Chapter 30: The Black Whirlwind - Crow Hogan
Recap: I ain't about to waste everyone's time. So, here's the short version me, Micchi, and Gocchi avenge Pearson and kicked Syd and Bolger's ass along with the lapdogs called Sector Security; they come in different forms; Arrest Corps, Duel Chasers, and regular Sector Security. Short story short, they are scumbags. Now we are under their radar, but it's not like I am going to show in the open waiting to be arrested. Honestly, what kind of dumbass walks out in the open just waiting to be arrested?
At the time of the Lancers Encounter with Sector Security Continues_
"Black Rose Moonlight Dragon! Attack!"
"Moonlight Cat Dancer! Full Moon Cresta!"
"Bloom Diva! Reflect Shout!"
"Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon! Imperial Wrath of Revolt - Strike Disobey!"
"Big Star! Put these ruffians in their place!"
The monsters all declared an attack using their signature attacks as they depleted the last group of the fallen Sector Security members' LP in one strike. Each member of the Lancers group sighed in relief and annoyance. They were getting tired of dueling these men who relied on the same strategy. But if they were to compare them to the Obelisk Force, they personally prefer them over the elite group of Academia.
Yuzu huffed and wiped the sweat off her eyebrow. She was glad that she participated in the training from this morning to build up her endurance and stamina, or otherwise she would have been extremely exhausted.
"Honestly, what's up with these guys?" Yuzu questioned, motioning towards the unconscious men on the ground. "The second Yuki stepped out. We were ambushed!"
"Sorry," Yuki bowed her head and felt embarrassed by her actions. She should have been more aware of her surroundings. With her sharp eyes, she could have easily detected the men and could have warned the others.
"Don't apologize for these brute's behavior! How dare they accuse you and attack us for no reason!" Shingo complained recalling the event when they were ambushed by Security.
During the Lancers Encounter with Sector Security_
"What."
"Don't play dumb! You and your gang of misfits were at Security Headquarters last night and bombed the place along with the d-wheels!" The bruised officer roared back. Yuki is getting more confused and became irritated because the officer wasn't listening to her.
"I really think you have the wrong person. We just got here," Yuya defended his comrade.
"Yeah. She didn't even do anything wrong. Just listen to us-" Yuzu added her input.
"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT COMMON SCUM!" Another officer interrupted. Sector Security started yelling and insulting the group. The words Security threw at the Lancers Group, angered some of its members, and was scaring Reira.
Shingo ignored the comments because he heard them daily when he was younger, and shrugged them off. But that was until a beaten-up officer commented on his hair resembling a banana peel rotting in a dumpster fitting for some Common like him.
Those words easily set him over the edge. "That's it! I'll teach you disgusting, ugly, crude bastards a lesson or two on manners! Prepare yourself!" Shingo yelled, activating his duel disk. Serena joined them and turned her attention to the group to the North. Yuzu turned her attention to the group in the South.
Yuki balanced her options. On one hand, she wanted to use these men as a punching bag for pissing her off to the point she had veins bulging out of her face, although she had a neutral expression on her visage. On the other hand, she had to protect Reira, who is shaking behind her, gripping her hand in fear.
Yuki decided to beat these men senselessly for scaring the poor young girl, and for accusing her of something her Counterparts did-well, she didn't think Naomi is the type of person who will blow up buildings. Hence, Yuki figured it was their Counterpart of the Synchro Dimension.
"Yuya-kun. I will take care of the group in the East. You will provide backup for us if we seem like need any assistance" Yuki ordered the Entermate Duelist. She activated her duel disk and began a duel in the group in front of her.
Yuya just wanted to end things peacefully without having to fight, but his friends had other plans in mind. Yuya reluctantly agreed and activated his duel disk observing the duel his friends had against the group they each designated to.
"DUEL!"
The Lancers Current Situation_
"Honestly, if this was our welcoming party, then I want a talk with this dimension mayor," Shingo grumbled. "But most importantly, didn't one of these men say something about your twin sister" Serena recalled the lightly bruised men's words about this Haru person and her twin sister.
Yuki nodded. "Yes, he did. Then that means Naomi is with Haru, but the question is, how do we find out where they are in this place?" Yuki inquired about their situation about finding where her Standard and Synchro counterparts be located as well as the other members of the Lancers.
Yuya feels relief when he heard Naomi is with Haru after all, instead of being teleported to Academia. Regardless he still wants to find her. Though Yuya didn't say anything to Yuzu he knows she shared the same sentiment as him. They want to reunite with their friend and soon put an end to this Dimensional War for good.
The groups heard sirens and groans coming from the semi-conscious men of Sector Security. It seems like they requested backup and is now bringing in more reinforcements much to the group's displeasure.
"Come on... We just got finished with these mongrels! Now they want to bring more!" Shingo complained, waving his arms around. Serena smirked at the incoming reinforcements.
"Pathetic to think they would call in more forces for such a small group. Are all the duelists in the Synchro Dimension cowards?" Serena remarked.
"I think it's just these guys," Yuzu responded wryly.
"We need to think of a plan quick to escape, or else we will be at this all-day," Yuya said. Before Serena could shout out her protest of running away, they heard the sound of several engines coming toward them.
Out of nowhere, there were seven d-wheelers, and one by one, they grabbed the group's hand or arm they can latch onto. The group is stunned by the actions as they were carried away from their original spot and soon find themselves in another place. Except for the decent yet nice house in front of them.
The other d-wheelers left the area except for the one rider who had a black and orange hybrid duel runner. Their savior took off his helmet and glared at the group. He shouted these words.
