Big thanks to Playerhood18, tsukikami02, Yuka Kuroshiro, Unknowedz, Ulrich362, dvdryms, Elbarto4000, NeoFGD, GamingGuy84, Guest Starshine, Hunter13hawkie, jason, ThePLOThand for reviewing the previous chapter!
Hopefully you'll enjoy reading this chapter.
LANCERS AIRSHIP – CAPITAL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARTIFICIAL DIMENSION
Yuya raised a hand once more to gain everyone's attention. While he was sure there were so many things they wanted to ask to Ray or Sara, but they first must finish this discussion first.
"Back to the topic, not all of us can go. Imperial Guardians, I understand all of you want to rescue Celica, but your position, as Imperial Guardians requires you to be present at the Palace and noble society to calm them considering the absence of your leader and the Emperor. I don't think Carl alone would suffice to handle this." Yuya reminded Johan, Kiryu, Mai, and Rio who were members of Imperial Guardians. Even though Imperial Guardians have no place in diplomatic discussion or such, but they still held certain extent of authority and the majority viewed them as their protectors. Their very presence could calm the panic.
"The Brotherhood too. Your leader's absence will also cause unrest within the organization, and there's no telling that Apophis will take this opportunity to attack or not. And compared to the nobles and reformists, you have been helping the citizens the most. The other members and the people need you." This time Yuya turned to Lechter and the rest who were Yuno's compatriots and sworn friends. Similarly, as majority within the nobles, The Brotherhood was viewed as heroes and protectors. Furthermore, they have one big territory filled with civilians who knew about their identities and swore secrecy. They couldn't ignore them even for Yuno's sake.
"You're telling us to leave everything to you, Lancers?" Kiryu asked.
Yuya quickly shook his head before anyone could say anything.
"No. You have known Celica and Yuno more than any of us. Not as the members of your respective groups, but as their close friends. You have every right to save them more than us. It's unreasonable to just fully leave the rescue operation to a group that you only knew for a short time." Yuya answered. If he were in their shoes, he wouldn't want to just stay and let someone else rescue his friends and family. He wanted to go and save them with his own hands. Yuya knew that and he wanted nothing more but to allow all of them to work together and save them if it was possible.
"But at the same time, it won't be right for all of you to just leave your post. People would find out if all core members of Imperial Guardians and The Brotherhood are missing and gathering at one place. The battle to stop the spreading of the virus is one thing, this time our opponent is not only Apophis, but also, Heidel." Reiji continued Yuya's explanation. They mustn't make a move together that would be too stand out for Heidel to notice. That man has the turf to control the current situation if he wishes so.
"After considering all of this, I have a proposition, a way so either of you can come with us to rescue them." Yuya continued. Both Imperial Guardians and The Brotherhood's attentions became curious and expecting. If there was truly a way for them to participate in rescue operation without neglecting their duties, they would take any chances.
"One from each of you will leave your position as Imperial Guardian and The Brotherhood member and join Lancers." Yuya proposed. He was actually nervous about this. He felt he was basically telling one of them to quit their current jobs and join the Lancers as representatives. But this way, at the very least the remaining members could stay and control the situation.
"I agree. If all of you quit, it won't make things better. But if only one from each of you join us, it won't cause a stir. You'll be more at ease if one of you go to save them directly. And this won't actually, be permanent. You can always rejoin your respective organization once your leaders are rescued." Reiji explained in detail, supporting Yuya's proposition. He ignored Yuya's surprised look given to him. He knew that whoever will choose to leave their position, it was only temporary. He didn't know what kind of person Yuno and Celica personally, but Yuya was sure that they would welcome their members who quite their positions to rescue them.
Both the Imperial Guardians and The Brotherhood members looked at each other. They were contemplating whether they should accept the proposition or not. It was a bad proposition. In fact, that sounded to be the best possible action for them. It wasn't like they didn't trust Yuya and his friends but having at least one of them accompanying the Lancers as their representatives would be more assuring.
"Then I'll go." Kiryu offered, placing his Imperial Guardian badge on the table as his resignation.
"Kiryu!" Mai exclaimed in surprise, so did Johan and Rio.
"Heh. I don't think the nobles will have any problem with a lowly criminal like myself resigning as Imperial Guardian." Kiryu said. Compared to the others, he was the least popular amongst the nobles due to his background as not only a commoner but also a former underground criminal. Above all, he has a score to settle with Heidel.
"Then as for us, Jonouchi, you'll go." Sherry suggested, placing a hand on Jonouchi's shoulder to emphasize it.
"Me?" Jonouchi pointed at himself while blinking. He didn't expect that coming from Sherry of all people. He thought she would argue to be the one who will go.
"Of course, it has to be you. You know Yuno like forever. We trust you the most even if you are not the smartest of all." Sherry said with a sigh like Jonouchi has asked something with the answer that was so obvious.
"Hey! Are you praising me or making fun of me?!" Jonouchi protested. Did they just basically say he was stupid or something?
"Admit it, you're worried the most about Yuno and Ryo. We can't have you got distracted so it's better if you're the one to leave and go." Shark said, pushing Jonouchi forward while snatching his Brotherhood ID.
"Are you sure, Shark? How about Rowan?" Jonouchi asked. He was also surprise that Shark didn't argue to be the one to go. He has yet to finish his Duel with Rowan and retrieve his friend's body. Even if by a chance he encounters and defeat Rowan and retrieve his friend's body, it wouldn't be right for Shark. In order for Shark to settle his past, he must properly confront and defeat Rowan himself.
"I'm positive I will meet him again eventually. And this isn't about me, but about Yuno, Celica, Yuri, and the Emperor. Stop being indecisive and go already." Shark smacked Jonouchi from behind again with stronger force enough to fall flat on his face on the table.
Jonouchi recovered, staring at Sherry and Shark whose eyes urged him to go. It was just as they said, he was worried sick for their kidnapped comrades, especially Yuno whom he has accompanied since ages ago. Besides, he also wants to give Ryo a piece of his mind.
