Chapter 16 Serena vs. Barrett
Somewhere inside Academia, a man is sitting in a prison cell as he looks at the ceiling. He has been imprisoned for 3 years, but thanks to Chronos de Medici, he has been given better accommodations compared to the other prisoners.
Everything that he's thinking about is regret, if he didn't let Akaba Leo come into Academia, this wouldn't have happened. Everything has been too late, Academia has become a Duel Soldier's school and people come here to become the enemies of the Four dimensions.
Serena, Satoshi, Ryo, Jim, and O'brian arrive at the prison room and Jim says, "So this is where they put the prisoners inside?"
"Yeah...this is also where I used to stay..." Serena says bitterly. "According to Rin and Ruri, they were imprisoned in the West and East Towers, but I've been staying in there..."
"Seriously? But you did come out a lot of times." Satoshi says.
"That's because I'm not a prisoner, I'm just staying there so that the guards can watch me." Serena sighs.
"Serena! Guys!" They turn to see Yuya's group arriving at the place, but much to their surprise, even Chronos sensei is with them.
"Chronos sensei?" Satoshi asks. "But...what..."
Hana says, "Don't worry, Chronos sensei is on our side. He brought us here since he has to show us something."
"Signorina Serena, Signor Satoshi, Signor Ryo, Signor Jim, Signor O'Brian! To think all of you have survived..." Chrono says.
"Geez...I almost forgot how affectionate this teacher is..." Serena mutters.
Yuya says, "So Chronos sensei. What do you want to show us in the prison cell..."
Chronos says, "Right. Follow me."
After the 10 of them follow the teacher, they arrive in front of a cell, inside the cell, a lot of people gasp in surprise at who is inside. Ryo says, "Principal Samejima?"
The said person turns to see Ryo and the others, and he is surprised, "You guys..."
Chronos says, "I brought them here, Principal." He takes out the card key and opens the door, the other students rush inside and Hana asks, "Principal, you have been staying here this whole time?"
Samejima frowns and says, "Akaba Leo forcefully took my position. That man suddenly appeared in Academia, claiming to hail from another dimension to look for something. He explained many things to prove it and I thought he could help by teaching the students with his knowledge. However, when I found out about his true plan, I opposed him. Unfortunately, he already influenced most of the teachers and several students, convincing them to take me down from my position. As the result, I got imprisoned here for years..."
"I'm sorry to hear that..." Yusho says as the principal notice Yuya, Vivian, Reiji, and Yusho. "Who are you?"
Reiji says, "My name is Akaba Reiji, we're from the Standard Dimension and I'm the Leader of the Lancers, a group formed by strong duelists of the four dimensions dedicated to stopping Academia and Akaba Leo."
"So you're his other son?" Samejima asks, and Reiji nods.
Samejima turns to Yuya and says, "And you look just like Yuri...you must be Sakaki Yuya, right?"
"So you know me?" Yuya asks with surprise.
Samejima says, "One of Akaba Leo's plans: Revive Zero, I found out that in the other three dimensions there are children who also have the same faces as Yuri, Sona, and Serena..."
"So that's why the Professor has been forcing me to stay here." Serena sighs.
"However, the plan is eventually demolished a few months ago, and the only pictures left are Yuya, Yuni, and Yuzu." Samejima says.
"If I have to guess, it is because of Zarc, Zarine, and Ray." Yuya says. "And the Professor must want me to be killed as well."
"Anyway, Principal, since we're here, we should get out of here and stop the Professor." Ryo says. "You should come with us."
Samejima nods as he says, "Of course. There is something in the file that might need a lot of help."
"Too bad, but you aren't going anywhere." Yuya, Reiji, Hana, Serena, and Satoshi freeze as they turn around, only to see that Captain Barrett is standing in front of them.
"Captain...Barrett..." Serena mutters in shock.
"I was surprised even the war in Xyz Dimension has come to an end with the victory of Lancers." Barrett says. "And I never thought you would come straight to Academia as well."
"Just great...we really have another problem..." Yuya mutters.
"You know him, Yuya?" Yusho asks.
"He was the one leading the invasion of the Synchro Dimension, and he used to be Serena's bodyguard until Reiji defeated him back in Standard." Yuya says.