"YOU DAMN IDIOT!"
This time the group looks at the who saved them in shock.
Sector Security Main Headquarters_
The director of Sector Security, Jean-Michel Roget, is furious on the inside because of his staff, primarily the Sector Security of being incompetent of doing their jobs. How hard was it to capture a group of Commons? Speaking of Commons, he sent out a group to retrieve the ones who damaged one of his headquarters and the possessions inside the building.
Fortunately for Roget, he was able to apprehend the notorious Syd and due to an anonymous tip, who sent a message to one of the officers with a recording of Bolger being the mastermind of the murder of Robert Pearson four years ago. Bolger was arrested as well.
Unfortunately for him, regardless of the two arrests, it will still stain Sector Security's reputation of not being able to do their jobs. And all of his hard work will be in shambles if he doesn't do something about the other people who were there at the Headquarters last night. But wasn't arrested.
Roget tapped his hand on his chair and ordered someone to pull up the recovered footage of the event that took place. When he scrolled through the images, he paused when he saw Haru's, Naomi's, and Yugo's faces.
Roget started shaking in his chair and sweat running down his temples. He couldn't stop the fear from taking over his body.
W-Why were they here in this dimension?! Has Leo Akaba already figured out his plans?!
Roget quickly regained control of his body and forced himself to calm down.
He looked at the footage during his men's encounter with individuals, specifically the black-haired girl and the red and green-haired boy who had the same face as the ones from last night and...the same face as them. If they are connected to the two demons, Roget will keep a close eye on them and the two similar girls who used Fusion Summon, mainly Serena.
Roget continued to examine the individuals display on the screen. He was interrupted by one of his staff members informing him about someone requesting a meeting with him.
He was going to wave his hand, dismissing the message from the anonymous person who has no importance to his plans. Until he glanced at the monitor, a young girl whose appearance is unfamiliar to him, but her posture was familiar to him. He gazed at the young girl and saw her mouthing a phrase all too familiar. With that, he came to a decision.
"Very well. Send her into my office," Roget ordered the staff member in the Lobby.
Soon the girl introduced herself to be Umi Macfield. "It has been a while, Roget. Everyone in Academia, including the Professor, has been worried about your departure ever since…Two years ago, was it?"
"My such kind words, but why have you been sent to this dimension Macfield. I would've expected your elder brother to be sent here instead of you" Roget responded, Umi kept her facade up when she detected Roget was trying to get under her skin, but she won't let him. In the end, she is here on business, and that's all that matters.
She glanced behind him and arched an eyebrow. "The Professor wanted to see your progress on obtaining the pieces in this dimension, but it looks like Yuri took care of that for you. Figures."
Roget looked skeptical at the girl's words, so he questioned her. "What pieces?"
Umi bit down the urge to sneer at Roget. She pretended to be shocked and looked astonished. "Why I mean the pieces the Professor needs for his Arc Area Project to be completed, of course. Here I thought you knew this. Yuri has already obtained a girl named Rin from this dimension, and the dear old Professor needs the other girl named Haru Kobi."
Umi put her hand behind her back and started strolling around Roget's office, her eyes not leaving the screen. She saw she had Roget's full attention as he processes her words, but Umi can tell he is just about to snap. "That's why the Professor sent me to this dimension. You were taking too long to obtain the piece, so he sent me to obtain Haru Kobi."
Umi walked over to the screen and stretched her arms. "Even I feel I am not qualified for the job. I might need some assistance in obtaining the last pieces" Umi placed her hand on Roget's chair and pointed at Haru's profile. "However, perhaps if someone were to obtain the piece and not just her, of course. Girls who have the same faces as each other then they might end up in the Professor's good graces again after spending too much time in a dimension like this and for wasting his precious time. He will definitely forgive that person if they just happen to commit treason."
Umi took her hand off and sighed. She continued her words "It's just a random idea I had since I screwed up myself. But let's just say if I do manage to obtain the pieces, then the Professor might boost me up to the elite ranks like Akemi and Yuri. Or give me a promotion just like he did with the Doktor, Sanders, and Katsu."
"What interesting speculation you have there, Macfield. But like I said, this is based on speculation, not facts," Roget remarked.
Umi refuted his statement by bringing up the fact, Akemi failed to bring back the Xyz piece and didn't get punished because she has still her eyes on the target. Her rival reports Leo Akaba about any new updates of the locations of the remaining pieces he requires.
"Roget… I say you help me with my mission, and in turn, it will benefit you if you happen to abandon this dimension whenever you please. How do you say to us being partners?" Umi offered with her hand, outstretched for the man to take, which he does.
"I look forward to working with you, Macfield."
"The pleasure is all mine, Roget."
With the agreement sealed. Umi exits the office and is transported to a high-class building she assumed is a residence Roget has ordered just for her alone. She tapped on her duel disk and grinned when she saw the device has been placed in the location where her target is mainly located.
"Everything is going according to plan."
Back at Roget's office, the man continued to monitor each camera that images of Haru, Naomi, Yugo, Yuki, Yuzu, and Serena in different timeframes and different areas in the City. When Roget goes more in-depth in the Commons Area, his lips curved upwards.
By the information Umi has informed him, it seemed he has a backup plan in case everything does fail. Roget picked up a white-colored rook piece and placed that piece on the chessboard, he is amused by all the pieces coming together. It seems like his plan is becoming one more step closer than he had anticipated.
At the thought of the idea, a wicked smile crosses his face.
