Episode 19: Royal Rumble Begins
Lowell's Apartment, Miami City, 1st P.O.V
"So, you've been in contact with Shun?" I asked Yuto while sitting in the living room.
"On and off. And I've heard he's with LDS right now." The XYZ duelist replied. "You were right on one thing; things have gotten very complicated."
"Are you sure this isn't some plot by Academia?" Yugo had his legs kicked up on the coffee table.
"I'm pretty sure Academia wouldn't go after Yuya. Not after what we were discussing last time." I disagreed with that idea. "Kidnapping Yuya out of nowhere breaks that pattern."
"This sure sounds like it." I rolled my eyes at Yugo's remark.
"I'm not assuming that it is Academia. At least not yet." I took a deep breath in to gather my thoughts. "But if we can't find any other reasons, then we can go with the fact Academia did this."
Just then, my phone began to ring, so I excused myself to answer the call. On the other end, I saw the caller ID and clicked the green button.
"Hey, Niles. Tell me you have some good news." My body leaned against the wall.
"Sorry. None of us have even a slight idea where Yuya is." He sounded completely exhausted.
"I haven't found any clues on my own. Too late to look tonight." I tapped my foot. "I can make some time for looking for Yuya tomorrow."
"Yeah, no kidding. I had to almost duel Yuzu to get her to go home. Everyone is really worried about his sudden disappearance." He made some sense. "Honestly, I wish I could assist you tomorrow."
"I know. Just, go help Yuzu and Noboru enjoy the Championships. I can deal with tracking down Yuya." I got a confirmation and thus hung up.
"Who called you?" Yugo asked as I returned to sitting in the living room.
"A friend of mine. Niles was just giving me an update." I replied instantly before focusing on the television.
"Tomorrow, we'll finally have our match to determine the top 8." Pictures of all the Duelists appeared, each one I quickly had assumptions to follow tropes of Yugioh and their tournaments.
Hikage and Tsukikage were both dressed like ninjas. Not very likely to make it out. Same went for Umesugi and Takeda; the latter looking weirdly like Mickey Mouse… don't think that was the designer's point. Tairyobata was totally out of the picture. I know how Yugioh is with those sort of characters. Hali had… an Aladdin design? Ugh, why am I seeing Disney in some of these guys? Either way, next was Dennis and he looked alright. Believable in a world where lives are determined by a children's card game. Olga was pretty neat to look at… until Frozen came to my mine; thanks Yugioh for reminding me about Disney again. Next came Carl, Ashley, and Bram: Knights of the Round Table, anyone? Oh! Chef boy made it as well; cool to see him back.
Lastly came those familiar faces I've grown attached to. Yuzu and Niles representing You Show Duel School. Noboru representing his Steadfast Dueling style proudly. Isao also showed up - making me scowl. Then there was Shun, Sabrine and… Kazama.
My eyes narrowed seeing his face appear on the screen. Something didn't feel right with this guy. Even after that one time, I couldn't trust him. He was hiding something. As to what, I was unsure of. No matter what, I knew something was bound to happen at this event. Exactly what? Not entirely sure.
I can't speak to Alastor just yet with these boys awake. Not without looking crazy. Tomorrow, we can speak and I can get answers. Maybe then I can understand what is truly going on in this world.
Central, Miami City, 3rd P.O.V
Sabrine took in a deep breath, walking around the arena with a smile upon her face. Pull up the facade once again. Soon she could ditch the act entirely; just go back to who she was meant to be. Enough of playing by the rules; soon she'll be one of the strongest duelists to ever live. Kaiser would be there to help in the effort. He would just remain apart of the other group and betray them soon enough. And, she had the backup waiting at a moment's notice. Things should go well. It had to work.
So there she was, staying beside Kazama. Waiting for the event to begin and then to starting the mission. Didn't matter where Shun was; he would be eliminated swiftly unless he showed more potential. As long as things went to plan, Sabrine would still keep waving and smiling for all who were blinded. Just long enough to drag them down. Watch them burn. The Battle Royale concept wasn't a surprise at all; after all, they knew exactly what would transpire and worked around it.
The plan as fairly simple. Sabrine would lead her group to wipe out the Academia invaders and wipe out the Standard Duelists. Capturing at least Yuzu and Yuya for Dimension Zero; the rest didn't matter one bit. Kaiser had his team infiltrate LDS and go after Reiji Akaba. That way, both fronts would break Standard into submission. Academia wouldn't send full forces unless it was to get Serena. A simple thing to fix by capturing both Yuzu and Serena and holding them at ransom. A perfect plan to test out new technology and the duelists of Standard. Perfection.
LDS would have the eight going out after the Academia; those of which would be easily taken out by Dimension Zero. Nobody stood a chance. It was just how she liked it.
