Authors Note: I'm still alive people. Just really busy with post grad life. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this new chapter! I'm back baby!
Episode 18: Promises
In the dimension of white nothingness, the masked figure, named Fukion, was looking down upon the monster in the sphere. The beast roared, an earth shattering roar. Fukion then looked up at a chandelier. It had eight candles on it, all in a circle. Three of the candles were lit with black flames.
"Soon, all of the candles will be lit." said Fukion, bowing before the monster. "Soon, you will be restored. Soon, you will purge all dimensions. Soon, you will be reborn, master."
The monster roared again, it's roar echoing across the dimension.
Yuya slept soundly in his bed. It had been three days since returning home and he had been working himself ragged, training for the Battle Royale. He and his fellow Lancers were attending LID every day, training under Declan. Declan told them about who would be participating and how the Battle Royale was going to work. They trained vigorously, keeping their dueling in peak condition.
Yuya rolled over, snoring loudly. A voice then sounded out.
"Yuya." the voice said, in a calm, welcoming manner. "Yuya. I must speak with you. Yuya."
Yuya mumbled in his sleep, but did not wake.
"Yuya." said the voice. "Please. You must get up. I haven't much time."
"Five more minutes." Yuya mumbled.
"Yuya." said the voice.
"Ngh." Yuya grumbled. He then sat up in bed. "Ok, ok. I'm up."
Yuya was then startled to see that he was no longer in his bed. He was in a void of nothingness. He frantically looked around, wondering what was going on.
"I got a bad feeling I know where this is going." said Yuya.
"Your intuition is exceptional." said the voice.
The source of the voice then materialized in front of him. It was Astrograph Sorcerer.
"It's you." said Yuya.
"Indeed." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "It pleases me to finally have just enough strength to truly speak with you. How long I will have though, remains to be seen."
"Where are we?" Yuya asked. "Where have you taken me?"
"Would you believe that this is my homeworld?" Astrograph Sorcerer asked.
"Your homeworld?" Yuya asked.
"Yes." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "I briefly brought you here before."
"I remember." said Yuya. "And I also remember what's here."
Sure enough, Yuya could see it in the distance. A large city floating in the air. And, underneath the city, a large orb holding the monster inside of it. However, Yuy also saw an orb hanging above the city.
"What's in that orb?" Yuya asked.
"My goddess." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "The one who sent me on my mission."
"What mission?" Yuya asked.
"The mission to befriend strong warriors." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "That is where you come in."
"And Zarc." said Yuya.
"Yes." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "Originally, it was Zarc. But Zarc is no more. And he betrayed me, turning back on his promise."
"What promise?" Yuya asked.
Astrograp Sorcerer then raised its staff. The scene changed around him. They were now in the city from Yuya's vision. The Original Dimension.
"I remember this place." said Yuya.
"Indeed." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "I also saw the duel between you and Zarc. Our minds are connected, after all."
"Really?" Yuya asked.
"Yes." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "However, because of my current state, I can't communicate with you as well as Yuto, Yugo, and Yuri. Right now, I am still recovering from Zarc's last defeat."
"So, are you in my mind?" Yuya asked. "Like Yuto, Yugo, and Yuri?"
"No." said Astrogragh Sorcerer. "I am within your pendant."
"My pendant." said Yuya, looking at it.
"Come. This way." said Astrograph Sorcerer.
Yuya followed Astrograph Sorcerer, the two of them floating high in the air. Nobody could see them though or at least nobody said anything as they floated by. They stopped in front of a shopping plaza. Above the plaza was a large television screen. On the screen, a young lady was standing in a stadium, which changed around her in the blink of eye.
"It's dueling like you've never seen before!" the lady said. "Real action, real locations, real monsters! All thanks to the amazing capabilities of the ARC system."
Yuya looked around the plaza. There was a crowd watching the screen. People were whispering in excitement. Yuya then saw a very familiar face among them. He was standing near the middle of the crowd, listening to the announcement intently. He had an eager smile on his face.
It was Zarc.
"There he is." said Yuya.
"Yes." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "This is where our story begins."
Zarc turned and left the crowd. He was still in an excited mood. He pulled out his deck and began to flip through it.
"Real dueling." Zarc said to himself. "Imagine the possibilities now. This is exciting!"
