Duel Monastery - Heartland City - Xyz Dimension
"We made it…" An out of breath Allen mumbled as the last of the group made it to the top of the stairs, seeing the building holding the refugees. "We actually did it! We escaped Acaddmia's prison!"
Sayaka gave a light nod, a small smile contrasting with Allen's shiteating grin. "We wouldn't have gotten away if it wasn't for Serena's quick thinking."
A light blush appeared on Serena's cheeks. Embarrassed, the indigo-haired girl looked down, trying to hide the red on her face.
"That's true." Yuto said, a small smirk on his face as he glanced at Serena's reaction. He frowned as his gaze ran over a particular person in the group. "And, we wouldn't have gotten out if it weren't for you too, Kaito…"
Kaito, who had until now been glaring down at the ground as they walked, raised his head. His gaze softened, hearing his friend's words.
"Hmph. Do not consider this me rejoining the Lancers." Kaito stated, choosing not to look any of his friends in the eye. "I simply decided to help you all out on a whim…nothing more, nothing less."
"Hey, you asshole! Yuto and the others really-"
Ruri moved an arm in front of Yugo, silencing his outburst. Her lips curled into a smile as she looked at Kaito, as did her other friends.
Kaito was acting somewhat like his old self again. He would act like he didn't care about his friends whenever he helped them out, when in reality he cared very much. This case was no different. It seemed the old Kaito had come back…at least a little bit.
Yes, it was true that there were still scars from his abandonment and subsequent fights…but forgiveness would come with time. Ruri knew each of her friends would be waiting for that time to come.
Even Shun, though he wouldn't admit it, missed Kaito. He would forgive the Duelist in the event he apologized for his actions.
There was only one to know for sure.
No matter what, they will return Kaito's family to normal…
Later - Inside the Monastery
"Never thought I'd be glad to see this place again." Allen spoke aloud.
"I disagree." Yuto replied, "Seeing that the Monastery still stands shows Me that there is still a fighting chance. It shows me that there is still people fighting Academia…"
Shun smirked with amusement. "Of course you had to make it like that. Regardless, I agree, moreso now that we have gotten a true victory over Academia."
O'Brien grumbled lightly, not heard by most of the group except for Ryoga, who glanced at him with a concerned stare.
His friend clearly seemed to be in very deep thought. Especially ever since the situation that had occurred during their escape where he had frozen up on the spot. This was something he'd have to talk about later in private. Unfortunately, none of the Lancers were that close to each other, with few exceptions. O'Brien was not one of those exceptions. None of their comrades actually knew that much about him.
Out of everyone, Ryoga himself was the one who spent the most time with O'Brien. He had felt that he would be able to get through to the Volcanic Duelist the best out of anyone there.
"Yuto!" A voice cried out.
The group watched as Yuto's body was completely covered by the three bodies of his family, consisting of his mother and his two brothers.
"Ryuji! Hoshi! Mother!" Yuto cried out, returning the hug with equal yet delicate force.
"We were worried about you, Yuto-nii!" Yuto could feel the lips of his brother moving across his shirt.
The Lancers and Resistance members looked in with happy expressions seeing the reunion. For most of the Resistance members, Kaito especially, it was bittersweet, as they had lost their families. Nonetheless, they were glad that Yuto still had his.
As Yuto was practically dragged by his family further into the building, the others followed suit with the exception of Sayaka.
Ruri, who had been walking with the group, noticed the girl's stiff posture and turned back.
"Sayaka?" The girl in glasses practically jumped from fright. She looked to her friend, an expression of guilt and embarrassment immediately forming as she moved her gaze to the ground. She began to walk forward. "Sayaka? Is everything okay?"
The Fairy user stopped, refusing to utter even a single word.
"Sayaka!" Ruri repeated, raising her voice.
Sayaka raised her head, her eyes wide out of some unidentifiable emotion.
Okay, that does it… Ruri thought to herself.
"Sayaka…" She spoke, this time with a softer, more kind tone. "You have been acting strange ever since I came back. What's going on?"
"I…" She started, her lip quivering, as if she was considering something. "I don't know!"
"Don't lie to me." Ruri said, her voice as soothing as it always was. "I know that you are shouldering something. It's not always
good to shoulder something by yourself. Sometimes you just need a helping hand to keep something up."
"..."
"There is no need to be scared. Tell me, what's wrong?" She questioned her friend with concern.
"..."
"Is this about what you said during the Duel between Kaito and my brother?" Ruri asked, seeing Sayaka's visible flinch to confirm her suspicions. "You still feel guilty about what happened the night I was kidnapped…"
"Yes!" Sayaka suddenly blurted out, startling Ruri. "I should have done something! I just stood there and watched as that Academia Duelist beat you and took you away from us! If I helped you, you wouldn't have been taken away! Yuto, Shun, and the others would not have had to go to the Standard Dimension, and Kaito wouldn't have lost his family! Everything that has happened thus far has been my fault! I've been a complete burden to the-"
SMACK!
Sayaka gasped as she felt a sharp pain throb on her left cheek. Her glasses slid down her nose slightly, recoiling from the blow. Sayaka ran her hand, wincing as she touched the area Ruri had slapped.
Ruri released a frustrated sigh, anger evident on her face.
"You better not finish that sentence! Because you talking about yourself in such a way angers me more than your inability to act ever will!"
Sayaka widened her eyes at the words. She slowly turned her head, meeting Ruri's glare and practically shrinking under it.
