Now let us see how Yuri and Masumi are doing with their situation!
And perhaps a bit more development from certain other characters…
Also, please don't hate me at the end of the chapter! I'll explain!
Yugioh: The Hope of Six
Chapter 3 – Feelings Known and Uncertain
"Wow. And here I thought things would get better after the war with Academia." Masumi said depressingly. Everyone was sitting in the fancy dorm room in Osiris Red. After being told of the events after the group left her world, the young girl was very much overwhelmed. She was both concerned and confused about what had happened to her and to the teenage boy sleeping on the couch. "How long do you think it will take for Yuri to wake up?" She asked.
"Who knows?" Kenzan said with a shrug. Yuri had been out cold since his arrival, aside from his brief waking moment before passing out again. The whole group kept watching over him as he slept.
As she observed him, Serena had mixed feelings of guilt and caution. She still felt bad that Leo kept her from helping Yuri be a better person as Ray intended. From what she heard, Yuri did start to change due to his time merged with Yuya. However, she also felt that he might cause trouble if he wasn't being supervised. Therefore, Serena decided she would keep an eye on Yuri during their time here, just to make sure.
"You know, I still can't believe how much Yuri looks like Yuya, and Serena resembling Yuzu." Grace said in amazement. Her sister nodded.
"They were all once different people but with the same faces from what I understand. It is definitely striking." Gloria said. Masumi nodded.
"Yeah. To think, this is the same guy that I talked to just before you all took off." There was no way she could deny the resemblance. As she gazed down at his sleeping face, Masumi remembered what he said through Yuya. She still wondered if he was actually flirting with her or was just messing around. Either way, his words shook her up a bit. No one actually attempted to woo her before. True, she was always flattered when Professor Marco, her Fusion teacher on her world, complimented her talents. Still, that wasn't actual flirting. 'What does Yuri really think of me?' Masumi asked herself. Her thoughts were interrupted by an important question.
"Masumi, I heard that Reiji led a mission to infiltrate Academia to save all the carded people. You were included. How did that go?" Serena asked, wanting to know if they succeeded. She was about to answer when a bright light appeared in the room, which was replaced by the returned form of Judai Yuki.
"Yo! I'm back!" He announced.
"Took you long enough." Manjome complained.
"What did you learn on Cyberse World?" Asuka asked.
"Quite a bit actually, but that'll have to wait for a second. I want you guys to meet the newest member of our little group." Judai said as he raised his Duel Disk.
"Who are you…?" Sho started to ask but stopped himself when he and the others saw the little red and black figure emerging from his best friend's Disk. They were stunned by Flame's appearance.
"What is that thing?" Grace asked. Flame growled.
"I am not a thing! I am the Fire Ignis, Flame!" He yelled while covering himself in a roaring fire. Grace yelped and jumped back a bit from his reaction.
"S-Sorry! My mistake!" She quickly apologized. Flame immediately calmed himself.
"So that's an Ignis, huh?" Judai, Flame, and the others turned toward the couch. Yuri had finally awakened and was both amazed and curious to see an Ignis for the first time.
"Yeah, and you seem to be… well, you again." Judai said. Yuri took a moment to examine himself, still very much surprised to have his body back.
"How did this happen? How am I in my own body again?" He asked, looking down at his hands. "What the heck happened to Yuya and everyone else?"
"We have no knowledge of how you came to be inside your body again, Yuri. Not even Ray had an answer. However, we can explain everything else." Flame told him.
"Yeah, we can definitely fill in most of the blanks." Judai said. After quickly introducing Yuri to the rest of the group (Yuri noticed Serena eyeing him wearily), Judai added "Also, Flame here will be hanging out with us until all is said and done."
"Why did you bring him here Judai?" Gloria asked, curious.
"It isn't just me. All of us have been sent to other worlds for our own protection. Ray suggested it." Flame said.
"Protection from what? Lightning?" Serena asked. Flame and Judai shook their heads.
"Not really." Judai said. Together, he and Flame told the group all that was discussed on Cyberse World, including the parts about hiding the Ignis from Revolver and the Airship's destruction.
"It's gone?! Seriously?!" Sho asked, shocked.
"Talk about extreme measures." Gloria muttered. Judai frowned.
"It was definitely a loss, I'll give ya that." He then regained his confident grin. "It won't be permanent though. Once we get our hands on the Numeron Code, she'll be as good as new. Not only that, everybody else is alright thanks to the Storm Protocol, including Yuya and Yuzu." A sigh of relief came from the whole group. Yuri and Serena were both very relieved to hear that their Standard counterparts were okay.
"That's good news." Fubuki said.
"We definitely needed some today, after dealing with Ryo's situation." Yusuke added. Nearly everyone nodded.
"Ryo? Did something happen to him after he got here?" Masumi asked, sounding concerned.
"You just said everyone on the Airship escaped unscathed. How was Ryo hurt?" Yuri added. Judai looked around and the rest of the group shook their heads.
"Masumi hasn't been told yet, and Yuri of course just woke up. He wouldn't know either." Serena said.
"We've been more focused on our previously sleeping guest here." Fubuki answered, pointing his thumb at Yuri.
Asuka took a deep breath and explained. "The thing is, there is another Ryo Marufuji on this world. He also happens to be Sho's older brother. He isn't that different from the one you've met, except…" Asuka hesitated as she glanced over at Sho. He didn't give any objections so she continued. "This world's Ryo is dying from a bad heart. A couple of heart transplants have been tried, but they were unsuccessful. He is expected to live no more than a month from now."
Yuri and Masumi were shocked to hear it. "That's… that's terrible. I'm sorry to hear that." Masumi said.
"Damn. And I thought my world's Ryo had a tragic story." Yuri said. Sho didn't say anything, but just looked away. Masumi then looked around and noticed a certain someone wasn't present.
"Where is Ryo by the way? I mean, the one that came here with you?" She asked Judai.
