Its been few days since the gang defeat Tania and Ryo the Kaiser of Duel Academy stood proudly with his arms crossed at the lighthouse as he silently watched the waves flowing, they have already defeated 3/8 Shadow Riders and all he could think about was Yusuke.
He had became more distant since his best friends Yusuke and Fubuki disappeared 2 years ago, but hoped that they're still alive and would even be happy if one of them return alive. Its been a months since Yusuke's return and he thought everything would be somewhat back to normal or perhaps they would find clues about Fubuki's whereabouts but everything changed when Yusuke woke up not having any memories of himself. All he could think about how is it possible ?
Flashback
The group made their way back to the infirmary building after Camula's defeat. Judai was stable enough to get discharged while Sho remained unconscious after he was defeated and was laid in the bed opposite to Yusuke the same bed which Judai occupied a while ago. Yusuke was still bedridden and needed time for recovery while Sho didn't have any bruise or injuries and will be discharged after he regain consciousness.
The next morning after Camula's defeat, Ryo was sitting by Yusuke's bedside. He was looking at the study notes Professor Banner gave him, knowing he was not leaving his side. He wanted to be able to share a lot with Yusuke and hope to get some clues about Fubuki's whereabouts.
Movement caught his eyes and he looked up. A wide grin split his face, Yusuke was waking up. His eyelashes fluttered and opened to reveal his purple eyes. They looked a little clouded, but Ryo didn't care. He saw the eyes open and that was all that mattered. Standing up, he stood over Yusuke.
"Yusuke! You are awake, I am so glad!" Ryo couldn't stop himself from exclaiming.
Yusuke just stared blankly at him. It was a stare that Ryo didn't understand. Yusuke never looked at Ryo blankly. Not even right before his vanishing.
"Yusuke are you ok?" Ryo asked worriedly.
Yusuke forced himself into a seated position and looked around the room, a little lost. He narrowed his eyes straight ahead and cringed. Placing a hand on his head, Yusuke appeared to be in pain. He closed his eyes tightly and sucked in a breath.
"Nurse Ayukawa-sensei! I need help!" Ryo yelled.
A moment later, Nurse Ayukawa rushed to the bedside and noticed Yusuke gripping his head now with both hands. She moved Ryo out of the way and gently touched Yusuke on the head, checking to see if he had any injuries. At that moment, the door opened and Asuka as well as Judai walked in. Both saw the scene and rushed to the bed.
"Ryo? What happened?" Asuka demanded. Not even when he woke up for the first time, did he have this much pain.
"We aren't sure, he woke up and something wasn't right with his eyes. Yusuke… he looked at me as if he didn't recognize me," Ryo finished sadly.
That confused the blond duelist. How could Yusuke not remember Ryo… no something was wrong. He knew who Ryo was when he first woke up. He had been mostly himself and had even gotten snippy. Asuka shook her head, something was not right.
About 15 minutes later, Yusuke didn't appear to be in any more pain. Ayukawa had said she couldn't find any injuries on his head. That it might have just been a headache and she left them for a moment to go get Samejima. He let his hands fall from his head and he looked at the other two duelists in the room. Raising an eyebrow at both of them, Asuka saw what Ryo was talking about. Yusuke's eyes were blank. That wasn't right, not at all.
"Yusuke, do you know who we are?" Ryo asked carefully. Asuka and Judai stood on either side of him, watching Yusuke closely.
Yusuke looked at all three of them, a sweatdrop rolled down his cheek. He squinted his eyes as if he was trying to think, but it didn't look good. Finally the former Shadow Rider shook his head sadly, with his eyes closed. He opened them again and a moment of panic flashed in those purple depths, before they went blank again.
Ryo sank to the chair next to the bed. Judai stood in shock. Yusuke knew who he was when he came for first time, appearing to not have any memory problems that time… but he had not been conscious very long either.
The door opened once again and in walked Samejima and the nurse. Both looked worriedly at the scene in front of them. Samejima walked over to his old student and looked down at Yusuke in the bed. Yusuke had forced himself to sit up, leaning against the backrest and looking at the people in the room with suspicion and confusion.
"Fujiwara-kun". Samejima started. Yusuke looked at him right away, just like he used to. "Do you know who you are?"
