Chapter Text
Chapter 25 - The Saints (Pt 1)
Noboru Gongenzaka was a man, and a man was known to keep his heart on his sleeve. And yet he was unable to do anything but keep a stoic face for the past three months since Yuya vanished without a trace.
He still remembered getting a call from Yoko in the early morning asking if Yuya was crashing at the Strong Style dojo, the sleepless nights he spent patrolling the city to see if Yuya was staying in one of the houses of Yoko’s former Sirens, consoling Yoko, Yuzu, and the kids when they had to accept the reality that Yuya ran away from home, never to return. He was like a wall, unable to be knocked down unless through excessive force.
Gogenzaka couldn’t help but feel concern and fear over Yuya, especially as he sat across from another person who he suddenly wanted to poured his guts towards. A petite young boy with tri-colored hair who reminded him slightly of Yuya who reached out to hear his burdens. Though this unknown boy was all dressed up and pretty, like a fairy, the heart was genuine.
“You should not hold everything inside sir.” The fairy boy said, swinging his legs on the bench. “It is good to talk about these things to someone, even if it’s just to get them off your chest. I don’t mind lending an ear. It seems like you could use someone to talk to.” He said kindly, a gesture that was deeply needed and much appreciated. Odd considering how inconsiderate people are nowadays but he would not look a gift horse in the mouth for such a moment.
"Sir? The man is only 15," Gongenzaka corrected. "But...the man does want to get something off of his chest in regards to his missing friend and the revelations of Reiji Akaba hiding so much from us. Where did Yusho go? And Yuya? And when the man went to Yuya’s house, Yoko was also missing. And now there’s another Yuya in a dress like yours!"
“I see…” the boy hummed thinking about Gongenzaka’s concerns. “Did you talk to them about what they are doing there and what is going on? I’m sure they know something if you ask them nicely. A lot of things are going on, but sometimes it doesn’t hurt to ask.”
"The man hasn't had a chance. Sora went to visit and so I assumed he would figure it out. Sora looks up to Yuya like a sensei."
"Then why don't we go together and see what is going on?" The boy suggested. "Wait at Yuya’s house and get some answers. It wouldn’t hurt to try, no?."
Take this chance. You might not get another one.
Gogenzaja thought he was going crazy hearing the voice in his head, but he couldn’t deny the sense in the suggestion. It was simple enough and wouldn’t hurt to try. “Very well. Sounds better than just wondering about things.”
"Great! By the way, I'm known as Yugi. My partner's planning to open a pop-up game shop called Kame Games! We're gonna have lots of cards and booster packs on sale."
Gong just nodded as he heard Yugi chatter away at how he loved all sorts of games and going to the amusem*nt park with his "Guy" and he came from a place where it was paradise. It made the trip to Yuya's house much less boring.
The two eventually made it to Yuya's house and waited. Gongenzaka went on his phone for any news and was surprised to see the huge data leak from LDS exposing what Reiji had been doing for the past three years. He thought that it was suspicious over Sylvio’s invitation for Yuya to duel at the Central Court since it didn’t seem like a ploy Sylvio would make by himself. But he didn’t expect Reiji to be involved in something bigger than just a plot to steal Yuya’s cards!
Yugi just closed his eyes, feeling calm as he opened a connection to his partner, his darkness. You got the pop-up shop ready, Atem?
Of course Hikari.~ It’s up and ready to greet any and all people eager for some fun. his partner purred.
Yay! Yugi cheered. It saddened him that barely anyone used anything outside Tribute. Dueling should be open to everyone.
The potential of duelists is what makes them all unique. Everyone has a different style of dueling, so to limit such potential even further through paywalls and monopolies greatly hinders everyone.
So Yugi and Atem would have the Kame Game Shop open with decks for low prices to entice people to try new ideas and cards. The propaganda that the methods were too hard was subliminally put in all advertisem*nts across the city. All so Reiji could monopolize on it. Only high ranking schools like Bandit Star could afford the rights to teach Fusion. Everyone else could just rot (or learn Ritual).
