Good morning everybody! The Nutty Buddy is finally back with another chapter of Chaos Unleashed! I know some of you have been desperate for me to continue this story (not that I'm naming anyone *cough bryson tiller jr cough*), and I really wanted to, but a combination of school, work, writer's block, illness, it was a damn near list of Murphy's Law that kept me away from the story that I really want to share with you guys. I'm really sorry it took so damn long to write this chapter, I really am. Anyways, on with the chapter!
Dark Akiza: The following is a non-profit fan-based fanfiction. Yugioh, Yugioh GX, Yugioh 5D's, Yugioh Zexal, and Yugioh Arc-V are all owned by Konami, 4Kids Entertainment, Toei Animation, and Kazuki Takahashi. Please support the official release! Hehehehehe!
Chapter 35: The Beginning of the End
Satellite
Getting out of the subway terminal wasn't much of an issue, even with wheeling Akiza's convertible up the stairs. The Foot Signer herself was still unconscious, resting in the passenger seat while the others discussed their next move. Yusei, as expected, was concerned for Akiza's wellbeing. Kaiba and Jack were in agreement for once, ready to go take the Master down as soon as possible. In the end, it was Yami who had the last word.
"We've seen what the Master has done to those who lose," he began, looking at everyone. "I know Akiza is strong, strong enough to overcome whatever it is they've done to her. But we can't afford to wait and let the Master grow his power even more. You all can feel it, can't you? I fear if we delay any longer, then the whole world will suffer. We need to defeat the Master and soon."
"Then stop with the dramatic speech and let's get on with it," Kaiba said simply, sitting down in the convertible.
Yusei glanced at Akiza, not saying anything. He didn't have to, though, as the look on his face was enough to convey what mere words couldn't express. As well, their shared bond as Signers meant he could sense Akiza's feelings, to a certain degree. What he felt was a little disconcerting, given that it would shift from normal to dark to meek then back to dark, back to meek. Nevertheless, he had to have faith in Akiza. This wasn't something he could fix with his Dueling skills or his tool kit, and it had thrown him off. Still, he knew Yami was right. "Right. We have a job to do guys."
Jack caught Yusei by the shoulder as everyone else got on and into their respective vehicles. Yusei's blue eyes looked worn out and shook with concern for his friend. "Yusei, you can't hide it from me. You need to get a grip. You're one of the best we got." He glanced to the side, recalling a painful memory. "Do you remember, in that final battle against Goodwin, how I ignored your Trap card and went after that Sun Dragon Inti despite knowing full well what would happen?"
The Head Signer nodded. That Duel against Goodwin had been one of the toughest he'd ever faced. And yet, he was dreading this upcoming battle against the Master more than he would have feared facing Goodwin again. "What about it?"
The former Turbo King met Yusei's gaze. "I will admit that I was worried about Carly during that Duel. I let it distract me and it allowed Goodwin to get into my head. You can't afford to let that happen to you, not against these maniacs." Jack's fist clenched. "I hate to admit it, Yusei, but you're the best we got. If you go down, well, I'd rather not think about that." Jack shook himself, turning towards his Runner. "And don't you dare tell Crow about this. He thinks I'm soft enough as it is."
Yusei couldn't hold back a grin. "Your secret's safe with me, Jack." Despite that, he couldn't keep his mood from turning grim as he mounted his own Runner. He should have been there for Akiza, he berated himself. If only he'd let Jack, or Crow take on Mika in that Turbo Duel that separated him from the others. He hesitated as he reached for the start switch. What if Mika had been an intentional lure to get him away from the others? That way, the Chaos Movement could take their shot at Akiza. What if this was just another elaborate trap to take down another of their group? The Head Signer glanced at his Deck. Would it be enough? He didn't know the answers to those questions, but he was going to find out. He opened the coms to the others. "You all have the coordinates?"
"Yup," Crow replied, "plugged right into the map."
"It shouldn't be long before we're knocking on the Chaos Movement's front door," Jack noted, the anticipation clear in his voice. "They won't know what hit them."
"So let's get moving already," Kaiba said, not bothering to hide his impatience. Yugi sat shotgun, as determined as ever, while Leo and Luna tended to Akiza in the back.
Yusei took a deep breath. "Right. Let's go!" He revved the motor once before accelerating down the street. Crow and Jack weren't far behind and Kaiba brought up the rear driving Akiza's car. The time had come to bring it to the Chaos Movement.
Chaos Movement HQ
The Master watched the convoy of Signers begin the relatively short drive towards their location on one of his computer monitors, his extensive setup of cameras all around the Satellite and New Domino City ensuring he'd have eyes and ears in nearly every vital area. Few people appreciated the hard work that went into espionage businesses such as that, at least until they were benefiting from such espionage. Thankfully the Master had his minions to do his hard work so he could focus his attention to other, more important items on the agenda. He let his thoughts plunge deeper into the chaos, trying to guide it to the future he desired. It couldn't really be controlled, chaos. It could be influenced, prodded in the right direction, but contained? No. If it could, it would not be the glorious, maddening thing it was.
