Yugioh: The Hope of Six

Chapter 38: Kaiser Arc - Part 10

Devil Kaiser was pleased. He definitely felt all the life force of David Rabb after his defeat against Edo Phoenix. While he did feel that someone or something was trying to stop him, it wasn't enough in the end. He felt his strength increase from his success. "Yes. That's more like it. If I do this for the remaining Duels, my full recovery will be assured!" He then laughed like the monster he was.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Edo stared opened mouthed at where David stood. He knew something had gone wrong as he turned to look back at Judai and the others. 'The way David vanished... it wasn't the same as with Emi and Chronos. What the hell just happened? Is he even alive?' However, Edo was too weak and injured to think. He could barely stand now. He started to get woozy and began to collapse like David did when he felt himself being caught in time. He looked up to see it was Judai and Johan on either side of him.

"Need a hand?" Judai asked. Edo smiled weakly.

"No thanks. I... can manage." He said, trying to sound tough.

"Yeah, we can see that." Johan sarcastically. "Still, I think we should help you out this time. You know, to be on the safe side." Edo chuckled but moaned from the pain.

"Fine. Just this once." He relented as he allowed himself to be helped out the arena. "And... thanks." He said in a quieter voice, showing his appreciation. Judai and Johan smiled back and nodded.

"That's what friends are for." Johan told him. Edo said no more as the trio walked.

When they regrouped with the others, it was clear the concern on their faces was genuine. For everyone knew that this time, a person actually died. Edo turned to Misawa and Zweinstein, both of whom shook their heads in dismay. He cursed mentally, knowing he had guessed right.

"I don't get it. What went wrong out there? Why wasn't that jackass saved like the others were?" Grace asked softly after the group huddled together at the console.

"That thing with the tentacles... it moved more aggressively this time. It seemed bound and determined to claim the next loser." Asuka noted.

"And it succeeded." Gloria added in an ominous tone.

"So wait, does this mean people will die for real now?" Sho said in great worry.

No one answered him. There was no need. They all knew that whoever loses in the remaining Duels, they would be goners for sure.

Judai wished he could converse with Flame, but he didn't want to risk exposing him with Amon and his team watching nearby. Johan, Edo, Misawa, Zweinstein, and Samejima were the only ones on their side in the dark about the Fire Ignis.

Fortunately, he was spared the trouble with another message from the console, which Misawa read aloud in a whisper. "Everyone, listen to this: "Don't despair. Will be better prepared for next time. Stay strong." Who or whatever is aiding us seems confident it won't happen to the next defeated Duelist."

"Indeed." Zweinstein said, wishing he knew who was making all these messages and helping them. Judai and most of his team knew, and decided they had to not lose hope. They had to believe they would make it out of this somehow, and they would.

Knowing this, Fubuki took a quick glance at Reggie. She did seem to be sympathetic toward their position. The young man still couldn't wrap his head around why his old childhood friend would be involved in something like this. 'Reggie... just what is going on with you? Why are you doing this?'

On the other side, Reggie met Fubuki's eyes before quickly turning away. She shut her own eyes tight, hating this whole situation. Though she hated David, she never wished for him to die the way he did. Though she was curious as to why David's death appeared different than the others, it wasn't her primary concern. She was glad Fubuki wouldn't be dueling here, but it didn't change the fact that his own friends would perish should they fall. Judai's team hasn't lost anyone... yet. 'Fubuki... I wish I can tell you, that you can understand my reasons. But...' She stopped herself from thinking why she could never explain herself. It was just too painful to relive.