"Alright! I'll join then!" Jonouchi agreed.
"Now with that settled, let's start forming a plan." Ray showed the rough map of the Temple of Calamity. She circled certain areas with numbers of people icon.
"The temple is guarded by around 8 to 10 followers. And then there are also several followers guarding the perimeter, around the same number or maybe a bit more. As for inside the temple, there are around three people guarding it." Ray explained it. It was not only difficult to break through their camouflage system; it was also difficult and risky to check the area either personally or with drones. After days observing carefully, they finally gathered everything they need to know about the layout of the temple.
"Only three people inside the temple?" Yuto asked. He thought the temple would have more guards since it was the most important.
"Most of Apophis' core members are still within the network. Don't forget that Apophis doesn't have enough power to form physical body yet and that's why he is staying within the network, LINK VRAINS. And after what happened last time when you encountered him, they are increasing their security." Shun explained. After creating a new domain, he has most of his Duelists to guard inside the domain. A wise choice since their enemies now knew he was in LINK VRAINS, they will seek him there.
"Then we'll have to split up." Yugo suggested while inspecting the map with the rest.
From the corner of their eyes, Reiji and Lechter were staring at Yuya who was not looking at the map. He seemed busy thinking of something deeply.
"What do you think, Yuya?" Reiji asked, startling the Pendulum user.
"What I think?" Yuya blinked. He didn't expect Reiji to ask him of all people in the room.
"You seem to have something in your mind." Reiji said.
"But I'm not sure..." Yuya mumbled, looking down.
"It is all right, Yuya-kun. Let us hear your thoughts. Everyone's opinion is welcomed in this meeting. We maybe won't participate in this rescue operation, but we still wish to listen to the whole plan." Lechter told the boy. He rarely could meet Yuno's descendants due to his job and only heard of them from the Oracle. That's he was interested to get to know the descendants personally. They have learned things from Yuno for a whole month; this would be the perfect time to see how far they have learned.
"Well...we'll have to split into four groups. The first group will stay guarding the airship. The second group will handle the followers guarding the perimeters. The third group will handle the ones guarding the entrance of the temple. The fourth group will be in LINK VRAINS." Yuya finally voiced his opinion.
His experience last year at Heartland taught him to never leave their main base without protection no matter what. Edo's ambush was the perfect example. If they were not there at the time, the civilians won't be able to evacuate far and would have been carded. And they were able to do so with Gongenzaka and the others facing against the group from the front, buying them times to sneak out. And from what he heard from his father, they used almost the same strategy when infiltrating Academia. Yuno, , taught him that before allowing a large number of people coming in at once, it would be better for a few to come in first and then open the path for the rest to come in if necessary. That would minimize the damage and lessen the risk of all of them being annihilated all at once. Furthermore, there were security layers operated from LINK VRAINS. In case the temple also applied the same programs, the group within LINK VRAINS could deactivate it.
"Even with our own camouflage system, there's no guarantee the airship will stay hidden so it'll be safer to have people guarding the ship. The second and third group will provide distraction for a few to enter the temple. The fourth group will observe activities online in case Apophis make his move through there. A good judgment." Lechter rubbed his chin, impressed. It might be not the greatest of strategies, but it was good nonetheless. Yuno had taught his descendant well.
"You can leave the observation in LINK VRAINS to me and my group. I can't log out anyway." Ray offered, placing her team's name in the map that signed LINK VRAINS. She has spent for more than a month in LINK VRAINS and grew accustomed to it. The same could be said to her comrades. They were better there.
"That leaves the first, second, and third group. How we will choose the members?" Rin asked.
"With Jonouchi-san and Kiryu-san joining us, we have 21 people in total. The ones going into the temple should be small in numbers. The lesser the numbers, the lesser the enemies will notice us. That means the rest who will be handling the perimeters and gatekeepers will act as distractions." Reiji suggested. This was actually not so different when they were infiltrating Academia, though at that time they were bigger in numbers, which made it easy for the enemy to change the structure of the building and separated them.
"For distractions, you'll need an element of surprise that will break their formations and strategies focusing on aggressive moves." Jonouchi stated. An ambush was always the perfect way to confuse the enemies, making it easier for them to attack.
"Then…Yugo, Rin, Grace, Gloria, Sora, Kachidoki, Battle Beast, Sawatari, and Kiryu-san will do." Yuto suggested the names. Yugo and Rin riding on their D-Wheels (Reiji brought it for them) would definitely distract the opponents, as they were moving around. Kiryu, Kachidoki and the Academia Duelists were experienced in front line battles. Sawatari's flashy Entertainment Dueling was also good for distracting the enemies. Yuto and the others turned to the said people who made no objection.
"And then for the ones guarding the ship must have reliable defensive moves while also capable of counterattacking the enemies should they come. At the very least strong enough to hold on until the rest of the groups are back into the ship."
"Gongenzaka is no doubt suit for that role. But alone won't be enough. Yuto, Ruri, Sayaka, Allen, Yuzu, and Jonouchi-san would be good." Yuya suggested. Gongenzaka's specialty was defensive strategy so there was no need to question him in this group. Yuto used many protective cards and cards that restrain the opponent. Yuzu, Ruri, Sayaka, Allen have experience in defense line. Gongenzaka was more than happy to accept the task, and the rest have no objection either.
"Then the rest who will infiltrate into the temple will be me, Reiji, Yukiya, Dennis, and Serena." Yuya concluded the group members.
"Hold on a minute. Won't Dennis and Serena more fitting as distractions? And Yuya, you'll do a good job in doing flash Entertainment Duel to distract the followers!" Sawatari asked, pointing at them.
"After me, Yuya has the most control with Ma'at's blessing compared to any of us. He'll do better against Apophis' personal Duelists than against some small fry followers." Yukiya defended the decision. After receiving the blessing, everyone learned to properly control it. Out of the counterparts, Yuya made the most progress, though it doesn't mean the rest were unable to control it.