In the Morning Hours Before the Lancers Encounter with Sector Security_Tops Palace_Aki House_
Aki blinked once and blinked twice. She is overwhelmed by the information that she heard from Yugo and Haru. They told their story about the events that took place at one of the Sector Security Headquarters last night. She physically has no words to say to the duo. On the other hand, Naomi apologized for her newfound friends' reckless behavior. The green-haired girl can instantly tell what the older woman was thinking just from the stunned look on her face.
Aki recovered from her shock and forms a sentence.
"Yugo... Haru... Naomi... I hope you guys realize that Security will be looking for you three because of what you did last night. Right," Aki said to the trio.
Haru snickered and dismissed Aki's words. "Don't sweat it. Those lapdogs are nothing in terms of kicking ass on the streets and kicking ass in dueling. We'll be fine," Haru bragged, huffing her chest out.
The brown-haired girl started to cackle some more, and all Naomi wanted to do is smack some sense to her lookalike. Aki felt the same way but held the urge in and reminded the girl more about the situation they placed themselves in.
"You do realize now everyone in the Commons knows about the stunt you've pulled..." Aki trailed off. "And I mean EVERYONE Haru."
Haru stopped laughing as it hit her in the face of the implication behind Aki's words. She slowly processed them and paled at the realization.
Now she feared that two people found out about what she did and is shaking in terror.
"Shit..."
Commons Slums_Crow's House_
The group quickly explained to their savior who they found out his name is Crow. They clear the misunderstanding with Yuki being mistaken for Haru.
"Ah, then I'm sorry I snapped at you. My bad" Crow apologized to the black-haired duelist. Yuki gave a dull smile and reassured Crow that she didn't mind his earlier outburst since earlier she was mistaken for Haru again.
"But why was this Haru person being targeted by the police? What exactly did she do?" Shingo asked Crow's face started to become irritated and held his head with his hand.
"I will tell you once you get inside. Come if we keep wasting time, then you guys are bound to get arrested for sure" Crow led the group into the house, and the first thing they saw is a group of kids.
A boy with dark skin red eyes and white hair wore a ragged white shirt and black pants with brown shoes. The boy is the oldest of the group, next to him is a fair-skinned girl with blue eyes and puffy burgundy hair arranged in two bunches on each side. She wore a long white shirt under a dark pink vest with brown lines. She wore orange flats and pink studded earrings.
The third oldest of the group is a purple-haired boy and dark yellow eyes, he wore a black ragged shirt and brown pants and matching brown boots, and finally a purple beanie. Sitting next to him is a boy with dark blue hair and matching blue eyes wearing a ragged yukata with long dark hair draped over his shoulders.
Sitting across from the purple-haired boy is a trio of blonde-haired girls younger than him. One of them is wearing a blue hooded jacket, shorts, and blue flats. The other girl wore a pink dress with a white bow in the middle and pink flats. The youngest of the group excluding Tanner. She has short dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. She wore a ragged dress and blue sandals.
The children's ears perked and gazed up at the older group entering the house. "Welcome home, Crow!" The burgundy-haired girl greeted her older foster brother.
"Yo, Amanda!" Crow patted Amanda on the head and greeted the younger group. "Akira, where's Tanner and Frank?"
Akira looked away wryly and doesn't respond to the question, so the youngest girl in the room answered for him.
"They went into the City Center to steal food again" The young girl answered quickly before anyone could cover her mouth.
"Ko," Akira growled, pinching Ko on the cheeks and ignoring the whines coming out of the girl's mouth.
"That was supposed to be a secret" The yukata-wearing boy sighed.
"But Kit, if Frank and Tanner get sent to the Internment Camps Crow is going to be mad" One of the twins mentioned.
"Crow is already mad at Haru-nee. He doesn't need Frank and Tanner doing the same thing," the other twin added.
"That's why we agreed to keep it a secret, Amalia, Emilia" Kit reminded the twins of the agreement the group made moments earlier before Crow set out to find Haru.
The twin wearing a pink dress is revealed to be Amalia points at Yuki and the tomboyish twin, who is Emilia pointed at Yuki as well.
"It's all Haru-nee's fault for being so reckless!" The twins chorused.
Crow grabbed his temple as he feels another headache forming just from the young kids' words. "Malik... Please tell me what Ko said earlier is a lie."
The beanie-wearing boy shook his head much to Crow's displeasure.
"Urk... I might have gray hair before I turn thirty," Crow groaned, sitting on the couch. First, he had to deal with Haru's mess, and now he is going to have to reprimand Tanner and Frank for stealing food for the third time this week. Honestly, Crow is surprised if he has any hair left by the end of this week- no by the end of this day.
Yuya and the others, excluding Serena, felt awkward being in the room by how familiar the kids were with each other and how they behaved around Crow.
"You said you were going to inform us about what Haru did last night. Are you going to tell us, or are you going to continue to waste our time?" Serena broke the ice with her blunt words. Yuzu almost fell from how straightforward Serena's words are.
Crow wasn't affected by the sharpness in Serena's words since he is used to hearing those words every day.
"You six are in for a surprise. You might want to sit down for this one" Crow waved his hand, and the junior youths and junior sat on the floor listening to Crow. The Black Feather Duelist started to tell them what Haru did last night, as well as the commotion she stirred in the Commons Slums.
Yuzu's and Yuya's faces resembled a white, pale ghosts by the end of his story. They actually felt their hearts drop down in their stomachs and their souls leave their bodies.
Their childhood friend... Naomi... is hanging around someone like that?!
