AN: Apologies for the spam of a certain card in the duel. You guys can see why it was banned and then limited back then.
The three of us settled on a bench, the distant hum of the park's visitors serving as background noise.
Koyo looked out for a moment as if gathering his thoughts before diving into our shared history.
"When I first met Kazzy, it was all part of this PR move or some charity event by my sponsors. I was supposed to talk about the wonders of Duel Monsters, give some autographs, show them some of my techniques, and be on my way."
He shifted his weight slightly, leaning back.
"But when I saw him, there was this... aura about him. He didn't want to be involved with anything. And it didn't help that he was..."
Koyo glanced at me as if asking for permission.
I sighed and decided to spill some of my darker secrets.
"I was an orphan. I was... abandoned by my birth parents and my previous foster parents. It was a miracle that I even survived, but that doesn't matter now..." I started to say, as Jaden stomached the information. "One of my first memories was of me in the hospital, alone. But when I met Koyo, everything changed."
Jaden, looking between us, pieced it together.
"So, that explains..." He began to mutter before shaking himself out of it. "Nah, it doesn't matter now. So, that was when you were still in the hospital, right, Kaz?"
I nod, remembering those days too well.
"Yeah. Spent more time there than I would've liked. That underlying heart condition always had a way of keeping me grounded in more ways than one." I explained.
Koyo smiled, squeezing my shoulder reassuringly.
"But that day, amidst all those kids, Kazzy caught my attention. He didn't care about what I had to say. He had already had enough of having false hope being given to him. So, I decided to give an escape. Something that can help him find his own hope."
I chuckled, "It was more than just an escape. It was a lifeline. Gave me something to focus on other than the constant beeping of those machines."
Jaden looked thoughtful, "So, the pain during that Duel was..."
Damn, I don't want Koyo to know that!
I interrupted, "A flare-up of my condition. Pushed myself too hard, I guess."
I don't want my family to worry about that, of all things.
Besides, it really was a flare-up anyway.
Koyo's expression darkened for a moment when he heard my condition had flared up, but I gave him a warm smile to reassure him.
"You gave me something more than just a deck of cards, Koyo. You gave me hope."
Koyo put his hand on my shoulder, "And you, Kazzy, gave me a brother."
The moment lingered, the bond between us evident as Jaden looked on, clearly appreciating the depth of our connection.
I can feel the warmth of Koyo's hand through my coat, a reminder of how many times that hand had reassured me in the past.
I recalled the sterile white walls of the hospital, the never-ending hum of machines, and the countless faces that pitied him.
Yet, amongst all of them, Koyo's was the only face filled with genuine concern and hope.
"Yep, I remember it so clearly," I began, my voice tinged with nostalgia, "I remember rolling my eyes at the big speech he made. Koyo saw how disillusioned I was in the world. At first, I thought it was a dream to see such a prominent duelist in front of me. But I couldn't help but push him away. I told him he would be better off playing with the other kids. Instead of doing that, he offered to duel me. I got my ass kicked, and we chatted, laughed, and even dueled some more. He brought me out of my shell with that duel."
My eyes drifted to my deck, remembering the duels we had in the hospital room.
"The duels were simple and pretty low-level, but they meant the world to me. It was through those duels that I learned more than just the mechanics of the game. Koyo taught me the importance of persistence, hope, and fighting against the odds."
Koyo chuckles, "Kazzy, you were a stubborn kid, refusing to accept defeat even when the odds were stacked against you. But that's what drew me to you. Your resilience, despite your condition, was nothing short of inspiring."
His encouragement is always the light I need in my world...
Jaden looked between us two, the realization evident in his eyes.
"So that's how you two became like family," he muses. "You both shared a bond, a connection through dueling that went beyond just playing cards."
I nodded, "Yeah, and not just that. Koyo showed me that life, much like a duel, is unpredictable. But it's how we respond to those unpredictable moments that define us. He didn't just bring me into his family; he gave me a new reason to keep living."
Koyo's grip on my shoulder tightened, a silent acknowledgment of our shared journey.
"I may have introduced you to a world outside of that hospital room, Kazzy, but it was your spirit, your determination, that truly shone through. I couldn't be prouder of the person you've become."
I smiled at the warm words he provided.
"It's because of you that I went under the knife, Koyo. If it weren't for you giving me the will to fight again, I would have been hospitalized for the rest of my life."
He smiled as he looked on in the distance.
"When you were out cold, I visited every single day," Koyo said, his gaze distant. "They told me you'd be fine, but I just wanted to be there for you. You know, just in case."
His eyes then shifted towards Jaden.
"It was during one of those visits that I bumped into this guy." He jerked a thumb at Jaden. "Found him doing some grueling physical therapy sessions. Honestly, the moment I saw him, I was reminded of you."
Jaden and I exchanged puzzled glances, then shrugged simultaneously.
"Seriously? We're that similar?" I asked.
Koyo chuckled.
"More than you think. Although," he smirked, "Jaden's a bit more reckless."
Jaden grinned, "Guilty as charged. But hey, that's how we heroes roll!"
I couldn't help but roll my eyes, "Heroes, huh? Must've been the Elemental Hero deck that got you all riled up."
Jaden smirked, "It's not just a deck; it's a lifestyle."
"I remember our duels," Koyo reminisced. "Jaden already had a solid foundation, and he really liked Hero monsters, so... I helped him build a deck with them. Heh, he's unpredictable with his Elemental Heroes. We had some epic battles in the hospital's common area."
My eyes narrowed jokingly, "Wait a minute... So you helped him build an Elemental Hero deck? Why didn't I get an Elemental Hero deck?"
Koyo grinned mischievously, "Well, let's just say I had other plans for you."
I raised an eyebrow, utterly perplexed.
"Other plans?"
Koyo's grin just widened, and he leaned back, leaving me to ponder over the meaning of his cryptic words.
"Anyway, I took Jaden to see you," Koyo said, his tone softening. "You were deep in sleep, Kazzy—machines all around, beeping away. Jaden had been adamant about meeting the kid I kept talking about, the one who reminded me so much of him. So, one day, I took him to your room."
Jaden's expression became thoughtful as if he was peeling away layers of memories.
"I remember that. A pale boy with black hair," he began slowly, "It was pretty dark in the room, and the only sound was the constant hum of those machines. I stood there for a few minutes, looking at you. You seemed so... frail."
His eyes met mine, filled with realization.
"That was you, Sora. I can't believe I never pieced it together."
I shook my head, still trying to process everything.
"So we've known each other for way longer than we thought. That's... that's something. Wait, is that why you chased halfway around campus?!"
Jaden sheepishly rubbed the back of his head.
"Hehe, yep. I told you, you looked like someone I saw before. I wasn't lying, right?"
Koyo smiled gently at the both of us.
"Fate's got a funny way of connecting people, doesn't it? You two were meant to cross paths again. And now you're both here, united by the game you love."
Sitting on that park bench, as the day's sunlight danced around them, a moment of quiet camaraderie descended upon the three duelists.
Jaden, his eyes sharp with curiosity, shot me a questioning glance. "You know, Kaz, I've always wondered... why do you have Elemental Hero Inferno and Terra Firma? They're great cards, but I never thought you would play them. I mean, don't get me wrong; seeing you play those cards was sweet, but I thought you would play other fusion monsters."