In that perfect swirl of insanity he saw many futures: futures where he won, futures where the Signers won, futures where neither side won. Those were interesting possibilities, though not ones he wanted to explore. Perhaps some other time he would explore those interesting timelines, but not now, not when he was so close to his goal. He pushed towards what he wanted: the death of Yusei Fudo. And as he pushed, a vision came to his mind:
"I activate my Trap, Dark Spiral Force!" Yami Yugi shouted as he and Yusei faced down Matthias and Bario, the Dark Magician's staff glowing with dark energy. The energy began to flow towards Yusei's Stardust Dragon, drawing a roar from the Cyber End Dragon on Matthias' field. "Since I have the Dark Magician on my field, I can select a monster on the field and double its attack points!"
"Thanks, Yugi," the Head Signer said as dark magical power swirled around his dragon. "Go, Stardust Dragon! Attack that Cyber End Dragon! Black Shooting Sonic!" The Dark Magician's power flowed into Stardust Dragon's mouth, then the Signer Dragon fired a twirling beam of silver and purple energy at the metallic dragon.
Matthias growled as his dragon fell, metallic screeches echoing around the battlefield. "You think you've won? Think again!" There was an explosion which filled the Master's vision, then the next scene he saw was Yusei on the ground, impaled by a large shard of metal flung by the explosion, blood flowing through his hands as he tried to stop the bleeding. The widening pool of red showed all too well it was too late. The life slowly faded from his eyes, the Crimson Dragon roaring its grief at the skies as the Master watched his minions finally finish the job. With Yusei gone, the Signers had no cohesion. Sure, Yugi put up a brave fight, but he just didn't have enough. The Master was free to remake the world as he saw fit, all in accordance to the chaos. He was finally-
The Master tore himself out of that future vision. It hadn't happened yet. The future was always shifting. He had to work to ensure that the vision he'd just seen would become a reality. As nice as it would've been to watch Akiza go berserk over the death of Yusei, he'd have plenty of time to watch the Black Rose run amok once he actually had Yusei dead at the entrance to their hideout. That'd certainly be entertaining. He chuckled at the thought of Akiza's multiple personalities finally doing her and her allies in, which would leave her easy pickings to mold into his own brand of servant. Bonaparte had the wrong idea with Akiza; she'd be far better off with full access to her powers rather than being a submissive maid. The Master decided to worry about the spoils of war later and opened the communications channel with his two most trusted servants. "Gentlemen, I hope you're ready for the fiercest battle you will probably ever face."
The deep baritone voice of Matthias was quick to respond. "Master, you've been mentioning this ultimate battle for quite some time now. I've calculated every possible combination that Yusei and Yugi can pull off, given all the data we've gathered on them, as well as every combination myself and Bario can perform. There is a ninety-four percent chance of our victory, given Yugi's outdated Deck and Yusei's current mental state in regards to Louis John's recent victory."
Bario's cold voice spoke up. "Remember, Matthias, Yugi's Deck isn't so outdated now. It managed to defeat Bonaparte, after all. You did factor in his new Synchro Monsters, yes?"
"I did, which is why it's only a meager ninety-four percent instead of the ninety-seven percent it was when it was first reported that Yugi had appeared in our time." Matthias sounded a bit miffed that anyone would suggest he'd miscalculated. "They are powerful, but I'm certain the combination of your shut down abilities and my refined and calculated power will be more than enough to handle those two."
"You better be sure about those calculations," the Master warned. "Because I've seen both of them wiggle out of tighter spots than a ninety-four percent chance."
"That is the only reason why it's ninety-four instead of an even one hundred," Matthias stated. "I've allowed for bad opening hands and most variables that go into a Duel."
The Master shrugged. "Regardless of all your calculations, you cannot afford to hold back against little ol' Yugi and Yusei. Show them no mercy."
"Understood," Bario replied. "I await their arrival." With a click, he signed off.
"You'd best get up there now, Matthias," the Master said, watching the Signers get ever so closer. "They're getting close."
"As you command," Matthias said and signed off. The Master was very much looking forward to this Duel. Soon, very soon, he was going to be rid of a major headache. Oh, how he savored the anticipation. The final battle was approaching, and it was approaching very quickly. He let his mind sink into the chaos again, allowing the waves of energy flow through him, increasing his power with each and every ebb and flow of its wonderfully maddening rhythm.
Satellite Highway
Dani watched the streets of the Satellite whizz by, trying to get her thoughts together. Her future had changed so much in the past day or so, ever since the Crimson Dragon dropped Yugi and Kaiba on her. It was certainly a turnaround from what it had been. Crow was undoubtedly excited about it. He'd been quiet for the most part, making the occasional small talk as their group zoomed along the roads of the Satellite, but she could sense his enthusiasm. There was Turbo Dueling, which Crow really loved, and then there was the matter of his little nerds. With them at Martha's now, Crow was talking about moving to the city. Yusei had apparently found a place for them to stay while preparing for the WRGP, with Crow inviting Dani to join them. Initial reservations about living with three guys aside, she was a little surprised to find herself welcoming the idea. Moving to New Domino City had been something of a pipe dream for Dani. She'd been resigned to life in the Satellite, only allowing the occasional fantasy of what the City would be like to cross her mind. Now that it was actually in reach, the concept was still taking some time to set in.
