Author's Notes; While my deck is, as far as I can tell anyway, pretty much complete, I thought I'd at least get the story started and work on it as ideas and suggestions for Yu's introduction to the world of Duel Monsters is finalized. So while the actual duels might not be for a few chapters, the story itself is what matters to me anyway, so it's no big deal for the moment. There WILL be duels, just I like to set the stage in a reasonable manner first before getting too crazy. D At any rate, enjoy guys and gals.
Another summer vacation, but this time, I'm not leaving. Yu smiled to himself as he looked out the train window, the gray bland tunnel giving way to the grass covered hills of the peaceful countryside. After what had felt like an eternity of university exams, class work, and the pollution filled air of the city, he was finally back where he belonged. Inaba had become his home two years ago, despite the fact upon his arrival, the first of several murders were committed. Amidst the chaos that single act of violence had wrought, he had become friends with several of the residents of the small country town, and had gotten his uncle and his little girl to grow closer to each other during that difficult time. Not only that, but he had awakened to a power that had given him the ability to protect everyone he had grown to love and cherish more than his own life.
And now he was going back to where his life had truly begun. Everything before the murders that had rocked Inaba during that year had been empty, void of any connections, of any meaning to his life. His parents had constantly moved around, always letting work dictate where he'd spend his days from year to year, sometimes even month to month. He was never allowed to connect with anyone for long, so he had pretty much given up before he had come to Inaba. What was the point of trying to hold onto anything when everything was torn apart at the whim of his parents that didn't seem to care what their choices were doing to him?
Then he was forced to move to Inaba, forced to live with an uncle he barely remembered, and his eight year old daughter. To him, it had been another seemingly careless decision made by his parents, but this time, the unexpected had happened. His life had taken a turn for the better despite the trouble he and his new friends had gotten mixed up in.
Yu's thoughts were interrupted when he looked up, his gray eyes focusing on the speaker that was at the other end of the train car about the same time the brakes were applied. They were pulling into the station at last. Pulling down his bag from the overhead compartment, Yu was the first at the train doors. He offered his reflection a subtle smile when his gray eyes caught sight of his power, the glowing yellow eyes and the armored mask of Izanagi-No-Okami. His Persona nodded his head as the train doors opened, disappearing from sight as the midafternoon sun hit Yu in the face, forcing him to shield his eyes with his right hand.
That moment was all Nanako Dojima needed as Yu stepped off the train, all but bullrushing the young man to the ground. "Big Brother! You're back!" Somehow, despite the not so small Nanako slamming into his chest, Yu managed to stand his ground and wrap the exuberant girl in a one armed hug until he set his giant duffel bag down.
"I'm glad to be home Nanako." Yu replied softly, his gray eyes alight with the depths of his joy at being where he truly belonged. Once they had pulled apart, he let his eyes sweep over the girl's form, nodding his approval at how much she had grown. While she was only ten, almost eleven years old, she was wiser than her young appearance let on. The fact that she was almost level with his chin, when only a few years ago she had barely reached the middle of his chest, showed her physical growth had caught up with her mind at last. "You've grown up." Nanako smiled and cocked her head to the side, a small blush coloring her cheeks at the compliment.
"She isn't the only one Yu." Yu turned and offered Ryotaro Dojima a nod as he approached the platform before he stopped next to his daughter and held his hand out to his nephew. "It's good to have you back in town, Nanako's been practically running up the walls for weeks." They shared a chuckle, which only grew when the young girl turned around and gave her dad a light punch to his stomach. "Same ol Nanako." Dojima replied before he ruffled his daughter's hair, earning him an annoyed mutter, but they could tell that her heart wasn't in it. The smile on her face said as much, as did the excited gleam in her brown eyes as she looked up to her 'Big Brother'. "So, ready to go?" Ryo asked after turning back to his nephew.
"Yeah." Yu stated firmly before slinging his bag onto his shoulder and following the Dojimas back to their car. Once they were on their way, only then did Yu turn his gaze to the window next to him, lost in thought. So much so, that he missed Nanako's question. "Huh?"
"I said, what do you think?" Looking down, it was Yu's turn to cock his head in curiosity at the brown and black backed cards, with several images of strange monsters imprinted on them. "Dad got them for me! I don't know how to play, but I've been taking lessons from my friends. They're pretty good though." Despite her words, Nanako's smile was infectious since it was clear she didn't mind the defeats she'd no doubt received since starting the game.
"Hahahaha, Nanako's friends, and even a lot of the adults, have been getting into the Duel Monsters game. It seems to have found its stride when some kid named Yugi Moto defeated Seto Kaiba, the head of Kaiba Corp a few weeks ago." Dojima explained, seeing his nephew's nod of understanding in the rearview mirror.
