If you are interested, I've posted an image for the previous chapter in the Ao3 (Archive of our own). And a bit of Asuka x Edo if it still counts for the rare pairing week! :D
Chapter XXV
Confrontation
Judai and Shou walk around in the corridors, many students stand chatting before classes begin. The shorter boy stops upon hearing some boys commenting about his brother:
"You heard the Kaiser wasn't in his room this morning?"
"Doesn't he usually go out early? Why is it so surprising?"
"No, dude, this is different. He's always on the clock for breakfast and he teaches some students after that. You can see him around the corridors before lectures, but no one has seen him today. Some guys think he hasn't come back to his room since yesterday night and no one could find him in the dorms this morning too… Even though it was the meal time."
"Seriously? Don't tell me he went to that accursed hut again."
"I don't know about a hut, but he won't fool anyone about going out late despite rules. I bet he's doing something improper under everyone's noses."
They chuckle, but one of them delivers a friendly slap so they stop making a fuss about it. Shou's fists clench, listening to this, he whirls around, Judai's eyes widen in alarm at how his friend had a scowl, ready to berate those students, but another boy interrupts.
"Talking about missing, Edo wasn't in the dorms either, that boys cult of his that follows him everywhere was mentioning it, they went crazy searching all over the dorm for him, I woke up with their fuss early in the morning."
"Wait, repeat that. They're both out?" He pauses, snickering. "The guys might be having a duel, then. Blast! This is unfair, dueling out of sight, do they think they're too good for normal spectators or what?"
This time, Judai's ears listen closely, his jaw dropping. The Kaiser and Edo having a duel? This is something he can't miss! At the same time, Shou's willpower to confront those boys dwindles, his brows curling up worriedly, he doesn't know what his brother is up to.
"Shou, if you're so worried, we gotta check it out! I'm also curious to know about the duel!"
Jumping on one feet to the other, preparing to run, he waves his hand at the blue-haired boy, calling him. Shou nods decidedly, they sneak out of the building through a crack on a wall.
Their hidden adventures are short lived, as soon as they step out, someone almost bumps into them, a screech almost pierces their ears, their eyes closing in reflex, hesitantly opening to ascertain they weren't caught.
"Judai? Shou?! What are you doing out here?!"
"You two…? Aren't you Asuka's friends?"
"We are, that's why we're out here. Did you see Asuka?"
"No, why…?"
They exchange a dreaded glance before telling the boys the story of how Asuka wasn't there in the dorm during the morning and it looked like she never came to her room in the first place. Three students vanished on the same day, and the three of them were out at night other times too, this can't be a coincidence, can it?
"Don't tell the professor we're here." Junko closes her fists in a nervous request.
"We won't tell you if you don't either." Judai scratches the back of his head.
"Let's just search together… Asuka and my brother often hang around, maybe they just went somewhere…"
Even he isn't fully convinced of his statement, but they smile in relief, joining the group as they walk into the woods in pursuit of the missing students.
In the woods,
Edo rushes amidst the trees, using his arm to shield from the army of branches and bushes blocking the path. His eyes flashing to the side, Jonouchi and Honda keep up with his pace.
Soon, he can hear the faint sound of waves as the monkey springs out of the forest, sunlight basking its silhouette turning it into nothing but a shadow. Following the track, his eyes contemplate the coast, the monkey is far ahead, cornered against a cliff.
"Let go of her!"
Edo demands, pointing at the animal that just makes sounds at him, grabbing Asuka and carrying her to a tree branching out of the stony cliff, a rock bed meeting the ocean right under it, sending a chill down the spines of the three men.
"Stop!"
Another person barges in, Ryou lunges an arm in an urgent plea, getting the attention of the others as both him and Rie arrive, the monkey stares at them distrustfully making unintelligible sounds and dragging Asuka near the edge, lying her halfway on the trunk, a dry, hoarse voice disrupts the mood:
"Don't do it!"
This time, it's the old scientist from the lab and his goony that arrive, the man in a black suit grits his teeth:
"I can't believe he took a hostage!"
It's impossible to see the monkey's eyes through the helmet it wears, but it shakes its arm, showing a duel disk and blocking the way to the blonde student. He flaunts his arm with a duel disk, a drop of sweat rolling down Jonouchi and Honda's faces.
