Voila! It is done, Chapter 25 actually exists and is posted for all to read! Here we are! Extreme apologizes for the even longer delay than last time. Apparently I've decided to go on hiatus without even realizing it. However, that has now changed, and I now have more time to work on this wonderful story! So hurray!

Now a few questions people have asked me through reviews and whatnot is when the Code Geass characters, or Black Knights, will be introduced into this story besides Interludes. I'll be honest with you folks, it's not going to happen for a LONG time. I'm talking like when our main cast gets into the Fusion Dimension and Academia long. Sorry, but this is something I'm not going to budge on.

Remember, Zero is TRAPPED here. Our revolutionary is STRANDED, and naturally it's going to be a while before he can find a way back. Unfortunately, until then, the Interludes will be the only times you'll see our dear Code Geass characters. Sorry. :P

But moving on to something better, here's the story!

Ch.25: Before the Chaotic Storm

"Hey, Yuya!" Zero and the rest of the group looked over to see a teenage boy with extremely curly orange hair waving towards Yuya and running towards them. The boy wore a strange suit that has one orange sleeve while another is a light blue. A big smile on his face as he gets closer.

Everyone decides to stop, turn, and address the new person in the ever expanding group. "Dennis?"

Dennis stops right in front of Yuya, his breathing a little uneven from the running he was just doing. "How are you doing?"

Yuto raises both eyebrows, his grey eyes narrowing on the new boy. Or more specifically, his orange hair. That orange hair seemed familiar from somewhere. The Phantom Knights duelist leans forward and whispers into both Shun and Zero's ears. "Who is he? Friend, foe, ally?"

Zero responds just as quietly while keeping his masked face directed at Dennis. "He's a contestant in the tournament. Dennis McFeild, he uses Xyz Summoning and runs a Performage Deck. He's an ally."

Yellow eyes narrow alongside grey. The question both boys had in their heads not being spoken. Have we seen him before? He looks familiar.

"I just beat Yuzu in a duel!" That got everybody's attention, and Yuya noticeably straightened his posture at the news.

"With Yuzu!?"

"Where?!"

Both Gongenzaka and Yuya had unconsciously leaned forward, make Dennis bend back slightly with a nervous look on his face. The poor boy looked as if he was going under intense interrogation. "In the Volcano Area… Why? What happened?" With some help from Ruri, who pulled the two boys back, Dennis was finally able to have his own space. However, that relief was soon replaced with shock as he pointed at the pink eyed girl. "Yuzu! How did you get here before me?"

"That is not Yuzu." Yuto speaks, although he doesn't dare to take any steps forward unless the Lyrical Luscinia duelist's bracelet activates. Ruri returns back to Yuto and Shun's side, the black caped teen unconsciously wrapping a hand around Ruri's own. Thankfully, Shun was on the other side, and couldn't see the interaction.

Ruri gave a polite bow, her hair flowing past her shoulders and a little over her face. "My name is Ruri Kurosaki." The gesture caused Dennis to give a sheepish laugh and rub the back of his head.

Yellow eyes narrowed dangerously. "My sister." He added in what almost sounded like a growl. A sudden chill ran down Dennis spine as he visibly shook from the threatening tone.

"H-Hi. My name is Dennis McField." The Performage user greeted happily with only a small stutter. The message Shun was sending was clear as day, mess with his little sister and die. However, that jolly greeting soon died as he realized something. "Wait a minute, you two aren't entered into the tournament!" The orange haired duelist looked between the now serious faces of the other duelists frantically. The only face or emotion he couldn't gleam off was from Zero himself. "What's happening here?!"

"There aren't just 16 of us in the Battle Royale." Gongenzaka spoke grimly.

"There never really was going to be only 16." Zero muttered to himself.

Dennis blinked his light blue eyes, almost reminisce to a confused puppy with the way his head tilted to the side slightly. "You're saying there's MORE people here somewhere?!"

"Yeah!" Yuya took a step forward. "It might sound unbelievable, but other duelists from different Dimensions have snuck in!" Hearing that being said out loud sounded ludicrous for everyone to hear, and some have even gone through the experience already.

Dennis gave a smile and held a hand to his chin. It was obvious that Dennis thought Yuya was playing this off as a joke. "Different Dimensions? You can't be serious!"

"It's the truth, unfortunately." Zero speaks up for everyone to hear this time, and their undivided attention turns to him. "We've had to deal with these… nuisances, personally for quite a long time. I'm afraid they've decided to follow us here, and are currently trying to capture or kill us."

Dennis blinked, his eyebrows furrowing in real concern now as he addressed Yuya nervously once again. "Man, I didn't think Zero was the type to make jokes… How did you do it Yuya?"

"I don't make jokes." Zero tilted his masked face down a little to stare Dennis down, his voice filled with venom at the boy's attitude.

"He's right Dennis!" Yuya spoke desperately, hoping that his newfound friend would believe him. "There's also a friend of mine named Sora among them!"

"Sora…?" The Xyz user pursed his lips and closed one eye in thought, before he gave the group a small smile. "Oh? You're friends with people from a different Dimension?" He looked back at Zero and the rest. "Amazing!"

Yuya sighed, exasperated. "I saw the Knight of Duels taken out by them with my very eyes!" Red eyes looked over into grey. "Yuto saw it as well!"

"Besides another person by the name of Aura, everyone else within this field that isn't a contestant is an enemy." Yuto spoke with his classic scowl on his face. "They won't hesitate to defeat and card you. Defeated in a duel, or even in a duel or not."

"We can't use our communication in this field, so we can't get in touch with anyone." Gongenzaka spoke up this time.

"People from L.D.S and Reiji Akaba don't know what's happening, and can't help us." Ruri added in.

That's not exactly true. From the sheer amount of cameras in this entire city. Zero was certain that the CEO and son to the Professor of Academia was watching them having this conversation right now. Said teen would give an almost silent sneeze not two seconds after that thought.

"That's why we decided to split up and search for everyone." Yuya explained about how they came across Teppei and Michio before splitting.

"In fact." Shun added. His voice clear enough in saying that he didn't trust this newcomer. Especially with his sister and best friend being so close. "We were just about to split up from Yuya and Gongenzaka."

Dennis raised both of his hands in a gesture for peace. "Wow! That sounds like a big deal!" However, that worry soon turned into a smile and a wink once more. "Yuzu said she was going to the Iceberg area." He revealed, and pointed towards the way he came. "Let's go look for her!"

Everyone else exchanged a couple glances, unsure of what to do. Zero finally gave the verdict. "Go. Your mission is to find and keep Yuzu safe. Besides, Teppei and Michio already went that way, and you should run into them soon enough. We'll be fine going into the Ancient Ruins area." The masked man crossed his arms and stuck out a hip, making his cape flick at the motion. "Besides, we've survived and been able to take care of ourselves for this long. A few hours separated won't cause any trouble. We know to take care of each other and watch our backs."

Red eyes blinked before a serious look appeared on his face along with Gongenzaka. "Right. We'll all meet up in the Volcano area then." With that, Yuya and Gongenzaka began to sprint away towards the Iceberg zone by following Dennis. The Steadfast duelist's stone sandals clinking wildly and echoing off in the distance.

After a few minutes of silence, the resistance turned and began to walk back towards the Ancient Ruins once more. "For a situation as dire as this, Dennis seems to smile too much." Ruri commented carefully.

"Agreed." Yuto and Shun spoke together instantly, this caused them to look at each other and give a small huff of laughter. It was so much easier to be relaxed when it was just them and not anyone else.

"We'll keep an eye on him." Zero spoke absentmindedly. His primary concern on when they would run into more Academia soldiers, and even more concerning, who. "Although hearing about different Dimensions and Dimension travellers is and sounds ridiculous coming from anyone. It's obvious that disbelief and thinking its a joke would be the first response, so I'll let him off on that. Until we meet them again, let's just focus on getting through this 'Battle Royale' alive."

"Right."

. . .

Yugo blinked his aquamarine eyes in confusion. "You want to know who Rin is?" The Synchro user tilted his head like a lost puppy. "But you're Rin!" To emphasize the point he poked her with a finger. "Don't tell me you have amnesia!"

"What- No!" Yuzu yelled a little too loudly. She instinctively swiped the finger away from her face and grabbed ahold of Yugo's shoulder once again. "But I've heard of a girl named Rin before!" Her periwinkle eyes looked down at the ground for a moment in a lost haze, before they sharpened and looked directly into Yugo's own. "Is your name Yugo-" Just as his named left her lips, her bracelet suddenly began to shine again.

"What the-!" Yugo looked down at the shining jewel in alarm. His grip unconsciously tightened around Yuzu's shoulders as the thought of being separated from Rin again flashed through his head, frightening him.

"It's shining again?!" Yuzu cried out again, and soon their voices were lost on the wind as BOTH of them turned into pink particles and vanished alongside Yugo's D-Wheel.

It wasn't ten seconds later when the sound of stone sandals hitting the icy ground echoed across the sparse field and labored breathing filled the air.

Dennis put one hand above his forehead to block the sun and looked across the empty Iceberg area. Yuya himself crouched down to look into the small alcove of sorts made from powerful natural forces. "It's no good." He spoke depressingly, yet he was still determined to find his childhood friend.

"It looks like Yuzu isn't here. Perhaps she's moved on to another area, or she's hiding in the Volcano zone." Gongenzaka reasoned optimistically. However, both of their minds were thinking of the worst case scenario.

'"The Professor, the ruler of Academia, hasn't given any information on the project besides pictures in the database, so I know nothing more. But… I know for a fact that he is after the people that look like Ruri."' Zero's dead voice rang out in their heads.