"And both of you want to save Yuri, right? I'm sure Yuri will be happy to see the two of you together." Yuya turned to Serena and Dennis. If there were people who worried for Yuri the most, that would be his two childhood friends. They have the right to save Yuri the most compared to the rest of them.
"Thank you, Yuya." Dennis deeply thanked the Pendulum user, so did Serena.
"We all agreed with this group?" Reiji turned to everyone in the room to confirm. No one voice any objection. That settled it.
"This meeting is over then. Let us prepared everything that we need. We will depart tonight." Ray said before turning off the screen.
Everyone started to leave the airship for their preparation. Yuya yanked Reiji by his shirt, stopping him from leaving.
"I'm the one who suggested it, but are you sure this will be okay, Reiji?" Yuya asked worriedly.
"I think you're right in forming our own faction. The same also goes for your decision to split us into four different groups to infiltrate the temple and choices of the members for each group. To be honest even I was surprised you came up with the idea. No offense." Reiji replied. Underlying them was praise for the Pendulum user.
"I'm only applying what Yuno-san had taught me." Yuya said meekly. He was still quite unsure. It wasn't because he doubted his friends' skill and strength; he doubted his own plan. He didn't want it to be turned out he placed them in danger instead.
"You made that decision based on your own judgment and understanding. The fact that war veteran like Lechter-san and Neah-san didn't make any objection means you've made the right decision. You should be more confident in yourself." Reiji patted Yuya's shoulder and smiled a little, giving an air of assurance to Yuya.
"Thank you, Reiji." Yuya still has a little insecurity, but he felt better.
"We're counting on you from now on, Leader." Reiji patted Yuya's shoulder one last time before leaving the room.
"Okay." Yuya replied, calming himself.
A few seconds later, Yuya was blinking as Reiji's last words sunk into him. He repeated what Reiji said to him just earlier and wondered if he misheard it. When he realized Reiji was gone, he rushed after him outside.
"Wait, what? Reiji!"
YURI'S ROOM – APEP – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARTIFICIAL DIMENSION
Yuri opened slowly his eyes and looked around blearily. The first thing Yuri was aware of when he woke up was a stinging pain on his ribs while he tried to sit up. He felt dizzy for a moment before trying to clear up his head, massaging his temple. He was at the party, attending Kurt and Carl's coming-of-age ceremony. But then the enemies, Apophis' men, attacked. He and Ryo were fighting a few of them before…
"Ugh…that's right…I lost against Ryo-san. That means…I'm at the enemy's base." Yuri inspected the room he was in. It was large room equal to a suite in a five stars hotel. There was a bed, sofa, dining table, bathroom, and others. Judging from how warm the bed was, he has been here for a long time.
As if to answer his question, the door opened to reveal his mentor, or perhaps former mentor, entering the room carrying a basket of food on his right and a bag on his left.
"You're awake. I suggest you not to move so much. You have broken ribs from the fall and several scratches. I'm sorry for that." Ryo apologized, placing the basket on the table before standing beside Yuri's bed.
"Before you ask, you're at Apep, our airship. We're still on our way to our destination. We're at a few hundreds feet up in the sky. Besides, we have removed the Real Solid Vision program from your Duel Disk. Any monster you'll summon would only have a holographic body." Ryo explained while also warning his student not to even think of escaping. Yuri clicked his tongue at that.
"You're uncomfortable in those clothes, right? Put this on. I also bring lunch if you think you can stomach it." Ryo placed the bag containing new clothes for Yuri to wear. While the current clothes Yuri was wearing wasn't exactly bad, it was already torn up and dirty and not suited for battlefield.
"Thank you. That is very much appreciated." Yuri immediately took off his party clothes, carefully changing it to the new one. He now wore a lined pattern long-sleeve shirt with the sleeves folded. Overtop is a dark violet belted vest where his black trousers were overlayed with pants sleeves chained to his belt.
"Where are we heading? How long I have been asleep?" Yuri asked while starting to eat his sandwich with Ryo across the sofa. The sandwich was at least tasty.
"You and Celica were unconscious for the whole night and the whole morning. We made a brief stop at one of Apophis' fanatical followers' base before we continue on our way again to the Temple of Calamity, Apophis' main temple." Ryo answered while also enjoying his handmade sandwich.
Yuri blinked. Celica was here too? Did Ryo defeat her and then captured her as well? Yuri inwardly shook his head. He would ask that later. What's important now was to find out the reason they were captured and on the way to be taken to the temple.
"What are you planning to do with us? My intuition is telling me you didn't capture us just to lure out Starve Venom and the others." Yuri asked. Their initial plan was to capture all of them to lure out the dragons. But this time, Ryo and the others instead only took him and even Celica who was not mentioned before. There must be a change of plan in their part.
"Other than luring out the Four Heavenly Dragons, I don't know what Apophis and Prince Kurt planning to do with the two of you. That is the truth." Ryo answered.
"Prince Kurt was behind this too?" Yuri's face was neutral, but inside he was surprised that the first-born prince was involved – allied with Apophis even.
"It would be a lie if I say I'm not curious as to why you're siding with Apophis. It has something to do with your younger brother?" Yuri asked again without beating around the bush. He wanted answers now and has little to no room for small talks. He noticed that whenever Ryo spoke of his younger brother, Sho, there was something hidden in his feeling. Judging from Ryo's expression, he was right.
"You're sharp." Ryo replied. Bullseye.
"Speak up. I'm listening. It interests me." Yuri demanded.
"It's just as you said. I want to find him, who has been reborn as Duel Monster within the Dimension Pulse." Ryo admitted. He leaned his back on the sofa as he began his story.
"How do you know your younger brother has been reborn as Duel Monster? And I thought it's impossible to enter Dimension Pulse unless, I don't know, we're dead?" Yuri only heard about Dimension Pulse from what Samejima had explained a year ago and also from what Yukiya and Yuya heard from Zira. It was impossible for humans to enter dimension pulse. It wasn't their world. The ones who went there were either dead or being in some sort of out-of-body experience.
