Good afternoon everybody! How've you all been? For me, school's been a bit rough, but I'm doing what I can. Anyways, after the events of last chapter, I know y'all have been waiting desperately for the next chapter, so here it is!
Thomas: The following is a non-profit fan-based fanfiction. Yugioh, Yugioh GX, Yugioh 5D's, Yugioh Zexal, Yugioh Arc-V, and Yugioh VRAINS are all owned by Konami, 4Kids Entertainment, Toei Animation, and Kazuki Takahashi. Please support the official release!
Chapter 37: Crow's Lament
The Master's Chamber
Silence reigned in the chaos of the Master's room. The multiple colors swirled around hypnotically, mesmerizing to one who wasn't prepared for such a view. The feminine figure within the deep mists loomed, ever larger, ever closer, gathering energy within. There was a low rumble of thunder in the distance, as though the storm of chaos was approaching. All of this meant nothing to the being standing in the middle of the room. He didn't rage, he didn't throw a fit, he didn't show anything on the outside. Inwardly, the Master was absolutely livid at what had happened. Years of hard work, preparing for this moment. Months of influencing the chaos towards the death of Yusei Fudo. Countless hours spent meditating within the mists now gone, all because of a girl. A girl that had slipped through his grasp during his initial hunt for minions. There's no way he should've missed an opportunity to recruit the power of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon into his ranks. He had to have been prevented from finding her somehow, without his knowing. The worst part was, he knew exactly who would've taken such preventative measures. Damn that Crimson Dragon! Damn that doctor! Damn it all to hell! Had his desk not been made with materials not found on Earth, the thud of his fist slamming down on the mahogany furniture would've been accompanied by the sound of something shattering.
The commlink on his desk buzzed. Draco's raspy voice had a hint of trepidation behind it, despite his best efforts to disguise it. "Master. Shall I engage? Matthias has fallen. I doubt Bario can hold against the two of them alone."
The Master took a deep breath in. When he spoke, it wasn't raised in anger. It was a deadly calm, the kind that would make anyone scared to be around him. It had a resonance behind it, one that bespoke of power, danger, and madness. "No. Let them retreat. Let them bury that bitch." Had anyone been looking at him, they would've seen a twitch in his haphazard purple and gold eyes. Oh how he wanted to make that girl pay for ruining his plans. "I need more time. Time to prepare the ritual that will allow us to remake the world as we see fit."
"Understood Master," Draco said hesitantly. He could sense the Master's rage. He knew what had happened to Bushido. Yet if he ended the transmission before the Master gave him permission to, the potential punishment could be even worse. "What of the others?"
"Do not let them in here!" the Master snapped, darkness swirling about the fingers of his right hand. The ritual wasn't ready. He needed time. "I am not to be disturbed until the Signers return, is that understood?"
"Yes Master."
The Master waited a couple precious seconds, letting the fear roll off Draco a little longer. "You may go now." He could practically taste the relief emanating from the Ruler of Dragons. It was of little consolation to him. Not when his efforts to end Yusei Fudo had been wasted. He is the Master of chaos! That maddening energy, not constrained by simple matters like time or space, the beautiful power of chaos was his to wield! Yet even now, it defied him, it defied his attempts to utilize it. It was the way of chaos. Even for one as versed as he was, the Master knew that chaos could never be fully controlled. But he had done so much to channel the chaos towards that singular event. He had made it the easiest path for it to follow, leaving no other option for any overspill, to use a river for comparison. Such earthly metaphors were the best he could use to describe his power to his pawns. And despite his best efforts, it had all come crashing down when that girl intervened. She'd shattered his path and allowed the chaos to run wild once more.
A low, sensual female voice came from the figure in the mists. It held a power behind it as well, one that spoke of ancient energy, the kind one would expect from a deity. "Perhaps you would like to have your revenge on her?"
"She speaks at last!" the Master exclaimed, glancing upwards. "My goddess of chaos finally has the energy to communicate with this universe!" A dark chuckle escaped his lips. Perhaps that last duel had given her enough energy after all. "Now what were you saying about revenge?" When she gave the Master her idea, he laughed long and hard. Perhaps his destiny of triumph was still on course. The Master began to focus his attention towards the ritual, allowing the goddess to do her own work. "I will not be stopped by a mere minor setback! Yusei Fudo! Yugi Muto! Your end draws near!"
Chaos Movement Entrance
A stunned silence had fallen over the Duel field, save for the sobs of the Blackwing Duelist. The flames surrounding them died, a fact noticed only by those in Akiza's car and those from the Chaos Movement. Yusei could only look on, guilt racking his heart. Dani had died protecting him from that blast. Why had he frozen in the moment? Why hadn't he dodged? Why hadn't he seen it coming?! The Chaos Movement clearly wasn't above fighting dirty now. They really wanted to take him out, through any means necessary. The Head Signer realized with another guilty pang that he'd now broken his promise to Martha. He couldn't bring everyone home. His heart wrenched as he heard his old friend's sobs.
"No…why?" Crow cried, his agony making his voice thick, nearly unintelligible. "Dani… why?! Why'd you go and do it?! What am I going to tell my little nerds?" He broke down, tears spilling onto Dani's unmoving chest. "What am I going to tell Kibo?"
"Crow," Yusei whispered, fighting back the tears in his eyes. He may not have known Dani as well as Crow had apparently gotten to know her, but she was proving to be a valuable new member to the team. Now she was dead, and there was nothing he could do to alleviate his friend's pain.
Yami looked on in horror. Dani had taken him and Kaiba into her hideout and had helped him learn about the time period he was in, showing herself a true friend. It had been so sudden. One moment they were taking command of the Duel, the next they were getting the last words from a Blue-Eyes Duelist who had proven so durable. And speaking of Blue-Eyes, the Pharaoh glanced over at Kaiba. He couldn't make out the exact emotions on the Kaibacorp executive's face, but Yami had known Kaiba long enough to know that he was rattled.
"It's…it's not fair!" Yugi exclaimed, sadness emanating from his being. "She didn't deserve this!"
"No, she didn't," Yami replied. He realized this was the first time his modern-day counterpart had witnessed someone die. Despite the Shadow Games he had played with several of Yugi's classmates, he hadn't let Yugi know about them. As such, this was no doubt a horrifying experience for Yugi. "No one does." He paused as Crow's frame shuddered with more sobs. "We're only going to have to fight even harder to stop the Chaos Movement, before anyone else gets hurt."
