Chapter 29 The gathering of the five
As the week passed by quickly Leo and Luna who were on a break from school because of a renovation being done were headed for Akiza's work place. Akiza had been working the past few days at her new job at a grocery store and she had been enjoying it quite well at the start. She hadn't made any new friends as of right now but the people were nice and easy to talk too which made the work seem less harder.' I still don't know how Yusei is going to take the news when I tell him about me but I really do want him to be the first one who knows.' Akiza thought rubbing her stomach. Yusei had been taken out of town on an emergency call from Blister and had been gone the last few days. Akiza had decided that she would wait until he came back before she told him. While she was thinking this The twins had entered the supermarket to do some fresh grocery shopping.
"Why don't we get some bananas for a change?" Luna requested.
"Sure thing. I like bananas, but I also like these oranges. We should also get something sweeter this time, like some strawberries." Leo stated pointing to the berry section while licking his lips.
"Alright. Just don't eat them all on me like you did last time." Luna pouted.
"I won't this time sister alright?" He whined.
"Sure you won't. She answered sarcastically. Well let's get some anyway and we will see if you are lying." She said grabbing a basket of strawberries. As they were leaving the berry section of the store Luna felt like she had eyes watching her. She turned around and saw no one around looking at them. 'That's weird. Must just be my imagination. I think I might need to get a good night's sleep tonight.' She thought shaking her head to empty the feeling. They continued to shop grabbing some rice and potatoes as well as some ground beef and pork chops. They filled their baskets and headed for the checkouts. They looked for Akiza's lane and found her at Lane 6 and went into her lane. Akiza who had no one else at the time looked up and saw them.
"Hey there you two. Shopping for the house?" She asked as she started to ring them through.
"Yeah. It's a pain to keep doing this without a proper way back and forth from home. I mean if we miss the bus then it's a long walk." Leo groaned putting the groceries on the belt.
"I wish I could help you guys out. But we aren't always around to drive you two around." Akiza sighed continuing her work.
"We know. It's ok Akiza. We wouldn't want to be using you guys like private taxis anyway." Luna said with a smile.
"Oh come one Luna! When have we ever thought you guys would think something like that?" Akiza spouted with a half smile. "Maybe we should apply here too so we can get money for our own duel runner?' Leo joked then laughed.
"Sure. Just make sure you get training wheels." Akiza joked back as she finished putting the groceries in the bags.
"She got you there Leo." Luna laughed at her brother.
"Yeah whatever." He muttered.
"Well anyway, thanks for coming to see me you two." Akiza smiled with a happy grin.
"Your welcome." Luna replied back.
"Yep. See you again." Leo said. The twins left while Akiza continued her work. As the twins were on their home Luna couldn't help but feel that they were being watched. Every now and then she would turn around slightly and yet find no one behind them. ' I hope I'm not just going crazy but why can't I shake this feeling!' They just about made it home when Luna finally heard a footstep behind them and turned around quickly which shocked Leo.
"Hey Luna! Don't just spin around like that! You scared me doing that!" He complained looking at her while she wasn't even listening.
"Leo, someone is following us. I was feeling that someone was following us since we left home today and as we went around town the feeling just got worse. Alright! Enough games! Whoever is following us come out and show yourself!" She called out. As her voice died in the air a figure standing about 6 feet tall with platinum hair and a white suit stood in front of them both with a smile and his arms behind his back.
Ì am truly sorry for making you feel uncomfortable by following u young children. He said sincerely. I figured that I would make my presence known once you both got home but your senses are quite sharp for your age young lady."
"Whatever! Who the heck are you old man?!" Leo screamed at him.
"Oh my, where are my manners? My name is Rex Goodwin. I am the director of security and also the richest man in this city. I actually have something of great importance to talk to talk to your sister about young man." He told them walking closer to them.
"And what would that be?" Luna asked backing up a bit.
"Yeah! Why can't you tell us both right here?!" Leo complained to him. Goodwin sighed and looked Leo dead in the eyes.
