A/N: Spoilers for episode 46, although it's most probably an AU of the actual events.
Where?
Just where had it all gone so wrong?
"Step aside," it ordered in a voice that was cold and dead, familiar yet so foreign. "You are not the target for my master's wrath."
He chose to stand where he was, steadfast as his dueling, under the piercing glare of those blood-red eyes. Behind him he could feel the faint presence of the masked soldiers, beaten within an inch of their lives. He could feel Kurosaki's helplessness, Sora's shock. Everyone here was petrified, for good reason. The enormous, dark power that made the land itself tremble in fear would have made any other man bend their knee.
He too was shaking, but for the sake of his friend, this was no time to show such weakness.
"No."
The tension in the air was sharper than a blade.
The huge shadow behind his friend shifted, bringing its sinuous neck down beside its summoner. Bright luminous eyes and scintillating violet orbs contrasted greatly against a backdrop of scales dark as night, and from within the depths of its throat a growl surfaced just as the person beside it voiced,
"Why are you defending them?"
His own eyes narrowed.
"Because this is not what Yuuya would do."
A snarl rumbled, deep and threatening. Silver fangs flashed in tandem with the lightning from the overcast sky.
"If you will not move, then you too shall fall with the rest of them!"
Planting his feet firmly on the ground, his duel disk whirred to life. He glared at the beast with steely determination.
"I, the man Gongenzaka, will bring my friend Yuuya back! No matter what it takes!"
The black dragon king raised its head to the sky and let out a terrifying scream. Thunder roared. Rain fell in spades.
"Foolish plebian. Rue the day that you would bare your fangs towards the absolute ruler of all!"
"DUEL!"