Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Yusei woke up to loud clattering down stairs. He got dressed quickly and rushed downstairs worried that someone might be stealing things from there again. 

Only to be thrown agape when a bunch of confetti flew into his face.

SURPRISE!!!!

Stunned Yusei stared at his friends who were all giving off such big smiles. The garage was all decorated too indicating they were waiting for Yusei to be out before getting things ready. He had been so busy today doing off jobs and just trying to make due with his new schedule that he hadn’t even realized it was his birthday today. Then again he hadn’t really celebrated his birthday in years since Team Satisfaction was still around. 

“Happy birthday Yusei! Jack and Crow told us about it so we planned this for you. Since you were so busy today we had a feeling you’d go to your room early and so when you were sleeping we got things ready. We hope you like it.” Luna smiled happily before handing him his gift. Followed by the rest of the gang giving him his presents.

Yusei smiled, pure joy flooding through him as his friends showed their love and support to him. He has forgotten what it felt like to truly be happy in quite a while. Indulging himself in his party he enjoyed the night with his friends.

How truly blessed he was to have such good friends. 

Chapter Text

It had been a while since he felt like this. He looked out from his balcony into the night sky. Cold winds blew into his face bringing with them a chilling sensation. Had he always felt so cold and alone since that day his friends left? He should feel content knowing that they are able to go and pursue their dreams. To finally be able to find out their goal in life.

So then why does he still feel these feelings of regret, of longing to see them again. He sighed looking back up towards the night sky.

Yusei once again finds himself thinking back to the days of when his friends were with him, smiling, laughing and teasing each other as they always did. He missed the feelings of joy and the constant presence of his friends. It had been 4 years since Team 5Ds went their own ways and in that time he hadn’t heard from any of them. Sure, he knew they must be busy doing their own things, but it hurt to think that they never even bothered to send an email or letter to him once in a while. He just feels alone and without anyone coming by to see him aside from favors or off jobs here and there, he couldn’t help but feel this way.

He went back into the house. Zora moved out some time ago to be with her son and left the house and everything to Yusei claiming it would be good to know that the place will be in good hands. Seeing as he was going to stay in the city, he accepted her offer.

It was small but now that he was all to himself the place felt bigger than it had been. He went over to the couch and plopped down with a sigh.

Cautious knocks were suddenly heard from the door leading to the world outside.

A visitor at this hour? Yusei instantly became alert. After having so many things happen to him, he tended to be put on edge easily after all the kidnappings and beating he had gotten in the past.

Bracing himself for whoever could be around at this hour he came towards the door, pulling on his best professional face. He opened the door.

And came face to face with Kiryu, whose weary yet gentle golden eyes startled him from his cautionary state.

Blinking away his surprise, Yusei shook his head, bringing himself back to the odd scenario that played itself before him.

“Kiryu what are you doing here? I wasn’t expecting to see you at all. Not that I don’t mind, it's just a surprise.” Yusei smiled at his old friend. He hadn’t changed a bit since he last saw him. His hair was still long but it was held up in some sort of ponytail. He still wore a coat but he traded the black one for a more casual style. It somehow reminded Yusei of the one Jack used to wear in Satellite after Team Satisfaction's breakup. Nonetheless, he found Kiryu's attire fitting. It was a nice change from his old style. He stepped aside to let his friend in. The two went down to talk in the garage, a new feeling arose within both. The feeling of having the time to finally just sit and chat without anything going on to ruin their get together. It was a pleasant pace from the tension of the past.

Plopping himself down on the couch, Kiryu answered “Well it’s been a while since I saw you so I thought why not come and visit. Nico and West are fine, they were both invited to a special school but they had to move to a dorm there. I admit I was apprehensive about letting them go off that far on their own but they have each other, and after the things we did to save the town? Well lets just say I taught them a LOT of skills they’ll need in case anything goes wrong. As for me, I decided to stay since I couldn’t really leave the town. Besides, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to come and visit now wouldn’t I? How have you been? Last time I saw or heard from you, it was literally almost the end of the world again with saving the city and Satellite from some floating city looking thing. And that was at least a year ago!” Kiryu shook his head in tired amusement, so much has happened to them and they were only teens!

Chuckling softly, Yusei responded “Not much. I’m the Chief or Director of Fortune, a project I created to prevent Z-one’s future from occurring, I’m also head of the Research Board of Neo Domino City and the Science Division. If I’m less busy I’ll attend tournaments as a guest of honor. Anything to take a break from the life of a scientist. It's rewarding and all but sometimes I just need a breather from all the work I get. Sadly, I don’t have enough time or the breaks to actually participate but anything sort of fun is good for me to experience nowadays. If Crow and Jack were still here they’d probably be proud of how much better I’ve gotten at taking breaks from ‘obsessing over technology!” Yusei’s expression became sad for a quick moment, almost unnoticeable before disappearing. He didn’t want his friend to see how upset he was over their absence.