"Hey, Crow?" she began, getting his attention.
"What's up?"
"Have you actually been to New Domino City yet? What's it like?"
"A few times now, actually," Crow said, grinning. "It wasn't bad."
Dani took note of his tone. It held a bit of hesitation in it, as though there were a downside he didn't want to share. "So what aren't you telling me?"
Crow laughed nervously. "Well, you know it's gonna take some time for those New Domino folks to get used to us Satellites. It's gotten a helluva lot better over the past few months, but marked folks like us aren't really gonna look that good to some of the more 'proper' people in New Domino." The Tail Signer spared her a quick glance over his shoulder. "I'm sure it'll be all right once we finally get all moved in." He wasn't sure whether or not to mention the few occasions where he'd had something thrown at him for his marks.
"Yes, I'm sure those rich folk just love having people from the slums around," Dani said sarcastically.
"They like Yusei quite a bit," Crow countered. "Winning the Fortune Cup made him a bit of a hero in both districts."
"When your Deck does all the talking, you sure can get far in this world." She thought about what life could've been had she not kept her head down and focused on survival. Maybe she'd have run into Crow sooner. Maybe she would've been swept up into one of the many Duel gangs that had roamed the streets. Her Blue-Eyes had always protected her if someone unpleasant came knocking; perhaps they'd have helped her get out of the Satellite. Whatever the case, it was a moot point now. This wasn't the time to dwell on the past. She actually had a future to look forward to. It gave her hope.
"That's probably why we all love Duel Monsters so much," Crow said, "It gave us a shot that we probably wouldn't have had otherwise." Crow hadn't thought terribly much about leaving the Satellite ever since he'd taken over from Pearson in taking care of the kids, focused as he was on getting enough for them to eat. He didn't care what others thought about him, and so had ignored the occasional rock that had been thrown his way the first time he'd ventured to New Domino City. The insults had lessoned recently, what with the Daedalus Bridge finally being completed and the traffic between the Satellite and New Domino City increasing significantly. Yusei winning the Fortune Cup had certainly done wonders for relations between the two districts. Crow wondered just how different things would've been had Yusei not defeated Jack in that crazy battle the Crimson Dragon had set up for them. Things probably wouldn't be moving so quickly, he surmised. Regardless, Crow knew that it wasn't the time for reflecting on "what ifs". "And," he continued, "we've seen what can happen when we get a shot."
Dani smirked, even if Crow couldn't see it. "It was spectacular, at least the bit that I saw. To be honest, I didn't really see much of what happened after the Crimson Dragon appeared, but since they said Yusei won, I guess he really did win."
"Yeah, they released a play-by-play of what happened about a month after the Duel," Crow explained, "though Yusei just told me himself before they did. Jack didn't want to answer, you know how he is. But they went back and forth for several turns before Yusei managed to finish Jack off. I'll tell you all about it later, if you want."
"Sounds fun." Dani had plenty of questions, of course. She knew so little about these Signers and the Crimson Dragon, but she was going to learn about them simply by joining their group. It was going to be fun. First things first, though, there was a Chaos Movement to take down. "You seem like you can't wait to tell me all about it."
Crow shrugged, not the easiest maneuver to pull off while riding a Duel Runner. "Dani, so long as we take care of whatever the Master throws at us, I've got a ton of stories for you, just like I'm sure you have some awesome stories for me."
"Crow, why can't you just say you want to get to know me better?" Dani asked, allowing a bit of exasperation into her voice. She had never been a fan of beating around the bush.
Crow laughed nervously. "I've always been a bit of a trickster. I mean, you've seen me in action with my Blackwings. Sorry if old habits die hard."
Dani merely grunted. "You just keep being you, Crow. I hate fake people. Don't change yourself because you like me, or else this little relationship isn't gonna last long."
"This wouldn't have anything to do with that friend of yours that got taken away by Sector Security, would it?" Crow asked quietly. He knew he was touching on sensitive territory, but he figured it was worth the risk. When Dani remained silent, he knew he'd hit the mark. No need to prod any further though; that was a battle for a future date. "No worries, Dani. You can talk about it when you're ready. It was tough for me to talk about Pearson for quite a while when we lost him. Still is, really. But know that you aren't alone in this anymore."
Dani didn't respond. Her mind was still trying to cope with everything that was happening. She'd told herself that she was going to try and be a little more open, but the female Blue-Eyes Duelist was still trying to guard herself emotionally. Her scars apparently ran deeper than she'd figured. Pushing that uncomfortable revelation to the back of her mind for now, Dani focused on the road. It was best to focus on the enemy and not let the doubts sink in.
Akiza's Mind
It was chaos in her mind. The irony wasn't lost on Akiza as she tried not to get strangled by her dark side. Dark Akiza had been relentlessly on the offensive, trying to get through the portal that hovered in the center of the barroom that served as their current battleground. The Foot Signer's newly born submissive personality hadn't been idle either, and was currently edging towards the portal.