"Right before you and Yuri dropped in, Ryo went down to the beach nearby for some… alone time." Judai didn't want to get into the matter of that Ryo's personal problems.
"He's going through some things himself. He'll be back later." Gloria told the pair. She looked over at Yusuke, who appeared depressed. She knew he didn't do anything wrong earlier and he shouldn't feel like he did. Gloria wanted Ryo, the love of her life, to put the tragedy of his best friend behind him and move forward. She felt the only way he could do that was to have a meaningful conversation with this world's counterpart of Yusuke. Of course, she had no way of knowing when or if it will happen. Everyone was quiet for a while.
"Hey, Masumi." Manjome eventually spoke up. "You never did say how your infiltration went down." Masumi remembered.
"That's right. I was about to explain it when Judai returned with Flame, and then Yuri woke up."
"Oh yeah! Reiji's plan to save all the people that got carded! Let's hear it!" Judai said excitedly. Grateful for the change in subject, Masumi told everyone what happened.
"After we arrived in the Fusion Dimension, we found a boat big enough for all of us and headed out to Academia. Once we reached the island, Sora led the way to where the Arc-V control room would be. We got that intel from Dennis prior to setting out. There were some enemies that stood in our way, but we got past them without too much trouble. Before long we made it to the control room, and the scientists in there didn't need a lot of coercing to reverse the carding process." Masumi then smiled. "Everyone that got sealed was freed, including Hokuto and your friend, Barrett."
"Awesome!" Judai exclaimed.
"Well done." Flame said with satisfaction. Everyone else felt the same, especially Serena. When she first learned that Barrett was among those that rebelled against her former Professor, she was beyond surprised. He seemed too loyal to Leo to ever defy him. Serena was then saddened to hear that Ryo was forced to card him. To learn of Barrett being saved brought her unexpected joy.
"What about the Professor?" Yuri asked.
"Yeah. What did he do when you found him?" Serena questioned. Masumi dropped her smile.
"We didn't find him. There was no sign of Leo anywhere in Academia. We monitored every inch of the place. We tried to get his whereabouts from his scientists, but all they said was that he ran away after his defeat in the war. We believe he may have escaped to one of the other Dimensions to go into hiding."
"Coward." Gloria spat angrily.
"I second that, sis." Grace added, sounding pissed herself. She never forgave him for threatening to have her carded.
"So he's still out there." Serena said in a low growl.
"Pretty much. Unfortunately, he left behind one last surprise for us." Masumi said.
"Like what?" Asuka asked.
"He apparently didn't want anyone to tamper with Arc-V without his approval. Right after all the carded people were released, a self destruct program was activated."
"Self Destruct?!" Sho said in shock. Masumi nodded.
"Yeah. The whole place was rigged to blow, and we had less than 10 minutes to get the hell out of there." Everyone gasped.
"That son of a bitch!" Yusuke cursed. The girl continued.
"We wasted no time in getting all the students and school staff to our boat and another one parked next to it at the docks. Along the way, we used our Dimension Move to get all of the Xyz Dimension people back to their home. There were still some Obelisk Force goons that tried to keep us from leaving, proving that they were still loyal to their fallen leader. They didn't care if they died, as long as we didn't get away. Of course, Reiji and Barrett made quick work of them before we got out to sea. We managed to get to a safe distance when Academia exploded. The shockwave from the blast rocked the boats, but thankfully no one was thrown overboard and no damage was done to the boats themselves. In the distance, we saw a giant mushroom cloud over a massive fire. Our enemy's base… was no more."
The entire group was in stunned silence as this sunk in.
"What a close call. What will happen to the survivors?" Fubuki asked.
"The Fusion Dimension Asuka and Barrett are handling that. The plan is to help the Academia survivors move into Yusho's new school and adjust their lives there. With some luck, that school will be a huge improvement over Leo's Academia." Masumi answered.
"I hope they succeed." Asuka said, pleased to learn of her counterpart's efforts.
"Me too. Hopefully all those students, and those teachers, can be set straight and start on a new, brighter path." Judai said.
"That makes three of us." Flame said.
"So, all in all, it was mission accomplished, huh?" Sho said. Masumi nodded again.
"Aside from Reiji's father going on the run, pretty much." They all went silent again, pondering on what to do from here. After a bit, Asuka spoke.
"Yuri, Masumi… I'm sure Principal Samejima, the man running our Duel Academy, will let you stay here until the Airship is ready to send you two and Serena back to your world. I can talk to him about enrolling you both here as transfer students." Yuri and Masumi gasped.
"Really? He wouldn't mind?" The latter questioned. Asuka said she was positive he wouldn't mind at all.
"I have no doubt he would welcome you with open arms." Judai said, siding with his girl. It was then that Yuri made a surprising statement.
"I don't want to go back." Everyone stared at him in surprise.
"What?!" Pretty much the whole gang asked, stunned by his statement. Yuri looked down with a troubled expression on his face.
"When I started out in Academia, my power and skills were so great that everyone feared me and didn't want to be near me. No one wanted to challenge me anymore. No one even took the time to… get to know me or, befriend me." He said despairingly.
"Yuri…" Masumi said quietly. Yuri went on.
"It was then that the Professor took me under his wing and made me into a weapon for his goals. And look where that got me: Going after four girls with the same face and having my ass handed to me each time I tried to capture one." He glanced up at Judai, who delivered his most "frightening" setback of all. Serena as well, who he tried to capture and forced to return to Academia. "Serena, I'm… sorry. For everything." He said sincerely. Serena smiled at him and nodded.
"Apology accepted." She told him. Grateful for that, Yuri went on with his reason for staying.
"As I was saying, each failure I suffered made the Professor angrier than the last. I could tell he was starting to lose his faith in me to get the job done. I thought it would be all over for me after I lost to Yuya. Instead…" He then started to smile. "It turned out to be a new beginning for me."
'He's letting out his true feelings.' Judai thought as Yuri continued.