"Wasn't there a boy named Yugo with them?" Serena inquired impressed by how this Haru can defeat fifty guards with her bare hands and defeat the dangerous gang member and his lackey in a duel. The thought made her blood pumping. She wanted to duel against this person and test her strength. As well as recruit her to join the Lancers.
Crow grumbled and answered Serena's question but commented on how Yugo didn't stop Haru and even beat some of the officers to a bloody pulp, and he bombed Sector Security Headquarters. At least that's what the rumors said.
"I'm sure Haru means well. But if what you said is true, then it is only a matter of time before Security finds her and whoever is with her," Yuki chimed in. One thing is for certain is that Naomi is with Haru based on the rumors circling around the City, mainly in the Commons Area. But the downside is that Naomi may be arrested because of her involvement in last night's incident.
"I've known Haru for many years, and I can say for certain that Haru isn't going to be caught by Security anytime soon" Crow soon had a vein popping out of his forehead. "When Martha and I are through with her. She is gonna wish she might have."
To the outsiders, it seems Crow is beyond furious with the girl's actions. But to Amanda and the others, know the truth. Crow cares so much about Haru since that's his younger foster sister. They have a strong bond. If something were to happen to Haru, Crow would be devastated, and if something were to happen to Crow, Haru would be upset.
Before Ko could assure Crow's worries, he gets a call on his duel disk.
When Crow looked at his d-wheel in the back of the house to see who was calling him. He chuckles and motions everyone to come here. His previous anger immediately went away when he saw who was calling them.
"It seems like she knew we were talking about her," with those words, Crow pushed the button and revealing to be a terrified Haru.
"CROW! I'M SORRY! DON'T KILL ME!" Haru dropped to her knees. She had to wait until breakfast to call Crow as soon as she was done. She had just finished talking-well apologizing to Martha for being stupid as usual. Unfortunately for her, their foster mother kept scolding her and Yugo for at least three hours before she said what she had to say about their stupidity.
It took Haru a couple of minutes to recollect herself and call Crow on her d-wheel.
Malik's eyes widened, and he gazed back at a smiling Yuki. "T-There are two Haru-nees" Malik hid under the stairs waiting for the sky to fall on his head. The world can barely handle one Haru, but if there are two of them, then Armageddon has already happened. Crow shuddered at the thought and reassured the cowering boy that Haru and Yuki are two completely different people. They just have the face as each other.
Malik stopped cowering, but he doesn't leave his spot. There is no way he will risk his life.
"I take it, Martha already got to you. Man, and here I wanted to give you a piece of my mind. Oh well, I'll just wait until you visit us and get the thrashing you deserve" Crow scratched his head and playfully teased his younger foster sister.
It works when Haru drilled her head further into the ground. She repeatedly slammed her head and shakes in desperation, afraid for her life. "Dr. Aki says I will have to wait until Security stops looking for me to go out. So that will have to wait for a while."
Haru told the group she is familiar with about her situation but to Crow and the others it sounded like she doesn't regret her actions, and because she was able to send Syd and Bolger to the Facility. And avenged Pearson as well. Nevertheless, she apologized for causing them to be worried about her.
Haru lifted her head, and her eyes lock on a face-faces she knows all too well.
"IT'S A PINK-HAIRED AND A INDIGO-HAIRED RINCCHI!"
"My name is not Rin! My name is Serena!"
"My name is Yuzu Hiiragi!"
Both girls corrected Haru, mistaking them for Rin. It reminded them of when Yugo mistook Serena and nearly Yuzu for Rin as well back in the Standard Dimension.
"Damn, can't take a joke. But I see a familiar face! How's it been, Yuya! Good to see that you, and everyone else is still alive!" Haru gave a thumbs up, and Yuya tripped over her words. Why would she think he and everyone in his dimension are dead? But most importantly...
"H-Haru, before I can question why you would believe I was dead. Where is Naomi?" Yuya questioned the Synchro Duelist. Shingo's ears perked when he heard a voice in the background. Soon everyone associated with Naomi, even for a brief moment, heard the girl's voice.
"Haru-chan, who are you talking to?" Naomi finished her conversation with Yugo on the factors of a Riding Duel. She briefly looked at the screen, and her eyes enlarged at the figures staring directly at her.
Naomi was overwhelmed by the wave of emotions crossing over each other. The relief because her loved ones are safe and sound. The grief she feels because she's not standing near them. But the feeling is easily washed away with the content she feels at seeing everyone's figure.
There's also this lingering fear that if Naomi were to take her eyes away from the screen, her friends would disappear in front of her very eyes.
Tears spilled out of Naomi's eyes and soon cascade her cheeks. "Y-Yuya...Yuzu... Yuki...Reira... Shingo...Serena," Naomi's voice cracked as each name slipped past her lips. She hadn't seen them for two days, but it felt like a week, month, or maybe a year to her. Naomi knew she was exaggerating. But she couldn't help the emotions taking over her body.
Naomi wasn't the only one being emotional. Yuzu's eyes teared up and wish to see her best friend in front of her instead of through a screen.
Yuzu managed to get a word out after wiping her tears. "I... I'm glad... you're safe, Naomi-chan..." To others, it may be a small sentence. But that phrase held so much meaning to the two girls. They were both worried about the other one. They cried tears of frustration because of their inability to save each other. So, seeing the other person safe and well made the two Fairy-Type Users incredibly happy.
Yuki glanced at Yuya and read his expression. The boy's face told what he was feeling by seeing the green-haired girl is safe.
Even if the boy doesn't know it himself quite yet. Yuki already knew the feelings just by gazing at him.
"I'm sorry to ruin this moment, but I thought you guys were dead because Academia invaded your dimension, right" Haru spoke up the mood shifted from a solemn to serious tone.
