4 YEARS AGO – MAIN HALL – HEARTLAND DUEL SCHOOL – XYZ DIMENSION

Sayaka was standing in front of her locker, taking out several of her belongings into her bag before leaving the school ground. It was already late, so there was hardly any student left in the school. She was late because she must take a test since she got sick a few days ago when the test was held. She looked down with depressed look.

It's almost the end of the first term, but she has yet to fit in with her class. She got sick during the first three days of school, so while everyone in her class have already acquainted with each other, she was the only one who was still stranger. She was almost like non-existent. It was partially her own fault for being quiet. She should be bolder in speaking with everyone. She couldn't let it continue like this.

"Sasayama-san."

Sayaka was so engrossed in her thoughts that she was startled when someone patting her shoulder from behind. She almost let out a squeak from the surprise. She turned behind her and saw a girl with long black hair and violet eyes wearing feather-shaped earrings. She recognized her. She saw her a couple of times during joint classes with the Spade Branch. If she remembered it right, the girl's name was Ruri Kurosaki. She's quite popular in school. She's kind, pretty, and friendly, no wonder people would gather around her.

"Y-yes?" Sayaka finally uttered.

"You dropped your pouch." Ruri smiled while handing the turquoise-colored pouch to the glasses girl.

"T-thank you." Sayaka took the pouch and bowed gratefully. She was surprised that Ruri knew her name. Their classes have joint sessions a couple of times routinely so it's normal if everyone knew each other's name even if they're from different branches, but she thought no one would remember her name. So she was shocked that Ruri of all people remembered her.

"Want to walk home together?" Ruri asked again, surprising Sayaka even further. Not only Ruri remembered her name, but she even offered to walk home together. Sayaka almost loss at words.

"S-sure." Sayaka replied.

The walk to the bus station went on with silence. Sayaka was too nervous to speak. She and Ruri never talked before, so she didn't know how to start a conversation with her. It can't go on like this, this was her opportunity to finally get close to someone at her school even if they're from a different class. But what should she talk about? She mustn't choose a boring topic.

"Sasayama-san, your first name is Sayaka, right? It's a very cute name. May I call you Sayaka from now on?" Ruri spoke first, snapping Sayaka from her mind struggle.

"Huh?"

"In return, you can just call me Ruri." Ruri told her with a gentle tone that made Sayaka fluttered. This was all so sudden, but at the same time Sayaka was happy.

"Ruri..." Sayaka muttered in return, but still loud enough for Ruri to hear.

"Yes. Nice to meet you, Sayaka." Ruri's smile brightened. Her eyes then noticed the park nearby and she spoke again. "Sayaka, do you always spend your times at the park after school?"

"Yes. Sitting at the swing usually takes my mind off." Sayaka nodded. Often, after school, she visited the park to sit on the swing until she feels better from her depression. It didn't help much, but it's better than staying at home when her parents haven't come home from work yet.

"Then let's meet at the park tomorrow. Let's have a duel." Ruri requested just as they stopped at the bus station.

"B-but... I'm not so strong..." Sayaka replied uneasily. She doesn't want to make Ruri feel bored by her weak dueling. She was afraid that Ruri will be disappointed and she'll leave her when they just started getting acquainted with each other now.

"It doesn't matter." Ruri gently grasped Sayaka's hand, softening her grasp when she felt Sayaka tensed but didn't let go. She smiled again at her. "As long as we're enjoying the Duel, I don't mind. And we can get stronger by dueling together."

"I can get...stronger...?" Sayaka could only stared at Ruri. This was the first time someone told her that she can get stronger. The people she knew who noticed her presence always said that she has done her best as if they have given up any expectation from her. It hurt.

Ruri nodded confidently. The bus arrived. Ruri's ride came. She stepped into the bus. Before the door closed, Ruri faced and smiled at Sayaka again, waving her hand.

"See you again tomorrow, Sayaka!"

PRESENT TIME – FOREST – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

Sawatari, Sayaka, and Allen are running for their lives.

The fire burns like a temper, as if the leaping flames have a terrible anger toward the living world. It moves faster than a person can run though the deer stand a strong chance, moving swiftly as they do. The air smells and tastes like bonfire while the horizon glows orange beneath the smokey wind-dragged plume. The smell of smoke has them moving right away. Their only chance is to out-run the flames and that'll be hard enough on the forest tracks. There is nothing for them but to head forward until they get out of the flames. Soon the air will be too smoky to breathe and hot enough to scorch the skin, so they are in a hurry.

They were sent on a mission to stop another group of terrorists that The Brotherhood have located. It wasn't so difficult for the three of them, supported by Duelists from The Brotherhood accompanying them. However, things got out of hand when people from Apophis' sect appeared and set the forest on fire. The three of them got separated when Sayaka noticed but failed to stop another bomb detonation, resulting to worsen the fire in the forest. They made their escape while praying for their comrades' safety.

Sawatari saw the edge of the forest in front of them. However, when he narrowed his eyes to get clearer look, Sawatari abruptly stopped, both arms also stopping Allen and Sayaka from running further just as they reached the edge of the forest. He was glad his instinct was right. They got cornered at the cliff.

"In front of us is a cliff, behind us is fire. What do we do?!" Allen couldn't hide his panic. They were trapped.

"The fire is closing. Is this the end? Can't we do something?" Sayaka was trembling, looking back and forth at the fire and the cliff.

"We only have one choice..." Sawatari said as he activated his Duel Disk. He pulled Allen and Sayaka closer to him as they walked towards the cliff. Allen didn't need to ask what Sawatari was planning to do.

"Sawatari, are you crazy?! None of us have monsters that can fly, and even though Sayaka has it can't carry all three of us!" Allen protested. His and Sawatari's monsters are ground-type monsters. Sayaka's Fairy monsters can fly, but they can only carry one at the time.

"We won't fly! We will jump and then I'll have my monster to catch all three of us before we reach the ground!" Sawatari yelled back as he readied himself to jump along with Allen and Sayaka.

"Are you even sure it'll be strong enough for us to land safely?!" Allen shouted back again, still having reservations about the crazy idea.

"If you have any other idea then I'm open to suggestion! Do you?!" Sawatari yelled in frustration. Taking Allen and Sayaka's silence as none, Sawatari didn't waste any more time to jump while dragging the two of them just before the fire reached them.

Sawatari felt his perception of time distorted, everything slowed down until there was nothing, only him and the sky above, the sky that seemed to swallow him whole. Everything was a blur, a blur that swirled out of existence. Suspended in the air, Sawatari struggled to reach his card with Allen and Sayaka still holding onto him. They don't have much time until they reach the ground. Sawatari prayed that his monster will be able to endure their weights. Sawatari summoned Funky Comedian, the biggest sized monster he has.

The world rushes by in a blur and he know the pain is coming. It goes by fast, yet slow, almost suspended. Then impact. Funky Comedian successfully held them, preventing them from plummeting flat to the ground. Despite this, Sawatari feel the bones of his right arm move in a way they shouldn't, jangled. Without looking he know there is blood seeping from skin that seconds ago was smooth. Must be from the tree branches. But at least they're still alive. Thank goodness.

