Somehow after doing Searching, and talking with one of my friends here in FFN, specifically danna45, I actually got my mind thinking a lot lately, specifically regarding the story's depth.
With all the ideas presented to me, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed this time. Lol, I can do is shrug for now. But, if you're concerned, please see the A/N at the end of the fic.
But, before I go through the fic, of course, I'd like to thank:
1supergirl4
Cheese lovin' bear
Crystal-Wolf-Guardian-967
KirbyStar64
DinosaursgoRawr101
13simplestrongsoul98
For without you guys, I haven't made it this far into the story, especially 1supergirl4, Crystal-Wolf-Guardian-967, and DinosaursgoRawr101, for they have supported me when I am at my worst when writing this fic. Seriously, if it wasn't for them I could have abandon this already with the way it was.
Anyways, I hope that you'd enjoy this brand new installment of The Heart of The Crimson Dragon: Autumn Tryst.
The Heart Of The Crimson Dragon: Autumn Tryst
You are the one
who makes it worth waking up in the morning
i'd trade the sun for the chance to show you i'm all in
we could be like jay and beyonce
bonnie and clyde just like the movie
take that chance on love (yeah yeah)
now i can't predict what the future holds
but i'll fight forever to keep you close (yeah)
Fallen
By: Jason Derulo
Ah, yeah they said we shouldn't, uh they said we wouldn't
Aah look where we are, We've done what they thought we couldn't
As bad as the odds were looking. Push yeah we kept on pushing
And every time I nearly hit the ground you were my cushion
There's evidence that proves that you were heaven sent
'Cos when I needed resucin' you were there at my defence
Girl in you I find a friend you make me feel alive again
And I feel like the brightest star 'cos you make me shine again
Invincible
By: Tinie Tempah Ft. Kelly Rowland
-Chapter 19-
It was finally the day of the WTGP itself, and it was just yesterday that Yusei and the rest were just training for it.
Heck, it's like as if it was just yesterday that Yusei was just struggling with his own emotions regarding a certain blond, a certain blond that he had longed for and waited for since her disappearance.
Somehow, thinking back to those days, he would find it rather unbelievable. No, rather something like a miracle that God brought her back into his life.
Truly, right now, his mind and heart was finally appeased, there is only one trial left.
Dealing with Yliaster, which hopefully will be settled at the WTGP.
Despite last night's events Yusei was definitely up, and going, he finally dressed for the occasion, with Yusei wearing his normal clothes: his black sleeveless shirt, below his dark blue jacket with topaz-like orbs on his shoulders, elbows, and collar, dark blue jeans, and brown boots who also had a pair of topaz-like orbs on them as well.
Hikari on the other hand was having a hard time, as she found herself arguing with Yusei.
"Awww, why can't I wear my usual clothes?" She pouted, as she gave her those pleadful puppy-dog eyes, just making the raven-haired lad sigh.
'No way will I let you out like that' Yusei thought as he referred to Hikari's black crop sleeveless shirt, black shorts and just a sleeveless, zip hoodie.
"Hmf," she puffed her cheeks. "Then fine, I won't get dressed then." She was actually still in her nightgown, as she just placed her arms folded in front of her chest, as she sat in an Indian-sit-like manner on Yusei's bed; acting like a stubborn child.
'Seriously, stop acting so cute.'
"Even if you act cute like that, still I won't allow you. Wear this instead." Yusei said nonchalantly like usual as he rummaged through Hikari's clothes, and then threw Hikari's signature red coat at her, which she just ignored.
"Oh, so you think I'm cute then?" Hikari uttered, "Then if you think I'm cute, now would you let me wear this instead? With this, I'll look even cuter!" She chirped, whilst she stuck out a playful tongue at the end of her sentence.
That's it.
Yusei didn't uttered another word, as a thought suddenly entered his mind causing him to whip up a mischievous smirk, while he simply walked towards the blond haired girl, who's now staring at his movements feeling perplexed herself.
"If you don't want to get dressed, then I'll just have to be the one to change you then." He stated as he started holding on the the rim of her dress, and slowly taking it off, causing the blond to blush deep red.
"Yusei!" She exclaimed, as she tried to get away from him. "Stop that!" But, Yusei just let out a small laugh of his own, as he continued to tease her by trapping her between his arms, with both of his hands now holding on to her skirt.