Yugi hoped that by providing cheap but decent quality packs, people would be encouraged to try new methods if they could afford it. Having new ways to play that didn’t set them apart from the top elite would also be a boon to many duelists’ self-esteem, maybe spur some growth among the populace. Dueling is more than just a card game. It becomes a way to vent, to learn new things about oneself, and to learn to adapt and grow with what you have and what you get.
And that is why Yugi needed to talk to two individuals as well, so that the next piece fell into place...oh, there they were. And with their little boy as well!
Gongenzaka looked up and blinked when he saw Sora in a cute navy blue suit and tie alongside two copies of Yuya approaching him. One in a suit and one in a dress. He glared as he pocketed his phone. "The man, Gongenzaka, would like answers as to why you are in the Sakaki house."
“Ah I see. I was wondering when anyone else would come and ask.” The one in a suit mused as the dressed up Yuya copy purred, pink eyes sparkling with glee.
Yugi gasped and hugged the couple. "Yuto! Yuri! You look amazing. And is this the boy you've adopted?"
"Adopted?!" Gongenzaka repeated.
“We can talk about this over a nice homemade meal. Tell me good sir, do you want any food? This may take a bit to fully explain but we have time. Plus we also need some privacy to discuss what we have to share with you. It’s all highly confidential information and it relates to Yuya’s and Yoko’s safety.” The lavender haired boy, Yuto, informed Gogenzaka stared at the trio.
Before anymore was said, and Gongenzaka could voice his opinion about being called “sir”, Yuto opened the door to the Sakaki residence and quickly ushered them inside. Gongenzaka was amazed to see Yuri and even Sora prepared snacks and drinks for them all. The burly duelist was pushed to a seat in the dining room as Yuri swiftly gathered bread, salad, and mayonnaise from the fridge. “And yes, we plan to adopt Sora because he needs to be educated in matters that do not pertain to harassing and degrading people simply because they know a different dueling method. It’s part of the problems we have to tell you.” Yuri sighed as Sora now looked guilty and squeamish in his chair..
Gongenzaka wordlessly sat there, trying to understand what was going on. All while Yugi and Yuto chatted about how they had the most wonderful day so far, along with the scandal of Reiji’s dirty laundry aired out for all to see. He was only snapped out of the shock once he heard plates and glasses set on the table.
“Now,” Yuto began, helping to pour the iced tea into tall glasses. “I believe it wise for you to sit down and listen because this is going to be a very long and difficult discussion. For all that we tell you, insane as it sounds, it is the truth. Also please refrain from any questions until we are done. It’ll be easier to explain then.” Yuto let out a long sigh as he sat down across from Yugi and Gongenzaka.
Gongenzaka was confused and weirded out when he noticed someone in the garden wearing a purple hooded cloak. A big, burly man with tattoos on the back of his hands giving the pets a bath using a hose and kiddie pool. "And can someone explain why there is a cultist in the backyard?"
“He’s not a cultist, he’s one of our house keepers. He’s been a big help assisting me with caring for the yard and pets.” Yuri smiled appreciatively. “The other one helps with the household chores and cleaning up the trash, but both do love to feed and play with the pets. It’s one of their favorite duties.”
Gongenzaka was not convinced. "The man would like an explanation about everything. Sora, where have you been and why are you being adopted? These two..." he motioned to Yuto and Yuri, noticing how they were roughly the same age as Yuya (14) in contrast to Sora (who he assumed was around 11, given that his voice was still youthful). "Are too young to be parents."
And Gong theorized that Sora only accepted them just to be substitutes of Yuya. Nothing more. He knew Sora is shifty and shady and would not let anyone control him easily. Boy reminded Gong of Core, the fluffy cat who liked to do things her way.
Sora sighed, rubbing his face. "It's a long story and it goes with mother and father’s explanations. Please let them talk, Gongenzaka, then you can ask your questions. Some of them will be answered as we go along and you’ll end up making new ones." There was way too much to simply say in each question.