It took a moment to answer. "I know my name is Fujiwara Yusuke. I know that I am clearly in some infirmary… everything else is foggy." His gaze slid to Yusuke again as the Kaiser quietly cried into Asuka's side. "I didn't mean to make him cry. I apologize if I am supposed to know you all." Yusuke's tone became sad.
Samejima staggered back. His eyes wide and face ashen. Just when they thought Yusuke was safe and sound, something else happened. He wasn't the type to play pranks so Samejima knew this was a very large problem. He looked to Ryo, he and Yusuke had been friends for years… maybe he could get through to him. Ryo noticed Samejima looking at him and nodded his head as he wiped his teaar from his cheeks.
"Yusuke?" Ryo waited until his friend looked at him. "Why don't we start with introducing ourselves? Maybe that will help jog your memories. After the literal hell you went through, this could be your mind trying to protect itself." Ryo knew he was grasping at straws, but even straws were better than nothing.
Yusuke cocked his head to the side, his blond bangs falling into his face. He brushed them aside Finally Yusuke's gaze touched on everyone in the room. He nodded his head and looked at Samejima first.
"My name is Principal Samejima. I am the head of this school. You were one of our top 3 honors students at one point. You were known as the Emperor of Duel Academy". forgetting that Judai and Asuka were in the room. Yusuke looked down at his hand where Honest was whose spirit then appeared next to him, giving him a welcome hug and Yusuke hugged him back feeling completely attached to him. Samejima smiled. "Do you still hear it? Can you still see and communicate with Honest?"
Yusuke's head whipped up and his eyes were wide. "Did I tell you that?" he asked quietly.
"Yes, you told me when we first met during your entrance ceremony. You have made me proud with how you handled yourself and you exceeded all expectations," Samejima explained.
Yusuke sucked in a breath and looked back down at the card. He brought it closer and held it gently. He looked a little less wary of Samejima now though.
"I'll go next, I am Ryo Marufuji You and I have been best friends for years," Ryo said. Yusuke looked at him curiously. "We met back in middle school. You had the title of Top Duelist and were getting a little bored with dueling. Every person you dueled you took out with perfect victories. But when we dueled you said it was finally a challenge and something to enjoy." Ryo watched Yusuke's face carefully. Not one flicker of awareness.
"Well I am Asuka Tenjouin the younger sister of one of your best friend Fubuki, we met each other when we were in middle school". Asuka said. Yusuke looked at the blond Obelisk Queen curiosily after she mention the name of Fubuki feeling as if the name is familiar with him.
"Well then we have even more reason to beat these Shadow Riders!" Judai exclaimed, drawing all eyes to him. He looked at Yusuke and nodded his head. "Yusuke, you and I never really knew each other. But the way Ryo spoke of you and how amazing of a duelist you are… I know we will get along."
The confused teen just looked at Judai, this time there was no emotion in his eyes or face. Not that they expected it. They didn't know each other and their short introduction had been Yusuke being controlled.
Ryo looked at his best friend and nodded his head solemnly.
Back to Present
"I promise Yusuke I am going to get your memories back. Even if I have to go through hell itself, I will get them back for you." Ryo said as he solemnly looked at his spirit key and then clenched his fist with determination, vowing to get his friend back even if it means costing his life.
The next day Yusuke Fujiwara woke up with a splitting headache. Squeezing his eyes shut, he tried to will the pain in his head away. After a few moments he realized it wasn't helping, and actually was making it worse. Letting out a breath, he opened his purple eyes and looked at the tiled ceiling of the infirmary.
Pushing himself up, he let the white sheet fall to his waist. Placing his aching head on the palm of his hand, he put pressure to his forehead. For the past couple of days the pain in his head was intensifying, and he couldn't seem to beat it. Trying to hide it was extremely hard, with so many people interested in his health and recovery.
"Morning Yusuke" a calm yet a warm voice announced.
Raising his head, he looked at the person who managed to sneak up on him. The tight blue pants and white jacket with the twin tails back gave away who it was. Looking at the face, he saw a rare beautiful smile on Ryo.
Ryo just stared for a moment, and apparently it was long enough to cause concern to flash in those eyes. A hand settled on his shoulder and gripped tightly. Raising his purple eyes, Yusuke looked at the face of his 'best friend'.
