline of the strange marking. The same one that happened during that one duel. On a second glance, he was surprised to see how much more exhausted even her voice sounded. As if something was draining her and causing her to act differently. Limbs shaking slightly and even her eyes lacking the same bright light as before.
"No, I've just been busy lately. Not everything is about dueling… but if you could walk them back over to my apartment complex's elevator, I'd really appreciate it!" He could tell she was exhausted, either by overworking stress or something even more.
She was hiding something; that much was obvious. Should he pry into her affairs? Niles was conflicted. Sure, he cared about her wellbeing, but…. There was another reason for his concern.
"Sure thing. You don't need me to carry them inside?" He offered the thought as they began to walk.
"No thanks! I'll be fine. Got some guests over and I need to provide. Being the host and all." Lowell's voice nearly returned to having the same energy as before. "You still got your matches to do and I can't burden you anymore that I have."
"But Lowell-!"
"I mean it!"
She began to walk faster than him, refusing to look at him. Niles knew he struck something off. Otherwise, she wouldn't act this way. Or strangely have her shadow flickering like an aura.
Streets, Miami City, 3rd P.O.V.
The second day of the Miami Championships was underway. While the event was taking up many stations of television, people still have real lives to deal with. Though thankfully, this made traffic a lot easier to manage if the business ignored the more condensed area. Monitors that were available were live streaming the current events. As a result, one such area broadcasted Hokuto's duel. Some of the passersby stopping to watch the XYZ summon being performed.
On the other side of the street, the three children of You Show were in a hurry. Tatsuya, Futoshi, and Ayu stood out from the rest. Parallel to that were two clearly hooded figures. Both who swiftly departed after the focus zoomed onto Hokuto's face. By pure chance, the young girl caught a glimpse of one of the hooded figures. Who she saw underneath made her stop following her friends.
"Ayu, what are you doing?" Ayu looked at her friends in pure confusion. "Hurry up!"
"But I just saw Yuzu over there…" She pointed over to where the hooded figures were. Only to find them both gone. "...huh?"
"There's no way she could be there!" Futoshi retorted.
"Everyone is already at Central Court," Tatsuya stated. "Keep dawdling and we'll leave you behind!"
"Wait!" She ran after her friends, not to get left behind.
Nearby, none of the children noticed the young lady leaning against the wall who overheard the conversation. It intrigued her, causing her to get and run in the direction of those two figures. In one hand was a tablet, which currently tracked two blinking dots.
"Well, well, well. Looks like the princess has made a daring escape with her prince charming." Her grin grew wider, focusing on her face. "Guess she wants to prove herself to her dear Daddy. Too bad for her! She's entered the dragon's lair and I'm all too keen on retaking the child. Hope your darling prince is ready for this."
Shutting it off, Tanith followed on after them. Making haste in her pursuit.
Central Court, Miami City, 1st P.O.V.
It was so exciting to be back in the stadium. With a lot off my chest, breathing and hanging out with Yuzu and Yuya felt easier. Seeing everyone brighten up my day. Duels were already underway and my heart raced with excitement. Today was going to be a good day. I felt it deep down inside that things would work out. I mean, I saved Yuto's life! How couldn't it be good?
Sitting down, the first match was strange indeed. Yaiba was dueling against this strange duelist.
Isao Kachidoki was his name and… I could only describe as brutal. Like, actual combat you'd use between life and death kind of brutal. Seriously?! I mean, sure this is different and a bit more interesting than the classic entertainment dueling. Only thing was… did violence to this degree really need to be out in public?
The duel ended with Yaiba lying motionless on the ground. Bits of bruising already forming on his skin. Oh god, was I seeing bits of red specs of blood as well!? My hands instinctively went to cover my mouth. Never did I expect a person like Isao to enter the picture. What made it worse was when the second round match-ups were announced, Yuya was set to duel that guy! Despite how we were feeling, I guess Yuya had gotten enough courage to put on a smile. He mumbled something about Yuto. Perhaps it was something they were talking about when I had to run to the grocery store after they decided to go through my fridge.
Either way, I couldn't help but feel things would go wrong. Oh, how I wish I could have spoken up to Yuya before he took those steps into the arena. Yuya and Isao's duel was even more brutal than I predicted. How could that be even legal? That could kill somebody! Then again, I guess he got he deserves with whatever happened next. I got scared, seeing just how Yuya was only surviving by the skin of his teeth. Even now, Yuya was just living with 100 Life Points. How could he manage to win this!? Hands clasped, I was praying for a miracle for him to win. There has to be some way to beat this guy. Then, I'd never had to see his face again. Please, Yuya… you can't lose now!
Central Court, Miami City, 3rd P.O.V.
