I know Lilith f* up, but watch out Flynn! Isabeau doesn't like hot headed boys who act without thinking. Don't let the future mother of your children down! Hehehe! -Lucian Naruto

Definitely. It was meant as a moment to show Flynn's dark side. Remember he is one who can potentially commit some heinous things in SMTIV. It would be weird if that just came out of nowhere.

Chapter 22 Hatred

Asura Kai members tensed as Walter walked forward. Behind them was a large building.

"Hoy, your either going to tell me what I'm looking for or get out of my face.", Walter said.

"As if! We're prepared for you now, Samurai!", Asura Kai member 1 said as he raised his duel disk.

"If that's what you want…duel!", Walter replied.

Walter LP 4000

Junta LP 4000

"I draw!", Junta said.

Junta

Hand: 6

"I summon Playful Possum and set two cards facedown.", Junta said.

Junta

Hand: 3

Playful Possum

(BEAST/EARTH/EFFECT/ ATK 800/ DEF 600/ LV2)

Effect: During your Main Phase: You can destroy this face-up card on the field. Your opponent must control a monster with a higher ATK than this card for you to activate and to resolve this effect. During your Standby Phase, if this card was destroyed by this effect: You can Special Summon this card from the Graveyard.

"Che! You think that scares me?", Walter questioned.

"You'll see soon, Samurai!", Asura Kai member 2 said.

"I end my turn.", Junta said.

"I draw!", Walter said.

Walter

Hand: 6

"I activate Dark World Lightning allowing me to discard a card then destroy your facedown!", Walter said, discarding Broww and destroying the card on the right.

Walter

Hand: 4

The card destroyed was Negate Attack.

"Since I discarded Broww his effect activates allowing me to draw a card!", Walter said.

Walter

Hand: 5

"I activate Dark Fusion fusing Malicious Edge with Big Piece Golem! Arise a dauntless fiend from the great inferno! You hold the power to rock the entire world! Fusion summon! Level 8! Evil HERO Dark Gaia!", Walter chanted.

Walter

Hand: 2

"He gains the combined attack of his fusion materials! Dark HEROic Legion!", Walter said as the Asura Kai members stepped back.

Evil HERO Dark Gaia ATK ? 2600 2100 = 4700

"I activate Gates of Dark World making my fiend monsters gain 300 attack.", Walter said.

Walter

Hand: 1

Evil HERO Dark Gaia ATK 4700 300 = 5000

"You've gotta be shitting me! You Samurai are supposed to use synchro monsters!", Junta said.

"Most unfortunate for you. I prefer fusion. Now, attack Dark Gaia! Infernal Hell Blaze!", Walter declared.

The beast type monster was completely vaporized by the sea of flames.

Junta LP 4000 - 4200 = 0

Asura Kai member 2 sweated in horror as Walter came forward yanking his collar.

"Now, where is Gina?", Walter questioned.

In Mikado…

His fellows returned to Mikado with the Black Samurai in tow. Navarre tried to call Walter to inform him.

"The nerve of that Walter! He won't answer when we have such important news!", Navarre complained.

"He must be wrapped up in something. We can always inform him later.", Jonathan replied as they stepped through the terminal door into Aquila Plaza.

They brought the Black Samurai to the Monastery who eagerly imprisoned her.

"Congratulations on completing the quest!", Burroughs said, cheerfully.

Isabeau looked over, noticing Flynn's head dipped down. Jonathan turned her attention to them after Lilith was taken away. He walked forward and Navarre noticed this.

"Do you want to talk about what happened back there?", Jonathan asked.

Flynn was completely silent as he adjusted his uniform unconsciously.

"I-I…", Flynn muttered.

"If your uncomfortable we can always go back to the barracks then come back to try and purify you of that spirit's evil.", Isabeau said and Flynn nodded numbly.

They went over the Barracks and Flynn sat on his bed taking a long sigh.

"I don't know where to start…", Flynn admitted.

You don't have to go in order it definitely seems like you have to let out some of the stuff you've been bottling.", Isabeau said as Flynn looked shocked.

"How did you know?!", Flynn questioned.

"It was kind of obvious judging by how much you exploded….", Navarre replied awkwardly.

"I suppose. I've just felt…I have felt so angry ever since…that tragedy at the ball.", Flynn replied as he laid his fists in his hands.

He couldn't even decently pretend now something wasn't wrong. They all knew he couldn't lie to them after what happened.

"Ever since then this anger has been festering inside me…Issachar was helping me with trying to let go of my anger…", Flynn said.

Isabeau and Navarre had understanding looks having lost a lot too that day. It was difficult to not just lash out in hatred after having precious people ripped from you.