Yu knew about Duel Monsters, but he had never really gotten involved with the game. Like so many other things before he had moved to Inaba, he hadn't really felt the need to get mixed up in the craze, figuring it would disappear in a year or two like most trends did. Instead, it seemed to have only grown more popular, and the fact it had made its way all the way to the small little town said as much. "I'm just surprised it found its way all the way out here." Yu said, chuckling as he gently took his cousin's cards and looked through them. Predictably, they were themed after mystical fairies and angelic beings, which matched Nanako's innocent nature to a tee. Even though the monsters and magic pictures imprinted on the cards reminded Yu of his battles in the Midnight Channel's level of Heaven, created when Nanako had been abducted, none of the emotions associated with that stressful time of his life came with the memories. He had put that behind him, and he was able to hand his cousin's cards back with a nod of his head. "They look pretty good to me Nanako. I'm sure once you've mastered the basics, you'll be unbeatable."
"Really?! You think so Big Bro?!" Nanako asked, excitement filling her eyes as Yu nodded his head again, his smile becoming much bigger as he ruffled her hair, gaining him an amused giggle from the girl next to him. It always warmed his heart to see his cousin so happy, and that thought lead to another as he looked to the front seat a moment later. "Hey, where is everyone? I thought they'd have been at the train station?" Ryotaro just chuckled and shrugged, making Yu narrow his eyes in curiosity at his uncle's sudden tight lipped expression. "Alright, what are they planning this time?"
The elder Dojima only shrugged, while Nanako giggled into her hands at Yu's puzzled expression. "You'll find out soon Yu." Was all Ryo said, the smirk on his face showing just how much he was enjoying keeping his nephew in the dark for once. Yu had a few guesses as to what his friends had in mind, but he'd let his uncle enjoy himself. Besides, if he knew his friends, Yu knew that whatever it was they were planning would no doubt be something to remember.
It's probably another welcome home party, except this time, since I've finalized my plans, it'll most likely be a bit bigger than their usual schemes. Looking into the window at his side, Yu once again saw his reflection change as Izanagi's armored face met his gaze. As before, his Persona nodded his head in silent agreement before the reflection changed back to his own face. It wasn't much of a surprise if he knew about it ahead of time, but it was the thought that counted as far as Yu was concerned. Besides, even if they hadn't planned another 'surprise party', he'd still be happy to have them at his side. The kind of bonds they had forged were unbreakable, and more precious because of the trust they had for each other as well as the strength they had within themselves. Even when they were apart, they never forgot each other. The power they had all attained throughout their journey was secondary to the bonds they had made together.
"What's on your mind Yu? You've been unusually quiet since you got back, was the trip that boring?" Ryo asked, having a feeling he knew the answer to his question already. "Still having a hard time with your folks huh?"
"Yeah. But at least they've let me make my own way. Not that they had a lot of choice in the matter." With all the years of abandonment and the constant moving around, he had taken a page out of his own book by standing up for what he believed in, and had told his parents in no uncertain terms that they no longer had any right to his person or his future. He had made it clear he planned to finish school, and with his uncle's blessing, would move in with him and his cousin until he was able to find a place of his own. With every promise he had ever made being kept thus far, even his nearly nonexistent parents knew he wasn't about to yield, having almost been frightened by the strength he had displayed during the worst of their heated arguments.
The detective knew all about it, having gotten several, very angry phone calls from his sister, accusing him of instilling Yu's new rebellious streak. Rebel would have been the last word he'd use to describe Yu, and after hearing his nephew's side of the story after breaking through his otherwise ironclad defenses on the subject, Ryo had agreed with his nephew's decision to move on, much to his sister's surprise. "Well, here's hoping things get better from here on Yu, but I do wish you and my sister could make up at least." Ryo said, but he knew the chances of that were low. It had been an old point of contention between them, which had gotten smaller and smaller after learning the whole truth from both sides. Ryo had been utterly shocked his sister had allowed such a rift to form between her and her only child, but the shock had worn off later that same year.
Yu knew that as hard as it was for Ryo to imagine it, that he had eventually written his parents off as a lost cause, same as him. Still, that didn't make it alright, and his next statement said as much. "I know you tried to get us on speaking terms again Ryo, but that ship has long since sailed. I wish things were different between us, but they are what they are." Yu replied nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders even as his uncle frowned at him from the front seat. Despite his calm veneer, the look in his gray eyes suggested that he wasn't entirely happy with the situation either, even now, but there really wasn't anything more to say on the matter.