"My time with Yuya really opened my eyes to the world around me and it's possibilities. Now I'm here, back in my body on a whole new world… a world where no one knows me or my abilities. I want to make a fresh start here, and have a chance to make some real friends… friends that won't push me away or treat me like a scary thing to avoid." He then looked at everyone present. "I want to make a life for myself in this world, starting here at Duel Academy. My life… is here now. That is my choice."
Everyone was surprised by this declaration, especially Judai, Serena, and the Tyler Sisters.
"You want to stay here? Like we had decided?" Gloria asked, referring to herself, her sister, and Ryo.
"Yeah." Yuri replied.
"Hehe. Taking a page out of our book, are you?" Grace asked in a cheerful tone. The teen nodded.
"He's not the only one." Serena said. Now everyone turned to her.
"You're staying too, Serena?" Sho asked. Serena smiled at him.
"I am. At first it was only until Leo wasn't a threat anymore. Now, I actually think I will be happier here instead of where I came from. Even if that scum is gone and Academia no longer exists, there are still the memories." Serena shook her head. "Just being in the Fusion Dimension would constantly remind me of how much I hated being treated as a prisoner. No, I want to be in a place where I am free to be what I wish to be… a place like this. So, here I stay." She boldly confirmed.
"Wasn't expecting that honestly, but good for you two." Judai said to them both.
"I second that." Flame added in agreement.
Sho was pleased to hear Serena was planning to stay too, though for different reasons. However, it suddenly occurred to him that maybe he shouldn't think of those reasons…
"Why don't we have a Duel to celebrate this occasion?" Kenzan asked, snapping Sho out of his thoughts.
"I can get behind that!" Judai said, who then turned to the newest arrivals. "How about you two go at it?" He suggested. Yuri and Masumi looked at each other, and then back at Judai.
"I wouldn't mind." Yuri turned to Masumi. "Besides, we agreed to have a Duel after I get my body back, and now I have. Thankfully I still got my Duel Disk. You?" Yuri asked the girl. She then flustered.
"I don't have mine. It got left behind when I was brought here. I still have my Deck and Extra Deck at least." She said embarrassingly. Serena then walked over to Masumi and held out her Duel Disk.
"Here. You can use mine for the Duel." She offered. Masumi hesitated before graciously accepted.
"Thank you Serena." She told her before turning to Yuri. "Looks like we get to have our Duel after all." Yuri definitely appeared pleased as he stood up.
Unexpectedly, he held out his hand to Masumi. "Then why are still sitting in here?" He asked. Smiling, she took his hand and got up as well. She also blushed a bit from the act and how he smiled at her. Asuka and Gloria had noticed, and thought how interesting it would be to see this play out.
Once outside in front of the dorm, Yuri and Masumi stood ready while Judai and the others watched. "Ready for some fun?" Yuri asked. Masumi smiled back.
"Are you?" She taunted back as they both activated their Duel Disks and got the ball rolling.
"DUEL!"
(Yuri: 4000) (Masumi: 4000)
"Ladies first." Yuri said politely. Masumi got serious now.
"If you insist, but don't take me too lightly. My turn! I activate...!" She was about to play her first card when she was interrupted.
"Wait! Shouldn't you draw first?" A confused Sho asked. Masumi and Yuri stared at him.
"What do you mean? The first player never draws first." The former said.
"Maybe in your world, but not here. Here the first player always draws first. So, go ahead and draw before anything else." Judai told her, surprising her and her opponent.
Masumi wasn't used to being able to draw on the first turn, a strange rule in this world. Neither did Yuri. "Um, okay. Draw!" Masumi then proceeded with her turn. "I play Absorb Fusion! First, this allows me to take a "Gem-Knight" card from my Deck and add it to my hand! I choose Gem-Knight Ganet! After that, I can Fusion Summon a "Gem-Knight" Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck by banishing it's Fusion Materials from my hand!"
"A Fusion Summon right from the start, eh?" Yuri said, eager to see what was coming.
"I banish Gem-Knight Lapis and Gem-Knight Lazuli from my hand! The blue and green stones that hide mysterious power. Now, become light and appear! Fusion Summon! Level 5! Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli!" (EARTH; Level 5; ATK: 2400; DEF: 1000) A Light blue woman in dark blue robes descended onto the Field.
"Pretty." Grace commented.
"Now I activate Lady Lapis Lazuli's Monster Effect! Once per turn, I can send a copy of my Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard to inflict damage to you equal to half that Monster's Attack Points, plus another 100 Points for each Monster on the Field that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck! Half of Lady Lapis Lazuli's Attack Power is 1200, and since my first copy was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, 100 Points are added, meaning you take 1300 Points total!"
Yuri grunted as he took the damage from a blue beam from the Fusion Monster's chest.
(2400 / 2 = 1200; 1200 + 100 = 1300)
(Yuri: 4000 - 1300 = 2700)
"Then I Set two cards facedown and end my turn. Now Yuri, show me how strong you are." Masumi said strongly. Yuri smiled at the prospect of answering her challenge.
"It will be my pleasure. My turn! Draw!" Yuri saw how he can prove his strength. Just as he formed his plan…
"Trap card open, Assemble Fusion! This lets me Special Summon a "Gem-Knight" Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck using Monsters in my hand or on the Field! I Fuse the Gem-Knight Garnet and Gem-Knight Amber in my hand! The red and orange stones that radiate untapped potential. Unleash your light and fight! Fusion Summon! Level 6! Gem-Knight Rubyz!" (EARTH; Level 6; ATK: 2500; DEF: 1300) Now standing next to Lady Lapis Lazuli was male warrior clad in flaming red armor with a cape and holding a halberd.
"Another Fusion?!" Kenzan said in surprise.
"She's clearly not taking any chances against Yuri." Serena said.
"Agreed. Yuri is not to be underestimated at all." Flame said strongly, apparently well aware of how formidable of an Duelist he was. Yuri seemed delighted.