"No you don't, you mindless bitch!" Dark Akiza shouted, creating a shackle of darkness in her hand and flinging it at Maid Akiza, handcuffing her to the pool table. "I'm the only one who's worthy of getting out of here!" She pushed harder, forcing Akiza to her knees.
"I find that your escape would be very hazardous to this body's health," Maid Akiza replied coolly, removing her hand through the dark manacles and continuing forward. "Especially if you continue to choke out our core personality."
Dark Akiza snorted. "Please, you know as well as I do that we can both function without her. But if you insist on trying to be the first out the door, I'll gladly take you out first." She whirled around, releasing her grip on Akiza. The Foot Signer gasped in relief, trying to get air back into her lungs. Shadows swirled around Dark Akiza, clashing with the gold and purple aura that protected Maid Akiza, evidence that she was a product of the Chaos Movement.
'It's hard enough to defeat my dark side. How am I supposed to stop two 'me's?' she thought grimly, rubbing her throat. Her dark side had been growing stronger, apparently able to conjure up dark items now. It was how her dark side had gotten Akiza into that dangerous position in the first place. Akiza needed time to gather her thoughts, or at the very least make another run for the portal. Every attempt both she and Maid Akiza had made at it had been stopped by Dark Akiza, who had been too preoccupied keeping the other two away from the portal to make a run at it herself. Akiza looked up, seeing the portal beginning to shrink and lose its brilliant golden shine. 'Now what?' She remained still as it to shrink, forming into a golden ankh the size of her head. It came to rest on the table in the center of the room, a dull clunk the only sound it made.
Dark Akiza looked over and took in this new development with a raised eyebrow. "Looks like it's a race to the key out of here. That's fine with me!" The shadows shrouded her form as she lunged towards the ankh. "I'll win!"
"No!" Akiza shouted, holding up a desperate hand. A white aura appeared around the ankh before it disappeared. She blinked. "Where'd it go?"
Maid Akiza bowed towards the other two before making her way to the door. "It would appear that the exit has been transported to someplace else in her mind. I bid you two a good day." With that, the submissive personality left the bar.
Dark Akiza shook her head in exasperation. "Like that brainless slave will find the exit before me!" Her gaze turned to Akiza, darkness turning the sclera of her eyes black. The Foot Signer was slightly taken aback by that look, as it was a view of what she would have looked like had she been turned into a Dark Signer. Her dark side wasn't wearing that creepy Dark Signer getup she'd seen way too much of four months prior, but the resemblance remained. "And you'd best stay in here if you want to continue existing. You're no match for me now! Ha ha ha ha ha!" With that, her dark side was gone.
The Foot Signer pushed herself to her feet, glad to have a moment to herself without worrying about her alternate personalities. The fact that she had these alter egos was worrisome in and of itself, but Akiza didn't have time to worry about the fragile state of her mind. She just wanted to get back to the real world so that she could help Yusei defeat the Chaos Movement and then get some professional help for her mental issues. That was going to be a moot point if she didn't find the exit before one of her other selves did. With that dismissive thought in mind, Akiza left the bar and emerged into a rose-tinted downtown New Domino City. Bars and shops lined the street, offering various wares as Akiza recognized some of the stores from her memories among the Arcadia Movement. She had roamed these streets before, as the Black Rose Witch, prowling for new recruits and potential victims. Those were dark days, now that she looked back.
'They weren't all bad,' a part of her mind whispered to her. 'People feared us then, and we got the respect we deserved.'
"Get out of my head!" Akiza growled, shaking her head as though that would get her dark side out. Even when trying to escape, it seemed that her less-than-pleasant side still had time to offer temptations to the Foot Signer.
'That's the idea.' Akiza sighed. Time to ignore her dark side then and focus on the task at hand. Where would the exit be in her mind? She looked around, trying to gain something, anything, from her current mental surroundings. The sky was a deep, blood red with bits of purple and gold speckled in and cast an eerie glow over the city. There was a store called "Memoir of a Rose" and there was a giant TV in the window playing Akiza's most recent memory: Her Duel against Louis John Bonaparte. Akiza made her way over and watched. It was a bit weird, albeit not as weird as her current predicament, but it allowed her to focus on something else, ignoring the buzzing in her head caused by Dark Akiza.
"There is a sad sense of irony here." The Foot Signer jumped as she realized that her latest personality was somehow standing right behind her, watching the Duel with her. "If it weren't for this singular event, I would not exist. And yet, we are still in a somewhat dire predicament thanks to that event."
"What are you talking about?" Akiza asked, looking at her submissive personality.
"I'm giving you an opportunity," Maid Akiza began.
"Like servitude is an opportunity," Akiza snorted.
Maid Akiza adjusted the hem of the skirt on her French maid outfit before continuing. "It's something you've struggled with for such a long time. You recall what our mother has said to us before, right?" When Akiza remained silent, the alternate personality continued. "You do remember how our mother said we had a lot to learn about being a good wife someday."
Akiza wasn't sure if that was a question or a statement; neither did she care. "That has nothing to do with what you're trying to do," She snapped, irritated. "I'm not looking to get married right now."