"At that moment, did I want someone to come and help me? Yes. When I was fighting for my life against that Academia Duelist, I wanted nothing more than for Shun or Yuto to come and save me! However, looking back, I am glad that no one came to help me, especially you, my best friend!"
"What do you…"
"That Duelist…" Ruri's lip quivered, her hands trembling. "Even if another person helped me, there was no guarantee that they would have saved me. Compared to other Duelists I have faced at Academia, that guy was on a whole other level. I don't even know if Yuto, Kaito, or my brother could take him on alone! And if you insist on taking blame for not having the courage to help me despite all of my words, then at least promise me that next time things will be different! We must become stronger. We must become better. We must!"
Ruri began gasping, the volume at which she had said those words and the heart and soul she was putting into her attempt at making sure Sayaka did not hate herself for what happened beginning to take its toll.
"But Ruri, I…"
"Please." Ruri interrupted her again netween pants. "Let me finish."
Sayaka remained silent in response giving Ruri permission to continue.
"I never blamed you for what happened. If anything, I blame myself for being too weak to defend myself. If you blame yourself, them please at least recognize part of it was my fault as well." Ruri said, placing her hands on her friend's shoulders. "And if we both are to blame for this, then we must become stronger. Stronger so that we can become better. So please, Sayaka, move forward with me…to become better versions of ourselves!"
Tears appeared in Sayaka's eyes. It now felt like a weight was lifted from her shoulders. Completely overwhelmed with emotion, Sayaka wrapped her arms around Ruri's back, bringing her to her body in a tight hug.
Ruri, despite being shocked by the display of affection, smiled and returned the hug. The two stood outside the Monastery for a couple of minutes in silence. They let their guilt and self-hatred wash over each other.
Sayaka sniffed, glad that she now did not have to worry about what her best friend now thought of her. She didn't have to worry anymore. And now, she could move forward…to become better…
"Thank you…"
Meanwhile
O'Brien stared down despondently at his Duel Disk. It was a very special Duel Disk, not like any other. After all, not many Duel Disks could turn into a gun.
It was a gift from his father…before he was turned into a Card.
Father…Mother…
"Hound Dogs, sick 'em!"
"AHH!"
"O'Brien…"
"O'Brien, what are you doing?!"
"O'Brien!"
"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING, MAN?!"
"O'Brien, are you alright?"
"Penny for your thoughts?"
O'Brien gasped, breaking out of the storm of thoughts about past events raging in his mind. He looked up to see Ryoga standing in front of him, hands in pockets.
The tentacle-haired man looked relatively calm at first glance, but look deeper and one could see anger and a hunger for knowledge.
He wanted to know about what happened…is what O'Brien thought to himself.
"You don't even have any money…" O'Brien mumbled, looking at Ryoga but not truly seeing him.
"True enough." He said with a shrug, moving to the wall and sliding down it, taking a seat next to him. "But still, something is wrong with you. What's on your mind?"
"Nothing." O'Brien replied almost too quickly.
"Bullshit." Ryoga glared, his patience growing thinner with his friend. "You know as well as I want I'm talking about. Out on the field, you completely froze up. Now, normally I wouldn't mind something like that, but it happened at the worst of times. Both Allen and my sister were put in danger because you froze up. I want to make sure something like that doesn't happen again. So, tell me why you froze up or I'll make you! You may be my friend, but I can't have someone risking the lives of the people closest to me. So, spill it!"
O'Brien sighed, contemplating for moments.
Moments of silence passed by as no sound came out of the two. The only thing that could be heard were the sounds of nearby refugees.
And then, as soon as Ryoga was about to make another outburst, O'Brien opened up.
"I didn't mean to put Allen and Rio in danger." He confessed, placing his face in his hands. "It's just…that sight of both of them down on the ground like that…reminded me of something that happened a long time ago…"
"Want to talk about it?" Ryoga asked.
"Not really…" O'Brien sighed, "But I guess my problems won't get fixed just by staying silent about it."
"I'm all ears."
O'Brien sighed again. He didn't know what Ryoga would think of him after he told him about the darkness in his heart.
"I've mentioned my parents before. You should know a bit about them for this story."
Ryoga gave a nod, allowing O'Brien to continue.
"My father used to be a mercenary. Though he stopped after he and my mother had me, he would take me out into the forest to train my senses. We would spend hours of the day in the forest. Training. Honing my skills. My father always gave me good advice. He told me that whenever I came across a hard decision, he told me to clear my mind and evaluate the situation." O'Brien said, closing his eyes in reminiscence. "He was a very strict and closed off man, but I knew he cared about me and my mother more than anything else. He's actually the one who helped me figure out how to use my Volcanic Deck. He used to Duel on the side, and he passed down his Deck to me."
Ryoga blinked out of surprise. He always figured O'Brien made the Deck himself as most Duelists do. He didn't know that it was a gift from his father.
"I see…but what does this have to do with-"
"I'll get there." O'Brien interrupted with a rare rudeness in his tone, though his eyes held an immediate apology as he spoke. "After our training sessions, my father and I would go back to meet up with my mother. She wasn't physically strong like my dad, but emotionally she was like a volcano…ready to erupt at a moment's notice…but when dormant, very peaceful and beautiful. She was always very kind and loving. The two of them were different as far as parents went, but they made it work. And I loved them both…"
Ryoga narrowed his eyes as he glanced at O'Brien's hands, which were now beginning to tremble. This didn't seem like it was going in a good direction.
"One day, we were leaving the forest in our truck when we got into an accident."
"Shit…" Ryoga cursed under his breath in horror.
