Chapter 39: Moment Before Reunion Part 2: A Truth Revealed, a Welcoming Duel

"Hey there girls!" Tetsu yelled out, as both Riski and Maira turned to them glaringly knowing both he and Gai we're late.

"Sorry we took long. Ehehehe…." Gai chuckled anxiously, fearing them. He then redirected their attention to the person next to him "E-everyone, this here is Isamu. He's actually a visitor from the Miyabi Faction."

Isamu followed the greeting by properly introducing himself and explaining what had happened "Hi ladies. It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm Ayashi Isamu. You see I just got to meet Tetsu and um Gai just a little while ago and so I'm just happy to tag along… So uh- uh?" Isamu's attention suddenly shifted upon seeing Maira's face. His eyes widened and his jaw slightly dropped with disbelief "You…. Aren't you…. Maira Yune!? The dark horse veteran duelist of Doriado City? You're the one who's participating in the Abyss Weiss Tournament that's going on in a couple of days right?"

Maira was still unaccustomed to all the attention and experience of being popular and so she seemed to be in great surprise that this young man knew her. "U-uh.. Y-yeah.. That's me." She muttered out softly, while blinking twice.

"Oh come on, Maira!" Riski patted her back a bit forcefully causing her to lunge forward slightly. "Half the city and even the WORLD know your face."

"Ah! H-hey..." Maira moved her other hand towards her shoulder, rubbing the part where Riski hit her while slightly pouting with embarrassment. "I've been away, so I haven't really settled into it all yet, okay?"

"Haha, the life of a celebrity is never easy to adjust too... tough luck!" Riski pounded Maira on her arm. This time, making Maira flinch and causing her hair to spike upward slightly and then fall down. Maira stared at her friend, feeling unamused of her antics.

"Gee... I missed this." Riski rolled her eyes, but she was just being playful.

Maira turned back to Isamu "Ayashi.. Was it? Are you entered too by any chance? Your name sounds familiar..." she narrowed her eyes, trying to recollect where she had heard the surname; Ayashi before.

"Well Uh you see-" before Isamu could respond, Tetsu quickly cut in.

"You wouldn't believe it, but Isamu is actually one of those guys entered in the Aspiring Hope Tourney. In fact, this guy has been topping a bunch of events back to back in both the Miyabi and Kurogane Factions, or so he told me."

Gai smiled, still feeling amazed "It's actually pretty interesting that you're from the Miyabi Faction, and even the fact that you're related to its leader and yet you're not even entering the Shooting Star Tournament."

"So what's with all these representative stuff anyway?" Tetsu asked curiously. "I'm stoked to see all these tournaments and all, but I kinda don't see why it's such a deal, whether a guy from one faction gets in or not. I mean... Kageru and Maira were raised in Doriado City, so does that exactly mean anything?"

The group paused in wonder at Tetsu's question. It was actually a detail, which hardly any of them ever thought about. Before the incidents, everyone believed it was merely a simple tournament that had no other purpose but to decide the greatest duelist in Termina.

"You make a good point Tetsu." praised Gai. "Do have an idea Isamu?" he asked, as knowing his experience, Isamu would most like have the answer.

"Well you see..." Isamu gave a long sigh of breath, trying to gather his thoughts. His expression suddenly looked somewhat more serious, making the group even more curious. "It sounds like you all have forgotten, and I can't really blame you, but you all should be aware of our continent's long history right?"

"Yep." Gai acknowledged. "I'm guessing it's about all these wars that have been mysteriously sparking up between people across these lands. The 4 factions once had such a bitter animosity towards each other that seemed to come out of nowhere. And because of that, the Great Termina Wars took place hundreds of years ago with which the most notable battles were the clashes between the Kurenai and Kurogane factions, as well as the Miyabi and Aoi factions. It seems as though they have always tried to either outmatch, or completely annihilate the other. In fact…." He added "There was a time in between these conflicts when they actually worked together to fight off some exiled faction. There used to be a small island around Termina that housed the Dharc Faction, which was completely decimated years back. Afterwards, the clans started fighting each other for resources again".

"But isn't that why Doriado City was built in the first place? To settle all that babble?" Tetsu replied, still full of questions "I mean resources shouldn't be much of an issue anymore right? After all, the new tech that the researchers have been working on in this city should be helping with all these issues. Even then, why settle it all through a game of Duel Monsters?"

Maira's head dropped slightly, remembering her brother's research into that ancient war.

"So you guys know a bit after all." Isamu replied.

The group looked slightly puzzled by his answer, still wanting a greater explanation.

"A bit? What do you mean a bit?" asked Gai.

