Notes – For the gx_100. Set during season three, just before Ryo's first duel against Johan. Runs on the presumption that because we didn't see Fubuki in the Zombie Academia he wasn't there.

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"What are you even doing here? If you don't intend to provide immediate assistance to Zweinstein's work than I suggest that you leave." It could never be said that Hell Kaiser was particularly sensitive towards anyone, even someone who used to be his best friend.

It was a good thing for him that said former best friend was as dense as a rock when it came to being penetrated by insults.

"You're forgetting that I have family on that academia," Fubuki pointed out, "And besides…" he narrowed his eyes and smirked, "I'm not sure I want to let Edo Phoenix have you all to himself."

Ryo made a dismissive noise and turned to leave. There was a quick spasm of pain through his chest as his heart hadn't been ready for the sudden movement. Without thinking he clutched at his heart, but let go quickly and hoped Fubuki hadn't noticed.

He had.

"How are all those stimulated duels going anyway?" Fubuki asked, for all the accusation the question held the tone he said it in was innocent enough.

Glaring back at him openly, Ryo replied, "I have decided not to partake in such things anymore."

"But it's too late now, isn't it? I'm not an idiot, Ryo. Those shocks have had more affect on your heart than you're showing anyone, and if you don't get it seen to now who knows what could happen," Fubuki said.

"There's no time," Ryo informed, still seething from the aftershock of the pain his heart had caused him, "We have been provided with the tiniest window of opportunities and if we don't act as soon as the word's given there might not be another chance to bring them back."

"And you might be dead by the time it's all over!"

"Then I die as I've always wanted to, as a duellist," Ryo said calmly. For all his heart was playing madness inside him he was set on remaining his level self.

Fubuki clenched his fists, looking down at the floor. He would never insult Ryo by trying to stop him once he'd made up his mind to do something, but damn, looking back on the past year not getting in the way of what Ryo was doing had caused Ryo to make a lot of mistakes. And hurt himself more than anyone knew exactly how much.

"Just try not to make this duel with Johan your last," Fubuki replied, keeping his emotions in check for all he wanted to punch Ryo.

"I have a feeling he won't be the final opponent I face," said Ryo, typically managing to avoid promising anything.

If only he knew what was coming. But at least he wasn't lying; this duel against Johan may not be his last. But by the time the next one would come, Fubuki himself would already be gone…