YuGiOh 5D's: Konami/Kazuki Takahashi
CFGX: "Here's the next chapter: I had help from Beta Readers Gammatron and Yami Zelgadis. Credit goes to them as well. Enjoy!"
At the Sector Security headquarters, Yusei, Akiza, Magic and Rico were watching a series of videos on a computer screen, each displaying a different person using psychic abilities in various ways. The group looked on as a brown-haired boy played a Hinotama Spell Card, the resulting fireball incinerating a target dummy before he collapsed, screaming in pain as a surge of electricity ran through him. Rico hid his eyes against Akiza's corset from the horrid images.
"Don't worry, he's not in any pain," Seria assured, "The child is actually 'creating' that electrostatic force field, with his telekinetic abilities."
"Seria was nice enough to turn in these files to Security this morning," Mina said, "Apparently Sayer was a master manipulator who would take in duelists with powers like yours, and depending on their strength they would either stay or disappear."
'Could it be true? Was Sayer really doing that to people?' Akiza pondered, 'Was Misty telling the truth?'
Flashback...
"Wait. I know you," Akiza muttered, "You're that model."
"I do happen to have a name, you know. It's Misty," the woman said straightforward, "You're famous yourself, aren't you, miss Akiza? Or do you prefer 'Black Rose'? Tell me, are you really a witch?" Akiza was slightly taken aback at Misty's bluntness, "I've waited a long time for this, Miss Whatever-You-Call-Yourself; I want my brother back!"
"Your brother? But I don't know him," Akiza replied, "Why do you think I do?"
"Enough lies!" Misty snapped, "I want answers, and I want them now, Miss Akiza! Your group of psychics, the Arcadia Movement, stole him!"
...End Flashback.
This new revelation placed alarming meaning on Misty's word, 'If he was recruited, that means Misty's brother could be one of the ones that vanished!'
"I'm sorry, Akiza. I know this has to come as a shock after everything you've been through, but it looks like Sayer was one of the bad guys," Mina sighed and walked over to Akiza, "The true purpose of his Arcadia Movement was to create an army of psychic duelists he could use to try and take over the world. You were just another soldier that he was training for the battlefield to fight. It's all here..." She showed Akiza the list on a holographic pad and sure enough, she was on it. Akiza gave a gasp of horror, turning and running out. "You can't run away from the truth, Akiza, we need your help! Mina shouted after the Signer. "You have the mark of the Dragon and we need you to beat the Dark Signers! Please come back!"
"Sayer never cared about you!" Magic called out to the psychic before she disappeared, "You were just a pawn for his twisted game! ...Ouch!" Magic rubbed the sore spot on the back of her head where a very ticked Rico tossed his stuffed wolf, "What was that for?"
"That was very uncalled for, Magic." Yusei scolded.
"Well, the truth hurt!" Magic snapped, "She needs to find out one way or another!"
"I know. But still...the way you told her only rubbed salt on her wounds." Yusei said as he walked out the door as well.
The Satellite found Akiza at the facility's cafe area, staring through the plate-glass window overlooking the city, confused about this whole affair. For the last five years Akiza was given a home thanks to that man. She never would have guessed that she was being used. How could Sayer betray her like that?"
"Akiza…" the Tail Signer murmured. She glanced at him.
"He... offered me a home when no one else would take me in," Akiza sniffed, her shoulders shaking, "So he used me. I guess I used him so I could feel safe. Now he's vanished, and despite what he's done, I'm sad."
"I'd be worried if you weren't." said Yusei.
"Huh?"
"You have a good heart. That's why we all came here to help you out. It's not about all the psychic powers; it's about who you are as a person. There's always a goodness in you. I felt it when we first dueled. And Rico brought it out to light. That goodness why I wanted you as a friend."
Akiza smiled through her tears, "A friend..." As she spoke, he pulled back his sleeve to bare the Tail Mark of the Dragon.
"Now let's find out how to take these Dark Signers out together."
"Together...!" she agreed, laying a hand over her own Mark…
YuGiOh: 5D's
Reverse of Arcadia
Ride 21: Signs of Time
Later...
In New Domino City, the sun shone down brightly as a limousine pulled up outside a colossal mansion made of white stone, with slate-grey roof tiles. Out of the limo came the five Signers, Leo, Rico and Magic, and much to Mina's chagrin, Kenichi and David.
"Wow, Goodwin's mansion is huge!" Leo marveled, staring up at the structure. "It's probably got its own zip code!"
Just then, the doors of the mansion opened to reveal Goodwin walking towards them, "Thank you all for coming," the Director greeted, "I've waited a long time for this moment; the five Signers standing here all together. It is with great honor that I welcome you all to my home." he bowed, "I'm here to serve you."
"Right. The only thing you've ever served is a tennis ball." Jack scoffed.
"Jack is right," Akiza whispered to Yusei, "Goodwin's played us since the very beginning. I mean he's the one who threatened your friends in the Satellite, just to make you and Jason duel in that tournament to see if you were actually Signers. How could you ever trust a guy like that?"
"You're right. I can't, but he seems to be the only one who knows what's happening. And with everything that's at stake, I can't risk not giving him a second chance. If Goodwin's the only one who has a plan, I have to trust him."
"Well, when you put it like that. You can count me in, okay?"
"Glad to know that I got your support."