"Sayaka! Allen! You guys okay?!" Sawatari asked as he has Funky Comedian gently placed them down before disappearing. Sawatari held his broken right arm as he kneeled next to Allen and Sayaka.

"I-I'm fine... Sayaka, are you okay?" Allen said. He has scratches, but it was nothing. He was just glad that they survived.

"I think I sprained my ankle..." Sayaka said, looking at her left ankle. She looked down, bowing to Sawatari and Allen. "Sorry. It's my fault that we're like this..."

"N-no! It's not your fault, Sayaka! It's those guys who are in the wrong! Here, I'll carry you until we get back." Allen motioned Sayaka to ride on his back. Out of the three of them, he was the one with less injuries, so he'll be fine.

"Thank you, Allen." Sayaka said as she rides on Allen's back. She then reached for her Duel Disk and frowned. "We got a problem. I can't get a signal here to call for help."

"I only saw briefly, but according to the map, there should be a village nearby. Maybe we can find a way to contact the others there." Allen suggested, still remembering the map that Kino showed them before doing the mission.

"Wait! Look! Over there!" Sawatari pointed out at the direction of forest path. There were two people passing by. A young man and a woman. They were wearing traditional clothes of Southern Cantidel people.

"From their clothes, it seems they're villagers. Maybe we can ask for their help." Sawatari carefully approached the two, revealing himself from the forest and called out to them. "Hey! Excuse me! We need some help!"

"What is it?" The young man asked, stopping on his track with his companion.

"We got lost and can't contact our friends. We heard there's a village nearby. Can you take us there? We're injured from the forest fire above." Sawatari explained, tilting his head up to show the forest fire.

"Sure. The village is not far from here. We can take you there." The woman replied, much to Sawatari's relief.

Sawatari called out for Allen and Sayaka to follow, heading towards the village.

CLINIC – MYRIS VILLAGE – SOUTH CANTIDEL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

They reached the village by 6 minutes' walk from the spot they landed. They went to the clinic of the village doctor where the three Lancers duelists were given treatment. Luckily for them, the two villagers who passed by were generous enough to pay for their treatment. They also warned the villagers of the fire caused by Apophis' servants and the presence of the terrorists, so several village guards went to stop the fire and some went on guard in case there's attack.

"I think we can get a better signal if I go to the roof. I'll try to call for help again. You two stay here and rest." Sawatari said, heading to the staircase.

"I'll accompany you since you're still injured." The young man who saved them offered.

"Thanks. Err...what's your name?" Sawatari asked, realizing he hasn't asked the names of their saviours.

"I'm Kamui, and she's Zira. We're actually not villagers. We came here because we're curious about the village's culture." The man, Kamui, introduced himself and his companion.

"You must be tired. So you should lay down here. We will also try to help you contact your friends." The doctor told the three injured Lancers, assuring them.

"Thanks, Doc. I'll go for a bit then. Feel free to follow, Kamui," Sawatari said as he headed to the rooftop with Kamui in tow.

"The doctor said he have some foods for us. I'll get them for a bit. Wait here." Allen said, following the doctor to get their foods. They're not hungry, but they need to replenish their strength. It'll ease them up too after they almost got killed. Allen left, leaving Sayaka alone with Zira.

Zira stared at Sayaka from the corner of her eyes. She didn't expect that they'll meet their enemies, the Lancers, in this village by pure coincidence. She and Kamui heard about this village from Kurt and he told them they can go if they want to since it piques their interest. Kurt said that it's necessary for them to know more about humans if they want to win against their enemies, so they came to this village as the start. Zira and Kamui have only gained knowledge about humans from books, and Ryo told them just reading from books won't do well. They never imagined they would meet three members of the Lancers.

"But since there's no instruction for us to engage, there's no need to pick a fight. I'll just use this opportunity to do as Kurt suggested and get to know the human qualities." Zira thought. Furthermore, the girl next to her is her supposed enemy, so she may get an intel about Lancers. But how can she start a conversation without being suspicious?

"Stop being wishy-washy, just go straight to the point!" Sting would say that. But Kurt said that won't work so Zira refrained from doing that.

"You're a girl, so start a girl talk." Neon would say that. But Zira doesn't even know what 'girl talk' meant, so she'll pass this one too.

"Stop thinking too much and just talk to her already." Shing said that. Zira could imagine Shing somehow ended up inside her mind and reprimanded her right at this moment for her slow thinking.

Zira finally sit next to Sayaka, making the bespectacled girl to look at her.

"You look down. Is something the matter? Is it about the fire?" Zira asked. After thinking, she decided to start from the fire. She heard that several men were dispatched to take care of Lancers and terrorists this morning before she and Kamui departed to this village, but they didn't know that their targets are nearby.

"It's my fault that the forest is on fire." Sayaka said guiltily, pulling her knees and thighs closer to her.

"The fire was caused by Apophis' follower, so it's not your fault." Zira replied.

"But I failed to stop him even though I was so close. It's because of my failure we were almost killed by the fire earlier. It's my fault Allen and Sawatari got injured." Sayaka was close to tears. Compared to her friends, she's not doing much. Even though she got stronger, it's still not enough to help them.

"I've decided that I won't run away and will fight to protect my friends and family, just like Ruri and Kaito does. But now, after seeing everyone's growth, I'm starting to think that I actually only got lucky reaching this far." Sayaka was ashamed of herself. Even at a time like this, she's being pessimistic. But she actually knew why. After they met again back when Artificial Dimension still separated from ARC-V, as time passed while she watched Ruri, Sayaka became more and more jealous of her own best friend's growth while she grew little and it was nothing special compared to the others.

Zira's ears perked up. That's right. Throughout her battles, her opponents always seemingly miraculously turn the tide because they have these 'bonds' with each other. She sensed their feelings for one another were very strong whenever they fought. This mysterious power called 'bonds', to this day she still can't comprehend it.

"Are friendship and familial feelings so important?" Zira asked, hoping she'll get an answer she's looking for.

"Of course, they are! Forming connections with people is important! You can become stronger by having precious bonds with many people." Sayaka answered without hesitation despite her mental condition.

"Like your friendship with Ruri Kurosaki?" Zira tilted her head as she asked, which Sayaka answered with a nod. Zira then asked again. "Then, is this Kaito person your boyfriend, Sasayama?"

Sayaka was taken completely off guard by the change in question. Her face reddened and she flailed, losing her voice from the panic.

"N-no! H-he's a friend at the same school as we are!" Sayaka finally answered, her face still red.

"But you like him, right? Your face is all red and your heart beating faster, that's the sign of falling in love, right? I read it in the book." Zira pointed out. From the book called romance novel that Neon gave to her, humans have certain reaction when they love someone and Sayaka showed the reaction as described in the book.