"Well, that wasn't part of the plan." Sabrine looked over to Kaiser, another duel taking place as both decided to get out of the crowd. "We expected Yuya to win, sure, but not after whatever stunt he pulled off with… that thing."
Kaiser didn't bother looking up to the girl. He was busy shuffling cards before pulling one out from his deck. What was occurring was pretty obvious for him. That was low on his schedule of attention. Spinning the card, he just mindlessly went on with his activity as Sabrine continued.
"Do you not understand what this could mean for us!? We are staking this invasion on the Berserk State as cover. Now, what are we supposed to do? That was never meant to happen!" Sabrine was pacing back and forth.
"Relax Sabrine. This changes nothing in the plan." He waved his hand, only for the female to clench her hand around his own.
"Our harvesting relies on this invasion working out. But if we don't have one of the sources, we're going to come up as underperforming. I rather not end up being any position lower than I am now. How can you act so calm when our lives are at stake?!" Sabrine pushed him away as she went to lean over a railing. "...I swear if this gets out… we're both dead."
Kaiser stood up from his leaning position and strolled over to Sabrine. A light nudged to her shoulder and handing her a card.
"We won't die Sabrine. Ain't that stupid. I'd got plans to get things back onto track." Sabrine took the card from his hand. "This will ensure your part of the plan goes as intended. All I need for you to get me those other two once they are off the chopping block. They're full of resources and potential. Before they get spoiled."
"...You sure you want to do this before Serena arrives?" She looked down at the Spell Card before back at him.
"Doesn't matter to me. All I need from an informant spy like yourself to get what your superior needs. I can handle any outliers and the new girl. After all, she's got the thing we need to ensure our victory."
?, ?, 3rd(?) P.O.V.
"Hey XXXX, have you ever had a moment where you just thought… 'so what?'" She asked him, looking out the window of a VIP Suite in the arena. Seeing two Duelists in the midst of a heated match.
The male lifted his head in pure confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Like… if I were to tell you that if everything these people would be for nothing… how would you react?" She continued to watch the match. "Like if everything was predetermined and nothing anyone does could change it. Would you still fight to change it? Try and prove whatever force above that destiny and futures can be changed?"
"Why are asking silly questions like that?" He got up and walked over, a hand on her shoulder. "Nothing is ever set into stone. I mean, think about it; wouldn't that mean you wouldn't even be here if you didn't make that choice to be my friend when we first meant?"
"XXXX, that's not it." She brushed his shoulder off and walked away.
"What other things could your question be asking?"
"Could you…" She hesitated before releasing a breath. "Never mind. Why I am I even asking this to you? Not like your opinion matters anymore. Nobody can avoid what has been determined as canon."
"Hey !a." He was too late as she stormed out of the room, slamming it shut behind her.
Revision: 11/29/18
Changed a bit of the beginning and minor edits to another portion. Otherwise, nothing else majorly changed for this chapter.
Exposition the chapter using Yuzu was fun to write; it gives Lowell a nice excuse to be with Yuya and Yuzu with the added bonus of Yuto and Yugo. Plus with Yuya only be out for a few hours instead of two days gives the group a chance to interact. Or, as I like to call this: Exposition the chapter! The last part of the chapter would have been the beginning to the next, but I felt it was more fitting to include it in this chapter.
Though next time - and no surprises here - we'll be seeing Serena enter the picture with Tanith joining to stir the pot. An Alluring Light is referencing both girls - as Serena has the Moon and Tanith has Fire. And as for whatever else has befallen the main group, that will be for another time. Next chapter is already pre-written but I'm still going through edits and deciding whether or not o split that into two seperate parts.
Due to a Fanfiction Bug from a while ago, I'm unsure and not entirely able to account for everyone who has followed/favorited this story. So if I missed you; I am sorry. For the ones I was able to find, I'd like to thank Nonexistence Existence and KnightMadDragon for the follow and favorite! Onto our main review:
Diabolic Tracer - While I do know how Yuya's Pendulum Effect worked and how Judgemental Light couldn't have been negated, I'd like to remind you and everyone that Lowell's not exactly thinking clearly as she should during the duel. After all, I never did say she was the best duelist when it comes to being under pressure.
As for Yuto, I do have plans more than him being a Duel Ghosty for the time being. Who knows if he'll return to being the same old Duel Ghost but I've got plans for him. I may be a fan of his, but I'm not just keeping him alive and then doing nothing with that change.
That should be all, but I can't help but feel a bit sad I've only got Tracer leaving me some feedback. But, I won't complain; I take what I can get. A quick fun little question I'd like to ask everyone that may or may not affect the future - what do you think are the repercussions of Lowell's action?
Either way, I'll see everyone when the Pendulum sways once again!