Leo stepped aside to greet himself, "So why'd you invite us here? You giving us super dueling decks or what?"
"I don't recall anyone inviting you," Goodwin scolded, before looking over to the other non-signers with the same tone, "In fact, I don't recall inviting any extra guests at all."
"C'mon, Goodwin, lighten up," Ken shrugged, "We're just along for the ride."
"I have no business to those not bearing the Mark of the Dragon. I kindly suggest you leave. Now."
"What? But that's not fair!" Magic argued, "We're caught up in this as much as they are!"
"Besides, you owe me some answers, Goodwin," David reproached. "Remember that person you said you'd help me find? Turns out, she was with those Dark Signers this whole time! And I'm here to find out why!"
"And Signer or not, Leo's my brother," Luna protested, "He stays!"
"And I'm staying by Akiza no matter what!" Rico held tightly to the Claw Signer's corset, "So where she goes, I go! And that's that!"
Goodwin scowled a bit and finally looked over to Kenichi.
"Heck, I'm just tagging along."
The odds were not exactly in his favor at this moment, so the Director sighed, defeated. "Just no pets, okay?"
"Luna gasped and hugged her twin with delight, "Did you hear that, Leo? We'll both save the world!"
"Um, alright..."
Suddenly Goodwin cleared his throat, "Now that the daycare arrangements have been finalized for our guests, shall we go inside?"
A short while later, they were walking down a dark, torch-lit corridor, made of weathered stone.
"Where are we going, Mister Goodwin?" Luna asked.
"To a very special room that holds the answers you seek."
"Last I was here, I was left with more questions than answers!"
Goodwin chuckled, "Hmph, funny. Nice to know you didn't lose your sense of humor when you lost your title match, Jack!" They continued to walk until they got to the two stone doors that opened up for them. They went inside and the door closed behind them. And suddenly the floor glowed with the large full seal of the Crimson Dragon on the floor surrounding the tall Incan temple not to mention that the ceiling was filled with stars. Everyone but Goodwin, Jack, and were amazed at this; even Jason, despite being here before.
"Wh-what is this?" Yusei asked.
"I've been here before..." Jason pondered, eying the giant seal, "It's the Crimson Dragon!"
Goodwin had walked toward the stair, and turned, standing before it. "Correct! It is the symbol that binds you all and defines you as Signers, protectors of the world!"
Four Signs gleamed in the darkness, as Jason, Jack, Yusei, Akiza, and Luna's arms light up. Around the Stairway, a smaller ghost of the Crimson Dragon appeared, belling.
"Look familiar, Jack?" Yusei recalled, "We had a turbo-duel. And when our dragons attacked each other, something appeared.
"Not just 'something'. It was the Crimson Dragon."
"Exactly," Goodwin said, "It had chosen to instill its power in each of you, influencing your lives until you all came together at this time, at this place!"
"'Influencing our lives?' Whaddaya mean?" Yusei asked, "the Dragon has some sort of 'control' over all of us?"
"Nobody tells me what to do!" Jack argued, "This is my life, okay? I'm the one in the driver's seat!"
"Then you think this is all a 'coincidence'? Leaving the Satellite, finding Yusei, and meeting the others?" the Director rhetorically asked, "In your hearts, you've each known that you're destined for something bigger than a normal life. That's the Dragon's spirit, guiding you."
"But why all of us?" Yusei wondered allowed, "Sure, I know we're good with a deck."
"This goes far beyond your skills as a duelist," he said with his head down and his eyes closed, "The Crimson Dragon sensed the strength in your hearts, and chose the four of you to take on the Army of Shadows." Raising his head back up and opening his eyes. "This has always been your destiny!"
"Is he telling the truth? My destiny...?" Akiza asked as she looked at her own Mark remembering all the terrible things she did in her life before meeting the others, "I always thought I was a monster, a witch. What kind of hero am I supposed to be? I've hurt everything I've cared about; my family, my school- even Sayer."
"I sense your doubt, Akiza," Goodwin said, "But it was that very power that brought you to us. Would Yusei and Luna ever have found you if not for the legends of the Black Rose? The Crimson Dragon has chosen you not despite who you are, but because of it! I fear this final battle may require abilities such as yours. Each of you fill a unique need in the mosaic of the Crimson Dragon's dueling strategy, including the smallest of us. That's you, dear Luna. "the youngest Signer gasped, "Tell us about your special gift."
Luna looked at her own Mark as he remembered something from her memories. "I don't really know if it's a 'gift'," she began, "I mean, I didn't get it for my birthday or anything, but sometimes when I duel, I get transported to a strange land. It's some sort of spirit world, where all the duel monsters are real. We'd play, and laugh, and-"
"Bo-o-ring!"
"Hey, this is my story!" Luna snapped at her brother. "Anyway, that's where I met Ancient Fairy Dragon."
"Wait! You say you met a dragon?" Magic exclaimed, "Tell me, did this dragon have blue scales?"
"Yeah..."
"Orange eyes?"
"Yeah!"
"Hair just like yours? Butterfly wings?"
"Yes! How did you know? Did you meet her too?"
"I had dreams just like yours!" Magic explained, "I was trapped in a forest, and someone was calling out to me! It came from some slab of rock with a dragon's skeleton in it!"
"That must be Ancient Fairy Dragon!"
