Yugioh Zexal Au Book One: World Duel Carnival Preliminaries

Let The Duels Begin! AU

(An AU where Yuma didn't forget to sign up for the Finals.)

At the entrance to the Heartland Hospital, Yuma was making his way there to visit Shark, who was still visiting his little sister, Rio... The first day of the World Duel Carnival Preliminaries were tomorrow morning, and she still hasn't woken up yet! As Yuma is about to enter, he thinks about how Tori offered to Duel him, to help him get ready for the Duel Carnival...

"You sure you don't wanna have a Duel tomorrow, Yuma?"

"(SHAKES HIS HEAD SADLY.) Sorry Tori, the World Duel Carnival starts in two days and I already promised Shark to visit him and his little sister at the Hospital tomorrow!"

His Grandma and big sister looked at him in shock. "His sister?"

"You mean Rio?..."

"(NODS SADLY.) The Duel Carnival is coming up soon, and she still hasn't woken up yet!"

"Oh right, sorry... Poor Rio!..."

In Rio's room, Shark looked at his unconscious sister, wishing she would wake up... "Rio... I wish I could make things better, please wake up!"

He looks at the two Sliver Rings Rio bought at a Carnival when they were kids...

"Here, Reginald!"

"What do you expect me to do with those things, Rio? I'm your big brother, not your sister!"

"That's a mean thing to say! Just forget it then! (DROPS THEM BOTH ON THE GROUND BEFORE STORMING OFF.) See if I care!"

Shark looks at one of the Rings before slipping it on Rio's finger, before looking at the one he's still wearing... As the two Sliver Rings shined in the sunset's light, Shark knew he would do anything to keep Rio and Yuma safe... "Rio... I would do anything to keep you safe! (HEARS A KNOCK ON THE DOOR.) Huh? Come in!"

The door opens to reveal Yuma in his school Uniform! "Hey, Yuma..."

Yuma pulls out some Hot Chocolate and some food Kari and Lillybot made for them, hoping it might cheer Shark up a little. "Hey... I brought you some Duel Fuel and some Hot Chocolate, in case you got hungry..."

Shark took one of the cups while Yuma took the other one, he took a slip of the Hot Choco before smiling at the Red-haired boy... "Hmm... Thanks!..."

While the two relaxed, they didn't notice Trey was watching them... "That's Yuma and Shark, and I think Quattro said that girl is Shark's little sister, Rio!"

He sees the two having Hot Chocolate and some Rice Balls. "I must say Yuma, this is delectable! (LOOKS AT IT IN CONFUSION ABOUT WHAT IT IS AGAIN.) What is it called, again?"

"It's Duel Fuel, a Tsukumo specialty!"

"Imagine if "you" could actually Duel as good as this tastes, Yuma!"

"(FROWNS, NOT FINDING THAT ONE FUNNY.) Not funny, Shark!"

"(SMIRKS) I'm kidding Yuma, I'm kidding! (NOTICES A PICTURE IN YUMA'S SCHOOL BAG.) Hey, who's this?"

Trey sees the reflection and recognizes who the couple is, Yuma's parents; Kazuma and Mira Tsukumo! "That must be a picture of Yuma's mother and father!"

Trey's eyes softened, remembering a picture of his own family before hearing Shark speak up. "Are these your parents, Yuma?"

"Yeah... He and Mom would go on expeditions and always bring stuff back! Like Aztec Masks, Paleolithic Tools, and even a Royal Incan Necklace!"

"Wow, that's cool! It sounds like he was somebody who loved adventure!"

"Yep, just like me!"

Trey is about to leave when Shark speaks up, knowing he's been thinking about what Yuma said after finding out about what happened at the Nationals between him and Quattro. "Hey, Yuma?"

"What is it?"

"Your words hit harder than your Dueling does. You were right about Quattro, and you were right about me! I lost my focus and my confidence... I know that to find out what Doctor Faker and Quattro's family are hiding from us and to protect both our friends and families, I can't hang on to any Hate or Doubts!"

"Exactly! Forget about what Quattro did in the past and sort it out during your Duel in the Finals... Think about Tori and Bronk and everyone else!"

Trey felt tears come to his eyes, their friendship and bonding over their families reminded him of his own family! "My family used to be like that... But that was so long ago..."

Trey sees Yuma frowns, wanting to get the message of Shark not letting his Number Cards or his hatred for Quattro control him! "Just make sure you beat Quattro, and get out of this tournament in one piece! Otherwise, you'll have me to deal with! Okay?"

Shark nods, completely understanding Yuma's concern for him.  "So what do you say, Yuma? After Rio wakes up, will you honour me and my sister with a Duel?"

"I never turn down a Duel! You just name the time and the place, and I'll be there!"

"(SMIRKS BEFORE GRIPPING YUMA'S DECK AS A PROMISE TO ALSO MEET EACH OTHER IN THE SEMI-FINALS.) You got it!"

Neither of them see nor hear Trey leave, who was running out of the hospital in tears of envy of Yuma's easy life! "Sorry Yuma, But I know what I have to do now! We'll settle this at sunset on the final day of the World Duel Carnival Preliminaries, once and for all! And you will lose!"