I grinned, brushing some loose strands of hair from my face.
"Well, the credit goes to Koyo here," I replied, pointing my thumb at him. "He handed those cards over to me as gifts. Sometimes, as a way to bribe me for not tattletaling him out to his mom."
Jaden blinked, the anticipation in his eyes deflating like a balloon losing its air.
"That's it? I mean, I was expecting some epic story of duels and adventures behind those cards."
Koyo chuckled at Jaden's mock indignation, his gaze turning contemplative.
"You know, I've noticed something with Kazzy," he began, eyes twinkling with mischief. "He seems to have a Fusion monster for almost every occasion. Kind of reminds me of someone else I know."
I watched as Koyo playfully shot a side glance at Jaden, who looked a little sheepish in response.
Rubbing the back of his head, Jaden replied, "Hey, I'll admit, I do have a few Fusion cards up my sleeve that I haven't used yet. Just waiting for the right moment, you know?"
At that, I jumped in, "Speaking of Fusion monsters for every occasion, Koyo, I've seen you play a variety. But the one that's always stuck with me is Elemental Hero Absolute Zero and Elemental Hero Nova Master. You seem to have an ace up your sleeve every time."
Koyo's playful grin broadened. He leaned back, stretching out his arms behind him.
"Ah, you've caught me there. Absolute Zero is one of my favorites. You never know when you'll need an ice-cold strategy," he winked.
A smile crept on my face, the pieces of the puzzle fitting together.
Observing the two of them - their playful banter, their shared passion for Duel Monsters, the similarities in their strategic approaches - it was clear.
"You two really are cut from the same cloth," I mused aloud, my eyes darting between Koyo and Jaden. "Two peas in a Fusion-filled pod."
The three of us shared a light-hearted laugh at that.
The atmosphere felt easy, filled with the warmth of friendship and mutual respect.
As we sat there, talking about cards, strategies, and everything in between, it wasn't just about the game anymore.
It was about understanding, connections, and the bridges built through shared passions.
The world of Duel Monsters had once again shown its magic, bringing together souls across different paths of life.
This is... pretty fun.
Just the three of us hanging out like this?
I hope we can do this again someday.
With that, Koyo stood up from the bench and turned to us.
"Alright!" He clapped as he looked at the both of us. "I think it's time that start Kazzy's initiation, don't you think, Jay?"
The brown-haired guy turned to me with a grin, and for a moment, I had a bad feeling about all this.
I blinked in confusion, trying to grasp what Jaden was hinting at.
"What do you mean, Jay?"
But he merely smiled and gestured toward the dueling section, telling me I'd understand soon.
My suspicions grew as we approached the dueling area.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed Koyo's determined gaze.
An unsettling realization dawned on me.
We were about to duel.
Me and Koyo.
But why now?
The setting sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, but all I could focus on was Koyo and Jaden's exchanged glances.
A silent understanding passed between them before Jaden moved off, letting the stage belong to Koyo and me.
"Kazzy," Koyo began, voice deep and filled with a seriousness I rarely heard from him, "it's time for your initiation."
The way he said it made me feel like this was a ritual or some passage.
"Initiation into what?" I asked, my voice betraying the nervousness I felt.
Seeing my confusion, he continued.
"I want to see how far you've come, not just as a duelist but as a person. Your heart, your resolve, your growth – I want to witness it all."
As he spoke, I remembered the countless times we'd spoken about dueling together, but there was always something holding us back: my health, school, work... life.
But now, he felt I was ready.
"I didn't want to duel you with everything I got while you were busy, Kazzy. I figured that if I did, you would probably quit dueling. And I... didn't want to see that. So, I waited."
Just as I was about to retort saying that I wouldn't, a memory flashed in my mind – me, clutching my chest in agony after the intense Shadow Duel.
The pain.
The despair.
It all felt like a lifetime ago, and yet, here I was, about to face one of the most significant challenges of my dueling life.
Koyo is right...
If I was about to give up dueling because of the flare-up and my injuries, then having my dueling spirit be crushed underneath the stresses of life would be enough, too.
Sure, the severity of the two is completely different, but...
The outcome would still be the same.
I'm not... as resilient as Koyo and everyone, huh?
Koyo's eyes softened, reading my thoughts.
"You've been through a lot, Kazzy. But I've seen you rise, stronger and fiercer after every fall. And now, it's time to test your spirit."
My fingers grazed the cool surface of my duel disk, the weight of my deck reassuring me.
Swallowing my nervousness, I retorted, "Alright, Koyo. Let's do this. I'll show you how much I've grown."
A proud smile crossed his face.
"That's what I wanted to hear!"
And with the sun setting behind us, our duel commenced.
The atmosphere, thick with anticipation, sent a shiver down my spine.
I could sense that this duel wasn't going to be like any other.
It wasn't about victory or defeat, not in the usual sense.
This was a testament, a benchmark of how far I had journeyed in the world of dueling.
With Koyo, a mentor and brother figure, standing opposite me, the stakes feel personal.
Every card played would tell a story, and every move would reflect our bond.
I want to show him...
That I can be a hero too!
This duel, whatever the outcome, was bound to change things between us forever.
Our disks expanded as the holographic field appeared in front of us.
"Duel!"
(Koyo 4000/Kazuyuki 4000)
A small gust of wind passed through the park, causing the leaves to rustle and the grass to dance as our duel commenced.
The setting sun cast long shadows, adding an element of drama to the proceedings.
I was locked into a duel with Koyo, my mentor and adoptive brother.
Every fiber of my being was focused on this game.
As our dual exclamation of "Duel!" echoed through the park, Koyo raised an eyebrow, amused.
"Hey... I didn't take you as the type to shout along, Kazzy," he said, a playful smirk on his face. "You'd always been the strong, silent type, letting your cards do the talking."
A grin stretched across my face, my newfound enthusiasm for the game shining through.
"I've started to enjoy announcing my moves. It makes the game more... alive. It doesn't help that everyone in the Academy also telegraphs their moves, so it gets to you."
"Yeah, you got that right. And that trend is going to keep growing, too, y'know?" Koyo chuckled, his eyes sparkling with a mix of pride and nostalgia. "Looks like you've really grown up, Kazzy."
With a deep breath, he drew his first card and examined it.
"Let's do this! I summon Elemental Hero Stratos (1800/300) in attack!"
And with that, he kicked off the duel in earnest, summoning Elemental Hero Stratos.
The iconic Hero monster took form on his side of the field, wind swirling around it.
He wore his iconic blue and white armor, which gave him that aerial, pilot-like design fitting for his Wind attribute.
Not to mention, the Hero was equipped with a blue visor, and his armor came equipped with wings, enabling flight.
Koyo, using Stratos' effect, swiftly added Elemental Hero Ocean to his hand.
"I don't have to really explain it to you since you've seen this card a lot. I'm just gonna add an Ocean to my hand and set a card down."
My eyes tracked every move Koyo made.
As he began his turn, I felt a slight tension tighten in my chest, wondering if my predictions would hold.
It was a dance of strategy, each of us trying to anticipate the other's movements.
I watched him set a card in the spell or trap zone, already trying to decipher his strategy, knowing Koyo's love for Fusion plays.
