Time for the next chapter, ne? I'm glad you all had the time to review and read this story. Again, sorry that this chapter is late. I've been in a bad rut ever since I introduced the last chapter and I've just been procrastinating and playing games on this site and on my PS2, along with my new 3DS and my Reverse of Arcadia game;) But, enough of that. I think I got a pretty good idea going but I'm still a little uneasy on it, too. I don't know, we'll see what'll happen in the long run of it.
Well, anyway, I hope you enjoy this next chapter. Also, a warning. There will be cross-dressing in this chapter but it'll make sense later, trust me. Alright, lets get this chapter rolling!
Disclaimer: Come on, you people already know this. I own nothing!… Except the original characters that were given so kindly for me to use.
"Your past is just a story. And once you realize this, it has no power over you."- Invisible Monsters.
~Chapter Six~ The Past Haunts, But the Future Frightens
~Hisoka's POV~
Isn't it odd how life works out?
From the minute you are born, it seems that everything is planned out for you. You're parents will either be proud and happy, glad that they finally have a child of their own. Or, they could be that couple that never wanted children at all. They could just say those six words-
"We didn't want one at all."
-And your whole life would change, just like that. But, I am getting far off the topic at hand. Let us return to the happy couple scenario.
The moment the child is held, their life is already planned out by their parents. Their name, the cradle they will sleep in, in the room in which the father has put days of hard labor to work with. Their life starts, their first years of them just acting adorable, learning how to talk, how to walk, and how to do the things a child is suppose to know. Before you know it, they are then a child, then a teenager, then an adolescent, until they finally reach adulthood, where they nowknow what they are going to do with their life and what their destiny holds. Before them, they know that fate has given them a good destiny.
…
… But… What if there was no such thing as destiny?
That's the confusing part. If there is no destiny, then there is no fate. And if there is no fate… Then what else lies beyond there? What resides in that darkness when we have outgrown our toys and childhood memories? Is there something? And if so, what is it?
Time after time, I feel like I'm lost in a forest, just walking and stopping, seeing nothing but thick trees and stormy clouds. Just what is beyond those twisted branches? Just what waits beyond there? Does Youkai-ya know? Does Gareth know? Does Timeless even know, for he is the guardian of the other world?
…
Well… It looks like I should start walking.
(Normal POV)
Hisoka woke up tiredly, opening his eyes and seeing the white skies of Donbureiku. He sat up and looked around, seeing that is was the world that he had met Gareth. He stood up and walked forward, blinking as he saw that there was a black door with golden door knobs.
"What is this?" he asked himself before taking the knob and opening it. He walked through and looked around as he saw it was Youkai's vision of Donbureiku. The air seemed more cool and a sweet cinnamon smell hit his nose. He walked down a hallway and looked past an open door, seeing a parlor room with Youkai, Gareth, Lunalore, and Timeless sitting around a white table with breakfast items, tea, and coffee on it.
"Ah, good day, Hisoka. Care to join us? We were waiting for you to show up." said Timeless. The blonde nodded and he walked over and he took a seat next to his other half. He was then given a cup of black coffee and he gave his thanks.
"Have you noticed that the air around this area has eased?" asked Gareth after taking a bite out of a scone.
"Yes. Is it because Youkai accepted Lunalore?" asked Hisoka, stirring cream his black coffee with his provided spoon. Lunalore gave a smile and nod.
"Yes. It's thanks to you and his remembrance in trust that he was able to accept me." said the black-haired inner-self. Youkai looked down at his green tea in embarrassment and he took a small bite out of his coffee cake.
"Speaking of remembrance. Lunalore, do you think you can recall of anything that had happened before we went to sleep?" asked Gareth.
"Sleep? What does sleep have to do with our cause?" asked Timeless.
"If me and lord Gareth think hard enough, we can remember a deep, lulling sleep before we found ourselves in our Sotogawa No Serufu's Donbureiku's." said Lunalore with a serious look.
"W-Well, what can you both remember before that happened?" asked Youkai.
"Perhaps, I can be the one to do that." said Timeless, holding out his palm. The three minors stared in bewilderment as the room around them suddenly faded away and the scene began to change. Hisoka and Youkai noticed that Lunalore's eyes were suddenly giving an toxic-green glow, his mouth slightly open with a dazed look on his face. They all watched as they appeared in front of a giant room with people in fancy clothing, sitting or standing in the room that was filled with silver armor and carefully drawn ceiling paintings. A group of people knelt before a throne and the group was surprised to see that another Gareth was sitting on the throne along with another Lunalore, only their eyes had pupils. Before anyone could say anything, the scene was wiped away and they found themselves in the parlor room again.
Hisoka looked to Gareth, seeing that the king had a look of shock and disbelief on his face. Lunalore looked the same, only a little calmer, while Youkai was trembling and Timeless was resting his head in his hands.
"How… How did we just see that?" asked Hisoka finally, tucking away a stand of his hair behind his ear. Timeless sighed tiredly.
"I was able to show all of you Lunalore's faint memory through telepathy. It's difficult for me when the memory is not remembered well." rasped Timeless. Gareth quickly helped the old man up and took him to a different room. He then returned shortly after.