Was she captured and taken to Academia already?

Looks like Yuri safely finished his work then. Then all that's left is… A dark purple, almost black cape with a dark red underside flashed behind his light blue eyes. Zero.

While the three continued to look around the Iceberg area incase they somehow missed Yuzu passing by. Dennis fiddled with his duel disk for a quick, unnoticeable moment.

I've found the prey you've been looking for, Yuri. Zero and his group of misfits are heading towards the Ancient Ruins area. The others will know about this soon enough, so you might want to hurry before Sora and his squad of Obelisk force surround, detain, and card them.

Your best friend in the entire universe and all four Dimensions! ;)

-Dennis

. . .

A bright purple light shined from within the deep, ancient stone temple that resided at the top of a hill. The light went away as quickly as it came however, and soon everything was silent except for the echoes of military boots on the stone floor.

Pink eyes looked down at their duel disk, and the message that was relayed to him just a few moments ago with minor distaste. Although he disliked his constant cheery attitude, Dennis did his job rather well. Perhaps Yuri might even offer a thank you if the information he was given is correct, and that he manages to capture Zero successfully.

A smile played on Yuri's lips.

"We'll finally get that second round now Zero." He spoke patiently, energy running through his veins in barely restrained excitement. "And this time you won't get away. I will win."

"You!"

Yuri blinked, before turning his head to face the girl who yelled at him in such a manner with a bored, unamused expression. "Heh?" Pink eyes blinked in minor confusion as he saw Yuzu standing at the entrance of the stone temple, breathing ragged. Squinting his eyes and focusing more on the girl however proved that this wasn't his first target. The prominent indigo hair tied into a ponytail, forest green eyes, and Academia styled duel disk gave it away.

There was also the fact that she was actually wearing different clothes, most certainly Yuzu's. So that meant…

Yuri smiled coldly, and turned to face Serena completely. "Hoh? You must be dear Serena." A creepy smile with lowered eyelids made a swift appearance on Yuri's face as he hummed. "I must say it's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. Although, I have to wonder why you would be running away from Academia like a fugitive. I thought you were loyal to the school?"

"I have questions that need to be answered." Serena stated firmly, and placed herself into a fighting stance with her duel disk at the ready. "The only way I can find the answers to those questions is by searching out Zero or his resistance allies." Forest green eyes narrowed. "I thought you looked familiar, you're Yuri, aren't you? The Professor's go-to soldier and Academia's rumored to be best and most volatile duelist."

Yuri's smile only deepened at the titles as he slowly raised and activated his duel disk. "Ahmm~" Yuri hummed lightly. "You've hit the nail right on the head my dear Serena." Those pink eyes sharpened as he narrowed his sights on his newest target. "However, I'm afraid you'll have to be disappointed, because I'm going to get to Zero first." Yuri licked his lips, causing Serena to tense at the creepy sight. "And by the time I'm done, there'll be nothing left for you to question." Yuri grinned. "But first I suppose I'll have to take you back to Academia since those useless Obelisk force members are too pathetic for the job."

Serena snarled. "Like hell I'll allow you to take me back without my answers! I don't give a damn if you're supposedly the best duelist in Academia! I'll take you on!" The blue sword duel blade appeared as Serena activated her own duel disk.

SERENA LP- 4000

YURI LP- 4000

"DUEL!"

"I'm afraid I'll have to forsake my manners and go first Ms. Akatsuki." Yuri's grin grew even wider as he looked straight at the Lunalight duelist, he didn't even bother to see what was in his hand yet. "I'll be sure to make this quick."

. . .

The sound of an enormous building collapsing echoed around the Ancient Ruins, and the resistance instinctually crouched down to keep their balance as the ground trembled from the force. Each of them put an arm above their heads and necks to protect themselves.

"What the hell is going on!?" Yuto was the first to speak up as the rumbling noise and ground finally began to settle down.

"A trap?" Ruri asked as everyone hesitantly stood back up to their full height once the shaking ceased completely.

"It has to be Academia." Shun hissed, one hand on his ribs, the other activating his duel disk. Everyone else copied the motion, forms now tense.

"Everyone on guard." Zero started throwing out orders left and right. "Ruri takes the middle and watches our backs, Yuto take Ruri's right and Shun will take her left. I'll be posted at the front." Once everyone easily fell into position like a well oiled machine Zero continued. "Now let's move out, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the slightest movement. We'll take the harder to access ways to get around the area. Academia will be expecting us to walk right to them, and watch the main routes through the Action Field."

The group of four made their way through the Ancient Ruins field rather quickly for being so tightly packed together. Soon enough, they stumbled onto what made the entire floor shake. The source having come from the stone temple that Shun had recently lost his battle with Sora in.

"Damn." Yuto spoke softly, before giving a small wince as Ruri elbowed his side for the language. "Sorry."

"Whoever managed to make this building collapse had to have quite a lot of force behind it." Zero muttered mostly to himself as calculations on the exact amount of force required flew around his brain. "The dense stone pillars have to at least weigh a few tons, and they also have an extremely heavy roof on top of that."

"So a very strong duelist then." Shun summarized, and everyone could feel Zero roll his eyes underneath that mask.

"Yes, a very strong duelist." Zero spoke sarcastically before continuing on his original train of thought. "Most of the contestants in the tournament don't have that kind of muscle. Yuya and his group of friends went the opposite way. It's either another citizen running around, Yuzu or her Fusion counterpart, or… either Sora or Yuri." The masked revolutionary could feel the hairs rising on Shun's neck as he gave multiple swears that even Zero would rather die than say in front of his own little sister. "Let's hurry up and move on. We may be more compromised being here than we initially thought-"

"AHH!"

Everyone jolted at the loud scream coming from just in front of them on the highway where Yuto and Yuya last fought Obelisk force in their berserked state. They watched as a girl with indigo hair was thrown a very large ways and skipped against the concrete road before finally coming to a complete stop.

SERENA LP- 450 = 0 LOSER

The good news was that she didn't seem to be drastically injured like Shun. In fact, she seemed perfectly fine seeing as Serena instantly jumped back to her feet with a dangerously low growl leaving her lips as she once again reactivated her duel disk. Yuto acted instantly once he realized who she was, and backed away a few steps just in case.

"She looks just like me." Ruri muttered in shock at finally coming face to face with another counterpart. Her softened voice was loud enough to gather said person's attention though, and forest green eyes snapped back to meet the group of Xyz users before focusing on the leader.

"Zero." From the sound of her agitated voice, she wasn't too surprised to see them here. "Figures you would come out of hiding at the worst possible moment." The sound of footsteps ahead once again made the Fusion user return her attention to her most worrying and primary target. Her bracelet started shining a small bluish hue, blinking as if it was giving off a warning of sorts.

"Serena." Zero gave a very subtle nod to her even when she couldn't see it. "It's nice to see that you haven't been taken by Academia yet." Masked violet eyes looked up to see a flurry of motion coming from a huge purple military coat and red jacket hanging from his shoulders like cape. "Though it seems we've managed to find each other just in time."

Yuri quickly acknowledged the presence of more people, his eyes narrowing and studying them before they landed on Zero's maskless face. That sinister grin appeared once more after a few seconds of silence. The wind picked up at that moment, as if sensing the sheer tension, and stirring up the dirt and dust alongside everyones' clothing.

Finally, the Academia soldier gave a light hearted 'hmph' and looked down at everyone in front of him. "I must admit that I didn't expect to run into you so soon, or for you to come running to me, Zero." A knowing smile of sorts graced the slightly psychotic teen's face. "Perhaps deep within yourself, you also felt the need to finish what we had once started back in the Xyz Dimension. To see who is the true winner of our duel."

"Perhaps." Zero spoke monotonously, not giving away any information as he raised his duel disk in front of himself. The masked man forcing Serena to get behind him and join the safety of the group. "However, I'm afraid that we'll have to postpone our rematch for another day." The masked revolutionary gave the smallest of nods, but it was still noticed by Yuto and even Serena. "NOW!"

At once, all three activated their duel disks and played a card.

"Geass: Time Stop! Let all of your senses freeze in the manipulation in your sense of time and time itself!" A red hazy energy began to build up from around the card, and Yuri tensed for battle. However, he soon stopped moving due to the card's effects as it wrapped him up in it's spell.

"Spell Card: Lunar Eclipse! The field is enveloped in darkness!" A pitch black haze began to quickly consume the field. Blocking the Academia duelist's vision of where the rebels where.

"Quick Play Spell: Rebellious Lightning Strike! Hear the sounds of nature's wrath!" To top it all off, Yuto's spell created whirling winds, lightning and thunder booming and flashing across everyone's eyes. The sounds making everyone go temporarily deaf as the winds worsened the haziness of Serena's Lunar Eclipse.

Acting quickly since the Spells wouldn't last for long, Zero grabbed ahold of the hand closest to him, which happened to be Serena's. Understanding what the plan was, the traitorous Fusion duelist turned and grabbed ahold of Yuto's hand, and the process continued until they had created a human chain of sorts. Together, they quickly sprinted past the dazed and temporarily stall Yuri, and booked it through the darkened field to the Volcano area.

It was seconds after they had passed the threshold that they heard Yuri yell exuberantly at this sudden turn of events. "So you want another game of cat and mouse than Zero?! Well fine then, I'll indulge you!" The Predaplant duelist laughed, and a familiar roar soon filled the air of the Ancient Ruins.

Starving Venom.

