61I own nothing. Warning, may contain Out of Character moments.
Yuya, hidden from sight with the girls and his counterparts, peered around the corner and saw the massive crowd that roared and raged against the guards. Had it not been for the Duel Monsters behind them, this building would've been overrun by rioters.
And Yuya could see it, his parents, Gongenzaka, everyone he knew from before the war was holding the line. All of them were risking life and limb to protect them, the Vassals of their great enemy. He clenched his fists as the choices he made came to the front of his thoughts. In hindsight, Yuya should've considered this as potential risk before deciding to come here.
Because what turned out to be a show of good will, has become a reason for war to break out again.
"Well this is a fairly bad situation we're in." Yuri commented, his tone in complete contrast to what's current happening. All eyes went to the Fusion Vassal, their combined glares instantly turning the already hostile air into something more dangerous. While Yuya had given his counterpart the benefit of doubt, casual words like that really make him question Yuri's intent.
Granted, the Fusion Vassal has been like that since they met again.
"For once could you take things seriously!? We have a mob over there out for our blood! And you know what happens when we kick it!" Yugo shouted, grabbing Yuri by the collar. Rin quickly put herself between the two Vassals, causing the motorist to loosen his aggression.
"Stop! Getting angry at each other isn't going to help anyone!"
"Hey, what's Reiji–?" Yuto stared as he saw the leader of the Lancers made a motion with his hand. The Xyz Vassal was soon interrupted by a brilliant flash of light. A rush of wind followed, causing Yuya and the others to dig themselves deeper into their cover.
But just as quickly as it came, the winds stopped. And peering out of the corner again, Yuya saw the crystalline giants now floating behind Reiji.
"Hell Armageddon… Three of them…" Yuya said, his voice barely escaping his throat.
"This is the first time I've seen Reiji get this serious. He never summons more than one against a crowd." Yuzu commented as she stared at the menacing Duel Monsters. It was here that all three of Reiji's Hell Armageddons released a thunderous roar, silencing everyone present and beyond. Once the echoes settled, Reiji glared at the crowd of rioters before him.
"For four years I've helped guard this sanctuary… But never before have I seen such daring disregard for basic courtesy and hospitality! We have envoys that have come to us bearing an offer of peace. Four important individuals who were willing to risk their lives for a greater cause… And yet all of you decided that enacting vengeance was a better choice and formed a lynch mob! Threatening to jump start this bloody war once more! Just who do you think you're helping by doing this!?"
The crowd, once full of rage, was now cowering before Reiji's undaunted stance. Honestly, this scene made Yuya fear that this whole place was some kind of nightmarish dystopia. But judging how people could rebel in the first place, that thought was quickly extinguished. And that idea was further disproven when someone yelled something back.
"Don't get tricked! He betrayed us to the Zarc look-a-likes! We're going to die if we don't fight!"
"Betrayed? If anything, you're betraying Humanity by threatening them! Do you not remember what Zarc said on his most recent broadcast? On how to wake him up during the Vassals reign? Had you succeeded in killing one of the four, we'd once more be fighting a losing war! Do you want to face annihilation!? Because, with all of this, that is what you're wishing for!" Reiji shouted, completely unfazed by the spark of conflict.
Now that caused the agitated to crowd to completely pale, realization hitting them. Revenge was a terrible shroud, causing one to not think of future consequences. It was a feeling that Yuya and his counterparts were all too familiar with. But being the target of revenge was a different experience all together. And Yuya could still feel the lingering bloodlust numbing his limbs.
One person from the mob boldly stepped forward, anger still storming in his eyes. "Then where the hell are these 'Vassals'!? You say they're here to help, but how can we believe you if they haven't shown their faces! Admit it! They're rats like Zarc himself!"
"ENOUGH!" Reiji shouted. The man backed down, sweat now visible of his face as the young leader took a deep breath.