The dark mood evaporated in an instant when they pulled up to the Dojima residence, and the detective's scowl became a small smirk. "Well, here we are. Welcome home Yu."
"Thanks Ryo. Ready Nanako?" The girl nodded her head eagerly before they left the car and walked up to the front door. Yu's dour mood disappeared completely when his uncle opened the door and let him in first. Just as he had suspected, he was greeted quite exuberantly by all of his friends.
"Hey there bro, long time no see!" Yosuke grinned widely, one of the first to rush him the moment he cleared the small hallway that lead to the living room and kitchen space.
"Sensei! You're back!" Teddie pushed the Junes assistant manager aside, much to the young man's annoyance. The former Shadow's grin was ear to ear, his blue eyes sparkling with unbridled joy at having him back in town.
"It's good to see you again Yu." Yukiko said from the kitchen counter, her black eyes burning with her quiet passion and warmth. "You look well." She stated further before being nudged in the side by her best friend, Chie. "Oh right, let me just finish making the rest of our meal." She blushed, earning a chuckle from the martial artist enthusiast next to her.
"Sheesh Yukiko, you're still as predictable as ever." Chie teased, earning her a playful scowl from the raven haired woman next to her. Nanako giggled at their antics as she stepped between her and Yukiko, helping the inn manager finish their meal preparations. "Hey Nana-chan, sorry, better get out of the way of those two. They've become a good team over the last year."
"Indeed." Naoto stated, standing by the glass door next to Kanji, his arms crossed over his chest as the young detective closed the gap between Yu and herself. Her sharp, dark blue eyes sweeping Yu's face before she spoke again, choosing her words carefully. "You look like you've had a rough year."
"I have, but I'm here now, and I'm here to stay." Yu countered before turning to Kanji. "How are you doing Kanji?"
"Doing alright." Kanji replied, chuckling as he turned away from the view outside. "She's right though Senap, you look like crap."
"Gee Kanji, way to point out the obvious." Rise said, just coming down from the second floor before rushing towards Yu's side. Whatever he had been feeling at the constant reminders disappeared the moment he laid eyes on the joyous expression on the pop idol's face. Despite the small crowd, he didn't resist when she pulled him into a tight embrace. "I missed you Yu."
"Same here Rise." Yu replied quietly, unable to suppress the gleam in his eyes, even if he had wanted to as their lips met for a brief kiss before they parted amidst a collection of awkward looks from their friends. "Right, sorry."
"Oh no, don't mind us bro. We'll just eat you out of house and home." Yosuke said, a wide grin on his face until Nanako stepped on his foot on her way by. "Yowch! Sheesh Nana-chan." Hopping on one foot, everyone shared a laugh at Yosuke's expense. Yu watched the same playful antics he had come to expect from everyone with a small smile plastered on his lips. It was good to be surrounded by his friends and family.
It was good to be home.
Thirty minutes of animated conversation and good food had done more for Yu than he could ever express as he laid back against the couch, a contented look on his face as he stared up at the ceiling. Everyone else was in a similar state of rest, patting their bellies in some cases. "Told you they'd been doing good together." Chie said next to Yukiko and Nanako, sitting in front of the small living room table. "These two have made a pretty good team while you've been gone."
"It helps that Big Bro taught me how to cook bigger and better meals since he's been coming back to town every chance he gets." Nanako explained, looking towards Yu with a big smile on her face. "And Big Sis's cooking has gotten much better!"
"Seems you've been a good influence all around Senpai." Rise chuckled, having noticed the embarrassed blush on Yukiko's cheeks from across the living room.
"Indeed, but that is simply Senpai's way. I would expect nothing less. You've done a great deal for us all, so it is only fair we return the favor from time to time." Naoto replied contently, unafraid to lean against the tall blonde behind her, his arms wrapped protectively around her stomach. "Welcoming you home might not be much, but it's a first step in that direction."
"Just being surrounded by everyone is thanks enough." Yu said without hesitation, his small smile having grown considerably at Naoto's words. "I'm thankful for what I have been given and what we've all fought for since we met two and a half years ago. There's no need to do more than what you've done already."
"Aww, you're so beary nice Sensei! I think I'm gonna cry." Teddie wiped at his eyes with the back of his hands, but even with the rivers falling from his big blue eyes, his grin never faltered. "We're the luckiest bunch of grizzlies ever!"
"Can it bear!" Yosuke growled, earning him an amused chuckle from the overly dramatic Shadow. "Still, he is right about one thing Yu. We are pretty damn lucky to have a guy like you around."
