The sun had risen, and set three times since Zane had tested the Speed-duel format. While the challenger, had been weak, there was a certain "thrill' to such high-speed duels. However, there hadn't been a single new announcement about Duel-Link's, other than it had been delayed due to 'server maintence'. He took a quick glance around his surroundings, making sure nobody was following him too closely. He felt the buzz of his phone, and puuled it out off his pocket. He squinted slightly, at the caller-I.D, and then swiped-ed his thum to the right to awnser the call. "Heh, it's unusual for you to call me when the Pro-Leagues are finished for the year, Aster.."he said, with a hint of a drawl.
"Well hello to you too, Zane."
"What, do you want Aster?"
"Well, your little bro called me, and asked for my help. Apparently you've been a little too obsessed with some Kaiba-Corp Duelist.."
Zane's left eye twitched, when he realised that Syrus had told Aster, about the Vagnabond. He exhaled a deep breath, to regain his composure,"Syrus is just over-reacting, Aster."he said, as he turned to the right, and down the allyway, that lead to the back-entrance of the apartment complex.
"So you're not going through a reclusive Hobo, phase?"
"Goodbye, Aster.."he replied, tiredly, before ending the call, and sliding the phone back into his pocket. He would never admit it out loud, but Syrus was right, he was becoming obsessed with the mystery surrounding the Vagabond. He wanted to know why she had Cyber-Dragon cards, and why his mind contained memories-that should not exist! Once he walked through the rear-entrance of the Apartment Complex, he noticed the blonde-haired receptionist waving him over. He walked up to the counter, and stood there staring silently at the receptionist.
It had been a rough day, and Shelly just wanted her shift to be over already. She knew from Zane's silent stare, that she should speak quickly," A Miss Rhodes, was asking about you, and she told me to give you this.."she stated, as she handed him a note with a number scribbled on the back.
Zane took the note, turned around and walked away. His wondered why Alexis had returned to Domino city, after two years. She should still have at least another year, before completing her degree. So what had changed?
Shelly glared at the tall mans, back. "A thank you would have been nice!" she yelled, before letting out a huff. Honestly, what was it with that guy, lately?
The moment Zane arrived in his apartment, he walked straight over to the coffee stained sofa, and sat down. He leaned forward, rested his elbows on his knees, and stared at the wall. He had neither seen, nor spoken to Alexis in two-years. He looked at peice of paper he was still holding, and crushed it in his hand.
Elsewhere, in an upmarket diner a few block away from the apartment complex, the younger trusedale tapped three fingers on the edge of the table. Oblivious to the annoyance he was causing his guest, until the guest said his name."Uhh..um sorry about that Alexis.."he said awkwardly.
The young woman sighed, and rubbed her nose with her forfingers. She had come to Domino City for awnsers, and not just a simple chat,"Syrus, tell me what is really happening to Zane.."she asked kindly, but firmly.
Syrus adjusted his spectacles,"I don't know much at all, aside from the fact that Zane has not been himself, since he saw the mascot of Duel Links, known as the Vagabond. He says that he remembers her giving him plain-sandwiches at the Academy." he said, tiredly
Alexis crossed her arms,and peered downwards, "It's nice to know I'm not the only one who remembers that girl handing out sandwiches.."she replied.
"Wait.. you remember the Vagnabond as well,Alexis?"
"Yes, and it started once Kaiba-Corp announced that Duel-Links would also be coming to America. It's just so strange, because until then I didn't remember ever seeing her at Duel Academy."
"So if you both remember the Vagabond, then why does nobody else?"
"I don't know, Syrus, but I'd rather go back to America without these strange memories in my head.." she stated, before pressing her hand against the table and standing up, "I need to return to my hotel, Syrus, but Ihave time to meet up again you could bring Zane with you next time?"she said with a warm smile.
"Sure.."
"Oh and one more thing, have you heard from Jaden?"
"No.."
"I see.."
Meanwhile, in a location that was hidden far beneath the ground,the Vagabond was floating inside a tank filled with green liquid. She felt the pressure of a mask against her face, and the unatural flow of oxygen into her lungs, but nothing else. No sounds reached her ears, nor did her eyes open. Instead a relentless barrage of distorted images, and past-conversations assulted her mind; until she could no longer distinguish what did happen, and what did not.
"You're still asleep at this hour?I see you run on your own schedule."
"Let's stick together as partners okay?"
A scientest stood nearby, swiping through the medical logs of the last three days. Three days ago, the Vagnabond had collapsed after exiting duel-links, and had fallen unconscious. Nobody knew exactly what had happened, but A System Error had occurred the moment the Vagnabond fell down. In truth, he had always felt a sense of un-ease around the girl, as if she was a monster in human skin. He shook his head, and went over to his desk to begin writing his report. "I hope you wake up soon, Vagabond."he muttered, tiredly, glancing back briefly at the tank where The Vagabond drifted helplessly.