Kaiba took an unconscious step forward, stunned by what had just transpired. Holograms weren't supposed to have a corporeal form, at least not enough to trigger whatever bomb that had been lying there. This had to have been a setup. He shouldn't have felt anything, but seeing Dani there, eyes open but not seeing, it created a throb in his chest, the likes of which he hadn't felt since that crazy vision during his Duel against Ishizu. The Kaibacorp executive didn't understand why he felt this emotional pain, not when Dani had dared to call herself a Blue-Eyes Master. Sure, she had held her own in their Tag Duel against those samurai brothers, and she had been doing her best to hold up the legacy of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, but that didn't mean he should feel this attachment to her. He didn't have time for such sentimentality. And yet, seeing her, lying there, he couldn't feel anything other than sadness in his heart. Sadness, and rage.
Yusei looked over to their recent opponents. Matthias had disappeared in the commotion, much to his chagrin. Bario stood in front of them, Duel Disk deactivated and retreating into his armor. "Where are you going?" the Head Signer demanded. The grief and the anger in his voice made it a little thicker than normal.
"It is clear that you will need time to bury your dead," came the cold response from the Frigid Guardian as he drew his sword. "The Master will see you when he is ready, and not a moment sooner." With a single effortless swing of his blade, an ice wall rose up between him and everyone else, surrounding the Chaos Movement entrance in an impenetrable wall of ice.
Yusei could barely make out the form of Bario through the ice as the Frigid Guardian turned and appeared to enter the wall. "Get back here! I'm not done with you!" He ran forward, slamming an angry fist onto the unmoving wall of ice. "Face me!" He punched the wall again, getting nothing but a bruised fist for his troubles. He raised his hand again, trying futilely to break through.
"Yusei!" Yami exclaimed, not entirely sure what to do at this moment.
"Enough!" Jack shouted, grabbing Yusei's fist before he could strike the wall a fourth time. The Head Signer glared at him and opened his mouth to say something, but Jack shook his head. The Wings Signer glanced back at Crow, bringing Yusei's attention to his friend without a single word being spoken. Yusei knew he had to do something, but he had no clue what. He should've moved when Cyber End Dragon had attacked. He should've done something, anything, and yet he had done nothing. Now he felt helpless as Crow slowly carried Dani's body towards his Duel Runner, tears flowing freely down his cheeks.
"It's all my fault," Yusei murmured.
"No, Yusei, it's not," Yami said quickly. "There's only one person responsible for all this madness."
"The Master," the Head Signer growled, glaring at the ice wall. They were so close, and yet now it seemed they had no choice but to retreat. "We can't just leave!"
"Crow needs us now more than ever," Jack stated flatly, watching his friend slowly climb onto his Duel Runner. It was obvious he was trying to contain his own emotions. "We should go. It's clear they aren't about to invite us in."
Yusei clenched his fist in frustration. Jack was right. It pained him to admit it, but since there was nothing he could do to remove the barrier in front of them, and given the current status of their team, with Akiza feeling mentally unstable and Crow distraught, perhaps it was wise to retreat. "We will be back."
"Of course we will," Jack said, pounding a fist into his open hand. "And then we'll show them just how wrong they were to mess with us."
Akiza watched in horror as Crow slowly walked past. The small trail of red behind him and the lifeless body in his arms told the story that they hadn't been able to see from her car. "It can't be…"
'This wouldn't have happened had I been in control,' her dark side whispered, a barely contained fury in her mental tone. The Foot Signer couldn't tell if the fury was from her dark side or from her. It was as though life was teasing her at this point, giving her these powers that had been the cause of so much grief, giving her people who could accept her shortcomings only to have one turn out to be a controlling snake in the grass, and just when she'd thought she'd found another female friend she could relate to, life went and took her away through a gruesome death. She knew life wasn't fair, that was an uncomfortable truth she'd come to accept when she'd run away from home and joined the Arcadia Movement. But this was pain on a whole new level. Not even Sayer's death had hit her this hard, probably because deep down she knew that Sayer was not a good person to be around.
'And yet if we had remained submitted to Sayer's control, perhaps things would have turned out differently,' her submissive side suggested.
"Shut up," Akiza snapped, getting a curious look from the twins.
"Akiza?" Leo asked hesitantly, looking up at her. The young boy was subdued, not sure what to make of what he was feeling. Seeing Dani like that scared him. Sure, he had stood up to Devack and watched him dissolve before his very eyes, but this, this felt all too real. He really wanted to go home now. This was getting out of hand. A glance towards Luna confirmed that his twin had similar feelings.
Akiza put a hand to her forehead, trying to stem the growing pounding of a migraine as her mental faculties seemed eager to wrest control from her. "I'll be fine, Leo," she gritted out, the lie not sounding convincing to her ears whatsoever. Luna met her eye, and Akiza could tell that Luna knew the Foot Signer was not fine.
'We can avenge her,' Dark Akiza pointed out. 'Unleash all our power against the Master and he can't stand against us!'
'Let me be the voice of reason here,' Maid Akiza countered. 'The Master created me, and I am aware of his power. Even you wouldn't stand against him for long without turning to his cause. That is why I should be in control.'
The mental laughter of her dark side was not encouraging. 'What? So you can fulfill some maid fantasy of that asshole who's now a gold statue? You don't belong here!'
"What'll we do Akiza?" Luna asked quietly, noticing Yusei and the others approach. Crow's Duel Runner revved and zoomed off, the Blackwing Duelist not waiting for anyone's consent.
"I don't know," the Foot Signer replied sadly. That at least was the truth. She looked to Yusei as he approached, who had a look in his eyes as though he'd aged several years in that one Duel. This battle against the Chaos Movement was taking its toll on everyone.
"We're going back to our old Enforcer Headquarters," Yusei informed them, sounding worn down. Akiza didn't blame him for that, anyone would be tired after an intense Duel like that. Still, she was concerned for his well-being. Yusei was the best they had, he couldn't afford to slip up now. She just didn't know what to do.
'Perhaps I can be of assistance,' she heard Maid Akiza say in her head. 'Tell him what he needs to hear. Serve his needs.'
'I don't need you telling me what to do,' Akiza growled, making sure to keep it in her head this time. No need for the others to think she was crazy. They probably knew she was having mental issues already, but Akiza didn't want to worry them. Not at this crucial stage. Out loud, she addressed Yusei after catching his gaze. "Yusei, please, we're here for you."
"I know Akiza," Yusei replied gently, rubbing his temple. "It's just, we've lost one, we nearly lost you, and we've yet to see what the Master himself is capable of. I don't want to lose anyone else."
