Duel Spirit voice
Thought voice
Chapter 16
Road to Misty's Apartment
Having finally retrieved his Runner, Ben wasted no time as he began heading home. While on his way home, he had decided to contact Tetsu with his Runner's system.
"So you're telling me Yusei and Jack are currently in Satellite?" Ben asked
"Yep." Tetsu replied. "They're actually planning on meeting up with you later."
"Tell Yusei I'll meet up with them later, I've got to take care of something first." Ben said
"Sure. By the way kid, what the hell have you been up to?" Tetsu asked
"Well you know, breaking the law, causing city level earthquakes, the usual." Ben replied with a shrug
"What?! Kid, what did you do?! Tetsu asked/demanded
"In my defense, the earthquake was caused by magical means and is in no way traceable to me." Ben tried to defend himself
"This whole magic stuff is way above my pay grade." Tetsu signed
"Try not to stress yourself too much." Ben said. "You know, with how active you are, it's hard to believe you're just as old as Yugi Moto."
"Wait, how did you-"
"Man, look at the time, talk to you later, bye." Ben said, cutting Tetsu off before ending their call
After about thirty minutes of driving, Misty's apartment was coming into Ben's view. The young officer was contemplating how he would break the news about Misty's brother to her when suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by Grapha growling
"Anything wrong?" Ben asked
"Something…no, someone is here." Grapha said
"You're have to be more specific." Ben said. "There are literally multiple buildings around us with at least someone inside them."
"He is talking about your home." Ccarayhua clarified. "There is someone besides Misty and the receptionist there."
"Should I be worried?" Ben asked as he increased his Runner's speed
"Well for one, you're already worried so you shouldn't be asking that." Resonator pointed out
"Regardless, you being on edge has merit." Ccapac said
"Why?" Ben asked in dread
"Whoever is there has the presence of a Dark Signer or at least similar to one." Ccapac said, causing Ben to utter a low curse
"I don't like this one bit." Ben said as he stopped his Runner Infront of the Building,. without bothering to pack it.
"It's gone." Ccapac said causing Ben to stop
"Come again?"
"The presence, it's gone." Ccapac clarified. "It would seem whoever was here was also able to sense your arrival."
"But you are certain it was a Dark Signer?" Ben asked after a while
"It is hard to tell, but I believe that was a Signer." Ccapac said
"But what would a Signer be doing here?" Ben asked himself. "Rugder should not know about Misty, or was he looking for me?"
"That is a possibility." Grapha said. "Still, there's also the possibility of this being a totally new Signer."
"He is right." Ccapac agreed. "You did say it yourself that the future is changing."
"Ben?" Due to his mental discussion, he failed to notice Misty leave the building as she approached him. "Are you alright? You've just been standing there for a while now."
"Sorry, just had something on my mind." Ben said
"Does it have anything to do with that earthquake?" Misty asked
"It's actually something else." Ben said. "Let's head inside, there's something you need to see."
"Okay." Misty said as they started heading inside. "Does the thing I'm about to see, have anything to do with these files you're holding?"
"Yes."
"You seem tense." Misty observed
"That's probably because of that Signer that was here." Fader said
"A little." Ben said ignoring Fader
"What really happened at the Arcadia headquarters?" Misty asked as they entered the Living Room
"A lot actually, but I think you should sit down for this." Ben said as he handed her the files as she sat down on her sofa
As Misty went through the files, she started to notice a pattern. "All theses people…they're all-"
"Dead." Ben finished. "The Arcadia Movement was experimenting on Psychic Duelists. Turns out the effect of the experiments was too much for some new recruit's and well…"
"They were torturing them." Misty muttered
"Yes."
"And Toby was one of them." Misty said as she stared at her brother's file
"You okay?" Ben asked
"I don't know." She answered while squeezing the file slightly. "I had already come to terms with my brother's death, but to find out that he was actually tortured before being killed…"
"Sayer is the one responsible for his death." Ben said. "Some of the other members were probably also victims, including Akiza."
"Akiza?"
"Yeah. Her file is also there and it shows she went through the same testing your brother was placed under."
"That means I have been blaming the wrong person for his death all along."
"You didn't know." Ben said
"Still, with all these people missing, how did this slip pass Sector Security?"
"I think Sayer was black mailing Goodwin." Ben said
"With what?"
"I'm not sure myself."
"Regardless, with this we can put Sayer behind bars." Misty said
"There might be an issue with that." Ben said
"What do you mean? Is Sayer dead?"
