Chapter 28: Questioned Ties, Separate Roads
A few days have passed. News of the duel between Aria and Kageru spread. Anxiety and panic over the DT Grand Championships were increasing, as the people of Termina began to protest the harm that the duels could potentially cause. Quarrels between people from the different factions were increasing as the incident of yesterday seemed to be a sign of hostility by the Aoi Faction. To counter these increasing riots, the 4 faction leaders stepped in defense.
"Mr. Laevatannia of the Kurenai, how do you explain all this? Are these DT Duel Disks that were developed really to blame?"
"Did you you really intend to harm the competitors of this tournament?"
"Are you trying to promote war?"
The press began to pelt Blaine with several questions. He began his response by silencing the crowd.
"People! People! Please. Please lower your voices...Now... I know that you all worry for the sake of our land and our people, but rest assured... No one in the 4 factions hold any hostility to either of our sides. We, like all you wish to preserve the union of our people, and we do not intend to break our pact any time soon... Now as for the incident yesterday, we are currently working with the Allies of Justice to sort the issue out."
" So why place such a dangerous feature in the first place?"
" I understand all your concerns, and yes this information should have been a warning to the public earlier, but our intentions with the DT Grand Championships is to not only to find the most skilled of duelists, but also those whose whole mind, body, and spirit are well prepared. We believe that duelists who can clearly demonstrate endurance in a toned down version of our past conflicts, should be the ones fit to represent the Factions in the tournament. However, due to the events of injuries occurring in the past few days, we've taken measures to put them right on track and as of today, we are now issuing modifications to all owners of the DT Duel Disk Systems. This small update is meant to reduce the risk of possible critical physical or mental injury. This is mandatory for all participants, and unless these modifications have been performed, owners may not use these disks in any duel without proper authorization. Violation will result in disqualification and a possible fine. That is all from me. Thank you."
"And you... Lady Noel Castelle of the Aoi Faction. As the mother and responsibility of Ms. Aria and Albus Castelle, what is your response on the matter?"
Noel Castelle, a woman with red braided hair, wearing a blue uniform-like dress bearing the symbol of what looked like a snowflake, stood up from here seat, bearing a calm and controlled expression similar to that of Aria's.
"Y-yes... I would like to apologize deeply to any victims who were injured during the time of these incidents. And I especially wish to apologize to both families of the Yune and Hinodama. I realize that my children's actions were indeed unjustified, and I assure you that proper punishment is being taken to account. However, I hope that this does not jeopardize their participation in the tourneys ahead."
The public stood silent. Mixed responses came from several sides. Many raising from negative criticism or uncertainty.
As Noel sat back, while the remaining faction leaders rose up. Gerald Trojan of the Kurogane and leader of the AoJ,Jun Ayashi of the Miyabi, and finally Evangel Crest, the executive of Doriado City.
Jun, tall woman with long bright green hair, wearing a bright green and brown cloak-like vest that bore the symbol of a whirlwind, was the next to speak." Thank you Mr. Laevatannia, and you as well Mrs. Castelle. And we all hope that no more serious issues regarding this will spark. I continue to pray for the safety of our people. Rest assured that this tournament will be played out respectfully and with care."
Following Jun, was now Evangel. A man with waved back white hair and glasses in a white and well decorated uniform that bore the symbol of a golden orb with gold trimmings." I agree with all the leaders gathered here, and in order to promote the safety and preparation of the upcoming DT Grandchampionship,all Duel Academy Districts have been closed off early. Participants may now place their focus in getting their decks and minds ready. And don't worry. Online class courses will also be provide for those still in need of passing their courses. Now Mr. Trojan, if you would please..."
After Evangel, Gerald Trojan followed last. A browned haired individual with a broad moustache in a brown, silver, and black uniform, that bore the symbol of a jewel droplet with gold trimmings. "Thank you Evangel. And now... without further ado, I, Gerald Trojan and Lady Ayashi here would like to announce the conclusion of both the Shooting Star and Aspiring Hope Qualifiers!"
A screen behind the leaders lit up, revealing several competitors who have advanced to both tourneys.
"With all 4 Qualifiers finished. The real challenges now begin. Participants will have 2 months to prepare their decks, as well as obtain their very own DT Duel Disks, which will be modified and manufactured with the assistance of Isquared and Kaibacorp. Now... people of Termina,let us all recieve a fair and noble tournament that will properly decide the quarrels between us, and let us continue our peaceful union till the ends of time. May you all duel safely!"
Maira looked up at the screen from the shopping district, her heart sank, as she looked away.