"He's been in this time of space for too long. I told him to return to his original time and to get his strength back. I don't we'll be seeing him in a while." said the white-haired teen as he took his seat again. Youkai gave a yawn and Lunalore patted him on the back.
"Perhaps it's time you and Sir Hisoka return to your world. Even if the air around here is fine, the very space of it seems to be tiring the both of you out." he said. Hisoka wanted to argue but the yawn he was holding in his throat was slowly climbing up. Could the space of Donbureiku really tire them out? Maybe take out their energy?
"Indeed. Follow us, you two. We will take you back to the entrance gate." said Gareth, standing up. The two humans and other 'True Self' did the same and they walked in line of two as the left Youkai's Donbureiku. Gareth and Lunalore walked together while Hisoka and Youkai walked together.
"Hisoka-san? Can I tell you something?" asked Youkai.
"Sure, what is it, Youkai-ya?" asked Hisoka as they walked. Youkai gave a small smile.
"It's just… I didn't have a chance to say it after our last visit here," he said, clasping his hands together. He then gave Hisoka a genuine grin. "Thank you. Thank you so much for helping me learn to trust. If it weren't for you, the darker Lunalore would have taken over me and who knows what would have happened? So, thank you very much." said the white-haired boy with a nod of gratitude. Hisoka smiled back and shook his head.
"I am not to be thanked, Youkai-ya. You accepted Lunalore and accepted the true you. You did it all on your own." he said truthfully. Youkai gave a blush in embarrassment and said nothing more.Finally, the group of four made it to Hisoka's Donbureiku and darkness clouded his eyes before he and Youkai fell into soundless sleep.
"Bye, Okaasan! I'll be home by ten!" called Hisoka as he walked out of his house and into the warm, Sunday afternoon. After waking up, he had decided that he was going to walk around Neo Domino that day. He wouldn't take his D-Wheel so he slipped on some running shoes, the Kuribo shirt he got for his birthday, some dark blue running shorts, and a water bottle. He took a few stretches, then took a jogging start, keeping his pace as he went his way done the hill and over a few rocks and logs. He finally made it to the city and he stopped when he reached the West side of Neo Domino. He took deep breaths as he rested near a bench and took gulps of his water bottle.
'This is nice. It's been a while since I've had a chance to relax.' he thought to himself, taking a seat on the bench and closing his eyes.
"So, this is how you relax?" asked Gareth as he materialized and sat next to the black-banged Duelist.
"Yes. Ever since I could remember, I always did like a to exercise. Running is one of my favorites." responded Hisoka.
"Hisoka, who are you talking to?"
Hisoka whipped his head over and almost gave a sigh of relief. The keyword being: almost.
"A-Ah, hello, Xerxes-ya. I was just, uh… debating with my most inner thoughts?" he reasoned. The blue-haired girl arched her eyebrow and gave a pointed look.
"I'll buy that, for now. So what are you doing here?" she asked. Hisoka took another drink of his water before answering.
"Just having my scheduled morning jog. You?" he asked. He then noticed that the younger girl was holding a gray duffle bag, dressed in black pants, a white dress shirt with diamond-blue cufflinks, some black dress shoes, and a white bow chocker. "Uh… getting out for a special occasion?"
Xerxes crossed her arms. "Indeed. I felt that I should get to my destination early beforehand." she said.
"Oh? So where are you going? Is it OK if I tag along?" asked Hisoka.
"Actually, only a few selected people are decided to go early. However, it is free to the public around seven 'o clock. Just head over to Forty-Two street. You can't miss it. And, Hisoka," the younger girl shoved her hands in her pockets, "You should try to dress… formal around then. I don't they'll appreciate you in shorts." she said bluntly. Hisoka gave a laugh of embarrassment before Xerxes shook her head and walked away. Hisoka then paused and thought for a while.
Why did he have to dress formally?
It was a quarter to seven when Hisoka got near to Forty-Two street. Taking Xerxes advice, he dressed in a black, long-sleeved, button-up shirt with white jeans, black dress shoes, a black, swallow-tailed coat with silver buttons. For the finishing touch, he wore a dark Gary fedora on his head. Looking around the street, he was surprised to see a line of fancily dressed people and he could see Xerxes standing by the entrance of a very heavily-populated building.
"Evening, Xerxes-ya. Is this the place?" asked Hisoka, walking over. Xerxes nodded and Hisoka was surprised by her appearance. She was still in her day clothing but now she wore a dark gray butler suit and half-moon glasses.
"I never knew you wore glasses, Xerxes-ya, Or is that just for the costume?" asked Hisoka. Xerxes shuffled on her feet a bit.
"I… I decided to where them on my own! And they make me look distinguished so don't make fun of me because I wear them!" she snapped. Hisoka held up his head in protection.
"Don't worry, I wouldn't do that. So what is this place anyway?" he asked.
"Fallow me and you will see." said the young girl, walking to the front of the line with Hisoka fallowing her. When they reached the front, the pointed-teeth girl pulled out a silver-colored card and the man in the front led them in. Hisoka looked around as he saw that the entire hall of the building looked very fancy, girl's and guys walking from here to there, dressed in butler suits and maid dresses. Hisoka watched with a slack jaw as he watched a few Duels take place from around the place, too.