"You aren't alone though," Akiza said, grabbing his hand. "Please Yusei, I know you're scared, but you don't have to shoulder this burden alone!"
"Akiza," Yusei began, but stopped himself. There was no need to go in verbal circles. He knew he was at least partially to blame for one of his best friend's heartbreak. If only he'd been paying attention. The Head Signer shook himself. "Let's just go back."
Akiza didn't protest when Kaiba slipped into the driver's seat of her car. She didn't feel like driving, not while hearing herself argue over what to do. She just focused on trying to tune out the voices in her head and instead concentrate on planning a strategy against some of the Chaos Movement members she hadn't faced yet. Bario seemed to be a logical counter towards her, since plants rarely do well against ice. The Foot Signer wasn't sure what the Master was going to send at them next. She wasn't sure she wanted to find out either.
The Crow's Nest
Thomas Aka wasn't sure what he was doing here, poking around what had formerly been Crow's hideout. He was angry, angry at the world, angry at the Master, angry at himself, but he knew that his rage right now was not helpful. Normally his rage would push him onwards, but now Thomas knew he needed to be focused. Allana's very sanity was on the line here. He couldn't afford to screw up, not while the Master held the love of his life at his mercy. Yet he was hesitating. Part of him wanted to go and attack the Signers, to make them pay for causing Allana to suffer, but another part wanted to go beg for forgiveness.
The Black Dragon was having doubts about the Chaos Movement. The suffering they had caused over the past few days, he had told himself, was for the greater good, to bring equity to all. Now Thomas wasn't so sure he was going to get what he'd envisioned from the Master. Bonaparte's temporary success had given them an advantage over the Signers, as now the Black Rose Witch was vulnerable to the Master's power, but he didn't want to condemn anyone to a life of servitude. Perhaps the Master wasn't the world changer he needed. Watching Yusei's and Yugi's Duels had brought to his attention just how much faith they'd had in humanity. Thomas had lost his faith in humanity a long time ago, but maybe, just maybe he would be willing to give them another chance.
"Allana, you've always been there for me," he murmured to himself as he picked his way around the mess that passed for a living room in the Crow's Nest. A lot of stuff had been scattered, presumably in the madness that had come with the grunts attacking the place, but Thomas could see that these kids, while not living the life one would get in New Domino City, were far better off than being on the streets like he had been. "Now you're hurt, and I'm not sure what to do. What would you do here? What if I were the one blinded by the Master and you were the one tasked with hunting the enemy down?" He didn't get a response. He didn't expect any. He was talking to the air, like a maniac, hoping for some form of guidance. A card on the table got his attention. D.D. Crow. How ironic. He picked it up, noting the worn condition of the card. Obviously this had been someone's favorite card. He wouldn't put it past Crow to have left that card here as a marker of his territory.
"Perhaps I should leave my own card here," Thomas chuckled. "Play a little bit of Duel Monsters tag with Crow." It had been a game between him and Allana, sneaking a random card of theirs into the others possession somehow. His good mood soured quickly as his rage returned at the thought of Allana. He had to return to his Runner. He had to keep moving. He didn't want to stop and think. Thomas left the Crow's Nest, frustrated at the lack of answers he had. What else could he do but the Master's bidding at the moment? He just wanted this ordeal to be over, so that he could live his life with his love in peace.
Old Enforcer's Hideout
Crow was numb as he dug into the ground with the shovel in his hands. He had to do this himself. He owed that much to her.
shnnk
He didn't want to think about the reason why he was digging this hole.
crrck
He just wanted to act.
ffffp
He didn't want to feel anything anymore.
shhhh
He ignored the sound of Duel Runners arriving.
shnnk
He had one task and he was going to do it.
crrck
The Tail Signer was oblivious to the world.
ffffp
He paid no attention to the pair of legs that entered his vision.
shhhh
He had a task to do, one that had to be completed before he took his revenge on the Chaos Movement. She deserved that much. It wasn't until he heard the shnnk of another shovel entering the dirt that he actually took stock of his surroundings.
Few things would've stopped Crow, hurt as he was, but this was one of those events. "You?!" he gasped when the Tail Signer recognized the man currently assisting him. Crow was expecting Yusei or Akiza, or even Yugi to come out and help. It wasn't that he needed the help, Crow just knew that they were too selfless not to. But to see Seto Kaiba of all people, a man who had been out for himself and seemed only wanting to get back to his own time, here, digging into the ground, white coat neatly folded on the side, shocked Crow. Kaiba met his gaze and Crow saw it in his blue eyes. Despite all the bluster about power and being alone, Crow could see that Dani's death had rocked Kaiba as well. So they worked in silence, save for the sound of the shovels working into the ground, two men bonded by loss.
Inside the old building, Jack Atlas was pacing across the remains of the living room. He was spoiling for a fight, anything to get back at the Chaos Movement. What they'd done to Crow, what they'd tried to do Yusei, it was unforgiveable. He, Jack Atlas, would not allow this slight to stand. The Wings Signer looked at everyone in the room. Luna was sniffling quietly, unable to completely hold back the tears. Jack could feel the tinge of the Claw Signer's emotions influencing his own, their bond in such close proximity allowing the feelings to leak through. Akiza was exasperated, no doubt due to losing to Bonaparte earlier. Though the mental issues she was dealing with weren't entirely concealed, Jack knew Akiza was a tough woman. She wasn't allowed to fail. Yusei was feeling guilty. Jack sighed. It wasn't the first time Yusei took the blame for someone else's decisions. Last time the Head Signer had gotten down like this Jack had punched him in the face. He didn't think it would work so well this time. Something else was going to be needed to galvanize Yusei into the hero they needed. Jack resolved to step up then, when next the Chaos Movement came for them. If Yusei wasn't up for it, then he, Jack Atlas, would be the hero New Domino City deserved.
That'd put him one up on Kaiba.
Yugi looked out over the group, sullen as it was. The mood had turned bitter, for obvious reasons, so someone had to do something to bring up their spirits. He wished Joey was there, or Tristan. They would've had something to say. His thoughts turned to the Pharaoh for guidance, as he had retreated into the Puzzle. 'Pharaoh, got any advice for this?'
'All we can do is keep moving forward and take down the Master,' was the response he got. Yugi sighed. Even Yami was a little unnerved by this. Yugi didn't blame him though. This was getting to all of them.