"But we know that society expects it of us," Maid Akiza countered. "Our own mother pointed out how assertive you are and how we'd never get a good boyfriend that way, let alone a husband."
"We aren't living in the eighteen hundreds anymore," Akiza pointed out. What was the Master trying to do with this alter ego? There was no way she'd ever accept being a mere housewife, as this personality was suggesting.
"Perhaps, and yet you're not even close to the demure maiden that most people want to see. We could be accepted in Japanese society and never be viewed as a witch again." Maid Akiza held out a hand. "All you need to do is join with me."
Akiza nearly laughed. Had the fate of the world not been on the line, she probably would have. Truth be told, she longed to be able to live quietly, to live without having to look out for the next world threatening crisis or worry about accidentally hurting someone with her powers. As it was, she just glared at the proffered hand. "Like that'll ever happen. I've overcome my dark side, I can get past you, too!" With that, the Foot Signer left her memory "store" and marched off, trying to maintain some semblance of control in this increasingly uncontrollable situation.
"As you wish, my lady," she heard her submissive side say. A glance back informed her that Maid Akiza had disappeared, no doubt prowling her mind for the exit. At least Akiza knew how to get around New Domino City. Finding the exit was going to be tough, nevertheless, but the Foot Signer knew she had to get out. Somehow. She sensed Yusei's worry for her and knew that the Head Signer was probably stressing out over her. Akiza didn't want to be trouble for Yusei, and she certainly didn't want to be a distraction in case he had to Duel someone like the Master.
'That's why we must become one,' Akiza heard Maid Akiza in her head. 'So that we may assist Yusei however we can.'
"I don't need you to do that," Akiza retorted.
Her dark side decided to pipe up once again. 'Yeah, I'm the best one to help Yusei. You two just don't have the guts to do it.' The Foot Signer held a hand to her forehead, trying to fight back the rising headache. How was she going to get out of her own head if she had to constantly deal with her alternate personalities bickering with her? At a loss, Akiza kept walking. She had to.
Satellite Highway, near B.A.D.
Yugi looked out over the rubble that had been Ground Zero for this devastating Zero Reverse Yusei had told him about. It was a foreboding view of what was potentially to come, if the Master had his way. The battles were getting tougher. He didn't have the Millennium Necklace with him to show him the future, but Yugi decided he didn't need that Millennium Item to win this battle. He had his trusty Millennium Puzzle and one of the best friends he could ever ask for. That, and his Deck, Yugi figured, would be enough for victory. There was no acceptable alternative.
'Pharaoh, are you ready for this?' Yugi thought to his mental companion.
'Always, Yugi,' the Pharaoh returned, the Millennium Puzzle glowing gently. 'So long as we are working together with Yusei and everyone else, we have a chance. We did it against Marik. We did it against Dartz. We can do it against the Master.' With a small flash of light Yami Yugi took over and looked forward, watching the Satellite with sharp purple eyes. 'Though we're going to need everyone on the same page if we want to win. I just hope Akiza can overcome this madness the Master did to her, as she is just as capable as any of us in a Duel.' He glanced in the rearview mirror, looking at the unconscious Akiza. On the outside, she looked peaceful, but Yami could sense the turmoil within her mind. It was a little unsettling, similar to Yami Bakura when they Dueled in the Shadow Realm and in Battle City. Although, whereas Yami Bakura had the sense of evil, Akiza just felt like she was suffering from chaos. Yet there was a darkness within that was also threatening to take over. Yami hoped that the Foot Signer would overcome it, as a Dark Akiza would be a very formidable foe. According to Leo, who had been more than happy to tell him about the epic battle against the Dark Signers and subsequently go into Akiza's somewhat troubled past that had reared its ugly head in the Duel against Misty and more recently against Melissa in the maze, Yusei had helped Akiza overcome her dark tendencies twice now. In their current dire straits, though, they didn't have time to fight amongst themselves.
'We need to have faith in Akiza,' Yugi reminded him. 'We may not have known her for very long, but we know Akiza can beat this.'
'Then I shall leave Akiza to her battle and focus on the battle that is coming,' the Pharaoh thought, turning his gaze forward. The buildings here were in very poor condition, some of them seeming to be held together by no more than a few key junctions of masonry. Up ahead, there was a group of buildings they were approaching that, at first glance, didn't stand out from the others in any way; yet there was something about them, a certain aura, which made Yami look at them again. They were a stand of seven buildings, each as derelict as the other. But behind them about fifty yards, surrounded by ground covered in rubble and dust, a giant, yawning chasm was cut into the earth. Eerie enough on its own, Yami was even more unsettled when he noticed the abyss was a perfect circle.
'That hole must've been where the old Ener-D reactor Akiza told us about blew up for Zero Reverse,' Yugi noted sadly. 'But why would the Master build a hideout right next to such a place?'
'Probably because nobody else would think to look for a secret base here,' Yami answered. He saw the three Duel Runners slow to a halt at the end of the row. Kaiba pulled up next to them.
"Looks like we're here," Kaiba said flatly, parking the car and stepping out.
"What'll we do about Akiza?" Leo asked, looking at the Kaibacorp executive, then to Yami for guidance. It reminded Kaiba that he was still just a child, caught up in an adult's dangerous world of danger and destruction.
