Separate Ways

Prolog - The Red Hat Arrives

New Domino City. An intended Utopia, and an advanced city where its residents live in luxury. Of all things people enjoy in this city, there was one thing that everyone loved: Duel Monsters. The most popular card game in the entire world. It was always like that since it was created, and has evolved drastically for many years. So far in fact, many don't even know what caused such a rapid evolution in duel monsters. This time around, a new form of dueling had been invented in the past few years. A form of dueling that deviated from the traditional dueling using mats or duel disks.

That form of dueling was... Turbo Dueling. Armed with special motorcycles known as Duel Runner, Turbo duelists duel through the road with the 'Speed World' mechanic. Most duels take place at a large stadium, like the former Kaiba Dome. Where citizens of New Domino watch heart pounding duels on wheels.

Those were the great things in New Domino City. Although... someone didn't think to highly of said Turbo Duels.

Far out into the city, in a small town in the outskirts of the city, a new resident has just finished moving in to his new home. The boy in question wore red and black jacket over a black T-shirt, tight blue jeans, and dark brown boots. What stood out about this boy was his large red hat with the Kaiba Corp symbol on it. Despite recently moving into the city. No one actually knew who he was at the moment. Despite the fact, he never really made a name for himself outside locals in his former place. Besides, being known as the 'Red Hat'.

He was currently looking though his computer and learning more about the city he was in. On of the things he was currently learning was, Turbo Duels. He already didn't like the idea of having to use a duel runner to begin said Turbo Duel. Since, he had no such vehicle and he was not going to waste time, money and energy just to build one. The rules also felt so contrive to him.

'Always activates the field spell, Speed World. Can duel other Turbo Duelists without consent, even though this feels like an irrelevant addition. Normal spells cannot be used at all, must instead use Speed Spells... Really?' He thought as he kept on reading from New Domino's websites. 'Speed Counters are generated during the standby phase for both players one at a time. You lose one speed counter if you lose multiples of 1000 LP. You can use speed counters to activate speed spells. So, like spell counter mechanic, only it's just for Turbo Duels.'

He turned off his computer, feeling as he's done enough research for the time being. He concluded that Turbo Duels weren't really meant for him. Let alone riding a motorcycle. It just wasn't his style. He was at least thankful it wasn't mandatory or else he'd try and find a way to leave the city. Then again, that would be rather stupid if the city actually did that.

He put on his boots and exited his small home. After locking the door, he began to wonder around, with his deck and duel disk by his side. One thing he wanted to do more than anything, was to duel as many opponents as possible and enter the leagues where he can begin his career as a pro. While he had chosen his path on being a professional duelist. He never actually made it to the bigger leagues. He was first focused on making sustainable income via dueling and doing other unrelated works when possible. Didn't help that many of his old decks were rendered useless because of serious mandates from the pro leagues and local tournaments. This forced him to build a deck from scratch using leftover cards from his old decks.

While he was able manage for quite some time now. Sometimes, he had to remind himself, his so-called house wasn't actually his, but rather rented from someone else. He would also have to improve his deck soon, since his current deck was just a test deck and it was incomplete at the moment.

The streets of the Downtown District were bustling with activity, something he wasn't too fond of. He preferred the quiet scenery of the outskirts of the city. Still, he paid no mind to the many citizens carrying about their business.

'Never did care for large crowds, but can't really avoid them.' He thought privately, walking towards the local card shop he could find. After all, if he was going to be buying new cards from the same place for his stay, he figured he might as well be on good terms with the guy in charge. While he found the odds very unlikely, one never knew when there might be a secret discount.

As he entered the small, one-room store, a small jingle announced his arrival, prompting a larger, bulky man to appear out from under the counter.

"Hey there, looking for anything in particular?" the man asked, smiling slightly at Red Hat.

"Not today I'm afraid. Are you the guy who runs this shop?" He replied curiously. "I figure I'd stop by and introduce myself, seeing as I'll no doubt be seeing you a lot during my time here."

"Ah, so you're one of those duelists, eh?" The man nodded, sliding several new packs into the counter before giving his full attention to the boy. "The name's Kurumizawa Rathie, and this here is my card shop."

"Just call me, Red Hat." He introduced. "Pleased to meet you..."

"Yeah," Rathie nodded. "So then Red Hat, got anything in particular you were looking for?"

Red Hat shook his head. "Not today. Was just stopping by is all. But since I'm here... why don't you go ahead and give me the rundown on just what you have."

"Well, to be honest, we're still in the middle of restocking after the King himself dropped by and cleared the place out."