"First of all this only concerns those who bear a crimson dragon birthmark which you don't have. Second I would truly appreciate it if you could show some respect for your elders young man." His voice turning serious.
"What's that supposed to mean?! You're the one who was following my sister like some crazy stalker and you are telling me to respect YOU?!" Leo pointed at his face.
"I don't know what you want with me or my mark, but I know that I have no intention of helping or doing anything with you so sorry." Luna made clear about to turn around when she found herself frozen in her place. 'What?! What's going on with my body?! I can't move or talk!' She thought trying to move.
"Luna! What's wrong Luna?! Let's get away from this guy! Leo cried grabbing her arm and finding that she truly was frozen in place. What is this magic?! Why can't she move?!"
"Simple young man. She has been frozen by the power of THIS young man." He stated raising his right sleeve to reveal a dragon's head glowing on it.
"That can't be! Where did you get that?!" Leo screamed still trying to pull his sister free.
"My dear lad, I have had this mark since I was little just like your sister and your friends. The thing that is different is that after studying these marks for years I have learned how to use their power on one another as you can plainly see." He smirked.
"Stop hurting my sister YOU BASTARD!" Leo screamed at the top of his lungs hoping someone would hear him.
"Such a foul mouth you have young lad. But it is futile to scream. Earlier today I made sure this area would be empty thanks to a little lie I made up to the people that this area would under investigation until further notice. So because of that this area is devoid of people who could have heard your annoying voice. Now I wish to take your sister to a place where she can learn the full truth of that mark and of her destiny as a signer for the crimson dragon." He then started to walk slowly up to the twins when Leo jumped in front of the man. He pulled his duel disk out of his backpack that he was wearing and activated it.
"If you want my sister, then you will have to go through me first! He declared. I may not have a mark or fancy powers but I will protect my sister until the end!" Rex sighed seeing that this wasn't going to be as easy as he thought. 'I figured that little brat would be a problem. But if he wishes to play the big hero then I shall give him a chance.' He sighed pulling up his sleeve revealing a compact duel disk under his arm.
"Very well child. I shall show you that your bravery while admirable is misplaced." He spoke strongly as they began to duel. (A/n: Just so you all know this duel will be very short since I don't wish to show off much of Goodwin's deck since he will duel more in the future.)
"I draw! I summon Morphtronic Boomboxen in attack mode! Lv4 1200att 400def. Then I place two face downs and end my turn!" Leo declared angrily.
"I really don't have time to waste so I will end this in one turn." Goodwin said calmly.
"I'd like to see you try scumbag!" Leo snapped back at him.
"Very well, I draw. First I will destroy your face downs with Heavy Storm. Leo's two face downs are blown away. Second, since you have a monster on the field and I don't I special summon Cyber Dragon. Lv5 2100att 1600def. Now I will add to the field my Mechanical Chaser. Lv4 1850att 800def. Now I think I will add some fuel to this fire by playing a spell card called: Limiter Removal. This card will double the attack points of all machine monsters on my side until the end phase of the turn. 2100-4200att 1850-3700att.
"WHAT THE-?!" Leo started to panic.
"Sorry little man but I've got work to do that doesn't involve you so goodbye. Now my dragon destroy his monster and Chaser finish him off." The dragon let out a flash beam of light which caused a shockwave to hit both Leo and his monster hard. Leo screamed out and fell to one knee. A surge of fear rushed through him as he was remembering the duel with Sayer and the real pain that was brought upon him. He looked up shaky and saw the Chaser flying right at him with it's weapon in hand and pierced him with a jolt of energy that felt like a thousand needles were shoved down his throat. He froze in place and soon collapsed unconscious from the damage he just took. 'LEO!' Luna screamed in her head over and over until Goodwin was right on top on her.