"Hah, he won't listen to your demands so easily, but maybe, you could duel him and convince him otherwise." The scientist slyly smirks.
"You gotta be kidding us, dueling against a monkey?!" Jonouchi points exasperated.
"How about this, if you win the duel, he will have to let her go and if he wins, we can free him." The old man looks at the animal that greets his teeth.
"Ukyaah!" It jumps angrily, trouncing the ground and shaking its arm covered in a duel disk.
"Is that thing… Challenging him for a duel now?" The blonde man raises a brow.
"I don't know, Jou, but it's sure energetic."
"The audacity of this…" Edo squeezes his eyes shut, his closed fist trembling in annoyance. "How dare you!"
Dragging Asuka even more onto the tree, he growls at the duelist. Her arm dangles from it to the pit under, a shiver runs down Edo's body, this monkey can't be serious. Is he forcing Edo into the duel? It's all because that old man had to say some things, almost as if he was compelling the animal to do so.
"Don't do this!"
Ryou interjects again, his head stinging at the high blood pressure, Rie also gestures hectically for the creature to stop at once, but it's not possible to reason with it without answering to its demands.
"Damn!" The silver-haired teen grinds his teeth, cursing inside his mind, yelling irritated: "Fine! I'll duel you! But you let go of her!"
"Ukyaah!"
Raising his arms, the monkey shouts exhilarated, feeling victorious, a vein snaps on the pro-duelist's forehead, this is just humiliating, to duel an animal?
"You better be prepared, stupid monkey!"
They set their duel disks, the spectators are still confused how this went from a kidnapping to solving it with a duel, but their eyes are glued to the scene. The sound of branches crackling alerts the bodyguard, Honda and Ryou as another group arises from the woods.
"A duel?! I knew it, Shou, your bro is-"
Judai pauses, gaping at the status of the situation, puzzled after spotting Ryou standing on the side and Edo initiating a duel with someone unknown.
"Your brother isn't dueling Kaiser?! Aw, man! This is no fun! I so wanted to see that!"
"Look, that's Asuka!"
Momoe points out, she and Junko are about to crumble into tears after seeing how dangerous their friend's situation is, hanging by a thread.
"Is Edo dueling a monkey…?" Shou adjusts his glasses, wiping it with his sleeves to make sure he was correct.
"This is not just any monkey! He was trained to duel and for dueling!" The old scientist brags, stuffing his chest proudly and smirking. "Observe the results of our experiments!"
His trust is impressive, and they can feel a hint of curiosity as if he's also excited to see the monkey dueling, but no way it can beat Edo, can it?
"And if you try to interfere…"
The bodyguard accompanying the doctor cocks the sedative gun, aiming it at them, they gulp, both Honda and Jonouchi throw crossed looks at the men for that.
Shou's brows furrow up conflicted, taking a look around, his brother and Rie are here too, plus Asuka was somehow kidnapped by a monkey and even Edo is in the mess, what exactly are they all doing? Are they still performing night investigations alone despite the scary things that happened before? His thoughts are broken as he hears a loud noise:
"Ukyaah!"
The monkey takes the initiative of the duel, Edo's patience hits its limit, not only this dumb animal faces him in a duel, but it's shamelessly starting it. He casts a glance back at Jonouchi, the blonde understands what he means, nodding firmly and nudging his elbow at Honda who frowns tensely, bobbing his head.
LP: Edo - 4000 Monkey - 4000
First turn goes to the bold monkey, he summons Acrobat Monkey (ATK 1000/ DEF 1800) in attack mode, sniggering at Edo as he performs his duel tactics, activating Gaia Power, boosting his monster's ATK by 500 and decreasing its defense by 400 (ATK 1500/DEF 1400). The hologram of the machine monkey grows taller.
"I thought you'd be dueling Edo, Kaiser… But I guess this is interesting enough!" Judai grins, oblivious to the tension of his other friends.
"Why did you think that?" Ryou has his arms crossed, his brows slightly crooked at the whole state of affairs.
"Some boys were gossiping about that." Shou replies shyly.
"Other students…?" His expression hardens, his sharp eyes averting to the duel. "This doesn't matter right now."