Kazama stood onward in front of the crowd. Act natural was his only thought bouncing in his head. Not after what had been briefed to him that very morning.
"...Can you repeat that again?" The Dinomist Duelist acquired facing both Reiji and Himika Akaba.
"You heard what we said. We need you to participate in the Battle Royale and act like all the others participants." Himika explained. "It would cause quite a stir if a lack is LDS duelists is noticeable."
"Not just that, but I need you to exposure other Vestige if they appear." Reiji continued onward. "I already have Shun Kurosaki looking for those of the Junior Youth that would be a benefit to the Lancers. As much promise as he shows, it would be more suitable for you to duel Vestige instead of the others. They would be underprepared. I trust no one else but you for this task. For the sake of our relationship and this world, it has to be you."
"Trying to kill by overworking yourself?" Kazama grumbled under his breath as the rules were being explained. "Totally worth the time."
He knew something involving Dimension Zero would be at this event. They wouldn't skip such a potent event such as this. Perfect cover. Perfect timing. All were in their favor. He had to be waver of this next couple of hours. It could go to shit within a second. Kazama knew he needed to be prepared. Same went with Niles; they would be in a world of trouble if anyone from Dimension Zero decided to invade. Sabrine was a loose end; he couldn't tell if she was just spying or a prelude to the madness to come.
The Action Cards dispersing, he did as told and started to run on in the crowd of the others. Battle Royale has begun; he had to play along before taking the chance to expose those like Sabrine for who they truly were. If she saw the sign, it was a go. If Kaiser gave her the signal to start early then she would. It had to be this way; for the glory of Dimension Zero. And he'd have to fight them all. Because that's just the way the world works.
Central Court, Miami City, 1st P.O.V
"Volcanoes, Icebergs, Jungle, and Ancient Ruins. Four completely different stages." I observed the stages. "Not a bad selection."
"Say Lowell, are you excited?" Tatsuya asked me as we were sitting down to watch the show.
"Of course I am! This should be a heart-racing experience." I tried to emote how pumped I was.
Not long after duels started to come in from around the place. Noboru was facing off against the Elsa - I mean Olga, person. Then it was quite troublesome in keeping up with all three duels. Each one was taking up a portion of the stadium's attention. Noboru's duel was only starting; it can be checked later. Therefore, after seeing Yuzu ending her turn, attention for me went to -! Hey!? Where is he?
"Geez, where could Niles be?" I asked, looking at the screens. "I want to see him Duel."
"I think I saw him in the Ancient Ruins area." Ayu pointed to the respective monitor. "He just needs to get one more Pendulum card."
Nodding, I turned my attention back to the ongoing duels. "He better get dueling soon; I'd like to see him use those cards."
Ancient Ruins, Miami City, 3rd P.O.V
"Battle Royale's going on, as usual, isn't it?" Niles asked himself as he walked around. "And where is this damned second Pendulum Card? I swear I've looked everywhere!"
Currently, the spiked red and brown-haired male was walking around the massive stone structures. Though today, he decided to change his regular old-ass outfit for something a bit more his speed. He was dressed to impress the audience. So, the clothing was still casual yet easily more former than anything he chooses to normal wear. A jean jacket with a ripped design along the shoulders which he wears over a long-sleeved grey shirt. Brown pants with two belts, one of which has a Deck box attached finished off the outfit with the grey boots. A small detail was the black fingerless glove on his right hand.
Sticking out between cracks, blue irises finally latched onto the card. A sigh of relief from Niles led him to run over and snatched the card. Now that he had two there was no need to keep ignoring Duelists. He could finally battle. Though, he did quickly notice he wasn't alone. Eyes scanning the horizon, the figure revealed himself.
"Kazama. Fancy seeing you here." Niles hissed at the other duelist.
"Same to you. I see you finally got yourself a Pendulum card. Now you've finally earned your right to Duel!" He pointed at the card in hand.
"I'm guessing you got two cards yourself?" Niles saw Kazama reveal his own pair. "Not surprised in the slightest. So, why are you here? To duel me?"
"Nah. I really have nothing to gain from dueling you at the moment." Kazama then turned to look over the ledge. "Oh, looks like Shun's starting to duel two people."
"Not surprising in the slightest for me." Niles scowled before looking away.
"Though, I need to warn you about something. I believe that this event is going to be a perfect cover for when they strike." He warned the other Duelist. "Be on your guard. I can only do so much to protect enough people. You Show will be yours to protect."
Niles paused, slowly nodded. "Thanks for the forewarning. I thought Cyberdark Prototype was acting strangely."
"It hasn't been the only one. Just, don't get reckless or else you may end up with the condition again." Kazama jumped to the lower level and departed.
