We are going to have some fun in Standard. Mainly canon stuff early on with our trio added. Apologies for Shingo Sawatari bashing, but he is quite the dick early on and Christopher obviously would not tolerate that. Otherwise if you are very familiar with the beginning, you can skim through until the later parts. As for duels, they remain unchanged so they will not be shown to save time. Delays also occurred due to college which also does not help when I have to make sure I fix mistakes. I also will make chapters at least 8k for main chapters. Duels are the exception for unique circumstances as well as flashback chapters. For a segment I got inspiration from a video made by SM-714 Productions who did a dub on a comic by ponlypone. Anyways enjoy and feedback is appreciated. Plus the usual: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V and all other references belong to their respective owners.
Standard Dimension, Maiami City. What can I say? Pretty straightforward yet unfortunately in the eyes of Christopher, has severe dueling illiteracy. After all, people mainly do Tribute Summoning unless tutored heavily in something else. Yuya is there as well. Selfish in the mind of Christopher. Forcing people to smile for your own gain. Doesn't work that way all the time he says in his head as decides to head to You Show. There he sees Ruri and Rin looking at the crowd in curiosity.
"Hey girls!"
"Christopher! Your here!" Ruri yelled
"I was getting worried that you got lost, but I guess the crowd here helps," Rin adds
"Although we will meet another counterpart and before you do anything, said certain individual you see is not Yuto or Yugo. Anyways, listen up. I got a fake backstory."
(Inside You Show)
"Sheesh, I'm going to be the opponent in the mock battle, but I don't have time to get ready," Yuzu complains
"Then there's no other choice! The man Gongenzaka will replace you as the opponent," Gongenzaka jumps in
"What?" Futoshi also jumps in
"This is the principal's daughter's responsibility!" Ayu adds
"It'll be embarrassing to get help from a rival school! Outsiders should go away," Futoshi backs up
"Outsider?" Gongenzaka looks in surprise as he is pushed into an elevator
"We'll handle things from here so that you can prepare for the duel," Ayu finishes
Yuzu leaves her thanks "Thank you! I leave it to you!"
She notices someone and heads to him
"You were here before. You came again?"
So she manages to finish collecting the papers until...
"Hey. Can you sign my sisters and I? Or at least my sisters."
"I am in a hurry so..."
And then the ball has dropped
"Why do they have my face?" asks Yuzu
"Your guess is good as mine. Their your counterparts, but not like I can say shit. Well I am Christopher and these are my sisters. Ruri and Rin."
They just wave to Yuzu and let Christopher take the charge
"You said you were in a hurry so we should talk later about this."
"R-right!"
Yuzu has them quickly sign the papers before heading of to her duel with Yuya. Our trio meanwhile listens to Syuzo ramble on about the school from a distance to avoid a sudden scene with Ruri and Rin. Of course no one wants to hear rambling so sucks to be them if not for Yuya's appearance.
"Ladies and gentleman! Welcome to my one-man show today!"
(SMACK)
"What do you mean by one-man show? You can't duel alone!" scolds Yuzu
"Yuzu sure made herself the villain by doing that, but at least she gets her revenge by a win in this duel. Also a good thing the crowd is keeping her focused," Christopher comments
"I see. So that's my role? Fine! I'll take the role of the villain! Yuya, just because you gained some fame doesn't mean you can laugh like an idiot! I am going to pummel you to pieces!" Yuzu declares
"Huh?" Yuya wonders
Yuzu comes closer and says "C'mon, Yuya. Say something back!"
Yuya does so with "Whoa! You're Female Strong Ishijima!"
"Female Strong?"
"You're trying to get revenge for your master? I'll strike back using Pendulum Summon!"
"The crowd will be seriously disappointed because some people do not read their cards. I wonder if the duel will be same in regards to plays?"
The duel meanwhile goes as in the anime. Ruri and Rin are entertained while Christopher observes.
"I am glad they are enjoying this. After what they been through, they deserve to be teenage girls at the moment. As for the duel, that is why you read your cards kids. Although if Yuya lucked out with Stargazer or a level 5-7, things definitely would go way different. I need to gesture to the girls. Ruri and Rin. Let's stand back here. You will see why."
So he leads them to be more down the hall as the crowd learns of Pendulum cards. As the crowd leaves disappointed, Yuya puts on his goggles and attempts to head off. Christopher waits for Tatsuya to speak first.
"Yuya isn't a coward! Yuya didn't cheat!" Tatsuya yells
"The kid is right. If Yuya did cheat, he would have gotten an error. That crowd needs some duel disk education if you ask me. And yes I don't hold back on my language except with swears in front of kids although I could still be pushed far," Christopher jumps in
Everyone looks at Christopher and notice the girls as well. Before they could ask, Christopher continues.
"Oh where are my manners. Name is Christopher Bouchard. Raised in Scarborough, Ontario. These are my adoptive sisters Ruri and Rin. My parents adopted them when I was younger here in Japan. We decided to study overseas for dueling opportunities. As for why they look like Yuzu here, my theory is they came from the same individual. I think your all supposed to be triplets. Either way, we are fans of your entertainment dueling and we all hope to get along."
"Yuya, don't you feel bad that your first fans have to say all of this?" Gongenzaka declares
"My first fans?"
"Yes. Tatsuya in particularly has visited before today's registration," Yuzu adds
Ayu pitches in with "He became your fan after he saw your battle with Ishijima in person."
"That gives me shivers! says Futoshi
"I thought you were incredible. Your dueling united thousands of spectators into one! I wanted to duel like that! Duel like Yuya!" declares Tatsuya
"I myself want learn how to soar with my songbirds like you," adds Ruri
"I never really been too much into that before, but now I want to as well," adds Rin
Christopher smiles at the two and then says "So what do you want to do Yuya?"