He ended his turn with a look of anticipation, "And that's all from me. Let's see what new tricks you've got, Kazzy."
I pondered for a moment, trying to guess his next move.
Stratos and Ocean?
Definitely a fusion summon next turn, but which one?
Hmm, he can either summon Elemental Hero Great Tornado or Elemental Hero Absolute Zero.
Both of them have very strong effects.
My mind raced, thinking about possible fusion combinations.
My hand was decent, but I needed a way to ensure I could counter his fusions.
The weight of the duel and the challenge Koyo posed was starting to settle in, but it was a weight I was ready to bear.
To my right, I could hear Jaden's voice cheering me on.
"You've got this, Kaz! Remember, it's all about the draw, man!"
The encouragement gave me a much-needed boost.
I looked over to Jaden, offering him a thankful smile.
After all, it meant a lot to have one of my closest friends rooting for me, especially against someone as skilled as Koyo.
"Let's do this!"
Drawing my next card, I felt a surge of hope.
The next few moves were crucial and it will set the tone for the entire duel.
But I'm not the same duelist Koyo knew from before.
I'd grown, learned, and evolved.
And now, it was time to show him just how much.
With the card in my hand, I placed it onto my disk.
"I summon Defender, the Magical Knight, in defense mode!"
Like before, a large circle formed on the ground, and out from it, a brilliant beam of light shot upwards, materializing into a protective magical barrier.
Inside this barrier, the knight appeared, his armor shining and shield held high.
Yep, looks like the same old, same old.
After I summoned my monster and set him in defense mode, my heart rate settled a bit.
"And since he was normal summoned, I can add a spell counter to him!"
The safety net of the spell counter on Defender gave me some reassurance.
With a faint smile, I then placed two face-down cards, hoping they would at least buy me some time.
"And... I end my turn."
Koyo's eyes twinkled, his lips tilting up into a half-smile.
"Hmm, so you're playing carefully, huh?" He mused, drawing his card for the turn.
"More like strategic," I replied confidently, my voice unwavering.
Koyo chuckled, "Aw, c'mon. Always remember to enjoy the game, Kazzy."
With a smirk, I retorted, "Yeah, I know. And trust me, dueling you is always fun."
His face brightened further, a genuine happiness reflecting in his eyes.
It was always nice to see Koyo happy and carefree.
However, as the duel continued, I could sense him shifting into a more focused demeanor.
The game was on.
"OK! I draw!"
Reaching into his hand, Koyo pulled out a Polymerization.
"I activate Polymerization! With that, I fuse Elemental Hero Stratos and Elemental Hero Ocean to create..."
I tensed, my prediction playing out.
Stratos and Ocean fused in a whirlwind of energy, creating the powerful Elemental Hero.
"Elemental Hero Great Tornado!"
The ground trembled slightly as the mighty hero touched down on his side of the field.
Gusts blew throughout the field to showcase its immense power.
The green and orange armored Hero was covered with a black cloak and was equipped with white propellers on its shoulders, which happened to control his powers.
"With Great Tornado, all of your face-up monsters attack and defense are halved!"
With that, a colossal tornado engulfed the field, causing the surroundings to darken and be filled with the howling of gales.
As with his effect, spiraling wind currents wrap around each of the opponent's monsters, constricting them.
However, Koyo wasn't done as he flicked his hand towards his set card.
"From my field, I activate Call of the Haunted!"
The familiar ghostly chain propelled towards Koyo's graveyard and brought back a monster.
"Here's Elemental Hero Stratos, again! And I use his other effect!"
A feeling of dread settled in my stomach as I watched Stratos rise, his effect now activating.
As I'd feared, Koyo declared Stratos' secondary effect, targeting one of my set cards.
"Go, Stratos! Use Air Pulse on that card!" He shouted as he pointed to the card he wished to destroy.
The visor on the Hero's helmet glowed brightly.
The Hero then released targeted gusts of wind, akin to sharp projectiles, that homed in on my back row.
My pulse quickened, realizing he'd chosen my Enemy Controller.
Without missing a beat, I activated the targeted card from my field.
"I don't think so, Koyo! I activate Enemy Controller! I use it's other effect to take control of your Great Tornado!"
And so, I chained the effect and the targeted spell.
I tributed my Defender and seized control of Koyo's Great Tornado.
With the mighty Hero on my side, I felt a little safer.
Koyo's eyes widened momentarily in surprise, but he quickly grinned.
"Smart move, Kazzy..." He murmured.
The tables had turned, and for the moment, I had the upper hand.
And given how Koyo was grinning, I had a feeling that edge would quickly fade.
From the moment Koyo reached for Fusion Recovery, I felt a tightening grip of unease.
"I activate Fusion Recovery! With this, I can bring back Elemental Hero Ocean and a Polymerization from the graveyard back to my hand!"
Every card played, every move he made, seemed to entangle me in his strategy further.
He was weaving an intricate net, and I was his intended catch.
"Now, I'll play Polymerization again!"
Watching Koyo fuse Stratos and Ocean again sent a rush of adrenaline through me.
"By fusing Elemental Hero Stratos and Ocean, I summon..."
A certain Elemental Hero that I was all too familiar with due to its powerful effect was now a massive threat on the field as it jumped out from the card and landed on its knees.
"Tada! Elemental Hero Absolute Zero!"
The snow-white metallic sheen of its armor and those deep green eyes seemed to pierce right through me as if challenging my next move.
With the two Titans facing off on the field, I braced myself.
I know Koyo's tactics.
He's gonna use the most out of Zero's effect.
"Alright, Absolute Zero, I'm gonna need you to attack Great Tornado with Glacial Surge."
For a moment, the white-armored Hero glanced back at its wielder to confirm what he was hearing.
"Yup, you heard me."
His shoulders slumped over as he straightened his back.
And just as I predicted, Koyo ordered Absolute Zero to charge at Great Tornado.
Absolute Zero summoned a massive, surging wave of icy-cold water infused with shards of ice and charged forward to the slightly stronger Great Tornado.
Great Tornado summoned a small funnel with its hands and directed toward the attacking Hero.
The two collided, the force of their clash resonating throughout the field.
The sheer power of their clash was a sight to behold, but I knew the outcome.
Crap...
Koyo loves comboing his Absolute Zero to clear boards.
It's a move that he does when he is dueling others in the pro leagues.
The fact he is using that against me... means he is taking this very seriously.
I should, too.
(Koyo 3700/Kazuyuki 4000)
Absolute Zero would be destroyed, but it would have the last laugh.
As Absolute Zero fell, its devastating ability activated.
The field around me grew cold, a stark contrast to the heat of battle moments ago.
The moisture and water particles he commanded and spread across the field instantly began to crystallize.
Every monster under my control, or in this case, Great Tornado, was encased in a thick layer of ice.
And...
Here it is.
Absolute Zero's effect.
I watched as the mighty Great Tornado froze up and then shattered under Absolute Zero's effect.
Koyo's strategic play had once again put me on the back foot.
Even though I had anticipated the move, the sheer finesse with which he executed it was a testament to his skill.
But the duel was far from over, as I wasn't about to let Koyo's masterful play deter me.
"And to top things off... I'm gonna summon an Elemental Hero that you guys haven't seen yet, hehe! Take a look at this!