The Pharaoh sat on his little throne in the Puzzle, rewatching the Duel he'd just fought, trying to analyze what he'd seen. How could he have missed the threat of a bomb? He'd been so focused on the Duel, Yami never considered another, external threat. Sure, most of his Shadow Duels seemed to have something on the line, usually losing his soul to the Shadow Realm or allowing a megalomaniac to take over the world, but to have an actual threat on his life not connected to a Duel or a Shadow Game, it made the Pharaoh wonder if he should pay a bit more attention to his surroundings in his next Duel, whenever that was. It was a risk, since Yami knew if he missed something in a Duel it could cost him much more dearly than whatever threat the Master would throw at him. The Pharaoh ended the mental replay of the Duel, glancing around at the Puzzle interior. Perhaps he could use the magic of ancient Egypt to help protect from another bomb. That would allow him to focus completely on the Duel, but how to use the magics of the Puzzle when his memories of the past were still sealed away? Yami knew the answers lay within the Puzzle, but where? He resolved to find out, trusting his partner to call upon him when the time came.
Outside, Crow and Kaiba had dug deep enough for it to be considered a proper grave. The Tail Signer carried Dani's body to the hole, tears beginning to fall once again. Her eyes had been closed. Crow hadn't been able to look at the blank blue orbs, once so vibrant and full of energy, now dull glass and lifeless. Crow lowered her body gently, treating it with utmost respect. Kaiba watched, gaze hard as stone. Any sadness he had felt was now gone. It had been replaced with a cold rage. He was going to make those responsible pay dearly for this.
"I swear, I will avenge you Dani," Crow whispered, looking at her features one last time. He may have only known her for a little more than a day, but given how well they had bonded, how much he had promised to show her, how he had really looked forward to teaching her how to Turbo Duel, to have all that potential happiness stripped away in the span of a minute cut him to the core. His hand brushed her Deck box, attached as it was to her belt. Ever so carefully, he detached it and held it up. It was blue, like the eyes of her dragon, with silver highlights. A single dragon's claw was emblazoned upon it. "You and your dragons." The Tail Signer placed her Deck on the edge of the hole and hoisted himself out. Covering her with dirt was the hardest thing Crow had ever done, even with the help of Kaiba, but soon the task was done. Glancing around, Crow found a white piece of rubble that would serve as a decent tombstone and placed it at the head of the grave. He then placed Dani's Deck box on the tombstone and bowed his head. Three tears landed on the freshly turned earth. "Wherever you are Dani, in whatever afterlife there is, I hope you'll always remember me."
Kaiba said nothing. He just looked at the makeshift tombstone, that little Deck box holding so much potential for his Blue-Eyes. He could almost hear the cry of the Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon and the roar of his own Blue-Eyes rising to respond. The Kaibacorp executive couldn't banish the sadness that had permeated his heart, but he did know how to channel his emotions into a positive force. He clenched his hand into a fist almost unconsciously, feeling the pain as his nails dug into his skin a little. He didn't want to forget this pain. It was time to move forward. It was time for revenge.
Crow looked skywards, unable to look at Dani's grave anymore. "I'll take good care of Kibo for you. I just hope one day she understands…" He didn't know what exactly he was going to tell Kibo, or the rest of his nerds. He'd figure something out though. The Tail Signer had time. More footsteps got his attention. He looked up to see his longtime friend standing in front of the grave. "Hello Yusei."
"I won't waste the chance she's given us Crow," Yusei vowed, looking at the Blackwing Duelist in his grey eyes. "I'm sorry that I couldn't save her, but I'm not going to let her sacrifice be for nothing."
"You better not," Crow said, anger making his voice thick again. He moved towards their old hideout. "And you're not keeping me out of the next fight either."
"Crow," Yusei murmured, watching the Tail Signer walk away. He glanced over at Kaiba, meeting his cold stare. The Kaibacorp executive's face said it all. Yusei didn't feel compelled to say anything. He merely nodded and left Kaiba behind. The first Blue-Eyes Master stared at the new grave a moment longer. He wasn't one to normally pay respects. He paid people to do that. But this woman had at least done her best to keep the legacy of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon alive. So Kaiba bowed his head, paying last respects to Dani. It was the least he could do.
Chaos Movement Headquarters
Allana Hikari was slowly going mad. She knew what was happening to her mind. The blinding light that had been her vision for the past several hours was eroding at her mental capabilities. It hurt. The light hurt so much. The Lady of Light giggled at the irony. She'd been such a staunch defender of the light, but it had failed her in her Duels and now it was going to be her downfall. She knew she was going insane. She would've snapped long ago, but she held on to the image of the Red-Eyes Black Dragon. It was the only thing keeping her sane. Thomas was her only hope.
"Come on, my dear Black Dragon," she whispered to herself, holding her knees to her chest and rocking back and forth as she fought against the mental pain caused by looking at nothing but white for too long. "You can save me."
Footsteps reached her ears. With nothing to see, she'd had to focus on hearing to figure out if anything was approaching. There wasn't anything she could do about it, but at least she'd know someone was there. Then she heard a voice, one she was familiar with but simultaneously different with the power brimming behind it. "How are you doing, my dear Allana?" The Master was only growing more powerful. "I hope it isn't too bright for a lady so accustomed to representing the light."
A dark laugh escaped her lips. "You know damn well what this is doing to me, Master."
The Master sounded amused. "And I'm loving every second of it."
Allana turned her head towards where she heard the Master's voice, or at least where she thought it was coming from. He had a resonance to his voice now that made it tricky to pinpoint his location. "Why do you question Thomas' loyalty? Why do you torture me so?"
"I am done tolerating your failures," the Master said, looking down at her. He had had the Lady of Light brought to his chambers after Thomas had brought her back to their Headquarters. There she had remained under his watch as she took mental step after step towards insanity. "And I know that Thomas' heart wavers. So I'm giving him one more chance to prove his worth. You, my darling little lightbulb, have a choice to make. I am offering you a taste of the darkness, so you can see your pitiful light isn't all that you make it out to be."
"I am sworn to the light," Allana replied automatically, though even to her own ears it sounded unconvincing.
"That's adorable sweetheart," the Master chuckled. "I'm sure dear Thomas would be proud of your resolve. Perhaps you'd like to delve into what gives him his own drive. I'm sure you've wondered what it's like to take a walk on the dark side. I am not saying you will have to give up your Lightsworns. All I offer is to introduce them to the power of darkness. They will still be sworn to the light, of that I can promise you. Or you can continue your misguided belief that light is all you need. I doubt Thomas would be happy to see you as a gibbering lunatic, and I gotta admit, you don't seem that far away."