"You got that right." Kanji chimed in, throwing Yu a thumbs up from his spot against the window, Naoto merely nodding her head in his direction.
"Big Bro got us to be a family, a real family. I have all of you guys too! And now, he won't have to go away again!" Nanako shouted cheerfully before she had to put a hand to her mouth, a yawn escaping her lips at that moment.
Rise was the first to respond, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "I think someone stayed up too late listening to my new album." Nanako shook her head and giggled even as she fought to keep her eyes open.
"Come on you, I think it's time you got to bed." Yu said before leading the young girl upstairs, with his uncle two steps behind him. The others wasted no time in wishing Nanako a fond farewell as he and Dojima got her tucked in and sleeping comfortably before they came back downstairs.
"You're a good brother to her, you know that Yu?" Ryo chuckled as he took a spot at the kitchen table before his smile turned into a thin line. "I don't think I've said that enough, but there it is. Don't you guys agree?" A round of cheerful responses followed, and the detective was soon laughing deep from his belly. "Guess I'm not the only one that has you figured out kiddo."
"Hey, that reminds me! Did you guys hear the news?!" Chie clamped a hand over her mouth when she remembered Nanako was asleep upstairs.
"Way to go Chie, why don't you blow a horn in Nana-chan's ear while you're at it." Yosuke hissed as he glared at the tomboy who had taken Nanako's spot on the floor.
"You do tend to get easily excited." Yukiko chimed in, her black eyes twinkling in amusement at her best friend's deepening blush as she tried to regain her composure.
Rubbing the back of her neck, Chie chuckled nervously before she started speaking again. "An-anyway, as I was saying. Apparently some kid beat the reigning world champion at his own game. It was all over the news. I hear there's going to be a big tournament in a couple weeks from now, and the grand prize is three million dollars, plus a shot at taking on Maximilian himself."
"Who's he?" Kanji asked as he blinked owlishly in confusion.
"He is the CEO of Industrial Illusions, and creator of Duel Monsters." Naoto said after looking up towards the group. "He is dramatic and dresses quite gaily, but he is a sharp businessman and he has yet to lose a duel he's played as well. While he's nowhere near as prolific in the arena as Seto Kaiba, he is still a force to be reckoned with. There are some that say he has the power to read minds, but I have not seen enough evidence to support such a rumor. Although…."
"What? Although what?" Yosuke leaned forward, hoping the detective would finish her thought since he hated being left in suspense.
"A few months ago, he took part in a tournament and went up against a man named Bandit Keith. Keith was in the lead, but from what I saw of the duel, he toyed with Keith the entire match. It wasn't until the end of the duel that Pegasus wrote down instructions and called out a young boy from the crowd. This boy, Sam, was able to defeat Keith with ease thanks to Pegasus's instructions. While that is only one example, it does beg the question if Pegasus didn't have outside help, or if there was something else involved." Naoto finished, unsurprised by the stun silence that followed her keen observations.
"If I hadn't heard about that other world and seen for myself some of the strange things that happened two years ago, I wouldn't believe something like that was possible." Dojima said at last, earning a round of nods from those in his home. "But while it's an interesting story Naoto, do you really believe Pegasus was able to read his opponent's mind?"
"You stole the words right out of my mouth Dojima-san." Yosuke replied before turning to the junior detective among them. "Still, gotta ask Naoto, do you believe it's possible? You are the brains of our little group."
"I'm not sure, and because I'm not one for wild speculation, I can only say that I'm not against the idea. On that note, I'd rather see strong evidence before forming an opinion one way or the other." Naoto said in turn before looking at the watch on her arm. "On that note, I'm afraid I must go. I have a new investigation I must return to."
"I'll see ya home Naoto." Kanji stated, his tone brooking no argument from the girl in front of him. "See ya guys, Nana-chan!" Shouting over his shoulder, Naoto and the bleach blonde left the small house, the sound of everyone bidding them a good night following them out.
"I think we all need to think about heading out. I have to help my mother at the inn in the morning." Yukiko explained as she and Chie stood and headed for the door. "See you later guys." It wasn't long before only Yu, Dojima, and Rise remained, and Ryo had to leave for work shortly after Yosuke and Teddie left for the night.
That left only Rise, a sleeping Nanako, and a tired but content Yu behind as he dragged his stuff upstairs with the pop idol's help. It didn't take long for her to take advantage of everyone's absence to pick his brain. "So why did you seem so down earlier Yu? I get the feeling there's more to it than you've let on."