"She told me her world is in big trouble! And you can bet that the Dark Signers are part of it!"
"She told me the same thing!" Luna said, "She said I needed help from another Spirit Caller! She must mean you!"
"You see? You all have gifts;" Goodwin continued his speech, "Jack and Yusei were even able to glimpse into the past. They showed you the People of the Stars, and the danger that awaits us all. Satellite or City, pro or amateur. All of us are on the same side now. The side of light, of life. The side of the Crimson Dragon. It was the spirit of humanity that called you here, hoping you can stop the end of the world."
"And all this time, I just wanted it gone..." Akiza murmured.
"So what do we do now?" Luna asked, "What's our plan?"
Suddenly, the Dragon's ghost disappeared, along with its Mark's glow.
"Hold on! I just noticed something!" Kenichi wondered, "Yusei's got the Tail, Jack has the Wings, Akiza and Luna both have the claw thing, and Jason...I don't know what he's got, but it sure ain't a head!"
"Now that you mentioned it..." Yusei then turned to Jason, "What kind of mark is that?"
"...Kenichi's right," Jason sighed, "It's not the dragon's head. It's not even a real Mark of the Dragon. I'm not even a real person!"
Everyone excluding Goodwin and David gasped inaudibly.
"I don't understand..."
"I'm sorry. I've just found out myself, right before that final battle at the Fortune Cup. You see..." the false Signer took a deep breath, "...As it turned out Goodwin had some secret project to create artificial signers so he kidnapped the original so he can create five more Jasons and graph fake Marks on theirs arm but something went wrong and one of clone got out and escaped to the Satellite and that clone was me!" Jason caught his breath after that long sentence.
Everything went quiet then, before Kenichi broke the silence, "Soooo are you a like a robot-kind-of clone or a genetic-kind-of clone?"
"...Genetic."
"But if that's true, then where's the real fifth Signer?" asked Leo.
"Yeah, Leo's right," Luna added, "what destiny's eighty percent?"
"I promise the fifth Signer is ready to join our fight," Goodwin answered, "For safety reasons, I'm forced to keep their identity a secret. But know that when you face true danger, they will appear, along with the full power of the Crimson Dragon!"
"So? We're all here," Yusei stated, "What do we do now?"
"First a history lesson." As Goodwin raised his hand and a bright light appeared. Everyone covered their eyes and when the light faded, they opened their eyes and saw that the scenery was completely changed. They saw the Nazca Plains. "Now, for those of you hearing this for the first time, thousands of years ago, a huge war was fought, and the Crimson Dragon defeated the Army of Shadows. Afraid that the Shadows would one day return to destroy the world, the Crimson Dragon locked them underground. Magic symbols were carved into the earth, trapping their essence for millennia. In time, the shadows were forgotten, and their prison became a tourist destination. But they weren't willing to stay defeated; they wanted revenge!" beneath them, a bizarre-shaped star started to glow a dark violet, "Many years ago, the original Ener-D reactor exploded and released a surge of negative energy that cracked their magic prison," the Mark of the Star shone brighter, then vanished, "The dark power of the shadows has been seeping into our world, infecting it."
"Um, what d'you mean 'infecting'?"
"Finding hosts to do their evil bidding. The Dark Signers have been using shadow-drones to scout your abilities. And their goal is as simple as it is cruel: they want to send you Signers to the netherworld, so you can't summon the Crimson Dragon when the Shadow Army rises."
"Wait! I fought one of those drones myself!" Kenichi gasped.
"Me too!" Rico said, "They put up some scary around the field so you can't get out unless you win!"
"Not to mention the cards they use! When I dueled that shadow-drone from back then, he used something called a Dark Tuner! They said they feed off other monsters to produce negative energy!"
"The tuner he used was level-8, and he subtracted it from a level-3 monster he had!" Jason said.
"But that's impossible!" David argued, "That would mean they'd have to summon a synchro-monster with a negative level!"
"Apparently the Dark Signers gave a new definition to the word 'Impossible'." Ken said, "That monster I had to put up with was a negative level-5!"
"Yes; they thrive on negative emotions, which is why they appeared in the Satellite." Goodwin said, "They were drawn to the despair of the slums like a moth to a bright flame."
"Then why did they come to New Domino City?" Yusei demanded.
"In theory, Sayer's evil plot to create an army of psychic duelists is what first attracted the Dark Signers. Unfortunately now with the destruction, and innocent people vanishing from the streets, the city is cloaked in a shadow of despair."
"Which means the Dark Signers get even more power, don't they!" the Tail Signer's eyes smoldered as he remembered that turbo-duel he had with Kalin, when the latter summoned his Earthbound Immortal,.
"I'm afraid so. The more people who lose hope and become depressed, the stronger the Dark Signers become. Their beasts require this dark energy, and once there is enough these powerful creatures absorb it so that they may become whole."
"What do we do? Are they all gone for good?"
"Until the Army of Shadows is defeated, they're lost, giving more power to our enemies out there." As Goodwin spoke, the aerial view beneath their feet changed. They were now looking down on the crossed signs of the Lizard, Hummingbird, Iguana and Star, the Arcadia Building a lone tower at their center. "And now, all of New Domino City has become a battlefield, every innocent person a potential victim!"