"If that is your concern, then I'll call for them. However! I will not tolerate any more aggression towards our envoys that've come in peace. You may consider them as enemies, but in these trying times, we must put aside those labels for a better tomorrow. So do not judge them by their appearances alone, but by their actions and words. Yuya! If you will!" Reiji said, his tone finally reaching a calm level.
Here was the moment of truth. Yuya straightened his back as he did his best to hide his fears. Would they remain calm? Or would they explode again? He just didn't know. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea…
It was here that the entertainer felt two hands on his shoulders. The first was from Yuto, whose eyes held the determination he was known for. And the second was Yuzu, the small smile on her face calming Yuya's anxiety. Both of them reminded him that he wasn't alone in this struggle. That they too are facing the judgment of a paranoid crowd.
"Thanks guys… Now I'm ready for the audience." Yuya said.
"Just be yourself and I'm sure things will turn out just fine." Yuto said.
"And if anything happens, we'll have plenty of support." Yuzu added.
"Just so long as this idiot here keeps his mouth shut, we'll be golden." Yugo replied, gesturing to Yuri. The Fusion Vassal only smirked as the group readied themselves to head out. It was quite the concern, but having Yuri make it this far without incident was inspiring. So with that last thought, they headed out.
They all walked, side by side, towards the unknown. And already they could feel the eyes of hundreds of fuming rioters. The atmosphere was oppressive as they stood by Reiji. The crowd began to whisper to one another, talking of past rumors and other comments. From the return of the girls to the Vassals themselves, they were the center of attention. But while Yuya couldn't pick out all of it, being overlapping whispers, he did hear one thing in particular. It was something about him being the monster seen four years ago. Were they referring to his old body? The one possessed by Zarc?
"T-T-T-THAT'S HIM! THAT'S ZARC! THEY'RE ALL ZARC! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!" Someone screamed. It was that one spark of panic that reignited the fear and frenzy in the rioters. The guards readied themselves again to take on the mass of bodies about to charge them. Only for everyone to duck to the booming roar of Reiji's Hell Armageddons that were still present.
"As I said… Do not judge them by their appearances... These four may look like Zarc, but they–"
"But we don't know that! You're words are empty unless you can prove for a fact that they're not the enemy!" Someone else yelled out, interrupting Reiji. It began to stir up the crowd again, but it was a much calmer reaction. They all began to follow that on person's idea, chanting at the young leader. Reiji simply raised his hand as the noise ceased to flow around them.
"Then you shall receive proof through the Lancers' most tried and true method… As leader of the Lancers, I challenge Sakaki Yuya, Vassal of the Standard Domain, to a Duel!" Reiji shouted.
Now that actually got the crowd in a better mood, no doubt wanting to watch Yuya's butt get kicked. Still, the entertainer was glad that Reiji managed to get them all under control. Though that did leave him wondering how he'll handle this duel. It's not like he practiced any of his old moves during his four year slumber. And what changes did Reiji included in his deck? So many questions…
"Now that we're in agreement, make your way to RSV field and watch us settle this question once and for all!"
Before they all began moving away, another voice, one so full of confidence and flair, called out to him. "Hold it right there fearless leader! Allow me to have this dance!"
All eyes went to one of the nearby buildings, spotting someone standing out on the balcony. And while this other person was somewhat far, Yuya instantly recognized him. Wearing a red and white suit that was far too clean for the setting and had brown hair with blonde bangs, he leapt down before them. The man's grey eyes made contact with Yuya's red, reconnecting a long lost friendship and rivalry.
"Sawatari!" Yuya yelled, a smile forming on his face.
"Sorry, but I'm not the same Sawatari Shingo you know Sakaki Yuya… So it's only fitting that you call me by my new name! I am Neo New Sawatari the Reborn!" He shouted, throwing up a pose at the end of his declaration.
The temperature dropped several degrees as absolutely everyone blankly stared at him. Yuzu buried her face into one of her hands as Rin was trying not to laugh. Yugo and Serena, on the other hand, immediately let out a ripping laughter, causing others to do the same. The entertainer, however, could only smile wider at his old friend/rival's overdramatic style.
