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Chapter Text

A grey-haired young boy looks ahead at the city filled with high rise building. Screens showcasing duels and festivals followed by advertisements of Leo Corporation. ‘Maiami City... The City of Action Duels... A new beginning, I suppose’ The young boy thought as he disembarks the ship.

“You must be Yuga.” The young boy turned and saw a white-haired young man in a blue shirt wearing a red scarf white trousers and white trainer standing in front of a pristine white sports car.

“Akaba Reiji, I suppose.” The man responsible for his arrival... for what purpose had he brought him here.

“Getting you here wasn’t easy. I hope you are worth all the effort.” Akaba adjusted his red tinted glasses as observed the teen in front of him. ‘He is a lot younger than I would have thought... and he bears a very strong resemblance to a certain someone.”

The boy grins unfazed as he adjusts his bandana holding his green streaks of hair. “Well that depends on why you invited me to this lovely place. Not that I’m complaining. It's been a while since I get to wear clothes these good. I don’t suppose I can keep these?” Yuga wasn’t lying it has been a couple of years since he worn clothes this comfortable. He wore a blue bandana holding his messy grey hair and green streaks and an extremely comfortable white hoodie with black streaks on both sides and long black trousers and a pair of black trainers.

“We can talk about terms and conditions at a more suitable location. For now, follow me.” Akaba Reiji turned and entered the car. Yuga followed suit, well he already reached this far he isn’t going to back down now.

The car steadily drove down the commercial district and went by multiple high-rise buildings and pop-up stores. Many people are on the streets eating, playing and duelling. Maiami City is a rather interesting city, it feels like a city that is forever visited by a circus. Festivities occurs on the regular and Screens and Advertisement seems to constantly show highlights of Duels and the people... they are a lot more laid back than Yuga expected. Children running around without a care people playing duels in the middle of the street against each other and adults walking around at a leisurely place, a large stark contrast to...

“We have arrived.” The car pulled up upon an apartment building. Reiji alighted and Yuga followed suit. They entered the building’s elevator and reached level 2 and entered Apartment Room 201

“This will be your lodging for the rest of your stay.” It was modestly sized apartment with 3 rooms and a kitchen completed with furnishing.

“We were unable to get better lodgings due to the time constraint so we improvised a student-”Reiji paused as he saw Yuga trembling. “Are you alri-”

“THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!” Yuga exclaimed while literally jumping in excitement. He ran all around the living room, to the dining room, to the bed- “OH WOW THERE’S A BUNK BED!?” This is the best thing that ever happened to him all the other houses that he had lived in only had a room and bed. This place has 2 bedrooms! TWO! Who needs that much bedroom? There’s even a bathroom with a bath! He only seen those on movi-

“Ahem.” Yuga immediately stopped and stood straight. Oh right. Yuga nervously laughed as he sat across Reiji at the dining table.

“As I was saying. This place will be your lodging, you may move if you want but this place will be available for the duration of your contract with Leo Corporation.” Contract... as if he was the one that signed the damn thing. He was assigned here because his previous boss was a sack of money loving shi-

“This will be your monthly pay.” Never mind his previous boss was an angel and God-bless him for assigning him here because that is a lot of zeroes... how rich is the Leo Corporation again?

“Um... not that I’m complaining but that seems to be a little too much for someone like me, I wonder what exactly do you want me to do here?” Yuga knows he is damn good as his job, he has to be, he has been doing this since he was 12 after all and not many last a year much less 2 like him but... that is a lot of zeroes, there must be a catch.

“Your track record shows otherwise, I have faith that you can live up to my expectation. However, if I find my faith misplaced, I will not hesitate to null our contract and send you back.” Yikes, he said it like it was a death sentence, Yuga knows a threat when he hears one.

“The tasks assign to you are simple, the first is to get the qualification to participate the Maiami Junior Youth Championship. The qualifications are to play 50 official duels, a 60% win-rate, and win 6 consecutive duels. We have done you a favour to retrieve the duelling data you had, an impressive 100% win-rate in 40 duels, all you need to do is to play 10 more official duels and win 5 of them. I believe you will be able to do so easily.” Huh... a tournament odd, not the first thing Yuga would imagine for someone to bring him here.

“So, all I need to do is to participate the Maiami Championship? Am I done after getting the qualification?” Yuga doubts that Akaba Reiji will spend so much effort just to get him here to play 10 duels.

“Of course not, how well you do in the Championship will directly impact on how long we consider your employment here. If you do well enough, we would be more willing to offer a more... permanent employment contract with current benefits.” Yuga whistled, a long-term contract with current benefits might actually just set him up for life, guess he will have to win the whole damn thing.

“Secondly, you are encouraged to continue your current job though it isn't a requirement and you will find that the Leo corporation will be more than happy to render assistance when you are on the job. This is your new duel disk.” He brought out and green phone looking tablet with a wrist strap, Yuga strapped it on and a holographic disk came out from the side.

“It is run by our solid vision technology and holds your previous Duel disk’s functionality and more.” ‘Wait so it can also ah... I see that’s the button for that.’ Yuga tested the Duel disk and find it light and flexible.

“We will be using that to contact you if we need you and if you require any assistance, you can also directly contact the Leo corporation and me, I am trusting that you will not abuse this privilege.” Akaba Reiji adjusted his glasses it gives a rather sharp glean as though daring Yuga to abuse it.

“Ahaha of course not, work-related stuff only I promise.” Yuga placed his deck into the Duel Disk and started fiddling with it ‘Wow this can automatically sort all my cards and deck. It will definitely make my life easier.’

“Now lastly, you will be joining Maiami Second Junior High School this coming Monday.”

“Ah sur- EEEEEHHHH?” Yuga stopped fiddling his new Duel Disk and stood up in shock. He hasn't been in school before why in the hell is he going to one now?

“Wait you do know I have been emancipated right? Why the heck do I need to go to school?”

“Even if you are emancipated minors are still legally required to attend school. Leo Corporation have gone through the trouble in creating your background necessary to attend.”

What why? He didn’t need to attend before why does he need to attend now?

“At my pre-”

“At your previous workplace they hired you illegally and turned a blind eye to your background but here at Leo Corporation we will not leave a legal liability for our competitors. Or would you prefer to null this contract? I should warn you by nulling this contract you will have to pay back our expenses that was wasted by bringing you here.”

Yuga pouted as he crossed his arm and went back to his seat. He can't even imagine the amount of money the Leo Corporation spent on bribing that money grubbing ass and this apartment much less paying it back.

“Your uniform is in the closet and I shall leave you to it.” Reiji stated before standing up and walking out of the door.

Yuga looks at his deck and his luggage. “Well guys looks like we will be here for quite a while. Let's make ourselves comfortable.”

.

.

.

“Are you sure about this Reiji?” Akaba Reiji looked away from the screen filled with data and information at his newest potential recruit to see his mother, Akaba Himika, walking into his office.

“Of course, we need as much strong Duelist we can muster to even stand a chance. While taking in Yuga is a definite risk I believe it will be worth it. That is not even factoring in the added security recruiting an enforcer will bring to this city.” Both Akaba’s look towards the security footage of a burglary taking place at the Maiaimi Shopping Mall.

A masked individual was running from the crime scene with his loot, he have already lost the security guards chasing after him and after few more turn and he will be safely get into his hideout-

“Duel Anchor Subjugation Mode.” A blue line shot out and wrapped around the masked individual’s modified duel disk stopped him in place.

“What the! Who's there!”