"When I came to, I was outside of the truck on the ground. I guess during the crash I fell out. My parents were still in the car, both alive, but unconscious. That wouldn't have been so terrible…if our wasn't leaking gasoline from the crash while a fire was nearby." O'Brien glanced at the Water user, who had remained silent.
He took his Deck out of his Duel Disk, spreading the Cards out and examining two Cards in particular.
Volcanic Doomfire and Volcanic Queen…to him the personification of his father and mother respectively…had they been turned into a Duel Monsters Card.
"I was forced into a situation where I had to choose…save one of my parents…and forsake the other."
"An impossible choice…" Ryoga mumbled to himself, knowing how such a traumatic event would have affected him. He could now understand why O'Brien had froze up during the mission. "So, what'd you do then?"
An uncomfortable silence filled the air between the two as the gravity of O'Brien's answer settled, so much so that Ryoga knew the answer before the Vocanic Duelist even opened his mouth.
"Nothing. I just…stood there. I couldn't make a decision. One moment I would decide on my father, the next my mother, the next I would try and think of a way to save both of them. But, in the end, I was too much of a coward and i just stood there as the fire spread…"
"But your parents survived?" Ryoga enquired, knowing that they hadn't met their end until later on…in the confines of a Card.
O'Brien nodded. "My father awakened at the last moment and got my mother and I out of there. Unlike me…he was not had the frame of mind and courage to act in the heat of a life-and-death situation with no fear at all. Our family remained intact that day…but those moments where I thought my father wouldn't wake up…and I would have to choose between one of my parents…they completely broke me."
"I understand." Ryoga hummed with sympathy. He frowned, "But now, more than anything…you have to look past your fear. You said something about your father…about how he had courage and had no fear. That's completely contradictory. I bet your father was scared when he realized what he was going on, but he had the courage to act. Courage is not the absence of fear…no, it's the ability to do what matters most even when all of your fears are staring back at you."
O'Brien widened his eyes at the reevaluation of the virtue. Courage didn't mean not having fear? Then…his father had fears? And yet…he pushed them all to the side to do what mattered most…
Protecting his family…
"Man, I'm tired." Ryoga let out a yawn, rising to his feet. As he was about to leave, he turned back and left O'Brien with one more thing, "Remember the next time you're in a difficult situation, you're not that helpless little boy anymore. You've saved the lives of so many of us in the Lancers despite the odds being against you. Clear your mind and act…and next time…be better."
O'Brien closed his eyes as Ryoga's final words sank in. Once more, he drowned into his own thoughts, his surroundings becoming muffled. He didn't even notice that Ryoga had walked away.
He had a lot to think about now…
Later - In the Meeting Room
The Lancers and Resistance members all walked into the small room, taking their seats along the ground.
As Yuya was about to sit, he felt a hand grasp his shoulder. He turned and saw Allen glaring at him…though this glare didn't seem to be born out of malice lIke the previous ones.
"Allen, what's up?" He asked the Train user, to which the latter removed his gaze, looking off to the side awkwardly.
"A-About earlier…when you risked your freedom to save me…"
At the blank stare he was getting, Allen sighed. This guy was not making things very easy for him…
"While we were escaping, and Rio and I got knocked down." He supplied, getting an 'ahh' of recognition. Satisfied, he continued, "I saw how you risked your life to come back for me when I was down. That's not something a coward would do…quite the opposite actually."
"Allen…"
The usually confident and cocky boy shifted uncomfortably, scratching the back of his head.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is…thank you. And…I'm sorry for the way I've treated you since you've got here."
Yuya raised his brow in surprise. Allen seemed like a very prideful person. He didn't expect an apology out of someone like him…especially with how dead set dead set was on the notion that he was a coward.
"D-Don't worry about it!" Now, Yuya was the one stuttering, caught off guard by Allen's actions. "I never held it against you."
Allen raised his right hand, and it was then that Yuya noticed that the boy was holding onto two red and black boots. He could recall what they were. When Allen went off to find Sayaka, Solid Vision wheels appeared from them. They were sort of like roller skates, and they seemed like a great way of moving fast.
But then why…?
"I want you to take these." Allen stated.
Yuya gasped out of shock. "Allen! But I can't-"
"Please. I want you to take them. They are my feelings. We're comrades, no? Are you telling me you're rejecting the feelings of your comrade?" Allen retorted with a sly smirk.
As this exchange occurred, the people in the room who knew Allen prior to the war looked in surprise…yet also pride.
Of course, they were proud of the fact that Allen was maturing, and he made the steps to apologize for his mistakes. However, that paled in comparison to their shock in Allen offering up his precious boots.
Allen loved those things. He would almost never be seen not wearing them, and that sentiment only increased once the war started.
"Accept it, Yuya." Shun, who had remained silent until this point, decided to be the one of Allen's friends to speak their mind. "Those boots were given to Allen by his family, and now he wants to pass them onto you as a sign of good will. It would be rude not to accept them…especially with how treasured those boots are to him. If he is willing to part with them, then I believe you should take them."
"Kurosaki…" Yuya whispered, now touched at Allen's actions now that Shun had clarified everything. He closed his eyes, a smile making its way to his lips. He gazed at Allen, grasping the boots with his own hands. The other boy's eyes lit up, seeing that his gift was gratefully accepted. "Thank you, Allen. I will not let these go to waste!"
"I'm sure you won't." Allen replied.
"Hehehe…"
Allen frowned, glancing at the source of the voice. "Huh? Just what's so funny, Sayaka?"