The blond doesn't know what to do anymore, as her sense of rationality disappeared from her mind. She could feel her temperature rising, whilst her heart raced hard beneath her chest. But, despite all of the havoc on her mind, she was still able to think of one thing:
Nothing, but how to escape from the man in front of her.
"He-hey! What are you doing?" But, Yusei just subtly neared himself to her, near enough for her to feel him breathing behind her neck.
"Undressing you." He whispered almost inaudibly in her ear, somehow sending a tickling sensation to her ears, as it sent chills down to her spine.
'Hahaha, I definitely didn't expect her to act like this. I wonder what she'll say if she found out I've done it a lot of times whenever she ended up drunk?' Yusei mused. 'But, of course, I didn't do anything yet though.'
"Alright, Alright! I'll wear the freaking trench coat already!" Yusei couldn't contain it anymore as he ended up laughing hard, as he laid down on his bed.
Truly, he couldn't imagine a life without her. After all, despite the year of not having her, he maybe able to smile from time to time, he may be able to live however there is but one setback:
It all feels nothing but empty.
It's like there is this bottomless void on his heart, that no matter how he tried to fill it up or at least close the spacing. There was nothing that could do so, from engrossing himself to maintain, repair, and upgrade D-wheels, and or gadgets, to making himself engrossed to training so hard for the two upcoming tournaments, it was all but nothing, but a temporary way of filling it up.
In short, it was just like living a life without a reason...
A useless, empty life...
...of an endless cycle of living and breathing...
Yes, there's definitely no one else that can fill the void, but her.
"I love you."
"Duelists from all over the world!" The MC exclaimed with his usual zest. "Welcome to the World Tagforce Grand Prix!" With that, the audience of the ever so awaited event, cheered with excitement, as each group supported their desired tag team.
It was definitely going wild on Kaiba Dome.
The teams of various kinds all aligned in front of the audience. Some looked strong, while some looked weak. Some looked old, while some looked young. It was definitely a mix crowd.
Yusei and Hikari just stood among them. They can definitely see Jack and Crow amongst the crowd, along with the twins themselves.
"So, almost everyone is joining I suppose?" Hikari said feeling amazed herself at the number of contenders.
"Well, after all, unlike the World Riding Grand Prix, you're not required to have a D-wheel, and all you need is a partner. It's easier to join here than that. Also, since you're not riding a D-wheel, even a child can join as well." As Yusei gave a glance at the crowd himself, he can't help but noticed a certain pair clothed in an over all white coat. It was a man about his age, while the other was a boy in about Rua and Ruka's age. An odd pair indeed.
Though, that is to be expected, after all almost everyone among the duelists standing with him has their own sense of style with their own get ups. From hairstyles to clothing.
But, he just couldn't help but notice that certain pair. It's like a sore thumb in the middle of massive crowd that you can't just ignore. After all, they're the most eccentric of them all. But, despite the eccentricities, somehow he can feel something from them.
Odd unusual power.
"Oh my gosh!" The blond suddenly exclaimed, disturbing him from his thoughts as he stared at the girl beside her worriedly.
"What? Why? What's wrong?" He asked in a very startled tone.
"Clyde and Aki's here!" Yusei then stared at where she's pointing out, somehow surprising him as well.
"Hey, Clyde! Aki!" She called out for them, catching their attention as they gave a wave in response.
"What are you two doing here?" Hikari asked, somehow causing the pair forming a smile themselves.
"What else, but to join the WTGP." Aki said simply.
"Oh, I just didn't expect it." Hikari stated—baffled.
"Heh, you may have Yusei, Hikari, but we are after all the top students of Duel Academy. So, don't let your guard down, because when we face off together later on, we'll definitely no back down!" Clyde stated emphatically, however still keeping his usual grin.
"Hey, don't forget after all, I am still you-know-what, you know!" Hikari retorted, whilst letting out a 'hmf' herself, but somehow causing the brunette to laugh as he messed with her hair, making her even more irritated.
"Ever so modest, Hikari. Just spit it all out, I know you're proud of being the Duel Prodigy."
"Whatever, Clyde." Yusei and Aki just smiled at the bickering pair.
"Were they really always like this?" Yusei asked. Somehow, just looking at them with the way they are, he wondered as to why Hikari never took notice of Clyde. After all, with the way they are it's like they're so familiar with each other, or rather natural. To boot, Clyde himself not only just have the looks but even the loots to make girls go all crazy about him. Thinking about it, somehow he can't help but feel blessed that Hikari picked him over Clyde.