"You alright Yusuke? You look like you're in pain," Ryo said quietly. Releasing Yusuke's shoulder, Ryo grabbed the chair and moved it to the bedside, so they were on the same eye level. "If you're in any kind of pain or feeling unwell, you need to let someone know." The tone of his voice made it clear, there would be no argument.
"I am fine." Yusuke turned his head, not wanting to look Ryo in the eyes. A hand gripped his chin and forced him to meet those teal eyes.
"You really need to stop trying to hide when you are in pain or don't feel well. We can't help you if you don't talk to us. Stop shouldering everything, lean on me. Let me help you," Ryo said earnestly.
They were face to face and Yusuke felt heat creeping up his neck and cheeks. Ryo seemed to realize how they looked and dropped his hand. They both looked at each other and were silent for a moment. They were not paying attention, and were surprised to see Nurse Ayukawa walk over, with a small smile.
"Good morning Fujiwara-kun. How are you feeling?" she asked quietly.
"Fine. Thank-"
"He was holding his head when I came in. I don't think this is the first time either," Ryo interrupted with a hard look at his best friend.
Ayukawa looked to Yusuke in concern. With his missing memories, it wouldn't be surprising for him to have headaches, especially if he were trying to force himself to remember. She looked at the teen closely and noticed that his eyes did have flickers of pain in them.
"Fujiwara-kun, if you are having pain, we can get you some medicine to help with it." She kept her gaze leveled on him. Finally Yusuke sighed and nodded his head. "Good, I will get you some headache medication to try and take the edge off."
She turned around and walked to the locked cabinet where the medication for the school was kept. While she was going through it, the teens looked at one another. Yusuke narrowed his eyes in a glare,
"Don't get mad at Ryo Master! You need to let us help you." Honest said as he appeared next to him. "And Ryo being your best friend, the responsibility of making sure you do that falls to him."
Shaking his head, Yusuke couldn't help but smile back. Ayukawa came back with the medication and a glass of water. Handing both to him, she stood with her hands on her hips watching as Yusuke took the medicine. He took the pills and a large drink of water.
Ayukawa took the glass with a smile and left them to go make a note in his chart of the medication. Once she left, Ryo leaned back in the chair. The seaweed haired teen stared impassively at his supposed best friend and wondered how they managed to stay that way. But the face smiling back at him, had Yusuke smiling as well.
"So, you want to get out for a couple hours?" Ryo asked.
"Don't you have class?"
Ryo smirked and said in a joking tone, "Well you see, thanks to you making me take extra classes during our first year I have extra free periods this year."
Yusuke cocked his head to the side, causing his bangs to fall into his eyes. He brushed them aside and raised an eyebrow at Ryo.
Sighing, the Kaiser stood up and grabbed the jacket hanging beside the bed. Samejima ordered the style of Yusuke's jacket, but it was taking a little longer than they thought. That was because they had to get new measurements due to the weight he lost over the last couple of years. Holding it out, he waited for Yusuke to stand up.
Yusuke took the jacket and stood up, slipping it over his black shirt decorated with blue and yellow tron lines, closing it up the two Obelisks walked out of the infirmary. Yusuke was lost in thought while Ryo kept a grip on his arm, leading him through the halls and out the door into the fresh air.
"How about the lighthouse?"
Before Yusuke could respond, they both heard a strange screeching sound. It was so high pitched it caused both to cover their ears and cringe in pain. The sound only served to amplify how horrible his head was pounding. Squeezing his eyes shut, he prayed he would not get sick right then. When the sound stopped, they both looked to one another and Ryo grabbed his arm, pulling him in the direction of said horrific sound.
They reached the dock and saw a multitude of students standing there and in the water was a submarine and among them are also Judai, Asuka, Chazz, Misawa, Sho, and Chumley. The sound continued at a lower volume and Ryo pulled Yusuke to the back of the crowd. Ryo glanced around and spotted his younger brother, Sho. Sho was standing next to someone and they shared a look.
"Avast ye landlubbers! I be The Admiral," the rotund man standing uptop the submarine shouted into the microphone. The distance he was made away from them made it difficult to determine any features, other than his form.
It was clear that the speaker and microphone were too close, there was massive feedback. The sound seemed to ricochet inside Yusuke's mind, it felt as if his mind started bleeding. Cupping his hands over his ears, Yusuke looked to Ryo, ready to beg for help.