Amongst the chicken salad sandwiches, chef’s salad, and tea, Gongenzaka learned the truth of Yuya’s whereabouts. He was shocked to hear everything, from Yuya being kidnaped through her mirror, to Yuya finding love and ending up working at a restaurant, and sipping way too much tea to stay awake. Something about it was quite addictive.
Meanwhile Sora was well behaved, having not said anything throughout the explanations. It was weird for the boy to not speak up. Like that old adage that children were to be seen, not heard.
Yuto shook his head, but couldn't blame Gongenzaka for being overwhelmed. It was a lot of information to take in all at once. "It may seem crazy but it's all true. Now you can somewhat understand why Yuya has to be away until proper safety measures have been implemented here. And when we can all rest assured knowing Reiji, his father, or their subordinates cannot try anything funny to him or the others should they return." he said, leaning back into his seat. Feeling thirsty, he took a nice long sip of iced tea to soothe his throat after much talk. Exodia knows he'll need it to explain more judging by the look on Gogenzaka's face.
Gongenzaka felt ready to cry. His friend suffered here for so long yet found peace in a world he could not enter for his blood bond was not there. He was not into romantic relationships, even though he could see Yuya and Yuzu being close. And he had no other person to make him settle down in paradise outside his father. Was he simply a guardian then? Made to keep this all secret and sacred?
"What are you asking of me?" he said. "What is going on that the man has to keep silent? My friend is getting married?!"
"A revolution is coming." Yuri purred. "One that will actually benefit all of the dimensions and everyone who has been subjected to the cruelties of both Akabas. We want to fix the mistakes of those misled and help those who have been negatively affected by Leo Akaba's plans and Reiji's neglect and abuse of authority – directly or otherwise."
Yugi sighed at Gongenzaka’s shaking hands. "It is a lot to take in. Take some time to meditate on it."
Yuto frowned slightly, fingers pressed on the cool glass. "While it may seem ‘weird’ that Yuya is getting married mostly out of safety, I promise you that the matter was arranged very carefully and overtime he even found love in his partner. We do not ask much of you right now except to please keep this all under wraps. Until Yuya gets married, she must stay away from the Standard Dimension. But rest assured Yuya and Yoko will come back to settle things with Reiji. He has a lot to answer for regarding their suffering." he scowled, memories of the Invasion lingering in the back of his mind.
Gongenzaka was still uncertain. They could be lying for all he knew. "Where is your proof? Your letter or anything that says Yuya is in paradise?"
You heard what Yugi said. Meditate, breathe deep. Let your worries leave with every exhale.
Gogenzaka shook hearing that voice again, looking around feeling a little unnerved. “Ok, who are you and are you connected to these people too?” He called out to no one in particular, especially when he looked up at the ceiling. The others raised a brow before realizing who it is that Gogenzaka must be responding to.
“Are you referring to our god?” Yugi asked, which made Gongenzaka even more confused. “Don’t stress out. He tends to do that. To help people see that we, and others like us, are telling the truth. It is he who helped all of us find our way to paradise.”
“If you feel it's weird that he’s communicating with you, don’t worry. We consider him our God because of the way he has saved us. When we are at our lowest, whether lost or in despair, he reaches out to us to offer a place of safety and peace. Free from the sins of others and that of our own cursed fate.” Yuri said, smiling as she leaned lightly on Yuto’s shoulder. The way Yuri’s eyes drooped made Gongenzaka shiver; as if he was targeting who to turn into her next meal, ready to turn the burly Superheavy Samurai duelist into a Sunday roast.
Sora still said nothing and that made Gongenzaka ask, "And what about Sora? The man sees no sign of the god reaching out to his mind."
Yuto waved his hand lightly. “Sora has already been made aware of everything. So there’s no need for him to be assured of things anymore. It took a bit of discussion with him too, but eventually he saw the truth in what we said. Plus we took him to the realm once before, so he knew we were not lying to him. Also, as he is from another dimension himself, another realm unknown to him or the professor, is not too far-fetched to him.” He said with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders. Gongenzaka did not like how Yuto explained the idea of Sora originating from another dimension so casually.