Koyo slapped the new card onto his disk, and the hologram revealed the monster we had been anticipating.
Elemental Hero Liquid Soldier (1400/1300)
This new hero wore a primarily black bodysuit that contrasted sharply with his teal-colored helmet, boots, and gauntlets.
That's... a card I never saw before!
As Koyo unveiled the unfamiliar Liquid Soldier, both Jaden and I exchanged uneasy glances.
It's one thing to hear about new cards, but facing them in a duel was an entirely different ball game.
What... the heck?
"Didn't expect that, did you?" Koyo said with a mischievous grin. "Meet Elemental Hero Liquid Soldier! Pretty neat, huh?"
Jaden let out a low whistle.
"Man... Koyo, I've never seen this Hero before. It looks awesome!"
The sleek form of Liquid Soldier, its every movement imbued with a fluid grace, certainly looked the part of a formidable hero.
"It's a prototype from Industrial Illusions," Koyo explained with pride, watching our reactions closely. "And I had the chance to give it a test run. The pro leagues are so gonna love seeing this card in action!"
My eyes darted from the card to Koyo and back.
"So, you're using experimental cards against me now?" I tried to sound lighthearted, but the underlying worry was hard to mask. "That's not fair..."
Koyo laughed heartily at my whining.
"Ah, don't sweat it, Kazzy. I know you have a way to counter my board! Anyway, I activate Elemental Hero Liquid Soldier's effect! Check this out!"
The ground around the Hero started to ripple as if it were the surface of a pond disturbed by a fallen droplet.
From these ripples, a spiraling vortex of water arose.
As the water swirls, the revived Hero is seen within, encased in a cocoon of liquid energy.
Once the revival is complete, the watery cocoon bursts, splashing water droplets around and revealing the Hero in its defense stance.
The duel shifted into high gear with the return of Stratos, a card that had become a persistent thorn in my side this match.
"Heh, I can summon an Elemental Hero from my graveyard. Guess who's back!"
Ugh...
The amount of times I had seen that flying Elemental Hero...
Its reappearance, combined with Koyo adding Elemental Hero Flash to his hand, set alarm bells ringing in my head.
"And since Elemental Hero Stratos is back, I use its effect to add an Elemental Hero Flash from my deck to my hand!"
The synergy in Koyo's deck, its adaptability, and the versatility of his Elemental Heroes felt like a mirror to Jaden's playstyle.
Jeez, now I can imagine how others feel when Jaden pulls an Elemental Hero out of his ass...
The realization brought a reluctant smile to my lips.
"Feels weird being on the receiving end, doesn't it, Jay?" I quipped, looking over at Jaden.
He chuckled, "You have no idea! But hey, it's a learning experience. Adapt and overcome, right?"
Koyo's face lit up with a genuine smile.
"Exactly! Remember, Kazzy, duels aren't just about winning. They're about growing, understanding your deck, and understanding yourself. And you're understanding this new card, right?"
His words resonated deeply.
There was a raw excitement bubbling within me.
Despite the formidable board Koyo was establishing, I relished the challenge.
Every move, every decision, was a lesson, a test of wit and strategy.
Now, this...?
This is getting fun!
Drawing my next card, I met Koyo's expectant gaze.
The unwavering belief I saw there — the silent encouragement — only fueled my determination.
"So, big brother," I said with a grin, "Ready to see what I've got?"
Koyo laughed heartily.
"Always! Show me what you're made of, little bro!"
At that moment, amidst the tension of the duel and the weight of expectation, I felt truly alive.
This wasn't just about cards or strategies; it was about two players pushing each other to their absolute best.
And I was going all in.
As Koyo prepared to wrap up his turn, a thought shot into my head, nudging me into action.
"Not so fast," I interjected, playing my quick-play spell card. "From my field, I activate Fires of Doomsday!"
Two ethereal flames sprang up on my field, representing the summoned tokens.
Koyo looked a little startled but took it in stride, ending his turn with an amused smirk.
"Alright, I draw!"
Drawing my card, a familiar surge of excitement bubbled up in me.
I could feel the corners of my mouth curling up into a smirk of my own.
Holding the card closer, I took a fleeting glance at it, feeling a rush of optimism.
Koyo, catching on to my little tell, let out a nervous chuckle.
"Every time you smirk like that, I know you've got something good."
Jaden, never one to miss out on the action, piped in, "Tell me about it. I've been on the receiving end of that smirk before, and it's never a good sign."
Raising an eyebrow, I questioned, "I really do that? I didn't realize it was so obvious."
But deep inside, I relished the fact that my opponents could pick up on my subtle cues, making the game even more of a psychological battle.
"From my hand, I activate Metamorphosis!" I declared, showing the card to Koyo. "And I'm going to tribute one of my tokens and summon Thousand Eyes Restrict in attack mode!"
Without missing a beat, I slapped Metamorphosis onto my disk and turned one of my tokens into the ever-intimidating Thousand Eyes Restrict.
The monster's singular eye blinked ominously as it made its appearance.
Yeesh, I can never get used to how that monster looks...
Jaden, ever observant, commented, "You've been playing that card a lot. You think it's your ace?"
I nodded in agreement.
"Mm, I wouldn't say that. But I do have to admit it's saved me more times than I can count." I remarked as I looked back at the fusion monster.
Koyo raised an eyebrow at Jaden's remark.
"Sounds like you two have had some intense duels?"
Hmm, now that I realize it, I never dueled against Jaden...
"More like learning experiences for both of us," I interjected, giving a thumbs up at Jaden, who chuckled in response. "Thousand Eyes Restrict, use Absorption Force on Elemental Hero Stratos!"
Without wasting a moment, Thousand Eyes Restrict's effect activated, absorbing the annoying Elemental Hero Stratos and leaving Koyo's field slightly more vulnerable.
But I wasn't done, as I revealed the card that I just drew.
"Now, I'll tribute summon the remaining token and bring out Vanity's Fiend!"
Tribute summoning with my remaining token, the regal Vanity's Fiend, with its fiery red hair, burst onto the scene.
The elegance and commanding aura of the card were undeniable as the black cloak swayed with the wind.
"With Vanity's Fiend on the field, it will keep both of us from special summoning. Hope you're ready," I responded, positioning my cards for the next move.
"Yeaaah! Nice one, Kaz!" Jaden cheered, excited by the powerful card on the field.
This was one of the cards in the deck that Zane gave to me during my hazing.
I don't know who had this card, but it's super powerful in the right context.
Koyo leaned back slightly, clearly taking a moment to rethink his strategy.
I could see the gears turning in his head.
The stage was set, and now it was a game of wit, strategy, and, perhaps, a bit of luck.
Still, I took in the sight of his restructured field, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence.
The tables were turning, and the tides of the duel were shifting.
"You always had a knack for pulling unexpected moves," Koyo mused, leaning slightly forward in anticipation. "I honestly thought you would go with your tried and true strategy of dumping my deck into the graveyard, with the occasional Brainwashing or Snatch Steal. Now? You're using a lockdown and stun strategy. You're adapting to different situations... I've always admired that about you, Kazzy."
That old nickname brought a warm, nostalgic feeling.
"Thanks, big bro," I responded with a smirk. "Always got to keep you on your toes, right?"