"Now young lady, do me the honour of coming with me so I can bring the true power of your mark to life." He smiled evilly as he picked up the frozen child and walked away leaving Leo sleeping on the sidewalk. By the end of her shift Akiza was somewhat tired from the long work day of working. She was still getting used to standing in one place for a long period of time. 'Man that fell like an eternity. I just want to get home now and have a nice long soak in my tub.' She sighed to herself getting her work clothes changed out of and putting on her regular clothing. She was about to call Yusei up until she remembered that he had told her before that he was going to be working out of town with Blister all day today and wouldn't be back till very late. 'Maybe I'll go to Martha's for a visit first. I'm sure she wouldn't mind since we hardly see each other anymore.' She thought heading outside where her runner was parked. She made it outside only to see two big men standing over her runner like guards. 'Who are this guys?' She wondered with a worried look. She walked up slowly when they noticed her.
"Sir! She's here! The signer has appeared sir!" One of the guard men called out. To Akiza's horror a familiar face stepped out from the shadow of the nearest lamppost around the corner.
"YOU!" Akiza roared in anger.
"Hello my dear Akiza. We meet again on this lovely evening. He bowed to her. What has it been now? Quite a few months have passed since our last meeting eh?" Jeagar said smiling evilly.
"I didn't want you around me then and that certainly has not changed since then! Now leave you piece of shit!" She demanded.
"Or else what?" He questioned her with a confident smirk.
"I'll-" She started.
"You will do nothing." Jeagar interrupted.
"And why not?!" She snapped back.
"Very simple. We already have this area secured and you wouldn't dare release your powers and risk harming or damaging your precious workplace." He brought up.
"Damn you. You really think that I am just going to roll over and let you do what you want?! I have changed completely since the last time we met!" She warned him reaching for her deck in her pocket.
"You think your taunts can scare us little lady? We know that your powers are unstable and we don't see any reason to be afraid of your bluff." One of the guards mocked her. Akiza had truly hoped that they would have fallen for her bluff but she now knew that she had no choice but to run and try to find some help.
"Let's get this over with sir. Otherwise Director Goodwin will be mad at us for taking to long." One of the guards whispered to Jeagar.
"Very well. Let's go Akiza. You are only the first guest that we need to bring together." He grinned.
"Screw you!" She yelled starting to run away.
"After her!" Jeagar ordered his two men. They started to chase her down the street and around the corner of the parking lot. "Damn it! What do these guys want with me?!" She screamed in her head. She ran through the lot until she reached th back door of a office building next door to the store. She then tried to open it with no luck and continued to run. She made to the edge of the street when she felt her legs freeze up. 'What the?! What's going on?! I can't move my body at all'
"Sorry little lady. But I can't let you run off like that on my men." A voice said behind her. She turned around and saw Goodwin walking up to her wit a smile and a faint red light coming from his arm.
"Goodwin?!" You're a signer as well?!" She called out.
"That's right. A little secret that I have kept from the public. This mark I have studied and can now use fully allows me to somewhat control those who also bear the mark since I have the head mark which stands for the leader. But more on that later since we should get onto business. I need you to come with me young Akiza to my mansion. There I shall explain to you everything that I can about what and who you truly are." He smiled.
"Like hell I will! I ain't going anywhere with you! Now let me go you piece of shit!" She screamed still struggling. 'Why won't my powers work or help me?! Could they also have been stopped by him?!' She thought wondering why she was so weak until this spell. Goodwin then sighed and decided to share some important information with Akiza.
"Now young lady, if you don't come with me quietly then I won't be able to guarantee the safety of the other young signer girl who I am currently boarding in my mansion." He explained showing Akiza a photo of Luna sleeping on a bed. Akiza was now boiling with rage at the sight of the picture knowing that Goodwin had just kidnapped a little girl. Signer or not.
"You BASTARD! What have you done to Luna?! I swear if you did her any harm I'll-" Akiza snapped at him before stopping short.
"Relax my dear lady. I assure u I have not harmed the young lady in any manner whatsoever. I simply needed her presence just as I need yours and the rest of your signer friends."
"Damn you, asshole! I'll make you pay for this! I swear I will!" Akiza swore trying to break free.