The monkey continues the turn by activating Mage Tower, the card increases ATK points by 500 per each spell or trap he controls on the field, including the card. Now, his Acrobat monkey's ATK is boosted by 1000. (ATK 1500 - 2500/DEF 1400). He shouts, setting a card down, adding up to the effect of Mage Power. The figure of his monster turns into an angry gorilla.
Acrobat Monkey: ATK 2500- 3000/DEF 1400
"Whoah, 3000 points in the first turn! This little guy is good!"
"Aniki, read the mood, this isn't the time to be in awe of the opponent's skill, Asuka's life is in danger! This looks bad!"
"Come on, not like Edo would lose, right?"
"I don't know about being stunning… His moves are flimsy, at best." Ryou casts a brief glance at them as they discuss, making them flinch.
"But his monster…"
"You'll see what I mean."
His gaze lands on the silver-haired duelist whose presence can be felt from far away, as if a burning aura surrounded him. Is it because he's upset at the monkey for tarnishing his pride in having to take part in this duel or because of Asuka? Whichever one it is, he has this inkling feeling the duel won't last long.
There's a dense pumping of his heart, an uncanny feeling tapering his heartbeats as if he's about to take a peek on Edo's true side as a professional. He can't rebuke this is an intriguing sight.
"I draw!" Edo announces, his eyes but mealy checking his card as he initiates the play: "I summon Destiny HERO Blade Master (ATK 300/DEF 600)!"
"Destiny… Hero?"
Judai gawks, he's not the only one, all the people around are confused. The brown-haired boy has never heard of destiny heroes before. Ryou's forehead wrinkles, he's only heard about other types of Heroes before, but he never saw those cards in actual duels. Jonouchi smiles shrewdly, mumbling to himself:
"My pal is finally spreading his wings, huh?"
Edo looks at the set down card in his opponent's field, since he did not use it yet, he will continue his strategy:
"I activate Foolish Burial, with this spell I can send a Destiny HERO from my deck to the graveyard!"
He spreads the cards on a single hand and chooses one quietly, Destiny HERO Diamond Dude that isn't seen by others.
"Now! From my hand, I activate Polymerization, fusing Destiny HERO Blade Master and Destiny HERO Defender…" He flips both cards to be seen and inserts them to the discard pile. "Come on! Destiny HERO Dystopia (ATK 2800/ DEF 2400)!"
"He's really going all out. At last, he reveals himself. Now pal, show us what your heroes are capable of."
"What?" Honda gasps.
Ryou's deep in thought, casting a short glance at Edo, then at the holograms, his arms crossed and an almost grumpy pout on his lips, perplexed:
"Destiny Heroes… So far, he's been using all sorts of decks when dueling in school and he was careful enough to never show his specialty, but now… It's different… Is this his 'true' deck?"
"Ukyaah!"
The monkey stops the momentum of his rival, lifting a trap card: Adhesion Trap Hole, as soon as the summon occurs, Dystopia's figure is latched by straps of sticky glue that keep him in place. He tries to fight it, but his movements are still restricted.
"What's going on?!" Judai asks bemusedly.
"This card halves the attack points of a monster, you can only trigger this effect when your opponent summons a monster." Shou explains, a shivering glint in his eyes. "He was probably waiting for this… I can't believe it, he's so smart."
Destiny HERO Dystopia: ATK 2800 - 1400.
"I wouldn't say that." Ryou contests calmly.
"Brother? What do you mean?"
"Do you think Edo is intimidated by such tactics?"
The younger students exchange a glance before denying it in unison, the silver-haired duelist is undisturbed, standing tall and still looking down on that monkey.
"I get it. He's going for a One Turn Kill…" Ryou comments in a low tone, as if to himself.
"But how?! That monkey is still stronger…"
"I think you're too used to power decks, Shou."
He admonishes, knowing that he is among the examples his brother had as standards. Perhaps, his brother still lacks a broader set of duelists he's seen.
"Not every deck is about how many attack points you can draw out of your monster. Monster effects, spells, traps, it all needs to harmonize perfectly and I believe we're about to see what those Destiny Heroes are about… How Edo structured his deck."
"Dystopia's effect activate! If this card was special summoned, I can target a level 4 or lower Destiny HERO monster in my graveyard and inflict damage equal to its attack. For this effect, I choose Destiny HERO Diamond Dude (ATK 1400/DEF 1600) whom I sent to the cemetery almost right now!"