"It seems like one of you hasn't changed at all." Yuri commented.
"I can't tell if that's a good or bad thing…" Yuzu groaned, face still nestled in her hand.
"Well at least he's doing his job of improving Morale… But I'll allow it Sawatari, show everyone Yuya's true self." Reiji said. Sawatari saluted to him before running off. The young leader turned back to the crowd and adjusted his glasses.
"Now then, you all best hurry because this duel will not be like anything you've seen. So do take the effort to find yourselves a good seat. As for our guests, Inner Security and I shall escort them personally to the field. That is all."
The crowd, without any fury to bind them together, began to move away. But Yuya could hear them all talking speculating about the duel. The air was still uneasy as the distrust hasn't fully left the crowd's mind. And it honestly just puts more pressure on Yuya, who now has to duel better than usual.
Still, this was their chance to show that they had all the intention to bring peace to this war torn world. This was their first step on the Human front, a friendly exhibition between enemies. So with much on the line, Yuya prepared himself for combat. The entertainer turned to Reiji and stared at him dead in the eye.
"Lead the way."
"Careful Yuya, you're looking really scary right now." Rin commented as she took a step back. They haven't even gotten to step one and he's already failed it.
…
Yuya stood in a massive chamber that could easily house thousands of people. Every surface of this place was covered with a smooth, black glass plates. Across from him was Sawatari, who was looking over his deck. And in the audience, was what could be the entire populace of the Miami City shelter. The entertainer gripped at his pendulum pendant and recalled the words he was given before coming out here.
"Just do what you always do and you'll be fine. Have faith and courage in yourself." Yusho's words came first, reminding Yuya of what he learned from him.
"Don't mind the crowd, they'll swing your way once you start working your magic." Yoko's words made the audience's glares a little easier to bear.
"It's pretty scary, dueling in front of a crowd like this. But I know you'll pull through Yuya, your ideals will always find a way." Yuto's words put a smile on his face. And with Ruri repeating those same sentiments, Yuya could hold it honestly.
"If you lose, I'll come in and show that guy a thing or three!" Yugo's eager words were strangely encouraging, despite Rin pulling at the Motorist's cheeks for not having anything more motivating.
"I don't need to say anything; I know you'll win it your way." Yuri was straight to the point, as was Serena. But both of them solidified the entertainer's own dueling skill. If two of Academia's best duelists say he'll win, who was he to argue?
And lastly…
"Do you remember what you've said to me on the Litany of Thunder? Well this is your chance. Show me that what we had in the past could be brought back." It was Yuzu's words that had the greatest effect on Yuya. His heart was beating with the desire to make her smile. The smile that will allow her to enjoy dueling once more.
His red eyes shined as he met Sawatari's glare as cheers and jeers echoed all around them. Every surface began to glow white, the scenery changing before them. The light faded and they were in the sky. Fluffy clouds floated all around, some holding the audience, as the sun overhead burned brilliantly. This field was known as Cloud Nine.
"Duelists and Monsters, fiercely locked in combat!" Sawatari began.
"They kick against the earth and dance through the air!" Yuya continued.
"They storm through the field"
"Behold! This is the newest and greatest evolution of Dueling!"
ACTION…
DUEL!
And that has been Chapter 10 of Act 2! Not my best work, but it'll do... However, I have sad news for everyone today.
"Get ready, it's a big one."
Recently, I've found that my motivation to write this story to be waning. And combined with my loaded schedule, I cannot dedicated any more energy on this project now. So it is with a heavy heart that I announce that Vassals of the Dragon is going on a long hiatus. I won't abandon the project, but I know updates will be too far and few in between. So to you readers who have made it this far, thank you and I hope you'll still be around when the next chapter comes out.
Whenever that maybe.
So with all that said...
Until Next Time. T1.