"Prince Kurt has found a way to merge that realm with our realm. I don't know exactly how, but he is telling the truth." Ryo revealed.
"Even if that means working with the very enemy of mankind who sees us as nothing more than a livestock?" Yuri asked sharply, narrowing his eyes briefly at his senior.
"All of you are seeing me as a traitor working with Apophis. I won't blame you for thinking that way. But I never make any pledge to serve for him or any of the sorts. The one I'm working with is Prince Kurt alone. Prince Kurt has another plan of his own that even I don't know. Regardless, I am still a traitor though." Ryo retorted. He didn't know what kind of plan Kurt has came up with to avoid working under Apophis as his servant, but he trusted the prince. He had proven to him when the prince first asked him to join him.
"How did your brother die in the first place?" Yuri asked again for more detail.
"That's right. I never told you the whole story." Ryo shrugged.
"It happened a few months after we joined The Brotherhood. Sho and I and a few men under my command were sent on a mission to apprehend another group of Apophis' fanatical followers. However, our plan got leaked, and we were ambushed by them instead." At that time, he, Sho, and around ten Duelists went to the said location. When they got there, however, they didn't find any single trace of follower. They continued to look deeper and then all of a sudden, they were surprised by pitfalls and hidden mines, injuring most of them. Only then the enemies made themselves known and attacked.
"Our fierce battle damaged and opened a dimension pulse that was happened to be at the area. It was like an earthquake had happened." Ryo was shocked when in the middle of the battle, the ground was shaking and formed a large cracked where glowing particles came out. It shocked him that he made a huge mistake of looking away from his enemy.
"I took my eyes away from my enemy for a second, and that was what all he needed to attack me. But my brother instead took the attack. His body then fell into the Dimension Pulse, beyond my reach despite my best effort to reach him." Ryo could still remember that it hurts. The deep gash wound that let the blood flows from his brother's body, the sudden shake separated him from his brother, his outstretched hand tried to reach for Sho who was falling into the crack yet he failed to catch his hand and could only watch his brother disappeared.
"It's impossible for humans to survive after falling into dimension pulse. Either they died or reborn as Duel Monster. I know for sure that my brother had died but he then was reborn as Duel Monster. I need to find him." Ryo didn't have any proof or maybe this was just his wishful thinking. But even so, he wanted to hold onto that last hope.
Yuri didn't say anything or making any particular reaction. No pity or compassion. Only acceptance.
"I never have a family or ever losing someone other than Starve Venom. I can't say I understand how you feel." Yuri responded while taking a sip of his coffee. This statement made Ryo raised a brow.
"You're still thinking no one cares for you or you don't care for anybody other than your monsters? What did I tell you about forgiving yourself?" Ryo reminded. He knew that Yuri's inner turmoil was deep, but he never thought Yuri was still stuck in that problem until now. Yuri didn't say anything, looking away. He was clearly trying to avoid this conversation, like before.
Sighing, Ryo gabbed Yuri by his arm tight that Yuri winced, making the boy looked at him.
"Even if you stop considering me as your teacher, to me you're still my disciple, Yuri." Ryo said sternly, tightening his grip.
"Are you sure you can say that to me, Ryo-san? You said before you'll stand by my side yet you're the one who turned me in to Apophis." Yuri retorted with a tinge of bitterness in his tongue. But could anyone blame him? This was his first taste of betrayal. He wondered if this was how Yuto and the others felt when Chris betrayed them. It certainly didn't feel good. There was anger building in his stomach, but more than that, his chest felt so hurt that he thought his heart would be ripped out at any second.
Ryo let go of Yuri when the door opened, revealing Geist, Kamui, and Shiki. Geist was having this disgusting look in Yuri's view that he felt wanted to retch at that moment. He wanted to deliver a punch on that face until it broke if possible. Kamui was expressionless as usual. Shiki waved nonchalantly at Yuri, which he ignored.
"Sorry to interrupt Fusion buddies. But I need to check on our dear guest over here." Geist said, staring at Yuri sinisterly.
"What you want to do with him, Geist?" Ryo stood from the sofa, moving closer to Yuri.
"He received Ma'at's blessing, right? We can't afford to let that power staying inside him. I'll need to perform some experiments, some tests to find a way to get rid of it just in case." Geist made a move towards Yuri, his hand reaching for the Predator Plants user.
However, he didn't even get to touch the boy as his wrist was grasped tightly by Ryo who was glaring coldly at the Parasite user.
"As long as I am here, don't even think of touching him. Perhaps you wish to go against your own master's order? Do I need to remind you what he had ordered all of us to do?" Ryo reminded. Apophis has specifically said that until they arrived at the temple, Yuri must not be harmed in anyway (save the broken ribs from the Duel last night). Also, Ryo knew that when Geist said experiment and test, it would never end well for the ones who became the subject (Guinea pig).
"This is for His Excellency's own sake. We can't risk Ma'at's power harming His Excellency." Geist defended his decision while still trying to reach for Yuri ignoring the pain around his wrist.
"Oh? You don't think your master can defeat a young boy like you did, Geist? I recall you need your master's assistance to handle Yuya and Yukiya alone. Useless." Ryo sneered, smirking so condescendingly that he thought he was returning to his old way when he was Hell Kaiser years ago.
The reminder was not taken well by the Parasite user who immediately slapped Ryo's hand away from him. The two glared face to face at each other. They were ready to kill at any given moment if necessary.
"You got a big mouth for a mere human." Geist spat back with his hand itching to activate his Duel Disk.
"I have skill and luck to back it up." Ryo retorted. His hand was also reaching for his Duel Disk.
Before it could go any further, Shiki came between the two, pulling them away from each other.
"I knew it'll come to this so, I came." Shiki said with a sigh. If he and Kamui didn't tag along, maybe there would be a bloodbath. "Leave him be, Lord Geist. That is the direct order from His Excellency. We don't want to cause ruckus inside this airship while it's still flying."
