Big thank you to KuriMaster13, dianekhri, Ulrich362, dvdryms, and Big duels for reviewing the previous chapter!
I hope you'll enjoy reading this chapter!
INNER SHRINE – GRAND SHRINE – SOUTH – DUEL MONSTER REALM
A loud thunderous lightning stopped Benmaru from beginning his Draw Phase. The three Duelists looked up to see the sky darkened. From the clouds, a lightning bolt down, shaking the earth. Benmaru and the others shielded their eyes from the blinding light.
From the smoke, they saw a silhouette of a person along with an announcement from their Duel Disks.
{{DUEL INTRUSTION: BATTLE ROYAL MODE}}
Rowan emerged from the smoke, Duel Disk activated and has started his Draw Phase.
"He is Apophis' offspring, Rowan!" Ginger recognized the guy from the file shared by Serena. After their encounter with Shiki at the mall, Yuno gathered the Lancers and explained them about the Apophis offspring that they haven't met. Although, the meeting was cut short, because of an emergency situation that time, so Yuno didn't get a chance to reveal about Kamui and Zira, which is why Sawatari, Allen, and Sayaka didn't recognize them when they first met.
"The Dragon of Calamity's offspring? Perfect timing! I'll show those Superheavy Samurais that we are strong enough to defeat an Apophis offspring!" Honmaru declared, welcoming the challenge from the said offspring.
"Is he planning to take the power too?" Benmaru wondered warily.
"My Turn! From my hand, I summon Knight of the End (ATK: 1400 / DEF: 1200 / LV: 4)!" Rowan summoned Knight of the End in Attack Position.
"When this card is summoned, I can send a DARK-Attribute monster from my Deck to the Graveyard." Rowan sent Ritual Djinn Demolisher (ATK: 1500 / DEF: 600 / LV: 3) from his Deck to his Graveyard.
"I activate Ritual Magic: Ritual of Salvation to perform Ritual Summon." Rowan revealed his Ritual Spell Card, but before he performed Ritual Summon, he pressed the screen of his Duel Disk that showed Djinn Demolisher in the Graveyard.
"When I'm about to Ritual Summon, I can banish Ritual Djinn Demolisher from my Graveyard as 1 of the monsters required for the Ritual Summon." Rowan banished Djinn Demolisher, allowing its spirit to appear by Knight of the End's side as a white altar bathed in light appeared on the Field. Both monsters became flames that lit the altar.
"I use Knight of the End and Djinn Demolisher! Ritual Summon! Appear! Level 7! Beautiful Goddess of Salvation – Northwemko (ATK: 2700 / DEF: 1200 / LV: 7)!" Rowan summoned Northwemko in Attack Position in the Main Zone.
"Battle! I attack directly with Northwemko!" Rowan pointed at Benmaru whose Field was empty due to Honmaru's previous Battle Phase. Northwemko pointed its staff towards Benmaru, shooting a bright stream of light.
"I activate Tsunayo-C's last effect! By banishing it from Graveyard, I can Special Summon all of its Link Materials from Graveyard with their effects negated and their ATKs and DEFs became 0, and then end the Battle Phase!" Benmaru declared, reviving heavily weakened Hisu-E, Jisha-Q, Horagai, and Kageboshi from his Graveyard, but allowed them to end the Battle before Northwemko's attack could reach him. His four monsters used themselves as a shield to protect him from the attack, causing their armors to crack.
"I set 2 cards and end my Turn." Rowan finished his Turn.
"What are you plotting?!" Benmaru questioned the Apophis offspring.
"We can't have you becoming stronger any more than you already have, so I obviously I came to stop you from gaining that power." Rowan answered.
"How did you even get here?! The Rift has been sealed!" Ginger questioned.
"I have no reason to answer to that question to my enemies." Rowan replied, refusing to answer.
"I knew it. Benmaru, I'll lend you a hand!" Ginger took out his Duel Disk, ready to join the Duel. However, he stopped when Benmaru held out his hand at him.
"No! This is my Duel! Don't interfere, Ginger! I can handle this!" Benmaru insisted, narrowing his eyes at Rowan. Regardless of the interference, it's still his trial to prove himself worthy to gain the power of the legendary Superheavy Samurai monster.
"I tune Hisu-E with Jisha-Q, Horagai, and Kageboshi!" Benmaru declared, performing Synchro Summon.
"Oh, steadfast fiendish divines! Grasp tightly on my fist's resolve. Become the fiend of iron and run across the battlefield. Synchro Summon! Now, come before us. Appear! Level 12! Superheavy Steam Oni Tetsudo-O (ATK: 2000 / DEF: 4800 / LV: 12)!" Benmaru summoned his strongest Monster in Defense Position in the Main Zone.
Honmaru was taken aback by the appearance of the Synchro Monster. He then realized that Benmaru could have summoned it before on his first Turn instead of summoning that Link Monster. Why didn't he do that? Was he looking down on him? Was he only playing around?
"You! Stop messing around! So, you're also like them, after all! You're looking down on us the whole time! That's why you didn't summon that Monster earlier!" Honmaru accused Benmaru furiously.