"We both know where you're going anyway, so it's only a matter of time until I find you and we duel once more! I've already played a game of hide and seek with dear precious Yuzu, and the ending will lead you to your end as well! You can't deny fate itself!" Vaguely, and rather surprisingly, Zero felt Serena's grip on his hand tightened as he mentioned Yuzu. That, or it was actually himself tightening his hold.

He's lying. Zero processed along with all the other million thoughts and survival instincts kicking in as they sprinted into the Volcano zone. He could be saying that just to get on my nerves, to trick me. He's just getting under my skin… But if it's true… Yuya and Gongenzaka are going to be upset.

Regardless, everyone kept sprinting as fast as they could through the Volcano area to meet up with the others. They all knew that Yuri was right behind them, even with all of the spells, it would only stall him and his dragon. He was a trained, experienced, and naturally skilled soldier at heart, tracking and stalking his supposed 'prey' was second nature.

"So what's your story! Fusion user!" Shun spoke up, although it was just barely heard through his labored breathing as they ran.

"I was looking for Zero and a man named Kurosaki." Serena started, but was immediately cut off by Yuto, who narrowed his own grey eyes dangerously.

"What for?" Yuto ground out, and it was almost thrown away into the wind.

Serena's lips twitched downward at being interrupted, but understood where Yuto was coming from and calmed herself and her quick temper. "I want answers. The truth as to what really happened in the Xyz Dimension, and I figured that I should look for a second source besides Academia… Perhaps I was right in that judgement, and perhaps Yuzu was right in what she says Academia has done. You people have actually seen what has happened in Xyz, and I want to know the truth and have my questions finally answered!"

"How nice and all." Zero finally spoke up sarcastically. "But I'm afraid questions will have to be answered after we are all safe and sound with our lives intact!" The masked man looked left and right for any signs of danger or possible allies.

"Well, if it helps make your day any better, I'm Kurosaki." Shun wheezed, before staggering a couple feet while continuing to run.

Finally, after the dusty brown of ancient buildings and the grey areas of inbetween gave way to the dark, red rocky area of the molten Volcano zone, Zero screeched to a halt. The action disorienting his vision and making him stumble just a fraction due to his injured ankle. The others almost collapsed on top of him because he stopped so suddenly. They instantly released each other of the human chain they had created and unconsciously kept together during their run, allowing Shun to finally fall to his knees and rest. His right arm covering his pained chest and taking a fist full of his trench coat. His knuckles turning white as the Raidraptor hissed through his teeth with scrunched up eyes. The group stopped to address Shun's predicament as Zero and Yuto kept a keen sense of their surroundings.

"Any sign of the others?" Zero asked quietly, even though it was unnecessary.

Yuto shook his head. "Not yet." The teen grit his teeth in anger. "Is it true, what Yuri said about Yuzu?" His eyes looking over at Zero for a split second.

Zero remained quiet, before giving a heavy sigh. He was only 17, almost 18 in a couple months if he went by the date from when he was last in his true home world, and he already felt like he was centuries old. The silence during his contemplation didn't bode well with Yuto, so Zero begrudgingly indulged him with an answer. "I don't know. It could be that he's telling the truth, or he's lying to throw us all off of our game."

Yuto pursed his lips, and looked around the perimeter. "It's a slippery slope either way."

Zero turned around and went back to the group that was looking over Shun. "Let's just focus on surviving this Battle Royale and meeting up with the others. We can relay the news to Yuya after this is all over and we've confirmed that everyone is safe."

The sounds of stone crumbling echoed off behind them, and everyone turned their heads back as a distinct roar echoed across the air.

"Let's continue moving before Yuri catches up to us." With that, Zero helped the wounded falcon stand back up, and together all five duelists trekked their way through the ashy area, following the flowing lava river.

. . .

"Serena and Ruri are important assets in battling or negotiating with Academia. Zero himself seems to hold some sort of importance as well." Reiji stated as he stared at the screen showing the five rebels making their way through the Volcano area. "They must be protected at all costs." The violet eyed CEO tilted his head back to look up at his bodyguard, the light reflecting off of his red glasses. "How many enemies are left?"

Nakajima answered back instantly. "We've confirmed that there are five including Sora Shiunin and this new person named Yuri."

"Hmm." Reiji returned his attention to the large screen. "So now there are four of them. One for each Dimension."

. . .

"Yuzu!" Yuya called out, running through the Ancient Ruins where the rebels once were, before he slowed to a stop at what lay in front of him. "What happened here?!"

Gongenzaka was right behind his childhood friend, and both looked down at the collapsed temple. "Whatever it was, it had to be something big, and strong. Perhaps a duel." Gongenzaka surveyed his surroundings one more time before clicking his tongue. "Darn, she isn't here either!"

"Do you think Zero or one of those rebels caused the temple to collapse?" Red eyes met grey.

. . .

"Hey, are you all right?" Snow slowed floated down and scattered across the barren wastelands of the Iceberg area. There, three people could be seen huddled together. One of them was Michio, the other was Aura, who was currently unconscious and being held by the famous cooking star. Our third and final companion was none other than the fishing duelist, and current dueling partner to Michio, Teppei. Said fisherman was watching the area with a careful eye as his partner tried to awaken the fortune telling duelist. "Hey! Open your eyes! Hey!"

Teppei grumbled, uncomfortable with this current situation overall. "We don't need to worry about her, she's not even apart of the Battle Royal anyway!"

Michio looked up into the eyes of his partner, worry clearly etched across his face. "But leaving her alone at a time like this is dangerous!" He looked back down at Aura for a moment, and shook her gently, but she didn't awaken. The cooking duelist looked back up at Teppei. "Plus there are those other guys who forced their way into the tournament to go after Zero and his strange band of rebels." Michio leaned forward, a fiery, passionate drive entering his voice. "Let's get her to a safe place, Teppei, partner!"

Teepei's eyes widened comically as he pointed to himself with his thumb. Surprise rushing through his being. "Huh?! I'm helping too?! Since when!"

. . .

"We should be getting close to the L.D.S tower." Zero spoke up as the group had traversed the field in mostly tense silence. They were starting to near the entrance of the tower, still following the molten river when some rubble was shuffled behind them. The entire group stopped, and turned to find that it was Yuri. The teen having finally caught up to them by hitching a ride with his Predaplant dragon Starving Venom. The Academia soldier dropped down to the ground and returned his dragon to his deck. While on the other side of the sudden makeshift battlefield everyone had stiffened and prepared for battle.

"Well then, now that this small game has come to an end. Why don't we get straight to the point, Zero." Yuri wasn't smiling anymore, and instead had an annoyed frown adorning his face. "I'm tired of playing your games, and you've escaped me for long enough. It's starting to become a stain on my record that you've managed to survive this long, so I'd like to make this quick."

Everyone raised their duel disks for another battle when the sound of military boots hitting the ground once again gathered the group's attention. Everyone looked a bit to Yuri's right and saw a familiar short teen with sky blue hair confidently making their way towards them.

"Great." Shun hissed to himself, and turned his body slightly to face Sora fully before he cringed from his ribs hurting. Ruri placed a hand on his shoulder while Yuto and Serena stepped forward to protect their allies. The Lunalight duelist's bracelet once again blinking in warning, and bringing a sense of foreboding.

"It's about time I finally found you." Sora griped as he stopped his advance until he was side by side with Yuri. His emerald eyes narrowed over towards the Predaplant duelist with hardly veiled distaste. "Although I didn't expect you to be here, Yuri. I was ordered to eliminate the Xyz scum and bring in Zero and Serena."

Yuri gave a mock smile as he looked down towards the Frightfur duelist. "Well, unfortunately for you. I was given orders to apprehend our dear masked friend over there first alongside a girl by the name of Yuzu Hiragi." Seeing the other Academia duelist give the slightest of flinches at the news, Yuri turned his full attention to him and gave the Fusion user a creepy smile. "You wouldn't happen to know her, do you?"

Sora's emerald eyes darkened, a flicker of acid passing through them as he narrowed his eyes. "Maybe I do maybe I don't, what about it?" He popped another sucker into his mouth.

While the two were having their own challenging spat of sorts, everyone else began to slowly back away from them. Unfortunately, Yuri was too observant to be fooled so easily, and instantly returned his attention back to his main targets. "Trying to run away again hm? Well I'm afraid I just can't allow that." He turned to Sora. "You can do whatever you want with everyone else, just leave Zero to me." His pink eyes turned to face said masked man. "We have a score of sorts to finally settle."

Sora gave a sick smile, and zeroed his focus on the downed Raidraptor duelist Shun. "Sure, whatever, I don't care."

"So what's it going to be Zero?" Yuri asked once more, and stepped forward menacingly like when they had first met. "Are we going to do this the easy way, or the hard way? I don't mind carding everyone that you decide to hide behind. Honestly, I wouldn't even give it a second thought."

Zero huffed, and looked over at his group, his charges of sorts. I'm their leader. If the king doesn't lead, then his subordinates won't follow… Besides, it's a leader's job and responsibility to make sure that his charges make it through safely and with as little harm as possible… All of them can easily take Sora on together, and I can keep up with Yuri. He gave a stern nod to Yuto. The Phantom Knights duelist knew what his leader was going to do, but had no choice but to grit his teeth and nod back.

"Alright, fine." Zero accepted Yuri's proposal after a few seconds of tense silence. His reply seemingly filling Yuri with pure adrenaline and excitement from the way he tensed with anticipation and grinned largely. The masked resistance fighter began to walk away from the safety of the group, Yuri following him from a distance with that same smile on his face. "But I will be choosing the spot of our duel."