It's been way too long since Koyo and I had this much fun!
Man, I hope we can duel again soon!
Koyo's eyes lingered on Vanity's Fiend, analyzing the challenge it presented.
"So, no more special summons, huh? You're trying to limit what I can do, so that means I can't use Polymerization or any other Fusion spell, eh? Nice."
"Every duel is a game of strategy," I retorted playfully, positioning my cards. "And right now, I've got to be strategic if I want to beat a pro like you."
Jaden leaned in, whispering loud enough for us both to hear, "Though knowing Koyo, he probably has a trick or two up his sleeve."
Koyo grinned at the both of us.
"Always do. But that's what makes this fun."
The banter was light-hearted, but underneath, there was a very real tension.
Every move counted, and I was ready to show Koyo that, despite my relative inexperience, I was no pushover.
With my game pieces in place and the momentum on my side, I signaled to move forward with my play.
Drawing a deep breath, I pointed at Elemental Hero Liquid Soldier.
"Vanity's Fiend, attack Liquid Soldier with Desolation Strike!"
The monster charged toward Koyo with his palm, filled with red, miasmic energy, and struck a blow.
(Koyo 2700/Kazuyuki 4000)
The impact of the coming clash echoed through the park, and I could sense the eyes of some curious passersby fixed on our game.
A rush of excitement tingled down my spine as I kept up the momentum.
"Thousand Eyes Restrict, go for the direct attack!
The fusion monster let out a shrill shriek as it launched its tentacles at him.
(Koyo 900/Kazuyuki 4000)
Seeing Koyo's life points drop to a mere 900, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
Alright!
Just a little more, and this game should be mine!
But as always, Koyo seemed unfazed, only exuding more enthusiasm for the game.
And... he's planning something.
"You got me on the ropes, Kazzy." He stated with a warm smile. "But you should know... a Hero never gives up."
Drawing a card, Koyo contemplated for a moment and nodded at the move he was going to make.
"Alright! I set a monster face-down, and I'm settling a card! Your turn, little bro!"
Wait...
That's it for his turn?
Ending his turn with a confident look, I couldn't help but feel that he had something planned.
Koyo rarely ever plays monsters face-downs.
And the fact that he is rolling with it without a care in the world is kind of scary...
"Uuurgh... I draw!" I groaned, anxious about what awaits ahead.
Drawing my card, I was gripped by a mixture of anticipation and caution.
The last thing I want is to walk blindly into one of Koyo's clever plays.
Unfortunately, I don't have any answer to his play other than attacking.
Taking a deep breath, I decided to push forward.
So, here goes nothing!
"Thousand Eyes Restrict, attack Koyo's face-down monster!" I ordered.
As the monster was flipped, it revealed Elemental Hero Flash, which promptly got sent to the graveyard.
"Hah! You fell for my trap!" He chirped.
Of course, Koyo had something up his sleeve.
"Since Elemental Hero Flash was destroyed by battle, I can banish 3 Elemental Hero monsters with different names to return a normal spell card from my graveyard!" He explained as he banished the monsters. "And I choose... Fusion Recovery!"
A pang of unease hit me.
What is he planning next?
Another strong Fusion monster back-to-back?
Urgh!
I need to-
...
No, wait...
I need to play more carefully.
If I rush in, then I'm pretty sure I'm gonna pay for it.
Determined to keep my advantage, I looked to my other monster on the field.
But before I could take a moment to process what came next, Koyo flipped up a card.
"Eyes up, Kazzy! I activate a trap! Compulsory Evacuation Device!"
Wait, what?
A small capsule appeared on Koyo's side of the field.
"I'm going to return Thousand Eyes Restrict to your deck!"
The capsule then rocketed towards my Fusion Monster and was then sent off the space.
Or, in this case, my fusion deck.
That singular move had begun to turn the tides of our duel.
In my disbelief, I saw Koyo's triumphant smirk.
There was nothing I could have done to save my fusion monster.
Damn...
Trying to salvage the situation, I examined my hand.
"I guess I'm going to set one monster and one card in my back-row." I nervously muttered.
If Vanity's Fiend somehow gets destroyed, I do have one backup plan.
But it will fall apart if the plan doesn't pay its dividends...
"Your turn, Koyo," I said, trying to mask the uneasiness in my voice.
The wind rustled through the trees as Koyo drew his next card.
Koyo's eyes locked onto his freshly drawn card, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips.
"Looks like the game's just beginning," he mused, looking straight at me.
"Ready when you are," I shot back, trying to keep my voice steady despite my rising anxiety.
Koyo chuckled softly.
"Alright, Kazzy. You better have something to deal with whatever I got!"
He held up a spell card.
"I activate Smashing Ground!"
A forceful wave emanated from the card, crashing into Vanity's Fiend and obliterating it from the field.
My strongest line of defense was now gone.
Here comes some more Fusion summoning spam.
Man, I miss the old days when fusions weren't everywhere and were a niche thing.
"Missed him already?" Koyo quipped, showing that signature confidence. "Now, I'll activate Fusion Recovery! That way, I'll get back Elemental Hero Stratos and a Polymerization!
I groaned internally, not liking where this was going.
"Here's... Stratos! Woo!" He cheered, slightly tone-deaf, on how many times the card had been played.
With a fluid motion, Koyo slapped Elemental Hero Stratos on the disk for what felt like the umpteenth time.
"Seems our friend Stratos just can't get enough of this duel," he joked. "Anyway, I'm adding an Elemental Hero Voltic to my hand."
"Yeah, maybe he likes the spotlight too much," I retorted a weak attempt at humor to ease my nerves.
Koyo grinned, holding out the Polymerization card.
"I fuse Stratos and Voltic to create... Elemental Hero The Shining (2600/2100)!"
A blinding light flashed across the field as the two heroes morphed together, revealing the luminous form of Elemental Hero The Shining.
The white and gold hero with an angelic ring on its back began to glow brightly.
Its presence on the field was both impressive and imposing.
"Now, since I banished three Elemental Hero monsters, Shining gets 300 attack for each banished Hero monster!"
The luminosity began to strengthen as it became powered up by the banished monsters.
But Koyo wasn't done yet.
"Now, I activate Miracle Fusion!" His hands danced over his cards, selecting Elemental Hero Voltic and Elemental Hero Liquid Soldier from his graveyard. "I fuse these two to bring out another Absolute Zero!"
The field once again lit up as the two heroes fused to become Elemental Hero Absolute Zero once more.
"And since I banished two monsters, Shining gets a nice attack boost!"
Elemental Hero The Shining (2600 - 4100)
I swallowed hard, eyeing the two powerful monsters on Koyo's field.
The luminosity of the Light Hero began to glow brighter, causing Jaden and I to raise our hands in an attempt to cover the rays.
"Now, since I banished Liquid Zero and used it for fusion material, I can draw two cards and discard one!"
He fluidly drew two cards and discarded one to his graveyard.
My mind raced, calculating potential strategies and moves, knowing that the next turn could decide the outcome of the duel.
"You've really upped the ante," I remarked, trying to hide the trepidation in my voice.
Koyo laughed warmly.
"It's only fun if it's a challenge, right? Besides, I'm testing you to see if you're ready."
A nod was all I could muster.