"Ugyaah!" The animal bristles at the loss of life points.
LP: Monkey: 4000 - 2600 Edo - 4000
"This isn't enough… Now that Dystopia has even less attack points, he stands no chance against that monkey…" Judai's brows angle in an upside down half circle, disappointed.
"You're wrong! I'm not done yet, Judai!" Edo answers in person, this time, his blue orbs moodily cast at the brown-haired boy intensifying his grumpiness. "This ends now, you monkey! I activate the second effect of Dystopia, which can only be used when his attack is not the original amount! You made a big mistake, but that's no surprise and even had you not, I was prepared to do it myself. Let's end this charade! Dystopia's effect allows me to target and destroy a card in the field, and that's not all! His attack will return to its original amount thanks to this effect! I will target your Acrobat Monkey!"
"Ugyaha!"
Edo points his finger at the monster, Dystopia frees itself from the trap and attacks the opponent. The animal slaps its own face seeing his monster becoming nothing more than hologram shards at the command of his enemy.
"Now, to the battle phase! Dystopia, his field is open, end this duel!"
With the last order, his monster releases an attack directly at the monkey, coming so close he jumps back by instinct, reducing his life points to zero. While the monkey is distracted with the defeat, Honda and Jonouchi come from behind him and retrieve Asuka, taking her to safe land.
"Ugyaah!" The animal is startled upon feeling the presence of the other humans, jumping and stomping the ground.
"How can this be…?!" The scientist's almost out of breath, indignant and in disbelief.
"You can give the monkey cards and tools, but it will never be a true duelist! Whose stupid idea was it to an animal for experiments with dueling?!" Edo scolds them blatantly. "You must be really underestimating my skills as a professional duelist!"
From the forest, they hear other animals, their eyes darting at the big group of monkeys that gather scared behind the bushes, making noise. The duelist monkey corresponds by talking back to them, hopping hectically on the same spot as if he'd forgotten all the tale about kidnapping Asuka.
"So you're kidnapping monkeys and using them for your sick experiments?!"
"Hah, you can whine all you want, I'll get that thing back and teach it how to duel properly!"
With a snap of his fingers, the old man orders the guard that promptly aims the gun at the monkey, Jonouchi sweeps Asuka with his arms and gets up, Honda tightens his fists to fight, sliding his feet in front of the friend.
The scientist takes out a small pistol from his pocket, pointing it at the teens on the side, threatening to shoot, Ryou skids his feet in front of Rie, hiding her silhouette behind his own, Judai and his brother are paralyzed, sweat rolling down their faces.
"Try anything funny and I'll shoot the kids!"
"You dirty old man…!" Honda snarls.
It's a stalemate. The guard is about to pull the trigger and take down the monkey that jumps hectically while his partner threatens the students, their eyes are focused on the men from the lab, Edo scours for an opportunity to act, but one wrong move and someone will get hurt. He can't afford to let anyone get hurt here.
First he lets Asuka get abducted, then he allows himself to be caught in the schemes of this wannabe scientist and now… Now everyone is in danger, he even went as far as to show his Destiny Heroes, a move that might cause his real prey to flee if he gets wind Edo was sniffing around the island. How come he never got a prediction? Why did Saiou never say anything?
Awareness raises, each of them startled when the sound of leaves crumbling apart drifts in the silence, a shadow leaping at the guard:
"Meow!"
The bulky man tries to readjust and shoot the incoming creature, but the animal lands on his arm, tugging it down with its weight, his shot cracks the ground. A cat, its familiar tiger stripes elicit confused looks, it scratches the arm of the guard, Edo and Honda take the chance to act.
Honda deals a blow to the arm of the guard, forcing him to drop the gun, pinning him to the ground and kicking the weapon far. At the same time, Edo grabs and twists the wrists of the old scientist, also getting hold of the gun and taking it away. The monkey takes its leave, jumping away and joining its friends, throwing out all the devices put onto it.
"So here you are, Pharaoh."
A familiar, tranquil voice slides into the air, a chuckle right after, the cat is startled, calming down and jumping towards its owner. He bends down to pick up his pet, securing it in an arm while patting its fur:
"Good job!"
"Professor Daitokuji?!"
A smile opens up in Judai's face, all the others are surprised, except one person, Rie. Her skin pales upon seeing him, uneasy and afraid, his lips curve up, to greet her.