The Earthbound Immortal hearts appeared around the skyscraper below, shining with malevolent energies as more citizens were absorbed into the vessels, "Those poor people..." Yusei murmured.
And our city is just the beginning. If we fail to defeat the Dark Signers to stop the Army of Shadows from awakening, the souls of the planet will fall into darkness, with no one left to save them! But that's not all. They have another weapon. Perhaps the most frightening of all!" Rex said, the Immortal hearts exploding into pillars of dark fire, "I believe some of you here have experienced the Dark Signers' dangerous and powerful abilities firsthand. They are formidable foes who control the mightiest of beasts."
"You must mean the Earthbound Immortals..." the flames faded, Ccarayhua and Aslla Piscu rising up with their deathly shriek.
"Yes; their strength is staggering, for they contain the very power of the Army of Shadows."
"We get it!" Jack snapped, "They're bad, okay? Let's just take them out!"
"You must learn to control your emotions, lest you become one of the taken," Goodwin assured, "Our task goes far beyond beating an enemy. It's a rescue operation for all those poor people who've been corrupted by the powers of darkness, and without all of your help there's no hope for them. Jack, you and Yusei saw the future, a world of ash and shadow, everyone having been absorbed into the Earthbound Immortals."
"When you say 'everyone absorbed', you don't mean, everyone..." Luna cowered.
"Like all our friends and family?" Leo whined, "No more presents or birthdays?"
"And no more Shonen Jump?" Kenichi panicked.
"And no more Hoshienger..." Rico whimpered, clutching onto his toy.
"If that helps. I assume that for the rest of you who are actually Signers, the fate of the world and future of our civilization is a little more important. You must each make your choice. I'm afraid that I can only take you this far on the path. After today, there is no turning back. You will have to commit your life, body and soul, as a Signer."
"I've heard enough!" Jack snapped once more, "Just let me go after these Dark Signers myself!"
"Look, I want to face them too, but not alone!" Magic scolded to the former champion, "If we're going to war, then we'll need all the help we can get... Wait, Goodwin! There's something you should know; about the Dark Signer Yusei dueled. This wasn't the first time we met. He was infected like you said, but he knew who Yusei is. He had all these old memories of him, Jack and me. In fact, he was our friend!"
Flashback...
"Yusei! And his bird-brained friend!"
'That voice...' Magic stood behind a large piece of concrete debris, and found the source of the cackling...
A hooded figure astride a duel runner was just visible on top of the tallest heap of trash around, "You don't know how long I've been waiting for this moment. It's a shame it'll be over so quickly!"
Crow, back on his runner, started to get angry.
"So how do you know our names?" Yusei shouted to the cloaked figured.
"I never forgot, 'old friend'," with that, he tossed off his cloak, revealing his face. Yusei and Crow (and especially Magic) gasped in shock as they saw a man, about their age clad in similar robes to the Shadow Drones except marked in dark blue. He had cold spikes of pale blue hair hanging over his forehead, his eyes black pits with dark blue irises, and the scar of a criminal mark against his skin. Adding on to the facial features was a dark grin...
"Kalin Kessler!" Yusei exclaimed, "Is that really you?"
"We thought after all that time in The Facility you suddenly kicked the bucket!"
"I did. But thanks to you and that mark of yours, Kalin is back! And while I was away, I made some new friends; I believe you already dueled one of my associates."
"Kalin, please! You have to stop what you're planning to do to the Satellite!" Yusei planned, "You were once our friend!"
"Once your friend, yes... but now... your ENEMY!" Kalin jammed a helmet on his head and rode his runner off the edge of the cliff, jumping over Yusei and Crow to land behind...
As he soared, Magic could see purple fire erupting from the ground in his wake. It carves out line after line in the ground, and the fiery lines are reflected in the storm clouds above, forming an image on the ground that Yusei and Kalin are standing inside, that matches the one on Kalin's arm.
Kalin goes into a sideways skid, and halted, "After what you did to me, this is sweet justice, dear old friend! You destroyed my life! So I'll destroy your home! The Satellite will burn!
"Was that Jack Atlas?" Kalin cackled uncontrollably, "THIS! IS GREAT! With Jack, Maggie and Crow here we'll all be back together again!"
"What?" Yusei exclaimed.
"Impossible!" Jack stated.
"Did he just say-?" Crow proclaimed.
"That's right! It's good to see you again, Magic!" the other looked to where Kalin looked; and emerging from a piece of large debris came a girl with purple hair...
...End Flashback.
Magic looked back at Yusei, whose face was twisted with deep turmoil, "Years ago we had a team of liberators in the Satellite and Kalin was our leader. He was supposed to be locked away to fighting Security, however..."
"Let me guess..." Ken assumed, "He's out on early parole, and out to get payback, right?"
Magic nodded, "And when I thought he was tough before, he's even tougher now. He's got new cards, new strategies, and new powerful monsters! The toughest was that Earthbound Immortal. It helped Kalin finish the duel, and almost Yusei along with it. The reason he got out alive was because his runner broke down on him!"
"And after that duel I didn't think I'd ever be able to throw down again," Yusei spoke, "But now I know I have to face my fears and come at these Dark Signers with everything I've got!"
"Wait a minute!" David Carten, who was silent until now, spoke, "There's still something I need to know... And I think you know what I'm talking about, don't you?"