"Who is he? Like a pirate or something?" Judai's voice yelled.
Looking up, Ryo noticed that Judai stood with a different group, away from Sho It was strange, the two are best friends… yet they stood a good distance apart. It made the older Marufuji wonder if something happened.
"Ye scallywags never laid your ears on the tales of The Admiral? Scourge of the Seven Seas?" the annoying voice yelled into the microphone.
"This guy does know you don't have to yell into a microphone right?" Yusuke snapped under his breath when the ringing in his ears and head stopped.
Ryo looked to Yusuke with a shocked expression, then chuckle. "Man you made a sarcastic comment. We are making progress if you managed to do that again."
"I set sail to challenge one of ye to a duel." More feedback from the microphone and speakers.
Yusuke finally could not take it. His vision was getting hazy and his head felt as if it would explode. Pride be damned, he needed to leave before he collapsed. His shoulders started to slump and his knees buckled. It appeared that it was too late.
"Ryo," Yusuke muttered and felt his body pitch forward.
Ryo noticed and grabbed Yusuke by the arms and pulled him near his own body, to both shield him as well as keep him from face planting. The last thing Yusuke noticed before he gave into the blessed darkness was the fact that this felt familiar, as if Ryo had done this before for him.
Ryo looked at the unconscious form of his friend. He knew Yusuke had a headache but for it to get so bad he collapsed… something was very wrong.
"Yuki Judai"
Ryo heard Judai's name and snapped his head up. Narrowing his eyes, he noticed Judai taking a step forward to board the submarine. Chazz, Asuka and Misawa were with him. Surprisingly Sho was not. Looking around he saw Sho standing next to Chumley, refusing to even look at Judai. Something happened and Ryo was going to figure out what.
Yusuke's head lolled on his shoulder and he looked down. Luckily they were toward the back, so no one saw when Yusuke went down, but now he had to drag him back to the infirmary. Movement caught out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. Snapping his head up, Ryo saw Chronos standing there looking concerned.
"What happened?" he questioned.
"Long story short, Yusuke had a headache and I had hoped some fresh air would help. Didn't plan on seeing an idiot with a microphone out here. It must have gotten too bad, and he completely blacked out. Could you help me get him to the infirmary again?"
Chronos nodded his head sagely. This arrogant and eccentric teacher always had a soft spot for Yusuke, Ryo, and Fubuki. So it really should not have surprised Ryo that Chronos would be the first one to offer help with this. Both of them pulled an arm around their shoulders and hauled the unconscious teen up. Chronos looked at Ryo and nodded his head, indicating they should make their way to the infirmary quickly.
With the commotion on the dock, it was fairly easy to get Yusuke back without being spotted. Most of the student body was there wondering about the submarine and who the person was. Once they made their way inside, Ayukawa looked up and she gasped.
"What happened to him? This is a strange feeling of deja vu," she said quickly.
Moving over to the bed Yusuke had been occupying for the last couple of weeks, Ryo and Chronos laid him down. Ryo didn't even try to get the jacket off. Instead all he did was remove the shoes and pulled the sheet over Yusuke's sleeping form. He turned to Ayukawa just as she walked over and attached a pulse oximeter to Yusuke's right index finger.
"I think the headache became too much. He ended up collapsing and passing out. Could a headache really cause that?" Ryo was concerned.
"Well, I have seen people who suffer from severe migraines pass out from the pain. I didn't think it was in the migraine territory. That was obviously my mistake and I know a special medication combination that can help. I will get him hooked up to an IV with it." She looked down and took the pulse oximeter off his finger. "Oxygen is 96%... but his pulse is high at 104. That isn't good."
She made her way to her desk and pulled out Yusuke's file to note the vitals she just took. She also noted the medication she was about to give him. Ryo looked at her and then back to Yusuke. Chronos looked at the two teens and sighed. He nodded his head to Ryo and then went to tell Ayukawa that he would alert Samejima about what happened.
Ryo glanced back at them and, without thinking, reached out gripping Yusuke's hand. Ayukawa walked over with the saline bottle and attached it to the IV pump by the bed. Taking out Yusuke's right arm, she pulled up his sleeve to rub an alcohol pad on his skin. Once the area was prepped, she inserted the needle, and taped it down. Once that was done, she unclipped the drip and allowed the medication to flow down the line.