"May I know why grown men like you are picking on our students?"
"Ugh… We are doing research here!"
"Which type of research? That old Kaiba Corp. Lab should've been sealed and all the research ongoing should be discontinued."
His tone isn't the same cheerful and carefree one they were used to hearing, his expression darkens as he adjusts the lenses of his glasses, staring down at the men, a frown between his nose.
"I would appreciate it if you could leave our students alone and not conduct illegal research on our island. That said, I'll have to denounce such uncouth acts, our school does not condone mistreatment to students or even to animals." A sketchy smirk plays on his lips, his expression attenuating, he raises his finger, making a point.
"Ugh! You cannot stop it, we have demonstrated results and-"
"Illegal research, illegal use of Kaiba's corporation property, illegal intrusion in private property of a school, threatening students, kidnapping minors, use of violence and mistreatment to animals…" His voice overturns the scientists'. "With this many accusations on your back, I doubt you'll ever get to see bright daylight ever again. Don't you agree?"
His lenses are so bright they cannot see his eyes, but his cold words run a chill down their spines. The two men in custody are petrified, their faces losing color at the threat. The old man's frail legs fail him, he drops to the ground, Edo gapes, his brows furrowing, he feels harmful intents emanating from Daitokuji. The students sweat aplenty, they'd never seen the teacher be so menacing.
"Now, how about the gentlemen here take those evil people away?" He casts a glance at Jonouchi, still petting Pharaoh. "I didn't expect to find a famous duelist around, but I heard you're quite skilled in dealing with thugs and you know how to handle them to the police, yes? If you would, please, remove those men from sight, I have to take care of some unruly kids."
The first-years fidget, Ryou unfolds his arms and Rie simply gulps dryly, he titters at their cute reactions. The blonde duelist puts Asuka down, Junko and Momoe dash without a second thought, supporting her on their arms, Edo comes close too.
"Thank you for taking care of the kids, but your role here is over."
Daitokuji declares, his gaze tunneling on Jonouchi as both him and his partner walk, when the experienced duelist passes by the professor, he can hear in a low, sly tone, forcing Jou to stop on his tracks.
"Did you come here on your own or was it an order from a superior?"
His head barely tilts, the kids are distracted enough trying to wake up Asuka, even Ryou is kneeled down constantly calling her name along with her girlfriends.
"It would be good if you refrain from fussing around the island too much. You never know… Which dangers this place holds…"
With a faint tug on his lips, the chemistry professor steps ahead as if their conversation is over, Jou's brown eyes squint distrustfully. This is awful, they were seen by someone at a very inconvenient moment, but for now, they should go back to laying low and so they do by disappearing into the woods.
As both girls shake Asuka's shoulders, she regains her senses, her eyes slowly opening, visualizing nothing more than a smudge of shadows. Her hazel orbs glimmering as she sees a familiar shaped silhouette in black.
"Fubu…ki?"
"I'm sorry to ruin it, but I'm not your brother."
The stern, yet calm voice awakens her, there's a tiny smile on Ryou's lips, he seems relieved. Momoe and Junko hug her before she has time to understand the situation, wiping tears from the corner of their eyes. Edo's eyes flicker slightly, his hands shaking subtly when he firms them on the ground, so she's not hurt at all.
"Huh? Why were my hands trembling right now? The duel was over so fast, I'm not even angry anymore, then why…?"
No, it wasn't "annoyance" what he felt, he knew it well. That tingling feeling making his blood boil and his fingers become like ice, the same sensation he had when those nightmares about his father dying or Saiou and Mizuchi being taken away. He's acquainted with it. Fear.
It wasn't just because it's someone he knows, because it's Asuka, there's more to it. He was afraid that a person could be hurt because of him again, and that a tragedy could repeat while his hands are tied, unable to do more than just duel. If anything happened here, if Asuka really fell from that tree, he wouldn't be able to face himself or anyone else.
In the end, he still couldn't get over that memory of long ago, when his father died to the hands of a criminal. He thought he had and that his endeavor in finding the criminal toppled that fear out of his heart, in truth, all he did was shove it to the side, to ignore it.