"Academia?" Crow repeated.
"What's that?" Akira muttered to Amanda, she shrugged her shoulders.
"I guess Academia is bad news" Kit observed the group he just met minutes ago by how tense their bodies became. He and the others can easily guess this Academia place is nothing but trouble.
Haru added that she can guess that Standard Dimension was invaded like the Xyz Dimension, and its citizens were carded due to the information Naomi told her. She was partially correct since the Standard Dimension had only small causalities compared to the Xyz Dimension's invasion.
Since Haru never witnessed someone being carded, of course, she'd assumed that if someone is carded is equivalent to someone being dead.
"I am glad you suckers made it out in one piece. Wait, speaking of suckers... Gocchi, get your ass out here now!" Haru beckoned Yugo to come to her. Yugo grumbled but still made his way over to where Naomi and Haru.
"Look! Yuya is alive, so that means Yuto is alive!" Haru pointed at Yuya, and it took Yugo a minute to process the information and grabbed the screen. Nearly ripping it off from the duel runner. He accidentally did just by an inch and got punched hard in the gut by Haru for almost breaking her stuff.
Yugo quickly recovered from the blow he'd received as if he didn't get sock in the stomach.
"Heh...You're alive after all, Yuya!" Yugo cheered this time. Everyone on Crow's end fell to the ground.
"He just cleared up the misunderstanding of us being killed" Shingo slapped his forehead. His annoyance is short-lived when he saw Yugo has the same face as Yuya.
"Twins. No long-lost brothers," Shingo muttered to himself. First, he saw two people who share the same face as Naomi, and Serena shared the same face as Yuzu. Now Yugo shared the same face as Yuya. What's with these people having the same face as each other?! It's getting confusing for him!
"...Yugo" Yuya addressed his Synchro counterpart. He picked himself off the floor to get a closer look at his lookalike. Indeed, if you were to look at Yugo from afar, he does have a resemblance to Yuya. Still, the Entermate Duelist clearly saw features Yugo had that were easy to distinguish them from each other. Just like with Yuto.
Since Yugo's earlier action messed up the audio function from the d-wheel's screen, Yugo must have heard something completely different from what Yuya had actually said. His face shifted from joy to anger. He shouted his complaints as annoyance seeped into his tone.
"HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU! MY NAME IS YUGO, NOT FUSION! GET IT RIGHT!"
Yugo's loud outburst made everyone clench their ears hearing static noise scraping against their eardrums. But it also alerted the neighbors in the Tops Palace. Not so surprising since Haru also screamed earlier during the call, and now Yugo screamed was the final nail on the coffin. So, it was only a matter of time before someone in the Tops Palace notified Sector Security.
There was knocking on Aki's door, and the group on their end, jumped in their spots when they heard a voice coming from the other side of the door.
"This is Security. We have called about a noise complaint coming from this house Ms. Izayoi."
Aki cursed under her breath. She looked at the group, telling them to end their call and hide somewhere in her house for the time being while she handled the officers at her door.
Haru shut off her screen, ending the call and cutting off what Yuya had to say to Yugo, who looked apologetic for his outburst. Haru looked just as sorry as she is for being so loud, so she doesn't hold it against him.
Haru pulled Naomi and Yugo upstairs and hid in the small crawlspace. They pulled their knees up to their chest and waited patiently for Security to leave.
"Man, I hope Crow and the others are having better luck than we are."
Commons Slums_Crow's House_
The call was ended abruptly. The group panicked and turned to Crow, asking him what happened to the communication. The Black Feather Duelist answered that Haru must have cut the call. It sounded serious for her to leave without saying her goodbyes.
... Until he remembered the place Haru said she is staying at for the time being. He cursed under his breath when he came to his conclusion. "Haru is up there with the Tops. She is basically in their den until she finds a way to get out of there without getting caught," Crow explained why the call was ended abruptly.
"Is Naomi going to be alright?" Yuya is worried about his friend's safety. He'd just seen her, and now she is more trouble than she was before.
"I'm not too sure. But as things stand, it is best for you six to remain low as the situation blows over," Crow advised. There were protests against his suggestion, but the others knew they had no choice but to follow his advice to prevent any more unwanted attention drawn to them. Thus, they remain hidden from Security's eyes for the rest of the day.
Eventually, Tanner and Frank came home and received a harsh scolding from Crow that last for hours.
Next Day_Commons Slums_Crow's House_
Even though they all made a silent agreement to remain hidden. Some people couldn't stand to wait around any longer for the situation to blow over.
Crow finished explaining to the group how the warped system works in his hometown. The population consists of 99% of Commons. They only had 1% of the wealth, while the Tops had a population of 1% and 99% of the wealth. Basically, the Commons are the losers, while the Tops are the winners.
The Lancers group learned about the internment camps branding Commons with criminal marks, the facial tattoos Crow had on his face.
Duel Chasers originated two years ago to stop Commons from enjoying Riding Duels because the Tops were afraid to be shown up by the Commons, and thus, the Riding Duels that the Commons used to enjoy are being made to show the Commons where they stand and force them to put on a show for the City.
"Security took d-wheels from us three years ago, and the Tops forced us to put on a show for them using our beloved Riding Duels. We can't even enjoy Riding Duels, like we used to back in the day. Now, all we have is the fond memories of when d-wheels and Riding Duels belonged only to us" Crow clenched his hand tight enough to bleed.
"Crow," Ko muttered.
"But there are some Commons that didn't care and continued to do as they please," Akira added, referring to people like Haru.
