Disclaimer: I don't own YGO 5Ds
Why is it so bright?" I grumbled, shifting around before opening my eyes to find myself in a bed I did not recognize. My older consciousness immediately went into red alert. What happened last night? Where are my wallets, keys and cellphone? I had heard stories about getting drunk, thinking you went to bed with a prince, and waking up with a dirty (and possibly diseased) toad, but it had never happened to me.
I patted myself down to look for... I pa-... I...
I let me head drop back into the pillow with a heavy sigh, staring aimlessly at the white hospital ceiling. The room was clearly designed for only one patient. Aside from my bed, the room was filled with weird medical-looking machines that we could neither afford nor operate, along with a couple of framed pictures and vases as a futile attempt to bring some life into the room. I could hear whispers outside my door, though it's too quiet for me to tell the contents or speakers.
Maybe if I stayed quietly enough, I'd just have just enough time for a quick mental breakdown before everybody rush in again. I've been putting it off for a while.
My movements must have made too much noise and attracted some unwanted attention, my door opened with a tiny squeak as Galen poked his head in carefully.
Damn it, too late. Next time, I promised myself, the next time I get some time to myself, I can do whatever I want.
I quickly put on a smile as I turned towards the door, "Since we're both alive, I take it the world was saved?"
"...Uh, yeah." He stuttered, clearly not expecting the question, "Ruler of the Netherworld disappeared after Chaos... I mean, it's gone now."
For now. I still remember Crimson Dragon's warning, that the Ruler of the Netherworld must be completely destroyed through non-dueling means in the Battle of Light and Darkness to prevent the next catastrophe. I'm not too concerned about it, mostly because there wouldn't be a perpetual Battle between Light and Darkness for much longer, I expect it to be soon replaced by one between the Mortal and the Gods (/duel monsters?).
"What about Neo Domino?" I asked again.
"Ara had taken over the management and I took over the military. We made Mina the temporary Security Director, do you think we should have picked Lazar?" Galen looked a little concerned.
Lazar is naturally second-in-line during Rex Goodwin's absence, though Mina does seem much less... villainous. Given Lazar was the temporary director in the anime, it's impossible to tell if the change was for the better at this point.
"How long has it been?" I ignored more heads poking through the door, I'm much more interested in information at the moment.
If you think about it from the standpoint of a neutral bystander, we're the local militant group from the slums that took over a neighboring metropolis... So information on reactions of national, maybe even international (since we have the Momentum) economical and political powers are going to be crucial for our continued survival, apocalypse or not.
"A day and a half since you passed out," Galen supplied, then added, "You're still in the Satellite, We moved the hospital equipment and doctors here, you'll be safer here."
"And the rest of the resources?" I prompted skeptically.
"On their way!" Galen replied cheerfully, "It may take a while, but we'll get it all to Satellite soon!"
A day and a half and they pull this on me. This is why I never get time for a mental breakdown!
"Do you see how that's not a good idea now that we also govern Neo Domino?" I asked rhetorically. Of course they didn't. Well, the Goodwins probably did, but neither of them are in a position to say anything. Ara might have too, but she's governing Neo Domino, she had to be careful to avoid looking like her opinions come from a conflict of interest.
Galen looked back blankly with those large watery brown eyes that remind me that he's only 17 years old. My fault really for relying on under-educated teenagers for complex policy decisions.
"We don't want to look like we're just pillaging Neo Domino," I explained, "Because we actually want to stay and govern the place."
Neo Domino has an educated population, a stable, structured economy, and significant influence globally. All of which are crucial to preventing comical anime powers from destroying the world.
"So... I'll tell everybody to stop then?" Galen asked hesitantly.
"I'll do it," I turned towards the door, where Yusei, Akiza and Jack were waiting. A part of me was disappointed that the other members of my team weren't here, another part was very proud, since they clearly had better things to do. "Guys, com'on in."
I sat up in bed. I tried to sit up in bed, instead toppling to my left, my body not yet used to having only one arm to support itself. Galen quickly grabbed me before I fell over and helped me up in the bed. They really need larger beds for hospital rooms. I smiled again at my guests, by the look on their faces, it must not have been very convincing. Yusei looked like he was about to cry.
I really hope he doesn't, I don't think I'm in the mood to comfort somebody else right now.
"Yusei, can you speak to the Goodwin brothers and find out what they think we should do?" I said after the necessary greetings and the frankly insufferable way they're tiptoeing around my recent injury. I kept it very vague because frankly, I have no idea. I mean I have some inklings of how to run a city in a time of crisis, with like... security and like public relations and... political... stuff. The point is, I'm as new to all of this as the rest of them. "If you think it's the right thing to do, let Felice know and you can do it with Roman."