Yu stopped and looked over his shoulder before he set down the box he had in his arms. He knew he couldn't lie to her. Even without her powerful Persona, Kanzeon, her powers of perception were on par with Naoto's, or his own. While the young detective had her analytical mind behind her to absorb the smallest of details, Rise was far more attune with people's feelings, despite her own over the top reactions to certain situations. He couldn't suppress the small smile on his face, glad he had decided to reciprocate her feelings as he turned to her, having taken a spot against his bedroom wall. "It's true, my year has been rough due to the fights I've had with my parents, but that hasn't been so central in my thoughts lately." Yu explained, wondering how he could explain what was on his mind. "I just get the feeling something's coming. It started shortly after I left Inaba last year."
"And this feeling has only grown worse since?" Yu nodded at Rise's question, but before he could say anything else, she wrapped her arms around his back and leaned her head against his chest. "Whatever might be coming, we'll face it together Yu. We'll come out on top, just like we did two years ago." Yu only nodded his head as he returned her embrace, hoping she was right.
It wasn't long before everything was unpacked and back where it belonged, and with one last kiss between them, Rise was gone as well. All that remained was to unroll his futon and get some sleep himself, and that was exactly what Yu did.
(BGM. Persona 4; The Poem for Everyone's Souls.)
The only problem was that he didn't stay asleep.
Opening his eyes, Yu sighed heavily when he recognized the all too familiar, quiet hum of the car's engine. Without even looking at the interior of the limo, or the two at the other end of said limo, he knew where he was as he stared across the small table situated between them. "Igor and Margaret." Yu stated, nodding his head to the impossibly long nosed older gentleman in his black suit, and the equally well dressed platinum blonde that sat on his right side. "I'm not surprised you called me here. So is it true then, is there another catastrophe coming?"
"Very perceptive of you, my young friend." Igor chuckled into his folded hands as he looked up at the young man in front of him. "My but it has been quite some time since we've talked. You've matured quite nicely Yu Narukami. But enough pleasantries, as you have stated already, there is another catastrophe coming, and the power of the Wild Card will not be enough on its own this time."
"Then why bring me here?" Yu asked, knowing that if Igor summoned him, then there was a way to beat whatever enemy was coming. That was the thing with Igor, he never revealed himself unless he was certain of his guests' eventual success. He had told Yu of the danger well before it had revealed itself two years ago, and it seemed he was doing it again. His journey would not doubt be another arduous one, but Yu was confident he'd be alright. There was no way he'd back down if the world was in danger again.
"What do you know of Duel Monsters?" Margaret asked, gaining the silver haired man's attention immediately as she leveled her eyes on him.
"Only the bare basics, but my cousin Nanako has a deck. Why? Is there some connection between the game and whatever feeling of unease I've been picking up on?" Yu asked, earning a nod from both of the Velvet Room residents.
Igor chuckled again as he nodded his head ever so slightly before waving his right hand, a deck of blue Tarot cards appearing on the table between them. "Indeed. However, as you are now, your power won't be able to help you against the new enemy that has begun to rear its head. But as you are aware, you are of the Wild Card, and you have awakened to your true potential as a Persona user. All you need do now, is simply adapt that power to face this new threat."
"And to do that, I need a deck, don't I?" Again, Igor nodded his head as Margaret pulled a deck from her blue vest and set it on the table. Looking through them, Yu noticed that the cards were completely blank. At his curious expression, Igor merely waved one white gloved hand.
"When the time is right, they shall reveal their power to you. The power of the Wild Card will not fail you, so long as you remain true to yourself, but I don't see that being a problem for you." Igor chuckled again before disappearing, leaving him and Margaret alone.
For the longest time, Margaret didn't say a word as her mask fell away, showing her true colors as her lips lifted into a small smile at seeing him again. "I have missed our talks and the tasks I set before you Yu. Our services are yours, as always, but I hope you come here just to talk like we used to. Good luck, Yu Narukami."
"Thanks Margaret, it looks like I'm going to need all the luck I can get." Yu replied softly, before his vision started to fade and he was allowed the rest of the night without further interruptions.
Ending Notes; It begins. Igor and Margaret have armed Yu with a deck, but their power has yet to be revealed. Sound familiar? :P Joking aside, I actually need a good first opponent, to draw someone's all seeing Eye towards him as well as ol Yugi boy. (Evil grin.) I have a few ideas, but I thought I'd let you folks decide.
As for why I chose to go Duelist Kingdom arc, I need the practice in setting up the duels, and this is bare basics level. It's only in Season 2, or the Battle City arc, that the rules are clearly defined and established, but it's also where things get more complicated. So starting out small for now seemed appropriate. Don't worry, I won't rewrite the entire history by any means if you're a traditionalist, but neither will I stick right to the script either. This is a crossover after all.