Unwillingly, his fists close tight, he hits the ground furiously, so quiet it goes unperceived by most, Ryou and Shou are the only ones that notice something's wrong. A loud, energetic voice distracting them all:
"Ah, by the way, how were you around, teacher?" Judai asks curiously, impressed at the timing of their professor.
"I was searching for a certain someone who escaped the infirmary this morning…" Rie jolts at his mention, he delays the sentence as if giving her a message through it. "I also had a worried teacher call me saying how two of their best students didn't attend the morning routine for breakfast… And I was wondering where they all were."
The corners of his eyes squint more, he's smiling, but all the students could touch the tension bursting into that expression. Shou's eyes immediately avert to his brother's profile. Ryou has this most unperceivable crease on his brows, almost irked by the comment of the professor, an unspoken rift in between them. The few seconds of silence that follow, just reinforce his theory.
His greyish eyes open wider, roaming around, checking the faces of his friends, it stops on Rie, her head anxiously shifting sides to look at Ryou and Daitokuji, her hands slowly raising as if to interfere in whatever stare contest they're having.
What's going on with those two? Now that he thinks about it, his brother was here with Rie, wasn't he? What about Edo and Asuka? His tingle tickles to ask, his lips opening, but he shuts his mouth. The professor speaks, cracking his immersion:
"Who would've thought I'd also find the students who were skipping class?" His brows arch up, as if the thought of them all bunching together was funny.
"Teacher, we should take Asuka to the infirmary." Junko raises her hand worriedly.
"I'm fine."
The blonde replies, her head confusedly switching from right to left as each of her friends hold her by the arm. Much to her surprise, Edo is the one to interject:
"You should get checked."
"That's right, Asuka-chan. Talking about which, Rie-chan, you should also go back and have the nurse take a look at you too. I'll take you both there, as for the rest of you…" He checks on every one of them. "What were you doing here?"
The silver-haired teen stands up, that was a very accurate timing from their teacher, he will have to give good excuses, his arms crossing.
"Huh, we were worried about our friends!" Judai swings his hands, trying to dissolve the strange mood.
"That's right! We all were worried!" Momoe spurts out and Junko nods heavily.
"Ryou-kun, Edo? Do you have anything to add?"
"I had trouble sleeping so I came out earlier and ended up forgetting about time, Edo, Rie and Asuka noticed I was missing and were worried, so they came to search for me. They got involved with that monkey who happened to be running amok on the island. The others came by later, after noticing we were all missing." The speed in which he crafted that story was awesome, to say the least.
Edo's startled, his arms uncrossing instantly, why is Ryou taking the blame now? All the others are stunned, Judai is ready to jump in, but the professor ends the case:
"I see. We can discuss this later. Now, Ryou-kun, as our honor student, would you please guide the other students to the main building and set a better example? You all have classes to attend to."
"Right." He bows slightly in deference.
"Rie-chan, help Asuka-chan, right?"
She almost jumps at the request, coming to her side despite the protests of the blonde, putting an arm around her shoulders to make sure she will keep her balance. Asuka casts a short glance over her shoulders to Ryou, who has a troubled expression and then, her eyes stop on Edo, his brows curled softly, is he concerned? Without getting an answer to that question, they leave.
The remaining students exchange worried glances before staring nervously at the Kaiser, his green, defined orbs avert as he turns around, they follow his back hesitantly.
"Kaiser, why did you do this? What you said is not true…" The brown-haired teen hurries up, reaching to the side of Ryou to speak with him.
"Judai, Shou. You were almost expelled last time you got caught, weren't you?"
"Y-yes… But that's…" Shou stutters not knowing how to best explain.
"Even if it's not true, that's better. They'll be harsher with first-years, especially given your history."
"Even so…" Momoe speaks up too.
"That's right, we wanted to find Asuka, but…" Junko continues, their eyes filled with pity. "Won't this besmirch your reputation in school?"
"Yeah, what if people say bad things? We don't want to cause trouble to you."
"Edo, come on, say something!"
Judai taps the shoulder of the grey-haired duelist, however the other is too deep in thought, ignoring him completely, pondering about an unfathomable topic for the younger duelist.
"I don't mind anything people have to say, if they can't say it to my face, that's very telling."
The way he walked straight ahead, his chin held high and an eximious posture was admirable to them, Shou's eyes flickering, what was that spark of dissension between him and the professor? And what was his brother truly doing outside the dorms today?