"This is Doll-Eers. The only restaurant in Neo Domino where you can Duel and enjoy high-class meals. I come around here for the local card trade, Duels, and for the time of being in my butler outfit." said Xerxes. Hisoka nodded and Xerxes led him to a single table, making him sit down.
"You can hang around here for a while. I'm going to go see if I can get a Duel somewhere." she said.
"Does your family even know you're here?" asked Hisoka, tilting his head. The little girl gave him a scowl.
"Don't call Kiryu-kun or any of them my family. They are just those I want to keep around. Someone will be here if you wish to eat. I must go." she growled. With that, she briskly walked away, leaving Hisoka a little confused. He then remembered he didn't had lunch and he did feel a little hungry. Fortunately, a waitress came over. A short one hiding her face behind some menus.
"What would you like this evening, sir?" she asked, the voice so ridiculously high, it could be considered fake. Hisoka ignored this, thinking that the younger girl probably had a sore throat.
"I'll just have some club soda, if you have any." he said. The waitress nodded and she almost walked away when Hisoka noticed a recognizable red ribbon with a silver bell attached to it. His eyes widen and he began sputtering.
"K-K-Kira-ya?"
The waitress stopped and cursed colorfully, turning around, lowering the menus, and revealing a very pissed off Kira. Only… he didn't look like himself.
He was dressed like the other girl's in Doll-Eers, his top-half in crimson-red and black lace and his black petticoat ruffled and reaching his knees with white knee-socks with bows at the top. His feet were in black Mary Janes and the frilled headband on his head was designed with broken hearts. Tied in his hair was his regular bow with the single bell. Hisoka couldn't say a word. He was too surprised to utter a word.
"You laugh, you die." snarled Kira, his eyes flashing with the slightest anger and a light tint on his cheeks.
"Uh… Just what… I don't even…" Hisoka was without a doubt, confused and shocked. Kira gave a sigh, filled with tiredness and self-pity.
"This is a combination of wanting spare cash and Akira's own sick pleasure." he muttered. Hisoka tilted his head again.
"Akira-ya?" he asked. Kira jerked his head and Hisoka spotted the man they were talking about, his eyes locking on Kira's form with a wine glass full of red wine in his hand. Hisoka raised his brows and looked back to Kira.
"Uh… So he's into making you… do this?" he asked. Kira gave a solemn nod and he scratched at his headband.
"Yeah… Look, I gotta go. Talk to me again, and I'll make your cheeks goes black and blue." he muttered as he scattered away, a gray cloud could hang over his head if one could.
Hisoka gave a pitied smile and he stood up from his seat, fixing his coat and checking out a near by clock on the wall. He did wanted to try out a Duel but he forgot his Deck and it was getting close to ten already. It looked like it was time for him to head home.
"So now, by sacrificing my Defender of the Ice Barrier (LV:3/ATK:200/DEF:1600) and my two facedowns, I get to Synchro Summon my monster!"
Hisoka stopped in his tracks and walked over to the forming crowd. Standing in the middle of it was Xerxes and another opponent. Her opponent had one trap card on the field. Xerxes was Synchro Summoning with three cards. She lifted her card in the air.
"With an ice-ridden heart that freezes Hell over, let a king of the sky rise from beneath the glacier ice-caps. I Synchro Summon, Trishula, Dragon of the Ice Barrier (LV:9/ATK:2700/DEF:2000)!" yelled the pre-teen, her dragon beast of three heads and ice-blue scales crouching, roaring, and pawing at the ground. Xerxes held her palm out.
"And because she was Synchro summoned, her ability plays! I can return the card on your side of the field, to your hand! And now she attacks! Go, Trishula, use Chronic Frost Avalanche!" yelled Xerxes, a siege of ice crashing down on her opponent.
Xerxes: 1000
Opponent: 0
The crowd clapped and Xerxes made her way out of the crowd almost in an instant. Hisoka went after her. He followed her to a stairway but was quickly grabbed by someone behind him.
"I'm sorry. But all of our Duelist here at Doll-Eers are given a break to be by themselves once they have participated in a Duel." Hisoka turned and the person who stopped him was a woman with long and flowing black hair with light green eyes and a dark blue dress. Her make-up was over done and she wore many rings on her gloved fingers. Hisoka took a slight step back. He did have a fear of clowns when he was five.
"Er… I apologize.I was just trying to check on a friend of mine." he said. The woman nodded briskly.
"I see. Tell me, young man. Is this your first time here at Doll-Eers? Oh, forgive me. I am Kristine McClean, owner and manager of this fine establishment." she held out her hand in a glamour-like way and Hisoka took it awkwardly, shaking it once before taking it back.
"A… pleasure to meet you. I'm Hisoka Izayoi and yes, this is my first time here. My friend suggested I come here. It's the first time I've ever seen a restaurant that allows Dueling, McClean-ya." he said. Kristine gave a hollow giggle.
"Oh, such a proper man you are, Hisoka-kun. I do hope you participate in the Duels we have here. They can be quiet entertaining." said Kristine. Hisoka nodded.
"I'll see if I can. Forgive me, I must get going." he said, walking around her and going down the steps. He didn't even notice Kristine smirking, her eyes turning a bright purple with a black eternal knot replacing her pupil.