"Captain Barrett... so you're going to stop us this time?" Hana asks. "You do know that we have the numbers and some of us have beaten you. You don't stand a chance."
"Yes. I have failed my missions and disappointed the Professor twice. If I lose once again, I can't face the Professor and my fallen comrades. I'm shouldering the weight of will left behind by my fallen comrades and expectation from the Professor! If you want to face the Professor then you have to get through me." Barrett says.
Barrett activates his Duel Disk, and everyone can see his eyes, it is clouded as he is not sure what is right or wrong, but the loyalty and the iron will are what keeps him going on. Yuya also wants to respect the Duel Soldier because of that, if only he isn't his enemy.
"Then I'll duel you." Serena says as she steps forward. "In Standard and Synchro, your mission is to get me back here and protect my safety, however, I'll show you that I'm capable of taking care of myself."
"Very well." Barrett nods as Serena activates her Duel Disk and the Action Magic is scattered on the field. "Duel!" (Serena:4000)(Barrett:4000)
Barrett stares at his card and he starts to remember his past: Before becoming a Duelist serving under the Professor, he was a soldier loyally serving the military to protect his country. To him, the military, serving his country was his life. But when he was forced to retire, he had fallen into despair. He wandered around aimlessly without any purpose. He spent all those days questioning his purpose in life now that it was taken away from him.
When he was ready to give up on everything, the Professor found him. Akaba Leo offered his hand to him who had lost hope, telling him that he saw something in him. The Professor took him to Academia and introduced him to ARC Area Project. The Professor told him that he saw the potential within him to become a Duel Soldier, and thus, he asked for his help in fulfilling Academia's noble goal.
However, after meeting Serena, he started to feel something different inside him, a vow to protect her, that's why when the Doctor proposed to put Parasite into Serena's brain, he was the first one to refuse, and he would not keep his eye away from the Professor. That's why when Serena asked to go to the Standard Dimension, he was there to protect her. However, after he lost against Akaba Reiji, he was forced to return to Academia. Even though Akaba Leo sent Obelisk Force to cover for his mistakes, Barrett had been training and wondering if Serena was safe.
When the Synchro Invasion started, Barrett was asked to lead, however, his priority goal was to find Serena. However, he couldn't find her anywhere, but he found Sakaki Yuya, who strikes a resemblance to Yuri. They dueled, but Hana interfered before Barrett could finish him off. And thanks to Hana, he started to be conflicted about the lies made by the Professor. He is a soldier with mortals, but doing human experiments is taking a little too far. After the failed invasion, Barrett was asked to guard the prison cells until today.
Barrett says, "I'll get the first turn. I activate the Continuous Magic Card: Beastborg Fusioner! Once per Turn, I can Fusion Summon a Beastborg Fusion Monster but I can't Normal Summon or Set in return! I Fuse Jet-Black Panther Warrior and Dark Sentinel from my hand!"
After two Monsters are going into the portal, he says, "Ferocious black panther and guardian of sacred darkness, merge as one and let forth your valiant roar! Fusion Summon! Come forth. Beastborg Panther Predator (ATK:1600/DEF:2000 LV:6)!"
Once the predator appears, he says, "I activate Panther Predator's Effect! I can inflict half of its ATK to you!"
Serena braces for the impact as she takes the damage. (Serena:4000-3200) Barrett says, "I set two cards and end my turn."
Serena says, "My turn! I use Magic Card: Moonlight Fusion from my hand! If my opponent uses a Monster that is Summoned from the Extra Deck, I can use one monster from my deck as material. I fuse Moonlight White Rabbit in my hand and Moonlight Crimson Fox! The lively white rabbit illuminated by moonlight! A red fox that shines like blood. Swarm in a vortex of the moon's gravity and revive with a new power! Fusion Summon! Come forth! Moonlight Cat Dancer! (ATK:2400/DEF:2000 LV:7)
"That's Serena's ace monster!" Hana smiles.
"I use Trap Card: Beastborg Medal of the Crimson Chain." Barrett says.
"No! Not that card..." Yuya widens his eyes.
"When a Monster is Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, I can target Cat Dancer, it can't attack, change its battle position, or be destroyed by battle."
The chains start to bind not only the monster but also Serena herself. Barrett continues, "The target's controller can't Normal or Special Summon monsters, or activate Magic or Trap Cards."