Kiryu wasn’t blind however, to his friend’s feelings. He could see past the facade Yusei held. Yusei was all alone and trying not to show it probably because he feels as though he burdened Kiryu enough with everything that’s happened between the two of them. Well not this time, he thinks to himself. Gathering up the courage to ask Yusei this one selfish request, Kiryu turned towards his friend. Eyes glowing faintly in the dim lit room.

“Yusei, I wanted to ask, is it ok if I stay here, with you? Now that Nico and West aren’t around it's kind of lonely to be by myself, and I thought maybe it would be nice to just catch up without anything to bother us. If you mind that is.” Kiryu smiled softly to the other, Yusei was smiling brightly in response.

“Of course you can! I would like that very much. Oh and Kiryu?” Yusei turned quickly to his friend, a knowing smile on his face. One that Kiryu knew by heart the meaning of.

“Hmm?” The silverette raised a brow, curious as to what Yusei would say. He would indulge himself and hear out his beloved friend’s reply, even if he knew what he was going to say.

“Thank you.” Was all Yusei said before he got up to get things ready upstairs. So it seemed that Yusei noticed his real intent after all.

He chuckled to himself. Maybe there’s hope for them both after all.

Two stars glow in the night sky. Though far apart they seem to have gotten closer than ever before. Their previously dim light began to shine brightly. A new future awaits the two, both marked by hardships unlike any other. Now together after so long and free to live their last wishes by their own hands, these two stars walk hand in hand towards the sky’s limit.

Chapter Text

It was over. Majestic Star Dragon dealt the final blow to Kiryu’s Earthbound God. Ccapacc Apu’s  cry reverberating through the air as it fades amidst black stardust into a sea of black flames.

The duel itself was fierce, Dark vs Light clashed as the Light tried to save its fallen brethren. In the end the Darkness lifted itself from the Fallen. Light prevailed once more but the price was already paid. The Fallen has died, the Light not being enough to save it. But it will not deny its champion to make amends.

“Kiryu!!”

On the wings of starlight, Majestic Star dragon dives into the flames, retrieving a fallen star whose light grows ever dimmer. The Light is merciful as it gives its champion time with the fallen. Yusei Fudo holds his best friend close, desperate to save him as he wishes. Hoping beyond all hope that his friend will not leave him again. Kiryu trembles from the aftermath of the Dark God’s black flames that almost threatened to burn him, his time running out and yet he too is trying to hold on for his friend.

Sadly, it seems fate has other plans for the two of them.

“Hang on Kiryu! I won't abandon my friend! I’m going to save you this time!” Yusei pleads to his friend all the while worrying over him overexerting himself. Yet, he knew deep down that Kiryu won’t make it. Even so he’ll be damned if he isn’t there for him this time, to be with him in his final moments knowing that no matter what he’ll still care for him beyond words and meanings.

Kiryu lifted his head up weakly. He knew the truth now and he knew that this was the end for him. No matter how much he wanted to just stay and be in the other’s arms, he had to let Yusei know his real feelings. He had to let him know too that this is his farewell to him.

“Yusei… Earthbound God Ccapacc Apu’s effect… will inflict damage equal to the attack power of the destroyed monster, which means that I… will receive a total of 3800 damage…”

Yusei just stared agape at him, his silence letting the other continue on with his speech.

Kiryu just smiled sadly at his friend. “When I became a Dark signer, I asked for one more wish. I wanted to play Team Satisfaction’s last duel, the one that never came true back then.”

Yusei's expression became sadder, his eyes beginning to tear as he heard his friend’s sorrow.

”Kiryu…”

In the distance the Mark of the Giant fades into oblivion, time is running out for the fallen, the Light still flying adrift in the sky. It will give it’s champion until the end to finish it’s goodbyes.

“I wasn’t able to...stay mad at you…” Yusei just shook his head, being unable to contain the emotions beginning to swell within him as he heard this. The one statement which tore his heart apart as his friend confessed the truth. The one even he knew deep down but that the darkness twisted and used against him.

“Talk about lame. This isn’t enough to satisfy me…” Kiryu smiled one last time to his friend before his head became too heavy and he closed his eyes as he faded into dust. His suffering now gone as his conscience leaves him. Content in the knowledge that he finally fixed what he truly wanted with Yusei, their friendship.

Yusei was taken back, too emotional to say anything more but his friend’s name. He had turned his head too late only to see his friend turn to dust in his arms. Only managing to see a smile on his face before he disappeared.