"I want to duel in front of a large crowd again!" says Yuya
"You were reborn in that duel! You'll never run away again!" Gongenzaka adds
"Gongenzaka..."
"So do your best for your fans!
"We're your fans too!" says Futoshi
"Now and forever! Right, Tatsuya?" adds Ayu
"Yeah" he anwsers
"Ruri and Rin as well. If I am too old, I will join as a mentor so make that 4 new members," Christopher declares
Syuzo gets up, runs over and says "You all are enrolling? Really? Hooray! I'm fired up! I'm burning up!"
"An entertainer can't let his fans down. I promise to master Pendulum Summoning! Yuzu and Gongenzaka, duel me!"
(Some street in Standard)
So Yuya did mock duels with Yuzu and Gongenzaka. Because our dimension travelling trio values healthy habits, joins Yuzu on her walk back home. They also have to lie a bit.
"It feels weird thinking that we probably are long lost sisters," Yuzu says
"I thought Ruri was my only twin. Looks like triplets is the case," adds Rin
"I hope we all get along. Maybe we can even duel at some point?" asks Ruri
"Yuya has me beat so maybe tomorrow. How about you Christopher? Anything you want to say?" asks Yuzu
"Scarborough was quite the experience growing up. My younger sisters though were who I cherished the most. Our parents were business folks so we often had to entertain ourselves. Total bullshit story, but hope Yuzu buys it. Our past also has sensitive parts so please also avoid asking fior now, but the truth will come out once we compose ourselves. Although we do need a space to stay or at least for my sisters. Any ideas?"
"I think dad would be fine letting the girls stay over, but not so sure about you. You are a guy after all."
"All good Yuzu. As long as they are taken care of is all I want. If your dad does let me stay, I will make sure to contribute."
They head to Yuzu's place. Rin and Ruri learn that Yuzu has no summoning specialty and Yuzu replies with how she is unsure what to go for. Christopher thankfully can sleep on the couch.
He does talk with Syuzo before bed that he knows multiple summoning methods and would gladly volunteer as an instructor. Especially after he let them stay. When he goes to bed, he starts to dream.
(Recurring "Nightmare")
"My living hell again."
A bear charges at him and slashes him open, yet Christopher does not flinch and accepts his fate having become so accustomed to it, yet he wonders why he doesn't wake up this time. Instead an animatronic endoskeleton of some animatronic looks at him with a dead bear nearby. It glitches to look like him. Suddenly despite it's structure being one of a stationary model, jumps at him. Christopher is taken to a park. There he sees Zarc and Ray.
"Ray! I think I am ready for that duel!"
"That's good Zarc."
"I don't understand. Ray. This your memory. As for that endoskeleton, could it refer to my not real status."
Christopher would struggle to sleep tonight as he is suddenly awoken and has to repeat this cycle although oddly he feels the effects caused by lack of sleep weaker. That he takes note of and wonders if Ray is boosting him.
The next morning, Syuzo and Christopher prepare breakfast for everyone with Christopher adding his chef technique in.
"Yuzu. Christopher showed me some tricks for breakfast. I felt so fired up! He is planning on taking a culinary program at some point to become a chef by trade!"
"That is true. Maybe we can do a cooking club someday as well?"
"That would be so lit!"
SMACK
"Dad! Your rambling now!"
"Sorry. Anyways, Christopher will explain it."
"We have eggs benedict. Poached eggs on top of Japanese bacon and English muffins. Topped with hollandaise, a mother sauce. And a side of a fruit bowl and toast. Would have used peameal, but you can't have everything. English muffins are from me so if you want any more, go right ahead. Dig in."
The girls are in awe after taking bites. Rin and Ruri do lie how it is always a treat for Christopher to cook them breakfast.
"The way the sauce gives extra flavour is amazing," says Ruri
"I like the egg a lot," says Rin
"Dad and Christopher will dominate the entire culinary industry at this rate," says Yuzu
"Just wait till you see me at fullest."
Since Ruri and Rin are not registered for high school, they join Christopher and Syuzo at the Duel School where they help set up the frameworks of alternative summoning methods. They later hear how Yuya will pendulum summon for them later. When high school is almost finished, the main group except Gongenzaka head over to see Yuya and Yuzu.
(Maiami Second Junior High School Gate, Standard Dimension)
Futoshi, Ayu, Tatsuya, Rin, Ruri, and Christopher all are waiting for Yuya and Yuzu. After all a Pendulum Summon is to be done at You Show. Of course Shingo makes his appearance.
"Great, dickface is here," Christopher groans mentally
Of course he goes along because he knows Yuya needs this to grow. Rin and Ruri do as well while being unaware of what is to come. Perhaps Christopher can also get Reiji's attention. Shingo would ramble on with Yuzu getting all defensive until Yuya strays off in LDS and Christopher tags with him. Yuya then looks at a course poster of LDS.
"I would say this place has stuff that we don't have if it weren't for you. Although this coming soon Link Summon seems interesting when it gets released. Otherwise the usual courses on Xyz Summon and Synchro Summon. They even have course on Fusion Summon!
"Hey Sora. Glad you have arrived. Only a matter of time before shit hits the fan. Besides, the sooner I get this done, the faster I can get back home. On another note, Reiji seems to know about the Link Dimension."
Sora walks passed them which Christopher expects and looks at them before walking away.
"Yuya!" Yuzu calls out
"The centre court is that way," Shingo adds
They end up entering the court. Christopher knows what is to happen although he won't let one thing happen. He however see 3 extra lackeys likely to overwhelm them.
"I can't believe I am standing on LDS centre court!" Futoshi says excitedly
"Hey"
"They're also your fans. Can you show them the cards you use to Pendulum Summon?" Shingo asks
"But..."
"They only want to see it, okay?"