The scene then changed right before their very eyes. It was now night time. Yuya saw Zarc sitting on the grass in park, looking up at the stars above. And to Yuya's surprise, he wasn't alone.
With him was a girl, about his age. She had long, maroon and dark red hair that were tied into twin ponytails, like Zuzu's. She wore a long sleeved skirt and had a thigh strap. Yuya knew exactly who she was. This had to be Ray Akaba
"I'm a little nervous." Zarc said to Ray.
"You'll be fine." said Ray.
"That's easy for you to say." said Zarc. "You've been in the professional league for years. And you know the ARC system in and out. Your dad invented it after all."
"That doesn't mean anything." said Ray. "After all, they say the creator of duel monsters wasn't even the best at his own game."
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean Pegasus was a pushover." said Zarc.
"You won't be either." said Ray. "Just do what you do best, Zarc. Have fun! That's all that matters, even in the professional league."
"If you say so." said Zarc.
"I need to get home." said Ray. She then put her hand on Zarc's shoulder. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Sure." said Zarc. He gave Ray a warm smile as she left.
"They knew each other." said Yuya.
"Why do you think you and Zuzu are so close?" Astrograph Sorcerer asked.
"I thought it was because Ray was trying to prevent Zarc's resurrection." said Yuya.
"That's certainly part of it." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "And, as you may know, their friendship doesn't last. But we'll get to that later. Keep watching."
Yuya nodded and turned back to Zarc. Zarc continued to gaze at the stars. He then squinted. Yuya looked up and saw a flash. Something was heading towards them. And it was heading down fast.
"Woah!" said Zarc.
He leapt aside as the object landed hard on the ground. Zarc coughed as dust fluttered into the air. He waved the dust away and looked at the object on the ground.
However, it wasn't an object. It was a person. More specifically, it was Astrograph Sorcerer.
"Where did you come from?" Zarc asked. "Are you ok?"
Astrograph Sorcerer was breathing very deeply. He looked exhausted and hurt. Zarc slowly approached him. The monster then burst into light. His form shrunk as the light got brighter. When the light stopped, Astrograph Sorcerer was no longer there. In his place was Yuya's pendant.
Zarc cautiously picked up the pendant and examined it.
"What is this?" Zarc asked.
The scene changed again. They were now inside a bedroom. Zarc was there, twirling the pendant curiously.
"Hello?" Zarc said.
The form of Astrograph Sorcerer then materialized in front of Zarc. Zarc seemed unfazed, he simply blinked at the apparition in front of him.
"Who are you?" Zarc asked.
"A friend." said Astrograph. "And someone who is in need of help. What is your name?"
"Zarc." said Zarc. "What's yours?"
"You may call me, Astrograph Sorcerer." said Astrograph Sorcerer.
"Quite a name." said Zarc. "Mind if I just call you, Astro?"
"I have no objections." said Astrograph Sorcerer.
"Perfect." said Zarc with a pleasant smile. "Nice to meet you."
"Likewise." said Astrograph Sorcerer.
"You said you needed help." said Zarc. "And you looked hurt when I saw you earlier."
"Yes." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "I was chased here. I am in need of warriors, strong duelists to aid in my quest. And, just by looking at you, you have potential."
"Why do you need warriors?" Zarc asked.
"My homeworld is in civil war." said Astrograph. "And my people are on the losing end. We are looking for outside help, anyone that can be of aid."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Zarc asked. "Let's go!"
"Hold a moment." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "I do not have the strength to bring us back. Besides, I said you have the potential to be a strong warrior. You are not ready yet."
"Then let me prove myself." said Zarc. "What do I need to do?"
Astrograph Sorcerer put his hand on his chin. He then outstretched one of his hands. A card then formed and floated above his open hand.
"Take this monster." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "It will give you strength. The stronger you become, the more strength I will give you."
Zarc eagerly took the card and looked it over. Yuya looked at it too and saw that it was Odd-Eyes Dragon.
"Interesting." said Zarc. "So, you want to see if I'm capable of using this card?"
"More than that." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "I want to see you bond with that card. A powerful force lives in that card and only a few can truly master it. I wish for you two to become as one, in body, mind and soul."
Zarc nodded and continued to admire his new dragon. At the last words of the past Astrograph Sorcerer, Yuya felt a chill run down his spine.