Red Hat raised an eye brow. 'The king? Does he mean, Jack Atlas?' He thought. While he never actually knew of said person. He did find various posters showcasing the him around the city. So, the man in said poster was the king. "Why would he buy up so much stuff anyway?"

Rathie shrugged. "Don't know why he bothered though. He usually doesn't bother coming here."

"I see... Well then, what do you have left?" Red Hat asked.

"Just the basics I'm afraid. Monsters 101, Magic 01, and Traps 101. None of them have anything too valuable, but you might find one or two gems amongst a booster pack or two."

Red Hat closed her eyes and sighed. "Not worth the effort. While finding a niche is fun, it's not worth the effort. Practicality is what matters the most. No point in trying to prove a point if you'll eventually end up losing."

"So, you're one of those types of duelists? Funny, I haven't heard of someone say such a thing in a long time."

"What makes you say that?" Red Hat asked.

"I used to remember some duelist used to say that. He was once a former top professional duelist. Although, one day, he and his family left this city and he was never heard from again. Many don't know what happened to him."

"You don't say?" Red Hat said while thinking about said explanation. There used to be a top pro here... and he just disappeared? He guessed that he and his family moved far away. But something didn't add up. If he was a well-known pro. Then, why didn't he know about him? He would always keep track of many of the top pros and former pros from various regions, yet this one was mysterious. Why was that?

"Well then, I'll see you around." Red Hat exits the store and continues to walk around the city.

As he continued to walk along the south east side of the city. He made his way to some sea port, which feels abandoned to him. It was then that he noticed some sort of island could be seen. Just what was that island supposed to have? It didn't look too appealing of a place.

"You're curious about that island, boy?" A particular middle-aged man said to him. "I wouldn't go there if I were you."

"Why is that?" He asked. Now very curious about this so called 'cursed' island.

"That island is known as the Satellite. It's a city of ruin. That city is suffering from urban decay. It's only use is as a plant to recycle garbage from New Domino city. The residents there are scummy people or punks. Criminals roam the streets over there. Going there is not advisable." The old man explained.

"So, you say..." Red Hat then found an old motor boat and got on the ride. 'That's mighty convenient.' He thought.

"Do you have a death wish? If Sector Security finds you or find out you entered Satellite without permission, you'll be sent to the facility over there."

"I've done more foolish things in my life before." Red Hat said as he undid the rope holding down the boat. "This is not one of them. I wouldn't be doing this if I would be captured in such a place." He lied. 'In actuality, this is the most foolish thing I've done yet.'

"Then it's your funeral kid. Don't be shocked if you come back here marked. Assuming you even come back in the first place." The old man mentioned.

That saying cause Red Hat to raise an eye brow. Just what did he mean by getting mark? While he knew what the facility meant. It's just a fancy word for high security jail. He had to mentally chuckle at the thought. Him being captured? He's avoided attention for so long. So much so, rarely anyone even knows him. So, to him, this shouldn't be too difficult. Sector Security and Gang members be damn. He activated the motor and began to head to the Satellite.

What felt like hours on end, Red Hat finally made it to the Satellite to an old broken-down sea port. After he tied up the boat using the same rope he disembarked from the boat and slowly made his way to the streets of Satellite.

He took a look at his surroundings and noticed it was much worse up close. The streets were cracked and destroyed, the area was filled with collapse buildings, garbage and rubble could be see everywhere. It was a total mess of a city. This caused Red Hat to ask himself some questions. What happened to this city? Why was it like this? Why was New Domino all fancy ad new, while this place was left behind to be an absolute dump?

He shook his head and cleared up his thoughts. Now wasn't the time to be asking himself such questions. He had to traverse the area very carefully. Gangs could jump him at any time and he certainly didn't want to catch the attention of Sector Security guards. He stayed away from the open areas and stayed close to the buildings and as much cover as possible. Making sure that he always watched his own back. This place was not safe.

Wondering around the Satellite felt like exploring uncharted territory. The place was such a mess, he wondered how people live in this environment.

'I'm one to talk. I see people survive in even worse conditions before...' He thought.

He heard some screams and glass shattering nearby. He quickly took cover nearby a pile of rubble. He took a small peak from the side and noticed a few people ganging up on someone. He frowned and slowly walked by nearby cover and stayed away from the buildings. 'This is a mess. Let's not cause a scene. That could be me next.' He thought and quickly slipped past various groups of people.

After walking around to some unknown part of the city, and avoiding open areas. He took notice of a lone broken-down house in the far side of a what used to be some small town. Curiosity getting the better of him, he got closer to take a better look at the house. The front door has been broken down. The many walls had holes around them and the glass around the windows was scattered all over the place.