"Damn it...that means Serena won't be able to do anything." Satoshi mutters.
"As if." Serena says, "I banish Crimson Fox in my graveyard to use its effect! When a card targets Moonlight Monsters I control, I can negate that effect and we both gain 1000 LP!"
"What?" Barrett is surprised as her Crimson Chain breaks and the card is sent to the graveyard.
"Nice, Serena." Vivian smiles. (Serena:3200-4200)(Barrett:4000-5000)
"Now that your card doesn't work, I can start my counterattack. I use Magic Card: Moonlight Perfume! I summon White Rabbit back to my field from my graveyard." Serena says. "I release it so that Cat Dancer can attack the second time, but the first time your monster won't be destroyed. Battle! I attack Panther Dancer with Cat Dancer! Full Moon Cresta!"
Barrett says, "I use Trap Card: Beastborg Medal of the Iron Shield! I can place 1 Medal counter for every 100 damage I take."
Then Barrett braces for the impact as the attack hits him. (Barrett:5000-3400) Barrett says, "When Beastborg Panther Predator is destroyed by battle, I can summon its Fusion Materials from the graveyard."
After Panther Warrior and Dark Sentinel are back on the field, Serena says, "I set 1 card and end my turn."
After setting the card, she walks toward Barrett, "Barrett. Are you sure you're going to continue this? I don't think there's a point in doing this duel. Why do you fight this far? Akaba Leo is just a greedy man who just wants to sacrifice everything just to get his daughter back. Is it worth following such a man?"
Barrett stares at Serena and says, "It is because of the Professor that I have a purpose, and I am not going to betray him as you do."
"But yet he has betrayed our trust." Samejima says while the others turn to him. "I trust Akaba Leo that I gave him a proposition...if only I have listened to Sarah I would have prevented everything from happening."
"Principal..." Chronos mutters.
"However, everything has happened, and it is not late to fight back." Samejima replies. "And that's why it's not late to have a right goal and a right mind."
Barrett looks conflicted as he stares at the Lancers and the Traitors in front of them. Just then, he feels a headache as he holds his head. Serena asks, "Barrett! What's wrong?"
Barrett stares at them as he mutters, "My turn..."
Yuya, Vivian, and Yusho notice the bug in his eyes and Yuya says, "No way...is that what I think it is?"
Barrett grabs an Action Card and says, "I use Action Magic: Deck Summon, I can Special Summon a Monster from my deck, I choose Parasite Fusioner!"
After the monster appears, Vivian says, "I knew it! It's the Parasite!"
"You mean he is under the control of the Parasite as well?" Jim asks.
"When Parasite Fusioner is Special Summoned, I can use it to perform a Fusion Summon. I Fuse Parasite Fusioner with Panther Warrior and Dark Sentinel! Fusion Summon! Appear! Beastborg Virus Predator!" (ATK:2400/DEF:2000 LV:8)
After the infected Panther Predator appears on the field, Barrett says, "When a Monster is summoned using Parasite Fusioner, I can equip the card onto Virus Predator. And with Virus Predator's effect, I can give you damage equal to half of its ATK."
Serena tries to grab an Action Card, but she fails as she gets hit. (Serena:4200-3000)
"Serena! Hang in there!" Yuya yells.
"And by sending Beastborg Medal of the Iron Shield to the graveyard, I can add 100 ATK for each medal there is." Barrett says.
"There are 16 medals...that means it gains 1600 ATK!" Ryo says. (ATK:2400-4000)
"Battle! I attack Cat Dancer with Beastborg Virus Predator!" Barrett says.
Serena braces for the impact as she grits her teeth. (Serena:3000-1400) "Trap Card: Moonlight Reincarnation Dance! When my monster is destroyed by battle, I can add 2 Moonlight Monsters from my deck to my hand!"
"I end my turn." Barrett says. "With the power of the Parasite Fusioner, you won't be able to defeat me."
"Damn it... as long as the doctor is here, who knows how many students or people are going to be controlled by this thing..." Satoshi says.