Yuri patted Sora’s head. “He’s also been really quiet so far because he’s trying to learn to listen and not be intrusive and butt in on conversations at random. Just teaching him some basic manners we found he didn’t have. He’s doing much better.” She then turned to her adopted son. “By the way, you can talk now, Sora.”
Sora perked up, peridot eyes softly showing reverence to the purple-haired doll. "Thank you mother," he said sweetly.
Gongenzaka shivered. "The man finds it disturbing that you are Sora's mother. Sora, what exactly did you see?"
“A beautiful realm that is unlike anything I ever saw. People of all kinds doing day-to-day different things in what looks like a real utopia. Like the ones you read and hear about in fairytales where everyone lives happily ever after. Oh and don’t get me started on the Duel Spirits! You can actually meet and interact with the cards in your deck and that of others! Another amazing thing is that everyone who is a duelist there has real magic based on their deck and lives. It’s all so unreal, but so cool!” He gushed excitedly as Gogenzaka stared at him in pure disbelief.
This was beyond madness. A child's imagination gone wild.
Yugi looked at him in sympathy. “If you do not believe us, we can take you there for a bit but not for long. Time passes by much quicker there than here. Seven times faster to be exact.”
"The man...shall wait and let himself absorb the knowledge first." Gongenzaka answered. "There is lots for him to uncover, more information he must gather here before he attempts to see what you call paradise."
They all nodded in understanding. This was a lot to take in for anyone unaware of the truths surrounding everything. “That’s ok, take your time.” Yuto replied kindly. “All we ask is that you do not discuss this information to anyone else without permission. There’s too much danger involved if the wrong people learn of these things, Yuya and Yoko’s safety included. But if you need to talk to someone about all this, talk to us first. While you may not trust us, the least we can do is listen to your concerns and address them to the best of our abilities.”.
Gongenzaka massaged his temples. "What about Yuzu? She of all people needs to know of this!"
The trio nodded in agreement, knowing she was an important figure in this ordeal. “Yuzu is an exception,” Yugi answered. “In fact, we are planning to talk to her soon because she is one of Leo Akaba’s priority targets. Her connection with Ruri and Rin puts them and the rest of Maiamiland in danger.” Yugi answered.
“If the Professor, no sorry, Leo Akaba finds out how to enter the realm, he’ll destroy it. Just like he did to the XYZ realm in order to find them. My beloved has seen and endured his cruelty firsthand, and while I had no involvement in that particular event, I still do not want to see it happen anywhere else anymore.” Yuri frowned. Yuto grimaced as the memories resurfaced but he was strong. He will not let such deeds happen again.
Gongenzaka pinched the bridge of his nose. "Now then. What is this event of a pop-up shop Yugi mentioned?"
"Oh my husband and I are going to open up a chain of Kame Game Shops to sell cards!” Yugi answered cheerfully. “We also have some nice Superheavy Samurais for you. They go well with Synchro cause you don't need a special card to summon extra deck monsters!"
Gogenzaka’s interest peaked when he heard this. There were Synchro Superheavy Samurai cards? He wasn’t sure he could put them to use though. “The man is intrigued but… he does not think he’ll be able to afford it. Even with a sale Synchro summoning is hard. No one except those in Leo could teach him and they wouldn’t bother because he’s one of Yuya’s friends.” The burly man said, hurt and angry at such shallow behavior.
There was a laugh amongst the party. Gongenzaka narrowed his eyes. "What’s so funny?"
"Nothing~" Sora answered. "Just that in a day's time, you will be seeing some very interesting videos that will teach you all you need to know about summoning methods! Yugi will explain more."