"We'll have to leave her in the car," Kaiba replied. "She can recuperate here while we deal with the Chaos Movement. Otherwise, she'll get in the way."
"But Akiza-" Leo protested.
"That's all we can do," Yami said gently, cutting off the boy's protests. "Akiza's going to be fine."
"But what if someone comes and kidnaps her?!" Leo continued, eyes growing wide as he thought of more possibilities. "Then they'd try to brainwash her again!"
"Can't you think of something positive for once?" Luna asked, unable to hide her irritation. "I care for Aki just as much as you do, you know."
"Nuh-uh!" Leo countered. "I care way more than anyone!"
"Even Yusei?"
Leo hesitated. "Well…alright, I'll let Yusei have top spot, but I'm a close second!"
Yami had an idea. "If you're so concerned for her, Leo, then why don't you stay here and take care of Akiza? You can protect her from anyone from the Chaos Movement."
Leo brightened up. "You really mean that? You think I can guard her?!"
'Anything to keep a kid like him off the front lines,' Kaiba thought to himself. Out loud he said "Might as well, seeing as we can't take any chances with Akiza. Luna would probably be best staying with her as well."
Luna blinked in surprise. "Why me?"
"Because you're twins and you're stronger together than you are apart," Kaiba answered simply. "And knowing Leo, you'll probably be needed when he screws up somehow."
"Hey!"
"But Seto," Luna began, "I'm a Signer. It's a part of my duty to help the other Signers win this fight." She looked at Kaiba imploringly, her gray-golden eyes pleading with him to let her join them.
"Perhaps," Kaiba conceded, "But part of helping your fellow Signers is going to involve helping Akiza over there. If she can't break free from whatever hypnotic suggestions the Master placed her under, one or both of you may be needed to stop her. Guard her, or don't, it's your choice." With that, he left the car and made his way over to the Duel Runners.
"Why would Kaiba tell us to stay behind?" Leo asked, looking a little miffed.
Yami was apologetic. "That's probably his way of trying to keep you safe. He does care, he just has a… different way of showing it. I won't stop you, if you truly feel you should stay with the other Signers. I'm sure Kaiba won't, either."
Leo looked to Yami, then to his sister, who nodded. "Thanks Yugi, but he does have a point. I'll stay with Akiza." He shared a look with his twin. "Luna can handle herself. I mean, she stopped a zombie invasion today. She doesn't really need me to protect her."
Luna shook her head. "Leo, we're a team. So where you go, I go. You're my brother and we have to stick together. For Akiza." She turned to Yami. "Go on, I'm sure Yusei'll understand." Yami nodded and smiled slightly, proud of the sense of duty the twins had. Turning from them, he joined Yusei and the others as they finished dismounting.
"So where is this Chaos Movement HQ?" Crow was asking Yusei as Yami walked up. "All I see is a bunch of rubble and crumbling buildings."
"The data said it was the second building from the left," the Head Signer answered, glancing at the row of buildings. "It never said where exactly the entrance was or how to get in there. So we're going to have to find it." He noticed Yami. "How's Akiza?"
"The twins are looking after her," Yami explained. "She's still out cold, but she'll be fine."
Yusei didn't seem convinced. "I hope you're right. Anyways, we should stick together. That way, the Chaos Movement can't ambush us like they've been trying to lately."
Dani chose that moment to speak up. "If it's a hidden door you're looking for, I'm the gal for the job. You said it was the second building from the left, right?" When the Head Signer nodded, she continued. "Then I'll find it and get us in."
"Nice," Crow said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "These guys won't know what hit them, now that we're about to come knocking!"
"Let's get to it then," Jack said, holding up a fist. "I'm tired of just standing around!" The search began around the hideout. Dani began to feel around the walls of the buildings, searching for some hidden switch. All the doors had been boarded up tight, so Jack and Crow were working on trying to tear down some of the boards. They were met with little success. Kaiba watched the streets, not willing to get taken by surprise.
Yami and Yusei kept an eye on the proceedings, but were preoccupied with going through their Decks, trying to figure out a good combination. Yusei held Yugi's Deck in his hands, looking at it with a slight air of reverence. "I never thought I'd actually get the chance to hold the King of Games' Deck. I know Leo's probably told you already, but you're kind of a legend."
"It's indeed an honor that so many people would hold me in such high regard," Yami admitted as he thumbed through the Head Signer's Deck. "Though Leo has told me that you're making quite a name for yourself, now. You've already won a big tournament in the Fortune Cup."
"That was a bit of a set up," Yusei admitted. "Goodwin was just trying to bring the Signers together with that tournament."
"You still had to win it," Yami pointed out. "Also, your Deck has great synergy within it. So many Synchrons that lead into your Synchro monsters. I'm very impressed." He shuffled Yusei's Deck and returned it to the Head Signer. Yusei returned Yugi's Deck in the process.
"Thanks Yugi, that actually means a lot to me," Yusei replied, unable to hold back a grin. "It's pretty cool getting to hold a couple of Egyptian god cards. I can feel the power in them and everything. There are actually a lot of combos we could maybe pull off, too."