"Okay..." Yuya says as he pulls out his two magicians to Shingo who takes them
His lackeys look at them before Shingo tells them how they are not theirs. Christopher meanwhile internally curses how Yuya is a dumbass for giving the cards willingly. Especially as the sole owner. Shingo declares they will go in his collection now. Of course everyone, but Christopher is surprised. Well I guess Rin mutters how rich assholes exist in all dimensions, but keeps it quiet due to the kids.
"What do you mean?" asks Yuzu
"I like rare, strong cards. I hate using weak cards. That's why I am taking these." Shingo anwsers
"That's why you brought us here?"
"That's not all. Since I have them now, I want to use them. Don't you also want to see me Pendulum Summon?" Shingo asks
His lackeys agree
"That's why I reserved the centre court."
"Wait a second..." says Yuya
"C'mon now! Everyone came here because they want to see Pendulum Summon." Shingo adds as he knocks Yuya down with his own goggles
"Yuya!" Tatsuya yells
"You don't want to duel me?"
A voice speaks to Shingo from his duel disk
"That's enough. Your job is to hand over Pendulum Cards to us."
"Nakajima? I have a different goal. I wanted these cards from the start."
"What are you thinking! Don't you dare-"
Reiji says to Nakajima to let him duel
"Okay then," Shingo snaps his fingers although Christopher has a different idea
"Fuck this shit," he says before punching them down
"Hey! You said bad words," Ayu said
"Sorry, but I need to say more so girls, can you cover their ears."
The bracelet girls do so
"Hey Yuya! Listen up! Your special, has just become not special thanks to dickface there."
"W-what? Who are you calling dickface?"
"Say that again, because your pissed aren't you? Look in me in the eyes cause your not as pissed as I am cause you fucking are! Donkey!"
"Why you..."
"Cause right now I don't give a fuck dickface! For the record, this is not personal, it's professional! Dickface. As for you Yuya, how about you get it together and get your Pendulum cards back? Your father never used Pendulum before, so you can win without them. Man that felt good being British."
"I...Your right. I will win this."
"First you insult me. Now you won't even duel me. Fine! When I am done with Yuya, I will take you down as well! Also here Yuya." Shingo angrily throws cards at Yuya and calls them garbage
So things go slightly differently with instead of his friends being endangered, his motivation is through the typical power of friendship instead. Once Block Spider is played though, Christopher gives some wisdom."
"Shingo Sawatari will lose this duel as he forgot one crucial thing. Excluding obvious bad cards like The Humble Sentry, any card can be strong if used properly. Of course one shouldn't blindly run weak cards without meaning. Ruri you would know that."
"Yes. My Lyrical Luscinia cards do not have a lot of power by default, but their effects matter a lot."
"As for you Rin, I may have purged a lot of cards, but even a normal monster can fill a niche in the right deck. Often as fodder for a higher level play since normal monsters can sneak by certain restrictions."
"Of course," Rin says
Since the group is not in danger, the two magicians before returning to Yuya's hand do a little show instead. Yuya wins of course and good old Shingo attempts to take the cards by force.
"Get them and target the big guy first!"
"I always wondered where the lackeys went, but maybe I can get one down again befo-"
And they all fall down. Sorry Christopher. Sora was too quick. Plus a Nani moment from Yuzu
"These guys are so not cool."
"You did this?" asks Yuya
"You were awesome!"
You're also a LDS student?"
"I was thinking of becoming one, but not anymore. I'll be your student."
Everyone, but Christopher goes "eh" over Sora's declaration. Funny how the Canadian did not say it eh?
"My student?"
"Yeah. If I'm going to learn, may as well learn from someone fun. Since arriving here, you're the most fun person I've seen."
"You did this?" asks Yuzu
"They're only unconscious. Although you probably could handle them with him since he is strong. Anyways, I'm Sora Shiunin," Sora says as he extends his out to Yuya
"Rest in peace Yuya as you got yourself an apprentice and yes, while I may not be as strong as my 28 year old self, I know tricks."
"Yeah..." still shocked, Yuya shakes his hand
One by one everyone introduces themselves and Sora asks about Yuya's entertainer side and causes him rub his head in embarrassment. Meanwhile...
(Some secret room, Standard)
"Go after them! Take his Pendulum cards away!"
"No, it's fine."
"President?"
"He put on a good show. Yuya Sakaki. As for a certain three of you." Reiji pulls out footage on them. "Christopher, Ruri, and Rin. You three I will see you soon."
"So Yuya. My sisters and I are going to head off for a bit so good luck with Sora."
"W-what?"
"Hey Christopher. Can you kneel down?" ask Ayu
"What is it?"
(Slap although not really that painful)
"That was for those swears."
Everyone giggles
"Alright to be fair, I did deserve that. Sorry Ayu. I will try my best to keep them in my head or at least have your ears covered. Reminds me of my best friend's daughter. How cute. Man he must feel wrecked right now after hearing his best friend is dead."
After Sora is convinced to wait for tomorrow, Christopher brings Ruri and Rin to talk in private at a park.
"The Professor's son has noticed us. This is good as he is on our side and wants to take down his father who is involved with Academia. Also good job playing along. Once shit hits the fan, we can tell the truth."
"What about big brother and Yuto?"
"And what about Yugo?"
"We have to still wait. I know it is hard, but they will come."
Sad looks are present and Christopher wants to comfort them, but if succeeding means going back home, he does not want attachments. Or else they will get hurt more. He gives in though.
"Let's go to a bench as I have a story to share."
They all do so with Christopher in the middle.
"You know, I am from another universe. Hard to explain that part, but back in my old life, I had people I was close with like you two. One day I found out I loved to cook and practiced. I went to a college in Sarnia for my diploma. It was tough going into more professional cooking. I did prevail and got my red seal. A goal of mine is to always get better."