"Y...yes..." Sayaka answered honestly, partially hiding her face with her hands. She has always liked Kaito ever since she first saw him dueled. She quietly watching over him since they're in the same class. She admired his skill as Duelist and his kindness.

Unbeknownst to her, Allen was listening. Zira noticed when Allen made a pained look at Sayaka before placing the food tray at the table and rushed out. Zira contemplated on chasing after him, but something tells her that she can't just leave so suddenly.

"That's why, I'm not good enough. Deep inside, I'm still a wimp. I still get scared in battle even though I already told myself to be strong. I haven't changed much... I can never be like Ruri and Kaito." Sayaka went into a depressing state again, burying her face on her knees.

"What are you saying? If you're not being afraid in battle, then you're abnormal." Zira said flatly, making Sayaka blinked at Zira.

"Zira, I think abnormal is a too strong word..." Sayaka sweat-dropped at Zira's choice of word.

"Someone that I know once said that able to fight or not, being afraid or not, as long as you're able to help your comrades fight again, being a wimp or not has nothing to do with it. You're already a part of your comrades who fights because you help them. And those comrades will take your emotions into battle with them. Don't you do the same for your comrades who can't fight?" Zira recalled what Ryo once said to her. At that time, she asked about companionship to him out of curiosity about how human's mind works in times of war. Ryo answered that comrades help each other. They have each other's back when they're fighting, and even those who doesn't go into battlefield directly also fights together with them. Every time he goes to the battlefield, he always carries the emotions of those who helped him but unable to join him into the battlefield.

"Also, you're yourself. You can never be Ruri or Kaito. You'll only ever be you. You can only live your own life. And if as you said that your friendship Ruri and your feeling for Kaito is what making you stronger, then why bother comparing yourself with them? All that matter is your feeling for them, am I wrong?" Zira added. She still can't fully understand about human bonds and how they're able to drive people to become stronger, but she thought it's stupid of thinking about becoming someone you're not. Becoming someone else is just impossible. If Sayaka thinks that Ruri and Kaito are important to her, then she doesn't need to think of anything else. She should just focus on fighting while thinking of them if those feelings are what driving her.

"Besides, logically thinking, if Ruri is your best friend to this day, then that means she must be need you. There must be something only you can do but she can't. Something that only you have and she hasn't. Both of you need each other." Zira added again. If you don't like someone, why bother staying by their side? If Ruri stayed by Sayaka's side, Sayaka must be also important for Ruri. Humans are not perfect being, they need each other.

"My feelings... Something...only I can do..." Sayaka murmured, carefully thinking Zira's words.

Seeing Sayaka in thought, Zira decided to take her leave. She excused herself, telling Sayaka she's going to get something to drink. She left the clinic, looking for Allen. Fortunately, Allen is not far away from the clinic. He's sitting on the bridge nearby. She didn't know why, but seeing Allen's pained face made her curious. This is another side of human being that she wishes to know and the only way to resolve it is by talking with Allen himself.

"Is something wrong, Kozuki? Are you not feeling well?" Zira asked, standing next to Allen.

"No, I'm okay."

"Are you sad? I saw the way you looked at Sasayama."

"I-I't nothing!" Allen looked away, without him meaning to, he said it harshly. But he really wanted to be alone right now. He thought Zira got his message, so he was surprised when Zira instead hugged him from behind. "W-what?! Zira what are you doing?!"

"Well, I read in the book that when someone is sad, you should hug that person to make them feel better. So? Do you feel better?" Zira asked. She saw in a picture book where a mother was hugging her crying son. In the next page, the child smiled again. Since Allen looked so sad, this is the perfect opportunity to try it out.

"Err... I appreciate your good intention, but hugging doesn't always make people better." Allen answered awkwardly. From the way Zira talked, Allen assumed that Zira lived a sheltered life and only knew common knowledge through books while having zero experience in socializing with people. If that's the case, then he needs to be patient and tell Zira properly what she can and can't do.

"Then, the other way is to let out steam. Cry your heart out. In the book it's also mentioned you can feel better that way." Zira said as she let go of Allen from the hug, but still holding him so they're facing each other.

"...what exactly a kind of book that you read...?" Allen sweat-dropped, unable to look away from Zira's face that was expecting him to tell her his story. Her eyes were brimming with such genuine curiosity with no ill feelings that Allen just can't say no.

Three minutes passed and Allen finally gave up against Zira's pestering gaze.

"I...like Sayaka..." Allen finally began.

3 YEARS AGO – CLOVER BRANCH – HEARTLAND DUEL SCHOOL – XYZ DIMENSION

Allen used to be a talented basketball player. In his early years, he helped his teammates to win many matches and since then he began to seriously strive to be a professional basketball player. However, his family's sudden financial problem led them couldn't afford the school and lessons he needed. As the result, was forced to quit. He was upset. People who had expectations of him and acknowledged his talents looked at him with a pity that it's infuriating.

"Isn't that Kozuki? I heard he attend this school because his family can't afford him to enter sport school."

"Yeah, too bad. Don't you feel sorry for him? Even though he's so talented."

Allen wanted to lash out at those people who were whispering about him when he's right there. They thought he couldn't hear them? Just how stupid they are? But there's nothing he can do since it's the truth. Even if he lashes out at them, it won't change his situation. He ran away. He was unable to let go of his dream, he kept watching his friends playing basketball in the nearby court with envy and jealousy. He began dueling only because that's the second-choice school that his family can afford. He can duel, but his skill was average because he couldn't put his heart into it like he did with basketball.

"Excuse me, you're Kozuki-kun, right?"

Allen looked up and faced a girl with glasses. He recognized her as one of his classmates, Sayaka Sasayama. He never talked with her since she herself was a quiet type of girl until she became friends with Ruri Kurosaki from Spade Branch.

"Here. I forgot to you give you the letter from the teacher about upcoming match with Spade Branch." Sayaka handed over the white envelope containing the letter, which Allen accepted.

"Yeah...I guess I should start serious in dueling. That way I can forget about basketball..." Allen said sarcastically. He knew that he must let go of his old dream otherwise he would be wasting his life. He should just forget about it or else it'll just make him feel bitter even more.

"I don't think you should forget about it." Sayaka said, surprising Allen. This was the first time someone said that. People around him, including his family always told him to forget his dream and everything related to it so that he can move on.

"Every memory is precious, especially about the things you love. You were happy when you played basketball. Yes, you can't play basketball again, but do you really want to just forget about the happy memories you have? It's important so you don't need to forget about it to move on." Sayaka said with an expression that was neither sympathy nor pity, only genuine encouragement.

"I heard there'll be a Tag Duel in the upcoming match. How about we pair up in that Tag Duel?" Sayaka suggested.

"Wait, you and me?" Allen asked, pointing at himself and then Sayaka.

"Yes. Basketball needs a teamwork, right? Tag Duel also needs proper teamwork, so I think you're more knowledgeable about teamwork than I do." Sayaka reasoned.

"But my skill is only average. I don't think I'll be a good partner." Allen said with discourage.