The next day, Neo Duel Academy's bell rang across the academy and Hisoka was walking with his friends over to the lunch tables they hung around when it reached Lunch. Everyone either took a seat on the ground, table, and benches and they all pulled out their bentos.
"So they seriously let you Duel over there?" asked Haru as he opened up a few bottles of Ramune(1) for him and Z. Hisoka nodded as he placed down his book bag and guitar and he snapped his chopsticks. He had been talking about Doll-Eers awhile ago.
"Surprisingly, yes. And it seems that the Duels over there are very interesting. Would you guys feel like coming?" he asked.
"I'm in. Any of you guys?" asked Stephanie.
"Sure, I could ask for an interview of the restaurant." said Ashter.
"Sure." said Rose, Asucchi, and Rosé.
"Sorry, I promised Tousan we would have an all-night horror movie night with Iris and Kuro-san." said Madelyn.
"I've got a Duel in Domino City. I won't be back till tomorrow. Sorry." said Tyler, who was eating some Onigiri.
"I'll come along. Good as time as ever to bring out my suit." said Haru with a nod.
"I'll go, but I ain't gonna dress in a suit like bro here." teased Z, nudging Haru in the ribs, who missed the slightest when trying to swat his brother away.
"What's this all about 'suits' and 'horror movies'?" All of them turned to see, surprisingly, Ryu and Youkai walked over, dressed in the second-pro-year and third-pro-year uniforms. Youkai had his scarf around his neck while Ryu had his ears pierced with his old fanged earrings.
"Afternoon, Ryu-ya, Youkai-ya. This your first day here at Duel Academy, Youkai-ya?" asked Hisoka as the two sat down on some seats.
"Yes. Aniki suggested it would be a good place for me to try at more advanced Duels. I'm j-just really lucky that Ryu-san is here." admitted the second-pro-year, blushing up a storm. Ryu nodded as he ate up some ramen in a cup he bought.
"Yep. And it's a good thing you guys are around, too. The more friends, the better, y'know?" he asked, wrapping an arm around Youkai. The smaller male began squirming.
"Ryu-san! You're going to squish me to death!" whined Youkai. Ryu only laughed and turned to the others.
"Say, what were you all getting at about 'suits' and all that? Some school dance happening are something?" he asked.
"Hisoka was just telling us about a restaurant that allows people to Duel. Catch is that people have to dress in suits and dresses." explained Tyler. Ryu nodded understandingly.
"Huh, sounds cool. Mind if we tag along?" he asked. Hisoka gave a nod.
"It's fine if you want to come. Just make sure you're well-dressed." he said. Suddenly, the informative bell rung.
*Hisoka Izayoi, please report to the guidance counseling office. Once again, Hisoka Izayoi, please report to the guidance counseling office.*
Everyone looked at Hisoka.
"Uh… did you do something bad, Hi-chan? Asked Asucchi. Hisoka shook his head.
"Guys, chill. For one thing, Hisoka is the nicest dude you could know, so he did nothing bad. Second, me and Youkai were called a while ago." explained Ryu.
"It's true. Prof. Morio told us he would be calling over some of his students to talk with them. Something about getting to know them since he'll be here for a few months." said Youkai. Hisoka stood up and packed up his lunch and picked up his things.
"I might as well get going. I'll see you guys later." he said as he gave a wave and walked his way into the guidance counseling office. He walked in on time just to see Prof. Morio, AKA Yusei Fudo, walk out of his temporary office with one of his students.
"Thanks for the talk, Prof. Morio!" called the student as he ran off. Yusei nodded and then spotted Hisoka.
"Ah, Hisoka. Good to see you, again." said Yusei, smiling at his son. On the inside, he was glad to see his son. Yusei could've sworn that the young man was a spitting imagine of Jack. Hisoka nodded back, recognizing his coach.
"You as well, Morio-sensei." he said politely. Yusei held the door to his office.
"Come in and have a seat. Make yourself at home." he said warmly. Hisoka did as he was told and sat down in one of the provided chairs. Yusei's office was painted in light green walls with bookshelves filled with books, a desk, a few paintings, and some boxes still yet to be unpacked. Yusei sat in another seat and smiled.
"I believe we didn't have enough time to chat while your friend needed medical attention. Is she alright, by the way?" asked Yusei. Hisoka tried to stop his laugher, but failed miserably.
"I-I'm sorry but," he gave a few held laughs, "sh-she is very much a-a h-he." he held back the rest of his laughter behind his hands, but a few spilled out. Yusei's jaw dropped the slightest before he himself began chuckling.
"S-sorry, my mistake." The two shared some more laughs before calming down. Yusei took off his glasses and polished them with the lapel of his white coat. Hisoka briefly noticed his eye-coloring. Their eyes almost looked the same. Sharp, yet wide enough to show their dark blue shade. He felt a prickling pain against his neck and he let out a small hiss.
"Are you alright?" asked Yusei, now concerned. Hisoka nodded and calmed down.
"Y…Yes. I guess it's because I didn't eat much of my food today. I packed a small lunch." he said.
"Ah. Would you care of some of my lunch? I still have half of a peanut butter sandwich and a cup of ramen." said Yusei, looking through his backpack.