"No, he's very much alive." Ben answered. "But since he's a Psychic Duelist, I doubt placing him in a normal prison would hold him. That's why he's currently being held in a Psychic cell by Kaiba Corp."
"You really thought this through huh?" Misty said smiling slightly
"Not really, had some help from Ren."
"You don't have to be modest." Misty said. "You know, you've been really helpful in investigating my brother's death. I don't know how I can ever repay you for your help."
"There's no need for that." Ben said. "Besides, you helped me first when you took me into your home."
"You mean, after I ran my car into?" Misty joked causing Ben to chuckle
"You know, you're actually handling this well." Ben observed. "You sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine thanks to you." Misty answered. "Ever since you started living with me, you've been helping me deal with my brother's lose. I still miss Toby, but I'm sure he would want me to move on. Besides, I feel a connection to you like I had with my brother."
"Well Boss, you just got Brother zoned." Fader said
"Fader, I'm this close to sending you to the Shadow Rea-"
"But actually." Misty said, taking Ben's hand into her palm. "My feelings for you are completely different from what I felt for my brother." she added while blushing slightly
"Okay I spoke too soon." Fader said. "Congratulation Boss."
"Fader shut up." Resonator shunned
Before Ben could say anything his phone started ringing causing Misty to let go of his hand
"You should answer that." She said desperately trying to hide her blush
"Oh…right." Ben stuttered slightly before noticing Ren was the one calling.
"Excellent timing as always." He answered dryly after answering his phone. "Did something come up?"
"We've got a problem." Ren answered.
"What happened?" Ben asked in a serious tune
"Sayer." Ren answered. "He escaped."
"How is that possible?"
"The helicopter he was in was attacked." Ren said
"Is your uncle-"
"He's fine." Ren said quickly.
"What attack them?" Ben asked
"A Giant Spider." this caused Ben to pause slightly
"He's not suppose to be in the city." Ben said referring to Rugder
"Well, whatever he's planning with Sayer isn't going to be good."
"You don't have to tell me that." Ben said as he massaged his forehead
"Catastrophic future aside, Carly is now awake." Ren said
"That's good to hear."
"Also, Rex just stepped into the hospital." Ren said. "Alongside Yusei and the gang."
"Text me the location of the hospital, I'm heading there now."
"Got you." Ren said before ending their call
"Problem?" Misty asked
"Dark Signer issue." Ben said
"Does it involve a massive Spider that attacked some helicopters?" Misty asked
"How did you-" Ben stopped as he saw Misty point towards the TV behind him, as newscasters are seen covering the incident
"I'm coming with you." Misty declared
Ben was about to argue before Grapha spoke from his Psychi. "That would be for the best. A Dark Signer was here not too long ago, it would be better she stays by your side where you can keep an eye on her."
"Okay." Ben said before placing Ccarayhua in Misty's hand. "But I want you to have this."
"Earthbound Immortal Ccarayhua (2800Atk/1800Def/Lvl10/Dark/Reptile)
While this card is face-up on the field, "Earthbound Immortal" monsters cannot be Summoned. If there is no face-up Field Spell Card on the field, the following effects are negated, and this card is destroyed during the End Phase: This card can attack your opponent directly. This card cannot be attacked by your opponent's monsters. This card is unaffected by the effects of your opponent's Spell/Trap Cards. When this card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, destroy all cards on the field."
After reading the cards effect, Misty turned towards Ben in surprise. "It's effect…I can't-"
"I can't really run multiple Earthbounds without Bricking." Ben quickly stopped her from arguing. "Besides, I already have Ccapac and another Earthbound, so Ccarayhua is better off with you. Plus I'll be less worried about you coming with me if you have her."
"You do know it's almost impossible to brick with us right?" Fader said
"Not now Fader." Ben said
"Thank you." Misty finally said as she added the Earthbound to her Deck
"Take care of her." Ben thought
"You don't have to worry." Ccarayhua assured him
"Guess we're taking your car then." Ben said
"I think your Runner would be better." Misty said before adding quickly. "Since it's faster and definitely not for any other reason."
"Yeah, not buying it." Fader said. "She definitely wants to hold you while you ride your Runner. Then again, in terms of riding, you-"
Fader was interrupted by Grapha smacking his head in Ben's mental plane. "I think you've said enough."
"At least someone else besides me decided to shut him up." Resonator said
"Thanks for the save." Ben thought before smiling at Misty. "Okay then let's go."
Unknown Area
Slowly waking up in a somewhat dark room, the first thing Sayer felt was pain as he instantly grit his teeth while slowly getting up.
"You're finally awake." a figure said while towering over Sayer
"Who are you?" Sayer asked finally making it to his feet. "Where am I?"