"You got it wrong. I always take my opponent seriously. The only reason I didn't summon Tetsudo-O earlier is because he didn't want me to summon him. There are times I depend on him too much, so that's why I followed his request and didn't summon him on my first Turn." Benmaru replied calmly. Tetsudo-O knew the importance of relying all of his monsters to avoid creating an imbalance in his Deck. Benmaru was grateful for his monster to show concern for his growth as Duelist, and he trusted his monster, and thus, he agreed to his request without question. But now that a much dangerous opponent has appeared, Tetsudo-O's power is necessary to fight against the offspring.
"Tetsudo-O can attack while in Defense Position! Battle! I attack Northwemko with Tetsudo-O!" Benmaru declared Battle Phase. Tetsudo-O activated its engine, running towards the Ritual Monster with burning flames thrusting his speed.
"I activate Northwemko's effect! I can choose two Monsters my opponent controls up to the number of Ritual materials used to summon it. As long as those monsters are in the Field, Northwemko cannot be destroyed by effects!" Rowan declared, choosing Tetsudo-O and the Great General of Six Warmen as his targets.
"What's the point of activating that effect? Benmaru is going to destroy it through Battle." Ginger wondered.
"Trap Card: Northwemko's Wish! When I control Northwemko and activated its effect, I can equip this card, and Northwemko cannot be destroyed by Battle!" Rowan revealed, equipping the Trap Card to his Ritual Monster, allowing it to block Tetsudo-O's attack simply by pointing its staff at the train-like monster.
"But you still take damage!" Benmaru reminded.
ROWAN LP: 4000 = 1900
"When I take Battle Damage, I can activate Trap Card: Djinn's Three Wishes! I can choose between the effects to activate!" Rowan opened his second Trap Card. There were three effects to choose: First is to summon one Level 4 Monster from Deck in Defense Position, second is to recover LP by 500, and third is to add a Magic or Trap from Deck to hand.
"I summon a Level 4 Monster from my Deck!" Rowan summoned Hand-Holding Djinn (ATK: 1000 / DEF: 1600 / LV: 4) from his Deck in Defense Position in the Main Zone.
"While Hand-Holding Magician is on the Field, my opponent cannot attack monsters I control except this one." Rowan revealed.
"I end my Turn." Benmaru concluded. He eyed Rowan carefully. He heard that Rio and Kino once were beaten by this guy, so he mustn't let his guard down for even a second until the Duel is truly over. Going against an Apophis offspring is fighting until either one is down for good. He could die if he let himself open.
Honmaru noticed Benmaru's attention now focused solely on Rowan. It was almost like he didn't even pay attention to Honmaru anymore even though he was his opponent first. He ignored him and his friends just like that. That was insulting. He wouldn't take it. For the sake of his friends who had fought honorably by his side and those who were no longer there who met a noble death, he must offer them glory to prove that they were the best.
"My Turn! I activate Shien's effect! By detaching Overlay Unit, I can increase Great General of Six Warmen's original ATK to 2000!" Honmaru once again increased Great General's ATK and combined it with his 20 Bushido Counters, increasing the Link Monster's ATK to 4000.
"I summon Relic of the Six Warmen (ATK: 500 / DEF: 500 / LV: 3)!" Honmaru summoned the deep blue armored samurai Monster in Attack Position in the Main Zone pointed by Great General's Link Arrow, increasing the Bushido Counters by 4 due to the Link Monster's and the Continuous Magic Card's effects, increasing Great General's ATK to 4400.
"I activate Relic of Six Warmen's first effect! I can equip this card to Great General and increase its ATK by 500!" Honmaru equipped Relic to Great General, increasing the Link Monster's ATK to 4900.
"An ATK of 4900. His monster is the strongest Monster on the Field right now...!" Ginger thought. He hoped that Honmaru wouldn't target Tetsudo-O for his attack. Benmaru at the moment has no means to defend himself if Tetsudo-O is destroyed, and that'll give Rowan the chance to finish him on his Turn. Fortunately, Ginger's wish was fulfilled.
"Battle! I attack Hand-Holding Djinn with Shien!" Honmaru declared at Rowan's Monster. Shien slashed the Djinn into two, destroying it. With the Djinn destroyed, Honmaru and Benmaru were now free to attack Northwemko even if it couldn't be destroyed.
"Battle! I attack Northwemko with Great General of Six Warmen!" Honmaru declared Battle Phase. Great General stood from sitting position and then ran towards the Ritual Monster. It couldn't be destroyed, but Rowan will still take damage. He only has 1900 LP left, so it'll be over for him once the attack connects.
"I activate Northwemko's Wish's effect. By unequipping this card, I can negate destruction by Battle and halve the damage!" Rowan unequipped the Trap Card he activated earlier, protecting Northwemko from Great General's sword that was blocked by an invisible force, and halved the strength of its attack.
ROWAN LP: 1900 = 800
"I end my Turn." Honmaru clicked his tongue at the close call. He almost got him. Since his Turn was over, Shien's effect ends, reverting Great General's ATK to 3900.
"My Turn. I activate Ritual Magic: Ritual of Massacre. By banishing Monster on my Field and my Graveyard as Ritual Materials, I can summon a Monster equal to the total Levels of the banished Monsters." Rowan banished Northwemko and Knight of the End, summoning an altar with pure black box surrounded by four lanterns with purple flames and green-colored magic circle beneath it.