"Oh no, I can't." said Hisoka, shaking his head. Yusei smiled.
"It's no trouble. I ate enough today anyway." he said. Hisoka shook his head again.
"Actually, I really mean I can't. I have a severe allergy to peanuts." he said. Yusei stopped instantly. His son had allergies?
"You… have allergies?" he asked. Hisoka nodded and he scratched the back of his neck.
"Yes. I was diagnosed when I was five and- oh, I apologize. Talking about it would waste your time." he apologized, flushing slightly. Yusei shook his head.
"Nonsense. If anything, I could have hurt you unintentionally. Please, tell me about this. If anything, I wish to know my students well if I will only be here for a short time." he said. He really did wanted to know more. He did not know of his son's allergy. He could have hurt Hisoka without even knowing it. He did not want to do that again. Knowing more about the son he hadn't seen in eighteen years would be a dream come true.
"If you are so sure then. Well, I was diagnosed with my allergy when I was five-years-old. Since then, I had to be careful with what eat." he said.
"What were the symptoms?" asked Yusei.
"Well, I gained a small case of asthma and I went into anaphylactic shock when first exposed to it. It hasn't affected my lifestyle this far but I still need to watch what I eat." replied Hisoka. Yusei rested his chin in his hands.
"Ah, I see. I apologize for almost causing your allergy." he said. Hisoka waved his hand.
"It's fine. You meant no harm." he said. His stomach then gave a rumble and both men chuckled.
"Would you still like that cup of ramen?" asked Yusei.
"If it won't be much of a bother, then I suppose." replied Hisoka. Soon, he was eating the noodles and Yusei noticed his guitar.
"You play the guitar?" he asked. The blonde adolescent nodded.
"Yes. I sometimes play a few songs with my friends and I like to play a few genres of music. Though, I'm more into chess then playing the guitar. I even named my D-Wheel Archfiend's Checkmate and I have a Chess Archfiend Deck." he said. Yusei grew more interested.
"Interesting. Have you ever been in any tournaments?" he asked.
"I have, for both Duels and chess. I've won a few tournaments but I've never thought of going in regional's or championship. I sometimes play with my friends. My friend Haru Rin, he's good at chess himself. He knows as much as I do, and that's saying something." he said before eating some more ramen.
"Oh, I see. My, I'm sure your family is very proud of you." said Yusei. Hisoka stirred some of the noodles.
"Well, Okaasan sometimes says that I should take part in regional's, but I still decline. I don't think I can handle all that pressure." admitted his son.
"What does your father think?" asked Yusei. Time to test the memory. Hisoka tapped his finders against the ramen cup.
"He's… not around. Okaasan said that he's coming back soon but," Hisoka eyed the cup he was holding. "I sort of… don't think he will be returning. I mean, he left when I was so young, that I don't even remember what he looks like. But when I was younger, I believed he would return one day. It was a childish dream yes but… isn't that how reality begins? Based on a dream?" Hisoka smiled to himself slightly. "That's what I kept telling myself when I was little. I was hoping that if I met him one day… he would tell me who I am." Yusei tilted his head, concerned about how sullen his son looked.
"Who you… really are?" he asked. Hisoka nodded and the door suddenly opened. Jack looked more surprised then the both of them as he walked in.
"O-Oh. I'm sorry for interrupting you, Morio-sensei. I was just wondering if you would like to accompany me for Lunch. I didn't know you were busy." he said, scratching the back of his head. Yusei smiled kindly.
"It's alright, Axis-sensei. I was just having a discussion with Hisoka. He's a very interesting person." he said. Hisoka shrugged his shoulder humbly.
"I… I'm just me." he said. Yusei gave another smile.
"That's exactly the point. You are you. And that's better than being special." he said.
"No, you're not special… You're just you, which is better."
Both Jack and Yusei paused that moment. That one, small moment made them remember that tiny memory of their past. Jack had said those words to Yusei. And though they were meant to be friendly, they still had a great meaning. Something that made something flicker, like the last flame of a smoldering fire. Their eyes met that moment, the smallest sign of recognition occurring.
'Jack… told me that.' Yusei though sadly.
'That was similar… to what I told Yusei that one time. How… did he know that?' Jack wondered, looking to the man at the desk. He could have sworn that he saw Yusei there. But that was impossible, wasn't it? Yusei had been gone for so long. After he left and a few years past, no one seemed to remember Yusei. But Jack remembered. He would always remember. He could never forget Yusei. And now here comes this man from out of the blue. Almost like a reincarnation of Yusei. The bell then rung again, signaling that it was time for class.
"A-Ah, it looks like it's time for class again." said Hisoka, awkwardly picking up his items and bowing respectfully. "It was a pleasure talking with you, Morio-sensei. I hope we have more time to chat later on. Pleasure seeing you, Axis-sensei. Goodbye." he said, before walking out of the room with slight haste.
Jack watched him leave, briefly thinking he saw something in Hisoka that told him to recognize him. But his musings were cut off when Yusei cleared his throat.
"Is there any more business you wish to speak with me, Zach-san?" he asked. Jack felt his heart speed up and the pale skin of his cheeks reddened. There was a contrast between the two forms that 'Axis-sensei' and 'Zach-san' were spoken. 'Zack-san' was pronounced in a oh-so much softer tone. It made him feel like he was worth more than his title of 'The Duke of Dueling.'
