【63 - The Attempted Kidnapping of an Oil Conglomerate's Heir...】


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Solvus is the name denoting the mono-theistic deity in the religion of Solvusites. It's also the name of the militant city in the centre of Augus's desert region, creating some confusion.

While the city is home to five million believers, the expected number of Solvusites is over one-hundred-and-fifty million due to regional populations of nomadic tribes and differing denominations across the world. While the main denomination practised in Solvus City considers their god to be the omnipotent and sole divine being in existence, historical scholars have linked it back to ancient times where He was originally a sun god and part of a pantheon. Scholars within the city vehemently disagree with this, as well as the full timeline of history since the universe's creation, and various other details of both science and morality.

Despite its polarising opinions, Solvus City has the highest Human Development Index in all Aurellia. Many unhealthy products (as well as some perfectly healthy ones) have been outlawed along with alcohol and other drugs. Medicine and public services are of the highest quality in the world.

The people were rich, but they were not free.

Their opinions were determined by the state. Everyone was expected to conform, mentally and in every other aspect of their lives.

Sinan didn't criticise any part of his religion or his city as he considered these details. To him everything about life was perfect. He was walking the streets at mid-morning, smiling at everything he saw. The sidewalk and roads were pristine, so clean you could eat off them - not that Sinan ever would. Gold detailing was present on street signs and in the patterns of building designs, making Solvus like a heaven on earth. Those he passed were also dressed expensively, wearing suits or luxury tunics. Turbans or jewel-encrusted hijabs on their heads. Although their surroundings were mostly white cement and the blue glass of buildings, there were orderly parks containing polished granite fountains or pillars. Nature fully tamed by man with not so much as a twig out of place. The sun was astoundingly bright.

Uniformed enforcers patrolled the streets at all times. If you were closer to the city's edge you could spot the tanks that were stationed there occasionally rolling by. Ever since Aurellia first witnessed a nuclear strike political tensions had risen, with the result being even more strengthening of what was already the greatest military in the world.

Finally Sinan reached his destination. The city temple was the grandest and most beautiful building in the world. White marble inlaid with gold, layered arches of supreme architecture. Here millions would gather to worship on special days, and the truly devout would come on all others. Solvus demanded hours of worship from his followers, daily. This took place at sunrise, midday, the evening and sunset. It took a significant chunk out of everyone's day, but life in the city worked around this as everyone constantly reinforced themselves in faith. Sinan climbed the steps with reverence, entering the chapel with head lowered and ready to connect once more with God.

It was mostly quiet, as many wouldn't speak. Well-tended ivy grew in some of the open chambers, along with the trickling from indoor waterfalls. A common insignia were diamonds of stained glass grouped into square patterns. These marked the various private rooms and huge ones.

Sinan was walking a corridor, his steps echoing when someone called him.

He turned to see the current Head Priest approaching and gave a respectful bow. Saishi was acting as the living representative of Solvus's word. After taking over from the last Head Priest he led all the public announcements and executions that were broadcasted for all to see. While darker-skinned, his features meant he must belong to one of the nomadic ethnicities outside the city. His eyes were the darkest Sinan had ever seen - pitch-black.

His posture and affect was holy, fitting the sleeves of his billowing robes together. Dressed white with gold embroidery like the temple which he never left.

"Blessings be, my child. It's good to see you here once more, reaffirming your faith."

"Yes, Sir." Sinan bowed, just his head this time. Making a show of utter respect.

"There's still some time before the sun makes its zenith. Shall we walk?"

After a nod they began strolling together with purposeful slowness, breathing deeply and paying close attention to the sacredness of the space.

Saishi began "I think it's important that our people and the outsiders see you showing dedication to our ways, given your chosen status."

"I don't wish to be called the Chosen Light Duelist. Heathens and heretics they are, outsiders claiming there's any danger our almighty Solvus can't defeat."