Hopefully Yusei's all powerfull main character powers will save us.
"Sure thing." Yusei did his best to avoid looking at where my left arm used to be.
"Akiza, can you track down Sayer?" I moved on to the redhead, "I don't want to force this on you, but you're really the only person we have with psychic powers right now. We're not trying to hurt him, just to keep an eye on him to make sure he's not planning anyway."
A grey zone as a private corporation, definitely legal now that we're the government. Yay!
"O-of course," Akiza smiled weakly. The visible strands of power that whirred around her suggested that she too, was on the verge on a breakdown,"Yuki, are you sure you're okay?"
"I will be." I tactfully (I thought) avoided the question with a change in verb tense, somehow that doesn't feel like the first time I answered this question in this way, "Anyway, if you have time, could you track down the other psychic duelists too? I think Blizzard can help you there."
"Thanks guys," I smiled again. I'm getting much better at this.
"Wait, that's it?" Jack protested, "What about me? What do you want me to do?"
Get out of the way? What's Jack good for anyway? Honestly. At least he's staring at my face instead of my lost arm now.
"Go with Galen?" I suggested. Galen stuck out his tongue in protest (... yeah, we're still counting on him for security, I don't have better options), "You can duel any local gangs who are causing any unrest in Neo Domino or Satellite. I'll let you temporarily recruit these guys too, if you think it's necessary."
"Unrest?" Jack repeated as though the word left a bad taste on his tongue, "That's what the Sector used to call us when we hang around. What do you have in mind?"
"I trust your judgement," I replied with a more sincere grin this time, remembering just in time to stop myself from shrugging- Akiza definitely doesn't need to see that, "Just keep in mind, if you get it wrong, you'll be arresting innocent citizens or letting criminals go free therefore risking innocent lives in the Satellite as well."
"You can count on Jack Atlas!" Jack looked a little overwhelmed, but no less determined.
"When you're unsure, I'd lean towards the former," I said, only half joking.
Galen handed me my stack of PDAs with our newest information and communications before he left. I need to stay up to date on what Yliaster, Z-One, Kaiba Corp, Industrial Illusions, the federal government and other countries are planning to do to our new territory. I wonder if that organization created by that long green haired guy from the first series still exists, or if the Seven Shadow Riders (?), Seven Barian Emperors etc has been created, or are still around. There are probably a bunch of other companies too, given that every antihero in the series seems to have the backing of some international corporation.
"Master Yuki, may I come in," a deep unfamiliar voice came from just behind the door. I looked down to check, I was changed into white pajamas that were a little short for me, probably Luna's, but I was still decently covered.
"Roman? Come in," I swung my legs off the edge of the bed shakily, getting used to my body again while recovering from what felt like the worst hangover of all time.
"It's me," Rex Goodwin came in, dress in a suit that clearly used to belong to Roman.
"Oh. It's you." I shook my head a little to clear it, only leading to a worse headache, "what are you doing here?"
"I await your judgement, Master Yuki," Rex Goodwin bowed.
"Judge-, right, 'cause last- two nights ago. " I nodded to assure myself, my memories of the last week had become fuzzy, hopefully nothing a little sleep won't fix. I looked at Goodwin through blurry eyes, frowning thoughtfully. Now that the magic of the previous week had faded, we were brought back into the brutalities of reality. And I was acutely aware of the reality of our situations.
Rex Goodwin had been put on leave but technically, he remains the director of Neo Domino City, while we remain the miscreants of the Satellite. Of course, we would have our own city soon (hopefully), but this is our most vulnerable, when other corporate and government interests would be on us like a bloodhound. If the younger Goodwin were to somehow make a public appearance or even announcement, he could reinstate himself as the Director and us as the outlaws.
'Maybe I could kill him,' I mused not for the first or last time, 'nobody has to know. He could be a real problem if he wanted to be, and we can't afford any more problems right now.'
"Where's Roman?" I questioned.
"Roman had left with Yusei Fudo as you requested," Rex Goodwin said carefully, waiting for the question he knew would come. This habit of his is getting really irritating.
"And what made you think coming here to see me now is a good idea?" A part of me was genuinely curious, another, much larger part just wanted to go back to bed.
Rex sat down on his knees in front of the bed, "I had hoped we might speak before you proceeded with your," his lips curled in disdain, "administration."
I guess this Rex wasn't dangerous anymore, not if Yusei would leave me alone with him. I nudge him with my foot, urging him to sit further. It's not fair that I still have to look up to him when I'm sitting on the bed, and it's at least partly his fault for screwing up the Satellite leading to my obvious malnutrition. Also my arm, but this being short thing bothers me almost as much.
"Continue." I prompted. If there's one person around me who knowing about governments, it would be Rex Goodwin.