"N… Actually, yes, there is something. I, well, if it wouldn't be much trouble… Have you heard of that new restaurant in town? Doll-Eers?" he asked. Yusei nodded.
"Yes, I was planning on looking at it some time… Would you care to visit that place with me, Zach-san?" he asked. Jack looked away, trying to hide that damn blush that was threatening to erupt on his cheeks.
"If… you would like to…"
Yusei gave a smile.
"Very well. Would tonight work? I believe that is the only time I am free." he said. Jack nodded, still casting his eyes away.
"Y-Yes. Tonight will work nicely." he mumbled. Yusei nodded.
"Very well. Tonight it shall be."
"You're going out again?" asked Aki as she watched Hisoka walk down the steps, dressed in the outfit he wore last night. It was close to seven o'clock, the time he and his friends decided to meet at Doll-Eers.
"Yes. I wanted to show everyone else the place. Would you like to come as well, Okaasan?" asked Hisoka as he fixed his hat. Aki shook her head.
"No, I think I'll stay around here. Have fun and be safe, alright?" she asked. Hisoka nodded as he slipped his deck into his deck holder on his belt and his Duel disk to his shoulders. The door was then knocked and Hisoka answered it, smiling as he saw that his friends were dressed and readied.
"Yo! You ready or what?" asked Z, dressed in a green button up shirt with a blue tie undone and over his shoulders with black jeans and white shoes.
"Yes, I am. I'll show you guys where it is. Bye, Okaasan! Be back by eleven!" he called as he left with his pals. Aki smiled and walked over to the phone, deciding to call someone. The phone rang for a while until it was answered.
"Aki? Hello, is something wrong?" asked Yusei, who was slipping on a dark blue tie from the other end.
"No, I just wanted to talk. How are you, Yusei? Are you alright? You seem like you're in a rush." said Aki, leaning against the banister.
"I'm well. I'm just going out this evening. Have you ever heard of Doll-Eers? It's that new restaurant that I'll be going to this evening." said Yusei. Aki gave an inquired look.
"That's an odd coincidence. Hisoka is going there with his friends today. He left just now. Maybe you two will see each other." she said. Yusei paused, then went to search for his dress shoes.
"If that's trying to tell me to tell him that I am his father, then it's not working. You know I can't tell him just yet, Aki." he said. Aki sighed.
"I know, but Yusei, please hear me out. You need to tell him sooner or later. He's old enough to know this." she said.
"I… I know that. He is old enough to know, but is he old enough to handle it, Aki? Would he be able to accept it so easily? That he was born from a male? I just can't do that to him, Aki. I met Hisoka today and I found out so much about him. To tell him something like that is very impossible…" Yusei's voice trailed off and it was time for Aki to sigh.
"I understand. Well, I have to go now. Have a nice evening." she said.
"Thank you. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
Aki hung up and sighed again. She didn't even make a step before the phone ran again. She picked it up.
"Hello?"
"… Aki… How do you handle a first date?" Aki nearly dropped the phone.
"J-JACK? You're going on a date? With who?" she asked. She could tell that the blonde champion from the other end was blushing, which was surprising.
"N-Not a date, exactly. Just a night with… Yosuke Morio." mumbled Jack. Aki suddenly got a dreamy look on her face and she smiled.
"Just do what you know is right and you'll be fine." she said. Before Jack could respond, she hung up and sighed.
'Ah, how the flicker of old love rekindles.'
"Wow… This place looks pretty fancy." said Rose, dressed in a light green dress with dark green vine designs spanning around it with blossoming roses. She and the others were just entering Doll-Eers, people coming and going in. The group walked in just to see Kira working with Akira close by, Akira eyeing the smaller like a hawk while the younger was grumbling along the way.
"Uh… Man, you were right, Hi-kun. Kira-san does look… feminine in a sort of way." said Ashter, dressed in a gray suit with a light green tie.
"Yeah, I would have never guessed he was a guy with that on. Though he does look cute, don't you think, Haru?" asked Rosé, dressed in a red dress that reached the floor with black flowers running along the side of it with a black flower in her hair. Haru nodded slightly, dressed in a very fine black tuxedo with a light blue bow tie.
"I guess. Say, shouldn't we be getting some seats?" he asked.
"We'll go find them." volunteered Stephanie, dressed in a black strapless dress with a black choker around her neck and her hair done in a bun.
"Sure. The sooner we eat, the sooner we can Duel." said Asucchi, dressed in a white blouse with a colorful skirt that was designed with white doves, her pink hair done in cute, curly pigtails. The two girls and Rose went to do just that.
"Hey, Rosé? Would you like to dance?" asked Haru, blushing slightly. Rosé's face gave the same coloring but she nodded all the same.
"I-I'd love to." she stuttered as she took Haru's hand and the two danced at the dance floor. They danced very elegantly.
"Geez, ya just wonder when they're gonna go out, huh?" Z asked Hisoka and Ashter. The two nodded and Z gave a sigh.