"I'll tell you what?" Zarc said. "You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."
"Oh?" Astrograph Sorcerer asked, eyebrow raised. "What do you propose?"
"I'm about to enter the professional dueling league." said Zarc. "You give me the strength I need to become the best, I'll handle the rest. You want me to become stronger and frankly, so do I. Then, when we're both ready, we can get back to your homeworld. Deal?"
"Very well." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "I don't seem to have much of a choice at the moment, anyway."
Zarc and Astrograph Sorcerer both nodded in agreement. The scene then began to change again.
"I should have chosen my words more carefully." said the present Astrograph Sorcerer. "I was foolish."
"We all make mistakes." said Yuya.
"I suppose." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "But this one was costly. I could feel a darkness in Zarc's heart. It was small, almost unnoticeable, but it could and would grow if left unchecked. You noticed how Zarc was unfazed by my appearance, all too eager to receive more power."
"I noticed." said Yuya. "I wonder if Zarc even cared about your homeworld."
"I truly believe he did. In the beginning at least." said Astrograph Sorcerer.
The scenes then began to rapidly change before them. Yuya watched as Zarc dueled opponent after opponent. It really was a spectacle to watch. Yuya looked on as Zarc rode on Odd-Eyes, leaping and jumping about with a look of pure glee on his face. The crowd cheered in awe as Zarc took down his opposition. And, after every duel, Zarc would shake the other duelists hand.
"So much like you." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "If only it lasted."
Yuya knew what was coming next. He saw the image of Zarc accidentally injuring one of his opponents. He saw Zarc run up to them, checking to see if they were okay. He heard the roar of the crowd. He saw Zarc look out into the crowd in shock and confusion.
The images continued to change. Yuya watched more of Zarc's duels, seeing them grow progressively more aggressive and dangerous. The scene then stopped. They were in a hallway that lead to the stadium. Zarc was walking out. He immediately seemed very different than when Yuya saw him last. Yuya could see a crazed look in his eyes.
"Zarc, wait!" the voice of Ray sounded out.
Zarc turned to see Ray running towards him.
"Zarc, you can't go out there." said Ray.
"Why?" Zarc said. "Are you afraid that I'm gonna lose?"
"No." said Ray. "I'm scared of you winning. Zarc, you've changed."
"I haven't changed." Zarc smirked. "The crowd has."
"Zarc, please." said Ray. "I'm scared for you."
"Don't be." said Zarc. "I'm going out there and I'm going to win. And trust me, it'll be a moment no one will ever forget."
The scene changed again. Yuya saw the familiar scene of Zarc unleashing his dragons upon the world. He then saw Zarc use Astrograph Sorcerer to fuse himself with the dragons, becoming the Supreme King Z-ARC.
"Why did you do it?" Yuya asked. "Why did you fulfill Zarc's wishes?"
"I had no choice." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "I was too weak to fight back."
Z-ARC devasted the land before him. The dragon breathed fire, blasted a green beam from his mouth, and sent red lightning from the sky. While he did this, Z-ARC laughed, an evil wretched laugh.
"I can't watch any more of this." said Yuya.
"You won't need to." said Astrograph Sorcerer.
The scene changed again. Yuya saw Leo Akaba in his lab, desperately typing on his computer.
"There must be a solution." Leo said. "A way to defeat Zarc."
"There could be a way." said the voice of Astrograph Sorcerer.
"Who is there?" Leo demanded.
The past Astrograph Sorcerer then appeared, his form transparent.
"Leo Akaba." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "We must both make up for our mistakes. We are both responsible for the creation of Zarc. Please, take these."
Astrograph Sorcerer then opened his hand and four blank spell cards appeared. These must have been the cards made to defeat Zarc.
"Travel the world." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "Find the wonders of the Earth. Use these cards to embody their power. This is your only chance to stop Zarc. Please, make up for our mistakes."
Leo cautiously took the blank cards and examined them. Astrograph Sorcerer then disappeared.
The scene changed once more. Now Yuya was watching as Ray Akaba faced off against Zarc.
"I wish it didn't have to come to this, my friend." said Ray.
"Ha, ha, ha." Zarc laughed. "I wondered when you would show your face. It's time we settled things once and for all."
"No, Zarc." said Ray. "We have nothing to settle. I'm ending this once and for all."