"Two Fusion Monsters! And neither one is a lightweight! Not bad at all! Unfortunately, they won't be there for long." Masumi smirked.
"I doubt it. I know you don't have your dragon anymore, and that was your Ace in the hole." Masumi taunted. Yuri merely shrugged.
"True, but that doesn't mean I don't have other Aces up my sleeve." He replied vaguely.
'What could he have that would make up for losing Starve Venom Fusion Dragon?' Judai wondered. He and the others were about to find out.
"Other Aces?" Masumi asked. Yuri just chuckled.
"Now then, I think I'll start by Summoning Predator Plants Cordyceps!" (DARK; Level 1; ATK: 0; DEF: 0) A plant that resembled a weed with angry looking red head appeared. "Now I'm set to show you one of those Aces I just mentioned. I just need to use a Monster of yours to pull it off."
"One of mine?" Masumi questioned, not understanding what her opponent meant.
"Yes. I activate a powerful Magic card in my possession: Super Polymerization!" Judai and Sho gasped.
"Super Polymerization?!" Judai shouted in surprise.
"He has the same card as you?!" Sho added.
"What's the big deal?" Gloria asked, not getting why the two boys were so shocked. Neither answered.
"By discarding a card from my hand to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck using Monsters on either side of the Field!" Yuri revealed.
"On either side?!" Masumi said, shocked.
"With my Super Polymerization, I Fuse your Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli with my Predator Plants Cordyceps! The dragon of plants! Free yourself from the soil and take flight to hunt your prey! Fusion Summon! Appear! Level 8! Predator Plants Dragostapelia!" (DARK; Level 8; ATK: 2700; DEF: 1900) A green and purple plant-like dragon emerged in front of it's master.
"That looks like a garden's worst nightmare!" Kenzan said, feeling a little creeped out by Yuri's new Monster.
"Don't take it personally, Masumi. I needed a Fusion Monster already on the Field to Summon mine. I just decided to take the more troublesome one, that's all." Yuri told his opponent. Masumi grunted.
'I was expecting him to Summon a strong Monster of some kind. I just never anticipated that he would take away one of my own Monsters in the process.' She thought in frustration.
"Battle! Predator Plants Dragostapelia, attack Gem-Knight Rubyz! Weed Killer!" The plant dragon fired a barrage of green gas from it's mouth that melted Rubyz into nothing.
(2700 - 2500 - 200)
(Masumi: 4000 - 200 = 3800)
"Now Masumi has lost both her Monsters. Yuri's got her cornered." Manjome said, seeing that Flame was right regarding the younger boy.
"I did tell you that both your Monsters would be gone. I always make good on my word. I Set two cards facedown and end my turn." Yuri said, still smiling at Masumi. She definitely looked annoyed.
'Darn. I thought I had the upper hand, only for Yuri to completely turn things around. He really is a tough one.' The girl smiled back at her opponent. 'I just need to be tougher!'
"Show me more of what you got, Masumi!" He told her. She planned to do so.
"You're going to wish you hadn't said that. My turn! Draw! I activate Gem-Knight Draw, allowing me to draw cards equal to the number of "Gem-Knight" Monsters in my Graveyard! There are five, so I get to draw five more cards!" Masumi put a plan together with what she drew. "Next I play Premature Burial! By paying 800 Life Points, I can Special Summon a Monster from my Graveyard in Attack Mode and Equip it with this card! I choose to revive Gem-Knight Ganet!" (EARTH; Level 4; ATK: 1900; DEF: 0) A weaker version of Masumi's red Fusion Monster now stood before it's controller.
(Masumi: 3800 - 800 = 3000)
"What is she going to do with that?" Grace asked before immediately getting her answer.
"Trap card open, Gem Enhance! By Sacrificing a "Gem-Knight" Monster I control, I can Special Summon a "Gem-Knight" Monster from my Graveyard! I Sacrifice Ganet to bring back it's true form: Gem-Knight Rubyz!" Masumi's second Fusion Monster returned. "Next, since I have at least one "Gem-Knight" Fusion Monster in my Graveyard, I activate Gem Reborn! Return, Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli!" Her first Fusion Monster also made a comeback from her Graveyard.
"Masumi managed to bring back both her Fusions. How could she use them to take down Yuri's Monster?" Serena said, wondering if Rubyz had an Effect that wasn't used yet.
"Anything new to add to the table?" Yuri asked. Masumi grinned.
"Here is the "new" stuff! I Normal Summon Gemresis!" (EARTH; Level 4; ATK: 1700; DEF: 500) An orange armadillo with dark round orange stones on it's body materialized. "When Gemresis is Normal Summoned, I can take a "Gem-Knight" Monster from my Graveyard and add it to my hand! This time I pick Gem-Knight Alexand!" She then added said Monster to her hand. "Now I activate the Effect of Gem-Knight Rubyz! By Sacrificing a "Gem-" Monster I control, like Gemresis, Rubyz gains that Monster's Attack Points until the End Phase! My Monster is now 1700 Attack Points stronger!"
(Gem-Knight Rubyz's ATK: 2500 + 1700 = 4200)
"4200 Attack Points?!" Gloria exclaimed.
"She must be planning to finish off Yuri with both Monsters." Flame guessed. The group nodded from his assessment.
"Time to pay you back for your last attack! Battle! Gem-Knight Rubyz, attack Predator Plants Dragostapelia! Ruby Halberd!" Rubyz raised it's weapon as it charged at the beast that destroyed it earlier.
"Sorry, but that's not happening! Continuous Trap card open, Dark Seed Planter! Not only does it make all your Monsters DARK, but if a DARK Monster tries to attack a DARK Monster I control, then that attack is negated!" Yuri countered. "It was a good try, I'll give you that." Masumi grunted again.
"Now Masumi can't attack at all." Sho said.
"She still has other options." Fubuki said.
"I'm not finished yet. I activate Lady Lapis Lazuli's Effect! By sending a copy of itself to the Graveyard, I can inflict 1300 Points of damage to you again!" Masumi revealed, striking at Yuri's Life Points once more.