Isamu continued "Seeing that Ms. Yune is with you guys, I'm sure you recall that incident from a few weeks back, with that girl Aria Castelle right?"

Upon hearing Aria's name, the group turned with slightly angered expressions, being reminded of the incident happened back then. Maira gripped the edge of the bench, her fist turning white as she tightly clenched them. Her teeth gritted together and she tried to hold in her wrath towards hearing that name.

Seeing how they acted was an answer enough and so Isamu continued "See…. Whether you may believe it or not, the 4 factions still have those similar issues even now. I can't exactly tell you much, but the fact that the whole DT Grand Championship was created for being…. Well, a substitute for these conflicts, which should tell you why these new Duel Disks are actually made to be dangerous enough to simulate a more… 'Realistic' duel".

Gai's eyes broadened with fear "You mean they're actually planning to start something huge?" he asked, hoping it was untrue.

Isamu placed a hand on his chin, thinking. His expression was full of suspicion as he replied "It's really just a hunch, but something tells me that at least one or two of the 3 factions are up to something that will give them a major advantage over the others, and that all this stuff regarding the lore written in Termina's ancient documents have something to do with it. My mother is also looking into it with the Allies of Justice, and they're still trying hard to confirm it".

Seeing the group down in confusion, Tetsu felt the need to change the subject. "Well... enough with all this politics, and legends, and all the weird stuff, why don't we just relax and enjoy for a bit." He suggested with a cheerful tone "Kageru shouldn't be back for a bit and we need something better to pass the time." A thought then popped in his head "How bout you show us your stuff Isamu?"

"Hey Maira!" Gai called out, also having a suggestion in mind "Didn't you like get a new deck or something? I think it'd be interesting to see you two duke it out." But Riski looked back at Maira with concern.

"Sounds good Gai, but uh..." Tetsu's face gave off a slightly anxious grin, obviously thinking otherwise. "I'm sure Maira's still exhausted from her trip and all these matches. " Isamu…. How bout taking a round with me first?" he called out excitedly.

The group looked at Tetsu with surprise at his sudden outburst of desire to duel. "Wow, Have you been training or something Karaka?" asked Gai.

Tetsu chuckled confidently, folding his arms, and looking high and mighty "Heh. I didn't just doze up during the break, while Kageru and Maira were out improving. I can't just let 'em leave me behind you know!" he replied "I've been working on my deck as well. So what do you say Isamu? How bout a good welcoming match?" Riski turned her to him as well, seeming anxious about his offer.

Isamu thought with delight at the idea. "Well... It's been a while since I've had a good friendly match... Alright. I'll take you on. Are you okay with this Maira?"

"Oh yeah! You guys haven't battled in a LONG time!" Riski suddenly chimed in, kicking her feet to keep the moment light too. "Hey, why not we duel, Isamu?" Riski asked, "I may be a green horn at this dueling stuff... but I'm a mighty big competitor in gaming. Let's try this out!"

The group was bewildered with disbelief, as all eyes were now pointing towards Riski with their mouths wide open.

Maira's head shot up as she looked to her friend in concern, "Riski, no! You just started, didn't you?"

"I can try, can't I?" Riski replied insistently "And man, Maira! I always cheer you on! Give me a confidence boost, why don't ya?" she rolled her shoulders and stretched, moving her back and then her head to the side before getting up. "Now then, Maira….. YOU should watch my match and start learning more about strategy and how other people think!" she suggested. "It should help you in the tournament, after all~" she beamed.

"Uh..." Isamu scratched the side of head nervously, feeling unsure as of who to pick. "Well I don't-"

Gai quickly jumped with yet another idea in mind. "You're a champion of the Miyabi Faction aren't you Isamu?" he asked, before suggesting "How bout Tetsu and Riski team up against you to maybe you know…. even the odds a bit? I mean... Considering this IS Riski's first time dueling I think it would be an interesting experience don't you think?"

Tetsu thought hard on the idea "I hate to admit it, but Gai's probably right. After all, it's been years since I was actually a match for Kageru, let alone Maira. What do you say Riski?"

Isamu looked at the two shyly, trying to process the idea of taking on two duelists at once. It was definitely a rare situation, but nonetheless, he decided "Hmm. Alright then. Sounds good." He replied. "Let's do it."

The three duelists took their places on each side of the park. Tetsu and Riski positioned themselves on spaces adjacent to each other facing towards Isamu who would be their opponent. "(Gee... I've never dueled against odds like this before.)" Isamu thought, while setting up his gear. His eyes turned to Maira who was standing on the sidelines, observing the upcoming match alongside Gai. He thought as Maira looked at him "(No doubt this girl will be watching me closely... Something tells me she's not the only one though... I can definitely feel a strong presence close to her...)