“You are under enforcer authorised subjugation for the crime of burglary and illegal duel disk modification, surrender and we may consider a lighter sentencing or face brutal subjugation.” Yuga stated as he walked out the corner ambushing the masked man.

“A kid? Fuck you, if I can beat you then I can get away.” The masked man cursed and readied his duel disk. Yuga smirked before doing the same.

“Duel!”

“Duel!”

Yuga: 4000LP

Masked Burglar: 4000 LP

“My Turn! I play Double Summon! Using this I can summon twice this turn! I summon Decayed Commander (ATK: 1000 DEF: 1500 LVL 4)” A zombie samurai appeared out of the ground holding a katana

“Decayed Commander’s effect activates! When it is successfully summoned, I can special summon Zombie Tiger from my hand! Arise! Zombie Tiger (ATK: 1400 DEF: 1600 LVL 3)!” A zombie tiger hopped out of the ground and stood beside the samurai.

“Next, I tribute these two monsters to tribute summon my strongest monster! Rise upon your throne! Level 8! Archfiend Emperor, the First Lord of Horror! (ATK:3000 DEF:2000)” The two monsters dispersed into dust as a Giant Armoured Figure sat upon his throne. Yuga whistled as his stared impressed at the size of the massive monster.

“I end my turn! My next turn will make sure you face the power of my monster!”

Yuga scoffed “Your monster is big and impressive but... I’m afraid your next turn will not happen. I draw!”

Yuga drew a card and smirked... the conditions are set.

“I summon Lumen Mage in Attack position (ATK: 1800 DEF:0 LVL 4)” A small white-haired boy in white robes holding a staff with a bright shining crystal material and stood in front of Yuga.

“Lumen Mage’s effect activates! When he is summoned, I can add 1 Ritual spell to my hand.” Yuga said as he drew his card.

“Ritual? That outdated summoning technique? You idiotic kid! I’m gonna to make you regret messing with me!” The masked burglar laughed mocking him.

“Laugh while you can, I'll show you the power of my deck. I play the spell card Luminous Umbra Gate! By targeting my Lumen Mage, I can summon another Lumen or Umbra monster with the same or lower level as Lumen Mage from my Deck, Arrive Umbra Knight in defence position (ATK: 0 Def: 1800 LVL)!” A small Red-haired girl garbed in black armour holding a large black tower shield knelt beside Lumen Mage.

“Umbra Knight’s effect activates, when she is summoned, I can add 1 Ritual Monster to my hand.”

Its time... awaken my dragon

Elsewhere,

A young boy looks to his card confused... ‘Odd eyes... are you crying?’

“YUYA!! WHAT ARE YOU STILL AWAKE! ITS PAST YOUR BED TIME.” the young boy panics and kept his card away into his deck box before rushing to bed unaware of the odd glow of his card.

“Reiji-sama! There is a large amount of summoning energy being released at the enforcer's location.”

“I see... as I expected Yuga is a true user of Ritual Summoning. This is the second time a large summoning energy is gathered here... and incidentally these are caused by the individuals sharing the same face. This cannot just be a coincidence.” Reiji looked at the camera footage ‘Just how are you related to Sakaki Yuya, Yuga?’

“I play Chaos Ritual Ascension, I tribute Lumen Mage and Umbra Knight to perform a Ritual Summon. “Lumen Mage and Umbra Knight looked at each other before turning into motes of lights and absorbed into two cauldrons, between them is a black gate with a white crystal.

“O Dragon forged from light and dark! I offer these souls to open the gates of chaos! Rend those who would oppose our will! Ritual Summon! Ascend Level 8! Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon! (ATK:3000 DEF:2500)”

The gates open a grey dragon appeared with veins of power glowing white throughout its wings and body its white eyes stared almost condescendingly at the Archfiend Emperor. The burglar widened his eyes and started shaking at the sheer pressure the dragon is emitting.

“Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon activates when it is Ritual summoned, he changes all opponents monster into Defence position! Chaos Howling!”

Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon veins of power glowed brighter before roaring a gut-wrenching roar, Archfiend Emperor dropped his sword and went into defence position.

“Now battle! Chaos Ray! Destroy Archfiend Emperor!”

“N-not so fast Archfiend Emperor’s effect activate! Once per turn by discarding an Archfiend card I can destroy a monster! I choose to destroy your stupid outdated dragon!” Archfiend Emperor grabbed his sword and threw it at Chaos Ray.

“Useless! Lumen Mage effects activate! When it is used to ritual summon Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon, It gains the effect to negate an effect targeting my dragon! Luminous Protection!” A bright yellow barrier blocked the sword as the spirit of Lumen Sage floats beside Chaos Ray.

“What! You can’t just give your monster an effect!” Yuga scoffs “This is the power of Ritual summoning; Ritualistic inheritance allows me to give my monster effect from its material! Now Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon attack, Chaos Burst Stream!”

The dragon’s veins of power glowed green as a torrent of green flames burst out its mouth melting the Archfiend Emperor.

“Chaos Ray’s effect activates! Whenever he attacks a defence position monster he deals double piercing damage!” The flames burst through Archfiend Emperor hitting the burglar.

Masked Burglar: 4000 -> 2000 LP

“Gargh! Damn your monster has nasty effects! But my next turn I’m going to-”

“There is no next turn, Umbra Knights Effect activates! When it is used to ritual summon Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon, it gains the effect to attack again after destroying a monster.”

“That monster can attack again?” The burglar gasped “But that means-”

“That means this pathetic attempt of resistance is over. Chaos Ray! Chaos Burst Stream.”

The Dragon let loose another torrent of flames engulfing the burglar.

Masked Burglar: 2000 -> 0LP

“Subjugation complete, shock administering.” The duel anchor overloaded the burglars duel disk and shocked him stunning. Yuga ran forwards place the burglars in cuffs.

“Stop right there! Put your hands up and surrender!” Yuga scoffed “Really it took this long for you guys to get here.” He turns to face a group of police officers with their duel disk readied

“Identify yourself!” The police captain, Yuga assumes, shouted

Yuga snorted as he reached into his pocket brought out a badge of a silver hound.

“Th-that is-” The captain looked at the badge in shock and awe. Yuga smirked.

“Yuga, Code-named Dragoon. I am the new senior enforcer assigned to this city.” Yuga said as he stepped towards the captain. The captain now knowing he is talking to his superior immediately deactivated his duel disk and saluted and his subordinates behind him following suit.

“Captain Azuki of squad 2 reporting and awaiting command Sir!” The captain spoke. Yuga sighed “Well then stop gawking and arrest the guy behind me. Arrest him under burglary, illegal duel disk modification and resisting arrest.”

“Of course, right away sir!” The police officer immediately got to work. Yuga looked at them work for a bit before walking away after debriefing the captain. He took out his deck and looked at his ace card Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon.

“You were a bit distracted today Chaos Ray... did something happen?” The Spirit of Chaos Ray appeared and wrapped around Yuga while cooing at him softly not unlike how a bird would to its chick.

“If you say so... I have a feeling staying in this city would be interesting. It’s a Saturday tomorrow so I still have around 2 days to explore around town before starting school. What say we go visit some of the action Dueling schools tomorrow? I found an interesting one near a card shop. I think its name was Yusho-something? How about it? Interested?”

Chaos Ray cooed softly in agreement and the pair made their way home for the night.

Chapter Text

Yuga is weirded out and maybe a bit slightly worried. This morning he and Chaos Ray went to check out the school that he passed by previously but when he reached there a pink haired girl jump out of the building a tried to hit him with a fan. He dodged of course but then the girl started ranting how dare he is late and dragged him into the school.