Deep down, I know Koyo is right.
This is the challenge I always craved for.
Facing off against my mentor and pushing my skills to the very limit.
I'm obviously nervous, yes, but also exhilarated.
My heart pounded in my chest as I mentally prepared myself to face the firepower Koyo had laid out.
"Kaz! Don't give up! You still have a chance!" Jaden shouted, reminding me that I still had a trap ready.
Right!
This is pretty much the only time I can use this without losing!
"I flip my trap! Threatening Roar!"
As I activated Threatening Roar, Koyo's eyes widened for a fraction of a second.
And like so, an eerie sound resounded the field and brought Koyo's heroes to a halt, earning me a reprieve.
"Heh, nice move," Koyo said, a smile tugging at his lips. "Now, I can't attack you."
He confidently set a card facedown, ending his turn with a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"That's about it for my turn."
My heart began to race uncontrollably.
With the board set against me, every draw mattered.
My fingers brushed against the deck, pulling the top card to reveal... De-Fusion.
This... card?
Ah, right!
The gears in my mind started turning immediately.
Without hesitation, I placed the card onto my disk.
"I activate De-Fusion and target your Elemental Hero Absolute Zero!"
A bright beam launched itself towards the white-armored Hero, causing it to launch its head back from the energy.
Its form molded and morphed before it began to dissipate into the ether and defuse into nothingness.
Koyo raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting that move.
"De-Fusion, huh? Planning something?"
I nodded, my eyes never leaving the field.
"Remember when you taught me always to think two steps ahead? I've been preparing for a situation like this."
Koyo chuckled, "Always the strategist, eh, Kazzy? But why De-Fusion on Absolute Zero?"
"Well... I figured you'd use Absolute Zero as fusion material if ever it had to leave the field, and not to mention, the materials are banished..." I replied, recalling all the times I'd observed his dueling techniques. "So, I figured that I wouldn't give you the chance."
Koyo's tactical brilliance always involved getting the most out of each card's effect.
"Yeah, you got that right."
With Absolute Zero out of the way, it was time to press the advantage.
"Next, I'll special summon a monster! I banish one Light and one Dark monster!"
I reached into my graveyard, banishing Defender, The Magical Knight, and Vanity's Fiend to summon a force that would shift the duel's momentum.
The energies of both monsters were represented by a bright yellow orb and a dark purple orb.
"I summon... Chaos Sorcerer!"
As the swirling maelstrom of dark and light energies begin to intertwine, they manifest on the field, spiraling and growing larger.
Shadows and sparkles dance around and begin to violently merge together, creating an explosion of both Light and Dark.
Jaden's voice rang out amidst the tension.
"That's it, Kaz! Fight back with everything you've got!"
A small smirk tugged on my face, bolstered by Jaden's encouragement.
"With Chaos Sorcerer on the field, things are about to get interesting."
Koyo's gaze fixed on the newly summoned monster, but he retained his playful demeanor.
"Heh... Guess the student really has become the master," he mused, clearly excited for the next phase of our duel.
For the umpteenth time since the duel started, I felt another surge of confidence.
With Chaos Sorcerer on my side, the tide of battle could finally be turned in my favor.
"Chaos Sorcerer, banish Elemental Hero The Shining!"
Chaos Sorcerer's eyes gleam with a powerful glow as he manifests his powers.
The pale caster began to swirl both Light and Dark energies on each of its hands and then unleashed them in a powerful beam of chaos.
With the mix of both energies from Chaos Sorcerer, Elemental Hero The Shining was wrenched from the field and banished to a realm beyond our grasp.
"You know, with The Shining banished instead of destroyed," I said, pointing to Koyo's monster zone that was now devoid of its shining champion, "you won't be getting those monsters back."
Koyo looked down, his face shadowed for a moment.
When he glanced back up, though, there was that signature glint of challenge in his eyes.
"I knew you'd do that," he admitted with a smirk, his voice tinged with pride. "It's what I would've done."
As I assessed the field, I couldn't help but notice how tired Koyo looked.
His shoulders, usually held high with confidence, seemed a tad slumped, and there were faint lines of strain on his face.
The recollection of him coughing earlier that day sprung to the forefront of my mind, intensifying my worry.
"Hey, Koyo," I began, my voice laced with concern, "Are you feeling okay?"
However, instead of answering, he stared at our cards, lost in a sea of memories.
It was as if he wasn't here with us in the first place.
"You've come a long way, Kazzy," he murmured, a wistful smile touching his lips. "I remember our first games, where you were just getting the hang of the rules. And now? You're standing toe-to-toe with me, countering each play I try to make."
Despite my growing concern, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride hearing those words from Koyo.
Still, his health nagged at me.
A quick glance at Jaden confirmed my suspicions.
He, too, was eyeing Koyo, his brows furrowing in confusion and concern.
It was clear he had caught onto Koyo's subtle changes as well.
Koyo, perhaps sensing our lingering gazes, chuckled softly.
"Come on, Kazzy," he prompted a hint of mischief in his voice. "It's still your turn."
Regaining my focus, I nodded, trying to shake off my concern for the time being.
"Right," I said with determination. I placed a card face-down in my spell and trap zone. "Since I used Chaos Sorcerer, I can't attack with it. So... I set one card and end my turn."
The air around us grew tense.
Each draw, each play, meant more than just a game.
It was a testament to the bond we shared, a bond that went beyond the cards.
But the nagging feeling that something wasn't right with Koyo lingered, making each moment weigh even heavier on my heart.
"My turn! I... draw!"
He swiped the card out from his deck with the usual gusto.
But something was off.
His gaze bored into the card as if trying to recognize it.
Not to mention how expressionless he had become.
"I... uh... er..."
I felt my heart drop, panic rising within me like a suffocating wave, as I watched Koyo's confident posture falter.
The card in his hand seemed to grow heavier, his fingers trembling slightly.
Jaden and I locked eyes for a split second, a silent exchange passing between us.
We both knew that something was seriously wrong.
"Umm, Koyo, let's wrap this up for now. OK?" I relented as I began to make my way towards him.
However, Koyo tried to push through, determination clear in his voice.
"I activate-," he began, but the words were lost as a violent coughing fit overtook him.
Memories of the morning's episode rushed back, but this was far worse.
"Koyo!" I shouted, breaking into a run, my heart pounding loudly in my ears.
The familiar weight of our shared past, the countless memories we'd built, the bond we shared as brothers — it all weighed heavily on me.
My legs moved on instinct, reaching him just as Jaden did.
Together, we tried to steady Koyo, whose labored breaths sent pangs of worry deep into my core.
For a terrifying moment, I could feel every ounce of Koyo's exhaustion.
His face was pale, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as his breathing became shallow.
What...?
What the hell is this?!
Why is Koyo so sick all of a sudden?!
Even if he had a cold or fever, it would never be this bad!
Something is not right!
"Come on, big bro," I whispered, trying to suppress the panic in my voice. "Stay with us!"
Jaden, never one to be paralyzed by fear, quickly summoned the help of his spirit, Winged Kuriboh.
"Winged Kuriboh, I need you to help him... Please."
The little creature floated over, exuding a soft, soothing light that seemed to envelop Koyo.