"Oh nothing!" Sayaka mumbled quickly, running her hand over mouth as to stifle her laughter. Then, through a muffled voice, she said, "I'm just very proud of you, Allen. You've really grown."
"Hmph." Kaito uncharacteristically smirked, and for just a moment Sayaka could see the old him shining through. "That's true. The old Allen would have never apologized in such a way to those not familiar to him, and he certainly wouldn't have given up his boots."
"He's not as much of an idiot anymore, either." Ryoga spoke up with a grin.
"Still pretty stupid though." Rio quipped immediately after, crossing her arms.
"Ahh, shut it! All of you!" Allen yelled, stamping hid foot on the ground. "Nobody asked you!"
Yuto and Ruri couldn't contain their laughter at the exchange. This was how it used to be…the banter…the jokes…everything. For a moment, it seemed like everything was back to normal.
But that normal was gone now. And right now, they had to discuss their next steps in the fight against the people who destroyed that normalcy.
"As nice as this is," Kaiser spoke up stoically, "We've got work to do. Academia is sure to hit us back hard the next time. Taking down that prison will only make them angry."
Serena hummed in agreement.
"We must make our next move." Gongenzaka stated. "Surely as we speak Academia is gearing up for a retaliation."
"I agree with Gongenzaka." O'Brien spoke, gaining the attention of all in the room. He paused, letting thoughts run through his head. Whatever he was about to say, it seemed like he was thinking very hard about it. "And I would like to bring up something. Don't you think it was a little easy how we escaped Academia lIke that?"
"Huh? Of course not!" Yugo retorted without thinking. "Me and the other two were kicking their asses seven ways to next week! Of course it was a little easy!"
"I understand. But I still feel as if it was…too easy…"
"You think Academia let us get away?" Yuto chimed in, figuring out what O'Brien was implying.
Shun widened his eyes. "Then you think…"
"That they somehow placed a tracker on us? Yes."
A panicked air filled the atmosphere as the possibility dawned on everyone's minds. They didn't even consider that fact. Academia had outsmarted them once again…
"Shit!" Ryoga cursed. "I should have suspected something when they gave up chasing us so easily!"
"Bear in mind, this is only a hunch of mine." O'Brien stated. "I'm not sure if they do have a tracker on us. What I am suggesting is that we search everywhere. Our bodies, clothes, Cards, Duel Disks…any place it would be easy to hide a tracker in. Furthermore, I believe we should have precautionary measures in case Academia does attack. An emergency escape route, if you will."
"Good idea." Rio approved with a nod, rising to her feet. "We should get to work on that right away."
"There is something else we have to discuss." Ryo said aloud. "We can't keep the fight against Academia in Heartland going on for much longer. The Resistance is on its last legs as it Is. Quite frankly, it's a miracle it hasn't been wiped out yet."
"Hey, don't-"
"It's fine, Allen." Ryoga interjected. "He doesn't mean any harm. He's just speaking what he believes is correct."
Ryo gave the Shark user a stiff nod of gratitude. Continuing, he said, "Soon, we need to find a way to bring the fight to their home, just like they did to Heartland."
"You are saying, take the fight to the Fusion Dimension?" Sawatari questioned with raised eyebrows. "Now, that's ballsy. Even by my standards."
"I never thought I'd be saying this, but I agree with Sawatari." Gongenzaka stated, earning a glare from the Abyss Actor users which he ignored. "If we're struggling to fend off a fraction of Academia's forces here, then we don't possibly stand a chance at their home base."
"Perhaps. Good thing it's not just us." Ryo said, earning glances of interest. The Cyber Dragon gazed at Yuya, who stiffened at the realization.
"Don't tell me…my dad-"
"Yes." Ryo finished the Entermate user's train of thought. "Your father, Sakaki Yusho, has amassed a group of defected Academia students. They've been hiding in a discrete location, building slowly in numbers so they can soon launch an attack against Academia and put an end to Akaba Leo's plans."
Yuya couldn't stop the smile from growing on his face.
Dad…
He was still fighting. He wasn't a coward. He always knew it. Even if the darker part of him disagreed. He always knew that his father didn't run away from things…especially people in need.
"If we go to Academia, then that means…" Yugo trailed off, going deathly silent. His eyes widened with a ghostly glaze, his mind seemingly drifting away.
Yuya snapped out of his own thoughts, looking at his Synchro counterpart with concern. He had a feeling he knew what he was thinking about.
"Very well. Then it is settled." Kaito spoke, having been deathly silent until now. "Soon, we will find a way to get to the Fusion Dimension, recruit Yusho-sensei, and take down Akaba Leo once and for all. With this, we'll be able to save all our friends and fallen comrades…"
Ryo frowned, looking to the ground. As much as he wanted to be optimistic, he wasn't sure if Sho would come back now. After all, his Card had been torn in two. There's a chance ripping someone's Card meant the equivalent of death.
Sho…Forgive me…your big brother might not be able to save you after all…
"I think we all earned some sort of a break." Ruri spoke up. "We've all been through a lot, so let's take a couple of hours to recuperate before planning our next move."
Needless to say, everyone was in total agreement.
Later
Yugo sighed, sifting through his Deck of Cards and glancing at a bunch of poorly organized Cards laid out in front of him. It seemed like they were going to make a big move on Academia soon. That meant that he had to be at his best.