Actually, Rex is probably the only person around who knows anything about governments.
"I fear the Zephyrs are not yet suited for political government, much less further expansion past Neo Domino." Rex Goodwin complied readily, "Though your team is undoubtedly capable, I fear neighboring nation states would soon recognized your international ambitions before they can be realized."
I mentally translated it in my head: If the Zephyrs go beyond Neo Domino, other countries are going to realize that we're trying to take over the world and therefore screw us over. It sounded much nicer the way he said it, if only he didn't just imply that I was trying to take over the world.
"Can't you just talk normally?" I instructed impatiently.
"To either side of the ocean lies powers beyond our reach," Rex began, then corrected himself, somewhat. "I'm concerned we be able expand very far before economic and possibly military sanctions are expected."
"I'm still not trying to take over the world," I grumbled halfheartedly. Over the past couple of months, I'd gone from 'I'm not an anime villain and I don't want to rule the world!' to 'How can you even suggest this?', to 'whatever, I give up trying to explain myself.'
But, since Rex Goodwin was obviously going to be very useful in the near future, I figured I'd at least make an attempt. The real problem is, even if I convince Goodwin, the people who'll end up placing the aforementioned sanctions won't hear my argument.
"I can see that" Rex replied sincerely. Either he was honest or he was a very accomplished liar. It's really a 50:50. Okay, maybe like 40:60, considering this was Rex Goodwin we're talking about. No less than 20:80 definitely.
My expression must have given me away, for he continued to explain.
"You're not trying to take political control," the impeccably-dressed man elaborated, "you're trying to follow Kaiba Corp's example."
"Yes!" I exclaimed, way more excited than I should've been. Why didn't I think of that comparison? It would've made explaining things so much easier.
"It was evident through your various projects and communications, though I'm afraid the idea might not come to fruition exactly as we anticipate," Goodwin didn't miss the chance to rain on my parade. But I'll give him a shot. He's new so he's clearly trying to impress the boss (me, muahahahaaa) and make a name for himself.
Although... It wouldn't be too hard for him to take me hostage and use me to escape the Satellite for Neo Domino, then he could resume being Director and there's really nothing we can do to him. We can't publicly kill the Director of one of the largest cities in the country and take over, that would be declaring war on the entire country.
I mentally added another note to my list of reasons to kill Rex Goodwin.
"Kaiba Corp rose through arms deals in the Second World War, during which it was nothing more than another company with close ties to the government. The company really flourished and gained the influences it now possesses." Goodwin continued, oblivious "at a time of international peace and political stability. Though the company stayed strong during the last two wars, it was only due to the foundations set by Seto Kaiba."
"We don't have the time or the political climate to grow globally," Goodwin said solemnly, "as trade barriers reach an all-time high and local factions act both the sheriff and bandit. Demilitarization to increase commercial profits, like Kaiba Corp's initial decision, would be unwise at this time."
Who's talking about demilitarization?
That would involve first militarizing (is that even a word?), which we obviously cannot afford to do. Forget the cost of equipment, we don't even have the resources yet to keep several thousand people on stand-by, just training for battle/war, which is really the minimum requirement of a military. I like to call our security guards a 'military', but really it has like 500 people right now, which is like at most a battalion.
"What do you propose then?" I said lazily. Of course everything Rex Goodwin said would have to be taken with a bucket of salt, but it can't hurt to hear from the man who turned Domino from the post-Zero Reverse wasteland to the largest city on the east coast.
"It is in your best interest to establish yourself as a political coalition or at least a sect, separate yourself from the federal government politically and economically. With the Momentum in your possession, there would be no Tokyo to worry about in another three years." Rex Goodwin leaned a little closer from his position on the floor, ambition shining in his grey eyes.
"So you don't think I want to take over the world," I rolled my eyes, I should've known, "you just think that I should."
"Only for practical purposes of course. This would give us much more leverage, for your plans, or against any actions taken against you." Goodwin corrected pointed out, "To harness the powers of a nation, it would make your goals much easier to accomplish, whatever they may be."
I had to concede that point to him. To have the back of an actual country might be useful in certain situations. For example, it might have prevented our recent inflation crisis. (Or not, because countries can have rampant inflation too. I really don't understand it yet).
"We'll start infiltration into Tokyo," I grudgingly consented, "getting on the good side of a couple of useful politicians." ... Useful politicians... Oxymoron if I ever heard one.
"An excellent idea of course," Rex Goodwin leaned in a little closer, "but it only addresses some of the issues, whereas becoming an independent political entity would resolve all of those issues."