"Your powers will not help u because you have lost most of them by this time." He told her straight.
"What?! How is that possible?! What do you mean by that?!" She asked shocked to hell.
"A psychic's power comes from their dark emotions. Anger, rage, despair, fear. But you who have fallen in love and given up those emotions have lost all connections to your powers. You have lost the ability to connect to them because your have lost your anger. Ever since you gave yourself to Yusei Fudo you have slowly been losing your rage and replacing it with a feeling psychic energy cannot feed on." He explained to her simply.
"N-no way. So all this time I have been angry and hateful was my own doing? That's what was causing them?! It was my own selfish foolishness?!" Akiza dropped to her knees in tears.
"That's right. But you were so blind by that anger that you couldn't see it for yourself. Didn't you find you weird that as soon as Yusei saved you and you fell in love you most likely felt your powers weakening? They may have appeared in minor bursts but have they truly gone out of control since then?" He asked in a sincere voice.
"I-I can't" Akiza froze in tears on her knees. She couldn't believe it. All this time, all the pain that she had gone through and had caused others was all on HER! SHE herself was the cause of all her own pain and suffering. The men that were with Jeagar finally got up close to her and grabbed Akiza's arms and carried her away.
'YUSEI! PLEASE HELP ME!' She screamed in her head causing her mark to burn intensely. Out of town in a nearby warehouse Yusei was busying tweaking a air conditioner unit. 'Man this unit is totally shot! It will take a miracle for me to even make it fixable let alone workable.' He sighed heavily wiping sweat from his forehead. As he tried to figure out what he was working on a sharp pain stung his mark hard. 'Ahhh! What the hell is this?! Why is this thing burning so intensely all of a sudden?! It's burning like crazy!' He asked himself grabbing his arm. Another surge of energy ran through this time projecting a picture of Akiza crying into his mind. 'Akiza?! Why is she crying in my mind?!' He called out mentally. Another vision ran through showing him Goodwin's mansion and Akiza with Luna both crying. 'There is no doubt in my mind! They are in deep trouble! Akiza and Luna are in danger?! I MUST help them!' He quickly picked up his cell and called up Blister.
"Hello Blister! I'm truly sorry but something very urgent has just come up and I need to get home as fast as I can!"
"Sounds like it if your this worked up. Blister's voice said on the phone. Alright then go out and do what you have to. Just make sure you pay back later."
"I will! Thank you so much!" He hung up and ran to his runner. He quickly jumped on and proceeded to head back to New Domino City. As Yusei was racing back he couldn't help but worry about why Akiza and Luna were at Goodwin's mansion. 'Why is that bastard doing all this? I know that Jack told me that Jeagar was asking around but why now? Why didn't he do anything earlier than now? I better call up Jack and see if his mark has been acting up as well. Either way I'm going to need his help on this one.' Yusei then grabbed his cell and called up Jack's number. Jack at this point in time was enjoying some tea while alone in his dining room watching his latest victory being replayed on television. He smiled while sipping his hot tea when his cell phone ring almost made him spill it. He reluctantly picked up his cell and answered it.
"This had better be good Yusei! I was just getting comfortable with my tea and videos." He snarled.
"Jack! I'm glad I caught u! I need you to head to Goodwin's mansion As fast as you can!" Yusei screamed into his phone to make his voice loud enough over the sounds.
"What the hell are you talking about Yusei?! Make some sense before you talk!" Jack replied back confused.
"Just listen to me! Goodwin has kidnapped both Akiza and Luna and he has taken them both to his mansion!"
"What did you just say?! How do you know this?! Huh?!"
"My mark kept burning for a few seconds and then it showed me visions of them crying and at Goodwin's place. I have no doubt that he has taken them there! That bastard is going down for this!" Yusei roared which made Jack move the phone away from his ear. 'Yusei's pissed to hell right now! There is no bloody way he is making this shit up! Damn that Goodwin! I will show him that no one messes with the King's friends! NO ONE!'