Allana knew he was right. Her mental fortitude was wavering. She wanted to give herself to the insanity and end the pain. She hadn't given in for her beloved, but even that thought was proving wearisome. So she took the only realistic choice she could take. The Lady of Light took a deep breath. She didn't know if she could come back from this decision. The throbbing in her head intensified, removing the last of her doubts. She still couldn't stop herself from shaking with fear of what was to come. In fear and madness she began muttering, "Light, it binds me. Light, it blinds me. Light, it finds me and light denies me."
The pain and encroaching insanity reached a crescendo. In the midst of it, her head snapped up and she looked directly at the Master, though she did not know it. "Please Master! Just take away the pain!"
The Master smiled darkly, even if she couldn't see it. A glow came into his dichromatic eyes as dark power began swirling around his left hand. "Why Allana, my dear, all you had to do was ask!" He touched her shivering form and dark power began to flow into her. Allana's screams echoed around his chamber.
New Domino City
Officer Tetsu Trudge was uneasy. The morning had started out simple enough: Patrol the city, keep an eye out for troublemakers, anything an officer of Sector Security should do to help keep his city safe. Now he just had a bad feeling in his gut, the kind he hadn't felt since the Dark Signers ran amok. The intercom in his police car buzzed.
"Officer Trudge, this is Chief of Special Investigations Mina Simington, has the robbery been stopped?" Trudge sighed. Despite his best efforts, Mina still only had eyes for Jack.
He picked up the com to respond. "Aye Chief, we got 'em. They're off to the Facility as we speak."
The response was quick and professional, as expected. "Good work, Trudge."
"Mina, have you heard from Yusei and the others recently?" Trudge asked. He knew that whatever was causing this uneasy feeling in his gut, Yusei and the other Signers were right in the middle of it.
"Not since Jack stated he was going to Satellite a few days ago," Mina replied. "I sure hope he comes back soon."
"Yeah, sure, whatever," Trudge grumbled. "I'm returning to HQ. Anything you need me to do along the way?"
"Not at the moment," Mina replied, "Just be ready for your next assignment." With a click, she ended the connection, leaving Trudge alone with his thoughts. He glanced towards Satellite. For whatever reason, he felt he should head away from the Satellite, which meant that as an officer of Sector Security he should be heading towards it, headlong to whatever madness was brewing over there. The gloom of this cloudy day and the reports of random kanji appearing in the sky only added to his unease. Trudge sighed. He wanted the day to end quickly now.
Old Enforcers Hideout
Yusei coughed lightly to get everyone's attention. "I know we're all hurting right now. But we've got to get back to the Chaos Movement and put a stop to their schemes. We can't let anyone else get hurt from this insanity!"
Crow snorted derisively. "Then maybe we should stop talking about it and get going."
"I get it, Crow," Yusei began, trying to defuse the tension. He could feel it emanating from him, as well as his barely contained anger and desire for vengeance that was seeping through their Signer Bond. "But I don't think a head-on assault is going to work. We all saw what happened."
"You're damn right I did," Crow growled, "I held her in my arms as she died. Could you imagine what you'd be feeling if that had been Akiza dying in your arms?!"
"I don't want to imagine that," Yusei retorted. Anger flared in him at the thought, but he didn't want to fight one of his best friends. Not now.
"I can, Crow," Jack interrupted. "When Carly was a Dark Signer, and I defeated her, I watched her dissolve into the shadows." His haunted gaze told the rest of the story.
"Yeah, but she came back from that," Crow shot back, "thanks to some magic of an ancient evil god getting defeated. What do I have that could bring Dani back? The Crimson Dragon sure doesn't do that. She isn't a Signer anyways, so why would the mighty Crimson Dragon bother trying to bring her back?" He stood up, pointing an accusing finger at Yusei. "I just buried a dear friend. I'm going to avenge her. If you want to do things your way, fine, but I'm taking the fight to the Chaos Movement now!" With that, he stormed out the door.
"Crow wait!" Yusei shouted, starting forward before Jack caught him by the arm. "Let me go, Jack!"
"No Yusei, you need to let him go," Jack said, "He needs to grieve. We can't worry about him right now."
"He's right, Yusei," Yugi added. "Right now, we have a job to do. Hopefully Crow doesn't get himself into too much trouble, but if we defeat the Master before he can get himself into a situation he'll regret, we can save Crow from himself." The sound of a Duel Runner speeding off reached their ears.
"The last time one of us went off on our own, another fell in battle," the Head Signer pointed out. "We need to stick together. We're best as a team."
Kaiba spoke up from the wall he was leaning against. "A team with a faulty part would be better off with that part removed. I'll not have some fool drag us down because he can't get his act together. I don't fear this new challenge that the Master is offering. I have faced death before and come out stronger because of it. Like a true Duelist, I will rise to meet the challenge! Ignore that birdbrain and let's go." He left the room on that note, apparently satisfied with what he'd said.
Jack scowled. "I hate it when he makes a good point." He looked over at Yusei. "We need to get going. Akiza, can you drive?"
The Foot Signer nodded, doing her best to ignore the voices in her head. "I can."
"Good. We'll need Yugi along to help take down the Master." The Former Turbo King headed for the exit. "Bring the twins if you must. I'd rather not leave them here alone."
The Head Signer met Yugi's gaze, a hint of exasperation on his face. Yugi merely shrugged. "Best get to it then, right?"
Chaos Movement HQ
Matthias Machin was perplexed. He'd replayed the Duel several times over, analyzed every move they'd made and yet he still couldn't fathom how they were losing that Duel. Technically it hadn't ended in their loss, but with Bario on his own, it was as good as lost. He'd been allowed to return to his quarters, to apparently await the Signers return. The cyborg began running through several algorithms, trying to compute where he could've played his cards better. All he could do was ponder the possibilities and prepare himself for the next Duel. He wouldn't allow for the possibility of his own error to be his undoing.
Satellite Highway
Crow zoomed along the highway, looking to get back to his hideout. He had one last little trick up his sleeve. He had hidden it a little ways away from the Crow's Nest, so as to not have one of his kids stumble upon it, but it was an ultimate last ditch plan, in case everything else went so far south it hit Australia. Kalin had rigged multiple bombs for his assault on Sector Security, right before he'd been arrested. Crow had taken one of them out of Kalin's storage, now he was going to go retrieve it to get into the Chaos Movement. It wasn't much of a plan, but he didn't need one. He was going to take out as many members as he could, hopefully starting with Matthias. He was the one most likely responsible for planting the bombs there, so Crow was going to take him out first. He passed a couple Duel Runners along the highway, two young Turbo Duelists having the time of their lives.