"Well said. Even after returning here you've remained an important bargaining chip for relations with the outsiders. An importance that should not be underestimated…" His soft voice was like a lullaby, keeping pace with their steps. "But there are other factors that should be considered. Our almighty Solvus knows all and is the decider of destiny. Perhaps these interplanetary enemies, as they're called, are nothing more than His harbingers."

Sinan slowed before making himself catch up "...you mean?"

"The End of Days. The prophesied time when we will unite the world under our rule and Solvus Himself will descend, our great city becoming His throne. I suggest you meditate on this possibility."

The teen was silently trapped in thought. Could the Gatekeepers, the lieutenants be agents of Solvus? The ones to shake up the world and put God's chosen people in charge of all? Maybe he should've enabled Amira. But he could never join them, his life was here.

It gave him much to think about after they parted. Sinan found a corner and knelt on a patterned matt, bending over and pressing his forehead to the floor. Feeling a sense of oneness with his divine creator. Surrendering all of his power, his self and his mind…

Glory be to you. Forever and ever. Amen.

Upon leaving the temple he recognized agents from his father's security team and frowned as they made their way over.

"Master Jaakuma, your father has requested you take the limo home."

He gave a curt nod and changed course. The sleek door was opened for him and he shuffled into the leather upholstery. All this worry was senseless, but he replayed the dinner conversation in his mind, after telling his parents he was assaulted by a girl who could become one with darkness. Plucking him from the safety of their residence and transporting him atop the building to duel him.

With enforcers on every street it was highly unlikely that Sinan would be attacked while out and about. Yet now he was supposed to have security escorts? It seemed needless to him. If the enemy has access to their home wouldn't it make more sense for Sinan to be out, and as inconspicuous as possible? Still as tensions rose with both the outsiders and the mysterious lieutenants, it seemed that Sinan was a prime target for kidnapping. But he had a hard time imagining how anyone could pull it off.

So long as he had faith, Solvus's protection was all he really needed.

"Where are my parents now?" Sinan asked.

"They're home, Sir." The driver answered.

"My father's supposed to be having an important shareholder meeting this afternoon?"

"Given what's happened and the political pressure for you to leave Solvus, Mr Jaakuma felt it wise to hold the meeting in the building and keep all our security together."

Sinan said nothing, sinking further back in the seat.

The limo pulled up outside the entry. Sinan walked with security into the lobby and to the elevator. They got off on floor fifty-three and Sinan stepped along a marble floor, seeing his father fixing the cuffs of his suit while speaking with guards.

"Sinan, I want you to stay on this level while I attend the meeting upstairs."

"Yes, father."

The man walked over and kissed his son on the forehead before nodding to the guards and getting in the elevator. They spoke into ear-pieces with spiralled cords. Sinan internally sighed as he drifted off down the corridors, deciding to finish off his Business studies before finding a way to entertain himself for a couple hours until dinnertime.

He was then reading company reports at his desk, once more imagining himself as head of Jaakuma Industries one day. It created a feeling of unease. Could he stand and make decisions and be respected in a boardroom, like his father? They'd have advisors, accountants and other numbers guys. But it would be expected that Sinan could be a leader and it was what he was being groomed for.

Sinan decided to get up and fetch himself a chilled drink from the fridge.

They had one or two servants around, but mostly the Jaakuma family preferred their privacy. So Sinan walked through various open rooms to the kitchen. He walked with the importance of those entitled by birth. He also took up space, which didn't mean macho posturing. He swung his arms and legs just a little more freely, never having to walk through regular doorways but used to the grandiose spaciousness of his residence.

He took a glass from the cupboard, fetched a mixed grapefruit juice from a huge stainless steel fridge. Then sipped as he made his way back.

He heard a door close and saw a figure hidden under a black covering. Sinan slowed.

"You know the shareholders are meeting on a different floor. What's the meaning of this?"

The woman turned and peeled off her burqa, letting it fall to her feet. She was teenaged, perhaps a year or two older than Sinan. Her skin was quite dark, like coffee beans. Her dark hair flicked up at the ends of a pixie-style cut. Her grin was wide and her eyes were an inhumanly monochrome sky-blue. Her attire was colourful: pink overalls with polka-dot patterns, even a yellow backpack.