Walking inside the house, Red Hat became more curious. There was nothing inside this house. It was completely empty. All that could be found was dust and broken-down wood. He noticed there was still a room left. Its door was also busted down. He entered the so-called room and also found nothing. If there was nothing in this home, then why was this place even raided? Assuming it was raided in the first place. He decided to look around the room to see if he could find anything useful is anything at all.

As he was about to give up searching and leave this lone abandoned house. He found a very small, obscure hole at the far bottom right side of the closet. Following his instincts, he slowly placed his hand inside the hole and try to reach for anything he could possibly find. After reaching as far as he could, he touched something which felt like a piece of paper. Trying his best to pull it in, he made sure his arm didn't get caught with anything. After enough effort, he was able to pull out the sheet of paper. When he took a look at it. He noticed it was tapped on three of its sides. Carefully, he removed the tape and open it up. To his utter shock, it revealed to have a card and it was none other than the infamous Delinquent Duo.

'What is this broken card doing here? To think such a card like this would be hiding out here. But why? Who would throw away such a powerful card? Even if it was no longer usable in tournament play.' He thought, still mind boggled that he got such a busted card. He took a look at the paper and noticed something was written on it. It read:

'To anyone how has found this broken unbalanced card. Congrats on finding it, assuming you didn't try anything funny. If you can be trusted, take this card and pass on the torch. Hope you don't use that card too much. I never liked using it after causing some screaming in my days. Take care to whoever it may concern. ~ sincerely, some powerful duelist'

He raised an eyebrow at this. What did it mean by some powerful duelist. But why would he leave it here? This message was so vague. Who could have written such a vague message? Since he got something out of this search, he decided it was high time to leave this place. Once he was about to leave the house, he noticed something passing by. He rubbed his eyes a bit to see if he was imagining things. Shaking his head, he quickly left the abandoned house.

Once he did, he stumbled upon some little girl. The girl looked up at him and immediately began to run away. Curiosity getting the better of him, he decided to follow said little girl. Making sure he was a fair distance away so she didn't notice him following. 'What's up with her?' He decided to follow her to see where he was going. Children walking on their own is just asking for trouble.

Following her, was such a hassle. She kept moving around the city. Making her way deeper into rural planes. How were they not caught by anyone was beyond him, but he made sure not to lose her trail. It's almost like she knew, she was being followed. So, she kept on moving to avoid any possible danger. Red Hat had to give her credit. If she's this young and she is doing her best to avoid danger and is able to head outside, despite all gangs roaming around. That takes a lot of guts already.

It wouldn't take long, but he managed to follow her all the way too much deeper area of the Satellite. Making sure he was behind cover. He took notice in her appearance. She had light black hair, which covered her right eye and small portion of her hair held in the front by a skull like hair clip. She wore a brown turtleneck with grey overalls, pink socks and brown shoes.

He noticed that she sat down nearby one of the collapsed houses. Hoping not to scare her. He slowly walks over to her. "Hello..."

The girl took notice of him. She didn't know if she could trust this stranger. "Hello..." She said with a studder. She tried to back away, only for Red Hat to stay in place. "Who are you, and what's your name?" She hoped he would do anything to her.

Red Hat got closer to her and bend down to a knee so he was at her level. "My name is... just call me Red Hat."

The girl sighed in relief, knowing he wouldn't do anything to her, since he hasn't done anything yet. "Red Hat? How come? Oh, forgive me, my name is Lara." The girl, now named Lara answered. "Were you following me?"

"I had no intention of following you, but curiosity got the better of me. I couldn't help myself, since I saw you running away. May I dare ask what's wrong?" He asked softly.

Lara pondered for a moment before shaking her head. "Please don't concern yourself with me, Mr. Red Hat. Was wanting to get away and head back home."

"You live close by?"

Lara nodded. "I'm heading back to the orphanage."

"Orphanage? So, there's more kids like you over there?"

Lara nodded again. "Yeah, there's many kids that live there."

Red Hat had to process everything he's learned so far. So, many kids lived in said orphanage she just mentioned. What happened to their parents? This place wasn't really safe for kids to be wondering around alone. He had so many questions, but he had no answers. Most of this, he had no business getting involved. He already took a huge risk coming here without permission. Sneaking back won't be easy.

After he was done with his thoughts, he took a closer look at her and noticed a deck box. "You play duel monsters?"

Lara immediately grabbed her deck; think he would try and steal it from her. "Yes... This is my deck..."

Red Hat stayed put and gave her a soft look. "I wouldn't dare take away someone else's deck. I just simply asked you. Can you show me? If even just a few cards? If you don't want to, that's fine. I won't make you show me."