"Alright then Yusei, I'm on my way! I'll meet you there and we will take that son of a bitch down together!" Jack stood up in a declaring manner and headed for his garage.
"Thanks Jack! I owe you big time for this! Yusei smiled hanging up. Alright Goodwin, you and your flunkies better watch out because there is no force that will save you from me if anything happens to Akiza! I will make sure about that PERSONALLY." He swore with such determination that his mark was now burning with new light. A few minutes later Jack had made it into the area on is runner where Goodwin abducted Luna and left Leo lying on the ground. Jack was about to drive by the area when his mark burned sharply telling him to stop. 'What the Hell?! What's up with this thing?!" He then raised his arm and extended it until it started burning again so he could find out where it was leading him. He then went in the direction it showed hi and found Leo slowly walking with bruised all over him struggling just to stand up straight.
"Leo! What the hell happened to you?! He asked the boy as he jumped off his runner and ran up to him.
"Goodwin… my sister… please… save her." He huffed out with his last breath before fainting in Jack's arms. Jack stared for a moment at the sleeping child and was taken back to a time when he and Leo had a slight argument.
Flashback: Jack and Leo were having a little warm up duel before Jack had to go to another out of town tournament. Yusei and Luna were there as well watching this match. Jack had 3000 life points and his Red Dragon Archfiend on his field with one face down while Leo had 2500 life points and had his Morphtronic Radion on the field and one face down.
"I swear this is the day I beat that dragon of yours Jack!" Leo declared pointing right into the dragons face.
"I'll believe it when u actually defeat it kid." Jack scoffed at him with a taunting smile.
"I'll make you eat those words Jack! I draw! I summon Morphtronic Remoten in attack mode! Lv3 300att 1200def. Now I tune my lv3 remoten and lv4 radion to synchro summon: Power Tool Dragon! Lv7 2300att 200def. Once per turn I can now add a random equip spell card to my hand from my deck. It has given me Double Tool C&D! Now I equip my monster with this spell and the spell card: The Axe of Despair! Now my monster gains 1000attack points! 2300-3300 Now my dragon attacks yours! Power tool charges at Red Dragon. I also forgot to mention the best part! When a monster is equipped with Double Tool it gains 1000 more attack points when it attacks a opponent's monster!" 3300-4300
"Very impressive kid. Jack smiled at him. But now I activate Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy your Double Tool Spell card!" The tools were blown away and the dragon's power dropped. 4300-3300.
"It's still stronger than your monster! Leo smiled happily as he saw his monster destroy Jack's monster. Jack: 3000-2700 I did it! I actually defeated Jack's best monster! I am the best!" He danced around like a wild monkey with Luna sighing and shaking her head behind him.
"The duel isn't over yet Leo." She warned him calmly.
"But he did just for the first time beat Jack's dragon so let him have his fun." Yusei smiled at her. Jack just stood there and watched Leo dance happily and couldn't help but smile at the young duelist. 'This kid maybe an annoying brat who has no real understanding of the harsh side of being a king, but he truly loves duelling more than anything and he believes in it with his whole heart and soul. Someday kid you truly will become a duelist worthy of the title of king no matter what anyone says because you have something many don't: The undying soul of a true duelist!'
"I may be just a kid now Jack. But someday I will prove myself to the whole world that I too am I true duelist! I will always protect that which I love and care for or go out trying and duelling!" Jack heard these words and smiled truly at the young legend to be. 'Kid, there are three things I swore to protect when I became King. The first was to protect my title until I lost to a truly better duelist than me. Second was to protect those who shared my life with me as a child such as Crow, Martha and Yusei. And the third thing: Was to protect the children who showed the spirit and heart of a true duelist that would surpass me!'