She enjoyed Sinan's moment of speechlessness "I'm Henka Preform." She gave a theatrical bow, one leg bent as she flourished her arm. "And I've been tasked with eliminating the chosen light duelist by the boss. Tis' nothing personal."

Sinan recovered, his glare returning "You disguised yourself as a shareholder to get inside?"

"I am one of Jaakuma Industries shareholders. Don't forget, we've had a year to prepare for this and we've been on your planet for even longer."

Gunshots in the hallway made Sinan stiffen.

Henka looked back "Don't worry, they're just going to make sure we're not interrupted."

"...My father agreed to have the meeting here, so I would be safer."

"And who do you think gave him that idea?" She pulled out a deck, her hand glowing red. "We did, of course."

Sinan's jaw clenched and he set his drink down to free his hands. He pulled out his deck, a yellow glow covering his body in seconds "Knowing my father's security, your men will be dealt with in no time. So I better do the same to you."

"Show me what you got, heir!"

They circled each other and stopped at opposite ends of the spacious room. Tables solidified and ten shields sprang forth.

Sinan went first. Both of them charged multi-coloured mana until Henka summoned on her second turn.

"I summon Critive-1, Heaven Wings!" A metal-armored angel swerved in. "Whenever you put a creature that costs more than the mana you have it goes to the bottom of your deck!"

"I cast Justice Shaper!" A water spell-side of a twinpact shone. "I reveal Miradante Super, Rainbow Spark and Holyend. Since they're all light they go to my hand! Turn end!"

"I summon Testa Rossa, Survival Star!" The blue cyborg in a suit joined her other creature. "No putting on your turns now, period."

"I cast Rainbow Spark to tap your creatures and draw 2 from Mana-Arms." The yellow-blue light made them crouch and Sinan added to his hand.

"You'll regret not saving that… Critive-1, shield break!"

Sinan was confused as her fighter flew in, punching through a panel. She's already attacking? He lowered his arm and caught the non-trigger.

Henka persisted with a swish of her hand "Testa Rossa, shield break!" Once more glass flew from an electric punch, bouncing off the stone walls, shattering vases and wall-hangings. "Now since that was my second attack I can bring out Valchuris, Dragon Armored and attack!" A mouse fighter twirled a mallet in its grip. "Revolution Change! Here comes Dogiragon Nova, Blue Guardian Deity!"

Fiery light made Sinan sneer as he shielded his gaze. It was a 13,000 four-legged dragon-robot with a sword in its mouth. It wasn't quite as big as a phoenix but took up much of the space around them, cracks appeared in the surrounding walls from its flowing energy. Dogiragon Nova was red and gold, denoting its fire-light civilization status.

"Final Revolution! I reveal four cards and summon all multi-coloured creatures among them that cost six or less!" The cards flew out from her deck and floated there: Valchuris, Critive-1, Bolshack Cyberex, Senyuu! Bomber Max. "I get to summon Bolshack Cyberex and the rest go to the bottom of my deck!" What emerged was a fire-water variation of Bolshack on 7000. "It's a speed attacker but first, Dogiragon Nova breaks your final three shields!"

With a growl it pounced and Sinan was knocked back, stumbling then tripping, falling on his back. His ears were ringing. He winced up at two triggers floating down mercifully. He struggled up and swiped them.

"I expand the D2 field Memento Guardian Shrine and cast Rainbow Spark! Bolshack Cyberex is tapped and I draw 2."

"Hmph… no matter." Henka crossed her arms. "As I end my turn Dogiragon Nova untaps my multi-civilization creatures. You have no shields left so give it up!"

Sinan drew with a frown. He charged and only had five mana. His opponent sure worked fast, and based on the continuing sound of gunshots he wasn't going to receive help any time soon. Testa Rossa and Critive-1 were preventing him from putting creatures in play, so while he had a lot of good cards they couldn't help. She was definitely determined to stop him.

Sinan drew, starting his turn holding thirteen cards.

