It's a day or so later (Edo's lost track) when they find a village. Small, poor and filled with people (it's easier to think "people" because Edo knows the instant he thinks the word "duel monsters" he's going to go completely over the edge) who eye the pair of them uneasily. As if Ryo and Edo are about to strike out on a murderous, pillaging, rampage.
No one talks to them (no one even looks at them save to shoot them distrustful glances that are quickly averted) but eventually they overhear a few things. Like how the next village over had been razed. Burned to the ground and no one even knows if there's any survivors or not. How the goblins are getting more daring in their raids. How more than a few of the local men haven't come back from scouting trips.
Edo simply tries not to listen. He and Hell Kaiser have larger concerns, like their own survival, to deal with and no matter how many sad stories Edo hears being whispered around them (the woman who's brother lived in that demolished town, the old man who's grown children had been ambushed by a raiding party, the little boy who tries to put up a brave front while he talks about how his father has been away for almost a month now) they cannot get involved.
"We need to keep moving," Ryo says bluntly, as if he can sense the hesitation that Edo himself isn't quite sure that he's feeling yet. Eyes sharp and cold and dead as he aims a glare in Edo's direction and, as always, Edo glowers right back.
"You think I don't know that, Hell Kaiser? But we need supplies first. God knows how long it'll be before we find another village."
"That's true. But in case you hadn't noticed, we're not exactly flush with the local currency. We don't even know what they use here."
"I'll trade some cards," Edo says with a casualness that he doesn't quite feel. "I've got a few in my side deck I can get away without. Dueling is life here, after all. They should be worth something..."
"Forget it," Ryo snaps, his tone brooking no argument. "You said it yourself; here, dueling is life. Or more, life or death. And neither of us can afford to be fighting at any less than our best. Even if it is your side deck, you keep those cards with you for a reason. Am I right?"
Edo sneers, hating the way Ryo is all but talking down to him. "Fine. What's your grand plan, then?"
Ryo doesn't answer, turning away slightly and for a moment, Edo has to bite back the scream of pure frustration that wants to tear itself loose from his throat. Settling for hissing, "You arrogant bastard. You don't have a goddamn clue do you?"
Ryo just smirks and Edo wants to throttle him.