Well, that is one way to get into a school he suppose. The school is one of the weirdest building Yuga has seen in most of his life, it looked like a children’s block game where the child have yet to learn the word structural integrity. Its base are 2 cylindrical tubes holding up squares and rectangles of rooms with a odd Cylinder room at the side and surrounding the building are rock climbing walls. The stairs are haphazardly placed around on of the cylinder with no railings whatsoever. Luckily the other Cylinder was an elevator where they can safely ascend. To top it all off there's even a slide from the top floor to the base. It looks like a circus performer’s wet dream.

Before he knew it, he was dragged into a severely under sized classroom in front of a couple of kids to give a lecture about dueling...

“... so, for a normal summon the monster must be between level 1-4. In order to summon level 5-6, you will require to tribute 1 monster to normal summon it, 2 tributes for level 7 and above. Of course, some monsters will require specific tributes or have special effects that allow for certain special summons. Generally, you can only normal summon once your turn” Yuga explained the basis of normal summoning to the kids as they listen attentively. It was a small class of 3 students and Yuga manage to catch their names, Ayu a pink haired girl, Tatsuya, a blue haired boy, and Futoshi an affluent boy. The girl who dragged him in was supervising and apparently her name was Yuzu.

“Now we will head into special summoning, special summoning does not have a limit. As long as you can reach the requirement you can special summon as many monsters as you want.”

“Just like your pendulum summoning right Yuya-oniichan?” Tatsuya asked ‘Pendulum summoning?’ Yuga thought, that’s odd something he never heard before.

“...right, now there are other type of special summons, some of the easiest would be through monster effects. Fusion, Xyz, Synchro and Ritual being the other ways for special summoning.”

“Ritual? I never heard of that before!” Ayu asked as she tilts her head in confusion

“Well, it isn’t very popular because of how difficult it is. Fusion, Xyz, Synchro monster can be summoned directly from the Extra deck and the requirements are generally simple to achieve. However Ritual monster are in the Main Deck.” Yuga explained as he drew the requirements of the various Summoning methods.

“But wouldn’t it being in the main deck make it easier to summon?” Futoshi pointed out. Yuga inwardly sighed, if only if it was that simple, I wouldn’t have that much trouble with my deck when first starting out

“Not exactly, Fusion requires monsters on hand or on field and a fusion card, Synchro requires a tuner monster and other monster cards on field, Xyz requires two or more monsters with the same levels on the field. Ritual cards are more alike to Fusion in that it needs materials and a ritual card, but more often than not you also need the Ritual monster to be in your hand as well. Ritual monster being in your hand at the wrong moment can also cost you as you cannot summon the Ritual monster without a ritual spell making the monster effectively useless.” Yuga pointed out the different requirements and explain thoroughly to the enthusiastic kids listening to his every words.

‘When did Yuya become such an expert?’ Yuzu thought as she listens in on the lecture at the back ‘It's even more in depth than what my father knows!”

“Then why would anyone use Ritual cards then! It sounds super hard to summon them!” Tatsuya exclaimed in frustration. Yuga just smiled and patiently explained. “It's because their effects are usually a lot more potent due to the difficulty in summoning. Many of times even when the Ritual monster is destroyed it can be summoned again with the materials and another ritual spell.”

“For example, my ace monster Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon.” Yuga brandished out his ace card with pride and showed it off to the children that were in awe, the corner of Yuga’s lips slightly lifted up as he felt Chaos Ray preening with pride as it enjoyed being showed off.

“Wow the card is blue!”

“That dragon looks so cool!”

“Wait Yuya-oniichan isn't your ace Odd-Eyes?”

“Yuya! When did you have Ritual cards? You didn’t show off that in our previous session!” Yuzu exclaimed and Ace Monster? Did Yuya abandoned Odd-eyes? That doesn’t sound like him at all!

Yuga laughed and tried to finally explained. “Sorry I've been trying to you that I’m not-”

“I’M SO SORRY FOR BEING LATE!” A tomato headed boy, wearing a white Gakuren as a cape with a red singlet rushed in the room and jumped into a seiza in front of Yuzu. “I’m am very sorry I overslept! I had a really weird dream and I couldn’t fall asleep last night.” as Yuya rambled on another blue haired boy in a blue uniform followed in with a lollipop in his mouth before dropping it as he saw Yuga standing in the corner. ‘Yuri?’ Sora Shuiin thought

Yuzu could only stare at Yuya and then at not-Yuya

“E-EEEEH?” Yuzu widened her eyes and pointed at Yuga. “Wh-Who are you then?”

“Yuya-oniichan has a doppelganger!!” Tatsuya screamed after he got over his shock. “A doppelganger?” Yuya seems to finally realise there was an extra person in the classroom and looked over and saw Yuga bent over laughing. “Haha! You guys are hilarious!” Yuga continued to laugh. Yuya looked at the face that shares similar features with his with widen eyes.

“Wai- Wha- Who are you?” Yuya exclaimed as he tried to stand up, only for him to be pulled down on the ground by the bunch of kids. “Yuya-oniichan! You mustn't look at your doppelgangers face! He will steal your soul and take your place.” The kids cried out as they pushed Yuya’s head further into the floor.

“Ow!” Yuya muffled shout could be heard as the kids slam his face into the floor.

“Ahahahaha! You stole my target from me so now I shall morph into you and steal your soul!” Yuga smiled widen comically large and raised his hands roaring. The kids screamed and scrammed to different corners of the classroom before Yuga broke down laughing, eyes tearing up and rolling on the floor while Yuya let out a groan in pain as his face continued to be planted on the floor.

‘What is going on here?’ Yuzu watched with a sweat drop.

“I am very sorry!” Yuzu bowed towards Yuga as they finally calmed themselves and introduced each other. “No worries! Not that I can blame you.” Yuga said as he observed at Yuya. “I would have mistaken you for me if I wasn’t me haha.”
‘It is really odd how much we look alike though’ Yuga thought, if not for their clothes and hair colour they are picture copies of each other. ‘It couldn’t be that we are actually related … right?”

“So Yuga-san! Where are you from and what makes you come to Maiami City?” Sora asked while still licking a lollipop... how much does he have? It's really going to cause him his health if he continues.

“Here and there, I’ve been around the world already, this time coming here I planned on joining the Maiami Championship.”

“Wow around the world? You must have seen many different duels!” Yuya exclaimed with stars in his eyes.

“Well not really haha, I mostly travelled for work and don’t really have much time to watch other people duel.” Though I do know most of the building layouts with how much chasing this job needs

“Travelling for work? Are your parents ok with that? Knowing my dad, he wouldn't let me leave this city without an escort.” Yuzu puffed her cheeks in annoyance as she remembered how annoying her overprotective father is.

“Ah. Well, I wouldn’t know I never knew them you see.” Yuga forced a smile.

“Never knew- Oh! I'm so sorry!”

“Nah, you have nothing to apologise for unless you were the one that place me in the orphanage haha!” Yuga laughed at his own jokes to try to lighten the mood but he could still see Yuzu looking at him with apologetic eyes while Yuya widened his eyes and looked at him with sympathy.

“It's okay I'm living my own life now. There isn't really a need pity me.” Yuga smiled... he always had this reaction whenever he explained about his life circumstances but it was true. He never known his parents and while it can be lonely at times, he now has his monsters.