"I summon Emeralda, Pitch Dragon Elemental!" Music filled their duel with a heavenly tune. 5500 power. "I add a card from my hand to my shields and end."

"Heh, I draw…"

"Denjara Switch!" Sinan declared. The colourful courtyard pillars between them glimmered and Henka's four creatures went slack.

"Alright, I'll charge this turn and as I end Dogiragon Nova untaps itself and Bolshack Cyberex."

This is it…

Sinan drew "I summon Rosia, Final Dragon Edge! From hyperspace I bring out Javeleon Beast Lance!" The gold weapon was pulled from an overhead portal, the electric chains snapping back. "Now Emeralda attacks Critive-1! Ike!" It was smashed overhead by a keyboard staff. "I end my turn, and since I have three or less shields Javeleon dragsolutions into Leosaiyu, Beast Cathedral." It tore through the upper level as it transformed, looking like a giant vault with six wings that furled against the falling rubble. It was jutting through the window-wall and raining glass down on the city below.

"I'm ending this now! Bolshack Cyberex attacks Emeralda and revolution change! This time I bring out Katsuking Jr, Kung Fu Generation!" Again her creature shone and was replaced, this time by a 10,500 dragon with nun-chucks that crouched below the ceiling. It was red and silver with blue glowing from behind its eyes and mouth. "I gain a shield and break your final defence!" Emeralda was shattered and with it Sinan's shield.

He closed his eyes against the buffeting wind, stuck his arm out to catch the trigger he set then whipped it at her.

"Dragon's Sign! Since it's your turn Testa Rossa can't stop me bringing out Kirazeus Savark and sending Dogiragon Nova onto one of your shields!" The gold dragon burst through a side-wall, making their duel space even more cramped until Henka's strongest creature shrunk backwards into a hieroglyph on her shield.

The lieutenant blinked "he set that… even back when I had Critive-1 out. He planned this far?" With only Testa Rossa untapped, and both of Sinan's creatures able to block thanks to Memento Guardian Shrine she had no choice but to end her turn.

"My move! Beast Cathedral dragsolutions into Leo the World, Zenith Heavenly Saint!" The church shone before falling out of the skyscraper, morphing into a giant floating outside and peering in. The orderly street was at a standstill - traffic and pedestrians stopped to gape up at the hovering being with six purple arms wielding glowy swords.

With 13,500 power the dragheart creature was even stronger than Sinan's phoenix.

Sinan finally regained his smirk "While I have no shields it remains in the battle zone. Whenever I would lose the duel I can destroy a non-dragheart creature instead. So…" He drew fiercely and charged more mana. "It's a good thing I have so many evo baits, I summon La Jeanne Spirit White Knight, Effex Mecha Monk and La Ura Giga Sky Guardian!"

"How could I let this happen!?" Henka glared outside. "I was so close!"

"Rosia attacks and this time I'll rev change! Into Miradante Super Future, Future Pope!" His cybernetic pegasus on 12,500 reared itself gloriously. "I draw and cast Jamming Chaff for free! This turn you can't use the shield trigger abilities of spells! Triple break!" Yellow blazed from the pointed lance on its head, burning through half her shields. "Kirazeus Savark double breaks and I regain two shields!" Glass cut Henka's arm and she cried out, blood trickling as she clenched the wound. Scratches bloomed red on her face.

With her free arm she plucked a trigger "Holy, Flash Guardian! It taps all your creatures!" A pulse of plasma from the flyer made all Sinan's creatures sag.

"So what, you've just given me a chance to play my other trump next turn." His newfound enjoyment was frustrating her.

What does he mean? Those weaklings are all so he can use Leo the World's saver ability right? I did think it was weird he'd have them in that deck… Her sky-blues widened. Venus!

Henka growled as she drew "You won't have a next turn, because you made a critical mistake! Leo the World is only resistant to leaving the field while you have no shields, but thanks to Kirazeus you have two! So it's a simple matter of removing him first! Then my creatures will win this for me!"

At her words his sneer came back.