"What does this have to do with anything?" asks Rin
"I lost someone very important. My beloved cat. However, he will never be coming back no matter how hard I try. My first loss. And that is not all for my losses. In fact after getting good, and things looking like it will remain like that, no it did not. I was also a hunter and loved the outdoors. One day there was a hiking apprentice. We did not have solid vision duel disks. We used the very things monsters use in battle. No guns were available as no bear should have been there apart from just a regular park ranger. It must have suffered from something. I saved that man's life and I remember the day I was torn apart. The day I lost everything. My family, my friends, my first date, my career. Everything. Before I was unable to sleep sometimes as I felt my death play over and over again. I do not have PTSD when it comes to bears though, but rather the feeling of death of that day lingers. So I know loss even if reincarnation is still hard to believe. I just want to know if your still with me."
"Shun and Yuto would want for me to be strong. Even if it hurts. I find out of universe theories to be much, but after what happened, I think your telling the truth and you only ever helped me."
"If I lost Yugo so soon, I am not sure if I would have made it through Commons all alone. Sure I had others at the orphanage, but the others weren't the same. I find your backstory harder to believe since reincarnation is unprovable. However, like with Ruri, I will listen to you, but I will be a problem if you lied to me about Yugo."
"Thanks you two. If they do not show up, I take full responsibility. I would even let you two return back to your home dimensions even."
After some encouragement, they head to Yuzu's place, eat pasta with bolognese and sleep. Tomorrow is another day.
(Random Street, Standard)
Our group of four meet up with Yuya and he talks about Sora showing up at home. Christophers does mention how based Yuya's household is for having maple syrup. And of course Sora shows up.
"Since when were you here? Why are you following me?" asks Yuya
"Because I'm your apprentice, Master. I go wherever my master goes," Sora responds
"I told you many times that you're not my apprentice-"
"C'mon. Let me be your apprentice. Your duel electrified me! Pendulum Summon is incredible! I've never seen it before! I wan to try that too."
"Well, you can't Pendulum Summon without Pendulum cards."
"Same with Link Summon."
"Then show me again. Please please please! Ask for me too," Sora says as he turns to Yuzu
"Why me?" she asks
"Because he has to listen to his girlfriend."
"Girlfriend?"
"You're not his girlfriend?
"No!" they both say
"If Yuya wasn't as dense as brick at this point, it would be true," whisper Christopher to Ruri and Rin who only nod before well...
"Why would I date the female version of Strong Ishijima?" Yuya asks his very stupid question
SMACK
"How dare he say that! Who does he think I am?" Yuzu angrily storms off
"He deserved that," says Christopher
"Agree," says Rin
"Agree," says Ruri which is a break from her pacifist self because even sweet girls know not to play with someone's heart
"Good luck with Sora as my sisters and I are going off with Yuzu."
Yuya is still in a rightfully deserved daze while the trio reaches Yuzu and Christopher can see she is a bit sad.
"Hey Yuzu. Sorry about Yuya. He had no right to say that. I smack him as well. But don't you want to be his boyfriend?" asks Christopher
"W-what got you that idea?!" Yuzu gets all defensive and looks ready to throw hands
"Take it easy. I just seen the signs. Reminds me of when Ruri got a boyfriend. I never thought my sweet younger sister could be so bold. He is also coming over as well." Christopher says as he signals to Ruri
"Yes. If you ever decide to ask Yuya out, I can help with date ideas."
Rin also pitches in with "And if he says no, I would beat the shit out of him until he says yes."
Yuzu sighs knowing there is no hiding it with them "It is true I like him, but he really pisses me off sometimes."
"I do believe Yuya truly likes you, but ever since his dad went missing, I think he has some difficulties managing his feelings. If you asked him out, he would say yes. He may not view it as a date, but deep down he would. You just have to make the first move because if you let yourself bottle up, some other girl will make the first move. Of course you are still 14 so no rush. And I will do my best to work on Yuya."
"Thanks you three."
(You Show Duel School, Standard)
Our trio head to You Show after dropping Yuzu off just to wait. Christopher is in a classroom and writing on the chalkboard about every summoning method apart from Pendulum and Link. Ruri sees a poster of Yusho himself and remembers him. She calls out to Rin.
"Rin. This guy here. I know him from back home. I think he knew about the dimensional war because he helped make the camp before he disappeared. Presumably killed by Academia. When the time is right, I have to tell Yuya."
"I agree. He should at least know what happened to his dad to get some closure."
Meanwhile Sora is outside and thinks
"Obviously those two Ruri and Rin are the ones Yuri failed to capture. That I will report back when I do return. As for Christopher, I cannot confirm, but I suspect he is the one who interfered. Yuri did say he wore a cloak and tried to keep his identity hidden so Christopher may just be an accomplice if that is the case. I should duel him or wait for him to duel someone in order to see his deck."
Sora proceeds to enter the school. Everyone except Christopher chat him up until Yuya and Yuzu arrive.
"Ladies and gentlemen! The envoy of entertainment has arrived-"
"Master!"
"You're even here?"
"I let him in as punishment for what you said to Yuzu earlier. Also your late. But good luck Yuya with your apprentice. And also apparently restraining order don't exist here."
Tatsuya, Futoshi and Ayu nod in agreement with Christopher
"But he's not and h-how dare you bring that up t-traitor?"
"Not my problem. Anyways my cue to shut up. And be more aware of your own feelings."
Yuzu smiles from that
"Yuya, since he's your apprentice, that means he's enrolling in You Show School, right?" asks Syuzo as he holds Yuya close
"Like I said, he's not my apprentice!" reiterates Yuya as he pushes him back
"Master, let's duel! And show me Pendulum Summon! It's so awesome! You bring out monsters with a bang! I'm looking forward to dueling you Master!"
"Why do I have to duel you?"
"What? I can't? Master, you're not going to duel me?"