Maybe only one copy of Speedraw would work better. He thought to himself as he removed a second copy from his Deck and placing it in the pile of scattered Cards. After all, it's pretty much useless late in the game…
For a couple of minutes he kept going through his Deck, taking out and adding different Cards. Consistently, he second guessed each of his changes, afraid that one removal of a Card would be the difference between him losing and winning. He hadn't felt this nervous in a long time…
"Are you okay, Yugo?" A voice asked.
Yugo practically screeched out of fear, jumping from his place on the floor. He looked to the source of the voice with alarm and saw Yuya giving him an apologetic and embarrassed stare.
"Sorry about that!" He motioned with hands apologetically. "I didn't mean to get you so riled up. You've just seemed…off recently."
Yugo moved his lips to speak, but found no words coming out. He looked away, ashamed. All this time, and he still didn't say what he should have said the moment he saw him again back in the Synchro Dimension.
"Y-Yuya…About what happened in the Standard Dimension…" He looked down, feeling a dam breaking within himself as a well of emotions came bursting through. The guilt and self-hate had never hit him so hard until now…seeing the person whose life He had ruined.
Yuya held up a hand. "You don't have to apologize for-"
"Stop!" Yugo yelled abruptly, though it sounded more pathetic and weak than demanding. "Please…just let me say what I have to say…"
"I…" Yuya trailed off and sighed. He could tell that Yugo really needed to get this out of his system. "Yea…go ahead."
"Back in the Standard Dimension…" Yugo bundled his Cards together and put them away. He looked at Yuya, finally mustering the courage to look his counterpart in the eyes. "I wrongfully accused you for doing something that you didn't do. I brought you further into something you weren't involved in…and I completely put you through so much shit without even a second thought. Yuya, I…I killed you…"
Yugo paused, as hearing his own words coming from lips made him realize even more just how foolish he was. All this time, he spent searching for Rin…he didn't see how obsessed he was. It…consumed him.
"You were a part of Yuto for days…not being able to move on your own…the only person you'd be able to talk to what the person who harbored your spirit. And I put you in that Hell. The Hell of watching as the people you care about suffer…but you can't do anything about it. Just the sound of it…it's not something I would wish on my worst enemy, much less you…"
Yugo took a deep breath as he felt his vision blurring. He wiped his eyes quickly, trying not to be seen in such a pathetic state.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is…I'm sorry! I'm sorry…" He stuttered, completely overwhelmed by his emotions as the tears streamed down his face.
Yuya sat there for a good minute in silence. The only thing that could be heard were The sobs Yugo was letting out.
The Entermate user sighed. When he was first latched onto Yuto's body as a spirit, he wanted nothing more than to hate Yugo. But for some reason, he found that he never could. Perhaps he saw some of himself in Yugo…or maybe some other reason. Now, knowing his story, what he's been through…he hates himself for even wanting to hate him.
Just lIke him…Yugo was a victim. Just like the citizens of Heartland, Yugo was an undeserving bystander who got caught in the middle of the war…and he paid for it.
And he knew damn well that if the situation was reversed…if Yuzu was kidnapped by a person who had the same face as him…he would have reached the same way.
That was what he and Yugo had in common…perhaps Yuto as well. When it came to the people they cared about, they could become very irrational. And that irrationality could cause shit like what happened in Standard to happen.
With all that in mind, Yuya placed a tight grip on Yugo's shoulder, causing the boy to flinch. Yuya felt bad just from seeing it. There was more to him that met the eye…
"I forgive you…"
Yugo's crying ceased as the words rang through his ears. A smile creeped up on his face. Finally…he could be free of this guilt. While he still had to face what he had done…
He could move on…strive to be a better person. For Yuya…and for Rin.
"Thank you, Yuya." He said with gratitude.
"We're not done." The tomato-haired boy spoke insistently. "I know you're thinking about something else. And I think you know that I know what you're thinking about…"
"It's Rin, isn't it?" A familiar voice questioned. The two boys turned to see Yuto taking a seat next to then.
Three boys with the same face. All from different backgrounds…now just sitting down and…talking.
"Am I that easy to read?" Yugo asked with a snort, a stuffed sound coming from his nose from all of the crying. Fortunately, his emotional outburst had ceased, and his eyes were becoming slightly less red now.
"Oh please, Yugo. You're not the only one." Yuto said with a smile. "When it comes to Ruri, I am like an open book. It's only natural to be so open when it involves the people you care about…" The Xyz Duelist then frowned. "I take it this is about your Duel back in the Synchro Dimension…and the possibility that you will have to face her again?"
"Not a possibility." Yugo replied. "Whether I like it or not, it is happening. I don't know why…but I just have that feeling. It's just…after what happened the last time I faced her, I don't know if I am strong enough. Even before all of this stuff, whenever we Dueled, she won most of the time. Truthfully, I could never really get around her ruthless playstyle. And now, she's even more ruthless."
"I understand how weak you must feel. From what I remember, I believe Ruri was brainwashed by Academia as well."
"What?" Yugo gasped. He turned to Yuya, who did not seem fazed in the slightest. "This is news to me! But, she seems fine!"
"Yes." Yuto nodded. "Truthfully, I don't remember much of that Duel. I believe that unknown darkness took over at some point for the rest of the Duel. And at some point, whatever was brainwashing Ruri…was destroyed."
"So you're saying that I can free Rin. That weird thing that possesses us can really-"
"No!" Yuya shouted, startling the two counterparts. "Just because this darkness is beneficial for one specific thing doesn't mean we should rely on it. After all, who knows who could get hurt if we lose ourselves to it again."
Yugo nodded, ashamed at even thinking of such a thing. And after he made that stand against that weird voice too when he was facing off against Sergey in the Friendship Cup.