(Yuri: 2700 - 1300 = 1400)
"She's definitely not letting up on him." Grace said, almost pitying Yuri.
"I banish Gem Enhance from my Graveyard to Special Summon Gem-Knight Roumaline to my Field!" (EARTH; Level 4; ATK: 1600; DEF: 1800) A yellow armored warrior with a topaz on it's chest appeared. "Now Yuri, I'll show you my Ace! I activate Polymerization to Fuse Gem-Knight Rubyz, Gem-Knight Lady Lapis Lazuli, and Gem-Knight Roumaline for a Fusion Summon! Beautiful gem combined from stones of red, blue, and yellow! Burning ruby of passion! Glowing lapis lazuli of wonder! Shining Tourmaline of splendor! Become one and create a new light! Fusion Summon! Supreme radiance who illuminates everything! Level 9! Gem-Knight Master Dia!" (EARTH; Level 9; ATK: 2900; DEF: 2500) A huge white armored warrior now stood holding a sword with several gemstones imbedded in the blade. Yuri whistled.
"Oh, I like this guy!" He said in glee.
"You'll like him even more after this! Master Dia gains 100 Attack Points for each "Gem-" Monster in my Graveyard! There are 8 Monsters, so my Monster gains 800 more Attack Points!" Masumi declared.
(Gem-Knight Master Dia's ATK: 2900 + 800 = 3700)
"Nice!" Yuri said excitedly. Masumi was amused that Yuri wasn't intimidated by the increase in her Monster's power.
'He must be either hiding his fear really well, or he's not afraid at all.' She thought. Either way, it was sort of refreshing. Her past opponents would be more than a little nervous upon facing Master Dia, but not Yuri. She actually started to admire him for his guts, and also his talent. It should be interesting to see how he deals with this. "I end my turn."
"What will you do now, Yuri?" Serena asked softly. Yuri still smiled like he was having a blast.
"This is going to be fun. My turn! Draw!" He widened his eyes a bit. 'This will help.' He thought as he made his next move. "I activate Dragostapelia's Monster Effect! Once per turn, I can attach a Predator Counter to an opposing face-up Monster!" Dragostapelia spat out a small green head, which latched itself onto one of the horns on Master Dia's helmet.
"A Predator Counter?" Yusuke asked, wondering what it will do to Masumi's Monster.
"Now that your Level 9 warrior has a Predator Counter, Dragostapelia can make it's Level drop to 1! But more importantly, any activated Effects it has are now negated!" Yuri declared. This did present a bit of a problem for Masumi.
'This means I can't use Master Dia's main Effect. At the very least it didn't make it's Attack Power weaker.' Yuri seemed to have read her mind.
"Next I play a Continuous Magic card, Rapid Seed Cannon Fire! By sending a Level 4 or lower "Predator Plants" Monster from my Deck to the Graveyard, I can inflict 300 Points of damage to you! I send my Level 2 Predator Plants Fly Hell to my Graveyard to damage your Life Points a bit!" Several seeds shot out from Yuri's card and pelted Masumi, forcing her to cover her face.
(Masumi: 3000 - 300 = 2700)
"Talk about bad seeds." Judai commented.
"There's more! Since I was able to hit your Life Points, I can weaken the Attack Power of all your Monsters by 600!" Yuri told her, annoying her. "I think that's enough for now. I Set one card facedown and end my turn."
(Gem-Knight Master Dia's ATK: 3700 - 600 = 3100)
"Not bad Yuri, but my Monster is still stronger than yours." Masumi pointed out. Yuri smirked.
"Perhaps." He said, not sounding bothered by it. This worried her.
'One of his facedown cards might give him the upper hand, possibly making my Monster even weaker or his stronger. I need to be ready for either possibility.' She needed to end the Duel now before Yuri can strike back harder. "You won't beat me! I've been trained by the best, and I'll prove it! My turn! Draw!" She gasped. 'Exactly what I need!' "Watch this! Because I control Gem-Knight Master Dia, I can play Gem Blast! This Magic card not only destroys one Magic or Trap on my opponent's Field, but any and all Counters on my Monster are also gone! Along with your Predator Counter, I also destroy your Dark Seed Planter!" The little green head and Yuri's Trap instantly disintegrated.
"Good riddance. That little thing was ugly." Grace said with a disgusted expression.
"Plus, Masumi's Monster isn't DARK or Level 1 anymore and can now attack again." Gloria said, nodding in agreement.
"With your Predator Counter removed, I can use Master Dia's Monster Effect, but first I Summon Gem-Knight Alexand!" (EARTH; Level 4; ATK: 1800; DEF: 1200) A silver clad warrior covered in gemstones now stood beside it's leader. "I activate Alexand's Effect! I can Sacrifice it to Special Summon a "Gem-Knight" Normal Monster from my Deck! In it's place I Special Summon Gem-Knight Crysta!" (EARTH; Level 7; ATK: 2450; DEF; 1950) Another silver armored knight appeared, this time with a long ponytail coming outside the helmet and had light colored crystals sprouting from it's armor. "Don't forget, with another "Gem-" Monster in my Graveyard, Master Dia gets 100 more Attack Points!"
(Gem-Knight Master Dia's ATK: 3100 + 100 = 3200)
"Planning to finish this with a double strike?" Yuri asked curiously. Masumi smirked.
"No, just one! Now I activate Master Dia's Monster Effect! Once per turn, I can banish a Level 7 or lower "Gem-Knight" Fusion Monster from my Graveyard! Until the End Phase, Master Dia's name becomes the name of the banished Monster and gains that Monster's Effects! I banish my Level 6 Gem-Knight Rubyz!" With one less Monster in her Graveyard, her Ace's Attack Power dropped back down to 3100. "Finally, I activate Gem-Knight Rubyz's Effect through Master Dia! By Sacrificing another "Gem-" Monster I control, I can add the sacrificed Monster's Attack Points to my Ace's until the End Phase! That's an Attack Point boost of 2450!" She said, sending her Crysta to the Graveyard, returning the previously lost 100 Points.