“Well sounds like your father cares a lot about you huh?” Yuga tried to switch the topic so the atmosphere won't be so gloom.

“Well, after Mom died giving birth to me, I've always coddled by him.” Yikes... Yuga didn’t know he stepped on a landmine.

“If not for me growing up with Yuya he probably would never let me interact another boy until I'm like 30.” Yuzu huffed over remembering her father's antics while Yuya laughed nervously at the side.

“...that and dad might have thought Yuya was gay.”

“Ahah- Wait what?” Yuya stopped laughing and immediately gaped at her.

“Principal thinks I'm gay?”

“Well, you were always a little bit on the flamboyant type and... dad found your magazines below your bed when he helped your family mov- mmmph-” Yuya’s eyes widened and blushed red as he immediately ran to cover Yuzu’s mouth.

“Thats no big deal I’m bisexual anyways.” Yuya, Yuzu and Sora looked towards Yuga in shock and a little in awe.

“You’re really open aren’t you, Yuga-san?”

“I’m of the believe that I am who I am and don’t really care so I never really bothered sharing about this.” After there are much more pressing things Yuga have to consider day to day, sexuality is just a character trait that is nobody else’s business.

“So how about your parents Yuya?” Yuya was still red in the face so Yuga tried to change to topic to prevent further embarrassment for the poor boy.

“Eh? Mom’s really great, she is always supporting what I do. And she’s a really great cook.”

“I can attest to that!” Sora chimed in while Yuya glared at him. “Of course you can. Stop crashing at my place and stealing my breakfast!” Yuya huffed but it's obvious he didn’t mind it that much as he couldn’t keep his smiled away.

“How about your father? He is the guy on the school’s poster, right? Yusho Sakaki?” as Yuga asked this Yuya smiled became a little more forced. “My father... he disappeared a couple of years ago.”

Oh “Oh, I’m sorry for mentioning it.”

“No, no! It's alright you didn’t know and compared to you my situation doesn’t even compa-”

“Yuya its okay. I didn’t know my parents so I didn’t know what I lost. But you must have really looked up to your dad and I can’t even imagine losing someone like that.”

“I... I miss him a lot but it's okay. I believe I will be able to find him again.” Yuya forced a smile as his eyes started to tear up.

Yuga smiled back before trying to switch the topic again and hopefully not step on any more landmines.

“This school teaches Entertainment Dueling right? I’m not so sure about what Entertainment Dueling and being a Dueltainer is though-”

“You don’t know about entertainment dueling?” Yuya eyes widened and lips curled up into an genuine smile, excited to introduce a new friend about being a Dueltainer. “Being a Dueltainer is about making people smile! A way to touch the audiences' heart and make them happy!” Yuya spoke as he swung his arm in wide swings. ‘I can see what Yuzu meant by flamboyant and he is definitely a theatre kid’ Yuga thought as he sweat dropped at the drastic change in mood.

“And you do that by Dueling?” Yuga questions.

“Of course! There is no better stage to entertain audiences with your friends!” Yuya exclaimed.

It was a really foreign concept to Yuga as all his life duels have always been a brutal battle, he hasn’t had time to really enjoy dueling or even think about entertaining people by dueling. But looking at Yuya’s passion as he described all the different stunts, he and his monster do on the field is really infectious and he can’t help but be moved.

“Hm... would you mind showing me then?”

“Huh?” Yuya got cut off mid-sentence and looked at Yuga in confusion.

Yuga smiled as he swung his Duel disk out and sent a duel request to Yuya

“I challenge you to a Duel!”

Yuya eyes widened before smiling in response and readied his Duel Disk and accepted the request. “I will gladly demonstrate for you!”

The class had an unexpected excursion to the Duel studio. It was a white empty room and Yuga and Yuya stood in the middle of it.

Suddenly the white room came alive and changed. Yuga watches in awe as Solid Vision system activated and changed the entire room into a circus with balloons, jump rope, trampoline, tightropes, and trapezes, and multiple platforms in the air.

‘This place fits Yuya very well.’ Yuga thought as the whole circus fits Yuya’s white, red, green aesthetics.

“I assume this is your favourite Action Field?”

“Of course! What better way to make a good first impression than to show off my favourite performance on my favourite action field." 'And having the home advantage doesn't hurt either eh Yuya' Yuga thought amused.

"Now... Duelist lock in battle!” Yuga watched in confusion as Yuya started chanting. ‘What is he doing?’

“Kicking against the earth and dancing in the air alongside their monster. They storm through this field!” Sora continued. ‘Is this an action duel ritual? Sounds fun.’

“Behold the latest and greatest evolution in Dueling!” Yuzu finished.

“Action...”

“DUEL\DUEL!” Yuga and Yuya proclaimed.

Yuga LP- 4000

Yuya LP- 4000

“Since I am the challenger, I will start first!” Yuga jump from a trampoline onto a floating platform “I set 1 monster and 2 cards face down and I end my turn.” Yuga proclaimed.

“Solid start! Now my turn! Draw!” Yuya drew his cards dramatically and smiled as he looks at what he drew. “Ladies and Gentlemen! Now I shall present to you Yuya Sakaki’s speciality!”

Cheering can be heard at the side as the kids get excited and Yuga couldn’t help but smile at Yuya’s antics.

“I place Performapal Turn Toad (Pendulum Scale 3) and Performapal Lizardraw (Pendulum Scale 6) in my Pendulum Zone!” Two pillars of light appeared beside Yuya, A toad and a lizard both wearing top hats and a suit appeared from the pillar and a large pendulum appeared above Yuya’s head.

Performapal Turn Toad (Pendulum Scale 3)

Performapal Lizardraw (Pendulum Scale 6)

“Now using the Pendulum Scales, I can special summon as many level 4 to level 5 monsters from my hand! Swing Pendulum of my soul! Draw an arc of light across the ether! Come forth my monsters!” Yuga widened his eyes as the pendulum started swinging and multiple monsters appeared.

Scale 3< PENDULUM SUMMON > Scale 6

‘A special summon that can summon multiple monsters without tributes with the caveat of needing two Pendulum monsters? That sounds powerful... and very flexible.

“Let's welcome Performapal Partnaga and Performapal Silverclaw in attack position!” A snake with a top hat and a hand for a tail, A wolf with a bow tie appeared.

Performapal Partnaga (Atk :500 Def: 2100) Level 5

Performapal Silverclaw (Atk 1800 Def: 700) Level 4

Immediately Yuya jumped onto the Wolf. “Onwards Silverclaw!” The wolf howled before leaping through the different platforms.

‘That is cool!’ Yuga never really participated in an action duel and seeing Yuya riding alongside his monsters looks amazing. ‘What is he doing though... oh right, action cards.” Yuga widened his eyes in realisation and rushed off to another corner to grab one as well.

Yuya reached the top platform and grabbed the action card before smiling. “Now I activate my monsters’ pendulum effect! Performapal Lizardraw allows me to draw 1 more card and then I can shuffle him back into my deck! Everybody say goodbye to Lizardraw!” Yuya drew a card as his lizard wave goodbye and went back into his deck dancing. ‘Are all his cards so theatrical?’ Yuga thought amused.

“Performapal Turn Toad allows me to switch 1 pendulum monsters attack and defence! I choose to strengthen my Performapal Partnaga! (atk: 500-> 2100 def: 2100-> 500)” The snake grew his tail in size as if to indicates its increased power.

Performapal Partnaga (atk: 500-> 2100 def: 2100-> 500)

“Now battle! Silverclaw attack that facedown card! At this point when Silverclaw declares an attack all my Performapal monster gain 300 atk!”