Sora didn't stop Zero from walking away from the other Xyz rebels, and instead started to make his own advance towards them like a shark circling its prey. Yuto blocked the teen's view of Shun and Ruri, and activated his own duel disk in preparation for a fight.

Seeing the familiar face caused the Frightfur duelist to frown. Memories of how Yuto held back during their duel haunting him and humiliating him. That would soon change after this fight.

"I have yet to completely get my vengeance against Shun for what happened in the tournament." Sora spoke up between the candy in his mouth. "However, I'll never forget what you did to me before I was forced to go back to Academia. I'll defeat you in this duel, and once I do, I'll turn you into a card and rip you in half!" He pointed at the group and activated his duel disk. "Then I'll finish off Kurosaki! Now battle me Yuto!"

Serena grit her teeth, and was about to interject in the duel when two people suddenly appeared in front of her. Shun, Ruri, and Serena all flinched back at the sudden appearance of two ninjas clad in blue and red. Sensing the new presence behind him, Yuto turned to address the new guests with a scowl.

As soon as his back was turned, Sora struck, and lunged forward to attack the distracted Phantom Knights duelist. Thankfully, his attack was intercepted by the ninja wearing the long red scarf. Both teens used their duel disks as temporary blades, and sparks flew before each took a step back. Yuto looked back over to see Sora glaring up at the new ninja with aggressive disdain. The man himself just looked down at the shorter boy with a practiced calm and a sense of acceptance.

The second ninja wearing the long blue scarf turned and walked over to the other three. His voice was slightly muffled due to his scarf covering his mouth, but he was still heard by everyone. "Now's our chance." With that said, the silent ninja quickly strode past the three teens. Together, Serena and Ruri quickly helped Shun stand up, and began to walk with him, but soon stopped when they realized Yuto wasn't coming along as well.

"Yuto come on, we don't have much time." Ruri urged her crush on, but he just shook his head and glared back at Sora.

"He won't stop trying to hunt us." Grey eyes turned a dark stormy color. "I won't leave our newfound comrade behind as a sacrifice." He looked back at Ruri. "I'll catch up with you guys later, for now just focus on staying safe and making sure Shun is okay." The two stared at each other for a moment, before Ruri gave a sad nod when she realized Yuto wasn't going to budge on this. The two rebels and runaway Academia soldier turned and began to follow Tsukikage.

This only seemed to make Sora more angered and anxious. His emerald eyes looked over at the four retreating forms, before they went back to Hikage. "You're in my way." He threatened darkly.

"That's why I'm here." Hikage responded instantly, black eyes narrowed in challenge.

"We're stopping you here Sora." Yuto's voice speaking with finality. "This 'game' of yours ends right here and now!" With that, Sora and Hikage clashed duel blades once more, before all three entered a duel.

HIKAGE LP- 4000

YUTO LP- 4000

SORA LP- 4000

"DUEL!"

. . .

"Why are you guys helping us?" Serena asked suspiciously, although it didn't have as much edge as it did the first time she had met the brothers.

Tsukikage's blue eyes looked back at the three charges he was tasked to take care of. "Once we take up a mission, we will stake our lives to complete it. That is the rule of our Fuuma Clan."

"Are you working with L.D.S? For Reiji Akaba?" Ruri questioned. The moon themed ninja said nothing more, but did give a nod to Ruri's question. This brought a sigh of relief to the teenage girl. "It's nice to see we have some allies from L.D.S finally taking action in this chaos."

"We have already taken action against Academia." Tsukikage spoke up once again, this time his voice sounded more solemn. "Unfortunately, even our Top 8 Youth group couldn't even stand against the strength of Academia's Obelisk Force."

Ruri's eyes widened in fright. "You don't mean-"

"All but one was turned into a card without mercy." The blue clad ninja confirmed, head bowed in respect at their sacrifice. "Our sole survivor deserted the battle soon after as well."

Serena's forest green eyes looked down at the ashy red floor of the Volcano area. "They really did that…" Just thinking of the savagery her fellow people had to commit for such an atrocity, and without even blinking an eye to it? The Fusion user thought that her people were filled with more pride and sense of justice than that.

Perhaps she, Academia, really was in the wrong.

But then what was the point of fighting for a utopia! What was the purpose if they destroyed everyone in it before said paradise came to pass?

. . .

Zero continued walking until they had finally arrived to an elevated section of the Volcano area. Yuri behind him by a couple feet, but not so far that he could book it and lose him. The masked man could feel the other's grin still on his face without even looking at him. Although it was rather unnerving, it did nothing to hinder Zero from this duel. If anything it fueled him to finish it quickly, mercilessly, and coldly.

The area seemed familiar to when Yuya first began his duel with the one student from Ryozanpaku. The elevated area gave him the advantage of being able to see everyone else down below him, including his comrades. This also gave them the chance to look up and spot him easily, so that they could come to his aid as soon as their duels were finished. At the moment, Yuto and a strange ninja dressed in red with a long red scarf were dueling Sora. The former rebel had out his Phantom Knight Silent Boots in Defense Mode, while the other had a monster called Twilight Ninja Shingetsu. The latter of the duel, Sora, currently had Edge Imp Saw and Fluffal Lion on the field. No doubt planning to do a Fusion Summon to bring out Frightfur Wheel Saw Lion. The others were retreating to the L.D.S tower, and were just now making their way towards the entrance of the tower, and to safety.

Zero breathed a sigh of relief, but it was soured by the scoff that came from Yuri's lips as he followed the masked man's line of sight. "Why do you insist on caring for them? They're obviously beneath you in terms of dueling, so why do you still keep yourself attached to them when they only weigh you down?" The most surprising thing was that Yuri genuinely sounded stumped by this.

Zero's mask reflected the light off of the lava as he turned his head towards Yuri, his blank face boring into the sociopath's soul. "It's because they do help me stay strong. They give me strength when I could normally not go on, they remind me of my true goals, and keep me on the right path when I need it the most. I suppose I keep them, because they're my friends." The admission just seemed to slide right out of his lips, and he himself only just seemed to realize this.

Zero didn't know who was shocked more, Yuri, or himself.

However, Yuri's shock soon quickly dissolved into mocking laughter. The teen wiping a mock tear from his eye once he managed to control himself. "Y-You really think that? A masked man? Having friends?!" Yuri cackled some more at the thought, putting one hand over his eyes and he continued to laugh. "Please, oh please just stop it! It's just too much!" Suddenly though, Yuri did a complete 180 and stopped laughing to stare down the masked man with a frown. "A person hiding themselves behind a mask, hiding away their true selves, cannot have friends. Masked people don't deserve to have any, because unlike them I know that you lie and cheat to get what you want. You'll do whatever it takes to accomplish your goals, and therefore you shouldn't have any friends, because you're only using them." He smiled once again, almost carefree now. "Who needs friends anyway? They only weaken you, and hold you back from your true potential. The idea and concept of friendship is only a mere lie."

This time Zero was the one to scoff. The man whipping around to face him fully, cape flaring behind him, and activated his duel disk. "I couldn't care less about what you think about the topic of friends. All I came here to do was finally finish our unsettled duel back in the Xyz Dimension, and defeat you." Zero lowered his mask slightly alongside his voice. "So shall we get started?"

Yuri gave a sly grin as he activated his own duel disk. "Gladly."

ZERO LP- 4000

YURI LP- 4000

"DUEL!"

"I'll be going first this time." Zero started off instantly, and held up two cards between his fingers. "And this time I'll show just how powerful I truly am from the get go!" Yuri raised an eyebrow at the sight of Zero's two cards he was freely showing him. "With Scale 1 Angelic Vi Britannia and Scale 9 Knightmare Pilot Kallen Kozuki, I'll set the Pendulum Scale!" The leader of the Xyz resistance slammed the two Pendulum cards down onto his duel disk, and the two monsters began to rise up into their seperate blue pillars. Their astral numbers lighting up underneath them. Scale 1 Angelic Vi Britannia wore a pure white dress and a light pink jacket. Strips of the clothing separated at the bottom, spun in their own intricate patterns, and seemed to wave in the breeze all on their own. Two huge angel wings sprouted from in between the girl's shoulders, and wrapped around her like a blanket. Its snow white feathers fluttering in the wind softly, peacefully, and quietly. Some of the looser feathers even coming undone, and floating off into the breeze like a snowflake in hell. The small girl had her eyes closed, and one hand carefully touched the green and golden butterfly choker around her neck. Long honey blonde hair fell past her shoulders and near the end of the small of her back. A crown of mostly pink and some royal purple origami cranes completed this humanoid monster's look.

Zero seemed to stare up at her for a long moment, before shaking his head and looking over at his other Pendulum monster.

His heart ached instinctively at the sight of his younger, certainly angelic sister, even though it wasn't actually her. The desperate desire to reunite with her once more enraging his flame of determination and strength.

The familiar Scale 9 Knightmare Pilot Kallen Kozuki wasn't too different from when she was first summoned. The red headed humanoid monster wore her best knightmare pilot suit that acted as a second skin, and glared her fierce sapphire blue eyes down at Yuri as if she were really alive and angry. Shreds of her Black Knight's jacket hung from her arms and shoulders. While she held a dark red and silver short sword in her right hand that seemed to boil with heat, radiation, and a fiery red energy. The monster pointed her sword down at Yuri from her heightened positioned, and quickly slashed at the air in front of her.

Yuri raised an amused and interested eyebrow. "Oh? Well this is new. I didn't think you would have any organic, much less humanoid monsters in your deck, only machines. Although those 'Knightmares' as you call them do look rather humanoid in figure compared to other monsters." His pink eyes flickered with a dark light as he looked up at the new Pendulum Monsters. "I wonder what you plan to do with this 'Pendulum Scale.'" Yuri smiled wildly.