"There, that should help with the pain and hopefully he will wake up in no pain. Or at the very least less pain." She smiled at Ryo. "If he wakes and needs something else, let me know. I am going to run and get some food, do you need anything?"
"No, thank you Ayukawa-sensei" Ryo kept his voice polite, but his eyes barely strayed from Yusuke.
She smiled and brushed the long bang aside, she nodded her head. Taking her white jacket off, she walked to her desk and draped it over the chair. Looking back at the two members of the 'Kings of Duel Academy', she shook her head fondly. They were always close and their bonds are strong like brothers
Left alone with his thoughts, Ryo looked at Yusuke resting. His face was pinched in pain, but no other outward signs of pain. It made him wish for a way to go back in time. A way to have a do over, to be able to change certain events. A way to better protect his friends, especially the one who suffered so much, and continued with his missing memories.
The next day Ryo was at Card Cafe drinking his favorite strawberry mint refresher and all he could think about was saving Yusuke and Fubuki and the former's condition. Yusuke is still in hospital bed with Ayukawa looking over his condition. Fubuki one of the people he look up to is still missing with no trace of him left behind. On top of that Sho has been victim to malice of both Nightshroud and Camula's shadow games with Chumley being used as a bait to lure the keykeepers.
"Ryo". Ryo turned around to see Asuka approaching him with Misawa and Chazz following her. "Wouldn't mind if we join with you?" The Kaiser nod and Asuka sat beside him while Chazz and Misawa sat across them in a rounded table. Its weird to see the normally stoic and tough Kaiser being so depressed.
"How is Fujiwara-san?" Chazz asked.
Ryo sighed, "Well his just having some migrane and still can't remember anything". Everyone can see he is worried and a look of sadness could be seen in his eyes.
"You don't worry Kaiser! I am pretty sure Fujiwara will recover and if we can defeat one of the Shadow Riders then he might get his memories back". Misawa assured.
Ryo looked down and before he could respond he realized that his brother, Judai, and Chumley are the only ones who didn't appear since its weird to see them not hanging with them but he had a feeling their was some problem between them. "By the way where is Judai and Sho?".
"Well as for Judai he choose to enjoy some vacation with Admiral so we decide to just leave him behind". Asuka explained
"And for Sho he and Judai were having some fight because the latter ate his fried shrimp and he said something bad to him out of anger and now regrets it so Chumley is taking care of him". Chazz added.
"I see I just hope Judai returns safe and sound". Ryo sighs and he wonder if he should support his brother or not, despite caring for him he isn't good at supporting him emotionally but a part of him still feels they should support each other. He knows their is more to it which he needs to figure it out.
"I don't know whether feel happy that we have defeated 3 Shadow Rider or feel bad that it was Fujiwara-san being possessed". Asuka interjected as she lowered her head. "On top of that my brother is still missing and when Fujiwara-san returned I was kind of happy because I was hoping I could get some clues about my brother's whereabouts but to see he already lost his memories".
Ryo gritted his teeth out of frustration, despite trying to mask it well he is still frustrated he couldn't save both of them.
"Kinda makes it possible that more of them could end being possessed people like Fujiwara-san and pherhaps your brother." Chazz said but then paused as he realizes what he was going to say might hurt her but they know what he was implying.
"But you know there has to be some that joined for the power or they could be kidnap and used as genuia pigs". Ryo theorized.
"At least 1 Shadow Rider is on our backs". Asuka assured.
"Yes, but remember..." Everyone turned to Misawa. "We still have 5 more to defeat so I suggest it'd be better if we know who they were".
"Good luck". Chazz muttered. "If it were that easy , we'd be the ones hunting them".
"I agree with that". Ryo replied. "Even though there's more kids that are victims to what Fubuki and Yusuke went through".
Asuka snapped her fingers in realization. "Ryo that's it!".
Everyone turned to the Queen of Obelisk Blue. "What is it?" Misawa asked.
Asuka turned to everyone, "Do you think is there any way to bring up the files of missing students of the abandoned dorm?"
"We could..." Misawa responded. "But we will need Principal's permission if you don't have records in them.