"If only they knew," Crow gritted to himself, blinking to clear his vision. It wasn't the time for tears anymore. It was the time for vengeance. His grey eyes watched the road carefully. No point in wiping out beforehand. A black Duel Runner appeared on the horizon. Looking more closely, Crow realized he'd seen that shape before. As it got close, it clicked. Back at the Crow's Nest, when his kids were attacked and he defended his home with Dani, that Duel Runner had been there. The Tail Signer narrowed his eyes. The bomb could wait. Stage one of his revenge was about to begin. He swerved the Blackbird across the oncoming Runner's path, forcing it off the main road. It came to a halt with a screech of brakes and the rider took off his helmet.
The red eyes of Thomas Aka glared at him. "What do you want, little bird?"
"I'm going to Duel you," Crow said simply, anger undercutting his tone. "No ifs, ands, or buts about it. You better prepare yourself, because I'm in a really terrible mood right now."
The Black Dragon smirked. "Like you could ever comprehend my rage. Away with you, Crow. I have no time for your games." He made to put his helmet back on, but a beeping on his Duel Runner gave him room for pause.
"I suggest you accept his challenge," the Master's voice informed him. "Unless you really want Allana to continue suffering."
"Are you really that much of a coward to Duel me?!" Crow demanded, activating the Duel feature on his Runner. He was not going to be denied.
Thomas flinched at the insult as well as the Master's implication. Red and black flames began to create a corridor for the two of them to ride down. The Black Dragon glanced around, knowing what he had to do. "If you want to lose so badly Crow, then prepare yourself for oblivion, because I won't be defeated, not while I still have a chance to save Allana. And if I cannot save her, then I will definitely avenge her, for I remember it was you who defeated us last time." He activated his own Dueling feature on his Runner and placed his helmet back on. The kanji for potential (電位) appeared in the sky above their Runners
Crow gave out a half-laugh half-sob. "You speak of vengeance to me. I care nothing for your vengeance. You bastards are why Dani is dead. That is why you will be the first to fall." His gaze met Thomas' unflinchingly, allowing Thomas to see just what was pushing him forward currently. "Duel mode engaged, autopilot disabled," his Duel Runner intoned at him.
The Black Dragon realized that neither was going to leave this Turbo track while the other still stood. "You know that I'm going to have to stop you here, Crow. For my sake. For Allana's." Crow's words about Dani having died confirmed his suspicions. Someone had indeed died at the entrance to their hideout, and unfortunately, it was the one Duelist he really wanted a rematch with, as well as the apparent lover of the man he was now going to take down.
"Then we'll just see who's right," Crow growled, revving his motor. "First one to the corner goes first."
"Agreed," Thomas nodded. He pressed a button on his Runner and a small rocket flew into the air from the tail end of his Runner. "When the flare explodes, we go."
Crow nodded. His Deck was shuffled in preparation of the Duel. Now to unleash his anger on the foe.
Satellite Road en route to Chaos Movement
Yusei flinched as his Mark of the Crimson Dragon began to glow again. Crow had found someone from the Chaos Movement. A glance to his left showed him the kanji in the sky. "Potential. Could that mean he's found Thomas?"
"Probably," Yugi said, looking at the flames in the sky. "As good a Duelist as you've said Crow is, going up against the Red-Eyes Black Dragon is not an easy task."
"Please Yugi, don't hype up Wheeler's pathetic excuse of a dragon," Kaiba snorted. "It's a pushover."
"You've seen the potential the Red-Eyes has," Yugi pointed out, "The Red-Eyes Black Dragon embodies potential, a potential that could surpass the power that the Blue-Eyes White Dragon represents. I don't think Crow will underestimate Thomas though."
'I don't think we'll have to worry about overestimating these people either,' the Head Signer thought grimly to himself. The group zoomed along the highway, hearts heavy but filled with determination nonetheless.
Satellite Highway
The Tail Signer kept a keen eye on the sky, tracking the flare Thomas had sent up. He tensed, ready to accelerate at the first sign of the explosion. It seemed an agonizingly long time before-
BANG
Both Duel Runners roared as they sped down the lane of flames set up for them, neck and neck. The corner was coming faster than Crow expected. He glanced left at Thomas, who had the inside track. With a lurch of the Blackbird, he bumped Thomas, forcing the Black Dragon to slow down or risk spinning out. Crow grinned to himself, though there was no warmth in that sneer as he turned the corner first.
Thomas was swearing to himself as they drew five cards. Of course Crow would try a stunt like that. He'd been tempted to do that himself. Apparently Crow's rage was greater than he'd anticipated. Thomas decided it would be more prudent to keep a level head in this Duel, as Allana would've wanted from him. "All right, Signer. Since you're not afraid to play dirty, let's see what you got!"
"Like you had to ask," Crow shot back.
"Duel!" both Duelists shouted.
Crow LP: 4000
Thomas LP: 4000
Speed Counters: 0
"My turn! I draw!" Crow announced, drawing a card. He looked at his hand of six cards and smiled. Time to go to work. "Since I control no cards on the field, I'm allowed to Special Summon Blackwing – Gust the Backblast from my hand in Defense mode!" A brightly colored birdman appeared next to Crow's Runner, blue green and white feathers ruffled by the breeze.
Blackwing – Gust the Backblast: Atk 900, Def 1400, LV 2
"Now that Gust is out, I'm allowed to activate the special ability of another Blackwing in my hand and Special Summon him to the field in Defense mode!" Crow declared. "Blackwing – Gladius the Midnight Sun! Take flight!" A black and white armored birdman wielding twin swords that looked like talons appeared next to Gust the Blackblast, blades held up protectively.
Blackwing – Gladius the Midnight Sun: Atk 800, Def 1500, LV 3
"Because he's out, I'm allowed to Normal Summon this guy without sacrificing a monster!" Crow continued, "Blackwing – Elphin the Raven!" Another birdman appeared, this one looking more like a humanoid bird than an avian man. He flapped his dark wings and began to glide next to Gust the Backblast.
Blackwing – Elphin the Raven: Atk 2200, Def 1200, LV 6
"And you know what they say about how birds of a feather flock together," the Blackwing Duelist said, playing another card. "Blackwing – Bora the Spear!" Another birdman with red plumage on his head and large purple wings appeared, wielding a large lance as it flew next to the other two Blackwings.