"Almighty being who brings forth to the lost ones. Ascend to the world and erase the hope from the world! Ritual Summon! Appear! Level 11! God of Djinn – Garnashia (ATK: 4500 / DEF: 3000 / LV: 11)!" Rowan summoned a black-colored genie-like Monster with silver hair, wearing a transparent grey mixed with red colored robe. It has no legs and its arms were that of beasts.
"When Garnashia is Ritual Summoned, I can target all Attack Position Monsters on the Field except itself. Those monsters are destroyed and banished. This effect cannot be negated and all my opponent's monsters, Magic, and Trap effects are negated!" Rowan revealed as Garnashia unleashed a thunderous red cloud that strikes Honmaru's Shien and Great General, destroying them.
"No way! In an instant, he destroyed Honmaru's monsters just like that!" Benmaru was shocked. To think there're still offspring who are this strong. Their battle ahead would be much more difficult than he originally thought.
"Dammit!" Honmaru cursed. He has nothing left on his Field to defend himself.
"Battle. I attack directly with Garnashia." Rowan declared Battle Phase. Garnashia moved its cloud right above Honmaru, sending a lightning bolt down to Garnashia. The lightning was too quick for the Superheavy Samurai to dodge.
HONMARU LP: 4000 = 0
Honmaru was lying on the ground. He was struggling to get up from the attack. A difficult feat because his body was paralyzed. He was almost close to black out.
"I set a card and end my Turn." Rowan concluded.
"Honmaru!" Benmaru exclaimed in concern. He ran towards the fallen Superheavy Samurai to help. However, when he tried to help him stand, the Samurai slapped his hand away, refusing the help.
"We're enemies! I don't need your pity! You fight with regard for your opponent's life. How can you use your full strength like that? I trained together with my friends on the edge between life and death just for this! Don't insult us with your sympathy!" Honmaru yelled sharply at Benmaru. He mustered up all of his strength to stand up, standing wobbly, but still raised his Duel Disk, ready to restart.
"I will win this Duel and prove our worth!" Honmaru stated firmly.
"You are wrong, Honmaru." Benmaru told the weakened Superheavy Samurai Monster, earning him a glare from the said Monster.
"With that Deck, you are strong. But inside, your heart, is weak. I understand you want to give your friends the glory they deserve. But that exactly what makes your heart weak." Benmaru said, turning his back on Honmaru to return to his spot.
"What was that?!" Honmaru spat out angrily at Benmaru.
"Right now, you're not fighting for the sake of your friends! You're unleashing your hatred because of them! You have lost your way!" Benmaru pointed his finger at Honmaru to emphasize his mean, taking Honmaru aback.
"Of course, this also goes the same for Big Benkei and the other Superheavy Samurai monsters in the village. They have also got their prides into their heads that they have forgotten the kinship they have with you and your friends. There shouldn't be any reason for the same kin to hate one another! What of their rule, their creed, though you might howl about it all times, those are nothing but empty words! Instead of continue to live in conflict, you should think about what you can do for the future together!"
Benmaru has learned from the war last year and the battle before this. Synchro Dimension was almost destroyed because back then the citizens were divided into Commons and Tops that tried to take down one another. If Yuya and Jack didn't interfere, either Roget or Academia would have brought hell on earth. And then, Cantidel. They were divided between the nobility, reformist, and the neutral faction. Again, they would be in a much bigger mess if only the Lancers and Yuno didn't interfere and unite the whole factions.
"All of you wants the same thing: to protect the ones and the home you care for. Then, wouldn't it be better, if you protect them together? If you really are a samurai, then you must know what is the best path to protect what is precious to you, without straying from your way."
They all have a common enemy, so why would they fight against each other when they could have work together to protect their world? It's the same for these samurais. Maybe it's not his place to say that since he's a human and not even one you can consider a true samurai, but as someone who also has people and home he wishes to protect, he wishes to help them in any way he can.
As Benmaru prepared to start his Turn, the altar from the inner shrine started to shine, letting out blue-colored light. The orb of light came out from the altar and floating above the three Duelists. The flame briefly took form of a Superheavy Samurai Monster with a full-bodied grey armor with red parts designed to look like exposed muscle tissue, as well as back armor that resembles a spine. It also wore a menacing helmet with the appearance of a skeletal demon. Its gauntlets are black and its hakama tucked into its dark green greaves with gold decorations.
"I have been waiting for the one who is able to reach and embrace that answer. You're able to understand the true essence of our kind, and thus, you have proven your worth. I shall lend you my power for the fight that is to come."
The Superheavy Samurai Monster went into Benmaru's Deck, accepting him as its wielder. Benmaru could feel the surge of power coming from his Deck. He might be able to win with this power now.
"Thank you." Benmaru thanked his new Monster.
"You sure got some spunk and head, for a human."
Benmaru turned to Honmaru who fell on his knees, his legs have given up from Benmaru's outburst earlier. He hated to admit it, but the human was right. Honmaru was rendered speechless by his words. He couldn't think of anything to retort his every word. The fact that he took it seriously and unable to deny it, was the proof that he knew what Benmaru was saying was true, and he admitted it. He was too clouded by the need to succeed that he overlooked what's the most important. What he did wouldn't bring glory for his friends, it'll just worsen the rift between them and the Superheavy Samurai monsters.
"...I guess I'll lend you a hand and observe you..." Honmaru turned into an orb of light that went into Benmaru's Deck, effectively surrendering the Duel.