She splayed her hand "I summon Chara Lupia and another Bolshack Cyberex! With its effect I send Leo the World back to your hand! That means he returns to the hyperspatial zone and I win!" As she pointed the colossus beside the skyscraper began to softly glow. Henka looked bright with achievement.

Sinan was neutral… then he smiled.

He pointed "You still have one shield left. I use Kirazeus Savark's effect to burn off the Dogiragon Nova I put there and keep Leo the World from leaving the battle zone."

"What!? I… forgot…" She saw through her lone panel the hieroglyph of her creature fizzle off instead. Leo the World dimmed back to normal and remained where it was.

Henka fell to her knees in defeat, staring forward with an empty expression while clutching her wounded arm.

"You forgot I left the shield with your creature on it for last? I suppose this means it's my turn…" Sinan drew, smiling with his dark eyes ferocious. "I evolve La Jeanne, Effex and La Ura Giga! Galaxy Vortex Evolution! Come out, Supernova Venus Ia Saint Mother!" He shone completely yellow once more before the energy burst upward. It spiralled around, curving so the phoenix could appear outside the skyscraper too. Smaller than Leo the World but more magnificent, coating the area in a yellow haze where drifting stars sparkled. The high-pitched ringing caused more pieces of glass and ornaments to fall.

Venus unleashed a melodious call, like a being of impartial judgement.

Henka's wide eyes were now focused on it.

"You weren't ready to take on a chosen after all." Sinan mocked. "Too bad."

Her gaze hardened and she pulled something from her pocket. Smoke pellets. The next moment she was hidden in a grey cloud, taking Sinan by surprise.

"Taiyou! Raizou! Let's go!" She shouted then ran for the broken window. Two other suited guys bolted from behind the door, also wearing backpacks.

They jumped and pulled cords, parachute gliders shooting out and carrying them high across the city.

"No… stop!" Sinan yelled and reached out, clenching his fist.

The floating Leo swung a sabre while Venus flapped her wings. The escapees pulled strings, weaving artfully around the attacking giants like moths. Henka - who was colourful enough to identify - ducked under Venus's wing, flew between Leo's legs and up around his shoulder before sailing off. One of the agents was knocked off course by air, Leo's sword scored a hit that splattered him into a red puddle on a lower roof. Unfortunately, the other two succeeded in their escape. Disappearing from sight as they got further away.

Mr Jaakuma's security spilled into the room, aiming their guns outside. Sinan watched his enemies vanish with a dark glower.

Within minutes the spectacle had lured tanks outside the building. It had caused a huge hubbub, enforcers and officials getting involved. After all Sinan's family was only one among many living inside that skyscraper and they weren't even the top level, though high up. There were also delegates, other businessmen and even a prince among the residents which meant the attack was being treated as a matter of national security.

Soon after Sinan was in a meeting room with his father, sitting at a long table with suited agents as they discussed.

"Plastic guns." Mr Jaakuma said after walking in, dropping a white sub-machine gun on the lacquered wood. The nozzle and insides were warped, giving it a distinct curve. "They got the pieces through the metal detectors, assembled it once inside. They're only good for a few rounds before the components melt. Just enough to keep us at bay while they tried to take Sinan."

"Father..." Sinan spoke up while watching the man press his arms against the table. "If they wanted to assasinate me they would've forced me to hand over Venus at gunpoint. Maybe the fact I haven't allied with the other chosens is why they're being lenient?" He was also thinking about what Saishi, the Head Priest had suggested. While Sinan was staying out of the conflict as a neutral party, perhaps Urobach was the better ally.

"Or it was a sloppy plan and they needed the only weapon they had to hold us back."

Mr Jaakuma sat "You should be moved into hiding for a little while Sinan. At least until these political pressures die down. There's a secure location-"

"Father." Sinan knew it was a holy commandment to always obey and honour one's parents, but the shock made him interrupt. "Why show weakness? Isn't our faith in Solvus as the strongest power all we need to be displaying at the moment?"

"Don't bring religion into this, my son."

"Are we not religious men?"