Blackwing – Bora the Spear: Atk 1700, Def 800, LV 4
Thomas blinked in surprise as he saw the Blackwings gathering. "No Tuners yet."
"Don't worry you bastard, they're coming," Crow growled. "Since I control Blackwings on my field, I can Special Summon the Tuner monster, Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind to the field in Defense mode!" An actual bird appeared, soaring alongside Crow's Runner. Wide eyes peeked out from the green and yellow feathers on the head of the corvine bird.
Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwing: Atk 1300, Def 400, LV 3
"Five Blackwings on the first turn," Thomas noted grimly. At least that meant Crow wouldn't have much of a backline, so he could counterattack whatever Crow Synchro Summoned on his turn. "That's a helluva opening."
"You haven't seen anything yet," Crow shot back. "My Blackwings hunger for vengeance, but I'll have to wait. I place one card facedown and end my turn."
Thomas blinked. He was almost certain that Crow would've brought out his Armor Master or his new Dragon. The fact that he didn't was enough to raise a red flag. 'Very well then, little birdy, let's see what kind of a trap you're setting up.' He placed two fingers on the top of his Deck as they rounded a curve, the high speed requiring absolute concentration. "It's my turn, I draw!"
Thomas Speed Counters: 1
Crow Speed Counters: 1
"I activate my Trap, Reinforcements of Black Feathers," Crow announced. "Now I get to draw a card for each Blackwing I control on the field!" The Tail Signer drew five cards and Thomas smiled a predator's smile.
"I Summon Assault Wyvern!" the Red-Eyes Duelist announced. A medium sized blue, purple and silver dragon with sharp looking wings materialized next to his Duel Runner, a sharp roar added to announce his arrival.
Assault Wyvern: Atk 1800, Def 1000, LV 4
"Now then, let's see how well Bora the Spear can withstand my Wyvern's assault!" Thomas shouted, "Attack!" The Assault Wyvern flew high into the air before diving down and using its wings to slice Bora the Spear in half, buffeting Crow with minor damage as feathers flew everywhere.
Crow LP: 3900
"Now Assault Wyvern's ability activates!" Thomas announced. "By sacrificing it, I can Special Summon any dragon from my hand, particularly my Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"
Crow watched as the wyvern was consumed by red flames. He narrowed his eyes. "Bring it on!"
Thomas began his chant. "The anger of the king shall burn forth onto the land! Shatter the world with your darkened flames and bloody crimson eyes! Appear now, the anger of my soul! Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" The famous black dragon burst forth from the flames, bellowing out its presence, and glided alongside Thomas' runner.
Red-Eyes Black Dragon: Atk 2400, Def 2000, LV 7
"Now Red-Eyes, attack Blackwing – Elphin the Raven!" Thomas shouted, "Inferno Fire Blast!" With a roar, the Red-Eyes Black Dragon acquiesced, launching a glowing black orb of red and black flames at Crow's Blackwing, disintegrating it with another explosion of feathers. Crow grimaced as some of the flames licked his runner and consequently him.
Crow LP: 3700
"I activate the special ability of Blackwing – Brisote the Tailwind from my hand!" Crow began, getting Thomas' attention. "Since you destroyed two of my Blackwings, I can Special Summon her directly to the field in Defense mode!" He played the card on his Runner and a feminine Blackwing with green, yellow, and purple feathers highlighting her frame appeared from the remains of Elphin the Raven.
Blackwing – Brisote the Tailwind: Atk 1200, Def 1800, LV 5
Thomas grinned. More birds for the slaughter. "I place three cards facedown and end my turn."
Crow glared at him. How dare he smile in a Duel like this. "It's my turn!"
Thomas Speed Counters: 2
Crow Speed Counters: 2
"Because I control a Blackwing monster, I can Special Summon the Tuner monster, Blackwing – Oroshi the Squall in Defense mode!" Crow announced. Another raven appeared, this one with a bulbous red snood under its beak.
Blackwing – Oroshi the Squall: Atk 400, Def 600, LV 1
"I activate Gale the Whirlwind's Special Ability!" Crow announced. "Once per turn he can halve the Attack and Defense points of any monster on the field, and I choose your Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" His Blackwing Tuner monster's eyes began to glow red as shockwaves began to emanate from its being.
"I don't think so!" Thomas said quickly. "I activate my Trap, Rage of the Red-Eyes! For the rest of this turn, Red-Eyes Monsters can't be affected by Traps, Spells, or Monster effects!" His Red-Eyes Black Dragon roared in agreement as a black aura appeared around its frame, blocking the shockwaves from Gale the Whirlwind.
The Tail Signer scowled. "Fine, we'll do this the old-fashioned way. I Tune Level Three Gale the Whirlwind with Level Three Gladius the Midnight Sun!" Gale the Whirlwind turned into three stars that expanded out into three green rings, into which Gladius the Midnight Sun leapt.
"Here we go," Thomas said to himself. He remembered the briefing he'd gotten on Crow, and how easily he was able to Synchro Summon with his Blackwings.
"Darkened gale lifts up its great wings and stirs up the divine winds!" Crow chanted as Gladius the Midnight Sun dissolved into three more stars. The stars aligned and erupted into a brilliant white light. "Synchro Summon! Gust fiercely, Blackwing – Armed Wing!" A large birdman appeared, wielding a large rifle with an ax-blade serving as a bayonet.
Blackwing – Armed Wing: Atk 2300, Def 1000, LV 6
"Don't insult me Crow," Thomas growled, "You know that monster's too weak for my Red-Eyes."
Crow began to shift more cards to the Graveyard. "Good thing I've got a few more monsters to play with. Level One Oroshi the Squall Tunes with Level Five Brisote the Tailwind and Level Two Gust the Backblast!"
"Maybe then you'll Summon something worth destroying," Thomas taunted as Oroshi turned into a single star that expanded out into a green ring. Brisote the Tailwind and Gust the Backblast flew into the ring and turned into seven more stars.
"Gust fiercely storm! Gain the will of steel and the speed of light to sublime your form!" Crow chanted as the stars erupted into another pillar of light. "Synchro Summon! Come on out Blackwing – Silverwind the Ascendant!" A birdman stepped out of the pillar of light, brandishing a long katana. Silver feathers highlighted his sleek form as this Blackwing exuded power.