“Kiryu…”

Chapter Text

Going fast makes me feel alive,

My heart beats in hyperdrive.

You think you can win only if I lose,

Just let destiny choose!

Yusei works on his runner. Intent on getting it to run smoothly. He reaches over gunning the engine, hoping that it’s working as well as he intends.

Vvvvvrrrrrrooorooommmmmm

Sighing in exhaustion, Yusei leaned back. The song playing loudly in the background bringing back memories of times passed. The verse bringing with it heavy meaning.

His first test run on his runner which brought hope to all who knew him.

The speed which made his blood boil as excitement and determination crossed his mind.

His burning anger, sorrow, and confusion as Jack took off with Stardust and his runner to make way for the city.

A chance to escape, a chance to live the life of glory at the cost of broken bonds.

Destiny is something he never paid attention to but if that’s the case he may as well let destiny decide the outcome of their inevitable clash.

Who will win their bittersweet reunion?

The King whose heart blazes with glory and passion yet long for something more.

Or Satellite’s Shooting Star, whose light brings hope to those who lost faith.

Both sides will meet yet only one will win.

But who will pay the true price of a battle of ideals?

Chapter Text

She was beautiful in all ways imaginable.

Flowing red hair that blew graciously in the wind.

An intelligent and sharp gaze created from hard work and a will to survive.

Strong beyond all means, even when tossed and churned by others.

Deadly by those who wish to fight a meaningless battle.

Though her flower blooms she is rejected by many.

Hated for a crime not of her own desire.

Not given a chance to try and make amends.

This Black Rose remains beautiful but deadly to all who knows her.

Can you get past her thorns to see the beautiful creature that is the Black Rose?

Or will you fall prey to her defense?

Chapter Text

This can’t be happening! How could fate be so cruel? Haven’t they suffered enough?

The Darkness which gripped their old friends' minds and souls only found their pain amusing.

Standing above with the rest of the Dark Signers two people stood out to Jack and Crow. One wearing black and blue the other black and orange trimmings. One standing close to the other leaning into his embrace as the other held him close. They watched their opponents with contempt. Dark gold and blue eyes looked back at stunned grey and purple.

Yusei Fudo and Kiryu Kyosuke looked back towards their former teammates. Rage, confusion, and hurt filled their gaze upon seeing their friends. Or rather their former friends. They were much different from the last time they saw them.

Kiryu wore a cloak and short sleeved jacket of some sort bearing blue trimmings with his old red shirt underneath, only it was shorter and showed off his mid section rather clearly. A white belt hung over his waist above black and blue pants that seemed to be strung up to his belt over another set of jeans. He looked very pale and thin in sharp contrast to his change in wardrobe. The look making him seem more cunning and dangerous than Jack and Crow remembered of him during their Team Satisfaction days. A dark red mark akin to a figure of a man was seen on his arm. The sign of the Giant. He seemed rather calm right now but that could be because he was holding onto his partner next to him. Jack and Crow’s eyes turned to the other, clinging onto Kiryu’s side as if letting go would make him disappear. It would seem as though they still regarded each other as closely if not more strongly than they had in the past. Out of all of them Kiryu and Yusei did hold the strongest relationship among the four of them. It would appear that relationship has been adjusted to a more clingy sort. It could explain why Yusei took on a rather odd change in style.

Like the other Dark Signers, he wore a cloak and clothing that matched the accents of his Earthbound Immortal. However unlike Kiryu, Yusei donned a sleeveless crop top that folded over his chest with orange trimming lining the folds, giving off the impression of wings. There were thin straps that went under his top and connected to his belt. It was revealing a lot more skin than he would’ve even thought to have minded if they were younger and it would seem he was still even more passive than Kiryu! He still had those straps on his arms but there were chains linking them to some long black gloves which reached up to his elbow. He wore pants similar to Kiryu only, were more simple and didn’t look as tight as his companion’s. He looked somewhat girly yet at the same time it showed off his frame rather well. Yusei did after all, have a more feminine build than the rest of them.

The two stared blankly at them, any emotion indiscernible from the distance Jack and Crow were at. The fog blocking any details that could be possible to make out. Apprehension was in the air as the fractured team looked at each other.

It had been 3 years since that day which broke them all apart. Jack and Crow remembered that day all too well. It was ingrained into their minds. The pain and anguish of having to watch their beloved comrades fall to their deaths. All a set up to fracture the all powerful Team Satisfaction.

Now a means to help the Darkness gain an upperhand in its fight against the Light.

Team Satisfaction’s duel in Zone M as they all dueled against the last gang.

Yusei’s cry as he was dragged over the railing, the leader letting him plummet to the ground below as he took off his duel disk and the cuff connecting them.