"I feel bad for him, Yuya," says Ayu
"Let him duel you," says Futoshi
"C'mon. One duel is fine, right?" asks a charmed Yuzu
"He is a sweet boy. I always found such duelists to be fun," says Ruri
"Kid just wants to duel. I be done for it if he asked," says Rin
"Fuck this shit I am out lol. I would walk away if I was in Yuya's shoes and Sora was a minor character. Sucks to be you Yuya. There is a reason I am the chef here," says Christopher
"Yuya! I don't recall teaching you to run away when you're challenged to a duel!" Syuzo adds
"Master. Duel me."
"Even with those eyes, no means no!"
Sora ramps up his cuteness
"Fine, I'll duel you."
"Hooray!"
"If I win, you can't hang around me anymore. You'll stop calling me Master and won't be my apprentice! Got it?"
"Yeah! But if I win, I'll become your apprentice, call you Master and get to hang out with you."
The duel seemingly goes exactly the same, but Christopher sense something off from Sora. And not due to him being a spy. So he says he needs to do something important and also tells Syuzo to let Sora join if he loses. He goes to his newly created office and pulls out a laptop to print documents.
"I sense Sora is not using his real deck. It may be like it due to Standard canon, but I feel the power curve will really spike soon. Especially once we hit Synchro. Meanwhile I have yet to open something Akira snuck in my bag. Might as well do it now."
Christopher does so and finds a wristband and a note.
"This may help with dimensional communication. It is not stable so try to gather energy from others. I also have a duel disk downloader code which may be useful. Not sure what I would be downloading though. I guess the carding feature which would be nice against Yuri because I could kill Zarc by doing so. And no one will miss him. I guess the emergency teleport could help to reverse engineer and jam it so we can kidnap Academia forces for interrogation or just lock them up. Now for these documents, I need to give them to Reiji when the time is right."
Christopher does eventually come back to see Syuzo telling Sora to join his school.
"Sure! This place seems much more fun than LDS!"
"All right! I'll bring an enrollment form immediately!" declares Syuzo as he runs off
"But if you're not an LDS student, where did you learn to Fusion Summon?" asks Yuya
"Reading a book because it really isn't that hard to learn the concept itself. But for real, I know why."
"Where I used to live, it was normal for everyone to do Fusion Summoning."
"Called it."
Ruri meanwhile "I don't want to make assumptions, but looking at his uniform and what Christopher said, could he be the spy?"
"Normal? Where? In another country?"
"Don't sweat the details as we're friends now."
Ruri again "He has to be. Not even a country mentioned and he is dodging the question. I...keep it together Ruri. Christopher said he will be on our side, but those memories hurt."
"What's up with that? Besides, I didn't accept you as a friend yet.
"We're buddies, Yuya."
"Stop deciding things on your own!"
"Since I'm joining this school, we can play even more! Let me see your duels Yuya!"
Christopher nudges Ruri to follow him.
"Follow me."
Ruri does so and is led to his office.
"Yes you are right he is the spy. Your tense. Shun was supposed to figure it out, but you are his sister after all. The early bird gets the worm. You can tell Yuto, but Shun must face off against Sora in the upcoming tournament. It has to happen in order for Sora to change. It may be hard to understand that, but it is necessary. Also, Yuto and Shun are here."
"I am happy to hear that. Let's go to them."
"Hold it girl. I know you want to hug your brother and kiss Yuto silly, but we need to first lure Yuto out. It's just your brother is not handling everything that well. So having you two together will help. For Yuto, Yuzu will ask us for a flavour of ice cream and head off. She will get distracted by Shingo Sawatari causing Ayu to run back us with melted ice cream. That's our cue and why we should stay at the front so Ayu tells us first. Otherwise if Yuya arrives too early, Yuto will be teleported away by Yuzu's bracelet."
"I trust your word Christopher."
The duo does exactly that and hangs out front. Rin joins out of boredom and Christopher tells her something will happen as a heads up. Yuzu does go, but since she was not in danger before, she wants to save Yuya to show herself as capable to him. Ayu also later arrives.
"Christopher! Yuzu is in trouble!"
"Take it easy now Ayu. We will save her. Where was she?"
"By the docks in a warehouse. They were in 50s I think."
"Thank you Ayu. Ruri! Rin! Let's go! Ayu. I want you to tell the others, but make sure they bring first-aid as the three of us can hold off in the meantime. Let yourself rest bit as well since they will need a guide. I know where it is though."
"O-okay."
Our trio heads off running to "save" Yuzu. There they find Shingo and his lackeys running away and not noticing they were there. Ruri runs in and calls for Yuto.
"Yuto!"
There Yuto sees her. The girl he loves and also Christopher plus Rin shortly after.
"Ruri. Christopher. You two. If this girl is not Ruri, then who is the third?"
"Yuto. We have a lot of explaining, but we must hurry or else Yuzu's bracelet will teleport you away," says Christopher
However her bracelet did go off as due to her uncertain state of mind, Yuya approaching made it go off.
"Gosh fucking damnit. Bullshit power bracelet. Has no safety feature either. Fuck this shit," Christopher rages
"Yuto..." says Ruri as she goes on her knees and tears fall
"Yuzu! Are you okay? Why is Ruri crying?" calls out Yuya with a first-aid kit in hand
"I have some explaining to do you two," Christopher interrupts
"Huh? What are you talking about?" asks Yuya
Christopher has them gather around.
"There are two major components. The easiest one to grasp is that Ruri and Rin are from different dimensions. Look at their duel disks and how they seemingly are very specialized without attending a place like LDS. Still a lot to take in and I get you won't believe us now. As for what happened, someone with your face was here Yuya. His name is Yuto. Yuzu's bracelet teleported him away. That's why Ruri was so upset as he is her boyfriend."
"He is right. Someone with your face was here," says Yuzu
"I find this very hard to believe," says Yuya
"Looks like I need to show you something."