Akira wished his foster sister would stop being so reckless all the time..., but it was because of her that he has a family who cares about him. If it wasn't for Haru, Akira knew he wouldn't be standing here today. He probably would've been in a much worse situation that could've resulted in his death.
"Every day is a duel for survival for us to make sure we can see another day," Malik chimed in, watching Tanner and Frank duel on the sidelines. He won't sugarcoat the cruel world he lives in. It is the cold hard truth, but because of Haru, he can live to see another day.
"Duel for survival," Yuya looked down from his seat. This place is different from his dimension, while there is a factor that made the two different worlds the same way. That was if a famous Pro Duelist someone loses a duel, they are seen as no good and are ridiculed until they climb back to the top to clear their name. While the same rule seems to apply to this world, however, if the person loses, then they will face harsher conditions than just being taunted for the rest of their lives. They can no longer redeem themselves if they lose in this world.
"Even so... We need to warn the people of the Synchro Dimension of Academia's incoming invasion. Who knows when they will invade this dimension just like how they did with the Xyz Dimension!" Yuzu spoke her thoughts out loud.
"That is if they come together," Shingo pointed out the undeniable fact. Just by hearing Crow's story, it was apparent that the Commons and Tops won't work together to fight the invasion if Academia does decide to attack this dimension.
Yuzu slammed her hands on the table. "Even so! We have to do something, or else the trauma will scar the people in this dimension forever when Academia attacks, and if that happens, then they'll regret not coming together sooner."
It didn't take long for Shingo and Yuzu to get into an argument. Usually, Yuya would stop his friends from arguing, but he was too deep in his thoughts right now to even stop them.
Serena kept tapping her foot in annoyance. She was close to losing her patience, and waiting around for something to happen wasn't like her.
Yuki observed Serena. She has Reira on her lap as Amalia and Emilia talk to the introverted girl, but they only get meek responses. But the twins didn't mind and continued to talk about their older foster sister Haru. Hearing about their older sibling makes Reira clench her teddy bear wanting to be with her big brother. Still, she doesn't voice these feelings out loud, afraid to be a burden to the group.
Yuki patted her hoodie, soothing Reira's worries without the young girl saying anything. The older girl can tell how much Reira wants to be with Reiji since she is not used to being away from her brother for this long.
Yuki turned back to observe and noted her allies' postures and expressions calmly. Yuki can tell Serena is on her last string and is ready to snap. Yuzu and Shingo argued about bringing the people together to fight back against Academia but pointed out the obvious reasons why that cannot happen. She looked deep enough to see Yuzu is concerned about Naomi by how her eyebrows are furrowed. Yuki can tell Shingo is worried about her lookalike but not that much. She directed her gaze at Yuya and saw him pondering over Malik's words. Since the boy followed his father's philosophy, that duels are meant to make people smile. He was having a hard time processing them being used as a tool for war and a means to survive.
Deep down, Yuki can tell Yuya is worried about Naomi just like Yuzu, judging from the expression he made yesterday. It seemed like seeing Naomi on the screen wasn't enough to calm his worries.
Yuki recalled Naomi, Haru, and Yugo are in the Tops Area above the Commons Slums. If her hunch is correct, she can find her lookalikes, locate her other comrades who are scattered across the Synchro Dimension, and find allies in their quest to stop Academia. With that, she has reached her conclusion.
When the sunset in the sky as the sky darkened. Yuki pulled Reira off her lap and stood up in her seat.
"Thank you very much for your hospitality. But we have to leave before we cause you any more trouble," Yuki bowed her head.
Reira pulled on her sleeve, and Yuki took the girl's hand. "But Security is looking for us, especially you since you look like Haru!" Yuzu pointed out.
"Yes, you are correct. But if we stay here, we will only cause trouble for Crow and the others," Yuki remarked.
The Mixed Duelist explained how they can infiltrate the Tops Area to save Yugo and the others. Find their comrades, find strong allies, and finally, they can do it without causing trouble for Crow and the kids.
While Crow had mixed feelings about letting Yuki and the others go out there, risking being caught by Sector Security. He saw the sincerity in Yuki's eyes despite being dull and how she doesn't want to involve the kids in their mess. After much consideration, he sighs.
"I have mixed feelings about this, but if you keep looking at me like that, then I have no choice but to abide by your wishes," Crow relented.
"Bye, Yuki-nee, come visit us when you find Haru-nee!" Amanda waved her hand.
"Try not to get caught," Frank smirked softly.
"Bye Bye!" Tanner waved both of his hands.
The twins hug Reira goodbye and promise her that they will duel each other when they meet again.
"I would like that," Reira mumbled softly, and the twins beam and hug Reira before letting the girl go. It may have been a day, but the girl enjoys the twins' company and likes talking with them.
"I wish you all a safe trip. Good luck" Akira said his goodbyes, and Malik just waved at the group from a distance. He isn't used to them but feels saddened they are leaving. Ko hugged each individual and prayed for their safety.
With that, the group left the house and headed into the night.
Commons Slums_The Streets_
"What's the plan, Shimizu?" Shingo questioned. "You said earlier you found a way to sneak in these so-called Tops Area to find silent mouse and the others, but how exactly?"
Yuki looked and headed into an alleyway as the others followed behind her. "I did come to this dimension and left when I was five years old. So I'm certain they should still be here," Yuki answered confusing the others with her response. Yuki assured the group to be quiet and follow her. At this rate, they are going, it may be morning when they arrive at their destination. But if everything goes well, then it will be worth it.