'Yup, all's fair in love and war.'
"You really have to ask. They have been like that ever since they've crossed paths, and even got me into those petty fights as well. Sometimes it makes me wonder how these two ended up being my friends during those times."
"Alright! Now that we're all set, the WTGP has officially begun!" With that, all the duelists finally focused on the purple-suited Master of Ceremonies. "As to the rules, there will be four rounds for our tournament, namely: the elimination round, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and then the final round."
"Each round that occurs in a weekly interval, has different rules governing them. These rules depends, and are determined randomly. They could be regarding lifepoints, or the time each duelist have to make decisions during their turn, thus truly a fight to know the most worthy tagteam. So Duelists, are you all ready to duel?" The crowd cheered in response, along with the contenders themselves.
"Then let's get this started! For the elimination round, teams will be grouped and will be assigned areas on where to duel on combat lane, and will battle it all out until one team is left standing. The rules governing on this round however is just fairly simple: a battle royal is illegal, and anybody performing a battle royal will immediately be disqualified from the tournament."
"So, that's how they plan to make fast eliminations. Nice strategy. Less hassle." Yusei stated with his usual nonchalant tone.
"Hmf, more like a lazy way of doing things. Nonetheless, still challenging. I bet everyone here is already ready for the kill." Hikari stated in as a-matter-of-fact tone.
"Scared?"
"Not really. After all, I am used to joining tournaments, as I always represent Duel Academy. However, right now it is kinda different." She said, as she clutched on the necklace hanging onto her neck. The necklace Yusei made for her and Ares. "Right here, right now, anyone of them could be from Yliaster, and I am scared. Scared of what can possibly happen. Not just to me, but to you and everyone participating in the WTGP."
Just knowing the fact that Yliaster can make Hikari's life a living hell, how much more in a duel?
Now aware of the fact that Yliaster is not just after simple monetary, and political powers, but the fact that they're after a certain power far greater than any man's comprehension is what makes them scary for the blond.
Powers bestowed by the one who gave the Signers their birthmarks.
'Signers.' Hikari thought as she stared at the mark engraved on her skin. The mark that caused havoc on her life. No, the mark that caused havoc among all the Signer's lives, and the rest affected by the mythical war. But, also the mark that caused the Signers to be together.
Is it still a curse after all this? Or a blessing?
'Tribute myself to the gods. Isn't it a long time, since I've said that? Thinking back to those moments during the battle of the gods, it was definitely a miracle for me to even exist at this point. However, as I have this mark on my arm, will there still be a point in time that I really have to tribute myself completely to the Crimson Dragon?'
'Somehow, I hope not.'
Yusei just placed his hands over hers. Disturbing her from her own reverie, as it caused her to look back to Yusei with worry-filled eyes.
"I really am not sure of what will happen, however, I am here, and I'll protect you no matter what happens." He said, hoping to reassure her weary heart, somehow causing the blond to crack up a small smile herself.
"NOW IT'S TIIME TO DUEL!"
Okay, I know that was short, but I thought its good to end it there. :p
Hoping that you had fun! ;p
Do look forward for the next chapter!
Concerning the fic:
I just have one question... what kind of ending you guys want?
That is all.
If you want choices it's either this:
A. Dramatic Ending
B. Happy Ending
C. Dramatic yet Happy Ending
D. Dramatic, Happy Ending that is... kinda open ended for you guys to decide.
I will not tell the details though. As I don't like spoiling. Because I bet with that ^ you guys are already having an idea. PLEASE REPLY.
Anonymous Review Reply Section:
KirbyStar64: Glad that you liked the duel! (it was kinda hard since I have to pick between ancient gears or aoj's to go against Yusei XD) and also, this the first time, Clyde's been noticed XD Anyways, thanks for the review! I'll definitely keep on going!
13simplestrongsoul98: Salamat. J Lol, I honestly didn't imagine that i'd pull it off actually, as I have pictured Clyde to be someone that can happily give her away for her happiness. But, that was so 2D like for a character. Rather unreal, so I made him like at least fight for the last time! Anyways, I am really happy to see that you are enjoying this fic. I didn't expect that because with the way it was in the making (the sequel to be specific) it went through a lot of trials to the point that I almost abandoned it. Anyway! Thanks for the awesome review! Look forward for more!
TC
-jory014