"Please." said Zarc. "You do not have the power to stop me."
"But I do." said a voice.
Astrogrpah Sorcerer then appeared. He raised his staff as Ray drew her cards.
"What is this?" Zarc demanded. "What are you doing?"
"Quickly Ray." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "Activate your father's cards!"
"I play these spells." said Ray. "En Moon, En Winds, En Flowers, and En Birds!"
All at once, the four spell cards began to take effect. The ashen remains of Zarc's destruction began to spring to life with flowers. Light burst from these flowers, as well as the wind and the moon, gathering in front of Ray.
"Ray, no!" Leo Akaba's voice shouted out as he approached them. "Don't do this!"
Yuya knew it was too late though. Leo ran towards Ray but was knocked down by a force field.
"Ray." said Leo. "No! Those cards contain all the forces of nature. Your body can't withstand all that energy!"
The energy being gathered by the cards began to form onto Ray. Yuya looked at Zarc, who was visibly very agitated.
"Stop it, Ray!" Leo pleaded. "Please! You aren't going to survive!"
"Ray, do not listen." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "I know this is not easy, but it must be done. Keep going!"
Bracelets then began to form around Ray's arm, the same bracelets that Zuzu and her counterparts wore. The gems on the bracelets burst into all colors of light. Zarc's dragon form roared in pain. Yuya then saw a more human face appear on Zarc's chest as well, crying out in agony. There was shimmer as Yuya saw glimpses of the four dimension dragons appear in front of them.
"Stop it!" Zarc's human face demanded. "Stop it now or you will suffer the consequences!"
Ray remained unfazed. Then, before there very eyes, Zarc exploded into the four dragons, which were sent flying. Ray split apart as well, becoming four shadows of herself. There was a massive shower of lights of all color, then nothing.
Yuya looked around, not recognizing where he was. They seemed to be in a void, surrounded by multi-colored mist.
"Where are we?" Yuya asked.
"The space between dimensions." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "You would not remember this place, since the last time you were in it, you were Zarc."
"So this is where we ended up?" Yuya asked. "After the ARC-V system was activated?"
"Yes." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "And after the battle between Ray and Zarc. Both used such an enormous amount of energy, they were able to create hole into this world. They both also caused the creation of new dimensions."
Astrograph Sorcerer pointed to their right. Yuya saw orbs the size of planets forming. One was orange, one was white, one was purple, and one was black.
"The four dimensions." said Yuya.
"Correct." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "They are forming through the mingling energy of Ray and the dragons who will eventually inhabit that dimension. Each dragon now has a piece of Zarc's soul with it as well. And, as you know, the vessel Zarc would inhabit is you."
"Why me?" Yuya asked. "I feel like Yuri would be a better choice."
"I heard that." said Yuri's voice.
Yuya's counterparts then appeared before them.
"Were you guys listening the whole time?" Yuya asked.
"Yes." said Yuto. "We at first felt like this should remain between the two of you. However, I think we have a right to get some info too."
"Yeah." said Yugo. "So, magician guy, why was Yuya chosen as Zarc's vessel?"
"I would think that would be obvious." said Astrograph Sorcerer.
"I think I know why." said Yuya. "Odd-Eyes Dragon."
"Correct." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "Odd-Eyes was Zarc's first ace monster. They become close, like family. That is not to say that Zarc did not love his other dragons just as much, but he always held a special soft spot for Odd-Eyes."
"I think there's more than just that." said Yuya. "I think a small part of Zarc was still good. Maybe that goodness turned into me. That's why Zarc chose me. He knew I would to dueltain again, so he gave me life where I could do that, so he could relive those memories."
"There is some merit to that thinking." said Astrograph. "However, there is more to the story."
The group then appeared in a new area. This place was a dimension of navy blue.
"This is the inside of your pendant." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "My home."
"You've been here this entire time?" Yuri asked. "Not much of a home."
"Agreed." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "But I was much too weak to revive fully. The fact that I'm still alive astounds me to this day. However, I was able to watch as you grew up Yuya. Through that."
Before them was a statue with a giant crystal in it. It looked exactly like Yuya's pendant. The past Astrograph Sorcerer slowly crawled towards it. He looked into the crystal, watching as a little Yuya was eating breakfast with his family.
"I pray that you can keep Zarc's promise, little one." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "And when the time comes, you do not meet the same fate as he does."