City Center_
Shingo was pulling his leg as he was forced to move. He has been walking since they left Crow's house and hasn't stopped ever since.
"Can we please take a break? My feet hurt," Shingo whined. "Come on, Sawatari, we have to keep on moving" Serena pulled the boy to stand up and keep on walking.
"HOW DO WE KNOW WE ARE EVEN GOING THE RIGHT WAY! I AM SURE WE ARE LOST!" Shingo yelled. Serena slapped her hand against his lips, silencing him.
"I trust Yuki. She's not the type to tell a lie. She knows where she's going since she has been here before" Serena roughly patted Shingo to straighten up. While the boy still has doubts, he will trust his newfound comrade even though their first meeting was not off to a good start. He will trust wherever Yuki is leading them. But...
Did it have to be so far away?! He wants a break!
Yuki motioned the group to hide when an officer's car passes by. Yuya saw the vehicle is heading in the direction where they came from. He hoped Security isn't going after Crow and the kids to take them to the Internment Camps. He will never forgive himself if something happens to Crow and the others because of what they did earlier.
"If Crow and the others do go there because of us, we will get them out. We won't leave them after everything they have done for us," Yuzu voiced out Yuya's concerns. She can already tell Yuya is worried about the group they left behind. She is sure that if they get captured by Security, she and the others will save them without fail.
Yuzu poked Yuya's forehead. "Stop making that face. If you keep looking depressed, then Naomi-chan is going to worry about you when we see her again," Yuzu added playfully, poking Yuya again. The action reminded him of the day he discovered Pendulum Summon. When he was nervous, Naomi cheered him up by poking him relentlessly. It may seem weird to others, but Naomi cheering him up in her way shows how much the girl cherishes her friends. She doesn't want them to be down or nervous. She wanted them to smile from the bottom of their hearts.
Yuya smiled and calmed himself. "Thanks, Yuzu."
Yuzu smiled softly and waved her hand that she doesn't mind because he would do the same for her if she were in his shoes.
Yuki coughed to get everyone's attention. "Everyone, I sense we are close to our destination, but to be sure we are not on a wild goose chase, I need to send one of you out," Yuki announced.
"But since we are wanted fugitives except for Reira-chan. We need to plan this right, or else we will be in more trouble than we were before."
"I'll go! I dueled a small group of Sector Security, so I'm sure I'm not in the system, and besides, I don't look suspicious, so they won't suspect me" Yuzu volunteered to go with Reira. When no one objects, Yuki pulled them to the side and instructed them on what they needed to do. The two girls leave the alleyway. The group watched from the corner to see Yuzu and Reira asking a pair of well-dressed women.
"Excuse me. My younger sister and I are looking for the Shimizu Villa. Do you have any idea where it is, ma'am?" Yuzu asked politely. One of the women smiled at the pair and responded to Yuzu's question.
"Oh, yes. Do you mean the Shimizu's? I would advise you not to since I heard they lost their daughter years ago and have changed ever since."
"Oh, yes. Arata became cold-hearted, and it started to affect his company workers sees him. They became too frightened to even go into his office."
The other woman added, cupping her cheek. "Don't forget about Mizuki-san. She changed for the worst. She used to be cheerful and lively, but now she is secluded in her home. If she were to come out, she would give a blank stare devoid of emotion. Poor thing."
Yuzu laughed nervously when she heard how similar Yuki's parents are to the black-haired girl in regards to losing someone important to them. The phrase 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree' fits perfectly in this situation.
"M-My sister and I are going there to work for them to earn money for our dearest mother to give her a gift on her birthday" Yuzu forced herself to cry. "I'm afraid this will be our last time with her, and I don't want her to leave this world without giving her something..."
Reira was awed at Yuzu's performance and aided the girl by whimpering. Their act works when the two well-dressed women feel bad for the pair and offer to drop them off at the Villa.
Shingo and the others looked back at Yuki, who gave an empty smile, impressed at her choice of sending Yuzu and Reira and even instructing them on what they needed to do. It brought chills down their spine of how prepared the girl was.
"S-Scary."
The others look to see Yuzu and Reira getting into a limousine. Yuki and the others jump on the top of the limo quietly when it takes off to prevent them from being caught by bystanders. Soon they sit back and relax and gaze into the night sky. The lights reflecting off the buildings made the town sparkle in endless color. It was strange how a place full of corruption and injustice could have a beautiful view.
Thirty minutes passed, and the limousine stops in front of a gate with the words Shimizu curved and placed on top of the gate. The gate had concrete stone walls surrounding the whole area of the white mansion in the distance.
Yuzu and Reira thanked the women and exited the vehicle, and at the same time, the others jumped from the roof and landed on the ground. The limousine drove off, and the group, excluding Yuki, is stunned.
"YOU USED TO LIVE HERE! WHY DID YOU LEAVE!" Shingo was going to grab Yuki by the collar and demanded why she would ever leave a place this luxurious. But his face hits the gate, and he is shocked by the electricity.
"Sawatari!" Yuya checked on the almost fried Abyss Actor Duelist. Luckily, he was still breathing and didn't receive any life-threatening injuries.
"As expected of my father. If anyone tries to break in, then they will be faced with the advanced security system," Yuki praised her father, whom she hasn't seen for many years. She doesn't seem nervous in the slightest.
Her face is not confident, either... Yet it faintly shows how well Yuki knows her parents. Their reaction to seeing their daughter for so long.
Yuki saw a voice control panel and pressed the button. "Mizuichi"
The gate panel flashes green and opens itself to the residence. Once the group passed through the gate, it slammed itself shut, locking the doors. "What was that, Yuki?" Serena asked, walking with the others. They stroll to the front door of the white mansion.