Performapal Partnaga (Atk: 2100 -> 2400)

Performapal Silverclaw (Atk 1800 -> 2100)

The wolf dashes forward and slashed the facedown card, the card flipped and showed a small white winged redheaded male fairy before being destroyed.

“Now I used my action card Power Gem to increase my Performapal Partnaga attack by 800!”

Performapal Partnaga (Atk: 2400 -> 3200)

“Partnaga direct attack!” The snake started to launch forward to ensnare Yuga!

“If this hits Yuga-oniisan, Yuya-oniichan will be in a big lead!” Ayu exclaimed as she and the other kids cheered for Yuya.

“I don’t know about that. Something tells me Yuga-san isn't someone who would give up the advantage that easily.” Sora commented as he continued to lick his lollipop.

The snake draws closer but just as it was about to reach Yuga.

“I activate my trap card Counter Gate!” A gate appeared and Partnaga slammed into it before moving back towards Yuya.

“Counter Gate negates a direct attack and allows me to draw 1 card! If it is a monster card, I can choose to summon it immediately!” Yuga drew a card before his lips twitched upwards.

“I summon the recently drawn Umbra Knight!” Yuga’s Knight knelt in front of him hiding behind her shield in defence position.

Umbra Knight (Atk:0 Def:1800) Level 4

“Umbra Knight’s affect allows me to draw 1 Ritual Monster from my deck.” Yuga drew his card.

“And then I activate my monster's effect from the graveyard! Once per turn Lumen Reviver can summon itself from the graveyard when I normal summon an Umbra monster! Lumen Revival!” the small winged fairy appeared in a flash of light

Lumen Reviver (Atk 200 Def 100) Level 2

Yuya widened his eyes ‘Thats amazing! At the cost of 1 trap card, he managed to reset his entire field making it so my entire turn was redundant.’ he smiled in anticipation for the rest of the duel.

“Yuga onii-san is amazing! He didn’t lose anything even though Yuya-senpai summoned so many powerful monsters.” Tatsuya’s eyes were wide and was greatly admiring Yuga’s skill.

“Knowing how to activate monster effect from the grave and chaining his trap card so he can even do so in the first place shows he definitely is a first-rate Duelist!” Yuzu watches in amazement.

“Since I have no more monster left to battle, I will place 1 card down and end my turn! At the end of my turn my monsters Attack points goes back to normal” Yuya announced.

Performapal Partnaga (Atk: 3200 -> 500)

Performapal Silverclaw (Atk 2100 -> 1800)

“My turn then. Yuya, I thank you for showing me such an interesting summoning method. I will return the favour and give you all I got.” Yuga proclaimed as he pointed towards Yuya.

Yuya smiled back “I wouldn’t have it any other way Yuga! Let us give our all and make this a duel to be remembered!”

Yuga smirked as he drew his card.

“I played the Spell card Trade in! By discarding a level 8 or higher monster card I can draw 2 more cards.” Yuga discarded Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon into the graveyard and drew 2 more cards.

“When I control a Lumen or Umbra monster, I can special summon Umbra Kidfrom my hand!” A red headed girl in a school uniform appeared as she hopped in front of Yuga with her backpack

Umbra Kid (ATK500 Def: 1000) Level 3

“Because an Umbra monster has been summoned, I can special summon Umbral Angel from my hand immediately after.” A red headed angel garbed in a dark battle gear flew onto the battle field in front of Yuga.

Umbral Angel (Atk: 2100 Def:2000) Level 6

“Yuga-oniisan summoned so many monsters in one turn! Even without using pendulum summoning!” Futoshi exclaimed.

“But Yuga-oniisan's monsters aren't very powerful! Most of them aren't able to beat Yuya-oniichan's Performapal Partnaga. Why did he have so weak monsters on the field?” Tatsuya questioned as he watches the screen showing the various attack points of the monsters on the field.

True enough Performapal Partnaga Attack would be 2100 points with Performapal Turn Toad’s effect, only Umbra Angel would have enough attack points to destroy it and it would have been a mutual destruction. The rest of Yuga’s monsters would not be able to beat Performapal Silverclaw.

‘His monsters may not have enough fire power but I am sure there is a reason he summoned them.’ Yuya thought as he narrowed his eyes at the variety of monsters summoned.

“Well then, I have given a lecture about this earlier and if you were listening you should be able to follow along! Lumen Reviver is a Tuner monster.” Yuga pointed at Lumen Reviver and the fairy started twirling in the air happy to get the attention.

“Tuner? But that means-”

“Thats right, I tune my level 2 Lumen Reviver with my level 4 Umbra Knight!” Lumen Reviver turn into a ring and surrounded Umbra Knight before turning her into stars and forming into light

2★+4★=6★

“Be purified and turn into light! Warrior that illuminates the dark! Synchro Summon! Arise Level 6! Lumen Warrior!” The light revealed a massive armoured man garbed in white armour holding a two-handed black claymore.

Lumen Warrior (Atk: 2400 Def: 2100) Level 6.

“Lumen Warrior’s effect activate! When it is synchro summoned by an Umbra and a Lumen monster, he can destroy all opponents spell and trap card!” The warrior slashed and a wave of energy destroyed Yuya’s set card and his Performapal Turn Toad in his pendulum zone.

“Turn Toad!” Yuya shouted in anguish as it is destroyed.

“I see, pendulum monsters are treated as spell and trap card in the pendulum zones...” Yugo look at the pendulum zones in the field with an introspective look thinking of the different ways he can counter it.

“But I am not done yet Yuya! Prepare yourself! I activate Umbra Kid’s effect. Once per turn I can target an Umbra monster and copy its level to! I choose Umbral Angel!” The school girl took out a paper and started drawing onto her paper and showed off a sketch of Umbral Angel

Umbra Kid Level 3 -> Level 6

“Monsters with the same level... Don’t tell me he can also?” Yuya widened his eyes as he realised the implication.

“I overlay Level 6 Umbral Angel and Level 6 Umbra Kid! I construct an Overlay Network with these two monsters!” The two monsters turn into flashes of light as they get sucked into a swirling galaxy.

“Immerse in darkness, bring forth the secrets of the dark. Xyz Summon! Rank 6! Arise Umbra Sorceress !”

A female garbed sorceress holding a white staff arrived through a black portal.

Umbra Sorceress (Atk: 2400 Def: 2100) Rank 6. 2 units

“Yuga-oniisan synchro summoned and xyz summoned! I thought he was a ritual user?” Ayu exclaimed as the audience watch in shocked.

“Xyz and Synchro in one turn. Yuga, you really are amazing!” Yuya exclaimed as he stared in wonder at Umbra Sorcerer and Lumen Warrior. Lumen Warrior bowed in acknowledgement towards Yuya while Umbra Sorceress giggled at how endearing Yuya’s reactions are.

“Thanks Yuya! But I’m not going to go easy on you Yuya just because you complimented me!” Yuga winked at Yuya playfully while Yuya just smiled back and pumped himself up

“Give it your all! I will give back whatever I take.”

“Gladly! Lumen Warrior attack Performapal Silverclaw!” The warrior rushed towards the wolf destroying the wolf in one swing. The shockwave hit Yuya pushing him backwards dealing life point damage.

Yuya LP- 4000 ->3400

“Now Umbra Sorceress attack Performapal Partnaga!” Umbra Sorceress created large ball of black energy and shot it towards Performapal Partnaga.