SCALE 1 ANGELIC VI BRITANNIA

SCALE 9 KNIGHTMARE PILOT KALLEN KOZUKI

Zero ignored Yuri, and continued with his turn. "With this, I am able to summon monsters between Levels 2 and 8 simultaneously!" This news caused Yuri's eyes to widen in newfound shock, even when he battled Yuzu she never had the chance to use Pendulum Summoning. "Swing Pendulum!" The masked man looked up into the opening portal above him as he yelled. "Grant me the blessings of a powerful Summoning Method!" Zero raised both gloved hands towards the portal, his cape rising out at the action. "I Pendulum Summon! Appear to the battlefield, my monsters!" Two machines appeared from the portal and pointed their assault guns at Yuri in preparation for battle.

BLACK KNIGHT COMMANDER BURAI LV.4 ATK:1100 DEF:1000

BLACK KNIGHT GLASGOW LV.4 ATK:1200 DEF:900

"I end my turn." Zero spoke callously, and seemed to glare at Yuri through his mask. "So what will you do now, Yuri? Now that you have seen and gained witness to my newfound power in dueling."

"...Pendulum Summon heh?" Yuri cracked a smile. "What an interesting challenge you have become, Zero." The Predaplant duelist slowly raised his duel disk as that smile grew like the Grinch's. "My turn. I draw!"

Their duel soon spun into chaos, along with the rest of the Battle Royale.

. . .

Four sets of eyes watched as the remaining Xyz rebels and Serena make their way towards the entrance of the L.D.S tower. Green eyes focused on the four retreating teens, before turning around to address the three overly eager lap dogs of Academia.

Dennis turned around to face the remaining three Obelisk Force members, his black gloved hand gesturing to the girl down there behind him. "That's Serena. Good luck!"

Obelisk red's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "You're not coming?"

Dennis huffed a laughed, and placed both hands on his hips as he began to explain. "There are a lot of issues with that…" The curly red haired duelist bemoaned extravagantly. Although he quickly put his hands up in a mock sign of surrender as some sweat glided down his face. "The field is FULL of security cameras!" The boy's golden pin glinting off of the light from the lava river as he laughed. "Although that won't be a problem for you three now, will it?"

. . .

The two Yuzu lookalikes, along with Shun and Tsukikage were just about to make it to the doors of the tower when they heard a few extra sets of footsteps from behind them.

"Serena."

All four turned around as one to face the three Obelisk Force members that stared back at them emotionlessly.

"Please do not resist." Green spoke up once again.

"We've been tasked to bring you back." Red interjected a tad too harshly for anyone's liking.

The girl in question, Serena, just narrowed her forest green eyes and got into a battle stance. "Then you'll have to take me back by force." The girl raised her duel disk, but was soon pushed into the back of the group alongside Ruri as Shun put an arm out in front of them both. Serena looked up at the wounded Raidraptor duelist in shock, before looking over at Tsukikage, who had also taken a step forward and blocked her from Obelisk Force's view.

"Then you leave us no choice." Although from the sound of yellow's voice, he didn't sound too upset at this option. As one, all three activated their duel disks, while Serena, Ruri, Shun, and Tsukikage all activated theirs as well. The two sides glowing red from Obelisk Force's duel blades, or blue from the resistances'.

OBELISK RED LP- 4000

OBELISK GREEN LP- 4000

OBELISK YELLOW LP- 4000

TSUKIKAGE LP- 4000

SERENA LP- 4000

RURI LP- 4000

SHUN LP- 4000

"DUEL!"

Shun stepped forward, about to initiate the battle, when Tsukikage raised a hand to stop him from advancing.

"I will initiate." The ninja looked back up at his enemy once Shun backed down, if just barely. "I Summon Twilight Ninja Shingetsu from my hand!" The ninja had dark blue and cyan robes covering his right shoulder along with a short sword and mask.

TWILIGHT NINJA SHINGETSU LV.4 ATK:15000 DEF:100

"I then set three cards down and end my turn!" Tsukikage threw an arm out as the three face downs appeared onto the field.

Once it was obvious his turn was over, Obelisk red stepped up to the challenge. "My turn!" The Academia soldier drew his card, and began to make his move. "I summon Antique Gear hound Dog!" The familiar and somewhat annoying mechanical dog lunged onto the field and barked loudly.

ANTIQUE GEAR HOUND DOG LV.3 ATK:1000 DEF:1000

"Once per turn, if my opponent controls a monster, this card can deal 600 points of damage!" Red smirked as his loyal dog unleashed a menacing flamethrower towards the ninja. "Hound Flame!"

"I activate the Continuous Trap Barrier Ninjitsu Art of Hazy Dousing!" A fierce wind engulfed him and his cards, blocking the fierce flames. "I negate all effect damage under 800!"

That caused Obelisk red's face to twitch into a frown. "Then I'll activate the Spell card Polymerization from my hand!" The Academia soldier showed his card. "I fuse the Antique Gear Hound Dog on my field, and the two in my hand, for a total of three Hound Dogs!" The three monsters began to fuse together in red, blue, and yellow glowing lights. "Mechanical hounds who carry on the ancient spirits! Flock together and become one with a new power!" The Academia soldier threw his fists together in front of himself as he yelled. "I Fusion Summon! Come forth! Level 7! Antique Gear Triple Bite Hound Dog!" The three headed dog appeared onto the field once more, and all three heads roared at their enemies as one.

ANTIQUE GEAR TRIPLE BITE HOUND DOG LV.7 ATK:18000 DEF:1000

"Battle!-"

"Before that!" Tsukikage interrupted the man once again, causing his newfound smile to instantly drop in angered annoyance. The ninja pointed towards one of his face downs. "I activate the Continuous Trap Barrier Ninjutsu Art of Shrouding Shadows! During my opponent's turn, I can pay half of my Life Points to end my opponent's Battle Phase!"

"What?!" Red yelled, outraged as more winds covered the field. However, this time they seemed to harm Tsukikage as he braced himself for the blow.

TSUKIKAGE LP- 4000 = 2000

His other three allies looked to him in shock, Shun being the first to break out of his stupor. "You…"

"Compared to your wounds, this is nothing." The young dark haired teen spoke without turning to face them.

Red clicked his tongue. "In that case, I set two cards and end my turn."

. . .

"I overlay my Level 3 Phantom Knights Dusty Robe and Silent Boots!" The two monsters turned into a dark purple light that crossed each other. Before going into the golden vortex that opened in the ground in front of Yuto. "Souls of warriors that had fallen on the battlefield. Revive now and become light to rend the darkness! I Xyz Summon!" Smoke poured out of the vortex as a beast appeared. "Appear before us! Rank 3! Phantom Knights Break Sword!"

PHANTOM KNIGHTS BREAK SWORD RNK.3 ORB.2 ATK:2000 DEF:1000

Sora didn't do anything to react to this familiar monster except twitched his lips for a moment in a frown. However, that frown soon turned into a mischievous smirk as his emerald eyes focused on his two targets.

Seeing his unresponsive attitude caused Yuto to shift. Just a bit unnerved by how Sora was so determined to hunt down at card them all for just trying to survive. However, that skittishness soon turned into anger as he grit his teeth and glared at Sora. A thunderous light warring in his eyes.

. . .

"Two beautiful flowers with a deadly alluring fragrance! Join together and create a new terror from the hell that lies beneath your petals!" Yuri clapped his hands together in his own special way. "I Fusion Summon!" He yelled enthusiastically. "Come forth! Poisonous dragon with hungering fangs. Level 8! Starve Venom Fusion Dragon!" Two acid green eyes glared at Zero, purple miasma dripped down its fangs and mandibles before it roared.

STARVING VENOM FUSION DRAGON LV.8 ATK:2800 DEF:2000

Zero grit his teeth. "Damn, you're already summoning your ace monster?"

Yuri smiled and practically chirped happily. "Yup. Although I have to say I'm disappointed, I was hoping that you would do something more on your first turn." Yuri shrugged aimlessly. "Oh well, I guess I might as well finish this right here and now." His pink eyes sharpened as Yuri gave a sharp smile. "Battle!" The Fusion user threw his palm out towards Zero and his two monsters. "I attack your Black Knight Glasgow with my Starving Venom Fusion Dragon! Acidic Blast!" The Fusion dragon lunged towards Zero's weaker and most vulnerable monster. How, at the last moment the masked man gave a smirk from underneath his mask and sprung into action.

The revolutionary raised a hand up towards his Scale 1 Angelic Vi Britannia. "I activate Angelic Vi Britannia's Pendulum Ability!"

"What?!" Yuri blinked.

"When in the Battle Phase, I am able to use any Summoning Method by using the monsters on my field as materials!" Zero revealed with a sly grin on his face as he threw a hand out to both Knightmare Frames he had on his field. "I'll choose to Synchro Summon by using my newfound Level 4 tuning monster Black Knight Commander Burai with my Level 4 Black Knight Glasgow!"

The two machines turned into red stars and rings that soon began to form a newfound monster. Starving Venom just missing his attack as they vanished, and roared with anger at his lost target.

"Break free from your chains of oppression and come forth to aid your Leader. To whom you've sworn to live or die with as a member of the Black Knights!" Zero threw his right arm towards Yuri as a silver metal claw burst free from the Synchro Summoning energy. "I Synchro Summon! Level 8!" The shining red and orange paint of the Guren began to appear. "Come forward to aid this Rebellion! Guren F.E.V!" Unlike with the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N, the Guren F.E.V didn't have any green orbs embedded into its chest, nor did it have those deadly yet beautiful red luminous wings. Instead, this Guren seemed to be a downgraded version of the Level 9 S.E.I.T.E.N, and only had four long red points extending from its back to act as it's wings. It created an X formation and had pink lights glowing from each end.