"Try to not get yourselves into trouble."
Ryou concludes, his voice admonishing all of them, but his gaze is briefly cast unto Shou at the sentence, his younger brother's eyes flicker, Judai scratching his head abashedly and half-guilty of their little adventure resulting in this.
"Shou, your brother's a real nice guy."
"I know…" His head lowers in dismay.
Sometimes. Just sometimes Shou wonders if "being a nice guy" or "perfect" as people refer to his brother is a good thing. He'd come to think that, maybe whoever is saying this has no idea about the implications of having an image to maintain or about any strife a person like his brother has. Again, does he even know about that? He'd like to ask. Because as it stands now, that proud back that everyone seems to follow looks overburdened to him and more distant than ever.
Later on
As they walk into the building along with the Kaiser, it's time for a break between lectures, the students populating the corridor give full attention to them, Ryou doesn't spare a single glance back, as if those people didn't exist, it's the same for Edo who's also concentrated in his own world of thoughts, meanwhile all the younger students look around worriedly and a tad ashamed, Judai beckons at them with a grin.
Hushed whispers start flying on, questioning what they were doing and why they get a free pass to miss classes, all sorts of mean and ill-intentioned theories as well as genuinely inquiring faces. Ryou stops by the first-year classroom, taking his leave after a soft bow.
At the infirmary, nurse Ayukawa inspected both girls, Asuka didn't have any bruises and seemed fine, but was told to stay put on the bed at least for the rest of the morning, to make sure she would be fine, while Rie got scolded for leaving without permission and also put on a bed for the rest of the day as a form of punishment.
Asuka spreads her deck on both hands, looking through her cards, but her mind is lost, the Cyber Angels are but a background to her eyes. The shuffling of sheets on the bed across the thin curtains causes a flinch, she sees Rie's shadow from behind it, then the curtains are shoves to the side, a text message gracing her.
"Are you feeling well?"
"I'm fine. I just fainted when something… Jumped at me…"
She admits, but in her recollection, a shadow came forth to her and for a moment, she believed Fubuki was there, then again, when she opened her eyes, she also believed her brother was right in front of her sight. It would be good if that was real.
"Shouldn't you be worrying about yourself, missy?" A smile plays on her lips, chuckling at Rie gently. "The nurse will be mad if she sees you sliding out of your bed."
"She's already mad." She smiles wryly.
"I was searching for Fubuki in those labs, well, it didn't go as expected." Her hazel eyes find another point of focus, her card again, her fingers dawdling with it, sliding them back and forth, revealing and hiding Cyber Tutu.
"I'm sorry to hear that. I wish you had good news."
"I was prepared for this… It's been the same every time, I don't know what made me think this would be different…"
"It isn't wrong to have hopes." The pink-haired girl sweats while trying to comfort the other.
"You're right, even if the results are discouraging, I can't just have this as the final answer. I know Fubuki is somewhere, and we were so close to a clue…"
"No one can stay hidden forever, there has to be clues somewhere…"
With a firm bob of her head Asuka's mood was a bit lifted, not only by Rie, but remembering how when she opened her eyes, all her friends were there for her. Even if things haven't occurred as she planned or wanted, knowing she has people to back her up brings warmth to her heart.
"Can you explain to me what happened while I was sleeping?"
They spend long hours talking. About the invasion, the lab, her previous investigations with Ryou. Rie collects the facts of what transpired after they met and even about the duel. Asuka's eyes stretch open at the tale.
"It was the fastest duel I have ever seen. That reminded me Edo is an actual pro at dueling." Rie compliments with a faint smile.
"Yes, he is." She trails off on the last part, changing subject to avoid dwelling too much on it. "But what about you, Rie? From what you told me, you were out early in the morning. Why were you even out at such a time?"
There's no sound of typing or any sign she will get a response, it piqued her interest, gaping at Rie when noticing the red color on her cheeks as her fingers try to gesture an understandable sentence and deny something at the same time. Asuka's cheeks blush faintly, coming to a realization that should've been obvious at this point, when she takes a moment to think about it:
"You don't mean you… And Ryou…"
She can almost hear the sound of a vein snapping inside Rie, but out of nervousness, before she gets an answer, the door creaks open, the nurse is back, they both quickly arrange themselves in their positions, closing the curtain between them to avoid more lecturing.