"Oh okay".
"Wait I got something". Ryo pulled out a small device and held it out for Misawa to take. " I found this a day before Principal choose us as keykeepers and I am certain it had every people who were missing from the dorm".
"Then we should find a computer to investigate". Chazz suggested.
"Lets use the computer in the library". Misawa said as he led everyone to library and they nod.
In the library Misawa was looking up the files in the device Ryo had with the rest behind him
"Got It".
A list of names and headshots or the students showed up in process.
"First up: Yusuke Fujiwara". The picture was him dressed in his Obelisk Blue uniform. An Obelisk Blue Student who disappeared at the start of his 2nd year and a promising Top 3 honors student. Born : February 5th 1994 . Blood Type: A. Last known relative: Both his parents died in car accident when he was young and he was raised by his uncle.
"He lost his parents when he was young". Misawa said, feeling sorry for him.
"Yeah.. I still remember few days before he vanished he was depressed and I just wish I could have done something". Ryo clenched his fist as he looked down, while Asuka put a hand on his shoulder as a gesture to comfort him.
Asuka looked at the next person and her eyes widened; A Obelisk Blue student who also wore the same inverted uniform as Yusuke and Ryo. "That's my brother"..
"Fubuki Tenjouin". Misawa read the profile of a long brown-haired man whose hairstyle resembles Asuka with choclate brown eyes. An Obelisk Blue student who disappeared at the start of his 2nd year and a one of the Top 3 promising honors students in his class. Born January 3rd 1994. Blood Type B. Last known relative: Mother, Father, and a younger sister.
"Whose next?" Chazz asked as Misawa scrolled down. The next one was an Obelisk boy dressed in standard uniform. A White-blond hair with dark blue eyes showed up. "Spectre an Obelisk student in the 3rd year. All of his personal info is classified..."
"All of his stuffs is classified?" Asuka asked.
"That's strange". Ryo pondered. "I've never seen him around during my 3 years here".
"Nothing?" Chazz asked.
Ryo shook his head. But then looked at the next person; A Ra Yellow student. "But I know him".
"Jin Kusanagi". Chazz read the profile of a long purple haired boy with grey eyes. A student who got promoted to Obelisk Blue at the start of his 2nd year and vanished few days later. Born June 1st 1994. Blood Type A, Last known relative: Mother, Father, and a older brother. He stepped back. "Well that's another promising Duelist."
"Indeed he is a promising one for a Ra Yellow, they didn't take picture of him in Obelisk Blue because he vanished few days after he got promoted". Ryo noted.
"But there's another girl". Asuka pointed out. Scrolling past Fubuki's profile, a girl with long pink hair with blue eyes showed up. She wore the same Obelisk Blue uniform a Asuka. "Miyu Sugisaki. Born June 2nd 1994. Blood Type A. Last Known relative: Mother, Father.
"Oh no". Ryo muttered.
"Oh no?" Everyone asked.
"A real problem for the Obelisk's, the reason for Chronos-sensei's constant freak-outs during my 2nd year." The Kaiser shook his head. "In fact he is happy that she is gone".
"Hey this is a good idea". Chazz grinned.
Misawa raised an eyebrow at him. "How so?".
"If this girl is a Shadow Rider, we bring her back and Chronos-sensei's going to be on the line and needles in the long run". He laughed and everyone sweatdropped at that.
"Well that was strange". Asuka muttered.
"Aw, you guys don't understand The Chazz". Chazz pouted in mock-hurt".
"Oh well, a least we got the potential victims we could save from Shadows". Asuka said,
"Then all we have to do is just wait"... Ryo added.
"I will send everyone the info on their PDA". Misawa said typing things on the computer. "I will meet you all at the main building later".
"Right".
However Asuka was in deep thoughts. "I know the abandoned dorm has so many shady secrets. Many students went missing and my Ni-san and Fujiwara-san are one of them. If my Ni-san is a Shadow Rider like Fujiwara-san and if there are also some missing students who ended up being Shadow Rider, then it's like we need them to come after us to free them. I'm sure their families would be more thrilled to have them back.
After investigating about some missing students, Ryo decide to go and check for Sho. He already knew both he and Judai got into fight, despite not showing it he has been deeply worried about Sho since the battle with Shadow Riders began, he already lost him twice, and having to engage in a battle with their lives and world at stake being uncertain about the outcome, he thought of making up with Sho.