Kiryu’s last measure to save him, his aim tried and true as he connects their handcuffs leaning dangerously over the railing as he tries to save the former. Both pleading to the other.

And their untimely demise by a sole member who pushed both the leader and teammate over the edge. Their blood staining the concrete floor as they fell.

Rain and lightning fell hard that day as the skies itself mourned for the loss of Satellite’s brave protectors. All the while pain coursed through the remains of Team Satisfaction.

They never could retrieve their friends’ bodies, having to leave them behind due to the gangs vicious and dishonorly streak. Driving them out of their territory to do whatever they wanted to their friends’ remains.

The split which occurred because both wanted to forget the past and distance themselves from the other.

One going to the City with the promise of escape and recovery, to leave it all behind him.

One staying behind to watch over those they vowed to protect, unable to leave behind his nest.

Both, overtime, forgetting the pain of their friends’ unjust departure, while moving on towards a future uncertain.

The past is the past but the future can still be fixed.

Dark forces take advantage of the death of two friends, pitting them against the Light in a bid to mess with it’s champions. The despair and rage making them stronger as they gleefully use two of Satellite’s strongest to fight for them.

While enraged and hurt by the fate of their friends, the remains of the Team refuse to let the Dark win. Even when they fought in the broken city, they always refused to bend to the cruelty of life and death. This time is no different.

Two friends, split by pain and decisions at long last reconnect. Their determination unwavering as they set out to fight a hard battle.

Two teammates, bound by the dark which brought them back, get ready for the fight which will determine everything. Unable to do anything as they are forced to fight against their will.

Which side will win, Light or the Dark?

The battle between the forces of Light and Dark have never won in this five thousand year long cycle. But watch out, for it seems underhanded measures are used this time around.

Lightning strikes through the sky. The time for reprieve is over.

Come mortals, and embrace the Dark!

Chapter Text

“Rrrrggghhh…” Kiryu groaned, slowly coming to as he woke up from his unconsious state. Rolling over slowly he took stock of the surrounding area. His eyes landed on the gravesite not far from him. Looking over some more he spotted something he wished he never saw.

Yusei was on the floor unmoving. His runner a bit farther from him all banged up. But that was nothing to how Yusei looked.

Yusei was covered in blood. A large gash was above his forehead. He was unresponsive and had grown drastically pale. He was lying on his side much like how he was when their first duel as enemies ended. The memory bringing up even more horror to his already traumatized mind.

Realizing the circumstances his once thought-to-be former friend was in, Kiryu rushed to his side. Gently shaking him to no avail.

“Yusei…. Yusei please! Wake up! Come on, you’ve faced worse when I was a Dark Signer! Don’t die on me now!!!” Kiryu pleaded with his friend, desperate to see him wake up and reassure him tiredly that he was going to be fine. Just like how he used to whenever he tried to play off his wounds back in Satellite.

Sadly, he never woke up. No matter how much Kiryu pleaded and shook, Yusei never woke up.

Satellite’s Shooting Star has fallen. Amongst the damned and the hopeless, in a town he didn’t belong. In a place meant for people to die for the actions of others.

And it was all his fault…

Kiryu cried hard. He never meant for any of this to happen! Why couldn’t Yusei just let him be? Why did he have to try and save him when he doesn’t deserve it??? Will he never be free from his suffering?

He rose and went over to the graves. Blankly looking down upon one such disk.

“I failed. Not just the kids father, but Yusei himself. He deserves so much better and what did I do? I ended up killing him after all even after I tried so hard to pay for what I did, I only made it worse. I’m so sorry Yusei, Nico, West, everyone I knew and knew me. I don’t deserve anything. I--”

A slight whirling broke his thoughts. Opening his eyes he saw the disk before him whirling to life briefly before dulling. It would seem as though even beyond the death of its owner before, there is still fight energy left to be used.

It was then Kiryu realized that even if all is bad right now, if he can at least make up for what he has done by bringing Lawton to justice then maybe, just maybe, he can be at peace. Grabbing the duel disk, he felt renewed. As though he now has some purpose that must be fulfilled.

For Nico and West, who always saw the good in him even after he told them otherwise.

For their father who told him of how he was their only hope of freedom.

For Yusei, who always wanted to save him no matter how broken or damaged he had been and who always saw the good in him.

Looking out towards the town in the distance, Kiryu’s eyes steeled and came to life. What once was a dull flame flickered and burned back to life. It’s light bringing with it a burning passion once dead, now come back to life. Standing up, he gazed at the town below the mountains.

“Satisfy me… Lawton.”

It seems that the Death God himself will once again be the one to pass the final judgement.