(Hey guys. I'm back, and ready to upload more chapters! Once again I apologize for such a wait, and I'm sure many of you think I'm gone and done with this whole fiasco of a story, but don't worry, I've just been overwhelmed with stuff, and I gotta be honest, been kinda lazy too, but a lot of stuff has been goin on, and with Zexal over, Arc V coming, and the new TCG format and booster sets for Yugioh coming I'm all hyped up and ready to get in the groove again. I will just let you know that these posts will be on random intervals and I can't promise when a new chapter will be up, but I do hope you all continue to support this story, and I have been spending time trying to think of all the events that will happen, while trying to improve my writing as much as I can bear with, so I do hope and pray it all goes well. Well hope you all enjoy and once again, thanks for all the messages and suggestions from the people, please keep in mind that I still have them in consideration, and will implement your ideas in the story when the time is right in the story itself. And please keep sending reviews to help keep me and mah partner hyped up and motivated to continue while leaving any constructive criticism so that she and I get better at this. Once again thank you all!)
Chapter 38: Moment Before Reunion Part 1: Isamu, the Virtuous Soul
Several days passed since Kageru Hinodama underwent the trials in Fire King Valley and obtained the power of the Laval tribe. Meanwhile, the young girl; Midori Ayashi had been spending her days alone, trying to contact her brother Isamu whenever she could. Having only received calls from him through Kageru's cellphone, she was finally called up by Kageru, who had promised to spend some time watching over her before reuniting her with her brother. While awaiting Kageru's arrival, Midori decided to call her brother again, this time using the Messenger Terminals located by a nearby bench.
"Uhuh… He's seems like a nice person Isamu…. I'm telling you I'm fine." Midori spoke with a fairly shy voice and hands clasped together, trying not to make her brother worry. "I'm waiting for him right now, if you want to talk him, maybe you could wait for about half an hour?"
At Doriado City Rail Station stood Midori's brother, brown-haired boy around Kageru's age, wearing a dark green jacket and bright-grey jeans. The young man spoke on the other end using his own portable messenger terminal. "I know know…" he replied with pleasant tone. "But, you have to remember Midori, you only met this guy for about a day, and only spoke to him on the Terminal a few times right?"
Midori slightly pouted "I know, but still… He said he was ready to take me home later with him, once he comes back. By the time we're ready the stations should be up and running again…"
Isamu felt slight reassurance hearing it from Midori, but a part still worried. "I'm sorry sister…" he said with a shameful expression. "If only I tried harder… As your older brother, I should've kept my eye on you more. I let my guard down, and this whole mess happened."
Midori exchanged a faint smile, trying to cheer him up from his guilt "I keep telling you that it's fine Isamu, it wasn't your fault… Whatever those guys we're after, well…. We didn't know… After all I panicked and wandered off afterwards… I'm sorry…" she turned her face slightly to the side, feeling responsible.
Isamu took a deep breath, still feeling that he was the one to blame. "Look, after all the stuff that's been going on, I'm still pretty worried, but I'm still glad this guy helped you out…. If he's as good as you say he is… I'll trust you… just make sure not to do anything rash on your own."
Midori nodded. "Okay.. And I'll let you know whatever comes up…. Take care Isamu and see you soon.."
"K…." Isamu replied. His expression shifted to a more serious look, still feeling uneasy about trusting Kageru. "One more thing…You did say this guy had some sort of training to do right?"
Midori's quickly caught on to what her brother's question hinted and answered "Yes… He's also a duelist if that's what you're asking.." a thought suddenly sprang up as Midori began to remind herself of their first meeting. "Come to think of it, I felt a faint aura surrounding him. It was different from most duelists.. It's as if he's accompanied by-"
"Spirits right?" asked Isamu. "Just be careful around him Midori… He could be one us.. And by that I mean-"
"I know… I'll be careful" Midori nodded and waved at her brother "See you later brother. May the spirits keep you safe." She added before disconnecting.
Isamu also disconnected from the terminal and left, still worrying about his sister. It was nearly dark and he was still unsure whether or not it was completely okay her him to leave Midori under the care of a stranger from a distant land. Still, he knew there was no quick way to reach her and that all he can do is hope that her sister's trust in Kageru was not misplaced. He sat by a nearby bench, planning to wait there for a few hours until his sister would arrive. While waiting, he has approached by two boys. They were Tetsu and Gai.