"When faced with losing him too like my parents I just…lost it. He's the last person I still have from my life before I was a Samurai. My best friend….I…but even still…nothing justifies the way I acted. I'm horrible…", Flynn said as he desperately tried to hide his face.

Tears were leaking from his eyes as he was completely overcome with his withheld emotions spilling out.

"Mother and father would be disappointed in me…", Flynn muttered as Isabeau touched his shoulder.

Flynn hesitated to look up to Isabeau. He didn't want her to see how weak he was.

"You can't just hate yourself. Nothing productive comes from that. All you can do now is try to better yourself so that doesn't happen again.", Isabeau said as Flynn shook.

"How can you say that?!! I betted your life! I'm no better than ritual scum!", Flynn blurted out revealing his face.

His fellows were taken aback to see Flynn in such a state.

"You shouldn't forgive me for that no matter how much I beg!", Flynn said.

Jonathan was silent thinking about what Flynn was saying. Even his fellow who had been a pillar of justice held such dark thoughts. But, he didn't hate Flynn. He knew what he went through and could understand he snapped.

"Well it's my choice and I've decided to forgive you, Flynn.", Isabeau replied as the two's gaze met.

Flynn was completely perplexed, unable to understand how she could possibly forgive him for his selfishness.

"Why…?", Flynn questioned.

"Because we're fellows Flynn and I know something was seriously wrong with you when all of that was going on.", Isabeau replied.

"Yeah, you completely transformed it was like you were possessed. I don't think that was fully you back there.", Navarre replied.

"Maybe…it all still feels blurry. I remember bits and pieces of what happened, but that's it.", Flynn replied as he rubbed his head.

"That makes it all the more likely that something took a hold of you.", Jonathan replied.

"I should go back to the Monastery and try to cleanse myself.", Flynn said.

"Of that evil power…and hopefully my own evil thoughts as well…", Flynn thought.

In Shinjuku…

The dark power that Odd-Eyes had felt earlier disappeared putting him at ease, but he couldn't help but wonder where it came from.

"That power was something new…it felt slightly similar to sister and the other signer dragons, but not quite. Did it leave?", Odd-Eyes thought.

"Hey, Odd-Eyes considering all you do know. Do you know anything about Akira?", Nikkari asked.

The spirit turned his attention back to the humans after being lost in thought.

"Who's Akira?", Odd-Eyes questioned.

"Well, I guess he can't know everything…", Manabu sighed.

"Akira was Clear Wing's signer. Tayama stole Clear Wing away from him after defeating him in a duel.", Nikkari explained as the others looked at him.

"Hmm…that must have happened before I came here. That certainly explains why sister felt so sad. Why are you asking?", Odd-Eyes replied.

"Because it's possible that Nanashi could be Akira's reincarnation. After all, we learned from the Samurai that it's been over 1000 years in Mikado. So, he's definitely perished. Not to mention…Ryou has definitely come back as Flynn. It's undeniable now after seeing his duel with that monster.", Nikkari explained.

"Who exactly was Akira anyway? I don't really understand that much about him. I keep hearing his name, but I don't know it's significance.", Nanashi questioned.

"Yeah, everyone acts super weird when that name's mentioned.", Asahi added.

"It's because Akira is considered to be a traitor. Just forget about him. Nanashi is Nanashi and that's all that matters.", Boss replied.

"Even still…Why though? What did he do? If whatever you old guys are talking about is true shouldn't I at least understand who Akira is?", Nanashi replied.

"You don't need to know, Nanashi! It's not your problem anyway!", Boss replied as Asahi flinched at her fathers anger.

"Of course it's my problem, Boss! If what he's saying is true that means I'm a signer too right like Flynn?! Then, I can save Clear Wing for Odd-Eyes I owe him!", Nanashi said.

"Really? Are you sure you want to do that though? It will be extremely dangerous.", Odd-Eyes replied, touched but concerned.

"Then, I can start training now so I can defeat that bastard Tayama-", Nanashi was saying.

"Out of the question!", Boss yelled as he slammed his hands against the table.

Nanashi narrowed his eyes growling at Boss who glared back at him.

"Nanashi, you are just a child! What kind of father would let a kid fight on the front lines?!", Boss said.

Nanashi's eyes widened at the slip of the tongue and he looked down.

"You can't protect me forever, Boss! I won't ever become strong with you constantly coddling me!", Nanashi replied.

Odd-Eyes was silent, feeling unsure. Nanashi as he was definitely wasn't ready. He would need rigorous training to go after a target with such high status.

"Why can't you see I'm trying to protect you and Asahi?! Being a Hunter is not fun and games! Do you know what happens when you lose to a spirit or the Asura Kai?! With the former they make you disappear and the latter will steal your soul!", Boss replied.

