Chapter Two: Hospital (January 20, 2020)
(Author's Note at the Beginning): Hey everyone, welcome back! Hope you enjoyed the foreshadowing in the last chapter. We're jumping forward again, right into the thick of things. What do you think that prophecy from the Duel Spirit meant? And what kind of "powerful spirit" do you think Li Cu is destined to meet? Let me know your theories in the comments! Now, let's dive into Chapter Two...
The sterile scent of antiseptic hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the comforting aroma of sandalwood and old books that usually permeated Second Room's apartment. Li Cu sat beside Su Wan's hospital bed, the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor a constant, unsettling soundtrack. January 12th, 2020. Eight days ago, a screech of tires, a sickening crunch, and then… this. Su Wan, his steadfast anchor, lay pale and still, his head bandaged, an IV drip snaking into his arm.
Li Cu's gaze drifted to the black Duel Disk strapped to his own left forearm. It was a gift from Second Room – Su Wan – on his 23rd birthday, March 31st, 2019. "Figured you needed a hobby that wasn't dodging booby traps and deciphering ancient curses, Xiao Cu," Su Wan had grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he presented the sleek, matte black device. Li Cu had initially been hesitant, but Second Room's infectious enthusiasm for the strategic depth of Duel Monsters had eventually won him over. He'd even found a strange sort of comfort in the structured chaos of a duel.
His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the buzz of his phone. A text message from Wu Nainai. His heart clenched. He hadn't heard from her directly in a while.
Nainai: Li Cu, Wu Xie wishes to see you. Please come to the Wu Manor in Hangzhou at your earliest convenience. He is still recovering, both in mind and spirit, from the… events at Thunder City and Warehouse 11. Also, Sanxing is back. It would mean a great deal to us both if you came.
A wave of conflicting emotions washed over Li Cu. Wu Xie… he'd been through so much. And Wu Sanxing was back? That was… unexpected. He hadn't heard anything about the Third Uncle since… well, since everything went sideways years ago.
Just then, a doctor approached. "Mr. Li?" he asked gently. "I have some news about Mr. Su."
Li Cu stood up, his anxiety tightening its grip.
"Mr. Wu Erbai has been incredibly generous," the doctor continued, a hint of surprise in his voice. "He has personally ensured that all of Mr. Su's medical expenses are completely covered. Furthermore, he has arranged for Mr. Su's continued recovery at the Wu family residence once he is stable enough for transfer. They have the resources for the best possible care."
Li Cu's mind reeled. Wu Erbai? Why would the Second Uncle… unless… a flicker of understanding sparked within him. The Wu family always took care of their own, in their own complicated way.
As the doctor continued with discharge information, Li Cu's thoughts drifted. He remembered late nights with Second Room, rewatching old Duel Monsters tournament footage on the HoloNet. They'd often laugh at the over-the-top antics of duelists like Weevil Underwood and Rex Raptor, or the ruthless tactics of Bandit Keith. It felt like a lifetime ago, a simpler time before hospital beeps and cryptic prophecies.
Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in his mind, clear as a bell despite the surrounding noise.
Herald: Soon, young one. You will meet your chosen partner. A powerful spirit he will be. The threads converge.
Li Cu blinked, a shiver running down his spine. His chosen partner? A powerful spirit? What did that even mean? He looked back at Su Wan, his best friend lying so still. The weight of the prophecy, the unexpected message from Wu Nainai, and the unsettling kindness of Wu Erbai pressed down on him. His life, it seemed, was about to take another sharp, unpredictable turn.
Author's Notes for Chapter Two:
We're back in 2020, and things have taken a dramatic turn with Su Wan's accident. This chapter re-establishes the close bond between Li Cu and Second Room (revealed to be Su Wan) and introduces the black Duel Disk as a significant gift.
The plot thickens with the message from Wu Nainai, bringing Li Cu back into the orbit of the Wu family and hinting at the lingering trauma of Thunder City and Warehouse 11, as well as the mysterious return of Wu Sanxing. The unexpected intervention of Wu Erbai adds another layer of intrigue.
Most importantly, the Herald's voice returns, directly foreshadowing Li Cu meeting his "chosen partner," a powerful Duel Spirit. This sets the stage for the full integration of the Yu-Gi-Oh! elements into the narrative.
What do you think this powerful spirit will be? And how will Li Cu balance his concern for Su Wan with the pull of the Wu family and this looming destiny? Let me know your thoughts! Chapter Three will delve into Li Cu's journey to Hangzhou and his reunion with Wu Xie.