GUREN F.E.V LV.8 ATK:2800 DEF:2600

"Another version of the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N?" Yuri blinked in shock, before realizing something else. "You've been waiting for me to make this move, you were baiting me."

"Precisely." Zero agreed. "You've become overconfident as of lately, and I function at my best when people underestimate me. Now then!" Zero threw out his hand. "Unlike with the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N, the Guren F.E.V only has two effects! When the Guren first enters the field, it can destroy one monster on my opponent's side of the field as long as it has an equal or lower level than the Guren!" Zero pointed at Starving Venom, who had once again returned to his master's side. "I choose to destroy your Starving Venom Fusion Dragon! Radiation Wave Surger!"

The Guren F.E.V needed no further instructions, and flew up into the air and made a lunge of its own towards the Fusion monster. It's steel claw grabbing ahold of Starving Venom's head and most of its upper body, red radiation quickly igniting and spilling across the ailing dragon's body. Starving Venom's vines tried to crush the strong metal, but it didn't even bring a scratch in the glossy red paint. Flames burst forth from the flammable plant like monster, and licked at the dragon's frame like a desperately dying beast. Unhealthy bubbles bursting forth and frothing together in a wicked and gruesome manner. The smell of searing flesh and burning blood and ashes covering the field in a horridly atrocious smell.

As the miasma from Starving Venom's effect once it is defeated and leaves the field began to spill over the ground of the field, Zero continued. "And of course, the Guren's second ability." Zero raised up two gloved fingers. "The Guren can block any monster's effects once per turn for the rest of this turn. I choose to block your Starving Venom's ability." Zero made a sweeping gesture, and the Guren released its charred corpse of prey and extended its silver claw down towards the advancing miasma. "Widespread Gefjun Net!" A back compartment opened in the Guren, and multiple pods that held glowing green Gefjun Disturbers flew from within the Guren to scatter all around the purple miasma. Eventually, the Disturbers caused the purple acidic liquid to scatter and evaporate in horrible smelling vapors instead.

The Guren F.E.V, done with its current battle, resumed a protective position beside its master Zero. The silvery claw extended and directed right towards Yuri menacingly. While unknowingly, the Scale 9 Knightmare Pilot Kallen Kozuki glared down at Yuri as well, her grip on the silvery short sword tightened till her knuckles turned white.

Yuri laughed, and gave a round of applause despite the threatening intent coming from the two monsters bring directed at him. "Wonderful! Absolutely marvelous indeed Zero! You've managed to read my moves from our last battle and predict me!" Pink eyes calmed, and glared at the masked man. "Now that we've finally come full circle to where we last left off, why don't we continue?" Yuri raised two cards. "I set two cards down and end my turn!" The Fusion user made a 'come at me' gesture towards the leader of the Xyz resistance. "Let's see how much you've truly learned here in this Standard Dimension!"

. . .

"I Fusion Summon!" Obelisk green yelled and threw his balled fists forward. "Come forth! Level 7! Antique Gear Triple Bite Hound Dog!"

ANTIQUE GEAR TRIPLE BITE HOUND DOG LV.7 ATK:1800 DEF:1000

"Battle!"

"I pay half of my Life Points and end the Battle Phase with Barrier Ninjutsu Art of Shrouding Shadows!" Tsukikage intervened once more, and more hurling winds blew and battered his thin body.

TSUKIKAGE LP- 2000 = 1000

. . .

"I release Twilight Ninja Shingetsu, and Advance Summon Twilight Chuunin Nichirin!" The thinner blue ninja burst into a sea of yellow particles to give way to a bigger, bulker ninja that wore a red scarf and sun themed mask.

TWILIGHT CHUUNIN NICHIRIN LV.6 ATK:2300 DEF:1000

"I end my turn here." Hikage looked over to Yuto, and gave a small nod.

Yuto nodded in understanding, and put one hand on his deck in preparation to draw a card. His grey eyes went from the Hikage over to Sora with steeled determination. "Right. My turn!"

. . .

"I Fusion Summon!" Obelisk yellow hollered and threw his fists forward as he was taught in Academia. "Come forth! Level 7! Antique Gear Triple Bite Hound Dog!"

ANTIQUE GEAR TRIPLE BITE HOUND DOG LV.7 ATK:1800 DEF:1000

This time, Tsukikage didn't even give the Academia soldier time to start the Battle Phase. "I activate Barrier Ninjutsu Art of Shrouding Shadows!" This time when the whirling winds hit the ninja, he gave a small groan in pain and closed one blue eye.

TSUKIKAGE LP- 1000 = 500

"Damn it!" Yellow swore, red eyes narrowed at the moon ninja with venom and hatred alongside his other allies. "I set one card and end my turn!"

Once the onslaught was finally over, Tsukikage finally knelt on the ground as his injuries forced him down. His eyes were scrunched up in obvious pain and discomfort.

Serena looked down at the injured ninja with sympathy and confusion. "Why are you going so far?"

Tsukikage opened one eye to look up at his enemies. "It's all according to plan. While my brother, Hikage, is fending off the intruders with the brilliance of the sun. I, like the moon, will protect us and stall the enemy."

Shun stepped forward, his yellow eyes narrowed with a promise for vengeance as he stared down the Obelisk Force. His remaining arm not holding the duel disk being clutched against his pain filled ribs and sides. "So all that's left is my turn then!"

"Yeah right." Serena interjected and stepped in front of Shun, the Raidraptor looking over at Serena with intrigue. While the Lunalight user's forest green eyes were focused on her enemies. "My turn!" With that, Serena proceeded to steal Shun's turn and drew a card. She only glimpsed at the card before she drew out a plan of action from within her head. "I activate the Spell Card Polymerization!" The Fusion user revealed the Spell Card for all to see, and even though the two Xyz remnants knew about it. It still caught them off guard and surprised them to see her use it so freely.

This was the Summoning Method that had destroyed their lives and ruined their homes.

"I fuse Lunalight Blue Cat and Lunalight Purple Butterfly!" The two nocturnal creatures appeared and began to fuse together a dazzling array of blues and purples. "Blue cat that prowls through the darkness! Butterfly with violet poison! Spiral into the moon's gravity and become a new power!" Unconsciously, the Fusion user threw her hands together in front of her chest and her Fusion monster began to appear in its mesmerizing dance. "I Fusion Summon! Come to me! Beautiful beast that dances in the moonlight! Lunalight Cat Dancer!" The feminine feline gave a soft laugh as it danced, before finally coming to a stop and posing with its vicious daggers on display.

LUNALIGHT CAT DANCER LV.7 ATK:2400 DEF:2000

"She's really helping us?" Ruri spoke up as Shun stared at Serena, slightly gobsmacked at the thought of a person from Academia actually helping them. "A Fusion user from Academia is siding with us and helping us?"

. . .

Meanwhile, watching the spectacle was Dennis McFeild. A knowing smile on his face as he watched Serena perform her Fusion Summon. "Of course she would use Academia styled Fusion… huh?"

The Xyz Performage user blinked, before turning his green eyes over to see two more tournament contestants heading over towards the giant Battle Royale. Said two contestants were none other than Michio and Teppei, which the latter was carrying a still unconscious Aura on his back.

. . .

Michio and Teppei froze at the sight of Obelisk Force, and quickly backed away behind an array of jagged rocks generated from the Action Field to hide behind.

"That's…" Teppei growled.

"Those must be the Academia forces that the others mentioned!" Michio finished for his partner.

At this point, Teppei began to freak out as he spoke in a higher pitch in his whispered panic. You could see the sweat, nerves, and jittery anxiousness rolling off of the fisherman in waves. "We were trying to carry this girl to safety and ended up in the most dangerous place?! You've got to be kidding me!"

. . .

"I activate the Spell Card Moonbeam Fragrance!" Serena continued, not noticing the new spectators to the match. "It allows me to Summon one Lunalight monster from my Graveyard! I Special Summon Blue Cat!" The blue fancily dressed feline jumped up from the Graveyard and crouched down. Prepared for battle with a low meow.

LUNALIGHT BLUE CAT LV.4 ATK:1600 DEF:1200

"When Blue Cat is Special Summoned, I can double the Attack of one other Lunalight monster for the rest of this turn!" Serena informed the rest of the group. "I target Cat Dancer!" A yellow stage light from the moon or even the heavens themselves seemed to shine down on Serena's ace monster as it gained more power.

LUNALIGHT CAT DANCER ATK:2400 = 4800

. . .

SORA LP- 4000 = 3200

The Fusion user grit his teeth as Yuto finished his attack with Phantom Knights Break Sword, but that frown soon turned into a grin as he looked at his monsters. "Nice try in destroying my Fluffal Lion, but I'm afraid that just won't do now will it?" Yuto shifted his stance on the ground to be more balanced as he growled. "Now since I believe your turn is over…" Sora drawled lazily as he drew a card. "It's my turn!" Emerald eyes looked over at the card he drew, and smiled. "And I play the Spell Card Polymerization! I choose to fuse together my Fluffal Lion and Edge Imp Saw!"

Sora's two monsters began to fuse together in a red and yellow display of colored light. "Steel blade possessed by demons! Become one with the fanged beast and reveal to us your new form!" Sora threw his arms above his head and made them ball together into one fist. Before throwing them down in front of himself. "I Fusion Summon! Come forth! King of beast that shreds all!" Yuto and Hikage had no choice but to watch as the adorable lion from before became deformed and burst at the seems to turn into its more demonic and insane counterpart. The cuter lion's stuffing flying everywhere from the horrid display of Fusion Summoning.