"Yes, working together we can do a lot," Yami agreed. "We're going to have to be at our best to beat the Master." His eyes caught something moving in the light breeze. "What's that?" He leaned over and grabbed what turned out to be a card fluttering through the air. Yami didn't try to hide the befuddlement in his tone: "It looks like some kind of…code?"
Yusei peered over Yami's shoulder, curious. "It's like someone drew lines out from a center point. But what does it mean?"
"I don't know," Yami replied, "But something tells me it might be important to getting into these headquarters." He pocketed the card. "Maybe it's related to the Synchro Monsters I found in the maze yesterday."
Yusei shrugged. "We'll see."
An exclamation from Dani got their attention. "Found something!"
"Yusei! Get over here!" Crow shouted, waving the Head Signer over. Once everyone had gathered around, Dani pointed out a small crack in the wall, nearly indistinguishable from the rest of the seemingly crumbling wall.
"This is definitely a secret entrance," she declared. "I don't know how to get in, but I know this has just got to be the entrance." The female Blue-Eyes Duelist began to feel along the wall, searching for some clue. "Maybe there's a secret switch or something. Come on guys, help me out!"
"No sweat! I'm sure we'll know it when we find it," Crow said as he slid down a few feet and began to feel the wall, trying to imitate Dani's swift hands.
"Watch out for booby traps," Jack said dryly, watching the two at work. There was a moment's pause as Dani tried to find something that would indicate she was on the right track.
Yami started as he realized something. 'Maybe that code we found is the key.' Before he could share his revelation with the others, there was a cold gust of wind.
"If you value your life, you will back away from the wall immediately," a cold voice commanded. There was such an intensity to it that Dani and Crow couldn't help but flinch away from the wall.
"Who the hell are you?" Crow asked, then blinked as there was a rush of movement. The blade of a katana at his throat cut off any further questionings. The deep blue eyes behind the samurai mask the man wore were cold, colder than anyone Crow had ever encountered in the Satellite, a place that harbored cool dispositions. The icy blue samurai armor he wore added to the intimidation factor.
'Where did this guy come from?!' Jack wondered, as surprised as everyone. Even so, he began to slowly move to get behind the man who held his friend at his mercy. 'I didn't even see him approach!'
"I would advise you to not take another step, Atlas," the man said, as still as ever and yet completely aware of his surroundings, "lest you want this bird to gain a second smile." Jack froze, not willing to risk Crow's neck.
"I'm good with one smile, thanks," Crow said, trying very hard to lean away from the blade at his throat. It was so cold that he could feel his skin prickle and shiver at its closeness. His breath formed a cloud before him.
"What do you want?" Yusei asked, trying to defuse the situation as best he could.
Another voice spoke, this one a deep baritone that spoke of great age and knowledge: "Why a Duel, of course!" Yami and Yusei whirled around to see a strongly built man with several cybernetic parts integrated into his being, the most standout part being his eye, which was a glowing, neon orange. He wore a simple outfit of black dress pants and a silver dress shirt, a sharp contrast to his armor clad ally.
"How did you…" Yusei began, a sinking feeling in his gut.
"The Master's power is great, and we are here to show you a glimpse of his true might," the cybernetic man replied, holding up his left arm. In an explosion of silvery fabric, his arm transformed into a Duel Disk and silver fire sprang up around the group, the kanji for machine (機) appearing with a silver glow on his chest. Icy blue flames joined the ring of silver fire, the kanji for ice (氷)beginning to glow on both the front and back of the samurai. "So prepare yourselves, Yugi Muto, Yusei Fudo, for we are two of the Master's most trusted and powerful servants!"
"You want to take on Yugi and Yusei?!" Jack exclaimed in shock. "You must be joking!"
"I have never been more serious," the man with the cybernetic eye replied.
"Just who are you people?" Dani asked, tensed to move at the slightest inclination of movement from the man in armor. She idly wondered if the universe was out to get her, as she was just starting to allow herself to open up to others, and now the one person she had been willing to take a chance with was a muscle spasm away from death.
The cyborg nodded. "I am Matthias, master of machines."
"Any relation to that one girl Yusei Dueled?" Jack asked, not liking this situation one bit.
"Mika was but an amateur compared to me," Matthias boomed, looking a little saddened at the thought of the Turbo Duelist. "I tried my best to teach her, but she lacked the time needed to truly handle the full potential that Machine Monsters have to offer. She'd done well learning the Accel Synchro, but she was still years from mastering the Cyber style that I am about to unleash upon you!"
Yusei stepped forward, arming his Duel Disk. "Well, Matthias, tell your buddy to get his sword away from my friend!"
"Yes, Bario, if you please," Matthias said, snapping his fingers.
"Do not presume to order me around, Matthias," Bario said. Nonetheless, he finally pulled away from Crow, who fell to the ground and rubbed his neck. "You know where we both stand in the Movement."
Dani rushed over to Crow. "Are you all right?"
"I'll be fine," Crow gasped, trying and failing to hold back a shiver. "That sword is cold!"
Yami stepped forward to stand next to Yusei. "You don't have to do this. Our fight is with the Master."