Kamui supported Shiki by placing a hand on Geist's shoulder while shaking his head at him, indicating that he should stop or this will be reported to His Excellency. Geist knew all too well not to quell their master's wrath, especially after his near defeat five days ago. He would remember this.
"Hmph. Fine. Enjoy your moment together while it lasts." Geist relented. Giving one last sharp look at Ryo, he slammed the door shut as he left the room.
"Sorry about that. He is in a good mood that it's creepy." Shiki apologized on Geist's behalf. They were maybe on the same side, but truthfully, he never liked Geist, especially when he teamed up with Neon and Hyde (good riddance that both of them were dead).
"Considering the Doctor reincarnated as his Duel Monster, I can pretty much guess the kind of good mood you spoke of. They are like two pieces from the same cloth. No, actually, you lot, offspring are the same." Yuri said, referring to not only Geist, but also Shiki and Kamui.
"I beg your pardon, but I am not as creepy as he is." Shiki replied, feeling offended to be compared with Geist.
"I'm talking about the fact that all of you have no free will of your own, following his orders since the day you're born without question, never think for yourself. Compared to all of you our dragons had grown and learned. All of you, on the other hand, are no different than puppets." Yuri said with a smile close to smirk. Yuri didn't think he was mocking them. He thought he was simply pointing out a fact.
Shiki and Kamui stiffened without making any noise. That caught them off guard, which fortunately Yuri didn't notice as he was busy drinking his coffee.
"Serena-chan also said the same thing to me when I danced with her last night." Shiki replied as he regained his composure. This time, it was Yuri who got caught off guard, though he was able to hide it (except from Ryo).
"You...danced with her?" Yuri asked slowly while his grip on his coffee cup tightened.
"Yeah. We talked a little bit before I signal the attack. She had no room to refuse since either she agreed or a few guests will die. But I'm kinda surprised. For a tomboy, she's a pretty good dancer. And she's cute when wearing that dress." Even though they were enemies, Shiki liked Serena as a person. In fact, he didn't hate humans nor looking down on them like the others. He found the dance with Serena as an enjoyable experience.
"Is...that so..." Yuri's grip on his cup was so tight that it cracked and the hold eventually broke up from the cup. He didn't know why but imagining Serena and Shiki dancing together infuriated him so much that he wanted to card this guy in front of him.
Ryo sweat dropped at the dark face Yuri was making and furious murderous intent seeping out from him. His denial has made Yuri so thick-headed of his feeling for the Fusion girl. It was both a pity and exasperating on Ryo's part. Kamui, who didn't notice this, walked to Ryo.
"Ryo Marufuji, we came here to inform you that once our business at the main temple is over, you'll go to the west temple with Shing." Kamui told the Cyber Dragon user. That was the only reason why he followed Shiki and Geist (though partly was also because Shiki dragged him).
"Understood." Ryo replied.
"Excuse us then." Kamui said back before dragging Shiki. Their business here was over. There was no reason for them to stay here any longer. Not even Shiki's protests stopped him from walking.
"West temple?" Yuri asked once the two were gone.
"Apophis have five temples in total. Aside from the main temple, the other four temples' location follows the four cardinal directions; east, west, south, and north. Each of those temples are guarded and maintained by fanatical followers of Apophis." Ryo explained without a second thought while tidying up the basket and plates after they finished their sandwiches and coffee.
"That is a very kind of you to explain. Are you sure, it's okay? Even if you claimed you're not really working for Apophis, aren't you on the same side for the time being at the very least?" Yuri pointed out.
"You don't have any way to escape from the airship while it's still flying and even if we land, you'll have to go through all of us. You also don't have the means to contact with anyone outside." Ryo reminded of the facts that Yuri would fall to his death if he jumped off from the airship with his monsters unable to form corporeal body since there was no Real Solid Vision program in his Duel Disk. Also, Yuri should be wise enough that facing against them head on was out of question in his current condition. And lastly, he was far away from his comrades and his communication program has been removed as well from his Duel Disk.
Yuri snorted before leaning his back completely to the sofa. "You really got me, Ryo-san. You've successfully tricked all of us for a whole month. Strangely, I can't resent you, even after knowing all those times were simply an act." He said. It wasn't as bitter as before. Yuri couldn't put what he felt into words. When he thought all those times they spent together was a lie, he didn't feel like facing Ryo like this.
"You were wrong there. When I said I like you as my disciple and as a person, I truly meant it. The whole month I spent with you is truly enjoyable. It would have been better if you're not the owner of Starve Venom or being targeted by Apophis." Ryo corrected his student. He wasn't lying. If Yuri was not the owner of one of the Four Heavenly Dragons, perhaps things won't come to this between them.
"At this point, it's meaningless for us to wish something that cannot happen. We are on the opposing side. Honestly, I'm surprised that someone as smart as you joined Apophis for such a petty reason." Yuri said while looking out at the window.
Ryo flinched, but he didn't make any retort. He knew Yuri was not in a good mood. "Maybe you think this is petty, but to me finding Sho is–"
"Can't you get it into that thick skull of yours? Your younger brother is dead forever, even if he is reborn." Yuri interrupted sharply, sighing tiredly.
"What exactly are you trying to say?" Ryo asked in a tone that was close to anger.
"They may have been reborn as Duel Monsters, but they are not the same ones as they were humans. Your younger brother has reborn as Duel Monster, but he is not the same younger brother you had when he was a human. They have the same soul, but they are different. Even if you find him, he is no longer your brother." Yuri quoted what Yuno had told to him and his counterparts and Yukiya. He agreed completely with his ancestor. He had warned Yuya of the same thing even before that. Ryo was in similar situation as Yuya right now.
"We don't know about that yet. If he forgot about me, I'll just make him remember." Ryo sighed, containing the anger that was almost erupted. As long as there was still a slightest bit of hope, he would take it regardless of what Yuri or anyone said.
"Back to the topic earlier, Yuri. Actually, what you need is not forgiveness from others or yourself." Ryo changed the topic immediately. He didn't know what he will do if they kept talking about this.