"If he's trained properly he won't lose. The Samurai we met went through extensive training and they can beat the Asura Kai.", Nikkari said and Boss angrily turned to him.

"Earlier I asked Flynn how he got so strong and he told me he dueled everyday against various opponents. With all those matches he was able to find reliable winning strategies. If I can just train till I'm strong enough there should be no issue. But, if you keep stopping me from dueling I won't be prepared if something else happens like the invasion earlier. Me and Asahi were lucky the crown Samurai weren't interested in us! If they were, we would have been goners!", Nanashi said.

Asahi was tempted to abject, but she remembered how Nikkari and Manabu did against them. Boss frowned, still extremely apprehensive about the idea.

"If what I heard about the signers is true I might not even need to duel Tayama. I might be able to help her break free from him.", Nanashi added, hoping Boss would accept that.

"If you freed Clear Wing you would eternally be on Tayama's shit list. Not just you, but everyone you know. The Asura Kai are brutal.", Boss replied and Nanashi froze.

He hadn't thought about it, but he had heard rumors of the Asura Kai's ruthlessness.

"Maybe the Samurai can help us. When they're done with their missions. I could free Clear Wing and they could duel Tayama. Flynn beat that big monster after all. Tayama can't be stronger than that.", Nanashi suggested.

"We shouldn't be relying on the help of outsiders. Don't forget they're soldiers for another nation not our friends.", Boss replied.

Suddenly, the Tv flipped on again.

"We've just received word that the leader of the Ring of Gaea has been captured by the Samurai. This is because Yuriko is the one who provoked those from the surface leading to the attack earlier today. Right now, they are still trying to find a new leader. ", Fuijwara informed on the tv and the Hunters scrambled to attention

"That's fucking perfect!", Hunter 1 said.

"Looks like those Samurai are good for something! I say we destroy the Ring of Gaea now before they can recover!", Hunter 2 said as he raised his duel disk.

"You can count me in! I'll call up some of the boys!", Hunter 3 said.

"Back to fighting already? Thankfully for those Samurai due to the time difference they can recover in record speed to us.", Manabu said.

"That's why having Mikado as an enemy was so terrifying while it lasted. They could assemble whole army's before we even get the chance to catch our breath.", Nikkar replied.

"See, Dad! The Samurai are our friends! They even stopped their meanie king!", Asahi said.

"It's Boss, Asahi. Besides, you weren't listening fully. The Samurai already had a bone to pick with the Ring of Gaea. That's why they captured their leader.", Boss replied.

"Well, they don't like the Asura Kai either. They want to take the signer dragons away from them too.", Nanashi replied.

"Then, a nation that attacked us earlier today will have access to some of the strongest synchro monsters to exist. That doesn't sound like a good idea.", Boss replied.

"Fuijwara and Skins trust them as well. After all, Skins said he would only let Flynn have Stardust Dragon if he knew he could trust him.", Nikkari replied.

"I don't know…I'd have to meet these 'Samurai' themselves before trusting them.", Boss replied, still seeming wary.

"Well, we know them. We can just ask them to come over when they're not busy.", Asahi replied.

In Ginza…

The male Ring member from earlier stood in the center of the others who stood around him in a circle.

"Though Lady Yuriko is gone, we can continue on and find a new strong leader.", the male Ring member said.

"I have the strong feeling your about to suggest yourself, Matrieya.", Kaga said as the male Ring member had his arms behind his back.

"Why of course. When it comes to leadership you need both strength and cunning. Wouldn't you agree those are qualities I possess?", Matrieya replied.

"Hmph…strength maybe not sure another cunning.", Kaga scoffed.

"I think we should have a tournament to decide the next leader.", Ring member 1 suggested.

"Right, that's how it should be. The strongest should rule.", Ring member 2 said.

"You're all wrong! We should kill those blasted Samurai and save Lady Yuriko!", Ring member 3 replied.

"Hah! Lady Yuriko lost so she's weak!", Ring member 2 replied.

"Don't you dare talk about Lady Yuriko in such a way! A worm like you is far from her level!", Ring member 4 said angrily.

The members ended up divided between those who wanted to save their leader and those who wanted to abandon her. Matrieya sighed as countless duels erupted.

"One should let go of foolish attachments. Especially if they are dead weight.", Matrieya said.

He suddenly froze though as he seemed to feel something. This drew Kaga's attention who turned to where he was looking at.

"Stop! The Asura Kai is here!", Matrieya warned as men in suits piled in with robotic spirits by their sides.