(Gem-Knight Master Dia's ATK: 3100 + 100 = 3200; 3200 + 2450 = 5650)
"It's Attack Power is over 5000!" Asuka said, stunned.
"With that kind of power, Masumi can definitely crush Yuri with her next attack." Flame said.
"But will she?" Fubuki asked. They were about to see.
"You are a tough customer Yuri, but it's over! Battle! "Gem-Knight Rubyz", attack Predator Plants Dragostapelia! Blade of Gems!" Masumi's Ace raised it's massive sword and charged forward to slay Yuri's plant dragon.
"It's not over! Trap card open, Predator's Scare! When I have at least two "Predator Plants" Monsters in my Graveyard when an opposing Monster attacks, that attack gets negated! It was a great effort though!" Yuri said.
'Darn it! He stopped me again!' Masumi fumed from frustration. "I end my turn. At this time, Master Dia's Effects ends." She said with reluctance as her Monster's Attack Points go back down to 3200.
"She almost had him." Sho said.
"Almost won't get the job done." Serena said.
'Hopefully I can hold out until my next turn.' Masumi thought to herself. Yuri didn't think so.
"This has been a great Duel Masumi, but I think it's about time to end it. My turn! Draw!" He felt it. The time had come. "I activate the Monster Effect of Predator Plants Cordyceps in my Graveyard! During my Standby Phase, I can banish it to Special Summon two Level 4 or lower "Predator Plants" Monsters from my Graveyard! In exchange, I cannot Normal Summon or Set Monsters this turn. I Special Summon Predator Plants Fly Hell (DARK; Level 2; ATK: 400; DEF: 800) and Predator Plants Stapelia Worm!" (DARK; Level 4; ATK: 100; DEF: 2000) The first of Yuri's weaker Monsters looked like a demonic venus flytrap. The second was a fat, pale white worm.
"That second Monster must've been the card he discarded when he played Super Polymerization." Manjome figured. Masumi thought that as well.
"Next I activate Dragostapelia's Effect again! I'm putting another Predator Counter on your Master Dia!" Yuri declared as another Counter attached itself to Masumi's Monster.
'Why would he do that? It didn't make my Monster any weaker, and none of his other Monsters can destroy it. Unless…' Masumi realized Yuri's true plan. 'Dammit! He was planning this from the moment he send Cordyceps to his Graveyard!' Yuri chuckled.
"Figuring out what I'm up to? That's good, except it's little late to do anything thing about it. Quick-Play Magic open, Predator Prime Fusion! If I control a "Predator Plants" Monster, I can Fusion Summon a DARK Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck using Monsters on either side of the Field, including two or more DARK Monsters I control! Don't worry Masumi," Yuri said when he saw his opponent's expression, "I'll only use my Monsters this time. My new creature needs all it's Fusion Materials to be DARK, which yours isn't. Now let me show you my true new Ace Monster!"
"Uh oh." Yusuke said, dreading what might be coming.
"I Fuse the Predator Plants Fly Hell, Predator Plants Stapelia Worm, and Predator Plants Dragostapelia on my Field for a new Fusion Summon! The almighty three headed golden predator! Arise and devour all before you! None shall escape your ravenous hunger! Fusion Summon! Appear! Level 9! Predator Plants Triphyovertum!" (DARK; Level 9; ATK: 3000; DEF: 3000)
Masumi, and pretty much the whole gang, stared open mouthed at the horrific sight before them. It looked as though Dragostapelia had turned a sickly yellow and grown two extra heads. Not to mention it looked seriously buff. "Seriously, what is it with this guy and monster plants?!" Kenzan exclaimed.
"Did Yuri… always have that?" Judai asked. Masumi actually backed up a step or two before standing her ground again.
"Your new Monster is… not pretty to look at. However, it is still no match for my Master Dia!" She said defiantly. Yuri waved a finger at her.
"Uh uhh. There is more to my new pet than it's charming good looks. At this time, Triphyovertum's Monster Effect kicks in! It gains the total original Attack Points of all other Monsters on the Field that have Predator Counters!" He revealed in glee.
"What?!" Masumi gasped in horror.
"Before it's power went up, Master Dia originally had 2900 Attack Points." Asuka said.
"Which means Triphyovertum will get that much stronger!" Serena finished as Yuri's new beast literally grew bigger as it's Attack Power increased.
(Predator Plants Triphyovertum's ATK: 3000 + 2900 = 5900)
"Master Dia currently has 3200 Attack Points. If Yuri attacks it with Triphyovertum now, Masumi will…" Flame didn't finish. He knew the outcome, and so did Yuri's opponent.
'The damage I'll take from the attack… will be exactly 2700. That's how many Life Points I still have. I've got nothing in my hand or on my Field to stop it…' Masumi gazed up at the monstrously huge plant dragon, and then back to it's controller. Despite being afraid, she recognized Yuri was a strong Duelist with no doubt in himself. She smiled to herself. 'You've definitely proven yourself, Yuri. You have my respect as a Fusion Duelist.' Yuri was curious about Masumi smiling to herself.
"Whatcha smiling about?" He asked. Masumi just shook her head.
"Nothing. Just finish this up, will you?" She asked, trying to sound tough. Yuri made a mock bow.
"As you command, my lady. Battle! Predator Plants Triphyovertum, attack Gem-Knight Master Dia! Vertumnus Scorch!" The three heads launched a combined assault of green yellow fire that burned away Masumi's rock hard warrior, dropping to her knees as it did.
(Masumi: 0)
"Even without his dragon, Yuri is as formidable as ever." Gloria said in awe. Her sister nodded.
"Do you think he will really fit here at Duel Academy?" Sho asked Judai, who smiled.