"You're right..." Goodwin looked away, "I was hoping to avoid this part of the discussion."
"And how 'bout that! More secrets!" Jack exclaimed, "I'm two seconds from takin' off and forgetting all this stuff about the end of the world!"
"Come on, let's hear 'im out," Yusei said, "You can't just walk away right now, Jack!"
"I want to know, Goodwin," David demanded, "How do we return the Dark Signers back to normal?"
"You can't..."
"What?" David growled.
""There's no way to return those who've turned into Dark Signers to their former selves," Goodwin replied bluntly, "No way at all."
"You're kidding, right?"Kenichi hoped, "I'm sure when it come down to a deck-"
"It's not as simple as a simple duel," Goodwin snapped at him, ""Dark Signers are the souls of the dead who have awakened to their abilities. In other words, they are no longer of this world." Everyone gasped at this.
"But that's impossible!" Jack protested, "Dead people don't come back to life!"
"They can," Rex said firmly. "Look at the unbelievable phenomenon on the other side of the doorway to the netherworld. Even the Dark Synchro Monsters' Levels becoming negative is proof that they are messengers of the netherworld. Destiny is in motion, and there can be no turning back now." He paused for a moment as they returned to the Stairway to the Dragon Star and the Crimson Dragon seal below them dimmed.
"So you're saying we've lost before the first draw?" Jason asked.
"I'm outta here!" Jack said, "If the world's gonna end, I might as well spend my last few days cruisin' 'round on my runner!"
""Whether you defeat the Dark Signers or the world, along with us, perishes… That decision is in your hands. Think hard on what it is you should do and give me your answer. But do it quickly, because time is running out." And with that, Goodwin walked past the party as the scenery changes back to the starry sky with the Incan temple with the large full seal of the Crimson Dragon on the ground. The doors opened and once Goodwin walks out, the doors closes, leaving the Signers in the room...
Later...
Back up topside, Yusei stood on a balcony on the fore-mentioned mansion, staring out towards the sea. He still pondered on what had happened that fateful night a few nights ago. Kalin was supposed to be Yusei's closest friend; and now he returned from the great beyond as something Yusei swore to fight against. Even if he does defeat Kalin, he could not bring him back to his former state. And that made Yusei sink more deeper into despondency.
Inside the house, Luna saw Yusei standing on the balcony and tried to approach him...
"I wouldn't bother him right now." Margaret spoke from a couch nearby.
"What's going on with him?" Luna asked, "Has he been out there all afternoon?"
"Yeah. I think he's still trying to come to grips with the fact that his 'best friend' almost killed him. It just tears him up inside knowing that one of his old childhood buddies from the Satellite jumped the fence and became one of those Dark Signers. I should know."
"That must be rough for him."
"It's rough on all of us... So, are you having second thoughts about fighting this Army of Shadows?"
"No way! I'm in this!" Luna answered, recalling the Spirit World and Ancient Fairy Dragon. "Don't forget, there's someone who needs our help. And I think fighting the Dark Signers is the way to do it!"
Margaret gave a soft sigh, pitying that someone as young of her would be caught in the middle of something this epic.
Just then, Yusei was walking from the balcony. "Hey Yusei, wanna have a practice duel?" Luna asked.
"Not right now. I need some time alone, Luna." was his reply as he walked out of the room with Margaret soon following him, leaving the little girl standing alone.
"Oh, alright, maybe later then." Luna muttered, "This isn't good."
Later...
"Oh, man! Look at this spread! Saving the world has its perks!"
Leo was in some sort of restaurant like room with all the buffet food on the side and he was helping himself… to a lot of food. He was stacking all of it on one plate. And his twin sister Luna came in. "Leo! We ate breakfast an hour ago!"
"You've gotta try these little sandwiches! They're amazing!"
"Ugh! Could you be serious for one second, Leo!"
"Uh, I'm serious about not letting this food go to waste! That's something!"
"We don't have time to mess around and slack off!" Luna argued, "Didn't you hear what Goodwin said? It'll take everything we've got to stop the Dark Signers!"
"Good luck with that; sounds like it's gonna be really intense!" Leo replied, cheerfully popping something into his mouth.
"Oh, okay, so, while everyone else freaks out, you're just gonna relax and eat and chill around here?"
"Pretty much! It's a tough job, I know, but someone's gotta do it!"
"I cannot believe you!"
"I'm thinking of hitting the rooftop pool later. You should come; there's a volleyball net!"
"A volleyball net? This trip to the Satellite Sector isn't gonna be easy! You should be *preparing*, not playing games!" Luna turned to leave.
"I'm not going with you."
"Huh...?" At this, Luna turned back to him, as he turned away.
"Why should I go? I'm not a Signer."
"Yeah, but... don't you wanna come?"
Leo shook his head, "I think it's time we part ways."
"Leo...! You can't be serious about this!"
Leo turned to his sister, trying to smile it off, "Come on, what's the big deal, Luna? You don't want me there; I'm the comic relief. I'm the guy that sneezes when you're tryin' to sneak up on someone," his smile then wavered, "I'm not a big hero like the rest of you. I'm just a clown! I thought I might have it in me, but... when I dueled Sayer I realized, I got nothin'. Whatever heroes are made of, I don't have it in me."
"Oh... Leo..."