Christopher pulls out his duel disk. Since had yet to really explain how his model functions, he will do so now
"Initiating simulator mode and master rule revision."
His duel disk does so
"Watch as I show you this. I will play Balancer Lord and then use it's effect to summon another one. Circuit set. Arrowheads confirmed. I Link Summon! Link 2 Splash Mage!"
"Link Summon?!" Yuya and Yuzu yell in confusion
"Yes. Like with you Yuya, I too have a special method. In fact not just me. As for my duel disk, I remember seeing some Yusaku guy and decided to have the blade be the same, but the main core is the same like the ones here. Just a bright red colour. You can see how the blade is not straight on the top and released a space for my monster. But if you still don't believe me, expect LDS to force you to duel or else they will attempt absorb the school due to Yuya being accused of hurting Shingo Sawatari. Also don't tell anyone we had this talk. I will explain things myself when the time is right. As for the 2nd component, that will be for another time."
Yuya and Yuzu are unsure what to think. Though Yuzu leans to siding with them. Yuya is more on the fence, but he says he doesn't see any bad intentions and how they can worry about it another time. And in the end, everyone goes home. Tomorrow is another day.
The next day, Yuzu is distracted like in canon. Although for different reasons. Yuya while it was a lot to take in, decides to focus on bringing smiles. Christopher has a lecture planned in case LDS is delayed in arriving, otherwise he is going to slip away and head to LDS in order to stop Shun with Ruri. The dueling class goes as usual with Yuya noticing Yuzu is off today. However, he knows the reason this time. Yuzu still blurts out Xyz. Her dad does instead say that Christopher will start that lecture soon, but still questions her sudden outburst.
"Yeah, there's no way Yuya could use Xyz. Yuto was his name if what they said is true. Could he be a long lost twin of Yuya or is this dimensional talk they gave really is true?"
Gongenzaka is later heard although Christopher says he has a feeling things will get ugly and to keep the kids inside. Despite protests from them, they were left inside. Then they ask Gongenzaka about Shingo's lackeys standing outside.
"The man Gongenzaka was running to strengthen his legs when he noticed 3 suspicious men peeking into You Show School. When I questioned them, they said Yuya attacked them yesterday!"
The lackeys bring up how they saw it with their own eyes and how there was 5 witnesses. When questioned on 5, they sat Shingo Sawatari and Yuzu. They also taunt Yuzu.
"Is that true Yuzu! You saw it too?" Gongenzaka asks
Yuzu meanwhile knowing that Yuto is not Yuya, defends Yuya.
"It was not Yuya!"
This causes everyone to look at her
"Yuya doesn't know Xyz! He never would hurt someone willingly! That person looked like him, but he was not! I mean two girls here have my face for crying out loud!"
Yuzu pants from all that yelling and Christopher just smiles before turning to the lackeys.
"Yeah! I was there and Yuya was right behind me! In fact he was inside the building when Ayu went to retrieve me. Of course you donkeys also are unable to see that blue hair is very different from Yuya's tomato colours. No offence Yuya, but I needed something quick."
Yuya just nods
"Also go back to dickface or no wait, fuckface and tell him he needs an eye doctor's appointment donkeys!"
The area gets tense until a car shows up. Then Himika Akaba arrives. Everything goes how it is, but Christopher says he will take Ruri with him to find the culprit. The kids are also informed and Yuzu is on Yuya's side for sure. However, all the information and Yuto's face keeps her mind clouded.
Outside of the school, Christopher specifically chooses a specific way to cross paths with Reiji.
"Hello Reiji. Just need to tell you that I am in on whatever you are planning. May we speak soon."
Christopher heads off to the dueling site with Ruri and Reiji just smiles "We shall speak soon." Although Reiji is unsure why they have split from the others.
When they do arrive at the site, Shun and Marco are inside. Before anyone could say anything, Ruri yells out.
"Big Brother!"
Shun was about to duel Marco, but now he looks and sees the sister he has been searching and one of his friends. He runs over to Ruri and the two embrace.
"Ruri. But how? Christopher too."
"It's okay Shun. I am here now. You can stand down. LDS is not our enemy. For me please?"
Shun still partially thinks LDS is involved, takes a deep breath and surrenders the duel for Ruri after letting go. He looks at Christopher to see what he says.
"Let's get out of here if we want to find Yuto as we saw him yesterday. Why he is not here with us is a bit of a story that I will explain."
The three of them heading off and Marco is left confused. Marco also calls LDS about a strange duelist.
Meanwhile...
(You Show, Standard)
"Yuzu. Yuzu. Yuzu! Are you hurt?" Yuya calls out to Yuzu after her duel loss.
As he is saying that, she gets up.
"No."
"That's good."
She holds onto Yuya
"Hey are you okay?"
"What was I doing? Yuya is right here. He is not that individual. Yet why does he stay in my head. Like she said I was fooled by a fake.
"You two are giving me quite a show," says Masumi
Yuzu pulls back and shoves Yuya to the ground, however this time she helps him up right after.
"Why did you do that for?"
"I am sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you. Damn you Yuzu. Yuya was just comforting me. I am sorry I lost that duel for us. It was an important one..."
"Don't worry about it as yesterday was stressful for you. We just have to win the next one."
"Yuya."
Rin seems to have entered the room at some point and gestures a hug position which prompts Yuzu to hug Yuya although she pulls away after a few seconds due to Yaiba. Everything else goes as usual although Rin is offered to duel Yaiba which she declines out of the excuse that Gongenzaka needs this. Although her true reason is to avoid unnecessary interference despite personally wanting to face off against a Synchro user. She does get interested in learning Gongenzaka has a unique style. As for the rest of the events here, things go the same.
(Warehouse Port, Standard)
The trio gather up. Due to Ruri, Shun is notably calmer and more reasonable.