"I like to think he will." After the Duel ended, Yuri walked over to Masumi as she got back up. The two looked at one another for a moment. Yuri spoke first.
"Masumi… thank you for the Duel. I really enjoyed it." He then held out his hand. "You still want to be friends with me?" He asked. Masumi shook his hand and smiled.
"Of course I do. I meant what I said before." Yuri smiled warmly at her.
"Thanks. Also, I just want to say… you are as strong as you are cute." Masumi blushed again. She still wasn't used to being told stuff like that.
'That was the second time Yuri called me that. Does he really find me attractive? No, it's ridiculous. He's more likely just messing with my head.' She firmly told herself that. He seemed like the kind of person to get into people's minds and screw with them. Then again, she doubted he would do something that would truly hurt her. Not after how Yuya softened him up. She would just have to figure him out in the coming days…
"That was quite the spectacle!" Everyone turned to see Principle Samejima and Rei coming toward Yuri and Masumi. "I was coming here to see how Serena was adjusting to life in Duel Academy, but it appears we have some more new faces." The former said.
"Awesome match! You two really went all out!" Rei complimented on the two before she saw Judai, Manjome, and Kenzen. "Hey guys! I'm happy you got back safely!"
"So are we Rei." Kenzan told her.
Flame retreated into Judai's Duel Disk before he could be spotted. That was fine. He would introduce Flame to Rei later. As for Principal Samejima, Judai felt he shouldn't know about Flame unless it was necessary.
Samejima looked over Yuri and Masumi. "I don't believe I've seen either one of you before. Are you both guests here?" Samejima asked. After Yuri and Masumi introduced themselves, along with the Tyler Sisters, Judai and Serena explained about their unexpected arrival and ask if they could stay in Duel Academy. The older man nodded. "That shouldn't be a problem. I think I can also find a couple of positions for Gloria and Grace. But first, if you're all going to be here, you'll need to get the lay of the land. Care for a tour?" The two nodded.
"Sure, sounds fun." Yuri said.
"Of course." Masumi said. Samejima nodded back.
"Very well. Follow me." He instructed. Just then, Manjome held out his arm to Grace.
"May I be your personal tour guide?" He asked in smooth manner. Grace giggled as she took his arm.
"You may, good sir." Just as they started walking, Grace turned to see her sister not coming. "You coming sis?" Gloria shook her head.
"You go on ahead. I'll get a tour later." She then turned to see a certain young man that had just come back from the beach, standing at a distance. "There is someone else that needs my attention." She walked in Ryo's direction.
During this time, Sho took notice of how close some people are and are already becoming. He truly was glad for them. However, as he gazed at Serena, who was chatting with Asuka, he started to question his own growing feelings for the former. He was still too concerned about his brother to even think about it. Then again, he felt his emotions had been out of whack since he got the news of Ryo's impending death. 'Maybe my feelings for Serena are just my way of coping with the situation. Maybe they're not even real. Besides, I shouldn't be thinking about it anyway. I'm too old for her...' He then too walked away, not knowing Serena watched him leave with a look of worry.
'Sho… What are you thinking? How can I possibly help you?'
/\/\/\/\/\/\
"So… Academia is gone. And Leo Akaba is hiding like the rat he is. Good. I hope that bastard never shows his face again." Ryo said with satisfaction. Gloria had just explained everything she had heard in his absence. He seemed to be taking it rather well. They were gazing out at the sea, like how they used to on their world. He also happened to catch Yuri and Masumi's Duel. He was impressed by both of them.
"So do we all." Gloria said. "How do you feel about Serena and Yuri staying here like we are?" Ryo shrugged.
"They made their choices like we have. If they both choose to stay for their own personal reasons, then who am I to judge?" Gloria nodded. She definitely understood. She knew she would be happy anywhere, as long as she was with Ryo. On that thought…
"Ryo, how long are you planning to avoid Yusuke?" She asked. Ryo didn't answer. The truth was that he didn't know if he could talk to him at all. The horrible memories he had of seeing Yusuke being taken away and finding his lifeless body in a body bag kept intruding in his mind. He had thought he could move forward, but seeing his best friend's counterpart here only confirmed that he really couldn't. "Ryo?" Gloria asked again, a little more insistent this time. After a moment he finally responded.
"Gloria… I'm not sure that I can face him. He looks and sounds exactly like the Yusuke we knew. Seeing him reminds me how I… how I failed him." His voice was so soft and yet sounded so fragile. She hated how this was torturing him. Gloria turned his face to look at her.
"Ryo, you did not fail him. He was taken by force and had his life stolen without a second thought. None of that had anything to do with you! Yusuke's death wasn't your fault! Stop blaming yourself for that! I love you too much to see you like this!" She then paused to catch her breath. "Please Ryo… just talk to him. I truly believe he can help you get past this... if you let him."
Ryo looked into the pleading eyes of his woman. He closed his eyes and sighed deeply.
"Maybe you're right." Gloria started to smile. "The thing is, I'm just not ready yet. Please Gloria, let me choose when and how to talk to Yusuke. I promise you that I will. Okay?" His girlfriend sighed exasperatedly.
"Okay, fine. I will hold you to that." After that, they both hugged each other.
"Thank you. And Gloria…" He smiled at her. "I love you too." Gloria returned the smile as they continued their warm embrace, only thinking how fortunate they were to have each other again.
/\/\/\/\/\/\
"So, this is where you want us to be tonight?" Asuka asked. Judai nodded with his playful grin.
"Of course! What better place to have our first date than where we had our first Duel?" He and his new girlfriend arrived at the small lake where they dueled for the first time. It was an exciting night for them both, even though it started because of a prank gone wrong. Asuka gave a little laugh.
"How appropriate." Judai and Asuka sat on the soft grass at the edge of the water. Judai left Flame behind at the Osiris Red dorm after telling of him of his evening plans. He didn't mind, saying he wanted to talk to Sho anyway. Once the couple were comfortable, Judai took out a couple of wrapped Drawbreads from a basket he carried. He handed one to Asuka. "A Drawbread? I haven't had one of these since our student days. How did you…?" She asked.