"Each action we take, will have a reaction and a result. It's the same for all of us. You do not need forgiveness. You need acceptance. Accept what happened. Understand who you are is human. What actions are, they are choices. And you are the same kind of human just like any other. Accept it. Let it be. Love your Life to honor the life that was taken from this time. Let the it be in the past, where and when it happened. Let the time, be now. Let the experience end." Ryo stood from his sofa again, walking to Yuri who was still refusing to look at Ryo. The Cyber Dragon user frowned by the cold shoulder, but he won't complain. It was his own fault and he will accept it.
"I really mean every word what I said before. I'm not telling you this to deceive you or to gain your sympathy. I don't want you to make our decision based on my reason. But Yuri, you really need to let it go." Ryo ruffled Yuri's hair. He was surprised when Yuri just stayed quiet. He had thought Yuri would slapped his hand away after what he did.
"This would be my last advice as your teacher." Ryo said one last time before leaving the room for good, allowing Yuri to have a time for himself. He needed that after their conversation.
Yuri slumped onto the sofa on his back, looking at the ceiling, closing his eyes and let out an exasperated sigh.
"He is worse than Yuya." Yuri murmured.
"Kurikuri!"
Yuri blinked when he heard the familiar voice. He turned to his Deck on the table and saw Winged Kuriboh materialized itself. That's right! Even if his other monsters needed Real Solid Vision to materialize with corporeal body, Winged Kuriboh was different! It could form its own body just fine.
"Looks like everybody forgot about you." Yuri stated as Winged Kuriboh latched itself to Yuri's chest, rubbing its face to its beloved master. Yuri chuckled by the affection given by his partner, ruffling its fur. A light bulb then lights on in his mind. Pulling the monster closer, Yuri whispered into its hidden ear. Whatever it was saying, Winged Kuriboh made an obedient gesture.
"I'm counting on you then." Yuri smiled at his partner.
Outside the room, when Ryo made his exit, Kurt was standing across the door with his arms crossed and back leaning to the wall, waiting for Ryo to come out.
"Do you need something, Your Majesty?" Ryo asked politely.
"Nothing I just came to check on you while on my way to Celica. But as I thought, you're still not over with it. The fact you're being nice to Yuri even in this condition is the proof itself." Kurt said as he removed himself from the wall, placing both hands into his pocket pants.
"He is still my student. I have told you before that I like him as my cute junior. But still, I'm not forgetting my objective. Our objective." Ryo reaffirmed himself. He had come this far and he had no intention to stop.
"If I may ask, why did you ask me to make him stronger, Your Majesty? What are you planning to do with him?" Ryo asked. When Ryo informed he was appointed as Yuri's mentor, Kurt told him to make Yuri stronger, train him until the boy was stronger even than himself if necessary. Why would he want that? For what purpose?
"I'm afraid I can't tell you now. You'll have to wait until we arrive at the temple. Also, I'm not like you, Ryo-kun. I always see people as they are." Kurt replied, confusing Ryo.
"What do you mean?" Ryo asked.
"You're being nice to Yuri-kun not because for who he is. To you he is just a temporary replacement for your dead brother. To you, Yuri-kun is just a way to fill the gaping hole left by the death of your younger brother."
Kurt placed an arm on Ryo's shoulder as he looked at Ryo from the side. The Fusion user couldn't say anything back to him, as expected. His eyes widened and his body flinched.
"We are not so similar as you thought we are, Ryo-kun." Kurt said before leaving Ryo standing alone in the hall to his own thought.
CELICA'S ROOM – APEP – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARTIFICIAL DIMENSION
When Celica was awake, she was at a huge five stars hotel room that was close to her room at the palace. She opened the curtain to have a look outside and was surprised to see the clouds so close and realized she was inside an airship. Her Duel Disk and Deck was on the table beside her bed. When she checked for any error, she realized the Real Solid Vision and communication programs have been removed, which means she couldn't escape using her monsters or contacting anyone outside.
The door opened, alerting her, but she lowered her guard when the person who came was none other than her descendant, Kurt...who was also the one responsible for kidnapping her. He was carrying a basket of food for her lunch and bag of new clothes.
"Rise and shine, Celica." Kurt greeted.
"Explain yourself, Kurt." Celica replied sharply, demanding answer immediately.
Kurt chuckled. "Straight to the point huh, Grandmother? I can't blame you or everyone else wanting to know the reason behind my treachery." He said casually like they were having a daily conversation. Kurt sat on the sofa, pointing at the other sofa across him for Celica to sit.
"To be honest I'm so tired and worried that I can't even get mad at you." Celica sighed as she sat on the sofa across her traitorous descendant.
"We won't kill you. I can assure you that." Kurt told his ancestor.
"I'm talking about the Emperor and Carl. They knew about this, right?" Celica replied. She was hurt by his betrayal, but she has no doubt that the one who would be hurting the most must be Carl and the Emperor, the twin brother and father of Kurt.
"I have properly faced Carl. Father, however, was captured by Heidel together with the Oracle during the attack." Kurt revealed while staying as neutral as he looked.
"The Emperor and Yuno got captured by Heidel?!" Celica exclaimed. Not only she and Yuri got captured by them, but Yuno and the Emperor himself got captured by Heidel? This won't be good for everyone from Imperial Guardians and The Brotherhood. If words leaked out, civil war may erupt. The cold war was already severe enough.
"You need not worry. The Brotherhood and the rest won't stay quiet. They'll think of something to save them. You know what they are capable of. Now, we're talking about my goal, aren't we?" Kurt changed the subject while serving tea and borscht for his ancestor, urging her to eat while he talks. Celica wanted to say she wasn't hungry, but her stomach was empty and before it made any embarrassing sound, Celica relented to eat it while listening.
"I wish to merge the Dimension Pulse with our world." Kurt revealed like it was something so simple to do. Celica almost dropped her spoon at such an idea that sounded ridiculous.