"Let's begin. And ask questions if you wish. I knew the invasion was coming, but as for why I kept silent, I have a hard time seeing you believing me if I did. I stuck around for one thing. To save Ruri because the Professor sent someone after her," starts Christopher
"It's true Shun," says Ruri
"Why did you not take her back to base?" ask Shun
"Well it has to do with individual in question. He was way too dangerous to engage. And no, my Utopia deck is just a cover. My real deck could face off against him but as you know, the noise could have attracted multiple threats. So I took her to the Link Dimension. Relatively unheard of. The technology and duelists there are far stronger so Academia would never dare attack while investing many resources in Xyz. Plus I figure you come to Standard eventually."
"So who specifically targeted Ruri, how did you know of the invasion and that I would be here?"
"The guy is named Yuri. He looks like Yuto, but with purple hair. Now for how I knew, I am not really from here. More specifically this universe. This is hard to explain, but where I am from, this all a show. Everything follows a specific event. And if I let things slide fully, your sister would never be the same as Academia would put a parasite to mind control her. All because of one thing. She is a fragment of the Professor's daughter."
Shun's fists show his anger building, but Ruri puts her hand on his shoulder and he relaxes. He was not angry at Christopher as while he did not appreciate being separated, Ruri has not shown any ill will. To him, that makes him believe Christopher since dimension travel exists now. Rather he was angry at what they would do to his little sister.
"I believe you. If dimension travel is a thing, weird things can happen, but I will tear Academia with my own hands if I have to. As for the fragment bit, are there more Yutos and another Ruri?"
"Yes. 4 in total and 4 Yutos. Two more are also here. One of them being native and the other a rescue from Yuri. Yuya is Yuto's counterpart and he lives here. Yugo is the Synchro variant. Pronounced not as Fusion unless you want to piss him off. As for Ruri, Yuzu is the Standard counterpart, Rin is Synchro, and Serena is Fusion. Serena is a unique case. Not Yuri bad I will say. She will be here eventually and I will handle her."
"But if the Link Dimension exist, why do only four of each exist?
"It has a story, but that is not important. Something to do with Ray, Ruri's original form and my death, but I do have these."
Shun notes the word death and deducts reincarnation, but he drops it finding it not relevant to bother asking. He does look at the bracelet and a card called "System Breaker Link Dragon".
"If they existed, they would own these. Back to the fragments, if the Professor is successful, well his daughter is back, but Ruri will die. Another problem we must address has to do with Yuto. While Ray was good, Zarc his original form became corrupted. So it is important Yuto never duels any of his counterparts without Ruri by his side. These bracelets contain the darkness. That is why Yuto is not with us because Yuzu's bracelet teleports them away. Now I also take it you were trying to get the professor's son right?"
"Correct."
"He is not our enemy. He is also against his father and will try to recruit us. Now I know you want to charge head first, but they outnumber us that enough Hound Dogs will be a game over. We should gather allies especially if we want to take back Xyz."
"Fine for now. This a lot to take in and I have to catch up with my sister anyways, but we will come back to this discussion again."
"Understood. Now I know a place we can all stay."
"I should add that I can contact Yuto or at least send a signal so that we can reunite with him."
Ruri lights up at the idea
"No need to. I saw you three and followed you all," Yuto steps in
Ruri runs over and hugs him
"Hey Ruri. I missed you so much. I am so glad you are safe."
Shun has another idea "So I want to ask. Are you two dating?"
The two freeze.
"I figure. But it pisses me off that you two were actively hiding it from me."
Christopher just stands back as he has better shit to deal with.
"Well not for very long if you remove the invasion. I was meaning to tell you," Yuto replies
"So I see where this is going. Let me ask you this, why do you think you deserve her?" asks Shun in a serious tone
"Please Shun. I was the one that started. I wanted him so badly that I could not hold back at the park," protests Ruri
"Ruri. It doesn't matter as I want to hear from Yuto. Go on."
"I will always protect her and be by her side. She means so much to me. I would die for her and..."
"Hold it. I will not allow it."
"Please brother."
"It's the last part I hate. So do you want to die and leave her alone for the rest of her life till she dies of a broken heart? If so, might as well fuck off."
"No. I will be by her side no matter what. We are in this together and I will never let her be alone."
"Good. I will allow it. I always had a feeling this would happen and only you I can feel secure about Ruri's heart being in good hands."
Ruri and Yuto smile and give each other a kiss which makes Shun wince, but he relaxes. After all, he it was due to come, but he has one more thing and in a dark tone "But I swear, if you break her heart."
"Never Shun. If I ever do, I would never forgive myself."
"Neither would I Yuto if I broke your heart."
Yuto then asks Christopher something "What did you mean by darkness inside me?"
"Zarc wants to return and basically when your pushed to the limits, you can say you go berserk. In this state, if you beat one of your counterparts, he will die and you absorb him. The bracelets can prevent that in certain ways. Ruri's is unknown. Another problem is Zarc may just automatically trigger it if you are near one of them. But if he does so, he would be unable to do it again for a while."
"I am not sure if I believe you, but I always had this feeling facing against Academia. I also felt it when dueling this guy on a motorcycle. From what I overheard, that should be Yugo."
"Correct. Anyways, I say this enough information for now. There is tournament coming up and we must take part through registering with Reiji Akaba and winning consecutive duels. Most importantly Yuto and Shun, is no carding anyone as I know you two can do that and I would like the technology myself so I can deal with Academia. Plus for Ruri's sake, only for Academia if you must.
They don't understand why they must take part, but Reiji is the reason they will agree. The group then head to You Show led by Christopher.
(You Show, Standard)
Syuzo was just defeated as they are walking in to Yuzu's 4th wall break which Christopher would like to comment on. His sudden appearance is not questioned due to the circumstances.