Unbeknownst to Niles, Shun Kurosaki watched as he left. Tension lingering between both Duelists. Shun returned to the duel but had Niles as his target. Mission be damned.
"Now, isn't this a treat? Hey, check it out." Tanith moved to the television so her partner could watch. "This Miami Championship is having a Battle Royale in the whole city. Pretty cool, right?"
"A perfect death trap for when they decide to invade." Her happy expression vanished, hearing her ally respond so dully.
"Come on! Lighten up a bit. I even got this so you could have something and not be stuck in this stuffy little place. Don't you think so Pharaoh!" She grabbed the cat and held him out in my her arms.
The cat meows loudly before trying to swipe at her necklace. An action that led her into dropping the feline to rest on her partner's lap.
"Fine! Have it your way; next time for food you're not getting any tuna from me." She folded her arms before taking a seat. "I need to kick back and relax for some entertainment that isn't risking our backs to afford. Plus, it gives our monsters a break from battle."
"I guess you're right. It will be nice to have a break without worrying about the future." She turned and smiled at her partner as the four areas were being revealed.
"Today, we can focus on the two of us having a nice day. No dueling, no responsibilities other than toward our self-care." Tanith lifted up a mug filled with coffee. "Just between us, don't you agree?"
As the two laughed, Ruby Carbuncle appeared mewing slightly. The Duel Spirited watched the screen until hearing something outside. Neither person inside was aware of the noise. So, the monster took a chance and left in order to pursue the one who or what made the sound. The Duel Spirit was greeted with seeing an Action Field right outside. Causing it to run back inside and onto Tanith's shoulder. Mewing and scratching her cheek.
"Ruby, not now. Can't you see how we're having a relaxing day today?" She waved the spirit away just as a monster protected Yuya. "Oh! Looks like something interesting is happening."
The monster submitted, jumping back down onto the ground. Pharaoh continued to sleep through all the noise. Scurrying outside, the monster looked around the burning volcanic Action Field. Ruby watched Dennis turn pass to Yuya Sakaki. Intently watching, Ruby's tail began to glow. It wasn't visible on the screen or those in the area. Yet, Ruby turned another way and began running off.
Central Court, Miami City, 1st P.O.V
"Well, I think that's enough of watching from the stadium. I need to check on Yuto and Yugo. Hopefully, they haven't burned my place down." I was just exiting the area, getting my phone out to see if traffic was bad.
Both Yugo and Yuto decided to lay back and hide out at my place. A thing I wasn't entirely okay with. Then again, it didn't matter. They weren't in the public eye and I was glad I haven't been contacted or seen a headline with them at the forefront. It was right after being on television did I ditch the seats. Everyone seemed to understand a bit. After I lied about chores and other things. Told them that I'd be back later.
"How blissfully ignorant are they to be entertained by this sort of act." I jumped to my left, hearing Alastor's voice creeping up.
"Alastor!" I gritted my teeth. "What are you doing?!"
Oh right, I nearly forgot Alastor was still here. I guess nobody would mind if I spoke with a Duel Spirit. Phone against my ear made a perfect disguise. Made it easier than looking at a transparent serpentine Duel Spirit.
"You appeared tense in regards to those boys. Not exactly the behavior I'd imagine from one that subdued the darkness into their souls." I saw his eyes up above.
"Well, sorry," I responded, quickly waving at somebody passing by to act somewhat natural. "They are my responsibility."
"Are they really? You have no claim over their lives." He slithered on ahead. "They don't know you. They hold no true benefit in keeping them alive. All you do is risk death."
"But they are. I am responsible for Yuto and Yugo. They are stuck here because of my actions. Otherwise, Yugo would be home and Yuto would have been dead. My responsibility. I may be unaware of exactly what is the future of this series, but I have to try my best." Explaining my situation, I turned a corner. "I made my choice; now I have to live with it."
I stopped at a corner, one where everything seemed currently empty. Then, I put my phone away and turned to the Duel Spirit.
"You know, you still haven't answered my question. Why are you here?" I folded my arms, watching those four eyes looking down at me.
His slitted-pupils met my own. "I came of my own accord after contemplating your offer. My master may be in grave danger and hasn't returned. Time cannot afford me to continue hiding in my realm. So, I followed you out and have observed your actions. Very amateur."
"Thanks for pointing out the obvious." I was sarcastic.
"An oddity you are. Still, you did say you'd assist me in locating my master. I hope you hold up your end of the bargain." He lowered his head down to my level; having a Duel Spirit that is vastly larger than yourself was a bit intimidating. "Or else."
"I know… but right now I need to make sure those boys are alright. Then I can help look for your owner." I saw him vanish from sight.
Not before saying one last thing. "Let us hope so."