"It's fine. We can be better together. I help you, and you help me. I'm sure we can have a fun Duel together." Sayaka smiled while saying so. At this moment, Sayaka's smile looked so bright that Allen couldn't look away from her. He wanted to see more of that smile. That's why when Sayaka excused herself and left, he was quite down.

His gaze stared at Sayaka's retreating back. His heart fluttering like never before and his cheeks reddened as he looked forward to meet her tomorrow.

PRESENT TIME – BRIDGE – MYRIS VILLAGE – SOUTH CANTIDEL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

"It's thanks to Sayaka that I can move on and become a Duelist that I am now. I swore that I will become stronger and stay by her side so I can protect her. But...I'm not good. She only has her eyes on Kaito. Sayaka always gained motivation from Kaito." Allen always watched over Sayaka, so he knew of her feeling for Kaito. He couldn't blame her. Kaito has always been popular, being the ace Duelist of Clover Branch who's not only good-looking but smart and kind. Almost perfect. And Allen is proud to have Kaito as his close friend despite his feeling for Sayaka.

"How come I couldn't do it? No matter how much I trained, I can't stand in the same level as him. I like Sayaka. But I can't do the same thing as Kaito, even though I'm by her side. I couldn't help her. I couldn't grow stronger the way I wanted to protect her. In fact, it feels she's getting farther away." Allen has always been jealous of Kaito who is liked by Sayaka. If he can become like Kaito, then he thought Sayaka may look at him more. Not only that, Kaito preservers with his aspiration of dueling and has the strong constitution to follow through with his goal and able to achieve it. A complete opposite of him who quite bitterly must let go of his dream but tried to be flexible and adapt with it.

"No, why I'm being such a child? I know that I just can't admit it to people and being conceited. But even knowing that I refused to admit it. I'm being a coward. I'm always jealous of Kaito whom Sayaka likes, and now deep inside, I'm also starting to get jealous and afraid of Sayaka's growth. I'm so cheap. I hate myself being like this..." Allen hated himself for being afraid of Sayaka becoming stronger. He feared that if she becomes stronger, then she'll leave him behind, and he can't protect her. Instead of him protecting her, she'll be the one who protected him. He hated himself thinking like this, thinking for his own ego.

"You think so? I think you're amazing, Kozuki." Zira interrupted, confusing the boy. "I actually don't really know much, but from my observation, it's hard for humans being so courageous to admit your own negative side. So many people choose to run away, but you're not."

"I wonder. Maybe I'm just being like this so people, so Sayaka would like me instead of me being genuine." Allen replied.

"Being greedy or envious is a normal thing for human, no? In a way, you having that kind of feeling towards Sasayama shows how much you want to be special in Sasayama's eyes. It shows how big your love for her." Zira explained. She honestly couldn't see why Sayaka and Allen were overly thinking about this when the answer is so simple (to her at least).

"It's like in the fairy tale that I read last time. You're like a prince who protects the princess. I mean, all this time you've been watching over and accompanying Sasayama this far. That makes you like a prince whose body lies a tremendous strength. Not many people are willing to do the same thing you do for someone they love." Zira has observed humans long enough to see that many were cowardly and selfish, running away from troubles because they don't want to feel the pain. But humans like Lancers are different, it's not every day she found humans like them.

"Comparing me to a prince is childish you know. You seem older than me but you still like to read children fairy tales?" Allen commented, though he felt pleased by Zira's speech.

"I was told that if I want to expand my knowledge, then I need to read various kinds of books and have many experiences." Zira replied.

"Well...I do feel better. Thank you, Zira. You're very kind." Allen said his gratitude. He never thought that Zira could still find positivity in his negative side. When she put it that way, his chest doesn't feel so hurt and feels lighter. And if he's able to admit, aware of his ugly feeling, that means' he also knew the lines he can and can't cross. Knowing that will allow him to prevent himself from becoming a despicable person. There's still room for him to become better, both as Duelist and human being.

"Me? Kind? You think so? I don't think I was born that way." Zira said, surprised that Allen thought that way about her just from her speech. She told him that because that's what she believes. She didn't mean to help him or the sort.

"Yeah. People are not born good or bad. The only natural instincts are survival instincts like wanting food, sleep, and so on. Whether people are good or bad, what defines them are your environment and people surrounding you. However, once you can think for yourself, your heart grows with your body as you learn, sometimes without you even realizing it. Your words truly help me. It healed me if I can put it into words. And talking with you like this, I'm sure that you're a kind person." Allen answered with his usual energetic self, now feeling much better than earlier.

Zira was dumbstruck. Ever since she was born, she thought of nothing but to obey His Excellency without question. Having a heart of her own or bonding with someone never occurred to her because it was deemed unnecessary by His Excellency and her fellow offspring.

But Sayaka and Allen told her otherwise. They spoke to her as if telling her that she can form connection with someone and she has a heart of her own.

"Does that mean His Excellency is wrong about me?"

ROOFTOP – MYRIS VILLAGE – SOUTH CANTIDEL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

"Oh yeah! Finally! Got a signal! Now all that I need to do is... Alright! Done! Help will be here soon!" Sawatari exclaimed happily while raising his Duel Disk. He has sent his location to Reiji along with SOS message. Now they just have to wait until help arrives.

"Good for you, boy. But we're still worry that the enemies will raid this village. We have prepared, but still..." A bulky old man, one of the villagers, said with concern with his gaze directed at the spot where the forest fire occurred. Two other villagers and children who were with him also showed the same concern.

"No need to worry, ladies and gentlemen! For I, Neo-new-super-hyper-extra-Shingo-Sawatari, shall use his brilliant unrivaled dueling to protect the villager! I can assure you that as long as I am here, all of you will be safe and sound! Enemies are nothing before this great Lord Shingo Sawatari!" Sawatari declared proudly as he stood above the roof. The said villagers sweat-dropped, but they also laughed at the declaration despite thinking it seemed and sounded stupid. Still, they appreciated Sawatari's enthusiasm and gave him his gratitude before going downstairs.

"Aren't you pushing yourself too hard?" Kamui told Sawatari.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Sawatari asked back as he jumped down from the roof.

"I mean that stupid-over-the-top acting. Don't you think that it's too over the top? Far too exaggerating to put it simply. If you keep acting like that, people would see you as stupid or weirdo, or like a street performer at best. You should know that, but you're still acting that way. It's as if you're trying to hide something far uglier." Kamui said in a tone that he was like talking about weather, so casually without any ill attention, only curiosity.

Kamui's words hit Sawatari harder than Kamui ever expected. The Abyss Actor user went silent and didn't show any indication of wanting to answer to that question. He kept looking at Kamui, expecting the other to say something again, but Kamui was only staring at Sawatari.

"You don't want to say anything more?" Sawatari finally asked.

"I'm waiting for your answer." Kamui replied, making Sawatari lost his footing a bit.

"Don't you know that silence means that I don't want to answer?" Sawatari retorted with exasperation.