"Where you are is of no importance, as to who I am…I am Rugder Goodwin." The now identified Rugder said
"Goodwin's brother." Sayer relieved. "You should be dead."
"You as well." Rugder said. "Do you remember what caused you the pain you're experiencing now?"
"That Officer." Sayer growled
"Yes, Officer Ben." Rugder smiled. "He has destroyed your prized Arcadia Movement and has left you with nothing."
"He turned Akiza against me."
"And now you want revenge." Rugder summarized. "I want you to nurture the anger you feeling for him, with it I'll give you power to dispose of him."
"And what do you want in return?" Sayer asked
"The boy is going against his fellow Dark Signers and that needs to end." Rugder said. "Also I would like to experiment on his corpse."
"Then you have yourself a deal." Sayer smiled
"Good, but first, you'll need to die." Rugder said as he signaled Sayer towards a rope that he suspected was used for hanging people
New Domino General Hospital
After Rex's arrival, he had moved Carly into a private room alongside Yusei and his friends. It didn't take long for Ben and Misty to locate the room
"It's about time you got here." Ren said as the duo stepped into the room
"Sorry, was having trouble driving." Ben said
"Why are your faces red?" Rua asked innocently
"Couldn't handle a second party on your Runner huh?" Ren asked in an amused manner
"It's my first time on a Runner, so I actually held onto him a little tighter than usual." Misty said
"It's doesn't matter, at least you're here now." Akiza said glaring pointedly at Ben
"Hold on is she jealous?" Ben asked after noticing the death glare he just received
"Took you long enough to notice." Fader said
"With her sudden interest in you, this was bound to happen." Ccapac muttered
"Hold up, she likes me? And even Ccapac knows?" Ben asked shocked. "And no one bothered to tell me."
"I merely find your naiveness amusing." Ccapac yawned
"This might be an issue later." Ben thought
"Defeat the Dark Signers first, worry about your love triangle later." Resonator said
"Ben." Carly said getting his attention. " I want to thank you for saving me."
"Don't mention it." Ben said. "Though you should be more careful in the future."
"Yeah." Carly said as she looked at bed
"Regardless." Misty said before hugging Carly. "I'm glad you're alright."
"Is my fortune still the same?" Carly asked
"No, it has changed." Misty said lightly
"Changed is a big understatement." Ren whispered to Ben
"Something I should know?" Ben asked Ren
"Thanks for saving her." Kiryu suddenly said to Ben before staying by Carly's side on her bed. That was when it clicked
"Hold up." Ben whispered to himself
"It's exactly what it looks like." Ren confirmed in a low tune. "I don't know how much of this timeline you changed, but it looks like Carly took Kiryu to the carnival instead of Jack."
"Well I'll be damn." Ben muttered
"Well, this is it." Ruka signed, she and her brother huddled near Akiza
"Let's stay on task, shall we?" Rex advised, stepping close to the group. "You need to get to the original Ener-D Reactor in the Satellite."
"Original what, now?" Crow asked.
"Ener-D Reactor." Ren clarified
"What's it do?" Kiryu asked.
"It's the source of the negative energy that caused this dark smoke to appear," Rex suddenly paused, his eyes darting over to Yusei. "And in a twist of fate, the project itself was built by Yusei's father, Dr Fudo."
Everyone except Ben and Ren gasped, the twins jumping back while the eldest of the team only widen their eyes. Kiryu, Jack and Yusei held no reactions as well
"You mean as in our Yusei?" Crow looked at Yusei, surprised.
"Are you for real?" Rua asked.
"Yeah, are you?" Ruka supplied.
"Yes, and this is an opportunity for him to heal the mistakes of the past," Something of an apology crossed into Rex's eyes, looking at Yusei. Now was not the time for sympathy. "And now all of you have the chance to make things right again. You must beat the Dark Signers and find the Reactor. Then, if you're able, activate it in reverse. Hopefully this will create a surge of positive energy, and imprison the Shadow Army again."
"I've arranged for special transportation to the Satellite Sector. I believe you already know the pilot." The door to the room slid open and Tetsu walked in with Mikage saluting at Goodwin.
"Officer Tetsu, ready as ordered, sir." He said before facing Ben. "Xup kid."
"Hey Old timer." Ben greeted causing Tetsu to groan slightly
"Let's get moving people." Ren said
"I can't believe I have to fly economy." Jack grunted as he and the others prepared to leave
"Fate of the world and economy is what you're worried about?" Ren asked
"Wait a minute." Yusei started, stopping and looking at Goodwin.