Lara hesitantly took out a three separate cards. Those three cards being Skull Servant, Lady in Wright, and King of the Skull Servants. "These three are my favorite cards. I found these cards laying around across the city. Many of us have to build a deck with cards we find in the street or the garbage."

'So that's what she was up to.' He thought. To his understanding, many in satellite can't afford to buy cards, let alone obtain them easily by other means. So, all their decks were being build from cards from scrap piles, which most of the time either had no value anymore, or are outdated and don't see use today at all.

"So, your deck is based on skull servants..." Red Hat took out his deck box and search through it's contents. He took out two cards and handed them over to Lara, before putting his deck away. "I want you to have these two cards."

Lara was shocked to hear this. This boy was really giving away two of his cards? She almost though this was a dream. Almost no one was this kind to her. Even if was something as simple as getting a card. A smile was now plastered on her face. She took the two cards and took a look at them. "Card Destruction and Foolish Burial?"

"If you drew a bad hand, you can use it to get a new hand, or if you drew your Skull Servants and Lady in Wights and want to discard them to make your King of the Skull Servants stronger. Foolish Burial helps set up the graveyard and you're less likely to draw into monsters you don't need or if you want them to be in the graveyard." He explained.

"How do you know so much Mr. Red Hat?" Lara asked, curious about his knowledge on duel monsters.

"Years of practice and learning, Lara." He chuckled as he lightly ruffled her hair.

He took a look at the sky and noticed the sun was starting to set, despite being hidden by all the pollution. He didn't have much time left. Going out to sea at night is asking for trouble, and he didn't want to alert Sector Security about trespassing.

He stood up and dusted himself off. "Sorry, but I have to leave."

"Why? Can't you come over to Martha's place? I'm sure she'll let you stay." Lara was practically begging him to come.

"Sorry, but I'm not from around here. I snuck in this city by my own accord. I can't afford to stay here. Please head back to your home. It's getting late. I'll come visit again at this same spot if possible. Stay safe." As he was about to run back. "Those cards... It's our private secret. Don't tell anyone you got those from me, okay?" He called out as he ran off the other direction.

Lara stood there and observed the cards he has given her. She doesn't understand him, and she probably never will. Why would he be so kind to her despite the fact they just met? Did he want something in return? But she was at least grateful that he was kind enough to hand her cards to help her out. 'Just who are you really, Mr. Red Hat?' she thought as she began to run back to her home.

In the meanwhile, Red Hat was running back to the old docks where he left his old boat. doing his best to avoid the main roads as to not get caught by security or gang members. He hoped the boat wasn't found and destroyed. Otherwise, he'd be stranded in the Satellite.

To his relief, the boat was still there untouched. He quickly got on the boat and removed the rope holding the boat. He took a look at the horizon and notice the sun was about to set. He had to hurry as the sound of the motor will attract unwanted attention. Turning on the motor, he quickly left the Satellite.

While extremely lucky, he was able to make back to New Domino city. He still had to question, why someone would leave an old motor boat here? Unless it was meant for fishing, which he didn't believe was possible in this area. He hoped he wasn't caught or was reported in some way. Just to be safe, he ran off and made sure to stay away from the main roads of the city. The less anyone knew of his actions the better. One thing was certain, he would have to be more careful next time he wanted to head to the Satellite. Curiosity would be the end of him if he was reckless.

Finally, after spending hours upon hours roaming New Domino and its Satellite nierbor, Red Hat returned home. He set his boots by the door, and sat down on his bed. It's been a long day and he was left with more questions hen answers. Hoping that he would get some answers in the future. He lied down on his bed and decided to not think about it at the moment.

Although, he was sleeping rather peacefully. His thoughts continued to linger on that young girl he met back in the Satellite. What he didn't actually know, his encounter would lead him on a drastically different path then he realized.

A/N: I originally didn't intend on making a 5Ds fanfiction, but after giving it some thought. I don't have to follow the same ideas many people are prone to doing. This story is a very loose adaptation of 5Ds Tag Force with references to my other works. Take note it's just references and not much else. You can consider this stand alone.

Turbo Duels will play a very minor role. Turbo Dueling I never really liked, because of how restrictive the format is. However, since that's a 5Ds staple, I'll have to incorporate it in some way or another, just not in a traditional sense.

I didn't want to repeat the same idea. So, this story if you couldn't already tell will have very little to do with the main 5Ds cast. The focus will be on Tag Force characters and The Red Hat. The main plots of 5Ds will be mostly background details, but doesn't mean trouble won't come to Red Hat. More on that later on.

See you all next time.