Blackwing – Silverwind the Ascendant: Atk 2800, Def 2000, LV 8
"And to make sure I'll take you out, I Summon Blackwing – Shura the Blue Flame in Attack mode!" Crow shouted. A tall, lanky birdman with blue feathers covering his body appeared, gliding next to the two Blackwing Synchro monsters.
Blackwing – Shura the Blue Flame: Atk 1800, Def 1200, LV 4
"If you think you're man enough to take me out, then do it!" Thomas challenged.
"I beat you before and I can do it again!" Crow countered. "Blackwing – Silverwind the Ascendant! Attack the Red-Eyes Black Dragon now! Sword of the North Winds!" With speed that made the Blackwing Synchro monster a blur, Silverwind darted forward and with a twitch of the katana decapitated the Red-Eyes Black Dragon, causing Thomas' Runner to wobble a little from the shockwave of the attack.
Thomas LP: 3600
"Now Blackwing – Armed Wing attack him directly!" Crow shouted.
The Black Dragon had other ideas. "Not so fast! I activate the special ability of my Keeper of the Shrine in my hand! Since you sent a Dragon to the Graveyard through battle, I can Special Summon this monster from my hand! You aren't the only one who can bring about new monsters through the death of your own." A pillar of red flames materialized next to Thomas' Runner as the Duelists rode along the high rise of the highway. Through the flames stepped a red-scaled draconic looking man who took up a meditative position as he floated along with the Duel.
Keeper of the Shrine: Atk 0, Def 2100, LV 4
Thomas pressed a button on his Runner. "Additionally, I activate my Trap, Red-Eyes Spirit, and revive my very soul, the Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" With a burst of red and black flames, the legendary dragon appeared once more, looking as angry as ever.
Crow gritted his teeth. He couldn't overcome the Red-Eyes with his other monsters this turn. He'd wanted to get this Duel done quickly, as he wanted to take on Matthias or Bario more than Thomas. At least he could still do some more damage. "Fine; then Blackwing – Armed Wing will attack your Keeper of the Shrine!"
"I don't think so!" Thomas shouted. "I activate my Celebration of Creation Trap card! Now since a monster was revived during the Battle Phase, I get to end the Battle Phase immediately!"
Crow cursed under his breath. So much for that idea. "I place two cards facedown and end my turn."
"Prepare yourself Crow," Thomas said, "Because now you'll begin to experience the true depths of my rage. It's my turn, and I draw!"
Thomas Speed Counters: 3
Crow Speed Counters: 3
"I activate the Speed Spell – Angel Baton," the Black Dragon began. "Now I get to draw two cards from my Deck, but must discard one. I discard my Red-Eyes Wyvern to the Grave and Normal Summon my Totem Dragon in Attack mode!" A small mechanical dragon appeared next to the other dragons on Thomas' field.
Totem Dragon: Atk 400, Def 200, LV 2
"Then I'll banish my Totem Dragon in order to Special Summon one of my more powerful monsters," Thomas announced. The Totem Dragon vanished in a pillar of black flame. "Behold, the dragon rising from the darkness shines with the purest black metal! Come forth Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon!" The armless form of a Red-Eyes Black Dragon appeared, the red flames glinting off its metal body as it let out a roar upon arrival.
Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon: Atk 2800, Def 2400, LV 10
"I activate the Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon's special ability!" Thomas continued. "Once per turn I can Special Summon any Dragon I want from my hand or Grave, and I choose another Red-Eyes Black Dragon! Come forth, the anger of my soul!" The Darkness Metal Dragon roared and shot a black fireball into the sky, which formed into another Red-Eyes Black Dragon.
Red-Eyes Black Dragon: Atk 2400, Def 2000, LV 7
"Two Red-Eyes don't scare me," Crow taunted, "You don't have enough Speed Counters to activate Speed Fusion anyway."
"I don't need Speed Fusion for this Summon," Thomas said, glaring at Crow as the raced side by side along the highway. "I Overlay both of my Level Seven Red-Eyes Black Dragons!" The two Red-Eyes turned into purple energy shaped like little dragons as they flew up into the air.
"An Xyz Summon!" Crow exclaimed. This wasn't good.
"Screaming tongues foretell your fate, of flashing might naught can eclipse," Thomas chanted as the Red-Eyes dropped into a mini galaxy that had appeared above his head. "Rise embodiment of my hellish hate, and herald now the apocalypse!" The galaxy exploded into black and red energy. Thomas held his right hand into a fist above his head. "Xyz Summon! Burn them all, Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon!" What appeared out of the flames could only be described as a demonic looking, metal version of a Red-Eyes Black Dragon. Spikes dominated its frame, black flames frothing at the mouth of the Xyz Monster. Crimson energy glowed beneath its skin as two black orbs of energy orbited around the new dragon, hinting at the power this dragon held.
Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon: Atk 2800, Def 2400, Rank 7, Overlay Units 2
"And with this Monster on the field, your defeat is now certain," Thomas declared. "You think your rage will help you defeat me, when I was molded by my hatred! Now Crow, brace yourself!"
"I'm not scared of you bastards!" Crow shouted, meeting Thomas' angry gaze with his own. "I'll take that dragon down just like I took you down!"
Chaos Movement HQ
"Fly on, little birdie," the Master chuckled as he simultaneously observed the Duel while drawing the power of Chaos into his being. It wouldn't be long now. "Just like Icarus, you're only flying to your doom!" His laughter rang around the chambers, his only audience a feminine figure masked by the mists of Chaos.
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Here we go. We see how Dani's death is affecting our heroes, as well as the Master growing stronger. The final battle isn't that far off. First things first, we get another Turbo Duel involving Black Wings vs Black Dragons, the ending of which you won't wanna miss in the next chapter, Eulogy of the Blackwings! Hope you all enjoyed the chapter!
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Question of the Chapter: Who has been your favorite villain in the Yugioh franchise? There've been so many over the years, from the flamboyant Pegasus to the sinister Marik to the cunning Z-One to the insane Vector, it's hard to choose just one. I've done my best to put the Master up there among those villains, I suppose I'll have to let you guys be the judge of that once this story has ended. But who has been your favorite villain throughout the Yugioh franchise?
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Shoutout to my friend for editing this chapter, going under the fanfiction profile of Joseph Whipple, when he gets more stories up, I'll be able to shout him out more.
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Response to Guest Reviews
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Thoughts? Questions? Concerns? Reviews are always welcome, as is any and all respectful criticism. As an author I'm always trying to improve. That, and I do enjoy interacting with readers.
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Until the next chapter my friends!
From your Nutty Buddy,
The Eagle Nut