"I'll examine you again, and if everything is fine, you're discharged, Rie." Ayukawa accompanies the girl to the door. "You stay here and wait, I'll be right back to check on you too, Asuka."
A smooth click travels in the air when they leave, the door is closed, she sighs in dismay, Rie made such a mystery it got her curious, but she won't have the clarification now. Only a couple minutes are gone. Her eyes blink strongly after hearing another click. Isn't it too soon for them to be back?
Her mouth opens to ask the problem, staying in that state as a different person than she had in mind comes in, silver hair and a rather dim, glum expression.
"Hey." Edo closes the door softly behind walking quietly near her bed.
"What… What are you doing here?"
"I came to see if you were fine, isn't that obvious?" He takes a seat on a nearby chair.
"I am good." She sways her hands to dismiss the subject. "They just kept me here because they were worrying too much."
"I'm sorry. I should've stayed with you back there in the lab." His statement is so sudden she swallows dryly her saliva, in shock. "That was a bad call."
"This isn't your fault, I agreed to it and I don't regret it, at least now we know what the lab was about. I can't say I'm not disappointed, but I feel better that we can exclude that place from the list now."
"Asuka…"
His eyes waver, somewhat relieved in hearing her words and amused by her resilience. He could learn a thing or two from her too.
"Enough lamenting." He voices inwardly, looking into her eyes to say the next part: "I still owe you a drink, though it won't be to celebrate anything, I can answer a few questions of what you were curious about, how about that?"
Was he trying to make a peace treaty? Her gaze was lost in his blue eyes for a minute, mesmerized until she's awaken from her daydreaming, answering shyly:
"That's fine…"
"Why the delayed answer?"
"It's odd to see you apologizing."
"Look, I know when to apologize. You can consider the drink and the free interview as an apology for the big overlook on my part."
He points out, trying to be polite, she chuckles, he's taken aback, finding himself delighted in that chuckle or should he say alleviated? Up until now, only a few people would give him this much stress about their health condition, Saiou, Mizuchi, D.D.; but ever since he came to the duel academy, the list has grown a bit, Asuka included.
He even refused to take her into the lab at first, then, he changed his mind due to her persistence. Why did he do that? Even if she was angry, it would've been better if she was safe, right? Yet, when he looks into her face smiling like this, the line between wrong and right just blurs. Was it better that she came with him in the end? Or was it not? There are no predictions or guidelines, he can't tell whether this was the best decision.
His brows come together at the thought, even if they are important, until his prime objective is fulfilled, he can't be stopped by any feelings or worries he has.
"I heard you dueled against… a monkey. Now, if there's anything I regret it was not seeing that." She puts a hand to muffle her own snickering, an attempt to cure his seemingly depressed aura.
"Who told you that?!"
He scowls, crossing his arms annoyedly, they continue that small talk lightheartedly, if those moments could just last longer or be more frequent, perhaps he could enjoy his school life a bit more.
Around the same time, Ryou is sitting in the principal's office, Samejima has a stern semblance, but underneath that, his disciple knows he cares, which lead to another whole hour of receiving a lecture for this was his second warning for breaking rules.
Outside the school building, Rie walks in the forest, she's fully discharged to roam freely, beams of light sprawl behind her, the sky is dark orange, a day coming to an end. Her steps cease at the entrance of the small, quaint Osiris dorm. Her feet leading her upstairs, boldly wrenching the door open, stopping when a pair of eyes land on her.
Daitokuji turns around, supporting both hands on his desk, hands that not long were occupied conducting another experiment of his, his lips angling up, a mindless attitude.
"Rie-chan, are you feeling better?"
"Uncle, we need to talk."
She approaches, but keeps more distance from him than usual, showing the bothersome bright screen of her PDA, the sun disappearing behind them, shadows being cast inside the room from the half-open entrance.
"I thought the same."
He propels himself up with both arms, walking past her, closing the door while casting a glance over his shoulder, she looks back at him, her lips puckering down, utterly dissatisfied with the state those disagreements reached.
His smirk grows as his eyes are occulted by the reflection of light, the door closing behind him, to a room filled in darkness. Lighting a small candle inside a glass jar, he turns to look at her again, it's time they settle their differences. But will she side with him or…?