Chapter 17: Goodwin's Ultimatum

"Are you sure, Zigsix?"

"Positive, sir! The reactor went crazy right before Akiza summoned Black Rose Dragon!"

"Perfect. Prepare for the final duel between Yusei and Akiza."

"Yes, sir!"

The minute he hung up, the door opened behind him. Misty barged in, her face stone cold.

"Alright, I've held up my end of the bargain. Now it's time to pay up!"

Mina stood up, indignant at her intrusion.

"You can't just barge in here and make demands! Who do you think you-"

"That's quite enough, Mina. She is right, after all. I owe her information, and I am a man of my word."

He reached into his desk and pulled out a police report, which he handed to Misty. Misty's face fell when she read it.

"My brother…he's…he's…"

"I'm sorry, Misty. We did all we could."

"You knew all along, didn't you! You lied to me!"

"I merely gave you the information you seek."

Misty turned around and left, crying. Mina just watched her go with a look of pity on her face.

"Sir, did you really have to keep that from her?"

"Believe me, I wish I didn't. But it was a necessary evil for her to play her part."

No sooner had Misty left did Akiza enter the room.

"Ah, miss Akiza, how may we help you?"

"I'm here to withdrawal from the tournament. Let Yusei duel Jack, I don't care. Just let my friends go."

Lazar laughed.

"And what makes you think you're in any position to make demands?"

"That's enough, Lazar. Your friends will be released."

"Thank you."

"But I cannot comply with your request. I'm sorry, but the rules of the Fortune Cup don't allow for voluntary withdrawals unless the participant is in a state where they can no longer compete."

This made Akiza's blood boil.

"Why are you doing this? What do you want from Yusei and me?"

"I assure you, your questions will be answered in time. But for now, please go and prepare for your duel with Yusei."

"You know what, no! I quit, and if you want to sue me, go right ahead. You've already taken everything else from me."

With that, she turned and began to storm out of the room.

"Fine, you can do that if you want. If you want your parents to know where you are."

Akiza stopped dead in her tracks.

"How do you know?"

"Did you really think your vanishing act hadn't gone unreported? That the daughter of a senator running away wouldn't garner police investigation? Sector Security combed all of New Domino City, but never found a trace of you. I had my suspicions when Jack confirmed your name, but your face just now has confirmed it."

"They…they don't know, do they?"

"No, and if you wish for it to remain as such, you will continue to compete in the tournament."

Akiza growled, but wisely left without another word. Goodwin sighed, and turned to the massive windows behind him.

"If only there were another way…"

Yusei was busy working on his duel runner when he heard the door slam open. Akiza stormed in and flopped herself on the couch, about to cry. Sensing something was wrong, Yusei put down his tools and made his way over to her.

"I take it things didn't go so well with Goodwin?"

"I tried to quit, but he forced my hand."

"Did he threaten our friend?"

"Worse. He threatened to tell my parents where I've been."

"Oh."

"I've worked so hard to build a new life away from them. If they find me, they'll force me to come home. They'll take me away from you, my friends, everything! I can't go back!"

"I won't let them do that, Akiza."

Akiza wiped the tears from her eyes.

"You promise."

"I promise."

Akiza smiled.

"I love you, Yusei."

"I love you too. Now go and get some sleep. We've got a long day ahead of us."

"Alright, but don't expect me to go easy on you! After all, I have to make sure You're good enough to beat Jack."

Yusei chuckled.

"Alright, but I won't hold back either. We'll see who's better suited to take on the king!"