Miraculously, the coughing began to subside, and I could feel some of the weight being lifted from Koyo's frame.
Still breathing heavily but now with a touch more clarity in his eyes, Koyo looked at the small creature and offered a weak smile.
"Thank you," he rasped, his voice hoarse but grateful.
I looked between Jaden and Koyo, my heart still racing.
The park, the duel, and everything else faded into insignificance.
All that mattered was that Koyo was okay.
The man who had stood as a beacon of hope for so many, including me, now seemed so vulnerable.
The juxtaposition was jarring.
"Koyo," I began, struggling to find the right words, "we need to get you checked. This... this isn't normal."
Koyo merely nodded, his usual exuberance noticeably absent.
It was clear that today's duel had taken more out of him than any of us could have imagined.
"Hey, don't worry about too much, little bro. I'm already feeling a lot better, thanks to Winged Kuriboh. This is just a one-time thing."
...
...
...
Something inside of me snapped when Koyo called his condition as such.
A dark, dense feeling began to emerge from the depths of my soul.
I could feel the heat rise to my face, the sheer bout of emotions mixing into an explosive cocktail.
Anger, concern, and frustration roiled within me, each emotion clashing and surging.
My voice, usually so calm and collected, carried a note of sharp accusation.
"One-time thing? Koyo, are you even listening to yourself?! That sure as hell didn't look like a one-time thing!"
Koyo's usual jovial eyes held a flicker of sadness, but it was his stubbornness that got under my skin.
It was the kind of pain that wasn't just physical but ran deep from carrying a burden he felt he couldn't share.
"Sora, this was just... unexpected. It's nothing too serious."
That only raised my ire more.
"Unexpected?! You always do this, Koyo! Always playing the tough guy, hiding when you're not feeling good!" I spat out, my voice shaking, "But look at you now!"
My emotions were starting to go on a rampage.
"You always do this. Every single time! Brushing things under the rug, acting as if nothing's wrong! Why can't you just be honest about how you feel for once?!"
Jaden, looking both stunned and concerned, stepped in between us.
"Easy, Kaz..." he said, trying to defuse the tension.
His voice was calm, but I could see the unease in his eyes.
"Let's just focus on getting him some help. Blowing a lid isn't going to help."
I wanted to shake off his touch, to unleash all the pent-up emotions, but the genuine worry in Jaden's eyes stopped me.
"I know," I said, my voice choked, "but seeing him this way... it's terrifying. He's always been the strong one, the rock. And now..."
I took a deep breath, the weight of my emotions hitting me all at once.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice thick with regret. "I just... you know... seeing you like this, Koyo, it terrifies me."
Koyo managed a weak chuckle, but I could see the pain behind his eyes.
"I'm glad to know I'm loved, Kazzy," he said, using the nickname that took me back to simpler days. "I really didn't think it was anything major. Just figured the duels were getting to me."
He paused, taking a deep breath.
"But, I guess I was wrong."
Jaden looked between the two of us, sensing the deep bond that went beyond just friendship.
"Look, it's obvious you both care about each other a lot," he commented gently, "but right now, Koyo, you need help. And Kaz, he needs your support."
I took a deep breath, forcing the tears threatening to spill to stay back.
"You're right, Jaden," I admitted, my voice shaking. "I'm just... scared."
I could feel my heart breaking as I watched him.
The invincible Koyo Hibiki, always so full of life and energy, was admitting that even he wasn't invulnerable.
"Promise me you'll see a doctor, please," I pleaded, my voice breaking.
Koyo nodded slowly, "I promise," he whispered. "I promise."
The ambient light streamed through the room's window, casting a warm glow across the walls and onto the bed where I was lying.
Each heartbeat of mine was a testament to a life I'd come to cherish, especially given my past.
Every brush with mortality made me value the present even more.
My mind kept circling back to Koyo, the ever-present concern like a thorn pricking at my conscience.
This is... ironic.
Once upon a time, I was the patient.
My health problems felt like a burden only I had to shoulder, and I was fine with that.
Ever since that stupid Shadow Duel I had against the Shadows, the clouds that seemed to cast shadows, no pun intended, on my health didn't appear again.
Man, I feel like a hypocrite, but Emi did mention that my vitals and condition are stable... so I figured there's no need to mention it.
Unlike Koyo, who's been suffering for some time now.
But I'm sure he would have done the same thing if it happened to me.
...
Life, with its wicked sense of humor, had shifted its gaze onto Koyo.
It's unfair...
The memory of him coughing and gasping was a scene replaying uninvited in my mind.
Watching the man I have come to idolize be reduced to that...?
It really pisses me off.
If only there was some way I could find whoever was involved in making him like this and...
I took in a deep breath and closed my eyes.
This isn't good.
All I can think of are negative emotions...
I let out my breath and opened my eyes.
It's irrational to think that something like that is someone's fault, right?
Health problems can arise when people don't take proper care of themselves or have some underlying condition.
Koyo, even with his somewhat unhealthy food habits, shouldn't be so exhausted.
He's been doing this for years, and yet...
Now, it collapses on top of him.
My thoughts then strayed to Midori and Ms. Hibiki's reaction to Koyo's revelation about his health issues.
The distress and concern in their eyes had been palpable.
They had barely held back their emotions, a mix of fear, anger, and deep concern.
It felt almost comical imagining them practically ushering - or rather, manhandling - Koyo out of the house, a determined force propelling him toward immediate medical attention.
In my heart, I knew if Koyo had been even slightly reluctant, those two women, protective as lionesses, would have dragged him, kicking and complaining, straight to the nearest doctor.
Koyo's vagueness about his condition the uncertainty surrounding it, only amplified our worries.
The fact that the most knowledgeable minds in the hospital were struggling to diagnose him was a grim thought in itself.
Lost in my own thoughts, the sudden vibration of my phone jolted me back to reality.
A quick glance at the screen showed Koyo's name.
My heartbeat quickened, anxiety knotting my stomach.
I picked up immediately, "Koyo? What's up? Are you feeling alright?"
"Kazzy," his voice, a bit tired but unmistakably his, flowed through. "I'm feeling better. Hey, there's something I want to show you. Can you come by?"
He doesn't sound as bad as before...
I sat up straighter, curiosity piqued.
"Of course, I'll be right there."
My voice was filled with determination.
Whatever Koyo wanted to show me, it had to be important.
The brisk walk to the Hibiki apartment is one I've made countless times.
The familiarity of the hallway, the echoing footsteps on the tiles, it all felt like a well-worn path in a beloved garden.
Yet today, a sense of urgency weighed each step.
As I approached, the wide-open door of the Hibiki apartment greeted me - an anomaly in itself.
I hesitated for a brief moment, gathering myself before stepping into the familiar living area.
A silence enveloped the apartment. It wasn't the usual jovial environment punctuated by Ms. Hibiki's humming or Midori's chuckles.
Today, it felt still, waiting.
A cursory glance told me that Midori and Ms. Hibiki were absent.
Maybe they had stepped out, or perhaps they were doing some errands.
I tried to shake off the sense of unease, reminding myself that I was here for a purpose.
Making my way through, Koyo's door caught my attention.
It stood closed, a barrier separating the world from whatever lay beyond.
Taking a deep breath, I knocked lightly, my knuckles rapping against the polished wood.