"Merging the Dimension Pulse with our world? What do you mean? Is that even possible?" Celica asked skeptically. She had heard that ARC-V was merged using a reactor that used people's live energies to merge dimensions but merging Dimension Pulse with the physical plane was different matter altogether.
"Exactly as I mean. Using Apophis' power, I will lift the Dimension Pulse into physical plane. That way, all Duel Monsters can exist physically in this world without the use of Real Solid Vision or bound by cards to move freely." Kurt reaffirmed his goal. While there were monsters who were able to move around in the physical plane, only the small ones were able to do it. The bigger and stronger ones were unable to without cards as their medium.
"But do Apophis agree to this while he seeks to destroy the world?" Celica asked.
"Nonsense. Apophis is deeply bound to all dimensions. He desires not its destruction." Kurt took a sip of his own tea and then looked at his own reflection on the tea.
"Do you think Apophis will work with me, a mere human, just because I freed him? We are able to work together like this because we have reached a compromise. Also, Apophis does not wish to destroy humanity, but to enslave them." Kurt corrected Celica's assumption. Yes, Apophis was the embodiment of chaos, but it doesn't mean he wishes for destruction.
"And you're fine with that? If Apophis has his way, everyone will be enslaved. Including the Emperor, Carl, and yourself." Celica questioned with a frown.
"That won't happen. I have already figured out a way to prevent that." Kurt said confidently. When Celica gave him a look for an explanation, Kurt placed a finger on his lips, keeping the plan to himself. Celica knew he wouldn't talk no matter how many times she asked, so she changed the question.
"Then why do you wish to merge the Dimension Pulse with our worlds? I doubt it's for the sake of coexistence since you're willing to let Apophis enslave humans. What is your real reason wanting to merge them together?" She asked. What would he gain from merging the two realms together?
Kurt went silent at the question. He closed his eyes and slumped his back to the sofa. He was quiet for what felt like an hour before he finally spoke again.
"I want to see them again." When Kurt opened his eyes and looked at his ancestor again, his smile was sad. "I can't explain it, but I know they have been reborn as Duel Monsters."
Celica's eyes hardened at Kurt. "You're...talking about your mother and grandfather?" She said, her expression softened. Her heart ached remembering what happened to them.
"I am aware that if they are here, they would stop me like you do. I know that. But even so...I can't bear it. I can't contain this pain of longing." Kurt clenched his chest as he remembered his mother and grandfather. He remembered the moment when they died. It never left him. It always haunted him.
"This is not yours, Carl's, or Father's fault. This is mine alone. This is my own selfishness." Kurt stood up from the sofa, intending to leave. He smiled at his ancestor with hardened eyes. "After all, I am only human. And for humans the world is nothing but our own selves. I went this far for the sake of my own world."
Celica couldn't say anything. She understood what Kurt meant. She wanted to stop him, but she knew words alone won't be enough to reach him.
"Another thing, one more reason why we're working together is because we also wish to stop Heidel's goal from coming into fruition." Kurt added before walking to the door. As he was about to open it, Celica voiced one more question.
"What is Heidel's goal that makes the two of you agreed to work together?" Celica asked. If Heidel's goal managed to convince both Kurt and Apophis to work together, it must be a goal that won't be good for either of them. However, Kurt didn't provide the answer she wished to hear.
"You'll find out soon enough." Kurt simply said and left the room.
"Kurt..." Celica covered her face. How come it became like this? She thought she knew her descendant. She knew that both Kurt and Carl were affected heavily by the incident, but she never thought that Kurt's heart was hurting so much. Maybe she was the one who wanted to believe he was okay.
"Kuri!"
Celica almost shriek when Winged Kuriboh suddenly popped right in front of her face.
"W-Winged Kuriboh?!" Celica exclaimed while trying to keep her voice as low as possible. She then remembered that Yuri was captured with her and was in another room. Winged Kuriboh was one of a few Duel Monsters able to manifest itself even without the help of Real Solid Vision program. Yuri must have asked it to sneak out into her room.
"I'm so glad to see you." Celica hugged Winged Kuriboh. She then noticed it was holding something. It was piece of paper containing message from Yuri.
Reading the message carefully, Celica quickly looked for any pen and paper in the room. Finding what she needed, she wrote down everything she knew what she needed to write, just as Yuri has written his. When she was done, she gave the paper to Winged Kuriboh.
"We're counting on you. You're the only one who can help us."
LINK VRAINS – CAPITAL – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARTIFICIAL DIMENSION
Ray was standing on a rooftop. Her hands was on the fence while she was enjoying the view of LINK VRAINS that was in the middle of repair after Apophis' viruses' rampage. The online world without the viruses and bugs was beautiful enough. Once the repair was done, it would be even prettier. Ray removed her hands from the fence when she heard a thud behind her. She turned around and smiled at the person standing in front of her.
"Hello." Ray meekly greeted Zarc, waving her hand a bit at him.
Zarc was frowning. He looked angry both on his face and the gestures of his body. She was ready for a yell or shout, but instead what she got was a firm hug. Zarc pulled her into his embrace so tightly. He buried his face on her head while his arms pulled her closer and tightened his grip.
"Idiot." Zarc said while holding his tears. He missed her so much.
"I know. I'm sorry. Really." Ray carefully hugged him back, patting his back in apology. She missed him too. She wanted to meet him as soon as she could if it were not for her job. She knew how worried he was for her and she felt guilty for not telling him anything until now.
"Do you mind telling me now why you didn't tell me anything? And why you're keeping Yuya's and the other dragons with you? And who are these people in blue robes?" Zarc asked as he pulled away from her but still holding her shoulders.
"Yes. I understand. I will tell you. But in exchange, you have to promise me not to tell the others at least until we rescued Yuri and Celica-san." Ray requested her condition. She didn't want more people to know about this before they were heading to an important mission.
"Fair enough." Zarc agreed to the terms.
"We're trying to close the rift that has opened due to Apophis' seal has been broken." Ray revealed.
"The rift?"