“See while a lot of people in our home are pulled in from other dimensions, there’s a lot of people from the original world there as well. When the dimensions split, the afterlife was also divided, forcing many souls to nearly face erasure. To prevent all of those souls from being vanished into oblivion, our God reached out to us and saved us from being destroyed. I’m one of such people actually. In the original world, I am the first King of Games. So when I see all these handicaps to aspirings duelists, it makes me feel sad and upset for this generation. Dueling is meant to be for everyone, no matter their status.” Yugi stated as Gongenzaka jaw dropped at these reveals.
Wait, so that means Yugi was actually a dead person come to life?! This didn’t make any sense. How was he able to be here physically then? Gongenzaka rubbed his head, feeling a headache coming as Yugi handed him some water. She felt bad for him but he needed to know this info as well. He would have to learn it sooner or later regardless.
Yuto was the one who continued as Gongenzaka sipped his water. “As thanks for saving them, people like Yugi are all eager to help in anyway they can to bring back the happiness and equality they all fought so hard for. Whether it be through free online lessons, selling affordable card packs, or even passing out simple care packages, they all plan on ways to help people better themselves. Without the need for excessive payment or tribute.”
Yuri smiled, cool like the milk in glass bottles delivered to her doorstep in the early morning. “Both Leo and Reiji’s actions have greatly upset and angered the forerunners of dueling and those who have ever drawn a card or set them face-down. Together, with the aid of those from the other dimensions, they’ll make sure everyone can become a great duelist like they dreamed! For those who do not duel to fight or to play, they’ll ensure that they can live free of economic and socially destructive constraints.”
Gongenzaka could not believe how thought put this paradise was. "Is there a mayor or governor who keeps an eye on you? An education system that's not dueling based? Do you have solar or electrical power? Is there a good sewage system? Agriculture?"
Gong knew such things because social science and geography were his strong suit. If he were to spread the Strong Style dueling, he needed to understand the world around him. He also helped in repairs around the dojo which included gardening for vegetables like pumpkins, radish, squash. He knew that if there were so many people in this paradise, how were they able to eat? Where were mechanics or electricians? Where was money coming from? What type of government programs did the paradise provide? Hospitals? Therapists?
Did they drive cars? Trains? Buses? So much to know that it made his head spin!
And what about overpopulation? The world supposedly has a population of 7 billion but was it divided by 4 because of the dimension split? And how many people were dead, perhaps doubling or tripling the population in Paradise? No way the land could hold everyone! There had to be a class system as well: rich, middle class, poor/poverty. No way there wasn't a corrupt apple or five thousand.
This couldn't be paradise; sounds more like hell disguised as a paradise.
Yugi hummed. “We don’t have a mayor or anything like that. Everyone helps each other, takes care of one another, and supports each other like a true community should. People just look out for one another. It’s practically natural behavior for most of us.” She thought it was normal for everyone to just be kind for the sake of it. Well, it was pretty normal in her time…
“As for your other questions, think of this place as an Afterlife but with extensive features.” Yuto explained, figuring out the best way to describe it. He then pushed the bowl of chef’s salad towards Gongenzaka, displaying the greens mixed with ham, eggs, and tomato. “Yes we have community gardens. We have schools and a university where many get a degree and education in subjects other than dueling. Careers are also taught by those who hailed from the original world. All of them had different professions and skills in life, so they help teach different fields based on their past experiences.”
“Money is both brought in and created using the currency of those who enter and those who had large amounts of wealth in their time,” Yuri added. “For example, Yugi here had a lot of wealth due to being the King of Games and co-owner of a small but popular game shop. When she entered Maiamiland, her fortune was split up and divided amongst the people of the land to be used for necessities. Also, things are not so expensive there as the realm follows a huge rule of thumb regarding fair pay and affordable living standards. It’s kind of what Yoko describes as living in the 1950s or something.” She shrugged her slender shoulders. “I don’t really get that, but it’s based on old-fashioned yet community driven ideas. Hence why there’s a lack of inequity and economic instability.”