"Really? I read in a book that when someone is having a problem, they would want to shout all their problems so they feel refresh. It's usually working if there's someone else by their side to listen to their problem while at the place where there's no one else but us would listen." Kamui recalled the novel given by Shiki when he told his fellow offspring that he wanted to expand his knowledge about humans. Shiki told him that reading the book would help him.

"Are you sure you're not watching a soap opera..." Sawatari sweat-dropped.

"What's a soap opera?" Kamui tilted his head again, genuinely didn't know what Sawatari was referring to.

"Seriously?" Sawatari looked at Kamui in disbelief. Just what kind of person who never even once watched a soap opera? Even he watched it at least once before. Kamui doesn't seem to be the type who lies, but this was so difficult to believe. "Did it never occurred to you that people won't just open his heart to a stranger?"

"My acquaintance told me that I must understand more about human psychology so that I can follow instruction that requires me interacting with people accordingly. He said the best way to understand is by listening to people. So, please tell me your problem. Besides, in a church, there's a confession room where you reveal everything to the priest or nun even though you don't know each other. Plus, there's no benefit in me telling about you to your friends who I don't even know about." Kamui explained what Kurt had told him.

Sawatari didn't know anything else to say. It seems Kamui is some sort of priest apprentice. Maybe he's in the middle of training to become a priest that can help people, that's why he came to this secluded village where the villagers have lots of problems. Kamui was not wrong too when he said there's no benefit in him telling Yuya and the others about his problem, and they don't know each other anyway.

Also...this is the first time that someone was able to see through his act.

He went through a lot today, so it won't harm letting out what's bothering him.

He can't keep it bottled up.

"I was always a loner. I was treated as a fool no matter where I went. People made fun of me and thought I'm just a spoiled rich kid who always depends on my Papa." Being a rich kid with an influential father who wasn't well-like among people of Maiami City (and to this day still is), Sawatari was immediately judged as a child who couldn't do anything descent and looked down on everyone like typical rich kid.

"I felt better when Kakimoto and the other two approached and started spending times with me. It was fun playing with them. I thought they were my very first friends... Until one day, some children said that I'm paying them to become his friends." Sawatari's heart ached when he recalled that moment. Those words hurt him. He considered them as his friends. It was never his intention to use them. That's what he thought.

But seeing his three supposed friends behaves, he started to understand what those people told him. The four of them being friends, he was the only one who thought that way. If they were his friends, then they wouldn't speak to him so politely. They won't shower him with flattery. They were with him only because they felt obliged to their parents who work under his father. That time, he was really unhappy having to be born as a rich kid. He couldn't stand how much he hated himself. He was so afraid that he'll be like this for the rest of his life and he didn't want to admit it.

"Then, one day, I saw a kid named Yuya who was being harassed for being the son of a coward. Seeing him like that, I was so happy. I took comfort, realizing that, compared to the son of the coward, my life was not miserable at all. Compared to a child who was hiding his face behind goggles all by himself, I was not so pathetic nor I was pitiable or alienated." Starting then, he looked for more children who he thought more miserable than him and make sure that people will shift their disturbing gazes to those children instead of himself. He used his family's money and influence to make sure that happen and that way no one would give him those annoying gazes. He was bullying them.

But then he saw Yuya still managed to be surrounded by true friends who stayed by his side not out of pity or trying to gain benefit. True friends who cares for him. He felt jealous and he didn't like seeing Yuya smiling so happily while being surrounded by his friends because he couldn't bear how dirty he was. It reminded him how worse he actually felt.

"But when dueling Yuya for the second time, for the first time I felt so happy. Dueling Yuya at the Maiami Championship made me realized not only the fun of Entertainment Dueling, but at that moment people doesn't see him as a spoiled rich kid or the sort, just a Duelist named Shingo Sawatari and praised me for my genuine skill. As I spent more times with my comrades, I realized how terrible and stupid I was before. But my stupid pride made me unable to bring myself to apologize and I was also too ashamed for what I had done."

"The only thing I thought I can do for them is acting as usual while trying to shift away whatever that's bothering their minds. They're all so depressed these days, so I thought of cheering them up. Whenever I act that way, their minds thinking less of the problems. But I guess it doesn't really help them." Sawatari admitted. Also, he realized that other than trying to help him, he also thought that way he can bury the rift between them and then maybe it would be as if the "mean" him never existed. In the end, he was still too preoccupied with himself. He was still doing it for his own benefit. Even though he wanted to change.

"I think your act is ridiculous and stupid." Kamui said it so straightforwardly that Sawatari felt a huge arrow was stabbing through his chest. He couldn't blame Kamui though, he deserves it.

"But I think the real you is...umm...what was it again... That's right, cool." Kamui said after struggling to find the right word to describe how he feels about 'the real' Sawatari.

"Huh?" Sawatari stared at Kamui like he has grown two heads.

"People would think you're being arrogant, smug, and an idiot. I don't completely think so. When you do those things, you're actually having an inferiority complex so you covered it up by making yourself look you're better than anyone else. However, deep inside those ugly traits, there's positivity. Your way of doing it is wrong, but still you're trying your best not to be pitied, never giving up your dream to become someone that will be acknowledged by people." Kamui have seen several people with inferiority complex around him, particularly Sting who constantly trying to pick a fight with him (which Kamui always ignored). They looked so desperate and pitiful in his eyes since they themselves don't give much efforts and if something doesn't go their ways, all they do is complain or shifting the blame to others. Sawatari, however, is different in his eyes.

"Now, you're not acting that way out of smugness, you just want ease up the tension that your friends are having given we're in the middle of war, even if there's still selfishness in it. For your friends you're willing to continue that act even though you're aware it can be embarrassing, I think that itself is cool. But I think you're different. You're always being made fun of by everyone, sometimes bringing trouble to them, but that way you remind them that the world is not only darkness." Normally, people can only say nice things that sometimes helping or not at all, and in most cases it's just words. Kamui doesn't think well of those people. However, again, Sawatari was able to produce a result.

"I'm not saying that you should stop your stupid act. What I'm saying is you already realized and admitted your foolishness, so you should be more honest with your friends in return. You trust them and they trust you. You can help your friends more that way and become better." Kamui made his point clear. He never has any trust in someone nor he understood that feeling. All he did was carrying his given order accordingly and that's what mattered to him. But seeing Ryo, Kurt, and the enemies he has fought, he began to wonder if having that feeling is actually may help improving himself.

"That's one heck of wise words. Are you quoting from someone else or that's how you really feel?" Sawatari was both amused and amazed by what Kamui told him.

"Both. An acquaintance once said that being more honest with each other would help one another. And I personally think that you're an amazing person in your own right for a human being." Kamui couldn't really understand how exactly humans define someone as amazing or great. But Kamui can only think that Sawatari who is trying his best to be better is amazing.

The old Sawatari would have let what Kamui said gone into his head and went all embarrassed and saying smug things like how indeed great he is, but this time he doesn't. This was truly the first time someone actually able to understand him to this extent. Not even his own father understood or even noticed. Everything Kamui said touched him. It's strange, even though they just met today.