"Yugo." Yuto said, gaining the attention of his counterpart. "Don't worry about facing Rin. You are strong enough to subdue her. I know that. After all, we did face each other twice. Though, I did beat you the second time…"
"Huh?!" Yugo whipped around with a tick mark on his forehead. "Just so you know our score isn't settled, Yuto! Once this war is over, I'm coming for that throne!"
Seeing the smile that had grown on Yuto's face at the challenge, Yugo found one growing on his own as well.
"I'm excited for that day to come." Yuto answered back with a challenging glance. "Don't think you can take Dark Rebellion and I down that easily."
"Please! Next time, me and Clear Wing will rip ya a new one!" Yugo proclaimed, raising his fist in the air. The Speedroid user then turned to Yuya, jabbing his finger on his chest, his finger colliding with his pendulum pendant. "And you, after the war I want to have a rematch! I'm not counting our last Duel, considering…"
Yuya smiled, moving Yugo's arm. "I understand. Actually, I feel the same way!"
For the next hour, the three dimensional counterparts exchanged banter both each other. Whether it was making challenging remarks or joking around with each, the three interacted quite well.
Unbeknownst to them, Yuya's pendant had elicited a very dim glow. Also, in Yugo's Duel Disk, his Deck was glowing with an identical color.
Soon enough, they all began to reminisce about how things used to be before the war…and what their plans are after everything is settled.
"After the war, huh?" Yugo mused, looking up briefly in wonder. He grinned as the idea quickly came, "Become King of course. I'm gonna take that title, and I'm going to create a society so no one has to grow up poor, starving, and abandoned."
Yuto and Yuya both smiled. They both admired Yugo deeply for his goal and his desire. Knowing how persistent he is, they had no doubt that one day he would accomplish his goal.
"Well, what about you guys?" Yugo asked.
Yuya's smile faded. With a deep frown, he spoke.
"I used to know what I wanted to do. Before all of this, I wanted to be a full-time Entertainment Duelist and continue on the path of making everyone smile." Yuya said, reminiscing of the old times at You Show Duel School before the war had plagued their lives. "But now…after everything that has happened…I just don't know what to do. A part of me wants to still follow the ideals my father taught me…but at the same time…"
He stopped, giving a terse pause. He didn't know how to continue, nor did he want to. Sensing this, Yuto spoke up.
"I don't know. I've never really thought about stuff like that before…" He looked to the ground in deep thought. "I do know one thing…I want to rebuild Heartland…better than she was before. And I want to fight so people can keep hope in their hearts…even in the darkest of times."
"Heh." Yuya chuckled. "I suppose we're still finding our paths, huh?"
Yuto and Yugo silently agreed. An awkward silence passed over the trio.
Suddenly, a smile spread across Yuto's lips.
"In that case, allow me to help you on yours, Yuya." Yuto reached for his Deck, holding it out and shifting through all of his Cards, scanning for two particular ones.
Come on…where is it? Yuto thought to himself. His eyes twinkled as he saw it. There!
He removed the two Cards from his Deck, handing them over to Yuya. "I believe these two Cards fit much better with you than they ever would with me."
"Yuto, I can't take-"
"Please. I insist. I have an alternative to these." Yuto assured his counterpart with a smile. "This is no different than when Allen gave you his boots. These are my feelings. Please accept them. After all, you did leave Entermate Curtain Switcher in my possession."
Yuya did not reply. He knew what Yuto was saying was true. Although he did not like it, he accepted the two Cards Yuto was offering him.
"Thank you, Yuto." Yuya bowed his head towards the Xyz Duelist slightly. He glanced down at the two Cards…
Tuning Magician and Enlightenment Paladin…
?
"Attack directly, Odd-Eyes Dragon!" A voice declared as a torrent of flames erupted from the dragon's mouth, destroying the opposing Monster.
"GAAAHHH!" The opponent cried out, tumbling backwards onto the ground, his Life Points dropping to 0.
Another easy Duel. Another easy win.
The victor of the Duelist looked to his glorious Monster. His lips set themselves into a wide grin, his teeth gleaming with enthusiasm.
"You did good, Odd-Eyes." The boy said with an approving nod.
He chuckled, hearing an adoring huff in response.
"Okay, okay! I'm sorry I Summoned you so late!" The boy replied, understanding what the dragon spirit was conveying. Moments passed as he deadpanned, "Of course you're not my least favorite…"
Another roar came in response.
"Venom is just teasing. You know how he is."
"Hey, that kid is talking to himself…" A voice whispered with fear. Murmurs rumbled throughout the small crowd of students that had gathered around in the playground.
"Don't say anything! He'll look!"
"So this is the 'special' kid? The crazy one?"
The boy blinked at the comments. He gave the surrounding group of people a cheery grin.
"Sorry about that, I'm just talking to my Odd-Eyes!"
"Heh?! Talking to your Monster?! I knew you were weird but this takes it to a whole new level!" One voice in the crowd laughed.
The boy grimaced at the insult. He looked over to his opponent, who had been writing in a bit of pain as his arm had stung from falling.
Concerned, he ran over to the boy, holding out his hand. "Hey, are you alright?!"
The loser of the Duel looked up, seeing the white-haired boy. He let out a scream, smacking the hand away forcefully.
"Stay away from me!" The kid cried out, crawling backwards, seemingly forgetting about the slight pain in his arm. "Y-You freak!"
The boy got up and ran, causing some boys and girls in the crowd to chase after him out of concern. The few who did stay scowled at the white-haired victor. They jeered, throwing insults at him.