"Hey there!" Tetsu greeted the boy with a friendly smile.
"Huh?" The boy's eyes shot straight up at the two. "H-hi there.. Ummm can I help you?"
"Oh it's nothing much." Gai replied nervously "But If you don't mind us askin, we were listening to your conversation a bit, and I think we may have just overheard our friend's name in the middle of it..."
Isamu, looking confused informed them "Oh? Y-yeah... Well... You see, my little sister and I got caught up in a little accident at the station. She and I are from the Miyabi Faction, and you see... We got separated."
"Miyabi faction?!" The two boys exclaimed, amazed to have met an outsider.
"Sorry to hear about your sister though…." Gai replied, feeling sorry for him.
Isamu tried hard not dwell in worry and responded "Yeah.. Fortunately though… she managed to bump into some random guy at the station she got off at... The guy just seemed nice enough to just help her out.. Even got her a hotel room to stay in for a bit. So you see... I'm a bit worried... Oh, and his name is umm Kageru... Hinodama.. I believe."
Tetsu and Gai couldn't believe it. The two suddenly shot up with large, distorted expressions. "K-k-k-k-k AGERU!?"
"Wait... You know him?" Isamu asked.
Tetsu replied with slight disbelief "If my ears ain't deceiving me, I'd say we do."
Gai wanted to confirm it and asked. "Are we talkin about the same guy with a red-colored jacket, dark hair, and bandages on his face, oh and that insanely rough and reckless attitude?"
Isamu placed a finger on his chin, trying to think up all the information he gained from Midori "Well. That's what my sister said..." His eyes widened as it hit him "Yeah! That's about the same description she gave. She told me she was saved by that guy when a couple of bullies were scaring her."
Tetsu smiled alongside Gai, knowing good and well it was their friend "Yeah that's Kageru alright..." No need to worry buddy." He added confidently "He may be a little rough, but he's a really nice guy... Your sister will be fine..."
"Whew..." Isamu let out a sigh of relief, upon hearing this. "Thank the spirits..."
Gai looked at Isamu, seeing his exhaustion "Listen, you look kinda beat... Wanna head out with us for a while?" he asked, lending a friendly hand out to him.
Tetsu nodded at the idea and added on "Yeah… sounds like a plan. We're waiting for Kageru to get his butt over here after so long and we've been trying to figure out how to pass the time. You should definitely come with us".
Isamu felt honored by the invitation, and knowing confidently that Midori was in good hands, he felt free to relax. "Uh... Really? Well… Gee thanks... I guess, those two won't be here a while.. Heh... This is the first time I've ever met up with strangers like this. My hotel is still pretty far from here I guess. And I've been tired all day... Okay then thank you..." the boy shook Tetsu and Gai's hands with gratitude.
Upon their agreement, the three took the moment to introduce each other.
"By the way.. The name's Tetsu... Tetsu Karaka."
"And I'm Gai... Gai Omokawa. What about you?"
The boy smiled up and returned the favor. "Isamu... Isamu Ayashi..."
-Doriado City Duelist Park-
Maira looked at her phone's watch, then up at the Duel Park. "I thought you said Tetsu and Gai would be here by now." she annoyingly glared at Riski, who had a sweat drop drip down the side of her face with an awkward smile.
Riski who was sitting on the bench with her replied "I'm sure they'll be here..." Besides, they've been busy too, ya know." She added with folded arms, crossed legs, while pouting at Maira's impatience, trying to defend the two.
"Well, you guys haven't had any intense training over the last month or so.." Maira responded with similar gestures, trying to justify her attitude "I'm just... anxious for the tournament is all..." she admitted "I was hoping to duel one of them today".
A thought sprang up in Riski's head "Hey! Could I duel too?"she asked with excitement while pulling out a deck from her bag.
"What!? You play..?!" Maira asked shockingly, as she refocused her attention at her.
"W-well... Gai has been helping me build one, while Tetsu's been teaching me a bunch of rules and techniques" she admitted, "It could be fun! But I'm no match for you, of course." she scratched behind her head acknowledging her friend's skill level.
"Hey, you never know. With your competitive and optimistic way of gaming, you might be a tough opponent in the dueling world." Maira complimented with a smile.
Riski smiled weakly "Ha! I play video games, not card games. But I suppose it wouldn't hurt to give it a go?"
"Yep, now where are they?!" Maira yelled out again, as her patience was wearing thin.