"I might've told Tome-san about our little evening together and asked if I could have a couple of Drawbreads for the occasion. She was more than happy to oblige." Judai said with a knowing grin.
"I'll bet. What kind is it?" Asuka asked, regarding her Drawbread. Judai shrugged.
"Only one way to know." He said in a teasing tone. Curious but accepting the challenge, Asuka unwrapped the sandwich and removed the top bun. She gasped at the contents.
"No way! Is this… the Golden Eggwich?! I thought one was already drawn by a student earlier today!" She exclaimed. Judai chuckled.
"It was. When I went to see Tome-san about Drawbread options, she immediately suggested a Golden Eggwich for you. When I said there shouldn't be another one until tomorrow, being a once a day sandwich and all, she surprised me by telling me that the Golden Hen actually laid two golden eggs today! Tome-san said that has never happened before and believed it must be some sort of blessing. She decided to keep the second egg in storage for a special event. When I told her about our upcoming date, she strongly believed this was it!" Asuka nearly chocked up.
"Unbelievable." She said quietly. Judai smiled as he opened up his own Drawbread.
"It's definitely your lucky night! As for me…" he paused to see what kind of Drawbread he got. "Check it out! It's Pizza Bread for me! Love me some pepperoni!" He said excitedly. Asuka laughed as they both ate their sandwiches while enjoying the scenery.
Eating her Golden Eggwich brought back memories for Asuka from their first year in school. She recalled the day when she had two Drawbreads and Judai asked if she had drawn the Golden Eggwich so that he could have lunch with her(making her blush of course). Of course, she didn't have it. This led to catching a former student who stole the Golden Eggwich everyday until Judai put a stop to it. Asuka remembered the following day that she was the next person that had drawn the Golden Eggwich. Now here she was, eating one again with Judai next to her. Only this time, they weren't just friends. They were more than that now.
After washing done her sandwich with some water, Asuka turned to Judai and smiled warmly at him. "What? Have I got some pizza on my face?" Judai as when he caught her staring at him. She shook her head.
"No, Judai. I just can't help but love everything about you." Judai smiled back as he slipped his hand into hers.
"Same here, Asuka. Same here." With that, the two closed the distance and shared a loving kiss. Whatever challenges lay ahead, especially in regards to Zarc and those with him, Asuka knew Judai would not be alone to face them.
/\/\/\/\/\/\
1 Month later…
It was a very somber day for Sho Marufuji. A raging thunderstorm tore through the city, claps of thunder and flashes of lightning happening quite frequently. All he could do was sit there at a table in his apartment, his head in his arms, thinking how lonely and miserable he now felt.
When Ryo's estimated time drew near, Sho left Duel Academy to spend as much as time as he could with his dying brother.
Sho had come home earlier in the day after getting groceries. When he went to check how Ryo was, he saw that he still lay in his bed, like he did the past several days. He at first thought he was asleep, until he came closer and saw that he wasn't breathing. Not only that, but he looked pale and his skin was cold to the touch. Sho immediately realized what this meant and nearly stopped breathing himself. He broke down and cried a good long time before he made the call. Soon afterward, an ambulance came and had Ryo's body taken. Sho knew this day would come, but he was no more prepared for it than the day he got the news that Ryo's days were numbered.
He was fortunate though, that he wasn't actually alone. Standing on top of Sho's Duel Disk on the table, Flame tried to comfort the poor young man. The Ignis had chosen to stay with Sho before leaving the island. Of course, Sho kept Flame a secret. His older brother never knew they had a third occupant in their little home. "I am truly sorry, Sho. My partner, Soulburner, too felt the pain of loss. But he was able to overcome it. You will too. Your brother would want that." Sho lifted up his head and turned to the Ignis. His eyes were red and wet from crying.
"I know." He said, sounding forlorn. Sho would need to tell Judai and the others at Duel Academy, but not until he was strong enough to do it. Flame said no more as he and Sho just kept each other company in silence.
At that time, the vehicle that contained Ryo's body began to drive away in the pouring rain. Inside were the two men who carried the body out of the apartment and the driver. The ambulance headed down the street but then veered away from the direction of the local hospital. Instead, it drove to the docks… where a team of six men dressed in black uniforms waited. As soon as the ambulance stopped, Echo got out of the driver's seat and removed her cap and sunglasses. "Ma'am!" The men saluted when they saw her, and she nodded back at them.
"Are we set to leave?" She asked. One of the men nodded.
"Yes, Captain. We were just waiting for you and the asset, as instructed." The solider replied. Echo smiled.
"Very good. The asset is in the back. He should be waking up by now." A smiling Echo said as she walked to the back of the vehicle. Once the doors were open and her subordinates jumped out, she stepped back and allowed the remaining figure to step out into the open. As he did, a big clap of thunder and flash of lightning briefly obscured the individual. The body of Ryo Marufuji was now standing, flexing his fingers and breathed in the stormy air. His glowing black eyes turned to the woman, and smiled viciously.
"So you are the one that I was told would give me a ride out of town?" He asked, his voice sounding very inhuman. Echo wasn't intimidated.
"Yes. Lightning gave me precise instructions to retrieve you, Devil Kaiser. You are to come with me."
"And go where?" Devil Kaiser asked.
Echo started leading him to the submarine waiting in the water. "To the home of my king, Amon Garam. You two have a great deal to discuss."
To be continued.
A.N. Before all Ryo fans rage at me for that last part, let me make this perfectly clear. The Ryo Marufuji of GX is not dead. I repeat, NOT DEAD. As stated near the end of my Power of Four Epilogue, Ryo's soul is still in his body. He is merely trapped by Devil Kaiser, who is now in total control of Ryo's body. As for whether or not GX Ryo will survive this before the end… you'll just have to continue reading to find out. I just wanted to get the message across.