"Haha! Don't you know? Little crazy monsters like you can't be accepted by other people!"
"Yeah! You're always going to be alone!"
"Freak!"
The user of Odd-Eyes stood and felt the insults pelt at him, each one feeling like an arrow to the heart.
Tears came to his eyes, falling down his cheeks. His hands trembled from frustration. It was always like this!
Why did they hate him so much?! Why?! Was something wrong with him? He thought it was normal to be able to talk to your Cards.
"Mommy and Daddy said it was a gift…" The 5-year-old boy whimpered. "This isn't a gift! It's a curse! I hate it! I wish I wasn't born like this!"
He could feel the aching emotions and wails of his four companions stirring up within him. He felt sad and guilty for them. He truly did. They did not deserve to be stuck with a weirdo like him. They deserved to be with someone better. Someone more…normal.
"I don't think what you have is a curse."
The white-haired boy's cries ceased. He looked to the source, seeing a boy who looked about his age with raven-colored hair and eyes.
The kid wore a simple black shirt with a green, red, and white square adorning the front. He also had abnormally long pants that made him look very goofy.
Behind him was a girl with maroon hair tied up in a ponytail, also someone who looked about his age. She wore a simple blue dress that stopped at her knees. She wore an irritated expression on her face, as if she was dragged over against her will. Needless to say, it was clear that she was with the other boy.
"You…You don't think I'm weird?" The white-haired boy asked, staring at the two confuzzled.
"Oh gosh!" The girl facepalmed. "I told you this would be a waste of time! Look at the stupid way he's looking at us!"
"Be nice." The boy chided lightly, giving the girl a sly grin. "You don't want me to tell on you~."
The girl blushed in response, shutting her mouth on the spot.
The black-haired boy chuckled, returning to what he was about to say.
"Yea, we don't think you're weird. At least, I don't. Plus, you seem really strong! And that Odd-Eyes Dragon of yours looks so cool~!" The boy's eyes gleamed with excitement, so much so that a drop of snot rolled out of his nose. He wiped it quickly, his gaze not losing its luster as he took a drastic step toward the white-haired boy, who flinched, trying to step away, only for his shoulders to be grasped.
"Hey-!"
"Please, Duel me!" The boy requested, though with the way he had said it it sounded more like a demand than a request.
The white-haired boy was very glad that he was suddenly getting attention…positive attention at least. But he still couldn't help but feel wary.
Everyone hated him or didn't care. They found him weird for something that was completely normal to him. He had always thought that talking to Duel Monsters was something everyone could do. But he guessed he was wrong.
"W-Why do you want to Duel me?!"
Four spirits appeared beside the white-haired boy. The powerful forms of four dragons appeared, taking their place next to their master rather protectively, seething and howling at the boy who dared to threaten him.
The girl squeaked, chills running up her spine as she took a step back.
"Oh my-" She started.
"-gosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh!" The boy practically screamed at the top of his lungs. Though, it wasn't out of fear like expected. In fact, if anything, the boy had seemed more excited than before. "All of those guys look sooooooo cooooool~! I would be jealous if my Monsters weren't even cooler!"
The owner of the four dragons blinked multiple times, trying to process what he had heard.
"Your Monsters? Those guys…" He looked around to see his four dragons huddled around giving the look of death at the person holding him. His skin ran white, "Nononononono! Hold on guys, it's fine, he won't hurt me!"
That didn't seem to calm the dragons at all. They seemed just as angry as before. The girl seemed even more scared now, but even looking at them the black-haired boy didn't even seem…
Wait, what?
It suddenly all clicked into his place for his like a random key in box of keys finally being the right fit for the lock.
His eyes practically bulged as he made the realization.
"Y-Y-Y-You can see them?!" He gawked at the two people standing before him.
The girl still seemed entranced in fear to respond, but the boy was quick to reply.
"Of course we can! We're special just look you are, after all!"
"Special? Wait, so you guys can also see Duel Monsters?"
"N-Not just see, but talk as well…" The girl had finally spoken despite her fear. As if on cue, an assortment of Monsters appeared around the two new arrivals.
The white-haired boy looked in astonishment. Never had he thought another person like him existed. He thought he was the only one once he figured out what he could do was not normal. He thought he was the only born with this…curse…
But if other people were born with it…then that means it wasn't a curse…right?
The naive thinking of a child, of course…but this was a 5-year-old after all.
"Guys, it's okay! Calm down…" The boy said to his dragons, who finally relented. Still wearing deep scowls, they disappeared retreating back to where they had come from. Not long after, the many Monsters that had appeared belonging to the other two had disappeared as well, leaving the three of them alone.
The boy moved his lips, still confused at this revelation.
"So you two…are like me?"
"Yep! And I'm glad! That means we can have another friend!" The black-haired boy said with a nod.
"A-A friend?" The other boy whispered, the concept seemingly foreign.
"So, about that Duel? I wanna see what you got!"
"Hold on!" The girl spoke up, seemingly regaining her composure now that the dragons had left. "You can't just Duel so none without getting their name first, Yoshito!"
The black-haired boy blushed with embarrassment, scratching the back of his head.
"Sorry, I can get carried away. I'm Yoshito! And that girl there? That's Ray! Nice to meet ya! What's your name?"
The white-haired boy paused, hesitant. So much was happening at once, he didn't even know what to think about it. Without thinking, he responded. And, while he didn't know, this meeting would completely change his live forever.
No, it would shake the entire world…
"I…am Zarc."