Ryo found Sho sitting in the Slifer Dorm mess hall. He was sitting there alone and looking down at his deck. The room was pretty much empty, the few Slifers in the room looked at Ryo with wide eyes. Even now, they couldn't fathom how the 'King' of Duel Academy would just show up.
Ryo walked up to the table where Sho was sitting and sat on the other side from him. The bench creaked and Ryo didn't react to it. The creaking caught Sho's attention and he jerked his head up. Eyes went wide for a moment and then realized that it was only his brother.
"Sho what's going on?" Ryo cut straight to the point.
"What do you mean Ni-san?" Sho raised his eyebrows in confusion.
"What happened with you and Judai? When I saw you both yesterday, you were standing with Chumley and then you didn't even go with Judai and Chazz told you had fight with him because he ate your fried shrimp. Something happened, Sho talk to me."
Sho flushed red in anger at the mention of Judai's name. It was a strange reaction and it gave away that something did happen… something bad. He waited for a minute, thinking Sho would respond. However he continued to avoid looking at Ryo. Little did Sho know, Ryo was VERY good at getting information he wanted.
"Sho, you need to talk to me." His voice held a note of compulsion, he used that tone when he really wanted to get information. Fubuki and Yusuke would dread when that tone came out. "If something happened, I need to know so I can help you."
"Aniki is a big, idiotic jerk!" Sho blurted out.
Eyes widening, that was the last thing Ryo expected to hear. Sho stood up and slammed his palms on the table in front of him. Eyes were wide and an angry red tint was on his face. This was not a normal reaction.
"How is a jerk?" Ryo asked in his usual calm, quiet voice.
"He traded my mattress for a card! Can you believe it? I have nowhere to sleep!" Sho turned around in a circle before facing Ryo again. "Who does that? Where am I supposed to sleep now?"
Ryo remained motionless and silent. His brain couldn't comprehend that Judai traded Sho's mattress. Why would he do that? There was more to this story, and he needed all the information. He motioned with his hand for Sho to sit, and waited until he complied before continuing.
"Why did he do that Sho?"
"He said it was for my birthday! My birthday has already come and gone. With all these Shadow Riders, I didn't celebrate it." Sho slumped his shoulders in slight defeat.
The pieces started to click together. Judai was not a malicious person, absent minded yes… but malicious, not in the slightest. Odds were Judai had good intentions but went about it all wrong. But how to explain it without sounding as if he were taking Judai's side.
"Sho, you know no friendship is easy right?" Sho looked at him confused. "Friends will fight, there will be big fights and small ones. However, you always stand beside one another. A perfect example I will give you is Fubuki and me. We had a pretty big fight early on in our friendship. With our polar opposite personalities, it was inevitable. But after we both calmed down, we spoke and managed to resolve it. I am not saying Judai was right, he was absolutely in the wrong, but he may have had good intentions. That old saying 'the path to Hell is paved with good intentions' is very true."
Sho sat quietly and looked at Ryo. "What do you mean?"
"What I mean is that Judai probably was trying to make up for us not celebrating your birthday, which we will be making up. But he probably wanted to do something special, to let you know that even with everything going on, he was thinking about you." Ryo kept his tone neutral. "We should have made time to celebrate your birthday, and this might have been Judai's way of making up for it. Just think about it, Sho" Ryo stood up and ruffled his hair before turning to leave the room. He hoped Sho would consider his words very carefully, and everyone else would need to make time to celebrate a birthday.
Seven days passed since Alexis, Misawa and Chazz returned without Judai. Sho had been inconsolable. He carried the guilt that the last thing he said to Judai was in anger. Nothing anyone did could cheer him up. He would sit out by the lighthouse, hoping that Judai would come back. His shoulders were hunched and a few stray tears were leaking down his face. Chumley and Asuka were standing off to the side looking at him sadly. Neither knew what to do, and everyone had tried comforting him.
"He's still waiting. It's been a whole week since Judai left," Chumley said sadly.
Asuka looked at him with sympathy and started walking toward him. "Sho, I know it's tough, but the Admiral said Judai wanted to stay. I guess for the money, and it was a lot of money." She kneeled next to him.