"Just cross that option off," I replied, chuckling, "it's not going to happen." Seeing his confusion, I elaborated, "I have no intentions of starting a government. As a government, I suddenly become responsible for the wellbeing of the people who used to just work for me. I have to be fair, and provide opportunities. Charity suddenly becomes a responsibility, and life in general becomes so much harder."
"It is possible that you have misconstrued the concept of a dictatorship," Rex Goodwin said so carefully that I had to laugh.
"I can't start a dictatorship," I scratched my head trying to explain, "it's so passé, don't you think?"
Rex looks confused, but didn't push the argument further.
Maybe a government wouldn't be the worst idea in the long run, I admitted to myself. Maybe even taking over the world wouldn't be the worst idea, seeing that a world in my control would be much less likely to be taken over by other people who inevitably wants to destroy it.
Not that I would tell Rex this. I still don't understand why he's on my side at all. I trust him about as much as I can throw him with my non-existent left arm.
Two days ago:
"Don't act so dense big brother," Rex Goodwin slurred as he crawled out the ruins of his own making, the wounds on his face hurting with every word"it's beneath you."
"Fine," Roman relented, he knew he would, and he knew that Rex knew that also. Little brothers are so frequently so annoying. "I want you to surrender Rex. I need you to surrender! Don't you see, it's the only chance you have."
"And what?" the younger Goodwin demanded, speaking just loud enough the rest of Zephyrs could hear him, distracted as they were by the unconscious Yuki Tono, "to serve a half-demented teenager who honestly thinks she would fix up the world? We've done that with Fudo, remember?" He paused to correct himself, "of course, he wasn't a teenager then, even if that's hard to remember that some times."
"We thought we could change the world, Rex," Roman reminisced over their time under Professor Fudo, "We thought we could create a limitless power source and change the fate of humanity. Have you really given up on that?"
"I never give up on anything," Rex replied coldly, "I was doing exactly that when you stopped me."
"By destroying the entire human population and starting afresh?" Roman scoffed, "sentient life forms aren't puzzle pieces for you to play with, Rex. You're better than that."
"Then I'm certainly better than begging for mercies from a satellite." Rex Goodwin blurted out, he regretted his words when he saw the pained grimace on Roman's face and softened his tone slightly. "Why exactly do you want me to assist her so badly? I can't imagine anything I do that you can't do instead."
"I don't want you to help her," his older brother answered, a little exasperated, whispering undre his breath, "I want her to help you. Yliaster had been too confident to step in before this, but after your spectacular betrayal and failure, you don't think they'd let you live? Nobody else would be both willing and able to protect you at a time like this. If you walked out of here tonight, I can assure you that you would never see another sunrise again."
"Then let me go, Roman. I was aware of the risks and I've come to terms with my fate."
"And what?" Roman demanded, annoyed his younger brother refused to see his point, "I have always told you death is a cowardly way out. You existed, you failed, and you failed to exist," Roman curled his lips up in disdain, "it's so, Common, don't you think? To drown yourself in mediocrity. Are you really willing to die after having achieved exactly as much as the Average Man?" Roman pronounced the last two words as though it physically hurt him to say it. Rex Goodwin acted like it did.
"You really didn't leave me much of a choice, Roman," He said instead, "I can't suffer another day of my life dictated by these magical creatures we call Fate, if death meant being freed from it, it's my best option."
Roman couldn't help smiling at the sentiment. Seeing the surprise in his younger brother's eyes, he reached out and ruffled Rex Goodwin's hair like he did when they were children, "give it a try, I think you'll get along just fine."
Rex Goodwin eyed his older brother suspiciously, Roman's smile widened.
"You wouldn't want to leave the world without leaving your mark on it, would you?" He asked with an expression Rex could only describe as coy. The younger Goodwin shuddered at the thought.
"You never answered me," Rex Goodwin demanded, "why this one?What makes you think she'd succeed where we had failed."
"She's," Roman pondered the question. By all means, and most logic, Yuki should have failed a long time ago, yet she was still here, planning, plotting to, if he read Zigzix correctly, which he did because it's almost impossible to read Zigzix wrong, contain both gods this world has. "She doesn't rely on the gods," Roman explained after some thought, "which was our downfall. Nor does she rely on the magnanimity of political factions as did Professor Fudo. Or businesses or even the people she is trying to help. She only counts on the powers she controls, and plans accordingly. And with enough foresight, that has been enough so far."
"Will it though?"Rex Goodwin asked uncertainly.
"If she makes it past the next couple of months, it will be." Roman grinned, an expression so rarely seen on him that his younger brother had to do a double take.
"Even though I failed? What makes you think she won't?"
"Because your sights were limited to Domino City, little brother," Roman replied, "and she wants to rule the world.
She doesn't know it yet, but she wants to rule the world."
A/N: Original quote from Hamilton, 'winning was easy, governing is harder'
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