Kaga raised her duel disk challengingly at the Asura Kai members. The Ring was broken up with their attention divided between their squabble and the invaders. However, things did not let up as the Hunters joined in making Matrieya sweat.

"No…there's too many of them.", Matrieya thought.

"I guess the Asura Kai we're thinking the same thing.", Hunter 2 said.

"Yeah, the Asura Kai beat us here though! We can't let them get the glory!", Hunter 1 replied.

"We can fully let loose on these bastards unlike Mikado since we don't have to worry about angering those Samurai!", Hunter 5 said.

In Shinjuku…

"I will settle for nothing less than the annihilation of that annoying cult. Seems the Samurai have some use…I'll keep that in mind.", Tayama said as he sat in his chair overlooking Tokyo.

In Ginza…

A Ring member ran within and underground chamber hastily.

"Lady Mii, Kei! Lady Yuriko has been captured and our enemies have capitalized on the opportunity! They are attacking Tsunkunji Hikonji as we speak!", the panicked Ring member warned.

"They sure are bloodthirsty. It seems sieging the surface hasn't quenched their thirst for carnage.", Mii said.

"Worry not. They will not be able to find us here. Even if they did, we have our little assassin. Who exactly captured Lady Yuriko?", Kei asked.

"It was a group of Samurai in blue uniforms. The same who abdicated the king of the surface. It was likely the one who I have heard is their strongest member, Flynn.", the panicked Ring member explained.

"Flynn…I see. We should have our assassin eliminate such a dangerous duelist.", Mii replied.

In Mikado…

Flynn sat in a chair similar to when he was being checked by the Monastery before. He closed his eyes as he heard the monk chanting. Intense sweat fell from his brow as he felt something rising up within his chest. It felt oppressive almost choking as it struggled to stay inside. The chanting intensified as Flynn gritted his teeth. He could feel it starting to release as his mind was feeling lighter. His fellow prentices watched on in concern as a dark energy rose out of Flynn's body. Flynn's breaths were heavy, letting out a heavy sigh of relief when it was released.

"How could the Crimson Dragon make such a massive oversight?", Michael questioned.

"Hmm…it's not supposed to make mistakes. Perhaps it's meant as a motivator.", Gabriel replied.

"What do you mean?", Michael questioned.

"Through experiencing what it's like to be under the influence of an evil spirit he should now be more motivated to eradicate them.", Gabriel replied.

"That seems to risky…but I suppose we are in a desperate situation. That must be why it took such a risk. Speaking of…have you heard back from the guardian angel yet?", Michael asked quietly.

"The war is still rather intense right now. Lucifer's new general has only made things more messy.", Gabriel replied quietly.

"We need a champion…they seem promising.", Michael said as he looked over to the prentices.

"Indeed, but we must wait for them to unlock their full potential before getting them involved.", Gabriel replied.

Flynn looked down at Beelze's card which now had a seal around it. He was much more wary about using it now despite its overwhelming power.

"With the seal Archangel Gabriel has put on that card you should be safe from further contamination from its vile power.", the monk said and Flynn nodded.

He wanted to just lock Beelze away, but it seemed far too useful.

"I'll have to be cautious about when I use it. I should be using Stardust Dragon instead.", Flynn thought.

"I suppose we shall take a rest. Only a few minutes will pass in Tokyo anyway. We currently have no leads on Ys' whereabouts. Because of that we will have to gather information…hopefully we can find out where Issachar is as well.", Flynn said.

"We think you should just relax, Flynn. Me and Jonathan are still fresh.", Navarre said and Flynn looked surprised.

"What do you mean?!", Flynn questioned.

"Flynn you may be fine now, but you were recently affected by a spirit. You should have some time to recover. We're not leaving you. Isabeau will be here with you after all.", Jonathan said as Flynn tried to hide a light blush which formed on his cheeks.

Navarre had a very knowing smile as he had his arm around Jonathan's shoulder.

"I want to make sure you're really okay after everything. We need you at your best for when we find Ys.", Isabeau replied.

"You're exactly right. You can even go find Walter while you're here if you get bored. We shall leave you two to it.", Navarre said as Jonathan sweat dropped and Isabeau looked confused.

"Alright…I can look for Walter.", Flynn replied, quietly.

Flynn's eyes widened as he realized he could look for his uncle as well while they were getting information. He wanted to search for him earlier, but he had to lead the others. This might be his chance.

Elsewhere…

A Samurai was searching around before he was suddenly pulled into the Shadow Realm. He raised his gauntlet hastily.

"You must be the last of the ritual heretics.", the Samurai said as a large bulky silhouette could be seen.

The shadow was surrounded in the eerie mist. Through the mist two red eyes glowed menacingly.

To be continued…