"And I defend the Master," Bario responded, sheathing his katana. With a flourish of his right arm, the armor there transformed into a Duel Disk. "To get to him, you must first defeat me."
"But why do you defend him?" Yami continued. "What does he hold over you that compels you to serve a madman?"
"Madness is but the uninitiated's term for genius," Matthias countered. "I align myself with the Master because he holds secrets I've yet to discover, and I know that his secrets are the path to immortality."
Kaiba snorted. "Immortality, yeah right. You're nothing but another old man trying to avoid the grave."
"Laugh while you can, Kaiba. You were desperate in your final years to stave off death," Matthias argued. "I do admit my artificial kidney came from Kaibacorp, but the rest of my prosthetics have come from the Master. His knowledge of neural integration is unparalleled."
"Enough talk!" Bario said, his frigid voice cutting through the air. His Duel Disk began to glow an icy blue color. "Let us Duel and determine the fate of our Movement here!" The tension was thick enough to slice with a knife.
Luna stood up in the convertible, having noticed the silver and icy blue flames spring up not too far from the car. The kanji for ice appeared in the sky above the flames, the kanji for machine right next to it. The pulse of energy from the inevitable Duel reverberated through the area. Luna could sense this through her Mark; Akiza stirred, sensing the power even in unconsciousness. The Claw Signer could only offer up a silent prayer. "Stay strong, Yusei. You can do it!"
Chaos Movement HQ, the Master's Room
The Master cackled as he watched the Duelists take their positions. Everything was proceeding as he had planned. Yusei was on the path to his own destruction. The Signers would fall. His conquest would be complete. The world would be his. And then… well, that future would have to wait, but there was one thing that the Master was completely certain of: There would be chaos.
The tension mounts. No Dueling this chapter again, just setting up for the epic clash next chapter, what with Akiza's mental problems, Dani and Crow having a nice chat, the gang dealing with the repercussions of Akiza's loss, the Master trying to get the future where he wins, and of course the build up to the Duel. The first team up of the main protagonists is something you will not want to miss, thought to quote Luke Skywalker, this is not going to go the way you think. As the title implies, it's the beginning of the end of this story. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter!
Question of the Chapter: So something has come up in my Zexal poll, three characters that I didn't really think of as fan favorites, since they were really used for the Barian Emperors to flex on. If you haven't guessed by now, I'm referring to Trey, Quattro, and Quinton (III, IV, & V for you sub elitists). Should I include them in the poll (which would mean starting a new poll)? They never really left that big an impression on me during my review of the Zexal series, so if you think I should, tell me why (and hopefully you offer me more of a reason than "I like him"). What would one of those three proud brothers bring to the table that Shark or Kite or Rio couldn't?
Response to Guest Reviews (in order with which they reviewed)
To the guest who reviewed under many different titles (og bobby Johnson, cr7 the third, bunny ghetto, you know who you are), first off, I already announced a sequel to this story a few chapters back, so there's no need to beg me for a sequel. Second, the title is going to be Yugioh: Chaos Incarnate, so please stop begging for a different name. Third, it's going to be set in the Zexal timeline, for reasons I can't give without spoiling what I have planned. It'd be stupid to send people from the future to the past, given how powerful Synchro monsters would be against old Decks like Mai's Harpie Ladies and so on. Fourth, I don't need thirty reviews from you begging me what to do, especially when I update a chapter to another story. I try to get this out as soon as I can. I wait a couple weeks for people to get their two cents in because I value people's inputs, then try to work on this story whenever I get free time. I didn't have much free time these past few months. College sucks. So please, unless you have anything to offer me, please don't try and spam my inbox with reviews under different names with the same message over and over again. Thank you.
Guest: Dark Yusei eh? An interesting concept, though I'd have to read the manga in order to truly understand where you're going with that. I do like the idea, but the execution of it this far into the story would be…not as good as I had planned. Still, I might use it in a future fic, but that's still a ways away. Again, a very interesting idea, one that could provide a great storyline if executed properly, but it just doesn't quite fit into what I have for Chaos Unleashed. Thank you again for the review though, I welcome thoughtful reviews like yours.
Lol: If you noticed, the god cards did have an effect on the one who used it later on in the story, but the Master is powerful enough to prevent an immediate mind rape (as you so eloquently put it) from the Egyptian gods, like the Seal of Orichalcos. So no, I would not declare the Master a moron.
Thoughts? Questions? Concerns? Reviews are always welcome, as is any and all respectful criticism. As an author, I'm always looking to improve and I like hearing your thoughts about the chapter.
I do have a Clash of Clans, Boom Beach, and Clash Royale account, also under the name nuttybuddy792, if you wish to contact me there (or happen to run into me on there, lol), as well as a League of Legends account, so any of you gamers who play those games, don't be afraid to say hello if you run into me.
Follow me on twitter, at nuttybuddy792 for more nutty shenanigans and interactions, I'll always respond to people when I find the time.
Merry Christmas everybody! Happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate it, and Happy Holidays to those who don't!
Until the next chapter my friends!
From your Nutty Buddy,
The Eagle Nut