Yugi pulled out a deck of cards and then drew five monsters. Gongenzaka noticed that they were all adorable magicians, Magician Girls, with wands, colorful robes, and big grins on their faces. “A lot of our city and power is also provided and maintained by our Duel Spirits. If there’s something missing, a meeting will be held and plans can be made to utilize the help of Duel Monsters to create it. Say, for example, a train station or a new city generator. Some people have machine or architectural based duel monsters so they aid in construction and architectural development. Others have duel spirits who help with transportation and gardening, while others help with manual labor and healing as that is what they excel on.” Yugi beamed, thankful for the aid of their spirit friends.
“Honestly, the only way you can understand it, is if you see it for yourself one day. You won’t really believe us until then unfortunately.” Yuri sighed. It was a tragic but real experience. One even she experienced firsthand, because it really seemed so unreal and too good to be true.
Gongenzaka's jaw fell to his lap at this point. Sora would've laughed at how funny it looked once upon a time, but he kept it hidden. It's not Gong's fault. He did ask for all of this information.
Very inquisitive, Noboru. It's rare for someone to ask deep questions about the land.
"It's Gongenzaka to the likes of you," Gongenzaka noted outloud. "Only those close to me get to use my first name."
But none of the facts were necessarily false. Yugi was amazed to see Kaiba accepting the terms of Maiamiland, giving away most of his money and living a modest life as an electrical appliance shopkeeper. It startled her to see him so...normal. Still wearing trenchcoats, still having his Blue Eyes White Dragon obsession, but he was calmer now. Kinder as well. The idea of being erased from the afterlife probably had something to do with it.
And there were trains as well; thank goodness for Anna and her monsters willing to transport goods and people across the land...even if it was at high speeds.
“I would think for those of us who have already passed, the idea of being erased from even the dead would change us drastically. But also as we are already dead the things we had in life are not as sorely needed. I sure didn’t expect Kaiba to be so willing to give up his fortune. But he had no real need for it anymore. Seeing him become a nicer and calmer person is definitely interesting, but not unwelcome. Least I know he is no longer obsessed with chasing Atem because of a wounded pride.” Yugi snorted as Yuto and Yuri laughed at that. Amazed to learn the history of the proud CEO of Kaiba Corp. in contrast to how he presents himself at White Lightning Electronics.
“Maybe having what is like a second chance to start life as a normal person with no peer pressure and hardships was the trigger. A simple but balanced life is often more rewarding than that of a rich life.” Yuto noted and Yugi agreed with a rapid nod of her head.
But despite our powers, Maiamialand has not had a chance to create fields for dueling again," Yugi continued. "But thanks to Kaiba and Pegasus, they are willing to revive the game and will have an advantage thanks to Yuya’s Pendulums. Yuya said she wants to make a new branch of You Show, which means Yoko is ready to close down this one so no one can torture her anymore."
"But Yuya is a boy..." Gongenzaka didn't like the idea of calling his friend a doll, something less than human. To be treated as a toy on a shelf. Yuya was a person, not a thing!
“Yuya is still Yuya,” Yugi assured kindly. “Even though Yuya currently presents and refers to herself as a female, that doesn’t change who she is deep inside. The ‘Doll’ designation is more like a term to refer to how one can still be themselves even if they appear different. Labels are just that, labels. You don’t see people judging men or women based on originally biased roles. Everyone and everything is interchangeable. Yuya takes being a Doll in stride because she can still be her warm, fun-loving self even if she presents herself differently. What matters most is not the way one dresses or presents themselves, but what they share from their hearts.” Yugi praised. Yuto and Yuri were also proud of seeing their Standard counterpart blooming into her true self.
Yuya has come so far since she started. From the uncertain, scared, and lonely boy came forth a beautiful young soul who absolutely adores spreading love and cheer to all.
Sora was awed at the speech. He knew Yuya was amazing, but hearing her strive to be better and more open inspired him to do better as well. As Yugi continued talking about his (her) experience of being a doll and how the experience made her closer to her other self, his mind drifted towards his trip to Maiamiland after lunch.