"Patience, is a virtue, young grasshopper." Riski replied with a cunning tone.
"Oh, go catch a fly!" Maira replied back. And the two laughed.
-Meanwhile in Quilin City-
"Hey Midori!" Kageru called out with a smile upon arriving.
Midori turned her head, surprised to finally see him. With an anxious tone and expression, she returned his greeting "Oh!... Uh h-hi Kageru. Umm good to see you. How was your training?" she asked.
Kageru sighed with a breath, feeling relieved to have arrived. "I'm still pretty beat. It was pretty tough, but I gotta say it payed off really nicely. With a bit of practice, I ought to be ready for the Red Nova Tournament really soon." Kageru pumped his fist, feeling excited at the thought of the event "Sooo… You ready to explore the city a bit before we go?" he asked, lending his hand out.
Midori nodded, trying to hold her excitement. "Uhuh…" She then lent her hand out. Before the two made contact however, an ominous feeling quickly befell her. "Hhh.. Huh!?".
The Midori froze on the spot for a slight moment, trying to comprehend the odd stimulus.
Kageru shook her slightly, trying to snap her out of her sudden trance "Hey… Midori… Are you okay? Hey? What's wrong? Midori!"
Midori stood for the next few seconds, seemingly unresponsive to all of Kageru's attempts to snap her out. Kageru felt her body shivering at set intervals. She was staring blankly past him, her eyes widened with deep shock.
"MIDORI!" Kageru shook her again and again, hoping that he wouldn't have to call out for help.
"Oh!" Midori quickly came to and calmed herself.
"Midori! Whew..." Kageru felt slightly relieved. "Hey. Look at me. Are you alright?" he asked, trying to make sure.
"Eeep!" Midori suddenly flinched away as Kageru's hand touched her shoulder, she then remember where she was, and turned around to see a few people staring at her oddly. "Oh... K-kageru?.. Umm... Oh dear.. I'm sorry… D-don't worry I'm fine… Let's go.."
Kageru still felt worried "Are you sure?" he asked, thinking if it would be better for her to rest "We could just stay at the hotel till the station is up and running if you want."
Midori shook her head, trying not to worry him. "No. Really I'm alright… I just felt a little numb is all… I guess I need to move a bit more.. I mean… I was indoors for the past few days.."
"Oh... Its that it? I'm sorry…" Kageru apologized, knowing he was the one who had her stay in the hotel for the whole week.
"Oh don't beat yourself on it." Midori replied feeling grateful "You've helped me more than enough. Come on…" she then took Kageru's hand, pulling over and smiling.
"If you say so… Alrighty!" Kageru quickly burst with energy, feeling convinced enough that Midori was well. "Let's have some fun then."
"Right!" Midori acknowledged with a cheery tone. "(What was that just now?)" she thought to herself as the two walked. She gave a towards Kageru trying to conceal her worries. Questions popped in her head as she looked at him smiling back at her "(Is he really?... No.. He is a good person…. He's helped me this much and hasn't shown any sign of harming me or asking for anything else…. And I'm sure that he has no knowledge about what I and Isamu are in… I-it'll be fine…)".
As the two walked, Midori suddenly felt a an ominous presence surrounding them. She knew good and well that it was the cause of watever she just felt, but could not make out what it was exactly.
"Kurrooo!" The small, green-feathered bird spirit appeared next to Midori again, cryingout to her with worry.
"(Gusto Egul... Relax... I'm on my guard... I'll be fine, just stay with me okay?)" Midori reassured her companion. However, anxiety filled her, as she noticed a faint silhouette of a figure trailing slowly behind Kageru. She turned away cautiously hinting at wahtever it was that she was well-aware of its presence.
There behind Kageru, was the spirit, revealed to be the Laval Judgment Lord whom, after making a pact with Kageru, is now following him wherever he may be, awaiting his call so that he may lend his power "(Hmmm... sooo... she's the one...)" the spirit thought, observing Midori closely. "(Heh... The herald of the Gustos huh? Mmmm... I sense great power already in her. She is already levels beyond this Hinodama boy... Could she have already achieved Clear Mind?...) he wondered, now feeling great interest in the young girl. "(This boy not yet ready to face such an opponent. We also need to prepare ourselves for yet another battle before her... But there will be no doubt... The clash of our species is inevitable... I will be looking forward to it indeed...)" he then vanished away, still keeping his presence near the two.