"What? Do you get airsick?" Jack asked.
"Before we go any further, I need you to promise me something." Yusei said to the grey-haired man who nodded.
"What is it?"
"If we're successful and save the world, you need to finish that bridge connecting the Satellite and the City." Yusei said, stepping close to him and looking at him right in the eye. "The people have a right to be free. And I won't go unless you agree." he said.
"It might not even be possible to do what you ask, Yusei." Rex sighed.
"And why's that?" he asked.
"For years, the people of the Satellite and the City lived far apart. It's a way of life everyone accepts." His hand hesitantly reached out. To rest on Yusei's shoulder. "Change takes time." He finally said, pulling his fingers into his palm, closing as a fist.
"Then I guess you'll have to find another Signer," Yusei said. "Because unless you promise to do it, then you're one Deck short."
"Very well. I'll build the bridge." Rex confirmed. For a split second, Yusei smiled at him.
"Thank you."
"Mr Goodwin." Misty said getting his attention. "I would also like to discuss with you about Sector Security's inability to investigate the Arcadia Movement when this is done."
"As you wish, Miss Lola." Rex nodded
"Time to go Kiryu." Jack said causing his friend to sign slightly
"Don't worry about Carly, we'll take good care of her." Yanagi said causing the former Enforcer leader to smile slightly
"Thanks."
"Good luck! Kick some Dark Signer deck!" Yanagi said with a grin.
"Including me?" Ben joked
"Of course." Ren said. "Don't worry though, I'll try to kick your butt nicely."
"We'll be back soon you guys." Ruka called as well.
"We'll keep the Jacuzzi warm." Tanner grinned.
"Don't touch my stuff!" Shouted Rua causing most of the group to laugh
Heading towards the roof, the group began heading into the helicopter
"You seem to be in-the-know," Akiza suddenly said to Mikage as the plane tooke off. " What's the whole story behind this old reactor thing?"
"They called the incident "Zero Reverse"; a massive energy reactor being built by a group known as the R.R.D malfunctioned, and released a powerful charge of negative energy." She told the group. "That's what separated Satellite from the mainland of Domino City. The person who designed and constructed the reactor was Yusei's father, Dr Fudo." She said.
"Hey, Yusei, where's your dad now?" Rua asked, "He's alright, right? I mean, if he's your dad, he must've escaped from getting hurt from the negative energy stuff, right? He must be really cool, like you! Did he lose a leg or an arm during the thing? And, and-!"
"Rua!" His sister jabbed at his gut with her elbow. "Don't ask questions like that!"
"What, what I say?" Rua groaned, holding his stomach. Ruka shook her head, fixated her eyes on Yusei.
"Nothing, just, just stop talking." She mumbled.
"Go back a few. Why would they put a Satellite in charge of such an important project?" Tetsu asked.
"Yusei and his parents were born in the Tops district of New Domino City." Jack said
"So are you saying this Satellite reject isn't actually a Satellite reject?" Tetsu asked
"Dude!" Ben signed
"You do realize you're insulting multiple Satellites currently present in this plane right?" Ren smirked. "Meaning you could be jumped and no one would say a thing."
"Uh, no. Of course not." Cringing, the police officer looked back.
"Set us down near that building in the park." Yusei told Tetsu
"Back at the orphanage?".
"Yes."
Everyone in the orphanage either stopped what they were doing outside and looked through the windows of the large shack, Martha, Blister and a few other children with them
"Yusei's back!" One of the kids shouted as they started gathering round the group
"And Crow."
"I thought everyone in the Satellite Sector would be all creepy and sad." Whispered Rua to his sister, watching all the happiness go on. Ruka nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, I know, they seem so friendly."
"How nice of you to visit our happy wasteland, officer." Blister said to Tetsu with a smirk
"Which one?" Ben asked. "Me or him?"
"You're Sector Security, right, mister?" A Boy asked Ben
"Yep."
"That is so cool!" The boy jumped once in awe. "I wanna be part of Sector Security one day!" He grinned.
"Do ya now!" Tetsu asked with his own grinned, impressed and ego-boosted at having someone looking up to them. "Well, play your cards right, and one day, you might look as good as me in this uniform." He boasted, he and the boy laughing together.
"I'm quite certain he was talking to me Tetsu." Ben laughed
"Aren't you a little too young to be an Officer?" Blister asked
"Who knows." Ben shrugged
"Don't want to ruin the mood, but we're actually on a timetable." Ren said
"He's right." Yusei said. "We need to know the fastest route to Satellite's Ener-D Reactor."
"In that case, let's talk inside." Blister said