"GAH!" Yuto cried out, rising from his make-shift mattress in a sweat. He panted, noticeably startled. He glanced around the empty room, his own separate room. He listened to the outside, not picking up on any noise.
Good…he didn't wake anyone.
Unbeknownst to him, Yuya, Yugo, Ruri, Serena (all of whom were separated from each other), Rin (who was brainwashed), Yuzu, and Yuri were all experiencing the same feelings and dream, having awakened in similar ways.
Another one of those visions? He thought to himself.
No, not visions. Dreams? Or were they more than that?
He did not know for sure. But recently when he had fallen asleep he would see dreams or visions of people that he did not know. After awakening, his recollections would be very vivid. He couldn't remember much about it. However, he always seemed to remember three names…
Zarc, Ray, and Yoshito.
For some reason, those three names seemed very familiar to him, but he couldn't place a finger on why.
He wasn't able to fall back asleep that night…
Two Days Later - Monastery
Yuto yawned, walking into the main area of the Duel Monastery. He looked around, seeing the refugees conversing and resting. He also saw some of his comrades, Ruri, Allen, and Sayaka giving soup out.
His eyes rested on Ruri, his girlfriend. He felt his heart briefly flutter before noticing just how tired she looked. Granted, everyone of the Lancers looked tired to some degree, but her more than the others.
It seemed like she didn't get much sleep like him.
His body shook as he felt a hand grasp his shoulder tightly.
"H-eeeyy Yuto…" Yugo said groggily, a yawn interrupting his greeting. "Didn't get much sleep either? Seems like Serena and Yuya didn't either…"
Ok, this cannot be a coincidence. Yuto thought to himself quickly with worry.
Not only was Ruri suffering from a lack of sleep, but Yugo, Yuya, and Serena too? He did not like how this was adding up, especially since all parties involved shared faces with another person.
No matter, he'd have to ask when everyone was together later. Speaking of which…
"Where is everyone?" Yuto asked his Synchro counterpart, noting that many of his comrades were nowhere to be found.
"Hmm? Oh. Sawatari, Gongenzaka, Ryoga, and O'Brien went out scouting for survivors or Academia activity. I think Rio and Kaiser did too. Everyone else is here I think…"
"I see…" Yuto murmured, restraining another yawn.
"So, any reason you're having trouble sleeping?" Yugo asked with a concerned expression despite his own exhaustion.
Yuto sighed. He didn't know what to say. Would Yugo believe him? After all, it's not everyday that you see memories or dreams of people you've never met before.
"I…"
BOOM!
Before Yuto could reply, an explosion ruptured the structure of the Duel Monastery. Each person in the building panicked as they felt the earth quake.
"What the hell was that?!" Yugo questioned, now fully awake as well as Yuto.
Yuto's eyes widened in horror. "Oh no!"
Without any warning, he took off into a run. Startled, Yugo quickly followed. They noticed the other Lancers and Resistance members still in the building also making their way to the front of the Monastery.
Frantically, they all exited the building, hoping that what they thought was happening wasn't happening.
They all stopped at the edge of the staircase up to the building, their eyes widening in horror at the sight before them.
A whole army of Academia Duelists and Ancient Gear Monsters were standing down the mountain, their intentions 100% clear.
Assault…
In the front of their forces, Edo Phoenix stood. He glared up the stairs, locking eyes with Yuya. He seethed with an uncontrollable anger. He held his hand forward, pointing at the Duel Monastery.
"Invade the hideout! It's time to annihilate the Resistance once and for all!"
Another chapter complete! This one didn't have a Duel in it, but it was very character focused, so I hope that makes up for it.
After all, there were some things that needed to be addressed such as Yugo's apology, Sayaka's apology, and more.
So, what did you guys think if that "flashback"? I'm really curious what you all think, so please let me know how I am doing! Any critique Is always appreciated.
After this chapter, there will be a lot of Dueling chapters before our next non-Dueling chapter as we finish up the Xyz Dimension arc.
What we have here is the final battle. After this is the third-to-last arc. Yes, third-to-last.
Now, onto the reviews…
Yuzu Kurosaki: Rush Duels are alright I guess. I haven't really kept up with Yu-Gi-Oh much after VRAINS ended. And I haven't been watching the new shows either. If we get another Master Duel anime in the future, I will definitely watch it, but Rush isn't all that appealing to me personally.
Guest: Thank you!
Gadget5000: If we're talking from a character standpoint, then I think the best protagonist might be either Judai or Yusei. They both had really good character arcs that culminated over the course of their respective shows. As for the worst protagonist, I hate to say it but it might be Yuya. The writers were very inconsistent with him and they tried to make him shove his ideals down other people's throats.
Meredy Spellman: Yes, I have read Bonds of Pendulum. That fanfic is actually what inspired me to make an Arc-V story.
Charmy Bee: Like I said, I don't mind Rush Duels that much. I don't play Duel Links that much anymore, but I don't like how Rush Duels is taking up character slots for Master Duel characters. I don't know why they can't do a character for each a month.
Kyoko488: I don't know if I'll do makes or anything like that. I already have trouble updating as it is.
Katie Jenner: Thank you!
ThereYouComing: Yes, I do. After Go Rush, I think it's gonna be a Rush anime unfortunately for me.
Onto the preview…
Academia launches a brutal final assault on the Monastery, with the intention of finishing of the Resistance once and for all. Scrambling around in a panic, the Lancers try to evacuate the civilians while fighting off Obelisk Force soldiers…
That's all for this chapter.
Take care, goodbye!