"B-by the way, I notice that you don't talk or move much unless we approach you first. You should be more social or else you'll end up as a shut-in." Sawatari said, changing the topic. He was too embarrassed and difficult to continue the conversation about him without crying.

"I'm not allowed to do anything without instruction. That's why if you're not saying anything, I can't do anything." Kamui replied plainly like that's how it's supposed to be and that is the fact to him. The only reason he doesn't reveal his identity and attack Sawatari even though they're supposed to be enemies is because he doesn't receive any order to attack him.

"Huh? Who told you that you can't do anything without being instructed? That's ridiculous! Are you really fine with that? Why can't you decide on your own?" This time it's Sawatari's turn to question him. Not doing anything unless someone told him to was no different than being a robot or a puppet.

"It doesn't really matter. I don't matter to anyone or anything. Serving my master and follow his instruction without question is my only purpose to be born. That's what I was told." Kamui answered again.

"Are you a moron?! There's nothing in this world that's not worth caring about!" Sawatari disagreed. He stared at Kamui, but the young man doesn't show any sign of agreeing with him. Sawatari wondered who in the world this master that Kamui serves. What kind of person who would treat someone else like a robot? Sawatari didn't need to ask to know how Kamui was raised solely to follow orders.

That's definitely not right. He won't have it. Maybe Kamui didn't mean to, but Kamui helped him realize something important. Kamui was the first person to understand him. He can't just let Kamui like this. Having noticed Kamui's Duelist on his wrist, Sawatari got an idea. Simple, but hopefully helpful idea.

"Alright! You're a Duelist, so we'll settle this through a Duel!" Sawatari challenged Kamui, activating his Duel Disk. He doubted Kamui knew Action Duel, so he'll go with Master Duel rule for this Duel.

"Settle what?" Kamui blinked at the sudden turn of event. But he won't say no to a Duel.

"If I win, then from now on, you'll listen and do as your heart tells you, Kamui!" Sawatari answered, beginning the Duel.

[MASTER DUEL!]

"I take the first Turn. I set a card, and end my Turn." Kamui concluded.

"Just setting a card? I don't know what you're planning to do, but I won't hold back!" Sawatari declared, beginning his Turn.

"My Turn! Using the Scale 1 Abyss Actor - Devil Heel and the Scale 8 Abyss Actor - Funky Comedian, I set the Pendulum Scales! With this, I can simultaneously summon Monsters between Level 2 and 7! Pendulum Summon! Come forth!" Sawatari summoned three Monsters to his Field that consisted of Abyss Actor – Big Star, (ATK: 2500 / DEF: 1800 / LV: 7 / PS: 3) Sassy Rookie (ATK: 1700 / DEF: 1000 / LV: 4 / PS: 2), and finally, Pretty Heroine (ATK: 1500 / DEF: 1000 / LV: 4 / PS: 2). All of them were summoned in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"This is just the beginning! Now, I will summon the main actor of today's show! Come forth! Circuit that leads to the main stage!" Sawatari opened the Link Summoning Circuit.

"Arrowhead confirmed! The summoning condition is at least 1 Abyss Actor Monster! I set Big Star, Sassy Rookie, and Pretty Heroine on the Link Markers! Circuit combined!" Sawatari set Big Star on the Top-Arrow, Sassy Rookie on the Left-Arrow, and Pretty Heroine on the Bottom-Left Arrow.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Abyss Actor – Cool Hero (ATK: 2300 / LINK: 3 / LM: Top, Left, Bottom-Left)!" Sawatari summoned Cool Hero in Attack Position in the Link Monster Zone.

"I activate Quick-Play Spell: Abyss Script – Knife Show! When an Abyss Actor Link Monster is summoned to the Field, I can inflict damage to my opponent by 300 for each Link Marker it has!" Sawatari's Cool Hero has three Link Markers, so the total of damage Kamui takes is 900.

KAMUI LP: 4000 = 3100

"Battle! I attack directly with Cool Hero!" Sawatari declared his Battle Phase. Cool Hero raised its sword and swung it down, unleashing a purple sword energy wave towards Kamui.

"At this moment I activate the effect of Checksum Dragon (ATK: 400/ DEF: 2400) from my hand! When a monster makes a Direct Attack on the same Turn the user took Battle Damage, I can Special Summon it and increase my LP equal to half of its DEF and it cannot be destroyed by Battle until the end of this Turn!" Kamui summoned Checksum Dragon in Attack Position in the Main Zone, increasing his LP by 2400 at the same time.

KAMUI LP: 3100 = 4300

"Then I attack Checksum Dragon with Cool Hero!" Sawatari redirected the attack towards the newly summoned dragon. Checksum Dragon blocked the sword wave, though it's still strong enough to push back the dragon.

KAMUI LP: 4300 = 2400

"I'm not done yet, Kamui! When Cool Hero's Link Marker is pointing a monster, it can attack twice! So I attack Checksum Dragon again!" Sawatari declared as Cool Hero slashed Checksum Dragon using its sword, which again, was blocked by the targeted dragon.

KAMUI LP: 2400 = 500

"I set a card and end my Turn." Sawatari concluded.

"My Turn! Because my opponent controls a Link Monster, I activate the effect of Gateway Dragon (ATK: 1600 / DEF: 1400 / LV: 4) from my hand to Special Summon it!" Kamui summoned Gateway Dragon in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"I activate Gateway Dragon's second effect to summon a Level 4 or lower DARK Monster from my hand!" Kamui special summoned DMZ Dragon (ATK: 0 / DEF: 2000) in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"Appear, my circuit!" Kamui opened the Link Summoning circuit.

"Arrowhead confirmed. The summoning condition is three Varrett Monsters. I set Checksum Dragon, DMZ Dragon, and Gateway Dragon to the Link Marker! Circuit combined!" Kamui set Checksum Dragon on the Bottom-Right Marker, DMZ Dragon on the Top Marker, and Gateway Dragon on the Bottom-Left Marker.

"Link Summon! Appear, Link 3! Topologic Trisbaena (ATK: 2500 / LINK: 3 / LM: Bottom-Right, Top, Bottom-Left)!" Kamui summoned his Link Monster in Attack Position in the Link Zone.

"Because my opponent controls a monster and I control a Link Monster, I can Special Summon Vulnerability Dragon (ATK: 100 / DEF: 100) from my hand!" Kamui summoned Vulnerability Dragon in Defense Position from his hand in the Main Zone.

"And then I can destroy a monster on my own Field for each monster my opponent controls!" Kamui destroyed his own Trisbaena.

"You destroyed the Link Monster you just summoned? What are you thinking?" Sawatari was surprised, unable to guess what Kamui was going to do.

"I normal summon Rokket Synchron (ATK: 300 / DEF: 0) and activate its effect to special summon a Level 5 or higher Dragon Monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position!" Kamui summoned Rokket Synchron in Attack Position before reviving Checksum Dragon in the Main Zone.