"Faith in Solvus is what separates us from the outsiders, yes. But the Almighty also gave us the ability to use our human discernment and abilities wisely. As such, and as your father, I believe it best we focus our resources on keeping you hidden from the public eye for the time being. Your mother agrees with me."

Sinan lowered his gaze.

By law every citizen was a Solvusite. Still, there were few among them who were truly devoted - like Sinan. He would happily lay down his life for his religion and God. Then there were those like his parents, who while observing all the commandments and participating in all holy events, allowed other considerations to rule their thoughts. They didn't truly grasp that Solvus was the ultimate good and therefore the only important thing that should govern all thought and life decisions.

Other boys Sinan's age had hobbies. They played sports or watched movies. Sinan was devoted entirely to his religion. Just because they were imperfect humans didn't mean they shouldn't actively be trying to be as perfect as they could possibly be. Didn't their glorious God deserve at least that much? As a result, it wasn't just the daily worship but much of Sinan's free time was spent at the temple or in deep religious contemplation. It was Solvus's will that he obey his parents. While his father was an important businessman and they were rich because of it, Sinan would have easily traded that wealth for his family to be living at the temple. In full and complete service of godliness.

"I will be making preparations for you to be moved by the end of the week. Until then I want a bodyguard within six paces of you at all times."

Sinan left that room later with some disappointment. He didn't like his routine being disturbed, leaving his regular places and having his privacy infringed upon. He could feel the worker assigned to him following a few paces behind. Sinan lived a fairly sheltered life: in his home, within his religion, and he liked it that way. He still remembered when he'd first been confronted by Narciel and some Dawn of the Phoenix members. They were outsiders, non-believers, but they came bearing one of the legendary phoenix Duel Masters cards and said that Venus had chosen him. While he felt warmth emanating from their connection, he avoided getting closer to his phoenix, seeing it as taking away from his primary dedication.

Even so, Venus regarded him with patience and endured. Allowing him to hold onto her, even after he'd refused to help in their supposed war and came right back to his city. That kind of 'goodness' reminded him of what he'd seen days prior...

That night Sinan knelt by his bed to pray. Once more the memory of what he saw at the execution came back to him. The heretic follower of the New Age movement, the older guy whose name he forgot. He'd spoken of unconditional compassion and understanding, foolish ideals that only enabled wicked behaviour instead of purging it. The main spokesperson of the faction was a wanted infidel called Hillary, an enemy of the state for crimes of blasphemy and witchcraft practices. Sinan had believed their trickery was the result of Jinn, mischievous sand spirits that worked to create doubt in the minds of believers and take them off the righteous path.

Yet, he recalled the white glow around that fellow as he accepted death. He captivated those who watched with his calm benevolence. What Sinan felt when he saw that was peace.

But how could a godless sinner make him feel peaceful? It shook Sinan's inner foundation and made him feel a glimmer of what had to be… doubt.

The only answer was to pray quickly.

"Almighty Solvus, I come before you as a humble servant who desires nothing but doing Your will…" he murmured. "I may be called the Chosen Light Duellist, but all honour is decided by You and not men. My life has been put in danger twice now. I don't fear death, only the safety of my immortal soul. Please, guide me in the ways to best serve You and let Your will be done. Strengthen my faith and help me to guard against doubt…"

He clenched his eyes, moisture brimming. His hands together and face against the bedsheets.

A presence arose from inside him, bringing a comforting warmth and sense of resilience.

Worry not and place your faith in Me. The answer came clearly to his mind.


AN: Is it schizophrenia? Is it a healthy and common phenomenon brought about by cultural beliefs? Or is it something else? There was some difficulty in giving our newest chosen his standard "day in the life of" chapter, but I know we have some great things to look forward to in this quartile alone. Also I've hinted at it but we're not yet exploring the main ideas I want to delve into with this arc. But I got a lot of stuff planned, for characters old and new, and action stuffs as well. Suppose this should be a given, but I am excited for it! Am gonna have to add in the duel soundtracks for these later I reckon.