"Frightfur Wheel Saw Lion!" The demonic lion flexed its stuffed arms for a moment, and gave a deranged cackle that proved it was ready for battle.

FRIGHTFUR WHEEL SAW LION LV.7 ATK:2400 DEF:2000

"Damn!" Yuto swore.

"Sora!"

"Huh?" Yuto blinked, before looking over at the familiar voice to see none other than Yuya and his friend Gongenzaka. The two were on the other side of the lava river, and at the moment had no way of reaching the other side. The Xyz rebel gave a relieved smile that was quickly wiped off his face at finally finding him.

Hikage and Sora both also turned to address this newfound player into the game. Sora himself seemed to be shocked for a moment, before he gave a heavy sigh and his emerald eyes narrowed in annoyance. He looked away and soon returned to the duel at hand. The Fusion user closed his eyes for a moment, and then reopened them to find that familiar, almost crazed look in those emeraldy acidic orbs. For the most part, his crazed glare was actually turned upon Hikage.

"I'll be sure to deal with you first before finally finishing that Xyz scum off!" Sora declared darkly.

. . .

"I activate Lunalight Cat Dancer's effect!" Serena threw her arm to the side. "By releasing Blue Cat, Lunalight Cat Dancer can now attack every monster on my opponent's field twice!" The pink furred feline's cyan green dress began to glow brightly as the monster charged up with power.

"Battle!" Serena threw her arm forward towards Obelisk Force now. "I attack Triple Bite Hound Dog with Lunalight Cat Dancer!"

Obelisk red smiled knowingly. "I'm afraid that won't work." Serena blinked in confusion. "I activate the Trap Fusion Dispersal!"

Serena lowered her arm in shock. "What?! Fusion Dispersal!?" Suddenly Lunalight Cat Dancer grabbed ahold of her own head and began to scream in extreme pain. Serena looked up at her monster and was forced to watch her ace's pain.

"I can revert one attacking Fusion monster my opponent controls into its Fusion Materials, and then end the Battle Phase and deal damage equal to the Attack of the Fusion Material with the highest Attack!" Serena's two monsters, Blue Cat and Purple Butterfly, once again appeared on the field of battle.

LUNALIGHT BLUE CAT LV.4 ATK:1600 DEF:1200

LUNALIGHT PURPLE BUTTERFLY LV.3 ATK:1000 DEF:1000

Serena's green eyes widened in shock as Blue Cat suddenly lunged out and scratched their own master. Thinking quickly, Serena crossed her arms in front of her face to protect herself. She was forcefully skid backwards by the force of her own monster's attack. The Fusion user just barely managed to not be smacked against the glass doors of the L.D.S tower.

SERENA LP- 4000 = 2400

"Serena!" Ruri called out, looking over at her Fusion counterpart with worry. "Are you alright?!"

Serena opened one forest green eye to look over at Ruri and give a stiff nod. "It's alright. "She spoke through gritted teeth before glaring over at Obelisk red. "I'm fine."

"Too bad." Red openly mocked. "But we fully comprehend your Deck. You don't have any options left!" Serena's eyes widened in shock, and a slight hint of fear.

. . .

"Let's go, hurry!" Michio suddenly spoke up, and looked to his partner Teppei.

Teppei himself blinked, and looked over at Michio as if he was insane. "What?! Why! Even if we fight them, we won't get any Pendulum cards!" The fisherman reasoned in his own 'sensible' ways.

"But our friends are in a pinch!" Michio spoke seriously, yet at the same time frantically.

Teppei looked over at his dueling partner in shock, before giving a calm smile and speaking confidently. "You're right, we could use our power to turn a pinch into a chance." Almost instantly, the fisherman broke through his sarcastic demeanor and whispered yelled at his partner in frustrated anger. Teeth grit and eyes narrowed as he hissed at Michio. "Like hell that'd happen, idiot!"

. . .

"Like hell I'd allow that to happen, Academia scum!" Yuto spat. However, when Yuto tried to step forward, Sora's Wheel Saw Lion suddenly appeared in front of him and his Xyz monster Phantom Knight Break Sword. The Xyz monster's horse was spooked, and quickly reared up with a loud neigh, hooves kicking out against the stronger Fusion monster instinctively. The lion gave a deranged laugh as it swatted Yuto aside like a measly fly. "Ah!" Yuto cried out, before his Xyz monster quickly came to the rescue and save him from a nasty tumble. Just barely able to rein its horse in to save him.

Meanwhile, Wheel Saw Lion and Sora were quickly advancing towards Hikage and his own weaker monster. The sun themed ninja and older brother to Tsukikage slowly backed away each step Sora took to try and stall for time and distance.

"No, wait!" Yuto grit his teeth and hit his fist against the ground in his rising anger. "Dammit!" Grey eyes looked around frantically for what Zero and Shun called Action Cards. The Phantom Knights user remembering them all having a conversation about those new additions to dueling one day while they still lived in the hotel. "Come on… Where's an Action Card when I need one!"

"Sora!" Yuya called out once again, this time his voice was tinged with worry and frantic fear.

"Hey! Sora!" Gongenzaka called out this time, but both times Sora ignored them and continued advancing. His light blue hair shadowing his emerald green eyes as he continued to calmly stalk forward. Hikage continued to forcefully back up, sweat gliding down the side of his face at this terrible predicament and rising realization.

He was about to lose.

He was going to die and become a card.

"What's gotten into you!?" Yuya yelled, this time frustration and anger beginning to rise from within him at his supposed friend's true colors. "What are you doing!?" At no reply, Yuya grit his teeth and repeated his question. "What do you think you're doing? Turning the people you defeat into cards!? Sora!"

"That's something that will never be forgiven!" Gongenzaka roared towards his once thought Fusion user friend.

"Say something!" Yuya ordered. "Look at me, Sora!" Scarlet red eyes narrowed down to look at the shorter Academia soldier.

The constant yelling from across the lava river finally seemed to get a rise out of Sora, as he once again turned to face his 'friends.' "I'm about to take this guy out now! Just wait a minute and let me finish him off alongside this Xyz trash!"

"Stop messing around!" Yuya snapped darkly, and proceeded to sprint over towards Sora in his anger.

"Wait, don't be stupid! Yuya!" The Steadfast duelist was just barely able to grab ahold of his best friend before he took a fatal plummet into the lava river separating them from Sora, Yuto, and Hikage. "Don't be reckless Yuya! Stop!"

"Let go of me!" Yuya struggled against his stronger friend's grip.

Gongenzaka looked across the bank of the lava river, before coming across a familiar Battle Royale. "Yuya!"

"What!?" Yuya looked up at his friend's change of tone.

"Over there! Yuzu and the others are!-"

"Huh?" Yuya instantly ceased his struggling to look over at Gongenzaka's current line of sight to find none other than Yuzu, two Xyz rebels, and another blue clad ninja fighting against three Obelisk Force members. "Yuzu!" The Pendulum user breathed a sigh of relief, not realizing that it wasn't Yuzu, but instead Serena.

. . .

Serena grit her teeth in frustration, before grounding out her next words. "I end my turn!"

"Now!" Michio suddenly spoke up, and began to sprint into action. "Let's go!"

Teppei watched as his partner ran straight into danger, and began to panic. "Wait! Don't!" Thinking quickly, the fisherman put Aura down under the safe cover of the rocks, and also slowly walked out with one hand holding onto his whale hat.

Michio slid to a stop beside Tsukikage, and held out his white duel disk. "You're facing us now!" The famous cooking duelist all but demanded. Together, both him and his partner activated their duel disks in preparation for battle. Everyone else looking at the new intruders with surprise.

That is, until a mechanical voice entered the fray.

"Intrusion Penalty. 2000 Life Points!"

"Huh?" Teppei spoke up, and looked down at his duel disk as it began to spark with electricity. The electricity suddenly shot out at both duelists, and Teppei began to scream out in pain. "We didn't even do anything yet and we lost 2000 Life Points!?"

MICHIO LP- 4000 = 2000

TEPPEI LP- 4000 = 2000

Michio took a deep breath, before making his move and recovering from the electric shock. "I activate the Spell Card Instant Cooking! I can Special Summon as many Royal Cookmates as possible from my hand whose Levels are less than the total Levels of my opponents' monsters!" The cooking duelist raised his arm up into the air as he summoned his ace monsters. "So with that, I'll bring out all of my monsters under Level 21 right away!" Michio raised all three of his monster cards towards the sky, and they appeared in three separate beams of light. "Royal Cookmate Knight Neapolitan! Royal Cookmate Queen Omelet! Finally, Royal Cookmate King Hamburg!" The three food based duel monsters bunched together and looked down upon the commoner humans.

ROYAL COOKMATE KNIGHT NEAPOLITAN LV.8 ATK:300 DEF:1100

ROYAL COOKMATE QUEEN OMELET LV.9 ATK:300 DEF:100

ROYAL COOKMATE KING HAMBURG LV.10 ATK:300 DEF:1300

"I then set one card down and my prep work is finished!" With that, Michio crossed one arm across his chest and did a fancy bow.

Obelisk green laughed at the absurdity of it all. "Ha! No matter how many of you come out, you can't compete with us!"