"I never told you this, but... I used to think you were holding me back, Luna. You were always sick and I had to look after you. And you were always wanting to stay inside... and so I had to stay in, too. I never got to practice dueling with other people, so I couldn't get any better. And I blamed you for that."
"I know, Leo," Luna said sadly, "I know I held you back. And I know that you resent me. I guess now's as good a time as any, so here goes. Leo, I am really, really, really-"
"No, that's just it! I don't want you to apologize, Luna, because, like, I get it now! You're awesome, Luna! You have special powers! You're a Signer and you're totally gonna save the world! Don't you get it? It's not you who's the burden, it's me. If I go with you guys I'll just end up being in the way. Or standing on the side like a dork going, 'Hooray! Yeah! Go Luna! Show those Dark Signers how to duel! You go! Yeeeah!'"
"You're right," she whispered, tearing up, "that is pretty lame, but don't you get it?" Luna looks at him, tears pouring down her cheeks, "I'm really scared, Leo, more than I've ever been. I want you there on the sidelines and shouting like a dork."
"You do?"
"I don't care if you're not a Signer! You're my brother! And that...that makes you my hero!" She embraced him tightly, sobbing as she did so. "I can't do this without you!"
Meanwhile, Yusei was sitting on a bench beside a pathway, still brooding. This part of the estate contained a brick path lined with trees on one side and bordering a lake on the other. A building was visible through the trees. Yusei saw a couple pairs of feet walk up to him and looked up to see Jack and Magic approaching.
"The others need you to be strong, Yusei," Jack insisted.
"I know that he's a Dark Signer, now, but... Kalin used to be one of our friends. We used to throw down together, and play 'King of the Deck' and all that. Now I'm supposed to call him the bad guy and go at him?" His hands were trembling, his eyes were glossed with despair, Yusei was becoming more and more like a sniveling cub. "I may have been the one who made him a Dark Signer!"
"Kalin did that to himself!" Magic exclaimed, "His ego got the better of him and he couldn't leave well enough alone! He lost in the end, but he still couldn't leave well enough alone! It's not your fault, Yusei!"
"You sure about that?" he muttered, "He was sent away that night because I couldn't defend him when he needed us most. The next time I face Kalin in a duel, even if I do beat him it will only be a shallow victory. He'll just keep cursing me til the end. I don't think I can do this!"
"You don't have a choice, Yusei!" Jack snapped, grabbing him by the front of his shirt and pulling him up face-to-face."That isn't how it works!" With that, he threw a vicious punch into Yusei's gut, knocking the wind from the Tail Signer; all to Margaret's amazement.
Elsewhere on this palatial estate, there was a garden where the bushes bloom with roses of all colors. Akiza and Rico trekked across the floral maze.
"This garden is so beautiful and peaceful, Rico." Akiza said, gently running her hand across the fragile flowers as she breathed in their beautiful scent. "I just wanna walk around here forever!"
"So what did your parents say about going to the Satellite?" Rico asked.
"They took it...pretty well." her mind wandered and remembered their conversation…
Flashback...
She was stood with her parents in the slightly-demolished hospital room a short while after her...well, you know...
"Do you really have to do this?" Mrs Izinski pleaded.
"I don't have a choice. This is my destiny, mom." replied Akiza, "Besides, if I don't help fight the Dark Signers, we're all in trouble."
"She's right." Mr. Izinski agreed.
"But it sounds so horrible and scary and dangerous, Akiza!" Akiza's mother protested, "And you know, we- we finally got a chance to be a family again."
"There'll be plenty of time to be a family..." the Rear Claw Signer murmured, "after I bring down the bad guys! I have to do this, mom. I owe it to everybody I ever pushed away."
"What do you mean?"
"I've let my powers get the best of me my whole life. And because of that, I hurt a lot of people."
"That's all over now, sweetie. You're not that person anymore."
"Right. But now I have a chance to use my powers for good." Akiza replied, "The Dark Signers are threatening to destroy this entire city. If I wanna stop them from doing that, then I gotta step up."
"Let someone else step up!"
"Akiza, what if you're not ready yet?" the Senator asked with worry, "What if you still don't know how to fully control your powers? You could end up destroying yourself."
"I'll be okay. Don't worry about me." Akiza insisted.
"You really feel like you're up for this?" the rose-headed psychic nodded, "Well, I certainly wish things could be different, but... at least you're not alone in this. You'll have Yusei and the others with you."
"I don't like this." Mrs. Izinski signed.
"Darling, our girl has spent her whole life trying to figure out where she belongs." the Senator assured her, "She finally knows. And who're we to hold her back?"
...End Flashback.
"I'm actually glad they're worrying about me."
"I wish I still have my mamma..." Rico replied with a sad tone.
She suddenly remembered what Rico said two chapters ago and lowered her head, "Oh... I'm sorry..."
The boy's face lightened up then, "It's okay! I'm just happy you got to see yours again. I also hoped you can meet different people, too!"
"Is this going somewhere?" Akiza wondered.
"Well...One time, Shooting Starr was thought to be killed, his life taken by one of their enemies. When he came back and took down that enemy, it's what made Harpe admit how she felt."
"Really?"
"Uh-huh. Kinda reminds me of two others who have to fight."
"Oh? And who would these two be?" Akiza asked, "Are you insinuating something about me and Yusei?"