Flashback ends
Jack who still had Leo in his arms gripped his hands tightly around the boy as his eyes started to burn crimson red with rage from his heart. "Goodwin… THIS… WAS… UNFORGIVABLE! I swear on my title as king that will shut u and security down if I have to do it while breathing my last breath! As a true duelist who shines for the future of all those who duel I will NEVER forgive this transgression!" Jack roared with all his might while putting Leo on his runner and turned around and headed back towards Martha's place. 'It's too dangerous to take him with me so I will leave you with Martha and then I will take care of my business.' He thought racing through the streets cutting every corner as sharp or as wide as he could. He soon reached Martha's and knocked on her door hard with Leo in his arms. Martha opened it to Jack holding Leo in his arms and a jolt of fear ran straight through her heart.
"Jack! What happened to him?! She gasped. Bring him inside now and get him some water and a soft bed!" She scrambled heading to the kitchen to get him some water. Jack then gently laid him onto the couch and rested his head on the pillow that was on it. Martha soon came running out with a pitcher of cold water and come aspirin. She then turned to Jack with a deadly glare.
"What happened Jack?! And I want the entire truth you hear me!" Martha warned him.
"I honestly wish I could tell you myself Martha. I was at home when I got a call from Yusei saying that Luna and Akiza were kidnapped by Goodwin and security. Martha gasped at hearing this and let Jack continue talking. After he told me that I rushed out and headed to Goodwin's house when I spotted Leo walking weakly in his current condition towards the same direction as me. I can only assume he and Luna faced Goodwin and lost and they left Leo behind and took Luna with them." He explained to her in as much detail as he could.
"Those selfish men! How dare they do this to young children of all people?! And they call themselves the helpers of the people?! They are just pathetic monsters and mindless wimps if you ask me!" Martha huffed trying not to have a heart attack.
"When I found him I knew that I had to get him somewhere safe and this place was the closest place I could think of/ I'm sorry to put this on you Martha but I have other things to take of right now." He stated getting up and heading for the door.
"I understand Jack. But just promise me one thing."
"What's that?" He asked her turning around to meet her eye to eye.
"Teach these jerks a lesson they won't ever forget!" She literally commanded him. Jack smiled and turned his head back forward while letting out a slight chuckle.
"As a king, I can't deny a woman's request. COUNT ON IT." He promised her strongly as he left and got back to his runner. 'They are mine for this!' He promised himself getting back in his runner and peeled out and heading back towards Goodwin's. While Yusei and Jack were scrambling trying to reach Goodwin Akiza had woken up in an unfamiliar room that looked similar to the rooms at the arcadia movement. There was only a bed, a couch with a window and a door. She was trying to remember what had happened clearly and what Goodwin did to knock her out. 'My head is spinning badly and I can't focus at all. I have to try and figure what to do soon or I will be in trouble." She thought weakly to herself. She looked around more clearly and noticed Luna sleeping on the couch peacefully. She stood up off the bed and went to Luna's side to try and wake her up.
"Hey! Luna! Can you hear me? You have to get up right now!" She said lightly shaking her to try and wake her up. Luna's eyes slightly rose up seeing blurs of light and slowly sat up while also feeling drowsy in her head. She shook her head lightly and opened her eyes fully to see Akiza and the room they were in.
"Akiza? Where are we right now? She asked groggy. Why are we here and where is Leo?!" She asked again starting to get her voice back.
"I wish I could answer all those questions for you right now Luna. But I right now am just as far in the dark as you are. I know that we were brought here by Goodwin for something tat has to do with our marks and I also know that Jack and Yusei will be coming to save us." She smiled at the young girl to reassure her.
"I know that Akiza. They will come and save us like they did before. But I am just worried about me brother. We have never been apart like this and I'm scared. She started to cry. I want- no I NEED my brother by my side." She cried with Akiza hugging her and making a very determined face. 'Goodwin. I don't know what your true goal is here or if your even interested in just our marks like you say. But if I find out you did anything to Leo or if you try and do anything to Luna… I will see to it that you never breath without a tube again. She fumed hugging Luna tightly. This is my new family and NOTHING will take them away from me!" She declared before hearing the door open.
A/n: My first cliffhanger! This is the final arc before the last couple chapters. Now the real cursing and duels begin so get ready everyone. If you wish to see how I changed this story… R&R.