"Come in, Kazzy," Koyo's voice, slightly muffled by the door, beckoned me in.
I gently opened the door.
I was immediately greeted by the familiar chaos that was Koyo's room, or more accurately, his personal realm of disorder.
There were comic books and manga splayed open, face down, preserving the page he had been on.
Then, there are various bags of snacks scattered around haphazardly, evidence of late-night munchies.
Like brother, like sister... the Hibiki siblings have some crazy snacking habits.
The various dumbbells were set on the floor, a silent testament to Koyo's commitment to fitness, and sat next to what looked like a new jump rope and squat belt.
That explains why Koyo's such a giant...
Shaking my head, I was tempted to start the usual banter about him cleaning up.
But today wasn't usual.
Seeing that half-eaten bag of chips on his bedside table, the tell-tale crinkles of his favorite brand, gave me pause.
Koyo was the kind of person who'd finish a bag in one sitting, savoring every last chip.
The fact that he hadn't is... worrying.
"Ah, you noticed my mess?" Koyo's voice, a tad sheepish, pulled me from my thoughts.
Trying to muster a light tone, I replied, "When haven't I? But honestly, leaving your favorite chips half-eaten? Are you feeling okay?"
Koyo gave a wry smile, sensing the genuine concern behind my teasing tone.
"A bit off my game, I guess."
The air grew thick, charged with unsaid words.
I was here to support Koyo; well, he was ever the resilient pillar.
Settling into the softness of Koyo's bed, I glanced at my brother.
The atmosphere was laden with a sense of concern.
"How have you been feeling?" I ventured, apprehension threading my voice.
Koyo looked at me for a moment, his dark eyes searching.
"Same old, same old," he finally replied, the casualness of his tone failing to mask the undercurrent of unease.
But then, in an attempt to lighten the mood, he added with a half-grin, "Though honestly, I've been feeling a tad better recently. Wanna know why?"
Before I could ask further, Koyo then whistled, the shrill sound piercing the room.
As I tried to discern its source, a familiar flurry of white fur and wings burst into the room, hovering right next to Koyo.
Winged Kuriboh...?
The tiny creature fluttered about, its large eyes filled with concern as it glanced at Koyo.
As if on cue, Koyo's stomach rumbled, breaking the charged moment.
Sheepishly, Koyo turned to the half-eaten bag of chips on his bedside table, chuckling a bit.
"Looks like someone's hungry," he remarked to his stomach, grabbing a handful of chips and munching away. "Hey, want some?"
Seeing the interaction between Koyo and Winged Kuriboh and the apparent improvement in Koyo's mood and health, a weight lifted off my chest.
"So," I began, turning my gaze to the gentle creature, "Why is Winged Kuriboh here?"
Chewing thoughtfully, Koyo swallowed before replying.
"Jay sent him," he said, with a hint of amusement. "Seems like he asked this little fuzzball to play nurse for me."
A smile crept onto my face as I addressed the little spirit, "Thanks, buddy."
Winged Kuriboh cooed in response, fluttering closer, almost as if it was giving a small, airborne hug.
A stray thought crossed my mind.
Hold on, did Koyo see Winged Kuriboh, or was he going along with it?
I decided it wasn't of immediate importance.
Meh.
Koyo, after all, is always full of surprises.
As Koyo munched on, he paused, looking at me seriously.
"Alright, Kazzy," he started, wiping his fingers on a napkin, "Let's talk business."
And just like that, the room transitioned from a place of worry and relief to one of some seriousness.
"To put it like this... you passed the test."
Nestled comfortably in Koyo's cluttered room, I tilted my head as he began speaking about a "test" I supposedly passed.
"Wait, are you talking about the duel? But we never finished it..."
His reference to our recent duel left me puzzled, especially since it had been left unfinished due to his abrupt health concern.
Koyo's voice drew me out of my reverie.
"Sure, we didn't get to finish our duel. But, you know, it never was about winning or losing, Kazzy..." he mused, his tone taking a turn towards the nostalgic. "The duel was my way of gauging if you've grown if you're ready for what comes next."
"Ready? Ready for what?" I asked as my brow furrowed in confusion.
But before I could voice my thoughts, Koyo reached under his bed and retrieved the custom duel disk we'd labored over together months ago.
The familiar sheen of the sleek design, our joint handiwork, was evident.
"Here."
And then, in a gesture I hadn't anticipated, he pulled out the cards from the slot and handed me his deck.
The weight of the cards was familiar, yet it felt alien in my hand.
I examined the deck and saw the familiar cards in my hands.
These are...
"Why..." I started, trying to find the right words, "Why are you giving this to me?"
Koyo's eyes, always so vibrant and full of life, took on a solemn hue.
"You've always dreamt of being a Hero, didn't you Kazzy?" he began softly. "And from what Jay has told me, you're already on that path. This deck... these heroes... they're yours now."
Jaden told him about what we have been up to, huh?
...
I always wanted to be a Hero, just like Jaden and Koyo.
I would be lying if I didn't envy how they played them.
But... is this right?
To just take Koyo's personal deck?
The one he spent countless hours tuning and dueling with?
"But what about you?" I interjected, anxiety lacing my voice. "How are you going to duel now?"
The idea of Koyo, the unbeatable duelist of the pro leagues, without his signature deck, was unthinkable.
Koyo chuckled, easing some of the tension.
"Well, first off, I've got some health stuff to sort out before I think about professional dueling again," he said with a smirk. "But don't worry. Industrial Illusions has some new Heroes they want me to test. I'll make do, hehe."
I hesitated, the deck's weight becoming even more prominent.
The responsibility, the legacy Koyo was entrusting to me, felt immense.
He noticed my apprehension and gave an encouraging nod.
"Hey, I know you have your own deck and playstyle, but... I have a feeling these guys can help you out with that. Mix and match the cards you have with mine, eh?" He noted with his usual bright and cheery smile. "Yeah, I'm gonna miss them, but I think it's time that you get the spotlight and be the Hero you want to be, Kazzy."
So...
Koyo truly wants me to use his Heroes.
...
Then... I won't let him down.
After what felt like hours but was mere moments, I accepted the Elemental Hero deck, feeling its significance, the bond it held between my brother and me, and the new journey I was about to embark upon.
AN: Alright, that just about does it for the Winter Vacation portion of the story. While yes Sora obtaining Koyo's deck may be controversial, I do plan to integrate his current strategy with Koyo's Elemental Heroes.
I apologize for the lateness of his chapter and the quality of it. Again, work is still just as demanding.
The next chapter will be a short prelude, that being one or two chapters, before jumping into the Shadow Riders Arc, with which I'm planning to make some variations. Note, since Midori is going to be joining the cast, I hope to use her as a catalyst for more change, and a certain young girl will have more relevance earlier in the story than later.
To beenjammin0421, ngl, I was a little confused at the start of your review, but I quickly got the gist of it. Thanks for the kind words. I do wish I could update a little more consistently, but you know, I want to get paid, lol. And yes, I am planning to implement some romance later in the story, but it isn't the main focus and will be incorporated much later in the story. I like to think I am experienced with writing romance and the like, so I hope you stick around for it!
Again, I love to read feedback and respond to you guys. But anyway, that's all for this chapter.
See you guys in the next one.