"My Turn! I summon Superheavy Samurai Honmaru (ATK: 200 / DEF: 1400 / LV: 3)!" Benmaru summoned Honmaru in Defense Position in the Main Zone next to Tetsudo-O.
"When Honmaru is Normal Summoned, it can be treated as two Monsters. With this, I open the circuit!" Benmaru summoned the Link Summoning Circuit, confirming the arrowhead and setting Honmaru in the Link Markers, combining the circuit.
"Link Summon! Apppear! Link 2! Superheavy Samurai Aku-B (ATK: 2000 / LINK: 2 / LM: Bottom, Right)!" Benmaru summoned his new Link Monster in Attack Position in the Link Monster Zone.
"I activate Aku-B's first effect! When this card is Link Summoned, I can negate the effects of all monsters my opponent controls on the Field!" Benmaru declared. Aku-B threw one of its swords, stabbing the genie-like Monster on its abdomen.
"Battle! I attack Garnashia with Tetsudo-O!" Benmaru declared Battle Phase. Tetsudo-O once again charged forward at the Ritual Monster, hitting it at full speed. Garnashia caught Tetsudo-O with its bare hands and tried to push it back, but Tetsudo-O's force was too powerful for the Ritual Monster to endure, eventually striking it down.
ROWAN LP: 800 = 500
"You got it, Benmaru! Now all that left is use Aku-B to–" Ginger cheered, thinking that Benmaru got this. He expected for Benmaru then to use Aku-B to declare Direct Attack and end Garnashia's LP. However...
"I activate Garnashia's second effect." Rowan declared calmly the moment Garnashia left the Field.
"What?!" Benmaru exclaimed, not expecting Rowan to activate an effect now.
"Once per Turn, when Garnashia leaves the Field, I can banish the opposing Monster!" Rowan revealed, pointing at Tetsudo-O who was caught by Garnashia's haunting spirit's giant hands. The spirit of the Ritual Monster crushed the Synchro Monster until it exploded, destroying it.
"Impossible!" Benmaru yelled out in dismay at his Monster's destruction. He quickly tried to regain his composure, reminding himself he still has Honmaru by his side. Unfortunately, his last hope was immediately crushed like his Tetsudo-O earlier.
"And then I can inflict damage equal to half the original ATK or DEF according to its position of the banished Monster!" Rowan added. Garnashia's spirit turned to Benmaru. Using its right fist, it threw Benmaru flying up, reducing his remaining LP.
"Darn it! I can't fall now! I can't die yet...!"
BENMARU LP: 1150 = 0
"Benmaru!" Ginger rushed into the field as Benmaru fell flat to the ground, coughing out blood from the impact and barely conscious. His entire body was hurt. While it wasn't his real body, he was positive that it'll still feel hurt once he returned to the real world.
"He is getting too cocky just because he gained two new Monsters. He let himself open. What a fool." Rowan stated coldly.
Ginger gasped when Rowan was approaching. Ginger stood protectively in front of Benmaru, glaring at the Apophis offspring. He clicked the screen of his Duel Disk, sending a message back to the HQ. Their little trip has just turned unexpectedly turned worse than he imagined.
"I'm your next opponent!" Ginger challenged the Apophis offspring, activating his Duel Disk.
MEADOW – EAST – DUEL MONSTER REALM
The meadow was a glorious expanse of grass and flowers, grass rustling gently in the breeze. There was a narrow brook flowing through it choked with weeds. Tall water-mint with pale lilac flowers, like dozens of tiny bells were growing at the edge of the brook. There was a shallow ditch at edge of the meadow. The grass was thick and lush grass, growing in dense tussocks. The oak tree provided sun-flecked shade, a cool and refreshing respite from the mid-summer sun. The rutted track, once boggy was mud hardened and cracked. The meadow lay peaceful in the thickening light of late afternoon.
Odd-Eyes didn't know why he came here. When he fell from the ravine with Yuya, he was sure that they were going to die. He could only hug Yuya tightly as they fell. When he opened his eyes, he was back in his dragon form in the middle of a forest with Yuya by his side. From his form and the atmosphere of his surrounding, he could tell that they have somehow ended up in the Duel Monster realm. He quickly checked on Yuya, and to his surprise, his body was surrounded by a warm light. To add to his surprise, the light slowly closed his injuries, including the fatal ones. The light was familiar. It was the same light that Ma'at's blessing emitting.
However, Yuya, hasn't regained his consciousness no matter how hard Odd-Eyes tried to wake him. While Yuya's injuries were healed, his heartbeat and breathing were so shallow that even the dichromatic-eyed dragon wasn't sure if Yuya was truly alive. It was already a miracle that he was still a human even though they have stumbled into the Duel Monster realm where living humans cannot enter. As it'll be dangerous to stay in the forest, Odd-Eyes carried Yuya and left the forest. He didn't have any place in particular to go to, so he just aimlessly walked to the path that he thought would be good for them through his hunch.
And that's how they're now at the meadow. This meadow is beautiful and serene, so he thought this place would be perfect for Yuya to rest until he knew what to do next. Odd-Eyes couldn't contain his tears when he saw his master. He thought he had lost him. He was so afraid, so scared, when Yuya fell. And now, his master is not dead, but he's not alive either. It broke his heart to see his master like this. He was afraid that his master will leave from this world at any moment.