“I active Action card Big Escape to end the current battle phase!” Yuya announced as he brandished his card. Umbra Sorceress stopped her attack at Performapal Partnaga.

“What? When did you- I see you grabbed when you got pushed by Lumen Warrior’s attack. Yuya you have quite an amazing reflex and a really good sleight of hand. Very rarely does things get past me.”

“Thanks! But as you said just because you complimented me doesn’t, mean I’m going easy on you!” Yuya winked back playfully and Yuga barked out a laugh.

“Do your best. I’m very interested to see how you are going to turn this around. I set 1 more card and end my turn.”

“Yuga is in a very advantage position with such powerful monsters on his field. I’m not sure how Yuya is going to turn this around.” Yuzu said as she watches slightly worried for her friend.

“Yuzu-san don’t worry I'm sure Yuya is going to pull through.” Sora said but he couldn’t help but frown. ‘Xyz summon? Is he an Xyz Remnant? But he can Synchro summon as well... this still doesn’t prove anything’

“Well Yuga! I will show you how! I draw!” Yuya drew his card and couldn’t help smiling as he sees his ace card in his hands.

“I set Timegazer Magician and Stargazer Magician to reset my pendulum scale!”

Timegazer Magician (Pendulum Scale 8)

Stargazer Magician (Pendulum Scale 1)

“Now I can summon any monsters between level 2 and level 7! Swing once again pendulum of the soul! Draw and arc of light across the ether! Come forth my monster!”

Scale 1 < PENDULUM SUMMON > Scale 8

Performapal Silverclaw (Atk 1800 Def: 700) Level 4

Performapal Turn Toad (Atk 0 Def: 800) Level 3

“You summoned the monsters I destroyed... from the extra deck? You mean to say pendulum monsters goes to the extra deck when destroyed?” Yuga gaped at the absurdity of that. Pendulum monsters being sent to the extra deck instead means they can be infinitely used and summoned again and again as long as the pendulum scale is set. ‘Those cards are terrifying if used well... I'll need to step my game up if I want to continue my job once these cards become more common place.’ Yuga thought to himself.

“And ladies and gentlemen! From my hand I summon the monster you all are waiting for! Come forth Level 7! Appear Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! In defence position.” A red dragon with dichromatic eyes appeared with a loud roar.

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (Atk: 2500 Def: 2000) Level 7

“Odd-eyes Pendulum Dragon...” Yuga looks at the dragon that seemed oh so familiar and couldn’t help but put his right hand to his chest as he felt his heartbeat started to beat faster and harder. ‘Why do you seem so familiar.’

The dragon looked at Yuga and let out an anguished growl that shocked the people watching.

“Odd-eyes are you alright? Come on buddy it's alright.” Yuya coo-ed at the dragon as he rubbed his scales and Odd-eyes leaned into Yuya and licked him affectionately.

Yuga snapped out of his stupor. Before laughing.

“Ahaha looks like that dragon of yours likes you a lot!”

“Of course, he is my best friend! No else compares to him” Yuya happily replied back as he enjoys Odd-eyes affectionate treatment before yelping in surprise as Odd-eyes picked him up and placed him on its back.

“Odd-eyes lets go it's time to duel! I'll start my battle phase! I activate Performapal Turn Toad’s effect! Once per turn during the battle phase I can turn my defense position monster into attack position and let it gain half of its defence points as attack points! I chose Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!”

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (Atk: 2500 -> 3500)

“Now I’ll have Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon attack Lumen Warrior! At this point I activate the Action Card Extreme Sword It allows my Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon to gain 1000 attack points during battle phase.

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (Atk: 3500 -> 4500)

‘When the heck did, he grab another action card?’ Yuga blanched as he watches Odd-eyes becomes giant 4500 beat stick.

“If this attack goes through and through Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon effect of dealing double damage to monster Level 5 and above...” Yuzu gasped.

“Yuya will win!” Sora exclaimed.

It may be due to Yuga’s duelist instinct but he somehow has a terrible feeling that if it lets this attack through it will be the end of him so he immediately activates the card he had on hand.

“I play Action card No Action to negate your-”

“O Stargazer Magician who rules over space itself! Seal my opponent with your ethereal power! I activate Stargazer Magician pendulum effect! Once per turn during the battle phase I can negate a spell effect! Horoscope Divination!”

The action card was negated and set face down.

“Then I activate my trap card-”

“O Timegazer Magician who rules over time itself! Protect me with your ethereal power! I activate Timegazer Magician pendulum effect! Once per turn I can negate a trap card targeting my monster! Inverse Gearwise!”

The trap card was set face down and negated

Yuga cursed as he saw Odd- eyes draws near. 'Those cards are terrifying! A monster effects as a continuous spell is way too dangerous!"

“Go Yuya/Yuya-oniichan/Yuya-Senpai!”

“This is the finale Yuga! Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Spiralling Strike Burst!”

A giant spiralling flame inches away from Lumen Warrior.

Yuga smirked.

You’ve done well to push me this far Yuya. But I'll not let it end like this! I activate my final trap card! Inrictus Fusion!”

Yuya looked on in wonder.

“Inrictus Fusion... You’re going to fusion summon on my turn?” Yuya exclaimed in stupor

“Inrictus Fusion allows me to banish Lumen or Umbra monsters from my graveyard to be used as materials for a fusion summon with the condition that I cannot conduct battle with that monster this turn... however since this is your turn that is irrelavent! I banish Lumen Reviver and Umbra Knight from my graveyard.” The spirit of the fairy and the knight appeared and turn into motes of light and combined.

“Come forth from the void and drag those who oppose you into the unending nothingness! Fusion Summon! Level 6! AriseInrictus Knight!” A slim knight garbed in purple armour appeared holding a sword and shield.

Inrictus Knight (Atk: 2400 Def: 2100) Level 6

“He fusion summoned on the opponents turn? And from the graveyard as well?” Sora exclaimed in shock dropping his lollipop and the rest of the audience were speechless as well.

‘Only the Elites in the Academia can do those! How can a duelist from the standard dimension reach this level of Fusion competency?”

“Inrictus Knight effect activates! Once per turn during my opponents turn, I can negate an attack and turn that’s monster attack to 0!” The knight blocked the blast with his shield and the shield started absorbing the blast and some energy can be seen being absorbed from the dragon. Odd eyes slumped over knocking Yuya off as it stopped its attack.

“Ow! Odd-eyes? You okay buddy?”

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (Atk: 4500-> 0)

Odd-eyes purred softly back lethargic.

“Yuya I must say you had me worried back there. Luckily your Magicians’ effect is once per turn else that would have been painful.”

“Since I don’t have any cards on my hand, I end my turn.” Yuya declared as he starts to rub Odd-eyes scale in comfort.

“Well then, it's been fun but I’ll end this battle with a blast! Up for seeing my dragon Yuya?” Yuga grinned cheekily as he drew his card.

“I activate Chaos Ritual Ascension! I will tribute my Level 6 Inrictus Knight and Level 6 Lumen Warrior!” A gate opened and both the Knight and Warrior turn into motes of light to be absorbed by the respective cauldrons beside the gates.

“O Dragon forged from light and dark! I offer these souls to open the gates of chaos! Rend those that will oppose our will! Ritual Summon! Level 8! Ascend Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon!” Yuga chanted as the large grey dragon landed in front of him roaring at Odd-eyes.

Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon (ATK: 3000 DEF:2500) Level 8

Odd eyes seem to recover from its lethargy upon seeing Chaos Ray and roared back at the same intensity.