Sugar ran up to her smiling, having two different shirts she wanted to try on. "Maira! which is cuter? the left one or..."
"...I'm thinking about dropping out of the tourney..."
"W-what!? but after all that hard work.." Sugar looked confused and upset, "Maira! one lost doesn't mean-"
"If I am to be the future of Duel monsters, then it's a weak future."
"M-maira..."
The two walked home together, Sugar had her head held down, but gave a quick glance to Maira, who held her head straight with a blank expression. Her eyes dulled of any life within them, which made Sugar look down saddened again. "(I miss my sister...)" she thought. Then, all of the sudden as they continued on, Sugar suddenly spotted a flyer on a wooden lamp post. She smiled and ripped it off, looking it over carefully.
"Hmm? what is it, Sugar?" Maira turned around, after noticing Sugar's foot steps had stopped. She knelt down to see what her sister was reading. "Huh? Elite Duel Shrine?"
"It's up in the mountains!" Sugar exclaimed, "Maybe they can get your fighting spirit back!" she looked up at Maira, eyes sparkling with hope.
Maira frowned and looked away, "I... I don't think-.."
"Maira! shut up and listen!" Sugar playfully smacked her sister's cheek.
"!" Maira looked at her sister. Shocked to see how serious she was.
"You WILL go to this mountain camp, and you WILL train with these masters.. and YOU WILL come back as MAIRA YUNE the future Empress, Queen, and Master of Duel Monsters! and to prove it, you will WIN THE TOURNAMENT! you have 2 months, this starts in a week! pack your bags! and if you still refuse, I'll come with you and force you anyway!" Sugar stomped off ahead.
"W-wait! Duel monster's has become too dangerous to-" she tried to stop her sister, but Sugar just turned around and glared at her.
" Since when has 'danger' been a problem for the Yune family?"
" *sigh*...Stubborn as ever..." Maira smiled.
"Man...I wonder how Maira's doing? We haven't seen her too often. I've been trying to ask Riski or Kell about her condition... Doesn't seem like they haven't seen her much either from what I've been hearing." Tetsu looked over to Kageru, who was leaning over a railing nearby the docks.
"So...What are you gonna do Kageru? I may not have heard much, but I've been hearing from Riski that Maira feels like dropping out of the Abyss Weiss Tournament. What about you? I mean... I wouldn't blame you if-"
Gai quickly cut Tetsu off and hushed him down. " Tetsu you know he doesn't want to talk about it right now. We've been trying not to think about this whole thing for a while.
" But the tournament is starting soon. Hinodama's gotta find something to help him get better sooner or later."
" Sigh... well... you do have a point. So what are you gonna do? You got a couple of months."
Kageru moved away from the railing and the two quickly noticed the tightness in his fists as he replied " I'm going to the Kurenai Faction for a while."
" Huh?!" The two responded surprisingly with mouths gaping wide open.
" The K-kurenai Faction? That's a bit far!"
"What are planning to do there?"
" I've thought about what those two punks said to me and Maira before. How our decks were weak and outdated. How clueless we were about everything. I've looked over all this war stuff that dad and sis used to tell me about all the time. And... I wanna get this... power that they've been talking about. I gotta get stronger. I just got an email from Blaine. And he said he was offering me some training."
" You got invited by the Kurenai Faction leader?"
" Y-yeah."
" So how did your mother take it? I'm surprised to hear that your mom still let you participate."
" Hmm. All I heard when I told her was-"
*flashback*
" Sigh. So you really feel you have to right? I guess there's no helping it. Whether I tell you no or yes, I'm sure you'll go anyway. I guess this means you're just growing into a man. A stubborn one like your father. But still. I will only let you go under the condition; that you come back in one piece. Do I make myself clear!? If I hear that you've been involved in some serious accident regarding all this, you'll be grounded for life!"
" Loud and overbearing as always..." Kageru muttered.
" Does your dad know. I mean. Considering that all this stuff IS real now. I'm sure you two could make up now right?"
" Heh. Not a chance. He maybe right about all this stuff...But that doesn't change the fact that he did nothing when he just lost his daughter like that. Until I know more, I don't plan on being buddy buddy with my old man.
" When are you going?" Asked Gai.
" First thing tomorrow morning."
" I guess there's no stopping you isn't there?"
" Not a chance."
" Just make sure you be careful all right? I think we had enough with patching you up for a while."
" Heh. Don't worry about it... Well. I better start packing. I got a long trip to prepare for."
" Okay then. See ya Kageru!"
" Laters Hinodama!"