"I tune Level 1 Rokket Synchron with Level 1 Vulnerability Dragon and Level 6 Checksum Dragon! Synchro Summon! Appear! Level 8! Borreload Savage Dragon (ATK: 3000 / DEF: 2500 / LV: 8)!" Kamui summoned his Synchro Monster in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"Since Savage Dragon was Synchro Summoned, I can activate its effect to equip it with 1 Link Monster in my Graveyard, then Savage Dragon gains Borrel Counters equal to the Link Marker of the equipped monster!" Kamui targeted Trisbaena, resulting with 3 Borrel Counters.

"I also activate Savage Dragon's second effect! It gains ATK equal to half of Trisbaena's ATK!" Kamui increased Savage Dragon's ATK to 4250.

"Battle! I attack Abyss Actor – Cool Hero with Savage Dragon!" Kamui declared Battle Phase. Savage Dragon launched its cannon, shooting stream of energy that destroyed the Abyss Actor Link Monster, pushing back Sawatari in the process from the force.

SAWATARI LP: 4000 = 2050

"I activate DMZ Dragon's effect in my Graveyard! As a monster equipped with an Equip Card attacked, by banishing DMZ Dragon, I can destroy an Equip Card equipped to the monster and letting it attack once again in a row!" Kamui destroyed Trisbaena, allowing Savage Dragon to attack one more time, though its ATK returns to normal.

Savage Dragon shot its cannon once more. Sawatari almost tried to look for Action Card but quickly remembered that it's not Action Duel. Good thing he has prepared for this.

"I activate Knife Show's effect from Graveyard! I banish it from Graveyard to halve the damage I will take!" Sawatari banished his Quick-Play Spell, creating a barrier that blocked the shot.

SAWATARI LP: 2050 = 550

"I end my Turn." Kamui concluded and stared at Sawatari. "You may have underestimated me because I only set a card on my first Turn. I hope now you know that my plan originally was to finish you off in this Turn. I didn't expect that you'll survive thanks to that Quick-Play Spell."

"Yeah. A bad habit of mine. I still need a lot to learn. I apologize for that. I'll be more serious now." Sawatari said before he began his Draw Phase.

"My Turn! Once again, I Pendulum Summon!" Sawatari revived Big Star, Sassy Rookie, and Pretty Heroine to his Field in Attack Position.

"I activate Magic Card: Abyss Script – Dawn of the Demon Knight! I can destroy two Abyss Actor Pendulum Cards on my Field to Special Summon an Abyss Actor Monster in my Graveyard with its effect negated." Sawatari destroyed Devil Heel and Funky Comedian from his Pendulum Zone, reviving Cool Hero with its effect negated.

"Are you sure you're okay destroying your Pendulum Scale? You can't revive your monsters when it's destroyed. I thought you're specialized in Pendulum Summoning?" Kamui questioned.

"Don't worry about me. And ever since I came to Cantidel and learn the existence of Link Summon, Reiji practically ordered us to study Link Summoning. At first, I thought it's a pain, but now, I'm grateful because it helps me in this situation we are now." Sawatari replied and then raised his hand up, a finger pointing up.

"Once more! Appear, the circuit that leads to the main stage!" Sawatari set Cool Hero and Big Star on the four Link Markers of the Link Circuit.

"Link Summon! Appear, Link 4! Abyss Actor Cute Idol (ATK: 3000 / LINK: 4 / LM: Right, Bottom, Left, Upper-Right)!" Sawatari summoned a humanoid monster with blue-colored bipedal and green hair tied in pony tail. Its lower body consists of white long skirt. It has a thin green torso with sharp, red horns sticking out of its chest and back.

"Again, the circuit that leads to the main stage!" Sawatari set Sassy Rookie and Pretty Heroine on the two Link Markers of the Link Circuit.

"Link Summon! Link 2! Abyss Actor Hidden Designer (ATK: 1600 / LINK: 2 / LM: Right, Upper-Left)!" Sawatari summoned another monster with long mechanical hands hidden by long green-colored sleeves and mechanical feet also hidden by equally long blue-colored jeans. It has upward crescent moon-shaped sapphire hair with a porcelain doll-face wearing round glasses.

"I activate Cute Idol's effect! When this card is linked to a monster, I can destroy a Magic or Trap card on my opponent's Field!" Sawatari pointed at Kamui's set card. Cute Idol jumped and landed a kick towards the set card.

"Trap Card: Rokket Deflection! When an effect that will destroy card is activated, I can negate that effect and special summon a Level 5 or lower Rokket monster from my Deck!" Kamui summoned Rokket Arlery (ATK: 1000 / DEF: 2000 / LV: 5) from his Deck in Attack Position. It's a monster with similar appearance as Checksum Dragon but with pointy long tail stood up straight and has greenish color. It used its tail to deflect Cute Idol's attack.

"I activate Rokket Arlery's effect! I can equip this card to my opponent's monster. As long as this card is equipped, that monster cannot attack!" Kamui equipped Rokket Arlery to Cute Idol, binding the Link Monster with a chain that will prevent it from attacking.

"Unfortunately, your Cute Idol can't attack my Savage Dragon now. Hidden Designer has lower ATK than Savage Dragon, so having it battle is out of question. You don't have any card in your hand or set card on your Field. The chances for you to win this Duel is low. But still, do you think you have what it takes to turn the tide?" Kamui asked. Sawatari still looked unflinching despite the situation. He didn't think that it's a bluff, so Sawatari must have a plan in his mind, but what can he do in this situation.

"Yeah. I can. I activate Hidden Designer's effect! On the Turn this card is Link Summoned, its ATK is switched with the ATK of my opponent's Link Monster!" Sawatari switched Hidden Designer's ATK with Savage Dragon's ATK, making the Abyss Actor Monster's current ATK at 3000 while the dragon at 1600.

"Battle! I attack Borreload Savage Dragon with Hidden Designer!"

Following its master's command, Hidden Designer shot its mechanical hand. The hand changed shaped into what looked like a huge needle. Kamui prepared to activate his last card's effect from the Graveyard, but his hand stopped at the last second. Kamui found himself hesitating as he remembered Sawatari's condition if he won the duel. This last second hesitation was all that Hidden Designer needed to stab through Savage Dragon's abdomen, destroying the Synchro dragon.

KAMUI LP: 500 = 0

Kamui fell on his knee from the impact. A hand came into his vision, looking up to see Sawatari has extended his hand for Kamui to take to help him stand up. Kamui accepted the hand and back to his feet. He didn't hear Sawatari's praise for him as his mind was wondering what was stopping him from activating his card effect that could have saved him from defeat. Sawatari's hand on his shoulder snapped him from his thought and returned his attention to the Abyss Actor user.

"Since I won, from now on, you'll follow your own heart! Mark my words, people and Duel Monsters are driven by their hearts!" Sawatari told Kamui, playfully slapping his back while saying so.

"My own heart...?" Kamui repeated unsurely. He never thought that he has a heart, but this person in front of him believed otherwise. How is Sawatari so sure that he has a heart of his own?