“That’s your dragon? It looks amazing!” Yuya exclaimed as Odd-eyes whined a Yuya for his statement. “Ahaha of course it's not as amazing as you my dear Odd-eyes!”

“That dragon is very powerful! To think Ritual summoning can bring about such a powerful monster.” Yuzu looked at the dragon in appreciation.

“Yeah, a base attack of 3000 is nothing to joke about and we don’t even know what is its effect yet.” Sora muttered as he brought out a new lollipop.

“Chaos Ray appreciates your praise but since Chaos Ray has taken to stage I won’t be able to hold back, get ready to feel my full power! Yuya!” Yuga declared as he jumped onto Chaos Ray’s back.

“Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon effect activates! When it is ritual summoned, he can turn all opponents' monsters into defence position! Chaos Howling!” Chaos ray let out a gut-wrenching roar and all of Yuya’s monsters squirmed and got down into defence position.

“Secondly when Inrictus Knight is used to summon Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon he gains the effect to absorb half of the defence position monster’s defence points and convert it into his attack points once per turn! I choose your Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Inrictus Drain!”

Chaos Ray roared and drained the remaining energy from Odd-eyes as it roars in agony.

“Odd-eyes!” Yuya shouted in worry

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (Def:2000 ->1000)

Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon (Atk: 3000-> 4000)

“An attack points over 4000?” Yuzu exclaimed

“That is way too powerful! How is Yuya going to fight that!” Futoshi despaired

“Yuya-oniichan don’t give up!” Ayu wailed.

“But Yuya-senpai has all of his monsters in defence position! Even if he can destroy all of Yuya-senpai's monster, Yuya-senpai still have a chance.” Tatsuya tried to cheer everyone up.

“I don’t know about that. Yuga-san said he was going to finish this. I don’t think Yuya is going to have a chance to turn this around.” Sora said as a matter of fact. To him Yuga has already proven without a doubt to be a very strong duelist on par with the Academia’s elite, he doesn’t see how Yuya will turn this around.

“That is a very nasty effect.” Yuya commented as he continued to sooth his dragon.

“Oh you have not seen anything yet! Battle! Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon attack Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! When Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon attacks a defence positioned monster he deals double piercing damage!”

“Double piercing damage?” Yuya widened his eyes.

“Odd-eyes defence is 1000 and Chaos Ray’s attack is 4000 that means Yuya-senpai will take 6000 damage!”

Yuya looked around frantically as Chaos Ray draws near to find an action card and his eyes light up when he comes upon one.

“Then I activate Attack Force on Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! It allows it to gain 600 attack!”

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (Atk:0 ->600)

“I also activates Performapal Turn Toad effect! I change Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon to attack position and it will gain half its defence points as attack points!”

“Nice! Now Odd-eyes attack points will be 1100! Yuya will be able to survive this!” Yuzu shouted in relief.

“Not so fast Yuya! While I know my dragon is impressive but I think you forget who else is on the field.” Yuya tilted his head in confusion before shivering as he heard an ominous giggle.

“She-”

“That's right I use an overlay unit to activate Umbra Sorceress’s effect!” A floating unit gets swallowed into Umbra Sorceress’s Staff.

“When a monster effect is activated, I can negate it for the rest of this turn. Sorceress Incantation” The sorceress brought forth a magical seal underneath the toad and sealed it for this turn.

“Now Chaos Ray Ritual Dragon end this! Chaos Burst Stream!”

Chaos Ray breathed out a burst of green flames blasting Odd-eyes and Yuya and pushing them backwards.

“Argh!”

Yuya LP- 4000 -> 0

Yuga rode Chaos Ray towards Yuya before Solid vision dispersed and offered his hand to Yuya on the floor.

“That was a great duel Yuya. One of the best I had in a while. You almost beat me!” Yuga cheerfully said.

Yuya grabbed the offered hand and was pulled upwards and pouted. “Did I even stand any chance in the first place? Even if my attack went through and Odd-eyes effect activate you would have negated my effect with your sorceress, couldn’t you?”

Yuga laughed in response “Maybe~”

Yuya mocked glared at him before laughing and Yuga joined in laughter as well. The rest of the audience ran into the room to join them.

In a small part in both boys’ hearts, 1 piece of a small void is filled

Chapter Text

“-so that’s how it happened.” Yuga nodded as he took in how Yuya created Pendulum summoning. “You believe me? Most people who just scoff and say that I'm just trying to keep my secrets.” Yuya was surprised at how well Yuga is taking it in.

“Most people are idiots.” he scowled as he remembers some idiots that almost got killed during one of his operations. “You believed in your cards and your cards responded. Your bonds with your card created the new summoning method. Just like how Chaos Ray responded to me when I needed him.” Yuga nodded sagely as he fully believes in his hypothesis. Yuya nodded in agreement and they went into another conversation about their cards.

“Are you following on what their saying Sora?” Yuzu asked as she tries to follow along the absurdity of their implications. Cards responding to them? Cards being sentient?

“Nope tuned them out a long~ time ago.” Sora said as he continued munching on his lollipop. The kids have already gone home to enjoy their weekends a while ago as weekend classes have already ended. Only the four of them were left in the classroom and Yuga and Yuya have not stopped talking since.

‘A guy with Yuya’s face comes along and gets along with him like a house on fire. He couldn’t actually be Yuya’s long lost twin brother, could he?’ Yuzu thought as she sweat dropped at the two boys suddenly switching from happy chatting to immediate argument over their decks.

All of a sudden, a large growl can be heard and both boys flinched before looking at their stomachs. Yuga and Yuya looked at each other before laughing, “Looks like you’re hungry as well huh? Yuga?”

“Well, it is getting late we should head home. My dad probably already went home and prepared dinner.” Yuzu glanced at the clock and saw it was already pm

“Oh yeah, I should go grab dinner before my work starts.” ‘Probably going to have to grab some convenient store food then.’

“Work? It’s so late! What would you be doing so late night?” Yuya asked, his mother would have killed him if he didn’t sleep in 3 hours' time.

“Oh, right I didn’t mention it, I’m an Enforcer.” Yuga packed his bag ready to leave.

“An Enforcer?”/ “An Enforcer!” Yuya questioned while Yuzu exclaimed aloud. Sora looked around in confusion “I don’t get it. What is an Enforcer?” Sora asked while Yuya shrugged and looked at Yuzu.

Yuzu looked positively livid at the both of them “Are you guys living under a rock? Enforcers are elite governmental agents! They hold the highest authority in our countries law enforcement! Yuga! You are telling us that you are a part of that?” Yuya and Sora both looked at Yuga in shock as they digested that information while Yuga laughed and brought out his silver hound badge.

“Well, it does sound impressive if you put it that way. But the job isn't really that glamorous though. Mostly it's just solo patrolling and leading some operations if you are competent.”

Yuya suddenly jumped in front of Yuga with stars in his eyes. “That sounds so cool! You are like an actual superhero! You must have so many cool stories to share!”

Yuga turned away blushing while scratching his cheeks. “Aw it's not that impressive. I mostly catch some burglars and some robbers on the street. No big deal.” Yuya’s eyes widened even bigger and shined even brighter (if it was even possible) and immediately grabbed Yuga’s hand and pulled him along.

“You must come over to have dinner with us then! You must have so many awesome stories!” Yuya exclaimed eyes still sparkling over the prospect of having an actual superhero over at his house.