"Oh! Uh...Well...I...Ah! UFO!"
Akiza looked up.
"...Rico...There's no UFO," Akiza noted.
She looked down and blinked. She barely caught Rico going around a corner. She couldn't help it. She just giggled at what he did. 'Oh, little brothers... '
She was released from her trail of thought when a small thud was heard not far from here. Taking the nearest corridor, she then hid herself behind the exit hedge, peering at the ongoing affair...
"Why'd you punch me?" Yusei cried, reeling from that sudden attack, "What d'you think you're doing?"
"What does it look like, you dolt, I'm trying to knock some sense into you!" Jack launched another punch against Yusei so hard that he was knocked flying. Yusei crashed to the ground, as Jack stood over him grimly, "Look at you, Yusei. You look like some sad little puppy that's been left in the park! No wonder you lost to Kalin when you dueled him!"
"That's enough, Jack! Leave him alone-!"
"You stay out of this!" Jack's sudden outburst caused Margaret to shrink back, before he turned back to Yusei, "I'm gonna share a secret with you, 'old chum'... I can't stand you! You wiped the floor with me in the tournament! You stole my title! You were able to do so 'cause you had no fear! You were sure of yourself! What happened to that guy, Yusei? Where did that man run off to, anyway?" the former king stomped towards the fallen star, and pull him up towards him by his collar again, "I know Kalin was our friend; but that was then, and this is now, and yes, it's that simple!"
This was like what had happened years ago back in the Satellite Sector. Her friends would argue in times like these, but not as tense as this. Magic was always the youngest of the Enforcers, so all she could do is stand idly by while they tear each other apart. She was always the runt of the litter, so she could not have any authority on them even then. And now the same thing has happened again. And as she moved her eyes away before Jack landed the final blow...
'THWACK!'
Magic uncovered her eyes to see two fists crossed over to each others' faces. And both duelists were smiling.
"'Bout time you showed up." Jack smirked.
Later on that day, David was walking across a small field, taking in all of what's happened. But he was especially taking in what Goodwin said...
Flashback...
"I want to know, Goodwin," David demanded, "How do we return the Dark Signers back to normal?"
"You can't..."
"What?" David growled.
""There's no way to return those who've turned into Dark Signers to their former selves," Goodwin replied bluntly, "No way at all."
...End Flashback.
"No way to save her...then what can I do?" He thought to himself in deep thought on the outside his face showed no emotion, but the feeling and thoughts of despair welled in his eyes. He continued to walk along the field, and into the city once again reaching his own home, as he climbed up his stairs his thoughts dashed back to the day before his 18th birthday. The day that ruined his life!
Flashback...
It had been outside in the main square of New Domino, everyone was celebrating a typical annual event. Though David had been there at his work with the Guardian Security, as they had a tip off about a potentially dangerous Psychic in the area.
The firework display had begun, a sea of beautiful colors emerged from the sky as the happy citizens of the city looked on in awe. Some even made wishes under these fireworks in a tradition that never died.
"Wishing for something, Sergeant?" A middle aged man with bronze hair and matching eyes approached David, he was also build like a brick shelter though his face showed compassion.
"No Lieutenant, I'm sorry. I was just thinking of a few things." David replied his approach to his higher up was strictly business like.
The elder man laughed. "Relax ,Carten. You don't need to worry as much tonight, besides you work yourself ragged. Even the more experienced soldiers can't keep up with you. You should try to relax more." He looked back up at the display above as the sounds of more fireworks were heard. "In fact I heard you were filling for time off tomorrow, is it true?"
"Sir, forgive me, it's Mana. She wants me to take my birthday off. Despite the fact I told her..."
"You are dismissed, Carten, at least for tomorrow. You can't let a little lady down, now can you? As I said you work hard, but you can't always keep doing it. You will die young that way, and you have great potential." The elder man closed his eyes and seemed to take a while before opening them again.
"Did you wish for something sir?"
"Yes, and maybe you should as well. Take it easy." He then walked off and left David by himself.
...End Flashback.
David was looking through his room, and opened the wardrobe. Looking at the clothes inside, one in particular stood out. It was a sleeveless white overcoat which went with a blue shirt that he had already on the bed. As well as metal pauldron were the left shoulder would be, on it there were two green strips showing his mark of Sergeant. Along with the black biker boots, and suitable leather trousers, it made up his Guardian Security outfit. "I never thought I would need to wear this again." He spoke out loud to himself. "But if I have to do this, I will."
After getting changed David set out to leave but as he did, he looked back at the room. Walking over to his bedside table, he picked up the Duel-Disk Mana had given to him on his birthday, and slipped it on his arm. Then it was something else that caught his eye, a shining silver pendant in the shape of a wolf's head. Opening it he saw a picture of her with him, her smile radiant as always as she had her arms around him. David could feel his heart tighten, but still held onto it as he left. He just wished he could see that smile again, but even now he didn't think he could...
Later that day, Magic, Jack and Yusei were lying on a grassy knoll somewhere on the estate.
"Hey, Jack." Yusei said.
"What is it?" Jack scowled, still a bit mad.
"Your words hit harder than your punches do. You were right about Kalin and you were right about me. I lost my focus and my confidence. I know that to beat these Dark Signers and protect my friends, I can't hang onto any doubts."
