Chapter 2

The next morning Leo walked down the stairs to his family living room. He had spent several hours with Avery and his parents celebrating his victory. After that Leo came home and went to bed. Kuriboh followed him around all the time unlike most spirits that would only appear for a brief moment. This one liked to follow people around and interact with the human world rather than the spirit world. Leo didn't mind having a friend to play with. Kuriboh was curious about everything. When he slept Kuriboh would turn upside and float asleep. Upon leaving the stairs Leo noticed one thing: his mother was standing next to his duel runner. Which had a shiny new coat of paint which was strange as his mother never let Duel Runners into the house. Right next to his Duel Runner was his mother who was currently overlooking a holographic screen. His mother turned to notice him as Kuriboh flew around the living room cheerfully. "I have to say that Kurbioh is rather active for a Duel Spirit. He was with you all night and slept right next to you. It was adorable."

Leo just shook his head at his mother. Who had black hair, brown eyes and could only giggle at him. "I can already tell you two are going to be good friends. Well then on to more pressing matters." Leo looked at his mother a bit confused, "I took the liberty last night along with your dad. Upgrading your duel runner, repairing parts and adding more powerful systems. I also took the creative liberty of updating your Runner's OS, expanded your digital card library and added in all the extra safety features. Your Duel Runner is now legally capable of competing in professional Turbo Dueling tournaments. I also did the same thing with your bracelets as well."

"Cool," Leo said. "But wait-"

"Don't worry about the money," his mother said and hugged him. "I got the spare parts from my company. So I didn't pay a cent for them and all of these parts are the same one in your dad's Runner. Meaning you already know how to take care of them, so all that's left is for you to test it out. But first I have a few gifts for you."

"Cool," Leo said. "So what are they? New cards? New toys? More cool things to show Avery."

"You are so adorable," his mother said laughing. "And kinda…first I put a backpack full of emergency supplies in your duel Runner's compartments underneath your seat. Just in case of emergencies I also got you these." With that his mother handed him a physical deck box and Leo snatched it from her.

"Is this a physical deck of Duel Monster cards?" Leo asked. "Where did you get them?"

"That's a story for another time," Leo's mother admitted. "I took the liberty of putting your Kuriboh card in the deck. I have a feeling he's going to be useful in the future."

"Kurriii!" Kuriboh shouted happily.

"And I also got you a new pair of clothes to try on. Avery's always complaining you have the same look since you were 5." With that his mother reached over and handed him a pair of clothes. A short-sleeved white jacket with a blue shirt that had gold markings on it. Followed up by white shorts and blue shoes. He looked at his mother bewildered, "Go and try them on. They came in the mail today and then we can have breakfast. I already have the maid cooking it." Leo begrudgingly took the clothes from his mother's hand. He preferred his old ones, but didn't want to make his mother mad. Leo wore the same clothes for years and he typically ignored Avery complaining. With that Leo switched into the clothes though he complained. "Well how are they?"

"Fine, I like my other ones better," Leo said.

"I bet you do, but at least I don't have to hear Avery complain anymore." His mother said with a chuckle. "Now come on, the food should be done about now." With that Leo followed his mother and Kuriboh trailed behind the two of them.

"Now Leo before you go and duel Avery as usual," his mother said. And bent her knees to his eye level. "Remember who we are. Never forget you are the son of the synchro. When times get dark only Momentum will light a path forward remember this when time gets dark. For within you lie the power to defy fate and the key to saving the future. Shine bright, be safe, and brave. I love you." His mother hugged him and Leo looked at his mother with a strange look on his face.

"Mom, I'm just going to Avery's house!" Leo snapped, "You're acting like I'm going to go away or something."

"I know that," his mother said. "But that doesn't mean I don't love you. It's a mother's job to worry about her children. And I always will just be careful."

"I will mom," Leo said annoyed.

"Now you better get going before Avery gets impatient. And Leo one last thing…don't trust Illasiter."

"Ok?" Leo said. "Well I'll see you later mom." With that Leo walked over to his duel runner, picked up the blue helmet. Placing it upon his head and a solid vision matching colored jumpsuit appeared. Thanks to advancement in Solid Vision they had given them physical mass which acted as a protective layer. Though it was always advised to use physical jumpsuits as they were always safer. And Solid Vision technology could always fail, but real jumpsuits were expensive. Escepsily in Turbo city with the high demand for them it was always something out of his parents budget. With that Leo led his duel runner out of the house. Towards his destination unbeknownst to him his mother was looking at him with a sorrowful look on her face. Tears were in her eyes, but he wasn't paying attention. His only goal was to test out his Duel Runners new upgrades….