“W-Wait Yuya I don’t have that much interesting stories though and are you sure your mother wouldn’t mind?” Yuga panicked, he never really been to a friend's house before. Doesn’t he need to buy a gift or something first?

“It won’t be a problem! Mom is used to having impromptu guest coming for dinner so she always cooks extra! My friend Gong comes over all the time, Sora as well now that I think about it! By the way Sora come over and help Mom’s making Omurice for dinner, you don’t want to be late!” Yuya cheerfully said as he continued to drag Yuga forgetting he used to be annoyed at his friend freeloading off of him.

“Omurice? Yay! Its one of my favourites!” Sora cheered and followed suit. Yuzu watched dazed as Yuya dragged off a panicking Yuga and Sora cheerful pulled on Yuga’s other arm to make them go faster.

“What is going on today?”

Yoko Sakaki would describe herself as a hardworking single mother. It isn’t easy raising up a child (well two now if it includes Sora.) and she is proud of herself being able to raise Yuya alone when her husband disappeared.

Yoko sighed as she reminiscence about her husband, Yusho, the man that dragged her away from the gang wars, the man that enchanted her like he did the whole world. Where had he disappeared off to, she wonders. Despite the rumours, she has never once doubted her husband’s integrity and she continued to believe that he is probably somewhere doing something important.

The past years have been difficult, adults at least have the sensibility to not talk to her about her husband to her face but it doesn’t stop the rumour mill, and children unfortunately do not share the same sensibilities. While Yuya have always shown a big smile and goof around like kids his age should, she knew that it has been a façade, a defence mechanism. The number of times she walks by his room and hears sobbing and the quiet stares she catches when he is unaware worries her.

While she is grateful for Yuzu and Gong for continuing to be Yuya’s friends she can tell Yuya have never really opened up to them anymore for the fear of losing them like his father. Her son is prone to having panic attacks otherwise and it took a while before she manages to get him to open up to her and talk to her when things get bad. Recently he has been getting better after that duel with Strong and she hopes she will continue to do so. His therapy session is going well and-

“Mom! I’m home!”

“Ah welcome home Yu-” Yoko stopped herself as she saw the third unfam- no, an all too familiar guest. A boy dressed in a large blue hoodie with spiky grey hair to rival Yuya’s with green streaks, and cerulean green eyes, but his face... it's an exact copy of her son’s.

“U-Um hello ma’am! I-it's nice to meet you! M-My name’s Yuga! Yuya said you wouldn’t mind but I-I'm really sorry to bother you!” The young boy bowed and stammered his introduction before rubbing his head with his hand in a nervous tick that is so painfully like how Yuya would do it.

‘If I gave him goggles, would he hide behind them just like Yuya?’ Yoko thought fondly before smiling

“Hello Yuga-kun, of course I wouldn’t mind! Take a seat and join us! Just call me Yoko, okay? No need to call me ma’am” Yoko moves to serve the food.

“Mom! Yuga’s an enforcer! Isn’t he just like a real-life hero?” Yuya was ranting about how cool it was while Yuga was blushing in the corner embarrassed. Yoko frowned as she put down Sora’s plate as she recognised that term. “Enforcer? You mean the elite law enforcement officers?”

“I-its really not a big deal.” Yuga looked away face as red as Yuya’s hair.

“No way that’s totally a big deal! Tell him mom!” Yuya turned to Yoko eyes shining. It has been a while since Yoko has seen his son be this genuinely happy. However...

“So young?” Yoko wasn’t a naïve woman; she has been around and she knew what work being an enforcer entail. A young boy such as him shouldn’t be in such a job and she knows no parents would ever allow their child to be one, that must mean...

“Yeah, I was recruited a couple of years ago. I got lucky and was noticed by my mentor, afterwards they recruited me. The pay was good so I kept at it.” The boy said as if it was normal for a child his age to worry about salary. Yoko’s eyes soften, back in her days her gang would always pick up a few stray orphans. They were kids who have been missed by the system and had to fend for themselves the stories that they have shared were equally inspiring and equally horrifying. The young boy in front of her must have been the same.

“Then you must have many stories to tell, come dig in and don’t be shy I’ll give you Yuya’s portion if it isn’t enough.” Yoko cheerfully said to hopefully mask her unease.

“Mom! No!” Yuya complained off-handily but still took a seat right beside Yuga. “You gave enough of it to Sora!”

“And I would love more Yoko-oneesan!” Sora piped in at he started to dig in to his omelette. “Today’s dinner is as delicious as always!”

Dinner was a loud affair. Yuga weaved tales of his exploits and Yuya and Sora asked more questions in awe, Yoko looked on fondly at the children, and laughed when Sora tried stealing Yuya’s portion. When has the house been this energetic? Its time like this Yoko regrets not having more children when Yusho is still around. If Yuya had a sibling like Sora and Yuga maybe he would have grown up happier.

Yoko looked at the boy so eerily similar yet different to her son. He looks so much like him and there are so many times his mannerism is a direct copy of her son yet she can tell by the subdued nature of his actions and the way his eyes would frequently dart towards loud noises when he thought no one is looking that the boy has been through a lot. When the boy reaches for something, she can catch glimpses of scars on his wrist that she had always dreaded to see on her son’s. She hopes those weren't self-inflicted and she can’t help but fill the boy’s plate with more food.

“Yoko-san! Thank you for the food! I’ll be leaving now.” Yuga said as he stood up to help clear the plate. Yoko broke out of her thoughts and looked at the clock showing that its 9pm. “Yuga-kun its quite late why don’t you stay over tonight?”

“A-ah?” Yuga looked flustered at the suggestion, have he not stayed over someone's place before? “I would love to but I need to go for work today.” Work? “So late?”

“Yeah, I have patrol today, there was a few incidents of assault at night recently so I was tasked for late patrol from HQ for these few days.” He said so nonchalantly as if it was normal for children his age to be hunting down dangerous criminals.

“Can I come along Yuga?”

“No./No Yuya!” Yuga and Yoko simultaneously said. “Yuya you have school tomorrow! You shouldn’t stay up too late.” Yuya pouted “You as well! So why couldn’t I go?”

“I’m used to it I probably will sleep after school tomorrow.”

“You are still attending school Yuga-kun?”

“Well I transferred recently; I will be attending the same school as Yuya.”

“I see.” Yoko couldn’t understand how the boy’s higher up allow this. A late night patrol into a school day wouldn’t be healthy for such a young boy.

Yuga borrowed the bathroom to change into his suit, it was a grey riding suit with white and black outlines with metallic component on his chest and back protecting his vitals.

“T-That is so cool!” Yuya and Sora exclaimed as they looked that the suit with stars in their eyes. Yuga rub his head in embarrassment when the two boys surrounded him admiring his outfit.

“Well, I guess I’ll be off then.”

“Wait Yuga-kun.”

“Yoko-san?” Yuga looked at the adult in confusion as she approaches him and brought him into a tight hug.

“Y-Yoko-san?” The boy squeaked and his face blushed red as he is caught off guard.

“Yuga-kun be careful out there. And know that you are always welcome back here.” Yoko said as she tightened her hug.

Yuga was tense and doesn’t seem to be able to decide to either snuggle deeper into the hug or run. In the end he awkwardly hugged back and that made Yoko smile.

“Have a safe trip.” Yoko let go and she could see Yuga lingered for a second as if he didn’t want to let go. The boy’s eyes glisten with tears before smiling.

“Thank you for today! See you another day!” Yuga left with a smile.

It was the first time the boy has ever received a hug like this... he couldn’t help for more.