"Odd-Eyes! Yuya!"
Odd-Eyes raised his head, turning his head right and left when he heard his and Yuya's name being called. And the voices that calling for him were...
Odd-Eyes beamed when he saw his sister and her master approaching them. He didn't know why they're here, but it doesn't matter. After everything that he went through, meeting them felt like a reunion after years being separated.
"Starve Venom! Yuri!" Odd-Eyes shouted back, leaping to Starve Venom in joy. Starve Venom was taken aback, but gently nuzzled her youngest brother. She didn't show it, but she was as much relieved and happy as he was.
"I thought you're dead!" Starve Venom told her brother.
"I know! I thought I was dead too when we fell!" Odd-Eyes replied cheerfully. He knew what he said wasn't supposed to be a good thing, but he was just so happy to meet his sister.
"What happened to Yuya?" Yuri asked, kneeling beside Yuya.
"In a coma...I guess." Odd-Eyes answered unsurely.
"How is this even possible?" Yuri inquired. He checked for Yuya's heartbeat, pulse, and breathing. They were weak, but still there. Yuya was barely alive. But what Yuri was curious the most was that there's no injury even though the report said that Yuya received a heavy blow on his chest, causing him to bleed. But there was not even a bruise on Yuya's body.
"I think...it's Ma'at's blessing. When I woke up, Yuya was surrounded with this light, similar when Yukiya used it the blessing for the first time. The light slowly healed all of Yuya's injuries and prevent him from dying." Odd-Eyes explained. While he wasn't sure it was true, but it's the only plausible explanation he could think of.
"But it only healed his body's injuries. He's still at death's door. He better not opens the door any time soon." Yuri pointed out. He knew that Yuya was not completely out of danger yet. It was already a miracle Yuya managed to survive the attack, so Yuri won't count on a second miracle to happen. They need to do something fast.
"Why didn't you return if you're still alive?" Starve Venom asked.
"I'm not sure what to do with Yuya's condition. Something might happen if I move him around too much." Odd-Eyes answered sheepishly, lowering his head in apology for worrying her and the others.
"The blessing." Yuri said, interrupting the two dragons. Yuri could sense that there were still some of Ma'at's blessing in Yuya. It hasn't disappeared yet, and it also what's keeping him alive in this realm, but not enough to wake him up.
"Maybe, if I combine my whole blessing with what remains in Yuya, we can save him." Yuri theorized, looking at both his hands. He barely used the blessing given by Ma'at through Yukiya, so there's still plenty of that power inside of him. If he uses them all combined with Yuya's, maybe it'll give more energy to bring back Yuya.
"But if you do that, you won't be able to defeat Apophis' offspring for good." Odd-Eyes reminded. Ma'at's blessing was the only thing that could defeat Apophis and his offspring, expelling the dark forces from the vessel and erased them from the Earth. Without it, even if they won against them in a Duel, they'll still remain alive.
"We can think about that later. Yuya is the most important right now." Yuri replied sharply. He didn't wait for or need any permission, and he was sure that both Odd-Eyes and Starve Venom agreed that Yuya was their top priority at the moment. Yuri placed both of his hands on Yuya's chest. Closing his eyes, he concentrated, transferring all of his blessing into Yuya. White light moved from Yuri's entire body to Yuya's, surrounding the Pendulum user's entire body. It stayed that way for a couple of minutes until the light dissipated.
Yuri, Odd-Eyes, and Starve Venom stared at Yuya nervously, praying that the boy would show any sign of improvement. It didn't take a second for them to see Yuya's finger moved. His eyelids moved, frowning before slowly opening, revealing his red-colored eyes. The eyes blinking slowly before turning to meet Yuri's violet ones.
"Yu...ri...?" Yuya called out weakly.
Before Yuri could respond, he was pushed to the side by Odd-Eyes who tackled his master with flowing tears.
"YUYAAAA!" Odd-Eyes hugged his master while nuzzling his head.
"Ow! Ouch! That hurts, Odd-Eyes!" Yuya cried out. Fortunately, his dragon quickly let go of him.
"It's your fault! Worrying us like that!" Odd-Eyes retorted. He lowered his head until he reached to grass, tears continue to flow down. Yuya's gaze softened at his dragon's crying form. He instantly remembered when he was dying. The distraught expression on Odd-Eyes' face while he was holding him. If they were to switch position, Yuya would have reacted the same.
"That's right. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you guys like that." Yuya kindly hugged his dragon's head, which Odd-Eyes returned with a lick.
Yuri and Starve Venom sighed at the sight. It was like they were not even there. Yuri sighed, feeling tired all of a sudden that he sit down. There was a lot he wanted to tell Yuya, but for now, he'll let them be. He smiled. All that matters was Yuya is alive. He couldn't wait to see how everyone would react once they see him.
"But...humans can't survive in the Duel Monster realm unless they die, right? So, how come I'm still alive here?" Yuya asked, inspecting his own body. His injuries were gone like it was never there. He was sure that Apophis has pierced his chest. It was hurt a lot.
"You're protected by Ma'at's blessing. I combined our blessings to bring you back and also to protect you from dying in this realm." Yuri explained.