Michio smiled and spoke politely despite his rather rude enemy's comments. "I'd prefer if you would stop underestimating us." The famous cook warned lightly, and looked over to his partner Teppei. "Right? Partner?" With that, Michio proceeded to give Teppei a heavy pat on the back. Said fisherman was unprepared for the sudden pat, and accidentally tumbled forward unprepared. At that same moment, Teppei had accidentally drawn a card from his deck.

"H-h-h-hey! You made me draw my card already!" Teppei yelled frantically back at his partner. To which Michio rubbed the back of his head and laughed sheepishly as a sign of apology. Teppei slouched down and sighed, before looking at the card he drew and grinned. "Alright then, this can work!" Teppei showed everyone his Spell Card. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card Inland Sea! It lowers the Levels of WATER monsters in my hand by 1! Next, I summon the Level 5 Legendary Fisherman as Level 4 from my hand!" The humanoid monster with wild blue hair and tattoos rode upon the back of a giant blue shark with red eyes while holding an old fashioned spear.

LEGENDARY FISHERMAN LV.5 ATK:1850 DEF:1600

LEGENDARY FISHERMAN LV.5 = 4

"By sacrificing the Legendary Fisherman I can Special Summon the Legendary Fisherman 3!" Teppei continued, as his more primitive fisherman was replaced with a more advanced one who held a fishing net in one hand and a spear gun in the other. "Be reborn with a legend of the ages! Legendary Fisherman 3!"

LEGENDARY FISHERMAN 3 LV.7 ATK:2500 DEF:2000

"When this card is Special Summoned, I can banish any number of monsters my opponents control!" Teppei revealed.

"What?!"

Teppei pointed at the shocked Obelisk Force members. "I'll get all three of you in one big catch!" The tournament contestant smirked triumphantly as his Legendary Fisherman snagged all of Obelisk Force's Ancient Gear Triple Bite Hound Dogs in his huge fishing net.

"Looking good Teppei!" Michio cheered his partner on, and played off of his friend's move. "Now, I'll activate the Trap Card Monster Pie!" The famous star threw his arm out, and three rather nasty looking pies with red eyes glowing from within the darkness appeared above each Obelisk Force member. "If I control a Cookmate monster, I can Special Summon a Monster Pie Token to my opponent's field for each monster that leaves their field!"

"What the-!" Obelisk red swore under his breath as he and his comrades looked up at the strange monsters.

MONSTER PIE TOKEN LV.3 ATK:1000 DEF:1000

MONSTER PIE TOKEN LV.3 ATK:1000 DEF:1000

MONSTER PIE TOKEN LV.3 ATK:1000 DEF:1000

Michio smirked at their reactions. "I then activate my Royal Cookmates' effects! When monsters are summoned or Special Summoned to my opponent's field, by returning Royal Cookmates to my hand, I can destroy a monster for each card returned!" All three of Michio's food based monsters quickly returned to their master's deck in a stream of yellow lights.

This time Teppei took over. "Then take this effect on top of it!" The fisherman pointed towards the Academia soldiers. "By returning the banished monsters to the opponent's Graveyard, the Legendary Fisherman doubles the damage my opponent takes!" The three Triple Bite Hound Dogs were thrown from their temporary net right at their masters.

"When Monster Pie Tokens are destroyed, they deal 1000 damage to the opponent!" Michio also revealed, leaning forward in his excitement at this extraordinary combo. "So that means!-"

"The damage is doubled, so it's 2000 points of damage to each of you!" Teppei finished together with Michio whilst pointing to the Fusion users. Lightning struck down on each Obelisk Force soldier, and all three screamed as the electricity coursed through their veins.

OBELISK RED LP- 4000 = 2000

OBELISK GREEN LP- 4000 = 2000

OBELISK YELLOW LP- 4000 = 2000

Michio looked over to Teppei. "We're the best combination, aren't we!"

Teppei turned to look at his friend and nodded with a grin. "Of course we are, partner!" Michio smiled even more at Teppei finally acknowledging him as his partner and newfound friend, but it was quickly soured at the sound of dark laughter. Their two smiles were quickly wiped off of their faces when they turned to see it was Obelisk green laughing softly to himself.

"That best combination of yours…" He began, before looking up at them both with a maddened grin. "Has lead you to your worst demise!"

"What?" Both Teppei and Michio's eyes widened at what the Academia duelist was saying and watched the teen raised his hand up towards the sky.

"I activate all of my set cards!" Three cards revealed themselves. "The Continuous Trap Antique Gear Reborn! Antique Gear Spark Shot, and Antique Gear Booster!" The middle card began to glow. "With Gear Reborn's effect, I can revive Triple Bite Hound Dog with 200 more Attack Points!" The mechanical dog once again rose from the Grave to howl and bark at its enemies in a rabid fashion.

ANTIQUE GEAR TRIPLE BITE HOUND DOG LV.7 ATK:1800 DEF:1000

ANTIQUE GEAR TRIPLE BITE HOUND DOG ATK:1800 = 2000

"And with Gear Spark Shot, it would deal half of Triple Bite Hound Dog's Attack in damage, but…" Green smiled even more darkly. "With Gear Booster's effect, the effect damage is doubled!"

"That's 2000 points of damage!" Ruri cried out, looking over towards Michio and Teppei. "But they only have-"

"Take 2000 points of damage!" Green yelled maniacally, and threw his hand forward towards the two dueling partners. Each of Triple Bite Hound Dog's mouths glowing with an orangey fire that soon turned into three flamethrowers that combined into one huge one. "Antique Revive Howling!" All of that deadly energy was thrown head first towards Michio.

The orange haired duelist didn't even get a chance to breath or widen his eyes before the energy was already on top of him and consuming him.

The Cookmate duelist screamed, and you could only see his shadowed silhouette from within the bright fire that pushed him, making the cook fly backwards into the L.D.S tower. Teppei slowly turned, not able to process nor believe what was happening right before his eyes. The fisherman slowly reached out his arm and called out his partner's name. "Michio!"

MICHIO LP- 2000 = 0 LOSER

Ruri screamed, hands coming up to cover her mouth as she watched Michio's prone form fall lifelessly to the ground. Shun turned around to comfort his sister, bringing her within a tight hug despite the pain, and blocking her view of the horribly gruesome sight. The Raidraptor himself had bit the inside of his cheek so hard it was bleeding, the taste of coppery iron filling his mouth and senses. Shun's teeth grit against the pain and reminder that he had once again failed to prevent Academia from destroying more lives.

This was why he had joined the resistance. To fight and defeat Academia! To bring desperately sought justice and vengeance against all they had done to everything they had touched!

"Oh my God." Serena spoke softly. The breath leaving her lungs and her legs wobbling slightly as a fierce feeling of being sick suddenly overcame her, but she was just barely able to bottle it all down. A deadly rage from within her boiled over to its breaking point, and she swore right then and there that there would be hell to pay for what had happened here with Academia on this day.

"Michio…" Teppei breathed, his eyes the size of pin pricks as the shook at his partner's sudden defeat and pain.

Green laughed light-heartedly, as if it was all a joke, a sick game of sorts. The Academia soldier positioned his duel disk right above Michio and grinned sadistically. "You should never have interfered!"

With that, he pressed a button on his duel disk, and Michio was engulfed in a purple beam of light.

What came out of that light was nothing more than a card.

Within that card held Michio, collapsed on the floor and in a permanent sign of agonized pain across his face.

There we have it! The end of a SUPER long chapter that takes up 37 PAGES and is 15,000. Words. LONG! Now that it's done, let's clear some things up. Each version of the Guren and Lancelot will have different effects, or more or less effects depending on the Level. For example, the Guren F.E.V is Level 8, and only has 2 effects while the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N is Level 9 and has 3 effects.

By the way, how much TIME did Michio and Teppei HAVE to come up with that combo?! It just seemed to be never ending! Also, sad times that Michio was turned into a card. The two actually did work rather well together. I would have never come up with a combo such as that, so weep for the poor minor characters. Unfortunately, there's already WAYYYY too many characters in Yugioh Arc-V as it was, and here I am adding more people like Zero and Ruri into the picture. I just wouldn't be able to make a good story if EVERYONE survived it, and it would just become chaos...

Kind of like this chapter that took way too long to post, huh?

I can practically hear the people crying out at me in outrage. Here I am looking for other Code Geass Fanfics to read, hell I practically thirst for them, but I've already read most! Then there are those that are incomplete, but they can't exactly post every day. God I can relate to the tortuous waiting!

I'm excited to jump right into the Synchro Dimension arc though now that the Battle Royale is just about over. I've got plans… Big mini arc plans in that one. I think it'll be very interesting and VERY fun. :

Also! Zero's having his rematch against Yuri! Our main man is actually DUELING! At the moment, we've got Yuri, Yuto, and Yuya all in rather close, and certainly uncomfortable, proximity to each other. That's a big no no right there, but at least Zero used one of his Pendulum monster's Pendulum effects finally… Which just happened to be his little sister in the form of a card. I used Nunnally's Empress clothing as pretty much the basic design. (By the way, tell my if you think that Pendulum Effect is broken or too overpowered, because it feels like that to me. I don't even know why I still added it in, but I felt it needed to be there as well.)

One more thing! I've also gone through the reviews and looked at the OC cards you suggested, and put them all down in a special section within a little document I'd like to call Zero's Deck. To which I will post up once this entire story is finito! That way if I decide to add them in I won't have to go back and forth. (Of course credit will go where credit is due if I DO use them. I'm not a scumbag.) I just thought it would be a nice fyi for everyone.

ANYWAY! With that all out of the way… Leave a REVIEW (Absolutely LOVE reading those by the way.), follow, or favorite.

I'll be seeing you all in Chapter 26! SEE YA! -MoonlightWright