Astrograph Sorcerer then looked at the top of the statue. At the top was green and orange light, flickering in the center where Yuya's string would be for his pendant.
"I know not what that power is." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "But I hope it helps you when the time is right."
"That light." said Yuya. "That must be the power of pendulum."
"It is indeed." said Astrograph Sorcerer.
"Amazing." said Yuto. "That one little ball light would lead to something so incredible."
"Big things have small beginnings." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "Now, observe."
They watched as the scene in the crystal changed. It was years later, during Yuya's duel against the Sledgehammer.
"It's time to swing into action!" said Yuya as he drew his card. "Ok Pendulum, you swung his way, now you'll swing my way!"
The light above the statue then shined brightly. The light engulfed the statue. Moments later, Yuya's pendulum shined brightly as well. The light changed Yuya's cards to pendulum monsters.
"Incredible." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "I've never seen a power like this before."
The scene changed again. It was the night that Yuya fused with Yuto. They saw as Yuto smiled at Yuya and lifted up his hand to give him Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon.
"This is yours." Yuto smiled. "Take it Yuya. Always remember, use your power to keep the world entertained and smiling."
"I will." said Yuya. "For you."
"No!" Astrograph Sorcerer screamed. "Do not take it!"
Yuya could not hear them though. Yuya took the card and then Yuto disappeared into a burst of blue blight. Yuya then absorbed the light. Afterwards, he fell to the ground, unconscious.
"No." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "Please, don't let this happen again."
However, the scene changed again. They were now watching the duel between Yuya and Iggy Arlo, the first time Zarc began to take over. They watched as the pendulum statue grew dark. A shadow formed over it, which then melted off of it. The shadow then took the form of Zarc's soul.
"No." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "Then you lived!"
"Of course." said Zarc. "No thanks to you, you traitor!"
"You are the traitor." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "You took advantage of my power."
"And I'll take it all back." said Zarc. "I'm already half way there after all."
"I won't let you." said Astrograph Sorcerer.
The monster raised his staff and tried to attack Zarc. However, he quickly fell down as Zarc laughed.
"Save your strength." said Zarc. "I'll have need of you eventually."
Zarc then flew up into the air, disappearing. A few moments later, Yuya turned into his berserk form as Zarc took control.
The scenes then changed to all the times Yuya went berserk. His duel against Obelisk Force, against Crow, against Barrett where Zarc nearly resurrected.
"All this time, I was powerless." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "Though I was slowly regaining my strength as I am now. However, history repeated itself."
The next scene was of Yuya after his defeat of Yuri. Yuya shivered, remembering this as the moment when Zarc took full control.
"I won Declan." said Yuya. "You wanted me to focus on winning and I won."
Yuya's hair then began to spike up. Everyone present looked on in surprise.
"Yuya?" Riley asked tentatively.
"I won." said Yuya. He then turned and when he spoke next, his voice become Zarc's. "Just like you wanted."
Everyone looked on in shock.
"No, no!" Astrograph Sorcerer cried out.
"And from now on." said Yuya/Zarc. "There isn't any more dueltaining. Only winning!"
A tornado of dark mist then formed around Yuya. Astrograph Sorcerer was being pulled by the wind that the mist formed, pulled into the crystal.
"No, not again." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "Please not again!"
"You wanted a more brutal duel." said Zarc/Yuya. "So I gave it to you!"
"The rest is history, as they say." said Astrograph Sorcerer.
The scene then returned to the white void of Astrograph Sorcerer's homeworld.
"So Zarc promised to help you." said Yugo. "But turned his back on you instead."
"He could not handle the power I gave him." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "It consumed him and he made it his own. I should have-"
The are then began to get hazy as Astrograph Sorcerer let out a strained groan. He got on his hands and knees, moaning in pain.
"What's wrong?" Yuya asked.
"I've used up too much of my time." said Astrograph Sorcerer. "We will need to continue this another time."
There was a flash and then Yuya found himself back in his room. His counterparts then appeared as well.
"Are you okay?" Yuto asked.
"Yeah." said Yuya. "That was weird."
"Tell me about it." said Yuri. "But at least we have some more information."
"I think its time we told Declan." said Yuya. "We'll tell him tomorrow. He needs to know this. Somebody needs to know this."