"I see. Thank you, Yuri. I owe you a big time." Yuya hugged his Fusion counterpart, feeling very grateful. He expected that Yuri would tell him to pull away, but surprisingly, Yuri returned his hug with a pat on his back. That was the first. Yuri would usually tell him to back off or pushing him back. Looks like Yuri was worried about him. Very worried.
"Anyway, let's go back. Everyone will rejoice once they see you alive." Yuri stood up, pulling Yuya with him, but his Pendulum Counterpart then pulled his hand away from Yuri's.
"No." Yuya said softly but firmly.
"What?" Yuri blinked in question.
"No. I can't go back yet." Yuya shook his head to make his point.
"What are you saying? Ma'at's blessing won't protect you for long in this realm. If you don't leave quick, you'll die again here." Starve Venom reminded.
"That's not it. I mean, I can't go back to where everyone is for a while." Yuya frowned sadly.
"Why is that?" Yuri questioned again.
"Yuzu...still can't get over with my death." Yuya answered, confusing Yuri and the others. "I-I don't know how to explain this, but, while I was unconscious, I saw Yuzu. She looked so depressed and almost lost her will because of my death."
"Yeah. That's why you need to go back so she'll regain her spirit again." Yuri retorted, but Yuya shook his head firmly in refusal.
"No, Yuri. That's precisely why I can't. Even if I go back, what then? If I happen to die for good in the next battle, Yuzu will be depressed again like the way she is now." Yuya argued.
"Just because you died once, now you're being so pessimistic? We have learned from the Duel last night, so no one will die again." Yuri argued back, his tone started to sound annoyed by his insistence. However, Yuya also refused to back down.
"I'm not being pessimistic. I'm being realistic. Even if we survived, we'll eventually die either by accident or sickness or old age later on. Death is something inevitable that we must accept. In this war, no doubt there'll be sacrifices, there will be people who will lose their lives and we're no exception to that possibility." Yuya reminded. It's not like he's sure that they're going to die, but they being confident doesn't mean that they forget that one possibility no matter how painful it is. They're at war. That's a reality. Reality won't always go the way they hope.
"Don't be mistaken, Yuri. I really want to meet Yuzu, Yukiya, and everyone again. But, not now. I know I'm being cruel, but Yuzu must have the resolve to let go of me when I die. If not, then, when the time come again, she can't accept my death like now." Yuya tried hard not to cry. He clenched his fists together. He didn't know how long it has been, but he missed his friends and family already like he has been gone for years. He wanted to meet and hug Yuzu into his arms. He wanted to play with Yukiya like they usually do. He wanted to train his D-Wheel skill with Yugo. He wanted to exchange knowledge of his Deck with Yuto to improve each other. He wanted to be with everyone's side. He missed them greatly. But he couldn't. Not now.
"The same also goes for all of you. We have to steel our hearts for the worst-case scenario whether we like it or not." Yuya told his Fusion Counterpart. It wasn't just about him and Yuzu, but also all of them who were involved in this cruel war. "Once everyone has made their resolve, I will return without a doubt. Until then, please, don't let anyone else, especially Yuzu, know about this."
Yuya stared straight into Yuri's eyes without budging. Yuri narrowed his eyes, trying to force him into changing his mind. However, it's not use, Yuya won't turn away. He has made his decision. He was prepared for the consequence. Reluctantly, Yuri gave up.
"I don't like it, but you do have a point there." Yuri sighed, ruffling his hair. He couldn't deny what Yuya said was right. If something were to happen to Serena and Dennis, he's not sure he could handle it well. Imagining the same thing to befall on them, Yuri realized he hasn't made his resolve. "Fine. I'll keep this quiet for now."
"Thanks, Yuri." Yuya smiled gratefully mixed with guilt.
"Still, what are you going to do now? You have to leave quickly before the time runs out." Yuri asked. Yuya only has around several hours or a whole day at best before the blessing can no longer protect him.
"Odd-Eyes knew another exit other than the one you used. We'll return through that one. But before that, there's a place I want to visit." Yuya said, riding on Odd-Eyes, but didn't stand like he usually did with his monster.
"Where?"
"I think you should come too, Yuri."
ENTRANCE – CAVE OF DESIRE – MOUNTAIN – MILLIA – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V
When Sara, Reiji, and Yuhei arrived at the place Yuhei told them, they didn't expect to see Celica and Johan there as well. They waited until the helicopter descended and landed safely, allowing them to get off. Using the helicopter was the right choice, otherwise it would have taken a whole day to reach the cave. When she looked at it at first glance, Sara thought it was just an ordinary scary cave. But when she stepped closer, there was this chill that shook her entire body almost to the core. She quickly retracted her thought. This was definitely not an ordinary cave.
"What are you doing here?" Celica asked, not expecting them to come.
"That should be our line, Mom!" Yuhei asked his now step-mother. While his siblings have still a little bit trouble of calling Celica 'Mom', Yuhei didn't need to wait even need a minute to call her so, immediately referring her new family title right after she and Yuno officially made husband and wife.
"We're waiting for Yuzu to come out from the cave. She's undergoing a trial right now." Celica answered.
"Wait, Yuzu is in there?!" Yuhei repeated in shock, hoping he misheard Celica. Sara and Reiji quickly turned pale at the answer they heard.
"Yes. She's in a horrible state, so I brought her here to clear her mind. I did the same thing before in this cave." Celica explained.