"It's a passcode my father placed to prevent any intruders and unwanted guests from entering our home. Only my mother, father, and I know the passcode. Even if you know the password, it is voice-controlled, so the system only recognizes the voices in the household," Yuki responded. "If anyone of you said the password, you would have been arrested on the spot or killed by my father."
The last sentence made everyone freeze. "W-What do you mean, Yuki?" Yuya asked he feels afraid for another reason by quickly figuring out that Yuto's fear is flowing in him.
"Isn't it obvious? My father is overprotective of my mother and me. When I was younger, a boy tried to talk to me-keyword 'tried.' He was stopped by my father, who had bloodlust evident in his eyes. The boy never talked to me ever again... I think he went missing the next day. I'm not too sure myself."
Yuki placed her finger near the corner of her mouth. As what she said is completely normal. But for Yuya, he kept shaking and chills sent down his spine. He felt Yuto was afraid of the man. Though he has never met him. He was fearful for his life. If Yuto doesn't stop pouring his fear inside Yuya, then he might end up dead for good!
Shingo hid behind Serena and trembled in fear. Yuzu and Reira clung to Yuki, who arrived at the door. Everyone felt their breath hitch when Yuki knocked on the door.
Slowly
Slowly
Slowly
The door opened wide enough for the group to see a black-haired man with dark green eyes wearing black pajama bottoms and holding a katana in his hand. He glared at the soon dead person who has the guts to interrupt his precious wife and his sleep. But it doesn't matter since the person will wish they had been arrested instead of incurring his wrath.
He saw the figure and was stunned by who he saw. He dropped his weapon. A black-haired woman with purple eyes wearing dark blue pajamas, holding a baseball with nails attached to it, came downstairs to see the commotion was about and shares the same shocked look like her husband. She dropped her weapon to the ground.
The black-haired woman placed her hand shakily on Yuki's cheek and choked when she put another hand on the girl's face. Yuki placed her hand over her mother's hands, and unlike the dull smile she had on her visage, she smiles brightly.
"I-Is... that you, Yuki?" Mizuki wanted to make sure it was her daughter and not an illusion. She had to make sure it was her baby girl.
"Yes... Okaa-sama. I am here," Yuki replied, and that's all Mizuki needed to hear and embraced Yuki in a hug. She cried and cried and thanked the gods for answering her prayers.
"Arata...Our baby girl has returned home... Our Yuki," Mizuki sobbed, hugging Yuki even tighter. Yuki hugged her mother back, enjoying her warmth for a brief moment. She forgets the pain she suffered and enjoys her mother's embrace.
Arata nodded and embraced his wife and daughter in his arms. "Yes... thank the gods for returning our daughter back to us."
His joy is short-lived when he sees a pair of boys with his little girl. He picks up his katana and aims it at the boys scarring them. He emits a deadly aura and wants to cut them down but doesn't since a little girl is watching.
"Why are you punks with my little girl? Why are you little boys even in my sight anyway?" Arata's glare resembled a fearsome demon, and it didn't help the aura the man was emitting. If looks could kill, the boys would be on their way to the afterlife with Arata holding their souls with his bare hands, delivering the two scared boys to the gates of Hell.
It made the two duelists from the Standard Dimension nearly pee their pants.
"Arata. Stop that! Look at these children, they endured hardship after hardship to get to our house, and now you're treating them like this after they brought our daughter back! Apologize to them right now!" Mizuki scolded her husband harshly. Her glare is small in comparison to her husband, but he relents and sheaths his katana back in his scabbard.
Mizuki beckoned the group to come inside. She offered to fix them something warm to soothe the wounds they have received, making their way here. Everyone except Yuya and Shingo sat near Yuki. They were overwhelmed by how beautiful this place was compared to Crow's. The exquisite decorations and high-class furniture within the mansion prove that the Shimizu is a well-known and prosperous family.
Arata leaned against the wall in the living room and gazed at Serena precisely- her duel disk. He narrowed his eyes but didn't say anything else to the group but showed gratitude for bringing his daughter home.
He went to the kitchen to help his beloved wife fix the drinks.
He may or may not have put something in Yuya and Shingo's drinks that will put them in a coma. That will prevent them from being near his beloved daughter. Unfortunately for him, Mizuki knew her husband well enough to fix another batch for the two unfortunate souls who are currently facing her husband's wrath when it comes to his only daughter.
Throughout the rest of the night, Mizuki enjoyed the disappointed look on Arata's face and smiled lovingly at the warm atmosphere filling the room. This may be her being naive, but she wishes time would stop and this moment can last forever.
Unfortunately, she lived in a world where those kinds of wishes won't come true... No matter how much she prays.
In the Morning_Commons Slums_Near's Crow House_
Crow heard banging on his door, and he groaned but woke up. He rubbed his eyes groggily but answered the door, revealing frantic Shinji.
"It's Security! Run! We're surrounded!" Shinji warned, but it was too late as the house was surrounded by Security all around the house.
The two men were pinned down by four officers, and the kids were holding each other in a corner.
The two of them were brought outside, and Roget greeted them with a cold smile.
"Crow Hogan. Shinji Weber. You two are under arrest."
Author's note: Chapter 30 is finished. The next chapter is a semi-filler. Look forward to that chapter. Leave a review. Your words give me the strength to come up with new ideas. It was because of your words that I was able to make it this far into the Synchro Dimension. Thank you! Now since I'm done being a sap, let's continue to ride on in the Synchro Dimension!