"Well, I know I'm gonna get bored if I stand here doing nothing. If you guys need me, I'm gonna see if I can get a Duel somewhere. Wanna come?" he asked.
"I will. This could be good for the Academy Weekly." said Ashter.
"I'll wait here for Ryu-ya and Youkai-ya. We'll catch up with you." said Hisoka. The two nodded and went off. Hisoka walked around the front for a bit before he spotted the last two. Ryu was dressed in a white tux with the first buttons undone and his jacket over his shoulder. Youkai was dressed in a black. His dress shirt, pants, and scarf were of those colors. His white hair and golden patterns contrasting from his clothes. Ryu let out a whistle when he reached the eighteen-year-old.
"Damn, you weren't kidding when you said this place dressed fancily. he said with a grin. Hisoka nodded and noticed that Youkai looked a little worried.
"Something wrong, Youkai-ya?" he asked. Youkai bit his lip and gave one nod.
"There… might be. Hisoka-san, I'd like to talk with you more privately, if we can." he said. Hisoka could hear the urgency in his voice and he nodded.
"Of course. Ryu-ya, our table is over there. Would you mind giving us a few minutes?" he asked.
"Sure thing. Let me know if ya guys need me." said Ryu before he left to the table. Hisoka and Youkai walked over to a corner and Youkai looked worried.
"Hisoka-san, there is trouble in Donbureiku. Something about this place is effecting with our contact with our Ma Do ~ Useruvu." he said.
"Are you sure, Youkai-san?" asked Hisoka.
"I'm positive. I… I haven't told this to anyone yet but… I have the ability to see Duel Spirits and they've told me that Lunalore and Gareth are trying to stop the bad Shin No Jiko. Please, you must believe me. We need to get to Donbureiku." said the whitette. Hisoka looked around before nodding.
"Very well. But how will we get there? I thought we could only get in with our Sotogawa No Serufu." he said. Youkai spared a smile.
"They can, but we can as well. All we have to do is focus on Donbureiku and go to sleep. It's so simple, but it works." he said. Hisoka gave a shrug and he took a seat on the nearby couch. Youkai followed.
"Alright. Then I'll see you there, Youkai-ya." he said. The red-eyed bow nodded back and the two closed their eyes, soon falling into a deep sleep. They did not see Kristine walk by with two waiters, however. She smirked, nodded to the men, and the two of them picked up the boys. Kristine's eyes glowed and so did the men's.
"Take them to the back with the other." she said.
"Yes, my queen." both said in a dead tone as they carried the two boys away. The door then opened and Yusei and Jack walked in. just before the back door closed, Yusei caught sight of his unconscious son. His eyes widen.
"Zach-san… where are they taking, Hisoka?" he asked, his maternal instincts kicking in. Jack noticed it and he quickly pulled out his phone.
"I'll handle it. Please, calm down." he said. Feeling calmed and tamed by the deep voice, Yusei nodded and Jack got to work on calling the police.
"Well, we made it. We just have to find Gareth and Lunalore." said Hisoka as he and Youkai walked through the latest Donbureiku. It looked like the city slums, but only trees of all sorts twisted out of the buildings, those that looked ready to collapse.
"I hope they're alright." said Youkai.
"I'm sure they are." said Hisoka, giving a reassuring smile. The two walked a little more until they saw a purple light flash by in a alley. The two of them dashed over and gasped.
Gareth and Lunalore were only two among the bodies on the floor, though they were not torn and ripped open like the two other bodies near by. The blood was spilled all over and the alley way stunk with decay. The two boys nearly barfed. They were both surprised to see two Xerxes there. One was standing in her butler uniform while the other was dressed in a black hoddie and pants with her black splatted appearance like Gareth and Lunalore once had and a silver scythe in her hands. She had a maniac-like grin on her lips and she was twitching.
"Finally… these no good dipshits are dead! Hehehehehe! But am I really free? Did I really escape this Hell?" she asked, the bloodied blade of the scythe was shinning. On the wall were the words, "TAKE ME AWAY FROM HELL!" The real Xerxes was breathing heavily and growling.
"Stop it! You don't know what you're saying!" she growled. Her other self gave another laugh.
"I killed them," she kicked one of the torn bodies, "I killed them and now they are gone. Now I won't get hit any more! Now I can do what I want! But… that's only what I keep telling myself. I can never be free!" she shouted. Hisoka and Youkai looked at each other while Xerxes glared at her copy.
"I said shut up! I didn't do anything!" she yelled. Her doppelganger twirled the scythe in her hands.
"They told me I was a devil child. They said I was worth nothing. When I never did anything to them. So when I had the chance, Took this scythe, and killed them Murdered them. And when the police found out. I was let got. They didn't believe a little girl did something this evil! I'm only a child! So that's what I told myself. 'I didn't do anything.' But I did! I KILLED THEM AND I LIKED IT!" she began laughing her head off. Gareth looked up and winced.
"This one seems to be more held up." he managed to say. Lunalore awoke as well.
"Indeed. Seems to be growing… more powerful." he choked. Xerxes suddenly began shaking, tears coming to the corners of her eyes.
"N-No… Stop! I said to stop it already! You're wrong! YOU'RE WRONG!" she shouted. Her darker self gave a smirk.