"No! That's not good, Mom! There's an entrance to the Duel Monster realm inside that cave!" Yuhei revealed in panic. People who didn't return after entering the cave must have lost and entered the Duel Monster realm by accident, which usually resulted with them reincarnated into Duel Monsters.
"Wait, what?! There's an entrance to the Duel Monster realm inside?!" Celica repeated. She didn't stumble on such a thing when she last entered the cave.
"Yes! You and a few people were lucky not to end up there! What if Yuzu enter the Duel Monster realm?! She's not gonna coming back alive!" Yuhei held his head with both his hands. It was already bad enough with Yuzu being so depressed by Yuya's death, and now it was like she was going to follow him to the death.
"I'll go in! It's my responsibility as her mentor!" Johan volunteered to go, but stopped by Yuhei.
"I told you, it's too dangerous for humans to go in there! I'll go! I'm a Duel Monster!" Yuhei pulled Johan back away from the cave.
Sara stared at the cave, worrying for Yuzu's well-being. It'll be too risky if all of them go inside. The best option was to let Yuhei go in there alone like he has suggested. Yuhei knew this better than them, so he'll be able to find Yuzu and bring her back safely.
"We have to go in there."
Sara gasped. Ray's voice was ringing in her head, urging her to go. Without even thinking, she just ran, ignoring the shouts that was trying to stop her. She just ran and dashed into the cave before any hand could reach her. Yuhei didn't need to wait and ran after her, leaving the dumbstruck Celica, Johan, and Reiji outside.
"It'll be too reckless if we go in as well. Let's try to contact HQ and asked Haruna-san. She should know what to do, since she's a Holy Elf." Reiji suggested, holding Celica's arm once noticing her movement. If he hadn't, she would have chase after Yuhei and Sara inside.
Celica couldn't argue with Reiji. She relented. She never thought that it would be like this.
She joined her hands in prayer, wishing for the safety of her family.
CAVE OF DESIRE – MOUNTAIN – MILLIA – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V
Sara didn't think when she was running inside the cave. She just let her feet and the voice inside her mind guiding her. The cold darkness of the cave made her feel sticky and suffocated. Her clothes and hair, slick with perspiration, clung to her skin. Cold sweat rolled down her skin in thick, salty beads. She could feel her heart throbbing inside her chest. Her skin felt like it was freezing from the cold despite her constantly moving her body. She began bouncing slightly as she jogged, which wore her out quickly. But she didn't stop herself from continuing her way.
It was strange. Even though it was so dark here that she couldn't see a thing, she didn't hit any rocky wall or the sort. There was nothing in her way.
Then, she saw the light. She knew that the light could lead her to the Duel Monster Realm. It could kill her. But the chance wasn't zero that it'll lead to where Yuzu is. There's no time to think. She ran towards the light.
Yuzu fell on her knees, hugging herself while tears falling uncontrollably from her eyes. She sobbed as she saw more of her memories with her most precious person. Each and every one of them were so precious to her. She could relive this moment over and over again.
If it means she could hear his voice again. If it means she could see his smile again...
"I want to stay here forever..." Yuzu thought while watching more of her memories. She didn't want to leave. She wanted to be with Yuya. This place gave that chance to her.
"Now, that's a very sad soul you have. How disappointing."
Yuzu gasped when a loud voice echoed throughout the place. She almost fell from the shock.
There was a presence behind her.
Turning around, Yuzu saw the person she didn't expect to see.
"You're... Ray...?"
Sara blinked when Yuzu identified her. True, she was Ray's reincarnation and so identical to her, but she Yuzu should still be able to tell the difference and won't mistake her as her previous incarnation. But yet, the way Yuzu was staring at her was like she was seeing her past self. Sara opened her mouth, but then realized that her mouth moved on its own and the tone that came out was not hers.
"It's been a while, Yuzu." Ray answered.
Sara was surprised. She didn't know how, but somehow, Ray has taken over her body. She was borrowing her body to speak directly with Yuzu. Was this because of the influence of the cave?
"You can't go on like this, Yuzu." Ray told her Standard fragment. She looked down on Yuzu who was still staring at her in bewilderment. "When I died, you're not like this."
Yuzu looked away from her criticizing stare, looking down at her hands while fiddling with it.
"That was...different..." Yuzu answered unconvincingly.
"What's the difference? People died, Yuzu. Me, Zarc, Father, and eventually your father, Ayu-chan, Tatsuya-kun, Futoshi-kun, and everyone else will eventually die. Yuya is the same." Ray said passively with a neutral tone that neither gentle nor cruel. However, her words hurt Yuzu nevertheless.
"That's not it! Yuya was killed! He was killed!" Yuzu tried to cover her ears, not wanting to hear what she feared the most.
"Then, if Yuya died because of old age, illness, or accident, you can accept it? I don't think so." Ray retorted. She kneeled, so she's at the same height as Yuzu.
"What you're doing right now, is no different than ignoring your pain. Trying to ignore your pain or keep it from surfacing will only make it worse in the long run. This is not something that Yuya would want. You must face your grief and actively deal with it." Ray placed her hands at Yuzu's, gently removing them from her hand, but Yuzu still refuse to look at Ray.