"Here! I give this to you! This will be a reminder of our Duel today, so you'll live as your heart desires." Sawatari took off the emerald necklace he always wore and placed it on Kamui's palm. When the said person stared at Sawatari with questioning look, Sawatari replied, "Be grateful that from now on you are a friend of the great Shingo Sawatari."

"A friend..." Kamui repeated.

This was the first time someone gave him a gift and called him a friend. He and his fellow offspring never considered each other as comrades let alone friends. It never crossed his mind to try to befriend them either. He thought it's unnecessary for him as His Excellency's servant. But when Sawatari gave him his necklace and called him his friend, Kamui felt something in his chest. He accepted the necklace and wore it.

"...Thank...you...Shingo..." Kamui said unsurely while looking down. He doesn't know much about friends, but he at least knows that friends refer to each other by their first name.

Kamui's confusion made him fail to see Sawatari's face that went still as he called him by his first name. Sawatari's gaze hardened at Kamui while feeling something was tickling his chest. He resisted the urge to grin. He wondered if he was being silly for becoming so happy just because someone other than his father called him by his first name.

A sound of helicopter interrupted them. A helicopter landed not too far from the clinic where they were staying at.

"Sawatari! That's our ride! Let's go!" Allen came in from downstairs, ushering Sawatari to leave quickly.

"You heard him. That's my ride! See ya again, Kamui!" Sawatari excused himself with Allen and went downstairs, leaving Kamui alone at the rooftop.

As Kamui watched Sawatari left, he felt like something is sparking and started spreading throughout his entire body.

He doesn't know what this is.

All he knows is that he wants to keep this feeling in his chest.

LANCERS HIDEOUT – MOUNTAIN – CAPITAL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

"We're back!"

Sawatari, Allen, and Sayaka arrived at the hideout. They were welcomed by their friends who were worried sick after hearing they went missing during the mission and lost contact with them. Ruri, Yuto, Shun, and Yuzo, in particular, were worried the most. Ruri ran and hugged Sayaka tightly in her embrace, which Sayaka returned.

"Are the three of you okay?! We were worried when we lost contact with you!" Ruri asked.

"I sprained my ankle, but it's nothing serious. I'm just a bit tired." Sayaka smiled, trying to assure her best friend.

"Let's go back to your room so you can rest! I'll make you some tea and peel fruits so you'll feel better." Ruri gently ushered Sayaka back into her room.

"Ruri, this is nothing serious. You don't need to look so panic." Sayaka tried to calm Ruri down who doesn't seem to be that convinced.

"Sorry, but it's just, sometimes you're pushing yourself too hard. That's why I'm worried." Ruri said while trying not to look so panic, epsecially when Sayaka smiled at her. "I really can't match up to you, Sayaka."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Sayaka blinked. Ruri felt she can't match her? She was the one who always thought she can never match up to Ruri. What made Ruri think that way?

"You always notice a little detail that I missed. You see the positive sides of people before their negative side. You're able to understand how important relationships between Duelists are and taught me even without you realize it. You have everything that I don't have, Sayaka. That's what I admire about you." Ruri answered with a tinge of blush on her cheeks. Before she gained the courage to approach Sayaka, Ruri had always noticed her, doing things such as taking care of stray animals near the school or the plants that got neglected while the others didn't do anything. Watching Sayaka's kindness, Ruri became curious and it urged her to try to talk to the girl.

Sayaka could only stare at Ruri. She wanted to cry, but she tried her best to hold it back otherwise Ruri will worry again. She never knew that Ruri thought about her that way. She almost couldn't believe it. She was happy that her best friend valued her so much. It's just as Zira said. Nobody is perfect. There's something only she can do to help her best friend and vice versa. They need each other.

"Ruri, let's have a duel in my room. Just a normal duel, no need for Duel Disk. That's fine, right?" Sayaka requested, which Ruri answered with a nod.

"As long as you're staying still in your room until you get better, then I don't mind. I'm so glad you're back, Sayaka." Ruri agreed as they reached Sayaka's room.

"Me too. Thank you, Ruri."

"C-can I join too?" Allen asked, joining the conversation while scratching the back of his head. "I feel like dueling with you. If you don't mind."

"Sure. Having you join us will make me feel better. Thank you, Allen." Sayaka answered. The more the merrier.

Allen was happy at that while hiding his blush. He recalled Zira's words several times in his head. He won't give up. He will continue to do this best to become stronger, until the day he can express his feelings to Sayaka comes.

Meanwhile, Sawatari dragged Yuya before the Entermate user could call out for Yuzu. Pulled him away quite forcefully so that Yuya didn't get a chance to call out for his girlfriend.

"Yuya, let's have a Duel! I wanna show you this impressive move I developed that it'll blow your mind away!" Sawatari said, pushing Yuya into the Duel room.

"Aren't you tired? You don't want to take a rest first?" Yuya asked, quite reluctant to duel but will still do it anyway since he knew Sawatari won't budge.

"I told you, it's no biggie! Come on, let's go!" Sawatari demanded, raising his Duel Disk. When he faced Yuya, he found the the latter was staring at him. "What?"

"You seem different than usual. Did something happen at the village?" Yuya asked. Sawatari seemed to behave like he always does, but Yuya somehow felt there was something different this time.

"You see, at the village I..." Sawatari stopped. At this moment, he wanted neither sympathy nor compassion. Even if he left out some things, Yuya may catch up what he is hiding. "Nah, that's a secret. But I can tell you that I was able to cool down over there. Thanks for worrying about me."

The smile Sawatari gave caught Yuya off guard. It was very different from his usual smile. This one was so genuine and calm that Yuya almost found it unbelievable that the person in front of him is Sawatari.

"Eh...ah...sure." Yuya replied. He was shocked, wondering what actually happened that made the atmosphere around Sawatari so different.

Sawatari has no intention to condole with anyone about his experience at the village. This feeling that sprout from the depths of his heart after talking with Kamui, is his alone. He repeated his conversation that he has with Kamui in his mind with renewed resolve.

"So long as I have the words Kamui told me, I'll be fine from now on."


NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW:

The Meaning of Pride – Gongenzaka is faced with dilemma of whether to stick to his Steadfast Dueling or changing it for the sake of his friends. At the same time, Gloria and Grace are having a fallout.


Finished. I'm sorry if there are lots of errors because I had a hard time to find a moment to write this chapter. Fortunately, my brother didn't use it so often until next week, so that's how I was able to write this chapter and finished it earlier than before. I can't promise for the next one though.

I've been thinking that Sawatari hasn't gotten much development in both Bonds of Pendulum and Presage of Malevolence despite being part of the main supporting cast, so I decided to expand his growth more here. The same also goes for Sayaka and Allen who didn't do much during Heartland Arc. And after thinking much, I think they'll go well with Zira and Kamui, who, maybe some of you have noticed from small hints that I gave in the Presage of Malevolence, are having second thoughts about themselves and their purpose.

Please don't forget to review this chapter!