"You have heard about Dimension Pulse, right? When Ray split the original dimension into four dimensions, it created a crack in Dimension Pulse, which allows Prince Kurt to break Apophis' seal." Ray repeated what Zira had revealed before.
"Wait…you know about Ray and Zarc? Everything that happened in ARC-V?" Zarc asked, surprised. Does this mean Sara has recovered her past life memories?
"I have contacted Ray's soul inside me like you did. The four dragons also told me the rest." Ray revealed. After she used the last of her strength to log into LINK VRAINS to save her consciousness, she was asleep while in hiding and then dreamt of Ray. She at first thought it was only a dream, but then it repeated and she finally believed it was real when she found Shun wandering around LINK VRAINS and mistook her for the past life Ray.
"Anyway, when the crack happened, it caused the portal leading to the realm of Duel Monsters to open. At first it was only a little, but after Prince Kurt broke the seal, it became bigger." Ray directed back to the current topic. She was following her Link Sense when she found the rift. She saw several Duel Monsters coming out from the portal and then materialized in her world. It was then she realized that this portal was what causing the incidents of Duel Monsters lost in the physical plane that lead to the creation of Spirit Farm.
"Why do you think there are monsters who managed to materialize completely in the physical plane? That's because there's nothing separating the two realms anymore. At the moment, we have only slowed down the progress, but if this continue it will completely open and the Duel Monsters will roam free in the physical plane." Ray pointed out the problem. Small and benevolent Duel Monsters like Kuribohs were one thing, if violent and savage Duel Monsters came into their world, the conflict between Duel Monsters and humans that happened ages ago would repeat again. She won't let that happen.
"Why do you have to hide about this? We could have done something together." Zarc asked in disbelieve. This was a huge problem. She should have told them instead of trying to solve the problem herself.
"If Yuya and the others lend their powers together with the four dragons, we can close the portal with no problem. However, closing the portal requires huge amount of energies from them. It will cost them their lifespans." Ray answered in sharp tone. Zarc didn't say anything at that. He knew what Ray was trying to say. If Yuya and the others knew of this, they won't hesitate to help, even if it means lowering their own lifespans. It won't kill them, but losing half of their lifespan was not a good thing. That was just the same as speeding up their deaths. No one wanted that to happen to them. He would have forbid it.
"Not only that. You have also heard the four dragons were used to be Apophis' offspring, right? Ever since Apophis awakened, Apophis' power that was sealed within them became stronger, and we feared it will affect them, infecting them." Ray added, referring to the Awakening state the four boys had experienced before. The power that the Supreme King Dragon Zarc didn't just come from humanity's negative energies, those negativities have awakened fragments of Apophis' power inside them that gave Zarc even more inhuman power that time. It wasn't just Zarc's anger and hatred that pushed the boys, but also fragments of Apophis' power.
"But for you to finally reveal yourself means that won't be a problem anymore?" Zarc asked. Even if this was an emergency, he didn't think Ray would reveal herself like this if not for a good reason.
"When I found out you are Ma'at's reincarnation and has awakened part of his power, I know there's nothing to worry as Ma'at's blessing will protect them from Apophis' power. But still, we haven't found a way to close the rift for good." Ray stated. While there was no need to worry for Apophis' power to affect Yuya and the others anymore, they still don't know how to close the rift, and if Yuya and the others find out, they would volunteer to use their lifespans. But with Yuri kidnapped, they have no choice.
"This rift is located within the network? Within LINK VRAINS?" Zarc asked. He knew there was a dimension pulse LINK VRAINS, but he never thought the rift was here online instead of real world. How it was possible would be for another talk.
"Yes. Not only we are slowing down the opening of the rift, we're also guarding it, making sure no one would find the rift. The lesser people know, the better." Ray looked down. She actually didn't want to hide this from everyone. But knowing them, she couldn't tell them, especially Yuya and his counterparts.
"That explains the cold shoulders given by the dragons and Kurosaki." Zarc now understood why Shun and the dragons were so cold towards Yuya and the others. They knew if Yuya and the others knew, they would be willing to endanger themselves more than they already have. They were reckless and selfless in their own ways that they would worry people around them.
"Trust me. This is not easy for them either. They want nothing more but to return to their friends. Just as much as I want to be with you." Ray felt guilty for having to separate the dragons and Kurosaki from their friends and family. They understood and agreed wholeheartedly with this plan because they didn't want to lose Yuya, Yuto, Yugo, and Yuri. They determined not to approach them unless it was absolutely necessary until they either close the rift or find a way to close it. Aside from that, Ray wanted to return to the real world again. She wanted to meet her parents and Yukiya again in flesh.
Zarc once again pulled her into a hug. This time his embrace was gentler as he ruffled her hair.
"I understand. We'll figure out a way together, okay?"
NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW:
Temple of Calamity – With the team they have formed, Yuya and the others arrived at the Temple of Calamity, just as Yuri is taken into the temple. Before they can enter the temple, they first must face against the fanatical followers of Apophis who are guarding it.
Sorry for the late update. I was busy with certain things over here. I've decided not to include the Duel because it would take longer times, and the Duel isn't exactly that important either so I decided to save it for later. I'm sorry if the reason behind Ryo and Kurt's betrayal is cliché. For Ryo, I think this is the best way for him in regards with Yuri. For Kurt, actually he hasn't fully revealed his reason yet. There's one more. You'll know later. But I thought it would be good to make a bit parallel with Leo's reason behind his action in Bonds of Pendulum. And to clarify things so you won't misunderstand: In the previous fanfic, Zarc was not corrupted by Apophis' power or any sort. The reason behind his madness was still the same as what I had explained in the previous series and anime. Apophis' power awakened after Zarc went mad and became the Supreme King Dragon and that power didn't control Yuya and the others in any way.
And answering to Guest Starshine: No. Zarc and Ray are dead; so they won't duel in physical form whatsoever because they have been reincarnated. If they are going to Duel it would be borrowing Yukiya and Sara's bodies.
To Hunter13hawkie: I like long reviews, and yours makes me happy :D
Please don't forget to review this chapter.