Magic glanced over at Yusei, "Exactly! Don't worry about Kalin. Think of Rally, and Crow, and everyone else."
Yusei smiled a bit before looking back to the clouds.
Without anyone looking, Jack then reached into his inside pocket and looks at Carly's broken glasses, the lenses gleaming in the sunlight. 'And so will I. Don't worry, Carly- wherever you are, I'm gonna find you.'
"Feeling any better?"A voice said. The trio looked up to see Akiza and Rico.
"Yup." Yusei answered.
"That's good, because I was starting to worry. We can't save the world from imminent doom without you, you know."
"Yeah, I know. Same goes for you, Akiza."
"When do we leave?"
"Yusei!" Another voice said. The four turned to see Luna running towards them.
"Hey Luna." Yusei greeted.
"You're coming right?"
"You bet."
"What about Leo?" Akiza asked. Luna turned to see her brother walking. At first he was hesitant, but then ran towards the group and met with them.
"Hey, you guys! Are you ready for this?" Leo said, "I can't wait to watch you take those Dark Signers down! It's gonna be so totally awesome, you're the best!"
"Thanks."
"Hey, guys!" everyone turned to see Jason and Kenichi approaching, "Ready to get this show on the road?"
A while later, the group met Goodwin in his office to finalize their choice. However, they had noticed one person wasn't there.
"Hey where did the magic man go?" Kenichi asked looking around dumbfounded. "Don't tell me he's pulled a disappearing act on us."
Everyone else started to see that he had a point, though Goodwin just simply remained calm and not really caring for what happened. "It matters not if Mr Carten isn't with us, it is quite clear that he was just not up for the job."
"Who are you saying isn't up for the job!" A voice suddenly came that made everyone else turn around in an instant. "Good to see you missed me all so much." David spoke flatly as he made his way into the room. He was still plagued with problems though.
One particular person had noticed naturally, and though he knew David's face wasn't telling anyone anything his eyes were a different matter. "David where have you been? And what's with the get up?" Jason asked the elder Duelist.
"I had to be alone, and pick up some things including my outfit. Let's face it, if I'm going to be a puppet in this war. I might as well look the part."
Rico had noticed the outfit David was wearing, though it was personalized there was no mistaking it. "That's a Guardian Security outfit! It's people like you who try to hurt people like me and my Big Sis!"
David turned his head away from the young boy. "That is true. That was my original mission, but I'm not here to kill you or Akiza so don't go crying. I'm not the boogie-man hiding under your bed." His tone was sharp, almost like he was going to lash out at Rico for judging him in the first place.
"David calm down, this is no time to get angry we all have to work together to take down this threat. You heard Goodwin; we all have to dedicate ourselves to this cause." Yusei had come over hearing David's angered tone.
David snorted. "No correction he said that to you Signers, to people like me, Jason and Magic we are simply puppets in his grand scheme of things to pat people like you on the back. Besides despite what you may think, I'm not in it to help you or any Crimson Dragon. To be fair I don't even know what my reason to fight anymore is."
"Isn't it obvious though? Aren't we meant to be sent out there to fight the Dark Signers, and save the world?" Magic asked she looked back puzzled by the Spellcaster Duelist's motives.
"I just...want to believe I have a reason to fight, and not be swept up in the fight just because some Dragon wants me to be there." David said somberly, his depression and sadness were now transparent in his calm voice.
"Is this because you think you can't save her?" Jason questioned. "You know that girl you said you were willing to save, the way you said you would hold back your despair and redeem yourself of your sins for? Well you aren't doing a good job at that I have to say."
"There's no way to save her..."
"And that's it you are just going to give up!" Magic burst out in frustration. "You have to stop running, so you have the sins of the past but as I see it there is something out of your control, and that scares you doesn't it? Well you aren't the only one you know, everyone here is the same. You have people here willing to support you, so let them. You may act like a lone wolf, but you didn't turn away from this either. You need us because you fear solitude am I wrong?"
David didn't reply for a long time, he didn't know what to say. His heart was splitting, his eyes stung and his throat dry. "I just..."
"Magic's right David, maybe you can't save this girl but at the same time do you wish her to fall to a faceless foe? Plus I can see it in you, you hate to be alone. Hence Mana gave you the support to go on. Well I can't say we can give you the same feel, but we are your friends as well, we will do this together you aren't alone." Jason interrupted his sentence, he smiled back though trying to give the elder Duelist some comfort.
"I can't say if I feel a true part of the group, but..." David once again cut off for a brief second. "I have my doubts, that much is certain. Now though I have to move forward, there isn't any turning back. I just hope I'm doing the right thing."
"Well you'll just have to find out, now won't ya?" Kenichi exclaimed, he chuckled slightly at his own statement whilst rubbing his head, as David seemed to give him an almost blank stare back.
It was that moment on that David had to make a decision, and though he didn't want to admit it the others may have had a point. Still even with his doubts, his sins and this damaged heart, David will keep fighting, as there is no future for him tomorrow if he doesn't fight today."
Crow: "Hey, this is Crow 'The Bullet' Hogan, giving to a preview on our next chapter! Back in the Satellite, me and some old friends of mine are gonna take the initiative and storm the Dark Signers' cave! And who knows what we'll find down there! Next time on Reverse of Arcadia: Surely, you Jest! See you then!"
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