"I know how it feels to lose someone who is the most important to you. You feel like you want to just follow to where he is. But that's not right. You mustn't think that losing your most important person is the end of the world. Especially, when your most important person left something precious behind." Ray recalled when she was forced to fight Zarc. Her heart ached when she lost him and became a demon. She confronted him in hope of vanishing together with him. This was wrong. She didn't save his soul. His soul was still tormented, and so did she. But, thanks to Yuya and Yuzu, they were able to find peace. And it's not like they were gone forever. They left their hope and dreams through their Duel against Yuya and Yuzu, and in return, their Duel inspired many and the new generations carried their hope and feelings.
"Yuya has left many things for us, for you. If you stay here, indulging yourself in this illusion, it'll be no different from forgetting Yuya." Ray added. Yuzu still won't budge, but Ray could sense the girl's heart slightly moved. Ray could see herself in Yuzu. It shouldn't be weird, since they were originally the same person. Yuzu was a part of her.
Ray closed her eyes, retreating to the deep sea of mind where she belonged. Sara regained control of her body, almost stumbling from the sudden switch. Ray didn't say anything more, but she knew what she must do. Ray left her to do the rest.
"Yuya, had let go of Zarc." Sara told Yuzu gently.
"He has accepted that Zarc is no longer here. Moving on means you've accepted your loss—but that's not the same as forgetting. You can move on with your life and keep the memory of someone you lost as an important part of you." Sara has observed Yuya. From the way he spoke to Yukiya, from the way he acted, he no longer saw Yukiya as Zarc. He has learned to let go, accepting the fact that Zarc could never be replaced by anyone, and will always live in his heart.
"Yuya-kun has touched the hearts of many people. No one will forget about him. He'll always be remembered. That's why, you don't need to be afraid. If you ever forget, we'll remind you about Yuya-kun. There'll always be people who remember the wish and hope he left to us." Sara held Yuzu's hands together in hers and leaned until their foreheads touched.
"Yuya-kun wished to bring back peace to our world. He wished to protect us. We can't let his wish to die along with him. If we are gone, then so is Yuya-kun. There'll be nothing left of him. Yuya-kun wished to protect all of us, so we must look out for each other, continue his wish in his place." She tightened her grip on Yuzu's hands, but still gentle.
"Sora-kun sent us an SOS message. He, Gongezaka-kun, Yuri-kun, Serena-chan, Yura, and Kino-san are in trouble right now. We have to help them. You must help them. They need you, Yuzu. Don't let any more of our friends die. Don't let Yuya die in vain. Please. Stand up." Sara couldn't stop herself from tearing up.
After lowering her head for so long, Yuzu finally raised her head. She has been listening the whole time despite her effort to ignore it. The more she listened, the more she remembered of the moments she shared with Yuya last year until how he pushed her away from that critical attack that killed him. Since then, she regretted not doing anything back then. She thought she deserved to be punished for her failure to help him. But no matter how much she thought of it, she couldn't find the answer.
She thought of it since that night, but she couldn't find the answer to atone for her failure. And the more she thought of it, the more she wanted to see Yuya. She thought about Yuya, that she forgot something as much important.
Her father getting too worked up that she must hit him with her paper fan. Ayu, Futoshi, and Tatsuya waiting for her at You Show Duel School. She's riding her bicycle while Gongenzaka is jogging. Sora teaching her Fusion Summon. Sawatari gloating his so-called reputation. Yugo mistaking her for Rin that she must hit him. Serena asking her about common sense that she's not aware of. Rin teaching her D-Wheel mechanism. Ruri helping her cook. Johan introducing her more to his Duel Monsters. Celica teasing her.
Even through all her grief, there's one thing that she can't throw away.
She wanted to protect them.
Now in the present and from now on, in the future, people who continue to believe in her are waiting for her return.
The time will come she'll have to say goodbye to them. Death can never be avoided. That is part of life. However, their memories will always remain as part of the world even if they're gone. Accepting their deaths doesn't mean she'll forget them. In fact, as she moves through life, these memories can become more and more integral to defining the person she is.
For that reason, she must stand up.
She must fight.
It'll be painful when the time comes when death do them apart.
But they'll always be there in her memories.
To make sure they'll continue to live on...
Yuzu freed her hands from Sara's grip. She stood up and walked to where she dropped her Duel Disk. She picked it up and strapped it on her left wrist. She saw a few more bubbles that showed Yuya when he was dueling. Despite the pain, the agony, the sadness, he still continued to fight for the sake of his dream, the dueling he believe in, and the people he loved. Even when there were times he fell; he would rise up again.
She loved that side of him very much. She was such an idiot for forgetting that.
Now, it's her turn.
"I will fight and protect our friends."
NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW:
Winds of Synchronization – Yugo, who is trying to perfect his ability to synchronize his mind with his counterparts and monsters, tries to synchronize with his counterparts and Clear Wing. Meanwhile, the Holy Elves reveal the secret of the last Supreme King Dragon.
This chapter turned out longer than I expected. My fingers just continued typing until I'm satisfied. Alright, things will start moving again from the next chapter. Sorry for making you wait about Yuya and Odd-Eyes, and thank you for your patience. I'll say this again, I promise that there'll be a happy ending for this fanfic, just like the previous two installments :D
After this fanfic is over, I'm gonna do a rewrite of Arc-V Manga, but before that, I'm going to take a long break.
Please don't forget to review this chapter!