"Oh, I'm not wrong. I know exactly what I'm saying. I'm just saying what you want to say. After all, we are the same person." she snickered. The blue-haired twelve-year-old shook her head wildly and screamed.
"NO! YOU ARE NOT ME, YOU BITCH!"
"NO!' shouted the four males, but it was far too late. The purple darkness covered the two and the males cursed under their breath.
Xerxes stepped back at her other self, seeing that she had changed into a black and swirling tornado, a demon's form popping up and hissing.
"I am a Shadouserufu. The true ideal. Wow you wish to become. My heart is of swirling darkness, meant to defend only myself and meant to spend my days as a demon. This is who I am." she hissed. Xerxes shook her head.
"I-I'm not… I'm not…" she whispered desperately. Her eyes drifted and she suddenly saw the scythe, lying on the floor. She looked away from it.
'That… kills. But… I need to use it. I have to!' she thought with confidence, standing up and running to it. Her other self spotted her and chased after her, trying to catch her in her swirling winds. Xerxes glared at it and made life-threatening dive, getting the scythe in her grasp and throwing it hermutated Shin No Jiko. When the blade reached, her other self screamed in pain and suddenly dispersed, the purple barrier slowly fading. The males were shocked to see that end so quickly and Xerxes walked over to her other self. She looked disgusted.
"Xerxes-ya… that is you." Hisoka said sadly. Xerxes let out a sigh and gave a nod.
"I… guess you're right." she said. She held out her hand and her darkened self took it with hesitation. When she was up, Xerxes gave another sigh.
"You… were right. I was abused by my foster parents. Yes, they called me a devil child. I know… I still sometimes wonder why they did. Was it because I did something? Or was it my very existence? I still don't know. But after that, even after all that, I still didn't feel free. It was just me. My past… it kept me from my future." she stuffed her hands in her pocket, and then looked at her other self, smiling the slightest.
"You are me… and I am you. You made me realize what was in front of me this whole time. I can't let my past control me. It never mattered about my freedom or not. All that mattered was that I just had the people I needed. Like Kiryu-kun and everyone else. So… thanks. Er… I didn't get your name." she added, looking down. The Shin No Jiko gave a half smile back before she reached into her pocket and gave Xerxes the card in it. She looked at the picture, holding one pawn that had swords curving around it was a light coming from it. The top had read "PAWN OF REBIRTH" She turned the card over and read the name.
"Aisu…"
"Ah, so my name has finally been found." Everyone watched as the darker self's form changed. her hair was now dark blue and spider-plant like, reaching all the way to her ankles. Her armor was made of dragon scales and her helmet was in the shape of a dragon's head. Held in her gloved hand was a sapphire pawn.
"So you are me." said Xerxes slowly, trying to take this all in.
"Indeed. You seem so lax about this ordeal." said Aisu. Xerxes gave a shrug.
"Reality's been throwing a lot of shit at me already. I might as well accept this. But," she turned to Hisoka and Youkai. "You guys owe me an explanation." Hisoka smiled and nodded.
"And we will but it's time we leave for now. We'll explain more tomorrow." he said. Xerxes nodded and she stepped away, allowing the Ma Do~ Useruvu stand together.
"We will see you three tomorrow." said Lunalore.
"We have found three so far. Only more to go." said Gareth with light humor.
"Until we meet again." said Aisu as a light formed around them and all was silent.
"Hisoka! Hisoka, please wake up!"
Hisoka opened his eyes and sat up, looking around and surprised to see Neo Domino cops walking around, talking to different people. He looked and saw Yusei and Jack there, Xerxes awake and a little away with Youkai a spot away from him.
"What happened?" asked the blonde, looking around. Yusei looked relieved.
"The people of this company were planning on kidnapping you and several others. We called the police just in time before they could. Are you alright?" asked Yusei. Hisoka nodded.
"I'm fine. Just tired. Pardon me, I need to have a word with my friends." he said, getting up and walking to Youkai and Xerxes. He was surprised to see an old rival there.
"J-Jun? What are you doing here?" he asked.
"He's investigating here, Hisoka-ya. He's a junior private eye fro Neo Domino." explained Youkai.
"He wanted to know about our experience for the investigation." said Xerxes. Jun glared at them sharply.
"You better hope you won't get detention for this, Koshinukes. You could have started a riot here if you wanted to." he warned.
"Tell it to someone who cares." muttered Xerxes. Jun glared at her but walked away with a huff.
"Way to tell him, Xerxes-chan." said Youkai with a smile.
"D-Don't call me that!" snapped the blue-eyed girl. Hisoka smiled, glad that the little girl was opening up more. Yusei watched and smiled, too. If one were to look, they could see their identical smiles.
And in somewhere that only darkness exist…
"So you failed to get them, Kristine? Very well, there will be more opportunities." said a voice as he moved the Gareth, look-alike chess piece.
Yay! All hail the long chapters! I very much liked where this chapter went! I hope you all did, too! Please leave back at review to let me know how you like it! Oh, and I hope that all of you are having a good few days of 2012!
1: Ramune- A Japanese soft-drink with a marble at the cap. Damn, I wish I could try a bottle some day.
I hope you all liked this! Sorry for any mistakes! Goodbye!
This is me saying, Peace!