Serena says, "I'm going to bet on this draw..." After drawing a card, she says, "Now it is for the comeback! I set Scale 1 Moonlight Wolf and Scale 5 Moonlight Tiger on the Pendulum Scale! With this, I can Summon Monsters from Level 2 to 4! Pendulum Summon! Come forth! Moonlight Blue Cat! (ATK:1600/DEF:1200 LV:4) Moonlight Purple Butterfly! (ATK:1000/DEF:1000 LV:3)
After two Monsters appear, I use Tiger's effect! I can Special Summon one Moonlight Monster from my graveyard, however, it can't attack and its effect is negated. And it is destroyed in the end phase. I Summon White Rabbit!"
After the monster appears, Serena says, "I use Magic Card: Fusion! I fuse Moonlight Blue Cat and Moonlight White Rabbit! The cat prowling in the azure darkness! The lively white rabbit illuminated by moonlight! Swarm in a vortex of the moon's gravity and revive with a new power! Fusion Summon! Come forth! Lunar Eclipse Fusion Dragon!" (ATK:2800/DEF:2500, LV:8)
After the dragon appears, Vivian says, "Her Dragon!"
Serena says, "I use Moonlight Wolf's effect! I can perform a Fusion Summon by banishing monsters on the field or graveyard as materials! I fuse Lunar Eclipse Fusion Dragon and Moonlight Purple Butterfly! Dragon in moon's eclipse! Butterfly with violet poison! Spiral into the moon's gravity and become a new power! Fusion Summon! Come to me! Level 10! Crimson Lunar Fusion Dragon!" (ATK:3300/DEF:2500 LV:10)
After a red Lunar Eclipse Dragon appears, Yuya says, "She evolved her Lunar Eclipse..."
At the same time, Akaba Leo is watching the duel as he can only stare at the screen in surprise.
"I use its effect, I can target one monster, its' ATK becomes 0 and its effect is negated!" Serena says. (ATK:4000-0) "I'm sorry, Barrett. Battle! I attack Beastborg Virus Predator! Crimson Moonlight Shower!"
Just then, the power of the moon shoots at the monster, causing Barrett to scream before falling to the ground. (Barrett:3400-100) Barrett struggles to say, "By sending it to the graveyard, Parasite Fusioner can prevent the destruction of my monster..."
"But just as he struggles to get up, Serena says, "Sorry, but the Parasite has to be destroyed." She shows the Action Magic that she found while being hit by the attack of Virus Predator. "Action Magic: Flame Ball. I deal 200 damage to you."
Then the fire hits Barrett as the Parasite comes out from the ear. (Barrett:100-0) Serena notices the monster and squishes the bug using her feet.
"So what are we going to do with Captain Barrett?" O'Brian asks.
"The parasite is destroyed, we can try to take him with us." Yusho replies.
Samejima says, "Now the clearing is done, follow me. I have something that needs to show you."
"Again..." Yuya sighs as they follow the former principal.
In the Throne Room, Akaba Leo has seen the progress of all the Lancers, he can't believe how much numbers they have decreased as they manage to conquer a lot of sights. He can only grit his teeth to hope the other commanders will be able to stop them.
And here is a new chapter, as you can see, Samejima has been imprisoned by Akaba Leo and now he is freed, I also let Serena duel Barrett since I dislike the fact that he didn't get much screen time. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be the secret that Samejima wants to show the others.
New OC Cards:
Beastborg Virus Predator:
Dark Attribute LV:8 Machine/Fusion/Effect ATK:2400/DEF:2000
Effect:
1 Level 4 or lower Beast-Warrior-Type monster + 2 Level 4 or lower Machine-Type monster
Once per turn, you can inflict damage to your opponent equal to half this card's ATK. If this card is destroyed by battle, and all the Fusion Materials that were used for its Fusion Summon are in your Graveyard: You can Special Summon all of them.
Crimson Lunar Fusion Dragon:
Dark Attribute LV:10 Dragon/Fusion/Effect ATK:3300/DEF:2500
Effect: 1 "Moonlight" Monster + 1 DARK monster whose original level is 8 or higher.
Must first be Fusion Summoned. Once per turn, you can target 1 face-up Monster on the field; until the end of the turn, change that target's ATK to 0, also that target has its effects negated. If this card is sent to the Graveyard, destroy as many monsters on the field as possible, then you can banish 1 Level 8 or higher DARK monster from your graveyard and Special Summon this card from the graveyard.