Suddenly they heard a strange sound in the distance. It sounded like a boat engine, one that was on its last legs. There was also the sound of someone yelling, all three sets of eyes looked out over the ocean.
"Sho" Judai's voice carried over the water.
Sho jumped to his feet as did Asuka. They all looked with disbelief at the approaching figure of a speedboat and Judai at the wheel. There was a thick cloud of black smoke behind the boat that was more than a little concerning. But Judai didn't seem to be paying it any mind.
"Ahoy! I escaped Sho. He trapped me, but I broke out of there for you!" Judai yelled and waved his arm around. Suddenly the engine gave out and a small fire started at the back of the boat. "Uh, in one piece I hope. This doesn't look good." The boat was at a standstill.
"Aniki! Hold on I will save you!" Sho without thinking jumped into the water. Asuka and Chumley watched the touching scene, Sho was doggy paddling toward the boat with tears streaking down his cheeks. "Aniki I am sorry" He reached the boat and looked up at Judai,
"Really? That's good to hear, because that weird Admiral guy, couldn't understand a thing he said." Judai laughed as he used the fire extinguisher to put out the small flames.
Sho got a good look at his friend and noticed he was filthy, covered in scratches and bruises as well as dirt and dust. He smelled like smoke, and some of the extinguishing foam was stuck in his hair. But that bright eyed look was all Sho wanted to see.
"So we cool?" Sho asked, treading water.
"Of course Sho. But I have to know, where did you learn to swim? That form needs work," Judai joked.
Sho panicked for a moment, realizing he did something very stupid. Suddenly, he began floundering. "I never learned how to swim!" Sho screamed as he started to go under.
Asuka and Chumley looked shocked, eyes wide. Before either of them could do anything, an echoing loud splash was heard. They turned their eyes toward the sound, but no one was there. Judai was holding a paddle over the edge, yelling for Sho to grab it. Suddenly the brunette Slifer was pulled under the water.
Seconds later both broke through the surface, with two others there as well. Ryo and Chazz were there supporting the two Slifers. Chazz had a grip on Judai, while Ryo had Sho. Chazz and Ryo began making their way to the shore with their baggage.
Alexis and Chumley ran to the shore where they met the four now soaking duelists. Ryo and Chazz set Judai and Sho on the ground and Sho shivered. Judai looked at Sho with wide eyes as something clicked.
"You really never learned to swim? But you jumped in the water for me?" Judai asked.
"I told you, I want only you Aniki!. I'm sorry we had that fight, but I don't want to lose a good friendship." Sho looked at him with wide eyes, as Ryo wrapped the white jacket around his shoulders. Sho smiled at his big brother in thanks. "But you have to help me get a new bed!"
Judai laughed and rubbed his head. He looked around at the group of friends standing here. He smiled at Sho and gave a thumbs up. "You got it, but absolutely not a water bed." Everyone groaned at the bad joke. "What?"
Somewhere in a dark cave in Duel Academy island, a group of people sat around a dimly lit candle, enjoying the low lighting as they waited the right time.
"All right Dark Scropians now its your turn to shine". Said a mysterious elderly voice.
"But what about Abidos?". Said a man who had a millennium eye.
"I have already put him to sleep so he will be the the next after you guys are defeated".
"We've been waiting for this day a really long time,
"I know its hard to believe the boss had ordered us". A large male said as he polished a giant.
The only woman of the group was holding her thorny whip, "Off course he's coming. Finally all the places are in place."
"They will be once we enact the plan". The final member a man with large daggers chuckled, his blades glistening in the candle light.
The four people rose from the seats and brought their respective weapons together, "There's no stopping the Dark Scropians now!". They said in unison.
"Great and I hope you retrieve those spirit keys from those keykeepers.". The eldeerly man complimented.
Notes
With over 7K words this is the longest chapter we both have written. This is a non-dueling chapter and me and my friend we both have hectic schedule so expect late chapters. This is mostly a Ryo centric chapter and he is going be featured a lot in this season becuase in our season 2 rewrite its going to be a while until you guys will see him again and his role in S2 will be completely different from canon. I wanted to give some fluff to the Marufuji's brother.
Next Chapter is going to be The Chazz focus with Dark Scropians so look forward for that.