"Hey Yuzu. When did this become a show to some outer being? Well it is technically and the episode will not end with me due to a real time factor."
"Well actually I am not sure why I said it that way, but dad was being silly again."
Everyone laughs even more.
Yuya goes on say what he was going to say "Thank you, Principal. I'll train harder than anyone! I'll become better and stronger so that I can become a duelist like my dad and make everyone smile!
"Yuya..." Yuzu nods
"Christopher. Did you and Ruri find the culprit?" asks Gongenzaka
"Yes. But what happened was an accident so rather meet our new friends Yuto and Shun Kuroaski."
They step in with Ruri.
"Let me tell you all the full story."
Christopher runs down a basic summary although he decides to leave out his reincarnation for another time to get to the point. Major points are the Xyz Dimension, the invasion and how Yuto was only protecting Yuzu because of mistaken identity. Yuto looking like Yuya does factor in getting people to side with the group.
"Hmmm. I the man Gongenzaka believe you. I sense too much honour in your intentions even if you kept this a secret for a while."
Slowly they all side with Christopher with Yuzu being fully at ease over Yuto even if that memory lingers. She and Yuya also bring up how Christopher mentioned the school was going to be threatened to them yesterday as extra proof. Syuzo is also excited for new members. As for living conditions, the boys will stay with Yuya and Christopher will transfer over. Christopher will have to figure a way to keep the wannabe mayor out of Yuto's way and Reiji is the answer.
(Yuzu's home, Standard)
"Hey Yuzu."
"Christopher. What's up?"
"Can I talk to you in private before I head off"
"Sure."
They step outside.
"How are you feeling about the Yuto incident?"
"Much better. I feel my mind is more clear."
"Good. While it is a lot, I am glad everyone understands where we are coming from. I don't want to alarm you, but Academia will attack at some point and I am glad you want to get stronger because if they do, nothing will stop you."
"Thank you, but how did you know I want to get stronger?"
"Well it is crazy, but I was brought life for a second chance and where I was from, this was show so it made your one comment amusing to me. Either way, reincarnation is crazy so I am not going make you believe that, but I see it in your eyes. What method do you have in mind. I suspect Fusion because of Masumi and Sora being a practitioner. And yes I know what happened in that duel."
"Your right."
"If you skip school to train, I will not stop you. I myself know a few tricks if you want some tutoring when Sora is unavailable."
"Thank you."
"Now we must discuss your bracelet. It will go off and be problem if you allow yourself to get scared near Yuya or Yuto. It did not last time as you felt secure didn't you?"
"Yes. I was surprised, but I did not feel the same as on that day."
"Good. Now I must ask, have you done anything about Yuya?"
"I m-mean I h-hugged him."
"Baby steps. I am going to work on him, but Ruri is there to help as she is after all, Yuto's girlfriend."
Christopher grabs what he needs and heads off.
(Yuya's house, Standard)
Christopher arrives and greets everyone. Due to his chef background, he gets along quite nicely with Yoko. He turns to Shun who looks tense.
"Your tense."
"Yes I am because what if Ruri gets attacked and I am not there?"
"I get that, but she will be safe. She is also under my protection. And if she does get attacked, I should let you know that I boosted her deck with upgrades. Including for Rin so worst comes to worst, we arrive and assist for backup. And if you really need to, you can visit her."
Instead of replying, he runs out of the house to see Ruri.
"It seems he will need time to adjust," Yuto jumps in
"For sure, but I don't blame him. He did lose her. Even if he is that overprotective. Although we need to address the Shingo Sawatari incident. I hope to see Reiji because he is the solution to that. Otherwise lay low in the meantime."
"Understood, but can I be with Ruri?"
"Sure. You two and Shun should enjoy quality time with each other. Any idea where Yuya is?"
"He was in his room. Nice guy. Feels weird seeing my own face, but he also reminds me of Ruri because they both want to make people smile."
"Correct. I will leave you now and see Yuya. I want to talk with him.
Christopher heads upstairs and knocks on Yuya's door. He is told to enter.
"Hey Christopher. What's up?"
"Just wanted to check in as I did drop a bombshell earlier."
"It is a lot, but I am fine. I know you mentioned the school, but is there anything important happening in the future?"
"Quite a bit, but I cannot say certain things because they must occur naturally. I will say, there will be a point where my future sight is no longer viable. Regardless, I will do everything in my power to have us prepared for anything. After all, the goal should be peace in order to create smiles."
"Speaking my language. I like it."
"Now for a more interesting point, but how do you see Yuzu?"
"She is not my girlfriend if that is what you are asking," replies Yuya as he gets a bit annoyed
"I know that, but what is she to you?"
"Well since your bugging me about it, she is a very good friend and precious to me. She was always there for me when dad went missing."
"Good. That being said, the other day you did insult her when Sora asked if she was your girlfriend so while she has moved on, I think she would really appreciate if you did something to make up for it. I may look 18, but I seen many things."
Christopher pats Yuya's shoulder and says "Just think about or even take up on an offer if Yuzu suggests one"
He heads out and into the living room to play with the pets.
(With Sora)
"This is not good. I am loyal to Academia's goals and Christopher is ruining everything, but yet why do I feel hesitant. After all, loyalty triumphs friendship."
And that is a wrap. Now the gang is nearly all together. Now you may wonder why Shun was so easy to reason is because remember, he was motivated to find his sister. Now that she is with him, while he wants to burn down Academia, he is willing to wait a bit to catch up regardless. Also helps that Yuto will not die at the hands of Yugo. So do expect a calmer Shun. I also look forward to the tournament since I get to do duels. I also will have legacy duelists from DM appear. One is a unique choice is my eyes. Will help give a challenge to make duels more interesting since the first set will be wipeouts to showcase characters like Rin against one time characters. But enough rambling as we will cross that line when we get there