Isamu suddenly heard a voice calling him. "Are you sure you are up to the challenge? Surely your skills are formidable as a duelist, however... Even skill can only do so much against high numbers..."

"Don't worry." Isamu replied, feeling concern in the spirit's tone. "I trust that your powers will help lead me. All I can ask of you is that you trust in my leadership. Will you do that?" he asked in response.

The spirit agreed "Of course... It has been decided that we will each lend whatever power we have to you as part of our pact. Rest assured that our very clan has placed their utmost trust in not only your ability, but your kind heart, and virtuous spirit as well." The spirit added with praise.

Isamu nodded with a heartfelt smile. "Thanks... I'm happy to hear that... Ok let's go!" he yelled out before activating his gear "DT Duel Disk set!"

On Isamu's left arm was a small, bronze-colored disk with dark green gem flashing on its center. Small, yet intricately designed compared to the DT Disks that have been seen, it can only be assumed that it was definitely a new model. With the new disk model, Isamu also wore a pair of gloves, each with a matching gem as the disk also had. The disk, like all the previous models spoke with a computerized voice, signaling its activation.

DT DISK SET!... DECK SCAN COMPLETE! FIELD SET! DUEL TERMINAL VISION REALITY ACTIVATED! VISION HAND LINK ESTABLISHED! CUSTOM RULE SET! DRAWING STARTING HAND!

At the front tip of Isamu's disk was large gap that suddenly flashed with a bright color similar to the brown gem at the center. Five holographic cards quickly shot out and flew straight into Isamu's hand. Compared to the enormous-sized cards projected by the previous disks, the sizes of Isamu's cards were much more up to scale of actual cards for his right palm to hold up.

Maira's eyes widened, "He... he has a different duel disk?" she looked to her own, and frowned. "So I got the prototype model? Great..." she rolled her eyes and mumbled out with jealousy.

"Ok.. Let's get started." Isamu called out. Wanting to see what his two opponents had in store, he allowed them to go first. "You two decide who starts."

"Heh ok then. You said it not me." Tetsu chuckled with agreement. "Go ahead Riski... start us off…." He suggested as he tried to think of a plan "I'll follow up…. Also… I guess here's your first lesson today; the starting player can't attack, but going first gives you the greater benefit of setting up your plays early"."He's right." Gai added. "The player who goes first usually has the better advantage in the duel. So make the most of it and do your best you two!"

Riski nodded. "No problem! I've got this in the bag!" she winked and made a peace sign with her two fingers before getting ready. "Duel Disk set!"

DUEL!

Riski LP 8000

Tetsu LP 8000

VS

Isamu LP 8000

Maira leaned over to ask "Gai... is Riski any good?" she wondered "I mean... she said you guys helped her out in learning the basics so..." she felt slightly concerned about Riski's standings in this duel "I just don't want her to get butt-hurt if she loses quickly or something like that..."

"Well..." Gai paused for an awkward moment, trying to come up with a more generous description "She's still trying to get it all down. She's definitely got potential." He replied "The rules and basics didn't seem to be a problem, but... she seemed to have a tendency of playing out all her resources on the first turn, which well... is kind of a risky strategy (pun totally intended XD). Still... considering it's a two on one, I'm sure Tetsu's got enough to cover her."

"What?!" Maira looked worriedly back to her friend "(I… guess that shouldn't be too bad... I do play my games on luck a lot...)" Maira thought to herself. Still, worries were mirrored onto her face.

"I THOUGHT I SAID HAVE FAITH IN ME! Cheer, dang it!" Riski turned around at the two with chibi anger marks all over her as she flailed her arms, making Maira twitch and look back, with a sweat drop sliding down her head.

"She's got ears like a elephant..." Maira whispered out.

Riski drew her first few cards "Hmm... let's see..." After looking over them carefully, she nodded, having made a decision "Alright, I'll place 5 cards face down and end my turn!" she chimed out, smiling cutely and seeming full of confidence. "Your turn~" she sang out, waving to Tetsu.

"...No monster cards?" Maira looked a bit dumbfounded at her friend's playstyle "Riski... heh, you know your wide open for an attack right?"

Riski once again turned to Maira with a calm smile on her face, "What did I say about cheering?"

Maira sighed, worried more than ever now. "Well, at least you won't feel the pain from the damage..." she muttered.

"I can hear you!" Riski yelled aloud.

"Crud. that's some amazing hearing!" Maira commented in amazement as Riski then replied "Thank you~"